Marcus Chan Tack is not daunted by the fact that he was voted out of the semi-final and then the final of the Synergy Soca Star competition, because he is now able to boast that he is the only finalist to have been voted back in, on two occasions. “I think this gives me an edge to feel confident about my chances of winning,†the soft-spoken young man, who goes by the sobriquet Blaze, stated.
Rastafarian roots reggae ‘till Midnite
“Midnite†has many associations. It’s a point in time, a character in both Marvel and DC Comics, a shade of unbelievably dark blue in Gap’s color catalogue, and it is also a reggae band. It’s common knowledge that reggae remains, in its most bona fide form, fossilized on the island of Jamaica. However, Midnite hails from St. Croix in the Virgin Islands, a place hardly associated with anything except vacations, and they’re aiming to change that. Founded in 1989 by brothers Vaughn (vocals) and Ron Benjamin (keyboards/vocals), they have cultivated their own unique style of roots music without straying too far from familiar traditions of classic reggae.
Miss Jamaica Universe 2007 search now on
Jamaica’s preliminary to the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant 2007 has begun. Jamaican rights holder Pulse is reporting a strong interest from a number of young women both in Jamaica and in the Diaspora and this could be the year that Jamaica takes the international title. While the prospects are very positive, entries are still open and qualified young ladies are invited to attend auditions for this prestigious pageant at Pulse’s Caribbean Fashion Centre, 38a Trafalgar Road, New Kingston, or send emails to pulse44@kasnet.com.
Ocean’s Spray Small lived up to expectations at the recently concluded Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival in Rose Hall. The newcomers did not disappoint. Danah Cameron was up first. A former back-up singer, Danah proved that her vocals could lead any day.
Remembering Dennis Brown, reggae royal
My friend Randy Fagan called to remind me that tomorrow, the first of February is supposed to be a special day. It’s Dennis Brown’s birthday. Did you remember? Maybe you didn’t even know. Yes, when February comes around, our memory of the late Dennis Brown is usually eclipsed by our memory of his more famous colleague, the late Robert Nesta Marley, because both men were born in the same month.
Tammy Coelho, braver with each performance
Ever since she entered the Music Festival while at South East Port-of-Spain Secondary School, Tammy Coelho planned to forge a singing career and this is why she has entered the Synergy Soca Stars competition this year. The 20-year-old sang for seven years with the parang group, Voces Jovenes, until last year when she left the group to develop her solo career.
Macka honoured with full turnout
Heat waves passed through cool, cool Mandeville on Saturday at Fayors Entertain-ment Centre; the occasion, Macka Diamond’s Birthnite Bash. Top entertainers turned out to honour one of the industry’s leading ladies on a night she will not likely forget. Anywhere the ladies are, Beenie Man will be there. Early in the morning Beenie made his way to the stage amid enthusiastic screams.
Get on the groove train at the Footscray Community Arts Centre when legendary Natty Wailer and his seven-piece blues and reggae band the Reggae Vibes perform. This Sunday, a free concert at the centre will have bodies swaying to Caribbean beats and African rhythms. The band will play a combination of original tracks and a tribute to reggae legend Bob Marley.
Linton Kwesi Johnson Interview
Lyricist Linton Kwesi Johnson was born in Jamaica but has become Britain’s most celebrated black poet. He immigrated to England as a child, part of the succeeding waves of West Indians who arrived in the UK in the last several decades. “My generation is the second generation,†he says. “I call us the Rebel Generation.†This generation would not put up with the racial abuse its parents did. “Through our rebellion, we helped change Britain,†he says.
Spectrum 2K7: a roller coaster ride
For the massive crowd that turned out for Spectrum 2K7, held at the University of the West Indies (Mona) Students’ Union, last Friday evening, there were many high points, but the event was not without a few disappointing moments. The vibes really got on the way around 1 a.m when host for the night, Spragga Benz, was introduced. When the veteran deejay stepped up on stage, UWI erupted with screams and cheers as Spragga performed a few hits of old, declaring, Wi Nuh Like and If A Gun Ting.