Inna Di Dancehall Book Report

Inna di Dancehall- “Popular Culture and the Politics of Identity in Jamaica”, written by an academic scholar in the field of dancehall culture- Ms. Donna Hope was published in 2006. ISBN number 979-640-168-3. The book title plays an important role as it shows how Donna Hope dives deeper “Inna di Dancehall” as she sought to explore Jamaican popular culture generally and dancehall culture specifically. It contains 5 chapters that range from The Historical Moment where the dancehall stage was set, to a definition of what dancehall really is, along with the issues that arise as a result of the music and lyrics portrayed by the artistes. Some of the more prominent issues seen were those like violence, gender and sexuality, crime and personality. It is 168 pages based on the evolution of dancehall culture and music from the 1960’s onward. It also draws reference to how Jamaicans use the dancehall music as a means of expression and identity. Donna Hope focuses on youth development, black masculinity gender, identity and power. The lyrics are associated with the economic, political and social changes that took place within Jamaica in the specified time period with regards to reformation and transformation of the Jamaican government.

Inna di Dancehall is used to explain the roles of dancehall to its consumers and more so people like myself who have a greater appreciation of and liking for dancehall music, as a form of escapism from inconsiderate conduct of the realities of the ghetto and as a rout of economic well-being. Dancehall emanated from the poor and continues to receive its creative sustenance from them1.

The PNP was the first national party to be formed in Jamaica in 1938. As the PNP came in to power there was a major decrease in the economy as there was a devaluation of the currency between 20 to 40 percent. This was as a result of the PNP wanting to redistribute finances gained by the country. This caused the foreign reserves to decrease