Ninja Man meets Dominic, Ft. Clarence Beach (1988)

‪@LeoOReggio‬
​ Facebook: everoreggio
I filmed this at Ft. Clarence Beach, Hellshire, St. Catherine, which was one of the most popular venues for stage shows in the 80s.
Desmond John Ballentine (born January 24, 1966), better known as Ninjaman, and sometimes as Don Gorgon is a popular Jamaican dancehall deejay and actor, known for his controversial and pro-gun lyrics and his stuttering and melodramatic style. In 2017, he received a life sentence for murder.
Born in Annotto Bay, Jamaica, Ballentine moved to Kingston at the age of 12. He launched his deejay career with the Black Culture Sound System at age 14 as "Double Ugly". In 1980, he joined the Killamanjaro sound system, where he got the chance to learn from established deejays Super Cat and Early B and released his debut single as "Uglyman". Yet another name change made him the now, well-known Ninjaman. In 1987, Ninjaman recorded - and produced himself - his first hit single "Protection", a duet with Courtney Melody. The following years brought many prolific collaborations with producers like King Jammy, Lloyd "Pickout" Dennis, Witty, Xterminator, Philip "Fatis" Burrell, Redman, Ini Kamoze, Bobby Digital, Augustus "Gussie" Clarke, and Steely & Clevie and Henry "Junjo" Lawes. It has been said that Ninjaman comes up with all of his lyrics on the spot in the recording studio, in a freestyle manner.
His hits over the years 1989-1992, like "Border Clash," "Murder Dem", "Permit to Bury" and "Above the Law" reinforced Ninjaman's image of a violent rude boy. One of his most infamous rivalries (besides the ongoing quarrels with Flourgon and Super Cat) was the one with Shabba Ranks, leading to a number of clashes.
In 1993, criticism of Ninjaman's violent and pro-gun lyrics arose, leading to a decline in performing gigs and chances to record.
By 1997, Ninjaman had changed his name once again, now performing gospel reggae songs as "Brother Desmond". He sought help to fight his crack cocaine addiction in born-again Christianity.
In March 2009, Ninjaman, along with his son Janiel, was arrested and charged in connection with the murder of Ricardo Johnson on Marl Road, Kingston, Jamaica. He was granted bail for the sum of JD$2,000,000 in March 2012 and was scheduled to appear in court on 15 July 2012. At least 58 jurors were needed for the start of the trial but only 15 showed up. The trial was rescheduled to start in April 2015 but was again postponed and rescheduled to start in January 2016.
In 2015 he parted ways with Downsound Records and opened his own Picture Frame Studio on Blackwood Terrace in Kingston.
On November 20, 2017, Ninjaman and his co-accused were found guilty of the 2009 murder of Ricardo Johnson. On December 18, 2017, Ballentine was sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 25 years.
Dominic Kenny aka Dominic is an English vocalist and music journalist from London. He started writing about reggae music and Jamaican culture circa 1980 and contributed articles to Zigzag, Black Echoes, and NME. In the mid-1980s he relocated to Jamaica and became a Dancehall songwriter and vocalist.
Most people think of Snow as the first Caucasian male dancehall artist. Little do they know that prior to Snow there was Johnny Nice and even before Johnny there was Dominick.
Dominick, a British journalist turned deejay, got his start in the Jamaican dancehall thanks to veteran artist Peter Metro, whom he met during a performance Metro gave at Brixton Academy. Metro invited Dominick to come to Jamaica if he wanted to “buss” after Dominic told Peter that he was a deejay. It took Dominick a couple years to take Metro up on his offer but he eventually did. One of his most memorable tunes was “ Cockney & Yardie,” penned with Metro.

[@deanpagon143]

Look from where dancehall coming from to the crap we are bombarded with nowadays. Pure niceness back then. Riddims sweet, artistes on point, women sweet. If I could step back in time, I would in a split of a second.

[@punanny123]

You're 100% correct. You could listen to DJs or dance with a woman all night, much better riddims overall. I grew up listening to Dennis Brown, Sugar Minott, Gregory, Don Carlos etc and many other big time singers would pass through a dance and sing a couple of tunes. If I could go back in time I would be in a Sturgav dance - Uroy, Josey/ Charlie with Inspector Willie as selector.

[@robertcamble3543]

@@punanny123 Str8 niceness back then Yard gone to the dogs now.

[@NoBody-xx6ii]

Facts

[@lilbaby4PF]

These nursery rhymes are nothing compared to todays levels, stop work with nostalgia and listen to the youths, lots of good new artist out right now

[@anthonywashington4065]

@@lilbaby4PF u a madman put these idiots nowadays on a stage with real artists and dem haffe run because Dem no have no lyrics ah pure pumpum talk Dem know

[@chimneyhudson316]

As a Jamaican that was born in 1999. It's amazing to see what it was like 11 years before my birth

[@survivingsicklecell1732]

I was born in 1988, so amazing to see this is 34 yrs old.... We love you ninja man, and da white boy deh bad nuh blows n skirt

[@rosewhite9468]

Dominic, he is an English reggae legend whose been around since the 80's b 4 Snow

[@GS-bx8xw]

I'm from PTY 🇵🇦 .and we always respect those who taught us about this musical genre and it was because many Jamaicans emigrated to Panama, in the construction of the Panama Canal (1910) and had descendants (Panama-Jamaicans.) In this exchange, eventually adopted many of their culture, such as music, clothes, food like Fish escovitch, Run Dun, Jerk Chicken, patties, coconut drops etc very delicious 🤤🤤. My Godmother' mama was from Kingston Jamaica, many panamenians as me, grow up with this great culture Bless up and Big respect bredass 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇵🇦🇵🇦🇵🇦

[@sankofa669]

You remember El General from panama?

[@GS-bx8xw]

@@sankofa669 yes of course bro, little Lenny thaught him how to sing with jamaican flow in the song named to pum pum, We are clear in this and the connection with jamaican producers like Karl Miller, Patrick Roberts , Dennise "the Menace" Halliburton. We made pure Dancehall like Jamaican icons artist s, not reguetón as puertoricans, they use almost the same riddim for years like Poco Man Jam riddim from the best producers for me Steve and Clevie 👇🏼 kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2ebnmmgett7q7M We interviewed the producer Denisse The Menace on December 2021 and he explained about the connection Panama-Jamaica on early 90's Here the interview, he spoke about the connection with panamenians artists and for who was made the riddim of the song Pounder Steele & Bobo General and Ellos Benia of Nando BOOM 👇🏼 kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6jZpmdrf6aGl6Mm29s Bless up and Big Respect🇵🇦🇯🇲✌🏼

[@axelaguilar1283]

@@sankofa669 the mom of El General is Jamaican and father is Panamenian

[@GS-bx8xw]

@@axelaguilar1283 that's correct, also Nando Bóom (Fernando Brown), Calito Soul and many others artists from Panama in the 80's and 90's

[@katiasampson2144]

🇵🇦 I have the same background I love the Jamaican culture!

[@patrickkelly9110]

Respect Dominic , lot of balls to go to Jamaica and link up with metro media I think it was and hold his own on the mic with those born to it . Nowadays some might call it cultural appropriation but we call it vibes !

[@xmrsuperx]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@4play49]

Patrick I call it cultural appreciation

[@negroantonio28]

@@4play49 so rappers calling themselves Italian & Jewish mafia & Mobster names like Beanie Segel, Gotti, Gucci mane & RZA calling his group WU Tang Clan is also culture appropriation.. or is it just ok for black folks to take from other cultures.

[@4play49]

@@negroantonio28 I said cultural appreciation re read my comment bro some say appropriation I say APPRECIATION I assume you misunderstood me bruva

[@negroantonio28]

@@4play49 ahh ok...my bad I need glasses...lol

[@mannyrasco6007]

Respect again Big Daddy. I’ve always appreciated how much the people love Ninja. Son of Jamaica!

[@LeoOReggio]

No doubt, Manny. Stay safe.

[@punanny123]

1987/ 1988 the peak of DJs on sound systems, Dominic - Metromedia/ Ninja man - Killermanjaro, Miss those days for real as DJs would get their training on sound systems before graduating to stage shows and recording studio.

[@AtommHD]

1988 and the quality is 2022 standard. I remember Boy George Dominic haha.. Great times and Dominic was on point.. Great upload.

[@LeoOReggio]

Thanks, Atumm. Stay safe.

[@DancehallUnbiasedReviews]

I’m here for the outfits our parents wore to Dancehall .Sad to see Ninja in his current situation, he’s a true dancehall treasure !

[@videshsammyakalittleapache1701]

@k c sadly because he is the best clash dj ever

[@mrbakklesworldwidesinger4370]

Ninja was the fireball

[@akumba]

Yeah Fi real Demonic update bro

[@creativequeen8371]

Bahahaha. I'm one of those "parents". It is hilarious looking back. And the hairstyles. Loved those days lool.

[@iriereggaevibes1553]

These were the times when dance was dance ..🎶🎵🎵🎼🎼🎶🎤🎤🎤

[@JasonWalkerJamaica]

Respect Dominic fi go Jamaica and do so well! As for Ninja Man, One of the greatest GOATS in Dancehall!

[@seonlawrence875]

And we na talk Billy Goat dwl

[@veryfinepeopleonbothsidesb62]

Nobody done it Like Ninja Man in His days. If U remember, every dance the man touch was pandemonium; the Younger Generation just forget about Him!

[@rankingtrevor]

That's what father time brings with it....only memories for those that remember. One day today's "stars" will be less than a footnote in history

[@judahandtheasantetribe4life]

Big up Ninja & Dominic. Two of the baddest deejays. Dancehall is for all. No division. Nah watch no skin complexion.

[@papajahko7121]

👏👏👏👏👏 Mista Asante ! 😎

[@sinaolowoake8142]

Yes Judah mi Teacher

[@judahandtheasantetribe4life]

@@papajahko7121 yea mon. Respect

[@judahandtheasantetribe4life]

@@sinaolowoake8142 big up mi bredren.

[@GS-bx8xw]

Right, I'm from PTY 🇵🇦 .and we always respect those who taught us about this musical genre and it was because many Jamaicans emigrated to Panama, in the construction of the Panama Canal (1910) and had descendants (Panama-Jamaicans.) In this exchange, eventually adopted many of their culture, such as music, clothes, food like Fish escovitch, Run Dun, Jerk Chicken, patties, coconut drops etc Bless up and respect bredass 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇵🇦🇵🇦🇵🇦

[@nicknicolaides4815]

Dominic you smashed it

[@KirvPas]

🔥🔥🔥🔥 Good times Dancehall music 🎶🎶🎶 Respect Dominic and ninja man

[@leonramsay21]

Peter Metro linked up with Dominic and made him into a dancehall legend.

[@devonjohnson6554]

See how stage show did sweet in those times, big up di boggie man Barry G, one of the best MC'S of that time.big up Ninja man n Dominic

[@Bobby-np9bb]

Jah Jah look how graceful our women dressed back in the days

[@LeoOReggio]

Indeed, Bobby. Stay safe.

[@sincere1487]

Untouchable Ninja Man

[@kevinreese8224]

I’m a big Metro Peter and Lone Ranger fan but I enjoyed these two DJs for over 35 years - I still play them all and enjoy it like back in the day 👍🏾

[@ratswilliams8950]

Bwoy ninja man a one the best Jamaica ever see. Love my respect man

[@goodtobecaring4035]

Respect Dominic! Man yu nuh easy at all!

[@nats2956]

That was about 34 years ago; the patrons at the dance is now in their 50s and older if not deceased.

[@rikkiejohnson9134]

this brings back memories, I was at this event...first stage show I ever went to...here looking to see I got 'captured' in the footage, I was near the stage...back when one could go out and enjoy a show without much fear of violence

[@markferguson3477]

You wasn't at this show, stop lying

[@rikkiejohnson9134]

@@markferguson3477 I was at the show...why would I lie...I am 57 now my cousins came down from England at the time and we went...were you there??? if not shut the hell up

[@andreaknight2199]

Me to!

[@cramcrams7741]

I was 12yrs old and still gyallis today. This is some real history . Seem l ke only who feels it knows it. Keep Jah peace and high standard my people. Bless

[@alfredspicer3697]

Respect respect you guys bring back memories of the stage show at fort Clarence beach in port more, I went to many stage shows in fort Clarence

[@LeoOReggio]

Give thanks, Alfred. Stay safe, stay subscribed.

[@qrs3658]

That guy had some wicked tunes but it funny how he don't get much recognition. I wonder where he at now..... he just dissapeared from the dancehall scene

[@donovanwilliams29]

Based in England, but came to do shows in Jamaica

[@josediez2129]

I was there as one of the bartender 😂

[@lieutenantdunbar5073]

A bar tuff you mean 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@doogs8355]

Seriously?

[@bigcee3856]

Free up ninja.. Big up Dominic the original bad bwoy a foreign. Thanks for a legendary video 🙏❤️💯

[@LeoOReggio]

My pleasure, Big Cee. Stay safe.

[@papajahko7121]

Gonna haffi try find my old C60 cassette tapes I made back in the early 80’s toasting on my Sound !……..only knew Dominic from his work with Black Echoes ! Keep schooling me Leo 🤜🤛🏾 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇯🇲

[@LeoOReggio]

Nostalgic, Papa. When I think of how many of my 80s videotapes I have lost along the way, and what I still have and seem unable to access, my head hurts. I still have many tapes I am hoping I can digitize. Pray for me.

[@papajahko7121]

@@LeoOReggio Every day big guy ! 🙏

[@leonramsay21]

Those were the good old days.

[@DJWizmuzk]

👏👏🔥🔥🔥👍 love the work, nuff respect

[@LeoOReggio]

Appreciated, stay safe.

[@Gnosis639]

Dominic talking about the cop Edward Byrne who was killed in Queens 88 on orders from Fat Cat and Pappy Mason... It's crazy how that moment in time had such an impact from the States to Yard. Big respect for recording and preserving these jewels bredren.. BIG respect.

[@LeoOReggio]

Give thanks, Louis. Stay safe, stay subscribed.

[@OfficialGorillaMan]

Yeah for real. Thank you for posting.😊

[@MrDresnypa]

Was saying the same thing, my pops was telling me about the impact that had in Queens N Brooklyn after that. Pappy you to chill with the yard man dem plus who wore locs so do yard man felt the aftermath.

[@donovanwilliams29]

@@MrDresnypa The stereotypes were strong back then with Jamaicans wearing big rope and link chains and driving Mercedes Benz 190E and 300E BMW 318 and 325 Nissan Maxima square body 86-88 Toyota Cressida square body 85-88 Police just think Jamaicans were drug dealers then

[@pansytom6890]

Best yes nija

[@lorrainebailey7304]

😂❤️😂😂😂😂😂😂😂❤️❤️love the vibes Dominic bad no bomboclaat ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jimboj460]

Ninjaman one of the greatest ever

[@jinxprince9304]

Pure vibes!!

[@buenafro]

I think this is the first footage of Dominic i've in my life. Thanks

[@mykalgb8643]

Dominic was doing very good as deejay when he started out....The big bad Ninja Man in 1988...where is he now in 2022

[@LeoOReggio]

Asking about Ninja or Dominic?

[@cameronos]

Such a shame Dominic only released two albums!! What a legend

[@garnettshand2383]

The greatest DJ out of Jamaica

[@jaymillz5587]

'Who say Dominic favor Boy George' 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥was the 1st time I heard Dominic, The Don Gargon is always 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@PepeHerman]

Classic era of music

[@art83islife]

I have goosebumps serious goosebumps

[@jr.rasentertainment4074]

Ninja Man too wicked!😮😮😀😁👍🔥🔥🇻🇺🇻🇺🇻🇺

[@curlylocs515]

WOW!

[@mrbakklesworldwidesinger4370]

This man was invited to Jamaica by a major Jamaican artist. And became a force till today in the Jamaican dancehall Buisness. But thousand of black Jamaican Artists could not even get the Elusive Jamaican buss in their own island sad.

[@gokolink]

Its simply the novelty factor of being a white dancehall artist. Not much to do with race.

[@mrbakklesworldwidesinger4370]

@@gokolink your opinion

[@donovanwilliams29]

Dominic come from England tho Nuff nuff Jamaicans are there

[@mrbakklesworldwidesinger4370]

@@donovanwilliams29 nuff Jamaican are everywhere in the world bro every island and continent

[@donovanwilliams29]

@@mrbakklesworldwidesinger4370 I know that already making connection with artists come from England to Jamaica to do stageshow

[@Jardin2111]

Great footage, look like some nice days

[@dazzlin4life]

I always wanted see what this guy looks like. Respect. Big up Dominic!!

[@sinceunati]

He don't favor Boy George! Haha

[@geniusinnovations5268]

Tan good 😂😂😂😂😂

[@braunstar11]

love your videos...thanks for that!!! ❤️

[@LeoOReggio]

Thanks for watching! Stay safe.

[@julian75hall]

The past was classic Reggae music BUT the future is Trap rap/Trap Reggae dance hall music weather you like it or not.

[@LeoOReggio]

Time is the master, Julian. Stay safe.

[@landomartini2003]

It's a bunch of bullshiters and bate- bwoys!! Nowadays!!

[@donovanwilliams29]

That trap music/ american music is trash And gets no play in any Jamaican club or reggae club🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Not in Brooklyn, Bronx, or Queens anyway You're out your mind

[@audreydavis5378]

The bestDj of all times

[@zurimoore2545]

That Jamaican White boy got style very talented

[@LeoOReggio]

Very popular at stage shows in the 80s, Zuri.

[@andreaknight2199]

Yesss! I was there !🇯🇲🔥

[@leeellis3847]

Dancehall a international. Music agwan

[@landomartini2003]

Respect dominic- man !!! Yeah mon!!

[@michaelfabulous]

Leo good vibes u sending out

[@LeoOReggio]

Give thanks, Michael. Stay safe.

[@God-sk5ej]

Ninjaman 🐐 ♑ goat

[@marvinsinclair9245]

Nice Year to be born

[@MrAlistar99]

Brilliant upload❤

[@LeoOReggio]

Give thanks, MrAlistar99. Stay safe.

[@BronxBomber1105]

Wicked!

[@alrickblake9164]

where is dominic now i always wonder him bada dan tugawar

[@silvercatmusic4543]

Respect Leo ♌️

[@judahandtheasantetribe4life]

Bless up mi deejay

[@LeoOReggio]

Blessings, stay safe.

[@jasonmills8302]

I have always wondered who was Dominic,never even thought he was a white guy,man full a lyrics

[@jpang5477]

Who seh Dominic favor boy George Good ol' days 💯

[@zurimoore2545]

Nice music

[@kemardunbar3259]

general this 👌 👏

[@lloydlindsey3400]

fire hey a weh dah artist yah deh. UP UP UP 😂😂😂😂😂 DOMINIC 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@JamaicanEnglishakaLoki]

Pom pom set it run it i remember from a ute inspired nuff salute dat 💯

[@MrPra29]

Hurricane Gilbert hit Jamaica in September of this year 1988....Then came Lloyd Lovindeer with hit song Wild Gilbert.😂 Nostalgia!

[@donovanwilliams29]

That hurricane was in 85

[@markchestermusic]

@@donovanwilliams29 "it was the 12th September 1988, when Hurricane Gilbert come mash up me gate"

[@rose-mariecargill9100]

The dance Dominic was doing is been done now 34 years on

[@ninjackunited6609]

BIGDADDYLEO...U.VE GONE AND DONE IT AGAIN.. .BIG VIDEO... NUFF THANKS

[@LeoOReggio]

My pleasure, Ninjack. Stay safe.

[@jennifernurse8815]

❤

[@DRSERIOUS8]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@carltongranston6693]

I make no opology ninja man is the greatest dancehall dj out of jamaica and followed by brigadier Jerry on the cultural side jah jah

[@rykennonproductions318]

Guinness a lick!

[@LeoOReggio]

Thank you for liking and subscribing. Stay safe.

[@pomodoro2c]

The final result will be top quality.

[@punanyologist]

How come dem a wonder how soja get Grammy music is music and only the ones who work harder at it get accomplishment

[@90sdancehallkid40]

They young

[@kanearron7772]

No matter who you is you must get ya someting 😂

[@ricardojaywilson8852]

Respect you bro like you style

[@LeoOReggio]

Ricardo, if that compliment is for me, I give thanks. Stay safe, stay subscribed.

[@tisundruidorje5858]

Hes not saying I am Maga Satan is he? Little man Dominic. Got to admit I not see this one yet, thank you Bless. Watching for the Ninja.

[@Matt77125]

he said skeleton not satan

[@gravyguns]

2:20 Dominic is talking about officer Edward Byrne who was "who know what" by the orders of Pappy Mason who was an enforcer for drug dealer Fat Cat Nichols from Queens NY. That incident sent a shock throughout the world and started the "war on drugs" operation by the U.S. government which amped up pressure on drug dealers and turned the whole drug game upside down. For Dominic to be talking about it, shows how much of an impact that incident had on the world during that time.

[@mickfoley7410]

Someone Build Me blood clot time machine

[@derickduhaney5551]

Peter metro friend

[@gregrichard9192]

Nuff Raspect ninjaman Dominic

[@steverousseau9601]

Free Ninja

[@samanthaspence3955]

Yesssssssssssssssssssssssss

[@elohildabeitia4826]

Chuso tiene flow perfecto.

[@7god158]

Bun Racism One Love🇯🇲

[@reggaemattik5446]

Shhh....Level!!

[@judahandtheasantetribe4life]

Mawga Skeleton 🤣🤣🤣 Dominic nuh easy.

[@marvinsinclair9245]

I was born in that year

[@michaellifetv5696]

Big up Dominic

[@lubegasimon5145]

Yo definitely Ninja man a long time mi talk about Ninja man in Uganda East Africa n no bwoy know about Ninja man kaboom rude bwoy

[@LeoOReggio]

Blessings fir you and the people of Uganda, Lubega. Stay safe, stay subscribed.

[@sandemanmaart]

The new jesus. Black peaple are so happy

[@DNDBOT]

I noticed people still telling the story wrong. Imperial sound was first ..Metro Media wasn't his first sound system... Watch this tesch dem video where he tells the facts. ...

[@andymcmahon3632]

I am Today Years Old, finally seeing who was Dominic and if him fava Boy George. Dem outta order eeh?? Dominic bad yf!!!

[@andymcmahon3632]

@@SabiArtStory777 Thanks so much for the Info, I'm an 80's baby and seeing this video, with the fashion and the way how ppl were enjoying themselves with his performance, almost brought tears to my eyes, because ppl back then didnt see color, they saw talent, loved and appreciated the individuals for their craft. As a result, Social Media has taken the fun out of stage shows and other aspects of the music. It has it's good and bad, but we need to get back to loving each other and stop bickering over trivial things. Much love and thanks.

[@andymcmahon3632]

@@SabiArtStory777 I couldn't have said it any better my sister. One Love 🙏🏾🤗🤗

[@LeoOReggio]

On point, Sabine. Roots rock authenticity has been missing since the late 80s.

[@andymcmahon3632]

@@LeoOReggio Really appreciate these type of videos, they are so nostalgic. Thanks again.

[@solrebel7]

Baddest Whiteboy

[@marvinsinclair9245]

That is y I have such a musical ear.and Play drums

[@LeoOReggio]

Nice, Marvin, do not lose that 80s vibes. Stay safe.

[@fredericocr1]

I watched a dominic interview recently. He told the story about this clash. Badboy business...

[@ess-aepee]

A lang time Ninjaman bad..

[@gdoug]

I wonder what happen to him. Would be good to hear an interview

[@ghostgeorgevi6909]

Inbox teach dem...him will find him