Desmond John Ballentine, better known by his stage name Ninjaman, is a Jamaican dancehall artist and actor. Born on January 20, 1966, in Annotto Bay, Jamaica, Ninjaman is widely regarded as one of the most talented and influential figures in Jamaican music history.

Ninjaman first began his music career in the 1980s, and quickly made a name for himself with his unique style of toasting. Toasting is a form of Jamaican spoken-word singing that is often used in dancehall music, and Ninjaman’s aggressive and energetic style quickly made him a fan favorite. He released his first album, “The Specialist”, in 1989, and quickly gained a following across Jamaica.

Throughout the 1990s, Ninjaman continued to release hit songs and collaborate with other Jamaican artists. Some of his most popular tracks include “Murder Dem”, “Permit to Bury”, and “Border Clash”. His unique lyrical style and commanding stage presence made him one of the most sought-after performers in Jamaica, and he became a fixture in the dancehall scene.

In addition to his music career, Ninjaman has also appeared in several Jamaican films, including “Third World Cop” and “Shottas”. He has become known for his larger-than-life personality both on and off the stage, and has been a controversial figure in Jamaican entertainment circles.

In recent years, Ninjaman has faced legal troubles, including a conviction for murder in 2017. However, his influence on Jamaican music remains undeniable, and his legacy continues to be felt throughout the dancehall scene.

Despite the controversies that have surrounded him, Ninjaman remains one of the most respected and beloved figures in Jamaican music. His unique style, commanding presence, and undeniable talent have made him a true icon of the dancehall genre, and his music continues to inspire new generations of artists today.

Songs History

One of the most iconic songs from Jamaican dancehall artist Ninjaman is “Murder Dem”. Released in 1992, “Murder Dem” is a hard-hitting track that showcases Ninjaman’s unique lyrical style and commanding stage presence.

The song features a driving beat and a catchy hook that quickly became a fan favorite across Jamaica. In “Murder Dem”, Ninjaman delivers a powerful message about standing up to violence and crime in his community, and calls out those who perpetrate these acts.

The lyrics of “Murder Dem” are full of powerful imagery and metaphors, and showcase Ninjaman’s incredible skill as a wordsmith. Lines like “Mi a seh mi naah tek no chat, mi just tek mi tek mi tek mi tek mi tek mi tek mi tek mi tek” (“I’m not here to chat, I just take my take my take my take my take my take my take my take”) demonstrate Ninjaman’s ability to create complex and layered rhymes that still hit hard.

What really sets “Murder Dem” apart, however, is Ninjaman’s performance on the track. His aggressive and energetic style of toasting is on full display, as he delivers each line with a ferocity and intensity that is unmatched in the dancehall scene.

Overall, “Murder Dem” is a true classic of Jamaican music, and showcases all of the talents that have made Ninjaman such an iconic figure in the dancehall genre. With its powerful message, driving beat, and incredible performance by Ninjaman, “Murder Dem” is a song that continues to inspire and resonate with fans around the world.