London-based, hand-made crochet label Knots & Vibes was born from a love of dancehall music and inspired by travels around the Caribbean. Since its inception in 2016, its founder Luci Wilden’s aim has been to dismantle the common view that Jamaican Dancehall demeans and objectifies women, exploring how female artists and dancers continuously push back against the inherent patriarchal system.
In celebration of the culture and its women, Knots & Vibes have created a short film, GYAL TIME, emphasising the athleticism and skill of female Dancehall dancers; how they refuse to be passive objects and instead, embrace and command their sexuality. Today, Dancehall should be considered a feminist movement.
Historically, women have been told how to behave and how to cater to men’s sexual desires, all while ignoring their own. Jamaica’s Dancehall culture creates a space for women to feel empowered by expressing their sexuality, free of judgement.
Luci Wilden of Knots & Vibes
“Historically, women have been told how to behave and how to cater to men’s sexual desires, all while ignoring their own. Jamaica’s Dancehall culture creates a space for women to feel empowered by expressing their sexuality, free of judgement.” Says Luci. “Echo’d by Spice in her song lyrics, ‘So Mi Like It’ encourages women to take control of their sexual encounters and to satisfy their own sexual needs.”
Further explored via #FeminismInDancehall , Knots & Vibes invite those who are opposed to the genre to see things from a different perspective, bringing attention to the ways in which female artists and dancers refuse to be oppressed and assert their dominance as they navigate the male-dominated space.
Keep up to date with Knots & Vibes via Instagram, and watch the full video of GYAL TIME below.
PRODUCTION & DIRECTION: Luci Wilden
VIDEO & DIRECTION: Daniel Gemsa
DANCERS: @missroseuk @zimonelove @kenzzzzzzza
CLOTHING: Knots & Vibes
FOOTWEAR: K-Swiss + Fila
TRACK: Spice – So Mi Like It (VP Records)
SUPPORT & SPECIAL THANKS: @ShabbaParty & @VPRecords