An Interview JamelodyEvery ever so often special talent comes along with a charismatic voice. Trinidadian reggae singer Michael Williams is a special talent and a charismatic vocalist. Williams says he sings God’s melodies and chose, most appropriately, the name JAMELODY. Like reggae’s defining vocalist Dennis Brown, JAMELODY’s vocal style bridges R&B, Pop/Rock, Gospel to Reggae.
An Interview with Etana: The Strong OneWith hit songs ‘Wrong address’ (2006) ‘Roots’ (2007) and her chart topper ‘Warrior Love’ Etana has had several # 1 songs on Jamaican, England, Us and the Virgin Island on reggae charts. Arguably the most successful female singer in reggae today, she’s struck a symbiotic chord with audiences. This Jamaican born Miami bred siren described by Vibe magazine as “established herself as formidable performer and songwriter whose music and reputation precedes her’ has won the female Singer of the Year for 2007 at several award shows this year including the International Reggae and World Music Award and the Reggae Academy Award. On stage she exudes a regal bearing and the attitude of a diva; her live stage presence commands attention
REGGAE - IN - MOTIONSinger Kris Kelli is one of the new breed of female artist. She entered the music business in 2003. Her debut CD “My World” was released in Japan by Pony Canyon in 2006. The album boasts 15 tracks including two collaborations with Beenie Man and Vybz Kartel. Kelli’s had several successful singles, including ‘Fly Boy’ “Fame” w/ Vybz Kartel, ‘Step it up’ and ‘Truth Unfolds’ and a remake of Althea & Donna’s 70’s chart topping hit ‘Uptown Top Ranking’. Kriss is no stranger to international success having had two # 1 song in Italy “Hide Away” and “Flip Up”. Jamaicans.com Stan Evan Smith spoke with Kriss.
Reggae - In - Motion : Beres ‘Cudjo’ Hammond: The Man, His Thoughts, and His MusicWho 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 BoltonThe 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 FaithLloyd 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?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.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 AllDunamis: 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 MusicThe 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 HonoredBrown 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?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 MeAt 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.
I-Wayne Book of LifeBook 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.
Rewind & Review Big Heist RiDDimFor 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.
Interview with Dennis Thompson Pt2Dennis 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 SingerCalibe 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 EstoniaThis 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.
Peter Tosh - Reggae's Black PrinceThe history of reggae music, or the reggae story, and its importance is invariably
and inextricably linked to the Wailers, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer and Bob Marley. They single-handedly transformed what pop music could be used for as an instrument of liberation. As the Wailers, they created a complex music, Reggae music, and redefined in popular culture by shifting the focus to concerns with the realities of the poor and oppressed and their quest for equal rights and justice.
Dennis ‘De Menace” Thompson: Engineer Extraordinaire - Part 1What has Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Monty Alexander, Alicia Keys, Missy Elliot, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Buju Banton and Marcus Miller all have in common? They are music legends and great musicians you say, well, the question wouldn’t be asked were the answer quite that easy. Try Dennis Thompson, he has worked with all of them. Dennis Thompson, a Kingston College old boy who migrated to New York City in 1973 is one the worlds best live show engineers.
Reggae Interview Series: Reggae Music In JapanThis month our series "Reggae Around the World" we interview DJ Tokiya from Black Assassin Sound System in Japan. The have been playing reggae at night clubs, dances and on the radio in Japan for over 15 years.
Judith Gayle……..A Story of How the Sun Shined AgainJudith Gayle-Wright was born and raised in Chateau, Clarendon. From ever since she could remember, music has always been her love. She traveled to the Cayman Islands to perform in 1983, and when she was about 14 years of age, she auditioned for the ‘Tastee Talent Competition’. Although she was not selected for the competition, Judith had shown her audience a taste of what is to come.
