Via/ The Jamaica Star
Keith Black, a taxi driver who plies the Mount Salem to Montego Bay route, won the Ninja Man taxi appreciation day talent competition Saturday night at Turtle River Park, Ocho Rios.
Black, stage name ‘Zedek’, was pushed all the way by runner-up Donovan, emerging victorious with well-put together lyrics, earning a two-record and video deal, plus $250,000.
Though not originally part of the deal, Donovan earned a two-record deal due to his good performance on stage.
The Downsound Records event attracted more than 100 taxi operators, narrowed down to 15 for the finals.
After 11 performances, the Don Gorgon, Ninja Man, was not pleased with the level of talent shown and made his feelings known.
“Yuh see as far as mi concern, none a dem (contestants) nuh bad,” he said to MC Skatta, who had taken over from Nuffy.
“My $250,000 naw go suh! Mi waa lyrics up yah!”
Ninja Man got what he demanded from the remaining cabbies.
In the end, it was up to Zedek and Donovan to fight for the prize.
Black, who has been operating a taxi since 1997, was happy for the life-changing experience.
“The next step fi me is the recording contract, a straight to that,” he said.
‘Yuh know seh, is maybe six or seven years ago mi find out seh mi can deejay. Mi perform now and again, but yuh know seh mi is a taxi driver, mi have mi family an’ all a dat. Taxi driving a mi job suh mi only perform now and then.”