African people worldwide (African, African American, African Caribbean etc) have an identifiable sense of style and beauty. Strong, bright colours, one-a-way fashions, heavy accessories and jewellery and a more frank use of the body.

When viewed from a European perspective built on Chanels little black dress and Christian piety, this can appear, tasteless, gaudy and even slack. This has led many of the more Eurocentric of African people, particularly those who don't like the term African but prefer black or people of colour, to distance themselves from these values. Just as they deny their ability to dance or play sports, won't eat chicken and praise Shakespeare at any opportunity.

However, when viewed from an African perspective built on wonderful textiles, natural strong colours, innovative use of decoration and an openness about the body across the continent, it suddenly becomes normal.

For centuries we have been educated to look at ourselves through white tinted spectacles. Our women are too big, their backsides are ugly as with Sara Baatman, the so-called Hottentot Venus. Our skin is too dark, our hair too nappy, our features not refined.

We must challenge European values. Trying to ammend them only reinforces the belief that they are universal when in fact they are merely parochial values that apply to less than 20% of the worlds population. An ethnic minority.

 I chose dancehall fashion as an area to work in because it celebrates African cultural values and challenges European domination in a natural way. The average turfite may not realise the traditions of their dress in the way that a follower of roots music makes a political statement with their red, gold, green and black. However, they continue to wear the styles and fashions, not slavishly copying vogue as in so many other genres. This shows a natural continuum of African culture and illustrates its strength.

What is more important is the influence that is made on the European mainstream via the impact of reggae via such genres as hip hop, r'n'b, rave, jungle and UK garage we have seen changes not only in music but also in style. The bottom has become desirable, bright colours are everywhere, the body has been released so it can enjoy the dancefloor, decoration has gone beyond mere jewellery and accessories are now integral to looks.

This is the strength of the dancehall.