Producer recruits hot dancehall acts for EPs

Tevin Richards of Ocho Rios-based YGF (Young Generation Fraternity) Records is gearing up to release two new EPs and has recruited a slew of young dancehall artistes to be part of the project.

Shenseea, Deep Jahi, Devin Di Dakta, Vershon, and African dancehall artiste Shatta Wale have all been listed among the fresh talent to make appearances on the compilations. The EPs will be called Gifted and Growth, and will consist of six songs each.

Digital copies of both EPs will be released in April.

Producers releasing EPs is an approach that has been bested by those in the international sphere, particularly DJ Khaled, but Richards believes that if local producers try their hand at something similar, they may be just as successful as their international counterparts.

"It will take time, months of work, and the right people to make it a high-quality production. However, you have to trust the process and trust your work," he said.

"Internationally producers have been releasing albums and EPs, and it is time we get with the times and work assiduously to cement our legacy."

Based on the reactions garnered from the listening sessions for both EPs, Richards believes that the project is hit-bound, and is hoping that music lovers will throw their support behind it.

"Well, the response is overwhelming. Our music has reached beyond our expectations and into new platforms. The first release was Shenseea and Shatta Wale's single The Way I Move, which will be followed by a music video. That song debuted on the reggae iTunes chart at number 35, and then a week later, moved to number three on Zojak's weekly sales and streaming charts," he said.

Deep Jahi is also featured on Richards' project, and the producer believes the compilation will serve as a form of reintroduction of the artiste, who, he says has matured since winning Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall.

"The Gifted EP is all about reintroducing Deep Jahi to the industry as a grown artiste in the business. Over the years, he has been releasing hits and making [himself] a household name, but now is the time to take him mainstream," he said.