Business interests are expecting this year’s Reggae Sumfest to bring a significant jolt to the Montego Bay economy, which should also extend to the wider Jamaica. It is being seen as a welcome ease to the current economic crunch and a catapult for more growth.
Each year, the world- renowned Festival draws thousands of overseas visitors into the city and its environs, and with this influx, there comes a remarkable upswing in commerce and its related benefits. Visitors have been known to travel from as far as Australia to attend the Festival, spending on Jamaican products liberally as they seek to enjoy every aspect of the Jamaican brand. From as far back as 2003, it was predicted that significant foreign exchange would flow into the island during the time of the festival. This year’s Festival should bring substantial benefits to a wide variety of business interests primarily in the second city, but extending to other areas of the island.
“We expect Reggae Sumfest to be a major contributor to the economic landscape for this year,” states Johnny Gourzong, Executive Director of Summerfest Productions, producers of Reggae Sumfest. “This Festival causes people to not just spend on it, but to spend in preparation for it, and in several other endeavours related to it, and this year should be no different.”
This reality has been duly noted by the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, which has over 200 members ranging from small family-run enterprises, to large scale businesses such as hotels and resorts. They all thrive from the boom in the various forms of trade which are direct spin-offs from the Festival, during a period that has traditionally been considered slow in that part of the island.
Data from the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce also indicate that villas, hotels, and guest houses become fully booked, restaurants, cook shops, and cafes get unprecedented patronage, clothing stores, beauty salons and countless other businesses get the spike in activity before, during, and even after the Festival. In addition, the benefits are not confined to the second city, but spread widely to the major towns across the island. The fashion industry is one example, as the clothing stores, the tailors, dressmakers and those that provide accessories get major orders to fill within the period.
With the line-up this year that includes American R&B star Chris Brown, international superstars Shaggy and Beenie Man, Jah Cure, Etana, Queen Ifrica and Mavado, the package again promises to be an excellent lineup, and the expected benefits to the country should follow.
Reggae Sumfest is the most celebrated and supported Reggae festival in Jamaica, and attracts the world’s leading musicians and performers. In its near 20 year history, the show has boasted a superb entertainment package, loaded with the best performances, food, music, and culture. This year’s Festival runs from July 22-24 at Catherine Hall, St James.
Red Stripe is back as the main sponsor of Reggae Sumfest, after a one-year hiatus. The brand now joins a growing list of sponsors which includes Digicel, Iberostar, JTB, and Wisynco, for the 18th staging of the country’s premier Reggae Festival.
Its Official, reggae recording artists Etana and I Octane are the latest addition to the Palz Production 3rd Annual staging of Family Fun Fest slated for this Easter Monday April 5th at Jam World in Portmore. The event which is geared towards community upliftment and serenity is once again boasting an impressive lineup after last years successful staging.
According to the promoters of the event the new additions to the line up came after the main headliner for the show had a sudden cancellation.
"Well what had happened was dancehall deejay Elephant Man was suppose to be the headliner for this years show. We went ahead and booked him but later found out he had other engagements in Europe so we had to shuffle a bit. Last year Ele came and gave a great performance so in his absence we plan on having a dance segment with his songs for the kids".
Amongst the other acts slated to hit the Family Fun Fest stage are D Angel, Q.Q, Ken Booth, Tanice Morrison, Apache Chief & Sarge, members of Dance Expressions plus many more.
In keeping with the theme of the event patrons can expect the usual Fun Amusements including Water Slides, Rock Climber, Mechanical Bull, Go-Karts, Bounce-A-Bouts, Clowns, Face Paint and a host of other competitions and prize giveaways ranging from DVD Players and Bicycles to Toaster Ovens and Books galore.
Family Fun Fest will this year be sponsored by Seprod, Excelsior, Coke Zero, CVM TV, RJR Communications Group, HYPE TV, Ovaltine, Miracle, Valle, Travelers Beach Resort, Orbit, Main Events, Hugheaden Supermarket, UBT Corporation Limited, Kingston Hireage, Sign Channel and Butterkist. Admission for the all day event is $400 for Adults and children $200.
Etana's management company, apologizes that the live drawing for the Etana Music Video Competition did not air as scheduled.
The live drawing, originally slated for Saturday, February 27, has been rescheduled to Saturday, March 13 at 5:00 PM. Irish and Chin regrets any inconvenience caused. Last week, Etana was in New York busy working on tracks for her upcoming album. Unfortunately, a snow storm in the New York area prevented her from getting to Jamaica in time for the live finale. Voters should tune into RE TV for the drawing and keep their phones on in case they are one of the lucky winners!
Today, Monday May 8th is International Women's Day and for some enthused and generous patrons in the courtyard of Star Apples Restaurant in Kingston Jamaica it could not have started on a more positive note. They were attending WOMANBITION: Word, Sound Power-It’s a Mission”, a concert organized by influential women in Jamaican entertainment with proceeds going to two well-deserved charities. As guests mingled, sat in the yard sampling the delicious fare from Star Apple or sauntered over to the bar, they were kept entertained by Tricia Spence AKA ZJ Sparks (Naw wah, I mean--lol) of Zip FM.
Tricia "ZJ Sparks" Spence
Ayeola and Nelly Stharre
The night’s event was for a serious cause and Ms. Enid Courtney took the stage to speak about the contributions that the U.N.I.A nurses Corp has been making throughout communities on the island such as performing routine blood pressure checks; and offering alternative forms of medicine such as yoga and reflexology. “The wealth of a nation depends on the health of a nation,” said Ms. Courtney. Sentiments echoed by the capacity crowd. Ms. Nadia Williams of Mary’s Child took the stand to speak about the pregnant girls that are under her stewardship. At the Kingston location, there are 8 babies with 4 on the way, while in Montego Bay there are 2 with 4 on the way as well. The girls at the facilities range in age from 12-18 and are victims of rape, incest and or carnal abuse. The girls learn skills in the various centers at the facility: IT, cosmetology, home economics and sewing.
Jessica Yap and Etana
The first performance I saw was Jessica Yap who played “Don’t Worry” by Bob Marley and “Wrong Address” by Etana. The songstress, popularly known as “The Strong One’ was visibly moved and shared her sentiments with Jessica. After that instrumental performance came some of Jamaica’s top female vocalists, who shared stories of strength and inspiration with the crowd, with special focus on the girls from Mary’s House. Mary Isaacs performed “Don't Stay Away” by the Skatalites while serenading a very bashful guest on stage. For her encore performance she gave the crowd a taste of Bob Marley's "Nice Time". Keteis Ayunde started off with Miriam Makeba's "Pata Pata" her second song "In The Name of Life" was dedicated to the memory of her nephew who died from Leukemia. A moment of silence was observed in honor of the life of Ras Junior Manning, Chairman of the Ethio-African Diaspora Millennium Union Council, who passed earlier in the day.
Alaine
The multi-talented, host, TV personality and entrepreneur Empress performed some original renditions. She has the most beautiful skin-flawless! Alaine started off her set with “Rise In Love”she also advised the young ladies to get their education as that is something that can never be taken away. She also sang ”Deeper”and an acapella rendition of "The Lords’ Prayer" before closing with "No Ordinary Love”.
Perched on a chair with guitar in hand, Etana sang "Wrong Address" and wow does the crowd love her, they were singing word for word. "Roots" and ”I am Not Afraid” were well received as well. She got the enthusiastic crowd to repeat: ”independent,” “powerful,” ”mi love miself," "real wit it”-definitly capitalizing on the evening's theme. But the most poignant moment of the evening came when she sang her latest song "Free." Etana became so overcome with emotion, she had to turn her back to the crowd. For a moment she could not speak. She eventually told the encouraging crowd that she touched one of the girls and felt nothing-that she was empty. Speaking to the young girls from Mary’s House, Etana said that she wished she could give them her strength, but she gives them her music, her prayers. She said her tears were falling into the earth, going to place that are untouchable. She encouraged these children to believe in their prayers and that the Most High loves them "Just the same.” She told them that everything in Earth is theirs "You no have to sell your soul, sell your heart, sleep wit no body, beat nobody. You going to get it. Some don’t know what to do with it and they think they are better than others. Never you do it. God will take it away. Bad mindedness will bring you into the earth, Mother earth will swallow you. She cited the recent earthquakes around the earth and the unusually cold weather as signs from mother earth. "Everything is possible if you believe it." She finished her song.
When she got on stage Tanya Stephens stated that “Etana take way mi legs dem” referring to the preceding performance. “Mek Dem Talk" was her first song. She also sang a song written for people with HIV called “I’m Still Alive” and implored persons to work together to solve the problem from wherever they were. Now Tanya is known for some tongue-in-cheek lyrics and I think she effortlessly lightened the mood. With songs like “Home Alone (What Would You Do) she said you might have to promise a man bun if he's not attentive to your needs. Like children, if something doesn't work one has to try new methods, don't? Well ladies Tanya says in same way "Your manh ah yuh child so you have fi raise him, right." LOL . She sang favorites like "These Streets" and "It's A Pity" accompanied by the receptive crowd. I love how Tanya Stephens can say things that are so unconventional with a sweet smile and we just cyaan mad at her for that. Like when she jokingly stated how selfish it is of the woman who "finds one good man in a 100 mile radius and doh waan fi share: You wretch!" Oh Tanya how we love you, and your take on relationships.
Gotta give props to D'Angel who interacted with the girls from Mary's home who walked her onto the stage, and even did some impromptu dancing to her song "Blaze." Lady G wrapped up the night's performances with "Breeze Off" and "Nuff Respect"
Earlier performances came from Jah 9, Kai Wakling, Sharon Tucker, Sajoya, Nelly Stharre, and poet Natural Cherry
Though they did not take the stage other female entertainers and personalities such as Una Morgan, Barbee, Kim-Marie Spence and Dr. Carolyn Cooper were present and accounted for. And the men lent their support as well. Photographer Alty Benjamin Jr, singer Protoje, and Charles Campbell Chairman of Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JARIA)-who visited to the stage on more than one occasion to drop money, were observed enjoying the performances.
Alty Benjamin Jr. and Kim-Marie Spence
I was definitely pleased that I attended this very worthwhile event. Kudos to the organisers Denise "Isis" Miller (who was the night's MC), Keteis, Nadia Stanley, Empress and Nelly Stharre. All artists performed free of charge. ZJ Sparks and ZJ Elektra as well as the all female security lent their services for free as well.
Sponsors for the event included: Calabash Heights International, Nature's Eyes, Rassis International, Pleasuremakers Sound & Equipment, Livity Veggie Meals, Stanley and empress Boutique, Star Apple Restaurant, Simiyah House, Mekyah Water, King Alarm, SecurePro Security and Sling Shot Productions (lighting)
Enjoy the clip of the performances and scenes!
2010 International Women's Day theme is "Equal rights equal opportunity progress for all". For more information click HERE!
Since the late December launch of Etana's music video competition on RE TV, tons of votes have poured in from fans. The buzz has been incredible so far and the massive still have a chance to cast their vote for their favorite video and be entered into a drawing for fantastic prizes. The music video competition, which features Etana's three new, red-hot videos "August Town," "Free" and "Happy Heart," has been heating up RE TV and the Reggae music industry. Not only is this the first time a contest of this sort has aired on RE TV -- notably, it's also the first time a Reggae artist has released three music videos at one time. To make Etana's simultaneous video releases even more special, each video boasts impeccable production and quality.
Over the past few weeks, viewers have been able to avidly detail why they selected a particular video as their favorite. Leaning on reasons such as theme, message, costumes, set and scenery, the viewing audience stands by their picks. "This is a great feeling," says Etana humbly. "All of these videos are my babies....but I need to hear what the fans like and why."
"August Town," "Free," and "Happy Heart" were produced by top Reggae music video directors Winston "Tyson" Mayhew, Jay Will and Scorpio 21 respectively. Leaders in this genre, each of the directors injected raw talent and style into their efforts. Capturing three of Etana's many sides, these new videos/singles provide all with a glimpse at the musical diversity slated for Etana's sophomore album release.
"These videos provide us with the perfect opportunity to introduce Reggae music fans to the eclectic, multi-talented artist known as Etana," says Etana's manager Garfield "Chin" Bourne of Irish and Chin, Inc. "There is no doubt in my mind that the diversity of the new videos/singles will expand Etana's fanbase and popularity."
The live broadcast of the music competition finale will feature Etana announcing and calling the selected first (mac laptop), second (blackberry) and third (Ipod - loaded with Etana's music) prize winners on air.
In addition to an overwhelming voting response, the tv media outlets have been aggressively seeking to incorporate the videos into rotation. To date, numerous tv outlets through out the Caribbean, Europe and the U.S. have inquired. By the day, the fanfare increases. Etana is truly one of Reggae music's most talented singers. Boldly, bearing the title of "Strong One," the soulful chanteuse never fails to entertain the massive with thought-invoked, quality music
I follow Etana's MySpace blog and it's always been very personal: Her Moods would range from enlightened, to happy, artistic and adventurous. She her experiences touring with comments such as "It was amazing on stage with alborosie in Italy.".... "Can't wait to be in Sweden again. Unconditional love" ...."I wanted to tell the promoter I did not want to perform so late but couldn't leave you all hanging and after I stepped on that stage"...."We need to get back to the days when music meant something for everyone in it. We need to get to loving music again. It's more than just a hustle. It's our history, future, changes moods and emotions. Music is life."
Well ever since she has signed on with new management Irish and Chin, the personal comments have stopped. It's not all bad though as the more recent blogs are very informative. Check out the most recent post below:
For popular Reggae singer Etana, the month of November has been chock-full of excitement. It's been non-stop action for "The Strong One," who jump started an intense promotional campaign with a video shoot for her compelling new single "August Town" and promotional tour in the Caribbean. The video shoot for "August Town" went off with a bang. With August Town as the setting for the video, the Director vividly captured the realness of August Town and Etana herself. Members of the community played a key role in the video, which brings "August Town's" tell-tale lyrics to life. Fans will be thoroughly entertained by the "August Town" video, which will air on all major Caribbean TV outlets later this month.
Fresh off the heels of the "August Town" video shoot, the soulful crooner touched down in Trinidad, Antigua and Barbados this past weekend for the first leg of her promotional tour, dedicated to introducing her dynamic new music to the media and fans. With a string of TV, print and radio interviews lined-up, Etana promoted new music including "August Town," "Free" and "Happy Heart." During the Caribbean media blitz, Etana was professionally to meet the DJs that have embraced her music over the years. Furthermore, the songstress was thrilled to put a face to her music and name. According to Etana,"It was great meeting face-to-face with members of the media, who have supported my music." "These are the people that have the power to make or break your music...it's important that they receive my new music first hand," Etana added. "Many artists take DJs and radio jocks for granted, yet these are the people solely responsible for planting and nurturing the seeds of artists" says Etana's manager Garfield "Chin" Bourne of Irish and Chin, Inc. "Because I started as a sound man, I will always respect a DJ's role and encourage my clients to do so as well."
Much to Etana's credit, the Caribbean media professionals displayed an outpouring of love and support to her. And to make the promotional visits even more worthwhile, there was an overwhelming amount of positive feedback to Etana's new music. Humbled by this, Etana took part in each interview with ease. On the Irish and Chin organized promotional tour, which will span over the next three months, Etana will also visit England and key markets in the United States. "This promotional tour is an ideal vehicle of further exposing my music to the media and fans," says Etana. "It's a career first for me to embark on an effort solely designed to promote my new music."
This week, Etana will return to Jamaica to film a video for "Free." The video, which will be shot by famed director JayWil, is set to vividly depict the chanteuse's new beautiful ballad. Meanwhile, a video for the sensuous single "Happy Heart" will be filmed soon.
Etana's highly anticipated sophomore album is scheduled for a Summer 2010 release on VP Records. Surely, this effort will replicate the success of her debut album The Strong One, which was heralded by fans and critics alike -- copping numerous awards including "Album of the Year" at the 2009 International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) in New York and Excellence in Music and Entertainment Awards (EME) in Jamaica. Irish and Chin is a leading dancehall entertainment company that excels in professionalism. From staging landmark events to managing sound systems and artists, Irish and Chin has successfully thrived for over 10 years. The company's approach has always been grassroots marketing and branding. Although Irish and Chin is based in Jamaica, the company's true strength lies in the international market.
I like the personal touch, so I hope Etana, that you still add your two cents on the page!
As a part of a massive promotional campaign to be launched by Irish and Chin, the soulful Reggae singer Etana will shoot a video for her riveting new single "August Town." The video, which is one of three planned in November, will be filmed on Wednesday, November 4 in August Town, Jamaica to much fanfare.
Etana at Irie Jamboree Press Conference this Summer. Photo by Robert Cooper.
Over the past month, the song "August Town" has been heating up Caribbean radio and faring exceptionally well in the UK and Europe. The incredible buzz that the song has generated was a driving force behind shooting the video. In "August Town," Etana delivers piercing social commentary -- detailing a recent incident in her community that went from festive and merry to horrific in a split second. Etana flawlessly croons of police involvement that resulted in excessive and unnecessary force. Like none of Etana's other music, "August Town" is built over a raw dub wise track – a style heavy on drum, bass and dub effects with very sparse rhythm.
To capture the "rawness" of the single, Etana pegged popular music video director Winston "Tyson" Mayhew for the video project. Credited for his style of rough, hardcore videos like Busy Signal's "These are the Days" and "Jail," along with Morgan Heritage's "Nothing to Smile About" and others, Mayhew was the perfect person to bring the song "August Town" to life.
August Town itself will serve as an ideal backdrop for the video. It will feature a gripping reenactment of the song's lyrics, depicting August Town in its realest form. Ultimately, the "August Town" video will expose the beauty and rawness of August Town, played out through the eyes of Etana. From the town'sunmistakable scenic, naturally beautiful shots to hardcore elements, Mayhew will display the communities good and bad times. Members of the August Town community will be featured through out the video, as well as a few special guests.
"I especially want this video to help bring August Town back to what it once was, a peaceful place," says Etana with passion. "This video will speak to the people of August Town and all Garrison communities."
Fans will have a chance to see another side of Etana. The singer will be featured in a homegrown environment.....like she has never been seen before. Overall, the video will capture the real Etana as a person, rather than an artist. "I think that showing Etana in a different light will truly be one of this video's major highlights," says Winston "Tyson" Mayhew.
The videos that will follow "August Town" include "Free" and "Happy Heart." These three songs were strategically selected by Irish and Chin and Etana, as they explore Etana's diversity as an artist. While "August Town" falls under social commentary, "Free" and "Happy Heart" expose an emotional and feminine side of Etana respectively. "Free" will be shot by JayWil on November 10 and "Happy Heart's" production will take place after Etana's promotional tour in London later this month.
Ok so Sharon Burke posted online a couple days ago that she was headed to South Africa, I figured that meant that Etana was gonna be there and yes I was correct, except here's the interesting note. She is being Managed by Irish and Chin and booked by Headline Entertainment. So being the likkle investigator that I are a(if you know Bounty Killa you WILL find this funny), I went to investigating. So on Etana's site it does state that Irish and Chin is Management and Headline is the contact for bookings however she is still under Solid's roster of artists that they book. Now is this an oversight??? or just something that will be quickly taken care of after the transitional period???
Oh yeah and she is in Johannesburg for the 2009 Arts Alive Festiva. Etana’s participation in the Festival was organized as a cultural exchange through a cooperative agreement between the the governments of Jamaica and South Africa. Her week-long trip to South Africa will culminate with two highly anticipated performances at the Soweto Festival on September 25 and the Eldo Jazz Day Festival on September 27, and she will be gigging at some local clubs.
This is not her first trip to Africa. to find out the two other African nations Etana has visited click HERE
And go to our interview page to read her interview with The Lime!
Etana's contact: PUBLICITY:
Flair Lindsey Irish and Chin, Inc. publicity@irishandchin.com (718) 878-6323, (202) 277-8191
MANAGEMENT:
Garfield “Chin” Bourne Irish and Chin, Inc. chin@irishandchin.com (876) 926-7562/(718) 878-6323
BOOKINGS:
Jerome Hamilton Headline Entertainment jerome@headlinejamaica.com (876) 960-0382
I love Jah Cure had having his face next to mine for a whole month on this site was fun, but alas we must move on. This week's 20 Questions goes out to Etana the strong one.
So I turned the big 3-0 last Sunday, that's April 26th to be precise. Anyways I did not do anything really to celebrate. It was just another day. Grateful for it, yes. Thank you Jah. But really what does 30 feel like? Huh?? It's pretty much the same as 29 and 3/4.... Anyways, I knew this weekend would be action packed and I have definitely been living it up as they say. So Friday I did my thing singing at Fort Young Hotel Happy Hour, passed at Garaway Hotel for Karoke, swing at Garage (where apparently Da'ville had just been before me) and then enjoyed Fanatik band at the Cove for Pioneer Preps Wine and Dance fundraising event. This was my first year at Wine and Dance. Oh Lawwd you should see people drinking from the bottles, people just deliriously happy. Yeah there was a little fisticuffs but that's not even worth getting into. Overall most people can say they had a ball. After that it was Spiders for some fish pie and fried chicken. Trust me at 3Am nothing tastes better!!!!!
So Saturday comes around and I stop at Michele Henderson's show at the Cove. Pics soon come. Here's a little teaser......
...And then it was on to the official opening party of Krazy Koconuts (formerly Green Grasshopper) for the all black affair featuring Da'Ville. Damn...and was it a show!!!!! He gave it his all eh......pics to follow ....
Well I wanted to go to the car show on the port, but I think I had a little too much fun last nite so I am just resting till showtime tonite. I will be performing with Esclav Band. Hope to see some of you there!!!
Shaggy is really working hard to promote his fund-raising concert to be held Jan. 3rd. His goal is to raise $2 Million for the Bustamante Children's Hospital. Below is the video for the song "Save A Life" featuring Shaggy, Sean Paul, Elephant Man, Gramps, Chris Martin, Tessanne Chin, Etana, Daville, Luciano, Marcia Griffiths, D Major, Freddie Mcgregor, & DLYNX. The Video is Directed by Jay Will.
The Liguanae Club in Jamaica will be the venue for Buju Banton's only performance in Jamaica for 2008. On December 6th he will headline the Reggaeloution concert event.
Other artists to perform include Etana, Tarus Riley and Rootz Underground.
Congrats to Movado on his first MoBo (Music of Black Origin) award for Best Reggae Artist. He beat out Beenie Man, Busy Signal, Tarrus Riley and the lone female nominee Etana.
Other islanders who came out on top were Estelle who won Best Song for "American Boy" and Best UK Female Artist. Leona Lewis also walked away with two awards, one for Best Video for the song “Bleeding Love” and Best Album Spirit.
Etana at Irie Jamboree Press Conference this Summer. Photo by Robert Cooper.
