QQ proudly accepts ‘veteran’ label at 27 - Entertainer hails pioneers of dancehall

Dancehall artiste QQ is fine with being called a 'veteran' in the local music industry.

He became a household name at age 10 and set a record as the youngest person in Jamaica to have a hit song. He says he finds it funny when current artistes call him a veteran but understands that it's because he started young.

He told THE WEEKEND STAR "It also goes to show that you might not be the most current artiste today but you are still touring or putting out music and that little contribution makes a big impact. Look at it, it's been 17 years since Poverty was released and became a hit." He recently visited the island and linked up with Beenie Man, who he refers to as 'Uncle Moses'.

"For many years, he and I been close - he and my father were close way before I even came into music. It was only natural for me to know him, and I respect him. It also shows that dancehall unity can exist between the generations. One thing is certain, anywhere in the world Uncle Moses sees me, he is going to say 'Come yah me son'," he shared.

QQ explained that there are so many stories that the veterans of reggae and dancehall have to tell, and each time he and Beenie Man interact, there is always something new to learn.

"There are so many reggae-dancehall pioneers that have come out of our communities, Kingston 11 - Waterhouse, and Kingston 20 - Maverley. Both places just right across the bridge from one another. I just learnt he [Beenie Man] was in a group based in Maverley but as a dancer," he said. "There are other established acts or veterans like Baby Cham, Bugle and Konshens who come from within or around the community. These are people we must show our respect and gratitude to for their contributions."

The Dip and Come Up deejay also mentioned Pan Head, a '90s dancehall entertainer who was killed at the start of his career. He hailed the deceased lyricist as one of the "earlier acts to put Maverley on the map", even though he was from St Mary.

"If he survived, he would be such a giant. He is someone I would do a collaboration with. My thing is to acknowledge the contribution of great artistes, no matter their circumstances," he said. Currently QQ is working on an EP with his brother IQ, as well as a solo compilation.