Skatta Burrell Inks Joint Venture Deal With Reservoir Media and Publisher Abood Music

Reservoir Media (NASDAQ: RSVR) has expanded its footprint in global music with the launch of a new joint venture alongside Jamaican artist and producer Cordel “Skatta” Burrell and leading reggae/dancehall publisher Abood Music. The partnership announced by Reservoir, a Nasdaq listed company on Tuesday, aims to acquire catalogues while signing and developing a new generation of Jamaican artists and songwriters.

Founded in 2001 by Jamdown Records’ Othman Mukhlis, Abood Music has built an extensive international presence, boasting more than 220 million albums sold and a roster of over 120 Jamaican creators. The company has long played a pivotal role in exporting Jamaican music worldwide.

At the creative center of the new venture is Skatta, one of Jamaica’s most influential modern music figures. He is best known as the producer behind the landmark 2003 dancehall classic Coolie Dance Rhythm — a track that Reservoir has published in the U.S. via Abood since 2020. The rhythm became a global phenomenon, sampled by artists including Pitbull, Lil Jon, Whitney Houston, Fatman Scoop, and Nina Sky.

Its cultural impact continues today: Coolie Dance Rhythm has experienced a significant resurgence in the past year, most notably through its use in Kehlani’s Grammy-nominated “After Hours.” Recent samplings have generated 15 new singles in the last 18 months and accumulated more than 1.3 billion views worldwide. It also remains one of the most licensed Jamaican rhythms in film, TV, and advertising, with over 45 major syncs, including placements in Zero Dark Thirty, HBO’s And Just Like That, America’s Next Top Model, and global ad campaigns.

Skatta called the partnership a major cultural and commercial step forward.

“This venture integrates Abood’s veteran catalogue strength with Reservoir’s frontline creative leadership and international infrastructure,” he said. “Together, we can ensure Jamaican music reaches wider audiences and greater commercial heights. I particularly want to thank Rell Lafargue and Spek, whose support has helped drive the billion-plus views tied to the global renaissance of Coolie Dance Rhythm.”

He also noted that the joint venture’s first official action will be a significant donation to support recovery efforts in Jamaica following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa.

“We hope this signals our commitment not just to the creators we sign, but to Jamaica and its people as a whole,” he added.

Reservoir president and COO Rell Lafargue described the new alliance as a strategic move that strengthens the company’s leadership in reggae, dancehall, and the wider Caribbean music landscape.

“We’re pleased to be extending our relationship with Skatta through this new venture,” Lafargue said. “Together with Abood Music, we aim to amplify Jamaican artistry globally and support both established and emerging creators as we continue elevating Jamaican music on the world stage.”