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Oct, 2008
Pioneering
reggae star
Alton Ellis
dies OF CANCER in London
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Reggae
music pioneer Alton Ellis, who enjoyed a career revival
in recent years after a string of hits in the 1960s,
has died in a London hospital. He was 70.
In December 2007, he was admitted to hospital in London
for treatment of cancer of the lymph glands, but he
returned to live performance after receiving
chemotherapy.
Officials at Hammersmith Hospital said Ellis died
peacefully Friday and that his family did not wish to
release further details. He had been hospitalized for
several weeks.
Ellis was known as "the Godfather of rocksteady" and
enjoyed a string of hits in Jamaica during the very
early
days of reggae. |
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Oct, 2008
Gramps injured;
Morgan Heritage cancels
club tour of Europe
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Reggae
group Morgan Heritage, which kicked off their world tour
earlier this year, has cancelled their highly
anticipated club tour of Europe.
The six-week sojourn, part of the promotion for the
group's critically acclaimed album, Mission In Progress,
was scheduled for the beginning of November to the
middle of December. Morgan
Heritage says a medical injury which group member Gramps
suffered last week has resulted in
the cancellation of the tour.
"Hopefully, Gramps will be fully recovered in time for
our African tour starting in Sierra
Leone in the middle of December,
Morgan Heritage stated. |
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April, 2008
CEDELLA BOOKER
PASSED AWAY
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Cedella
Booker, the mother of Jamaican music legend Bob Marley,
has died, a family spokesman said Wednesday. She was 81.
Booker died in her sleep Tuesday night
april 8,
at her home in Miami, apparently from natural
causes, spokesman Jerome Hamilton said.
Cedella Booker, a
Jamaica native, was 18 when she married Norval Marley,
a British man 32 years her senior. Their son brought
Jamaican reggae music to international prominence,
becoming its international image. Bob Marley died in
Miami
of a brain tumor in 1981 at age 36.
Booker is survived by
two children and several grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced. |
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March, 2008
MIKEY DREAD
GONE FROM THE CONTROL
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Radio disc
jock Mikey Dread is dead. He succumbed to a brain tumour
on March 15, at his family home
in
Connecticut, USA at the age of 54. Born Michael Campbell
in Port Antonio, Jamaica, he distinguished himself as an
extraordinary studio engineer and presenter at the now
defunct Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC) where he
came to prominence in the 1970s as "The
Dread-the-Control Tower", the name of the late night
show he presented at a time when reggae music was
scoffed at by many.
The late legendary broadcaster, record producer and
artist will be buried in his native parish of Portland,
Jamaica
on Saturday, April 5. |
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February, 2008
LEGENDARY REGGAE PRODUCER
ENGINEER JOE GIBBS DIED
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Reggae
music lost another champion of the island sound
this week. Joe Gibbs, legendary producer, recording
engineer and Gibbs record label founder, died of a heart
attack on
thursday feb 21, at the age of 65.
The producer, who was responsible for a significant
number of reggae hit songs from the 1970's through to
the 90's, worked with just about every notable reggae
artiste of that era, including Dennis Brown, Black Uhuru,
Big Youth, The Mighty Diamonds, Gregory Isaacs,
Barrington Levy and
Beres Hammond. He revolutionised the dub sound and
made it an international phenomenon. |
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February, 2008
ALLIANCE MEMBER
RRAW DAWG BRUTALLY KILLED
|
Upcoming dancehall artist and
Alliance member/deejay
Rraw Dawg was brutally killed friday
night on 22 february.
According to reports reaching the offices of 876radio,
Rraw Dawg was gunned down while on his way from a
popular night club in Washington D.C., the unofficial
reports said he was shot eleven times and died on the
spot. What
is even more bizarre, the upcoming deejay was never one
known for trouble or getting himself into problematic
situation.Details surrounding his death are still
sketchy at
this time, but one thing is certain, the entire Bounty
Killer led Alliance is still trying to come to grips
with this tragic loss. |
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February, 2008
STEPHEN MARLEY WINS
BEST REGGAE ALBUM 2008 GRAMMY
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Mind
Control, Stephen Marley's debut album, surprised
audiences by winning the 2008 Grammy for Best Reggae
Album over reggae veterans Toots & The Maytals '
Light Your Light. Stephen's win comes just in time for
his father's 63rd birthday . The album has hit the #1
position
on Billboard's reggae charts.
Other 2008 Grammy nominees include Burning Spear's The
Burning Spear Experience, Lee Scratch Perry's The End of
an American Dream, and Anniversary by Sly & Robbie And
The Taxi Gang . The 2008 Grammy awards aired Sunday,
February 10th. |
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February, 2008
MORGAN HERITAGE
NEW ALBUM COMING UP
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Morgan
Heritage , one of reggae's most popular groups, recently
announced the upcoming release of their 10th album,
Mission in Progress , scheduled for April 15, 2008.
Released by VP Records and following 2005's Full Circle
and their 2006 live album, the album's tracks were
variously produced by by Morgan Heritage, Shane Brown,
and
Stephen McGregor (son of reggae singer Freddy McGregor).
The tracks' themes cover a nice mix of romance, life,
consciousness, and spirituality,while manifesting the
group's "rockaz" concept, which puts an edgier, more
contemporary flavor in their roots reggae. |
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December, 2007
VETERAN REGGAE ARTISTS NOMINATED
FOR 50th Annual Grammy Awards
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Veteran
Reggae artists Burning Spear, Toots & the Maytals and
Sly & Robbie are among five Jamaican acts nominated
in the Best Reggae Album category for the 50th Annual
Grammy Awards.
The Nominations are:
-
Burning Spear - The Burning
Spear Experience
-
Stephen Marley - Mind Control
- Lee
"Scratch" Perry - The End Of An
American Dream
- Sly &
Robbie And The Taxi Gang -
Anniversary
- Toots
& The Maytals - Light Your
Light
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December, 2007
BURNING SPEAR RECEIVES
ORDER OF DISTINCTION
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Reggae
music icon and Grammy-winning recording artist Winston
‘Burning Spear’ Rodney was bestowed the Order
of Distinction (O.D.) upon him by the Jamaican
Government earlier this month on Heroes Day, in
recognition of his
service through music to the Jamaican society.
Rodney has led the way musically, in keeping with
another Jamaican hero, Marcus Garvey‘s spirit and
message alive, and in advocating through his songs.
Through the teachings of Garvey, combined with his own
life experiences,
Burning Spear has endeavored to educate, inform,
and uplift people around the world with his message of
self-determination and self-reliance for all African
descendants. |
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December, 2007
MUSIC THE 'BASS'
OF REGGAE FAMILIES
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'A wise son maketh a glad father' holds true in the world of music,
where hit-making children of reggae stars are stepping
into the limelight, often to the pleasure of their
musical families.
Musical families are nothing new to the Jamaican music
scene, what with legacies like the Brownes, the Marleys
and the Morgans (Morgan Heritage), and the tradition
carries on with father and son duos Jimmy and Tarrus
Riley, as well as Pinchers and Junior Pinchers. Queen
Ifrica and Derrick Morgan are a daughter and father
combination, and there is Freddie McGregor
and his three children, Shema, Chino and Stephen
McGregor.
Talent runs rapid in the veins of these musicians and
performers, who have passed on their legacies to the
next generation as their children strive to create their
own path.
Having grown up around music for years, these children
were quick to develop a love for the whole process of
creating a beat, producing a song and releasing it to
the world. But while this gives the child the tools to
experiment with, it is often up to them
to make their own waves. For the McGregors, growing up
with their own studio was an advantage in inspiring
their love.
For reggae singer Tarrus Riley, coming from a musical
background was never a guarantee of becoming a singer.
It was an inborn love, as well as encouragement from his
mother, that pushed him through to the top. Queen Ifrica,
who did not grow up with her father Derrick Morgan,
cites her love for music as simply natural, passed down
in her blood.
Also passed down from father to son/daughter is a wealth
of experience, as well as a natural hype. According to
Ifrica,
she has inherited a fiery passion, talent and experience
from her father, which she describes as a plus.
"People love him so much. I've never seen him lose
interest in music. He's always going to shows," she
said.
High expectations
Having a famous father has both positives and negatives.
On the negative side, having a parent in the business
creates high expectations, and there are those who
believe the child has a natural advantage since their
parent has made it.
Tarrus Riley comments that "A lot of people feel you get
an easy treatment. Yes, it's good in familiarity and
people will want to see what you have to offer, but it's
up to you to make your product better."
When that product is good, however, it can often spark a
renewed interest in the career of the parent. According
to a story published in The Gleaner entitled 'Son's
success boosts Jimmy Riley', singer Jimmy Riley claims
that the popularity of his son Tarrus has renewed
interest in his career.
"Every time dem sey Tarrus dem sey is Jimmy Riley son an
that helps to draw mi back out, because Tarrus is the
man of the moment and so when people hear that he is my
son they play my music to reintroduce themselves with me
and my music. Is a blessing, man," Jimmy Riley said
then. He added: "I feel very
good, because if you are a dentist and your son comes to
be very good or better, it's a joy. It's like it's an
inborn thing. I never in my wildest dream anticipated
this. He (Tarrus) was all over
with me in studios and in that environment, so it became
a natural step for him."
Proud of daughter
While interest in Ifrica has not boosted the career of
Derrick Morgan, who continues to perform all across the
world, Morgan is always proud of his daughter's
accomplishments.
He said "Anywhere I go I'm so happy yo hear about her.
I'm feeling so good. Morgan Heritage has been doing well
and now I have one of my kids come out and have my name
ringing same way. Any time I hear 'bout her I have to
give her a call and tell her to keep it up."
While the Marleys have not had the live and direct
influence of their father, a number of them continue to
praise his name and pursue entertainment as their
careers. Carrying on the torch, the Marley children are
hosts to many Marley concerts for their father,
chairpersons of Ghetto Youth International and multiple
Grammy award winners.
Making legacy
Producer turned solo artiste Stephen Marley has seen the
fruit of being in a musical family, having been involved
in the business for 28 years, from a child until
adulthood. He once told The Gleaner, "I don't want to be
just another artiste. I want to make a statement, and to
continue this legacy, this musical legacy, wid my
family. Just like my brothers ... I aspire to be a
reckoning force. When yuh hear my name yuh know quality
comes with dat: good music, good message, good vibe."
A legacy can be a heavy weight to carry, yet many
children of entertainers who grew up in and around a
studio are making their parents happy that they bear
their names. |
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December, 2007
AFRICA UNITE
COMES WITH SMILE JAMAICA
AND AN ARRAY OF
INTERNATIONAL STARS
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The Bob
Marley/Rita Marley Foundation's global initiative,
Africa Unite concert, will be held in Jamaica for the
first time on February 23, 2008 at James Bond Beach, St
Mary.
It will be a combination of two events with a host of
national and international artistes at which the feature
documentary,
Africa Unite, will make its Caribbean debut as part of
the celebrations marking the anniversary of the birth of
late Reggae superstar Robert Nesta Marley.
The film, starring Rita Marley, Danny Glover, Angelique
Kidjo, Lauryn Hill and the Marley children, is produced
and directed by Stephanie Black of Life and Debt, H-2
Worker's fame. It will be launched in February 2008 at
the Hilton Kingston Hotel.
People's Telecom will host the launch of the documentary
which highlights the vision for African unity to which
Bob Marley was devoted throughout his musical career.
"We feel extremely honoured now in 2007 to be asked by
Mrs Rita Marley to host Africa Unite in 2008," stated
Michael Dawson, CEO and co-founder of the Jamaican-owned
telecommunications company.
"This is a perfect synergy between the Marley Foundation
and People's Telecom, as the company, from the outset,
was founded on the principles of stalwarts like Marcus
Garvey and His Imperial Majesty (Haile Selassie I), and
influenced by
the words of Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer,"
Dawson added in a press release.
The month of February will be bursting with activities
celebrating what would have been Bob Marley's 63rd
birthday had he
lived. In addition to the documentary launch, youth
symposiums, lectures, and a Bob Marley football
competition are planned.
On February 6, 2005, over 350,000 people gathered in the
historic Meskel Square of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to
celebrate what would have been Marley's 60th birthday.
That 12-hour concert featuring a host of internationally
acclaimed artistes is
interwoven throughout the documentary, highlighting the
reggae icon's global influence.
According to reports of the event, American singer
Lauryn Hill passionately debuted new material;
Benin-born Angelique Kidjo jumped into the audience
during her performance; and Jamaica's Bob Andy serenaded
the Ethiopian crowd with his timeless classics.
The concert culminated with a spectacular performance by
Rita Marley along with the I-Threes and all Marley's
sons singing
their father's songs.
"Last year, Stephen Marley put together the Smile
Jamaica concert and that worked very well, and then Mrs
Marley, who has been doing Africa Unite for three years
before that in Ethiopia, Ghana and in South Africa,
decided to combine both," a source close to the event
told Splash.
"While it is important to have it in Africa, she thought
it important as well to have the Caribbean and the
people of African descent to also unite as well. The
idea is next year to have Smile Jamaica/Africa Unite
combined as one event.
"The idea is to push a positive message, it's not just
about Jamaicans, but Jamaicans need to think more
Afrocentric.
We'll be having a nice mixture of
national and international artistes. We're working with
Ghetto Youth International and the
Bob Marley Group of Companies and Headline Entertainment
is co-producing the event," the source said. |
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October
28, 2007
MIKEY DREAD
DIAGNOSED WITH BRAIN TUMOUR
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Michael 'Mikey
Dread' Campbell has been diagnosed with a brain tumour,
a release from his Miami-based company Dread At The
Controls Inc said."The bad news
is that Mikey Dread has been diagnosed with brain
tumour. He is in the care of the best doctors at Duke
University in North Carolina and is undergoing
chemotherapy."
Mikey believes that it is important that his fans,
friends
and supporters know about his current health condition
and the treatment he is currently undergoing.
The good news is that Mikey's son was born
healthy and strong on October 12, 2007." |
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October
19, 2007
LUCKY DUBE
SHOT DEAD IN SOUTH AFRICA
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Reggae musician Lucky Dube was shot dead in a hijacking
on
Thursday in Rosettenville, Johannesburg police said.
Captain Cheryl Engelbrecht said the incident took place
at about 8.20pm when Dube (43) was driving in the
Johannesburg suburb. She said
Dube was dropping off his son in the area when he was
attacked.
"His son was already out of the car.
When he saw what was happening, he ran to ask for help."
The hijackers were still at large. The boy was too
traumatised to provide police with any information.
Click here for Reggaeholland's
tribute page to Lucky Dube
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August 30, 2007
PROMOTER ARRESTED AFTER
ATTEMPT TO KIDNAP CHUCK FENDER
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Bahamian
Promoter, Trevor Alexander Davis, was arrested
in New Providence Bahamas,in connection to Chuck
Fender’s August 20th kidnap attempt.
Chuck Fender was accosted by Davis and a group of
men who attempted to kidnap and rob the Reggae
singer and his band members. It
is was stated
by Bahamian sources that the altercation occurred when
chuck fender and the promoter of an event on which Chuck
Fender was booked to appear, had
a disagreement over payment for the appearance.
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August 30, 2007
KENYATTA HILL RELEASES SONG
IN MEMORY OF HIS FATHER
|
In tribute
to the memory of his late father, Joseph Hill, Kenyatta
Hill is releasing the song 'Daddy'
on Tafari Records. The song deals with the emotional
pain and uncertainty that he felt after the death of his
father. Joseph Hill died on August 19 last year.
Kenyatta's debut album will be released later this year.
Incidentally, the Two Sevens Clash: 30th Anniversary
Edition compilation by Culture moves from number 14 to
number 8 on the latest Billboard Reggae
album chart. |
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August, 2007
JAH CURE RELEASED
FROM PRISON AFTER 8 YEARS
|
On July 28, 2007 after serving 8 years of the
sentence, Jah Cure was released from prison. In April
1999 on the eve of
a burgeoning music career, he was
prosecuted on gun possession, rape and robbery charges,
found guilty and sentenced to 15 years in a Kingston
maximum-security prison. Throughout his prison term, the
singer has consistently maintained his innocence amidst
both widespread support and opposition.
While in prison, he released 3 albums and a number of singles, some of
which have topped the Jamaican charts. His first album
Free Jah's Cure was released in 2000 and was followed by
Ghetto Life in 2003 and Freedom Blues in 2005. More
recently Jah Cure has released the songs 'Love is', 'Longing For' and
'True Reflections', showing his unique voice and lyrical ability. |
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August, 2007
HARTFORD HONOURS
HALF PINT
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Veteran
reggae performer Half Pint will receive a special
proclamation from the City of Hartford, Connecticut,
when
he visits the United States in August.The singer
yesterday informed the Observer that Veronica Airey-Wilson,
councilwoman of that city, has sent an invitation to him
to join the council members and city representatives at
the West Indian Week Independence Celebrations - where
he
will be acknowledged - on Saturday, August 11.
'It's showing that I am
recognised internationally for my
over 25-year contribution to the development of Jamaican
music,' said Half Pint.
'I am glad that Hartford is
acknowledging my work and I appreciate what the city is
doing for me,' he added.
'Jamaica should have done that a long time ago.' |
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REGGAE NEWS UPDATES
August, 2007
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Mr. Vegas
is released from hospital, he had been admitted in
hospital on Tuesday, July 10 and spent four days in
hospital for treatment, but now he says he is feeling
much better.
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VP
Records will release a new Capleton album, his first
for the label since 2004's Reign of Fire. The still
untitled album will contain 17 tracks.
-
Gully
Sit'n, the forthcoming album from deejay Assassin, is
due out on Tuesday, August 28 2007 via VP Records.
It's the follow-up to his 2005 effort Infiltrate.
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Anthony B will come up
with a new album called Life Over Death. The album is
currently in its final stage of negotiation with a
major distribution label based in the U.S.
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The new
Morgan Heritage album 'Mission in Progress' will be
released this winter.
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July, 2007
MR.VEGAS
HOSPITALISED AGAIN
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Mr. Vegas
has been admitted to hospital again following an acute
case of pericarditis and gastroesophageal reflux.
Vegas, who has been admitted to hospital since last
Tuesday said it was the third time that he has had to
seek medical attention for Pericarditis.
Now, he has to make some major changes to his lifestyle
if he intends to control his illness.
Vegas said that when he fell ill he swore on his
life that he was finished with music.
Vegas says everything right now is on hold, as he has
not heard anything conclusive from his doctors regarding
when he will be released from hospital.
Vegas is hoping to be back on his feet soon
though. He is looking forward to his new album,'Hot It
Up' to be released August 28th 2007
for an independent label. |
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July, 2007
'COLLIE
BUDDZ' IS AMERICA'S
#1 REGGAE ALBUM
|
Collie
Buddz -
creator of the freshest young sound in contemporary
reggae - has just entered the
Billboard
Reggae albums chart at #1 with his self-titled debut
album.
Collie Buddz is one of the most talked about artists of
2007. 'Come Around'
the first single from Collie's self-titled debut album,
has become one of this year's summer anthems, topping
Reggae charts around the world from Jamaica and Germany
to Japan and the UK. Touted by tastemakers and
journalists alike as an artist on the brink of stardom,
Collie Buddz has delivered a fantastic debut album with
contributions from Supa Dups, Shea Taylor, Bang Out,
Screwface, Bobby Konders and Crown n Kah-So-Real,
among others with Collie Buddz handling much of the
album's production. |
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July, 2007
RICHIE SPICE'S EUROPEAN
TOUR
WAS SUCCESSFUL
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The Europe
leg of the tour had Richie traveling to six countries
and performing in eleven cities to a total of over 6000
fans at sold out venues. The tour took him to the
Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Germany, France and Italy
where he performed in popular cities such as Amsterdam,
Brussels, Paris and Rotterdam. At
all performances Richie shows why he has kept such a
strong following. His ability to connect with the crowd
is what makes him loved by many.
"At all the venues the crowd sang along with the Ark
Angel, they knew all his songs including the ones from
In the Streets to Africa," reported Ron Remak, tour
organizer. Richie Spice continues
to travel the globe to promote his 2nd album In the
Streets to Africa. |
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July, 2007
LAZA CURRENTLY WORKING ON
HIS SOLO ALBUM
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Laza,
formally of the popular LMS group, is currently
recording his first solo album to be released later this
year entitled Words of A Poor Man’s Son.
The group, decided to concentrate on their solo
projects. Laza’s album on the family label, Gedion
Music, will be a unique mixture of Hip Hop, Roots Reggae
and Dancehall. He will take some of his own personal
experiences and enlist the aid of producers such as Mr.
Mojo (from Morgan Heritage), Legendary Hip-hop producer
Clark Kent, Shane Brown (Juke Boxx), Fattis Burrell,
Bobby Digital, and upcoming Hip-Hop producer Reefa among
many others. Brother Mr. Mojo brings in the legendary
Ninja Man to toast on the lead single, Number One,
currently being serviced at radio. |
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BOB MARLEY
SPECIAL 'EXODUS' 30th ANNIVERSARY RE-RELEASE |
Island Records
celebrates the 30th Anniversary of one of THE albums of
all time. The masterpiece that was Bob Marley's 'Exodus'
was originally released on Friday June 3rd 1977.
Exodus
will be commemorated with the release of an exclusive
new version of the album,
dvd, book and merchandise:
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EXODUS 30th ANNIVERSARY EDITION CD:
Featuring the 10 tracks on the original release and
now re-issued as a special 30th anniversary edition
packaged -- for the first time -- in a quality
hardback case.
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DELUXE CD/ DVD:
Limited to 5,000 copies, this version features not
only the album but also a separate DVD with 12 tracks
from Marley's historic Rainbow concerts in the summer
of 1977.
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LP: The
return of the original and legendary 10-track vinyl
album, as first released in June 1977.
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EXODUS 30th ANNIVERSARY BOOK:
A new, special-edition, 144-page hardback book with
lavish illustrations,
many previously unpublished pictures and contributions
from esteemed commentator and critic Richard Williams,
Lloyd Bradley (author of the acclaimed Bass Culture),
Vivien Goldman, Robert Christgau, Neil Spencer,
and the celebrated poet Linton Kwesi Johnson. The
book, which features over 200 images, is introduced by
Chris Blackwell, the founder of Island Records and
will be available June 7 but can be pre-ordered now.
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Exodus T-shirt
based on the original tour T-shirt
In addition to the launch of the new album
format, the multi-layered promotion also will include
a variety of added value and content to be released
via BobMarley.com. Four thousand limited-edition,
reusable USB memory
sticks feature not only the 10 original songs on
Exodus but also include audio and video content
such as three video tracks recorded at London's
Rainbow Theatre in June 1977.
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THE
EMPRESS OF REGGAE
CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF MUSIC ON THE UPCOMING ALBUM 'MELODY
LIFE' |
The one and
only Marcia Griffiths celebrates 4 decades of hard work
and dedication on her upcoming VP Record’s double disc
anthology album, Melody Life, due out April 24.
This timeless collection includes her famous 80s
electro-funk dance hit Electric Boogie, the never
released duet with Bob Marley Oh My Darling, the iconic
anthem Young, Gifted & Black, plus many more of Marcia’s
most cherished tunes. Collaborations include Bounty
Killer, Bob Marley,
Beres Hammond,
amongst others.
She recently completed
her successful U.S. tour with the legendary Beres
Hammond. |
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BEFORE
HIS PRISON RELEASE,
JAH CURE RELEASES HIS NEW ALBUM
'TRUE REFLECTION' |
Anticipating his release from a 9-year prison term, Jah
Cure will put forth his new album True Reflection in May
with VP Records. Jah Cure’s strong fan support and
stream of hit singles over the last three years have
carried tremendous weight for his popularity. His
upcoming album will have a mix of his popular hits as
well as new exclusive tracks.
Jah Cure is already booked for his first stage show in
James Bond Beach, Jamaica August 26. Performances from
Gyptian, I-Wayne, Richie Spice, and Fantan Mojah are
some of the first class acts that will join the bill.
This highly sought after artist seems to have brighter
days around the corner. |
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GREGORY ISAACS DENIES THAT
HIS MANAGER IS KILLED
|
Gregory
Isaacs has denied that his road manager was killed on
Monday.
A 'Letter of Condolence' sent via e-mail yesterday by
Carl Gray, president and CEO, The Netlinkz Group Inc.
alleged
that Rowan Clarke, who was said to be Gregory Isaacs'
road manager, had been killed.
The email stated that: Clarke "was the victim of a
senseless robbery at his residence in Harlem, New York,
which
resulted in his unfortunate demise.
Rowan died of gunshot wounds from which he could not
recover while being treated in the emergency room early
Monday morning April 3."
Rowan Clarke was owner of Hot Pot Caribbean Restaurant
in Harlem at 133rd Street and Adam Clayton Powell
Boulevard.
However, when contacted, Gregory Isaacs knew nothing of
Clarke's death, but denies that Clarke was his road
manager. "He is not my road manager, he is my good
friend and associate," he said. |
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MAVADO
GETS 'GANGSTA' DEAL
VP RECORDS
|
Deejay
Mavado has signed a record deal with VP Records and will
look to release his debut album shortly. According to
Mavado's manager, Julian Jones-Griffiths: "VP Records,
and Mavado's newly formed record label, Cassava Piece
Records, have entered a three-album deal. The first
album is called 'Gangster For Life' and should be
released by this summer."
Some of the producers who have worked on Mavado's
album include Daseca, Stephen McGregor, TJ and Famous.
Neil 'Diamond' Edwards, Mavado's A&R at VP Records said
they were happy to have him on board, as there is a lot
of raw talent to be harnessed. "Mavado represents the
young voices in the streets so we are going to harness
his unlimited, raw potential and carry him to the next
level.
If you look beyond certain things, you can see it and he
has yet to tap into even a quarter of his talent,"
Edwards said.
Edwards also felt that Mavado had the talent to cross
over into the U.S. market. "We always like to work with
young talent and present them to the wider world and
really and truly Mavado already has one foot in the
(American) market already with his song 'Weh Dem A Do'.
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THE
IRAWMA RETURNS TO WORLD FAMOUS
APOLLO THEATER
NEW YORK, ON MAY 5th 2007
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The 26th
Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA),
by Martin's International and Associates returns
to Harlem's World Famous Apollo Theatre, in New York
City on May 5th, 2007.
More than 150 entertainers and
music industry professionals were nominated and selected
for special awards by music
industry experts through out the globe.
Among the leading nominees for 2006 are: Sean Paul and
Buju Banton with 9 nominations
each. Baby Cham with 6
nominations and Gyptian, Tanya
Stephens and Tony Matterhorn with 5
each.
Oprah Winfrey and International Pop/Rock Star Bono will
be given the Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award for their
contributions to humanity worldwide, especially in
continent of Africa.
Special Martin's International and Associates Award of
Honor will be given to: King Jammy's Edmond "Bunny" Lee,
Ed Robinson and Don One Records. Special Producer's
Respect Award will be given to Dougie Fresh,
Gregory Isaacs and Half Pint. Special Award of
Appreciation will be awarded to the following: Winston "Niney"
Holiness,
Jerome Hamilton, Dahved Levy of WBLS 107.5 FM, Lorna
Wainwright of Tuff Gong, Bobby Culture and Friends of
Reggae Dave Clark. Other nominees
include: Capleton, Damian Marley, Beenie Man, Luciano,
Beres Hammond, Freddy McGregor, Daville, Richie Spice,
Dean Fraser, Chuck Fenda, Marcia Griffiths, Cecile,
Alaine, Jah Cure and Bounty Killa. Plus: Sly and Robbie,
Vybz Kartel, Akon, Wyclef Jean, Sizzla, Macka Diamond,
Machel Mantano, Rhianna, Daddy Yankee, Youssou N'Dour,
Toots and the Maytals, Rupee,
Third World, Burning Spear, Tarrus Riley, Daville,
Malachi Smith, Voicemail, Mutabaruka and Dean Fraser,
among others.
Each year, the experts in the reggae and world music
industry select the nominees for IRAWMA, after which
reggae and world music fans and the general public then
vote for the winners. |
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STEPHEN
MARLEY'S DEBUT ALBUM
MIND CONTROL RELEASED
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The
credentials have never been questioned,
the hype has been well-deserved, and now the wait is
over.
Stephen Marley's debut CD, Mind Control, comes out
Tuesday, March 20 and it's
destined to be one of the most talked-about and
critically acclaimed reggae releases in years.
Already, some of the most influential magazines
in
the music industry have responded to Mind Control in
overwhelmingly positive fashion, and
fans of reggae, dub, dancehall and hip-hop are about to
have the chance to do
the same. Stephen, Bob Marley's
second eldest son, has been a Grammy-decorated
producer,lending his creative expertise to hit records
such as his brother,
Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley's 2005 smash, Welcome to
Jamrock and dozens of other
acclaimed albums over the course of his decade-long
career.
But now he's on his own and the fruits of his patient
labor are set to pay off in what Entertainment Weekly
has
declared to be "the best Marley album in a generation."
Stephen announced that he is
launching a much anticipated tour this spring. Kicking
off on March 30th, the tour is happening in association
with the Ghetto Youths
International Foundation and will feature special guest
"Jr. Gong." The tour will run through May, hitting more
than 40 cities with acclaimed artist K'naan also in tow.
Billed as the Mind Control North American tour,
Ghetto Youths International will contribute one dollar
from every ticket sold to the Marley's homegrown
charity, The Ghetto Youth Foundation, which provides aid
and programs to children struggling in impoverished and
war-ravaged conditions around the globe. |
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WINNERS IRIE FM
AWARDS 2007
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The IRIE FM Awards
were
conceptualized by
one of
our veteran
Disc
Jocks, Ainsworth
Higgins,
popularly
known as “Big A”.
Currently,
there is
no
recognition to
commend
work in the entertainment
industry in Jamaica, and he
thought the time is
appropriate.
The inaugural IRIE FM
Awards
were broadcasted
on
February 14, 2007, to
give
deserved recognition
to
those who have
worked hard
and achieved
success,
throughout the past
year,
while enhancing
Jamaica’s
reputable and
world-renowned
music
industry. |
Category:
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Winner: |
1. Comeback Artiste of
the Year
2. New Artiste of the
Year
3. Singer/Singjay
of the Year -
Female
4. Duo/Group/Band of the Year
5. Reggae Ambassador
Award
6. Stage Show / Concert of the
Year
7. Slang of the Year
8. Producer of the Year
9. Rhythm of the
Year
;
10. Best Dressed
Female
11. Best Dressed Male
12. Female DJ of the
Year
13. Dance of the
Year
14. Gospel Artiste of
the Year
15. Humanitarian
Award
16. Singer/Singjay
of the Year - Male
17. Listener's
Choice
Award
18. Album of the Year
19. Song of the Year
20. DJ of the Year
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Vegas
Movado
Tanya
Stephens
VoiceMail
Sean Paul
Rebel Salute
Sell
Off
Don Corleon
Red Bull & Guinness
D'Angel
Beenie Man
Macka Diamond
Dutty
Wine
Prodigal Son
Capleton
Richie Spice
Beenie Man
Rebellution-Tanya
Stephens
Driver &
Dutty
Wine
Beenie Man &
Buju Banton |
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SINGING MELODY SHOT BY
ROBBERS IN PORTMORE
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Popular
dancehall vocalist Singing Melody, whose real
name is Everton Hardware,
was shot and injured in Portmore, St. Catherine
Sunday morning January 21, when
gunmen fired at his car in an apparent robbery
attempt.
Singing Melody was treated and released from the
Spanish Town hospital for a gunshot wound to the left
forearm. Reports are that at about 1:30 a.m.,
Hardware was driving along the Hellshire main road,
when unknown persons signalled him to stop.
Instead of stopping however,
it is said that the
complainant sped off, wherein the gunmen opened a
barrage of gunfire
at the vehicle.
Singing Melody says he is still in shock from the
incident,
and was not able to give a detailed account of his
ordeal. However, he affirmed that he is doing well, and
will soon
be fully recovered.
"I feel all right, everything
good, just trying to get some bedrest ... Right now I'm
still in shock 'bout the whole thing, but I'm 'bedresting'
and recuperating," the singer said.
Singing Melody who is also a member of the popular group
LUST made waves in the local industry with hits such as
Say what, and
Want you back. |
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MARLEY PROGENY TO REPRISE
SMILE JAMAICA SHOW
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The Marley
brothers (Steven, Ky-Mani, Julian
and Damian)
are reprising the legendary Smile Jamaica that their
father famously headlined in 1976.
The Smile Jamaica concert is scheduled for to be
held on Saturday, February 10, during Bob Marley
week (Sunday, February 4 - Sunday, February 11).
It takes place in Bob Marley's birthplace at Nine Miles,
St Ann. This is the first time that these four Marley
Brothers will be performing on the same stage in
Jamaica. They will each do their own set.
Also confirmed
to appear are: Cocoa Tea, Bounty Killer
Perfect, Chezidek, Wayne Marshall and Etana.
At the previous Smile Jamaica concert, 30 years ago,
Bob Marley headlined the show at National Heroes Park
in Kingston. Marley had been
attacked the night before and initially murmured that he
would only do one song, but once he started with War, he
ended up doing a ninety-minute
long performance. Eighty thousand persons were
reportedly present. The vibe of that show is described
as
"buoyant and positive" and this one will be in keeping
with that. Other events being
planned by the Bob Marley Group
of Companies for the celebration of Bob Marley's 62nd
birthday include symposiums, a film show, a concert; to
be held at the Bob Marley Museum, Tuff Gong
International, Culture Yard in Trench Town and Nine
Miles. |
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WINNERS
49th
GRAMMY AWARD
CATEGORY
REGGAE |
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The winners for Best Reggae Album
of the 49th Grammy Awards are:
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Buju
Banton - Too Bad
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Ziggy
Marley - Love Is My Religion
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Matisyahu
- Youth
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Sly &
Robbie - Rhythm Doubles
-
UB40 - Who You Fighting For
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GREGORY ISAACS
HONOURED FOR
HIS
MUSICAL CAREER
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International reggae star, Gregory Isaacs was
recently honoured for his more than 30 years
musical career, at the launch of a special set of his
love
songs distributed by Jet Star.
Mr. Isaacs, who is known as the 'Cool Ruler'
was hailed for his commitment to quality reggae music
and for his role in placing the music on the
international scene. |
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