Ringing endorsements for the return of Reggae Sunsplash
Members of the entertainment community have greeted the announcement of the return of Jamaica’s first major yearly music festival Reggae Sunsplash with ringing endorsements.
Eight Years in the music business have not been a bed of roses for the six-man group To-Isis, but they say at least they have earned the respect of their audiences through positive lyrics.
They admit, however, that their career should have been further advanced, but give a number of reasons why it has not.
Now that Phil Collins has left the country, the coast is clear for the classic reggae/dub duo of Lee “Scratch” Perry and Mad Professor. Each is a living legend, and together are a spectacle not to be missed. The duo is slated for shows in Israel on December 8, 9 and 10, along with The Robotiks and other special guests. The first show, a triple bill, will feature the only local appearance of laid-back rap superstars De La Soul.
MTV Networks has announced the launch of Tempo-the first and only Pan-Caribbean television channel, from 9 p.m. today at the MOBS2 Entertainment Centre, Western Main Road, Chaguaramas.
Not too many concerts draw a mixed crowd of black-hatted Orthodox Jews from Boro Park to dance alongside dreadlocked Rastafarians from Greenwich Village. Even fewer reggae stars consider Israel “home” and believe that Ariel Sharon’s government will be the last before the Messiah comes. Meet Matisyahu, the first ultra-orthodox reggae singer and one of the hottest names in the world of American pop
Fresh from rocking the States, Hassidic reggae performer Matisyahu has dropped into Europe with a series of gigs. London got a taste of what Americans have been enjoying for the last couple of years – reggae with a Jewish flavour.
Matisyahu is no novelty Jew looking to make a fast buck. He seems to be really in it for the long term. With one studio album, Shake Off The Dust, and a live album, Live At Stubbs, under his belt, the twentysomething from Pennsylvania has come a long way from his secular upbringing.
Sting 2005 should be commended for the intention to promote peace, love and unity in response to our gun culture and high murder rate. This is a good move to disassociate entertainment from violence and immorality.
There is also an urgent need for those promoters to add responsible sexual lyrics and to encourage honesty. In the USA, rap mogul, Irving Lorenzo, who named his record label Murder Inc has been accused of laundering money.
Sean Paul Addresses His Doubters
Nobody would have blamed Sean Paul if he felt nervous or pressure creating the follow-up to his breakout album, “Dutty Rock,” which sold six million copies worldwide.
But he insists he felt no pressure whatsoever.
Wallace Roney: Fulfilling the Promise
Trumpeter Wallace Roney has been working in jazz for over thirty years. He made his recording debut at age fourteen and played in the bands of Tony Williams, Art Blakey, David Murray and Herbie Hancock—just to name a few. A bandleader on his own for many years, Roney has dazzling chops and has composed some classic songs. He’s never led a bad group, and when I saw him at Chicago’s Green Mill in late August, the band was dazzling—powerful but supple, densely layered but capable of immediate transition.
So this is what globalization looks like: a half-Colombian, half-Lebanese, bleached-blond, belly-dancing pop star who can balance a candelabra on her head while rocking out in Spanish and English.