Shabba Ranks is in Jamaica

The ‘Dancehall Emperor’ Shabba Ranks whose real name is Rexton Rawlston Fernando Gordon has touched down in Jamaica, ahead of an anticipated appearance in Arnett Gardens.

The acclaimed artiste known for his significant contributions to Dancehall and Reggae, landed at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay on Wednesday, ready to honour one of Reggae’s pioneers, Beverly Kelso.

Claude ‘Big Stone’ Sinclair, the event’s promoter, alongside businessman George Phang, is at the helm of organizing the birthday festivities for Kelso, a key figure in the formation of the legendary Wailers. The celebration, marking Kelso’s contribution to Reggae, is scheduled for April 14 at the intersection of Septimus and Thompson streets.

“Yes, Shabba is here… George Phang spoke to Shabba personally and he flew into the island via Montego Bay for the show on Sunday” Big Stone told Observer Online.

Shabba Ranks, a two-time Reggae Grammy awardee, is set to make a special guest appearance at the event, celebrating Kelso’s legacy in the music industry. Despite never having met Kelso, Shabba is keen to acknowledge her pivotal role in the genre’s history.

This move from Shabba who hails from Seaview Gardens which is not far from Arnett Gardens underscores the respect and admiration that transcends generations in the Reggae community.

The Grammy-winning artiste, who brought dancehall to the global forefront while with Epic Records, continues to be an influential figure to many in the music world. Not only has he achieved critical acclaim with his albums ‘As Raw as Ever’ and ‘X-tra Naked,’ but his track ‘Dem Bow’ is also credited with laying the groundwork for the Reggaeton genre.

So far no Image nor video has surfaced online of Shabba‘s latest arrival on the island, he is also yet to publicly talk about his return to the island which is usually a spectacle.