Duttyology is the latest landmark in the rise of Sean Paul and the dancehall sound he has popularised across the globe. This jam-packed DVD gives an insight into the musical traditions that spawned this phenomenon and the hectic world he now inhabits.

Sean Paul has come a long way in a short time. Ten years ago he was most famous in his homeland as a member of the national water polo squad. Today he is a leading force in Jamaican music and a massive influence on American hip hop artists. Sean's skill lies in his ability to fuse the best elements of both genres producing a new and exciting crossover sound that is firmly rooted in the dancehall traditions of his youth.

At nearly hours two long, Duttyology is crammed with previously unseen footage, a full live concert and the making of his most famous videos. Sean Paul appears as a relatively down to earth figure whose music is his number one priority. Instead of the usual celebrity entourage composed of sycophants and groupies, he surrounds himself with friends who were by his side when Baby Girl gave him his first hit single back in 1996.

The self-styled Dutty Cup Crew all share a love of Jamaican music and lifestyle which shines through in their exuberant chats to the camera. Rehearsals resemble house parties and national colours feature heavily in their attire. During the footage of the Summfest reggae festival singer Cecile shares the stage with Sean dressed in an outrageous black, yellow and green spider-web dress which leaves little to the imagination. Jamaican national pride is a pervasive and upbeat force brought on by the people's shared enjoyment of the music, the wonderful weather and their chilled out approach to life.

The behind the scenes footage provides the most revealing moments. Since the release of the massively successful album, Dutty Rock, Sean Paul has come to occupy pop pin-up status plastered across the walls of everyone from teenyboppers to discerning dancehall aficionados. It is a relief to witness the raw energy and talent at the root of his success. Dancehall legend Beenie Man makes an appearance dressed in a ridiculous red and white silk suit embossed with gold marijuana leaves declaring his love and respect for this young pretender to his chart throne.

All of Sean's classic videos are there including the reggae influenced I'm Still In Love With You which features the talents of the lovely Sasha and, of course, the anthemic Gimme the Light which succeeded in bringing the sounds of dancehall to an international audience. Countless remixes later it remains a classic example of the bass heavy beats that epitomise the Sean Paul sound.

Duttyology is a must for lovers of Sean Paul and Jamaican music alike. It tells his story in his own words and is packed with top tunes and concert footage that will make audiences across the globe get busy and want to shake their thang in true Sean Paul style. Essential musical viewing.

share:  Facebook | Digg | del.icio.us | more

Mercury Prize 2009 nominees