progression for The Heatwave to start making music. Drawing on years of experience playing to
crowds around the world of all backgrounds, The Heatwave have crafted a sound that stays true
to dancehall foundations while adding their own unique London twist.
Dancehall in the UK is resurgent right now with British-Jamaican vocalists Stylo G, Lisa
Mercedez and K More continuing to rise in popularity among the hardcore dancehall crowd.
Numerous English producers experiment with dancehall/rave hybrids while Afro Swing, the
dancehall-drenched afrobeats blend, blazes from speakers across the country.
The Heatwave productions sit somewhere in the middle of all this. The influence of UK club
music is always in the background thanks to their longstanding show on pioneering electronic
music station Rinse FM. But dancehall is the feature presentation.
Gabriel and Benjamin are first and foremost loyal to the crowds of dancehall ravers who queue
up week in week out to party at The Heatwave's nationwide Hot Wuk events. These are
dancehall queens and die hard bashment lovers who want to hear the latest Vybz Kartel,
Popcaan and Spice.
If you want a classic Jamaican soundsystem experience or a cut-throat soundclash, then you
don't go to a Heatwave rave. There are plenty of well-established crews who can provide that.
The Heatwave do something different: they have respectfully reinterpreted the soundsystem
tradition, drawing on both the Jamaican 'juggling' style of DJing and the seamless mixing of UK
club music. Their parties are fun, joyful and inclusive. You won’t forget the first time you see a
Heatwave live show, that explosion of energy and skill when the dancers combine with the hype
of the ravers.
When The Heatwave play music the dancefloor and the stage itself become a femaledominated
space. Their selection leans towards 'gyal tunes'; women brukking out and doing
their thing on stage are a central part of The Heatwave experience.
All of these influences and priorities can be heard in The Heatwave's latest productions: songs
and riddims rooted in hardcore dancehall, that everyone can enjoy. Packed house parties. Car
windows down. Summer in the city.
The roll call of club and radio DJs playing The Heatwave's music speaks for itself, including
BBC tastemakers MistaJam, David Rodigan, Gilles Peterson, Annie Mac, Toddla T and DJ
Target; dancehall pioneers Robbo Ranx, Bobby Konders, Seani B, Supa Hype, Max Glazer, Sir
DJ Corey and Young Lion; club music specialists Jillionaire, Sinden, Klose One, Zed Bias, Kahn
& Neek, Roska, Mosca, Kode 9 and The Bug; hip hop legends Tim Westwood, DJ Vadim and
Daddy G, amongst many more.
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