Ladies First: Boogie on Reggae WomenHaving fired a proverbial shot across the of reggae music’s bow in 2007 Reggae Female artist continue establishing their dominance in big way for 2008. First off there are so many female entertainers this year, including an ever increasing crop of new artists with songs getting air time, like Tifa, Alibra, Natalie Storm, Pamputtae, Timberlee, a.k.a "TNT, Althea ‘Di Chic’ Hewitt, Natalie Storm, Lady Raine Seville, veterans Lady Saw, D'Angel, Stacious, Spice, Macka Diamond, Lady G, Queen Paula, Miss Thing and Ce'Cile to name a few. It is a joy to keep track of them. Reggae music may well be on its to shedding it sexist image Let’s look at what the females in reggae and Caribbean music have done for the first half of 2008.
10 Question with Christian Dancehall Artist Mr. Gody GodyThis month we pose 10 questions to Christian Dancehall artist Mr Gody Gody. He is one of the top Jamaican Christian Dancehall artists in Jamaica. A formed secular DJ, Mr Gody Gody is committed to doing whatever it takes to win souls for the Kingdom of God.
William Stewart—A Past Member of the Legendary ‘Third World’ Band....The Man, His Passion, and His ‘Solutions In Music.’Willie Stewart-a member of the unforgettable and amazing Third World Band. He was also one of the creators and origina band member of the impressive Inner Circle band. Willie was the prolific drummer for Third World for twenty one (21) years. Come and read along as he shares the personal details of how his passion for the drums/music began (PartI), his Journey with Third World (Part II), his life beyond Third World (Part III) and how he created 'Solutions in Music' (Part IV). Come and meet one of the pioneers of reggae music---Willie Stewart!!
Irie Jamboree 08: A Tribute to Caribbean Athletes Irie Jamboree, the largest reggae music festival held Labor Day in Roy Wilkins Park in New York City closed out the summer in spectacular fashion. The 6th staging of Jamboree 2k7 had Mother Nature’s blessing weather-wise; it was a perfect day, a slight breeze and warm temperatures.
A Chat with Nadine Blair, Jamaica’s Radio & TV Personality (Love 101 FM & Love TV)A spiritually motivated Jamaica Radio and Television personality with a passion for solo and choral performances at Church and Gospel concerts, Nadine attends and emcees concerts and events globally. Nadine started Allowed to Shine Ministries – the umbrella organization for Perpetual Praise- The Praise Continues; Singled Out Singles Ministry; When the Ministers Meet To Pray and Praise in da Streets....Come and Meet Nadine.....
Open letter to Freddie McGregorOn Friday 7/11/2008, I was undoubtedly happy to watch the great Freddie McGregor perform at Mangoville in New York City. It was musical acme for me. His performance was one of distinctive and superior quality. Watching the show from close proximity, I was able to see his demeanor as he performed.
Jamaica Day 2008On July 26, thousands of fellow ‘yardies’ from all walks of life and some from as far as Ottawa and Montreal converge on Toronto to celebrate Jamaica Day 2008. The massive of people did not just simply show up though out of a sheer desire to come gallivant but did so out of patriotism, solidarity and nationhood pride to honor Jamaica’s 46th Anniversary of self-governance from them British tyrants.
Interview with Junior "Gabu" Wedderburn
This month we interview Junior "Gabu" Wedderburn master drummer of Broadway's 'The Lion King'., His drumming styles and music draws upon the traditional Jamaican ritual styles of Kumina, Afro-Christian Pocomania, Tambu, Bruckins, and Nyabinghi. He fuses this with African tribal drumming to create a unique sound that is universal..
An Interview JamelodyEvery ever so often special talent comes along with a charismatic voice. Trinidadian reggae singer Michael Williams is a special talent and a charismatic vocalist. Williams says he sings God’s melodies and chose, most appropriately, the name JAMELODY. Like reggae’s defining vocalist Dennis Brown, JAMELODY’s vocal style bridges R&B, Pop/Rock, Gospel to Reggae.
Review: Best Of The Best….A Few Of The BestBest Of The Best has the reputation of being best reggae stage-show north of Jamaica. Most years, patrons are treated to a high quality show, filled with top billing artists. This year, there were a good amount of top performers, but the line-up was a bit lighter than usual.
An Interview with Etana: The Strong OneWith hit songs ‘Wrong address’ (2006) ‘Roots’ (2007) and her chart topper ‘Warrior Love’ Etana has had several # 1 songs on Jamaican, England, Us and the Virgin Island on reggae charts. Arguably the most successful female singer in reggae today, she’s struck a symbiotic chord with audiences. This Jamaican born Miami bred siren described by Vibe magazine as “established herself as formidable performer and songwriter whose music and reputation precedes her’ has won the female Singer of the Year for 2007 at several award shows this year including the International Reggae and World Music Award and the Reggae Academy Award. On stage she exudes a regal bearing and the attitude of a diva; her live stage presence commands attention
REGGAE - IN - MOTIONSinger Kris Kelli is one of the new breed of female artist. She entered the music business in 2003. Her debut CD “My World” was released in Japan by Pony Canyon in 2006. The album boasts 15 tracks including two collaborations with Beenie Man and Vybz Kartel. Kelli’s had several successful singles, including ‘Fly Boy’ “Fame” w/ Vybz Kartel, ‘Step it up’ and ‘Truth Unfolds’ and a remake of Althea & Donna’s 70’s chart topping hit ‘Uptown Top Ranking’. Kriss is no stranger to international success having had two # 1 song in Italy “Hide Away” and “Flip Up”. Jamaicans.com Stan Evan Smith spoke with Kriss.
Reggae - In - Motion : Beres ‘Cudjo’ Hammond: The Man, His Thoughts, and His MusicWho is Beres ‘Cudjo’ Hammond? The “Reggae Role Model of The Year” in Jamaica according to the Excellence in Music and Entertainment Awards for 2008. Arguably, the most successful songwriter/composer/singer/performer in Reggae music’ since 1990, Hammond is the voice of Reggae soul power
. Hammond’s effect on audiences often times defies description, but let me try. ‘Cudjo’ Hammond’ romantic rude boy love songs have women literally lose their minds, and their clothes.
A Conversation With Musical Artist, Family & Child Activist And Air Jamaica Jazzfest Performer Michael BoltonThe architecture of great music is province of creativity. Michael Bolton is a musical artist; blessed with an abundance of talent he combines his song writing and music producing skills. His great vocal ability spans many musical to create genre defying music.
Interview: 'Pepse' Brown - A Gospel Artiste's Uncompromising FaithLloyd Brown or ‘Pepse’, as he is known, has chosen this name on the premise that he is the ‘one that always pray for just about everything’. This God-ordained name as an acronym means ‘Praying Everyday Persistently Seeking Elohim’. He also jokenly added, “I am also a pepsi drinker as oppose to coke’.
Who’s really responsible for DANCEHALL decadence?February was declared Reggae month; Reggae music is therefore destined to gain added notoriety locally as well as overseas because of its close association with brand Jamaica . Dancehall music is unquestionably the most popular genre. It is unapologetically raw and rude being a creation of the rabble. It is therefore by nature uncouth and uncontrollable. A firestorm has erupted as to whether dancehall is the source of our decadence or its natural by-product, the jury is still out.
It’s Official, February is Reggae Month.There was a month long wide range of activities staged to celebrate February as Reggae Month. February, which is also Black History month and when the Grammy award for 'Best Reggae s Album is given, was chosen, partly because it coincides with the birth of Bob Marley, the King of Reggae music and Dennis Brown, the Crown Prince of Reggae music.
The DUNAMIS Experience Interview: A Dancehall Gospel Artiste Tells AllDunamis: a Greek word which essentially means ‘POWER’. According to Neil Hall, aka Dunamis, “I did not choose the name, the name chose me’. Dunamis is scheduled to have an album launch concert (called the Dunamis Experience) on April 5, 2008 at the Macedonia Center in Mount Vernon, New York. Even though his album (DUNAMIS) has been accessible to the public since June 2006, Dunamis did not have an official celebration of his album. He has shared stage with gospel heavy weights, to name a few, Papa San, Carlene Davis and Grace Thrillers.
Tributes to Dennis Brown, the Crown Prince of Reggae MusicThe mark of one who is great can always be measured by the how he is respected by his peers, read what Freddie McGregor, Richie Stephens and Ibo Cooper have to say about Dennis Brown’s importance to Jamaican music and Brown’s impact on Freddie & Richie careers.
Reggae’s Crown Prince Should be HonoredBrown is arguably the greatest singer in the history of Jamaican music,his contribution to Jamaican music makes him just as much an architect of reggae music as Bob Marley.