Archive for June, 2011
June 11th, 2011 | Author: admin
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
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June 2nd, 2011 | Author: admin
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