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Dancehall hitmaker Charly Black, legendary sound system Coppershot Music Sound, and well-known dancer Mad Michelle will be honoured at the ninth anniversary of the Strictly 2K Throwback Music Festival at Mas Camp tonight for their contributions to dancehall in the 2000s and 2010s. The festival continues its tradition of recognising dancehall trailblazers, following last year’s honourees: Vybz Kartel, Chromatic Sound, and dancer Keiva.
Charly Black, born Desmond Méndez, rose to international fame with his infectious rhythms and party anthems. He topped Billboard’s Latin Rhythm Airplay chart with the remix of Gyal You a Party Animal, featuring Daddy Yankee, earned multi-platinum certifications in multiple countries, and has amassed over 600 million streams for the track alone. His collaborations, including Me Lloras with Gloria Trevi, have surpassed 100 million views on YouTube, cementing his status as a crossover sensation in dancehall and reggaeton. Some of his top songs include You’re Perfect, Rich This Year, and Bike Back.
Commenting on Black’s appeal, Gabrielle Curling, director of Strictly 2K, said, “Our patrons absolutely love Charly Black’s hits; they never fail to light up the dance floor.”
Joining him in being celebrated is Coppershot Music Sound System, founded in 1994 by Matthew Gray, Shaun ‘Copper’ Anderson, and Jason ‘Jig Zag’ Henriques. The sound system has been a key presence in Jamaican music for over three decades, influencing dancehall events worldwide and creating historic moments, including being among the first Jamaican sound systems to perform in the Middle East (Qatar and Bahrain in 2008). Known for high-energy sets that blend classic vibes with modern flair, Coppershot has toured across all continents, bringing authentic Jamaican sound to global audiences. Henriques is also the resident deejay for international dancehall star Sean Paul.
Highlighting their contributions, Shaun ‘ZJ Chrome’ Chablal, director of Strictly 2K, said, “As DJs, we know how instrumental sound systems are to the music and the culture. Coppershot has been one of the best and most consistent for decades, and they’re also some of the most humble people in the business. Honouring them this year is truly fitting.”
Rounding out this year’s honourees is dancer Mad Michelle, born Ann Marie McKoy. Crowned International Dancehall Queen in 2003, she earned recognition as one of the most energetic performers in the competition’s history and is credited as one of the originators of the iconic Dutty Wine dance, which became a global phenomenon in the mid-2000s. In the early 2000s, she dominated the dance scene through street dance appearances and collaborations with top artistes. Michelle appeared in music videos for Lady Saw’s Man Is The Least, as well as for Macka Diamond, RDX, and Scare Dem Crew, inspiring a generation of dancers with her innovative moves and stage presence. Now transitioning into recording artistry, she continues to support and advocate for foundation dancers in the industry.
On her influence in a male-dominated field, Curling added, “And in a male-dominated field like dancehall, it’s so important to recognise the powerhouse women who have driven the culture forward. That’s why honouring Mad Michelle, a true innovator and queen of the dance, feels especially right.”
The event is scheduled to kick off at 10 p.m.
English (US) ·