Roxroy McLean, Star Intern

Reggae singer I Maroon believes he should have been a top musician by now.

Instead, I Maroon, born Barrington Dixon, is left to wonder whether the slang 'me salt' speaks directly to him. In 2007, the singer burst onto the music scene with Me Salt, which he recorded for Downsound Records located at 43 St Andrew Park, off Molynes Road.

Two years later, 36-year-old I Maroon, who lives in Spanish Town, St Catherine, is lashing out at Joe Bogdanovich, producer of the record label.

I Maroon, a father of two, told THE STAR that he hasn't received any payment since working for Downsound.

"It's just bad treatment," he said. "I give them a number one song and I got no pay. Also, all those big shows I performed on I don't collect a cent," he added.

He continued: "After I do Rebel Salute and all those shows, I wanted to go to Europe but because of a lack of management, it didn't unfold. It appears as if them (Downsound Records) a false because them do the same thing to Fanton Mojah and Nanko. If we don't get serious we a go go down."

family stressed

The singer, who has also recorded songs like Country Girl, One Woman and Angry Revolution, revealed that the situation has caused him and his family stress because he says: "I survive now through dub plate specials. I have my daughter and son plus my wife to take care of."

The singer, who recently recorded a new single called Mama Poor, said he had verbally expressed a desire to leave Downsound Records: "The last time I went there they told me rhythm was there and they are not seeing me. I said that I am not doing anything more with them."

However, when THE STAR contacted the CEO for Downsound Records, Joe Bogdanovich, his response gave the story a dramatic twist.

"Wow! I'm shocked," he said. "He (I Maroon) was someone who we supported over the years, paid his rent and bring him on tours," he said.

Bogdanovich also said he had no reason to be in dialogue with I Maroon, given that the singer's services were terminated two years ago.

"He was just coming around begging money. We let him go over two years ago. What's interesting about this is why would he say that? He doesn't think like that, after all the hard work we put out for him. He came with a real big shot and we believed in it and pushed it very hard," said Bogdanovich.

According to Bogdanovich, I Maroon's departure came because he was unable to come up with another hit after his song, Me Salt, topped most of the reggae charts across the island.

"I thought he was a genuine and kind rastaman. After the hit, he couldn't manage to come with another song to that standard. It doesn't sound like him. Personally, I like I Maroon, he was very good at his lyrics, but why would he go to a newspaper company to spread such false news?" Bogdanovich questioned.