Dancehall's "Hawk" Soars Again

even though it was the white dove of peacethat was released during the night's happenings, what was really being celebrated was the public return of one of the most aggressive and potent forces in the sound system movement.

Artistes (Buccaneer, Goofy, aka Mr G; Red Rose; Wickerman; Capt barky among others), selectors from other sounds, media and well-wishers thronged the upper deck of Medusa bar & Grill on Thursday night for the relaunch of Silver Hawk, one of a handful of sound systems that helped define the transition of dancehall music from underground to mainstream, beginning in the 1990s.

The evening also encompassed a masterful tribute - courtesy of DJ engineroom (aka Chris Edmonds) - to the late production wiz, Steelie (of duo Steelie and Clevie; Clevie was very much in attendance ), who playeda stunning range of tracks featuring the ace producer. Then it was time for Silver hawk maestro Richie Poo and company to take control, reeling off the hits and "specials" (dubplates)from the lieks of Buju, Toots Hibbert, Bunny Wailer and even the late Crown Prince Dennis Brown. Co-sponsor Wray & nephew ketp the libations flowing, and the two former MainStreeters, Goofy and Buccaneer did a short but peppy stint.