Dancehall artiste Gaza Slim has been charged by police with conspiracy to pervert the court of justice.
Gaza Slim, whose real name is Vanessa Saddler, turned herself in to the Constant Spring Police on Monday after being named as a person of interest.
She placed herself under the microscope after reporting to cops that she was robbed by Clive 'Lizard' Williams, the same man her Portmore Empire boss Vybz Kartel is charged for murdering. Police say they have seized a cellular phone which contains a message instructing her to concoct the story that she was robbed.
It is expected that she will spend the weekend behind bars.
Emerging Dancehall superstar, Andre ‘Popcaan’ Sutherland reportedly caused a stir at the popular Club Riddim nightclub following a surprise appearance there.
According to reports, the Raving deejay appeared at the event, STING Wednesdays, a weekly, promotional concert series leading to the upcoming STING 2011 stage show in St. Catherine on December 26. Popcaan, scheduled to perform at this year’s edition of STING, made his presence felt inside the club to the amazement of patrons.
The caveat regarding this news plays up the fact that Club Riddim is currently owned by Corey Todd, the former business partner and friend of Popcaan’s mentor, Vybz Kartel. This marked the first time publicly that any member of the Portmore Empire made an appearance at the club formerly co-owned by Kartel since the business partnership between he and Todd dissolved in May.
Reports insist that Popcaan entered the stage, saying, ‘'People, anno my place this but mi a perform fi de people....ah Gaza mi say.” Though it remains unknown the status of the relationship between the self-proclaimed “Prefect” and Corey Todd, the performance sparked speculation of Popcaan’s loyalty towards Kartel, who’s currently incarcerated on murder charges. Last month, in an interview with TVJ’s Entertainment Report, Popcaan admitted that he had yet to visit Kartel since he was initially arrested on September 29. However, Popcaan continues to proclaim that he will not leave the Portmore Empire and that he’ll forever stay loyal to Kartel through all his troubles.
International recording artiste Kiprich has recorded a sentimental song 'Lighter' as a tribute to the families of 17 persons who lost their lives in a bus accident in the island of St Lucia, regarded as the worst accident in the history of the Eastern Caribbean island.
"I read about the accident on the Internet and I was so moved by the plight of the St Lucian people and this horrible tragedy ... to lose 17 peopleon such a small island, it hurt my heart. So I went to the studio same time and asked Jam 2 to build a rhythm and we recorded the song, Lighter," Kiprich said in a release.
The song has been in regular heavy rotation on HOT FM since its release, as St Lucia observed three days of national mourning following last Thursday evening's accident. The accident occurred in the Choiseul community of Morne Sion around 7:45 p.m. Police said a bus driven by 47-year-old Michael Alexander of Micoud veered off the road and plunged off a cliff into the sea, killing 17 people including an infant and a pregnant woman. Occupants of the bus were reportedly making their way home from a wake in the community of Delcer in Choiseul.
"People have been sending me messages in my Facebook inbox, saying that they have been crying when they hear the song on the radio which has been doing a powerplay with the song.
"The St Lucians who I spoke with say they have it on repeat in their cars and on their Facebook and it is all over Twitter.
"I really feel their pain and hope that in time, their souls will be healed but this is a lot to go through for such a small nation," Kiprich said.
The government ordered that all flags on government buildings and business places be flown at half mast, and all political and public social events be suspended during the period of national mourning from last Friday to Sunday. November 13was also declared a national day of remembrance in the island.
Resident Magistrate Opal Smith, today rejected a bail application filed by attorneys representing caged deejay Vybz Kartel. The magistrate did not immediately give her reason for refusing bail but said she would do so in 24 hours.
Kartel was seeking bail relating to the murder of Barrington 'Bossie' Bryan for which he is charged.
He also faces charges of conspiracy to murder and illegal possession of a firearm in connection with Bryan's killing. Bryan was shot as he stood among a group of persons in Gregory Park, St Catherine earlier this year.
Kartel and his fashion stylist Calvin Haye are also charged with the murder of Clive 'Lizard' Williams, who police say was stabbed and shot to death over a missing illegal firearm. Williams' body has not been found.
He will return to court to answer to that charge tomorrow.
The deejay is being represented by attorneys Tom Tavares-Finson, his son Christian and Michael Deans.
Music might be a big part of his life, but for Popcaan, family is just as important.
A son, brother and father, Popcaan always takes time out of his busy schedule for his family. "I'm very close to my family, I have to have my family day inna di week for them, which is mostly on a Sunday," he said recently.
The deejay says he is especially close to his mother, who always supports his music. However, her favourite songs, he says, are not the 'hot skull songs' that have made him popular in the streets. "She likes a lot of my conscious songs weh a lot of people don't even know about. Songs like Ask Jah Jah, Gangsta City Part 2, Ghetto Alert, among others," he said.
In addition to being close to his parents, three brothers and sister, Popcaan is also close to the 'apple of his eye', his five-year-old daughter Rihanna.
"Popcaan is a very very great father, I play my part as a father, mi nuh lef my daughter. Mi haffi mek sure my daughter she nuh unhappy, mek sure she nuh short of nutten, even though me and her mother hardly talk," Popcaan said.
Even though embattled Reggae superstar, Buju Banton is currently serving a ten year prison term in Texas, his musical legacy continues to shine, in part,thanks to his son.
17 year old Meadowbrook High School graduate and son of Buju Banton, Markus Myrie has started his own record label, Markus Records; following in his iconic father’s footsteps. According to Myrie, he’s been a producer since 13 years old but became a professional at it last year.
"I've always had the love for music and I grew up around it. Especially with my father and the situation, I decide to lift up the banner and continue the legacy," Markus Myrie told the Jamaica STAR.
According to Myrie, he had a natural desire towards becoming a musician; but revealed that his father did play a role in his decision to pursue such a career. "He influenced it 50 per cent because just by being around him and seeing how he does it, plus the success, it just attracted me from I was young. Apart from that, I have a natural love for music. In a sense, I want to lift up the banner and show dem seh things can still gwaan,” Myrie intimated.
While his father was out on bail last December, Markus teamed with Buju to record the single, Lose Your Love. The single built his confidence with regards to his musical abilities and just last week, unveiled his first mainstream production, the Beating Stick Riddim, via the Gargemel Music imprint . The Riddim features singles such as Black Ryno with Gaza Beating Stick and DJ Sunshine with Badness. Additionally, Markus has produced singles for fellow prominent Dancehall & Reggae acts such as Lutan Fyah and Kiprich while promoting artistes from his new label, Humble Lion and Minando.
Currently, Myrie is taking an audio engineering course at the Creative Production and Training Centre (CPTC) and is planning to release a new song featuring Black Ryno entitled, Wine Me. However, Myrie is hesitant towards recording songs of his own going forward, though it is a possibility.
Buju Banton is currently serving a ten year sentence in Groesbeck, Texas after being convicted of three drug-related charges stemming from an incident at a police-controlled warehouse in Tampa, FL. He’s expected to be released in February 2019.
However, a benefit concert, scheduled for December 3rd in Tampa, will be used to help fund Buju’s legal team in an effort to fund his appeals case. The concert will feature Gramps Morgan, Norris Man and Delly Ranx amongst several others.
Last week it was Sizzla who was pronounced dead via broadcast messages and social media. Yesterday, it was Andrew Blood who was rumoured to have been killed in a motor vehicle accident.
The message that was making its rounds on BlackBerry broadcast messenger and social network websites like Twitter and Facebook yesterday said: "Andrew Blood just crash inna a bus, yellow tape round him car and he's still inside not moving. This look serious forward this till it reach his family so they can assist him."
Some hours after the hoax began spreading, Andrew's brother, Wada Blood, refuted the claims, saying, "Some bwoy fi go look a job and stop spread rumours pon artiste. Mi and Andrew good, safe, sound and alright."
When contacted, Andrew Blood was most upset.
"Mi good, mi alright. Nutten like dat, a rumour. Mi alive and well. A just some unscrupulous people a try sup'm. Dem really go over the line and dem need fi stop. You can't just blast sup'm like that," the son of veteran reggae artiste Junior Reid told THE STAR.
"Mi madda deh a England and get the message and she call and a cry. She is very sickly and she have high blood pressure. Mi a nuh di only person weh this happen to but mi hope mi a di last. Dem nuffi run dem joke deh 'cause it nuh funny. Why dem neva blast out one a mi song or seh mi a shoot a video this Saturday?"
He added that the message had his family, friends and fans from all over the world worrying. Andrew Blood said the worrying seemed to intensify when his phone died and people weren't able to get through to him. Many of these persons, he said, sourced his office number to verify the information.
"Dem call and a cry like wow. It's not a good feeling," he said, reflecting on the recent death rumour involving fellow dancehall artiste Sizzla.
While the situation isn't ideal, Andrew Blood said it also showed how much he is loved.
"Just mek everybody know seh mi alright and the entire 'Blood' family good. Give thanks for the concern and showing support. Mi neva know seh a so much people love me. Mi glad fi see the energy weh out fi see seh mi alright. Mi sorry to anybody weh get dat message. Mi alive and well, bun out badmind and negativity," he said.
More artistes have been confirmed for Buju Banton’s benefit concert this December; aimed at funding the Reggae legend’s upcoming appeal regarding his 10 year sentence this past February.
Prominent Reggae artistes, Norris Man and Glen Washington have been confirmed to perform at Buju’s benefit concert along with “High Grade” singer, Tony Curtis and Miami-based Reggae/Roots singer, Gail Ann. The event, promoted by Taranee J Production in coalition with Supa D Promotions, is scheduled to take place Saturday December 3rd at the Supa D Tropical Bar & Grill in Tampa, Florida; commencing at 1pm. Patrons seeking to attend the special, outdoor event will donate US$20 to support the cause.
In addition to the aforementioned artistes confirmed for the event, internationally acclaimed Reggae artiste, Capleton is a strong probability to perform at the concert, according to the promoters of the event. Meanwhile, other Reggae acts such Lutan Fyah, Jigsy King, Morgan Heritage singer, Gramps Morgan & Big Ship master, Freddie McGregor have yet to be confirmed for the benefit concert. However, they have all expressed interest in performing at the Florida-based stage show while many surprise artistes are also expected to perform at the event.
Buju Banton was convicted on three drug charges in relation to a December 2009 incident in which he conspired to organize a drug deal in a police controlled warehouse. He is currently serving his ten sentence at the Limestone County Correctional Institution in Groesbeck, Texas. The “Destiny” singer is scheduled to be released from prison on February 1, 2019; counting time already served between his two drug trials. However, Buju’s legal team has long indicated that they would appeal his conviction in an effort to reduce his sentence.
Not necessarily an alter ego just yet, but Assassin has recorded a song with a new name and a different voice.
Under the moniker 'Wash Belly', Assassin has done a song called Up In A Life on Boardhouse Records' 'Big Dog' Rhythm that was released more than a month ago.
He explained that the Wash Belly character came about when he was writing a song for someone on the rhythm and then went on to do a demo. After the song was complete, "somebody was saying it sounds good as it is."
Assassin said it was then released as a song done by Wash Belly. However, the artiste said he would not necessarily say it is an alter ego.
"It wouldn't be an alter ego 'cause I had no intention of claiming credit for it. I was just putting songs out as somebody else who doesn't exist. The initial idea was to just put this song out as a mystery artiste kinda vibe," said the artiste, who refers to his more conscious side as Agent Sasco.
new challenge
Since the release of the song, even without the name Assassin being attached to it, he said the reviews have been good.
"Everybody a seh da artiste ya must buss. I take it as a new challenge that I am looking forward to. It is just something interesting to do," he said.
But as for the future of Wash Belly, Assassin said he does not have another song lined up as yet, but he might explore the idea of making it an alter ego.
"I guess I will go into the alter ego kinda vibe and find a personality for the character. For now, it's recording a song with a different vibe that is not Assassin or Agent Sasco. Where it goes from there? I am still trying to figure that out," he told THE STAR.
While the experience is new and fun, Assassin said there is also a sad reality in the story. The deejay said that despite the good reception on the Internet, the song is not played on the air.
"People appreciate the song when they hear it but the song doesn't get played. It highlights a sad reality that not a lot of people are willing to play new artistes. If we don't introduce new artistes and new talent, what is going to be the future?" he questioned.
Nonetheless, he said he is currently pushing upcoming artistes like Ricky Frass, Lady Ali, Max Element and Tajii.
In addition, he said he is contemplating a music video for his song Late and another song, JPS, which is also doing well.
Reggae ambassador Duane Stephenson recently arrived in the island after a historic performance in the Asian country of Taiwan alongside The Wailers Band at the Rainbow Bay Festival in Yancheng district, Kaohsiung.
Stephenson, who travelled to Taiwan days after completing his month long tour of South America, has been spreading the positive values of reggae all year round having toured the US from January to June, and Europe with Tarrus Riley during the summer.
Now back for a short rest break, Duane Stephenson will hit the road again in a few days making his first stop at the 16th staging of the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. The international multi-sport event which is said to attract some 6,000 athletes from over 42 nations will commence on October 14 and run up until October 30.
Duane Stephenson is now gearing up to release a brand new music video for the single Sufferer's Heights which is featured on his Black Gold album. The video comes on the heels of a successful promotional campaign for his Better Tomorrow song which is a charge to save humanity from self destruction.
Fans of Dancehall diva,Tifa, can look forward to her new single Get Flat and the video which will be unveiled at the Fiction nightclub tonight.
The video was directed by Dexter '3D' Pottinger, and will feature cameos from Ward 21, Equiknoxx, Washroom Entertainment, Mr Lex, Shady Squad and the Infamous dancers.
The Nuvo sparkling liquor brand is also in the mix, and will play host the event at Fiction. As one of the ambassadors of the Nuvo brand,Tifa said she is quite excited about the launch.
"I put a lot of work into this single and the video. I'm happy to be showing it to my fans this week and am really thrilled that Nuvo will be a part of the event,"Tifasaid.
The stylish video also highlights many dazzling fashion ensembles that epitomize Tifa's style.Fans can get these looks at boutique stores Alexxya, Unik, Shhhhh and Grandeur.
"The fashion in this video is off the chain. I always do it differently, stylish and fab!" Tifa commented.
The video, it was revealed, was shot on location at the Ward Theatre and on Red Hills Road. Get Flat is produced by Sean Due Lashley and Edward Albowicz from the Maxamusic Group in New York, and mixed by local producer Conroy Forte of Washroom Entertainment.
Tifa also disclosed that she had a number of new singles on the horizon and upcoming concerts.
"The song Swaggin is on the World Reggae Top 40 Charts, so I'm excited about that. I also have singles coming out for Ward 21 as well as other major producers," she said.
Dancehall superstar, Adidja “Vybz Kartel” Palmer has stated that he’s begun filming his brand new reality show, “Teacher’s Pet” which will begin airing this fall.
In an interview with MTVIggy, the self-professed “Dancehall Hero” spoke more in detail of what he was looking for with this reality show & why he came up with the name, “Teacher’s Pet.” Kartel intimated, “That’s another first for a dancehall artist — just like the satellite is a first, owning the rum, owning the club, this is going to be another first. It’s a crazy reality show with 20 females from around the world vying for Vybz Kartel’s heart, wherever that is.” Kartel added that, “It’s going to be called Teacher’s Pet? Because my moniker is, “Di Teacha.” I’m looking for the Teacher’s Pet!”
Perhaps the more eye-raising statement from the self-proclaimed “Worl’ Boss” was his sentiment that he is looking to settle down and find a wife. “Umm, I’m really looking to settle down and find a wife,” Kartel said whilst adding, “And if it was for entertainment, I would still say I’m really looking to settle down and find a wife,” he said while chuckling.
Kartel has previously been married; tying the knot with former long-time lover & American citizen, Stacy-Ann Elliott in a private ceremony at the Registrar General Department branch office in Kingston in December 2005. The two settled a divorce in 2008; in part due to distance issues. Kartel claimed that Elliott never visited him during their marriage after the fact that U.S visa was revoked shortly after the wedding.
There’s a natural “Mystic” growing in the air. Bob Marley’s famous lyric could be attributed to Jamaican dancer & Dancehall artiste, Mystic Davis who is starting to become noted for her musical talents as well as her dancing.
The Portland born beauty developed a love for the performing arts from a very young age; dancing ballet for Titchfield High School Ballet Troupe at only ears old. She later began dancing to Dancehall music during her days at Wolmer’s Girls School & quickly developed into one of Jamaica’s best dancers.
Her flexible & fast paced dance routines earned her spots in several Dancehall music videos; featuring in Beenie Man’s “Whine Gyal,” Tifa’s “Bottom Of The Barrel” & most recently, Vybz Kartel’s “Go Go Wine” video that was released in June. She also appeared in videos for renowned international acts such as Gnarls Barkley’s “Goin On” & Sean Kingston & Nicki Minaj’s popular hit “Letting Go.” Such a strong resume at a young age has labeled Mystic as one of Jamaica’s hottest commodities & has prompted her to share her talents with her locals. Mystic has choreographed various groups and events during her time & started her “OptiMystic” Dance classes earlier this year to help pass on her skills to persons young & old & also help them keep in shape.
Despite dancing being her main love, Mystic always had one eye on becoming a musician. Daughter of veteran Reggae songstress, Joy White, Mystic began embarking on her journey to become a well-recognized Dancehall artiste; releasing her debut single in 2010 entitled “Wine Up.” She also collaborated with Macka Diamond and other popular female dancers for the single “Too Much Bull,” which received good amounts of airplay locally & internationally, particularly Canada. Mystic’s big break as an artiste came when she collaborated with close friend & popular Dancehall artiste, Leftside for the popular “Want Yuh Body” remix last fall; becoming one of 2010's best songs.
Fast forward to 2011& Mystic has continued her quest to master both realms of the performing arts; dropping “Wine Up Part 2” on the Bed Squeek Riddim in April. Her most recent release was her track, “Best Thing” on LMR Productions’ Chain Reaction Riddim.
With the combination of swift moves, lyrical ingenuity & sex appeal, Mystic Davis appears to have the goods to succeed within the Dancehall music industry.
Beenie Man's new liquor, Yaad Swag, will be on the market today.
Although Mavado is preparing to launch his Stulla Wine, and rumours that Vybz Kartel is about to release a new rum brand with cake soap business associate, Dennis Gordon, Beenie Man sees no competition for the new product.
"Yaad Swag and Stulla Wine a two different ting. Yaad Swag a rum and Mavado ting a wine," he said confidently, citing Magnum Tonic Wine as more appropriate competition for Stulla Wine.
The self-proclaimed king of dancehall explained that he is always venturing into different businesses, and that he simply did not have the time to go over the contract proposed four years ago by Corey Todd, who is his business partner in the venture.
However, Beenie Man claimed that it could not have been a better time to introduce Yaad Swag, since "everybody is swaggin'".
"Yaad Swag represents Jamaica overall," he stated, pointing to the possibility of alternate names like Zagga Rum, which, though chalked full of potential, did not represent the entire country.
"Well you can't think enuh, you just have to know that people will support it. Just have to hope and pray," he said, in response to how well he thought the rum would do.
Former Vybz Kartel business associate, Corey Todd has found a new, celebrity business partner to team with him. Legendary Dancehall superstar, Beenie Man has agreed to a new endorsement deal with Todd to develop a line of liquor products.
The deal will feature the worldwide marketing of the brand, Yaad Swag, which will be the first product to be manufactured as a result of this joint venture. In a press release, the “Doctor” said, "I am the one to sing rum and Red Bull so if me ah go promote and endorse a rum, it has to be mine. I am looking forward to promoting this product and creating a successful partnership with Corey Todd.”
Todd, who formerly worked with Vybz Kartel on the Street Vybz Rum brand before their severance of ways, says the partnership with Beenie Man will present greater results on a larger scale. "Beenie Man was signed because he is an icon in music and he has a huge passion for the brand. He was the first artiste that I approached to work with when I first came to Jamaica four years ago. However, for various reasons, he was busy flying all over the place so we didn't get the chance to co-ordinate and work it out. This is going to be bigger than Street Vybz, more international and it's going to be great for dancehall,” Todd intimated in a press release. Beenie Man’s role in the endorsement deal will be as a spokesperson for Yaad Swag during TV advertising campaigns & will also feature in radio and print ads for the brand.
Todd also claimed that the product would work given Beenie Man’s a bigger & more recognized artiste internationally & the fact he’s such a well-recognized & rated performer worldwide, he’ll open markets for the Yaad Swag brand across Asia, Africa & the Caribbean region. "This will be the first of a line of products, the next move is a high end product that fits Beenie Man's fan base internationally. This is a partnership/endorsement deal, and it is better than the Street Vybz deal because Beenie Man is a bigger artiste,” Todd stated. The American businessman, who is now a spokesman for Club Riddim, formerly known as The Building did not unveil any financial details but insisted the deal was “very lucrative.”
Protoje has not taken time off from his busy schedule to relax. Although he is still receiving rave reviews for his debut album The 7 Year Itch, the singjay is back in studio releasing collaborations and working on his sophomore album.
Protoje said he has started recording material for his second album. The singjay, however, was tight-lipped about the title of the album and the details. He said: "The music is almost finished and I am about halfway in writing it. I have recorded one song so far. Hopefully next summer it should be out. But in the meantime, I really want to spend the year promoting The 7 Year Itch and make a bunch of videos for those songs first."
According to Protoje, fans can expect a video for his song No Lipstick coming in summer. He added: "The album is still doing well, people from all over the world have been responding and it continues to spread. I'm going to keep touring and promoting it. I have a tour coming up in Europe, which I'm looking forward to going back there. At the end of July, I have a couple of festivals as well."
Outside of shows and album work, Protoje was recently featured on two songs, Rub-A-Dub with Ky-Mani Marley and All Again with Keida. Rub-A-Dub makes the second collaboration with Marley, who appeared on Protoje's popular Rasta Love. He said, "when I went to Miami for Marley fest I had the track, it was supposed to be for my next album but because that's not till next year, Don (Corleon) decided to use it for Ky-Mani's album. We recorded it at the famous Circle House studio. It was only fitting, he was on my album so I got the chance to be on his." He continued, "the Keida track now, people been wanting to see us together, on a song that is. We have a real good chemistry, we had a lot of fun doing that song and I wanted to connect with a more dancehall audience." According to the singjay, videos for Rub-A-Dub and All Again are forthcoming.
Dancehall singjay Jahvinci has announced his intention not to re-sign a booking or recording contract with the Portmore Empire
"I want the world to know that I am no longer managed by Vybz Kartel and the Portmore Empire," the statement said.
It continued: "In all honesty, it was a great learning experience but the BEST decision is for me to move on given the musical direction that the Empire has been moving in for quite some time. I appreciate the support that Vybz Kartel has given me as a mentor but at this stage in my career, I want to move in a different creative direction with my choice in management. I will now be managed by
Corey Todd, and my road manager will be Milla 9."
Jahvinci is known for the #1 hits Watch Yu Friends and Rich. However, in recent times, Empire fans believe that his career has been on a downward spiral.
"There were certain things going on in the Empire that I did not agree or condone but all that is in the past I am excited about the possibilities and I know that this is the start of a great journey in my career. I want to deliver my message of peace and unity to my reggae fans. I have to keep moving forward no matter the obstacles that stand in front of me," the statement said.
"I want to thank the fans for their undying support. I look forward to what the future may bring." TO CONTACT Jahvinci, email jahbookings@gmail.com, or (876)889-5250
Dancehall artiste Adidjah 'Vybz Kartel' Palmer and his American business partner, Corey Todd, have parted ways.
Todd says the entertainer, who was his partner in Street Vybz Rum and The Building nightclub, threatened his life this weekend after they have not been seeing eye-to-eye for months.
"I cannot be associated with nor do business with someone I don't trust. Kartel and I haven't seen eye-to-eye in a while, and late last week, after a disagreement, he threatened me on the phone because I "refused to tek chat". I don't take kindly to threats against me and my family, and I have contacted my lawyers and the relevant authorities to deal with this issue immediately," Todd said in a statement.
He further stated; "I am my own man, I have never worked for Vybz Kartel, I helped to build his career, but I was never about the division in music, or his need to pigeonhole everything as Gaza or not Gaza. I don't understand the creative direction he's moving in with regards to his image or his music."
The Half-Way Tree police have confirmed receiving a report from Todd and said they are investigating.
Kartel, while confirming the split, is denying the allegations made against him. "It has come to my attention that rumours have been circulating that I have made certain disparaging remarks about and towards Corey Todd. I must state that nothing could be further from the truth," a statement from the entertainer's publicist said.
The deejay claimed that; "Mr Todd and I have had a cordial business and personal relationship to date. However, we have reached a point in our professional journey where we are going in different directions and consequently, we will be wrapping up our business relationship. I wish Corey the best in all his future endeavors."
Todd has been in business with the entertainer for the past four years and according to the businessman, it was he who helped create the successful career Kartel now enjoys. That success, he says, seems to have gone to the artiste's head causing him to change.
"I don't know this Vybz Kartel," Todd told THE STAR yesterday. "For the past four years I have been trying to make this man an icon, now he is trying to dictate to me what needs to be done and if I don't he is going to kill me. He is not the same. I don't want to be mean but he doesn't even look the same."
Todd tells THE STAR that he has pumped millions of dollars into building Kartel's career, making him into the most popular entertainer in dancehall today. Together, the two built an empire that included The Building nightclub that hosted the popular Street Vybz Thursdays that is videotaped and aired on the Flow Cable network on Channel 584.
The two were also partners in Street Vybz Rum, an alcoholic beverage that has steadily been gaining market share locally. He said those ideas were his, not Kartel's. Now, the future of those ventures is uncertain. "I am not keeping any event at The Building nightclub for the foreseeable future; I am not doing anymore business with Vybz Kartel. However, I will be doing another product soon, so I am moving forward and I hope to work with other artistes to help build their careers as well," Todd said.
According to the American, for the past several months Kartel has been displaying destructive behaviour including describing his fans as puppets, abusing disc jockeys at The Building if his songs are not played and wanting Todd to rehire 'a trouble-making crony' whom he fired months ago.
"He has also surrounded himself with 'yes men' who keep stroking his ego," Todd says. "He's lost it."
The businessman, who said he has spent millions creating 'a movement' ,says he will lose millions more because of the dissolution of this partnership but that pales in comparison to what he stands to lose if he remains in business with the entertainer.
"I will lose millions, tons of money but I am not motivated by money. Money does not define me. I built this and I will build it again," Todd said. "I don't know this new Vybz Kartel; I haven't known him for quite a while. Enough is enough. I wish him the best with his career."
Dancehall entertainer Mavado was offered bail today after being formally charged with regards to an altercation at a St. Ann nightclub. Reportedly, the bail for Mavado and his manager, Julian Griffiths Jones, was set at JA$50,000.
Mavado was arrested along with nine members of his entourage following the skirmish that occurred at the Jamaica Jamaica nightclub on Saturday night. The fight involved a delivery man, who, after said confrontation was left “bloody” by the entourage. Additionally, they allegedly vandalized the club on leaving & were chased down in Mavado’s tour bus as police tried to get a hold of the deejay.
The Cassava Piece born entertainer, whose real name is David Brooks as charged with malicious destruction of property while his manager, Griffiths-Jones was charged for assault. Attorney, Chris-Tavares Finson told the Jamaica Observer, "We will be there for him when he goes to court. It is apparent that it seems to be a misunderstanding where Mavado and Griffiths Jones is concerned. I'm sure it will be resolved.” Mavado is booked for a June 9th court date.
Last week, Mavado officially launched his new record label, Mansion Records; built, in part to promote his “Gully Squad” artistes. His new single, Delilah will be officially released this week on the label, with a video for the single to debut in the coming weeks.
Businessman Corey Todd has chosen to immediately dissolve his business partnership with Adidja Palmer a.k.a Vybz Kartel in the wake of alleged threats made against Todd's life.
"I cannot be associated with or do business with someone I don't trust. Kartel and I haven't seen eye to eye in a while, and late last week, after a disagreement, he threatened me on the phone because I "refused to tek chat". I don't take kindly to threats against me and my family, and I have contacted my lawyers and the relevant authorities to deal with this issue immediately," Todd said.
"I am my own man, I have never worked for Vybz Kartel, I helped to build his career, but I was never about the division in music, or his need to pigeonhole everything as Gaza or not Gaza. I don't understand the creative direction he's moving in with regards to his image or his music. I don't know this new Vybz Kartel, I haven't known him for quite a while. Enough is enough. I wish him the best with his career," Todd said.
"I am not keeping any events at the Building nightclub for the foreseeable future, I am not doing anymore business with Vybz Kartel. However, I will be doing another product soon, so I am moving forward and I hope to work with other artistes to help build their careers as well," he said.
A man who claimed he ran away from drug couriers as soon as he landed in Jamaica, then made a stop at a club to see dancehall deejay Vybz Kartel, was sent to jail after pleading guilty to illegal entry Tuesday.
The 24-year-old unemployed Bahamian man, Ashmeade Thompson, told the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate's Court that he made the stop to see Kartel before seeking some kind of legal status in Jamaica.
He first made his way from Montego Bay to a club in New Kingston where he heard Kartel frequented, even while he told the court he was running for his life from men who had forced him to come to Jamaica on a boat to pick up drugs.
He said he was threatened by drug dealers who frequented his mother's shop in the Bahamas and was recruited to travel with two others to Jamaica.
He said he landed in Montego Bay on April 27, but soon after fled from the men and found his way to Kingston.
While there he said he sought help and was introduced to someone whom he described as an immigration supervisor who stamped his passport while they were in a Chinese restaurant on Knutsford Boulevard.
He pleaded guilty with explanation to uttering a forged document and illegal entry.
Acting Senior Resident Magistrate Carolyn Tie sentenced him to two months in prison on each count.
In a mere two years, Tiana has lifted her career from budding dancehall/reggae talent to internationally recognised artiste, mainly on the basis of her smash hit single No Man Can't Talk Bad Bout Mi.
The tune, which was produced by D&H and Konshens' SubkonShus Label, has racked up several number one spots, most notably on the CVM Hitlist Video Countdown Chart, and, for three weeks, on Wave Radio's Starlight Saturdays Top Ten Countdown in Belize.
The success of the female anthem has given her household-name status, not only in Jamaica and Belize, but also in Gambia, Kenya, France, Italy, Germany, Barbados, Trinidad, the United Kingdom, as well as several states in the US such as Florida and New York.
"Belize is now the official home for Tiana's music," a news release from the singer's management quotes KREM TV/radio personality Linda Blease. "Tiana's songs are rocking the radio, house parties and clubs. Also, I must tell you the guys are going crazy for Tiana."
Following on the success of No Man Can't Talk Bad Bout Mi, she hit the charts in Belize again with her No Ring Pon Me Finger climbing to the Number 3 spot, her management revealed.
"It's a joy to be back on the charts in Belize. It's a greet feeling to know that the music is being loved by others around the world," said Tiana, whose fan base has been growing tremendously in Australia and Denmark, according to her manager, Carlington Wilmot, founder and principal of the OutAroad Production label.
It was Wilmot who, in 2009, first recorded the Mary Mount High School and University of the West Indies graduate by producing her debut single I Won't.
The number, they said, was inspired by the domestic violence case involving mega R&B stars Chris Brown and Rihanna.
In the catchy tune, Tiana tackles the issue of domestic violence faced by many women, reminding us that violence against women is unconscionable.
A few months later, Tiana voiced her second single called You Want Me in collaboration with the True Love hit maker Delus (brother of Konshens). However, she got her first chart topper when she invited dancer-turned-pop artiste Chi Ching Ching to join her on the single Skippin Feelin, which was also produced by Wilmot who wore the director's cap for the accompanying video.
Both the video and single, he said, occupied pole position and top 10 placements locally and internationally.
From there on, the rest was history as Tiana finally began to feel what it's like to live her dream of becoming a star.
Her obvious talent, supported by solid management, earned her a performing contract that same year on Sting, regarded as the greatest one-night show on earth.
Her next major performance was at the annual Spring Break in Negril where she opened for Platinum recording artiste Shaggy and Elephant Man with a short but energetic set.
She was also featured on the Portland leg of the Magnum Ten Long, Ten Strong Stage Show road tour.
Between 2009 and 2010 Tiana voiced several projects and joined big-name acts Vybz Kartel, G Whizz, Charly Blacks and Black Ryno on the Glory Rhythm produced by Cashflow, her contribution being Inna 2010, which gained popularity in Gambia, The Bahamas and the UK.
Her next production was More Money, voiced on the Romeich Records Stage Mix-produced rhythm, which also features dancehall heavyweights Beenie Man, Mavado, Cobra and TOK.
Tiana also had a winner with Dat Mi Want on the Flirtation rhythm, which also hosts top acts Vybz Kartel and Konshens.
The St Mary-born artiste said she believes the key to being successful in the male-dominated music industry is to work twice as hard, stay focused, believe in what you are doing and, most importantly, having a good manager.
"I see myself being one of, if not the first female artiste to close Sting or Sumfest," she said.
Tiana said she is inspired by Rihanna, Beenie Man, Lady Gaga and, of course Lady Saw, who is also from St Mary.
The young singer's whirlwind two years in the music industry have seen her being nominated in the Breakthrough Artiste of The Year category of the EME Awards; and the Best Video By A Female Artiste category at the New York-based Web TV CariVibez awards for No Man Can't Talk Bad Bout Mi.
According to the EME Awards website, the Breakthrough Artiste of The Year recognises the artiste whose work has attracted local and international attention, and who is considered poised as a leader for the next generation of reggae/dancehall stars.
Dancehall artiste Mavado is taking his career to a new level with his own label, Mansion Records.
The artiste, whose real name is David Brooks, said he will be releasing his first song, Delilah, on the label next week.
He added that he started the label to assist himself and other artistes. "I just start this record label because I have a lot of young artistes around me and I think I can do so much for them," Mavado said.
In addition to artistes from the Gully Squad, Mavado said he would also be doing work with others like Assassin, Munga and members of the Alliance. He said there was also the possibility that he would be working with some international acts on the label.
"Right now, I have a lot of international connections. It's a lot of them, so I am not sure who will be first," he said. But this is also Mavado's first time trying his hands at producing.
"I will be producing, and we have more things like promoting. It's a great feeling. It's a great honour. It's not about the money, we still haffi inna it (music) and try build it," Mavado said.
His manager Julian Jones-Griffiths added that Delilah was produced by Mavado and co-produced by Logwood Productions. In addition, he said there were two mixes of the song, one from Stephen McGregor and the other from Jeremy Harding. Both mixes will be released exclusively on iTunes on May 24. He said a few remixes would also be done, with the first one coming from international producer Diplo.
"It's like two interpretations of the same song. We just wanted to do something different. It's nothing unusual internationally, it is just something we really don't do here," he said.
Meanwhile, Mavado says he will also be doing the music video for Delilah that will be shot by Better Mus' Come director Storm Saulter in another couple weeks. In addition, he says he will be releasing another song called Do Road and a single with members of the Gully Squad.
"It was total violation of my body and my innocent eyes," Konshens said, trying hard and failing miserably, to let his facial expression match his words. Unable to hold it back any longer, the laughter erupted and shook his whole body.
The deejay was describing the aftermath of his performance on Easter Monday for the people of Guyana, a land where reggae, dancehall and Konshens have the ability to bring out the best in music lovers. Konshens, in recognition of the huge and ever growing fan base he has secured there, took his 'A' game to Guyana and connected in a major way.
The concert, entitled Singers' Anniversary, was held at the Guyana National Stadium and showcased the talents of dancehall artistes Lady Saw, Cham, Spice, Jah Vinci, Popcaan and Konshens.
Konshens, whose single, Gal Dem Talk, has been one of the biggest tunes in Guyana for over a year, got full marks for showing his appreciation for the love that Guyana has given him.
There was no holding back as Konshens reeled off songs like Pretty Devil, Winner, Do Di Ting, Bounce Like A Ball, Rasta Impostor, This Means Money, Good Girl Gone Bad, Realest Ting and the most recent single to hit Guyana, Forward.
The vibes of the fans was unmatched. And he entertained, calling up a girl from the audience to sing with him, after which he presented her with his T-shirt. Konshens called up yet another female, and this time he gave her something even more personal - his sweat-drenched merino. She was so stunned that she just couldn't move.
The artiste closed his set with Realest Medz, which is another anthem in Guyana, and after an encore, exited the stage, leaving his fans still wanting more. However, Konshens gave his fans a chance to get up close and personal by willingly signing autographs and posing for pictures.
"I will definitely be back," he promised, as they demanded to know when his next performance in Guyana would be.
Bajan pop princess Rihanna was in Jamaica last weekend to shoot a video for her next single, Man Down, from her chart-topping album Loud.
The video, which was being directed by Anthony Mandler, drew several onlookers in the northeast parish of Portland on Saturday.
In one of the scenes, Rihanna, who sported a long red mane all the way down her back, was seen riding a bicycle.
While on the video set Rihanna tweeted, "Welcome to Jamrock #projectmandown."
The single was co-written by fellow Barbadian singer Shontelle who is best known for her singles T Shirt and Impossible.
Meanwhile, in April of this year, the 23-year-old superstar became the ninth and youngest artiste to rack up 10 number-one songs.
The achievement also marked the shortest span between a solo artiste's first number-one single to his or her 10th. In 2006, Rihanna had her first number-one single on the chart with SOS.
U.S. President Barack Obama has announced that the world's most wanted terrorist, al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, was killed by U.S. forces on Sunday at a compound deep inside Pakistan.
Mr. Obama made the announcement during a live nationwide television address at the White House Sunday night.
This development comes nearly 10 years after the catastrophic attacks by al-Qaida operatives on the United States on September 11, 2001.
U.S. forces have been hunting the Saudi terrorist kingpin ever since.
Mr. Obama said bin Laden was not a Muslim leader, but a "mass murderer of Muslims." The president said bin Laden was captured with the help of Pakistani intelligence.
It is a warm Saturday afternoon in Jamaica and I am in a large beach-fronted villa with Chipmunk and 20 bikini-clad, oiled beauty queens. The British grime star is filming a music video and the models are gathered in a circle, their heads bowed in prayer. "We're praying the Lord watches over us on the shoot," one model explains, "and that we make it to the finals of Miss Jamaica." Chipmunk, 6ft tall and dressed in a plain black vest and blue jeans, paces around the room, readying himself for his close-up.
It is two years since Chipmunk, then still studying for his A-levels, released his debut album, I Am Chipmunk, and established himself as one of Britain's most talented grime stars. On his follow-up, Transition, released next week, the rapper makes an audacious bid for global stardom. "Champion", his collaboration with R&B star Chris Brown (the man whose violent assault on his then girlfriend Rihanna led him to being sentenced to five years' probation), has already been a huge hit. "Every Gyal" – the video of which is being filmed right now – sees Chipmunk working with controversial Jamaican dancehall singer Mavado, who is in another part of the villa surrounded by a large entourage rolling gigantic joints. The storyline of the video is that Chipmunk and Mavado, who wears two diamond-encrusted watches, are hanging out, partying with girls and messing about on jet skis. If we are living in a new age of austerity, no one told these guys.
While the directors prepare their next shot, Chipmunk and I retreat to his dressing room. He is 20 and looks it; with large eyes and babyish features, he would be more convincing in a boyband than as a bad-boy rapper. But he isn't lacking in confidence. "I didn't think I would be gifted enough to make an album like this until I was 23," he says. "I want whoever buys this record to think I'm a genius. I want my lyrics to touch you like poetry."
Beneath the brashness, however, Chipmunk reveals himself to be a thoughtful, articulate commentator on his life, and the lyrics on Transition are often reflective. "Being successful, that's a gift and a curse," he raps on the title track, "being paid and being broke – I know what's worse."
The video for "Chip Diddy Chip", his first hit single, cost £10,000 and was filmed at his old school in Tottenham; the video for "Every Gyal" is being shot in Jamaica with two jet skis and a helicopter. But Chipmunk denies he has strayed from his roots. "It's impossible to forget where I came from. I don't live in the area I grew up in any more but when I'm back there cars beep, preachers stop me, teachers stop me, gangsters stop me, everyone stops me and is proud of what I have done. I'm an asset to my community now and that is bigger than my career to me."
Chipmunk's rise is a hip-hop fairytale. He was born Jahmaal Noel Fyffe to Jamaican parents, who later separated, and grew up in a tough housing estate in Tottenham, north London. He was nicknamed Chipmunk on account of being "short and chubby, with big teeth", by a friend who later died in a stabbing. Listening to Dizzee Rascal on pirate radio stations inspired him to start rapping and by 13 he was producing his own CDs. "Me and my friend would go to a studio in Finsbury Park you could hire for £20 an hour," he recalls. "I'd spit out three or four tracks and we'd burn up 100 blank CDs and use my mum's printer to make the covers. Then we'd hit the record shops and try to sell them."
He has a reputation as one of the most lyrically dexterous of British rappers, but his love of words did not come from books. "I hate reading," he tells me. "As a kid, reading was a penalty for when I was bad. I got my diction from good rappers."
What motivated him to be so industrious? "There is a drive that hits young black boys from my social background at the age of 11 to 14, fuelled by the need for money," he explains. "The cars, the girls, the designer clothes: you see these things in your neighbourhood and you want them and you have to get it yourself. Some people get it by crime; others pick a talent and go for it."
Chipmunk went for it and eventually caught the attention of Wiley, the godfather of grime, who had brought Dizzee Rascal and Tinchy Stryder to the mainstream. With Wiley's help, Chipmunk secured a record deal with Sony, which led to the debut album and the hit singles. But that was three years ago, and in today's musical landscape three years is an age. "In music, people gravitate to what is new," Chipmunk says, "but I'm not new any more. If you can't reinvent yourself, you are fucked."
Reinventing Chipmunk from cheeky grime star to global celebrity is the barely hidden aim of Transition. It is a slickly produced album with a US-friendly R&B sound, shorn of the rapid percussive beats and harsh rapping that characterise grime. Such a reinvention carries risks. Is there a danger that by trying to appeal to an international audience he could lose his distinctiveness? "Global appeal is about representing your culture," he replies, sounding more like an advertising executive than a hip-hop star. "I am the marketing source and it is my job to make the music acceptable in other territories."
Chipmunk is facing criticisms that he is changing in search of greater commercial success. When I asked him if he felt he had left grime behind, he started referring to himself in the third person. "Chipmunk is a musician who does what the hell he wants," he replies testily. "If I want to do a pop song, or a reggae song, I will do it."
There is a knock on the door – Chipmunk is needed on set. It must be disorientating, I say before he leaves, to have tasted great success at such a young age. "I appreciate every moment of what I have," he says. "I know there is a lifespan for what I do. I am never going to be spoken of as a has-been: the second I'm not current in one profession, I am going to hop into another. I don't want people saying Chipmunk was dope when he was in his prime." He stands up and shakes my hand. As Chipmunk heads back out to join the models, I notice the tattoos inked into his arms; on one the word "achieve" and on the other "believe".
Having had several albums to his name, Barrington Levy says that his latest project will be his last.
The album, which is to be titled It's About Time, will be available for purchase this Fall.
Levy said, "It's my final album that I'll be putting out. I'll still be touring, I'll be singing and putting out singles, but I don't think I'm going to put out any album."
The album will feature several collaborations with local and international artistes such as Beres Hammond, Buju Banton, Wyclef Jean, Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes and Jadakiss.
Levy also recently teamed with Vybz Kartel and Khago on the track Gangsters, which is the soundtrack for an upcoming movie Gangstas in which he plays a lead role.
He spoke of how the collaboration came about saying, "I did the song in Philadelphia and after I finished my hook, then I said, who we going have on the song? we said Kartel, and Khago is showing that he's a good artiste, so they were perfect."
A remix for Gangsters is also being done with another overseas artiste.
He said he will continue to work with the younger generations of artistes as he thinks they have a lot of potential.
"I don't look at myself as no veteran artiste, I see myself as a singer in the business who love what I do. All these times you say you not hearing from Barrington Levy, is not like I'm not doing nothing because I've been voicing a lot. Believe you me, see the next generation of artistes after Kartel, if I'm up and healthy, I'm going to do something with them because there is no boundary," he said.
According to Levy, the song has been getting better reception overseas than in Jamaica as it has been receiving a lot of airplay on Hot 97, among other radio stations throughout areas such as Boston, Philadelphia and New York.
"People have been calling in and requesting the song on the radio over there a lot. We not talking about the average Jamaican person, we're talking white people," said Levy.
He also hinted that because the song is fairly new to Jamaican listeners they are not yet accustomed to it. It has been doing well in the Jamaican streets, however, and they have also been busy promoting the song.
The filming of Gangstas is scheduled to begin in May, and Levy is excited.
"The movie is coming along quite fine. I'm actually looking forward to start shooting the movie," he said.
He went on to say that this is his first movie venture and he is very excited about it because he has wanted to do a movie for quite a while.
"I'm definitely looking forward to this," said Levy. 'The movie is coming along quite fine. I'm actually looking forward to start shooting the movie'
Reggae artiste Nazine has high hopes for his latest Neva Haffi Wake single and video. The video which was shot in Red Hills was recently premiered on Hype TV and has been receiving good rotation since.
He will also be doing a photoshoot to promote the single tomorrow.
Among Nazine's other recent songs include Take Your Pain and Zion Call which has been enjoying good rotation on local radio stations such as Zip and Hitz FM.
He has local shows coming up in St Mary, St Catherine and in Clarendon where he will perform alongside dancehall heavyweights such as Mavado and Macka Diamond.
Since his exit from the Magnum Kings and Queens competition, Nazine took some time off from his career to develop his musical skills and is now working closely with popular producer, Jah Snow Cone.
"Leaving the competition mi neva really in full gear to be a musician, I had to develop the artiste himself which is me as an individual. Mi do voice training and the works. The competition acted as the first step then," said Nazine.
He continued, "I was also searching for the right producer to work with and that came in the form of Snow Cone. He said he was really interested but he told me to wait and I did wait for a year. During that time, I went through a lot of growth and development in my writing skills."
For the remainder of the year, Nazine promised fans quality music and entertainment. "By now and summer, you can be looking forward to hearing a lot more from Nazine on your radio, TV, all bout," he said.
After 18 years with Swatch International, popular selector Maestro yesterday announced a split from the sound system.
Maestro, who was one of the frontmen for Swatch International, disclosed that he had left the sound system via a broadcast message on BlackBerry messenger.
In the message, he said, "it's now official Hotta Maestro is no longer a part of Swatch Int'l sound system. From now on, I will be happily doing my own thing and conducting my own business earning my own profits and building my own career."
He continued, "it's been a glorious 18 years working and building Swatch International and I'm very grateful for the time I spent with this entity and wish them all the best. As for my fans all over the world, I'll be out and bad, bigger and better. Thank you all for understanding."
When contacted for a comment, Maestro said he was not ready to say anything about the matter, but confirmed that he had sent out the broadcast message.
"It is what it is. I did send out the broadcast. Maybe at a later date, I will be able to give you some info."
The west Kingston-based Swatch International was started by O'neil Miles in 1991. After playing at various locations around Jamaica, it got even more popular when Miles started Passa Passa in 2003. With the sale of Passa Passa CDs and DVDs, the sound system also gained notoriety.
Swatch International has played in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada and the Caribbean.
The legendary Shabba Ranks has officially been added to the long list of artists who will converge on the City of Miami May 26th-30th for Best Of The Best Weekend 2011. Ranks joins an already stellar list of performers scheduled for the back-to-back blockbuster concerts jumping off on Saturday, May 28th and Sunday, May 29th at Bicentennial Park (1075 Biscayne Blvd).
The Jamaican music icon will perform on day two, alongside some of the top acts in Reggae, Hip-Hop, Dancehall and Soca, such as Stephen and Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, DJ Khaled, Vybz Kartel (who will appear with his band live via satellite from Jamaica), Tarrus Riley, Alison Hinds, Trina, Assassin, Etana, Sanchez, I-Octane, Ace Hood, Stephen McGregor, Chino, Richie Loop, Demarco, Gappy Ranks, Romain Virgo, Big AC and ZJ Liquid.
Day one, dubbed Spring Fest, will feature the best of the best in contemporary R&B, including Chris Brown, Keri Hilson, Lloyd, Jeremih, Miguel and Marsha Ambrosius (formerly of the duo Floetry) and Travis Porter. Nationally syndicated radio host and comedian Rickey Smiley will host with Jabba of Massive B.
Veteran reggae artiste Spanner Banner's release of his most recent album I'm A Winner, in 2009, has revived his career. The baritone singer also said he'll be releasing the album's title track and a video shortly.
He may not command as much public attention like the current crop of young artistes, but Spanner Banner is still in his element as one of reggae music's front-runners. He made his entry into the music biz back in the 1980s with Life Goes On, produced by Winston Riley, and hasn't looked back since.
Now, after a quiet stint, Spanner Banner, whose brothers Richie Spice, Pliers, Snatcha Lion and Jah Mikes are all involved in music, revealed that he has a number of upcoming projects and also addressed the issue of his absence in music.
"Well, I wouldn't say that I was fully (absent). In January, I did Rebel Salute and I'm scheduled for several upcoming events, but it's just airplay that I'm finding problems with," he said.
The singer, whose career spans over two decades, has also signed a booking contract with Entertainment Konnections, which is a Negril-based company owned and operated by Ralston Barrett, a recognised personality in the local music industry.
Spanner Banner said he's optimistic about this partnership, and has already envision himself being blessed with show engagements in the near future.
"I can see endless possibilities. I'm already looking for more shows in the Caribbean and elsewhere. I put all my trust in this. That's what you get working with Ralston Barrett, who also happens to be my publicist," he added.
Spanner Banner said 2010 has been an okay year, but is confident this year will be of great benefit to his music career.
After last friday's destructive earthquake and tsunami in Japan, members of the entertainment industry have been lamenting with the country which they have had a close musical relationship with.
Now, the One Blood family, which consists mainly of Junior Reid, and his two sons Andrew and Wada Blood, has decided to show their support to the Japanese community through their weekly Japanese Thursday event held at Club View on Eastwood Park Road.
The disasters took place on the second outing of Japanese Thursdays and Reid has now opted to partner with Yumi, one of the many Japanese natives who frequent the club to give the proceeds of yesterday's event as well as next week's to the Japanese.
"The Japanese are probably the nation that support reggae music the most. We just want to show the Japanese that we are here for them. No, not just me Junior Reid and the One Blood family but the whole industry."
He continued: "As foreigners, you don't have no one else in the world who come to Jamaica to get involved in music like Japan. Nuh American, nuh Englishman can compare to them when it come to musical relations to Jamaica. Wi want them to know that the One Blood family respect, and love goes out to them. They support our music, so we affi support them."
They have also been constantly contributing to Haiti since the island was hit by a 7.0-magnitude earthquake last January.
The trio recently released the medley video for their songs, Nah Bow Fi Money and Roll Wid Mi Bredda on Notice Productions' Currant rhythm.
The video was done by overseas-based director Duke, who came to Jamaica specially for the video shoot which was done in areas across Kingston and St Andrew such as Half-Way Tree, Cassia Park, at the One Blood Plaza and in Waterhouse.
"Wi just a deal wid naturality cause naturality is beauty. Wi a deal wid family as usual. In the video wi a show the concept of the songs seh wi nah bow fi nuh money wi rather drive a old Nissan Sunny an yuh see mi a drive the Sunny," said Reid.
The video has thus far attracted over 54,000 views on popular hip-hop website worldstarhiphop.com after only two weeks of being released.
"We have even had videos that got 13 million views in no time. People from overseas have been calling me and asking who are the two young artiste that mi have in the video, dem seh dem bad! When mi a seh those are my two sons, them cyaan believe," said Reid.
Bomb A Drop, another artiste within the One Blood camp, is also aiming to further his musical career this year.
And as for the remainder of the year, Reid says, "A just more music."
Among the other events held at Club View include Look Out Tuesdays, Ladies Fridays and Dancing Neva Die on Saturdays, where a number of popular dancers frequent.
An Irish bagpiper and a Jamaican hip-hop artist seem an unlikely duo, but they've collaborated on a music video of reels and reggae filmed on the Emerald Isle.
Bronxites Brian McGuire, a banker by day and a piper with NY Metro Pipe Band, and Rally Bop, who mixes rap and hard-charging reggae, made "The Sound of the Bagpipe" after a Harlem-born music producer brought them together.
McGuire, 31, was having a drink in the Hudson Hotel bar last fall when he met Will Roberson, an independent producer whose clients range from French hip-hop group KDD to New Age artist Jean Michel Jarre and Jose Feliciano.
"We had a good conversation, and I gave him a card and said call me if you ever need a bagpiper," McGuire said.
"I thanked him," Roberson, 35, recalled with a laugh, "but I said to myself, 'I don't think I'll ever be calling him.'"
A week later, Rally called Roberson with a song that used an electronic bagpipe sound. "I said, 'I just met this bagpiper!'" Roberson said. "Let's use live bagpipe music."
So Roberson got the two musicians together, and a few weeks later, McGuire - wearing his red tartan kilt - was playing the pipes in a music video with Rally Bop in scenic spots in Dublin and Belfast, as well as the streets of Paris and Harlem.
"They sent me to Dublin, a cold place..." Rally raps in his island lilt, and McGuire skirls "Amazing Grace" and other Irish standards.
The video ends at the Giant's Causeway, the natural wonder of stone columns at the northern tip of Northern Ireland, as a rainbow curves over the sky.
"My Irish friends love the video," said McGuire, who lives in Riverdale.
McGuire was raised in Breezy Point, Queens, and went to Iona College on a bagpipe scholarship. In August, the NY Metro Pipe Band is set to compete in the world championship of pipers in Scotland.
Rally Bop, 28, whose given name is Rohan Wilson, came to the Wakefield section of the Bronx from Jamaica when he was 10 and began writing songs and performing as a deejay at 14. He has made numerous CDs and music videos.
Roberson, Rally and McGuire all wore Irish tweed caps as they raised a pint to toast Wednesday night's debut of the video at The Saloon on E. 84th St. in Manhattan. The video is also on YouTube.
"The Jamaicans and the Irish seem to get along well," McGuire said.
"We both enjoy a good pint of Guinness - and are not too fond of the British," Rally quipped.
Drake was warned, watch your mouth when you hit the stage at Brit Jam! But he didn’t heed his friend Mavado’s warning and narrowly avoided a criminal charge.
During a recent performance at Fantasy Island for the weeklong BritJam festival, Mavado brought on his friend Drake for a special guest appearance. Drake is currently an artist-in-residence at Jamaica’s luxury resort, GeeJam, where everyone from Gwen Stefani to Amy Winehouse have combined retreat and recording. But even though he was told to keep the language clean, Drake must have gotten caught up in the moment, when he said something like “Everywhere me go, me seh Jamaica to the blood clot world.” “Blood clot” being the definition of “indecent language” in Montego Bay’s local rule book.
Now in the past, MoBay authorities have charged high profile cuss-offenders like Snoop, Ja Rule, and even Jamaican acts like Beenie Man and Sean Paul. But according to Brit Jam insiders, Drake’s own guards grabbed him off the stage and pulled him away, so even though police were there, he avoided getting arrested.
Watch video of Drake’s interrupted performance with Mavado at Brit Jam…
Reggae star Smiley Culture has died during a police drugs raid on his home.
Sources said the musician, who found fame in the 1980s with hits including Police Officer, is understood to have died from self-inflicted wounds when officers swooped on his home in east Surrey.
The police watchdog has been called in to investigate the death.
Smiley Culture, real name David Emmanuel, appeared on Top of the Pops in the 1980s with singles including Cockney Translation and Police Officer.
A Scotland Yard spokeswoman said: "As part of an ongoing operation officers from the Metropolitan Police Service's Serious and Organised Crime Command today attended a residential address in east Surrey to make an arrest.
"While they were at the address, an incident occurred during which a 48-year-old man died. Officers from Surrey Police attended the incident and it has been formally referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission."
The Independent Police Complaints Commission confirmed it was investigating.
In September last year, he appeared before magistrates charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine.
His 1984 hit single Police Officer was an autobiographical song of how he was caught in possession of cannabis but let off when the officer recognised him as a reggae artist.
Speaking about the hit, he told the Guardian last year: "My hit single Police Officer was a true story - the police used to take my weed. It was better than being arrested, and I made that into a hit."
Dancehall deejay Shawn Storm, correct name Shawn Campbell, was released last week after he was taken into police custody for questioning in connection with a robbery which occurred in St Andrew last month.
The artiste was released from custody after the complainant and the witness failed to turn up for the identification parade.
Contacted last night, Crime Chief for the St Andrew North Division, Deputy Superintendent Altemorth 'Para' Campbell, said each time the complainant and the witness promised to show up they didn't, and as a result the police was forced to charge or release the artiste.
It was reported that Storm and a group of men allegedly robbed a fruit vendor en route from the Follow Di Arrow stage show last month.
Fans of Ragashanti have been voicing their disapproval since the Broadcasting Commission issued directives that Ragashanti Live be taken off air effective today.
Yesterday, the Broadcasting Commission sent out a release stating that the show, which is hosted by Dr Kingsley 'Ragashanti' Stewart and aired weekdays between 1 and 5 p.m, be removed from Nationwide News Network (NNN). Since then, fans of the host and regular listeners of the show have been expressing shock at the news.
"OMG wat am I going to listen to now? Yuh know how mi bruck my neck fi come from school jus fi listen 'Raga Show'. Mi feel it to mi heart," one listener said on the social networking website, Facebook.
"Uncle Raga, please don't be disheartened at the fact that they have succeeded to an extent. Uncle, this is your time to shine. Who God bless let no man put asunder. Uncle, I think you should do your mix-up an blenda shows dem every weekend now, maybe at Centerstage or sup'm," another added.
Others had suggestions of possible changes to the show.
"Uncle Raga, start streaming live over the Internet and publish a magazine each week with mix-ups that were called in from the previous week as well as those people will send in via whatever means. This way you can reach the masses," the comment said.
Some people said daytime radio will change drastically as a result. While others suggested protesting his removal. A page called 'Leave Ragashanti Alone' was also created yesterday and already has more than 1,200 fans.
Although there were some people who were disappointed, others rejoiced the news.
"I agree with booting Ragashanti, he needs to have a nighttime slot like Uncensored and Dear Pastor," one person said on Twitter.
Another said: "I dunno why Nationwide even took up Ragashanti on their station."
The release that was sent by the Broadcasting Commission yesterday said: "The Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica has directed the management of Nationwide News Network Limited to immediately discontinue transmission of the radio programme 'Ragashanti Live' in its current daytime slot, that is, effective Tuesday, March 15, 2011. The station has also been required to take the necessary steps to bring its programming into conformity with its public service broad- casting licence and the applicable broadcasting regulations."
It added that the commission issued the directive after receiving numerous public complaints over the last two months and following its own review of NNN's programming between February 7 and March 2. It also noted that NNN has been cited by the commission for at least 18 serious breaches of its licence and of the broadcasting regulations.
The release also stated that the host was found to regularly engage in and encourage callers to voice scandalous, derogatory and insulting remarks which, according to the regulations, should not be transmitted from any sound broadcasting facilities of radio licensees "at any time". In addition, it said that the programme was also found to be largely dedicated to explicit and detailed discussions by the host and by some callers of adult sexual activity and situations, unsuitable for unencrypted daytime listening, especially by children.
THE STAR tried to get in contact with Ragashanti but was unsuccessful. But on his show, while receiving support from his listeners yesterday, he said: "I don't want Nationwide Network to get into any trouble for me. I will be okay. A life! This nah guh be the end of me, and it will not be the end between me and them."
In addition, the management of NNN has since said it is seeking legal advice as it prepares to respond to a directive from the Broadcasting Commission.
The Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica (BCJ) has directed the management of Nationwide News Network (NNN) Limited to immediately discontinue transmission of Kingsley 'Ragashanti' Stewart's popular call-in radio programme, 'Ragashanti Live'.
In a statement this afternoon, the BCJ said that it had decided to take action following after receiving numerous public complaints over the last two months and after having conducted its own review of NNN's programming during the period February 7 to March 2. Transcripts of the offending programming was also supplied to the media.
Ragashanti Live was held to have breached regulations by transmitting material that includes: profanity; may be harmful to children; is likely to incite violence or criminal activity or lead to a breach of the peace; and that which is malicious, scandalous or defamatory matter. NNN was also held to violate part of its license agreement which requires its to encourage positive values and attitudes.
"As a result, Nationwide News Network Limited has been cited by the Commission for at least 18 serious breaches of its licence and of the broadcasting regulations," said the BCJ.
NNN has also been warned that it could have its license revoked should it fail to comply with its terms of license.
The Broadcasting Commission has warned Nationwide News Network (NNN) Limited that if it fails to take the specified remedial measures and or fails as a station to maintain the required public broadcasting standards, it risks a recommendation by the Commission that its licence be suspended," said the BCJ.
Below is the CVM On Stage interview with Winford Williams that set the social media world on ablaze. It was almost impossible to keep up with the tweets that occurred during the interview. You can see for yourself what all the fuss was about.
The energetic duo, RDX, who are know for their multi-colored hair, is never short of time and words of wisdom for their fans and foes alike. Since making their debut on the dancehall music scene with hit songs such as Everybody Dance, Dancers Anthem, Skip To Ma Lou and Movements they have managed to spread dancehall music to di 'Worl'!
Renigade and Delomar have both come a long way since they emerged as the 'dancers' deejays' in 2005.
However, with determination and some skillful dancers by their side they have definitely succeeded. They encourage youths to follow their dreams even though life might take some detours before they get to their final destination. Both have spoken of their challenges both at home and in the industry.
They recall the times when they would go to the inner-city community of Waterhouse to voice their songs; much to the dismay and disapproval of their mothers. Leaving their jobs as graphic designer and sales representative, they took to the stage to show the world how the popular Jamaican moves are done.
With their infectious verses and foot flashing dances RDX gives the people music they can move to, though they jokingly admitted: "We a nuh dancer, but we can dance fi save wi life."
Fresh from performances in Guadeloupe and Guyana, where they performed along with their "flagship dancer" Bermuda Kid to sold-out crowds, RDX says that "the promoters in Guyana said it was the first time 10,000 patrons had stayed to see a performance despite the rain and mud", and the fans surely were not disappointed.
They call themselves ambassadors for dancehall music; a title they feel every dancehall artiste should adopt, as their influence locally and internationally goes further than the music they make. "As artistes we need to realize that what we say and do has a powerful influence on those who listen to our music; for good and bad. RDX grew up seeing violence around us so we chose to record and produce positive music that will make people feel good and have fun."
On Thursday, March 10 from 4pm-6pm VP Records recording artiste, Protoje will be in South Florida for an in-store autograph signing at the VP Records Retail store located at 6022 SW 21st St. in Miramar. Fans will be able to stop by and pick up a copy of his latest album and receive a free poster and other free giveaways.
Protoje's latest album, Year Itch features the smash hit single, Rasta Love featuring Ky-Mani Marley.
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