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News

 
February 1, 2010
Stephen Marley grabs another
Reggae Grammy for Mind Control

 
 
 
The 52nd annual staging of the Grammy Awards was yet another milestone for reggae family, the Marleys, as brothers
Stephen and Ziggy strolled away with the coveted gramaphones in the Best Reggae Album and Best Musical Album
for Children categories, respectively.

Stephen, the younger of the two, was crowned winner for the acoustic version of his album Mind Control. He won ahead of another sibling, Julian, who was also a nominee in that category with his album Awake. The 'Gargamel', Buju Banton, was also
in that pool of hopefuls with his Rasta Got Soul. Also nominated in the Best Reggae Album category were Sean Paul's Imperial Blaze and Gregory Isaacs' Brand New Me.

The 52nd award was the second solo Grammy for Stephen who also won the prize in 2008 for the non-acoustic version of the said album, Mind Control. The artiste's Grammy tally now stands at seven having won awards before as part of Ziggy Marley
and The Melody Makers in 1988, 1989 and 1997. He also earned awards for his production work on both of his brother,
Damian 'Junior Gong' Marley's albums, Half-Way Tree in 2001 and Welcome to Jamrock in 2006.

Ziggy, who is no stranger to the golden gramaphones, climbed over some five other nominees to grip the award with his
Family Time album. In a brief comment to this newspaper, the singer said: "I feel very blessed to have travelled on this
journey with my family and friends and feel honoured to have the Grammy Academy recognise Family Time."

In 2007, Ziggy's album Love Is My Religion won a Grammy for Best Reggae Album at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards.

In earlier years, Junior Gong walked a similar path having won Grammy awards in 2001 and 2006 for his Half-Way Tree and Welcome to Jamrock albums, respectively.
 
January 22, 2010
rocksteady
guitarist Lynn Taitt,
passed away
Lynn Taitt, the guitarist who played with nearly every
reggae legend and the man widely credited with creating the very first rocksteady bassline, has died in Canada at the age of 70. A Trinidadian by birth, Taitt had no problem making Jamaica his home, where his musical career eventually came into full bloom. In addition to playing with major ska and early reggae groups like the Skatalites and the Sheikhs, he founded his own group, Lynn Taitt and the Comets, in the mid 1960s.
 
Though many will certainly remember him for his uniquely virtuosic guitar style
and his groundbreaking contribution to rocksteady, Taitt will perhaps best be known for the work he did to help globalize reggae, and spread it beyond Jamaica's borders.
Taitt died on January 20, 2010 after a long battle with cancer.

The last major musical project that Lynn Taitt was involved with was a documentary on rocksteady music. His departure followed that of another important contributor, Yabby You, who died on January 12, 2010.

 

 
January 22, 2010
Roots Reggae Vet Yabby You
Dies at 63
The reggae community has been hit with another tragedy as Vivian Jackson, better known
as Yabby You, passed away of a head stroke on Tuesday (january 12, 2010)  at the age of 63.
Throughout his illustrious roots career, Jackson defined himself by his iconoclastic
behavior--and iconic music. While his peers were all of devout Rastafarian faith,
Yabby accepted the lifestyle, but rejected the creed, opting instead for a strong Christian
faith that eventually earned him the nickname "Dread Jesus."
   
After struggling with health problems exacerbated by the dire poverty he mired in throughout his youth, Yabby eventually came to Kingston where he found reggae. His first album, 'Conquering Lion,' is widely regarded as nothing short of a masterpiece,
a dark work that somehow strikes a precarious balance between traditional reggae tropes and the artist's own religiosity.
And his 'Jesus Dread (1972-1977)' compendium is now a must have for any reggae fan's shelf.
 
Yabby You was, if nothing else, unique. Unquestionably, he will be missed.

 

 
January 9, 2010
Buju Banton denies
US drug charge

Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton has pleaded not guilty to a drug charge in a court in Florida.
Banton was arrested in December on a charge of conspiring to buy more than five kilograms of cocaine from an undercover
law enforcement officer.
The 36-year-old singer - real name Mark Myrie - did not seek bail as, if released, he would be held by US immigration officials.
 
It is likely Grammy-nominated Myrie will miss the event on 31 January.
The dancehall singer has been nominated at the Grammys for his latest album,
Rasta Got Soul.
Banton was arrested at his home in Tamarac, Florida in early December.
Authorities say he met with a confidential informant to discuss the drug purchase.
His lawyer, David Oscar Markus said Banton is innocent and was set up by "some evil people trying to take advantage of his trusting and honest character".
Many other artists have coalesced to show support for the music icon, and the latest one to jump on the Free Buju Bandwagon is none other than good friend Anthony B. Check out his single, 'Free the General.'
 
 
January 2010
SINGER DAVID ISAACS
DIED AT THE AGE OF 63

Singer David Isaacs, best known for the 1979 hit song "Just Like The Sea",
has died at the age of 63 on December 21, 2009.

His sister, Beverley Isaacs, told The Gleaner that she discovered his body early Monday morning on the floor
of their home in Denham Town, west Kingston.
"I was calling out to him and got no answer. When I went toward his room I saw him on the ground," Ms Isaacs said.
She said Isaacs was the eldest of her mother's 16 children and was born in Denham Town where he got his start as a singer in the late 1960s. His family has requested an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Typical of Jamaican underground artistes in the 1960s, Isaacs recorded for different producers but never got his break until he was in his early 30s. The best known of his songs from that period was A Place In The Sun which was done for producer Lee 'Scratch' Perry.
A Place In The Sun and a cover of Stranger On The Shore were among several sides Isaacs cut for Perry's Upsetter label.
His songs for the eccentric Perry were generally released in the United Kingdom, where the producer had a cult following
among Caribbean immigrants and rebellious British youth.
It would not be until 1979 that Isaacs hit the mark with Just Like The Sea, a lovers rock number produced by Witty Reid that made the local charts. It remains his biggest hit.
Isaacs was also a member of roots-reggae group, The Itals, which he joined in 1997. He recorded five solo albums,
the last of which, Happy Ending, was released in 1982.
David Isaacs is the latest death in the local music community in 2009.
Musicians Egbert Evans, Wycliffe 'Steely' Johnson and Sonny Bradshaw, have also died.
Beverley Isaacs said her brother is survived by 10 children.
 
January 2010
REBEL SALUTE 2010
LINE UP announced
The official launch of Pepsi Rebel Salute 2010, held at the Hilton Hotel in
New Kingston, Flames Productions head Tony Rebel announced the full
line-up for the event's 17th staging. He actually read the name of every
single person who will perform on Saturday, January 16, at the Port Kaiser Sports Club in St Elizabeth.
   
For 16 years Rebel Salute has promoted the idea of a healthy lifestyle, addressing the need for an event which caters to people who are conscious that their body is their temple, and so too their minds.
Rebel Salute continues to edify as well as entertain with a unique blend of generation spanning artistes that share not only
a love for Reggae music, but also reflect a positive message of peace, strength in unity and the principle of love.
Rebel Salute 2010 promises to be a Reggae connoisseur’s classic.
Rebel Salute 2010 has complied a line up destined for a spectacular showing.
Line Up Include:

Freddie McGregor, Gramps Morgan, Bugle, Singing Melody, Jah Mason, Richie Spice, Alaine, Leroy Gibbons
C Sharp, Hezron, Pinchers, Anthony Malvo, I-Octane, Steel Pulse, Daddy U-Roy, Barrington Levy, Capelton
Tarrus Riley, Queen Ifrica, Admiral Tibet, Etana, Lady Saw, Jah Cure, Richie Spice, I Wayne, Tyrical, The Itals,
Sasco/Assassin , Charly Blacks, Stevie Face, Ras Penco, Brown Shuga, Princess Tiah, Noddy Virtue, Romain Virgo,
General Trees, Influene, Lraf A Life, Khago, Zaminda, Junior X, A'Taru, Biggaton, Junior Mervin, Omari, Teranchila,
Stream Hezron, Lejahni, Peter Metro, Anthony Malvo.
 
Dec 29, 2009
Reggae

Good, bad and indifferent of 2009
(jamaica gleaner)
 
       
2009 turned out to be a tough year for Jamaica's music industry. Record sales plummeted with reggae/dancehall music failing
to produce an album that resonated internationally.
Also, controversy reigned at home with the Gaza/Gully feud and the fierce debate surrounding Rompin' Shop, a controversial song by dejays Vbyz Kartel and Spice.

The year was anything but uneventful. Here are some of the highlights.

Sleeper hit of the year: Say Hey (I Love You) by Michael Franti and Cherine Anderson. Produced by Sly and Robbie, this song reached number 18 on Billboard magazine's pop chart but got little attention on local radio.


Major achievement: It was announced two weeks ago that singer Jimmy Cliff will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame in March. He is only the second reggae act (after Bob Marley in 1993) to earn such recognition.


Album of the year: Montego Bay by Queen Ifrica. Conscious sounds from the dancehall, Ifrica's second set touched on a variety of issues, from incest (Daddy) to sexual intolerance (Keep it To Yourself) and female independence (Lioness on The Rise).


Disappointment of the year: Sean Paul's Imperial Blaze album sold less than 100,000 units according to Nielsen-SoundScan. Unlike its predecessors, Dutty Rock and The Trinity, Imperial Blaze failed to produce a big hit and floundered.

Dancehall song of the year: The Letter by Merciless. The deejay's heartfelt tale to his mother about incarceration in a Florida prison, got the blood of hard-core fans pumping and 'thumbs up' from conservatives.


Most innovative project: Pomedy, Yasus Afari's fresh concept of poetry and comedy went over well with audiences in
St Elizabeth and Kingston.


Hype of the year: Gaza vs Gully starring publicity-hungry deejays Vybz Kartel and Mavado, and a supporting cast that included
a gullible media.


Fall from grace: Roots singer Luciano's reputation as a messenger of peace took a beating in March when a wanted man, allegedly linked to the artiste, was killed by police during a shootout at his St Andrew home. Two police officers were shot and injured. Luciano has been charged with harbouring a fugitive.


Tragic figure: Buju Banton, whose Rasta Got Soul tour of the United States was hounded by gay advocates, resulting in multiple show cancellations. On December 10, Banton was arrested in Florida by Drug Enforcement Administration officers and charged with attempting to distribute cocaine.
 

 
 
 
Dec 14, 2009
Buju Banton
ARRESTED AFTER COCAINE DEAL
WITH UNDERCOVER COP in Florida

Controversial reggae star BUJU BANTON was
arrested after attempting to buy drugs from an undercover police officer,
it has been revealed.
The Grammy-nominated Jamaican star, real name Mark Anthony Myrie, was taken into custody in Miami,
Florida on Thursday (10Dec09) after he was caught with more than five kilograms (11 pounds) of cocaine.
 
He was charged with conspiracy to possess, with intent to distribute and faces up to 20 years behind bars if convicted.
Court documents state two others were also arrested, after contacting a police informant to enquire about a deal,
reports the Associated Press.
Banton is alleged to have negotiated the deal and Drug Enforcement Administration agents claim the star was
spotted inspecting the drugs offered by the undercover cop.
 

Dec, 2009
Gregory ISAACS, Buju BANTON, Marleys, Sean Paul
grab Grammy noms

 
 
 
 
 
Nominations for this year’s Reggae Grammy Award have snubbed rising stars in favour of recognised artistes, including two Marleys, Buju Banton, Gregory Isaacs and Sean Paul.
The nominees were unveiled at Club Nokia in Los Angeles on Wednesday night as part of a prime-time
CBS special. This year’s nominations include:
• Rasta Got Soul, Buju Banton (Gargamel Music, Inc);

• Brand New Me, Gregory Isaacs (Tad’s Record);

• Imperial Blaze, Sean Paul (VP/Atlantic)

• Awake, Julian Marley (Ghetto Youths/Tuff Gong/Universal Republic);

• Mind Control— Acoustic, Stephen Marley (Ghetto Youths/Tuff Gong/Universal Republic)

“I feel very good about it. This time I have 100 per cent chance,” Gregory Isaacs told Splash. Isaacs’ manager, Copeland Forbes, added: “I feel very good about it; we just got back from Brazil and Argentina, and there was massive crowds of 35,000. He’s very excited and we are travelling like crazy. Things are looking great.” The 52nd Annual Grammy Awards are scheduled to be held on January 31, 2010 in Los Angeles. The album Mind Control may sound familiar as it won the 2007 Grammy Reggae Award. Stephen Marley has revamped it as an acoustic album and is now gunning for a second Grammy. At the same time, the Grammys have ignored albums by rising stars Tarrus Riley, Mavado, US-based Easy Star All Stars and Mishka, which all charted strongly on the Billboards charts.

Roger Steffens, who has chaired the Reggae Grammy Screening Committee, stated in 2008 that the
Reggae Grammys were not based on merit or sales but name recognition. He quipped that the Marley
name was so popular that once nominated “they would have won, of course”.
“I don’t know what the Grammy is based on. I don’t know how many people voted in the category.
It could be 200 people; it could be all 14,000. They never told us. It’s not based on merit, it’s not based on sales. I think it’s probably mostly based on name recognition or major label behind the artiste. So please,
I don’t have any power, I don’t even vote to maintain my neutrality. I hope that is understood and I’ve made that clear,” Steffens told the Observer in 2008. “I can’t think of any common denominator among all
the past ... years of winners other than name-recognition.
I am not saying that they don’t deserve it; don’t make it look like I’m saying that these people don’t deserve it. All I’m saying is I don’t see a common denominator other than name-recognition.”

The grammy awards is set to take place in Los Angeles on January 31, 2010.
 
 
 
 
Dec, 2009
Top 25 Reggae albums
of the decade
The top 25 reggae albums for this decade — which ends December — was dominated by Shaggy but other dancehall artistes ranked highly, according to a list compiled by Splash. Topping the list was Shaggy’s 2000 release Hot Shots which sold over ten million copies and was amongst the most sucessful albums of the decade. Matisyahu was second, but he also made the top 25 three times. Shaggy, Sean Paul, Sizzla, Beenie Man, UB40 and Damian Marley each made the list twice.
Music rankings are always controversial but Splash arrived at the findings, not by public opinion, but by analysing Billboard Reggae Album charts between 2000 to 2009 and
ranked albums in order of weeks charted. Chart longevity indicated that the albums were not only popular but had that timeless quality as sales continued well beyond their release dates. One caveat was that Billboard did not reflect the Jamaican pop charts, as such some breakthrough albums did not make the cut, including Vybz Kartel’s Up 2 Di Time, Baby Cham’s Ghetto Story, Lee Scratch Perry’s 2002 Grammy winning album Jamaican ET, Richie Spice’s Spice in Your Life and I-Wayne’s Lava Ground. Also missing from the top 25 was Kevin Lyttle’s gold-selling, self-titled album and Elephant Man’s Good 2 Go which
ranked 27 and 28, respectively. The charts still gave insight into top albums of the decade due to the size of the North American market and its influence on global sales.
 
 
 
Ranking includes:

1. Shaggy’s Hotshots (MCA) which completely transcended the reggae charts and charted 84 weeks on Billboard 200 and
peaked at number 1. It was produced by Jimmy Jam, Tony Kelly, Terry Lewis, Robert Livingston, Shaggy, Christopher Birch, Gordon Dukes and Shaun “Sting Int’l” Pizzonia;

2. Matisyahu’s Live at Stubbs (Sony) which charted for 208 and 26 weeks on Reggae Albums and Billboard 200, respectively
and was produced by Michael Caplan and Angelo Montrone;


3. Damian Marley’s Half Way Tree (Motown Records) which charted 158 weeks on Reggae Albums, produced by David Cole, Stephen Marley, Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley and Kid Nyce;

4. Mr Lover Lover: The Best of Shaggy, Part 1 (Virgin) which charted 130 weeks and was produced by Lynford ‘Fatta’ Marshall, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Robert Livingston, Collin ‘Bulbie’ York, Sting International and Shaun ‘Sting Int’l’ Pizzonia;

5. Sean Paul’s Dutty Rock (VP) which charted 105 and 85 weeks on the Reggae Albums and the Billboard 200 respectively;

6. Damian Marley’s Welcome to Jamrock (Tuff Gong) which charted for 105 and 34 weeks on the Reggae Albums and the Billboard 200 respectively, produced by Stephen Marley, Damian “Junior Gong” Marley;

7. Sean Paul’s The Trinity (Atlantic) which charted for 104 and 52 weeks on the Reggae Albums and the Billboard 200, respectively, and was produced by Steven ‘Lenky’ Marsden, Jeremy Harding, Marlon Cooke, Jason ‘Jigzagula Jason’ Henriques, Craig Parks, Donovan ‘Vendetta’ Bennett, Lionel Bermingham, Delano Thomas, Elijah Wells, Dwayne ‘Supa Dups”’ Chin Quee, Omari Stines, Michael ‘Factor’ Jarrett;

8. Scrolls of the Prophet: The Best of Peter Tosh, which charted for 104 weeks and was produced by Bruce Dickinson, Clement “Coxsone” Dodd, Peter Tosh, Robbie Shakespeare;

9. Bob Marley’s Gold which charted for 104 weeks it was produced by by Bob Marley, Steve Smith, Chris Blackwell, Errol Brown, Ingmar Kiang, Lee Scratch Perry, Alex Sadkin, The Wailers, Trevor Wyatt;

10. The Very Best of UB40 1980-2000, which charted for 103 weeks, produced by UB40, Ray Falconer, Howard Gray and Gerry Parchment;

11. Matisyahu’s Youth (Columbia), which charted 96 and 19 weeks on the Reggae Albums and the Billboard 200 respectively.
It was produced by Bill Laswell and Jimmy Douglass;

12. Beenie Man’s Art and Life (Virgin), which charted for 84 and 20 weeks on the Reggae Albums and the Billboard 200, respectively, and was produced by Tony Kelly, Salaam Remi, Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo.

13. Stephen Marley’s Mind Control (Tuff Gong), which charted for 78 and 6 weeks on the Reggae Albums and Billboard 200,
and was produced by Paul Fakhourie, Stephen Marley, Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley and Julian Marley;

14. Collie Buddz self-titled album (Columbia) which charted for 78 and 3 weeks on the Reggae Albums and the Billboard 200, respectively, it was produced by Tony Kelly, Screwface, Stephen McGregor, Curtis Lynch, Jr, Dwayne “Supa Dups” Quee,
Collie Buddz and M. “Khan” Chin;


15. Ky-Mani Marley’s Radio (AAO Music) which charted for 78 weeks. It was produced by Winston Thomas, Mark Sparks,
Ky Miller, Danny Schofield ‘Styles’, Larry ‘Kalid’ Chu, Jason ‘J Vibe’ Farmer and Alex ‘Lex’ Francis;

16. The Journey: The Very Best of Sizzla (Greensleeves), which charted for 76 weeks on the Reggae Albums chart and was released in 2008;

17. Shaggy’s Lucky Day (MCA), which charted for 69 and 13 weeks on the Reggae Albums and Billboard 200;

18. Skindred’s Babylon (RCA), charted for 67 and 3 weeks on the Reggae Albums and the Billboard 200, respectively. It was produced by Howard Benson, Jason Bieler, Skindred.

19. UB40 Greatest Hits (Virgin) charted for 61 weeks and was produced by UB40, Charlie Skarbek, Dan Armstrong,
Ray Falconer, Howard Gray, Gerry Parchment and Danny Canaan;

20. Matisyahu’s No Place to Be (Epic) charted for 59 weeks and was produced by Bill Laswell, Robbie and Sly;

21. Mavado’s Gangsta for Life (Hardwax) charted for 58 weeks and was produced by Johnny Wonder, Bobby ‘Digital’ Dixon,
Dane “Fire Links” Johnson, Michael ‘ZJ Liquid’ Brissett, Delroy ‘Delly Ranx’ Foster;

22. Beenie Man’s Tropical Storm (Virgin) charted for 56 and 9 weeks on the Reggae Albums and Billboard 200, respectively.
It was produced by Dave Kelly, Sly Dunbar, Anthony Kelly, Matt Serletic, Irv Gotti, Stargate, The Neptunes, AC Burrell and
W Passley;


23. Ziggy Marley’s Dragonfly (RCA Victor), charted 55 and 8 weeks on Reggae and Billboard 200, respecitively. It was
produced by Ross Hogarth, Scott Litt and Ziggy Marley;

24. Sizzla’s Da Real Thing (VP), which included Thank you Mama and other classics, charted for 51 weeks. It was produced by Bobby Digital and Bobby Dixon; and

25. Buju Banton’s Friends for Life (Atlantic/VP) charted for 50 and 11 weeks on the Reggae and R&B hip hop charts, produced
by Dalton Browne, Clevie, Sly Dunbar, Donovan Germain, Mark Myrie, S Stewart, Steven ‘Lenky’ Marsden, Cleevie, Steelie, Jammy ‘Jam Two’ James, Cool & Dre.
 








Clevie (left) & Steely (right)

Sept, 2009
Reggae Legend Wycliffe "Steely" Johnson
passes Away
Truly unique, Wycliffe “Steely” Johnson was not only one of the pioneers of Reggae,
but also a gentleman in every sense of the word, and he has departed from us today
after three decades of his groundbreaking music talents with Jamaican and international artists. He will be sadly missed by all those who knew him, either personally or through
his music. Steely started his musical journey as the original keyboard player with the
Roots Radics Band which backed Gregory Isaacs, Bunny Wailer and numerous artists both on tour and in the recording studio.
 
Steely, along with his musical partner Cleveland “Clevie” Browne, played on a large number of hit recordings for various producers in the mid 70s to early 80's. Their extensive discography includes the ever popular Dawn Penn's 1992 rendition of
“No, No,No (You Don't Love Me)”. Together as producers, they have contributed to a gamut of musicians such as; No Doubt,
Billy Ocean, Back Street Boys, Heavy D & The Boyz, Buju Banton, Capleton, Maxi Priest, Jimmy Cliff, Gregory Isaacs, Shabba Ranks, Beenie Man, Mr. Vegas, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, Freddie McGregor, Dennis Brown, Lady Saw, , Barrington Levy to name a few. They left an indelible mark by launching ‘Steely & Clevie’ imprint in 1988 and later a burgeoning record label
called Studio 2000. Their resounding impact can be found on various international charts including the coveted Billboard charts.
Steely died Wednesday morning (Sept 1, 2009) of heart failure , which was brought on by pneumonia he contracted from
kidney complications. Steely’s death has resonated throughout the Reggae fraternity worldwide.
 
Aug, 2009
Reggae Tribute to Michael Jackson
by Luciano
Earlier this summer the world was taken aback by the sudden and tragic death of
legendary artist and performer, Michael Jackson. In the past month, as everyone has
slowly recovered from the shock of his death, Michael Jackson fans have been searching
for and creating ways to honor his memory and keep his music alive for the next generation. It seems that many artists in the reggae world have sought to give Michael Jackson’s songs new meaning and depth, while honoring the late King of Pop.
Among Michael Jackson tribute covers there are Tarrus Riley’s “Human Nature” and Shinehead’s “Billie Jean” as well as Luciano’s “We are the World.”
 
 “We are the World,” one of Michael Jackson’s more meaningful songs that he wrote along with Lionel Richie for the USA for Africa Foundation, has been reborn as a reggae tribute to Michael Jackson by renowned reggae artist, Luciano. The “We are
the World” reggae cover is being released by Dmusic Productions and LionI Recordings and has already begun to cause a stir
on YouTube. Fans have left comments saying that this version is “Better than the original!”
Michael Jackson’s lyrics easily lend themselves to the humanitarian message of reggae songs, and the smooth, Jamaican style
of Luciano’s music seems to take the song even further into its original role of benefiting those in need. DMusic and LionI records will be releasing a t-shirt dedicated to Michael Jackson, and with the purchase of a t-shirt customers will be able to receive two MP3 versions of the song. A portion of the proceeds will also be going to charity in honor of the late King of Pop.
Purchase the track at http://bestreggae.com
 

April 3 , 2009
LUCKY DUBE
South African reggae star's killers
get life
 

JOHANNESBURG—A judge sentenced three men convicted of murdering an internationally known South African reggae
star in a botched carjacking to life in prison Thursday.
Lucky Dube's 2007 killing drew worldwide attention to crime in South Africa, which has one of the world's highest murder rates. The 43-year-old singer was gunned down in his car in front of his children in suburban Johannesburg.
"The accused showed no mercy for the deceased," Judge Seun Moshidi said.
"It is difficult for the court to extend any mercy today."
Sifiso Mhlanga, Mbuti Mabe and Julius Gxowa were convicted Tuesday in Dube's death. Hours before the verdict was announced, Mabe and Mhlanga assaulted police officers in a foiled bid to escape from the court.
Thokozani Dube, who was in the car when his father
was shot, broke into tears as the sentences were announced and was comforted by his mother. "I'm satisfied. ... I have closure," he later said outside the courtroom. Dube's family members and their supporters gathered outside the courthouse and sang South Africa's national anthem.
"I'm happy with the ruling even though it will never bring him back," said Thuthukani Cele, a keyboardist who had worked with Dube for 24 years. He vowed to keep Dube's spirit alive, saying: "We owe it to Lucky and the world. ... We just wanted to finish this before we open a new chapter." Dube, who launched his career in the 1980s with criticism of the apartheid regime,
went on to become a huge international star.

Killers Lucky Dube sentenced to life

He recorded more than 20 albums and shared stages with the likes of Michael Jackson, Peter Gabriel, Ziggy Marley and Sting.
Click here for Reggaeholland's tribute page to Lucky Dube
 
April 3, 2009
UPDATE

Luciano:
'Man was not hired to protect me'
 
REGGAE singer Jepther McLymont, better known as Luciano yesterday denied that slain fugitive, Andrew Senior, alias 'Shooty
Shooty' and 'Conqueror', was his close associate who was hired to protect him.
The singer, flanked by his lawyers, Delano Franklyn and Hugh Wilson, was speaking at a press conference at the Hilton Kingston
Hotel yesterday.
"I have never in all my years in the music fraternity, knowingly harboured anyone involved in or wanted by the security forces
for crimes committed in or out of Jamaica," the singer read from a prepared text which was later distributed to the press.
Senior was fatally shot by members of the security forces during a two-hour gunfight at the singer's home/studio at Westminister Crescent in Kingston last week Monday.
Yesterday Luciano said he was unaware that Senior was considered by the police as a fugitive who was armed and dangerous and had learnt a vital lesson.
"At no point did I know that anyone visiting my home/studio had with him or her, an illegal firearm or ammunition.
I have always had an open door policy to people, whether I know them or not. Based on my experience, the danger of this open door policy has not escaped my attention," Luciano said.
According to the singer, the incident has had a traumatising effect on his family, especially his children who were forced to take
cover as the gunman and members of the security forces engaged in battle.
The woman and children were let out of the house unharmed but the singer refuted reports that the gunman used one of his
children as a human shield. "There is no truth to that but the children were scared. They are lucky all the same and I give
thanks they were not hurt. The last few days have been extremely difficult and challenging for my family and me, especially my children," Luciano told reporters.
Luciano adds that he will continue to cooperate with the police. The veteran entertainer also stressed that despite the situation, he has been advised by his lawyers that he will be able to fulfill his contractual show arrangements locally and internationally.
In closing, Luciano further states that he will prove his innocence.
 
April, 2009
BUJU BANTON'S
highly anticipated roots reggae album,
"Rasta Got Soul"
SOON TO BE RELEASED

 
Gargamel Music, Inc. is pleased to announce the North American release date for Jamaican music icon Buju Banton's highly anticipated roots reggae album, Rasta Got Soul. Recorded over a seven year period at Buju's own Gargamel Music studio, the long-awaited project is finally set for physical and digital release in the United States and Canada on April 21, 2009.
Coincidentally, the date marks the 43rd anniversary of the late Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie's historic visit to Jamaica in 1966. His most musically audacious work to date, Rasta Got Soul unites Buju Banton's characteristic vocals and consistently positive messages, grounded in the tenets of Rastafari , with organic reggae rhythms carefully crafted by a select aggregation
of the island's finest musicians. "Roots is the foundation," explains Buju, who became a dancehall superstar in the '90s by riding the latest synthesized beats.
"The computer stuff gets monotonous; every third production you can hear some similarity, as opposed to when you listen to something live there is always something different," he says.
The "magic moments, magical heights" Buju alludes to on the album's early single "Magic City" are amply scattered throughout Rasta Got Soul's 15 tracks. The new single "A Little Bit Of Sorry" is a lively ska ditty complete with fast- paced keys and spine-tingling harmonies. Joyous horns celebrate the message of self-determination on "I Rise."
Thick, steady grooves underscore the power of positive thought on "Optimistic Soul." The song "Bedtime Story" featuring
Wyclef Jean presents a poignant commentary on the war in Iraq and its impact on the lives of young children.
The way Buju describes it: "Rasta Got Soul features nothing but soul shifting, uplifting reggae, to inspire, to thrill, to light an inner fire, to be glorified and rejuvenated; I just want to recreate that vibe when reggae music would speak to everyone."
 
March 31, 2009
UPDATE:
Luciano charged
with harbouring fugitive
 
AFTER spending the weekend behind bars, Reggae singer Luciano was yesterday charged with harbouring a fugitive by detectives from the St Andrew Central Police Division. "He spent the weekend in jail and was charged a short while ago,"
head of the division, Superintendent Terrence Bent told the Observer last evening. Luciano, real name Jepther McLymont, was arrested on Friday when he turned up at the Half-Way-Tree police station with his attorney Delano Franklyn. After a question
and answer session, the artiste was thrown behind bars and was only charged after Franklyn filed a writ of habeus corpus before Resident Magistrate Glen Brown in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday. Brown ordered the cops to charge or release the artiste. The singer will answer to the charge in court on April 9.
Luciano was arrested after cops went to his Westminister Crescent, St Andrew home and studio last Monday in search
of fugitive Andrew Senior, also known as 'Shooty Shooty' or 'Conqueror'. Police say they were greeted with gunfire and during
a two-hour stand-off, three cops were shot and seriously injured before managing to fatally wound the fugitive. A 9mm pistol was seized. The three cops are still hospitalised but are listed in stable condition. One was shot in the face while the others
were shot in the groin and leg.
Luciano faces up to six months in prison for the offence.
 
March, 2009
CHRIS BLACKWELL
CELEBRATES
50 Years ISLAND RECORDS
 
ISLAND RECORDS, the powerful independent company founded in Kingston in 1959, marks its 50th anniversary this year. A statement from founder Chris Blackwell says a week-long celebration scheduled for England in May will mark the occasion. "It has been an honour and a privilege to work with some of the greatest musical artistes of all time," said Blackwell in a statement. "It was always my intention at Island to make records that stood the test of time, and I'm proud that Island is still a potent force in music 50 years since that first release".  Some of Island's classic albums are to be reissued this year; there will also be a series of compilations and box sets.
 
March, 2009
NINJA MAN
CHARGED WITH
CONSPIRACY TO MURDER
 
Police in Jamaica have charged dancehall rapper Ninja Man with conspiracy to murder in the killing of a 20-year-old
man.Police said in a statement on Saturday that the entertainer will appear in court next week. The suspect's attorney could not be reached. Ninja Man's real name is Desmond Ballentine.
He has been a top name in Jamaican dancehall music for nearly two decades and is known for songs including
Murder Dem and Border Clash.
In 1999, Ballentine was sentenced to a year in prison in
1999 for illegal possession of a weapon
and ammunition.
 
March, 2009
LUCIANO UPDATE
RELEASED
FROM POLICE CUSTODY
 
Luciano has been released from police custody after hours
of questioning. The Jah Messenger reggae singer was taken into police custody Wednesday following a shootout at one
of his premises at West Minister Road in St. Andrew
involving the police and a gunman.
Three police officers were shot and wounded. The gunman was fatally shot and an illegal gun was recovered.
Music News understands that Luciano was not at his premises during the time of the shootout.
 
March, 2009
ZIGGY MARLEY
TO RELEASE FAMILY TIME
REGGAE ALBUM
 
Toots Hibberts, Paul Simon, Jack Johnson and Willie Nelson are some of the friends featured on Ziggy Marley's first children's reggae album to be released on May 5 by Tuff Gong Worldwide. Entitled Family Time, the album will also feature Rita Marley (Ziggy's mother), Cedella Marley (sister), Judah Marley (daughter), Elizabeth Mitchell, Laurie Berkner, Paula Fuga and two stories narrated by Jamie Lee Curtis. Marley produced the album along with legendary producer Don Was.
 
March, 2009
DEADLY SHOOT- OUT
AT LUCIANO'S HOME


 
Conscious reggae singer Luciano is in police custody for questioning following a shootout at one of his premises at West Minister
Road in St. Andrew. Luciano, who was not on location during the shootout this morning (25/03/09) with the police and a gunman, is currently being questioned by the St. Andrew North Police.
Superintendent Andrew Morris says the shooting ended at 7:30am where three police officers were shot and wounded. One is
said to be in serious condition, while the others are in stable condition. The gunman was fatally shot. An illegal gun was recovered in the incident.
Reports are that sometime after 5 this morning, police from St. Andrew North were on a special operation along West Minister
Road when they were shot at by a gunman at the premises.
A strong police presence is reportedly still at the location.
 
March, 2009
TRIAL
LUCKY DUBE'S MURDER
CONTINUES

 
Mbuti Mabe, Julius Gxowa and Mhlanga, all in their thirties, are on trial for allegedly killing Dube outside his brother's house in Rosettenville, south of Johannesburg,
on October 18 2007.
The men face a charge of murder, two charges of aggravated robbery, one count of attempted aggravated robbery, and two counts of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. The trial continues.
Click here for Reggaeholland's tribute page to Lucky Dube
 
Feb, 2009
BURNING SPEAR
WINS
REGGAE GRAMMY AWARD
 
Reggae music icon Winston 'Burning Spear' Rodney (O.D.) has won his second career Best Reggae Album Grammy for his all-new 2008 studio CD release, Jah Is Real. The 51st Annual Grammy Awards were held Sunday, February 8th at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, and broadcast on CBS TV Network in US and to a worldwide audience. Burning Spear is a previous Grammy winner for his 1999 Calling Rastafari album and has received a record 11 nominations for releases over his career to date.
 
Jan, 2009
16th REBEL SALUTE 2009
SET TO HAPPEN
ON January 17
 
Cultural dancehall deejay Tony Rebel’s annual Rebel Salute stage show is on once again, and is set to happen on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at the Port Kaiser Sports Club in St. Elizabeth. Notably, it happens on the weekend before the historic inauguration of Barack Obama as the first black American president of the U.S., and Tony Rebel has dedicated this show to him. Rebel Salute 2009’s theme is
“Yes We Can”, a line taken from Obama’s campaign slogan during the lead up to the U.S. elections and will feature a blend of veteran and current artistes including Beenie Man (Ras Moses), Tarrus Riley, Queen Ifrica, I-Wayne, I-Octane, Konshens, Rootz Underground, John Holt, Leroy Sibbles, Luciano, Mykal Rose, Wailing Souls and many others.
 
Jan, 2009
Bob Marley's mentor
VINCENT 'Tata' FORD
passes away
 
Vincent Ford, the songwriter credited with composing the
Bob Marley reggae classic No Woman, No Cry has died in Jamaica. He was 68. Ford lost both his legs to diabetes and died in hospital from complications caused by the disease, said a spokesman for the Bob Marley Foundation.
His smash hit appeared on Marley's 1974 Natty Dread
album.
It was inspired by the Trench Town ghetto in
Kingston where both men lived in the 1960s.
Some claim Marley wrote it himself but gave Ford the
credit to help his friend support himself with the royalties.
Ford is also credited with three songs on Marley's 1976 album Rastaman Vibration.

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