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Still, Gerald Rampersad may be T&T's best-kept musical secret. Come Mother's Day, Rampersad, joined by an illustrious group of friends, brings a special Mother's Day tribute to 110 Jazz and Calypso Lounge, Cipero and Roberston streets, San Fernando. The show, aptly titled To Mother With Love, promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience and Rampersad's own way of saying thanks to his mom (Hasrah) for helping him to find a life of music and the world of jazz. Showtime is 6 pm. Born December 1966, Rampersad is the son of accomplished vocalist, Mastana Bahar finalist Hasrah Rampersad and percussion and rhythm master Soorage Rampersad. He started his own musical career playing his father's bongo drums at age four in the family band Sitar Hind Orchestra, led by his grandfather Lal Rampersad. Rampersad credits his father with recognising his prodigious talents at an early age and his family's musical lineage with charting the musical path of this young talent. The young Rampersad's musical life would take an altogether different direction in the early 1970s with the advent of the Prime Minister's Trophy, initiated by then prime minister Dr Eric Williams. Looking for "a different sound," the always-adventurous grandfather Lal Rampersad-after importing the instruments for a full orchestra for Sitar Hind-retained the services of the pre-eminent saxophonist Sel Duncan to assist and perform with Sitar Hind. The towering presence and smooth horn of Sel Duncan rocketed the band, captured the coveted Prime Minister's Trophy and from that point fired a passion for a permanent "sax man" in Sitar Hind, and, as importantly, inspired the then 13-year-old Gerald to switch from percussion to saxophone. At 14, Rampersad and his family moved to New York and he vividly recalls the journey from Queens to Manhattan with his parents to buy his first saxophone. "While we were riding the train to the city to purchase my first horn," he recalled, "a subway jazz musician came through the subway car playing sweetly on his saxophone. "My mother saw him and interpreted this as a divine message that I was ordained for the instrument." Armed with his horn as a student at Flushing High School in Queens, New York, young Rampersad caught the attention of music teacher Paul Litrenta, who happened to be the lead trumpet for legendary Tito Puente. Under Litrenta's tutelage Rampersad quickly became an accomplished student, reading and writing and performing music. After studying and playing with various artistes such as John Farnsworth, trombonist for the Glen Miller Orchestra, and Wallace Rooney, recognised as one of the top jazz trumpeters in the world, Rampersad went on to make his own name in the music industry. Rampersad returned to calypso roots to work with JMC 3Veni Brass and a number of T&T's top soca artistes, including Iwer George, SuperBlue, David Rudder, Crazy, Duke, Explainer, Brigo, Shadow, Chris Garcia, Calypso Rose, Black Stalin and Brother Resistance to name a few. His jazz collaborations with several of the top Caribbean musicians have resulted in several Caribbean jazz CDs including St Vincent's Sir Frankie McIntosh Standard One (2008); and, Guyana's Philip Nicholas Sahara (2007).
Although free, patrons were asked to "bring a can and come" as the organizers Fullwerks Productions - targeted The Amazing Grace Foundation and several other local charities to support with the collection of non-perishable food items. The audience responded well and by the end of the night, several barrels full of food were carted off for distribution. The festival featured several local acts and commenced with the 35-member strong Sanctuary Choir performing a variety of classic reggae songs. The Falmouth Bible Study Niahbinghi Drummers chanted their way into the hearts of patrons, many of whom were impressed by the strong performance of the kids, aged 5 to 12 years who waved red, green and gold Rastafarian flags as they swayed in unison to their chants. Other acts following were Fire Ants Band, Knowledge, Jelani, Mac Truk and a Fashion Show featuring the Quinland Models. During the breaks, music was provided by Full Steam and their energetic DJs selecting a mix of soca and reggae hits keeping the vibes on a high level. The Minister of Culture & Independence Celebrations, The Honorable Eleston Adams was in attendance and addressed the audience, stating his delight in the event being staged in St. Paul's, he promised future support. Minister of Tourism the Honorable Harold Lovell was also present and he too hinted at support to the organizers for next year's festival.
The annual Festival will electrify residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the thousands of visitors that come every year to be entertained by a world-class music and cultural event. Honourable Wayne Garland, Executive Chairman of The Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, knows that when the world's best artists are excited about performing live in the TCI, then it inures a spectacular event. "When you have international and legendary performers like Lionel Richie, LL Cool J and Anita Baker as part of this year's lineup, then it only enhances our reputation as being the most fabulous destinations in the world." He then added that: "If TCI residents are excited by these artists, then I am confident that thousands of visitors to the Turks and Caicos Islands will be equally enthralled and will look to make their vacation travel plans around our Festival." The 2008 Music and Cultural Festival will expose the world to the unique culture and heritage of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and brings the panache of some of the world's biggest musical stars to help promote cross-cultural experiences and makes the Festival the biggest and best special event in the TCI. The 2008 lineup will be the best one ever as it brings together international superstars, top performers from TCI, and musical legends from across the Caribbean; thus insuring that there is something for everyone. The line up of performers for the festival are as follows: Lionel Richie LL Cool J Anita Baker JT Taylor (Kool & The Gang's Former Lead Singer) Ne-Yo Russell Thompkins & The New Stylistics Lou Gramm T-Pain A Night of Comedy (Including Bruce Bruce, Rickey Smiley and Pale Face) Each and every year the Tourist Board has worked hard to attract international superstars from a wide genre of music to come and perform at this year's Festival. And, when you include the immense cultural schedule of events, including The 2008 Miss Turks and Caicos pageant, it becomes the must attend event of the year in Turks and Caicos and, perhaps more importantly, becomes the anchor event in promoting Turks and Caicos as the premiere destination for international travelers. Ralph Higgs, Director of Tourism at the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, is pleased with the diverse range of entertainers set to perform at this year's festival. "When you mix musical legends like with the talents of today's superstars, it further showcases the rich diversity of music and culture in our Festival, which, of course, corresponds to the tenets of our Music and Cultural Festival." "There is definitely something for everyone on every night, and we are projecting record numbers of attendance for this year's festival," said Mr. Higgs. He went on to add that he impressed with the success of last year's comedy night, which brought together comedians and storytellers from around the world to Providenciales; that became a new addition, differentiating the TCI festival from others in the region. "We know the TCI is unique and with the wide range of performers at the festival, then it further cements our brand positioning as a unique place to visit in the international marketplace," surmised the Tourism Director. Now in its 5th year, the Annual Music and Cultural Festival is seen as the largest and most popular entertainment event of the year in the TCI, the scheduled line up includes four nights of great live music and concerts, a boat regatta and cultural events that make it a week long series of events that is sure to please even the most discerning tastes. For the second year in a row, this year's festival is being produced by TurnKey Productions. Walter Elmore, the President of TurnKey productions, said: "I love the TCI! This is one of the world's most stunning places to be and by bringing in musical superstars to experience the charm and beauty of the islands brings tremendous publicity and international attention for the country." Mr. Elmore disclosed that, "TurnKey Productions has produced some of the world's biggest live music events in the world. It is obvious that the Turks and Caicos Music and Cultural Festival is now one of the top five Festivals in the entire world, and I am excited in producing a world-class event in a fabulous world-class destination"! He also recognizes that this event could never be produced without a great partnership with a world-class tourist board that keeps everything running smoothly and helps to oversee all of the details. "To produce a great show, one that everyone enjoys and takes pride and ownership in, is the end result of working with a world-class Tourist Board," noted Mr. Elmore. The Annual Music and Cultural Festival, hosted by the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, is staged in the stunning Turtle Cove Marina in Providenciales, as it provides a breath-taking backdrop for the event. Attracting well over 10,000 patrons to the festival, previous festivals has seen luminary artists perform such as Alicia Keys, John Legend, Kenny Rogers, Michael Bolton, T.I., Shaggy, Steel Pulse, Ludacris, Maxi Priest, Chaka Khan, Boyz II Men, Fantasia, and James Ingram to name a few.
If anyone still doubts the power and reach of reggae music internationally, he or she only has to acquaint themselves with the itinerary of the summer reggae festivals across the globe each year. Summer reggae festivals have given interpretation to the prophetic lyrics of the reggae king quoted above. Since the release of his Roots, Rock Reggae single a generation ago, summertime across the world, but moreso in Europe, has never been the same. It has been redefined. It is now that time of the year when the Jamaican cultural ethos; beginning the lexicon of its people; the worldview of Rastafari and its colours of identity; on the wings of reggae music take centre stage. It's colonisation in reverse, to borrow a phrase from the mother of Jamaica's culture, the late Louise Bennett. This year, the impact of reggae throughout the world during the months of summer, will be no different from in previous years. Artistes who will be touring Europe this summer are Luciano, Buju Banton, Ce'Cile, Jah Cure, Beres Hammond, Tarrus Riley, Queen Africa, Etana, Sizzla, Lady Saw, Jimmy Cliff, Ken Boothe and Shaggy among others who are featured on such festivals as Reggae Summerjam in Cologne Germany; Rototom Sunsplash in Italy; Sundance Festival in Holland; Upsala Reggae Festival in Sweden, Austrian Reggae Festival in Vienna, Austria; Door Reggae Festival in Belgium; Aritza Festival in Italy; Bercy Reggae Festival in Bercy France; Barcelona Reggaefest in Barcelona Spain. On August 8-9, Andrew Tosh will be in full flight in Morocco; Julian Marley and his Uprising Band along with Brazilian singer Soraia will head off to South America in July for a series of shows; while the Cool Ruler Gregory Isaacs and the Live Wyya Band will spread the reggae vibes in Guadeloupe, Martinique, St Martin, French Guyana and Lima, Peru. The Mighty Diamonds are set to sparkle in North America for no less than six weeks during which they will perform on the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival (sic) in California. In the celebration of the coming together of two political parties who a few months ago were at war with each that took almost two thousands lives, Luciano will be in Kenya from July 29 through to August 5, for the Love and Unity concerts in Nairobi. The first week of August will find Marcia Griffiths, Chuck Fender, Sanchez, Bushman and Live Wyya Band performing a series of shows in Japan, while Luciano will be carrying reggae banner in Australia and New Zealand, along with Jack Scorpio the winner of the recently held Giants of '80s' Sounds Final Showdown, at the Mas Camp, New Kingston. As the opening act to Luciano, the veteran producer/selector will for the first time spinning discs down under. After a tour of Japan, veteran tour coordinator/manager Copeland Forbes, who along with his agent Eddie Brown of the UK-based Pride Music, is responsible for most of the reggae tours trekking around the world this summer, will be heading off to Bangkok, Thailand in August, to meet with promoters with a view to coordinate and arrange a few reggae concerts in that country as well as Cambodia and cities in and around Vietnam. Forbes told the Sunday Observer that despite withdrawal of sponsorship support by Red Stripe International, this summer is going to be one of the most hectic for reggae ambassadors. "All in all this summer will be one of the busiest for reggae music around the world," Forbes said. Commenting on the withdrawal of Red Stripe sponsorship from reggae events, he added; "Since the pull out of Red Stripe from sponsoring reggae concerts in Jamaica and around the world...they always have some sponsorship in many overseas concerts in addition to Reggae Sumfest and Sting, I was a little worried....but I decided to take a serious look at the number of tours, festivals and concerts appearances by our entertainers this coming summer and I realised that our music has the fuel to keep moving from strength to strength," Forbes declared.
These artistes who have made it big in Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana have been teaming up for several shows taking place on a weekly basis in Lower Manhattan, Long Island and Queens in New York, as well as in Miami, Florida, and many other states. Names such as Devika Ramnath, Rajeev Ramdeen, Rajendra Ramlal, Asha Devi Sohan and dancer Nashma Subratie have emerged from TT. The entertainers from Guyana include: Terry Gajraj, Geeta Bisram, Varsha Gobin, Davindra Pooran, Brijanand Sayroo, Bhupaul Mangalram. Raj Singh, a chutney singer from TT who is known as 'King Raj', is half Guyanese and half Trinidadian. The artistes perform with the Angels Caribbean Band which is led by Amar "Vinod" Bisram of Guyana. The band is known as New York's most versatile Caribbean live band consisting of a team of dynamic and talented musicians and singers from various Caribbean islands. Angels Caribbean Band made its professional debut in June 1994. According to Bisram, the original concept behind the formation of this group is to promote and preserve Caribbean arts, culture and heritage. The band has enjoyed remarkable success and continues to be a trend setter since it exploded upon America's Indo-Caribbean music scene. Terry Gajraj remains Guyana's most charismatic and distinguished singer. Since his first record "Soca Lambada" was released in 1989, he has gone on to release over 25 more albums and has had number one records on all the chutney charts in the Caribbean, North America and Europe. Devika Ramnath began singing at the tender age of eight, at the Spring Village Hindu mandir in Balmain, Couva. By the age of 13 her singing career picked up and she was soon singing with international orchestras such as Soor Sangeet, Naya Andaz, T&TEC Gayatones and Gemini. She also appeared on the local talent show Mastana Bahar in which she was a grand-finalist in the year 1992, emerging as second runner-up). Talking to New York-based Trinidadian promoter Rakesh Singh she said, "Singing is my deepest passion, my greatest love. I've been gifted with this special talent and I enjoy sharing it with everyone I come in contact with." Nashma Subratie has been dancing for the past 14 years. During that time, she performed for various artists including Sundar Popo, Shiva Lahkan and many others. She has also appeared at weddings, parties and numerous religious functions. In 2004, she founded the United Community Mandir Dance Group, and together they performed many times throughout New York. Geeta Bisram has numerous CDs to her credit and is the most versatile female singer from the Indo-Caribbean community. She consistently provides her audiences with premium entertainment covering the range of religious, filmi and chutney songs. Not only is she the lead singer for the band, but also the host of her own television programme on ITV Channel 77. Rajeev Ramdeen, 24, was born in Trinidad and moved to New York when he was 13 years old. In 2001 he was enlisted in the US Navy and served the United States honourably for five years. He was directly involved with the war on terrorism and was sent to Afghanistan and Iraq. He was honourably discharged and has picked up where he left off, in his cultural lifestyle. Brijanand Sayroo from Guyana says that his family is deep-rooted in the Hindu culture with a high degree of appreciation for music and singing. "Singing with my brothers has become a part of my daily routine. I am thankful to my parents for supporting and encouraging me not only to become a singer, but also for their relentless effort to keep me just as focused toward my education," he said. Raj Singh is a professional computer consultant and real estate investor with a BSc in Computer Science. He says that singing puts him in a meditative state where he feels spiritually fulfilled and connected to God. "Music in mandir has always been in my blood, and I thank my parents for that. I've been playing dholak since age 12, and singing bhajans all my life, but only recently started singing chutney/film songs when a few of us started a local band. This is where my learning of music took a quantum leap, and I'm grateful for it," he said. Davindra Pooran has a voice reminiscent of India's Mukesh. He continues to win musical accolades throughout Guyana, Suriname, West Indies, North America and Europe. His appearance at the Bollywood awards of 2005 at Trump Taj Mahal, in Atlantic City proved that he stands tall in the field.
The minister also disclosed that entertainment company Wildfire Produ-tions had been sanctioned for its part in hosting Price who bashed gays and glorified guns with his lyrics at a show two Sundays ago at the National Park. Rohee did not disclose what sanction had been imposed on the company headed by businessman, Jonathan Beepat. Bounty Killer has sparked a lot of controversy following his recent performance at the National Park where despite pleas from his manager and officials of Wildfire Productions, he belted out a number of anti-gay lyrics promoted the use guns. Rohee told reporters at a press conference yesterday that the action was taken last week. Rohee said his ministry had exercised a lot of patience with entertainment organisers over the types of show they hold here. He said that not too long ago authorities had sat down with some of the organisers to draft a set of conditions by which shows would be guided. Unfortunately, he said, these conditions had not being upheld and as such, his ministry was blacklisting Price from entering Guyana. "Bounty Killer will not enter this jurisdiction [nor will] Movado," Rohee said. Asked why Movado was being banned, Rohee said he was a security risk. He did not go into details. Movado was scheduled to headline a weekend show in Linden featuring dancehall queen Lady Saw. Both Bounty Killer and Movado have been banned from performing in other Caribbean jurisdictions and in Europe over their controversial lyrics. Bounty Killer's performance here two Sundays was marred by a faulty music system, the pelting of glass bottles at the stage and sporadic gunfire. Dubbed the "Ignition Concert", hosted by Wildfire Promotions and featuring a number of top Jamaican artistes, the show was well attended but constant audio mishaps and an abrupt end to the show enraged patrons. Bounty Killer was the closing act at the concert. Gunshots rang out in the arena when the show came to a premature end. In a statement issued last week Thursday on the show, Wildfire Productions disassociated itself from any calls for violence made by the artistes or the DJ during the event. The company said it was committed to bringing great entertainment to Guyana, as entertainment was its business and not the promotion of violence. "We can assure the general public that we do not believe in promoting violence of any kind and we strongly [condemn] it. We apologize if anyone was offended by any statements made by the artists or DJs hired to entertain at our Ignition Concert," the statement said. Stabroek News newspaper had reported on gunfire at the show, the vicious campaign against gays and the promotion of gun violence by Bounty Killer and a call by the DJ for "bad men from Buxton and Agricola to represent as the Five Star General (Bounty Killer) was about to ignite the concert". Wildfire said that after three outages, Bounty Killer was instructed to leave and frustration led to bottles being hurled at the stage in protest at his premature departure. Beepat had told this newspaper the day after the concert that his camp had spoken with Bounty Killer four times, about what he had planned for the local show and the issue of his violent messages had come up. He said positive assurances were given then. "But he had no regard for this when he took the stage he even ignored warnings from his manager," Beepat said. Beepat said he felt Bounty Killer was in demand owing to his absence and decided to bring him. Before his arrival, the Society Against Sexual Orientation Dis-crimination (SASOD) had said that Bounty Killer had a history of glorifying violence in his music, specifically calling for the killing of homosexuals and unlike other artistes who have signed the Reggae Compas-sionate Act and have desisted from performing these songs, the Jamaican remained adamant and proud of his calls to violence. Post-concert, several persons and groups had also condemned Bounty Killer's performance here. One letter writer to this newspaper Andrew Grant wrote on April 23 that both the singer and the DJ had no respect for Guyana and Guyanese by inciting lyrics and comments that could cause hate crimes and further criminal activities in a very sensitive environment (Guyana) that had experienced two massacres. Grant said that the utterance of "batty man fi dead" was an explicit hate message that incites murder of gay persons based on one's personal intolerance, prejudices and hate. "In addition, the utterance of the DJ calling 'bad men from Buxton and Agricola to represent' the Five Star General [Bounty Killer] who was about to perform further reinforced the stigma that these villages produce and harbour criminal elements. The messages by these personalities were very irresponsible," Grant charged. Grant noted that music, like words, had a very powerful impact on the human mind and the authorities needed to ensure that public venues were not used as an outlet to propagate hate, prejudices and criminality.
International songbird Mariah Carey has had one of her recent singles, Touch My Body, remixed with dancehall star Sizzla Kalonji by D'Jsens of Shortman Movements outta NYC. Although the remix did not find both Sizzla and Mariah together in studio, Sizzla says, "It's a nice song with me and Mariah Carey, but I've never done a recording session with me and her in a studio at once." Adding, "Sometimes we do songs and then they remix them." Sizzla's smooth sound rides the rhythm as he sings, 'Girl when you're feeling lonely and you need someone to touch you, to squeeze and rub your sexy body, girl I'm here to love you. When you're feeling all excited about something so special, girl I'm most delighted to give you all my loving sentimental,' before he breaks into his signature falsetto, offering a smooth listen for fans. Sizzla also had a recent collaboration with another international superstar, as he and Lil' Wayne now have a video out for their recent single together dubbed, The Only Reason. And according to Sizzla, he is very pleased with his added success recently on the international scene. "Mi feel good 'bout it cause is another stepping stone, another mission accomplished. We all got goals in life that we want to reach and to unite in that way, mi really feel good and I'm gonna work towards more great things," he told THE STAR in an interview. Sizzla also explained that the song with Lil' Wayne was also recorded separately as he says, "with Lil' Wayne, he did his part and his production team sent it and I got my part done out here (Jamaica) and then we went to the States and got the video done. But that's just because we have different schedules or might be busy, so that's just the way we have to get things done." Currently, Sizzla says he's taking some time to focus more on his work. "I'm taking a break right now just trying to get my work done, but still making a lot of songs and doing a lot of recordings, but I just hope to continue doing great work, bussing more artistes and watch the blessing manifest itself, but nothing happens before the time," Sizzla said.
As Minister Skerritt began his remarks with a brief summary of the St. Kitts Music Festival's history, unique positioning and cultural significance, he was interrupted by a ringing phone. John Legend, the headlining act for this year's Festival was calling in to talk to the media gathered. "It is an honor to be chosen as a role model and headlining the St. Kitts Music Festival during their 25th year of St. Kitts Independence," said Legend. "Being given this opportunity to play at music festival, gives me the chance to introduce myself and music to people who are not familiar with my work already." Further delighting the crowd was a call-in from musical star Billy Ocean who, to a request from the floor, sang a line from his hit single "Caribbean Queen." In response to questions, he stated that he is looking forward to being in touch with his Caribbean roots and being on stage at the Festival. Resuming his remarks, Minister Skerritt continued, "we have a special program of events and I want to emphasize what a quality island experience the St. Kitts Music Festival has become and encourage visitors to come essentially for the enjoyment of the several different genres the festival offers. Each night's line-up features performances from top-selling international musicians as well as top local acts who showcase our indigenous culture. This is what makes the St. Kitts Music Festival an experience like no other." In addition to calling into the press conference, both John Legend and Billy Ocean had pre-recorded short video spots promoting their upcoming performances at the 12th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival, which played on a large 7.5'x10'-foot screen. "This is John Legend here and I'm coming to St. Kitts. For the first time ever this June, I'll be playing at the 12th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival and I want you to join me there. It will be an experience like no other," said John Legend. Billy Ocean stated, "I'm in the studio doing my latest album. I'm looking forward to finishing it so you can hear it. I'm also looking forward to coming to St. Kitts, where I hear the people are very warm, friendly and welcoming." Attending the press conference in person was Paul Peress, who was invited to say a few words to the crowd. Peress enthusiastically commented about how much he is looking forward to coming to St. Kitts, one of his favorite places in the world, for his fifth performance at the Festival and mentioned the workshops with local artists he plans to conduct while on island. Following the call ins, other presentations were made by Festival Chairman Faron Lawrence, who commented on the strength of the public and private partnership in organizing the Festival and Allister Williams, Executive Director of the Music Festival. Williams announced the artists who have been confirmed to perform at the Festival and the line-up of performers for each of the three nights, Thursday June 26 through Friday June 28. The artists announced included Grammy Award Winning artists John Legend and Billy Ocean along with leading Zouk musical act Kassav, the Paul Peress Project, Russel Tompkins Jr. and the New Stylistics, Calypso Rose, Nu Vybes Band International and more. He also announced that Mario, popular Grammy nominated artist currently appearing on hit TV Show, Dancing with the Stars, had just been signed to join the line-up. Minister Skerritt concluded the formal portion of the press conference and invited the attendees to stay for lunch during which they could speak one-on-one with him, Allister Williams, Festival Chairman Lawrence or Paul Peress. Stunning views of the Manhattan skyline through the wrap-around windows of the 64th floor room at Rockefeller Center, one of New York City's main tourist areas, set the stage for this exciting event. Two 8-foot-high pop-up banners boldly displayed the St. Kitts Music Festival line-up and handfuls of St. Kitts & Nevis national flags stood at every table in the room. A large 16'x20'-foot poster highlighted the "Two Great Weekends, One Great Destination" promotion and a video showing footage of previous Music Festival performances, various artists endorsing St. Kitts and an overview of the island's tourism product played on the large LCD screen. Press releases were provided to the journalists along with calendars compiling various island images. Additional artist may be announced in the coming weeks. Now in its 12th consecutive year, the St. Kitts Music Festival has become a well-established Caribbean and International event attracting international visitors as well as locals with a mix of musical styles on the popular market, including R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Soca, Calypso, Gospel and Contemporary music while reflecting a uniquely Caribbean flavor. Past artists have included such prominent acts as Michael Bolton, Wyclef Jean, Ne-Yo, Air Supply, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Rogers, Boyz II Men, Brian McKnight, Ashanti, Shaggy, Eve, Bobby Caldwell, DMX, Hugh Masekala, Xtatik, the Temptations, Chaka Khan, Maxi Priest, Ronald "Boo" Hinkson and Busta Rhymes.
The Festival will also feature Antiguas hot soca band Taxik as well as Fort Lauderdale-based reggae band Air Brakes along with Knowledge, Fullstream, Just Six, Mac Truck, Fire Ants, the Niahbingi Drummers and Singers and Quinlands Models. The festival will be hosted by the popular Nozedogg and Zee Zee and is the brainchild of singer/songwriter Causion, who wanted to give back to the community and also draw attention to the plight of homeless and special needs children as well as focus on the excellent work the Amazing Grace Foundation was doing in Antigua.
Fans threw bottles at Rodney Price, a.k.a, Bounty, at the National Park `Ignition Concert` in protest apparently at his short time on stage. The singer`s performance was also interrupted by gunfire twice in the show, which sent fans scampering for cover, according to the Guyana Stabroek News. It was also affected by two audio breakdowns. Fans shelled out up to US$25 for the event which featured Bounty Killa as the main attraction and Wayne Wonder. Bounty`s performance, meanwhile, included an attack on homosexuals as he declared: `All batty man fe dead.`
Tickets are priced at US$50.00 and will be available in May via the internet on the festival's website - Antiguamusicfestival.com. For further information visit the Antigua and Barbuda Tourist Office website at Antigua-barbuda.com.
Hailing from a musical family that has also produced reggae artists Pliers, Spanner Banner and Snatcha Lion, Richie's reggae roots run deep. His last album, In The Streets to Africa (VP, 2007), brought him international attention from the mainstream masses with the breakout hit "Brown Skin," a romantic twist from the singer. With the debut of this single, Richie Spice takes a more serious turn as he laments on the common misperceptions and stereotypes immigrants endure while traveling to America. With special emphasis on the plight of his own people, he examines how they are easy targets for searches and interrogations, as they are often suspected of smuggling marijuana into the country. The video uses news footage of actual security activity at U.S. airports, and sees a special appearance from New York's FOX News anchor John Gray, who introduces the video. More than a solid musical composition, Richie Spice manages to effectively shed light on a delicate situation that affects the best of us. The video sees cameo appearances from The New Kingston Band, brother Snatcha Lion, model Valentine Baker, and publicist Raine Martin. It was directed by Rhona Fox, and shot on location in Brooklyn, New York. "The Plane Land" debuts this week on airwaves worldwide and will be premiering TONIGHT AT 8PM on Television Jamaica or TVJ's Entertainment Report, Jamaica's leading television station and number one rated musical program.
U.S. Coast Guard officials have called off the search and rescue operation into the disappearance of Manuel, a week after he and other musicians and family members went missing after their raft collapsed. His mother and manager, Irioska Maria Nodarse, and 13 others were found in the Florida Straits on Wednesday, according to Telemundo reports. They have been returned to Cuba by Coast Guard officials, much to the outrage of some Cuban Americans in Miami. But so far there has been no sign of Manuel, 19, and four others, including musicians, Carlos Rojas Hernandez, who performs as DJ Carlitos, and Alejandro Rodriguez Lopez, known as DJ Jerry. Manuel`s recent singles included `El Chula,` "La Tuba" and "La Mulata.` Hundreds of fans last night continued to leave messages of concern and sorrow on Manuel's MySpace page. - CaribWorldNews.com
Official Nominees (nominated by 1.5 million Caribbean music fans worldwide) announced last week at the Hilton Hotel, Kingston Jamaica for the 1st Caribbean Urban Music Awards. Join us @ the 26th of April 2008 @ Reggae Beach, Ochos Rios, Jamaica You have to register first @ www.urbanmusicawards.net !!!! Before you cast your vote!!! UK/USA/CANADA/JAPAN/CARIBBEAN all attending The hottest event to commence 2008, more to follow.... Get your tickets now by e-mailing : Linda.sykes@urbanmusicawards.net (2 weeks left) Caribbean Urban Music Awards 2008 nominees are: Artist of the Year Beenie Man Collie Buddz Junior Reid Sean Paul Sizzla Spragga Benz Best Album Best Calypso Act Best Collaboration Best Female Artist Best Group Best International Artist Best International Disc Jockey/Sound Best Magazine (Online & Offline) Best Male Artist Best Music TV Station Best Newcomer Best Radio Station Best Reggaeton Act Best Soca Artist
Feonia Williams, the Miss X of Red Bull Music, told Sunday Observer that for the past nine years, the Red Bull Academy has been inviting participants from over 50 countries worldwide to be part of the school session, which is run in two fortnightly modules. This globe-trotting academy, now in its tenth year, has been held in cities such as Dublin, New York, Sao Paulo, Cape Town, Rome and Toronto. "This year, it's Barcelona's turn, and we are hoping that someone from Jamaica or the Caribbean region in general will get the nod from the Academy's committee, based overseas, which does the selection," Williams declared. She also told us that only one Jamaican, Dr Sawandi Simon, has ever been chosen to represent us. He was selected in 2006, and according to Simon, "it was a wonderful learning experience". The academy is intended for anyone with a strong yen for music and a desire to be involved in its evolution: DJ's, producers, MC's, singers, sound engineers, broadcasters, lap dancers, soulful songwriters - they'll all be considered. Participants must be 18 or over (born before September 21st, 1990) when this year's Spanish edition of the academy workshops starts... but there's no other age limit. The Red Bull Music Academy runs in two sessions from September 21 to October 3, and October 12 to October 24. Each year RMBA accepts 60 students, and the application period which has just started finishes up on May 4. Williams is encouraging all music minded, culturally knowledgeable people to go online and apply. "If they want, we will send in the application for them, they can just drop it off at the office on Spanish Town Road," she offered. |She explained that no particular set of skills is necessary. For each academy, two groups of 30 participants are chosen to represent a wide range of cultures, musical backgrounds and set of skills. There are no set quotas for any country or genre of music. Therefore everyone has an equal chance of attending, as long as they have a creative vision, an honest attitude and an open approach. Successful applicants get free flights and accommodation to Barcelona,hands-on experience with gear, schooling from the likes of Carl Craig, Larry Heard or Matthew Johnson, and just generally, a chance to rub shoulders with like-minded musicians from around the world. An event which travels the world, it is a yearly celebration of all the journeys and breakthroughs, all the dreams and intricacies that go into music. Long-lasting friendships are formed and musical bonds are cemented. "We are exposed to a lot of different ideas, cultures and people and partnerships are formed which endure for a long time," Jamaica's 2006 representative, Sawandi Simon said, adding that he is now collaborating on a project with someone from Portugal who he met at the Academy. Describing himself as a electronic music composer/producer, Simon noted that he creates sounds which are a fusion of jazz and reggae, uisng electronic keyboards, but the "sound is still fluid, human and loose. It doesn't in any way sound mechanical", he emphasised. The 32-year-old medical doctor admitted that it was at the Academy that he performed his own music live for the very first time, and recalled that a memorable moment was actually meeting Steve Spacek, a British musician of Jamaican parentage who has been big in the electronic music scene. "I grew up listening to him," he said, "so that was really a big moment," Always seeking to be on the cutting edge of musical innovation, the Academy shifts location to zoom in on micro-cultures and new musical hybrids that are springing up all over the world. It gives international participants at each academy a chance for an original adventure, their own unique set of experiences. The academy also aims to help local music-makers in each new location to form friendships and make contacts, by attending workshops that are open to the public, and by playing alongside their international counterparts in the city's clubs. "One of my aims is for Jamaica, or another Caribbean island to host the Red Bull Music Academy one year," Williams declared. "This year, we're planting our stakes in one of the most beloved creative metropolises to ever exist. It's where world-class clubs pop 'til dawn and the terms 'fusion' and 'avant-garde' are not buzz words but techniques to be applied to everything from deconstructed orchestras to art installations overflowing on street corners. The creators who flock there know they are blessed to live where they can dip their toes both in new projects and at the beach," the academy states in an on-line release. The Red Bull Music Academy is there to advance and inspire at a grassroots level and they tell participants, "expect your expectations to be overturned in the best possible way".
Involved in the annual undertaking of Soul Rebellion, a charity event that donates its proceeds to rebuilding schools in Jamaica, Mavado headlined the show at the Jungle Nightclub on March 11, bringing his spiel of hardcore dancehall to spring breakers and locals who turned out to support the underground icon and Soul Rebellion cause. This week's Billboard Magazine (cover date April 12, 2008), arguably the most distinguished publication in the music industry, profiles Mavado and his hit remix with rap mogul Jay-Z, that's claiming airwaves across the world and spinning him into the mainstream. Billboard writer Patricia Meschino journeyed to Soul Rebellion '08 on a media trip organized by RHONA FOX, INC. to take in the event, visit schools and interview Mavado, who despite the chaos surrounding him, was gracious in every way. Soul Rebellion returns next year during spring break in Negril, Jamaica. It is the only festival with a cause, and after seeing firsthand where the proceeds go, it's indeed a cause worth your while.
Hailing from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Pressure records his music in Kingston, Jamaica, under the direction of label head and executive producer Don Corleon. Fusing his American upbringing with island heritage, Pressure presents a fusion of reggae and lover's rock that has many comparing him to reggae great Sizzla Kalonji. He has earned an instant liking from fans by sticking to conscious and romantic tunes, often singing of the plight of the poor, or of lovers. Pressure now continues album promotion with tours scheduled for Europe and Japan come this summer. He will also be hitting numerous island nations including Trinidad, St. Kitts, the Caymans, and also New York in early May, where he's nominated for "Most Promising Entertainer" in the 2008 International Reggae and World Music Awards, on May 4 at the Apollo Theater.
Bellowing notes in a pitch many of us will never be able to mimic, Alaine's success has not been overnight. She's been hitting the grind ever since childhood, first as a child actress, starring in numerous television programs and commercials that aired across Jamaica. She even copped a role in the acclaimed Hollywood movie, Clara's Heart, starring opposite Whoppi Goldberg. Alaine left Jamaica to continue her college education in New York, only to move back, realizing her passion for music was far greater than a career outside the entertainment industry. It has been a life-changing decision for her, and for the thousands of fans who hail Alaine as the best female vocalist coming out of the Caribbean today. Coincidentally, Alaine was just bestowed with the nomination for "Best Female Vocalist" in the 2008 International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA's), which will be held on May 4 at the Apollo Theater in New York City.
The 13-piece band travels to Britain next week to perform 32 concerts from London to Liverpool and Edinburgh. Orlando "Cachaito" Lopez will be playing the bass again and Manuel "Guajiro" Mirabal will be on trumpet. The survivors of the original 1997 Grammy-winning recording that gave the band its name and fame are now in their mid-70s. The young addition to the group is lead singer Idania Valdes, 26, who started as a chorus girl with Buena Vista six years ago and played keyboard for an off-shoot band of the late Ibrahim Ferrer. Barbarito Torres, 52, who plays the laud, an instrument like a lute, and timbal percussionist Amadito Valdes, 62, the "golden sticks" of Buena Vista, are still regular performers who will join the tour. "The most famous names in the Buena Vista project have died but the band has become a trademark of Cuban music," said Valdes, creator of a unique style of playing the timbales, a Cuban instrument made famous by Puerto Rican Tito Puentes. Since the 2003 death of Buena Vista's elder-statesman singer Compay Segundo at the age of 95, another three of its original line-up have passed away: pianist Ruben Gonzalez, singer Ibrahim Ferrer and vocalist and composer Pio Leyva. Other members have gone their own way, such as guitarist Eliades Ochoa, who tours Europe every year with his own band, and Buena Vista diva and ballad singer Omara Portuondo, who last played with the original band members in Mexico in 2006. Portuondo will sing at Kenwood House on London's Hampstead Heath in July with her own band. Many of the musicians were brought out of retirement during a legendary recording session in March 1997 produced in Havana by U.S. guitarist Ry Cooder, though the idea was the brainchild of world music label owner Nick Gold of Britain. The mambo, cha cha cha and bolero music they played struck a chord of nostalgia for the golden age of Cuban music mirrored in the crumbling old buildings and vintage American cars still plying the streets of Havana. The Buena Vista recording sold one million copies within a year and reached new audiences through the documentary by German film-maker Wim Wenders two years later. To date seven million copies have been sold, making it the biggest selling world music disc ever. Cuban music had been cut off by the Cold War from its natural market in the United States and the Grammy-winning Buena Vista recaptured Americas audiences and won new listeners as far away as Iceland and New Zealand, Valdes said. "It broke all records for the sale of Cuban music and became a trademark of Cuba," said Valdes, tapping on his timbales, two small drums on a stand with a cowbell. Buena Vista's Cuban founder, Juan de Marcos Gonzalez, the man who gathered together the original musicians, continues to promote faces through his own band Afro-Cuban All Stars.
"Ken has contributed significantly to the popularity of reggae and rocksteady music over the years. He demands respect for taking Jamaican/Caribbean culture to musical heights" said event promoter Conroy Allison of Winner's Circle Radio. Regarding Winton Blake, Allison said, "many people may not even be aware that the Merritone Amateur Talent contest was where acts like Beres Hammond, The Mighty Diamonds, Cynthia Schloss, Sugar Minott and even Jacob 'Killer' Miller got their break in the reggae industry." In a musical career that spans over 40th years, Boothe made his mark during the golden doo-wop / Rocksteady era. He garnered international notoriety, with hit songs "When I Fall In Love," "Every Thing I Own," "Artibella" and "Movin Away." He re-ignited his career when he teamed with Shaggy on a remake of his popular single "The Train Is Coming." The song garnered mainstream airplay and was featured on the soundtrack of the movie "The Money Train" starring Wesley Snipes. The legendary Winston Blake has for more than fifty years made an impact on the Jamaican music industry as sound system operator, club owner and organizer of the popular Merritone Amateur Talent contest. Ten years ago he was given The Order of Distinction, Officer Class for his contribution to Jamaica's entertainment industry. Among Boothe friends who will fly in specifically for the occasion are John Holt, Leroy Sibbles, Winston 'Merritone' Blake, Tony Brevitte of the Melodians and Ed Robinson. All the artists will take turns at the mic in what should be a very lively and entertaining birthday celebration. Backing band for all the acts will be New York based Ruff Stuff Band.
In a statement, CEO of Penthouse, Donovan Germain, noted that: "I have been guiding and managing the career of Buju Banton for the last 18 years and the time has come for this chapter to close." Germain noted that having dedicated the last 18 years to building Buju Banton's career, taking him from obscurity to the pinnacle of international stardom, it was with a sense of pride that he was relinquishing the management of the artiste, to move on to other activities. He added, "First and foremost, I am a producer and after spending so many years on the road touring, I now feel the need to get back in the studio and get really involved in the production side of the music," Germain stated. He emphasised that this was a "mutual decision" which was long in the making. The Penthouse CEO pointed out that Buju Banton would be handling his own affairs under his Gargamel Music outfit. "Buju is now refurbishing his studio and his entire operations, so he will be able to handle his bookings and all management-related activities." Germain stated that he wished Buju continued success and declared that the artiste could feel free to call on his expertise whenever necessary. Penthouse Records has a roster of young artistes including Anthony Cruz, Nikeishia Barnes, Romaine Virgo and Torch.
Canada's songbird, Tanya Mullings, was nominated for a record three categories for Top Reggae Singer Female, Top Reggae Producer and Top Reggae CD/Album, all of which she swept. The most touching of the three wins was that of Top Reggae Producer as it was a category she shared with her late father, Karl Mullings, who recently passed away. "Of all the awards, Top Reggae Producer means the most. I know Daddy is up there, but sharing this moment with us down here", said a tearful Tanya. Continuing with the Mullings streak of success was sister and manager Carrie, who won the Canadian Radio DJ Award for playing the most Canadian Content on her radio show Rebel Vibes which airs on CHRY 105.5FM in Toronto every Monday from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Carrie has been hosting the show for the past three years, making her the first radio personality in Canada to broadcast an all-Canadian content format. Carrie and Tanya recently founded iMOK (In Memory of Karl) Enterprises which is an artiste management, booking and business consultation company. One of their star Canadian artistes, Exco Levi, won the Top Reggae Single award for Oh Canada, which pays tribute to his 'home away from home', and has quickly become a Reggae anthem for people from the Caribbean living in Canada. Tony Rebel and Tanya Mullings show their awards at the Canadian Reggae Music Awards. Featured international artistes who also attended the awards were Canadian Award of Merit winner, Nadine Sutherland, who put on a spectacular show, and Tony Rebel, the recipient of International Award of Merit.
John Legend stepped into the spotlight as a leading performer in 2004 with his debut album, "Get Lifted." He earned eleven Grammy Award nominations, from which he won Best New Artist, Best Male R&B Vocal Performance ("Ordinary People") and Best R&B Album. He has worked with several top talents in the music business, having appeared on albums by Lauryn Hill, the Black Eyed Peas, Alicia Keys, Fergie, Janet Jackson and Kanye West, among others. John's sophomore album, "Once Again," debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200 (#1 on the R&B Charts) when it was released in October 2006. His third studio album is scheduled for release this August. In discussing his upcoming performance, John Legend said, "I can't wait to come to St. Kitts to headline the St. Kitts Music Festival. I've never been to St Kitts before, but I've heard the island is beautiful and the people are very welcoming. I look forward to spending time there. And, most of all, I look forward to giving the fans a show to remember." "John Legend has emerged as one of the most exciting R&B performers in the world and we are pleased that he will be in St. Kitts this year," said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Sports & Culture. "The Festival showcases a mix of musical styles while retaining a strong Caribbean flavor, so the smooth sounds of John Legend will complement and enhance the overall line-up and climax the event on the final night. Moreover, Mr. Legend's charitable efforts indicate a strong match with sustainable development principles to which we are deeply committed on St. Kitts." Among his philanthropic achievements, John recently launched the Show Me Campaign. The mission of the Show Me Campaign is to fight economic and spiritual poverty through fostering sustainable development (personal, social, educational, economic) at the individual, family and small community levels. It is a grassroots movement that engages all of its participants as agents of transformative change from the bottom up. Minister Skerritt said that additional musical acts for the St Kitts Music Festival will soon be announced. Grammy Award winner, Billy Ocean and leading Zouk musical act, Kassav, have already been announced. Now in its 12th consecutive year, the festival attracts both locals and visitors alike. It features various musical styles on the popular market, including R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Soca, Calypso, Gospel and Contemporary music. Past artists have included such prominent acts as Michael Bolton, Wyclef Jean, Ne-Yo, Air Supply, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Rogers, Boyz II Men, Brian McKnight, Ashanti, Shaggy, Eve, Bobby Caldwell, DMX, Hugh Masekala, Xtatik, the Temptations, Chaka Khan, Maxi Priest, Ronald "Boo" Hinkson and Busta Rhymes. New non-stop service to St. Kitts from JFK on American Airlines began November 18, 2007 and Delta Air Lines began non-stop Saturday flights to the island from Atlanta on February 16, 2008. These flights compliment existing non-stop service from Miami on American and from Charlotte on US Airways as well as connecting service via San Juan on American Eagle. Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, St. Kitts offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination's natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history. The island's stunning variety of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the island's sugar plantations, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, and the more traditional vacation pastimes such as watersports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, gaming at one of St. Kitts' two casinos or simply relaxing on one of the island's sandy beaches. Guests can select from accommodations ranging from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels or resorts. For more information about St. Kitts, please contact the St. Kitts Tourism Authority toll free from the US at 1-800-582-6208 or from Canada 1-888-395-4887, e-mail info@stkittstourism.kn or visit the website at www.stkittstourism.kn.
Literally non-stop on the road, Causion's next big appearance is set for the second annual Antigua Wadadli Music Festival on Saturday, April 26. This will mark his second appearance on the one-night event at St Paul's Rectory Grounds, Falmouth, Antigua, which will also feature Jamaica's Glen Washington, as headliner. Now based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Causion is no stranger to Jamaica, having recorded his 1995 debut album Time Will Tell at Cell Block Studio, and also performing on Reggae Sumfest the same year. Explaining the concept of his documentary, he noted that it was a good experience. "We get a chance to bring people into our lives and show them our journey, our struggle. Because sometimes what you see is not the way it really is. We tend to think everything is about the glamour and glitter, but really don't see how people get to that point...So On the Road with Causion is a documentary that we are working on," the Antiguan reggae ambassador born Gregory Colin Bailey told the Observer. "It's a seven-part series documentary showing where we were going on the road. Showing all our experiences and places that we have visited and so it ended up that Caribvision in Barbados decided to take it up and started to air it through the Caribbean and on Direct TV in the US," explained Causion, who hopes to return to Sumfest this year. Among his other current projects are the Red Red video filmed in Stony Hill, Jamaica last November which will be released shortly, as well as the Get to Know Jah video from the Stella's Kid album. The first release from the album, Little Secrets, has been enjoying heavy rotation in South Florida, New York, Atlanta, the Bahamas and across the islands. "We have so much to give thanks for," acknowledged the dreadlocks artiste whose stage name was given to him by family members who observed how thorough he was as a child. "It's something which I pride myself for. I was very careful and cautious about what goes on around me." About the notable remake of Mr Mister's 1985 mega hit, Broken Wings on which he has stamped his indelible interpretation, Causion said, "Broken Wings is a song that we did.....we chose that song because it was a tune that seemed to apply to some of the things we've been cautious about, because so many of us got our wings broken in life."
Although Rocksteady is not as well-known as Reggae, its influence extends far. The Rocksteady era produced many worldwide recognisable hits such as One Love, No No No, The Tide is High, By the Rivers of Babylon and many other musical gems. The singers and musicians who created these soulful and melodic treasures will reunite in Jamaica, for the first time in 40 years. They will tell their story to the filmmakers, record an album featuring 16 of their greatest Rocksteady hits, and perform together at the concert. The concert venue and date will be announced shortly. The musicians who are flying in for the film, album and concert, are singer Dawn Penn (No No No) from London, singer Hopeton Lewis (Take it Easy) from New York, and guitarist Hux Brown (The Dynamites) from California. They will be joined on stage and in the recording studio at Tuff Gong by the legendary singers who still live in Jamaica: Ken Boothe (Shanty Town), Judy Mowatt (Silent River), Stranger Cole (Morning Train), Derrick Morgan (Conquering Ruler), Leroy Sibbles (Equal Rights), Marcia Griffiths (The Tide is High),The Tamlins and U-Roy (Stop That Train).
The collaboration with Maxi Priest is expected to form a more permanent alliance and has already yielded a recording of Bob Marley's I Shot The Sheriff and is expected to form half of a double A-side single soon. Maxi Priest joined UB40 on tour last year, and there has been speculation that he would be named lead singer, following the resignation of former frontman, Ali Campbell. Maxi Priest is one of the only two UK reggae acts (other being UB40) to score an American Billboard number one and that was with the song Close To You in 1990. His combination with Roberta Flack Set The Night To Music also made it to the US Top Ten the following year, 1991. Maxi Priest's first major album self-titled Maxi Priest along with his cover of Cat Stevens Wild World cemented him as one of Britain's top reggae singers. It was on January 24, this year, that it was announced that UB40 frontman Ali Campbell was quitting the band, reportedly to pursue his solo career. However, in an open letter to fans, Campbell, who co-founded the Birmingham-based band almost 30 years ago, said he had been "forced" to make the decision to leave. He went on to criticise the band's management before praising the remaining seven band members, including his brother Robin Campbell. "I know UB40 will carry on successfully without me and I wish them all the very best - they have been my family for the last 28 years and will always be my brothers." Campbell reportedly completed a scheduled tour of Australia, New Zealand and Uganda in February before leaving the group. An album, 24/7, recorded with him, will still be released in May. UB40 released their first album in 1980 and went on to score three number one hits, with Red Red Wine, I Got You Babe and Elvis Presley cover (I Can't Help) Falling in Love With You. They have topped the album chart twice with Labour of Love and Promises and Lies.
The initial North American leg of the tour will include sold out dates in New York's BB Kings and Cleveland's House of Blues as well as Toronto's Phoenix Concert Theatre. Bookings are being finalised for the European and return North American legs which will run throughout the summer. Considered one of Jamaican music's greatest living legends and an internationally respected music innovator and performer, Toots & the Maytals has proven over time, to be one of the most prolific talents to ever emerge from Jamaica having contributed significantly over the last 40 years to the growth of Reggae as a genre and internationally as a global phenomenon. The International Reggae Day Festival will also commemorate Reggae's 40th as marked by the milestone recording, with a special IRD Do the Reggae concert performance of Toots and the Maytals in Europe to be streamed on the festival's website to anchor this year's virtual reggae party on July 1. Additionally, a special re-recording of the song originally produced by Leslie Kong and released on Beverly's Records, will be released by the newly established Toots Foundation on July 1 as part of this year's virtual media celebrations. Known as the man who put the soul in the music and the 'R' in Reggae, Toots and the Maytals continues to record and release new material including video singles Johnny Cool from his recently nominated Grammy album Light Your Light and Don't Badda Me with Macka Diamond released on the D&F Productions label.
The night featured two sold-out shows, one beginning at 8:00 pm and the other at 12:00 midnight, which both saw artistes from the region bringing the heat, even as the mostly Caribbean audience (who all churned out US$80 for admission) maxed up the vibe. Donning a fairy-inspired number with Betsey Johnson appeal - designed by New York's answer to 'Biggie', the well-known 'Goldteeth' of Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn - Macka joined soca 'divette' Patrice Roberts on stage even as the audience erupted to the introductory strains of Hulla Hoop. The 'money goddess' engaged the audience in the fun dance move of the same name, all the while rotating her hips as if the plastic toy were around her waist. In BlackER's absence, the diamond princess found a good understudy for him in Roberts, who joined her on Bun Him. It was less dancehall and more soca stylings, but the 8,000-strong audience seemed to love it and screamed every chance they got. The screaming continued when headliner Montano returned to the stage after his first set which included renditions of Higher Than High, Insane, Delirious and Big Truck. There were also samples aplenty, the more memorable ones being Bob Marley's Waiting In Vain; Tony Matterhorn's 2006-relaese-turned-global-phenom, Dutty Wine and even a dabble in alternative/soft rock with Vanessa Carlton's A Thousand Miles. "Two shows were sold out in one night at Madison Square Garden," said Montano, his right leg atop the monitor while he basked seemingly in disbelief of what he had accomplished, "give soca, calypso, the Caribbean a big hand." The applause proved an apt segue for younger soca acts like Ricky T on Pressure; the cowboy-esque stylings of Shall Marshall on Gal Farm, Farmer Nappy on the ever-so-catchy Own Woman and Young Grandmaster, who calls the late, great calypsonian Lord Kitchener grandfather. But no musical celebration is ever worth it without paying homage to its foundation. The indomitable Mighty Sparrow and Montano were a dynamo of a duo, performing Kitchener's Sugar Bum Bum and crowd-favourite Congo Man about an African cannibal 'eating' two white women. As sexual innuendos flew the two men treated the audience to an "old man, young bwoy" wine-off, but neither was declared the winner since they both held their own. "A tek off ma jacket 'cause a hot," declared Montano, females in the audience favourably responding to the obvious pun. The sexual innuendo subsided to give way to talks about regionalisation. And aparently that meant performing tracks from his fellow soca singers' catalogue, including Bajan soca queen Alison Hinds' Roll It, which was of course accompanied by 'rolling'; Destra's It's Carnival and Flags In The Air. "When we come together we pulsate, we have so much vibrancy and colour as a people. I want you to further join in on the synergy," Montano shared before going into Ready For Mas Again and Rollin featuring Roberts, who inspired the raising of colourful flags well into the wee hours of Saturday morning, especially on her still-popular Band Of The Year. The concert ended with a grand showcasing of stilt-men in dazzling red, black and white costumes, a troupe of dancers and all the soca performers taking a jab at free styling before their collective bows.
The soca artiste's presence at the event is due in part to a conversation between Minister of Tourism Harold Lovell, US Director of Tourism Derede Samuel- Whitlock and Montano, during a recent appearance on New York radio station WBLS's Caribbean Fever show with Dahved Levy. The Tourism Minister stated that, "we are extremely pleased with this sudden development and we expect to see all the Antigua and Barbuda supporters out with their flags at the event." He continued, "This is an ideal opportunity for Antigua and Barbuda to promote our international music festival - "Romantic Rhythms" scheduled to take place from June 12 - 15 - featuring performers such as Kenny Rogers, Lionel Richie, Keyshia Cole, Brian McKnight, Shaggy and Destra Garcia to name a few." According to Wanda Fisher of Sky Cue Marketing and Productions Inc, "Machel was so happy about being in Antigua for Carnival. Antigua treated him so well that both he and the Minister had been talking about more things to do, and this was the perfect time to make it happen." Montano, the soca superstar from Trinidad, has been quoted as saying of Tizzy, "We have to have her there!" This is the first time that Tizzy will be representing Antigua and Barbuda at Madison Square Gardens. Tizzy who is the lead vocalist of the band "El A Kru" is popularly known for her song "Expose". The song has won her Best New Female Soca Artist of the year, Favourite Up-tempo and Female Soca Performer of the Year during the 2007 Soca Awards held in New York, last September. She will be the lone soca female artiste joining the cast of Machel Montano, The Mighty Sparrow, Problem Child, Peter Ram, Ricky T, Maca Diamond, and King David Rudder, who will perform to a sold-out crowd of 12,000 - 15, 0000. Montano has said that he is extremely excited about the opportunity to bring Caribbean music to the United States in a way that Bob Marley has done with reggae. This is a way to bring the Caribbean together, to showcase Caribbean artistes on the big stage.
Kassav was formed in 1979 by Pierre-Edouard Décimus, a long-time professional musician. Working with Freddy Marshall, the two decided to take popular Carnival music and give it a more modern and polished style with a pan-Caribbean sound combining elements of komba, salsa and calypso music. The group's first album, "Love and Ka Dance" released in 1980, is widely credited with establishing the sound of zouk music. Kassav has produced more than a dozen albums during their nearly 30-year career, the most recent being "All You Need is Zouk," released in 2007. "We are extremely pleased to welcome Kassav to the St. Kitts Music Festival for the first time," said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Sports & Culture. "These legendary zouk musicians are an excellent addition to the line-up of performing artists for our Music Festival, which is widely recognized for showcasing a mix of musical styles while reflecting a uniquely Caribbean flavor. I am certain that the members of Kassav will discover a warm, welcoming destination and an event where people from across the globe are brought together in a community-like atmosphere by a shared love of music." Minister Skerritt said that additional musical acts will be announced in the coming weeks. Now in its 12th year, the St Kitts festival attracts both locals and visitors alike. It features various musical styles on the popular market, including R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Soca, Calypso, Gospel and Contemporary music. Past artists have included such prominent acts as Michael Bolton, Wyclef Jean, Ne-Yo, Air Supply, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Rogers, Boyz II Men, Brian McKnight, Ashanti, Shaggy, Eve, Bobby Caldwell, DMX, Hugh Masekala, Xtatik, the Temptations, Chaka Khan, Maxi Priest, Ronald "Boo" Hinkson and Busta Rhymes. New non-stop service to St. Kitts from JFK on American Airlines began November 18, 2007 and Delta Air Lines began non-stop Saturday flights to the island from Atlanta on February 16, 2008. These flights compliment existing non-stop service from Miami on American and from Charlotte on US Airways as well as connecting service via San Juan on American Eagle. Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, St. Kitts offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination's natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history. The island's stunning variety of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the island's sugar plantations, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, and the more traditional vacation pastimes such as watersports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, gaming at one of St. Kitts' two casinos or simply relaxing on one of the island's sandy beaches. Guests can select from accommodations ranging from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels or resorts. For more information about St. Kitts, please contact the St. Kitts Tourism Authority toll free from the US at 1-800-582-6208 or from Canada 1-888-395-4887, e-mail info@stkittstourism.kn or visit the website at www.stkittstourism.kn.
The Romantic Rhythms Management Committee is pleased to announce the impressive slate of international and regional performers expected to help create "the Romantic Experience of a Lifetime" at the two main concerts at the scenic Sir Vivian Richards Stadium as well as the mini concerts at other intimate settings throughout the destination. Known for his sexy romantic R&B Ballads, Academy Award and Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, record producer, and occasional actor, who has sold over 100 million records, Lionel Richie is one of the primary headliners. His most memorable hits include All Night Long, Say You Say Me, Dancing on the Ceiling and Endless Love with Diana Ross. Another headliner is the prolific country music singer, producer, song writer and actor, who has a career spanning six decades and more than 70 hit singles across various music genres, Kenny Rogers. Some of his hits include Lucille, Islands in the Stream and Lady, which was written and produced by Lionel Richie. Grammy-nominated singer and pop and R&B musician, Brian McKnight is a multi-instrumentalist. One Last Cry, Back at One and The Only One for Me are among his hit singles. Keyshia Cole is a Grammy Award nominated R&B singer-songwriter, and record producer known for her soulful voice. She released her platinum selling debut album The Way It Is in 2005, and her second album Just Like You in 2007. Out of our very own Caribbean backyard comes the Lover Man, Mr. Bombastic himself, Shaggy. Notable for his distinctive sub-baritone voice, the Jamaican reggae singer's chart topping hits include Oh Carolina, It Wasn't Me and Angel. Known as the "King of Lovers Rock", Maxi Priest is an English reggae singer of Jamaican heritage and lead vocalist of the band UB40, although he is primarily known for his extensive solo work. Close to you, Just a Little bit Longer and That Girl with Shaggy are among his hit singles. Get ready for the high energy performances, harmonious vocal skills and eccentric fashion style of Trinidadian Soca Diva, Destra Garcia and the Atlantik band. An impressive line-up of local performers will be announced shortly. More than just a music festival, Romantic Rhythms will offer visitors a unique opportunity to fall in love with the beauty of the twin-island state. Designed to elicit treasured memories, a variety of special events and romance packages have been planned to enhance this exhilarating experience throughout the entire month of June.
Donovan Bennett, known to the masses as Don Corleon, has been putting his indelible signature on the top sounds emanating from Jamaica to the world, and is best known for crafting chart-topping tunes for dancehall icons Sean Paul and Elephant Man, but that's just the beginning of his realm. He's produced Billboard hits for pop princess Rihanna, and talented R&B mainstay Keyshia Cole, who regularly treks to Kingston, Jamaica to work with Don in his Vendetta Studios. In fact, Don reveals the track featured on Girlicious was first composed for Cole. "I made it for Keyshia's last album but it didn't make it, but Ron Fair at Geffen Records loved the track and wanted to save it for something good. So I got the call and went to L.A. (Los Angeles) last year and we did the show." The featured song on tonight's episode of Girlicious is titled "Leave You Alone," with music by Don Corleon and lyrics by Pressure, who just saw the release of his second album, Love & Affection, on the Don Corleon Records label. The Corleon track was used as the centerpiece in a vocal expression challenge for the girls, who are competing to become the next Pussycat Dolls, a female burlesque singing act that eventually landed a record deal, which made them and their lead singer Nicole Scherzinger household names.
Produced by Ce'Cile herself, with assistance from Della (of Dangerzone) and Jigsy King, Ride or Die is on the Dangerzone Records label. Ce'Cile is quite excited about this, her latest project and noted that the video shoot, which was concluded recently with actor Paul Campbell, was a "wonderful experience". "Paul Campbell is such a great actor and he brought that star quality to the set. His presence alone set the tone for the directing," Ce'Cile enthused. The video shoot took place in different locations in the island and, according to Ce'Cile, the video and song are based loosely on actual events. The video for Ride or Die was directed by Dexter Pottinger and will be released in April. Ce'Cile has also released the single, Seven Days, on a remake of the duck riddim and Resolution produced by Paul 'Scatta' Burrell. She also disclosed that this summer there will be the European and the US release of her Bad Gyal album. "Things are looking good and it will be a busy summer for me," she stated.
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Guyanese
born, James Richmond, has built quite a reputation as a poet
and spoken word artist within the Caribbean and Guyanese communities
in North America and more particularly New York. Those familiar
with the artist will want to grab a copy of his first CD which
contains 50 of his poems, set to rhythmic background music..gif)
Take
one of Reggae's most silky smooth voice. Add conscious lyrics.
Blend together in the studios of master craftsmen. What do you
get? No More Heartaches by Sanchez.
If only for including
Boris Gardener's This Old House, this CD would be worth
its purchase price. But, in addition to the great Boris Gardener,
the CD is chockful of pure listening pleasure: Delroy Wilson's
She Wears My Ring, Carlene Davis' Baby Be True,
Bobby Dobson's Muriel, Tito Simon's After Loving You,
Jackie Edwards's Daddy's Home and so much more.
On
track one this CD is described as a dub mix. But, in fact, this
entire CD can be regarded as a mix - a bit of chutney soca and
bit of reggae and rap. But the mix does not stop there. Track
one, which is the title track, has a lilting rhythm and is kind
of smooth. Track two is the same title song, this time dubbed.
And track three is instrumental. Tracks are four or more minutes
longer.
Wayne Marshall's
story is one of rite of passage. Born Wayne Mitchell, one of
dancehall's 'young giants' recently celebrated his 21st birthday.
The rollercoaster ride that has made up his young life is what
drives Marshall. Having worked with a veritable Who's Who of
dancehall and reggae, Marshall has arrived of age as a song writer
and singer. And the evidence of this coming of age lies in this
CD that contains songs like 'Beautiful Morning' and 'Ghetto People
Song'.
Junior Kelly caught
the attention of the reggae music massive in 2001 with his hit
Love So Nice, culminating an eighteen year rise to international
stardom. Now, two years later, he is back with his latest release,
Smile, laced with the messages of love, life and Rasta.
Smile is a reflection of the positive outlook poor people
have in the face of oppression. Songs like 'Black Am I', 'Never
Let You Down' and the album's title track, release an inner joy
that that entertains the listener while educating him/her.
The musical wizardry
of Pantonic's arranger, Clive Bradley, is combined with the unique
production techniques of Basement Recordings, bringing forth
riveting steelband performances in this Pantonic Live
CD.
Garnett Challenger
is not yet a known name on the music scene. But that will change
with this CD, One Race, Many People. This Canadian based
singer has combined conscious lyrics with a great voice and wonderful
arranging to create a CD well worth listening. The title song
aside, other listening pleasure include 'World Emergency', 'Think',
'Time Slips Away' and 'Volunteers'.
One of the few female reggae artists who has already
impacted the music scene, Tanya Stephens is in vintage style
on this CD. Yet in many ways it is also her 'rebelution' very
emphatically preparing the reader for her revolution on track
one and then telling us who is Tanya on track two. Then she moves
on to remind us that 'a gal like me nevva back down' and to inform
us about The Message and The Truth. From there
she moves on to share various feelings and disclose myriad experiences
to the listener, almost as if she's pulling us into an intimate
circle of valued friends. Thus we approvingly explore Saturday
Morning and Sunday Morning with Tanya.
"The whole idea of this album is
to pack in everything over the past 40 years of my career,"
says Marcia Griffith. "The title track Shining Time,
is one where I say thanks to my audience."
This group of two males and one female exudes tremendous
energy in their music. And this energy, combined with the smooth
blending of their arresting voices, tell us that Livis is going
places. 
One of the more recent and younger artist
to burst on the reggae scene, Gyptiam has made quite an impact
in a short time. His smooth voice and arresting lyrics is a combination
that makes you stop and listen. And then the lyrics - clean,
conscious and often with a message - force you to nod in approval.
He's Got The Power
The house that reggae built, VP Records,
continues its tradition of compiling top hits with Strictly The
Best, Volumes 29 & 30. Volume 29 includes Sean Paul's Like
Glue, Elephant Man's Higher Level, Bounty Killer's
Sufferah, Baby Cham's Wah Dat Fah, Capleton's Tek
It Off, Sizzla's Come ON, Warrior King's Jah Is
Always There, Buju Banton's Tra La La, Wayne Marshall's
Party Time and Money by Tanto Metro and Devonte.
Among
the hits on Volume 30 are Drive Me Crazy by Mr. Easy,
Hero by George Nooks, I'm Still in Love by Sean Paul
and Sasha, Love We Had Stays on My Mind by Sanchez,
Holiday by Beres Hammond and You Sang to Me by
Shinehead..gif)
Soul Rebels