Dane Nelson continues to make his mark in the music industry
Dane “Warrior Chief” Nelson, former many-time Jamaican champion jockey, feels the musical aspect of his profession has continued to blossom and has the potential to be really successful.
Nelson, the owner of Warrior Chief Productions, which he founded in 2011, recently signed a new artist, Garfield “G7” Reid, who has received a lot of notice for his tracks.
G7, Nelson’s uncle, has already released singles including Love Yuh Right Now, Gimmi, Dem a Devil, Me Like It, Gorilla Glue, and Life Changes, which have been getting a lot of attention in the market thus far.
“My artist G7 is doing really well. He is all over social media and making waves in the industry with his distinct brand of deejaying, which is real dancehall,” Nelson told the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.
“His lyrics differ. He has excellent innovative writing talents and produces high-quality content. I’m enjoying his singles, Me Like It and Gorilla Glue. These are two excellent tracks. Production is progressing well.
“I did take a break from producing for about eight years because I was more focused on my riding career, but since I started back, the label has been doing well. I have to give it up for my uncle G7 because he was the one who told me to start producing again,” the bustling rider further said.
In 2015, Nelson debuted his ‘riddim-riding’ skills on the track Jah Show Me A Sign. The single featured deejays Nashinal (given name Jahmeel Morgan) and Boom Boom (given name Marlon Wizard). Nelson said he wrote Jah Show Me A Sign based on his personal experiences.
Nelson has also produced established acts including Konshens, Mad Cobra, and Macka Diamond.
“It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to achieve your goal. Success only comes with hard work, and I will continue to do the hard work as I want to continue to excel both in my music and riding careers,” Nelson said.
In his riding career, which began in 2002, Nelson has ridden over 1,200 winners locally, winning four championships. Nelson has also won two jockeys’ championships on the international riding circuit in 2023 at Century Mile and Century Downs.
Nelson, since riding in North America in 2015, has ridden 392 winners, 354 seconds, and 326 thirds from 2,058 mounts while earning CAN$4,465,223. Nelson’s victories included the 2017 Northlands Park Canadian Derby aboard Double Bear. Nelson won five races at Santa Rosa Park in Trinidad and Tobago.
“I can’t complain, as my riding career has been very good. I have won so many races and so many big races as well as classic races. I was born into horse racing, and I have a very successful career as well.
“I must thank everyone for their continuous support and guidance over the years. Without the support and belief from all connections — owners, trainers, fellow riders, grooms, and fans — I wouldn’t have achieved what I have accomplished so far in my career,” Nelson said.