It’s a girl

Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez has delivered again-this time a bouncing baby girl.

Minutes after noon yesterday, the four-crown 2009 “Soca Queen”-Soca Monarch, Groovy Monarch, People’s Choice and Road March-successfully gave birth to her firstborn at the Mount Hope Maternity Hospital via caesarean section. Husband and three-time International Power Soca Monarch Ian “Bunji Garlin” Alvarez missed the greatest show of his wife’s life, only managing to arrive at her bedside later in the evening from Tobago where he had gone to fulfill contractual obligations.

STORY OF THE SONG: ‘Ram Goat Liver’ makes mannish water …And Pluto Shervington’s first hit

In 1974, while Ernie Smith was on his way to the Federal Records (now Tuff Gong) on Marcus Garvey Drive, Kingston, he saw an accident. When he got to the studio he told Pluto Shervington about it. By the end of the week, Shervington had recorded a song based on the story. That song took off immediately and, 35 years later, is one of the enduring classics of Jamaican music.

Ban a step in right direction – KC Jockey

United States-based deejay Karl-Marx Fernandez Waite, more popularly known as KC Jockey, said that dancehall and reggae music needs to be cleaned up if the children are to be saved from the negatives in society.

“The recent announcement that songs promoting violence and sexual content will be banned from the airwaves is a step in the right direction,” said Waite.

Talking and Mixing to the Hip-Hop and Reggae Beat

Islands figure big in the history of hip-hop — Public Enemy emerged from Long Island and the Wu-Tang Clan ruled Staten Island. But they’re newcomers compared with what some say are the genre’s original island roots: the West Indies.

In the 1960s, huge portable sound systems would be set up in some of Jamaica’s poorest communities, where deejays like U Roy would talk — toast — to specially recorded instrumental tracks. Small wonder that Joe Strummer of the Clash once called U Roy the “originator of rap.”

Julian Marley talks roots, rock, reggae

On Saturday, Bob Marley’s sons — Stephen, Damian, Julian and Ky-Mani will honor their father’s legacy and music when they hit the stage at the 16th annual Caribbean Festival at Bayfront Park.

The day-long celebration will also feature music from Buju Banton, Capleton, Collie Buddz, Tessanne, Jahfe, Jean P Jam and Finley Quaye.

This year’s Caribbean Fest returns to its roots.

Alright, alright — in years past we’ve been not-so-kind to the annual Caribbean Festival, known in years past as the Bob Marley Fest. But can you blame us? With previous lineups blending thuggish hip-hop elements and random pop music wonders, some local fans grew skeptical. We’re happy to report that in its 16th year, the festival has returned to its roots. Dismiss your fears, and emancipate yourself from mental slavery. This year’s lineup will surely result in clouds of joy floating over beautiful Bayfront Park. And guess what? Our favorite local reggae DJ, Lance-O, will be hosting the event!

Belize Reggae Fest Kicks off with the King

Dancehall’s Royal Highness Beenie Man is headed to Central America next month to inaugurate the Belize Reggae Fest series, which will be held on Saturday, March 7, at the Civic Center in Belize City.

The Fest is an initiative of Triple T Productions and Nuff Muzik Productions to bring top tier Caribbean performers to Belize’s ample community of reggae music lovers.

Fire on Babylon: Jamaica Bans Sex and Violence in Music

It’s like the 1950s all over again.

Jamaican lawmakers say they will forbid all lyrical references to sex and violence on their radio stations. The Jamaican Broadcast Commission announced new rules which ban “any song or music video that depicts sexual acts or glorifies gun violence, murder, rape or arson.”

The government also passed a law banning “daggering” in music videos, a kind of sexually suggestive dance.

Reggae-influenced Skindred ready to rock the Machine Shop

While Eddy Grant’s classic early-’80s tune “Electric Avenue” seems to be a perfect fit for the self-described “ragga punk metal” sound of Skindred, the group didn’t have high expectations when they recently knocked out their own version of the song.

“We didn’t think anything of it,” vocalist Benji Webbe said of the track, which also has experienced a bit of resurgence through its use in a recent motion picture. “We always thought that song was funny, especially after seeing ‘Pineapple Express.’ Management said, ‘Do a cover,’ so we said we might as well.

Live This City: Island in the rain

Knee-deep in this purgatorial rainy season of ours, my affection for Sacramento has once again been tested by the perpetual stormy weather. I’m still freezing, but my deliverance has arrived at last (take that, March).

I’ll bet you didn’t know there’s an island in downtown Sacramento.