If one should ask anyone in Kencot, a community in Kingston, Jamaica, who is Shankledip, their faces would suddenly illuminate and you would hear so many good things it could take an entire book or two to record it.

Come August 2025, Shakledip will be one of the big names performing at A’Legends Back-To-School Extravaganza, with Fashion Show Kiddies Treat and a one-of-a-kind stage show including Grammy Award winners.

A’Legends, one of the most popular dancehall fashion designers, is also a record producer, actress, and author.

According to the Philadelphia-based fashionista, “Despite not living in Jamaica, I still want to give back to Kencot, the community where I grew up along with my mother, father, and siblings. We did a lot for kids back then, and I have decided to follow that trend in giving back to children in that and surrounding communities.”

“I intend on having dance competitions, a mini-fashion show, face painting, and bounce-about. There’s much more to unveil as the event date draws closer,” she adds.

She is also recognized for sponsoring several Jamaican children with school kits and cash and for donating trophies to talent contests geared toward promoting peace and unity in communities.

Born Royan Fagan, Shankledip, a Jamaican dancer with enormous talent, claims he was inspired by the late iconic dancers Bogle, Michael Jackson and John Hype.

“I started to connect with Bogle while attending Norman Manley High School. I had to pass Roses Corner where Bogle could be seen, oftentimes dancing. And, I would remember how creative he was to build his dance move on the spot.”

“Bogle was the type of person whose creativity would flow into his language and dress. He was noticeable for wearing a number of gold chains, rings, and bracelets.”

“His very catchy phrases like, ‘all dem deh, weh all dem deh did deh, and ‘fashion over style’ became not only popular in dance sessions but also in the streets.”

Shankledip recalls how Kencot was becoming popular as a dance community. “From you can dance people start to notice you. Young and old start loving you.”

“There was yet another dancer named John Hype who was well-known when Bogle was abroad. He too was a talented dancer.”

Shankledip began dancing before he was even in his early teens. “At school concerts, I, along with other dancers, were called on stage, and we would dance to Michael Jackson’s ‘Rock My World’.”

“I was part of John Squad which later became John Hype Squad, performing at several events, including Stone Love Anniversary and Beenie Man Summer Sizzle.”

“The group also performed overseas. Bermuda, Canada, United Kingdom, to name a few countries.”

Shankledip’s latest dance move is called ‘Fling You Foot’. “This came after one a mi brethren (friend) from foreign wanted me and him to do a song named ‘Fling Foot’. But, I had a friend at Arnett Gardens who came up with a dance of that same name, so I just work with the Arnett vibes.”

He describes the moves as, “bending backward while extending the right foot forward then repeating the process using the left foot.”

(Photo contributed)