Tune into Voicemail

Voicemail is one of the top dancehall groups in Jamaica. Check out the views of Kevin Blair and Craig Jackson on fashion, women and charting your future.

What does style mean to you?

Craig: As I have tweeted recently, style is 20 per cent clothes and 80 per cent attitude.

Kevin: Style is what makes you comfortable, no matter the cost.

Name the most influential fashion icons in dancehall history?

Craig: From Shabba, Papa San, Stitchie, Tiger, Buju Banton and Ninja Man and the Demus family.

Many people are of the belief that dancehall's fashion trend is null, as the artiste today only copies the trends of hip-hop culture. How do you feel about that analysis?

Craig: Dancehall fashion trend is still in effect. The past held their own and we are currently holding our own. The only difference is that back then, there was more emphasis on tailors and seamstresses.

What makes Voicemail so unique?

Kevin: Our level of professionalism, the fact that we are very punctual, very orderly and we constantly change the stigma of dancehall (of being hardcore) by introducing some fun and music for the ladies.

Does Voicemail shop locally, and if so, do tell?

Craig: I shop at Lee's Fifth Avenue or Prodigal Son's clothing store. It's really hype - you should check it out.

Kevin: Carlton Brown, Romeshi and Intuition.

Is there any piece of clothing you own that you regret buying or have no idea what to do with?

Craig: I have a pants and a shirt that I am confused about. Me nuh know weh me a go wear it. I think I probably need shoes to complete it or match with it!

Kevin: I have a few, you know.

What makes a woman classy?

Craig: A woman who accentuates sexiness through confidence.

A woman is sexiest in ...

Kevin: A knee-length, fitted dress that shows off her curves.

Craig: Nothing like a woman in a simple white tank top and a perfect pair of fitted jeans and stilettos.

What motivates your style?

Kevin: I might see someone in a piece of clothing that looks great, but I get inspirations from so many places and cultures.

Craig: How I feel, that's what motivates me. I might wake up feeling like I want to wear a fresh new merino, cool jeans, shades and hat. So my mood motivates me.

Is it true that you guys are shopaholics?

Kevin: Yes, we are shopaholics, but we have control. Trust me, we love to shop but we shop smart.

Dancehall is a hardcore space with lots of gangster and thug themes and lyrics. How hard is it to maintain the bad-man image and yet still remain stylish?

Craig: Men, as well as women, follow dancehall, but we are focused on the ladies. I mean, we are handsome guys, we articulate well. And women like a man who is put together.

So it really is not hard, you know. Dancehall, not to be confused with reggae, is hardcore. Being stylish is just the icing on the cake in the dancehall space.

What can we expect from Voicemail in the future?

Kevin: Well, a brand new album titled Next Level sometime next year, videos and singles. We are constantly reinventing ourselves; we want to be consistent for fans, always abreast of our field.

Will there be any changes to the group?

Craig: There might be, but you cannot replace Oneil as a friend and as an artiste at all. But on the business side of it, it might be necessary; we are very much into reinvention. But that is no time soon. And we are in no rush to do so.

What advice would you give to young, aspiring groups and artistes?

Kevin: Get an education. The biggest weapon is education and study the business. It is not as glamorous as it looks. It is a façade. Be strong in your decisions.

Craig: It is very hard; if you have never been in a relationship, your group is your relationship, the members are your family. Respect them and treat them well.

Do not let money be your priority. Nurture your craft. And as Kevin says, education is very important. Spend time on your craft.

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