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From veteran reggae artist Everton Blender to US-based band Bonafide, to performing at the Bob Marley Tribute Concert, award-winning and multi-platinum-certified South African reggae star Don Dada has a long-standing relationship with Jamaica. He has just been revealed as the opening act for the Pretoria edition of Sean Paul’s SA tour next month.
The significance of the opportunity
What makes the Sean Paul moment even more special for Don Dada is the pride with which he carries this name, as it has very strong Jamaican ties. The name is symbolic of his respect for the pioneers of the genre that has embraced him, an appreciation of Jamaican culture and a responsibility to carry that legacy forward while creating his own African identity within the genre.
“Sharing a platform with Sean Paul is significant because it brings together two musical cultures that have a natural connection. Jamaica gave the world reggae and dancehall, while South Africa has its own rich musical heritage, rhythms, stories and creative energy,” he says.
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While Don Dada has worked with global artists in the past, Sean Paul is arguably in a league of his own and has shared stages with an exceptional calibre of artists. This is an exciting time for the musician who describes this as one of the most significant and defining moments in his career. Sean Paul is a global phenomenon whose contribution to dancehall and ability to take Jamaican music into international markets is something he finds admirable.
“Having performed alongside artists such as Beenie Man and having experienced the Jamaican music fraternity first-hand, I understand the significance of these platforms. But I never take any opportunity for granted. Every stage is an opportunity to represent, to connect and to leave an impression,” Don Dada says.
This moment, therefore, is bigger than him, as he views it as an opportunity to amplify visibility for SA reggae and dancehall. He carries it with honour, sharing his intention to utilise the platform to encourage international collaboration by demonstrating SA artists’ capability to stand confidently on the same global platforms as the world's established performers.
“My responsibility is to represent Africa authentically, honour the Jamaican foundation of the music and continue building bridges between our cultures.”
He is not just going to SunBet Arena to perform on 4 December. Don Dada is going to represent Mzansi’s musical identity and the growing African reggae and dancehall movement so that audiences can leave with an understanding of SA artists' ability to deliver a world-class show.
Respect for Jamaican artistry
Don Dada describes opening for Sean Paul as an opportunity that is both exciting and a natural progression of a journey that has been unfolding for many years.
“In 2019, I had the honour of performing in Kingston at the Bob Marley 74th Earthstrong Celebration, under the theme Catch A Fire, at the legendary Bob Marley Museum, 56 Hope Road,” Don Dada reflects.
While this was a significant career stride, Don Dada is equally grateful for the work he has done with Capleton, Koffee, Lutan Fyah, Naomi Cowan, Nadine Sutherland, Nois Heavyweight Rockaz and other Jamaican artists.
The musician traces his name’s roots to the late Louie Rankin, whom he describes as one of that country’s most distinctive cultural icons. The departed artist was affectionately known as the Original Jamaican Don Dada.
“My journey with the name began when I was a teenager. I watched the movie Belly, and Louie Rankin's character, his commanding presence, his confidence and his larger-than-life personality made a lasting impression on me. He was more than an actor; he embodied a certain attitude, individuality and fearless approach to life,” he shares.
So inspired was he by the performance that he adopted the name, which later evolved into his artistic identity. When his icon passed away in 2019, Don Dada felt a personal responsibility to honour the man who had unknowingly played a significant role in shaping this identity.
“I reached out to his brother, Steadman Ford, to express my condolences, and that connection inspired me to write, record and produce a tribute song titled DON DADA in honour of Louie's life and legacy.”
To this day, Don Dada is still in contact with the family.
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