Popcaan shows support for new PNP contender Danishka Williams at rally

By Toni-Ann Latty

Popcaan and Danishka Williams
Popcaan and Danishka Williams. Photo via Instagram.

Dancehall superstar Popcaan brought his influence to Danishka Williams’ campaign, the People’s National Party (PNP) candidate for South West St. Ann.

Williams, a first-time political contender, is the daughter of well-known businessman Danhai Williams. The 31-year-old marketer and communications specialist was formally introduced by Opposition Leader Mark Golding at a vibrant rally held in Cave Valley on January 19.

The event drew a large crowd to the rural town, where Popcaan arrived in a motorcade that heightened the already charged atmosphere. Joining him were fellow dancehall artists Chronic Law, Jahvillani, and others, adding star power and stage-show-quality performances to the candidate presentation rally.

The evening featured electrifying performances by the lineup of artists, though it was not without incident. During Chronic Law’s set, a brief disruption occurred when the deejay used expletives on stage. Popcaan swiftly intervened, diffusing the situation by calling it “an apologize moment” and ensuring the show proceeded smoothly.

Williams’ presentation in South West St. Ann comes at a time of increased involvement by local entertainers in Jamaican politics. This follows Vybz Kartel’s earlier endorsement of attorney-at-law Isat Buchanan, who will represent the PNP in the Portland Eastern division in the next general election, constitutionally due by September 2025. The deejay had attended the 86th annual PNP conference in September wearing an orange handkerchief over his face and joined the attorney on stage.

Buchanan was a key member of the artist’s legal defense team as he sought redress last year. In July 2024, Vybz Kartel and his co-appellants were freed by the Court of Appeal after spending 13 years in prison.

As Williams embarks on her campaign journey to unseat the Jamaica Labour Party’s Zavia Mayne, she gains momentum with the show of support from Popcaan and others. Mayne, an attorney-at-law currently serving his second term as member of Parliament, is also the state minister in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service.