News

 
Oct, 2008
Pioneering reggae star
Alton Ellis
dies OF CANCER in London
 
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.
 
Oct, 2008
Gramps injured;
Morgan Heritage cancels
club tour of Europe
 
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.
 
April, 2008
CEDELLA BOOKER
PASSED AWAY
 
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.
 
March, 2008
MIKEY DREAD
GONE FROM THE CONTROL
 
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.
 
February, 2008
LEGENDARY REGGAE PRODUCER
ENGINEER JOE GIBBS DIED

 
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.
 
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.
 
February, 2008
STEPHEN MARLEY WINS
BEST REGGAE ALBUM 2008 GRAMMY

 
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.
 
February, 2008
MORGAN HERITAGE
NEW ALBUM COMING UP

 
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.
 
NEWS ARCHIVE 2007
December, 2007
VETERAN REGGAE ARTISTS NOMINATED FOR 50th Annual Grammy Awards

 
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
 
December, 2007
BURNING SPEAR RECEIVES
ORDER OF DISTINCTION

 
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.
 

December, 2007
MUSIC THE 'BASS' OF REGGAE FAMILIES

 


'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.
 

December, 2007
AFRICA UNITE COMES WITH SMILE JAMAICA
AND AN ARRAY OF INTERNATIONAL STARS
 


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.
 
October 28, 2007
MIKEY DREAD
DIAGNOSED WITH BRAIN TUMOUR

 
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."
 
October 19, 2007
LUCKY DUBE
SHOT DEAD IN SOUTH AFRICA

 
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
 
August 30, 2007
PROMOTER ARRESTED AFTER
ATTEMPT TO KIDNAP CHUCK FENDER

 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
August, 2007
HARTFORD HONOURS
HALF PINT

 
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.'
 

REGGAE NEWS UPDATES August, 2007
 

  • 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.
     
  • 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.
     
  • 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.
     
  • The new Morgan Heritage album 'Mission in Progress' will be released this winter.
 
July, 2007
MR.
V
EGAS
HOSPITALISED AGAIN

 
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.
 
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.
 
July, 2007
RICHIE SPICE'S EUROPEAN TOUR
WAS SUCCESSFUL

 
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.
 
July,  2007
LAZA CURRENTLY WORKING ON
HIS SOLO ALBUM

 
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.
 

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:
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • LP: The return of the original and legendary 10-track vinyl album, as first released in June 1977.
  • 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.
  • 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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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'.
 
THE IRAWMA RETURNS TO WORLD FAMOUS APOLLO THEATER
NEW YORK, ON MAY 5th 2007
 
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.
 
STEPHEN MARLEY'S DEBUT ALBUM
MIND CONTROL RELEASED
 
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.
 
WINNERS IRIE FM
AWARDS 2007
 
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:
 
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
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
 

SINGING MELODY SHOT BY
ROBBERS IN PORTMORE

 

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.
 

MARLEY PROGENY TO REPRISE
SMILE JAMAICA SHOW

 

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.
 
WINNERS 49th GRAMMY AWARD
CATEGORY REGGAE

The winners for Best Reggae Album of the 49th Grammy Awards are:

  • Buju Banton - Too Bad

  • Ziggy Marley - Love Is My Religion

  • Matisyahu - Youth

  • Sly & Robbie - Rhythm Doubles

  • UB40 - Who You Fighting For

 
GREGORY ISAACS HONOURED FOR
HIS MUSICAL CAREER
 
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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