Five Questions with Lisa-Ann O’Gilvie

With July 1, International Reggae Day (IRD), just around the corner, co-producer Lisa Ann O’Gilvie took the time to complete our Five Questions feature.

IRD is an annual 24-hour hybrid global media festival, with events staged locally, internationally, and online, anchored at ireggaeday.com and on IRD’s social platforms. IRD 2023 will celebrate the Global Influence of ‘80s and ‘90s dancehall.

From Kingston to Nassau, New York to London, Johannesburg to Salvador, numerous cities around the world have confirmed participation thus far in IRD 2023, the organisers stated. Music lovers around the world are invited to join the party on July 1 in a number of ways: Wear your reggae colours, play Jamaican music, attend an IRD event, tune into the media specials and plant a tree for IRD. Connect online using the hashtags #IRD2023, #ThisIsMyReggae, and #80s90sDancehall as we celebrate the power of Jamaican music to unite, uplift, and inspire.

1. How did you get involved with IRD and why?

I got involved with IRD through Andrea Davis IRD’s founder and my love for dance, music, and celebrating Jamaican culture. We were colleagues who became friends. One day she sat me down and shared about IRD and her vision and challenges. Being a Jamaican myself, I recognised the importance of honouring the rich musical heritage of our country and wanted to support. When I learned about IRD’s mission, it was a perfect fit, and our individual strengths as professionals work super well together. So five years and counting of her yeoman’s work for the past 29 years honouring the culture.

2. Has IRD evolved over the years?

Absolutely! IRD has evolved significantly over the years. It started as an individual’s initiative with limited local recognition and has grown into a prominent platform for recognising and celebrating various genres of Jamaican music each year. Lots of activities are now staged around the world. Though local corporate uptake has remained limited, which we hope to change, with each passing year, IRD has expanded its reach, attracting a diverse audience from around the world. In fact, for the 2019 staging, IRD hosted our first 24-hour broadcast, which attracted participants from over 100 countries. The annual campaign is inclusive, focused on telling Jamaica’s rich musical history in our own words, and our celebrations reflect the dynamism and evolution of Jamaican music.

3. IRD 2023 is a celebration of dancehall. Is this particularly festive?

Without a doubt! IRD 2023’s focus on ‘80s and ‘90s dancehall brings an extra dose of festivity. Dancehall is not just a genre. It’s a cultural phenomenon that embodies the vibrant energy, expressive dance moves, and captivating rhythms that define Jamaica. Dancehall has a unique ability to uplift spirits, ignite celebrations, and bring people together. So this year’s celebration around the world and at home promises to be an immersive and joyous experience, paying tribute to the artistes and contributors who have shaped the genre.

4. To what extent has reggae music been an empowering force in your life, especially as a Jamaican woman?

Reggae music has been an incredibly empowering force in my life, especially as a Jamaican woman. I tell people to listen to Marley’s live album Babylon by Bus on repeat for a day and you’ll become a flag-waving, activist, reggae lover. My background included being a member of L’Acadco Dance Co under the tutelage of Dr L’Antoinette Stines, who developed her own movement structure and dance technique (L’Antech) informed by the rhythms of our people and our music. That was a pivotal period, providing a powerful medium of self-expression. Imagine the wonder of doing ballet class at the barre, a Eurocentric dance form to Peter Tosh, Burning Spear, and Black Uhuru, while putting movement to reggae songs addressing social and cultural issues and advocating for change. Reggae’s lyrics resonate with my personal experiences and struggles, providing solace and strength. As a Jamaican woman, reggae music and our dance expressions have inspired me to embrace my heritage, stand tall in the face of adversity, and use my voice to empower others. It’s a source of pride and a reminder of the resilience and spirit of our people.

5. Share with us seven dancehall songs on your playlist.

My dancehall playlist from that era is always evolving and especially now, given our theme this year, but seven must-have songs at the moment are:

Under Mi Sleng Teng by Wayne Smith: This iconic track revolutionised dancehall music and ignited the digital era.

Gimmi di Light by Sean Paul: An infectious dancehall anthem that gets everyone on their feet.

Action by Terror Fabulous [and] Nadine Sutherland: A classic combination of smooth vocals and infectious beats.

Ting-a-Ling by Shabba Ranks: A high-energy track that showcases Shabba’s commanding presence and lyrical prowess. Special memories, too, as it was one of the signature songs put on stage in Jamaica’s first dancehall-choreographed theatre pieces by Dr L’Antoinette Stines.

Bam Bam by Sister Nancy: A true dancehall gem with its catchy melodies and empowering lyrics. It’s a timeless favourite.

Girls Dem Sugar by Beenie Man: Playful and makes you move.

Bombo Red by Capleton. My mother would clutch her pearls. Risqué lyrics ... but the rhythm. Capleton riding the rhythm and his musicians were inspired. Chef’s kiss!