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June
Entertainment 2009
Singer Michael Jackson dead at 50
June 25 - Across the world, people reacted in stunned disbelief on Thursday as word spread that Michael Jackson had collapsed and died. Within minutes of Jackson's arrival by ambulance at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, people began arriving by the hundreds, the crowd quickly filling a grassy entrance outside the hospital. Overhead, news helicopters whirred noisily and TV trucks clogged streets. As word spread a few minutes later that Jackson had died, several people burst into tears. Others stood silently, looking pensive, as they waited for official word from the hospital. Still others whipped out cell phones and began calling or texting friends to pump them for information. A similar scene played out just a couple miles away, in front of Jackson's tony Holmby Hills home, where a Fire Department ambulance had arrived to take him to the hospital.
"I'm in shock," said Becky Williams, a 26-year-old Jackson fan from Salt Lake City who happened to be visiting her sister just down the street. "He's gone. The legend of music," Williams said in disbelief as she stood outside Jackson's home. In Holmby Hills, cars - many of them with stereo systems blaring songs from Jackson's classic "Thriller" album - began go clog the streets. As people began to leave their cars to snap pictures, a police officer warned them their cars would be towed if they didn't move. Among those who drove to the neighborhood was Sue Mossell, who was visiting from Georgia with her two sons, 7-year-old Ryan and 12-year-old Jimmy. Ryan placed a pink flower in front of Jackson's gate. "He wanted to put a flower down for him," said Mossell, 46, who said she grew up listening to Jackson's music.
Wyclef Awarded 2009 ASCAP Humanitarian Award
June 21 - Haitian recording artiste Wyclef Jean triggered swollen tear ducts on June 8 as he accepted the prestigious 2009 ASCAP-Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award from Jamaican-American recording star, actor and humanitarian, Harry Belafonte, in Manhattan, New York. Wyclef said he was one of those kids who didn't know where his next meal was coming from. He would eat red dirt from the floor at times, and would also make sling shots and go after birds that look like pigeons; he said that sometimes they were so hungry that at times they would look in the sky and see a bird flying 20,000 feet above and it would be a plane, however, not knowing that it was a plane, they would try to shoot it down, knowing that big bird would give them food for months. Reminiscing on years of riding a donkey to school or walking for six miles in ragged shoes, Jean said he had big dreams of leaving the poverty in Haiti behind. Unselfishly, not only did Jean realize his dreams, but through his Yéle Haiti non-profit foundation, he has brought back hope to his native country. Belafonte - himself a previous ASCAP Humanitarian Award winner whose contributions to the civil rights, anti-war and anti-apartheid movements are as legendary as his music - saluted the 36-year-old Haitian and fellow Caribbean musician for using his celebrity for philanthropic efforts. Jean, who was heralded throughout the evening for his unselfish, energetic activism in the service of others, said he was honored to receive the award. He encouraged humanitarian groups to focus on sustainability when helping the poor: Wyclef said that when you feed a child you have to remember that it is about sustainability - the reality is that you have to give them the (fishing) rod and the boat and they won't have to come back to you.
Gargamel
Music Partners With German Company
June 17 - Gargamel Music, Inc. is pleased to announce it's new partnership with esteemed German company, Groove Attack/Good To Go. The first project under the distribution deal will be Gargamel CEO and Jamaican music icon, Buju Banton's roots reggae opus Rasta Got Soul. Uwe Adelfang, Label Manager for Groove Attack/Good To Go, says "For us Rasta Got Soul stands in one line with Til Shiloh, Inna Heights, and Friends For Life. With its superb packaging: hardcover digipak with embossed printing, and poster booklet with the lyrics included, Groove Attack is more than happy to work this masterpiece with our European distribution set-up." Highly anticipated throughout Europe, Rasta Got Soul officially drops this week in France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Italy, Spain, Hungary and Czech Republic. The release date for the UK, Norway, Portugal and Poland is June 29th. In related news, last week, Buju Banton launched the European leg of his Rasta Got Soul World Tour, in Caen France. Banton and his Shiloh Band, along with openers New Kidz, Delly Ranx and Nicky Burt, have already blazed musical trails through Berlin, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and France. The tour hits the UK this weekend with shows in Coventry, Huddersfield and London.
Lutan Fyah Rocks Amsterdam
June 13 - Lutan Fyah rocked The Sand
Beach Sports & Events Studio in Amsterdam on Sunday, May 31 with
an outstanding performance. The Rastaman from St. Jago
Dela Vega, Jamaica was awesome backed by the House of Riddims
Band from Austria. Lutan Fyah took the stage at 9:40 pm with the
song ‘Never Stop Praise Rastafari’ which had the 4,000 plus
crowd in an uproar. The man from Spanish Town, Jamaica had to
rewind ‘Never Stop Praise Rastafari’ for the massive crowd
inside the venue. He then greeted the people of Amsterdam and
sang ‘Bits And Pieces’ that had the crowd rocking and singing.
He followed up with his new freestyle track ‘Go Dung’.
Lutan Fyah was on fire in Amsterdam. The massive crowd was like
a choir singing along with the true fireman of roots and
culture. Lutan Fyah, the cultural ambassador from Jamaica, land
of love and culture, then did ‘Blood Stain’ followed by
‘Africa’, the title track from his latest double album.
The backing band from Austria was up to the task at hand, as
they were steady and in tune. Lutan Fyah was in charge and he
had the massive audience on a natural high when he did ‘Rasta
Still Deh Bout’, bringing the house down. He then sang ‘Mightier
Than Dem All’ and the crowd was in a frenzy, he had to give them
an encore and more. The Rastafarian chanter performed for
over 40 minutes but the massive crowd wanted more of Jamaica’s
cultural ambassador. He then told the massive to ‘Give Thanks
And Praises’ then he delivered ‘What A Woe’ which was new to the
massive in Amsterdam, but they hung on to every word, consumed
by the Rastaman and his lyrics. Lutan Fyah also performed
his new hit bound single ‘Nuh Talk’. This was loved greatly by
the Amsterdam massive; he had to do two encores of this hit
song. Indeed, he gave a magnificent performance that has
won himself thousands of fans in The Netherlands.
Other performers on the event were I-Wayne, Fantan Mojah,
Perfect, Warrior King, Natty King and Duane Stephenson. The
SunSplash Festival event was launched for the first time in
Amsterdam. The festival content is pure reggae music with
artistes from Jamaica and the Caribbean and promoted by Sun
Splash Events. Lutan Fyah started 2009 on a high
note with the release of his new album ‘Africa’ making strides
worldwide, and winning two IRAWMA awards. The stage is
definitely set for a great year for the singer.
JAHMIKA!
The Next Big Thing
"The next big thing" JAHMIKA is a product of the islands
(US Virgin Islands), she fuses her music with bits and pieces of
her history, culture and present life. Whether it be reggae,
dancehall, hip hop, R&B or soca she is sure to reach the masses.
Influenced by many present and past entertainers before her like
Bunny Wailer, Bob Marley, Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, Whitney
Houston and Rihanna to name a few, she persists to be only
JAHMIKA. A full time college student that promotes the
importance of a grounded education and the pursuance of ones'
dream, she intends to make her mark in this industry. Here is an
introduction of an artiste you will be hearing and seeing a lot
of.....JAHMIKA!!!
Visit Jahmika, and hear her soulful sound at
www.myspace.com/Jahmikamusik
MARTIN
CAMPBELL & HI TECH ROOTS DYNAMICS - CAN BETTER REALLY COME
June 13 - ACL, in cooperation with Zojak World Wide, the leader in digital distribution, announces the release of a pair of outstanding heavyweight roots reggae digital re-releases featuring the cultural messages of Martin Campbell and dubwise production. Campbell, an alum of Kingston, Jamaica's renowned Alpha Boys School, with crucial contributions from his regular session band, Hi-Tech Roots Dynamics' released the stand out Rootsman (1998) to rave reviews which set the stage for Can Better Really Come (2000), combining an easy going lyrical flow with on point production for a musical result rarely seen today, two complete albums of solid reggae music. Rootsman and Can Better Really Come are now available on Itunes and fine e-tailers worldwide. Originally released in 2000, Can Better Really Come provided inspiration and incentive to focus on the socio-economic difficulties in Jamaica. Uplifting and analytical, Martin Campbell opens the album with a stinging roots statement on the title track - 'You can strive to drive a big fast car. You can dream on in a fantasy. Its time to face reality. Can better really come?' "Wicked Still Conquering" maintains a combination of soulful grooves and critical commentary led by Campbell's lazy chanting vocal style. Campbell's focus turns away from universal themes on "I Love A City" in which 'Kingston City' reflects the contradictory nature of life, one in which 'Kingston city is a beautiful city, but is a pity, Kingston city is not very pretty'. "War Must Cease" picks up the pace with overdubs skipping on top of heavy bass and chunky guitar riffs while "Long Suffering" unites sufferahs asking whether brothers and sisters can be suffering and loving at the same time. The ease with which Martin Campbell leads the listener through the trials and tribulations of his own experiences makes it possible for someone who has never experienced such inequities to identify with what usually would be difficult to comprehend. Can Better Really Come turns a corner on "Never Give Up" which puts the tales of loss in an uplifting perspective and "Train To Zion" picks up the positive pace in a spiritual way. Indeed, love is not all lost on "Match To My Fire", a conscious ode to a lover's desire. And while "Loser" puts a playful spin on an unlucky life story, "War And Suffering" brings back the reality time lyrics that work so well. Over 10 tracks of solid roots consciousness, Can Better Really Come offers a consistent album of smart lyrics and deep reggae vibes that together tell a complete story of Third World life and livity.
First
released in 1998, Martin Campbell's critically acclaimed
Rootsman
was recorded over a five-year period and offered a refreshing
dose of heavy consciousness laced with catchy messages of frank
reality and relentless reggae beats. Indeed, while the title
track, "Rootsman", combines positive messages and
Campbell's no nonsense lyrics, "The Victory" provides a
map to "victory for you and me, never give up'. On "Just
Another Day" the pace slows almost to a hot summer downtown
crawl while giving an intimate, insider's view of ghetto life
through Campbell's eyes. Dub comes to the fore on "Everywhere
I Walk", a spiritual story that closes with a memorable
morality lesson of unity. Fat bass opens "Give Me The Money"
and the foot tapping, head nodding reaction never leaves until
the very end. Martin Campbell gets into a more upbeat
tempo when discussing "Bound To Fall" and his obvious
excitement continues on "Jah Love" which cannot be
contained. Love also closes the album on "Strange Kind Of
Woman", where despite the fact that 'she comes from the east
and I come from the west' Campbell 'wants to find the
road to her heart'.
This summer, all roads leads to Martin Campbell and the Hi
Tech Roots Dynamics. Honest messages, strong production and
Campbell's story telling on Rootsman and Can
Better Really Come will make a lasting impression that
reggae and roots music fans will not want to miss.
June 13 - The International Soca Awards seventh year is titled Lucky Seven and is dedicated to women in the soca music industry. Deemed Lucky Seven, the Soca Awards Organization Inc. (SAO) has found a befitting title for its seventh annual International Soca Awards (iSA) ceremony. This award ceremony is a successful long running production in the entertainment industry, and has gained much prestige along the way. Lucky Seven may be a game of chance, but this award show does not run on chance; it runs on the dedication of passionate individuals who strive to see the best of the Caribbean culture recognized. Seven is a suitable number in this case as it also draws reference to the diatonic scale in music which is made up of seven pitches. In the SAO, soca music is the main focus. Each show has a general focus, therefore tied in to the theme for the iSA 2009 is the dedication to women in the soca music industry. Don’t be fooled by the title because it is by no luck of the Irish that these women are successful. It is only by being industrious, educated, and diligent in their field that their talents have been acknowledged.
Currently, several islands are bidding for the iSA 2009 ceremony. Anyone looking for updates can log on to www.socaawards.com. SAO is launching their new website on June 15th 2009. A very important element to look for is the voting aspect which starts on June 22nd. The nominees and honorees would be listed and everyone would have an opportunity to vote for his or her favorite artist. For further information please contact the Soca Awards Organization, Inc. office at (718) 734-5566, (347) 737-5357, (678) 570-6846 or Email: info@socaawards.com.
|
Jamaica's Underground Music Scene Caught On Film |
|
Argentina-born, Los Angeles-based
independent documentary filmmaker, Luciano Blotta, will
debut his documentary, RiseUp, at AFI
Discovery/Silver DOCS, for the AFI-Discovery Channel
SilverDocs Documentary Festival in Silver Spring,
Maryland Tues. 6/16 at 8:00 p.m.
and Sat. 6/20 at 10:30 p.m. |
June12 - At
the New York Launch of Reggae Sumfest the promoters revealed
that singers Toni Braxton and Neyo are among the top
performers added to show. Executive Director, Johnny
Gourzong, made the disclosure to the media and VIP guests
gathered at a New York night club on the night of Thursday,
June 11th for the annual Big Apple kick-off.
Braxton has won six Grammy Awards and has sold over forty
million records worldwide. Her number-one single,
`Un-break My Heart,` is the second biggest selling single by
a female singer in Billboard history. Her most recent albums
were More Than a Woman under the Arista label, and Libra,
her first and only release on Blackground. Braxton was
involved in the 7th season of the reality show Dancing with
the Stars. Since his debut, Ne-Yo has five top ten
songs on the Billboard Hot 100 as a lead artist and two
number-one albums on the Billboard 200. Ne-Yo has also
amassed a catalog of chart-topping songs that he has written
for other artists. Ne-Yo broke into the recording
industry as a songwriter, penning the hit `Let Me Love You`
for singer Mario. The single's successful release in the
United States prompted an informal meeting between Ne-Yo and
Def Jam label head to signing a recording contract. In 2006
he released his debut album, In My Own Words, which
contained the US number one hit `So Sick.` Last night,
the Sumfest launch party featured two 2009 performing stars,
Flippa Mafia and Spice who joined sponsors, The Jamaica
Tourist Board represented by Minister Ed Bartlett, Air
Jamaica, hosts Upscale Crowd and Vice Consul of the Jamaica
Consulate in New York, Sharon Burrell Green, as well as
several top New York media, community leaders and Sumfest
executives Godfrey Dwyer, Walter Elmore, Stanley Reid and
Hugh Thompson and marketing director, Marcia McDonnough.
For the third consecutive year, Hard Beat Communications
coordinated the New York launch and presented the Sumfest
team with a citation secured from the Office of the Mayor Of
New York and the Commissioner of Immigrant Affairs,
Guillermo Linares. And for yet another year, the event was
emceed by Irwine Clare. Gourzong along with Sumfest
executive, Robert Russell, thanked the media, the sponsors
and the many fans who have kept the annual event going
strong for the past seventeen years. They also
revealed that the July 19th - 25th event will feature some
of the who`s who of reggae and dance hall performers
including Damian `Jr. Gong` Marley, the doctor, Beenie Man,
Bounty Killer, Vybz Kartel, Mavado, Elephant Man, Lady Saw,
Busy Signal, Spice, Kip Rich, D`Angel, Flippa Mafia, Morgan
Heritage, Jah Cure, Coco T, Tarrus Riley, Etana, Da`ville,
Rhaatid and Queen Ifrica as well as Nas and R&B star Jazmine
Sullivan. Sponsors for the 2009 event include Digicel,
Air Jamaica, Jamrock Magazine, Ocean Spray and the Jamaica
Tourist Board among others. Tickets can be bought
online through the site at
www.reggaesumfest.com.
June 11 - D'Angel's Boutique, which is owned by dancehall artiste Michelle 'D'Angel' Downer, was robbed on the morning of Tuesday, June 9th. When contacted D'Angel said the store, located at Princeville Plaza, St Andrew, was robbed approximately 10:30 a.m. by three armed men. She said one female employee was in the store at the time. She was gagged, tied up and left in the building. D'Angel said the thieves got away with $400,000 worth of clothes, handbags and accessories. "I am very saddened by the incident. I opened my boutique about six years ago for people that love fashion. I worked hard to build Angel's Boutique and Angel's Boutique is gonna be here for a long time but you have to expect the unexpected," she said. Not to be deterred, D'Angel said the store's security will be upgraded. The matter was reported to the Constant Spring Police Station. DSP Altermoth Campbell confirmed the incident, saying that the police have some information that they are working on.
Gregory Isaacs North American
Tour Postponed
June 8 - Reggae Icon Gregory Isaacs, also known as The Cool Ruler was scheduled to go on a North American Tour in May along with the Live Wyya Band to promote his new CD “Brand New Me” which is distributed by Tads Records, but the tour had to be postponed due to a swollen leg. His doctor recommended that he rest for at least 4 weeks. A new date for the tour has not yet been scheduled.
Chuckle
Berry Scores First #1
June 6 - By Ra-Umi Alkebu-lan - Reggae crooner singjay, the man with the baritone/rasphy vocals, Chuckle Berry recently scored his first number -one song with the Sly & Robbie- produced single Good Life on the revived Merry Go Round Rhythm. The song peaked at number one on the Richie B’s Jamaica Music Count Down Reggae chart for the last three weeks. It was also number one on the DJ Gusma T chart in Italy. Good Life is also number one on the HITZ FM Chart. The accompanying video is making steady progress, it is Number 3 on CVM TV E- Strip Hit List Reggae Chart, number 9 on Juice TV Video Wha A Gwaan Pix chart and number 6 on TVJ’s ER Chart. Number one on the Italian Dancehall site www.dancehall.it. The song is also reportedly surging up the Reggae charts in France, Germany, Holland and Spain and is getting heavy rotation on Reggae stations in United States, Trinidad, Barbados, Grenada, Costa Rica, Belize, Japan and Australia. Reports out of Africa from Reggae radio stations in countries, such as Morocco, Gambia, Kenya and South Africa is that the song is a favorite among radio jocks there.
Jazmine
Sullivan for Reggae Sumfest
June 5 - R&B sensation Jazmine Sullivan will be rocking the Sumfest stage come Friday, July 24 when Summerfest Productions takes over Catherine Hall in Montego Bay for the 17th staging of the ‘Greatest Reggae Show on Earth’, Reggae Sumfest. Johnny Gourzong, Executive Director of Summerfest Productions, says that he was excited that the 20-something year old songstress will be able to bring her flavor to spice up the Festival’s International Night I. “We are really pleased that we’ve been able to confirm Jazmine for the show. We have been pouring over a list of possible international acts, and she was one of those artistes that really jumped out at us. She’s been having a phenomenal year on the music scene internationally, and some of her songs are even reggae inspired,” said Gourzong. “We’re looking forward to seeing Jazmine in Montego Bay for Reggae Sumfest. We are gearing up to present an exciting show, a real entertainment explosion starting from the Beach Party on Sunday, and ending with International Night II on Saturday,” he continued. The Festival, which starts with a beach party on Sunday July 19 and then has three nights of pulsating live performances from Thursday July 23 to Saturday July 25, will also feature rap music luminary Nas and reggae royalty Damian ‘Jnr Gong’ Marley, as well as Bounty Killer, Mavado, Etana, Tarrus Riley, Busy Signal, and a host of other local talents. Jazmine Sullivan broke on the international scene with the help of rap and hip-hop icon Missy ‘Misdemeanor’ Elliot and has since enjoyed solid runs on charts, radio stations, and concert venues worldwide. She hit a note with music lovers when she released Bust Your Windows, and struck gold again when she followed up with Need You Bad and Lions, Tigers and Bears.
Reggae
Pays Homage To Island
June 3 - She did only two songs but flamboyant singer Grace Jones reportedly stole the show at Tuesday's opening day of celebrations to mark Island Records' 50th anniversary on July, 2nd. According to a British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) report, "The 62-year-old towered above the gathered crowd on a purpose-built platform in a black leotard, leaving Madonna's recent efforts firmly in the shade." The Jamaica-born Jones is part of a bill of artistes who helped make Island the top independent record company. Sly & Robbie and the Compass Point All Stars, Aswad and The I Three, also performed Tuesday at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire venue. Jones sang the opening lyrics to Bob Marley's One Love, which saw the I Three - Marley's harmony singers - finishing the song which closed the show. The I Three, which included original members Marley's wife Rita and Marcia Griffiths, did a set that included Jammin', No Woman No Cry and Redemption Song, three of his biggest hit songs. Marley recorded nine studio albums for Island Records which was founded by Chris Blackwell in 1959. The label is also known for breaking the Irish super group U2 and the Spencer Davis Group.
Wukkup
and Wine With Soca Gold 2009!
VP Records is set to release another installment of Soca Gold on June 9, 2009. This compilation is jam-packed with enduring classics and massive hits determined by the carnival competitions. Last year’s compilation debuted atop the U.S. Billboard Reggae Chart for more than three weeks. Soca Gold 2009 boasts an even better selection of titillating tunes! Soca Gold 2009 compilation features summer scorching songs by the ‘People’s Monarch & Road March King of Barbados’ Edwin Yearwood, the ‘Road March King’ and ‘Soca Monarch Queen of St. Vincent’ Skinny Fabulous and Zoelah, this year’s ‘Chutney Soca Monarch King of Trinidad’ Kenneth Salick and the all-time ‘Raga Soca King of Trinidad’ Bunji Garlin with the ‘King of the Dancehall’ Beenie Man. It also includes bass bumping, party-ready tracks from Patrice Roberts, Roy Cape, Peter Ram and the ’Top Caribbean Female Soca Icon’ Destra Garcia. Soca Gold 2009 bonus DVD contains seven companion music videos, a special ‘Best of Soca Gold” slide show and exclusive J’Ouvert Morning footage. If you couldn’t make it to Carnival this year, here is your chance to see and hear all the excitement like never before.
Track listing for Soca Gold 2009
|
Handle Ya Bizniz – Edwin Yearwood |
Jepp Sting Mania – Kes, Ravi B & Hunter |
|
Bacchanal – Destra Garcia |
Yest – KMC |
|
Tusty – Roy Cape featuring Blaxx |
She Sexy Now – Sean Caruth featuring Jamesy P |
|
Head Bad – Skinny Fabulous |
Put Some Wine On Me – Rita Jones |
|
Plenty Gal – Buji Garlin featuring Beenie Man |
Sexy Boo – Trini Jacob |
|
Soca Daggering – Jamesy P |
Wrong Gal – Red Plastic Bag |
|
Tight – Peter Ram |
Bashment Winners – Lil Rick |
|
Looking Hott – Patrice Roberts |
Radica – Kenneth Salick |
|
Wine Up On Me – Zoelah |
Carnival Again – Biggie Irie |
Dancehall Artist Thugsy Malone
Remembers The Icons of Reggae Music
June 1 - Jamaican artist Thugsy Malone has generated positive responses from all who have heard his new single 'Memories Of An Icon' a track dedicated to the memory of many of Reggae's fallen icons. Christened Donovan Drysdale in Kingston Jamaica, Thugsy grew up in 11 Miles Bull Bay, St Andrew and attended St Benedicts Primary School and then went on to Donald Quarrie High School. As a teen he migrated to the US where he continued his schooling at Prospect Heights High School in Brooklyn New York. Coming from a family that have a deep love for Reggae music, Thugsy would purchase records from his weekly allowance so that he could listen to dancehall reggae artists such as Shabba Ranks, Bounty Killer, Mad Cobra and Buju Banton. He would then DJ on the instrumentals until he found the confidence and courage to begin competing in talent shows. After entering and winning quite a few of the contests his cousin suggested that he return to Jamaica and take his career seriously. After entering and winning quite a few of the contests his cousin suggested that he return to Jamaica and take his career seriously. In 2002 Thugsy's cousin bought him a plane ticket back to Jamaica and linked him with Bounty Killer's road manager, who worked with Thugsy (who was known at the time as Bugsy Malone) and gave him the inside scoop of the music business. Bounty Killer eventually became Thugsy's musical mentor teaching him how to approach the stage, deliver his music and introducing him to key figures in the reggae industry.
Most of Thugsy's music at the time was hardcore dancehall but after his brother was killed he was inspired to pen the track 'Memories Of A Gangster,' Thugsy's brother was not a gangster but Thugsy wanted to create a song that would appeal to a wide audience. This track was embraced by the people in the ghetto but Thugsy could not get any airplay because he called names of Jamaican gangsters in the tune and the recording industry said it wasn't fit for radio as it was sensationalizing criminals. So realizing that he needed radio love as well as love on the streets, Thugsy thought about the Icons of Reggae music who had paved the way for so many Reggae artists today and he wrote 'Memories Of An Icon.' The track most certainly has been embraced by radio and is currently the anthem song in the B.V.I. It is also being played in Virginia, NY, Florida and on ZIP FM and Irie FM in Jamaica.
Thugsy Malone is currently under the management of King Walker of Lionheart Promotions and is working hard in the studio on an album which he says will be focused on positivity and will surely be embraced by all.
Thugsy Malone Contact Information:
www.myspace.com/thugsymalone
Barry Focus: 1-876-879-6612 Barry Focus
Lion Heart Promotions: 1-757-478-0
Title: Memories Of An Icon
Written: by Donovan "Thugsy Malone" Drysdale
Artist: Thugsy Malone
Intro:
This not about the gangstas
this is not about the slum dog or the dons
this about some true Jamaican icons
Chorus
Memories of the death of an icon
sorry u gone life goes on we caan keep calm
Memories of an icon
Why oh why you got to die now your love ones cry
Verse 1:
Reminiscing on the ones that we miss so much
Like Jacob Miller and Peter Tosh
Nuh body caah pree when Bugsy a seh dis
Haffi memba the great Alton Ellis
Jamaican music reach the top
The Honorable Bob Marley Response fi dat
Love and hate could never be friend
Dennis Brown was a star from the age a ten
This is not about politics but understand mi
Jamaicans still love Michael Manley
Carnival time and people waaan spree
Yuh mus memba Byron Lee
Chorus repeat:
Verse 2
Yuh nuh haffi unda nuh big head or a drink brew
Fi memba Louise aka Miss Lou
The man of great melodies mek people say wow
Dem nuh badda dan Garnette Silk all now
Jamaican Icons we haffi talk bout
Dem weapons is the words weh cum from dem mouth
We haffi respect the works dem carry out
Dem gone but the world still caah live without
Icons of Jamaica we caaah figot
I am proud to say they were a true patriot
Friends and families miss them a lot
Thugsy naah tek back nuh chat
Chorus repeat:
VP
Launches Digital Distribution
June 1 - New York, NY - VP
Records, based in Jamaica, Queens NY, is a pioneering force in
the reggae music industry. From roots & culture to soca and
dancehall, VP Records is the only record label that represents
the full spectrum of Caribbean music. For the past 25 years, VP
has stayed true to the grassroots from whence it came, always
serving its core audience first, moving swiftly to keep up with
the sounds of the street. VP has expanded its leadership in the
effort to present Caribbean culture to a mainstream audience as
worldwide demand for reggae rises to new heights. VP has
established relationships with various artists to deliver
digital content across all commercial channels and a variety of
digital platforms, including online and mobile.
Donovan Williams, head of digital distribution commented, "the
past couple years marked an undoubted tipping point for digital
music. It has destabilize the way independent record labels
offered music, which accounts for a serious part of their
business growth." Mr. Williams added, "Digital media is now
established as part of our everyday business and is now making
up differences lost by consumers moving away from CDs to
downloads. Being the global source for Reggae music content, it
has now proved that combining the two factors, gave us the edge
to greater and stronger partnership with digital distribution
and download services." So far VP digital has provided
distribution for various Reggae, Calypso and independent labels,
artists and producers; including Techniques Records, Channel
One, King Jammys, BLS Music, Charlie's Records to name a few.
Reggae Icon, Ijahman Levi, recently released his catalogue
digitally through VP Records stated, "I've had a long
relationship with VP. I am happy to be at the frontier of this
new endeavor, as I would recommend every artist to partner with
VP Records." To inquire further about VP Records digital
distribution, contact Donovan Williams (718) 425-1100.
Dennis
McKay a.k.a Mackie Conscious is at it AGAIN!!
June 1 - Jamaica Reggae Artist
Mackie Conscious is always excited to lend his services for a
worthy cause. Mackie was recently approached by Habitat for
Humanity CEO Guy Amato regarding a project being produced by
ReggaeTing
radio Host Steve Edwards. After learning the benefits for the
projected people of such project, Mackie agreed to allow Habitat
for Humanity to use his song “JAH is right on Time” and
the “Trod down Rhythm”.
Steve Edwards of, Las Vegas Nevada was working on a project
for- Habitat for Humanity - after hearing all the
positive vibes surrounding Mackie Conscious and his performance
at the 5th Summit of Americas held in Trinidad and Tobago;
approached Mackie about using his Rhythm and song “JAH is Right
on Time.” Mackie’s resolve continues to be to use his music in a
positive way to help others. Mackie says “to
serve in a positive manner through my music is always an honor;
I am elated that I was approached, Jah is certainly always on
time. It is gratifying to sign on to a project that will benefit
hundreds“.
With all the legality issues aside, the project proceeded forth
with Mackie on board. Steve Edwards the host of a
ReggaeTing
radio show is collaborating with Habitat for Humanity Las Vegas
Nevada producing the CD by various local and Jamaican Reggae
artists called "A New Day."
Steve is presently in negotiations with VP records out of
New York for worldwide distribution.
The CD will feature some of today’s best Local and Jamaican
Reggae Artists such as: Las Vegas Artists: Bob David,
Kronik, Michael Black, Mikey Gits, and One Pin Short.
Jamaican Artists: Mackie
Conscious, Luciano, Warrior King, Natural Black, Etana, Richie
Spice, Duane Stephenson and Tarrus Riley.
All proceeds from the CD will go to Habitat for Humanity Las
Vegas with the goal to sell one hundred thousand copies
This is a
wonderful effort by local musicians to support working families
in our community," said Guy Amato, President and CEO of Habitat
for Humanity Las Vegas. "Steve has been persistent in his
efforts to get this project launched and we are looking forward
to the CD’s release and supporting local concerts and events to
promote the effort." Money raised by the CD sales will be
used for the construction of homes in Clark County. Habitat for
Humanity Las Vegas is scheduled to complete 12 new homes by the
end of 2009.
Steve Edwards will host and launch
"A New Day “CD at
the 8th Annual Reggae in the
Desert Festival - Las Vegas, NV. U.S.A on Saturday June 13,
2009. Headlining this event will be:
Kymani Marley,
Gregory Isaacs, Yellow
Man and Third World
for more info on event go to:
http://www.reggaeinthedesert.com/
Contact Mackie Conscious:
Conscious Production Jamaica
www.mackieconscious.com
www.myspace.com/mackieconscious
New
York Launch For Reggae Sumfest
June 1 - Promoters of the world's greatest showcase of reggae music will return to the Big Apple later this month for the 2009 kick-off of Reggae Sumfest. The annual New York media launch is set for a top New York Club and will be hosted this June 11th by Upscale Crowd, promoters of several top events in New York City. While the launch kick-off is restricted to the media and VIP guests only, all Sumfest fans are invited to the after party at Club Eden, 268 W 47th Street in Manhattan from 9 p.m. For the third consecutive year, Hard Beat Communications will coordinate the New York launch and subsequent North American promotion in the lead up to the festival. So far, Sumfest executive director, Johnny Gourzong, has announced a top list of reggae acts for the July 19th - 25th event. The who`s who list of performers includes Damian 'Jr. Gong` Marley, the doctor, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Vybz Kartel, Mavado, Elephant Man, Lady Saw, Busy Signal, Spice, Kip Rich, D'Angel, Konshens, Prodigal Son, Black Ryno, Jah Vinci, Charly Black, Flippa Mafia and I-Octane. On Friday night, July 24th, a series of conscious vibes will take over Montego Bay with performances from Morgan Heritage, Jah Cure, Coco T, Queen Ifrica, Da'ville, Dub Tonic Kru and Jazmine Sullivan. And on Saturday, 'Jr. Gong' Marley along with Nas, Inner Circle, Tarrus Riley, Etana and Rhaatid, are set to heat up the stage. The world's greatest showcase of reggae music will officially open on July 19th and close on July 25th. Sponsors for the 2009 event include Digicel, Air Jamaica, Jamrock Magazine, Ocean Spray and the Jamaica Tourist Board among others.
Tickets can be bought online through the site at www.reggaesumfest.com