The island is still reeling from the effects of a near record of road fatalities for the year in addition to other tragedies, but a group of artistes from the local dancehall fraternity has joined forces to a positive outlet for patrons.

MF Productions known both for their sold out events and community spirited products and 'Blackka Nights' from Culture Shock have redoubled their efforts to provide quality, violence free entertainment. Norman aka 'Maggie' Godwin, patriarch of MF Productions summed up the situation by saying; 'We're trying to bring back the good old days and as of late we have been having patrons from 40-years-old and people we haven't seen in a long time. The regular dance scene has become flat due to the violence and people obviously will not go where they don't feel safe.

"We worked hard to amass a loyal following with our weekly events which caters to all races and creeds and as a result we have received positive feedback."

Maggie added the stigma of dancehall has been the bane of community entertainment, thus making some p people reluctant to attend the event. Jamie Matthews, another MF Productions member echoed Maggie's sentiments and chipped in by saying: "Ironically my age has been an asset for me as these were the guys I emulated and I can go back to the days of Pond Hill sound and play to a larger crowd. That was how I cut my teeth (17 y ears) in the business and not with the modern, jiggy-jggy sound. I keep the vibes positive and give the people what they want. We are bringing the music back and not hating on anyone. We have to do what we have to do and provide quality entertainment for the people. Our musical prowess, attire and professionalism speak for itself. It is a proven fact, people watch you and what you portray can have either a positive or a negative effect.

The newest local entertainment personality to burst upon the scene is Darren 'Blackka Nights' Minors who noted there is a mature audience that enjoys attending dancehall and old school dances. "What Maggie is doing with music and dancehall is helping to bring it back. Older people like dancehall, but not the violent aspect. They come out and have a good time. As part of Culture Shock I have worked with DJ Donnie and DJ Gibbo and we have about 25 years of experience among us. I'm more from the Clayhouse Inn days, so I guess I am the youngest to the business", he said with a chuckle.

MF Production's manager Kuane Smith weighed the situation and felt the old school dances have not lost their lustre. "Our dances aren't about playing hits. It is about having our audiences enjoy themselves. We create our own opportunities and at our present home venue we regularly perform in front of upwards of 400 people and have to turn away dozens more and this is an older crowd. We have people including old schoolmates coming from Dockyard to hear us play in St. George's.

We also play a lot of material from local artists who have paved the way and the older crowd appreciates and enjoys that. For example a lot of Carly Don, Sleepy Don Shorta Ranks, Squinty and Wiley to name a few. We definitely have to thank the folks at RAA who shared the same vision as us in helping to bring back the music."

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