4 weeks ago
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Imagine the pulsating energy of a Jamaican dancehall clash. Now, imagine a Japan-born selector commanding that stage, outshining seasoned veterans and making history. That’s Notorious International’s Marie Sano, known more popularly in sound system circles as ‘Bad Gyal Marie’.
Four months ago, she became the first woman to ever win the Magnum Global Sound Clash at Reggae Sumfest, shattering expectations in a male-dominated arena. Sano’s journey is more than just a breakthrough moment. It’s a cross-cultural blend of grit, rhythm, and relentless ambition.
From Tokyo’s neon-lit streets to the bass-heavy dance halls of Jamaica, Sano weaves together her dual worlds with an unyielding passion that defies borders, making her not just a sound clash champion, but a bridge between two vibrant cultures.
The female selector’s trip to Japan last August marked the continuation of an annual tour tradition, bringing Jamaican flavour to her homeland alongside Jamaica’s own ZJ Liquid. “It was a great experience to have ZJ Liquid on the tour. Every year I do [a] Japan tour with [a] Jamaican selector,” Sano shared in her distinctively strong Japanese accent, which she retains even after 15 years living in Jamaica.
Her passion is one of the reasons Magnum Tonic Wine recognised Sano as one of the 25 influential figures in the dancehall industry, awarding her a commemorative Magnum 25 plaque. It was presented as a surprise during one of her bookings at the East Japanese Restaurant in New Kingston.
Planning for her tour next August through to September, Sano is already looking forward to performing on the Far East Reggae Cruise hosted by legendary Japanese sound system Mighty Crown. Through her tours, Sano bridges the sounds of the two countries, merging her Japanese heritage with her Jamaican-inspired artistry.
When asked about one place she recommends in Japan, she doesn’t hesitate, “Shibuya and Harajuku areas in Tokyo!”
She describes these districts as vibrant hubs where skyscrapers meet cutting-edge fashion, incredible food, and unique Japanese culture – a must-see for any visitor looking to experience the dynamic lifestyle of the East Asian country.
Introduced to the sound clash world by her husband and partner, ‘Likkle Shabba’, the female selector never thought she would compete on the stages against some of the world’s biggest sound systems.
“I never [believed] a woman could handle the sound clash world, but my husband believed in my talent and told me I could do it. Him love a sound clash, but I wasn’t into it like him, but from him show me the world, I never turn back. His ideas with mine work ... is good chemistry and a dat bring us the wins,” Sano remarked.
Her role as a woman and a selector who doesn’t originate from the island has its challenges, she admitted, but Sano has used these to her advantage.
“I am Japanese, so this means I must work even harder to reach all audiences,” she said, making it clear that her international background also makes her stand out. “Clash is also looked at as a man’s world, so fi di woman dem, it is not easy to survive in this music industry as a selector. That’s why is likkle bit of we. Use me as example … my English [is] not 100 per cent, my knowledge is not 100 per cent, but you have to [be] willing to learn, and I am proof that it can be done,” Sano said.
“I never have nobody when I come [to] Jamaica. I never have a teacher that teach me per se. Is the crowd teach me and motivate me. The people make me feel accepted … and is dem give me the name ‘Bad Gyal’. And as a ‘bad’ selector, you have to read the crowd – the real champions of the dancehall who [in turn] make you a champion of dancehall. I want to big up everybody who believe in me, who enjoy dancehall, and a special big up to Magnum Tonic Wine,” she added.
Since Notorious International’s win in July, the sound system’s popularity, as well as Sano’s, has skyrocketed, bringing new bookings across Jamaica and especially in Montego Bay, where her fans cheer her on with pride.
For young women wanting to make their mark in dancehall, Sano’s advice is simple but powerful: “Believe in yourself. Believe in what you love and what you want to achieve and keep performing towards it [as] well.”
English (US) ·