He’s a Gentle Giant

Germans are not famous for their reggae acts but Gentleman is steppin’ up to the dub plate with the likes of Barrington Levy – and Jamaicans are right behind him

For those unfamiliar with singer/songwriter Gentleman, the concept of ‘German reggae’ will probably sound pretty unusual. But in actual fact, the German-born singer has been making reggae music for over a decade and is now gearing up for the release of new single Superior, the first single from his third studio album Confidence.

Rik Rok to expand label

Ricardo Ducent, popularly known as Rik Rok, wants to expand his recently-formed international label.

“The basic plan of the company is to shoot the diversity of Jamaican talent. It’s not just primarily reggae though, it’s a mixture of reggae, R&B and pop,” Rik Rok said, adding, “We want to get to the point where more Jamaican artistes start getting on to movie soundtracks and so on, because there is a lot of talent out there.”

Passa passa in some ways has degenerated into lawlessness – local promoter

A local Passa Passa promoter has remarked that in certain aspects the new dance craze has degenerated into lawlessness.

Stan Gouveia told Stabroek News in an invited comment that he could understand the concerns of the authorities in Barbados and Grenada which have recently announced plans to curtail Passa Passa events owing to the negative behaviour that is being associated with the new fad.

Reggae artists try to escape Marley’s shadow

Reggae’s storied history often gets shortchanged. American record store bins might have you believe that reggae starts and ends with Bob Marley, but those who dig deeper will find that there is much more to the music of Jamaica. And Marley’s family is an active creative force leading reggae into the future.

The music of Jamaica will be celebrated when the Houston International Festival begins this weekend and continues April 28-30. Highlights include Marley’s son Stephen Marley, veterans Burning Spear and the Skatalites, Jamaican poet Mutabaruka and next-generation artists such as the Neutral Sisters.

Star Hangar’s – A look at the style of Morgan Heritage

The Star got to rummage through the wardrobe of Morgan Heritage, our artiste of the month. We know you want to know what they have hidden in those drawers. Today we kick things off with Mr. Mojo and Gramps of the group.

In the world of entertainment where image and fashion are greatly emphasised, Gramps has a unique view.

The 25th Anniversary of Bob Marley’s Death, Essay by Author Christopher John Farley

Recently, MTV named its Ten Greatest MCs of All Time. There’s one they left out. Bob Marley.

No, Marley is not a rapper. But he should be considered a godfather of hip hop.

Why should the King of Reggae be ranked alongside the Princes of Hip Hop? Because rap was born in the Bronx, but it was conceived in Kingston, and Bob Marley played a part in its conception.

ICON – Still harder than the rest

The Harder They Come has been described as a ‘cult classic’ so many times it has become cliché. It has now been immortalised on stage, another tribute to a warts-and-all movie that showed how the other half lived in Jamaica.

The musical version of director Perry Henzell’s powerful 1972 drama about a country boy who comes to town looking to break into the music business, opened at the Theatre Royal in Stratford, England two weeks ago.

With a pre-dominant Jamaican cast, the show is scheduled to end its run in the summer.

Matumbi, Black Missionaries collaborate

Anne Matumbi has a higher rank on the country’s dancehall ladder and it is an undisputable fact that The Black Missionaries are on top of the Reggae music pyramid in the country, that is how the two are connected.

Now combining the feats, Matumbi and the reggae group have collaborated in a song ‘Chikondi’ which has been featured in the dancehall artist’s new album Chidzukulu.

Strong medicine – Beenie Man coughs up threats at Twins of Twins

Beenie Man has issued a strong warning to the Twins of Twins over their latest CD, The Resurrection of the Ghetto, Volume Sicks, for comments made about him on sections of the CD.

The Twins’ CD features comedy skits mimicing entertainment personalities while addressing topical issues in music and society.

“Dem seh ‘any icon weh kill a next icon fi get bullet” “that is a serious argument, and anywhere me see dem mi a go rush dem,” Beenie Man was reported as saying.

Burning Spear takes reggae to the people

“I don’t mind” is an expression that Grammy-winning reggae star Burning Spear says a lot in his beautiful sing-song Jamaican voice. It doesn’t mean he doesn’t care – political activism and songs with a message are at the core of his music. Many fans who flock to hear his music and words weren’t even born when Spear began taking Jamaican reggae sounds around the world in the early 1970s. Rock to his reggae next Thursday at The Orange Peel as the legendary artist brings his large band and danceable presence to the stage.