Michigan and Smiley – “Nice Up the Dance” (Mixed by The Scientist)

“Nice Up the Dance” stands as one of the most iconic songs in Jamaican dancehall history, performed by the dynamic duo Michigan and Smiley and given extra sonic depth through the expert mixing of The Scientist. Originally recorded in the late 1970s at Studio One Studio, the track perfectly captures the transition from the roots reggae era into the emerging dancehall sound that would soon dominate Jamaican music.

Michigan (Anthony Fairclough) and Smiley (Erroll Bennett) brought a playful, lyrical style to the microphone—trading verses filled with energy, humor, and street wisdom. Their chemistry helped define the singjay style, blending melodic singing with rhythmic toasting. Backed by the legendary Studio one band, the song’s rhythm track pulses with heavy basslines, crisp drumming, and tight guitar chops that epitomized the sound of Kingston during that era.

Behind the mixing board was Hopeton Brown, better known as The Scientist, one of dub’s most innovative engineers. His mixing of “Nice Up the Dance” added signature touches—echoes, reverbs, and spatial depth—that gave the tune a larger-than-life quality. His dub sensibility elevated the track beyond a standard dancehall record, transforming it into a vibrant soundscape that continues to resonate through decades of reggae evolution.

“Nice Up the Dance” remains a timeless anthem celebrating unity, upliftment, and the joy of the Jamaican dancehall experience. With Michigan and Smiley’s infectious vocal interplay and The Scientist’s visionary mixing, the song stands as a milestone in reggae and dancehall history—proof of how creativity and collaboration can “nice up” any session.