reggaeendz.com

Archive for September, 2010

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

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

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

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

Reggae artiste Mark Dyer, aka Warrior King, is on a musical high as he continues to take his conscious brand of reggae to the four corners of the Earth.

The singer, who recently collected the Marcus Award for music, delivered a very exciting performance in front of a huge audience at the Anthony Nesty Sports Hall in Suriname recently.

During his performance, the audience sang along with him word for word as he belted out hits such as Virtuous Woman, Can’t Get Me Down, Jah is Always There, Where Is The Love and A Breath Of Fresh Air.

Also on the bill were Biggaton and Ginjah who were performing in Suriname for the first time, they were also well received.

Such was the magnitude of Warrior King’s performance that the promoters have invited him back to perform in the island in December.

Warrior King is also slated to visit the African continent for a series of shows before the end of the year.

Courtesy of www.jamaicastar.com