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The encyclopedia of Britanica defines it as “Cultural globalization, a phenomenon by which the experience of everyday life, as influenced by the diffusion of commodities and ideas, reflects a standardization of cultural expressions around the world.” Cultural globalization is the term used to describe the “homogenization of culture.” It suggests the dynamic force and ubiquitous nature of culture. This wave of transition has impacted the global spread of dancehall.
Dancehall emerged from Jamaica, specifically among the black youth in Kingston. Since the emancipation of slavery in 1838 and Jamaica’s independence in 1962, two classes of status emerged. First was the “high culture” with its white supremacy agenda. And the second was the “low culture” which was predominantly the denigrated black population. Jamaicans resorted to music to revile the British supremacy, all other things artists found to stand against. Dancehall, therefore, became a reactional medium to carry out a message irrespective of its obvious vulgarity.
Today, dancehall has achieved international prominence. Several dancehall artists are from Africa, Europe, America, etc. Usain Bolt, the 100m sprint and 200m gold medalist is fond of performance dancehall on victory wins. Even though dancehall is culturally definitive, not every Jamaican is identified with it, especially those born outside the capital city or those who abhor loud sounds. In whichever way its quite obvious that dancehall contains a cultural identity that defines a Jamaican, at least the mere fact of it being Jamaican.
Reference
Morgan, Canace. “Early Globalization and The Roots of Dancehall.” https://sophia.smith.edu/blog/danceglobalization/2012/04/19/early-globalization-and-the-roots-of-dancehall-dance/ Last visited 02/12/2017.