Dancehall Artist Shane O Tries His Hand At Directing

Dancehall artist Shane O is seemingly expanding his skills in the entertainment industry, having directed the music video for one of his latest releases, Dark Lonely Road.

The artist, who is also a songwriter and producer, released the video for the song two weeks ago and has so far racked up more than 300,000 views on his YouTube channel. In fact, Shane O, who rose to prominence with the song Lightning Flash on the Applause Riddim in 2004, has been busy this month, having also released videos for two other songs in April.

The visuals for Dark Lonely Road—based on a true story and filmed in Common, St Andrew and Hellshire Heights, St Catherine—was shot by Bussweh Visuals and opens with a hungry son asking his father for a meal. However, instead of giving his son something to eat, the dad puts him out of the house. The youngster then has to fend for himself on the streets.

Bussweh Visuals told DancehallMag that Dark Lonely Road is the second music video Shane O has directed.

“He also directed Menace music video; that was his first,” Bussweh Visuals said. “Working with Shane O is always fun. He is easy to work with and he knows what he wants and how to get it done.”

Also shot by Bussweh Visuals, the music video for Menace was released last July.

Dark Lonely Road has resonated with many fans. From people calling Shane O a “creative genius” to others lamenting how “underrated” he is as an artist, the song appears to be a favorite.

“Me know Shane from him a little youth [and] this song is a true story. Me rate how he really follow his dreams, the youth always a walk n Dj. Big up mi friend, mi likkle bredda school parry,” read one comment.

Another said: “[People] a sleep pon the DJ greatness inna dancehall!!! A swear di journey rough but dweet youth and gwaan hold yuh own lane.”

Another user commented: “Feel dah one to the bone, drop all a tear, because when I remember the journey emotions buss out! DJ this song speaks for a lot of people out here, respect and thanks, tune made my day. Blessings.”

One user even shared what the biggest fear was as a youngster.

“Growing up my biggest fear was getting kicked out of mommy’s house. Watching this just made me feel that fear again. Nuff a we yutes go thru this and crime is the easiest place to run to. Smh!,” the comment read.

Dark Lonely Road was produced by Bussweh Audio, Kushface Records and SOR.  Press play on the visuals above.