In 2009, Rollo Jackson created Tape Crackers, a documentary charting the last 10 years of UK underground music via extensive interviews with pirate radio tape collector, Michael Finch. Now, Jackson’s back with a doc that is both a dancehall extravaganza, and a revelatory history lesson in the roots of grime, jungle, garage, UK dancehall, and dubstep…

On July 15 2011, The Heatwave threw a stupendous party. Showtime! brought together MCs from all genres and phases of UK rave music in a celebration of dancehall and its corollaries, and provides the focal point of Jackson’s documentary. The line-up includes dancehall legends, General Levy, Serocee, and Asher Senator, who join forces with grime artists such as Riko Dan and Wiley. Live footage of this extraordinary event is interspersed with commentaries from some of the UK’s most celebrated MCs. Heatwave members DJ Gabriel Heatwave, Rubi Dan, and Benjamin D, and MCs, Lady Chann and Stush, are amongst the interviewees who provide accounts of their dancehall involvement, describing the Jamaican sound system’s influence on the UK music scene.

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Jackson’s latest documentary is a must-have for seasoned enthusiasts and dancehall newcomers alike, providing erudite accounts of the formation of current UK urban music genres. DJ Gabriel Heatwave describes how dancehall came to be the main influence behind the UK’s most important urban music genres: Lady Chann and Wiley back up his comments with their own explanations of the influences in their careers.

And if the commentaries weren’t engrossing and entertaining enough, the Showtime! live footage is mesmerizingly adrenaline-fuelled. In the words of Benjamin D, the ethos of the night is, “if you love the tune, go insane”, and the energetic air horn-filled vibe of the event smashes through the fourth wall. The insane vigour of General Levy’s performance takes dynamism to a whole new level, and it’s a pleasure to see legendary MCs of his stature rhyme alongside current up-and-comers, such as Birmingham spitter, Lady Leshurr. The MCs lay down rhymes over a variety of riddims, ranging from the classic Stalag Riddim, to Lethal Bizzle’s, Pow 2011. Homage is paid during the night to fast-chatting MC, Smiley Culture, who died in March 2011 – the documentary is dedicated to his memory.

It’s a gesture that is entirely apt for an event, and a documentary, that delight in underlining the musical heritage and influences of the current scene. Jackson manages to capture to perfection the essence and diversity of the night. In the words of MC, Serocee, “it’s about riddims, lyrics, and love”.

Check out The Heatwave’s web page for the documentary here.

The Heatwave presents Showtime – The History Of UK Dancehall Live On Stage

Featuring:

Wiley, General Levy, Glamma Kid

Skibadee, Asher Senator, Stush

Lady Chann, Riko Dan, Mr Williamz

YT, Stylo G, Flow Dan, Serocee

Lady Leshurr, Rubi Dan, Seanie T

Director: Rollo Jackson

Running Time: 79 Mins

Format: DVD

Words by Fiona Guest