Unlock the untold story of Black Blingaz and Mr. Vegas’s historic stage reunion at Sunnation’s ‘Sunrise – Day Soirée.’
Dive into the world of dance creators, their quest for recognition, and the intricate dynamics of the music industry.
In a poignant reflection of their journey, John & Marlon Bling shared their experiences during an exclusive interview with Dancehall Ketch Up, offering a heartfelt glimpse into this significant chapter of their remarkable 20+ years legacy.
In the heart of New York City on Sunday, September 3rd, 2023, an extraordinary event unfolded, uniting dance enthusiasts, music lovers, and those who appreciate the rich tapestry of Caribbean culture.
Sunnation’s “Sunrise – Day Soirée” is more than an event; it’s a vibrant gathering that encapsulates the essence of Caribbean music, dance, and the unique rhythms of life. Set against the backdrop of the city that never sleeps, this annual event has become a cherished tradition for many. As the sun bathed the attendees in its golden glow, the stage was set for a day filled with electrifying performances, soul-stirring music, and an atmosphere that thrived on the energy of unity and togetherness.
Amidst a multitude of noteworthy occurrences, one exceptional moment truly stood out for us: BLACK BLINGAZ took the stage alongside Mr. Vegas. Can you believe that this was the very first time such a collaboration happened since the song’s initial release?
We talked to John & Marlon Bling, members of the well-known dance crew Black Blingaz, to know more about the reasons, thoughts, and emotions surrounding this historic moment.
“This moment was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Never before, anywhere in the world, has anything like this happened. Those familiar with the journey and story of the Black Blingaz understand the profound LEGACY behind it,” John Bling said.
Multitalented Music Artist and Dancer, John Bling, has gained popularity through his dancing and deejaying with Jamaica’s best and most recognized dance crew, Black Blingaz, of which he was also a founding member around 1998. John also goes by the trademark name of “Mr. Mirror”, classifying himself as a representation of a role model and a true reflection of ones inspirations, hopes and dreams.
Moreover, they told Dancehall Ketch Up that “the genesis of this (Slang) Dance dates back to 2004 when the song was first recorded by Mr. Easy and subsequently by Mr. Vegas. What followed was nothing short of a global phenomenon, captivating people of all ages and backgrounds worldwide, who embraced both the dance and the Slang with enthusiasm. Mr. Vegas set the stage with his iconic intro, proclaiming, ‚Dah One Yah HIT: TEK WEH YUHSELF!’”
In Jamaica, it became the number one dance move, with the slang finding its way into countless songs across the musical spectrum.
„While this dance brought us global recognition, it’s disheartening that many remained unaware of its true creators. Our faces were never associated with this creation, and our names were mentioned third in Mr. Vegas’s song, not as the originators of the Dance.” John Bling added.
Furthermore, the dance creator expressed: “During the peak of the dance’s popularity, we found ourselves among the few dance groups unable to travel and showcase our creation.
Instead, we tirelessly promoted ourselves locally, gracing the stages of weekly street dances like UPTOWN MONDAYS, PASSA PASSA, WEDDY WEDNESDAYS, our very own event BLINGAZ THURSDAY and DUTTY FRIDAYS.
While we were diligently spreading the word about our creation, others were traveling, teaching, and performing our dance moves.”
He added: “Interestingly, the official video for ‚Tek Weh Yuhself‘ was shot by Jay Will, who reached out to us to be a part of the video. However, despite our direct involvement, we were not prominently highlighted in the video as the creators. The only opportunity we had to collaborate with Mr. Vegas during the song’s promotion was to attend street events and help promote the song.”
Black Blingaz shed more light on this pivotal promotional phase, and told Dancehall Ketch Up that the dance crew approached Mr. Vegas with the idea of joining him on stage for his shows, even without monetary expectations. Their sole desire was an opportunity to unveil their talents and bask in the well-deserved recognition as the originators of their creation. In a somewhat disheartening twist, Mr. Vegas declined their proposal, explaining it was during a period of career rejuvenation.
Since that conversation, their path and Mr. Vegas’s have diverged significantly.
They never had the chance to partake in interviews, promotional ventures, or perform alongside the artist, whether on local or international stages we were told.
Despite their dance’s remarkable 17+ years legacy, they have yet to receive financial compensation or the acknowledgment they rightly deserve from Mr. Vegas. This fact stands as a poignant reminder of their instrumental role in propelling “TEK WEH YUHSELF” into Mr. Vegas’s illustrious discography.
As we delved deeper into the situation, the atmosphere grew heavier, and the creators’ pent-up emotions, nurtured nearly two decades, became palpable. John Bling, his voice laden with the weight of their experience, elaborated: “What you witnessed on stage did not happen organically. It was proposed by the event promoters who had also booked our VIP CHAMPAGNE HOOKAH SERVICE, a new business venture initiated by Marlon Bling and myself.”
Champagne Hookahz by Marlon & John Bling
“After booking us for the event, the promoters suggested that since we would be present and Mr. Vegas was also booked, it would be a great opportunity for us to share the stage with him. We initially laid out specific terms and conditions:
- Mr. Vegas had to acknowledge and introduce us as the creators of the dance.
- We required a dedicated segment for ourselves.
The promoter agreed to discuss these terms with Mr. Vegas. With our agreement secured, the day of the event arrived. As the crowd anticipated the iconic ‘TEK WEH YUHSELF’ performance, we stood backstage, hearts pounding with anticipation. Yet, at the critical moment, the crushing news was delivered: Mr. Vegas had opted not to have us share the stage with him. The reason? His set had been meticulously planned.
The ensuing wave of disappointment, disrespect, and raw anger coursed through us as we bore witness to Mr. Vegas and his dancers commanding the stage, performing the very song with the dance we had created, while we, the creators, remained relegated to the shadow’s backstage.” John Bling continued: “Recognizing our frustration, the promoter insisted on calling us to the stage. At the conclusion of Mr. Vegas’s performance, he introduced us, and we re-performed the song. While we appreciate that he eventually called us onstage, we cannot help but feel let down by how the situation unfolded. After all these years, our credibility and accolades were unfairly withheld.”
John and Marlon Bling are sure: “This incident sheds light on the exploitation of dancers by artists who often prioritize their own interests and stardom over the contributions of those who create the art. We urge all artists to stop exploiting dancers and for dancers to take steps to copyright their intellectual property and ensure they receive royalties whenever their creations are used or mentioned in songs.”
Following the performance, Marlon Bling expressed his sentiments, remarking: “After the entire performance, I couldn’t help but feel that it’s regrettable that the two creators of the dance had to rely on the promoter’s intervention to persuade the artist to join us in performing the dance together and to let people know that we are the creators of this dance. On another note, he didn’t have to do it, but he did, and I genuinely respect and appreciate that. However, it wasn’t without its discomfort, given the context and the source of the initiative.”
John Bling expressed his frustration, stating, “Imagine, almost 20 years, and zero recognition or acknowledgment from an artist who achieved fame with our slang dance. It’s disheartening to witness artists benefiting from our creative talents while we remain in the shadows. Dancers are the creative forces, crafting and perfecting these moves in Jamaica, while artists gain international acclaim, often thanks to our creations. The least they can do is acknowledge us by mentioning our names. Many dancers in the industry face exploitation, prompting some, especially from our generation, to seek opportunities beyond dancing. Compensation, legal recourse, and royalties are concerns, but many dancers lack the knowledge and resources to pursue them.”
John Bling finished the interview with some deeper words to think about: “We appreciate the historical moment we’ve marked a few days ago, but it’s crucial to recognize the duality inherent in every story. What’s visible on the surface can diverge significantly from the underlying complexities.”
This narrative underscores the intricacies and nuances of creative recognition and exploitation within the industry, shedding light on the challenges faced by artists and dancers alike. It serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and supporting the creators behind the art and entertainment we celebrate.
We’ve reached out to Mr. Vegas for his perspective on this historic reunion and the creators’ journey. We await his statement, which will provide further insight into this significant chapter of dancehall history. Rest assured, we’ll keep everyone posted as soon as we receive his response.
In closing, the Sunnations’ “Sunrise – Day Soirée” event not only celebrated the power of music and dance. It was a day when the past met the present, and creators met their creation, reminding us that the cultural tapestry of dancehall and Caribbean music is woven with countless threads of innovation and talent. As we applaud the Black Blingaz for their enduring contributions, let this moment serve as an enduring call to acknowledge and appreciate the unsung heroes of our creative world, for they are the ones who infuse life and soul into the rhythms that move us all.
⬇️ MEK YUH FRIENDS KETCH UP ⬇️
