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.

Written by: Dax Vernon

         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”.

By: Dax Vernon

August 16, 2010

 DUSTIN BROWN –PROFESSIONAL TENNIS PLAYER

  Dustin Brown was born in Germany on August 12, 1984. He lived in Germany until August 1996, when he moved to Jamaica with his parents.  His father, Leroy, is Jamaican and his mother, Inge, is German and Dustin has two half-brothers, Steve and Dean. The 25 year old, 6”5 Dustin Brown, speaks German, English and Jamaican.

Brown started playing tennis at the age of 5 and earned the Nickname “Dreddy” from a young age because of his dreadlocked hair. His favorite surface to compete on is grass. The entertaining “Dreddy” say that his favorite shot is his serve and forehand while he hits a two-handed backhand. His serve characterizes his game and volley style of play with aggressive groundstrokes and impressive volleys and drop shots. He is an all rounder. 

Brown recalls that his idol while growing up was Marat Safin. He credits his parents with being the most inspirational in his life. Outside of tennis he enjoys music, surfing the Internet and watching movies, normal day-to-day activities. He is also a model and has been featured in the International magazine “RIDDIM” in a cover in while he is modeling for Sir Benni Miles Fashion. Brown works for the Manigoo modeling agency.

 He is now finished with college and has played numerous Futures and Challenger tournaments in Jamaica and all over the world. He moved back to Germany in 2004 and currently resides their He Practices his game in Hannover however. Brown recalls that his pathway to success wasn’t easy and was only possible because of sacrifice and the fact that his “Parents bought him a camper van which he used to drive around Europe to get to compete in tournaments between 2004-2007.” He currently has competed in grand slams such as Wimbledon, U.S. Open, Australian Open, and Mercedes Cup and hopes to compete in the French Open for this year. He is sure making some serious moves.

Brown is currently ranked number 98 in the world in Men’s Singles and number 90 in the world in Men’s doubles. He is the second person with Jamaican roots to make it to grand slams ever, with the first being Richard Russell who made it to the second round of the Australian Open in 1964. Brown’s current ranking is an achievement which every Jamaican should be proud of as it is no secret that the country has struggled to produce top-class players in the sport of tennis. Focused and living by the motto “a man with the desire to do something… can do anything”; Brown has a bright future ahead of him.

By: Dax Vernon

From the beginning of time, women have always been attracted to bad boys. This is the common question that has often been asked by many. Why is this trend becoming so popular? In Jamaica’s culture today the bad boy persona has been adopted by many of the countries’ men especially the dancehall entertainers. Their bad boy lyrics and demeanor is glorified by many but more so women.

One may ask who is a bad boy and what are his characteristics? A bad boy may be defined as a man who is at times outwardly attractive, but is unwilling to offer sacrificial love in a relationship. He is too preoccupied with himself to share genuine compassion, concern, or acceptance. A bad boy lacks character and might exhibit the following behavior: lying, superiority, irresponsible dreaming, and fear of commitment, sexual promiscuity and addiction to substances, selfishness, and hunger for power.

A bad boy will only sacrifice for someone if it’s convenient for him or if he gets something in return. He expects the woman to do most of the giving, while he ignores her needs or takes advantage of her. So why are these types of entertainers so appealing to women? 

Bad boy entertainers in Jamaica are respected by their fans as ‘they defend their people’ and openly critise injustice by the state. They cater to women fantasies and their lyrics plays out private bedroom scenes. Bad boy entertainers within the Jamaican industry include individuals such as Shabba Ranks, King Yellowman, Vybz Kartel, Mavado, Busy Signal, Beenie Man and Bounty Killer. Whenever they are performing women are always screaming at the top of their lungs and at the front of the stage trying to grope them. Why are these artistes so appealing? Why do these artistes tend to get caught up in the spotlight more than others?

Suewyn Jackson, a 22 year old said that” she is attracted to Mavado because of his lyrics and he knows how to dress and carry himself and his gangster image.” Mavado came on the scene with his slang “gangster for life” and women have been flocking him ever since. To many he’s always neatly attire in whatever colour he uses to adorn himself. His locks are always clean and polished and the way he serenade the ladies will make him a crowd pleaser with the women.

            “Vybz Kartel a fi mi artiste fi life, a the real bad dj roun here, I love him.” Vanessa Cowns, a 28 year old cocktail waitress disclosed. Vybz Kartel is a sex magnet; he attracts women to him from all over the globe. He has an aura of confidence which often times play to his advantage or disadvantage. His raunchy lyrics carters to female desires. Carolyn Cooper well known advocate of dancehall sees “dancehall as an erogenous zone in which the celebration of female sexuality and fertility is ritualized as men pay homage to the female principle.” Vybz Kartel lyrics to may seem to demoralize women but women are drawn to his lyrics. Cadine Denton, a 22 year old, bartender stated that, “Kartel lyrics make a woman think of all the things that can be done in the bedroom and his songs just give you a feeling of sexuality.”

            Bad boy entertainers from Shabba Ranks through to Vybz Kartel have females fan groveling at their feet. Bad boy entertainers are seen by woman as forbidden territories. They are those guys you would want but know that they are bad for you. They can be compared to a nice delicious piece of black forest cake, its bad for your health but you still want it anyways. Some women are drawn to their lifestyles, the flashy cars, the partying and always being in the spotlight. They generate hype and their crowd pleasing ways make them a winner with their fans.

            They are the epitome of many women fantasies. They live their lives in the spotlight and have dozens of women throwing themselves at them. Women like the way they carry themselves, their lyrics and the way the way they ride the rhythms. They also like their aggressive demeanor especially to sex. Bad boy entertainers have been around for a while and will continue to be around. They have sex appeal to many women and it’s not about the appearance but about their attitude and their entire persona. The entertainer who has the entire package is the one that wins the female fan base. 

 By: TB

Every now and then a new restaurant opens in town and Reggae times is always on top of the latest happenings in Jamaica. For this issue we highlight the Firelite Restaurant. The restaurant opened on June 13 and specializing in “live” food, i.e., uncooked food, consisting of various vegetarian delights. It offers a variety of vegan raw food in Kingston. 

           The business is a family business, which is run by Ben Tsedek and Ben Yahudo. When asked what inspired the business, Ben answered, “We as a community of people have restaurants in the United States and in Africa and in Israel, so what we are doing is a continuation in Jamaica. The real inspiration is the health of our people on a whole…we provide food that is nourishing to the soul… while the majority of restaurants only care about profit and not about health”.

          It is not your typical everyday restaurant either as there are only two “live” food restaurants in Jamaica, both of them having been opened recently. It brings a quite interesting menu lineup to the table that will be hard for many to compete with. Ben gave us an idea of some of the food served there and he lists “ Raw foods such as Sushi, Cous Cous, Tabooli, coconut spaghetti, raw Ackee dishes, many more.  And we also do fresh juices and smoothies”. When asked about the competition between the two only live food restaurants, Ben said “we not competitors… but we complement each other, we do different dishes.”

       To differentiate themselves from other businesses “when you support Firelite. You actually support a repatriation activity. You support food for the soul of people and non-profit organizations that will operate in Africa. You also support a cultural movement in the way we look at food. You support well-water drilling in areas in Kenya. You support the teaching of indigenous people in West Africa to manufacture their food and teach them how to adjust and manufacture soy and we taught people in Zimbabwe how to become more profitable and get food. So we are supporting Africa and self-sustainability because you have people out there that don’t want Africa to be fed.

          Located on 11 Maeven avenue, Hope Road, Kingston 10, Firelite is open Monday to Thursdays between 12 and 7 p.m and between 12-6 p.m on a Friday. They are currently not open on weekends but “will be at some point”. When asked what the future holds for the business say in 5 years, Ben replied” we want to be the supreme authority on healthy lifestyle and vegetarianism and the cultures of healthy lifestyle in Jamaica and as well as in the Caribbean and business forming a link with Africa”.

By: Dax Vernon

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 industry  and 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 soon  friends 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 proudly  offers 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 of  a 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

Reggae Television (RE TV) launched its talent school search competition on July 14, 2010 with the first audition being held at Devon House, Kingston. The Competition came about as a spin-off from the popular Re TV High School Tour which promoted the message “Abstinence Mek Sense.” The search was designed as a means to discover new talent and give young talent an avenue to showcase their talents while spreading a positive message. The concept developed because of the need for new artistes on the school tour.

             The judges consisted of mainly young entertainers who are making their mark on the industry as well as artistes that are somewhat veterans in the business. The judging panel featured artistes such as Stacious, Tifa, Timberlee, Mr.G, and Anthony Cruz. The talent search has toured parishes such as Kingston, Ochio Rios, and Mandeville. The judges were selected as those who have appeared on school tour and those who were suggested by producers.

            The auditions were completed last Saturday, with the last leg being in Mandeville. So what next persons ask? Well the show will reach the semi-final stage, where the 22 contestants which were selected from the auditions will be narrowed down to 10. This 10 will then be narrowed to 5. The competition will be open for viewers to call or text in the number of their favorites so the two winners can be decided.

            The prizes have not yet been finalized but among them will be a single produced by a top producer, cash prizes, cell phones, appearance on the school tour and interviews on Re TV.

            The concept is a good idea as it gives young and upcoming artistes a means as to which to showcase their talents. Critics have said “another talent search again, don’t we already have Rising Stars and Magnum Kings and Queens, why another?” But let’s look at this closely Jamaica is a country filled with talent especially musical talent so what is wrong with having another talent search? Talent searches have lead to the successes of many artistes. Look at Christopher Martin and Baby Tash, King Yellowman, Beenie Man and Nadine Sutherland, just to name a few. In addition to this the artiste will be going around to schools promoting to adolescents the vital message of abstinence. The winner will have a lot of responsibility on his or her shoulders as they’ll be performing to an audience which many view as the toughest kind of critics there is. Adolescents are very hard to please and performing in front of an entire audience full of this age group will not be an easy fete.

            Other critics question the capabilities of the judges. But who better to judge than persons who have been in the same position before. The judges that were used were judges who have been regulars on the school tour for a while and know what will appeal to the consumers. They are also young and bring this same kind of thinking to the selection process.

            Part one of the process has just been completed, so it’s too early for anyone to judge whether or not the program will be a success. The only critique I have of this programme it the advertising strategy. The programme needs to step up on marketing, as not many persons know about it. They need to add more intensity and create more ‘buzz.’ I believe this programme has the potential to be a success. Personally, any programme that discover and highlights new artistes get thumbs up in my book.

By: Trisanya Barnes

Held at Bookophilia at 92 Hope Road in St Andrew, ART’ical EXPOSURE seeks to expose creativity through staging a series of literary and musical showcases. It is put on by Manifesto|Jamaica, a new non-governmental organization. Manifesto|Jamaica is run by an energetic team of young Jamaicans who believe in the power of Arts and Culture as a driving force for responsible national development. Manifesto is hosting a three-part series of the events dubbed ART’ical Exposure. The series will run from August to September.

            Each night will feature an open mic segment where artists can showcase their talent and an art exhibition and sale inside the store. The show should also see some nice crowds, as there is no entry-fee. The first show was held on August 13, 2010 and featured acts such as Dax, Ganja, Kenardo Philips, Jason Worton and Yashika Graham. Mostly underground acts were exposed in the first show. The next show will be held on August 27 2010 with the theme “Roots Rock” and it will feature Jah9, Protoje and Napatali. The show is expected to grow in size tremendously as word spreads of a new live entertainment spot in town.

By: Dax Vernon

Gyptian has been added to the Damion “Jr Gong”  Marley and Nas Distant Relatives 2010 beginning August 24^th 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 a Bahamian Pilot was acquitted of all charges after he pleaded not guilty…the other two members 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-old Ainsley Morris (Notnice), 22-year-old André Sutherland (Popcaan) and 26-year-old Lenburgh 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 the pilot 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.

Lyrical rivalries and confrontations have for a long time been a part of the local entertainment culture. It is the backbone of dancehall and for live shows and it is the highlight of the night for shows such as Sting and The Settlement and even Follow Di Arrow. Rivalries such as Stitchie versus Papa San, Beenie man versus Bounty Killer, Vybz Kartel versus Movado, Supercat versus Ninjaman, Ninjaman versus Shabba Ranks and Merciless versus Bounty Killer are some which have been taken place and are popularly known.   In fact, Hip-Hop and Rap lyrical “wars” such as Tupac versus Biggy have all been influenced by dancehall clashes as Hip-Hop gained its grounds from the trends of the dancehall.

          Dancehall music highlights social commentary, struggles, inner city garrisons, flashy cars, money, scantily clad women, expensive lifestyles, “thuggery”, guns,  poverty,  drugs, “macho-ism” and lyrical battles. From in the early 1950’s when the dancehall was just a space in the street or on the lawn with two speaker boxes, clashes were a part of the culture. This was before it was even categorized as “dancehall music”. Sound systems used to clash in the early days before artistes took the roll on themselves. An example of competition in the industry from the sound system is Duke Reid with the Trojan, and Clement Dodds with Sir Coxsone Downbeat. Competition between them was fierce. The sound system was a competitive venture. Competition was central to the success of the sound system and it is because of competition why the sound system became so popular.  Likewise competition is central to the success of many artistes and thus performers started to lyrically compete against each other. Thus clashing is heavily embedded within  dancehall.

          Lyrical confrontations used to be done to please the crowd. But ever since clashes started becoming personal and more about the artiste’s personal issues there has been a debate as to whether artistes should be allowed to clash or not. Clashes have gotten to the point where it is now a physical threat to the artistes, fans and entourage of the artistes’, as it is no longer remaining only lyrical but has gotten to the point where physical altercations arise as a result.

Lyrical confrontations have reached the point where it is not so “entertaining” again as it is too serious and personal. An example would be Bounty Killer and Beenie man clashing over a girl, i.e. D’Angel, which is clearly a personal issue, which should not be argued in public. People want to hear creative lyrical content not petty arguments.  It became evident that the clash scene became a real personal one where you really “better be careful” what you say when Vybz Kartel attacked Ninjaman at Sting 2003. After Kartel called Ninjaman to join him on stage to lyrically battle it out, Ninjaman appeared to have shoved Vybz Kartel and that is when members of Kartel’s entourage, who happened to be on stage, attacked Ninjaman with Kartel delivering a blow to the artiste’s face using the microphone. Even during the recent well publicized “Vybz kartel versus Mavado” clash at Sting 2009 many “threats” were passed and a lot of derogatory comments were made that made you wonder if this was “entertainment” or real.

          Examples of the younger generation clash artistes are Movado, Vybz Kartel, Black Rhyno and Aidonia and examples of the veterans, the original, clash deejays were Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Ninjaman, Supercat, King Yellowman, Papa San and Lt. Stitchie, to name a few. It should also be noted that most of the younger generation clash artistes come from a Bounty Killer led camp known as the Alliance which helps to expose young talent to the world.

          Bounty Killer is classed as one of the Kings of Clashes. Bounty Killer’s famous rivalry was with Beenie man and the two of them have been lyrically at it for years. They have both been throwing lyrical punches at each other for years now on recordings, during stage-shows and on interviews. An example of Bounty Killer versus Beenie man are found in the songs “Bulletproof Skin” and Beenie Man’s “The War Is Not Over” where they exchange lyrical shots at each other. The two have clashed numerous times such as at Sting 93’. The two recently however made amends at Fully Loaded 2010 held at James Bond Beach, Ocho Rios, where they performed side by side, to the surprise of many and seemed to either have already or to be trying to put all the negative history they have in the past and move on. This will not be the first time however, that the two will try to squash the animosity or “war” between them. All previous “unity” attempts have failed, but the special thing about them trying right now is the “timing”. Timing is key and in a time where the local scene is trying to get a grip on things and trying to come to terms with everything that has been happening from the recently imposed state of emergency and from the Gully and the Gaza war, etc, this move will have a great impact on the upcoming Sting 2010, “the greatest one night reggae show on earth”, known for producing some of the best clashes ever.

       Supreme Promotions’, Demario McDowell says “you have to understand that the backbone of dancehall music is built around “thuggery” and “badness” and with all that has happened this year, with the police sort of breaking the back of the criminal underground, the mood will be more “mature” this year”. He continues to say “nobody wants to jump up and say that they are “this” or “that” in a time like this”.

          When Beenie Man and Bounty Killer united on stage at Fully Loaded a host of other artistes were there on the stage to support what was happening such as Aidonia, Einstein, Mavado, and Chase Cross, etc. The artistes were all laughing, dancing and giving “forwards” while the two deejays performed hit songs, tune after tune, and even did a comical clash, to show that everything was good between them. This is a nice way forward for the industry as it shows unity and it shows that there is hope indeed for its growth and continued success as it reminded us of the good old days when clashes were nice and fun and that  it wasn’t all about having a screwface and being offensive. This unification, at this time, so close to Sting 2010, symbolizes that come Boxing Day, the main objective will be to please the crowd and not to settle a dispute on stage. (more…)