John Bling clears the air on Black Blingaz

John Bling, one of the founders of popular dance group Black Blingaz, is refuting claims made by another dancer that he was an affiliate of their bunch.

He is referring to Omar Gayle whose wedding photographs bear a striking resemblance to entertainer LA Lewis. Gayle, who goes by the name dancer Black Blingaz, told THE STAR that he was an affiliate of Black Roses Crew and Ravers Clavers. He also stated that he is the original 'Black Blingaz'. But John Bling said the group's name was copyrighted close to two decades ago.

"This is our brand and I don't know what this guy is doing with his life every day so I can't give an account for him. I am one of the founding members of the group Black Blingaz and this guy is not affiliated or a part of the group. The group consist of six members which includes yours truly, German Bling, Marlon Bling, Migz Bling, Chris Bling and TwoLife Bling. There are other members of the group who are extended family and he is not a part of that," he said.

The veteran dancer said when he first saw the article on Gayle, he initially thought it was LA Lewis doing one of his antics, but a closer read saw the need for a clarification.

"I don't remember ever seeing that guy dance before but I remember seeing him before and he is inspired by the group. [Initially] I laugh it off and never make anything of it. However, persons started poking us with the article and asking who the guy was and when I read the article that's when it sparked my interest and the persons in the group felt bad about it because we work hard for over 20 years to build our brand and legacy and for someone else to come and take credit for it does not shine a good light on us," he added.

Gayle admitted to THE STAR that he was never a member of the group that created the hit dance move 'Tek Weh Yuh Self', but said he had danced in the same space with John Bling and the other members.

"I have this name all the day of my life but because mi have several name, I don't let names be my issue because when mi ready, mi perform as Michael Jackson. Mi and dem [Black Blingaz] never build the dance or anything but is Black Blingaz mi name and John Bling know mi is a dancer if him should tell the truth. From the 1980s mi a dance and have this name," Gayle said. John Bling stressed that his only aim is to "clarify the misinformation".

"I don't have anything bad against him or them. It is just for the credibility of our brand," John Bling said. He said that although he and his team all have separate lives and live in different countries and states, they have kept a connection throughout the years. He added that he is promoting their 'Tek Wey Yuh Self' pullovers which hit the market about two months ago. He said it is a way of "maintaining the brand's legacy".