In a word, Twitter has taken the world by STORM. Numerous international artistes including P. Diddy (437,276 followers as at April 9, 2009) and Soulja Boy (240,861 followers as at April 9, 2009) are already using it with good effect to build their personal brands and connect with fans all over the world.

But what about dancehall / reggae artistes? There are a few who are already on Twitter (weve provided a list below), but by and large our artistes have ignored (or not caught on to) Twitter. Why should dancehall / reggae artiste be on Twitter? Heres our top 5 list of reasons:

1. 24-7 Exposure - its a good way for your fans to get just a peak into your day-to-day life you control what is put out, so no worries about it being invasive.
2. Big it up - its another way to promote yourself upcoming shows, new album in the works, new video released etc. Get the word out.
3. Up-to-the-time - get real-time feedback for example about a song idea or new video. Ask a question and there will likely be rapid feedback of all sorts from the Twittersphere.
4. Keep it real - use Twitter as your soap-box. If you are adamant about a particular cause or topic, use Twitter to get the word out about it.
5. Link up - use Twitter to connect with fellow artistes, both local and International.

There are lots of other reasons too for example, if you dont get on Twitter, eventually someone will go on there impersonating you! Also, youre free to say whatever you want on Twitter no Broadcasting Commission bleeps, watch dogs etc. Finally, its COOL youre heading to New York or Germany for a show, you pop out your Blackberry and tweet that your flight is delayed but youll be there for the show later tonight, link up. Whos cooler than you???

Heres a list of some dancehall / reggae artistes who are already on Twitter:
Alaine - twitter.com/Alainesinga
Cecile - twitter.com/Badgyal
Cherine Anderson - twitter.com/CherineAnderson
Craigy-T (From T.O.K.) - twitter.com/Craigy_Tok
Diana King - twitter.com/DIANAKINGDOM
Esco (formerly of Leftside & Esco) - twitter.com/EscodaShocker
Nina Sky - twitter.com/NINASKY
Tami Chynn - twitter.com/tamichynn
Tony Matterhorn - twitter.com/tonymatterhorn
Rootz Underground - twitter.com/RTZunderground
Ward 21 - twitter.com/Ward21Music

Others from Jamaicas music industry who are active on Twitter:
Donovan Don Corleone Bennett (producer) - twitter.com/doncorleonie
Nikki-Z (radio personlity) - twitter.com/DivaNikkiZ
Supa Dups (selector / producer) - twitter.com/Supa_Dups
Tony Kelly (producer) - twitter.com/TonyCDKelly
ZJ Elektra (radio personality) - twitter.com/zjelektra