Swnkah ignites legacy with ‘Dancehall Stylee’
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Reggae songstress Swnkah is hoping that her latest single, ‘Dancehall Stylee’, a tribute to her late father Sugar Minott, honours her father’s interpretation of the true spirit of dancehall.
“This is more than a song. It is a living invocation of heritage and rhythm, reimagined for a new era,” the artiste, whose real name is Candice Minott, said.
She is the daughter of the dancehall icon Sugar Minott and well-known music industry executive Maxine Stowe.
“Dancehall Stylee is my gift to my parents, my people, and the pulse that raised me,” Swnkah mused.
“It’s more than a song; it’s a vibration from deep within the culture. Every riddim carries memory. Every lyric becomes light. And the daughters of legends sing not just for the now, but forever.”
The song, distributed by Wheel It! Records, is steeped in reverence, fire, and timeless style, and brilliantly orchestrated by her mother, Maxine Stowe, who is the executive producer of the track.
The song is now available on all streaming digital platforms.
Sugar Minott recorded some of the great classics of reggae, including “Oh Mr DC”, “Herbman Hustling” and “Torturing.” Many of his hits were characteristic of the original dancehall music style. The maestro’s single “Dancehall Stylee” appears on several compilations and is available individually on streaming platforms like Spotify. The song is also featured on Sugar Minott’s Dance Hall Showcase Vol. II, a reissue of the 1983 mini-album.
Swnka insists that this is no mere remake. Instead, it is a resurrection and an anthem of legacy: raw, radiant, and real.
“This is more than a remake… it’s a spiritual continuation..” Swnkah asserted. “Dancehall is in my blood, it’s in my DNA, and this song is my offering to the energy my parents cultivated.
The song arrives just in time to feature prominently as part of this year’s posthumous celebration of Sugar Minott’s birthday. The annual celebration is anchored by the commemorative event which will be held on Saturday, May 24th at the 1 Robert Crescent home of Youthman Promotions Studio.
“Dancehall Stylee leads the tribute to my father whose voice helped birth an entire movement. This song stands as a bridge between generations. It reflects the living rhythm of a culture that never dies—only evolves,” the passionate singer said.
Fans of Swnkah will recognise her unique sound from standout releases such as ‘Loosen Up’, ‘Cash Out’, ‘Hotgirl’, and ‘Palm Trees’, as well as her powerful collaboration ‘Why Why Why’ with Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA—a bold reminder that her artistry stretches far beyond borders while remaining deeply rooted in Jamaican soil.
Swnka is looking forward to making an appearance at the 4 Sound Jungle Clash, which was originally set for May 31 at the Arnett Gardens Stadium Complex, but has now been postponed to August 30. The clash will feature sound systems such as King Tafari, Stereo Mars, Black Scorpio and Youthman Promotion Soundsation in a pitched battle over four rounds.
“The spirit of dancehall lives on,” Swnka said.