Acclaimed Jamaican music producer and businessman Cordel “Skatta” Burrell has inked a landmark partnership that could reshape the future of dancehall and reggae. The deal, signed with U.S.-based Reservoir Media Inc. and long-time Jamaican music publisher Abood Music, aims to acquire catalogues, develop talent, and open global doors for emerging artistes. Speaking with the Jamaica Observer, Skatta described the move as the industry breakthrough many have been waiting for.
The powerhouse venture pairs Skatta’s creative influence with Reservoir’s billion-dollar backing and Abood Music’s decades-long expertise. The goal is simple: push Jamaican music to new heights by giving young artistes and producers the same access, networks, and resources enjoyed by creators in major music markets. Skatta says the partnership directly targets the “gatekeeping” that has long slowed the progress of fresh talent. “We’re trying to break that cycle,” he stated. “Dancehall and reggae have an undeniable influence across the globe, and now we have the resources to elevate the music even further.”
Skatta’s own catalogue proves the model works. His iconic 2003 Coolie Dance rhythm — home to hits from Elephant Man, Vybz Kartel, and Ce’Cile — has enjoyed a global resurgence since being acquired by Abood Music and published in the U.S. by Reservoir. The rhythm continues to be sampled internationally, most recently appearing in Kehlani’s Grammy-nominated, gold-selling hit After Hours. With over 45 major film and TV licences under its belt, it’s a blueprint Skatta is eager to replicate for others. “This partnership has opened a lot of doors for me and given me a new zeal for music,” he said. “Now I want to push my fellow producers and artistes through that same door.”
Abood Music founder Othman Mukhlis, who has spent more than 35 years working closely with Jamaica’s music culture, says the country’s creative influence remains unmatched. For him, the joint venture is about giving Jamaican talent the recognition — and financial returns — it deserves. “With the backing of Reservoir, a major billion-dollar international company, we can take things to the next level and reconfirm ourselves as global market leaders in this genre,” he told the Observer. The partnership promises a full development pipeline: discovering talent on the ground, building their brand locally, then elevating them into global markets, labels, and film/TV opportunities.
Reservoir President and COO Rell Lafargue shared a similar sentiment, affirming the company’s excitement to deepen its connection with the island. He says the goal is to “amplify artistry, expand global reach, and continue elevating Jamaican creators on the world stage.” With major U.S. resources now strategically aligned with one of Jamaica’s most influential producers, the industry could be on the brink of a new era.
With Skatta at the helm and billion-dollar infrastructure finally behind the culture, Jamaica may be gearing up for one of its biggest global pushes yet.
