Veteran sound system selector Glamour Wayne believes if current time restrictions for Jamaican dances were in place when he started out, he and his contemporaries could not make a sustainable living.
Under the Noise Abatement Act, outdoor dances are required to end at midnight on weekdays and 2 am on weekends. That is way too early for promoters and persons involved in the industry to make a sound profit, Glamour Wayne argued.
“I could never work under those conditions, ‘cause it killing yuh bread an’ butter!” he exclaimed. “I could never survive under those restrictions.”
Glamour Wayne began his career in 1980 as a 15 year-old selector with the Afro Tone Disco in his hometown of Maxfield Avenue in Kingston. He also worked with Soulville Disco and Star Point Disco, which also came from that area, before breaking out with the established Gemini sound system during the mid-1980’s.
Up until the early 2000’s, dances in Kingston went on until as late as 4 am but this was curtailed after widespread complaints from residents who live near to entertainment venues, that the decibel level of sound systems kept them awake.
In recent weeks, sound system owners and selectors have met with the Jamaica police high command and government officials, but no compromise has been reached.
“Back in di day, people jus’ a come dance when it reach 2 O’clock. Yuh haffi remember, is not only di sound system people earn a living from dance; wi a talk ‘bout man with him stall (vendors), etc,” Glamour Wayne points out.
For over 20 years, Glamour Wayne has lived in New York where most venues for Jamaican dances and events are indoor. He keeps busy as an independent selector throughout the Big Apple’s boroughs as well as in Canada, the United Kingdom and Europe.
One of his upcoming assignments will be the September 28 House Of Leo Reunion at La Roose in The Bronx. He will man the controls for Gemini against Sky Juice of Metro Media, Rory of Stone Love fame and Jah Wise who will represent Inner City.
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