'Never Change' goes number one in Japan

It is no exaggeration to say dancehall and reggae artiste Chino McGregor is somewhat a phenomenon in Japan.

His sophomore Japan album, Never Change, which was released last Wednesday, debuted at the number seven spot on the Japan iTunes Top Reggae album chart, and climbed to the second spot later that evening. This is ahead of Bob Marley's Legend album, which remains in the number one position on all iTunes charts with the exception of Germany - where reggae singer, Gentleman holds the number one position - and Japan.

Chino whose correct name is Daniel McGregor and is known for hits including Ruff It Up, Protected, From Mawning (for which a Japanese version was released on the new album), the newly released Before Dem Gone, Mus Come Back and others, has also been making steady moves locally.

At last week's staging of Reggae Sumfest on Dancehall night, in Catherine Hall, Montego Bay, the venue came alive to his strong, clear vocals. He performed a plethora of fan-favourites, and an ultra-sexy R&B remix of Ruff It Up which had the ladies in the venue going wild.

Another feature which created a wave of excitement throughout the venue was the emergence ofcaptain of the 'ship', Freddie McGregor, whomade a brief entry on his son's set. Then came another surprise from Chino, the lieutenant of the musical ship. When the band started playing the intro for Protected, which also features brother, and one of Jamaica's top producers, Stephen 'Di Genius' McGregor, the crowd went wild with anticipation. When Di Genius made his entrance, there were thunderous roars from the audience for the enigmatic youngster who is rarely seen outside of the studio, let alone, doing performances. The two, then went into other fan favourites including: Clap It And Drop It, Cyaa Friend Again, Naw Forgive and Cyaa Tek We Life.

"I just have to give so much thanks to the fans, both here and overseas for their support throughout the years. It's been a long journey and I want to say bless up to everyone who has been there and will be there to see my continuous musical growth," Chino said, referring to the movement of his album in Japan and the support of the crowd in Jamaica.