Strictly 2K Throwback Music Festival, in its ninth anniversary event, set for Saturday, December 27, at Mas Camp, will honour three pivotal figures in dancehall music for their indelible contributions during the 2000s and 2010s.

Billboard chart-topping artiste Charly Black, legendary sound system Coppershot Sound, and acclaimed dancer Mad Michelle will be recognised for their roles in shaping the genre’s global impact.

Continuing a tradition of spotlighting dancehall trailblazers, this year’s honorees follow last year’s celebrated recipients — international superstar Vybz Kartel, innovative sound selectors Chromatic Sound, and dynamic dancer Keiva.

“As DJs, we know how instrumental sound systems are to the music and the culture,” said Shaun “ZJ Chrome” Chablal, director of Strictly 2K. “Coppershot has been one of the best and most consistent for decades, and they’re also some of the most humble people in the business. Honouring them this year is truly fitting.”

“Our patrons absolutely love Charly Black’s hits; they never fail to light up the dance floor,” added Gabrielle Curling, director of Strictly 2K. “And in a male-dominated field like dancehall, it’s so important to recognise the powerhouse women who have driven the culture forward. That’s why honouring Mad Michelle, a true innovator and queen of the dance, feels especially right.”

Global hitmaker and dancehall ambassador Charly Black, real name Desmond Méndez, rose to international fame with his infectious rhythms and party anthems. His most significant achievements include topping Billboard’s Latin Rhythm Airplay chart with the remix of Gyal You a Party Animal, featuring Daddy Yankee, achieving multi-platinum certifications in multiple countries, and amassing over 600 million streams for the track alone.

Charly Black’s collaborations, such as with Gloria Trevi on Me Lloras, have surpassed 100 million YouTube views, solidifying his status as a crossover sensation in dancehall and reggaeton. His top songs include You’re Perfect, Buddy Buddy, Rich This Year, and Bike Back.

Pioneers of the sound system culture Coppershot Sound was founded in 1994 by Matthew Gray, Shaun “Copper Shaun” Anderson, and Jason “Jig Zag” Henriques. Coppershot Sound has become a cornerstone of Jamaican music for over three decades. Its most significant achievements include influencing dancehall events worldwide, being among the first Jamaican sound systems to perform in the Middle East (Qatar and Bahrain in 2008), and building a reputation for high-energy sets that blend classic vibes with modern flair. Coppershot has toured across all continents, bringing authentic Jamaican sound to global audiences.

Movement innovator Mad Michelle, whose real name is Ann Marie McKoy, was crowned international dancehall queen in 2003, earning acclaim as one of the most energetic performers in the competition’s history. She is credited as one of the originators of the iconic Dutty Wine dance, which became a worldwide phenomenon in the mid-2000s. Her successes include dominating the dance scene in the early 2000s through appearances at street dances and collaborations with top artistes. She featured in music videos for Lady Saw (Man Is The Least), Macka Diamond, RDX, and Scare Dem Crew, inspiring a generation of dancers with her moves and stage presence. Now transitioning into recording artistry, she continues to advocate for foundation dancers in the industry.

In collaboration with Boom, organisers of the ninth anniversary of Strictly 2K promise an unforgettable night of throwback hits, live performances, and tributes, all at Mas Camp starting at 10:00 pm.

Mad Michelle

Charly Black