The summer airwaves and digital soundscapes have been dominated by an infectious beat, solidifying “Shake It to the Max – Remix” as a global music phenomenon. What might surprise many is that the creative force behind this chart-topping, viral sensation hails from the vibrant cultural melting pot of South Florida. Producers and DJs Silent Addy and Disco Neil, operating under the banner of Bashment Sound, are the South Florida masterminds who have catapulted this track to nearly 300 million streams on Spotify and over 160 million views on YouTube. This massive success story is not just a testament to a catchy tune, but also to the deep Caribbean roots and entrepreneurial spirit that define these Miami-based artists.
From South Florida Roots to Global Stardom
Silent Addy and Disco Neil, both with Jamaican heritage, grew up in South Florida, a region renowned for its diverse cultural influences. This upbringing provided the fertile ground for their musical journey, fostering a movement through Caribbean parties and a dedication to preserving and promoting their culture. “We started building a movement in South Florida, doing Caribbean parties and, you know, holding down the culture,” Disco Neil explained. Their studio, aptly named Bashment Sounds, is located in Miami and serves as the epicenter of their creative output, infusing their music with distinct Caribbean vibes.
With over 15 years in the music industry, Silent Addy and Disco Neil have honed their craft through dedication and perseverance. They acknowledge that their path to this level of success was paved with trial and error, learning from every record they produced. “There’s definitely a lot of people hitting up a lot of people want to work. But yeah, it’s just because of the success of the song,” Disco Neil remarked, reflecting on the doors that have opened. Their journey underscores a belief in timing and the importance of building a solid foundation, with their prior work including hits like “Beat Dem Bad” with Vybz Kartel and Squash.
The Genesis of a Chart-Topping Hit
The journey of “Shake It to the Max – Remix” began with Ghanaian singer-songwriter Moliy. The track was recorded during a studio session in Miami, with Silent Addy and Disco Neil producing the song. “The last song she recorded was ‘Shake It to the Max’ before she left and went to Ghana,” Silent Addy recalled. This initial collaboration laid the groundwork for what would become a global anthem.
The remix, which propelled the song to unprecedented heights, features prominent Jamaican artists Skillibeng and Shenseea. The addition of Skillibeng came about serendipitously during a Christmas party in Jamaica, where Silent Addy encountered the artist and the song was already gaining traction. This chance meeting led to Skillibeng’s energetic contribution, further amplifying the track’s reach. Shenseea’s involvement added another layer of star power, contributing to the song’s widespread appeal across different fan bases.
Global Domination and Cultural Impact
“Shake It to the Max – Remix” has transcended geographical boundaries, becoming a true viral sensation. Its infectious rhythm has inspired countless dance challenges and lip-sync videos across social media platforms like TikTok, making it a ubiquitous presence online. The song’s immense popularity is reflected in its staggering streaming numbers and chart performance. It has not only topped Billboard’s Afrobeats Songs chart but also made a significant impact on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 44. The track has earned certifications, including Gold in France and Silver in the United Kingdom, and is eligible for RIAA Gold certification in the U.S.. The accompanying music video has also surpassed 100 million views on YouTube, a significant milestone.
The success of “Shake It to the Max – Remix” has not gone unnoticed by the industry’s most prestigious bodies. The song has garnered nominations from BET and MTV’s Video Music Awards, specifically in the competitive “Best Afrobeats” category. These nominations highlight the song’s genre-bending appeal and its significant contribution to the global music conversation.
The Sound of a New Era
At its core, “Shake It to the Max” is deeply rooted in dancehall, a genre that has long influenced global music trends. However, Silent Addy and Disco Neil have masterfully blended this foundation with elements of Afrobeats and other Caribbean sounds, creating a unique and universally appealing sonic landscape. “At the core of it, it’s dancehall, and then I feel like people give it the Afrobeats title because there isn’t a dancehall category in certain levels of things,” Silent Addy noted. This fusion reflects the evolving nature of global music and the increasing synergy between African and Caribbean sounds.
The duo’s sound is described as “global but super Caribbean rooted”. They draw inspiration from the diverse cultures encountered in Miami, integrating these influences into their production. This approach has resonated worldwide, demonstrating the power of music to connect people across different backgrounds and borders. As Disco Neil stated, “Wherever I live, like it’s got to be a melting pot of just different people with events, all of that. So Miami’s been huge in just molding who I am and molding me”.
A Continued Ascent
The success of “Shake It to the Max” has paved the way for numerous remixes and collaborations, including versions with Sean Paul, Vybz Kartel, and a soca remix featuring Skinny Fabulous and Lady Lava. This continuous output demonstrates Bashment Sound’s commitment to keeping the momentum going and exploring different facets of Caribbean music. Disco Neil has also secured a global publishing deal with Kobalt, signaling a new chapter in his career.
Silent Addy and Disco Neil, through Bashment Sound, represent a new wave of producers and artists who are leveraging their cultural heritage and innovative production techniques to achieve global recognition. Their journey from South Florida to the world stage with “Shake It to the Max” is a powerful narrative in contemporary music, showcasing the enduring influence and vibrant evolution of Caribbean sounds.
