Booty-shaking duo Ophelia Pierce and Kerry-Ann Hamilton, known as the Famous Mother & Daughter, have been dancing their way to success.
The duo, who were highlighted by THE WEEKEND STAR in April, made a name for themselves by performing at wakes. Their dance moves and fake derrieres made them a hit. Now they are busy promoting various events including parties, clubs, round robins, and the occasional fish fry. They are even getting prepared to perform in a music video by dancehall artiste Movac, featuring a track that is aptly titled Big Bumpa. They view this as another step in solidifying their presence in the entertainment world.
“Our thing gone beyond the dead yard scene. Any event at all people want us to come, we will come and make it entertaining,” Hamilton said. “A me name ‘Bring the vibes’ and this is next to original,” she added with a playful shake of her booty. Currently, the duo seeks out business by walking the streets of Old Harbour, St Catherine, their home base, in full costume. This is a definite conversation starter.
“At a first glance, people might think it’s real and a when them look again they might say ‘Hey it not real’ and start ask what we are doing,” Hamilton explained. “At that point, we give them a flier or tell them about the event that we are promoting at the time.” Pierce, who was introduced to the art of performance by her daughter, expressed joy at their growing popularity.
“As we reach in a the set-up, everybody was so excited. Mi never know say a so people love we!” she said. Their newfound fame has changed how others perceive them.
“Some a them want to know is what in there but we can’t tell them wi secret,” she laughed, embracing the playful nature of their act. They said that their venture has strengthened their bond while providing extra income outside of their day jobs.
“We have become very popular and everybody know we,” Hamilton shared.
Hamilton, who is the driving force behind their unique performances, said it all began when her dad, an entertainer known as Jungle Street Fire Dancer, was having a birthday party, and the woman who was supposed to perform for him with the big booty never showed up.
“So me and another woman say we ago put a little costume and do a thing,” she said. This spontaneous decision ignited a spark in Hamilton. Returning to her community in Old Harbour, she realised that she was onto something special.
“Mi seh, alright mi a go a road with it now!” she exclaimed. The enthusiastic response from her community solidified her belief in the idea.
“Everybody start look and a take pictures. Everybody a laugh. Mi say ‘No man, this is a good thing’, and so we continue and start go everybody set-up,” she explained. Hamilton advised aspiring creatives to do whatever their minds tell them.
“Don’t put it off, go at it. And, if you can’t afford it, make your mom, dad or somebody to support you,” Hamilton said. “There is someone that will support you when you try.”
Looking ahead, both women are open to the endless possibilities their newfound fame offers.
“Well, as I said, it’s in my genes. And from mi younger me and mi mother deh a party, a long time we a do road,” Hamilton said. Pierce nodded in agreement, adding, “If God say 10 more year inna it, a 10 more year we a do.”
