Nature Ellis becomes latest to leave Downsound Records

Downsound Records is essentially down to bare bones on its talent roster as reggae singer, Nature Ellis has severed ties with the label just three months after acclaimed dancehall diva, Ishawna did the same.

Nature, known for hits such as World Peace, Revolution and Trying Man reportedly informed Downsound CEO, Josef Bogdanovich that he would be leaving the label in an email as well as a Whatsapp message. However, he is still under contract with the label, which may lead to a legal battle should things continue to sour.

In an interview with IRIE FM on Monday, Nature stated that he felt uncomfortable about the ongoing situation at Downsound, leading to his departure.

“It’s just a case where Nature just think it’s time for him to leave Downsound based on certain circumstances that I cannot go on with…I was very uncomfortable,” he said. “He’s (Josef) sorting out his side and I am doing the same and I just want this matter to be dealt with as quickly as possible so I can go and do my work because this is my livelihood…I just hope it’s not a drawn out thing where I can’t be able to do what I got to do to feed my children.”

Nature hopes that his lawyers and Downsound’s legal representatives can come to an amicable settlement that allows him out of his contract without hassle.

Ishawna left the label in July just days before she was scheduled to perform at Reggae Sumfest – which Bogdanvich now owns – citing similar sentiments while marketer Sean ‘Contractor’ Edwards also left recently, calling Downsound a ‘non-profit organization.'”

The Downsound talent roster now only consists of Ikel Marvilus and veteran, Harry Toddler along with award-winning producer, Cordel ‘Skatta’ Burrell.

In addition to Sumfest, Bogdanovich also acquired majority ownership of Usain Bolt’s Tracks and Records in the summer and is set to open a new hotel in New Kingston that is currently under construction.