New Dancehall Queen fulfils dream by taking crown

Jamaica retained the International Dancehall Queen trophy last Saturday, but not without stiff competition from the United States and Chile.

Amorine Henry, 25, originally, from St Mary, but who now resides in the United Kingdom, won the 21st anniversary staging of the event at the Pier One in Montego Bay. She triumphed over 20 other girls, representing countries such as Poland, Japan, Colombia, Mexico, and Jamaica.

"I watched the winner of International Dancehall Queen in 2022 'Chicken', and I became extremely emotional and inspired. It's like something told me I was next," Henry said.

From the moment she found out in February that the event was set for July, Henry said she purchased her airline ticket. She wasn't even surprised about her win.

"I've been planning, it's been my dream to own this title and I'm very pleased that my dream has come true. I'm just extremely proud. I made the persons that I promised that I would win happy, because I did."

The former Boscobel Primary School student said she has been dancing since age five. When she moved on to Oracabessa High School, she continued that, showcasing mainly the island's cultural dance expressions. She stopped dancing in the UK for a while. She said dancing has always been her passion.

"I am extremely confident when dancing. I always want to hit the beat. I'm just a great dancer in mine and the eyes of others. Wherever I go, whenever I dance, it's just always this reaction, because I'm able to wow the crowd. I'm very creative. And I just believe in myself."

This is her first dance competition since adulthood. Her inspiration to achieve comes from her father, who she said drove her to and from St Mary for rehearsals in Montego Bay.

Henry, who received the highest scores in the second and third segments of the dance routine, had the audience's undivided attention when she kicked a football into the crowd, sending a message to the other dancers that she was kicking them to the kerb.

The competition, which is staged by Bighead International and Top Buy, two Montego Bay-based companies, has become a staple on the entertainment calendar. But Bighead's Brian Martin remains concerned about the type of support the event, which is aimed at preserving a significant aspect of the country's dancehall culture, receives.

"If I were to measure what I wanted to achieve financially and all other stuff, I would say I didn't, but because it's completed and the exposure and the success and the people who have shown interest in wanting to attend, I am satisfied," Martin said.

"If anything, I want to celebrate this year more than ever, is that with the right people supporting the event, forces that are up against us can be overcome," he stated.

He said the goal now is to build on the positives, ensuring things are better in 2024. Martin revealed that the average cost of staging the event is $7 to $8 million.

"Sponsorship has to roll in to make the event more viable, while allowing people with lack of finance access to the event," he added.