REGGAE MUSIC REVIEWS - LAS VEGAS
COVERING REGGAE FROM LAS VEGAS, TO JAMAICA TO THE WORLD _______________________________________

MORGAN HERITAGE "MISSION IN PROGRESS" VP RECORDS
IN STORES NOW

........

........

AFRICA UNITE - THE DVD
RELEASE DATE: 02/12/08
PALM PICTURES

_____________

_

The Cultural Affairs Commission Announces the Initial Artist Lineup
for
The 22nd Annual JAZZREGGAE FESTIVAL at UCLA
A Weekend of Peace, Love, and Music
Memorial Day Weekend May 25th-26th, 2008
...
Jam/Jazz Day Sunday, May 25th The Roots
John Densmore from The Doors with Tribaljazz
Immortal Technique
Amos Lee
Dr. Lonnie Smith
...
Reggae Day, Monday May 26th, 2008
Stephen Marley
Capleton
Mr. Vegas
Alaine
Selena Serrano
DJ Courtesy of Krossfayah Sound
MC Commander

The 22nd Annual JazzReggaeFestival at UCLA, a Weekend of Peace, Love, and Music, is rapidly approaching Memorial Day Weekend, May 25th and 26th. The student-run festival attracts over 30,000 attendees annually and features some of the most prominent artists around the world, an international food, arts, and crafts fair, and the warm LA sun, creating an experience like none other. We are pleased to announce that this year's festival features The Roots, Stephen Marley, John Densmore from The Doors with Tribaljazz, Capleton, Mr. Vegas, Immortal Technique, Alaine, Amos Lee, Selena Serrano, MC Commander, and Dr. Lonnie Smith.
We are also pleased to announce our continued efforts to make this a sustainable event. This year’s festival will host a fully solar-powered second stage to highlight local talent, an LED screen, as well as a bio-diesel powered main stage. In addition, we are incorporating our theme of “A Weekend of Peace, Love and, Music” into the festival by featuring short "edutaining" videos on the LED screen, an on-site art gallery, booth space for non-profits and student-organizations, and interactive educational games and crafts for children.
Advance Tickets $25, Day of Event Tickets $35, Two day Pass $45, First 2000 UCLA students free Tickets will be available May 1st at ticketmaster.com and UCLA’s Central Ticketing Office at 310-825-2101
Event website:
www.jazzreggaefest.com
_

Ralph Tresvant Celebrates 25th Anniversary
With a New Single “It Must Be You”, as he prepares for his new CD and up close and personal US Tour later this year.
Ralph Tresvant is Celebrating 2008 with an unprecedented amount of independence, energy, music and entrepreneurial endeavors, with a hot new single “It Must Be You”, that is being heralded as the come back track of the new millennium, it seems Ralph Tresvant’s Marquee is rising back into the spotlight, and if industry insiders predictions are correct this is going to be a tsunami in the making, here’s what one industry insider had to say “It Must Be You” is an incredible song, it’s very catchy, there is nothing like it on the charts today, it’s an undeniable Radio Hit, This is the Ralph Tresvant, I’ve been waiting for”.
Ralph Tresvant has a lot to celebrate for his 25th anniversary, with fresh new music and the taking control of his career by releasing his new single through his own independently owned & operated label “Xzault Media Group” that has direct distribution deals with Apple’s iTunes, I.O.D.A and other national retailers that he says, gives him the freedom and power to provide his music directly to his fans in an up close and personal way. Listen to an advance preview of his new single “It Must Be You” exclusively on http://www.ralphtresvant.com and look for Ralph’s new single available July 1st 2008 on iTunes, Amazon.com and other Digital Download sites.
Ralph Tresvant is a shining star that has been captivating audiences for over 25 years as a solo artist, actor, entertainer, writer, producer and legendary front man of super group New Edition. Ralph Tresvant has helped to pave the way for so many others like New Kid’s On The Block, Backstreet Boys, Nsync, Chris Brown, Neo, Usher and Justin Timberlake who have all followed in his footsteps.
From Ralph’s youth he has been compared to the king of pop Michael Jackson, with his candy girl vocals and amazing stage presence it was very clear that Mr. Tresvant was destined for greatness. Legendary music icon, Dick Clark himself has said that Ralph Tresvant is an amazing and timeless artist.
Dan Dillman “Ralph’s business partner and co-owner of Xzault” states: Ralph Tresvant is an Icon in the entertainment world, he’s a stars star, with a built in fan base that spans over three generations of music lovers, I cant believe that a major label hasn’t come knocking on Ralph’s door to build upon that Ralph Tresvant name brand, maybe they have some kind of illusion in there mind that, Ralph Tresvant the solo artist is not the same Ralph Tresvant that is the voice and lead singer of New Edition, so let me bring some clarity to those with that false illusion, you can’t separate the two they are one in the same, you can’t say one is less or more than the other, Ralph Tresvant is the one you hear on a New Edition or Ralph Tresvant record, it is the same spirit and voice “Ralph’s”, this is the voice and entertainer that we all know and love on his own or with the group.
As the major labels struggle to survive their new digital reality, they are missing the opportunity that geniuses like “Live Nation” have realized, artist like Madonna, and Ralph Tresvant’s are a very rare and valuable asset’s that can excite concert goers and music fans to come out in massive numbers to support these Icon’s and in doing so generate impressive revenue, and not just from the music, but from live performances, DVD’s, clothes, movies, corporate sponsors and product endorsements, the possibilities are just endless & unlimited for these multi generational timeless entertainers, but it seems that it might be to late for the majors labels to join in, because as they fight to stay relevant, intelligent and business savvy Artist like Ralph Tresvant, Madonna, Prince and others embrace the new digital revolution, and take full control of their own Destiny.
Mr. Dillman states: so that’s exactly what we are doing here at Xzault were not waiting around for someone to come and do it for us, we are the ones that we’ve been waiting for. The time is right for Ralph’s star to shine bright in this new age that has opened Pandora’s Box for us “the Independent labels” and established entertainers like Ralph Tresvant, who have been fortunate to have touched the heart’s, ears and souls of music lovers across the world for over 25 years.
Ralph Tresvant is one of those rare spirits that’s had the chance to find his way into your heart either as a young child when he first arouse with “Candy Girl”, and dozens of his other youthful Hit’s, our maybe it was later in life when you heard “If It Isn’t Love”, Sensitivity, Stone Cold Gentleman, Money Can’t Buy You Love, Still In Love, My HomeGirl or Never Noticed. There are very few artist today who have been able to have this type of exposure and develop special places in our lives, when we hear Ralph’s voice on any one of his song’s past, present or future, it just does something to us, it’s the nostalgia, it reminds us of so many special moments in our lives growing up and as adult’s.
I am very excited to be here with Ralph at this special moment in time when the world is changing and heading towards a new paradigm musically, physically and spiritually. I believe this new song “It Must Be You” will be the first big hit for Ralph from this new record we are releasing later this year and spawn the energy around the up close and personal tour that we are preparing for where Ralph will be performing his New Hit’s, Past Solo Hit’s & New Edition Hit’s in a very intimate up close and personal settings in secret locations across the country and then take the tour around the world where Ralph has so many fans in Asia like Japan and especially in Europe, in country’s like Germany, France and the UK.
_
STEPHEN MARLEY TOURDATES

STEPHEN MARLEY TOURDATES
4 may 2008 20:00 SunFest West Palm Beach, Florida
6 may 2008 20:00 Center Stage Atlanta (Earthlink Live) Atlanta, Georgia
8 may 2008 20:00 House of Blues North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
9 may 2008 20:00 Freebird Live Jacksonville Beach, Florida
10 may 2008 20:00 Jannus Landing Saint Petersburg, Florida
11 may 2008 20:00 City Walk at Universal Studios (Outdoor) Orlando, Florida
13 may 2008 20:00 The Music Farm Charleston, South Carolina
15 may 2008 20:00 Georgia Theatre Athens, Georgia
16 may 2008 20:00 House of Blues New Orleans, Louisiana
17 may 2008 20:00 House of Blues - Dallas Dallas, Texas
18 may 2008 20:00 Extremo Corona Festival Mexico City, New Mexico
20 may 2008 20:00 Sunshine Theatre Albuquerque, New Mexico
22 may 2008 20:00 DreamCatcher Alpine, California
23 may 2008 20:00 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Outdoor Pool Las Vegas, Nevada
24 may 2008 20:00 Avila Beach Resort Avila Beach Resort, California
26 may 2008 20:00 UCLA Intramural Field Los Angeles, California
28 may 2008 20:00 The Independent San Francisco, California
29 may 2008 20:00 Roseland Theater Portland, Oregon 31 may 2008 20:00
Showbox At The Market Seattle, Washington
2 jun 2008 20:00 The Big Easy Concert House Spokane, Washington
3 jun 2008 20:00 The Big Easy Concert House Boise, Idaho
4 jun 2008 20:00 Cuthbert Amphitheater Eugene, Oregon
6 jun 2008 20:00 Snowmass Village Chili Pepper & Brewers Snowmass Village, Colorado
7 jun 2008 20:00 Fox Theatre Boulder, Colorado
8 jun 2008 20:00 Mishawaka Amphitheatre Bellvue, Colorado
10 jun 2008 20:00 First Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota
11 jun 2008 20:00 Barrymore Theatre Madison, Wisconsin
13 jun 2008 20:00 Bonnaroo Music Festival Manchester, Tennessee
1 jul 2008 20:00 Marcus Amphitheatre Milwaukee, Wisconsin
_______________

ICON BANTON TO BLAZE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN MAY 10TH!

Photo (c)Marsha Hunt

- Super Cat, Barrington Levy Also Set To Perform at Annual Mother's Day Reggae Fest -
(New York, NY/Kingston, JA - 30, April 2008) Gargamel Music is very proud to announce that international Reggae icon Buju Banton aka Gargamel will once again blaze up the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden on Saturday May 10th at 8:00pm. Billed as the Mother's Day Reggae Festival, this now annual extravaganza will feature performances by dancehall legend Super Cat, and one of the most recognizable voices in reggae, Barrington Levy.
This will be Buju Banton's fourth time gracing the world famous stage. Last year he played to a capacity crowd of over 5,000 energetic patrons that included former New York Knick and Jamaican national Patrick Ewing.
Buju Banton and his Shiloh Band are guaranteed to blaze up the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden with a bevy of dancehall classics from Buju's early catalog, as well as roots, lovers and other selections from his critically acclaimed albums 'Til Shiloh, Inna Heights, Unchained Spirit, Friends For Life and Too Bad.
The Mother's Day Reggae Festival is brought to you by veteran Caribbean radio personality Dahved Levy through his Devonish Promotions company, with partner GB God Bless. Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster locations and also online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.thegarden.com or www.caribbeanfever.com
www.gargamelmusic.com
www.myspace.com/bujubanton
www.myspace.com/gargamelmusicinc

_

Also catch Diddy himself as he showcases his newest artist... JANELLE MONAE LIVE @ The Key Club Tuesday, May 6th! @ 7PM!
ClicK to get your tickets now before it's too late! *Tickets are only $10
And be on the lookout for Janelle Monae's Bad Boy debut album... "METROPOLIS" coming this summer!
Get a sneak peek of Janelle and Diddy now! Click HERE to watch her NYC Showcase!
It's finally here...Diddy & MTV Present...
The Making The Band 4 The Tour!
Danity Kane, DAY26, Donnie Klang, & special guest Cheri Dennis are taking the show on the road!
You watched them all season long, now see them live!
Check the dates below to see if they are coming to a city near you...
May 24th: Bob Carr Performing Arts (Orlando, FL) May 25th: The Fillmore Miami Beach (Miami, FL) May 28th: Hammerstein Ballroom (New York, NY) May 30th: Pier Six Concert Pavilion (Baltimore, MD) May 31st: The Fillmore Detroit (Detroit, MI)
June 1st: Chicago Theatre (Chicago, IL) June 5th: Dodge Theatre (Phoenix, AZ) June 6th: The Pearl Concert Theater June 7th: Viejas Casino (San Diego, CA) June 9th: The Wiltern (Los Angeles, CA)
Making The Band 4 Tour tickets are currently on sale!
There are limited amount of special VIP Packages available which include a Meet & Greet with members of the Making The Band 4 Tour!
_

VISA RENEWAL
On Monday afternoons beginning 28 April 2008, the United States Embassy will resume Walk-in Visa Reissuance for persons already holding a B1/B2 multiple-entry visitor's visa. No appointments will be needed for this service. The first 450 applicants in line every Monday (except holidays) between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. will be admitted. Those not admitted may return on another Monday afternoon. Applicants should arrive at the Embassy no sooner than 11:00 a.m. on any Monday (except embassy holidays). No applicants will be admitted after 1:30 p.m.
To qualify for Walk-in Visa Reissuance, the applicant's current multiple-entry visa must have been initially valid for five years or more, and it must be expiring within the next 12 months, or have expired within the past 12 months. Walk-in Visa Reissuance will also be available to current holders of multiple entry B1/B2 visitor's visas who have obtained a new passport and want their current visa reissued in their new passport. Applicants must be resident in Jamaica to use Walk-in Visa Reissuance. They must pay the US$131 application fee and assemble their documents following instructions on our website at: kingston.usembassy.gov. Applicants must bring their most recent passport showing the expiring/expired visa and all travel to the United States. Those without the required $131 fee receipt, photos and all other required documents will not be admitted.
Applicants who use Walk-in Visa Reissuance will have their passports returned through Airpak, the embassy’s delivery contractor (no exceptions), within 9 to 10 business days. During the renewal process, visa holders will submit their applications and have fingerprints taken. They will leave their passports at the embassy for processing and will proceed to Airpak to make arrangements for delivery. Should there be any issues regarding the application, the applicant will be asked to come in for an interview with a consular officer. Those who have previously scheduled a regular appointment should bring their appointment confirmation so that the scheduled appointment can be cancelled and reallocated. Walk-in Reissuance on Monday afternoons is only for B1/B2 visitors' visas; all other visa application appointments will be held as scheduled. Applicants under the age of 14 or 80 and older are not required to appear in person for Visa Reissuance. All children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who must submit an original copy of the child’s new-style birth certificate or adoption order, on security paper from the Registrar General’s Department in addition to their own passport. Legal guardians must also submit original, official court documentation that they have been appointed guardian of the minor.
As a security measure, cell phones, cameras, beepers and all other electronic items are not allowed onto the embassy compound and must be left outside.
_
Alaine Rises to International Stardom

Alaine Sacrifice Songbird Alaine has been wowing crowds home and away with hit tracks from her new album, Sacrifice released in 2007 on Don Corleon Records. Now the songstress is preparing for a number of major festivals and tours in the coming months, including the Reggae on the Hill Festival, later this month in Barbados, UCLA's Reggae and Jazz Festival, in late May in California, and promotional tours in Europe and Japan slated for the upcoming months.
Bellowing notes in a pitch many of us will never be able to mimic, Alaine's success did not occur overnight. She's been hitting the grind ever since childhood, first as a child actress, starring in numerous television programs and commercials that aired across Jamaica. She even copped a role in the acclaimed Hollywood movie, Clara's Heart, starring opposite Whoppi Goldberg.
Alaine left Jamaica to continue her college education in New York, only to move back, realizing her passion for music was far greater than her academic achievements. It has been a life-changing decision for her, and for the thousands of fans who hail Alaine as the best female vocalist coming out of the Caribbean today. Alaine was just bestowed with the nomination for "Best Female Vocalist" in the 2008 International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA's), which will be held on Sunday, May 4 at the Apollo Theatre in New York City.
For bookings contact Headline Entertainment: bookings@headlinejamaica.com
Source: Fox Facts
_
Richie Spice Debuts New Video

FOX FLICKS crew films Richie Spice under the Brooklyn Bridge in New York.
NEW YORK, NY (RHONA FOX, INC.) - Culture reggae star Richie Spice's commentary on a social crisis affecting Caribbean immigrants during air travel to the States is getting worldwide attention in the video for his new single, "The Plane Land." The hit tune is the first single from his upcoming album, Gideon Boot, set for a May 13th release on VP Records/Fifth Element.
Hailing from a musical family that has also produced reggae artists Pliers, Spanner Banner and Snatcha Lion, Richie's reggae roots run deep. His last album, In The Streets to Africa (VP, 2007), brought him international attention from the mainstream masses with the breakout hit "Brown Skin," a romantic twist from the singer.
With the debut of this single, Richie Spice takes a more serious turn as he laments on the common misperceptions and stereotypes immigrants endure while traveling to America. With special emphasis on the plight of his own people, he examines how they are easy targets for searches and interrogations, as they are often suspected of smuggling marijuana into the country.
The video uses news footage of actual security activity at U.S. airports, and sees a special appearance from New York's FOX News anchor John Gray, who introduces the video. More than a solid musical composition, Richie Spice manages to effectively shed light on a delicate situation that affects the best of us.
The video sees cameo appearances from The New Kingston Band, brother Snatcha Lion, model Valentine Baker, and publicist Raine Martin. It was directed by Rhona Fox, and shot on location in Brooklyn, New York.
"The Plane Land" debuts this week on airwaves worldwide and will be premiering TONIGHT AT 8PM on Television Jamaica or TVJ's Entertainment Report, Jamaica's leading television station and number one rated musical program.

The New Kingston Band makes a cameo appearance.

Cast and crew - it's a wrap!
RICHIE SPICE "THE PLANE LAND"

source:rhonafox.com
_

HALF PINT

Photo by Russell Gerlach / Foundation Media/PR
HALF PINT'S NO STRESS EXPRESS US TOUR KICK-OFF A SUCCESS
_
Pioneering Engineer Errol Brown – Hall of Fame Inductee

Legendary engineer, Errol Brown is among four persons slated to be inducted into the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) Hall of Fame at the gala ceremony on Sunday, May 4.
In a career spanning more than four decades, Brown has worked with scores of notable reggae performers including The Techniques, Peter Tosh, Culture, U-Roy, Burning Spear, Mighty Diamonds, Marcia Griffiths, Judy Mowatt and John Holt just to name a few. He is widely considered to be among the best mixing engineers in Jamaica having mastered both the studio and live concert arenas.
EB, as he is affectionately called, began his career even before completing his studies at Kingston Technical High School. He trained and worked at Treasure Isle studios under the tutelage of his uncle, Author “Duke” Reid, OD. He continued his career at Tuff Gong Studios, recording and mixing tracks for Bob Marley and the Wailers, Rita Marley, Third World and the Melody Makers. The siblings won four Grammy Awards for Best Reggae Album and Brown's touches are on each; he has also recorded with Lauryn Hill on her Grammy-winning Miseducation of Lauryn Hill album and on Kaya N'Gan Daya, a tribute set recorded by Brazilian superstar Gilberto Gil.
Outside the studio, Brown has toured to every major country in the world from his days with international reggae star Bob Marley, to his stints with Shaggy and today with Bob’s son Ziggy.
Brown started his career in a time before computers, yet mastered emerging technology like ProTools. 'It is the best thing that could happen. I am getting the sound I want. Tapes and ProTools are like night and day. Tapes just give you noise and not what you put on it,' Brown said.
Brown will be honoured among fellow Hall of Fame inductees, international singer Billy Ocean, Gospel artiste Claudelle Clarke, and UK Rock Steady crooner Winston Francis, at the prestigious 27th Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), at the world famous Apollo Theatre, on Sunday, May 4. The IRAWMA Red Carpet arrival starts at 5:00pm. The VIP reception begins at 6:00pm, and the Awards ceremony starts at 7:00 pm.
_
Morgan’s Raid Rootz Dance

The first single off their newly released album Mission in Progress the Morgan’s family have once again delivered an impressive video that will definitely be one to remember. The Raid Rootz Dance video concept comes from an old Jamaica movie called Rockaz. Mojo who plays the role of Stallion wanted to recreate the entire movie in one video.
The rather high quality music video was shot at two locations under the co-direction of Winston Mayhew and Jay Will at Back Yard and Constant Spring Police Station. It starts off with everyone having a great time at a typical Jamaican dance. Everyone is enjoying themselves when an informer tips off the Police, who then they decide to ‘Raid the Rootz Dance’.
The police then arrests Stallion, Stripe played by Peter, Jack Diamond played by Gramps, and Jah Lyde played by Lukes. Not long after they are held in jail, Lady Don played by Una bails them. They all head back to the “rootz” dance and continue the party.
When Mayhew was asked how he felt working with Jay Will he responded “It was a great experience. I definitely learned alot from him me naah lie”.
Popular faces of media personalities DJ Sunshine and Empress as well as reggae artistes Jah Cure and Pressure are also featured in the music video.
Morgan Heritage new album is now out in stores on the VP Records label. Renowned worldwide for their riveting live shows, Morgan's Heritage's new release captures the band bottling the power of its stage performance on disc and infusing its songs with a heavier dose of hip-hop. Produced by Morgan Heritage (with a few songs helmed by Shane Brown and Stephen McGregor son of reggae singer Freddy McGregor), Mission in Progress, lyrically finds the group continuing their quest to bolster their love for reggae music through romantic, street-wise and conscious songs built on slabs of spirituality. Musically however, Mission in Progress is the realization of Morgan Heritage’s “ROCKAZ” concept: reggae music with an edge.
For bookings contact Headline Entertainment (876) 754-1526 or bookings@headlinejamaica.com
_
NEW!
PHOTOS
LUCIANO LIVE AT CRASH MANSION
MICHAEL FRANTI AT EARTHDAY LOS ANGELES 2008
ANGELQUE KIDJO AT UCLA
BOB MARLEY MOVEMENT OF JAH PEOPLE 15TH ANNUAL CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL
Kymani Marley Birthday Bash 2008
_
Students Visit Gargamel Studios

Canadian Youth Organization Gives Backayard
Toronto-based non-profit Students Crossing Borders (SCB) have been traveling to Jamaica since 1999, promoting early education and helping develop partnerships that provide local opportunities for teacher training.
The youth organization targets poverty-stricken areas such as Riverton city, located at Kingston's landfill, where they worked just last month. "We helped teachers in the regular day program support children with their work and provided one-on-one assistance," explains group leader Lynn Caruso. SCB also raised funds to rebuild a house for a family of four in the community who had lost everything in a recent fire.
Moved by all the hard work, it was the group's JUTA driver, Ranny B, who decided to reward the kids with a surprise stop by Buju Banton's famed Gargamel Music studios, where the Gargamel himself gave a personal tour of the compound and spent some time reasoning with the spirited group.
"We were really impressed by how down-to-earth and welcoming he is," reminisces Caruso. "Western artists are always so standoffish!" She adds, "Our visit was especially poignant because of Buju's and Gargamel's long-time commitment to community and for playing a leadership role in supporting programs that support the community and its needs."
For more info about Students Crossing Borders: www.studentscrossingborders.org
........

Mitch Shoots "Want No More" Video
Lead Single From Forthcoming Sly & Robbie-Produced Album
Gargamel Music is proud to announce that Mitch has just completed the accompanying music video for his searing new single "Want No More." Shot in downtown Kingston, the introspective clip was conceptualized by Mitch, who actually co- directed alongside his Taxi label rep, Kaz Asonuma.
"It's a simple video depicting my inner thoughts and reflecting the words of the song," offers the former member of popular guy group A.R.P. "We are set downtown, just taking a glimpse into the lives of everyday people," he says.
"Want No More" is the focus track from Mitch's gorgeous new Sly & Robbie-produced project Original Yard Man, which dropped in Japan earlier this year to critical acclaim. With the single now bubbling locally, Team Taxi are busily solidifying plans to release the album in Jamaica and North America some time this summer.
To peep the video for "Want No More" log on: www.myspace.com/mitchbloq
_
K-Salaam and Beatnick Present:
Buju Banton and Trey Songz - "StreetLife"
StreetLife is the lead single off of K-Salaam & Beatnick's new album: "Whose World Is This" which will be in stores everywhere in July.
The new album features all original and exclusive songs over Beatnick & K-Salaam's production, from hip-hop stars such as: Trey Songz, Young Buck, Talib Kweli, Dead Prez, Papoose, Outlawz, Saigon, Kardinal Offishall, & Rakaa from Dilated Peoples. As well as Reggae Legends: Buju Banton, Sizzla, Luciano, Capleton, Anthony B, and up and comers Busy Signal & Jamelody. The album also features HBO Def Poets Suheir Hammad and Black Ice, & much more.
For more info on K-Salaam and Beatnick, check them out at:
myspace.com/ksalaammusic
or
youtube.com/ksalaamandbeatnick

_

Assassin invests in studio time and churns out new tunes
Assassin has been busy in the studio working on some new material to keep his insatiable fans satisfied. With the production expertise of Daseca Productions, Ward 21 and Don Corleon, his new releases are guaranteed to make you “bump-your-head-to-this-track”.
Same Ting Again is a production of Coby from the Daseca camp and sees Assassin flexing his muscles on a Reggae/Hip Hop fusion. He explores the routines of daily life – ghetto people struggles are never-ending and even though there’s no money, they’re still experiencing problems. Surveillance is another song that is done under Daseca Productions and speaks to those men who are ever keen to their women’s every move.
Badness Nah Wear shows off Assassin’s dexterity where he tackles a serious issue, courtesy of Ward 21. Assassin acknowledges that “Reggae and Dancehall music glorifies guns and violence and it is not the absolute reason for what we see happening in society”. However, he does admit that there is the legitimacy of the “gangsta” factor, where music touts it as fashionable and so with Badness Nah Wear, he completely dispels this idea.
His latest tune with Don Corleon Records, The 1 Way is one that Assassin failed to expound upon. Instead, he cheekily invites his fans to make their own interpretations of the song as he left it open to their imaginations.
His other recordings, Money Machine (featuring Sadiki) and Dem Nah Look Nuh Gal, have been gaining momentum in the streets and have become the theme song of many.
Assassin tries to do songs that are relatable. He uniquely and adequately transforms issues discussed around domino tables and adds his own artistic twist to it. The end-product is an undeniably catchy song that just makes you want to simply, “bump-your-head-to-this-track”.
Source: NIA Concepts
_

MUSIC FESTIVAL BRINGS REGGAE LEGENDS TO PHOENIX
All Ages Welcome For This All Day Event

April 12, 2008
Phoenix Municipal
Stadium Parking Lot

5999 E Van Buren
Phoenix AZ 85048

11:00am � Midnight
(Doors open at 10:00am)

MG Music Promotions and Underdog Studios Present: Reggae Spring Festival 2008
Brought to you in part by: Doubletree Guest Suites , Red Stripe, Blaze Tobacco and Gifts, Thunderbird Trophies, In Season Deli
Ky-Mani Marley will join Reggae legends such as Don Carlos, Junior Reid, Yellow Man, Sister Carol and Bazil Gayle, just to name a few, in Phoenix for the 1st Annual Reggae Spring Festival 2008. This long list of international artists combined with a host of local acts will be sure to sell out the 8,000 person capacity at the Phoenix Municipal Stadium Parking Lot, on the corner of 56th St and Van Buren. Tickets will go on sale with a limited pre-sale price of $50 and $60 the day of the festival. Kids under 10 will pay $25 and we encourage the entire family to come. Pre-sale tickets will be available through the official festival website at www.reggaespringfest.com and through Zia Ticket Outlets, Blaze Tabacco and Gifts, In Season Deli and through promotional contests on local radio stations. Besides the a full day of great music, this festival will be a great place to experience an authentic reggae culture, including a wide selection of Caribbean cuisine. Also, the many shopping opportunities available let fans take home their favorite part of the festival. For those fans looking for the traditional festival experience, local venders are coming together to provide an array of foods and beverages, activities and games. Dont miss this great opportunity to hear great music, eat great food and experience the best reggae festival Phoenix has ever had.
www.reggaespringfest.com
_

Jamaica's Cherine Anderson and Rootz Underground
Rock SXSW Music Festival

Cherine Anderson, Stephen Newland & Leon Campbell of Rootz Underground
By: D Quinn
The South by Southwest Music, Film and Interactive Festival has just successfully wrapped its 22nd annual gathering. Austin, Texas, the "Live Music Capital of the World", is the home of SXSW, and this year, a host to more than 1,600 bands and musicians who were invited to take part in the music festival. Among the honored invitees to showcase their talents to countless industry professionals, fellow musicians and music lovers were Jamaica's own Cherine Anderson and Rootz Underground.
Cherine and Rootz Underground performed on Saturday, March 15, as part of a reggae themed night at Flamingo Cantina. The filled to capacity venue was packed with patrons anxious to hear what the Jamaican talent had to offer.
Cherine asked preeminent selector Rory of Stone Love to accompany her at SXSW for her show at Flamingo Cantina. Prior to her arrival in Austin, Cherine's name was placed on many critic's and blogger's "Must See" lists, including #1 on KLBJ FM's Peggy Simmons' top ten list. Peggy wrote, "Cherine Anderson. I've heard a lot of great things about this lady; she has it all going on! Songwriting, vocal range, passion, she's worked with a ton of big names - just check out the scoop on her on (her site) and I think you'll know why this is a must see show."
Cherine wanted to bring the true "dancehall vibe" to Austin, and the duo certainly accomplished that. The crowd was incredibly receptive, singing along during the chorus of "Good Love", and screaming, "More reggae!" Anderson chose SXSW to introduce her newly released mixtape, Street Anthems (available for free download at www.cherineanderson.com). Her set featured songs from Street Anthems, and the excited crowd received autographed, free copies of Street Anthems after their performance. Sister Irie , DJ 88.7 FM KAZI, said of the performance, "Cherine Anderson is pretty and petite. Her voice is LARGE and commanding. She is polished, has incredible stage presence and was sweet as an angel as she mingled with a loving crowd off stage. In a music industry where women have struggled to be seen as featured artists, Cherine will surely open the doors for herself and other women to be seen as the strength and natural beauty so rightfully deserved."

Rootz Underground, Rory (Stone Love) , Cherine Anderson
The crowd also appreciated the grooves of rock reggae dub group Rootz Underground. The rising band closed the evening at Flamingo Cantina with a driving, high energy set which made the patrons forget they'd been listening to up to 6 hours of music. SXSW came at a prime time for Rootz Underground also, as they have just released their debut album, MOVEMENT, March 4. Featuring the cool grooved "Hammer" (Bobby Digital) and "Love is an Illusion" (Rory of Stone Love), MOVEMENT is a sturdy project piloted soundly by lead singer Stevie G Newland. Philip Rose of the Jamaica Tourist Board was present at the show and stated, "It's great to see this new breed of talented reggae artists like Cherine and Rootz Underground representing Jamaica in such a positive light."

Cherine invites a fan to dance with her onstage during "Coming Over Tonight"
Of performing at SXSW, Cherine said, "It was a great opportunity and I enjoyed myself immensely. Being able to see other talented artists from all over the world showcase, as well as to sit in discussions led by some of the most powerful figures in the music industry has given me a new perspective on music today and the potential for myDancehall Soul brand. I am excited about moving forward to further establish my career while continuing to promote Jamaica through our music and culture. It was also a great experience to be able to support my musical brothers Rootz Underground. Our showcases were well received and some great contacts and prospective opportunities are on the table as a result of our participation in the festival."

_
New York Symphony Reggae Strings to back McGregor, Holt
Thursday, March 27, 2008
JOHN HOLT... will perform in Florida at Reggae Symphony on April 20 accompanied by New York Symphony Reggae Strings
Broward County, Fl - The New York Symphony Reggae Strings - comprising some of the most notable musicians from Jamaica, New York and Florida who have performed with Mary J Blige, Barry Manilow, Barbara Streisand and Ricky Martin - will provide accompaniment for Freddie McGregor and John Holt at the Broward Centre on April 20.
This evening of elegance unfolds as County Line Chiropractic Centres present Reggae Symphony featuring reggae pioneer John Holt, OD and Grammy-nominated, Reggae ambassador Freddie McGregor, OD. Providing additional support will be the inimitable Lloyd Parkes and We the People Band. John Holt and Freddie McGregor will perform chart-topping hits like The Tide is High, Mr Bojangles, Love You to Want Me, I Was Born a Winner, Big Ship, Push Come to Shove and many more.
Theatre doors for this black tie event open at 6:00 pm and a VIP reception to follow performance.
Produced by Big Ship Music Inc & Riddims Marketing Inc, under the patronage of Ricardo Allicock, Consul General of Jamaica (South-east USA), Reggae Symphony has evolved out of a sold out 2001 premiere at the London Apollo with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and combines two of Jamaica's greatest voices with the sound of classical music to create the perfect fusion.
Support for this performance is provided by Jamaica National Money Transfer, Hot 105FM, Air Jamaica and FUNSATION4.
Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
_
ORIGINAL DON DADA SUPER CAT ADDED TO BEST OF THE BEST 2008

Joins Buju Banton - Beenie Man - Bounty Killer - Sizzla - Junior Reid - Mavado & More!
(Miami, FL -- 28, March 2008) South Florida's premier music and lifestyle promotions company, Rocker's Island Entertainment, in association with Massive B Sound System, Inc., and title sponsor REBEL MIX, are extremely pleased to announce the addition of dancehall legend Super Cat to the line up of Best Of The Best 2008.
Miami's longest running Memorial Weekend reggae concert, Best Of The Best 2008 will jump off on Sunday May 25th at Bicentennial Park (1075 Biscayne Blvd.) in bustling downtown Miami. "We all grew up listening to Super Cat," says Rocker's Island CEO Joseph "Budafuco" Louis, "so this is a huge honor for us to bring him down to Florida for our annual event." The occasion will be Mr. Cat's first outdoor park show ever in North America.
Born and raised in the rough and tumble streets of Cockburn Pen in Kingston, Super Cat aka the Wild Apache bumrushed the dancehall fraternity of the mid-1980s with a spree of hits like: "Boops," "Mud Up," and "Sweet For My Sweet." He was one of the first Jamaican deejays to bust in the US market and signed a major label deal with Columbia records in the early '90s, enjoying success with several smash hits including "Dem No Worry We," "Don Dada" and "Dolly My Baby."
Super Cat also helped pioneer the fusion of Hip-Hop and Reggae and R&B and Reggae, regularly collaborating with then-rising stars P. Diddy, Heavy D, Mary J. Blige and Notorious B.I.G. Over the years, his trademark vocal style and lyrical pattern have been adopted by many deejays to follow, most notably multi-platinum Pop artist Sean Paul, who can credit the Cat as a major influence.
The original don dada joins a stellar list of artists already confirmed for this year's event, including Buju Banton aka Gargamel, Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Sizzla, Junior Reid, Barrington Levy, soca king Machel Montano, Tarrus Riley, Mavado, Etana, Dean Frasier, Assassin, Serani, Bling Dawg, Shifta, Demarco, Bugle, Screechy Dan, Rockefella and Dilly Chris. Best Of The Best 2008 will be hosted by Bobby Konders and Jabba, DJ Khaled, Jamusa, Ron Burke, Tony Matterhorn, 800-Bungie, Walshy, Mr. Slater, DJ Roy and Steelie. Doors will open at 1:00pm sharp. Stage show kicks off at 2:00pm and ends at 11pm.
_

Planet Reggae always finds room for a great roots vocalist, and BE PREPARED, JAMELODY’s 15 track VP Records debut CD, showcases a rare voice---soulful, gritty, with echoes of Dennis Brown and Garnet Silk, as well as Stevie Wonder. But JAMELODY is clearly his own man, and he sings not just for one audience, but for the whole world.
Whether working out over BE PREPARED’s first half—hardcore foundation-style reggae tracks, produced by legendary mixing board master Bobby “Digital” Dixon—or the CD’s “New Roots” rock/pop/R&B hybrids, orchestrated by Carl James, this genre-busting talent is a sure shot for international stardom.
Born in 1980 as Michael Williams, the youngest of six children in a humble, church-going family from Carenage, Trinidad, JAMELODY got his start as so many greats have before him, by honing his chops singing in church choir.
As everyone knows, Trinidad/Tobago is birthplace to soca/calypso—the music that motors the twin islands’ Carnival, the most spectacular party on earth. Yet young Michael wasn’t feeling his native sounds. As a young teen, he and a few friends formed acapella group Brothers with Voices. Michael took the leads and arranged their covers of R&B favorites like Boys II Men, Take 6, Brian McKnight, and older groups like the Temptations.
The group was building a name in local clubs, but Michael was searching for something more than just a means of survival. Then he met Nera Griffith, the Rasta woman with whom he now shares his life, and he found inspiration.
“She showed me a picture of Selassie I,” recalls JAMELODY. “At first, I didn’t accept it, and we had an argument. She said if I didn’t accept His Majesty our relationship could end. I opened up and learned a lot from her. Then she started writing words, and I took the words and I created melodies with reggae instrumentals. A lot of people experienced the vibes, but I told them, ‘It’s not my melody; it’s Jah melody and from there I got my name (Jamelody) and started writing with her. She’s an inspiration to me, and I have to give thanks. She helped steer my career in the right direction—where it was always supposed to go.”
Nera’s cousin “Pine” booked JAMELODY into Club Prosperity, a revival reggae spot in Port of Spain, for one of his first reggae performances.
“The experience was surprisingly great and wonderful,” says JAMELODY. “The people accepted my style even though they knew me as an R&B artist, a member of Brothers with Voices. They gave me support and said to keep on doing it because it was more original.”
Opening for a big reggae show won him his first break, in the person of his manager, Zakri Esau, who took him to Jamaica to record “Jah Jah Never Let Us Down” and another track for Brit-based Jet Star’s Greenhouse label. Things didn’t fire up, though, until Esau contacted Jamaica’s Bobby Digital, who instantly recognized JAMELODY’s perfect pitch, kamikaze energy, and golden boy appeal. VP signed JAMELODY and put the beguiling Digital-B-produced “Give Thanks” on their Strictly the Best 38 compilation CD.
That tune, along with BE PREPARED’s title track, a roots-rocking hit-in-the-making that vibrates with JAMELODY’s serpentine vocal, announces to listeners exactly what this breakout talent is all about—a New Roots messenger blending classic reggae with contemporary R&B, rock, and pop in order to reinvigorate reggae’s vintage call for “truth, rights, justice, and One Love.
“Growing up, my mom taught me about keeping the Sabbath and reading the Bible, which taught me a lot of life and the wonders and signs that will come to pass,” JAMELODY explains. “I see these things come to pass in this age, so I know it’s basically true. The Bible told us that He will come again as a conquering lion, with fire and brimstone, not water, this time. That gave me the inspiration to write “Be Prepared,” because a whole lot of people are going astray and when He come it won’t be nice. You have to be prepared.”
Other classic reggae tunes like “Ithiopia” and “Pressure” mine rich Jamaican reggae themes about the sufferah’s plight and the yearning to leave island exile for return to Mother Africa. For those who believe that the people of Trinidad/Tobago, which is known for its oil reserves, don’t know the struggle of poverty, JAMELODY explains;
“Trinidad is wealthy, but what is the government doing for the people? It’s making life harder, so what are they doing with the money? There are a lot of people going through hard times today, going into 2008, and it even get worse, the money is weak, prices of food are higher, and crime is rising. We feel it.”
On the New Roots tip, JAMELODY flexes on Carl James-produced tunes like “All that I Pray For”; the rock-infused “Since You’ve been Away”; the uptempo “Joy”; and an original traditional gospel penned by Donald Lawrence, “When the Saints Go to Worship.” “Want to be There,” written by JAMELODY, is a straight-no chaser R&B cut that bears a quintessentially JAMELODY reminder that each of us has our God-given place in life. And just to show he can do it, the CD contains a gorgeous Bobby Ditigal-produced cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Living in the Sky” and a stunning revamp of Boys II Men’s “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye.”
As Bob sang, “Who feels it knows it.” JAMELODY’s passion and knowledge clearly run deep and true.
_
Mikey Dread - forever at the Control
MONDAY MUSINGS with Yasmine
Monday, March 17, 2008
On Saturday night we walked into a visibly distraught Brigitte Anderson at Symphony Under the Stars. She was mourning the passingof her friend, Mikey Dread, who had made his transition earlier that day. "He was really such a wonderful person . and he has a baby who's just a couple months old . you should really do something extensive on him .," Brigitte rambled on in her grief.
Interestingly, it was only earlier in the week that Observer had carried an article about Mikey Dread and how 'hopeful' he was about beating his illness, so it came as a shock, just as we were wrapping up the Entertainment section on Saturday to hear that he had died. The comforting thing, however, is that his legacy is so extensive and so universal, that, in a sense, Mikey Dread will forever be at the control. A versatile and multi-faced person, the Dread clearly was a perfectionist and this is evident by his belief in formal training in his chosen field. In 1980, he attended the National Broadcasting School in London where he perfected his media production/radio broadcasting skills, graduating with special commendations; in 1984, he studied studio/recording techniques at Polytechnic of North London; in 1996, he attended the Art Institute of Ft Lauderdale as a full -time student majoring in music/ video production, graduating with honours; in 2000, he graduated with honours from Lynn University, Boca Raton/Florida with a magna cum laude Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Communications. In that same year, he released World Tour, his first album in five years.
Between the years 1976 when he started working at JBC and 2007 when he released his final album, Life is a Stage, Mikey Dread accomplished so much, it was as if he was ensuring that his half a century-plus on this earth would be memorable . and it was. Broadcaster, singer, songwriter and producer, he toured Europe and Scandinavia as support artiste for UB40 and produced 10 dub tracks for them; he made several appearances and performances on BBC and Sky TV Music Box, London and Bristol, UK and did live appearances with UB40, Bob Dylan, and Carlos Santana at Rock Music Festival at Wembley Stadium in London and Slane Castle in Dublin, Ireland.
His performances in Italy in November 2001 in Bari and Rome re-established him as one of the original roots reggae icons of the mid-seventies/early '80s reggae era of Jamaican music.
He produced artistes such as Sugar Minott, Junior Murvin, Earl Sixteen, Wally Bucker, Sunshine, Jah Grundy and Rod Taylor and was integral in the career development of singer Edi Fitzroy, who was an accountant at during 'the Mikey years'. Mikey Dread was the featured artiste on Lips Like Sugar with Seal for the soundtrack of the Adam Sandler/Drew Barrymore -Sony Pictures movie 50 First Dates. May his soul rest in peace.
Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
_
GREAT PICS FROM THE RAGGA MUFFINS FESTIVAL
Click Here To See Pics
_____________
JUS NATURAL HAIR STUDIO RELOCATES TO PULSE COMPLEX “BRING YOUR ROOTS TO LIFE”

Kingston, Jamaica, W.I.
March 13, 2008

Jus Natural Hair Studio is pleased to announce the relocation of its shop from the Bob Marley Museum at 56 Hope Road to the Pulse Complex at Shop 45, 38A Trafalgar Road, Kingston. On February 29, 2008, despite the early afternoon showers and a short power cut, Jus Natural opened its doors to clients and friends for the official opening.
Models with well-groomed dreadlocks as well as natural hair styled and coloured, wearing shirts from the Bwoy Beatazz clothing line strutted the red carpet to candlelight that truly added to the ambiance of the evening. When power was restored, the enthusiastic audience called for the models to do a repeat performance on the red carpet as the cameras flashed and L.A. Lewis shouted “Jus Natural to the World.”
Jus Natural provides services to all ages, including lock startup, maintenance, extensions, repair, styling and coloring, cornrows, rope twist, straw set, flat ironing, braids, and treatments. Students from UWI and UTECH will receive a discount upon the presentation of proper identification (some conditions apply).
Jus Natural Hair Studio has two additional locations:
Shop 40, Portmore Town Centre, St. Catherine
Shop 25, Centre Point Plaza, Montego Bay.

For further information
Please contact
Trudy Greenland and/or Princess Dunn
(876) 906-0400
www.jusnatural.com

______________

BUSHMAN RELEASES FIRST INDEPENDENT CD

GET IT IN YOUR MIND” IS AVAILABLE NOW ON THE BURNING BUSHES LABEL! Bushman is one of Jamaica’s strongest conscious, positive voices and this CD is power packed with hits!!!
“Get It In Your Mind” is a 15 song disc with a special DVD enhancement that includes a video for the song called “Gun Ting”. Each of these songs was specially hand picked by Bushman to be placed on this CD for his fans. The CD features Bushman’s deep baritone voice combined with his superior vocal style.
Bushman’s eighth full length CD is now available for sale exclusively on CD Baby.com. Following in the footsteps of Burning Spear, Bushman’s has founded his own record label called Burning Bushes Music. “Get It In Your Mind” is the first release from this newly formed label.
Bushman says: “After the release of “Signs” in 2004, I decided to start my own record label. I hope to use this label to help bring out other upcoming reggae acts in the future. There is so much talent in Jamaica that needs to be highlighted. I know that it’s hard for the youth that are coming up. I’m really glad for this opportunity to help other artists.”
“Get it In Your Mind” is not a typical reggae album. It contains songs that were produced by various producers in many different studios throughout the island and some were even recorded in Bushman’s own studio – the Green House Studio in St Thomas, Jamaica. No one will say that this is a CD where all the songs sound the same. There are a couple of fast paced dancehall tunes, “Can’t Get the Best of Me” and “Born Fi Di Ting”. There’s a disco style Peter Tosh cover song, “Buk-In-Hamm-Palace” and an acoustic ballad “Call on Jah”. Really there is something for everyone to enjoy on this compilation!
Bushman will be touring in Europe and North America this summer in support of this release.
Previous albums from Bushman include:
1997 -Nyah Man Chant (VP Records)
1999 -Total Commitment (Greensleeves)
2000 -A Better Place (Artists Only)
2001 - Higher Ground (Greensleeves)
2002 -Toe To Toe with Luciano (Jet Star)
2003 - My Meditation (Charm)
2004 - Signs (VP Records)
# # # #

LUCIANO CD RELEASE PARTY AT JAMAICA LIVE
Click here to view the Luciano photos

Gargamel Music Studio Under Construction Buju Banton Rebuilds Kingston Recording Compound
Buju Rebuilds Gargamel Studio 10 Carlisle Ave. is the esteemed location of Reggae star Buju Banton's Gargamel Music Studio in Kingston, Jamaica. For the past two years, the popular recording compound has been undergoing major cosmetic and technological changes.
"We're upgrading all of the equipment and the control room is being fully modified," explains Gargamel house engineer and remixer Jermaine Reid. "With these new technologies, our recordings will be executed more efficiently, and the actual sound of the recordings will be much better."
First project up will be the completion of Banton's highly anticipated roots album Rasta Got Soul, which was delayed due to the renovations. The new and improved Gargamel Music Studio will also be available for booking. For more info email us: GARGAMELSTUDIO@GMAIL.COM

I-THREE
The I-THREE – three beautiful black sisters blessed with voices like well-tuned instruments. Individually, they are Jamaica’s three most respected female vocalists: Rita Marley, Judy Mowatt and Marcia Griffiths. These three artistes were close friends long before they came together as a group in 1973 to sing backup vocals for the King of Reggae, Bob Marley.
“While we were in the studio for the Natty Dread album, Brother Bunny and Brother Peter were in with Bob…we were looking for a name to call ourselves and we said ‘We Three’. We eventually settled for the name I-Three,” recalls Sister Judy. “The ‘I’ in the I-Three is H.I.M. Emperor Haile Selassie I, who is the far eye watching your deeds…so the name is really mystical.”
Bob Marley first heard the three songbirds harmonize early in 1973 at the House of Chen Club in New Kingston. He immediately decided that together, their melodious voices made the sound for which he was listening. As backup vocalists, the I-Three sounded so perfect that Bob decided to keep them on for the rest of the Natty Dread album, their first album with the King himself. By the time Bob Marley showcased them in his line-up at the Jackson Five concert in Kingston, Jamaica was ready for a female sounding Wailers. The audience was enthralled by the performance of the entire group – a performance considerably enhanced by the colourful sight of the I-Three in red, gold and green headdresses and gowns, chucking in unison and singing harmony at stage right. The I-Three toured with Bob Marley all over the world opening doors for Reggae and raising the consciousness of millions to its hypnotic beat.
The I-Three series of concerts singing to record breaking audiences have taken them to Japan. They were headliners at the Bob Marley 50th and 58th Birthday anniversary concerts in Jamaica. Their appearance on the Summit of the Americas concert (where 34 Presidents and their spouses as well as other high profile personalities convened in Miami, Florida) was a milestone for Reggae internationally. The fabulous I-Three gave a fantastic performance at the Divas in Concert with top billed divas Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle to rave reviews.
The I-Three has become a household name worldwide through their musical offerings as a group and their successes as solo performers. For their individual performances, both Rita Marley and Judy Mowatt are Grammy Nominees. All three have been bestowed the Order of Distinction, that is Jamaica’s highest honour for artistic achievement. The I-Three is also a recipient of the 2001 International Achievement presented by The American Friends of Jamaica and lauded for their “excellence in carrying out the traditional of the Bob Marley era in international Reggae.”
Individually, their hits include “One Draw,” “Harambe,” “Good Girl Culture,” and “Who Feels It Knows It” by Rita; “Young, Gifted and Black,” “Steppin’ Out of Babylon,” “Electric Boogie,” and “Rock My Soul” from Marcia; and Judy’s “Working Wonders,” “Hush Baby Mother,” “Many are Called (Few are Chosen),” and “Black Woman.” Together these three irie daughters took the world by storm with their versatile first album Beginning that featured the chart toppers “He’s a Legend,” “Neighbour,” “That’s How Strong,” and “Jealousy.”
Again, sweet harmony flows with their much-anticipated follow-up album I-Three Sings Bob. The recording pays tribute to Bob Marley in honour of his 50th Birthday anniversary, and is produced by ace producer, Clive Hunt, with vocal arrangements by Grub Cooper. The album features the queens at their best yet and is distributed by Rita Marley Music and Tachyon/Phonogram Record Company.
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of democracy in South Africa in August 2004, the I-Three performed in Johannesburg, South Africa as a guest of the Urban Voices – International Arts Festival. The South African Exchange, a non-profit organization looking at cultural exchange within the continent and beyond, is hosted this Festival that is the fourth of a series in partnership with the City of Johannesburg Women’s Festival.
The I-Three also performed at the Bat Centre Community Cultural Centre in Durban, Cape Town in association with the Urban Voices. This legendary Women in Reggae line up featured one of the most spectacular concerts to celebrate National Women’s Day and South Africa’s ten years of democracy.
In February 2005, together with the Marley Family, the I-Three gave a rousing tribute at the first Africa Unite Concert (now an annual event) in Meskel Square, Addis Abba, Ethiopia before some 300,000 people as part of the celebrations held in honour of Bob Marley’s 60th Birthday. In celebration of the annual Africa Unite in February 2006, the I-Three paid tribute to Bob Marley at the Ghanaian concerts held on February 3 at the Kumasi Cultural Centre and on February 5, at the Trade Centre in Accra, Ghana.
As special guest of the Franklin H. Williams Caribbean Cultural Centre/Africa Diaspora Institute, the I-Three was featured in honour of their “Tribute to Women of Color” concert at the legendary Apollo Theatre, Harlem, N.Y.
The International Cricket Council World Cup hosted by the Government of Jamaica was held in March 2007, and the I-Three performed at this historical and very colourful opening ceremony at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium, in Trelawny, Jamaica.
The I-Three’s message is one of love, hope, peace and unity to all mankind.
One Love
........
Marley magic prevails
Stephen claims Grammy for Mind Control

Monday, February 11, 2008
MARLEY... laid claim to the Reggae Grammy for his album Mind Control
Stephen Marley, the second son of Bob Marley, yesterday laid claim to the Reggae Grammy for his album Mind Control.
Nominations in the category Best Reggae Album included The Burning Spear Experience - Burning Spear; Mind Control - Stephen Marley; The End Of An American Dream - Lee 'Scratch' Perry; Anniversary - Sly & Robbie And The Taxi Gang and Light Your Light - Toots & The Maytals.
This year's nominees are all previous Grammy winners, with Stephen topping the list with a total of five awards.
Many persons felt that this could be Stephen's year to cop an award which has been dominated by the Marley family with brother Ziggy winning last year (2006) for Love Is My Religion, his second solo album. Younger brother Damian took home two Grammys the year before (2005) for Welcome to Jamrock, one in the Best Reggae Album category and for Best Urban/Alternative Performance. In 2001, Damion won the Reggae Grammy for the album Halfway Tree. The Melody Makers have claimed a total of three.
It was in 1979 that Stephen made his official debut when The Melody Makers (group with his siblings) cut their first single, Children Playing in the Streets and followed it up in 1985 with their debut LP, Play the Game Right. Over the next decade, the group would follow in their father's footsteps, racking up Grammy awards and bringing conscious songs and one-love rhythms to every corner of the globe.
With Mind Control, Stephen stepped to centrestage for the first time in his 27-year career. Appropriately, Mind Control is all Stephen and a cornucopia of the sounds and styles that he loves: a blend of reggae, rock, R&B, nyabinghi rhythms, flamenco and hip-hop.
Featuring cameos from roots-rock star Ben Harper, hip-hop hero Mos Def and younger brother Damian 'Jr Gong' Marley, it's a collection of songs that range from conscious critiques of society (Mind Control) and politics (Chase Dem), to the sweet and open-hearted (Hey Baby), to the simple and fun (the sexy, club-rocking, Latin-tinged grinder Let Her Dance, which features Maya Azucena & Illestr8).
In addition to recording his debut album, Stephen has been hunkered down in the studio serving as the secret weapon behind both of Damian's past two Grammy winners as well as behind the Ghetto Youths International and Tuff Gong imprints. Stephen's production skills can also be heard on albums by Buju Banton, brothers Julian and Ziggy, Spearhead, Eve, Erykah Badu, Capleton and Mr Cheeks.
He's performed as a vocalist, percussionist or guitarist on albums by all the above, as well as albums by Eric Clapton and others.
Stephen will be performing at the Africa Unite: Smile Jamaica concert set for Saturday February 23 at the James Bond Beach.
Attempts to reach Stephen last night were unsuccessful even though he was reportedly in the island as he had not attended the ceremony at the Staples Centre, Los Angeles, CA.
Source:Jamaica Observer

Ky-Mani Marley To Appear on Two Nationally Televised Shows Next Week
Ky-mani MarleyMusical artiste, actor and reality TV star Ky-Mani Marley continues his press campaign for his latest album Radio. Ky-Mani will appear on two nationally televised programs the week of March 10.
On Monday March 10, Ky-Mani will appear on NBC/Telemundo's show called "The Shuffle". The show will air at 5:00 PM (EST). "The Shuffle" is a hip, fresh look what's going on in the world of music and mun2. Hosted by resident VJ Pico, the show is shot from the Telemundo studios in Miami.
On Thursday March 13 Fox's Happy Hour with Cody Willard and Rebecca Gomez welcomes Ky-Mani for a one on one interview. Fox's "Happy Hour" is described as a new breed of news show, where a younger version of "Regis and Kelly" meets "Cheers" with the breeziness of “Entourage." "Happy Hour" will air at 5:00 PM (EST) on Thursday, March 13.
The album also remains firmly ensconced in the Top 5 of the Billboard Top Reggae Albums chart 23 weeks after debuting at #1, Ironically, Ky-Mani has been trading chart positions with both his father and brother Stephen, further proving the strength and artistic variety within the formidable Marley family musical legacy as he comes into his own on Radio.
Marley not only boasts broad-based musical appeal but also has been making his multimedia mark as a critically-acclaimed actor in a number of independent films while debuting last fall as a TV star in his own reality series on BET J., "Living the Life of Marley." The show, which follows Ky-Mani as he recorded Radio and now promotes the album, has been picked up for a second season by the cable channel.
Source: Warrior Productions

Jus Natural Hair Studio relocates to Pulse Complex
Jus Natural Hair Studio located at the Bob Marley Museum is relocating effective February 26, 2008 to the Pulse Complex, Shop 45, 35a Trafalgar Road, Kingston.
The official opening will be held on Friday, February 29, 2008 and the day’s events will include free consultation, entertainment and a Hair show between 6:00pm and 8:00pm featuring some of their celebrity clients such as Elephant Man and Movado. Bwoy Beatazz designs will also be featured.
Other Jus Natural Hair Studio branches are located at Shop #25, Centre Point Plaza, Montego Bay, St. James and Shop #40, Portmore Town Centre, Portmore, St. Catherine.
Our clients include Mavado, Elephant Man, Morgan Heritage, Queen Ifreka, Daville, Prestige, Monga Honourable......

SOUL REBELLION 2008 THE FESTIVAL WITH A CAUSE GIVES BACK TO JAMAICA
NEW YORK, NY (RHONA FOX, INC.) - Jamaica has had a profound influence in the development of popular culture in the United States. The genres of hip-hop, rap, punk, alternative rock, and some forms of electronic dance music can all trace their influences and origins to Jamaica, and its groundbreaking music studios and producers such as King Tubby and Lee Scratch Perry.
Jamaican music, dance, fashion, and the concept of the sound clash, which gave roots to rap and hip-hop, all have left their mark abroad. Soul Rebellion, the festival with a cause, taps into this legacy imbedded in our cultural landscape by such legendary icons as the world's beloved Bob Marley.

Beenie Man entertains spring breakers at Soul Rebellion in Negril, Jamaica.
The thousands of visiting spring breakers provide a platform on which to express this legacy, as Soul Rebellion 2008 swings back into action during Spring Break this March in Negril, Jamaica. This charitable event, which stages fundraising shows, distinguishes itself as a concept more than a concert. "Soul Rebellion serves to re-invest Jamaica and her rich and vibrant culture back into the spring break dynamic by tracking, exploring, and illuminating the cultural conversation taking place between Jamaica and American street culture," states event organizer Richard Sloan.
Brick

Jamaican school students benefit from all proceeds of Soul Rebellion.
This year's events are slated for every Tuesday during the month of March, with stage shows taking place at the Jungle Nightclub in Negril. This is followed by daytime activities that include visits to local schools where spring breakers can participate in the "Build-A-Brick" program and literally rebuild local schools. One of the shows, slated for March 18, will be headlined by arguably the hottest act in dancehall right now, Mavado. Soul Rebellion's vision is in sync with Mavado's own initiative to aid education in his homeland, thru his charity "Connect Jamaica" where he donates computers to local schools.
Brick

Soul Rebellion's "Buy-A-Brick" program at work in local schools in Jamaica.
A number of Jamaican entertainment heavyweights are working to help make this year's event a success, including Tony Matterhorn, Julian Jones-Griffith of the Alliance (home to Mavado), Janet Davidson of Madhouse Records (home to Baby Cham), Don Corleon of Don Corleon Records (home to Munga, Pressure and Alaine), and Jerome Hamilton of Headline Entertainment (booking agency for most Jamaican entertainers including Sean Paul). As a result, more additions to the lineup will soon be announced. Soul Rebellion 2008 will also play host to a number of international media houses who will be on hand to witness and provide coverage of this festival that directly aids the local community.
Those wishing to partake in the festivities can book travel packages through studentcity.com, where the mention of "soulrebel1" will provide certain discounts.
........
GANGSTA FOR LIFE SHOWS SOME SOUL Mavado Set to Headline Soul Rebellion
ManHead

NEW YORK, NY (RHONA FOX, INC.) - Dancehall's bad boy David "Mavado" Brooks will be setting his sights on doing good when he headlines the 2008 Soul Rebellion event on March 11th in Negril, Jamaica. Meeting much success with the release of his debut album "Gangsta For Life: The Symphony of David Brooks" back in 2007 (VP Records), Mavado has since shared the fruits of his labor with his homeland by launching his "Connect Jamaica" charity, where he donates computers to local schools.
This made him the perfect candidate for the face of Soul Rebellion - the festival with a cause, where proceeds from each fundraising event are invested back into the local economy in Jamaica. By targeting the spring break crowd, Soul Rebellion hosts a number of unique events and concerts that are geared towards raising funds to help rebuild local schools and strengthen local communities, long after the tourists depart.
BRICKS

Spring breakers engage in the "Buy-A-Brick" program to help rebuild Jamaican schools.
Through the "Buy-A-Brick" program, Soul Rebellion works with the Negril Education Environment Trust (NEET) to restore local schools. Spring breakers can buy a brick and decorate it with their names or Greek letters, and those bricks are then used to rebuild schools, thereby creating a positive change in the social and economic landscape of the tourist destination.
Soul Rebellion 2008 occurs every Tuesday during the month of March at the Jungle Nightclub in Negril, with daytime activities happening at Travellers Beach Resort. Travel packages can be booked through studentcity.com; use promotional code "soulrebel1" for travel discounts.
Source:RHONA FOX

Another Legend for Smile Jamaica

Kingston, Jamaica: The sultry soul singer John Legend has been added to the star packed line up for the Smile Jamaica-Africa Unite concert on Saturday February 23 at James Bond Beach.
The Smile Jamaica-Africa Unite concert will be the Grammy winner’s third performance in Jamaica. Legend wowed Jamaican audiences at Reggae Sumfest as he performed alongside rapper Kanye West and he also headlined the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues festival. Legend exploded on the scene with Ordinary people. The Track and album were local and International hits. His follow up album spawned the chart topper Stay with You, a favourite of Jamaicans, Legend will have audiences singing along.
John Legend grew up in Ohio, surrounded by every musical influence from gospel to hip-hop. While attending university Legend found time to make his own music, whether it was recording his own albums, performing at talent shows and open mics, or directing the choir at a local church. In 1998, John got his first taste of success, playing piano on Everything is Everything off Lauryn's Hill's multiple-Grammy winning album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. In 2001, a college roommate introduced John to the then up-and-coming producer/artiste Kanye West. By 2002, Legend was part of West's creative team, appearing on albums by Talib Kweli, Common, Aleica Keys, Mary J Blige and on West's 2004 breakthrough The College Dropout.
Legend then burst unto the scene in 2004 stepping into the solo spotlight as a premier singer-songwriter-pianist-performer in his own right with his debut album Get Lifted. This was a critical and commercial triumph, earning John an astounding eight Grammy nominations - he won Best New Artiste, Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B album, selling more than three million copies worldwide.
Legend captured the hearts of his audiences with his boyish charm as well as his honest and daring approach in his lyrics to topics such as love and cheating. On that level he has connected with his fans in each and every arena he has performed at. Legend’s success only continued with second album Once Again. The pop/soul album is fueled by intelligence, intuition, sensuality, spirit and creativity and includes tracks with artistes such as Raphael Saadiq, Kanye West, Craig Street and will.i.am. Once Again saw hit songs such as Save Room, Stormy and Where Did My Baby Go.
Even more so than he did on Get Lifted, John went boldly in his own creative direction on Once Again, opting to write, not from a marketing standpoint, but from his heart and soul and personal experience. The already iconic Legend is scheduled to perform at the Bob Marley tribute concert Smile Jamaica among other legends such as Bunny Wailer, Black Uhuru and the Marley sons: Stephen, Ziggy, Julian, Ky-Mani and Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley.
Smile Jamaica- Africa Unite Concert takes place Saturday February 23, 2008 at 8PM at James Bond Beach, Oraccabessa, St. Mary.
_
Smile Jamaica - Africa Unite
The Revolution Comes Home

Kingston, Jamaica:- In 2005, the message of African unity rang out across Meskel Square in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, with over 300,000 participating in the musical and cultural revolution. This year, the salubrious shores of James Bond Beach in Oraccabessa will witness a historic gathering come Saturday, February 23, with the historic Jamaican staging of Smile Jamaica-Africa Unite.

The combined show will offer a rare - in fact unprecedented - opportunity to see the current generation of the Marleys all on stage at the same time, each of whom has established – to varying degrees – a viable career in his own right. Stephen, fresh from his success at the Grammy awards, has added solo artiste to his portfolio of producer; Damian Jr. Gong Marley has also made the trip to the Grammy podium, for his Welcome to Jamrock album (co-produced by Stephen), and has scaled the heights of the Billboard charts, and toured with the likes of U2; Ziggy, whose latest CD, Love Is My Religion, and who has collaborated with leading-edge artistes from around the world, as Julian; Ky-Mani having established himself as a dual threat – actor and singer - focused on his music in 2007. His first album in five years, Radio, and the lead single One Time, returned Ky-Mani to the Billboard charts.
Also taking the stage for the historic event are The Melody Makers (the Marley sisters Cedella and Sharon), Black Uhuru, Rasta talents Capleton, Tarrus Riley, Richie Spice, Spragga Benz, Lutan Fyah, Coco Tea and Alborosie; African Queens Etana and Queen Ifrica; musicians Dean Fraser and Ernie Ranglin, new comer Javaughn and sound systems Stone Love and Gully Bank. Adding diversity to programme are dub poet-commentator Mutabaruka, and Barbadian pop songstress, Rihanna, herself a winner at the Grammys for her smash, Umbrella (featuring Jay-Z).
Already, much is being done, within and outside the ambit of the organizers, to make all ready for the never-before gathering of Marleys on a Jamaican stage. Work continues apace on the much-anticipated eastern leg of Highway 2000. Booths are being erected on the event grounds, as are the performing and control facilities (audio and video media, on-site administration, etc)
But the Smile Jamaica-Africa Unite concert is far more than a one-time event or a temporary injection of funds. The concert makes direct and indirect economic contribution to the environs of the event area and the town of Oraccabessa. The event draws visitors and participants from around the world, bringing welcome capital to the area and by extension, to the country. Not to mention the veritable cast of thousands involved in the actual staging of the event.
Beyond economics, the 2008 staging of Smile Jamaica-Africa Unite at James Bond Beach has added cultural significance. The venue is part of the holdings of Island Records founder and impresario Chris Blackwell, who was instrumental in bringing the music and message – particularly the message of African unity – to a wide international audience. Millions around the globe have come to be inspired by the Marley ethos, first through their exposure to 'The Gong' and subsequently through the work of his children, and their numbers continue to grow daily. The Marley message has inspired freedom fighters in the former Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Israeli soldiers, aboriginals in Australia, New Zealand and the Oceanic states of the Pacific, Native American tribes, lawyers, doctors, stockbrokers and professionals of all stripes. Thousands of those devotees will converge on James Bond Beach for this unique combination of two remarkable concert events.

Wednesday February 14, 2008
OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM LUTAN FYAH

The public may have heard of my recent arrest on the charge of arson. This comes out of an incident in Spanish Town which I was accused of being involved in.
I would like to state that I am innocent of all charges and find this conspiracy misleading and wanton. I have constantly contributed to the development of youths in Spanish Town and would never get myself involved in such activities. Lutan Fyah symbolises positivity and upliftment of the people and the music.
2007 was a good year for Lutan Fyah, Indeed I was able to spread my message world wide and bring reggae music to new peoples. I understand my obligation to my fans, Jamaica and the music and would never under any circumstance manifest such evil behaviour.
I continue to give praises to my supporters for their continued faith in my music and I look forward to continuing the positive trend that I am known for.
Lutan Fyah

ZIGGY MARLEY TALKS WITH REGGAE MUSIC REVIEWS.COM ON A VERY SPECIAL DAY
THE BIRTHDAY OF BOB MARLEY
The conversation centered around two new DVDs.
Africa Unite and Love Is My Religion Live DVDs.

Ziggy Marley Interview 2-6-2008
With Jan Salzman for Reggae Music Reviews.Com
Ziggy: Hello
JS. Greetings Ziggy JS: It’s really an honor and a privilege to speak with you on this special day.
Ziggy: Irie.
JS: Your father’s 63rd birthday.
Ziggy: Cool.
JS: I love the “Africa Unite” DVD. Can you tell me in your own words what the “Africa Unite” in Ethiopia is about?
Ziggy: Well um, do you mean the DVD? Ziggy: Well…the event was, over to Ethiopia, to celebrate the father’s birthday. Ethiopia was a special place to him. We also went over there to kinda highlight the concept of African unity. Using him and his idea and the song “Africa Unite” as a magnet to draw together youths from different parts of Africa to kinda get that conversation going again within the African community. The unity of Africa is a fundamental thing that we haffa get done to solve Africa’s problems. Without African unity we can’t solve the problems. No matter how much aid, no matter how much charity concert is done, without the unity of Africa we can’t solve the problems. I believe that’s a fundamental thing we haffe achieve first. It just hasn’t been on the front of peoples’ minds or their lips, or their actions. We want to reignite that movement, that start, that dream… to achieve that dream.
JS: What’s going on in Africa now since the symposium?
Ziggy: Well…the “Africa Unite” event this year is in Jamaica. So…what happen is that…every time it’s done we have the same kind of talking and reasoning going on. So in Jamaica, even up to yesterday…I just spoke to mummy yesterday and she was at the symposium, in Jamaica, with the African youths, who came from Africa to Jamaica.
JS: Oh, great!
Ziggy: Ya and their conversation. So far it’s been a lot of reasoning and just getting together and just starting the conversation again. And I believe that is where it haffa start. And that is how it has to start at this point in time is with the youth. As much as we can talk about it…it is good. Because…eventually we talk and we converse and eventually we haffa go turn into action and tings like that. So I believe, us getting together and talking about it is a good beginning.
JS: Are they the same students that appeared on the DVD?
Ziggy: Some of them are.
JS: How did it feel for you walking in the same footsteps as Haile Selassie…when you were in Ethiopia?
Ziggy: Well, that really never really come to mind in the terms of walking in Haile Selassie I footsteps. What actually is, when I went to Ethiopia was a very spiritual… it was a very spiritual place in what I experienced of the place. Walking on the streets and experiencing how the people interact with each other. They seem like a very peaceful people to me…what I saw…very helpful, very humble…lots of humility. There’s poverty there, but people still kind of have a dignity about themselves. Even the poorest people…there’s a dignity and a spirituality that dem uphold, which I admire. I admire them.
JS: I was wondering…Marcus Garvey’s prophecy about Haile Selassie …was that linked to a passage in the Bible?
Ziggy: Which prophecy dat?
JS: About a black man being crowned king in Africa…
Ziggy: I’m not sure, you know? In terms of linkage to the Bible…Haile Selassie I, from what I understand, is from the line of Solomon. In Revelations it’s written that, “The Almighty is King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, the content of the tribe of Judah.” That is relative to His Majesty right there.
JS: Okay…great! Thank you. How can people get involved in the Africa Unite cause?
Ziggy: Well…it’s not a charity. The only way people can really get involved in it is fi continue making it be up front in our dialogue. You know, our conversation, until it ignites and sparks and catches a fire. That then becomes action. So, it’s like, it’s not something you can give money to it or volunteer your time…it’s not that type of thing. It’s a consciousness. It’s a thread haffa start with a consciousness. So, people can only bring forth consciousness to it. That is how people can really help. Just bring it to the consciousness. Then a spark will catch, and the fire will be lit and can go from there.
JS: Is your mom still living in Ghana?
Ziggy: Mummy moves all over the world. You know?
JS: Do you have a place there too?
Ziggy: Her place is our place. Same place.
JS: Is there anything else you’d like to add about the “Africa Unite” DVD?
Ziggy: No man…not really. It’s a good move. It’s a good ting that we did. Hopefully it helps. Helps a future generation to achieve the dream.
JS: Yes, it was fabulous. Very educational, as well as a wonderful concert. Now some questions about your live DVD…”Love Is My Religion.” How do you go about choosing the songs that you do for a show? When you make your set list…

Ziggy: The live DVD we shoot that in 2006, that was. That’s a different show than what we even do today. You nah mean? We go about it…there’s no special way…just how we feel. Things change at times on stage. Whatever it just comes and we flow with it.
JS: Yeah, I know sometimes you deviate completely from your set list once you get on stage.
Ziggy: Yeah
JS: What made you choose The Avalon, in LA for the recording of this show?
Ziggy: Well it was…when we had the opportunity and the invitation for someone to do it-it was within a short period of time. It wasn’t like something us planned months or years ahead. It was like, within a couple of weeks.
JS: Oh really!
Ziggy: Where someone said, “They’ll do it,” and all of that stuff. So, we had a choice…you know like, all right, we had like three/four shows left to shoot the video. So we just choose fi do it there so.
JS: The guitar you’re playing…on the video…was that your father’s guitar?
Ziggy: No.
JS: I like the way you quoted the lyrics to “Be Free” before you sang the song.
Ziggy: Yeah.
JS: Are you going to incorporate that now in more of your shows?
Ziggy: I think at that time…even that song is different now…the way we start it. I don’t know…I mean…it’s a different show now than that. That was in 2006. That’s quite awhile ago.
JS: The lighting was beautiful
Ziggy: Yeah man. Good production.
JS: I know that “Love Is My Religion” is your favorite song, but you seem to really enjoy performing “Looking.” Is that one of your favorites too?
Ziggy: Yeah man. We love “Looking” too, man. We like “Looking” and we like perform “Still the Storms.” But “Love Is My Religion,” because of the message, you know, that is the most important one to me.
JS: You’re certainly a hard working performer on stage. Do you dance around to music when you’re at home too?
Ziggy: Yeah, man. I’m very active. You know, with the kids and stuff it’s always energizing. Everyting is a song when the children are around. Everyting becomes a song, you know?
JS: Right, right. I love dancing around when I’m at home too. I put on the music and dance around. People think I’m crazy but I think it’s and irie vibe.
Ziggy: Yeah man. That’s cool.
JS: You seem very open in spirit for this performance. Your eyes were open connecting with the crowd. Was it a particularly responsive audience?
Ziggy: No…it’s just…we just kinda grow from years ago to where we are today. It’s not particular because of the audience or whatever, just feel like fi look and see what’s happening. It’s not something that is caused by the audience. That’s just me want look and see what’s happening in the audience.
JS: I think it’s an excellent performance DVD. Is there anything else you’d like to add about the DVD?
Ziggy: It captured that day, that moment. I wish I could capture all the moments because a lot of things change from then to now. I think we’ve even gone further ahead than even when that was filmed. It’s cool. It captured that moment in time. It doesn’t represent where we are today. It represent where we are at that time. It’s just about then, it’s not about now.
JS: Do you have any shows coming up in the LA area?
Ziggy: LA, no, nothing right now.
JS: I miss you guys. I saw you a lot for awhile, you and Orly.
Ziggy: Take a break right now.
JS: Are you working on any albums?
Ziggy: You know, we’re about start working on a children’s album. Kinda put some songs together for a children’s record. That’s gonna be the next record.
JS: So when can we look forward to hearing that?
Ziggy: Probably later this year sometime. It’s going to be a very simple record with some new songs. It won’t take long to do, so it just be quick.
JS: That’s great. I look forward to it. I think the “Africa Unite” DVD was very inspiring. It made me want to get involved. Okay folks, go out and buy it. All right! That finishes the conversation. It was great to talk to you.
Ziggy: Yeah man, respect.
JS: Have a great day!
Ziggy: Tek care.

BUJU BANTON AKA GARGAMEL TAKES 2008 EXCELLENCE IN MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT AWARD.- TOO BAD IS ALBUM OF THE YEAR!
Icon Also Nominated For Most Popular Artist By Reggae Academy Awards.

(New York, NY//Kingston, JA) 11, February 2008) Gargamel Music, Inc. is pleased to announce that international Reggae icon Buju Banton won the Excellence in Music & Entertainment (EME) Album Of The Year award for Too Bad, beating out such fierce contenders as Stephen Marley, Tarrus Riley, Da'Ville, Chuck Fender and Lady Saw. Created by top Jamaican radio personality Richard "Richie B" Burgess, who hosts the world renown Jamaica Music Countdown on Hot 102, the 2008 EME awards were given out at a star-studded ceremony last Thursday night in Kingston.
Buju Banton's Too Bad officially dropped in Jamaica in late December 2006 and soon entered the Jamaica Music Countdown's Top 10 Albums chart the week of February 9, 2007. Four weeks later, on March 2, 2007, it reached #1 -- the best movement by any album on the chart to date, according to Burgess. Too Bad sat perched in the # 1 spot for 8 solid weeks and spent a total of 19 weeks on the top album chart, ending its lengthy reign on June 15, 2007.
"I am not surprised that Too Bad emerged the winner in the Album Of The Year category," explains Richie B. "It was always going to be hard to beat on the strength of Buju's monster hit "Driver A," but most importantly for me is the fact that Buju once again raised the bar by coming out with a dancehall album where all the songs are clean, wholesome and fit for radio play." Burgess adds, "Best wishes Buju, you separate the men from the boys!"
Richie B's weekly Jamaica Music Countdown can be heard each and every friday afternoon from 4:15pm - 5:00pm on Hot 102 FM in Jamaica. The Top 10 is presented later on TVJ's Entertainment Report on Fridays at 8:00pm. The full chart is also printed weekly in the X News paper. In other awards show news, Buju Banton has been nominated for Most Popular Artist by the Reggae Academy Awards. The Most Popular Artist category is one of two awards that will be decided by the general public. The brainchild of local entertainment attorney Lloyd Stanbury and the Recording Industry Association of Jamaica (RIAJ), the 1st Annual Reggae Academy Awards show will take place on February 24th at the National Indoor Sports Center in Kingston. Fans can cast their vote for Buju Banton now at www.reggaeacademy.com
For more info about Buju Banton and Gargamel Music, simply log on:
www.myspace.com/bujubanton
www.myspace.com/gargamelmusicinc
www.youtube.com/gargamelmusic
www.gargamelmusic.com
GARGAMEL... DON'T STOP AT ALL!
_
BOB MARLEY STATUE CLEANED BY TUFF GONG CREW
These are some of the photos taken last Friday of the Tuff Gong crew cleaning the Bob Marley statue at the Stadium. We use a mixture of flour, vinegar and salt to clean the bronze, then it is brushed and washed off then it is shined up with coconut oil. You can see how great it looks after. Cat is like a cowboy - in his element. He looks forward to this every year as we all do! We met with the Independence Park people who has now agreed to keep the grounds around the statue clean and landscaped. They are also working on the plaque (finally). One Love Mitzy

Bob Marley works takes centrestage today at Reggae Studies Unit
By: Joseph Cunningham

The work of the great Robert Nesta Marley will take center stage at Jamaica's premier tertiary institution, the University of the West Indies, Mona, today.
The theme being explored at the annual Bob Marley lecture set for today is The Full Has Never Been Told: Exploring Dancehall's Moral Conscience and will be hosted by the Reggae Studies Unit at the Undercroft of the Senate Building under the direction Dr. Donna Hope.
Donna Hope is a lecturer in Reggae Studies at the Institute of Caribbean Studies, UWI, Mona. She has a PhD in Cultural Studies from George Mason University, supported by a Fulbright scholarship. Dr. Hope holds a Masters of Philosophy in Government and a Bachelors of Arts in Mass Communication from the University of the West Indies, Mona.
She has conducted work on Jamaican dancehall culture in local, regional and international settings in the print and electronic media. Her book, Inna di Dancehall: Popular Culture and the Politics of Identity in Jamaica, was published by the UWI Press in 2006. Other publications by Dr. Hope include articles on gender and sexuality in Jamaican popular culture. Dr. Hope's research interests encompass Jamaican music and dancehall culture, youth development, black masculinities, black popular culture, gender, identity, and power. She is currently completing her second book, Man Vibes: Discourses of Masculinity in Jamaican Dancehall Culture.
She also hosts the daytime radio talk show, Disclosure, on Hot 102 FM.
Sharing today's spotlight also will be the launch of Vivien Goldman's Book of Exodus: The Making and meaning of Bob Marley and the Wailers' Album of the Century. The double-bill programme begins at 6:00 pm.
A professor of punk and reggae at New York University's Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music, Vivien Goldman has dedicated much to Afro-Caribbean and global music. She began her contribution to Reggae as the Public relations officer who helped in getting Bob Marley's message across the world.
Goldman's work has appeared in numerous publications including the New York Times, Interview, Spin and Rolling Stone. She conceived of and co-produced the groundbreaking 80's TV music series, Big World Cafe, and has made several documentaries and videos for artistes including Hugh Masekela, and Eric B and Rakim.
Source:www.yardflex.com
..........
Reggae Month Activities
February 1, Bob Marley Photographic Exhibition @ The Bob Marley Museum. 56 Hope Road, Kingston, Jamaica.
February 4-6, Africa Unite - Smile Jamaica Youth Symposium, Liberty Hall.
February 5, Annual Bob Marley Lecture, Location: UWI, Mona Campus.
February 6, Reggae Boyz vs. Costa Rica - football match, National Stadium.
February 6, Premiere of "Africa Unite", documentary film of Bob marley 60th anniversary concert in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at Carib Cinema.
February 6, Bob Marley's Birthday Dinner, hosted by Chris Blackwell and Rita Marley at Strawberry Hill.
February 7-9, African Film Festival, Bob Marley Museum.
February 13, 2nd Annual Irie FM Reggae Music Awards, live on radio.
February 14, Making of Music Tour, Tuff Gong Studios.
February 15, The Bob Marley Creative Expressions Day.
February 14-18, Global Regggae Conference hosted by the UWI Reggae Studies Unit, with scholarly dissertations on all aspects of reggae music.
February 20, Gala Opening of Reggae Film Festival hosted by Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth & Sports presenting 3 days of feature films, documentaries and music videos with reggae themes, or focus.
February 21, Reggae Film Festival continues.
February 21, Reggae Academy Awards Opeing night reception & showcase.
February 22, Reggae Film Festival special screening at UWI (a.m.)
February 22, Reggae Academy Awards Panels/Conferences
February 22, Reggae Academy Awards Artist Showcase.
February 22, Final night Reggae Fil Festival and Awards, Courtleigh Auditorium.
February 23, Reggae Academy Awards.
February 23, Africa Unite - Smile Jamaica Concert.
February 24, Reggae Academy Awards hosted by Recording Industry Association of Jamaica (RIAJam), Jamaica version of the Grammy Awards.
February 29, Presentation of Irie FM Reggae Awards by Minister of Information & Culture
February 29, Reggae Film Festival, Island Village, Ocho Rios.

JUS NATURAL HAIR STUDIO
BOB MARLEY MUSEUM, 56 HOPE ROAD
946-9689/854-5209
RELOCATING ON FEB. 26th TO:
PULSE COMPLEX, SHOP 45
35A TRAFALGAR ROAD,
KINGSTON 10
(ADDITIONAL PARKING ON HAUGHTON AVE)
906-0400 OR 854-5209

OFFICIAL OPENING
FRIDAY 29TH, FEB. 2008
..FREE CONSULTATION ALL DAY
.. HAIR FASHION SHOW (6:00PM – 8:PM)
COME SEE OUR CELEBRITY CLIENTS WALK THE RED CARPET

ENTERTAINMENT ON “THE VERANDAH” ADMISSION: FREE
‘BRING YOUR ROOTS TO LIFE

African Film Festival
Where: Bob Marley Museum Theatre
When: 8pm, February 7, 8, 9, 2008
Cost: $100.00 only

Features
CLOUDS OVER CONAKRY
Cheick F. Camara, Guinea, 2007, 115m
(French & Malinke with English subtitles)
At the age of 25, the artist-caricaturist BB finds himself faced with an impossible choice. Son of the inflexible imam Karamo, the guardian of his village's ancestral traditions, BB is chosen to be his father's worthy successor. But he refuses to accept his destiny, preferring to work independently and live life to the fullest with his love, the beautiful young computer scientist Kesso. A very impressive film that finds a new approach to capturing the tradition-versus-modernity theme so frequently seen in African cinema.
MALENTENDU COLONIAL/ COLONIAL MISUNDERSTANDING
Jean-Marie Teno, Cameroon, 2004, 78m
(English, French & German with English subtitles)
Germany's genocidal war against the Herrero people in Namibia was a precursor to the policies of the Nazi regime. A provocative picture of the relatively short, but horrific colonial history of Germany in Africa.
Shorts
MENGED
Daniel Taye Workou, Ethiopia, 2006, 32m
(Amharic & Italian with English subtitles)
A lot can happen in the Ethiopian countryside on the long way to the market. A father and his son follow everybody's good advice…and come back to their senses. Adapted from a traditional Ethiopian Folk Tale, Menged is very much a parable for Ethiopia today: a country in transition between modernism and traditional belief.
MEOKGO AND THE STICK FIGHTER
Teboho Malatshi, South Africa/Lesotho, 2006, 19m
(Sotho with English subtitles)
A haunting tale spiced with magical realism, Meokogo and the Stick Fighter is the story of Kgotso, a recluse stick fighter who lives a solitary life high up in the Maluti Mountains of Lesotho. Whilst tending sheep and playing his concertina, he sees a beautiful and mysterious woman staring at him dreamily from the water. This story of unrequited love and sacrifice captures both the cruelty and the beauty of African magical beliefs.

AFRICAUNITE/SMILE JAMAICA 2008 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FEBRUARY 4TH-FEBRUARY 7TH
_
AFRICA UNITE - DVD

PALM PICTURES

Release Date: February 12, 2008
AFRICA UNITE is a singular and masterfully executed film by Stephanie Black that is at once concert tribute, Marley family travelogue, and humanitarian documentary, igniting the screen with the spirit of world-renowned reggae icon BOB MARLEY in its every frame. In commemoration of Bob’s 60th birthday, Africa Unite is centered on the Marleys’ first-time-ever family trip to Ethiopia in 2005. Includes rare footage of the legendary reggae icon Bob Marley.
There in the capital city of Addis Ababa three generations of Marleys take part in a 12-hour concert attended by more than 300,000 people from around the world, with the ultimate purpose of inspiring the young generations of Africa to unite for the future of their continent.
Features exuberant on-stage spots as well as a soundtrack brimming with Bob Marley studio classics. Includes appearances by UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador / actor Danny Glover, world music sensation and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Angélique Kidjo, Bob Marley’s mother Mrs. Booker, and Princess Mary, granddaughter of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I. Produced and directed by Stephanie Black (Life & Debt, H-2 Worker), and Executive Produced by Rita Marley, Cedella Marley, Danny Glover and Joslyn Barnes.
........
Africa Unite DVD - REVIEW
By Jan Salzman
Release Date: February 12th, 2008
A Celebration of Bob Marley’s Vision

This event took place in commemoration of Bob Marley’s 60th birthday, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in February of 2005. For a Rastaman this was a homecoming; A journey to the Holy Land, the home of Emperor Haile Selassie I, who the Rastafarian’s consider to be a living God. It was a “dream come true” for the Marley family.
This was a Marley spiritual pilgrimage and their contribution was not only the fabulous music, but an all out effort to reach out to their brothers and sisters in Africa and say, “Unite!”
Africa Unite was not just a concert but a week long symposium in which students from forty different African nations came together for discussions on how to unite the African continent into one big nation working together in peace, harmony and productivity. All of the Marley family presided over these discussions which also included UNICEF Good Will Ambassador and actor, Danny Glover, and singer/performer Angelique Kidjo. The discussions were moving and inspiring, as Danny Glover described it as a “Celebration of Young People.”
The film not only covers the symposium and the concert, it also includes vintage footage of Haile Selassie’s coronation, his League of Nations’ speech, and his famous address to the U.N. General Assembly in 1963 (which was interspersed with Bob Marley singing the song “War”). Princess Mary Mariamenna Senna Asfa Wosen, Haile Selassie’s granddaughter, guides us through Haile Selassie’s palace. There is also a brief explanation of how Ethiopia was the only nation, in Africa, to remain independent by defeating Italy in 1896, after the European powers divided Africa into colonies in 1884. There is also an explanation of how the Rastaman came to consider Haile Selassie a living God by noting the Biblical prophecy that was brought to light by Marcus Garvey.
There is also a moving segment about a Rasta Elder, Bongo Tawny, who made this pilgrimage with the Marley’s; showing his emotional reactions to following the footsteps of his God and worshiping in the church that Selassie built.
Three generations of Marley’s were in attendance for this event including Bob Marley’s wife, Rita, and his mother, Mrs. Booker. Seven of Bob Marley’s sons were in the film…Ziggy, Stephen, Damian, Rohan, Robert, Kymani and Julian. Also performing were Cedella and Sharon Marley and long time singer Erica Newell.
The show footage in the main film is fantastic as the Marleys united an audience of 350,000. Each of the brothers traded off singing their father’s songs. There is also a bonus feature of 50 additional minutes of concert footage, interviews with the Marley brothers and Rita Marley, and excerpts from Africa Unite Ghana (which took place in 2006).
I was very inspired by this documentary. It made me want to join the movement to unite Africa. Stephanie Black did an excellent job of putting this film together. I was impressed with all the subtitles for Bongo Tawny in accurate patois. I am a long time fan of all of the Marley’s but this event made a difference in the world. It brings light to the long time oppression of the African people and what they must do to become a strong nation on their own. I feel this film is worthy of an Oscar for “Best Full Length Documentary.” Everyone should see it. It is an idea whose time has come.
..........
AFRICA UNITE - DVD GIVEWAY!!!!

REGGAE MUSIC REVIEWS AND PALM PICTURES will be giving away three copies of AFRICA UNITE - DVD.
All you have to do is write and let us know why you would like to receive a copy of AFRICA UNITE - DVD. We will select three winners. The deadline is February 12th. Please include your full name and mailing address. Email us at:
REGGAE MUSIC REVIEWS-click here

CRMA's Calling Nadine Sutherland's Name

Latest CD is Nominated for Two Awards
2008 is off to a great start for Jamaica's beloved reggae diva Nadine Sutherland. Her critically acclaimed album Call My Name (released last May) is up for two Canadian Reggae Music Awards. The popular lead single, "Big Tingz", has been nominated for Best Reggae Single- International while the full album (produced by Kenroy "YahBreeze" Archibald and Nadine for Eight76 Records) is up for Best Reggae Album in the International category.
Call My Name Cover PhotoNadine, who is headed to South Florida next week to perform at the highly anticipated Evening of Love & Togetherness Concert, was thrilled when she got word of the nomination. "Call My Name is such a special project, and when I see it being recognized I am happy. We never had a big budget like a lot of other labels and producers, not a lot of the big promotion dollars, so we have just really worked hard to let people know about Call My Name and get to hear the album. The response to the music is true and sincere, so I am thankful."
Call My Name was released eight months ago and has yielded several popular singles; "Keep Me Safe", "Can't Tek It (a duet with Chrisinti)", "Remedy" and "Big Tingz" which is up for it's own award in the best single category. "Big Tingz" was also named one of the Top 100 Reggae Singles of 2007 in New York. The title track and new singles has just been released to radio and is already getting great response. At the time of its release numerous reggae music heavyweights including Merritone, Roger Steffens, Clinton Lindsay, and Rob Kenner took note of the album for it's creativity, production quality, and performances calling it the best work thus far for both Nadine Sutherland and Eight76 Records.
Discovered at the age of nine as the winner of the inaugural Tastees Talent Contest and sgined to Bob Marley's fabled Tuff Gong International label, Nadine is known for some of reggae's biggest hits ("Action", "Babyface", "Anything For You", etc.). This newest season of her journey represents Nadine at full bloom in multiple mediums. She will be back for this year as a judge on the mega-popular t.v show Digicels' Rising Stars, she is discussing several writing projects, and she and YahBreeze are already working on a follow-up to Call My Name. Nadine will also be visible during the upcoming awards season in Jamaica as a presenter. Of course, she will definitely be attending the 21st Annual Canadian Reggae Music Awards March 30th in Ontario Canada.
Don't miss Nadine Live in Concert
Sunday February 10th 2008
Love & Togetherness at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds in Davie Florida
also featuring Taurus Riley, Coco Tea, Ken Boothe & many more
# # #
Visit Nadine on MySpace and hear the new single Call My Name

Visit the Eight76 Website and Join the Movement!

Remembering Dennis Brown

July 3, 1999 will be a day remembered by lovers of good reggae music...it's the day when one of the greatest Reggae crooners â€“ Dennis Brown made his exit from the world.
At age 42, he was definitely a life cut short way too soon. Yet in that span he managed to leave the world a rich legacy of feel good songs that decades from now will still be hot. In a career that spanned almost 4 decades, Dennis worked with many of reggae's top names, beginning with Coxsone Dodd at Studio One, going on to work with such artistes and producers as Winston (Niney) Holness, Joe Gibbs, Derrick Harriott, Herman Chin-Loy, Sidney Crooks, Prince Buster, Randy's, Phil Pratt and GG Ranglin. The list goes on with Clive Hunt and Willie Lindo, engineer Errol Thompson, Sly & Robbie, Gussie Clarke, Tad Dawkins, Trevor Bow, Bunny Lee and Delroy Wright.
Dennis Emanuel Brown was born on February 1, 1957 in Kingston, Jamaica. Regularly billed as "The Crown Prince Of Reggae', it was only Brown's self-effacing nature that denied him advancement to the office of king. Loved in reggae music like no other singer, Brown was regularly courted by the major record labels, and even enjoyed a couple of token chart hits in Britain. More to the point, he produced more reggae classics than just about anyone else. Beginning his career at the age of 9 as one of the Studio One label's many child stars, his first hit, "No Man Is An Island" (1969), found him singing in much the same style he was to use throughout his career, only with a far less croaky voice.
"If I Follow My Heart", another major hit at Studio One, was every bit as good. He spent the early 70s freelancing between studios, recording for Lloyd Daley, Impact, Joe Gibbs and Aquarius, before recording his third collection, "Super Reggae And Soul Hits," a mature, classic record, full of Derrick Harriott's soulful arrangements and Brown's rich tones. A move to Winston "Niney" Holness' label was no less profitable. The two albums he made there, "Just Dennis" and "Wolf & Leopards," were recorded three years apart but their seamless rootsy artistry made them clearly part of one body of work.
A long, fruitful liaison with Joe Gibbs and Errol Thompson resulted in a further series of classic albums, among them "Visions," "Joseph's Coat Of Many Colours," "Spellbound" and "Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow." While the rock critics were latching on to dub in the mid-70s, it was Brown who was drawing a mass audience almost unnoticed outside reggae's heartlands. His combination of serious, "message" songs and soul-wailing love melodies was irresistible. His stage shows, too, were genuine events, and always packed a punch. "Money In My Pocket" (1979) was the first of three incursions into UK chart territory, with Brown eventually signing to A&M Records in the early 80s in an unsuccessful attempt to corner the crossover market following the death of Bob Marley.
Simultaneously, he became co-owner of the DEB label, successfully producing Junior Delgado and female lovers rock trio 15-16-17. Brown gradually spent more time in London as a consequence, eventually settling there for much of the 80s. His Joe Gibbs connection was terminated in 1982, marking the de facto end of Gibbs' prominence as a producer.
Brown's series of reggae hits, including "To The Foundation" for Gussie Clarke, "Revolution" for Taxi Records or cuts on his own Yvonne's Special label (named after his wife), saw him become one of the few established singers to ride the early dancehall boom unscathed. However, when digital music exploded onto reggae in 1985, Brown faltered for the first time in his career, seemingly unsure of his next move. Eventually, he settled into the new style, recording The Exit for King Jammy's in the digital mode. A move to Gussie Clarke's Music Works Studio in 1989 gave him more kudos with the youth market, particularly on the duet with Gregory Isaacs, "Big All Around". Once again, Dennis Brown was in demand in Jamaica, back at the roots of the music, and rolling once again, recording everywhere and anywhere for a few months. In 1995 he recorded with Beenie Man and Triston Palmer for the hit compilation "Three Against War."
Dennis Brown passed away at the University Hospital of the West Indies. The cause of death - pneumonia/respiratory failure.
Jamaican Prime Minister Patterson led the eulogies while Dennis Brown became the first entertainer to be buried in the National Heroes Park. Among Brown's most prolific songs are 'If I Follow My Heart', 'Love Me Always', 'Westbound Train', 'Silhouette', 'Stop The Fighting' and 'Here I Come'.
Source:www.yardflex.com
..........
Dennis Brown FM? By: Joseph Cunningham
If everything goes according to plan, the legacy of the Crowned Prince of Reggae, Dennis Emanuel Brown, will be further immortalized with the establishment of a 24-hour Internet radio station exclusively for his music.
"We're in the planning stages right now of doing an Internet radio station dedicated to the life, times and music of Dennis Emanuel Brown," Patrick Lafayette, honorary member of the Dennis Brown Trust, revealed during a recent interview.
"Strictly Dennis Brown, 24 hours, seven days per week. Anywhere you are and have Internet access, you can log on and you just get non-stop Dennis Brown - 24/7 live! We looking to begin within a few more months and it will be based where we can provide the widest broad band," Lafayette added.
The idea evolved out of a series of annual celebrations on 'D Brown's' birthday in the form of marathon radio programmes and simulcast among Kool 97FM the BBC and the London-based Choice FM.
Lafayette said, "Over the past three years, when I was with Kool 97FM, we did simulcast with Ranking Ms P from the BBC. That was very very successful. We had the opportunity to hear some of the features we produced aired over the BBC to 80 million people. Later on we extended the works of Dennis (Brown) in terms of the biography. We delved a little bit into his actual philosophy, and focused a little on his alma mater, Central Branch All Age School. The Dennis Brown Trust contributes to the school's feeding programme and provides scholarships to needy students."
Source:www.yardflex.com
____________________
NEW!!!
I Can Feel Your Pain - Gyptian - VP RECORDS
New single featuring the Cloud 9 Riddim for Gyptian's upcoming album on VP Records. Shot on location in NYC and produced by RHONA FOX, INC

NEW YORK, NY (RHONA FOX, INC.) - Reggae singing sensation Gyptian is serving up his new single, "I Can Feel Your Pain," to the charts. And with the recent debut of the steamy video, Gyptian's fans are now coming out to support his latest studio effort. The video recently debuted on a viewer's choice show on one of Jamaica's premiere entertainment channels, RE-TV. Already in regular rotation throughout Jamaica, "I Can Feel Your Pain" blasted onto RE-TV's MVP Top 10 Video Countdown, coming in at a solid #4 this week.
What makes this mention extra special is that this particular countdown depends solely on viewers' votes to determine chart position. Not only does Gyptian enter the MVP Top 10 lineup at this peak position, he's also cruising in at the very top of the latest videos that are also making the countdown for the first time.
"I Can Feel Your Pain" is already a crowd pleaser, especiall