DJ and cultural historian Al Fingers has compiled Clarks In Jamaica
The relationship between reggae and British footwear staple Clarks is often spoken about but rarely explored. The history of the cultural phenomenon goes back to reggae and early dancehall, way before Vybz Kartel brought it to the public eye.
Dancehall original Bunny Striker Lee explains the country’s sums up Jamaica’s love of the shoes saying “From ever since, Clarks is a number one shoe inna Jamaica. Not just now, I’m talking from the Fifties come right up… Clarks stand the test of time inna Jamaica. All the other shoes come and bow right down at Clarks’ foot.”
British DJ and cultural historian Al Fingers’ new book Clarks In Jamaica will attempt to trace the dancehall community’s rich history and explore the shoes relevance in the scene.
To accompany the book Fingers has compiled a compilation, also called Clarks In Jamaica which will comprise of songs by artists like Little John, Dillinger, Trinity, Ranking Joe and Supercat which all sing the praises of the iconic British shoes.
Speaking about the trend at the V&A Al Fingers said, “Growing up in England I’ve always been fascinated by the Jamaican love of Clarks shoes and the way the brand is referenced within reggae and dancehall music. Vybz Kartel’s tune Clarks brought the phenomenon to many people’s attention in 2010, but the relationship goes back a lot longer, and I wanted to bring attention to that, highlighting the work of artists such as Dillinger and Little John who sang about Clarks many years before.”
The album is out tomorrow, 16 October, through Greensleeves Records and features 21 old-school dancehall tracks that celebrate Clarks and its special relationship with the island.
Check out the album’s artwork below along with a video about the culture featuring Major Stitch.
