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 FORT DE FRANCE, Martinique, September 19, 2008: Many people are surprised to hear Bob
Marley was a fanatic soccer player and fan. That doesn't seem
to fit their image of the legendary reggae star: The lazy reggae
beats, the dreadlock Rastafari easy going attitude, the political
activism. But Bob Marley simply loved kicking a ball about every
single day when on tour or in the recording studio. He also loved
watching soccer on TV. But it isn't just in Jamaica that Reggae and football go hand in hand. At the Digicel Caribbean Championships' Group E games in Martinique, French Dancehall / Reggae artistes Sael and Pleen Pyroman were seen participating in the tournament festivities. A footballer since the age of eight, 30-year-old Sael is an exciting young singer from Martinique, whose debut Sael & Friends has burst onto the international reggae scene with a splash that has sent out ripples like few other French-language reggae releases have done. Sael also played professionally for the Martinique league side Codst. Sael explains the correlation between music and football: "To sing you need to be in good physical condition. Football helps you free your mind and is a good way to express yourself, just like music." Fellow French dancehall artiste, 33-year-old Pleen Pyroman, played for the Martinique national youth team until the age of 16 and has been in the music business for 20 years. Pleen gives another reason football helps him with his music: "Football is a way to release stress. You can take out your frustrations on the ball. After playing I feel relaxed and have a clear mind to work on my music." Sael, who names Bob Marley, Garnet Silk and Jah Cure as his musical inspirations, has high hopes for Martinique for the Digicel Caribbean Championships: "Martinique will easily get to the second round. Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad are the only countries I feel may stop us from winning at the finals. Pleen also commented on the tournament: "The Digicel Championships is a way of exchanging with other Caribbean people, just like music is. It gives us solidarity with our Caribbean neighbours." So is there a correlation between reggae music and football? Well, just note: Bob Marley was buried with his guitar and a soccer ball.
 With his real life
depictions of ghetto hardships and love, Gyptian will strike
a chord with his listeners on this 14 track collection. He opens
with bittersweet laments, "Keep Your Calm" (Kemar "Flava"
Mcgregor) then "Nobody No Cry" (Ray Stephen for Vertex
Productions), painting a portrait of Jamaica's devastatingly
violent and corrupted landscape blended with rays of hope and
resolution. His love songs are just as thought-provoking and
sensitive. With charisma and grace, Gyptian's voice floats effortlessly
over the whimsical r&b tinged roots single "Where's
My Baby" (Livity Movements) and the title track produced
by Imran "Fire Peter" Passard and FX Music, which is
currently riding the reggae charts. Other standout tracks include
the hypnotic one drop smoker's anthem "Sensi" (Ray
Stephens) and the melody driven tribute "Thanks and Praise"
(Imran "Fire Peter" Passard). Lying between baritone and tenor vocals, Gyptian can't be pigeonholed into one sound. In 2005, he introduced a bold new voice that swept Jamaican airwaves with his incendiary hit "Serious Times," which was declared Jamaica's Most Important Song of 2005 beating out Junior Gong Marley's Top Ten Billboard hit "Welcome to Jamrock". Vibe Magazine stated his first single was sung in a "voice like liquid gold. And before the synthesized and digitally altered modulations of R&B hit maker T-Pain and the emerging Jamaican star Demarco were on the scene, Gyptian had mastered this sound that now sets the trend (seen on his debut album My Name Is Gyptian). My Name Is Gyptian released on VP Records in Fall 2006 received widespread critical acclaim and attention. His first effort showcased "stripped-down, socially conscious tracks that evoke Marley at his most political," according to Caribbean Travel & Life. The album also had a string of successful singles that dominated the reggae charts worldwide including "Serious Times", "Beautiful Lady" and "Mama". Since then, the matured singer has spread his wings on the latest endeavor I Can Feel Your Pain telling a poignant story of love and letdown with his non-traditional sound.
Roots Reggae's Legendary trio The Mediations, 80's Dancehall crooning sensations Michael Palmer and Johnny Osbourne and smooth vocalist and musician Ed Robinson are joining popular New York media personality Michelle 'Micheboo' Thompson in a reggae for justice concert set for Tuesday, September 16th at New York's City's famous SOB`s night club. Micheboo will be hosting the artists at the fundraising event to benefit her 24-year-old son who is currently at Ward's Island Psychiatric Center, suffering severe damage to the head, neck, back, and legs. He was reported savagely beaten by police officers from New York City's 112th Precinct in the Forest Hills section of Queens on the evening of June 6th. Micheboo claims Isus Thompson was sitting in a playground on Austin Street in Forest Hills, alone when he was approached by a police officer who ordered him to go back into the park. He reportedly went back into the park with the officer, as the officer looked around to secure the park. As they were exiting the park, the officer apparently escorted him to the squad car where he was frisked and searched. The officer then called for back up and when Isus said that he had done nothing wrong and in a panic, ran off, he was cornered by approximately 10 police officers who allegedly hurled racial slurs at him and proceeded to ferociously beat him with fists and nightsticks. He was taken to Elmhurst Hospital in a semi-catatonic state, and over three months later, remains hospitalized with severe physical and psychological injuries. `Today is a good day, tomorrow is a bad day,` states Micheboo of her son's present condition, suggesting that the trauma to his head has lead to some mental instability. `It's destroying me to see my son like this. It's hard to know that the people who are supposed to protect us, turn around and brutalize your child. So, he was in the park after curfew--give him a ticket, write him a summons! They didn't have to do this to my son.` For more information call 212-243-4940 or 347-892-4737, or email mitisimusic@yahoo.com or info@msraineinc.com.
A highlight of Snowcone's career was receiving an ASCAP Award for Sean Paul's hit single "Temperature" (off the The Trinity album) the most performed song for 2006 which reached the top of the R&B and rap music charts. The Trinity garnered a Billboard Award as the "Top Selling Reggae Album of the  Year"
for 2005 and its single "Temperature" earned the 2006
Billboard award for "Hot 100 Single of the Year. After phenomenal success with several riddim compilations, Snow Cone is back with his self-produced full-length album Reggae Dancehall Nature, boasting appearances from today's chart-topping Dancehall and Pop artists including Beenie Man, Mr. Vegas, Junior Reid, Lady Saw, Nadine Sutherland, Kevin Lyttle, Spragga Benz, Wayne Wonder, Bounty Killer, Hollowpoint, Kat DeLuna, Spade with artists from his own imprint, Jah Snow Cone Entertainment: Bridgez, Delicious aka Wifey, Scabanga aka Mr. Pang, The Beat Bangers and Izes. The compilation album will be released on September 2, 2008 through New York-based Phase One Communications with distribution through EMI. First off congratulations on the success of Sean Paul's "Temperature!" Must have been exciting to have your first hit recorded by a mega-star. Yes, definitely, and to have a reggae song hit #1 on the Billboard Charts was exciting too. "Temperature" by Sean Paul was my first Billboard #1 hit song and I also received two ASCAP Awards for the publishing. How did the collaboration between you and Sean Paul for "Temperature" come about? Well, I started with several riddims including Rice & Peas with Mystery and Bounty Killah, Earth Wind & Flame, Pen and Paper, The Beach, Applause and Cheerful. I had the 'temperature' riddim already and a couple of artists had already recorded on it including Sizzla, Big Long Gun, Spragga Benz, T.O.K., Rick Rock from Shaggy, and Raven. There were a couple of tracks and Sean Paul heard it and called me at 1:30 in the morning and was like yo, this beat is bad. I wanna do something on it and I was like go ahead. He did it and he brought it to me and I knew immediately that it would be a big record. It's interesting that in Jamaica, different artist will vocalize on the same riddim. In hip-hop if an artist received the same beat from a producer, it would cause a conflict. How does that work in Jamaica? In America, they will give you a record deal so everything you do has to be exclusive and in Jamaica we just rhyme over the beat and what ever song blow up blow up. So you'll have a lot of underground versions. But when you have an international star like Shaggy, Sean Paul, or a Buju on the track, the world outside Jamaica and outside of reggae circles will only know their version. In hip-hop, there would be a big fight if that happened. How did you bring the different artists together for Reggae Dancehall Nature? Did you just call people yourself or were you approached by their record labels? In addition to being a producer, I'm a songwriter, so I wrote the majority of the songs on Reggae Nature. I basically contacted each of the different artists with the songs I wrote specifically for each of them and they loved it. With Reggae Dancehall Nature, we tried to mix well-known acts like Beenie Man, Mr. Vegas, Junior Reid, Lady Saw, Nadine Sutherland, Kevin Lyttle, Spragga Benz, Wayne Wonder, Bounty Killer, Hollowpoint, and Kat DeLuna with artists on the rise like Sexy Posh, Q-Sean, Bridgez, and Delicious, some of whom are signed to my label, Jah Snow Cone Entertainment. On Reggae Nature, each of the songs sounds so different. How was it working with so many different artists for this compilation? I'm a person who vibes a lot and each artist has their own vibe. When I worked with Spragga Benz it was different because he's more of an open minded person who doesn't mind constructive criticism. His openness and flexibility is what you hear on "Glory." Kat DeLuna was always vibrant and ready to hit the booth and that energy comes across on "You're My Baby." It's a really fun song that brings some pop influences into the record. Working with Nadine Sutherland, was more spiritual. She sits and prays before she begins her sessions so that set the tone for "Jah Jah Is My Light." Even if you listen to that song, we prayed in the studio prior and then recorded. It was cool bringing so many different types of artists together. You mentioned that you're a songwriter and I notice your name R. Fuller when scanning the production credits. From your beginnings as a producer, how did your talent as a songwriter emerge? I used to be a DJ and an artist so I write and I produce from both sides of the spectrum. I can just hear a beat and come up with 10 ideas in an hour. I don't have to write anything on paper; it just flows. Imagine how you feel when you go into the cockpit of a plane and see all those buttons and you're thinking 'oh my god' how do they remember which to push. The production studio is my cockpit. As a songwriter, producer, and composer, I know how to push all those buttons and create songs not just for myself but that fit other artists. I admit, that sometimes you do get writers block and sometimes you track a song so many times before you get it right. The hardest part is arranging the melody. What was the first song you ever wrote? The first song I wrote was actually co-written by myself, Salaam Remi, and Spragga. It's called "Star." The first big riddim I had on my own was "Rice n Peas" and that was in 2001. After that I wrote a lot of songs for Mega Banton, Sean Paul, Angie Martinez, Wyclef Jean, Beenie, Shaggy, Nadine Sutherland, Ninja Man and more. You mentioned working with Salaam Remi who has produced some of the biggest acts in the industry including The Fugees, NAS, Amy Winehouse, Rush Hour 3, Sade, Ms. Dynamite and more. What did you take from Salaam Remi that helped you develop your own sound? First of all, Salaam Remi, is one of my mentors and there are so many things that I learned from him. I've written some of the biggest reggae hits when I was working with Salaam Remi. He's one of my first teachers and he means a lot to me. The most important thing I learned is to listen a lot and say less. He taught me that it's not just about an artist getting on a beat, but that as a producer, you have to develop the sound. It starts with sitting with the artist, discussing concepts, and sharing ideas to create the best song and lyrics that the artist can project on. Without that process, it's just a singer on top of a track. It doesn't become their own until you go through that. Salaam can hear a beat and tell you what it needs or that the frequency is off, so learning how to listen is one of the biggest things he taught me. Do you think the artists in Jamaica respect the producers more who have come from America? I was in America until I was 14 and I spent 18 years before I came back to Jamaica. The reason why it might be true is because everybody wants to be somebody and overseas people revere America. When Salaam Remi came to Jamaica, and the industry heard that he was there, everyone wanted to work with him. Remember Salaam Remi started out with "Mac Daddy," Mike & Garrett "Ghetto Red Hot," with Super Cat, so he knows a lot. So when the artist came to the U.S. and met me in the studio with Salaam Remi, they kept asking me to come back to Jamaica to work, especially since I'm Jamaican. And then when "Temperature" with Sean Paul rose to #1, my name got out there. When you have a hit, the artists find you. Who would you like to work with? I have tracks ready for Rhianna, Alicia Keys, Pussy Cat Dolls, Usher, and more. I'm ready!! How do you rank yourself with other reggae producers? Tony Kelly, Dave Kelly, Sly & Robbie, Steely & Cleavy are the bosses. Sly & Robbie are like a Quincy Jones, Dave Kelly and Tony Kelly are like a Jimmie Jam & Terry Lewis. I've built my own talents by studying the technique of the masters in the game and those guys are the dons. You also learn from the artists. Suggestions for other producers. If the beat is hard, you don't have to go hard. Don't let your track override the artists or the lyrics. Try to keep the integrity of the music for the artists. How do you spend your time when you're not in the studio? When I'm in Jamaica, I go to where the minerals are. I'm not the type of producer who is flossing and partying. I don't keep negative energy around me so when I'm in Jamaica, I get more free time to just vibe. What's next for Snowcone? I'm still growing and I know there's more to come. Right now I'm in Kingston recording with Vibes Kartel, Movado, Beenie Man and a few other names that you'll hear about soon. I'm trying to find my own niche right now. This compilation will show the world what I can do.
 Now,
almost immediately after Caribbean DJ's and their cohorts, listeners
and fans, got their hands on the track, " Make It Yours,"
one of the hottest music videos that has ever come out of T&T,
is on its way!Complete with European funk and flair and topped with the sensationalism of Caribbean flavor, Lisa Wickham the mastermind behind EZone Entertainment and Sheldon 'flex' the brain child behind Militainment are gearing up to produce a masterpiece just in time for the world to see and hear that like our islands' Olympic heroes, the diversity and resonance of our music, has the power to span borders and create change. Maxi Priest, Jamaica's ambassador to the world who has proven that music, regardless of its origin is a universal emblem of love and transparency to all things unspoken, will be here in Trinidad this week for the much talked about video shoot, and he promises to deliver an unforgettable and unmistakable character performance that will most certainly settle any and all questions about the collaboration. With a cast bordering close to 60 females and a location that beams with local pride, fans of both artistes will get just what they've been yearning for in musicCaribbean musicwith the ideals of a production team's greatness backing the shoot every step of the way. For more info and a chance to be a part of some of the phenomenal things to come from the Shurwayne Winchester camp, log on to www.shurwaynewinchester.com.
This sizzling festival is often described as one of very few indigenous music events in the Caribbean, and this 3 day event will also take place around the same time as the island's independence anniversary celebrations. Those celebrations will include World Creole Day on Friday October 30. The year's lineup of performing stars will include immortal favorites such as Grammacks, WCK, Tabou Combo, Triple Kay International, Kassav and Midnight Groovers. Other exciting additions are Oliver N'Goma from Gabon, Djakout Misik, a popular Haitian band and Dominica's own international sensation Nasio Fontaine. And to drive the festival lineup to insanely hypnotic levels, also add reigning soca king Machel Montano, Canadian songbird Tanya Mullings and reggae's hit machine Sean Paul. To ensure that the music and travel community have all the facts on this year's event, two stalwarts from the Dominica Festivals Commission, Mr Val Cuffy and Mr Sobers Esprit were in New York on Labor Day weekend promoting the event at North America's premier reggae festival, Irie Jamboree. Cuffy and Esprit participated in numerous radio, print and television interviews on their whirlwind New York City trip as they shared details on the festival to enthusiastic music lovers. Both executives also participated in the on-stage presentation of Caribbean Olympians Aleen Bailey and Chelsea Hammond to the New York community. Since its inception in 1997, the World Creole Music Festival has attracted and showcased some of the best musical talent regionally and globally. The festival also affords numerous opportunities for visitors to savor the very tasty local cuisine and to explore the rich cultural heritage of the island of Dominica. Concert tickets are on sale now and festival packages are also available at very affordable rates. For more, please visit www.wcmfdominica.com
The three have collaborated on a track on The queen Bee`s latest album, set for release by the end of 2008 or early 2009. News of the collaboration comes following her recent performance with Wyclef at Hot 97's On Da Reggae Tip Live 2008 last Saturday in NYC.
The singer`s `Disturbia` album remains on the chart for 11 straight weeks but dropped to the number two spot as T.I took the number one spot with `Whatever You Like.` Rihanna is also set to perform `Disturbia` at the VMA`s on September 7 from 9 p.m.
Founded in 1958 by Vincent and Patricia Chin, Randy's was the first complete package - studio, distribution, sales and most importantly vibes. Producers and artists crowded Idler's Rest-a famous spot around the corner of Randy's-to get a chance to record in the studio. Many legends today made their mark at this historic location from Bob Marley and The Wailers' ground-breaking album Catch A Fire to Peter Tosh's first two solo albums Legalize It and Equal Rights. According to reggae luminary Pat Kelly, Randy's had "the sound people want. We can call it the ghetto sound. The real roots sound." From the very start, Randy's linked itself to the popular yet controversial musical styles of the day particularly ska, roots and dub reggae. Disc One 1960-1971 features the early politically motivated ska tunes "Independent Jamaica" from Lord Creator and "Malcolm X" from the Skatalites, the Bob Marley & The Wailers cover of the Archie's pop single "Sugar Sugar" and "John And James" by a youthful Toots & The Maytals displaying their spiritual and subtly subversive style. The first album also features musical pioneers like the great trombonist Don Drummond on "Machine Shop", organ player Jackie Mittoo on "End Dust" and the original sound system deejay Winston 'Count Machukie' Cooper on "Warfare". The special significance of singers in the 1970s is reflected on Disc Two 1971-1976 with "Don't Go" by Horace Andy, "Lonely Soldier" by Gregory Isaacs, "For The Love of You" by John Holt, and "Cheater" from Dennis Brown. Randy's critical role in the birth of reggae was re-confirmed with the release of Augustus Pablo's "Java". This Clive Chin production was an instant hit not to mention the "1972 Instrumental of the Year" and title track to the first ever dub album, "Java, Java, Java, Java". DJ I-Roy's "Hospital Trolley" (recorded on the "Java" riddim), Peter Tosh's "You Can't Fool Me Again" and Junior Byles' "King of Babylon" are also must-listen recordings included on this extraordinary bicentennial release. Sly Dunbar one half of the famed riddim twins Sly & Robbie sat in on many Randy's Studio 17 sessions. He describes in the DVD how the Randy's sound was one that "sounds ten times better than the stuff being put out today. We are [now] trying to get back that sound but we can't get it back." From ska to reggae, to dub to Jamaica's leading singers, Reggae Anthology: Randy's 50th Anniversary is a history of reggae culture from its beginnings in the 1960s to perhaps its most ingenious peak in the 1970s. This commemorative release puts these influential music-makers in their proper place, the hands of reggae collectors and music fans everywhere. Respect to Randy's every time.
Addressing the audience at the Courtyard Marriott on Friday evening, President George Maxwell Richards, described Williams' induction as a "a welcome development", saying that "it could not happen to a nicer person". "It is a well deserved award for the years of toiling in the vineyard," said Richards. Pan Trinbago's secretary, Richard Forteau, said inauguration of the Steelband Hall of Fame was long overdue and marked the culmination of a month-long celebration of Williams. "But it's better late than never. We give very little recognition to our pan icons and contributors and this must change," said Forteau. Pan Trinbago president Patrick Arnold praised Williams, saying: "While the time is opportune for the Hall of Fame, this was something the organisation planned years ago. "The Hall of Fame was to be incorporated into the building we designed to be constructed at Invaders Bay, Port of Spain, but that never materialised. It will now be housed at the new headquarters in Trincity. "Anthony Williams should be a millionaire today, his inventions-the fourth and fifth pans that are now standardised-are sold all over the world. Yet he receives nothing. Those are his inventions, there must be royalties somewhere. "He is a genius, he is the greatest all-round panman in terms of developing the instrument, arranging the music and leading a band (Pan Am North Stars). "Anthony Williams is the man who invented the 'spider web pan'. He is the man who gave steelbands mobility by putting pan racks on wheels and, most importantly, on the face of a pan he placed the Circle of Fifths." "The Steelband Hall of Fame must provide space for the appreciation of the work done by practitioners of the art-tuners, arrangers, steelbands, administrators and other contributors." "But people in Trinidad do not recognise the contributions of pan men. In Trinidad; everybody is a star as soon as you achieve something, you are given loads of rewards. Not so for steelbands- Exodus went to New York City at Madison Square Garden, created history by winning the World Steelband Music Festival-not a note from anyone. "Skiffle Bunch won the World Steelband Music Festival-nothing. Isn't Boogsie a star? Why is he not sponsored and making advertisement for a big company? "Machel, Shurwayne, Bunji, Destra are all seen in ads. Where is Robbie Greenidge or Ken Professor Philmore? Pan only gets lip service," said Arnold.
The "Straight. No Chaser. Tranquility Jazz Festival" has earned a reputation as one of the Caribbean's only true all jazz events and this year's lineup is guaranteed to keep the tradition going. The star-studded lineup will feature Patti Austin, the legendary and beloved performer, songwriter and vocalist; Trumpeter Christian Scott, one of the brightest new jazz stars; Tony winner and two time Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Dee Dee Brightwaters; saxophonist Dean Fraser, one of Jamaica's finest brass players; Michel Camilo, Grammy and two-time Latin Grammy Award winning pianist from the Dominican Republic, and Arturo Sandoval, one of the world's most acknowledged guardians of jazz trumpet and flugel horn, winner of 4 Grammy Awards, 6 Billboard Awards and an Emmy Award. They will be joined by a host of young, talented Anguillian musicians, ready to make their mark in the jazz world. The festivities get underway on Thursday, November 6 at CuisinArt Resort & Spa with dinner and an intimate evening with Patti Austin. Friday swings in the daytime too, with "Jazz on the Parkway" a showcase of local and regional artists from 11:00am to 5:00pm presented by the National Bank of Anguilla. That night, the action moves to the festival's main event venue, the Temenos Golf Club with headliners Arturo Sandoval and Christian Scott. Saturday brings an exciting triple billing back at Temenos with Dee Dee Bridgewater, Dean Fraser and Michel Camilo, and a set from local or regional performers. Sunday provides the perfect send off to the weekend as the action takes to the beach at Sandy Ground for the traditional free finale with Dean Fraser and a host of local and regional performers.
Gorki Aguila, 39, received applause and shouts of support from about 15 friends as he was taken from a police car up the steps of the Havana court, which had drawn a crowd of foreign diplomats, foreign correspondents and government press officials during the day. The bushy haired and lightly bearded Aguila said nothing in response. The courtroom was closed to media and it was not clear if he would face trial immediately or be informed of the charges against him for a later trial. Aguila was arrested on Monday as his group, Porno para (for) Ricardo, was recording its latest album, said band and family members. His songs have fiercely criticized Cuba's communist government and its leaders Fidel and Raul Castro. The group's CDs are banned in Cuba but copies are circulated underground. Ciro Diaz, a guitarist with the band, said he had been told the government considered Aguila "an anti-social" because "he didn't vote, didn't go to meetings of the Revolution Defense Committee and made songs against the Cuban system." The charge of dangerousness pertains to people who authorities believe are likely to commit crimes, and can include such things as habitual drunkenness, drug addiction and anti-social behavior. Aguila went to prison previously on drug charges that he said were the result of a trap by the Cuban government. The illegal but tolerated Cuban Human Rights Commission said its preliminary investigation of the latest charge found Aguila committed no crime and called for the case to be canceled. The human rights commission recently issued a report saying the Cuban government had 219 political prisoners behind bars and that short-term detentions of government opponents had increased dramatically in the first half of 2008. Cuban officials view dissidents as mercenaries working with the United States to subvert the government. The United States has had a trade embargo against Cuba for 46 years and its diplomats in Havana openly work with the opposition. Diplomats from several countries, including the United States, along with journalists and Cuban press officers were among those who waited much of the day for Aguila to arrive at court.
 The song is called
`Venus (I'm Ready),` and is Williams' theme song throughout her
stint in the U.S. Open, which ends on September 7. `Venus' determination and mental strength inspires me!,` said Jean, in commenting on the reason behind the song. `Much like Isis, her strength should be celebrated.` The song is available for streaming on Jean's official site following its premier on Monday, August 25. Williams released a statement saying, `I have been a fan of Wyclef's for many years, from his work with the Fugees to his success as a solo artist. He's a fantastic writer, singer, producer and performer whose music crosses genres and touches people's lives. I am specially impressed by Wyclef's dedication to humanitarian causes and his strong sense of character.`
 Kingston,
Jamaica, August 27, 2008: Dancehall's favorite singjay is
mashing up the place with his steamy single, "Mus Come a
Road." The song, which is causing havoc on the dancehall
circuit, is produced by Reli of "Raging Bull" fame
and penned by Mr. Vegas. "Mus Come a Road" has set
the summer on fire.When the pulsating beat drops for "Mus Come a Road," a sense of nostalgia evokes, as the song is built on Barrington Levy's 1982 smash "Prison Oval Rock." Vegas' millennium version of the cult classic thrives with a Barrington Levy sample, which is looped through out the song. The original cut evolved from dances in Spanish Town that were held near a prison. Barrington Levy, clearly Vegas' favorite singer, vividly described the whole era in his hit. Moreover, Vegas unleashes a modern day twist with "Mus Come a Road." On "Mus Come a Road," Mr. Vegas' passionately croons of the injustice of criminal justice. "There are some people behind bars who have been charged for a crime that is not as bad as the people who are in jail for murder, and the murders sometimes get out before them," says Mr. Vegas earnestly. "This song is for the people who have experienced that." The "Mus Come a Road" single is joined by an appealing music video, currently in rotation on numerous American and Caribbean television outlets. As "Prison Oval Rock" was a hardcore vintage record, they wanted to capture it's essence with a "Harder They Come" themed video -- adding to the rough, street vibe of the song. In the video, Mr. Vegas is wanted and "on the road." The "Mus Come a Road" video was produced by Winston Mayhew, who boasts a number of top Reggae music videos to his credit including Busy Signal's "Nah Go A Jail" and "These Are The Days," Morgan Heritage's "Look Pon Di Gully Side," and Duane Stephenson's "August Town."
Billed The Mystic World of Augustus Pablo: The Rockers Story , the box contains four CDs, one DVD of video footage on the artiste, as well as a 20-page booklet featuring comments from entertainment writers in Jamaica, England and United States, together with some rarely seen photographs. The music ranges from instrumentals to dubs and vocals, with recordings taken from his wide repertoire, including such classics as East of the River Nile and King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown , as well as his ground-breaking productions with such major vocalists as Jacob Miller, Hugh Mundell and Leroy Sibbles. Roots reggae selections There are also roots reggae selections, which show Augustus Pablo's prowess on the clarinet and xylophone, as well as his trademark melodica. Such relatively unknown, but talented singers as Earl Sixteen, Delroy Williams, Paul Blackman and Norris Reid can be heard, so too collaborations with Lee 'Scratch' Perry. Augustus Pablo won worldwide acclaim as one of the great architects of dub music and composer of melodies. A New York Times critic declared: "Pablo is more than a gifted instrumentalist; he is a masterful pop composer whose recordings are possessed by a reflective, almost mystical sadness." Ironically, despite this recognition, only a relatively small portion of Pablo's artistic achievement is widely known, because very few people who have heard the music of this recluse has seen him in concert. Also many of his finest productions were issued in small quantities and have only been intermittently available. Augustus Pablo was born Horace Swaby on June 21, 1953 in Kingston, Jamaica, where his father was an accountant. A self- taught piano player, Augustus Pablo began cutting classes in secondary school to prowl record shops and recording studios in downtown Kingston. In 1970, he was discovered hanging around Aquarius Records by proprietor Herman Chin-Loy, who was fascinated by Pablo's uncanny ability to play a melodica and recorded him. Signature sound Soon afterwards, Augustus Pablo's schoolmate, Clive Chin, introduced Pablo to his father, who owned Randy's Records and it was at that studio that the hit Java was recorded. That record introduced Augustus Pablo's signature sound in minor key and opened the doors of opportunities for him to play several instruments on records. This introvert had always seemed uninterested in fame or fortune and over the years he recorded only when inspired, after which he often retreated to a simple life in rural areas of Jamaica. Augustus Pablo died suddenly in 1999 at age 46 from complications from a rare nerve disorder in Kingston.
Denver, CO, August 26, 2008: Last night witnessed the Carnivalizing of Denver
courtesy of the talent of Wyclef Jean. Wyclef Jean co-host an
after party with Bizmarkie at a Denver downtown club and demonstrated
the musical dexterity of a magician. He warmed the crowd up with
a medley of Bob Marley standard and built a energizing mood with
the spectrum of Caribbean melodies. With the audience nibbling
out of the palm of his hands, he stopped mid-lyric and reminded
the audience that he was from Haiti. Then he questioned the audience
whether they were ready for a new president. In his usual Brooklyn Haitian cadence Wyclef incited a near electoral riot. Shirts were swirling, campaign signs were waving, and bacchanal smiles filled the room. The fire marshalls stood by nervously as Wyclef stood on one of the speaker and created bedlam as he instructed "tear the club down" tear McCain down". They smiled and shook their heads. He closed the club down with a congaline into the streets.
 London,
August 26, 2008: GRAMMY-WINNING deejay Shaggy has taken
on critics of dancehall, saying they have used the negative actions
of some artistes and wrongfully stereotyped others. Shaggy, who was in London where he appeared in the Notting Hill Carnival, made this observation during an interview which was published in Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper last week. "For some people, reggae music might just be reggae music, for me, reggae music is a way of life, so an attack on the music is an attack on me," Shaggy said. "I think people like Sizzla sometimes do bring the music down but that's just one person." Barred artistes Sizzla and other dancehall acts such as Beenie Man and Capleton have been barred from performing in Britain where authorities say their music encourages violence against homosexuals. Gay rights group Outrage! led the protests, which led to similar action by other organisations throughout Europe. Shaggy said not all Jamaican musicians target gays. "You have a whole movement of people who don't think that way," he said. "So you want to make that handful of guys erase what Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, the Skatalites and everyone else did over the last 50 years?" he asked. Shaggy also promoted the Boombastic Collection while in Britain. The best-of set was released there by Island Records on July 25. It contains Oh Carolina , the deejay's 1995 take on the Folkes Brothers 1959 classic. That song made the British national charts and set the tone for other hits such as Boombastic and It Wasn't Me , which both topped the Billboard pop charts. The Boombastic album won the Best Reggae Album award at the 1996 Grammy Awards. Shaggy's last album, Intoxication, which spawned the hit Church Heathen , was released in 2007.
New Kidz, nee Anthony Bennett, was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, in a home brimming with the rhythms of his father's sound system. He was drawn very early to a musical path and those sounds provided inspiration that would shape his life. Following a stint as selector for fellow Duhaney Park native, dancehall star Spragga Benz, Kidz had collaborations with other dancehall greats including Elephant Man ("Wash Out"). After rocking the crowds at some of the hottest Caribbean music festivals including Sting, Fully Loaded, Sumfest and touring for two years as the warm-up act for Buju Banton, Kidz has evolved into an entertainer, songwriter and budding producer who is honed and ready to take center stage. As he humbly states, "Good music can talk to the people, influence people, teach people. I just want to lift music up... Trust me. Just give me a listen." New Kidz, who still resides in Jamaica, is currently in New York for several promotional events and is available for interviews through Thursday, August 28.
That Montano, the most in-demand musical export from the oil-rich southern Caribbean republic of Trinidad and Tobago -- where soca originated -- can anonymously ride a train for several stops and then suddenly be swarmed by adoring fans reflects the dichotomy of his musical stature. Soca, which provides the soundtrack for Caribbean carnivals, is the frenetically paced progeny of calypso. Created in Trinidad in the mid-'70s, soca has attained very limited success beyond Caribbean shores. Arrow's durable "Hot Hot Hot" continues to be licensed for new compilations, 20 years after Buster  Poindexter's cover
version rendered it an American pop hit. In 2000, the Baha Men
transformed Anslem Douglas' Trinidad carnival hit "Who Let
the Dogs Out" into an American sports stadium anthem, and
four years later Rupee and Kevin Lyttle cracked the Billboard
Hot 100 with their respective hits "Tempted to Touch"
and "Turn Me On."But these individual triumphs do not constitute broad-based recognition for soca. If the genre does break in the mainstream, Montano's persistently innovative efforts will undoubtedly have played a pivotal role. A former child star, he made history in 1986 as the youngest finalist in Trinidad Carnival's Calypso Monarch competition, performing the aptly titled "Too Young to Soca." In the mid-'90s with his band Xtatik, Montano embarked on a mission to modernize soca, subtly injecting the music with hip-hop beats and dancehall rhythms, which resulted in a steady release of fervently received carnival anthems and Montano's ascension to regional superstar status. Now, via collaborations with Pitbull and Lil Jon and two high-profile New York shows, the artist is hoping to position himself closer to an international breakthrough. HIGH-PROFILE PROJECTS On one hand Montano, who headlines New York's S.O.B.'s August 28 and Cipriani's two nights later, is in rarefied company, having sold out concerts at Madison Square Garden's WaMu Theater in 2007 and 2008. On the other, he has yet to make an impact in the mainstream despite high-profile collaborations with Wyclef Jean ("Carnival Survivors"), Busta Rhymes ("Let Me See") and Shaggy, who joins Montano on a remix of the title track from Montano's current album, "Wining Season." Recently, Montano's single "Defense the Anthem," a soca-dancehall remix of Pitbull's "The Anthem," featuring Lil Jon, has received airplay on Miami's WEDR (99 Jamz) and New York's WQHT (Hot 97). "Because soca artists are viewed as a subculture, we look for help from people who have made it in the mainstream," Montano said after an exhilarating two-hour performance on the eastern Caribbean island of Barbados as part of its annual Cropover festivities. "Soca has great potential, so I asked Lil Jon and Pitbull to help us and they have responded enthusiastically." Montano has chosen to strengthen his ties to his Caribbean fan base while refining his crossover strategies. Refusing numerous offers to perform at summer Caribbean carnivals throughout North America, including Toronto's Caribana, he spent almost three weeks at Barbados' Cropover, which parallels Trinidad's Carnival as that island's primary season for new releases from Barbadian calypso and soca artists. Montano was the star attraction at Cropover's largest concert, Cohobblopot, on August 3, for which he recruited Pitbull and Lil Jon. He went on to sign international deals with Delicious Vinyl and Atlantic and recorded albums for both companies, which remain unreleased. Despite a heavy touring schedule that can include three shows per night during Trinidad's pre-Lenten carnival season, Montano annually releases a full-length CD of original music on his Mad Bull Music label. Whether or not he achieves his desired international breakthrough, Montano's ongoing efforts to establish soca as a global cultural force raise the bar for the genre. "Bob Marley helped propel reggae, and I think I have done that for soca," he said. "I gather people together, let them have a good time, and I feel good about that. While it's a goal to conquer the mainstream, I just try to stay focused on improving every day."
According to the Kaieteur News newspaper, has learnt that the Guyanese requested US$250,000 plus 15 first class tickets for his band members and one of Guyana's high honours in order to perform during the mega-event. The paper added that following his request, Grant had also stated that he can only perform on August 31. An official within the Carifesta Secretariat told Kaieteur News last evening that Grant's demands are 'absurd' and as such the secretariat cannot afford to pay for his participation in the event. Kaieteur News was told that a letter was sent to the superstar explaining that the secretariat could not have met his requirements. sAnother senior official told Kaieteur News that the Secretariat is operating on a constraint budget and as such cannot afford Grant's request.
Some reggae promoters think so, including the man who organized the Uppsala Reggae Festival, where Paul, nine other performers, and up to 300 fans were arrested on Friday for marijuana possession. `The way they treated Sean Paul and other artists was totally unacceptable,` Uppsala organizer Yared Tekeste told a Swedish publication. `They searched his hotel room when he was not present and went through wallets and other personal belongings.`  Tekeste said he believed
law enforcement officials targeted Paul to make an example of
him. Out of the festival's three days they chose the day he was
to perform to make the mass arrests.`Both artists and staff feel humiliated,` said Tekeste. `People were crying backstage. Some of the artists were so angry they planned a demonstration outside the police station. But I managed to prevent that.` Caribbean nationals involved in the New York reggae scene agreed that Paul may have been set up to prove a point. `He`s the one that sang, `Just gimme the light and pass the draw.` What did they expect?` asked television producer Shaun Walsh. But concert promoter Sharon Gordon believes there`s a double standard for reggae concerts, and Paul may have been a victim of it. She said venues charge her more than the usual fee because they want to hire extra security. `There`s always that stigma that I have to fight - the idea that reggae means ganja and lewd behavior,` said Gordon. Both Sharon and Gordon agree though that Paul should have been more careful. `If he`s going to another country, he should respect their laws,` said Walsh. `Reggae is always going to be targeted, but we also have to take some responsibility,` Gordon added. Born Sean Paul Henriques, Sean Paul achieved international success in 2000 when the single "Hot Gal Today" reached the top 10 on the Billboard Rap Singles chart. This helped his album Stage One to reach the top 100 on the R&B/Hip Hop albums chart and reach #2 on the Reggae Album chart in the U.S. The awareness of Sean Paul as a rising star around the world helped set the stage for his second album Dutty Rock. Dutty Rock was released in 2002. It proved to be Sean Paul's breakthrough to pop audiences. It was also a breakthrough for the dancehall reggae sound. The single "Get Busy" went all the way to #1 on the pop singles chart and 3 other singles landed in the top 20. Dutty Rock received the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album of the year in early 2003. sThree years later, he released The Trinity, which refers to 3 elements - dancehall, reggae, and hip hop - that make up the sound of Paul's music. The album opened at #7 on the U.S. album chart and in a few short weeks, the album's first single "We Be Burnin'" was in the top 10. - By E.P. Andrews/CWN NY.
 Kingston,
Jamaica, August 10,
2008: Dancehall artiste
Ce'cile has never pretended to be a goody-two-shoes. Quite the
opposite, in fact. So it should come as no surprise that this
self-proclaimed 'bad gyal' has found her way into that steamy,
in-demand publication, Playboy. Sorry, there's no need for outrage or lascivious thoughts, Ce'cile's entry into the mag is strictly business. Her latest CD, entitled Bad Gyal (what else?) has been given a review in the August edition of Playboy - the German edition - making her the first dancehall act to be so highlighted. Since it's Playboy, the reviewer chose a picture of a seductively posed Ce'cile (fully clothed) with a headline stating that "Die Jamaikanerin Ce'cile mixt auf ihren debüt Reggae genial mit Hip Hop und Pop". Ce'cile, who does in fact know a few words of German, says she was actually quite surprised when she was shown the article in the magazine. Although she knew that the record company was pulling out all the stops in this promotional campaign for the CD, she didn't quite have Playboy on her mind. "This is Playboy we're talking about, and with the readership that they have, this is really great marketing and promotion for the CD," was her initial response. She then added, "It's a good feeling, who knows what will follow?" She noted that some people, upon hearing, will probably think that her entry into Playboy was as a pin-up, "but what the hell?" she asked with a laugh. She said this was just another demonstration of the impact of reggae/dancehall music. "Our music is multilingual and this is why people from all across Europe, many of them who don't speak English or Jamaican patois, can easily embrace the music and us the artistes," she noted. Ce'cile recently returned from a tour of Europe, where she was promoting Bad Gyal, which is strictly for the European market.
Rihanna's `Disturbia` took the number one spot, bouncing Katy Perry's "I Kissed A Girl." `Disturbia,` premiered exclusively on iTunes late last month. It appears on the album `Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded.`
 Friday July 17 would
see the likes of what seemed to be an all white themed Dancehall
Night. As expected, the first show night did not disappoint as
thousands flocked to the Catherine's Hall venue. Patrons witnessed
an array of brilliant performances from such acts as Macka Diamond,
Serani, Anthony B, Elephant Man, Busy Signal, Vybz Kartel, Assassin,
Ninja Man and Bounty Killer. However, it was the Gully God himself
Mavado whose performance was an exceptional hit with the Montego
Bay crowd. With his inimitable voice and lyrics, Mavado managed
to leave fans wanting more even after delivering an incomparable
act. When it came time for the self proclaimed "King of
The Dancehall" to hit the stage, there were no scattered
bodies at daybreak; Beenie Man ensured that Sumfest patrons received
their money's worth and delivered a mind blowing closing act.Subsequent to the mega success of Dancehall Night, both International Nights one and two lived up to the expectations of the fans. On Friday July 18, the line-up dabbled into a collection of different musical genres, where performances by the soulful Keyshia Cole and the very entertaining Hip-Hop artiste Akon are still major acts discussed today. Despite the expectancy of postponement due to bad weather, the show remained as scheduled for Saturday night but experienced a slight delay until 10:00pm. Nevertheless, this did not deter the show hungry fans who emerged with their umbrellas in hand to support the festival. Reggae Sumfest directors guaranteed that the event would keep on schedule at the new times, and they made every effort to do so, including reducing the time between band changes. It was approximately 3:00 am when the stage lights brightened and the LCD screen illustrated the words Beres on them, when each lady was no longer interested in her high heels and umbrella, but more focused on the legend in front of her. Beres Hammond's performance was one of the most thrilling acts to grace the Reggae Sumfest stage this year. However, when the multi-platinum co-headlining rapper presented himself on stage, the younger generation of Sumfest patrons were heard. Lil Wayne brought a different vibe to the crowd and maintained their interests throughout his entire performance. His attempt to include Jamaican culture into his act was honourable and entertaining. It is with the incorporation of international acts such as Lil Wayne, which signify how Reggae Sumfest has become much more than just a reggae show. This year over three hundred media personnel, both local and international, were accredited to cover the festival. This comprised of media houses from all over the globe including big names such as MTV Base, BET J, Billboard Magazine, BBC Radio 1, MNET/Channel O, JAMROCK Magazine and many more; an indication of how vital the show has become as a means of transmitting Jamaican culture to the rest of the world. Through the active reporting by these media the festival has become a direct outlet for propelling Jamaica's finest in music, food and creativity all over the world. The press conference held at the Coral Cliff on Friday July 18 preceding the show night allowed press to interact directly with the organisors, sponsors, artistes, and each other, demonstrating another of the promoter's efforts to engage the media, and thus broadcast globally, detailed commentary on the progress of the festival. Summerfest Productions has pulled off yet another well organised, well attended and secured Reggae Sumfest. The event was clearly another big success ensuring the best-of-the-best in entertainment; confirming its status as the "Greatest Reggae Show on Earth."
 Jamaica Gleaner, July 24, 2008: TOOTS
Hibbert, who has enjoyed a career renaissance in the last five
years, is part of a three-act North American tour with pop singers
Sheryl Crow and James Blunt. Hibbert told The Gleaner Monday that he was contacted by Crow's management to be opening act for the jaunt which starts today with Crow and Blunt performing in Nashville, Tennessee. Hibbert is scheduled to join them on Monday for the third show of the trek - at the Jones Beach Amphitheatre in Wantagh, New York. In all, Hibbert and his Maytals band will perform on 17 dates, the last being at the Sleep Train Pavilion in Concord, California, on August 27. Crow, who is the headline performer, is promoting her new Detours album. The Clarendon-born Hibbert has found a new generation of fans in the United States thanks largely to his 2004 album, True Love, which heard him collaborating with big names like Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton, The Roots and Bootsy Collins. The album won Best Reggae Album award at the 2005 Grammy Awards. Strong fan base Hibbert has been recording since the early 1960s when he recorded a succession of hit songs including Monkey Man ,54-46 and Funky Kingston . During the 1970s, he developed a strong fan base throughout Europe and a cult following in the United States where major acts like Nelson and Linda Ronstadt spoke glowingly of his music. Crow is one of the biggest concert draws in the United States. She broke through commercially in 1993 with her Tuesday Night Music Club album, a multi-Grammy winner which spawned the hit song, All I Wanna Do . James Blunt was the find of the music world in 2005 with his debut album Back to Bedlam which contained the international hit, You're Beautiful .
So how does a band with its roots-reggae origins firmly embedded in the protest music of the 1970s remain relevant thirty-plus years later? One sure route to perpetuity is to make music that reflects the permanent yet changing arc of issues that challenge our society. This Grammy Award-winning British band has been a staple on the New York City concert scene for decades, and even though they have been having fewer visits lately, they were welcomed by a huge and eclectic River to River summer concert crowd.  The fans gathered
in this Lower Manhattan park on Wednesday, July 16, sang along
with and skanked in place to classics including `Handsworth Revolution`,
`Rally Round`, `Dub Marcus Say`, `Steppin' Out` and `Taxi Driver.`
The band also offered the very relevant `Global Warming` and
`Tyrant.` The energetic David Hinds, with his ubiquitous branches of locks waving, led the crowd in a sing-along of favorites throughout most of the show. As watercraft glided by silently on the Hudson and the lights on the Jersey-side of the river beamed across the water just beyond the concert venue, Hinds and the band rocked the crowd with its social commentary and signature precedent-setting rock-saturated sound. Kingston College old boy Sidney Mills, who controls the keyboards and musical arrangements, kept the band tight behind the kinetic Hinds. Joining Steel Pulse was Jamaican percussionist Larry McDonald. Throughout the evening, the self-taught veteran musician reached into his goody bag of instruments to titillate the audience with one exotic instrument after the other, including an Afro-Peruvian cajita, one among the family of percussive instruments with which Afro-Peruvians could surreptitiously play outlawed music during the days of slavery. McDonald will release his own album later this year. The crowd, a mix of head-wrapped roots Rastafarian sisters plus barefoot youth plus gold medallion-sporting dreads plus topless kids plus wine-swilling twenty-and thirty-somethings and others, was mellow yet responsive to the well-known message music. Steel Pulse was one of the signature acts within the pantheon of this year's River to River Legacy Program. The R2R Legacy highlights a selection of the Festival's programs that strongly reflect, revive, newly interpret, or celebrate important cultural works, influential artists and our diverse cultural heritage. Jazz greats Junior Mance, Patti Austin, and Terrence Blanchard are among the performers who will grace R2R's stages courtesy of the Legacy Program later this summer. Founded after September 11, 2001, the River to River Festival is in its seventh year. The Festival is a partnership between the Alliance for Downtown NY, World Financial Center, Battery Park City Authority, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, Port Authority of NY and NJ, and South Street Seaport. From June to September annually, the festival brings a rich variety of world class programming to augment the vibrant cultural life in Lower Manhattan, to support the economic and social wellbeing, and to cultivate new audiences for the arts. The live arts programs presented in public and accessible venues serve as a magnet for diverse audiences. This year, the title sponsor American Express is joined by The Drawing Center, The Joyce Theater, Macy's, Classical Action: Performing Arts Against AIDS, and Pace University. After the show, family, friends and fans hung out with the band in the park. Hinds and his peers affably hugged many while bumping fists with others. Leaving the dissipating crowd in my wake as I made my way west toward the A-train, I reveled in the energy of the evening. In spite of the egregious violence that many in our city suffer, including that exacted on the late Jamaican immigrant Esmin Green by Brooklyn hospital professionals in June, this -- I reflected -- is the sort of evening that keeps me glued to our city. Steel Pulse has been making the rounds of Mid-Atlantic and Northeast states since early July with appearances in Richmond and Norfolk, VA, Washington, DC, Atlantic City, NJ and Providence, RI. The band will return to the New York metropolitan area with an August 9 appearance in New Haven, CT.
Their wish came through three years ago with the Inna De Yard series. It has turned out to be a sleeper hit in their native France, England and Japan where the acoustic albums have been released by the duo's Makasounds Records. Inna De Yard is a collaboration with veteran session guitarist Earl 'Chinna' Smith. The albums have helped revive interest in the careers of roots-reggae performers like singer Kiddus-I and The Congos. The 'unplugged' sessions, recorded at Smith's St Andrew home, have also yielded albums from Smith, Junior Murvin, Linval Thompson and The Viceroys. The most recent effort was with The Mighty Diamonds, the classic vocal trio which still has a strong reputation as a touring act. Biggest buyers  Maslowski, 33,
told The Gleaner that the albums have done well for his
company in France, England and Japan. He said the biggest buyers
are fans of classic roots-reggae. "These are good songs recorded differently and some people like to re-discover songs they love, but with the same power," Maslowski told The Gleaner last week. To date, Smith's album has sold the most, clocking 9,000 copies; next is the Kiddus-I set with just over 6,000 in sales. These are respectable numbers for music, some of which was heard only in the reggae underground 30 years ago. The new records have done well for Kiddus-I (real name Frank Dowding), a singer-songwriter best known for his role in the 1978 low-budget film, Rockers . In the past two years, he has performed songs from his Inna De Yard set throughout Europe and the United States West Coast. True stalwarts Smith, who accompanied Kiddus-I on those shows, is one of reggae's true stalwarts. During the 1970s, he recorded or toured with the greats of roots-reggae including Marley, Dennis Brown, Jacob Miller and Bunny Wailer. On August 5, he will celebrate his 53rd birthday with a live telecast via the Internet, with a concert featuring acts from the Inna De Yard series. Maslowski and Germa started Makasounds just over six years ago. Their first release was the album Diary of The Silent Years by singer Winston McAnuff; besides Inna De Yard , the label has released albums by Derrick Harriott, Leroy Smart, The Meditations and Hugh Mundell. Chinna and Idrens Volume II , the next of the Inna De Yard recordings, is scheduled to be released in October. Earl 'Chinna' Smith was once musical director for Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers. He played on the group's three Grammy-winning albums. Junior Murvin is best known for the hit song, Police and Thieves , which made the British national charts in 1976. It was also covered by The Clash. Linval Thompson is credited as producer for Freddie McGregor's breakthrough Big Ship album. The Viceroys' biggest hit is Ya Ho , recorded at Channel One during the 1970s. The Congos' Row Fisherman , produced by Lee 'Scratch' Perry, is regarded as one of reggae's great vocal performances.
The family is still hoping there`ll be justice at the end of a Justice Department investigation into the circumstances of Bell`s death. His fiancée, Nicole Paultre, founded a little league team in his name in Jamaica, Queens, where he was killed.  And now a band featuring
the man who would have been Bell`s father-in-law is about to
release a single in his memory.`We want the tragedy that happen to Sean not to happen to anyone else,` Les Paultre, Nicole`s Haiti-born father and guitarist with the reggae band Judah Tribe, told CWN yesterday. The group`s musical tribute to Bell is titled `Judgement,` and is due to be released this fall. Paultre said a song was one way of getting people to `internalize` Bell`s tragic death `so that people will always remember.` `When they hear this song they`ll remember Sean Bell,` he added. Bell was fatally shot multiple times by three NYPD officers while seated in his car outside a nightclub, in the early morning hours of the day he was supposed to be married. Bell was unarmed but the officers testified they had good reason to think Bell may have been and the judge sided with them, citing inconsistencies in the testimonies of the two friends who were with Bell that night and who were also shot. The not guilty verdict led to a series of peaceful demonstrations across the city. `It`s just too easy/To pull the trigger/It`s just too easy/Fi gun down,` states the lyrics of the song the three-year-old, 12-man band expects will push buttons. The band`s frontman, Josh David, said he wrote the song shortly after Bell`s death when he learned of the young man`s relationship to Paultre. `It come so close to home, it just affect me in a way, you know,` said the New Jersey-bred David. `I hang up the phone and just agitate on it. From the vibes that weekend, me just write a tune. Jah give I and I inspiration for writing it. We have to be a voice to the people that make them remember it. We can`t forget it.` Paultre for his part said his family was `devastated` by the officers` acquittal but `we`re moving on.` His daughter Nicole loves the song, said Paultre. `Especially since I`m on it, she loves it even more,` he said with a laugh. Judah Tribe will play at the Performing Arts Center in Newark, N.J., this Thursday and on Aug.5 at the Brooklyn Museum as part of the museum`s Target First Saturdays. - By Erline Andrews/CWN NY
 New York, July 21, 2008: VP Records is proud to announce the
release of Busy Signal, arguably the hottest and most versatile
lyricists currently in dancehall. On his groundbreaking sophomore
album Loaded, in stores September 9th, the leading Jamaican deejay
unleashes an arsenal of progressive hits that could ultimately
redefine dancehall.This eagerly awaited landmark contains #1 smashes like "Jail", "These Are The Days", "Unknown Number" and "Wine Pon Di Edge" that are dominating the dancehall scene worldwide despite their obvious difference in style. This is one of Busy's trademarks and displayed throughout Loaded. His sense of fun and mischief is allowed full rein on tunes like "Wine Pon Di Edge," "Hey Girl", hip hop/dancehall hybrid "Tic Toc" and "Cool It Baby," which Busy programmed himself. Yet it's his powerful commentaries on the ghetto lifestyle, like "These Are The Days" that have lent Busy Signal's art its raw edge, and made him into such a potent mouthpiece for the disenfranchised youth of Jamaica and beyond. "Knocking At Your Door", "People So Evil" and "Curfew", are the latest examples of this, whereupon real life and his talent for storytelling combine to often spine-chilling effect. Busy Signal, real name Reanno Gordon, cultivated his artistry under the watch of dancehall icon Bounty Killer. With his outstanding mic techniques and restless creativity, he became a member of The Alliance-Bounty Killer's musical powerhouse that spawned dancehall stars like Elephant Man, Mavado and Wayne Marshall. Busy began to receive widespread attention in 2005 with breakthrough hits like "Born and Grow" & "Step Out" and his astounding live performance set which eventually booked him on all the major Jamaican stage shows including the Smirnoff Experience, Island Explosion, Sting and Reggae Sumfest, where he was called up by G-Unit on International Night. The following year, he released his debut album Step Out with Greensleeves Records which garnered positive media attention and a growing fan base worldwide. With Busy's endless ingenuity and talent paired with a fresh production team of young dancehall pioneers setting the tone for this generation, such as Demarco and SSMG, Loaded will be a crucial stage of Busy Signal's development that'll spread his gift far and wide, beyond the confines of his original audience.
BROOKLYN, NY, July 20, 2008: The music of Machel Montano HD continues
to win recognition among that of some of the world's premier
artistes. Montano's music will be featured alongside that of Jill Scott, Nina Simone, Jay Z and Michael Jackson when Soul music returns to Brooklyn, New York on July 26. Brooklyn Soul is a new monthly dance party that encompasses soul music from around the globe. It will feature some of new York city's premier DJs playing the best in '80s classics, R&B, Latin, neo-soul, reggae, afrobeat, funk, soul and calypso music. The dance party will be held at the all new Tamboril Restaurant, Bar and Lounge, located near to Pratt University, in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. "Brooklyn Soul will fill the void for soul music that has been missing in New York City for a long time," said event producer Alicia Green. Inspired by the multicultural city it is named after, Brooklyn Soul will play a global blend of music from artistes such as Beres Hammond, Ceilia Cruz, Jill Scott, Outkast, Kassav, Jay Z, Machel Montano, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Soul to Soul, Queen, Men At Work, Madonna and Prince. For information about Pure Love Events visit www.BrooklynSoul.com
 Digicel, the fastest-growing
wireless telecommunications operator in the Caribbean, in association
with Sony Ericsson, is the proud sponsor of the new Caribbean
countdown Digicel Caribbean Hot 30. The Digicel Caribbean Hot
30 is a weekly chart featuring 30 of the hottest songs coming
out of the region. The chart is based on party jams, combined
charts and radio play from across the region powered by the Caribbean's
premier DJ fraternity, 'The Top Gunners'.As part of their 'My Music, My Digicel' initiative, Digicel has already brought Digicel Rising Stars to Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Haiti and the Eastern Caribbean. Through Digicel Caribbean Hot 30, Digicel is able to facilitate the growth and development of Caribbean music further. Commercial Director for Digicel, Brian Finn affirmed Digicel's commitment to the development of Caribbean music, saying "As the fastest growing mobile network across the Caribbean, Digicel is excited about helping to build appreciation of and acclaim for Caribbean music and culture. As Digicel extends its offering in many of our 23 markets, the Digicel Caribbean Hot 30 - along with our other music properties - will create a bigger and better experience for our customers." The Digicel Caribbean Hot 30, is now touted as the official Caribbean music countdown with the major aim of carrying Caribbean music to the rest of the world. The chart show is hosted by Jon Doe and currently airs on top radio stations in 17 Caribbean territories: Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos and US Virgin Islands. With interest from other territories 'hotting' up, there is now a major push to air the programme internationally. Although the main focus of the show is music, Digicel is really driving their interaction with Digicel Caribbean Hot 30 in order to drive customers to Digicel Live. Digicel Live is a world of information and entertainment services on your mobile. In turn offering a better customer experience through downloading of the latest music tracks and downloads, offering a better customer experience. Digicel and Sony Ericsson, will also provide exciting weekly and monthly prizes for lucky winners of text competitions and various other contests that will also be hosted on the website www.digicelcaribbeanhot30.com.
It had been five years since Dancehall star Mr. Vegas toured Europe. And in an effort to make up for lost time, the popular singjay brought fans up-to-speed with his repertoire of soaring hits by consistently delivering fiery performances at every stop along the way. Mr. Vegas' lasting effect on the European massive is truly undeniable, as calls for his next European tour have flooded his management. "I
truly appreciate the support that my fans in Europe have given
me over years," says Mr. Vegas. "I have spent five
years away and I really wanted to pay them back with unforgettable
performances.......my plan was successful!"Mr. Vegas' European tour, sponsored by Media Com, consisted of 10 cities. On the tour, he was joined by a full ensemble including Thugz band, DJ Fatta and High Energy dancers. Mr. Vegas injected the unique and attention-grabbing format of a DJ and live band combination into his stage show. This style, which alternated between DJ Fatta spinning hot selections from pioneer dancehall artists and Thugz band playing Mr. Vegas' rhythms, was a sure-fire hit with the fans. Adding Mr. Vegas' High Energy dancers to the mix made for an even zestier recipe. While in Cologne, Germany at Summerjam, Mr. Vegas was billed as the closing act, following Queen Ifrica, Busy Signal, Cecile and a host of other Jamaican artists. The singjay brought the festival to an energy-fueled close, executing nothing short of a 1 12 hour spectacular set. Adorned in a black Armani suit, Gucci shirt and alligator skin Prada shoes, Mr. Vegas fulfilled the thousands in attendance with a show that measured up to his attire. Singing scores of hits, he also moved the audience with a cover of Bob Marley's "Turn Your Lights Down Low." Ultimately, his rendition prompted patrons to wave their cell phones in the air, creating a glowing effect. Mr. Vegas' stint at Rototom Sunsplash in Osoppo, Italy was equally explosive. On this line-up, he joined members of the dancehall massive including Voicemail, Bugle and Wayne Marshall to name a few. Due to a heavy rain storm, for a moment, it looked as if Mr. Vegas wouldn't perform. But low and behold, the rain let up and dancehall's most swank artist belted out an infinite string of hits altering the "dampened" mood of the event. Thousands of fans rushed to the performance area to be a part of the Mr. Vegas experience. After almost two hours in to his set at Rototom Sunsplash, the crowd begged for more. Still in designer gear, but a little more laid back, Mr. Vegas killed it. Because the whole show was phenomenal, no one segment can be highlighted. It's clear that the precise coordination between Mr. Vegas and Thugz band played a major role in this extraordinary performance. Although Mr. Vegas was not the official closing act of The Big Reggae Festival in Antibes, France, he still managed to drive the crowd wild. In a compact set (due to the show getting a late start), he wooed the crowd, capitalizing on techniques from past successful performances. Some time after his segment, Mr. Vegas was asked to join the wildly popular French Dancehall group Dub Inc. on stage to close the show with his hit "Mus Come a Road." Mr. Vegas belted out the favorite, while Dub Inc. laced the rhythm with French vocals. The audience erupted in adulation. "Mr. Vegas' performances in Europe exceeded my expectations," says manager Garfield "Chin" Bourne of Irish and Chin, Inc. "I think that Vegas understands the importance of giving quality, flawless shows......he definitely has mastered the live performance thing." In August 2008, Mr. Vegas will embark on his first tour of Africa and return to Europe for a long-awaited tour of the UK. Mr. Vegas' emanating presence is undeniable. As you read this, the singjay is leaving his imprint on the world. In several markets, Mr. Vegas has songs and videos in heavy rotation including the summer anthems "Mus Come a Road," "Hot Gal Nuh Fight Ova Man" and the newest sensation "Daggering." And notably, Mr. Vegas boasts the #4 tune on the Billboard Dance Chart, "Shake it Up." Mr. Vegas burst on the scene in 1997 with the break-through smashes "Heads High" and "Nike Air." The mainstay artist has since unleashed over a decade of countless dancehall hits and standards. Through good music and hard work, Mr. Vegas has maintained a consistent presence on the dancehall scene. In the Summer of 2007, Mr. Vegas released his fifth studio album Hot It Up (Delicious Vinyl) to raving reviews -- which landed the racy "Hot Wuk" on the Billboard charts. Also in 2007, Mr. Vegas signed on to Irish and Chin, Inc. to manage his career.
 been getting rave reviews, and "it
is on the play-list of several national and regional stations
as varied as NRJ, a high-energy station, and Classic 21, one
of the main radio stations in Belgium, home to all genres of
music for the past 40 years," stated Murray. The Pop/Soul artiste is currently in Trinidad on holiday to visit family and to introduce her album to the local airwaves just before it becomes available on legal download sites itunes, amazon and deezer. The sixth of seven children, Murray's got Bolivian, Amerindian, Indian, Irish and Scottish blood running through her veins. She attended Bishop Anstey's High School and from the early sounds of her mother's piano, as well as exposure to a wide diversity of music, she got her taste for soul, R&B, rock, pop and jazz. Murray moved to London and started singing jazz and R&B in clubs and pubs. Her first show was at the famed London Marquee, while studying Literature. An audition for a well-known American four-part vocal harmony group singing the classics of the 60's was the turning point. She said: "The Magic Platters, a second-generation group formed by the members of Tony Williams' Platters (the original lead singer of "Only You" and "The Great Pretender"), upon his death was looking for the right female singer." For the next 13 years Murray toured the world, learning the trade from seasoned singers who had grown up in the era of tap-dancing and doo wop groups. Some of those countries included Argentina, Germany, Austria, Israel, Turkey, Chile, Mexico, Paraguay, Morocco, Kenya, Namibia, Holland, South Africa, just after the lifting of Apartheid and Dubai after Jose Feliciano's stint in stage. During that time the group recorded an album together Full Circle Transistor Music. But while in  Argentina on the road tour, words and
melodies started whispering in Murray's ears until 1 year ago
when she finally put down her suitcase to stop and listen. Not surprisingly there is a strong Motown flavour to her melodies but back in her home base in Belgium she had to find the musicians to arrange her songs. Eventually Daniel Romeo, bass player and producer who had played with James Brown on his last European tour and acclaimed percussionist David Donatien, producer of "New Soul" Yael Naim were chosen. Self-described as nostalgic and passionate, Murray's Another Woman contains 12 songs all composed (melodies and lyrics) by her and features an unusual and powerful blend of groove, orchestration and emotion. The album was recorded in various studios to accommodate a live strings quartet, three background singers, percussions, keyboards, drums and guitar, and mixed at the mythic Davout studio in Paris before being sent to be mastered at Sterling Sound studio in New York. Her goal? "I want to keep going , write great music and maybe a book one day." But for now the 30-plus songstress says she is already working on her second album. However next month, Murray and her own band are expected to join the "Linz European Tour" with Austrian, German, Dutch and Belgium producers and organisations to promote her album. Fans can get a taste of Murray's music on http://www.myspace.com/monamurrayanotherwoman
 Los
Angeles, CA - July 14, 2008: UrbanWorld Wireless' newly formed
digital music label, UDub!Music, has teamed up with powerhouse
Bad Boy Records to release the latest mixtape, "Bad Boys:
We Run This", hosted by Elephant Man. Known for his raw
energy, Elephant Man put his stamp on what is anticipated to
be this summer's hottest reggae mixtape to hit the streets. The
"Bad Boys: We Run This" mixtape, executively produced
by Los Angeles based producer Mexican'Ye West, features over
30 tracks guaranteed to make the listeners move. Mexican'Ye West
skillfully blends reggae with hip hop to deliver an all star
cast of new music as well as classics from Bob Marley, Elephant
Man, Mavado, Tupac, Tweet, Foxy Brown and 50 Cent. The mixtape
also spotlights UDub!Music artists 40 Glocc, Jay Rock and more.
"Bad Boys: We Run This" is a promotional follow-up to Elephant Man's latest LP, Let's Get Physical. The album topped Billboard's reggae album charts, and was released collaboratively through independent reggae label VP Records, and Sean "Diddy" Combs' Bad Boy Records. The new mixtape is an added benefit for Ele's fans and dancehall lovers across the globe, and is a perfect mix of dancehall and hip hop, specifically spotlighting the West Coast community. "You don't see many reggae mixtapes coming out of L.A. It is truly a unique project. Not only does this mixtape feature some of the West's best talent, but the producer is Mexican," Big Jay, Music Promotions, UDub!Music. "Bad Boys: We Run This" also introduces some of UDub's new reggae artists, including CNC, Teacha Dee, and Rasta King. "Working with UWW has been great. Having a quality mixtape produced for Elephant Man is a great strategic move for us," says Kwasi Asare, New Media Manager at Bad Boy Records.
 The only athlete to have run the 100-meter
dash in under 9.8 seconds more than once (he did it five times),
Asafa Powell knows speed. He has distinguished himself as one
of the world's fastest humans, having held the world record in
the 100 for three years, from 2005-2008. In the Asafa Powell:
Train for Speed workout, Asafa coaches runners through a 35-minute
training session with four high-speed intervals that descend
in length. The goal of the workout is to increase an athlete's
endurance and speed, with musical motivation coming from the
athlete's homeland.Reggae music is often associated with laid-back island rhythms, but there are several subgenres that up the tempo to a runner's pace, including dancehall, a style that has been influential on hip-hop since its inception. VP Records has been one of reggae's most fervent advocates since 1979, becoming the world's largest independent Caribbean music label. The tracks selected for Asafa Powell: Train for Speed run the gamut of what VP has to offer, mixing in classic dancehall cuts like Shaggy's early hit, "Big Up," and pioneering ragamuffin tunes like Half Pint's "Greetings," with newer songs like Sean Paul's "Deport Them" and "Hyperventilating" by up-and-comer Tami Chynn. The playlist peaks with an exclusive track recorded by one of Asafa's favorite VP artists, Mavado, appropriately titled "On The Go (Faster Than Bullet)." Nike selected Mavado for the project based on Asafa Powell's respect for the emerging dancehall artist's music. One of the hottest new voices to hit the international reggae scene, Mavado recorded "On The Go (Faster Than Bullet)"as an homage to the sprinter, as well as an inspirational anthem celebrating the island of Jamaica and its music. "It's a great honor to be recognized as one of Jamaica's top entertainers and to be a part of this project with Nike," says Mavado. "It's a responsibility I take very seriously. I wanted to put out a very positive message on the track as it would be representing not only myself, but Asafa Powell and Jamaica." "Mavado is one of the leading voices of the Jamaican youth," stated Olivier Chastan, Vice-President of VP Records. "He is a source of inspiration to them by exemplifying that they too can achieve great things despite life's hardships. Music can help your dreams come true in the same way that sports can. This is the message that Mavado and Asafa carry to the world over on behalf of Jamaica and its people." The track, which includes the lyrics, "Jamaica/The greatest thing inna life/Our music and sports fi try," has a galvanizing message that will no doubt be adopted as a patriotic anthem for Jamaica's supporters around the world as the Olympic Games approach this summer "On The Go (Faster Than Bullet)" was produced by Shane Brown for Juke Boxx Productions. The latest installment in the Nike+ training series, Asafa Powell: Train for Speed is available exclusively in the Nike.
In a track that's carded to be released tomorrow, Wednesday, July 10th, soca and reggae will again meet as one in fine style in the prelude to Crop Over as Trinidad
and Tobago's mega- phenomenon, Shurwayne Winchester joins forces
with one of Jamaica's most deservedly celebrated reggae acts,
Maxi Priest in a track that's guaranteed to be a hit across the
region and at international carnivals this year and way into
2009."Make It Yours," has been 6 weeks in the making and has transcended borders in that, it has been recorded in three countries, those being Trinidad and  Tobago,
England and finally, completed on the shores of Barbados, where
it will first be exposed to the masses. The sentimentality of
its release in Barbados is a significant one as, truth be told,
the song was in fact birthed on that island, when both artistes
separately heard the track which was produced by De Red Boyz
of Barbados. Maxi Priest was the first to hear the track when
he visited the island for an event in May and he immediately
called on the production team to assist in getting him a collaboration
with a good soca artiste for the song. Shurwayne visited next
and loved the track as well making the rest of the story, history.Word in Barbados from De Red Boyz camp is that both artistes are incredibly satisfied with the track and such the same is the case with the producers from the respective locations where the track was touched, those being, Mark Abouhamad of Trendsetter Productions in T&T, Livingstone Brown at the Boogie Lab in England and Mikey Hulsmeier and Scott Galt of De Red Boyz. Shurwayne Winchester, always eager to produce meaningful music that's guaranteed to reach the masses on various levels, prior to the track's release said that he is proud of what has been accomplished alongside Maxi Priest and the song's producers, urging fans of Caribbean music to listen out for a masterpiece that's almost certain to rock the Crop Over festivities this year and wreak havoc across the airwaves from island to island as word of its greatness gets around!
This Saturday, July 12 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. (Eastern Time), viewers will discover and appreciate the authenticity of Barbados as African American television host and comedian Chris Spencer reviews the crystal anniversary of the festival which featured the neo soul stylings of Erykah Badu, keyboardist Bob James, saxophonist and flautist Kenny Garrett, guitarist Lee Ritenour and regional and local musicians, such as guitarist Clifton Glasgow, steel plan player David "Ziggy" Walcott, The Almond Band, among others. Sunbury Plantation, Heritage Park/ The Rum Factory and Farley Hill provided ideal settings for jazz, providing a theatre-in-the-round ambiance for entertainers to interact with their audience. "Viewers will once again experience a compelling series of performances and Barbados' stunning beauty, and with Chris Spencer as host viewers will be even more entertained," noted Cybelle Brown, Vice President of Sales and Business Development of BET Digital Networks, who thanked the Barbados Tourism Authority and Gilbert Rowe of GMR Productions for partnering on another first class Caribbean event. "We continue to place strong value in our partnership with BET J which continues to attract new and repeat visitors to our shores," added Averil Byer, Director of Marketing Services with the Barbados Tourism Authority, who added that jazz patrons at home showed their appreciation this January by attending in large numbers even though Barbados was in the midst of a general election. The festival show will air on BET J's "Island Lime" Saturday format on July 12, July 26, August 2, August 16, August 30 and September 6 (1 p.m. and 7 p.m.). All telecast times are Eastern. Barbados, the most easterly of the Caribbean islands, is popular for its natural and historic attractions, beaches, water sports, golf courses, fine dining and nightlife. The island is known for its friendly people and wide range of accommodations. For further information on Barbados, call the Barbados Tourism Authority at 800-221-9831, or visit www.visitbarbados.org.
July
8, 2008: FOUNDER AND
publisher of the Reggae Report magazine, Peggy Quattro, has taken
leading dancehall performers to task, saying their violent lyrics
and unprofessional conduct have alienated music industry heads
in North America and Europe. Quattro told The Jamaica Gleaner that recent events involving dancehall acts Bounty Killer and Mavado, and Red Stripe's boycott of some live shows, have made it even more difficult to market the genre outside of Jamaica. "They (record companies) are looking for professional artistes who will deliver a good product so they can sell records," Quattro said. "But these guys incite violence wherever they go, charge outrageous fees and don't show up on time. They are their own worst enemies." Quattro did not name the record companies, but said their concerns are similar to Red Stripe's announcement in April that negatives associated with dancehall had forced it to withdraw financial support from major events. Clean up acts She said it is time controversial acts take a leaf from the books of Jamaican performers who have racked up platinum sales without being nasty. "If they want to be accepted internationally, they need to clean up their acts," Quattro said. "They need to look at Shaggy, Sean Paul and Sean Kingston and ask: 'why are these guys big and we're not?'" Sean Paul and Shaggy broke into the pop market with million-selling albums like Dutty Rock and Hot Shot, respectively. Sean Kingston, grandson of 1970s record producer Lawrence 'Jack Ruby' Lindo, followed suit in 2007 with Beautiful Girl, a cheesy hip-hop song that topped Billboard Magazine charts. In contrast, hard core performers including Beenie Man, Elephant Man and Mavado have not returned strong album sales in the United States, despite backing from labels like Virgin and VP Records. Strong representation, Quattro believes, has made the difference. "Shaggy has Robert Livingston, a great manager. Sean Paul has Jeremy Harding. They are presented professionally and they behave professionally. They're not out there talking about killing people," she said. Several incidents this year contributed to Red Stripe's tough stance. In April, Bounty Killer and Mavado were banned from performing in Guyana, while Mavado was arrested on gun-related charges in March. He was eventually freed. Quattro, who started Reggae Report in Miami in 1983, said it is critical the Jamaican music industry move quickly to clean up the dancehall. "They need to have seminars where young artistes can go and learn what it takes to be a professional performer. It's not rolling up your pant leg and talking about chopping up somebody. That's so over," she said. When dancehall was king In the mid-1990s, Shabba Ranks, Patra, Super Cat and Cobra were among the dancehall acts signed to major American record companies. Shabba Ranks, Patra and Cobra each had gold albums for Sony Music International. Shabba Ranks had big hits on the Billboard pop charts with House Call and Mr Loverman . Super Cat, signed to Columbia, had 'combination' hits with Kriss Kross and Sugar Ray . Dawn Penn had a strong seller for Atlantic Records in 1994 with the Steelie and Clevie-produced You Don't Love Me (No, No, No ), a song she first recorded in 1967 at Studio One.
The Prime Minister made the announcement at a function hosted by the South Cocoyea Residents Association on Saturday night which was held to honour Copeland. At last year's 45th Independence awards ceremony, Manning had hinted that Copeland would receive the highest but also the country's newest award. "Now that Cabinet has approved the Order of Trinidad and Tobago, the first recipient is going to be Prof Brian Copeland," Manning said. The Trinity Cross which was the nation's highest award, was changed to the ORTT following a 2007 High Court ruling by Justice Peter Jamadar that said it discriminates against non-Christians. Government appointed a committee, headed by UWI historian Dr Bridget Brereton, to come up with a suitable replacement and the ORTT was recommended to Cabinet. Manning said that Copeland's research was not yet completed, adding that the "G-pan" would evolve into several different versions. Copeland is the Dean of the Engineering department at the University of the West Indies. Several years ago, he and a group of pannists, commissioned a study to find more octaves in the pan. An octave is a set of musical beats. The group discovered eight additional notes on the pan. For pannists, the pan represents 29 full notes and the additional ones allows the pannist to play 37 notes. Copeland received the Chaconia Medal (Gold) last year for the invention. Copeland said that his aspirations for development of the country, was similar to that of the government . "The government's aspiration for development is similar to mine. And what makes a first world nation is innovation where people take an idea, develop it and see it grow," he said.
According to ReddingNewsReview.com, Bourdain referred to women as "b***ches" when describing dancehall music in the Jamaican-themed episode of the show. Bourdain makes the following statement in a narration about dancehall: "There's no rootsy, laid back Rasta vibe," Bourdain narrates. "This ain't about standing up for your rights or praising Jah or anything like that. Like Reggaetón, its mutant cousin, dancehall is the hardcore beat behind lyrics concerning, for the most part: acquiring possessions, getting respect on the street, beating down perceived enemies and enjoying the physical charms of varied, if not multitudinous, b***ches." Veteran Dancehall Reggae artist, Nadine Sutherland says that although she was offended by Bourdain's remarks, she believes that misogyny has been allowed for too long in dancehall for her to be angry at him. "I'm not going to have any self-righteous outrage at this man because that is what has been perpetuated," she said. "Why is it that a foreigner can't do it?"  Sutherland, whose
professional career began with her signing by Reggae legend Bob
Marley to his Tuff Gong record label, is commonly known for her
international breakthrough with classic hits "Starvation"
and "Action" with Terror Fabulous. She also judges
Jamaica 's TV talent show, Rising Stars and her latest album,
"Call My Name" carries hit singles, "Big Tingz"
and "Babyface." Nadine says although the b-word is
not often used in dancehall, the music has its own brand of demeaning
terms."There is a lovely word called 'sketel' and when you listen to the lyrics, 'gyal' is a derogatory word which can be equated as bitch," she said. "You do have 'She Is Royal', by Tarrus Riley and there are conscious men, but let's just be realistic. A lot of those lyrics have been extremely derogatory towards us women and painting a picture that the man is a prize, you fight for men and you're basically just a senseless sexual object just like rap music." Dancehall and hip-hop have a similar history being born out of the social and economic struggle of disenfranchised urban poor while dancehall is the eldest of the two. Both genres have also produced collaborative projects like "Here Comes The Boom" with rapper DMX featuring Sean Paul and Mr. Vegas. In a female duet, Patra's hit single, "Romantic Call" paired her with rapper Yo-Yo. Atlanta-based rapper, Stahhr Tha F.E.M.C.E.E. who is African American and a dancehall enthusiast says she rarely recalls the term being used in the music. "Lady Saw and Sasha may be the only ones, but they [Dancehall artists] use other words like sketel," she said. "I guess it's like the n-word because if you are a woman, maybe some women feel the entitlement to use it on each other." For hip-hoppers, the incident is reminiscent of syndicated radio host, Don Imus who referred to the women's Rutgers basketball team as "Nappy Headed Hos" and pointed the finger at hip-hop when defending his remarks. Imus is back under fire for comments made about suspended Dallas Cowboys cornerback, Adam Jones when asking about his race during an on-air conversation about his repeated arrests. "I don't blame dancehall for Anthony Bourdain's comments," Stahhr said. "It's not like he doesn't have any common sense. He used that word for a different  purpose."
"I am not going to blame a genre of music that hasn't existed
for a century for a mentality that has existed for over a thousand."Jason Walker, who is from Kingston and host of WRFG-FM's Caribbean Runnings has been working as a soundman in the dancehall industry for over 20 years. He says Bourdain is not equipped to tell the dancehall story. "I wouldn't call him a racist, but it comes from a racist place because he feels has the right to use that term and that he has that power," he said. "His description doesn't make room for Buju Banton, Luciano, Tanya Stephens and of course.Nadine Sutherland" "Considering where the music comes from, there shouldn't be any derogatory comments. I think that's where Nadine is coming from. There needs to be an honest discourse from people in the dancehall culture about the state of the music." The attention brought to the hip-hop industry with the Imus controversy lead to rapper Chamilionaire publicly announcing that he would remove the n-word from his music and others in the industry pledged to make similar changes. This year's theme chosen for Hip-Hop Appreciation Week was a focus on women. Asked if Bourdain's comments would provoke a similar conversation in the Dancehall Reggae industry, Nadine said: "I don't know if someone is going to have that epiphany to look at this at an individual level and have an epiphany from this episode and say: Ok, this is wrong. I have been doing this by my lyrical content to the women of my culture and somebody else outside of the culture is repeating what I have done and what I have said and I don't feel comfortable as a person being disrespected." Dancehall Reggae music fans acknowledge its "slackness" in lyrical content, but also argue that some artists use the art form to advance positive messages. Dancehall artist, Assassin's "Idiot Ting Dat" berates dead beat parents, materialism and speaks out on economic oppression. "In terms of a galvanized movement, I've never seen it happen and I am not saying it will never happen," Sutherland said. "I am praying that there will be, but am I optimistic about it? I can't say that I am." "I don't know if this is a moment that will change that or even initiate dialogue, but this is indeed a moment and a lot of us can look at ourselves and see some sense of shame."
"This was a great crowd tonight," said John Legend. "I loved it when as soon as I walked out, the energy and the cheering and the people singing along It's been one of the best ones, really, for me as far as the audience and how receptive they were and how involved they were in the show. From start to finish, it really felt good for me." While each artist made their own hit with the audience, certain experiences stood out as particularly memorable and Legend's riveting performance was one of them. Playing off the energy of the crowd, Legend's powerful and high impact show was a highlight of Saturday night's line-up. Leaving his hit song, "Ordinary People," for last, Legend's melodious voice and skill at the piano keyboard truly moved the crowd to new heights of enthusiasm. Another shining star on Saturday was the powerful performance from pop superstar Mario, a favorite among the ladies in attendance who excitedly screamed out his name. Mario commanded the stage for nearly two hours, singing his songs, "How Do I Breathe," "Braid My Hair," and "How Could You," among others. Kicking off the Festival on Thursday night, which was the Festival's designated SOCA night, El-A-Kru featuring Tizzy set the tone for the entire event when they opened to resounding approval from the crowd. On Friday night, Grammy Award winner and headliner Billy Ocean had the crowd eating out of his hands and Mykal Sommer and Busy Signal showed off their talents along with Kassanova Band, Pressure, and Macka Diamond, just to name a few. "This year's St. Kitts Music Festival achieved impressive levels of both the artistic variety and the infectious animation of the crowd," said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of State for Tourism, Sports and Culture for St. Kitts. "The event attracted a large number of returning nationals and visitors to our shores who patronized businesses throughout the island, and who we hope will provide a ripple effect for tourism by recommending the Festival and the island to their friends and family." A block party atmosphere pervaded even outside Warner Park Stadium, as songs filled the air and people danced in the streets. Festival attendees did not seem to mind waiting on security checkpoint lines before proceeding inside the park, since visuals of the concert could be seen on any one of the giant projector screens. Once inside, people were greeted by brightly-dressed moko-jumbies who cheerfully mingled with the huge crowd in front of the bandshell. Music lovers were involved in having a great time, donning neon glow necklaces and swaying to the melodies during the course of all three evenings. Everyone was treated to a mix of musical styles with the unforgettable sounds of SOCA, hip-hop, calypso, reggae, jazz, pop and R&B. If festival party-goers were not swaying to the music in their seats or dancing on the great lawn, they were sure to be found at any one of the many food vendors munching on pop-corn, drinking Ting and enjoying authentic West Indian cuisine. A multi-camera HD shoot was used to film the event, a first for the Caribbean.
Her second single, " Bleeding Love ", was the biggest-selling single of 2007 in the United Kingdom , topped over thirty national singles charts and became a number one single on the first week in France on March 22 and number one in the US on April 5 ,2008.  Her debut album,
Spirit, was released in Europe in November 2007, and became
the fastest-selling debut album ever in both the United Kingdom
and Ireland. Released in North America in April 2008, Spirit
debuted at number one in the US Billboard 200 chart and made
Lewis the first British solo artist to top the chart with a debut
album.With her album reaching number one in four continents and nine countries, Lewis has had the most successful launch of any television talent show contestant ever. Currently she has a number of magazine and TV appearances planned, including the July cover of Blender magazine. Leona Lewis was born in Stoke Newington , in the London borough of Hackney , to parents Aural Josiah, an Afro-Caribbean Guyanese youth worker , and Maria Lewis, a Welsh social worker. At the age of five, she attended the Sylvia Young Theatre School , and later the Italia Conti Academy and the BRIT School. Lewis wrote her first song at the age of twelve, and won a number of talent competitions. After leaving school, Lewis took a number of jobs to pay to get into a recording studio, including waitressing and several receptionist jobs. She wrote and recorded a number of songs including a demo album of her own songs called Twilight , but the album was never released. When she was fifteen years old, she recorded a version of Minnie Riperton 's " Lovin' You " with music producer Marley J. Wills, after which Lewis and Wills were invited to the U.S. by Sony.Wills commented that "Leona could hit the notes and I think she did it better than the original." When her career seemed to be going nowhere, she considered quitting the music industry until her boyfriend persuaded her to enter The X Factor. In 2006, Lewis auditioned for the third series of The X Factor, singing " Over the Rainbow ". She made it through to the final stages and was announced the winner on 16 December 2006 , winning a £1 million recording contract. She was mentored by Simon Cowell. Lewis' voice was consistently praised by all three judges - Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh. Occasionally, she was compared with divas such as Mariah Carey ,Whitney Houston , and Celine Dion. However, Lewis was also criticised, by both the judges and in the press, in relation to her confidence. Vocal coach Mark Hudson also criticised her lack of star quality. On the final night of the show, Take That joined Lewis on stage for a duet of their song " A Million Love Songs ". After the performance, singer Gary Barlow told Cowell, "you've got a big responsibility because this girl is probably fifty times better than any contestant you have ever had on this show, and it's your responsibility to make her the best record you can, so please do that." On the Oprah Winfrey Show on 17 March 2008, Simon Cowell said that it was during Lewis' barefoot performance of " Summertime " in the third live round of The X Factor (broadcast 28 October 2006) that he "could see her transform from a great singer into a superstar". ation,` will also be included. The CD is set to span Grant`s solo career from 1979 to 2005 and will also include 11 classic tracks selected by the singer. |