Dexta Daps and D’Angel enjoy ‘Christmas a yawd’

While work might separate some entertainers from their families at Christmas, dancehall artistes D'Angel and Dexta Daps said spending Christmas at home with family is "non-negotiable".

For the international-dancehall act, Dexta Daps, traditionally, this time of the year, he keeps it "close to home".

"[I enjoy] family, food, good vibes. Christmas is one of the few times I really slow down and just enjoy the moment ... No matter how busy the year gets, Christmas is family time. That's non-negotiable for me," Dexta Daps told THE STAR.

FAMILY 'IS A MUSS'

D'Angel, who shared similar sentiments on being a 'traditional Christmas girly' said "family is a muss" for this annual Yuletide celebration, as everyone always looks forward to her signature Christmas meal.

"So it will definitely be spent with me and my family doing our traditional Christmas dinner. Worse, this year when I'm so heavily involved with my charitable initiatives for Hurricane Melissa survivors, I have to just celebrate Christmas with my family to renew that joy and peace in me," D'Angel expressed in her recent STAR interview.

"My most requested meal is my barbecue chicken so I look forward to doing that. I make the sauce from scratch and it's made with a lot a love so maybe that's what keeps my family members hooked and it being highly requested every Christmas," she laughed.

D'Angel noted that celebrating her son, Marco Dean's first Christmas, still remains one of her most memorable moments at this time of the year.

Though she said this will be a "bittersweet" Christmas for her, knowing that several Hurricane Melissa impacted families won't be sharing the same good cheers at this time, she's hopeful.

"We have life and I brought a lot of light to some of these affected residents and most are still in good spirits about this Christmas; so there is hope because my people are resilient," she said.

ANGELS FOUNDATION

D'Angel underscored that family time at Christmas and giving back annually to the children and elderly under her Angels Foundation are her "greatest joy" every year this time.

The charitable event - to be hosted today (December 23) at Spanish Town Municipal Park - will see the artiste catering to over 500 beneficiaries. She is urging anyone who can assist to offer support, as most of her products and sources who normally contribute have dwindled due to her relief activities initiatives for those ravaged by Hurricane Melissa.

And, in spite of lingering gloom over the western side of the island due to the recent category five storm, both artistes declared that 'Yawdy Christmas' still hits differently from Christmas abroad.

"It's the culture, the warmth, the music, the food. Christmas back home just feels real. Abroad is nice, but nothing beats the energy and spirit of a true yard Christmas," Dexta Daps shared.

JAMAICAN BUZZ

Expressing similar sentiments, D'Angel said "Christmas a yawd is always a plus".

"Nuh weh nuh betta dan yawd and mi don't waah deh nuh weh cold fi Christmas; suh mi always mek sure seh mi come a mi yawd. Fi Christmas, Jamaica buzzy, nuh matter weh wi a guh through, Jamaica is always the place to be. I wouldn't waah be nobody else but a Jamaican, suh mi can come home to me country," she shared with a laugh.

The Shabba Madda Pot artiste said every Christmas at home, makes new memories for him each year.

"Growing up, even when we didn't have much, the joy was always there. Those simple Christmas mornings, music playing, food cooking, everyone laughing - those moments stay with you forever," he underscored.

As they look forward to spreading love and laughter among their families and loved ones, Dexta has extended his gift this season by celebrating women through music with his recent single, Champagne. In a soothing rendition of Donny Hathaway's single - This Christmas, D'Angel said she chose to cover this track as it not only brings a "good Christmas vibe, but uplifts spirits".

"Mi just waah di song bring joy to people's homes and hearts. Regardless of everything, music is just always the avenue for people to express themselves and bring others hope," shared the Stronger artiste.

Dexta Daps said for this season and beyond, he wished for "good health and peace for my family, friends, my fans and everyone going through hard times. Once you have that, everything else can come," he expressed.

natasha.williams@gleanerjm.com