Stalk Ashley Bridges Dancehall and Japan with VIGORMAN on New Track “Fading Away”

Jamaican R&B queen Stalk Ashley teams up with Japanese singer VIGORMAN for a genre-blending collaboration that bridges cultures and sounds. “I think it’s really important for Jamaicans to secure international collaborations and keep pushing the culture forward,” she said

 Stalk Ashley and Japanese singer VIGORMAN

Tokyo meets Kingston in "Fading Away", a genre-blending debut collaboration between Japanese singer-songwriter VIGORMAN and Jamaican dancehall-R&B star Stalk Ashley.

Produced by VIGORMAN, Gacha Medz, and Ashley’s manager Jaxx, the single pushes the boundaries of cross-cultural fusion with emotional depth and sonic versatility.

“I first met Stalk Ashley in Jamaica back in 2022. At the time, I told her that I had been listening to her music for years, and that there’s a dancehall scene in Japan as well, so I hoped we could crossover one day and make a movement together,” VIGORMAN said.

“I think that’s the kind of relationship every independent artist in Japan, myself included, should be striving for.”

“Later on, I got the chance to collaborate, and after I returned to Japan, we started exchanging files and working on the track. Jaxx, who also works as Ashley’s A&R, first sent me the beat. I immediately felt that if I could come up with a strong hook, this song would turn out to be something special", he elaborated.

Over three years in the making, Fading Away is more than a single—it’s a signal. A sign that VIGORMAN is ready to step into the global spotlight with a sound that's emotionally rich, sonically daring, and culturally expansive.

The way Ashley and Jaxx’s talents align with VIGORMAN and the production team creates something greater than just a song, it becomes art that moves people and sparks a genuine movement. “When it came to making the song, there were no issues at all—Ashley delivered an amazing verse, and Jaxx came through with the perfect beat,” VIGORMAN said. “I think that’s the kind of relationship every independent artist in Japan, myself included, should be striving for.”

“What surprised me most about working with a Japanese artist was seeing how far Jamaican culture really reaches," Stalk Ashley shared. "I found out dancehall has a whole scene in Japan, which is the coolest thing. Even with a language barrier, the music still connects us. It’s powerful to witness and be a part of.”

From the very beginning, VIGORMAN has been vocal about his admiration for Stalk Ashley’s artistry. His introduction to her music came through her 2020 release “OPEN,” and he’s remained a dedicated listener ever since. Now, having collaborated on “Fading Away,” that respect has only deepened.

“Her unique musical style and the energy she brings are obviously captivating, but what moved me most was her genuine attitude toward music and who she is as a person. She took the time to rewrite and re-record her verse multiple times and has been fully committed to promoting this track with me. I’m truly grateful for everything she’s put into it,” VIGORMAN reflected.

"What surprised me most about working with a Japanese artist was seeing how far Jamaican culture really reaches. I found out dancehall has a whole scene in Japan, which is the coolest thing"

The track’s visuals, shot by acclaimed director Shane Creative (444), mirror its raw emotion with striking cinematography and a heartfelt storyline. The video premiered at an exclusive listening party in Kingston on June 26, which featured live performances from both artists and a special DJ set by Silent Addy, known for the Billboard-charting hit ”Shake It To The Max (FLY).”

“Since it was my first time releasing a track with an international artist, and also my first time hosting a listening party in Jamaica, the journey leading up to it came with its share of challenges and moments of doubt,” VIGORMAN admitted.

Now, after accomplishing their first song together, VIGORMAN is eager to help bring more dancehall collaborations to Japan and expand the genre’s reach within his home country.

 "We’re loved all over the world—such a small island with such a massive impact"

“That’s really the main goal behind all of this. Of course, I want to spread this song as far as possible, but beyond that, I’m thinking about the bigger vision,” he explained. “It’s not just about making a song and calling it done. It’s about taking it further — doing shows together in Jamaica like we did this time, and turning a small spark into something much bigger. Ultimately, I want to help create a movement that leaves a mark on history.”

The first step is bringing the song from Jamaica back to Japan. “Kind of like a reverse import — so that even Japanese people outside of the core dancehall scene can discover Stalk Ashley. And someday, if we can bring her to Japan… that would be the dream,” the Japanese artist expressed.

“I think it’s really important for Jamaicans to secure international collaborations and keep pushing the culture forward. We’re loved all over the world—such a small island with such a massive impact,” Stalk Ashley said, echoing the sentiment and emphasizing the power of global connections.