(((-d(-_-)b-))) * reggaesoul * (((-d(-_-)b-)))

NEW INNA THE YARD VIDEO

2008-07-23T00:24:00.001-03:00

Chinna’s Birthday

2008-07-23T00:17:00.002-03:00

Mad Professor retorna a São Paulo

2008-04-27T23:29:00.001-03:00

No feriadão, Mad Professor retorna a São Paulo com seu dub espacial.

Quinta, 1 de maio, um dos maiores nomes do dub mundial toca no Inerno Club. Na abertura a música eletrônica/orgânica dos geniais Guizado e Bodes & Elefantes. Os ingressos estarão a venda a partir de 23 de abril.

www.myspace.com/madprofessordub

Residentes de fora da grande São Paulo e demais interessados podem adquirir também seus ingressos através do email madprofessor@radiolarecords.com.br Ao preço da compra serão cobrados 10% de taxa de conveniência.

Serviço:

Quinta, 1 de maio - a partir das 21h00
Mad Professor, Guizado e Bodes & Elefantes
Inferno Club
Rua Augusta, 501 - Consolação
(11) 3120-4140
$ 30 (antecipado)
$ 40 (porta)

Ingressos antecipados:
Colex (24 de Maio, 116 - loja 33)
Trezeta Musik (Augusta, 2203 - loja 7)

Morre Cedella Booker, mãe de Bob Marley

2008-04-09T17:20:00.001-03:00

Ela estava com 81 anos e morreu enquanto dormia em sua casa em Miami.
Cedella era escritora e lançou dois livros sobre a lenda do reggae.

Cedella Booker, mãe da lenda do reggae Bob Marley, morreu enquanto dormia nesta terça-feira (8) em sua casa em Miami, disse o porta-voz Jerome Hamilton. Ela estava com 81 anos. Na foto, Cedella olha para a imagem do filho no 20º aniversário da morte do músico, em maio de 2001. (Foto: AP)

The Harder They Come

2008-03-24T14:02:00.003-03:00

The Harder They Come
6 March 2008 - 5 April 2008 / 19:45, 14:30, 19:15
Barbican Theatre

'Hard to beat as a night out for reggae lovers.' thelondonpaper****

'Scintillating performances... Bitter-sweet stuff.' The Sunday Telegraph****
Read more reviews

Following two sell out runs at Theatre Royal Stratford East, the musical magic of The Harder They Come hits the Barbican. This exhilarating production is based on the groundbreaking film of the same name, which starred Jimmy Cliff and launched reggae onto a world stage. Young singer Ivan Martin heads to Kingston with dreams of becoming a reggae star, but the harsh reality of the Jamaican music scene drives him into a fast and furious life as an outlaw.

The show features many returning cast members from the Theatre Royal Stratford East production, such as Rolan Bell as Ivan and Joanna Francis as Elsa. Accompanied by a live reggae band, the cast perform all the classic songs from the film soundtrack, including You Can Get It If You Really Want and By The Rivers of Babylon.

A feel-good smash hit that marks a defining moment in Jamaican culture.

MIKEY DREAD PASSED AWAY

2008-03-18T09:59:00.002-03:00

Michael Campbell (aka “Mikey Dread) our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2008 with his wife and family by his side. For those who would like to join us in remembering the wonderful memories of Mikey Dread, you can call or write to:

Mikey Dread
C/O Monika Campbell
99 Lawn Avenue
Stamford, CT 06902
Tel: 203-353-1448

All other sources of information are not accurate. For the most current and up to date information contact the above name and phone number.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers.

The Campbell Family

Viúva de Bob Marley vai produzir filme sobre ídolo do reggae

2008-03-04T23:32:00.001-03:00

Por Gregg Goldstein

NOVA YORK (Reuters) - Rita Marley está fazendo a produção executiva da primeira cinebiografia de seu falecido marido Bob Marley, e, se tudo sair como ela quer, a nora do ícone do reggae, a cantora de r&b, Lauryn Hill, fará o papel dela no filme.

A The Weinstein Company vai produzir e distribuir uma versão para a tela grande da autobiografia de Rita, "No Woman No Cry: Minha Vida com Bob Marley" (2004), que faz o relato da infância do músico e dos 15 anos tumultuados do casamento deles, que terminou com a morte de Bob em 1981, em decorrência de câncer.

"Lauryn seria ideal para fazer meu papel", disse Rita. "Ela vê minha vida como sendo a dela."

O filho de Bob Marley com Janet Hunt, Rohan, é casado com a ex-vocalista dos Fugees, que praticamente desapareceu do cenário musical depois de seu álbum de estréia solo "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill", de 1998, premiado com o Grammy.

Lauryn Hill vai rever a adaptação do livro que está sendo escrita por Lizzie Borden ("Working Girls"), que está na Jamaica concluindo o roteiro.

Ainda sem título, o filme do produtor Rudy Langlais ("Hurricane -- O Furacão") está previsto para começar a ser rodado no início de 2009, com lançamento provável no final desse ano.

Langlais disse que o filme será um "romance épico" que vai cobrir a vida dos Marley e o atentado sofrido pelo casal: "É um milagre que Rita ainda esteja aqui, depois de levar um tiro na cabeça", ele comentou. Bob Marley teve 13 filhos, vários dos quais frutos de casos extraconjugais.

Pelo menos parte do projeto será rodado na Jamaica, mas outras locações serão usadas também para aproveitar descontos em impostos.

O filme pode chegar aos cinemas antes do documentário longa-metragem autorizado de Martin Scorsese sobre o cantor, cujo lançamento está previsto para 6 de fevereiro de 2010, quando Bob Marley completaria 65 anos.

O músico será representado por dois atores, um deles fazendo o papel dele aos 15 anos e o outro representando Marley já adulto. A trilha sonora pode ter canções originais, covers cantados por um ator ou uma fusão de ambos, ao estilo do que foi feito em "Ray".

Rita Marley diz que seu neto Stefan é "sósia" do cantor e seria perfeito para o papel.

“Global Reggae: Jamaican Popular Music A Yard and Abroad.”

2008-02-01T13:31:00.000-02:00

The Institute of Caribbean Studies and the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of the West Indies, Mona announce an international conference on “Global Reggae: Jamaican Popular Music A Yard and Abroad.” The conference, to be held February 18-24, 2008, at the University of the West Indies, Mona , Jamaica and other venues on the island, is the third in a series focusing on Caribbean culture. The first, held in 1996, honoured the distinguished legacy of Professor the Hon. Rex Nettleford, Vice-Chancellor Emeritus of the University of the West Indies. The second, held in 2002, celebrated the work of the Barbadian griot/historian, Professor Kamau Brathwaite. This third conference, to be held in association with the Recording Industry Association of Jamaica (RIAJam), the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, the Bob Marley Foundation, and the Jamaica Tourist Board, pays tribute to the generation of musicians who have created reggae – Jamaica's distinctive contribution to world culture. Icons such as: Count Matchuki, Don Drummond, Count Ossie, Mrs. Pottinger, and Prince Buster.

CONFERENCE RATIONALE

The conference and the associated reggae concerts will consolidate and disseminate knowledge on the global impact of Jamaica's distinctive musical contribution to world culture. This conference builds on the foundation of the 1995 symposium that was held at the University of the West Indies, Mona, co-sponsored by the Reggae Studies Unit and the Bob Marley Foundation, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the birth of Jamaica's premier cultural ambassador , the Hon. Robert Nesta Marley. The Global Reggae 2008 conference will provide an opportunity for musicians, scholars, cultural practitioners and entrepreneurs from Jamaica and around the world to reflect on and document the global impact of reggae.

Conference keynote speakers from each continent will share their perspectives on the ways in which Jamaican reggae has been appropriated and adapted in a variety of cultural contexts. This international conference will also examine the local impact of the reggae music industry in Jamaica and assess ways in which the Jamaican economy can benefit more directly from the investments of intellectual property in this vibrant multinational industry. You can obtain more information about the conference, concerts and poster sessions by clicking Schedule or by clicking Conference Call .

The conference is designed to convene the academics, music business leaders and the artists to collectively explore the achievements and to shape the future of Jamaica's globalised reggae. The major objective for this event are to create forum for:

1) the exploration of the history and the development of reggae themes and ideas;

2) exposing all persons who may be interested to more detailed knowledge of the business aspects of the Reggae music industry;

3)showcasing young and upcoming talent both local and international to a wider audience; and

4) honouring and celebrating excellence in Reggae internationally.

Exploring the history and the development of reggae themes and ideas (theory)

The sessions in this track will encourage discussion on the development of the music form in its various local and international contexts. It is expected that a high level of analysis will be applied to texts and themes within to uncover histories, meanings and motives of the music.

Expose all players to the business of Reggae(business)

The continued development of the management and business capacities of the sector is an integral component of the conference. These business and professional development sessions will present various techniques, methodology and models for professional skill development, the general improvement of the sector.

Showcase young and upcoming talent(practice)

The performance sessions will be geared towards exposing conference attendees to upcoming talent. These sessions should help performers to be encouraged and to receive comments on best practices to enhance their craft.

Honour excellence in Reggae(awards)

This honouring excellence is the culmination of the conference activities. The activity is facilitated by the Recording Industry Association of Jamaica/RIAJam, which has as its objective to be the industry authority on matters of reggae globally.

The international academic conference on global reggae, the business forum, the reggae concert sessions and the reggae awards altogether constitute a cultural package that is the first of its kind in the world for Jamaican music. Never before has there been staged such a comprehensive cultural exposition showcasing the role of Jamaican popular music in the internationalisation of Jamaica culture. The publication and archiving of these activities are absolutely fundamental. The materials produced in a variety of media will constitute an essential learning resource for local and international students at many levels of of the educational system- from secondary to tertiary. The on-going sale of multi-media packages arising out of the academic conference, business development forum, concert sessions and awards will generate substantial funding to consolidate the resource base of the Reggae Studies Unit

Conference keynote speakers will be invited from:

* North America
* Latin America
* the United Kingdom
* Europe
* Africa
* Japan
* The Pacific

Visit: http://www.mona.uwi.edu/conferences/2008/globalreggae/index.php

PM declares February 'Reggae Month' (Fevereiro é declarado o mês oficial do Reggae)

2008-02-01T12:58:00.000-02:00

Rita Marley addresses a press conference during the launch of February as 'Reggae Month' at Jamaica House yesterday. At left is Prime Minister Bruce Golding. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

The Music Industry got a boost when Prime Minister Bruce Golding launched the observation of Reggae Month yesterday at the Office of the Prime Minister during a press briefing.

He said he has instructed the Governor-General, Professor Kenneth Hall, to issue a proclamation to declare February as Reggae Month.

He lauded the briefing as one of the most pleasant tasks he has had to perform since taking office. He says reggae has been a medium of economic advancement and Reggae Month can be used to draw world attention to our music. Golding added that Jamaica Trade and Invest will be promoting Brand Jamaica and central to this campaign is our music.

"Reggae is so powerful; people across the world embrace it. It is the medium we have used to declare our position against oppression and suffering. It is a consistent declaration of love," he continued to the delight of industry players in attendance, including Rita Marley, Dean Frazer, Lloyd Stanbury, Isaiah Laing, Clifton Dillon and Barbara Blake-Hanna.

As part of the celebrations, a Global Reggae Conference will be hosted at the University of the West Indies under the guidance of the Reggae Studies Unit head, Professor Carolyn Cooper. There will also be the annual Bob Marley lecture on his birthday, February 6. Cooper says through this effort the unit hopes to be able to start a fund so that students at the university can bridge the gap between academics and our music.

Activities

Rita Marley will also be heavily involved in the activities for the month, as she will put on 'Africa Unite-Smile Jamaica Youth Symposium'. She will also give Jamaica a taste of 'Africa Unite-Smile Jamaica Concert'.

Other activities for the month include: Bob Marley Creative Expressions Day, One Love football match, Reggae Film Festival, African Film Festival and the Reggae Academy Awards, which will be hosted by the Recording Industry Association of Jamaica. Chairman of the Reggae Academy, Lloyd Stanbury, says the awards will be determined by musical excellence and not record sales.

Golding says he believes Reggae Month will be a formative month because it will help to make February 2009 a grand experience when the country will celebrate the 50th year since the birth of reggae.

He says the music can be a means of advancement but it can also be a destructive force if not used properly. Nonetheless, he said there should be no ambiguity about the roots of our music.

His effort was praised by Rita Marley, who said those who started reggae toiled for it to be accepted and she believes they have partially achieved their mission.

"It is a privilege and an honour for the Government to recognise February as Reggae Month. If Bob was here he would say 'One Love!'," commented Rita Marley.

HISTORIA DO REGGAE NO MARANHAO - 1

2008-01-20T23:07:00.001-02:00

HISTORIA DO REGGAE DO MARANHAO - 2

2008-01-20T23:06:00.000-02:00

HISTORIA DO REGGAE DO MARANHAO - 3

2008-01-20T23:05:00.000-02:00

FELIZ 2008, HAPPY NEW YEAR !

2008-01-07T09:42:00.000-02:00

Devagar, devagar...aqui! Ligadão e na correria, e a atualização mais rápida pretendo reestabelecer em breve se os outros compromissos deixarem !

Gravações originais de Bob Marley somem de arquivo na Jamaica

2008-01-07T09:41:00.000-02:00

da Associated Press, em Kingston

Um grande coleção de música dos anos 70, que incluía gravações originais de Bob Marley e Peter Tosh, desapareceu dos arquivos da antiga TV e rádio Jamaica Broadcasting Corp.
AP
Gravações originais de Bob Marley sumiram de arquivo na Jamaica
Gravações originais de Bob Marley sumiram de arquivo na Jamaica

O possível roubo de centenas de discos de vinil e CDs é um marco na história da ilha, segundo Olivia Grange, ministra da Informação da Jamaica.

Músicos e antigos empregados da Jamaica Broadcasting Corp. acusam o governo por não manter adequadamente os arquivos.

"O último acontecimento é uma desgraça nacional", disse Gladstone Wilson, antiga gerente da companhia.

Funcionários da recentemente formada Public Broadcasting Corp. notaram o desaparecimento no início da última semana enquanto passavam pelo prédio da JBC.

Eles pensavam em usar o material de arquivo em seus primeiros programas, segundo Grange.

Os arquivos também contêm vídeos, alguns raros e importantes como a da visita de 1977 de Fidel Castro à ilha e do show "One Love Peace", no qual Marley chamou dois rivais políticos jamaicanos no palco e os convidou a dar as mãos, em 1978.

R I P - Lucky Dube

2007-10-19T19:21:00.000-02:00

1964 - 2007

Este eu tive a satisfação de assistir cantando com sua maravilhosa banda ao vivo.

RESPECT!

Prefeitura realiza Tributo ao Reggae nesta quarta

2007-09-09T22:09:00.001-03:00

Só em São Luís mesmo para rolar um evento desta magnitude! Não a toa, é a Jamaica Brasileira!

------------------------------------------------------------

São Luís será palco de uma grande festa da nação regueira. A Secretaria Municipal de Turismo realiza hoje, 5, o II Tributo ao Reggae, que será aberto às 19h, no Ceprama, pelo refeito Tadeu Palácio. O evento, com entrada franca, integra as comemorações do Dia Municipal do Regueiro, 5 de setembro, e dos 395 anos da cidade de São Luís, 8.

A festa regueira será oferecida aos moradores da cidade, às pessoas que visitam São Luís durante o feriado da semana da Pátria e, principalmente, aos que apreciam o ritmo jamaicano. Serão mais de cinco horas de reggae de raiz. Entre as atrações estão os DJs Ademar Danilo, Luizinho Black, Robert Marley, Tarcísio Seleckta e Jorge Black; os cantores Levi James, Zé Lopes, Célia Sampaio e Luís Guerreiro; as bandas, Filho de Jah, Guetos, Kazamata e Capital Roots; os grupos de dança Garotinhos Beleza, Saint Louis e Gdam; e a Radiola Estrela do Som. O ritmo musical jamaicano chegou à Ilha de São Luís há mais de três décadas, enraizando-se na cultura local. Não só em São Luís, mas em quase todo o estado, o reggae representa mais que um ritmo musical, a sua influência o transformou em um estilo de vida para muitos fãs.

Consciente da relevância do reggae para a comunidade local e de como este ritmo pode ser aproveitado para fins econômicos, sociais e culturais, a Secretaria de Turismo criou, em 2005, o projeto “São Luís Ilha do Reggae”, desenvolvido em parceria com os diversos segmentos do reggae e instituições públicas. Através de Comissão Integrada, instrumento consultivo e propositivo para a criação de políticas públicas do reggae de São Luis, a Secretaria busca consolidar o reggae na capital como produto de qualidade, de geração de trabalho e renda.

WE A ROCKER

2007-09-09T21:03:00.000-03:00

Jacob "Killer" Miller in a rare clip!

Família de Bob Marley quer processar Universal Music

2007-09-03T08:13:00.000-03:00

O singelo lançamento de uma nova linha de toques para celular pode render um pesado processo para a Universal Music.

A família de Bob Marley planeja processar a gigante da indústria fonográfica por usar indevidamente o nome e imagem do músico, alegando que não cedeu os direitos para uma nova campanha publicitária.

O projeto envolve a disponibilização dos clássicos "One Love" e "I Shot the Sheriff", entre outros, para o comércio dos toques nas empresas de telefonia celular nos EUA.

A Universal é proprietária da Island Records, onde Marley gravou a maior parte de sua discografia, inclusive o álbum Exodus, que será relançado neste ano em comemoração aos 30 anos de seu lançamento.

A gravadora afirma que as acusações da família Marley não procedem e que até agora não foi acionada judicialmente.

Cidade Negra relê a MPB e o pop rock em ritmo de reggae em nome da diversão

2007-08-30T21:45:00.000-03:00

Jamari França - O Globo Online

RIO - O Cidade Negra acabou de gravar no belíssimo Teatro Popular Oscar Niemeyer, em Niterói, o CD e DVD "Diversão - Cidade Negra canta MPB", um projeto que certamente lhe valerá críticas por ser um disco ao vivo logo depois de outro, ''Direto'', que comemorou 20 anos de carreira e foi o último pela SonyBMG. Além disso, o repertório não é inédito, trata-se de um apanhado de canções dos anos 70 e 80 de Cassiano, Tim Maia e Chico Buarque a Cazuza e Ultraje a Rigor. Mas o que importa é o resultado, que vai de bom a muito bom.

"Primavera nos dentes", faixa de fechamento do primeiro álbum do Secos e Molhados, ganhou um tratamento vigoroso bem mais adequado à letra que fala em ter consciência para ter coragem e ter a força para saber que existe. Toni Garrido arrepiou junto com as vocalistas Ana Luisa e Cacau.

A banda fez outros resgates interessantes na gravação desta quinta-feira, acompanhada pelo GLOBO ONLINE. "A Palo seco", uma das melhores canções de Belchior, teve muitos efeitos de dub e um inspirado solo de trombone de Marlon. A banda não poupou em efeitos, não apenas em dub mas em ruídos eletrônicos diversos e no uso de eco na voz de Toni, além da massa instrumental fornecida pelos teclados de Alex Meirelles, a guitarra de Sérgio Yazbek, que pilotou Strato, Les Paul, Telecaster e uma Gibson SG de dois braços igual à de Jimmy Page. Ele destruiu nos solos e efeitos, enquanto o guitarrista titular, Da Gama ficou mais nas bases, garantindo a pulsação junto com o baixo de Bino e a bateria de Lazão.

Caetano, Djavan e Chico Buarque em ritmo de reggae

A banda tem uma excelência musical refinada por 20 anos de estrada, o que levou a platéia de convidados a dançar o tempo inteiro sentada - se fosse num lugar em pé o entusiasmo teria sido bem maior, tanto do público quanto da banda. Caetano Veloso foi contemplado com duas canções, "Muito romântico" e "A lua e eu", esta com belo solo de trumpete com surdina de Odair Martins. De Pepeu Gomes a insossa "Meu coração" e a polêmica "O mal é o que sai da boca do homem" (Você pode fumar baseado/ Baseado em que você pode fumar quase tudo").

Em "Minha história", de Chico Buarque, Toni colocou novos versos em licença poética "os regueiros e poetas de fumaça e de cruz me conhecem só pelo meu nome de Cidade Negra a a a a". "Inútil" do Ultraje a Rigor, do começo dos anos 80, se mostrou dolorosamente atual. Toni anunciou como "uma homenagem a todos nós" e cantou com indignação, especialmente no verso " a gente não sabemos escolher presidente". Um libelo certeiro contra a passividade do povo brasileiro.

A ambientação visual está muito bonita. Duas colunas de leds nos lados do palco, um telão de leds no fundo, muitos efeitos multicoloridos, muitas moving lights. Tudo deve contribuir para enriquecer o DVD dirigido por Beto Oliveira. A produção musical está entregue a Nilo Romero.

"Lilás", de Djavan, ficou melhor que a original, o que não é difícil, "Fullgás" ganhou em ritmo de reggae com um vocal melhor que o de Marina, "A lua e eu", de mestre Cassiano, foi recebida com entusiasmo pela platéia. E assim se passaram duas horas com algumas repetições, alguns problemas técnicos contornados com bom humor por Toni, tudo por um projeto que entrega o que anuncia: Diversão.

Abaixo, o repertório completo:

"Muito romântico" - Caetano Veloso

"Tudo azul" - Lulu Santos

"A lua e eu" - Cassiano

"Lilás" - Djavan

"Monte Castelo" - Legião Urbana

"Meu coração" - Pepeu Gomes

"A palo seco" - Belchior

"Fullgás" - Marina

"Minha história" - Chico Buarque

"Primavera nos dentes" - Secos e Molhados

"Lua e estrela" - Vinícius Cantuária

"Errare humanum est" - Jorge Benjor

"Clube da esquina n° 2" - Lô Borges

"Inútil" - Ultraje a Rigor

"O mal é o que sai da boca do homem" - Pepeu Gomes

"Me liga" - Paralamas do Sucesso

"O tempo não pára" - Cazuza

"Deixa chover" - Guilherme Arantes

"Eu amo você" - Tim Maia

"Todos estão surdos"- Roberto Carlos

Olodum participa de festival de reggae na Itália

2007-07-04T12:48:00.000-03:00

OSOPPO (ITÁLIA) - A festa reggae mais importante da Europa, o "Rototom Sunsplash", terá sua 14ª edição de 5 a 14 de julho na cidade de Osoppo, no nordeste da Itália. O festival, que é a manifestação européia mais famosa na Jamaica, vai receber entre seus artistas os brasileiros do Olodum.

O DJ jamaicano Shaggy, que fecha o festival no dia 14, traz para a Europa suas duas últimas produções em uma única apresentação que promete reunir milhares de fãs. Completam os destaques do programa o Olodum, do Brasil, que se apresenta no dia 8, e os Toure Kunda, do Senegal, no dia 10. Durante a semana, sobem ao palco os músicos Sizzla, Beenieman, Zion Train, Warrior King, Maxi Priest, Gentleman, Tanya Stephens, Junior Kelly, Ricky Trooper, Jah Mason, os italianos Sud Sound System, Africa Unite, Groundation, General Degree e Tony Rebel.

A partir do dia 5, todas as atividades serão divulgadas ao vivo pela "radiopopolare network", por 20 emissoras locais, quatro redes via satélite e um streaming em tempo real no site www.rototom.com, que é disponível em oito idiomas.

Durante os eventos, a história do reggae será contada em uma série de depoimentos de jornalistas, escritores, radialistas e dos próprios artistas no Rototom Sunsplash.

One Love and The Wailers Trademark Dispute

2007-07-02T13:15:00.000-03:00

Here's an interesting article on BobMarley.com discussing the adaptation of the classic reggae anthem "One Love" as the tourism theme for Jamaica.

"One Love," which adapts several lines from Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready," was originally recorded in 1965 by Bob alongside fellow Wailers Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh and was produced by Coxsone Dodd for his legendary Studio One label featuring the jaunty tempo that typified the era's ska music. However, much better known is the more melodic interpretation of "One Love" that was included on Bob's 1977 album Exodus (cited as Time magazine's Album of the Century). With its slower reggae beat and cheerily plunked piano chords, the Exodus rendition of "One Love" was selected by the Jamaican Tourist Board as its theme song in the early 90s and continues to be used by the organization to promote the island within the competitive travel industry.

"One Love" symbolizes the message of Jamaica to the world through tourism as we seek to promote peace and harmony and tolerance of all people," explains David Shields, Deputy Director of the Jamaica Tourist Board. "The song has been used repeatedly by the tourist board to promote Jamaica and in recent research, our consumers have indicated that not only does the song resonate positively but as a destination Jamaica resonates positively through the song. So Bob Marley's iconic presence and his music continues to represent Jamaica and our work in a positive way and in all of our campaigns we continue to use 'One Love' and reggae as one of our unique selling propositions to the world."

On a somewhat-related note comes news from a Seattle Trademark Lawyer, reporting on a recent lawsuit filed in the United States by an American rock band called The Wailers. They've been performing as "The Wailers" since 1959, and they registered their band name as a trademark in 2003. Now they complain about the registration of the domain name wailers.com and allege that The Wailers in Jamaica have infringed and diluted their trademark for the band name and are causing confusion among music lovers everywhere.

The Wailers was a ska, rocksteady and reggae group formed in Kingston, Jamaica in 1963, consisting of Junior Braithwaite, Beverley Kelso, Bunny Livingston (aka Bunny Wailer), Bob Marley, Peter McIntosh (aka Peter Tosh), and Cherry Smith. They were called variously The Teenagers, The Wailing Rudeboys, The Wailing Wailers, and finally The Wailers.

Hmmm...wonder what Bunny Wailer would think about all this.

What your hands do, it's your own eyes that 've seen. So, won't you judge your actions, to make sure the results are clean? It's your own conscience, that is gonna remind you, that it's your heart, and nobody else's, that is gonna judge. So, be not selfish, in your doings, pass it on. Help your brothers, in their needs, pass it on. Live for yourself, you will live in vain. Live for others, you will live again.

O fim da homofobia no reggae

2007-07-02T13:14:00.000-03:00

Os cantores de reggae e dancehall Beenie Man, Sizzla e Capleton assinaram um texto se comprometendo a excluir o conteúdo homofóbio das suas letras.

O texto foi intitulado de Ato de Compaixão do Reggae e representa um acordo firmado entre pessoas envolvidas na cena de reggae e o grupo Stop Murder Music, que luta contra a homofobia na música.

Ambos são estrelas da música jamaicana e conhecidos por atacar gays em suas músicas, o que já causou diversos protestos de grupos pelos direitos civis dos homossexuais.

Bob Marley - Exodus: 30th Anniversary Edition (Island)

2007-06-28T23:25:00.001-03:00

Repeteco in english!

REGGAE would have been Jamaica’s secret had it not been for Bob Marley’s crusading songs of redemption, ripe with the fruit of human spirit.

As a man exiled from his homeland in the midst of political strife, a man who survived an attempt on his life no less, Exodus is a defiant act.

A celebration of his spirit and passion at a time when a lesser man could have been broken. If Natty Dread was the album which truly gave reggae its passport, Exodus gave it refugee status.

Recorded in 1977, it has aged well, despite familiarity threatening contempt; many of the tracks on Exodus have been co-opted by advertising executives at some time or another, looking to grease the wheels of consumerism with Marley’s iconic work.

Yet conversely, it could be argued that it is because of this integration into everyday culture, rather than being coveted jealously by a few, that Exodus has remained so fresh and contemporary.

This is an album that everybody should already own, and after some 50-plus weeks in the UK charts, clearly, many already do. It transcends the boundaries of what is expected from popular music.

Politically, Exodus is a statement; musically, it pulses with a joyous defiance. The rhythm is an hypnotic skank, almost psychedelic in green, gold and red hue.

Swagger

Perhaps it’s loosened by Marley’s stash of ganja, or The Wailers’ confident swagger, either way, there’s an r’n’b gloss to the production which suggests that Marley’s outlook was worldwide at the time, noting the works of soul and R’nB artists and applying that sonic clarity to the traditionally rustic spice of the roots reg-gae stew.

The great Curtis Mayfield’s People Get Ready is given a Trenchtown makeover, ending the album with a gospel inspired flood of unity and hope. Two values which shine consistently in Marley’s work.

Three Little Birds and Turn Your lights Down Low are essentially soul tracks with a strong Kingston lilt and dreadlocked hair.

Marley’s legacy is everywhere; from fathering a commercial acceptance of reggae, raising awareness of Rastafarianism, to paving the way for even more aggressive musical expressions of Jamaican identity, such as dancehall.

It is even preserved in ink, with Marley’s image, brandishing his Les Paul Junior like a machine gun, adorning posters and prints the world over.

This 30th anniversary edition comes in a bewildering array of formats and, really, one wonders what Marley himself would think of his album being available on a USB stick.

But, if you don’t own Exodus, preferably on the original vinyl pressing, then your record collection is most certainly incomplete. Buy it (on CD) while summer is still upon us.

Cantores de reggae se comprometem a não pregar a homofobia

2007-06-28T23:16:00.001-03:00

Eles são estrelas da música jamaicana atual e são conhecidos por atacar gays em suas canções. Tal atitude já causou diversos protestos de grupos pelos direitos civis dos homossexuais.

O texto intitulado de Ato de Compaixão do Reggae representa um acordo firmado entre pessoas envolvidas na cena de reggae e o grupo Stop Murder Music, que luta contra a homofobia na música.

"Não há espaço na comunidade musical para ódio e preconceito e também não há lugar para racismo, violência, sexismo e homofobia", diz o termo.

Os cantores concordaram, ainda, em "não fazer afirmações ou interpretar canções que incitem o ódio e a violência contra qualquer pessoa de qualquer comunidade".

Diversos artistas de reggae vêm sofrendo boicote por parte de público e patrocinadores de seus shows. Algumas apresentações, inclusive, vêm sendo canceladas por força das campanhas de grupos que defendem os direitos dos homossexuais. No entanto, outros cantores se recusaram a participar da campanha e assinar o texto.

Em uma das letras até o assassinato de gays chegou a ser incitado.Um outro acordo já havia sido feito anteriormente, mas declarações e faixas pró-homofobia voltaram a ser veiculadas depois de um tempo.

Na Jamaica, apenas a homossexualidade é considerada crime, passível de 10 anos de prisão.

Versão ‘de bolso’ de clássico de Bob Marley introduz formato alternativo

2007-06-28T23:13:00.000-03:00

Para comemorar o 30º aniversário do álbum “Exodus”, um dos clássicos de Bob Marley, considerado pela revista “Time” o melhor disco do século 20, a gravadora Island Records, subsidiária da Universal, está relançando as músicas em um novo formato.

Lançado originalmente em vinil em 1977, o álbum agora pode ser adquirido em um drive USB. A empresa produziu 4.000 peças, carregadas não só com as 10 faixas originais, mas também com músicas adicionais e vídeos de Bob Marley, falecido em 1981. Cada pen drive, que deve ser plugado a qualquer porta USB do computador, custa US$ 44,99 (cerca de R$ 90).

O preço alto reflete no conteúdo extra do “stick”, mas também no fato de que ele pode ser reutilizado como um pen drive para transferir arquivos de um computador para outro – basta fazer o download do conteúdo e deixá-lo livre para outros fins.

Enquanto o flash drive aparece como uma forma de remodelar a indústria, algumas bandas já estão experimentando a novidade. No ano passado, o grupo canadense Barenaked Ladies lançou o álbum “The Barenaked Ladies are me” em drives USB, além de CDs. Foram vendidas na América do Norte mil unidades de drives a US$ 25 cada, e 166 mil CDs a US$ 18,98.

“Não vai superar o formato tradicional, mas já é um começo”, diz Addam Smith, do selo Nettwerk Music Group, que cuida da banda canadense. Em suas turnês recentes, as Barenakeds gravam seus shows e disponibilizam as músicas em “sticks” USB assim que a apresentação termina. Até agora, o grupo vendeu 3.000 unidades de pen drives a US$ 40 cada.

Custa mais do que um CD, mas com a vantagem de poder ser reutilizado - um pen drive convencional custa em torno de US$ 30. “Uma vez que você faz o upload das músicas para o computador, terá um pequeno hardware”, diz Smith. “Se você compra um USB, o preço não é muito mais alto e ainda vem carregado com músicas da sua banda favorita.”

Bob Marley: álbum de remisturas em Julho

2007-06-28T23:12:00.000-03:00

Um álbum de remisturas de canções de Bob Marley sai para as lojas a 24 de Julho com o nome Roots, Rock, Remixed . Este é o primeiro álbum do género a ter o aval da família do nome mais importante da história do Reggae.

Entre os DJs que deram novas roupagens a temas de Marley, encontram-se DJ Spooky, Trio Elétrico e Afrodisiac Sound System. O alinhamento deste novo registo é o seguinte:

«Soul Shakedown Party (Afrodisiac Sound System Remix)»
«Lively Up Yourself (Bombay Dub Orchestra Remix)»
«Duppy Conqueror (Fort Knox Five Remix)»
«Sun Is Shining (Yes King Remix)»
«Soul Rebel (Afrodisiac Sound System Remix)»
«African Herbsman (King Kooba Remix)»
«Don't Rock My Boat (STUHR Remix)»
«Small Axe (Paul & Price Remix)»
«Rainbow Country (DJ Spooky's Subliminal Funk Remix)»
«Trenchtown Rock (Trio Elétrico Remix)»
«400 Years (Jimpster Remix)»
«One Love (Cordovan Remix)»

Vocalista do U2 canta Beatles e Bob Marley para ajudar a África

2007-06-28T23:11:00.000-03:00

BERLIM - Cerca de 70 mil pessoas assistiram nesta quinta-feira ao concerto "Sua voz contra a pobreza". O espetáculo é um protesto para reivindicar que o grupo de países mais ricos do mundo e a Rússia (G8) cumpram suas promessas de ajudar a África.

O principal momento da "cúpula do rock", como os organizadores batizaram o concerto, foi quando músicos como Bono, Geldof e Youssou N'Dour se uniram no palco para interpretar "Carry that Weight", dos Beatles, e "Get up, Stand up", de Bob Marley.

A canção dos Beatles que trata da má consciência foi dedicada à chanceler Angela Merkel e levou o público ao delírio quando um boneco de tamanho real da chefe do Governo dançou no palco.

Quando começou a tocar "Get up, Stand up", que faz um convite para as pessoas se levantarem em defesa de seus direitos, os músicos convidaram os presentes a se sentar.

O festival foi organizado pelos músicos Bob Geldof, Bono Vox e pelo alemão Herbert Grönemeyer, na cidade de Rostock.

O cantor irlandês Bono, líder do U2, pediu no palco que o G8 cumpra as promessas feitas na cúpula de Gleneagles (2005), na qual se comprometeram a investir US$ 25 bilhões na África até 2010.

"Eles estão nos ouvindo a dois quilômetros de distância, mas nos ouvem e isso é o que importa", exclamou Bono em referência às fortes medidas de segurança e à cerca de arame de doze quilômetros que separam os manifestantes dos oito líderes.

Informações da Folha Online

Walt Disney e Bob Marley estão em TOP 10 de 'heróis das Artes'

2007-06-28T23:09:00.000-03:00

Walt Disney e Bob Marley estão entre os dez heróis do mundo das artes para os jovens britânicos, revelou uma pesquisa divulgada no final de semana.
A enquete, encomenda pela Arts Award, perguntou a mais de 6.000 jovens entre 18 e 25 anos quais as personalidades do mundo da música, dança, literatura, cinema e artes visuais que mais os inspiravam.
O primeiro lugar ficou com Walt Disney, criador de personganes de quadrinhos, cineasta e fundador da Disneylândia. Em segundo vem o ator e comediante britânico Peter Kay, seguido pelo artista Bansky. O músico jamaicano Bob Marley ficou em quinto.
Os resultados revelaram que entre os dez escolhidos, apenas dois nasceram antes do século XX - Leonardo da Vinci, que mereceu apenas o quarto lugar, e a escritora inglesa Jane Austen, que ficou em sexto, e foi a única personalidade da literatura a ser mencionada na lista.
As informações são do Correio do Brasil

De volta!

2007-06-28T23:08:00.000-03:00

Após semanas sem atualização, estou de volta. Aos poucos...

Vamos que vamos!

Stay tuned !

Skatalites again...

2007-05-24T13:08:00.000-03:00

Esta também vale a postagem...

PS. Atualizações em breve! Tô enroladão...

THE SKATALITES - Sesc Pompéia - 17/05

2007-05-19T11:24:00.000-03:00

SKATALITES - 17 e 18 de Maio - Sesc Pompéia

2007-04-25T22:12:00.000-03:00

SKATALITES

Primeiro grupo a gravar sucessos com Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff entre outros, foram hegemônicos durante os anos 60. Lendas vivas, o saxofonista Sir Lester Sterling, o trompetista Johnny Moore e a cantora Doreen Sheffer acompanham o baterista Lloyde Knibbs na formação atual, com mais de 40 anos de estrada. Choperia. Proibida a entrada de menores de 18 anos. 1 R$ 30,00; R$ 22,50 (usuário matriculado). R$ 13,00 (trabalhador no comércio e serviços matriculado e dependentes). R$ 15,00 (acima de 60 anos e estudantes com carteirinha)
Dia(s) 17/05, 18/05 Quinta e sexta, 21h.
SESC Pompéia

Dubversão / 05 de Maio / Virada Cultural

2007-04-24T22:59:00.000-03:00

Dubversão sistema de som na Virada Cultural (www.viradacultural.com.br)

Dia 05 de Maio de 2007 - Sábado

O Dubversão Sistema de Som montará sua parafernalha num dos calçadões que dão para a Praça da Sé. Rua Barão de Paranapiacaba, esquina com a Rua Quintino Bocaiuva.

Serão 7 horas de som: das 21h às 04 da manhã.

Revolucionário do reggae, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry toca em SP

2007-04-17T13:24:00.000-03:00

Músico jamaicano, de 71 anos: influência de gerações da música internacional

por Jotabê Medeiros - Estadão

SÃO PAULO - Um revolucionário do mundo musical toca nesta terça-feira, em São Paulo. Trata-se do jamaicano Lee "Scratch" Perry, de 71 anos, um exilado da música que vive atualmente na Suíça.

Hip-hop, techno, electro, trip-hop, jungle, drum’n’bass, ragamuffin’, big beats, dancehall: quase tudo que se entende hoje por música moderna deve um pouco a esse sujeito tão excêntrico quanto Tim Maia ou Sun Ra, nascido Rainford Hugh Perry na região rural canavieira de Kendal, na Jamaica, em 1936, o terceiro de quatro filhos de Ina Davis e Henry Perry.

Embora muitos creditem a King Tubby (nome artístico de Osbourne Ruddock) a invenção do dub, é sabido que ninguém levou essa experimentação mais longe que Lee Perry em seu estúdio Black Ark, em Kingston, na Jamaica.

Perry está desde os anos 1950 na parada, e começou ainda garoto ladeando um herói do ska, Prince Buster. Tinha acabado de abandonar a escola, aos 15 anos, sem concluir a quarta série primária. "Não aprendi nada. Tudo que aprendi veio da natureza."

Terceiro Mundo

Foi esse músico semiletrado, cuja instrução se fez na estrada, que obrigou o mundo a abrir as portas para o reggae, o primeiro grande gênero internacional produzido no Terceiro Mundo Essa proeza ele conseguiu com o disco The Return of Django (1969), gravado com sua banda The Upsetters.

Ali estavam presentes os elementos que distinguiriam o gênero: o baixo marcado, a guitarra esgrimida e a bateria espasmódica que postariam a música jamaicana um pouco adiante do gênero pregresso, o ska.

Lee Perry tem sido uma ponte viva entre culturas musicais distintas. Foi Perry, por exemplo, já em Londres, quem apresentou o reggae ao grupo de punk rock "The Clash". Encantada a banda gravou Police & Thief, hit jamaicano de Perry e Junior Murvin. Em contrapartida, Lee Perry apresentou o punk rock ao seu brou jamaicano Bob Marley. E este, também para celebrar a crueza punk, compôs um de seus clássicos, Punky Reggae Party.

Perry e o dub

Já as experiências de Perry com o dub, sua profissão de fé mais destacada, foram elemento de internacionalização do reggae em direção ao pop mundial - as expressões mais modernas do pop inglês, hoje, astros como Lilly Allen e Babyshambles, por exemplo, veneram o dub.

Seria pouco verdadeiro dizer que Lee Perry tem uma carreira regular, com discos sempre avançados. Não mesmo: muitas vezes, seu reggae é mal produzido, com letras desimportantes e postulação musical frágil. "Amo vocês como amo os extraterrestres", disse o músico, um visionário de humores variados. Em 1979, ele chegou a botar fogo no próprio estúdio, num acesso de doideira.

Auge nos 70

O auge de sua carreira foi nos anos 1970, quando proclamou pelo mundo a "dub revolution". Sua colaboração criativa com os Wailers de Bob Marley é fundamental no desenvolvimento do reggae moderno. Sua inventividade tirou Bob Marley da condição de um modesto bandleader local e o empurrou para o estrelato internacional.

Lee Perry já alardeou aos quatro ventos que teria vindo de Júpiter, dos céus, da África, e por aí vai. Segundo escreveu o biógrafo David Katz em "People Funny Boy: The Genius of Lee ´Scratch´ Perry", o uso regular de maconha causou alguns danos ao velho Perry, como sintomas freqüentes de perda de memória. Suas fases mais criativas têm sido continuamente revisitadas pela aldeia fonográfica.

Material fundamental para entender o som de Scratch é a caixa Arkology (Islands Records), que compila seu material no estúdio Black Ark. Acaba de sair o álbum The Upsetter Selection: A Lee Perry Jukebox (selo Trojan), que reúne aqueles maiores clássicos do produtor, como People Funny Boy, I’m the Upsetter, The Woodman.

"Sou um artista, um músico, um mágico, um escritor, um cantor. Sou tudo. Meu nome é Lee, das selvas da África, originalmente do Oeste da África. Sou um homem de algum outro lugar também, mas minhas origens estão na África, direto da África por meio da reencarnação, renascido na África. O Super-Homem veio à Terra porque estava doente e cansado. Eu não estou doente nem cansado porque aprendi o que acontece; quando a gente fica frustrado, então é quando a música vem em forma de gotas de chuva para apoiar todo mundo aqui que está com o coração partido e não sabe o que fazer. Eu fui programado. Muita gente que nasce de novo voltou para aprender uma lição. Você já ouviu a respeito dos ETs? Eu sou um ET, compreende? Compreende?"

É um doidão, mas também é um gênio da música. Veremos amanhã o que prevalece.

O que é dub

O reconhecimento do dub (técnica de remixagem, baseada em efeitos de reverberação, de eco, que põe à frente o som de baixo e bateria) como recurso da música moderna é unânime entre músicos de diversas escolas e gêneros.

No Brasil, velhos devotos do reggae, como o atual ministro da Cultura, Gilberto Gil, ouviram o reggae pela primeira vez no fim dos anos 60, no exílio, em Londres. Mas a conexão com o Brasil já era facilmente encontrável nas praias de São Luís, no Maranhão, onde Gil disse que reencontrou o reggae em 1973.

Em 1984, Gil foi à Jamaica gravar Vamos Fugir no estúdio de Bob Marley, o Tuff Gong. Procurou Aston ‘Familyman’ Barrett, parceiro do jamaicano. Foi à casa dele e disseram que ele estava "lá".

Gil perguntou: "Lá onde?" Responderam: "Na prensa de discos." Era uma casa nos fundos e, ao chegar lá, Familyman estava abaixado e Gil perguntou: "O que faz aí?" Familyman respondeu: "Um disco de dub"

Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry. Via Funchal (6.000 lug.). Rua Funchal, 65, V.Olímpia, 11-3089-6999. Terça, 21h. R$ 80 a R$ 140

The Upsetter - The Movie

2007-04-15T23:33:00.000-03:00

Aproveitando que Lee Perry toca em Sampa terça-feira agora, mando o link para o vídeo The Upsetter - The Movie, que tá (ou quase) saindo do forno...

Clique aqui para acessar ao site The Upsetter - The Movie.

Para ver um trechinho do vídeo, clique aqui.

Lee "Scratch" Perry no Via Funchal.

Ao completar 15 anos, o Abril Pro Rock, um dos mais importantes festivais de música pop do Brasil, que acontece anualmente em Recife, chega a um momento especial na sua trajetória. A data é um marco e traduz a importância do evento no calendário musical e cultural brasileiro. Para a edição APR 2007 - 15 anos, os produtores Paulo André Pires, Melina Hickson, Sonally Pires e Verena Petitinga prepararam boas novidades. O APR terá edições no Rio de Janeiro e em São Paulo. A edição de São Paulo acontece no dia 17 de abril (terça-feira), no Via Funchal, com Lee "Scratch" Perry, The Film e Los Alamos.
Um dos artistas mais inovadores do reggae, Lee "Scratch" Perry apresenta, em São Paulo, o seu novo projeto de dub e poesia, "Panic in Babylon". No palco, Lee Perry é acompanhado por Stephen Wright (guitarra), Kirk Service (baixo), Noel Salmon (teclados) e Sinclair Seales (bateria).
Com 25 anos de idade, a dupla francesa The Film, formada por Guillaume Briere (voz e guitarra) e Benjamin Lebeau (voz e baixo), trabalha junto desde os 10 anos de idade. No palco são acompanhados por Nicolas Ballario (teclados e sax) e Antoine Boistelle (bateria).
O grupo argentino Los Alamos foi eleito como a revelação de 2005 pela edição nacional da Revista Rolling Stone com o seu primeiro cd "No". Em agosto de 2006, o grupo lançou um EP "Emboscada" com covers de Neil Young, Spaceman 3, dentre outros, além de faixas gravadas ao vivo. O grupo é formado por Pedro Lopes (voz e guitarra), Ezequiel Safatle (guitarra), Joaquin Ferrer (bateria), Jonah Schwartz (bandolim e gaita), Andrés Barlesi (baixo) e Gabriel Sanabria (acordeão e trompete).

De Jamaica Reggae Scene

2007-04-15T22:27:00.001-03:00

By Cecelia Campbell

Hardbeatnews, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Fri. Apr. 13, 2007: The Rastas are at again it over a comment made by one of their own, Lutan Fyah, at a recent stage show.

During Fantan Mojah’s show held in St. Elizabeth, Lutan bigged up Bounty Killer for giving the “yutes a buss” and turning them into millionaires. And he criticized the Rastas for not doing the same, implying that they rather have these youths around them doing menial tasks and not helping to push them further.

The comments stirred the wrath of Anthony B, Capleton and Luciano. But Lutan remains unapologetic as he claims he was not throwing stones at anyone.

“Mi have to tan up on my two foot dem left and right because Anthony B, Capleton and Luciano want to gang me, say me diss Rastafari, when all I did was refer to the music, so how all of sudden dem say me diss the Rasta movement. Why only dem alone choose fi tek offence? Look how much Rasta were at the stage show and backstage and dem say, ‘good fire Fantan’, dem love it so why dem hurt?” the artiste was quoted as saying.

DAVILLE’S ‘ON MY MIND’ REMIX CREATING WAVES

Da’Ville’s remix of ‘On My Mind’ featuring Sean Paul has been enjoying extensive maximum airplay worldwide. The single, which is a production of Fashozy Records, was sent to over eight hundred sound system selectors and radio disc jockeys.

“The song a gwaan good. It is being played extensively in Holland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Australia, Germany, France, England, Switzerland and the Caribbean islands among other places and the response from fans has been overwhelming,” Da’Ville commented about the remix.

He added, “The combination between myself and Sean Paul couldn’t have been better. I have been receiving so many emails and phone calls that I am overwhelmed!”

WATCH OUT FOR UPCOMING SINGER MR. MAJESTIC

Singer Mr. Majestic is very busy on the US circuit on a marketing and radio promo. He is quite focused on bussing big time on the music scene. He knows it’s a lot of hard work and good material and so far he is on the right track.

Among the areas he is concentrating on with his radio and marketing promo are California, Colorado, Tampa, Orlando, London and Israel.

So far, he has done shows in Oakland, Florida and DNA Lounge in San Francisco where he shared the stage with the likes of Ras Shiloh, Yami Bolo and Junior Tosh. Next week the artiste is scheduled to be back in Jamaica to do some recordings at the Tuff Gong Studio and do a video shoot for his popular single

‘Unbreakable.’

Looking further afield, Mr. Majestic has several shows lined up through a Reggae Revolution tour being promoted by Krystyle Records that will see him touring 20 cities in northern California. Look out for this artiste he is coming full force! – Hardbeatnews.com

Half Pint to get IRAWMA

2007-04-15T22:23:00.000-03:00

Half-Pint, the man responsible for some of dancehall's most classic melodic tunes, will be honoured this year at the 26th annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA).

The ceremony, which recognises the best in reggae and world beat music, will be giving the special "Producer's Respect Award" to Jamaican musical stars Half Pint, Gregory Isaacs, as well as American hip hop legend Doug E Fresh.

Half Pint's work with celebrated producer King Jammy helped to usher a lighter, more relaxed approach to dancehall music, with content that was both romantic and socially conscious. Without question, his most famous track would be the international hit Greetings, which eventually set the tone for the 'ragga' style that was, at that time, taking over Jamaican music. During his peak, Half Pint also teamed with reggae mainstays Sly and Robbie on several tracks, including the hit Night Life Lady. As a testament to his influence, rock icons the Rolling Stones covered one of his earlier tracks, Winsome, in 1986, under the new title Too Rude, for their Dirty Work album.

The International Reggae and World Music Awards will be held at the renowned Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York on May 5, 2007.

Assassin hitting his marks

2007-04-15T22:22:00.000-03:00

Deejay excelling in distance degree course

Friday, April 13, 2007

"Even though I've had to get an extension on a few occasions, it's generally been manageable, and it hasn't affected my career negatively." Thus DJ Assassin assesses his educational pursuits to date.

The 'extensions' refer to assignment deadlines in the Bachelor's in Business management degree course which he signed up for last summer. The course is being administered by the University of Sunderland, in the UK, through a distance learning agreement with local company RDI.
Assassin in performance.

To date, his grades, which include a distinction, pass and merit, appear to vindicate the toaster's decision to embark on the paper chase despite, as he pointed out at the initial presentation, formal qualifications are not seen as necessary in his field.

"There are people who still question it but also many people who support the move," Assassin said whilst seated in the office of RDI chief Aldane Reid. "I get a lot of feedback from producers and agents and even from the general public."

Still, the course is no cakewalk, especially at this juncture where the artiste is busy trying to complete a another major assignment: the recording and release of his second album. Bearing the title of one of his current chart hits Gully Sitten, the sophomore disc is set to drop "before the end of July" if he can get all the tracks finalised.

This set, Assassin says, finds him trying to recapture the feel of his exploits whilst a student at Camperdown High school. "With this album, I just want to go back to the days when it wasn't no career or no hype as such, is just music. I try do music that I really feel and appreciate without worrying say, 'this tune fit dis market' or anything like that."

He adds that the just-completed three-month stint touring with Buju Banton has further broadened his outlook, as did a brief European tour as the headliner act.

As he continues to balance musical and academic pursuits, Assassin is looking ahead to the time when he can be perceived as an influence to new aspiring entertainers. "I think about hearing the big guys in the business when I was coming in and I'd like to reach a level where a youth can say, 'well is Assassin I hear why I really get started in music'.

Sizzla - The Ovarstanding Kalonji Records/DDMG

2007-04-15T22:21:00.002-03:00

Part activist, part revolutionary, part romantic and part entrepreneur, Sizzla exercises all these dimensions in satisfying his obligations to new label partner Damon Dash. This set mixes in new tracks with previous Sizzla gems (Just One OF Those Days, Thank You Mama) that have been given the 'Dame Dash' r&b hiphop touch.

Of greatest interest are the cautionary tale Pay To Learn, the optimistic Beautiful Day and a neatly rearranged Give Me A Try which, in this iteration, has a neo-doo wop that compares more than favourably with the original.
The Ovastanding, while not definitive on the level of Da Real Ting or Black Woman And Child, still has enough satisfying moments to be worthy of support.

David Rudder - The Cricket Chronicles - Lypsoland
The euphoria may have been short-lived, but calypso raconteur David Rudder's ardour and pathos for the game of cricket and its deeper significance to the West Indies (on many levels) remains undiminished. His classic anthem, Rally Round The West Indies is here, joined by a new piece of eternal optimism called Champions. The remainder of this 14-track valentine to the game of glorious uncertainties and the unique art of being West Indian mix substance, satire and sentiment in near equal measure.

Lafayette Harris Jr - In The Middle Of The Night - Airmen records
Pianist Harris has studied with legendary jazz drummer Max Roach, but on this disc, it's the horn men that provide solid support - namely Donald Harrison on alto sax and Terrell Stafford on trumpet.

Harris references the Gamble-Huff composition Darlin' Darlin Baby (recorded with great success by the O'Jays) and there's also Nat Adderly's Work Song among some 'smooth-ish' originals, but the playing is solid throughout. Good accompaniment for that weekend drive out of town.

Yellow Man's Most Wanted disc has been reissued

2007-04-15T22:21:00.001-03:00

Record Rack
With Kevin Jackson Observer Writer
Friday, April 13, 2007

Yellow Man's Most Wanted disc, which contains hits spanning the period 1982 to 1987 has been re-released by London's Greensleeves Records. The set is one of the many goodies that Greensleeves has been unleashing as a part of its 30th anniversary celebrations.

Most Wanted gets a second look with this newly packaged edition boasting a biography, rare photos and liner notes.
The set glows with biggies like Mr Chin, Who Can Make The Dance Ram, Yellow Man Getting Married, Zungguzungguguzungguzeng, Body Move, Blueberry Hill (a cover of the Fats Domino original which placed Yellow Man back at the top of the Jamaican charts in 1987), Nobody Move Nobody Get Hurt and Mr Wong.

Most Wanted leaves no doubt that Yellow Man remains one of dancehall's most prolific toasters. Any serious Yellow Man fan should be filling out subscriptions to this 16-track collection.

Stephen Marley's Mind Control is not to be ignored

Stephen Marley gets down to serious business on his solo debut, Mind Control. Not that he wasn't a serious musician before his spanking new debut. He had already proven his mettle with albums such as brother Damian 'Jr Gong' Marley's Welcome To Jamrock and the various artistes compilation Chant Down Babylon.

Mind Control is now available locally through distributor Tuff Gong. Stephen is without a doubt the most talented of the clan and his vulnerability is evident on this 11-track opus.
With torch burners including the number one hit The Traffic Jam, Hey Baby, Iron Bars, You're Gonna Leave and Chase Dem, Mind Control is a refreshing breeze of an album and warrants multiple listens. The real icing on the cake is the poignant track Fed Up, my personal favourite.

A bonus video for the song The Traffic Jam is added incentive for the curious fan. Mind Control debuted at number one on the Billboard Reggae album chart two weeks ago. It sold over 20,000 copies in its first week of release in the US.

Ol' Sitt'n rhythm takes flight to All Access

All Access has issued the singles from the Ol' Sitt'n rhythm on the Tiger label imprint. Included in the line-up are Just For Love Sake by Perfect, Selfish Love by Diana Rutherford, Let Love Control by Norris Man, Don't Do Me That by Assailant, Modern Day Pharaoh by Junior X, Too Much Trouble by Zeno, We Get It All About by Teflon, and Can't Get You Off My Mind by Blessed.

All Access is also distributing the two-artiste compilation, The Perfect Balance. It features songs from Turbulence and Richie Spice.
Spice's contributions are Bless The Man, Castle Of My Heart, Come In Money, Cold-Hearted Fool, Never Weary, Sell Out and Monday Morning.

Turbulence's songs are Family Tree, Rainy Day, Top A Top, My Woman, Master Of False Pretence, We Are One and Perfect Match.
The disc has been released on the Weeded Records and Redd Army Music imprints.

Black Pearl label's Ghetto Biscuit rhythm from Ozone Entertainment

New this week from Ozone Entertainment is the Black Pearl label's Ghetto Biscuit rhythm. The tracks include Gimmie Little Loving by Gyptian and Devra Bratt, Gangsta's Paradise by Wayne Wonder, It's Over by Junior Kelly, Prophecy by Warrior King, She's Having A Baby by Luciano, Real Reggae by Richie Spice, Ghost Town by Mikey General, Di System by Lutan Fyah, Wi Nuh Worry by Red Foxx, Love by Tony Curtis and War Song by Singer J.

Pure And Clean is back with the Platinum rhythm

The Pure and Clean label scored a chart topper last year with Perfect's hit single Nuh Badda Mi. The label is back on active duty with the release of the Platinum rhythm by the Reggae Box Project distribution (Cap Calcini).

The titles include Tek You Mouth Offa Mi by Anthony B; Gun A Buss/Cyaan Bad We Up by Capleton/Little Capes; Move by Danny English; Walk Dem Out by Determine; We Nuh Deh Pon Wah Dem Deh Pon/Get To Your Head by Fantan Mojah; Me Nuh Fear Dem by Frisco Kid aka Ancient Monarchy; Who Gi Dem by Lutan Fyah; Come Fi Dem by Norris Man; Man A Gangsta/For the People by Pinchers/Jah Thunda; Goody Goody by Sugar Roy; and Glock/Sentence by Virgo Man.

Inside the 'Kalonji complex'

2007-04-15T22:20:00.001-03:00

It might be easy to assume you know Sizzla.
After all, the turban-wearing Rasta singer has been arguably the most prolific reggae artiste of the last decade, recording - at last check - 38 albums since Black Woman And Child brought him to wider recognition in 1997.
KALONJI. is as much about enterprise as he is about entertainment

But as a recent trip to his Judgement Yard headquarters in the August Town community revealed, there's far more to the man christened Miguel Orlando Collins than meets the eye - or ear.

For starters, he's as much about enterprise as he is about entertainment, arguably more so. Inside the small office, there's a full sound system and the latest Mac computer set-up, at which a graphic artist is doing his best to expedite the many wishes of the boss, wishes expressed in speech that zips between lilt and grunt without warning. Posters for energy drink Kaboom - which he officially endorses (along with the Pro-Keds sneaker brand) - compete for wall space with a scroll detailing the human toll of the Atlantic slave trade and the obligatory banners and portraits of HIM Haile Selassie.

As expected, the complex moves to the 'Sizzla soundtrack' with a few of the aforesaid albums in rotation alongside video clips - courtesy of Rasta TV (yes, another Kalonji enterprise - showing highlights from last year's Earth Strong (birthday) bash that he threw right there at the Yard.

That event will be renewed this Sunday (April 15), with another, more reverential function set for April 17 (his actual birth date).
A steep descent (though not nearly as taxing as the ascent) takes us to a larger edifice that houses the recording studio, although Sizzla is wont to take his Pro Tools-laden computer along with a microphone into the bucolic outdoors (a stream runs through the back of the property) and make rough recordings al fresco, which will be flushed out and buffed up later on.

Beyond recording, flights of fancy have led him on a building binge, the most recent of which saw rough wood fencing installed - virtually single-handedly, we're told - around the upper and lower perimeters.

In direct conversation, inside the front courtyard, the artiste is more modulated, a contrast to the earlier tones.

In a conversation that typically ranged wide but invariably returned to his 'black pre-eminence, back-to-Africa Rasta' philosophy, Sizzla reiterated his views on homosexuality ("we can't change our stance on that - our culture, the culture of our African fathers promote righteousness, not corruption"), his penchant for the occasional 'gun tune' ("we nuh advocate violence, but we are warriors through the bloodline; it necessary at times for a one defend himself"), his 'current' disc The Overstanding and, most importantly, his hopes and vision for the community.

"Well is right here me grow," he says. "My father do garage work - this here is really a old garage that we convert and set up the music thing. I learn the auto trade, welding mufflers and such like, cause you have to have a trade, but we save and take time make our push into the music and that's how our living come now."

"But the living is not just for me, is for the community, cause we help send kids go school, we help if granny sick or a bredren in need otherwise, so we set the thing with maturity, and at the same time try help the youths to uplift them thinking - know about themselves as Africans and how to overcome certain things. At the end of the day, it's about helping to secure a better life so we can have a better community and a better nation."
So the man, and his 'yard' and the wider yard, all inseparable, continue to impact the nation - and beyond.

Kenyatta Hill steps up to the legacy

2007-04-15T22:19:00.001-03:00

Kenyatta Hill has pledged to continue the work of his father and late reggae icon, Joseph Hill, known internationally as Culture. The younger Hill was speaking on Wednesday evening at the launch of Western Consciousness at the Pegasus Hotel's Talk of the Town. "I'm not the dancehall person," declared Kenyatta Hill while voicing his commitment to carry on his father's work. "So you see, I decided that his work has to go on."
Kenyatta Hill, son of the late Joseph Hill, in performance.

The erstwhile studio engineer, with no prior experience as a singer, took up the mantle after the sudden passing of Culture during a tour of Europe. With 19 shows remaining, Kenyatta Hill, for the first time as a lead vocalist, successfully completed the rather fateful tour.

"The first night I performed in London, and when I cried, they cried. And when they cried, I cried....the first night was good, the second night we went to Germany. We had like 19 shows after my dad passed. Came home and did the Ranny Williams Centre and I went back to Brazil because he had prior arrangements with the Brazilian promoters," explained the young entertainer.

Reminiscing on the last conversation he had with his father, Kenyatta recalled Culture's final words to him on the bus before he took his last breath as "You know that your dad wasn't a lazy man".
Those words, Kenyatta said, were the source of his motivation. "I decided since that he worked 33 years on the road doing what he loved and what he did best which was singing, I decided, why sit here....he worked too hard to reach where he is at right now for me to sit here, as the only son and his music, his career, his life, everything just like stop. Therefore, I just decided I must carry on, I must. That is what gives me the drive and the energy to continue. Because it not easy doing what my dad did.

"So you see I decided that his work has to go on....and I'm doing what he did for 33 years. It still need people out here, young people, to get the message across to our generation....to continue the work what Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, my father, everybody, we have to continue that trend."

For the past 19 years, the Western Consciousness roots/culture festival has become a brand dubbed 'The Celebration of Good Over Evil.' Giving an overview of his brainchild, promoter Worrell King said: "Culture was actually the first act to have been booked to perform on Western Consciousness 07. So it is quite fitting for us to present Western Consciousness in honour of Joseph 'Culture' Hill.

"And that is exactly what we are doing. We are going to be honouring Culture through music....As we speak, we're doing everything in our powers to fly home that band, that set of musicians who have played with Culture for years to make a real grand presentation in honour of Culture. And that band of musicians is going to be led by no one else than Kenyatta Hill, the son of Joseph Hill.

Following a presentation in which Kenyatta Hill received a plaque on behalf of his mother, Pauline Hill, who was his father's road manager, special guest artistes for this year's show, Ijahman Levi, gave glimpses of what he has in store for the fans. With his haunting guitar styling, the vintage reggae chanter performed two of his better known standards Jah Heavy Load and by request, We A Warrior as well as a number he was performing publicly for the first time titled Bob Marley in honour of the reggae king.

Western Consciousness takes place on Saturday, April 28, at the Llandilo Cultural Centre, Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland. Among the impressive array of artistes are Louie Culture, Luciano, Chuck Fender, Anthony B, Jah Mason, Etana, Sasha, Tessanne, Tarrus Riley, Teflon, Nanko, Natural Black, Freddie McGregor, Leroy Sibbles, and John Holt.

From Hello Darlin' to Up 2 Di Time ...

2007-04-15T22:15:00.000-03:00

The Greensleeves story

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Of course, the three-decade history of Greensleeves records significantly pre-dates the above-referenced 1986 Tippa Irie single (one of, if not the first record from a reggae artiste to find national chart success in the UK) and neither does it end with Vybz Kartel's famous slang.
Vybz Kartel

But the two form a reasonable bracket to one of the most diverse and influential bodies of work - both commercially and artistically - in the annals of reggae music.
Greensleeves began as a record shop in West Ealing, London, in November 1975. A move to the Shepherds Bush community two years later set the stage for the thriving record label as it is known today, with offices in both London (actually in Isleworth, Middlesex), and New York City (where the sales, promotion and much of the A&R work is handled).

Indeed Tippa Irie was not the mainstay of the label in its formative years, but a DJ with the unusual moniker of Dr Alimantado, whose album, Best Dressed Chicken In Town, was a runaway success and has never been out of print since.
By 1980, the record shop had been eclipsed by the record label.
Greensleeves quickly established an identity with acts that provide a continuity between those fledgling days and today: the first few albums included work by Augustus Pablo (the acclaimed Original Rockers album) and Barrington Levy, both of whom still appear on the label.

The emergent dancehall culture of the early '80s led Greensleeves to form mutually satisfying relationships with the late Henry 'Junjo' Lawes, the pioneering early ruler of the genre, and with singer/producer Linval Thompson. This period included dub releases from Scientist, vocal albums from the Wailing Souls, Freddie McGregor, Thompson and Don Carlos, and early works from Black Uhuru produced by Prince Jammy (he later became King Jammy), another Jamaican producer long associated with the label.

The mid-80s were a particularly strong time for the label, with virtually every reggae major recording for it in some degree or fashion. Among best-remembered highlights of the era are several albums from Eek-A-Mouse (including the classic Wa Do Dem), 10 albums from Yellowman (including his most famous, Zungguzungguguzungguzeng), Josey Wales' The Outlaw Josey Wales, Johnny Osbourne's Water Pumping, Junior Reid's debut, Boom Shack A Lack, and Frankie Paul's early success Pass The Tu-Sheng-Peng.

At the same time, the company continued to provide for the more traditional end of the reggae market with classic roots material like Hugh Mundell's Africa Must Be Free By 1983, Jacob Miller's Who Say Jah No Dread, Ras Michael's Rastafari and albums from Burning Spear, Ini Kamoze, Augustus Pablo and Israel Vibration.
An eight-year period of home-grown productions reached its peak with Tippa Irie's UK Top 30 hit Hello Darlin' in 1986. Other Greensleeves UK acts to score heavily were Pato Banton, whose Secret Thunderbird Drinker remains a cult classic, and reggae-rapping duo Clint Eastwood & General Saint who were highly successful with Another One Bites The Dust (nine weeks at Number one in the UK reggae charts) and Stop That Train (Number three in the national charts in Holland).

Greensleeves was quick to embrace the new digital music from 1986 onwards, issuing Wayne Smith's Under Me Sleng Teng, the record that started it all. In 1988 Gregory Isaacs' Rumours single (a Gussie Clarke production) was the best-selling reggae record of 1988 and created a new hi-tech raggamuffin genre all on its own. For the next two years, Clarke's productions on records by Isaacs, JC Lodge, Dennis Brown, Home T, Cocoa Tea, Shabba Ranks, and Greensleeves' own signing, Deborahe Glasgow, dominated both the label and the reggae world.

For several years, Greensleeves licensed the leading American reggae label RAS, with releases from Black Uhuru (including a UK Top 50 entry for Great Train Robbery), Freddie McGregor and Israel Vibration. It continued to distribute the RAS label, and in addition provided UK/European distribution for other leading US reggae labels -- Heartbeat, Shanachie and VP -- for a number of years until deciding to concentrate on its own Greensleeves label in the late '90s. A world music series, including three albums from Zouk masters Kassav, came out in the late '80s.
In the early '90s, the NYC connection deepened and productions like Shaggy's career-launching cover of the Folkes Brothers' Oh Carolina reached the UK Number one slot in March 1993. The single also reached the Top 10 in Holland and Belgium on the Greensleeves label.

The mid-90s also saw an involvement with the fast-rising 'new roots' scene in the UK through releases for the legendary sound system figure Jah Shaka and newcomers Alpha & Omega, and also some of the toughest productions to emerge from the UK ragga-jungle scene (now collected on two mid-price compilations).

Strong relationships with most of Jamaica's top producers has continued to allow Greensleeves the pick of the very best music from the island, including productions by King Jammy, Shocking Vibes, Jack Scorpio, Steely & Clevie, Startrail, and Bobby Digital. Highlights have included albums by Bounty Killer (including 1997's highly successful Ghetto Gramma), Garnett Silk's Lord Watch Over Our Shoulders (1995), Beenie Man's Maestro, Mykal Rose's Nuh Carbon and Beres Hammond's Lifetime Guarantee (all 1996).
Compilation albums increased significantly in importance during the '90s, and Greensleeves has established two of the leading compilation series -- its mid-price Sampler series of more accessible reggae, and its Ragga Ragga Ragga series of hardcore dancehall.

A recent development has been a merging of roots lyrics with modern ragga rhythms, which are showcased on the compilation series Conscious Ragga, and on albums from artistes such as Everton Blender, Anthony B, Bushman, Morgan Heritage, and Sizzla.

The label also helped to bring Sizzla Kalonji to wider attention, beginning with the classic Black Woman & Child (released to massive critical acclaim in 1997) and its successors, Royal Son Of Ethiopia (1999), Bobo Ashanti (2000) and Rastafari Teach I Everything (2001).

The label also brought pop success to Beenie Man with his smash, Who Am I (Zim Zimma) which stormed on to the UK national charts at Number 10 in 1998. Following this, dancehall sensation Mr Vegas proved himself a cross-over success: his debut album, Heads High, became one of the label's best-selling single artiste albums, the title track reaching Number 16 in the UK pop charts in 1999 after his MOBO award success that year.

The annual Biggest Ragga Dancehall Anthems series of double-CD collections each year has recently been supplemented by its first retrospective Anthems release, covering the 1979-82 period and entitled The Birth of Dancehall.

On the publishing side, Greensleeves has published 10 Top 20 hits in the UK in the last 10 years, including two Number ones, and Greensleeves Publishing has now developed far beyond its original subsidiary role to the record label. With a well-established network of sub-publishers throughout the world, it has become a substantial business in its own right, currently handling over 12,000 songs, including two recent Top 20 hits in the Billboard Hot 100 in the USA.
The new millennium saw the emergence of the charismatic Elephant Man, whose first three albums on the label have been among the company's biggest successes recently. Greensleeves also signed Ward 21, as well as Vybz Kartel, whose debut album for the label was released late 2003.

The other recent development on the label has been the success of the Greensleeves Rhythm Album series, meeting the ever-present demand of hardcore reggae fans to own all the cuts on the best new rhythms by releasing them on a single album. Number 27 in the series, Diwali, produced by Steven 'Lenky' Marsden, even crossed out of the base market to reach the sort of sales figures normally only achieved by top artiste albums in the genre and spawned the recent Wayne Wonder hit, No Letting Go.

Now, with the A&R base shifted to New York, Greensleeves is again in a period of reinvention, one which the relatively new A&R head Dan Kuster hopes will coincide with a reinvention of its principal genres.
"We're essentially starting from scratch, we're in search of new talent, and personally, I'd like to see new energy in the business, and I believe the market as a whole wants that too, "Kuster told the Observer in a phone interview.

Part of that search for renewal has led to a collaboration with this year's season of Digicel Rising Stars, launched this past week in Kingston. The winner of this year's competition will have two singles recorded with Greensleeves, one of which will be accompanied by a music video.
The label is also currently in talks with other acts, Kuster says, but "nothing that we're ready to announce as yet".
On the distribution side, recognising the shift towards digital media, Greensleeves has signed a global agreement with leading digital distribution outfit, The Orchard.

Kuster, whose own background dealing in 7" reggae singles, helped prepare him to assume his current position ("when I was approached, I was winding down my own business and looking to get more involved on the creative side") says it's still early days for the digital distribution of reggae but acknowledges that the music scene is rapidly heading in that direction.
Still, Greensleeves remains focussed on its history.

To celebrate its 25th Anniversary in 2000, the label re-released 25 classic titles from its catalogue, remastered, and repackaged. This Greensleeves Classics series has been continued with further re-releases on a regular basis.

Five years on, the company plans to continue the trend, and is scheduled to re-release some 50 of the more classic items in the catalogue, many of which are appearing in the CD format for the first time. But no doubt, Greensleeves, like other labels, will have to continue to walk the line, maintaining the bridge to the past while looking clearly towards the future.

Babylon By Bus

2007-04-15T22:13:00.000-03:00

In our Jamaican lingua, the word 'Babylon' has two meanings depending on the context in which it is used. In the case of Bob Marley's famous live album, Babylon By Bus, it refers to the dominant Eurocentric nations (including the US) and their socio-political systems. The local police are seen as the main agents perpetuating such a system and in the streets they are referred to collectively and singly as 'Babylon'.
On Thursday, March 29, Bembe, the weekly dance, was invaded by busloads of 'Babylon', or so it seemed. The dance was going along fine. Everyone was in high spirits - spliffs lit and the scantily-clad ladies were doing their thing, on and off the stage - literally. They were even dancing on the stage props and trusses.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, (or was it our worst nightmare?) and without provocation, numerous police personnel, armed to the teeth with high-powered weapons and dressed in bullet-proof regalia ("uniforms of brutality" - Bob Marley from Burnin' And Looting), entered the premises. Immediately an officer grabbed one patron, presumably with the intention only to detain and/or search but consequently sent those close-by into a stampeding panic. Even Sister Pat, who was standing more than 50 feet away, was unintentionally dragged to the ground by another lady who obviously experienced fright at what was occurring at the other end of the venue. Luckily, the experienced selector quickly and masterfully calmed down the crowd, thus preventing potentially more chaos and serious injury.

The police had arrived at 1:30 am and until the dance wrapped up at 2:15, the selectors repeatedly told the crowd that the police wanted motorists who were illegally parked on the road and sidewalks to move their vehicles.

Incredibly on leaving, the scene felt surreal, like the aftermath of a violent riot or battle zone, as we had to pass through a gauntlet of police, mostly dressed in blue denim battle fatigues. Furthermore, there were over 75 officers and 14 police vehicles including two buses parked haphazardly, even in the middle of the road, restricting the free flow of traffic. If it was intended to be a display of overwhelming force, then the tactic succeeded. In my view, it was overkill.

Certainly to most people there, it seemed totally irrational, but characteristic, given the crowd control methods employed by our police force since its formation and throughout its history. Sometimes, one still gets the feeling that since the Paul Bogle revolt of 1865, and their reactionary formation to quell the struggles of the dispossessed, there has been an unofficial ongoing war between citizens of the lower strata and the police. In the 1970s, Lee 'Scratch' Perry, aka Pipe Cock Jackson, penned the lyrics while Junior Murvin sang the refrain, "police and thieves in streets fighting the nation with their guns and ammunition". In the end, everyone left the dance in a hostile and angry mood.

Now, why I have taken so much interest in Bembe is because Weekenz on Constant Spring Road, since its inception, has traditionally been regarded as an uptown venue with an entertainment programme geared towards the middle-class youth.

They have experimented with promoting young upcoming musicians and artistes, poetry and retro parties. Bembe however, is a different cup of tea and right now, it is the hottest event for the average youth on their weekly entertainment calendar. In our contrasting local sociological landscape of uptown-downtown, many times we disregard or overlook the pockets of poverty in the heart of uptown and therefore their social space is even more severely restricted.

Politically tribal allegiances compound these conditions, hence under normal circumstances, Grants Pen youth and Cassava Piece youth "doan mix an' mingle". Miraculously however, Bembe patrons, in the main, come from these two traditionally hostile areas with a sprinkling of patrons from other parts of the city. Bembe therefore, has been able to authentically replicate the true downtown cultural art form in an uptown setting and supposedly in a safe environment - until the police actions of March 29 that is.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm all for law and order (the TV series too) and over the years the police force has played a constructive and critical role in the management of public events. In this vein, one of the first things that impressed me about Bembe was the fact that they abided relatively strictly to the 2:00 am lock-off stipulation. Secondly, while their front of house gate system is basically rudimentary, it flows surprisingly smoothly, as people unexpectedly line up in an orderly fashion.

Thirdly, I have been body-searched every time I have attended by someone in a police flak jacket. This factor is very important to me, given conditions in Jamaica today. Finally though, the promoters do manage their stage quite well and it stays clean until the dancers come up, on cue, to thrill us with their moves and sexy bodies. On the whole, I would say it is a fairly well-managed event.

The police actions I have described above disturbs me therefore, because while I keep hearing the Commissioner describe a strategy of intelligence-driven actions and the need for cooperation of the citizens, these actions on the ground will not engender those laudable objectives.

For instance, MC Nuffy, who in the past I have had to criticise for his histrionics at Sting 2004, got a hold of the mic to giveaway gifts on behalf of Mrs D'Angel Davis (wife of Beenie Man), who was promoting her birthday dance, and began to agitate against the cops saying "den a so much a dem haffi come fi lock up big artiste like Ghost".

Now I don't know if there is any truth to those allegations, but my point is, even if that were so, surely that was the wrong way of executing an arrest. As Jacob Miller sang many years ago, "Please Mr Officer, cool down yuh temper. be careful what you do because the people are watching you". Mr Commish, might I suggest a name change of the Jamaica Constabulary from Force to Service, so as to begin the reorientation that you speak so eloquently of.

On a different topic, I have been attending some poetry sessions recently, and wish to make the following comments and suggestions to our young poets. Firstly, I have found the quality of your lyrics in general to be excellent. From a performance standpoint however, the level of organisation of all the functions I have attended so far are below par in comparison to the rest of the industry. Moreover, many of you poets need to review and in some instances upgrade your style, the quality of your self-projection and especially stage presentation.

Finally, I have become a little weary of the repetitious references to Rastafari after every line or sentence. I humbly suggest that there is no need to further legitimise or demonstrate so forcibly to your audience the authenticity of your religion and your adherence to its tenets. Some might even think it displays a subconscious insecurity in the sheer impact of your poetic offerings. Rastafari.

Daddy U Roy

2007-04-11T22:02:00.000-03:00

La perspectiva del deejay fundacional

Algunos le consideran el precursor del hip hop. Aunque quizá se trate de palabras petulantes, lo cierto es que Daddy U Roy es un personaje trascendente en la historia musical de esa islita caribeña que nos arrebató el corazón. Hugh Roy fue un pionero. Una figura eminente. El primer deejay, en la concepción jamaicana del término, en editar plásticos en siete pulgadas. El hombre bajo el sempiterno sombrero de copete y terciopelo nos hablo largo y tendido sobre productores, rude boys o su confesada admiración por Count Matchuki.

Se te conoce frecuentemente como The Originator, pero sabemos de la existencia de deejays antes de tu aparición, gente como Count Matchuki. ¿Qué puedes contarnos sobre los incipientes sound systems y los comienzos del fenómeno deejay?
Cuando estaba en el colegio, Count Matchuki era uno de mis deejays preferidos. Solía cantar para Sir Coxsone Sound System y luego se marchó con Prince Buster. Donde vivía, había unos cuantos dancehalls alrededor, así que estando en casa, oía cada palabra: King Stitt, King Sporty, Curtains, Lord Comic…y siento un gran respeto hacia toda esta gente. Estaban en esto antes que yo. Pero si consideramos el hecho de registrar la música en cintas, fui el primero en hacerlo y nadie lo había hecho antes. Incluso, Count Matchuki, que es mi ídolo, me decía a mi mismo: ¿Cómo puede ser que este hombre no tenga un disco editado? Él también comenzó a grabar, pero nunca tuvo un éxito. Siempre me preocupó que este hombre tan inteligente no tuviera un éxito. Así es la vida. Me considero afortunado en cierta medida: quizá estoy aquí para hacer algunas cosas que se supone que nadie va a hacer.

Has reconocido en varias ocasiones que notabas el apoyo de la gente en la calle a finales de los sesenta y principios de los setenta. ¿Podrías relatarnos una anécdota que refleje tu popularidad de aquellos días?
Cuando hice mis dos primeras canciones con Duke Reid para Treasure Isle, solía tener una moto pequeña y cuando estaba conduciendo, aparecía un joven al otro lado de la carretera y me estrechaba la mano, así que me veía obligado a parar. Y me decía “¡Oh, eres tan grande, tan arriesgado!”. Soy una persona introvertida, tímida en cierto sentido. Y me encontré con gente que me decía cosas bonitas, me animaba. Cuando la gente te reconoce y te aprecia, tienes que respetar lo que esta gente opina. Cuando comencé no tenía ni la menor idea de que estaría hoy aquí hablando con jóvenes como tú sobre esto. Luego hice que “Wake The Town” y “This Station Rules The Nation With Version” sonaran en la radio. Hasta entonces, el deejay decía “Este es Ken Boothe o este es Junior Murvin”. Así que para un deejay tener temas en los puestos uno, dos y tres del top ten, era un milagro en la época. No podía creerlo, pero disfrutaba de lo que me estaba ocurriendo. Fue una bendición del más altísimo.

El período 2 tone que aconteció en Inglaterra hace tres décadas logró que todo el mundo hablara de los rude boys como jamaicanos inteligentes, respetables y que vestían in polutos . ¿Quiénes eran los rude boys en realidad y cómo se comportaban estos en los dancehalls?
Claudie Massop, Bucky Marshall…no había excesiva violencia entre esta gente, a pesar de que pertenecían a pandillas distintas. En ocasiones, el dancehall comenzaba pronto y finalizaba pronto, bien por la policía, bien por los rude boys. Empezaba a las ocho en punto y a las nueve y media podía haber concluido. Del mismo modo que podía continuar hasta las cuatro de la madrugada. Dependía de las vibraciones, de quien se encontraba con quien. Cuando eras un deejay en aquel tiempo, estabas protegido por todo tipo de gente mala. A ti, como deejay, como artista, nunca te dañaban. A no ser que ocurriera un accidente, incendio o algo similar. Desde el principio ha habido violencia, pero ahora hay más pistolas en las calles y hay más jóvenes que son muy agresivos.

Suele decirse que los productores pagaban poco o, incluso, nada a los artistas que trabajaban con ellos. ¿Cómo era tu relación con gente como Duke Reid, Coxsone Dodd, Keith Hudson o Bunny Lee?
No es broma, era cierto. Duke Reid fue el hombre para el que hice la mayoría de cosas y no puedo despreciarlo. Aunque haya fallecido. Tenía el pensamiento: vale, mi tema será pinchado el fin de semana a cambio de un dinero para mantener mi casa, comprar mi alimento, el de mis hijos. Cuando me percaté de que mi disco vendía, fui a Duke Reid y le dije: “Duke, al final del día voy a necesitar una casa de mis royalties”. Y la conseguí. No era una casa carísima, pero era cómoda. Muy cómoda. Así que le debo mi casa a Duke Reid en cierta medida. Al resto de productores no les tengo demasiado respeto y esto se debe a que no les gustaba pagar dinero. No aparecían con royalties. Cuando hacías la primera canción con ellos, traían un puñado pequeño de dinero. Propina. Pero en su momento, no significaba un problema para mí, puesto que hacía algo que amaba y no por el dinero, aunque el dinero concede bastante sentido a esto. A productores como “Scratch” Perry o Bunny Lee no les doy pábulo. No me gusta la gente que trata de explotar a otra gente. De pisotearlos. Si no fuera el tipo de persona que soy, habría mucha gente tratando de pisotearme, pero no soy una persona fácil de pisotear. No he ido a un instituto o universidad, mi educación fue elemental, pero te puedo enseñar algo: si la gente te trata de buen modo, trátales de ese modo. Y si viene con modos violentos, trátales así. Nadie puede pensar que me pasara por encima. Hoy en día, todo el mundo en Jamaica sabe quien soy yo y recibo su respeto, por lo que les devuelvo mi respeto.

¿Es el rock steady una “old fashioned way” (una moda pasada) como Ken Boothe solía cantar o es moderno y adecuado para el período actual?
No lo escucho mucho en la actualidad. Alguna gente lo sigue interpretando. Este tema se hizo con Keith Hudson. Él ha fallecido. Creo que fue el primer tema que hice y jamás recibí un penique por ello, a pesar de que no vendió mucho en Jamaica. En aquel tiempo los deejays no estaban reconocidos. Luego hice “Rightful Ruler” para “Scratch” Perry, con Bunny Lee junto a Peter Tosh y no vendió demasiado Cuando empecé a vender, a todo el mundo le gustaban “Where You To The Ball”, “Rule The Nation”. “Old Fashioned Way” no hizo gran cosa en mi carrera, pero fue un comienzo para mí. Debes comenzar de algún modo y estoy contento de que ese fuera mi comienzo.

La irrupción de Yellowman, Josey Wales o Prince Jazzbo a principios de los ochenta condujo a un olvido de gente como King Stitt o Dennis Alcapone. ¿Qué cambió en el ánimo y la cultura jamaicana de los deejays del período fundacional a la aparición del ragga?
Llegó gente con nuevas ideas, que se aprecian lo mismo. La música se transforma de una cara en otra. Pienso que la música no tiene color, clase o raza. Yo creo en la parte cultural de la música. Esto es lo que hacían Josey Wales, Charly Chaplin…respeto el tipo de cultura que trataban de transmitir a la gente. Los amo.

¿Conoces a deejays actuales como Dr. Ring Ding, Tippa Irie o King Django? ¿Cómo te sientes respecto a ellos: como maestro, como fan, como compañero?
Los siento como co-trabajadores, desempeñan la misma labor que yo. Así que no debiera haber rivalidad alguna entre nosotros. Les doy la bienvenida. Hacen su propia historia a su manera y obtienen su dinero Apoyo a estos chicos. No tengo problemas con nadie.

Existe una contradicción clara entre la minoría poblacional que sigue el culto rasta en Jamaica y la cantidad de artistas que dicen sentirse rastas. ¿Cómo puedes explicarlo? ¿Son rastas de verdad o se están beneficiando de este hecho para despachar más entradas de su actuación?
Créeme: hay un montón de gente que se dice rasta y lo hacen por el estilo. Algunos dicen: vale, son las prendas que vestimos ahora. Visten en rojo, verde y oro y cosas por el estilo. Es algo del corazón ( y se golpea el pecho para enfatizarlo ). Yo creo en ello. Rastafari es una religión. Mi religión. Cuando era joven y empezaba a decir rastafari, ni a mi abuela, ni a mis padres…a nadie le agradaba Pero les dije: nos os digo a vosotros donde debéis buscar y no os discuto vuestra religión, así que…Me decían: no entres en mi jardín vistiendo así. Y yo les respondía: tu jardín no me educa. Y me marchaba. Y cuando tuve mis temas en las listas de éxitos, todos me querían ver. Pero estoy contento de lo que hice. Doy gracias cada día. Ninguna broma. Ninguna falsedad. Es real, desde el corazón. Pero yo no sé nada sobre si el próximo tipo es rasta porque viste rojo, verde y oro. Que vistas así, no te hace rasta. Cualquiera puede hacer eso. Dices que eres rasta, tú serás el juez de eso. El gran jefe lo sabrá realmente. No tienes que portar dreadlocks para ser un rasta. Puedes engañarme a mí, pero no podrás engañar al jefe. No soy el juez. El jefe es el juez. Creo firmemente que un hombre creó a todos los hombres y si cortas tu piel, verás sangre roja, aunque no seas del mismo color de piel.

Se dice que Kingston es la capital mundial del asesinato y el crimen. ¿Cómo es la situación en la isla en la actualidad en comparación con el período en que lanzaste éxitos como “Wake The Town”, “Rule The Nation” o “Where You To The Ball”?
Había violencia, pero no como en este tiempo. Había batalla política y entre bandas. Yo fui joven y fui un pequeño gangster: tenías una panda de tipos con los que solía ir. Pero actualmente es más violento que aquello. Con pistolas en las calles. Pero no lo hago mi problema. Procura no encontrarte en un mal lugar en un mal momento. Esa es mi política. La violencia nos rodea: se disparan pistolas en cualquier lado. En algún lugar no escuchas hablar sobre violencia, porque la ocultan. Los medios tratan de esconderla. Pero hay muchos sitios más violentos que de donde provengo. Donde vivo no tengo problemas y así te lo cuento. Estuve en Israel hace unas semanas. Gaza. Fui a Jerusalem. Hay mucha violencia allí. Cuando no creas problemas, no te preocupas. No me preocupo, porque tengo al gran jefe protegiéndome.

¿Piensas que a través de tu música se puede lograr mitigar esta situación?
No pienso que sea sencillo. Hay violencia en cada rincón del mundo. Ahora es un momento crucial, tiempo de naciones combatiendo a naciones, chavales contra chavales e hijos contra sus padres. No es fácil de detener, sólo podemos intentar decir cosas para tratar de detenerlo: calmaos, no hagáis esto, no hagáis aquello, pero no puedes forzar a la gente. De hecho, hay gente consumiendo crack y les puedes decir: ¡Eh, tío, no fumes crack! Y te dirá que sí, pero cuando te marchas… Así, que debo decir: más paz y amor para todos, porque la guerra es muy desagradable.

¿Qué necesita Jamaica para erradicar la violencia latente?
Hay mucha pobreza. Cuando era más joven solía decir: un hombre hambriento es un hombre enfadado. Así que si alguien se haya verdaderamente hambriento y pobre…no es sencillo erradicar la violencia. Porque cada vez que te encuentras hambriento, robas y cuando robas, la violencia se manifiesta. Se trata de violencia política, estas cosas se encuentran en las cabezas de los políticos. Me predisponen a mí contra ti y a ti en contra mía.

Entonces, los políticos promueven la violencia…
En cierto sentido sí. Hay dos partidos políticos rivales (en Jamaica) y a alguien le agrada ese hombre, pero no le gusta ese otro hombre y genera conflicto. Batalla callejera entre jóvenes: tú combates para controlar este terreno y yo combato para controlar este otro. Si no es una cosa, es la otra. Así que no son necesariamente los políticos, porque también hay violencia entre pandillas rivales. Ahora, hay una generación de víboras. Te puedes esperar cualquier cosa. Yo vivo en el gueto, jamás me he mudado a la montaña. Vivo por mi cuenta en el gueto y me siento muy cómodo donde vivo, porque nadie me molesta. Si algo no se estropea, no lo repares. Así que no me mudo, porque cuando me largo a un sitio lujoso, tengo problemas.

Dubstep: music dark enough to tug the guts

2007-04-11T21:55:00.000-03:00

London-born dubstep, an electronic genre with a signature sub-bass rumble, gains a foothold in L.A.

The British DJ-producer Scuba, a.k.a. Paul Rose, has stepped behind the turntables at the Nasty Sonix club night at Echo Park's the Echo. It's his U.S. debut, and a mix of adventurous hip-hop heads, jaded club scenesters and indie-electronica geeks lounge around in laid-back anticipation. A slow, almost dirge-like rhythm floats through the air as Scuba begins to spin. He mixes into the next record, and it hits them like a ton of bricks: a massive, overwhelming, nearly physical assault of sub-bass frequencies. The crowd roars in appreciation, and Scuba immediately rewinds and reloads. Looks like he struck a nerve.

The sound is dubstep, the South London-born electronic music revolution that's an evolution of the garage/2step genre and a close cousin of British hip-hop variant grime. Its recombinant interpretation of reggae, techno and industrial metal coupled with its signature sub-bass rumble was perfect for the equally moody and dystopian sci-fi flick "Children of Men," which featured dubstep on its soundtrack.

Since its birth in the early 21st century, dubstep has grown worldwide from an obscure subgenre of dance music to the fastest-growing and -evolving electronic genre since drum and bass' heyday in the mid-'90s. (Both genres emphasize the sub-bass, but drum and bass' breakneck speed is at odds with dubstep's all important silent spots).

In the Southland, dubstep is catching on, albeit slowly, thanks to dedicated local producers and promoters such as Smog L.A.

Formed by Colm Doherty and Andrew Best, the company started in 2006 at the drum and bass club night Funktion at the Vanguard in Hollywood, where Best worked as a resident VJ. The two liked the music's spare aesthetic — not so much their first audience. At Smog's debut "session" — a free party at Casey's Irish Bar & Grill that August — "everyone was looking around like, what do we do? It was awkward," remembers Best. "People are used to hearing big, loud, spastic music. They're used to hearing music with vocals, or they're used to seeing lighting, and this is a dark space" with no visuals.

Dubstep (once labeled "dark garage") is not only aurally austere, it promotes a grim, gothic aesthetic and, like early electronic music, emphasizes anonymity. The point, says Best, is to let the music do the talking. "I want people to come [into our parties] and the only thing they're focused on is the music."

Sam Robson, co-owner of L.A.'s Temple of Boom records on Melrose Avenue (one of the few local stores that stocks dubstep) knows the music takes some getting used to but points out that drum and bass had a slow build too. "People used to say, 'I don't know how you dance to this,' " says Robson, who also DJs with a group called the Professionals (just booked to play the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival). "But 10 years down the line, drum and bass is huge in the L.A. underground." Robson figures if the city can support several drum and bass weeklies, an audience for this music definitely exists.

Or not. Dubstep has its detractors. "So much of it just bores me to tears," says San Francisco-based DJ/producer Bassnectar (a.k.a. Lorin Ashton), who has played the genre's best tracks but considers most of them excessively lethargic. Even fans can find the music difficult. "It's not a friendly music, and sometimes it takes a lot of concentration," says Smog's Doherty, who also DJs under the name Showguns.

So far, dubstep has the largest following in Northern California (where tracks from homegrown producers such as Matty G and Nick Argon have been on the charts in Britain) and New York City, where the 2-year-old Dub War has become a monthly party often featuring the stars of the British scene (such as 20-year-old Skream, responsible for dubstep's most recognizable crossover hit, "Midnight Request Line.")

In L.A., the biggest turnout was for a Smog-hosted event last February featuring the U.S.' biggest dubstep DJ, Joe Nice. But the city has a big advantage over New York: the vast, open expanses of downtown. "The first Smog parties, you could hear the bass four blocks from where you parked your car," says Robson. "We had one of the guys from Dub War come on and play, and he was like, 'You could never pull this off in New York City.' "

Robson will prove it when Temple of Boom hosts its first weekly event on April 24. Pure Filth! will introduce a new sound system (courtesy of the Professionals) that enhances the visceral bass frequencies dubstep fans live for. "I'm always telling the sound guy, '[Make it] a little more gut-wrenching,' " Best says with a chuckle.

The event might also give the genre the push it needs.

"Dubstep isn't being promoted enough," says Amoeba Records music buyer Ronondo Hahn, who DJs dubstep and Jamaican roots reggae at Barcade on Saturdays. And he sees the music's potential all the time. "People I know who don't know dubstep but are into electronic music, they really gravitate to it and ask me what it is," Hahn says. "And once they hear it, they just flock to it."

Robert Browne goes 'Dubwise' on lead guitar

2007-04-11T21:49:00.000-03:00

Robert Browne, musically known to the world as 'Dubwise', is just one of the many talented musicians to be born into the Browne family.

Dubwise, who is a known lead guitarist, says "Growing up seeing my father and uncles play was the biggest influence."

His uncles, Cleveland 'Clevie' Browne (of the famed duo Steely and Clevie) and Danny Browne are two of Jamaica's best-known record producers/musicians. Their brother, Noel Browne, is a much-respected musician/songwriter, who arranges for top acts like Freddie McGregor.

Dalton Browne (Freddie McGregor's musical director) is one of Jamaica's top rhythm guitarists, while Robert's father, Glenn Browne, has toured for many years as a bass player with Jimmy Cliff, Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, Luciano, Monty Alexander and others.

Now the younger generation of Brownes is emerging to carry on the tradition; among them the guitarist often simply called 'Dubz'.

Dubwise says he started out playing drums, with his twin brother, Richard 'Shams' Browne, on bass guitar. But his love for music could not keep him away from other instruments. "When I couldn't get to play drums I use to sit an jam a string instrument with him (Shams), until I decided to get a guitar from my uncle and jam with him. I think I was about nine or 10 that time," he said.

Who is who

Asthe brothers developed their talents as musicians, Dubwise says persons became confused as to who was who, as many were not aware that they were twins.

"More time people wi si mi an seh Shams wah gwaan an mi haffi seh no a nuh Shams dis. Because a lot of people never knew he had a twin. Wah happen, because Shams was managing T.O.K. and he was in their videos and he is a producer, artistes and other producers use to know him more," he explained.

Dubwise was more of the behind the scenes person, more into playing music for artistes.

"I used to play in a band for Dennis Brown and then from there I use to play for Damian Marley and after Damian, mi get a link to play with Shaggy's band in 1998. But for the past three years mi start juggle round more because more people start request mi and if Shaggy not doing anything then I am available," he said.

High school band

Playing music as part of a band is something that Dubwise had been doing from as early as his high school days at Jamaica College, but he says "This band was not one that people would know.

"In high school wi did have a little band, me (lead guitarist), my brother Shams on bass guitar, Red Rat deejay, and his brother Troy on drums, Dale Harrison on keyboard and the vocalist was Errol Bonnick, the guy weh sing fi Live Wyya now. But wi never really did anything while in school more than a few school fairs. We actually recorded an album, but that was never released due to finances," he said.

Things have changed, as Dubwise has performed in almost every major city in the world, playing with some of music's biggest names.

"Shaggy basically carry mi guh everywhere ... Africa, Australia, Japan, Russia, almost everywhere in Europe, China," he said. "It's nice to visit all these places where the culture is different. It's a nice experience. And since the other day, I was thinking that like black people couldn't walk freely in South Africa and like walking down the street or driving mi woulda seh 'yow, couple years ago this couldn't gwaan', so it's like an eye-opener and reality check."

Dubwise started working with Jimmy Cliff in 2005 and has also toured with Monty Alexander and Buju Banton. But, he says, "In Jamaica, I have worked with almost everybody, like in studio on their albums and so on." But it has got to the stage where "somebody ask mi who mi would a like play for an mi seh nobody. Mi si artiste an mi rate dem, but fi guh play fah? Because where I am in life now, I am trying to establish my individual career."

Honour for them

He, however, admitted, "it is a situation like me, Ernie Ranglin and Monty Alexander jamming, or like me and BB King on a show, any of the greats, it would be like an honour to share the stage with them."

As far as memorable performances go, Dubwise recalls "Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London, England. I went there with Monty Alexander. It is one of the biggest jazz clubs there and when you perform there, it's like the greatest thing."

Then there was "Sunsplash last year on the amphitheatre stage ... I didn't get a lot of patrons, but it was a lot of fun. Also, my first Jazz Festival out here in 2005. It was my first major performance as a solo artiste and that show is a very big show."

He, however, admits that usually he does the shows and tours "and then forget about them."

Many have described Dubwise's music as a fusion of reggae, rock, jazz and dancehall, especially on his first album, Birth. But he says "Most of the time I say I just play, but I know I am not a straight ahead jazz musician. But because of all these different influences come out in my playing, it's hard to really put a finger on one."

There are "influences like Jimmy Hendrix, Lee Ritenour, Joe Satriani, people like those. And obviously, Junior Marvin from The Wailers influence me a lot like playing-wise."

Dubwise says now, he is trying to focus more on developing his individual career, but "it's very, very hard to break away from playing for other artistes and focus on my individual career, because the bills haffi pay, and plus I like it." He says currently "I've just been trying to get more of what I do out there so people can know my work and my style of playing. I'm also working on a new album I started last year, but because of tours, I couldn't get to finish it. But it's a tribute to Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Jimmy Cliff, so I do like covers from them that people know, putting a few originals in between.

"But I'm just trying to get on as much shows as possible and like most of the Caribbean countries have a jazz festival, so I've been trying to get links to get on some of them," Dubwise said.

Documentary Chronicles Marley Birthday Bash

2007-04-11T21:48:00.000-03:00

"Africa Unite," the documentary film capturing the 2005 concert in Ethiopia that celebrated Bob Marley's 60th birthday, received a work-in-progress preview Saturday in New York, with a little help from Marley's family and actor Danny Glover.

Before the screening at Lincoln Center's Walter Reade Theater, Glover remembered being dragged to a 1970s performance by Marley, and being forever inspired. With the Marley family's Tuff Gong Pictures, Glover's Louverture Films executive produced "Africa Unite,"

The film blends on-the-street and behind-the-scenes footage with snippets of the 12-hour concert, attended by an estimated 350,000. It features performances by Lauryn Hill, Angelique Kidjo, reggae mainstays Bob Andy, Rita Marley and Marcia Griffiths, and several of Marley's children, including Ziggy, Damian, Stephen, Cedella, Julian and Ky-Mani.

The latter also performed renditions of "Redemption Song" and "No Woman No Cry" with a small backing group before the film.

Directed by Stephanie Black -- who had previously worked with the Marleys on "Life and Debt," a look at the saga of Jamaica's beleaguered, post-Independence economy -- "Africa Unite" also delves into the purpose behind the 2005 concert: to inspire Africans, especially youths, to help themselves.

It introduces the viewer to students hailing from across the continent who were brought together in the Ethiopian capital of Adidas Ababa as part of the concert to discuss ways in which they could spur economic and educational reform and combat poverty and strife in their respective nations. It also follows the Marley brothers and a Rastafarian elder on their journey to Ethiopia.

Following the film Saturday, Marley's eldest grandchild, and his widow, Rita Marley, made brief comments before a group of drummers led a Rasta chant.

Danny Glover Joins Bob Marley Tribute

2007-04-11T21:43:00.000-03:00

Danny Glover thrilled film fans at the launch of Bob Marley tribute concert documentary Africa Unite on Saturday by recalling his first experience of the reggae great. The late Marley's family invited the actor to speak before the New York premiere of the film, which recounts the 2005 concert in Ethiopia held to celebrate what would have been the reggae legend's 60th birthday.

Glover, who co-produced the documentary through his Louverture Films Company, gladly accepted and used the moment to recall a fateful night in 1970 when he begrudgingly agreed to accompany a friend to a Marley show, and being "forever inspired." The film features behind-the-scenes footage and snippets of the 12-hour concert, including performances by Lauren Hill and members of the Marley family.

Saturday night's premiere concluded with Marley's widow Rita leading
Rastafarian chant accompanied by a group of drummers.

COLLIE BUDDZ: New reggae artist is diversifying dancehall

2007-04-11T21:30:00.000-03:00

*What are the characteristics of a dancehall superstar? Born in New Orleans? Raised in Bermuda? Bald? White? Musically immersed in the music with influences of hip-hop and soca?

No matter what you may have thought, those are exactly the attributes of who MTV is calling “the next big reggae star.” He goes by the name Collie Buddz and he is all of the above, and then some.

Hardly the picture of a Rastafarian, Collie explained to EUR’s Lee Bailey that while he may not have the common look of a dancehall maestro, he definitely has the heart of one.

“I just fell in love with the music,” he said. “I just basically grew up with old reggae music. I was just constantly around the music, buying CDs and session tapes. As far as I can remember, I was listening to reggae. I guess it all ties in with how I sound today.”

That sound has been described as “fat, fragrant sack of rugged roots reggae” and an “on drop crooner” of reggae. And that sound has been a source of amazement for dancehall fans.

“A lot of people are shocked when they first see me. They first hear the tune and think it’s some big Rasta man from Jamaica and they see this little white boy,” Collie said. “It definitely puts people off, at first.”

Fortunately, the surprise has been all good so far. The dancehall lyricists said that he’s yet to run into any haters unhappy about his, er ... lack of melanin. His acceptance may be in part by the fact that Collie makes no attempt to be something he’s not – in addition to his popular music. His sound is his own and so is his image. He even explained that he doesn’t sport dreads, a Rastafarian tell-tell, out of respect for what dread locks represent.

“Dreads, to me, represent being very spiritual and deep into the Rasta religion. I’ve never got into that so I don’t want to portray myself as someone I’m not. So I’m just sticking with the bald head,” he said.

One thing that does fit the bill is the singer’s admiration for herb. His stage name, Collie Buddz, was derived from his real name Collin, but developed after his introduction to marijuana as a teen. And furthermore, his first US single, “Come Around” could clearly be considered an ode to herb.

“It’s about the drought that we get in Bermuda of herb around winter time,” Collie explained. “It’s hard to find some good herb and when you find it, it’s real expensive. And if you pay for it, you’re lucky if you get something good. So, the tune is about finally when the package comes and you get some high grade, you’re happy about it.”

While he admits there may be some resistance to the song, like any islander, Collie shrugged off any disapproval, saying: “There’s going to be a couple of people that are not want to promote it, but I’m not that concerned about it. It’s a part of my culture.”

Collie’s culture is a dual citizenship of the US and Bermuda, though he generally calls Bermuda his home, and has a strong connection to Jamaica.

“It’s just like any other Caribbean island,” he said of Bermuda. “Just like in Jamaica, dancehall and hip hop rule everything. It might not be the thing that tourists see all the time, but definitely reggae is the main music here.”

And even in describing his style, Collie referred to the Jamaican terms for a singing DJ.

“They have a saying in Jamaica that a DJ isn’t a guy who plays records, he’s actually a guy that sings dancehall lyrics or fast-paced lyrics. And then they have singers. But you can have a DJ that sings also and they call him a sing-jay. That’s how I describe my music; a dancehall singer putting melody to it. It’s rapping, but with melody.”

The self-titled debut disc from this melodic rapper hits stores this June, but you can already check out his sound online at www.colliebuddz.com or his MySpace page at www.myspace.com/colliebuddz.

International Reggae and World Music Awards Nominees are in - and You Can Vote!

2007-04-07T00:10:00.000-03:00

The International Reggae and World Music Awards will be held Saturday, May 5, 2007 at Harlem's legendary Apollo Theatre. IRAWMA is a minor awards show in the greater scheme of things, but it's a great show nonetheless, and offers world music fans a chance to vote for their favorite performers in a variety of genres, including reggae, soca, African music and reggaeton.

So go on and vote for your favorite world music performers! Feel free to share your thoughts on the nominees and your votes by leaving us a comment.

http://www.irawma.com/sub102.htm

De Jamaica Reggae Scene

2007-04-07T00:08:00.000-03:00

Hardbeatnews, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Fri. Apr. 6, 2007: Mento artiste Stanley Beckford, who reigned supreme with hits like ‘Leave My Kiselo,’ ‘Brown Gal’ and ‘Dip Dem’ died last Friday in the arms of his wife Thelma Beckford.

The grieving widow, in addition to dealing with the loss of her husband, is faced with the task of burying him. She told HBN this week she is at her wits end regarding the funeral as “there are no funds.”

“I am hoping his real friends will come together one more time and help to put him away in style,” she said, adding that the singer got a raw deal in his career and it is her hope that it will be set right in his death.

“Stanley is an icon, I want him to get more than a normal funeral,” she pleaded. Beckford died last Friday, March 30 at about 3 p.m.

WHO TRIED TO KILL CAPLETON?

What’s this I am hearing about an attempt on Capleton’s life? Well according to a front-page story carried in the Xnews, sources close to the deejay’s camp say there was an attempt to kill or harm ‘King Shango’ last week when someone tried to poison him by cunningly placing a common pin in his food.

Claudette Kemp, Capleton’s manager, confirmed the incident but declined an official interview with the paper. She said the matter had not been reported to the police but that she had placed an electric cooker in Capleton’s van so that there would be no repeat of the incident.

According to the report Capleton was quoted as saying, “Why a man would want to harm me, I don’t know, but these things will happen and always happen. If you burn a certain fire, things like this will happen. I speak for those who have been oppressed and suppressed. I am their voice and they depend on it for upliftment and there are people who would want that to end. The more dem try to kill we, the more we live longer. The more they try to weaken we, the more we get stronger…”

Interestingly singer Sanchez was hospitalized in February after having a drink backstage at a show in London, England. Whew!

CE’CILE AND SMUJJI SIZZLE IN ‘TAKE IT OFF’ VIDEO

Ce’Cile and England-based artiste Smujji positively sizzled in the video for ‘Take It Off.’ The video for the hot collaboration between himself and dancehall diva Ce’Cile was done under the direction of RXTA.

In it, Ce’Cile tantalized with her alluring, seductive looks and come on signals, while Smujji positively salivated around the pool table. It was fun to watch the singer playing pool while it clearly showed that his mind was on anything but, as glimpses into his thought processes revealed he was more interested in ‘taking it off!”

The two lit up the screen and the video was further enhanced by the gyrating girls in the background all adding to the exciting appeal of it.

Smujji made his album debut with ‘True Colours,’ released on Jamdown UK in 2005 and has not looked back as he continues to make his presence felt in the music world. – Hardbeatnews.com

One of mento's great voices silenced

2007-04-07T00:07:00.000-03:00

And another chapter of Jamaican music history comes to a close. On March 5, Alerth Rockfort Bedasse, one of Jamaica's great singers of the 1950s, passed away. In some ways, his story was typical - a man from country comes to town in search of a better life - but his success and influence on Jamaican music was anything but. It was my great good fortune to have met the man and to have learned about his life.

Alerth was musically inclined from the time he was a boy growing up in Colonel's Ridge, Clarendon. He started simply enough, singing in school and at 4-H meetings, but always found himself drawn to the musicians playing in the dancehalls. Those were the days in northern Clarendon when fiddlers like Allen Bryan and Sam Dyer from Mocho, and saxophonist/fife man Joe Shepherd from Rock River led groups that played quadrilles and mentos at community events.

Wanting to make music, Alerth first tried his hand at the banjo ukulele at the behest of a local banjoist known simply as "Dicky," but it was not until Alerth's cousin gave him a guitar as a gift that he found new focus. Alerth worked hard on his new instrument, once telling me "the district was alarmed at how quickly I learned".

He made his public debut at a wedding dance only a couple of chains from where he lived. "That night, I cannot forget," Alerth explained, "I did my best. Everybody applaud me; it was the talk of the town that I was excellent."

He remained in Clarendon, playing in other people's groups until November 1949, when his aunt, a higgler, took him to Kingston. For the first month, he was without prospect, a self-described "vagabond." Then, out with his guitar one day in early 1950, a man approached him:
"Do you play guitar, sir?"
"Yes, I play guitar."
"There's a gentleman down Oxford Street that I know, sells a lot of tract, would like a guitarist to accompany him. I wonder if you'd go?"
"Take me to him right away."

The man looking for a guitarist was Everald F Williams. Originally from St Ann, Williams was a teacher who spent some years working in Cuba and should be recognised as one of Jamaica's greatest songwriters. Described as "a disciplined and orderly man", Alerth told me that Williams began writing songs and selling them as tracts after World War II, picking up where the duo Slim and Sam left off in the early 1940s.

By the end of the decade, Williams had many well-known songs to his credit. During that time, Williams mainly performed with the singer Arnold "Lord" Davey, but when Davey went his own way, Alerth's guitar playing and signature voice - now, one of mento's paradigmatic sounds - was a perfect fit.

Over the next decade, Williams and Bedasse worked together extensively. In 1953, the BBC was the first to capture the sound of Alerth's voice on a Williams composition, Calypso Greetings To The Queen, written on the occasion of her Jamaican visit. At this time, Alerth had only limited renown, although Williams' reputation was substantial; for example, Williams was behind every one of the recordings Harold Richardson and the Ticklers made at that time, including the hits Healing In The Balmyard and Glamour Gal.
Once Williams and Bedasse began making their own records, Alerth became a star in his own right.

One of the most important recordings he made was the notorious Night Food, a top-selling yet sexually explicit record released in 1955; its success eventually led the group to Ivan Chin, on whose Chin's Radio Service label the group made upwards of eighty sides between 1955 and 1957. Some of these records were traditional 'folk' songs, others sentimental originals.

The ones that had the most substantial impact, however, were the rude titles, including Rough Rider, Big Boy And Teacher, and Red Tomato, which not only captured the popular imagination, but became the subjects of a Parliamentary inquiry that looked to ban offensive calypsos in 1956.

By the end of the decade, the association had ended. Williams took a job with Wray and Nephew, and although Alerth continued his singing career for a time, he too moved on, becoming an accountant and raising a family. Although his career was short, Alerth's musical influence was substantial. Covers of the songs he and Williams made, have been recorded countless times by artistes including U-Roy, Joe Higgs and the Skatalites, while traces of Alerth's voice can be heard in the singing styles of important later artistes like Eric Donaldson and Stanley Beckford.

Through his music, Alerth certainly stands among the best, and future generations of musicians will undoubtedly help keep his legacy the talk of the town.

Veteran entertainer Stanley Beckford dies

2007-04-07T00:06:00.000-03:00

Veteran entertainer Stanley Beckford, best known for his exploits in the Jamaica Popular Song Contest, died Friday after battling throat cancer.
He was 65.

Mr. Beckford died at his home in Riversdale in St. Catherine.

Stanley was lead singer of the group the Turbines but also had a successful solo career.

His hits, include "Kaisilow," "Soldering," "Dreaming of a new Jamaica" and "Fi wi Island a Boom."

He is survived by widow Thelma and seven children.

Morreu o jamaicano Stanley Beckford, intérprete de mento

2007-04-06T23:45:00.000-03:00

O músico jamaicano Stanley Beckford, intérprete de mento, um género musical precursor do reggae, faleceu dia 30 de Março aos 65 anos, vítima de cancer, anunciou hoje o seu produtor em Paris.

O músico, que sofria de cancro na garganta desde finais de 2006, deixou dois álbuns recentes: «Reggaemento» (2004) e «Stanley Beckford plays Mento» (2002).

Beckford, nascido em 1942 em Portland, rumou em 1968 para Kingston, onde integrou um coro de igreja e o grupo Soul Syndicate.

Mais tarde, nos anos 1970, fundou os Turbines e os Starlites, com os quais gravou temas como «Healing In The Barnyard» e «You`re A Wanted Man», êxitos na Jamaica.

Ao longo da sua carreira, deu a conhecer, com outros artistas, o mento, género popularizado nos anos 1940 e 1950, habitualmente interpretado com um banjo e que evoluiu depois para o ska e o reggae.

Bob Marley Makes “Idol Debut”

2007-04-06T23:38:00.000-03:00

Hardbeatnews, LOS ANGELES, CA, Thurs. Apr. 5, 2007: Jamaican-born reggae legend, Robert Nesta Marley, made his American Idol “debut” last night on Fox, thanks to the Ford Motor Company.

Ford officials used the popular “One Love” song, often associated with the Jamaica Tourist Board commercial, to advertise their Hyrid cars. The top nine Idol finalists starred in the soap-sudded commercial as Marley’s infectious lyrics played.

The commercial opens with a very muddy Ford vehicle making its way into an “Eco” friendly car wash. The vehicle is washed off by the Idol “crew” amidst lush vegetation and a tropical flora – that looks as familiar as the JTB commercial - as they lip sing and jive to the reggae rhythms of the maestro.

The “One Love/People Get Ready" is from Marley and the Wailers’ 1977 Exodus album and became the title of the famous ‘One Love Peace Concert,’ hosted by the late reggae legend in 1978. It is also the title of a 2003 movie starring Kymani Marley and has been listted among the greatest all time hits.

See video at: http://www.americanidol.com/videos/view/?vid=653.

ROCKER CHICK BOOTED

Meanwhile, Gina Glocksen, dubbed the “rocker girl” on American Idol, was last night booted off the show ahead of the finale. Glocksen, who sang the classic ballad, ‘Smile,’ Tuesday night,’ was shown the door ahead of Haley Scarnato and Phil Stacey. All three scored the lowest number of votes from a record 33 million.

An obviously surprised Glocksen cried openly as the results were announced and Stacey and then Scarnato, were sent back to safety. She struggled through tears to bo a final performance of the song while thanking fans to date.

Sanjaya Malakar survived another week. Malakar along with Chris Richardson and Blake Lewis were in the group that scored the second highest number of votes this week. The top three most popular were Melinda DoLittle, Lakisha Jones and Jordin Sparks, leaving fans already wondering whether they could be looking at the top three finalists.

SURPRISE GUEST

Last night’s surprise guest performer was Michael Bubele as American icon, the maestro Tony Bennett, who had mentored the nine contestants on Tuesday night, reportedly took ill with a flu bug.

The eight finalists move on to next Tuesday as the countdown to the finale begins. – Hardbeatnews.com

BIG HOUSE Studio Jamaica to launch online memories site RIPSPACE Records (Ripspace.com) powered by ULTRA Intelligence Platform.

2007-03-25T11:14:00.000-03:00

San Francisco, California; Kingston, Jamaica -- March 16, 2007

BIG HOUSE Studio Jamaica, the newest addition to the BIG HOUSE Studios franchise, is set to launch a revolutionary new territory on the web, Ripspace.com, the new home of the deceased and remembered. BIG HOUSE Studio manager Amy Chun explains:

How did the idea for the online memorial come about?

The idea for Ripspace.com came about while working on our upcoming picture book, BIG HOUSE Studio: Year 5. While we were reviewing all the images of people having fun and getting creative at BIG HOUSE last year, someone remarked that none of us would be alive 100 years from now. That triggered some soul searching. We started thinking that there ought to be a way to remember people who’ve passed on, a collective place on the web that everyone could share. The result is Ripspace.com.

Aren’t there enough “space” sites already?

There’s never been a final resting place on the web until now. Ripspace.com will be a universal repository of human experience and memory, so people can come back in 75 years or 7,500 years and take a look at ordinary people’s lives. We’re backing the site up with the ULTRA Intelligence Platform from Avestar-IP. ULTRA which filters the glut of content on the web. It will enable people to quickly find the right John Smith, for example, without Googling themselves to death.

Is it mostly for famous people?

Not at all. In Ripspace.com, everyone counts. Throughout history, the emphasis has been on royalty, since they were the only ones capable of leaving behind a monument to record their lives. Now we’ll see that ordinary people live extraordinary lives. This is not just about fairy tales and celebrities. It’s about lives.

How much will a RIPSPACE Record cost?

First let’s define it. To “record” means to preserve in writing, to register, to chronicle for all time. It’s by nature a public endeavor. That’s why we made RIPSPACE Records free. It’s a place to be creative, to collaborate. We envision people posting music, images, stories, journals, poems—all kinds of testimony to the richness of their lives.

Why the RASTA Colors and Conquering Lion logo?

BIG HOUSE Studio and Avestar-IP owners are from Jamaica and heavily influenced by the Rastafari culture. BIG HOUSE recently launched BIG HOUSE Studio Jamaica in Crooked River, Clarendon, Jamaica, the birthplace of the first Rasta, Leonard Howell. It seemed fitting to carry that legacy through to Ripspace.com.

Why wasn’t something like RIPSPACE launched before?

That’s what we thought! It’s time has come at last. The Internet can now record everything that happens. We’ve had pre-history, then history, and now the Internet.

Trial accounts available at www.ripspace.com

DUB MUSIC

2007-03-25T11:11:00.000-03:00

Olha aí, a mais nova empresa do mercado brasileiro de música eletrônica!

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A Dub Music chega ao mercado brasileiro da música eletrônica, trazendo o que há de mais moderno nesse segmento.

A Dub Music é a mais nova empresa atuante no mercado da música eletrônica situada em São Paulo. Com um conceito diferenciado, o Instituto de Música Eletrônica vai oferecer desde cursos de produção musical, DJ’s, agenciamento de artistas (DJ set, Live P.A.), gravação de sets, jingles e trilhas sonoras com ou sem locução para sites, rádio, TV e programas em geral, aluguel de estúdio, produção de projetos de música eletrônica com gravações de vocais e instrumentos, edição, restauração e masterização de álbuns e tracks em geral, sincronismo de áudio e vídeo até espaço para comercialização de produtos, entre muitas novidades.

Visite o site clicando aqui !

Clássico de Bob Marley é relançado 30 anos depois

2007-03-25T11:06:00.001-03:00

O disco Exodus, um dos maiores clássicos da carreira de Bob Marley, ganhará uma edição especial para comemorar os 30 anos de seu lançamento.

Além do CD com repertório original, o álbum será acompanhado por um livro com 144 páginas e 200 fotos do cantor - muitas delas nunca divulgadas.

Lançado originalmente no dia 3 de junho de 1977, Exodus permaneceu nas paradas inglesas por 56 semanas consecutivas.

Ainda faz parte das comemorações a exibição de um filme - Arena: Bob Marley's Exodus 77 - pela rede de TV BBC.

Ben Okafor - An African reggae musician

2007-03-25T10:55:00.000-03:00

The music of BEN OKAFOR moves effortlessly between the best of African Reggae with its rich lyrical heritage, classic folk protest songs in the vein of Bob Marley's Redemption Song and driving reggae beats betraying the early influence of Peter Tosh, the Wailers, and Marley himself.

Born in Nigeria, His earliest memories of music go back to live street performances and West African ‘Hi-life’ music (a kind of genetic folk rock). Early musical influences came from his mother who listened largely to Miriam Makeba. Other influences included Church music, James Brown, Jimmy Cliff, Beatles, Rolling Stones, Fela Kuti and inevitably, the aforementioned Wailers.

Ben's music and early life were shaped by his experiences as a boy soldier. Shouldering a Kalashnikov at 15 as his country was torn apart by civil war, he learnt his craft during years of exile before peace was established. Later appearances in South Africa with Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu and involvement in peace and justice initiatives followed, his songs reflecting a heart felt plea for justice, truth and love.

Ben Okafor. Musician from Nigeria. African ReggaeBen moved to Europe in the 1980's and settled in the Midlands. With all of his experiences that have shaped him into the prolific songwriter that he is, he decided to get to work and record his work. He soon released the two albums that would make his mark on the musical map - "Nkiru" [meaning freedom] and "Generation" (his first release with Plankton), both produced by Bob Lamb of early UB40 fame. Both albums were licensed for release in the USA. There was then a long gap until Ben's next album ‘Coffee With Lazarus’. This deeply personal and conscious album saw Ben drawing on all of his life experiences and moving reggae music into places where there are no restrictions, with some African Folk, Ska and a little Jazz thrown into the equation. Recorded in New York, this album represents some of Ben's strongest material to date and introduces a definite transatlantic feel into his strong base of African reggae.

2003 saw Ben releasing the single ‘Thing With War’, which lyrically and ethically is linked to his childhood memories. Indeed, 35% of the profits from the sale of this CD goes to support the work of the Coalition to stop the use of Child Soldiers.

A prolific, dynamic and powerful live performer and communicator attracting praise from amongst others, U2's Bono, Ben has toured in America, Nigeria, Europe and South Africa.

Click HERE for visit your website

Blood will run for sure - Junior Reid

2007-03-25T10:38:00.000-03:00

Blood definitely ran during the Red, Green and Gold themed video shoot for Inner Circle and Junior Reid's latest collaboration. YardFlex.com got exclusive access to the set. According to Bebe, organizer and son of Inner Circle band member Ian Lewis, it was an impromptu decision to shoot the video "because all of the artistes were in town at the same time." Rapper Akon also supported the production, as he recording literally across the street in Circle House Studio with his Konvict cellmates.

Rockers, the self-proclaimed rasta fashion lifestyle brand was the designer of choice for the celebrities and models. I must admitted that in some scenes the rasta colors were overwhelming but overall it was a good look. Reknown DJ Tom La Roc did the juggling on the wheels of steel with two Rihanna look-alike cuties while a few professional skateboarders held it down to ensure that the directors, barbecue treatment was realized. Bebe wore many hats, producer, director, and production assistant. It was fun to watch him work. It was exciting and tiring at the same time, at one point he commented that "this director work isn't as easy as it looks." The new paparrazi online entertainment magazine, celebrityoffsprings.com, that's schedule to launch early April has an in depth interview with Bebe.

The set had mad traffic in and out for most of the afternoon, Akon, Soulflower, Johnny Dread, Gillie and Robbie Marley were among the celebrities that supported the last minute video shoot. Eventually The Miami Herald showed up, as well as other photographers from other media houses.

Junior Reid and Inner Cirlce's frontman, Kris Bentley, were in rare form. From their high energy cameos to the dancing and flag waving, blood did run for sure during this historical event.

Zimbabwe: Tekere Recounts Marley's Visit

2007-03-25T10:35:00.000-03:00

Stanley Kwenda
Harare

FORMER ZANU PF secretary general, Edgar Tekere, recounted recently how he invited the late legendary reggae icon Bob Marley to Zimbabwe's Independence celebrations in 1980.

"Bob Marley was my guest. I was responsible for looking after him, I invited him for the celebrations," said Tekere to a raucous response from journalists who packed the Ambassador Hotel's Quill Club. "I sent out two people to Jamaica, Job Kadengu and Godern Muchanyuka. Each one of us who was in government at that time had an opportunity to invite two guests paid for by the state," he said.
Africa 2007

Tekere, who spoke passionately about Marley, said a Serbian friend, Olivier Jovanovich who is now at the Serbian embassy in Pretoria helped him hook up with Marley. "The whole affair was organised by Richard Hove who was taking care of the finances. I liked music and sometimes I could take time off and go to Londoner to enjoy music," said Tekere.

Tekere also said that he had a very good relationship with the then Prime Minister of Jamaica, Michael Mann who helped facilitate Bob Marley's trip to Zimbabwe.

"Mann told me a lot about Bob Marley's expenditure on the poor. He told me that at any given time there were hundreds of poor people feasting at his house. The guy was a friend to Marley," said Tekere.

Jamrock re-enters Billboard charts

2007-03-25T10:33:00.000-03:00

In what has been a big week for The Marleys, Damian 'Jr Gong' Marley's Welcome To Jamrock album has re-entered the Billboard charts. It re-enters the top R&B/ Hip Hop albums chart at number 93, and is also number two on the Top Reggae Albums chart.

The week also saw the release of Stephen Marley's solo debut album, Mind Control, and the ascendancy of late father Bob Marley's legend disc to the number 2 spot on the Pop Catalog Albums chart, which tracks discs - usually classic rock that are not in the regular album chart but are still selling regularly. Several other special issue Bob Marley albums are showing strongly on the Top Reggae Albums charts.

Sean Paul is also having a good week, as he has been nominated for the Best International Act category at the Urban Music Awards. Also nominated are Damian Marley, Stephen Marley, Beenie Man, Sizzla and Busy Signal. The award ceremony takes place on Saturday, July 7.

PAC MAN RASTA

2007-03-25T10:30:00.000-03:00

Click to View! Clique aqui para jogar!

Natalie the ultimate Storm of the Dancehall

2007-03-25T10:20:00.000-03:00

Natalie Storm is a multitalented Singer, D.J, and Songwriter who believes the universe is hers to conquer. Born Natalie Cole in rural Jamaica, she moved to Kingston as a child. She grew up listening to, and being influenced by the sounds of Skeeter Davis, Smokey Robinson, Madonna, and the dancehall female artists like Mumma Nancy and Lady Patra. She attended the Franklyn Town Primary and Holy Childhood High. It was in school that she decided to make a career of music. After joining the Holy Childhood choir she successfully auditioned for the Cathy Levy Players.

While in school, Natalie was approached by a producer seeking female singers for an all girl reggae group. The producer was Computer Paul Henton and the group was M.B.C. The group released one album in Japan.

After sometime as group leader and writer Natalie decided in late 2006 to pursue an alternative course. She left the group and began to record material with some of the top producers in Jamaica and across the globe. These include, Swatch International, Flabba (MO' Music) and New York based Stretch Armstrong (who has produced for Nelly Furtado, Lil' Kim, Wu Tang Clan).

Her first single on the Swatch International label titled "Best Friend" has just been released and getting strong radio play both locally and overseas. The video has been getting maximum exposure on HYPE TV, RE TV and Music Plus. The dance music remix of her Hot Love single featuring Jigsy from Danger Zone is being played at dance clubs all across Europe. She has just recorded a new single "Talk Di Tings" on Swatch International's Slackas Riddim which is taking dealing with the dances and clubs wicked. A video for this hot single is being prepared for the road. She will be on the HITZ FM street party showcases which will be held across Jamaica throughout the year. Natalie will also accompany Swatch International as one of their featured artists on selected Passa Passa dates throughout North America, the Caribbean and Europe.

Big things continue to happen for this multitalented songstress as she has started to produce other artistes including Peter Lloyd and Cezar among others. The new generation of Jamaican music has arrived. And it has come by Storm. Natalie Storm.

Masses accepting this particularly Rich & Spice-y reggae

2007-03-25T10:16:00.000-03:00

First came roots reggae pioneers such as Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Burning Spear and Peter Tosh. Now there are the new young lions such as Buju Banton, Sizzla, Capleton and Richie Spice, who will perform this weekend in support of his recently released album "In the Streets to Africa."

"I'm feeling great, doing great music and the masses are accepting it," said Spice, 36, born Richell Bonner, from his native Kingston, Jamaica. "I just make the music for the people and hope they take to it the right way."

This is Spice's third album, preceded by his 2000 debut "Universal Spice" and 2006's "Spice in Your Life." Those albums spawned hits such as "Earth Run a Red," "Bingi Drum," "Black Like a Tar" and "Youth Dem Cold."

Spice was featured on "Strictly the Best" volumes 32, 34 and 36, and on the 2004 and 2006 editions of "Reggae Gold." Spice's hit, "Brown Skin," can be found on those collections, along with "Righteous Youths."

It should be no surprise that Spice is so musically inclined, given the accomplishments of other family members. His brothers include reggae vocalist Spanner Banner (who will share the stage for his appearance here, along with Ras Professor) and producer Pliers (of Chaka Demus & Pliers fame). Another brother is a dancehall DJ who goes by the name Snatcher Dogg.

There is a stark difference, musically, in the brothers' work, but Spice isn't into labels that differentiate dancehall from reggae, or lover's rock from roots. To him, reggae is reggae.

"I don't really try to separate the music in its form," Spice said. "I'd rather not think in that way. I just send out the positive music, and the people have been accepting it."

While most new-school roots artists rely almost too heavily on the fire-and-brimstone of proper living and maintaining a clean conscience, Spice mixes up the subject matter on his latest album, a wondrous blend that speaks of poverty-level living conditions, respecting women and the tales of those who have strayed.

"I think people should feel the meditative vibes of the music right away," Spice said. "It's the substance of my music, and it's important that people understand it."

Especially because there are more messages to convey.

" 'In the Streets' is the third chapter," Spice said. "There's a lot more to come; it will be like an explosion." *

Marley home 'inspiring, cheesy'

2007-03-25T10:13:00.000-03:00

A visit to the Jamaica birthplace of reggae megastar Bob Marley includes traversing a narrow potholed road, a store with over-the-top T-shirts -- and the odour of ganja

Judith Ritter, CanWest News Service
Published: Saturday, March 24, 2007

NINE MILE, Jamaica -- A rattling pickup truck honks and squeezes by us on a type of road Jamaicans aptly named a "one-lane two-way."

"Head gown. Head no good!" my companion, Paul Norman, says, chuckling and gesturing toward the red dust kicked up by the swerving car.

In local lingo that means the guy who passed us is a little out of his mind, loopy. The road is so narrow, with so many terrifying hairpin turns, that I am wondering if I'm not a bit out of my mind, too. But I'm a pilgrim, after all.

We're winding our way up a potholed road into the embrace of these remote green mountains in northern Jamaica, up the 60 kilometres from Ocho Rios to Nine Mile, the birthplace and final resting place of reggae megastar Bob Marley. The route, which takes us high into the Jamaican hills and through tiny villages, is less touristy and more beautiful than I could have imagined.

Marley, a celebrity of the '70s music scene whose One Love and Get Up, Stand Up were anthems for a disaffected generation of middle-class North American kids, has, in his homeland, the stature of a prophet.

The massive purple doors of Nine Mile clank open in greeting and a khaki-uniformed guard with shoulder-length dreadlocks smiles and says, as if he has been expecting us all along, "Welcome, brother and sister."

The Nine Mile compound is both inspiring and cheesy. This is where Robert Nester Marley was born on Feb. 6, 1945, and where he lies encased in marble and where thousands of fans flock every February for music and memories. Posters of the holy one are on the interior gates.

The Rasta incantation on coming and going, Respect, is painted on the wall, as is much graffiti, all of it paying homage. ("He says you don't drink and jive, but if you wish you can smoke and fly.") The tinny sound of a radio playing reggae blends with the unmistakable odour of ganja.

A variety of relative neighbours and friends of the Marley family lounge around on beat up aluminum lawn chairs and wooden boxes. There's Fuzzy, a grizzled childhood playmate of Marley's who tells tales to anyone who will listen. There's a store full of junky souvenirs and Marley memorabilia such as over the-top T-shirts, commemorative rolling papers and kitschy cigarette lighters with Marley's image. There's also a cave-like little restaurant decorated like a '50s Tiki Tiki room that serves spicy patties.

But the real draw, what brings die-hard reggae fans from as far away as Japan, is the opportunity to walk where Marley walked, to see the small house where he was born and raised, to sit on the rock where Marley "read the Bible and meditated," our guide tells us, and, finally, to pay homage at the Marley mausoleum.

We amble along with our guide as he alternately sings snatches of Marley tunes and rambles on in a mixture of anecdote and Bible quotes until we reach the tiny house where the young "Nesta," as his family called him, lived until his early teens. We duck into the little bedroom and suddenly the guide is almost breathless with awe, as if he hasn't been in this low-ceilinged room hundreds of times with hundreds of tourists. He points to a narrow bed. "He" -- with intake of breath -- "slept here!"

The house, full of photos and memorabilia, is interesting. The painted stumpy rock called Mt. Zion Rock, where Marley meditated on his trips to his childhood home, is curious, but the sacred spot, the Taj Mahal of Nine Mile, is surely the mausoleum where Marley lies in a brass coffin with his guitar, beloved soccer ball and Bible.

The tomb, a marble monolith almost two metres high, is draped with multicoloured fabric, its base laden with gifts from reverential fans. There are shells, drawings, scraps of paper with poems, tambourines, African stringed instruments and ukuleles. Incense burns at a makeshift altar and candles are laid out for lighting. Over the bits of paper, trinkets, photos and shards of offerings, the sun glints through stained-glass windows of David, the Lion of Judah and a sycamore tree.

Thousands of pilgrims make this journey every year. Many come in early February for the annual Bob Marley birthday bash. While some arrive on their own, others opt for a kind of reggae fest roulant, a rolling pilgrimage on Zion Bus Line. This 5 1/2-hour trip on an old country-style Jamaican bus is for the hearty fans: Call them dread heads. The bus may look old-fashioned, but it has been outfitted with the latest audio and video technologies, so hardcore enthusiasts get to watch a documentary about Marley's life and a one-hour tribute concert.

IF YOU GO ...

Nine Mile is open year round, but the annual Bob Marley birthday music festival in February is a highlight. See bobmarleymovement.com; info@ninemilejamaica.com.

- The Zion Bus Line runs a 5 1/2 bus tour that includes snacks and lunch. Passengers must be 18 or older. Cost: $73 US. Zion also offers Jeep tours to Nine Mile for those who prefer to go on their own. 876-972-2506. Tours can be booked online at chukkacaribbean.com.

- The Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios offers easy access to transportation to Nine Mile. The half-century-old guest house has played host to the likes of Katharine Hepburn and Noel Coward.

QQ - Betta Must Come

2007-03-20T21:54:00.000-03:00

QQ - A new sensation from Jamaica Dancehall Reggae

Quem é o cara?

2007-03-17T14:47:00.000-03:00

Alguém tem idéia de quem seja o moleque estampado na foto abaixo?

Reggaesoul # 2 - Hot Modern Reggae Tracks

2007-03-17T14:23:00.000-03:00

Como já mandei alguns áudios no ar por aqui, vou considerar o conjunto de experiências anteriores como meu programa / seleção musical número 1 (Reggaesoul # 1).

Isso aí! Ta no ar o Reggaesoul # 2, com algumas das minhas tracks favoritas, as que andam batendo forte e vibrando alto nos falantes daqui de casa!

Hot Modern Reggae Tracks é o título desta seleção, justamente porque as considero modernas, contemporâneas, fugindo do estilo do reggae tradicional dos anos 70, que muitos costumam chamar de ROOTS (e que nunca entendi o real significado e classificação!). Dub, sintetizadores, ecos, efeitos, etc., é o que vão ouvir nesta minha seleção!

E este programa, por ter uma seleção e mixagem mais elaborada de minha parte (tentei caprichar!), começa com uma faixa de Bob Marley (na verdade o som dos Wailers, porque a voz do Marley ficou de fora deste som), o grande responsável por este vírus que me contaminou e que nestes quase 20 anos vem se multiplicando em meu organismo.

O bendito vírus do grave e da vibração positiva.

É só apertar o PLAY e AUMENTAR o VOLUME!

Tracklist – Reggaesoul # 2 – Hot Modern Reggae Tracks

- Waiting in Vain - Ambient Translations of Bob Marley in dub

- African Sattalite Dub - The_Interruptor

- Blood & Fire Megamix - Fila Brazilia (rmx)

- Flag & Rightway - Zion Train Meets Power Steppers

- Scoops - Looting 2 - – Vibronics

- Dub Creator - Conquering Dub - Earl 16

- Let Jah Love Come - Rhythm and Sound with Sugar Minott

- Love & Uderstanding Dub [peace version]- Togetha Brotha

- Camioux Ego - Boozoo Bajou

- Amerimacka (feat. Notch) - Thievery Corporation

- Natty Riddim - Vibronics

- Mystic Vibrations - Dub Games

- Brain Damage - Feat. Tena Stel

- Never Surrender My Dub - Jah Warrior

- Thunder Weed Dub - Deep Acid Dub Remix

(((( -d(-_-)b- ))))

Para download, clique aqui !

The Marley's Interesting stories

2007-03-16T10:30:00.000-03:00

Ky-mani Marley
With his third untitled album near completion, Ky-mani Marley is definitely a star in his own right. On February 26, 1976 Ky-mani was born to the legendary Robert Nesta Marley and Jamaican table tennis champion, Anita Belnavis, in Falmouth, Jamaica. Ky-mani is an East African term meaning adventurous traveler, and as a man living up to his name, each album or travel, is an adventure. His musical voyage began in 1999 with The Journey. With an eclectic vision he searched for his niche, roaming the musical spectrum, exploring his many talents. In 2001, Many More Roads (Grammy-nominated), a "traditional" reggae album was released exposing a more mature Ky-mani. The Journey and Many More Roads were well received worldwide, thus solidifying Ky-mani as an independent "artist". Ky-Mani's sound is a mixture of roots reggae overlaid with hip-hop, R&B and contemporary jazz.

In addition to his musical achievements, Ky-mani is well on his way to becoming an accomplished actor. In 2001, Ky-mani starred with reggae artist, Spragga Benz in Shottas. The film is a captivating story of two young men from Jamaica struggling to reach their dreams through living life in the "fast lane". This film was never released in theaters; however, the video/DVD circulation has created a tremendous buzz.

In 2002, Ky-mani starred as the character Kassa in One Love. A compelling love story of a conscious reggae musician dealing with the corruptions of the industry, whose world drastically changes when he meets a church girl with an angelic voice. Amongst film festivals and critics this film is another masterpiece in the Ky-mani Marley collection, yet to be released in theaters. In addition, Ky-Mani just completed the feature film Haven that star's Bill Paxton and Orlando Bloom, Directed by Frank Flowers. Haven Premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. In addition, Ky-Mani is set to reprise his lead role in Shottas II that will begin production in 2004.

He was just five years old when his father died, though the sound of Ky-mani's voice returns you to a very familiar place. Taking you to a new generation of a past reggae explosion, his message remains the same, "one love, one aim, one destiny".

Julian Ricardo Marley

Julian Ricardo Marley (born June 4, 1975 in London) is a reggae musician. He is the son of reggae legend Bob Marley and a Bajan mother, Lucy Pounder. He is a member of the Rastafari movement.

Born in London, Julian's childhood was spent between England and Jamaica. Musical from an early age, he can play the keyboard, drums, bass, guitar, among other instruments. Along with his brothers Ziggy Marley and Stephen Marley, he became involved with Ghetto Youth International, a production company, in 1989. Julian released a solo album, Lion in the Morning, in 1996 and embarked on a world tour. He and his brother Damian Marley toured with the Lollapalooza festival in 1997.

The Story of Bob Marley, Women and their Children
Meredith Dixon
Introduction

The music genre of reggae has become indelibly linked with artist Bob Marley. To this day, nearly two decades after his death from cancer, Bob's legacy lives on in his popular songs of oppression, racial strife and resistance. Yet, his heritage is also carried on by the people who he touched. Like any rock star, famed musician or celebrity, women surrounded him wherever he went. "That Bob was not a one woman man was common knowledge," says Don Taylor, though Bob had been married to Rita Anderson throughout his climb to the top rungs of the musical ladder (Taylor). The purpose of this paper is to explore the details of Bob's marriage to Rita, his longstanding relationship with former Miss World Cindy Breakespeare, his trysts with other women, and the children that were born out of his sexual escapades and to look also at how Bob's behavior with women typified Rastafarian beliefs and customs.

Bob's Marriage with Rita

Alpharita Constantia Anderson was born in Cuba to Leroy Anderson and Cynthia "Bada" Jarrett. At the age of three months, Rita, as she was known, immigrated to Jamaica. After her parents relocated to Europe, the girl was raised by her strict aunt Viola on Greenwich Park Road in Trench Town, Kingston (Boot). It was here that Rita first encountered the trio of Bob, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer as they passed by her home while walking on their way to Coxsone One Studio. Rita had heard the Wailer's music but it was not until a friend accompanied her to the studio that she was officially introduced to the group. Once it was learned that Rita was a singer in addition to being a nurse, an audition was arranged immediately for her group, the Soulettes.
The audition for the Soulettes went so well that Bob was assigned to the group's management in addition to helping them find new material. Bob was said to be very strict with the trio, which consisted of Rita, her cousin Constantine "Dream" Walker, and Marlene "Precious" Gifford, to the point where the group came to dislike him (White). Much to Rita's dismay however, Bunny pointed out that Bob was in love with her. Soon after, Bob started sending her love notes. Rita was confused by this display of emotion since Bob held a strict air in public. She approached him with her confusion, and the result was a two hour long discussion that brought the two closer together.
During one discussion, Bob explained his night visions of duppies, or ghosts, to Rita. Because the girl vehemently disbelieved him, he invited her to stay with him in his bed to witness the apparitions. Rita accepted the offer, and did indeed witness the specters Bob had so accurately described, but a sexual relationship was not consummated at that time (White).
By then, Rita was still living with her stern aunt. But that didn't prevent Rita from offering her lover a place to stay. Bob accepted, though he was forced to sneak in after her cousin went to sleep and leave before anyone awoke. Furthermore, Bob had to share a bed with Rita and her cousin, and be careful not to awake Sharon, whose crib remained close to the bed. Eventually, Viola discovered the nocturnal happenings between the lovers. Thinking that Bob could act as Sharon's father figure, Viola invited Bob to live with Rita in a shed behind the house.
The two continued their relationship into 1965, when Bob's mother Cedella Booker requested that Bob visit her in the United States, particularly Delaware where she now resided. Rita and Bob agreed that Bob should go but Bob insisted on getting married before he left so that should he like his new surroundings, it would be easier for Rita to immigrate. This would later be a source of pain and misunderstanding in their marriage.
Rita did not want to get married at this time for several reasons. Bob's mother did not know her. Rita's parents weren't there for approval. She did not believe that Viola would accept the responsibility of approving their marriage in place of Rita's parents. Furthermore, what if Viola said no to their union?
None of these reasons prevented Bob from attaining his goal. Dressed in "dark slacks and crisp white shirt" Bob asked Viola for permission to marry Rita (White). Though Viola initially shrugged off the responsibility of giving permission, Bob's persistence paid off. He claimed he loved Rita and intended to be the father of Rita's children with or without Viola's approval. Consequently, Viola approved.
At 11 a.m. February 10, 1966, after dating for nearly a year, the couple got married in the home of an Anderson family friend. Bob was 21 and his bride was 19 at the time. Within days, Bob left for Delaware.
Cedella Booker was not aware of her son's marriage until much later. Bob only revealed to his mother that he loved Rita. Later, he gushed about her beauty and loving personality. But soon Cedella noticed that Bob was not taking the calls of local girls. Rita must be more than a girlfriend, Cedella thought. Cedella advised her son to go out and have a good time while he was still young and unmarried. Only then did her son reveal that he and Rita were indeed married (White).
It was during this time that Haile Selassie visited Jamaica and deeply impacted young Rita. She quickly wrote to Bob, claiming to be interested in the teachings of Jamaicans. It was with Rita's influence that Bob embraced the religious beliefs of Rastafarianism. Perhaps Rita was unaware at the time, but the life of a rasta woman is far less exciting than for the men with whom they have relationships. Women are segregated from men, especially when menstruating because at this time they are viewed as being unclean. Women act as child bearers, fire bearers, cooks, honored servants and the like. Makeup and perfume are prohibited and their heads must be covered. They are prevented from making important decisions and often aren't even allowed to participate in decision making. Rita could not have known then that she eventually would fall from her respectful position as wife to a less fulfilling role in her husband's world. Later, as Bob's career accelerated, Rita was increasingly left to look after children, thus stalling her own recording career.
Sadly, Rita and Bob’s marriage existed purely in name over time, as Rita became a worker, a sexual giver, a secretary, a backup singer for the Wailers, and a watcher of children. She was paid a salary like every other worker for the band, and not given any special attention. Emotional and physical abuse became a part of their lives. Because their marriage was grounded in Rastafarianism, it was not viewed as abnormal that Rita should take such a backseat in her husband’s life. However, that did not mean Rita was not hurt by her husband’s actions.
About Bob’s extramarital affairs, she states "I am a normal woman and things can happen that depress you" (Whitney). Her manifestations of jealousy did nothing to prevent Bob from having intimate relationships outside their marriage. Consequently, Rita acknowledged his actions, and did her best to remain neutral and to protect the children. She accepted her husband’s children with other women as her own. After Bob’s death, it is possible that being surrounded by the children helped ease her pain. Over the years, Rita has collaborated musically with many of the children and remains on good terms with Cindy Breakespeare. Such behavior goes beyond the role of wife in my American eyes.
Rita cared for her husband throughout his illness, with help from other women in his life, and was there until the moment of his death. Rita states "Bob was the king and as his queen I must carry on" (White).
Rita and Bob's Children
Together, Rita and Bob had five children: Sharon, Cedella, Ziggy, Stephen and Stephanie. Sharon, the oldest, was conceived with an unnamed man when Rita was only 17. After coming into Sharon's life when she was only eight months old, Bob adopted her. She is said to have been Bob's "favorite" (White). At age 25, she is married and goes by the name of Sharon Marley Prendergast. In 1983 and '84, Sharon took time off from her college studies in business administration to help her younger siblings record two debut albums under the name The Melody Makers. In 1989, she made an attempt at acting with her half-sister Cedella in the film The Mighty Quinn, starring Denzel Washington and Robert Townshend. Presently she is curator of the Bob Marley museum in Jamaica. Of her childhood, Sharon states "We had a lot of music in our household. We listened to a lot of gospel music and music from other cultures. We used the music to keep us spiritually grounded" (online, …legacy/children). However, music was not something her father wanted her to get involved in because he knew that the business aspect had its snags. Yet, Sharon also says "But music is our life I guess. What we are doing now is nothing we haven't been doing for the last fifteen years at least." Sharon also works with the Caribbean business Ghetto Youth United, and is keeping busy in trying to open a day care training center in Jamaica, the first of its kind.
Cedella Marley, Rita and Bob's first child conceived together, was born in Kingston in August of 1967. The Wailers celebrated her birth by releasing the single "Nice Time", which later became her nickname. Educated in public schools, the girls took a liking to her musical surroundings and helped form the Melody Makers. Her talents as a songwriter, singer and dancer within the band have developed over the years. Cedella must balance the demands of the band with her work as CEO of Tuff Gong International, the record label her father developed in the early 1970's, and with her role as a mother. Cedella says, "Music was never a subject in our house. You know, it was like food on the table, it was just there. Daddy wanted me to become a doctor or lawyer, and Ziggy to be something else and Sharon to be something else, but we decided we wanted to play music for a while" (online…legacy/children).
David, or Ziggy as he is known, is the second child of Rita and Bob. He was born on October 17, 1968 in Trenchtown just as the pro-African movement began. As a child he recalls listening to Stevie Wonder in particular. The physical resemblance to Bob is eerie: both have a sharp chin, high cheekbones and pointed dark eyes. Some highlights of his life include watching his father perform in Zimbabwe and accepting his father's Order of Merit, one of the highest honors to receive in Jamaica. Known to many as the head of his siblings group The Melody Makers, Ziggy insists that the name is only the Melody Makers and that each member brings unique features to the band. For the past two decades, Ziggy has been singing, writing and producing music. He also keeps busy with charity, including Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment (U.R.G.E.) which does community service in Jamaica, Ethiopia and other countries of lesser wealth. His companion is Lorraine Bogle, with whom he has two children, Daniel and Justice (White).
The fourth child was born April 20, 1972 in Wilmington, Delaware when Rita was living with Bob's mother. Stephen is the fourth member of the Melody Makers, working as a singer, deejay, writer and producer for the group. He was only six years old when the group released their first track. "We've been making music together since birth. Our first song was produced by our father, called 'Children Playing in the Streets'" (online…legacy/children). He also developed the record label Ghetto Youths United. In the late 1990's, he was kept busy remixing his father's hits with the likes of Erykah Badu, Lost Boyz and Lauryn hill. It was his work with Lauryn Hill that led the Melody Makers to perform "No Woman, No Cry" with the Fugees at the 1997 Grammy Awards in New York City.
Stephanie Marley may possibly be Rita and Bob’s fifth child. Sources vary but Timothy White writes that Cedella Booker alleged that the girl was not fathered by her son. Rather, she asserts, Stephanie was fathered illegitimately by a man named Ital. Whatever the truth may be, Stephanie is recognized as Bob’s child and did indeed receive a sum of money from his estate.
Cindy Breakespeare
The woman most often linked with Bob, other than Rita or his mother Cedella, is Cindy Breakespeare. A clerk at the Sheraton Kingston and a dancer at the Dizzi Disco, Cindy first met Bob when the two became tenants at Chris Blackwell's house on 56 Hope Road during the early 1970's, when Cindy was only a teenager. They occupied different rooms in different areas of the house. Don Taylor asserts that Bob had made many passes at Cindy but it was not until he became famous and owner of the house that she paid him any attention (Taylor). Upon first meeting him, Cindy thought "Get involved with this dude and he'll change your life forever" (Whitney). It is rumored that "Waiting in Vain" concerns Bob's waiting for Cindy to accept his offers.
Coming from an upper class, highly educated background, Cindy was at first reluctant to date a Rasta but a relationship that taught her "a lot about how to be a woman" soon developed (Steffens). Initially, she did not know that Bob was married. It was actually Cedella Booker that first told her of Rita, but by then Cindy was pregnant with Bob's child. On Friday, November 19, 1976, Cindy rose from reigning Miss Jamaica Bikini and Miss Universe Bikini to Miss World, a campaign that was actually financed by Bob. Shortly after, Bob was shot. The following year, Bob "spent much of his time in exile from Jamaica with Cindy" (Steffens).
Knowing that Bob feared jealous women, Cindy was content to not ask for too much. She claims that his behavior towards her was always respectful because she was honest with him on every matter they discussed. She also says that though Bob was attracted to Babylonian women, he truly believed that a look absent of makeup and perfume was superior. Because of these beliefs he pressured Cindy to refrain from the use of makeup, razors, and nail polish.
Don Taylor believes that Cindy was the only woman Bob ever loved because she was the only woman he ever chased after. Cindy got respect from Bob more so than any other woman did. He bought her a house in the Cherry Gardens area of Kingston as well as gave her $100,000 starting capital for her Ital Craft store. Their relationship continued until his death, though in the final years their relationship became more of a friendship.
Today Cindy is married to jazz guitarist and airline pilot Rupert Bent and lives in the Stony Hill section of Jamaica. She keeps busy with her Ital craft shop and with her career as a singer. Cindy regards Bob today as "a true hero" (Steffens).
One child was born out of Cindy and Bob's relationship: Damian. Born on July 21, 1976 in Jamaica, he is knick named "Jr. Gong" (White). One of Bob's last requests was for his son's name to be changed due to a movie linking the name to the devil, which Bob though inappropriate for a Rasta. However, Damian's name remained. Like his siblings, he is also a musician. At 13, he formed a band called The Shepherds, which performed locally in Jamaica as well as at the Reggae Bash '92 and the Sunsplash '92 Bob Marley Tribute (online…mm/juliandamian.html). Damian performs with his half-brother Julian, often opening for the Melody Makers on tour. His last album, entitled Mr. Marley, was produced in part by Stephen Marley under the Ghetto Youth International label. The album features Damian deejaying over "new school" music as well as more traditional music (online… mm/juliandamian.html).
Janet Dunn (Hunt)
A dancer in a club, Janet met Bob Marley sometime in the 1970's. Literature on her origins or her first encounter with the King of Reggae is nearly nonexistent. In fact, there is even a discrepancy over her name. In Catch a Fire Timothy White credits Janet Hunt with giving birth to Rohan Marley, whereas the Wailer family tree lists his mother as Janet Dunn (online… wailerft.htm). Whatever the case may be, little is known of Bob’s affair with this woman.
Born in May 1972 to Janet, he was later brought by Bob to stay with Rita at the age of four because his mother was not properly caring for him. From that age on, Rohan stayed with the Marleys. He attended the same school as Ziggy and Stephen but unlike them he was rowdy and incorrigible to the point where he was sent to live with Cedella Booker in Miami. Cedella eventually adopted him. Rohan came to be starting linebacker for University of Miami’s Hurricane football team. In the 1990’s, Rohan was charged with trying to run over a Miami police officer with his pickup truck. Two years ago, he married singer Lauryn Hill.
Pat Williams
In 1970, Bob began a relationship with a woman from Trenchtown named Pat, and again sources are conflicting as she is referred to as "Pat" in Songs of Freedom but referred to as "Lucille Williams" in Catch a Fire. She came to know Bob through her stays at 56 Hope Road. On one particular evening, she approached the naked Bob in the moonlight. There in the yard she seduced him. Bob was so affected by the tryst that the next morning he wrote the lyrics to "Midnight Ravers" on a Kingston telephone book. The rendezvous bore a child Robbie, who was born in 1972. Eventually Robbie also fell under Rita’s care. Robbie attended the University College of the West Indies and is presently contemplating a career in computer graphics.
Janet Bowen
Little is also known of this "baby mother" other than many sources used for this paper did not even list a last name, simply referring to the woman as "Janet in England" (online… wailerft.htm). She gave birth to Bob’s daughter Karen in 1973 in England. Karen lived in Jamaica with her great grandmother in Harbor View, St. Andrew where she attended school. Eventually she became a regular visitor of the Marley clan though she initially feared Bob. When Bob fell ill, he asked Rita to care for Karen and enroll her in the same school as daughter Stephanie.
Lucy Pounder
A resident of Barbados, Lucy gave birth to Julian Marley on June 4, 1975. She raised her son in London and often brought him to visit Rita and Bob in Jamaica and Miami.
Julian recorded his first song when he was five years old and has since established himself as a bassist, drummist, and keyboardist. He released his first album Uprising in 1989. After moving to Jamaica in 1992, he has since released Lion in the Morning, which was produced in part by Stephen and assisted by Rohan, Kymani and the Melody Makers. Julian has toured in Japan, Brazil, and Mexico. In 1996, he was also featured as part of the "Marley Magic" tour in North America (online…mm/juliandamian.html).
Anita Belnavis
In 1977 Anita, the Caribbean table tennis champion gave birth to son Ky-mani Marley. Little is known about this woman. Ky-mani spent summers with his father and surrogate mother Rita and moved to Jamaica in 1992.
Yvette Crichton
Yvette is the last woman with whom Bob is officially recognized as fathering a child. Out of their union was born Makeda Jahnesta Marley in 1981. By 1992, Makeda was a regular at Rita’s house and later became a beneficiary of the Marley estate.
Other lovers that weren’t mothers
There is a slew of other women with whom Bob is rumored to have had affairs. As Cindy Breakespeare says "Women were always throwing themselves at Bob’s feet" (Steffens).
Girlfriend Esther Anderson is indirectly cited in one of Bob’s songs. The lovers’ favorite hideaway was a fishing village past Negril. And on one evening, the two encountered a roadblock while crossing the island. This was the impetus behind "Rebel Music."
Diane Jobson was Bob’s attorney but that is not how her role in Bob’s life initially began. She "was a fairly typical example of an upper class woman completely under his control. She was a real uptown girl, whom Bob had taken and bred into the Rasta faith in the early seventies and, after he got bored with her, gave the day-to-day task of being his lawyer," says Don Taylor.
Pascalene, the daughter of the president of Gabon, was interested in Bob. In Reggae King of the World the author describes her as "a woman he was to woo and conquer, and with whom he had one of his last serious affairs" (Whitney).
Yvette Morris can be listed as another girlfriend. Don Taylor credited her and Allen Cole as aiding Bob in several important business decisions (Taylor).
Bob openly dated, and had sexual relations with, three of Cindy Breakespeare’s friends during the time he was with Cindy. Though sisters, Virginia and Nancy Burke did not seem to mind sharing their lover. Sandra Kong, another friend of Cindy's, also was linked romantically with Bob.
In 1977 in London, Bob was linked with Princess Yashi, the daughter of the oil minister of Libya. Described as having a "smooth olive complexion and the gait of a thoroughbred" the two frequented London clubs (Taylor). Yet, Bob still preferred to be surrounded by as many women as possible.
In that same year, Island Records threw several large lavish parties in Paris and Los Angeles for Bob and the Wailers. Several photos showing the artist dancing with pretty women in discos in both cities appeared at the time in European and American papers. At about this time, Bianca Jagger encountered Bob and was reportedly smitten by him, though no relationship evolved.
There are countless other unknown women with whom Bob had affairs but their identities may never be known. All together, Marley had eleven legally recognized children but some relatives estimate that he fathered as many as twenty-two (White).
Bob’s thoughts on Marriage
A common dispute that arose between Bob and Rita was his wife’s use of his last name. He claimed that the only reason he married Rita was the children they were to have and so it would be easier for Rita to get into the United States.
"Me never believe in Marriage that much. Marriage is a trap to control me. Woman is a coward. Man is stronger" (Taylor). Bob went so far as to refer to Rita as his sister when questioned by the media.
In an interview with Wanda Coleman in December 1973, when Wanda asked about a special lady in Bob’s life he replied "No really a one lady yet…No, I don’t really settle down with lady. Me not ready" (Coleman). When Bob was asked if he would ever marry Cindy, he claimed he would not because she was simply a girlfriend. In the song, "She’s Gone" Bob sings, "she felt like a prisoner that needs to be free," perhaps describing himself more than any woman he dated as no woman ever left him. Rather he left them, a further echo of his belief that marriage equals a trap.
Bob’s thoughts on Children
Those who knew the reggae artist knew he had a special affinity for small children. On many occasions, Bob stopped his vehicle to play with children by the roadside. He felt strengthened by them and felt blessed at his own brood. "Children are wonderful. It don’t take plenty y’know. Just a nice girl who don’t take birth control. Sexual intercourse is a lovely thing" (White). Bob also said he wanted to "’ave as many child as dere were shells on de beach." (White).
Two of Bob’s songs make pledges to his children: "High Tide or Low Tide" and "So Jah Sey". In the latter, Bob swears that none of his "seeds" will have to sit "in the sidewalk and beg bread." His children were very important to him. During his illness, the father of many stressed that above anything else, his estate was to go to the care and wellbeing of his children.
Conclusion
The greatest reggae artist of all time certainly kept a busy sexual life. Perhaps several early signs foretold this aspect of his life. Consider the following.
In the time that young Marley lived in Kingston before his life as a musician, Bob worked as a welder. Welding, among Rastamen, is slang for sex (Davis).
Rita once met a woman at a dryer cleaner’s place. Once the worker spotted the last name, she asked if Rita was related to the singer Bob Marley. When Rita replied in the affirmative, the young women revealed that her name was Constance Marley, and her father was the same man that had conceived Bob. Bob never got to meet his half-sister and was distressed. Upon telling his mother Cedella the story, she replied "Yuh fadda de cause of plenty-plenty grief and travail" (White). Perhaps, like his father, Bob also caused the mothers of his children grief and pain.
About the lack of clarity regarding Bob’s affairs, Timothy White offers "No one who was connected with Marley, no matter how intimately, had a complete picture of the man. The network of restrictive confidences that Marley developed over the years was extensive, encompassing business arrangements, extramarital affairs, daily comings and goings, and songwriting collaborations."
Yes, Bob Marley, Reggae King of the World, fathered many children and had numerous lovers. In this sense, he typifies the Rastaman who treats women as means to sexual gratification and as domestic slaves. Yet, he is atypical of his bredren because he held himself financially responsible to the children that were born from his sexual encounters.
As evidenced by the positive works written about Marley and his ongoing influence on the world, Marley’s legend lives on, be it through his children, or his music and positive messages. Gilly Gilbert, Bob’s Ital cook, says "Whatever Bob do, Bob do more right than wrong."

THE LEGEND NITTY GRITTY LIVE IN THE DANCE

2007-03-07T21:49:00.000-03:00

THIS IS A ULTRA RARE PIECE OF REGGAE HISTORY FOR YOU ALL, A REAL TREAT. THERES NOT MUCH FOOTAGE OF NITTY GRIITY LIVE,I GOT THIS FROM A BREDREN SO MUST SHOW HIM RESPECT!! IN THE CLIP NITTY'S KILLING IT SINGING HIS REGGAE VERSION OF SWEET DREAMS HE SOUNDS SO RUFF!! JAH GUIDE NITTY GRITTY R.I.P

Ziggy Marley traerá su arraigado reggae por primera vez a China

2007-03-07T21:44:00.000-03:00

El jamaicano Ziggy Marley, hijo del mítico cantante de reggae Bob Marley, ofrecerá el 26 de marzo en Pekín su primer concierto en China, en el que presentará su segundo álbum como solista, 'Love is my religion' (El amor es mi religión), confirmaron hoy los organizadores.

'La música es un lenguaje universal y por eso venimos a China a hablar', manifestó el cantante, que inició su carrera con los Melody Makers, en una entrevista con la revista china 'That's Beijing'.

Se mostró también convencido de lograr 'enganchar' a los oyentes chinos pues 'para conectar espiritualmente con la gente no necesitas hablar el idioma, sino sólo sentir las vibraciones'.

Marley envió también un consejo a la juventud del país asiático: 'algunas veces el dinero no puede salvarte, pero sí el conocimiento'.

El cantante llega a China llega poco después de que, el pasado octubre, las autoridades suspendieran su concierto en la capital peruana, Lima, por falta de seguridad.

En declaraciones previas, el artista había defendido el uso de la marihuana porque es 'sólo una planta', defensa que probablemente no repetirá en un país inmerso en una batalla contra las drogas de todo tipo.

Tras sus numerosos proyectos tras acabar con los Melody Makers, Ziggy Marley ha marcado su carrera en solitario con una música que entremezcla reggae, soul, hip hop y blues.

Dub is a Weapon mixes it up at Grey Eagle

2007-03-07T21:41:00.001-03:00

by Jedd Ferris, take5 correspondent
published March 2, 2007 12:15 am

Dub is a Weapon started as an underground Brooklyn buzz band, but lately the evolving project is gaining national cred. It helped in 2006 when the group backed up legend Lee “Scratch” Perry on his return tour to the United States.

Now the band has five years and hundreds of shows under its belt.

Group founder Dave Hahn has done time in the popular Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra and produced the Pink Floyd reggae remake “Dub Side of the Moon” for the Easy Star Allstars.
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Now with Dub is a Weapon as his full-time gig, he has taken the group to the big stage with the diverse sounds of Matisyahu, Sound Tribe Sector 9 and Femi Kuti.

Hahn chatted ahead of the band’s Saturday night show at the Grey Eagle.

Forming a dub band: “Originally my intent was to just make a dub recording project. I had a studio space in Brooklyn, and I realized I knew everyone I needed in the reggae and ska world of New York to make this record,” he said. “It started from just fooling around in that kind of arena.”

Live Dub: Dub is not known as live music. It’s traditionally the atmospheric studio remix versions of reggae songs. Hahn initially struggled with bringing it to the live setting.

“I had no idea how I was going to do it,” he said. “I knew I needed to have my mixing board and effects, so I would be able to dub the band out live. But the concept of how to really do it was an evolution that developed as we played more shows. I had to find a way to add the atmospherics and mimic having the sliders on the mixing board, so different instruments are on different sides of the tape. I had to start conducting the band.”

Expansive sound: While the rhythmic foundation of the band has reggae beats, the music doesn’t bear a lot of resemblance to reggae.

“I play a lot of electric lead guitar, and a lot of the melodies and how they’re constructed is much more homaged to my original love of jazz,” he said. “The reggae label for us is really a misnomer. It’s a much more free-flowing thing.”

Rotating outfit: While many members comes and go, Hahn’s consistent partner in Dub is a Weapon is percussionist Larry McDonald, a Jamaican legend who has played with Peter Tosh, Toots Hibbert and Taj Mahal.

“Larry has been with me the whole time,” Hahn said. “I call him my main partner in dub. The reality is New York presents a lot of difficulties for musicians and bands, because it’s so crazy and expensive. I’ve definitely had a lot of people over the years, but the change in personnel keeps things interesting.”

Learning from Lee Perry: “It was literally a dream come true to work with him. I got turned on to this music by seeing him eight years ago in New York,” he said. “It felt like the tables had turned, because now it was my chance to bring him back to America and remind people that he’s still rocking it out. It was an honor.”

No preservatives on reggae history

2007-03-07T21:38:00.000-03:00

Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer

Downtown Kingston looks very different from an air-conditioned bus than it does by car, on foot or from a public bus. The combination of elevation and comfort makes for not only a view, but also the circumstances to enjoy it.

On Tuesday afternoon, a busload of pioneers sat in such a bus that made its way from the Jamaica Conference Centre, up King Street and into history on the first Downtown Kingston Reggae Music Heritage Tour.

The abbreviated version of the tour, which is part of the Sounds and Pressure Committee's events to mark the 50th anniversary of the Jamaican recorded music industry, will be run by Reggae Vacations.

The tour covers once-fertile but often-forgotten ground in the birth of the sound that has rocked skinheads in England and freedom fighters in apartheid era South Africa, from sound systems in Europe and from transistor radios all over the world.

Dennis Howard of the Sounds and Pressure Committee narrated the extraordinary history lurking behind the hustle and bustle of downtown Kingston.

But while the tour covered the music's groudings, many of the stops and sites were not as timeless as the music they helped give birth to.

Age may have done wonders for the beat, but the places they sprang from were often not as well preserved. The Sounds and Pressure Committee plans to do substantial renovation work and identification of historical sites.

Hub of entertainment

The now closed Times Store was pointed out as once being "one of the major outlets for retail records," and the now St. William Grant Park (then Victoria Park) as hub of entertainment, where persons such as Adina Edwards and Richard Ace and his sons would entertain.

Rounding the corner by South Parade a spot was pointed out, opposite the end of a row of JUTC buses pointing up Orange Street, as once being the site of a mobile record shop, made popular in the movie The Harder They Come. The pedestrians passing the corner were unaware they were walking on history, as there is nothing but tarmac there.

Just before leaving Parade, Randy's Record Store, from which VP Records was born, was pointed out, but Joe Gibbs' musical establishment has taken wings and given way to Eagle Pharmacy.

The paint on Jazz Hut at 126 Orange Street is faded and, at the intersection with Charles Street, an unfinished building at number 45 was pointed out as where Sir Coxsone Dodd's Music City once stood. At a green door opposite was where Lee 'Scratch' Perry once operated.

"On any given day when the music was in its infancy, you would see people plying the street, talking about records, new rhythms," Howard said, naming people such as Phil Pratt and Clancy Eccles, who were to be found on the Orange Street music corridor.

"It is by no means an accident it was called Beat Street," Howard said.

The short tour's only walk started at 125 Orange Street, where a trip down a damp corridor ended in the wonderful world of the modern Leggo's Recording Studio. There, on the real tour, participants will be able to do an actual recording.

Beside Leggo's, at 127 Orange Street, the legend 'Prince Buster One Love Record Shack' is high on the wall, a faded drawing of the 'Judge Dread' closer to eye level.

But across the road, at the site of a Coxsone Dodd outlet, the writing on the wall is 'Hardware & Tools'.

The 'tourists' walked up to 135 Orange Street, where a set of well- worn concrete steps led up to a large, dilapidated wooden building. "All the musicians, the producers, gathered here," Howard said. Across the road, though, large paintings of Dennis Brown and Augustus Pablo are colourful and fresh.

At the site of Beverly's Records on North Street, where producer Leslie Kong worked with a very young Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Derrick Morgan and Desmond Dekker, there are plans to put up a large sign identifying the location of the pioneering label.

With the tour resuming by bus, Forrester's Hall on North Street was pointed out as the site of epic sound system battles among persons such as Coxsone Dodd, Duke Reid and Tom the Great Sebastian, the bus turning right from North Street on to King Street at the intersection where Jamaica's first stoplight, built by musician and innovator Headley Jones, controlled the traffic.

Nanny's Corner at the intersection of Beeston Street and Love Lane was visible from the bus, which paused on King Street, while on the other side at 127 Beeston Street, where a community centre now is, was where The Wailers had their set-up.

On an ordinary day Peter Tosh would be washing his Hillman Hunter, Bob Marley would be playing football and Bunny Wailer would be standing by himself with a spliff.

But the covering of history continued, with DerrickHarriott's King Street store now a beauty parlour.

"The people came from Trench Town and East," Kingsley Goodison of the Sounds and Pressure Committee said. "But the creativity and the commerce and exchange of ideas took place right here."

Morin Seymour of the Kingston Restoration Company noted the current rundown state of some of the points of interest on the tour by saying, "If we could only, in the next year and a half, get these tour centres up to standard, we can have something to be proud of."

Jamaica Reggae Scene

2007-03-07T21:04:00.000-03:00

By Cecelia Campbell

Hardbeatnews, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Fri. Mar. 2, 2007: Cricket fans are counting down the days to the ICC Cricket World Cup, set to take place in the Caribbean. On Sunday, March 11, the event will kick off with a huge shebang set to take place at the Trelawny Multi- Purpose Stadium.

Among the artistes confirmed to perform are Jimmy Cliff, Byron Lee, Buju Banton, Beres Hammond, Third World, Sean Paul, Arrow, Sly & Robbie, I-Three, Gregory Isaacs, Alison Hinds, Machel Mantano, Kevin Lyttle, Rupee, Shaggy, Lucky Dube, Lovindeer and Sanchez.

CHERINE ANDERSON SET TO SHOOT MUSIC VIDEO

Cherine Anderson, who has been creating a buzz on the scene with Chuck Fenda with their combination ‘Coming Over Tonight,’ will now turn her focus to shooting the music video for her new single ‘Kingston State of Mind’ which is recorded on the Darker Shade of Black riddim.

The song addresses the problem issues facing Jamaica today, including gun violence and political inequities. Producer for the song Sly Dunbar stated that ‘Kingston State of Mind’ is an awakening to people about the killing in Jamaica and even the rest of the world. A number of Jamaican entertainers and athletes are expected to be in the video giving positive messages calling for change.

LUCIANO AND MAXI PRIEST FOR ‘UNITE THE PEOPLE’

Luciano, currently on tour, will be returning for Unite The People, his first major showcase a yard since he began touring for his ‘Child of A King’ LP.

Currently, the tour has him appearing in places like Sydney, Australia, New Zealand and Africa. He's all hyped and pumped up about the reception he has been receiving and is expected back this month and then off to another leg of the tour in time to return for the March 31 Unite The People.

Maxi Priest displayed an absolute wow performance at Cinema II the last time, which marked a break in his absence from local soil. He returns for Unite The People.

BUJU BANTON GRACES COVER OF RAGGA MAGAZINE

Gargamel Music has announced that its CEO and marqee artiste, dancehall-reggae icon Buju Banton, graced the cover of February’s issue of Ragga magazine out of France. The engaging eight-page feature story ‘Revenge of the Rudeboy’ was written by senior contributor David Commeillas, who reasons with Banton about the recent passing of his uncle, the late, great Joseph ‘Culture’ Hill, the development of his Gargamel Music record label, and of course, the new album ‘Too Bad’, which has been received tremendously well in the

territory.

“Too Bad’ really is too bad and ‘Driver A’ is one of the best songs ever,” says Gilbert Pytel, editor in chief of Ragga. “All the French massive love this tune. Buju is the only DJ who can sing on a one drop and ride a Bogle riddim with the same cleverness...he's an old school artiste who can easily compete with the new generation. The eternal artiste!”

Updates: Tony Matterhorn celebrated in fine style in cold New York

2007-03-07T21:03:00.001-03:00

*Not even the pending snow storm could stop the specially invited guests, media and well wishers from coming out in large numbers at Tony Matterhorn’s welcome back party and VIP press reception. The self-styled man from mars celebrated his return to New York after a three year absence, at the trendy Mars 2112 restaurant, nightclub and bar in Manhattan last Tuesday night.

The occasion was hosted by Matterhorn’s management company, VIP Connected. Scores of mainstream and urban media personnel from the US, England, Europe and even Jamaica, were on hand to mark the milestone.

Matterhorn’s US visa was revoked in 2003. His management company with assistance from various entities in the US petitioned for the visa to be reinstated. The loss of the visa had prevented Matterhorn from fulfilling numerous performance obligations in the USA, which resulted from the mainstream success of his muscular Dutty Wine and Goodas Fi Dem singles.

Dutty Wine was heralded by the prestigious urban publication Vibe Magazines as one of the 60 most influential records of 2006. The song enjoyed a runaway success in the US, Europe and in several Caribbean countries. Matterhorn performed in almost every country where the song took off, with the exception of going stateside.

In an earlier interview, Matterhorn had expressed his sentiments about being able to perform in the US again. "I can now reach out to my extended fans, the real Matterhorn fans. It feels good to be able to reunite with them, but in some ways I have been interacting with them on my space a lot," said Matterhorn.

His manager Julie ‘Lexy’ Brooks of VIP Connected said that since the announcement that Mattehorn can once again visit the US, several offers for performances have been popping up. ‘We have a lot of offers on the table right now. He might be traveling to the US almost every weekend just to perform’, said Ms Brooks.

At his welcome back party, Matterhorn greeted the media and spoke about plans for his career. He revealed that a collaboration with himself, Wyclef Jean and Elephant Man (featuring a new female Hispanic singer) is set to be a big hit this summer. He also hinted that he was in negotiations with at least three major US record companies for the release of his debut album.

Rob Kenner, Editor at Large at Vibe magazine told this writer that New Yorkers were familiar with Matterhorn from his days with the King Addies sound system and that his return could further help in capitalizing on opportunities that could come his way. ‘Dutty Wine did very well in the urban market and a lot of mainstream artistes would want to work with him. Now that he is back, many of these opportunities can now bear fruit’, said Kenner.

Singer Suzanne Couch, Linkup Media CEO David ‘Squeeze’ Annakie, Dave Rodney of Jamrock Magazine, Patricia Meschino of Billboard and Skywritings magazine, and Jabba from urban radio station Hot 97 FM and Tempo, were among those in attendance.

After the press reception, an after party took place at the T-NY Club in Manhattan. Matterhorn performed his hits as well as new material. He kept the crowd in stitches with his side splitting humor and anecdotes.

• Nadine Sutherland’s Call My Name disc set for April release

It was 28 years ago that Nadine Sutherland gained attention locally when she entered the Tastee Talent Competition. Since then she has gone on to record some memorable hits in reggae.
Among her more familiar recordings are Young One Like Me, Until, Skeezer, Why, Babyface, Action with Terror Fabulous and What You Gonna Do with Buju Banton.

A few years ago, a new generation of music fans was introduced to Sutherland when she took up judging duties on the highly popular Digicel Rising Stars talent competition on TVJ.

Now Sutherland is getting ready to release her forthcoming album Call My Name for the South Florida-based Eight76 Records. The set is due out in April and is led by the first single Big Tingz. "Big Tingz is a shout to my people all over the world to let them know that I am bringing the heat for this year. I am very excited about Call My Name and just about life in general right now," said an elated Sutherland.

• Rootz Underground stars in new Ocean Spray advertising campaign

Rootz Underground, the fast rising reggae rock band which has been making a name for itself on the live music circuit, will be featured in the new advertising campaign for Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice.

Commenting on the band’s involvement with the ad campaign, Zachary Harding, Directory of Marketing for Wysinco, said ‘We are proud of Rootz Underground’s achievements so far. With Jamaica now being the number one Ocean Spray consuming market in the world, (per capita), it is fair to say that Cranberry Juice and reggae music go hand in hand. Rootz Underground has emerged as the most talked about band in Jamaica for 2007, as they have been piloting the evolution of reggae. And with the group being a graduate of the Ocean Spray stage initiative, the members were an obvious choice to be featured in our new advertising campaign.

Rootz Underground formed seven years ago. Its members are Stephen Newland (lead vocalist), Jeffery Moss Solomon (rhythm guitar), Charles Lazarus (lead guitar), Colin Young (bass guitar), Paul ‘Scubi’ Smith (keyboard/organ) and Leon Campbell Jr. (drums).

In an earlier interview, Newland said the group’s uniqueness stemmed from its fusion with modern day reggae. ‘It’s like a reggae revolution. We are using the foundation of reggae and expounding on it. Its spiritual melodies that we are fusing into one compatible sound’, explained Newland.

Rootz Underground’s latest single Victims of the System has been doing very well at video outlets. The track is in steady rotation on most cable channels and was recently sitting inside the top 10 of the MVP Top 10 video countdown. ‘Victims of the System is doing well for us right now. We also have some other singles out including Herb field, In My Hut, and Corner of My Mind. By the summer our debut album Movement should be released’, said Newland.

Rootz Underground’s recent performances include the Ocean Spray stage at the recently concluded Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, Grand Lido Negril, the Art Basil festival in South Beach, Florida, and at Raleigh Rocks Bahamas in Nassau.

* CHART UPDATES

Shaggy’s Church Heathen remains on top of the New York Reggae chart. Over in Germany, the new number one reggae track is Fade Away 2006 by Million Stylez featuring Junior Byles. Over on the BBC 1Xtra Dancehall chart in the UK, The Traffic Jam by Steven Marley featuring Junior Gong and Buju Banton, is number one.

Beenie Man’s Spot Check is number thirteen in Aruba, while over in St. Lucia, the number one reggae track is Church Heathen by Shaggy. The number one reggae song in Canada is Come Around by Collie Buddz.

Up close with … QQ

2007-03-07T21:01:00.000-03:00

At 10 years old, singing sensation QQ (born Kareem Dawkins) set a record as the youngest person in Jamaica to have a hit song, Poverty.

Apart from being an anthem in the dancehalls Poverty has been climbing the charts and dominating the airwaves in both Jamaica and England with its food-for-thought lyrics.

The late Crown Prince of Reggae, Dennis Brown, held this previous title as the youngest Jamaican with a hit song, with his big hit No Man Is A Island at the age of 11.

QQ

Now, QQ has been creating quite an impact on the reggae/dancehall scene since he hit Jamaica last May with the single Never Know The Use Of Her. Since then he has been dropping some hot tunes, including Mama and Better Must Come.

One of his more recent tunes, Stukie, is making the rounds and enjoys heavy rotation on the airwaves.

QQ continues to be a favourite on the stage-show circuit.

The young sensation, who was born on March 9, 1994, and loves to eat ackee or oxtail and rice and peas, says, "Apart from my dad and grandparents' help, these are a few artistes that influenced me: Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Beres Hammond, Bob Marley and Jah Cure."

QQ

This is a special invitation to the party of young dancehall sensation QQ.

On Friday, the young star turns 12. He is inviting 50 of his young fans to join in the celebration. To win, you have to be quick on the dial.

The first 50 fans between the ages of 11-16 to call The STAR on Thursday, March 8 between 4 and 5 p.m. will win an invitation to the party. To win, call 1-888-843-7827 and give your name and age.

No calls will be accepted before the stated times. You can have your parent/guardian call on your behalf or have his or her permission to call.

Proof of age will be required.

Gospel Reggae Pioneers Christafari Prepare for the Release of New Studio Album April 17th

2007-03-07T20:59:00.000-03:00

Christafari will release their new CD To the Foundation on April 17th. The award-winning pioneers of Gospel Reggae have sold over 400,000 units, and their previous three studio albums have all reached the Top 10 on Billboard's Top Reggae Albums Chart.

Los Angeles, CA (FV Newswire) - Mainstream reggae has never been more popular thanks to artists like Bob Marley, Sean Paul, and Matisyahu. Over a decade before Matisyahu introduced the world to his unique brand of Hasidic Reggae, Christafari was making waves with their original blend of Gospel Reggae. Through the years, these trailblazers have been crafting one of the most impressive catalogues in Christian music. With over 10 full-length releases and involvement in countless compilations, it's no wonder that Christafari's cumulative album sales have reached over 400,000 units to date.

In the fall of 2006, bandleader and founder Mark Mohr embarked on the next chapter of Christafari's career, creating their rootsiest effort to date with the upcoming CD To The Foundation. Recorded with all live instruments, plenty of horns and percussion and various guest vocalists (a veritable who's who of the Gospel Reggae arena), the album moves from roots reggae to lover's rock to dancehall and back again. Lyrically, this project is jam-packed with the unwavering Word of God. Christafari continues to display their dedication to utilizing sound doctrine and a host of Biblical references on every single song--ensuring that the Gospel is clearly proclaimed without compromise.

With this album Christafari is boldly marching forward, continuing to pioneer a blossoming genre while shaping the future of Christian music.

"I don't strive to make a hit, but a classic," says Mohr. "When in the studio, I think 'How will this sound ten or twenty years from now?' I want to record music that will endure for decades so that the message of Jesus Christ will continue to bear fruit for generations to come."

Christafari is far more than a band. Led by Mohr, an ordained minister, they are an evangelistic, counter-cultural drug aversion ministry, using reggae music and the spoken word to reach a wayward generation. Mohr clearly sums up the purpose of Christafari's new album: "With the release of To The Foundation, it is our desire to see listeners build their lives on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ. We want them to be firmly planted in His teachings and moving forward in His Spirit."

But there's no denying the impact that Christafari has had on the music industry. The award-winning group's previous three studio albums have all reached the Top 10 on Billboard's Top Reggae Albums Chart. The group has performed in 35 countries and toured with such artists as Wayne Wonder, dcTalk and World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Evander Holyfield. Christafari has been featured on the Reggae Sunsplash Tour and the Bob Marley Day Tour, as well as high profile appearances at the 1996 Olympic Games (Atlanta), 2002 Winter Olympics (Salt Lake City), President Clinton's Inaugural Ball in Washington DC (with Jewel), St. Kitts Music Festival, Spirit West Coast, Cornerstone Festival, Greenbelt Festival, Flevo Festival, Frizon Festival, Reggae on the River and more.

An aggressive publicity and marketing campaign has been planned for Christafari's latest release, including extensive online marketing, representation at CBA, Expolit and Gospel Music Week, and a new music video shot at Universal Studios in Hollywood, California.

The debut single "Freedom Step" can be heard online at www.GospelReggae.com, as well as an exclusive interview with Mark Mohr. A new song and exclusive interview will be posted each week until the album's release.

To the Foundation will be released worldwide April 17th, 2007 by Lion of Zion Entertainment, the largest provider of gospel reggae and world music on the planet. Lion of Zion Entertainment is distributed in the USA by Infinity Music Distribution (a division of Central South Distribution, Inc.), and various international distributors worldwide.

For the latest information on Christafari, please visit the newly redesigned official website at www.Christafari.com [www.Christafari.com].

Reggae Legend Mikey Dread Announces Collaboration with Insomnia Radio and Dread at the Controls at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

2007-03-07T20:58:00.000-03:00

Pismo Beach, CA, March 05, 2007 --(PR.COM)-- During a presentation recently at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame international reggae legend Mikey Dread announced partnering with Insomnia Radio for the launch of a podcast to highlight the return of roots and cultural reggae to the world stage. Both Mikey Dread and Insomnia Radio, as pioneers in their respective fields, have decided to use podcasting to shed light on roots and cultural reggae artists, from Jamaica and beyond, in order to influence indie music in much the same way as his original show in Kingston did.

New artists that wish to be featured in the podcast can sign up to send music for review. The show can be found at http://mikeydread.insomniaradio.net and the feed for the show is available at http://feeds.feedburner.com/mikeydread

Invited by the Hall of Fame to discuss his contributions to reggae and how his influence helped shape aspects of rock and roll history, Mikey shared how his early experiences in Jamaica and its vibrant music scene helped bring artists to the attention of a world audience.

Mikey Dread, also known as the Dread at the Controls, got his start in reggae while working at the JBC (Jamaica Broadcasting Company) between 1976 and 1979. During this time in Jamaica reggae and the Rastafari movement that influenced its message and voice were not regularly broadcast on public airwaves. Challenging station owners, Mikey began to produce an all reggae show broadcast in the wee hours of the night between midnight and 4:30am when the radio station had previously gone of the air. Developing his own unique sound and presentation of jingles, sound bites and effects Dread at the Controls created a style that became the signature format for roots reggae productions for years to come.

This early work and collaberations with other reggae legends such as King Tubby led to international acclaim an as an artist, producer and radio personality. His production work with UK punk rock group The Clash on tracks such as "Bankrobber" and the album "Sandinista" cemented his place in rock and roll history. Mikey Dread has performed, produced or collaberated with artists such as UB40, Seal, Carlos Santana and others and is commited to preserving roots and cultural reggae's unique sound and vibe as well as influencing a whole new generation of artists waiting to be discovered.

Insomnia Radio, hosted and produced by Jason Evangelho, began as one of the earliest music podcasts on the Internet. Gaining noteriety for selecting tracks from unheard and often unsigned independent artists, Jason has helped bring to light such bands as Taxi Doll, Thriving Ivory, Recliner and The Rewinds. Much like Mikey Dread, Jason focused on bringing the type of music popular in the streets, clubs and smaller venues across the country that was not being played on radio. Helping to shape the future of podcasting, Jason was instrumental in founding such organizations as the Association of Music Podcasters and has inspired many podcasters to get their start in this new medium.

Insomnia Radio has grown into an international collection of regional sites including San Diego, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, the UK, and more. In all, over ten major cities across the globe have Insomnia Radio shows dedicated specifically to their unique sound and independent artists. An online magazine, the Indie Music Project, is dedicated to the artists and bands that have been featured on shows or included in Insomnia Radio's artist library.

Interview Contact:
Jason Evangelho, Production Manager
jason@insomniaradio.net
805-709-0809

ATTN: Insomnia Radio
Thimble Media, LLC
PO Box 132
Ripley, OH 45167

Prince Charles and Brent's Mayor dance to reggae

2007-03-07T20:57:00.000-03:00

The Prince of Wales danced to a reggae record as he toured one of the country's most deprived areas today.

Charles shuffled around a record shop in Harlesden, north west London, with the Mayor of Brent.

While chatting about reggae he asked Gerald Anderson, owner of Hawkeye Records, to put on Good Thing Going by Sugar Minott.

Then Brent Mayor Bertha Joseph grabbed him and they jived to the tune in the small shop.

The record was a No 1 hit in the UK when it was released by Hawkeye Records in 1980.

Mr Anderson said to the Prince: "Brent has received a lot of negative press and I'm glad you have come to see the other half."

Charles replied: "I never believe anything I read in the press."

Earlier, the Prince joked about wigs while visiting Juliet's Hair and Beauty Superstore in Harlesden High Street.

Facing a large display of wigs, he asked shop owner William Mendes: "Are they guaranteed not to blow off?"

Outside the shops there were excited scenes as waiting crowds jostled to see the Prince.

Looking relaxed in a blue pinstripe suit decorated with a pink and white carnation, Charles spent about 10 minutes shaking hands and chatting to people in the high street.

After visiting the Blue Mountain Peak grocery store, he went on to the nearby Unity Community Centre.

He was greeted with a traditional Caribbean dance performed by children from Newfield Primary School.

In his capacity as president of Business In The Community (BITC), the Prince met representatives of groups working towards community regeneration.

Afterwards Carol Allen, head of the neighbourhood renewal team for Harlesden and Stonebridge, thanked the Prince for coming.

She also wished the Duchess of Cornwall a quick recovery from the hysterectomy operation she is undergoing today at the private King Edward VII Hospital in central London.

She said: "Do pass on our best regards to the Duchess of Cornwall for a speedy recovery."

In reply, Charles said it was "wonderful to see how thriving the high street seemed to be."

He added: "I don't think I have enjoyed myself so much for a long time going down the high street and popping into one or two shops. I'm sorry I couldn't go into more of them."

Founded in 1982, BITC is the largest and one of the oldest organisations promoting corporate responsibility.

Many of the shops and projects the Prince heard about today have received help from BITC and NW10 Connect, a body set up by the area's neighbourhood renewal team.

Reggae reggae spicy!

2007-03-07T20:54:00.000-03:00

A MUSICAL chef who wowed investors on TV's Dragon's Den has landed a massive supermarket deal.

From today, and just a month after musical cook Levi Roots appeared on the show, his sauce - made from a secret recipe handed down by his grandmother - is on sale in every Sainsbury's store in Britain.

The singer, who was nominated for best reggae singer at the 1998 MOBO awards, wanted £50,000 to expand his business producing spicy Reggae Reggae sauce, and was offering 20 per cent the business in return when he appeared on the BBC2 show.

Viewers saw Peter Jones and Richard Farley each offer £25,000 in return for a 20 per cent stake in his company, which he accepted.

A spokesman for Peter Jones said the entrepreneur and Mr Roots had worked round the clock to get the sauce on Sainsbury's shelves as soon as possible, after securing a deal with the supermarket giant.
The sauce will produced in a Gwent factory, in south east Wales.

"A big part of the work has been producing Reggae Reggae Sauce in a factory environment rather than in my kitchen at home in Brixton," said Mr Roots.

"I was nervous about making my sauce in a factory, as it is a secret that has been in my family for generations and I was entrusted with the recipe by my grandmother, Miriam.

"It was emotional sharing this with people outside of the family - but in the past few weeks I feel like the people at G. Costa have become part of family. They are a lovely bunch of people."

Lee Perry no Abril Pro Rock - Pernambuco

2007-03-07T20:28:00.000-03:00

Nota Reggaesoul - E bem provável, em Sampa e Rio logo depois...

-----

Na sexta, você vai de psicodelia. No sábado, como a tradição já determinou, o metal. No domingo, é a vez do reggae. A programação da edição 2007 do Abril Pro Rock tem confirmados como atrações, atendendo à ordem anunciada na primeira linha deste texto, o grupo Mutantes, que volta com seus músicos originais - os irmãos Serginho e Arnaldo Baptista e o baterista Dinho – sem a musa Rita Lee, mas com Zélia Duncan; Marky Ramone, baterista do Ramones tocando com a banda gaúcha Tequila Baby e o Sepultura; e o jamaicano Lee Scratch Perry.

Esta edição completa 15 de anos de Abril Pro Rock, no mesmo bat-local, Pavilhão do Centro de Convenções de Pernambuco, em Olinda, nos dias 13, 14 e 15 de abril. Desta vez, com um detalhe: sem calor, já que o espaço estará climatizado. “Nossa intenção é presentear o público do APR unindo na mesma programação dois grandes nomes da música pop mundial e duas das mais importantes bandas brasileiras de todos os tempos”, ressalta o produtor Paulo André Pires, da produtora Astronave.

Foto: João Miguel Junior/TV Globo
A sexta-feira, sempre mais light, traz Os Mutantes em sua turnê iniciada em Londres, com uma Zélia Duncan com personalidade própria, como se para esquecer que Rita Lee, ex-vocalista da banda tropicalista esnobou esse retorno até prodigioso. Muitas músicas vêm com novos arranjos, mas não se deixa de passar por grandes sucessos como as do álbum Technicolor.

O palco do metal vem com o punk rock em uma mistura antológica Sepultura, Marky Ramone e a banda apontada como a melhor representante do punk rock brasileiro, Tequila Baby. Promessa de casa cheia, como há muito não se via como no primeiro show de Sepultura e do Soulfly, nos idos anos 90.

Foto: Reprodução da Internet/Supertone
Domingo, reservado à cena indie, Lee Perry, ex-faz-tudo no Studio One, sob as ordens do lendário produtor Coxsone Dodd, já topou com Bob Marley e The Wailers e vem da escola do Ska. O apelido Scratch se deve ao fato de o jamaicano ser o primeiro músico a usar o toca-disco como instrumento em suas composições. Para programação ser ainda mais politicamente correta, faltam apenas os nomes da cena pernambucana, que devem ser anunciados junto com a programação completa.

Serviço
APR – 15 ANOS
Data: dias 13,14 e 15 de abril
Local: Pavilhão do Centro de Convenções – Olinda - PE
Horário: Sexta-feira - 20h (abertura dos portões)
Sábado e Domingo - 15h (abertura dos portões)

Bob Marley - CCTV interview 1979

2007-03-07T20:22:00.000-03:00

Interview by Gary Anderson on CCTV, Atlanta, on December 11, 1979. Marley performed one day later at the Fox Theater in Atlanta.

Bob Marley - CCTV interview 1979 - Part 1

Bob Marley - CCTV interview 1979 - Part 2

'Sun is shining .'

2007-03-07T20:18:00.000-03:00

We are "in our ackee"! We have our tickets for the official opening of Cricket World Cup and all the first-round matches at Sabina Park. True, the organisers could have avoided the last-minute nerves with a more inclusive approach for this historic sporting event.
Jean Lowrie-Chin

But we Jamaicans tend to get into a frenzy when folks are coming to visit and we invariably pull it off. Hyacinth Bennett - you know I love you, but which of us doesn't save the best linen and china for our guests?

Our visitors should have a fantastic experience. I'll never forget the Kenny Rogers interview when he recounted a trip to Montego Bay some years back. He decided to walk around a bit, and stopped by one of our roadside bars.

As he approached the entrance he saw three locals looking very intently at him. He became wary, until they smiled and broke into song: "You gotta know when to hold/ know when to fold ." Rogers had a grand time with his new friends. He sings our praises and never ceases to be amazed at how his Jamaican audiences know his lyrics!

We should not underestimate the power of Jamaica's tourism product, and in particular, Bob Marley, to bring visitors to our shores. I remember my friend Tom Fischer from Buffalo, New York, arriving here as a teenager in 1977 for a pilgrimage through his idol's country.

(It was at Tommy's urging that we went to see an unforgettable performance by Bob Marley, the Wailers and the I-Threes at Maple Leaf Garden in Toronto.)

Two weeks ago Tom returned with his family to commemorate the 30th anniversary of his visit to Jamaica. When I received his enthusiastic email last year about renting a car and driving his wife and 10-year-old twin daughters around the island, I have to admit I was concerned. Visiting is one thing, driving is another. So he took our advice and decided to use taxi service.
The Fischer twins, Lily and Harper 'perform' with Bob at the Marley Museum.

We collected them at Norman Manley airport where they embraced the warm weather, commenting on the freezing walk they had from the car park to the terminal in Toronto. Next morning, Tom's wife Tracy who was on her first visit to Jamaica, looked around at the bougainvillea, palm trees, blue sky that we hardly notice, and sighed, "This feels so unreal, like I'm in paradise!"

They spent a week touring some top spots: first to Runaway Bay Heart Academy Hotel near Dolphin Cove, then a small villa in Montego Bay, then a beach condo in Negril and back to Kingston. Everywhere they went they took photographs that were postcard-perfect: swimming with the dolphins, jumping on the floating trampoline at Doctor's Cave Beach, enjoying ackee and saltfish at the Pelican, strolling on Negril Beach.

While relaxing on the sand, Tracy said a delicious smell wafted near her: a vendor was peeling a pineapple. "I had to have some - it was delicious!" she enthused. They could not stop talking about the enticing flavours of our cuisine. "Even your eggs are so much tastier than ours," they commented. They were particularly entranced by the ambience at Kuyaba and the open kitchen at Whistling Bird where they could see their freshly caught seafood being prepared.

Back in Kingston, they of course toured the Bob Marley Museum, then picked up souvenirs at Carby's and headed out to Port Royal to see Fort Charles. They were charmed by Ralston, the tour guide, who has lived in the seaside town all his life. Then it was back to Devon House where they sampled our exotic, fruity ice cream.

Tom's family fell in love with Jamaica, though Tracy found the south coast drive from Negril to Kingston a bit unnerving - as we all do! While they remarked on the country's beauty, their most enthusiastic comments were about the people they met. There was Sandra, who braided the girls' hair in Negril; Marcia, who served up a great breakfast at the MoBay villa; and driver-guides Henry, Johnny Cool and Donald.

So, as the ad says, "Sun is shining." in our beautiful Jamaica, and granny taught us, "Don't show stranger bad face". Indeed, Henley Morgan commented that his Spring Break volunteers were warmly welcomed in Kingston's inner city.

Just last year in Greece, the press hammered the organisers of the Olympics, saying that they would not be ready for the big day. They were, and their beautiful opening ceremony transfixed the world. We should resist any temptation to politicise this wonderful opportunity to show off the real Jamaica - hospitable, courteous and absolutely gorgeous.

My friends from the USA can't wait to visit again. With thousands of first-time visitors coming to cricket, opportunities abound not only to make a few extra bucks, but to win lifelong friends.

Stadium in Sligoville

The residents of Sligoville are wondering at the sequence of events in their historic district. (Sligoville is the first free village in the Western Hemisphere, bequeathed by the Marquis of Sligo, to former slaves in celebration of their emancipation in 1838.) The folks have been calling for reliable water supply and are puzzled that while their pleas have gone disregarded, a huge stadium is being built, a generous gesture on the part of the Chinese government. Hopefully, there are also early plans to put in a reservoir and adequate parking.

We don't want to look this handsome gift-horse in the mouth and it does present some opportunities. How about a Jamaica-China athletics academy where the young athletes of both countries could study and practise together?

In cool, quiet Sligoville, there would be little distraction, a chance for excellent cross-cultural interaction. They should invite Teddy McCook to take a look -this Olympic visionary could turn a white elephant into a golden opportunity.

Top reggae and dancehall acts signed for Rock The World

2007-03-07T20:17:00.001-03:00

Jamaica's world-famous reggae and dancehall stars will be among a group of 12 headline performers who will Rock The World starting next Wednesday, March 14 and continuing Friday, March 16, with a grand finale on Sunday, March 18.

The event, produced and presented by Pulse, has summoned a virtual who's who of Jamaican greats to carry the flag at the One Love Jamaica Village, New Kingston, to both locals and visitors alike, as the world comes to the island during this period.

Wednesday's show will feature the likes of Shaggy, whose Church Heathen might currently be the most played reggae song worldwide; perennial favourite Beenie Man; Spragga Benz and talented star Richie Spice.

Come Friday the 16th, Bounty Killa will take the stage along with Sizzla, man of the moment Assassin and hot act Busy Signal will perform. The final night will feature Buju Banton, whose smash hit Driva is still dominant on many charts worldwide, as well as Beres Hammond, Tanya Stephens and the fast-rising Tessanne Chin.

Rock The World, a new entertainment concept from Pulse, has elements of another Pulse event, Reggae Superjam which, in its '80s and '90s heyday, featured the best of the best of Reggae & Dancehall once a year. This legendary series was the platform on which the immortal Peter Tosh gave his last ever (and arguably his best) concert performance, before his untimely death.

In addition to the singers and DJs, Rock The World will feature a bikini parade by the finalists in this year's Miss Jamaica Universe pageant as an opener each night. This will be followed by a Caribbean Fashionweek 2007 preview, featuring different Jamaican fashion collections each evening, presented by the country's outstanding designers and shown by Pulse's top models, just before the concert performances. The final designer group will be announced shortly.

Pulse stars will include most of the agency's world-famous supermodels and other top talent such as: Jaunel McKenzie, Carla Campbell, Nadine Willis, Rochelle Watson, Nell Robinson, Oraine Barrett, Kimanee Wilson, Jeneil Williams, Sunna Gottshalk, Nicole Gray, Reshima Hemmings, Cindy Wright and hot newcomers Khalil Marks, Gaye McDonald and current Caribbean Model Search winner, Shevolee Bell.

Bono, Oprah Winfrey up for Marcus Garvey Award

2007-02-25T20:21:00.000-03:00

When Ephraim Martin of Martin's Inter-Culture Ltd. announced the nominees for the Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award in the 26th International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) on Tuesday evening, he noted that "This is a very powerful award".

"With the votes coming in from all over the world, the two persons nominated are Bono and Oprah Winfrey," he said to those gathered at the George William Gordon room of the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, for the presentation of the names of the 2006 nominees.

The awards will be handed out at the Apollo Theatre, New York, United States, on May 5.

Martin later said "If you told us 20 years ago that someone out of the culture would be nominated we would sayno. But there are ballots from all over the world. You will see that many Jamaicans have received the Marcus Garvey Award over the years."

Invitation to public

Bono, lead singer of Irish band U2 which, like Bob Marley and the Wailers, enjoyed a fruitful stint with Chris Blackkwell's Island Records, is known for championing debt relief for African nations, while Winfrey's work in South Africa includes a leadership academy for girls.

Now that the nominations in nearly 40 categories have been made, the public is invited to be a part of the final selection by voting online at www.IRAWMA.com. Printed ballots are also being made available in the U.S. Persons will be allowed to vote once.

Martin and other persons from Martin's Inter-Culture, as well as entertainers Ce'Cile, Tarrus Riley and Tessane Chin, among others, announced the nominees in the various categories. In terms of numbers Buju Banton leads the way with nine, including the Bob Marley Award for Entertainer of the Year and the Emperor Haile Selassie I Award for Spiritual Service Through Music, while Sean Paul has eight, including three in the category of Best Crossover Song.

Tanya Stephens tops the female nominations with five, including Best Female Vocalist, Best Female DJ/Rapper and Songwriter of the Year. Tony Matterhorn has a wide spread in his five nominations, being nominated in the Recoding Artiste/Group of the Year, Best Song, Best New Entertainer, Songwriter of the Year and Most Popular Sound System/Selector categories.

The IRAWMA includes Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer, Best African Entertainer and Best Soukous Entertainer categories, with Jimmy Cliff, Selif Keita, Soweto Gospel Choir, Youssou N'Dour and Ziggy Marley up for the Award for Outstanding Contribution to World Music.

Martin noted that "Last year 50,000 people voted and this year we expect to double that.

"People started buying tickets from Thanksgiving. It tells me people are watching and respect what we are doing," he said.

Event celebrates Rasta lifestyle

2007-02-25T20:20:00.000-03:00

Live music, traditional Caribbean foods and cultural conversation will bring the Rasta lifestyle to the senses Saturday.

The Bob Marley Celebration at H&H Lounge will offer locals a more in-depth look into the peaceful Rasta attitude.

"A lot of people don't know the real Rasta philosophy and Bob Marley's philosophy. We want to bring the whole movement of Rasta to the world," Ron Hardy, coordinator of the event and director of Playaz and Playettes, said.

The all-ages celebration will not only feature live entertainment, but it also will be an educational opportunity. Reggae videos, books and other Rasta items will be on sale.

The event, which begins at noon, is free but donations will be accepted to revive programming at the nonprofit performing arts center.

"We're trying to build a sound here. There are some really good musicians who have been playing 'Mustang Sally' type stuff and want to start doing some different stuff now," Hardy said.

H&H is an alcohol-free and family-oriented environment that aims to offer weekly programming.

Jamaican Weekly Star Sponsors Songwriter Of The Year At The 26th International Reggae & World Music Awards - Apollo Theater, NY, May 5th, 2007

2007-02-25T20:13:00.000-03:00

CHICAGO/NY - FEB 10, 2007 – Jamaican Weekly Star sponsors the category for “Songwriter of the Year” in the upcoming coveted 26th Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), by Martin’s International and Associates.

The 26th IRAWMA returns to the world famous Apollo Theater, Saturday, May 5th, 2007 commencing at 8:00 PM for General Admission and 6:00 PM for VIPs, at Harlem’s world famous Apollo Theater, 253 West 125 Street, in New York City.

Jamaican Weekly Star joined a number of other Small and Major Business Sponsors for this outstanding 26th IRAWMA. To participate as a sponsor, please call 877/8-REGGAE or visit www.InternationalMusicAwards.com or www.IRAWMA.com.

The nominees for the 26th IRAWMA will be announced at a press conference to be held at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston , Jamaica on Tuesday, February 20th, 2007.

Tickets for this star-studded, made-for-television event are now on sale at the Apollo Theater box office (212) 531-5305 and thru Ticketmaster.com, 212/307-7171 and all Ticketmaster outlets.

VIP Diamond box tickets are available only from Martin’s International and Associates 877/9-REGGAE (973-4423).

Early-bird tickets are: General admission $55, VIP Gold $99, VIP Platinum $125 and VIP Diamond box $1000 per seat or $5,000 per box for five persons. For general information, call 312/427-0266 or www.IRAWMA.com.

Lee Perry eleito 31º MALUCO em Top 50 de Revista

2007-02-25T20:03:00.000-03:00

Lee Perry é o "o maluco número 31" entre as estrelas do pop, segundo uma lista feita pela revista norte-americana "Blender" em sua mais nova edição.

31. Lee "Scratch" Perry (Respeitado produtor de dub e reggae jamaicano, pôs fogo no próprio estúdio em 1980. Com apresentações marcadas no Brasil em 2002 – e ingressos esgotados – cancelou tudo na última hora, pois recusou-se a embarcar, alegando que o bilhete de avião estava amaldiçoado.)

A lista completa você pode ver clicando aqui.

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Texto adaptado por Reggaesoul

Stephen Marley "The Traffic Jam" feat. Damian Marley

2007-02-21T23:09:00.000-02:00

Symphony Artiste Profiles

2007-02-21T23:03:00.000-02:00

Symphony: Together Under The Stars takes place this Saturday, February 17, on the lawns of King's House.

Sax player Dean Fraser has been tearing up horn sections on innumerable reggae singles, working with some of Jamaica's legends, including Bob Marley and the Wailers, since 1978. He is considered one of Jamaica's finest reedmen and has developed an international following for his sultry jazz-toned reggae music. He was born Dean Ivanhoe Fraser in Kingston and began playing the clarinet at the National Volunteers Youth Organization community club at age 12. At age 15, his teacher, Babe O' Brian, taught him the saxophone. Fraser joined his first band, the Sonny Bradshaw 7, around 1978, but it was then rising reggae star, the late Jacob Miller, who helped Fraser become popular. At the time, Miller would occasionally jam with Fraser and band while they were performing at the Sheraton. He took a liking to Fraser's reading of the song

Take Five, and so took the young sax player to the studio.
Fraser had previously recorded another cover, Blue Moon. Unfortunately, a labelling mistake on the Take Five single named the talented new artist Jah Devon instead of Dean Fraser. In the mid '90s, he released Dean Plays Bob and Dean Plays Bob, Volume II as a tribute to the music of his long-time idol Bob Marley.

An audition at the Seawind Beach Resort in Montego Bay served as the launching pad for the career of AJ Brown, one of Jamaica's most outstanding cabaret artistes.

By mid-1978 he was performing five nights a week in some of the best hotels on Jamaica's north coast circuit. In 1980, AJ won a talent competition organized by Korting Electronics, one of the largest electronic conglomerates in Europe. A two-month tour of Germany with performances in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Dusseldorf and Frankfurt followed, and AJ was on his way.
AJ Brown is one of Jamaica's most outstanding cabaret artistes.

Also in the early 80s, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) enlisted AJ to promote Jamaica and he again toured Europe, the US and Canada. Since then, he has enjoyed star status, and won numerous awards including: 1985 Rockers magazine Cabaret Performer for 1989, the Jamaica Music Industry (JAMI) award for Best Male Cabaret Artiste and the Jamaica Federation of Musicians nomination as Best Male Cabaret Performer for 1989.

Also in that year (1989), AJ headlined at the famous Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada and stayed there for an unprecedented seven years. In 1992, he was given the honour of singing the US national anthem at the Razor Ruddock vs David Page heavyweight title fight. This exciting boxing event, and AJ's spectacular a cappella performance was aired live on the Showtime cable network.

The AJ Brown Fashion Follies, the gifted singer's annual fashion extravaganza, was one of the premier entertainment events on the Jamaican social calendar during its tenure. He has also enjoyed success as a recording artiste with such hit singles as My Father My Friend, Love People, When You Love and All Fall Down to his credit and he has recorded four albums.

The music business

2007-02-21T23:01:00.000-02:00

In a wonderful programme on Duke Ellington's alter ego Billy Strayhorn, the writer of such songs as the A Train onPBS, we recognise that the business of music needs to be taken as seriously as the creative side of music. The documentary highlighted the role of Duke Ellington and the contradictions and convergences with Strayhorn who was a pianist and songwriter. Not only were the personalities important but also the period of time in America, as the successful maintenance of a band of black performers was quite a feat. Musicians experienced tremendous obstacles in the days of Jim Crow in America.

'Others will benefit'

If the business matters are not appropriately handled, the creators and others involved in the process will not be the ones who reap what they have sown. Others will benefit from the efforts of these people.

The Marley organisation should be congratulated for its success at the recently-held Grammys and there are many lessons in the music business which can be learnt from the life and work of Bob Marley which was recently commemorated. I have had the opportunity of seeing Bob Marley perform in Jamaica and I want to highlight two experiences, once after he had had an accident, he performed like the consummate artiste that he was at the UWI Student's Union in 1971. The other occasion was when the show started exactly at 6:00 p.m. at the National Stadium for the famous peace concert where my parents were my guests and had a most exciting experience. Marley's work ethic was legendary and he demanded excellence from the musicians who performed in his band. I was also amazed to learn that his generosity extended to Zimbabwe's independence celebration where he paid for himself and his band to attend. He also worked in partnership with his wife Rita and some of the best musicians and singers in Jamaica's history.

Management

A recent U.N. report highlights the fact that only a tiny proportion of proceeds from Jamaica's music and creative industries comes to the country. We need to look more seriously at the organisation and management of the music and creative industries in this era of globalisation. Garvey, our National Hero, long recognised that organisations represented an important part of the redemption of the Africans in the diaspora and in Africa. One of the most devastating effects of our history has been the destruction of the institutions necessary for healthy growth and development of society. The UNIA established a number of organisations as part of its work of reconstruction. Jamaica benefited from the establishment of Edelweiss Park which allowed performers to have paid employment and for the Jamaican public to enjoy the highest calibre of entertainment.

Many other Jamaican artistes and entrepreneurs will have to invest in venues, studios, nightclubs, music schools to ensure that the industry remains viable. The levels of international competition are fierce and with the development of the Internet and other technology only those who are organised will survive. The management of the music business is a critical part of Jamaica's future and we have to develop the necessary skills and knowledge as the world becomes a more complex place.

Lucky Dube bringing a little taste of Africa

2007-02-21T22:56:00.000-02:00

WESTERN BUREAU:

South Africa's reggae star, Lucky Dube, will form part of an entertainment line-up that will descend on Falmouth, Trelawny, between March 10 and 11.

The announcement was made at the press launch of 'Brand Trelawny' at the Starfish Resort in the parish on Tuesday. Brand Trelawny, carrying the tagline Trelawny ... 18th Century Commercial Capital, 21st Century Sporting Arena', is geared to highlight and showcase the essence of the parish's food, culture and music during during the ICC Cricket World Cup.

Lucky Dube and the Drum Caf� will headline a lunch-hour concert in Water Square with Jamaica's internationally-acclaimed reggae group Third World; balladeer Richie Stephens, soca veteran Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, Nadine Sutherland and Sanchez, will also share the stage.

Showcasing history, talent

Left: Third World Right: Sanchez

Billed as the One Love Concert, parish manager of the Social Development Commission, Omar Simpson said: "This will show our history and the various talents that the parish possesses."

Banking on what is expected to be a massive turnout in Water Square and the concern that some locals might not be able to watch the performances in close proximity to the stage, Brand Trelawny organisers will strategically place wide-screen televisions in and around the area to accommodate live, close-up viewing.

Lucky Dube made his first appearance on stage at Reggae Sunsplash in the early 1990s in Montego Bay, where he gave an impressive performance. He is revered by many Jamaicans and has a style similar to the late reggae crooner Peter Tosh.

Lucky Dube is also a favourite of the black community in the United Kingdom, primarily among Africans, black British nationals and Jamaicans, where his songs are thumped daily from the jukeboxes inside the Ridley Road Market in North London. And, for well over two decades, Third World has remained a favourite among Jamaicans and the wider international entertainment fraternity.

The Ultimate Reggae Xperience 2007 is an entertaining experience

2007-02-21T22:54:00.000-02:00

The Tads Records label goes after the cash register with its latest compilation series, Ultimate Reggae Xperience 2007. On this outing, the pace is both mid tempo and uptempo. A plethora of previously released and unreleased tracks comprise this 22-track disc.

Along for the ride are hit makers such as DYCR, Ray Darwin, Chetenge, Beres Hammond, Mavado, QQ, Gregory Isaacs, Vybz Kartel, George Nooks and Beenie Man, Richie Spice, Future Fambo, Turbulence, Anthony B, Mr Perfect, Sugar Minott, Tanya Stephens, Keke I, Nadine Sutherland, Bounty Killer, Horace Peterkin (yes, the hotelier), and Teflon.

What mainly carries the charm on this collection is the variety in subject matter. Most of the material is quite familiar and that increases the interest. Chetenge's Over Fifty has been making inroads on the radio, so too has Darwin's People's Choice. Hammond's Try if You Want hit the charts last year, so too did Mavado's Mind How Yuh Diss, Stookie by QQ, Tom Drunk by Future Fambo, Money In My Pocket by Beenie Man and George Nooks, Ex-Girlfriend by Turbulence, Step Up Inna Life by Beenie Man, and To The Rescue by Tanya Stephens.

Other cuts include Loving Pauper by Gregory Isaacs, Happiest Days by Mavado and Vybz Kartel, No Fraid A Nobody by Anthony B and Mr Perfect, Mr DC by Sugar Minott, Big Bamboo by Peterkin and Yard Of Love by Teflon.

Added for extra pleasure is a bonus DVD featuring music videos of some of the songs on the CD, a dub plate special, and interviews with some of the artistes featured on the CD, conducted by Suzie Q.

Veterans back on active singles duty

A cadre of veteran reggae and dancehall acts is featured on new releases from the Reggae Box Project distribution unit at College Crescent in Kingston 20. Leading the charge are Dog In The Window/One Of Us by Doreen Shaffer; Rent Crisis/Two Face People by Max Romeo; To Sir With Love/Man In Your Life by Dawn Penn; On The Beach by John Holt; House Crasher/Pablo's Train by Johnny Clarke/Augustus Pablo; Walk With Love by Lone Ranger and Carlton Livingston; Musicians by Welton Irie; Learn To Drive by Lone Ranger; and Girlfriend by Dean Fraser.

The titles are available on the Dennis Star, Dynamite and Striker Lee labels respectively.

Additionally, there is the availability of the single Dice Cup/On A Saturday Night by one-time Black Uhuru member Don Carlos; and Emmanuel by Dennis Brown. Both are on the Observer label.

Richie Spice teams up with Shaggy

Richie Spice, who is set to release his latest album In the Streets To Africa later this month on VP Records, teams up with Shaggy on the new single All Night Long. The single is being distributed by All Access Entertainment.

Also available from All Access is the debut album My Intentions from German reggae singer Rough House. Rough House, who is also a musician, is the son of Keith Powell, who was the one-time guitarist for acts including Dennis Brown and Peter Tosh. The album My Intention showcases his versatility with a collection of 18 songs ranging from reggae, hip hop, R&B and even rock.

The tracks include combinations with Gentleman, Shocking Murray Patrice and Papa Curvin. The album is released on the Long Flight/Island Treasure imprint.

For more information on Rough House, check out http://www.myspace.com/roughhouserasta

Renovado acordo de cooperação sobre biocombustíveis com a Jamaica

2007-02-21T22:47:00.000-02:00

Brasília - O Brasil firmou ajuste a acordo de cooperação técnica que mantém com a Jamaica, para acelerar a modernização no setor sucroalcooleiro, especialmente no que se refere à fabricação do etanol.

O ministro das Relações Exteriores, Celso Amorim, assinou o documento com o ministro jamaicano de Negócios Estrangeiros, Anthony Hilton, e também o ajuste a outro acordo de cooperação técnica na área de fruticultura.

A ampliação dessa cooperação, de acordo com Amorim, permitirá o desenvolvimento de programas de treinamento técnico para produção e diversificação em fruticultura. Na área de biocombustível, acrescentou, o Brasil se beneficia porque "a Jamaica é o segundo maior exportador para os Estados Unidos e tem a possibilidade de conquistar países europeus também".

O chanceler destacou que no mundo há uma "nítida mudança em relação à conscientização sobre a importância dos biocombustíveis" e que essa deveria ser uma preocupação de todos, "em vista do efeito danoso para a atmosfera dos combustíveis fósseis e do seu alto preço". O Brasil, acrescentou, "procura a diversificação".

ALL-TIME TOP 10 REGGAE 12 INCHERS

2007-02-21T22:41:00.000-02:00

1) Bob Marley - Could you be loved (extended REMIX) 7:16

2) Third World -Try Jah Love (extended) 9:11

3) Inner Circle - Sweat (Sweatbox Construction) 7:55

4) JIMMY CLIFF - Reggae Night (summer mix) 6.16

5) Eddy Grant - My Turn To Love You 6:21

6) Peter Tosh - Buk-in-hamm-palace (long version) 8:47

7) Bob Marley - Waiting In Vain (Remixed in 1984 by Julian Mendelsohn)5:56

8) Lou & The Hollywood Bananas - Kingston Kingston (12'' English version) 8:22

9) UB40 - Dance With The Devil 5:46

10) Afrika Bambaataa - Reckless (Old Club Mix) 7:10

Billion-dollar lawsuit for Beenie - Songwriter claims unpaid royalties

2007-02-21T22:40:00.000-02:00

Dancehall entertainer Moses Davis a.k.a 'Beenie Man' is about to be in the hot seat again. The artiste is about to be sued for royalty rights for the shocking sum of �10 million (JA$1.31billion).

Songwriter Michael 'Rasta Voice' Morgan claims to have written over 30 songs for Beenie Man including some of his major earlier hits such as Memories, Blessed Be Thy Name, Healer, Murderer, and Which One, among others.

Blessed Be Thy Name spent five weeks in the number one position in Jamaica, and Launch From My Father Pump Rifle spent a total of nine weeks in the number one spot on the U.K. Reggae Chart.

Morgan claims that though these songs became the basis for the launch of Beenie Man's Grammy Award winning career, he has not received the required royalties.

Morgan, a well-known song-writer, signed a contract with the United Kingdom-based Per-forming Rights Society (PRS), in March 1995 and entered into a five-year contract to write songs for Shocking Vibes Production.

Attorney-at-Law Conrad Powell, practitioner of the law office of Conrad Powell, contacted THE STAR recently on behalf of his client Michael Morgan. He told The STAR: "We're about to sue Beenie Man, also Shocking Vibes, Patrick Roberts individually, Beenie Man's Shocking Vibes music company and Dubplate Music, which is an administrator of Shocking Vibes. We're suing for �10 million."

According to Powell, the lawsuit (which will be filed within the next two weeks) will be suing for copyright infringement, breach of the writer's rights associated with compositions, and breach of contract action with respect to reporting and accounting of royalties.

"My client has been with them for 10 years and has done about 30 songs, all recorded by Beenie Man," Powell said.

"There has been minimal royalties (de minimus). He had legal contracts with Shocking Vibes music which have been cancelled. We have strong hard evidence. My client has a lot of personal issues that he needs to attend to. He hasn't gotten royalties, his family has been stressed and we're hoping they make good," Powell said.

Augustus 'Gussy' Clarke, who is the CEO of Dub Plate Music Publishers, says: "We are not the publishers for Beenie Man, we are the sub-publishers for Shocking Vibes and any and all copyright information was submitted to us by Shocking Vibes and we act on behalf of Shocking Vibes and their writers."

He further commented: "I am aware of his claim and we have researched it and our information and data base reflect that he was credited as a writer of these songs and further to that and to the best of my knowledge, he was signed to Shocking Vibes as a writer. So we are like a middle man and we have honoured all our obligations to Shocking Vibes Music in relation to their writers and catalogue of work."

Morgan, who has been a registered writer from 1992, says he has known Beenie Man for years since the two were teenagers. He says he made attempts to confront Beenie, but the issue was not fully dealt with.

"I've spoken to Beenie Man. He used to live wid me for like six-seven years. I talk to him bout it but not in depth cause it would have caused conflict. They haven't been giving me royalties every three months, sometimes all five or six months later I get paid. 1999 was the last slip I received," he said.

"I was getting very embarrassing figures like JA$7,000 to JA$11,000. Its difficult to say the exact amount I should be getting, but it's at least US$200,000-$300,000 and that's multiplied by 30 songs," Morgan claims.

Morgan says that he has vigorously tried talking to Patrick Roberts but to no avail. "I went to Patrick Roberts and he said my contract bun up."

However, when contacted, Patrick Roberts, head of Shocking Vibes Limited, claims he knows nothing of the claim.

"I know nothing of that, the claims have to be first verified between himself and Beenie Man and to my knowledge those songs were done over a 12-year period. Beenie has his publishing company and it is not Shocking Vibes. There is a chain of command and the first chain is to deal with Beenie Man and find out the real authenticity of the claim and then it comes to us. We are only the administrator of Dub Plate Music," Patrick Roberts told The STAR.

However, Powell says he has been in discussion with Clyde McKenzie, co-owner of Shocking Vibes. "We've spoken to Clyde McKenzie. The response at one point was that he was interested in settling but they have been evading and no more response has come from that camp."

Patrick Roberts, however, said: "We have no statements here for him. (Morgan) I can't tell the last time I saw his name on a statement. And those songs, dem only play now and then - but first and foremost, he has to find Beenie Man and settle whatever claims."

Efforts were made to contact Beenie Man but were unsuccessful up until press time.

Stephen Marley a rugamuffin with 'Mind Control'

2007-02-21T22:39:00.000-02:00

"This isragamuffin from di ghetto youths camp, anywhere mi go mi seh mi must lef mi stamp."
Stephen Marley, 'Traffic Jam'

Releasing the bounds of music, the second son steps into the spotlight as Stephen Marley, gifted with a melodic voice, an ear for music and a skill for writing and producing, takes control.

The Sunday Gleaner caught up with an enigmatic Stephen Marley while he was deep in thought at the Bob Marley Museum. A member of the Melody Makers since the age of seven, Stephen Marley has already created his own legacy in the music industry. A Grammy- winning producer, singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, he has been the driving creative force behind the music of his brothers.

However, he has never been at the front of the famous clan, preferring until recently to support the career of his various family members and to carry on the work of his father through various tributes. On March 20, Marley releases his first and highly anticipated solo album, Mind Control. A page taken from his own heart, Mind Control promises to be a blend of the artiste's thoughts and love of musical genres.

The album takes its title from the poignant single, Mind Control, which speaks to the message his father preached years earlier with "emancipate yourself from mental slavery" in Redemption Song. It is a message that he likes to put forward, wishing to free the people from the various mind controls of society.

"Free di people wid music, to spread awareness, spread love, enlightenment, educate a lot of persons. It's a symbolic reason why mi name it Mind Control, cause really the album is not a political album, but in di body of work. Still, that was the most important message and me like fi put that forward, up front. For people to emancipate yourself be aware that it exists," he said.

solid body of work

According to Stephen, Mind Control promises a solid body of work which is mainly written by himself about his experiences. "This is my joy and my pain, this is me. It's a page from my book. Every page tells a story, but at the same time is a continuation of the page before it or the page to come. This is just one page. Mi kinda is that type of a person where yuh know yuh nah get fi know mi too much, mi know how much of myself to give. I'm giving yuh my heart ... the topics and whatever, that's me still," he said.

It has taken a while for this Marley to give his heart to the people, having been the shepherd of his family, guiding their careers. Now it's his time. "There are so many of us and mi haffi tek care of the flock. There is no specific reason; at the same time a just now. Ziggy have his solo album, all of we as brothers have an album," he explains.

Mind Control was to have been released in 2006. However, it was delayed more than once.

Stephen explains that "di album was suppose to come out. In the middle of dat Damian album wasn't ready to come yet, but the single, Welcome to Jamrock, was a pick-up hit, so mi haffi stop my thing fi yuh know ... so mi nuh lose the momentum from di record. That was one of di ting dem and mi kinda go in the studio, retouch up certain tings, get some new vibes. It's definitely coming out March."

A fan of music, Marley explains that the record will be a bit of Niabinghi, dancehall, such as its first single, Traffic Jam, which features Damian Marley, a little hip hop, a Spanish vibe and roots reggae. While the world waits to see Stephen on his own, a very nonchalant Marley says he feels no pressure; he just does his thing in the studio, producing and singing, which are both favourites. "Producing is an art. We create music, that comes natural and not like me get up and go to work. We love to create, we love to perform di music to people, yuh know, feel the love. I want di whole awareness of what I'm saying on di record, to get out. If one song can do it ... then you accomplish something wid the record," Stephen said.

Undoubtedly he has accomplished a lot, as Stephen's production, performance and writing credits have earned him a total of five Grammys - more than any other Marley family member or reggae artiste. While most persons may say that the Marley has an edge because of their famous,, last name, according to Stephen most persons are unaware of the work, effort and years that he has put into his music and his family's.

"I've been an artiste for 27 years. Most Jamaica people don't know dat, that it's so many years, like some of dem people who run on stage di other night, most of dem people tink we just come - dem don't understand di professionalism of the art of being an artiste, being a musician. A mean di Grammy ... yuh done know we neva mek music for no award, for no figurine still, but at the same time we appreciate it 'cause its coming from our peers, from di music industry. It feels great to have a tap on your shoulder," Stephen said.

He still hopes to be at the top of his game. He wish that others in the industry will be doing their best to be at the top as well. As for local music, "mi love some tings that are happening, yuh have a whole heap of new yute which a rise up. At the same time is whole heap of hustling and music is an art. You can't hustle art; you tek away di worth. You have to maintain di value of music; music suppose to have substance. Dem obviously don't understand dat; dem don't come for dat. Dem come for di buck, dem nuh understand that di buck come wid it, just make sure di music worth di buck. Righteousness always prevail, like yuh have yute like I and I which tek the right path wid di music, yute like Buju, Sizzla, Spragga. When yuh mek a conscious effort, yuh lyrics haffi mean something. Dem influences can mek a kinda impact."

Stephen is now off to England, where his track, Traffic Jam, has been doing well, after which he will be in Miami for the annual tribute to his father. When his album is released in March he and his brother Damian will be going on tour. "I don't want to be just another artiste. I want to make a statement and to continue this legacy, this musical legacy, wid my family. Just like my brothers ... I aspire to be a reckoning force. When yuh hear my name, yuh know quality comes with dat. Good music, good message, good vibe," he said.

Natural mystic

2007-02-21T22:36:00.000-02:00

Wisdom & a quiet heart
"Wisdom is the breath of the power of God, and in all ages entering into holy souls she maketh them friends of God and prophets".
- Ralph Waldo Trine, In Tune with The Infinite

"Well, breddah an' sistah, when Omeriah see Nesta, him see a son who carry four strong winds in him chest. Nesta come from de white man, from de black man, from bondage, an' from de banks of de Nile, where de Word shone down upon de Great Pyramid an' de ruins of Tell-el-Amarna.
Dat's why Bob was Omeriah's favourite. Him see the burden de baby carry"

- Ranford Willoughby, Garveyite and Coptic Freemason, quoted in Catch A Fire - The Life of Bob Marley, by Timothy White

Ranford Willoughby - Bob Marley's uncle - was attempting to explain to his other relatives, on the occasion of the death of Omeriah Malcolm, Bob's grandfather, and most formidable friend and ally, the paradox that was the young Bob Marley. A boy who, at four years old, was described by his teacher as being as smart as a child twice his age and who at five years old was accurately reading the palms of adults in his village. A child whose mother noticed that he had "preacher's fire" in his eyes and who, even at a tender age, would go off on little walks in the bushes by himself to sit and 'just think'/ contemplate.

Omeriah Malcolm seemed to have been pretty unusual himself. Highly spiritual, he was a proud black man who neither shared the widespread opinion that it was better to be born brown than black, or fair than brown, nor was he pleased that his grandson - Bob - the product of a union reminiscent of the licence of plantation owners with black women in slavery days - also had a 'slave name' ,Timothy White tells us in Catch A Fire.

His relatives, we are told, understood Bob even less than they understood Omeriah himself, who was not only a relatively wealthy man, but was also an accomplished herbalist and 'myalman' - a person who possessed the knowledge and power to deflect or defuse the machinations of obeah and to heal with folk medicine. He had been taught the ancient myalist arts by his father, Robert "Uncle Day" Malcolm, who was descended from the Cromanty slaves shipped to Jamaica from the Gold Coast in the late 17th and 18th centuries.

As Ranford tells it, Bob's grandmother was descended from the Egyptian people and his grandfather originated from the Cromanty people, the slave people that possessed some of the secret language of Egypt, knowledge of the power of the Word. Power to kill, like 'dem Cromanty curse' and power to heal too like the bush doctor. To know the Word and to speak it was to make the Word of God occur as told in the Gospel of St John.

I am disturbed each time I hear some of Bob Marley's children, or his widow, saying that Jamaicans do not love Bob Marley. Yes, sections of the Jamaican society neither accepted him nor his music before he became famous internationally, but is Jamaica limited to those sections of society? And is this not true of all great persons? Bob was famous here before he got international fame and I was not only one of his earliest fans - fan of the Wailers, but I am also a fan of his sons - Ziggy, Stephen and Damion who have all excelled, establishing their own unique forms of music while maintaining their father's legacy. Of even more importance for this column is that I also had my first real spiritual experience in an encounter with Bob Marley.

Bob Marley's greatness is the result of a unique combination of genius, discipline, resilience, determination and a deep spirituality that was nurtured in his early years by his equally spiritual grandfather, Omeriah Malcolm. His songs of freedom and rebellion and his songs of love allow us to express that which lies deep within us and this helps us to connect with our spiritual persona. He was a true natural mystic!

A quiet heart
(Meditation for your quiet time. Those quiet moments in your special silent place.

"One of the best kept secrets in life is when children of God make up their minds, when they bring their minds into harmony with the desire in their hearts, when they pray for and follow intuitive guidance; then no one and nothing can stop them.".
- Iyanla Vanzant, Acts of Faith (Reading for February 2007)

Marjorie A Stair can be contacted at 601-3841; e-mail loyal@cwjamaica.com.