IT has been nine years since Aidonia first made headlines in the dancehall with gun-toting songs like Bad People, Fraid A We and From Dem Dis.

But two years ago, the deejay changed his tune and, according to him, turned his attention to the ladies. That change of sound has resulted in well-received songs such as Six Thirty, Tan Tuddy, Fi Di Jockey and Bruki.

Although his hardcore songs endeared him to a dancehall audience, mainstream success eluded him.

“I’ve done uplifting, cultural songs and disc jocks paid them no mind but a jus’ life. I’ve been paying more attention to my ladies because they have been my reason for reaching this far in the business,” said Aidonia.

For the remainder of this year, he says the focus will not only be on ‘his ladies’ but artistes in his JOP camp.

“I’m in the studio with my artistes, co-producing and recording on a new culture rhythm called Rise of a King. Artistes like Deablo, Tanso, Size10, Jayds, Onton and ShowKyrme have been given a task to record a song about what is happening around them, how they view the state of the country and its affairs and jus’ life overall,” he said.

Aidonia, 33, also addressed the current state of dancehall music, which has taken a beating in recent years with the incarceration of Buju Banton and Vybz Kartel. Several artistes have also been linked to violent incidents.

“What wi need in dancehall now is jus’ love and unity amongst the crews and camps. That is all wi need and wi good!”

— Simone Morgan