Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

>Nastasja Saad - file

Though missed, deceased Danish reggae singer Natasja Saad's music still lives on throughout the world and is receiving even more recognition than when she was alive.

Saad, the 2006 Irie FM Big Break winner, has been receiving tremendous recognition in her music, especially since her death in Jamaica on June 24 last year.

She was the main vocalist on Danish producer Enur's Calabria 2007, which has been taking the world by storm. Since it was released last year, it has been featured on several charts, including France Singles Top 100, Canadian Hot 100, Portugal Singles Top 50, European Hot 100 singles chart and the Billboard Hot 100. It also peaked at number one on Billboard Hot Dance Airplay chart.

In addition, the song has been featured in a advertisement for American retailing company Target Corporation.

Been remixed

Though she was the lead in the video and the song, the idea for Calabria was that of Enur who created it in 2003. Since that time it has been remixed, giving the rhythm a lifespan that exceeds five years. Hence, the release is controlled solely by him.

Nonetheless, he is saddened by her death. In an interview with Billboard Magazine in January, Enur said, "She had been working for so many years to try and break through. It's even more horrible to think [that] her music has become such a hit now, and she didn't get to experience that."

Truly interesting

He added, "Calabria has had a quite a lifespan. It was never planned. That's the beauty of it. Making hits is easy. Making something truly interesting, that is my goal with all this."

Saad's manager, Peter Ødegaard Skovsted of Musicall Management in Denmark, says he misses her and know that the Danish people, especially her family, misses her as well.

"June 24, 2007, is the darkest day I remember, and the darkness hung on for a while. In 2008, things started to look brighter and these times we prefer to look focused forward with a positive mindset; and we remember with positive minds what a beautiful human being she was, inside and out. We will never forget Natasja and we will always miss her," he said.

He added, "I think she finally had the recognition of her talent that she deserved. I think luckily her success was already unfolding when she died, both in terms of her growing success on the Island, Denmark, and other countries and not least from her participation with Enur on Calabria 2007. She was experiencing her biggest dream coming true at the time when she passed away, she died knowing that she made it."

Memorial foundation

Skovsted explained that Saad's parents will receive the funds that she is entitled to. In addition, funds will be paid to the Natasja's memorial foundation. The foundation will be supporting Jamaican music projects and artistes after proceeds from the sales from the international album are received. However, that is not immediate as this will probably be in another year or two.

However, Saad's musical legacy will continue to spread through her Danish album that has already been released and another on September 15 through Stephen Greig of Big Tings Records (Natasja's former Jamaican co-manager). There are collaborations with Beenie Man, Lexxus, Chappa Jan, Karen Mukupa and Little Hero. Producers include Pharfar, Bulby, Mad Professor, Yellowkid and Stephen Greig.