When I’m in Jamaica the LAST thing I want to do is something that I can just as easily do back home. This includes nights out and my choice of where to go and what to wear on those nights out. So I guess this post will cover my lack of style as much as it covers the kind of parties I prefer to go to on the island.
Back in the day when lots of things in Jamaica were new to me I admit I was 100% a mainstream club girl. I did the Jungle, Amnesia, Margaritaville, etc. I thought that’s what good entertainment was because I’d never been exposed to any other parties but you know me, as soon as something seems typical I stop doing it. Mainstream clubs just seemed to be the safe route and it was what everyone else was doing so I did it even though the crowd really wasn’t my scene. I can’t stand most hip hop music even in North America and it’s surely one of the last things I want to hear in Jamaica. After becoming a regular at certain Ochi clubs I realized there was a lot of emphasis on American music on certain nights and that’s when it stopped being fun for me. However, I understand they’re catering to a lot of tourists in those joints.
Another thing that didn’t suit me about those clubs is the gear. Let’s face it, I’ve never been a fashionista and I have never, nor will ever wear a pair of heels or a skirt. I need to be able to dance freely without falling over. My signature outfit is a pair of jean shorts and yoga top which doesn’t seem to measure up to “club wear” but I don’t care. I dress for comfort over style any day. The last thing about mainstream I can’t stand is the price of drinks. In my opinion it’s ridiculous to pay $500 jmd for one drink that’ll be gone in 3 minutes the way I sip. Cover charge plus expensive drinks plus hip hop music equals not a fun night for me.
Years ago I was saved by a random stranger in the street who offered to take me to my first real local party up in the hills of St Ann’s Bay. It was a Monday night and the party was dubbed “Daggerin’ Mondays” and I was all over experiencing it! I was dressed in the same outfit I’d been rolling in all day, had my hair in a bun and flip flops but was ready to roll. When we arrived at the party I was so happy to see it was right in the middle of a cluster of houses in the street and the people there were dressed in probably the same thing they had on all day too! There were young and old, dancing and non-dancing. Someone was selling flasks of liquor from their house for what seemed like bargain basement prices and the music was 100% Jamaican dancehall. I felt right at home even though I didn’t dance at all, I just observed. The most awesome part about the party was when I had to use a washroom and some random lady took me to her house and just let me in!
Ever since that day years ago I’ve been a community girl and my favorite watering holes are all in regular neighborhoods and communities where regular people (without all the bling) hang out. I’m just more comfortable in that element because I can wear what I want and relax. Heck, one night I was at a community karaoke night and one local girl showed up in her pajamas and a shower cap just to sing a song! It was awesome.
Comments
9 responses to “Ghetto VS Stiletto”
it is irritating to hear too much american music while inna jamaica,the vibe is not the same,i have to say with no disrespect intended,if you a play yard vibes,then play yard vibes,if you play gangsta vibes ,then play gangsta vibes ,let seperate sound play dem tune dem,have to be selective with both,we know,too many overnight celebrities inna each genre,i must say though,like i said with no disrespect to the foundation at all,cuz mi know jamaican man and woman do it first,it is them who set the trend,anyway,if you chek fi the dirty south strip club muzak,cho!, is gucci mane,wacka flocka,frenchie,future,jeezy,yo gotti,trapaholics,etc. etc. etc.,the good drake tunes,the good little wayne tunes,some good rick ross tunes,and nobody can touch the man deh jay-z and kayne west pon the %#* in paris tune dem,who really can test?,let dem step up to di plate,jamaican gangsta tunes is there too!,but them dry right now,they will come back to take over soon enough,but,before mi go,must throw in two female tune,no one can test, a likkle dated,but cho!,music alone shall live!destiny’s child-“cater to you”,and mariah carey’s-“touch my body”,check fi dem pon di you tube zeen,100,dj play dem tune deh,and see wha happen!,anyway, di gals dem a lead,it is all about the gals and the MUSIC,BOB MARLEY NEVER STOP SHINING,AND GARNETT SILK NEVER STOP SHINE, as well as dennis brown,frankie paul,etc etc. etc.,one love
You make some good points Shane. It’s not that I have anything against other types of music, it’s just not my choice. I choose not to hang at Americanized clubs in JA because it’s not enjoyable to me. But on the flipside I can see why it’s enjoyable to Jamaicans….because it’s not THEIR every day music.
Oh yes, I will be the first to admit that the street parties were the first fuel for this Jamaica addiction that i have. I remember one april when i was in ochie with my bestest (yeah, its a word) cousins we came across a street dance and dance is exactly what we did. mi seh wi did all deh pon di mic dat day deh. All inna di rain we a dance. the next thing i knew the sun was coming up. and not even that stopped the party. I met some of the coolest people sitting on a curb eating fried chicken for breakfast. those are memories that last forever. Thanks as always for the post. this was a great way to start my morning 🙂
Ahhh Keisha so you DO get it! Completely agree with you, I don’t have any of those awesome memories from the tourist clubs LOL. Just the street parties.
Had a friend who hosted a street party and it started raining….all they did was string a tarp up to the utility posts in the road and we huddled under and still partied on!
HEY JC!,sorry for the rant
i know when we deh a yard,we want a good meditation,nice vibes zeen,anyway,mi nuh wan too much mix up mix up,rae rae and dem fassy ting deh,country vibes and city vibes is 2 different ting mi know, a real natural vibe is the best,good natural settings inna country side and mountain,fresh air,ital food,good people and reasoning,respect queen,love your style,keep up the good vibes!
Don’t worry about it Shane! This blog is an open forum so you’re free to say whatever you like 🙂
Another great post….I really enjoy “hanging” with the locals and getting to know the real Jamaica away from the beach and the tourist places….I just have to get up more courage, your adventures sound so much like what I enjoy! Feels more like hanging with friends at home!
..for the same reason..i don`t DO resorts..i like to experience..the REAL JA..the TRUE culture, people, music,food..& I like to support the “Locals”.i understand the tourist industry is a way of life in JA..but …ya..i steer totally clear of the Americanized/Tourist clubs. especially after one night when we ended up in the line up to Margeritaville on.. “Tourist” night ..suppose to be FREE admission for “Tourists” ..however ..because i stay at a Villa..it didn’t count i was asked to pay the $15 cover..i left..ended up in some gritty lil bar…with NO COVER ;)..jammin my face off..havin one of the wicked’est night’s ever!!
LOL Lisa…those gritty lil places are the BEST!! Good people and CHEAPER drinks!