Reggae Star Turbulence Spreading Message of Unity
He performs tonight in Cayo but instead of resting up, reggae artist “Turbulence†has been busy all day. He is here for the unity concert organized by Synergy Promotions and Youth for the Future. So while he’ll perform on the stage, part of his mission here is outreach and intervention and getting across the message to stop violence.
Ft Lauderdale honours Freddie McGregor, John Holt at Reggae Symphony
After an evening of exceptional entertainment, two of reggae’s most classic minstrels, John Holt and Freddie McGregor were honoured on Sunday by the community of Fort Lauderdale in Florida for their contribution to the development of reggae music, at Broward Centre for the Performing Arts.
Celebrating 50 years of Randy’s
A three-disc set looking at the history of Randy’s Records will be released in October, a spokesperson for VP Records said last week.
Clive Chin, whose father Vincent started Randy’s in October 1959, said the project will commemorate the label’s 50th anniversary. Two of the discs contain 50 of the songs that helped put the company on the map; the other disc is a DVD looking at Randy’s evolution from a downtown Kingston label to VP Records, the all-reggae label Vincent Chin founded in Queens, New York in 1979.
Great response to Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall
Since its October 9 launch, the Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall competition has created quite a stir and has found favour with Jamaicans. The auditions in Savanna-la-Mar, Mandeville, Ocho Rios, Portmore and Kingston brought in dancehall hopefuls by the hundreds and each Saturday night Jamaicans have been glued to their screens racking up support for their favourite contestants. Last Saturday, Magnum Tonic Wine crowned royalty by selecting Jamaica’s first King and Queen of Dancehall.
Thousands of people yesterday packed the Drill Hall Beach, St Michael, jamming to pulsating music at the third annual Reggae Beach Party.
For many of the women there, it was an opportunity to sport the shortest of shorts, with many also showing off the latest fashions.
Magnum final four taking no prisoners
It is now down to the wire, and the remaining four contestants in the Magnum King and Queen of Dancehall are taking no prisoners. Some have decided to take their campaign to the street in style.
Singer Jah was seen on Thursday driving around in a small truck in the downtown Kingston area with friends. With horns beeping and the truck laden with posters, Singer Jah was all smiles as he hailed his fans who easily identified him.
One of dancehall’s hottest new artistes, Craig ‘Serani’ Marsh, has signed a two-album deal with Japan label JVC Entertainment.
The producer, now turned singer, says, “It’s exciting for me because since I took the decision to add singing to my repertoire, the response has been great.”
‘Night Noise’ Act casts shadow – Promoters protest regulation – Dutty Fridaze on hold
Promoters of weekly street dances have said that they are unable to survive under the current new conditions regarding enforcement of the Noise Abatement Act.
A number of them have been feeling the pinch in their pockets, as many have recorded losses since the police began to enforce the 2 a.m. cut-off time.
Just mention the name Sizzla in a mixed group of persons and there is sure to be a volley of responses – ranging from hatred to adoration, to the many nuances in between.
A dancehall artiste who has made an indelible mark – musically and otherwise – Sizzla Kalonji remains something of an enigma.
Exploring the roots of reggae’s Sound Systems
Long before 2-Tone, Britain’s reggae-loving youth were grooving at blues parties to roots reggae, pumped out of huge speakers, with a bassline that could loosen your fillings.
This is the unique culture of the mighty Sound Systems, and like many British cities, Coventry has had a proud history of the genre.