NEW DANCEHALL QUEEN FOR JAMAICA - MICHELLE MCKOY
Story By: Conroy Walker, Jamaica
Twenty two year-old Michelle McKoy danced her way into the hearts of a sold out Dance Hall Queen show held at the Pier One in Montego Bay, Jamaica over the first week of August to capture the Dance Hall Queen 2003 -2004 title. The new dance hall queen replaces Japanese Junko Kudo who became the first foreigner to win the crown last year. The real 'McKoy' however did not have the total support of the crowd as most patrons were behind home town girl Lavern Samuels, who eventually placed second. Third went to Maronie Delva. Dancing to the popular Head Nuh Good McKoy was dressed in a two piece silver outfit and donned multi-colored weaves.
"I feel very proud of myself and this win will help to build my self confidence and encourage me to keep on dancing" McKoy said.
By virtue of winning the title, she walked away with a trophy, $70,000 and a $10,000 modeling contract from Mahogany School of Modeling. She became the seventh dance hall queen winning from a group of 29 girls from Jamaica and United States.
Samuels received $40,000 for finishing second and Delva $30,000.
Red Plastic Bag Captures 7th Calypso Crown!
Story from Barbados:
Last year he painted Barbados red; this time he was hair and shoulders above all the competition as Virgin Atlantic Headliners flew away with the top three places in the Pic-O-De-Crop Finals on the night of Friday, August 1st.
Singing Hair and Competition with a highly consistent standard of delivery in both halves, Red Plastic Bag captured his seventh calypso crown after bringing a packed National Stadium to its feet.
His tent mate TC, the lone female semifinalist and finally a finalist by default, was second, and first-time finalist Ian Webster, also a Headliner, was third.
Playing on the outstanding issues in Barbados, RPB used the imagery of his gradual hair-loss in a finely spun web of literary techniques, and enhanced his presentation with a parliamentary debate ending with the traditional “Hear, hear!” Emerging with an afro wig and sporting the national colors, he proceeded to tackle a range of issues, including Gabby’s appointment as ambassador, Colin Spencer being dropped from the semis, and the disrespect shown to calypsonians. Bag’s second song, Competition, would have scored more highly on its worth as a song than as a performance piece. It showcased his writing skills but, as a performer on a big night, he didn’t grab it by the roots. TC barely got into the finals by default, but proved she could make an impact among the best of the calypso crop, as she placed second with a stunning second-half performance.
Presentation alone would have given her some points in the first half, as she started Yuh Got Me Vex with a flurry of explosions and fireworks in an attempt to drive home the reality of war in Iraq and the possibility of “who next”? But it was in the second half that she shone, when most of her rivals would have already brought out their strongest song. She floated onto the stage in a Nefertari creation, rendering the melodically correct Can’t Take That with supreme confidence and aggression.
Webster lifted his game beyond the previous week’s semis for his stronger song, I Know Dat. With an exceptional presentation which saw him emerging in a navy admiral’s white uniform and re-emerging in a taxi, he performed it with the aplomb not expected of a first-timer to the “big yard”. However, his rendition of Nation Of Shows was, like most of the second half, low-keyed. While one would have expected him to end the second half with a bang, all he did was pave the way for the guest-performing Troubadours.
It was almost prophetic, however, that he threw a red wig onto the prized Subaru Impreza, when he was lashing out at Bag in I Know Dat; for the wig landed where it eventually belonged, and Bag actually put it on after his victory.
“This is indeed a good victory. I worked extremely hard during the course of the year,” said Bag, as he won the car along with $10,000 and a trophy.
“People always say that when you’re reigning monarch it’s difficult to defend, so I made sure I worked extremely hard leading up to this competition.”
TC won $15 000, Webster $10 500 and King $7 500.
Capelton & Coco T @ The Norva, VA!
A Night Dubbed 'Girls Gone Wild!'
Case Of The Missing Donuts!!
In Jamaica, a female vendor is accusing deejay Elephant Man's entourage of taking away several thousand dollars worth of goods from her stall at the intersection of Port Henderson Road and the Spanish Town bypass in St. Catherine. "Mi want mi money or mi a go scandal dem," said Margaret 'Shirley' Forsythe, 47, who has been selling at the intersection since January. Miss Forsythe said that between 2:30 and 2:45 p.m. Elephant Man and a group of men who were traveling westerly along the bypass in separate vehicles stopped at her stall. Miss Forsythe said the crew took donuts, juice, and bottled water valuing $4,000 from her stall and told her that Elephant Man would pay for the goods. She said that when she approached the deejay's vehicle he drove off. "Mi go into the van (where the other men were) and ask the man dem fi di money dem seh dat mi fi come out or dem will shoot mi," she said. Miss Forsythe informed a traffic police officer of the incident and then made a report to the Spanish Town Police Station. Meanwhile, Elephant Man denied knowing anything of the incident. "Mind a mix dem a mix mi up with somebody else," the deejay said. "Mi no know bout dat. Mi Oneil Bryan. I don't know what you talking 'bout." The Spanish Town police said that a report was made about the larceny but nothing can be done until the vender gives a detailed statement.
Reviews
“Can I try something different?” This was the question posed over the microphone at the House of Blues on April 22nd, and the audience was more than willing to oblige. On this night the New Orleans crowd spent an evening with Thievery Corporation, the Washington, DC based electronic duo that has been influential in showing that even with turntables beginning to outsell electric guitars, electronic music is not restricted just to DJ sets.
Rob Garza and Eric Hilton, otherwise known as Thievery Corporation, have been touring the Southern United States to help promote their latest album, The Richest Man in Babylon. The album features several guest musicians and singers, and almost all of them have been accompanying the pair on this latest tour. These include female singers Pam Bricker, Lou Lou, and Emiliana Torrini, as well as MCs Sleepy Wonder and Notch from the DC reggae collective Born Jamericans.
In fact, it would not be a stretch to call Thievery Corporation a full-fledged electronic band. In addition to Garza, Hilton, and the vocalists, the musicians on stage included two percussionists, a bassist, and a guitarist who also played the sitar on some numbers. In a sense, Garza and Hilton served as bandleaders, moving from song to song with little space in between. Indeed, there was much precision involved in Thievery Corporation’s set, very much similar to the James Brown band or Fela Kuti’s Africa 70 orchestra. It was obvious that each song had gone through relentless rehearsal, to ensure that each part was tightly executed and that the band played as one cohesive unit.
That is not to say that the show was rigid, not by a long shot. The band did become a bit looser as the set went on, thanks in part to the two MCs, and seemed to be enjoying themselves throughout the show. There was tremendous energy coming from the stage, and it was surely felt by the crowd of predominantly 20 and 30 year olds, many of whom were dancing for the entire 90 minutes.
As for the musi
c itself, Thievery Corporation drew heavily from Babylon, but also sprinkled some old favorites into the show, including “Assault on Babylon” (Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi), “Shaolin Satellite” and “Coming From the Top” (DJ Kicks). There were also a few surprises, including Pam Bricker singing an Astrud Gilberto number, and Notch and Sleepy Wonder leading the band in a cover of Bob Marley’s “Get Up Stand Up.” It was a lively show featuring one of electronic music’s most musically diverse acts, ranging from dub to jazz to reggae to Indian to Afro-Cuban to…well, you get the idea. All of this from two individuals who don’t consider themselves musicians, and who grew up playing punk and hardcore. Says Rob Garza, “electronic music is very often cold and mechanical; this is not attractive to us in the least. Our influences come from organic productions and I think this is especially evident on the new album.”Garza and Eric Hilton consider Babylon to be their most introspective album to date, and after hearing songs such as “Heaven’s Gonna Burn Your Eyes” and “Until the Morning,” both of which feature Icelandic singer Emiliana Torrini, as well as “Omid (Hope)” and “Facing East” with Bricker and French singer Lou Lou, respectively, it’s easy to see why. All of these songs feature vocals that seem to float above the underlying groove created by the band.
But Thievery Corporation didn’t just bring their instruments, oh no. In keeping with a growing trend in music used by artists as varied as DJ Shadow, Sigur Ros, and Godspeed! You Black Emperor, visuals were used on a large screen behind the band intended to trigger certain emotions and tell a story. In addition to using clips from 1960s spy films Alphaville and Baraka and the 1978 film Rockers about a Jamaican band, they also used images of religious leaders such as the Dalai Lama and Haile Selassie. There also seemed to be an implied travel theme, with images of a space station, airplanes taking off, and views from moving cars and trains.
There were a few minor problems with the show, although this was largely the product of the House of Blues sound system. The bass was so overpowering at times that it drowned out the vocals, and the percussion was a little low in the mix. Despite this, Thievery Corporation is one show not to miss, and is for fans of all genres of music. As Sleepy Wonder put it during the encore, this is “music from all over the world. You never know what you get.”
Sean Paul @ Ocean, London, England on Thursday 26th June 2003
A Miss Mention & Lady Zimma - www.daintycrew.com Review
Sean Paul hit the stage accompanied by a full backing band, his brother and 2 dancers. He kicked off his set with ‘Like Glue’ and the crowd went crazy! With Cécile’s vocals on the backing track, Sean Paul then went onto ‘Bad Man, Bad Gal’ before the Superstar rhythm had him singing about jucking punny for fun. Sean Paul spoke of people who know Reggae music knowing that it inspires many a dance move and to prove this fact; alongside his dancers he showed us some moves including the Bogle, Angel, Log On and World Run. The crowd lapped it up before he gave us his new tune on the Egyptian rhythm called ‘Get With It Girl’. On completion of this track, it was back to the dancehall moves and he went onto Row The Boat, Signal The Plane and Chaplin. He went back in time to ‘Infiltrate’ before ‘Nah Get No Bly’ and ‘Hot Gal Today’. It was then onto ‘Deport Them’ before ‘Punkie’ in both English and Spanish. It was time to ‘Shake That Thing’ followed by ‘I’m Still In Love’ with Tasha on the backing track. Sean Paul said he was proud of how far Reggae music had come. He asked for those who agreed to put their two hands in the air and ‘Make It Clap’. Sean Paul then did ‘Ever Blazing’ before the first line of ‘Gimme The Light’. He then left the stage and was called back to finish off ‘Gimme The Light’ before ending his one-hour set on ‘Get Busy’.
Review Courtesy Of www.daintycrew.com
SPRAGGA IN NORFOLK, VA
Kidd Walker of LionHeart brought Spragga’s ‘Top Shotta Tour’ to VA on Tuesday, June 24th and I thought that the show was nice BUT this was definitely a different Spragga, A NEW SPRAGGA, one who has truly found Jah...He did some of his old songs probably because if he didn’t the crowd would not know it was him, that’s how much he has changed. It was not only his appearance (lots of facial hair and long dred locks) but most of his performance was on a on a more conscious level which was nice still. My boyfriend had never seen Spragga perform before and he really loved the chant Spragga gave. Spragga did very short versions of a lot of songs...Again the show was more of a awareness chant type of thing...You know real conscious live right kinda speech... He did familiar tunes such as ‘Jack it up’....... ‘Accident’.............’Praise’ ........and of course he finished with ‘Rasta Run the World’. What I can’t believe is that he didn’t perform ‘Thanks and Praises’.. Well, MY SUPER RUDE BOY, MY MR. STAMINA MAN, MY TOP SHOTTA, MY A1 LOVER...is GONE.... Do Rastas really run the world? (smile)
Tamika Jersey, Virginia
Capelton / Sizzla - Bad Blood?
Days after the successful staging of his St Mary Wi Come From charity show at James Bond Beach, Capleton has left Jamaica for a month-long tour of the US. Prophet will return in time for Sumfest at the end of July. Reports out of Jamaica re that the absence of Sizzla Kalonji, from the charity show has had tongues wagging, Sizzla was booked to headline the show, but chose to fly out instead, for an appearance in the Caribbean. There have been rumors of unrest between the two Bobos for sometime stemming from a high profile bust-up backstage at a concert in Europe last year which leaves those on the streets speculating that the two are on less than good terms.
UK Born Slick Rick Who Is Of Jamaican Parentage Still In INS Jail In Florida
June 2003 marks the 1 year anniversary of the incarceration of Slick Rick who has been in the custody of the Immigration and Naturalization Service in Bradenton, Florida. Back in December 2002 an American federal judge, Kimba Wood, blocked the deportation of Slick Rick, which means that the musician--whose real name is Ricky Walters--can continue his fight to remain in the United States. He will, however, remain in INS custody. Walters, a native of Great Britain who is of Jamaican parentage has lived in the U.S. since he was 11 years old. He is facing deportation because of a 1990 incident in which he was convicted for shooting a cousin, the cousin's pregnant girlfriend and a bystander. He spent five years in a New York prison after pleading guilty to the charges. INS agents arrested Walters aboard a cruise ship after the U.S. began enforcing a law that requires deportation of foreigners convicted of violent felonies.
Ninja Man Gets Bail Extension
DeeJay Desmond 'NINJA Man' Ballentine had his $200,000 bail extended when he appeared recently in the Port Maria Resident Magistrate's Court in St. Mary. Ballentine, who is before the court charged with two counts of indecent assault, had his bail extended after the court was told that his attorney, Norma Linton, would not be able to attend court. He is to return to the court on July 15. Allegations are that Ninja Man forced a female relative to perform oral sex on him sometime in late November last year. The Annotto Bay police have collected a statement and physical evidence from the alleged victim. Reports said that on November 25 last year, the girl visited Ninja Man's home. It is reported that at about 8:00 p.m. Ninja Man took her to a place in St. Mary. Sometime after 4:00 a.m. the following day he returned to the car and the girl demanded that he take her home. He then reportedly made sexual advances to the child, who attempted to get out of the vehicle but was allegedly overpowered and sexually assaulted. Ninja Man reportedly took the child home and told her not to tell anyone. However, the girl told her mother about the alleged incident and the matter was reported to the Annotto Bay Police Station. A warrant had been issued for Ninja Man but he was not arrested despite several public appearances on stage shows and television programs. He was arrested, however, after turning himself over to the Port Maria police earlier this year.
By Observer Reporter
REGGAE singer, Jepther "Luciano" McClymont was on Friday, June 6th fined $2,400 in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court for possession of, and attempting to export marijuana. However, no conviction was recorded against the Rastafarian singer as presiding magistrate, Martin Gayle, acceded to the request of his attorney, Hugh Wilson, that no conviction order be made against his client.
"Sometimes some decisions are unpopular, but they are decisions which must be made in the interest of justice," Gayle said before handing down his sentence. "Each case has its particular circumstances. The court treats every person according to the circumstances that come before the court. That is what I call justice. The court should not look to destroy anybody's life." Luciano was fined $400 or 10 days for possession of marijuana and $2,000 or 10 days for taking steps to export the weed. The popular singer was held by the police on Labor Day as he attempted to board a flight to New York and a quantity of ganja was found in his suitcase. His attorney put in a lengthy submission to the court, asking that his client not be fingerprinted and that no conviction be recorded against his client. "It was one spliff. We use marijuana," Wilson told the magistrate. "We means plural. What you mean?" RM Gayle asked the lawyer as persons in the gallery laughed aloud. "We, referring to Mr McClymont," a smiling Wilson replied "We use it medicinally, culturally, for culinary purposes and ceremoniously."
The attorney told the court that Luciano used marijuana as an aspect of his religious practice which is grounded in the Rastafarian faith. He cited the findings of the Barry Chevannes-led Ganja Commission that ganja should be decriminalized for personal use and the announcement by Attorney General and Minister of Justice A J Nicholson earlier this year, that legislation was being put in place to legalize the use of small amounts of ganja, to further his case. Wilson also mentioned the recent Canadian and British rulings that decriminalized ganja for personal use. "One is inspired when one uses ganja," the attorney argued. In his plea for the court's lenience, the lawyer spoke of the foreign exchange earning potential of his client and his clean rap sheet.
"He is a cultural icon who generates immeasurable foreign exchange. He is no criminal," Wilson said. "He has a tour of Japan and after that a tour of the United States which will require work permits. If a conviction is recorded against him it would destroy his musical career." When the singer appeared in court, he appeared pensive during the activities. However a broad smile covered his face when the ruling of a no conviction order was made against him. "I am very relieved. My lawyer represented me well. He did his research. All praise is due to Jah," he said.
Carnival bacchanal
Court overturns NCC 2003 results
A High Court judge on Thursday June 5th, overturned the 2003 Carnival Parade of the Bands results, effectively stripping all winners of their titles. Only the Carnival King, Queen and Individual of the Year crowns remain intact, after Justice Amrika Tiwary-Reddy declared the results in the George Bailey, Harold Saldenah and Lil Hart categories “unlawful, null and void and of no effect”.
The judgment came when the National Carnival Bands Association and mini-Carnival band leader, Roslyn Gabriel, won their applications for judicial review which were filed against the National Carnival Commission (NCC). The orders, which were made by Tiwary-Reddy in the Port-of-Spain Second Civil Court, means that Legends’ Bedazzled, Trini Revellers, Gathering of the Tribes and Tribal Connections, Warriors of the Great Plains have been stripped of their large, medium and small Band of the Year titles. All other winners also lose their placing.
The orders followed an injunction filed by the NCBA in March preventing the NCC from awarding prizes to the winners of the mas competitions. When the parties appeared in court, the NCC was represented by attorney Dharmendra Punwasee and did not contest the application. Speaking after the ruling, Gabriel said she was “very happy with the judgment” and her attorneys Om Lalla and Kelvin Ramkissoon, whom she said did an excellent job.
Gabriel’s Land of the Hummingbird was announced as the George Bailey Mini Band of the Year in mid-March, but the NCC told her days later that due to an arithmetical error, her band placed third. Despite her jubilation, Gabriel said she was not happy about Carnival ending up in court. Gabriel said this year’s judging was messy and she had no other recourse but to seek legal action. NCBA president Richard Afong said bandleaders were satisfied with the judgment. He said the judging system was flawed and after requests by several members, the NCC was petitioned.
In the order involving the NCBA, Tiwary-Reddy declared the Parade of the Bands was not judged in accordance with the published rules. The judge also declared the judging system for the George Bailey, Harold Saldenah and Lil Hart categories by the NCC’s review committee, was also unlawful. Tiwary-Reddy also quashed the results published by the NCC in March and the ensuing decision to award and present prizes for the Parade of the Bands. In Gabriel’s application, the judge declared the NCC’s results for the George Bailey, Harold Saldenah and Lil Hart mini-band categories, which were announced on March 14, null and void. In both applications, the court ordered damages to be assessed and the NCC is to pay attorneys costs for both parties.
Reggae singer Luciano, dubbed ‘The Messenger’ was carrying far more than just messages when he was held by the police at the Norman Manley International Airport in Jamaica on Friday, May 23rd. According to police, Luciano, born Jepther McClymoth, was arrested and charged with the possession of and attempting to export ganja after the drug was found in his luggage. He later pleaded guilty to the charges in court on Monday, May 26th and was due to be sentenced on Monday, June 2nd, but the date has been set back to Friday, June 6th as the forensic report, which would state the correct amount of banned vegetable matter the singer had in his possession, is not ready. Resident Magistrate Martin Gayle, who is presiding over the matter, decided to delay sentencing and wait on the forensic certificate so that the exact amount of ganja that the singer was held with could be ascertained. RM Gayle also extended the singer's bail until that time.
Unusual Scent
At about 3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 23rd, Narcotics police were checking luggage being loaded on to an Air Jamaica flight destined for New York. During that check, drug sniffing dogs alerted the police to a green suitcase bearing the name tag ‘Jephter McClymoth’. The passenger, McClymoth, was then identified and removed from the line and taken to the canine office, where he was cautioned. When asked if he packed and knew the contents of his baggage he answered in the affirmative. The suitcase was then opened and searched. Inside, clothes and two rectangular-shaped packages, one wrapped in black plastic and the other in brown masking tape, were found. Both packages allegedly carried an unusual scent. When McClymoth was asked what was in them he allegedly responded, "Offica a likkle weed fi build a vibes." The packages were then opened and vegetable matter resembling ganja of an undetermined quantity was found. McClymoth was then arrested and charged and taken to the Norman Manley police station for processing. When he appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court on Monday, May 26th, McClymoth pleaded guilty to the charges.
On Monday, June 2nd, he appeared in a khaki outfit, bedecked with red, gold, green and black epaulettes. Luciano's manager, Copeland Forbes, along with saxophonist Dean Fraser and singer Mikey General, as well as other relatives and friends, came out to give the singer moral support.
He is being represented by attorney Hugh Wilson. The artiste, known for his inspirational lyrics, released his latest album Serve Jah in January.
After a
year’s break, Bounty Killer’s Birthday bash is back. Saturday June 14 is
the date, Caymanas Polo Club in Jamaica is the venue. The package for the party
with the reputation for jumping off the Jamaican Summer party season is as hot
as ever. Previously known as ‘It’s A Party’, the bash is now known as
"Its thA Party," and stars Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, Professor Nutts,
Wayne Marshall, Vybz Kartel, Bling Dawg, Angel Doolas and Predator. Organisers
of the bash are trumpeting the sound system line up as well, which is led by
Tony Matterhorn, Renaissance, Stonelove, Soundwave, Leftside & Esco and Raz &
Biggy. As well as the best in Jamaican selecting, Miami’s DJ Khaled will be
flying in, along with Big Dawg Pitbull colleague DJ Cipha from New York radio’s
Hot 97. Pre-sold tickets are a very reasonable $500 JA, 6 bills at the gate.
There are also a limited number of VIP tickets available at $1000. The event is
sponsored by Guinness.
The debut
album "Marshall Law" for WAYNE MARSHALL will be in stores July
22nd, 2003. Wayne is one of the rising young stars straight out of Kingston,
Jamaica and a protégé of dancehall king Bounty Killer. The singer is also
notable for guest appearances with Bounty on recent hits like "Sufferer "
and "Smoke Clears". His rhythmic vocal style and memorable hooks are winning
fans and making Wayne Marshall a name to be recognized. His debut album
"Marshall Law" contains new tracks from some of dancehall’s top producers Baby G
of the King Jammy’s Productions, Jeremy Harding, Don Corleon, Troy Rami of Black
Shadow and Steven ‘Lenky’ Marsden. Feature tracks include "Check Yourself" and
"Marshall Town."
JUNIOR KELLY
returns with his sophomore album on August 12th. Junior Kelly has deep musical
roots in dancehall reggae and will proudly tell anyone that it took 18 years to
get his first hit. The song, "Love So Nice" was the biggest reggae hit of 2001
and the album of the same name earned Kelly international acclaim from fans and
the music community. With his ‘first hit’ Kelly toured internationally while
developing a fan base of 50,000+ in sales. In performance his unique style and
rhythmic vocalizations are showcased with an impressive arsenal of boom tunes
including "Boom Draw", "Sunshine" and "Sleep Last Night". Now, with his return
to the scene and a studio new album, reggae fans are sure to "Smile". The
new album and first single "Smile" captures Kelly in a traditional roots reggae
setting with a thoroughly modern outlook on Rasta, reggae, love and life.
SNOW is
back... "TWO HANDS CLAPPING" will be available in stores this month!
Darrin O’Brien a.k.a. Snow is best known in the U.S. for his mid 90’s reggae
crossover hits "Informer" and "Anything For You". These hip-hop oriented reggae
tracks earned Snow gold and platinum sales plaques and a multi-album deal with
Virgin Music. His unique vocal delivery and songwriting talents have sustained
his audience in Canada and internationally through five album releases. For his
latest, "Two Hands Clapping" Snow has enlisted a range of production talents
including Dave & Tony Kelly, Tricky & Laney Stewart and Danny P. The resulting
tracks are dancehall reggae with various musical spices in the mix. VP Records
will distribute Snow "Two Hands Clapping" through cooperation with Virgin Music
Canada.
Sleepy Wonder & Notch Blazed The Thievery Corporation US Tour Circuit
Thievery Corporation toured the US and Europe during the months of April and May, promoting their album ‘The Richest Man in Babylon’ and included in the tour was reggae artist ‘Sleepy Wonder’ who blazed the US tour circuit performing in sold out venues with what can only be described as electrifying performances. Between April 18th and April 27th the tour passed through Atlanta, GA, Miami, FL, New Orleans, LA, Austin, TX, Tempe, AZ, San Diego, CA, and Indio, CA. However, while on the last leg of the US tour, Sleepy Wonder had a sickle cell attack and became ill. Before leaving for the tour Sleepy advised Thievery that he could not travel on the tour bus through high terrain as it would make his sickle cell act up but after ripping the city of Austin, TX, the crew of Thievery Corporation headed on to Tempe, Arizona telling Sleepy that they would drive through lower grounds via El Paso, Texas, but they decided to cut a few hours thinking that they would not be in high ground long enough for Sleepy’s sickle cell to act up and after all, he was asleep. Sleepy woke up hours later with chronic pain in his stomach and joints and he was gasping for air. He asked the driver where they were and he was informed that they were traveling through New Mexico, which was 37,000 ft too high for Sleepy! Sleepy managed to finish the US leg of the tour, in pain, yet performing his best at San Diego and Indio, CA. Sleepy took the week and half break between the US tour and European tour to return to Virginia, and deal with his sickle cell crisis. While at home Sleepy made the very tough decision to forgo the European leg of the tour as they would be traveling in very high terrain through Greece, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Spain and Portugal.
Catch Sleepy Wonder online at
www.nochoicerecords.comAlso blazing on the acid jazz-fusion group Thievery Corp. tour is Norman Howell, aka Notch, former lead vocalist of the Hip-Hop Reggae group Born Jamericans. Notch is no newcomer to the music industry, but after Born Jamericans made the decision to part ways, Notch put his music career on hold to pursue a degree in Engineering. Now a renewed Notch has adapted an unreserved approach with a new vibe which will be noticed in his new soon to be release reggae flavored solo album ‘The School of Yard knocks’ and in the follow up album which will take on a more Spanglish flavored direction. When asked recently by West Indian Times if he has any new music out, Notch replied "yeah, but people just don’t realize it’s me" and then he added with comedic wit "I’m in the artist relocation witness protection program!" Notch has underground works such as the reggae solo title track ‘Nuthin Nuh Go So’ on the Buy Out Riddim, ‘Party Yardy’ on the Flip Riddim, as well as Spanglish fuse dancehall reggae songs such as ‘Hay Que Bueno’ on the ‘OutLaw’ Riddim. These tracks can be heard throughout the entire underground reggae scene in the Caribbean, USA, Hawaii to as far as Belgium and Central America.
Catch Notch online at www.internotch.com
Find Out What Happened @ VA's 45 Shoot Out!
WHADABLEE WINS 5TH V.I. CALYPSO MONARCH CROWN
The
reigning calypso monarch of St. Thomas held onto his crown on the night of
Thursday, May 1st before a crowd of about 2,500 people at Lionel Roberts
Stadium. For Sinclair DeSilva – better known as Whadablee – the 2003 victory is
the fifth consecutive win, this one gained over an all-out challenge by the
first runner up, Myrel Tonge, also known as Super T.
"I’m tired, I’m a little hoarse, but this was the hardest
victory," Whadablee said as he danced offstage wearing his red velvet crown and
cape, the winner’s trophy in his hand. Super T, who received rousing applause
for his rendition of his hit tune "If You For Me," expressed disappointment at
the judges’ decision. "I’m not going to talk about it," he said. "I’m just going
to leave it for another time." Whadablee fans were in abundance at the stadium,
many of them saying that while Thursday’s night competition was close, it was
Whadablee’s lyrics that cinched the victory. They also credited the strength of
Whadablee’s song in round one, "Keep On Trying," a musical challenge to all
contenders for the calypso crown.
The other nine challengers also gave their all onstage: 2003 Crucian Festival Calypso Monarch Mighty Pat, past St. Croix monarch King Kan Fu’ Plentae, Pepper Pat, Generic, Refector, Waggy, Gemma Noel, Sugar Dee and Soljah. Musical topics paid tribute to Carnival, and made appeals for the poor, for the children and for responsible government.
There were also lighthearted lyrics. Sugar Dee sang "My School Days," recalling the perplexing answers she sometimes had for her teachers’ questions. When Waggy sang about his desire for "Peace in the Middle East," he wove a double entendre about his desire for more earthly delights. There were also pleas to government leaders to stop the gun violence and murders that have been plaguing the Virgin Islands, a theme heard in Generic’s song, "Hope for Peace," and in Whadablee’s "Just Because."
A JUNO WIN FOR SONIA COLLYMORE
Canada’s number #1 female reggae singer Sonia Collymore is the 2003 Juno Award winner for Best Reggae Recording “You Won’t See Me Cry” (FiWi Music).
“ I was really thrilled to be nominated at the 2002 JUNO’s for the Faith Hill cover I did of “Breathe”, but I am over the moon to have won for my own original song, “I feel truly honoured and blessed,” she said.
“You Won’t See Me Cry” was recorded for the FiWi Music label on the Natty Bay Riddim, and was produced by multi talented singer/songwriter Yogie.
Stay tuned for Sonia’s current releases “Talk” (Who Dat Rhythm/FiWi Music) and “Taken” (Kata Rhythm/FiWi Music) which are currently blazing the airwaves in Europe, Japan the Caribbean.
