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 11th 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 30th 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 23rd 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 26th 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 24th 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 26th 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 9th. 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 16thconcert 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
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Entertainment Writer, Westindiantimes.net (Norfolk Beach VA)
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https://blogs.jamaicans.com /seebreeze/2010/04/
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