Africa has become one of dancehall music’s most vibrant markets, especially in the last five years. Among the artistes making a mark there is singer Darrio.

Next week, the 29-year-old heads to the Motherland for his fourth visit. On October 7, he deejays Delus and Konshens perform in Juba in the Sudan.

The following day, he and Delus are scheduled to perform at the Skyluxx Nightclub in Nairobi, Kenya.

It is Darrio’s second trip to Africa this year, having worked in Kampala, Uganda in August.

“Africa is a high-energy place, the people feel strongly about the music an’ Jamaican culture. Is definitely a different kinda love,” he told the Observer.

The Trelawny-born vocalist first visited Africa in 2011 for gigs in Nairobi. He said dancehall has picked up considerably on the continent since then.

“For me, is one of the places I feel love from early, so is important to return an’ keep current,” he said.

Of his songs, Ungrateful, Girly Girly and Gal sit Down are most popular.

Initially, Africans warmed to roots-reggae music. Leading lights like Marley, Tosh, Burning Spear and Jimmy Cliff championed the anti-colonial mood that swept the region during the 1970s and have enduring fan bases there.

But in recent years, hardcore dancehall acts have been in demand by younger promoters and fans. Beenie Man, Elephant Man, Busy Signal, I-Octane and Konshens are just some of the acts who have performed in countries like South Africa, Uganda and Kenya.

— Howard Campbell