 Betrayal, Deception, Bad Mind and Sweet Revenge, seasoned with a spicy lesson which we all could use, is basically the sum of what populates the pages of Macka Diamond’s debut novel, but anxious� fans who couldn’t wait to get their hands on ‘BUN HIM!!!’ will have to wait just a little longer, because of the upcoming General Elections.�PageTurnER Publishing House and its business affiliates have decided to change the launch date from August 21st to September 18th. 2007. “We didn’t want to postponed the launch of Macka’s book,” says PageTurnER Publishing House, Director of Marketing, Leesah Larmond, “but good judgment says that this is best, as changing the date would facilitate the full support of her fans.”
The date may have changed, but the plans for BUN HIM!!! remain the same. Weekenz, located at 80 Constant Spring Road will come alive on Tuesday, September 18th at 7:00pm for the Official Launch, open only to the media and invited guests.� Keynote speaker for the event will be Professor and Author, Carolyn Cooper, coordinator of the Reggae Studies Unit at the U.W.I. Naomi Dixon of PageTurnER Publishing House, coordinator of the event, promises a night to remember, with appearances and readings from a wide spectrum of the entertainment fraternity, followed by a FREE star studded After Party, open to the public, with lots of give-aways and performances from Macka Diamond and friends. The event is sponsored in part by, Weekenz, Island Paradise Limousine & SUV Rental, Kaboom Energy Drink, Cyber Center, Hype TV, RE-TV, Baba Roots, Contours Hair and Beauty Supplies, Arttek Printing and the Reggae Studies Unit at the U.W.I. Zip 103/Hype TV’s Nicky Z will be the host for the evening, while patrons, well-wishers and the curious will be able to groove to the vibes of Coppershot, alongside a host of some of Dancehall’s top selectors. The book will be available to the public for the first time at the After Party at the discounted price of� $500. (In store price – $645) and will be available at, and also distributed locally by Sangster’s Book Stores and its subsidiaries, but in the meantime, fans who can’t wait for the official copy, can get a taste of what’s to come by going to PageTurnER’s Official Website, www.ptpublishing.net and read first chapter for themselves and while they are there, play the Macka Diamond/Bun Him!!! Trivia game and win a $100,000 shopping spree with Macka herself. Also, Look out for the BUN HIM!!! Island wide book tour coming your way, kicking off on Friday September21st, at the Pavilion Mall, Half Way Tree, with stops on Saturday at Sangster’s Book Stores in Portmore and Spanish Town.� Come out and meet Macka Diamond in person, take a picture with her and purchase your own autographed copy of, BUN HIM!!! Jamaica’s FIRST Official Dancehall Novel. Be sure to be one of the first to get a copy, ’cause da one yah Hottttt! &. Like ten fyaah side! For further information, pre-orders, sales and distribution, visit www.ptpublishing.net or e-mail info@ptpublishing.net or call 1 876 342 3918. E-mail Macka Diamond directly with your comments at mackadiamond@ptpublishing.net |
July 27, 2007
Macka Diamond Book Launch Postponed
July 26, 2007
Sheila Hylton Graces Miss Jamaica USA Pagent On July 29th
 New York, NY, July 24, 2007 : Grammy nominated Reggae songstress Sheila Hylton has just been added as a featured performer at the 2007 Miss Jamaica USA Pagent at Carib New York in New Rochelle, NY, this Sunday, July 29 th.
A former model and celebrated fashion icon in Jamaica, Sheila heightens the evening dubbed “beauty & intelligence” with her classic style and poise, in addition to her velvet-voice and punching lyrics. Performing tracks off of her zesty new album Steppin, Sheila is a welcome addition to the list of special guests, which includes singer A.J. Brown, and Miss Jamaica Universe 2007 Zahara Redwood. A soulful mixture of Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Funk, and Reggae, Steppin picks up where Sheila left off with her smash cross-over hit, the spunky Reggae-funk version of Sting & The Police’s “The Bed’s Too Big Without You.” Steppin is available online at www.sheilahylton.com and www.amazon.com. It is also available at Moodies Records in the Bronx, NY. The 2007 Miss Jamaica USA Pagent will be held at Carib New York at 43 North Avenue in New Rochelle NY. For ticket information, contact Carib at 914-380-6369. MEDIA CONTACT: RAINE MARTIN |
July 25, 2007
Sensational New Reggae Artist SKULL Stirs Up The Billboard Charts
 Reggae artist, Skull debuted this week on Billboard with his first single, “Boom Di Boom Di” at number 16 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Sales chart and number 31 on the Hot Singles Sales chart. “Boom Di Boom Di” is buzzing in the clubs in Jamaica, getting spins on Irie FM, has an accompanying 3D animated music video which was recently added on MTV Tempo in the Caribbean, is gaining steam in the U.S. and on MTV Base in the UK.
Skull, a featured Myspace artist, www.myspace.com/skullriddim, whose buzz has been steadily growing in the States, Jamaica, and the UK has had a presence at College radio over the last year topping several prominent charts with “Boom Di Boom Di” and “Here To Stay” a conscious anthem featuring Mighty Mystic. Recently back from Florida where he opened for Buju Banton at the legendary Reggae venue, Janus Landing, Skull is currently performing in Hawaii with Reggae artists, Tribal Seeds and Keys Of Creation. Skull’s single “Boom Di Boom Di”, which is available on iTunes will be followed next month by a maxi single, which includes three tracks including, “Hey You”, the blazing hot club burner produced by Kardinal Offishall and Solitair. While sipping Cristal, Mariah Carey whose brother Morgan manages Skull was quoted as saying, “I think Skull is a great artist and I love his music, I hope people support him.” Contact: Rashmi Shastri |
July 24, 2007
Reggae Rising Presents The Dancehall Club (tickets 75% sold out)
TICKETS SALES ARE 75% SOLD OUT!!! [Humboldt County, CA] Reggae Rising Music Festival will take place on August 3rd, 4th, 5th and features 3-days of camping and world renowned reggae music on 100 acres that includes; The Dimmick Ranch and French’s Camp, situated along the picturesque Eel River. The festival is produced by People Productions and its staff of coordinators who have a two decades plus track record for hosting exceptional music festivals and are considered by many as: “The Heart That Built Reggae.” This year’s festival is dedicated to THE MUSIC and the lineup promises to be unparalleled. “It’s not the people we come to play. We come to play music” said the legendary Bob Marley. The show will feature three of Bob’s children: Stephen, Damian “Junior Gong,” and Ziggy as well as other reggae icons, including:
TICKETS SALES ARE 75% SOLD OUT!!! FRENCH’S CAMP GROUP CAMPING 95% SOLD OUT!!! COOKS VALLEY CAMPGROUND IS GOING FAST!!! DIMMICK RANCH CAMPING 100% SOLD OUT!!! COOKS VALLEY RV 100% SOLD OUT!!! Tickets are going FAST and can be purchased online with a credit card by visiting our website at www.reggaerising.com. For more information on Reggae Rising Music Festival call the hotline at 707-923-4583. Reggae Rising VIP TICKETS
LIMITED CAPACITY! Over 75% Sold Out! An Exciting New Visual and Musical Experience!
EVENT: Reggae Rising Music Festival |
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July 23, 2007
Steele Says “Bonjour Montreal”
“Bonjour Montreal” (meaning “Hello Montreal”), shouted Steele as he hit the stage at the Fourth Annual Montreal Reggae Festival, held recently in Quebec, Canada. The musicians, made up of members from Steele’s backing band Mountain Edge and the Explorer band, played harmoniously as he belted the lyrics from one of his popular remakes “Slave Driver“, and everyone was prepared to go on a musical journey with him. Steele then dove into “New World“, and this song again drew large reaction from the audience. The decibels at the Old Port of Montreal, the venue for the festival, went even higher when Steele decided it was time to pay some special attention to the ladies. Right away, the pulsating drum and bass from the very popular Taxi Riddim could be felt by everyone, and Steele now requested the company of a female on stage. Unbeknown to Steele, the first young lady to reach on stage was still below the age of consent, but the possibility of any backlash was quickly avoided due to Steele’s masterful showmanship and his pre-qualifying techniques that he has always implemented in his act. This foresight drew great approval from the audience and won many new fans for Steele, including one of Jamaica’s most popular radio dj’s Ron Muschette from Irie fm, who was visiting the festival for the first time. He was heard a few days later on his radio show commending Steele for his professionalism and discipline in dealing with the situation. Steele quickly thanked the young lady for being a fan and made sure she received a copy of his new cd “The Love of Jah“. This jester brought to the forefront more ladies eager to join on stage, the man referred to as a sex symbol, and the lucky lady went on a seductive journey with Steele doing his hit “Shining Star“. With his rendition of “Lost Without You“, and his Bob Marley medley to follow, Steele ended his explosive set with “Imagine“, and all was in one accord waving hands and banners to the lyrics of love and togetherness emphasized by this brother. For all those in attendance the message was clear. Make sure to pickup a copy of Steele’s new Cd “The Love of Jah” available now Online at www.steelemusic.net , www.myspace.com/steelemusic, www.ebreggae.com or check your local record outlet. Photo Attached: Steele & Ron Muschette chillin at the Montreal Reggae Festival One Love, Anita |
July 21, 2007
4th Annual Calgary Internal Reggae Festival Events ‘Round Town
 REGGAEFEST ‘007….. Bonding with Reggae RootsKeeping the community informed, inspired and involved. CALGARY, ALBERTA….. Looking for something to do in August? Have no fear, because ReggaeFest ‘007 – Bonding with Reggae Roots is here, from August 11 – 18, 2007! With events all over town, the Calgary Reggae Festival Society knows there is something for everyone. ReggaeFest kicks off on Saturday August 11, at 6:30 PM with REGGAELA!, a grand gala at the Martha Cohen Theatre Lobby featuring DJ’s, dancers, and live performances including local band, Aktivate. With their hot reggae, soca, and calypso rhythms, Aktivate is guaranteed to get you in the Reggae spirit and keep you dancing the whole night through. Reggaela will also feature tasty, cool drinks and delicious hot food to enjoy throughout the evening. What better way to spend a Saturday night than getting gussied up in your semi-formal best and partying the night away with fellow Reggae fans! On Sunday August 12, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, join the ReggaeFest family at Prairie Winds Park in the city’s northeast for “Picnic In The Park.” We’ll have live music from Calgary’s own, Strugglah and DJ Original R’n'R along with a Kid’s Karaoke Competition, giveaways, prizes, games for the entire family and the Tim Horton’s Event Cruiser. We’ll also keep you fed for free from our tasty BBQ. This is a great chance to bond with family and friends and enjoy the Reggae vibe in the warm August sun. Chase away your Monday blues with some traditional Jamaican cooking on August 13. Joy of Joy’s Caribbean Catering will showcase two separate cooking demonstrations on how to prepare a full Jamaican meal including Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Reggae Rice & Peas, Irie Tossed Salad and Tropical Fruit Punch. Everyone attending will receive not only a look into the history and techniques behind traditional Jamaican food, but recipes, tips and a commemorative memento as well! There will be limited seating for this event so we ask everyone to confirm their attendance. Remember the good ol’ days when Tuesday used to be cheap movie night? Well, ReggaeFest ‘007 – Bonding with Reggae Roots is bringing those days back and not just on Tuesday! Visit the Cardel Theatre in the city’s southeast on Tuesday August 14 and Wednesday August 15 for some real cultural films to enlighten and entertain your Reggae spirit for only the cost of a suggested donation ($10). On Tuesday, check out a half hour presentation on Reggae history and the socio-economic relationships of Reggae culture on developing countries then enjoy the acclaimed documentary “Roots Rock Reggae.” On Wednesday, take a closer, fictional look at inter-cultural Reggae relationships with “One Love”, a film starring Ky-Mani Marley, son of the great Bob Marley. Thursday August 16 is the day to put your dancing shoes back on and head out to the Kabana Bar & Grill in the southeast, to enjoy our Irie Vibes DJ showcase. It’s a chance to dress to impress and dance the night away. Thank goodness it’s Friday August 17 because that means you’ll get an hour and a half of free Reggae during your downtown lunch break when ReggaeFest ‘007 – Bonding with Reggae Roots brings you it’s concert preview featuring performers from the main event, to take place the next day! It’s the best way to end your work week and get in the mood for Saturday’s big event. The big event, on August 18, is twelve hours of incredible local, national and international Reggae music in the heart of the city at Shaw Millenium Park. With artistes like Errol Blackwood (of Messenjah), Kirk Davis (aka Little Kirk) and Richie Stephens the day is sure to be full of one love rhythm and true Reggae spirit. The event is a culmination of the festival week and will feature elements from each event, including activities for the kids and tasty traditional food. True to its promise, ReggaeFest ‘007 will bond our families, friends and communities with our Reggae roots. Once the big event is over, that doesn’t mean the party will stop. If you still can’t get enough of the ReggaeFest ‘007 performers and your Reggae community of friends, head to the Westgate Community Hall in the southwest for an after party that has to be experienced to be believed. ReggaeFest ‘007 performers will be there, keeping the music flowing and the party going. Show your wristband from the big event and get half off admission into the last hurrah of ReggaeFest ‘007 – Bonding with Reggae Roots. Remember, the Reggae spirit is alive in this community the whole year through, but the best place to celebrate it is during this year’s ReggaeFest ‘007 – Bonding with Reggae Roots. The Calgary Reggae Festival Society is a 100% volunteer group and it is diligently working to ensure that ReggaeFest 007 – Bonding with Reggae Roots is the best family friendly summer festival in Calgary this year. For More Information Please Contact: Calgary Reggae Festival Society |
July 20, 2007
REALITY TIME #66 with Carol Bruno, the founder of Reggae Rising
 CAROL BRUNO, the founder of REGGAE RISING guest stars on REALITY TIME this Sunday inside the “Champion Sound” Bigupradio.com. Join your hosts DJ Kurious and MC Taiyefoon for an interview and special feature with Carol Bruno. Carol is a leading lady of the reggae movement in California. Carol has worked very hard to put together a fantastic show this year with headliners Ziggy, Damian & Stephen Marley, Anthony B, Tanya Stephens, Morgan Heritage, Horace Andy, Freddie McGregor, Steel Pulse, Abyssinians, Sly & Robbie and many more. Don’t miss this show on Sunday! And those who live in California make sure you get your tickets soon as REGGAE RISING is 65% sold out now. ONE LOVE
About REGGAE RISING: Reggae Rising was birthed at a meeting, which included some of the original founders, staff and coordinators of a Reggae festival in Southern Humboldt County. These community members and local business owners have lovingly and successfully worked together for the past 23 years in Piercy, California, on the Eel River, to produce “the best Reggae festival in the world.” We are dedicated to making Reggae Rising a new and important destination for our longtime friends and audience. Please join us this year at the Dimmick Ranch and French’s Camp for three magical days of music and fun, in a beautiful natural setting along the Eel River. Find out more here. Subscribe to the REALITY TIME Podcast on: GET FREE REGGAE PODCASTS ON YAHOO
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July 19, 2007
Santa Cruz Dayz 2007 tickets on sale now!
Good Vibez Presents:SANTA CRUZ SUMMER DAYZ Wednesday, August 8 Saturday, August 11 �� Santa Cruz Vet’s Hall – 846 Front Street, Santa Cruz 2-day Passes available for $40! Advance tickets available at Streetlight Records in Santa Cruz & at www.inticketing.com Join us for Good Vibez return to the Vet’s Hall with SANTA CRUZ SUMMER DAYZ� – two nights of heavy-hitting reggae from MIDNITE & the TWINKLE BROTHERS August 8 & 11! Midnite: www.midniteband.com Lead singer Vaughn Benjamin’s electrifying voice seems an amalgamation of many great voices in reggae–soulful, chanting, edgy. Vaughn’s potent lyrical style and his brother Ron’s exquisite musical directorship and outstanding bass lines form the nucleus of this group. Sticks man Christian ‘Sly’ Molinna-Curet lays down crucial one-drops on drums, while Ankh Watep bubbles on keyboards. Edmund Fieulleteau and Kenny Byron round out the crew with their excellent guitar work. Midnite weaves the cultural lyrics of “old school” roots music with modern day experiences to create a unique listening encounter. Reggae – naked and raw is an apt description for Midnite’s musical style, in which they forgo the frills of extensive remixes, overdubbing and other musical refinements. Midnite explodes in live performances with sets that often exceed 3 hours. Their vigorous, weighty sound, driven by the punchy bass lines creates a vibe that penetrates straight to the heart. These epic musical communions have earned Midnite an enormous following throughout the roots community. Twinkle Brothers with Della Grant: www.twinklemusic.com From native tribal music, to spirituals, to blues to R&B, all of these musical elements have produced some of the greatest talents the world has seen. It is rare that you find a talent that embodies the evolution of music and speaks to the multitudes of generations both past and present. Della Grant is one of those innovators; her masterful mix of reggae, soul and gospel music has marked her territory in the world of music. A gifted singer from a family of talented musicians, she has been singing since the age of six. Continuing a family legacy of gifted musicians, her husband Ralston Grant along with his brother Norman are the famed “Twinkle Brothers”. Her acceptance in the reggae community has been not only welcomed but also embraced. Her poise as a singer, her grace as an artist and her talent as a human being can be heard and seen through her music. Native Elements: www.native-elements.com Native Elements has been reaching audiences around the globe with their conscious music. Their contagious harmonies and powerful rhythms have won over praise from musicians, fans and critics alike. Even some of the most discriminating Jamaican ears have found Native Elements’ sound to be as authentic and genuine as their staple of music back home. Marty Dread: www.martydread.com Marty’s life was again changed forever in 1981 when he was exposed to the music of Bob Marley. Marty was hooked! He began singing with local bands and, at the age of 16, performed at the Maui County Fair.� After graduating from Maui High School in 1987 with a 4.0 GPA, Marty was selected by the Youth Ambassadors of America to travel to the Soviet Union to assist in the creation of a mural, “Maui to Moscow” – a gift of peace from the children of Maui to the children of Moscow. The following year, Marty and his new reggae band performed for an international audience at “Moscow meets Maui” – a concert on Maui that honored the Soviet students Marty befriended while in Russia. In 2003, Marty Dread released a collection of hits from the first ten years of his recording career, plus six previously unreleased songs, and continued to tour far and wide.� With music and purpose, Marty Dread is poised for the future as Maui’s premier Reggae Ambassador. Advance tickets available at Streetlight Records in Santa Cruz & at www.inticketing.com |
Reggae Diva Sheila Hylton Is “Steppin” to the Beat Once More
| New York, NY, July 12, 2007 : Grammy nominated Reggae songstress Sheila Hylton is stepping to the drum and bass rhythm once more with her brand new album, aptly titled Steppin. With an eclectic blend of Jazz, Soul, Funk, and Dancehall, all wrapped up in a classic Reggae stylee, Steppin, released on the Platinum Overflow Label, is the long awaited release from one of Jamaica’s crowning sirens.
Steppin runs the gamut of Sheila Hylton’s musical strengths with stand out tracks like the empowering ‘Our Day Will Come,’ an up-tempo cover of the Ken Boothe classic ‘Freedom Street,’ and ‘We are In Love,‘ a romantic tryst and the last known recording from Reggae’s late great Crown Prince Dennis Brown. The title track ‘Steppin’ reaffirms her mission to continue ’steppin’ it hard and steppin’ it strong.” Best known for the cross-over smash hit ‘The Bed’s Too Big Without You,’ a spunky Reggae-tinged cover of Sting and The Police’s pop hit of the same name, and for her part of the Grammy nominated Reggae Sunsplash ‘81: A Tribute to Bob Marley , the celebrated fashion model, actress, and singer steps up the pace without missing a beat on her first album in many years. Featuring production by the crème de la crème of Jamaica’s musical fraternity, including the dynamic production duo Sly and Robbie, Paris-based original Wailer keyboardist Tyrone Downie, Dean Fraser, Wayne Armond, Robby Lyn, and Michael “Mickey” Wallace, Steppin’ was brought in sync by musical arranger Ervin Lloyd of the legendary Chalice Band. Steppin is available online at www.sheilahylton.com and www.amazon.com and Moodies Records in the Bronx at 718-654-8368. For media inquiries, contact Raine Martin at RCJ Media at 347-702-1779, or via email at rcjmedia@gmail.com. For bookings contact Andrene Bonner at 914-668-5836 or menageriegroup@aol.com. Media Contact: Raine Martin, RCJ Media |
July 18, 2007
Ghetto Youths Releases “Gang War Rhythm” featuring Damian Marley
 Kicking Off GHETTO YOUTHS INTERNATIONAL Ramp-Up,
All-Star One-Rhythm Compilation Set To Be Released Today (NEW YORK, July 17, 2007) With eleven versions featuring fourteen of dancehall’s biggest names, the GANG WAR RHYTHM is the fresh, tough champion sound of Summer, 2007. Starring on this album are today’s masters of dancehall, including three-time Grammy winner Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, with his metaphoric “One Loaf of Bread (Something for You);” and two of the hottest newer hands in dancehall, hardcore singer Mavado and three-man vocal threatVoice Mail, joining Vybz Kartel. A impressive roster of dancehall’s most-honored veterans also take part in the “Gang War” compilation, including Bad Boy recording artist Elephant Man, Bounty Killer, Sizzla Kolonji, and Wayne Marshall. With its portentious symphonic depth, propulsive drumming and a nagging sampled woodwind hook, the “Gang War” rhythm has had DJs and dancers worldwide ringing the alarm from the dance floor ever since the first versions were released to the dancehall club underground earlier this spring. The GANG WAR RHYTHM comes to the American hip-hop scene with an impeccable double pedigree: the creator of the rhythm is Trevor “Baby G” James, son and protege of Lloyd “King Jammy” James. Additionally, the album is released in the U.S. market by GHETTO YOUTHS INTERNATIONAL, and is run by two Bob Marley sons, Stephen and Damian. With brother Julian also on the roster, the Ghetto Youths International label is launching a major expansion of its market presence this year, with albums in preparation by reggae singing sensation Javaughn and world-renowned rapper Mr. Cheeks, to follow the GANG WAR RHYTHM compilation. The first album released through Ghetto Youths International’s U.S. distributor, Universal, was the 2002 Grammy-winning Halfway Tree, by Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley. The GANG WAR RHYTHM collection is completed with the instrumental of the original track, and a “Gang War Medley,” featuring album tracks “juggled” by Damian Marley and Baby G. An all-star video shot to the medley version is currently in production. The GANG WAR RHYTHM various-artists album is set to be released July 17, 2007 on Ghetto Youths International/Yard Vybes Entertainment, distributed by Universal. GANG WAR RHYTHM Tracklisting:1) Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley – One Loaf of Bread (Something For You) 2) Bounty Killer – It’s Okay 3) Mavado – Me and My Dogs 4) Vybz Kartel featuring Voice Mail – Play Ting 5) Sizzla Kolonji – Too Much Gang War 6) Elephant Man featuring Wayne Marshall – Over Di Wall 7) Mr. Evil (Leftside) – Liar 9) Kibaki featuring Flexx – War Is On 10) Demarco – Story 11) Jagwa – Suffering 12) Gang War Instrumental 13) Gang War Medley (BONUS TRACK) |
Aidonia – MPs