Dancehall - Dubplate

Jamaican Dancehall culture began in the late 1970’s as a social lifestyle shift when record producers started releasing instrumental versions of songs (dubplates or riddims) which would be played by a Selector in open air dance halls or through mobile sound systems with a DJ toasting over the music. The name, Dancehall, was not used until the 1980’s when it was mentioned as a promotional term. This began an era of hand painted, screen printed, or stenciled signs posted on street signs to attract dancers to the parties, becoming an iconic visual representation of the musical style and scene. Jon Sherman created Dancehall wallpaper using phrases from hundreds of dancehall street signs from the exemplary collection of Maxine Walters featured in her definitive book on the subject, Serious T’ings A Go Happen. The design showcases the creative language and variety of fonts and styles used by Jamaican sign artists to make their advertisements stand out. The Dubplate colorway is digitally printed on a Chrome Mylar Type II substrate that adds a vibrant reflectiveness to the wildly colorful Jamaican terms and phrases. While some signs are in their original colors, others are rendered in fun ombres that add pizzazz. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Maxine Walters has touched every aspect of Jamaican culture. From founding Reggae Sunsplash, educating the youth, promoting fashion, songwriting, to developing film production in JA, she has done it all. Her most significant work as a cultural archivist is her 4,000 strong, four decade deep collection of dancehall street signs. The collection has been exhibited around the world, most recently at MCA Chicago. Please have a listen to our Dancehall playlist to get yourself in the mood!!!