Sadeke Brooks, STAR Writer

Munga - File

There are several artistes who broke out in 2007 and many of the more seasoned artistes managed to maintain their presence. But there are mixed views among industry players about their prospects for 2008.

"Di competition different an' it more competitive. Dem not even know who a di DJ a di year yet 'cause everybody a gwaan so good. But it sound like Erup a go gwaan wid a ting 'cause him Click Mi Finger hot," says G-Fuss, a seasoned selector from the 35-year-old Stone Love Sound System.

He says Erup did not capitalise on the popularity he gained from Run Dem Head in 2006 but has learnt that lesson and is already following up with at least five other songs that are expected to be big for 2008.

( L - R ) Erup, Bugle

He says he cannot name one artiste who will be big for the year as many artistes are still writing their lyrics. He says most of the newer artistes have a bright future as the industry is changing to accommodate them. He added that artistes like Vbyz Kartel, Busy Signal, Mavado, Beenie Man and Bounty Killer will continue to maintain their presence in the dance hall.

"It will be the younger generation for 2008. The younger artistes are putting in a lot of work and the younger producers like Stephen (McGregor), Daseca and Don Corleon will step it up with quality productions because they are putting out good songs," commented Matthew from Coppershot.

He says Serani, Deva Bratt, Busy Signal, Bugle, Einstein, Munga, Mavado, Vybz Kartel and Sean Paul will be productive for the year. He declined to speak about the more seasoned and older artistes but says the public should look out for female artistes like Queen Ifrika, Alaine and Spice as he expects them to continue on the trend from last year.

Super producer Stephen McGregor added to Matthew's list with Tifa, Timberlee, Chino and Erup. He says Erup has learnt from the mistakes he made in the business last year. He was indecisive about the prospects of the older, more seasoned artiste but says they will have a good year as they did well in 2007.

Zip Jock Liquid says he has high hopes for most entertainers in the dancehall industry.

"Many will be hot but it depends on who will continue. Wi need fi see some Beenie and Bounty pon BET. Dem need fi tek it to the next level 'cause dem been there already. Wi tired a di controversy bout woman an' dem ting deh. Dem have di power so dem need fi use it," says Liquid.

He says he thinks Queen Ifrika, Bugle and Pressure will do well. He says Munga had a challenging year that was filled with controversy but he needs to stay focused to maintain his current momentum.

While it is important to keep focused, producer Scatta says the artistes need to promote themselves and release singles. He says songs like Doh, Back It Up, Fallen Soldiers, Jail and The Days did well because they were singles.

"It hard fi yuh song buss when it deh pon a rhythm wid ten other songs," maintained Scatta.

Nonetheless, he believes Demarco, Deva Bratt, Flexx, Black Ryhino and Queen Ifrika are poised for success in 2008.

Serani