Meet Ethan ‘Yaadman Etan’ Campbell-Reid: The Heart of Jamaica No Jam Makai
Jamaican anime is stepping into a vibrant new chapter with the highly anticipated premiere of Jamaica No Jam Makai (The Spirit World of Jamaica). This supernatural action series, set against the backdrop of our beautiful island, features local talent and promises to resonate deeply with Jamaican culture. The pilot episode is set to debut this Saturday from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Carib 5, and excitement is buzzing!
A Star is Born
At the center of this groundbreaking project is Ethan Campbell-Reid, affectionately known as Yaadman Ethan. He lends his voice to Kaito Takahashi, a Jamaican youth with Japanese roots. But Ethan’s role goes beyond just voice acting; he serves as the cultural director, ensuring that the series authentically represents Jamaican heritage.
“Jamaica No Jam Makai is a series where we talk about supernatural neocolonialism set here in Jamaica… we a talk bout nuff a di duppies of Jamaica inna dis,” Ethan shared in an interview with Observer Online, hinting at the rich folklore that will be woven into the storyline.
The Journey of Kaito
Kaito’s journey is relatable to many. He juggles multiple jobs—running deliveries, working in a call center, and dabbling in investments—until a mysterious gift from his parents alters his life forever. Ethan describes Kaito as embodying the Jamaican hustle and spirit. “Black yute, dreadlocks—hello!” he chuckled, highlighting their similarities.
A Cultural Collaboration
Ethan’s passion for anime caught the attention of Tolga Akcayli, the creator of Jamaica No Jam Makai, during a TikTok Live session. “Representation truly matters… despite me living in the United States as a Jamaican, I have not sacrificed my voice. I don’t twang. I think that’s what attracted Tolga to me,” he explained. This commitment to authenticity is crucial, especially since Akcayli is Vincentian. Even the smallest details, like public transportation plates, were corrected to reflect Jamaican standards.
Engaging the Community
What’s exciting is how fans have played a role in shaping the anime. “I don’t believe I’m the smartest man in the room… feedback was crucial to give us guidelines to stay on track,” Ethan remarked. One significant change came from public input, leading to the title shift from Jamaica No Duppy to Jamaica No Jam Makai, which translates to The Evil Spirit World of Jamaica. This bilingual pun also nods to traditional anime naming conventions.
Manga Magic
Alongside the anime, a manga version of the series will be released on June 28, available globally, including on Amazon Prime. The manga reads in the traditional Japanese format (right to left), offering Jamaicans an authentic experience. Both black-and-white and colored versions will be available, with the latter receiving rave reviews in Japan.
“When we say it sell off in Japan, it sell off,” Ethan proudly stated, referencing the enthusiastic response at Comic Con Japan, where the manga copies sold out after being showcased at the World Expo 2025.
A Community-Driven Project
The anime’s journey began with crowdfunding through platforms like GoFundMe, driven by the public’s desire for genuine Jamaican representation. “We’re not here to change the culture; we are simply here to represent the culture in a new way with accuracy and respect. So I hope unnuh like it… no, mi know unnuh ago like it,” Ethan said with confidence.
As the premiere approaches, the excitement is palpable. Will Jamaica No Jam Makai redefine how we see our culture in the world of anime? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Ethan Campbell-Reid is leading the charge with passion and pride.