Dancehall artiste Kalado has his sights set on international expansion for 2014. Last year, the deejay enjoyed huge success in the dancehall sphere as his breakout hits Make Me Feel and Good Good Bring Life graced international charts across the Caribbean and the United Kingdom. In a recent interview with The STAR, Kalado said, "It has always been a dream of mine for my music to be listened to all over Jamaica and the world. I will continue to work hard for my fans and this year, I want more persons to know more of my songs and to see who I am." His latest efforts to garner more attention internationally will include an electronic dance music (EDM) remix ofMake Me Feel which will be followed by the release of a double extended play (EP) by summer this year. The double EP will have songs for both the mainstream airwaves as well as tracks aimed at a more mature, hardcore audience. Manager Nancy Davis (Montrevail Agency) believes that Kalado is one to watch for many years to come. "It's not every day that you find a young man so focused and dedicated to artistic and musical progression as Kalado. It's amazing to see how far he has come since his audition a few years ago on Magnum Kings and Queens, to now becoming a formidable act in dancehall." Kalado recently released a medley music video for Pree Money and Gyal and Pay Dem Nuh Mind. Kalado's upcoming single Jealouslyis in the Air, produced by ZJ Chrome, was released earlier this month and has been receiving heavy rotation on local airwaves. Source Jamaica Star: http://jamaica-star.com/thestar/20140227/ent/ent4.html
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ONE dancehall entertainer is calling for better lyrical content and improved writing from his industry mates. Deejay G Monei, who has worked as road manager for acts including Mr Vegas and Hawkeye, says lack of quality in that area is the reason dancehall music is not selling. "Many artistes don't recognise that writing lyrics for the 'corner' is different than writing for the world. I travel all over the place. When I am overseas I hear some music that I never hear playing in Jamaica," he told Splash. "Some artiste jus' believe that once their music is creating a buzz here, that it mus' 'buss' overseas, but it don't quite work like that." G Monei said his days a 'roadie' have taught him a lot about the music business, and informs his approach as an artiste. He explained that over-priced artistes, over-sized entourages, indiscipline and poor work ethic, works against the industry, pitfalls he vows to avoid. G Monei pointed to the music of Bob Marley as a classic example of endurance. It has international appeal, decades after his passing. "Even those he performs with a strong Jamaican sound, the lyrics is in English. That makes it easy for people to understand and makes them want to buy the music. That is where we need to be going as young artistes in the business. Wi see how Sean Paul has done it and even artistes like Collie Budz... we need to take it there," he said. He currently has two tracks 'in the streets'. "Right now we have Caan Badda on the Mo Magic 'riddim' produced by the team from Unknown People Productions as well as Feel Like on the Road Test riddim from Black Sheet. They are doing well right now and we looking forward to some good things happening for it." G Monei, whose given name is Chris Reid, does not believe in limiting himself. He draws inspiration from everywhere. "I don't believe in being boxed in," he stated emphatically. "When the inspiration comes, I just work with it. Right now the two singles that are out, one is a one-drop while the other is a dancehall thing... I like a surprise." Source Jamaica Observer: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Wanted--Good-lyrics_16154514 Biography Of Ras D As I live each day may I make a difference and touch one heart... each day it is my goal to bring smiles and laughter into a soul ! Dave Munroe aka Ras D is a prolific singer/songwriter from Kingston, Jamaica now residing in Nothern, California. At the age of 7, while attending Duhaney Park Primary School, Ras D developed a friendship with Andrew Tosh, son of legendary Peter Tosh of the Wailers. They became closer friends in 7-11 grades while attending Edith Dalton James High School and he would spend many hours hanging out at the home of Peter Tosh. This experience is what fired his love of reggae music and with encouragement and through listening to Andrew’s piano playing, he was motivated to write his own music starting at the age of 19. A vocalist and musician, Flourgan, sang one of Ras Ds original songs, “Lasco”, and it received an enormous amount of publicity and subsequently became a TV & Radio commercial in Jamaica. Ras D then started performing his music in venues across Jamaica which led to a tour of the USA along with Andrew Tosh. As Ras D became more familiar and comfortable with the music business, he delved further into his musical creativity and used his international influences to inspire his debut album “Give Some Love Today”, recorded in Oakland, California and released in September 2004. This album features all original lyrics and music by Ras D. It includes performances by Andrew Tosh, Jr. Toots, Brendan Munroe, Undah-P and Regina Espinoza. The album was inspired by Jah and fueled by Ras D’s passion and life experiences. Included on this album is the track “September 11th”, a tribute to the lives lost in the attacks on USA soil on that fateful day. This track received a broad spectrum of airplay on many mainstream radio stations and many of the other tracks on this album were also successfully released as singles. Encouraged by the success of his first album and industry accolades, Ras D went on to give us his next innovative album, “Love with Meaning”, in 2007, staying true to his roots and keeping his message alive. Delivered in his unique gravelly voice, his conscious message reaches out to all ages and cultural groups. His latest album, “Jah Reign”, was played worldwide before its release and is continually enjoying success. This album includes the title track “Jah Reign” which illustrates Ras Ds intense spiritual connection with his music. Also included on this album is “Love You I Do” featuring the debut of Davian Munroe, the first collaboration between Ras D and his oldest son. This track is a romantic love song which has become a big favorite with the ladies. More recent ventures include a collaboration with internationally known producer Born Free, resulting in a beautiful track, “Sufferation”, on the “Road of Life Riddim” A Born Free Records CD, with several other collaborations in the works with different producers. Ras D has performed in many festivals including Napa Valley Reggae Festival, Dreadstock Reggae Festival and Monterey Bay Reggae Festival. He has also performed at Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall in, Hawaii, Mandela Village Arts Center in Oakland, California as well as the Black Expo in Oakland and many other venues. Ras D’s unique, captivating voice, music and thought provoking lyrics, a crossover of Reggae, Roots, Dancehall and R&B, have travelled across the world and are being played on radio stations worldwide including XM Satellite Radio; IRIE FM St Ann, Jamaica; Radio Mega 99.2 FM Valence, France and Skankadon Internet Radio, to name but a few. Not only is Ras D a successful musician but he is also a budding actor. He has been featured in an independent film called “Island Paradise”, he has appeared in two sitcoms, “First Friday” and “Talk that Talk” and the last movie he was featured in was a Jamaican movie “Cop and a Bad Man”. Ras D’s message to his fans and the world is one of peace, love and unity, a respect for each other and encouragement, allowing Jah to guide and protect them along their journey in this life. Ras D’s music is available for purchase and downloads at www.rasd1.com www.cdbaby.com/rasd www.ITunes.com/rasd www.reverbnation.com/rasd www.amazon.com/rasd http://facebook.com/daverasd www.youtube.com/rasdmusic1 Keep supporting Ras D towards his achievement in spreading love, peace and unity!!! Ras D Is Available For Bookings All Around The World*Shows * Live P.A. *Dub Plates *Drops - Jingle * Interviews Etc Contact: Ras D Music at: [email protected] Cell: 1 510 289 5418
BIO Kemwa brings across a rich Antiguan flavor with his lyrical curves. Growing up in Old Road Village, St. Mary's Parrish on the beautiful island of Antigua it definitely instilled roots and culture in Kemwa as well as created a musical mastermind. To define his skill lets just say “Originality” to understand his personality lets say “Dangerous”.After all Kemwa radiates confidence in everything he does. Living on the edge only gives him another way to express his love of music…through powerful words and playing musical instruments .. BassGuitar/Keyboard/Guitar/VocalistChillakaya/Chillakaya1 Band Founder & Lead Singer Marcus Ratzenboeck not only has a master’s-degree in classical music and a violinist who sits-in with the Florida and Sarasota Orchestras, he also is the former electric violin player of popular rock group Tantric. Ratzenboeck has now dedicated his passion for music into producing and launched a professional recording studio called H&M Productions in a beautifully designed performance/rehearsal space located in an industrial corridor off McIntosh Road (near Clark Road) in Sarasota Florida, Zachary McGrew of No Soul To Sell, previously known as PHASE, has been DJing and Producing for close to 20 years. It all started in 1993 at a latenight club in Cocoa Beach, FL called MARZ. On the line-up that evening, Leftfield, Young American Primitive and Moby. The music was incredible and the vibe was epic. He was hooked…Shortly after his experience at MARZ, No Soul To Sell moved to Orlando, Florida, which was in the midst of an underground explosion. He had already began producing music and started DJing at underground clubs such as The Edge, The Club at Firestone and Ultra Violet.Since his introduction to the underground electronic scene in Orlando, Florida, No Soul To Sell has played shows across the United States and South America, including the infamous Club Help in Rio de Janeiro. In 1997, he was the opening DJ for RUN-DMC, under the name PHASE, on their North American tour and was the opening DJ for the Chemical Brothers during their 1998 North American tour.No Soul To Sell is currently working on projects with Marcus Ratzenboeck from the band Tantric, reggae musician and vocalist named Kemwa founder of the band Chillakaya 1 and Kinetic 9, AKA Beretta 9, a rapper from the hip hop group Killarmy. Days after being deported back to Jamaica, dancehall artiste Tommy Lee Sparta's team is now speaking out against how the Dominican government handled the situation. Online reports have also stated that several Dominicans took to the streets to protest against the government's decision to refuse entry to the artiste. Tommy Lee Sparta, who was set to perform in Portsmouth on Sunday night, was denied entry when the private jet he was travelling in landed in Dominica on Sunday evening. Several residents turned up outside the police station where the artiste was being held. One irate resident stated that the people of Dominica will be there for Tommy Lee regardless of what happens. Another young man had a placard around his neck with the words 'Free the Boss'. "Free Tommy Lee. Free Tommy Lee. Watch everybody in this spot, everybody in this spot is for Tommy Lee," he said, while showcasing a section of the crowd. Others pleaded with the artiste to open the bus window as he was being transported to the hospital. Some could be heard questioning the authorities as to why they had locked up the artiste like a criminal. Though subsequent reports cited that the artiste and his entourage were arrested after they reportedly refused to return to jet, Keona Williams, director of Guzu Musiq, has denied these claims. "He did not refuse to leave that night. He arrived in Dominica on a private jet. Based on the time, he was unable to get clearance for landing if the pilot returned," she said. She went on to say that a stamp of denial or written document if no entry was requested by the artiste, but was refused. "We reported this to the United Nations headquarters that the CARICOM nationals were arrested, denied food and water, medication and rights to legal representation. This changed when the artiste developed serious medical conditions from the ghetto concrete floor accommodation provided. He was consequently moved to the Marigot Hospital emergency room because a metal from his broken leg developed blood clots, cramps and muscle spams," Williams said. With more Dominicans taking to social media to blast the government, Williams assured fans that the artiste has no history of disrupting public safety. "He has performed in Russia, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Italy, Germany and several other countries. None of these countries had security concerns. Based on online feedback and public outcry, to view him as a threat of the safety of an entire nation is ridiculous." Source The Jamaica Star: http://jamaica-star.com/thestar/20140226/ent/ent1.html DUB vocalist Jah9 will be performing with her backing band, The Dub Treatment, at the Countryside Club in Half-Way-Tree, Jamaica 27.02.2014 The event -- The Dub Treatment -- will see the Warning artiste sharing the stage for the first time with the outfit since the launch of her year-old set New Name. According to Jah9, the event will not only showcase her music, but will take a holistic look at all the elements which makes her who she is. As such, the event will also feature displays of indigenous craft and art, spoken word presentations, African-inspired fashion and dance, as well as discussions on Rastafari. "The live music will form an integral part of the event, but patrons will get a little insight into the way I live and get to know a little bit about Jah9," she told the Jamaica Observer. Fresh from her performance at the inaugural Blue Mountain Music Festival last weekend, Jah9 continued to give thanks for what she describes as an incredible year. "The year has really been great. We dropped the debut CD New Name, without a major distribution deal. Printed a thousand CDs and it sell off. We also had the opportunity to perform in various venues including four of the major festivals in Europe." A performance at the South Africa Poetry Festival and a trip to the United States Virgin Islands also stand out for the young artiste, whose given name is Janine Cunningham. Her second album is set to be released later this year and will feature the producing talents of renowned Stone Love selector Rory Gilligan, who is the creative talent behind her debut effort. "Rory is now my brother. Both our journeys are evolving at the same time. He totally understands my music and there is much more to come in 2014," Jah9 said. Source Jamaica Observer: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Jah9-for-Dub-Treatment_16141187 ANYONE who moved in New York reggae circles for the last 30 years would be familiar with Philip Smart, the quiet, influential founder and head of HC&F Recording Studio in Long Island. Smart, an engineer/producer, died Tuesday in Port Washington, New York, from pancreatic cancer. He was in his late 50s. His brother-in-law and business partner, Michael McDonald, told the Jamaica Observer that Smart was admitted to a hospice last week. The prolific engineer/ producer worked with countless artistes at his HC&F Recording Studio in Long Island, most notably Shaggy, who recorded several of his hit songs there. Some of the Grammy-winning toaster's early songs such as Mampie, Big Up and his international breakthrough Oh Carolina, were recorded at HC&F. Musician Derrick Barnett of Sagitarius Band fame also did numerous sessions at the facility. He knew Smart since the early 1980s. "Philip was one of the nicest persons I knew in the music business. He was always willing to share his knowledge," Barnett told the Observer yesterday. Radio personality and publicist Francine Chin knew Smart for nearly 30 years. She said he also had an impact on radio, hosting the Get Smart Show on New York University's WNYU radio station for 25 years. "He never played his own product...It was never about Philip," Chin said. "Everybody knew about Philip Smart except Philip Smart." Born and raised in the Havendale area of Kingston, Smart got his start in the music business through Augustus Pablo, the prodigious melodica player who lived in the same area. Smart was at the Randy's recording studio in Kingston in 1971 when Pablo cut his classic instrumental Java. He later became an understudy to engineer and dub maestro Osbourne 'King Tubbys' Ruddock, working on hit songs like Johnny Clarke's None Shall Escape The Judgement and Jah Love by roots visionary Yabby You. Smart migrated to the United States in the late 1970s and in 1981 established HC&F, which became the go-to studio for reggae artistes and musicians in the tri-state region. He operated two record labels: TanYah and Eclipse. The former produced notable hits like deejay Dirtsman's Hot This Year and Rikers Island by Cocoa Tea. Smart helped nurture the careers of Barbados-born singer Rayvon and Jamaican deejay Red Fox. Philip Smart is survived by his wife Georgette and son Phillip. Source Jamaica Observer: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Remembering-Philip-Smart_16147690 Yellowman and Dillinger, two of reggae's most influential deejays, are scheduled to kick off a handful of dates in the United Kingdom this week.
Their opening show is slated for The Globe in Cardiff, Wales on Thursday. They stay in Wales for the second show in the city of Bangor on Friday. Come March 2, the duo plays The Flyover in London alongside popular sound system/club owners Rootikal before going on to the Concorde 2 in Brighton two days later. The closing dates will be on March 6 and 8. Yellowman, who emerged in the 1980s with songs like I'm Getting Married and Soldier Take Over, remains arguably reggae's best touring act. Dillinger was one of the top toasters during the 1970s. Cocaine in My Brain and CB200 are two of his biggest hits. 27 Feb Thu Yellowman + Dillinger Cardiff 1 Mar Sat Yellowman & Dillinger Liverpool, Merseyside 4 Mar Tue Yellowman Brighton 5 Mar Wed King Yellowman & the Sagittarius Band Glasgow 8 Mar Sat Dillinger with Yellowman The Northern Quarter 9 Mar Sun Yellowman & Dillinger Hootananny Source Jamaica Observer: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/music/Yellowman--Dillinger-for-UK-tour_16131268 Daughter Brings Back Memories Of The Crown Prince - Dennis Brown Concert Enjoys Successful Staging2/26/2014 Shereita Grizzle, Gleaner Writer
The Waterfront in downtown Kingston was the place to be on Sunday for the fifth staging of the annual tribute to the Crown Prince of Reggae, the late Dennis Emmanuel Brown. This year, the concert overcame tremendous sponsorship woes with the help of the Jamaica Tourist Board, the Tourism Enhancement Fund, among others, and the cool, serene location provided the perfect venue for an evening of good family fun and entertainment. Massive crowds converged on the Bank of Jamaica car park to soak up an evening of authentic reggae music. The set-up provided by Starlight Company ensured that no matter where you were standing in the crowd, you wouldn't miss the action on stage. Hosted by Michael 'Stringbean' Nicholson, the first segment of the show turned out to be a preview of what was to come. Earl 'Chinna' Smith and Inna Di Yaad band set the tone for the evening by getting the huge crowd warmed up in the first segment. Various tributes to the Crown Prince, included artistes doing very lively renditions of his numerous hits, the highlight of the first segment coming when Bermudan native Magma touched the stage. His energy had the crowd in a frenzy and left them wanting more when he made his exit. In the second segment, 'Stringbean' made way for Chairman of the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA), Ibo Cooper, and his co-host Empress Isis. The concert only gained momentum from here, with Dennis Brown's original backing band Lloyd Parkes and We The People taking things to a whole new level. They thrilled the crowd with Dennis Brown favourites then made way for Tristan Palmer, whose short, energy-packed performance further ignited the audience. The night's other notable performances came from powerhouse cabaret singer Georgia Henry, Bangarang singer StrangeJah Cole, Junior Sinclair and King Sounds. Marla Brown, the youngest child of the late reggae icon, took the mic and began belting out the lyrics to some of her father's most popular hits. She delivered a brilliant set, which sent the audience into sheer nostalgia as her performance reminded them of Dennis Brown. Remarks about how much she resembled her father could be heard all around the car park. Her renditions of Silhouette and How Could I Leave were obvious crowd-pleasers, but it was her original song, Here Comes the King, that gave young Brown her biggest and most favourable response from the crowd. The song was dedicated to her father and was her own personal tribute to his life and work. Following her performance was a presentation of an International Reggae Day Award, dedicated to The Crown Prince for his contribution to the genre. Other performers for the night included George Nooks, Nature, I-Wayne, and Iba Mahr. Junior Lincoln, finance director of JaRIA, said he was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support for the life of Dennis Brown, and revealed that he was looking forward to hosting the concert for many more years to come. "Like every other event, it had its weaknesses, but the important thing was the people were having a great time and the set was awesome. It definitely enhanced the beauty of the place," he said. Lincoln also said that the concert was a perfect reflection of who Dennis Brown was. "It was just beautiful, the love and camaraderie reflect who Dennis Brown was, his life and work. I refuse to drop the ball on this. I try to improve every year, and with the support of corporate Jamaica, this initiative will continue. I just want the corporate world to sponsor more events like these which showcase the best of reggae music for all ages." Shereita Grizzle, Gleaner WriterSource The Gleaner: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20140226/ent/ent1.html CLAY: Record Producer – Songwriter – Reggae Artist Client list: Sony Music, Atlantic records, WEA, VP Records, Avex (Japan), Pony Canyon (Japan) Clay has established himself as a brilliant Artist/Producer stamping his indelible mark on everything he touches. Being a classically trained pianist, with drums as his second instrument, and guitar his third, he has an incredible ear for music. His boundaries and genre know no limits. Respected by his peers and fellow artists and producers, it is easy to title him a super artist/producer and extremely talented. Born Clayton Morrison in Kingston, Jamaica, on August 9, 1982, Clayton now lives in the UK. Clay started out making reggae tracks whilst back in Jamaica, but didn’t stop at the genre as he was heavily into the sound of The Neptunes, Teddy Riley and Timbaland to name a few. His sound was influenced by these heavy weight producers but through constant experimentation, he has developed his own eclectic sound. This sound can be heard on Sean Paul’s “Hold My Hand” from his Grammy nominated album Imperial Blaze, “Pray For Me” on Chipmunk’s Transition album, Starboy Nathan’s “Hangover” and many more. Clay is still stamping his mark on projects especially his solo career project and is a name to look out for in the future. His goal is to continue to make great music and he aspires to be an icon within the music industry. The personal side of Clay is no different from his music. He enjoys family time and is as meticulous with his music as he is in his personal life. “Everything is good in moderation, life is about balance and I always strive for greatness that way the least i can end up with is the best” explains a motivated Clay.
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