subject: Jamaican Leaders Exchange [print this page] The Alliance was formed in 2005 by iconic Dancehall artist Bounty Killer and it initially consisted of him and close friends as the heavyweights. These included Busy Signal, Wayne Marshall, Bling Dawg, Mavado and Vybz Kartel. Mavados own Gully Squad is part of the crew. Popular singer Serani and his production label DASECA is also part of the crew. Alliance now comprises of the core members and many Jamaican Dancehall artists who chose to affiliate themselves with the popular brand.
Vybz Kartel later left after a heated dispute with fellow members. Shortly after disbanding from Bounty Killas Alliance group, Vybz Kartel (born Adidja Azim Palmer aka Addi Di Teacha) formed his own alliance of artists called the Portmore Empire. The idea to form the new group sprouted from an effort to develop the talents of a group of artistes in order to propel them to successful careers in the music business.
According to Kartel: Portmore Empire is about a group of artists coming together for the betterment of music, a musical unit covering artists, selectors, cassette man, everybody. Its origin is in Portmore, but it nuh limited, Kartel explained. He continued, A my brain child, Addi a di Emperor fi di Empire, but each artiste have their own individual career outside of the empire. Some of the artists who are a part of the Portmore
Empire are Avalanche, Nuclear, Deva Bratt, Sean Storm, Black Rhino, Omeil from Spanish Town, who Kartel hails as the first lady of the Portmore Empire, and Likkle Danger, another artist from Spanish Town. Members of the Portmore Empire feel that such an alliance will help to boost their careers in many ways. Deva Bratt says, the Portmore Empires plan is to help our careers. Is just a matter of time before people know what is really going on and see the real talent, because wi have a variety of style, every artiste have their own style in di empire. The music business now is like a group ting, form an organisation and work together.
The war of words has continued to suffocate dancehall music in Jamaica. The constant couteractions between each group s artists has led to some violence and causualties. Many believe this years Sting clash built up between Bounty Killa and Vybz Kartel will once and for all end the fued and claim victor to the Alliance. However Vybz Empire click will not be easy work. The lyrically empowered artist is no walk in the park.
