USHER confirmed for Reggae Sumfest 2010

Jamaica’s premier summer music event Reggae Sumfest, is again living up to its reputation of delivering only the finest acts, by bringing one of the music industry’s most celebrated pop stars, Usher, to this year’s 18th staging.


The International R&B star has been confirmed as a performer to take the stage at the show which runs in Catherine Hall, St. James between July 17 and 24.

Usher will join a cast of fellow performing giants such as Chris Brown, Beenie Man, Shaggy, Bounty Killer, Mavado, Tarrus Riley, Queen Ifrica, Jah Cure among others.

Though not his first local performance, Usher has been on a phenomenal streak in recent times, with memorable music and electrifying performances. His latest album Raymond V. Raymond which was released on March 30 this year, debuted at number 1 on the US Billboard 200 charts. His latest single OMG featuring Will.I.Am is also currently blazing the airwaves, clubs and parties across the world.

This is only his latest crown in a career decorated with accomplishments. Usher has won 5 Grammy awards, 8 Soul Train Awards, and 19 Billboard Music Awards.

He made his musical debut in 1994 with the single Think of You but it was not until 1997 that Usher gained popularity with the hit song My Way. Since then, he has turned into a virtual hit-maker.

In 2001 Usher released the album 8701, which went four times platinum riding on the success of hit singles such as U Remind Me and U Got It Bad. In 2004 Confessions sold over 10 million copies in the US. It was ranked as grossing the highest sales in the first week for an R&B artiste in history. Subsequently, the album sold 20 million copies worldwide and was certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). In 2008, his album Here I Stand sold over 5 million copies worldwide and was certified platinum.

In addition to Usher’s recording feats, he is also known for his talent on the stage, and on the screen. Usher appeared in the 1998 film The Faculty and a year later She’s All That. As a Humanitarian, Usher founded New Look, a non-profit organization that seeks to give young people a ‘new look’ on life through the use of education and real life experiences as the incentive.

With a string of accolades and awards, there is no doubt Usher will add considerable value to an army of stars now billed for the greatest summer Festival in Jamaica.

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 17-24 at Catherine Hall, St James.

Red Stripe is back as a sponsor of Reggae Sumfest, after a one-year hiatus. The brand now joins fellow Platinum sponsors Ibero Star, Digicel, and the Jamaica Tourist Board. Gold Sponsors include CVM, The Gleaner, and Irie Fm.

Saturday, July 17

Beach Party, Cornwall Beach

Errol Lee & The Bare Essentials

Brown Sugar

Press Fyah

Bumpa

DJ Bambino

DJ Baby Thug

Danger Zone

Thursday, July 22
Catherine Hall, Montego Bay

Vybz Kartel

Mavado

Elephant Man

Spice

I-Octane

Demarco

Kiprich

Konshens

D'Angel

Assassin

Ce'Cile

Voicemail

Chino

Ding Dong

Khago

G-Mac

Tifa

Besenta

Chumps

Dada

King UJah

Taz

Friday, July 23
Catherine Hall, Montego Bay

Chris Brown

Jah Cure

Queen Ifrica

Etana

Tony Rebel

Gyptian

Hezron

Steele

Lymie Murray

Sophia Squire

Macka Conscious

Saturday, July 24
Catherine Hall, Montego Bay

Usher

Shaggy

Beenie Man

Tarrus Riley

Gramps Morgan

Chris Martin

Protoje

Richie Loop

Zamunda

Ras Penco

QQ

Fire Lion & Ferrari

King Tappa says end the cycle of "Domestic Violence" this Father's Day

Dominican-born, New Jersey-based, Reggae artist King Tappa hopes that the message in his song “Domestic Violence” will resonate with listeners and bring greater awareness of the effects of domestic violence on women and children. As Father’s Day approaches, his message that parents’ actions affect their children could not be more timely.



He says he was inspired to write the song not only because of stories shared with him by his friends, but because he too has also witnessed domestic violence first hand. Additionally, co-writing the song with Melissa Casimir allowed for a broader perspective, which led to an in depth discussion of the issues and set in motion the concept for the video which depicts the issue from the point of view of the child.


According to King Tappa, “The video was shot that way because we wanted to let the audience know the effect that violence can have on kids. The main character was surrounded by a lot of violence but she didn't give up on her education, and despite being sad, she still comforted her mom, who was being abused, and remained a strong figure for her family.”


His message to parents, “Spend as much time with your kids as possible because they need it. In the world that we're living in right now there's too much negativity surrounding us and we as parents should teach our children good values and show them love—not only by words but by example. Kids look up to their dads, so if a father is showing positive things most likely the kid will follow that path.



When it comes to domestic violence, says King Tappa, most people don't know the signs and those who do won't address it. “The most important message here is to seek help, speak about it.” He is doing his part with this song which encourages the victims of domestic abuse to find a partner who will treat you like a good woman/who will hold you on a pedestal/who praises you for all the good you do.


“Domestic Violence” was produced by Martiniquean Daniel "Don Shorty Productions" Dubois, on the Head In Stars Riddim. The official video for the song was directed by Mo Green of Cape Verde. The video has been picked up for rotation by Tempo and has been presented to several other networks including BET. Look out for more songs from King Tappa this year and please support his fifth annual Project Book Bag drive aimed at offering literary support for Dominica’s youth.


www.myspace.com/kingtappamusic

www.myspace.com/projectbookbag

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO ON THE MUSIC PAGE

REVIEW: Tanya stephens is not "Infallible", she just keeps it real!

It was almost 9:00 PM when I made it to Christopher's Jazz Cafe in New Kingston on Thursday Night. For a show scheduled to start at 7:30PM (8:00 island time) I was pretty late. Lucky for me, so was Tanya Stephens. Lucky for her, the bar took up half of the room, and having received a complimentary drink upon entry, most patrons were sufficiently inebriated.

By the time she strolled in draped in black (big black shades, black button-down, black leather pants and a pair of seriously haaawttt black biker boots) and flashed a braces-free smile, all was surely forgiven. And she started. "We need to go way back, I mean way back....to when artists had watch and did know how to tell time." Oh what an apology- only as Tanya would do it. Known for her "sick sense of humour" her excuse that she had to find a wig sent the crowd into peals of laughter. How can we not overlook her tardiness, after all she haffi look good for us right? LOL.

Tanya speaking to the captive crowd

Photo source

She kicked off her set with well-known favorites like "What's Your Story", "Cyan Breathe" "After You", "Boom Walk" (AKA Long Ding Dong), "Home Alone"( AKA Easter Bun AKA Girl Like Me AKA What would you do -LOL), "White Lies". In between songs she took time to share with the audience her views on life (it's all in the mind, if I make up my mind to have a good time, I have a good time), domestic disputes (bawl,vent-do not slash the tires. Get a lawyer), infidelity (no one runs from freedom, only from bondage), and men who are not too well- endowed (Bigging up di men wit di short ding dong in the house). But the audience was constantly reminded that she was not there "for moral guidance" or to give "rules to live by"


Intermission came a little to soon, boy, people were all wrapped up in the intimate vibe. Oh gosh, you should see dem plead for her to keep singing. Tanya had to get her drink on too, so she just flashed a big grin and made her exit. Ok. We'll wait. And let me tell you, wait we did. Now I know it was standing room only and for anyone trying to make it to the front door, it was an awkward dance of avoiding too close bodies, and half drunk glasses of liquor- an exercise in making moves and going nowhere. (Time out for a short visit down memory lane-I don't know how to swim, so when I was younger, I would say I can swim but only underwater. Funny thing is, I would be underwater kicking my legs and flailing my arms, but when I came up for air, I was still in the same place. Hahaha. That's what it was like trying to move in that club that night. Jah know...memories boy...anyways back to the review). Ya, but really I think most people stayed cause they really loved Tanya and she hadn't pulled out the big guns yet.

During the second set she spoke of her new album Infallible which she is giving away for FREE. Yes my people F-R-E-E. Some songs from the album include "Train of Thought," "Siddung Pon It", "No Means No", and the awesome HIV/AIDS awareness song "Still Alive." One ting I noticed, all the leave she wanted to leave and go wet her throat, Tanya loves the stage and she loves pleasing her fans even more, so when di jukebox came out, she just fired round after round of hits! The crowd was matching her word for word "I wish you woulda treat me like your glock/I woulda love it if you keep me pon cock/I wish you woulda treat me like your yatch/keep me wet while de waves dem a rock...and by the time she got to the hook, "these streets don't love you like I dooo" the glee was contagious, the collective voices filling the room and everyone singing the song to that person that they just love sooo much who never gave them their all. Next tune from de jukebox. "I said if we never...." pppuuuullllll uuuuuppppppp!!!! Bullet! Bullet! (lyrical bullets, The Lime and Tanya don't promote war uzeet) Madness!!!! Yow.. trust me. You had to be there to feel the energy. And so the hits kept coming- by request: "Goggle", "Still A Go Lose", "Cherry Brandy", "The Truth" "Damn You", "Reminiscing", "Do You Still Care" AKA Bubba, "Spilt Milk", "Put It On You" "Gangsta Gal" and "Do You Expect me". And then it was over. Time for the pics with the fans. And in true Tanya fashion, time for de boots fi come aff. I went home on cloud nine anxious to download my copy of Infallible.

Tanya Stephens and Ayeola (in Mamayashi)

Photo source

I've listened to Infallible, it's awesome. Tanya is older, she is occupied running her bar H2O in Ocho Rios, her kids are growing up and the maturity is reflected in the music. No "Gangsta Gal" here, but don't get it twisted, she still has her swag. Some of the songs I like are "Infallible" (it's a message to her child saying basically I am not infallible but listen to the wisdom I have gathered over the years), I also like "Turn It Up" (it's just bold, when I heard her sing it at the club I was like "Damn it sound like a threesome about to go down!LOL), "Siddung Pon It" ( I love the repeat of raaeee which is one of the favorite terms I've learnt in Jamaica:-). "Pull Up" could be a groovy Soca-and I'm partial to Soca. "Train of Thought" has a bluesy, bluegrassy, folk vibe. What else? I pretty much love dem all you know. Tanya cyan do wrong my be. So since it's FREE go cop that and make sure to attend her shows after all is not record sales that fattening her bank book, uzeemi.

To pics from the show click the following links:***Note, they are facebook pages**
IShango Photos
Social Lingua

Big ups to Christopher's for the awesome live music and Nuff Respect to the bandMo' Muzyk Pros!!

Oh and big up to Tanya's #1 FAN Tiffany who is a MAJOR reason why I am writing this review. Thanks for the motivation my girl...Is not everytime the words want to come out of my brain and on to the paper.

A favorite from "Infallible"



Classsicccccc!!!!

Ash forces Nas and Damian Marley to cancel London show

The Nas and Damian Marley show in London has been canceled as a result of the shutdown on flights in the U.K.



However, travel restrictions have been lifted and flights began landing again in the U.K. on Tuesday night (April 20). The volcanic ash from Iceland closed U.K. airspace for six days, and across Europe more than 95,000 flights were canceled.

The TCO-promoted Nas and Damian Marley Show at the Electric Ballroom has been canceled, though. They have collaborated on the "Distant Relatives" (Island) album, out May 17. Tickets will be valid for the July 20 London Hammersmith show.

Melissa Auf der Maur had to cancel shows last weekend in Oslo and London, where she had a sold-out date at Cargo. But she has been traveling across sea and land to make a newly-booked date at London Jazz Café today (April 21). There is also an April 21 screening of the film accompanying the new album, "Out Of Our Minds" (Roadrunner), and a Q&A at London's ICA.

LCD Soundsystem had to pull its Dublin dates but the act said on Twitter "we will make it to London." They traveled from L.A. to Spain and will continue to the U.K. for April 23 at Brixton Academy.

Other acts have been unable to make shows in Europe. Swedish act Nina Kinert and U.K. band Delphic both canceled French shows, and Bobby McFerrin pulled his April 18 Paris gig, which is rescheduled for May 3.

U.K. singer-songwriter Newton Faulkner has been stuck in Hong Kong. His April 21 Paris show has been postponed to June 14.

Source

Damian Marley to close WOMAD fest in Abu Dhabi

In what will be his first ever visit to the United Arab Emirates, reggae star Damian Marley will close the three day World of Music Arts and Dance (WOMAD) festival on April 24 in Abu Dhabi. The second ever WOMAD festival also comes just a few weeks before the release of Marley's highly anticipated collaboration album with Nas, titled 'Distant Relatives.' As GulfNews reports, Marley will perform alongside some of the biggest names across the globe, including Femi Kuti, Tinariwen, Babylon Circus, and Transglobal Underground. Check out the full announced lineup abelow:



Photo source

WOMAD Abu Dhabi 2010 Lineup, April 22 - 24:
Damian Marley
Illham Al Madfai
Mayra Andrade
Amparo Sanchez
Faiz Ali Faiz
Drummers of Burundi
Titi Robin
Sierra Maestra
Rachid Taha
Tinariwen
Musafir Gypsies of Rajasthan
!Gubi Family
Habib Koité
ABRI
Debashish Battacharya
Chemirani's
Transglobal Underground
Rango
Femi Kuti
JAADU (Faiz Ali Faiz with Titi Robin)
Hanggai
Hakim
Babylon Circus
Le Trio Jourban
Zawose Family

Source

Matisyahu on Mash Up Mondays!

What happens when Matisyahu, the Hasidic rapper previously nominated for a Best Reggae Album Grammy, applies his falsetto and beatboxing skills to a Kings of Leon hit that just took home both the Best Rock Performance and Record of the Year Grammys? A surprisingly tender performance that brings out the bittersweet yearning of the Followill boys' "Use Somebody."




Sans his usual wide brimmed black hat and with his payos curls tucked under a baseball cap and hoodie, Matisyahu closed eyes and transformed Kings of Leon's mid-tempo love song, stripping the power ballad down to an acoustic guitar and the delicate upper registers of his own vocal range. The reggae singer, whose track "One Day" was one of NBC's official songs of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, chose to cover "Use Somebody," he says, "because I felt it was a great vocal performance... There are a lot of songs out there about the music and how it makes your body feel, but this song is about the vocal and the emotion that comes across in his voice."

Reggae Month 2010 highlights of activities

February marks Reggae Month in Jamaica; and several events, conferences, symposiums, galas, concerts, exhibition, trade shows are taking place to mark this special time in the Jamaican cultural calender. Here are some events listed below which may be of interest to you:


The 2010 edition of Reggae Month will seek to highlight and celebrate the roles of key individuals and their contributions to the development of Reggae, with musicians and icons the likes of Bob Marley and Dennis Brown being at the forefront of the celebrations.

Freddie McGregor current head of JARIA

The Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JARIA) has been given the mandate, by the Ministry of Culture, to plan and coordinate the 2010 celebrations.


Monday Feb 1
Birthday Party in Celebration of the 'Prince of Reggae' Dennis Brown, Downtown Kingston.


Tuesday, February 2-Friday February 5
The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) presents a Bob Marley Symposium at the Louise Bennett Garden Theatre commencing at 10 am. The theme is "We Don't Need No Trouble-What We Need Is Love." Stops will also be made in Portland, Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth.
The symposium will feature presentations in tribute to Bob Marley by renowned musician Ibo Cooper, musician and producer Grub Cooper, Rev. Dr Basil Chambers and Howard Hendricks. Also included in the symposium are the finals of the inaugural Bob Marley Secondary Schools Debate Competition and the Bob Marley Song Rearrangement Competition. The symposium are open to the public and admission is free.

Wednesday, February 3
Spotlight on Mento and Ska, featuring performances by the Charles Town Maroon Drummers, Kingston Drummers, Gilzene and the Blue Light Mento Band and students from the Music School at Edna Manley. Time – 8 p.m. to 12 midnight

Wednesday February 3
The Berhane Selassie Art Gallery will be launched tomorrow at Tuff Gong International Ltd. on Marcus Garvey Drive in Kingston. It is named after Bob Marley, as ‘Berhane Selassie’ is the name (meaning ‘Light of the Trinity’) that was given to him when he was baptised in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in 1979. The gallery will display the works of local and international artists, and will also become a part of Tuff Gong’s Making of Music Tour (which covers various aspects of music production in Jamaica)


Thursday, February 4-Sunday February 7
Africa Unite - Smile Jamaica Youth Symposium - Liberty Hall, Kingston


Thursday, February 4
6th Annual Excellence in Music and Entertainment Awards at Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, 8PM


Friday, February 5
Jamaica Association of Vintage Artistes & Affiliates – JAVAA – kicks off what is expected to be another year of sublime entertainment events at The Gardens, Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, w.ith their annual tribute to “Bob Marley & Dennis Brown, the King & Crown Prince of Reggae”

Friday, February 5
Annual Bob Marley Lecture - UWI Mona Campus. Every Friday there will be a Reggae film in N1 Lecture theatre. Don't miss!


Saturday, February 6
Bob Marley Day - Bob Marley Museum Kingston


Monday, February 8
Visit by JARIA to Boys' Town school-music expo.

Saturday, February 13
Sugar Cane Ball - Round Hill Hotel and Villas Resort, Hanover


Sunday February 14
Hanover Charity Polo and High Tea - Chukka Blue Ranch,


Monday February 15
Bob Marley Creative Expressions Day at Bob Marley Museum in Kingston


Monday February 15
JARIA visits Alpha Boys School for music expo

Wednesday February 17- Saturday February 20
International Reggae Conference is for artistes, industry practitioners, researchers, academics, fans and other interested parties who can bring significant insight into the international reggae music industry. The conference aims to expand the reach of persons committed to the international development of Jamaica’s music and open the door to a pool of talent, skills and expertise which will be reflected in the conference proceedings and range of participants.
Official Site
Of interest to me is the meeting with August Town community and UWI principal and other representatives on the topic "Music in The Community." That takes place on Friday the 18th from 6:30-8 PM followed by a concert.


Sunday February 21
A special edition of Jazz in the Gardens at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel


Monday, February 22
Reggae Gospel concert


Wednesday February 24
Reggae Academy Awards national Indoor Sports Centre


Thursday, February 25
The Reggae Film Festival 2010 at the Hilton Kingston, produced by film-maker and film festival organiser Barbara Blake Hannah, will open February 25 with a Red Carpet Gala Reception and screening of the documentary Made in Jamaica. This features a galaxy of reggae stars including Capleton, Bunny Wailers, Third World, Beenie Man and Lady Saw, all of whom are among the VIP reggae celebrities invited as special guests.


Saturday, February 27
Knutsford Live-a free concert in the heart of New Kingston featuring top Jamaican artists.

Sunday, February 28
JARIA honour awards, a glamorous gala event where special recognition will be given to industry pioneers who have figured prominently in the outstanding penetration of Jamaican music culture across the world.

MONTHLONG

This entire month The Lime will feature a special edition of 20 Questions focusing on trends in Reggae which is the theme for the International Reggae Conference. In addition to the 20 questions we will as new, upand coming, old-school reggae artists of their opinion on Reggae and Reggae month. In addition we will feature non-Jamaican Reggae artists and find out how they were introduced to Reggae and how it has impacted their lives!

Reggae Month, which was first staged in 2008 by the Ministry of Culture, is a celebration of Reggae music geared at heightening the impact of the musical genre on the country's social, cultural and economical development.