In Jamaica, we never cease to be surprised by the wonders of the island. At every corner of the island there is something special just waiting to be discovered by you. Even when you think you’ve seen it all, trust me, you haven’t until you’ve seen Rodney Hall Farm. Rodney Hall Farm is one of those special places. Situated at Savannah point on the map of Jamaica. Savannah Point is a national landmark in Jamaica.The beauty of this place is captivating and it is quite an experience.
Rodney Hall Farm was part of Rodney Hall Estate, which was sold out into different acres of land over the years. David Vernon, the owner of the property has been in control since 1984. The farm is found on 32 acres of land and specializes in a host of crops. Plantain, Banana, Oteiti Apple, breadfruit, guineps, oranges and coconuts are some of the crops grown on the farm. It is used mainly as a coconut farm however. Being that coconut is the main crop for Orange bay in Portland near old wharf lane, it is significant because oranges used to be exported there and then it changed to a coconut farm over the years. It also used to be a cattle farm and horses were groomed there as well. Recently events such as stage shows and dances have been held there as well. Etana performed there in 2009.
Reggae Times Magazine doesn’t miss out on these things and so we caught up with David Vernon so as to get an insight into the history of the farm and objectives and basically “wha gwan”. David explains “The first farm party ever held in Jamaica was done there by Byron Lee and the Dragon Aires and Peter Philips disco in 1985… this signaled the birth of Chukka Cove as they came to my farm and took the concept from me and turned it into Chukka Cove.”
With such a beautiful venue Reggae Times had to ask if events were hosted there and if the venue was open for rental. David answered by saying “Yeah… we have always had parties there… if you doing private parties its nice but public parties are a bit harder but I am still willing to work with them. But the farm needs more infrastructures… instead of bringing public toilets, they could bring permanent toilet. The council for the area also makes it a hassle as well and requires you to have to spray for mosquitoes, require that the ambulance is there and fire brigade has to be there, etc. Private functions are easier though as there are no hassles really. I just collect the agreed on money.”
With a smile on his face to reply, when asked where he sees the farm in the future, Mr. Vernon says, “The farm is what you make it. It’s a beautiful place but its just sitting there… I see it as far as people who will own it after me will carry it… it can be a beautiful place. It could be a resort with cottages and everything but it takes money which i dont really have. If Butch Stewart however or someone with money owned it, it would be a dream… It has a beach and everything already. Fishing, snorkeling, horse back riding, eco – tourism, etc. It is a real attraction. Maybe I will live to see it manifest into what I believe it will”
Contact: dax.vernon@gmail.com for more information on the farm.
What is this new sound I am hearing and vibe I am experiencing in “yard”? Can I really call this Reggae or Dancehall when it sounds so “new” and unique? This is not “authentic” Reggae, or “authentic” dancehall nor can it be classified as any one genre; this is something new, something “authentic” within its own dimensions. This “new” sound is actually a fusion of sounds that has created a “sound” of its own. It is a fusion of genres yet to be categorized as a genre of its own and although artists have been mixing reggae and dancehall with other genres from as early as the early 1970s, no official term had been used to describe this practice. What we are hearing develop is not the typical “present-day” sound; it is a sound that tells the tale of experimententation within the music while at the same time keeping that “familiar” vintage sound to it. It is also the sound of an evolution.
The reality is that the beat has changed and it is now fused with different sounds and also different genres. I have never heard it before. It is boldly dynamic. Even the focus of the music has changed from been materialistic within the dancehall to what seems to be the process of becoming more spiritual, like the vibe found in traditional reggae. It’s a “new” vibe however with a touch of the “old” vibe so to speak thus it is easily gravitated towards, as it is familiar but yet different. I am seeing signs of it when I listen to upcoming recording and performing artists such as Protoje, Khago, Busy Signal, The Uprising Roots Band and Dubcore and when I listen to more established artists like Damian Marley, Stephen Marley and Tarrus Riley and when I listen to veterans such as Bob Marley, The Wailers, Peter Tosh, Burning Spear and Toots. There lyrical content and the mood and the mere complement of the instruments signal a spiritual, roots, and culturally inclined vibe with no boundaries.
If we take a look at upcoming reggae artiste Protoje, his music is “new”, fresh and unique. He classifies what he does as “dub style reggae” in an interview with the Jamaica Gleaner. I personally cannot say what it is as I hear so many fusions of sounds along with the reggae and dub that it only shows me that “dub stye reggae” is not the appropriate title for the sound as it involves so much more than that classification defines or signals to. In the interview with the Gleaner, Protoje states that “There’s a bit of dub in the music, there’s a rock guitarist in the band and my writing style represents the subtle hip-hop aspect so when all of them are fused you get a unique sound,” he said. His music also has a roots kind of vibe like that found in traditional reggae. The sound we are hearing today has many moods; it has a “hardcore” rock vibe, a “mellow” reggae vibe, a “relaxing” jazz and a host other influences. Take also for example Protoje’s new video “JA”, if you look at the vibe in that video it had a little bit of Punk Rock, Reggae, Rock and Roll, and just a bit of everything. It was something sounding fresh, new and vibrant.
In 2010, Damian Marley and Nas released an album entitled “Distant Relative” and this album is mainly speaking about Africa and all the topics that Reggae would normally cover but in a fused way. There is rap, there is rock, R n B, Jazz and some different flows to that of traditional Reggae and Dancehall but yet Reggae and Dancehall is identified within it. Dancehall’s main strength was the beat as most of the times you couldn’t even hear the lyrics but the infectious beat keeps you moving and wanting to hear more. But interestingly as well, dancehall artistes didn’t need a beat to get a crowd going as some of the times they would “toast” or, in other words, “deejay” in acapella, i.e., without a beat. This new sound that is developing presently however requires both the vocals and the instrumentals to complement each other, both are important to the delivery of the product, and the feeling is more relaxed whereas Dancehall is more up-tempo. The musicians are highlighted more in this type of music I find as well as they get solo points in a track where they are highlighted and no vocals are there and thus focus is shifted on them at a point during live performances. The artiste depends on the various instruments just as much as the instruments depend on the artiste to perform well and both the instruments and the artiste depend on the musicians to play well live as how it should be.
But where has this come from? What has inspired this fusion? I believe the recent troubles of dancehall artistes with United States (US) authorities, the banning of dancehall and reggae acts from performing certain countries, crime, poverty and all socio-economic and political problems has inspired this trend. Also complaints from music lovers at disappointment with their favorite artistes and the music being produced have influenced the “new” trend of music. It’s sort of a break away for the norm, which would be a more hip, dancehall vibe into a roots, dub, poetry, reggae, rock, jazzy, fused, kind of vibe.
Shows such as Italee, Quizz and Friends, Christopher’s Cafe, Re Unplugged and Jamnesia are a few examples of some live shows, which showcase live band fusions.There’s a place called Jamnesia that does live music on the beach in St Thomas, and Billy Mystic runs it. You can catch live band performances there every second Saturday with the likes of Protoje, Keida, Alex Marley, Italee and a host of other performers. Every Tuesday night at the Village Blues Bar in Barbican, Italee, Quizz & Friends redefine ‘Live’ and has seen performances from people like Tami Chynn, T.O.K, Ras Penco, Aidonia, Marcus I, and a lot more. Christopher’s is located inside the Quad Night Club on Trinidad Terrace and hosts live music events every Thursday.These shows are usually held at small venues such as Village Café for Italee and Weekendz for RE Unplugged. Thus we can say that the emergence of the “new” sound there has also come the emergence of smaller live band shows. This inevitably also affects everything as well as the artistes are now pushed to perform well as they now have to connect with smaller crowds and they have to make sure that they are communicating and interacting well with the crowd. It is different to a larger scale show where an artiste can sing 15 seconds of a song and receive a “forward” and then change to a different song. This small scale setting tests the stamina of an artiste to perform there songs right out to the end. In these types of settings, the crowd is more in a listening mood. Musicians and performers now have more space and venues to exercise their craft, and where music lovers can get a chance to see music in its truest and purest form.
Possibly we may start to hear more live albums being recorded as well. This would be a move from the “sound-effected” and “auto-tuned” dancehall trends back to a traditional trend to the days when we never had all these technological advancements and sound was kept simple and capture live all the time. Example of live albums are Yasus Afari with Kiss Mi Neck, Toots and the Maytals’ Toots In Memphis that was done in 1988 and Live in 1980, Luciano’s Live in 2000. In 1975, Bob Marley and The Wailers recorded Live. It was recorded over two days in July of that year at the Lyceum Theatre in London. The performance remains one of their most famous. An example of a recent live album is Stephen Marley’s Mind Control Acoustic.
One good thing about this is that it promotes unity on stage and during performances and encourages good relationships between the musicians and artistes. It promotes consciousness at a time where we need it with all that is happening in Jamaica as it relates to crime, corruption, state of emergence, poverty, etc. It promotes the “healing” of a battered society as Bob Marley once said, “When music hits you, you feel no pain”. It provides an avenue for cultural expression and one to exercise our freedom of speech. It brings something “new” and innovative to the table but yet with a touch of the “old” recognizable sounds within the mix.This new vibe and sound and trend highlights our creativity and truly shows that “we likkle but we tallawah”.
Organise your accssories and decorate your walls…. With Hook and I
By: Dax Vernon
Reggae Times recently caught up with stylish gypsy, Donna Vernon, who has created a line of unique, hand-painted jewellery boards, dubbed Hook and I.Donna, a former airline employee,has also worked in the retail industryand more recently, has dabbled with refinishing wood furniture.
In 2009, she created a jewelery board for her daughter, Danielle, who had masses of costume jewelery which were difficult to keep organised.The board was a hit and soonfriends and family were placing their orders.By Christmas 2009, the name Hook and I was coined and boards of all shapes and sizes were being created.The boards were often personalised at the customer’s request and were created for girls and women of all ages, from the 4 year old who received a peg board to hang small items to the tween’s brightly coloured peace and love jewellery board to board created for young adults.
Today, Hook and I proudlyoffers a line of unique, stylish and decorative jewellery boards that allow persons to easily organise and display fashion jewellry and accessories.The boards can be personalised to be part ofa room’s décor while incorporating personality and individuality into each design.Hook and I products are available in a range of styles, sizes, finishes and prices and there are boards for everyone – males, females and children alike.The creations include key racks, door hangers, bed heads and other perfect gift ideas.
The business has its challenges Donna recalls, such as “getting your name and product out there and building up a client base”. Right now Hook & I primarily markets through word of mouth referrals and a facebook page that features a portfolio of their work and contact information. “The page is slowly growing in popularity and the order level is increasing” says Donna as she puts the final touches on a new piece she was crafting.
“ Hook&I , U’ve found the perfect idea for women who have a bag of Jewellery!!!! Biiig Up!!…is one of the responses that stands out on the Hook and I facebook page.Becky, one of the first owners of the Hook and I jewellery boards, has also recommended the boards to all her friends.“Love them!!!! I have one- best thing ever!!! “She noted that her extra large jewellery board has been the most useful item she had bought in a long time.“It keeps me organised and now with such a great layout of all my jewellery, I never forget what pieces I have and I accessorise my outfits now more than ever before:”
“The possibilities are endless”, says creator, Donna.“Engrave your name, put a favourite quote or a specific design.You can create a very personal gift for that special individual or occasion.”She added, “we welcome a challenge and always seek to exceed our customers’ expectations.
In the future, Donna would like to grow the business to include employing a woodcutter to help cut and finish the pieces as she and her daughter do all that work themselves.Specific goals for the business include “ further developing the display pieces and pursuing store owners to use her designs to showcase their jewellery collection, increase presence on social networking sites and possibly to open a store that carries only my line of products”.So far two retailers are on board with a third expressing interest in the products.
***Visit their Facebook page for more designs or contact donnamvernon@gmail.com
Gyptian has been added to the Damion “Jr Gong”Marley and Nas Distant Relatives 2010 beginning August 24th in Charloette, NC. Gyptian, whose real name is Windel Beneto Edwards, has been enjoying successes on the charts with his new album “Hold Yuh” which continues to hold the #2 spot on Billboard’s Reggae Albums Chart. The title track has become a multi-chart hit worldwide and was viewed by many as the 2010 anthem for summer.
The Washington Post named Gyptian “the owner of the summer’s most compelling dancehall hit.” In addition to the Distant Relatives tour dates, Gyptian will also headline dates through October and then head to Europe for tour dates.Gyptian recently shot his video for the single “Nah Let You Go.”
Lady Saw, My Way
Dancehall Queen, Lady Saw (Marion Hall), has announced the release of her first album since 2007, My Way, is expected to be released within the next month — September 7, 2010 through a new partnership with Toasting Music, alongside her label Diva Records, distributed by Fontana/Universal.
With the release of My Way, Saw is said to be bringing back her famous Dancehall beats and gritty lyrics that first gained her acclaim and widespread popularity at Dancehall shows. The album features fourteen tracks including lead single, Party Till December, which will also feature a music video due out in late August. Other tracks include He Is At My House (featuring Eve), Every Way Mi Go, and I Can’t Wait (featuring Ding Dong). For Saw this album is her declaration of independence per say, as she selected all the tracks to put on it and everything was done ‘her way.’
Tash Goes Back To School
2008 Magnum Queen of the Dancehall, Tashon Williams, known as“Baby Tash”, is going back to school to get a higher education.The Jonathan Grant High School graduate will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts and Technology at the University of Technology, UTECH.”Baby Tash” will be a full-time student, but does not intend to give up her entertainment career.The Magnum Dancehall Queen had taken a break from her studies in 2005 as she had a hard time juggling classroom and a full time job as a deejay.Her latest single “Hotel Room” will be out soon
Wailer Troubles
Living icon, Bunny Wailer has found himself in trouble with the law. Operators of a school which is owned and operated by the artiste in Mona, St. Andrew were given an eviction notice by the courts on Monday for forfeiting a lease agreement.
Bailiffs went to the school, the Millennium Institute at 20 Mona Road, about 10 o’clock Monday morning and served the operators walking papers from the courts.
Courts paper suggests that the artiste owes his landlord more than $1.2 million in outstanding rent plus $87,000 in late fees. This matter will be taken to the courts.
Popcaan Acquitted
Popcaan, one of the three “Gaza” members who reportedly attacked aBahamian Pilotwas acquitted of all charges after he pleaded not guilty…the other twomembers are still in police custody.
The three artistes were alleged to have attacked a pilot on Monday at the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) were arraigned in the magistrates’ court on Wednesday, August 18, 2010. The artites were in Bahamas to entertain fans at a birthday bash.
Twenty-four-year-oldAinsley Morris (Notnice), 22-year-oldAndré Sutherland (Popcaan)and 26-year-oldLenburgh McDonald (Leng)all members of Vybz Kartel’s entourage appeared before Magistrate Ancella Evans-Williams to answer to the charges of causing grievous harm and damage.
It is alleged that the men got into a “brawl” with thepilot after he asked why there were women in the men’s restroom with them. The pilot reportedly left the restroom after a member of the group started to shout obscenities at him.
The pilot reportedly told police that when he returned to use the bathroom another time one of the women who is a part of the group was hit by the bathroom door. It was at that point Bannister said one of the group members slapped him in the face and punched in his left eye. He said the brawl ended in the lounge of the departure terminal alarming hundreds of passengers.
He then called for security, and although some of his alleged attackers were already on board the plane (awaiting departure) by the time he returned with security, the three were pointed out and taken off the plane. Notnice and Leng pleaded guilty to the charges of damage and grievous harm, and are expected to return to court this morning for sentencing.
2010 Festival Song winner Delisser ‘Kharuso’ Mcfarlane poses
with 2nd and 3r place winners (left) Salome ‘Nikki Dillion’ Poyser and Phylbert ‘Petrol’ Graham
In a dazzling display of lights and choreography infused with bursts of youthful energy and ‘ole time Festival’ reminiscing, the ten finalists made their final campaign to join the ranks of other past winners including Toots and the Maytals and Eric Donaldson.
In an outstanding victory at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, Delisser ‘Kharuso’ McFarlane took top prize in an electrifying and renewed Festival Song Competition finals hosted by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) on Friday, July 30, at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre.
An energetic McFarlane copped the richest prize package in the history of the competition taking home more than 1.1 million dollars in cash and a brand new 2010 Nissan Tiida motor car.
Collecting a mega cheque for one million dollars courtesy of title sponsor Claro and the motor vehicle courtesy of Fidelity Motors, he also copped the sectional award for “Best Performer” valued at $40,000 from Capital & Credit Merchant Bank for his entry “My Jamaica”.
Performances deserving of special mention came from Phylbert ‘Petrol’ Graham, singer and song writer of the entry “Island in the Sun”, who placed second and was awarded $250,000 courtesy of Tastee along with the Claro ‘Voter’s Choice Award’ of further $25,000, a cellular phone and a trophy.
The video for Petrol’s entry directed by Gregory ‘Asha’ McPhail also received the “Best Video” award.
A vibrant Salome ‘Nikki Dillon’ Posyer, the only female in the competition, placed third with her entry ‘Di Land We Love’ and collected $100,000 courtesy of sponsor Real Vibes Party Wine.
Members of an appreciative audience were brought to their feet several times throughout the nights proceedings as the finalists appeared twice, first in the warm up segment followed by a second time to deliver their original entries. Of note was the professional execution of all the finalists who utilized a selection of dancers and prop to enhance their deliveries.
The other competitors included Dennard ‘Marvillus’ Morgan, Eric ‘Papa Whyte’ Whyte, Cleveland ‘Deru’ Cathnott, Winston ‘Bello’ Bell, Augustus ‘Rock Irie’ Francis, Jermaine ‘Mojah Rock’ Blake and duo Christopher ‘Amique’ Earlington and Oniel ‘Nazzle Man’ Scott.
Through the inclusion of modern day flare and new world promotions the JCDC has refreshed and revitalized the 45 year old competition which has produced several musical greats.
The winning song is poised to restore patriotism and national pride across the nation, while forming the musical backdrop for this year’s national independence celebrations being hosted under the theme: “I Believe in Jamaica”.
“Cross, angry and honorable,” is the phrase that recording artiste Bounty Killer wishes to be known by. Bounty Killer, whose real name is Rodney Basil Price, was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the recently concluded Reggae Sumfest 2010.The award was presented to him on July 22 , 2010 dancehall night by Sumfest producers Johnny Gourzong and Robert Russell for his outstanding contribution to Jamaica’s music. Bounty Killer begun his music career in the 1990’s and has been going strong since. Like any good artiste, he has had his highs and lows but has a loyal fan-base that has stuck with him throughout the years.
Bounty Killer’s father owned and ran the Black Scorpio sound system and hence started his musical career as a sound system deejay in his early teens.. At 14 years of age, Bounty was shot by a stray bullet during a gunfight, and while recuperating in hospital decided to use the name Bounty Killer. He then turned his attention towards recording.
Bounty Killer is mostly known for his rivalry with dancehall veteran Beenie Man. Bounty has aided in the introduction of many superstars to the industry and has helped their careers to flourish locally and internationally, artistes such as Mavado, Busy Signal and Vybz Kartel. Bounty Killer is also responsible for forming the group Alliance which sees artistes such as Bling Dawg, Wayne Marshall, Mavado and Busy Signal being members.
Bounty Killer has recently been in the news for negative reasons and this has put a bit of positivity in his life. Killer was calm as he accepted his award. He used the opportunity to discuss his recent troubles, such as being jailed and losing his United States visa.
Bounty Killer also called on the government to show some rush in the fight against poverty, especially in the wake of the recent state of emergency and the displacement of high-profile dons. He also lashed out on the ‘shottas’, whom he labelled, “wasted sperm” and “society’s germs.” Bounty Killer stayed true to being the “Poor People Defender.”
Reggae Times congratulate him on his award and hope this will be a step for him in a new and positive direction, as he matures into the man we know he can be.
Lady Saw will shoot the video for the first single on her new album MY WAY today
With Triple Platinum status and a Grammy under her frock for her collaboration with No Doubt on “Underneath it All,” Lady Saw is one of the most distinguishing images in both hip-hop and reggae. The songtress, deejay, producer and writer continues to headline shows worldwide, and her longevity reveals that true artistry always stands the test of time. The multi-talented Jamaica native has had a hand in creating hits for artists like Beenie Man, Sizzla, Bounty Killer, Vegas, Vybz Kartel, Papa Pimp, Capelton and Spragga Benz. Her appeal has also resulted in dynamic collaborations with Gwen Stefani, Missy Elliot, Remy Ma, Trina, Nicki Minaj, Foxy Brown Michael Franti, and Pharrell Williams.
LADY SAW will release her Album MY WAY on September 7, 2010
My Way follows the 2007 release Walk Out, her final album on the reggae label VP Records. Her latest collection, featuring collaborations with rapper Eve and Ding Dong as well as production by Lady Saw along with Tony ‘CD’ Kelly, Lloyd ‘John John’ James, Danny Browne and Stephen McGregor, opens a new chapter for Saw and Divas Records productions.
The video shoot will be at the Fiction Club, 67 Constant Spring Road, from 3-7pm
Sugar Minott one of reggae’s foundation artistes dies at age 54. Minott passed away on July 10, 2010 at the UniversityHospital of the West Indies, St.Andrew. The cause of his death is still unknown. He was ailing from chest pains from 2009 and had to cancel many of his performances in May 2010. The following is an article that was published in ReggaeTimes Magazine Vol.3 No.8 that takes a look at all his works and achievements.
Sugar Minott
Father of Dancehall Music
By Dennis Howard
Lincoln “Sugar” Minott is undoubtedly one of the elders of Jamaican popular music, a veteran of 30 years. Sugar is a significant figure in the formation of the music in the post ska/ rocksteady and reggae eras.
Sugar Minott began his remarkable musical career back in 1969 with a group known as the African Brothers. African Brothers also included Tony Tuff and Derrick Howard who later became a producer. The group recorded with some of the day’s top producers including Clement “Coxsone” Dodd, Rupie Edwards and Winston Blake of Merritone fame, however they had no success and later split to see if solo careers would bring the badly sought after success. Sugar linked with Sir Coxsone in 1974 and began a successful collaboration which brought back some of the prestige of Studio One. Studio One had by then lost a lot of its sting due to the departure of the giants such as Ken Boothe, John Holt, Alton Ellis and Bob Andy.
Putumayo’s Tribute to a Reggae Legend is a global celebration of Bob Marley’s music.Marley who has made a huge universal impact with his music, would have been 65 in 2010. In commemoration, Putumayo
proves the extent of the impact of his powerful message of peace, love, human rights and acceptance worldwide.
Tribute to a Reggae Legend is a compilation of Bob Marley’s most well-known songs sang by artists from all over the world.
The album entails songs such as :
Is this love, sang by the Hawaiian group Three Plus with a “Jahwaiian” style.
Do it Twice, by German born, Hawaiian musician Robi Kahakalau.
Natural Mystic by Rebelution, an American band.
Could you be Loved by Caracol, a singer from Montreal
Concrete Jungle, by Brazillian artist Ceu
Sun is Shining by Rocky Dawuni, who has been called “Ghana’s Bob Marley
Africa Unite by South Africans, Freshlyground.
Waiting in Vain by Northern Lights ft Jonathan Edwards of the US.
Mellow Moodby Julie Crochetiere of Canada
Real Situation by Funkadesi, a Chicagoan band with members of diverse backgrounds
No Woman No Cry by Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars
One Love, done by a Mark Johnson’s Playing for Change, group of international recording artists representing countries from all corners of the globe.
Putumayo’s Tribute to a Reggae Legend gives evokes a sense of euphoria that can be shared by anyone, pre or post-Bob Marley.
Nestled on the shore of south St. Elizabeth‘s Calabash Bay, Jack Sprat is a hidden treasure. No wonder it is located on the popular treasure beach. Jack sprat is one of two restaurants on the Jake’s resort. With its stunning view of the sea, it makes the perfect spot to dine and watch the sun set.
It is great for liming and the price of both food and drinks are very affordable. Offered on their menu is anything seafood; authentic Jamaican prepared fish, conch, lobster, prawns, shrimp and even octopus . When you get there be sure to try their seafood pizza, a scrumptious delight that fuses the spicy taste of garlic, basil and tomato sauce, and chunks of seafood of your choice.
St Elizabeth may seem a far distance to many to travel for food but diners from all over the island visit Jack Sprat for the delectable and unique seafood dishes.
