Montego Bay embraces Sumfest 2010

Business interests are expecting this year’s Reggae Sumfest to bring a significant jolt to the Montego Bay economy, which should also extend to the wider Jamaica. It is being seen as a welcome ease to the current economic crunch and a catapult for more growth.

Each year, the world- renowned Festival draws thousands of overseas visitors into the city and its environs, and with this influx, there comes a remarkable upswing in commerce and its related benefits. Visitors have been known to travel from as far as Australia to attend the Festival, spending on Jamaican products liberally as they seek to enjoy every aspect of the Jamaican brand. From as far back as 2003, it was predicted that significant foreign exchange would flow into the island during the time of the festival. This year’s Festival should bring substantial benefits to a wide variety of business interests primarily in the second city, but extending to other areas of the island.

“We expect Reggae Sumfest to be a major contributor to the economic landscape for this year,” states Johnny Gourzong, Executive Director of Summerfest Productions, producers of Reggae Sumfest. “This Festival causes people to not just spend on it, but to spend in preparation for it, and in several other endeavours related to it, and this year should be no different.”

This reality has been duly noted by the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, which has over 200 members ranging from small family-run enterprises, to large scale businesses such as hotels and resorts. They all thrive from the boom in the various forms of trade which are direct spin-offs from the Festival, during a period that has traditionally been considered slow in that part of the island.

Data from the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce also indicate that villas, hotels, and guest houses become fully booked, restaurants, cook shops, and cafes get unprecedented patronage, clothing stores, beauty salons and countless other businesses get the spike in activity before, during, and even after the Festival. In addition, the benefits are not confined to the second city, but spread widely to the major towns across the island. The fashion industry is one example, as the clothing stores, the tailors, dressmakers and those that provide accessories get major orders to fill within the period.

With the line-up this year that includes American R&B star Chris Brown, international superstars Shaggy and Beenie Man, Jah Cure, Etana, Queen Ifrica and Mavado, the package again promises to be an excellent lineup, and the expected benefits to the country should follow.

Reggae Sumfest is the most celebrated and supported Reggae festival in Jamaica, and attracts the world’s leading musicians and performers. In its near 20 year history, the show has boasted a superb entertainment package, loaded with the best performances, food, music, and culture. This year’s Festival runs from July 22-24 at Catherine Hall, St James.

Red Stripe is back as the main sponsor of Reggae Sumfest, after a one-year hiatus. The brand now joins a growing list of sponsors which includes Digicel, Iberostar, JTB, and Wisynco, for the 18th staging of the country’s premier Reggae Festival.

St. Lucia Bans Kartel

St. Lucia has become the latest Caribbean Community (Caricom) country to place a ban on Jamaican dancehall singer, Vybz Kartel, who had been scheduled to perform here at the end of the month.



A statement from the St Lucian government today noted that in deciding whether or not to grant a work permit to the singer, the government had deliberately refrained from rushing to a judgement by establishing an adhoc committee to discuss the request from the promoters.

It said that the committee was required to look at a number of factors, including a comprehensive research of the history of the artiste, solicit views and opinions of key institutions and organisations in the country and determine the general impact of the artiste’s performance on the population, particularly the youth.


“Having looked carefully at the significant amount of information presented, and considering the views and opinions of the many individuals and institutions as well as available options, the Government of St Lucia through the Ministry of Labour, Information and Broadcasting has decided not to grant a work permits to Mr Adidja Azim Palmer otherwise known as Vybz Kartel for performances at the Hot FM promoted Supreme Weekend show scheduled for April 30 and May 1, 2010.
“In light of the foregoing, and in order to ensure consistency and to avoid discrimination, Government has decided that in going forward, it is essential to establish a permanent committee to review applications for artistes seeking permits to perform in St Lucia,” the statement added.

Read more about it HERE.

Source

I am all for protecting the youth, but I think all this banning is going a little too far. If you blame Vybz Kartel for youth violence then what's to stop beer companies for being blamed for teenage pregnancies? There are surveys done which link underage drinking with increase in sexual behaviour among teens. Who is taking responsibility for that??? Which Caribbean governments are stepping up to the plate and holding people accountable??? What about prominent leaders who are involved in the drug trade??? I am in no way making excuses for Kartel, but artists have a right to creative freedom and expression and I just wonder how much of this is really about protecting our young???

Think about it? How many school age children will go to the event ??? I'm sure some will, but by and large I expect the majority would be working adults. Moreover, these teenagers that the government wants to protect know Kartel's music from Internet downloads, or listening to them on the radio. In Dominica Mavado performed a while back and there was so much hoopla about whether he should be banned or not. He came did his thing, made his money and that was that. There was no major incident, that I am aware of.Young people listen to him, and they listen to other acts including Vegas and Bounty Killer. But they listen to Miley Cyrus too and Rihanna (who sings about suicide and making her "Rude Boy" get it up) and MFR and Triple Kay.

I am saying all this to say basically I feel that who wants to go to Kartel show go and who don't want to go stay home. It's not everything he sings I like, it's not everything he sings I don't like. I mostly listen to clean versions of his songs. I know every one is not me, ray-ray ray-rah-rah-rah, but as an artist too I just have to wonder, how do we weigh who's rights matter more?

Beenie, Bounty, Aidonia & Mavado's visa's cancelled!!!

The visas of five of Jamaica's top entertainers have been revoked, THE WEEKEND STAR understands. According to information coming from the Fraud Prevention Arm of the United States Embassy in Kingston, the visas of Bounty Killer, Mavado, Beenie Man, Adonia and selector Ricky Trooper are in the process of being cancelled.

When contacted for confirmation last night, Minister of National Security, Senator Dwight Nelson, relayed through his communications department that "he has no such information."

Bounty Killer and Mavado

Photo source


However, a document obtained by THE WEEKEND STAR stated that: "The Embassy of the United States in Kingston, Jamaica, is in the process of revoking the visas of the following citizens of Jamaica. The people mentioned here currently hold a US visa that we have not yet been able to physically cancel. Do not allow these passengers to board any flights bound for the United States in reliance on this visa."

revoked

The document then names Moses Anthony Davis (Beenie Man) two visas; Garfield Augustus McKoy (Ricky Trooper), two visas; Sheldon Ricardo Aitana Lawrence, (Aidonia); David Brooks (Mavado), two visas; and Rodney Basil Price (Bounty Killer) two visas, as those persons whose visas are in the process of being revoked.

The document also lists the date of birth of each person, their respective passport numbers and visa control numbers.

Click HERE to read more!

If that is true I hope it gets resolved soon as Bounty, Beenie, Mavado and Aidonia all confirmed for Best of the Best this memorial weekend in Miami....


Source

Kartel Mavdo concert in Barbados cancelled!

FOLLOWING weeks of intense public debate and front page headlines in Barbados, the Mavado, Vybz Kartel unity concert scheduled for this weekend has been officially cancelled.

Prime Minister David Thompson made the announcement at a press conference held yesterday, exactly two days before the event. Thompson is quoted in the Barbados Advocate as saying: "That quest to do the right thing by Barbadians prompted my request for the meeting with the organisers of the proposed show and I am happy to announce that in deference to the expressed wishes and the anxieties of a very wide cross-section of Barbadians, that the organisers of the Mavado/Vybz Kartel show and Youth Forum have agreed to the revamping of initiatives resulting in the cancellation of this weekend's activities."

The deejays, Kartel (left) and Mavado, have agreed to the demands for clean-up for the benefit of one and all
Photo source


The prime minister said that persons were mainly concerned with the idea of these artistes being portrayed as role models.

"Don't leave here in any doubt; anything that has to be done to protect our children in this country will be done," he stressed.

Interestingly, Vybz Kartel, the Gaza president and Mavado, the Gully god performed in Barbados on separate occasions in October and November of last year, during what was then the height of Gully/Gaza tensions between them and their respective supporters. No attempt was reportedly made then by the government nor the police to prevent those concerts, which progressed incident-free.

There have been suggestions in some quarters that the cancellation stemmed in part from the fact that the promoter, Jack Farrell, is Vincentian and therefore should not have been the one to promote an event of this magnitude in Barbados.

"Mavado and Kartel sharing the same stage at a concert promoting peace and unity is huge by any standards. That is a sell-off event. And you must remember that there is a big reggae show in April, put on by promoters based here in Barbados," a source explained.

The commissioner of police, Darwin Dottin had stated initially that he did not have the manpower to police the show, and would therefore not grant the required permit.

That, however, was subsequently reversed and Farrell, who was named as joint promoter with the government-affiliated Barbados Youth Action Programme, subsequently resumed his planning for the event.

Farrell reportedly stated yesterday that the artistes had been booked to arrive in the island last night, but it was not clear whether or not they had actually left Jamaica for Barbados.

Farrell had said previously that a cancellation of the show would mean a loss of more than $200,000 for his company.

"I have invested a lot of money in this show, I've paid the artistes deposits, paid for advertising the show and paid for airline tickets and hotel accommodation, among other things," Farrell reportedly said.

He said the show would bring needed revenue into the country and enhance business for a number of interests such as boutiques and food vendors.

Source

Vybz Kartel/Mavado Barbados show will go on says promoter!

THE Mavado, Vybz Kartel show will go on. A report carried Sunday in the Barbados Nation newspaper stated that, despite suggestions from the police to cancel the event, the unity concert featuring the two Jamaican dancehall will be held as scheduled on March 27.

The show is being staged by Jack Farrell, who has been named as joint promoter with the government-affiliated Barbados Youth Action Programme.

Vybz Kartel and Mavado performing at West Kingston Jamboree

The Nation's report quoted Farrell as saying that his group had hired "a number of reputable security officers, which include a number of former policemen". The promoters, in reaction to word from Commissioner of Police Darwin Dottin that he did not have the manpower to police the show, say they have also secured the services of a security firm to police the event.

According to the Nation, Farrell has called on the police chief to rethink his position of giving the thumbs down to the March 27 event.

"We don't have anything against the police or the commissioner, but we would like him and the force to reconsider their previous position, since the show is intended to be a peace concert promoting positive vibes for the youth," Farrell is quoted as saying, adding that he was still in favour of the police being a part of the security team for the concert.

Farrell last week is reported as saying that a cancellation of the show would mean a loss of more than $200,000 for his company.

He is reported in the Saturday Sun as saying that he couldn't understand why the police "have to come and say at this time they don't have the manpower to police the show. I don't know if there is a prison break that you have to deploy the force to look for them (prisoners)."

"I have invested a lot of money in this show, I've paid the artistes deposits, paid for advertising the show and paid for airline tickets and hotel accommodation, among other things," Farrell reportedly said.

He said the show would bring needed revenue into the country and enhance business for a number of interests such as boutiques and food vendors.

Farrell, according to the report in the Saturday Sun, also spoke of Commissioner of Police Darwin Dottin's comments about the controversial Jamaican dancehall artistes' possible negativity on the youth.

"The reason why we had to bring these two men together is because the youth had this thing going too far.

Read more on the Observer's site!

On the Scene: Vybz Kartel and Mavado @ Wavz Negril

Mavado and Vybz Kartel are making serious moves towards peace... as they say talk is cheap. These guys are definitely putting their words into action. From all reports, the event at Wavz in Negril was incident-free and there was no trash-talking from either side


It was well-supported by patrons who came to see Jamaica's two most popular Dancehall DJs, as well as Brown Sugar, Princess Tia and hometown favourite, Mona Lisa.

The Jagra Vixens were an exciting addition, dancing onstage with most of the night's featured acts.


Click HERE to see more!

Vybz Kartel and Mavado reportedly performing in Negril tonight!

Seems Kartel and Mavado have recorded a song together which they will perform at Waves in Negril tonight!

The event is presented by Money Cologne Promotions with performances by Mona Liza and Mr. Peck, Music by Lazene @ Waves, Norman Manley Boulevard, Negril, Jamaica


Photo source


Will update with more info on event. Hopefully its fun and incident free!

Mavado is shopping for a Label: No longer with VP

Mavado has parted ways with VP Records, the label through which he released his debut album "Gangster for Life as well as Mr Brooks...A Better Tomorrow.




His manager Julian Jones-Griffith tweeted the following on his Twitter page yesterday:

“Mavado is no longer signed to VP Records, the deal has been officially terminated. We are currently exploring the many options b4 us “.

New Music: Stephen "Di Genius" McGregor and various artists "Bad People Riddim"

My girl Barbi is featured on the hook of Laden's latest track called "Can You Manage It?" It was recorded at Big Ship Studios and released today. Gwann girl song maaaaadddd!!! LOL....listen to it below






Oh yeah and Mavado, Aidonia, chino, Cham, Beenie Man Busy Signal and more are on it click HERE to listen!

As you can see a set of man....I would have liked to hear Denyque on this track...some food for thought guys!

Shyne signs 7-figure deal with Def Jam

Well, it seems being banned from the US is stop stopping American label DefJam from singing a reportedly 7-figure deal with Belizean rapper Shyne who recently was released from prison. He will supposedly be working from the UK. Seems he also signed a management deal with HipHopSince1978, the same team that manages Lil Wayne, Jeezy and Drake.


Not that you need to be reminded but Shyne went to prison for the whole fracas involving JLo and Diddy in a 199 shooting incident at a nightclub.
Photo source


He recently released a song with DJ Kahled, Mavado and Akon and called "All My Life" on the Bug Riddim. I really don't know what to make of it - he just doesn't sound the same.




Compare to his breakout hit "Bad Boys" with Barrington Levy off his 200 album Shyne. Wicked Chuuuneeee.....bap, bap, bap!!!!!

2010 EME Awards Winners and pics too!

The Annual Excellence in Music & Entertainment (EME) Awards took place on Thursday, February 4, at the Gardens at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston. It's the brainchild of Hot 102's Richard "Richie B" Burress. Below is the complete list of categories and nominees and winners (highlighted in red) for the 2010 EME Awards (period of assessment – October 01, 2008 – September 30, 2009).

Ayeola and Richie B. the man who started it all!

1) DJ OF THE YEAR (MALE)
(for overall impact as a solo vocal performer in the eligibility year)
VYBZ KARTEL
BEENIE MAN
BOUNTY KILLER
ELEPHANT MAN
BUSY SIGNAL
DING DONG
FLIPPA MAFIA
KIPRICH


2) DJ OF THE YEAR (FEMALE)
(for overall impact as a solo vocal performer in the eligibility year)
MACKA DIAMOND
STACIOUS
TIFA
LADY SAW
SPICE
LADY G
PAMPUATTAE
LISA HYPE

Baby Tash and Spice at the 2010 EME Awards

3) VOCALIST OF THE YEAR (MALE)
(for overall impact as a solo vocal performer in the eligibility)
ROMAINE VIRGO
JAH CURE
TARRUS RILEY
RICHIE SPICE
STEVIE FACE
DAVILLE
HEZRON


4) VOCALIST OF THE YEAR (FEMALE)
(for overall impact as a solo vocal performer in the eligibility year)
ETANA
SOPHIA BROWN
CHERINE ANDERSON
ALAINE
TAMI CHYNN
PHYLLISIA
BARBEE

A glowing Cherine Anderson backstage at the 2010 EME awards!

5) PRODUCER OF THE YEAR (DANCE HALL)
(for overall impact as a record producer in this category in the eligibility year)
TARIQ ‘RUSSIAN JOHNSON - CHIMNEY RECORDS
STEPHEN MCGREGOR - BIG SHIP / DI GENIUS
D. & C. HARRINSINGH, C. MARSH - DASECA
LINTON ‘TJ’ WHITE - TJ RECORDS
AINSLEY MORRIS - NOTNICE / ADDIJAHEIM
JASON HENRIQUES / SHAUN ANDERSON & MATTHEW GRAY - COPPER SHOT
ARIF COOPER - FRESH EAR
UNGA & WELCH - NOTICE


6) PRODUCER OF THE YEAR (REGGAE)
(for overall impact as a record producer in this category in the eligibility year)
KEMAR’DJ Flava’ Mc GREGOR – NO DOUBT RECORDS
DELMAR ‘Della’ DRUMMOND – DANGER ZONE
DONOVAN BENNETT – DON CORLEON LABEL
SLY & ROBBIE – TAXI LABEL
DONOVAN GERMAIN – PENTHOUSE RECORDS
LLOYD JAMES JNR. - JAM II LABEL
STEPHEN McGREGOR – BIG SHIP LABEL


7) BEST NEW ARTIST (MALE)
(award to an artist whose overall impact during the eligibility year establishes his public identity as a recording artist)
G WHIZZ
RAS PENCO
WASP
ROMAINE VIRGO
CHASE CROSS
CHEVAUGHN
MERITAL

G-Whizz with his award for Best New Artist (Male)

8) BEST NEW ARTIST (FEMALE)
(award to an artist whose overall impact during the eligibility year establishes her public identity)
STREAM
GAZA INDU
PHYLLISIA
RAINE SEVILLE
SOPHIA SQUIRE
GAZA KIM
LISA HYPE
TIMEKA MARSHALL

Renato Adams, MC Nuffy, and Lisa Hyper with her Best New Artist (Female) Award

9) DUO/GROUP OF THE YEAR
(for overall impact as a vocal performer by established duos or groups in the eligibility year)
RDX
LUST
TOK
ANDREW & WADA BLOOD
BONAFIDE
VOICEMAIL
SUGAR ROY & CONRAD CRYSTAL
MERITAL

It's Merital Family ( Merital, Keneil, Corey) and thanks for the DROP!!!!!!

10) BIGGEST COMEBACK ARTIST
(award to an artist whose release(s) in the eligilibility year marked his/her ‘return’ to the charts after a long break)
CHUCKLE BERRY
ANTHONY RED ROZE
LLOYD LOVINDEER
RUFFIAN
SPANNER BANNER
MIKEYLOUS


11) SONG OF THE YEAR (DANCE HALL)
(award to the artist and producer who score the biggest charting song in this category during the eligibility year)
COMPLETELY-VYBZ KARTEL
MOCKING BIRD-MAVADO
I AM BLESSED-MR. VEGAS
MIND PON MI MONEY-VYBZ KARTEL
LIFE--G WHIZZ
FROM MAWNING-CHINO
HOLIDAY-DING DONG
GOOD GIRL, GONE BAD-TARRUS RILEY/KONSHENS

It's a holidaaa-yay-yay-yay-yay-he-yay!!!!! Ding-Dong is all smiles after winning two awards at the 2010 EME awards.


12) SONG OF THE YEAR (REGGAE)

(award to the artist and producer who score the biggest charting song in this category during the eligibility year)
SO IN LOVE - HEZRON

CALL ON ME – JAH CURE/PHYLLISIA
A THOUSAND MILES AWAY – RAS PENCO
CAAN SLEEP – ROMAINE VIRGO
MAMA YOU ALONE – I-OCTANE
LIONESS ON THE RISE – QUEEN IFRICA
TELL IT LIKE IT IS – STEVIE FACE
ONE MORE NIGHT – BUSY SIGNAL


13) ALBUM OF THE YEAR
(award to artist(s) and producer(s) if different from artist(s) whose album had biggest impact in this category in the eligibility year)
UNIVERSAL CURE - Jah Cure
RASTA GOT SOUL - Buju Banton
MR BROOKS – A BETTER TOMORROW - Mavado
CONTAGIOUS - Tarrus Riley
MONTEGO BAY - Queen Ifrica
2 SIDES OF MY HEART - Gramps Morgan
MADE IN JAMAICA - Courtney "Yogi" John
IMPERIAL BLAZE - Sean Paul

Gramps Morgan who won Album of the Year and Ayeola

14) RECORDING ARTIST OF THE YEAR
(award to the artist with the most charting hits in the eligibility year)
VYBZ KARTEL
MAVADO
ELEPHANT MAN
DING DONG
KONSHENS
QUEEN IFRICA
JAH CURE
TARRUS RILEY


15) CULTURAL /POSITIVE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
(award to artist with the best/biggest cultural/positive recording(s) in the eligibility year)
TARRUS RILEY
QUEEN IFRICA
RICHIE SPICE
JAH CURE
I – OCTANE
KONSHENS
LUTAN FYAH


16) BREAKTHRU ARTIST OF THE YEAR
(award to artist whose work attracted local and international attention, and who is seen as poised as a leader for the next generation of reggae/ dance hall stars)
CHINO
CHARLEY BLACK
BLACK RYNO
JAHVINCI
DING DONG
FLEXX
BRAMMA
TYRICAL

Chino and Ja'Vinci who tied for Breakthru Artist of the Year!

17) SONG WRITER/ LYRICIST OF THE YEAR
(award to artist whose writing skills on all ‘charting’ songs were of a consistently high standard )
VYBZ KARTEL
BUSY SIGNAL
MAVADO
KONSHENS
ASSASSIN
QUEEN IFRICA
WAYNE MARSHALL
DEMARCO

18) SINGJAY OF THE YEAR (MALE)
(award to the artist with the biggest overall impact in this category in the eligilibility year)
NESBETH
MAVADO
MR VEGAS
CHARLEY BLACK
I – OCTANE
CHINO
SERANI
KONSHENS


19) SINGJAY OF THE YEAR (FEMALE)
(award to the artist with the biggest overall impact in this category in the eligibility year)
CE'CILE
D’ANGEL
QUEEN IFRICA
TANYA STEVENS
BLACK QUEEN
RUFFIAN
ISHAWNA


20) COLLABO OF THE YEAR (DANCE HALL)
(for a collaborative vocal performance by artists who do not normally perform together)
COMPLETELY – VYBZ KARTEL & INDU
THINK BOUT MI – MACKA & UNICORN
UGLY SO – KIPRICH & BLACKER
GOOD GIRL, GONE BAD – TARRUS RILEY & KONSHENS
DIP AGAIN – ELEPHANT MAN & DING DONG
HOLIDAY - DING DONG & CHEVAUGHN
VERSITILITY – VYBZ KARTEL & INDU
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY – VOICEMAIL & BUSY SIGNAL


21) COLLABO OF THE YEAR (REGGAE)
(for a collaborative vocal performance by artists who do not normally perform together)
CALL ON ME – JAH CURE Feat PHYLLISIA
DUMPLING SHOP – LLOYD LOVINDEER & MAMA TIA
PRESSURING THE POOR – SPRING-1 & RAS SHILOH
YOU'VE LOST THAT LOVING FEELING – NODDY VIRTUE & JODIAN PANTRY
KING AND QUEEN – RICHIE SPICE & ALISON HINDS
FOREVERMORE – TARRUS RILEY/ ALAINE
TRY JAH LOVE – JOSIE MEL & SMOKEY BENZ
JAH JAH SEE DEM A COME – SUGAR ROY & CONRAD CRYSTAL


22) RHYTHM OF THE YEAR (REGGAE)
(award to the producer of the reggae rhythm with the biggest impact in the eligibility year)
CHANGES – DON CORLEON RECORDS
AUTOMATIC – PENTHOUSE RECORDS
SWEETNESS - MAC D RECORDS
GOOD LOVE – JAM 2 RECORDS
SWEET RIDDIM – NO DOUBT RECORDS
KARMA - ARROWS RECORDING


23) RHYTHM OF THE YEAR (DANCE HALL)
(award to the producer/ label of the dance hall rhythm with the biggest impact in the eligibility year)
SET ME FREE - HEART OF LOVE PRODUCTION
MOVIE STAR - CHIMNEY RECORDS
STREET TEAM - FIRE LINKS MUSIC
GOOD LIFE - LIV UP RECORDS
NATIONAL PRIDE - FRESH EAR PRODUCTIONS
TRIPLE BOUNCE - CR0203 RECORDS
FITNESS - DI GENIUS MUSIC
GO GO CLUB – CHIMNEY RECORDS


24) REGGAE // DANCE HALL COMPILATION OF THE YEAR – VARIOUS ARTISTES
(award to the distributor // licensor of the reggae/ dance hall compilation with the biggest impact in the eligibility year)
THE HIT LIST – VARIOUS ARTISTES/ TADS
REGGAE GOLD 2009 – VARIOUS ARTISTES/ VP
THE ULTIMATE REGGAE/DANCEHALL X-PERIENCE – VARIOUS ARTISTES/ TADS
NATIONAL PRIDE – VARIOUS ARTISTES/ TADS
GOOD LIFE RIDDIM – VARIOUS ARTISTES/ LIV UP
GREATEST REGGAE ONE DROP ANTHEMS (2009) –VARIOUS ARTISTES/ GREENSLEEVES
STRICTLY THE BEST VOL. 40/ 41- VARIOUS ARTISTES/ VP


25) MOST IMPROVED ARTIST
(award to a ‘next generation’ artist whose career improves most dramatically in all areas over the eligibility year)
CHINO
BLACK RYNO
JAHVINCHI
WASP
TIFA
ROMAINE VIRGO
KHAGO
FLEXX
Tifa looked great at the 2010 EME Awards. Here she is with her award for Most Improved Artist.

Flexx tied with Tifa for Most Improved Artist.

26) GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR
(award to the gospel artist with the biggest impact in this category in the eligibility year)
GODDY GODDY
PRODIGAL SON
DJ NICHOLAS
OMARI
JUDITH GAYLE
RYAN MARK
CARLENE DAVIS
CHEVELLE FRANKLYN


27) INTERNATIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR
(award to the artist scoring the biggest charting International Hit during the eligibility year)
SEAN KINGSTON - (hit song) - FIRE BURNING
MAVADO - (hit song) I’M SO SPECIAL
SEAN PAUL - (hit song) SO FINE
SERANI - (hit song) NO GAMES
VYBZ KARTEL/ SPICE - (hit song) ROMPING SHOP
CHERINE ANDERSON - (hit song) SAY HEY (I LOVE YOU) with Michael Franti & Spearhead


28) BEST ROOTS PLAY
(award to the theatrical production with the biggest impact in the eligibility year)
BASHMENT GRANNY
BASHMENT GRANNY 2
DIANA
THE XTORTIONISTZ
ME AND MI CHUPSIE



PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS

29) VIDEO OF THE YEAR (REGGAE)
"Feels So Good"- Barbee
Dirs. Ras Tingle and Rupert Campbell

Barbee and her mother Rose!

30) VIDEO OF THE YEAR (DANCEHALL)
"Dance The Night Away"-Voicemail and Busy Signal
Dirs. Jeremy Whittaker
Prods. Melissa Llewellyn and Conroy Forte

Voicemail in the building. They are posing with their Video of The Year Award

31) PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Bounty Killer at Reggae Sumfest 2009


32) BEST DRESSED ARTIST – Male/ Female
Ce'Cile

Love Ce'cile...always a stunning beauty. Makeup was on point. She's very friendly too.

32) SHOW OF THE YEAR
Shaggy and Friends

Kingy accepts the award for Show of the Year on behalf of Shaggy and Friends

33) DANCHALL TRENDSETTER OF THE YEAR

34) BEST ORIGINAL DANCE MOVE OF THE YEAR ???
Skip To Ma Lue- Ding Dong and Ravers Clavers

Ding Dong and Ravers Clavers at the 2010 EME Awards

HONOR AWARDS


35) ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR AWARDEES:
(Jamaican Artist (s) of International Acclaim who’s led his/her life by example and have brought their offspring into the world of Reggae)

TOOTS HIBBERT

DENROY MORGAN

Dennroy Morgan (awesome speech) and Toots Hibbert (still an amazing voice)

36) INTERNATIONAL FRIEND OF REGGAE AWARDEE(S)
( International. Super Star(s) will receive this Awards for his/her support of Reggae Music)
INDIA ARIE

India Arie sang I am Ready for Love (Cherine I saw you singing along ) ..AAAAAAAAAAhhhhhhhmmmmmazinggggggg performance. Love you girl, and your mama too she's so sweet:-)

If you want to see more pics (Richie Spice on stage, Nicky B, Chris Martin, Jenny Jenny and more) you will have to join The Lime's Facebook page....k.

Aight well lata and till the next event...

Oh and EME's ya'll were so wrong for giving that lady a BMW----brochure...it was so wrong but oh so funny.

New Music: Stephen McGregor-"Cyan Friend Again"

So since I have arrived in Jamaica, I have been religiously listening to ZIP FM (except of Fridays when I listen to Arif Cooper on FAME FM every Friday from 5-6 when he plays soca) and one of my top rated DJs is ZJ Liquid (love you ZJ Rush, ZJ Sparks, and ZJ Fat Cat you Cats House sessions go hard too) Now every day he is on air from 2-6 and Wednesdays are especially a favorite for me as Liquid introduces audiences to all the new hit tunes.

Stephen "Di Genius" McGregor of Big Ship Records

Well here is a new one for ya!

It's called Cyaan Friend Again and it's by Stephen Di Genius McGregor, who sings on and produced the song. It's a diss to Vybz Kartel. Why??? Well apparently Kartel wanted the Outbreak Riddim for Gaza and obviously that did not happen as Busy Signal, Mavado, Assassin, Laden and Bramma are on it. So then Kartel diss him on the Israel Riddim with his tune "Rifle Shot" which is a diss to both Mavado's song "War Is In Di Air" (pre-peace concert of course) and Big Ship too. So now Stephen come with "Cyaan Friend Me" in reponse to Kartel.

Uugh can we just make good music already????? No wonder Mr. Vegas was venting over the state of the Jamaican music industry on his Twitter page @MrVegasMusic. But that is a whole other post....

Click HERE to listen to "Cyaan Friend Again."