Reggae Jam Festival Removes Controversial Stage Decor After Dancehall Community Condemns Display

Germany’s Reggae Jam Festival has removed a controversial stage prop after facing backlash from University Of The West Indies Professor Donna P. Hope and members of the dancehall community.

The critique began after videos surfaced from the festival’s dancehall stage showing performers in front of a large inflatable prop depicting exaggerated black female buttocks upside down being pulled with strings and a sign to stage left states “Woman at Twerk”. The tasteless display quickly sparked debate online, with many arguing it reduced dancehall culture to harmful stereotypes.

Among the loudest critics was Jamaican academic and cultural commentator Donna P. Hope, also known as the Dancehall Professor.

“No. This backdrop is inappropriate. If you want Dancehall dancers then invite them. In this white, European context this sends the wrong message.”

Her comment quickly gained traction, drawing more than 1,200 likes and prompting widespread discussion about cultural representation at reggae and dancehall events outside Jamaica.

Festival Issues Public Apology

Following the criticism, Reggae Jam Festival responded publicly in the comments section of the viral post.

“We deeply ask for your forgiveness! We understand and write a statement afterwards – open for the conversation. Rest assured we take the stage set off – now.”

The festival confirmed it had removed the stage decoration immediately and promised to release a more detailed statement addressing the controversy.

Dommi Fyah, one of the performers featured in the original video, acknowledged the festival’s response with a prayer hands emoji, while others questioned whether removing the prop alone addressed the underlying issue.

The incident has reignited conversations about how dancehall culture is presented at international festivals.

Critics argued that using an oversized inflatable body part reinforces long-standing stereotypes about dancehall while ignoring the genre’s music, fashion, history, and cultural significance. Many suggested that festivals seeking an authentic dancehall experience should instead book Jamaican dancers, choreographers, and cultural ambassadors.

Others in the comments defended the festival, urging organizers not to erase the discussion.

“Why take the content down? Let’s not cancel, but stay open for the needed conversation!” one commenter wrote.

Another commenter questioned why only the stage prop had been removed, calling for the promotional videos to come down as well.