Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley ‘Still Go A Dance’

As a lover of the dancehall himself, the new riddim compilation titled “Still Go A Dance,” produced by Damian “Jr Gong” Marley, comes as no surprise.

“Singles like the title track Still Go A Dance’ by Christopher Ellis, or Capleton and Yami Bolo’s Chosen people stole audiences when they were released,” said Ronnie Tomlinson, the Jamaican-born, Brooklyn-based entertainment publicist. “Now, the entire compilation is available for purchase and streaming.

“In addition to the singles, a powerful new track by the legendary Beres Hammond titled ‘Hold Yuh Corner’ is among the compilation,” added the chief executive officer of Destine Media. “This new riddim is not the first and certainly not the last from Ghetto Youths international who has championed preserving the culture of the music through its productions.”

Tomlinson told Caribbean Life that “Still Go A Dance” is “a celebration of a culture that still heavily pervades the Jamaican landscape; dances/parties.

“As the ban on gatherings and Covid precautions are being lifted in places like Jamaica, people are slowly getting back to the vibrant and productive nightlife Jamaica is known for, which is what makes this riddim timely,” she said.

Tomlinson said Ellis’ lead single and title track on the compilation is “an ode to what the dancehall once was in Jamaica, while still embracing what it is now.

“Backed by the soulful, rootsy production that is the riddim, these sentiments of cherishing what we once had and choosing to preserve it by still participating is something many reggae dancehall fans will relate to,” she said. “Sizzla’s ‘Hail Jah’ is a beaming example of the positive, peaceful messages we have come to know him for, and Ghetto Youth International does what they do best: create platforms of authentic reggae dancehall to grow and thrive regardless of the music industry’s ebb and flow.

“’Still Go A Dance’ the riddim compilation has captured the ears and hearts of many through just singles; so you won’t want to miss out on,” Tomlinson added. “All four tracks on the compilation reflect a shared message of nostalgia and the resilience of culture not just through tone but also lyrics in one form or another.”