Mr Vegas rides crest of reggae wave

Jamaican dancehall artiste Mr Vegas (Clifford Smith) has become a worldwide phenomenon with his mega-hit Heads High. He spoke to CAROLINE NYANGA about his music and private life.

Pulse: Most top Jamaican reggae artistes feel that ragga and dancehall music are full of negative messages.

Mr Vegas: Well, it is important for then to realise that people have a way of penetrating into the limelight. We can never be all the same. Everyone is entitled to their opinion; after all you cannot please everybody!

P: Are you suggesting that the likes of Luciano, Burning Spear and Mighty Culture don?t know what they are talking about?

MV: Honestly, it hasn?t come down to that. All I am saying is that not everyone is a fan of reggae roots music, which talks about oppression and redemption. We are here to make a difference with party songs that people can enjoy and dance to. Besides, Luciano should not dare open his mouth to comment on rub dub music because as far as I am concerned, he has no songs.

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