From goat horn “implants” to “tattooed” eyeballs and climbing radio station polls, dancehall has seen various gimmicks used by artistes to attract attention to their music. We look back at a few of the most attention-grabbing tactics in Dancehall.

Alkaline’s alleged tattooed eyes

Undoubtedly one of the most elaborate tactics by a young act, dancehall star Alkaline proved his ingenuity in shock value promotion was above average after successfully creating a trending social debate about whether he tattooed the sclera of his eyes.

Given its taboo practice globally and then-relatively unknown procedure locally, the “Vendetta” boss garnered significant attention to his music via curiosity and intrigue before eventually removing the special effect blacked-out contacts as his status rocketed.

Taking music by the [Goat] Horns

In an act with more questions than answers, aspiring artiste “Furtyle Brain” raised eyebrows after allegedly having goat horns affixed to his head with claims of being the next biggest thing.

It remains to be seen if his literal interpretation of “Greatest Of All Time” (G.O.A.T) materialised his desired aspiration in music.

“Dancehall’s Savior”

2015 was a year of divinity as aspiring music act Linguiss dawned the moniker of “Dancehall’s Saviour” when he paraded through the streets carrying a cross to which he later tied himself as a reenactment of sorts to the crucifixion.

Tower Climber

While not quite the “heights” of Jesus, the artiste ‘Ikon,’ had people praying to the heavens for his safety after climbing the radio tower of Zip 103, threatening to jump if his song wasn’t played in 2014.

After hours of negotiation with authorities, he eventually descended from the structure after his request for his song to be played on air was met.

Spice’s “Bleaching”

The dancehall “Queen of Stage” Spice sent tongues wagging in 2018 following the release of a significantly lightened image of herself, leading many to think she had bleached her skin.

Despite the believability of the look, it was, however, a guise done with make-up to generate reactions while promoting her track on the subject- “Black Hypocrisy.” The aim was to address a social issue regarding the struggles black women or women of color encounter versus women of a lighter hue or complexion – who seemingly have it easier navigating through the world.