Bobby Digital:X-Tra Wicked
Courtesy of 17 North Parade
Reggae and dancehall trailblazer Bobby “Digital” Dixon is a maestro. To honour the work of Dixon, 17 North Parade, a division of VP Records, will present an anthology of his work. The first release, ‘X-Tra Wicked,’ is a compilation of dancehall hits produced by Dixon with artists as Shabba Ranks, Buju Banton, Sanchez, and Half Pint.
In reggae and dancehall genres of music, rarely do we refer to the producer, as a maestro. Perhaps, it is the longstanding debate between high and low art that we continue to reserve this title for the conductor of a symphony. Fortunately for us, the distinguished body of work produced Dixon puts an end to this debate.
Since his emergence in the mid 80s, Dixon has shaped the dynamic standards of dancehall music and culture. Today these standards are the canon for creativity and resiliency.
After all, what is dancehall but the mediation of art and culture? The visual, lyrical, and instrumental narrative of the artist, the audience, and the culture they embody. And at the helm is the conductor, Dixon, joining all their passions into a seamless production.
As part of the anthology, 17 North Parade will also present a documentary on the history of Dixon’s record label, Digital-B. So while we hope to see Dixon in some herringbone chains, diamond socks, Kangols, and Clarks, we are also reflecting on the level of his dedication.
Dixon’s work is valuable. With the influential social space dancehall inhabits universally, it is time to acknowledge the pioneers in front and behind the scenes. Dixon’s passion for life and music continues to connect people in sizable numbers. Is this not the symphony in effect? -Zen Creatif, AG.
Comments