Carlene Smith

Last updated
Carlene Smith
Born
Carlene Smith

(1973-05-01) 1 May 1973 (age 49)
Other namesDancehall Queen Carlene
OccupationDancer
Years active1989–2001

Carlene Smith (born 1 May 1973), better known as Dancehall Queen Carlene, is an Jamaican former dancer. Beginning her career in the late 1980s, Smith is credited as Jamaica's first Dancehall Queen. [1]

Contents

Biography

Career

Smith was crowned Dancehall Queen in 1992 after she and her crew competed against well known models in Jamaica. Prior to her being crowned, their had been other dancehall queens before but Smith started the national spotlight on a reign that was usually isolated to the Jamaican garrisons. [2] [3] Smith appeared in the 1992 music video for the Chaka Demus & Pliers song Murder She Wrote, wearing a gold outfit and blonde wig. Smith was also featured in other music videos before and after her appearance on the dancehall video "Murder She Wrote". [4] Smith was also featured in a 1997 issue of Vibe where she was credited for the International Butterfly Dance and explains her endorsement of Slam Condoms. [5]

Personal life

Smith had a longtime relationship and a daughter with popular DJ Beenie Man. [6]

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References

  1. Dance in a world of change: reflections on globalization and cultural difference, p. 55
  2. DanceHall: From Slave Ship to Ghetto
  3. Dance in a world of change: reflections on globalization and cultural difference
  4. Story of the Song - 'Murder She Wrote' combines old songs Archived May 13, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  5. Vibe 1997 page 52
  6. Lisa and Carlene - Candid on motherhood Archived January 23, 2011, at the Wayback Machine