Stephanie Lyew—
The voice of reggae-dancehall recording artist Charly Black cannot be mistaken for any other. His signature sounds and intro style contrasts well with the sultry voice of male singer-songwriter Dasu on the newly released single Turn Back Time.
“The concept of the music is to show the unity of the world by mixing dancehall flavor, which is famous for positive high-energy, and with my own R&B style,” said Dasu. “My culture represents some of the biggest populations of the world, and I hope to be the bridge to all the communities I am from,” he continued.
Dasu has never actually visited Jamaica, but is enthused to learn more about Jamaican culture. His widespread cultural influences have exposed him to various genres of music, but he enjoys reggae music. Dasu lists Sons of Zion (New Zealand reggae band), Common Kings (cross-cultural band heavily inspired by reggae), as well as Jamaican recording artistes Samantha J and Sean Paul as some of his favorites.
Turn Back Time is marked as the first major international single for the America-born, Hong Kong-raised, Indian artiste Dasu.
Both Dasu and Charly Black collaborated with the Universal Music India Private Limited, a subsidiary of the Universal Music Group (UMG) and its Latin America’s electronic dance music and entertainment division – Aftercluv – to release both the track and associated music video late last week.
The music video, which was shot by famed international video director Rock Jacobs, received over 200,000 views on VEVO in 24 hours. The Greater Downtown Miami, Florida, area is the backdrop for the video, but the song was recorded between studios in Mumbai, New Jersey and Miami.
“Where dancehall is concerned, as a crossover single, Turn Back Time is a good look,” said Charly Black. “While we may not have the facilities that support the creation of that type of music, it can happen, especially as dancehall music is respected as one of the best musical genres by many internationally,” he added
LOVE AND HEARTBREAK
Turn Back Time is a song where the lyrics are inspired by love and heartbreak and the video reflects that, with the input of the beach party scene that displays the unbothered energy of Dasu and Charly Black.
“It was recorded with a dancehall vibe before thinking of a collaboration, but we knew we needed a dancehall artiste on the track to make it complete,” said Dasu. “Charly has the voice that brings immense energy,” he added.
This is not the first international collaboration for Charly Black; exactly one year ago, the artiste was featured on Pa Que Me Invitan by Cuban-American singer/actor Jencarlos Canela. The remix of his 2016 single Gyal You A Party Animal by Daddy Yankee and Jillionaire seemingly opened the doors for the singjay to do more work with other international acts.
“I’m just working, not necessarily paying attention to the timeline the tracks get released, as I have invested so much of my time and money to attract the international markets, and it’s good to know people reaching out now,” said Charly Black.
Charly Black is also anticipating a deal with UMG to continue production on his untitled album.
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