Interview with George Crooks organizer of the Brooklyn Music Festival Senior writer for Jamaicans.com, Cathy Kleinhans interviews well-known Jamaican entertainment promoter in Brooklyn, George Crooks. The inimitable George Crooks has once again added his heavy-weight Jammins Productions behind the Brooklyn Music Festival now in its third year.
Christopher Chambers AKA Jimi D, is the nephew of the legendary Reggae artist Don Carlos of the ever-popular Black Uhruru group. For the past two decades, Christopher Chambers has been the background vocalist that has elevated many successful musicians to another level in their career with his soothing voice. Jimi D has proved his worth by sharing the stage with well-known artists such as Freddie McGregor, Eeka Mouse, Andrew Tosh, Shaddon Tucker and his mentor/uncle Don Carlos. Jimi D, a child prodigy who developed into one of the most creative musical figures from the island of Jamaica, the birth place of reggae music, has much to offer than his musical gift. In the near future, he hopes to pursue an acting career, while continuing to share his melodious stories through his songs that many of us can relate to.
Interview with Jamaican Singer, Omari We interview Jamaican Gospel Singer Omari. Familiar to Reggae fans from his recent hits "Help!" and "Why," Omari is creating waves in the music industry with the message of hope. His Marlin Award-winning debut "Help!", from the album "YOW 4" Street Gospel, has enjoyed the top spot on Tempo and throughout the Caribbean. Praised in the Jamaica Star as "one of the hottest and most inspirational gospel songs in the industry," the song’s depictions of daily life and the difficulties of getting by in difficult economic times serve as inspiration to today's youth.
A conversation with Zerby the first white female dancehall artist We interview Zerby the first white female dancehall artist. She who was born and raised in the Midwest of the United States, has defied all the odds and showed her talent as a reggae dancehall deejay. After spending nine months in the studio, Zerby has released “Ready Now” on her own label, Hotness Records.
Interview: Aeion "Yaaka" Hoilett Bass Guitar/Vocal of the Jamaican band, C-Sharp We interview the Jamaican band C-Sharp. They are one of the most exquisite amalgamations of musical talent that Jamaica has seen in a long time. Originally referred to as Sentimental Touch in the ‘jazz world’, C-Sharp came together in December 2001 with core members, Aeion “Yaaka” Hoilett, Dwain “Wiya” Campbell and Ordean “Bingy” Francis.
Interview with Jamaican Songstress, Marsha Morrison This month we interview upcoming artist Marsha Morrison. She has toured and collaborated with many of reggaes top acts including Shaggy and Dancehall Diva Lady Saw. We caught up with her as she working on her first album. This Jamaican beautiful songstress & songwriter is multi-talented. She is sure to blaze a trail that we will hear about in the next comming months and years.
Taj Weekes Art Is His Social Conscience: Interview Taj Weekes is an enigma… on the one hand deeply serious and intensely passionate about his worldviews and on the other hand a gentle and humble man with a quick and easy smile. Weekes has a chameleon-like talent for blending into his surroundings as he keenly observes the world spinning around him, but the moment he steps on stage, locks flowing, he reveals the regal bearing of a mighty lion, his voice rising from a hoarse whisper to a throaty growl.
New Star Rising - "Five Minutes with....Courtney "Yogi" John In the music industry, the term 'artist' is often arbitrarily tossed around like a basketball at an NBA finals. In my opinion however, a true artiste, not just as it pertains to music but in any field, is some who possesses the ability to not only pay homage to the genesis or foundations of that art form, but able to successfully incorporate their own unique flavor or brand to it.
Claudelle Clarke-A Pioneer of Jamaican Gospel Music:Celebrating 41 years of Music. Her music is spiritually motivating and uplifting. It has the power to get audiences on their feet every time, singing, clapping and praising the Lord together in unison. Come and read more on Claudelle Clarke -The Queen of Jamaican Gospel Music!
Interview with Duane...Rising Star This month I interview Jamaican-American rising star Duane "D-WAYNE" Howard. Being born with a gift is one thing. Recognizing and utilizing that gift to it's full potential is another. Born in Brooklyn, New York to Jamaican parents Duane Howard, better known throughout the music fraternity as D-Wayne.
Five Minutes With:Everton Blender Touted as being amoung the few artists able to successfully find a cohesive synthesis between the often inimical mediums of Dancehall and Culture Reggae, Everton Blender has not only managed to attain international success in a genre where others have struggled to be heard, but established himself as a pioneer in the quest to introduce Culture Reggae, to the mainstream. With an unprecidented slew of hits such as, "Lift Up Your Head", "Ghetto People Song", and "Gwaan Natty" the singer, songwriter, and producer still regards himself as only, "...a humble messenger..." trying to uplift and educate the masses with a message of positivity. I recently caught up with him and graciously he agreed to grant us a "Five Minutes With" interview.
10 Question with Christian Dancehall Artist Mr. Gody Gody This month we pose 10 questions to Christian Dancehall artist Mr Gody Gody. He is one of the top Jamaican Christian Dancehall artists in Jamaica. A formed secular DJ, Mr Gody Gody is committed to doing whatever it takes to win souls for the Kingdom of God.
William Stewart—A Past Member of the Legendary ‘Third World’ Band....The Man, His Passion, and His ‘Solutions In Music.’ Willie Stewart-a member of the unforgettable and amazing Third World Band. He was also one of the creators and origina band member of the impressive Inner Circle band. Willie was the prolific drummer for Third World for twenty one (21) years. Come and read along as he shares the personal details of how his passion for the drums/music began (PartI), his Journey with Third World (Part II), his life beyond Third World (Part III) and how he created 'Solutions in Music' (Part IV). Come and meet one of the pioneers of reggae music---Willie Stewart!!
A Chat with Nadine Blair, Jamaica’s Radio & TV Personality (Love 101 FM & Love TV) A spiritually motivated Jamaica Radio and Television personality with a passion for solo and choral performances at Church and Gospel concerts, Nadine attends and emcees concerts and events globally. Nadine started Allowed to Shine Ministries – the umbrella organization for Perpetual Praise- The Praise Continues; Singled Out Singles Ministry; When the Ministers Meet To Pray and Praise in da Streets....Come and Meet Nadine.....
Interview with Junior "Gabu" Wedderburn
This month we interview Junior "Gabu" Wedderburn master drummer of Broadway's 'The Lion King'., His drumming styles and music draws upon the traditional Jamaican ritual styles of Kumina, Afro-Christian Pocomania, Tambu, Bruckins, and Nyabinghi. He fuses this with African tribal drumming to create a unique sound that is universal..
Reggae - In - Motion : Beres ‘Cudjo’ Hammond: The Man, His Thoughts, and His Music 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.
Interview: 'Pepse' Brown - A Gospel Artiste's Uncompromising Faith 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’.
The DUNAMIS Experience Interview: A Dancehall Gospel Artiste Tells All 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.
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.
Interview with Dennis Thompson Pt2 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 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 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.
Peter Tosh - Reggae's Black Prince The 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 1 What 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 Japan This 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 Again Judith 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.
Reggae Interview Series: Reggae Music In Russia This month our series "Reggae Around the World" we interview Dub Vision a reggae band group from a Russia. “Dub Division” participated in several music festivals in Russia and abroad. There goal is to promote Dub and Reggae in Russia.
Charmaine DaCosta; A Singer With Class in Christ Charmaine DaCosta is a single mother of two beautiful daughters; she has a BA in English Literature and an MBA. Charmaine is also an independent artist and entrepreneur. She is a former member of Worl-A-Girl, the most successful ‘90s reggae/ dancehall girl-group.
Sister Carol-An Artist of Relevance and Distinction With a BSc. in Education Carol East aka Sister Carol has many monikers, Movie star, singer, D.J, humanitarian, certified teacher to name a few. With eight albums to her credit, her critically acclaimed 1996 release, “Lyrically Potent’, described as a “perfect antidote to the lowbrow slackness of female sing-jays… quality in production values and subject matter” earned her a Grammy nomination. She’s appeared in two Hollywood feature films by director Jonathan Demme “Something Wild” and “Married to the Mob” w/ Michelle Pfeiffer, her music can be heard on several Hollywood movie soundtracks including “The Mighty Quinn” w/Denzel Washington, appeared on NBC's David Lettermen and Late Night With Conan O'Brien and was the familiar voice behind Jazz great David Sanborn ‘Night Music” show on NBC.
TessAnne Chin: Out of many One Voices, A big voice. Tess-Anne Chin, the younger sibling of uptown dancehall sensation Tami Chynn. Her current single “Hideaway” featured VP Records Reggae Gold 2007 is burning up the airwaves. Blessed with a big voice clearly suited to her multi-genre sound, Tess-Anne is known to Jamaicans as the lead singer from the reggae/rock band, Mile High. She gained valuable experience as a back up singer for international reggae legend Jimmy Cliff for several years before pursuing her solo career. Her unique blend of music is a mixture of Reggae, Dancehall, Rock and Soul. Tess-Anne Rock/Reggae sound, while not new is an excitingly refreshing addition to Jamaican female music.
Reggae Interview Series: Reggae Music In Hawaii This month our series "Reggae Around the World" we interview reggae artist Irie Love. She was born and raised in Hawaii in a little town called Kailua on the island of Oahu. She has the opening for the major reggae acts that would come to Hawaii such as Steel Pulse, Don Carlos and the Marleys, to name a few. She recently signed with Morgan Heritage's production company Gedion Music and has been touring with them.
Lady G: Musically Taking Control and Still Sexy. Janice Fyffe a.k.a. Lady G, is one determined lady. She has decidedly made her mark as female artist in Jamaican music and has done so on her own terms. With hits like “Nuff Respect” the female anthem of respect, “Me or You Gun” imploring gunmen to chose family over badness, “Roundtable Talk” W/Papa San, “Breeze Off” eschewing male promiscuity, “Hard Ears” and “Girls Like Us” a combination with Chrissy D which entered the British Charts at #5, and “Toll Road” W/Mutabaruka, she has worked with the top producers like Mikey Bennett, Steelie & Cleavie, Winston Riley and Gussie Clarke. She has set a standard for cultural female DJs. Lady G’music has taken her to Europe in countries like Switzerland, England, and Germany, all over the United States, and Japan and throughout the Caribbean.
Erica Newell Joins The Female Reggae Movement Erica Newell has been part of the new female movement in Jamaican music. After years of being a part of the back trio with Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, subsequently joining Two plus One with Sharon & Cedella Marley, she is currently, she is currently launching a solo career and recording her solo album.
Unity Thru' Music: Marcia Davis Interview Looking at the public face of Reggae music, both on record and live performances one could reasonably conclude that musically, the genre is man’s music or a bull boys club. The culture of reggae music is testosterone-driven and, as far as equal representation it is far less accommodating to female artists than their male counter part. The female perspective or presence is not valued enough, nor are they given enough representation. Marcia Davis is a British born, Brooklyn based female reggae singer. She is one of the many female voices in reggae music that the public have not heard. This month she speaks her mind to Jamaicans.com senior music writer, Stan Evan Smith.
An Interview with a multi-talented actress and singer Cherine Anderson Cherine Anderson is an accomplished young lady despite her young age. As an actress, Anderson starred in two feature films, Dance Hall Queen with Paul Campbell and Audrey Reid and the Rasta/Christian love story, One Love with Kymani Marley. A college graduate, Cherine speaks Japanese. We can now add singer to her resume.
Reggae Interview Series: Reggae Music In China Robin Liao is the owner of a bar named Together, which is the first reggae bar in Beijing, the Capital of China. He and his wife Judy started it in Feb 2005. It is now a part of the Beijing culture. Robin's goal, as impossible as it may seem, is to educate the 1.3 billion people in his country about reggae. It is a word more than 99% of the population has never heard..
Reggae Interview Series: Reggae Music In France This Month our series "Reggae Around the World" focuses on Reggae Music In France . We interview Avignon Christine, senior writer on Reggaefrance.com .
