By Kevin J
MUCH hasn’t been heard from 1990s dancehall deejay Mega Banton in recent times. But fans should brace themselves, as he is getting ready to drop not one, but two albums.
“I have one album completed so far which is called Journey in Motion. It comprises roots-reggae music and it is being released by Greensphere Music in California,” Banton told Jamaica Observer.
Another album, which contains mostly dancehall material, is also coming out this year.
“The fans have been longing for some new material, and we’re giving them something to remember,” said Banton.
While the second album is a work in progress, Banton said that fans can expect some of the hardcore dancehall music that made him a household name in the 1990s.
Born Garth Williams, he was attending the St Andrew Technical High School in Kingston when the music bug bit him. It was through his friend, deejay Ricky General, he was introduced to Maurice “Jack Scorpio” Johnson, principal of Black Scorpio label.
He scored a number of hits including 1993’s Sound Boy Killing, which topped local charts; Wrong or Right; Glamarous; Tell a Gal Chill; Name A Mention; and First Position.
Sound Boy Killing was later remixed and became a hit on the Billboard charts in 1994 where it peaked at number 92 on the Hot R&B Hip Hop Songs chart and Top 20 on the Dance Music Maxi Singles chart.
He signed with VP Records and the label released his debut album, First Position. He also released albums including New Year, New Style, and 1 Million Mega Watts for the Sony label, Relativity Records.
In the late 1990s, he teamed with veteran singer Leroy Smart for the hit Want It All.
He scored a top 10 hit in 2004 when he teamed with deejay Delly Ranks for Pon Di Corner produced by Free Willy label.
These days, Mega Banton resides between Jamaica and California in the US.
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