Gayle eyes big break for dancehall in Dubai

West Indies cricket legend Chris Gayle is optimistic that the recent expansion of Condor Airlines' service, which allows for code-sharing with Emirates Airline, will create significant opportunities for Jamaican artistes, particularly in the Middle East.

Now embracing his role as an entertainer, Gayle believes the enhanced travel connectivity will open doors for music video productions and live performances, giving artistes greater international exposure.

"Direct flights between Dubai and Jamaica will open opportunities for Jamaican artistes to shoot music videos in Dubai, and also make it easier for Middle Eastern promoters to bring Jamaican artistes to perform," Gayle told THE WEEKEND STAR.

Jamaica's Ministry of Tourism announced that Emirates Airline will begin taking steps this month to facilitate easier direct flights between Jamaica and Dubai through a code- share partnership with German airline Condor.

A code-share arrangement allows one airline to market and sell tickets for a flight operated by another carrier, increasing travel options for customers.

The partnership between Condor and Emirates does not necessarily mean that the Dubai-based carrier will be flying directly to Jamaica. Under the code-share, passengers flying with Emirates can book a ticket that includes a Condor-operated flight to Jamaica, even though Emirates itself does not fly directly to the island. Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Senator Delano Seiveright, described the development as an exciting time for Jamaica.

"We will now be able to tap into this very lucrative market to attract more high-value visitors," Seiveright said.

Meanwhile, Gayle said Condor's expanded service to Jamaica will foster greater cultural exchange between Kingston and Dubai.

"Definitely, tourism between the Middle East and Jamaica will increase, leading to a clearer understanding of both cultures. Jamaica can become the hub connecting the Middle East to the Caribbean," he said.

Gayle encouraged Jamaican artistes to seize the opportunity to expand their reach in the Middle East, noting that dancehall music already has a presence in Dubai.

"Reggae and dancehall are growing in Dubai. They know artistes like Sean Paul and Shaggy, and last year my reggae album, Tropical House Cruises to Jamaica, The Asian Edition, did well in the region," he shared.

Gayle also expressed his excitement about the direct flights, particularly since he hosted his first 40 Shades of Gayle event in Dubai last year.

"Now, more people can attend my party directly from Jamaica," said Gayle, who currently travels from Jamaica to London before heading to Dubai.