Jamaica: Jamaican Music

Reggae - In - Motion : Beres ‘Cudjo’ Hammond: The Man, His Thoughts, and His Music

Wed, 06 May 2008 12:21:00 GMT

Who is Beres ‘Cudjo’ Hammond? The “Reggae Role Model of The Year” in Jamaica according to the Excellence in Music and Entertainment Awards for 2008. Arguably, the most successful songwriter/composer/singer/performer in Reggae music’ since 1990, Hammond is the voice of Reggae soul power. Hammond’s effect on audiences often times defies description, but let me try. ‘Cudjo’ Hammond’ romantic rude boy love songs have women literally lose their minds, and their clothes.

A Conversation With Musical Artist, Family & Child Activist And Air Jamaica Jazzfest Performer Michael Bolton

Wed, 06 May 2008 12:22:00 GMT

The architecture of great music is province of creativity. Michael Bolton is a musical artist; blessed with an abundance of talent he combines his song writing and music producing skills. His great vocal ability spans many musical to create genre defying music.

Interview: 'Pepse' Brown - A Gospel Artiste's Uncompromising Faith

Sun, 01 Mar 2008 05:45:00 GMT

Lloyd Brown or ‘Pepse’, as he is known, has chosen this name on the premise that he is the ‘one that always pray for just about everything’. This God-ordained name as an acronym means ‘Praying Everyday Persistently Seeking Elohim’. He also jokenly added, “I am also a pepsi drinker as oppose to coke’.

Who’s really responsible for DANCEHALL decadence?

Sun, 01 Mar 2008 05:45:00 GMT

February was declared Reggae month; Reggae music is therefore destined to gain added notoriety locally as well as overseas because of its close association with brand Jamaica . Dancehall music is unquestionably the most popular genre. It is unapologetically raw and rude being a creation of the rabble. It is therefore by nature uncouth and uncontrollable. A firestorm has erupted as to whether dancehall is the source of our decadence or its natural by-product, the jury is still out.

It’s Official, February is Reggae Month.

Sun, 01 Mar 2008 05:57:00 GMT

There was a month long wide range of activities staged to celebrate February as Reggae Month. February, which is also Black History month and when the Grammy award for 'Best Reggae s Album is given, was chosen, partly because it coincides with the birth of Bob Marley, the King of Reggae music and Dennis Brown, the Crown Prince of Reggae music.

The DUNAMIS Experience Interview: A Dancehall Gospel Artiste Tells All

Sat, 01 Feb 2008 03:22:00 GMT

Dunamis: a Greek word which essentially means ‘POWER’. According to Neil Hall, aka Dunamis, “I did not choose the name, the name chose me’. Dunamis is scheduled to have an album launch concert (called the Dunamis Experience) on April 5, 2008 at the Macedonia Center in Mount Vernon, New York. Even though his album (DUNAMIS) has been accessible to the public since June 2006, Dunamis did not have an official celebration of his album. He has shared stage with gospel heavy weights, to name a few, Papa San, Carlene Davis and Grace Thrillers.

Tributes to Dennis Brown, the Crown Prince of Reggae Music

Sat, 01 Feb 2008 02:38:00 GMT

The mark of one who is great can always be measured by the how he is respected by his peers, read what Freddie McGregor, Richie Stephens and Ibo Cooper have to say about Dennis Brown’s importance to Jamaican music and Brown’s impact on Freddie & Richie careers.

Reggae’s Crown Prince Should be Honored

Sat, 01 Feb 2008 02:36:00 GMT

Brown is arguably the greatest singer in the history of Jamaican music,his contribution to Jamaican music makes him just as much an architect of reggae music as Bob Marley.

Ajaniah Sule- The Rising of A ‘Reggae Prophetic Voice’ in the Wilderness?

Fri, 03 Jan 2008 12:55:00 GMT

Ajaniah’s memoir includes being a former informal DJ for various sessions, obtaining a Masters Degree at the University of the West Indies in Applied Mathematics with components of Physics. He is currently a full time Lecturer at University of Technology and part time Lecturer at UWI and Jamaica Constabulary Staff College. The launching of his debut album AJANAIAH-Free Chants of Reggae Chapter One.

Alaine, Music is all Me

Wed, 01 Jan 2008 03:11:00 GMT

At 29 Alaine (Laughton) hot, at the top of her game as female reggae entertainer she’s had more hit singles than any other female reggae artist this year. Alaine is the heavy favorite female singer of the year. She’s the perfect combination of beauty and multi talent, she is also an actress, copping a role in the Whoopi Goldberg movie 'Clara's Heart.

Rewind & Review Big Heist RiDDim

Tue, 10 Dec 2007 19:48:00 GMT

For the most part these riddims have successfully propelled a new crop of ghetto posturing gangster artists like Vybz Kartel, Movado, Adonia to the fore. Big Heist RiDDim is chock full of positive messages -a fresh riddim.

I-Wayne Book of Life

Tue, 10 Dec 2007 19:48:00 GMT

Book of Life” is not as hot as Lava. However, on Life Wayne cast himself as the 'fire warrior' against injustice. It is chock full of danceable and some familiar rhythms like ‘Free the People (Sattamasagana riddim) and Good Enough (Burning Spear’s ‘Call on you’.) The album maintains Lava militancy; it is just more reflective. The Book of Life is definitely a must for roots and culture fans and should garner new ones. Life is the singer’s best and most enjoyable work to-date. Now if we could just find a hit single on life.

Interview with Dennis Thompson Pt2

Sun, 01 Dec 2007 18:36:00 GMT

Dennis Thompson has forgotten more important events in modern music than most people know of. From an early age, it seemed, Thompson was destined for a career in music.

Calibe Thompson, a Fresh Female Singer

Sun, 01 Dec 2007 18:43:00 GMT

Calibe isn’t a household name in Jamaican music though she is Jamaican. She claims reggae as her root because that is where she’s from. To get her unique sound Calibe mixes pop and rock and soul and jazz. Flattered though she is by comparisons to female singers like Diana King, India.Arie and Lauryn Hill she says she doesn’t sound like any of them because her voice and style changes with each song. Calibe has toured with Beenie Man and opened Kevin Lyttle. I spoke with this relatively unknown singer.

Reggae Interview Series: Reggae Music In Estonia

Sun, 01 Dec 2007 18:49:00 GMT

This month in our series "Reggae Around the World" we interview the group Def Räädu from Estonia. The group's mixture of reggae with dub, trip hop, house, rock steady and jazzy flavored beats has produced hits singles in Estonia and Europe.