Shawn Baptiste, founder and managing director of CIGA Records, has positioned his company to further expand the reach and impact of Jamaican music.
At a launch event atop the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Thursday, March 16, Baptiste outlined his company’s vision and detailed his current projects.
Operating as a talent agency and record label, CIGA Records was established in Jamaica to add value to the local music industry by bringing authentic reggae and dancehall acts into larger markets.
Baptiste contends that “discipline and organization are important. A focused and unifying approach can move our music to expand our global reach and influence.”
In a room filled with industry players, CIGA Records unveiled the video for Beenie Man’s single Caribbean Boyz. The video was shot on location in Jamaica and St. Croix and directed by Stevie Bernard. It provides a picturesque view of Caribbean locations as dancehall music, dance, and vibes are expressed in unique ways in various territories.
The Caribbean Boyz Link Up Music Project, anchored by the title track and corresponding music video, features singles from Alaine, Yaksta, Bounty Killa, Beres Hammond, Sizzla, Elephant Man, Natural Blacks, and dancehall’s newest sensation Valiant.
Shawn Baptiste, also known as CIGA, is a national of St. Croix in the U. S. Virgin Islands. He is a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, horse racing enthusiast, and an avid lover of reggae music. It is this love and appreciation for the genre, coupled with the invaluable encouragement from legendary stalwart Beres Hammond that birthed CIGA Records.
His natural business acumen has seen him owning and operating several successful businesses across varying industries. Consequently, Baptise is poised to elevate reggae and dancehall music to new heights and new markets.
Losing no time, CIGA Records signed management deals with the internationally acclaimed dancehall star Beenie Man and popular phenom Shane-O. Further, he is actively expanding the Jamaica-based company offerings including the pending launch of his clothing line under the Caribbean Boyz brand.
