Reggae & Dancehall Music Latest News May 2012

Dancehall veteran artist Ninja Man, recently released from jail and back to his music business, said in a recent press statement that “Reggae/Dancehall music is dead. As a matter of fact it is holding on to a tiny string ”

Because of all this Ninja Man said he is looking to start a movement of contemporary Dancehall artists to build on the legacy of the late reggae legend Bob Marley.

“A hip-hop or R&B artiste can release one single and earn millions. We on the other hand make numerous albums and barely earn a cent,” Ninja said. “We are doing something wrong. We can’t expect to do the same things and get different results. No longer are artistes concentrating on carrying on the legacy that Bob Marley left.”

Ninja Man, whose real name is Desmond Ballentine, along with his son, Janiel Ballentine, were granted bail after spending 3 years in jail on a murder charge. His trial date is set for July 16.

The official soundtrack for Marley, the first official documentary on the life and work of Reggae icon, Bob Marley has scored again and just recently topped the U.S. Billboard Reggae charts.I

It all happened last week following its official release on April 16, four days prior to the film’s North American premiere. The 24 track, two-disc set features many of Marley’s songs that play throughout the film but also never before heard recording from the Reggae legend and it also features live performances of his classic songs.

Earlier this week, Cash Money Records co-founder, Birdman announced that his label has now signed We The Best Music Group under their imprint, making Mavado an affiliate of the Young Money Cash Money Billionaires (YMCMB) .

According to Mavado’s manager, Julian Jones-Griffiths, he and the Gully God have been aware of this deal for quite some time, even before the singjay signed with We The Best Music Group and believes that the deal will be beneficial for all parties involved.

Also Mr David Brooks just landed a major role in Shottas 2 which began filming last Friday.

The movie is the sequel to the 2002 urban classic Shottas, which starred Ky-Mani Marley, in the flick Biggs,  Carlton ‘Spragga Benz’ Grant and Munair Zacca. David Brooks aka Mavado began filming on April 20. The 2002 flick had a cult following long before its 2006 American debut. Mavado played a a gangster in American rapper Drake’s video Find Your Love, last year.

British shoe manufacturer Clarks has finally  teamed with Reggae label Trojan Records to celebrate the 40th anniversary of its Originals Desert Trek brand and its role in Jamaican culture.

Clarks will use the song Let Your Yeah Be Yeah by ska group, the Pioneers as part of its official campaign.

Trojan, established in Britain during the mid-1960s by Jamaican Lee Gopthal, owns rights to the song. Tokimonsta, Mighty Crown, Riva Starr and Toddla T — have been commissioned by Clarks to produce songs exclusively for download on its Originals Desert Trek in July.

Also short films featuring artists wearing Clarks shoes are on the making. Clarks shoes have been popular in Jamaica for decades.

Kartel’s hit song Clarks is one of the latest song paying tribute to the UK shoe line.