The latest dance moves are all part of the reality of downtown dances.
Seen as one of the party capitals of the Caribbean and the world, Jamaica plays host to fun events nearly every day. Call it what you will, soirée, lyme, cocktail party, dance, session or do, Jamaicans know how to have fun. However, like the saying, different strokes for different folks, social events are enjoyed in different ways by the two main classes of people in our society. So, this week, How The Other Half Lives will explore the Jamaican-style party experience in two different worlds.
Black wires snaking across the street with sound-system boxes elevated high in the air, emit very loud music. To add excitement, sound selectors do a lot of talking, often issuing instructions including the very popular one geared for women, "Walk out from you know you wearing your own clothes."
People converge in the middle of the streets obstructing all vehicular traffic. Women are in their hottest most X-rated outfits leaving little for the imagination and the men look dapper. Feeling confident, women sport weaves in different colours, making sure they are seen by the videographer when they walk out and use the opportunity to big up their friends, families and even enemies.
High-grade on sale
No matter the social class, theme parties are very popular in Jamaica.
Vendors of 'high-grade' ganja walk through the crowd. Jerk chicken and soup stalls compete with the shops nearby in proximity to the dance. These events are normally free to the public, but come with instructions: buy out the bar. Though some promoters might charge a small fee for entry depending on the location.
The energy is palpable; these parties often give birth to the latest dance moves with the experts not shy about being acrobatic. Like the adventurous climbs to the top of sound boxes or even in trees to show off their dancing skills. Working up a sweat is no big deal for these people as it is about dancing and having a good time. Those who opt to be spectators often sip a drink or puff away creating clouds of smoke in a laid-back manner.
At the end of the dance, patrons can have a bellyful of food before going home as food vendors are almost always present. Oh, and having a crate of a particular alcoholic beverage to share with friends by your feet definitely gives you additional ratings.
The other half
On the other hand, some people opt for a house party or some type of exclusive party. Sometimes, the vehicles parked outside the venue are indicative of the socio-economic background of the patrons present. The décor is eye-catching and event is organised with different bars and food stations for patrons' convenience. To maintain order, these parties are normally advertised with the option of pre-sold tickets and have inclusive or super-inclusive deals. Music is of course a must, but absent is the incessant chatter from selectors who simply play the music to satisfy the tastes of patrons.
With some 'uptowners' who go out just to lyme, there are some who use these parties to catch up with friends (over the music) while sipping on drinks. Others sometimes 'bruk out', but in their own unique way. Video cameras are present, but mostly from cable stations who broadcast the more uptown-type parties via Hype TV and RE TV. Fashion trends for men and women reflect their clean-cut, suave, but sexy personalities. But there are many over-the-top outfits.
Cocktail circuit
Popular events like Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall summer tour often attract huge crowds to venues like the Asylum nightclub in New Kingston.
For the more sophisticated types, cocktail parties are the preferred lyme. Business deals are struck and sealed over martini and job offers are made between bites. These are gatherings of the uptown elite, the diplomatic circle and the corporate giants who sip fine wines and taste finger foods and over some background music.
Then there are the backyard or veranda sessions that straddle all classes who just love a game of dominoes, good conversation and lots of sports on television. For them, it's all about maintaining links and the spouses cook up some soup or fry some wings.
Club Scene
Scenes like this one are commonplace for cocktail parties where guests simply meet to network over drinks and nibbles.
Life in Jamaica would not be the same without night clubs and we have many to choose from. Again, they cater to all strata of society and all age groups too. So, whether it's oldies or just a jazz vibe, take your pick. Some clubs are more intriguing to some than others. For instance, the Asylum Night Club is definitely a hit for the less conservative. The Quad and more recently Fiction Nightclub are now the preferred place for uptowners who just want to let loose among their peers.
latoya.grindley@gleanerjm.com