Savour brings back feel-good dancehall
Rising dancehall artiste Savour is making waves with his new single ' Blackboard', a vibrant homage to the golden era of '90s dancehall fused with a modern-day flavour.
"I'm a '90s baby at heart," said Savour, given name Johovan Gaynor. "Beenie Man is a living legend, and his original Blackboard was one of my favourite songs. I wanted to pay homage to that sound while introducing my own style. The horns, the melody, the energy, it's all about capturing that dancehall essence we grew up on and love."
While many new dancehall hits rely on high energy and aggressive tempos, Blackboard slows things down with an infectious, laid-back rhythm that instantly draws listeners in. The song blends authentic Jamaican expressions with a universal feel, reflecting the artiste's mission to keep the culture alive while pushing boundaries.
The creative process behind Blackboard was as organic as it was intentional.
"The idea had been in my head for a while," Savour said. "Once the beat came in, it all flowed naturally. Adding the horns felt like magic, it completed the vision."
The metaphor behind the song's title isn't lost on Jamaican listeners. In local culture, a blackboard can symbolise expression, visibility, and in some cases, romantic playfulness. But Savour's approach is tasteful and artful.
"Our women are expressive in their beauty and style," he explained. "This is just me acknowledging and admiring that."
Blackboard follows his earlier release, Milk and Honey, which introduced fans to his bold and flavourful sound. While Blackboard stands on its own, fans can expect more from the versatile artiste.
"This is just the beginning," he said. "I'm introducing myself properly now, but the journey is just getting started."
Having been mentored by industry greats like Cham, and introduced to iconic producer Dave Kelly early in his career, the Ocho Rios, St Ann-born Savour is no stranger to the inner workings of Jamaica's music elite. Yet, it's his grounding, love for the culture, and ability to connect with listeners that set him apart.
"I want people to feel a deep appreciation for the art form when they hear my music," he said. " Blackboard was made from a place of love ... for dancehall, for Jamaica, and for everyone who still believes in timeless music."