Queen Ifrica, Machel, Gramps among big winners at IRAWMA
The 29 annual International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA) which took place last Sunday, May 2 at the York College Performing Arts Centre in Queens, New York was another spectacular affair that attracted a near-capacity crowd and a galaxy of international reggae stars.
Among the entertainers in the house were Queen Ifrica, Machel Montano, Tarrus Riley, Petah Morgan, Gramps Morgan, soca queen Allison Hinds, Julian Marley, Dean Fraser, Copeland Forbes, Mutabaruka, Tanya Mullings, songwriter Rene Cogle and numerous music industry insiders who all graced the red carpet. Jamaica Consul General to New York, Geneive Brown Metzger was among the specially invited guests. Hosts for the evening were Tony Rebel, Allison Hinds and Saran Dunmore; actress/comedian Hazelle Goodman hosted the VIP reception. Queen Ifrica, who is currently in studios recording her soon-to-be-released album proved her musical might, copping a total of four awards — Recording Artiste of the Year, Best Female DJ/Rapper, Most Educational Entertainer and Songwriter of the Year. Gramps Morgan took home three nods, among them Best Song, Best New Entertainer, Best Crossover Song and so did soca star Machel Montano who picked up awards for Entertainer of the Year, Best Calyso/Soca Entertainer, Most Outstanding Show Band.
Singing sensation Tarrus Riley won for Best Male Vocalist, singer Bar-bee Most Promising Entertainer and Julian Marley Best CD, Awake.
Multi-platinum recording artiste Wyclef Jean and civil rights activist Rev Al Sharpton received the Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award. Jean delivered his acceptance speech via video and gave an impromptu performance. NY musicologist Tony Ryan, producer Maurice ‘Jack Scorpio’ Johnson, Noel ‘King Sporty’ Williams and Tony Greene were inducted into the IRAWMA Hall of Fame. Songtress India.Arie and wordsmith Matisyahu received the Award of Honour. Radio broadcasters Trevor Forde 93.5 FM, Ron Muchette (Irie FM, Jamaica), Donovan Longmore 89.1 FM, Connecticut and Ricot Dupuy of the Hatian Press were also honored. Entertainer, songwriter Rennie Cogle who penned the million selling By The Rivers of Babylon (Boney M) and Sweet Sensation (UB40) was given the Producer’s Respect Award.
Most notable at the 2010 IRAWMA was the “next generation” of performers: Queen Ifrica, Tarrus Riley, Julian Marley, Gramps Morgan, Bar-bee and New Kingston Band who all delivered stellar performances. Machel “soca-sized” the audience with his energy and charm, dub poet Mutabaruka used his lyrical vibrato as only Muta can while Brigadier Jerry combined past and present hits to fully engage fans. Alison Hinds, Queen Ifrica, Barbee and Winsome Benjamin commanded the stage with feminine swagger and grace.
The most riveting performance of the night was however the magical combination of IRAWMA musical director Dean Fraser and singer Gramps Morgan who delivered a spellbinding musical tribute of the Buju/Gramps rendition of Palms 21 that was dedicated to incarcerated DJ Buju Banton. The song earned the duo a rousing applause and the respect of all present. Dance groups Dancerzblvd, Over Marz, Black Blingaz and Fearless Dancers delivered a moving and fiery performance that was choreographed by Donna Ray.
Jah Cure Arrested
Reggae singer, Jah Cure, was arrested a by cops in the St Andrew North Police Division and charged with smoking ganja. Her was granted $5,000 station bail and is scheduled to appear in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court on April.Jah Cure served a sentence of nine years in prison after being found guilty of rape.
Macka Diamond’s book launch for Caribbean-American Month
Dancehall diva-turned- author, Macka Diamond the release of her sophomore novel in February, The Real Gangster’s Wife, she is generating so much interest by a book tour. She scheduled to be at the Broward College in Florida on June 5,” states Leesah Larmond, Co-CEO of Pageturner Publishing House, publishers of the novel.
There are plans for a US launch of The Real Gangster’s Wife in June, Caribbean-American month on Saturday, June 5 at the South Regional Broward College Branch of the Broward County Library. The book will be presented to two libraries in the Caribbean community including the South Regional Broward College Branch.
Spice and Chino Canadian charts
Kingston, Jamaica — Dancehall artistes Spice and Chino are heading to the top of Toronto, Canada’s Dancehall/Reggae charts.Spice’s Slim Vs. Fluffy w/ Pamputtae is #2 on Toronto’s Radio Dubplate Top Ten Reggae Dancehall and Singles Chart on CHRY 105.5 FM.Chino’s Secret Lovers w/ Alaine is # (7) on the same chart. The two singles which dominated the Jamaican airwaves for months are still enjoying heavy rotation locally. In fact, Spice and Pamputtae’s Slim Vs. Fluffy still holds firm on a number of charts including Jamaica’s Hype TV ‘VTX Countdown’ in 9 position.
Another Ban for Vybz Kartel-
CASTRIES, St Lucia — ST LUCIA has become the latest Caribbean Community (Caricom) country to place a ban on Jamaican dancehall singer, Vybz Kartel, who had been scheduled to perform here at the end of April.
A statement from the St Lucian government today noted that in deciding whether or not to grant a work permit to the singer, the government had deliberately refrained from rushing to a Judgement by establishing an adhoc committee to discuss the request from the promoters.
Having looked carefully at the significant amount of information presented, and considering the views and opinions of the many individuals and institutions as well as available options, the Government of St Lucia through the Ministry of Labour, Information and Broadcasting has decided not to grant a work permits to Mr Adidja Azim Palmer otherwise known as Vybz Kartel for performances at the Hot FM promoted Supreme Weekend show scheduled for April 30 and May 1, 2010.
St. Lucia has been listed as the fourth Caribbean country to ban Vybz Kartel. The others are Barbados, Guyana and Grenada.
Two new singles & three-continent tour for Sean Paul
With two new tracks and a three-continent tour for April, Jamaican dancehall superstar Sean Paul is keeping quite busy these days. Sean Paul, who returned from performances in Africa recently, is also toasting the success of his single with British-born pop sensation Jay Sean, Do You Remember, which is featured on the iconic pop music compilation Now That’s What I Call Music.
Sean Paul’s two newest singles, Fire Brigade and Down The Line.. Down The Line, was produced by Jeremy Harding.
Sean Paul has performed in more than 80 countries in North, Central, and South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Sean Paul will return to the dancehall-loving nation of Japan, where Imperial Blaze debuted at #1 selling over 50,000 copies in its first week. He has a string of appearances there after which he heads to engagements in Columbia and Australia. These are hectic times for the artiste, who now sports a trendy Mohawk.
Romain Returns To Ja, Off To B’dos
Reggae singer, young Romain Virgo has returned to Jamaica after his one month promotional tour of the US. The former Rising Stars winner again leaves the island for Barbados. Romain’s multi-genred, self-entitled debut album will be released on the VP Records label next month.
Rototom Sunsplash moves to Spain – Festival’s 17th staging August 21-28
In its 17th year, the Rototom Sunsplash August 21-28 will move from its long-time home in Italy to a Spain. Confirmed performers for Rototom Sunsplash at Benicassim, include Alborosie, Big Youth, Glen Washington, Anthony B, Aswad and Alpha Blondie, and a number of Italian bands.
Traditional reggae acts will rise–
Lister Hewan-Lowe Veteran Jamaican New York broadcaster Lister Hewan-Lowe believes the recent troubles of dancehall artistes with United States (US) authorities will open the door for traditional reggae acts in that country. Hewan-Lowe, who hosts two programmes on Stonybrook University’s WUSB 90.1 FM radio station, was in Kingston last week. He told The Gleaner that reggae promoters in the US will not be pressured to find alternatives because some top dancehall artistes have reportedly lost their US visas.
“The biggest mistake people who make music in Jamaica make, is that they think we live in a world of borders, and that’s ridiculous,” Hewan-Lowe said. “You’ve got cats in Germany and all over the world creating some of the hottest reggae riffs and people are listening to them.”
Hewan-Lowe said while some reggae promoters on the US east coast may feel the pinch economically, the tour circuit is unlikely to suffer. “Promoters are already finding people to fill the void. Plus, there’s still a demand for people like Sean Paul and Tarrus Riley,” he said. There is also still a demand for Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley. He is involved in one of the most anticipated summer tours this year with roots rapper Nas. Their highly-anticipated Distant Relatives jaunt of North America and Europe starts in May.
Ziggy Marley Is Coming To World fest, Grass Valley, CA July 15-18
Five-time Grammy winning reggae superstar philanthropist and political activist Ziggy Marley will perform at World Fest’s kids.
Gyptian’s Latest Single Oh Weh Oh …
Bombrush Records Reggae star Gyptian is creating waves with his billboard smash hit Hold Yuh. The track is the hottest dancehall track in the clubs now and is enjoying serious crossover success, more so since Nicki Minaj featured on the remix.
Bombrush Records has now collaborated with Gyptian for, what many are referring to as his follow up hit, Oh Weh Oh. Recorded in Kingston, dancehall super group TOK’s member, Bay-C, went in the studios with Gyptian and produced another masterpiece to add to Gyptian’s already extensive catalogue. Billboard-charting Gyptian DJ Face has scored a major collaboration with Gyptian called Drive It In which is generating great attention in the USA’s urban market. Gyptian made his debut on the Billboard Heatseekers chart at a robust #15 this week with his attention-grabbing gem of song, Hold Yuh. The chart reflects the titles with the greatest airplay and sales this week.
Stan E Smith 2010 Entertainment News Report
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Stan E Smith Entertainment Reggae News Report can be heard on Radio: Virginia Beach: Hot 91.1FM @ 3:15pm EST Sun. ‘Caribbean Connection’ w/Lady Cham 1:00pm-4:00pm streaming live www.westindiantimes.netVibes24/7 Atlanta. GA: WAEC LOVE860AM @ 9:20 am EST Sat. ‘SupremeCaribRadio w/BarryD streaming on www.love860.com (ATL.) Canada: CHRY 105.5 FM 10: 40 Alternate Monday on Rebel Vibes’/Carrie Mullings 10 am- 12 pm streaming live via www.chry.fm or Roger’s Digital Cable Channel 94 Wash.DC: WPFW 89.3 FM @ 12:30pm ETS Sun. “This is Reggae Music”w/Tony Carr.12am-2:00 pm streaming on www.wpfw.org
