Shabba's Rank first Japan show in almost 20 years
Shabba Ranks, the iconic face of mainstream dancehall/reggae music, will return to Japan in August 2011 for Mighty Crown's 20th Anniversary edition of Yokohama Reggae SAI, their annual stadium show that attracts tens of thousands of patrons.
Shabba's expected performance has already reportedly created a huge buzz among anxious Japanese dancehall fans. In fact, the monstrous feedback to Shabba joining the Yokohama Reggae SAI line-up is said to be unlike that of any other artiste billed for the show in the past.
Shabba's highly anticipated return to Japan is an ideal way for Mighty Crown to celebrate 20 years in the business. "We have been listening to Shabba Ranks songs for years - Shabba is by all means an icon and a very important artiste to sound systems and selectors," says Masta Simon, co-founder of Mighty Crown in a release. "We have been playing for 20 years and Shabba is an artiste that we played from day one and he is still going strong today. We had to have him on our show!"
Shabba's return to Japan is significant for many reasons. Young fans, who praise his music and his impact on reggae music and culture, will have their very first glimpse of the larger-than-life artiste. Meanwhile, the older generation of Japanese fans who remember Shabba's immense presence in Japan during the 80s and 90s, will have the grand opportunity of seeing their very favourite artiste return to their homeland for one performance only.
Fans are anxious to see Shabba after hearing about his moving surprise performance at the recent landmark 'Reggae 4 Japan' benefit concert in New York. Spending so much time in Japan during his early career and embracing Japanese people, Shabba is thrilled about his long awaited visit. Being a part of Mighty Crown's Yokohama Reggae SAI will undoubtedly help to further solidify his presence in Japan.
"Over the years, we have performed with a slew of old school artistes like Super Cat, Ninja Man, Half Pint, Barrington Levy and the energy level was good. I can't wait to perform with Shabba because I know it will be incredible," said Mighty Crown co-founder Sami T.
Currently, Shabba Ranks is enjoying the buzz of his latest single None A Dem, produced by Stephen McGregor. Shabba Ranks is one of the few artistes that maintains a 'timeless' appeal.
Over the years, Shabba has preserved his status by doing select performances and not over saturating the market. "I have developed a really good personal and business relationship with Shabba, he is a pleasure to work with and one of the few artistes that tries to preserve the true essence of Dancehall culture," said Garfield 'Chin' Bourne of Irish & Chin. "Shabba's performance in Japan will be a moment in time to remember."
Source:Jamaicanstar
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