Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Bits n Pieces

Tuff Gong Foundation Aid 82 Year Old Musician
The Tuff Gong Foundation assisted 82 year old saxaphonist, Headly Bennett aka Deadly Headly who played on Bob Marley's first song, 'Judge Not' released 1962 after pleading for help to meet medical expenses. The donation from the Marley foundation will go toward the senior's medical expenses and rent read more

Refresh Your Memory - US President's Pick
Why U.S. President Barrack Obama and Formula One race driver Lewis Hamilton name Warrior King their favourite Reggae artist....read more

Cedric 'Im' Brooks formerly of the Skatalites Band to be Honoured
Solo artiste and former member of the 70s Skatalites band Cedric 'I'm' Brook, will be honoured at Groovin in The Park event to be held June 30, Roy Wilkins Park, Queens, New York. read more

Enter Marleys Uprising Competition on Sonicbids
Enter Marley's Uprising on Sonicbids, twenty Five (25) semi finalist will be highlighted as artist of the week. Finalists get to perform on Jammin Summer Music, while fans will be selected weekly during voting to win Mellow Moods and Gears read more

IRAWMA Proud Awardees Announced
The curtains closed Saturday May 4 with Damian Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Mr. Vegas, Morgan Heritage, Etana and Mutabaruka among the proud recipients of the 2013 International Reggae and World Music Awards click to see listing

Shaggy Set Music Free in Jamaican Prison
Shaggy along with Sly and Robbie in association with the Swiss Rehabilitation Organization, Art of Living Foundation and the Department of Correctional Services, used his talent and public influence to empower inmates at the General Penitentiary in Kingston read more

The Harry J Legacy Continues
One of the legendary record producers of early Jamaican music, Harry Zephaniah Johnson aka 'Harry J' passed away April 3, 2013. Perhaps belonging to the second crop of that elite group of early Jamaican producers to include Sir Coxson Dodd, Duke Reid, Sonia Pottinger and Leslie Kong....read more

Globetrotting Engineer Dennis Thompson - from Bob Marley to Alecia Keys
If one goes by the age when Dennis Thompson says he started audio engineering, his span in the business of shaping electronically amplified sound would be 64 years.... "I started recognising music and sound....read more

Mavado Record with Rick Ross and Akon
Dancehall artiste Mavado is on another record release, this time with US Raps stars Rick Ross and Akon .read more

Popular Local Radio Host/Jock Collab with US Rapper Eve
Popular local radio host/jock Ms. Kitty recently collaborate with US Rapper Eve on a track titled, Eve which will make the Fashion Designer/Actress's new album entitled "Lip Lock," Eve's first since 2002. ....read more

Irie Jam USA/Big Yard Ja Artiste Management/Booking Arrangement plus More
Irie Jam Media Group C.E.O. Bobby Clarke in an interview with the Jamaica Gleaner disclosed plans to expand into several areas including artiste management and booking assisted by Shaggy's former Manager, Robert Livingston of Big Yard Music....read more

Rihanna Only Knows How to Win!
Rihanna is relentless in reaping music success. She has now become the first ever artiste to reach 70 million likes in Facebook history. As it relate to personal achievement, Rihanna's 2013 Unapologetic album becomes her sixth (6th) platinum album.

Sean Kingston Currently Recording in Jamaica
Pop artiste Sean Kingston is currently on the island recording tracks for his third studio album, 'Back 2 Life.' working out of the Gee Jam studios in Portland. Sean is the grandson of local veteran producer, Lawrence 'Jack Ruby' Lindo. read more

Anthony B Seek Female Reggae Artistes For His Label
Reggae singer Anthony B is seeking two female Reggae artistes to sign to his Born Fyah-Master One label. According to a Jamaica Gleaner report, the singer hope to find replicas of veteran Reggae singer Marcia Griffiths and popular Reggae/Dancehall entertainer, Cecile.." read mor

Rihanna Makes Billboard Music History
Rihanna becomes the first artist in the 20 year history of Billboard's Nielson DBS based Pop songs radio airplay chart to tally 10 No. 1s read more

The State of Reggae in Canada is One Step Below Pathetic
Canadian Reggae artist Bonnie Casey is well aware of the importance of diplomacy but refuse to hold back the punches as it relate to Reggae in Canada read more

Michael Dawkins He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother
Ever since it's release in Jamaica, the single He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother by Reggae recording artiste Michael Dawkins continue to enjoy heavy rotation on radio. The night life massive have also been hearing the song which has also been added to the playlists of popular cd mixes. Get to know Michael Dawkins read more

Gender Gap Still Hurts
There are but a handful of established female artistes in Jamaica and their battalion seems even more miniscule read more

PSY's 70 Million Youtube Views
Korean artiste PSY has proven he is not a one hit wonder. His latest single, "Gentleman" released April 13, 2013, became Youtube's most viewed video on it's first day. Over three (3) days the video garnered 18.9 million views worldwide read more

Love Is In The Air
Is the LOVE spell spreading among local artistes? Nesbeth recently got married now hardcore dancehall selector Foota Hype proved once again that a man is just a man when he shocked long time girlfriend, mother of his child and singer Ishawna by proposing to her on a stage in a dance read more

#Be Inspired
There are four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer. The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks; The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands; The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces.

Minister of Government on the Passing of Tony Laing
Musicologist and Entertainment Consultant Tony Laign diedApril 13, 2013. He was known to be one of the strongest advocates of the local music entertainment and broadcasting industries read more

Legal n Immigration Issues Resulted in Tour Being Cancelled for Anthony B

Reggae For Film In Poland
One of the many live events promoting reggae music in Europe is the Ostroda Reggae Festival in Poland. It's 2013 staging is the focus of a documentary, Jamaica: Made in Poland written and directed by Mateusz Winkiel and explores the influence reggae has on the people of Ostroda, a place located in northeast Poland read more

Rose Royce, Original Manhattans for Mothers Day Show in Kingston
The event dubbed, "To Mothers with Love" is a production of newest promoter synergy, Downsound Records, Joe Bogdanovich and Supreme Promotions who recently staged the successful STING 2013 show and Golden Productions. Legendary RnB groups Rose Royce and the Manhattans along with John Holt, Karen Smith and others will take centre stage.read more

Soca To The World
Trinidad and Tobago Soca King Machel Montano says he has been working over the past five (5) years to make the twin island's most popular music genre a worldwide commodity read more

Here Comes The Kings
Morgan Heritage is getting ready to release their first studio album since 2008. Entitled 'Here Comes The King' the album is said to be on "heavy lovers content" and will feature Busy Signal with production by his former manager Shane Brown as well as Jason 'J-Vibe' Farmer read more

NCU Lignum Vitae Film Festival Announced
The Department of Communication Studies at the Northern Caribbean University (NCU) stages the two-day Lignum Vitae Film Festival starting April 8-9 read more

Long Extended Tour for Busy Signal
After shocking the local music industry with news of sacking long time manager Shane Brown, Reggae/Dancehall RecordingSingjay Busy Signal,left the island on tour across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The tour it is reported, will extend for nine months or until November 2013

Buju Banton's Attorney Optimistic

Although no evidence was uncovered by Computer Experts investigating 'Juror Misconduct' in the Buju Banton case, Lawyer Chokwe Lumumba is optimistic read more

Reggae Recording artiste Nesbeth Ties the Knot


Managing Artistes, a Risky Investment

Jamaica Gleaner Staff Reporter Davina Henry's take on artiste management, Coming on the heels of the Busy Signal and Shane Brown split, the consensus among manager is that artistes are sometimes ungrateful read more

Rihanna 'Rihplies' or did she?
In a bold statement on IG, Britain's now Most Influential Pop Star Rihanna seem not only hyped about her latest conquest but rubbed it in the face of rivals when she boldly stated, "I only know how to be number 1!!! Could use a challenge... How dat feel down there on ya knees huh?! Was this meant for Bs? Click IG to see post.

Margarita - More Than a Dancer
Magarita Mahfood of a respected Lebanon family who migrated to Jamaica in the 1970s and settled, is the storied rumba dancer who was killed, New Years Day 1965 by her lover Trombonist, Don Drummond said to have been in a mental state. April 11, 2013 the University of Technology (UTECH) will honour Magarita among a group of women in a special ceremony for her contribution to Jamaican music. The slender Magarita was more than a dancer, she was a fixture on Kingston's club circuit in the 1950s read more

Beyonce -"Bow Down Bitches" but Rihanna Will Not Bow Down
Speculation mounted recently when a song called 'Bow Down' said to have been posted on one of Beyonce's social network pages and possible a track that will be on her upcoming album, saw B getting a little gangster. Many persons criticized her saying the track does not represent her image and that it does not aurgurs well for someone who recently sang the US National Anthem at President Obama's second Inaugural. "Bow down bitches" B sang, seemingly taking a swipe at her detractors but after Rihanna's recent conquest, does B's statement carries much weight? Cause now Rihanna, according to reports, has seen off competition from Beyonce and Katy Perry to be named Britain's most influential Pop Star...read more

Reincarnate Souls New Album by Bunny Wailer
Legendary roots-reggae singer Bunny Wailer is set to release a commemorative 5- track album titled Reincarnate Souls in April. According to the Jamaica Observer, the only living Wailer from the Bob Marley and the Wailers trio said, "No one has ever done this. These are 50 tracks that have never been heard before.." read more

Yellowman's Legacy Revisited 
Yellowman's role as a dancehall trailblazer, given his achievements in the 1980s has helped to pave the way for Dancehall music internationally. That legacy according to Jamaica Observer's Howard Campbell, is revisited in Reggae Anthology, Young, Gifted and Yellow, a double compact disc to be released April 23, 2013 by VP Records read moreAnother UK #1 for Sean Paul
Another number 1 hit on the UK Pop Singles chart making it two for International Dancehall artiste Sean Paul. The deejay's success came about as a result of his guest feature on the British-Irish girl group, the Saturdays "What About Us" single. Sean Paul's previous UK number one was also a collaboration on Rhythm and Blues artist, Blu Cantrelle's 'Breathe' single in 2003...read more

What's Up with Hip-Hop Artists & Producers Frequent Visits to Jamaica These Days?
Well it is indeed a fact that Hip-Hop has it's origin in Jamaica or by a Jamaican, hence the connection is genetic. But also it should be welcoming as well as viewed promising for the local music industry, that these artists and producers have vested interest in local music and see it necessary to visit the island. Producer Ricky Blaze, the Brooklyn, New York native whose musical prodigy is Hip-Hop fuses Reggae, is the most current visitor since P. Diddy and Snoop Dogg aka Snoop Lion. It is reported that Ricky Blaze is on the island to work with some artists. Ricky Blaze is the producer of the 2010 hit single, Hold Yuh by Gyptian ft. Nicki Minaj.

High Expectation for Mavado 
Sources say US Hip-Hop Cash Money Millionaire boss Bird Man has booked 60 hours of studio time for Dancehall artiste Mavado. Although unconfirmed, if such is the case this means Mavado has got to prove he is the man of the moment by finding that track or tracks to impress the man behind mega Hip-Hop star Lil Wayne. Can Mavado who says his mission is to open doors not only for himself but other Dancehall artistes at this time, put Dancehall once again in the US spotlight?

Shane Brown's Reaction After Being Sacked by Busy Signal
A lot is being said about Busy Signal's decision to severe ties with long time Manager and pal Shane Brown. From an outsiders point of view one would have believed their work relationship was rock hard, solid and especially after witnessing what could have been Busy's lowest moment in his career when he was deported to the United States to stand trial and Shane Brown standing with him every step of the way. Management and artiste separation is not unique but certainly surprising when its 'a certain artist' and 'a certain manager' and such is the case of Busy Signal and Shane Brown. We've heard Busy Signal's take, now read about how Shane Brown feels about his decision read more

Is Reggae Being Stolen? Foreign Language Allows for Copyright Infringement
Yellowman's Veteran local producer warns industry players to better educate themselves in order to reduce the capacity for the international community to rob the profits of reggae music. Spanish musicians have recorded several Jamaican songs in that language without the consent of the original artiste and without paying copyright fees read more

Busy Signals the End of Shane Brown's Management 
Busy Signal has ended long time management arrangement with Shane Brown. According to reports, Busy has made it absolutely clear that the decision was not made due to any, "bad vibes" between himself and Shane Brown, they (Busy and Brown) ended the "management term" of their friendship, Busy wants more "control" of his business. Management responsibilities he said, will be handled by his brothers read more

Bunny Wailer Mad at Snoop Lion Again?
The Jamaica Observer is reporting that Bunny Wailer who is releasing a 50-track commemorative album entitled 'Reincarnated Souls' in April, is fuming that the artiste Snoop Dogg aka Snoop Lion 'illegally' used footage of their recent meeting in February 2012 as a launching pad for his film 'Reincarnated' which was released in the United States last Friday read more

Many Albums Few Sales
The Jamaica Gleaner Staff Report Sadeke Brooks in a recent article question local artistes continued effort in producing albums, "amid low sales and illegal downloads." Interesting and indeed questionable find out where Sadeke went with her story read more

New York Times Review the Documented 'Reincarnated' film by Snoop Lion
The New York Times take a look at the documented 1 hour and 36 minutes 'Reincarnated' film of Rapper Snoop Dogg aka Snoop Lion in an article entitled, "A Rapper in Search of a New Path." The film is reported to have been opened Friday March 15, 2013 in Manhattan read more

Snoop Lion's Candid Interview On Bunny Wailer n More with Nikki Z
Snoop Lion gets candid with Radio personality Nikki Z about why he choose reggae, meeting Bunny Wailer, Tupac and why he is going to make the world respect reggae click to listen

Rihanna Forced to Postpone Tour Date on Doctor's Order
Rihanna has officially postpone two leg of her Diamond World tour due to sickness. The Pop Star postpone Sunday's March 10, 2013 show in Boston and Tuesday March 12, 2013 show in Baltimore, United States. She is said to have caught flu and laryngitis read more

Glass Slippaz Whopping 11 Nominations for Actor Boy Award
Local Screen Play, Glass Slippaz which feature popular female Reggae songstress Alaine Laughton received 11 nominations in key categories for the local Actor Boy Award read more

Has Reggae Lost It's Soul?
In the Caribbean and around the world, Jamaican music continues to be celebrated for its sound and its sweetness, and the principled activist spirit of reggae read more

Tappa Zukie Slams Payola - Feels Underappreciated in Jamaica
Iconic Reggae artiste Tappa Zukie considers himself English, as according to the veteran, Jamaican Music Industry shelved several of his biggest songs..read more

Shaggy's Split from Big Yard n Plans for New Label Ranch
"I really can't put my finger on one thing as there were several factors but what I know is that we could not move forward..." and in relations to the label, "We can find the artistes but it's more about getting the label in the spotlight first..." said Shaggy read more

Movado for Snoop Lion's 'Lionfest
To celebrate the release of the much touted debut reggae album by one of America's Hip-Hop icon and newest member of Reggae internationally, Snoop Dogg aka Snoop Lion, Jamaica's own current Dancehall star Movado will represent the Jamaican music industry when he make an appearance at Snoop Lion's 'LionFest' in Austin Texas. Snoop Lion's quest is to make Reggae a respected genre across the world read more

Indie Labels and Reggae
Before major labels came knocking at the doors of dancehall artistes in the 1990s, indie labels helped promoted Jamaican music overseas. Island Records and Trojan Records operating out of London, stepped up promotion in the 1960s .... read more

Rocking on Reggae Island; Alternative Musicians Ask for more Exposure
The local music industry is laden with talented jazz musicians and opera singers but what is most surprising is that Jamaica is home to quite a few rock bands.... read more

One Man's Dream to Make Bob Marley a National Hero
In an article published in the Jamaican Gleaner, writer Mel Cooke highlight one man's quest to generate '1 million signatures' to make Bob Marley a national hero of Jamaica.read more

Mr Vegas Nominated in Six Categories of IRAWMA
Flambouyant Jamaican Dancehall artiste Mr. Vegas, has been nominated in six categories on the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA). Also nominated in various categories are Junior Gong Marley, Sean Paul and Konshens. The Awards ceremony takes place March 4, 2013 in Coral Springs, Florida.

Marleys 'Set Up Shop' Next Generation Album Coming Soon
Junior Gong Marley recently revealed that he and brothers Steven and Julian Marley is about to drop their next generation album entitled, 'Set Up Shop.' The album, he told the Jamaica Observer will be released on the Ghetto Youths International label and will feature tracks by two third generation Marleys,. Stephen's son Jo Mersa on two tracks Bad So and Comfortable; Ziggy's eldest son, Daniel Bambaata Marley's Treat You Right. Wayne Marshall, Christopher Ellis (son of the late Alton Ellis), Black-Am-I, Julian and Junior Gong Marley are also featured on the album.

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