July 7, 2010 Update

New Releases
Cougar
Nadine Sutherland has been in the music game a very long time. Back in the 1970s she and Junior Tucker were the young rising stars. Now she has a new release 'Cougar' which is a lighthearted look at the popularity of older women dating younger men. Check it out above. She doesn't name names from the Jamaican scene but you can figure them out.

Heart of Love
This single is a remix of the original one done by Richie Stephens and Assassin adds his own brand of energy and power to the song. Love it! Positive lyrics with a heavy, danceable beat. Check out the reworked video above.


Festival Time Again - True Jamaican Patriot
The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) is staging its annual Festival Song competition. The ten finalists have already been chosen and they will perform on July 10 at the RJR race day. The finalists have already performed in several road shows since June. The prize money for the show is the largest it has ever been and the winner will receive J$1 million and a 2010 Nissan Tiida. There is a compilation album 'True Jamaican Patriot' - the theme of this year's Festival - with the ten songs. Selection of the winner will occur in time for the Independence celebrations on August 6.

Read more here. Visit the JCDC web site.


Jolly Boys prove Mento alive and well
Apparently mento is not just tourist music. The Jolly Boys performed at Red Bones Blues Cafe in Kingston on June 26 and were appreciated by an enthusiastic local audience. The gentlemen provided music, dancing, and general "jolliness" at this local watering hole.

Check out their video for 'Rehab' above which is a remake of Amy Winehouse's hit. Read the full account of the June 26 concert here. Mento web site that tracks the progress of Jolly Boys from 1940s (!) to 21st century.

Capleton's 'Fed up with the System'
It's been a while since we've heard anything from Capleton but he has  a song out  called  'Fed up with the System' on the 'Love and Life' rhythm. The song is  part of a compilation album titled 'Heart of Reggae'. The song and album are available for download on Amazon and iTunes. According to record label Heart to Art, the song "should resonate strongly with the working class that is fed up with the social and economic injustices that they have to contend with on a daily basis".

Read more from Heart to Art, or download the track from Amazon/iTunes.

Laza Morgan's 'This Girl' for movie 'Step Up 3D'
The movie 'Step Up 3D' which will be released this August features a song by a Jamaican artist Laza Morgan. 'This Girl' is a hip hop/R&B track with the slightest whiff of dancehall. Laza is part of Jamaican reggae royalty being the son of Denroy Morgan (same family that Morgan's Heritage hails from) and former member of LMS.

Check out the video above and visit Laza's web site.

Sumfest to feature Chris Brown and Usher
Yes, it's indeed true. Chris Brown and Usher will headline the international nights of Reggae Sumfest. They will round out the line up of  major local artistes including Shaggy, Etana, Assassin, Gyptian, Jah Cure, Beenie Man, and Tarrus Riley. The concerts begin on July 22 with Dancehall Night and continue on July 23 and 24 with two International Nights.

Visit the Reggae Sumfest page to see the full line up of artists. Read the Observer article on the partnership between Sumfest and Red Stripe.

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June 16, 2010 Update

New Releases

Mavado
"Change Right Now" is a new recording by Mavado in response to the recent troubles that Kingston in particular continues to work through. Art is important, music is influential and can bring about change and so we applaud Mavado for his contribution to the search for a solution. Listen to the audio below (youtube unofficial video) and see what you think.


Fyakin
Envy or what Jamaicans call "bad-mine" or "red-eye" is a national obsession. So many songs have been written about it, how wicked it is, and how so-called friends will betray you. Fyakin has released a video medley for two songs which focus on this very theme, "Dem Nuh Real" and "Wolf Inna Sheep Clothes". It's a good video which features Konshens so scroll below and check it out.
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Karl Young Passes

Karl Young, owner of the path breaking Irie FM and also Zip 103 died on June 10 while in Chicago. Young, who was also the promoter of White River Reggae Bash was considered a pioneer and visionary when he launched Irie FM in 1989, Jamaica's first reggae music only station. He had been in Chicago recovering from lung surgery.


Read full article here.

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Jamaican Jah Cure in Dominica

Jah Cure is sharing his brand of reggae music with the people of Dominica at their World Creole Music Festival running from October 29 - 31. Cure is an odd success story rising above his prison sentence to create harmonious music which Jamaicans love. In addition to his local success he has recently collaborated with US R&B sensation Mary J. Blige to record "Each Tear". Cure is currently working on an upcoming album. 

Read full article here.

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New Album from Busy Signal

According to VP Records, Busy Signal's new album "D.O.B." which stands for Difference of Busy Signal, is set to drop on July 13. According to the artiste, the album will feature positive songs because, "only an idiot would go out there and sing a gun song, only stupid people would do that at a time like this in Jamaica" he said referring to the recent upheavals experienced in Kingston, Jamaica. "Personally, I don't even think we need songs like that." The album will include collaborations between Busy, Bounty Killer and Mavado.


Read release  here. 
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June 11, 2010 Update

New Releases

Ce'cile
Ce'cile has released a video to back up her sultry single "Anything (Cook Fi Yuh)". Our verdict? Nice video. The content matches the song. Lovely island visuals. One small thing though -  you know that feeling you get watching a Mariah Carey video? You think, why is this beautiful girl trying to hard? Same feeling. But judge for yourself.  

Romain Virgo
VP Records on June 6 released Romain Virgo's self titled debut album. Several of the songs are already well known and "Who Feels It Knows It" is currently climbing up the Jamaican TVJ charts. Take a look at the video below.

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Ziggy Marley, Wild and Free

Ziggy Marley has announced that in between albums he will be creating musical singles available to his fans for free. The name of the project is "Wild and Free" and the first release is "Africa Land". The latter track celebrates the momentous occasion of the staging of the first world cup football competitions on the sub Saharan African continent. 

To listen or download the track, click here.

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Jamaica Unite

According to an article in the Gleaner, Lawman Lynch of Lawman Lynch Foundation has written a song titled "Jamaica Unite". According to Mr. Lynch who is described as a youth advocate, he wrote the song to create change particularly as it relates to Jamaica's vulnerable children. Artists who are collaborating on the project include Etana, D'Angel, and King Yellowman. 


To read full article, click here.

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New Junior Reid Album

Junior Reid is scheduled to put out a new album this summer. The title is "Living Legend". Junior Reid is well known to reggae fans for major hits such as "One Blood" and "Foreign Mind". More recently he has collaborated with Alicia Keys for a remix of "No One" and done another remix of the hip hop single "This is Why I'm Hot" by Mims. The new album is expected to have 16 to 18 spanking new songs. 

"Living Legend" is expected to drop in the middle of August.

Read full Gleaner article here.

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Inner Circle and Beres Hammond "For the Love of It" Tour

Between July 21 and August 29, Inner Circle and Beres Hammond will be jointly touring cities in the USA and Canada. Inner Circle has a new CD "State of Da World" which features guest artists such as Damian Marley, Morgan Heritage, Junior Reid, Luciano, Mutabaruka and others. Beres Hammond is a well-beloved Jamaican artist known for his lover's rock style of reggae.


For more info click here.

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June 1, 2010 Update


New Video Releases 

Certified Diva

We told you! Certified Diva by Tami Chynn and Tifa has turned out to be quite successful locally. (To see original entry, scroll down to March 25, 2010 update.) To shore up that success, and perhaps the first leg of an international push, they have released a video. Check it out below and see what you think. We think it's okay. Not great, not terrible. It's professionally done, has a sense of humour, but, for all the colours it lacks intensity and excitement. You be the judge. 

My Cupp
The Richie Loop video is finally here. Check it out and judge for yourself whether it's hot or a flop. We already told you what we think of the song (see May 14 post). What do we think about the video? Well... it has a lot of cups. Seriously though, no real surprises (meaning it's an okay video) except there's a bit of a twist at the end which could've been hard hitting but the lyrics are a little soft. You check it out for yourself and see if you agree.

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RIP Oneil Edwards

Oneil Edwards of the group Voicemail sadly passed away on May 26, 2010.  Voicemail had previously announced that the single "One Life to Live" which is slated to be on their upcoming album (Next Level) is dedicated to Edwards.  Edwards was shot and seriously injured on May 10 in an alleged robbery attempt. The video above shows Edwards explaining the positive nature of Voicemail's music and has an audio recording of the song. Proceeds from the sale of the single will go towards Edwards' family.

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Nas speaks of Jamaican music and Bob Marley

It's finally here. The long anticipated "Distant Relatives", the collaborative project between Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, son of Bob Marley, and Nas was released on May 18. All accounts point to success and we at Jamaica Cultural Enterprises already know that the single "As We Enter" is great. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, hip hop artist Nas spoke about the similarities between Jamaican music and hip hop. He said, "They're both real music by people who are expressing themselves about the conditions around them. Many of those conditions are similar. Jamaican music can be aggressive, soulful, smooth and exciting all at once - just like hip-hop. At the same time, there's nothing like Jamaica in the United States. Jamaica is its own thing." He also said of Bob Marley that, "Everyone listens to him - it's not a Jamaican thing or an American thing - it's all over the world. I've always wished to be able to that once, as much as he does it naturally and easily on this untouchable level, I'd want to do that. Just touch people and help them on that same worldwide level."

Scroll dup to see the "As We Enter" video.
Read the full article here.

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Positive review of 'Distant Relatives'

The NY Times in an article titled "A Mash Up on Behalf of Mother Africa" acknowledges the artistry and talent of both Damian Marley and Nas on their collaboration 'Distant Relatives'.  Of Jr. Gong, the article says, "Mr. Marley handled most of the album's production and turned in some of his best vocal performances yet." The magazine also praised Nas, saying, he delivered "first class performances on 'Tribal War' and 'Leaders'."


Read full review here.
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Reggae Sumfest - the show will go on

Based on a Gleaner article, the promoters of Reggae Sumfest will definitely be proceeding with this year's series of concerts and parties despite the difficulties they are facing in financing the show. Citing the need to maintain the festival's presence in order to support the local economy and tourist trade, the promoters, which include Johnny Gourzong, state they will not be backing down from the challenges facing them this year which include reduced sponsorship and increased artiste fees. Sumfest. which is an important event on the Jamaican calendar, will take place between July 18 and 24. 


Read Gleaner article.
Visit Sumfest Web Site


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May 14, 2010 Update

Noteworthy New Video - Serani's "Searching"

From the singer that produced such hits as "Skip to my Lou", "She Loves Me', and "No More Games" we now receive a new video. The song is "Searching". Check it out below and see if you think it's hot... or not.

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Sad Happenings in Dancehall
The Dancehall industry was rocked this week by news of the sad shootings of both O'Neil Edwards of Voicemail and Mad Cobra. Edwards was shot on May 10 in an alleged robbery while Mad Cobra (Ewart Everton Brown) was shot on May 11 reportedly because he angered some youths with the bright lights from his vehicle At the time of writing, Edwards was in stable but critical condition in the hospital while Mad Cobra had been discharged from hospital and was recovering at home.

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What's in your cup?

It is likely that the song. "My Cupp" by  Richie Loop is going to be HUGE this summer. The song's appeal lies in its simple, addictive, catchy chorus, the smooth vocals, and the laid back energy. If you listen to the song once it will be stuck in your head all day! Some may argue this song is a little too simple but this is definitely another hit from Big Yard.

Take a listen by scrolling down and clicking on the YouTube video link below.

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Jimmy Cliff's Album for Summer 2010?
Mr. Cliff is having a great year. In March he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the buzz has simply not stopped.  There has been renewed interest in the film "The Harder They Come" as various organisations have sought to honour Perry Henzell the film's director.  The play version runs at the Nottingham Playhouse  London in May. The movie, which was released in the 1970s, starred Jimmy Cliff and his music was also part of the film's extraordinary and memorable sound track. To ice Mr. Cliff's cake would be the release of his album "Existence" this summer. According to the reggae legend, the album which was recorded in Jamaica "deals with our existence here on this planet, economically, socially and politically. I’ve tried to put a positive spin on things in a bid to help people appreciate their lives. I’m hoping to release it in the summer." 

Source: Voice Online
Read full article here

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Toots and the Maytals on Tour

The band known for its huge contribution to Jamaican reggae and its boundless energy is back on tour. The latest album being promoted  - "Flip and Twist" - was launched on April 20.

Click here for Tour Dates

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"Hold Yuh" Still Going Strong

National Public Radio (NPR) has joined the throngs of persons praising Gyptian's single "Hold Yuh". It says, "A pared-down, slightly off-key rhythm not only stands out on hyper-slick mainstream radio, but it also allows Gyptian's remarkable voice to stand front and center. Supple, dulcet and falsetto-friendly, it's also pinched and a tad nasal, which only adds to its unique charm. When Gyptian croons about his woman giving him 'the tightest hold me ever get inna me life,' it's swoon-worthy stuff." Furthermore, R&B  singer Mia Stoosh has joined others in recording a track on the "Hold Yuh" rhythm. Her song is called "Love Me".

Listen to Mia Stoosh's "Love Me" by scrolling down and clicking on YouTube video link below.

Sources: SHOUTcast blog/Dancehall Mobi

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Chris Martin has Sucessful Collab with Gentleman

According to a Jamaica Observer newspaper article, "To the Top", a single by Gentleman featuring Chris Martin has proven successful. The song which forms part of Gentleman's latest album "Diversity" is selling well and is at position number 5 on the iTunes Top Reggae Songs chart. Gentleman who hails out of Germany is one of the most successful international reggae artists and is known for his authentic roots sound. Not to mention the fact that if you close your eyes you would swear it was a Jamaican talking with patois and all! Chris Martin on the other hand is a Jamaican up and coming artist who got his start in the Digicel Rising Stars music competition.

Source: The Jamaica Observer.
Click here for full article.

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Sid Bucknor Dies

Pioneering reggae sound engineer/producer Syd Bucknor died May 9 in a London hospital. Bucknor who worked with original reggae artistes such as Bob Marley and the Wailers, Toots and the Maytals, Alton Ellis, John Holt and others died of cancer.
 
Source: The Jamaica Observer
Read full article here.

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April 28, 2010 Update


Noteworthy New Video - Damian Marley and Nas, "As We Enter"
The first video from the "Distant Relatives" album is out! It's "As we Enter" and it's hot. The single is brimming with rebellious fervour but is softened by a wicked jazz hook. Check it out and see if you agree that this song is going to tear it up.

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Tanya Stephens to perform from new free album

Tanya Stephens is slated to perform at Christopher's, a Jazz Bar located in Kingston, tomorrow night, April 29. Ms. Stephens has made headlines recently because the new album "Infallible", the tracks of which she is to perform tomorrow night, is available free for download. The album was featured earlier this month by Riddim Magazine which distributed the CD free of cost.

Download album here.

Source: The Jamaica Observer/Dancehall.mobi/Reggaeville.com
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Passing Grade for documentary on Rock Steady, 2.5 Stars

There is a new documentary which focuses on the Jamaican music genre Rock Steady. The film titled "Rock Steady: the Roots of Reggae" is directed by Stascha Bader and features artistes such as Stranger Cole and Hopeton Lewis. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, there is even an appearance by Rita Marley showing off what one can deduce is the Trench Town house she and Bob shared. The reviewer gave the documentary 2.5 stars out of a possible 5 due to lack of original footage and because "social history soon gives way to nostalgia for a more innocent time when it was safe to walk the streets of Kingston at night."

Full article here.

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Tarrus Riley to do School Visits

According to the Jamaica Star in the weeks leading up to Western Consciousness 22, a reggae concert scheduled for May 22, Tarrus Riley will make a series of school visits in the parish of Westmoreland.  Mr. Riley will spend time with children, particularly those in troubled schools and give them guidance and encouragement.  In addition to Tarrus Rile, the concert will feature popular artistes such as Capleton, Lutan Fyah, Turbulence,   G-Whizz, I-Octane, and Duane Stephenson

Read full report.

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Gyptian's "Hold Yuh" Hot

Earlier this month Gyptian released a video for "Hold Yuh".  There's  now a remix out with Nicki Minaj, and songs by other artistes are featured on the rhythm, including one by Lady Saw. By all accounts therefore, the song is a success. Below is a review of the single from Billboard writer Mariel Concepcion.

"Not since Wayne Wonder's "No Letting Go," which hit No. 14 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in 2003, has an underground reggae artist garnered as much attention in the United States as Jamaica's own Gyptian. His latest track, "Hold Yuh," which entered the March 27 chart at No. 78, features a basic Ricky Blaze-helmed production with a six-chord piano arrangement and a bassline that perfectly weaves in and out of the beat. "Gal, me wanna fi just squeeze ya, put me ting right around ya," Gyptian sings in his island twang. "Me want a gal who can wine pon me, wit it good/And make me feel it, show me that you could girl." Just when Wonder decided to let go, Gyptian has taken hold of alternative reggae and brought it back to life."

Source: Billboard.com/Dancehall.mobi
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April 14, 2010 Update

Noteworthy New Single

Toya has a new song "Hot like a Fire" and in it she struts her stuff, joining the ranks of the hotties. The video is below so give it a listen and see if it appeals to you.

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Jah Cure and Mary J. Blige in Exciting Collaboration

Singer Jah Cure will be featured on R&B sensation Mary J Blige's latest album titled 'Stronger with Each Tear.'

The two collaborate for the album's lead single, the soft and slow Each Tear. The two were brought together by producer Dwayne Chin-Quee,aka Supa Dups, a member of the Black Chiney sound system, and producer of music from the likes of Estelle, Sean Paul, John Legend and Rihanna to Kardinal Officiall, Collie Budz and Pitbull.

Source: The Jamaica Star

Read more.

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Serani Busy

Singjay Serani has been busy working on new collaborations and videos to hit local and international stations soon.

Three weeks ago, the singjay shot the Tipsy in the Club video alongside Universal/SRC recording artist Webstar and rapper Jadakiss.

The trio shot the video at the Mansion nightclub in New York, and according to Serani, the video will hopefully be premiered on BET's '106 and Park'.

Source: The Jamaica Star

Read more.

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April 1, 2010 Update

Noteworthy New Video

Gyptian has released a new video for his song, "Hold Yuh" . The song which has, ahem, let's say "adult lyrics" over very laid back piano tinkling is  quite easy to listen to. Check out the video below.
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G-Whizz's message brings hope to Bermudan children

G-Whizz, whose correct name is Garland Rowe, was summoned to Bermuda by promoter Kendricks Zuill, to not only perform, but also to speak to young teens and students about life and staying on the right track. G-Whizz who is known for his songs, "Life" and "On and On", says, "Like everywhere else, their island has a problem with students misbehaving and violence in schools. So when the promoter called me to talk to them and perform, I was really happy to do that. I want people to see that music is not only music, it's supposed to give inspiration and show people that they have a way out of whatever they are going through. It was a lot of fun and I'm happy the teens and adults embraced the message and performances."

The performances took place last week Friday night (March 26) at the Whitney school and at the Devonshire Recreational Centre on Saturday night.

Source: BluePrint Publicity and Promotions

See G-Whizz's video "Life" below.
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Damian Marley and Nas - Strong Collaboration

The Distant Relatives concept was released, the album tracks finalised, the art work revealed, the music made available for pre-order, and now the tour dates have been announced. There will be several appearances this summer in the United States and Europe between June and August. Tickets will be available from Ticketmaster.com. Before those tour dates however, Marley will be closing the World of Music Arts and Dance Festival scheduled  being held in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) on April 24.

Distant Relatives is targeted for release on May 18.

Source: ShoutCast Blog
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New Name, Video for Ryno

Dancehall artiste Blak Ryno is certainly moving since leaving the Portmore Empire, as he has changed his name, done a music video and collaborated with Kym, formerly Gaza Kim. On Friday, Blak Ryno, via a statement issued by Shuzzr Entertainment, said he has changed his name to Ryno Di Stinger. In addition, he will be forming ties with a group called Garrison, which comprises producer Super Blunt and Kaliba.

Read more.
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March 25, 2010 Update

Noteworthy New Singles

1. Sizzla and Diana Rutherford - their new single is interesting to us because, come on, it's Sizzla, folks! Vibrant, energetic, usually fresh... He has teamed up with Diana Rutherford, former Digicel Rising Star contestant on a new single "A New Day", which has a relaxed Dancehall/Hip Hop/Pop feel. Well worth a listen.

2. Erup - Single "How we Ride" is described as Dancehall/Rock, and with the strong guitar chords it has an interesting sound that we  generally do not hear. Definitely worth a listen.

Watch YouTube videos below.
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Kymani Marley and his biographer Resolve Differences

In a release, Kymani Marley, one of Bob Marley's sons, has stated that he will be going on a book tour with Dr. Farrah Gray to promote the biography "Dear Dad: The Marley Son who Persevered from the Streets to Prominence". In the release, Marley states that his previous objection was not with the content but with the subtitle. He says however that he  has been assured that future copies of the book will not have that subtitle, and that given the timing of his objections, there was nothing which could have been done about the title prior to the book's release. The tour is expected to stop in 27 cities both in the United States and internationally.

Click here to read the full press release.

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Redemption Song in New Statesman's Top 20 Political Songs List

The periodical "New Statesman" has compiled a list of the Top 20 Political Songs as determined by their readers and members of the Political Studies Association. Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" is at number 17. Other songs on the list include Billie Holiday's "Strange Fruit" (no. 4), Nina Simone's "Mississippi Goddam" (no. 14), and John Lennon's "Imagine" (no. 18). The number 1 song is "This Land is Your Land" by Woody Guthrie.

Click here to read the entire list.

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Jamerican Sean Kingston One of Singers of Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games Theme Song, March 25, 2010

Sean Kingston, the 20 year old Jamaican-American singer known for such hits as "Beautiful Girl" and "Fire Burnin" spent the last three days in Singapore recording the theme song  and video for the Youth Olympic Games. He represents the Americas while other singers represent Africa, Asia, and Europe. Kingston whose style is Reggae/Pop apparently charmed Singapore Idol judge Ken Lim who is known to Singaporean audiences as chilly and silent. and actually had him smiling, a rare sight.

The singers will come together again to perform the theme song on August 14, 2010 in the Opening Ceremony.

Click here to read more.

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Tami Chynn and Tifa together on New Single "Certified Divas"

Prediction: this song will make some waves for Tami and Tifa in 2010. Newly released from Washroom Entertainment, the song has a Dancehall/Pop vibe that, if properly marketed, should engage listeners both in Jamaica and across the globe.

Judge for yourself. No official video but YouTube recording below gives a taste.

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