Check out 18-year old Rose Codero from the Dominican Republic on Vogue Paris' March issue...
Photo source
Click HERE to see more!
Danger Zone Music Group wishes to express its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mikey Pelpa. Over the years Danger Zone has had a productive relationship with the artiste and is deeply saddened by his untimely passing. CEO of Danger Zone Music Group Delmar ‘Della Danger’ Drummond who was a friend of Mikey Pelpa summed up the mood in the camp: “Mikey Pelpa was one of the young artistes on the Danger Zone roster. Words can’t explain the grief that has gripped the Danger Zone family; we are yet to come to terms with the news of the death of this young talented artiste. All members of the team remember Mikey as an artiste who was trying to use music to bring people together and who believed in the vision of Danger Zone Music Group which is Unification Through Music. Danger Zone misses Mikey Pelpa”.
Mikey Pelpa is noted for his collaboration with Lymie Murray, Emergency on the ‘Jam Down’ rhythm, Parental Guide on the Cloud Nine rhythm, Say What U Want on the ‘Pay Back’ rhythm and his recent release Mama Don't Worry At All. He was acclaimed for his focus on family values and once revealed: "Di yute dem haffi show respect and remember seh dem parents a di real guide. Me never diss my mother yet cause a she a mi real inspiration and if the yute dem inna the society focus pon that and transfer it to dem brother then evil will cut in half".
According to The Jamaica Star, Pelpa (born Micheal Augustus Lynch) drowned while trying to escape US authorities after traveling from Bahamas to Fl coast by boat.
Some scenes from Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too were shot in The Bahamas. Can't wait to see part Too. looks even better than the first!
Tyler Perry speaking at press conference in Bahamas
Hot daayyyuuum! This woman is 42 years old and fly as heck... Diamond still got it going on....
Click HERE for more pics!
Log on to www.EstelleMusic.com THIS FRIDAY, February 26 at 4pm EST for the WORLD PREMIERE of Estelle's new single "FREAK"!
"FREAK" was produced by David Guetta and is off of Estelle's new album "All of Me", coming soon! Also the "FREAK" track, extended dance mix and "FREAK" tank will be available to buy exclusively on www.EstelleMusic.com for $19.99! Get a sneak peek of the making of the "FREAK" video above, and make sure you log on Friday for the single premiere!
Continuing with our Reggae Month feature, we speak to one of the hottest acts in Reggae right now, Daniel "Chino" McGregor. Son of Freddie McGregor, and brother to Stephen "Di genius" McGregor and Shema McGregor he definitely knows the business. I think he can speak for the new generation of artists that are coming up the ranks. He is his own man, so don't expect his answers to mirror those of his dad ok....Read de ting den!
1. Do you remember your first introduction to Reggae music?
Wow my first introduction to Reggae music. I don’t think there’s a first that I can recall. Reggae for me, was quite different –I literally grew up around the music and around Reggae. Yeah, I was basically born in Reggae. So I can’t really recall a first introduction.
2. When people think of Reggae they generally think Bob Marley, peace, positive vibrations, conscious lyrics. How do YOU define Reggae and what does it mean to you?
Reggae, is…not just Reggae—Jamaican music on a whole, is a narration of what takes place in Jamaica, in our country, in our culture. Reggae music is basically what’s happening at the time. If you listen to Bob Marley’s catalogue, he is basically singing and talking about what is taking place in Jamaica at the time; Dennis Brown—same ting. Fast forward our current state of Reggae, Bounty Killa, for example, is talking about what is taking place in his current time; Mavado, for example; us—so Reggae music is definitely a reflection of what is happening at the moment.
3. I personally think that Reggae is a lot about saying what you mean and meaning what you say. Do you feel any pressure from the commercialization of music to say things just to sell records?
Well me personally, I don’t, because the type of music I make is very melodic, for one—very lyrical, very catchy. Some people classify it as Reggae or Dancehall Pop. BUT, at the same time it’s not watered-down. It touches all the social issues. Everything that’s taking place, but it’s still fun, you dance to it. As I say, its catchy- the little kids can catch it, the corporate world run with it and gravitate to it so I don’t really have a problem as far as that’s concerned.
4. Are there any trends in the industry that you welcome and/or that you would like to see go away?
Any trends??? Umm, I mean I don’t think that is for me to say. Variety is the spice of life, you need everything and everything is there for a reason. You need a little bit of this, a little bit of that. That’s what full up the whole puzzle anyway. I can’t really be the one to bash anything. I mean certain things are on the positive note, certain things are on somewhat of a negative note, but you need variety. That’s why for example when you have a stage show you need a Sizzla, you need an Elephant Man, you need a Mavado, you need a Freddie McGregor, you need a John Holt.
5. What would you say is your greatest contribution to Reggae music thus far?
My greatest contribution so far is just putting out positive music on the basis where everybody can relate and gravitate to it—the streets, the hardcore fan base, the little kids. I find a lot of parents come to me and say “Woaw my little 2-year old or 3-year old son or daughter is singing every line from “From Mawnin” or “Woman Pon Your Head,” “Protected,” for example. So that within itself is something great. I’m doing something good.
6. Reggae has been blended with so many genres from opera to Rock and Roll, to Hip-Hop and even Bhangra. Is this a plus for the industry or a loss of some sort?
It’s definitely a plus. Music has no limits or boundaries and that’s what for myself and us here at Big Ship, has always been our ting. We merge and fuse different genres. So when you hear our music, you’re gonna hear elements of Jazz, elements of Rock, elements of R&B, Hip-Hop, Blues, Country, you name it… You shouldn’t be afraid to experiment and explore with the music.
7. Is Reggae month really necessary? What meaning does it hold for you?
Reggae month-yeah it’s definitely necessary. I’m happy it’s in the month of February—it’s also black history month. When you look at a globe or an atlas and you look at Jamaica, it’s just a little, small dot. BUT, our music, called Reggae coming out of this island is very powerful and it impacts so greatly on and throughout the whole world; so it’s important to have a month where we emphasize that strength and reflect on our cultural music—where it came from, where it currently is and where it should be heading.
Click HERE to find out what he likes do do when he's alone.... did you know he likes Valentino cologne???
Recently, I stopped over at Big Ship Studios to catch up with Freddie McGregor and get his take on the growth of the Reggae industry over the decades and his take on it's current state. I couldn't think of a better person to speak on the industry than him. He's been in the biz since age seven and has worked with just about everyone, traveled around the globe as a reggae ambassador and his children are now following in his steps as Reggae heavy hitters themselves. Chino is a chart-topping singjay, his son Stephen is the hottest producer in Jamaica right now and his daughter Shema has the voice of an angel:-)
This is Reggae royalty talking to you here, read on and get educated:
1. Do you remember your first introduction to Reggae music?
Yes. My first introduction was in 1963 when I first went to Coxsone's Studio One (the first black-owned studio in Jamaica) on Brentford Road in Kingston 13. I had hooked up with a group called The Clarendonians, true we came from the same place in Clarendon, and Ernie and myself we went to the same primary school. So he knew of me and that’s how we hooked up. Then it was time for a recording session for them in Kingston and I accompanied them.
2. When people think of Reggae they generally think Bob Marley, peace, positive vibrations, conscious lyrics. How do YOU define Reggae and what does it mean to you?
That’s what it really means to people worldwide, I think they are being honest in saying that, because that is what grabbed the interests of people overseas. The love, the culture that we spread through our music. People became fascinated with that, hence the reason Bob Marley became so powerful among other artists. A lot of us are known for both our lover’s side and our conscious side, but that’s what we do and offer-part of who we are.
3. I personally think that Reggae is a lot about saying what you mean and meaning what you say. Do you feel any pressure from the commercialization of music to say things just to sell records?
No, because we try to beat down the system every chance we get. Every wrongdoing we see, we try express it through song. So, we are that kind of people. We fight for the oppressed.
4. Are there any trends in the industry that you welcome and/or that you would like to see go away?
Um, there are a number of them that I do admire and there are some that could go away. Of course like most things, everything is not going to be perfect and that’s why we are here, to keep fighting so we can organize ourselves as a people and a nation; through music, through whatever form. Not all things we can change, some things we can try and control--we should try and control; but I don’t think we’ll be able to change it in its entirety.
5. What would you say is your greatest contribution to Reggae music thus far?
I would hope that my contribution would be viewed as one who has contributed in many different ways to our music especially and our culture. We have put in a lot of work from 1963 to 2010. That’s many years; and we fought vigorously for the music to become what it is today and to have reached where it is right now. A lot of people wouldn’t understand that from just being out there enjoying what we do. But to understand the struggles that we’ve been through,for example, you’re in a foreign country and the promoter just run off with the money.Your ticket is booked to go back tomorrow, and if you don’t go back tomorrow that’s the end of your ticket. So you very well have to just hold a stiff face, go back to your hotel room—if you have one, and make your way to the airport tomorrow.But those are our struggles, among other things, and we’ve been through a lot of it, just for the sake of the music
6. Reggae has been blended with so many genres from opera to Rock and Roll, to Hip-Hop and even Bhangra. Is this a plus for the industry or a loss of some sort?
It has been a plus, because as a people we know we came here through slavery and so the culture, the tradition passes on and fortunately for us we can pick up pretty much from where we first started which has not been many years compared to certain countries who have thousands of years of history. Ours- we can go back to just over 400 years which is not that far away down the road. So it is easier to associate where we are with where we started the question is where we should be going.
7.Is Reggae month really necessary? What meaning does it hold for you?
Reggae month is very necessary, very essential. It is something that could become really powerful for our country. If we market Reggae Month properly it will be a huge success. This is a time period in our country where we can pull loads of foreigners here for a celebration. A month-long celebration all across the island-Fiwisinting, just about all the events that we’ve done. If we are able to get proper advertising and marketing, we can pull this off. We have the artists, the talent, this is Jamaica, this is Reggae country, this is Reggae Month. We can plan our activities, we can pull all the foreigners here and they would be happy to be here to support and to come to all the events-dance, Kumina, so many different types going on within Reggae Month that it would eventually become a big tourist attraction for our country. (Of course it would benefit inside Jamaica through the people who put on the events, but the Jamaican public in general, what’s the benefit for them?) The benefit would be-a lot of the activities that we’ve done are free. I don’t know that all the activities would be. We culminate Reggae Month with a JARIA award to people who we think have contributed to Reggae over the years and presently. It wouldn’t necessarily go well with the current-day awards, as they tend to honor the people who are current today. But there are people who have done the work, some have gone ahead but they deserve to be awarded
Click HERE to read Freddie's 20 Questions Interview!
Life after jail is looking real good for Shyne who just signed a 7 -figure deal with Def Jam. LA Reid recently flew via private jet to Belize to finalize contract details and put pen to paper! Remember Shyne is not allowed into the US, so I guess Belize was a good a location as any.
First Lisa Hype, then Gaza Kim, now Black Rhyno is the latest to break ties with the Portmore Empire.
According to Jamaica Observer online:
Deejay Black Rhyno, yesterday confirmed reports that he has severed ties with the Vybz Kartel-led Portmore Empire.
"I just want to make it known that I am no longer a member of the Empire," Rhyno told the Observer during a telephone interview.
The deejay, whose real name is Romane Anderson, is most known for his track Bike Back on Russian's Strip Club Riddim, and is said to be one of the Empire's biggest money makers, outside of the self-proclaimed Gaza president, Kartel.
However, Rhyno has dismissed reports that his split with the Empire has anything to do with money.
"I know it has been said that there has been some money issues with me and the Empire, but I want to state clearly that it has absolutely nothing to do with money," the deejay said.
On Monday, the Gaza machinery, in reacting to reports that both Black Rhyno and the Empire's other rising star Jahvinci had left the crew, denied that anything was amiss.
According to a spokesman, Rhyno and Jahvinci were happy with their arrangements. "They are happy, their parents are happy and those around them are also happy, and they say the funds are rolling in as required," the spokesman said.
When contacted, Vybz Kar tel's publicist said a statement would be released soon.Source
Check out Sean Paul performing "So Fine" and "Prees It Up" live from Ouagadougu, Burkina Faso
Rihanna at her 22nd birthday party.
Click HERE to see how some other Feb. born stars celebrated!
Kanye launched his new website KanyeWest.com and guess who's pic is the header:::: the woman known as the bald-headed beast-Amber Rose. She is definitely chanelling Grace Jones in the pic....and damn she looks good! That being said, it lacks the power of Grace's pic....nice effort though.
Photo source
LIME in Association with..CVM TV, SOLID AGENCY & BIG YARD Presents...
***AID HAITI TELETHON***
WHEN: SUNDAY FEB 28TH
TIME: 1PM-6: 50PM
*** THIS TELETHON WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON CVM TV ***
TIME: 1PM-6: 50PM
*** THIS TELETHON WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON CVM TV ***
~::~ Performance from a Host Of Dancehall, Reggae & Soca Superstars including ~::~
SHAGGY // ALISON HINDS // ETANA // MARCIA GRIFFITHS // TARRUS RILEY // DEMARCO // G WHIZZ // WASP // ALAINE // CHRIS MARTIN // FREDDIE MCGREGOR // ELEPHANT MAN // ASSASSIN...and more!
Sponsored By:
HILTON KINGSTON HOTEL // LIME // WYSINCO // CVM // SOLID AGENCY & BIG YARD
**Stay Tuned For More Updates On How You Can Make Your Donations To The People Of HAITI....
"It's a girl, Violet will be her first name," Tarrius Nash AKA The Dream revealed to MTV News. "I'm not telling you the middle name, you gon' get me in trouble." Still, with all the excitement a new couple experiences with their first child, Dream said it's business as usual in the Nash household.
Photo source
According to him his wife Christina Milian should give birth by this Sunday. We wish them all the best!
Read the rest of the interview with MTV News HERE.
You can download all of Rihanna's live performances on her AOL Rude Boy Sessions
Click HERE to view Rihanna perform on AOL and for download link!
Leona has some good fashion days and a SET of bad ones. This is a good day. See more pics HERE.
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This Saturday Feb. 27th Wyclef Jean will be honored at the Harvard Foundation's Cultural Rhythms award ceremonywhere he will receive the honor for Artist Of The Year 2010.
Read about it on the Harvard Gazette website!
My girl Barbi is featured on the hook of Laden's latest track called "Can You Manage It?" It was recorded at Big Ship Studios and released today. Gwann girl song maaaaadddd!!! LOL....listen to it below
Oh yeah and Mavado, Aidonia, chino, Cham, Beenie Man Busy Signal and more are on it click HERE to listen!
As you can see a set of man....I would have liked to hear Denyque on this track...some food for thought guys!
Jamaican Dancehall sensation Clifford Smith AKA Mr. Vegas, with mega hits Heads High, I Am Blessed and Do You Know, is the second Jamaican Artists to be banned from performing in Grenada by the 19-month old NDC administration, in less than a year.
The popular entertainer was scheduled to perform in Grenada for the first time in just under two years at the popular Karma night club in St. Georges Grenada, on Sat Feb 27th 2010.
According to the promoter of the event Steve Duncan, this one came as a shock. No specific reasons were given by the Ministry of Labour for the refusal of the work permits.
Inside sources has hinted that the refusal may have been as a result of one particular song from the Artists which contains derogatory remarks about women that behave in a negative manner.
Mr. Vegas has recorded over four popular dancehall/reggae Albums to date.
Duncan also stated that over $30,000.00 was already invested in bookings and promotions for the event, and that no indication of a problem was hinted when the application for the work permit was made some four weeks ago.
When asked about how this development was going to impact on his business in these difficult times, his response was simply “devastating”. “If this Government is placing a ban on a particular number of Caribbean Artists, then that should be public knowledge and should be brought to the attention of the promoters when the application for the work permit is made, says Duncan, one of Grenada’s most popular event promoters and owner of the Islands largest nightclub, Karma. “I sought to get an explanation from the Minister of Labour, Honorable Carl Hood, and to explain my plight, only to have the phone hung up on me. This is not the first time that this has happened”.
Just recently a similar complaint was given by manager of a local night club in the south of the island.
MINISTER OF LABOUR'S TAKE ON ISSUE
Minister for Labour, Hon Karl Hood says the Government of Grenada has not banned any regional artiste from performing in Grenada.
Minister Hood said his ministry has no difficulties with regional performers displaying their expertise and talents in Grenada. However, he says, his ministry has attempted to ensure that proper procedures are followed by promoters wanting work permits for artistes booked to hold concerts in Grenada.
“The issue has nothing to do with Mr. Vegas as an artiste. Our Ministry met with the promoters and agreed to the procedures for performers to receive work permits. These procedures are designed to give the Ministry the requisite time to vet the requests and allow the promoter time to advertise his event,” Minister Hood said.
He noted that some promoters have not adhered to the rules and have continued with last minute requests for work permits, even though they signed contracts with the artistes and have been advertising their events for months.
He said the procedures call for promoters to contact the Ministry of Labour for work permits once they agree to a contract with an artiste to perform in Grenada.
Read the rest HERE.LISTEN TO VEGAS'S INTERVIEW WITH MIKEY HUTCHINSON ABOUT THE MATTER (below)
Source
Love is still in the air after Valentine's day as the dynamic duo of Jammy James aka Jam 2 and Camar aka Flavaunit now known as JAM 2 Productions has released their first single for 2010 on their "Love Potion" riddim with the ever talented Pressure Bus Pipe with a song entitled "All Is Well".
Jam 2 and Camar of Jam 2 ProductionsThis one is fresh from the pipes, creatively composed by two masterminds in production. Jam 2 & Camar are more known for their previous chart topping hit with "Nah Go A Jail" by Busy Signal. Now, they are back and from all indications from this single, "All Is Well" indeed. Pressure fuses his seductive vocals with Jam 2 Productions' "Love Potion" to create a love ballad that speaks to a relationship between a man & a woman that is not perfect, but "All Is Well".
Pressure Buss PipeJam 2 & Flava have been busy the past couple of months in Florida at the famed Hit Factory studio where they were in studio with the likes of T-Pain, Lil Wayne working on his Carter 4 album and had previously released a single "Trust Me" by Brooke Hogan. Now they are back to their 'home base' at the legendary King Jammy's studio, in Waterhouse, Jamaica where they are working on stellar productions which are expected to hit the market this first quarter of 2010.
Jam 2 Productions are increasing the pressure and are about to buss the music production barriers with productions that are fused with all genres and cultures in one. With the release of this single, "All Is Well" coming from the camp it is expected that this production will rise to the top of the charts.
Here's a shot of Macka Diamond and some of her guests (that's G-Whizz in the red shirt) at the launch of Macka Diamod's The Real Gangster's Wife on Friday Feb. 18th in Kingston.
Click HERE to see pics!
Look it's Joey Steven's Bird from OnceCaribbeanWeather.com in Dominica for Real Mas 2010...
See who else was there enjoying the sights and sounds. Click HERE
Jamaica originally had two skiers training for the 21st Winter Olympics in Vancouver Gregg Samuels and Errol Kerr. The later took part and placed ninth out of 31 of the worlds top skiers in the world. Congrats to you and Jamaicac!
Read his reaction to the news on The Gleaner site by clicking HERE!
Nicki Minaj has been named as the new host, well co-host really, of BET's Rip the Runway.
Joining co-host Pooch Hall, known widely for his stint as "Derwin Davis" on 'The Game," Minaj will highlight "fierce fashion" and "hot performances" according to organizers. An annual fashion event, 'Rip The Runway' highlights the best in fashion from designers Tracey Reese, Tennille White, Miva, Gavin Douglass, and Protege. Given the theme "Music Moving Fashion Forward," this year's 'Rip The Runway' will feature performances from Janelle Monae, Estelle, Ludacris, Roscoe Dash, Soulja Boy and Grand Hustle's B.o.B.
Of course, yes she's going to perform. I mean come on. She's growing on me....hope she rocks the mike....
'Rip The Runway' will air on BET this Spring.
Leandra Lander Miss Dominica 2007, will be taking part in the Miss University Of The West Indies (UWI) Mona pageant on March 7th. She is asking fans and friends alike to vote for her to be in the top five via text messaging. 
Though the number is not yet available, she wants the public to know of the event and be ready to vote for her as soon as it is. Currently, Leandra who represents Mary Seacole Hall is eighth out of ten contestants.
No stranger to pageants, Leandra has won Miss Dominica 2007, Miss Caribbean Culture (St. Kitts and Nevis), Miss Carival (St. Vincent) and Miss Jaycees Queen (Antigua) pageants all in the same year. She is not over-confident though as she states that "It is still a learning process and she is approaching it seriouly and without complacence."
Coronation night is March 7th 2010. Miss UWI Mona is open to full and part-time students of the campus. Leandra is seeking a Bachelor of Education in Geography.
Remember: “Contestant number 8: going to make it fabulous and great.”
ImageNation Cinema Foundation and the Film Society at Lincoln Center present the New York premiere of Rise Up, a journey into the heart of Jamaica, where talent abounds and opportunity is scarce. Three distinct and courageous artists fight to rise up from obscurity and write themselves into the pages of history. With music and appearances by legends Lee “Scratch” Perry, Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, and a slew of soon-to-be superstars, including Turbulence, RiseUp follows artists in the streets, back alleys and crowded dancehalls of the cities as well as the countryside. These artists demonstrate the raw power of hope and courage in a land which is largely unseen, but certainly not unsung
Click HERE for ticket and more info!
My girl Barbi and I hit up Quad nightclub in New Kingston on Saturday night and waw I must EXCLAIM! That was one of my most fun nights since arriving in Jamaica. I don't know if it was because it was a break in my long hours of studying ( I only stayed two hours, unlike some people who had to close down de place, eh Barbi...lol), whatever it was, I was happy for it
Big up to the DJs who kept the hits coming on both floors: Coppershot, DJ Shine, DJ Charm, DJ Charisma. Big ups also to house DJ-DJ Kevin.
I will definitely be back. Gotta say thanks Barbi!
Comfortel de Champs has agreed to pay Mark off Music publishing Co. $27, 000 in compensation and legal costs for copyright infringement of three songs belonging to its claimants Mc Carthy and Ophelia Marie.
Ya and I got this pic off her FB page...that's her performing at her 30th Anniversary celebration at Krazy Koconuts.
Photo source
These charges arose due to specific acts of infringement committed in the making and posting of videos to the defendants’ website as well as video hosting sites YOUTUBE and METACAFE:
Read the full article HERE.
BeneTton is looking for new faces for its 2010 Fall/Winter Campaign...and guess what???? You can be from ANYWHERE in the world.....so islanders this just might be a break for one of ya'll....
According to the OFFICIAL CONTEST SITE:
.
IT’S MY TIME is a Global Casting Competition
It's not about catwalk cliches and model attitude.
We’re looking for natural beauty and fresh faces.
Build your profile and vote for the finalists.
The 100 highest voted entries get featured in our new book on global style and win 200 euro to spend in Benetton.
From these, 20 will be selected and flown to New York to be in the Benetton 2010 Fall/Winter campaign.
We don't care where you're from, only where you can go.
Now IT'S MY TIME
Jean Paul Jean-Paul Jean-Paul....you seemed sooo bashful that day you passed by my flat on Rex....I guess us girls put you under the spotlight...But we had good reason huh???? Look at these pics ladies, can you blame us?????
Click HERE to vote for him:-)
The MAKE A FILM IN 24 HOURS competition of the Reggae Film Festival 2010 begins Monday, February 24 at 8:30 a.m. when Registration will commence at the Hilton Kingston Hotel. The competition invites Jamaica-based film makers -- professionals or amateurs -- to use film, video or cell phone cameras to make a 5 minute film in 24 hours, beginning on Monday and finishing on Tuesday morning, February 23.
The competition will be moderated by film and TV director Rick Elgood, ('Me an Mi Krew'). Entries will be shown during the REGGAE FILM FESTIVAL 2010 and prizes will be awarded.
All production in the 24 Hours Film Competition must take place in 24 hours only. To ensure that no pre-filming takes place before the competition begins, entrants will be informed one hour before the competition starts of a Theme and/or Element that must be incorporated in their film.
Films must be 5 minutes long, submitted in mini-DV, DVD or DATA-mpeg and contain no explicit sexual, violent or illegal images. Ten films will be selected for final awards using a judging criteria of 25% for Story, 40% for Directing, Editing and Cinematography, 20% for Production Values and 15% for Acting/Presenter.
Films will be shown at the Reggae Film Festival on each night's programme and become part of the travelling showcase 'The Best of the Reggae Film Festival' to be presented in Montego Bay, Miami and California. Winning film makers will receive 50% of net proceeds of any sales for internet streaming, pay-per-view broadcast or as part of a DVD collection put on sale by the Jamaica Film Academy.
4:53pm on January 12, 2010 marks the historic moment when a nation’s capital was reduced to dust and rubble.
It took a catastrophe to remind us of our Haitian neighbors and the voices of the Haitian people must now be heard.
The Jamaican Music Fraternity has heard their call, and has come together through the combined efforts of Producer Handel Tucker (Jamaican Groove Society), songwriter Raymond Azan (For Jamaica Inc.) and brand specialist Andrea Davis (International Reggae Day) to sing a song which asks each one of us, world citizens, to listen! By dedicating the profits from the sale of this song to Haiti’s recovery and rehabilitation, the goal is to provide a way for all of us to help, not just today, but for years to come.
Listen! is a call to action. Listen... and hear the voices of the hurt, the starving, the lost, the old; those in need of medicine, food, education and hope. Listen 2 the Call! And act.
Listen 2 the Call - 4:53” is a special mix of the song, which runs for four minutes and fifty three seconds.
This version will premiere globally on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 4:53pm to commemorate the killer 7.0 quake that devastated the Haitian capital, and offer encouragement and support to the people of Haiti.
The vision for the February 23rd launch of this song is for the Global Village to broadcast, in resounding stereo, one sentiment: "YES, WE HEAR YOU! Yes! We will help! You are not alone!":A message of love, hope and solidarity to the people of Haiti and all over the world who need help.
“The creation of the song was based on my own challenges and dilemma. When you are confronted with a decision to help others, it is so easy to walk away. But its not for someone else to deal with the issue – I need to deal with the issue,” says Raymond Azan, songwriter/composer of “Listen 2 the Call”, a song he wrote in March 2009. “The majority of people in this world have an honest sense of good and just need to see a pathway to get onboard.” The idea is that in this digital age, this song project can provide a vehicle to raise money to assist the victims of the quake, not just now, but during the coming years as they rebuild their nation.
“When you sing a song to strengthen someone, it’s not just for today, it is for generations to come. [This] music will live with them for the rest of their lives,” says Luciano, one of the first voices on the song. This sentiment is echoed by dub poet Mutabaruka who agrees that there is also a great sense of fulfillment derived from participating “in the musical journey to see what the music can do… not only to give a kind of strength but also ‘upliftment’ to those who listen.”
“Listen 2 the Call” is a special musical gift from Jamaica to Haiti with Love, and is being made possible through the kind contribution of more than 30 of Jamaica’s top artistes and musicians collaborating on one song.
For a brief overview of the creative direction of the project, please visit our YouTube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/listen2thecall
To participate in the Global Simulcast Premiere on Tuesday, February 23rd, please visit www.listen2thecall.com to register to download the song.
Click on the clocks to synchronize with Haiti for Broadcast - Downloads of the Song and Video will be available from 12:00 noon, Haiti Time on Tuesday, February 23, 2010.
You mi want every body dun know/ ah you alone can make me feel Oh so Good/uh-uh-uh Oh so Good yah.....Tell me you've heard this catchy Soca err Reggae chune.....LOL...so really which is it??? Soca or Reggae? Well that is all part of the discussion that we are continuing here in our special Reggae month feature. What is Reggae? Is it still Reggae when it's fused with other genres? These are some of the issues we touch in our special 20 Questions feature during the month of February. Let's see what Denyque Dontre, rising Reggae star and the face of Wray and Nephew has to say about it.
1. Do you remember your first introduction to Reggae music?
I was a toddler bobbing my head to Bob Marley tunes. Haha. My mom would listen to them most times & I grew to love them.
2. When people think of Reggae they generally think Bob Marley, peace, positive vibrations, conscious lyrics. How do YOU define Reggae and what does it mean to you?
For me, Reggae is definitely a means of emotional expression. Recent reggae/culture songs have a lot of depth & emotion and I think that's what I love so much about it. Eg. I-Octane's song Lose A Friend.. Amazing song.
3. I personally think that Reggae is a lot about saying what you mean and meaning what you say. Do you feel any pressure from the commercialization of music to say things just to sell records?
I think a lot of records do just that but reggae is just more straight forward. I feel no pressure whatsoever right now because music is a medium of expression.
4. Are there any trends in the industry that you welcome and/or that you would like to see go away?
I definitely welcome the trends that make sense.
5. What would you say is your greatest contribution to Reggae music thus far?
I would say the connection people have with my music. I love how I have grown & continue to grow in the industry. Always giving thanks!
6. Reggae has been blended with so many genres from opera to Rock and Roll, to Hip-Hop and even Bangra. Is this a plus for the industry or a loss of some sort?
It's always a plus in my eyes because we as a people, especially musically, love when we can vibe certain things & break new ground.
7. Is Reggae month really necessary? What meaning does it hold for you?
It does have it's place. For me Reggae Month means going back to your roots & it's my birth month soo I'm not complaining :)
Click HERE to read Denyque's bio, listen to her music and see what she responds to our 20 Questions!
Atunyah I just LOOOOVVVVEEEE your album cover! And I can't wait to get my copy! Meantime people check out the first single and title track off Rejoice. Click HERE for it!
AliciaKeys.com is giving a select number of tickets away for her upcoming "Freedom Tour."
I love the colours of Alicia's "Put It In A Love Song" official single cover.Subscribers to Alicia's mailing list will be among the first to be notified when new ticketing opportunities arise, so make sure you're signed up.
The first giveaway is for the March 3rd Chicago, IL show at the Allstate Arena. To enter, simply comment on this news post. Winners will be selected at random at least 72 hours prior to the show.
Click HERE for all the legal mumbo jumbo....
With already 2 Reggae Music Achievement Awards under her belt, Tanya Mullings is up for 3 nominations for the 2010 RMAA's.
The show will be held in Toronto on June 12th at the Jamaican Canadian Association, 995 Arrow Road.
She is nominated in the categories for Artist Of The Year, Best Female Vocalist, and Best Reggae Single “Breaking Up” a single she recorded in tribute to the late great Alton Ellis.
You can vote for Tanya HERE!
For show info visit www.reggaemusicachievementawards.com
myspace.com/tanyamullings
Check out her tribute to Alton Ellis called "Breaking Up"
The Caribbean's most original carnival The Real Mas has come to an end. Ya'll this took a minute to do so make me feel good and check out the galleries from the various sites that covered carnival 2010 in Dominica aight! Marcia Baptiste from the city of Portsmouth is Dominica’s 2010 Carnival Queen. She also won the titles of Miss Photogenic , Best Performing Talent, and Best in Evening Wear. Dana Augustine came in as the first runner up while second runner-up went to Kristelle Fagan. Best in Costume and Best Costume went to Amy Polydore. Dana Augustine took the award for Best Swimwear, Best Evening Wear went to Clarissa Nicholls, and Kristelle Fagan got the award for the Best Response To Question. From all accounts it was a fairly-judged show
Photo source
CALYPSO KING
Karessah has retained his calypso monarch title.
Daryl ‘The Bobb’ Bobb got first-runner-up, Tasha ‘Tasha P’ Peltier got second runner-up and Dave ‘Soul Puss’ Pascal got third runner-up.
Photo source
The other participants were: Davidson ‘Observer’ Victor; Chester ‘Daddy Chess’ Letang; Marja ‘Lady Star’ Jeffers; Cecil ‘Checker’ Burnette; Murphy ‘Sye’ Jno Jules; and Joey ‘Explosion’ Lloyd.
ImagesDominica (click)
Dominica News Online (click)
PartyDominica.com (click)
DominicaWeekly.com (click)
ROAD MARCH KING
Calypsonian Murphy “Sye” Jno Jules of Salisbury has won the Road March King title with his controversial ‘Dr. Finger.'
Photo source
CARNIVAL QUEEN
Photo source
Images Dominica Queen Show Pics (click)
Dominica News Online Queen Show Pics (click)
TheRealMas.com
PartyDominica.com (click)
DominicaWeekly.com (click)
TEENAGE PAGEANT
Fifteen-year-old Colette Ambo brought the crown back to the Convent High School (CHS) when she won the 2010 National Teenage Pageant on Sunday night at the Pottersville Savannah.
This is the CHS’s second consecutive win. Last year’s winner was Kelcia Righton.
Photo source
TheRealMas.com (click)
DominicaWeekly.com (click)
DominicaSource.com (click)
CARNIVAL PRINCESS
Newly crowned Carnival Princess, ten-year-old Selena Cuffy of the Convent
Preparatory School, has advised young girls who may wish to compete in national pageants to reach for the stars.
Source
JUNIOR MONARCH
The Professor retains his crown!
TheRealMas.com (click)
BOUYON FEST
MFR hottin up de place!!!!!
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OOOOHH! It's Mr. Benji N2O from Triple Kay Band
Photo source
TheRealMas.com (click)
JOUVERT
Photo source
Images Dominica (click)
Dominica Newsonline.com (click)
PartyDominica.com (click)
MONDAY (T-SHIRT)
CWK for Liiiifffffeeeee!!!!! Big uup to de Original. Reginal....Bouyon Band!
Photo source
Images Domiinica (click)
DominicaNewsOnline.com (click)
PartyDominica.com (click)
DominicaWeekly.com (click)
TUESDAY
Photo source
Images Dominica Pics (click)
DominicaNewsOnline.com (click)
Party Dominica.com Costume Parade (click)
PartyDominica.com Last Lap (click)
DominicaWeekly.com (click)
Carnival Queen Facebook page
Dominica.dm
Go to DominicaCarnival.com to see their Gallery
arperSport has acquired two books by Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, the three-time Olympic gold medallist.
Jonathan Taylor, publishing director of Harper NonFiction, bought world rights in a deal brokered with Bolt's representatives by Chris Nathaniel of NVA Management. The books were bought for an undisclosed sum.
Taylor said: "Welcoming Usain into the HarperSport fold is a huge thrill and a real privilege. He is the most iconic sports star on the planet and our global publishing plans for him are exciting and extensive."
The first book will be an illustrated title, due to be published in October 2010. Described as "an illustrative narrative celebration", it will look at Bolt's record breaking career to date, his Caribbean roots and what inspires and motivates him.
The second book will be a full-length autobiography, which will be published in autumn 2012, shortly after the Olympic Games in London.
Click HERE for the full story.
Nas pled not guilty to contempt of court, based on charges from his wife (through her lawyers) that he has failed to pay $200,000 in court ordered child and spousal support.
The couple split up while Kelis was seven months pregnant with their son Kinght and he was ordered to pay $51,000.00 a month in child and spousal support.
The judge will make his decision in March and if Nas is found guilty he will join a list of hip-hop stars who are going to jail this year.
Das menions his problems with his ex on his track with Damian Marley entitled "Strong Will Continue." In it he says, “How in the hell am I supposed to stay comfy/ When I pay child support, alimony monthly…” “So I’ve stuck with some married women so fine, cheating while their husband rushing on the 40-yard line/ Wonder if this is what my ex did the whole time….”
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