ChevoBeatz bats for dancehall in The Netherlands
Like most European countries, there is a preference for roots-reggae over dancehall when it comes to Jamaican music in The Netherlands. While he is a fan of both genres, ChevoBeatz helps keep the dancehall vibe alive in that country.
The producer, who was born in the village of Velp (eastern Netherlands) to East Indian parents from Suriname, has worked with Jamaican deejay FyaVerse since 2019 when they first met in Kingston. In an interview with Observer Online, ChevoBeatz spoke about the current state of dancehall in his country.
“The dancehall scene in The Netherlands is growing and has a strong, passionate community of dancers, DJs, and event organisers. Cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam, Tilburg and Eindhoven regularly host reggae and dancehall parties and workshops, bringing both local and international talent to the stage. That being said, dancehall in Jamaica is truly something special—there’s an undeniable energy and authenticity that comes from its deep cultural roots. While the vibe in The Netherlands is different, the love for the music and movement is just as real, and the scene continues to evolve in its own way,” he explained.
Time’s Dread is his latest song with FyaVerse. Shatta Gyal, released last year, is their most successful collaboration to date, entering Billboard Magazine’s Argentina chart.
Raised in a traditional Asian home, ChevoBeatz has admired traditional Indian music since childhood, but he also loved the gritty sounds out of Jamaica from acts like Peter Tosh, Gregory Isaacs, Eek-A-Mouse and Vybz Kartel.
A feature of his productions is blending old school reggae with the latest dancehall rhythms. Several of his recent songs, released on YouTube over the past two years, have that feel.
“I’d love to work with Vybz Kartel, Morgan Heritage, Eek-A-Mouse and other talented Jamaican artistes to create something unique and timeless. My approach to production is all about fusing classic Jamaican rhythms with modern sounds, making music that feels both authentic and innovative,” ChevoBeatz explained.
A number of dancehall acts have performed in The Netherlands in recent years. In 2015, Konshens had a strong seller with Policeman, a collaboration with Dutch EDM singer Eva Simons.