The big hype of Jamaican music in various parts of the world is always fascinating. Many diverse manifestations of the musical nexus of Jamaican music always bring its charm. This also happens in Southeast Asia, something worth observing.

The Jamaican sound scene in the Philippines has produced many talented musicians who have played a role in the Jamaican sound realm in Southeast Asia. One of the active figures is CoolieDread, a producer from the city of Cebu. Currently, he is promoting new talents from his country as well as bringing back many of the music veterans there into one “music family” from the Philippines.

James D’Lonsod, his full name, started his music career in 1998. Starting as a drummer for the band HERBS. With the group, he produced an LP which was released in 2002. He is also known as a professional film sound director. He formed CoolieDread and the Microphone Commanders (CDMC) in mid-2005 after HERBS was no longer active. Together with CDMC he spread dancehall in the Philippines. Even CDMC shined in a music competition there, “Motorola Rock’moto” in 2006.

In 2009, a special invitation from one of the local reggae celebrities, Jr. Kilat, to join his tour as a sampling DJ. Since then until now, CoolieDread has been actively producing tracks and beats for Jr.Kilat’s sound. Both of them have represented the Philippines in the “Shanghai World Expo” in 2010 in Shanghai – China. Apart from these names, CoolieDread has also worked on several projects, including collaborations with Cattski, Gaucho, Milagros Dancehall Collective, Lady-I.

He also gave birth to Skank and Groove Records in 2010. This musical imprint amplify the production for CDMC, ArchieMan, JCOY, TYO aka Uncle Skank, Jaz, Michal Garcia (Canada), Johnson Levi (France), Martin Buchanan (UK & Jamaica) and DoRock (Japan).

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(Keyko, Sam)