5 Questions With Boom Boom

For more than 30 years, Boom Boom, also known as World Boom and Billboard Selector, has been at the centre of some of dancehall’s biggest moments. Whether behind the turntables, in front of a crowd, or building his own events into cultural institutions, the veteran selector has remained one of the dancehall community’s most recognisable figures. Away from the spotlight, however, Boom Boom’s greatest passion remains creating opportunities for others. Through Boom Sundays and his continued support of dancers, selectors, and young artistes, he has helped transform the Grants Pen community into a space where culture thrives, attracting patrons from across Jamaica and around the world.

“Mi always loyal to people weh loyal to dancehall. When yuh see people leave violence behind and come together because of the music and the energy that dancehall brings with it, dat mean everything. When tourists can come a place like Grants Pen fi witness the culture and feel safe, enjoy themselves, and experience the culture, that is one of my greatest joys,” Boom Boom, whose real name is Marlon Wizzard, shared.

As dancehall continues to evolve and reach new audiences, and as a Magnum brand ambassador, Boom Boom believes the responsibility of those who helped build the culture is to protect its foundation while making room for the next generation to flourish. In this week’s 5 Questions With, he reflects on his journey and why he believes that the best of dancehall is still to come.

1. How did your upbringing shape the person and selector you are today?

Mi left from mi mother’s house in Brook Valley (in Duhaney Park) from I was three weeks old, to Grants Pen Avenue where mi grow wid mi grandmother, and she was a real people person. Growing up around her teach mi how to connect with people and treat everybody with the same respect. Music was always around me too. Growing up in the Grants Pen community, mi get fi link up wid dancehall artiste Kibaki and reggae artiste Singing Sweet, who really introduce me [to] the music. Also, mi uncle used to own a sound system name Invaders. One day, him pull out a few records, and tell me fi try spin them. So, from that day till now, mi just fall in love wid the music.

2. You have been a major force in dancehall for more than 30 years and have worn many hats in the industry, from selector to promoter and now, brand ambassador for Magnum. Which role has challenged you the most, and why?

Honestly, becoming a brand ambassador has been the biggest challenge. It comes with a different level of responsibility because yuh haffi carry yuhself a certain way. More time inna dancehall, or inna business overall, people always ah test yuh or try draw yuh out, but yuh haffi know how fi keep yuh composure and stay focused pon the bigger picture. Fi represent brands like Magnum Tonic Wine is a blessing, and I know it will challenge mi every day in the best way fi lead by example while still staying true to who I am and the culture mi ah represent for.

3. If you weren’t a selector, what would you be doing?

If I wasn’t a selector, I would be playing football because I used to do well in that sport. Mi win Manning Cup fi Dunoon [Park] Technical in 1998, also Olivier Shield and Walker Cup. At this age, mi woulda likely retired but would consider becoming a football coach to share my knowledge and expertise with the young ballers.

4. A Taste of Sumfest 2026 marked a major shift with the event being staged as a one-night festival at Plantation Cove in St Ann. What was your overall assessment of this year’s festival experience?

The whole show did feel like a movie. From the moment mi step pon stage to the official announcement of me being named Magnum’s newest brand ambassador, everything just connect – the dancers, the energy, and the response from the crowd. It wasn’t just Jamaica watching either ... people from overseas were locked in. Although it was just one night, it was a great night for dancehall because the artistes come out and do dem thing, and people were entertained. The platform also give mi the opportunity to celebrate artistes like Vybz Kartel and Mavado and, fi me, their performance show the strength and unity of dancehall that we, as veterans, are trying to encourage. Overall, the production was on another level.

5. You’ve always been passionate about supporting the next generation. What excites you most about today’s artistes, and what advice would you give to young people hoping to build a career in dancehall?

What excites me most is seeing the younger generation take dancehall to places where they never even dream they would go. Dem a travel the world, reach new audiences with collaborations, and show people seh Jamaican music ... dancehall music ... have no limits. Mi love how dem a grow, mi love that fi dem, and mi just want them stay outta trouble and remain focused. Respect the people who come before yuh, keep working pon yuh craft, and never stop believing in yuhself. Big up everybody inna dancehall and trap dancehall as well, because we all have a role fi play in carrying the culture forward.

Brawta: What or where next for Boom Boom?

Sky is the limit. Fi di summer, people can catch me every week at Boom Sundays, Magnum Uptown Mondays, and Boasy Tuesday, and this Saturday, mi deh ah Dream Weekend. After that, more events overseas with stops in Guyana, Canada, and the US. The journey never stops.

entertainment@gleanerjm.com