Words by Jesse Serwer—
If you’re reading this site right now, we trust you’re well aware of Japanese folks’ unique enthusiasm for—and uncanny ability to emulate aspects of—dancehall culture. Well, a Japanese crew called Carnival Flavor have just opened a whole ‘nother can of rum-soaked, flag-waving worms with their “Jump Up” video.
Our Trini connect, Jillionaire, just alerted us to the clip, which takes us from a T&T-themed potluck to a beachside mas camp, it appears that the Japanese soca craze is about to begin. The video’s poster, Tigereye8593, suggests that it already has. (UPDATE: this site appears to be Internet ground zero for the Japanese liming scene). The campy clip has a healthy dose of intentional humor, from a pannist who keeps hitting people in the face with his stick to a late appearance from a dude dressed like Major Lazer. (Also, it’s directed by Atsuko Tanaka, a NY-based photographer whose clients include Martin Scorcese and Beyonce).
Why waste more words—this one needs to be seen to be believed.