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Corporate Jamaica Gets Ready to Volley

With determined intent to take the tactics from the corporate world to the court, business professionals across Jamaica prepare for the fourth staging of the Reggae Jammin Business House Volleyball Season, slated to commence on Sunday April 27 at the University of the West Indies Gymnasium at the Mona Bowl.

The only volleyball competition targeting business professionals, the tournament promises to give spectators the best season yet, as the teams continue to showcase improved performances. As expressed by League Director Dr. Jon Jones, "are several lessons that have been learnt from last year both on and off the court, and so this year’s standard of execution and play should be better. There is increased interest being expressed as well, so there should be more teams, and the longstanding teams should in this fourth year, be at a higher level of play."

This year’s competition boasts enhanced offerings. "We have decided to include three other events in the season, this way the teams have more opportunities to interact, and really just more chances to develop their skills. "The increased lineup of events helps to engender that spirit of camaraderie among staff members, while satiating the spirits of those who love the game. Participating organizations will reap the benefits as their employees strengthen their teamwork skills to achieve a common goal. This is in keeping with the goals of CNIS Sports, the organizing body, which seeks to promote healthy minds and bodies and stimulate cultural cohesiveness through the sport, ensuring the continued development of the players and the game.

The competition will feature two one-day rallies on the last Sundays in April and May, with the main league competition taking place on Sundays in June and the highly anticipated final matches on Sunday June 29. "The aim is to encourage players to bring their entire families out to enjoy the sport," said Dr. Jones, "matches on Sundays allows for this kind of interaction to happen, and might inspire new players."

The fun does not end in June however, with plans for a number of beach events to take place in July and August. The League is sanctioned by the Jamaica Volleyball Association and the games are conducted to international standards with certified referees presiding over the matches.

Get fit and ready for the fourth staging of the Business House Volleyball Competition from April 27 to August 24 as Corporate Jamaica volleys through the next few months via healthy competitions and wholesome fun.

Sister to Sister Mediathon

The Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, through the Bureau of Women’s Affairs, in collaboration with Women of the Jamaican Entertainment Fraternity and other supporting personnel and organizations, have come together to put on The Sisters to Sisters Mediathon on Sunday, April 13.
 
The Sister to Sister Mediathon a seven hour all-female fundraising concert to raise $10 Million Dollars towards the building of shelters for battered women, and also for the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation. Filmed at the Studios of the CPTC, the event will be broadcast live on Sunday, April 13 1pm – 8pm across several local Television, Cable and Radio Stations, and through the internet to the Jamaican Diaspora.
 
Presently there is only one shelter in Jamaica for battered women who are victims of domestic violence. Women Inc. a Women NGO operate this shelter as well as a Crisis Centre for Women. The Shelter can only house 8 persons (women) at any one time and is wholly inadequate to meet the demands of many victims who suffer from domestic abuse. It is this  background the Government is seeking to put shelters in place throughout the islands to meet this need.
 
The mediathon through the Sister to Sister initiative is one of the means through which the Bureau of Women’s Affairs is trying to sensitize and educate the public on the issue of domestic abuse and to rise funds to provide safe houses/ shelters for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
 
Within the context of this year’s international Women’s Day theme Financing for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality, we also want to highlight that although for battered women, civil society and other party also have a role to play in addressing this issue.
 
The provision of shelters for battered women will assist Government in meeting their obligations under the Convention on Eliminination on all from Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

Luau 2KGreat: Another Absolute Adventure!

The annual Easter festivities in Ocho Rios concluded at a pinnacle on Sunday, March 23 as the super inclusive Luau (the Hawaiian precursor to Absolute Temptation Isle) left patrons completely satisfied and full of anticipation for the event filled emancipation weekend this summer in Negril also hosted by Absolute Entertainment.  Every year Absolute Entertainment surprises patrons with new and improved innovations to enhance their party experience. This year was no different as the 10th  staging of Luau saw patrons enjoying eight hours of extraordinary culinary delicacies,  musical juggling from the best  sound systems locally and internationally at the exotic Reggae Beach, commencing at a new time; 4pm-midnight.

Even with scattered showers on the afternoon of the event there was a record breaking turnout of loyal luau-goers to enjoy the unique remixes of the Florida-Based Black Chiney, Excaliber from Trinidad and Tobago and the sound system that carries the heartbeat of Kingston, Renaissance. On entering the venue, the first thing that caught the patrons’ eyes was a bar stationed in the ocean with a ramp emerging from the shore to ensure safe and easy access to  all beverages desired by those who dared to heighten their beverage intake on the waves of the calm ocean. A total of four well-staked bars strategically located throughout the venue had all getting their beverage request granted at a comfortable pace.

Patrons salivated as they formed fast moving lines to get a taste of the appetizing items presented for the taking.  At various segments of the event different types of food were displayed.  Local and regional favorites, jerk chicken and pork and roti, seafood specials and various pastas were consumed the fastest. Hotdogs and hamburgers were available for quick bite breaks with bun and cheese as compliments of the season.  The seashore blazed as patrons and flames from the bonfire danced on the sand.  Blow up beds were also placed on the seashore to facilitate a fun-filled atmosphere which the efficient security personnel ensured was safe from threatening disturbances.

At approximately 12:30am, patrons streamed out of the venue with smiling faces as the DJ announced the after party at Hard Rock Café.  Absolute Entertainment has once again raised the bar they have set for the execution of another absolute adventure for Easter Weekend.  Patrons can therefore be confident that the 2008 Absolute Temptation Isle from July 31st - August 4th will not fall short of being absolutely entertaining.

Carnival Countdown

It was the queens of the Barbados and Trinidad Alison Hinds and Destra Garcia that took the night at Jamaica Carnival’s ’Carnival Countdown’ Sunday night at Richmond Estate in Priory St Ann.

Before the soca queens closed the show Carnival Countdown was pure energy with Iwer George in his usual form with a stellar performance. Biggie Irie only did a short set but his huge local hit Nah Going Home got the crowd in the road march vibes.

Byron Lee and the Dragonnaires performed twice with their usual energy having the crowd in stitches as the packed venue revelled the night away. While the STAR Tiney Winey competition saw five women competing for the St Ann champion with Neila Forbes eventually taking home the prize.

After midnight the two Queens of the night took the stage for an explosive end. Billed as a clash to discover the soca queen of Jamaica the two artistes were quick to dispute a clash singing only praises for each. Allison went on first to a huge response from the large crowd as she came on stage with a lively jive obviously glad to be performing. She immediately went for a wining vibe as she told the women, "throw your man on di ground and show me how yuh does wuk up!" as she sang Let Me See The Bad Man Crew. She soon went back to proclaiming Its Time to Wuk Up ’before singing Love and Unity.

The crowd was happily joining in her performance with hands raised in the air, jumping up and down. Allison soon addressed the clash stating "there is no clash, its me and Destra on di stage and we come to entertain" going into Ragamuffin. Adept at getting the crowd to join in Hinds had the audience in her hands moving into various positions as she sang Wining Never Stop before inviting guest performer DJ Bambino aka Trever Off Key on stage for there remix of One Republic’s Apologise.

Bambino and Allison soon demonstrated a wine as Bambino asked the crowd, "yuh think she can roll it?" as the they answered with a strong yes. A few other songs followed including a new song from her new album entitled Thunda before Allison invited a strapping young man from the crowd to wine on her bumper. Allison showed off the man’s six pack to the crowd as she told him to go into first gear of slow wining.

She asked for another man to come on which had two men climbing over each other to reach on stage as she asked them to show their skills which they flopped as Allison said: if he can’t wine by himself he can’t wine wid me."

She positioned the first man and the two wukked up a storm for the cheering crowd. After an hour Allison closed off an energetic set making way for a band change for Destra. Destra came on with a ton of vibes singing Hands in Di Air as she chastised all the patrons not moving as she said "I hear di carnival posse behave worse than di Bacchanal posse."

Destra was devastating as usual with songs such as Max It Up, Bonnie and Clyde before saying "there is no competition wid Allison and me. She is a founder of this business in terms of music, I’ve been watching her since I was a child. She is a queen forever, she is in her own space and I’m in my own space."

The vibe soon improved as Destra too invited a man on stage to dance to her Ride On Di Saddle, she invited him to test his wine on her three back up dancers. The young man proved his wining skills when he brought Destra’s back up dancer to the ground as Destra joked "yuh take down one of my girls we can’t have that, I’m gonna take yuh down."

Destra positioned her behind as the man approached but was taken down at once by all three of Destra’s back ups.

Munga Honorebel and Demarco make their debut in NY’s gritty garrison

The ’Gangsta Ras’ Munga Honorebel and Dancehall’s latest gangster lyricist Demarco will journey into the belly of New York’s gritty garrison on Friday April 11 to make their Brooklyn debut at C-PAC. ’Gangstas Do Dem Own Thing’ will feature the two Jamaican chart-toppers alongside Brooklyn’s reigning Dancehall ’garrison gaad’ Fats.

Captivating the industry with a Hip Hop infused Dancehall swagger, Munga’s Bad From Mi Born, and Earthquake were two of 2007’s street anthems that propelled him to the forefront. Following up with tunes like Take My Place, and Wine Pon It, Munga continues to rank at the top of the new generation of Dancehall stars, making him one of the most sought after performance headliners. Demarco, who’s Fallen Soldiers, hit the top of the Dancehall charts in early 2008, has recently been announced as one of the nominees in the Caribbean Urban Music Awards’ ’Best Newcomer’ category.  Both artists will be joining Brooklyn-bred artist Fats, also know as Fatta, whose Real Bad Man has become a staple on the radio and in the streets of Brooklyn.

Following on the heels of the success of the Brooklyn debut of Mavado, Serani, and Bugle, dubbed ’On the Rock,’ promoter Johnny Wonder of 21st Productions is predicting that ’Gangsta’s Do Dem Own Thing’ will be another sell-out show.

"Most promoters have their shows in Queens or Manhattan and forget about Brooklyn," states Wonder. "They forget that it’s Brooklyn that really sets the trend around here in terms of Dancehall, Hip Hop, and all forms of urban music. If you want the cutting edge in music in New York, especially Dancehall, come to the hood. Come to Brooklyn."

Source: Ms. Raine Inc

Macka, soca giants glitter at Madison

It may have been a soca-laden bill, but that didn’t stop the night’s sole dancehall performer, local star Macka Diamond from shining at Machel Montano and Friends inside The WaMu Theatre, Madison Square Garden on Friday night.

The night featured two sold-out shows, one beginning at 8:00 pm and the other at 12:00 midnight, which both saw artistes from the region bringing the heat, even as the mostly Caribbean audience (who all churned out US$80 for admission) maxed up the vibe.

Donning a fairy-inspired number with Betsey Johnson appeal - designed by New York’s answer to ’Biggie’, the well-known ’Goldteeth’ of Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn - Macka joined soca ’divette’ Patrice Roberts on stage even as the audience erupted to the introductory strains of Hulla Hoop. The ’money goddess’ engaged the audience in the fun dance move of the same name, all the while rotating her hips as if the plastic toy were around her waist. In BlackER’s absence, the diamond princess found a good understudy for him in Roberts, who joined her on Bun Him.

It was less dancehall and more soca stylings, but the 8,000-strong audience seemed to love it and screamed every chance they got.

The screaming continued when headliner Montano returned to the stage after his first set which included renditions of Higher Than High, Insane, Delirious and Big Truck. There were also samples aplenty, the more memorable ones being Bob Marley’s Waiting In Vain; Tony Matterhorn’s 2006-relaese-turned-global-phenom, Dutty Wine and even a dabble in alternative/soft rock with Vanessa Carlton’s A Thousand Miles.

"Two shows were sold out in one night at Madison Square Garden," said Montano, his right leg atop the monitor while he basked seemingly in disbelief of what he had accomplished, "give soca, calypso, the Caribbean a big hand."

The applause proved an apt segue for younger soca acts like Ricky T on Pressure; the cowboy-esque stylings of Shall Marshall on Gal Farm, Farmer Nappy on the ever-so-catchy Own Woman and Young Grandmaster, who calls the late, great calypsonian Lord Kitchener grandfather.

But no musical celebration is ever worth it without paying homage to its foundation.
The indomitable Mighty Sparrow and Montano were a dynamo of a duo, performing Kitchener’s Sugar Bum Bum and crowd-favourite Congo Man about an African cannibal ’eating’ two white women. As sexual innuendos flew the two men treated the audience to an "old man, young bwoy" wine-off, but neither was declared the winner since they both held their own.

"A tek off ma jacket ’cause a hot," declared Montano, females in the audience favourably responding to the obvious pun.

The sexual innuendo subsided to give way to talks about regionalisation.

And apparently that meant performing tracks from his fellow soca singers’ catalogue, including Bajan soca queen Alison Hinds’ Roll It, which was of course accompanied by ’rolling’; Destra’s It’s Carnival and Flags In The Air.

"When we come together we pulsate, we have so much vibrancy and colour as a people. I want you to further join in on the synergy," Montano shared before going into Ready For Mas Again and Rollin featuring Roberts, who inspired the raising of colourful flags well into the wee hours of Saturday morning, especially on her still-popular Band Of The Year.

The concert ended with a grand showcasing of stilt-men in dazzling red, black and white costumes, a troupe of dancers and all the soca performers taking a jab at free styling before their collective bows.

Source: Jamaica Observer

Assassin invests in studio time and churns out new tunes

Assassin has been busy in the studio working on some new material to keep his insatiable fans satisfied. With the production expertise of Daseca Productions, Ward 21 and Don Corleon, his new releases are guaranteed to make you "bump-your-head-to-this-track".

Same Ting Again is a production of Coby from the Daseca camp and sees Assassin flexing his muscles on a Reggae/Hip Hop fusion. He explores the routines of daily life – ghetto people struggles are never-ending and even though there’s no money, they’re still experiencing problems. Surveillance is another song that is done under Daseca Productions and speaks to those men who are ever keen to their women’s every move.

Badness Nah Wear shows off Assassin’s dexterity where he tackles a serious issue, courtesy of Ward 21. Assassin acknowledges that "Reggae and Dancehall music glorifies guns and violence and it is not the absolute reason for what we see happening in society". However, he does admit that there is the legitimacy of the "gangsta" factor, where music touts it as fashionable and so with Badness Nah Wear, he completely dispels this idea.

His latest tune with Don Corleon Records, The 1 Way is one that Assassin failed to expound upon. Instead, he cheekily invites his fans to make their own interpretations of the song as he left it open to their imaginations.

His other recordings, Money Machine (featuring Sadiki) and Dem Nah Look Nuh Gal, have been gaining momentum in the streets and have become the theme song of many.

Assassin tries to do songs that are relatable. He uniquely and adequately transforms issues discussed around domino tables and adds his own artistic twist to it. The end-product is an undeniably catchy song that just makes you want to simply, "bump-your-head-to-this-track".

Source: NIA Concepts

Lutan Fyah sets Europe ablaze

With stops in Germany, Italy and France, Lutan now blazes through Spain, Portugal and Scandinavia, getting a great response on his six-week Europe tour. On Friday March 21, Lutan Fyah performed to a packed crowd of over 1,000 patrons in Laval, France and later performed on Monday March 24 in Barcelona, Spain with Jah Mason to over 1,500 reggae fans.

Lutan will then move on to Scandinavia where he has two dates in Sweden and one each in Denmark, Finland and Norway.

Lutan Fyah has been very pleased with the response he has been getting from his fans in Europe; this response has caused tour organisers to extend the tour until Saturday April 5.

"There has been a great response from the fans, I am almost overwhelmed by the level of acceptance there is for my music in Europe. I hope to make this European tour an annual event as there are many places that I will not be able to go this year" Lutan Fyah, Recording Artiste.

Upon returning to Jamaica in April, Lutan Fyah will begin preparations for his tour of Africa and will release his long anticipated album Old Capitol.

Source: ALYKHAT PR

The Warning Cannot Be Ignored

The Warning came loud and hard, resonating in the dancehall and igniting radio; underscored by the voices of the reggae’s reengages.

Produced by Shane C Brown for Juke Boxx Productions, the Warning "riddim" project is a departure from the roots, reggae trend set by previous releases Confessions and Statement.  "The time was right for something edgier", announced Brown.  Warning, is as close to the edge as you can get.  The rhythm track is stripped down, the vocal delivery raw; the project is ready made for the dancehall.

All five members of the Alliance, in a rare showing on a single "riddim", deliver fierce and unyielding tracks.  In his first release for 2008, "warlord" Bounty Killer declares Dem Nuh Bad, Mavado is the Money Changer, Busy Signal calls out Hey Girl, Bling Dawg is on the Battlefield and Wayne Marshall doesn’t mince words with From Yu Par.

Colleagues Busy Signal and Bling Dawg capitalise on their double duty efforts for Loaded and Show Off, respectively.  Producer turned singjay, Demarco, gives notice to Sort Dem Out; the track made its debut in the number 8 position on the Fox Pix Reggae Chart after only three weeks in the market.  In that short time, other tracks on the project have turned up on play lists from the UK to the US and all over the Caribbean. 

Serani, Munga, Voice Mail and Elephant Man round out the project.  Select cuts from the Warning project are available online at here and all tracks are available on 7 inch records from All Access.

Original Don Dada Super Cat added to best of the best 2008

South Florida’s premier music and lifestyle promotions company, Rocker’s Island Entertainment, in association with Massive B Sound System, Inc., and title sponsor REBEL MIX, are extremely pleased to announce the addition of dancehall legend Super Cat to the line up of Best Of The Best 2008.

Miami’s longest running Memorial Weekend reggae concert, Best Of The Best 2008 will jump off on Sunday May 25 at Bicentennial Park (1075 Biscayne Blvd.) in bustling downtown Miami. "We all grew up listening to Super Cat," says Rocker’s Island CEO Joseph "Budafuco" Louis, "so this is a huge honor for us to bring him down to Florida for our annual event." The occasion will be Mr. Cat’s first outdoor park show ever in North America.

Born and raised in the rough and tumble streets of Cockburn Pen in Kingston, Super Cat aka the Wild Apache bumrushed the dancehall fraternity of the mid-1980s with a spree of hits like: Boops, Mud Up, and Sweet For My Sweet. He was one of the first Jamaican deejays to bust in the US market and signed a major label deal with Columbia records in the early ’90s, enjoying success with several smash hits including Dem No Worry We, Don Dada and Dolly My Baby.

Super Cat also helped pioneer the fusion of Hip-Hop and Reggae and R&B and Reggae, regularly collaborating with then-rising stars  P. Diddy, Heavy D, Mary J. Blige and Notorious B.I.G. Over the years, his trademark vocal style and lyrical pattern have been adopted by many deejays to follow, most notably multi-platinum Pop artist Sean Paul, who can credit the Cat as a major influence.

The original don dada joins a stellar list of artists already confirmed for this year’s event, including Buju Banton aka Gargamel, Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Sizzla, Junior Reid, Barrington Levy,  soca king Machel Montano, Tarrus Riley, Mavado, Etana, Dean Frasier, Assassin, Serani, Bling Dawg, Shifta, Demarco, Bugle, Screechy Dan, Rockefella and Dilly Chris.

Source: BEST OF THE BEST 2008

Top nominees for 27th IRAWMA at Apollo Theater

The prestigious 27th Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), produced by Martin’s International & Associates, LLC is dedicated to health awareness and returns to Harlem at the world famous Apollo Theater, located at 253 West 125th Street, NYC, on Sunday, May 4.  A VIP reception begins at 6:00 pm and general admission is at 7:00 pm.

Leading with IRAWMA’s most nominations for 2007 is Tarrus Riley, with a mega seven (7) nods, including Best Male Vocalist and Best Song, for the female anthem She’s Royal.  Gangster DJ Mavado has five (5) nods from IRAWMA for Best Male DJ, Best Album, Best Recording Artist(s), Songwriter of the Year, and Community Service.  Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Steven Marley, Shaggy, and Sean Kingston all received four (4) nominations, while Kymani Marley, Junior Reid and Soca star Machel Montano each received three (3) nominations. Reid, competing against himself, is nominated twice in the same category -- Best Crossover -- for his hits with Alicia Keys and rapper MIMS. 

The official New York Press Conference was held Thursday March 27, to a packed house at club Element in Manhattan. Hosted by veteran vocalist Sheila Hylton, Ephraim Martin of Martin’s International & Associates and Andrew Rowe of American Airlines announced the nominees, performers and sponsors. International performing artists, promoters and various media organizations were in attendance at the standing-room only event.  An official announcement of the nominees was made previously this month, at the Hilton Hotel in New Kingston, Jamaica.  Other IRAWMA representatives at the press conference were Directors Clifton Edwards and Austin McBean.

Ephraim Martin announced that the preliminary list of performers are Beenie Man, Kymani Marley, Doug E. Fresh, Sean Kingston, Tarrus Riley, Etana, Dean Fraser, Winsome Benjamin , D’Angel, Queen Ifrika, Mutabaruka, Cecile, Junior Reid and Dwight Pickney.  Buju Banton will be among the presenters for the star studded event. More performers will be announced at a later date.

American Airlines, which has served the Caribbean region for more than 30 years, is again the official airline sponsor of the prestigious 27th Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA). American Airlines first inaugurated service to the Caribbean in March 1971, flying between New York and five Caribbean destinations. Today, American and its regional affiliate, American Eagle, fly from more than 14 North American cities to more than 30 destinations in the Caribbean, as well as to the Bahamas and Bermuda in the Atlantic.

"IRAWMA executives and its media partners warmly welcome American Airlines and our other sponsors on board for the 27th IRAWMA," said Ephraim Martin, founder of IRAWMA.

Other nominees include: Ziggy Marley, Marcia Griffiths, Rihanna, Jay Z, Kanye West, Wyclef Jean, King Sunny Ade, Sly and Robbie, Youssou N’Dour, Toots & the Maytals, Beres Hammond, Daddy Yankee, Marc Anthony, Shakira, Angela Kidjo, Femi Kuti, and Jah Cure.

Source: IRAWMA

Open Mic Night Coming Soon To Braddies Bar Barbados!

Pyramid Entertainment Management Inc will produce the "Open Mic" series for Braddies Bar every Thursday night beginning Friday April 3 and runs for 8 weeks.

Hosted by popular DJ and Radio Personality DJ Hurricane, "Open Mic" night is a live show which will provide opportunities for emerging talents including singers, songwriters, comedians and poets/spoken word artistes to gain experience performing for a live audience.

Each week, key music industry executives will be invited to be a part of the audience, to listen and also critique some of the featured talent.

Pyramid Entertainment Management Inc is producing the series because it recognizes the importance of giving opportunities to emerging talent to hone their skills, while allowing local music industry executives to scout talent and share their varied experience with the emerging acts.

All persons interested in participating must submit their demo/backing tracks, necessary technical requirements for performance, along with the registration form which can be downloaded from here.

Show time is 9 p.m. and participants will be given a time slot for their performance and are expected to be present 30mins prior.
Source: Pyramid Entertainment

Magnum scam alert: fraudulent cash for prize promotion

For the past few years there has been an illegal trend where unscrupulous individuals claiming association with particular products and services trick persons.

The most recent scam is preying on the Magnum Tonic Wine brand. Jamaicans are being bombarded with fraudulent calls informing them that they have won prizes from Magnum Tonic Wine and should send cash through Western Union or other organizations in order to receive these prizes.

It is unfortunate that persons are being deceived in this manner and the public is being advised to exercise the strictest of caution. The management of Lascelles Ltd., distributors of Magnum Tonic Wine, constantly urges the public to be aware of such unscrupulous persons. They’re advising the public that Magnum Tonic Wine is not and will not conduct any competition or promotion, which requires persons to send cash to claim prizes. 

They value their loyal customers and have always ensured that the details of any competition or promotion are properly communicated.

Lascelles urges the members of the public to take care and be vigilant in conducting daily activities, as they will not be held responsible for compensating persons who suffer losses in any scam.

Tour Calendar

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On The Horizon

• Sunday, April 13: Sister to Sister Mediathon, Kingston, Jamaica
  
  
• Saturday, April 19: Kings and Queens of the Dancehall Finale, Weekendz, Kingston, Jamaica
  
  
• Saturday, April 26: Western Consciousness
  
  
• Sunday, April 27: Take Me Away, Kingston, Jamaica
  
  
• Sunday, April 27: Reggae on the Hill, Farley Hill, Barbados
  
  
• Saturday May 3: Full Clip, Club Amazura, Queens New York
  
  
• Saturday, May 31: Good Times, Mas Camp
  
  
• June 26 - 28: St. Kitts Music Festival
  
  
• July 17 - 19: Reggae Sumfest, Montego Bay, Jamaica
  
  
• Saturday August 30: Good Times, Mas Camp
  
  
• Friday October 10: Good Times, Margaritaville

April 3, 2008

In This Issue:

• Corporate Jamaica Gets Ready to Volley
• Sister to Sister Mediathon
• Carnival Countdown
• Munga and Demarco make their debut in NY
• Macka, soca giants glitter at Madison
• Assassin invests in studio time
• Luau 2KGreat: Another Absolute Adventure!
• Lutan Fyah sets Europe ablaze
• The Warning Cannot Be Ignored
• Super Cat added to best of the best 2008
• Top nominees for 27th IRAWMA at Apollo Theater
• Open Mic Night Coming Soon To Braddies Bar Barbados!
• Magnum scam alert: fraudulent cash for prize promotion
• Tour Calendar: Revised and Updated
• On The Horizon: Expanded and Updated

Thought of the Week

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one"

(Mark Twain)

Measure your IQ:

Find a word which, when placed in the brackets, forms two different words with the letters outside the brackets. (Synonym: decimal number)

ROT (……) DON

Headliner: Cham

There are a million stories in the ghetto and yet there’s only one Ghetto Story. And like the song says, it’s a survival story.

In Jamaica’s ultra-competitive music scene, stars are born every day and fade away just as fast. But ever since the mid 1990s, Baby Cham has represented the best of cutting-edge dancehall reggae. His every release seems to bring forth new sounds, new slang, and up-to-the minute ghetto news reports guaranteed to bust the dance. Spelled with a C (like champagne), Cham should not be confused with any Flipmode Squad affiliate, although he has been known to bust a rhyme from time to time. With his athletic good looks, his booming baritone voice, and a catalog of hits that won’t quit, Cham has managed to stay ahead of the times for longer than any other DJ in the game. And with the release of his long-awaited album Ghetto Story, Cham is poised to take dancehall.

Official Website

http://www.cham-music.com/

Hot Reviews

A few months ago, Cham sat down with Vibe to "share his ghetto story". Read the Vibe magazine feature here.

For bookings:

• Call: 876.754.1526
  
• Click: headlinejamaica.com
  
• Complete: PDF Booking Form

Booking Agents For:

• Sean Paul
• Wayne Wonder
• T.O.K.
• Damian Marley
• Stephen Marley
• Cham
• Morgan Heritage
• Spragga Benz
• Alaine
• 9:09  
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Actor Boy Awards 2007 Awash the Glitz and Glamour

In an evening of glitz and glamour the 17th Actor Boy Awards (ABA)were held at the Boardwalk of The Pantry Playhouse, New Kingston, in a triple-pronged celebration that kicked off with cocktails, followed by the awards ceremony and culminated with a swinging soiree in which the stars of music and the stage partied away the night.

The ABAs took place on Tuesday March 25 and saw the stars of the Jamaican stage come out to accept glory and cheer on their castmates. Having been dubbed the Best Production of 2007, the cast and crew of the hit comedy River Bottom had the most to celebrate and earning a total of six of the 20 awards given.

Additionally, the play’s star, Oliver Samuels O.D was the also the night’s honoree.

Mr. Samuels was the epitome of charm and wit as he first collected his statuette for Best Actor in a Lead Role for his performance in River Bottom and later his Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Mr. Samuels by the Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, the Honorable Olivia Grange who reminisced about her role in helping to create the popular 1980s television series Oliver at Large. Minister Grange also lauded the producers of the Actor Boy Awards for their celebration of Mr. Samuels’ achievements as well as for honoring those who had achieved in theatre during the year.

"Oliver Samuels has been large a-yard and abroad for so many years," Minister Grange said. "Not only has he achieved as a comic actor of tremendous talent but his work has helped to spread Jamaican culture and his alter-ego, that indomitable and lovingly cantankerous character Oliver, has celebrated our Jamaican spirit for laughing in the face of adversity."

Along with the stars of theatre, the ABAs also featured appearances by rising reggae stars Taurus Riley and Duane Stephenson as well as dancehall stars T.O.K. The performances of the effervescent Ashe Ensemble, the cool poets Nomadz, crooner Cherine Anderson and stalwart Pluto Shervington helped to bring the night alive.

The Actor Boy Awards are staged by the Jamaican Chapter of the International Theatre Institute (ITI).

Good Times again!

Pulsating music and sweaty bodies were the signature features of Heineken Good Times at Marguritaville Ocho Rios kicking off the long Easter Weekend.

DJ’s Marvin and DJ Nico alternated to deliver an exciting selection of favourites from all genres and many decades.  Pop, R&B, Hip Hop, Rap and Dance music from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s interspersed with classic reggae and hardcore dancehall pumped loudly through the speakers at the multi-level ’Ville.

Visiting spring breakers, visiting Kingstonians and resident North Coasters made room in tight spaces with hot dance moves.  When not dancing, Good Timers flocked the large, central bar for cool Heineken bucket deals.

Good Times returns to Kingston in August and to Ocho Rios in October.

A Winter Tale to premiere in Jamaica

Film and television star Peter Williams is no stranger to the screen. With a Genie Award nomination and more than 50 credits to his name, this Jamaican-Canadian star was dubbed "one of the country’s finest actors" by the Montreal Gazette.  Now, Williams is preparing for a trip back to his home town of Kingston, Jamaica, as his most recent project A Winter Tale gets ready to be released theatrically across the island.

Directed and produced by Frances-Anne Solomon, A Winter Tale will open to movie-goers in Jamaica on Wednesday April 9 at the following cinemas: Carib 5, Kingston; Palace Cineplex, Kingston; Palace Multiplex, Montego Bay, Odeon Cineplex, Mandeville; and the Marquee Cayman in Georgetown, Grand Cayman. The film’s Jamaican release is generously sponsored by Air Jamaica, Hype TV, The Gleaner, The Jamaica Observer, High Commission of Canada, Roots FM, Jamaica Trade & Invest (JAMPRO), National Council on Drug Abuse, Grace Kennedy Corp, CTV and Caribbean Beat.

Although his credits include high budget television series and blockbuster movies, Williams says his experience working on the independent feature A Winter Tale has definitely been a career highlight.  "The project now known as A Winter Tale will remain one of the touchstones of my career. From the meetings with Telefilm Canada, to the workshop intensives, the minimalist stage presentation and the organized chaos of budget-conscious filmmaking, this was a uniquely eye-opening process."

Williams portrays one of the film’s central characters; Gene Wright – a concerned social worker who takes it upon himself to start a local Black Men’s support group, after a young boy is accidentally killed by a stray bullet.   

Over the past year A Winter Tale has traveled the globe, opening and closing numerous film festivals, winning awards and garnering favorable reviews along the way.  It took home the Outstanding Canadian Feature Award at the 2007 ReelWorld Film Festival, and the People’s Choice Award for Best Caribbean Feature at the 2007 Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival.

A Winter Tale has also been expanded into a community based anti-violence film tour, which Williams is proud to be involved with.  Dubbed Talk It Out, the tour arranges for various youth and school groups to watch the movie, and then talk with the cast and crew about the important issues of guns, gangs, drugs, etc. which are raised in the film.

Source: Pennant Media Group

Bob Marley Biography and Top 10 songs

Bob Marley has been one of my favourite artists for a long time. I probably own more Bob Marley CD’s than any other band or artist with the exception of Wu-Tang. My friends mum D, is partly responsible for my listening to Bob Marley over the years because when I was little I used to like the song Jammin’ and used to play the 45 single I had of it all the time and I had got the single off her. I would say I have a Bob Marley CD in my stereo 90% of the time (it can have 3 in at a time). Bob Marley not only made good music but also the messages that the lyrics were about were of peace and freedom.

Robert "Bob" Nesta Marley was born in Jamaica on February 6th 1945 and is the most successful of any Reggae artist ever. The album Legend has sold over 12 million copies worldwide. When Bob Marley was a child he lived in the slums of Kingston’s Trenchtown and had a reputation for "self-defense" which earned him the title "Tuff Gong" which he and the Wailers used to create their own record label in 1970.

Bob Marley and some of his friends (Bunny Livingston, Junior Braithwaite, Peter McIntosh, Beverley Kelso and Cherry Smith formed the Wailers in 1963 but by 1966 there was only Bob Marley, Bunny and Peter left. The Wailers released their first album (Catch A Fire) in 1973 to massive success after their signing to JAD Records in London, England. Concrete Jungle being the most successful song from the album. Soon to follow was the release of Burnin’ which had some of the Wailers most popular songs I Shot The Sheriff, Get Up, Stand Up and Small Axe. Eric Clapton also had huge success with a cover of I Shot the Sheriff which helped to elevate Bob Marley into the public eye.

In 1974 the Wailers broke up, each to pursue their own solo careers but Bob Marley still continued to record as "Bob Marley & The Wailers" with his new backing band which consisted of Carlton and Aston Barrett, Junior Marvin, Tyrone Downie, Al Anderson and Earl Lindo. Backing vocalists were Rita Marley (Bob Marley’s wife), Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt.

The new line-up had their first international hit with No Woman, No Cry which was on the Natty Dread album released in 1975 alongside other hits, Lively Up Yourself and Rebel Music. The album Rastaman Vibration was released in 1976 in the US and was at the top of the Billboard charts for 4 weeks.

Two days before Bob Marley was going to embark on his Smile Jamaica tour Bob Marley, Rita and their manager were injured during a shootout inside Bob Marley’s home. The attack was reported as being politically motivated as many people felt the tour was a support rally. Even though all concerned received serious injuries they all made full recoveries and the tour went on as planned with an injured Bob Marley performing on stage.

By the end of 1976 Bob Marley left Jamaica and moved to London, England where he recorded two albums (Exodus, which had the hits: Exodus, Three Little Birds, Jammin’, One Love and Waiting In Vain, and Kaya which boasted: Easy Skanking, Kaya, Is This Love, Satisfy My Soul and Sun Is Shining among its singles). While in London Bob Marley was arrested for possession of cannabis.

In 1978 Bob Marley returned to home for the One Love Peace Concert to help with the peace effort and to help calm the warring parties in Jamaica. At Bob Marley’s request both political leaders (Manley and Seaga) joined him on stage and shook hands. Babylon By Bus was released also in 1978 which was a live double album, the song Jammin’ captures the crowds wild and frenzied intensity to Bob’s performance.

Survival which was released in 1979 was a political statement about the suffering of the African population. The album contained some controversial songs such as Africa Unite, Wake Up And Live and Zimbabwe. Bob Marley was also invited to perform at Zimbabwe’s Independence Day on April 17th.

Uprising which was released in 1980 was to be Bob Marley’s final studio album and is one of his most religious albums. The album contained Could You Be Loved, Forever Loving Jah and Redemption Song (his famous lyrics being: Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds...).

Bob Marley died on May 11th 1981 from cancer which had started in his toe (due to a soccer accident) in 1977. Bob Marley refused to have his foot amputated because of his Rastafarian beliefs which say that the body must remain whole. Over time the cancer had metastasized into Bob Marley’s stomach, liver, lungs and brain.

Confrontation was released after Bob Marley’s death and contained the unreleased song Buffalo Soldier and songs previously only available in Jamaica (Jump Nyabinghi and Rastaman Live Up).

My Top 10 Bob Marley Songs are:

01. Lively Up Yourself
02. Small Axe
03. Trench Town Rock
04. Duppy Conqueror
05. Could You Be Loved
06. Jammin’
07. One Love
08. Redemption Song
09. Waiting In Vain
10. Buffalo Soldier

Source: My Top Music Reviews

Break Down the Walls: So Long Mikey Dread

With his wife and family by his side, the legendary reggae Renaissance man Mikey Dread passed away on Saturday, March 15th after battling with a brain tumor. His death wasn’t a complete shock since his family and his record label, Dread at the Controls, had issued a press release last October, one that spoke of his positive attitude and valiant struggle against this disease. "Positive" was a word often associated with Mikey, but in this case you can attribute a great deal of his hope to the birth of his son on the 12th of that month. Often, in cases like this, friends and family will contribute thoughts and memories to some type of time capsule, one that the now five-month old Zylen Jahlight could explore when he’s older in order to know his father better. No doubt Zylen will be showered with adoring words of praise and regard for a man who was able to communicate his love of reggae, justice, and humanity in such a way that it became infectious.

Born Michael Campbell in Port Antonio, Jamaica, Mikey made the quick ascent from board-op to DJ while working at the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation in the late ’70s. It was there he first presented his Dread at the Controls radio show, becoming a top radio personality in Jamaica and recording 1 singles like Barber Saloon in his spare time. In the midst of it all he took the much lower profile gig of audio engineer at the Treasure Isle Recording Studio just to get closer to the music. As amiable as Mikey you could be, you still couldn’t check him with no lightweight stuff and when the programmers at the JBC complained about his rootsy, deep choices, he was out he door and off to Europe with a crate full of sweet rebel music.

Within a year of landing he had graduated from the National Broadcasting School in London, England and had given the Clash their highest charting single to date when he produced their 1980 single Bankrobber. From there it was a steady stream of influential broadcasting gigs, – including host of BBC Television’s revered, six-part reggae documentary Deep Roots – and a new album – always worth hearing — about once a year. He hosted live events across the Caribbean, Europe, and America and collaborated with a long list of artists, mostly reggae-based but with the occasional surprise like Guns ’N’ Roses’ Izzy Stradlin. The constant was how his uplifting spirit impressed everyone who worked with Mikey, along with those who heard his music and/or radio show. Mikey even contacted AllMusic once to fix some of his credits and he was cordial, friendly, and appreciative, the kind of guy for whom you don’t mind going that extra mile.

As of late he had been working on a documentary concerning the Maroon population found in Jamaica and had welcomed the Internet age with open arms, podcasting new Dread at the Controls shows from his impressive website and even offering this amazing flash game where the user can put dread under their own control. The game is amusing and simple – pull a record out of the box, thrown it on the turntable, then drop dub sound effects on top — but it represents how deceptive the seemingly frivolous Mikey could be. Play the game for a bit and it becomes apparent that reggae – the genre where "all the songs sound the same" — is really about feel, groove, and the details. Artists unaware of this fall flat while those who recognize the challenges of this thinner spectrum have a much better chance. Mikey may be "the guy who makes those funny noises" during Clash songs, but his work with the band, along with his radio show, led so many people to reggae he just might take second place behind Bob Marley as far as advocacy. Besides Damian Marley and maybe Shaggy, it’s hard to imagine anyone working the ambassador angle as well as Mikey did. Zylen, your father brought so many people to a deeper appreciation of Jamaican music. While they’ll never feel his loss as deeply as you will, you won’t have to look far to find someone touched by his spirit. Jah Bless.

Source: All Music Blog

Bushman releases first independent CD

Known as ’The Man From The East’, St Thomas Jamaica’s Bushman has built up a solid following among fans of ’nu-roots’ since the late-1990s. His rich voice has earned him comparisons with that of Dennis Brown (an acknowledged influence) but is somewhat lower in pitch; a booming bass-baritone that is at home in all forms of reggae song.

His sixth album Get It In Your Mind, released on his own Burning Bushes label, contains several singles from recent years. But despite being a mixed bag of recordings for different producers, it hangs together nicely due to the predominance of serious and cultural themes, as well as some wise rhythm choices.

Bushman begins with a mission statement, the declarative Singing My Song, on the marching, guitar driven Undeniable rhythm. Second track Rasta Nuh Dead rides the authentic late-seventies-sounding Good Times and, like other cuts on the rhythm by Capleton and Lutan Fyah, is heavily mystical in its lyrical imagery; Jah ’’in the whirlwind, riding on the cherubim’’, and the Tolkienesque ’’my people gazing at the skies for something they’ll never find’’.

Even when singing love themes, the mood remains grave. On Scent Of A Man, penned by Stephen (son of Joe) Gibbs, Bushman catches his lover creeping into the room after an indiscretion, over another dark rootsy rhythm (Gibbs’ State Of Emergency). Later the redemptive When You Touch Me measures his joy at being in love against the litany of mishaps that came before.

A cover of Peter Tosh’s disco-dread call-to-civil-disobedience Buk-In-Hamm Palace stays close to the original, but does it no disservice, while Can’t Get The Best Of Me and Born Fi Di Ting, marry dancehall beats and Rasta concerns with exemplary ease.

The sheer number of vocal overdubs on certain tracks may take some getting used to, and a few synth settings may sound soulless to lovers of old school roots. But on the plus side, there are no ’skits’ between the songs, just excerpts from interviews that bear up to repeat listening. All in all, Get It In Your Mind is Bushman’s strongest album for a while.

Source: BBC UK

Sanjay’s Lonely breaks new ground

Sanjay has been getting and overwhelmingly positive response from the reggae market for his transformed image.
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Sanjay’s new single, Lonely has been doing very well locally and internationally. The song on the Renaissance Legal Riddim has been receiving good airplay both locally and internationally with regular spins on BBC 1Xtra, Big Up Radio and 876radio as well as continuous rotation on local radio stations.

Lonely has broken new ground for Sanjay as he now has a burgeoning following in Germany and England. The video of Sanjay’s Lonely is also a regular feature on reggae cable stations, boasting a more regular than usually rotation on Hype TV, RE TV, local TV stations and international reggae oriented stations in New York, Miami and Germany.

Sanjay has been getting and overwhelmingly positive response from the reggae market for his transformed image. The artiste, who cut his hair in the video for Lonely, sees this as validation for the considerable amount of work he has put in to ensure his work is always of a good quality.

"I am receiving good reviews for Lonely both internationally and locally. I am pleased with the responses so far and I would just like to let the fans know that they can expect bigger ad better things from Sanjay" – Sanjay, Recording Artiste

Source: Alykhat - PR

Double Bill for Machel

Soca superstar Machel Montano is set to rock the cultural capital of the world when he headlines twice in one night at Madison Square Garden in New York City, on Friday, March 28. The double-feature lineup includes an already sold-out early show at 8 PM, followed by a later show at 12 AM.

Numerous stars spanning the Caribbean and its exotic genres will lend their island appeal to the performances, including fellow Trinidad & Tobago (TNT) countrymen and living legends David Rudder and Mighty Sparrow, and chart toppers Patrice Roberts (TNT), Macka Diamond (Jamaica), Rikki T (St. Lucia), Peter Ram (Barbados), and Problem Child (St. Vincent), just to name a few. Some other entertainment heavyweights are also slated to appear on the bill, but promoters are lending to the excitement by waiting for show time to surprise the audience, many of whom are crossing international borders for the highly anticipated shows.

This concert comes on the horizon of Montano’s new album, WINING SEASON, available next month on the Delicious Vinyl imprint. The album has already spawned the new hit singles Wining Season featuring dancehall icon Shaggy, and Defense (The Anthem) featuring rapper Lil Jon and reggaeton star Pitbull, garnering Montano even more international airplay.

Montano set industry records by selling out two shows on the same night when he performed at MSG in May 2007. With his massive crossover fan appeal and the star-studded lineup and surprises in store, Montano vows to deliver his signature moves and fusion of sounds to fans, making this another night and notch of success to add to his acclaim.

Source: Rhona Fox

Miami’s Longest Running Memorial Weekend Reggae Concert Back & Bigger Than Ever

South Florida’s premier Caribbean music and lifestyle promotions company, Rocker’s Island, have officially announced the lineup for the Best Of The Best concert to be held Memorial Sunday, May 25 at Bicentennial Park (1075 Biscayne Blvd.) in downtown Miami.

Icons already confirmed for this year’s event include Buju Banton aka Gargamel, Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Sizzla, Junior Reid, Barrington Levy,  and soca monarch Machel Montano.

Also on the bill is a new generation of Jamaican artists led by Mavado, Tarrus Riley, Etana, Assassin, Serani, Bling Dawg, Shifta, Demarco, and Bugle.

Best Of The Best 2008 will be hosted by  Bobby Konders and Jabba, DJ Khaled, Jamusa, Ron Burke, Tony Matterhorn, 800-Bungie, Walshy, Mr. Slater, DJ Roy and Steelie.  Doors open at 1:00pm sharp. Stage show kicks off at 2:30pm and ends at Midnight.

This year’s sponsors include rebelmix.com, Island TV, Mixx 96, Irie TV, Hot 97, Air Jamaica, Marriott Biscayne Bay, RA Travel.

Source: Best of the Best

Corporate Jamaica Gets Ready to Volley

With determined intent to take the tactics from the corporate world to the court, business professionals across Jamaica prepare for the fourth staging of the Reggae Jammin Business House Volleyball Season, slated to commence on Sunday April 27 at the University of the WestIndies Gymnasium at the Mona Bowl. The only volleyball competition targeting business professionals, the tournament promises to give spectators the best season yet, as the teams continue to showcase improved performances. As expressed by League Director Dr. Jon Jones, "There are several lessons that have been learnt from last year both on and off the court, and so this year’s standard of execution and play should be better. There is increased interest being expressed as well, so there should be more teams, and the longstanding teams should in this fourth year, be at a higher level of play."

This year’s competition boasts enhanced offerings. ’We have decided to include three other events in the season, this way the teams have more opportunities to interact, and really just more chances to develop their skills." The increased lineup of events helps to engender that spirit of camaraderie among staff members, while satiating the spirits of those who love the game.  Participating organizations will reap the benefits as their employees strengthen their teamwork skills to achieve a common goal. This is in keeping with the goals of CNIS Sports, the organizing body, which seeks to promote healthy minds and bodies and stimulate cultural cohesiveness through the sport, ensuring the continued development of the players and the game.

The competition will feature two one-day rallies on the last Sundays in April and May, with the main league competition taking place on Sundays in June and the highly anticipated final matches on Sunday June 29. "The aim is to encourage players to bring their entire families out to enjoy the sport," said Dr. Jones, "Playing the matches on Sundays allows for this kind of interaction to happen, and might inspire new players."

The fun does not end in June however, with plans for a number of beach events to take place in July and August. The League is sanctioned by the Jamaica Volleyball Association and the games are conducted to international standards with certified referees presiding over the matches.

Get fit and ready for the fourth staging of the Business House Volleyball Competition from April 27 to August 24 as Corporate Jamaica volleys through the next few months via healthy competitions and wholesome fun.

On The Horizon

• Wednesday, March 26: Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz vs. Trinidad’s Soca Warriors, National Stadium
  
  
• Sunday, April 13: Sister to Sister Mediathon, Kingston, Jamaica
  
  
• Saturday, April 19: Kings and Queens of the Dancehall Finale, Weekendz, Kingston, Jamaica
  
  
• Saturday, April 26: Western Consciousness
  
  
• Sunday, April 27: Take Me Away, Kingston, Jamaica
  
  
• Sunday, April 27: Reggae on the Hill, Farley Hill, Barbados
  
  
• Saturday May 3: Full Clip, Club Amazura, Queens New York
  
  
• Saturday, May 31: Good Times, Mas Camp
  
  
• June 26 - 28: St. Kitts Music Festival
  
  
• July 17 - 19: Reggae Sumfest, Montego Bay, Jamaica
  
  
• Saturday August 30: Good Times, Mas Camp
  
  
• Friday October 10: Good Times, Margaritaville

In This Issue:

• Actor Boy Awards 2007 Awash the Glitz and Glamour
• Good Times again!
• A Winter Tale to premiere in Jamaica
• Bob Marley Biography and Top 10 songs
• Break Down the Walls: So Long Mikey Dread
• Bushman releases first independent CD
• Sanjay’s Lonely breaks new ground
• Double Bill for Machel
• Memorial Weekend Reggae Concert Back & Bigger Than Ever
• Corporate Jamaica Gets Ready to Volley
• Tour Calendar: Revised and Updated
• On The Horizon: Expanded and Updated

Thought of the Week

"The end of wisdom is to dream high enough to lose the dream in the seeking of it."

(William Faulkner)

Measure your IQ:

Find a word which, when placed in the brackets, forms two different words with the letters outside the brackets.

LAND (……) BIRD

For bookings:

• Call: 876.754.1526
  
• Click: headlinejamaica.com
  
• Complete: PDF Booking Form

Booking Agents For:

• Sean Paul
• Wayne Wonder
• T.O.K.
• Damian Marley
• Stephen Marley
• Cham
• Morgan Heritage
• Spragga Benz
• Alaine
• Tami Chynn
• Tessanne
• Left Side
• I-Octane
• Farenheit
• Lexxus
• The Tamlins
• Voice Mail
• Assassin
• Jovi Rockwell
• Chrisinti
• Richie Spice
• Munga
• Pressure
• Rootz Underground
• Ruff Kutt Crew
• Paula Anne Porter
• Denise Hunt
• Stone Love
• Copper Shot
• Code Red
• Digicel Rising Stars

Top 20 Reggae Singles

• At 1 is Mi Nah Rub by Queen Ifrica, Downsound Records
• At 3 is Sometimes by Courtney John, Fi Wi Music
• At 5 is Praise God by Little Hero, Inspire
• At 9 is Yesterday by Daville, Fashowzy
• At 18 is I’m Bless by Prestige, Timeless Records
• At 20 is I’m Waiting by Cecile, Danger Zone

Top 20 Dancehall Singles

• At 1 is Pon di Edge by Busy Signal, Star Kutt
• At 4 is Don’t Run In by Harry Toddler, Truck Back
• At 9 is Pick it up & Drop it by Sean Paul, Birchill
• At 12 is Tell Dem Don’t Follow by Buju Banton, Heart of Love
• At 15 is Everybody Dance by RDX, Apt 19
• At 20 is Touch Di Road by Mavado, Foota Hype

Top 10 Albums/CD Chart

• At 1 is Intoxication by Shaggy, VP Records/Big Yard
• At 3 is Book of Life by I Wayne, VP
• At 7 is Sacrifice by Alaine, Don Corleon
• At 9 is Foreva by Wayne Wonder, VP

MVP Top 10 Video Countdown on RE-TV

• At 1 is Pain by Capleton/Bobo Zare/ Contractor, Green Lion, Dir: Fabrikated Projex
• At 4 is Sticky by Jah Cure, Danger Zone, Dir: Marie Baruse
• At 6 is I Can Feel Your Pain by Gyptian, VP Records, Dir: Rhona Fox
• At 9 is Lonely by Sanjay, Renaissance, Dir: Kimala Bennett
• At 10 is Baby Tonight by Courtney John, Taxi, Dir: Marie Baruse

Hype TV’s Top 20 Singles

• At 1 is Doh by Serani feat. Bugle, Daseca
• At5 is Daddy by Queen Ifrica, No Doubt
• At 11 is Fallen Soldiers by Demarco, Star Kutt
• At 14 is Gussie Clarke by Deva Brat, Truck Back
• At 19 is Whoa by Spice, Truck Back

RE TV Top 20 Dancehall chart

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HEADLINE ENTERTAINMENT March 19, 2008 UPDATE
In This Issue:
Assassin prepares to conquer a new territory
The Movement of Roots Underground
A ’Legend’ for the St Kitts Music Festival
Groovin Live at Asylum this Wednesday
Artiste Can Now Upload Their Videos
Breakthrough with Brick and Lace
No Stress Express Album Review
Tempo announces launch of Badness Outta Style show
C Sharp releases new single–Don’t Come Searching
Symphony Under The Stars
6 Questions with Chris Smith
Tour Calendar: Revised and Updated
On The Horizon: Expanded and Updated
Thought of the Week

"If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him"
(John Fitzgerald Kennedy)

Measure your IQ:
What word goes in the brackets?
Kilt      (Look)     Polo
Log     (…….)     Coca
Headliner: Pressure

Born Delyno Brown in the US Virgin Islands, Pressure was exposed to music at a young age due to his father being a member of a popular local band. He started playing drums and trumpet at age 9, but it wasn’t until age 12 that he developed a passion for singing. Pressure linked with the talented Dean Pond and Eno Stafford of Studio 340. Together they produced and released his debut album, The Pressure Is On, on the Tsuni Records label. With hit tunes on the album such as Zion Is Home, No Limitation and Light In You, it is no surprise that he garnered the attention of internationally renowned producer, Don Corleon. Corleon received his copy from Pond. Corleon admits wholeheartedly that he "kept listening to the CD" and he put his best foot forwards and got in contact with Pressure.
The synergy between the two birthed the mega-hit Love and Affection, which was the first song they recorded together, which immediately took the airwaves by storm. Pressure definitely is destined to be a force to be beheld in the Reggae industry. His life path has led him to join alliances with and thus be managed by one of the most influential persons in the Reggae/ Dancehall industry, Don Corleon.
"Nothing’s greater than life. You have to follow your dreams no matter what, ’cause I wondered if I would ever be accepted in Jamaica. But I was focused and I was determined to put out good music and the people have received and they aren’t biased. Just don’t let anything get in your way," said Pressure
back to top

For bookings:
Call: 876.754.1526

Click: headlinejamaica.com

Complete: PDF Booking Form
Booking Agents For:
Sean Paul
Wayne Wonder
T.O.K.
Damian Marley
Stephen Marley
Cham
Morgan Heritage
Spragga Benz
Alaine
Tami Chynn
Tessanne
Left Side
I-Octane
Farenheit
Lexxus
The Tamlins
Voice Mail
Assassin
Jovi Rockwell
Chrisinti
Richie Spice
Munga
Pressure
Rootz Underground
Ruff Kutt Crew
Paula Anne Porter
Denise Hunt
Stone Love
Copper Shot
Code Red
Digicel Rising Stars
Caught on Camera!

Guyanese artiste Timeka Marshall gave a stunning performance at Jamfest held at Wavz Beach Negril on Monday March 10.

The Many Moods of Moses: Beenie man has never failed to please a crowd, here he?s seen dancing and having a blast at his recent performance at Jamfest held at Wavz Beach Negril on Monday March 10.

Connie Hackshaw of CNIS Ltd accepts the sponsorship cheque for the upcoming Business House Volleyball League from Reggae Jammin Brand Manager, Cordia Panton Williams

Charts Update!
Top 20 Reggae Singles

At 1 is Mi Nah Rub by Queen Ifrica, Downsound Records
At 3 is Sometimes by Courtney John, Fi Wi Music
At 5 is Praise God by Little Hero, Inspire
At 9 is Yesterday by Daville, Fashowzy
At 18 is I’m Bless by Prestige, Timeless Records
At 20 is I’m Waiting by Cecile, Danger Zone
Top 20 Dancehall Singles

At 1 is Pon di Edge by Busy Signal, Star Kutt
At 4 is Don’t Run In by Harry Toddler, Truck Back
At 9 is Pick it up & Drop it by Sean Paul, Birchill
At 12 is Tell Dem Don’t Follow by Buju Banton, Heart of Love
At 15 is Everybody Dance by RDX, Apt 19
At 20 is Touch Di Road by Mavado, Foota Hype
Top 10 Albums/CD Chart

At 1 is Intoxication by Shaggy, VP Records/Big Yard
At 3 is Book of Life by I Wayne, VP
At 7 is Sacrifice by Alaine, Don Corleon
At 9 is Foreva by Wayne Wonder, VP
MVP Top 10 Video Countdown on RE-TV

At 1 is Pain by Capleton/Bobo Zare/ Contractor, Green Lion, Dir: Fabrikated Projex
At 4 is Sticky by Jah Cure, Danger Zone, Dir: Marie Baruse
At 6 is I Can Feel Your Pain by Gyptian, VP Records, Dir: Rhona Fox
At 9 is Lonely by Sanjay, Renaissance, Dir: Kimala Bennett
At 10 is Baby Tonight by Courtney John, Taxi, Dir: Marie Baruse
Hype TV’s Top 20 Singles

At 1 is Doh by Serani feat. Bugle, Daseca
At5 is Daddy by Queen Ifrica, No Doubt
At 11 is Fallen Soldiers by Demarco, Star Kutt
At 14 is Gussie Clarke by Deva Brat, Truck Back
At 19 is Whoa by Spice, Truck Back

RE TV Top 20 Dancehall chart

At 1 is Shoot Out by Mykal Rose, John John
At 4 is Doh by Serani feat. Bugle, Daseca
At 7 is Force it Up by Mavado, Purple Skunk
At 13 is She Loves Me by Serani, Daseca
At 16 is Nuh Fren Fish by Bounty Killa, Foota Hype
At 20 is Chicken Fries and Gullybeans by Tony Matterhorn, TJ Records

RE TV Top 20 Reggae chart

At 1 is Daddy by Queen Ifrica, No Doubt
At 3 is August Town/ Fairy Tale by Duane Stephenson, Cannon
At 7 is Warrior Love by Etana, Free Mind
At 13 is Hurry and Come Home by Chuck Fenda, Birchill
At 18 is I Just Want to Know by Maxi Priest, Birchill
At 20 is Back Biter by Tarrus Riley, Don Corleon
The South Florida top 20 Reggae singles
At 1 is No Time To Linger/ I Pray by terry linen/Freddie McGregor, Joe Fraser
At 5 is Walk A Mile In My Shoe by Mikey Spice, Joe Fraser
At 12 is So Appealing by Voice Mail, Don Corleon
At 14 is Just Like The Rain by Courtney Melody, Reggae Vibes
At 17 is Silly Dreams by Lady Saw, First Name
The New York Top 30 singles chart
At 1 is Not for Sale by Beres Hammond, Don Corleon
At 6 is Warrior Love by Etana, Free Mind
At 12 is Fallen Soldiers by Demarco, Star Kutt
At 15 is I Told You by Marcia Griffiths, Joe Fraser
At 17 is A Nuh Me Dat by Richie Spice, No Doubt
BBC1Xtra Dancehall chart
At 1 is Shoot Out by Mykal Rose, John John
At 4 is She’s Royal by Tarrus Riley, Cannon
At 8 is Bonafide by Shaggy Feat. Rik Rok and Tony Gold, Big Yard
At 10 is August Town by Duane Stephenson, Cannon
Source: BBC 1Xtra Dancehall Chart
Mind Buster Solution
GOAL The word in brackets is obtained in this way: 1st letter is the 3rd letter of the word to the left; 2nd letter is the 2nd letter of the word the right; 3rd letter is the 4th letter of the word to the right; 4th letter is the 1st letter of the word to the left.
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Headline Entertainment is a leading booking agency and public relations firm operating in the Caribbean. The company has successfully developed its customer base over a ten year period by offering professional services of international standard.

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 A ’Legend’ for the St Kitts Music Festival
Grammy award winner and sultry soul singer John Legend will grace the stage of the St Kitts Music Festival this June. Known for its eclectic mix of music the St Kitts Music Festival has embedded itself into the hearts of many music-loving patrons. Now in its 12th year the festival has welcomed on stage the likes of: Hugh Masekela; Dennis Brown; Culture; Dionne Warwick; Machel Montano HD; Alison Hinds; Destra Garcia; Kenny Rogers; Michael Bolton; Chris Brown; Akon; Busta Rhymes; Percy Sledge; Lady Saw; Beenie Man; Sizzla; Arturo Tappin; Earl Klugh; David Rudder; Kool & The Gang; Freddie Jackson; Chaka Khan; Maxi Priest; Cece Winans; and many other stars and musical icons.
An experience like no other, this year the St Kitts Music Festival takes place over three unforgettable nights from June 21-23 a week before the 2008 Digicel Home Series Cricket match. This year the Festival moves from the Warner Park Cricket Stadium to the Warner Park Football Field to make way for the cricket match.
The island is a wonderland of beauty offering a myriad of activities to visitors, yet not many things can compare to the opportunity to see John Legend in spectacular performance. No stranger to the Caribbean, Legend has performed in Jamaica many times including his recent show stopping performance at the recent Africa Unite/Smile Jamaica concert.
Known for seducing his female fans with the mere sound of his voice, Legend has become an International star known also for his heart touching lyrics. With Get Lifted’his major label album debut, Legend introduced to the world his rare ability to fuse the "feel" and vibe of classic old school soul music with the edgy flavour of 21st century hip-hop.
While the romantic themes of traditional R&B permeate John’s Get Lifted, there’s also a street-worthy hipness and confidence: the sensuality of Marvin Gaye and the sincerity of Stevie Wonder merging with the directness of Snoop Dogg and the wit of Kanye West. Yet, John Legend is very much his own artist, gifted with singular talents and a unique sensibility. His songs such as Ordinary People, Used to Love You, Save Room and Stay With You have cemented his popularity in the Caribbean.
One listen to the soulful yet edgy Get Lifted and there’s no question that John Legend indeed delivers the real deal, living up to his name and beginning the next chapter in a career filled with promise and possibility.
The St Kitts Music Festival takes place over three nights from June 21-23 at the Warner Park Football Field with likes such as Billy Ocean, John Legend and others.
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Groovin Live at Asylum this Wednesday
The Asylum Night Club in New Kingston will come alive on Wednesday, March 26, Groovin Live featuring some of Reggae’s pioneer superstars live in concert, namely, Horace Andy, Leroy Sibbles, Errol Dunkley, Trinity and some special guests.
Groovin Live features performances from these veterans as they unleash the hits from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s catalogue. Witness as Horace Andy performs his mega hits including Skylarking, Life is for Living and Fever. Leroy Sibbles will deliver Fat Girl, Don’t Give Up, Brighter Day, Errol Dunkley speaks of Continually, Silouette and Jailhouse Rock; along with Trinity as they perform many other hit songs. Lloyd Parkes and We The People, a leading show band in their own right, will be backing all the artiste while Krazy Khris from KOOL FM will warm up the crowd.
Earl Samuels of the Asylum Nightclub confirmed that the Groovin Live concert series returned due to ’popular demand’. "Our patrons really enjoyed the first one, so we brought it back" Samuels added. Already known as a ’vibes’ club on the ’hip strip’, Asylum is carving out a reputation as a suitable venue for live shows. Admission is only $800 and Showtime begins at 10PM sharp. Groovin Live is presented in part by sponsors Wray & Nephew, Ocean Spray and Freedom Wireless
Admission is only $800 and Showtime begins at 10 PM sharp. Come out and be treated to the musical pleasures of these veteran Reggae superstars at the Asylum Night Club in New Kingston on Wednesday, March 26. Groovin Live is an Asylum endorsed event.
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Breakthrough with Brick and Lace
The musical upsurge of the uncompromisingly expressive sibling duo, Brick and Lace, commanded the attention of millions as they released their blockbuster single Love is Wicked on Akon’s Kon Live Distribution and Geffen Record Label last year.  The infectious dancehall beats mixed with the smoothness of R&B has produced a unique semi-urban sound that only they can perfect.
Born and raised predominantly in Kingston, the video vixens Nialah and Nyanda Thorbourne were destined to have a career in music as their mother sang in a choir and their father was a professional gospel musician. Not surprisingly their first few performances were in church.  However their pursuit of gospel music was not a serious one as they confess that their influence came from "Whitney Houston to Bob Marley to more contemporary acts such as TLC and Mary J.Blige mixed with dancehall"
The stylistically edgy Nyanda and versatile vocalist Nailah create distinctive melodic sounds with a hybrid effect that they so eloquently deliver at each performance.  Their dynamic performances have made a lasting impression as they received the Jamaica Academy Awards for Best Performance by Group /Duo.  Their lyrical chops, which have been honed by their experience with writing songs with the likes of Janet Jackson, Parish Hilton, Nicole Scherzinger (of the Pussy Cat Dolls) as well as, writing/co-writing all the songs on their album, are evidence of their composing prowess.
Their savvy compositions are accentuated by colourful and energetic videos.  Their video Love is Wicked got over 4.7 million views in only seven months and peaked at number four on both Tempo and RE TV and number six on Hype TV’s Video Countdowns.  It is no doubt that they received four awards at the recently staged Youth View Awards.  These include, Local Music Video of the Year, Chart Topping Song of the Year for the hot single Love is Wicked, the Young Hot and Hype Award and Favourite Group/Duo of the Year.
Love is Wicked also received over 430,000 spins on MySpace and peaked at number 5 on Richie B’s countdown having spent 14 weeks in the top 20 music countdown.  The addictive sounds of Brick and Lace have gotten 350,000 spins on Imeem surpassing Nelly Furtado’s most popular single by over 190,000 spins.  When asked about the success of the single and album a very humble yet confident Nialah answers "I truly feel like it’s our time" to which Nyanda affirmatively nods.
Their edgy yet dainty outlook has earned them multiple performances as co-headliners in Nigeria and Uganda and headliners on multiple shows in the Caribbean. However they still make time to effect positive change in Jamaican students through the RE TV High School Tour which is viewed by Japanese fans via MTV.  They are currently en route to Africa to perform once again in Nigeria and Tanzania.  They will then leave for Finland in April while preparing for their US Tour in summer 2008.
Brick and Lace promises to continue to intensify their efforts to produce good music and attract vast audiences worldwide through the legacy they have received from their Jamaican roots. Thus staying true to their Excellence in Music and Entertainment Award, as Breakthrough Artistes of the Year.
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Assassin prepares to conquer a new territory
Dancehall deejay Assassin has been rampaging the dancehalls of the Western world. In March, he has already done quite a few performances and has a very important one, coming up on Saturday, March 22.

&ldquI’m heading to Tobago, and even though I’ve been in the business for five years and I’ve had hit songs over there, it’s going to be my first time performing in Trinidad and Tobago," Assassin stated excitedly. "But one advantage I have of making a good and lasting first impression is that I’ve now been doing this for five years so I’m closer to perfecting my craft."

Assassin’s appearance at Magnum’s Follow Di Arrow on Saturday, March 1, has left many talking of his "superb" performance. The artiste is pleased with this review as he has invested great time and energy into his performance skills and delivery. "I’ve spent time studying it (his craft) to improve it and I always want to make each performance better than my last," he said.

The following Monday, March 3, he headed to Negril to entertain a different audience at Jam Fest/Spring Break 2008. "It was fun performing at Spring Break because it reminded me of performing in Europe. I have to bear in mind that our dialect isn’t easy to understand so I had to slow it down a little so that they could hear what I was saying," Assassin said. He finished with a sly grin, "And it is true that what happens at Spring Break stays at Spring Break."

Texas had the opportunity of seeing Assassin live and direct on Friday, March 7, as he unleashed hit after hit after hit. He described the experience as "ahhh murder!" as it’s been awhile since he has performed there. "Well, Texas hasn’t seen me in three years; it’s just a part of the world that we don’t visit often. So from start to finish they were with me ’cause I’ve had quite a few hit songs since then," Assassin pointed out.

Assassin’s next performance will be on Saturday, March 22 and will see him making his debut appearance in the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago. He will be joined by fellow cohorts Richie Spice and Gyptian, and they’ll combine their talents to rock the soca massive with the delectable beats of Reggae and Dancehall.
Source: NIA Concepts
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The Movement of Roots Underground
The Mystic Urchin management team has partnered with Rootz Underground to direct a strategic marketing effort resulting in an artful web presence, interesting music videos and high profile performance dates. Movement is the first of many to come on the Mystic Urchin label which has secured U.S. record retail distribution through Ryko Distribution.
Ryko is home to many other kindred "roots" music independent labels such as Alligator Records, Blood & Fire, Pressure Sounds, Greensleeves, Tuff Gong Worldwide, and Zappa Records. Other distribution partners include Europe’s Nocturne and Groove Attack imprints. 

Rootz Underground built its live show and readied the songs for Movement, after the tremendous response they received from their community. Their shows rapidly became an institution in Kingston and throughout Jamaica. The group developed a fan base that was fertile for this growing "reggae rock" music scene that has now taken "root" in Jamaica. Employing the dynamic combination of a contemporary roots, rock sound, universal messages and energetic and compelling stage shows, Rootz Underground goes beyond a niche definition - reaching across reggae boundaries into pop music realms.

Movement has benefited from a sophisticated team crafting some of the greatest recordings in reggae today.  Each track of this 19-song set tells a vivid, nuanced story with moody - Jazz influenced guitar solos, nimble keyboards, ethereal segues, delay effects, traditional African/Jamaican hand drums, razor sharp mixing and call and response chorus vocals that find members harmonizing in agreement with the lyrical message. A rich sound, full of careful layers, serves as a comfortable bed for some of the most universal and honest lyrics to rest in a reggae mix. This sound doesn’t rest alone in the reggae genre, the songs have a serious rock music sensibility with breakdowns into hard-hitting grooves, intense builds and smooth transitions back to the one-drop reggae rhythm. The album’s use of interesting vignettes takes us into the realm of the underground and beyond to position ourselves in the movement for a closer listen.

First released to radio and as a video is the compelling Victims of the System , produced by Wayne Armond (as is the lion’s share of the record) that preps us for the mindset of a modern Jamaican "underground" twenty-something. The current single and companion video for Hammer features the production talents of Bobby Digital, an influential reggae and dance hall producer. The dreamy Time is an Illusion is produced by Rory Gilligan of the legendary Stone Love sound system who makes memories of dancehalls past come to life on the album intro vignette taken from a 1990’s session shout out that introduces the 19-song set like a night on the town that lasts through the wee hours until dawn.
Source: Alykhat PR
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Artiste Can Now Upload Their Videos To Realvibez.com
Realvibez.com, a leading online provider of media for consumers of Caribbean music culture, is now testing a new service, Direct Upload.
Direct Upload allows artiste and record labels that want to expose their videos to a wide audience via Realvibez.com to upload their videos directly to the website instead of mailing physical copies. The service will especially benefit up-and-coming artiste who have been uploading videos elsewhere and want to reach an audience already looking for their kind of music.
"It was important that we created ways to reduce the amount of work needed to get a video on Realvibez.com." said Robert Mullings, CEO of Realvibez Media and the main person responsible for technology deployment.
The service is currently in beta testing and was initiated on Monday, March 17.
Instructions on how to use the service are included below :
Upload page - http://realvibez.com/upload.php

Select "I have a Brightcove account" and enter the following info:
Email address: upload@realvibez.com; Password: realvibez

Find the video you want to upload and enter the relevant information about it.
The process is similar to uploading videos to popular video-sharing websites. Supported formats include mp4, mov (quicktime), wmv, and mpg. Each video will be reviewed before going live on the site.
Source: Realvibez
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No Stress Express Album Review
I have to be honest and begin this review by saying that I was not expecting to be too impressed with Half Pint’s latest album No Stress Express.  I believed that it could not be possible that Half Pint could still produce classics like Winsome, Greetings and One Big Family. However, I was in for a very, very nice surprise.  From track 1 entitled Unity I was transported to a secluded beach, it was just me and Half Pint’s music. The title says it all, if you have any stress in your life, pop in this CD and feel them wash away from you. The riddims are soothing but in the right way, not too mellow and nothing too jumpy. The previews that we have been playing Mind Over Matter and Unity on their own did not prepare me for deep feeling of peace that this album would invoke in me. 

My favourite tracks include track 10 Children Of His Majesty which has me feeling like I am in a loving 12 Tribes dance, it speaks of doing good and the blessings that are bestowed on the children of His Majesty. Track 9 Bless Us asks the Father to bestow on us blessings now and forever and has a deep soothing riddim. Track 2 My Best Friend’s Girl tells the tale of a man who is captivated with his best friend’s girl (who used to be his girl). 

In this stressful world that we live in this album is a great album to play at home, at work or even while studying.  However, I find that if you are one with nature taking a walk, strolling on the beach, sitting on your porch or even looking out of the window whilst listening to this album, you will be on the No Stress Express and feeling de-stressed in no time!
Source: Lady Cham
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Tempo announces launch of Badness Outta Style show
Tempo announced a continuation of its antiviolence pro-social campaign, BADNESS OUTTA STYLE, with the new show, "Badness Outta Style," which premiered on Sunday March 16. The program, hosted by Mr. Tempo himself, Frederick Morton, Jr., Founder & CEO of Tempo, will explore ways to prevent violence in communities, schools, and neighbourhoods across the Caribbean by engaging young people to make good decisions.

Tempo recently raised the temperature on BADNESS OUTTA STYLE with the launch of the Caribbean School Tour, featured on the "Badness Outta Style" program.   Launching in St. Croix during the network’s TEMPO TURNS TWO celebrations, Tempo visited several local area schools at all levels. Alongside Tempo founder and CEO, Mr. Tempo, Frederick Morton, Jr. Tempo hosts Empress Jeanille and Jah Bami and Caribbean artiste Mr. King spread the word of BADNESS OUTTA STYLE to students at Elena Christian Junior High School, Charles Emanuel Elementary School, St. Croix Central High School, Mr. Tempo’s Alma Mater, St. Joseph High School and the University of the Virgin Islands.

Frederick Morton, in his mission to create "One Love" in the Caribbean, will be partnering with both public and private sectors to bring the BADNESS OUTTA STYLE message to schools on every Caribbean island.

"I dream of a united Caribbean," says Frederick Morton, "a violence free Caribbean where Caribbean life is valued and we recognize that God has truly blessed us by placing us in his Caribbean Garden of Eden......We must be forever thankful and we must let the youth and everyone know that Badness has no place in this Garden....We must fight to ensure the
future of the Caribbean and that future rests with the youth.....so shout it loud from the mountain top so that all will hear:  ’BADNESS OUTTA STYLE.’"
Source: Tempo
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C Sharp releases new single–Don’t Come Searching
The Jamaican Band C Sharp is releasing a new single entitled Don’t Come Searching. C Sharp is known for producing outstanding and lasting music with a positive message and the new single is another example of their amazing musical talent.

The band formed in 2001 and has been touring the world since, representing Jamaica and Jamaican music. C Sharp has been performing internationally in countries such as Italy, Germany, Suriname as well as China. C Sharp has worked with some of Jamaica’s most renowned musicians and artistes such as Third World, Rita Marley, Tony Rebel and Taurus Riley to name a few.

C Sharp intend to be a piercing force cutting through the barriers of culture and ethnicity, travelling to the farthest parts of the world, not leaving any corner untouched and spreading a message of positivity, purity and strength. The motto of C Sharp is "Bringing People Together through Music". Following their motto C Sharp creates music that knows no boundaries, appeals to all people and moves across genres.

Don’t Come Searching is the latest single which will also be featured on the forthcoming album, scheduled to be released this summer. Don’t Come Searching will stick with you from the first time you hear the song. The music along with soulful voices and captivating lyrics and delivery makes this song one that you won’t forget as it will touch your soul.
Source: Heike Wollenweber
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Symphony Under The Stars
At the second annual ’Symphony Under The Stars,’ patrons were politely seated in rows of white chairs on the lawn of the Cable & Wireless National Golf Academy in New Kingston, for what was an elegant, classy, black-tie affair. On the evening of Saturday, March 15, guests were decked out in blinding white suits, tuxedos, cocktail and evening dresses for a night of tranquil, sophisticated entertainment.
Notable attendees of Symphony Under the Stars included Nina who is one of Richie Spice’s back-up singers, flamboyant artist LA Lewis; Sean Paul’s father Garth Henriques, Jnr.Gong Marley’s mother Cindy Breakspeare, Minister of Information and Culture - The Honourable Olivia "Babsy" Grange, and Billboard Magazine writer Pat Meschino.
The line up of supporting artists included Courtney John, who was attired in a black, pin-striped suit bejewelled with symmetrical rows of rhinestones. Courtney John (formerly known as Yogi) performed his hit, I go Crazy and songs from his new album, Unselfish.
Supporting artist, dapper Don, Da’Ville looked like a million dollars. He was decked out in a blazing white suit, with a coordinating cream white vest and tie, white pork pie hat, crisp white patent leather shoes and clear, futuristic Versace sunglasses. He wowed the crowd with his hit, Always on My Mind. The ladies in the audience swooned as he glided across the stage. His smooth, sexy dance steps harkened back to the height of the Motown Era.
Both Courtney John and Da’Ville have recently won ’Excellence in Music and Entertainment’ awards, presented last month in a ceremony by Jamaican radio host Richie B., of, Hot 102 fame.  Richie B., was also the host MC for Symphony Under the Stars.
Artists Duane Stephenson, Chalice, LUST, and AJ Brown rounded-out the event.  All five opening artists used the same backing musicians, in the band as well as the orchestra, and shared the same five harmony backing vocalists. This virtually eliminated the notoriously tedious set changes that tend to drag down other popular festivals. Each opening artist performed three songs, with the exception of AJ Brown and LUST, who performed an encore. The headliner for the evening was legendary Rhythm & Blues singer, Roberta Flack. 
 
Miss Roberta Flack looked radiant in a silk, fuchsia blouse and a black, multi-tiered, mermaid skirt, which showed off her svelte figure to a T. She played a black baby grand piano while performing her signature classic ballads, Killing me softly, and The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, which moved members of the audience to tears. She was accompanied by the masterful sounds of the New York orchestra, which was led by Jon Williams.
After the performance, Executive Producer Ruby M. Robinson of S.H.E.M. Music Production and Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett presented Roberta Flack with a hand made piece of artwork, which was created by production team-member Charl Baker. Ms. Baker was so touched by the experience, she burst into tears backstage. "I grew up listening to Roberta. To be able to give her a piece of my artwork was a dream come true."
Source: Brittany Somerset
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6 Questions with Chris Smith
Artist manager Chris Smith grew up in Jamaica before moving to Canada at age 12. Headquartered in Toronto with offices in New York and Kingston, Jamaica, his Chris Smith Management handles Canadian pop artist Nelly Furtado and such urban-styled Canadian acts as Jacksoul, Fefe Dobson, Jarvis Church, Saukrates, Tamia and KreeSha Turner.

Smith also owns Toronto-based/Universal Music Canada-distributed label Blacksmith Entertainment, with a roster of Divine Brown, Saukrates and Tamia, and the Kingston-based independent label Fiwi Music, with a roster including Jamaican reggae artists Courtney John and Al-Beeno.

Smith says Furtado’s Miami-recorded third album, Loose, has sold some 5 million copies worldwide. In the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan, sales are at 1.75 million, easily outstripping the 419,000 of its 2003 predecessor, Folklore, but some ways off the 2.47 million for her 2000 debut, Whoa Nelly!
What are the differences in managing artists today from when you started?

A decade ago, all I had to think about was what was right for my artists and how I could marry my artists to an established and successful system. Because of job insecurity and job instability with major-label staff today, I have to now manage my artists and both create and manage the system. Record companies are doing setups for singles. I’m doing career setups. You can’t expect labels to bring things to the table. You have to tell them what can be on the table, and how they can best go out and get it for your artists.

How can the major labels improve that situation?

Labels are chasing market shares and chart positions. They should stop spending stupid money on bullshit. They should stop doing favors for their friends by signing their crappy bands. They should stop spending money for ego reasons. These are exciting times if the industry corrects itself. I don’t care what the new face of the industry is. I just want to stare it in the eye and say, "Look, I’m in business."

Why tour the States now when Loose was released worldwide in June 2006?

The label wanted Nelly to tour the U.S. in the fall, but I felt the marketplace was saturated for her. We’re now touring at the riskiest point [in the album’s cycle], but four singles later we are still engaged in the marketplace, and fans really need that impression.

How did you plan the release of Loose?

I prioritized places that would give her a career build, particularly Europe. I knew that the U.S. would take longer. Still, I knew the U.S. market would have to stay engaged with her. I had her going into the U.S. [for promotion] every quarter. And you fight for [support]. The record company asks, "Why spend $300,000 when Nelly is recouped?" But I’m positioning her.

What challenges did you face with this album?

After Folklore, we were able to exhale. Nelly had proven everything—musically and emotionally—she needed to on her [first] two albums. With the third album, the challenge was whether we could have a consistent message that would be viewed by consumers as credible.

Were you worried Loose might fail after Folklore slumped?

It could have. Nelly and I knew this. But Nelly said to me, "I am giving you my life for one year. Tell me where I should be and I will be there." I literally then packed a bag and left Toronto for the road. I shook every hand and kissed every baby out there. I knew this was an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I now know I contributed to the album’s success by keeping everybody engaged and focused.
Source: Billboard
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Tour Calendar
ArtisteDateLocation
Sean PaulFri. Mar. 21Stade Municipale, Cameroon
AlaineFri. Mar. 21Club Tobago, NY
MungaFri. Mar. 21The Parrot, Queens, NY
LeftsideSat. Mar. 22Harbour Lites Courtyard, St. Croix
Sugar Ray & Conrad CrystalSat. Mar. 22Luzern, Swizerland
PressureSat. Mar. 22Dwight York Car Park, Tobago
Sugar Ray & Conrad CrystalFri. Mar. 28Zurich, Swizerland
AlaineSat. Mar. 29Club Solid Gold, Abaco, Bahamas
TessanneTues. Apr. 1Starzz Discotheque, Suriname
MungaFri. Apr. 4Lion’s Centre, Cayman
Sugar Ray & Conrad CrystalFril. Apr. 25Geneva, Swizerland

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On The Horizon

Friday March 21: Good Times, Margaritaville Ochi Rios

Tuesday March 25: Actor Boy Awards, Pantry Playhouse and Dinner Theatre

Tuesday March 25: Pan Magic Jam, Ligunea Club

Wednesday, March 26: Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz vs. Trinidad’s Soca Warriors, National Stadium

Sunday, April 27: Reggae on the Hill, Farley Hill, Barbados

Saturday May 3: Full Clip, Club Amazura, Queens New York

Saturday, May 31: Good Times, Mas Camp

June 26 - 28: St. Kitts Music Festival

Saturday August 30: Good Times, Mas Camp

Friday October 10: Good Times, Margaritaville

             DANGER ZONE: TAKING MUSIC TO A HIGHER LEVEL          
Danger Zone is destined to continue bringing unification through music.
Kingston, Jamaica:--The Danger Zone Music Group emerged in the year 2000 out of a need to provide positive and quality music to the masses. Headed by CEO Delmar Drummond aka ’Della Danger’ and with the Danger Zone Sound System as its nucleus, Danger Zone has over the last 6 years maintained a presence in the in the local and international music market churning out high quality music and managing some of the top reggae and dancehall artiste this side of the reggae and dancehall world.
Danger Zone currently has six top flight artistes on its roster, lead by  Ce’Cile and Jah Cure, Danger Zone’s success has proven that it has the level of professionalism and expertise to manage the careers of two of Jamaica’s most popular talents. Not to be outdone are the other artistes on the roster; Cutty Corn created waves last year with his breakout hit Lucky Day  and has shown that he staying power with singles such as No Boops  on the ’Solidarity Riddim’ and Call Me  on the ’Payback Riddim’. Cutty Corn has also been a regular on the local and international music scene with recent performances  at the Real Ting Café in Jacksonville Florida, Island explosion, Magnum GT Taylor’s Christmas Extravaganza and Guinness Sting 2007.
Another of the artistes signed to Danger Zone is veteran artiste Jigsy King who has maintained a presence on the Dancehall scene for many years. Jigsy King came on the scene with his smash hit Rail Up right out of the gate in 1993, his second big hit, Gal A Fuss Gal A Fight established him as a rising star, and the song’s combination of the ’matey’ phenomena with gritty commentary confirmed him as one of the best songwriters in dancehall till today. Recently Jigsy King has been busy both in the studio and on the stage with current  hits such as Pon Di Ends, Plant It and Show Off on the ’Journey’s Riddim’ as well as Extra Clip on the ’Sting 93 Riddim’ produced by Scatta.
Danger Zone is also nurturing new talent and has two of the most exciting new prospects on the dancehall scene. Rass Fraser and Mickey Pelpa are two of the young artistes on the Danger Zone Label, both are honing their skills and are destined to take the reggae world by storm.
Danger Zone Records is known for putting out quality music and over the years has released numerous tracks and tunes that have won the hearts of both local and international reggae fans. The latest riddim from Danger Zone is the ’Journeys’ Riddim’, Produced by Jigsy King, Della Danger  and Cecile. The Journey, features Journey by  Jah Cure, Cecile’s Ride or die, Plant It  by Jigsy King featuring Ce’Cile, Show Off  by Jigsy King & Tony Curtis, and Poochie Loo by Cutty Corn.
The Journeys Riddim follows on the successful heritage of Danger Zone which in 2007 premiered two hit riddims with numerous hit songs stemming from them. The ’Jamdown Riddim’ won the Best Reggae Compilation Album at the recent RIAJAM  awards giving Della Danger the  Executive Producer’s Award. Danger Zone also premiered the ’Payback Riddim’ which featured a good mix of 19 tracks featuring some of Jamaica’s hottest dancehall names.
Danger Zone continues to make good strides in the music industry. With top notch production and proven experience in artiste promotion and management, Danger Zone is destined to continue bringing unification through music.
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For Additional Information visit:
www.myspace.com/cecile
www.dangerzonemusicgroup.com
www.cecileflava.com
 Nesta
Assistant Publicist / Project Manager
ALYKHAT PR
Tel: 876-631-1148
Mobile: 876-850-6695
AlykhatPR@gmail.com  
http://alykhat.blogspot.com
http://www.myspace.com/alykhat

CURRENT CLIENTS
Kingston Beer’s Tuesday Night Live
Lutan Fyah
Rebelmix
Rootz Underground

CURRENT PROJECTS
Digicel Kick Start Football Clinics
Danger Zone Records - Jah Cure, CeCile
Magnum Kings & Queens of the Dancehall - Season 1
Sanjay - Lonely