CHERINE ANDERSON CREATES MUSIC HISTORY AND FIRSTS ON 5 BILLBOARD CHARTS
Cherine Anderson invited to perform at three of the Inaugural Balls for President Obama. She is only Jamaican entertainer to achieve this honor. She may be the first Jamaican female artist hit five Billboard charts simultaneously. The feat is another first for Anderson. She is the first Jamaican female singer to have her tune, “Say Hey (I Love You)”chart on the Billboard Rock Charts.
The Sly & Robbie produced Michael Franti & Spearhead hit “Say Hey (I Love You)” featuring Cherine has been added to many US top 40 radio and AAA radio stations in the past three weeks. The song peaked at #1 on Billboard Heatseekers charts 6 weeks ago and has been steadily climbing other charts. Currently “Say Hey (I Love You)” is #21 on the Billboard Hot 100, #48 on the Billboard Rock chart, #14 on the Digital Songs chart, #22 on the Pop Songs chart and #43 on The Radio Songs chart.
Anderson says she’s extremely happy, and is honored to be among so many talented artists who I listen to on commercial radio in the US.” She is equally “grateful to ( be able to) turn on the radio and to be able to hear Michael and myself being played right after bands like Cold play, Madonna, Beyonce and Britney Spears.”
Anderson hadn’t been aware of being the first on the rock chart said, “Wow, I didn’t even know that, but I am so grateful for the way everything has progressed, all the tours and now having “Say Hey” playing in other non-reggae, urban markets. It’s truly a blessing.
Dub Poet – Yasus Afari named Ambassador for Parliament of World Religions
Internationally acclaimed Rastafarian author/poet Yasus Afari has been offered the role of ambassador to the 116 year-old Council for The Parliament of the World’s Religions.
The Parliament of the World’s Religions brings together the world’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 co-operation.
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 year’s event will be hosted in Melbourne Australia December 3 to 9.
Significant Contribution to the Interfaith Movement
On the basis of his significant contribution to the interfaith movement, Yasus Afari – who three years ago wrote the book, Overstanding Rastafari, 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.
The Jamaican Ministry of Culture recently dubbed Yasus Afari Jamaica’s cultural ambassador and in January 2009, he was similarly named when he appeared at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs International Diplomatic Conference held at the Courtleigh Auditorium in Kingston, Jamaica.
If Yasus accepts this role, he will then represent the World Parliament of The World’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.
Significantly, he will represent the interest and position, concepts and world views of Rastafarians. In this connection, Yasus’ main lecture presentation at the Parliament is entitled Rastafari, The Livity of Spirituality. Consistent with the role of ambassador, he will be given special parliamentary privileges and responsibilities relating to Rastafari, Jamaica and the Caribbean.
Yasus will also be doing several performances at the event and the Sacred Music Festival as part of the Parliament of the World’s Religions’ three days’ activities.
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 World’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. Source: JamaicaGleaner.com
Jay-Z Breaks Silence on Rihanna Abuse Scandal
Hip-Hop mogul, Jay-Z, broke his silence on the Rihanna/Chris Brown abuse scandal Thursday, insisting the Barbados-born singer could become a voice for abused teens. Jay-Z, born Shawn Corey Carter, voiced his opinion on the Oprah Winfrey Show, in a one-on-one with the Queen of day time talk. The Brooklyn-born rapper turned record executive, who signed Rihanna about five years ago to his label, said he did speak to the 21-year-old singer about the February incident and indicated she can grow from it.
`It’s one of those situations where she’s young, they`re both young,` he said.
But Jay-Z, 40, said the choice is up to Rihanna. `She can be their hero or she can choose not to grow from this,` he continued. `There`s a contingent of young people who are going through the same situation and no one is their voice.`
Brown, 20, pleaded guilty to felony assault in June relating to a domestic violence incident involving his then-girlfriend Rihanna, and was officially sentenced in August.
He received no jail time but instead was given five years of probation, six months of community labor in his home state of Virginia and ordered to have no contact with Rihanna and keep 100 yards away from her or 10 yards if they both attend a music business event for the next five years. Jay-Z recently collaborated with Rihanna and Kanye West on his new hit single `Run This Town. ` Source CaribWorldNews
Ghanaian-Jamaican writer Kwame Dawes, friends win Emmy
A multimedia website depicting the human face of HIV/AIDS in Jamaica, LiveHopeLove.com, won an Emmy for new approaches to news and documentary programming in the arts, lifestyle and culture category. The prize was announced at the 30th annual News and Documentary Emmy Awards at the Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater in New York City.
LiveHopeLove.com, an interactive site based on Kwame Dawes’ Pulitzer Center project, HOPE: Living and loving with AIDS in Jamaica, has won other accolades including a People’s Voice Webby Award, and was the inspiration for the music/spoken word performance, Wisteria and HOPE, which premiered at the National Black Theatre Festival in North Carolina on August 6 and 7.
Collections
The Ghanaian-Jamaican writer Kwame Dawes is the author of more than a dozen collections of verse and numerous plays, essays and books. He is the distinguished poet in residence and Louis Frye Scudder professor of Liberal Arts at the University of South Carolina. This overall project combines extended essays, two short documentaries, a one-hour radio documentary, a collection of poetry inspired by his reporting, the performance of the poems set to music and LiveHopeLove.com.
News reporting projects
HOPE is the third in a series of news-reporting projects sponsored by the Pulitzer Center with support from the M.A.C AIDS Fund. Earlier projects examined aspects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. A fourth project, also supported by the M.A.C AIDS Fund, examines homophobia and stigma in Jamaica and their impact on that country’s HIV/AIDS rate of infection. This project is collaboration with WNET’s public-television programme, World Focus, which aired the five-part Pulitzer Center series. The video producer is Micah Fink and the cameraperson is Gabrielle Weiss. Source: JamaicaGleaner.com
Jimmy Cliff nominated for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
International Reggae artiste Jimmy Cliff is among the list of top-flight musicians vying for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Organisers of the US honour revealed on Wednesday another eclectic list of one dozen contenders for induction in 2010. Cliff, Kiss and the Chili Peppers are among those nominated for the first time, along with Genesis, the Hollies, LL Cool J and Laura Nyro. On the ballot once again are Donna Summer, Darlene Love, Abba, the Chantels and the Stooges.
Artistes are eligible for induction into the Cleveland-based Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25 years after the release of their first single or album. A group of more than 500 musicians and industry professions will cast votes to decide next year’s inductees.
The five acts with the most votes will be announced in January, with their induction ceremony to follow in Manhattan on March 15, 2010.Born James Chambers, Jimmy Cliff hails from Somerton District in St James. Cliff began writing songs while still at primary school in St James, listening to a neighbour’s sound system.
He eventually hooked up with producer Leslie Kong. Jimmy Cliff’s career took off with the single Hurricane Hattie. The singer never looked back following up with other hits such as King of Kings, Dearest Beverley and Miss Jamaica.Among Cliff’s mega hit songs are You Can Get It If You Really Want, The Harder They Come, Rebel In Me, Many Rivers To Cross, Sitting In Limbo and Reggae Night. JamaicaObserver.com
Singer Etana – Finds New Management, Represent Jamaica at 2009 Arts Alive Festival in South Africa
In a move to reposition her career by developing ‘brand Etana’, and to take her music to the next level by expanded her career management structure. Etana has changed her management and booking agent. After months of speculation Etana has amicably parted ways from the Sheron Burke led Solid Agency, the Jerome Hamilton led Headline Entertainment (Sean Paul’s mangt) will exclusively handle the singer’s show bookings and her new management is now Irish and Chin.
Headline Entertainment, managing director Jerome Hamilton, stated; “We see Etana as one of the strongest reggae acts for the future out of Jamaica. She is a creative songwriter and a powerful singer with great stage presence. We intend to help her to achieve her goal to get to the heights as a successful international reggae artiste,” Hamilton stated, adding that he was impressed by her work ethic. “She is willing to do the hard work necessary to achieve success,”
The singer, who is currently in Ghana Africa to perform, explained “I now need to build … moving forward with the new team is the right fit for me at this point in my career.”
Creating a different structure
Formerly managed by Solid Agency Etana praises agency head Sharon Burke for doing “a whole lot for me”… in her three years there as an emerging reggae artiste. I want to achieve more and Sharon is only one person, so I’m making some changes and just creating a different structure to build more of brand Etana.”
The move to Irish and Chin has been in the works for awhile, with Etana now free they jumped at what Garfield ‘Chin’ Bourne refers to as perfect opportunity. Bourne said that the focus now is to market Etana’s huge potential to its fullest, which he say can be easily done with as much exposure as possible. Bourne’s plans include helping Etana to develop a strong presence in Europe, making deeper penetration into Africa as well as tapping into the American market.
The August Town born, Miami reared Shauna McKenzie; aka Etana in 2008 released her debut CD ‘The Strong One’ with hits songs Wrong Address, I Am Not Afraid and Roots established her as a musical force. She’s received industry wide recognition and accolades such as Best Female Vocalist in the 2008 Excellence in Music and Entertainment (EME) and Irie FM Radio Awards. The Strong One also copped the Album of the Year award at the 2009 EME’s. The singer continues to increase her visibility with several new singles including Happy Heart, August Town, Free and the love song Can I with DeMarco. She will be shooting a video for Can I soon.
2009 has been a great year for Etana. She’s given superlative performances around the world at major music festivals including Reggae Sumfest, (Jamaica) Irie Jamboree (New York) and the Soul Beach Music Festival in Aruba, (she shared the stage with Jamie Foxx, Common and Robin Thicke)
As Jamaica’s chosen representative at the Johannesburg 2009 Arts Alive Festival in Johannesburg, South Africa Etana gave two highly anticipated performances at the Soweto Festival and the Eldo Jazz Day Festival on September 27.”
Her Cultural ambassadorship resulted as a cultural exchange through a cooperative agreement between the governments of Jamaica and South Africa. This is Etana’s first time in South Africa but it is her third performance in Africa, having performed in Gambia and Ghana in 2007 and 2008. Her inspiring song, Roots, was written because of an encounter she had with a young boy in the Gambia.
Sydney Bartley, principal director, Culture and Entertainment for Permanent Secretary of South Africa expressed, his country’s “sincere gratitude and appreciation to Etana for her willingness to represent Jamaica at the Arts Alive Festival.”
Etana expressed how honoured she was “to be chosen as a representative of Jamaica and Reggae music in South Africa. This is a chance for me to be there for the people and continue spreading the universal message of Reggae music.”
Her yet-to- titled sophomore album is expected the summer of next year. For the new album, Etana says she plans to stay true to her roots but with a difference. “So it’s about Jamaica first rather than internationally. I plan to introduce a different style fused with reggae, but look for better music.” Adapted from: jamaica-star.com & JamaicsObserver.com
SONGSTRESS ALAINE AND PRODUCER DON CORLEON HAVE PARTED WAYS
Songstress Alaine have parted ways with her producer/manage Don Corleon after four years of making music together. Like Etana she’s is now putting together a new team of professionals to take her career to the next level. Talking with THE WEEKEND STAR about her future and her time with Corleon she didn’t discuss the reasons behind her split from ‘Don Corleon’ but the singer also did not say whether the split amicable or how it will affect their much talked about personal relationship. “We’re no longer working together” says Alaine. She was unclear whether the two will ever work together in the future. She was also adamant that her personal life is personal, but denied that rumours about the two being married were false.
She noted that, “Don is an amazing producer and we’ve had a lot of success together.” Both have returned from Japan where her sophomore CD ‘Luv-A-Dub’ was released. Th CD is reportedly selling well. Leaving her job as an investment banker in the United States, Alaine returned to Jamaica in 2004 to pursue her passion for music. Her launched her singing career was launce in 2005 by the production trio DASECA. She started working with Don Corleon.
With Coreleon she had her first big hit, No Ordinary Love and followed by Heavenly, and Never Done and others. On Don Corleon Records, Alaine released her debut album ‘Sacrifice’ in 2008. Alaine is putting together a new team which includes her management and bookings. She continues to work in Africa with the show that is to be broadcasted in a number of countries. Her new single, So Simple on the ‘Sunshine’ rhythm is doing well. Adapted from: Jamaica star
No Games’ for Serani – Singer putting in serious work promoting debut album
The DASECA producer-turned-singjay Serani is making big moves. The singer’ single She Loves Me continues to climb up the Billboard charts but he also has some hot collaboration soon to hit the airwaves. He has been collaborating with mainstream American rappers such as Queen Latifah, DJ Webstar and the ‘Making the Band’ winners Day 26. His video for She Loves Me, directed by Rich Newey who has worked with the likes of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, fellow Jamaican Sean Paul, Nate Dogg and Christina Aguilera was shot in Los Angeles.
Serani collaborations include the Neptunes-produced reggae love song, If He Wanna with Queen Latifah. The song appears on Latifah’s much-anticipated album Persona, which was released in July. “Queen Latifah… was excited about doing something with me. I was glad… and I love what I did with it. She gave Serani big ups on shows ‘Regis and Kelly’ and ‘Late Night with Jimmy Fallon’.”
He completed a club song Tipsy In Da Club, with DJ Webstar, (of the Chicken Noodle Soup dance and song fame). Ii is the first single from Webstar’s upcoming album. Serani also have an upcoming R&B and hip hop track with Day 26. Serani met them when he did backup vocals Wyclef. There is a soon to released single with rapper Bun B another possibly in the works with rapper Jim Jones. Serani worked Jim Jones on Hot 97’s On Da Reggae Tip.
Serani is getting ready for the October 27 release of his first album No Games on Universal Records. Serani has a four-album deal with Universal Records and the first single No Games, which was released from the album peaked at # 53 on the Billboard Hot Hip Hop/R&B charts.
The second single She Loves Me recently debuted at # 82 on the Billboard Hot Hip Hop/R&B Chart. The album will feature local collaborations with Ding Dong with Skip to My Luu and fellow DASECA artist, First lady Raine Seville. Serani said, “I’m here just promoting …October 27, (is the) biggest thing right now and I’m very excited, I can’t wait.” Adapted from: jamaica-star.com
Imperial Blaze is Sean Paul’s Best International Debut Album to Date
Sean Paul’s fourth studio album, Imperial Blaze already sold almost a quarter-million records outside of the United States. It was also the first ever Jamaican album to debut atop the Billboard Rap Charts. This dancehall superstar’s biggest international debut to date according to published report.
Since its August release, the Jamaican produced Reggae-dancehall CD Imperial Blaze have had record breaking sales 236,000 units, in Japan, where it debuted at #1, being certified by RIAA gold in France #8, #7 in the United Arab Emirates, #5 in Canada, #4 in Switzerland, #15 in Belgium, #17 in Austria, and #17 in Germany. Japan is one of the biggest consumers of dancehall music.
The Imperial Blaze 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. Adapted from: jamaica-star.com
So Fine Remix for Desi Market
Sean Paul’s `So Fine, ` has been remixed for the Desi (Asian) market. Paul worked with Baba Kahn, Lomaticc and Sunny Brown on the remix now released on Atlantic Records. Adapted from CaribWorldNews.com
Spice dubbed the next Queen of the Dancehall – Lady Saw
Lady Saw tells The STAR who she believes is the next best female artiste to fill her shoes. Lady Saw, she believes that deejay Spice could be the closest challenger to her title. Lady Saw is the godmother to Spice’s two-year-old son, Nicholas.
Spice’s raunchy style similar to Lady Saw. According to Saw Spice is set take over the business.Log on to www.jamaica-star.com today to see the actual interview with Lady Saw. Adapted from: jamaica-star.com
Foota Hype leaves Cassava Piece
Selector Foota Hype has finally severed his attachment to his native community of Cassava Piece, located in St Andrew. Foota have been at odds with dancehall artiste Mavado. There have been reports in the media about violent attacks that could be related to the feud. This Foota Hype says, has led him to fear for his own life and personal security. Foota Hype t is unconcerned about the impact his decision would have made on his career, saying he still remains loyal as a member of the Alliance, which is led by Bounty Killer.
Bob Marley documentary still on track
The authorised Bob Marley documentary will still premiere in Germany for Marley’s “It is in the post-production stages and shall premiere at the Berlin Film Festival, one of the world’s leading film festivals, next February,” Janice Allen, film manager at Jamaica Trade and Invest (JTI), told the Observer. “We are still in discussion as to when it will be premiered in Jamaica.”
Hollywood directors Jonathan Demme, of the Silence of the Lamb fame and Martin Scorsese have walked away from Marley projects. However producer Steve Bing has been working closely with the Marley family in order to portray the life of the reggae legend.
According to Allen the documentary is important to the Marley family and Jamaica as it would “tell how he impacted the world”. Adapted Source: JamaicaObserver.com
Local Acts Favour Success Abroad
Jamaican artiste’s aim is to be successful internationally, while maintaining their local presence. Artistes like Sean Paul, although loved locally, have a bigger international presence. And some, like T.O.K and Lymie Murray, even with local charts hits, have been able to maintain a strong following in places like Japan and Australia.
Dancehall artiste Mavado seems to be one of the Few to have found the right ingredient balance. As the ‘gully gaad’, he has been giving his local fans hard-core dancehall songs. But the more refined David Brooks persona, however, has rocked the overseas market with So Special, which went to # 53 on the Billboard Hot 100 Hip Hop and R&B chart.
Wyclef Jean and Mavado.
Mavado told THE STAR he is proud of where he is in his career because he has worked very hard for it. In addition, he said he recently recorded a song with R&B singer Alicia Keys with a music video for a song in the works with rapper Wyclef Jean. He is also scheduled to work with rapper Drake.
Dancehall/soul singer and actor Cherine Anderson does not need street credit, like Mavado. Although her focus is on commercial success on the overseas market yet, she’s had local chart hits like Coming Over Tonight with Chuck Fenda, Good Love and Talk If Yuh Talking.
Anderson has been on the road with Michael Franti and Spearhead since last September, performing in Europe, Australia and the United States at some of the largest venues. Anderson who is featured on the song Say Hey w/ Michael Franti and Spearhead is also nicely positioned on Billboard rock, pop, hot 100, radio and digital song charts
Cherine says “It depends on what you consider success. Having a record that plays a lot on radio is one sort of success. My aim is not to build hype but building a career on solid songs and showcasing real talent… the world is such a huge place. So many people gravitate to good music.”
Cherine’s peer reggae singer Etana told THE STAR, she feels it was important to be successful both locally and internationally. “Jamaica is a very important place. It is the hub of reggae. If you are not loved, appreciated and successful locally, you will not be loved outside. But you have to do your best to be successful all around.”
Voicemail is very popular in faraway places like Japan with their many dance hall songs. Notes group member, Kevin said: “The ultimate is overseas. When you become successful overseas, most of the world knows you. Jamaica is a little dot but that overseas success will catapult you to the world. One city in Japan is two times Jamaica, so if you are big in Japan, you know you are big.” Although there have been some delays, Kevin said the group’s album will be released later this year and not in September as planned. Adapted from: jamaica-star.com
BABY TASH FLIRTS ON ‘FACEBOOK’
Baby Tash’s hot new single, Facebook, has everyone logging on to the rise of her career. The saucy new tune has been bombing FM radio into submission since it was released last week, and there is talk that a video is in the works.
Emperor Haile Selassie cousin Sheba features Bounty Killer on Remix..
New York, NY – A cousin of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie, singer/songwriter/ producer Sheba Sahlemariam makes her worldwide musical debut with the release of her first single Love this Lifetime featuring Alliance CEO Bounty Killer. Distributed digitally by Universal Music Group, the single was made available worldwide on September 15.
While she serves up an edgy brew of urban, reggae/dancehall and African music, Ethiopian-born Sheba Sahlemariam calls Reggae music, the spiritual music of Rastafarianism, the glue to her eclectic recipe for her brand of global urban fusion.
Bounty Killer shows his softer, steamier side on a remix of the single, Love this Lifetime. Sheba recorded the single this year, then went back into the studio w/ Bounty Killer and added his versatility to the remix of Love This Lifetime.
Love This Lifetime is on her upcoming album The Lion of Sheba.
“Working with Bounty Killer on this remix was amazing. Adapted from: YardFlex.com
