“Someone Like You”- Reggae New Star- Nadine Queen
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The past 10 years have witnessed the ebb & Flow of reggae music’s popularity on the world stage, a fact that manifest itself in decrease sales, fewer large venue promotion, especially in the north-eastern region of theUS.
The debate, for better or worse, has centered on the level of misogyny, violence and all together poor quality of production, including artist quality. Amidst this quandary, it is refreshing and a pleasure to be able to announce to reggae music lovers, the world over, the emergence of a “new voice and a new personality, in the personage of songstress Nadine Queen.
The “reggae-soul” vocalist is a versatile blend of sensuously smooth vocals which underscore her natural talent, youthful years of formal music lessons and a mature, but ‘hedgy’ urban Jamaican influence, that takes her from gospel, R&B, Lovers Rock, to a surprisingly awesome sing jay delivery; all the while maintaining a strong conscious foundation.
Born in the parish of Saint Thomas, located east of Jamaica’s Capital, Kingston; the emergence of the former YallahsSecondaryHigh Schoolgraduate was ‘forewarned.’ From the time that she could be heard singing to the music of internationally acclaimed reggae artist, Charlene Davis- at the tender age of seven. Nadine’s star never ceases to shine, as she continued to hone her vocal skill, singing for her classmates, as well as doing dub plates at Arrows’ Recording studio.
So far, Nadine Queen’s talent has placed her on the same stage as such reggae luminaries as Marcia Griffith, Yellow Man, Mr. Vegas, Third World and more recently, Red Fox, Dr. Love and Chris Martin. Additionally, her gift as a “word smith,” is on full display with her penning of such songs as Believe Me/Tough Love, which is “blazing hot” on the west coast, particularly in California; Mi Casa, Su Casa, Why Did You Lie, Predictable/Changes and Only Love.
Currently, the NADZ Production/A-Town Recording artist is getting rave reviews for her recent cover of Adele’s mega hit, “Someone Like You,” which debut on the New York Reggae Top 30 Chart at #29 and two weeks later, ascend the chart, four spots to #25. The Clinton Lindsey compiled chart is one of the most credible in the reggae music industry.
“What the cover of “Someone Like You” has done for me is that it has introduced me to new audience and has also generated new fans… Now people in the business are attuned to my talent,” said Nadine. I hope to have my first full length album done by the end of 2012… In the meantime, I am writing a lot of songs and spending more time in the studio,” she said. “I would really like to get out there more- performance wise- this year,” she continued. Nadine said that she hope the increasing popularity of Believe Me and Someone Like You will be her “spring board” to being a regular fixture on the charts, as well as over the air waves, where the songs are in regular rotation on quite a few radio stations in the US.
Nadine currently has a four song EP, digitally distributed by cdbaby.com, available on iTunes, Amazon, Zuni and other music outlets. Booking for Nadine Queen is, currently handled by A-Town Records Production/Dwayne “A-Town” Hinds: 876-447-6029, US: G Entertainment 732-309-0131/ Emails: atrjamaica@gmail.com, Nadqueen1@gmail.com/Nadqueen1@yahoo.
Get more of Nadine Queen at www.facebook.com/nadine4queen, www.soundcloud/nadineIsqueen and www.reverbnation.com/nadinequeen ; also follow Nadine Queen @ www.twitter.com/nadz4love .
GN Contributed March, 2012
read comments (0)Immensus8 Releases Debut Album
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
David Wedderburn,
Management and
Bookings
Phone: 16465041598
E-Mail: Info@Immensus8.com
Immensus8 Releases Debut
Album
New Jersey –June 27, 2011 – After worldwide tours and performing as a group for the past 13 months, the talented vocal group Immensus8, is poised to release its debut album ‘Immeasurable’ in August 2011. The August 2011 release will mark a turning point in the career of the multi-talented acappella group. The 10 track album consists of four are original songs with breakout single ‘Somehow Love Found Me’ the remaining six are cover songs. One fan said “The impressionable sound of all male voices singing well orchestrated music without instruments is simply amazing. Their sound is rich and lustrous and I am looking forward to the full album”. Immensus8 draws its inspiration from God first and from other acapella groups like, Vocal Union, Kings Heralds, Alphabetic Four, and Acappella to name a few whose songs it has sung.
About Immensus 8
Immensus8 is a unique musical vocal group of eight dynamic men who by the power of God are able to blend their voices to form
a fine tapestry of harmonious melody. The diversity in flavors of sound, genre of music sung and distinctiveness in style is as varied as the diverse matrix of nationalities of its members spanning Nigeria, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Haiti. Many of its songs are rooted in American Negro spiritual Caribbean and Spanish to accented rhythmic tones from Africa. For more information on Immensus8 and upcoming appearances and to hear audio clips from the album log on to www.immensus8.com . Public Relations, bookings and promotions, please contact the management team , attention Ray Nelson at info@immensus8.com
FEATURED ARTIST – Shade
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Artist: SHADE
Born: Sharwayne Palmer on October 26, 1981
Jamaica’s urban music or “dance hall,” music as it is known world-wide, is in a constant state of flux; but throughout its evolutionary phases, there remains, however, a few consistencies, and one is the arrival on the scene of an exceptional talent.
Daka Shade is one such talent
Growing up in the community of Barbican, in Kingston, Jamaica- only a few miles from the resident of Jamaica’s most iconic musical figure (Robert “Bob” Marley and home to Tuff Gong Records); it was hardly a surprise that a talent such as Daka Shade would emerge.
Courtesy of http://kgpromotions.com/
Dance Hall Aficionados Working to Bridge the Gap
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Memorial weekend unofficially signals the onset of summer; as Americans honor their deceased service men and women with “moments of silence,” parades, barbeques or just the gathering of scattered friends and families.
For many members of New Jersey’s Caribbean American community, it was the latter two events that brought them to, one of Middlesex County’s largest parks. They descended upon Johnson Park in Piscataway, New Jersey, in number that more than doubled the previous year’s attendance; participants ranging in age from less than six months old to more than sixty years old basked in the eighty degrees pre- summer heat.
Sunday, May 30th marked the second year for the Caribbean memorial weekend cookout, the brain child of several of Central New Jersey’s dance hall crews/promoters which consist of Promoter China Man, sound system Eternal Flames, Legacy and Team Wire Dem. The previous year‘s edition was like a “trial by fire,” according to Mr. Kool of Vesion sound.
Cars lined both sides of the two lane street that wormed its way between Landing Lane and river Road- The main entrances into the park. The parking lots were packed; in some instances cars were double parked; their passengers all heading to the center of activities.
Grove #5 was the epicenter of the Festivities, the hub so to speak; the place from which the pungent and aromatic smell of jerk spice seasoned the air; the place where the sound system blares the latest dance hall music as the chef supervises the preparation of a large feast, consisting of jerk chicken, rice and peas, curried goat, among other fares.
Removed from the center, kids were at play on the various jungle gyms and slides, young men, as well as their elders played dominos and “ludo,” women, old and young milled about participating in the normal social intercourse that you would expect at an event that brought so many people together.
What I found most interesting about the event is the unusual partnership been competing dee jays and sound systems in this hyper competitive business. There are no formal organization underwriting the, now, second year event. All resources were provided by the area’s dee jay/sound system fraternity.
Legacy, formerly of Snow white Sound, said, “It was about four years ago that we thought about doing this event; everything working out good. We have grown up every year.”
When asked if the event will continue, he said, “Yes, for the foreseeable future.” Another member of the fraternity, Mr. Kool was elated about the out pouring. The popular sound man, said that he “liked the vibes; the only thing, he continued, we need to get the kids more involved- All about the kids; get the community involved for some more fun for the youth.”
Mr. Kool’s sentiments were echoed by other guests who see the event getting bigger, an estimate, conservatively, of over two to three the 250 participants of a year ago and who feel that with more kids getting involved they need to be proactive, possibly introducing inflate gaming areas.
Dee jay Gee of Eternal Flames said, “I like what it has become so far!”
Long time New Brunswick resident and one of the areas “movers and shakers,” culturally speaking, Ras UJimma, founder of the Black Symphony Orchestra, said that the efforts of the, dance hall fraternity, is “The rebuilding of the community… Nice to see the youth come together.” We need more events like this,” concluded Sonia Brown, a declared resident of the area for many years.
When I caught up with Guntry, one of the original founders of Team Wire Dem, he underscore the prospect of the annual event return next year by stating simply, “Next Year we will be back.”
Enid, a Somerset resident, said that the Memorial Day event is “very much needed; but it need some sponsors, as it expands.”
Celebrity in attendance was none other than Jamaica’s basket ball “phenom” and Junior at Rutgers Prep High School, in nearby Somerset, Marvadene Anderson. Asked what she thought about the cookout, she offered, “Things a Gwaan- People a enjoy man.” Anderson said that she heard about the event last year- “So I came and it’s real nice!”
The power of music, yes- even dance hall music, with all its pejoratives, can aid and heal. Because, not all the lyrics glorify or perpetuates misogynistic tendencies; furthermore it’s not the music’s place to act, but rather its those who plies their trade as artists, sound man, disc jockeys, etc .
As I see it, Memorial Day, 2011 was a step in the right direction!
GN
www.reggaeendz.com
Jahvinci – “I Am No Longer Managed By Vybz Kartel”
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Jahvinci – “I Am No Longer Managed By Vybz Kartel”
Recently Vybz Kartel and his business partner Corey Todd part ways because of personal differences between the two…However, the latest Gaza member to quit is dancehall singjay Jahvinci. In a statement sent to various media outlets Portmore Empire singer stated that it’s not his intention to re-sign a booking or recording contract with the Portmore Empire.
READ THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW
“I want the world to know that I am no longer managed by Vybz Kartel and the Portmore Empire…”In all honesty, it was a great learning experience but the BEST decision is for me to move on given the musical direction that the Empire has been moving in for quite some time. I appreciate the support that Vybz Kartel has given me as a mentor but at this stage in my career, I want to move in a different creative direction with my choice in management. I will now be managed by Corey Todd, and my road manager will be Milla 9.”
“There were certain things going on in the Empire that I did not agree or condone but all that is in the past I am excited about the possibilities and I know that this is the start of a great journey in my career. I want to deliver my message of peace and unity to my reggae fans. I have to keep moving forward no matter the obstacles that stand in front of me,” the statement said.
Courtesy of OutaRoad.com
Ras Shiloh Brought Spirituality To Hub City Venue
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Reggae culture artist Ras Shiloh treated an appreciative audience to night of musical and cultural reflection. The late Garnet Silk inspired vocalist, more than wetted the appetite of a “reality starving” audience.
Performing his newest release, as well as some old staples, the silky voice singer performed a tribute to his mentor that went over quite well, as was attested to by the sing along.
The Saturday night show got off to an excellent start, as rising reggae/R&B artist Kendra Grandville, showed her versatility, moving effortlessly between sultry rhythm & blues delivery and reggae. Her powerful vocal was truly on display as she tackled Alecia Keys mega hit “No One.” Grandville also did double duty as half of the back up duo for Ras Shiloh.
Appearing before his fans, a little after mid-night, the Rastafarian performer, with his locks flowing, proved himself a worthy member of the standard bearers of roots music, that include the likes of Luciano, Warrior King, Anthony B and Everton Blender. The longer he performed, the stronger he got. His energy appeared to reach fever pitched as he exhorted the crowd in the relatively small venue at Gambino in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Shiloh at times, showed his displeasure; however, with the night’s ensemble band, exhorting them to “push,” stopping a few times and requesting a restart of the rhythm. He eventually told the engineer to turn up the bass; saying, the he didn’t care if we “bust a couple speakers.
”Throughout his performs, Shiloh stopped to deliver messages steep in spirituality, extolling the wisdom of listening- To the lyrics and not just “jump” up to the music. The Ras also delved in to linguistics, providing his insight into etymology, telling the audience that “Jesus” is a Greek work and that God’s real name is “Yahweh,” as there is no letter “J” in the Arabic/Hebrew language. By all accounts the lessons were well received and did not appear to distract from his performance.
Finally, bidding his fans good night, he was prompted by the percussionist/MC, and the throng as they shouted, “One more Shiloh, one more” and the Ras alighted. He, eventually, ended the night with a medley, including his rendition of Sam Cook’s classics, Change Gone Come and Chain Gang.
Leaving the venue, one fan was overheard, wondering aloud, “How come more people never come to the show?” The refrain is not new, but a rather familiar one, as it appears that reggae/culture music as become the stepchild of Jamaican music, giving way to dance hall, its raunchier, rhythm driver offspring, particularly in the New York-New Jersey markets, and by all account, Jamaica.
However, hope springs eternal, thanks to artist such as Ras Shiloh, who remains a testament that one man can make a difference.
Notes: The show was promoted Ras Rootz & Revan Entertainment.
GN
Sunday, March 13, 2011/www.reggaeendz.com ©2008
Dance hall and reggae music icon Mark “Buju Banton” Myrie has succeeded in gaining the ultimate acclaim for his profession, by winning his first Grammy award for the best reggae album for 2010, this evening; but with the impending onslaught of what is yet to come, in the guise of his second trial (The first ending in a hung jury) for allegations of conspiracy to possess for distribution several pounds on cocaine, one cannot help but wonder, as I am sure many of his fans do, “What will the dawn hold for Buju Banton?”
With over two decades as a relevant force in Jamaica’s popular culture, from a brash young, up and coming artist with Penthouse Records, to an elder statesman and perennial hit maker, Buju Banton has truly transcended the category of “regular run of the mill” reggae artist, ascending to the rarified status of legend.
In the midst of his greatest achievement, I imagine the moment might be bitter sweet. The goal of every professional, regardless of the profession, is to eventually be acclaim the very best and with the arrival of that moment comes a display of irrepressible joy.
As I watch the award ceremony, that was state of my consciousness as I pondered the question, “How is Buju Banton feeling this evening, knowing that the greater challenge is no longer the winning of an award, but the winning of his freedom?
I am an unabashed Buju fan and like many hope for his freedom at the end of this new trial. Likewise I am sure that there are many who may conspire for his demise; there are the prosecutors who see it as a possible “feather” in their cap for successfully taking down an iconic figure; then there are the antagonistic entities who decry the injustice-perceive or real- that are being heap upon them from society in general, and reggae music in particular, they seek compassion and freedom; but they offer little of the former as they sought to censor the latter!
Finally, from the inconclusiveness of the first trial, it has been painfully obvious that the case against Mr. Myrie is hardly as substantial as was initially presented. Do I need to say Lindsey Lohan…Paris Hilton! The cases against these American artists, one after the other are glaringly obvious, yet the prosecutions of them have all the air of a “Red Carpet” appearance. Am I the only one to see the inequity inherent in the U.S judicial system?
Congratulations to you Buju Banton on winning your first Grammy award; and may the dawn sees you free… Free to speak… Free to sing… Free to inspire… There will always be those who do not like your utterances… Then there will always be a price to pay for speaking the truth!
GN
Sunday, February 13, 2011
It seemed preordained that the time would prove too short- No doubt the consensus of those in attendance on Sunday, November 28, inside the iconic Club Eclipse in Newark, New Jersey.
The weather, outside the venue, was a seasonable cool thirty-eight degrees; but you could hardly have deduced this from the “warm & fuzzy” vibes inside. The Atmosphere was reflective of the concert promotional banner, “Thanks Giving.”
Though the Tronic 2 sponsored event failed to generate the massive audience that’s befitting the appearance/performance of an artist of Everton Blender’s pedigree (a disappointment), it did succeed in presenting a show with a sense of family and “oneness!”
The night did, as was expected, belong to the veterans. Ever the consummate crowd pleaser, veteran reggae crooner Teddy Brown literally worked up a sweat. The “Mr. Brown: Bad Man Wagon,” artist left the audience wanting- Wanting more that is. Performing a medley of his mentor’s (Dennis Brown) memorable hits, as well as his own “self-penned” hit song, “I Wish I Knew,” he further electrified the audience with his rendition of popular hits by Lionel Richie and Teddy Pendergrass, before departing the stage to well deserved adulations. His set lasted little more than thirty minutes.
At about 1:30 AM, the stage was more than set for the emergence of the night’s featured artist. And with his customary entrance- an off stage “reverential tribute to his divinity,” one of Jamaica’s preeminent roots-reggae artist ascended the stage and like the time test and internationally affirmed field general (musically speaking) that he is, Everton Blender launched a musical assault upon the ears of his audience.
Showing the professionalism garnered over twenty-five years in the music business, Mr. Blender showed great humility and patience with his “assembled for the occasion” Fresh Attitude band, as he poured through his extensive catalogue. Most memorable were timeless hits such as “Family Man,” “Lift Up Your Head,” Blend Dem,” which sparked a nostalgic sing along, and the ever popular, mega hit and universal anthem, “Ghetto People Song,” which had everyone standing and shouting. Initially, he left the stage after only completing the first verse, as closing time for the venue had arrived and passed; however, prompted by the crowd’s pleading, he returned to complete the song.
What I took from Sunday’s show, besides being treated to a wonderful performance, was how wonderful an ambassador for reggae music artist like Everton Blender is and has been; and all this I ascertained from a statement that he made to his audience: “The crowd small, but I can feel the energy out there.” I got the sense that if there was only one person in the audience, he would have performed with the same powerful energy; while most other artist would have taken short cuts and complain.
While the attendance was sparse, the energy was nevertheless lively and upbeat. The line up included performances by an eclectic mix of talent. But, “late start,” a nemesis of Jamaican shows/concert, reared its head at Club Eclipse, with the first act getting on the stage at a little past midnight; this would inevitably impact the depth of the show, in the end.
The show got started with the legendary horns man, Derick Hinds doing several cuts from his “Music In The Key Of Life” album. Emerging singer, Sherine Morgan, aka Sherry- a product St Anne, delivered a sultry three song set. Manchester born and New Jersey based female Dee jay, the ever provocative, Kim Peterson, aka Amaze-N performed a brisk, albeit heated medley which included her debut single, One Man Fi One Girl, taken from A-Town records’ “Big Heist Riddim: Various Artists CD”- Distributed by CD Baby, available on iTunes, Amazon, Zuni and reggae mall. Late arriving, Waterhouse product, Dee Jay Ice Truck also did a good job in his short stint on stage. Tronic 1 recording artist, Jennifer Khan, made brief cameo, delivery a tribute to her mother.
The night was summed up admirably by the show’s promoter, Johnny Bull- Tronic 2’s management- in response to the absence of several acts slated for the night, “The show must go on” he said. That it did, most entertainingly.
By GN (for Reggae Endz November 30, 2010)
Ah Nice Ride!
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A new player in the dance hall community, “GOT IT’s” (The Hit Maker) is aiming to deliver a sweet, albeit energetic ride with their new Bed Spring riddim.
The highly energetic and infectious riddim is FRESH and is sure to be a player on the dance hall scene. The spritely mix riddim had this listener’s feet tapping in time and so will dance hall patrons, as deejays, lyricist, TYRICAL rising new comer, SHADE and RYZIN bounce effortlessly on the Bed Spring riddim.
The project, according to “GOT IT’s” management, is still in the voicing stage with many more memorable and entertaining tracks to come. He however, would not divulge the name of the other artists being voice only that “fans of dance hall will be please with the final project.”
Well, here is to everyone who is waiting on their new bed spring- riddim that is.
EXTRAS:
A-Town Records has dropped a couple more singles on their Mental Slavery riddim; the new single “A Who,” by root and culture artist Teflon and “Nah Deal Wid Dat” by A-Town’s rising star Syckle.
Visit www.reggaeendz.com for a preview of both the Bed Spring and Mental Slavery Riddims.
GN
Reggaeendz.com ©2008
Gregory Isaacs dies
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REGGAE singer Gregory Isaacs has died.
The singer, 59, passed this morning after a long illness.
He died in London.
Earlier this year, Gregory Isaacs’ road manager Copeland Forbes stated that his charge was, “in the UK doing some medical tests. As you all know, he had some problems with his legs from last year which resulted in cancellation of tours, and in the last 12 months he had a very hectic year travelling all over the globe doing performances”.
Isaacs has been a constant presence on the reggae music scene for some time. The singer has released a number of hits including Night Nurse, Tune In, My Number One, Love Overdue, Rumours and The Border.
Courtesy of www.jamaicaobserver.com