Posts from — December 2010

12.11. – 12. 17.2010

Get Ready For Release of Final Bob Marley Performance

CaribWorldNews, NEW YORK, NY:

According to published report in CaribWorldNews (Dec. 17, 2010) May 11^th 2011 will mark the 30th anniversary of the passing of reggae legend, Robert Nesta ‘Bob’ Marley. The Marley family is planning to mark the occasion with the release of a 2CD/3LP/digital collection, ‘Uprising, the upcoming Bob Marley & The Wailers – Live Forever’ collection the singer’s final recorded performance on February 1.

The performance was taped at The Stanley Theatre in Pittsburgh, PA on September 23, 1980 and featured many of Marley’s finest tunes including No Woman No Cry, Jammin, and Is This Love to name a few. There was a 30^th anniversary reunion celebration at The Stanley Theatre in Pittsburgh, PA on September 23 2010.

Rita Marley, who has dedicated herself to keeping her late husband’s legacy alive, noted: `To hear that music today and to be able to share it with a new generation shows that Bob is as relevant today as he was 30 years ago. ` Adapted: CaribWorldNews.com

Reggae Tour Manager extraordinaire Zola Burse Dead

Music industry Tour Manager Zola Burse who worked with several reggae artistes from Beres Hammond, Maxi Priest, and Roberta Flack, died Tuesday morning in a Fort Lauderdale, Florida hospital at age 69 from a diabetes-related illness .

Mervis Walsh, manager to singer Beres Hammond, told The Jamaica Sunday Gleaner that Burse was a “special man”. Ill-health had forced Burse to leave his duties as Hammond’s tour manager in July.

Zola’s hard work, commitment and knowledge of the music including artist tour management, artist tour production and booking made him the best in the business.

Zola Burse had his start in music in 1972. He was involved with STAX Records and he became involved with music production, stage coordination, and artist tour management. In 1982, he began to do stage coordination for the Grammys, American Music Awards, and Soul Train Music Awards.

He worked as a production man with the Reggae Sunsplash but was best known as tour manager for various reggae acts including Hammond, Maxi Priest, Big Mountain and Buju Banton.

From 1985 to 1995, Zola was coordinator for BRE conference. In 1984, he became the Production and Tour Manager for Reggae Sunsplash USA. He worked for Reggae Sunsplash Jamaica from 1984 until 1997, the Spirit of Unity tours. In 1997, Zola had the opportunity to serve as Production Manager for JAMPRO at MIDEM the night that Jamaica presented to the world the best music that they had to offer.

Zola Burse is the latest reggae personality to die this year. Singers Sugar Minott, Gregory Isaacs; Keith Stewart, and producer Sonia Pottinger, also died. Zola Burse is survived by four children.

Adapted: YardFlex.com Jamaicaobserver .com

Sister Carol

Reggae Cultural chanter and actress Jamaican-born Carol East aka Sister Carol celebrated thirty  years in the music business as a solo artist on Sunday Dec 5, 2010 with a showcase held at Sullivan Hall, located at 214 Sullivan St in New York City.  Sis as she is affectionately known has a new single entitled “Mother Earth” and a brand new video which premiered at the Dec 5 show.

Her upcoming CD called “Togetherness” will feature Sister Carol and Friends and collaborations with various artistes. Sis along with her band the Yellow Wall Dub Squad will be performing at the Pai Reggae Festival in Chieng Ma, Thailand on Jan 23^rd 2011. The festival runs from Jan 20-23, 2011.

Tarrus Riley & Dean Fraser for World Festival of Black Arts and Culture

According to a published report in Outaroad.com, Jamaican reggae singer Tarrus Riley and saxophonist Dean Fraser have been invited as special guests to perform at the World Festival of Black Arts and Culture in Dakar, Senegal on December 19.  Also slated to perform at the event is Jamaican jazz pianist Monty Alexander. This will be the third staging of the festival.

In a release to the media, Riley said he was looking forward to performing at the festival. Said Riley, “Just going to Africa is a feeling that I can’t find words for, and to sing for the people will definitely be an honor and my pleasure”.

The World Festival of Black Arts and Cultures

Initiated by Senegal’s first President Léopold Sédar Senghor, the first edition of the World Festival of Black Arts and Cultures was held in Dakar in 1966. World Festival of Black Arts and Cultures is an international Festival which is entrusted by the African Union to the current President of the Republic of Senegal, his Excellency Abdoulaye Wade.

The first Festival brought together people from all generations and disciplines in order to make the rest of the world aware of the struggle and persistence of Black peoples in the face of colonization. In 1977, Nigeria hosted the second edition. The 2010 Festival conveys a new vision of Africa as free, proud, creative and optimistic. Adapted:  Outaroad.com

Wayne Wonder Gets Release from VP Records; releases new singles

Grammy nominated reggae singer Wayne Wonder whose career was temporarily on pause for nearly two years, has finally secured his release from VP Records.  Wonder is very relieved and ready for the New Year. “It was quite unfortunate that the dispute with the record company (VP) escalated… the work is continuing.”

Working with top reggae and dancehall producers he’s released a few new singles, and he is now wearing the producer’s cap. On his own Singson/Nyamcash label Wayne produced ‘If I Ever’ which debuted at #4 on the iTunes Reggae Charts.

Wayne has also teamed up with dancehall group, T.O.K. on ‘Girl Dem Follow’; which was produced by Stephen ‘Di Genius’ McGregor on his Winnings riddim. Wayne did six shows in Japan from December 18 to 26 in Tokyo, Zurich, Kyoto, Alchi, Ibaraki and Numazu.

Wayne Wonder’s career exploded in 2003 with his album ‘No Holding Back’ and the single ‘No Letting Go’ on Atlantic Records. No Letting Go peaked at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 Pop chart in America. The album No Holding Back received a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album in 2003, a MOBO Award in the UK, three BMI Urban awards, leading to a live performance on NBC Television’s Saturday Night Live. The follow-up single and video Bounce Along reached #12 on the UK pop charts.

Wayne’s inspired version of Hold Me Now (originally recorded by the Thompson Twins) appeared on the 2004′s successful 50 First Dates (starring Adam Sandler / Drew Barrymore) movie soundtrack and was produced by No Doubt’s Tony Kanal with a video directed by Gil Green for Madonna’s Maverick Records label. Wayne also anchored the hit track Anything Goes (w/ CNN: Capone & N.O.R.E and Lexxus) for the Def Jamaica compilation which received a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album. Wayne headlined an extensive world tour with his Entourage Band in 2004-05 performing in North America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and Africa.  Adapted: Outaroad com

Sean Kingston for Zimbabwe Tour

NEW YORK, NY:

Jamaican-American rapper, Sean Kingston, used YouTube to announce a planned tour of Zimbabwe in April next year. The 20-year-old Kingston, who shot to fame in 1997 with ‘Beautiful Girls’ (Suicidal) is slated to perform in Harare, the African country’s capital, on April 23rd. The singer has also been nominated for a Grammy this year for his single with rapper, Nicki Minaj.  Adapted: CaribWorldNews.com

Actress/singer Sheryl Lee to sing with Gay Men’s Chorus

Los Angeles, LA,

Jamaican American actress, Sheryl Lee Ralph, is set to perform with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles at its annual holiday show on December 18th at a matinee and evening performance at Glendale’s Alex Theatre.

Lee Ralph’s, stage, TV and big screen credits include the original Broadway production of Dream Girls, for which she earned a Tony Award nomination, starring roles in the Disney movie  Oliver & Company, The Mighty Quinn w/Denzel Washington, Mistress w/Robert De Niro and she also had roles in The Flintstones, Deterrence and Unconditional Love. Ralph was the star of the UPN 9 hit TV series ‘Moesha.  Full story: CaribWorldNews.com

Rihanna’s X-Factor Performance Draws Criticism

LONDON, England

According to a published report in CaribWorldNews (Tues. Dec. 14, 2010) pop princess, Bajan singer Rihanna’s strip tease performance on the X-Factor may have gone too far according to critics.

After an excellent performance of her new single What’s My Name the Grammy winning star added a stripping scene to her set. Rihanna took of her gown and pranced around on stage in her underwear, while performing several suggestive dance moves. Her army of dancers performed in a similar way. The parents of the show’s young viewers and media watchdogs were chagrined.

It was reported that Rihanna’s performance was followed by a totally sexually simulating performance from Christina Aguilera. As a result of the performances, ITV is facing a huge backlash after thousands of viewers protested about what they called lewd performances on the X Factor finale.

Ofcom, the broadcasting regulator’s code states that `children must be protected by appropriate scheduling from material that is unsuitable for them;  that any discussion on, or portrayal of, sexual behavior must be editorially justified if included before the watershed and that material that is unsuitable for children should not, in general, be shown before 9pm or after 5.30am. The ITV show aired between 7 and 9 p.m. on Saturday night.  Adapted: CaribWorldNews.com

Wyclef, Donna Karan, and Kim Teams up to help raise more money for Haiti

CaribWorldNews, NEW YORK, NY:

According to published report in CaribWorldNews (Dec. 15, 2010) Haitian-born, Grammy Award-winning artiste Wyclef Jean will join the team of Kim Kardashian and fashion guru Urban Zen founder Donna Karan to help raise more money for over one million Haitian earthquake victims still living in tents.

Jean will perform at ‘The Truth’ event in New York City. Slated to be in attendance are film, music and television celebrities Forest and Kiki Whitaker, Spike Lee, Erykah Badu, David Arquette, Maria Bello, Gary Dourdan, Michael Stahl and Jimmy Jean-Louis.

The event is a multi-media exhibition and auction of film images and artworks by Haitian, Haitian American and Haitian inspired artists. Kardashian, Karan and music mogul Andre Harrell are hosting The Truth. The Premier Exhibition and Auction will raise funds to give Gifts of Love packages to the Haitian people this holiday season and into the New Year.

The packages will include vital supplies: shoes, solar flashlights and whistles to offset night attacks and rapes on women living in the Haitian camps.  Cholera relief supplies will also be added as a critical component in these ‘Gifts of Love. ’Adapted: CaribWorldNews.com

Richie Spice – New album ‘Book of Job’

Reggae singer Richie Spice completed production on his Book of Job album on VP Records. ‘Book of Job’ will be Spice’s fifth official album for the label and it is scheduled to be released early next year. Several of the album tracks — ‘Black Woman’, ‘Legal’ ‘Find Jah’ and ‘Mother of Creation’ are reportedly receiving strong rotation both locally and abroad. A music video for Black Woman is now being aired.

Richie Spice will in the Bahamas to perform alongside US Rap star Rick Ross and Vybz Kartel on Sebas Christmas Party to be held at the Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino in Nassau Bahamas. Spice is also booked to appear on the13 Warriors segment of Sting 2010 on December 26^th in Jamaica.  Adapted: jamaicaobserver.com

No bail for the Ninja

DJ Ninja Man and his son Jahniel will spend their second consecutive Christmas behind bars, in police custody on gun and murder charges for the March 16, 2009 murder of Ricardo ‘Ricky Trooper’ Johnson. Clayton Dennis and Seymour Samuels were also charged in relation to the matter.  Lawyers representing the father and son failed to obtain bail for the men when they appeared in the Home Circuit Court in Jamaica.   The two were denied bail on the grounds that the witnesses in the case were being threatened.

Ninjaman will return to court on January 14, 2011, when another attempt will be made to secure their bail.  Adapted: jamaicaobserver.com

T.O.K & LIVE WYYA BAND HEAD FOR ZIMBABWE

Dancehall group T.O.K, described by the New York Times as “the best Dancehall group out of Jamaica” along with the LIVE WYYA BAND left Jamaica on December 18 for Harare, Zimbabwe for a special concert performance there at the International Conference Centre. The tour will make stops in Addis Abba, Ethiopia and will end in Costa Rica on December 24^th before returning to Jamaica on Christmas Day.

Both groups will be making their first appearance on that continent. The Live Wyya Band, a self-contained group; will be the opening act doing a 45-minute-set before providing musical backing for T.O.K

The Live Wyya Band will be using the Zimbabwe concert as an opportunity to promote their latest CD entitled “Spread the Love”.

Richard Browne, son of Tarrus Riley’s bass player Glen Browne, will accompany T.O.K in the capacity of Musical Director. The tour was organized by veteran manager and tour organizer, Copeland Forbes, who’ll accompany the 13-man reggae outfit on the historic tour of the Motherland and Costa Rica. Adapted Reggae E-Guide

ANTHONY B – TOURING NORTH AMERICA, HAWAII AND CANADA ON HIS OWN – JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2011

Anthony B just finished a successful six-week European tour, and Africa, a spot date in Costa Rica and another one at the Grenada National Stadium, in Grenada. January and February 2011 he along with his band, the Untouchable band are slated to tour North America, Hawaii and Canada. Adapted Reggae E-Guide

Bounty Killer Says “Bleaching Is A Disgrace to the Black Race” – Entertainment Report

Recently Beenie Man attacked Vybz Kartel concerning his song Dancehall Hero saying it’s disrespectful to him and the elders in dancehall industry. However the latest attack comes from the Alliance leader Bounty Killer who’s upset about the soon to be released Vybz Kartel’s Cake Soap. Adapted Outaroad.com

Nicki Minaj Concert Costs Raise Eyebrows in Homeland

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad: LOS ANGELES, CA

According to published reports in CaribWorldNews (Dec. 9, & 16 2010) the opposition political party in Trinidad and Tobago is harshly criticizing the high cost of Grammy nominated Trinidad & Tobago-born rapper Nicki Minaj’s ‘Localize It’ concert in October;  held at the Hasley Crawford Stadium in Saint James, the rapper’s hometown.

According to Trinidad and Tobago’s Sport and Youth Affairs Minister, Anil Roberts, the government spent over $869,000 on the concert.  A figure that has opposition MP Amery Browne calling for an audit.

The concert was organized by Roberts, who said the expenses included over $300,000 in fees to Minaj and her agent, $150,000 for advertising, $75,000 for the venue, infrastructure and stage, $60,000 to produce the fashion show, $60,000 for the Hilton Hotel where Nicki and her entourage stayed, $40,000 for the local acts, $32,000 to the Copyright Organization of Trinidad and Tobago and $26,000 for ‘cultural acts’.

He said T&T had benefited tremendously since the staging of the concert.  There had been several presentations on US television networks. But so far Leader of the Opposition Dr Keith Rowley is joining Browne in calling for an audit. The Nicki Minaj concert was held on October 30th.

‘These questions may be answered in or out of the Parliament but what is undeniable is that the taxpayers of T&T deserve to know from where the $900,000 came and in whose pockets the concert proceeds have gone’, said Rowley in a statement.

Minaj Celebrates 26^th Birthday

Nicki Minaj made a red carpet appearance with celebrity friends and family to celebrate her 26th birthday at TAO in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 9^th. Among the guests was Lil Wayne of the Young Money label, as well as Amber Rose and R&B singer Cassie.

Minaj was born on December 8, 1984, in Trinidad and Tobago to Indian and Afro Trinidadian parents. She lived with her grandmother in Saint James until age five, while her parents went to live in Queens New York where Minaj relocated when she migrated to NY City. Adapted: CaribWorldNews.com

Heptones choose Toronto for reunion!

According to a published report in Jamaicaobserver.com Reggae group The Heptones’ historic reunion will take place in Toronto, Canada on January 15, 2011, at the Jamaica Canadian Centre. Beginning their recording career in Kingston in 1965, the group released hit singles on the Studio One label such as Fatty Fatty, Sea of Love, Pretty Looks Isn’t All, Ting A Ling, I’ve Got The Handle and Party Time. They were also signed to Island Records.

They also recorded several instrumental sessions which were released on the Studio One imprint as the Soul Vendors and Sound Dimension. Leroy Sibbles, founder of the Heptones, played bass on Alton Ellis’  I’m Still in Love and the Abyssinians’ classic Satta Massagana.

“This is the best way to start the New Year. We’re really looking forward to performing for the Toronto audience in the New Year,” said Leroy, who lived in Toronto in 1980, from his home in Jamaica.

The Canadian-based artistes include Uncle Jonny, Ammoye, Nadeera, Tony Anthony, Mr. Cool and Jimmy Reid. Live music will be supplied by DJ Wiz International, Massey Sound and Barry Culture. The show will be hosted by Delroy ‘Speedy’ Sterling from 105.5 CHRY FM and Natasha Von Castle, Canada’s Music Queen from 88.1 CKLN FM. Adapted: Jamaicaobserver.com

iTunes Charts “My Way” on Best of Reggae 2010

Lady Saw closes 2010 in high spirits. 2010 is the year she walked out and did it ‘My Way’. Online powerhouse Music Store iTunes has listed her latest album, My Way on The Best of Reggae for 2010; fulfilling Lady Saw’s desire to create an album with 100% control of songs and production.  My Way, an empowering and explicitly electrifying album has left a lasting impression on listeners with sensational tracks and dynamic collaborations. Adapted:outaroad.com

Buju Prosecution Fights Gun Charge Motion

MIAMI, FL.

According to a published report in CaribWorldNews (Dec. 10, 2010) Jamaican-born reggae singer Buju Banton is slated to be performing tracks from his new Grammy nominated album, Before the Dawn at his January 16^thconcert in 2011.

The concert comes as prosecutors voiced their opposition to a defense motion to have the gun charge against Banton dropped. Markus claimed in his motion that the charge is multiplicitous and without merit, and should be denied.

Prosecutors say the court’s earlier rulings should remain in force and the defendant’s motion should be denied. The court is expected to rule on the matter shortly. Banton, who has maintained his innocence, had his first court trial end in a hung jury. He is now out on bail and scheduled to return to court for a second trial early next year.  Adapted: CaribWorldNews.com

Roger Steffens -Gregory Isaacs will win 2010 Best Reggae Album’ Grammy

According to a report published in the Jamaicagleaner.com, Roger Steffens, the co-chairman of the Reggae Grammy Committee is predicting that Gregory Isaacs will win the ‘Best Reggae Album’ category at the Grammy Awards for his entry ‘Isaacs Meets Isaac’ on February 11, 2010 in Los Angeles.

Isaacs Meets Isaac is a collaboration between King Isaac a Zimbabwean singer who teaches at a Michigan College and Gregory.

Steffens said “Gregory will be a shoo-in… (and) is the sentimental favorite” and further noted that Gregory’s long career merits the honor, saying “It’s got great human interest appeal.” Peter Tosh’s win in 1988 for ‘No Nuclear War’ was also considered a sentimental favorite after he was murdered in September of 1987 by gunmen at his St Andrew home.

This is Gregory Isaacs’ fourth Grammy nomination. Like fellow 2010 nominee, Buju Banton, Isaac also received a Grammy nod in 2009 for the album, Brand New Me.

The other nominees are Before The Dawn by Buju Banton, Revelation by Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Andrew Tosh’s Legacy – An Acoustic Tribute to Peter Tosh, Made In Jamaica by Bob Sinclar, and Sly and Robbie’s One Pop Reggae.  Adapted: .jamaicagleaner.com

Barrington Levy’s ‘Here I Come’ sampled by the Black Eyed Peas

According to a report published in the jamaicaobserver.com Barrington Levy’s hit Here I Come has been sampled by multi-platinum selling pop group the Black Eyed Peas.

The sample can be heard on the track ‘The Coming’ on Black Eyed Peas’ latest CD ‘The Beginning’ which was released late November.

According to Levy LEVY… the Black Eyed Peas went to my publishing company to get permission to sample the song. They are happy and I am happy

Here I Come has been sampled at least forty times an excited Barrington Levy told Splash earlier this week. “The Black Eyed Peas went to my publishing company to get permission to sample the song. They are happy and I am happy.”

Levy is happy the Black Eyed Peas has embraced his work and had a word of advice for today’s dancehall artist. Levy said, “I do hope that my fellow Jamaican artistes will do music that 20 years later, other artistes can endorse it.”

Levy recorded ‘Here I Come’ in 1983, it was produced with producer Paul ‘Jah Screw’ Love. It was released on the Time One Records label.

Levy is currently working with the US-based Platinum Camp on a film project between his Black Roses production and Platinum Camp for a movie titled ‘Gangster.’ He recently recorded the track ‘Gangster’ w/dancehall DJ Vybz Kartel that will be featured on the soundtrack of the movie. The movie is being shot mostly in the US, but the scenes with Vybz Kartel will be shot here in Jamaica”.

The movie is set for release within the next seven months. The single will be released in late January. Adapted: jamaicaobserver.com

Tune in to Stan Evan Smith Weekly Entertainment News / Commentary & Reggae Report on radio & the internet online:

WNSB Hot 91.1FM @ 2:15pm EST Sunday ‘Caribbean Connection’ w/Lady Cham 1:00pm-4:00pm streaming Live www.westindiantimes.netVibes24/7 Norfolk Virginia

WGUN 1010AM @ 3:00 pm EST Friday-Saturday ‘SupremeCaribRadio’w/BarryD 2:30 pm-4:30 pm streaming Live www.biggunradio.com Narcross, Atlanta. GA

CHRY 105.5 FM@ 10: 40 am Monday ‘Rebel Vibes’ w/Carrie Mullings 10 am-12 pm streaming Live www.chry.fm & Roger’s Digital Cable Channel 94 Toronto, Canada

WPFW 89.3 FM @ 12:30pm EST Sunday ‘This is Reggae Music’ w/Tony Carr12am-2:00 pm streaming Live www.wpfw.org Washington. DC

One Caribbean Radio 97.9 FM HD2@ 9:45 pm EST Thursday ‘The Eclectic Mix’ w Chip Smith 9:00pm to 12 Midnight streaming Live www.OneCaribbeanRadio.com Brooklyn, New York

Read Stan Evan Smith Weekly Entertainment News / Commentary & Reggae Report Online:

Entertainment Writer, Westindiantimes.net (Norfolk Beach VA)

Senior Music Writer, Jamaicans.com. (Fl.)

http://blogs.jamaicans.com /seebreeze/2010/04/

Contributing Editor, Everybodys Magazine (NYC)

Music Writer, Jahworks.org (Oakland CA)

Email: wsmusicworks@gmail.com,

Email/IM: Seebreeze66200@Yahoo.com

Facebook: facebook.com/stan.e.smith1, facebook.com/stan.e.smith

Blog: http://blogs.jamaicans.com /seebreeze/2010/04/

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12.01.10

Rihanna Top Caribbean Grammy Nominees with Five

The 53^rd Grammy Awards to be presented in Los Angeles on February 13, 2011 will see ten Caribbean artists, including the late great Gregory Isaacs, up for year’s Reggae Grammy Award.

Barbadian pop princess Rihanna is dominating the nominations. She’s has been nominated in five categories; for Record of the Year for ‘Love The Way You Lie’w/ Eminem, for Song of the Year, Best Rap Song, Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and for Best Dance Recordingfor ‘Only Girl (In The World).’

Reggae Grammy Nominees

The nominees vying for the Grammy for Best Reggae Album include the late Gregory Isaacs for “Isaacs Meets Isaac,” on King Isaac Music, collaboration between  South African-based Reggae singer/songwriter, King Isaac; embattled sing-jay chanter deejay Buju Banton forBefore the Dawn, on the Gargamel Music, Inc. label–recorded before his arrest in December 2009. This is his second nomination for two consecutive years. His 2008 album Rasta Got Soul was nominated in 2009.  This is his fifth nomination. He has never won.

There is also veteran artiste/producer Lee “Scratch” Perry, who won his first Grammy in 2003 for the ‘Jamaican E.T’. Perry’s entry is ‘Revelation, on Megawave Records.

Producer Bob Sinclar teams up Jamaica’s rhythm twins, Sly (Dunbar) and Robbie (Shakespeare) on ‘Made in Jamaica’ on Yellow Productions/Universal Music France. This is the rhythm twins’, (Sly and Robbie) second nomination.  The first is for One Pop Reggae, Sly & Robbie & The Family Taxi; on Phase One Communications/Taxi Records labels.

To round out the Reggae category there is Andrew Tosh, son of legendary Wailer, Peter Tosh with ‘Legacy An Acoustic Tribute To Peter Tosh’ [Box10/Tuff Gong]

The other nominees are Jamaican  Sean Kingston, who is up for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical for ‘Island Queen’ and Trinidad-born queens NY base rapper, Nicki Minaj, for Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group for her collaboration with Ludacris on ‘My Chick Bad’.

Reggae artiste/producer Stephen Marley, son of Bob Marley has won five Grammy Award trophies.  This is a record for the Reggae Grammy category. Stephen has won three Grammys as a member The Melody Makers and twice as a solo act for his solo debut project ‘Mind Control’.Source: CaribWorldNews

Gyptian ordered to rest; exhausted after 60-day tour

According to a published report, Gyptian’s manager, Ivor Ruddock, responding to rumors about Gyptian’s health issued a clarification statement that the Reggae star is suffering from dehydration following a 60-day tour of Europe and Africa.

After a 60-day tour across three continents, a heavy promotion and interview schedule after arriving in New York City from his two last performances in Tanzania, Gyptian reported feeling faint and was taken to a hospital in the city.

On completion of the last show he again complained of feeling faint and having stomach cramps. He was rushed to the emergency room. A doctor prescribed medication and ordered him to rest in order to rehydrate since he was severely dehydrated.

Gyptian via his management team apologized profusely to his fans in Barbados. Expressing how very grateful he was for all the concern the fans have shown. The press release stated that he was renegotiating a date with the promoters to complete his obligations (to) his fans. Gyptian went to Jamaica to rest and consult with his personal doctor and dietician. He will rest then return to work in good health. Source: Jamaica Observer.com

Buju now free to perform at Miami concert

Judge James Moody overturned a previous decision by Magistrate Judge Anthony Porcelli not to grant Buju Banton permission to perform on January 16 at reggae show in Miami, Florida.

BANTON… to perform alongside other top reggae artistes…Banton had applied for permission on November 23 to perform at the concert, originally scheduled for December 26, but Porcelli dismissed the motion on the grounds that the artiste was a flight risk.

Judge James Moody, on overturning the ruling noted that the issue had already been addressed when Banton was released on US$250,000-bail in October.  ”It is therefore ordered and adjudged, the defendant’s appeal… is granted; the defendant is permitted to work… as outlined… as long as the security measures referred to in the affidavit (Dkt #195) are provided,” stated Moody’s written ruling.

David Oscar Markus, the singer’s lead attorney said the ruling will allow Buju to earn the US$20,000 monthly to pay Albert of Florida Agency of Investigations for his security detail. He also thanked Judge Moody for letting Buju work. Markus took a parting shot at the government for opposing his client’s need to make money to pay his expenses but cited the fact that they had no problem paying a ‘convicted drug dealer’ and IRS scammer $3.5 million for setting people up.

The convicted drug dealer and IRS scammer Markus referred to is Alexander Johnson, who gave evidence against Banton during the artiste’s trial in September. Johnson stands to earn more money from the government if Banton is convicted. The trial ended in a hung jury. A second trial is scheduled for next year February. Source: Jamaica Observer.com

Dennis Brown compilation hits Billboard Reggae chart

The Crown Prince of Reggae and most  influential stylist in reggae music, the late Dennis Brown continues to, like Bob Marley, the King of Reggae music, receive more international recognition after his death than when he was alive.

National Public Radio (NPR) the US equivalent to the BBC in the UK listed Dennis Brown among the world’s 50 ‘great’ voices in its section entitled 50 Great Voices.

Brown’s music charted on iTunes and Amazon charts. Charting three places on Amazon *#1 with Love and Hate, *# 3 with Milk and Honey; and *# 4 with Bless Me Jah. On iTunes chart Love and Hate (Brown’ signature concert opening tune) charted at # 3.

Digital sales account for one-third of global music sales and iTunes is the dominant online music store in the US, while Amazon is fourth, according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) Digital Report 2010.

Brown’s latest VP Records compilation The Crown Prince of Reggae: Singles 1972 to 1985 debuted at #10 on Billboard Magazine’s Reggae Album Chart.  This is his second album charting on the Billboard charts.  His 1982 A&M Records album ‘Love Has Found Its Way’ peaked at#36 on the Billboard R&B Album chart and the single ‘Love Has Found its Way’ peaked at # 42 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart.

BUJU BANTON’S LIVE BEFORE THE DAWN CONCERT

Sunday, January 16, 2011 is the Martin Luther King holiday weekend. In the reggae community in Miami, the most highly anticipated concert is Buju Banton Live on stage for one night.

The Before the Dawn Concert named after Buju Banton’s 2010 Grammy nominated album that was released in the fall while he was incarcerated, will be held at the Bay Front Amphitheatre in downtown Miami; and will feature Banton and other prominent reggae artistes. The concert is a family event with kids under twelve being free and is being produced by Rockers Island.

This may be his very last show on American soil as the dj’s second drug trial begins in February 2011. If convicted he could face over 30 years in prison.

This concert, his first in eleven months, will showcase Buju, the Gargamel, a 2011 Reggae Grammy nominee. A list of acts from top Dancehall, Reggae, Hip-Hop and R&B artistes will be added. Music will be by New York’s’ Hot 97 finest, Massive B with Bobby Konders, Jabba and Shotta and the Host of the night.

Tiana at #1 In Belize

Dancehall/reggae female sensation Tiana’s hit single “No Man Can’t Talk Bad Bout Mi” which has become a female anthem in several countries such as Trinidad, Barbados, UK, Belize, Gambia, Jamaica and various European countries has been climbing on various charts in Jamaica and internationally.

‘No Man Can’t Talk Bad Bout Mi’ has been in the #1 spot for three weeks on Wave Radio’s Starlight Saturday’s Top Ten Count Downin Belize. The show is hosted by Evolution Sound one of Belize’s top sound systems. The song also recently made its debut on the prestigious OutAroad.com Top 20 Hot Singles Chart.

Meanwhile the video for “No Man Can’t Talk Bad Bout Mi” debuted at the #1 spot on CVM’s Hit list Show and Jamaica’s #1 Video Count Down Chart.

Tiana is currently shooting six videos in a collaborated effort by Miami based director Shutah of Shutah Films and Carlington Wilmot…Two of the videos are medley projects that will be released Source: OutAroad.com

Pamputtae New Video and Singles

With the success of the top ten hit single ‘Slim vs Fluffy’ w/ Spice in 09, female deejay Pamputtae is dropping new singles to rock the dancehalls.  She recently shot a video for, Bad Mind, a single which she will be releasing in two weeks. Pamputtae has another new single, ‘As the Party Done.’ Pamputtae has emerged as one of this year standouts among female artistes. Source: OutAroad.com

Half Pint does Hawaii

Reggae singer Half Pint is set to do six shows in Hawaii in Honolulu, Maui and Oahu. Pint, whose music is an integral part of the dancehall, has built a huge fan base in the Pacific islands with hits that include Greetings, Winsome, Landlord, Substitute Lover, Just Be Good, Victory, One In A Million and Level The Vibes. “I like to perform in Hawaii. The people there love reggae, the island vibe is always nice,” he said.

His last studio CD, No Stress Express, was released internationally in March 2008 and distributed though Essential Music/Universal Music Group.

Unity, a single and video from the CD that features Jack Maness from Long Beach Dub All-Stars, did well for radio and video shows worldwide. The singer is also currently recording tracks for his next album slated to be released early next year. Source: Jamaicagleaner.com

Half Pint- Hawaiian tour going well

By Ra-Umi Alkebu-lan

With three shows done so far namely The Shack (Waikiki), Haleiwa Joe’s (North Shore) and Board Riders (Kailua) in Honolulu, Oahu, reggae Superstar Half Pint continues to show that he is one of Reggae’s most loved and enduring artistes. The artist hold an iconic status in Hawaii, and his songs, which are very popular on the islands enjoy constant rotation on the many radio stations there.

The tour has been very successful to date, backed by the 8 piece band Guidance which includes Drummer, Bass player, Rhythm and Lead Guitarists, Trombonist, Trumpeter, Saxophonist and Keyboard player along with back up vocalist Mindi.

The dapperly dressed Pint rocked the audience at the very first show held at The Shack with hit after hit. He entered the stage with his trade mark song “Greetings” to thunderous applause. He skanked and pranced on stage, during an hour long set which included three encores.  His workman like performance made a mark with the locals and visitors alike on the Island.

The appreciative audience showed their love for his music with applause after every song. Hits such as Winsome, Substitute Lover, Hold On, Crazy Girl, Level the Vibes, One In A Million and the very popular hit Cosmopolitan Girl were just some of the songs that Pint used to captivate the audience.

With three more shows to go, Pint declares “I am determined to continue to do my best for the fans on this tour. Hawaiian band Guidance led by lead singer Keith Batlin was the opening act.

Stevie Face Busy

Singer Stevie Face’s single ‘Thank You for Loving Me’ topped the New York and South Florida reggae charts and spent several weeks a top the music video charts in Jamaica. He’s had #1’s on fourteen music charts worldwide.

The singer is busy abroad as well; StanDrea Multimedia Communications recently arranged an interview for Face on ‘This is reggae Music’ w/ Tony Carr on WPFW in Washington DC. He has shows in the UK, France, and Toronto, Canada.

Stevie Face will return to Jamaica for performances in a New Year’s Day concert in St Thomas, and the annual Rebel Salute stage show.

Manager, Computer Paul told Stan E Smith of 2010 Entertainment that Stevie recently participated in Donovan Germain’s Penthouse Music tribute album to Beres Hammond—the project scheduled for release early next year.

Ninja Man’s bail hearing coming up December 15

Incarcerated dancehall deejay Ninja Man who last performed at Sting in 2008 has revealed that he wants to be out in time for the 2010 staging of the highly anticipated event. That is up to the judge. Ninja Man returns to court on December 15 for another bail hearing. Ninja Man has been behind bars since March of last year along with his 20 year old son and two others. The men are being charged for murder, conspiracy to murder, shooting with intent and illegal possession of a firearm in connection with the death of a 20 yr old man.  Source: Yardflex.com

Tony Anthony’s ‘Torn’ atop chart

Tony Anthony, the multi-award-winning Jamaican reggae singer who resides in Toronto, Canada’s  song Torn, the first single released from his debut album, Million Chance, topped the Jamaica Music Countdown Top 25 Reggae Singles chart on hot 102FM.

Torn is currently # 3 on the Caribbean Top 30 music charts and debuted on the South Florida reggae music chart. It spent eight weeks at number one on Canada’s Rebel Vibez Top 10 charts.

Tony Anthony’s Million Chance album is also creating a huge buzz worldwide, and it recently went to number one on the Jamaica Music Countdown Top 10 album charts. It is currently number six on the South Florida reggae album chart and number five on the New York reggae album chart.

The second single released from the album, titled Bad News, is already receiving regular airplay and has just debuted on the New York Top 30 reggae chart and the Jamaica Music Countdown Top 25 reggae singles chart.

At the recent 2010 Canada Reggae Achievement Awards, Tony Anthony won the award for Best Reggae Vocalist in Canada. His Million Chancealbum is available on iTunes, Amazon, Napster, MP3.Soundquake.com,

Busy Signal for performance in Gambia

The Gambia Observer featured international Jamaican reggae dancehall star, Busy Signal. On December 10, 2010, Busy did his first live musical concert in Africa.
Signal also performed live with his band at the Independence Stadium in Bakau on December 11, 2010.

Supporting acts were artistes from Jamaica, England and The Gambia including the most celebrated reggae-dancehall star, Singateh aka ‘Freaky Joe. The highly anticipated event is brought by Planet World and supported by Africell, one of the country’s leading GSM providers. Source Gambia Times

Several artistes Lent their voices to World Aids Day concert

World AIDS Day concert began on December 1, 1988. The World AIDS Day theme for 2010 is ‘Universal Access and Human Rights’

According to published reports several Jamaican artistes lent their voices in support of World Aids Day (December 1) organized by the Jamaica Ministry of Health and the National HIV/STI.  The concert was held at the National Heroes Park in Kingston. Artistes who performed at concert include Tifa, I-Octane, Ce’Cile and Chino.

The purpose of the concert was to raise money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. Source: YardFlex.com

Bounty get back him passport

Bounty killer was given the green light to travel when he appeared at the Resident Magistrate court before judge Lorna Shelly Williams in Jamaica. The entertainer’s passport was seized as part of his bail condition when he was offered $500,000 bail on November 27 on a charge of unlawful wounding.

The charge stemmed from his arrest in September following an alleged incident at his Oakland apartment in Kingston, where he reportedly attacked his 19-year-old lover, Raquel Smith using a hammer, a gold chain and mosquito zapper to beat her.

On Wednesday, his attorney Christopher Townsend presented the application for the variation of bail to Resident Magistrate at the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court.

However, Shelly Williams told the attorney that she would peruse the document and inform him of her decision on Friday. The deejay, whose really name is Rodney Price seemed ‘cross, angry, and miserable’ due to the long wait before the matter was called up, had his bail extended until Friday. Price will face trial on January 11 Source: YardFlex.com

Toots’ daughter Leba Hibbert debut album ‘Intoxicated’

Having honed her musical craft for years as lead singer of the trio 54-46, then later as a backup singer for her father, veteran reggae artiste Toots Hibbert, singer Leba Hibbert is set to whet musical appetites with her debut solo offering, Intoxicated.

The soon-to-be-released album will feature fifteen tracks, most of which were written by Leba. Although not willing to divulge much about the project, she did mention that among the tracks are All I Want, the title track Intoxicated and Let it Go. There is also a cover of Gladys Knight’s Neither One of Us.

Leba who has worked with the likes of Sly and Robbie, Jimmy Cliff, Pam Hall and reggae artiste Turbulence, says the new album will be everything that music lovers love and expect it to be. The album was produced by Leba Hibbert and Charles Farquharson. Source: jamaicaobserver.com

Leona Lewis and Craig David make it onto wealthiest Brits list

Singers Leona Lewis and Craig David have made it onto the rich list for British celebrities under 30. The pair, both living in the US, polled in the top 20 on the list complied by industry experts for ‘Heat’ magazine.

Former X Factor winner Leona Lewis came in at number six with an estimated worth of 12,533,000 (GBP), while 29-year-old Craig David came in at number 11 with a respectable 9, 00,000 (GBP).

Harry Potter stars, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint topped the list with a combined total of £85,293,000 – Radcliffe came in at number one with a fortune of £45,660,000.

Heat Editor Sam Delaney said: “The Heat’s rich list is proof that not all mega rich people are corrupt, cigar-chomping fat cats. . .” TheVoice.com

Tune in to Stan Evan Smith Weekly Entertainment News / Commentary & Reggae Report on radio & the internet online:

WNSB Hot 91.1FM @ 2:15pm EST Sunday ‘Caribbean Connection’ w/Lady Cham 1:00pm-4:00pm streaming Livewww.westindiantimes.netVibes24/7 Virginia Beach VA

WGUN 1010AM @ 3:00 pm EST Friday-Saturday ‘SupremeCaribRadio’ w/BarryD 2:30 pm-4:30 pm streaming Livewww.biggunradio.com/ Narcross, Atlanta. GA.

CHRY 105.5 FM@ 10: 40 am Monday ‘Rebel Vibes’ w/Carrie Mullings 10 am-12 pm streaming Live www.chry.fm & Roger’s Digital Cable Channel 94 Toronto, Canada

WPFW 89.3 FM @ 12:30pm ETS Sunday ‘This is Reggae Music’ w/Tony Carr 12am-2:00 pm streaming Live www.wpfw.orgWashington. DC.

One Caribbean Radio 97.9 FM HD2@ 9:45 pm EST Thursday ‘The Eclectic Mix’ w Chip Smith 9:00pm to 12 Midnight streaming Live www. One Caribbean Radio.com Brooklyn, New York

Read Stan Evan Smith Weekly Entertainment News / Commentary & Reggae Report Online:

Entertainment Writer, Westindiantimes.net (Virginia Beach VA)

Senior Music Writer, Jamaicans.com. Blog (seebreeze) (Fl.)

Contributing Editor, Everybodys Magazine (NYC)

Music Writer, Jahworks.org (Oakland CA)

Email: wsmusicworks@gmail.com

Email/IM: Seebreeze66200@Yahoo.com

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November 14th – 20th 2010

Gregory Isaacs Substance Free

The late Gregory Isaacs’ latest released album, Substance Free (Vizion Sounds label) was, according to published reports done in 15 days straight. Isaacs’ family has requested that the track ‘My Salvation’ be Gregory’s anthem on Jamaica radio stations, as well as being played during the state funeral to be held at the National Indoor Sport Arena in Jamaica November 20th.

Gregory recorded 1 track per day and each track in a single take. He also is reported to have kept his promise and commitment to the family to go substance free during the entire recording period, no substances of any kind. Gregory commented on completion of the album that it’s his first album without a love song.

Richie Stephens’s debuts on Billboard

Singer Richie Stephens earned his first ever charting album on any Billboard album chart with his latest CD Reggae Evolution which debuts at 39 on the Billboard Reggae album chart.

The 16 track Reggae Evolution features collaborations with Maxi Priest, Beres Hammond, Saba, Assassin and Mutabaruka. Stephens has only charted once in 1993 with Body Slam w/ Patra on the Billboard R&B Singles chart. Body Slam peaked at # 83.

At the time Stephens was signed to Motown Records. He also sang lead on British group Soul II Soul’s 1992 single Joy, which peaked at # 12 on Billboard’s R&B singles chart.

Monty Alexander Presents Reflections on Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Nov. 8, 2010:

Renowned Jamaican-born jazz pianist, Monty Alexander, will reflect on the legendary Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra at a New York City show.  Alexander, Jamaica’s acclaimed Commander of Distinction, will present his “King Cole and Mr. S” reflections from November 23-25th at the legendary Birdland Jazz Club, 315 West 44th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues in Manhattan. Show times for the three night shows will be at 8:30 and 11 p.m., respectively.  Of course Alexander will also pay tribute to his roots by including some of his upbeat reggae-themed pieces for patrons attending the shows.

Tony Anthony Tops Chart for the First Time in Jamaica

Canadian based multi-award winning Jamaican reggae singer Tony Anthony, is living his local dream as his song “Torn” is currently #1 on Richie B’s Top 25 Reggae Singles charts on Hot 102FM in Jamaica, and #2 on Stampede’s Streets Charts.

His debut album “Million Chances” number 2 on Richie B’s Top 10 album charts, “Torn”, is the first single released from and for the past few months has been on regular rotation on radio stations across the island, so much that it is also sits. “Torn” has also gained popularity in other countries; it is now # 15 on the Caribbean top 30 music charts and spent 8 weeks at number one on Canada’s Rebel Vibez top 10 charts.

The album is also creating a huge buzz worldwide; it just made its debut on the South Florida and New York reggae album charts and has garnered a lot of interest in Europe. Earlier this year the album debuted at number five in the Netherlands’ reputed Reggae Vibes magazine Top 50 recommended albums. The second single released from the album “Bad News” is already receiving regular airplay and great reviews.

Gyptian 2010 Soul Train Award Best Reggae Artist-

The Soul Train Awards, like the UK’s MOBO (Music of Black Origin) honors the best in Black music and entertainment. Sean Paul won the first Best Reggae Artist category award in 2009. The Nominees in the Best Reggae Artist category award were Gyptian, Damian Marley, Gramps Morgan, Mr. Vegas and Vybez Kartel. Gyptian won the award for Best Reggae Artist at the 2010 Centric Soul Train Awards. The win was not surprising as Gyptian has been the most successful Reggae/dancehall artist in the US this year and he also received momentum from winning UK’s MOBO award in the same category a few weeks ago. Gyptian is the odds-on favorite to win the Reggae Grammy.

The 2010 Soul Train Awards was taped at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta on November 10 and will be aired on BET at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 28.  Gyptian also performed live at the awards ceremony.

Vegas Performs at Train Awards Pre-show Concert –

Best Reggae Artist Nominee Mr. Vegas performed at first annual ‘Soulfusion Soul’ the official pre-show concert for Soul Train Awards’ on November 9 at the Atlanta Civic Center in Georgia. He shared the stage with R&B singers Erykah Badu and Chrisette Michelle along with rapper Rick Ross and Hip Hop icon Doug E Fresh.

Sean Paul Live In Concert

Sean Paul entertained a multitude of screaming Sri Lankan fans on November 13 at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium with some of his biggest hits such as ‘Gimme the light’, ‘Get busy’, ‘and Temperature.’ Source: www.dailymirror.lk

Reggae artiste Gyptian on tour in England.

Gyptian’s tour started on October 14 with him doing 17 shows in Switzerland, France, Denmark, Sweden, Luxembourg and Norway. According to Ivor Ruddock, Gyptian’s manager each concert was over 2,000, except for in Paris which had an audience of 3,000.

He did four shows in the Netherlands, one show with Mary J. Blige in London at the LG Arena, before that at the O2 Arena in London. Reports state that after Gyptian was added to the line-up, there was a significant increase in ticket sales, 18,000 and 23,000, respectively, at each venue. Gyptian, who did sets of 25 minutes at each venue, performed songs such as I Can Feel Your Pain, Beautiful Lady, his new single Nah Let Go, and his international hit single Hold Yuh.

Gyptian’s opening act former ‘Scare Dem Crew’ member reggae singer Nitty Kutchie, has also been doing well on the tour. Etana joined both for six dates. He is in Africa from November 23 for one week, where he will be performing in Tanzania, Nigeria and Kenya.

Mélange of music

Jamaican-American Reggae fusion singer and rapper Sean Kingston won the hearts of Bangaloreans on his four-city tour across India. The 20 plus-year old-prodigy had the Bangalore crowd screaming for more as he performed to a packed audience at Hard Rock Café in a concert organized by Bacardi.

The enthusiastic Kingston, a Miami, Florida born and Kingston, Jamaica raised young man said of his the first time in India, “India’s music is quite popular and is a great place for young artistes to come up. Personally it feels good to come here and do shows for crowds with so much energy.”

The young boy wonder also had the music vibe in his blood being the grandson of reputed Jamaican reggae producer Lawrence Lindo. “Singing since I was six, I found life taking me into the realm of music and it was no surprise that my family supported me all through,” he recalled.

Serani’s Skip to My Luu hits Hot 97

Serani’s dance floor smash “Skip to My Luu,” featuring Ding Dong and Razz n Biggy, has been added to daytime rotation on America’s #1 radio station HOT 97 in New York.

This is Serani’s third single in the last 2 years to make it to mainstream daytime radio in the US with Billboard-charting; the other two were No Games and She Loves Me. Crossover stations in New York, Connecticut, Philly, Boston and Miami are all showing the record some love.

Skip to My Luu was #1 in Jamaica earlier this year and still is a staple at dances across the globe. It crossed into American clubs over the last couple of months and was then picked up by US radio. Skip to My Luu was produced by top tier production trio DASECA.

Jay Z and Rihanna talk about Vybz Kartel

Jay-Z admits that he wanted Vybz Kartel on his last album but couldn’t make it work. In an interview on the Cipha Sounds and Pete Rosenberg podcast Juan Epstein, Jay-Z admitted that he had dancehall star Vybz Kartel in the studio during the recording of his last album Blueprint 3 but failed to get a song that worked.

Jay had him in his Roc The Mic studio; they tried three songs and were going to spend the rest of the day trying to work out which songs on BP3 Vybz would have sounded best on. During the interview Vybz Kartel was described as the Eminem of Jamaica. Meanwhile on the Ed Lover Show (Power 1051 FM) they were curious to know which artistes from the Caribbean Rihanna would love to do collaboration with at the moment. Rihanna quickly replied…“I love Vybz Kartel, love Sizzla too and Beres Hammond.

Nicki Minaj Recording New Song with Rihanna

Nicki Minaj who has already worked with Christina Aguilera, Trey Songz, Will.i.Am, Jay Sean, and Sean Kingston is adding Rihanna to the long list of artists that she has collaborated with.

Nicki is teaming up with Rihanna for Nicki’s upcoming album. They recorded a track titled ‘Fly’ for Nicki’s album ‘Pink Friday’. Nicki wrote on her Facebook page, “I wanted to work with Rihanna for a long time. I’m very proud of her accomplishments; especially since she was born on an island like me.”

NEW MICHAEL JACKSON ALBUM DUE DEC. 13

A collection of new Michael Jackson recordings, simply titled ‘Michael’, will be released on December 13 by Epic Records in conjunction with the Estate of Michael Jackson. A teaser for the project appeared on MichaelJackson.com and was followed by the premiere of the single ‘Breaking News’ on November 8. The never-before-heard song was recorded by the King of Pop in New Jersey in 2007.The cover artwork, an oil painting by artist Kadir Nelson, displays some of the key moments and important people throughout the late legend’s life. Source: www.rap-up.com

Beenie Man & Friends Features 8 Collaborations

Dancehall maestro Beenie Man has tackled a new, and possibly his most ambitious musical project to date Beenie Man and Friends. Beenie will be writing, arranging and co-producing every song on the riddim; he will also be performing on every song on the riddim,”

Riding the success of his hit singles, Rum and Red Bull w/ Fambo and I’m Okay, Beenie is hoping to re-define his legacy as a leader and innovator in the world of dancehall.

He has recruited the dancehall stars on the musical project and produced eight great combination singles, each featuring Beenie Man, with Khago, D’Angel, Ding Dong, Fambo, Deva Bratt, Kantana, Versatile, Cee Gee and Laden.

According to The Doctor “No other artiste in the business has ever tried anything like this before. I am proud.” “The only thing I haven’t done is build the riddim, which was done by Danny Browne.” There is a video for the single ‘Time of My Life’ w/ D’Angel, and a medley video with all the others, ‘I already have the concept in my head, it is going to be sick,” he said, laughing.

“It is something I had always wanted to do, but I just didn’t have the courage to do it at the time. So I just sat down and did it and it all came together. Right now, ah MD time now, Gaza done gone across the world already, now ah MD time,” Beenie Man said.

He has been trying to convince Bounty Killer to participate in the project, but the “logistics of getting him to voice the song is hard.” Serani voice already, Mavado agree to voice, Beenie says ‘it is up to Bounty, Elephant and Kartel if they want to be on it’.  His son, Marco Dean lends his voice to the instrumental.

In the meantime, the project has already been released and the artiste says it is getting excellent rotation on radio. Beenie Man is scheduled for a two-week tour of Africa in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa and back to Jamaica on December 1.  After that he has a three-city swing through Canada.

Peter Tosh album coming in 2011

The estate of reggae icon Peter Tosh, ‘The Black Prince of Reggae’ may have lost the vote to legalize ganja in the California midterm elections but they are going ahead with plans for a new album and merchandise.

Cory Lashever, manager at Jampol Artiste Management which administers the estate said “It was something that the Tosh family supported and we got them hooked up with the Just Say Now Campaign.”

Having already decriminalized marijuana in that state, the Peter Tosh estate joined forces with key institutions and activists including the Just Say Now Campaign, FireDogLake, — a popular website, Students for Sensible Drug Policy and former police chiefs, judges, prosecutors and a former deputy attorney general hoping to persuade Californians to vote to legalize ganja in the mid-term election.

Jampol the North American- based company manages the estates of The Doors, Janis Joplin and Rick James. Jam develops and extends artiste brands via releasing documentaries, CD, remixes, websites and visuals. During the year, the estate improved Tosh’s Internet presence via the ganja campaign, a new site and social media fan pages. For 2011 the estate plans to release a Tosh album on vinyl and also online. It also plans to start selling new merchandise including T-shirts and books in order to broaden awareness in the US — the world’s largest consumer market.

Jam still sees potential in Jamaican music despite the drop in reggae sales since 2008.” Is the problem reggae or music sales in general? I don’t think it is reggae alone. The sales of recorded music are going down overall,” he said.

Baby Cham’s back in the Game

Grammy Award nominated recording artiste Cham, who has been living overseas, is set to, after being out of the spotlight for some time, make a slew of appearances at various shows this Christmas season in Jamaica.

A dancehall maestro Cham, who is known for mega hits Ghetto Story/w Alicia Keys (2006) and Babylon Boy is booked to appear on GT Christmas Reggae Extravaganza Show in St Elizabeth on Christmas day.

Cham is Santa Clause and the Grinch in one. He plans to bring the dancehall vibe and energy to the people as well as the message with my good friend Bounty Killer; they have settled their differences and are on a path to making hits in the studio once again. The Dave Kelly, Cham and Bounty Killer new studio work have some new hits including Bounty Killer’s new track, ‘The Message’. For Cham it’s going to be awesome this Christmas.

The DJ, who is currently signed to Atlantic records, explains the reasoning behind his hiatus from the music business.” Cham is not into mediocrity, so I am not the kind of deejay who is going to put out 15-20 tunes in a month, no, when we decide to work on a project my fans can know that is pure quality they are getting and not quantity.

Cham is riding high with his latest single Stronger which was recorded in Dave’s Miami studio, on (the Kid Is Back riddim), featuring Bounty Killer and Mikal Roze. He says he will be everywhere this Christmas Weddy Weddy, Passa Passa, even Sting if the money is right.   Cham made a guest appearance along with former arch rival Bounty Killer recently, and ignited the Arthur Guinness concert with dazzling performances. He is currently in the US where he is promoting his latest projects.

Don Corleon Records Hits #1 in Japan with “Let’s Do it Again” (J. Boog)

Don Corleon producer for such A-list recording artists as Sean Paul, Rihanna and Vybz Kartel, has renewed his contract with BFM Digital to continue digital distribution and marketing services for his label, Don Corleon Records (DCR). BFM Digital is a leading digital music aggregator and distributor of independent music.

DCR’s relationship with BFM began in 2009 with the intent to strengthen their presence on music services outside of their already established markets of Jamaica and the U.S. By utilizing BFM’s extensive network of distribution channels throughout the World, Don Corleon Records has been able to reach consumers in new markets and open up new revenue opportunities.

IRAWMA 2011 heads to T&T

The 30th staging of the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) will take place in Trinidad and Tobago on May 2011.The producers of IRAWMA — Martin’s International and Associates (MIA) Board of Managers said more than twelve other countries were reportedly vying for the rights to host the event which is now in its 30th year.

According to Ephraim Martin, President of MIA, “there could be no better time for the annual IRAWMA to be hosted in T&T than next year at a time when Chutney music will be introduced as a world music category in IRAWMA. Over the years several sons and daughters of TNT were awarded at the annual IRAWMA in various cities. Some were named to the Hall of Fame/Lifetime Awards, among them Roaring Lion, Lord Kitchener, Black Stalin, Calypso Rose, David Rudder, Super Blue and Mighty Sparrow who was also named Master of the Caribbean in 2009.”

One of Trinidad’s favorite sons, Machel Montano, has been among the top winners for the past three consecutive years at IRAWMA which was held at the Apollo Theatre and York College Performing Arts Center, in New York

According to Martin, in the days ahead the nomination ballot will be issued to Caribbean/Reggae and world music experts worldwide to start their nomination process which must be returned by the January 15, 2011 deadline. In a few weeks there will be an official launch to give further details on the 30th IRAWMA.

Yendi bags new American Toyota campaign

Jamaican beauty Queen Yendi Phillips is featured in the new North American Toyota campaign, shot by film director Hype Williams. This commercial is one of several Jamaican, regional and international projects being undertaken by Yendi who was placed second at the Miss Universe in Las Vegas last August.

Phillips resume include the Pepsi Refresh commercial (the US) and the Sprite campaign (India) She’s been a special guest on the Food Network show Throw down with Bobby Flay and has been host/presenter of Movie Hang Time and Digicel’s Rising Stars in Kingston

Phillips is in hot demand globally and Yendi Phillips has been booked for appearances, event hosting, speaking engagements, commercials and film roles. She has been travelling to the wider Caribbean and the United States to complete these assignments.

Yendi was a finalist at Miss World 2007 in China, prior to her dramatic success at Miss Universe. In Sanya, China, Yendi was the only contestant to make all five fast-track competition finals. Yendi’s runway work and her covers and editorial credits include several Caribbean and international publications, such as Skywritings magazine, Caribbean Beat magazine, Woman & Home, Fair Lady, Buzz, Collage, Soul, Basia, Ocean Style among several others.

Jamaican female producer ‘The Wizard’ on Nelly Furtado’s album

Nelly Furtado is set to release an eclectic collection of remixes showcasing versions of her latest Spanish singles including Manos Al Aire, Bajo Otra Luz, Mas and Fuerte. Made to cater the tastes of DJs and Dance club fanatics, Mi Plan Remixes is sure to take over clubs and dance charts around the world. The Wizard is currently working on another remix for the pop superstar as well as production for local reggae/dancehall artistes.

Diana King on Jazz & Blues line-up, album drops 2011.

Diana King has been confirmed for the Jamaica Jazz and Blues festival next year. The singer, known for the 1990s mega hit ‘Shy Guy’, announced her inclusion on the ‘Jazz’ line-up during a reception for R&B singer Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds atop the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in Kingston, Jamaica.

King’s latest album, ‘Warrior Girl’, is now only available in Japan — where she just completed an eight-show promotional tour. She stated that the album is currently being ‘tweeked’ for Jamaica and the rest of the world, with a release date set for March 2011.

She explained that Warrior Girl has been her most challenging project to date as she wrote and produced more than 100 tracks, from which she chose 20 for the album.

“Warrior Girl’ showed me that producing is not easy. I built a studio in my house and produced the album from there. There are no collaborations, it’s just me on tracks that represent how I was feeling at the time… but it gave me great joy,” King said, adding that the music on the album is everything mixed with Reggae. “That’s my style… so why change it,” she quipped.

Tune in to Stan E Smith 2010 Entertainment Reggae News Report: on Radio/internet:

WNSB Hot 91.1FM @ 2:15pm EST Sunday ‘Caribbean Connection’ w/Lady Cham 1:00pm-4:00pm streaming Live www.westindiantimes.netVibes24/7 Virginia Beach, VA.

WGUN 1010AM @ 3:00 pm EST Friday-Saturday ‘SupremeCaribRadio’ w/BarryD 2:30 pm-4:30 pm streaming Live www.biggunradio.com/ Narcross, Atlanta, GA.

CHRY 105.5 FM@ 10: 40 am Monday ‘Rebel Vibes’ w/Carrie Mullings 10 am- 12 pm streaming Live www.chry.fm & Roger’s Digital Cable Channel 94 Toronto, Canada

WPFW 89.3 FM @ 12:30pm ETS Sunday ‘This is Reggae Music’ w/Tony Carr 12am-2:00 pm streaming Live www.wpfw.org Washington.DC.

ONE CARIBBEAN RADIO 97.9 HD2@ 9:40 pm Thursday “The Eclectic Mix” w Chip Smith 9:00pm to 12 Midnight streaming Live www. One Caribbean Radio.com Brooklyn, New York

Read Stan Evan Smith Weekly Entertainment News / Commentary & Reggae Report: Online:

Music Writer, Westindiantimes.net (Virginia Beach VA) Senior Music Writer, Jamaicans.com. Blog (seebreeze) (Fl.)

Contributing Editor, Everybodys Magazine (NYC) Music Writer, Jahworks.org (Oakland CA)

Email: wsmusicworks@gmail.com, Email/IM: Seebreeze66200@Yahoo.com

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November 7th – 13th 2010

Photos of Reggae icons on exhibition in New York

A collection of portraits, performance and personal shots by photographer Kim Gottlieb-Walker are now on exhibition in New York. Through her photos, Gottlieb-Walker charts the rise of reggae with an unparalleled insight into the genre’s most iconic artists.

The images were captured in Jamaica and Southern California in the mid 1970s and many of them will go on display for the first time.

This collection of powerful and pivotal pictures features Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Heptones, Inner Circle and Jacob Miller, Jimmy Cliff, Junior Murvin, Toots and the Maytals, George Harrison, Burning Spear and Third World. The exhibition will close on November 18.

BOB MARLEY AND THE GOLDEN AGE OF REGGAE

Bob Marley and the Golden Age of Reggae [Titan Books, October 2010, $29.95/£24.99] is a new book of rare and largely unpublished pictures to some of the greatest years of Bob Marley’s career, and the history of reggae and dub music.

Through portraits, performance and personal shots, photographer Kim Gottlieb-Walker charts the rise of reggae with an unparalleled insight into the genre’s most iconic artists. Captured in Jamaica in the mid 1970s, never before collected and most never before published, this collection of powerful and pivotal pictures features Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Heptones, Inner Circle and Jacob Miller, Jimmy Cliff, Jr Murvin, Toots and The Maytals, George Harrison, Burning Spear and Third World.

Featuring a foreword from Hollywood filmmaker and former Rolling Stone journalist Cameron Crowe, this deluxe hardback collection also includes commentary from Island Records’ Jeff Walker, and founding editor of The Beat magazine, Roger Steffens.

Sales of Gregory Isaacs’s music down

The sales of the music of late reggae icon Gregory Isaacs are returning to normality following a five day rise in online popularity which surpassed Jay Z and The Black Eyed Peas.

The only top 10 album currently charting for the singer is Gregory Isaacs RIP (Reggae in Peace) charting at #5 in France on the iTunes Reggae Albums chart. He isn’t on Billboard Reggae albums nor within the top10 on Amazon indicating that sales have attenuated as it is linked with charting.

A day after his passing, fans rocketed his music catalogue to chart 17 times in the top 10 spread amongst seven countries including US, UK, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. The most popular album was Night Nurse which is also his signature single.

Digital sales are significant as it accounts for over one-third of global music sales and iTunes is the dominant online music store followed by Amazon.

Isaacs died at approximately 4:00 am Monday October 25 in London, succumbing to lung cancer. The artiste is said to have died peacefully surrounded by his family.

Up to five days after his death Isaacs had higher online search results than popular deejay Sean Paul, rap mogul Jay Z, legendary singer Bob Marley, popular pop group The Black Eyed Peas and popular rapper 50 Cent; according to Google Trends which compiles search data for specific key words over periods of time. His popularity however was less than rapper Kanye West and pop singer Justin Bieber.

South Florida Dancehall and Reggae Music Awards

The South Florida Dancehall and Reggae Music Awards aka the SoFlo Caribbean Dancehall Awards will launches its third Annual Ceremony with 13 new categories added to honor the best in Dancehall and Reggae Music

The ceremony will be held on Sunday, March 20, 2011 at 7pm at the Hollywood Central Performing Arts Theater 1770 Monroe Street Hollywood, FL 33020.

The South Florida Dancehall & Reggae Music Awards, the brain child of non-profit organization, Single Mothers of America, was designed to acknowledge and honor the accomplishments and contributions of entertainers and entrepreneurs of the Reggae & Dancehall arena.

Broadcasting Commission wants payola a criminal offence In move aimed at updating and modernizing Jamaica’s Electronic Media Policy, Dr Hopeton Dunn, and the chairman Jamaica Broadcasting Commission, announced at a press conference in Jamaica last week that the commission would be recommending that payola be a criminal offence under new regulatory amendments now before the Jamaican Cabinet.

Payola is deeply engrained in radio and television industry on the island, staff that supports payola could find themselves in prison if government accepts a proposal from the Broadcasting Commission to have the practice criminalized.

The move is designed to encourage the broadcasting companies to a strong stand against the corrupt practice of payola.”  The main point … is that it should not be tolerated…it should be severely sanctioned…including a criminal offence as well as financial sanctions.” Dr Dunn said.

Alaine Signs Endorsement Deal with Telecom Giant LIME

Reggae singer Alaine who recently started her own record label 1Thirty1 Records, is making more strides with a deal with LIME. The You Are Me singer is now officially part of the LIME family, as she recently signed a lucrative endorsement deal with the telecoms giant. Apart from being an ambassador for the brand, Alaine will also be featured in the company’s advertising campaigns and billboards.

No clashes at Sting 2010 – Organizers promoting unity at Boxing Day event

Promoter of the annual Boxing Day event, Sting, Isaiah Laing says there will be some great reasons for patrons to come out to this year’s show. “It will be something really special to see,” he noted.

Known is for its many memorable clashes and violence, Sting this year, promoter Isaiah Laing said will be built on unity, “there will be no clash, this year we might have a powerful collab(oration).”

He noted that no expense will be spared on security and that this year will be no different. He gave a firm promise “we can’t afford to compromise on this.”.

This year show will host artiste performing in six segments: 13 Bad Girls of Sting, Comedy Hour, Spotlight, Disc Jocks, Starlight and 13 Warriors of Sting.

Names announced for 13 Bad Girls are Ce’Cile, Pamputtae and Lisa Hyper; Comedy Hour will feature the comedic talent such as Twin of Twins, Food Kartel and Tanto Blacks. The Spotlight segment will feature artistes Nesbeth, Zamunda and Singer Jah as well as upcoming talent.

Laing said further details will be released at the Event press launch on November 23, as with regard to other segments.

Laing says he has taken note of the many complaints that were lodged regarding last year’s staging such as the show being too drawn out. Laing stated that once the prime acts start making their way on stage in the category dubbed 13 Warriors of Sting, it will go right through to the end.

Romain Virgo completes US tour

Romain Virgo completed his first extensive one-month tour of North America along with Capleton and Munga Honorable. Playing dates in New York, Connecticut, Boston, North Carolina, Chicago, Kentucky, Colorado, New Mexico and other cities. The tour  Romain Virgo

was promotion for his self-titled debut my album, developing a fans base while introducing them his music.

He singer returned to Jamaica to shoot the video for his single ‘Taking You Home’, on Donovan Germain’s Big Stage riddim.After releasing the video, Virgo left on November 24, for his second one month tour of Europe.

Stevie Face to shine brighter with new album

Reggae singer Stevie Face continues to steadily rebuild his career after his career was put on hold a few years earlier by a car accident. Over the last two-and-a-half years, Face has built a success repertoire of hits of cover and original songs with such tunes as ‘Coming Home Tonight’, ‘Tell It Like It Is’, ‘In The Living Years’ and his latest chart-topper, ‘Thank You For Loving Me.’

The smooth-voiced lovers’ rock singer’s music has seen success is not only in Jamaica but internationally. In England he is currently ranked as one of the top reggae singers as his popularity continues to grow in Canada, the USA and the rest of Europe.

His recent performances at Richie Stephen’s album launch and HITZ 92 FM’s big road party, ‘Party Function Inna Junction’, which left the patrons, especially the ladies, begging for more are still talk of the town in Jamaica.

Stevie has several upcoming shows in France, Canada, England and Holland.

Face and his manager/producer Paul ‘Computer Paul’ Henton is currently in the Boot Camp studio recording his third album slated for release in the first quarter of 2011.

‘Thank You For Loving Me’, his latest video hit is holding down #1 on CVM TV’s HIT LIST Reggae Count Down. His track ‘Baby Come To Me’, w/ Florida-based songstress Fiona, a re-make of Patti Austin and James Ingram 1983 R&B hit is also enjoying strong rotation play and is also featured on the R&B Hits Reggae Style Compilation distributed by VP Records.

PREZIDENT BROWN – TOURING THE WESTERN U.S., CANADA AND HAWAII – MARCH / APRIL 2011

In April 2010 Prezident Brown did a special combination tour, co-billing with the Wailing Souls. The tour was a great success. People loved both of the acts. Over the summer of 2010, Prezident Brown also performed on the Reggae on the River festival, and numerous other shows on his own.

Last summer, 2009, in support of his Common Prosperity release, Prezident Brown performed at a number of key festivals including the Reggae Rising festival in Piercy, California, the Eugene Celebration in Eugene, Oregon and the Monterey Bay Reggae festival in Monterey, California, all within a western U.S. tour.

Prezident Brown is a substantial musical messenger who has knowledge to share in his songs. He is well loved and respected internationally. Prez is consistently a hard working artist, who keeps performing live and spreading out his fan base and putting out new CD’s that bring truth and light to his listeners. Prez has a more subtle, understanding character than most of the other contemporary reggae artists, and his music carries more of a sincere message of love and unity.

Prezident Brown is a champion of the new roots and reality consciousness reggae movement that entertains, informs and inspires. Prez’s latest release entitled Common Prosperity was produced by himself, his bass player Devon Bradshaw and his guitsy, Ian Coleman. Ian Coleman, known as “Beezy”, also works with Ziggy Marley. Other of his earlier releases are called To Jah Only, Generation Next and Prezident Brown – Showcase Volume One, Two, Three and 4 Health and Strength.

“It’s a rough road, as I trod along. Guide I oh Jah with thy mighty hand. It’s a rough road and I have to make my footsteps sure” chants Prezident Brown.

Prezident Brown is steadily sacrificing within the music business, to bring his powerful music and message to the people of the world. He is currently in Ocho Rios, Jamaica working on his next CD project. People are looking forward to seeing him again live on this upcoming March 2011 tour.

SONIA POTTINGER PASSES

(Jamaica Gleaner) Sonia Pottinger, who blazed a trail as reggae’s most successful female music producer, died Wednesday evening at her St Andrew home. She was 79 years old.

David Plummer, the youngest of Pottinger four children, told The Gleaner that his mother had suffered from Alzheimer’s disease in recent years. He did not say if it caused her death.

Born in St Thomas, Pottinger was introduced to the music business by her husband L.O. Pottinger, an engineer who had relative success as a producer in the mid-1960s. She went on her own during that period, scoring a massive hit with Every Night, a ballad by singer Joe White.

Pottinger had considerable success in the late 1960s with her Tip Top, High Note and Gay Feet labels. She produced Errol Dunkley’s debut album,

Presenting Errol Dunkley, and hit songs by vocal groups like The Melodians (Swing and Dine), The Gaylads (Hard to Confess) and Guns Fever by The Silvertones.

In 1974, Pottinger bought the Treasure Isle catalogue and operations of pioneer producer Arthur ‘Duke’ Reid. She had even more success in the era of roots-reggae, producing chart-toppers by Marcia Griffiths (Hurting Inside and Stepping Out of Babylon) and Culture (Natty Never Get Weary).

Errol Brown, Reid’s nephew, was engineer for many of Pottinger productions in the 1970s. He said she was no pushover in the studio.

Respect

“She loved the music … loved it too much,” Brown said. “She knew what she wanted in the studio, and had a lot of respect for the musicians.”

Musicologist and sound-system operator, Winston ‘Merritone’ Blake, said Pottinger was a sharp businesswoman in a male-dominated field.

BUJU IS FREE AT LAST!!

Free at last. Reggae superstar artiste Buju Banton, after close to a year in a United States jail, has been granted bail in immigration court. He had been incarcerated at the Pinellas County lock-up in Florida.

Banton was offered bail with tough conditions following a hung jury in his gun and drugs trial. As part of his bail condition, Banton will have to wear a tracking device and will be under 24-hour surveillance from a security company. He has also signed an extradition waiver and will not be allowed to leave the Middle District of Southern District of Florida until his trial begins.

Buju Banton cannot leave his home unless he is visiting a doctor and his lawyer. He must also submit himself to urine tests to prove that he is not using banned substances

J’can lock-out – Foreigners dominating Jamaican music form

Local acts missing on international dub charts

DUB music — a psychedelic reggae form — is charting in 14 territories on the reggae charts but Jamaican bands are not riding this wave.

It represents another Jamaican genre under-represented by locals which translates into lost revenue and acclaim for the industry.

“Europe and other countries have taken our roots music and are studying and learning it,” Uprising Roots drummer Black Kush told Splash, adding that Jamaican youths concentrate on studying dancehall and US pop. “A few years from now no Jamaican youth will even know about dub.”

None of the dub bands or compilation albums charting are Jamaican. Even, Gregory Isaacs In Dub album was produced by the UK duo Mafia & Fluxy.

Dancehall-reggae artistes launch merchandise online

As more Caribbean artistes branch out into merchandising, a few of dancehall-reggae’s best have started an internet-based entrepreneurial venture in the United States, reggaemerch.com.

The newly launched online store hosts a range of dancehall reggae street gear from Busy Signal, Gramps Morgan and Bunji Garlin with a slew of other artistes including Etana, Konshens and the Alliance brand to follow the fast growing trend.

Also available on the reggae online store are lifestyle brands Repja and Cyclothing.  Reggaemerch.com inventory currently consists mainly of t-shirts mainly, but the online inventory will increase shortly to offer a wider variety of products.

Reggaemerch.com ships to more than 190 countries worldwide and offers the option to pay through Western Union for those who do not hold a credit card. Posted by YardFlex

Cen’C Love gets set to drop album

For singer Cen’C Love the American Born daughter of Bunny Wailer was destined to strum her guitar and get involved in the music business. , “I’ve always known music is in my blood, but the music bug really bit me when I got my first guitar in high school.”

Raised between Kingston and Atlanta Cen’C attended Dekalb School of the Arts, a performing arts school in Atlanta, Georgia where she had musical training throughout high school, and vocal training from one of Jamaica’s own classical vocalists, Dawn-Marie James. While attending school in Atlanta she studied dance, drama and writing.

Coming into her own as a stage performer was not an easy task, but according to Cen’C she overcame shyness by embracing her “unique sound and creating more masterpieces helped me to deal with stage fright,” she shared.

“As a new artiste, sometimes I worry if the audience will feel me the first time around, recording is the easy part,” she continued.

According to Cen’C, her father’s musical influence did not just reach out to her alone. “My father has influenced me by influencing the whole reggae music business. The Wailers helped set the pace for reggae itself, and my father has transitioned through many generations. He respects me as an artiste, and I respect him even more as a father of reggae and a living legend,” she said unable to hide the note of pride in her voice.

However, as much as she admires and respects her dad, Cen’C is all about creating her own space in the music industry.

“My music is ‘now music’. It represents this time and space where the world is very small, and everyone rubs off on each other. It is like this melting pot, and reggae is home. In a sense I would call it soul music, because it connects with many souls,” she explained.

Cen’C doesn’t believe in boundaries and as such, she is working hard at accomplishing in the various fields of work. She is a musician, singer, songwriter, fashion designer and a visual artist.

For Cen’C Love art is a lifestyle. For most of her summers she travelled around the US with her fashion designer/dancer mom, attending art and trade shows where she received some of the inspiration that she now applies to her work.

Cen’C has performed on stages in Jamaica, Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York and Amsterdam. In Atlanta at the 2008 Natural Hair Show and at the Centennial Park Wednesday Wind-down in July 08, she honed her talent in front of very appreciative audiences. She appeared at the Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam 08 and at the Reggae Awards in New York in the spring of 2009. Cen’C is preparing to release her 12-track album, Love Letter, the single Casanova and its accompanying music video.

Taking it to YouTube

Gentleman and Chris Martin rack up views on Internet

German reggae artiste Gentleman and Jamaican rising star Chris Martin’s single To the Top surpassed four million views on YouTube — the popular Internet site, making it amongst the most watched dancehall videos ever.

The rapid growth in the popularity of the track, amassing some 10,000 views a day to surpass the four million mark and beat Gyptian’s Hold You, the nation’s top summer song.

It’s the highest viewed song for both artistes, and is promotion for the single which is currently at #1 in Luxembourg, # 4 in Austria and # 2 in Switzerland on iTunes Reggae Singles charts.

Some of the most popular dancehall videos include Sean Paul and Rihanna’s Break It Off at 32 million, Sean Paul’s So fine at 23 million, Shaggy’s It Wasn’t Me at 14 million, Damian Marley’s Welcome To Jamrock at five million, Vybz Kartel and Spice’s Ramping Shop at 4.5 million.

Gentleman is Germany’s most popular deejay based on his constant chart presence. Martin, who previously gained fame via the popular television talent show, had kept media presence by aligning with the label and management team of international reggae star, Shaggy. Both artistes will tour Europe starting November in support of respective albums.

Martin’s self-titled album features Busy Signal, Assassin, Shaggy, Lady Saw, Mr Easy, and D Major.

Tune in to Stan E Smith 2010 Entertainment Reggae News Report: on Radio/internet:

WNSB Hot 91.1FM @ 2:15pm EST Sunday ‘Caribbean Connection’ w/Lady Cham 1:00pm-4:00pm streaming Live www.westindiantimes.netVibes24/7 Virginia Beach, VA.

WGUN 1010AM @ 3:00 pm EST Friday-Saturday ‘SupremeCaribRadio’ w/BarryD 2:30 pm-4:30 pm streaming Live www.biggunradio.com/ Narcross, Atlanta, GA.

CHRY 105.5 FM@ 10: 40 am Monday ‘Rebel Vibes’ w/Carrie Mullings 10 am- 12 pm streaming Live www.chry.fm & Roger’s Digital Cable Channel 94 Toronto, Canada

WPFW 89.3 FM @ 12:30pm ETS Sunday ‘This is Reggae Music’ w/Tony Carr 12am-2:00 pm streaming Live www.wpfw.org Washington.DC.

ONE CARIBBEAN RADIO 97.9 HD2@ 9:40 pm Thursday “The Eclectic Mix” w Chip Smith 9:00pm to 12 Midnight streaming Live www. One Caribbean Radio.com Brooklyn, New York

Read Stan Evan Smith Weekly Entertainment News / Commentary & Reggae Report: Online:

Music Writer, Westindiantimes.net (Virginia Beach VA)  Senior Music Writer, Jamaicans.com. Blog (seebreeze) (Fl.) Contributing Editor, Everybodys Magazine (NYC) Music Writer, Jahworks.org (Oakland CA)

Email: wsmusicworks@gmail.com, Email/IM: Seebreeze66200@Yahoo.com

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