Konshens

As soon an artiste gains to prominence, groupies are expected to follow in their numbers.

A groupie should not be confused with a regular fan. Most times, groupies follow celebrities, even on tours or to shows, in the hope of having some form of intimate or sexual relationship with them.

The things they do vary in degree but are not usually things that are likely to harm the artistes they love. But, maybe this is just the case in Jamaica where the 'groupie culture' is not as big.

'Yellow hair strike'

Elephant Man

Elephant Man says he has been getting his share of groupie love from as early as the "yellow hair strike" and he was riding his scooter, which was complemented by the ring he was wearing over his gloves.

"From dem time deh yuh find seh di likkle girl dem start get wild. To me, di groupies dem, big dem up still 'cause a dem kinda boost we career. Yuh haffi be somebody important fi di groupies dem see yuh. Dem mek yuh know how hot yuh is," Elephant Man told The STAR.

He said these women do many weird things from pulling off his clothes to attempting to jump through his car window. Most of them, he said, are willing to do almost anything to get his attention.

Kevin, from the group Voicemail, said most of the groupies are very blatant and tell artistes whether they just want pictures or sexual intercourse. However, he denied accepting sexual offers.

Nonetheless, Kevin said groupies in Jamaica do not behave as extreme as they do in other countries. But, he said he does have a problem with most of them, as he does not believe they think before they act.

"They just do without thinking and they do things that are pretty embarrassing sometimes. As an artiste, you try not to react in a harsh way," Kevin told The STAR.

But, one of dance hall's high-flying newcomers, Konshens, said he has problems with groupies. He said the things they do are quite common and nothing to be alarmed about.

"Mi get a whole heap a text message, a whole heap a weh-dem- waan-do-to-me text

but nothing outside the norm," said Konshens.

But, groupies should not be limited to only women or only wanting sexual favours.

Both sexes

Spice

Dancehall artiste Spice said she has groupies from both sexes. However, most of the groupies she encounters are overseas.

Although they are excited to see her, Spice said she prefers to be treated as their equal.

"One thing I don't really like is when they treat me differently. I like to be treated just like everybody else. When they act crazy over me, I am annoyed by it," said Spice.