A’ legends Opposes “Doggish Mentality”
Written by on October 2, 2024
Kingston, Jamaica – A’Legends, a multi-talented fashion designer, actress, author, and record producer, has spoken out about what she describes as Jamaica being “hooked on a doggish mentality.”
The philanthropist, known for her contributions to Jamaican children, reflected, “Ever since Beenie Man’s dancehall hit ‘Ole Dawg’ became popular, the slang used to denote friendship or solidarity has taken hold, especially among schoolboys from all walks of life.”
She continued, “Now it’s all about ‘dawg’ on the buses, some wearing white-collar shirts without chains tied around their necks.”
A’Legends provided examples of how the term is embedded in everyday conversations: “‘Dawg, weh yuh a do after school?’ or ‘Right now mi hungry like dawg, a two dawg mi a go link. Yuh waan forward, mi dawg?’”
The record producer added, “When you think about it, we often hear phrases like ‘hungry like dawg,’ ‘mawga like dawg,’ ‘smell like dawg,’ and ‘eat like dawg.’ But why don’t we compare people to cows, donkeys, horses, or even monkeys?” she questioned.
A’Legends quickly pointed out that “dogs are supposed to be man’s best friend and should be treated with respect. Instead, we box, kick, and even kill them on the roads. But there are exceptions. Some dogs are celebrities, living in mansions, wearing gold chains, and having their own bathrooms and private doctors. Meanwhile, some human beings live on the streets, worse off than some dogs.”
She recalled an incident involving former Jamaican dancehall queen Carlene, who famously buried her pet dog, Cash, in grand style. “A local tabloid headline, ‘Carlene Buries Her Cash,’ became a major hit. Hundreds of people wanted to know where the fortune was, only to learn it was her pet dog named Cash.”
“The most iconic part of the story was Carlene’s celebrity funeral for Cash,” A’Legends shared. “There were flashy cars with blinking headlights, a funeral service with printed programs, and a eulogy delivered by a Grammy Award winner. Mourners openly wept, including Cash’s ‘family,’ who wore black. Cash’s remains were even ushered to the cemetery in a hearse.”
A’Legends, widely regarded as one of dancehall’s most popular fashion designers, hinted at her plans for a grand all-day extravaganza celebrating her achievements in fashion, acting, record production, and writing. The event, to be held at Kencot, her parents’ hometown in Kingston, Jamaica, will be a family-friendly affair.
“I’ll have games galore and giveaways for the children,” she explained. “In addition, there will be a big stage show for the adults, featuring some of the biggest stars, including Skankle Dipa, deejay, and dancer.”
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