Entertainment - March 2009!

Luciano Charged With Harboring A Fugitive

March 31, 2009

Entertainer Luciano has been charged with harboring a fugitive.   He was charged on Monday, March 30th by the Half Way Tree Police.  Luciano whose real name is Jepther McClymont is to be offered station bail.  Early Monday, the court had ordered that the police charge him by Tuesday or release him from their custody.   The order was made during a hearing of a habeas corpus application that was filed in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court.  Luciano has been in custody since Wednesday, March 25th following a police shoot-out with a wanted man.   The two-hour shoot out took place at Luciano’s Westminster Crescent home and studio in St Andrew, but he was not there at the time.  Investigators are intensifying their probe to determine if there is a link between Luciano and the gunman, Andrew Senior.   Senior was wanted in connection with at least eight murders.   The police say during questioning last week Luciano denied knowing that Senior was being sought in connection with criminal activities.   The police said they would be conducting further investigations to verify his statement.

Deadly Shoot-Out At Reggae Singer Luciano's Residence

Wednesday, March 25th - According to West Indian Times sources in Jamaica, a fierce gun battle took place at the home of Jepther McClymont aka reggae entertainer 'Luciano The Messenjah' on the morning of Wednesday, March 25th.  It was reported to us that at approximately 5:30am gun shots rang out at Luciano's house when police conducted a raid at the house based on a tip they had received that a wanted gunman was at the residence.  The home is located on Westminster Road just off Red Hills Road in Kingston.  Luciano was not in the residence but his wife Sonya and their children were in the home.  At one point during the gun battle which went on for over two hours, the wanted gunman used Luciano's son as a shield to protect himself from the police bullets.  Luckily the child was not injured.  At the end of the bloody battle three police had been shot and injured and the gunman who is identified as Andrew Senior otherwise called 'Conqueror' lay dead. It was after a recent  altercation with Freckles, a fellow musician that claims Luciano owes him money, that Luciano hired the security of the bad man.   The big question of the night is why was so much ammunition in Luciano's home?  Up to press time sources say police were still questioning him to find out the link he had with the wanted man and whether or not he was aiding and abetting a fugitive.   

Sizzla Studio Burns Down

March 24 - Reggae/dancehall artiste, Sizzla Kalonji, may have to temporarily relocate to his August Town-based Judgement Yard property as his Richings Ave, Liguanea residence was burnt down on the morning of Sunday, March 22nd.  Sizzla reportedly left home to attend a meeting when he received a call that the house was on fire.  Sizzla's grandfather, who was reportedly at the premises at the time, sustained minor injuries.  It is not yet clear what started the fire which caused extensive damage.   It has been reported that the Richings Avenue house was owned by Exterminator producer and manager of Sizzla, Phillip ‘Fattis’ Burrell. Loss is estimated at $25 million and it is not known at this time whether or not the property was insured.

 

Ninja Man Charged With Murder

In Jamaica, dancehall deejay Desmond 'Ninja Man' Ballentine was charged on Friday, March 20th with murder, conspiracy to murder, shooting with intent and illegal possession of firearm following a shooting incident on Tuesday, March 17th.   The deejay was charged after an interview with detectives from the Major Investigation Task Force. Head of the Major Investigation Task force (MIT), Assistant Commissioner Les Green, confirmed the charges and added that the case might be mentioned in court as early as Friday, March 27th. Ninja Man is now being held in custody.  Ninja Man was wanted for questioning about the murder of 20-year-old Ricardo Johnson on Tuesday. The Hunts Bay police conducted an interview on Thursday before MIT detectives met with Ninja Man on Friday.  Police reports stated that about 11:15 a.m. on that day, Johnson was sweeping his yard in the company of a friend in the Marl Road area of Kingston when a grey motor car with three men aboard drove up.   An argument reportedly developed between one of the men and Johnson's friend before the vehicle left. The car later returned and the occupants opened fire, hitting Johnson, who later died at hospital.  Ninja Man is the founder of the One Umbrella Movement, a foundation created to promote peace in the Marl Road community.

 

COMMUNITY AGREES DANCEHALL IS A TROUBLED GENRE BUT SPLITS ON MUSIC BAN

(Photo by: Sharon Bennett)

Brooklyn, N.Y., March 11^th …On Wednesday, March 4^th the Coalition to Preserve Reggae music (CPR) in association with ZYNC TV NEW YORK LINKS hosted the highly anticipated community forum and panel discussion titled, “Could Dancehall be the ruination of Reggae and by extension the Jamaica brand?” The hot button debate was witnessed by about 200 who turned out to the historic Billie Holiday Theatre at Restoration Plaza in Brooklyn.  Jamaica’s Consul General to New York, Genevieve Brown-Metzger brought greetings to the community stating that she personally welcomed the recent initiatives by the Government through its regulatory agency, the Broadcasting Commission; in saying enough is enough to those artistes, producers and mass media houses that have collaborated to bring the music and our popular culture into disrepute.  The impressive selection of panelists included Cristy Barber, VP of Marketing at VP Records, Jon “FX” Crawford , music producer,  Ed Robinson, reggae singer and producer, Sheron Hamilton-Pearson, president of People of Black Heritage, a community based organization, Anthony Turner, journalist and publicist and Carter Van Pelt, host of Columbia University’s WKCR 89.9FM’s Eastern Standard Time. They along with the audience agreed that dancehall is only one of the major ills affecting Jamaican youths, citing lack of employment opportunities, poor education and social dislocation as other ills threatening Jamaica’s youth.  It was made clear that the Jamaican government has the responsibility to address the social, economic and educational deficiencies but panelists disagreed about the role of banning.  CPR achieved its mission of gathering information which will inform its advocacy aimed at raising the bar in the production and performance of Jamaican music. According to Carlyle McKetty, co-founder of CPR, “CPR will continue its efforts to gather information regarding the state of the music and develop and implement strategies to effect it advancement.”  Another forum is being planned for the Bronx in April.  Stay tuned.

 

Monday, March 16th, 2009

Virginia Dancehall Fraternity Celebrate The Life Of 'General Skele'

Written by Lady Cham  - On the night of Saturday, March 14th West Indian Times and Caribbean Connection radio hosts Lady Cham and Ras Imeka were present at Tri-Som Cherry Lounge in Virginia Beach to support and celebrate the life of Nicholas 'Skele' Hopwood who was senselessly murdered early Sunday morning March 8th, 2009.  It was a cold, rainy night but there was a huge turnout with hundreds of people showing their love for 'General Skele'.  In attendance were artists, sound men, radio dj's, dancers, military friends, business owners and general dancehall lovers, all showing their love and support.  It was a bittersweet night with most people having heavy hearts but wanting to dance a last dance for Skele and enjoy the dance as he always did.  Slam DVD was in attendance to preserve the night on film and they captured the patrons as they celebrated the life of 'Skele' in fine style.  Bounty Lion of King Eternity Sound shared with West Indian Times that they will be putting together a memorial cd to help the family and www.nattygarments.com provided  remembrance T-Shirts for the occasion.  Artists like Sleepy Wonder, Bobo General, Futuristic & Bugg-z  all of whom had contact with artist 'Skele' attended and loved the vibes but you could sense their frustration with the entire situation and that huge question 'WHY?'  lingered the entire night.  West Indian Times took particular note of the type of music that was being played at the memorial dance and we were impressed with the selections and juggling style of the dj's.  They played all genres of music including hype dancehall, however, not one of the dj's played a song that was derogatory to women or talked about senselessly murdering people and praising the gun.   The dance floor stayed packed despite the lack of negative music which goes to show that it is not necessary in the dancehall arena. 

As a community we need to love and cherish life not take each others lives over absolutely nothing.  Nicholas was a son, a father, a brother, a cousin and a friend, now he is gone, taken too soon but we pray that lives and attitudes are changed for the better through this tragedy.  

To the VA community, Skele's family wishes to thank you all for your outpouring of love and support.

Rest in perfect peace Skele.

 

March 15th, 2009

Queen Mushiya stops for a moment and remembers: Mikey Dread - The Man, The Music, The Legend ---   June 4, 1954 to March 15, 2008 - 1 year Anniversary in Zion. 

For life everlasting I will always consider Mikey as - My Boss, My Brother, My Friend, and My Teacher - Mikey accomplished so much in the Entertainment Arena;his shoes would be very hard to fill. I would hope that all the training and directions he afforded me over the years. I could give back to him the success he so deserved. By being the best I can be in following his directions in Reggae.  With that said: myself "Queen Mushiya" of Reggae Solutions Radio (Dallas) and Carmelita Harris of " Irie Vision Worldbeat TV" (San Francisco). Tune our love and respect to our Mentor Mikey Dread -The memory.   Our Pledge to the fans is to keep his memory alive and work hard to continue the work he poured his all into to the end; his undeniable dedication to Reggae.  Mikey continues to be The Dread who remains in control". Through, Radio, T.V and Print. It's amazing that one man - who was a Superb International performer on a Global scale. A producer, A radio personality and  television host etc. Took the time to develop myself  in radio and print and Carmelita in TV. It was our honor when Mikey referred to us as his "Angels". We are and will continue to give honor to the man who meant so much to us.   Mikey Dread - THE one and only, true DREAD AT THE CONTROLS - Our Love stands!!!! through Eternity

 

Message from Fidelity Recording Studios To Virginia Community

March 14th, 2009

FIDELITY RECORDING IS SADDEN BY THE SENSELESS KILLING THIS PAST WEEKEND AND WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS THAT WERE AFFECTED. WE, AT FIDELITY RECORDING HAVE FOCUSED ON PRODUCING AND PROMOTING POSITIVE MUSIC THROUGHOUT THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY AND AMONGST THE DANCEHALL CROWD. THIS TRAGEDY HAS ENCOURAGED US TO REINFORCE OUR EFFORTS TO WORK WITH TALENTED ARTIST WHO THEMSELVES HAVE A GOAL TO CREATE MUSIC THAT IS UPLIFTING. AGAIN, OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF ALL THE VICTIMS DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. WE ARE SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.

 

Benefit Dance For Slain Dancer Skelly

Tuesday, March 10th 2009

On Saturday, March 14th there will be a benefit dance to support fallen soldier Nicholas 'Skelly' Hopwood and his family.  The benefit will take place at Tri-som Cherry Lounge located at 152D S. Plaza Trail, Virginia Beach.   Doors open to the public promptly at 10:30pm.   Also, anyone who wishes to help send Skelly's body home to Jamaica is asked to please make a donation to any Wachovia Bank, the account information is: MP Island Cafe Inc. Nicholas Hopwood Donations.   Read about Skelly's tragic murder

 

Lovers Rock Crooner Stevie Face Still Riding High

Sunday, March 8th 2009

Jamaican lover’s rock singer Stevie Face, who is still riding high with his hit song from last year, “Tell It Like It Is”, has another single which pundits are saying looks hit bound.  A cover of the song made popular locally by veteran singer, Boris Gardiner, “I Wanna Wake Up With You” is also produced by Bootcamp Record’s Paul ‘Computer Paul’ Henton.  “Computer Paul and I have the right synergy musically,” Stevie says of his manager/producer. “He gave the right touch to “Tell It Like It Is” and we were both pleased with the result. Locally and internationally, it has done wonders for my career,” he declared of the song which went number one locally and is still on various charts across the world.  He stated that certain songs have special meaning to him and this Boris Gardiner single is one such. On this cover, Stevie captures the essence of the original and one can almost hear Boris on this recording, which is definitely a tribute. It will have appeal to Boris Gardiner fans and will teach youngsters hearing it for the first time about Boris.  Stevie Face recently returned from gigs in London, which he says were “very good”. He was also one of the performers on the recent Hype TV Music and Video Awards, where he performed the single, “Tell It Like It Is”, much to the delight of his fans.
SOURCE: www.dancehallreggaeweseh.com

Luciano Ready For His European Tour After Brutal Attack 

March 5 - Recently reggae star Luciano 'The Messenjah' was attacked from behind in Jamaica and hit in the head with a piece of iron pipe, he was ambushed and knocked out in a fashion that can only be described as attempted murder. The incident as many may already know took place on the night of Friday February 20 on the premises of LG Esso gas station at the corner of Dunrobin Avenue and Constant Spring Rd in Kingston.  He was later treated at the Andrews Memorial Hospital where three roots of his locks had to be removed and he received six stitches.  An X-ray was done and all his bones are intact. An official report was made to the Half Way Tree Police and they are in pursuit of the attacker.  Luciano is not fully recovered but he is doing better each day and is assuring all his fans and friends that “I am still committed to fulfill all my obligations, musically and otherwise”. He says that he will be more than ready for his pending European tour in May/June.   Luciano adds that he “will not be daunted by this situation” and that he is indeed “committed to making positive music and living an honest and upright life”.  He says  “the lesson to be learnt form this situation is that of greed and dishonesty” and that “I would like fellow artistes to learn from this act of charity turned sour. I tried to assist the person who came to me with a ‘hard luck’ story. I paid him handsomely and he bit the hand that fed him. The wicked sneak upon me to destroy my flesh but thank Jah he couldn't take my life".   Lewis ‘Sean’ Folks who became Luciano's manager in November 2006 no longer represents Luciano and or Jah Messenjah Productions.