... after 10 years, it's sweeping across Europe

CURTIS CAMPBELL, STAR Writer

Iconic dancehall producer Cordell 'Skatta' Burrell continues to reap success from his Coolie Dance rhythm that was released in 2003.

The rhythm which featured songs from several top dancehall stars, including Bounty Killer, Sean Paul, Elephant Man, Mr Vegas and Vybz Kartel, was a huge success both locally and abroad.

Its immense popularity also attracted a number of popular United States (US) acts who scored major billboard hits with songs recorded on the Coolie Dance rhythm such as Nina Skye, Lil Jon and Pitbull.

Over the years, several songs featuring the Coolie Dance rhythm have surfaced on various European charts as well.

Now in 2013, it is about to chart across Europe again. This time, the Coolie Dance rhythm fuels the new hit single titled Dance 2013 by Fatman Scoop featuring Whitney Houston and Lumidee. This single is currently one of the most popular dance tracks in Europe.

The Coolie Dance rhythm has also been featured in numerous major films and television shows. Three months ago, it was featured in the movie Zero Dark Thirty and the popular US TV show America's Next Top Model. It will also be featured on the soundtrack for the upcoming Ben Affleck and Justin Timberlake movie.

Skatta Burrell also continues to be a major force in the local music industry. He has been a celebrity judge on the ultra-popular Jamaican TV talent show, the Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall, since its inception.

According to Skatta, "It's a good feel, it's about eight years now and it still a hot rhythm, it a represent fi dancehall. It is featured in a lot of movies and this is because it has an ethnic feel with a little Puertorican and hip hop element, so people from all over are drawn to it. I work closely with my publishers at Abode Music and Downsound Records, and I am indeed getting profits from my work."

Skatta is also working closely with Downsound Records, which has on its roster the legendary dancehall star Ninja Man along with a slate of talented budding stars like Nature, Ishawna, Specialist and Naazir.