Emerging Poet FuZion

August 29 -  FuZion is an emerging Poet, an arrival of a new sound in the new millennium. Blessed with a revising and commanding voice, the diminutive poet is here to cement a place in the hearts of music extraordinaire worldwide with a combination of his haunting melodies and wonderful rhythmic style.  Born Rudolph Garvey Thomas, he grew up in the inner city of Spanish Town; he attended the McCauley Primary School and Bridgeport High School. With the reality of not having his parents around school was the only place for him, education was what could help him to achieve and elevate himself from poverty. An avid reader, literature and history were his favorite subjects in school for this help him to study the pattern of many different writers.    It was not until 2008 when he recorded two poems; “Mirror Mirror” and “Aids” after the moderate success of the poems; FuZion began to take on the mantle as an emerging poet. Other poems include “Uptown Fred”,” Disturbed Child”, “So High” and “Chemical Imbalance” among many others. He has performed at various open mike sessions, Red Bones Café, Calabash Festival, Village Café and other social corporate functions, after which people began to take notice of the young Poet. He distinguished himself as an emerging poet, with a lot of potential to unleash.  He continues to work hard and in the year 2009, scored with "Sounds of the Revolution", which was produced by Versatile, it was featured locally on Roots Fm, Bess Fm and New Style Radio, Uk internationally.  FuZion, a resident of Jamaica is poised to storm the entertainment fraternity.  His new release "Sounds of the Revolution" is getting heavy rotation on FM radio in Jamaica and internationally the poem "Uptown Fred" and “Chemical Imbalance” were both introduced on the UK ethnic compilation Reggae charts. 

Some Buju Banton Concerts In USA Cancelled

August 29 - More Buju Banton shows have been cancelled due to pressure from gay and lesbian activists in the United States.  A short release from Live Nation Inc, the company that was putting on the shows, announced on Thursday that it has cancelled all previously scheduled concerts by Buju Banton. These include four shows that should have been held at House of Blues locations in Chicago, Las Vegas, Houston and Dallas in October. The release also said that ticket refunds are available at the point of purchase.  When pressed for the reason for the cancellation, Crystal Lafata, executive assistant in communications at Live Nation Inc, was very tight-lipped.   Banton has been facing opposition from gay activists group in North America and Europe for many years now because of the lyrics of his 1992 single Boom Bye Bye.  Earlier this year, iTunes removed controversial murder music from Jamaican artistes in its North American markets.  Boom Bye Bye by Buju Banton, Chi-Chi Man by T.O.K and Log On by Elephant Man were pulled from iTunes stores and website.

 

DJ AM Found Dead

(NYC) August 28 - Celebrity disc jockey DJ AM - also known as Adam Goldstein - was found dead in SoHo Friday.  According to authorities, his body was found in his seventh floor apartment around 5:20 p.m. and was surrounded by prescription drugs. One of his friends - who had reportedly not heard from him in a few days - phoned authorities when he went to check on him and did not get a response.  New York City police then broke down the door and found DJ AM dead.  Goldstein, along with drummer Travis Barker, survived a small plane crash in South Carolina back in September. Four people died in that incident.  DJ AM and Barker are the only ones who survived the crash.  The details surrounding the death of DJ AM are still unclear, but sources say investigators are looking into the possibility of a drug overdose. He was 36-years-old.  Goldstein was best known for performing at some of Hollywood's most exclusive parties. He was also known for relationships with Nicole Richie and Mandy Moore.

Jamaican Artist Nymron Speaks To West Indian Times

August 25 - Upcoming artist Nymron who is part of Bounty Killer's Alliance crew, recently spoke to West Indian Times about his name, his dreams and his music.   Nymron actually saw the name one day and then went home, looked it up online and found out it meant 'courageous one' in Africa and so he took on the name.  He is a DJ/Songwriter who has been writing and performing professionally for the last nine years and his career has been through many ups and downs. In 2001 he had a combination tune with the warlord Bounty Killer on the BLOCKBUSTER riddim ("Flatter"), and in 2003 he voiced "Skank" on the highly successful COOLIE DANCE riddim. Nymron has quite a few songs in rotation on Jamaican radio but many more unreleased.  He says that throughout his career he has had countless disappointments and has had to go back to the drawing board many times but  he feels that this time is his time.  He has invested in his talent with voice training in California which he says has improved his range and he is constantly perfecting his craft.  Outside of being an artist he is an electrician and also has many concepts for videos and one day aspires to direct videos.  We asked him about his well known track 'Dutty Mind' and he says it is a song about a person who does not appreciate the goodness of other people, someone who is covetous, envious and always trying to bring people down, they never doing anything positive to uplift themselves or others.  Nymron decided to write the track because life has been a struggle and while in the business he has been the target of 'dutty minds' and so he wrote about the experience. 

Nymron can be reached at http://www.myspace.com/therealnymron or email backbush47@yahoo.com

 

Sean Paul Has Throat Injury

August 24 - Sean Paul who has been blazing a trail across the U.S. to promote his latest album, "Imperial Blaze" appears to have temporarily burnt out his voice.   The Jamaican born performer was forced to cancel Monday night's performance in Brooklyn at the Martin Luther King Jr.  concert series on the advice of his doctor.  "I am really disappointed that I will not be able to appear," the performer said in a statement, adding, "I've been working very hard these last few weeks, to deliver the album to my fans. I was looking forward to performing the new tracks in Brooklyn."    The statement also said a throat problem that developed while Sean Paul was on the road to promote the new album was the reason for the last minute cancellation.   Soca King Machel Montano, a friend of Sean Paul's, took over for him and brought a little bit of carnival to Brooklyn with Trinidad & Tobago's signature calypso-based sounds.

Songstress Marcia Ball Making Choices & Changes

Sunday, August 23 - With her second album, “Choices and Changes”, British born lovers rock songstress Marcia Ball seems poised to stir the very essence of soul music. These songs will speak to both those who have loved and lost. The music ranges from sensual lover’s rock theme to searing soulful ballads. “I really want this album to take people away from reality to a sensual place where they are comfortable and relaxed,” says Marcia, “I think these songs will put a restless spirit at ease for a while.” Marcia Ball strives to perform good music, which stands the test of time and is enjoyed by a broad range of people. She is an all round performer whose live sets are delivered with great passion and desire which she recently exhibited  on Sunday, August 23^rd when she opened at Crossroads Night Club in Washington, DC for Tarrus Riley. Ask anyone about Marcia Ball and they will say that she is the reggae version of Phyllis Hyman. Her vocals have been compared to the late R&B/Jazz songstress especially when you hear her song “For Granted” from her new released album “Choices & Changes”. Marcia comprises all of the elements necessary to be successful. With her drive, ambition, intelligence, creativity and generosity, with all these winning combination, she can’t go wrong!!

Marcia Ball can be reached at: http://www.myspace.com/marciaball

 

Reggae Singer Thriller U's Daughter Murdered And Wife In Critical Condition

(Thriller U - West Indian Times Photo)

August 20 - Thriller U of the popular reggae group LUST is mourning the loss of his 16-year-old daughter who was reportedly shot and killed after gunmen invaded her home in Miramar, Florida, in the United States on Monday, August 17th.  The singer's wife was also reportedly shot and injured in the same incident.  LUST group member and friend Singing Melody said he has spoken to Eustace 'Thriller U' Hamilton, who he described as being devastated. "Him not even a talk too much 'cause not even him know what exactly happen, right now all me devastated to," Singing Melody, born Everton Hardware said: A report posted on the CBS4.com website said: Several members of a Miramar family were killed in what police suspect was a robbery. One woman who managed to survive the rampage is hospitalized in critical condition after being shot in the face. Miramar police said they received a call just before 3 p.m. on Monday from a person who said that a friend had just called to say she had been shot.  "Approximately 2:54 p.m. we received a 911 call from a third party, stating that there was a woman that was shot," said Miramar police spokesperson Tania Rues. "Officers responded to the scene, located the victim. She does have severe injuries ... . When officers arrived at the home at 9581 Encino Street, they found a woman lying out in front of the house and three people dead inside the residence. Faith Bisasor and her 15-year-old son, Davion Bishop, were among the deceased."   LUST shot to stardom in 1997 thanks to their debut single Sweetness of Your Love which spent multiple weeks atop local Jamaican charts.   They found themselves back into the spotlight earlier this year with their impressive rendition of Air Supply's 1985 hit, Just As I Am.

 

August 3 - As Courtney John makes hi s way to New York City for a whirlwind tour, he is greeted with news that his breakout video for the single Lucky Man from the recently released album MADE IN JAMAICA, has been selected as a featured video on the popular social networking site, MYSPACE which boasts more than 70 million hits per month. The selection speaks well for the quality of the music and the video, a refreshing period piece set in the 1960’s. Click on the link to view the video http://music.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=videos.  Courtney John will be the special guest at a private Listening Party in his honor on Thursday, August 6th, and will attend an after party in celebration of Jamaican’s Independence, hosted by GOOD LIFE Thursdays at the 3Ten Lounge, 310 Bowery corner of 1st Street in New York City. Doors open at 10pm with a RSVP $10 cover charge. For information call 917-804-8420. Visit www.courtneyjohn.com 
 

Mr. Vegas' I Am Blessed Tour

Mr. Vegas is presently on his ‘I Am Blessed’ tour of Europe which has seen him performing at big festivals such as the Summer Reggae Festival in France and the Dour Festival in Belgium in front of thousands of reggae fans. The singjay completes the tour on August 3 in Amsterdam. He returns to Jamaica to perform at the UDC in Montego Bay, Jamaica on August 6^th  to celebrate Jamaica Independence and will be in Chesapeake, VA on Friday, August 14^th when he brings a night called ‘I Am Blessed’ to the massive as they get ready for Virginia Carnival.  Mr. Vegas’ performance at Blakely’s in Chesapeake, VA will culminate in Jouvert morning celebrations in readiness for Carnival’s CaribFest at Harbor Park in Norfolk, VA.  

 

THE MIGHTY SPARROW WILL BE PERFORMING ON AUGUST 14!

THE VIRGINIA CARIBBEAN-AMERICAN CULTURAL ASSOCIATION 4th ANNUAL “CARIBFEST” FESTIVAL AT HARBOR PARK, NORFOLK VA. AUGUST 14-15, 2K9.

The biggest Caribbean Summer event “CaribFest” Festival is once again upon us bringing to life its theme, “Excerpts of the Caribbean” at Harbor Park, Downtown Norfolk. From humble beginnings, the Norfolk Caribbean Festival has in recent years become a hugely popular multicultural event, portraying the varied cultural diversities represented in the Hampton Roads area in addition to keeping the cultural traditions of the Caribbean alive. CaribFest is a vibrant celebration of Caribbean music, dance, theater and costume. Enjoy the infectious rhythms of song and dance as the carnival procession (15 Aug) winds its way through the streets with steel pan bands, floats with DJs, dance troupes with carnival queens and elaborate costumes and folklore characters. A main live stage at Harbor Park featuring internationally known and local Reggae, Calypso, Soca and Reggaeton artists, mouthwatering Caribbean food and much more. …truly something for everyone! The Caribbean Festival “CaribFest” is one of Norfolk's most spectacular and colorful events.

When and Where?
Friday, August 14 – Gates open @ 5:00 p.m. and the fun starts at 6:00 p.m. on the main stage at Harbor Park where there will be a Steel Pan Jamboree, live bands and Calypso music to get everyone in the Caribbean spirit and will go on until 10:00 p.m. There will be stalls selling a variety of food and drinks, arts & crafts, as well as others of general and community interest. Bring your folding chairs.
Saturday, August 15 – Gates open @ 11:00 a.m. and closes at 10:00p.m. The fun continues with a Masquerade/ Costume parade similar to Mardi Gras featuring fabulous costumes with influences from the Caribbean and Rio. The parade starts at Waterside Drive at 1:00 p.m. and terminates on stage at Harbor Park. Then at around 3:30 p.m. enjoy authentic Caribbean music at its finest…Live Performances by internationally known and local Soca, Reggae, Calypso, and Reggaeton artists. Bring your folding chairs and umbrellas.

Who Should Attend?
The CaribFest Festival will appeal to the entire family. We have entertainment for the young (Kids Korner) and adults alike… truly something for everyone!
Admission
Adults -$10, Active & Retired Military/Seniors/Students up to 17 years - $5 and Kids 5 years and under – FREE.
Tickets can be purchased at Harbor Park.


Contact
For further information, visit our Web site at: www.virginiacaribfest.com or 757.766.0532.

 

Dancehall Artist Spice Survives Head On Auto Collision In Jamaica

August 1 - In the early hours of Saturday, August 1st Dancehall artiste Spice was in a head-on, near fatal collision. The artiste was heading to Kingston from Westmoreland, for the much-publicized 'Digicel ATI Flip It Fridays' at the Quad, when a black motor vehicle travelling from Little Ochi sped onto the main road which Spice and others were driving.  Spice says, that Canar (her fiancé) was driving and when he realized what was happening, he tried to swerve to avoid the crash, but they still collided. The man in the other vehicle was coming out of Little Ochi and said he didn't realize that the street was finished and he was heading on to the main road. So he came out at the T-Junction without looking.  The artiste says a few minutes before the accident she started to feel sleepy, so she asked someone to exchange seats with her and take the front, so she could rest in the back seat of the Pajero.  She says she was not wearing her seat belt and if she had stayed in the front she would have died as she would have gone through the windscreen.  Spice says she is thankful to be alive right now.