Prolific hit-making producer DJ Mario C, best known for producing hits like Tease Har by Anthony B, Breast Specialist by Vybz Kartel, Back it Up by Beenie Man and Can’t Get Enough by singer D Major, is back on the music scene.

However, this time, he has thrown his muscles behind a new reggae band called Mesh Marina. Fronted by 20-year-old Waterhouse based singer Shennell, the band comprises Curley (keyboard), Jeremy (bass), Xavier (guitar), Shawn (drums), Pierre (keyboard) and Kierra (harmonies).

“Mesh Marina delivers modern commercial reggae that blends authentic Jamaican roots with pop, hip-hop and afrobeats influences, creating radio-friendly songs designed for both global streaming and powerful live band performances,” said Mario C.

Mario C explained how he got involved with the band.

“It was never my intention to unretire from the music industry but after attending a few events early last year and noticing not a single reggae song was played in prime time, meaning when the party was in full swing, I decided this cannot continue,” he said.

“I may have produced and contributed to dancehall but as a Jamaican citizen I am a fan of reggae and respect the genre equally. I could not stay home and allow disrespect to continue so I made a plan to create a label focused strictly on reggae and use my years of experience to play a role in the reggae revival,” Mario C reasoned.

Mesh Marina represents a new generation of Jamaican music built for both local culture and global audiences. Formed in May 2025, the band blends classic reggae rhythms with modern synth textures, global production trends, and contemporary reggae vocal flows, creating a sound that is both rooted and forward-facing.

Mesh Marina combines soulful vocal tradition with modern songwriting that reflects the experiences and emotions of today’s youth. Influenced by artistes such as Whitney Houston, Bob Marley, and Marcia Griffiths, lead vocalist Shennell brings a natural storytelling approach that connects deeply with modern listeners.

Mesh Marina was formed with a clear mission: to deliver high-quality, clean, modern reggae music at a time when the genre struggles to maintain strong youth engagement.

Its debut single, titled Joke Dem a Joke, generated more than 3 million organic views within its first month of release. The band has since built a fully organic digital presence, surpassing 100,000 Instagram followers, building a strong TikTok audience, and generating hundreds of thousands of organic YouTube views. Its music has received support from Jamaica’s leading radio station IRIE FM and organic coverage across multiple music blogs and media outlets.

With a female-led band format still rare within reggae, Mesh Marina also represents a shift in the genre’s visual and cultural narrative. Its long-term goal is to be recognised among the great reggae bands to emerge from Kingston while helping define the future of modern global reggae.

Mesh Marina is working on its debut album which is set for release in April.