Shawn Baptiste, founder and managing director of CIGA Records, has positioned his company to further expand the reach and impact of Jamaican music.
At a launch event atop the Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Thursday, March 16, Baptiste outlined his company's vision and detailed his current projects.
Operating as a talent agency and record label, CIGA Records was established in Jamaica to add value to the local music industry by bringing authentic reggae and dancehall acts into larger markets.
Baptiste contends that, "Discipline and organisation are important. A focused and unifying approach can move our music to expand our global reach and influence."
In a room filled with industry players, CIGA Records unveiled the video for Beenie Man's single Caribbean Boyz.
The video was shot on location in Jamaica and St Croix and directed by Stevie Bernard.
The Caribbean Boyz Link Up Music Project, anchored by the title track and corresponding music video, features singles from Yaksta, Bounty Killa, Beres Hammond, Sizzla, Elephant Man, Natural Blacks, and dancehall's newest sensation Valiant.
A national of St Croix in the US Virgin Islands, Baptiste indicates that he has had a long and loving relationship with reggae and dancehall, coupled with the invaluable encouragement from legendary stalwarts Beres Hammond and Charlie Wilson. His natural business acumen has seen him owning and operating several successful businesses across varying industries.
Losing no time, CIGA Records signed management deals with the internationally acclaimed dancehall star Beenie Man and popular phenom Shane O. Further, he is actively expanding the Jamaican-based company's offerings, including the pending launch of his clothing line under the Caribbean Boyz brand.
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