Eek-A-Mouse To Perform In Jamaica For First Time In Nine Years

Iconic Dancehall singjay Eek-A-Mouse is set to take centre stage at Bella Donna’s New Year’s Eve event on Summerset Road in West End, Negril, on December 31.

The highly anticipated performance will mark the veteran artist’s first live show in Jamaica since 2015.

Eek-A-Mouse, whose given name is Ripton Joseph Hylton, is celebrated as one of the pioneers of the Dancehall “singjaying” style. Known for his groundbreaking hits such as Wah Do Dem and Ganja Smuggling, the Kingstonian has remained a staple in Reggae and Dancehall music for decades on the international scene.

Eek-A-Mouse who is currently based in Sweden told DancehallMag that he was excited about returning to his homeland for the special event in West End.
“It is good to be back in Negril and Jamaica,” he said during an interview in Negril on Friday.

“Bella Donna’s place is unique and is teh ideal place to ring in the new year. This woman is a guru. She has Nanny of the Maroons in her. I like her; she’s real,” he added.

Bella Donna, who has been a legendary figure in Negril’s live music scene since the 1980s, shared her enthusiasm about hosting the Dancehall star. Her venue, renowned for its live reggae shows and some of the best pizza in Negril, is gearing up for a night to remember.

“He is going to give us a lovely show,” Bella Donna told DancehallMag.
She pointed out that as the countdown to 2024 begins, Dancehall fans can expect a high-energy performance filled with Eek-A-Mouse’s unique vocal stylings and infectious charisma. The promoter also promised an unforgettable night that will usher in the new year in true Jamaican style.

“He is a high-energy person, and I like high-energy people. A lot of people are coming to the show. I’ve been promoting since September. It’s gonna be loud, and it’s gonna be fire!” she said.

Eek-A-Mouse made his foray into music in the late 1970s, releasing roots reggae singles before adopting his iconic stage name in 1979. The Arnett Gardens native’s breakout hits, Once a Virgin and Wah Do Dem, catapulted him to stardom, with the latter dominating Jamaican charts despite being deemed too controversial for radio airplay.

Throughout his career, Eek-A-Mouse has worked with renowned producers and sound systems, including Joe Gibbs, Black Ark, and Jah Life. His 1982 album Wa Do Dem and a series of hit singles including Wild Like a Tiger and For Hire and Removal solidified his status as a global reggae icon, particularly in Europe, where he enjoys a devoted fan base.