Shinehead hits Central Park for ‘Dancehall Meets Hip Hop 90s Style’

International music and culture trailblazer Shinehead is set to headline ‘VP Records Presents Dancehall Meets Hip Hop 90s Style’ at Capital One and CityParks Foundation’s SummerStage in Central Park on Saturday. This marks his first time performing in Central Park in more than 30 years and he joins a line-up of heavyweights which includes Slick Rick, Wayne Wonder, Red Fox, Lady G, Jazzy Joyce, Peter Panic, and hosts Ralph McDaniels and Dahved Levy.

Shinehead, who rose to fame with an unprecedented and vibrant fusion of reggae, dancehall, hip hop and R&B, has been entertaining the masses for over 40 years. And whether singing, toasting, rapping or deejaying, the Jamaican in New York singer is determined that all competition must Know How Fe Chat.

With an impressive music catalogue that has worldwide audiences singing lyrics verbatim, there is no questioning Shinehead enduring role in dnacehall. Songs such as Strive, Chain Gang, Gimme No Crack, Try My Love, Golden Touch and many more showcase Shinehead’s unorthodox musical offerings.

Hailing from sound system culture, matriculating on the legendary Downbeat the Ruler (Tony Screw) and African Love sounds, Shinehead’s approach to music and live performances has been well curated and culturally robust from day one. Naturally, his cross section of musical styles help make the creative an ideal fit for this platform.

Shinehead has been buzzing all year long, celebrating the opening of his downtown LA studio and event space with business partner DJ Papalotl; taking his Kingston 12 Hi Fi sound system on the road; and revelling in the buzz of great releases Never Had a Dream Come True and The Makings of You.

A press release stated that legendary label, VP Records, has been a bastion of Jamaican music in New York City since its founding in 1977. Riddims and beats are the heart of the story of dancehall, reggae and hip hop in 1990s New York. Producers, deejays, and artistes from various neighbourhoods, with an appreciation of Jamaica’s latest hits, expanded the sound with tracks built on the same brands of drum machines and electronic keyboards of the era. The burgeoning New York dancehall scene went on to spawn multiple careers and countless street anthems. This show presents some of the creators of those anthemic hits.

DJs Jazzy Joyce and Peter Panic will set the mood with a mix of 90s hip hop and reggae that displays the cultural mix and dance floor appeal of the era. Hosted by DJ Ralph McDaniels of Video Music Box and New York radio legend Dahved Levy, the organisers promise that this one will be “a hot summer night”.

Each year, Capital One City Parks Foundation brings renowned artistes and rising stars from around the world to local neighbourhood parks. This season of SummerStage continues a rich legacy of convening compelling artistes of diverse music styles and cultural offerings to engage fans from all over the city and the world during a critical time when people need it the most.