Star-Studded Line Up For Shut Down Belize Concert
The Marion Jones Sporting Complex promises to come alive this weekend for the Shut Down Belize Concert, headlined by Jamaican performing artist Dexta Daps. The artists have been arriving in Belize since Thursday. Today we got an opportunity to sit down with them to learn more about the music they create and their expectations for this weekend. And since this weekend’s events have been surrounded by controversy, we also wanted to hear from Dexta Daps about it. News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Jamaican Performing Artist Dexta Daps arrived in Belize today to perform at the Shut Down Belize Concert inside the Marion Jones Sporting Complex on Saturday night. He arrived at the Phillip Goldson International Airport this afternoon and made his way over to our studios for an interview.
Dexta Daps
Dexta Daps, Dancehall Artist
“The love the reception, the ladies beautiful. I am looking for a whole lot more, but I am getting a good reception so far, loving it.”
We talked with the artist about his recent engagements in the music industry and what his plans are for the future.
Dexta Daps
“To be honest, I have been trying to put this whole thing to a different level you know. I have been trying to host my own shows, putting everything together. So, it is like me curating my own things that what the fans can get the experience that I want them to get, you kow what I mean. Ah nuh everybody blessed with promoters like Young Survivors that knows to promote you and promote your brand as well as mek come please the fans. Pleasing the fans is one thing but you got to make the brand look good.”
And, he certainly knows how to please his fans, particularly his women fans, which he admits make up a large percentage of his listeners.
Dexta Daps
“That is true, that is true. My songs are for the ladies mostly, so we could get where that attraction.”
Dexta Dap’s visit to Belize for this weekend’s performance is not without controversy. In the face of a public back and forth between Dexta Daps and the promoters of his 2020 concert in Belize, headlining the artist. This concert did not happen due to COVID. Daps says he is preparing to be featured in another show. But his promoters advised that Daps would not respond to questions about the ongoing dispute. Since 2020, he has attained a new level of stardom.
Dexta Daps
“The stardom doesn’t really shake me that much. As I said on the live last night, I have been trying to help people before I had it. I will give you my last and try to get it back. That has been me from every since, so when I have it now it is so easy. Nothing shakes me when it comes to the stardom.”
Paul Lopez
“Would you say it puts perhaps in some people’s mind a target on your back where they want to take advantage of certain situations?”
Dexta Daps
“A hundred percent, but that comes with it too. You have to know the responsibilities of being a star. I didn’t ask for this but I got it. Ey let me tell you this… mih nah leave yo…tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow.”
Shut Down Belize will feature a host of additional international artists, including Romain Virgo, Ghanian Singer-Songwriter Kidi, Dancehall Artist Moyann and Afrobeats Artist Sanaa. Kidi is fresh from attending the sixty-fifth Grammy Awards, Los Angeles
Kidi
Kidi, Ghanaian Singer- Songwriter
“First time yeah, first time ever, first time ever in this part of the world to be honest.”
Paul Lopez
“Wow, so what has your experience been like since you got here?”
Kidi
“I mean it has been less than twenty-four hours, so it has been good. We had some good food yesterday right from the airport, very beautiful place, the people are amazing, so I am looking forward to a great weekend ahead to be honest.”
Paul Lopez
“The genre, the music has taken over all four corners of the world. And your contributions have even blown up in Belize.”
Kidi
“I think it has just been years of hard work from every artist on the content. I think as artist we love to go to the studio make music and the whole world dancing to it, vibying to it. So, I think me and my African brothers, so many of them are proud of this moment that the world is embracing African music, African culture. Every corner of the world you go you hear African music every single place. Ladies, still shutup and bend ovah”
Moyann
Moyann, Dancehall Artist
“I know that Belize people love Jamaican music and I appreciate that because I contribute to Dancehall music as well. So, for me to know that you guys love and embrace our music and culture so much. I love that and have so much gratitude towards that. So, yeah it’s been great. So make sure you guys check us out tomorrow we will be live performing. You can find my music on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music at JustMoyann Music.”
Sanaa
Sanaa, Afrobeat Artist
“Now it is super exciting because afro beats is reaching the world. Before, we have just been jamming to it in Africa and all of those things. But, it is such an opportunity to bring it to the world and now people are enjoying it. Just thank you to Belize for bringing us in here, so welcoming. I am just so happy. Shout out to Young Survivor’s entertainment for setting this whole thing up and the station here.”
