Coalition to Preserve Reggae - Sonia Pottinger

The Jamaica Observer reported that  Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music (CPR) are saddened to learn of the passing of Sonia Pottinger and have offered their condolences to her family and friends.

Story Here---> Observer

Sonya Spence

She is arguably the most talented artist that came out of the 70's in Jamaica. This was one of my favorite albums growing up.

Sasha- Is Now a Christian

I don't know if anyone remembers Sasha, the ex girlfriend of Tubulence. Well she has now given her life to Christ. According to the Jamaica Star, Sasha states,

"Yes, I am a Christian. Almost a year now."She was baptised at Bethel Tabernacle in St Ann.

"I grew up in the church and majority of my family are Christians. We are living in some serious times. I don't want to go on to another show and say anything that is not gonna give a man hope. I think everybody is aware of what is going on, but some people might not want to make the step because of fear," she said.

As a result of her newlife, Sasha said she will not perform any of the songs that made her popular. She was known for songs like Natty On Mi Frontline and We Got The Love, which were done with her former lover, Turbulence,, as well as a remake of Alton Ellis' I'm Still In Love, which she did with Sean Paul.

I agree with her the one thing that I feel is keeing Jamaica afloat (with all the internal violence) is the tremendous faith and belief that surrounds the island.

Voice Mail A Da Gorgon

I love this group. Voice Mail is rising up in Jamaica mon. Their singles, "Weddy Time", "Gal Hunt," "She want it Harder, " Ready to Party adn Wacky Dip, (Not to mention all their other collaborations have made them a success in the dancehall scene.). Check them out mon!

This week's Top 10 Jamaican Sounds

Here are some of the hottest tunes out now...Check dem out mon!

Trailer Load of Money - Vybz Kartel - Chimney Records

More Money - Harry Toddler - Downsound Records

Dem Yah (2 wks @ #1) - Flippa Mafia - Board House

Inna Di Car Back - Mavado - Big Ship

Bottom Of The Barrel - Tifa - Ward 21

Robbery - Macka Diamond - Scatta Productions

Overcome - Mavado - Big Ship

Goodas Clap - Stacious - Ward 21

Winner (1 wk @ #1) - Konshens - Natural Bridge

Roy Shirley's Body Returns Home

Roy Shirley (also known as the KING OF ROCKSTEADY) was born in 1944. As many Jamaican artists, he started singing in the Church choir with his mother, he developed his musical talent by learning the guitar and progressed with the help of Jimmy Cliff, and band leaders Byron Lee and Sonny Bradshaw and the late Drum Bago, in the early sixties. He made his first recording in the mid-sixties, cutting ‘Shirley’ for Leslie Kong.

Shirley attended one-off sessions for Blondel Calnek and WIRL Records before cutting what was to be his first major hit, ‘Hold Them’ (aka ‘Feel Good’) for Joe Gibbs. He moved to Britain around 1973.




I think Joe missed out on signing Shirley. He had a very unique sound and voice. Shirley, who was 60, died early last month. His family could not afford the funeral expenses. His expenses will be covered by the Jamaica Association of Vintage Artist. (JAVA).


Source: CaribWorldNews

South Park Rasta-History of Reggae Music

I love this video. The rasta South Park character (who speaks like a white guy) is priceless. Great animation. I also love the music that accompanies the narrator. Ras Toon is dropping some science on us. Ras Toon is letting everyone remember the importance of Reggae Worldwide.

Big Up to Garnett Silk

This man was deep. If he had lived I do believe he would rivaled Bob Marley with his songs and his peaceful presence.

This is a well known tune that Garnett made popular.

Big War on Red Stripe Beer

Well, it looks like beer giant Red Stripe might have a fight on its hands. Several Dancehall artists say they are now prepared to perform for Free during at least one major event (as long as there are no Red Stripe products being sold or consumed at the venue).






I don't see how they can have a concert without people drinking Red Stripe Beer. Not everyone drinks Guinness.

Red Stripes comments are as follows:

"A statement issued by Red Stripe recently expressed its intention to withdraw sponsorship of live music events, including Reggae Sumfest. It stated: "While our most recent efforts through the Coalition of Corporate Sponsors have met with some measure of success, some performers continue to propagate, through their live performances, violent and anti-social lyrics. Red Stripe will not be party to this, and thus we have taken the very difficult decision of withdrawing sponsorship from live music events. Consequently, Red Stripe will not renew our contract for title sponsorship of Reggae Sumfest and Sting. We will, however, ensure that our brands are made available whenever and wherever our loyal consumers enjoy premium alcohol beverages."

All I know this is going to be some mess about to happen. The dancehall artist not changing them style, so Red Stripe might be losing money.

Movado and Bounty Killa Banned in Guyana

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RJR News reported that Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee told reporters that Bounty Killa, whose real name is Rodney Price and Mavado whose real name is David Brooks are seen as a Security Risk to the country.

Mavado was due to perform at a concert to celebrate the Linden Town this weekend.
What I can't understand is how you ban people and still promote their music on your radio stations? That seems to be hypocritical. So people can listen to the music, just not experience the music live.

Movado and Jay Z -On The Rock

Jay Z did this remix for the song ON THE ROCK by Movado. It is also reported to the STAR
that he might call up Movado to the stage to do an encore performance with him in June.

New Dance-Gully Creeper

I think all the dances just reinvent themselves. Here is the video for the Gully Creeper with Elephant Man

RDX signs with Universal Music Japan

The duo RDX comprises of Williams and Andre 'Delomar' Bedward. The duo shot to the top of the charts last year with hits including Dance and Everybody Dance. They picked up an award for Best Duo/Group at the recently held EME Awards. Subsequently, the duo was nominated in the Reggae Academy and Irie FM Music Awards.

Continued Success RDX.

Big Up to QQ

Sorry feh hear bout all the madness surrounding the custody battle for the dancehall sensation QQ.
Apparently his parents missed the hearing that was set to determine which one of them would have cusody over QQ, whose real name is Kareem Dawkins is in the middle of a bitter custody battle between his mother Jacquee Banks and his father Joseph Dawkins.

He is such a talented star. I hope things work out for him.

Flashback Friday=Jacob Miller

Jacob Miller was the man back in the 7o's and early 80's. He was born in 1952 and died March 23rd, 1980.

Jacob Miller was featured in the film Rockers, alongside many other musicians including Gregory Isaacs, Big Youth and Burning Spear. In the movie, he plays the singer of a hotel house band, in reality Inner Circle, who are joined on drums by the films hero, Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace and play a wicked live version of Tenement Yard.

Miller had close links with Bob Marley, who was known to promote him as 'my favorite singer'. One of Jacob Miller's biggest Jamaican hits 'Tired Fe Lick Weed' betrayed his political leanings as can be seen in his performance of the song in the film 'Heartland Reggae', where his open enjoyment of a 'ganja spliff' on stage was intended to be seen as a militant statement.

He was part of the of Inner Circle included brothers Ian and Roger Lewis, Ibo Cooper, Cat Coore, Willy Stewart and Bunny "Rugs" Clarke. They played hotels, nightclubs and resorts, offering cover versions of American pop and soul hits to tourists and Jamaicans out for a night on the town.
Jacob is a musician that many Jamaicans, (young and old miss). His vibrant spirit is sorely missed.

"Dread At The Control"-Mikey Dread

Last year it was reported that Mikey Dread Campbell, had a a brain tumor. For those of us who grew up listening to the Jamaica Broadcasting Corportion radio station, Mike "Dread" (the Dread At The control) in the 70's was the D.J. man. He brought us some underground sounds of some then, upcoming Reggae artist. I remember it was on his show I first heard, Althea and Donna's Uptown Top Ranking and other not so well know artist. His show pushed many of these artist in the forefront

Mikey Dread was fun and good times. He style clashe though with JBC and pretty soon he quit in protest. He has his own label and has worked with such groups in the past as "The Clash" (out of London). So my prayers for Mikey Dread. He was a one of a kind D.J. Back in da day mon.

Nadine Sutherland-Making a Move

Nadine Sutherland is riding high on the Billboard Reggae Charts with her album, "Call My Name." She took some time of last year and has really last year, Call My Name topped the South Florida Reggae Album chart and has been inching its way towards the Billboard's Reggae Album Top Ten chart with a two-point rise at number 12. The album's first single, Big Tingz, has also made it to the South Florida charts and the New York's Reggae Singles chart.

Stanpipe is doing things

Stanpipe, Robert Chin is doing some big things in the musical world. He is currently trying to reestablish roots in Jamaica. Robert was born in Jamaica but left for New York at the age of 16. His dad is Leroy Chin, the owner o Sons Junior International Sound systems in New York. His mother, Queen Minnie, toured with Bob Marley and the Wailers and the I-Threes.

He has been working the Sound System scene for years. His first single "Tell Him No," was recorded at Sons. He had subsequential hits with "Mirjam" " Ghetto Youths" and his break out hit "Can't Stop Loving You" with Freddie McGregor.

Currently his goal is to make a name for himself in Jamaica. His upcoming CD "Life's Water" should have him on the road to this succcess

DanceHall Music Dissed at Reggae Academy Awards Show

Many are saying that the recent Reggae Academy Award, showed that dancehall is either not being taken seriously as a musical forum in Jamaica or perhaps losing its flavor. Ray Alexander, a publicist in the music business was quoted telling the "Star," " I have no apology, me abun de out, because dancehall music a poor people music, so if they want to isolate dancehall, tell us so that we an distance ourselves."

The Reggae Awards Show was dominated by Taurrus Riley, who just swept the awards. He took the awards for best reggae song, best solo male vocal performance, breakthrough reggae artist and most popular song for the single, "She's Royal." This song also garnered best video award director Rupert Campbell and best reggae recording for engineer, Romel Marshall.

Tony Rebel (on the committee for the RAA) says next year he will definitely put certain things forward.




Reggae Academy member make the initial nominations (states Rose DeSouza). The members from all over the world are invite to send in nominations and it can be any artist, so long as it is within the genre and their are different types of categories, in reggae dancehall and gospel. She continues I don't see how they can say it was heavily on reggae. Everything is done online.

source: caribworldnews.com

Dancehall Fashion Styles

Dancehall is now setting the trend for Fashion Styles in Jamaica. This has long been the case though. Some trends are from the United States and Europe, but Jamaica is creating some of its own styles as well.