Reggae dancehall is alive and well in Bermuda.

That is the impression one may have taken after last weekend’s “Oneness Junior C Birthday” dancehall extravaganza at Devonshire Recreation Club.

Hundreds attended the indoor event, which featured local sound systems from the past and present and a host of DJs, including recording artist Junior C, whose song Murderer reached number four on the New York Billboard chart.

The party was part of an endeavour by sound systems and DJs to revive reggae dancehall in Bermuda.

“I am proud to report that the dancehall torch will not go out or be dropped,” said Junior C, whose real name is Carlton Welch. “It will be carried on by young ambassadors like One Life Sound.

“The parking lot was jam-packed from as early as 11pm. All of the sound systems put on their best-playing 45s, slipping in their dub specials now and then.

“Luffy [Prophesy Sound owner Tori Henry] had his box tuned in and ready to beat down the walls of Jericho and things got more heated when the veteran Magic, from Fyah Beats, came on. He definitely showed his skills and experience. One Life Sound, the youngest sound in the team, also did good.”

Reggae enthusiasts worldwide were able to tune in to the action live via the internet.

“Thanks to Randy Rich, from King Negas Sound, we went viral, reaching people from England to Africa on his online station Jamn97.com,” Junior C said.

The “Oneness Junior C Birthday” event was hatched by Mr Henry, a former Devonshire Cougars goalkeeper, during a group chat on social media that was designed to bring dancehall culture back to Bermuda.

The Whatsapp discussion, titled “Sound Boys for Life”, was initiated by Junior C, who embraced Mr Henry’s proposal with open arms.

Organisers are hoping that last weekend’s successful event is the first of many.

“We hope to put on and support more events like this,” said Junior C, who celebrated his 41st birthday at Saturday’s dancehall.

“We have ideas and enough things cooking in the pot and the ‘Sound Boy for Life’ team proved that unity is the most powerful tool that we have.”