Archive for the 'Feature Articles' Category
Dancehall artiste Konshenswill take on his first movie role early next year in a film that will be directed by Gareth Cobran.
Speaking with THE STAR recently, Cobran, who is popular for music videos like Konshens’ Realest Song and Protoje’s Dread, said he would be doing his first film next year, with the dancehall artiste playing the lead role.
“I am in the process of developing a script. I am also looking for some funding for this script that I am going to be shooting next year and it will have Konshens as one of the stars,” he said, while remaining tight-lipped about the name of the film.
Cobran said the film will be an adaptation of a play written by Omall Wright.
“It’s not the everyday kind of story that comes out of Jamaica but still very relevant to our culture,” he told THE STAR.
The film will also be a first for the dancehall artiste, who is excited about this new venture.
“First of all Gareth a mi nigga. As for being in a movie it would be my first time but I’m definitely looking forward to the experience, and I think Jamaican artistes should jump at opportunities like this to work on local projects, build and expand their selling power and star qualities. And who knows, my young fans in music might see me in a movie and get the inspiration to make themselves the next Will Smith or Julia Roberts,” Konshens told THE STAR.
Having worked with Konshens on several projects, Cobran said he thought he would be perfect for the role.
“The writer asked me if I thought Konshens would be interested in doing it. The second he asked me, I thought he would be perfect for that role,” Cobran said.
“I know he’s a good actor and I know he can step into character. He’s going to be Garfield Spence, he will not be Konshens. I’m quite excited about that,” added Cobran.
read comments (0)Baby Cham Delivered Virtuoso Performance
Author: admin
It was 12:45 AM, Sunday morning, inside De Island Breeze Lounge, and the 12 midnight show start time had come and gone. The
patron’s in the venue were becoming impatient, as resident deejay; “Mix Master” DJ Magic was doing all that he could to keep the vibes going.
Eventually, came the announcement that the show was about to start. The assumption was that the featured artist of the night, internationally renowned reggae/dance hall artist Baby Cham had arrived. That was not the case however, as the MC announce dancer “Flava,” member of the Extreme Dancers, who ascend the stage and displayed an entertaining array of dances that had the patron screaming their approval.
DJ Magic continued to hold down the musical vibes, with the eventual arrival of Baby Cham and his crew at the Somerset, New Jersey Venue; but another set back, as the deejay’s booth was experiencing technical difficulties. With the exception of a few people, the patrons, in the venue- De Island Breeze Lounge, showed great restraint. And, they would be rewarded for their patience.
About 1:30AM, the MC began his introduction of the Sherlock Crescent, Jamaica artist…”Mr. Wowoh!” The female patrons, who were there in their numbers, pulled within inches of the stage, as Baby Cham hit the stage with his identifiable pronouncement, “Wowoh!” the venue went crazy. As far as the eyes could see there were cell phone lights and camera flash. Cham did not disappoint, the slim, energetic entertainer dance and deejay is way through a break free one hour set, while fending off overzealous female patrons who apparently wanted a souvenir, as they tug at his garment. Some patrons went as far as to stuffing dollar bill in the deejays blue jeans.
The performance saw Cham performing some of his early classic, like “Kehserah,” “Fassy Hole,” Galang Gal,” Vitamin S,” mega hits like “Ghetto Story,” as well as the remix with Alecia Keys and “This is Why I’m Hot.” The audience could not get enough; as every time that they were asked, “Are you ready to go?” … They responded with a decisive… “No, no!” Cham turned up the heat with several acca-pella, teasing the frenzy patrons with samples from his forthcoming album, plus an amusing interplay with the audience, as well an impromptu dance off with Flava, you could say his performance was not unlike the recent actions of the New York Stock Exchange, as his stock was on the rise all night and the hundreds of patron who waited patiently on his arrival, received good dividends on their investments.
All said, Baby Cham’s performance inside De Island Breeze Lounge was of high energy; it was engaging and truly refreshing, as the artist appeared to have relished the audience‘s enthusiasm. It was Cham at his best, as he delivered a virtuoso performance.
GN
ReggaeEndz.Com /September 26, 2010
With Monday’s start of Buju Banton aka Mark Myrie’s trial in Tampa, Florida on charges of conspiracy to possess and distribute more than 5 kilo of cocaine, everyone that is not living underground, has an opinion.
The four times Grammy nominee is facing twenty-five years to life imprisonment and US $4 million fine, punishment that is usually reserved for murderers, life time criminals and for, even acts of treason. How does Buju Banton’s, alleged, action or inaction, as he actually did not purchased the drugs, stack up to the aforementioned breaches?
As for me, I am conflicted. I too have admired the metamorphosis of Buju Banton, from a dance hall “Phnom” to a reggae music icon. Am I disappointed that he allowed himself to become engulfed in this crisis, the answer is yes. But, I also realize that Buju Banton is no different than most of us (not necessarily Jamaicans), so far as our human failings. Many is chirping about his greed; but how many of us given the opportunity to exploit a situation, if we are sure that we would not be caught? How moral would it be if a parent or any responsible adult were to place an appetizing sweet in front of a child for the sole purpose of tempting that child? Would the later be considered “entrapment? We all harbour the desire to obtain certain things; but, I don’t see where it is a government place to provide us, via deception with that which is detrimental to us or society- simply because we voice our desire to possess that which is taboo or illegal.
Though Buju is not a child, the actions of the authority figures and the US Government are not too dissimilar, both create an artificial environment to elicit a specific reaction or behavior that would not otherwise exist. It is almost like the incarcerating of individuals for thinking of committing a crime, without taking into consideration the fact that the act might not be carried out. Are we now living in a world of “Bushism”- Pre-emptive actions at all cost?
Human being, unlike all of God’s other creations are rational creatures and confronted with the right stimuli will experience extensive emotional and psychological swings. But, more often than not, our behaviour tends to ‘conform to the norm.’ My point is, why would a government that professes to be “ALL” things that the rest of the world is not- equality, justice, colour blindness, i.e. initiate such a premeditated act such as the one that ensnared Buju Banton and countless others?
The irony of the trial of Buju Banton and his two accomplices’ is that it is being played out against the backdrop of the U S dispensation of “uneven justice.” A disturbing truism that I term, “Third world” reality versus “First world” privilege, i.e. Paris Hilton’s recent cocaine possession- one year probation; Lindsey Lohan’s numerous drugs involvements- a few days in jail; and the recent arrest of chart topping singer Bruno Mars for possession of cocaine- not yet adjudicated.
All said, I think that the American Government needs to revisit its pledge; “…Justice and Liberty for All;” which I assumed included justice and fairness for the Mark Myrie(s) of the world.
Editorial
GN/ Reggaeendz.com Tuesday, September 22, 2010
Gays set up Buju, say Jamaicans in Florida
Author: admin
THE BUJU BANTON TRIAL
TAMPA, Florida — Jamaicans in Florida have consistently poured out their support for jailed international Reggae star Buju Banton. His songs get good rotation here and there was even a short-lived ‘Free Buju’ movement.
As the entertainer’s Monday trial date looms, supporters living here have expressed their desire to see the four-time Grammy nominee freed of the drug-related charges against him.
Some supporters here believe that the artiste is innocent and that he had been set up. They are, however, split on just who set up the Banton, whose given name is Mark Myrie.
On one hand there are those who believe, as Banton’s legal team is contending, that the Government had set up the artiste. But there are those who believe that he was set up by the “powerful and influential” gay community.
One of those who believes that the gay community is behind the arrest of the artiste — whose anti-homosexual lyrics have earned their wrath — is Kenyo Rose, 33, of Tampa.
“I believe the gay community is behind the arrest because of the fight they always give him,” Rose, himself a Reggae artiste who goes by the name J Rose, formerly Wicked, told the Sunday Observer yesterday.
“In the US the gay community has a lot of power and money too. When somebody wants you they are going to find a way to get you,” said Rose.
Banton and the gay community have been at odds since the 1990s when he made the monster hit single Boom Bye Bye, which advocates death for homosexuals. The gay community’s protests have led to several of the artiste’s shows in the United States being cancelled.
The years of acrimony between Banton and the gay community and the financial toll it has taken on the artiste forced Banton last year October to meet with members of the gay community in Los Angeles.
Though Rose feels that Banton may be innocent, he said the only way the artiste could walk was if he cuts a deal with prosecutors.
Another Jamaican, who gave her name as Kizzy, did not want to ascribe innocence or guilt to the artiste but said that Banton deserved a second chance, in that he should be acquitted.
“I think he deserves a second chance,” Kizzy, 33, told the Sunday Observer. “But if he did what they say he did, that’s wrong.
Another Jamaican, who gave his name only as Donovan and who is a soldier in the US army, said Banton deserved prison if he is found guilty as charged. Donovan, who was visiting family in this city, bemoaned what he said was a great deal of drug-related crimes being committed in Jamaica.
The trial against Banton is expected to start tomorrow at the Middle District Court in this Florida city.
Banton and two other men — James Mack and Ian Thomas — were arrested last year in south Florida and charged with conspiracy to possess more than five kilogrammes of cocaine with intent to distribute. Mack was also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offence.
However, Banton’s two co-accused recently copped plea deals with prosecutors, agreeing to testify against the artiste in return for light sentences.
Banton’s legal team said it was not perturbed by the development, and expressed confidence that a jury would return a not guilty verdict.
Courtesy of www.jamaicaobserver.com
Calypsonian Arrow dies
Author: admin
Internationally acclaimed recording artiste Alphonsus “Arrow” Cassell has died at his home in Montserrat at the age of 60.
A statement from his family says Arrow, who had penned several hits had been diagnosed with cerebral cancer in early 2009.
He was airlifted to the neighbouring island of Antigua last week for treatment.
Arrow, who won the local calypso monarch competition on four occasions before focusing exclusively on his recording and touring career, shot to international fame with his 1982 smash hit “Hot, Hot, Hot”.
Courtesy of www.jamaicastar.com
Kartel seeks ‘Empire’ recruits
Author: admin
Deejay Vybz Kartel is hunting new talent for his Portmore Empire in the form of a talent search, which will take place tonight at The Building in New Kingston.
The ‘Gaza Talent Search’ will take the place of the recently removed ‘Fresh Fridays’ in The Building.
Speaking to THE STAR recently, Kartel explained how the search came about. “The teacha has always been bussing artistes, but the idea for doing an official talent search came from my Street Vybz pawdie, Corey Todd (owner of the Building).”
In a release sent to THE STAR, Corey Todd added: “The search will start this Friday and continue every Friday until January. We will be searching for selectors, deejays, singjays and female dance groups.”
According to Kartel, the finals will be held in December and the winners will be announced and signed by January. An application form, Kartel said, will be made available at The Building where persons can sign up.
“The judge will ultimately be the crowd. We will be monitoring and will have the final say, though.”
What is Kartel looking for in his latest additions to the Portmore Empire? He said, “I’m looking for original sounds like me and Popcaan, just be original and fresh.” Todd said the talent search is a real chance for an entertainer to buss in the business. The show will be hosted by Boasy Boy Floyd and excerpts of the show will be aired on Hype TV.
cash prize
Each winner will be signed to the Portmore Empire and receive a cash prize of $250,000
Known for breaking new acts such as Gaza Slim, Popcaan, Blak Ryno, Jah Vinci, Gaza Indu, Merital Family and Lisa Hype, Kartel said young members of the Empire are doing well.
He said: “Slim is going to England this weekend, Popcaan is going to Holland and France at the end of September and Shawn Storm is doing a Japan tour in October.”
Courtesy of www.jamaicastar.com
Entertainment Quickies
Author: admin
There is no stopping the talented deejay who recently returned home from America, after a three-week promotional tour which took her across the Tri-state area of New York, Connecticut and New Jersey. Ruffi-Ann is currently enjoying strong rotation with her latest single which is titled, Forty-EightYears.
Encouraged by the positive response the single has been receiving in the streets, Ruffi-Ann plans to shoot a music video in support of it before the end of August.
Ruffi-Ann is also busy in the studios working on several new projects with producers such as Dean Fraser (Cannon Production) and Ralston Barrett (Westside Konnection Records).
New deal for Flo Factory Productions
Flo Factory Productions, a Jamaican independent record label, recently announced the signing of a production and distribution deal with Suncycle Records, a major record label out of the U.K.
The Flo Factory members, Jahnoi Nunez and Christopher ‘Damas’ Williams, are very elated about such an opportunity.
“As the local and international pioneers fuses, we are very happy for the prospect as we will now combine reggae, dancehall and hip hop to meet international standards under the label Suncycle Productions,” said a member of Flo Factory.
With its many nominations for outstanding work, from Mobo Awards to the Underground U.K Music Awards, just to name a few, the CEO of Suncycle Records, Chad ‘Dolamite’ Williamson, also said that with this joint venture there would be much more positive outcome. “We are happy with the decision to bring the Flo Factory family under our distribution umbrella, as we go forward together”, he highlighted.
Suncycle Records has been around for over a decade and has worked with artistes like Grappy Ranks, Baby Cham, Spragga Benz, Vybz Kartel and Mavado.
Flo Factory Productions began operations in 2002, and has worked with the likes of Tifa, Warrior King, Oneil Peart and Angel Smith. The Flo Factory family has also integrated their production skills in the corporate world, and has worked alongside Digicel on many projects.
As both labels embark on the new deal, they are set to release the Road of Life rhythm which features I-Octane’s Love Yah, Hya Slyce’s Blessings I give thanks Fah, Fyakin’s Hard Out Deh, High Flames’ With Love and Damas’ The Road of Life.
Tiana ‘Sold Out’
Jamaica’s newest female sensation, Tiana, who is known for the hit single Skippin’ Feelin’, featuring Chi Ching Ching, is quickly on the rise.
She also has a number of fresh singles out such, as Inna 2010 on the Glory rhythm, More Money on the Stage Mix rhythm and, most recently, No Man Can’t Talk Bad Bout Mi on the Trailer Reloaded rhythm – which is a counteraction for Konshens’ hit song, Gal Dem Ah Talk Bout Mi.
However, since the release of her mixtape, Sold Out, the dancehall princess got over 2,000 downloads in the first three days, before the link was broken and had to be replaced.
The downloads came from the US, France, Jamai ca, UK, Canada, Guadalupe, Trinidad & Tobago, Germany, Kenya and Japan.
Tiana says, “I am happy with the results. It’s always a great feeling to know that the hard work that was put in is greatly appreciated by thousands. I would like to big-up everyone who made this possible. DJ X from Cashflow who created the mixtape, D&H for the hot OMG Usher remix; Konshens; Wayne Marshall; G Whizz; Andrew & Wada Blood, who all did some brilliant skits on the mixtape.”
In a few weeks, fans will be treated to several new songs from Tiana, one of which is titled Dat Mi Want on the hot Flirtation rhythm. This rhythm also features Vybz Kartel, Wayne Marshall, Konshens, Andrew & Wada Blood and S. Bless. Another big project in the making is Pose A Di Bar, for an undercover producer who goes by the name Mr Hype.
Courtesy of www.jamaicastar.com
Yendi Phillips creates History for Jamaica
Author: admin
Yendi Phillips, Miss Jamaica hogged the limelight instantly after the Miss Universe 2010 beauty pageant held in Las Vegas. This is not because she won the mammoth crown of Miss Universe 2010 rather it is because of her getting the second position at the contest.
Well, Miss Mexico, Jimena Navarrete has won the diamond crown and been named the world’s most beautiful and sexy woman.
Yendi Phillipps has created the history by being the first runner-up at the pageant and getting the highest ever finish by a Jamaican in Miss Universe contest.
Initially when she was roped into the final 15, it was a historic feat nonetheless then she landed on to final 10, it was a cheerful experience and finally she was placed among the top 5, it delighted the Jamaican nation.
And when Yendi Phillipps was announced the first runner-up of the Miss Universe 2010 contest, the nation simply danced to the beats by tapping the feet.
Although she was very near to win, the Jamaicans are considering it the victory as it is the first time, any Jamaican could make to the final five.
It is a fact that if for any reason, Miss Universe (Miss Mexico) cannot continue or make it as a Miss Universe during her tenure, it would obviously be Yendi Phillipps as the Miss Universe 2010 as per her replacement.
Anyway Yendi, it is undoubtedly a big success by beating the horde of world’s top most beauties in the pageant
Source: buzztab
Contributed
Regggaeendz.com©2008
Reggae Singer Gyptian is poised for more international success, as he recently did a remix of Travie McCoy’s popular song Billionaire.
The song is currently at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and it also landed spots on other charts, including Pop Songs, Yahoo Audio, R&B/Hip Hop Songs, Radio Songs, Digital Songs, Japan Hot 100 and Canadian Hot 100.
Gyptian said he recorded his part late last week after being contacted to do the remix.
“Dem send mi di track and mi just do it and boom bang,” he told THE STAR.
With a collaboration of this nature, Gyptian said his career will be propelled even further.
“It good inna real life. It is putting it (career) to another level. It is showing the world that the career is growing; new step, new market, new fan base,” he said, noting that no official release date has yet been set for the song.
“I am an international act myself. I am out there and getting to another level,” he noted.
Although Gyptian is unsure of why he was chosen to do the remix, he says it may be linked to the success of his song Hold Yuh, which is currently at number 37 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip Hop chart after spending 22 weeks there. The song also holds spots on other Billboard charts, including Heatseekers Songs, Canadian Hot 100 and Radio Songs.
In April, popular American rapper Nicki Minaj remixed Hold Yuh without Gyptian’s knowledge. Despite this, he admitted that he was pleased with what she did with the song.
“From is promo, it a work. The song sexy, I like what she has done wid it, it nice. Di song is on the Billboard charts and maybe wid dis it go up deh to di highest,” Gyptian said.
Courtsey of www.jamaicastar.com
Is this for real? Or is it simply a calculated move by two of Jamaica most infamous antagonist? Obviously only those individuals
know the truth. However, I am giving them the benefit of the doubt, because the entire musical fraternity would like to see the two stellar performers move forward and become leaders by example- as two of the elder states men of the dance hall/reggae music community.
According to the article that follows, the two artists appearing on stage together, a rarity, and an event not fathomable, prior to its happening, was NOT planned and followed Bounty Killer’s pronouncement of support for the recent state of emergency. Strangely or coincidently, some blogger had suggested that if Bounty Killer is truly genuine in his declaration at Sumfest, then he indeed should seek to patch up his difference with his old nemesis. Where do they go from here? GN reggaeendz.com
Below the entire Star article:
Deejay Bounty Killer says his performance alongside long-time musical foe, Beenie Man, on Sunday in Negril, Westmoreland, was not planned.
On Sunday, Bounty brought a memorable end to the Guinness Summer Eclipse at The Jungle, when he invited Beenie onstage.
“It was nothing planned. I was booked and was doing my thing an’ a do some counteraction to some Beenie songs. Den mi stop an’ sey mi a leggo off a da vibe dey an mi big up Beenie. But mi neva know sey Beenie was in di house,” said Bounty when contacted by THE STAR yesterday.
The deejay said, at that point, Beenie Man made it known that he was present and the crowd urged him to call ‘The Doc’ onstage.
“The crowd was indicating for me to call him up, an’ true a me sey unity it was only right that wi put wi differences aside. Is a good ting and is the honourable thing to do, lead by example an’ use di music to uplift the people,” he said
“Weh di Docta deh?” Bounty had quizzed during his performance on Sunday, shortly after Beenie had arrived in the venue. Patrons then erupted as Beenie Man came onstage and shared a brief embrace with Bounty.
The two then went into a medley of their old favourites, reminiscent of their 1993 Sting appearance.
The performance was a rare dancehall moment by two of the genres most endearing artistes. Despite the many public spats over the past 18 years, their performance signified that both were appreciative of each other’s musical greatness.
tremendous vibe
During yesterday’s interview, Bounty who was still in good spirits after Sunday’s performance, said that “Di vibe was tremendous an di people dem love every moment of it,” he said.
The deejay said the onstage performance between him and Beenie is something he hopes to repeat.
“It is something we should do again, cause mi know sey Kingston an all ova waan see dat. And I think it will set di precedence for the Gully-Gaza conflict. Suh even if dem waan sen Kartel, a guh be di same vibe. Anything fi uplift di people, I’m for it.”
He, however, made sure to point out that, “the difference wid me an Beenie neva died, it jus put aside.”
Before Beenie Man’s cameo on Sunday, Bounty had been in peak form with songs from his vast catalogue from ‘Look into my eyes‘ to ‘Mama she’s not in a good mood‘ to ‘This is how we do it‘.
He was commanding, strong in his delivery and also philosophical. Bounty spoke on several social issues and said that after voicing his support for the police at Reggae Sumfest, he was disappointed to see a news report
of two officers shooting an unarmed man last Friday.
Also performing at the event were Agent Sasco, also known as Assassin, who connected with ‘Same Ting Again‘, ‘Hand to Mouth‘ and ‘EeediatTing Dat‘, Wayne Marshall, Ikaya, Chi Ching Ching and the Big Ship family of Chino, Laden, Bramma and Di Genius .
The Guinness Summer Eclipse was a two-night event of superb performances, featuring dancehall’s hottest artistes.
After the event, commenting on the Bounty and Beenie performance, Guinness brand manager
Gary Dixon said; “This was a truly great moment; two of dancehall’s most enduring and significant artistes sharing a rare moment together, on stage.”
Contributed Aug. 3, 2010
Reggaeendz.com©2008