 Jamaica, NY – Caribbean Fashion Rocks; a first of its kind affair of hair, fashion and style, delivered the best and brightest of up and coming talent in Caribbean designers and stylists to showcase at the Mangoville nightclub in Jamaica, NY Sunday, April 27. It was truly an impressive showing, as styles from Jamaica, Trinidad, St. Kitts and Grenada wowed the capacity crowd at Mangoville.
The event bore a tone of relevance similar to the Ebony Fashion Fair, which was originally conceived in response to the lack of opportunities and outlets afforded to designers and models of color. “There’s so much creativity in the Caribbean world, but they just don’t have the outlet to express it, so this is their outlet,” said event organizer and co-promoter Syn Dawkins of Social Eyes Entertainment. “My show is to give them an outlet to showcase the best of what they do.” Some 15 designers took part in the showcase, presenting daring styles very much in tune with the signature flavor of the Caribbean. “We actually turned back designers, so there are about 20 designers just as fabulous as the ones showcased tonight,” said Irie Jams Media CEO and event co-promoter Robert “Bobby” Clarke. Designs from veteran Michael Gillings, Anthony Eastwick and VP Records’ Riddim Driven Clothing stood out as audience favorites. At the evening’s end, organizers and participants agreed that the presence of Caribbean Fashion Rocks’ presence in the community was the icing on a well-decorated cake. “Our mission at Irie Jam is to ensure that the world sees great Caribbean talent wherever it is from music, culture fashion and food. It feels great for us to see our visions manifested tonight,” said Clarke. With 15 years of event planning behind them, Irie Jam Media has made successful strides in the community with such events as the Reebok Grand Prix, which in association with Reebok, gives up to 15,000 locals the opportunity to watch track and field talent from around the world compete at Randall Island. Other events include ‘Yam Jam’, an international food festival and ‘Irie Jamboree’, a marquee reggae music event entering its sixth year, which attracts some 30,000 patrons each year. The success of Caribbean Fashion Rocks showcase already has Irie Jam Media organizers considering the possibility launching similar events in other cities with strong Caribbean markets. Clarke expressed his delight with the turnout of event’s and the potential to expand, adding, “We’re looking to build and expose real Caribbean talent from the ground up into mainstream American, European and Asian markets. This was our first test project, and we’re happy with the results.” |
May 7, 2008
Caribbean Fashion Rocks Delivers with Style and Flare
May 6, 2008
Get Ready for Reggae Sumfest 2008
 NEW YORK, NY (RHONA FOX, INC.) – “Reggae Sumfest 2008 is definitely on for July 13-19, and will once again set standards as the greatest reggae show on earth”, announced Johnny Gourzong, executive director of the festival.
2008 will mark the 16th presentation of the festival and, by all accounts, it’s shaping up to be another first-class event. As usual, the festival will kick off with the beach party at Tropical Beach on Sunday, July 13, featuring top sound systems. On Thursday, July 17, top dancehall performers will energize the full capacity crowd, while Friday and Saturday will continue the tradition of offering the finest reggae singers and bands, alongside top international stars. Dicigel, Ocean Spray and Air Jamaica, the JTB and VP Records have once again signed on as major sponsors of the event while for the first time, Supreme Ventures has signed on as a Silver sponsor, Red Bull has come on board as a Gold sponsor and Jamrock Magazine as a Platinum sponsor. Negotiations are underway with several other companies who have expressed interest in supporting the event. Media support is once again very strong with CVM on board as the official TV station, Irie FM as the official radio, and the Jamaica Observer as Official newspaper. In addition FAME, HYPE TV, RE TV, TVJ, Linkz FM, ZIP FM, Vybz FM, Megajamz, Buzz Magazine, Jamaican Lifestyle and Whaddat.com, have added their support to the event. After a seven-year stint as title sponsor, Red Stripe has taken the decision not to renew their title sponsorship for 2008. Organizers Summerfest Productions report that while Red Stripe’s contribution was significant and they will miss working with the company on Sumfest it will in no way deter the festival. They believe in the importance of Reggae Sumfest as a national event that contributes in a large way to the overall economy and are determined to make Reggae Sumfest 2008 a big success with the help of their current sponsors. The line-up for Reggae Sumfest this year promises to be excellent. While not all contracts have yet been signed, a peek at the wish list for the festival revealed that the local line up promises to be as strong as ever. A long list of artists are being targeted, including Beres Hammond, Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Sizzla, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, Mavado, Busy Signal, Jah Cure, Richie Spice, Macka Diamond, Brick & Lace, Tami Chynn, Erup, Queen I-Frica, Etana, Tarrus Riley, Anthony B, Voicemail, Vybz Cartel, Demarco, Courtney John, and Harry Toddler. No clues were revealed for the international acts, however, it was hinted that negotiations were ongoing with some very ‘big names’. So while there have been some rumblings in the music concert arena, Reggae Sumfest 2008 promises to once again surpass the standards set in previous years. RHONA FOX, INC. |
May 5, 2008
Machel Montano Top Winner At 27th IRAWMA
 (New York, NY) – May 5, 2008, – International Soca Ambassador Machel Montano, took home top honors at the prestigious 27th Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) held on May 4, 2008 at the World-Famous Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York. Machel won “Entertainer of the Year”, “Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer” and “Most Outstanding Stage Personality”.Top IRAWMA nominee Tarrus Riley, took home trophies for “Best Male Vocalist” and “Best Song-She is Royal”, while “Best Recording Artist” and “Best Male DJ/Rapper” titles went to Beenie Man. The Marley brothers, Stephen, Ky-Mani and Ziggy, sons of Reggae legend Bob Marley received IRAMWA nods. Stephen for “Best CD for “Mind Control” and “Songwriter of the Year”; Ky-Mani for “Producer’s Respect Award” and “Most Promising Entertainer”; and Ziggy received the “Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award” for charitable efforts through his URGE organization. In addition, first-time IRAWMA nominee Sean Kingston earned two IRAWMA’s for “Best New Entertainer” and “Best Crossover Song- Beautiful Girls”. International singer Billy Ocean(“Caribbean Queen”); Gospel artist Claudelle Clarke; pioneering recording engineer Errol Brown(Bob Marley) and UK Rock Steady crooner Winston Francis(“California Dreamin”) were inducted into the IRAWMA Hall of Fame. Ziggy Marley and Jay Z each received the Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award for their charitable efforts. The Producer’s “Respect” Award went to Ky-Mani Marley. Herman Hall, publisher of Everybody’s Magazine; songstress Winsome Benjamin and Karl Rodney, publisher of Carib News each received the Award of Appreciation. Reggae legends Freddie McGregor and Dwight Pinkney, each took home the Award of Honor trophy. International reggae superstar Shaggy tore the house down with the most outstanding performance of the night. Backed by Dean Fraser and the All-Stars, which includes members of Shaggy’s own band, Ky-Mani Marley floored the crowd with a memorable rendition of “Turn the Light’s Down Low”. Dancehall queens Macka Diamond, Ce’Cile, and D’Angel spiced up the night with their colorful, energy-packed songs while Etana and Jadine “The Soca Deva” each upheld the stage with electrifying sets. Other crowd-roaring performances were given by Tarrus Riley, Junior Reid, and Mutabaruka. The grand finale wrapped up the night with a full stage of nominees, performers, and fans crooning Bob Marley’s “One Love” and rocking to calypso song “Hot Hot Hot” with Machel Montano grabbing the mic to lead the crowd. Entertainers walking the red carpet included: Grammy-winner Shaggy; stage and television actress Janet Hubert(“Fresh Prince of Bel Air”); Ky-Mani Marley, Tarrus Riley, Etana, Machel Montano, Macka Diamond, Lady G, Dean Fraser, D’Angel, Mutabaruka, Ce’Cile, Junior Reid, Shelia Hylton, Dwight Pickney, Camille McDonald among others. In addition, Dr. Una S.T. Clarke, CD, Illinois Appellate Court Judge, Shelvin Louise Marie Hall and her sister, New York State Supreme Court Justice Priscilla Hall were also in attendance. Other winners included: Etana, “Best Female Vocalist”; Beenie Man, “Best Male/DJ Rapper”; Don Omar, “Best Reggaeton Entertainer”; Papa Wembe, “Best Soukous Entertainer”; the late Lucky Dube, “Best African Entertainer”; Shaggy, “Best Music Video for Church Heathen”; Mutabaruka, “Best Poet”; Buju Banton, “Most Educational Entertainer”; Freddie McGregor, “Most Consistent Entertainer”; Junior Reid, “Most Improved Entertainer”, among others. See attached “Winners List”. Sponsors for the event included: American Airlines, Carib News, JAMROCK Magazine/LinkUp Media, Carib News, Sam’s Caribbean Market Place/Sams24-7.com, Dr. Roland Rose-Ace Medical, Dennis Shipping, Atlas Vacations, Transcontinental Shippers, CVM-TV, D. Wilshire Tux Rental & Limousine Service, Keeling Records, J & L Tax Consultants, NY Liberty Star Newspaper, Street Hype Newspaper, SARFM Radio, Ideal Health – Toni Haynes, Uptown Juice Bar, Baba Roots-USA, Eye Collection Clothing, Dalhouse Productions, Bennett Bridal/Platinum World Class Limousine, American Academy of Physician Assistants, d. Wilshire Tux rental and Limo, WP 88.7 FM and Sam Ash Music Stores. WINNERS OF THE 27TH INTERNATIONAL REGGAE & WORLD MUSIC AWARDS (IRAWMA) A Martin’s International & Associates, LLC Event / Held at the Apollo Theater in NYC on May 04, 2008 1. Entertainer of the Year – Machel Montano Martin’s International & Associates Debbie Bass Anthony Turner Rhona Fox |
January 16, 2008
Clinton Fearon LIVE at Castaways
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I-Town Records and Judahites Productions presents Central New York’s only Roots Reggae Series. Showcasing one of reggae legends Clinton Fearon, founding member of the Gladiators and his Boogie Brown Band. Kevin Kinsella Founding member of John Browns Body and Founder of I-Town Records will be performing with his project Food Clothes and Shelter. Master Kora Player Malang Diabate will be showcasing his skills to open the show. A great night of Roots Music hosted by Mike Judah from Reggae Explosions on 92 WICB. Reggae Explosions airs every Thursday Mornings from 10am-12noon EST. It can be streamed live at wicb.org. Tickets are available at www.castawaysithaca.com
Bless Up!
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 When |
| Jan 18, 2008 |
| 8:00 PM PST |
| Also On The Bill |
| Clinton Fearon and the Boogie Brown Band |
| Admission Price |
| $12 |
| Minimum Age Limit |
| 21 and over |
| Web Site |
| http://www.castawaysithaca.com |
| Where |
| Castaways (more details) |
| 413 Old Taughannock Blvd |
| Ithaca, NY US |
| 607.272.1370 |
The Wailers Return to Trump Marina In The Shell February 23rd
Atlantic City, New Jersey, December 26, 2007 - Bob Marley and The Wailers sold more than 250 million albums worldwide. In the period since Bob Marley’s passing in May, 1981, one group has continued to carry the message. The Wailers will headline The Shell at Trump Marina on Saturday, February 23 for one show at 8 p.m.
Year after year, The Wailers, led by Aston “Familyman” Barrett (the bass player and musical leader for the Wailers was the musical director for Bob Marley), have toured the globe playing their special brand of music, enjoyed around the world by countless millions of fans. “Familyman” is the sole living musician who was with Bob Marley from the beginning of Bob’s career to his unfortunate death.
The Wailers now consist of seven original members who recorded and/or toured with “Bob Marley and the Wailers.” The Wailers ‘live’ show consists of Bob Marley and The Wailers’ songs such as: “Buffalo Soldier,” “Lively up Yourself,” “Is This Love,” “One Love,” “I Shot the Sheriff,” “Satisfy My Soul,” “Trench Town Rock,” “Get Up Stand Up,” “Jamming,” “Who the Cap Fit,” “Exodus,” “Roots Rock Reggae, “Kinky Reggae,” “War,” “Redemption Song, “Stir it Up,” “No Woman No Cry,” and “Could You Be Loved.” The show also includes many other old songs, written by members of the Wailers, which were performed live during Bob Marley and the Wailers’ tours, as well as new original Wailers songs.
For more information, visit www.wailers.com <http://www.wailers.com/> .
Tickets for The Wailers are priced at $30 plus tax and charity fee and are on sale now. Tickets are available by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-736-1420, or online at www.tickemaster.com <http://www.tickemaster.com/> .
For more information, call the Trump Marina Box Office at 1-800-777-8477, or log on to www.trumpmarina.com <http://www.trumpmarina.com/> .
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January 13, 2008
Bob Marley Day at S.O.B.’s
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Wednesday February 6th --The Longest Running Bob Marley Day Celebration in NYC– –The Only Celebration on Bob Marley’s Actual Birthday– On Wednesday February 6th, S.O.B.’s celebrates Bob Marley Day for the 25th year in a row, with the only NYCcelebration on Marley’s actual date of birth, featuring The New Kingston Band and DJ LionDub on the turntables. Palm Pictures will be celebrating the February 12th DVD release of it’s new film, Africa Unite: A Celebration of Bob Marley’s Vision. The documentary follows the Marley Family during their trip to Ethiopia to celebrate Bob’s 60th Birthday and ignites the screen with the spirit of world-renowned reggae icon Bob Marley in every frame Bob Marley’s name is almost synonymous with Reggae. We remember the brilliant and evocative music that he gave the world; music recorded more than two decades ago that still remains timeless and universal. With a career that endured over twenty years, Bob Marley was one of the most charismatic, prolific and universally loved performers of our time. Commemorating Marley’s undying legacy, are DJ LionDub, who has opened for Damien Marley, The Wailers and Johnny Osbourne, and The New Kingston Band, a talented group of 4 brothers, who have toured as the backing band for reggae giants like Sean Paul, Sizzla, Sugar Minot, Richie Spice, Collie Buddz and many others. With this combination of remarkable talent, entertainment courtesy of Palm Pictures, and the rich tradition of S.O.B.’s, there is only one way to celebrate Bob Marley’s birthday this year! Ticket Info: $15 Advance/$18 Day of Show; Available at Ticketmaster and S.O.B.�??s Box Office; Africa UniteScreening: 8pm. Live Show: 10pm Press Contact: Alex Damashek; alex@sobs.com; 212-243-4940 x. 130 |
| When |
| Feb 6, 2008 |
| 8:00 PM PST |
| Admission Price |
| $15 Advance/$18 Day of Show |
| Minimum Age Limit |
| 21 and over |
| Where |
| S.O.B.’s (more details) |
| 204 Varick Street @ W. Houston |
| New York, NY USA |
| 212.243.4940 |
January 12, 2008
Wayne Wonder and I-Wayne Tour Schedule for Winter 2008
IT’S WAYNE’S WORLD�?�WAYNE’S WORLD REGGAE MUSIC’S FINEST, I-WAYNE AND WAYNE WONDER, JOIN FORCES ON THEIR WINTER 2008 U.S. TOUR It’s a new year and the Wayne’s of reggae are turning up the heat for Winter 2008. I-Wayne and Wayne Wonder will perform in multiple cities across the United States from January to mid-February. The highly anticipated tour will kick off in Boston, MA on January 16th and continue throughout the Northeast, Midwest and Southeast. Fans can mix their tastes buds with the satisfying sounds of I-Wayne’s culture tunes and Wayne Wonder’s velvety love songs. Please see confirmed dates below: January 16 Boston, MA Roxy’s January 18 Bridgeport, CT Aces Nightclub January 19 Rochester, NY Water Street January 20 Norfolk, VA The Norva January 21 Bronx, NY The Party Place January 23 Atlanta, GA Party Room January 24 Chicago, IL The Metro January 25 Columbus, OH Alrosa Villa January 27 Detroit, MI Sigma Plaza January 29 Minneapolis, MN Fine Line Music Café January 30 Kansas City, MO Madrid Theater January 31 Chicago, IL Wild Hare February 3 Tampa, FL Harbor Club February 6 Charlotte, NC Club Tropix February 7 Jacksonville, FL Club Rain February 8 Miami, FL Florida Memorial College February 9 Fort Myers, FL Vinnie’s Cuisine February 10 Orlando , FL Hard Rock Café WAYNE WONDER Performing and recording for over 15 years, Wayne Wonder is synonymous with worldwide dancehall reggae chart-toppers and mega hits. His latest album, Foreva, features his new tune “For My Love” ft. rap diva Trina and boasts impressive collaborations with world renowned dancehall producers Don Corleone and Tony Kelly (Sean Paul, Elephant Man). Foreva is a follow up to 2003’s smash success ‘No Holding Back’ (Atlantic Records) which garnered worldwide acclaim with a peak position at #29 on the Billboard Top 200, a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album, and the now famous solo television performance splitting the bill with Sean Paul on ‘Saturday Night Live’. To check out select tracks and video from Foreva click here: http://radmarg.vo.llnwd.net/o1/vprecords/projects/1796Foreva/epk/1796forevaepk.html. For more info on Wayne Wonder visit http://www.waynewonder.com or http://www.myspace.com/waynewonder4life. I-WAYNE On his sophomore release Book Of Life, I-Wayne disarms fans once again with his enchanting smooth sound over airy instrumentals and simplistic yet profound lyrics. The roots and culture sensation landed a hit on major urban/hip-hop radio in 2005 with his fiery single, “Can’t Satisfy Her,” on heavy rotation at New York’s Hot 97 radio station and received tremendous critical acclamation on his debut album Lava Ground as well as his most recent effort Book Of Life. I-Wayne has undeniably raised the bar for roots reggae of this generation by captivating the world with his distinct sound and deep insight. To listen to snippets of his new album visit http://vprecords.com/ecards/vp1798/iWaynePress.html For more info visit www.myspace.com/iwayne. For more info on the tour or if you would like to schedule interviews with these artists please contact Tiffany Mea at 718-425-1151 or tiffanym@vprecords.com . Thanks. Tiffany Mea VP Records Publicity |
December 5, 2007
Don Carlos April 2008 North American Tour
 Veteran reggae artist Don Carlos is preparing to do another US tour in April 2008. Don is a melodic singer whose classic songs are well put together and well executed. He is a mature artist definitely one of the nicer and more genuine singers in the reggae business. Last April, he did a similar US tour. February and March 2008 he is scheduled to tour Europe. Don has recently returned from Brazil, where he is also greatly loved and appreciated. On this upcoming US tour in April, he will be carrying his trademark horn section, which has been working with him internationally for the last seven years, and his female background vocalists. Dons gentle contented spirit is a comfort to his friends and fans. There is a class about him as an artist that promoters and venue owners can take pride in.
August 2007 Don toured Poland, Austria, Portugal, Spain, Holland and France. Europe has been a strong consistant market for Don. Festival wise, he recently played Earthdance, in northern CA, The Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, Reggae On The River, Music In The Park in San Jose, CA, The Monterey Reggaefest, the Upsala festival in Sweden, the Reggae Sundance in Holland, and the Reggae Summerjam in Germany. Sly and Robbie backed him on Reggae on the River prime time Saturday night. Don has also been touring South America and Hawaii regularly, where he headlined the Bob Marley Day festivals last February on all four of the major Hawaiian islands. Don has out seven albums with Ras records, and at least nineteen other releases on different labels. These titles are listed on his biography. Don recorded four albums with Black Uhuru for the Mesa Blue Moon label and toured with Black Uhuru as lead vocalist from 1989 – 1994.� �In his music, Don speaks for all people.� He talks about peace and love, generosity and righteousness.� He doesnt leave out thanking Jah for everything.� I love you and Jah loves you more , he says.� Love Jah, and you will have everything all wisdom. � Don has a big heart and a kind loving spirit. He is a special artist. Because of his blessings, the multitudes are drawn to him. BIOGRAPHY: DON CARLOSDon Carlos (born Euvin Spencer) Legendary Reggae Artist was born and raised in one of the most deprived regions of Western Kingston, Jamaica, in a district notoriously known as Waterhouse, which incidentally is also a musical spawning ground for many of Reggae’s greatest ever talents, such as King Tubby, Black Uhuru, The Jays, Junior Reid and King Jammy, to name but a few. Don Carlos started his singing career in 1973 as one of the original members of Black Uhuru, alongside other founding members, Garth Dennis who later went on to joining the Wailing Souls, and Derrick Ducky Simpson. As part of the trio, Don sang lead on the highly acclaimed Love Crisis album, for producer Prince Jammy in 1977. This album was later re-released and re-titled as Black Sounds of Freedom. A year after the trio’s groundbreaking debut, Don Carlos surprisingly decided to leave Black Uhuru in pursuit of a solo career. Within three years as a solo artist, developing his song writing and grooming his distinctive vocal style, in May 1981 Suffering was released. This strong release took the fraternity by storm, courtesy of a heavy roots and culture flavored showcase for the Negus Roots label. This album was a massive hit in Africa, selling unprecedented units. Unfortunately, the album was bootlegged, and Don never received proper royalties. At this time, he worked alongside Goldie, his sidekick, co writer, and back up vocalist. Together they built a staunch following through touring the live circuit and releasing consistant albums including Harvest Time, Day to Day Living, Them Never Know A Natty Dread Have Credentials, all three issued in 1982, Spread Out 1982 also otherwise known as Laser Beam to which the majority of tracks in this set have been culled, Never Run Away 1984, Just a Passing Glance 1985 and more recently Seven Days a Week. Dons partner, Gold was tragically shot and crippled, putting him out of the music business. During the eighties dance hall mania, Don had five top ten hits between 1982 1985- Late Night Blues, Nice Time Tonight, Dice Cup, Hog & Goat, I’m Not Getting Crazy and Spread Out. Don is still churning out solid, melodic roots reggae. Other titles in his rich catalogue include Roots and Culture, Raving Tonight, Pure Gold, Spread Out, Plantation, Never Run Away, Slow Down Vol. 3, Rasta Brothers, Prophecy, Firehouse Clash, Deeply Concerned, Ease Up, Lazer Beam, Ras Portraits, Grove w/me, Head to Head, Jah Light, Live in San Francisco (2002), and Special Edition.� There’s an old saying in the music industry that claims: What goes around, comes back around. In Dons’ case, a request for reinstatement to his former role as lead vocalist for a rejuvenated Black Uhuru reunion resulted in another strong Black Uhuru album Now. 1990 marked the reunion of the original vocal trio with Don, Garth and Duckie. After six years- 1989-1994- and four albums, singing lead for Black Uhuru in the studio, and on the road, Don again went back to his solo career. His other titles with Black Uhuru include Mystical Truths, Iron Storm and Strong. All of these four albums are classics with Don up front on lead vocals. After the Black Uhuru stint, Don joined forces with the California based Reggae Angels for four successful years, and then kept some of the core players for his own permanent backing band. He has been touring successfully with this band in Europe, South America, Hawaii, and the western US. Dons popularity has been consistently growing, so he is now one of the most sought after roots reggae artists in the business. Check him out online atwww.doncarlosreggae.comor athttp://doncarlosinternational.com/. Contact: Peter Wardle |
November 30, 2007
The 9th Annual Reggae in the Hills kicks off Dec 25th
 Lincoln ‘Sugar’ Minott and Youth Promotion in association with Express Fencing and Black Roots Production Ltd. are proud to announce the 9th staging of the annual “Reggae in the Hills” Family Fun Day, Kiddies Treat and Stage Show to be held as usual on the grounds of the Sargeantville All Age School, Harkers Hall, St. Catherine.
Last year’s event was our most successful showing ever in terms of organization, media visibility and crowd support; we also undertook to erect some eleven hundred feet of fencing for the playfield that serves both the Sargeantville All Age and the Harkers Hall Basic School in Harkers Hall, St. Catherine as our charitable contribution. We were successful in accomplishing 65% of the target and so for this year we are attempting to complete this project. Event kicks off with a Media Launch on December 10 2007. Then on the 25th, the Family Fun Day starts at 10:00 a.m. activities will include bounce-a-bout, merry-go-round and other rides, a concert including talent search, dance and other contests. Various treats, prizes and surprises will be offered to the children attending while a sound system will provide tasteful and appropriate music throughout the day. A minimal admission fee will be charged. The Fun Day will end at 6 p.m., at which time the grounds will be cleared in preparation for the main event – the 9th annual Reggae in the Hills stage show. This show, headlined by host “Sugar” Minott, will start at approximately 8 p.m, other artistes confirmed so far include: Marcia Griffiths, Freddie McGregor, Luciano, Mikey General, Capleton, Sizzla, Little John, Triston Palmer, Tony Tuff, Courtney Melody, Benji Myers, Bunny Brown, Lenky Roy, Anthony Cruz and Junior Reid. The Youth Promotion talent family will also be on show. This year’s show will also be dedicated to honoring the memory of the late, great Joseph “Culture” Hill, a native of an adjoining community to the venue(Long Hill near Above Rocks). This will take the form of musical tributes by some of the artistes on show and also the handing over of a commemorative plaque, donated by Youth Promotion, to his family. Popular Sound Systems will provide music before, during interludes and after the concert. Vending booths will remain operational during the entire event. The show culminates with host Sugar Minott and other super stars bringing down the curtain in fine style. Police and uniformed security guards will provide security for the duration of the event. For answers to any queries or further information: Email reggaeinthehills@yahoo.com or visit our website at, www.reggaeinthehills.com. Best regards, |
October 13, 2007
Chaka Demus and Pliers West Coast and Canada Tour
 CHAKADEMUS AND PLIERS AND UPCOMING EXPLORER RECORDINGS ARTIST BLESSED TOUR NORTH AMERICA AND CANADA – NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2007
Not even Bob Marley matched the success of Chaka Demus and Pliers on the British Charts. This ever hot duo notched up a record five (5) consecutive Top 20 entries, including “Twist and Shout”, their number one hit with Jack Radics, and “Murder She Wrote”. They are now household names in Europe. The combination of Pliers’ yearning vocals and Chaka Demus’ rock stonechat proves irresistible to their Global audience, and has earned them a Gold disc for their album “Tease Me”. There is much anticipation for this 2007 North American tour, as these artists have been doing more one off shows in America than city to city touring. Around November 20th they should reach the Colorado Rockie�??s, coming from the east coast, and then they proceed to the west coast, Canada and Hawaii Their first collaboration, “Gal Wine”, was recorded for producer Ossie Hibbert and spent over three months on the reggae charts. It was the success of this song, which led them in the direction of Sly and Robbie, who originally built the mesmerizing “Murder She Wrote” rhythm for guitarist Lloyd “Gitsy” Willis, whose nimble handiwork, can be heard on most of the subsequent Chaka Demus and Pliers releases. Issued on Sly and Robbie’s own Taxi label, along with a solo song by Pliers called “Bam Bam”, “Murder She Wrote” became one of the biggest selling reggae dancehall singles in the world. For further info on this duo, go to http://www.myspace.com/chakademusandpliers . Opening for Chaka Demus and Pliers is the promising upcoming artist �?? Blessed. Blessed a.k.a. Peter Skinner was born May 13, 1975 in the small Parish of St. Thomas Jamaica. From an early age, Blessed exhibited his musical talents performing solos, musical dramas and singing with his church choir. At the age of 12, Blessed immigrated to Canada and upon his commencement of high school, retraced his cultural roots when he began writing and performing his own songs to close family and friends. This would eventually blossom into singing dub plates and performances at school talent shows, where Blessed soon became an audience favorite. Blessed recently actualized one of his life’s goals when he released his hit single �??Love�??. The single was eventually rated as one Flow 93.5’s (Toronto) top 50 most requested songs for the year 2001, and received a 2002 Juno Nomination. Inspired by the reggae group The Wailers, and given his name appropriately by his friend Lindo P., Blessed looks towards an even bigger goal, which is to have his music reach and inspire people worldwide. This North American tour opening for the world famous Chaka Demus and Pliers should help him actualize that goal. Together these are a great novelty package. BIOGRAPHY: CHAKA DEMUS AND PLIERS Rough-voiced, deejay Chaka Demus (born: John Taylor in Kingston, Jamaica in August, 1963) and smooth-toned vocalist Pliers (born: Everton Bonner in Rockhall Hills, Jamaica on April 4, 1963) have come together to create more hit songs than almost any vocal groups in the history of Jamaican music. The first Jamaican act to place three consecutive singles in the top five of the British music charts, Chaka Demus And Pliers have continued to make their mark. According to reggae web-site, Real Groove, Chaka Demus And Pliers are “sexy, soulful and poppy enough to be saleable to U.S. R&B blandoids, yet still tuff enough to raise gunshots and shouts of ‘Murder’ back in the Kingston dancehalls. Both Chaka Demus and Pliers had established successful solo careers prior to combining their efforts. Demus, who grew up in the Waterhouse district of Kingston, launched his career as a deejay for the Roots Majestic sound system. Although he made his recording debut with the King Jammy-produced single, “Increase Your Knowledge,” his first hit came in 1986 when he recorded “One Scotch” as a duet with Admiral Bailey. His subsequent hits included “Everybody Loves Chaka,” a duet with Yellowman, “Bring It To Me,” a duet with deejay/vocalist Scottie and “Everybody Loves Chaka” and “Chaka On The Move,” which he recorded solo. Pliers, who worked with such producers as King Jammy, Winston Riley, King Tubby, Black Scorpio and Coxsone Dodd, recorded such solo hits as “Snake In The Grass” and “Bam Bam,” a hip hop reworking of a Toots & The Maytals tune. In a 1998 interview, Demu recalled his initial reaction to hearing Pliers. “The man has a sweet melody voice, ” he said. “Any time I listened to him and listened to myself, I knew I could mesh with him.” After collaborating to record “Gal Wine,” for producer Ossie Hibbert, “Brenda,” for producer Rankling Joe, and “Rough This Year,” for producer Blackbeard, Chaka Demus And Pliers had their first major hit, “Murder She Wrote,” produced by Sly and Robbie, Which Pliers had previously recorded as a soloist. Their next single, “Tease Me,” remained in the British top ten for three months, reaching the number three slot, and sold more than three hundred thousand copies. “She Don’t Let Nobody,” a cover of a Curtis Mayfield tune, and “Twist And Shout,” a remake of the Isley Brothers and Beatles hit, recorded with Jack Radics and Sly and Robbie’s Taxi Gang, followed “Tease Me” into the British top five. The duo’s debut album, �??Tease Me�??, released in January 1994, brought together their first six singles and a new version of George Clinton’s anthem, “One Nation Under Groove.” Their second album, �??She Don’t Let Nobody,�?? released in 1995, reached number four on the British album charts. Chaka Demus and Pliers perform in Africa, Europe, Japan, and the US to enthusiastic fans. This Jamaican duo has an irresistible blend, loved all over. They have made their mark, and continue to deliver strong performances in Jamaica and abroad. Their�??s is another success story in the history of raw Jamaican reggae music. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: |
