Yellow Drum Studio and Bad Sash Records Launch Riddim Competitions With J$100,000 Prizes

The UK-Jamaican initiative will award two emerging artistes J$100,000 each, alongside professional music production and international promotion

UK-based music producer Loretta Mitchell

UK-based The Yellow Drum Studio, founded by Loretta Mitchell, has partnered with Jamaican female producer Bad Sash Records to launch two international Open Riddim Competitions, offering emerging reggae and dancehall artistes the chance to win professional music production, global promotion and J$100,000 in cash prizes each.

The competitions will feature separate reggae and dancehall productions, with one winner selected from each category. Both winners will receive professional mixing and mastering, paid international promotion and a J$100,000 cash prize, with entries open to artistes worldwide.

Founded in 2019, The Yellow Drum Studio has supported emerging reggae and dancehall talent through music releases, artist development and competitions. Led by Mitchell, the platform has helped independent artistes overcome financial and industry barriers while gaining greater exposure.

"We have been supporting upcoming artists since 2019, and I have seen first-hand just how much talent exists and how many opportunities are missed simply because artists don't have the financial resources, industry connections or support they need."

The collaboration also highlights the work of Jamaican producer Bad Sash, whose credits include "Your Ex," featuring dancehall artiste Laden, produced alongside 10Mil. Her involvement combines local production expertise with The Yellow Drum Studio's international artist development efforts.

"We have been supporting upcoming artists since 2019, and I have seen first-hand just how much talent exists and how many opportunities are missed simply because artists don't have the financial resources, industry connections or support they need," Mitchell explained.

"I've always believed that talent deserves an opportunity to be recognised, regardless of where an artist comes from or what resources they have available. We want to continue creating platforms that give emerging artists a chance to showcase what they can do and reach audiences they might otherwise struggle to access."

The initiative aims to create opportunities for independent artistes while strengthening the international reach of reggae and dancehall. The Yellow Drum Studio is also welcoming support from businesses, brands and music enthusiasts to help sustain future artist development programmes.