In an exhilarating rendezvous with Toronto’s dancehall essence, the Dagar Rhythm Collective showcases a unique blend of individuality and collective creativity. Set in the heart of the city, this meeting brings a refreshing take on the dancehall scene, breaking away from the conventional hip-hop interviews and focusing on the rhythmic pulse of dancehall enthusiasts.
The gathering was lively, bursting with energy, and featured a group of talented dancehall artists who brought their unique flair to the studio. The collective, known as the Dagar Rhythm Cipher crew, consists of innovative minds, each eager to share their music journey and influences.
During the session, the conversation swiftly moved to the inspiration behind the cipher. It was a collaborative effort sparked by a casual studio day where the artists found themselves exchanging ideas, leading to an organic freestyle session. This unplanned flow gave birth to a track that resonated well with the fans.
The producer, JoJo, didn’t initially envision a cipher when crafting the beat. The rhythm was intended for solo tracks, yet it morphed into a collective masterpiece as artists layered their bars over the existing beats. This spontaneous creation proved to be a hit among listeners.
Filmed at Triple 7 Studios, the music video mirrored the raw and simple essence of the track. Initially, the verses were recorded individually, but the vibe of collective recording sessions added a unique dynamism. Posting behind-the-scenes content on TikTok unexpectedly sent the project viral, generating buzz and urging the group to produce a full song.
The cipher wasn’t just a viral moment; it was a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity. Each artist brought a mix of free-flowing verses, showcasing the vast talent pool within the collective. While the lyrics might have stemmed from individual projects, the collective energy lit up the final version.
Despite its spontaneous origins, the track had to stand on TikTok first. It garnered significant attention, prompting fans to demand a full version. The TikTok fame was unexpected, yet welcomed, giving the collective a spotlight to shine on.
Beyond the viral moment, the crew discussed the dancehall genre’s place in Toronto. They reflected on the challenges and opportunities of promoting dancehall from the Canadian landscape—particularly how it competes with genres like hip-hop.
The conversation touched on the cultural significance and influences of Jamaican culture in Toronto. The members noted the strong Jamaican presence and its impact on Toronto’s music scene. However, they also acknowledged the struggles of gaining recognition as dancehall artists outside Jamaica.
The discussion continued to delve into personal stories, with members sharing their origins from either Jamaica or Toronto, exploring how these backgrounds influence their music. They pondered if being based in Toronto, as opposed to Jamaica, served as an advantage or a hurdle in their musical pursuits.
Debates emerged on whether Toronto’s dancehall scene could match the global influence of reggae or if it was overshadowed by more mainstream genres like hip-hop or afro beats. The collective concluded that while dancehall rides parallel to these genres, it has its distinct path to carve.
As the session wrapped up, thoughts turned to the liberation of Vibes Cartel and its implications for dancehall. The group speculated on how his release might shape the future of the genre, making dancehall more prominent.
The Dagar Rhythm Collective expressed optimism for their future projects, each artist determined to build on their recent success. They envision a vibrant future, exploring chances to elevate their art beyond local confines and into broader musical landscapes.
The session with the Dagar Rhythm Collective was not just an interview but an insight into the vibrant dancehall fabric. With their innovative approach and organic creativity, they stand poised to make a lasting impact on Toronto’s music scene, hinting at a promising future for dancehall in Canada.
