Subscribe Login
Jamaica Observer
ePaper
The Edge 105 FM Radio Fyah 105 FM
Jamaica Observer
ePaper
The Edge 105 FM Radio Fyah 105 FM
    • Home
    • News
      • Latest News
      • Cartoon
      • International News
      • Central
      • North & East
      • Western
      • Environment
      • Health
      • #
    • Business
      • Business Bites
      • Social Love
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Basketball
      • Cricket
      • Horse Racing
      • World Champs
      • Commonwealth Games
      • FIFA World Cup
      • Olympics
      • #
    • Videos
    • Entertainment
      • Music
      • Movies
      • Art & Culture
      • Bookends
      • #
    • Lifestyle
      • Page2
      • Food
      • Tuesday Style
      • Food Awards
      • JOL Takes Style Out
      • Design Week JA
      • Black Friday
      • #
    • All Woman
      • Home
      • Relationships
      • Features
      • Fashion
      • Fitness
      • Rights
      • Parenting
      • Advice
      • #
    • Obits
    • Classifieds
      • Employment
      • Property
      • Motor Vehicles
      • Place an Ad
      • Obituaries
    • More
      • Games
      • Elections
      • Jobs & Careers
      • Study Centre
      • Jnr Study Centre
      • Letters
      • Columns
      • Advertorial
      • Editorial
      • Supplements
      • Webinars
    • Home
    • News
      • Latest News
      • Cartoon
      • International News
      • Central
      • North & East
      • Western
      • Environment
      • Health
      • #
    • Business
      • Business Bites
      • Social Love
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Basketball
      • Cricket
      • Horse Racing
      • World Champs
      • Commonwealth Games
      • FIFA World Cup
      • Olympics
      • #
    • Videos
    • Entertainment
      • Music
      • Movies
      • Art & Culture
      • Bookends
      • #
    • Lifestyle
      • Page2
      • Food
      • Tuesday Style
      • Food Awards
      • JOL Takes Style Out
      • Design Week JA
      • Black Friday
      • #
    • All Woman
      • Home
      • Relationships
      • Features
      • Fashion
      • Fitness
      • Rights
      • Parenting
      • Advice
      • #
    • Obits
    • Classifieds
      • Employment
      • Property
      • Motor Vehicles
      • Place an Ad
      • Obituaries
    • More
      • Games
      • Elections
      • Jobs & Careers
      • Study Centre
      • Jnr Study Centre
      • Letters
      • Columns
      • Advertorial
      • Editorial
      • Supplements
      • Webinars
  • Home
  • News
    • International News
  • Latest
  • Business
    • Business Bites
  • Cartoon
  • Games
  • Food Awards
  • Health
  • Entertainment
    • Bookends
  • Regional
  • Sports
    • Sports
    • World Cup
    • World Champs
    • Olympics
  • Videos
  • Career & Education
  • Classifieds
  • All Woman
  • Environment
  • Webinars
  • More
    • Football
    • Elections
    • Letters
    • Advertorial
    • Columns
    • Editorial
    • Supplements
  • Epaper
  • Design Week
DJ Mac-ing it!
DJ Mac.
Entertainment
June 10, 2026

DJ Mac-ing it!

Producer talks creative process, global publishing deal with Hapilos

Jamaican-based producer DJ Mac is quickly becoming one of the most influential young creatives shaping the sound of modern dancehall.

From creating charting rhythms to producing music that dominates both parties and play lists, the Kingston-born producer has built a reputation for delivering records that resonate with audiences across Jamaica and beyond.

The formula behind his growing success is rooted in a willingness to experiment while staying connected to the essence of dancehall culture.

“I kinda go for more unorthodox type of sounds; sounds that people aren’t necessarily using in the space,” the producer, born Jason McDowell, explained. “I try to keep everything mixed with an old style, but a new style… anything that can be played in dancehall, anything that can be played in the parties. Especially being a DJ, I know what keeps the crowd moving, I know what people want to hear and what keeps the people going. That’s kind of what drives my inspiration going into a studio session, whether I’m choosing a beat or creating one.”

That approach has already produced impressive results. In 2025, DJ Mac and co-producer CrashDummy released the highly successful WYFL rhythm, a project that dominated both mainstream and underground music circles while charting on the US iTunes Reggae Songs Chart. The rhythm quickly became a cultural phenomenon, attracting more than 200 recordings from artistes within months of its release and cementing its place as one of the largest juggling projects in dancehall history.

The success of projects like WYFL has helped establish DJ Mac as one of the most-sought-after producers of his generation. However, as his catalogue continues to expand internationally, he understands that creating great music is only part of building a sustainable career.

To strengthen the business side of his growing brand, DJ Mac inked a global publishing deal with Hapilos Publishing, covering his full catalogue and future works. Leveraging the global infrastructure of Sony Music Publishing, the world’s largest publisher, Hapilos Publishing has fast become the leading publisher in the reggae and dancehall space. The deal allows Hapilos Publishing to administer DJ Mac’s catalogue, including securing placements, licensing opportunities, and handling royalty collections and copyright protection worldwide.

According to DJ Mac, the decision to work with Hapilos Publishing was based on trust, transparency, and the company’s proven track record of looking after creators.

“Hapilos being my publisher is definitely something I would recommend. I’ve recommended it to other people as well, because I feel like it’s a straightforward process,” he said. “They make sure to notify you on anything you release, even works that were released before. They’re on time and on point with the management of your songs. They pay on time, you get your statements, and everything is clear and straightforward. It’s an easy process to use and something I would highly recommend.”

As the music industry continues to evolve, publishing has become an increasingly important component of an artiste or producer’s career. Beyond collecting royalties, effective publishing administration helps creators maximise earnings, secure synchronisation opportunities, protect intellectual property, and ensure their work is properly represented around the world.

For DJ Mac, the partnership represents another important step in a journey that began with a passion for music and a desire to create sounds that connect with people. With an expanding catalogue, growing international recognition, and a strong publishing partner behind him, the producer is positioning himself for even greater success on the global stage.

{"xml":"xml"}{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
img img
0 Comments · Make a comment

ALSO ON JAMAICA OBSERVER

World sees second hottest May as Europe faces ‘new normal’—EU monitor
International News, Latest News
World sees second hottest May as Europe faces ‘new normal’—EU monitor
June 9, 2026
PARIS, France(AFP)—The world experienced its second-hottest May on record, with Europe baking under an unusually early heatwave as climate extremes be...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Somalia backs referee after he is denied entry to US
International News, Latest News
Somalia backs referee after he is denied entry to US
June 9, 2026
MOGADISHU, Somalia (AFP)—Somalia on Tuesday defended award-winning referee Omar Artan after he was denied entry to the United States and prevented fro...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Bill Gates faces questioning in US Congress over Epstein ties
International News, Latest News
Bill Gates faces questioning in US Congress over Epstein ties
June 9, 2026
WASHINGTON, United States (AFP)—Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates was set to face questioning Wednesday from US lawmakers over his relationship with lat...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
US teen Karmelo Anthony gets 35 years after conviction in stabbing death
International News, Latest News
US teen Karmelo Anthony gets 35 years after conviction in stabbing death
June 9, 2026
Texas teen Karmelo Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison Tuesday, just hours after being found guilty of murder in the death of a fellow high sc...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
WATCH: ‘We not leaving Parottee’
Latest News, News, Videos
WATCH: ‘We not leaving Parottee’
Residents of hurricane-ravaged seaside community respond to Gov’t relocation plan
June 9, 2026
ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica—Some residents of the Hurricane Melissa ravaged seaside community of Parottee are adamant that they will not leave the area foll...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Purkiss sounds alarm over falling cruise passenger arrivals
Latest News, News
Purkiss sounds alarm over falling cruise passenger arrivals
June 9, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Opposition Spokesperson on Tourism and Linkages Andrea Purkiss has accused Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett of remaining “completely...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
US Congress approves $70 billion for Trump immigration crackdown
International News, Latest News
US Congress approves $70 billion for Trump immigration crackdown
June 9, 2026
WASHINGTON, United States (AFP)—The United States (US) Congress on Tuesday passed a $70 billion bill funding President Donald Trump's hardline immigra...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Catherine Hall Health Centre reopens following Hurricane Melissa closure
Latest News, News
Catherine Hall Health Centre reopens following Hurricane Melissa closure
June 9, 2026
ST JAMES, Jamaica— The Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) has announced the reopening of the Catherine Hall Health Centre in St James following ...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
❮ ❯

Polls

HOUSE RULES

  1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper; email addresses will not be published.
  2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.
  3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.
  4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.
  5. Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.
  6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.
  7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy

Recent Posts

Archives

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Tweets

Polls

Recent Posts

Archives

Logo Jamaica Observer
Breaking news from the premier Jamaican newspaper, the Jamaica Observer. Follow Jamaican news online for free and stay informed on what's happening in the Caribbean
Featured Tags
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Health
  • Auto
  • Business
  • Letters
  • Page2
  • Football
Categories
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Page2
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Page2
Ads
img
Jamaica Observer, © All Rights Reserved
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • RSS Feeds
  • Feedback
  • Privacy Policy
  • Editorial Code of Conduct