A Gospel Music Event-The ReviewOne thing I know—if you are one of those who love to go back into time and relish those 'ole time Jamaican gospel music...well, it is still alive and I am thankful that veterans of Jamaican gospel music, like Claudelle, are keeping it alive in our hearts and minds. Read more on the review of this gospel event.......
Irie Jamboree Was Irie Vibes, Then…Jamboree 2k9, the annual Labor Day weekend music festival had all the elements lined up for an auspicious debut of it 7th staging at York College in Queens, NY (also the new home of the IRAWMA Awards). The stars and Mother Nature lined up for what was going to be a perfect Jamboree debut at the new home.
Irie Jamboree 08: A Tribute to Caribbean Athletes Irie Jamboree, the largest reggae music festival held Labor Day in Roy Wilkins Park in New York City closed out the summer in spectacular fashion. The 6th staging of Jamboree 2k7 had Mother Nature’s blessing weather-wise; it was a perfect day, a slight breeze and warm temperatures.
Open letter to Freddie McGregorOn Friday 7/11/2008, I was undoubtedly happy to watch the great Freddie McGregor perform at Mangoville in New York City. It was musical acme for me. His performance was one of distinctive and superior quality. Watching the show from close proximity, I was able to see his demeanor as he performed.
Jamaica Day 2008On July 26, thousands of fellow ‘yardies’ from all walks of life and some from as far as Ottawa and Montreal converge on Toronto to celebrate Jamaica Day 2008. The massive of people did not just simply show up though out of a sheer desire to come gallivant but did so out of patriotism, solidarity and nationhood pride to honor Jamaica’s 46th Anniversary of self-governance from them British tyrants.
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.
Review: Best Of The Best….A Few Of The BestBest Of The Best has the reputation of being best reggae stage-show north of Jamaica. Most years, patrons are treated to a high quality show, filled with top billing artists. This year, there were a good amount of top performers, but the line-up was a bit lighter than usual.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Everybaddi outa di poolLouis Davis provides a review of VP records Memorial Weekend Concert 2005 in Miami
Worth the Wait!! - Montreal International Reggae Festival 2005"SistahD" provides an indepth concert review of Montreal International Reggae Festival 2005.
