Dance crazes have always been part of popular culture. As long ago as 1934, the first Oscar for Best Original Song went to The Continental. It accompanied a dance of the same name performed by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in the film musical, The Gay Divorcee.
The Jive, Twist, Pony, Watusi, Shake, Loco-Motion and Bunny Hop are just a few of the dances which proved popular during what has become known as the rock era. The latest craze is the TZ Anthem dance as originally performed by Detroit rappers Zay Hilfigerrr and Zayion McCall in the video for their smash hit single, JuJu on That Beat (TZ Anthem).
“The dance choreography was just like the song lyrics,” smiled 16-year-old Zay, real name Tyjuan Peoples. “I didn’t write the lyrics, I just freestyled the words over the beat from a song called Knuck If You Buck by Crime Mob featuring Lil’ Scrappy. It was the same with the dance moves. I just freestyled them rather than having any planned choreography.”
Surprisingly, it was neither Zay nor Zayion who spread the word about their TZ dance. The boys were contacted by Detroit-based entertainers Fresh The Clownsss who wanted to make their own version of the video.
“They came up with the idea of the TZ Anthem challenge,” Zayion explained. “We were happy to go along with this. Quite a few songs had become popular in recent years after sparking Internet dance crazes so we thought Fresh The Clownsss might create some interest. But I’d be lying if I said we thought everything would explode as it has done.”
Race also played a part in JuJu on That Beat becoming so popular. The controversy began when high school junior, Hannah Talliere, a white girl, was videoed by her best friend, a black girl, brilliantly performing the TZ dance moves. The video was posted on Twitter and retweeted around 200,000 times prompting thousands of copycat videos. The problem was Hannah’s colour. White people were not supposed to be able to dance so well.
“I had no problem with her doing the dance,” Zay insisted. “I’m a person who loves positive energy and dancing. I like that everyone has fun. No matter what race you are, if you do the TZ Anthem, you are my best friend in my book.”
Despite these words, Zay felt the need to create what he suggested was an advanced version of the TZ dance. A new video was posted on his Twitter account of Zay and his black female friend, Kiki, performing a variation on the original movements. It was accompanied by the message: “Y’all White Girls Killed It But This Is How It’s Really Done. The Creator Of The Dance & Song.”
If Zay simply wanted to choreograph a new version then that’s fine. But his post seems to indicate displeasure that white girls could perform the original TZ dance so well and he had to come up with something which he hoped they couldn’t emulate.
The popularity of the dance and song caught the attention of major labels. Zay and Zayion inked a deal with Atlantic Records.
“Signing that contract meant the world to me,” smiled 17-year-old Zayion, real name James McCall. “My main goal in life is to make my mom and siblings smile. I always wanted to be able to wake up every day and know they are not stressing over the life they lead.
“I’ve created my own tracks and remixed songs by other artists always hoping for a label to offer a record deal. I put out my own mixtape, Cold War, in April. But meeting Zay a few weeks later has changed my life.
“Working with him on JuJu on That Beat made my dream come true. I’ve been given the opportunity to take care of my family. But the money from JuJu has to be just the beginning. I’ve got to create a lot more songs that people want to hear.”
Zayion’s words are certainly true. The boys must now develop a body of work which does not depend upon a linked dance craze for popularity. They seem to have the talent to succeed but only time will tell.

IN BRIEF
Mos Def

It’s difficult to know which name to use when referring to the man born Dante Smith. As a child actor, he was billed as Dante Beze. In later life, he was Black Dante and Yasiin Bey but is best known by the moniker of Mos Def.
Now 42, his music career began in 1994 as part of the trio UTD. He has also been in the duo Black Star and recorded collaborative tracks with numerous artists. His solo work has been widely acclaimed and seen him named among the top 50 MCs of all time.
But Mos, or Yasiin, also has a habit of sailing close to the wind on legal issues. After outstaying the limit of his tourist visa, he was arrested last January while attempting to leave South Africa on a world passport.
Along with most countries, South Africa does not recognise this as a legal travel document. These passports are issued by the World Service Authority, an organization set up in America after World War II to advocate for world citizenship.
Charges were brought which could have seen Mos serving time in jail. But he has now apologised unreservedly to the government of South Africa and been allowed to leave the country. However, he has been declared an undesirable person and would not be granted re-entry.
He has announced his retirement from music and acting on at least two occasions but these legal problems are sure to have eaten into his bank balance. It would be no surprise if Mos Def’s fifth studio album, his first solo work since 2009’s The Ecstatic, were to be released some time next year.

Kanye West

There has been yet more bizarre behaviour from Kanye West. He was recently supposed to perform a concert in Sacramento, California. The show lasted for three songs.
Rather than continue his performance, Kanye took the opportunity to give the baffled audience his opinion of Beyonce and Jay-Z.
He criticised Beyonce’s reported refusal to perform at the American Music Awards unless she was given the Video of the Year prize. Kanye stressed he was not dissing Beyonce but that making such a demand over his own videos and Drake’s video for Hotline Bling was not cool. His criticism of Jay-Z surrounded him not returning Kanye’s phone call.
Why Kanye didn’t use the broadcast, written or social media to make his point was open to question. So too was his reason for not continuing the Sacramento concert after addressing the crowd. Audience members had their ticket money refunded but received nothing for their ruined evening. Kanye also cancelled the rest of his concert tour.
No reason was given at the time. But Kanye was subsequently hospitalised with mental issues in what was described as being for his own health and safety.
Beyonce did not perform at the American Music Awards. Her Formation World Tour was named Tour of the Year but she lost out to Rihanna for Favourite Soul/R&B Artist and Favourite Soul/R&B Album.
Video of the Year was Justin Bieber’s Sorry. He and Drake were the big winners each taking home four awards.

Bruce Springsteen/Diana Ross

Music stars Bruce Springsteen and Diana Ross were among the final recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom awards bestowed by outgoing US President Obama.
The award was established in 1963 by President Kennedy. It replaced the Medal of Freedom which was created by President Truman in 1945 to honour civilian service during World War II.
The Presidential Medal is officially awarded for “an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or significant public or private endeavours.”
President Obama has awarded far more Medals than his predecessors. Joining Bruce and Diana were popular actors Tom Hanks, Robert Redford and Robert DeNiro. The President must have wanted a star-studded final ceremony.