Since both genres emerged during the 1980s top dancehall and soca acts have collaborated to gain a following in Jamaica and the Eastern Caribbean.

Grenadian soca artiste Ms Fluffy hooks up with dancehall veteran Macka Diamond on Leave Me Alone, but says winning fans in Jamaica is not the sole reason behind the song.

Released in June, Leave Me Alone is produced by Propa Way Production out of Grenada.

“The link with Macka Diamond came through my media business Free Up Tv. I’ve always admired her consistency and energy in the industry, and when the opportunity came up for us to connect on a track it just made sense,” said Ms Fluffy in an interview with the
Jamaica Observer. “For me, it’s not just about working with top dancehall artistes, it’s about collaborating with people who understand the culture and bring that real energy to a project.”

Leave Me Alone is “a playful, yet bold” song that looks at the Caribbean woman at Carnival time. She cares little about her man partying as long as he takes care of her financially.

A recording artiste since 2011, Ms Fluffy has strong Caribbean credentials. Born in Grenada, she has spent time in neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago and lived in Jamaica for two years.

Her biggest musical influences are also from the region.

“Growing up I was surrounded by all types of music. So, musically, I’m influenced by artistes like Lady Saw, Tanya Stephens, Garnet Silk, Machel Montano, and Alison Hines. It’s a mix of strong messages, raw emotion, and real culture,” said Ms Fluffy.

Dancehall/soca collaborations go back to the 1980s. Admiral Bailey and Byron Lee and The Dragonaires’ Dancehall Soca was the most popular from that decade.

Machel Montano and Shaggy have done several, among them Toro Toro in 1998. Five years later, Barbadian star Rupee called on Lady Saw to join him on a remix of his hit, Tempted 2 Touch.

— Howard Campbell

Macka Diamond.