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JAMAICAN MUSIC sensation Christopher Martin heads to Europe this winter for five solo shows and then joins European reggae star Gentleman as they embark on a multi-city European tour in November and December.

Christopher Martin and Gentleman have seen significant success in their careers as individual artiste but recently teamed up and merged their solo success and created a number one hit song called To The Top. The video, shot in Marrakech, Morocco saw the two blending their musical styles with the captivating backdrop of the ancient city. This November, Christopher Martin and Gentleman will further emphasise their collaborative genius on stages all over Europe.

Christopher Martin will start his tour of Europe, solo, for five shows beginning on October 30 in Mannheim, Germany. Martin then moves to Cologne, Germany on November 2, Oslo in Norway on November 5, back to Cologne on November 6 and finally in Helsinki, Finland on November 7.

The intensity of the tour will increase when Martin joins Gentleman on his Diversity tour from November 18 to December 22. This is the second leg of the tour with the first leg, a six-week summer tour, being sold. The upcoming tour will see Christopher Martin and Gentleman taking the stage in nine countries for 22 shows. The two will perform in Germany, Switzerland, France, Holland, Spain, Luxemburg, Poland, Macedonia, and the Czech Republic.

Gentleman’s latest album Diversity entered the German Album Charts directly in pole position. This year MTV pays tribute to the artiste and, for the first time, Gentleman is nominated in the category “Best German Artiste” for the MTV European Music Awards in Madrid on November 11, 2010.

Asked how he feels about being part of such a high-profile tour, Christopher Martin says he is glad for the chance to show the world his music: “I am really happy for this opportunity, the song I did with Gentleman has really opened many doors for me and this tour will open more doors. I have never been on a tour of this magnitude, I know it will be a challenge but I am ready for it, keeping fit and getting ready to give the European fans my all.”

Christopher Martin, who has notched up numerous hits both in Europe and Jamaica, is now considered one of the new crop of stars who will carry on the legacy of Jamaican music in Europe.

Courtesy of www.jamaicaobserver.com

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RASTA Government is the title of the latest CD from Rastafarian singer, Isiah Mentor. A strong collection of conscious, thought-provoking songs, the CD pays tribute to Rastafari.

Isiah Mentor, who says his mission is to “wake up the walking dead through music”, has been back and forth between Jamaica and the US, promoting the CD and working on a music video project.

“The album was actually released in November 2009 and is available at all major download sites, and is doing reasonably well,” he said.

According to the artiste, his Rasta Government single showed up on the charts in Italy during its first pre-release week.

The singer recently returned from Germany, where he was on tour with Pow Pow, rated among the best reggae sound systems in that European country. Making a decision to give up an upcoming European tour, the reggae artiste says he is placing his focus on getting back in the groove locally.

“Yard is where it all begins, and no matter what, it is important to establish a presence here in Jamaica,” the world-travelled artiste explained. “You cannot go around yard,” he emphasised.

Isiah Mentor was born in Rae Town, Kingston and early in his career linked up with the legendary King Tubby, through the studio engineer, Professor, who was very impressed with one of his performances “Professor told me to meet him at the studio in Water House, and I did an audition for King Tubby. He was dressed in his mesh merino and looked very stern. When he gave me the green light, I nearly let out a shout of joy,” recalled the artiste, who at that time went by the name Lilly Melody.

He received that moniker while living at Central Village because he was always singing by the river early mornings with lots of lilies around.

As part of King Tubby’s Firehouse Crew with other acts such as Red Rose, King Kong and Michael Palmer, Isiah Mentor released quite a few singles and started touring the United States. He recalls that his first overseas trip was for radio announcer and promoter Clinton Lindsay.

Isiah later migrated to the US, but he was still doing music. He started his own record label, Village Roots Records and released Reggae Startime Vol 1, with Tanya Stephens, Anthony B, Turbulance, Chuck Fender, Vybz Kartel, George Nooks and himself.

In 2006 , Isiah released one of his biggest hits so far, Fight Fight Fight, which charted in Germany, Italy, and France went to number one in New Mexico, USA.

Courtesy of www.jamaicaobserver.com

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RICHIE Spice and Chuck Fenda, two of the acts who were initially signed to the Fifth Element Records when the label was first established years ago will join Guyanese roots singer Natural Blacks, veteran singer John ’1000 Volts’ Holt, Ky-enie, Jessie Jendah, Spanner Banner, Tony Curtis, Kristopher and Boom Blast at the 10th anniversary celebration for the label in New York later this month

The two-day celebration, which will be a reunion of sorts for Spice and Fenda, will kick off next Saturday, October 30 at the C-Pac in Brooklyn and will close on Sunday, October 31 with another concert at Macedonia Hall in Mount Vernon, New York.

“We are excited about this milestone celebration and thrilled that Richie and Fenda — two of the acts that were there when we initially launched the Fifth Element vision years ago — are able to join our current artiste Natural Black for this historic occasion,” Devon Wheatley, CEO of Fifth Element Records and event producer noted.

He said the New York promotions team is working feverishly to ensure that the weekend of activities will be one of total enjoyment. “Everyone is definitely hyped and ready to have a marvelous time and with the bevy of stars we have lined up, we are expecting this to be a massive celebration.”

Wheatley expressed joy in working with Richie again and gives credit to the Rastafarian sing-jay for what he has accomplished in his career.

“It is rare that you find someone with Richie’s voice and, potent writing ability, yet so humble and disciplined. Through guidance and good management, his skills have been honed to achieve musical greatness and we are pleased to have contributed to his success and happy to have him booked for this 10th anniversary concert” he commented.

The laid back reggae crooner who has won several local and international awards over the years remains grounded despite his international success.

“If I get awards for putting out music that is loved and appreciated by the masses, it’s not the objective, just merely one of the rewards” he said.

Aside from Richie Spice and Chuck Fenda, Fifth Element Records has launched the careers of Anthony Cruz and songbird Etana.

Courtesy of www.jamaicaobserver.com

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Bunny Wailer considers claiming Tuff Gong albums

THERE is the likelihood that Tuff Gong Records will soon start legal proceedings challenging a recent court ruling giving ownership of the Bob Marley catalogue to the Universal Music Group.

This was hinted at by attorney-at-law, Michael Lorne, who was speaking at the revamped Peter Tosh Symposium held at the Undercroft at the University of the West Indies, Mona on Tuesday night.

In setting the stage, Lorne gave a brief account of the recent court ruling which gave Universal Music Group (UMG) control over a large portion of the Marley catalogue. “As many of you know. The Bob Marley estate was sold to Island (Blackwell). Blackwell sold it to Polydor, Polydor sold it to Universal. And the other day I read in the papers where there were some contests between the Marley family and Universal, in trying to get back the Bob Marley estate. But the court ruled in favour of Universal.”

Lorne then went on to share with the audience an experience with Bunny Wailer some time ago at the start of the legal wrangling between the Marley estate and Universal Records. “While there was this wrangle going on with the Bob Marley estate, one day Bunny Wailer came to me. And he said let’s go by the court… I said why you want to go Bunny. Him said come with me because I want to make a statement to the court… and Bunny said to the Judge, I hope that Tuff Gong Records is not part of this Bob Marley estate that is being negotiated for sale.”

Lorne said that the judges and the rest of lawyers concurred with Bunny that Tuff Gong Records is not a part of the Bob Marley estate that was being negotiated with Chris Blackwell.

“This was many years ago,” Lorne said before adding that the other day when the court ruled in favour of UMG, Bunny called him, suggesting that the time is now ripe to begin the legal process to get back a portion of the Marley estate that falls under Tuff Gong ownership.

“Him (Bunny) sey, you think we can now start, the system going to get back now as much of Bob Marley estate which falls under Tuff Gong. Because a lot of the songs, especially Wailers’ songs, are part of Tuff Gong. Tuff Gong, that symbol with the three hands in a circle represents Bob, Peter and Bunny. Tuff Gong Records was the original Wailers company that the three of them had set up,” Lorne recalled.

“And the logic of it now, we had made it clear that that is not part of the estate, therefore, the catalogue should not have reached the hands of Universal,” Lorne said. “I say all of that to say, it looks like we really have some battles ahead of us,” he continued

Tuff Gong is a record label that was formed by the group in 1970, and named after Bob Marley’s nickname, taken from the moniker of the founder of the Rastafari movement, Leonard Howell, aka The Gong.

On September 13, a court in the United States ruled that the Universal Music Group rightfully owned the rights to a number of the Reggae King’s most celebrated tracks, staving off a challenge brought by members of the Marley family.

Courtesy of www.jamaicaobserver.com

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FUSION-Swagga Edition, that’s what happening on the 20^th. November 2010; in a rare innovative, promotional initiative that has members of the entertainment fraternity coming together to promotes the next generation of reggae/dance hall super stars.

 Fusion is the brain child of several entities in the music business; headed by “Freshas Theatre Group, productions crew SC-21 and the new label on the block, A-Town Records (ATR). The premise of the production is to “have shows that allow up and coming artist the opportunity to perform, thus sharpening their individual skills… and also to afford them exposure,” according to Dwayne “ A-Town” Hinds, A-Town Records producer, manager.

 Hinds said that, “the idea was presented to several notable members of the entertainment fraternity, who embraced it.” Some of the high profile acts/artists that are slated to perform at the event, to held at Islington High in Saint Mary, are Jamaica’s international rising star, Romain Virgo, dance hall ‘stand out’ Munga (Honourable), Jafari and top flight lyricist Tyrical.

 Other acts that will take the stage, include A-Town Records label mates, Syckle, Jendah, and (Daka)Shade; Got It’s, Anarchie, as well as Chrystal, Fire Aji, Tenuke, Fire Zee, Majah Bless and many others.

 Music for the event will be provided by Mad Instrument and G.I International. Gate opens at 9 PM.

 GN October 18, 2010

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VETERAN Jamaican entertainer and songwriter Ernie Smith, is to receive this year’s Pinacle Award when he performs at the annual Reggae Culture Salute in New York on October 30.

Smith who is this year celebrating 43 years in the music industry, will head a cast of veteran Jamaican entertainers including Big Youth, Tony Tuff, Mystic Bowie, Ancient Vibrations, Douglas Guthrie, the Anthem Band and DJ Nahki of Japan in paying tribute to another great Jamaican entertainer, the late Sugar Minott.

The annual staging of the salute to Reggae Culture by the Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music (CPR), — a non profit body — is also in recognition of the 80th year of the coronation of Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia.

Radio broadcaster Sharon Gordon who heads the organisation, said its main purpose is “to raise the bar in the creation, development, promotion and preservation of reggae music.” She said that CPR “conducts educational forums and research to codify, curate, and disseminate information about the music.”

The Pinacle Award which is named for the rasta community of the same name in St Catherine Jamaica, is the highest award offered by CPR.

Ernie Smith who is known for hit songs such as Bend Down, I Can’t Take It, One Dream, Sunday morning, Life is Just for Living and Ride on Sammy, is also celebrating the release of a new album, Country Mile.

Courtesy of www.jamaicaobserver.com

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Female singjay Ikaya is a woman on a mission, and although that mission is nowhere near complete, she is confident of reaping success.

The young artiste, who has been receiving quite a bit of commendation on the quality of her work, her lyrics and her performances, now has something else to smile about. The video for her single Hard Way, has made great strides and worked its way to the very pinnacle of the popular Video Alley chart.

“I am happy and excited about getting a number one video, but I am even more grateful about the impact that the song has been having … especially among young people,” Ikaya said.

“Hard Way is a very serious song – it’s reality and the message is powerful, and as an artiste you have to do music that will make people look up to you and remember you in a positive light,” the artiste declared.

Ikaya has undoubtedly been making her presence felt in the music industry this year, and the hard work being put in by her management team has resulted in promoters calling to enquire about the artiste’s availability for shows. October, she notes will be a busy month.

Ikaya, who was invited to participate in the Digicel Roadshow series, performed at her final show on October 2. She is confirmed for the Food Festival at the Lime Golf Academy on the 17th and JN Sports Club Comedy Night on the 29th.

Also on her itinerary for this month is the RE School Tour which kicks off on October 26 and will run throughout the parishes every Tuesday in November.

Courtesy of www.jamaicaobserver.com

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Reggae artiste Teflon says he is ready to take on the music in a new way, and has vowed to produce quality music for his fans.

The St Mary-born the hardcore lyricist recently signed to Mad Vibez Entertainment and Digital One Production, which are now in charge of reshaping his career and both parties, believe that it is the start of something magical as both groups are ready to put in the hard work.

“When we came together, we all understood what is needed to be done. We sat, talk and everyone came to a mutual understanding that there’s a perception out there and it needed to be changed,” said Richard Roache, of Digital One Productions.

Since the start of the year, Teflon has recorded several singles which are set to be released before the end of this year.

Teflon admits that there has been a level of discord between himself and his supporters, but states that he has never ill-treated anyone. “Nuff people used to say Teflon unapproachable and dem never talk to me before. Most people just assume things, because every youth weh come round wi, wi try fi give dem di best advice and treatment,” he noted.

This was echoed by Michael Thompson of Madvibez Entertainment, who underscored the talent which Teflon possesses. “No one question if Teflon is a talented artiste, it’s just the bad perception out there about the artiste, and that’s what we are here for, to guide his career on the right path,” said Thompson.

The artiste recently wrapped up a successful European tour, which he says was one of his most-memorable experiences of his life .

Teflon, known for his fiery stage performances, said he will not change his musical style and fans can expect to hear more from him in the near future. “No mi nah go change mi style, a dat mek Jamaica know Teflon so how mi fi change it? Only thing the fans dem must expect is more quality work,” he said.

Courtesy of  www.jamaicaobserver.com

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Duane Stephenson has been invited by the World Food Programme to The George McGovern Leadership Award ceremony for United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday October 5 in Washington DC.

Stephenson is being invited to join the WFP’s Board of Directors, US Congressional Committee Members and Special Representative for Global Partnerships in the Office of the Secretary of State, Ambassador Elizabeth Frawley Bagley. At the prestigious event, US Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, will be presented with The George McGovern Leadership Award for her work in addressing the issue of global hunger. This award is given to individuals who have done stellar work in tackling the issue and Mrs Clinton is the tenth awardee.

Asked how he feels about being in such powerful company, Stephenson says he is humbled and excited at the same time: “It’s so inspiring to be in the company of global leaders and dedicated corporate partners who share the same values and aspirations to eradicate hunger. Food is a common bond that unites every single life form on this planet, we all require it to live, yet a billion people each night go to bed hungry and 25,000 of them die,” he states.

Stephenson continues, “the Wailers and I are partners with the World Food Programme and our song, A Step for Mankind, has helped to spread the message of the need for more action in addressing the issue of world hunger”.

The young Reggae act says his work with the World Food Programme will continue as he sees the issue of world hunger as one that is very important to him: “I am happy to be there to see Secretary Clinton get this award as she has helped over the years to bring the problem of world hunger to the fore. The issue is one that affects a billion of our brothers, sisters and children in 80 countries. This award will bring added attention and raise awareness of the issue”.

Duane Stephenson is currently touring the US promoting his sophomore album Black Gold which was released on September 28. Black Gold follows Stephenson’s debut album, From August Town which was release by VP Records in 2007 and was hailed as one of that year’s best reggae albums.

Courtesy of www.jamaicaobserver.com

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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.

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