Entertainment - February 2009!

“Censorship in Paradise” 

William O’Shaughnessy, a former President of the New York State Broadcasters Association and operator of two of the last independent stations in the New York area: WVOX and WVIP which broadcast numerous Caribbean programs in the tri-state area has voiced his comments about the Jamaica Broadcast commission's decision to ban daggering songs in Jamaica. Read his comments: 

The new “rules” announced on Saturday by the Jamaican Broadcast Commission to ban songs and music videos in that magnificent island nation is ill-advised.  And dangerous.  Prime Minister Bruce Golding is a man of great intelligence and character who does not need to be reminded about the wisdom of our First Amendment which has served America so well for so many years.  It is thus to be urgently hoped that the Prime Minister will “crack down” on his own government regulators who are trying to stifle free expression.   The broadcasters of Jamaica are “permittees” and “trustees,” with a fiduciary relationship to the airwaves which rightly and properly belong to the people of their country.  Many, most of them, believe that a radio station achieves its highest calling when it resembles a platform, a soapbox.  Someone has to tell the Jamaican Broadcast Commission in no uncertain terms that the popular songs of the day deserve protection – no matter how gross, raucous, raunchy, vulgar, outrageous or “explicit.”   A song is like an eyewitness report.  The writers of those songs write of the daily life in Jamaica, the daily passions of their countrymen, the milieu in which they live.  They write in the vernacular and with the currency of the day.   In any society there’s a fine line of taste that constantly changes.  The populace redraws it every season and government can’t stop it.   People have been making songs to reflect their environment since the beginning of time.   Jamaica has given wonderful gifts to the world from the collective genius of Bob Marley, Byron Lee, Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tesh, Desmond Dekker and Bunny Wailer. They wrote and sang in the vernacular and with the currency of their day.  Nothing “encourages” people to sin or change history.  Songs are signs, banners:  they do not make history.   Restricting language is only possible in a totalitarian atmosphere.  It was possible in Germany, in Bulgaria, in Cuba.  It is possible where only one mode of communication dominates.  So, no, you can’t sing an off-color song in Bulgaria.  But even without such songs, they have drunkenness, adultery and suicide – but not on the radio.   Apparently the Jamaican Broadcast Commission wants a world that is uncomplicated, without pain for their children, not obscene, not profane.  But it is a great mistake to blame songwriters, musical performers and broadcasters for the coarsening of the culture which is occurring worldwide.   John Updike writes that “popular” composers, from generation to generation, “if they do not teach us how to love, do lend our romances a certain accent and give our courting rites and their milieu … a background of communal experience.”    It should never be left to government to decide what is “worthy” or meritorious, even one as wise and prescient as the one presided over by Prime Minister Golding who, after only one year, seems so well begun in the hearts of his countrymen and in the eyes of the world.  Nor should it be the province of a regulatory authority to decide what is not.  Let the people of Jamaica exercise the only permissible form of censorship – by tuning out offensive material.   Jamaica should get out of the business of censorship and stick to the vital business of hospitality and tourism for which it is so justly renown. 

February 20th, 2009 -This photograph of Bajan songstress Rhianna was taken after her alleged beating by boyfriend Chris Brown.  Hours after the LA Police photo was leaked to tmz.com the police department released this statement:

Los Angeles: The unauthorized release of a domestic violence photograph immediately generated an internal investigation.  At about 7 p.m. on February 19, 2009, the Los Angeles Police Department Media Relations Section began receiving numerous inquiries about the release of a photograph associated with a domestic violence incident that occurred on February 8, 2009, involving entertainer Chris Brown. The photograph appeared on an entertainment website. The photograph has the appearance of one taken during an official Domestic Violence investigation.  The Los Angeles Police Department takes seriously its duty to maintain the confidentiality of  victims of domestic violence.  The Department launched an immediate internal investigation and subsequently filed a personnel complaint.  A violation of this type is considered serious misconduct, with penalties up to and including termination.  Anyone with information concerning the unauthorized release of the photograph is asked to call, during regular business hours, (213) 485-4152. After-hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to our 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247). Callers may also text “CRIMES” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web Tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.” Tipsters may remain anonymous.

 

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding has called for a set of recommendations on the action and the direction to be taken to clean up the music that is broadcast or projected in public spaces and through the electronic media.  Minister of Culture Olivia 'Babsy' Grange and Education Minister Andrew Holness have been asked to collaborate and prepare for cabinet review the recommendations coming out of a meeting last Friday with industry stakeholders. Minister Grange said that the Minister of Transport Mike Henry will also join the collaboration because of the implication for public transportation. The playing of loud music on buses and taxis which encourages lewd behavior of uniform-clad students has long been a sore point for government officials.  Minister Grange said the Ministry of Culture will have further industry consultation to guide legislative action. The Prime Minister said during the meeting that there was no shortage of laws governing the broadcast and publication regulations for the music industry.  "Part of our problem is that there is no shortage of laws. Some of them may need to be updated. Part of our problem is the issue of enforcement. I am prepared to go all the way in enforcing these laws. If it's the minibus operator or the radio stations who must lose their licenses, I am prepared to go all the way to enforce the laws," Mr. Golding said.  The Prime Minister chaired a meeting at Jamaica House on Friday, February 13th where advocates of the ban and industry insiders met to discuss the recommendations. Dancehall artistes Renegade and Spice were in attendance.  "The reggae artistes all seem to be advocating the ban but I reminded them that once this is done, it will set a dangerous precedence and the government then can call for weed tunes to be banned, as well as songs hitting out against government corruption, or other social and political commentary could also be banned. When I made this point, there was only silence, they had nothing to say," Renegade of the award-winning duo RDX said.  Some recommendations were made to clamp down on producers who
produce obscene music, and to clean up the content in 'public spaces' such as stage shows and dances which take place in open air venues. Some legal minds believe that some of the recommendations, especially those that restrict the production of certain kinds of music, could impinge on the civil liberties of Jamaican citizens and border on fascism.  "It runs contrary to the principles of democracy and individualism, and it is a very slippery slope once we allow certain things to be passed into law," one legal expert said.   The Broadcasting Commission has also promised to clamp down on gyrating at carnival activities as well as dancehall events which feature graphic depictions of sex.  The definition used by the Commission of the words “obscene” and “profane” is the ordinary meaning of the words as set out in a dictionary:
a. Obscene: Offensively indecent; highly offensive; tending to deprave or corrupt
b. Profane: irreverent; blasphemous; obscene; violate; pollute.

 

Two Historical Performances: Gramps Morgan & India Aire on ABC's Good Morning America and VH1 Soul

Published Saturday, February 14, '09

On Tuesday February 17th, 2009 watch Gramps Morgan LIVE at 7:00am EST on ABC's GOOD MORNING AMERICA as he performs alongside India Arie. Gramps appears on Arie's 2nd single, "Therapy" from her new album Testimony: Vol. II Love & Politics.  Gramps is currently on a publicity tour with India Arie to promote the love song.  The reggae version of "Therapy" will be impacting radio soon.  VH1 SOUL also airs a performance from the duo on February 17th at 9PM EST. DON'T MISS IT & SPREAD THE WORD!  Most recently, Gramps made a guest performance at SOBS in New York City with Ky-Mani Marley.  While performing his first single "WASH THE TEARS", patrons were treated to a surprise guest, as songstress India Arie, joined him on the track.   "WASH THE TEARS" is available on iTunes and will be released on his forthcoming album, "Two Sides of My Heart" on Gramps Dada Son Entertainment label.

With plenty more in the pipe line, there is still so much more to come for this burgeoning solo artist. "ROCKAZ, SAY YES RASTA!"

DJ DI Projects Shelved Due To Ban

According to Dancehallreggaeweseh, dancehall deejay Danielle, aka DI, is not a happy camper. In fact, she is downright unhappy, but she says she is keeping her outlook positive. This after hearing the news that the Broadcasting Commission is on a mission to ban all songs that have bleeps from the airwaves.  Known for her provocative lyrics, sometimes bordering on the explicit, Danielle has always maintained that she does lyrics which move to the sensual beat of the dancehall. Actively promoting her career, she recently did a medley video with two of her most popular dancehall tunes. However, if things go the way they are looking, this video will have to be shelved, as the bleeps in the songs have now made it ineligible for television.  “Bwoy, this is such a setback,” she lamented. “We have spent a lot of time, money and effort into this video project and also on the production and promotion of the singles. No … it’s not as much as a million dollars, but it’s hundreds of thousands. And now all that money has gone down the drain.”  The singles, Pat Yuh Kitty and Beat It contain suggestive lyrics which are sexual in nature. However, with a “few bleeps here and there” the songs and the video could be played, Danielle feels.  While she does not “have a problem with the Broadcasting Commission cleaning up the airwaves” she feels that the regulatory body is being too harsh by blaming dancehall for all the ills of the society.  “Additionally, they could have given a grace period for everybody to fall in line, or even say that these songs with bleeps should only be played between 11:00 pm and 5:00 am, or something like that,” she said.  And what will be her course of action now? As an artiste, she needs to have her music and videos in the public domain.  “Well, I will turn more to the Internet and ensure that all the sites like youtube and imeem have my video, and I will be doing mixed tapes with my music. Dancehall blows up from underground onto the international scene, so I know that this ban can’t stop it from flourishing,” she declared.

Terry Linen Sued By Management

Since late last year, it had been rumored that "Terry Linen and his management team had called it a day".   ReggaeMusicFm spoke to Linen's manager, Africa of Uplifting Music International Ltd., about the situation and he explained:  "Terry has repeatedly been accepting bookings for shows overseas without notifying me. He took a show for England last weekend and returned on Sunday but failed to forward my 20 per cent as per our agreement. He has another booking for Cayman Islands as well this weekend but there has been no discussion about my portion of the appearance fee."  Sean Shelton, attorney-at-Law for Uplifting Music International Limited, has confirmed that Terry Linen has signed a three (3) year Artiste Management and Record Production Agreement with Uplifting Music International Limited which ends on November 21, 2010. It is a three (3) album deal of which only one (1) album has been completed.   Uplifting Music International Limited is seeking several court orders against Terry Linen, one of which is to compel Terry Linen to fulfill his obligations under the contract.   Uplifting Music International Limited is represented by Attorneys-at-Law, Sean Shelton and M. Martina Edwards of the law firm, D. O. Kelly & Associates.

Burning Spear wins Grammy for 'Jah Is Real' Album

February 9 - Burning Spear won a Grammy for best reggae album of the year for his album "Jah is Real". Congratulations from West Indian Times go out to Burning Spear on his Grammy nomination and award and we wish him future good fortunes and of course more great inspirational music.

Here is a list of the other albums nominated for this award.

Let's Get Physical
Elephant Man
[VP Records/ Bad Boy]

Vibes
Heavy D
[Stride/Universal]

Repentance
Lee "Scratch" Perry
[Narnack Records]

Intoxication
Shaggy
[VP Records]

Amazing
Sly & Robbie
[Fontana International]

Chris Brown Arrested in L.A.

Jamaica Bans Inappropriate Content In Music

February 8 - In Jamaica, with immediate effect, the Broadcasting Commission has put a ban on the playing of all songs that have explicit sex in the content and also songs that require 'bleeping' on all radio and television stations, including local cable channels.  In a release issued on the night of February 6th, the commission said it was working with the broadcast licensees, the Minister of Information, the Media Association of Jamaica, the Jamaica Association of Community Cable Operators, the entertainment fraternity and other stakeholders to end what it described as 'the deluge of inappropriate content on the airwaves".   The ban includes cable services, any recordings, live song and music videos.   Program managers and station owners or operators are required to take immediate steps to prevent transmission of any recorded material that is not in compliance and if stations do not comply, there will be strong disciplinary action.

The 28^th International Reggae & World Music Awards....

A number of music awards acknowledge Reggae or even Dancehall music, with one or two categories thrown in to show some appreciation, but not enough to truly capture the popularity of the much loved genres. The International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMAs) was the first award show to honour Dancehall and Reggae music equally alongside its World Music counterparts. This year marks the 28^th Anniversary and will be held in New York on May 3.  From Chi Town to the Magic City, ATL to Mobay, and Ochi to the City that Never Sleeps, it’s only fitting that music so rich in culture and history find a home in a place with an even more impressive story to tell – New York. Reggae and World Music contributors don’t just have access granted to this place some only dream of being able to set foot in – they get to be recognized for their efforts.  The 2009 nominations reveals DJ Mavado leading with a nod in eight categories,  Beresford Hammond and Elephant Man each having seven nominations, Etana and Queen Ifrika each grabbed 5  nods followed by Mr. Vegas with four nominations. Other top nominees are: Shaggy, Machel Montana, Morgan Heritage, Duane Stephenson, Damian and Stephen Marley, Ziggy Marley, Wyclef Jean, Serani, Jazmine Sullivan, Luciano, Tony Rebel, Tarrus Riley and Stitchie, among others.   Already the longest running show honoring reggae music, the 2009 staging will be in honor of President Barack Obama. In 2009 the IRAWMAs will be looking to extend its legacy as the premiere award show of its kind. The show takes place in New York on May 3. The sponsors and prospected partners for this coveted event include: American Airlines, American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), Carib News, JAMROCK Magazine/LinkUp Media, Carib News, Irie Jam Radio, Sam’s Caribbean Market Place/Sams24-7.com, Dennis Shipping, Transcontinental Shippers, CVM TV, Keelinkig Records, DJ Steve’s Tax Services, Street Hype Newspaper, Uptown Juice Bar and Bennett Limousine. To participate as a sponsor, please call 877/9-REGGAE or visit www.internationalmusicawards.org  or www.IRAWMA.com

 

Little Hero's Debut Album  'Revelation' Available

Little Hero's first ever album, 'Revelation' is not only available on I-Tunes and e-tailers world wide but it is on the Reggae Billboard chart.  "I just have to give thanks to the Most High for making it possible because having a #1 album on the Reggae Billboard chart is a dream every artist wants to reach," says Little Hero.  "The love and the appreciation feels great.  It would not have been possible without the fans, DJs, sound systems, my family and my friends."  Featuring stand out tracks such as the timeless "Inna Di Ghetto" and the more recent "Praise God", Revelation's success should come as no surprise. In 2008, "Praise God" held the top spot on the VI Top 20 Reggae Chart, the New York and the South Florida Reggae Charts.  Regular touring has also contributed to Little Hero's achievements in and outside of Jamaica which is reflected in the broad selection of 15-tracks.  Released on Delroy Roberts' Inspire Records imprint, the next single from Revelation will be "King Solomon World".  Recorded over an inspirational one-drop riddim, Little Hero energizes the song with conscious vibes and a stirring message of positivity.  Recently returned from a Caribbean tour, media requests are flowing in and Little Hero is moving forward with plans to support the album locally and abroad.  Fans can expect "more love and more music in 2009," he says.  For music fans who want to know what the buzz is all about right now, Revelation is available online and in stores worldwide.

FOX Did Not Air Coconut Lady Audition On American Idol!!

(Cocoanut Lady with Idol's Ryan Seacrest)

Yes it's true; Tis true!  As some of you know, Cocoanut Lady who began as West Indian Times' movie reviewer, went to New Jersey in August 2008 to appear on American Idol; she got all the way through to see Simon and the gang (5 rounds) Out of 17,000 people.   They made her shoot tons of footage and she even sang for Simon; so to our surprise they didn't show her crazy audition....   WOW!  None of it; none of her performing The 'Banana Boat Song' for tired auditioners; none of her singing Harry Belafonte's 'Cocoanut Woman', Grace Jones' 'Slave To The Rhythm' 'Tide Is High' or 'Naughty' or her proposing to one of the producers.  We are petitioning Fox to at least show the auditions that we believe would have given 'Idol' even more ratings this year.  If you too are concerned about why the audition was not shown please contact Fox at marcy.ross@fox.com  and cc: Mike Darnell mike.darnell@fox.com  OR 310-369-1000 X 32800 Amy Cohen secretary to president of Programming Mike Darnell

 Sign the petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/kyat757/petition.html

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/COCOANUTLADY

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Common Thread                                         Chris Thomas

Chris Thomas of Powermix Records Featured on Hip-Soul Remix

Common Thred is a self-contained musical unit that weaves a unique pattern within the Hip Hop quilt. Originating from the borough of Brooklyn, these talented individuals come together to forge a style of music that combines the elements of HIP HOP and SOUL. They are artists, writers, poets and musicians who've honed and mastered their craft and created a new sound. HIP-SOUL!!

The HIP-SOUL Duo (which puts you in the mind of a male version of the Neo Soul group Floetry) are:

Shareef a.k.a. Azteknique - The Tek Baby - The Hip member of the group is a writer/producer/MC who's the architect of the HIP-SOUL sound. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Aztek has worked with established artists like AZ, Gedak, SuperStar of the ICONZ,The Bush Babees, Q-Tip and De La Soul. As well as professional boxer Zab Judah. Aztek has remixed songs for TLC, Brandy, Lil Sammy, Missy Elliot, Onyx and Raphael Saadiq. He was also one of the engineers on the Flip Mode Squads and Busta Rhymes album. Recently finished work with Lin-Que ( ISIS) formely of X-CLAN and Talib Kweli. In addition, he plays the keyboards and bass guitar.

Kovon - The Pen Master -  A singer/songwriter/musician with powerful and soulful vocals, is The Soul that keeps the HIP-SOUL sound firmly grounded. Born and bred in the borough of Brooklyn, NY, Kovon has collaborated with producers Chucky Thompson and Grammy Award winning songwriter Anita McCloud (Ushers U Remind Me). He has also written and performed songs with Smooth da Hustler, MOP,  and late ODB of the Wu Tang Clan. Kovon also plays drums and acoustic guitar.

Collectively and with their band "The Thred", the group has showcased their talents at several places throughout NYC including but, not limited to the Soul Café, Rockwells, Crash Mansion, Webster Hall, Fontana's, The Bitter End and several locations in Detroit, MI, Baltimore, Florida, Boston, Philly,.

Now recently in a joint venture with profound Independent Record label Powermix Records Entertainment Group Inc. They have released a single called "Darlin You - The Powermix Rmx", and it is catching everyone's attention. Powermix Records Ent. Group and HipSoul Ent. Inc/ Azteknique Productions have worked closely together over the years putting their touch on other artists in the industry like : Aarron Hall, Brandy, Sizzla, Capelton, Merciless, Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliot just to name a few. So now with their hot single "Darlin You"  feat. Chris Thomas who is also the CEO of Powermix their music represents the "Common Thred" that can be found in all of us. Chris Thomas is in no way a stranger to the business, he has been very instrumental in the industry working with many a new local and international acts. Currently signed to the label are acts like Jahmika (female artiste that is bound to have you listening her hip hop/reggae soul vibe), SUSTAIN (voted in the streets to be the next big thing), REAGAN a.k.a Mr. Magazine surely is not lacking of sure stardom (Just did a collaboration with Rik Ross).  Powermix Records presently have their own P&D deal with Lightyear Entertainment which has already release a album to date "Love & Justice" with WEA (Warner Electra Atlantic). With a ear and love for all music compounded with entrepreneurial spirit Chris Thomas and the Powermix family is sure to make their mark in this industry.

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54-46 REMAKE RELEASED ON I-TUNES

Recently ranked at #71 in the Rolling Stones Magazine's top 100 greatest singers of all times, eight time Grammy winner Bonnie Raitt calls reggae pioneer Toots Hibbert "one of the most powerful and original soul singers ever" singling out his "gruff classic style."  According to the magazine, "His greatest performance could be "54-46 Was My Number" his defiant deeply funky memory of a short stint in prison. It was definitive proof that A-level soul wasn't limited to the North American mainland."  The original track was included in the soundtrack for the 2007 release "This is England" along with "Pressure Drop" and the group's version of "Louie Louie".  Re-recorded for the Grammy winning album "True Love" in 2005, Frederick "Toots" Hibbert - music pioneer, vocalist Extraordinaire and internationally respected icon - has revisited this classic track with a hip hop remake for 2009.  The D&F/Denazi release, the track features young Jamaican rapper Slo-Mo from the Denazi label and was digitally released on I-Tunes January 10, 2009.  The remake is expected to receive strong airplay in Jamaica and overseas and will also be available on the artiste's official website at:

www.tootsandthemaytals.net and myspace.com/tootsandthemaytals.