Dancehall artiste Blak Ryno has made a powerful statement about growth and reconciliation, reuniting with his former Gaza affiliates, Vybz Kartel and Popcaan, after more than a decade of tension. The truce unfolded earlier this week, following Kartel’s headline-grabbing Unleashed interview on The Fix Podcast, where the now-freed deejay dispelled lingering animosity. Ryno, speaking exclusively with Prism Marketing Consultants, shared that the reunion happened through a video call initiated by Lisa Hype. “It was Lisa Hype who video-called me, and then Kartel and Popcaan subsequently joined. We talk bout a lot of things, cause memba a long time di whole a we nuh reason like that,” he revealed.
While Ryno remains tight-lipped about whether he will appear at the highly anticipated Freedom Street concert on New Year’s Eve, he hinted at logistical challenges preventing his return to Jamaica. “I have some challenges travelling to Jamaica at this time,” he admitted, though he encouraged fans to support the event wholeheartedly. Ryno, whose given name is Romane Anderson, is currently based in New York and focused on completing his five-track EP, Focused, slated for release in early 2025. The Bike Back deejay emphasized that he is taking a hiatus from performing to concentrate on his music. “I’m working on several new singles and want to ensure this project reflects my growth as an artiste,” he explained.
This wave of reconciliation among Gaza alumni also saw Shawn Storm and Popcaan mending fences earlier this year. After years of perceived tension fueled by diss tracks and rumours, the two embraced at Club Meca, signalling a fresh chapter in their relationship. Shawn Storm, in an interview with The Fix, clarified past misunderstandings and expressed his respect for Popcaan, a move that resonated with fans and industry insiders alike.
As Blak Ryno reflects on his reunion with Kartel and Popcaan, he likened the moment to Kartel’s renewed bond with Bounty Killer. “Kartel was my mentor even before officially meeting him, and it’s an honour to know that Ryno and Kartel can link up back just like him [Kartel] and Bounty,” he shared. While questions linger about whether the Freedom Street concert will feature more surprise reunions, Ryno’s focus remains on delivering fresh music to his loyal fanbase. With old wounds healing and new projects on the horizon, the deejay is proving that in dancehall, unity and evolution go hand in hand.
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