THERE has been a noticeable shift in dancehall music caused by millennials and members of Generation Z. Dancer-turned-recording artiste Espuppy says it is inevitable.

“Dancehall is evolving and it will stay changing — like it or not. Progress is always key. As long as dancehall can continue moving, the culture we will always be on the right track because, believe it or not, Jamaica influences the world,” the 26-year-old deejay told the Jamaica Observer.

His remarks come on the heels of his third song, Money Heist, released on November 26. It is co-produced by Kabu Beats and Fiinanse.

Espuppy, whose given name is Christopher Escoffery, was born in Kingston before moving to Clarendon where he spent his childhood. He, however, immigrated to Chicago three years ago.

At the International Dancehall Dance Competition he took third place in 2014 and first place the following year. At the Dancing Dynamite competition in 2015 he also took first place. He still participates in dance competitions and has opened shows and concerts for the likes of Brian Jenner, Lil Bibby, Alkaline, and Sean Paul.

He was encouraged by relatives to go into the recording booth in 2020, and he did.

“I always did have the passion for music because of my family; my father did music and I have many members in my family that have done music. And, my brother convinced me to produce music — even other members in my family such as Count Shelly and Cutty Ranks,” he shared.

“Outside of image, I have different flows and my accent sounds believable as if I’m from different parts of the world,” he said.

His two previous tracks are No Time and Pull Up.

“I have another single [titled] Omega coming soon. I want to focus on cinematic visuals for music videos so not only will I be bringing good music, but I’ll bring great music videos as if it was a movie,” he said.

— Kediesha Perry