Silver Spring/New York City:
It seems as if dancehall DJ Vybz Kartel doesn’t measure up to par when it comes to his lyrics. The DJ whose real name is Adijah Palmer was denied performance permit by Grenadian Government.
The red-hot entertainer, whose controversial lyrics have brought him lots of media attention both in and out of Jamaica, was scheduled to perform a rap-it-up concert in Grenville St. Andrews on Saturday, May 2 2009, where his popular Daggering condom was to be officially launched.
Vybz Kartel, who is well known for his hard hitting ghetto lyrics and rival showdowns with popular Artist Mavado, has been leaning towards more positive messages in his songs, with emphasis on respecting Women and Mothers and hints of Rasta-fari teachings. His recent condom campaigns for saving lives have also been well received. Vybz Kartel’s recent release Mama has taken the charts by storm, and the Artist will be doing several performances in the Caribbean, to include neighboring Trinidad and Tobago on May 8th 2009.
No reason was given by the Ministry of Labour in Grenada for the refusal of the work permits, but the sensitive issue of censorship or freedom of expression may have been at the forefront. The promoter of the event is claiming thousand of dollars in losses and is now seeking legal advice, since neither himself nor the Artists were aware of the Governments blacklisting. Vybz Kartel last performed in Grenada Dec. 5th 2008 to a sold out audience.
The promoter will like to apologize to the public for the Cancellation of the event, which was beyond his control and looks forward to their continued support.
Source: Media zone Jamaica
Dancehall star Vybz Kartel banned from Grenada
One of Dancehall’s best lyricists Vybz Kartel has been banned from performing on Grenadian soil at a concert scheduled for Saturday (May 2, 2009).
Rumors have been circulating that the gay rights group might be the ones behind the ban but according to reports by the Associated Press, a government official from Grenada had issued a statement, which stated that a popular Jamaican rapper has been barred from the country due to his raunchy lyrics.
“Lyrics that seem to promote violence have raised concern and led the government to deny the rapper a performance permit,” said Senator Ann Peters (Health Minister & Chairman of Grenada’s National AIDS Council).
The promoter of the event titled “Rap-it-up” a concert to promote safe sex and the launching of Vybz Kartel’s Daggering condom now seeks legal advice as he claims he spent a huge sum of money on the planning of the event. OutAroad.com
Dancehall Diva Timberlee Kicks Off Her “Sexy in My Heels” U.S. Tour
Dancehall’s femme fatale Timberlee is all about entertaining the massive. Capitalizing on the success of her smash “Bubble Like Soup,” which still has dancehall fans raving, the stunningly gorgeous Timberlee has embarked on a U.S. Tour to promote her new single “Sexy In My Heels” during the months of April and May. Timberlee recently kicked off her tour before standing room only crowds, rocking a college show in Buffalo and the landmark venue BB King’s at a birthday bash for radio personality Bobby Konders.
In the weeks to come, Timberlee is pegged to grace the stage at high profile events through out New York, Washington, D.C., Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Baltimore and Tampa — just to name a few locales. In addition to promoting the red-hot new single “Heels,” the tour has been designed to provide fans with an up-close-and-personal Timberlee experience, while familiarizing the rising artist with her growing fan base. And of course, at every stop along the way, the ladies are encouraged to come out in their sexiest stilettos. Noted for her beauty and vibrant style, the “Heels” singer is also slated to work the runway during a special appearance on the tour at Caribbean Fashion Rocks in New York.
“This tour will serve as an ideal vehicle of introducing Timberlee to her U.S. dancehall fans,” says Timberlee’s manager Garfield “Chin” Bourne of Irish and Chin, Inc. “Moreover, Timberlee will get a proper feel for touring and what lies a head in her burgeoning career.”
A bubbly and fun ode to a shoe fetish, “Heels” is taking the dancehall by storm. “Heels” unique fusion of Reggae and Pop music is steadily attracting the attention of a diverse audience — especially the females. Sporting spiked heels and stilettos from top designers, dancehall queens strut to and fro to the “Heels” single without hesitation. And with the song’s colorful and quirky new video, Timberlee has raised the bar even further.
“I am truly looking forward to this tour,” says Timberlee sincerely. “Taking my show on the road has been my dream since the ‘Heels’ project came to life……it’s an honor to provide fans with top rate dancehall entertainment.”
Timberlee prides herself with delivering an energetic and entertaining stage show. In addition to “Heels,” Timberlee will surely drop other favorites like “Back Door Delivery” and her debut smash “Bubble like Soup,” which still gets forwards every time it plays. Her fiery combo “Gangsta Style” with Bounty Killer is also getting lots of love. Timberlee’s “Sexy in My Heels” Tour is coming to a city near you! Source: YardFlex
Mavado and Bobby Valentino collaborate on two remixes
RnB singer Bobby Valentino and the Gully God Mavado have been lacing each other’s songs recently.
Big fans of each other’s music, the link was made by Mavado’s management and resulted in Bobby inviting Mavado to jump on the remix for his “Hands on Me” single.
In turn, Bobby has also sung on Mavado’s ladies anthem “Never Believe You,” which will drop in time for Summer.
Atlanta native Bobby Valentino’s last single “Beep” was a certified smash and he has also been enjoying huge airplay with the hook on Lil Wayne’s platinum monster “Mrs. Officer.” YARDFLEX
Serani “GOT NEXT” – Vibe Magazine
According to the latest edition of Vibe magazine (with Rhianna on the cover) Jamaican Dancehall sensation Serani has got NEXT!
The prestigious urban bible features the talented singer/producer/musician in its “GOT NEXT” segment, reserved for rising stars on the US scene.
With his hit single “No Games” seemingly refusing to go away, the spins on US radio continue to rise with radio stations as far and wide as upstate New York to Nashville to Colorado Springs rotating the track. “No Games” climbed to #62 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Hip Hop and R’n’B charts last week and was played on New York’s HOT 97 radio station more than 80 times last week alone.
With the track selling well digitally – peaking at # 4 on the US iTunes Reggae Singles Chart and hitting the # 1 spot on the same iTunes chart in Canada, things are also opening up internationally for Serani too. YARDFLEX
Sisters -“Life is a gamble” – Stream
‘Sisters’, the latest effort from uprising female reggae singing Stream is an uplifting song aimed at inspiring women to remain positive and focused as they journey through life. House of Hits Records artiste Stream chants words of encouragement over the mellow roots rock reggae rhythm, which is a beautiful contrast to her strong vocals.
After hearing ‘Sisters’ for the first time, it is obvious that this artist has already decided which direction she wants her career to take. She has the confidence of a seasoned veteran and that is important in the building of any artist career.
‘Sisters’ has the potential of gaining ‘Stream’ instant popularity, particularly if it becomes a radio hit. This is one female artist to watch for the future.YARDFLEX
Tami Chynn wants out – Universal deal in shambles
Songstress Tami Chynn is in the midst of parting ways with major international label Universal Motown Records, who she signed a four-album deal with in 2005. Her yet to be released album, Primadonna, would have been the artiste’s first major project on the label.
Having been signed to Universal at age 24, years later Tami Chynn has yet to see the full fruits of her labour.
The artiste recently gained international attention when she teamed up with Akon and producing partner RedOne in early 2007, releasing Frozen – which enjoyed time on Billboard’s Dance Music Club list. Chynn also signed unto Pepsi’s ‘Kung Fu Pepsi’ campaign, working alongside Akon and going on tour with seminal boy band New Kidz on the Block.
Yet, despite the successes she has had in recent times, Chynn is ready to be released from Universal Records and refocus on her love for music. Abusive relationship
Comparing her relationship with the label to that of an abusive relationship, Chynn is keeping her fingers crossed that the split will materialize. She told THE WEEKEND STAR, “I’m hoping it will happen soon and right now I’m back home trying to regroup and get back full control. It has been four years of craziness, but it’s not simple to be released from the label.”
When asked what her reasons for leaving the label are, Chynn stated: “I just don’t think they know what they were doing with me, I don’t fit into any mould that they have and it’s difficult when you don’t fit into what they want for you.”
Chynn’s Primadonna album was to be released by Universal from 2008 but, according to Chynn, if she is released from the contract she will have to give up all rights to Primadonna as well as her other album, Out of Many One, which was released by Universal in Japan.
“It’s very sad, that’s all me and those albums are connected to my heart strings, but you know what, I’m an artiste and I can do more stuff,” she said.
As to recent rumours that Chynn and Akon were no longer on good standing, she said that there was no bad blood between the two and they “might or might not” be working together more in the future.
Chynn is currently working with various producers around Kingston and has no plans to sign to any other label for the immediate future. Recently she has completed tracks such as Forever Your Girl for producer Baby G on the ‘Good Love’ rhythm as well as The Way That I Love You from Arif Cooper.
Speaking of love, after keeping her relationship under wraps from the public eye, Chynn admitted, “Yes Wayne (Marshall) and I are in a relationship. It has been for a long time now and we’re not trying to hide from it.”
As to rumours that the two are planning to get married this year, Chynn denied them. She, however, said that Marshall was someone she would absolutely consider marrying. Star online
Queen Ifrica gears up for Lioness on the Rise video shoot
Road to Montego Bay, the new album from reggae artiste Queen Ifrica, is set to be released this summer. The first international single Lioness on the Rise is already making noise on radio in the US.
IFRICA… Lioness on the Rise has non consecutively topped Media Guide’s weekly reggae specialty charts in the US. Media Guide tracks the most played reggae songs at mainstream and urban radio in the US.
Ifrica, who shot to the top of the charts with hits including Below the Waist, Keep it to Yourself, and Daddy, is slated to shoot the video for Lioness on the Rise next Tuesday.
The video will be directed by Ras Kassa.
RDX dance their way across the Caribbean
Known for their dance inspired hits, the duo RDX has been making an impact on the Caribbean scene with a handful of performances.
Over the past few weeks, the duo has performed in Belize, St Croix and Guyana.
According to RDX member Renigade, the performance in Guyana was quite memorable for the duo. “We performed at the National Park in Georgetown and trust me, the place was mad. The crowd was rocking to all our songs and the girls screamed their heads off. There was a lot of excitement and we would go back there anytime just to please the fans”.
In a 55 minute set spiced with songs, including Ben Ova, Dancers Anthem, Everybody Dance, and Dance, RDX invited dancer Bermuda Kid on stage, who demonstrated the latest dance moves.
Chart Updates
Collie Buddz controls the number one spot on the German Reggae Chart with the Massive B produced track Hustle. Over to Barbados, Fay Ann Lyons is the queen of the hill with Meet Superblue. She continues to remain locked at the top of the charts in Trinidad & Tobago with Heavy T.
So Blessed by Mavado continues its reign at the top of the UK Reggae chart, while Positive has the number one song on the Caribbean Hot 30 countdown with Never Let Go. Romaine Virgo’s Cyaan Sleep is number one in the Virgin Islands. observer
Call 911: “Daggering aka Domestic violence” says US TV station
OutAroad.com gets to understand that an American TV station called truTV has described daggering as domestic violence. The TV station did a semi documentary with clips from the famous Dutty Fridaze that recently held in L.A on which they had several persons commenting on the dancing behavior of the patrons as if they were commentators at a wrestling match. Watch the video for full details and give your views, is this true? outaroad
A militant Buju responds
Mr Mark Myrie has been getting quite a bit of attention since we reported on his ‘Bob is not the greatest’ statement made at the recent launch of his album, Rasta Got Soul, at the University of the West Indies. And the Gargamel has responded to the responses, further stirring up what has become quite an informative and instructive debate.
We did a bit of surfing on the net and ran into an interesting comment on Buju’s own website: www.bujubanton.net. The opening line of his bio is a powerful statement which packs quite a wallop and may perhaps help to put things in context, as Buju in his response, says his statement has been taken out of context. The bio asserts: Over the last 10 years, the name Buju Banton (aka Gargamel) has become synonymous with modern reggae. Buju’s fusion of traditional roots rock, contemporary R&B and dance-hall deejaying has earned him a prophet-like status in his homeland.
Would the flipside of modern reggae be ancient reggae, or pre-modern reggae? Well, whatever term is ascribed, could Buju be saying that whereas Bob was the greatest in that particular era of reggae, Buju is now the greatest in this modern period? And if that is what he is saying, then he should just say it and be done with it. Just for the heck of it, we decided to Google both names – Bob Marley and Buju Banton.
CHRIS BROWN ATTORNEY GOES AFTER LEAKED PHOTO
Chris Brown’s attorney has filed a motion requesting that the Los Angeles Police Department turn over all the written statements and reports in connection with the department’s investigation into the leak of the photo of a battered Rihanna.
According to TMZ, Brown`s lawyer believes the now-infamous photo of Rihanna following an alleged February 8 altercation with then-boyfriend Brown was leaked by an LAPD officer. The lawyer is attempting to discredit the credibility of police witnesses and possibly have the case dismissed at an upcoming preliminary hearing in June.
RIHANNA DUBAI PERFORMANCE CANNED
Grammy-award winning Bajan singer, Rihanna`s Dubai performance has been canned.
The concert in Dubai was scheduled for May 28, the same date that a court hearing is scheduled in Los Angeles for her companion, Chris Brown. The Associated Press reported that Yassin Matbouly, the managing director of an entertainment agency in the United Arab Emirates, said that he had been told by Rihanna’s management that `it was inappropriate timing for her to have a public concert` on that date.
VETERAN SINGER FREDDIE MCGREGOR HEADS JRIA
Reggae singer, Freddie McGregor, has been elected chairman of the newly formed Jamaica Reggae Industry Association.
McGregor was elected, during the organization’s inaugural elections on Tuesday May 5th at Jamaica Trade and Invest’s head office, Trafalgar Road, Kingston. He defeated his only competitor, fellow recording artiste, Patrick ‘Tony Rebel’ Barrett.
The JRIA was established in February, coinciding with activities marking Reggae Month. It aims to address some of the challenges facing the music industry, including those relating to access to information, advocacy, business advice, and financial credit.
ZIGGY ON PROMO TOUR
Ziggy Marley, son of reggae legend, Robert Nesta Marley, has kicked off a promotional tour of `Family Time,` his first ever full-length children’s music project.
The singer recently performed at Barnes & Noble in Tribeca. Ziggy Marley is best known in the children’s arena for composing the theme song for the popular PBS series `Arthur` and is the voice of Bernie, the Rasta jellyfish in `Shark Tale` the animated feature from Dreamworks.
`Family Time` is Marley’s first ever full-length children’s music project and features guest appearances by two of the biggest-selling children’s artists of today (Jack Johnson and Laurie Berkner) and children’s book author and family film star Jamie Lee Curtis.
The album also features top quality musicians including legendary reggae drummer Santa Davis, longtime touring guitarist Takeshi Akimoto, percussionist Rock Deadrick, Grammy-winning keyboardist James Poyser and bassist Pino Palladino.
