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Charmaine Munroe aka Macka Diamond, Dancehall/Reggae recording artiste of Jamaica, continues to strive above and beyond limits other Jamaican female Dancehall are yet to surpass. A trend that could be the foundation from which female artistes in Dancehall can draw inspiration. Ms. Money Oooo, Mackadocious has not only appeared in a movie but landed a lead role. Not only has she published the first Dancehall novel ‘Bun Him’ but will be launching a second, ‘Naughty and Nice’ another first among her peers both male and female in Dancehall.
The ’40 n Fabulous’ Diva and Dancehall veteran has become one to admire. Her work ethics, persistence and determination places her, among few Dancehall artistes to have gone beyond just music recording and stage performances in Jamaica. Another such is the controversial Dancehall ‘Teacha’ Vybz Kartel, whose reality television series, the first of its kind on Jamaican television, spiralled after his unfortunate arrest and subsequent murder charges. Dr. Garth ‘Shaka Pow’ McDonald, Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and fellow Dancehall artiste said, “Macka Diamond has created a foundation from which other female Dancehall artistes can build a more sustainable and thriving business.”
Known as Lady Mackerel throughout the 90s era, Macka Diamond held her own in a male dominated industry releasing several tracks that were popular among Dancehall fans making her an household name. Around 2003, she reinvented herself and re-emerged as Macka Diamond the ‘Money Ooo’ diva scoring hits including her first, ‘Tek Con‘ a protest track to Vybz Kartel’s chauvinistic, ‘Tek Buddy’ track then thereafter, Steam Fish, Bun Him ft. Blacker, Cow Foot, 40 n Fabulous and a catalogue of popular Dancehall tracks fans can indentify her with.
Summer 2009, Macka Diamond landed a lead role in the Caribbean inspired movie, Redemption of Paradise filmed in Antigua by Director Noel ‘doc’ Howell. Macka played ‘Millie’ a citizen of Paradise who took the decision to form a community watch group which, among other things, encourages local businessmen to stop paying money for protection and deter the corrupt efforts of Paradise’s drug kingpin. She did well and trotted across the Caribbean with the cast to promote the movie; a stint that would later boost her music career significantly. In 2011, Macka Diamond emerged winner of the International Reggae and World Music Award (IRAWMA) Female DJ/Rapper of the year in Trinidad. Another bright moment for this persistent individual.
After writing Dancehall’s first official novel entitled ‘BUN HIM’ in 2007, Macka Diamond has back with the long awaited follow-up of what may very well be the most anticipated novel to date (in Jamaica’s literary history) – NAUGHTY or NICE aka BUN HIM pt. 2 http://www.amazon.com/gp/
by: Sophia McKay
Excerpts: Page Turner Publishing House
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