Ce’ Cile’s songs rocket up german charts 

Dancehall ‘bad gyal’ Ce’ Cile is double trouble in Germany where two of her songs are rocketing up the German Black chart. The chart, initiated in 2003, is used to track the success of popular songs in urban venues. The chart is dominated by contemporary R&B, rap and hip hop and lists the most popular R&B, rap and hip-hop songs calculated weekly by airplay on rhythmic and urban radio stations and sales in urban record stores and dance club play.

Why Reggae Sumfest Is Jamaica’s Most Commercially Successful Music Event

With an impresseive lineup of nearly 50 reggae acts complemented by a few international guest artists, Reggae Sumfest reigns as Jamaica’s largest, most commercially successful music event.Sumfest recently celebrated its 19th anniversary, July 21-23, at Montego Bay’s Catherine Hall, with dancehall superstars Vybz Kartel and Mavado, original Wailer Bunny Wailer, and the iconic Beres Hammond who was honored for his 35 years of outstanding contributions to Jamaica’s music business

Reggae is the sound of London’s summer

I suspect I’m not alone in rediscovering a love of reggae around this time every year. Like the unfettered thrill of wearing shorts, it’s mostly forgotten about for the other nine months before becoming a vital part of the musical wardrobe as soon as the sun comes out.

Doing it for me right now is an unlikely reggae album with the scent of novelty but some darkness too. On Little Roy’s Battle for Seattle (out Sept 5 on Ark) sees the roots singer, who came to prominence in the Seventies, takes on 10 Nirvana songs including Lithium, Polly and Come As You Are.

Shaggy’s Summer in Kingston tops the Billboard chart

Dancehall artiste Shaggy earns his fifth number one album on Billboard’s reggae album tally this week. His digital release Summer in Kingston, which was launched two weeks ago, debuts in the top spot.

Shaggy’s journey on the Billboard reggae album listing began in 1994 when Pure Pleasure peaked at number nine. A year later the Grammy-winning Boombastic reached the number one spot.

Positive response to Leba’s Intoxicated

After years of honing her musical chops as lead singer of the girl group 54-46, and as a backup singer for her famous father, reggae pioneer Toots Hibbert, singer Leba Hibbert has come full circle with the release of her debut solo album Intoxicated.

According to the singer, the album which was released two months ago, has been doing well on iTunes while the the physical CD has been well-received and she is quite pleased at the response to the album.

Shaggy Talks Crossover Success and Staying PG-Rated

Before there was Sean Kingston or Sean Paul, there was Shaggy: dancehall reggae’s original poster child. The Grammy-winning Jamaican artist, now 41, took dancehall crossover to unprecedented heights, first with 1995′s platinum Boombastic album and then again in 2001 with the six-times-platinum Hotshot, which featured dancehall’s first Number One pop single. This year, in time for the beach comes his seventh release: Summer in Kingston (available digitally now). To celebrate it, Mr. Boombastic closed down the streets of Kingston, Jamaica, for a massive free block party last Saturday, performing alongside dancehall artists Bounty Killer and Elephant Man. Backstage, he spoke with Rolling Stone about breaking records, joining the Marines and making dancehall go pop.

The Biggest Reggae One Drop Anthems 2011

During the summertime, spending time with the family, enjoying a nice BBQ, and listening/dancing to some great music is a must.

Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, and attending some of the greatest BBQs and block parties during the summertime, it was expected I would come across some good reggae music to dance to. This summer, one compilation you won’t want to miss having and that should be on constant rotation is The Biggest Reggae One-Drop Anthems 2011.

Dub Proof preview: Asbury Park band puts its own spin on Jamaican music

Just as certain types of books work better for summer reading, there are certain styles of music that work for outdoor concerts on hot summer nights. None more so than reggae. Born out of the tropical climate of Jamaica, the music’s slow to mid-tempo rhythms and laidback melodies are tailor-made for enjoyment in the heat and humidity.

Based in Asbury Park, Dub Proof is a reggae band that knows a thing or two about beach culture, and adds its own New Jersey twist to the music. Founded in 2007 by bassist Nick “Turtle” Paolise, guitarist Kevin Chambers and vocalist Elijah Roberts, Dub Proof take reggae and its subgenre dub and mixes them with classic soul grooves and early hip-hop beats and rapping (complete with a Jamaican accent).

Stephens’ ‘Ghett’a Life’ soundtrack – a hit in the making

With the anticipation rapidly mounting for the official release of the film Ghett’a Life, more excitement has been added to the mix with the release of the official music video for the Tanya Stephens title track.

The music video premiered on TVJ’s Entertainment Report on Friday.

Soca, chutney acts set for UK’s CALO Festival

Several of Trinidad and Tobago’s soca and chutney bands are currently preparing for the CALO (Caribbean-London) Festival, which is set for the Great Hall at Alexandra Palace, in Wood Green, London.

Machel Montano and HD, Roy Cape All Stars, Kes The Band and Dil-E-Nadan are all set to take the stage at the event, alongside Barbados’ Krosfyah. 3Canal will also share in the UK excitement.