Tropical House looks to Asia
THE music of Jamaica has resonated globally, and in almost every country you are bound to find a reggae act.
The Asian market is not to be left out of the mix. There are several acts flying the reggae flag high including Srirajah Rockers from Thailand, Sasi the Don and The Garrison from Malaysia, Masia One from Singapore, Ras Muhammed from Indonesia, and Red I from the Philippines.
Music marketer and executive producer of the Billboard-charting series Tropical House Cruises to Jamaica, Sean “Contractor” Edwards, hopes to capitalise on the growing interest of Jamaican music in Asia.
On June 24, he is set to release Tropical House Cruises to Jamaica: The Asian Edition. The eight-track project features a mix of established acts and rising newcomers.
Edwards explained his decision to target the Asian market.
“I decided to target that particular market because of the population in Asia and the fact that it’s an untapped market. I decided to tap into this market to reach the more than one billion population including countries such as Malaysia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka,” said Edwards. “We have eight tracks on the album including collaborations with Jah Cure and Gentleman, cricketer Chris Gayle, Morgan Heritage, Capleton, rapper Redman and R&B/pop singer Jason Derulo. There is also Sasi the Don from Malaysia, King Tiger and Alistair from New York and Lady Marga MC from the United Kingdom. The new artistes we have on the project are all featured on collaborations.”
Other acts featured on the project include Backpack Shawty, Stamma Kid, Cyanide OFTM, All Star, Melodiq, 10th Wonder, and Shav A.
Producers who contributed to the project, which is to be released via Contractor Music Group, include Vertex Productions, Full Moon Records, Makonnen Blake Hannah and Gary G.
“The project will be the usual blend of traditional one drop reggae songs fused with other genres that have crossover appeal,” said Edwards.
Tropical House Cruises to Jamaica: The Reggae Collector’s Edition and Tropical Houses Cruises to Jamaica: Reloaded are among Edwards’ Billboard-charting projects which have achieved success outside of Jamaica.
