Harry Toddler wants more women in dancehall

In 2010, veteran dancehall artiste Harry Toddler spoke to the underrepresentation of women in dancehall with the single Too Many Men, with Chi Ching Ching. Speaking with The Gleaner in a recent interview, he explained that he still holds that view.

“Dancehall is dominated by males. As a matter of fact, when you look at all genres wah deh bout, a mostly males, you see. So, when females step out, we should love them and appreciate them ‘cause it takes a lot of guts to stand up. Every genre wah deh bout, very few females we see, and we should encourage more. It’s only fair that every camp has a female there,” Toddler said.

With this purview, he also commended Nicki Minaj and the women on the Fine Nine remix of Skeng’s Likkle Miss for coming together and showing that women can also take a piece of the pie.

“I have been hearing about it all over, and it is a great power. [With] this, what Nicki do, mi need it fi the female dem fi just know right now seh more of dem can play the game. All who just have a year or a few years or even 30 years in the industry can still dominate,” Toddler continued.

The track Too Many Men, released in collaboration with Chi Ching Ching on the 2010 Supa Swag Riddim, is a playful commentary on the dancehall culture of not only a surplus of male artistes but also travelling with large groups of men. Admitting that he, while a member of the popular Scare Dem Crew, would have succumbed to the practices, the deejay says it is one of those things that will live on in the space.

“Entourage culture nah guh stop. First man me see inna my life with entourage a Shabba [Ranks]. Most of these things a guh remain the same, and then individuals would have to make their own choices. There are some artistes that you will never see with an entourage cause a the place where they are from. But it really is just the movement of the music and the nature of the culture,” he told The Gleaner.

Harry Toddler is currently promoting his latest single Psycho Bunny, which is available on all platforms. But, come late November, he plans to release his one-drop album.

“Yea, I know I still have the dancehall ting, but right now, my heart and soul is in my one-drop album. It is strictly reggae,” he revealed

“We are currently working on the title for the album, and hopefully [when Sanchez recovers from the loss of his mom], everything will be ready proper,” Toddler promised.

aaliyah.cunningham@gleanerjm.com