Former mafia boss tells life story in UK tour

El Gringo Records boss Reece Dry has just finished a UK tour with former mafia boss Michael Franzese, who has been telling tales of his life to educate youths about the perils of a life of crime.

"Being a part of Michael's tour was very special and interesting. I believe the UK will never see the likes of him again, a real-life former mafia boss live on stage sharing his life story. We brought him over to tell his life story. These are the people that dancehall artistes sing about, it's just entertainment, " the music producer Reece Dry said.

"This is a positive story for the youths. Franzese turned his back on crime so he could live a normal life with his family and he lives to tell his tale and there is something to learn there. I learnt a lot from my time with Michael, everything from business to simple life morals," he added. At one time, Franzese was a caporegime [high-ranking member] in the Colombo crime family.

The tour attracted so much attention that well-known Mexican news anchor and journalist Veronica Del Castillo flew to the UK to attend the tour finale in Essex.

El Gringo Records, which is based in the UK, has been making waves in the local dancehall market with songs such as reggae artiste I Noah's Million Plane and trap-dancehall song Rich Badness with Tuggawar and Jah Tee. Now, Reece Dry is seeking to expand the independent label's portfolio and reach.

"I want to bring entertainment from Jamaica to the UK, 'cause bringing events and acts to the UK is something that will be part of El Gringo Records' main goal as we enter the second part of the year," Reece Dry said.

Later this year, Reece Dry will be releasing a new single with Jah Tee that tackles the real-life struggles and poverty in Jamaica.