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???

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!

The Youth View Awards were held ant the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston Jamaica last Saturday (Feb 6th). It was hosted by Teyanna Taylor, Chino and Lady Rennae. New Boyz (they sing that song "You're a Jerk") performed as did Aidonia, Beenie Man, Elephant Man, Chino ("Protected" and "From Mornin" my favs). To -Isis sang their version of "I Can Transform Ya" which I am sorry I missed cause I like it, and I am sure Trevor Off Key AKA ZJ Bambino was a trip, Tessanne Chin also performed as well.

Denyque rocking the red carpet at tge Youth View Awards 2010. Lookin good girl! She performed "Can't Breathe" and "Oh So Good" at the event!

Up-and-coming artist Denyque presenting the award for Best Team

List of winners:

Favourite Music Video: Holiday (Ding Dong and Chevaughn)

Sound of the Year: Renaissance Disco

Best Dance Group: Sample Six

Best Chart-topping Song: Love Dem (Vybz Kartel)

Favourite Local Sports Team: Reggae Boyz

Favourite Artiste of the Year: Tifa

Favourite Artiste of the Year (male): Vybz Kartel

Favourite Group: Voicemail

Cultural Artiste of the Year: Tarrus Riley

Producer of the Year: Stephen McGregor

Favourite Local International Act: Sean Paul

Favourite Male Dancer: Ding Dong

Favourite Female Dancer: Mystic

Gospel Artiste of the Year: DJ Nicholas

Favourite Radio Personality: ZJ Liquid

Best Fashion Icon (female): D' Angel

Best Fashion Icon (male): Beenie Man

Best Local Clothing Brand: Cooyah

Favourite Entertainment Show: Review

Best Female Artiste: Tifa

Best Male Artiste: Vybz Kartel

Favourite Video Director: Jay Will

Favourite Female Sports Personality: Shelly-Ann Fraser

Favourite Male Sports Personality: Usain Bolt

Young Hot and Hype Female: Tifa

Young Hot and Hype Male: Chino

Freddie McGregor, I am sure, is a beaming dad. His son's Stephen, Chino and daughter Shema (CAAANNNNOOOTT WWAAAAAAIIIITTTT for her album, I love her voice man!) are definitely making positive waves on the music scene. The focus here is on Chino, who recently released a video:

Click HERE to see Chino's video for "Never Change (From Mawnin)"