Mavado a happy man - Warrant for deejay’s arrest dropped, reunites with son

Hugh Wildman, the attorney-at-law for dancehall star David 'Mavado' Brooks, says that his client is ecstatic that "there is no longer a cloud over his head with law enforcement issues in Jamaica".

He also shared that Mavado will be performing in Jamaica in December. The "cloud" he referred to stemmed from a 2018 warrant that was issued for the entertainer's arrest for assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Mavado, who has been overseas ever since, arrived in Jamaica unexpectedly on Tuesday. That set in motion a meeting with his lawyer and law enforcement.

"Everything is settled and he is now a free man," an upbeat Wildman shared. "He is extremely, extremely glad. And the fact that he is now reunited with his son is also reason for much joy. I was also able to get his son off that murder conviction."

Mavado's son, Dantay Brooks, was sentenced to life in prison in 2021 for the 2018 murder of Lorenzo Thomas, in Cassava Piece, St Andrew. The court stipulated that he must serve 22 years before parole. Dantay was 18 at the time. However, in March this year, the Court of Appeal overturned the conviction. Wildman led the appeal for Dantay.

Asked if there were tears of joy at the reunion between Mavado and his son, Wildman told THE STAR that he wasn't physically present, but he knew that "there was a lot of joy".

"When he [Mavado] saw me this morning, he was so happy, he embraced me so much. I'm glad for him ... and yes it is a moment I will cherish," Wildman said.

He also confirmed that Mavado, who will celebrate his 44th birthday on November 30, will be performing for his fans at the end of the year.

"Yes ... I know there's a show ... there's something big coming up in December in Jamaica," Wildman confirmed, but would not reveal any details.

Born and raised in Cassava Piece, Mavado's career took an upward turn in the mid-2000s during which he enjoyed success with a series of hit songs. Real McKoy, his breakout track, established him as a rising star. Other chart-topping singles included Weh Dem A Do and So Special, and soon he was feuding with Vybz Kartel in the infamous Gully/Gaza war. His debut album, Gangsta for Life: The Symphony of David Brooks, was released in 2007 to critical acclaim.

During the course of his career, Mavado has been signed to international record labels including VP Records, We the Best Music Group, and Cash Money Records. He has had collaborations with artistes such as Jay-Z, Akon, and Nicki Minaj. He chose the stage name 'Mavado' after the high-end Swiss watch brand Movado, with a slight change in the spelling.