::: CLASHING FOR STING 2008
 

[ November 17, 2008 - Jamaica ] As the time winds down to December 26 for Sting, dubbed 'the greatest one night show on earth', the intensity is increasing with artistes creating a buzz around their performance.

The feuds and diss songs from local dancehall artistes are increasing weekly, but many wonder if they are geared at creating a 'pre-Sting' hype.

In April, Monster Empire took swipes at Bounty Killer in a song called Nuh Bad Man Fi We.

In September, Queen Paula sounded her war cry at fellow deejay Spice, whom she said hurled the first set of insults.

Then, there is Einstein, who is still fuming at Vybz Kartel for an incident which occurred last year.

Merciless, who recently returned to Jamaica and the dancehall scene, has also hit out at deejays Cobra and Bounty Killer who he says have fallen off.

And, what seems to be the 'mother' of the feuds is the one involving Vybz Kartel and the Bounty Killer-led Alliance, which includes Mavado, with whom Kartel has been involved in an ongoing lyrical battle.

But with all the intensity, are artistes trying to create a buzz for an all-out war at the popular clash show 'Sting'?

Being sharp

Sting promoter, Isiah Laing, said it is a possibility.

"Maybe, 'cause everybody wants to be sharp. Nobody wants to be booed at Sting. Sting is the master of exams. Once you get a big forward at Sting, you are going into big money the following year," he said. "At this time, every artiste is trying to put his best foot forward to be at Sting. Sting is no ordinary show."

However, he was unwilling to say anything further about a potentail clash at Sting.

"Just wait and see (if anyone will clash). We are not ruling that out," Laing told The STAR.

"This is the 25th anniversary, so we have to come different, bigger and better. We plan to give the people a show they have been asking for over the years."

Already, Vybz Kartel seems to have clash plans for Sting.

"Dem (Alliance) have dem own network weh dem a plan. Regardless a weh dem and dem fren a plan or weh dem and (Isiah) Laing a plan, mi come fi end a plan," said Vybz Kartel in an interview on television Jamaica's Entertainment Report last Friday.

On the previous show Mavado also said his bit about his feud with Vybz Kartel. He, too, is preparing for Sting but a clash is not guaranteed.

Though not confirmed for the show, Queen Paula said she is ready for any clash, whether with her lyrical nemesis Spice or anyone else.

"Dem nuh contract mi fi Sting yet, but once the contract and the papers right, mi ready like Freddie," said Queen Paula who recently recorded a Seanizzle-produced song called Dem A Run.

As for other artistes, she believes there will be some form of on-stage clash between Vybz Kartel and Mavado.

"Dem a do it (feud) right through the year 'cause it's a money-making thing, not just leading up to Sting anymore," she said.

While not disclosing whether he is on the line up or if he will be clashing, Ninja Man said, "I nuh know wah 'cause dem fi do weh dem a do. Dis might be a time fi a man prove who is the badder man."

"Mi neva plan fi clash anybody. Dem just seh dem have somebody fi mi clash and mi just kill dem and done," said Ninja Man who has clashed with many artistes over the years at Sting, including Super Cat, Shabba, Cobra, Professor Nuts and Vybz Kartel.

Additional information about Sting will be disclosed at a press conference, which will be held on November 25.
 

::: BYRON LEE DIES IN HOSPITAL
 

[ November 4, 2008 - Jamaica ] Calypso Musician Byron Lee has died in hospital after a long battle with cancer.

The leader of the world-famous band, Byron Lee and the Dragonnaires was hospitalised at the Tony Thwaites Wing of the University Hospital of the West Indies, after being flown home two weeks ago.

Lee, who was 73, had been fighting transitional cell cancer and was being treated in Miami Florida.

He was also diagnosed with bladder cancer two years ago.

Just last Sunday, he was conferred with the Order of Jamaica for outstanding service to the music industry in a special ceremony at the hospital.

Lee had been previously conferred with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander in 2007.

Lee was born in Manchester on June 27, 1935 to parents Oscar Lee and Evelyn Chung-Lee.

He was educated at Mount St Joseph School in Mandeville, where he learnt music then later at St George’s College in Kingston.

He became bandleader of Byron lee and the Dragonaires in 1956, with the band’s first record being released in 1960.

He was the first person to promote live Jamaican music in North America and also introduced carnival to Jamaica.

Other awards Lee received include the Silver Musgrave medal for his contribution to music in 1978 and the institute of Jamaica centenary medal for the development of music in Jamaica in 1981. 

::: MAVADO TAKES HOME THE MOBO
 

[ Monday October 20, 2008 ] Mavado walked away with The 2008 MOBO Award for the category of 'Best Reggae Act' at the Wembley Arena on Wednesday night.

Coming out on top of a list of nominees that was four times VP Recording artist thick - plus Beenie Man, David 'Mavado' Brooks beat Tarrus Riley, Etana and Busy Signal and 'The Doctor'.

Initiated in 1995, the awards serve to recognise music of Black origin, performed by artists of any race. Mavado's win puts him in the saddle with Sean Paul, Shaggy, Wayne Wonder, Sean Kingston and multiple winner - Beenie Man who have all walked away with reggae related MOBOs in previous years.

Mavado was not present to receive his award and his absence was reportedly due to previous scheduling, but his blossoming career will surely get a boost as a result of the accolade.

Despite obstacles that have recently included being placed then removed from US stop lists, Mavado has continued to rise in a dominant fashion that sees him working in collaboration with one of Hip Hop's greatest performers - Jay Z..

Mavado's hands are now 'in many pies', with the launching of a new clothing line 'Gullywear' coming up soon and another new hot shot recorded by himself and Jay Z. that will be featured on what is said to be Jay Z's final Def Jam album, "Blueprint 3". Later this year Mavado's sophomore album, "Mr. Brooks" will hit the streets while two parties slated for next Saturday and Saturday, November 29 will be in honor of the dancehall star's official return to New York and his birthday - respectively.

Plans are also being launched to have Mavado featured in a big budget movie, according to reports.
 

YARDFLEX.COM

::: DA'VILLE COMPLETES PHOTO SHOOT FOR NEW ALBUM ITCHIBAN

[ Tuesday October 6, 2008 ] Singer Da'Ville recently completed a photo shoot for his forthcoming album Itchiban. The album is expected to be released in the first quarter of 2009.

Under the direction of photographer Phillip Lynch and the team at Fashozy Records/D-Empire Management, the photo shoot took place in areas across Kingston including Moscow in Waterhouse.

Itchiban which means number one in Japanese will be Da'Ville's third album for the Japanese based Avex Group label.

The album will feature production work from a prolific cadre of names including J Brown, Orville Thomas, Mighty Crown, Arif Cooper, and Delroy Foster.

Da"Ville who recently performed at the third anniversary celebrations for music video channel Tempo (he performed along with the likes of Sparrow, Machel Montano, Destra, Ziggy Rankin and Denise Belfon), says the new album will contain fourteen tracks.

::: TAMI CHYNN'S FROZEN RIDES THE BILLBOARD CHARTS

Singer Tami Chynn has logged her first entry on any Billboard singles chart. Frozen, her duet with hip hop star Akon has jumped from number 16 to number 11 on Billboard's Dance Music Club Play listing. The track is also burning up dance radio, as it hops to number 20 on Billboard's Dance Music Airplay tally.

"I am really excited about all that has been happening. The album is coming and the video with Akon is also coming. I know the fans have been waiting for both but you know how it goes sometimes when it comes to the record label," Chynn said in an interview at a cocktail reception hosted by Pepsi Jamaica at Carlos Café earlier this week.

Chynn is featured along with international dancehall artiste Shaggy and hip hop star Akon in the new Pepsi commercial. Chynn is heard singing the Carl Douglas 1974 hit Kung Fu Fighting. Asked how she felt about the turn of events, Chynn said "I am very excited about this. Pepsi is a huge brand and I always thought that this would come later in my career. The fact that they have taken a chance on an unknown artiste and two Jamaicans at that; this is very big."

Signed to hip hop star Akon's Kon Live label which is distributed by Universal Music's Geffen imprint, Chynn said the Pepsi deal came about after her manager Jules Dougall met with Ellen Healy the Director of Sports and Entertainment at Pepsi-Co in the UK. "My manager met with Miss Healy through Akon and we kept in touch. The discussions went back and forth until they finally made a decision," Chynn explained.

Chynn, whose sophomore album Prima Dona is set for an early 2009 release, is going on tour with New Kids on the Block and UK pop star Natasha Bedingfield next month. "I am really excited about the tour and it's already sold out. I grew up on New Kids on the Block and their music. It's just amazing," Chynn said excitingly.

Prima Dona, according to Chynn, will feature the Frozen single as well as a collaboration with Voicemail titled Watch Me Wine. "The song with Voicemail is very vibesy and exciting. Voicemail really represented," she said.

Chynn, who currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia - says her favorite Pepsi television commercial was We Will Rock You which featured Beyonce, Pink and Britney Spears. "That commercial was really epic. Lots of girl power," said Chynn.

Kreesha Turner turns up the heat with Don't Call Me Baby
The song Don't Call Me Baby by R&B/pop singer Kreesha Turner has been popping up on major radio stations stateside. The track has already charted in her native Canada, but a breakthrough in the US is eminent, as the track is making its way up Billboard's Dance chart.

Turner the eldest of three children born to a white Canadian father and Jamaican mother, was raised in Edmonton, Alberta. Music has always been a part of her life.

Over the years, Kreesha's musical tastes broadened and she expressed her love of music through dance and performed modern, tap, jazz, hip hop and African. But it wasn't until eight years ago that she took a trip to Jamaica that would lead her to discover that she was blessed
with another way of expressing herself.

"My mom wanted me to experience how she grew up and to learn about our Jamaican culture, so she sent me to live in Jamaica for a year when I was 15," said Kreesha.
Noticing her singing talent, her friends convinced her to try out for the youth choir at a Pentecostal church. "I remember thinking, 'I can't do this, I can't sing!' especially because it was a solo audition." On the strength of her rendition of Canada's national anthem, she was accepted into the choir and began singing gospel songs at the Faith Temple Tabernacle.

In 2005, she won a talent contest in Canada which resulted in four tracks being recorded, the most important to Kreesha's career being Bounce With Me. This was noticed by urban and R&B music manager Chris Smith (the Jamaican-born manager of Nelly Furtado, Tami, Jarvis Church and Courtney John) who took Kreesha under
his management.

Radio stations in Canada jumped behind the single Bounce With Me in early 2006 and in 2007 it peaked at number 53 on the Canadian Hot 100 chart. Don't Call Me Baby, which is currently number 24 on Billboard's Dance Music Club Play chart, made a splash on the Canadian Hot 100 leaping from number 41 to number eight.

Turner, who is signed to EMI Canada (her album is to be released stateside through Capitol Records), released her album Passion in Canada this past August.

Kreesha's music has been featured in a number of television shows and commercials, including a Nikon Commercial with Ashton Kutcher, ESPN, Entourage, Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters, Moonlight soundtrack and a Nike women's campaign.

Osmosis returns on December 19
The next staging of the Osmosis party will take place on December 19 at the old Naval hospital in Port Royal. 'Its in the general vicinity of Fort Charles and its going to be exciting', Osmosis promoter Deane Shepherd said in a recent interview.

Prior to the party, an Osmosis preview magazine will hit the streets to build up the momentum for the Christmas edition of the series. The theme for the party is City on the Bay.

Among the sponsors onboard for this edition of the party are Smirnoff, Bars to Go and Lifestyle Network.

According to Shepherd, skyboxes, laser light shows
and celebrities will be among the attractions.

[ JAMAICA OBSERVER ]
 

::: COPS SECURE KARTEL'S MOM

Over the weekend rumors began to circulate that Vybz Kartel’s mother and sister had been shot and killed, forcing police to make checks at the artist’s mother’s home to discuss her safety.

Karl Angell, director of communications for the Jamaica Constabulary Force told reporters that he could not give details of the security measures Kartel’s mom was advised to take, neither could she divulge why the police were concerned, but he confirmed that they have urged her to be careful.

While attempts to get a statement from the DJ’s mother ended up on a dead end, reports surfaced that Kartel’s mom and three of her daughters were spotted at church on Sunday morning.

A source close to the family said that there have been security concerns surrounding the mother who has been receiving recent threats. According to the source, as a precautionary measure, Kartel’s mother was advised to change her telephone numbers and not to share the new ones with anyone, She was also advised not to speak with anyone about the situation.

This comes after Vybz Kartel was released from police custody last Friday after being detained since two days earlier, He was questioned about the murder of Christopher ‘Nun Puss’ Miller, whose body was found on August 31 on Goshen Road in Bernard Lodge, St Catherine.

[www.yardflex.com ]

::: MAVADO FINALLY ON USA SOIL

Fans eagerly awaiting his performance on Sunday at Irie Jamboree

New York, August 29, 2008: The long wait is over. After a one year wait, Dancehall dj, Mavado landed safely at JFK International airport in New York last night on an American Airline aircraft at 9:17pm. The DJ and his management team, quickly cleared immigrations and customs at 9:45pm without any problems. He is now resting comfortably at a secret location in New York.

"It has been a long wait for music fans in New York who will finally have the opportunity to see Mavado live in the Big Apple on Labor day Sunday, August 31 at Irie Jamboree. We worked hard with his management team over the past few months to make this happen and we look forward to him gracing the stage for his many loyal fans" was the message from the Irie Jamboree executive team this morning.

Mavado (born David Constantine Brooks) in 1981 gave the world the critically acclaimed debut album Gangsta for Life: The Symphony of David Brooks, which includes hit singles "Fathers Prayer", "Cassava Piece Radio", "Sadness", "Gully Side", and "On The Go (Faster Than Bullet) which was dedicated to Olympic Gold medal winner Asafa Powell.

Other confirmed acts include King Yellow, Beenieman, Alison Hinds, the "Queen of Soca," Coco Tea, Sizzla, Elephant Man and rising reggae stars Serani, Admiral Bailey, Bugle, DeMarco, Konshens, Tanya Mullings, Little Hero, RDX, Elvis D, Ragga Lox, Empire Isis, Benny Bwoy, Lushy Banton, Prestige and others.

This year's festival will pay tribute to all Caribbean athletes who competed at the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China. A special Usain Bolt tent will be established at the event and will be appropriately dressed in Jamaican colors and used as one of the VIP suites. This effort of setting up the Usain Bolt tent will be supported by Digicel, one of the lead sponsors for Irie Jamboree. This follows on the close relationships between Usain, Digicel and Irie Jam Radio at the Reebok Grand Prix in late May when Usain first created pandemonium by smashing Asafa Powell's sprint record to become a contender for the title of the fastest man on earth. We will also work with sponsors Western Union, Pay-o-matic and Grace Kennedy to decorate the "Veronica Campbell-Brown" Media Tent which will honor our Olympic Queens at the event. The food court will also be re-named the "Caribbean Olympic Village" to honor all Caribbean athletes who competed at the Olympic Games this year.

Irie Jamboree takes place this year on Labor Day Sunday, August 31, 2008 at Roy Wilkins Park, Queens, New York.

For Irie Jamboree tickets, please call 888 IRIE NYC or visit iriejamboree.com

::: Clean sweep - Fraser runs away with Olympic 100m crown - Stewart and Simpson complete Jamaican trifecta

Jamaican sprint rocket Shelly-Ann Fraser decimated a class field in the 100m to win the Olympic title, dragging along fast-finishing compatriots Sherone Simpson and Kerron Stewart to complete a historic shutout in Beijing, China. Fraser ran down Simpson, who had the early lead, and powered to victory, matching Usain Bolt's superlative exploits a day earlier by beating her nearest rival by 2/10 second. She clocked 10.78.

Stewart reeled in the silver medal by sheer will, exploding in the last 30 metres to catch Simpson in a dead heat, as the latter seemed to lose a bit of rhythm at the death. Both athletes timed 10.98.

Fraser tore up the history books, becoming the first Jamaican woman to win the 100m gold and is now the second-fastest Jamaican woman ever - sprint matriarch Merlene Ottey has the national record, a stupendous 10.74.

The American trio Lauryn Williams, Muna Lee and Torri Edwards failed to find second gear. Williams finished fourth in 11.03 and Lee fifth in 11.07. Edwards - who has also run 10.78 this year - was the last runner across the line.

::: Record Run... Jamaica Takes GOLD!

Usain Bolt capped his stunning rise to stardom with an Olympic title, without even really trying, by setting a world record today to win the 100 metres.

With Tyson Gay out in the semi-finals, the 21-year-old Jamaican seemingly only had Asafa Powell to beat, but when he looked around and realised he was all clear with 30 meters to go, he coasted and still set a world record of 9.69 seconds.

Well behind, Richard Thompson of Trinidad and Tobago took the silver medal in 9.89, and Walter Dix of the United States was third in 9.91.

Powell finished fifth in the race.

With a third of the race to go, Bolt had the luxury to look right, realized he was way out front, outstretched his arms, and pounded his chest as he crossed the line, slicing .03 off the record he set in May.

Soon he settled and produced a signature move, lining up an imaginary bow and arrow and letting go of that now-famous imaginary bolt.

So confident was he that he already had done the same during the presentation for the race, too.

He looked like a wide-eyed giant, happy to take in the whole occasion ahead of the race. Afterward, he became the happiest of Jamaicans with the biggest of grins, his canary yellow shirt disappearing in a sea of friends while reggae music blared.

What was supposed to be a three-way battle turned into a one-man show never seen before. In four races in two days, not once did he push himself to the limit, yet produced the most stunning series of races.
 

::: MOTHERS AGAINST VIOLENCE

AUGUST 17 @ NELSON MANDELA PARK

Community holds Hunt's picture at a march in Little Burgundy
photo: Courtesy MAMA

Due to the increased participation of organizations wishing to help this Rally and movement of mothers, the date has been moved from July 27 to August 17.

For more details, you may read the news article from the Hour Newspaper: http://www.hour.ca/news/news.aspx?iIDArticle=15180

Not staying mum
Richard Burnett

In a desperate bid to save their children, Mothers Against Murder Alliance (MAMA) are organizing the Stop the Violence rally at Nelson Mandela park on Aug 17 (in march originally scheduled for July 27).

"Over the past decade, just the English side of the black community alone has known over 40 black-on-black murders," says rally co-organizer Roger A. Muhammad. "But in terms of the French side among the Haitian community, we're now looking at [over] 50 more. These are mostly unresolved cases of young men under 25 years old. Most of these murders are either by blade or gunshots. In no other community do we find such an outrageous level of fratricidal violence among young people."

Rev. Darryl Gray of the Imani Family and Full Gospel Church in Little Burgundy, chair of the rally's organizing committee, told Hour this week, "I've done most of [their funerals] at Union United. In one year I did eight [funerals]."

According to Muhammad, the roots of the problem are "the disproportionate rate of school dropouts among blacks, which is nearly 50 per cent; the unemployment rates; [and] the single-parent homes being over the 30 per cent mark in our community. All these factors contribute to a scenario of self-destruction, where young black men in Montreal have a much higher chance of ending up dead or in jail before they reach 30 years old."

Organizers hope the rally will encourage families and friends to break their silence. "We're not talking about this because [most of] the [black] leadership isn't
talking about this," offers Gray.

The mother of victim Andrew Hunt, killed outside Reggie's Pub at Concordia this past spring, and the mother of Netsa Gordon will also address the rally.

"We tend to attribute the silence [among black youth] to fear of reprisal," Muhammad adds. "[This] means their greatest fear is to be looked at as a 'snitch' on the streets. [This is] contributing to the lack of success we've had as a community in getting through to our young people and creating real change for the better."

Stop The Violence Rally, Aug 17, 3-6 pm, at Nelson Mandela Park in Cote-des-Neiges (Plamondon metro).

Millions More Montreal - Administration
 

::: REGGAE DJ OF THE YEAR

Congratulations to Montreal's own Little Thunder Sound for winning the 2008 Reggae DJ of the year presented by VP Records. The Toyota Yaris 2008 Stylus DJ Awards took place this past Monday June 2nd at the Capitol Event Theatre in Toronto, Ontario. Other winners include Dr. Jay (Soca DJ of the Year); DJ Quest (Montreal DJ of the Year) and many more.

::: DA'VILLE'S CREATING WAVES

Da'Ville keep rising, he has now stretch his talent to the 'Mother Land' Africa. He now has a number one song on the Kenya's Top 40 Reggae Chart with 'Dreaming' the song is on the 1-9 rhythm produced by Jamaica's famous Robert Livingston from the Big Yard label.

His latest single 'Yesterday' continues to do justice for the singer's career. It is positioned on Richie B's Top 20 Reggae Chart at #1,. Ascending to #8 on Hype TV Top 20 Singles Chart and #2 on RE TV's Top 20 Reggae Chart. Entertainment pundits are predicting that, at the pace the song is moving, in a couple weeks time it could be in the top 5 position on all major charts. The single and the video are enjoying heavy rotation locally and internationally.

Da'Ville has a rather hectic schedule of activities slated for the month of May. On, May 3 and 5th he will performing in Grenada and Antigua respectively, with all the other events slated for the US. May 10, he will be in Washington, DC, and then on Sunday, May 11 it will be at the Queen of The Sea event in Queens, New York.
He will be in Hawaii for a two-day stint on May 17 and 18 at Reggae on the Rocks in Maui, going to Atlanta on May 22 where he will make an appearance on the Atlanta Carnival 10th Annual Flag Party.

Next will be Brooklyn, New York on May 25 where he will perform at the Soca Symphony '08, culminating with his final show at the West Indian Social Club in Hartford, Connecticut where he will perform at Stone Love & Da'Ville's Girls Call.
Apart from the very promising 'Yesterday', Da'Ville has to his credit other hit and popular songs such as 'Always On My Mind', 'Can't Get Over You', 'This Time I Promise', 'I'm In Love With You', 'Give Thanks For What You Got' and 'In Heaven' among others. Da'Ville has proven to us time and time again that hard work will definitely reap good benefits.

::: RDX SIGNED TO MAJOR LABEL :::

RDX duo, Delomar and Renegade have hit the big times in a relatively short time since getting their big break just over a year ago.

The duo, recently signed on with Universal Japan to produce their first album, and according to Delomar, "it's really a great feeling."

"Wi feel good bout di whole thing because wi jus break last year and wi gone two number one song already, Dance and Everybody Dance...and now, to be picked up by a big company, it's really great," Delomar said.

Universal Music Japan (Umusic Japan) is a subsidiary of the U.S.-based Universal Music Group (UMG) and is the largest record label in Japan. Universal Music Group has a 25.5% market share and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Vivendi.

The one album deal was sealed by RDX Publishing Company Jamdown Music based in the UK and will feature 14 tracks including popular songs like Dance, Everybody Dance and Dancers Boom as well as two bonus cuts.

Wasting no time

RDX, however, are wasting no time as Delomar says, "right now a di album wi a work pon, wi gone eight tracks already. They gave us a month to complete the album, so we just taking things one step at a time."

Now reaping some fruits from years of hard work, dedication and commitment, the very organized and businesslike duo have been strategically putting various plans in place, setting goals and meeting deadlines to ensure future success.

They recently returned to Jamaica after a good performance at the West Indian Social Club in Hartford last weekend and they are next scheduled to perform at shows in New Jersey in June and Boston in July.

In addition to working on their album, RDX have three upcoming video shoots.

"Right now we are about to shoot three videos. We will be re-shooting Everybody Dance video, where we will use the same Dutty Fridaze scene and then shoot a piece in Japan, because we want to get the Japanese dancers involved. And that video I think will be exclusive in Japan for the time being," Delomar explained.

The other two videos that RDX will be shooting in addition to their re-make of Everybody Dance, is one for their current single Dancer's Anthem and another video for their latest release called Daggarin.  The Jamaica Star

::: YENDI PHILLIPS - MISS JAMAICA WORLD 2007

Congrats Yendi Phillips!!!

In a sold-out, excitement packed Grand Coronation Show, Yendi Phillipps – Miss Perfectil - completely dominated her highly acclaimed competition to win the coveted Miss Jamaica World 2007 title. Yendi now sets her sights on the Miss World Pageant which takes place in Sanya, China on December 1.

::: CANADIAN REGGAE STAR IS BACK! :::

The Canadian Reggae star competition serves to create visibility and discover talented Canadian reggae artists who have yet to get a ‘break’; in this industry. By featuring them on our television program, website and radio program, the artists will have the much needed exposure and appreciation they well deserve.

The 2006 edition of the Canadian reggae star competition attracted hundreds of star hopefuls from across the country. As a follow up to last year’s success, the Canadian reggae star competition is back for 2007 with auditions being held in both Montreal (April 28, 3-5pm @ Shauna Roberts 372 St-Catherine W. Suite 306) and Toronto. There will be a $20 registration/processing fee for every contestant wishing to audition. We are looking for persons aged 18 years old and over. This competition is open to any genre of reggae music.

This year’s grand prizes include a production deal from a major reggae production company, performance at the 4th annual Montreal International reggae festival, performance at Toronto’s Jamaica day, studio time, an artist development deal and best of all….free television exposure!

For more information please contact RASE TV at: 514-962-7378/ 647-408-7273 or email sponsor@rasetv.ca or auditions@rasetv.ca.

YOLANDE JAMES
Minister of Immigration, Quebec, Canada

Appointed April 18, 2007 by Premier Jean Charest to the position of Minister of Immigration, Yolande James is the first Black person to hold a ministerial post in Quebec, Canada.

Ms. James, born in Montreal, is the daughter of Frank and Tomacuita James of St. Lucia, now residing in Pierrefonds. She attended Pierrefonds Comprehensive High School, Vanier College, Queens University and University of Montreal, completing degrees in common law and civil law before being called to the Bar in 2004. After working as Political Attaché for now retired Russell Williams, she won his seat in the West Island riding of Nelligan September 2004 in a by-election. The voters of Nelligan confirmed her as their choice by giving her a landslide victory in the 2007 provincial election

REGGAE VIBES RETURN TO MONTREAL! MONTREAL REGGAE FEST’ BACK FOR 2007

Legendary reggae group BLACK UHURU featuring Michael Rose & Duckie Simpson to headline festival, KYMANI MARLEY to give FREE performance, LUCIANO’s “unplugged” boat cruise, also performing GYPTIAN, TURBULENCE, FRANKIE PAUL, ADMIRAL BAILEY and more to be confirmed!

Montreal, QC (April 25th, 2007) – The Montreal International Reggae Festival has fostered an international reputation amongst the reggae community worldwide who are looking forward to this summer’s 4th annual international reggae festival on July 13th-15th at the Old Port of Montreal. From the pulsating rhythms of dancehall reggae to the positive vibes of lover’s and roots rock reggae, the festival has the biggest and brightest reggae stars straight out of Jamaica, United States, United Kingdom, the Caribbean and Canada.

Confirmed for this year’s reggae festival is the legendary and internationally acclaimed Grammy winning reggae group Black Uhuru featuring Michael Rose and Duckie Simpson at Quay Jacques-Cartier located in the Old Port of Montreal.

On the Cavalier Maxim boat, Luciano with Dean Fraser and Mikey General will perform an unplugged intimate acoustic set during the 3 hour cruise. This is the first time they are performing on a boat in Canada.

Bob Marley’s son, Kymani Marley is performing on the free stage open to the general public at Place Bonsecours located in the Old Port of Montreal.

Hot rising stars Gyptian and Turbulence, as well as Frankie Paul and Admiral Bailey are also performing this year.

---------

Black Uhuru featuring Michael Rose & Duckie Simpson

Black Uhuru, whose name comes from the Swahili word meaning "freedom", is known as one of the most successful of the second-generation reggae bands, and the first reggae band to win a Grammy for their 1983 album, Anthem.

Luciano with Dean Fraser & Mikey General

Luciano is creating an impact on the lives of his fans worldwide. His visionary style of music, stimulating thought motivating spirit, and poetically lifting the listener above the physical and material realms. His second album for Chris Blackwell’s Island Records “Messenger” (1997) was named by Time Magazine as one of the ten best albums in the world.

Kymani Marley

"My message is always to deal with love, peace and unity. That's the most powerful thing, and if people can feel that then I have done something right," is Kymani Marley, Bob Marley’s son’s message to the world. In 1997, Kymani joined forces with Praswell (Fugees) on a hit cover of Eddy Grant's 'Electric Avenue.' The extent of his star power became abundantly clear when Kymani took the stage at Midem which for the first time in its history was held in Miami. In front of an international audience and a capacity filled Cameo Theatre, Kymani delivered an explosive set which was aired live by CANA (Caribbean News Agency) to thirty-six (36) countries.

The Festival

Montreal International Reggae Festival is a non-profit organization that strives to increase awareness of the powerful message of “unity” behind reggae music and culture, assist artists in gaining exposure, develop nationwide artistic activity, and encourage a greater understanding and appreciation of our unique multicultural society. This year’s festival promises to attract larger crowds and more media attention than in previous editions.

For general info:
Phone: (514) 312-3782
E-mail: info@montrealreggaefestival.com
Website: www.montrealreggaefestival.com

Media Contacts:
Audra Yearwood
Phone: (514) 887-2689
E-mail: communications@montrealreggaefestival.com

Richard Tardif
Phone: (514) 206-1215
E-mail: richardtardif@montrealreggaefestival.com

 

::: INT'L REGGAE MUSIC AWARDS :::

THE INT'L REGGAE & WORLD MUSIC AWARDS RETURNS TO WORLD FAMOUS APOLLO THEATER MAY 5TH 2007 WITH SEAN PAUL & BUJU BANTON TOPPING THE LIST OF NOMINEES

The 26th Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), by Martin's International and Associates returns to Harlem's World Famous Apollo Theatre, in New York City on Saturday, May 5 th, 2007.

The official announcement and the releasing of the nominees were made on Tuesday, February 20th at a Press Conference, held at the Pegasus Hotel, in Kingston, Jamaica by Martin's International and Associates. Among the leading nominees for 2006 are: Sean Paul and Buju Banton with nine (9) nominations each. Baby Cham with six (6) nods, and Gyptian, Tanya Stephens and Tony Matterhorn with five (5) each.

Other nominees include: Capleton, Damian Marley, Beenie Man, Luciano, Beres Hammond, Freddy McGregor, Daville, Richie Spice, Dean Fraser, Chuck Fenda, Marcia Griffiths, Cecile, Alaine, Jah Cure and Bounty Killa. Plus: Sly and Robbie, Vybz Kartel, Akon, Wyclef Jean, Sizzla, Macka Diamond, Machel Mantano, Rhianna, Daddy Yankee, Youssou N'Dour, Toots and the Maytels, Rupee, Third World, Burning Spear, Tarrus Riley, Daville, Malachi Smith, Voicemail, Mutabaruka and Dean Fraser, among others. For more info; log on to www.irawma.com.

::: REMEMBERING TAFARI MILLS O'GILVIE :::

On January 15th, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia, one of the world’s most influential leaders began a brief, but tremendously important journey, which laid a solid foundation for tolerance, racial integration and brotherly love.
Sixty years later, on January 15th, 1989 in Little Burgundy, Montreal, Tafari Mills O’Gilvie embarked on his own journey, a journey built on that solid foundation left by his mentor and hero, Martin Luther King, Jr.

On Monday, January 15th, 2007, Tafari would have celebrated his 18th birthday. A special day he was looking forward to celebrating with family and friends.

Tafari was an advocate for volunteer work and community involvement.

He volunteered his time and wrote for a newspaper called Leave-Out-Violence.

This organization is there to teach high school students that violence is not the way to go. Tafari wanted youths to know that violence hurts people and brings down families and communities.

This is one of Tafari’s poems:

When I think of the future I think of peace I think of me standing in the middle of the world with peace around me I’m thinking of joining LOVE (Leave-Out-Violence) to help me forget my problems and to help me in life I understand life now, I understand the world I understand that there might not be peace, but there will always be LOVE.

This poem was his contribution to his community, his hope for peace throughout the high schools and around the world.

Tafari lived a life of caring and understanding. He helped his football team, the Verdun Tiger Cats, move from last to first place, and they won two championships.

His involvement in the community was tremendous. He helped elders without asking for anything in return. According to him, if he took their money, that meant he was not doing it from the heart.

He wrote:

Helping is the key to one’s life It’s the key to all lives If you help someone, you will get help in return.

Tafari’s legacy deserves to be recognized and acknowledged. There is so much to say about this young leader, but yet so little time.

Tafari’s birthday is a special day, just as Martin Luther King’s is and continues to be.

Each of them made contributions in their community and they both deserve respect. The difference between these two leaders is that Tafari was a child.

The example that he set made Tafari a positive role model and the schools that he attended spoke so highly of him. He was well respected. The elementary school he attended named the citizenship award after him.

When Tafari left us on May 7th, 2003 at the tender age of fourteen, it was only natural that his light would continue to shine brightly and his legacy would live on.

In 2005, the Tafari Mills O’Gilvie Foundation gave out five $300 scholarships to Marymount High School students (three girls and two boys). In 2006, four scholarships were awarded to two Marymount High School students and two James Lyng High School students.

The beneficiaries of this fund must exhibit excellence in both academics and sports. Teachers were asked to submit the names of the candidates on forms that were made available to them. Four family members and one Sun Youth member were responsible for choosing the recipients.

We truly believe that young Black men should stay in school for their community, their society and most importantly for themselves. Donations can be sent to the Tafari Mills O’Gilvie Foundation: Sun Youth Organization 4251 St. Urban St. Montreal, Quebec H2W 1V6 For information, please contact Ernie Rosa at (514) 842-6822.

Tafari, your family and friends miss your smile, love, optimism, sense of justice, love for the younger youths and last but not least, your constant concern for your community.

Article taken from the Montreal Community Contact. www.communitycontact.net.

::: LADY SPLITZ'S TIME TO SHINE :::

"I never expect to win the title of Dancehall Queen"

Montreal's Dancehall Queen 2006, Lady Splitz, has been blazing a trail since gaining the coveted title this year. On October 28, 2006, she put her artistic talents on parade at what has been labelled, the hypest birthday bash this year. It was Lady Splitz's time to shine, and as birthday girl, she pulled out all the stops to give friends and fans a night to remember at Montreal's Castleton Gardens Club.

Tumultuous cheers rang out as there was a lot to celebrate, with this year being one that seems to have ushered in many of Lady Splitz's dreams. There was the spring Dancehall Queen crowning and subsequent trip to New York where she was 1st runner up for the US title, a June high school graduation ceremony and the emergence of Diva's Beauty Salon founded and owned by the young no-nonsense businesswoman, Lady Splitz. While keeping her eye on the prize of someday being involved as an educator for children with mental disabilities, Lady Splitz continues honing her natural abilities, not only as a performance artist but also within the salon where, "Hair is art," she said.

The evening was chock full of mad wining - dutty and otherwise, that was tastefully interspersed with a delightful hair show, featuring Diva's Beauty Salon designs. Male and female award winning dance crews converged on the hall, coming in from as far as Toronto, Ottawa and New York for the massive event. Sounds like Montreal's Crystal, Firesquad and Toronto's King Turbo kept the beat pumping.

Being active on the Black cultural scene in Montreal since age 3, when she first participated in Roots Cultural Association's Masquaraders, Lady Splitz won junior and senior carnival queen titles 8 out of the 13 times she entered. "I always felt I just had to be different...even since I was small, but never in my wildest dreams did I ever expect to win the title of Dancehall Queen," she explained. However, after gaining experience by being a founding member and manager of Montreal's first female dancehall goup, Mystique Dancers, the idea took more form. "Dancehall Queen" - the movie, was a first introduction and later on videos, especially one in which New York's Dancehall Queen was prominent, gave Lady Splitz the inspiration to boldly strut her stuff. By March 11, 2006 she took the crown from 2005 Queen - Sheba at the 9th annual Montreal competition, founded and produced by Justice.

Keen on the fellowship between Dancehall Queens, Lady Splitz confirmed that her fellow dancers are really cool and that everything is not about skin out and being X-Rated. "I get judged a lot, but integrity is high on my list of attributes," she stated.

"Going up on stage and taking clothes off then shaking this and rocking that - won't be enough to claim a crown, because Dancehall Queens have to be technically savvy...they have to know how to dance," Lady Splitz added.

"I am the Dancehall queen here for 2006 and I won't be doing any "dance offs" outside of major competitions - I am taking this to another level," Lady Splitz mentioned as she projected on what is to come. On November 18, 2006 Lady Splitz will be vying for the title of Canadian Dancehall Queen at the much anticipated competition, produced by Jamaica's initiator of the Dancehall Queen, Bighead. Scheduled to take place in Toronto, a win at this one will send her to Jamaica for the international competition next year. Lady Splitz said she is looking forward to augmenting her dance repertoire to include hip hop and jazz with hopes of being featured in videos, film and stage.

Posted by yardFlex at October 30, 2006 08:49 AM.

::: McGILL'S ANNUAL CONFERENCE :::

Visions of Tomorrow, Beacons that Light the Path

On Saturday, September 30^th, 2006, the Black Students’ Network of McGill University will be holding their annual conference which focuses on some of the fundamental issues that the Black population faces today.

Keynote speakers will be Dr. Clarence Bayne president of the Quebec Board of Black Educators and professor at Concordia’s John Molson School of Business; Dr. Wanda Thomas-Bernard director of the School of Social Work Dalhousie University; Dr. Joy Degruy-Leary assistant professor at Portland State University; Mr. Amarkai Laryea analyst at the strategic affairs department of the International Labour Union; Mr. Brian Smith supervisor and project manager at Carrefour Jeunesse Cote des Neiges and Miss Sabrina Jafralie teacher at West Mount High School and program director at Youth In Motion. This group of professionals and leaders will focus their discussions on topics such as the importance of Black Educators at the elementary, secondary and post-secondary school levels, “Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome” and the disparities within the hiring systems.

Our group of Black leaders will also acquaint participants with organizations which are currently battling for change in the Black Community. The day of dialogue will conclude with a brainstorming session dedicated to establishing realistic goals for ourselves, as students and community members, who are  a part of the present and future Black community. We as individuals can play a role in the furtherance of black peoples through giving and maintaining our support for those who are fighting for change!

‘Visions of Tomorrow, Beacons that Light the Path’ is a FREE conference which is open to everyone and anyone who is interested in educating and interested in the education of the young Black youth of today and tomorrow. The conference will take place in the McConnell Engineering Building room 204, 3480 University Street. The introduction will begin at 11:00am sharp.

For more information regarding the conference or BSN please feel free to contact us at: Black Students’ Network of McGill University, 3480 University Street, room #415, Montreal, QC, H3A-1X9 or visit www.ssmu.mcgill.ca/bsn bsnmcgill@hotmail.com.  514-398-3001 ext. 09974

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The real reggae festival returns

Reggae Sunsplash 2006 launched

KINGSTON, Jamaica: Reggae Sunsplash is back.

The return of the original reggae festival was heralded on Thursday 27th April, 2006 with a replica street dance and stage show at the Old Hope Road headquarters of the Guardsman Group in Kingston.

In between impromptu performances by artists such as festival headliner and veteran reggae singer Freddie McGregor, government officials, members of Jamaica’s business elite, artists, journalists and lovers of reggae reminisced on the great moments of Reggae Sunsplash Jamaica past and eagerly discussed this year’s event.

 “This is not a stage show. It is a festival that seeks to expose all areas of Jamaican culture – the music, the art, the food – anything that is reggae and everything that is Jamaican,” said Charles Campbell, a member of the festival’s original production team and now current director of operations and production.

Rodney Davis, CEO and president of Cable and Wireless (CWJ), the event’s title sponsor, was also quick to support the festival’s revival, indicating that the four-day event was directly in keeping with his company’s objective of connecting with Jamaican people through culture.

“The love of reggae music unites people. Not just our own people, but it’s a common bond we share with so many people around the world. It’s a natural fit for CWJ to support the festival, as we continually strive to bring people together as a business, and Reggae Sunsplash Jamaica will bring so many people together in such a positive way,” said Davis.

Reggae Sunsplash Jamaica was first staged in 1978 in Montego Bay and for years was the premier event on the world reggae calendar. Following a series of venue changes that took the festival from Montego Bay to Kingston and later St Ann, the festival was put on pause in 1997, and has not been held in Jamaica since.

For the first time in nine years the festival will be staged, from August 3-6 at a brandnew location – the Richmond Estate near Ocho Rios.

That venue, a sprawling 200-acre seaside property, has the capacity to accommodate more than 150,000 people and 20, 000 vehicles, and will have two stages, an artists’ gallery, recreation areas and an extensive food court that will serve Jamaican fare.

This year’s festival line-up will include over one hundred dancers, poets and musical acts. Among artists already confirmed to perform are international stars, Alpha Blondy, UB40, Steel Pulse, veterans Marcia Griffiths, Bob Andy and Toots and the Maytals, and singers Luciano and Morgan Heritage. Also on the line up are dancehall ‘A-Listers’ Beenie Man, Ninja Man, and Vybz Kartel and their female counterparts, Macka Diamond, Lady Saw and Tanya Stephens.

Unlike any other production of its kind in Jamaica, Reggae Sunsplash Jamaica will also feature performances by poets Steppa, Dingo and Payne, the L’Acadco dancers and the Kingston drummers. “Every night of the festival will start with drumming. As you know reggae music begins with the drum and so we have to honour that,” Campbell said.

In addition the festival will ‘give a buss’ to new and upcoming acts, including the winner of the B-Mobile talent competition.

In the past Reggae Sunsplash Jamaica has seen performances by legends Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Dennis Brown and R&B soul man Stevie Wonder.

Log on to http://www.reggaesunsplashja.com/ for more information and artist line-up.

    _________________________

BIG STARS PERFORM AT 3rd ANNUAL MONTREAL REGGAE FEST!
Main stage (Jacques Cartier Pier - Old Port of Montreal; by the waterfront)

Friday July 14th, 2006
Check out reggae's international flavors including Reggaeton Artists straight out of Puerto Rico and crowd favorite Shaggy!

6:30pm: Marlon Asher
7:00pm: Wisin & Yandel (Reggaeton)
9:00pm: Shaggy & Rayvon

Saturday July 15th, 2006
Don't miss the hottest rising stars straight out of Jamaica including a special tribute to Bob Marley by his son Ky'mani Marley!

6:30pm: Fantan Mojah
7:15pm: Natural Black
7:45pm: Turbulence
8:30pm: Richie Spice
10:00pm: Ky'mani Marley

Sunday July 16th, 2006
We're bringing classic reggae back with veteran artists Maxi Priest and Barrington Levy!

7:00pm: Sherwin Gardner
8:00pm: Maxi Priest
9:00pm: Mutabaruka
9:30pm: Barrington Levy

**Artists performing on the Bob Marley Tribute Stage to be announced soon**

::: Beenie Man & John Hype comes to Montreal in full force!