Ninjaman

Ninjaman (Desmond John Ballentine, born 24 January 1966) is a Jamaican dancehall deejay, also known as Don Gorgon, renowned for his stuttering, melodramatic style and controversial pro-gun lyrics. Born in Annotto Bay, Jamaica, he moved to Kingston at age 12 and began his career at 14 with the Black Culture Sound System as “Double Ugly.” He later joined the Killamanjaro sound system, learning from established deejays like Super Cat and Early B, and released his debut single as “Uglyman” before adopting the now-famous name Ninjaman. His first hit, “Protection” (1987), was a duet with Courtney Melody, and he went on to work with leading producers including King Jammy, Steely & Clevie, and Philip “Fatis” Burrell. From 1989 to 1992, Ninjaman solidified his image as a violent “rude boy” with hits such as “Border Clash,” “Murder Dem,” “Permit to Bury,” and “Above the Law.” His rivalries with other dancehall stars like Flourgon, Super Cat, and Shabba Ranks often led to clashes. By 1993, criticism of his violent lyrics contributed to a decline in recording and performing opportunities. Later, he turned to gospel reggae under the name Brother Desmond, seeking help for his crack cocaine addiction through born-again Christianity. Ninjaman also appeared in Jamaican films, including Third World Cop (1999), Rude Boy: The Jamaican Don (2003), and Gangsta’s Paradise (2004). In March 2009, Ninjaman and his son were arrested for the murder of Ricardo Johnson, a case that went through multiple delays. On 20 November 2017, he was found guilty, and on 18 December 2017, he was sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 25 years. Ninjaman is reported to have fathered over 30 children with multiple women, reflecting his complex personal life alongside a controversial but influential career in dancehall music.