Beres Hammond’s concert “A Moment in Time was a stunning production in a superb venue. However, even with excellent showings from nearly all the performers before Hammond, when he entered exchanging lines on the chorus of “Rock Me Tonight” with Freddie Jackson at 12:10 a.m. yesterday, it was the moment of the night that had been too long in coming for a huge audience that occupied about three-quarters of the available seating.
Thee audience cried out for each song performed by Hammond, burning happily in the morning sun of his 70s R&B and continuing with shortened versions of “One Dance”, “Step Aside Now”, “Groovy Little Thing”, “Double Trouble” and “Putting Up Resistance most standing throughout as the rockers hit home.
After paying respect to Alton Ellis with an acapella version of “Weeping Willow”, HammondThe mass exodus continued even as most of the night’s extensive line-up returned for an all-star ensemble to sing for the children, making for a letdown of a final moment that was simply not enough Hammond.
The late start aside, ‘Moment’ was spot-on with stunning performances to match the location, with very smooth alteration that saw performers exchanging places on a well-lit stage without any announcement. The MightyDiamonds walked out with “Right Time” and rub a dubbed their way to “Pass the Kutchie”, before delivering the R&B of “There’s No Me Without You”, earning a standing ovation from the audience.
Stated as ‘final frontier’ and ‘the settlement of all argument’, Sting 2008 saw a vast turnout at Jamworld, Portmore, St Catherine, on Boxing Day. Queen Ifrica performed well She closed off a good showing with ”Daddy” and advised the wanna be bad men “keep it to yusself”.
While I-Octane, was one of the few non-combative artistes to score with the crowd going down the stretch to the clashes. He lyrically stabbed the vampire with a peg and introduced Spragga Benz, who rejoiced that “Rasta Run the World”.
‘Three The Hard Way’ with Ginjah, Stevie Face and Terry Linen was remarkably soft, the three coming on in quick succession rather than performing at the same time. Black Ryno was the first Portmore Empire member to come onstage, Pamputae was raw and scored more with humorous quips than her sex-laden chants.
Zebra received very little love and Flippa Mafia’s Dem Ya was punctuated with liquor splashing and money tossing, for which the audience cheered. Bugle ‘exercised’, Serani demanded “Doh” and “Bling Dawg” escaped as the handclaps started.
The warfare began with Kip Rich, who blasted the ‘Monster Flop’ crew and Aidonia wore out his good reception quickly, although the handclaps and the cheers alternated with confusing rapidity.
Spice came out in sexy boxing gear and, before the climactic clash; Kartel stepped out to do Ramping Shop with her. Assassin showed his skill and courage yet again, putting on a performance, which gradually engaged the clash-hungry audience as he worked his way to a “wha do dem guy deh” and dismissed the Sissy.
Beenie Man partied the morning away and the audience did so happily with him, the dancehall doctor coordinating hand waving while he did Frame I and Red Red Red, among other songs.
Then it was wartime, with Mavado and Kartel, Mavado getting some boos at points where his lyrics were a bit slow in coming as the battle went back and forth until the climactic moment when Mavado capitalized on a moment when Kartel went too low for the Sting crowd and was booed resoundingly.
Stephen Marley has debuted at number one on the Billboard Magazine Reggae chart with mind control acoustic. The album is an unplugged version of his recent album Mind control that won the Grammy this year for best reggae album.
VP Records will be releasing an 18-track compilation of Elephant Man’s greatest hits titled Energy God: The Very Best of Elephant man on February 17, 2009.
The album will feature his number one songs from both VP and Green Sleeves. There will also be a bonus DVD called “Living La Vida Ele” that will give fans the opportunity to have a personal encounter with the energy god.
“Energy God: The Very Best of Elephant Man.” includes recent hit songs like: “Gully Creepa,” “Nuh Linga” and its remixed “Sweep” The ground-breaking spirit continues throughout the album with some off Ele’s early works like “Elephant Message” off the popular Diwali riddim (that featured Sean Paul’s “Get Busy” & Wayne Wonder’s “No Letting Go”) and “Bun Bad Mind”
The 2009 renewal of popular annual ‘live’ event “Rebel Salute”, will be staged as a salute to the new U.S. President- elect, Barrack Obama.This the CEO of Flames Promotions and organizer of “Rebel Salute”, Tony Rebel, stated while addressing a very large gathering at the recently held launch of the 16th renewal of the annually held event, which was staged in Ballroom 1 of the Hilton Hotel, New Kingston on Thursday December 18 last.
Tony Rebel said: “I want to have a special celebration this coming “Rebel Salute.”There is a place in the world called the “White House”, and it is in America, and on the 20th January, it will be occupied by a black family.I don’t know if we really get it fully.”
“It’s a serious thing. I’ve seen Nelson Mandela go to Prison for over 20 years…He came out and became the President of South Africa. And I am now going to see that wonderful couple going into the White House.I think we need to have some kind of celebration for that too….So on January 17 we want to dub this “Rebel Salute”, the pre- celebration of the inauguration of President Obama.”Rebel’s speech was greeted with rousing applause from the invitees who filled and overflowed from the Ballroom.
For the past 16 years, ‘Rebel Salute”, has promoted the idea of a healthy lifestyle, addressing the need for an event which caters to people who are conscious that their body is their temple, and so too their minds. Ra Salute continues to edify as well as entertain with a unique blend of generation spanning artistes that share not only a love for Reggae music, but also reflect a positive message peace, strength in unity and the principle of love. Rebel Salute 2009 promises to be a Reggae connoisseur’s classic.
Some of the acts who have taken up the challenge to appear for the 2009 staging of “Rebel Salute” have a legacy of consciousness to maintain and are each willing and able to deliver on that promise to the most loyal and knowledgeable of Reggae audiences in the entire world, fans who have gathered for 15 years with their Red. Green and Gold flags, a discerning ear and an open heart-all in support of a modern indigenous work of art that just happens to go from dusk ‘til dawn.
‘Innovators’ in every sense of the word, “Rebel Salute 2009” has compiled a line-up destined for a spectacular showing, including but not limited to:
Morgan Heritage
Tarrus Riley
1-Wayne
Sanchez
Queen Ifrica
I-Octane
The Wailing Souls
Rootz Underground
Luciano
Mka1 Rose
Ras Moses
John Holt
Errol Dunkley
Konshens
Clarendonians
Leroy Sibbles
Tony Rebel
This calendar event will unfold at the Port Kaiser Sports Club on January 17, 2009.Feel free to make the journey to St. Elizabeth to be one with those discerning people who will be saying, “Yes We Can” along with Tony Rebel and other Reggae Music luminaries.
Tony Rebel, OD, remains at the vanguard of a musical trend he inspired over 20 years ago- his conviction and ingenuity to depart from the conventional approach to Jamaican popular music; whilst promoting the idea of righteousness and a code of honour, through reggae, is what has set this rebel apart!
A REBEL IS BORN
Patrick Barrett aka Tony Rebel was born on January 15, 1962.He first caught public attention in 1984 and 1985 winning the premier DJ competition in Manchester, (the parish of his birth), by using a gritty yet melodic style that bridged the gap between the Reggae and Dancehall genre, a style that would eventually become known to the world as, Sing-Jaying.
However, his official sojourn into the music business didn’t come until 1991, when he released the smash hit, “Fresh Vegetable”, on the Penthouse Label.
Drawing on his formative experiences in the verdant hills of Manchester, Jamaica- where many of his age turned to the soil to make a living; a young Papa Tony, as he was then known; realized just how much time and attention it would take before his musical aspirations would bear fruit or in the Rebel’s case, vegetables.
In 1988 he and then fellow aspiring artiste; the late Garnet Silk, took a taxi to Kingston with the intention of reaping all of the hard work they intended to sow.
After two years of emoting songs such as: “Sweet Jamaica”, “Nazarite Vow” and Armour”. The rebel began his rise- when Colombia Records came to harvest his talent.
Noting his enigmatic and creative writing and delivery, Tony was prolific during his
years at Colombia: double featuring on the Grammy nominated “Stir-It-Up” compilation,
achieving certified Gold Status with the “Cool Runnings” soundtrack. 1991 saw Tony
team up with Motown artiste Queen Latifah on their billboard busting single, “Weekend
Love.” His album “Vibes of the Times” shot straight to # 1 on the CMJ charts.
A REBEL LEADS THE CAUSE
In a career that spans; two decades -10 albums, several compilations and 14 years of promoting a spiritual renaissance within reggae. Tony rebel is on his way to becoming a reggae mogul. Not just a musician, but also as a producer; with his studio, Flames production, nearing the final stages of completion. His most tangible success to date however: has come as the promoter of “Rebel Salute.”
The embodiment of practice what you preach Tony Rebel makes lifestyle music, and music that styles lives. His annual conscious music showcase, “Rebel Salute”, is the largest of’ its kind in the Caribbean. Yet still observes its founding principles of no meat and no alcohol, 15 years after its inception. The continued success of Rebel Salute is a signpost that the path Tony Rebel had chosen all those years ago was the right one.
THE HONOURED REBEL
Tony Rebel’s contributions within the national and international music circles have not gone unnoticed, lauded today as a leader in Jamaica’s “cultural revolution” Patrick Barrett was awarded the Order of Distinction from the Government of Jamaica in 2002.
His social consciousness has led him to venture into areas of volunteerism honouring a complete schedule of; motivational speaking, charity performances and work on various social agenda committee’s. His selection by UNICEF, as chair for the ‘Artistes against AIDS’ campaign, seemed a natural step in his humanitarian efforts. His prayer “Peace love and unity” was adopted as the theme music for Jamaican general elections in 1997. whilst “Jah by my side” a monster success re-recorded in French and Spanish, was the official theme music for the Reggae Boyz run to the world cup at France 98.
However it was the United Nations International search for a theme song that earned the Rebel the personal commendations of then general secretary Kofi Annan. The “Not all about the money” global song search selected Tony Rebel’s music to launch the international year of the volunteer in 2001.
THE REBOLUTION CONTINUES
Tony Rebel the progenitor of the sing jay style remains contemporary without sacrificing class. Today the Rebel sings for the acceptance of personal responsibility-self realization and determination. His themes:- The pursuit of self awareness and the knowledge that the trials of life are there to be conquered. Infuse his first album release in 6 years- I Rebel; with a musical maturity unmatched in reggae.
The Rebel revels in his musical manifesto with the latest album I REBEL - an induction into the rebel lifestyle. He even shares a track entitled “music” with action star turned musician Steven Segal. This collaboration is apt, in that Tony Rebel brings music to action. The Album is
a musical map along the path less travelled; the path of the free thinker, the path of the Rebel!
Discography
• 2007- I Rebel, Flames Production Inc. /Island Entertainment
In light of the help needed to improve the conditions of the Bustamante Hospital for Children, situated on the Arthur Wint Drive, inSt. Andrew; internationally renowned reggae megastar, Shaggy, is in the process of planning to stage a concert in early 2009; in attempt to raise over US$2 million to purchase much needed equipment for that institution.
Shaggy first charitable assistance to the Children’s Hospital came about a few a years ago when he discovered that a son of a popular record producer, Tony Kelly, was a patient at the institution.During this period, he became aware that the hospital did not have the necessary required equipment to help Kelly’s young son. Armed with this knowledge he then made the commitment to assist by providing as much help as he possibly could for the Children’s Hospital.
Since initiating his assistance programme the BustamanteHospital for Children, Shaggy has expanded his charitable work by expanding his assistance endeavours to encompass various other charities.He said, the idea for this current project came to him while he was on a recent visit to the Children’s Hospital.He said, during his tour of the facility, a man came up to him and requested if he could spare the time to visit with his 8-year-old daughter who had a bullet in her head, and was in the intensive care unit.Shaggy later learnt that the life-support machine the girl was on was one that he had bought.
FOUR-HOUR DIALYSIS MACHINE ROTATION
While on the same tour Shaggy was also informed that the young patients at the hospital who had kidney ailments were systematically rotated off dialysis machines, every four hours so that as many as is possible could gain access them.Shaggy had also donated those machines to the hospital, and the institution’s current situation made him realize the necessity for more to be done for the BustamanteHospital for Children.
Shaggy told Reggae Times that, “I realized I had to do something more so I called some of the best corporate sponsors to a meeting in my living room and basically said we are going to do this concert on the third of January.”He further stated that this drive would form part of his campaign to raise money for the Children’s Hospital and to also raise awareness of the problems the institution faces, so that more people can come aboard.He mentioned that the US$2million, (approximately J$154 million), is what is needed to acquire much needed equipment for the institution.
Shaggy’s BustamanteHospital for Children” charity concert is tentatively set to be staged on the lawns of Jamaica House, January 3, 2009.
Bono, the popular front man for the internationally famous Irish band, U2, is quoted in the international media for paying glowing tribute to Rob Partridge, a British music industry veteran publicist, who recently passed away at the age of 60.Partridge, who has worked as publicist for Bob Marley, U2, and other acts, which were on the roster of Chris Blackwell’s, Island Records; recently succumbed to bowel and liver caner on November 26, in London, England.
Bob Partridge was head of Island Records’ publicity department for 16 years.He played a significant role in publicising the April 1978, “One Love Peace Concert”, which was held at the National Stadium, here in Kingston.The headline act of that event was Bob Marley.Two years later, he went on to sign the emerging U2 band from Dublin, Ireland to the Island Record label.
Bono, in paying his tribute to Partridge on the U2 website wrote, “”Rob Partridge was the first person in the British music industry to sing our praises.He not only had an eye for upcoming talent, he was also a nurturer….a person who would educate you about the kind of obstacles you were going to meet and how to get over them….a rare human being,”
While at the head of Island Records’ press office, Bob Partridge acted as U2’s publicist fro over a decade, seeing them through to superstardom status with the 1987 album “The Joshua Tree.”He also had the responsibility of keeping the images of Bob Marley and another then popular Jamaican act, Grace Jones, in the international spotlight at a time when reggae music was largely an underground sound.
Popular British singers, Tom Waits and Marianne Faithfull also came under his wings while they were on the roster of Island Records list of acts.
Rob Partridge was born in Devon, South England, and is survived by his wife Tina.
