JamaicansMusic.com

The 52nd annual staging of the Grammy Awards was yet another milestone for reggae family, the Marleys, as brothers Stephen and Ziggy strolled away with the coveted gramaphones in the Best Reggae Album and Best Musical Album for Children categories, respectively.

Stephen, the younger of the two, was crowned winner for the acoustic version of his album Mind Control. He won ahead of another sibling, Julian, who was also a nominee in that category with his album Awake. The ‘Gargamel’, Buju Banton, was also in that pool of hopefuls with his Rasta Got Soul. Also nominated in the Best Reggae Album category were Sean Paul’s Imperial Blaze and Gregory Isaacs’ Brand New Me.

non-acoustic version

Yesterday’s award was the second solo Grammy for Stephen who also won the prize in 2008 for the non-acoustic version of the said album, Mind Control. The artiste’s Grammy tally now stands at seven having won awards before as part of Ziggy Marley and The Melody Makers in 1988, 1989 and 1997. He also earned awards for his production work on both of his brother, Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley’s albums, Half-Way Tree in 2001 and Welcome to Jamrock in 2006.

Ziggy, who is no stranger to the golden gramaphones, climbed over some five other nominees to grip the award with his Family Time album. In a brief comment to this newspaper, the singer said: “I feel very blessed to have travelled on this journey with my family and friends and feel honoured to have the Grammy Academy recognise Family Time.”

In 2007, Ziggy’s album Love Is My Religion won a Grammy for Best Reggae Album at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards.

In earlier years, Junior Gong walked a similar path having won Grammy awards in 2001 and 2006 for his Half-Way Tree and Welcome to Jamrock albums, respectively.

http://www.jamaica-star.com/thestar/20100201/ent/ent1.html

From Lady Saw to Marion Hall to being both persons at once, the queen of dancehall demonstrated that dancehall artistes can make a musical transition, and grow with the music, through her splendid performance at the 14th staging of the Jamaica Jazz and Blues festival.

In sheer brilliance, and obvious signs of musical growth, Marion Hall executed her 35-minute performance through smooth timeless hits like My Silly Heart, Love Hurts and Brown Eyes Blue.

a bit concerned

She was originally billed to perform at 6:30 p.m., something she was a bit concerned about, but due to a late start on the final night of the festival, she entered on-stage approximately 7:30 p.m. to be greeted by a huge crowd who were eager to see what Marion Hall had to offer.

With her usual eye for fashion, Marion wore a pink dress with silver sequins, her hands draped in black gloves and sporting eye-dazzling jewellery. From start to finish, she kept her audience engaged and yearning for more as she did an emotional Less Than A Woman song for persons who are not able to conceive a child.

But she could not exit the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Stage without delving into her persona as Lady Saw. With Sycamore Tree and Healing, Marion ‘Lady Saw’ Hall showed that her versatility on the microphone will offer her longevity in the music business.

responses

During an interview after her performance, she revealed that she was please with the performance and the responses she received from the audience.

“This is my first time at jazz so I really wanted to show my fans that there is another side to me other than Lady Saw,” she reasoned. “I had so many songs that I could have done but when I checked the time I had to perform, I decide to minimise the list of songs.”

While she gave an excellent performance at Jazz fest, she affirmed that this is not a sign of her giving up her raunchy Lady Saw persona.

“Many persons are asking are you now going by Marion Hall?” she smiled “I am not giving up Lady Saw, it is what brought me to prominence. I am simply enhancing my musical career with Marion Hall and growing with the music.”

http://www.jamaica-star.com/thestar/20100201/ent/ent3.html

Upcoming artiste Darrio got some recognition through his collaborations with Konshens, but now he is trying to make a mark with his solo efforts.

Two weeks ago, he released a single called Eat Food on the ‘Bomb Drop’ rhythm. This song is his first official solo release, as his previous songs were popular in the underground market.However, he said those songs did not reach where he wanted them to because he did not have the resources or the backing.

While grateful for the exposure he got when he did Hooked On You and Do Di Ting with Konshens, Darrio does not believe Eat Food will get the same treatment those songs did.

“It won’t get the same reception. Without Konshens in those songs, it wouldn’t reach as far. He is already established so more people would listen to it. He was the driving force behind the collaboration. Afterwards, people would be curious to know who is Darrio,” he told THE STAR.

Working alone, he said, was easier.

“You get to express yourself. With somebody else, you have to share ideas. I have more control over a solo effort than a collaboration,” he said.

Meanwhile, Darrio said Eat Food has been getting good feedback overseas and some rotation on local radio stations. “But who knows what the future holds,” said the artiste, who recently returned from shows in Canada.

In addition, he has new singles like Mek Mi Feel Good, Jah Jah Alone, Ungrateful and Party With Me that is produced by French-based Julius Productions.

http://www.jamaica-star.com/thestar/20100201/ent/ent5.html

Fast rising Hawaii-based recording artist J Boog is currently in Jamaica working on a sizzling hot reggae collaboration alongside roots singer, Richie Spice, at Big Yard Studios located in Kingston.

With the guidance of Morgan Heritage member Gramps and veteran singer/ songwriter Yami Bolo, both Boog and Spice joined forces musically to create the still untitled single which, according to Boog, was inspired after he visited a certain garrison community. “Well, I’ve been here for a week now and during my stay I got a chance to go out by Trench Town, there I saw the struggle of the people and that motivated me to do a song. I was born and raised in Long Beach, California, but from there I moved to Compton, so I know what real struggle feels like”.

J Boog, who burst onto the Hawaiian music scenes in 2007 thanks to a chance meeting with the tropical islands’ biggest superstar, “Fiji”, stated that he has always wanted to visit the birthplace of reggae but only recent got the opportunity. “Our music in Hawaii is pretty similar to reggae music, in fact we call it Island music or Island reggae, so since I began singing I’ve always dreamed of coming to Jamaica to experience the local culture”.

high-energy

Looking to make his mark in the international mainstream, J Boog is confident the world will soon hear his calling. “I am a high-energy artist, I make good music and put my blood, sweat and tears into every record. Island artists haven’t been getting the recognition we deserve, but we not going to stop pushing”.

Backed by Washhouse Music Inc the label responsible for his success to date, J Boog is looking to dominate in 2010.

http://www.jamaica-star.com/thestar/20100201/ent/ent6.html

Singer Jah Cure is now requesting privacy following DNA test results that revealed that he is not the father of a child as was previously claimed.

The singer yesterday released a statement after getting the results of the paternity test on Tuesday.

There has been ongoing controversy on the Internet surrounding the paternity of the child in question. Rumours have been circulating that Jah Cure was not the father early into the babymother’s pregnancy and persisted up until recently.

Yesterday the reports continued when it was revealed that the test that the singer took confirmed that he was not the father of the ten-month-old girl. Rumours have also been circulating that the child’s father could be another entertainer or person involved in the business.

Efforts to contact the mother were unsuccessful.

According to Jah Cure’s release, he has been supporting the mother of the child throughout her pregnancy and when the child was born.

The release said, “now that the DNA test has been done and it has been shown that he is not the father, Jah Cure wishes to move on. The fact is that the most important individual in this whole affair is the child and the longer that this continues the more damage is being done to the child. Jah Cure will not now abandon the child but wishes that the media respect the privacy of the parties as the child is indeed innocent and did not contribute to the mistakes of the adults involved.”

http://www.jamaica-star.com/thestar/20100121/ent/ent1.html

Great entertainment throughout the season is what officials have promised soca fans for the 2010 Bacchanal Jamaica Carnival season.

The announcement was made yesterday at the Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston, where a launch ceremony was held.

And as the anticipation builds, climaxing at the grand road march on April 11, the organizers are also promising a 10-week ‘feel good’ festival, which will be celebrating 22 years of existence, and 10 years under the Bacchanal brand. Also, due to the global recession, ticket prices will remain the same as last year.

The Bacchanal Carnival season in Jamaica officially begins on February 5th with the opening of Bacchanal fetes at the Mas Camp Village, on Oxford Road, in New Kingston. These fêtes are staged each Friday night, leading up to the Road parade on April 11.

As usual the celebrations will be boosted by live appearances from popular Soca artistes including Destra, the Imij & Company Band and Machel Montana, HD. They will also be complimented by several local acts led by the ‘party animal’ Kurt Riley.

At the launch, costumes were put on display, as onlookers were given a taste of what was to come during the carnival season.

The costumes being presented for Bacchanal Jamaica’s 2010 carnival season are: Diamonds of Kilimanjaro, Gems of Rio Doce, Khalahir Sunstone, Bacchanal Babes, Star of Asia, Treasures of Kashmir, Emeralds of Chivor, Aztec Gold and Burmese Sunset.

Another staple for the Bacchanal season is the soca’cise which is to be held at the Mas Camp in New Kingston. So if you happen to be unfit and out of shape, then the Soca’cise fêtes are not to be missed. Soca’cise sessions last for two hours and is set to begin on Monday, February 8 at the Mas Camp from 6-8 p.m., and will be instructed by Pepper Dawson. It is free to the public.

Other events to look out for during the Bacchanal Jamaica Carnival season are Beach J’ouvert, on April 3, Soca at De Sandbar and Pan Fête, on April 7, Bacchanal J’ouvert, on April 9, Bacchanal Blocko, on March 31, and Bacchanal Road March on April 11. Bacchanal Beauty Week will run from April 6-17.

http://www.jamaica-star.com/thestar/20100121/ent/ent2.html

Since the departure of Al Francis from his label, nothing much has been heard from Courtney Johnson’s Whatage Music.

But now the Manchester-based producer has stormed back with two artistes who seem destined to go places, Black Light with Jah Bless The Fathers andGucci Flava with Neat Inna on the Iceberg rhythm.

Jah Bless the Fathers, which speaks positively to the role of fathers in the lives of their children, is getting heavy rotation, and seems destined to be the breakthrough hit to launch Black Light on his musical career.

Black Light is currently getting ready to be part of an all-island road show with a 16-venue stop, starting in March.

“Both artistes are taking their music and talents to the streets, performing on all events possible,” Johnson said.

Black Light, born Andrew Troy Roberts, hailed originally from Waltham Park before moving with his family to Mount Friendship in the St Andrew hills.

His music represents the struggle, love, hope and faith from his daily life, and he takes pleasure in the consciousness and spiritual ‘upliftment’ that his songs deliver.

His first show as an eight ear-old at St Theresa All-Age school revealed his immense talent, putting him in demand for shows in the surrounding communities.

As Preacher Blacks, he won the Tastee Talent contest in 1998.

His journey eventually led him to Johnson’s Whatage label in 2006. Two years later, in 2008, his first single, Vision, was released.

With Jah Bless the Fathers developing into a huge hit, Black Light is now working on his first album.

lyrical genius

“Black Light is a lyrical genius who performs with effortless energy. An artiste who is looking to make a name in the music industry - on the rise, and promises to continue delivering positive and uplifting music for the masses,” says Johnson.

Gucci Flava, (real name Owen McDonald Jr) also originated from Waltham Park and grew up in Seaview Gardens.

“My parents encourage my musical career in all aspects - from my first guitar to first stage performance at age six,” Flava explains. Now, as a single parent to three children (Angel, Jalani and Asia) Gucci Flava is instilling the same values and encouragement he received as a child.

From 2002 Gucci Flava migrated to Hartford, Connecticut (USA) to expand his horizon as an artiste and, according to Jamal Bartelle, writing in Assault Magazine in 2007, rose in five years to be one of Connecticut’s brightest young underground reggae artistes.

“As a songwriter, my songs reflect the day-to-day life unfolding around me. As much as we want to protect the youths, there’s realities and pitfalls that they should be aware of and to protect them is to sing about it. Life is not all roses,” says Flava.

Meanwhile, Whatage Music is preparing to drop its latest project, the Light rhythm, featuring artistes such as Nesbeth, Natty King, Lutan Fyah, Anthony Red Rose among others.

http://www.jamaica-star.com/thestar/20100121/ent/ent4.html

‘We are on the right track, it’s all systems go,’ says Elmore

This year the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival moves into its 14th staging earning a reputation as one of the leading celebrations of music in this hemisphere. For 2010, the festival also moves into a new venue, at picturesque Greenfield (Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium).

According to Walter Elmore of Turnkey Productions, producers of the event, music lovers are in for a wonderful treat and plans are fully underway for another successful production.

“We are well advanced in our construction of the venue, artiste flights and accommodation have been confirmed and we have begun receiving equipment that is needed to produce a successful show,” said Elmore.

“We are right on track, it’s all systems go,” he added.

Elmore recognises that patrons are unfamiliar with the new venue but wished to allay fears saying that this year will be just as good if not better than years gone by.

“We have an amazing line-up, we are paying strict attention to detail at the venue. We will be using the centre field so we are basically going to recreate the original jazz venue and more on the field. That’s over 30,000 square feet of intimate surroundings. Through comments and suggestions from our patrons, we are making sure we step up to the plate and create an extraordinary event,” Elmore admitted.

patron consideration

Elmore pointed out that consideration for the patrons was a factor in the decision to change the venue. With the ongoing construction of the convention centre across from Rose Hall, patrons would likely be inconvenienced by the waiting periods for shuttle service.

He gave his assurance that there would be no traffic or parking problems.

The new four-lane highway should alleviate all traffic issues. The new location is right off this highway so there will be no headaches. The venue already has ample parking facilities on the stadium grounds and the adjoining lot will also be utilised, “Elmore stated.

“We have gained the assistance of the police, who have helped us to formulate a comprehensive traffic plan to avoid all of the traffic problems,” he added.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Olivia Grange, said that she is thrilled that the stadium is being used in this way.

“The facilities are well kept. The field is the perfect location for the festival,” the Minister commented.

The existing infrastructure and facilities at the venue which includes turnstiles, bathrooms, electricity and dressing rooms would save some 30 per cent of the usual costs, Elmore advised.

“We will be able to complete this venue in less time than previous years because of these added benefits,” he said.

“The food court will boast 18 different stands and the prices will be reasonable. As always security will be top notch” he noted.

With regards to skyboxes, he noted that all skyboxes would be located on the field in the VIP area. There will be about 20 air-conditioned skyboxes available in the grandstand with balcony seating.

In terms of production, Elmore said that there would be a completely new look for the stage with a brand new LED system as the backdrop.

“The stage will be the usual size 60×40 and the small stage will be erected in the food court area as usual. We always go first world when it comes to technology. In addition to the LED system, we will be using the high end Meyer Milo line array to ensure that the sound and lighting are of the highest quality. As usual patrons can expect nothing short of the best in terms of the production of this event,” he ended.

The festival begins on Sunday January 24 and runs through to Saturday January 30. It will feature some of the greatest stars including Gladys Knight, Jon Secada, Babyface, Joss Stone, The Queen Project, Billy Ocean, Maxi Priest, Marion Hall, Robin Banks and Hall & Oates. The event is world renowned for its impeccable line-up, first class production and incomparable organisation.

http://www.jamaica-star.com/thestar/20100121/ent/ent8.html

Artiste: Ce’ Cile

Intro:

Boy,

I’ll do anything as

long as I’ve got you,

na na na na, yeah.

Anything, anything.

Verse 1

Boy, I’ve got to tell you this,

You got me falling down yuh precipice,

I never expected it,

boy yuh shock me,

yuh shock me,

Like yuh baby,

I was thinking I’m a gangsta girl,

I never saw a man to tame ma world.

But you, came and changed it all

and now mi waan.

Chorus:

Cook fi yuh,

wash fi yuh

mek up yuh bed

and clean yuh house fi yuh

Press yuh clothes fi yuh

spend me money fi yuh,

accept yuh babymadda

and yuh pickney to.

Verse 2

Because, when a girl loves a man

she should do everything

fi mek him feel right.

him every wish become made,

Hot gal become housewife.

When a girl loves a man

she, only happy when him alrite,

She all a change her style,

but a nuh nutten if it feels right.

Repeat Chorus

Verse 3

Cause I love yuh baby

and I’ll accept dis real love

dat yuh brought me,

yuh brought me.

Said I love yuh baby,

Keep sending on dis true love

dat yuh taught me,

yuh taught me,

And I always send it back.

Repeat Verse 2

Outro

So all ma ladies

If yuh know yuh love yuh man

and yuh man be loving yuh back

just say oh oh,

All ma ladies if yuh got a real man

and he be putting it on yuh like dat

say oh oh oh oh oh

All ma ladies if yuh love yuh man

lemme hear yuh sey ooooh.

Repeat Chorus