Ninjaman

Desmond John Ballentine was born on 24 January 1966 in Annotto Bay, Jamaica. He is also known as Don Gorgon Ballentine’s family moved to Kingston when he was 12 and he started DJing the following year under the name Double Ugly with the Black Culture Sound System. He joined Kilimanjaro Sound System n 1980 and here he got to learn from already established DJs such as Early B and Super Cat. This is where he released his debut single under the name Uglyman.  He later on changed his name to Ninjaman and in 1987 he recorded and produced himself his first single “Protection” which was a duet with Courtney Melody. This was a success and it led to prolific collaborations with producers such as King Jammy, Philip ‘Fatis’ Burrell, Redman, Bobby Digital, Steely & Clevie and many others. It is said that Ninjaman comes up with his lyrics in the studio when recording in a freestyle manner. Some of his famous hits between 1989 and 1992 included “Murder Dem”, “Boarder Clash”, “Above The Law”, “Permit To Bury”, “My Weapon”, “Test The High Power” and these established him as one of the famous rude boys. Ballentine was in rivalry with Shabba Ranks and this led to a number of clashes. Criticism of Ballentine’s violent and pro-gun lyrics began in 1993 which led to a decline in performing gigs and chances to record. In 1997, Ballentine changed his name when he started performing gospel reggae songs as Brother Desmond. In 2015 he parted ways with Downsound Records and opened his own Picture Frame Studio on Blackwood Terrace in Kingston.