ReggaeTimes

                                                       By Baldwin S. A. Howe

Reggae Times has learnt that one of Jamaica and Reggae music’s most dynamic and prolific vocal and performing acts, Clifford Smith, popularly known worldwide as Mr. Vegas has decided to abandon the life and career he has built for over the last 11 years in the international music business.

 Mr. Vegas is quoted in the national media saying, “Thank everybody weh believe inna me and help me fi do 11 years inna de music, even when everybody else a try stop me.  But my main thing now is to be closer to God Almighty and spend more time with my kids.”

 Mr. Vegas told the media that God ordained his decision and it was something he has been considering doing it for a few years now.  “Is jus’ something weh a build up inna me from a few year back.  Me jus’ deh somewhere and me nuh happy. Me a fight a battle and a do something weh me nuh enjoy.  He was quoted to say.

TO MOVE CLOSER TO GOD AND KIDS

 Mr. Vegas think the time is now right for him to get closer to God and his kids. However, he said he is not planning to start recording gospel music.  Mr. Vegas explained that at one point earlier he had attempted to leave the business when deejay Bounty Killer made some negative comments about him.  He said if he had stepped away at that time he would have given Bounty Killer the victory, which would cause people to say, “Bounty mash up Vegas’ career.” On the gospel music question he said, “I have no plans to do gospel music.  I don’t know what God has planned for me.”

Mr. Vegas gained star status after scoring with such hits as, “Heads High”, “Nike Air”, and Jacket.”  Mr.

Vegas told the media that he showed the world that only God is the master when he was able to score many more hits after Bounty’s verbal attack.  Some of those song are, “Taxi Fare” “Tek Weh Yuhself and more.  He further emphasized that no one is bigger than God.

  Over the years Mr. Vegas has been troubled with, pericarditis and gastroesophageal reflux illness.  On the question of his health in relation to his decision, he said, “This move have nothing to do with my health.  Mi deh pon me hospital bed already and me get up out a deh bed fi perform so dat me can mek people happy and so dat  the promoters nuh lose dem money wah dem pay.”

 FUTURE DATES CANCELLED?

Section of the media has written that Mr. Vegas is also currently trying to cancel his upcoming performance dates.  However, he is said to be experiencing some difficulty in achieving this.

 “Me a try explain to dem, (the Promoters), but m feel bad fi a walk out pon de people dem weh spend dem money. It’s jus’ nuff things.  You would have to be in my shoes.  Sometimes you try fi mek other people around you happy but you unhappy.”  Mr. Vegas was reported to have said, while tears were said to pour from his eyes.  Mr. Vegas went on to say that although the decision is a tough one it is something he has to do.  He said it has nothing to do with anyone and he hopes his fans will understand and accept his decision.

CHARTS #1 SONG IN GERMANY

While the news of Mr Vegas’ resignation from the international music environment was still reverberating on the national music scene, Reggae Times also learnt that the artiste has just registered a number one song, “Mus’ Come A Road”, in Germany.

Popular European radio and sound personality David Rodigan is quoted for saying, “I play Mus’ Come A road” all week long on my radio show.  It is a massive tune in Europe within the Reggae fraternity, especially in Germany, Switzerland and Italy…I also get huge response for it in England.” 

It is understood that the power and potential of the “Mus Come A Road” single first became visible when Mr Vegas recently performed it at Germany’s famous Summerjam Reggae Music Festival, before several thousands of crazed fans.

In another report also posted in the national media it is said that, based on the popularity and success of, “Mus Come A Road”, Mr Vegas is preparing to tour some major countries in Europe.

Reggae Times is unable to ascertain what is the real situation but remains true to its mandate in reporting what is happening in Reggae music.

By Baldwin S. A. Howe

On Friday September 12, 2008, this writer, representing Reggae Times Magazine, went to the Olympia Crown Hotel situated on Molynes Road.  I, along with other members of the national media corps were invited to the venue to experience the launch of the enigmatic L.A. Lewis’ much hyped new single, ”The Greatest Queen” (a musical tribute to Queen Elizabeth II).  Although I had an official invitation, I non-the-less had some apprehension on approach to the event as the stipulations of a $37,000.00 entrance fee to non-invitees and an all-white dress code leaves one to wonder what to really expect.

 As it turned out, the event went very well with a large gathering packed into the conference room of the Olympia Crown Hotel.  Almost all, with the exception of a few, were dressed in full white.

 The evening’s programme did not seem to have a scripted format, and as such, seemed just a bit disorganized.  Despite that, the event went quite well. 

L. A. Lewis took to the stage several hours later than the scheduled time and formally introduced the song with much fanfare.  He told the audience that his, “The Greatest Queen”, song is a conscious effort to salute the work and achievements of the Queen Elizabeth II.

 “Yeah man, big up the Queen….She is the greatest ever, she gives to the rich and the poor.”  He stated.

 “Y’know, this is the first time…anybody a go hear the Queen’s voice in one song, this a go down into history.”   Lewis said.

 The sensational hype that the self styled, “7star General”, L. A. Lewis was able to generate in regards to the launch of the “The Greatest Queen” single seemed to border on the ridiculous to almost impossible to the general public.  Even L. A. Lewis himself seemed to have had some reservations regarding the successful outcome of the planned event.  During his introduction speech he said: “When I said it will cost $37,000.00 to come in, I never thought it would be this overfull, but yu’ know, you are my VIPs still.   Special guests at the ceremony included, master percussionist, Bongo Herman, Miss Jamaica World 2006, Sara Lawrence; female deejay sensation, Ruffi Ann and comedians Ity & Fancy Cat among others.

 Whatever shortcomings the formal aspect of the launch showed up were however later erased by the performances that took place afterwards.  The first, and probably the  high point of the evening’s performances was given by Bongo Herman, who came on stage dressed in a all-white suit and introduced his act by emulating Usain Bolt’s signature pose.  His entire performance was of a high, professional standard, which received a loud and sustained applause from an energized audience.

 Other guest acts, which followed were Lady Marsha who performed Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly.”  She also had the audience rocking, cheering and singing along.  The internationally acclaimed baritone-tenor opera singer, Dr. Kurtis Watson, also gave a good performance.  His act preceded comedians Ity and Fancy Cat, who used the opportunity to register a few jokes at L. A. Lewis’ expense.  They noted the fact that

L. A. Lewis, whose most significant contribution to his popularity is the painting up of his name on walls island wide; even had his name painted on the inside panel of a plane on which they were passengers en route to Florida, in the U.S.  It said: “L. A. Lewis Was Here.”

 One could not conclude this piece on the launch without stating the fact that during the break in performances several beautiful female models representing

The Alicia Models, paraded around the room dressed in some beautifully designed bathing suits.  After the performances, Gee-Fuss, a senior selector of the Stone Love Movement sound provided dancing music for the large gathering to dance to.

 L. A. Lewis, in closing his presentation, thanked the patrons and media corps and informed all that the entire proceeds from the launch as well as the sales generated from “The Greatest Queen“ single will be donated to charity.

                                                             By, Baldwin S. A. Howe

Female deejay sensation, Ruffi-Ann, a very hard working deejay, has been on an extensive campaign effort to bring about some smoothness to her ever blooming musical career. Ruffi-Ann’s real name is Sharon Peterkin.  She was born in Spanish Town in the parish of St. Catherine but later grew up in the now city of Portmore and attended the Bridgeport Secondary School.   

Ruffi-Ann embarked on an entertainment career path from the early age of 15. At that age, she recorded her first single for the distinguished record producer turned politician, Patrick Roberts, owner of the Shocking Vibes record label. She later went on to do recordings for the world famous “Rhythm Twin”, Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare for their Taxi record label.   However, Ruffi-Ann’s first recorded hit song entitled, “Stick To Yuh Man”, was produced by another famous rhythm duo, Steelie and Cleevie, for their record label of the same name.  Ruffi-Ann went on to record another hit song titled, “Ram-Ram.” On that occasion, the producer was veteran record producer, King Jammys who released the effort on his Kingston 11record label.  “Ram-Ram” went on to become a major hit song in and around the rest of the Caribbean.

At the times the songs referred to above were recorded Ruffi-Ann went by the stage name, Lady Shabba.  She opted for a name change in 1999.  The name change proved to be a very positive decision that Ruffi-Ann made.  She is now enjoying a greater level of success since doing so and have even gone on to launch her own record production company, Sugar Pan Production.  Under this, her umbrella company Ruffi-Ann now produces her own material as well as producing other recording artistes.  So far the has released three singles on the Sugar Pan record label, the songs are, “Sex, Sex, Sex” “Me Puttus” and “You Are”, (which features Thriller –U on vocals).  Most, if not all of Ruffi-Ann’s record releases are enjoying frequent and extensive rotations on all the major national radio stations.

On the ‘live’ show performance aspect of her career, Ruffi-Ann has graced the stages of, “Sting”, “Reggae Ram-Jam”, “Dela Vega Splash” and “Champions In Action”, among others. Ruffi-Ann is also in great demand to perform overseas and have worked in the United States, and many islands in the

Caribbean.

Ruffi-Ann is rated highly among the current crop of female deejays working the international reggae/dancehall circuit.  She is a very talented and determined person where her career is concerned.  Ruffi-Ann is of the belief that through music she can, each day, bring joy, smiles, amusement and a positive message to her audiences throughout the world.  In this regard, Ruffi-Ann’s very latest release titled, “Save The Juvenile”, is another step the right direction in her attempt to bring cohesion and smoothness to her career.  Since the release of “Save The Juvenile” the song is fast becoming a favourite in the dancehall.  It further underlines her talent and helps top showcase her versatility.

Since the beginning of 2008 Ruffi-Ann says that she has began to feel more love for her, coming from the audiences she performs for and she hope this will continue.  Ruffi-Ann is currently managed by Imbue Entertainment / Get Up Yute Records.  She can be reached for bookings and performance dates a, 876-301-4926, 292-2239 or 414-1689.  You can also e-mail at, getupyute@gmail.com.

By: Baldwin S. A. Howe

Reynardo Scott, a.k.a., Sonyk, is a young Jamaican deejay who compares himself to a near dormant volcano about to erupt.  Sonyk is a native of the parish of Westmoreland.  He is born in the district of Amity.  He is the youngest of three siblings born to his parents on March 10, 1979. While growing up under the influence of his father, who is a Rastafarian, Sonyk got the opportunity to listen to such timeless artistes as, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Steel Pulse, among others.  Those musical influences strengthened his love for the music business, but that love remained dormant, as if asleep.  While going through this phase he pursued an alternate career by studying plumbing at the H.E.A.R.T. Vocational Institute.  Sonyk later earned a certificate for this career pursuit.  In 1998, Sonyk moved to the parish of Portland where landed a job at the Port Antonio Hospital, working in that institution’s maintenance department.

In 2003, he jump started his ambition to pursue a music career and began writing lyrics and performing.  In the beginning, he viewed his involvement in the music business as a means to better provide financial support for his family, but later found out that with each performance he grew deeper and deeper in love with creating music and performing.  He realized that, like a volcano, the musical expressions, which were dormant in him, were being awaken and nothing could contain it.

Sonyk currently lists his main inspiration to continue apace in this direction, to his belief in the Creator, and the love he feels for daughter, Devronique.  Sonyk is also greatly inspired by such celebrated artistes as, Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, Sizzla Kalonji, Buju Banton, Beenie Man, Bounti Killer, just to mention a few.

Since Sonyk began his musical campaign he has performed at quite a few parties, nightclubs and several talent show productions, under his adopted stage name, Sonyk; a name he thinks that best describes his situation at this time.  In 2005, Sonyk entered the J.C.D.C.’s “Popular Song Competition” and went through to the semi-final stage with a song titled, “Living In The Fast Lane.”  The following year, (2006), he entered the Tastee Talent Competition and again made it through to the semi final stage with an original song titled, “Maybe.”

On the performance side, Sonyk has also shared work on the same stage with the likes of, Mavado and Sizzla Kalonji.  They all worked on a Titchfield High School fete in July 2007.

Sonyk, who is described by his family and close friends, as a talented, humble, jovial, easygoing person; describes his music to be hardcore dancehall with soul searching undertones that is meant to prick the conscience of anyone who listens to his lyrics.

Sonyk says he is determined to fulfil his destiny in the music business. 

He says his philosophy is, “hard work and determination is the key to true success.”  Sonyk says he is willing to do what is necessary to attain his goal.

…the intensity of the competition has grown more as the past contestants have been making their mark in the field.

For the lucky few who make it through to the top-ten of the Digicel Rising Stars talent competition, this is just the beginning of the road until they are declared winners by Jamaica’s vote. In previous seasons, Jamaica has seen the unearthing of a kaleidoscope of new talents in the music industry with Cavan, Chris Martin and One Third (Season 1, 2 and 3 winners respectively) and most recently Romain Virgo.

 The winners of the first three seasons were offered management contracts from GeeJam (Season 1) and then Shocking Vibes (Season 2-4). The management contracts were dispensed in 2007 and replaced with recording contracts with the winner receiving the opportunity to record a minimum of two singles, while the second and third place finalists got one single each. Since this, the intensity of the competition has grown more as the past contestants have been making their mark in the field.

“It’s been great, it has afforded me many opportunities,” remarked season 2 winner of Digicel Rising Star, Chris Martin. Martin opined, “I love singing and always wanted to get in the field so Digicel Rising Stars was like a catalyst, coming around at the right time to help me attain that goal.” 

 Christopher Martin, also referred to as the ‘Governor of Back Pasture’, rose to fame in the 2005 season of Digicel Rising Stars and captured the second season title of winner, while simultaneously putting his small St. Catherine community on the map. Since then Chris Martin has been taking the music industry by storm, performing on a number of major shows including Island Explosion, Portland Jerk Festival, Jamaica Carnival, Barrington Levy’s Dancehall Rock, Spring Break 2k6 and Sumfest 2007.

 Winston Lewis better known as Cavan, the first winner of the competition is himself doing well in the industry. Cavan became a household name and crowd favourite after his emotive original hit Pain in the premiere of Digicel Rising Stars in 2004. Since winning, Cavan has released the single and video for Pain and has been busy trying to advance his career.

 “Digicel Rising Stars helped me in getting out there…it made me a household name.  With people knowing me it’s easier for me to actually go out there in the business,” commented the first winner of the talent contest. The man who set the pace for future Digicel Rising Star winners and is considered shy said: “Because of the competition, it’s easy for me to approach a producer wherever and feel confident that they will work with me…and to Digicel I give a lot of respect for that.”

 Speaking to his absence from the frontline of the music business Cavan said: “No, I’ve not gone from the music business. I’m just been doing some work in the studio in preparation for my album.” The Portlander explained his debut album never had a definite release date and he promises to keep the Jamaican people updated on his movements.  Cavan continues: “My music hasn’t been off the market, Ron Mushette and Scott Wilson has been giving my single Pressure heavy rotation and I’m grateful. 

That isn’t all that there is and I’m now working with song writers to get some more music out there.”

 Notorious for their rendition of UB40’s Homely Girl, Miguel Walters, Alpheus O. Johnson and Adrian Campbell forms the first group to win the competition: One Third. ‘The Fraction’, as they were nicknamed because of their name, have smashed musical boundaries with their charismatic style and electrifying performances, with the mere mentioned of the name One Third creates pandemonium at the engagements at which they appear.

 The 2006 Digicel Rising Stars’ winners have performed at noted events on the Jamaican Dancehall calendar and private functions for cooperate Jamaica, including the Brian McKnight Concert in Jamaica and  Irie Jamborie in New York in 2007. One Third has also shared stages with prolific names in entertainment business including their inspiration the legendary Manhattans, Air Supply, Alton Ellis and Regina Belle.

Original material is the best sign that any group or artiste can display that they are getting out in the market and One Third has made their stamp with the release of several of their own singles; two of the most popular are Baby Boo and Candle Light. Adding more to the group’s assets is their own label: Fraction Entertainment.

 One Third describe their music career so far as good: “Its been great since winning the competition…just two years and things have really been shaping up for us,” said Miguel. With obvious ecstasy burning in his voice he continued: “We have been several places, we been running all over in North America and hip hopping all over the Caribbean.  Even though we haven’t been to Europe our name is known there and we’ve been getting some calls from some promoters there and we were Artiste of the month on New Style radio in Birmingham UK.  So that is our next anticipate market now,” remarked Miguel, who has now taken a break from University of Technology (UTech), where he was pursuing a degree in Business Administration. 

 Romain Virgo, last year’s winner, is the newest kid on the block. Even thou Virgo will lose that title to the new winner in a few weeks he has been having his share of fame and fortune. “I haven’t been performing at any ‘big shows’ or calendar events yet, but I have performed at schools, and private functions for cooperate Jamaica and other clients,” said the son of Stepney District, St. Ann, whose shot to national prominence was with the Aabuthnott Gallimore High School, where he led his choir in the TVJ Schools Choir Competition.

Virgo also boasts his original single Can’t Sleep and also his remix of Toots and the Maytals‘ 1976 hit Time Tough, one of his now-famous accolades so far, which many will see when they buy a bottle of Pepsi.  Pepsi Cola Jamaica recently announced the introduction of what they styled as a special edition label for the 2007 Rising Stars‘ winner which features ‘the Rum Ram King’, Romain Virgo.  The collaboration is a part of Pepsi’s promotion for customers to win prizes in the beverage company’s 2008 Rising Stars’ promotion. Romain has made history by being the first Digicel Rising Stars’ winner, as well as being the first Jamaican entertainer to be featured on the label of Jamaica’s most popular cola beverage.

 “Digicel has helped me in launching myself in the music industry,” opined the youngster who is now pursuing a degree at the Edna Manley School of the Performing Arts. Virgo continued: “My success so far is best summarized in me winning the competition and Digicel having the competition in the first place, which I’m grateful for; As well as the Jamaican people who supported and continue to support me.  My advice to the contestants in season 5 is to make sure to choose the right songs for your voice and personality and to the winner, make the best of this opportunity.”

 No one knows what is in store for the winner of Digicel Rising Stars Season 5 other than the slated prizes of over $1 million, the chance to release two singles and a music video. But if the successes of these past winners are anything to go by, much is in store for that lucky person or persons.

-      The composition of the top six remaining has many saying there is the distinct possibility that a female will snatch the top position and create history in the talent contest that began in 2004.

-       

Thursday, September 4; Kingston, Jamaica: The Digicel Rising Stars talent competition has been the scene of much change this year. With a new venue, new host and in last Sunday’s (August 31) show a new segment: Gospel, which brought with it for the first time a guest performer. From all angles, Digicel Rising Stars 2008 is distinguishing itself from the previous seasons including the fact that, for the first time, 4 of the top 6 are female (67%). 

While it’s too early to be corralling the masses into the final hurrah, the composition of the top six remaining has many saying there is the distinct possibility that a female will snatch the top position and create history in the talent contest that began in 2004.

“I think it is about time that a woman wins the competition,” acclaimed a patron after Lashana’s performance of Beyonce’s Listen on the R&B night. “Too much man a win this thing now, a time for a woman win the competition,” she said before erupting in laughter listening to Anthony ‘Killer’ Miller’s comment.

As Cameal celebrated her birthday, that said night (August 10th) with Dangerously in Love, another Beyonce hit, a male patron could be heard saying: “A she me a support.” Similar sentiments were heard for SLR who delivered En Vogue’s Hold On: “Them little girls good man, you hear them harmony?” At the Gleaner’s Olympics Party on August 23^rd, patrons were truly entertained by K’Alee; before she finished singing, a few patrons were enquiring: “What is the number to vote for her?”

If these comments are anything to go by, one from this batch of female contestants is well placed to win Digicel Rising Stars 2008. However, any female wishing to win will have to overcome the two male groups left in the competition, especially the male group Kahlil who have distinguished themselves as the perennial crowd favourites and continuously have the judges swooning.

“One of the most challenging things for me is how Jamaica votes,” commented Cameal. She continued, “Jamaica votes for males mostly because the voting public is female so you find that they will support the males more…but I’m putting out my best each week and hoping that they will throw their support behind me.”

Cameal has highlighted a crucial issue in the psyche as well as the demography of the voting public, but lone female judge, Nadine Sutherland could not confirm. “Since Digicel Rising Stars came around there have been a lot of speculation and theories going around,” She indicated that she was not surprised about the supposed-theory, however, she could not confirm whether this theory is fact or fiction.

“For me the key thing that I take into consideration for my performances are the responses that I get in the street, as well as from the judges” commented Lashana. The big-voiced singer from Westmoreland went on further to say, “You know that the wider Jamaica are the ones voting, so all you have to do is go out there and do your best and hope that your best captures them.” Pressed further for a response in light of the fact that all the winners of Digicel Rising Stars so far have been males Lashana underscored: “For me all the contestants are major competition and I don’t single out gender or any other distinguishing feature as an indication for winning; I see everyone as competition.”

In response Nadine, Digicel Rising Stars Judge, performer and the winner of the first ever Tastee Talent Contest, said: “Digicel Rising Stars is not a competition that you can predict the winner…you can’t put your money out there on a person, you just have to wait until it is over because it can and will surprise you.” Nadine rehashed the case of Lenya Wilks who was voted off the 2007 season, “When Lenya Wilks was voted off, I was shocked, I couldn’t believe it…so I say you just never know what Jamaica will do.  If there aren’t any other cases I believe that this is one case that should tell us that we’re not supposed to be fixed on a specific person…this is talent we talking about here.”

K’Alee gave her take on the issue: “When you enter a competition you enter knowing that there is a chance you may win or lose.” With sparks of laughter she continued: “This is just one of those competitions and no one wants to lose.” While indicating that she indeed entered to win, K’Alee drew the line saying: “The mere fact that I have come this far and have developed such a good relationship with the other contestants from all over Jamaica is great for me.” When asked what she feels are the odds of a female winning the competition, she indicated, “Anything is possible, all we have to do is give it our best and let Jamaica vote and vote.”

“Women are the ones voting and as a woman you don’t vote for another woman who looks hotter than you or you feel threatened by,” A comment by Nicolene, an avid Digicel Rising Stars fan, as she argued with her friend over the possibility of a female winner. Nicolene drove her point home: “Cameal has a great voice and she isn’t over the top sexy, so women will vote for her. Lashana will get votes too just like Cameal but once you have some shape and look a bit better like K’Alee people start thinking before they vote for you because as women we feel threatened by the beauty of other women.  No one will feel threatening by SLR because they are little girls so they will give them the vote.”

On hearing this Nadine Sutherland shot back: “People will speculate, but really it’s all about who Jamaica wants and who they vote for.” But what of the male-dominated circle of winners? 

“We just have to ask ourselves what the competition was about then as opposed to now. Surely, females came up in the top positions…Dianna Rutherford, Candy, Deana Deacon, Nickeisha Barnes, it is just a matter of who was better over who in Jamaica’s eye. You can’t sit down and try to understand the logistics of that.” Nadine explains.  “It’s not necessarily the contestants per se; it is about the performance and the personality.” In a cautious tone she commented, “Jamaica watches you…you are on their TVs five days a week, so they really scrutinize you and form their impression of you.”

Nevertheless, as the issue of the possibility of a female winner continues to generate discussions at water coolers, bus stops, in taxis, bars, hair salons and the like, what does Jamaica want? Stay tuned to the fifth season of Digicel Rising Stars and you will find out if a female can finally capture the crown.

BOUNTI KILLA PLEADS FOR LATER LOCK OFF TIME FOR DANCEHALL EVENTS ON FRIDAYS

Bounty Killa, whose real name is Rodney Pryce, a man considered one of the Dancehall’s major icons, is quoted in the national media to be requesting that, the security forces consider allowing dancehall events to go beyond the current 3:00 a.m. shut down time on a Friday night.

The “Warlord” pulled no punch while addressing members of the national media at the launch of Lena British’s “Up Ya Fridays”, held at 2 Chelsea Avenue on Friday September 5, last. During his talk, he opined that the early cut-off time is the reason for the lower than expected turnout at the event that night.

In that same interview, they quoted him saying, “Di Jamaican people not working with the 11:00(p.m.) -3:00 (a.m.) t’ing, an’ it a mash up nuff people party.”

Bounty Killa, it is said was surprisingly complimentary of the police’s efforts in their crime fighting exploits but hasten to add that as good as the action was it was bankrupting legal enterprises, such as, ‘live’ stage shows and dancehall events.

The report said that Bounty kill expressed that, “Inna week people afi work, an’ Saturday followed by Sunday which is a church day, but Friday fi ‘low man.  Di police need fi give the industry a little leverage and work with the people not against the people.” 

In referring to the “Up Ya Friday” launching of its weekly event, he is quoted as saying, ”This event is a Friday t’ing as’ this area (Chelsea Ave., New Kingston), a nuh residential area, so mek dem ca use likkle leverage on Fridays?

Queen I-frica

New York, NY (Ms. Raine Inc.):  On Sunday, September 21st, G City Entertainment, Road Block Radio, MG Promotions, and Team A Promotions present the 8th Annual New Jersey Reggaefest. Marked ‘The Year of the Great,’ 2008’s staging promises to be the biggest and best yet, with a rare U.S. performance from royal Reggae empress Queen I-frica, as well as highly anticipated performances from the greats of Reggae and Dancehall from yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

The ‘Don Gorgon’ Ninja Man                              Bounty Killer                                          Beenie Man

Last year’s sold-out event featured the onstage lyrical devastation of Dancehall’s reigning ‘Don Gorgon’ Ninja Man, who squared off against rival deejays Bounty Killer and Beenie Man. This year again, in a showdown dubbed ‘three the hard way,’ the rivals return for another lyrical showdown that is sure to have the Dancehall aficionados reeling. The NJ Reggaefest is also the only summer festival that Bounty Killer’s scores of die-hard Tri-State fans will get a chance to see the ‘Warlord’ live in action, as this is the only outdoor staging that he will be doing in the area for 2008.

Known as the “Fiyah Muma” Queen I-frica, who scored her first hit single with “Below the Waist,” in 2007, has emerged as one of Roots Reggae’s foremost conscious stars, stirring controversy and social awareness by addressing incest and child molestation on her follow up chart-topping single “Daddy,” and the dangers of Jamaica’s latest skin bleaching trend with “Mi Nah Rub.” The daughter of legendary Reggae singer Derrick Morgan, I-frica is looking forward to making her Tri-State area debut. I-frica’s manager, legendary Roots singjay Tony Rebel, confirms that the Queen is ready for ‘the year of the great’ NJ Reggaefest.

“Yeah, this is I-frica’s first time appearing in the Tri-State area, since she has become famous,” states Rebel, who scored his first of many big hits in 1990 with “Fresh Vegetable” and has since gone on to found record label and management firm Flames Productions.  “She is really looking forward to coming to New Jersey for the ReggaeFest; the Tri-State area is definitely a huge market that has been waiting for her, and she is more than ready to deliver.”

“Last year, we had to turn people away because the venue was totally sold-out, filled to capacity,” states NJ Reggaefest organizer Casey “G City” Rankine. “This year again, with Queen I-frica, Beenie, Ninja, and the return of Bounty, it is sure to be even bigger than last year.”

Vintage Reggae lovers will be treated to acclaimed crooners Barrington Levy and Carlton Livingston. Top contending newcomers Flippa Mafia, who is riding high with the single “Dem Yah and Dem Yah” and his starring role in the film What Goes Around, Etana, and Demarco whose anthems “Fallen Soldiers” and “Duppy Know Who Fi Frighten” have made him a dominating force in Dancehall this year, will make their NJ Reggaefest debut.

“Two Thousand Eight is our 8th year as New Jersey’s premiere outdoor festival celebrating the sound and culture of Reggae,” says G City. “With a line-up that includes so many of the Dancehall/Reggae greats and upcoming greats, we had to nickname 2008’s Reggae Fest, ‘the year of the great.’”

The 8th Annual New Jersey Reggefest, featuring Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Ninja Man, Barrington Levy, Queen I-frica, Assassin, Etana, Demarco, and Flippa Mafia, will be held at the Halsey Street Sports Complex in Newark, on Sunday, September 21st.

Popular deejay, Zebra, whose real name is Garfield Vassell, who  has spent the last seven years in  prison doing time for a rape conviction is now set to be released from the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre, in Kingston on Tuesday, September 9.  The Commissioner of Corrections, Major Richard Reese, confirmed this information to the national media on Monday, September 2.   “That’s the earliest release date he has.”, Major Reese stated.

Zebra, who is known for such  hits as, “Rupert”, “Redder Than Red”, “Jah Send Me To Warn”, Warn”, “Wha Yuh Run Fah”, “Picture Frame”, “Dem Unfair Eh-Nuh”, among others, was imprisoned in 2001 after he was convicted and sentenced to 10 years for the rape,  assault at the common- law, indecent assault and breaching a probation order.  The charges stemmed from:  the rape he committed on an 18-year-old university student who he assaulted in bushes near Barry, in St. Catherine, in January 2001; an incident that involved his then girlfriend, Sherilla “Zebress” Williams, resulted in him being arraign and convicted for the assault at common-law offence.  Zebra and Williams, reportedly had an argument at their Oakland Apartment home and Williams was allegedly beaten.

Concerning yet another incident that took place on October 17, 2000, the deejay was also charged and convicted for indecent assault after he was accused of fondling a 15-year-old girl whom it is alleged he pushed on to a bed and tried to have sex with her.

Zebra was born and raised in the parish of St.Catherine, and the news of his impending release has galvanized his friends to come together and organize a celebration of his return to freedom.

The celebration will take the form of a party and concert.  The promoters of the event informed the national media saying in effect that,  the event which is titled, “Welcome back Zebra”, was originally planned for this Saturday, Sept. 6, (the day it was rumoured he would be released).  However due to the misinformation surrounding his release date and subsequent problems procuring a sound system to play at the event, it has been postponed to a future date.

Further, Reggae Time has learnt that the promoters have finally decided to use the weekly dance event, “Canal Splash”, (‘the back to school’ edition’); to welcome back the artiste.

The Welcome Back party will now take place on Sunday September 13, in Ellerslie Pen, (a community commonly known as ‘Capture Land’); and it is said Zebra will be in attendance.

The promoters for the concert say they knew Zebra before he got his big break as a nationally known deejay and has stayed in constant contact with the artiste’s family throughout his incarceration.  It is said that many people are anxiously awaiting his return to the music scene, as they are sure he can ‘wreck’ the place again with his special deejaying style.

Zebra rose to his peak of popularity in the early to mid 1990s emulating the deejaying style of

the once supremely popular deejay icon, Tiger.  Zebra is the son of veteran reggae vocalist, Dennis walks.

ITALY CROWNS TIFA AS THE NEW QUEEN OF THE DANCEHALL

August 9, 2008, Kingston, Jamaica - Diva of the Dancehall, Latifa Brown a.k.a Tifa has set a blazing trail all across Europe. Over the last three weeks, this dancehall star has been touring across Europe, and has already had performances in Austria and Germany, with upcoming performances in Italy, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Switzerland and Berlin. Tifa and Ward 21 performed to over 40,000 screaming fans in Wuppertal, Germany who stayed in the pouring rain just see these stars in action.

Leading up to Tifa’s performance in Leece, Italy on the 10^th of August, Tifa was featured on the cover of News Fever Magazine (Italian Publication), along with other great Jamaican acts and also received a full-page spread in which they crowned her as “La Nuova Regina Della Dancehall”, which translates to “The New Queen of the Dancehall”.

“I am not sure if I am deserving of that title as yet, but I am humbled and flattered that someone would think that of me”, stated a noticeably excited Tifa when asked about her new title.

Since the Tour has begun, Tifa has already received numerous offers for future bookings, songs and album deals and is currently in negotiations to perform at a concert in Kenya in early December for over 66,000 patrons at the Kasarani Stadium.

Tifa’s next stop will be at the Real Beat Higraid Reggae Festival in Czech Republic, where, Tifa will grace the stage as the first female Dancehall act ever to perform in the Czech Republic.

Tifa is still enjoying steady radio rotation for her songs, “Bottom of the Barrel” on the Estrogen Riddim, which is already featured on some of the local dancehall charts, as well as “Can’t Stop me” on the Tear Up Jeans riddim. The Bottom of the Barrel Music Video has already been voted to the #10 spot on Hype TV.

Tifa’s European tour began on July 18^th and will continue until the 30^th of August. This is the first major tour for the artiste who burst onto the dancehall scene in early 2005.