Born a Sufferah: Dancehall Music's Insurgent Soundscapes - Book Talk and Sound Clash at BSU

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Born a Sufferah: Dancehall Music's Insurgent Soundscapes - Book Talk and Sound Clash at BSU

By: Mardline Prevot


Book Cover Art by Dianae Jaita

Events Spring Semester 2025 (1/4)
2/1/2025

#Randomthought: Jamacian Sorrel - my second taste experience! The interaction with the drink, the ginger spice... it really got me thinking.


What a way to kick off Black Revolutionary History Month (and a new year!) than with an insightful exploration of Dancehall music and its cultural impact! I recently attended the "Dancehall Sound Clash and Book Talk by the Department of Counseling and Psychological Studies x College of Education in collaboration with the Caribbean Association this past Saturday, February 1st 2025, marked the beginning of Black Revolutionary History Month and start of what promises to be an incredible semester. It also saw me attending a fascinating event: a Dancehall Sound Clash and Book Talk hosted by the Department of Counseling and Psychological Studies and the College of Education in collaboration with the Carribbean Association at Bowie State University. The featured guest? DJ/Author Dr. Quito J. Swan. 

The event sparked so many thoughts, particulary about the power and influence of dancehall music. It even brought Sister Nancy to mind! After watching an interview of her on Instagram, I was struck by her journey of reclaiming the legacy of her iconic song, "Bam Bam." And did you know? They even spilled the tea on working with Jay-Z and revealed that "Bam Bam" is Beyoncé’s favorite track! Talk about legedary!

As a Black & African Diaspora scholar at Bowie State University, studying Advertising Design within the Visual Communication program in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts, connection. with my ancestral roots is increadibly important to me. This event provided a fantastic opportunity to network with others attendees and delve deeper into the ancestral knowledge and my Haitian connection. It was a powerful experience, especially kicking off Black History Month with such a focus on justice, passion, art, and Black root history.

The book being discussed, Born a Sufferah, is set to be published on February 20th, 2025 and I'm already eagerly anticipanting its release. I particulary admire the book cover illustration by Diana Ejaita - absolutely stunning! (I even had the pleasure of meeting someone at the event who introduced me to her work - talk about serendipitous connections!)

This is my second semester of senior year, and while I wouldn't say I'm disappointed about graduation, I know I'm going to finish strong. I've built some deep connection here at Bowie State, and that's something I truly value. While I'm stepping down as the second-semester president for the BSU Adobe Ambassador Club, I'll remain an active member. I'm also focused on scaling my business, Mazopal Design and continuing to explore my ancestral  roots and the spirituality of Haitian Vodou. 

Leaving the student center that day, I felt a renewed


"Window of Hope."

This event, and the connections I made, have opened up a new window of possibilities. It was a  powerful reminder of the importance of community, knowledge, and the eduring legacy of Black history and culture. I'm excited to see what the rest of this semester, and this year, brings.


Blog by: Mardline Prevot, Visual Communication and Digital Media Arts candidate, concentration Advertising Design Scholar, Bowie State University



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