Dancehall veteran Edley Shine is turning relationship drama into musical theatre with Broken Dolly, the first single from producer DJ Jahmar’s forthcoming Book of Micah Riddim.
The track follows the exploits of a modern-day “Dolly”—Caribbean slang for a glamorous, image-conscious woman with expensive tastes and a determined pursuit of money. Shine uses his trademark wit and forceful delivery to turn the character’s troubles into a colourful dancehall story.
Its accompanying video, filmed in historic Port Royal, Jamaica, premiered with the single on August 14. The production uses local scenery and vivid characters to bring the song’s storyline to life.
Broken Dolly also launches DJ Jahmar’s first major dancehall-riddim campaign. The Arizona-based DJ and radio personality said the project is rooted in traditional Jamaican dancehall while designed for selectors, clubs and international audiences.
Edley Shine brings considerable history to the recording. As one-half of Born Jamericans, he helped push reggae and dancehall deeper into the American mainstream before launching his solo career.
The single was released by Shinealous Records and Twelve Tribes Entertainment, with distribution through Symphonic. More songs from the Book of Micah Riddim are expected to follow.
