Reservoir Media has announced a new joint venture with Jamaican artist Cordel “Skatta” Burrell and reggae/dancehall publisher Abood Music.
Through the JV, they will look to both acquire catalogues and sign and develop Jamaican artists and songwriters.
Started by Jamdown Records founder Othman Mukhlis in 2001, Abood Music is a publisher of Jamaican and international music. It has an extensive history of global hits, with more than 220 million albums sold and over 120 Jamaican clients.
Skatta, a leading artist, songwriter, producer, media celebrity and Jamaican influencer, is the creative mind behind the hit 2003 dancehall record Coolie Dance Rhythm, which Reservoir has published in the US via Abood since 2020. It earned international popularity through several influential featured samples in global hits by Pitbull, Lil Jon, Whitney Houston, Fatman Scoop, Nina Sky and more.
In the last year, Coolie Dance Rhythm has enjoyed a renaissance of its sampling, including in the Grammy-nominated After Hours by Kehlani. Recent uses have yielded 15 singles in the past 18 months, with more than 1.3 billion views across various territories.
Coolie Dance Rhythm also remains a sync staple, with more than 45 major film and television licenses, including top Hollywood films such as Zero Dark Thirty, major network television syncs such as And Just Like That and America’s Next Top Model, and global advertising campaigns.
Skatta said: “I’m excited to announce this partnership with Reservoir. This venture integrates Abood’s veteran catalogue strength with Reservoir’s frontline creative leadership and international infrastructure, ensuring Jamaican music reaches wider audiences and greater commercial heights. I particularly want to thank Rell Lafargue and Spek, who have been instrumental in supporting Coolie Dance Rhythm and driving the billion-plus views associated with its global renaissance.”
He added: “Due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, I’m also honoured to share that the first transaction of our joint venture is a substantial donation to support relief efforts. With this donation, we hope to signal our meaningful commitment not just to the creators we sign, but also to Jamaica and its people as a whole.”
Rell Lafargue, Reservoir president and chief operating officer, said: “We’re pleased to be extending our relationship with Skatta through this new venture, which will enable Reservoir, Skatta and Abood Music to be worldwide market leaders in dancehall, reggae and Jamaican music. We look forward to supporting the voices of established and developing Jamaican creators alike, as we work to amplify their artistry, expand their global reach, and continue to elevate Jamaican music on the world stage.”
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