Q & A with MOMO
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How did you get involved in the dancehall scene? Well I have always been very involved in many music scenes threw out the years. I have listened intensely to punk rock, ska, hip hop and then dancehall and reggae. I pretty much got interested at first with mainstream artists like Sean Paul, Elephant Man, Beenie Man, Lady Saw, T.O.K ect…since I didn’t really have access to anything else coming from a small city, but then I just pretty much made my own researches and became very involved with the movement after having fell in love with the particular choreography from Sean Paul’s video ‘’Get Busy’’ created by dancer/choreographer Tanisha Scott and Big Head’s Dancehall Queen Dvd’s. What is your definition of a dancehall queen? A dancehall queen is a woman with confidence. Someone who is in control of the situation, whether it be at home, in her business or on the dance floor.
Can you talk about the preparation that goes on before a competition? Many aspects are to be taken on board when you are preparing for a dancehall queen competition. Having the right costumes, song selection and dance routines are a must, so it’s pretty much about getting all these elements together and having a lot of confidence and energy to conquer your goals. The girl who wants it most will always get it!
Can you tell us how many countries have you have visited, which was your favorite to compete in? I have been to many places in Europe, the Caribbean, us and Canada, but my favorite destination was definitely Japan. I have actually not competed elsewhere than in Canada and Jamaica, but I have done events and given classes worldwide.
Can you talk about your overall experience in Jamaica at the Miss Dancehall Queen 2K7? It was my dream come true. Of course I was crowned with a lot of controversy, being white, Canadian and very different than the usual dancehall queen type. But I won hands down over 51 dancers from all over the globe, and I have been getting love and support from dancehall communities worldwide and I have now the opportunity to dance and teach reggae/dancehall in many places. To di universe!!! It also has given me a lot of credibility and knowledge to help and influence other aspiring queens and dancers and for that only, I am very proud.
What do you want to say to people who look Down on Dancehall Queen for the way they might dance or dress? Well I am actually one of the few dancehall queens who doesn’t usually ‘’skin out’’ term used to describe dancers, or women in the dancehall who adopt a very reveling style. But even if that is not my own personal style, I totally big up women who are proud of showing their bodies in the dancehalls and who feel and empower themselves this way. People will always have something to say about things they do not understand or dislike, I guess we just need to be confident in ourselves and let dem chat!
For those of us that don’t know, tell us a little about Peach Gyal? Well actually Peach Gyal is my singer name! I’ve actually been recording way longer before I was dancehall queen, and this year I am actually putting out my first full length album called ‘’Direction Nihon’’ which I will be launching and promoting in Japan this winter with my band ‘’Vois le son’’ (see the sound). I will also be recording my second album this winter in Jamaica, and my new opus will be called ‘’Sex Island’’ and will be available spring 2k9 !
Mrhookupz would like to thank MoMo for talking with us. I'll give you the last word, any words of wisdom for the massive?
Stay tuned!, BLESS, 1 LOVE International Dancehall Queen MoMo Aka Peach Gyal
TO CONTACT DANCEHALL QUEEN MOMO |
