OLDIES SUNDAY: Nahki – Original Ninja (1989)

Happy Oldies Sunday! In our last post, we highlighted Artists who were influenced by Caribbean music, and today is no different. The country that our next Artist originates from has a longstanding music history with Jamaica, and the relationship is still strong today. For today’s selection, we head over to Japan to check out Nahki’s “Original Ninja“.

Produced by King Jammys and released through Jammy’s Records in 1989, Nahki stepped out with a single that helped to introduce the world to Japanese Dancehall. Heavily influenced by Jamaica, Nahki adopted Patois, and delivered with a melody and stance like he was one of the top Dancehall acts in those times. A lover of Reggae music since the 70s, it was a chance meeting with Reggae/Dancehall Icon Sugar Minott that gave him a chance to hone his skills, and make solid bonds with fellow Artists and Producers in Japan, and Jamaica. “Original Ninja” was a hit for Nahki, and the track was featured on his debut album, “Baddest Japanese” that was released in 1990.

Since the release of “Original Ninja”, Nahki went on to release a few more albums, scored more hits, maintained “Reggae Japansplash” which he helped to start in 1985, and etched his place in the history books. He is widely regarded as a pioneer in Japanese Dancehall, an Ambassador for Dancehall & Reggae, and he helped to influence generations of talent from Japan. “Original Ninja” is still recognized today along with many of Nahki’s releases.