In Jamaica, Gay Rights Now an Issue Worth Debating A call by Deputy Education Minister Donald Rhodd to discuss the possible repeal of Victorian-era laws criminalizing homosexuality has provoked predictable outrage among conservative Jamaicans. But gays here see the chance for debate as a glimmer of hope that they may one day be able to [...]
Jr. Gong and his rebel music catch fire His father grew up in Jamaica’s shantytowns and impoverished countryside, but he was raised in a well-to-do neighborhood. Actually, two well-to-do neighborhoods: one in Jamaica and one in Miami. So does Damian (Jr. Gong) Marley, the youngest son of Bob, have the right to sing about the [...]
Ska – Hit The City? The street was quiet, and only one bouncer at the door. It looked like the suburbs, not a music hall. But the address was right; the bouncer fit the part. “This must be the place,†I said. We were at “Ska – Golpea la Ciudad (Hit the City),†a five-band [...]
Live Wyaa Goes to London Reggae outfit Live Wyaa emerged on top at the recent Jamaican eliminations of the 2005 Global Battle of the Bands, at the BackYaad complex on Sunday night. The group will journey to London for the world finals on December 7 at the Astoria, where they will face national finalists from [...]
Vintage party non-stop fun at Welly’s It was non-stop fun at Welly’s Cool Spot on Friday 11 November where Winston ‘Merry Tone’ Blake – the king of oldies music selection – played songs from the 1960s to early 1990s. It was like reliving a piece of Jamaica from back when reggae- rock steady ruled the [...]
Music heard ’round the world “It hard to find any person at a Skatalites concert who isn’t moving some part of their body, whether they’re 5 or 85 years old,” according to Ken Stewart, the band’s keyboard player and manager. Stewart is speaking via phone from the UK, where the group was taking a rare [...]
Reggae ready to hit town Rootsy reggae returns to Boston on Saturday in the shape of Axe and Cleaver favourites Rebelation. The 10-piece outfit, based at Kings Lynn, have built a big national following over the past decade for their smooth brand of authentic ska, 2-Tone and reggae.
Beenie Man back on Billboard charts After a one-year absence, Beenie Man is back on the Billboard R&B Hip Hop Singles & Tracks chart. His collaboration with Trinidadian soca artiste KMC, titled Soul on Fire, debuts at number 84. This is the second single to chart on that listing which credits Beenie Man as featured [...]
Rihanna’s single sends a message: ‘Play it again’ We recently spoke with 17-year-old singer Rihanna. Her song “Pon De Replay” is one of our favorites. She describes her music as Caribbean beats mixed with R&B. Rihanna is from the island of Barbados, and even though she is living in the U.S., she says she stays [...]
Mariah Takes Four Honors at Vibe Awards Mariah Carey walked away with four honors at the Vibe Awards, a celebration of hip-hop and R&B that went smoothly after last year’s ceremony was marred by a brawl and stabbing. Carey won Artist of the Year, R&B Voice of the Year, Best R&B Song for “We Belong [...]