REGGAE MUSIC REVIEWS.COM

REGGAE MUSIC REVIEWS - LAS VEGAS COVERING REGGAE FROM LAS VEGAS, TO JAMAICA TO THE WORLD WHO WE ARE KAYA ON FACEBOOK KAYA ON MYSPACE _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ DUANE STEPHENSON New Music - Sufferer's Eyes and Rescue me featuring Gramps Source: VP Records _______________________________________ YASUS AFARI LIVE - IN KINGSTON, JAMAICA At Bob Marley Museum, September 5th PUBLIC SECRET LET US PRAY - Guide I and I OH JAH, RASTAFARI DUB VIJAAN BAND inspired and led by Dub-Jay Yasus Afari has just recorded its very first song which will be released and premiered on radio on Sunday September 5th, the day after Yasus' earthday and the day of DUB VIJAAN'S Public Secret Launch and live video/cd recording for YASUS AFARI LIVE - In Kingston YASUS AFARI is often described as Jamaica's National Treasure, yet it's best kept secret and he was recently dubbed an “Outa-national” Jewel . in Wales Now this National Treasure of Jamaica and Outa- national Jewel of the international community shall be revealed and made a Public Secret at Bob Marley Museum, 56 Hope Road, Kingston, on Sunday September 5th, 2010. Gates will open at 5pm, while show time is 6pm. On this very special and historic occasion, Yasus Afari and his very impressive DUB VIJAAN BAND will be presented to the general public in what is being described as a Public Secret Launch Performance. Top Notch - World Class Musicians and Special Guests DUB VIJAAN BAND consists of highly seasoned international musicians such as Shaggy's former keyboard player Fabian 'Dada' Smith; bass player IG who has toured extensively with Sanchez; Carel on guitar, who happens to be the father of Rising Star Natel and cousin to Ernie Ranglin and has toured and recorded with UB40, Red Cloud and the maestro Ernie Ranglin himself. The drummer is a very young, yet very brilliant, musician affectionately called Cardo. On harmony there are two young and brilliant vocalists who add their unique feminine energies. Special guests for YASUS AFARI/DUB VIJAAN LIVE will be Kreativ Aktivis, La Twain, Mutabaruka, Steppa,Terry Linen, Cherry Natural and a special surprise artiste. One Earth One, Love Humanity “YASUS AFARI LIVE - IN KINGSTON” will be filmed and recorded for a very special DVD and Live Album that will also be part of an international documentary being done to highlight the diverse range and scope of work and initiatives that YASUS AFARI has being championing internationally, in promoting life, love and harmony. This is consistent with Yasus' concept of “One Earth, One Love, One Humanity” which he is promoting in schools and with youths globally and the most fitting place for this Public Secret Launch Performance is in Jamaica at the world renown Bob Marley Museum, in tribute to Bob Marley . Live Edutainment at It's Best YASUS AFARI LIVE will be staged the day after Yasus' Earthday and shall be showcasing handpicked invited guest artistes along with other components and 'public secret' pronouncements. This event is timed to signal a 'forward to school movement' for Reggae and Jamaica and will deliver Edutainment at its best. DUB VIJAAN 'Bless It and Set It' YASUS AFARI and DUB VIJAAN are partnering to jointly promote the concept of dubbing in positivity, hope and vision by dubbing out the nightmare of negativity from the minds of our people, hence DUB VIJAAN. Roots Reggae music and it's consciousness will be used to make the people feel good while being inspired and empowered. With Love and Honour - Once again, YASUS AFARI “Bless it and Set it” to the world. Presented by: Reggae Links / Learning Links International / Edutainment Promotion For more information contact the Intl. Press Team at Learning Links International: infor@learninglinksinternational.com or phone 904 9690 / 398 8616 http://www.itzcaribbean.com/reggaemusic www.PeaceNext.org Kindly visit www.yasusafari.biz. Honour, Love & Prosperity - With vision we flourish... _______________________________________ ELJAI'S NEW CD I KNOW AND SINGLE "THE LEADERS" TAKE JAMAICAN, NEW YORK, AND SOUTH FLORIDA REGGAE CHARTS BY STORM ! (LOS ANGELES / KINGSTON / BELIZE CITY) - I KNOW (Jah Mix Entertainment), the new CD release from powerhouse Reggae singer Eljai and the first single and video "The Leaders," produced by Kemar 'Flava' McGregor (No Doubt Records) has taked Reggae singles and album charts worldwide by storm. JAMAICA Jamaican Music Countdown Chart #4 - Top 25 Reggae Singles Chart (“The Leaders”) #5 - Top 10 Reggae Albums Chart (I Know) NEW YORK #12 – New York Top 25 Reggae Singles Chart ("The Leaders") #8 - New York Top 20 Reggae Albums Chart (I Know) SO. FLORIDA #13 – So. Florida Top 25 Reggae Singles Chart ("The Leaders") #7 – So. Florida Top 15 Reggae Albums Chart (I Know) _______________________________________ COUNTDOWN TO THE SECOND ANNUAL IRIE REGGAE FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND AT THE QUEEN MARY EVENTS PARK IN LONG BCH, CA SATURDAY & SUNDAY, AUGUST 28 & 29, 2010 FEATURING THE ‘FOR THE LOVE OF IT’ U.S. TOUR HEADLINING BOTH DAYS INCLUDING REGGAE LEGENDS BERES HAMMOND, INNER CIRCLE, KENYATTA HILL (OF CULTURE) PLUS MORE SUPERSTARS TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT WWW.TIX4ME.COM, AND SELECT ROOTS OUTLETS (Los Angeles, CA) – The countdown has begun for this weekend’s Second Annual Irie Reggae Festival, the largest outdoor two-day Reggae festival in So. California at the Queen Mary Events Park in Long Beach, California on Saturday & Sunday, August 28 & 29, 2010, from 12pm to 10pm. Reggae superstar Beres Hammond will bring his “For The Love Of It” U.S. Tour to Long Beach along with Grammy-winning group Inner Circle (“Bad Boys”), Kenyatta Hill (Culture), and Lenya Wilks headlining both days of the festival. Saturday, August 28’s line-up of top Reggae talent includes Mr. Vegas, Half Pint, Tippa Irie, Eljai, New Kingston Band, Ras Indio, Quinto Sol, and more. Sunday, August 29,. Sunday’s line-up also features Pato Banton, Leon and The Peoples, The Lions, E-Dee, Aziatic plus other great bands. Fun activities for the entire family will take place including giveaways, and gate prizes. Families are encouraged to come out and enjoy the weekend full of music and culture. A variety of authentic Caribbean and favorite festival foods and drinks will be on sale, plus an international cultural arts and craft fair. One Day General Admission tickets with unreserved seating are available for $49 in advance ($79 for Two Day Gen Adm. Ticket) on the www.Tix4Me.com website and roots ticket outlets in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Limited $100 VIP package tickets ($179 for Two Day VIP Ticket) are also available at www.Tix4Me.com, and select roots ticket outlets. The Irie Reggae Festival hotline number is (562) 408-1014 for general information, vendors, directions, and line‑up updates. Official Website: www.IrieFest.net Festival produced by Seabreeze Entertainment in association with Jammins Entertainment and Chi-Ching Entertainment _______________________________________ THE UK SENSATION GAPPY RANKS RELEASES HIS NEW ALBUM PUT THE STEREO ON AUGUST 24 Having started a buzz on the UK music scene as part of the dancehall collective Suncycle and working with the likes of Twista and Lethal B, Greensleeves Recording artist, Gappy Ranks, is set to release his debut solo album, PUT THE STEREO ON, August 24. The album contains 12 original tracks with production provided by the renowned Peckings Crew. For PUT THE STERO ON Gappy Ranks set out to pay homage to the foundation that Reggae music built while bringing to the genre a direction he sees as the future of reggae music. The album opens with “Mountain Top,” Gappy’s first track to rise on the UK Reggae charts, followed by “Heaven In Her Eyes,” which remained #1 for 13 weeks on the UK Reggae Charts and introduced him to an international audience. On the title track and first single, “Put The Stereo On,” Gappy paints a vivid picture of his childhood and the music that influenced him to enter the Reggae scene. He brings the generations together with his rendition of the classic Tenor Saw tune “Pumpkin Belly.” When recording PUT THE STEREO ON Gappy Ranks was granted access to classic reggae rhythms like the Treasure Isle rhythm featured on “Happiest Day Of My Life." “Thy Shall Love” delivers a powerful sound and uplifting message of loving yourself and others. For the closing track, “Soul Rebel,” Gappy Ranks is accompanied by legendary UK Reggae artist Nereus Joseph. Born and raised in the inner-city town Harlesden NW10 which is unofficially known as London’s Reggae capital, Gappy Ranks discovered his passion for music at a young age. While attending school, he strengthened his musical skills devoting most of his time to writing. He made his studio debut with the Ruff Cutt band at aged 11 and later joined Stonebridge stars Suncycle Crew. This experience helped him develop his understanding of the music business and the building of his musical repertoire. He has released numerous mix tapes and collaborated with fellow UK artists Kray Twinz, MC Lethal B and US rapper Twista. _______________________________________ GYPTIAN JOINS DAMIAN MARLEY AND NAS ON DISTANT RELATIVES 2010 TOUR August 6, 2010, New York, NY – Just days after being recognized as the most popular dancehall artist in North America, based on on-line searches according to data from search engine Google, GYPTIAN has been added to the Damian “Jr Gong” Marley and NAS Distant Relatives 2010 Tour beginning August 24 in Charlotte, NC. Gyptian has been enjoying chart success with his new album, HOLD YOU, which continues to hold the #2 spot on Billboard’s Reggae Albums Chart. The title track, “Hold You,” has become a multi-chart hit worldwide and deemed a “2010 Summer Anthem.” According to Billboard Magazine “not since Wayne Wonder's "No Letting Go," has an underground reggae artist garnered as much attention in the United States as Jamaica's own Gyptian.” SPIN Magazine gave HOLD YOU “3 Stars” while The Washington Post named Gyptian “the owner of the summer’s most compelling dancehall hit.” In addition to the Distant Relatives tour dates, Gyptian will also headline dates through October and then head to Europe for tour dates. Tour Info: August 14 St. Croix (USVI) August 15 New Jersey Reggae Festival August 20 POUGHKEEPSIE August 21 TAMPA, Fl. August 24 Distant Relatives Tour w/ Damian Jr Gong Marley & NAS- Charolotte, NC (Filmore) August 25 Distant Relatives Tour w/ Damian Jr Gong Marley & NAS- Norfolk, VA (Norva) August 27 Distant Relatives Tour w/ Damian Jr Gong Marley & NAS- Myrtle Beach (House of Blues) August 28 WLLD (Radio date/ Tampa, FL) Sept 3 NYC Hot 97- On The Reggae Tip Sept 4 Orlando Sept 5 Irie Jam- Roy Wilkin's Park (day show)/ BB Kings NYC Hot 97 Bobby Konders & Jabba Sept 9th thru 12th UK Promotion Sept 18 Costa Rica Sept 25 Amsterdam Oct 1st Club Tobago, NYC Oct 2 Dominica October 8th thru 10th Miami Carnival October 13 thru November 13 EUROPE TOUR Source: VP Records _______________________________________ GYPTIAN AT JAMAICA LIVE Read more and view the photos _______________________________________ GYPTIAN CONTINUES TO “HOLD YOU” WITH HIS LATEST RELEASE July 28, 2010, New York, NY – After a whirlwind week Gyptian’s new album Hold You comes in at #2 on the Reggae Billboard charts. The smash hit single “Hold You” maintains at #1 on iTunes. Gyptian spread the word of his release through various performances and interviews with Vlad TV, FADER and MTV to name a few. The album has received high praises. Spin magazine gave it three stars and The New York Times said “like his big hit, this record is spare, woozy and gently enchanting, all breezy, loping love songs.” Gyptian is currently touring internationally in support of the worldwide release. Gyptian was raised in the rural King Weston district in the parish of St. Andrew by his Christian mother Pauline and his Rastafarian father, Basil. Neither parent dictated their son’s spiritual path but both encouraged his musical talent; thus Gyptian, who earned his nickname because he often wrapped shirts around his head in the style of an Egyptian pharaoh, sang at his mother’s Sunday morning church services and at the Saturday night dances promoted by his father who owned the Sugar Stone sound system. Tour Info: July 29 LOS ANGELES July 30 MONTEREY August 1st- Canada (Caribana) August 5th- Jamaica Album Release Party August 6th- Miami (Album Release Party) August 7th- Mandeville, Jamaica August 14 St. Croix (USVI) August 20 POUGHKEEPSIE August 21 TAMPA, Fl. August 22nd York College, Queens NY August 28th WLLD Tampa, FL Sept 3rd- NYC Hot 97- On The Reggae Tip Sept 4th- Orlando Sept 5th- BB Kings NYC Hot 97 Bobby Konders & Jabba Oct 2nd- Club Tobago, NYC October 8th thru 10th – Miami Carnival Source: VP Records _______________________________________ TOUSSAINT'S DEBUT SOLO ALBUM Toussaint "Black Gold" now available from I Grade Records"> read more _______________________________________ THE "SEXY RASTA" GYPTIAN IS BACK. HIS NEW ALBUM HOLD YOU RELEASES JULY 20 Gyptian is currently at the forefront of Reggae music. He gained popularity amongst Reggae fans with his previous releases. His new album Hold You represents his growth as an artist. Gyptian’s new album “Hold You” releases on July 20. It contains 15 tracks and 2 iTunes exclusive tracks. This album introduces the World to the new era of Sexy Reggae Music. The melodic opening coupled with Gyptian’s gentle vocals on "Prelude (To Be Held)" sets the perfect mood to start off the album. Gyptian dedicates this album to ladies across the globe. Included is the up-tempo and romantic track "Beautiful Lady" from his debut album. This song displayed Gyptian’s potential as the Casanova of Reggae Music and it’s fitting that it was added to Hold You. From "Call Gyptian, “W"here You Belong" and "Rendezvous, Hold You delivers classic Lovers Rock and Dancehall tunes. The smash hit that has been dominating airwaves worldwide and setting the stage for Gyptian to be the next star in Reggae music is the catchy title track Hold You." The next single that’s slated to propel him further as a mainstream success is "Nah Let Go." Gyptian proves that he is a master at creating memorable lyrics. One listen to the track and you will not forget it. Gyptian opens the door to his heart and lets everyone in on this album. "So Much In Love" and "Drive Me Crazy" expresses his passion for the opposite sex and what motivates his life-force. Gyptian is sexiness personified and his muse is the love he has for women. The album closes with the heartfelt dedication track "Selah." This album places Gyptian into a category of his own and presents the future of Reggae Music. Born Windel Beneto Edwards on October 25, 1983, Gyptian was raised in the rural King Weston district in the parish of St. Andrew by his Christian mother Pauline and his Rastafarian father, Basil. Neither parent dictated their son’s spiritual path but both encouraged his musical talent; thus Gyptian, who earned his nickname because he often wrapped shirts around his head in the style of an Egyptian pharaoh, sang at his mother’s Sunday morning church services and at the Saturday night dances promoted by his father who owned the Sugar Stone sound system. Gyptian’s U.S. tour dates July 16th Charleston SC July 19th & July 20th NYC July 21st Providence R.I July 24th N.CAROLINA July 25th GREESNBORO S.C. July 28 - TARIS CALIFORNIA July 29 - LOS ANGELES August 6th Miami August 20 - POUGHKEEPSIE August 21 TAMPA, Fl. August 22nd NYC August 28th Tampa, FL Sept 3rd NYC Sept 4th Pontiac, MI Sept 5th NYC Oct 2nd Miami October 8th thru 10th – Miami _______________________________________ KUSH I - SOLID GROUND - Glover Media/Zojak Worldwide Solid Ground the album title is a representation of the whole album. All the way through this cd is solid. Solid reggae grooves, some lovers rock and so much inspiration and teachings. A magnificent album to listen to beginning with an introduction of knowledge and teachings of the art of love. "Be Yourself" the second track on the album is smooth with a moving reggae vibe . When you listen to "Be Yourself" you have a nice time grooving to the music while receiving insight and overstanding. " Break Up", a lovers rock story of breaking up....but with more reasons to wake up. One of my favorites on the album is "Conference Table", this one had me dancing and singing right along. I really love this song and call it a Most High vibe. It is a great song!!! Followed by "Holy Jah", drum driven and inspirational verses "give thanks and praise to almighty I Holy Jah Rastafari" also put this on my favorites list. “Though U Should Know” and“Toxic Rain” add more fire to Solid Ground. Be sure to listen to Solid Ground, you will be so uplifted and I recommend this one to all. Buy Solid Ground & Enjoy. – Marsha Hunt _______________________________________ Artistes Preparing for Sumfest Performance Escape through the music. Make it Montego Bay, Make it Reggae Sumfest Reggae Sumfest traditionally brings out the best artistes to the stage and at the same time brings out the best in these artistes, and presently, the confirmed acts are undergoing rigorous preparation to ensure that their Reggae Sumfest performance lives up to the huge expectations of the Festival's fans. Reggae Sumfest's prestige has traditionally pushed the artistes to take special care in their appearance and performance. The Festival is known for artistes donning flashy new wardrobes, and backing that up with dazzling performances. The confirmed artistes for this year's show have been hard at work in rehearsals, toning their vocals and writing lyrics to ensure this year they are at optimum performance. Expectedly, the bulk of them do not wish to reveal much and prefer to drop the surprise on the night of the show. However, the rehearsals have been going on in earnest, the new tunes have been written, the choreography of their performances have been documented, and the artistes are practicing repeatedly to ensure their performances live up to the high Reggae Sumfest standard. The confirmed list includes Chris Brown, Shaggy Beenie Man Taurus Riley, Queen Ifrika, Tony Rebel, Jah Cure, Etana, Bounty Killer, Mavada, Elephant Man, I-Octane, Voice mail, D'Angel, Stacious, DeMarco, Chino, Konshens, Tifa, Cecile, and Ding Dong among others. Traditional acts like Beenie Man have never been known to disappoint, always sizzling and dropping new hits while on the stage. Shaggy is also known crowd pleaser as well who soothes as easily as he seduces while on stage, while Elephant Man will electrify as intensely as he will entertain. One group that will be specially observed on the Sumfest stage is Voicemail, which is planning an extra-ordinary performance as a tribute to their fallen member Oneil Edwards. Group member Craig is not revealing much, preferring to deliver the surprise to the audience that night. However, he explained that it will be no ordinary performance. "We're going to make it a very special one, definitely a good Voicemail performance," he stated. "We have started putting things together already, for a lot of people who had not been to the funeral…there is a song we wrote called praise his name and that is one of the songs we looking forward to performing." The anticipation for exceptional performances is not only upon established acts but on first time Sumfest performers as well. One such act is Tifa, the self-styled dancehall Diva. This will be her first Reggae Sumfest, but she is also planning to please. "You know we can't reveal too much before the show," she joked. "But definitely people can expect a high energy set, something different than normal. It's my first Reggae Sumfest, so definitely it will be special," she noted. With a similar buzz surrounding all the other entertainment camps, there is no doubt the performances will live up to the expected mark. Reggae Sumfest will have another memorable set of performances to appropriately celebrate its 18th year. Reggae Sumfest is the most celebrated and supported Reggae Festival in Jamaica, and attracts the world's leading musicians and performers. In its near 20 year history, the show has boasted a superb entertainment package, loaded with the best performances, food, music, and culture. This year's Festival runs from July 17-24 at Catherine Hall, St James. Red Stripe is back as a sponsor of Reggae Sumfest, after a one-year hiatus. The brand now joins fellow Platinum sponsors Ibero Star, Digicel, Wysinco, and the Jamaica Tourist Board. Gold Sponsors include CVM, The Gleaner, and Irie Fm. Source: HEADLINE ENTERTAINMENT _______________________________________ JEREMIAH MARLEY WAVES THE RASTAFARIAN FLAG AT THE 2010 UCLA JAZZREGGAE FESTIVAL Photos(c)Marsha Hunt DAMIAN MARLEY AND NAS AT THE 2010 UCLA JAZZREGGAE FESTIVAL _______________________________________ IT’S K-OSS - K-OSS Of a traditional Indian heritage represents an exciting approach to reggae music. This out spoken youth has over the years demonstrated the ability to proclaim the attention of a wide cross-section of music lovers to appreciate his music. Honing his skills for sometime, though not so quietly, K-OSS has made noise with a number of singles from his earlier Dancehall styles to styles from R&B and Reggae Rock, showcasing a unique presence of reality, righteousness and culture, and an unpredictably infectious vocal tone, whether his confrontational lyrics of political and social protest, often sharply perceptive, or simply his songs of life and a lust for love. These are the words of righteousness and truth, and the result of years of work to bring forth the truth to light, rhyming with the conviction of a street preacher and the intellect of a university socialist. His message is crystal clear, impassioned pleas for rights, truth and justice for the poor and oppressed, and a need for love amongst the people, issues relevant today in our socially and politically prejudiced world. K-OSS' music seems to have embedded itself with a classic reggae sensibility at its core blending with styles of R&B, Rock and Dancehall. That essence is spread right throughout his music, even when he switches pace and explores his creativity on different rhythms. Instilling a new awareness among his peers with songs such as 'Outta Control', 'Love Inna Yu Heart', 'Why', and 'Angel', K-OSS is capable of taking his audiences to subliminal levels, where only in the depth of one's consciousness can one's mind create and conceive a true spiritual balance. His style and personality has made him a favourite amongst some of the leading producers, musicians and show promoters. As a result he has toured extensively and performed to sold-out audiences in India, UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Norway and Slovenia, to name just a few. We can not help but to remain faithful and committed to K-OSS’ uplifting and encouraging words. With the fire blazing, his flare and enigmatic charm backed by world-class musicians is a show not to be missed. A live captivating and fully visual musical experience coming to a location near you. STAMPEDE'S STREETS CHARTS/ROOTICAL RECORDS KINGSTON,JAMAICA http://www.myspace.com/firestarmusic http://www.myspace.com/stampedecharts ........ FIRE STAR Rootical Records Artist, Fire Star, hails from the musical island of Jamaica. Growing up in a tough environment called Union Garden, Kingston 13, music was his main focus at a tender age, even during school days. Fire Star began recording music professionally at age 18 when his first single, "Bus de Place" for Bingi Production, began rotating on the radio. This attention built his confidence even more as an artist. Later, the young Fire Star moved to Portmore where he joined forces with two other artists, Buzhrock and IWayne. The three worked together on stage shows and became the original Lavaground Warriors. Gaining more popularity and maturity as an artist, Fire Star released the single, "Protect the Little Children" on the Tsahai {Receive} Rhythm {Altafaan Records} in 2005 where he caught the attention of veteran disc jockeys Elise Kelly and GT Taylor along with several others. Since the initial release of this popular single, he has recorded a multitude of songs. He was featured on IWayne's debut album, Lavaground, on the track entitled "Conquer." He gained more international popularity with the release of the historical Lavaground Icumentary, {Jetstar} which documented the livety of the three original Lavaground Warriors, Fire Star, IWayne and Buzhrock. Fire Star toured Europe in 2006, performing at the famous Montreaux Jazz Fest (Switzerland), Summerjam {Germany}, Trier Festival (Germany), Dour Fest {Belgium}, Rototom Fest (Italy), Two 7's Splash {Holland}, Effot Fest (Hungary) along with club dates in Austria and various festivals in Sweden and Denmark. He received great reviews for his 2007 performance at the popular Montreal Reggae Fest. Within Jamaica, Fire Star has performed on Spring Break, Stars In Action, Champion in Action, and Puma Finish Line to name but a few. Throughout the Caribbean, he has performed in the Bahamas, Grenada and Turks and Cacaos. Fire Star has extensively performed throughout the United States since 2006. Most recently he toured the US with International Artists, IWayne and Wayne Wonder in early 2008 and throughout California in 2008 with IWayne. Fire Star is in the process of completing his album, and has released singles on various rhythm juggles, including "Lion Paw," "Set Already" featuring IWayne, "So In Love," and "Hot in Da Streets," featuring IWayne and Buzhrock which received great video rotation and radio play. _______________________________________ MR. VEGAS LIVE AT JAMAICA LIVE Great show and Big Up to Mr. Vegas _______________________________________ Ziggy Marley Releases New Song Africa Land To Celebrate The World Cup's Historic Africa Location Single To Be Offered as Free Download Throughout Continent Starting June 2 To Commemorate Unprecendented Event Los Angeles, CA (June 7, 2010):-Five-time Grammy winning artist and reggae icon Ziggy Marley, motivated by the historic occurrence of the World Cup being played in Africa for the first time, took the opportunity to write his current single Africa Land. The song is an anthem to unity, freedom and new beginnings; well known principles championed by the legendary Marley family. Africa Land falls on the heels of Marley's 2009 Grammy-winning Children's album, Family Time. For this song, Marley recruited Grammy winning artists, brother Stephen Marley and African mega star Angelique Kidjo. Together they created a catchy, danceable song, which incorporates Dancehall Reggae, as well as African elements. Free Downloads will be available beginning June 7 at www.ziggymarley.com and www.tuffgongworldwide.com. “The bible says ‘the first shall be last and the last shall be first.’ How fitting that South Africa – the last nation on the homeland to be free – is the launch pad for a global event that will showcase the rise of the African continent,” said Ziggy Marley. “Africa Land is the song which celebrates that dream becoming true.” Marley plans to release Africa Land as an exclusive to African radio, to be followed worldwide as a free download shortly thereafter. Africa Land will be the first single from an upcoming collection of free singles entitled The Wild and Free Singles Marley is to release later this year. Ziggy Marley's early immersion in music came at age ten when he sat in on recording sessions with his father. Then, as front man to Ziggy Marley and The Melody Makers, Marley released eight best-selling albums, generating three Grammys, with such chart-topping hits as Tomorrow People and Tumbling Down. Marley's solo debut, Dragonfly, was released in 2003. His second solo release, Love Is My Religion, won a Grammy for Best Reggae Album to much critical acclaim in 2006. His third solo release, Family Time, scored him a Grammy in a new category: Best Musical Album For Children. Source: Tuff Gong Worldwide _______________________________________ Bob Marley Inducted into Songwriters Hall Of Fame Earth Wind & Fire and the late Bob Marley are among the 2010 inductees into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, which will hold a ceremony Thursday (today) in New York City. David Foster, who will also be inducted Thursday, cited “After the Love Has Gone,” a song he co-wrote for Earth, Wind & Fire, as one of the defining moments of his career. “It was the first Grammy that I had won,” the 60-year-old told the Associated Press. Former Genesis frontman Phil Collins, already a Songwriters Hall of Fame member, will receive its highest honour, the Johnny Mercer Award. Country sensation Taylor Swift is getting the Hal David Starlight Award for emerging songwriters, while other hall inductees include Leonard Cohen, Jesse Stone, Laura Nyro, Jackie DeShannon, Johnny Mandel, Matt Dennis and Sunny Skylar. The hall will also honour “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” written by Paul Simon, as it celebrates its 40th anniversary. Other special tributes include one for producer Phil Ramone and publisher Keith Mardak. _______________________________________ DIGICEL RISING STAR: ROMAIN VIRGO As the 7th season of Digicel Rising Stars continues we take a look at another of the successful artistes that have come through the show. Today we feature Romain Virgo. June 24, 2010 Kingston Jamaica:-Three years ago, a soft spoken teenager walked away with the title of Digicel Rising Stars and since then there has been no looking back. Romain Virgo recently returned from a North American tour and with a self titled album scheduled to drop on June 8 the singer says he’s looking forward to bigger things. With successful shows in New York, California, Boston, Florida and Texas to promote the upcoming album, Romain says he’s happy that his material was well received: “It’s one of the greatest feelings to hear the people singing the lines of the songs and enjoying themselves.” The singer will team up with Busy Signal and Morgan Heritage for a European tour this summer but before that he’ll make several stops across the Caribbean prior to the release of his debut album. Thirteen of the fifteen tracks on the album were written by Romain and he says the vibe of the first album is very representative of where his music is at right now: "On the album we have Roots Reggae and Lover's Rock. We have Dancehall music on it as well and we have a little R&B flavour on it too. I hope everybody will go out and get a copy of the album. It’s my first album and I'm very excited. It's my way of introducing myself to the world." Still completing a Bachelor's degree in performance majoring in Voice with a minor in Keyboard, the artiste says school has been good and he's been able to manage working on his career while getting an education: “Everything is going good so far and before I left for the tour in North America I had to do some extra work to compensate for when I'd be out of school. It can be difficult going to school and doing music especially if you have an album out; you have more work to do, because when your album is out you have to do a lot of promotions. It’s kind of rough on my side but it doesn’t matter how long it takes I'm going to finish school. I wanted to go to Edna Manley College from I was a child, long before I won Digicel Rising Stars so I’m making the best of the opportunity." Despite being a huge success, Romain says he will never forget how his love for music began and his humble beginnings. The singer says growing up in a Christian family has allowed him to remain grounded while dealing with his success. He says after leading his high school Abuthnott Gallimore to second place in the All Together Sing competition in 2006, he was encouraged to try out for Season 3 of the Digicel Rising Stars competition but he was unsuccessful: "I auditioned but I did not get through because the judges said I chose the wrong song but I came back in 2007 and auditioned with Percy Sledge’s When a Man Loves a Woman and that was better received." The 2007 Digicel Rising Stars’ winner has been nominated for several local and regional awards as testimony to his talent. Romain Virgo is now signed to VP Records which will see him releasing his first album, a self titled venture in June of this year. _______________________________________ Original of 2010 World Cup Song Was Recorded At Tuff Gong Recording Studio ‘Ooooooh Wooooooh' Give me freedom, give me fire, give me reason, take me higher See the champions, take the field now, you define us, make us feel proud In the streets our heads are lifting, as we lose our inhibition, Celebration its around us, every nations, all around us’ The original version of “Wavin’ Flag (The Celebration Mix)” by Somalian artist K’Naan was recorded in 2009 at Tuff Gong Recording Studio, Kingston Jamaica. The song is one of the tracks on his second album entitled “Troubadour”. Damian Marley who invited K’Naan to record his album in Jamaica is included in the music video for “Wavin’ Flag” (The Celebration Mix). Now an official song of Coca-Cola for their 2010 FIFA World Cup programme it is also featured on the soundtrack of the EA Sports video game. “Wavin’ Flag” was produced by Jerry Brothers, Jr and Bruno Mars and the Tuff Gong engineer for the project was Roland McDermott assisted by Oneil Smith and Michael Howell Source: Tuff Gong Recording Studio, Kingston Jamaica _______________________________________ ZIGGY MARLEY PLAYS TO A RECORD BREAKING AUDIENCE AT TOPANGA DAYS ALL PHOTOS (c)Gary Greene Check back - more pics to come _______________________________________ Excitement Builds! Atlanta’s 1st Annual Atlanta Summer Music Festival With the official countdown to the 1st Annual Atlanta Summer Music Festival launched, excitement builds in anticipation of seeing veteran Reggae artist Freddie McGregor perform along with Elephant Man, Spragga Benz, Etana and Trinidad and Tobago’s Bunji Garlin, Chino, Stephen di Genius McGregor, Spice, Kiprich, Laden and UK singing sensation Gappy Ranks. Younger fans are also buzzing about Young Money’s performance featuring Jae Millz, Lil Chuckee and Gudda Gudda as well as Pleasure P, Pastor Troy, Young Ty & Jae Dillz. Rounding out the diversity of the Festival’s staging, organizers have included Soca artist Pumpa from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Jah Selah, Chi Chi Ching, Jr. Demus, Plucky Ranks, Nerrisa Jerry, Kibaki, Top Student, Ras Myrdhk and Marvin Binns. “We’ve been getting a lot of buzz for this festival,” said Stitchie of Jahbari Productions, the Festivals’ producers. “The momentum is really moving!” When Chino was asked about the event (while in Toronto for the capacity Best of Both World’s Concert), he smiled broadly when he said “I’m really looking forward to Atlanta! The whole Big Ship Family is looking forward. It ah guh mad!” Rico Vibes of www.daflavaradio.com where radio commercials are being broadcast about the event says “I’ve been getting a lot of calls from folks interested in the show. For the most part they’re really looking forward to the event.” The 1st Annual Atlanta Summer Music Festival will be held on July 4th, 2010 at the James R. Hallford Stadium at 3789 Memorial College Ave (Georgia Perimeter College), and will be hosted by the Diva Nikki Z, Rico Vibes, Ron Muschette and Juggla. Additional music will be supplied by Mix Master David, Capricorn, Killaface, Disruption and Textra. For additional information, log on to www.atlantasummerfestival.com. _______________________________________ Tuff Gong Recording Studio Hosts A Queen Of Spoken Words Coming from the mean streets of Brixton, London, Floetic Lara {aka Flo} is the artiste recording at Tuff Gong International. Her voice has been described as 'that of a songbird with a jazz undertone'. "Just Let It Flow" is the title of her debut album The multi talented poetess and vocalist whose father hails from Montego Bay, St. James is excited about being in Jamaica and working with local producer David Gayle. Her favourite Bob Marley songs are the classic "Turn Your Lights Down Low" and "Crazy Baldhead". Floetic Lara is set to embark on a tour of the United States later this year as well as appearing on festivals in the Caribbean. Source:Tuff Gong International _______________________________________ Twiggi shoots video for her chart topping song “Reaching Out To You" Last year Twiggi released her long anticipated solo album entitled “The Sun Shines Through” The inspiring album has been getting phenomenal feedback and has produced chart topping hits such as “My Everything” and “Reaching Out To You”. The songbird has been keeping herself busy spreading her inspirational message at shows such as The One Love Reggae Festival in West Palm Beach and Yadah Fest. Recently the singer was at Topeekeegee Yugnee Park in Florida to shoot a video for the single ”Reaching Out To You;” which has become a fan favorite off the album and has been a staple on South Florida radio stations. You can get your copy of the single as well as the album online or at select stores worldwide. Source:dimmiejoemuzik _______________________________________ UCLA JAZZREGGAE FESTIVAL PICS 2010 PHOTO PREVIEW - MORE PICS SOON COME!!! All Photos (c)Gary Greene _______________________________________ TITO JACKSON TO PRESENT 'TRIBUTE TO THE JACKSON FAMILY' PERFORMANCE AT THE 14TH ANNUAL ST. KITTS MUSIC FESTIVAL Basseterre, St. Kitts - The St. Kitts Tourism Authority today announces that Jackson 5 Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson has joined the line-up of performers for the 14th Annual St Kitts Music Festival, which will take place on island from June 24-26, 2010. His concert "Tito Jackson in Tribute to the Jackson Family" to be held on the 1st anniversary of his brother Michael’s passing, will include not only his solo repertoire, but selections from the entire Jackson's catalog, including some of his late brother Michael's songs, and sister Janet Jackson's music as well. "I am so looking forward to visiting the beautiful island of St. Kitts and playing in the upcoming Music Festival in June. I have heard so much about the island, and I have lots of surprises in store for the audience," stated Tito Jackson. "They are going to hear a great retrospective of Jackson family songs, from Janet, Michael, The Jackson Five, and some of my songs. It will be a great show and will bring back lots of memories and create some new ones, I am sure. It is a show I have been working on really hard with the band I have on the road with me now, and I am sure the crowd will love all of the music we have in store for them." Born Toriano Adaryll Jackson, "Tito" has devoted his entire professional life to music, first as a member of Motown’s greatest discovery, The Jacksons {Jackson 5}, and presently as a multi-faceted solo artist. During the course of his distinguished musical career, he has performed on stages throughout the world, including Manhattan's famous Apollo Theater. He has had numerous television appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, American Bandstand, Soul Train and on the Jacksons' own primetime television series in 1976. In 1978, Tito co-wrote the songs, Everybody, Destiny and Push Away on the group’s hit album, Destiny. Their subsequent album, Triumph, sold approximately 10 million copies worldwide, and in 1984 the group released the Victory album, for which the famous Victory Tour reportedly set a new record for the then-largest grossing tour. In 1985, Tito, along with other members of the Jackson family, lent his vocals to USA for Africa’s fund-raising hit single, We Are the World. "It's an honor to have Tito Jackson join the line-up for this year's St. Kitts Music Festival," commented Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of Tourism & International Transport for St. Kitts. "Tito's tribute concert to the Jackson family music legacy is certain to be memorable for the many Jackson family fans in St. Kitts and the wider Caribbean who will be given a wonderful opportunity to experience this special world-class performance first-hand, while enjoying the unique St. Kitts Musical Festival experience." One of the performing highlights of the career of Tito Jackson is the reunion performance on one of histories most watched television specials, Motown 25. The show signaled a pivotal point in his remarkable career and an auspicious focus on the great one Michael Jackson. In 1997, Tito and his brothers (The Jacksons) were inducted into the prestigious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Tito's initial success with the recording masterpieces I Want You Back, Never Can Say Goodbye, I'll Be There {best selling single in Motown’s history}, and other mega-hits, are deeply woven into the world's fabric of music. Throughout his career, Tito has worked with countless musicians, singers, and producers, such as the preeminent production team of LA Reid & Kenny "Baby Face" Edmonds and is in the process of completing his new project set for a 2010 release. Now in its 14th consecutive year, the festival attracts both residents and visitors alike and is known for featuring rising local talent alongside internationally-renowned acts. It features a mix of musical styles on the popular market, including R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Soca, Calypso, Gospel and Contemporary, to name a few. Past artists have included such prominent acts as John Legend, T-Pain, Michael Bolton, KC & the Sunshine Band, Wyclef Jean, Ne-Yo, Air Supply, Dionne Warwick, Billy Ocean, Sean Paul, Boyz II Men, King Konris, Stephen Marley, Regina Belle, Maxi Priest, Biggie Irie and Lord Nelson. Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, St. Kitts offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history. The island’s stunning variety of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the island’s sugar plantations, visiting the Caribelle Batik factory, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, and the more traditional vacation pastimes such as watersports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, gaming at one of St. Kitts' two casinos or simply relaxing on one of the island's sandy beaches. Guests can select from accommodations ranging from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels or resorts. For more information about St. Kitts, please contact the St. Kitts Tourism Authority toll free from the US at 1-800-582-6208 or from Canada 1-888-395-4887, e-mail info@stkittstourism.kn, visit www.stkittstourism.kn, or become a fan on Facebook and/or Twitter. For more information about the 14th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival, log on to www.stkittsmusicfestival.com. Source: HEADLINE ENTERTAINMENT _______________________________________ “One Love, One Hope, One Humanity” International Poet, Author and Reggae Recording Artiste, YASUS AFARI - The Ancient Youth, has been circling the globe nonstop for the past three years, carrying the message of “One Love, One Hope, One Humanity”. YASUS incorporates entertainment, Jamaican humour, social graces and education into an inspirational, motivational and mystifying package which he dubs “edutainment” for the entire family. Accordingly the audience is served with an unforgettable nourishing menu of good clean intelligent fun. “Wirl Wind World Tour” Since the historic double launch of his Jamaican bestselling “Overstanding Rastafari – Jamaica’s Gift to the World” at the University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston, Jamaica, along with his CD “Revolution Chapter 1”, AFARI has toured: Jamaica, Barbados, St Lucia, England, Wales, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, The Gambia, Zimbabwe, and Azania/South Africa, visiting some of these countries up to 6 and 8 times. in 2008 Yasus Afari re-released his poetry Anthology “Eye Pen” and his CD “Gift of Vision” featuring YASUS AFARI and Friends inclusive of, Beres Hammond, Black Uhuru, Luciano, Freddy McGregor, Garnet Silk, Natural Black, Singing Melody and Bringsley Ford’s (of ASWAD) son, Jahson. In 2009 YASUS released “Kiss Mi Neck” which is an unprecedented Jamaican Spoken Word CD which is an extraordinary recording and constantly gaining international attention. Currently YASUS AFARI is in the UK making appearances in England, Scotland and Wales. On his arrival from Mama Africa, YASUS AFARI led a training day for teachers from Worcestershire as they explored ways to bring harmony into their classrooms and better support for children from non English heritage. Then the Malvern Hills on Sunday May 30th provided a stunning setting for the prelude to the Rastafari Festival of Arts. Rastafarians and others from across the Midlands region met to celebrate the Livity of Rastafari. This event was organised by Worcester based, Drum Love, with Rastafari Heritage and Learning Links International providing additional artistes, Moqapi Selassie and K. T. Jamaican Dub Bardd YASUS AFARI yng Gogledd Cymru – (Jamaican Dub Poet YASUS AFARI in North Wales) In Wales YASUS AFARI will flows with the environmental themes he promotes, sharing the Welsh translation of his internationally recognised poem “The Earth is our Friend” - “Daewedd ys ein Cydwedd” and also continues to build bridges and embrace differences as he performs with another international poet, Richard Douglas Pennant, a descendent of the plantation owing family who used their wealth to build the castle at Penrhyn in North Wales. YASUS AFARI will be working with school children who have been studying the historical links between Jamaica and North Wales, as well as setting up learning links between schools. YASUS in Scotland In Scotland the focus will be on visiting the Museum of Religious Life and Art to present the perspective of Rastafari and present his book “Overstanding Rastafari – Jamaica’s Gift to the World” for inclusion in their prestigious library, as well as meeting local groups to plan activities for his next tour in the Autumn. In London and Wolverhampton, YASUS AFARI will be the Key Note speaker at Learning Links International’s conference and seminar events organised with the very active Caribbean and African Languages Network. Then YASUS AFARI returns to Jamaica to touch base for 4 days before flying to Anguilla for a series of parenting workshops and concerts and book / CD signing engagements before returning to Kingston for the University of the West Indies historic RASTAFARI Studies Conference at Mona August 17 – 20, where he is one of the key note presenters, as well as a workshop facilitator and featured performer with his Reggae Band and special guests. African Redemption YASUS AFARI is returning to Africa in September for highly anticipated appearances to advance the planning for the 2011 “African Redemption Tour” as part of the UNESCO / United Nations Year for People of African Descent. And then as this frenetic year closes YASUS AFARI is back in the UK for the Black History Season, before flying to Australia at the specific invitation of the indigenous peoples of the Melbourne area who he connected with at the Parliament of the World’s Religions which was hosted there last year. _______________________________________ O'Neil Jason Charles Edwards May 08, 1974 - May 26, 2010 Higher and Higher Kingston, Jamaica - When he sang the words “Mr. Wacky is gone but his dancing lives on…”, O’Neil Edwards could never have known that his end would be equally tragic. He was named O’Neil Jason Charles Edwards at birth, an event that took place on May 8, 1974. One of ten siblings, O’Neil’s five sisters and four brothers knew that music would be the road he would take from early in their lives. He was destined to be in the music business, following in the footsteps of his father, well-known Jamaican recording artiste and producer Rupee Edwards. The performance and production of music was a part of O’Neil’s early life as he watched his father, heard the sounds, felt the excitement of the music business and decided this was what he wanted to do. Even as he was making a decent living as an entrepreneur, the music business called out to O’Neil. Confident of his ability and determined to succeed, he joined with his neighbourhood friends, Jerome "Craig "Jackson, Kevin Blaire, Robert Manning and Leonardo Grant to form a multi-talented group of singers. It was 1999, and the new century was to bring a round of success for the brand new group Voicemail. One hit after the other, with popularity rising, Voicemail became highly sought after on the dancehall scene. The group became a trio - Craig, Kevin and O’Neil. Although O’Neil’s deep and distinct baritone was sure to provoke loud screams, the trio was known for their seamlessly interlaced voices. Their mantra was one sound, one distinctive look, a group that moved in unison and sang in harmony. This complete image, professional demeanour and focused outlook did not happen by accident. The standards were maintained through O’Neil’s management style. It was he who administered the group’s business. While the other’s trained, O’Neil toiled. He made the deals and confirmed the bookings, planned the tours, coordinated the recordings and thought through the promotions. He was the foundation upon which Voicemail was built. The life of a performing artiste is a challenging one. No one knows this more than O’Neil’s life partner, Ingrid Smalling. With every late night, early morning and long, gruelling hours, Ingrid provided the strength and support that O’Neil needed to make it through the labyrinth that the music industry can be. Their daughter, Nehalis Nastacia Edwards provided her father with a month of joy, born five weeks before he passed. ‘Fun and gregarious’, a man of style, that is how O’Neil Edwards’ friends and neighbours from the Duhaney Park community describe him. Always “Ready to Party”, always ready to dance. O’Neil Jason Charles Edwards left Jamaica a message, one last voicemail. The circumstances of his death and the time at which he passed are both significant. O’Neil’s last voicemail serves to point Jamaica and the Jamaican recording industry in a new direction. A direction that seeks to help to build a nation, take a nation ‘Higher’. His wish would be that everyone in the fraternity would hold up their hands higher, clasp them together in his memory, and move as one to help to heal nation in distress. Out and Bad…Rest in Peace O’Neil Edwards. Source: HEADLINE ENTERTAINMENT _______________________________________ _______________________________________ BOB MARLEY'S PLAQUE FOR THE SURVIVAL ALBUM IS ON LOAN TO THE SMITHSONIAN The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) has created an exhibit honoring Musicians that performed at the Apollo Theatre. The Marley Family has loaned the Smithsonian a Plaque given to Bob Marley for selling 100,000 units of the Survival album in Italy. This Plaque is on loan to the Smithsonian for the next 3 years. After the Smithsonian display ends, the Apollo exhibit will travel to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit and then the Museum of the City of New York. The plan is to have the plaque at the Bob Marley Museum in Jamaica upon it's return from the Smithsonian. Special thanks to Cedella for obtaining the plaque! ........ This latest laudatory acknowledgement of Bob Marley's global significance has been a street in Nigeria being named after him in January of this year in celebrations of its 48th year of independence. Marley has been placed in the company of Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and sport heroes Jay Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo and Mary Onyali, all of whom have streets in Nigeria with their names. It is also understood that the film, Africa Unite, is having a premiere at the Real Life Pan-African Documentary Film Festival being held in Ghana from May 16 - 20. Africa Unite has been rated a masterfully executed film by Stephanie Black that is at once a concert tribute, the Marley family travelogue, and humanitarian documentary, igniting the screen with the spirit of the world-renowned reggae icon. One of the founders of the festival, Awam Amkpa, who is also a professor of Drama and Film at the New York University in the USA, is reported to have said that the festival was to inspire Africans to document their own histories while exchanging film vocabularies, methods and contexts with film-makers from other continents. Source: Jamaica Observer _______________________________________ PRESSURE AT JAMAICA LIVE All Photos (c)Marsha Hunt _______________________________________ Grade and Denkenesh Records are ready to launch summer 2010 with crucial new releases from roots reggae artist Niyorah (Feel Your Presence) and the soulful styles of Toussaint (Black Gold). Denkenesh Records is teaming up with I Grade {known for setting a new standard in reggae music Midnite, Dezarie, Pressure, Niyorah} to add to its game changing approach. Whether it is Toussaint's unique soulful mix of R&B and roots, or Niyorah's conscious dread and righteousness, reggae, urban and soul music fans everywhere will be asking for more. The physical and digital release of Niyorah's album, Feel Your Presence, is scheduled for June 2010 and Toussaint's Black Gold in August 2010. The first singles from each album, "Feel Your Presence" from Niyorah and Toussaint's "Be You", are now receiving popular and critical acclaim. NIYORAH Combining bright melodies, dread and fire lyrics and solid musical backing, Niyorah live shows and extensive studio work {including 4 acclaimed albums} have put him at the forefront of the VI {Virgin Islands} reggae scene while setting a new standard for roots reggae worldwide. Produced and recorded at Tuff Gong in Jamaica by acclaimed reggae producer Andrew "Bassie" Campbell, the album Feel Your Presence features a range of classic musicians and artists such as Earl "Chinna" Smith, Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace, Sugar Minott, and Jah Mason. This unique combination of Niyorah's cutting edge lyrical depth and Andrew Bassie's classic live instrumentation riddims has yielded a 14 track roots masterpiece. TOUSSAINT Since leaving Soulive a couple of years ago, the music world has waited with anticipation to find out where Toussaint will land. I Grade Records is the place and the upcoming album Black Gold captures the diversity of Toussaint's soul, reggae, gospel and jazz roots. The 15-track collection of epic songs captured on Black Gold is the product of Toussaint's soulful pedigree and I Grade Records' unique approach to crafting genre defying soundscapes. The musical influences on Black Gold run the gamut from deep roots to classic soul to jazz to hip hop. Outstanding musicianship is a hallmark of this release that features acclaimed troubadours such as Tuff Lion, Dean Pond, Santa Davis, Youssoupha Sidibe, Johnny Trama and others. Truly an album unlike any other, Black Gold lays the foundation for a new genre of Soul Roots. _______________________________________ MARCIA GRIFFITHS AND QUEEN OMEGA DOING FESTIVALS AND TOURING THE WESTERN U.S. - JUNE 2010 Photo Credit: Madeleine Gentinetta, Courtesy Muse Entertainment Marcia Griffiths and Queen Omega are currently two of the top reigning queens of reggae! Marcia, one of the original I –Three’s, vocalists with the great Bob Marley, is still keeping the strong spirit of Bob Marley and the Wailers fresh and alive. The two of these gifted singers together, Marcia Griffiths and Queen Omega make for a long show of beautiful female energy. Marcia Griffiths is scheduled to perform on Reggae in the Desert in Las Vegas June 12th, they both perform on the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival June 20th and Marcia is also on the Monterey Bay Reggaefest July 31st. May 15th Marcia attended a huge awards ceremony in Jamaica where she received an award for the greatest achievements in the music industry. Marcia is consistently very busy doing recording sessions, shows and tours in the Caribbean and beyond. She is always on the road. May 12th she was featured on a show in Jamaica for the European leaders and prime ministers. After this western U.S. tour, she is scheduled to tour Africa and Europe with Tanya Stevens and Etana. Marcia is regularly on the Rotterdam festival and many other festivals in Europe. On the late annual U.S. Sunsplash Tour with Tony Johnson, Marcia used to be on the tour every year. Marcia’s Love is Automatic single with Busy Signal is currently number one on the England and European charts. Another of her big current songs that gets a lot of radio airplay is What Goes Up, Must Come Down which is a combination with her and Queen Ifrica. She also has out a single called A Beer and a Girl, which is a song about the memories of life in Jamaica in the older days. She has another current hit called There is a time for Wars, which is a combination with Beres Hammond. Marcia is also currently recording a track for the new Third World album. Marcia is a busy woman. On the near horizon, Marcia Griffiths has a new double CD scheduled for release soon, this month or next month, in May or June, 2010. This CD is called, Marcia and Friends. The CD features combinations with singers such as Beres Hammond, Sanchez, Bunny Rugs, Daville, Freddie McGregor, Toots Hibbert, Barrington Levy, Diana King, Richie Stevens, Etana, Bob Andy and John Holt, amongst others. For DJ’s on Marcia and Friends, there are combinations with Gentleman, Damian Marley, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer and U Roy. The other younger featured artist on this tour package is Queen Omega, from Trinidad. Queen Omega is also working hard, making her mark on the international music scene. In 2008 she did fifteen festivals in North America from California to Toronto, including The Monterey Bay Reggae fest in Monterey, CA, Reggae Risings and Earthdance in Humboldt County, CA. Last year, in 2009 she headlined the Northwest World Music festival in Eugene OR and she also did Earthdance for a second year in a row in southern Humboldt county, CA, as well as numerous festivals on the east coast including performances in Providence, RI and in Vermont at the Vermont Reggae festival. She toured Brazil in April 2009, and in France in early June 2009. In Trinidad, Queen Omega’s musical effort for 2010 is shaping up well as she is currently producing and recording for several U.S. and international Reggae producers. In the U. S., she has joined forces with the hot and popular California Reggae artist, Jah Sun on a combination track called Mediation, and they also filmed the accompanying Mediation music video. Mediation is on the charts in Jamaica and their the music video was picked up on TV Jamaican Reggae Shows, featured #3 on the Wicked Bubblers on Hype TV and the European Reggae market picked up the video online for the top Reggae sites. Queen Omega recently recorded Take Control on the Zion Roots Music, an affiliate of CRS Music Label out of Barbados for their compilation CD, Blessed. Take Control was produced by Family Music out of Germany. Staying in high demand in France, the producer, IkaRoots Muzik and the Babyclone Band released two compilation CDs in 2010 featuring Queen Omega’s lead tracks Traveling on the Datta Riddim and Last Days on the Brighter Day Riddim. You can check out the Brighter Day Megamix on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4W5UTsaSzAk Queen Omega is a roots reggae artist with a conscious message. She is a talented vocalist who knows music inside out, having worked as an artist since she was young. She has out five CD’s. She performs all over the world. Queen Omega is one of the stronger young upcoming female artists in the reggae genre. With the two of these gifted female acts, Marcia Griffiths from Jamaica and Queen Omega from Trinidad, we are in for a special treat of inspired reggae music, backed by a world class Jamaican band. Don’t miss this special package when it comes around. BIOGRAPHY: MARCIA GRIFFITHS The longest, hardest and most consistently working artist in the history of the Jamaican Music Industry is the Empress of Reggae music, the most Honorable Marcia Griffiths, OD, first Lady of Songs, Female Vocalist Supreme. In a career spanning 40 years to date and still going strong, she hits high points internationally as a soloist and as a duo with Bob Andy, as Bob and Marcia. She has toured the world as a member of the I-threes with Bob Marley and the Wailers. Subsequently as a soloist she hit the Billboard chart with “Electric Boogie Song” and created a world class dance, the Electric Slide. This super star has been recording and performing ceaselessly. At a recent reggae concert in South Florida, Marcia Griffiths demonstrated the same level of performance she has been known for over the years, as both a solist and a member of different groups. She displayed, in combination with Reggae rapper Cutty Ranks, on their duet of “Fire Burning”, all the zeal and elements that go into dancehall music. Marcia exibits the same exuberance when performing her international crossover hit “Electric Boogie.” Marcia Griffiths has been performing and recording as a top class artist for four decades. She says “I started singing professionally as a vocalist in 1964, for Byron Lee and the Dragonaires band.” Her recording years started soon after, at Coxsone Dodd - Studio One where she recorded her first hit “Feel Like Jumping." It was while recording at Studio One that Marcia teamed up with Bob Andy on ‘Really Together," the first of many duets that the two would record. “Luckily for me, Bob Andy was always a strong and wise person”, says Marcia. “He was there for me in the early days and that gave me confidence”. Then the pair moved to the Harry J Label, hitting the British, as well as the International charts with “Young Gifted and Black” and “The Pied Piper,” recording two albums of the same titles. Following that duet success, she went solo again on the High Note label with Reggae's sole established female producer - Sonia Pottinger - hitting with several songs including her own original “Stepping Out of Babylon.” and releasing two albums “Naturally” and “Stepping”. When asked to express her opinion on female reggae vocalists, Marcia said “It’s been a rough, tough job standing up as a woman in this business, that’s why my album before “Land of Love” I chose to call “Indomitable”, which means not easily discouraged or defeated. My views on women in reggae are positive; most of the new or upcoming female singers in reggae started out singing my songs before doing their own originals. I feel very good about that; to know that I have influenced my people positively.” I-THREES - Judy Mowatt, Rita Marley and Marcia Griffiths Ten years after entering the music business, Marcia united with Judy Mowatt and Rita Marley to form the I-Threes as an important part of the Bob Marley entourage. “Words are not enough to express my experience with the I-Threes and Bob Marley and the Wailers”, says Marcia. “What a blessing to be so privileged...to have shared this experience”. Currently Marcia is one of the leading female artists on the Reggae scene. Shocking out with the electric boogie, doing the electric slide. Marcia gained solo international recognition with her monster hit “Electric Boogie.” This song was first recorded in 1982 and went to the #1 spot on the Jamaican charts. Sales continued over the years and in 1989, a Washington, DC Disc Jockey started playing it regularly and in no time, it caught on and hit the station’s regular rotation list. A new dance, the Electric Slide, was created from the “Electric Boogie” song and as a result, sales soared and the “Electric Slide” became popular all over the U.S. The song and dance have been featured on the Oprah Winfrey and Phil Donahue shows, and the video has been aired many times on the Black Entertainment TV (BET) and other nationwide music networks. Marcia Llyneth Griffiths was born on November 23, 1949 to Joseph and Beatrice Griffiths. The family hailed from a poor section of West Kingston, but as bad as things were, Marcia considered those days glorious, because there was always one thing in abundance - one thing that made them the wealthiest family in the world - one thing that no one could take from them... Love. Peaceful Woman: From her teen years Marcia depicts calm and charm Marcia as a teenager attended Kingston Senior School, and was a zealous member of her church choir. In fact, she was always taking part in some school concert or play. She loved to hang out and sing with friends, often times sneaking out of the house after her parents had gone to bed. It was during one such nightly excursion, that the slim fifteen year old beauty managed to get herself discovered. Philip “Boasie” James lead singer of the Blues Busters vocal duo was visiting his girlfriend, who lived next door to Marcia, and heard this lovely voice floating through the air. He could not believe his ears, and subsequently took Marcia straight away to Byron Lee and insisted that this song-bird be included on the upcoming talent show to be held at the Carib Theater in Kingston. Marcia remembers that Byron was upset with “Boasie” for coming to interrupt his well planned program schedule and insisting that this "nobody" go on his show. In 2004 at the dawning of the 21st century, the most influential female artist in Jamaican popular music, Marcia Griffiths OD is briskly fanning the flames of Reggae Music. Working in the studio, releasing records and touring. Marcia continues her mission of spreading the message in the music into the new millennium. In between studio sessions, Marcia has been on the road. In the past two years she has enjoyed a successful tour of the USA with Beres Hammond and Freddie Mcgregor. Traveling to England with Beres Hammond, they performed an extensive tour with the same overwhelming results. Forward on a yard, Marcia shared the stage with Boyz II Men at the massive Spring Break concert for MTV in Negril Jamaica. Returning to the US, she performed in Orlando, Florida, (Disney World) Universal Studio, at the opening of the Bob Marley Museum. Sharing the bill were the I-Threes, Ziggy Marley and Inner Circle. Moving on up to New York, Marcia displayed two memorable shows with Beres Hammond and Buju Banton at Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden. Going further north Marcia worked in Toronto and Montreal with John Holt and Ken Booth. Again in the USA with Bob Andy as the Legendary duo, they performed at the Bob Marley Day Celebration in Los Angeles, before heading down south to perform at the historic Reggae meets Rocksteady showcase in Miami. Next Marcia toured with the legendary Wailers Band. Then the I-Threes were off for shows in Italy, Europe and South Africa. Returning to Jamaica, the I-Threes shared the stage for two shows with R&B legends Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle. In November 2002, along with John Holt, Ken Boothe and Mikey Spice, Marcia produced an historical performance with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra at the Wembley Arena, Birmingham and Aston Vill Leisure Centre, Middlesex. Since then Marcia has performed in New York, Toronto, Atlanta, Miami and Jamaica. The driving force of the Reggae Empress is fueled by her inner desire to serve the people of the world with sweet reggae music. She said “ Music alone shall live, and it’s not only for the money, but the satisfaction I get from doing the work that I love, that is what really keeps me going everyday”. BIOGRAPHY: QUEEN OMEGA Internationally, in the Reggae Music arena, Jeneile Osborne a.k.a. Queen Omega is currently a serious name to be reckoned with. Hailing from San Fernando Trinidad, Queen Omega was born to a family of five. Born between four boy siblings, she was given the pet name Queenie. From a very young age, Queenie displayed a passion for singing. Her mother Deborah, on recognizing her talent, encouraged her to pursue a career in music. She started singing more seriously in kindergarten and primary school, where she won Calypso talent competitions over a period of three consecutive years. Her talent was recognized again, but this time by one of Trinidad's leading Soca producers, Kenny Phillips. She worked in his studio as a background vocalist for some of the biggest names in Soca music. She also entered local TV talent shows, never failing to captivate the hearts of her audiences. Later on, as Queen Omega started focusing on her own solo career, she appeared on numerous stage shows with some of Reggae's most prominent artists, such as Luciano, Glen Washington, Junior Kelly and Bushman amongst others. This was happening while she was still attending secondary school. Astonished by her versatility, Kenny Phillips invited her on a trip to Jamaica alongside the Solomon Band to perform on the Caribbean Music Expo 2000. During this stage of her life, Queen Omega was undergoing a spiritual transformation. She had chosen to embrace the way of Rastafari, which inspired her to write and sing meaningful, socio-conscious, spiritual music. Later that year, Queen Omega met with the Greenhouse Family in London and recorded her self-titled debut album, "Queen Omega". This album contains favorites such as "Hypocrites and Parasites", "Warning" featuring Capleton and Sizzla and "All For You". This album also featured artists like Archie Wonder and Anthony B. Her second album "Pure Love" was completed and released in 2002. She returned to Jamaica to perform on "Sum Fest" alongside of the radical Jamaican artist Ninja Man. A little later she toured England in 2003. Her third album, "Away From Babylon" was released in 2004 courtesy JetStar Phonographics Ltd. This album made way for her first European tour, on which she performed in Switzerland, Belgium, Italy (Geel Festival & Rototom Festival), Siberia and France (Jamaican Sunrise Festival). Queen Omega's fourth album entitled "Destiny" is truly amazing and features a dancehall feel with soulful R&B overtones. "Destiny" is one of the best Roots Reggae albums ever released. It reveals the depth and evolution of Queen Omega's artistry. This album was produced by Special Delivery Records, in France. Queen Omega's fifth album, "Servant of Jah Army" was produced by the Mad Professor on the Ariwa Sounds Label and released in 2006. This project was reviewed as an Ariwa debut from a Rasta Female Icon perspective. Her deep song writing ability revealed her social consciousness. The "Servant of Jah Army" project is credited with stellar musicians: Drums: Sly Dunbar, Drumtan Ward. Bass: Robbie Shakespeare, Don Chandler, Keyboards: Leroy Mafia, Black Steel, Caroline Guitars: Black Steel Brass, Flute: Dean Fraser, Stepper, Rico - all recorded At Ariwa Sounds and engineered and mixed by the Mad Professor and Joe Ariwa. Queen Omega has also performed at the African Festival in Germany, the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival in California, the Soca Reggae RiverSplash in Slovenia, Reggae Fest in Serbia and the Upsalla Festival in Sweden. Queen Omega performed on Tony Rebel's "Rebel Salute" staged in 2004, which earned a lot of respect for her among the Jamaican audience. In Queenie’s homeland, Trinidad, Queen Omega has performed at Chaguaramas Mobs 2 (1998 & 2003), Queens Park Savannah for 96.1 & 98.9 FM (1998 to 2000), Icons of Music (2002), and at Hands Across the Sea (2004).   Queen Omega is Trinidad's true "Queen of Reggae." She has more than demonstrated her talents on her five album releases. She has developed a depth of talent, and she is currently building her international fan base and is spreading out into new territories. Without a doubt, Queen Omega is a strong contender for the international title of "Queen of Reggae". Queen Omega is a conquering lion rasta messenger - conquering and to conquer. _______________________________________ Optimistic Soul - Buju Banton _______________________________________ NEW SINGLE UMI MARCANO - MY GIRL UMI MARCANO ON MYSPACE.COM _______________________________________ Raphael Saadiq, Nas and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley headline JazzReggae Festival 2010 The critically acclaimed JazzReggae Festival at UCLA is pleased to announce that the headliners for the 2010 festival are Raphael Saadiq on May 30th Jam Day, and Nas and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley on May 31st Reggae Day. The combination of such prestigious and internationally renowned musicians at one festival is sure to provide everyone in attendance with an unforgettable experience. This year, JazzReggae Festival is offering Early Bird Tickets that will go on sale April 1st at 10am until April 2nd at 10pm. Ticket prices are reduced to $20 per day and are being offered in a limited quantity. General admission tickets go on sale April 3rd for $26 per day, or $45 for a two-day pass. These tickets are available through Ticketmaster and UCLA’s Central Ticketing Office. California native Raphael Saadiq, is currently on tour showcasing his Grammy nominated album, The Way I See It. Saadiq has been playing and composing music since the age of six and has extensive experience as a singer, songwriter, musician and producer. The recipient of several Grammy’s, Raphael Saadiq is truly a musical icon. His production resume includes groups such as the Roots, TLC, and Macy Gray. As an artist, Saadiq has constantly shown his passion for all styles of music, from jazz and blues to classical and everything in between. His funky, soul infused style makes Raphael Saadiq the ideal headliner for 2010’s Jam Day. Nas and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley are coming together to support their upcoming album, Distant Relatives. Nas, who has been active in the Hip Hop world since 1991, has worked with artists such as Jay-Z, Ludacris, Dr. Dre and Young Jeezy. Nas invented a new, more conversational version of rapping, establishing himself as one of the founders of modern hip-hop. Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, the youngest son of Bob Marley, has won multiple Grammy’s for his album Welcome to Jamrock, making him one of the most famous and celebrated reggae artists in the world. The collaboration album, Distant Relatives, has been highly anticipated for over a year, and promises to impress with guest musicians including Stephen Marley, Snoop Dogg and Lil Wayne. Reggae Day assures a groundbreaking performance with this revolutionary duo in attendance. With more great acts being announced soon, the 24th annual JazzReggae Festival guarantees to be the best year yet. ........ 2010 JazzReggae Festival Presented by SCION Announces Full Lineup For yet another year, JazzReggae Festival’s lineup has packed quite the punch. With headliners Nas and Damian “Jr Gong” Marley, Raphael Saadiq, and Q-Tip, it’s easy to see why so many other sensational acts are delighted to take the stage this Memorial Weekend at UCLA’s Intramural Field for the 24th annual JazzReggae Festival as presented by Scion. Grammy-winner Raphael Saadiq and esteemed artist Q-Tip will be the headlining acts for May 30th Jam Day. Q-Tip rose to fame with the legendary and influential hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest, and has worked with artists Nas and Saadiq. Q-Tip mixes modern R&B and Hip-Hop with jazz infused sound to create music that is both revolutionary and familiar, and will perform at the festival with his critically acclaimed live band. The full line up for Jam Day includes more Grammy nominated artists, including Janelle Monáe, whose highly anticipated album, The Arch Android, drops on May 18th from her own Wondaland Arts Society and P. Diddy’s Bad Boy Records. This album combined with past success has earned her the title of Queen of Cyber-Soul. Also performing is Bilal, the neo-soul and jazz singer who flawlessly combines jazz, R&B, big band and stunning vocals. Georgia Anne Muldrow & Declaime will bring a hypnotic electro-funk to the stage. Also performing on Jam Day are up-and-coming Denmark soul duo Quadron, Tha Boogie, Dr. Bobby Rodriguez and the UCLA LatinJazz Ensemble, and the Fernando Pullum Performing Arts High School Jazz All-Stars – talented young jazz players from LA’s inner city. Nas and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley will be headlining this year’s Reggae Day on May 31st as part of their Distant Relatives Tour promoting their album drop on May 18th, with part of the proceeds benefiting education in Africa. Also performing is Jamaican native Cham whose dancehall beats have successfully crossed over to rap and R&B popularity. Barrington Levy, one of dancehall’s most accomplished artists, will perform backed by Detour Posse. Also joining Reggae Day is the prestigious and politically influenced Etana, also backed by Detour Posse. Nigerian native Nneka as well as The Lions complete the lineup, making this year’s Reggae Day one of the most impressive yet. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased through Ticketmaster. For more information, please visit our website at www.jazzreggaefest.com and our Facebook at www.facebook.com/jazzreggaefest. _______________________________________ ANTHONY CRUZ Anthony Cruz with his cute baby face, captivating eyes, sexy physique, soulful voice, classy attire, shy-guy demeanour, fun-loving attitude and slick stage act, is regarded as one of the most charismatic entertainers around. There’s no mistaking the mesmerising effect he has on the ladies. After a decade of holding his own in the music business, this talented singer is cruising his way to becoming one of Jamaica's greatest singers. Born ROWAN SMITH on December 17th, Anthony Cruz grew up in Mandeville, Manchester. Hailing from a talented musical family - being the nephew of the celebrated singer Garnett Silk, as well as having a mother and father who were excellent singers – Cruz was convinced from a young age that he was destined to be a great singer. After graduating from Holmwood Technical High School, Cruz migrated to the United States, spending a few years in New York before moving to Miami. In 1993, while residing in Miami, fate would lead him to meet producer Willie Lindo who was impressed with a demo tape he heard of the artiste. Lindo decided to take him under his wings, working with the young singer to hone his rich vocals. Under his management, Cruz's career blossomed and the singer learned the ropes of the entertainment business. Convinced the world was ready for him, Lindo released Cruz’s debut single, 'Tell Me What's Up' {an original}. It wasn't long before Cruz became a hit in Miami with the number one tune, 'Just Call My Name'. The single made him a household name, and as it made its way to the airwaves and charts in New York, England and other places, Cruz's popularity increased. He consequently released his debut album titled 'Where There Is Love' produced by Willie Lindo. The album featured the title track as well as the big hits 'When You Get Lonely' and 'Love Will Never Die'. In 1999, Cruz decided to return to Jamaica to claim his piece of the pie in the land of his birth and the home of Reggae music. The first song he recorded was titled 'Maria Maria' {a cover of the Santana/Product G&B big hit} on the Chemist label. The lovers' rock singer went on to record for other producers, releasing tunes like the popular 'Them Boy Deh Nuh Really Know We’ for CJ Records and 'You Remind Me' for John John. Always sticking to his themes of love, culture and reality lyrics, Cruz delivered his big hit 'You Got It Bad' for Mixing Finger, 'Closer I Get To You', 'Place Too Bloody' featuring Buju Banton, 'People Ballin' on the truths & Rights riddim for Bobby Konders (Massive B Label), 'Single Once Again', 'In The Club' {a combination with Louie Culture}, 'Crazy Over You', 'Love Has Taken Over Me', 'Turn It Up', 'I Pray', 'A Man's Weakness', among others. Continuing on the path to take his career to the ultimate level, Anthony Cruz signed a management, booking and recording contract with Fifth Element Records in the summer of 2000. After five successful years he departed in September 2005 and started his independent recording label, Shanshan Music. His sophmore album "Mama Blessing" and title track was released in December 2005. His 3rd album "Fight With All Your Might" was released on Penthouse/VP Records in April 2008. Over the years Cruz showcased his unique style and soulful voice on prominent events such as Sting, Rebel Salute, Reggae Sunsplash, Rottom Reggae Splash, Summerjam, Capleton "St Mary Me Come From", Stone Love’s annual anniversary dance, not to mention several school fetes where the girls swarm him like bees to honey as he charms his way into their hearts. His latest singles are 'You'll Think of Me', 'Block The Road', 'So In Love', "Foolish Heart" & 'Only The Father' on John Johns’ remake of Bob Marley Coming in from the cold riddim. His new album “CRUISE CONTROL” will be released on Tads Records in 2010. Anthony Cruz is now focusing on expanding his Shan Shan imprint, touring, increasing his music catalog and fanbase! Considering that he is so engrossed in music that he sings morning, noon and night…even in his sleep…the world can expect great things from this talented singer and songwriter. _______________________________________ ZIGGY MARLEY AT THE GRAMMY CELEBRATION AT THE GRAMMY MUSEUM Photos(c)Marsha Hunt _______________________________________ _______________________________________ Deal Wit It When you have three young men who are trendsetters, unpredictable and humble they leave you with only one choice and that is to “Deal Wit It”. Mareo Perry (Yo), Brandon Gates (Big Paper) Doug Johnson (Low-Key) creates music and rhymes that tell stories that their fans can relate too. Deal Wit It music provides the fans with an outlet that lets them know that they too can turn tragedy into triumph. Deal Wit It initially began its start with Mareo Perry and the late Bobby Cole Jr. (Byrd Bizzle). They began to write rhymes together in an effort to take their musical talents to the next level. They wrote rhymes and performed their works on a local level, and were teamed up in 2005 with Bobby’s brother, Brandon Gates and high school friend Doug Johnson to take Deal Wit It a step above what any of them had ever envisioned. As students at Arkansas State University, Paper and Low-Key worked on their skills in their spare time and focused on success and it was on the campus of ASU that Deal Wit It began to lay new foundation to reach their goal. In 2007, Byrd Bizzle decided to leave Deal Wit It and concentrate on other things. Shortly after leaving the group, Byrd was killed in Memphis, TN. After the death of Byrd, Deal Wit It worked hard to turn tragedy into triumph and they sought out to do just that. These young men worked together endless hours to come up with something new and fresh that would move the crowd and the first club banger that introduced them to the masses was ,” U Betta Move.” This song became an instant hit with the campus crowd and was played at all parties. This song was such a sensation that other college campuses in the Arkansas area began to play their songs and the sounds of Deal Wit It and word eventually spread out to Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee. With the song and group being such a hit, it caught the attention of an experienced and highly recognized independent record label by the name of High Rize Recordings, which was founded in their hometown of West Memphis, Arkansas. The CEO of High Rize Recordings, Corey “Thuda”Mills saw the intense enthusiasm and dedication that these three men possessed. It was at this point that Deal Wit It was signed to High Rize Recordings in 2007 and produced their next hit single, “360”; this song was a dance sensation that hit the ground running. This song also proved to be an instant club hit that catapulted them to a nationwide audience base from coast to coast because of you tube and my space outlets. In an effort to stay on the grind Deal Wit It is continually trying to be a cut above the rest by putting out more hot singles like the hit “What Cho Name Is”. This song was released in 2009 and proved to be one that defined the swagger of how to approach a fine young lady in the club. With “What Cho Name Is”, Deal Wit It gained even more success and notoriety at various radio stations with request from their fans for continuous airplay. The latest single fresh out of the studio from Deal Wit It is “Party Hard”. In this song, Deal Wit It lets their fans know that even with all the hard work that goes into their music and in their lives there is always room to party hard. Deal Wit It goes hard at whatever they try accomplish, from making hot singles to reaching and serving the community that they grew up in and love. The members of Deal Wit It are influenced by many factors, but they come together to use these factors to tell stories of their way of life and to make their fans feel good by listening to their music and give them hope in whatever their struggle may be in life. These three young men feel that no matter what issue there are in life there is always a way to “Deal Wit It”. _______________________________________ Essential roots and soul from Jamaica's finest vocalist Tarrus Riley Tarrus Riley strips roots and soul to its essentials on "Intimate Reservations", the latest release from Rosegold Entertainment (Rooftop Riddim, Netzah Riddim) while musical director and saxophone maestro, Dean Fraser, seamlessly responds with bright solos. The raw emotion of Tarrus is palpable and, as he has shown on hits from "She's Royal" to "Stay With You", Tarrus hits the notes on cue with apparent ease. "Intimate Reservations" is now available on iTunes and e-tailers everywhere courtesy of Zojak World Wide. _______________________________________ Jamaica’s YASUS AFARI delights the crowds at the Harare International Festival of the Arts Despite the difficulties with flights Yasus Afari arrived in Zimabwe in good time for his performances at Harare’s International Festival of Arts starting by taking the lead in two events in the Spoken Word Programme at the HIVOS Poetry Cafe right in the heart of the Festival grounds. “Once you spread butter, you cannot ‘un-spread’ it. Once a word is spoken, it cannot be reversed”. Wordsmiths from the South and from the North were under one roof, celebrating the magic and wonders of the spoken word in varying styles and languages. Compered by poet Chirikure Chirikure, Yasus Afari joined with Linda Marlowe (United Kingdom), Phillipa Ya De Villiers (South Africa), TJ Dema (Botswana), Richard Brown (United Kingdom), and Zimbabwean poets Ignatius Mabasa, Nick Dickson Monro, Rumbi Katedza, Batsirai Chigama, Togara Muzanenhamo, Nqobile Malinga, Tinashe Muchuri, Cynthia Marangwanda ‘Flowchild’, No Strings Attached, Munyaradzi Mataruse and the St Giles School Mbira Group. The events were packed and Yasus Afari’s presentations created a special buzz, building expectations for the sell out events featuring Southern Africa’s leading Reggae Group Transit Crew and guest artiste Yasus Afari on the Global Stage in an exciting collaboration. Yasus Afari opened with “Freedom” followed by “Mama Africa we love you” which was received with rapturous applause. “I can see clearly” was beautifully interpreted by Transit Crew in memory of Garnet Silk, followed by “See dem a cum”. Then Yasus Afari performed with Transit Crew’s original presentation “Lord if I cried” before firing up the crowds with a Dancehall medley of “Fountain Pen”, “Homeless Children”, and “Rawtid” . Continuing with “A so di ting set” and “Teet”, before presenting “Essence” which has become Yasus signature. Cheered on by the crowd, Yasus performed “Patwa Taakin” before bringing a climax to the event with “Crown HIM” and “Honour”. The event was filmed by Zimbabwean TV giving Yasus an opportunity to declare to the Zimbabwean nation “that it is time that Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangrai and President Robert Mugabe recognised one another as African Brothers and that they do away with the power struggle as Bob Marley had advised 30 years ago. As Brothers they need to get their act together, Zimbabwe, Africa and the World depend on them to turn the page to a new chapter - with new prospects for the country irrespective of colour or creed, and irrespective of the mistakes that are now history. They must take the higher ground and write this new chapter in Africa’s history”. The combination of Yasus Afari with Transit Crew, one of Southern Africa’s top reggae bands, proved to energize the crowds and reactions afterwards indicated that this was truly an inspirational and riveting evening. For many years Yasus Afari has toured the world, including multiple performances around Africa, and he was the Guest of Honour for the Ghanian Independence Celebration. “Honour Crown HIM” was the number one single in Zimbabwe, and he has featured on the cover of Billboard magazine. Hailed as a “unique edutainer and philosopher”, he has tirelessly promoted Jamaica and dub poetry, and is now world-renowned as a poet and an authority on the Rastafari movement. His recently released CD “Kiss Mi Neck” completes a range of five albums of poetry, both traditional readings and spoken word set to dancehall music. He has published two books, “Eye Pen”, a collection of his earlier poetry and now part of the school curriculum in Jamaica. The second, released in 2007, “Overstanding Rastafari” which was the culmination of five years’ writing and has been described as "an exceptional work by a Rastafarian scholar, who is interpreting and giving his perspective for the non-Rastafarian audience”. Yasus is revered both in Jamaica and internationally as an artist and scholar, lecturing and performing with the likes of Maxi Priest, Tony Rebel and Freddie McGregor, as well as being the first Rastafarian to be invited to the Jamaican Parliament when he officially presented “Overstanding Rastafari”. Yasus is dedicated to spreading his message of peace and love, saying he “envisions an earth and government on the earth whereby mankind will not be harassed or interrogated by the challenge of evil and sin, or death and destruction”. Next Yasus Afari heads to South Africa to be hosted by the Jamaican High Commission with another packed programme of activities, before flying to UK to meet up with his fan base there. _______________________________________ Josh Heinrichs Announces New Album & Supporting Tour Dates In the summer of 2010, Josh Heinrichs (Former JAH ROOTS Lead Singer & Songwriter) will be releasing his highly anticipated, first full length, solo album since disbanding Jah Roots last year. The album, 'Josh Heinrichs & Friends,' will feature a diverse & highly talented mix from today’s current, international, reggae scene. Some of the artists collaborating in the studio with Josh are Cas Haley, members of Katchafire, Inna Vision, Ooklah The Moc, Clear Conscience, 77 Jefferson, as well as others, yet to be announced. Shortly following his announcement that he was leaving Jah Roots last year, Heinrichs released, the appropriately entitled EP, 'Things Change,' exclusively on iTunes & toured in support, with a new band "Josh Heinrichs & The Soul Riddim Band." The new band’s lineup was comprised of talented musicians whose previous work Heinrichs had long admired. The "Things Change" tour played throughout 2009, stopping in various locations throughout the midwest, west coast, and Hawaii. During the tour, the many fans that turned out to support Heinrichs' new musical vision were thrilled to discover Heinrichs, with help from his new band, was still performing their favorite Jah Roots standards - in addition to- delivering the current, and evolving music he was writing as a solo artist. With the release date for Josh's new album quickly approaching, new & longtime fans alike will be growing increasingly eager to hear the new album, & all that Josh has to offer as a solo artist; an offering that’ll be greatly enhanced this time around by such an amazing roster of talented friends _______________________________________ The Great Sanchez hits New York City on May 7th with his Now and Forever tour. Legendary Reggae Artist Sanchez announces his Now & Forever tour!! Sanchez is one of the most beloved Lovers Rock Singers in Reggae Music. In support of his recently released album Now & Forever, he will be making his way across the U.S. known for remaking various hit songs; Now & Forever features original music. His gift for crooning romantic lyrics over hard edged dancehall riddims has earned him numerous hits throughout his career. Spanning over two decades, 15 plus albums and legions fans; the veteran recording artist and consummate performer brings his sweet sound to live audiences. Be sure to check out one of his shows because he is a must see. THE NOW AND FOREVER TOUR (SANCHEZ) MAY 7 FRIDAY QUEENS NY MANGOVILLE 8 SATURDAY BOSTON MASS CLUB LIDO 9 SUNDAY NEW ARK NJ THE ROBERT TREAT HOTEL 10 MONDAY MANHATTEN NEW YORK SOB 12 WEDNESDAY NEW HAVEN CONNECTICUT TODES PLACE 13 THURSDAY SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS ATLANTIC NIGHT CLUB 14 FRIDAY BROOKLYN NY CPAC 15 SATURDAY BROOKLYN NEW YORK CPAC 16 SUNDAY BRONX NEW YORK MINGLES 18 TUESDAY CHICAGO ILLIONS WILD HARE 19 WEDNESDAY DETROIT MICHIGAN TRENCH TOWN 20 THURSDAY CLEVELAND OHIO THE CARIBBEAN FLAVOR 21 FRIDAY PROVIDENCE RHODE ISLAND JOVAN’S LOUNGE 22 SATURDAY DELAWARE PA THE CRYSTAL BALLROOM 23 SUNDAY TRENTON NEW JERSERY TBC 25 TUESDAY BURLINGTON VERMONT CLUB METRONOME 26 WEDNESDAY READING PENNSYLVANNIA SILO CLUB 27 THURSDAY HYANNIS MA PUFFERBELLIES 28 FRIDAY HARTFORD CONNECTICUT TBC 29 SATURDAY ALBANY NEW YORK THE LABOR TEMPLE 30 SUNDAY POUGHKEEPSIE NEW YORK CIBONEY NIGHT CLUB June 1 TUESDAY NORFOLK VIRGINA THE NOVA 2 WEDNESDAY RICHMOND VIRGINA THE HAT FACTORY 3 THURSDAY RALEIGH NORTH COROLINA THE LINCLON THEATRE 4 FRIDAY GREENBORO NORTH COROLINA CLUB GENESIS 5 SATURDAY ATLANTA GEORGIA CLUB INTRIGUE 6 SUNDAY MYRTLE BEACH SOUTH COROLINA TBC 8 TUESDAY CHARLESTON SOUTH CAROLINA MUSIC FARM 9 WEDNESDAY MELBOURN FLORIDA LEVELZ 10 THURSDAY JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA CLUB PLUSH 11 FRIDAY TAMPA FLORIDA TBC 12 SATURDAY ORLANDO FORLIDA THE LEGEND 13 SUNDAY FT LAUDERDALE FLORIDA REVALUTION LOUNGE _______________________________________ Romain Virgo Photos Click play to view photos!!! _______________________________________ Photos(c)Marsha Hunt View Romain Virgo's Interview by Marsha Hunt and Photos by Jan Salzman - Click link below: Romain Virgo At Jamaican Gold _______________________________________ NAS & DAMIAN "JR GONG" MARLEY NAS & DAMIAN "JR GONG" MARLEY DISTANT RELATIVES What we’re about to do right now is go back. Back to a time when rap’s greatest hits were created in basement soundrooms, not corporate boardrooms. When dancehall and hip-hop music was all about moving the crowd not “moving units.” Before Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and Nasty Nasir Jones first began treading the long and winding “Road to Zion.” The artists’ first collaboration went so well that they decided to do a full album together, and that album is Distant Relatives. Unlike all previous collaborations between Jamaican and American artists, Distant Relatives is neither a remix nor a featured guest spot on a single track. The recording is a fully collaborative effort filling an entire album, opening new avenues of musical expression. Distant Relatives traces the direct line from dancehall reggae’s breakthrough moment forty years ago to the rise of hip-hop several years later—from Run D.M.C. and Yellowman’s groundbreaking collaboration “Roots Rap Reggae” through Supercat introducing Biggie Smalls to the world on the “Dolly My Baby” remix and Shabba Ranks and KRS-One joining forces on “The Jam.” That line continues right up through Damian Marley and Nas’ double-Grammy-winning “Road To Zion.” Distant Relatives is an album created by two serious artists to explore and celebrate the correlations and deep-rooted connections between reggae and hip-hop, tracing both sounds back to the African motherland that is both the cradle of humanity and the wellspring of mankind’s music. And who better to fulfill this mission? The youngest son of the legendary Bob Marley, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley garnered his own place in music history when he became the first ever reggae artist to win a Grammy Award outside of the Reggae category, taking home an award for Best Urban/Alternative performance for his smash 2005 single “Welcome To Jamrock.” The acclaimed breakthrough album of the same name also won a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album. A hip-hop icon since his immortal guest verse on Main Source’s 1991 “Live At The Barbeque,” Nas burst out of the Queensbridge housing projects, a hotbed of rap artistry since the early ’80s. The son of jazz trumpeter Olu Dara, Nas has since gone on to sell over 20 million albums worldwide over the span of his legendary career, and has acted as an ambassador for hip-hop culture throughout the globe. “When we first started working, I was thinking about what direction we should go in,” Nas explained during a recent discussion at the Grammy Museum. “Cause it’s all kinda like the same—reggae, rap. But it went to its own thing… We had a few concepts. All basically around empowerment in a way, cause if we’re talking about Distant Relatives we’re talking about the human family.” The sound of Distant Relatives features live musicians as well as studio production by Damian Marley and his elder brother Stephen Marley, a distinguished award-winning artist and producer in his own right. Featured artists on the album connect other diasporic dots— New Orleans’ own Lil Wayne as well as the critically acclaimed Somali-born, Canadian-raised MC K’NAAN. “I didn’t want it to sound like something that would be typical of me, neither typical of Nas,” said Damian Marley, who produced much of the album. “But something where you can still see how there’s a middle ground in the music… where you can still hear something that is reminiscent of either of us… It’s been really fun. Cause we’ve been going in the booth together. Especially as a lyricist, it’s really like iron sharpen iron. You can’t slack off right now. It’s a great learning experience for me too.” And that experience extends to young listeners who will surely be enlightened and educated about the shared cultural legacy of Africa, America, and the Caribbean. “The whole process is gonna be fun,” Nas adds. “I think we can have fun helping people. When I think about things we wanna do with this album, it’s just limitless.” NAS A hip-hop icon since the early 1990s, Nas emerged from the Queensbridge neighborhood of Long Island City, a hotbed of rap artist since the ’80s. The son of jazz trumpeter Olu Dara, Nas has since gone on to sell over 20 million albums worldwide over the span of his legendary career, and has acted as an ambassador for hip-hop culture throughout the globe. Nas first reached an international audience when his track “Halftime” was tapped by producer MC Serch as the opening cut on 1992’s Zebrahead movie soundtrack. The first full-length album by poet and rhyme-master Nas arrived in 1994, the RIAA platinum Illmatic. Since then he has released 8 solo albums and 3 compilation albums that have garnered 11 GRAMMY nominations and certified either double-platinum, platinum and gold. DAMIAN “JR GONG” MARLEY The youngest son of Reggae legend Bob Marley, Damian “JR Gong” Marley garnered his own place in music history when he became the first ever Reggae artist to win a GRAMMY outside of the Reggae category, taking home an award for Best Urban/Alternative performance for the Welcome To Jamrock, single. The acclaimed breakthrough 2005 disc also won a GRAMMY for Best Reggae Album. Heralded by Rolling Stone as one of the ‘Top 10 new artists to watch,’ since the release of Welcome To Jamrock the youngest son of Reggae legend Bob Marley has been touring non-stop shaking up stages all over the world. _______________________________________ Ziggy Marley Is Coming To Worldfest, Grass Valley, CA July 15-18 We are so pleased to announce five-time Grammy winning reggae superstar {including the 2010 Grammy for Best Children's Album, Family Time}, philanthropist, and political activist Ziggy will share his musical love with WorldFest's kids, grandparents and everyone in between while backed by some of reggae's finest musicians. Ziggy's commitment to family is legendary and his voice is known around the world as the rasta jelly fish Bernie in Shark Tale, singing the theme song for Arthur, and for his support of children as a United Nations Youth Ambassador. Carrying on the torch of Bob, we can't imagine a better way to close the festival on Sunday night. Welcome Ziggy! Here is the artist list so far with more to come {visit worldfest.net to hear music and see videos of all the artists, purchase tickets or call 530-891-4098 for more information}: Ziggy Marley (Jamaican Reggae) Keb' Mo' {Delta Blues} Juan de Marcos and the Afro-Cuban All Stars {Buena Vista Jazz} Dobet Gnahore" {Ivory Coast Afro Pop} Katia Moraes & Sambaguru {Brazilian Samba} Tannahill Weavers {Scottish Celtic} Kusun Ensemble {Ghana Afro Beat} Baskery {Swedish Banjopunk} Mia Dyson {Australian Blues Rock} DePedro {Spanish Flamenco/Latin Rock} MaMuse {Folk Harmony} Mark Atkinson Trio {Canadian Gypsy Jazz} Jeffery Broussard & the Creole Cowboys {Zydeco} Alejo Aponte & Latonera {Columbian Afro Caribbean} Genticorum {Quebec Folk'n'Fiddle} That 1 Guy {Future Funk} Masanga Marimba (Zimbabwe & South American Percussion) Sourdough Slim with Robert Armstrong (Cowboy Yodel) Los Cenzontles {Mariachi & Conjunto} Parno Graszt {Hungarian Gypsy} Joe Craven {Americana Mania} Banana Slug String Band {Family Eco} with much more to come including workshops, camping, children's program, teen program, dancing, international food and artisans. Go to worldfest.net to listen to each of the artists and for continual line-up updates. If you have friends that you think would enjoy WorldFest, please pass along to us their mailing address and we will include them in our brochure going out this spring. Thanks for forwarding this email to any music lovers you know. Call your friends, grab the kids and pack the tent & lawn chairs; a whole lotta fun at WorldFest is ahead. Source: www.worldfest.net _______________________________________ STAGALAG RIDDIM MIX 2010 (PRODUCED BY SHANE C. BROWN FOR JUKE BOXX PRODUCTIONS _______________________________________ Michael Rose At The Dub Club with Eljai Great performances by both artist. Eljai open the show had the stage burnin hot. The audience was into the show and enjoying every moment. Once Michael Rose, a legend as one of the fans referred to him, stepped onto the stage it was just great!!!! A night to remember.-Marsha Hunt Photos(c)Marsha Hunt _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ One Love Festival To Rock South Beach The One Love Reggae Festival is taking over the Palm Beach on Mothers Day weekend. Reggae superstars Tanto Metro and Devonte and Twiggi are among the list of artistes to take the stage at the Cruzan Amphitheater at the South Florida Fairgrounds on May 9, 2010. The all day festival plans to cater for all ages with fun activities for the kids and some serious musical entertainment for all others. Part proceeds from this event will go towards Haiti relief efforts. For more information visit us on MySpace at: www.myspace.com/twiggimarie www.myspace.com/tantometrodevonte www.myspace.com/dimmiejoemuzik. _______________________________________ Nas and Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley talk "Distant Relatives," Lil Wayne's absence from music, the new class of rappers including Drake and J. Cole, the state of hip-hop, and the future of the music industry. _______________________________________ TARRUS RILEY INTIMATE RESERVATION 2010 ROSE GOLD PRODUCTIONS _______________________________________ _______________________________________ When you meet Taylah P and Kelci, the girls behind Vistoso Bosses, the first thing you notice is their style. Depending on the day Kelci might have some color in her hair and a million colorful buttons on, Taylah might have drawn freckles on her cheeks or brushed brightest shade of blue you’ve ever seen over her big brown eyes. But after that you’ll notice that these best friends “from before birth” have the kind of confidence you’d never expect from a pair of 17-year-olds. It’s not a put-on. Kelci and Taylah are the first women to sign to Collipark Music, having come to the attention of Collipark boss Mr. Collipark through a friend. "When I saw the girls, it opened me up to a whole world," he says. The girls already had not only their look and personalities, but their memorable first single, the infectious UK pop meets Cyndi Lauper single "Delirious." It got his attention right away. "When you walk through the mall with Vistoso and you see the girls running up to them and asking questions, you don't need to know that there's nothing on the radio like this, or that there are no other girls who look like them." And, trust, it's all them. Vistoso Bosses bring a do-it-yourself spirit to their rising music career. They didn’t meet at a casting call, and everything, from their style to their sound, belongs to them. “A lot of people say that it's set up and that people tell us what to do, but that's us,” says Taylah. Kelci sets them straight: “Nobody told us how to act.” In fact Vistoso Bosses really began in their grandmother's closet. “We made a cardboard box with a cover and a mic sitting in there,” Kelci laughs. “We would make beats with our mouth, record it, and play it back so we could write the song. It was great!” The girls started recording professionally soon after, but they still had to take the public bus to get to the studio. “We knew you needed to have a name for people to take you seriously," explains Taylah. Out of a thousand names came “Vistoso,” a Spanish word that means gorgeous, but suggests “something that catches your eye.” Perfect. Their fierce dedication to their music taught them that maturity is something you earn through self-respect, not age. It’s with that idea that the girls started another vital part of the Vistoso world—the Ultimate Young Lady sorority. The girls' MySpace page is a home base for Vistoso Bosses, but it's also the online home of the U.Y.L. Each week Kelci and Taylah select one young lady who embodies the U.Y.L. spirit. They modeled U.Y.L. on their own friendship—Kelci and Taylah are very independent (for the record: Taylah’s more girly, Kelci’s got more attitude) but they're still fiercely loyal to each other. Every girl in U.Y.L. finds that same independence within herself. The U.Y.L. sprang from a real experience. “I was going through a situation with one of my best friends and all of these other girls,” Taylah says. “Teenage girls always have drama—they can't really get along together, lying to each other, backstabbing and always trying to compete. So I decided to write about it.” Her words became the lyrics for “U.Y.L” and the motto for the Ultimate Young Lady sorority—”No faking, no hating, no ex-boyfriend dating. Ultimate young ladies don't compete because there's no competition.” Their message is simple: when you are confident with who you are, comparing yourself to others just seems silly. U.Y.L. is just one story on their upcoming Collipark Music/Interscope Records debut, Confetti. Their first single,"Delirious" ft. Soulja Boy Tellem’, shows the girls confident and ready to approach their crush, though their "heart skips a beat" and the song's syncopated rhythm ticks with nervous energy. The rest of Confetti is full of tough beats paired with pretty melodies. It’s a little Miami bass and freestyle, a little California pop punk, and a little Atlanta hip-hop. No surprise that Vistoso Bosses "listen to everything," according to Kelci, from the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Lily Allen to Beyonce and Soulja Boy. It's also no surprise that there’s no easy way to describe their sound—except for “vistoso,” of course. "U.L.Y." and "Delirious" are inspired by the girls’ past, but ”Supastar” is all about the future. Like "U.Y.L.," “Supastar” inspires others to trust themselves and their talent. “It really describes us and the way I felt like going up,” says Taylah. “It's talking about how nobody understood you and what you're trying to do and now you've got to break free and let it go.” It's the perfect summer pop song, the kind of track you’ll sing along with in the car. Along those same lines, “Camera” is a heartfelt ballad about holding on someone you care about, even if it means only holding on to a memory. In addition to their music, Vistoso Bosses communicate with their fans directly through MySpace and YouTube videos, where viewers become part of Vistoso Bosses' glamorous (magazine photo shoots) and not-so-glamorous (finding a table at lunch) lives. This is where Taylah and Kelci really connect with their fans. Both girls leave their AIM accounts open whenever they can so they can chat 1-on-1 with their fans. Of course lots of Vistoso Bosses' male fans have asked for their numbers too. But like they say in "U.Y.L," it's strictly "friends before dudes." "We definitely love the guys," says Kelci. "But this is what we want, our dream, so we have to work." And that's so, so vistoso. _______________________________________ _______________________________________ Damian Marley & Nas' Distant Relatives Album Cover Revealed Nas and Damian "Junior Gong" Marley's highly anticipated Distant Relatives album is finally set and confirmed to be released on Tuesday, May 18. The album cover was revealed recently, and is featured below. According to the artistes, the album album traces Hip-Hop’s roots in Africa, and how it was transported to the American colonies and the Caribbean during slavery, until it was finally exported to the parks and recreational centers in New York city. Distant Relatives Track List 1. As We Enter 2. Tribal War (feat. K’NAAN) 3. Strong Will Continue 4. Leaders 5. Wisdom (Sabali) 6. Count Your Blessings 7. Disappear 8. The Promised Land (feat. Dennis Brown) 9. Nah Mean 10. Angola (Friends) 11. My Generation (feat. Lil Wayne and Joss Stone) 12. Africa Must Wake Up (Feat. K’NAAN) 13. BONUS TRACK Ancient People (feat. Junior Reid) Source: Dancehall Mobi _______________________________________ "All I Do Is Win" is the third single from DJ Khaled’s fourth studio album Victory. The track features artists T-Pain, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg and Rick Ross. It was released as the third official single after "Fed Up" and "Put Your Hands Up". The music video debuted on BET's 106 and Park on Thursday March 3, 2010 along with the video for Put Your Hands Up. It has DJ Khaled with his BET awards and is filmed mostly with a green screen. It has a scene of him at a BET awards show accepting an award. The video features cameos from Cam'ron, Vado, DJ Nasty, Cool & Dre, Fat Joe, Ace Hood, Rum, Ball Greezy, Triple C's, and Maybach Music Group recording artists, Magazeen, Masspike Miles & Duce Pound. _______________________________________ Platinum Camp Productions, Inc. {PcP} along with the legendary reggae superstar, Barrington Levy, announce the release of his new single "Watch Dem {Murdere})" featuring Snoop Dogg and MIMS. This track is the second single off of Mr. Levys much awaited album, "It's About Time," set to be released later this year. Daddy Bigg$, President of PcP, worked along with Mr. Levy and Black Roses to produce this song which is dear to his heart and has a dramatic message for listeners. The track is a modern production of the Jamaican artist's classic tune "Murderer" that aims to bring renewed attention to the crime and violence that plagues the Caribbean island. Jamaica now has one of the highest murder rates of any country in the world. The crime in the country has detrimental effects on the citizens of the island, visitors and the community as a whole. The fear of violence has caused a decrease in tourism to the gorgeous island as well as lowering morale and curbing economic prosperity for many. Barrington Levy has long been an advocate of Jamaican peace and success and longs to bring worldwide attention to this issue. Mr. Levy strives to build a strong and safe community through increased education efforts and through the arts. Snoop Dogg and MIMS are proud to be a part of this production and assist in the fight to promote a safe and successful Jamaica. This track is a followup to Levy’s "No War" which aimed to bring attention to violence and fighting across the world. He chose to film the video for the track in Philadelphia, PA & Camden, NJ; two cities with skyrocketing murder/crime rates. Barrington Levy has made an effort throughout his career to bring social issues to light through his lyrics and promote positive messages for his listeners. Mr. Levy is set to tour this summer to promote his new album "It's About Time" and spread a message of peace and unity for all. Other tracks on the album include collaborations with Damian Marley, Buju Banton, Lil Wayne, and Beres Hammond. _______________________________________ Marques Houston releases the first single, "Kickin" & Screamin'." The new single comes from his upcoming fifth studio album, The Man vs. The Industry! _______________________________________ Ja Athletes Did Wonderful ‏ The island ended the 39th Carifta Games in George Town, Grand Cayman, last night with 72 medals - 37 gold, 22 silver and 13 bronze. Trinidad and Tobago were second with 40 (12-16-12) and The Bahamas 29 (6-10-13). The Jamaican athletes outclassed their rivals on the track, winning three of the four 4x400m relays as the curtain came down on the 2010 renewal of the regional meet. Saqukine Cameron, Olivia James, Marlene Eubanks and Sherika Jackson clocked 3:44.02 to take the girls' Under-17 4x400m before Danielle Dowie, Natoya Goule, Orenthia Bennett and Ristananna Tracey took the Under-20 event in 3:37.15. Under-20 quartet The boys' Under-20 quartet of Dwayne Extol, Jermaine Gayle, Donahue Williams and Demar Murray were pushed all the way by The Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago and just held on in the end. Jamaica eventually took gold in 3:10.63 with The Bahamas just behind in 3:10.69 and Trinidad and Tobago third in 3:11.79. The boys' Under-17 4x400m team disappointed their supporters and clocked 3:20.99 to emerge fourth and last in their event which was won in 3:16.30 by Trinidad and Tobago. Goule, competing in her final Carifta Games, pocketed three gold medals. In addition to the relay gold she picked up as a member of the Under-20 4x400m quartet, Goule won the Under-20 girls' 1,500m in 4:36.34 and the 800m in 2:06.03. Long-distance king Kemoy Campbell also ended his Carifta Games career by smashing his own 5,000 metres record by more than six seconds. Campbell clocked 14:34.34 to go well under the 14:40.67 he set last year. Matthew Wright of Barbados was well behind in second with a final time of 15:45.28. It was Campbell's second gold of the meet. He had earlier won the 1,500m in in 3:48.99. blistering run Also in record-breaking mood on the final day of the three-day meet was Under-17 sprinter Odean Skeen. He completed the Under-17 sprint double with a blistering run of 20.84 seconds to smash the 20.97 200-metre mark Jazeel Murphy set last year. Injury forced Murphy out of this year's meet. Bermuda's Jeneko Place was second in 21.27 and Skeen's teammate Odail Todd, third in 21.55. Skeen won the Under-17 100m on Saturday in 10.53. Other Jamaica gold medallists yesterday included Shericka Jackson (24.64) in the Under-17 girls' 200m; Fedrick Dacres with a record throw of 52.99m in the the Under-17 boys' discus; Samantha Elliott who clocked a record 13.42 seconds to take the Under-20 girls' 100m; Davian Dennis (13.28) in the Under-17 boys' 100m hurdles; Megan Simmonds (13.64) in Under-17 girls' 100m; Marlene Eubanks who took the Under-17 girls' 800m in 2:11.86; Clive Pullen (6.72m) in Under-17 boys' long jump and Sanice Hall (1.80m) in the girls' Under-20 high jump. _______________________________________ Romain Virgo Coming To Jamaican Gold 4/04/2010, Sunday – Jamaica Gold @Ivar Nightclub, Los Angeles CA VP RECORDS Romain Virgo VIDEO - Who Feels It Knows It _______________________________________ _______________________________________ Tanto Metro And Devonte On The Road For The Holiday Season The Dyanmic Duo, Tanto Metro and Devonte will be making a special guest appearance at the West Indian Social Club in Hartford, Connecticut on Friday April 2, 2010. Fresh off performing to a packed house in Las Vegas and Los Angeles last weekend. The dynamic duo are now looking forward to taking it easy and socializing with their fans. The next stop for the artistes will be Connecticut and then on to New York; where they will also be making an appearance at the Cat Eye Club on April 4. _______________________________________ Julian "Ju Ju" Marley and The Uprising will Co-Headline Reggae Beach Splash On Saturday, March 27, Julian "Ju Ju" Marley and The Uprising will co-headline Reggae Beach Splash alongside UB40's Ali Campbell, Maxi Priest, The Supervillains, and other reggae music luminaries at Cocoa Beach Pier in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Julian has toured extensively in the United States, Europe and the Caribbean following the release of his Grammy Award nominated album, Awake. The first single off of the album, Boom Draw incorporates street-energy hip-hop, bubbling dancehall, and a smooth combination of R&B coupled with Julian's signature roots-reggae sound. Co-produced with his brothers Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley and Stephen Marley, Awake was released on April 28, 2009 on Ghetto Youths / Universal Records. In March of 2010 , "Ju Ju" Marley garnered four International Reggae & World Music Award (IRAWMA) nominations in the categories of : Bob Marley Award for Entertainer of the Year, Best Album of the Year, Most Cultural / Educational Entertainer of the Year and Emperor Haile Selassie I Award for Spiritual Service Through Music . The IRAWMA ceremony, which will be held in New York City on Sunday, May 2, will host the top names in reggae and world music, with a scheduled performance by Julian Marley and other nominees. Having been exposed to music all his life, Julian Marley has become a skillful veteran performer, producer and songwriter with numerous successful international tours and albums under his belt. Known for his remarkable stage presence, Julian's live performance echoes the sonic fusion captured on Awake. Backed by his band The Uprising, the talented reggae songwriter's live set has been described as "captivating" by critics and fans alike. Fresh off of a major European run that included the Raggamuffin 2010 tour of Australia and New Zealand, Julian Marley has extended his Awake world tour to include performance dates that will span the globe throughout 2010. For more information on Julian Marley please visit: www.myspace.com/royalmarley and www.ghettoyouths.com . For Reggae Beach Splash Festival information please visit: www.cocoabeachpier.com Source: Tuff Gong International _______________________________________ ZIGGY MARLEY AT THE GRAMMY CELEBRATION AT THE GRAMMY MUSEUM _______________________________________ New Tracks from Junior Kelly Nuthin' Wrong With the World My African Child by Junior Kelly As featured on the April 2010 Release: Red Pond Source:VP Records _______________________________________ _______________________________________ Mishka's Brand New Album - "TALK ABOUT" _______________________________________ Napa Valley, CA Reggae In The Valley Festival - April 24‏th Reggae in the Valley Festival in Napa Valley, California on Saturday, April 24 Features International Reggae Artists While Raising Funds for Arts Council Napa Valley. www.ReggaeInTheValley.com Mark your calendar for April 24, 2010, Napa's Earth Day evening celebration: "Reggae in the Valley" Festival with David Kirton from Barbados, Ras Indio from Belize, Ishi Dube from Humboldt---all backed by Million 7 Crew, Mystic Roots from Chico and Napa Valley's own reggae band, C.R. Vibes. The event will be held at The Napa Valley Expo, Chardonnay Hall (575 3rd Street) in Napa, CA and will benefit Arts Council Napa Valley's Arts Education Programs. A destination that should not be missed, this Wine Country is the most widely visited Valleys in the country as a wine and dining epicenter mecca, and event producer James Byrum of Calendar Guy Productions says that "we plan to turn this valley into a music mecca as well." Event is sponsored by 1440 KVON & 99.3 THE VINE, Reggae Festival Guide magazine and Ozcat Vallejo Community Radio. Tickets $20 advance tickets are available at several Napa retail outlets: Wildcat Clothing 1210 1st Street; Flying Colors Tattoo 3373 California Blvd; Grapeleaf Graphics 2203 Jefferson Street; Bloom Salon 1519 Main Street, and online: BUY TICKETS HERE. Tickets are $25 at the door. Arts Council Napa Valley members who show their membership card, get advance ticket price. Kids under 12 free. Crafts, Drinks, Raffle The doors are at 4pm, and the non-stop dance music goes from 5 to 11pm. This all-ages event will be fun for the whole family with Caribbean food, Rasta arts & crafts vendors, wine and beer garden, plus a raffle for a chance to win a hot air balloon ride. David Kirton from Barbados Headlining the show is Barbadian singer, songwriter DAVID KIRTON. His newest album 'Time for Change' got three nods from the Barbados Music Awards winning Reggae Artist of Year, Reggae Song of Year and Best video with his hot track "Green Camouflage". Miami's Caribbean Today wrote, "Kirton has struck the right chord. He brings to the marketplace a refreshingly unique aura---satisfying the mainstream audience, especially those who crave something new." The UK's Sunday Mercury's Paul Cole wrote 'Already a triple award-winner in the Caribbean, the new album from Barbadian balladeer Kirton has the crossover appeal to break him big in the mainstream charts'. The Canadian National Campus Review backed that up with 'He (Kirton) has busted out of the box with this, his third album, by blending elements of reggae, soul, rock and pop into a contemporary yet natural sound, which he then delivers with his exotically smooth, soul dipped voice'. www.davidkirton.com Ras Indio from Belize Award-winning Belizean Reggae/Dancehall artist, RAS INDIO, continues to put Belizeans on the international musical map. Spreading positive vibes worldwide with his unique lyrical delivery combined with an energetic stage presence, he is guaranteed to light up the stage and ignite the Napa Valley crowd. His musical style mixes traditional African elements with the hardcore sound of Roots Reggae---lyrically filled with Inspirational messages of truth and righteousness. www.rasindiobelize.com Ishi Dube from Humboldt ISHI DUBE is a talented and determined artist with a profound love for reggae music. On stage, Dube doesn't miss a beat; he gives a sincere, energetic, and uplifting performance. Not only a singer/ songwriter, Dube is also a skilled producer, musician, and sound engineer, involved in nearly every process of production from the roots to the fruits. Dube's natural talent and hard work are sure to gain notoriety in the world of reggae music. www.ishidubemusic.com Mystic Roots from Chico Serving up an original style based in reggae, hip-hop, and dancehall (with overtones of rock, funk, and ska), a Mystic Roots Band live concert guarantees not just at music for your ears, but also a high-energy show and powerful experience you'll never forget. This Chico-born, now San Diego-based group brings a brand new sound while embracing the nature of roots reggae wholeheartedly and performing it with smooth vocals/harmonies, energetic freestyles and beat-boxing, all over a solid groove. www.mysticroots.com C.R. Vibes from Napa Valley Representing the Napa Valley and San Francisco's North Bay for 11 years, the C.R.VIBES is a well- seasoned 5-piece roots band exploring the realms of Reggae, Dub, Dancehall, Hip Hop, Blues, Jazz, Soul, and Poly rhythmic Fusion. _______________________________________ RAGGA MUFFINS FESTIVAL 2009 Long Beach Photos (c)Marsha Hunt Photos (c)Gary Greene Great photos...thanks Gary Greene. Everyone check back for the reviews. _______________________________________ REGGAE SUPERSTAR BUJU BANTON NOMINATED FOR TRIO OF 2010 INTERNATIONAL REGGAE & WORLD MUSIC AWARDS PHOTO CREDIT: Jonathan Mannion (www.jonathanmannion.com) Recording Artist Of The Year, Best Album for Rasta Got Soul, Best Crossover Song For Hit Collaboration With John Legend (So. Florida -- 23, February 2010) Gargamel Music, Inc. is thrilled to announce that Jamaican music icon, Buju Banton, has been nominated for a trio of 2010 International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA): Recording Artist Of The Year, Best Album for Rasta Got Soul and Best Crossover Song for "Can't Be My Lover," his recent hit collabo with R&B star, John Legend. Banton and the Gargamel Music family sincerely thank IRAWMA founder Mr. Martin Ephraim, the entire IRAWMA staff, and of course, the fans for the love and continued support at this time. The 29th Annual International Reggae & World Music Awards ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 2nd at York College Performing Arts Center in Jamaica (Queens), New York. Fans may cast ballots online at the official awards website: www.IRAWMA.com. In other Buju Banton music news, the one-off single, "Time And A Place" (John John) on the scorching Coming In From The Cold riddim has skyrocketed to #1 on both the New York Top 30 Reggae Chart and South Florida Top 25 Reggae Chart. The album Rasta Got Soul is currently #2 on both the New York Top 20 Albums Chart and the South Florida Top 15 Albums Chart. The new "Optimistic Soul" single (plus bonus instrumental) will be released digitally on March 23rd. For up-to-date insider information about Buju Banton, simply log on: THIS IS BUJU BANTON - OFFICIAL BLOG OFFICIAL FREE BUJU T-SHIRTS - ORDER NOW! WE SUPPORT BUJU BANTON - join the movement Source:Gargamel Music, Inc. ........ ANTHONY B - FREE UP THE GENERAL CRANK RIDDIM TRUCKBACK RECORDS OFFICIAL FREE BUJU T-SHIRTS! Get yours now! This Is Buju Banton: 2009 Rewind _ _______________________________________ CAPLETON "For as long as I live, I will give and forgive and do good as long as I can......" from Capleton's "Head Above Water" International Jamaican Reggae superstar Capleton has once again become the target of the gay community and the organization GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) in response to his concert and festival bookings in California and Florida this month. They have once again used their strong arm tactics to intimidate concert promoters and venue owners putting misinformation in the public about the artiste to further their own agendas. Capleton is very disappointed that his many fans (that cross all races and creeds) have not been able to see him at his scheduled shows in California this past week. He has performed at the same venues and festivals over the past two years with no incident bringing a message of love for all through Reggae music. The barrage of protest from these groups is unwarranted and has been addressed many times in the media in the past. The artiste has a forgiving heart for what has been done to him and will continue on the high path. Capleton will continue to spread a positive and spiritual message through music to the four corners of the Earth and continue to stand firm that universal love can unite all mankind. Capleton will be performing this coming Saturday, February 27 in Miami, Florida at the annual Bob Marley Day / Caribbean Festival 2010 and will be featuring his new song "Haitians" in tribute and support to the earthquake victims on the island of Haiti. _______________________________________ BARTLETT REGARDS TUFF GONG AS "JEWEL IN GILDED TRUNK" AT ART GALLERY GRAND OPENING KINGSTON, JAMAICA – At yesterday’s grand opening of the Berhane Selassie Art Gallery at Tuff Gong International, Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, expressed his deep respect for the record company founded by the Hon. Robert Nesta Marley. Before cutting of the ribbon with Marley’s daughter, Stephanie, Minister Bartlett gave a moving speech during which he regarded Tuff Gong as “a jewel in the gilded trunk of Jamaica’s tourism treasures.” "The official opening of the Berhane Selassie Art Gallery is also an important step in bringing people together," he said. "Our visitors are coming, not just to enjoy the hotels and the beauty spots, but the historical and cultural arenas such as Tuff Gong International." Artists who are featured in the gallery include seventeen year old Jamaican, Laura-Anne Fung, who did a splendid interpretation of Bob Marley as well as other abstract pieces. Joavan Puran’s half Haile Selassie I, half lion face profile was a crowd favourite at the opening as well as the ten-piece black history series done by Tennyson "Jimmy" Smith; both those artists are also Jamaican. Works by Switzerland-born Djamila Liniger-Strauss are also on display. The Berhane Selassie Art Gallery is located at Tuff Gong International (220 Marcus Garvey Drive) and has been included in the Making of Music Tour, a half-hour journey through Tuff Gong’s facilities allowing visitors to witness the process of making music from start to finish. Minister Bartlett delivers his Keynote Address at the opening of the Berhane Selassie Art Gallery Minister Bartlett cuts the ribbon with Stephanie Marley, Managing Director at Tuff Gong International Litd. Looking on are artists Joavan Puran and Laura-Anne Fung. Minister Bartlett greets Joavan Puran in front of his pieces inside the Berhane Selassie Art Gallery. Also pictured are Laura-Anne Fung {left} and Tuff Gong’s Managing Director, Stephanie Marley (right) Minister Bartlett enjoys his moment with the congo drum. Minister Bartlett sings 'One Love' inside the world famous Tuff Gong Recording Studio. Minister Bartlett discusses plants with Tuff Gong gardener, Humble. Looking on is Gavin Hutchinson {right}, Tours Coordinator at Tuff Gong. _______________________________________ Bob Marley Birthday Celebrations 2010 SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES Theme: "We don’t need no more trouble…what we need is love" Date Event Organizer Contact Info February 2 - 5 Bob Marley Symposia JCDC (876) 926-5726 Feb 2 – Kingston @ Louise Bennett Theatre, 10am – 3pm Feb 3 – Portland @ Port Antonio High, 10am – 3pm Feb 4 – Westmoreland @ Seam Lavery Faith Hall, Savanna-la-Mar 10am – 3pm Feb 5 – St. Elizabeth @ Anglican Church Hall, Santa Cruz 10am – 3pm February (tbc) Secondary Schools' Debating Competition JCDC (876) 926-5726 February 3 a. 'Making of Music' tour & Exhibition 9am – 2pmInvited Schools ONLY Tuff Gong Int’l (876) 923-9382/3 b. Berhane Selassie Art Gallery Opening 2:30pm – 4:30pmBy Invitation only February 5 Open Day Celebration 9am – 2pm(includes clearance sale, drumming, giveaways & tours) Tuff Gong Int’l (876) 923-9382/3 February 5 Tribute Concert to Bob Marley & Dennis Brown@ Jamaica Pegasus Garden JAVAA (876) 908-4464 February 4-5 Africa Unite Youth Symposium@ the Bob Marley Museum, 9am – 3pmTheme: "Crime don’t pay. Unity brings prosperity" Speakers: Feb 4 – Dr. Eleanor Wint & Dr. Donna Hope-MarquisFeb 5 – Mr. Ziggy Marley & Dr. Leachim Semaj Rita Marley Foundation (876)972993 ganette1@yahoo.com February 5 T.B.A. Hilton Kingston Hotel (876) 926-5430 February 5 – 6 Trench Town Festival Trench Town Dev. Co. (876) 906-4435 February 6 Bob Marley Day 5:30am(includes drumming, cake cutting, music, give-aways) Bob Marley Museum (876) 978-2929 February 6 - "CANCELED" "Smile Jamaica" Concert @ Nine Miles, St. Ann Ghetto Youths Int’l. (876) 960-0382 "CANCELED" February (tbc) Bob Marley Birthday Bash @ MXIII, Negril Clive Pringle/Negril Cluster (876) 851-8831 February 10 Annual Bob Marley Lecture @ the Undercroft, UWI 6pmSpeaker: Ras Tekla Mekfet Reggae Studies Unit, UWI (876) 977-1951 February 11 Photographic Exhibition @ Halse Hall, Clarendon 1pm JAMALCO (876) 986-2561 February 17 “One Love” Football Match @ the National Stadium 2pm Clive “Busy” Campbell (876) 925-7344 Please note that information is continuously updated at the News & Media link of our website www.bobmarleymuseum.com All listed events are endorsed by the Bob Marley Foundation, except those organized by us, i.e. the Bob Marley Museum, Tuff Gong International, Rita Marley Foundation & Ghetto Youths Int’l. _______________________________________ THE 29th ANNUAL RAGGA MUFFINS FESTIVAL LOS ANGELES TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Tickets are now on sale for THE 29th ANNUAL RAGGA MUFFINS FESTIVAL held in Long Beach, CA on Saturday, February 20th and Sunday, February 21st, 2010 at the Long Beach Arena. With over 25,000 attendees annually, the Ragga Muffins Festival is recognized as the premiere and largest Reggae Festival in the US featuring top international artists, reggae legends and up and coming regional acts. The two-day Music and Arts Festival continues the tradition of honoring Bob Marley, one of the greatest champions of human rights and world peace, by spreading his vision of One World, One Love through music and community. Each day of the ten-hour Saturday and Sunday Festival offers an array of international arts and crafts, food and lifestyle vendors - North America’s largest International Food and Crafts Fair - for Festival attendees’ enjoyment. The family-friendly event offers free admission to children 12 years and under when accompanied by a paid adult. The Children’s Activity Space, provided by the “What About the Children? Foundation” is another annual tradition at the Festival, providing entertainment to kids with storytellers, face painting and other enriching activities. Performing on Saturday, February 20th: Shaggy - Don Carlos - Frankie Paul - Yellowman - Big Youth - Gramps Morgan - Lloyd Brown - Bajah & the Dry Eye Crew - Mystic Roots Band - Yellow Wall Dub Squad - plus more artists to be announced... Performing on Sunday, February 21st: - Barrington Levy - Gregory Isaacs - Capleton - Cocoa Tea - Tarrus Riley - Alborosie - The Mighty Diamonds - Konshens - The Aggrolites - David Kirton - The Lions - Detour Posse, plus more artists to be announced... "The reggae event of the year for the Los Angeles area!" - Reggae Report. "This festival has the most impressive array of vendors I’ve ever seen at a reggae fest!" - Beat Crave. "If you missed the (Ragga Muffins) festival this year be sure to go next year, for reggae music lives through those who inspire." – Reggae Music Reviews. "Ragga Muffins Festival is a celebration of the diversity of reggae music." – Michael Zampelli, LAist Tickets may be purchased through all Ticketmaster locations including: The Long Beach Arena Box Office, F.Y.E., Ritmo Latino and Select Macy"s locations. To charge by phone: (800) 745-3000 or order online at www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices: $38-$60 plus applicable service charges. Doors open at Noon. Show Begins at 1:00 pm. The Long Beach Arena is located at 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. For more information please call the Ragga Muffins Festival Hotline at (310) 515-3322. The main number at the Long Beach Arena is (562) 436-3636. The Line-up is Subject to Change. The Festival is produced by Moss Jacobs Presents and Ragga Muffins Productions. raggamuffinsfestival.com - raggamuffins.org -myspace.com/raggamuffinsfestival ........ THE 29th ANNUAL TRIBUTE TO THE REGGAE LEGENDS FESTIVAL SAN DIEGO TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Tickets are now on sale for THE 29th ANNUAL TRIBUTE TO THE REGGAE LEGENDS FESTIVAL (formerly known as the Bob Marley Day Festival) in San Diego, CA held on the Presidents' Day Holiday, Monday, February 15th, 2010 at the San Diego Sports Arena. Recognized as one of the premiere Reggae Festivals in the US, this year’s event features a variety of international artists and regional acts who exemplify the Reggae spirit Bob Marley championed. The Sports Arena will be customized in the traditional “Reggae-Dance” configuration—the entire floor free of chairs, an ideal atmosphere for dancing. This huge dance area is accessible only to those who purchase floor tickets. The rest of the arena will be sold as unreserved seating. Performing this year: Barrington Levy - Don Carlos - Gregory Isaacs - Martin Campbell - Twinkle Brothers - Sister Carol - Cocoa Tea - Capleton - Alborosie - Tribal Seeds - Konshens - Soul Syndicate - Yellow Wall Dub Squad - Detour Posse, plus more. Tickets may be purchased through all Ticketmaster locations including: The San Diego Sports Arena Box Office, SDSU Aztec Center Box Office, SDSU Cox Arena Box Office, UCSD University Events Office, Arts Tix, Miramar NAS, 32nd Street NAS and select Macy’s locations. Tickets may also be purchased at: WorldBeat Center, Reggae World (North Park), Earth Culture (Oceanside) and Dream Crystal (National City). To charge by phone: (800) 745-3000 or order online at www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices: $41-$71 plus applicable service charges. Doors open at Noon - Show Begins at 1:00 pm The San Diego Sports Arena is located at 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego For more information please call the Festival Hotline at (619) 230-1190 or Reggae Hotline at (619) 230-1237. The main number at the San Diego Sports Arena is (619) 224-4171. The Line-up is Subject to Change The Festival is produced by WorldBeat Productions in association with Moss Jacobs Presents, as a benefit for the WorldBeat Cultural Center. tributetothelegends.com - worldbeatcenter.org -myspace.com/tributetothelegends ...... THE 29TH ANNUAL RAGGA MUFFINS FESTIVAL'S BOB MARLEY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AT THE ROXY Photos (c)Gary Greene _______________________________________ VP Records and Greensleeves Publishing are proud to have “Things & Time" by legendary group The Wailing Souls featured on the soundtrack for the #1 movie in America. This Super Bowl weekend had two big winners, the New Orleans Saints and the motion picture Dear John. VP Records and Greensleeves Publishing are proud to have “Things & Time" by legendary group The Wailing Souls featured on the soundtrack for the #1 movie in America. The romantic drama Dear John unseated the movie Avatar which has been on top of the box office charts for seven weeks; making Dear John the highest grossing film ever to open on the weekend of the Super Bowl. The film is based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks. He has penned numerous books that have been made into great films; Message in a Bottle, A Walk to Remember and The Notebook. VP Records and Greensleeves Publishing are pioneering forces in the reggae music industry. From roots & culture to soca and dancehall, they represent the full spectrum of Caribbean music. For the past 30 plus years they have stayed true to the grassroots from whence they came, always serving its audience and moving swiftly to keep up with the sounds of the time. Dear John Movie Dear John Soundtrack VP Records Greensleeves Records _______________________________________ Smile Jamaica 2010 Called Off Ghetto Youth's International, organizers of the annual Bob Marley concert Smile Jamaica, have announced that the 2010 staging of the celebration of the King of Reggae’s birth would have to be called off, due to numerous circumstances. Smile Jamaica spokesperson Norman Bryan, said yesterday that while the organisation was looking forward to staging the concert after "there are some extenuating circumstances that just cannot be ignored, and there’s no way we could proceed with the concert bearing them in mind." He added that the Marley family will still be celebrating Bob's birthday and honouring his legacy in private. Bryan also said that the Ghetto Youth's International would be redoubling its efforts to make a 2011 staging possible. "Ghetto Youths International will continue spreading the message of the Hon. Robert Nesta Marley, and we will be definitely putting our heads together to make 2011 the year Smile Jamaica returns from its hiatus." Smile Jamaica saw its historic birth in December of 1976, when it was held at the National Heroes Park in Kingston. The event took place a mere two days after gunmen almost ended Bob Marley's life, and he was recuperating in the Blue Mountains. It was there that Marley magic reigned supreme yet again, as an injured Bob agreed to perform one song for the 80,000-strong throng of patrons. That one song turned into a magical 90 minute performance with Marley and the Wailers. Source: HEADLINE ENTERTAINMENT _______________________________________ Jazzing every night of the week The nightly line-up for the 2010 Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, reads very much like an A-List celebrity showcase, as it samples the very best in music from across the world, and places them right at the feet of the music-loving public. The Festival is packed with the most talented stars, both local and overseas, yet it remains balanced enough to let patrons soak up a spectacular serving of entertainment each night for the entire week that is scheduled. The Festival lasts for seven days, but the final three days seem set to deliver the most intense concentration of performers. The offerings are so varied, that music lovers of all tastes and from different eras should be brought down memory lane, across the sea of love, and soothed right back at home with the different artistes. On Sunday night, Roy Ayers and Tony Greene were featured at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston for a session of music called Jazz in the Gardens. The following night, Maxi Priest, Joe Roy Jackson and Roy Ayers took the stage at the Sunset Jamaica Grande in St Ann. On Tuesday, Maxi Priest and Joe Roy Jackson took the stage again at the RIU Hotel in Montego Bay specifically for the guests, while on the following night they deliver again for the Iberostar Hotel. The peak of the intensity begins on Thursday night (January 28), when Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds leads a delegation of stars that also includes The Whispers, Joss Stone, Monty Alexander and Joe Roy Jackson. The following night, the star-studded list continues with Erykah Badu, Billy Ocean, Machel Montano, Robin Banks, Queens Project, Tamia, Kelly Price and Deborah Cox performing. To culminate the week on Saturday, a unique blend of local and overseas acts get together for what should be a varied and entertaining night. This list includes Gladys Knight, Marion Hall, Hall and Oates, and Third World. The 2010 staging of the JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival will be a seven-day long celebration of The Art of Music that will see Jamaica engulfed in the awesome sights and sounds of the TurnKey Productions event from January 24-30. The signature performance nights will take place from January 28 - 30 at The Greenfield Stadium, Trelawny, which is 12-15 minutes away from Rose Hall. Source: HEADLINE ENTERTAINMENT _______________________________________ STEEL PULSE AND GENTLEMAN RECORDING AT TUFF GONG STUDIOS KINGSTON, JAMAICA – Tuff Gong Studio is abuzz with activity as one of Britain’s great reggae bands, Steel Pulse, is recording there. The band will soon leave Jamaica and head to Australia to participate in the Bob Marley birthday celebrations there. Also recording at Tuff Gong is German singer, Gentleman whose new album will tentatively be launched in March 2010. Gentleman, whose favourite Bob Marley song is Redemption Song, is in Jamaica recording with the Firehouse Band. Julian Marley, who along with his brother Kymani will be performing in Miami on Friday, January 15 at the 'Miami For Haiti' benefit concert, is also one of the artistes traveling to Australia for Bob Marley Birthday celebrations. _______________________________________ Steel Pulse comes with old and new for Rebel Salute BY BASIL WALTERS Observer staff reporter Saturday, January 16, 2010 FORMED in 1975 at Handsworth School in Birmingham, Steel Pulse is the UK's most highly-regarded roots reggae outfit. The group is here its first Rebel Salute appearance, following several performances on local stages such as Reggae Sunsplash, Sumfest, East Fest and Superjam. Another first for the David Hinds-led aggregation is it's presently recording an album at the international Tuff Gong Recording Studio in Kingston. Speaking to the Observer on the eve of Rebel Salute, on which Steel Pulse is the headliner, keyboardist/vocalist Selwyn Brown promised that patrons will experience a twinning of old and new stuff. Tony Rebel conceptualiser of Pepsi Rebel Salute Tony Rebel conceptualiser of Pepsi Rebel Salute 1/1 "At Rebel Salute we're going to mix up some of the old songs with the new ones. But we're going give them more of the old ones because that what they used to from back in the day." This was the assurance given by the musician who is featured on some of the group's greatest hits like Babylon the Bandit, Handsworth Revolution, Steppin Out, Earth Crisis and New World Order, to name a few. In keeping with the spirit of the Rebel Salute brand, he also shared his concerns about the state of the music as he sees it. "Reggae is a music that is always evolving," Brown noted. "There is nothing wrong with it taking a new direction musically. But what happened is that lyrically, some artistes started to talk about things that wasn't relevant to the upliftment of the people." On a more positive note, the artiste, whose band is renowned for a brand of music that conveys hope, education and activism, cited that all is not lost, as with recent developments some conscious artistes have demonstrated that the music has not lost its redeeming quality. "Now there are some artistes, even in the dancehall circle that's putting out more positive messages especially for the youths. It's very important that as adults (including the radio stations and the deejays) we realise that we have a responsibility. The music is very powerful ... and if we love the youth we have to give them something for their minds that's more spiritual that can uplift them rather than telling them foolishness," he said. In referring to the upcoming album, Brown, who like most members of the band was born in England by Jamaican parents, explained: "This is the first album we've done at Tuff Gong. The only other album we recorded in Jamaica was the Vex album 1994." This will be the group's 12th studio album. The last album, African Holocaust, was released in 2004, so it's a special project. "It's been a while since we released an album. This will be our 12th studio album, but we also have two live albums and there are several compilations," the multifaceted entertainer said. That in itself explained the ever-expanding fan base of Steel Pulse. "As a matter of fact, the audience seems to be growing all the time. We do a lot of shows in the US, but there are places outside of the US, like Africa, especially West Africa ... Europe, especially in places like France, Holland and Germany where they still like the old-school roots reggae. Then you can't forget the West Indies, the Caribbean, there are several islands in the Caribbean we have played and we're popular down there as well," Brown explained. Interestingly enough, although Steel Pulse who in the earlier years aligned themselves with the Rock Against Racism organisation and was sympathetic to elements of the British punk movement, has a wider following outside of the UK. "We hardly do any shows in the UK because we're more popular outside. Within two days after we leave Jamaica, we'll be flying straight to New Zealand and Australia because we've a tour down there as well," he explained. Rebel Salute takes place tonight at Port Kaiser Sports Club, St Elizabeth and features Tony Rebel, Barrington Levy, Jah Cure, Capleton, Tarrus Riley, Queen Ifrica, Admiral Tibet, Freddie McGregor, Etana, Alaine, Richie Spice, I-Octane, Jah Mason, Singing Melody, I-Wayne, Gramps Morgan, Khago, Brown Sugar, Noddy Virtue, Princess Tia, Omari, Iley Dread and many others. Source:www.jamaicaobserver.com _______________________________________ Other Towns In Haiti Desperately Need Help Dear all: Thank you so much for the touching communications and immediate response you have sent to all your friends and family. Haitians, the world over, are very touched and so grateful for your show of compassion and support. It is giving us the strength needed to face the horrific catastrophe that has assaulted many parts of the country. One of which is the southern town of Jacmel. We finally made contact with Jacmel yesterday afternoon. 2 people, conserving their energy supply just to communicate via Facebook, have been sending disturbing pictures and relaying most urgent communications. In another case, one person communicates by radio to a contact in the Dominican Republic who in turn transmits messages out to us. Jacmelians are asking for help to remove large debris, find survivors, remove bodies, request medical assistance, food and clothing, temporary shelter and DRINKING WATER. Telephones have been down until now. It was still shaking yesterday, Wednesday, January 14. Today we received these accounts: "We are still getting tremors. Life will never be the same for me. I cannot ever forget the long moment when you wonder if the house will hold. It sounded like a major bulldozer was running through the house. The aftershocks came at around 3am. Actually, the shaking began since 11AM…We thought a bulldozer was at work in the neighborhood. Then at 1PM an electric shock was heard in the house…And then the BIG one… it was almost 5PM. The house started shaking violently. I thank the Lord we were all in the same room and went under a table. The rest is history. Panic, the unknown, the aftershocks." "From what I hear, the road out of Jacmel is blocked. Impassable. There is no electricity In Jacmel except random generators that will run out of fuel. People are burning tires in the streets during the night. Using buckets for toilets. Trying to find water for showers. Lots of destruction all over the city. As bad as PAP and totally under-reported." The town has almost been flattened, has no electricity, no cell or land phones and is running out of petrol, water, food while suffering from a skeleton medical assistance, and scarce medical supplies and the town’s only hospital St. Cyr has collapsed. Government buildings and facilities have collapsed. The town’s government is isolated, unable to bring any relief under these conditions. And there are still people trapped under the rubbles being pulled by hand. Those who have survived are sleeping outdoors, in the streets, on the tarmac at the small airport, completely unable or afraid to sleep indoors. No structure is safe! The town will have to be rebuilt!!! Another reality that this emergency help will have to be consistent until the town can recover enough for rehabilitation. It has been confirmed that the roads from the capital to Jacmel are blocked or destroyed. We've learned of a desperate rescue being done by helicopter from the Dominican Republic to Jacmel. No aid that has been organized for Jacmel yet, and it is not sure if central operations is aware of the magnitude of the damage there. Port-au-Prince is dominating the coverage for aid, but other parts of Haiti have been affected and urgently need assistance. The airport in Port-au-Prince is already overloaded with aid traffic. The heavy machinery has not arrived to help clear debris. The port of the capital is destroyed. Furthermore, refugees are starting to flock at the capital's airport, complicating matters: desperate human reaction is starting to kick in. Jacmel is isolated and needs immediate attention. Link of pictures of the damage in Jacmel. http://www.bonzouti.com/albumphoto/Rubrique-Evenements-Tremblement-de-terre-Jacmel-52.html THE TOWN HAS NOWHERE TO RUN SO WE HAVE TO HELP NOW AND DO IT OURSELVES UNTIL AID AGENCIES CAN!!! Relief by sea is the only option for aid to reach Jacmel and begin the recovery effort. We are already initiating the preliminary work. We are still attempting to make contact to find local and foreign agencies able to effectively coordinate the aid on the ground. We are immensely grateful to the volunteers already working with us, especially those with family and friends in Haiti from whom they have yet to hear. WE ALSO THANK THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY SENT THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE FOUNDATION ACCOUNT We are already working with foreign agencies on the ground in Port-au-Prince who advise us on the situation. We are contacting you for financial contributions, suggestions, leads, ideas and anything else that will help us help reach the people of Jacmel with relief. WE NEED TO BE READY FOR THE FIRST DOOR OF OPPORTUNITY TO RELIEVE JACMEL PLEASE HELP! Many of you blessed souls have already contacted us inquiring of ways and means by which to help. Please find below some of what is most urgent. Financial contributions should be made to the Rural Haiti Project, a community development foundation for Jacmel with 501.3C status incorporated in the United States. Click on the link below to the donations page. http://www.ruralhaitiproject.org/donate.html If you have a Facebook account you may want to put this on your status to tell your friends. Other needs include: - engineer assistance teams and heavy equipment to help clear the debris and remove bodies (2 large trucks have already been donated to us) - medical help, equipment and supplies - food, anything that does not need to be cooked (canned & dry goods) - clothing, bed linens, covers - drinking WATER and water treatment equipment - temporary shelters: tents, portable toilets, toilet paper And, finally help us find a ship to carry the aid and medical personnel and equipment. The ship should also be able to accommodate the help with sleeping arrangements & a kitchen (these people need to bring their own food) for those going with the aid. We are making arrangements for State Department support in order to clear arrival in Jacmel with the appropriate authorities. We are contacting DHL and FEDEX for discounted rates in order to bring your donations to the designated locations where they can be loaded for Haiti. We will let you know exactly where once we have identified the departing port for the ship. Thanking you from the bottom of our hearts! Let us hear from you!!!! The situation is desperate! Regine Boucard (646) 537-5797 24/7 regineboucard@hotmail.com _______________________________________ BUJU RETAINS FLORIDA SUPER LAWYER DAVID OSCAR MARKUS Top Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Maintains Reggae Star's Innocence. Artist Transferred To Tampa Facility & Scheduled To Appear In Court Thursday So. Florida - 6, January 2010) Gargamel Music, Inc. is pleased to announce that top federal criminal defense attorney, David Oscar Markus, has officially been retained to defend four-time Grammy-nominated Reggae icon, Buju Banton, against the trumped-up drug charges currently being levied against him by the United States government. "Buju is innocent - plain and simple." declares Markus. "He was set up from the jump by some evil people trying to take advantage of his trusting and honest character. We are all looking forward to getting him out of prison so that he can move forward with his stellar music career." Mr. Markus is a Magna Cum Laude Harvard Law graduate who kicked off his high profile legal career as an Assistant Federal Public Defender in Miami. His overwhelmingly successful private practice, Markus Law {www.markuslaw.com). focuses primarily on federal criminal cases at both the trial and appellate levels. Prestigious attorney resource guide, Chambers and Partners, says David Oscar Markus "is a man who gets consistently great results... When he walks into a room the US Attorney"s office winces as he puts them to the test every step of the way." The National Law Review says, "David is a reincarnation of the old time great criminal defense attorneys." The nationally recognized litigator has also consistently been named one of the top lawyers in the country by Florida Super Lawyers {2006 - 2009}; Florida Trend {2008 - 2009}; Daily Business Review's 5th Annual Most Effective Lawyers {2009}; Top Lawyers In South Florida {2002 - 2009}; South Florida Legal Guide {2002 - 2008}; Best Lawyers In America {2007 - 2008}. Early Tuesday morning, US Marshalls transferred Buju Banton to a jail facility in Tampa. He is scheduled to appear in US District Court for the Middle District Of Florida on Thursday. Meanwhile, sales of Banton's Grammy-nominated album, Rasta Got Soul, have continued to increase in the four weeks since his incarceration. A documentary-style music video for new single "Optimistic Soul" will begin circulating in the coming weeks. Source:Gargamel Music, Inc. _______________________________________ Buju Banton`s Label Breaks Silence - CaribWorlNews Exclusive Read the exclusive interview with Tracii McGregor, president of Buju Banton's Gargamel Music, Inc. and CaribWorldNews Click here ........ ANTHONY B - FREE UP THE GENERAL CRANK RIDDIM TRUCKBACK RECORDS ...... Important Links Below!!! WE SUPPORT BUJU BANTON! OFFICIAL FREE BUJU T-SHIRTS! Get yours now! This Is Buju Banton: 2009 Rewind ______________________________________ The GRAMMY Museum Celebrates GRAMMY® Week 2010 Museum's 2nd Annual GRAMMY Week Activities to Include Performances by Nominated Artists and Educational Programs LOS ANGELES (Jan. 2010) – In the week leading up to the 52nd Annual GRAMMY® Awards, The GRAMMY Museum will host a variety of activities intended to introduce people to the wide array of musical genres represented by the GRAMMY Awards. In addition to hosting several events with The Recording Academy, the Museum will also welcome local students each morning to experience the excitement of GRAMMY Week 2010. Public programming will include: Mississippi Night at The GRAMMY Museum Thursday, January 28, 2010; 8 pm Join as the state of Mississippi hosts its first-ever showcase at The GRAMMY Museum! Celebrate the musical legacy of Mississippi as legendary musicians David "Honeyboy" Edwards, Hubert Sumlin, Eddie Cotton, Dorothy Moore, and The Williams Brothers perform and celebrate their rich musical heritage on the GRAMMY Sound Stage. Hawaii Night at The GRAMMY Museum Friday, January 29, 2010; 7:30 pm For the second year in a row, celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Hawaiian music with The GRAMMY Museum! Join as current GRAMMY nominees in the Best Hawaiian Music Album category Tia Carrere, Daniel Ho, Amy Hainaiali'i, George Kahumoku Jr., and Jeff Petersen perform on the GRAMMY Sound Stage. GRAMMY Children's Music Celebration Saturday, January 30, 2010; 12 noon Join as The GRAMMY Museum presents the second annual GRAMMY Children’s Music Celebration featuring music by the 2009 GRAMMY nominees in the Children’s fields! The program will feature exciting performances by all six nominees in the Best Musical Album for Children field, as well as spirited passages from the nominees in the Best Spoken Word Album for Children category. Part of the Museum’s monthly "Musical Explorations" series, this very special event will feature performances by acclaimed family artists Ziggy Marley, Buck Howdy, Milkshake, Jonathan Sprout, Dean Pitchford, Greg & Steve, Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer, Christylez Bacon, and more. Louisiana Night at The GRAMMY Museum Saturday, January 30, 2010; 8:30 pm Join as the state of Louisiana brings its annual musical showcase to The GRAMMY Museum! Current GRAMMY nominees The Magnolia Sisters, Cedric Watson et Bijou Creole, Zachary Richard, and C.C. Adcock will perform and celebrate the music of Louisiana on the GRAMMY Sound Stage. Kicking off Monday, Jan. 25 and running through Friday, Jan. 29, the Museum will also host local school groups every day. On both Tuesday, Jan. 26 and Thursday, Jan. 28, students will screen the documentary Six Generations of the Blues with Ward Emling, Director of Mississippi's Film Office, and filmmaker Lynn Orman. On Wednesday, Jan. 27, students will enjoy performances and engage in a lively Q&A session with Louisiana musicians Cedric Watson, Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, and C.C. Adcock. On Thursday, after screening the film, students will hear from Peavey Electronics founder Hartley Peavey and 2010 GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award recipient David "Honeyboy" Edwards, during sound check for "Mississippi Night at The GRAMMY Museum." Finally, on Friday, Jan. 29, nominees in the Best Hawaiian Music Album category will perform and discuss their musical heritage with students. Ticket information varies. Visit www.grammymuseum.org for more information. The 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast live from STAPLES Center on the CBS Television Network on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010 at 8pm ET/PT. About The GRAMMY Museum Paying tribute to music's rich cultural history, this one-of-a-kind, 21st-century Museum explores and celebrates the enduring legacies of all forms of music, the creative process, the art and technology of the recording process, and the history of the premier recognition of excellence in recorded music — the GRAMMY Award. The GRAMMY Museum features 30,000 square feet of interactive and multimedia exhibits located within L.A. LIVE, the downtown Los Angeles sports, entertainment and residential district. Through thought-provoking and dynamic public and educational programs and exhibits, guests will experience music from a never-before-seen insider perspective that only The GRAMMY Museum can deliver. American Express is the Premiere Partner of The GRAMMY Museum. For more information about American Express and music, visit www.americanexpress.com/entertainment. ______________________________________ Greensleeves Announces New Publishing Deals with RISING AND LEGENDARY REGGAE STARS Gappy Ranks, Chino, Laden, Chukki Starr, GOOFy AND Keith hudson New York, January 22, 2009 - Greensleeves Publishing, the world's leading reggae music publisher, signed exclusive agreements with leading singer/songwriters Gappy Ranks, Chino, Laden, Chukki Starr, Goofy, and Keith Hudson. Those deals will see Greensleeves Publishing represent and market the songs of these six in-demand reggae singers and songwriters worldwide. Rising British Reggae star, Gappy Ranks, signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Greensleeves Publishing, quickly followed by a record deal with Greensleeves Records. Gappy‘s most recent hit "Heaven In Her Eyes" is included on VP Records’ Strictly The Best Vol. 40 and on Greensleeves Records’ The Biggest Reggae One-Drop Anthems 2009. He received the 2009 Crystal Blue Best Artist of the Year Award along with the Best Recording of the Year Award for “Heaven In Her Eyes.” His first album, “Breakfast in Jamaica" will be released on Greensleeves Records in early 2010. The album will include "Stinkin Rich” (currently topping the UK Reggae charts), "Heaven In Her Eyes" (which has been number one for an amazing 22 weeks on the UK reggae charts), "Thanks & Praises", "Butterflies", "So god bless", "Rise out of the ghetto" and features tracks with Spice, Million Stylez among others. This is what Gappy had to say about his new deal with Greensleeves Records, "I grew up listening to albums from Greensleeves when I was a kid because my father used to collect all the Greensleeves titles and play them in the house. I always dreamed of one day having my own album being released by Greensleeves and be a part of the legends like Yellowman and other big names on their roster. It has been a hard journey and I feel proud to represent the UK in the reggae world and would like to thank Greensleeves, my management team and all the fans for supporting me in my career." The son of Reggae royalty Freddie McGregor and member of the Big Ship family, Chino has signed a co-publishing deal with STB Music, Greensleeves' US affiliate, and Tinkintoe Music. Chino’s track "Protected" was included on Reggae Gold 2009 and his lastest single "Never Change (From Mawning)" has hit music charts in the UK and US. Being a part of the Big Ship family and his interactions with such Reggae legends as the late Dennis Brown, Marcia Griffith and Bounty Killer to name a few, has resulted in Chino gaining an in-depth knowledge of recording and production techniques. Another star coming out of the Big Ship family is dancehall singjay Laden who has also signed a co-publishing deal with STB Music and Tinkintoe Music. Ladens track "Money Over War" appeared on Reggae Gold 2009 and his big hit "Time To Shine" was featured on Ragga Ragga Ragga 2009. Freddie McGregor says that he is confident with the new partnership his son Chino and Laden have made with Greensleeves/VP Records and is looking forward to making great music in the years to come. Neil "Diamond" Edwards, Director of A&R, says “Big Ship is more than just a label that we are partnering with, I consider them family. We’ve had many successes in the past. I look forward to working with the Chino and Laden projects and continuing our long standing relationship with the Big Ship Family.” The veteran British Reggae artist Chukki Starr has signed a co-publishing agreement with Greensleeves Publishing. The conscious singjay attracted notable attention when he delivered his highly acclaimed debut album Ghetto Youth's Livity, which was produced by Ariwa Sounds' Mad Professor. Considered one of the UK's top Reggae artists, Greensleeves Records will release "Chukki Starr: Most Wanted" on March 23, 2010. The veteran Dancehall artist Goofy aka MR. G has signed to Greensleeves Publishing. Mr. G released his debut album Issues in 2004 on S Curve Records. Along with working on releases for his Young Blood label, MR. G's new album Wine Pon It is due out in 2010. He has numerous singles that have been buzzing in the US, UK and Jamaica. Currently his single "Before The Year Done" has been climbing the music charts. Greensleeves has acquired the catalog of the great singer/songwriter/producer Keith Hudson aka the "Dark Prince of Reggae." An accomplished songwriter who wrote for artists as varied as Alton Ellis, Delroy Wilson, John Holt, his biggest contribution as a songwriter came when Big Youth recorded “S-90 Skank” in 1972. The song which incorporates motorcycle noises recorded in the studio become the DJ’s biggest hit and a reggae classic. As an artist, Ketih Hudson contributed many classic albums including Flesh of My Skin, Blood of My Blood released in 1975, which is considered a masterpiece among the Reggae community. In 2010, Greensleeves will reissue an expanded edition of Rasta Communications as part of its Greensleeves Reggae Classics series adding “Brand”, the dub version of the album. Olivier Chastan, President of Greensleeves Publishing, says "all these signings bring a thrilling conclusion to a very active year for Greensleeves Publishing which included placements in multiple films, computer games and TV shows along with songs on albums by Wycleff Jean, Matisyahu, Major Lazer and DJ Khaled. It once again shows our dedication to invest in new talents such as Gappy Ranks, Chino and Laden while consolidating our catalog with established songwriters and catalogs such as Goofy, Chukki Starr and Keith Hudson". About Greensleeves Publishing The leading publisher in reggae and dancehall music since 1977; Greensleeves is home to some of the most iconic artists, writers and hit songs. Greensleeves' vast catalog of 25,000 songs includes number one hits such as Sean Paul's "Get Busy", Shaggy "Oh Carolina", Beenie Man’s “Who Am I”, Mr. Vegas “Heads High”, Elephant Man "Pon De River" as well as Reggae classics by Yellowman, Barrington Levy and Eek-A-Mouse such as "Wa-Do-Dem". Greensleeves Publishing is also the home to producer extraordinaire Don "Corleon" Bennett, who wrote and produced hits for Rihanna, Sean Paul, Keyshia Cole and Elephant Man among others. _______________________________________ Chuck Fenda Dubbed "the poor people defenda" ANNOUNCES his west coast TOUR IN SUPPORT OF His VP RECORDS ALBUM Fulfillment On October 27th 2009 Dancehall artist Chuck Fenda released his third album Fulfillment with VP Records. Chuck Fenda has the living fire. His voice and music are filled with the passion and heartbeat of Jamaica. His songs present reality, hope and love for the people. Fulfillment showcases Chuck Fenda on a variety of one drop and roots riddims produced by Kemar ‘Flava’ McGregor, including the new “Ghetto Riddim.” Fulfillment is identifiably the most spiritual album from the artist to date. Characterized by collaborations with like-minded artists such as I-Wayne on the track “Thin Line,” “Bad Boys” with Sammy Dread, “Time Rough” featuring Bush Man and “Getting Serious “produced by Shane Brown. He has received heavy airplay for the tracks “Herbalist Farmer” and “Cold Fi Di Money”. This tour gives an opportunity for fans and music lovers to be treated to his high-energy performance, lyrical versatility and positive tracks. Chuck Fenda has cemented himself as one of the few that will play a great role in the revolution of Jamaica's music across the globe. More about Chuck Fenda Born Leshorn Whitehead on June 15, in Brooklyn, New York; he always had a special love for music, making a hobby of impersonating some of his favorite entertainers as a youngster. It didn't take him long to decide to pursue his dream in the music business. In 1995 -6, he frequently travelled between Jamaica and New York to hone his deejaying skills. Having met and being guided by some of the top producers and performers of that era, he was persuaded to return to Jamaica and in 1997 released his breakthrough single – “Jah It’s All About You” under the tutelage of King Jammy. He spent most of his time at King Jammy's studio where he released top singles such as "Shut Yuh Mouth When Bad Man Talking', "Mi See It Clear", "Badda Badda" and "Lift It Up" which received high rotation on the local stations. In 2000 he joined the Fifth Element Records family where the real revolution began to take place in the DJ's musical career. He became famous for tunes like the number one "Life Ruff Out Deh", "I Swear" as well as "Can't Stop Try", "Respect Mama" and "How You Feel". These selections formed a part of his explosive awe-inspiring album 'Better Days' on the Fifth Element label that was released in 2005. Tour Dates DATE DAY CITY/STATE VENUE Jan. 17th Sunday Los Angeles, CA Jamaica Gold, Jan. 19th Tuesday San Diego, CA Worldbeat Center, Jan. 20th Wednesday San Diego, CA Travel - band rehearsal Jan. 21st Thursday Santa Cruz, CA Moe's Alley , Jan. 22nd Friday Sacramento, CA The Blue Lamp , Jan. 23rd Saturday San Francisco, CA RockIt Room Jan. 24th Sunday Berkeley, CA Shattuck Downlow, Jan. 25th Monday Sebastapol, CA Hop Monk , Jan. 28th Thursday Humboldt, CA Mazzotti's Italian Restaurant _______________________________________ JAMAICAN GOLD SUNDAYS Gyptian - Warror King - Tony Rebel - Queen Ifrica - Turbulence - Wayne Wonder All Photos (c)Marsha Hunt LA REGGAE CLUBS.COM _______________________________________ Reggae Label Exec Launches Grammy Campaign January 20, 2010 - Global By Pat Meschino, N.Y. Heeding annual criticism that reggae's finest releases are oftentimes overlooked as nominees in the Grammy's best reggae album category, Cristy Barber, VP of marketing and promotions at New York-based reggae label VP Records, is spearheading a drive to educate her industry about the role of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Barber, a 2005 Grammy nominated producer for the various artists compilation "Def Jamaica" {Island/Def Jam} and the former president of the Marley family's Tuff Gong/Ghetto Youths labels, will commence an informational media campaign in Jamaica, Jan. 21-25, where she will meet with key industry personnel. Her efforts will also extend beyond the island's shores as she aims to recruit at least 100 Recording Academy members from the global reggae industry who will be eligible to vote for the 2011 nominations. A sole Recording Academy member in Jamaica, reggae's birthplace and its creative epicenter, underscores the current lack of understanding of the Grammy nomination process there. However, a longstanding stipulation that ballots must be returned to the Los Angeles Academy headquarters within two weeks of their postmark, an impossible time frame for round trip mail delivery to the Caribbean, has further discouraged interest in Academy membership within the island's music fraternity. Barber alongside the Academy's Alan Foster, project manager urban music/awards and Ann "Annika" Frank, project manager member services - national membership, have worked for years to circumvent that requirement. Beginning with the 2011 nominations, Jamaica's Recording Academy members can vote online via PDF ballots. According to Bill Freimuth, VP, awards, the Recording Academy, voting in all Grammy categories will likely make the transition to online ballots over the next few years. Barber is confident her efforts will improve the odds for worthy artists to receive nominations, while highlighting the finest within a genre that struggles for widespread critical and popular acclaim in the post-Marley era. "Winning a reggae Grammy," observes Barber, "offers a level of recognition that impacts sales, radio play and concert demands, essential elements in establishing a new generation of reggae stars. I wouldn't be doing the genre, the artists or Jamaica justice if I didn't embark on this campaign." Established in 1985, the best Reggae album category is identified with, but by no means limited to, albums released by Jamaican artists. Source:http://www.billboard.biz _______________________________________ The GRAMMY Museum Presents 2nd Annual GRAMMY® Children’s Music Celebration LOS ANGELES (Jan. 2009) – On Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010, The GRAMMY Museum will host the second annual GRAMMY Children’s Music Celebration featuring music from the 2009 GRAMMY nominees in the children's fields. The program will feature exciting performances from all six nominees in the Best Musical Album for Children field, as well as spirited passages from nominees in the Best Spoken Word Album for Children category. Part of the monthly “Musical Explorations” series, this special event kicks off the Museum's exciting and innovative 2010 series of family programming. Participating artists include: Buck Howdy Buck Howdy, a four-time GRAMMY nominee and one of family music’s most acclaimed recording artists, has been described as, "the nexus of Roy Rogers, Will Rogers and Mr. Rogers with a little Shrek thrown in for fun." A seasoned musician, Buck has performed at both the Grand Ole Opry and the White House and regularly visits schools across the country sharing his love of music with children. A double-nominee this year, Howdy’s Pete Seeger Tribute - Ageless Kids’ Songs is up for Best Musical Album for Children, while his Aaaaah! Spooky, Scary Stories & Songs is nominated for Best Spoken Word Album for Children. Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer GRAMMY-winning children’s artists Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer are family music trailblazers. Together, they play dozens of instruments, from banjos and mandolins to electric guitars, steel drums and ukuleles. They sing, yodel, chicken-cluck in harmony, twirl a mean lariat rope, scat sing and inspire effortless participation from every audience. Collaborating on their GRAMMY-nominated CD, Banjo to Beatbox with Christylez Bacon, a hip-hop artist you want your family to see and hear, Cathy and Marcy are embarking on a new journey featuring rhymes, raps, and beatboxes, as well as banjo and ukulele. Dean Pitchford For over twenty-five years Dean Pitchford's songs, films and musicals have played on radios, screens and stages the world over and have become part of the popular cultural landscape. His creations have earned him an Academy Award and a Golden Globe, as well as nominations for three additional Oscars, two more Golden Globes, five GRAMMYs and two Tonys. Pitchford’s Captain Nobody is his second audiobook to earn a GRAMMY Nomination in the Best Spoken Word Album for Children category. Pitchford was nominated in 2008 for The Big One-Oh. Greg & Steve GRAMMY-nominated duo Greg & Steve's singable lyrics and catchy melodies set to a contemporary beat have helped them sell over three million records. Their motto is "Educate, Motivate, Enrich, and Entertain" which they do well. Parents and teachers alike find Greg & Steve's tunes a fun way to teach children basic concepts such as colors and numbers, as well as friendship and cooperation. Greg & Steve's Jumpin’ & Jammin' is nominated for Best Musical Album for Children. Harlan Ellison Harlan Ellison was recently characterized by The New York Times Book Review as having "the spellbinding quality of a great nonstop talker, with a cultural warehouse for a mind." The Los Angeles Times suggested, "It's long past time for Harlan Ellison to be awarded the title: 20th century Lewis Carroll." And the Washington Post Book World said simply, "One of the great living American short story writers." An accomplished writer, Ellison has taken Carroll’s Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There and created an engaging audiobook for children, turning himself into a GRAMMY Nominee in the category of Best Spoken Word Album for Children. Jonathan Sprout Jonathan Sprout’s GRAMMY-nominated American Heroes #3 is a collection of highly-produced pop rock tunes that sound a bit like Bon Jovi and the Jonas Brothers meet James Taylor. His sophisticated sound is rich with intricate, interwoven countermelodies and a full assortment of instruments, including walls of electric and acoustic guitars, pop synth sounds, banjos, mandolins, accordions, horns and various keyboards. Milkshake Taking a cue from John Lennon, Paul McCartney and the White Stripes among others, Milkshake is much more than just a band for kids. They are an energetic departure from traditional kid’s music and have transitioned from an adult audience to a younger crowd without compromising their stage presence, musical integrity or rock and roll spirit. Milkshake will have families air guitaring, air drumming and singing at the top of their lungs, all while learning about rock and roll. Milkshake’s Great Day is nominated for Best Musical Album for Children. Ziggy Marley Four-time GRAMMY-winning reggae singer, songwriter, and producer Ziggy Marley brings "an easygoing journey of original tunes and a few covers" when he comes to the GRAMMY Children’s Music Celebration. Marley’s GRAMMY-nominated album Family Time offers a "full collection of family-oriented songs for those already familiar with Marley's beloved work in the genre, and may serve to introduce today’s youngest generation to reggae." The "GRAMMY Children's Music Celebration" will take place at 12 noon in the Museum’s GRAMMY Sound Stage. Doors open at 11:30am. All proceeds benefit The GRAMMY Museum. Tickets are $10 and include admission to the Museum. To reserve your seat or for more information, please e-mail family@grammymuseum.org. Information is also available by calling 213.765.6800 or visiting www.grammymuseum.org. About The GRAMMY Museum Paying tribute to music's rich cultural history, this one-of-a-kind, 21st-century Museum explores and celebrates the enduring legacies of all forms of music, the creative process, the art and technology of the recording process, and the history of the premier recognition of excellence in recorded music — the GRAMMY Award. The GRAMMY Museum features 30,000 square feet of interactive and multimedia exhibits located within L.A. LIVE, the downtown Los Angeles sports, entertainment and residential district. Through thought-provoking and dynamic public and educational programs and exhibits, guests will experience music from a never-before-seen insider perspective that only The GRAMMY Museum can deliver. American Express is the Premiere Partner of The GRAMMY Museum. For more information about American Express and music, visit www.americanexpress.com/entertainment _______________________________________ VP Records is set to release Henry “Junjo” Lawes Volcano Eruption on February 16, 2010 VP Records is proud to announce the release of Volcano Eruption. Henry "Junjo" Lawes' was one of the most influential producers of the early Dancehall era. This album features hits from Singers and Deejays that shaped Reggae music into the multicultural genre we know today. Volcano Eruption is comprised of some of the most veritable and significant hits in Reggae Music. This 2 CD/DVD package includes 40 tracks from a variety of celebrated artists that worked with "Junjo" Lawes' Volcano Label. On the singers side is the exceptional Barrington Levy’s "Prison Oval Rock" and "21 Girl Salute" with production by Junjo and The Roots Radics; the most sought after band of the early Dancehall period. Continuing with the singers is Junior Reid's "Lover’s Affair," Little John’s "Dancehall Style," Cocoa Tea's "Lost My Sonia" and the remarkable Wailing Souls "Fire House Rock." The Deejay side of the album opens with the advance styling of Ringo’s "Flash It Inna E." Eek-A-Mouse, the Deejay that introduced the singjay style is present with his hit tunes "Wah-Do-Dem" and "Anarexol." The album is filled with classic tunes from the man known as King Yellow; Yellowman's "Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt" and "Zungguzungguguzungguzeng," the skillful Josey Wales "Woola Woope," and the Deejay that influenced all other female Deejays, Sister Nancy’s "Dance Pon The Corner." These are just a few of the tunes that make this deluxe album a must have. Volcano Eruption is a journey through a pivotal period in Reggae music history that should not be ignored. The Volcano label represents a crossroads of roots reggae and contemporary dancehall. Henry "Junjo" Lawes, The Roots Radics, High Times Band and innovative engineer Hopeton "Scientist" Brown are responsible for the Volcano sound that dominated reggae and solidified the genre’s global appeal from 1980 to 1985. This album is the ultimate tribute to the man behind Volcano; covering the key artists, big hits and rarities that created the legend. The package also includes a newly created 45 minute DVD documentary chronicling the label, sound system and its large roster of artists. Plus a 30 minute vintage dancehall session of the Volcano Posse in Jamaica, WI circa 1984. _______________________________________ Ethiopia Prepares To Celebrate Christmas Today - Merry Christmas January 7, 2010 Ethiopian Christmas, Medhane Alem Cathedral, Addis Ababa - Photo taken 2009 Photo(c)Roger Beacon Ethiopia is one of the oldest nations in Africa. It still follows the ancient Julian calendar, so Ethiopians celebrate Christmas on January 7. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church's celebration of Christ's birth is called Ganna. It is a day when families attend church. The day before Ganna, people fast all day. The next morning at dawn, everyone dresses in white. Most Ethiopians don a traditional shamma, a thin, white cotton wrap with brightly colored stripes across the ends. The shamma is worn somewhat like a toga. Urban Ethiopians might put on white Western garb. Then everyone goes to the early mass at four o'clock in the morning. In a celebration that takes place several days later, the priests will dress in turbans and red and white robes as they carry beautifully embroidered fringed umbrellas. Most Ethiopians who live outside the modern capital city, Addis Ababa, live in round mud-plastered houses with cone-shaped roofs of thatched straw. In areas where stone is plentiful, the houses may be rectangular stone houses. The churches in Ethiopia echo the shape of the houses. In many parts of the country there are ancient churches carved out of solid volcanic rock. Modern churches are built in three concentric circles. In a modern church, the choir assembles in the outer circle. Each person entering the church is given a candle. The congregation walks around the church three times in a solemn procession, holding the flickering candles. Then they gather in the second circle to stand throughout the long mass, with the men and boys separated from the women and girls. The center circle is the holiest space in the church, where the priest serves Holy Communion. Around the time of Ganna, the men and boys play a game that is also called ganna. It is somewhat like hockey, played with a curved stick and a round wooden ball. The foods enjoyed during the Christmas season include wat, a thick, spicy stew of meat, vegetables, and sometimes eggs as well. The wat is served from a beautifully decorated watertight basket onto a "plate" of injera, which is flat sourdough bread. Pieces of injera are used as an edible spoon to scoop up the wat. Twelve days after Ganna, on January 19, Ethiopians begin the three-day celebration called Timkat, which commemorates the baptism of Christ. The children walk to church services in a procession. They wear the crowns and robes of the church youth groups they belong to. The grown-ups wear the shamma. The priests will now wear their red and white robes and carry embroidered fringed umbrellas. The music of Ethiopian instruments makes the Timkat procession a very festive event. The sistrum is a percussion instrument with tinkling metal disks. A long, T-shaped prayer stick called a makamiya taps out the walking beat and also serves as a support for the priest during the long church service that follows. Church officials called dabtaras study hard to learn the musical chants, melekets, for the ceremony. Ethiopian men play another sport called yeferas guks. They ride on horseback and throw ceremonial lances at each other. Ganna and Timkat are not occasions for giving gifts in Ethiopia. If a child receives any gift at all, it is usually a small gift of clothing. Religious observances, feasting, and games are the focus of the season. Source: howstuffworks _______________________________________ Maroons Celebrate Peace Treaty Anniversary Today Horace Hines Wednesday, January 06, 2010 ACCOMPONG TOWN, St Elizabeth—Public Defender Earl Whitter is scheduled to deliver the main address at the civic ceremony to mark the 272nd celebration of the peace treaty between British colonisers and the Leeward Maroons, here this afternoon. The civic ceremony will follow centuries-old rituals that form part of the annual event, held January 6, said to be the birthday of Maroon hero, Cudjoe. WILLIAMS...declared that the Maroon Council intents to eliminate, or reduce the sale of “ bling bling clothing” and ease congestion of the roadway. [Hide Description] WILLIAMS...declared that the Maroon Council intents to eliminate, or reduce the sale of “ bling bling clothing” and ease congestion of the roadway. Thousands are expected to converge on the Maroon village, located in northern St Elizabeth in the southern region of the Cockpit Country to observe ancient maroon rituals and to participate in a party complete with popular music and vending of goods of every description. The Maroons are the descendants of slaves from West Africa freed by Spanish colonisers when they were ousted by the British in 1655, as well as those who escaped from British slave owners. Using Jamaica's mountainous interior as cover, the Maroons fought the British for decades before peace was realised. In the meantime, colonel of the Accompong Maroons, Ferron Williams yesterday declared that the Maroon Council intents to eliminate, or reduce the sale of " bling bling clothing" and ease congestion of the roadway. Williams, who is also a police inspector, is assuring the public that the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) will be providing security for the celebrations. Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com _______________________________________ Tough & Stubborn, they were... The Jamaican Maroons! The Jamaican Maroons were runaway slaves who fought the British during the 18th century. When the British invaded Jamaica in 1655 the Spanish colonists fled leaving a large number of Africans who they had enslaved. Rather than be re-enslaved by the British, they escaped into the hilly, mountainous regions of the island, joining those who had previously escaped from the Spanish to live with the Taínos. They were very organized and knew the country well. Because of this, additional runaway slaves joined them. The two main Maroon groups were the Leeward and the Windward tribes, the former led by Cudjoe in Trelawny Town and the latter led by his sister Queen Nanny (and later by Quao). Over time, the Maroons came to control large areas of the Jamaican interior and they often moved down from the hills to raid the plantations. This resulted in the First Maroon War. In 1739-40 the British government in Jamaica came to an agreement with the Maroons. They were to remain in their five main towns Accompong, Trelawny Town, Moore Town, Scots Hall andNanny Town, living under their own chief with a British supervisor. In exchange, they agreed not to harbour new runaway slaves, but rather to help catch them. They were paid a bounty for each returned slave. This last clause in the treaty naturally caused tension between the Maroons and the enslaved black population, although from time to time runaways from the plantations still found their way into Maroon settlements. However, tensions between planters and Maroons remained and a Second Maroon War broke out in 1795. The Accompong Maroons remained neutral and the British left them alone. By the end of the war, all the other Maroon settlements in Jamaica had been destroyed, and Accompong alone remained. The Trelawny Town Maroons were resettled in Nova Scotia for a few brutal winters, and the survivors were sent back to Africa to live in Sierra Leone. Their Lifestyle Jamaican Maroons intermarried with Amerindian natives, establishing independence in the back country as the island changed hands from the Spanish tothe British in the 17th century. The survived by subsistence farming and by raiding plantations. Originally, Jamaican Maroons fought against slavery and maintained their independence from the British. However, in the treaty of 1738, they were also paid to return captured slaves and fight for the British in the case of an attack from the French or Spanish. Many of them were deported in 1796 to Nova Scotia and eventually to Sierra Leone. Famous among Maroon rebels was Queen Nanny, also known as Granny Nanny, leader of the Jamaican Maroons in the 18th century. She is the only female listed among Jamaican national heroes, and has been immortalized in songs and legends. She was known for her exceptional leadership skills, especially in guerrilla warfare, which were particularly important in the First Maroon War in the early 1700s. Her remains are reputedly buried at "Nanny Bump" in Moore Town, the main town of the Windward Maroons who are concentrated in and around the Rio Grande valley in the eastern parish of Portland. A British governor signed a treaty promising the Maroons 2500 acres (10 km²) in two locations, because they presented a threat tothe British . Also, some Maroons kept their freedom by agreeing to capture runaway slaves. They were paid two dollars for each slave returned. The Mass Deportation to Nova Scotia In 1796 approximately 600 Jamaican Maroons were deported from Jamaica to Nova Scotia because of their rebellion against the colonial government. The second immigration of free blacks into the province of Nova Scotia was similar to the first in that it developed from events entirely divorced from Nova Scotia history. From the time of British conquest in 1655, the Maroons in Jamaica waged war againstthe British colonizers of the island. The Jamaican government succeeded in overcoming the Maroons in 1796 after 140 years of intermittent warfare. The Legislature, vengeful and certainly tired of the cost of maintaining order, decided to rid themselves of "the problem". Immediate actions were put in place for the removal of one group of Maroons (Trelawney), with their settlements in lower Canada (Quebec). Upper Canada (Ontario) had also been suggested as a suitable place; however, it was eventually decided that this group of individuals be sent to Halifax, Nova Scotia, until any further instructions were received from England. Two gentlemen, Messrs Quarrell and Octerloney, were sent from Jamaica with the Maroons as Commissioners. On 26 June 1796, the Dover, Mary, and Anne sailed from Port Royal Harbour, Jamaica to Halifax. One arrived in Halifax on 21 July, the other two followed two days later totaling 543 men, women and children. The then Duke of Kent and Commander-in-Chief ofthe British Army in North America, impressed with the proud bearing and other characteristics of the Maroons, employed the entire group to work on the new fortifications at the Citadel Hill in Halifax. The Lieutenant-Governor Sir John Wentworth believed that the Maroons would be good settlers. He then received orders from the Duke of Portland to settle them in Nova Scotia. Following this the two commissioners responsible with credit of 25,000 Jamaican pounds from the government of Jamaica, expended £3,000 on 5,000 acres (20 km²) of land and built the community of Preston. Governor Wentworth also was granted an allowance of £240 annually from England to provide religious instruction and schooling for the community. After the first winter, the Maroons, raised in an independent and dominating culture and not impressed with the apparently servile virtues of cultivating the soil, became less tolerant of the condition in which they were living. Jamaican Maroons Today To this day, the Maroons in Jamaica to some extent remains autonomous and separate from the rest of the Jamaican culture. The isolation used to their advantage by the ancestors has today led to their communities being amongst the most inaccessible on the island. In their largest town, Accompong, in the parish of St. Elizabeth, the Leeward Maroons still possess a vibrant community of about 600. Tours of the village are offered to foreigners. A large festival is held January 6 each year to commemorate the signing of the peace treaty with the British after the Maroon War. [source: wikipedia.org] __________________________________ Erykah Badu to go On & On at JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Powerful. Soulful. Impressive. Those are but a few words to describe the sounds of American born R&B songstress Erykah Badu, who will make her second performance in Jamaica on Friday, January 29 at the JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival inside The Greenfield, inTrelawny. Erykah Badu burst onto the music scene with a highly anticipated and critically acclaimed 1997 debut album, Baduizm. That album debuted at #2 on the Billboard charts, and it’s lead single On & On blazed through charts in the US and the UK. Since then, not only has On & On become a soul/R&B anthem, but Erykah has continued to record hit after hit, and mesmerise audiences around the world with her voice. Badu replaced American Idol sweetheart Jennifer Hudson, who pulled out of the Festival after being asked by North American recording industry mogul Clive Davis to perform during a special tribute the Grammy’s will be dedicating to him. "We’re disappointed that Jennifer cannot perform at the Festival. She was asked by Clive Davis to give a special performance during the tribute that the Grammy’s will be staging in his honour, and were she to perform here at the Festival, she wouldn’t be able to attend the rehearsals and get the preparatory work completed in time for that special performance,” said Walter Elmore, the executive producer of the JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival. Meanwhile, Elmore — who also heads TurnKey Productions— said that the addition of Erykah Badu to the Festival is “more than what anyone could have asked for". "When we heard Jennifer would be unavailable, we were wondering who could we get that could WOW everyone and just take the Festival to a whole new level. Erykha Badu is a great singer, a great performer, and she will bring her flair and style to the Festival, and this is her second time performing in Jamaica," Elmore remarked when asked why Erykah Badu was chosen. Erykah Badu’s repertoire of music includes five albums, and a sixth expected to be released in 2010. The 2010 staging of the JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival will be a seven-day long celebration of The Art of Music that will see Montego Bay engulfed in the awesome sights and sounds of the TurnKey Productions event from January 24-30. The signature performance nights will take place from January 28 - 30 at The Greenfield, in Trelawny, which is 12 miles and 12 minutes away from Rose Hall. Having seen performances from the likes of Alicia Keyes, Kenny Rogers, and many more, the Festival stage will this year welcome Gladys Knight Joss Stone, Erykah Badu, John Staccado, Deboroah Cox, Kelly Price, Tamia, and timeless reggae crooner Billy Ocean returns as well as reggae band Third World. Babyface to jazz at the Greenfield There’s no disputing that The Greenfield in Trelawny will be alive with the energy and vibe that the JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival is known for, especially now that TurnKey Productions, producers of the Festival, has confirmed that the one and only singing, songwriting, and producing megastar Babyface will appear on the Festival stage. Babyface, whose real name is Kenneth Edmonds, is set to perform on Thursday night along with The Whispers, Joss Stone, Monty Alexander, and Joe Roy Jackson. He comes to the stage with an extensive catalogue of music, stockpiled over the compilation of all nine of his critically-acclaimed studio albums. Babyface has also released three compilation albums, a remix album, and a live performance album, claimed three back-to-back Grammy awards for Producer of the Year from 1995-1997. Indeed, Babyface’s production panache is legendary in contemporary music. Added to his equally celebrated writing know-how, Babyface has given hit tunes and albums to an extraordinary cadre of pop culture icons, including Michael Jackson, Toni Braxton, Whitney Houston, TLC, Boyz II Men, Beyoncé, Diana Ross, Aretha Franklyn, Céline Dion, Janet Jackson and many more. He also co-founded the successful LaFace Records, which brought Toni Braxton and TLC to megastardom. Executive producer of the JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival, Walter Elmore, explains that “TurnKey Productions is very happy the Babyface is confirmed for the Festival. We look forward to welcoming him to Jamaica and to the JAMAICA Jazz and Blues stage.” Elmore, who also heads TurnKey Productions, said “The Greenfield Stadium is going to be alive with the biggest staging of the Festival ever”. The 2010 staging of the JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival will be a seven-day long celebration of The Art of Music that will see Jamaica engulfed in the awesome sights and sounds of the TurnKey Productions event from January 24-30. The signature performance nights will take place from January 28 - 30 at The Greenfield Stadium, Trelawny, which is 12 minutes away from Rose Hall. Having seen performances from the likes of Alicia Keys, Kenny Rogers, and many more, the Festival stage will this year welcome Gladys Knight, Joss Stone, Erykah Badu, John Secada, Deborah Cox, Kelly Price, Tamia, Machel Montano HD, Hall & Oates, The Whispers, reggae crooner Billy Ocean, as well as reggae band Third World. Source: HEADLINE ENTERTAINMENT _________________________________________ Jamaica Jazz & Blues Montego Bay, Jamaica: The line up of the 14th staging of the JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival has been expanded to include the multi-platinum singers Babyface and Erykah Badu. The now weeklong Festival takes place at multiple venues island wide starting on Sunday, January 24 and culminating at the Greenfield Stadium, Trelawny between January 28 – 30. Babyface charted success with his second solo album, Tender Love in 1986. The multi-platinum release featured four top singles including It’s No Crime and Whip Appeal. His successful follow up studio album, Closer Look earned him a Grammy win on the merits of hit singles For The Cool In You and When Will I See You Again. His career behind the microphone has been equally impressive, writing and producing for almost every major R&B star of the last three decades and producing Hollywood films. Often compared to Billie Holiday, Eryka Badu was an instant hit with her debut album, Baduizm. The original release and the subsequent live album spawned the hits On and On and Tyrone. Her consistent recordings led to two more albums and an EP each with her own signature style. Highly regarded as an intense performer, Eryka tours extensively in support of her music. The addition of two top tier acts was precipitated by the fact that Jennifer Hudson was forced to cancel her confirmed appearance at the Festival to accept an invitation from senior music executive Clive Davis to perform at the Grammy Awards. “The date for the Grammy Awards had to be moved up, due to the Winter Olympics,” explained Festival Executive Producer Walter Elmore. “Changes in schedules are sometimes unavoidable, but they are also opportunities”. In a statement, her representatives indicated that, “Jennifer is very much looking forward to performing at next year’s festival as she is unable to perform for the 2010 event due to scheduling conflict.” The 2010 staging of the JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival will be a seven-day long celebration of The Art of Music that will see Montego Bay engulfed in the awesome sights and sounds of the TurnKey Productions event from January 24-30. The signature performance nights will take place from January 28 - 30 on the picturesque grounds of the Greenfield Stadium, Trelawny. Having seen performances from the likes of Alicia Keyes, Kenny Rogers, and many more, this year the Queen of Soul Gladys Knight, British singer Joss Stone, Jon Secada, Debra Cox, Kelly Price, Tamia, timeless reggae crooner Billy Ocean, Soca King Machel Montano HD as well as reggae band Third World will be gracing the stage to deliver epic performances for the upcoming Festival. _______________________________________ SICK DONKEY RECORDS PRESENTS THE WORLD CONSCIOUSNESS UNIFCICATION PROJECT VOL.1 STANDING FIRM RIDDIM Okanogan County, Washington based record label, Sick Donkey Records proudly announces the release of its various artists CD compilation, the Standing Firm Riddim, The compilation features the Sick Donkey Records stable artists, Jahson Ites, Huckleberry, and Essential I and a full array of top global Reggae artists. Pulling together the best Reggae artists from the Pacific Northwest (Adrian Xavier), Humboldt County, California (Ishi Dube, Jah Sun), SF Bay Area (Wisdom), Brooklyn, NY (Rocker T), Idaho (Oren B Scripture), and the four corners of the Earth: Lutan Fyah, Chezidek, Half Pint, Prezident Brown (Jamaica), Haji Mike (Cyprus), Ras Attitude (U.S. Virgin Islands), Ms Triniti (Trinidad), Promoe (Sweden), Elaine Shepherd (Canada), and Ras Indio (Belize), was a natural for the CD project in the spirit of the label co-owner BlueJay (aka DJ Sticky) “World C.U.P.” vision for unity through conscious Reggae music. ” CD Track Listing: 1. Promoe - Migration 2. Jahson Ites - Standing Firm 3. Lutan Fyah - Watch Over Me 4. Elaine LilBit Shepherd - Judge Not 5. Rocker T - Harvest Time 6. Chezidek - Music Is Love 7. Essential I - More Strength, More Life 8. Adrian Xavier - High Grade Strain 9. Ras Attitude - Fret Not Thyself 10.Wisdom - Bubblin’ 11. Huckleberry - Chant Up Jah 12. Prezident Brown – Lionheart 13. Fyah Cracka Sounds (Jahson Ites, Essential I & Huckleberry) - Fire Burn 14. Ras Indio - Burn Them Out 15. Oren B. Scripture - Mr. Evil 16. Ms. Triniti - Dappa Swagger 17. Jah Sun/NorrisMan - All For Myself 18. Half Pint / Ishi Dube - Show It 19. Haji Mike - Babylon Time Sick Donkey Records On Myspace.Com _______________________________________ Mishka Celebrates the Holidays with iTunes Best New Artist Award and Talks with Marsha Hunt _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ MASTER ONE PRODUCTIONS 14-TRACK FIRST BORN RIDDIM COMPILATION FEATURING REGGAE’S TOP-SELLING ARTISTS NOW AVAILABLE ON I-TUNES AND LEADING DIGITAL SERVICES WORLDWIDE MIAMI, FLORIDA / KINGSTON, JAMAICA: Master One Productions debuts its first class Reggae recordings with its First Born Riddim compilation release available now on I-Tunes and all leading digital services worldwide through IDCDigital/IODA. The CD release will follow in January 2010 and be available through Independent Distribution Collective, Ernie B’s Reggae, and VP Records and more. The First Born Riddim features top-selling Reggae artists such as Sizzla - 'I'm Free,' Luciano - 'Back in Love,' Chrisinti - 'Overstand,' Bascom X - 'Love You,' Turbulence - 'Waiting For,' Hawkeye - 'Mr. Wassy,' Alozade - 'Squeeze Off,' Bescenta – Cell,' Kashwayne - 'The Mood,' Elephant Man - 'Make It' among others is definitely going places. Among the leading songs on the riddim include Richie Spice - 'Trouble In The World, Capleton - 'Recognize,' and 'Elephant Man's 'Make It' giving his fans a different side of the artist with an inspirational song unlike El's usual tracks. Created by Fire House Crew on the very up-tempo and upbeat 'one drop' riddim along with the talents of drummer Bongo Herman and Pam Hall who enhances what was already a top class production with her beautiful harmonies. Tracks off this red-hot compilation are heating up at Reggae radio and charts around the US and world with the help of the likes of DJ Kenny in Jamaica and Jamusa in Florida among many others. First Born Riddim Track Listing: 1. Elephant Man - Make It 2. Richie Spice - Trouble In The World 3. Alozade - Squeeze Off 4. Hawkeye - Mr. Wassy 5. Sizzla - I'm Free 6. Turbulence - Waiting For 7. Chrisinti - Overstand 8. Bascom X & Natasha Stream - Love You 9. Luciano - Back In Love 10. Bescenta - Cell 11. Kashwayne - Vybz 12. Capleton - Recognized 13. First Born Riddim Version 14. First Born Riddim Megamix - DJ Kenny First Born Riddim Track Listing: MASTER ONE PRODUCTIONS The Miami, FL / Kingston, Jamaica based record label founded and owned by Jyorken Kennedy has been involved in Reggae music production for nearly a decade. The label has steadily built itself over the years with an emphasis on quality productions with the artists it works closely with. Master One will be working full-time in the studio in 2010 to bring a number top rate releases in the new year. Master One Productions On Myspace _______________________________________ E-DEE AND MISS TRINITI AT JAMAICAN GOLD _______________________________________ On Febuary 9, 2010 VP Records Presents The Return of Sanchez with his Newest Album Now and Forever Now and Forever features 15 new Sanchez tracks, produced by Donovan Germain of Penthouse Recordings. This is by far Sanchez's best work to date. Along with delivering the sound that he is known for, the majority of this album contains original songs from Sanchez. The first single from Now and Forever is "Longing To Come Home" on the Protect & Serve riddim, it is currently climbing the US world & reggae charts. "Won’t Surrender" touches on the controversial subject matter of infidelity and what an untrusting companion goes through in this situation. On the song "What Do I Have To Say," Sanchez is trying to capture the attention of a woman that he is attracted to. "Release the Property" is about the elusive quality that the one you’re pursuing possesses. Sanchez goes on to explain the elements that draws him to a woman. The songs "Who Am I Without You," "Extraordinary" and the title track 'Now and Forever' displays the loving and sensitivity that proves why Sanchez is one of the most beloved Lovers Rock Singers in Reggae Music. NOW AND FOREVER is classic Sanchez. Born Kevin Anthony Jackson, Sanchez grew up in the Stony Hill and Waterhouse sections of Kingston, Jamaica. Like many of the island's vocal legends, his first singing experience was in church; specifically St. Catherine parish's Rehobth Epostlic Church. Sanchez is a Reggae legend and is known for remaking various hit songs. His gift for crooning romantic lyrics over hard edged dancehall riddims has earned him numerous hits throughout his career. Spanning over two decades, 15 plus albums and legions fans; the veteran recording artist and consummate performer is back. SANCHEZ MYSPACE PAGE _______________________________________ On February 16, 2010 Greensleeves Records Releases Alborosie's new album escape from Babylon to the kingdom of zion Alborosie is known for his conscious lyrics and sometimes controversial subject matter. His new album will continue on that vein. Alborosie’s music is heavily influenced by his Rastafarian beliefs. Hailing from Sicily Italy, he moved to Jamaica to get closer to the Rastafarian culture and the roots of Reggae music. He has been given the stamp of approval by Reggae Legends Sly and Robbie and Freddie McGregor to name a few. escape from Babylon to the kingdom of zion features 18 tracks filled with the passion and beliefs that Alborosie lives by. His first single "Stepping Out" features David Hinds from the famed reggae band Steel Pulse. They are informing everyone that the Rasta Man is stepping out and coming to the world. The track "Money" opens up with the statement of Debt over life and Money over people, the song goes on to describe how Money is the root of all evil. Included on the 2009 One-Drop Anthems album, the successful track "Humbleness" speaks to those that are blinded by the power they possess and treats his fellow man as if they were something less. The smooth rhythm of "One Sound" and warm vocals of Gramps Morgan from Morgan Heritage, makes this feel good track a must listen. Changing gears on an updated version of the classic trailer load of girls riddim from Shabba Ranks is "Blue Movie Boo", Alborosie gives us a peek into his erotic side. Alborosie continues to let us know who he is and what he’s about on the roots rhythm track "I Rusalem". From exposing the situations of the oppressed on "Dung A Babylon", to uplifting women on "Good Woman," and telling the youth to know their roots on “Promise Land” Alborosie stays true to his sound and his faith on the album escape from Babylon to the kingdom of zion. His vocal style blends classic and contemporary influences to form a unique and credible sound. His respect for reggae's heritage is apparent from first listen. Combining tracks from his previous two albums with 5 newly recorded songs, this album serves as an introduction and presents his biggest hits to date. _______________________________________ Mishka Celebrates the Holidays With iTunes Best New Artist Award Soulful singer-songwriter receives double recognition from the digital music leader, Returns to studio with label founder Matthew McConaughey for 2010 follow-up Photo: Doug Seymour © 2008 LOS ANGELES, CA – j.k. livin artist Mishka has just been named Best New Artist in the Singer/Songwriter category by iTunes. His 2009 debut, Above the Bones, has also received recognition by the digital music leader in the Top 20 Reggae Album category. The awards come as Mishka is about to step back into the studio with super producer Butch Walker, and label owner and Hollywood icon Matthew McConaughey, for an early 2010 follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2009 release. Above the Bones debuted at #1 on the Billboard Reggae Charts last February and was followed by an exhaustive world tour. Mishka then provided the soundtrack for summer with two features of his soulful island melodies: a music video for the title track, featuring the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk, that premiered across the Yahoo! Entertainment network in June, and a selection by Starbucks Entertainment and iTunes for their music discovery program, "Pick of the Week," that was available at Starbucks locations nationwide the week of July 14th. Mishka is an authentic musician in an underrepresented genre with an incredible story—from growing up on a boat in Bermuda to having one of film’s most iconic figures, Matthew McConaughey, start his own record label exclusively for his music. McConaughey first became familiar with Mishka on New Years Eve of 2000 after he had been up for three straight days and was still unable to sleep. When Mishka’s music came on downstairs that night, McConaughey admits he "slept like a baby for 5 straight hours" and was immediately hooked to Mishka's comfort-inducing, soulful melodies. McConaughey became a man on a mission, determined to track down the artist behind the "soundtrack of his life," and searched for Mishka for almost five years before finally catching him at the House of Blues in Los Angeles. McConaughey made a quick phone call to his lawyer and officially created the j.k. livin record label to release Mishka’s music to the masses. More information on Mishka is available at: http://www.mishka.com _______________________________________ JULIAN MARLEY FEATURING STEPHEN MARLEY AT THE HOUSE OF BLUES LOS ANGELES Photos(c)Marsha Hunt 2009 See Photos and Review-click here _______________________________________ DREAD AND ALIVE, A GRAPHIC NOVEL SERIES PUBLISHED IN THE INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER, THE REGGAE E-GUIDE, RECEIVES RAVE REVIEWS WITH FIRST EPISODE RBA Publishing is pleased to announce the first installment of Nicholas Da Silva’s graphic novel series: Dread and Alive, featuring Drew McIntosh, Jamaican Super Hero. One episode will appear each week in the Reggae e-Guide, the weekly electronic newsletter published by Reggae Festival Guide magazine, the world’s oldest and largest reggae magazine. The Reggae e-Guide is sent out each Friday morning and enjoyed by 25,000 reggae fans around the world. The episodes are accompanied by amazing original artwork that can be viewed at http://www.dreadandalive.com The first episode appeared in the e-Guide on November 20 and caught the attention of Jamaican Gleaner reggae aficionado, Howard Campbell as well as various reggae journalists and DJ's around the globe. THE STORY Andrew "Drew" McIntosh is an anthropologist and adventurer. Born in Kingston, Jamaica and raised in the Cockpit Country, he is a descendant of the Jamaican Maroons. Drew possesses a sacred amulet with untold power. Given to him by Cudjoe, the wise and benevolent village chief of the Maroons. Drew has sworn an oath to guard and protect the amulet from his nemesis, the nefarious ShadowCatcher, a powerful Obeahman mastered in the dark arts of Obeah who just happens to be Cudjoe's brother. Drew and his girlfriend, Zoologist, Brandy Savage, traverse the planet working to protect the rights of all living things - humans, animals, and the Earth, from the evils of the world. THE AUTHOR Author Nicholas Da Silva was born in 1966 to Philip & Aparecida Taylor. Spending his early years in Brasil with his first language being Portuguese, Nicholas attributes his ambition and drive in writing a multicultural story to his own multicultural upbringing. His father, who was African-American with mixed Indian and Dutch heritage, introduced him to the world and travel through his job with the Corps of Engineers; his mother, a native of Sao Paulo, Brasil. In his early teens, Nicholas was an avid reader of science fiction books. He soon became disappointed in the lack of positive multicultural superheroes and fictional characters in American literature. Coming from a diverse background, he made a promise to change all that by mixing cultural fact with fiction. The result was the publication of DREAD & ALIVE®. In the Beginning in 1997. This original short-story series featured an immigrant hero from Jamaica and effectively utilized folklore and folk symbols while promoting pride in Jamaican culture. Overwhelmed by the positive response, he followed up the successful pilot edition with the sequel, a full-length novel entitled DREAD & ALIVE®: Night of the Animals. Today, Nicholas operates ZOOLOOK, his design studio/new media agency where he develops entertainment properties that promote a multicultural experience. Nicholas Da Silva also volunteers his time by visitings schools to speak with kids. He feels that by sharing his knowledge and experiences, he can inspire the next generation of adults to have a positive outlook on life. When he's not in the studio, you can find Nicholas Da Silva, an avid snowboarder, traveling around the world, looking for the perfect snow. He also enjoys sampling cuisine from around the world and traveling abroad. http://www.dreadandalive.com ABOUT RBA PUBLISHING RBA Publishing Inc, is entering its 16th year with the world's foremost reggae publications. Launched in the summer of 2009 was the newest addition to RBA’s media platforms: the new iPhone application called Reggae Guide. It is the world’s first reggae-specific application. Dread and Alive will also appear on the iphone app each week in the news section. Reggae Guide for iPhone currently reaches 11,000 subscribers. _______________________________________ _______________________________________ I LOVE YOU TOO - NEW VIDEO BY ZIGGY MARLEY _______________________________________ URGEnt help for Nine Mile, St. Ann URGE (Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment) the charitable organization funded by Ziggy Marley sponsored on Friday, October 23, 2009 a health fair at the Cedella Booker Basic School, in Nine Mile, St. Ann. Dr. Mayssa Sultan, acupuncturist and an Advocacy Program Manager for the American Pain Foundation and Dr Walter Coppernath from the Kaiser Sunset Family Practice Residency Programme in California headed a team of dentist, nurses and doctors. They along with Jamaican Dr. Carlton Fraser administered free medical care to members of the community. The team was assisted by Tuff Gong International employees Additionally the mobile mammogram unit of the Jamaica Cancer Society provided service, so did a team of optometrists who screened and distributed adult reading glasses. Other sponsors included the BM Nine Mile Tours Limited as well as the Nine Mile Charitable Foundation. _______________________________________ Marley for Education KINGSTON, JAMAICA – As the 2009-2010 school year kicks into full gear, the Bob Marley Foundation continues to support the educational needs of inner city and rural youths. ‘Marley for Education,’ the educational project funded by the Bob Marley Foundation has spent over One Million Jamaican Dollars (JM$1,000,000) for the 2009 back-to-school season. The money paid out include grants for selected graduates of the Stepney Primary and Junior High School, in Saint Ann, who are now attending various high schools in the parish, including Ferncourt High School, Aabuthnott Gallimore High School, York Castle High School and Marcus Garvey Technical High School. In addition, full and partial scholarships have been awarded to other students from inner city communities in Kingston as the Foundation has assisted with their tuition fees, auxiliary fees, books and uniforms. In his childhood, the Hon. Robert Nesta Marley, O.M. attended Stepney Primary and Junior High which is located on the outskirts of his hometown, Nine Mile, Saint Ann. The Foundation also provided Matthew 25:40, a home for children with HIV, with educational supplies. The children who live at Mathew 25:40 attend various traditional and non-traditional schools in the corporate area and are in need of assistance to ensure their attendance at school. The Glenhope Place of Safety, a center that provides care and protection for girls, also benefited from The Foundation’s philanthropy as a creative expression day was held there on September 4, 2009. The girls participated in drama, singing and poetry after receiving creative arts training provided by the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. Spirits were high as the young ladies displayed their newfound talents and showed their appreciation for the coaching they received during the summer. The Bob Marley Foundation’s main mandate is to keep the name, image and legacy of the Hon. Robert Nesta Marley, O.M. alive and to continue the caring, loving and giving spirit of this great Jamaican Reggae music legend. _______________________________________ Fi Wi Sinting celebrating Jamaica's African Heritage The 20th anniversary of Fi Wi Sinting a celebration of Jamaica’s African Heritage will be held on Sunday February 14, 2010 at the beautiful Somerset Falls, Hope Bay Portland. Of course we would love for you to join in the celebrations, but if you are unable to, we would appreciate your spreading the word about what has become the largest African History month event in Jamaica and a real cultural feast. For more on Fi Wi Sinting please visit our website www.fiwisinting.com We can never recapture the vibes of being there but hope you enjoy a short video clip from this year’s event at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GKv5cgtW9U _______________________________________ Ambassador Spotlight Yasus Afari In addition to his role as a 2009 Ambassador, Yasus Afari is a presenter and a performer for the 2009 Parliament. He is an internationally recognized performer, poet, environmental campaigner and writer. He has traveled and performed in 39 countries mainly with Black Uhuru, one of the biggest Reggae bands in the world. Yasus' newest album, Kiss Me Neck is rooted and grounded in the very picturesque and colorful Jamaican language as well as the Rastafari Lexicon, from which it draws its inspiration. Yasus writes, "In light of this national heritage and in harmony with my Rastafarian Faith and outlook, I am eternally committed to the inity/unity of Humanity, through social justice, empowerment, human rights and dignity of all people as well as environmental health and a sustainable future. Accordingly, and upon this basis, I am happy to support the inter-Faith objectives and programs of the PWR." In his role as Ambassador, Yasus has traveled around Jamaica and the UK sharing about the 2009 Parliament's mission and vision, as well as promoting the importance of interfaith dialogue in communities of diversity. He is also working as a liaison for Jamaica's bid to host the 2014 PWR! For a taste of what Yasus will be offering at the Parliament, click here. _______________________________________ Ras Penco - Be By My Side Video _______________________________________ Baby Boy Ft. Yung L.A. - Stuntin' PRODUCED BY J SOUL Atlanta, Georgia: November 13, 2009 Born on February 12, 1988, as Herman Gibbs III, also known as Baby Boy in the streets of Atlanta, Georgia, grew up in Oakland City. Due to his mother’s drug habit and his father abandoning him at the age of 3, Gibbs along with his sister, Kecia Houston, was taken in by their grandparents, Shirley Gibbs and Herman Gibbs Sr. Since his childhood days, Gibbs has been heavily influenced by the sounds of Ginuwine, Luther Vandross, and New Edition. However, it was not until the age of 6 that his Grandmother Shirley Gibbs and Aunt Sharon Gibbs actually noticed that Herman possessed an amazing voice within him. Thanks to his grandmother and aunt, they quickly noticed the talent of Gibbs after they heard him singing on the way to a family reunion in 1994. After the death of his grandmother in early July of 1997, he went on to become the lead singer in the church choir at the church he attended at the age of 9. He loved going to church but he felt that gospel wasn't the type of music he was into. At the age of 11, he found out God had also blessed him with the ability to write music lyrics. Gibbs wrote his first song called "Can't You Tell" on his front porch, while him and some of his childhood friends, Teezie Dolla and Chop Dogg, would stand out on the corner late at night singing their songs. By 2001, they were introduced to Money Maker Records CEO Kentay. At that time the name of their group was called The Throwback Babies. They were the younger version of The Throwback Boys {Fellow Money Maker Records Artists}. Due to the problems at home and the lack of attention his talent got while with Money Maker Records, he went on to find the passion for music within himself and on his own and left in early 2002. Still on the a never ending quest to find himself musically, Baby Boy set out on his own to take the music industry by storm. For the next 4 years, Baby Boy found himself recording and paying for studio time out of his pocket all around the Atlanta area, until stumbling upon On Deck Records CEO Bingo. After finally finding a stable, yet free studio to record in, Baby Boy began to let his stardom be known by recording "I'm A G" with Universal Republics’ new artist J Futuristic. Baby Boy credits J Futuristic for the introduction to his current management group, MSV, consisting of Thomas “J Soul” Burroughs (producer/manager) and Dimitrius “Meet Meet” Stevens (manager). While working in the studio heavily, Baby Boy wrote and recorded the songs “Stuntin” and “Gettin Money”, which caught the attention of Grand Hustle’s General Manager, Hannah Kang. Kang was astounded by the sound that Baby Boy produced which elevated to a management contract with Grand Hustle. Today, with the aid of Kang, Baby Boy is now the first artist to have a joint venue with Grand Hustle and Amar’e Stoudemire’s Label Hypocalypto. Baby Boy’s journey doesn’t end here. His smash singles “Stuntin” featuring Yung LA, and “Getting Money” featuring Young Dro have now been released and within due time his first album will be released. Baby Boy On Myspace _______________________________________ E-DEE AND MS. TRINITI AT JAMAICAN GOLD All Photos (c)Marsha Hunt _______________________________________ THE CAST OF 'BASHMENT GRANNY' RETURN TO QUEENS, NY NOVEMBER 7TH WITH THE HIT PLAY " SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH AT YORK COLLEGE (9420 GUY BREWER AVENUE IN JAMAICA, NY) FEATURING AN ALL-STAR CAST INCLUDING: the immensely popular KEITH"SHEBADA" RAMSAY alongside MAXWELL "MAAMA MAN" GRANT GARFIELD "BADBOY TREVOR" REID DEON SILVERA ABIGAIL "BABALITA" GRANT STEDE "JOOKY JAM" FLASH DAINTY "ANGEL" BELLAFONTE SHEMANE WISDOM and FELISHA LORD Utilizing their successful formula of dancehall and theater, Irish and Chin is bringing the witty play "Like Father Like Son," which features the cast of "Bashment Granny," to York College in Queens on Saturday, November 7. By popular demand, IrieJam Radio's DJ Roy will lace the venue with dancehall classics prior to the play and during intermission. "Like Father Like Son" is hyper-juiced with laughter from start to finish, spiced with original music and filled with energetic performances. Because "Like Father Like Son" is a must see and funny for the whole family, Irish and Chin is bringing the play to Queens. Written and Directed by Paul O. Beale of the "Unda Mi Nose" series, "Granny Rule" and the "Maama Man" series, "Like Father Like" son has been praised as Beale's best work to date. ADVANCED TICKETS: ORCHESTRA: $50 GENERAL: $45 BALCONY: $40 FOLLOW IRISH AND CHIN ON TWITTER WWW.TWITTER.COM/IRISHANDCHIN FOR THE LATEST NEWS, UPDATES, AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR 'LIKE FATHER LIKE SON' AND OTHER IRISH AND CHIN EVENTS _______________________________________ SERANI CELEBRATES NEW ALBUM AT MOKA NYC FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2009 NEW YORK, NY (RHONA FOX, INC.) - New York City's Moka Nightclub is playing no games when it comes to hosting the official album release party for dancehall star Serani. Making it a FREE event, Moka invites everyone to come celebrate this Friday, November 6, 2009 in Queens, New York. Serani dropped his debut album No Games worldwide on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 on the Universal Republic imprint. The album has spurned two commercial hits, "No Games" and "She Loves Me," both which have made a decent showing on radio, with "No Games" becoming a Billboard mainstay. First as a producer with production outfit DASECA, Serani has been responsible for a number of crossover hits long before he made the jump himself, including Sean Paul's "We Be Burnin'" and Tony Matterhorn's "Dutty Wine." In fact, the versatile and talented entertainer claims the majority of production credits on his own album, in stores now. Moka opens its doors this summer and ever since has attracted the biggest names in Caribbean and Latin entertainment, and is the essence of chic nightlife. It's located at 130-35 91st Avenue between Atlantic and Jamaica avenues. Doors open at 9pm and dress code is in effect. Log on to www.mokanyc.com for directions and venue details. _______________________________________ Twiggi Live On Stage in Honor of Marcia Griffiths Twiggi will be among the many top acts scheduled to be a part of the celebration being held to honor the great reggae singer Marcia Griffiths, OD for her outstanding contribution to the development of Jamaican music over the past 45 years. The world renowned singer will be honored as part of her birthday celebration to be held on November 21, 2009. The venue for the show will be the Grand Ballroom Of Sunrise at West Oakland Park Blvd. in south Florida. The event dubbed "It's Electric Boggie Woogie Woogie " after one of her most major international hits will be staged by CRM Multimedia and will be hosted by Jamaican radio personality John T of Radio WAVS 1170. The name Marcia Griffiths has always been associated with excellence. Dubbed the Empress of reggae music, over the years Marcia has established herself as Ambassador of Jamaican music. Twiggi has been quoted as saying recently "I am both excited and honored to get this opportunity to help celebrate the work of such an iconic figure who paved the way for all women in reggae music today, she is an inspiration to all Jamaicans both young and old and especially to myself." Tickets for this highly anticipated event are on sale now. For more information contact the information hotline at (954) 889-4917. For up to date information visit us on MySpace at: www.myspace.com/twiggimarie or www.myspace.com/dimmiejoemuzik. _______________________________________ The GRAMMY Museum Presents Michael Jackson: A Musical Legacy Special New Exhibit Features Additional Artifacts, Video, and New Interactive Experience LOS ANGELES (Oct. 27, 2009) — Today, The GRAMMY Museum will unveil its newest special exhibit, Michael Jackson: A Musical Legacy. Residing on the Museum’s fourth floor, the exhibit serves as a follow-up to the earlier Michael Jackson: HIStyle exhibit, which opened in February 2009, and the temporary memorial display, erected just after the King of Pop’s passing. “The overwhelming response to our earlier exhibits speaks to Jackson’s unparalleled place in music history and the public’s deep connection to his music,” said Executive Director Robert Santelli. “We’re excited to share even more of Jackson’s life and legacy with his fans and we hope it serves as a fitting tribute to one of the most significant entertainers in music history.” Including Jackson’s trademark fedora and gloves, six elaborately embellished jackets, original lyrics, a Jackson 5 stage costume, and more, the exhibit will include additional artifacts never before exhibited in a museum. Across eight video monitors, visitors will also enjoy footage of Jackson’s appearances on the annual GRAMMY® Awards, as well as never-before-seen video of some of Jackson’s famous friends sharing their memories of him. Perhaps the most exciting element, the exhibit will feature a new interactive experience which will allow visitors to dance on a floor of light-up tiles, mimicking Jackson’s own moves in the “Billie Jean” music video. Michael Jackson: A Musical Legacy will remain on display through summer 2010. Santelli and The GRAMMY Museum also curated Michael Jackson: The Official Exhibition, the Arts and Exhibitions International exhibit opening at The O2 bubble in London today. The GRAMMY Museum is located at 800 West Olympic Boulevard, Suite A245, Los Angeles, CA 90015. With an entrance off of Figueroa Street, the Museum resides within the L.A. LIVE campus, at the intersection of Olympic Boulevard and Figueroa Street in downtown Los Angeles. _______________________________________ E-Dee to Release Double Single Steady in the studio, E-Dee has been voicing non-stop since he completed filming on his new movie "Out The Gate" and Unseen Lab plans to release a double single from E-Dee "Rightful Place" b/w "Who Jah Bless". The video for both songs scheduled to be shot the first week of Novemeber and will premiere on Thanksgiving. Both tunes will be available digitaly on iTunes, Amazon etc. December 8th. Both high energy tunes are prominently featured in "Out The Gate" and the video will feature official scenes from the movie. ........ Hurricane strikes, Maverick releases Oct 20th Maverick released the film "Hurricane In The Rose Garden" to DVD and rental. The romantic comedy features music from E-Dee and a score by Unseen Lab's Qmillion. Rent it today. This marks the 5th feature film from Hollywood to use E-Dee's music. ........ E-Dee Tops Ethiopian Charts with collab. Rising Ethiopian artist Samvod has sought out E-Dee for a collaboration and the result is "Embi Embi/Fi Di Gal Dem" and is topping the charts in Ethiopia while running the dancehalls. www.myspace.com/edee _______________________________________ TUFF GONG IS FOR JAMAICANS FIRST AND FOREMOST This group of students is treated to a live demonstration of a vinyl record press in action at Tuff Gong International Limited. Photographer: Roy Sweetland KINGSTON, JAMAICA - Tuff Gong International Limited, the record company founded by the Hon. Robert Nesta Marley, O.M., is welcoming all Jamaicans to experience the Making of Music. As part of the Jamaica Tourist Board Experience Jamaica campaign, discounts will be offered to all resident Jamaicans until December 15, 2009. The Making of Music tour includes a look inside the world famous Tuff Gong Recording Studio as well as the mastering, duplication and vinyl manufacturing departments. At the end of the tour, visitors get to view the carefully nurtured herbal garden and learn about a wide range of plants grown in Jamaica, including their common medicinal uses and nutritional value. Besides being fun and exciting, the tour is also educational and school groups receive a discounted rate. The tour continues to attract many persons from Japan, Africa, Europe and North America and Jamaicans as well, especially those who have come to understand and appreciate the value of Bob Marley and his vision for the local music industry. The rest of us now have a unique opportunity to see the ins and outs of the company at an affordable price. Tuff Gong is one of the few treasures left behind to carry on the mission of our beloved Legend. _______________________________________ PETER TOSH 65TH BIRTHDAY MONDAY, OCTOBER 19 TOSH FAMILY ENCOURAGES FANS TO CELEBRATE BY ACTING OUT FOR EQUAL RIGHTS Equal rights was major focus of Artist's life and work Los Angeles, CA 16 October 2009 " In honor of Reggae superstar Peter Tosh's 65th birthday on Monday, October 19th, the Tosh family is creating www.officialpetertosh.com, and encouraging Peter Tosh fans around the world to celebrate with the Tosh family by speaking up for equal rights. Tosh's efforts to bring the attention of the world to oppressed people in every corner of the earth were expressed in many of his hits such as Mama Africa, Equal Rights, Fight On, and Not Gonna Give It Up. To commemorate Peter's 65th birthday celebration, the Tosh family would like to invite fans to visit sites such as Amnesty International at http://www.amnesty.org, ONE.org http://ONE.org , The Human Rights Campaign at www.hrc.org http://www.hrc.org and other organizations that are working to achieve equal rights for all people around the world. Peter Tosh is one of the most important and influential Reggae artists of all time. He first rose to prominence as a founding member of Bob Marley and the Wailers in 1970, when the group signed to Island Records. That same year, they released the classic reggae albums Catch A Fire and Burnin. Tosh left the group in 1974, and released his debut solo record, Legalize It in 1976. During his life and prolific career, Tosh was an outspoken supporter of efforts to legalize marijuana. He also was an anti-apartheid activist and an ardent anti-nuclear activist. Peter Tosh's message is as relevant today as it was when he was alive. Yet, given the current disparity between the poor and wealthy in most of the world, the racism and hate that is sadly still thriving, and the continued proliferation of nuclear weapons, Tosh's work is not finished. Please support and honor Peter Tosh's memory by posting links on your site this Monday, October 19, to ONE.org, which works to forgive debt and develop functional economies in Africa, hrc.org which fights for equal rights for all people, and Amnesty International or a similar organization, and directing visitors to visit www.officialpetertosh.com to find out more about Reggae legend Peter Tosh, his music, and his works. _______________________________________ BUJU BANTON SHOW IS BACK ON AT THE CABANA CLUB IN HOLLYWOOD THURSDAY OCTOBER 15 RASTA GOT SOUL TOUR BUJU BANTON AND THE SHILOH BAND PLUS GRAMPS MORGAN (MORGAN HERITAGE) Photos from Buju Banton's Concert _______________________________________ URGE INVEST IN THE ENVIROMENT "Zuri Marley (center), on behalf of URGE, hands the cheque to JET Chief Executive Officer, Diana McCaulay (left). At right is Zuri's aunt, Stephanie Marley." KINGSTON, JAMAICA - Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment (URGE) recently donated funds to the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) for its SchoolsÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ Environment Programme. On September 25, 2009, a cheque was presented to the chief executive officer of JET, Diana McCaulay. The presentation took place at the Legend Cafe on the grounds of the Bob Marley Museum. Ziggy Marley's daughter, Zuri, handed over the cheque, signaling an investment in the future of her own generation. The Schools Environment Programme, now in its 13th year, is working to implement garbage management and greening activities in approximately 100 schools. Teacher training workshops are also conducted for approximately 300 schools across the island. URGE has been assisting the JET since 1996. URGE is run by Ziggy Marley who donates US$1 from each of his concert ticket sales towards the organization activities. Ziggy is the first son of the Hon. Robert Nesta Marley, O.M. _______________________________________ JULIAN MARLEY AND THE UPRISING KICKS OFF THE AWAKE TOUR JULIAN MARLEY AND THE UPRISING GOES ON A CROSS COUNTRY U.S. TOUR FEATURING BROTHER STEPHEN MARLEY WITH SPECIAL GUEST UP-AND COMING GHETTO YOUTHS ARTIST, JAVAUGHN Miami, FL Following the success of his latest full-length album Awake (Ghetto Youths IntÃ¢â‚¬â„¢l) just released in April 2009, Julian "JuJu" Marley and his band, The Uprising, hit the road for a cross-country U.S. tour starting October 8th in Jacksonville, FL. Accompanying him on stage will be Grammy-award winning musician, producer and brother, Stephen Marley. Opening act will be the young up-and-coming Ghetto Youths International reggae artist Javaughn. Labeled as one of Julian's career best, Awake is his third studio release and has already topped the number one slot for reggae downloads on iTunes. His latest single "Violence in the Streets" featuring Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, have quickly climbed the online viral charts with the music video already receiving over a million hits on such popular music sites as reggaeville.com! The Awake Tour offers highlights from his latest album as well as classic Julian Marley hits, music that spans well over his 20-year career. A sure-fire performance that will set precedence for all reggae artists to come, the audience will expect an electrifying and uplifting set of roots music that will inspire, empower and awaken the human spirit. Catch Julian Marley and The Uprising with special guest Stephen Marley in a city near you! Dates in Full (More dates to follow): 10/8/09 Jacksonville Beach, FL @ Freebird Live 10/9/09 Atlanta, GA @ The Loft at Center Stage Atlanta 10/10/09 Charlotte, NC @ Amos Southend 10/11/09 Richmond, VA @ The National 10/13/09 Towson, MD @ Recher Theatre 10/14/09 Falls Church, VA @ State Theatre Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Falls Church, VA 10/16/09 Hartford, CT @ West Indian Social Club 10/17/09 Foxborough, MA @ Showcase Live! 10/18/09 South Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Ballroom 10/19/09 New York, NY @ B.B. King Blues Club & Grill 10/21/09 Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl 10/23/09 Chicago, IL @ Wild Hare 10/24/09 Minneapolis, MN @ Cabooze 10/25/09 Madison, WI @ Barrymore Theatre 10/30/09 Boulder, CO @ Fox Theatre 10/31/09 Aspen, CO @ Belly Up Aspen 11/5/09 Seattle, WA @ Showbox at the Market 11/6/09 Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater 11/7/09 Eugene, OR @ McDonald Theatre 11/8/09 Ashland, OR @ Historic Ashland Armory 11/11/09 San Francisco, CA @ The Independent 11/10/09 Eureka, CA @ Nocturnum 11/13/09 West Hollywood, CA @ House of Blues Ã¢â‚¬â€œ West Hollywood 11/19/09 Houston, TX @ House of Blues - Houston 11/21/09 New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues Ã¢â‚¬â€œ New Orleans 11/22/09 Miami, FL @ Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts _______________________________________ Featured Album - Gramps Morgan -"2 Sides Of My Heart" From Africa to the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific too, Roy,"GRAMPS", Morgan has performed for sold out stadiums around the world with his 4 siblings, the other members of the internationally renowned reggae band, Morgan Heritage. Now after nearly three decades together, collectively solidifying fan bases in almost every continent on the planet, releasing ten albums and three DVDs, and performing for millions of people worldwide, Gramps, a burgeoning solo artist has emerged ready to take things to another level. Currently touring with India Arie and John Legend on the Evolver Tour, Gramps Morgan remains dedicated to conscious Roots Reggae & Lovers Rock while he expands his horizons to new markets. In a time when reggae music is in a state of dejection and dancehall lyrics are redundant, Gramps Morgan proves positive music can still top the charts; and he did with WASH THE TEARS, the first single from his solo debut album, 2 Sides of My Heart Vol. 1. The single earned Gramps a #1 on Canadian Reggae and Dancehall Charts for 4 consecutive weeks on CHRY 105.5 FM. "Wash The Tears", also debuted at #8 on Under Pressure, Top 20 Singles Chart in Italy, before it began charting simultaneously in Toronto, New York and South Florida peaking in the latter two cities at the #3 & 4 spots, respectively. The video also debuted at #2 on Riddim Jamaica's Weekly Top 12 Video Chart. "I want to heal people through music, at the same time, "I just want to give people new music and let people know that everything is going to be alright. I want to reason with my fans and get personal with them cause everyone has problems. My music is about healing, heart to heart." says Gramps. The single was composed, written, and produced by Gramps on his Dada Son Entertainment label, a subsidiary of the Morgan family's Gedion Music Group. Likewise, the album will be released on Dada Son and the two discs, Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 are intended to reveal Gramps as a multi-dimensional person and artiste working with people that have touched my life in music. Although most of the album is self produced, Gramps collaborates with Kurt Riley on Lonely, and reconnects with Buju Banton on "Power of Prayer" the follow up to their smash hit The 23rd Psalm, and with Kemar "Flavor" McGregor, on the second single released, One in A Million . Flava also produced Morgan Heritage #1 hit single, "Nothing To Smile About". The highly anticipated solo-debut album 2 Sides of My Heart Vol.1 will solidify Gramps Morgan as an artiste to be reckoned with on the world stage. In the meantime, as CEO of Dada Son Entertainment, a full-fledged entertainment company, Gramps plans to brand the label through multimedia ventures including independent films and the Internet. In addition to his solo musical pursuits and production, Gramps also manages the company's roster of artists. Gramps Morgan is ready to fulfill his fatherÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s prophecy that he and his Morgan Heritage siblings would one day, each trod on their own journey to achieve solo stardom. Now that 2 Sides of My Heart hit the streets world-wide on August 4th 2009, Gramps is well on his way and promises to bring a fresh sound. For more log onto www.grampsmorgan.com OR www.myspace.com/grampsmusic. _______________________________________ _______________________________________ NEW COMPILATION FEATURES MIAMI'S FINEST FIRST SINGLE "BLACK SHADES" HITS URBAN AND RHYTHMIC RADIO SOON NEW YORK, NY - E1 Music is proud to announce the release of Live From the 305, the brand new compilation from the streets of Miami presented by DJ Khaled and Poe Boy Music Group founder, E-Class. Live From the 305 will be available in stores and online on Tuesday, October 13, 2009. The compilation album features a blend of Miami's hip-hop heavy weights such as Flo Rida, Rick Ross, Pitbull, Trick Daddy, Trina, Ace Hood, and raw lyrics from upcoming artists Brisco, Ball Greezy, Mista Mac, Billy Blue and many more. "For the first time, a compilation [that] represents the whole Miami movement," states E-Class. "Live From the 305 includes up and coming underground artists, as well as mainstream artists." E-Class founded Poe Boy Music Group in 1999 and aggressively signed such talents as Flo Rida, Rick Ross, Billy Blue, Brisco, Jacki-O, Brianna, and Mista Mac. The company began building relationships with local arts and tastemakers and through its unconventional and bold marketing, it became a powerhouse. The first single, "Black Shades" features Brisco, Ball Greezy and Billy Blue, and will be on urban and rhythmic radio shortly. _______________________________________ VP Records highlights the very best of Morgan Heritage Since their 1997 VP Records debut Protect Us Jah, Morgan Heritage has shined as one of reggae's best bands. The accomplishments of the group and individual members are formidable; as songwriters, producers and a touring band. This family of talented performers has released eight studio and two live albums which has extended the audience and definition of Reggae. This finely honed modern roots identity, which has made Morgan Heritage one of Reggae's most enduringly successful acts, is showcased throughout this greatest hits CD/DVD compilation, The Journey Thus Far in stores October 27. This comprehensive disc features the group's finest recordings to date, plus two previously unreleased tracks. It also features concert footage of The Morgans performing in Senegal and Gambia plus nine of the group's most popular videos. The CD commences with the title track from Protect Us Jah a simple yet heartfelt prayer for spiritual strength sung over Bobby Digital's brilliant reworking of the Heathen rhythm, i.e., the instrumentation from the Bob Marley song by that name. From the same album, Let's Make Up demonstrates the group's flair for love songs and features Una's lead alongside her brother Gramps. Liberation is the name of the song and rhythm track taken from Morgan Heritage Family and Friends Volume One, released in 1998 on the family's HMG label. Produced by the group alongside their father Denroy, several artists voiced on the rhythm including Capleton and Jah Cure but none was more significant than the Morgan's tune, a stirring tribute to the durability of conscious reggae music. Heritage reached out to celebrated producer Bobby "Digital" Dixon for his production acumen on their international breakthrough release Don't Haffi Dread, released by VP in 1999. Don't Haffi Dread remains one of the most requested in the group's hit-filled repertoire with its easily sung, catchy refrain "you don't haffi dread to be Rasta". "It's not everyone with dreads who embraces the faith of Rastafari and it's not every Rastaman that have dreadlocks, lead singer Peetah explained. The exquisite Down By The River, taken from Heritage's fourth album More Teachings, released by VP in 2001, is an anthem of renewed spiritually sung over producer Dean Fraser's flawless remake of the 1965 What Kind of World rhythm, popularised in a hit by The Cables. The group's self produced Meskal Square, so named for the main square in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the birthplace of Christianity and the spiritual home of Rastafari, conveys the central importance of Ethiopian Emperor and Rastafarian Savior His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie as well as Christianity in their lives. Jah Seed, also produced by Morgan Heritage, is a sensitively sung allegiance to "the light and leader of all things, the glorious king, Jah Rastafari. The Morgan's returned to Bobby Digital, with whom they have created some of their most outstanding tracks, for their 2003 VP Records release Three In One. The romantic She's Still Loving Me has an irresistible country and western flavour that seamlessly dovetails with the band's roots reggae sensibilities while the contrast between Peetah's emotional tenor and Gramps soulful baritone make this one of the group's most requested tunes. A Man is Still A Man is characterised by gentle harmonies, a rocking bass heavy rhythm and a timeless message that is expressed with renewed vigour. Also from Three In One is the group,s remix of their dance-reggae hit Jump Around, a tribute to reggae that evokes Bob Marley's 1979 disco hit Could you Be Loved as laminated with a 21st century punk edge. Layers of crunching guitars played by Benji Madden of the punk group Good Charlotte are punctuated by Mr. Mojo's vivaciously rapped verse, which typifies the multi-genre inspirations that colour the Morgans brand of contemporary roots music. Among those influences is punk rock, which they were heavily exposed to as one of the featured acts on the punk leaning Vans Warped Tour in 2002 and 2003. Two of the biggest reggae hits of 2004/2005 were produced on enormously popular one-drop rhythms by Donovan Don Corleon Bennett and included on Heritage's 2005 VP Records release Full Circle. Peetah earned cheers from women everywhere as he rebuffed the advances of Your Best Friend on the Drop Leaf rhythm while Tell Me How Come? on the Seasons rhythm forcefully decries the injustices that abound in Jamaica from the continual fight against Rastafari, to the discrepancy in education offered to rich and poor children, to the preponderance of guns in ghetto areas although none are made there, all of which is embodied in the songÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s affecting chant: "Life is so unfair, this is what we swear. Gramp robust lead drives Coming Home produced by Robert Livingston for Big Yard Productions, one of several songs the group has written about the loneliness that accompanies life on the road, something they are quite familiar with as one of reggae's busiest touring acts. From the group's 10th Album Mission in Progress released by VP in 2008, Brooklyn and Jamaica produced by Shane Brown, draws gritty parallels between reggae's birthplace and the borough of kings, home to the largest population of Jamaicans off of the island. Nothing to Smile About produced by Kemar "DJ Flava McGregor, presents a heart wrenching look at the incongruity between the opulent resorts of tourist Jamaica versus the impoverished conditions endured by the majority of its citizens, underscored by Peetah's poignant delivery. The sensual Love You Right produced by Everton Hardware (better known as Singing Melody) and Michael Steer demonstrates the groupÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s romantic side, an aspect of their identity much appreciated by their numerous female fans. Two previously unreleased Morgan Heritage tracks appear exclusively on The Journey Thus Far, namely Here To Stay, produced by Kurt Riley, is a one-drop reggae love song, that pledges a lifetime of devotion, despite the problems inherent to any relationship. Guards Up produced by Frenchie (of the UK's Maximum Sound) offers a forceful commentary on increasing violence in Jamaica and updates the traditional Flower Drum Song rhythm, in a further realization of the group's Rockaz sound. The Journey Thus Far demonstrates Morgan Heritage's collective building process and their extraordinary evolution from a precociously talented teen aggregation into one of contemporary Reggae's most powerful sonic and lyrical forces. Throughout their profound journey, Morgan Heritage has pioneered Jamaican music's popularity in such far flung locales as the Seychelles Islands in the Indian Ocean to the rural Northern U.S., where many residents had never even heard the word reggae prior to their appearances there and theyÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ve made roots reggae relevant to a generation of fans who weren't yet born when Jamaican icons such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Dennis Brown were touring the world. Tracklisting 1. Protect Us Jah 2. Let's Make Up 3. DonÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t Haffi Dread 4. Reggae Bring Back Love Bonus DVD Footage 5. New Time, New Sign Africa Is Calling 6. Liberation Nine (9) Music Videos 7. Down By The River 8. Jah Seed 9. Meskal Square 10. She's Still Loving Me 11. A Man Is Still A Man 12. Jump Around (Remix) 13. Tell Me How Come 14. I'm Coming Home 15. Your Best Friend featuring LMS 16. Brooklyn & Jamaica 17. Love You Right 18. Nothing To Smile About 19. Here To Stay* 20. Guards Up* *Newly released bonus tracks Source: VP Records. _______________________________________ BRAND NEW ***PITBULL FEAT. AKON*** SHUT IT DOWN‏ RHONA FOX,INC. _______________________________________ NEW MUSIC FROM VP RECORDS Human Nature By Tarrus Riley from the Album CONTAGIOUS (In Stores Now) You Are Not Alone By Duane Stephenson from the Album JACKSON LOVERS (10.06.2009) _______________________________________ _______________________________________ 1st Annual Leimert Park Village African Art & Music Festival - Los Angeles Sunday Sept. 6 All Photos(c)Marsha Hunt/ReggaeMusicReviews.Com La Dee Dred - Young Girl with La Dee Dred band La Dee Dred meets a fan - La Dee Dred band member Enjoying early music experience David delivering his poems The Dancers were great Dancers Group photo - Young boy enjoying the vibes Doo Wop Group _______________________________________ KISS MI NECK Ã¢â‚¬â€œ YASUS AFARI AT THE PARLIAMENT OF THE WORLDÃ¢â‚¬â„¢S RELIGIONS YASUS AFARI NOMINATED AMBASSADOR FOR THE PARLIAMENT OF WORLDÃ¢â‚¬â„¢S RELIGIONS Internationally acclaimed Author, Poet and Artiste Yasus Afari has been offered the prestigious role of Ambassador to the 116 year old Council for The Parliament of the WorldÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Religions. Consequently, Yasus has been nominated to The Parliament of the WorldÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Religions 2009 Ambassador Program. The Parliament of the WorldÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Religions brings together the worldÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s religious and spiritual communities, their leaders and their followers to a gathering where peace, diversity and sustainability are discussed and explored in the context of interreligious understanding and cooperation. This event is graced with the presence of prominent and significant world religious leaders, the likes of the Dalai Lama and many others from 74 countries worldwide. This yearÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s event will be hosted in Melbourne Australia December 3rd to 9th. SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTERFAITH MOVEMENT On the basis of his significant contribution to the interfaith movement, Yasus has been singled out on account of his hectic world tours and his visionary activities in the interest of the interfaith movement especially since 2007. Interestingly, The Ministry of Culture recently dubbed Yasus Afari JamaicaÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Cultural Ambassador. Earlier this year, Yasus was similarly dubbed when in January 2009 he appeared at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs International Diplomatic Conference held at the Courtleigh Auditorium in Kingston Jamaica. ROLE OF THE PARLIAMENT OF THE WORLDÃ¢â‚¬â„¢S RELIGIONS AMBASSADOR If Yasus accepts this highly esteemed role, he will then represent the World Parliament of The WorldÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Religions in Jamaica, the Caribbean and the rest of the world. His duties will include sensitising Governments, Faiths and Religious groups, CARICOM and the general Caribbean communities about the World Parliament and the interfaith movement. Very significantly, he will represent the interest and position, concepts and world views of Rastafarians. In this connection, YasusÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ main lecture presentation at the Parliament is entitled Ã¢â‚¬Å“Rastafari, The Livity of SpiritualityÃ¢â‚¬Â. Consistent with the role of Ambassador, he will be given special parliamentary privileges and responsibilities relating to Rastafari, Jamaica and the Caribbean. REGGAE PERFORMANCES Yasus will also be doing several performances at the event and the Sacred Music Festival as part of the Parliament of the WorldÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s ReligionsÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ three days activities. HISTORIC AND UNPRESIDENTED EVENT FOR JAMAICA, THE CARIBBEAN AND RASTAFARI This unprecedented development represents a great precedent for Jamaica, the Caribbean and the general Rastafarian community as no Jamaican or Rastafarian has been represented at this level at the Parliament of The WorldÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Religions in the 116 year history of the organisation. Consistent with his pace setting role, Yasus has been in consultation with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture; Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade as well as Tourism. In addition to this he will be deepening consultations with the Global Rastafarian communities. _______________________________________ Imperial Blaze Is Sean Paul's Best International Debut Album to Date It's official. With almost a quarter-million records already sold outside of the United States, Sean Paul's fourth studio album, Imperial Blaze, is the dancehall superstar's biggest international debut to date. Imperial Blaze has so far found it's way in 236,000 CD players, with record breaking sales in the reggae-dancehall hungry country of Japan, being RIAA certified gold in France, and top ten releases in Switzerland, Canada, and even as far as the United Arab Emirates. Sean Paul expressed delight regarding the progress of the album on the international stage. "It's a good feeling and I'm happy - very happy that people like the music, and that they've been going out and getting the album," he said. The Grammy-winning, platinum selling superstar has been on the road promoting his first album in four years. The work has been paying off, as Imperial Blaze has been setting charts on fire since its August release, and he's particularly proud of the success of the album in Japan. "Number 1 in Japan is a big achievement for me. I'm especially proud of that, because outside of Jamaica, Japanese people are really the biggest consumers of dancehall music," he said. Imperial Blaze is also leaving a fiery path on European charts and turning up the heat on radio stations and in clubs. Apart from being certified gold in France Imperial Blaze debuted at #8 in that country, #7 in the United Arab Emirates, #5 in Canada, #4 in Switzerland, #15 in Belgium, #17 in Austria, and #17 in Germany. It was also the first ever Jamaican album to debut atop the Billboard Rap Charts. The wholly Jamaican produced project debuted atop the Billboard Reggae Charts, #3 on the Hip Hop/R&B Album charts, #12 on the Billboard 200, #9 on the Digital Albums, and #20 on the European Albums chart. Sean Paul will be touring the world to support the album with his next stop being in Nigeria next week. Source: Headline Entertainment _______________________________________ Tanto Metro & Devonte Texas Come Alive! Dallas will be experiencing the high energy performance of Tanto Metro & Devonte; the duo who are celebrating their 10th year anniversary in the business, will be performing at The Caribbean Grill, 3068 Forest Lane on October 3rd 2009. The show dubbed "The Caribbean Classic" is brought to you by Smiley Girl Entertainment and is sponsored by Hiro Energy Drink, The Caribbean Grill and Mcstravel.com. Get your tickets now at Elaine's Kitchen, 2711 MLK Blvd and at The Caribbean Grill. The doors open at 10pm. So come out and rock to the smooth melodic sounds of the dynamic duo of dancehall. _______________________________________ Yasus Afari KISS MI NECK Review by Jack Tafari Well KISS MI NECK, Yasus Afari has done it again! The artwork on the cover of KISS MI NECK wraps in brown postal paper a gift sent from Jamaica to HUMANITY and PLANET EARTH that may be one of if not the best covers in the history of Jamaican music. It is poised to become a collectorÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s item and may conceivably make the whole set be seen as both a work of art as well as a musical masterpiece, a matter of course for the mystery that is the future and history to decide. Unwrapped the gift within absolutely lives up to the artwork and promise of its packaging. From the subtlety of the Patwah of a title that plays on neck kissing of the Afromantic kind and surprise, for which the expression is commonly used, to the music in the poetry of the voices it relies on in place of more traditional instruments, KISS MI NECK is an album the likes of which has never been done before. KISS MI NECK will surprise and delight. This 22 track set spans from the time of the dancehall baptism and before and right up until now. Each poem is creatively arranged and produced, the whole package loaded with melodies and harmonies that will leave listeners wondering if they are hearing instruments that are not there. It lets listeners see why KISS MI NECK was creating such waves in the studio during production that it had people reportedly camping out at Tuff Gong Studio there on Marcus Garvey Drive just to hear some of the tracks they had been hearing about, especially KISS MI NECK, BLOUSE & SKIRT, KOMPLEX, PICK POCKET, and THE GIRL I LOVE. Hear this and you will know why some of the engineers who worked on the project were saying KISS MI NECK Ã¢â‚¬Å“is a blouse and skirt album and KOMPLEX a bring it to dem hardcore, inna dem face, babylon sick to the treatment.Ã¢â‚¬Â When KISS MI NECK was launched in August in Kingston, JA, a new precedent was set in Jamaica and the world of music. This groundbreaking release has already gone into orbit around the Caribbean. It is also available here in the UK online at http://learninglinksinternational.com. YASUS AFARI Source: www.yasusafari.biz _______________________________________ RICHIE SPICE AT THE DUB CLUB - LOS ANGELES Richie Spice Special Guess - Spanner Banner The Richie Spice show was great and the Dub Club was packed. When Richie hit the stage fans sang along with him, when he finished his set..the crowd called him back for more. There were lots of big smiles from Richie. Spanner Banner opened the show and heated the stage. I would like to see more performances from both artist. It was a great night..artist in attendance were E-Dee, Eljai and Gramps Morgan. -Marsha Hunt _______________________________________ Thanks To All Our Fans For The Support Thanks and much love to all the fans who came out in support of Tanto Metro and Devonte in Florida and Virgina this past week. The Duo had an amazing reception from the fans over this Labour Day Holiday. The Belizian fans came out in numbers to support the dyanmic duo at the Jerk Hut in Tampa. The next day it was off to Orlando where they rocked the Voyage Night Club with a natural vibe of smooth reggae and dancehall tracks for all their fans. Sunday night The duo performed to a crowd of eager and excited fans at the Canal Club in Richmond Virgina. They had the crowd moving all night and singing along with songs such as "Good and Bad Times" "News for you" and their new club hit "Bruk Out". _______________________________________ HOT NEW MUSIC DJ KURUPT PRESENTS LAZA Check it out at: Myspace.com/lazamusic Myspace.com/djkurupt _______________________________________ We send our condolences to the family and friends of Wycliffe "Steely" Johnson‏ Tanto Metro, Devonte and the entire Dimmie Joe Muzik Family would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of one of dancehall musicÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s greatest influences, Mr. Wycliffe Ã¢â‚¬ËœSteelyÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ Johnson; he was one of the pioneers of dancehall and reggae music and will be profoundly missed. The Reggae and Dancehall fraternity has truly lost an icon; Ã¢â‚¬Å“SteelyÃ¢â‚¬Â paved the way for many artistes both young and old. His contribution to the music industry is indelible; his memory shall live on forever through the music he created. It was a privilege to have shared in his legacyÃ¢â‚¬Â¦ _______________________________________ Good News Global to Present A Caribbean NightsÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ Dream at Karu & Y September 1, 2009/For immediate release- On Thursday, September 24th, Karu & Y will be transformed into an island paradise for A Caribbean NightÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Dream. The evening of Caribbean culture and entertainment is a fundraiser to benefit the WomenÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s International Film & Arts Festival. Jamaican entertainment icon Nadine Sutherland will headline the fundraiser that will also include performances from Chrisinti, Philip Michael, and deejay C-Roy the Entertainer. Popular radio personality Rich Davis of WLRNÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Sounds of the Caribbean will be the emcee for the night. A fixture on the reggae music scene since her debut as a preteen protÃƒÂ©gÃƒÂ© of the legendary Bob Marley, SutherlandÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s repertoire includes the dancehall megahits Ã¢â‚¬Å“ActionÃ¢â‚¬Â, Ã¢â‚¬Å“Anything For YouÃ¢â‚¬Â, and Ã¢â‚¬Å“Wicked & WildÃ¢â‚¬Â and loverÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s rock anthems Ã¢â‚¬Å“IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢m In LoveÃ¢â‚¬Â, Ã¢â‚¬Å“UntilÃ¢â‚¬Â, and Ã¢â‚¬Å“BabyfaceÃ¢â‚¬Â. Nadine SutherlandÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s latest album, Call My Name, features the popular singles Ã¢â‚¬Å“Big TingzÃ¢â‚¬Â, Ã¢â‚¬Å“CanÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t Tek ItÃ¢â‚¬Â (with Chrisinti) and Ã¢â‚¬Å“Keep Me SafeÃ¢â‚¬Â. Nadine was in Miami last month to record a special Spanish version of Ã¢â‚¬Å“Call My NameÃ¢â‚¬Â entitled Ã¢â‚¬Å“LlamameÃ¢â‚¬Â. In addition, she is currently a judge on DigicelÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Rising Stars, an American Idol-like talent search that has become the most popular program on Jamaican television. ChrisintiÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s way of bringing out the raw emotion of a lyric, whether romantic, spiritual, or political has garnered comparisons to iconic artists from Dennis Brown to Sam Cooke to the late great Marvin Gaye. His special brand of Caribbean Soul has thrilled crowds both internationally and at home in Jamaica. ChrisintiÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s #1 single Ã¢â‚¬Å“SheilaÃ¢â‚¬Â, from his popular cd, Ã¢â‚¬Å“AgainÃ¢â‚¬Â, is a fixture at Caribbean radio, and his duet with Sutherland spent weeks on the South Florida Reggae Charts. This will be the first time the two have worked together since the song was released, and both are looking forward to performing it live. More than just a fundraiser, A Caribbean NightÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Dream is designed to showcase the talents of the Caribbean community, both internationally and locally. The entertainment roster also features Miami-born and raised singer/songwriter Philip Michael and popular local spoken word artist Asia Davis. The event is being produced by Myshjua Archibald for Good News Global Events & Distribution, Inc. Tickets are available online at www.caribbeannightsdream.eventbrite.com . For more information please call 786 251 7202 or visit www.wiffonline.org . _______________________________________ DAN LOU Dan Lou Is Making Waves Worldwide With His Music Dan Lou's newest track "Look Pon Dah Katty Deh" on the "So Bad" riddim has taken over the number one (1) spot on Richard Banton's Radio Dubplate, Hot List Chart for the week ending August 15, 2009. The track first debuted at number ten (10) on July 11th and has since been climbing the Toronto chart to the number one (1) spot. To listen to the track visit Dan Lou's myspace page at www.myspace.com/adanlou Also Dan Lou has recently been featured on the newly released Vibes Ambassador Instant Hit's Volume 7 mixtape in Germany. To download your copy now click the following link Click here _______________________________________ East African Dancehall Act KS Alpha presents a new single "Waist Line" featuring Jamaican Dancehall Group Tanto Metro & Devonte East Africa Uganda, 12.08.2009. UgandaÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s dancehall sensation KS Alpha presents his new production with the Jamaican Dancehall Group Ã¢â‚¬Å“Tanto Metro & DevonteÃ¢â‚¬Å“. The Song was released on Aug 7th, 2009 on Hot 100 FM, Sanyu FM, KFM, East Africa Radio and Capital FM. The song is produced by Henry Kiwuwa at No End studios. The song which was released a week ago has already entered the Monitor Newspaper Scoop Top 10. Ã¢â‚¬Å“ItÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s a blessing working with one of the best in the genre of dancehall music worldwide; Tanto Metro and Devonte.Ã¢â‚¬Â KS Alpha said. To bring closer the energies of the two dancehall acts, a performance video is currently being shot in Jamaica and Uganda and will be ready by late September 2009. To listen click here _______________________________________ TOK COUPLE UP.. COUPLE UP.. EVERYONE..COUPLE UP HOT NEW CLUB BANGER FROM THE GROUP THAT BOUGHT YOU Ã¢â‚¬Å“MONEY 2 BURNÃ¢â‚¬Â _______________________________________ Get Your Copy Of The Luck Coin Riddim Today The "Lucky Coin" Riddim is now available at your favorite online music store. The riddim includes various artistes such as Tanto Metro and Devonte, Monster Twins, Bugle, Mr Easy, Chico, Zumjay just to name a few. "Lucky Coin" features tracks such as "Rising Up" by Mr Peppa, "I wish" by Red Rat, "Party Animal" by TOK and "Not Another Day" by Tanto Metro and Devonte. The riddim was produced and released by Dimmie Joe Muzik. Make sure you stop by and get your copy of this must have compilation. ........ New Single Ã¢â‚¬Å“Reaching Out To YouÃ¢â‚¬Â Heating Up The Charts The long anticipated single "Reaching Out To You" by Twiggi; is currently heating up the international charts. The single is a pre-release off the singerÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s new album scheduled to drop later this summer. The track is also featured on the Ã¢â‚¬Å“Archangel RiddimÃ¢â‚¬Â compilation under the Lion Of Judah Music Label. Visit your favorite online music store to get your copy today. The general response to the single so far has been phenomenal; the feedback from the fans guarantee that this will be a mega hit for the songstress. The track pulls from Twiggi's dancehall roots and combines her signature melodic harmonies with an inspirational message. Twiggy rose to stardom in the 90Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s when she was signed to the Penthouse Records Label; where she recorded and released such hits as Ã¢â‚¬Å“It's Too LateÃ¢â‚¬Â on the Ã¢â‚¬Å“Champion RiddimÃ¢â‚¬Â, Ã¢â‚¬Å“Where Did The Love GoÃ¢â‚¬Â on the Ã¢â‚¬Å“Far East RiddimÃ¢â‚¬Â, and Ã¢â‚¬Å“I Want Your LoveÃ¢â‚¬Â on the Ã¢â‚¬Å“Tempo RiddimÃ¢â‚¬Â. In the late 90Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s the singer decided to dedicate her career to gospel in which time she released such tracks as "He's Got The Power / Father" (1998 - Digital B), "Glory and Honour" (2000 - Shocking Vibes) and "Praises" (2002 - Penthouse Records). The artistesÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ newest release entitled "Reaching Out To You" has been getting airplay all over the world and is on heavy rotation on Florida Radio Stations. The single has been a staple on the WAVS 1170 AM Top 11 Chart and is currently holding down the number 5 position. ........ Dan Lou Releases New Track Dimmie Joe Muzik is proud to present Dan Lou's newest track entitled "Look Pon Dah Katty Deh" on the "So Bad" Riddim. The track debuted earlier this month at number ten (10), on The Beat with Richard Banton's Hot List charts and has since been going strong in Toronto. Dan Lou, the artiste who brought you songs such as "Any Gal", Style and Paton" and his most recent single "Mamma" is excited about the release of his newest track "Look Pon Dah Katty Deh". The track is an upbeat and lively tune for the ladies that showcases Dan Lou's dancehall roots and versatility. To listen to the track visit www.myspace.com/adanlou. _______________________________________ Julian Marley "AWAKE" AND ZIGGY MARLEY "FAMILY TIME" MARLEY SONS RELEASE NEW SOLO ALBUMS KINGSTON, JAMAICA Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Tuff Gong recording artists, Ziggy Marley and Julian Marley, have released their much anticipated solo albums, Family Time and Awake. Upbeat, vibrant and administering a dose of positive messages, Family Time has been produced for his younger fans. ZiggyÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s own daughter, Judah Marley, is featured on the title track. His mother and sister, Rita and Cedella respectively, also lend their voices to Ã¢â‚¬ËœI Love You Too.Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ Toots Hibbert, Willie Nelson and Paul Simon are among the other featured artists. Meanwhile, Awake represents another level of JulianÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s artistic development. Older brother, Stephen Marley, is an executive producer and is also featured on Ã¢â‚¬ËœA Little Too Late.Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ His youngest brother, Damian Marley, slated to perform at the upcoming Reggae Sumfest concert (along with North American based rapper, Nas), lays his vocals on Ã¢â‚¬ËœViolence In The Streets.Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ Both albums are now available at the Tuff Gong Record Shop, located at 220 Marcus Garvey Drive, as well as other major outlets islandwide. ........ MAKING MUSIC WITH TUFF GONG KINGSTON, JAMAICA Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Tuff Gong International, a member of the Bob Marley Group of Companies, is now offering its new tour called Ã¢â‚¬ËœMaking of Music.Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ Visitors are educated about studio work as well as CD and vinyl production while getting an intimate look at its state-of-the-art facilities. Music has become one of JamaicaÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s major exports thanks, in part, to its wealth of naturally talented recording artistes, too numerous to name. We sometimes forget that there is an entire industry diligently working behind the scenes. Even our most globally recognized legend, Bob Marley had such foresight that he undertook steps to start his own record company. With the Ã¢â‚¬ËœMaking of MusicÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ tour, we offer tourists and residents alike the opportunity to be exposed to the lesser known aspects of music production. Tours are conducted on weekdays, beginning at 9:30am; the last tour begins at 4:30pm. Each guided tour is approximately half an hour long. ........ TUFF GONG PRESSING PLANT REOPENED KINGSTON, JAMAICA Ã¢â‚¬â€œ The Tuff Gong pressing plant is roaring back to life following its shutdown last year. The factory which produces vinyl records was closed in the spring of 2008. Despite the evolution of technology and the existence of CDÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s and MP3 players, vinyl is still a precious commodity, particularly for music collectors and aficionados. Tuff Gong is currently reaching out to the North American and European markets to raise awareness of the reemergence of the factory. All Tuff Gong records are available at the Tuff Gong Record Shop Ã¢â‚¬â€œ 220 Marcus Garvey Drive. ........ TUFF GONGÃ¢â‚¬â„¢S REHEARSAL STUDIO REOPENED KINGSTON, JAMAICA Ã¢â‚¬â€œ The Rita Marley Rehearsal Studio is once again available to the public. Located at Tuff Gong International Ã¢â‚¬â€œ the spacious and secure property at 220 Marcus Garvey Drive Ã¢â‚¬â€œ the studio is suitable to accommodate singers as well as dancers and dramatists. The large, modern facility has hosted the likes of Capleton, Black Uhuru, Mykal Rose, KÃ¢â‚¬â„¢naan and other big names in the recording industry. Tuff GongÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s intention is to make the space available not only to established artists such as these but also to young practitioners of the arts. For an hourly rate comparable to the average studio in Kingston, the nationÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s talented youth can now be exposed to the same creative environment that trendsetting musicians have enjoyed for some time. In reaching out to dancers and actors, Tuff Gong is taking a step towards a holistic goal of overcoming economic strife through the proper development of JamaicaÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s arts and culture industries. Ã¢â‚¬Å“Bob Marley himself overcame poverty by consistent dedication to his art.Ã¢â‚¬Â says public relations representative, Gavin Hutchinson. Ã¢â‚¬Å“It is only fitting that the record company he started would take some initiative in advancing todayÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s younger generation.Ã¢â‚¬Â _______________________________________ UCLA JAZZREGGAE FESTIVAL 2009 _______________________________________ font size="5"> COUNTDOWN BEGINS FOR 12TH ANNUAL CARIBBEAN SEABREEZE FESTIVAL - QUEEN MARY EVENTS PARK LONG BEACH, CA - SUNDAY JULY 26, 2009 TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT SEABREEZEFEST.NET, GROOVETICKETS.COM AND SELECT ROOTS OUTLETS THROUGHOUT SO. CALIFORNIA (Los Angeles, CA) ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ The countdown has begun for the 12th Annual Caribbean Seabreeze Festival which returns to its original home at the Queen Mary Events Park ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 1126 QueenÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s Way in Long Beach, California on Sunday, July 26, 2009, from 12pm to 10pm. This yearÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s line up features the exclusive So. California appearances by international Reggae superstars Luciano, Wayne Wonder, and the return of Bad Boy recording artist, ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œThe Energy GodÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� Elephant Man, who was true phenomenon at last yearÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s sell-out event. Other internationally renown music artists from Jamaica and the Caribbean include Collie Buddz, Tanya Stephens, Spraggga Benz, Eljai, New Kingston Band, E-Dee, Aziatic, Leon Caldero (with a tribute to the late Caribbean music legends Byron Lee and Andy Palacio), cultural dance troupes, MCs Richie B (HOT 102 Jamaica), Junor Francis (KXLU / KSPC), and Chuck Foster (KPFK) and more filling out the festivalÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s entertainment schedule. EXPANDED CHILDRENÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢S ACTIVITIES ADDED THIS YEAR - Fun activities for the entire family plus a performance by award winning childrenÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s performer, Asheba, in our expanded fun-filled children's activity area. Families are encouraged to come out and enjoy the day of music and culture. A variety of authentic Caribbean food and drinks will be on sale, plus an international cultural arts and craft fair. Advance general admission tickets are available now on the SeabreezeFest.net website, GrooveTickets.com, and roots tickets outlets throughout So. California for $44.00. Day of show ticket price will be $55.00. Limited $100.00 VIP package tickets are also available at SeabreezeFest.net, GrooveTickets.com, and select roots ticket outlets. Children 8yrs. and under will be admitted FREE with paid adult. The Caribbean Seabreeze Festival hotline number is (562) 408-1014 for general information, vendors, directions, and line‑up updates. ........ COMING AUGUST 23 IRIE REGGAE FESTIVAL BERES HAMMOND, BEENIE MAN, CULTURE (FEAT. KENYATTA HILL), INNER CIRCLE, AND MORE LA SPORTS ARENA 3939 S. Figueroa Street Los Angeles (Exposition Park area - near USC) TICKETS ON SALE NOW Tickets: TicketMaster www.ticketmaster.com Hotline: (562) 408-1014 - Web: www.iriefest.net _______________________________________ HISTORIC DAY OF SOLIDARITY AND ADVANCEMENT BY THE AFRICAN DIASPORA OF GHANA A PROCLAMATION As we the historically unique group known as the African Diasporas, having survived the transatlantic slave trade and various manifestations of racism, now celebrate the arrival of the First Black President of the United States of America, Barack Hussein Obama, to Sub-Sahara Africa; we recognize the power of faith, courage, determination and resilience. Our journey from royalty to indignity, through the door of no return to a road of trials and tribulation, has finally taken us to a new path, filled with possibilities. We rejoice on this day; Affirming our commitment to each other and to the great country of Ghana; Pledging to work in a spirit of cooperation and unity; Empowering ourselves and each other through the divine authority of the Most High with the guidance of our ancestors; Fortifying our alliance with Africans at home and abroad towards the development and advancement of Africa NOW, THEREFORE, WE, the survivors of the Black Holocaust, and champions of the African Renaissance returning home from North and South America, Europe, The Caribbean and Asia hereby sign this proclamation in the sight of man and the Most High evidence of our eternal loyalty and love for Africa. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, We set our hand this tenth day of July, 2009 ............ The first time in the fifty year history of blacks repatriating to Ghana That the groups made this statement of solidarity, recently referred to as the Obama Effect. On Friday the 10th of July you are invited to a press conference at the W.E.B. DuBois Center in Cantonment at 10AM sharp hosted by members of the African Diaspora community in Ghana. In preparation for the inaugural visit of the First Black President of the United States of America and his family to Sub-Saharan Africa, several African Diaspora organizations held a closed door meeting on Monday July 6th in the historic DuBois Center conference room. It was the first time in the fifty year history of blacks repatriating to Ghana that the groups made this statement of solidarity, recently referred to as the Obama Effect. African Diaspora refers to two categories; Africans born on the continent residing abroad or descendants of enslaved Africans born abroad. Some of the latter have nurtured a burning desire to return to their ancestral home land where they can re-connect and reclaim their birth right; their African identity. Some of the organizations who have come home to stake their claim include the African America Association of Ghana, African HebrewÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚Â¦of Ghana, Ghana Caribbean Association and the Diaspora Africa Forum, to name a few. In the process of declaring their ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚Â¦.., members have contributed towards the advancement of Ghana investing millions of dollars and countless human resources developing social, cultural and economic sectors of Ghanaian society. Agatha representative of the Rita Marley Foundation Ghana and a Ghanaian born Diasporan said, ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œThis meeting was very important as we can now begin to work in a collective manner in order to achieve our goals.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� Ghana, reportedly, has one of the largest Diaspora communities on the continent next to South Africa and Ethiopia. In response to the burning question, why Ghana, Kohain Natanyah Halevi of the Central Region said he was content with the decision of President Obama to visit Ghana and spoke in the spirit of Nkrumah saying, ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œGhana is the venue and Africa is the audience and all is in Divine order.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� The groups are expected to present a proclamation to memorialize the visit while sharing information on various important initiatives, emphasizing the importance of the Diaspora to African development. Dr. Erieka Bennett, Head of the Diaspora Africa Forum, first diplomatic Diaspora mission in the world, will participate in the conference with Eric ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚Â¦.on behalf of the AAAG amongst others. Dr. Bennett expressed her sense of responsibility for the community and felt privileged to be recognized by her constituents. _______________________________________ Michael Jackson Exhibit At The GRAMMY Museum In light of Thursday June 25th events and in celebration of the life and work of Michael Jackson, The GRAMMY Museum has extended and repurposed the exhibit, Michael Jackson: HIStyle. Starting (Friday 6/26), a collection of JacksonÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s most iconic wardrobe pieces (including the suit he wore on the cover of the Thriller album) will be exhibited on the MuseumÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s third floor alongside video of some of his most exciting GRAMMY performances. This will all open to the public Friday morning June 26 at 11:30am. The GRAMMY Museum is located on the corner of Olympic Boulevard and Figueroa Street in downtown Los Angeles, on the campus of L.A. LIVE. The Museum entrance is located on Figueroa Street. _______________________________________ MACHEL MONTANO June 26, 2009 IN HIS OWN WORDS Condolences to the King's family, friends and fans as we all mourn together! Michael Jackson will be missed but never forgotten. Even in death he was able to unite people of all creeds and colors and make them happy; he is the greatest entertainer that ever lived. I and so many others owe our careers to MJ - he encouraged my dream. So much of what I have done has been inspired and informed by him. His standards have set the stage for my goals and in this way he has touched so many. It is also very important to note that he chose to use his influence for the greater good of mankind in the messages he delivered through songs like "We Are The World," "Heal The World," "Man In The Mirror," "Black Or White," "I Believe I Can Fly," and so many more. MJ was more than a man - he was a "moment in time," and like Bob Marley, this moment will never end. Long live the King! _______________________________________ ZIGGY MARLEY'S SPECIAL CONCERT FOR KIDS AT CLUB NOKIA AT LA LIVE Ziggy performed songs from his new childrens album "FAMILY TIME" and he also sang Jammin as parents and children enjoyed the vibes. The event was presented by The Grammy Museum, and the theme for the event was, Musical Explorations: What Is Reggae? Featuring Ziggy Marley. Opening the show was the local band "Rhythm Child" who guided the audience in free style drumming. Children were given drums and other instruments as they entered Club Nokia and happily played along with "Rhythm child". Ziggy Marley enter the stage after Rhythm Childs performance. Ziggy was not the only Marley performing on stage. He was joined by his daughter Judah Victoria Marley 4 years old who sing lead and background vocals and his young son Gideon Robert Nesta Marley 2 years old who played drums the entire show. On Family Time Judah sang a lil verse so cute so great. Over all it was a great time with the family I enjoyed the music and the family bonding that was goin on. The picture slideshow below includes photos of both bands. Enjoy. -Ashley Carr and Marsha Hunt _______________________________________ E-DEE INVITES REGGAE MUSIC REVIEWS.COM TO HIS NEW MOVIE SHOOT For the movie "OUT THE GATE" at Club 740 Downtown Los Angeles It was an exciting evening watching as scenes for the movie were being shot. All the actors and crew made us feel right at home. Paul Campbell from Shottas was great. E-dee, Father Times and Ms. Triniti all performed sets that will be in the movie. Below is a photo slideshow of the evening. -Marsha Hunt ALL PHOTOS (c) Jan Salzman OUT THE GATE ON MYSPACE FILMS _______________________________________ Dan Lou's Song "Mamma" Heating up Toronto Charts. Dan Lou's Track "Mamma" has been burning up the airwaves on Toronto's CHRY 105.5FM . The track debuted at number three (3) on The Beat With Richard Banton's new tunes charts and has since jumped to number one (1) for the week of May 30th 2009. The video for the track can be viewed at Dimmie Joe Muzik's You Tube Channel at www.youtube.com/dimmiejoe. You can also pick up your own copy of the track at Itunes or your favorite online music store today. For up to date information on Dan Lou visit his myspace page at: www.myspace.com/adanlou or visit www.myspace.com/dimmiejoemuzik. _______________________________________ July 8th - SNOOP DOGG & STEPHEN MARLEY + SOULMEDIC (lioncamp) & SELECTA PRIME (highgrade sound) Gates 5PM - All Ages - $70 - REDWOOD ACRES FAIRGRO UNDS - Eureka ,CA Event ends 11PM with AFTERPARTY to continue at NOCTURNUM NIGHT CLUB - Eureka Advance available on PEOPLEPRODUCTIONS.NET - INTICKETING.COM - and all local outlets _______________________________________ Nas, Damian Marley to put on Special Performance for Reggae Sumfest Music lovers will be treated to a special performance come Saturday, July 25, when both reggae royalty Damian ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“Jnr GongÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ Marley and rap luminary Nas take the stage together for International Night II at Reggae Sumfest. ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œItÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s not a Nas performance, and itÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s not a Damian Marley performance, itÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s going to be a Nas and Damian Marley combination, specially for Reggae Sumfest,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� says Johnny Gourzong, Executive Director of Summerfest Productions. Gourzong said that this unusual pairing was the result of extensive thought by the Reggae Sumfest team as to how else to make this yearÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s event special. He emphasized that this is the first time that Nas will be performing in Jamaica, and added that it ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œwill be an even more special performance since he will be performing with one of our brightest stars in Reggae music, a son of the great Robert Nesta Marley, and on the stage of Reggae Sumfest. IÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢m excited, they are working on a collaborative album, and the sounds of reggae with the beats of hip-hop should make for a great performance.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� Another confirmed international act that will be rocking the Reggae Sumfest stage will come in the form of R&B sensation Jazmine Sullivan on Friday, July 24. ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œWe are arranging for other international performers, but weÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢re not ready to release who weÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢re considering. YouÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ll just have to wait a little longer.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� Gourzong teased. The Festival, which starts with a beach party on Sunday July 19 and then has three nights of pulsating live performances from Thursday July 23 to Saturday July 25, will also feature, Bounty Killer, Mavado, Etana, Tarrus Riley, Busy Signal, Charley Blacks, I-Octane and a host of other local talents. When Saturday July 25 rolls around, Summerfest Productions promises an exciting close to the highly anticipated Reggae Sumfest. Montego Bay will be on fire from July 19-25 with the 17th staging of the worldÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s greatest reggae festival, so get ready to be infected by Reggae Sumfest fever. Source: Headline Jamaica _______________________________________ Tanto Metro and Devonte Next Stop Georgia Tanto Metro and Devonte's Anniversary Tour has so far been a great success. The Duo have performed in St Croix, Oaklands, Florida, and Minnesotta on their world wind tour. The Duo's next stop will be Atlanta, Georgia where they are scheduled to be headlining two major events on June 13th. The theme of first event is a pool party, fashion show, and summer bash for all ages to be held in Lithonia, Georgia. This event is scheduled to take place in the day from 12:00pm to 8:00pm. A portion off all proceeds from the show will benefit The Atlanta United Way. Later the Dynamic Duo will be at Club Mingles in Decatur, Georgia for their follow up performance. Come join them as they party the night away with music by Black Kronic, KillaFace, Vendetta and many more. Gate opens at 10pm. Admission $10. For up to date information on Tanto Metro and Devonte visit our myspace pages at: www.myspace.com/tantometrodevonte or www.myspace.com/dimmiejoemuzik. _______________________________________ Mojo Morgan on ABC News Now "What's The Buzz" 1pm Eastern Time - Monday June 1st Mojo Morgan will appear on ABC News Now "What's The Buzz" at 1pm EST on Monday June 1st for an Exclusive interview about his new sound Rasta-Rock. He will be talking about his solo debut Got Mojo? and his transition from Roots Reggae Music to Alternative Rock. It will be broadcast live on TV/Internet. ABC News NOW, ABC News' 24-hour digital network, delivers live breaking news with headlines every half-hour, and offers a wide range of live, original and video-on-demand programming. ABC News NOW is currently available to 34 million users across cable, broadband, and mobile. Key partners include Comcast, Sprint, Verizon, Charter, RCN, and MobiTV. For More Information Visit: ABC NEWS NOW: www.abcnews.go.com/abcnewsnow MOJO MORGAN: www.myspace.com/mrmojomorgan _______________________________________ THE I-THREES RETURN TO THE STAGE Rita Marley, Marcia Griffiths and Erika Newell (the I-Threes) return to the stage at the Island Records 50th anniversary show in London on Tuesday May 26th. Sly & Robbie host a very special night at the Shepherds Bush, with a host of very special guests including the I-Threes, Grace Jones, Aswad, VV Brown and current UK no1 artist Tinchy Stryder. All profits from the show go to Amnesty and the Oracabessa Foundation (JA), so do join us for this very special one off evening on Tuesday 26th May. Go to island50.com for ticket details.Click here for tickets _______________________________________ BOB MARLEYÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢S SONGS RE-IMAGINED FOR FAMILES BY SON ZIGGY MARLEY B IS FOR BOB TO BE RELEASED JUNE 23 B is for Bob, a collection of Bob MarleyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s most beloved songs re-imagined for kids, will be released June 23 by UMe/Island/Tuff Gong. The international musical legendÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s eldest son, four-time Grammy winner Ziggy Marley, executive produced the album, which bridges the gap between the timeless Bob Marley and a new generation of kids. Bob MarleyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s music is known around the world for its powerful political and spiritual message that touches people of all ages. With children in mind, Ziggy has transformed some of his fatherÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s songs for B is for Bob. Eight tracksÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬ÂÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œThree Little Birds,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œRedemption Song,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œBend Down Low,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œJamming,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œSmall Axe,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œSatisfy My Soul,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œStir It UpÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� and ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œHigh Tide or Low TideÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬�ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Âremove certain instruments while adding other sounds creates a feeling of hearing these songs for the first time. Meanwhile, four of Bob MarleyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s other masterpieces are left untouched: ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œCould You Be Loved,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œOne Love/People Get Ready,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œLively Up YourselfÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� and ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œWake Up and LiveÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“Pt. 1.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œMe is a common sense man,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� Bob Marley once said. ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œThat mean when me explain things me explain it in a very simple way, that mean if I explain it to a baby the baby will understand too, you know.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� Ziggy continues, ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œMy fatherÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s music spans generations and with B is for Bob we give the youngest their very own Bob Marley record.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� Released in time for summer, the album features fun extras for kids and parents: the CD unlocks bonus online digital content including coloring book pages, a sing-a-long music video and audio stream previews of Ziggy MarleyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s forthcoming Family Time album. Each CD also includes a free one-year subscription to Parents magazine. B is for Bob comes in a recyclable and biodegradable Eco-Pak, making the album kid-, parent- and Earth-friendly. ZiggyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s own record for kids, Family Time, was released May 5 by Tuff Gong Worldwide. Ziggy produced the album with legendary producer Don Was. The album features a variety of family and friends including Rita Marley (ZiggyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s mother), Cedella Marley (sister), Judah Marley (daughter), Paul Simon, Jack Johnson, Willie Nelson, Toots Hibbert, Elizabeth Mitchell, Laurie Berkner, Paula Fuga and Jamie Lee Curtis (who narrates two stories). Please visit www.ziggymarley.com. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of Island Records, which is celebrating the labelÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s rich history of music from the luminaries Bob Marley, U2, Traffic, The Cranberries, Cat Stevens, Melissa Etheridge, PJ Harvey, Fall Out Boy more. The Island 50th campaign will feature CD reissues, digital compilations, movie festivals and more. Visit www.islandrecords.com for more information. _______________________________________ ZIGGY MARLEY AT COWAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Photo (c)Jan Salzman Click here for photos and review _______________________________________ The GRAMMY Museum Presents Photographer: Johnny Black Ziggy Marley at Club Nokia GRAMMY-Winner Celebrates ChildrenÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s Album Release With Los Angeles Family Concert at L.A. LIVE LOS ANGELES (April 21, 2009) ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ Four-time GRAMMY-winning reggae singer, songwriter, and producer Ziggy Marley will perform his first-ever exclusive childrenÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s concert at L.A. LIVEÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s Club Nokia on Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 11 a.m., it was announced. Celebrating the release of his first childrenÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s music album, Family Time, Marley appears as part of The GRAMMY MuseumÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s monthly ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œMusical ExplorationsÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� family program. JuneÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s program, ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œWhat Is Reggae?,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� marks the first time Club Nokia and The GRAMMY Museum, two of L.A. LIVEÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s newest celebrated venues, have collaborated on a public event. Before MarleyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s live performance, local performers Rhythm Child will engage the audience in free-form drumming, while performing a few of their own award-winning childrenÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s songs. Immediately following the live performance, children and parents will participate in educational activities and crafts intended to deepen their understanding of reggae music in the ClubÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s exclusive VIP Lounge. In the wake of his 2006 album Love Is My Religion, which earned his fourth GRAMMY Award, Ziggy Marley shares his musical love to families with his third solo release, Family Time. Produced with old friend Don Was and set to be released May 5 on MarleyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s independent Tuff Gong Worldwide label, the album offers a full collection of family-oriented songs for those already familiar with MarleyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s work while also seeking to introduce todayÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s youngest generation to reggae. Featuring collaborations with Marley family members Rita Marley, Cedella Marley, his three-year-old daughter Judah Marley, Paul Simon, Jack Johnson, Willie Nelson, Jamie Lee Curtis, and more, the project touches on themes of love, responsibility, unity, freedom and fun (not to mention generosity ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ proceeds from the sale of Family Time will benefit Chepstowe Basic School in Port Antonio, Jamaica). ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œGrowing up music was an important part of my childhood,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� Marley said. ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œI see it being just as important in my children and all childrenÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s growth and development, and in a parentÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s connection with their children. Music helps children to grow with open minds and open hearts and this is my message.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� Offered monthly, the MuseumÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œMusical ExplorationsÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� series gives families the opportunity to enjoy and learn about music together through performances from award-winning artists and educational crafts and activities. Inspired by the MuseumÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s Crossroads exhibit, where visitors can explore close to 200 genres of music, the programs seek to teach parents and children ages 5 and up about the history of various musical traditions. Held in the MuseumÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s 200-seat GRAMMY Sound Stage, past programs have featured such celebrated acts as Jambo, Buck Howdy, Hayes GreenfieldÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s Jazz-A-Ma-Tazz, Brady Rymer and The Little Band That Could. Taking place on Saturday, May 16, ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œMusical Explorations: What Is Folk?ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� will feature GRAMMY-winners Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer. ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œMusical Explorations: What Is Reggae?ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� will take place at 11 a.m. at Club Nokia. (Doors open at 10 a.m.) Admission is $15 per person, $50 for a family four-pack, and can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1.800.745.3000, or in person at all Ticketmaster outlets, the Club Nokia Box Office, or the STAPLES Center Box Office. GRAMMY Museum Members receive free admission with reservations (please RSVP to family@grammymuseum.org ). For more information on the event or how to become a GRAMMY Museum member, visit www.clubnokia.com or www.grammymuseum.org. Club NOKIA is located within the L.A. LIVE campus, across from STAPLES Center, at 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015. About The GRAMMY Museum Paying tribute to music's rich cultural history, this one-of-a-kind, 21st-century Museum explores and celebrates the enduring legacies of all forms of music, the creative process, the art and technology of the recording process, and the history of the premier recognition of excellence in recorded music ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Â the GRAMMY Award. The GRAMMY Museum features 30,000 square feet of interactive and multimedia exhibits located within L.A. LIVE, the downtown Los Angeles sports, entertainment and residential district. Through thought-provoking and dynamic public and educational programs and exhibits, guests will experience music from a never-before-seen insider perspective that only The GRAMMY Museum can deliver. About Club Nokia Club Nokia, a multi-use music, entertainment and concert venue, located in the heart of the acclaimed L.A. LIVE sports, residential and entertainment district, accommodates over 2,300 guests. Featuring state-of-the-art acoustics designed for live entertainment, Club Nokia is the perfect venue for emerging music acts and cultural shows while also providing excellent space for corporate events and private parties. The theatre brings the latest technology to music enthusiasts including an innovative interactive experience embedded in foot-controlled floor interfaces, touchscreens, and a large LED installation within the lobby of the Club Nokia space. This interactive experience allows users to scroll through the history and the future of Club Nokia events and interact with pictures, video, and text messages submitted by fellow concert fans. Club Nokia was awarded the ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œBest New Major Concert VenueÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� at the 2009 annual Pollstar Concert Industry Awards. For more information on other upcoming Club Nokia shows, check out http://www.clubnokia.com/. About Ziggy Marley Born in Trench Town, Jamaica, Ziggy MarleyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s early immersion in music came at a very tender age when he sat in on recording sessions with his father. He later joined his siblings (Sharon, Cedella and Stephen) to front The Melody Makers, whose eight best-selling albums garnered three GRAMMY awards and generated such chart-topping hits as ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œTomorrow PeopleÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� and ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œTumbling Down.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� Dragonfly, his solo debut was released in 2003. His sophomore solo album, Love Is My Religion, was released in 2006 and won the GRAMMY for Best Reggae Album at the 2007 ceremony. For more information, visit www.ziggymarley.com. About Family Time Tuff Gong Worldwide will release Ziggy MarleyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s third solo album, Family Time, on May 5, 2009. The reggae legendÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s first childrenÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s album, Marley produced the album with legendary producer Don Was. The album will feature a variety of family and friends including Rita Marley (ZiggyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s mother), Cedella Marley (sister), Judah Marley (daughter), Paul Simon, Jack Johnson, Willie Nelson, Toots Hibberts, Elizabeth Mitchell, Laurie Berkner, Paula Fuga and two stories narrated by Jamie Lee Curtis. About The Rhythm Child Network Formed in 2003, The Rhythm Child Network uses music, drums and percussion to stimulate and foster the creative flow within young children. Award-Winning children's music artist and REMOT-endorsed drum circle facilitator Norman Jones encourages creative expression and cultural exploration through drum circle workshops, interactive music education classes and family concerts. By creating an environment that uses the drum as a vehicle for building confidence, communicating positive messages and encouraging group dynamics, Rhythm Child helps children connect with their own inner rhythms. For more information, visit www.rhythmchild.net. _______________________________________ FAMILY TIME - ZIGGY MARLEY Tuff Gong Worldwide A Sharing Review Photographer: Johnny Black Family Time Ziggy Marley's latest album has a genre Children's Music. So I thought I should have some insight from children as well while reviewing the cd. I played songs for my 5 year old granddaughter, Alaysia and also for a family friend 7 year old A'kiyah. Alaysia really loved, "Ziggy Says". She loved the fact that she could do what Ziggy said in the song. Alaysia said she liked that it tells you things to do. Photographer: Marsha Hunt Alaysia Photographer: Marsha Hunt A'kiyah A'Kiyah said her favorite song on the album is ABC because it teaches children their abc's and that Ziggy gives a meaning for all the letters. A'kiyah would sing along and memorized the song. Another song from the album A'kiyah liked is the title song," Family Time" which features Ziggy's daughter Judah Marley. Judah sounds lovely on "Family Time". A'kiyah said she liked "Family Time", because it is a song for the family, and it is about family and families spending time together. For me Family Time is a wonderful album with a great message of family. Guest artists bring a positive plus to the cd with great songs like "Future Man, Future Lady" song with children's recording artist, Laurie Berkner. One of my favorites is "Cry, Cry, Cry" with Jack Johnson and Paula Fuga. While singing about family, Ziggy is still sending the message to set the children free. "I Love You Too" is another great tune on the cd with, Rita Marley and Cedella Marley. This is a cd that would make a good trip around the world inspiring all people to love one another and "I Love You Too" is a song that needs to be shared. Just picture the children of all nations singing, "I Love You Too". "This Train" with Willie Nelson feels like a song that's in your soul. And when you hear it you automatically start to sing along. Love the harmonica. "Take Me To Jamaica", with Toots Hibbert feels good, sounds good and you wanna go, yes to Jamaica. "Wings of An Eagle" with children's singer Elizabeth Mitchell is just beautifully done, great vocals. I can imagine school children singing this one on stage at their schools! A song that makes Family Time not only a great children's album but carries a message of courage is "Walk Tall" with Paul Simon. And then there's the very fun song "Hold Em Joe". Two narrated tracks on the album are both narrated readings by Jamie Lee Curtis. "My Helping Hand" was written by Ziggy Marley and narrated by Jamie Lee Curtis. And "Is There A Human Race" was written by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell a Illustrator for children's books. It is so good to see these two tracks on the album. "Family Time", music for children and a message for us all. Love, Family and Freedom. A great album. The release date for "Family Time" is May 5, 2009. I recommend "Family Time" for everyone. - Marsha Hunt _______________________________________ Ziggy Marley New Album Release For May 5th In the wake of his 2006 album Love Is My Religion, which earned his fourth Grammy Award, Ziggy Marley shares his musical love with families ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ his own and the extended human family. MarleyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s third solo release, Family Time, is produced with old friend Don Was and will be released this May on MarleyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s independent Tuff Gong Worldwide label. An easygoing journey of original tunes and a few covers, the album offers a full collection of family-oriented songs for those already familiar with MarleyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s beloved work in the genre, and may serve to introduce todayÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s youngest generation to reggae. Highly listenable many times around, a quality that parents will appreciate, Family Time resonates with themes of love, responsibility, unity, freedom and fun (not to mention generosity ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ proceeds from the sale of Family Time will benefit Chepstowe Basic School in Port Antonio, Jamaica). ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œI know how important music can be in a childÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s growth and development, and in a parentÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s connection with their children,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� explains Marley, whose own brood recently grew to five. ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œThis record represents my daily family life and is inspired by my three-year-old daughter Judah and baby Gideon. It was a joy to make and opened up new avenues in my creativity.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� For the albumÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s recording sessions, Marley invited like-minded collaborators (ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œfriendsÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� rather than ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œguestsÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬�) to join him in crafting its familial sound. Kids will love the gentle grooves; grownups are sure to be impressed by the musicians making them. Collaborators include current Who bassist Pino Palladino, Grammy-winning keyboardist James Poyser (Erykah Badu, Common, Al Green), percussionist Rock Deadrick (Ben Harper, Tracy Chapman), longtime touring guitarist Takeshi Akimoto, and legendary reggae drummer Santa Davis. It was a serendipitous phone call about Davis that brought Paul Simon to the project, lending his instantly recognizable voice to the sweet advice of ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œEven If You Fall, Get Up.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� The Woody Guthrie standard ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œThis TrainÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� offers a warm-hearted duet with Willie Nelson, who brought along his ace harmonica player/sidekick Mickey Raphael to accompany him. The notion of kids as superheroes defending the Earth echoes through ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œFuture Man, Future Lady,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� with Marley joined by Noggin network star Laurie Berkner. Another childrenÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s performer, Elizabeth Mitchell, gives an angelic lift to ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œWings of an Eagle,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� based on the classic ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œWings of a Dove,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� while Hawaiian singers Jack Johnson and Paula Fuga help sympathize with the young ones on ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œCry Cry Cry,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� a childÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s call for freedom. Ziggy Marley plays covert travel agent on ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œTake Me to Jamaica,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� imagining a journey through his homeland along with Jamaican ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“60s icon Toots Hibbert. Actress/author Jamie Lee Curtis also contributes to the album, narrating two short stories, one of her own and one penned by Ziggy (ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œHelping HandsÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬�). Of course, Family Time derives much of its authenticity from the voices of children, including MarleyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s. On the title track, three-year-old Judah helps her father implore listeners, young and old, to ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œlift up your hearts with a smile...itÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s time to be free.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� And on the tuba-bouncing tune ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œI Love You, Too,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� the importance of that simple phrase finds meaning in the family circle of Ziggy, mother Rita and sister Cedella. The album also includes the traditional Caribbean song ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œHold ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“Em JoeÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� (the first song that Ziggy sang in front of people as a child), ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œZiggy SaysÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� (a version of ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œSimon SaysÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� which kicks into double-beat midway) and ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œABCsÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� (with gentle legslapping and funny mouth sounds accompanying ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œA is for Africa, B is for Brother...ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬�). _______________________________________ RITA MARLEY'S TOWN If you are looking for a documentary, check out 'Rita Marley's Town.' All over the world, the Marley name has become synonymous with reggae music, Rastafarianism and Jamaica. Now Marley is putting into reality the ideals of love, hope and unity that she and her late husband, Bob Marley, have been singing about for decades. Her foundation is working in Ghana to strengthen the community of Konkonuru with a brand-new medical clinic, improvements to its school and other projects. _______________________________________ ........ UCLA JAZZREGGAE FESTIVAL MIXER Photos By Jan Salzman, Gary Greene and Marsha Hunt Read review here _______________________________________ _______________________________________ MOJO MORGAN LIVE INTERVIEW / PERFORMANCE OF SONGS FROM HIS SOLO DEBUT RELEASE GOT MOJO ? SIRIUSXM RADIO THE JOINT 84 WITH PAT MCKAY ON SUNDAY AT 3PM www.siriusxm.com www.myspace.com/mrmojomorgan _______________________________________ Aretha Franklin at the Hollywood Bowl Friday, June 26, 2009, 8:30 PM Hollywood Bowl 2301 North Highland Avenue Hollywood, CA 90068 323.850.2000 Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin Headlines Hollywood Bowl for the First Time in 35 Years Tickets on Sale This Saturday, April 11, at Hollywood Bowl Box Office. Aretha Franklin plays the Hollywood Bowl for the first time in 35 years. Backed by her own band, including a string ensemble, she blends new material with her vintage soul. This concert has been added to the Hollywood Bowl 2009 lineup and tickets for this event have been on sale and are still available at Bowl box office or Ticketmaster. Aretha FranklinÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s music is a veritable American songbook of almost half a century from the first breakout hit, ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œI Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� to ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œRespectÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� to ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œMy Country ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“Tis of Thee,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� performed at President ObamaÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s inauguration. FranklinÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s awards and accolades run deep. She was recently ranked #1 by Rolling Stone on its list of ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œThe Greatest Singers of All TimeÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� and was the first female artist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She is one of the most honored Grammy winners with 21 Grammys to date, including the Lifetime Achievement Grammy and the Living Legend Grammy. In 2008, Franklin was honored as MusiCares ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œPerson of the Year,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� two days prior to the 50th Annual Grammy Awards. As an American icon, Franklin was given AmericaÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s top honor of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005. Website:www.hollywoodbowl.com _______________________________________ New Hit Single _______________________________________ MOJO MORGAN - DEBUT SOLO RELEASE GOT MOJO? AVAILABLE NOW EXCLUSIVELY ON ITUNES ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œAs a core member of Reggae super group Morgan Heritage, Mojo Morgan needs little introduction and his musical talents are beyond reproachÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚Â¦ Mojo has begun to go beyond the group to showcase his considerable musical and vocal skills.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ Fast Lane International Reggae alpha-male Mojo Morgan is going on the prowl solo. This cornerstone to the Morgan Heritage super group is taking his message and morphing it into a new hybrid. Got Mojo? is an Alternative record, but one thatÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s heavily influenced by Reggae Rock, Hip-Hop, and R&B. This is Rasta-Rock as only Mojo can do it - thereÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s still the same consciousness and lyrical importance, but Got Mojo? does it with some serious groove a la JACK JOHNSON MEETS 311 MEETS BOB MARLEY. ThereÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s really something for everyone to ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“getÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ on Got Mojo? ThereÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s the standout ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œget your swerve on and put on your dancing shoesÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� track ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œTonight.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� ThereÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s an awesome cover of ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œRoxanneÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� by THE POLICE. There are some mellowed out ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œlisten to the messageÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� type ballads such as the sweetheart track ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œTill the End (Featuring Mischu Laika & Laza).ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� The last track, ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œPetrified,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� is an exceptionally relevant song of the times that addresses issues of domestic violence; lyrics like, ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œAnother day with shades, oh what a disgrace, black and blue is not the color of love,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� really make the issue tangible. Got Mojo? is a manifestation of all the experiences that make MojoÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s mojo. He grew up in the rough-and-tumble neighborhood of Bushwick in Brooklyn, New York and went on to live in the stability of a Massachusetts suburb. However, his Jamaican roots were always an important part of MojoÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s style. His father is the legendary reggae artists Denroy Morgan and the group Morgan Heritage had regular play on BET, VH1, MTV and national and international radio. Surrounded by sessions of intensive vocal and instrumental training, Mojo was exposed to everything from the godfathers of Roots Reggae to top 40 American Radio. Got Mojo? chronicles MojoÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s evolution from reggae to his own new definition of Rasta-Rock. MOJO MORGAN - APPEARANCE SCHEDULE MONDAY MAY 25 - UCLA JAZZ/REGGAE FESTIVAL (REGGAE DAY) WITH MAVADO, PEETAH & MOJO MORGAN (MORGAN HERITAGE), MACHEL MONTANIO, ASSASSIN, CHERINE ANDERSON, TANTO METRO & DEVONTE & MORE !! MORE DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED www.myspace.com/mrmojomorgan ........ MOJO MORGAN Two Hot New Singles ROXANNE & MR. FRANCOIS (GUILTY IN ADVANCE) FROM THE NEW CD RELEASE GOT MOJO? (Gedion Soldiers / Keynote Records) AVAILABLE NOW EXCLUSIVELY ON iTUNE _______________________________________ WILD LIFE Wild Life - Too Tuff Not Easy At All Productions Too Tuff, that's exactly what this album is. From "The Voice", a strong African chant of the voice of the ghetto youth echoing in the street. Now the chant is world wide via Wild Life's cd, "TOO TUFF". Not only do you get the chanting message from "The Voice." But also "Too Tuff" the title song, which will have dancing with confidence. One of my favorites on the cd is "Behold". I just love this one. Another one I really love is, "Hypocrites". The song is so true and you can hit the floor with it too, very good groove. "Too Tuff" a versatile album, there's roots, dancehall and yes love songs. "Come Close" and "Homework" for lover's rock. But what I like most is the message and the guidance. Another one of those songs is "Africa Green". - Marsha Hunt ........ WILD LIFE BIOGRAPHY Welcome to the musical universe of Wild Life! The air of Jamaica has always been vibrant with talent. But still, it doesnÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢t happen every day that a debut album of an upcoming artist shakes up the musical scene with a lion roar like ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“2 TuffÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ of Wild Life does. With a voice like thunder, direct from Kingston, JA, Wild Life presents his very first album to the world. Just sit back, relax and listen to these 13 intense reggae tracks. Listen to a song called ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“The VoiceÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢, which is an almost African style version of recalling the hardship of ghetto life in Kingston: ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“The voice of the ghetto youth echoes through the streetsÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚Â¦and no food to eat.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ Too tough to handle? The voice of Wild Life can be smooth like a mountain breeze, to find it suddenly turn into a strong wind of change. Wild LifeÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s debut shows him as a true versatile and inspiring artist. Bridging traditions rooted in the motherland Africa, with modern dancehall culture. From roots reggae in Behold (with legendary reggae-veteran Fred Locks) to authentic ska in ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“ThiefinÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ JohnnyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢, to groovy riddims like the title track ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“2 TuffÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ and ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“Ganja YardÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢, that will surely rock every dancehall crew. ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“We're nah easy at all, tuff like Jericho wallÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢! Wild Life works together in Jamaica with reggae-legend Bunny Wailer and records at the Caveman studio where Dr. Cave already musically teached artists like Luciano, Sizzla, Jah Cure amongst many others. In the summer of 2008 Wild Life was introduced to Amsterdam-based reggae-collective Not Easy At All Productions by L.Slinga from the UK, known from his ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“Culture Drop WorksÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ mix-cdÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s. This instantly lead to a rapid flowing stream of Big Tunes coming to and from Kingston and Amsterdam. In a short while it became clear that this fruitful cooperation could only result in an album-release. And indeed, the new release ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“2 TuffÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ by Wild Life promises to be a next timeless chapter of the rich reggae catalogue. This international co-production gives the hottest upcoming artist in the Caveman family, Wild Life, an international appeal. With a soulful voice on great musical sounds, Wild Life sings reality, but always with the perspective of love, progress and vision. Big Up to the masses! _______________________________________ New Music _______________________________________ MISHKA ABOVE THE BONES Mishka - "Above The Bones" - j.k. livin' records March 28,2009 How Beautiful, How Wonderful From the first notes of Mishka's Billboard number one debuting cd, my first thought was how beautiful, how wonderful. "Above The Bones", the title song builds to Mishka's strong vocals, laid back style , but at the same time had me jumping to the beat. "Coastline Journey" takes me on a journey of memories back to one of my favorite places by the sea, with it's sea breeze sound and the background chanting vocals. Again Mishka's vocals flow strongly against the acoustic music. Listening to "Guy with a Guitar", I find a acoustic self portrait, as Mishka flows through personally singing to the listener, how great! Okay..."Higher Heights" this one, Jah groove, and again great vocals, flow above that type of reggae groove I love to hear. The message is here, the sound is here, the story is here, and moving into the next song "Long Road", the reggae groove continues, the message continues as Mishka trod nicely through the song. "Mountains Meet the Sea", great guitar build up at the beginning of the song, Mishka delivers a excellent vocal style through out...a great song. "My Love Goes with You", another one I just love listening to and would dedicate to the world. What a beautiful inspiring song, so take a listen and dedicate. "Peace and Love", the title says much, and Mishka delivers the combination so strong. The guitar sound so nice, beautiful. "Some Roads", "Train Again", and "3rd Eye Vision" showcase roots reggae at it's best. Mishka has put together a collection of songs that lead to a cd that is packed with great music that you can listen to continually. I recommend "Above The Bones" to all. Inspiring, filled with emotions and great vocals on a acoustic and reggae style. - Marsha Hunt "ABOVE THE BONES" - Available on iTunes ........ Mishka Mishka at The Roxy Theatre Fri, Apr 3, 2009 Mishka at the Roxy: Photos and Review _______________________________________ NEW MUSIC! Sizzla Kalonji - Black man in the White House‏ From his new album from Greensleeves - "Ghetto Youth - ology" _______________________________________ NEW MUSIC RAS PENCO - "THOUSAND MILES" - SINGLE Hailing from Riversdale, St. Catherine, Reinford Ras Penco Woodburn, is an upcoming artiste that is opening the doors to a brand new world of reggae. Born February 22, this artiste is living up to his name Mighty Warrior. Sending his messages through song, reaching out to a global audience. His first single ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œGo for Your GoldÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� produced by Fifth Element and released on the VP Record Label got mostly international publicity. With his new album soon to be released, Ras Penco is ready to face the world with some hot tracks including; ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œSo FreeÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬�, ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œLiving LifeÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� and ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œRight PlaceÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� his personal favorites on the album. Notice Production and Uprize Music are the main producers of the album. It will contain 14 songs written by Ras Penco and assistant writer Wayne Thompson, and is expected to be released summer 2009. This artiste has no intentions of slowing down and has succeeded in getting slots on several stage shows and concerts locally and abroad. He is slated to perform at Longing For during Curefest on October 14, 2007 and is hailed as one of the favourites for the night. He has performed at several other major shows such as All Spice an annual concert held at the Belvedere Sports Complex - Local; South of France Reggae Festival ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ France; and Irie Jamboree and California Reggae Pon Di River ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ United States. _______________________________________ NEW SINGLE WAYNE MARSHALL - "BLAME IT ON THE WEED" _______________________________________ DAMIAN MARLEY AND NAS Live and Onstage at The GRAMMY Museum In Los Angeles on Friday, March 27, 2009, The GRAMMY Museum hosted GRAMMY-winning reggae artist Damian Marley and International hip-hop superstar Nas for an onstage interview and performance. The event took place in the MuseumÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s 200-seat GRAMMY Sound Stage, the two artists were fielded questions from Museum Executive Director Robert Santelli about their upcoming musical project, humanitarian work, and diverse, influential recording careers. After the interview, Nas and Marley took questions from the audience and perform a few stripped-down songs. Photos from the event are below: Damian Marley and Nas Photo Credit: Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â©Mark Sullivan/Wire Image Damian Marley and Nas Photos Credit: Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â©Mark Sullivan/Wire Image Nas Photo Credit: Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â©Mark Sullivan/Wire Image Damian Marley Photo Credit: Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â©Mark Sullivan/Wire Image Damian Marley and Nas Photos Credit: Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â©Mark Sullivan/Wire Image Damian Marley and Nas Photos Credit: Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â©Mark Sullivan/Wire Image Damian Marley and Nas Photos Credit: Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â©Mark Sullivan/Wire Image Special Thanks to The Grammy Museum To visit the GRAMMY Museum: The GRAMMY Museum is located at L.A. LIVE 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90015 (Near the corner of Figueroa Street and Olympic Boulevard) _______________________________________ _______________________________________ ZIGGY MARLEY SHARES FAMILY TIME Photo(c) Johnny Black FOUR-TIME GRAMMY WINNING SINGER/SONGWRITER/PRODUCER WILL RELEASE FIRST CHILDRENÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢S REGGAE ALBUM MAY 5 Tuff Gong Worldwide will release Ziggy MarleyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s third solo album, Family Time, on May 5. Marley produced the album with legendary producer Don Was. The album will feature a variety of family and friends including Rita Marley (ZiggyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s mother), Cedella Marley (sister), Judah Marley (daughter), Paul Simon, Jack Johnson, Willie Nelson, Toots Hibberts, Elizabeth Mitchell, Laurie Berkner, Paula Fuga and two stories narrated by Jamie Lee Curtis. ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œGrowing up music was an important part of my childhood,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� Marley says. ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œI see it being just as important in my children and all childrenÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s growth and development. Music helps children to grow with open minds and open hearts and this is my message. This record represents my daily family life and is inspired by my three-year-old daughter Judah and baby Gideon. It was a joy to make and opened up new avenues in my creativity. Family Time is for all families and especially the world family.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� Born in Trench Town, Jamaica, Ziggy MarleyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s early immersion in music came at a very tender age when he sat in on recording sessions with his father. He later joined his siblings (Sharon, Cedella and Stephen) to front The Melody Makers, whose eight best-selling albums garnered three Grammy awards and generated such chart-topping hits as ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œTomorrow PeopleÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� and ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œTumbling Down.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� Dragonfly, his solo debut was released in 2003. His sophomore solo album, Love Is My Religion, was released in 2006 and won the Grammy for Best Reggae Album at the 2007 ceremony. Ziggy has contributed to a variety of childrenÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s programming including Nick Jr.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œDora the Explorer,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� the PBS childrenÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s show ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œArthur,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� and Shark Tale, in which he delved into acting, playing the character of Bernie the Jamaican jellyfish as well as re-recording his fatherÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œThree Little BirdsÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� with Sean Paul and his brother Stephen Marley for the soundtrack. In addition to his skills as a singer, songwriter and producer, Marley founded U.R.G.E. (Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment), a non-profit organization that benefits a wide range of charitable children's causes in Jamaica, and other developing nations. More recently he has lent his support to the Fashion Against Aids, Little Kids Rock and Youth AIDS campaign. Proceeds from the sale of this album will benefit Chepstowe Basic School in Port Antonio, JA. The Tuff Gong label, was founded in 1965 by Bob Marley, with the vision of producing, distributing and promoting his music free from the constraints of corporate label politics. In a time decades before artist-owned record labels were commonplace, the legendary Bob MarleyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s vision was characteristically well ahead of its time. Now, nearly a half-century later, his dream is being realized. Source: Sacks & Co _______________________________________ UPSCALE CROWD PRESENTS DEF JAM RECORDING ARTIST CHRISETTE MICHELE PRE-ALBUM RELEASE PARTY SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2009 NEW WORLD STAGES NEW YORK, NY NEW YORK, NY (RHONA FOX, INC.) - Grammy Award-winner Chrisette Michele returns with her sophomore album, Epiphany, due in stores on May 5, 2009. Now New York's nightlife trendsetters, Upscale Crowd and Caribbean Fuse, team up with her label for this pre-album release event. The anticipated affair takes place on Saturday, April 4 at the exclusive New World Stages, in New York's theater district. Michele will be hosting the all-new Carnival Saturdays kick-off event for Upscale Crowd and Caribbean Fuse, which will take place every first Saturday of each month at the prized venue. Michele will be joined by some special friends for this soirÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â©e, including a special surprise guest. In addition, patrons will be in for quite the treat, as the venue will be themed by genre, and will play host to some of the hottest deejays in New York City. Performing live on the hip-hop, R&B and reggae level will be HOT97's DJ Envy, and Calli B, whereas the soca level will house Young Chow and Natural Freaks. Add that to the soul and jazz of Chrisette Michele, there are options for everyone come this Saturday. VIP tickets are now available for $20, and can be purchased at www.upscalecrowd.com. Please note everyone is FREE before midnight. For more information, contact Upscale Crowd at upscaleinfo@gmail.com. _______________________________________ DANCEHALL STAR ASSASSIN RESPONDS TO ABRUPT REMOVAL FROM STAGE DURING RED STRIPE LIVE PERFORMANCE Boardhouse Records - March 30, 2009 FROM ASSASSIN, IN HIS OWN WORDS: On Saturday March 28, 2009, my performance at the Red Stripe Live concert was ended prematurely and abruptly, as I was stripped of my microphone and escorted off stage. I have spent many years of hard work and sacrifice building my reputation and brand as an artist, with a great level of integrity and professionalism. Indeed, the decision to include me in the line-up of this particular event is testament to that. I therefore have a responsibility to my fans and the general public to explain exactly what took place. Upon being booked for the event, the songs I would be performing in my set were submitted in their entirety (without edits) weeks in advance, as requested by the organizers of the event. I rehearsed the songs in their entirety, on two separate occasions, in the presence of representatives from Red Stripe. There was no written or verbal communication from Red Stripe indicating any disapproval of the planned set, nor any discomfort with any specific lyrics or song. During my final rehearsal, I was merely asked to bear in mind the nature of the show, and upon arrival at the venue I was given a generic briefing by the promoters. At this point, there was still no indication from the promoters of any issue or objection to the planned performance. During my performance, I did not deviate in any way from the rehearsed set. I was therefore shocked when approximately eight minutes into the ten minutes I was allotted, I was forced to discontinue. I was subsequently accused of breaching company policy by using what the promoter labeled offensive and discriminatory lyrical content, specifically, the use of the word "fish" in the song titled "Pree This." The promoter then demanded that I apologize to the audience, a demand to which I did not comply. I am very disappointed by the unprofessional manner in which the matter was handled. I am even more concerned about the potential damage that may be done to my reputation that I have worked so hard to achieve and maintain. My management has since been contacted by Red Stripe's Maxine Whittingham-Osbourne, who admitted it was miscommunication among Red Stripe representatives rather than any wrong doing on my part that resulted in this whole incident. She also stated that after reviewing the lyrics of the song, agreed I did not break any of Red Stripe's company codes. She apologized for failing to communicate with me prior to my performance that any lyrics were deemed questionable. I still feel the need to take this opportunity to assure those who support my music that I am in no way at fault for Saturday night's unfortunate incident. I will continue to exercise discretion in my work, and I remain committed to the high level of integrity that has come to be expected of me. ______________________ The lyrics of the song at the center of the incident are as follows: "Pree This" Intro Jamaica a wi island Jamrock, what kind a rock?... Trust mi is a diamond Mi nah run lef an go no where Mi nah try off a Philippines, mi nah try off a Thailand No, because Jamaica a mi island Fi lef ya come in like mi tek sea ova dry land... Verse One Well Pree this How so much fish deh yah like seh a sea this? And pree this, dem gooda hear that an want say me dis Well pree this, see a Bible yah, gwaan go read this And tell mi whey yuh see say yuh fi a man yuh P? Eh eh, no sah, Jamaica mi can't believe this A find headless pickney, a couldn't we this No murder nah commit a St. Kitts and Nevis But we a gwaan like seh we a Islamic extremist Low mi nuh officer after a nuh speed this How yuh a gwaan so and is a draw a weed this Alright then nuh say nutten, hold this is a G this Yuh face still mek up?... alright a three this Di country a mash up, how wi ago treat this? If we unite mi know we can defeat this Because a full time we bring back the sweetness Until Jamaica give wi diabetes Chorus Because the economy poor and the crime rate high but a Jamaica still a we yard Mi nuh know bout you but mi sure bout me, dem ting deh nuffi gwaan ina mi yard What mi say? Things not great but wi must hold the faith Although times so hard, mi say Wi affi try set it, we nah run lef it Jamaica still a wi yard Verse Two Well hear this Come mek wi pretend seh is a election year this And everybody try find a better way fi steer this Cause if we continue so, tourists goin fear this and nobody nah go want come near this Well hear this... Jamaica we can't move so we a live too careless Nuff prayer a send up mek di Almighty spear this Well Ja-Mek-Ya him a test wi, wi can't fail this Him goodly take it back, so do nuh mek him send a bailiff Mi kick back pon di beach and mi a sip a Baileys And mi a remember how much hurricane and how much near miss But wi crime rate mek wi feel like wi deh pon death row Is like is an electric chair this _______________________________________ Marleys Performing At UN Slavery Remembrance Concert 3/25/2009 8:02:58 AM The Marley brothers will join top international entertainers, including Akon, Gilberto Gil and Ladysmith Black Mombazo when they perform at a concert today, the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery, to be held at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The 'Breaking the Silence, Beating the Drum' concert is one of several events to be held at the UN building to commemorate the more than 100 million Africans exploited during two centuries of transatlantic slave trade. Nelson Mandela and Mohammed Ali will contribute videotaped testimonials to be screened at the concert. The American composer Peter Buffett has written a new song called 'Blood into Gold' for the event, to be performed with Akon, which urges an end to complacency about human trafficking. Source: Jamaica Observer _______________________________________ Ziggy For White House Gig Published: Tuesday | March 24, 2009 Michelle Obama Reggae singer Ziggy Marley is scheduled to perform at the White House on April 13, as part of President Barack Obama's Easter celebrations. Marley, the eldest of reggae legend Bob Marley's sons, said he was contacted last week by the office of First Lady Michelle Obama to appear at the event which is a White House tradition. "I'm really excited about it; we get the chance to spread the message all the way to the White House," Marley told The Gleaner. Marley is a five-time Grammy winner. Four of those came with the Melody Makers, a group which also included his brother, Stephen, and sisters, Sharon and Cedella. His 2006 solo album, Love Is My Religion, won the Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2007. Marley's latest album, Family Time, is a collection of children's songs. It will be released on May 5. Source: Jamaica Gleaner _______________________________________ MRS. RITA MARLEY DONATES TUFF GONG INTERNATIONAL PRODUCTS TO THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF JAMAICA (NLJ) Kingston, Jamaica 11th March 2009 On Wednesday, March 11, 2009, Mrs. Rita Marley made a presentation of Marley products distributed by Tuff Gong International to the National Library of Jamaica (NLJ). The donated items included Bob MarleyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“LegendÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ which holds the distinction of being the second longest charting album in the history of Billboard Magazine, ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“BurninÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ which is among a small number of audio recordings selected for preservation in the National Recording registry of the United States Library of Congress as well as the Grammy winning albums by Ziggy Marley, Stephen Marley and Damian ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“Jr. GongÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ Marley. These and more will now form a part of the NLJÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s resource collection used by students and other visitors for research purposes. The public may also purchase these products directly from Tuff Gong International, located at 220 Marcus Garvey Drive in Kingston. Mrs. Rita Marley recently returned to Jamaica from Ghana, West Africa where she provides financial assistance for infrastructural development in the village of Aburi, including fresh water in the pipes, paved roads and renovation to the Konkonuru Primary school. Source: Tuff Gong IntÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢l _______________________________________ ........ RAGGA MUFFINS FESTIVAL 2009 Click here for the review and photos ___________________________ NEW MR. VEGAS "HOT PEPPA RIDDIM" ___________________________ Mishka Photo(c) Doug Seymour 2008 Born to a Bermudian father and Canadian mother, Mishka is bringing his brand of soulful roots-reggae across Canada this October as part of the Exclaim! Fall Concert Series with Canadian headliner Bedouin Soundclash. MishkaÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s socially conscious lyrics, seductive vocals, and hypnotic reggae grooves have garnered a solid worldwide cult following since 1999. Photo(c) ErikVoake.com Matthew McConaughey & Mishka, The Roxy, West Hollywood, February 17th Mishka was born in Bermuda, and raised on a 40-foot sailing vessel built by his parents, who wanted to fulfill a lifelong dream of raising their young family by the ocean. Inspired by his rich, natural surroundings and the righteous spirit permeating the Caribbean Islands, Mishka has been singing since before his earliest memories. At the tender age of 10, Mishka acquired a tape player and soon discovered a world of music that moved him. The first record he ever bought was ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œAvalonÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� by Roxy Music, and he listened to everything from contemporary Rock to South AfricaÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s Juluka, Burning Spear, and Bob Marley. While living in Nevis as a young adult in 1992, Mishka devoted himself to writing and performing, connecting with people through his essence and the intimacy of his music. His lyrics speak to his engaging perspective on life, distrust of authority, distaste of corruption, and faith in love and in our worldÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s people. Photo(c) ErikVoake.com Matthew McConaughey & Mishka, The Roxy, West Hollywood, February 17th During a performance one evening, actor Matthew McConaughey heard the music from where he was staying. He went down the next day to find out who had been performing the night before, saw the flyer, and then started to search Mishka out. Mishka soon became the first artist signed to McConaugheyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s label j.k. livinÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ Records. Mishka has toured extensively throughout Europe, Japan, and North America, including a sold out North American acoustic tour opening for Australian multi-instrumentalist Xavier Rudd. MishkaÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s bare-bone approach to the performance of his music, coupled with his seductive positive energy make him utterly captivating to see live. Mishka released his third album ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“Above The BonesÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ in February 2009. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart. Produced by Matthew McConaughey and Atlanta producer/musician Daryl Thompson (Sly & Robbie, Peter Tosh), tracks ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“Coastline JourneyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ and ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“3rd Eye VisionÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ are featured in McConaugheyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s latest movie ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“Surfer Dude.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ Mishka is currently on his North American tour. McConaughey Introduces Mishka to MySpace The Roxy, Hollywood: Mishka at the Roxy ___________________________ New Music - VYBZ KARTEL "Come Breed Me" ___________________________ BLACK JUDAH "DON'T GIVE UP" THE FOLLOW-UP NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO FROM THEIR #1 HIT "MERCY PLEASE" FEAT WARRIOR KING FROM THE HIGHLY AWAITED UPCOMING TEFLON BLOOD RECORDS DEBUT CD RELEASE ROOTS WORLD ORDER Featuring guest artist Busy Signal, Elephant Man, and more. LISTEN TO THE MUSIC AND WATCH THE VIDEO NOW www.TeflonBloodRecords.com www.myspace.com/BlackJudah "Don't Give up"..the new single from Black Judah. The song sends the message of vibes needed to stay uplifted, and strive for the family. A message of strength. Listen and feel the strenght in the music. Great song with excellent exchange of lead vocals and backgound vocals standing strong also. - Marsha Hunt ___________________________ Eric Blowtorch and the Welders Debut single ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œSalt WaterÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œThe best 7" to come out of the USA in YEARS.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� -Ernie BÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s Reggae Eric Blowtorch: guitar, piano, organ, percussion, vocals Nate Vest: melodica, tambourine, congas, percussion, vocals Michael Bell: bass, vocals Tito Cruz: drums, vocals ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œSalt Water,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� backed with a dub version, is the first single by Eric Blowtorch and the Welders, a vocal and instrumental quartet from Milwaukee. Released on the bandÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s own Bopaganda! label, the record is a meditative roots reggae one-drop written primarily by bassist Michael Bell. The record is available in most Milwaukee vinyl shops, in select London record stores, and from worldwide distributor Ernie BÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s Reggae Distribution (www.ebreggae.com). Both sides have received airplay on WMSE-FM in Milwaukee (www.wmse.org) and on KFAI-FM in Minneapolis (www.kfai.org). ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œSalt WaterÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� was recorded, engineered, and mixed by Shane Olivo at Bobby PeruÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s Welding Yard in Milwaukee. In addition to Nate VestÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s tambourine and congas, Eric Blowtorch plays a set of queen tree shakers taken from the front yard at Alpha BoysÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ School in Kingston, Jamaica, where he spent several weeks working in the front office and playing with the Alpha BoysÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ Band. Eric also has performed solo at the Village CafÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â© in Kingston. "Salt Water" very nicely done song. Love the shakers. -Marsha Hunt ___________________________ JAH CURE SHOOTS VIDEO FOR NEW HIT SINGLE, "CALL ON ME" FOX FOTOS: Reggae star Jah Cure on the set for the video shoot of his hit single, "Call On Me," with R&B singer Phyllisia, in Ocho Rios, Jamaica on Saturday, March 13-14, 2009. NEW YORK, NY (RHONA FOX, INC.) - Reggae star Jah Cure is on the brink of releasing his highly anticipated album, The Universal Cure (SoBe/DangerZone), and is back with a new hit single that's heating up airwaves across the Caribbean, and beyond. "Call On Me," a romantic duet recorded with SoBe labelmate, R&B/Pop singer Phyllisia, is already topping reggae playlists worldwide. Now the alluring single is bound to place Jah Cure at the very top of reggae charts, as he looks forward to the release of his new album come early April. "I feel excited about this album, because this is the first album that I've made since I've been out of incarceration," states the soulful singer, whom many say is reminiscent of the great Bob Marley. "When all the other albums were released, I was in incarceration, so this is the first album that I made as a free man, and the first album launch I'll ever have in my life. So this album is more sentimental, and I'm out here to make it grow and make it connect to the fans more. It's a joy to be able to promote it to my fans and to the media, and to participate in platforms like Facebook and YouTube, and advertise it as a free man to the free world." The video was commissioned by SoBe Entertainment and DangerZone Music Group. It was shot over a two-day period in luscious Ocho Rios, Jamaica, with locations spanning the luxurious Royal Plantation resort and surrounding beaches. The video was directed by Rhona Fox and is slated for release in the upcoming week. For more information on Jah Cure, tour dates and details on the upcoming album release, including celebrations from Kingston to Miami, visit his artist profile at www.myspace.com/freejahscure. ___________________________ ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œKy-Enie - Be My Light!ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� The music video BE MY LIGHT Florida ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ March 2009: Reggae artist Ky-Enie debuts his new music video BE MY LIGHT produced by King Leo Promotions & Productions Inc. ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œThe song is inspirational. It signals a new soundÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚Â¦ a new messageÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚Â¦itÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s a prayerÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� says Stacy Lee-Williams of King Leo Promotions ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œWe had a lot of really awesome songs to choose from with the Then Now...After album by Ky-Enie but Be My Light is exactly what we wanted to be our premier videoÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬�. About King Leo Promotions & Productions Inc. King Leo Promotions and Productions Inc. is a company designed to bring new and creative ideas to the world of West Indian entertainment. Our main objective is to build a reputation of successful video production, artist promotion and event planning making King Leo the company to turn to for exposure in the industry. With our creative resources, industry knowledge and conceptual ideas we bring intensity to our projects ensuring success. About Ky-Enie. Ky-Enie is a true expression of ReggaeÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s versatility. His sizzling live performances take you on a journey that is rooted in Reggae but makes stopovers in Dancehall, Rock, and Acoustic Soul. His blend of spiritual vibes and hardcore truths show the listener an amazing depth of understanding. ___________________________ Atiba "Eyes Wide Open" If you ever found yourself, in a deep thought sprawled in the back of your most fondest imagination in regards to the ongoing battle of hip-hop music, R&B, Reggae and other genres of music, and why one specific sound and art form of music is more popular or appealing to the masses than the other; then ponder no more this distinction is found in reggae newcomer ATIBA. The phenomenon of reggae singers belling out such blunt, "in your face lyrics" over a sultry beat has been intimidating to the hip hop world for years, and with innovative, ground breaking artist such as ATIBA branding the new face of music, dancehall reggae is destined to be stronger than ever. Slip n Slide Records recording artist ATIBA is truly the new sound of "Dancehall" with a fusion of hip-hop reggae mix, breathing fresh air back into the reggae music scene. Born in Brooklyn, NY, and relocated with family to Jamaica at the age of 5, the young singer states that his father was extremely musically inclined and has vivid memories of music as an art form always being present in his childhood. ATIBA came back to the states at the age of 15, with a passion for music and firm background on what it takes to create that "star power essence, ATIBA and his family forged ahead made Orlando their home in search of a more constant and promising future in the music industry. "My Father tried his hands in all sorts of occupations to support the family. One of his greatest was creating a sound system called, "Love Vibration Disco," headed by DJ Rudolf; it quickly became one of the top sound systems in Jamaica. He cut the first songs that Beenie Man had ever recorded and introduced him to the industry. Music was always around. Some of the greatest artists to come out of Jamaica were at my house on a constant basis." ATIBA was involved in reggae dancehall music from a very young age, "I sang in a four part harmony group called "Fate" and then started a group with my sister Malica and friend Francisco, it was called, "Three The Hard Way" a year after that I was signed to super producer Rodney Jerkins record label Darkchild Records. ATIBA quickly became a hot commodity among others in the industry and is noted for his works with R&B sensation Ray J on hit single entitled "If I Had One Wish". The inventive singer has also been featured in nationwide publications including Ozone Magazine, and has performed on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, alongside Patti Labelle, Mary Mary, George Clinton, Be Be Winans and more. ATIBA is hardly an unknown musical figure and is taking on new musical projects and marking new territory with plans to continue to leave his everlasting score in the footprints of great reggae musicians before him. Drawing inspiration from legendary singers such as, Lauryn Hill, Bob Marley, Sam Cooke and more, ATIBA is destined for quick success in the industry. When asked about future plans ATIBA, meekly smiles and states that he plans to "make classic music, and push the culture forward." ATIBA's upcoming album is definitely guaranteed to be classic, savored and cherished by all music fans. Visit Atiba at Myspace.com ___________________________ Soraia Drummond Born in Salvador-Bahia-Brazil, nine days after her big inspirer Robert Nesta Marley passed, she spent her early years listening to Marley's music and studying his way of life. She actually learnt to speak English just by listening to Bob Marley's music. From humble origin, she lives in the neighborhood of a peripheral town called IAPI since two years of age. She started her musical career when she was twenty years old by an invitation of friends joining a cover band of Canadian singer Alanis Morissette. She always loved arts at school and was an A student in arts, writing and handcraft. Her first contact with the guitar was when she was twelve and saw a cousin playing the classic Los Lobos version of the song ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œ La Bamba ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� by William Clauson. At twenty-two years of age she had worked and saved enough to buy a guitar and the next two years were spent learning to play the classic guitar professionally. Never indifferent to issues of social inequality that prevented to pursue her dream of being simply an artist, she found in the example of Bob Marley all the answers to her questions. In the search for understanding the content of Bob Marley's lyrics she improved her English, since she never was able to attend a language course because of her social condition. In the study of the Bob Marley's musicality she also improved her ability to play other instruments such as bass, guitar, drums and keyboard. She started writing and recording her own songs and sometimes performed them at small functions and a few nite clubs in and around Salvador . She worked in public schools as a bi-lingual teacher in English/Portuguese before being discovered by Jamaica 's international manager and tour coordinator Copeland Forbes at a Gregory Isaacs's concert in Salvador at July 07, 2007. Forbes invited her to Jamaica for the fifteenth staging of Jamaica's premier Reggae festival Reggae Sumfest and introduced her to Jamaica's ace saxophonist and producer Dean Fraser who was very impressed with her musicianship. Fraser took her to Grafton Studios and she wrote and re-recorded Tarrus Riley's hit She's Royal in Portuguese, hence it's called Nao Saia. She's now working on her first CD titled Songs About You even when she has not a record label as yet. She is working with some of Jamaica's top producers including Sly & Robbie, Dean Fraser, Computer Paul, Earl ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œChinnaÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� Smith and Leebert ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œGibbyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� Morrison because they was very impressed with her musicianship. She's also working on her Brazilian debut album titled Soraia Drummond . This album has a few Portuguese versions of some Reggae classics, like Rasta Man Chant (Bob Marley), Night Nurse (Gregory Isaacs), Papa bakoy (Alpha Blond), She's royal (Tarrus Riley), a new song (in a English version) of greats Brazilian composers Ildasio Tavares and Baden Power, in addition to many of her own songs. New projects: Back to Brazil, after a journey of eight months in 2007 to Jamaica, opening concerts of the tour (which also went through U.S. and Europe) of the legendary reggae man Gregory Issacs, the singer, songwriter, musician, arranger, producer and web designer Soraia Drummond, deepened her knowledge in Jamaican music and culture and found a clear link with the Brazilian culture and music, considering that both countries had their building based on African culture that has suffered several influences due to the intervention of the slaves of our race. However, the essence of black culture has been preserved, the balance of reggae, with its many facets, remains near from the samba's swing, with has too many facets too, remains near from the militant resistance of Capoeira, as an evidence that independent of the region where our brothers had their bodies imprisoned and tortured, the spirit remained intact and through the beauty of music we find ways to preserve our history and our culture that resists until the present days and is giving rise to new styles and trends. The Hip-Hop, preceded and inspired by Dance Hall, is a great example of the power of transformation and expression of black culture around the world. Mixing elements of Brazilian culture and Jamaican, Soraia Drummond worked with the greatest Jamaican producers like Sly & Robbie, Dean Fraser, Computer Paul, Earl "Chinn" Smith (former guitarist for Bob Marley), Leebert "Gibby" Morrison (guitarist of Bunny Wailer and Ziggy Marley) and composed in partnership with the phenomenal Jamaican composer Bob Andy. In return the trip the artist has joined with the selector, arranger and producer DJ RaÃƒÆ’Ã‚Âz, specializes in music and black culture. Together they form the "Dub Electric" and presents the show "To the living, because the dead do not dance," a thrilling fusion of various African, Brazilian and Jamaican rhythms. The show is based on the sound system culture, the selector DJ Raiz on the pick ups and effects and Soraia Drummond on voice and various instruments, both in a line so intense that sometimes is impossible to know who does what, making an incredible spectacle. In repertoire compositions from Soraia Drummond, she talks about love, social and spiritual issues, in addition to partnerships and rereading of classics such as Bambam (Sister Nancy) and No no no (Dawn Pen). She also incorporates elements of the culture from New Zealand when literally put fire on the show with her Poi fire, another delight for the eyes of viewers. They are also blessed with Capoeira dance and the most pure Samba from Bahia. Ya man, behind the Dub Electric will not only those who already died! Visit Soraia Drummond at Myspace.com ___________________________ RANDY B ADDICTED TO THE MUSIC By: Keith Kennedy Everyone has a vice. For some it is gambling, shopping, sex, booze or another intoxicant but for Southern BoyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s RANDY B. the drug of choice is music. RANDY B. is attracted to all good music, but he is especially addicted to creating his own. Not one to leave his hands in the destiny of others, RANDY B. is an avid believer in the do-it-yourself style of music. ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œMusic has been instilled in me since birth,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� RANDY B. is proud to announce. His father, a high school band teacher, nurtured his sonÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s musical curiosity by allowing RANDY B. to march alongside him in the band in addition to cultivating his natural talents. As a result RANDY B. has grown to create, produce, and write his own music through his strongest instruments, piano and drums. RANDY B.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s guidance did not end under a careful paternal eye. RANDY B. recently sojourned to Atlanta to collaborate with todayÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s talented tenth led by The-Dream (artist/songwriter, J. Holiday, Usher, Mariah Carey), Tricky Stewart (BeyonceÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œSingle Ladies (Put A Ring On It)ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� & RihannaÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œUmbrellaÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬�), and Sam Salter (Boyz II Men, B2K, & SisqoÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢). With the help of these musical giants, RANDY B. learned ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œhow to give the people what they want by being yourself and finding your own sound.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� To that end, ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œI have taken my experiences and made them entertaining,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� explains RANDY B. The results have been soul stirring records such as ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œItÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s Over Now,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œLet It Be,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œCandyman,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� and most recently ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œSlip AwayÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� produced by the renowned hitmaking producer, Jim Jonsin (Lil WayneÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œLollipop,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� TIÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œWhatever You LikeÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� & Soulja BoyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œKiss Me Thru The PhoneÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬�). But, as with any addiction, there is a dark side. For RANDY B. it is that the ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œrisk of investing in myself can be painful. 90% of my music is written, created, and released by me so, the grind of putting yourself out there can be painful.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� RANDY B. continues, ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œthankfully, through the bumps and bruises I have learned to become not only a better businessman, but also a better musicianÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� by translating the trials and tribulations into beautiful records such as ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œGrowing Pains.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� RANDY B. knows the highs one can receive from injecting the right record into the arm of the mainstream and is not shy in understanding what it takes to make it. ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œNo one will ever out hustle me.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� So, look for RANDY B. this year to release his debut album on his imprint, Southern Boy or surfing his site, www.randybmusic.com. When asked if he will ever go to rehab to cure him of the habit of music, RANDY B. emphatically states, ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œno, no, no!ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� ___________________________ KEVIN LYTTLE FOR POWER96 AND CALLE OCHO 2009 NEW YORK, NY (RHONA FOX, INC.) - Soca superstar Kevin Lyttle will be taking his tantalizing, soulful sounds to the streets of Miami for the annual Calle Ocho festival, this Sunday, March 15. Lyttle will be a featured performer on the POWER96 stage, joining the likes of Shaggy and Brooke Hogan for a stellar lineup of the hottest acts in music today. "I'll be bringing the fire," states the electrifying star, who single-handedly introduced the soca genre to the world when his first single,"Turn Me On," exploded at #4 on Billboard Hot 100 in 2004. Lyttle's latest release, "Anywhere" featuring Flo Rida, is currently receiving rotation on Miami's hit station POWER96, leading to his inclusion in their Calle Ocho cast. He will also be the in-studio guest on The DJ Laz Morning Show, on Wednesday, March 11. Join DJ Laz and Kevin Lyttle live at 7:30am on 96.5 FM in the South Florida region, or log on to www.power96.com and click on the "Listen Live" tab, for a live stream of what's sure to be a thrilling time for listeners. Billed as "the biggest block party in the world," Calle Ocho is known as the Spanish Carnival in Miami and attracts thousands during the daylong fiesta. Join Kevin Lyttle and the POWER96 celebration at the stage located on SW 8th Street and 17th Avenue in downtown Miami, from 11am to 7pm on Sunday. Lyttle is currently hitting the studio as he gears up for his sophomore mainstream release, after taking time to tour the world, following the success of his self-titled debut album (Atlantic Records, 2004). The collaboration with Flo Rida is just one of many, as artists from all genres team up with the "Soul of Soca" on his journey to bring Caribbean music to mainstream masses. Fans can look forward to upcoming Kevin Lyttle hits featuring Shaggy, Fat Joe and Pitbull. Listen to new tracks and stay updated on Kevin Lyttle by logging on to www.kevinlyttle.com or www.myspace.com/kevinlyttle. ___________________________ NEW VIDEO JUNIOR KELLY FT. QUEEN IFRICA - "TOO LATE" NEW MUSIC .......... ___________________________ BELIZEANS ARE READY FOR BEENIE! BELIZE REGGAE FEST SERIES SET FOR SATURDAY New York, NY (MS. RAINE INC): Belizeans anxiously await the arrival of the "King of the Dancehall" Beenie Man this Saturday to launch the Belize Reggae Fest Series. Produced by American-based promoters Triple T Productions and Nuffmuzik Productions, the Reggae Fest is the very first entertainment series dedicated to bringing top tier Caribbean performers to Belize on a regular basis. "The response has been amazing," states Triple T Productions CEO Tasz Smith. "I have been in Belize for a little over a week now, and everyone is buzzing about the show. Ticket sales are going extremely well. Belizeans have always been great supporters of Caribbean entertainment, unfortunately the access to top level entertainers is limited. I am really glad that we [Triple T and Nuffmuzik] decided to launch the Belize Reggae Fest Series and bring the best of the Caribbean to Belize." Beenie Man, who will be in Belize for the first time in nearly four years, is equally excited about launching the series. "The people of Belize are in for a great show," states Beenie Man. "Belize always shows Beenie Man love, and Beenie Man loves Belize. It's been a long time, so you done know I have to give them something extra extra special." Joining the 'Doctor' Beenie Man for the Belize Reggae Fest Series launch is sultry Lover's Rock crooner Anthony Cruz, Dancehall's reigining 'Attitude Gyal' dancer Dyema, and DJ Andrew D of Irie Jam Radio in New York. Dancehall's 'First Lady' D'Angel will be making her Belize debut as special guest. "This is a special guest appearance that you won't want to miss, so make sure you come out," states D'Angel before adding her signature "An Suh!" "It's going to be crazy," states Anthony Cruz. "Fans from Belize have been sending a lot of love through my website and my Myspace page. I am looking forward to touching down in Belize." The inaugural Belize Reggae Fest Series event featuring the "King of the Dancehall" Beenie Man, Anthony Cruz, DJ Andrew D, Dyema, and special guest artist D'Angel will be held on Saturday, March 7th at the Civic Center in Belize City. For tickets and more information about the show or the Belize Reggae Fest Series, contact Tasz Smith at 917-324-5016 or tasz114@aol.com. Log on towww.tripletproduction.com for more information about Triple T Productions and the Belize Reggae Fest Series. The Belize Reggae Fest Series is sponsored by Belikin Beer, Guinness Foreign Extra, Santiago Castillo, Viola Hope Project, Smart Phone, Print Belize Limited, Rhona Fox, Inc., Dancehallreggae.com, Cellular Plus, MoreFM 99.5FM, yardmassive.com, and Ms. Raine Inc. Other special partners include Tony Gabb, The Renaissance Tower Hotel and Condominiums, Tagg International with DJ Special, DJ Motion, Belizean Movements, and DJ Dollar. ___________________________ Black History Month Gift From Junior Kelly "FREEDOM" ___________________________ New Music Blame It Remix Featuring Jamie Foxx and T-Pain Queen Ifrica Lioness On the Rise From her New Digital EP The Road to Montego Bay (Online March 24 at PlanetReggae.com) ............ Maino Featuring Busy Signal Nah Go To Jail Again ............ Mr. Vegas I Am Bless ___________________________ The kick-off celebration For The 28th Annual Ragga Muffins Festival/ Bob Marley Day 2009 On Bob MarleyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s Birthday, Friday, February 6th On The Rox (above The Roxy Theatre) Ragga Muffins Festival invited members of the press to come together and celebrate the legacy of Bob Marley! Artist E-Dee performed and will also be performing at the festival this year on Sunday Feb. 22nd. Another artist in attendance was Eljai who has just released a new single, "I Know". It was a great night with the sounds of Bob Marley and some very good birthday cake. Check the pictures below: Photos taken and contributed by Gary Greene ___________________________ ___________________________ Reggae music icon and international recording artist Winston ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“Burning SpearÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ Rodney wins second career Best Reggae Album GrammyÃƒâ€šÃ‚Â® for his all-new studio CD, JAH IS REAL New York, NY (February 10, 2009) - Burning Music Productions proudly announces that Reggae music icon Winston ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“Burning SpearÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ Rodney (O.D.) has won his second career Best Reggae Album Grammy for his all-new 2008 studio CD release, Jah Is Real. The 51st Annual Grammy Awards were held Sunday, February 8th at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, and broadcast on CBS TV Network in US and to a worldwide audience. Burning Spear is a previous Grammy winner for his 1999 Calling Rastafari album and has received a record 11 nominations (most in the Reggae genre) for releases over his career to date (www.Grammy.com). Spear and his wife/ Burning Music Productions partner Sonia, who also attended along with son, Kevin, are greatly appreciative of the recognition by the Academy members for the honor. It was also significant for them as being the only fully independent release among the nominations this year. Congratulations for SpearÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s win came backstage from other music icons as former Beatles member, Sir Paul McCartney, bluesman BB King, and many more from the musical community. He was also interviewed by the worldwide press in attendance including Fox Network, BBC, CNN, People, and many more along the eventÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s red carpet upon his arrival at the Grammys. Jah Is Real is an all-new studio album produced and performed by Rodney and released / distributed through his own independent Burning Music Productions. The CD also features guest musical performances on several of the album tracks by Parliament-Funkadelic legends bassist Bootsy Collins and keyboard maestro Bernie Worrell. Jah Is Real and Burning SpearÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s extensive catalog of releases are available at the Burning Spear Store, on his official website, www.BurningSpear.net, and all leading retail music stores. Burning Spear (left) and son Kevin (right) accept the Best Reggae Album Grammy at 51st Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. (photo courtesy of AP) Burning Spear (top) and blues legend BB King (bottom) backstage at 51st Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. (photo courtesy of Burning Music Productions) Kevin Rodney (left) Sir Paul McCartney (middle) Burning Spear (right) backstage at 51st Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. (photo courtesy of Burning Music Productions) (l-r) Kevin Rodney, 'Native' Wayne Jobson, Sonia Rodney, Burning Spear backstage at 51st Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. (photo courtesy of Burning Music Prodctions) ___________________________ ELJAI NEW SINGLE RELEASE "I KNOW" Belizean born Reggae artiste Eljai, based in California, visited Jamaica during the Christmas season for two weeks to promote his new single entitled "I Know" produced by veteran Fabian Cooke (Born Jamericans / Ziggy Marley / Lion King soundtrack). Eljai's visit was successful as he did a lot of interviews with the local media and got a chance to promote his new single. The video for "I Know" will be shot in California and released worldwide in February as his first major project for 2009. Eljai hit the Jamaican charts for the very first time with his first single "Don't Leave". The video was number one on R.E.T.V. MVP Top 10 Reggae Charts and bubbling on CVM Hitlist Top 5 Reggae Charts. "Don't Leave" is distributed by TADs International and the rhythm entitled 'Drop It' is produced by Flava on the No Doubt Label. Other artistes featured on the rythmn includes Reggae giants Beres Hammond, Marcia Griffiths, Jah Cure, Etana, Chuck Fenda, Morgan Heritage, and Lutan Fyah. Eljai had a great 2008 having performed on the Caribbean Sea Breeze Festival in California, Panamanian Reggae Festival in New York, Chicago Park Festival and Labour Day Fest in Los Angeles. Eljai quickly became one of the shining new beacons of Reggae music in Southern California and is on his way to extending his light throughout the rest of the world in this new year. ELJAI - DA REBIRTH CD IN STORES NOW FEATURING THE HITS "ANGEL OF MINE," "BLESSED" WITH CAPLETON & MANY MORE ___________________________ Akon presents: KID DRE NEW SINGLE - "Bottles In The Air" Make sure you're at the TJ's DJ's Tastemakers DJ/Music Conference - TJ's B'day Edition on Wednesday, February 11 to watch Akon's newest artist, Kid Dre perform live! ___________________________ NEW MUSIC FROM VP RECORDS Fantan Mojah "Jah Time" - From the album Stronger Anthony B "One The Spot Herb Shop" - From the Album Rise Up Mikey Spice "My Way" - From the Album Walk A Mile ___________________________ PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy Aretha Franklin Sings Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy ........ Essence posted great photos from Washington on their site. Enjoy.-Marsha Full Story on photos.essence.com ___________________________ MR. VEGAS TO STORM NEW YORK NEW YORK, NY (RHONA FOX, INC.) - Dancehall star Mr. Vegas is set to take New York City by storm on Friday, January 30, 2009. He will be bringing his moves and grooves to New York promoting powerhouse - Upscale Crowd and Caribbean Fuse's Caribbean Fridays at Club Element in lower Manhattan, with his signature tunes that will leave you "Heads High," and make you "Tek Weh Yuh Self" and do the "Hot Wuk." Mr. Vegas is coming off an amazing year where he has toured the world, from Africa to Japan, and island-hopped across the Caribbean, as he celebrated the release of his most recent album, HOT IT UP (Delicious Vinyl, 2007). Scoring several number ones on the dancehall charts in Jamaica, he's also currently causing a splash by making Vibe Magazine's "80 Best Songs of '08," with his hit tune that created a dance craze, "Tek Weh Yuh Self." He is only one of two Caribbean artists making the coveted list, alongside Mavado. Vegas' universal appeal is obvious as his tunes become anthems in the dancehall, both at home and internationally, and he has achieved and maintained a unique level of crossover success for over a decade now. Now his new hits, "Mus Come A Road" and "Deh Pon De Scene" (Beauty Riddim, TJ Records) are shaking airwaves around the globe and give his fans yet another reason to "hot wuk." So take a break from the cold and come enjoy the Vegas heat this Friday at Element, starting at 11pm. Advance tickets are now available for $15 online at www.upscalecrowd.com, and $20 at the door, before 12:30am. Log on to www.upscalecrowd.com for further ticket information, or contact the promoters at upscaleinfo@gmail.com. ABOUT UPSCALE CROWD Upscale Crowd Entertainment is a leading New York promoter targeting the Caribbean-American and African-American markets. The company operates as an independent division of its parent company, Upscale Crowd Marketing Group LLC. For more information visit www.upscalecrowd.com. ___________________________ NEW MUSIC RELEASES Be sure to call your radio station and request the songs below. Da'Ville - "Neva Gonna Cry" - VP RECORDS .......... Kevin Lyttle - "DANGEROUS" TARAKON RECORDS/UNIVERSAL JAPAN .......... Ky-nie - "Lambsbread" King Leo Promotions ___________________________ SEAN PAUL & ESTELLE ROCK NEW YORK Dancehall icon Sean Paul is joined by Atlantic Records labelmate, Estelle, for a rare club performance in Manhattan, on January 18, 2009. - Photo by Peter Noel/Wildfire - NEW YORK, NY (RHONA FOX, INC.) - Sean Paul, the most commercially successful representative of dancehall music today, brought his brand of pop dancehall into the swanky Club Element in lower Manhattan this past weekend. Dubbed "Sean Paul & Friends LIVE," the event was part of New York City's trendsetting promotion team - Upscale Crowd Entertainment and Caribbean Fuse's celebration of the Martin Luther King holiday weekend, on Sunday, January 18, 2009. Estelle and Sean Paul perform their current Billboard hit, "Come Over," much to the crowd's surprise and delight. - Photo by 7Days7Nights - Fans who braved the snowy New York temps to pack Element were in for a treat when SP, as he's commonly called, took the stage, welcoming everyone in the club. "Happy New Year to all my people them," he said, greeting the crowd with a smile. "You see all my people them who love reggae and dancehall music - Caribbean people, Jamaican people, Trinidadian people, Guyanese people." The audience went wild as he called out their homelands, then performed many of his hits, including, "Give It Up To Me," "We Be Burning," "Gimme The Light," "Get Busy," "Watch Dem Roll," and "Temperature." Dancehall artist Leftside AKA Dr. Evil and Sean Paul. - Photo by Roland Hyde - But the momentum shifted into high gear when SP suddenly stopped his set and turned to plant a kiss on a female standing on the side of the stage. Then the Supa Dups-produced melody for current Billboard hit "Come Over" belted over the speakers, and SP introduced British export, Estelle. "Hey Estelle, I gotta say your voice is as beautiful as you are," he chimed, pulling her towards the center of the stage. "Come give the people them what they want." The impromptu duet made for a memorable show, as ticket holders enjoyed two superstars for the price of one. An eclectic mix of music added fuel to the night, lead by HOT97 radio personality and deejay, Mr. Cee. Upscale Crowd Entertainment and FOX INC. working the show -Chaka Bomani, Rhona Fox, Michelle Naraine and Jermaine Magras. - Photo by Alex Mateo - Upscale Crowd Entertainment and Caribbean Fuse continue to pave the way in nightlife promotion by hosting top-notch events in New York City, for five years now. Celebrities frequent their weekly parties, and they are known for putting on classy events with the hottest acts today. They are also setting a precedent as promoters by sacrificing patron space for media crews, bringing more than an audience to an artist performance, but also mainstream and core media coverage of the artist at their events. Crews from numerous mainstream media outlets, including FADER, XXL Magazine, the Associated Press, and key Caribbean media were granted all-access to the Sean Paul show. Sean Paul and Jermaine Magras, Marketing Director of Upscale Crowd Entertainment. Sean Paul welcomes the sold out crowd at Club Element. "Having Sean Paul to start off our 2009 celebrity artists series complements our goal of bringing quality Caribbean events to Manhattan, the heart of New York City," states Jermaine Magras, Marketing Director of Upscale Crowd Entertainment. For upcoming Upscale Crowd events, including their popular weekly Caribbean party on Fridays at Element, log on to www.upscalecrowd.com. To stay updated on all things Sean Paul, including news on his new album, The Next Thing, check out his Atlantic Street Team site at www.allseanpaul.com, or log on to www.myspace.com/seanpaul. Source: Rhona Fox, Inc ___________________________ JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival Robin Thicke The skills that build..... JAMAICA Jazz and Blues a World Class event Kingston, Jamaica:- TurnKey Productions took over the production of the Festival from Air Jamaica and BET just over 6 years ago, and In the beginning the event was much smaller and focused more on Jazz and Blues bands in contrast to the melting pot of musical genres which are now one of the hallmarks of the Festival, a feature which TurnKey has summed up in the slogan ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œThe Art of MusicÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬�. With that slogan, came the inception of a second stage, TurnKey created an opportunity for new talent to be showcased between the major acts and get international exposure as artistes, and has seen the likes of Tessanne Chin and Rootz Underground. It is the job of TurnKeyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s Executive Producer Walter Elmore to bring all the different elements of producing and marketing the Festival together. Work on the Festival, starting with sourcing sponsorship and the selection of a line-up begins up to 8 months before the Festival date. Landscaping, transportation, marketing, security, hotel accommodations, food and drinks, ticketing and stage production are some of the many areas that have to come together to breathe life into what is now The JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival. Though each element may come from separate entities, and as complicated as it seems to bring those all together, leave it to TurnKey Productions to manage the logistics of the Festival and ensure that everything is coordinated and runs smoothly. In 2007 the Festival, having outgrown its home at the Cinnamon Hill golf course, moved to a much larger space in Rose Hall. The site was ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“builtÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ by TurnKey Productions from the ground up to become a temporary new home, for the event. While its ambiance is quite different from the beloved Cinnamon Hill, the new venue has its own charm, bounded by the historic Aqueduct as its backdrop, and with the Caribbean Sea and the carefully manicured Rose Hall golf courses to its sides. The Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival is now a world-class, three-day event, featuring star-studded line-ups, showcasing fantastic musical talent from Jamaica and musical legends from around the world. The show not only features artistes who perform in the area of Jazz and Blues but crosses over into a variety of genres including Reggae, R&B, Gospel, Latin, and Country among others. The JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival is now a phenomenal musical experience. The JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival 2009 has a lot to offer fans and guarantees value for money.This year's staging features Lionel Richie, Estelle, Robin Thicke, The Chicagos, The Ojays, Atlantic Starr, Randy Crawford and Joe Sample, Nikki Yanofsky and many more Ticket prices range from US$80 per night, US$155(Weekend Friday and Saturday) and US$235 (Season passes). VIP upgrades costing US$20 (Thursday), US$40 (Friday & Saturday) or US$60 (Season) are also available and this allows you access closer to the stage area with the option to purchase beverages from an exclusive bar and food prepared by Lorraine Fung. Tickets are available at the following locations: Acropolis Gaming & Entertainment Centre, Coral Cliff Entertainment Limited, El Paso Records, Fairview Texaco, Fontana Pharmacy, Paymaster Outlets, Rorys Texaco, Villagio Gaming & Entertainment Centre and also online at www.jamaicajazzandblues.com. Visit www.jamaicajazzandblues.com for additional details. ........ A Stimulus Kingston, Jamaica:- The 2009 Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, slated for January 22-24 at Rose Hall, Montego Bay, promises to deliver more of the high-class entertainment patrons have come to expect since its 1996 inception. Despite the worldwide recession, Turnkey Productions, festival organizers have pulled all stops and are going the extra mile to lure visitors to the beautiful shores of Jamaica for the Festival. Nikki Yanofsky - Photo by Rob Fahie Zachary Harding, Deputy Director of Tourism at the Jamaica Tourist Board, said the Festival has been marketed in a different light this time around. ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œJTB officials sat down with several leading North American tour operators and drafted a comprehensive promotion plan that will give show-goers more than music. What we have done is package the Festival as a destination within a destination. ThereÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s going to be general sightseeing, shopping and a chance to see attractions on the site itself (Rose Hall),ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� Harding said. For tourism interests in the Montego Bay region this is good news. Wayne Cummings, President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, explained that the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival takes place during a lull in the winter tourist season, and usually provides a much-needed boost for the industry. ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œThe show has been good for the economy of the area. It is fast becoming a ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œfillerÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� because for two weeks hotels are sold out in and beyond Montego Bay,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� Cummings explained. In addition to the large hotels that benefit from the Festival, villas, taxi-operators, craft vendors, duty free stores, boutiques, spas restaurants amongst small to large vendors do some of their best business at this time. Kerry Brown, a supervisor at Scotchies, a restaurant popular for its jerk chicken, pork and fish, remarks that the Festival has been good to the establishment which has outlets in Coral Gardens, a Montego Bay suburb, and Drax Hall in St. Ann. ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œWe donÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢t have a big menu, but they (visitors) love everythingÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚Â¦the jerk chicken, jerk pork, the sausage. We also have a stall at the show, so we do good business,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� Brown said. Over the years the festival has had some of the biggest names in pop and jazz music performing on its stage. Names such as Al Jarreau, Kenny Rogers, Kenny G, Buddy Guy, Toots Hibbert, Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, Anita Baker, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, John Legend and Alicia Keys are no strangers to the Jamaica Jazz and Blues lineup. This year will be no exception to the norm and in fact plans to be a memorable one, with producers Turnkey Productions putting together an outstanding lineup of many sought after artists and groups headed by Multi-Grammy award winner Lionel Richie and to include Atlantic Starr, Robin Thicke, Lou Gramm, Nikki Yanofsky, Matisyahu, The O Jays, Loss Van Van, Chicago and Estelle to name a few. The Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival take place January 22-24 at the Aqueduct on Rose Hall Montego Bay. Tickets are available at a cost of US$80 per night; special packages of US$155 for Friday and Saturday nights and US$235 are also available for season passes. Patrons who which to upgrade to VIP passes may do so at a cost of US$20 for Thursday Night, US$40 for Friday and Saturday nights and US$60 for the season passes. Tickets are on sale at Acropolis Gaming and Entertainment Centre, El Paso Records, Fairview Texaco, Fontana Pharmacy, RoryÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s Texaco, Villagio Gaming and Entertainment Centre, Touchstone Ticketing and Paymaster outlets island-wide. Visit www.jamaicajazzandblues.com for additional details. SOURCE: Headline Entertainment ___________________________ KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) -- Vincent Ford, a songwriter credited with composing the Bob Marley reggae classic "No Woman, No Cry," has died in Jamaica. He was 68. Ford died Sunday at a hospital of complications from diabetes, said Paul Kelly, a spokesman for the Kingston-based Bob Marley Foundation. The song, which appeared on Marley's 1974 "Natty Dread" album, was inspired by the Kingston ghetto of Trench Town where Marley and Ford lived in the 1960s. Ford is credited with the tune. However, some critics contend that Marley wrote it himself but gave Ford the credit to help his friend support himself with the royalties. Ford, who ran a soup kitchen and lost both his legs to diabetes, is also credited with three songs on Marley's 1976 album "Rastaman Vibration." Marley died of cancer in Miami in 1981 at age 36 and remains one of this Caribbean island's most beloved national heroes. Simone P. Beckford (876)775-0818 yourhibiscustravel.com bookon.yourhibiscustravel.com and save!!! ___________________________ For the second time in his vibrant career, Mr. Vegas embarked on a journey to "The Motherland" of Africa to headline the mega-concert "Generation Jipange" in Nairobi, Kenya. There, the popular singjay delivered his hits to nearly 70,000 people. According to officials, this was the largest event of its kind to take place in Kenya. When Mr. Vegas graced the stage, he was moved by the massive audience. Backed by Thugz band, Mr. Vegas proceeded to deliver a set of his hits to fans -- jumpstarted by strong performances of "Hot It Up" and "Hot Gal Today." Mr. Vegas followed his chart-toppers with a medley of Reggae favorites, which invigorated the youth. He was later joined on stage by over-the-top dancer Boricia. The crowd went wild as Boricia displayed the latest dancehall moves in the most eccentric fashion. Clearly, the Kenyan youth embraced the "dance" in dancehall music. By the immense turn out, it was clear to see Mr. Vegas' reach and the universal power of Reggae music. "Generation Jipange" refers to a new youth movement in Kenya centered on empowering youth to stay healthy, pursue education/employment and be positive. The free, day-long concert, which took place at Nairobi's Uhuru Gardens, was filled to capacity as early as 8:00 AM. The event was televised by Kenyan networks. In addition to Mr. Vegas, the concert had at least 14 other acts on the bill -- including popular Kenyan artist Jua Cali. Mr. Vegas and Boricia "This was such a great experience...and it was great to return home," says Mr. Vegas. "I was truly honored to be part of an event to motivate Kenyan youth." Mr. Vegas' billing at "Generation Jipange" marks his second time performing in Africa and the largest performance of his career. It was the singjay's respected summer stint in Uganda that made him a prime candidate to headline the Kenyan concert. Inevitably, the well publicized and attended "Generation Jipange" concert granted Mr. Vegas with high visibility. It won't be surprising when Mr. Vegas becomes a household name in Africa. Plans are underway for Mr. Vegas to again perform in "The Motherland" early next year. It's been a year of worldwide magnitude for Mr. Vegas, as he has been blessed with opportunities to entertain thousands of people across the globe. Aside from the record-breaking crowd in Kenya, the dancehall favorite has thoroughly captivated colossal crowds in Japan (40,000 people) and Guyana (28,000). Source: Irish and Chin ___________________________ New Music Highlites STEPHEN MARLEY Stephen Marley's Masterpiece release of the acoustic version of his grammy award winning debut album, Mind Control tops the list. This new version is a most listen to and is exclusively available on iTunes. Stephen's musical talent shines bright on this album and listening is a great pleasure. Sit back listen and enjoy. - Marsha Stephen Marley, "Mind Control Acoustic" (iTunes) During a tour to promote his Grammy-winning 2007 album, "Mind Control," Marley performed many of the songs on acoustic guitar, and fell in love with the sound. This subtle acoustic remake of that album is soulful and captivating. The sparse instrumentation -- just guitar, percussion and bass with surprises such as flute, harmonica and pedal steel, with no thundering dub or dense production -- lets the bones and emotion of the songs come through. Reggae tracks like "The Mission Acoustic" or "Traffic Jam Acoustic," both featuring brother Julian (Jr. Gong) Marley, have a gutsy, straightforward swing. The twang of a pedal steel gives country poignancy to a reggaefied cover of the Ray Charles song "Lonely Avenue," while harmonica lends bluesy pain to the anger of the protest song "Iron Bars." JORDAN LEVIN, MIAMI HERALD ........ Mind Control Goes Acoustic! Stephen Marley, a true descendant of ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œReggae RoyaltyÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬�, has established his own imprint on the music world. This producer, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist has won more Grammy awards than any single reggae artist ever. His debut solo album Mind Control was honored as the ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œBest Reggae AlbumÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� at last yearÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s ceremony. And now for his fans Stephen has taken his vision to a brand new level. On Tuesday, December 9, beginning exclusively through iTunes, Stephen will release a totally acoustic version of his Mind Control album. In an unprecedented endeavor Mind Control Acoustic takes eight of the tracks from the original Grammy winning effort, adds a brand new tune, and weaves a unique tapestry of sound around each and every one of them that is at the same time both different and enticing. "I don't want to be just another artist. I want to make a statement. I want my music to uplift your mind and soul, to shed light and give hope.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œItÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s really not just another version of the same songs, but more of a continuation,ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� says Stephen. ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œIt's a page from my book and by giving it an acoustic feel I was able to create a whole new page. I felt each song had more texture to it and I could bring out a fresh vision.ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� Mind Control is all Stephen and a cornucopia of the sounds and styles that he loves. It is a collection of songs that range from conscious critiques of society and politics in the title track and Chase Dem, to the sweet and open-hearted Hey Baby. Done acoustically they all blend together in a harmonious recipe of his musical expression. The new song, The Mission Acoustic, features his brother Damian ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œJr. GongÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬� Marley adding his vocals to the mix as well as on The Traffic Jam. Brother Julian Marley can be heard on the track Iron Bars along with Spragga Benz. Source: Ghetto Youths ........ GYPTAIN "LOVE AGAINST THE WALL - VP Records Gyptain's "Love Against The Wall". Very nice love song carried over by Gyptain's smooth vocals. This one I believe has crossover appeal. Be sure to check it out. ........ BERES HAMMOND - NO GOODBYE - VP RECORDS New Release from Beres Hammond's hit album "A Moment In Time". This one you will surly enjoy, Beres at his best again. ........ INTRODUCING ANNYA LI New single from Annya Li, "STAKER", listen to "STAKER" at Annya Li's myspace page. Annya is a a singer/ songwriter/dancer born and raised in the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. This songbird has developed a sound and style of expression in her music that is fresh current and genre bending. Her music speaks of positivity, freedom and a celebration of self. ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“I purposely create music that can be a source of strength for young people, because I believe so much in their ability to be limitless beings, capable of many great achievements and successÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢. AnnyaÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s passion for music started at the age of five and was nurtured into her teen years and at age fourteen she had already entered numerous school competitions and music festivals and began singing back ground vocals for a local rock band. At fifteen she endeavored into local fashion industry and was soon regarded as one of her islandÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s top models, being featured on billboards, magazines, in many local and international runway events and music videos for major recordings artistes like Eric Benet, LL Cool J and Robin Thicke. At 19 she devoted four years to academic study at the University of Hertfordshire in England where music took an unfortunate ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“back seatÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ however this inability to pursue music allowed the young artiste to explore and indulge her excitement and love for dance. Dancing allowed her to understand and appreciate the stage through the eyes of a performer and has given her the opportunity to experience major events such as dancing with Euro and trance DJ Armin Van Buren and at The 2006 Soccer World Cup in Germany. In 2006 Annya returned to Trinidad and began working in studio with local producers creating a collection of work that defined her unique genre bending sound. In her quest to bring cultures together through her music, her sound finds its origins in hip hop while each song features a distinctive genre; her collection features sounds of R&B, Jazz, Rock, Eclectic Soul, Trance and the pulsating rhythms, vibes and sounds of her Caribbean homeland and community. ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“My aim was to truly create music that spoke to the soul; I wanted to put music out that could take you through those times when you just want to be free and dance or have fun, or be your strength when you seem to have nothing else to turn to, to be an anthem when you feel misunderstood or to be celebration of something great in your life. I want my music to be alive in every sense through its audienceÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢. Annya is a new comer to the New York music scene but a creative force to be reckoned with, she is the face of a dream pursued and the seeker of success beyond the realm of the typical artist. Bookings: www.http://www.rhonafox.com/ ........ ETANA - BLESSING AND ZIGGI - NEED TO TELL YOU THIS - VP RECORDS Etana's 'Blessing ft. Alborosie' from her hit album THE STRONG ONE and 'Need to Tell You This' by Ziggi from his album TRANSIT. Both are great songs. Albums Available now at www.VPREGGAE.com ........ Feel the fyah when you listen to Kevin Lyttle new single "Fyah" from his new hit album "Fyah" available now. Booking: www.http://www.rhonafox.com/ ........ KEVIN LYTTLE FEATURING FLO RIDA New hot single "Anywhere" Check it out now at Kevin Lyttle Official Page Booking: www.http://www.rhonafox.com/ ........ RICHIE SPICE - STREET LIFE Smooth, cool delivery from Richie Spice as he sings about the street life. Take a listen to this one. Richie Spice singing from the heart...yes this one another hit. - Marsha ........ More New Releases WALKER T "GHETTO YOUTHS" Walker T has a new single "Ghetto Youths" that is set to be released early next year. Right now the tunes has been heating up the airwaves and is destined to do great things as it is a song about the youth violence in the streets. The song was recorded on "Big Tune Productions" Vibrant Brass riddim which also features Delly Ranx and other dancehall artists. ___________________________ Livication - Spragga Benz Sings Since the slaying of 17-year-old Carlton ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“CarlisleÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ Grant Jr (son of DJ Spragga Benz) on Saturday August 23 by police on Church Street, downtown Kingston, his father Carlton ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“Spragga BenzÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ Grant has maintained faith in the justice system, and allowed it to take its course with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) last month ruling that the three police officers involved in the shooting will be charged. Two have been slapped with murder charges and one with assault. All three are from the Kingston Central Police division. As due process runs its course Spragga Benz maintains his peaceful Rastafarian faith, saying, ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œleave all vengeance to the Most HighÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬�. What he has done like heÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s done through the years is give vent to his emotions through writing by way of a song called Livication. The sincerity heard in the repeated line, ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œthrough me trust in the mostv high, so to him me leave all vengenanceÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬�, is just a test of his faith. The words of the song carry a message to all, calling for a cessation to the scourge of reprisal killings, which has brought so much pain to the inner city families. Now here is a man, certainly no push over, by nature of his forwardness, a man who speaks his mind, heÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s no coward. Here is a youth who was raised for the most of his life around hard knock living in places such as Dunkirk, East Kingston, Sherlock, Brook Valley, Duhaney Park. Here is a father who has lost his son tragically and has gone deep within himself to the strength to carry on. This abiding trust in the Most High has moved him to record a song, to share his feelings, in the hope that it will serve as a positive message for the rest of the world. Source: Xnews ___________________________ HARRIS BB SEATON AND ERROL BROWN TEAM UP FOR SEATON'S UPCOMING ALBUM Errol Brown assisted by Greg Morris and Michael Howell at Tuff Gong Recording Studio KINGSTON, JAMAICA 6TH November 2008. Harris ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“BBÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ Seaton and veteran engineer Errol Brown have once again teamed up for the production of SeatonÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s upcoming album on his Soul Beat Record label. The sessions are taking place at Tuff Gong Recording Studio, 220 Marcus Garvey Drive, Kingston and the songs already mixed are ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“Simple TimesÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ and ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“Nuh Badda With ItÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ BB SeatonÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s first big hit in Jamaica was ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“Lady With The Red DressÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ which he recorded with the Gaylads. He is one of the most prolific song writers who has penned songs for artistes such as Marcia Griffiths, Home T, Ken Booth, UB40, Joy White and Freddie McGregor. Errol Brown has been mixing for BB Seaton as early as 1976 and recalls him as a versatile musician who sings, writes, plays guitar, produces and who was once responsible for auditioning artistes for local record companies. Publishing for the project is handled by Metronome Music Source:Tuff Gong Recording Studios ___________________________ It is with deep sadness to report that dancehall artist Mr. Vegas lost his father, Kenneth Maitland, to sudden illness on the morning of Tuesday, December 2, 2008. In addition to Mr. Vegas, Kenneth Maitland is survived by his wife and son. Kenneth Maitland holds a special place in Mr. Vegas' heart, as he came into his family's life at a very tender time. Kenneth Maitland filled the pivotal role of father to Mr. Vegas and his brother after his biological father left during childhood. "I have many fond memories of my father, as he was kind and humble.....he always encouraged me as a youth," says Mr. Vegas. "I sincerely regret not being able to spend time with my father because of my busy schedule....his death comes at a critical time in my life." Kenneth Maitland lived in St. Andrew, but worked in Kingston as a carpenter. He was a great husband and father. At this time, Mr. Vegas truly desires to comfort his mother. He has penned the song "Mama Don't Cry," which he hopes will soothe his mother during this very sad time. We ask that you lift Kenneth Maitland, Mr. Vegas and his family high in your prayers. Source:Irish and Chin ___________________________ Reggae music icon and international recording artist Winston ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“Burning SpearÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ Rodney receives a record eleventh Best Reggae Album GrammyÃƒâ€šÃ‚Â® nomination for his new CD, JAH IS REAL New York, NY (December 4, 2008) ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ Burning Music Productions is proud to announce that Reggae music icon and Grammy-winning recording artist Winston ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“Burning SpearÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ Rodney (O.D.) has been nominated for a Best Reggae Album Grammy for his all-new 2008 studio CD release, Jah Is Real. Spear is a previous Grammy winner for his 1999 Calling Rastafari CD and has received a record 11 nominations (most in the Reggae genre) for his releases over his career to date (www.Grammy.com). The 51st Annual Grammy Awards presentation will be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on Sunday, February 8, 2008 to be broadcast on CBS Television nationwide. Jah Is Real is an all-new studio album produced and performed by Rodney and released / distributed through his own independent Burning Music Productions. The CD also features guest musical performances on several of the album tracks by Parliament-Funkadelic legends bassist Bootsy Collins and keyboard maestro Bernie Worrell. The Jah Is Real CD and Burning SpearÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s extensive catalog of releases are available at the Burning Spear Store, on his official website, www.BurningSpear.net, and all leading retail music stores. ______________________________ SADIKI MORNING'S COME - SKINNY BWOY Sadiki's morning has surly come and that is a fact you will realize when you listen to his new album, titled "Morning's Come". And listening to the title track, Morning's Come I find a artist with great vocals and delivery. I just love "Feel Like a Fool". Here we have Reggae and Dancehall, and theres plenty for the lover in you. Take a listen to "Perfect Love", "One Touch", "Girls Best Friend", "forever" and my favorite "Until I Return". A special treat is the remake of "How Do We Say Goodbye To Yesterday". I have nothing but admiration for this album. Check it out...there's music for you..enjoy.-Marsha SADIKI AT MYSPACE.COM ___________________________ Lionel Richie Headlines JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival 2009 Kingston, Jamaica: - January 22 ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å“ 24, 2009 will see Rose Hall, Montego Bay come alive with the JAMAIACA Jazz and Blues Festival which is gearing up to be even more electrifying than in previous years. The Festival, which has hosted acts such as George Benson, Erika Badu, Kenny G, Dionne Warwick, Michael Bolton, Kenny Rogers, Shaggy, Third World and a host of other top-class local and international performers, is expected to live up to its reputation of being the premier event on the Caribbean's entertainment calendar. London's effervescent and multi-talented new artiste, Estelle; Grammy Award-winning star Lionel Richie; and hit-makers Atlantic Starr are just some of the acts which will grace the stage at the 2009 Festival. The new branding of the event as the JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival was endorsed by the Jamaica Tourist Board, which now assumes the Title sponsorship of the festival. The change has given the Jamaica brand prime placement, a move which is expected to aid in positioning Jamaica as a premier event destination. Air Jamaica, original owner and promoter of the festival, remains committed to its partnership with the event, and will be the presenting sponsor for 2009. Turn-Key Productions, the current promoter and producer of the festival, is happy with the name change. Walter Elmore, President of Turn-Key Productions remarked, " we are excited about the name change as it reflect the confidence that the Jamaica Tourist Board has placed in us to stage a world class event which is worthy to be associated with the brand JAMAICA." A key feature on the line up will be the chart-topping O'Jays, whose I Love Music and Living for the Weekend seem ageless. The O'Jays celebrates 50 years as a performing group in 2009 and this anniversary debut in Jamaica promises to be spectacular. The group will also use their performance at the event to produce an anniversary DVD. Also included in the lyrical mix is Maxi Priest, known for such songs as, Close to You, Some Guys Have All the Luck and 1996 hit, That Girl featuring Shaggy. Maxi will use his performance at the festival to launch his new album which will hit the streets in 2009. Vocalist Randy Crawford, accompanied by pianist Joe Sample, is also expected to be a hit with the audience. The two have had a long history starting with the 1979 classic Streetlife recorded with R&B veterans, Crusaders, of which Joe was a member. More recently the magical combination has again struck gold with the single Feeling Good, released in 2007. Randy has also worked with both Eric Clapton and David Sanborn to release the hit Knocking on Heaven's Door and has produced other well known hits such as Give Peace a Chance. Alto Reed, renown saxophonist of rocker Bob Seger's Silver Bullet Band, will perform alongside several other legendary musicians as Alto Reed and the Blues Entourage. The combined musical talent of the group is without question and they are expected to excite the crowd with an amazing performance. Lou Gramm, former lead singer of the group Foreigner, and known for hits such as, Midnight Blue, I want to know what love is, I Don't Want to Live Without You and Say You Will will also add his musical flair to the 2009 event. The 14-year-old Canadian sensation, Nikki Yanofsky who thrilled the crowd gathered at the Aqueduct on Rose Hall at the 2007 staging of the Festival, and who is now a top-selling recording artiste in Canada, promises to once again deliver a sizzling set at the upcoming event. The Festival, well known for its tradition of presenting a creative mix of musical genre on its worlds-class stage, will also feature the Cuban band, Los Van Van, whose music is a fusion of rock, funk, hip-hop, disco and Afro-Cuban sound. There is no doubt that Jamaica Jazz and Blues 2009 will deliver all that is expected and more. The 40,000 plus patrons which attend the event over the three-day period is made up not only of Jamaicans, but also includes a wide range of visitors from the United States, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean. With the increased attention that is being paid in promoting the 2009 Festival internationally, it is expected that the number of visitors to the 2009 event will increase, a fact which the JTB feels will greatly assist in filling the 4,000 new rooms which will be available between the Montego Bay and Negril areas by January. The 2009 Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival presented by Air Jamaica will be staged at the historic Aqueduct in Montego Bay from Thursday, January 22 to Saturday, January 24. Tickets for the Festival go on sale later this year. For more information and all the updates please visit the festival online at www.jamaicajazzandblues.com Source:Headline Entertainment ___________________________ Peetah Heritage steps out with Save the world The first reaction to news that Morgan Heritage lead singer, Peter, has released a solo single is a query about whether or not Peter is stepping out on his own. Well, the answer to that is yes and no. "At this point in time, each member of the group is trying to carve out his or her own individuality," Peter reported. "Everyone knows Morgan Heritage, the group, and the most popular name in the group is 'Gramps'. They see me and call me Gramps, people look at Lukes and call him Gramps," Peter explained. And while Peter has no real iss