ReggaeTimes

“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 University Hospital 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.

Read the rest of this entry »

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 :

1. Is this love, sang by the Hawaiian group Three Plus with a “Jahwaiian” style.
2. Do it Twice, by German born, Hawaiian musician Robi Kahakalau.
3. Natural Mystic by Rebelution, an American band.
4. Could you be Loved by Caracol, a singer from Montreal
5. Concrete Jungle, by Brazillian artist Ceu
6. Sun is Shining by Rocky Dawuni, who has been called “Ghana’s Bob Marley
7. Africa Unite by South Africans, Freshlyground.
8. Waiting in Vain by Northern Lights ft Jonathan Edwards of the US.
9. Mellow Mood  by Julie Crochetiere of Canada
10. Real Situation by Funkadesi, a Chicagoan band with members of diverse backgrounds
11. No Woman No Cry by Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars
12. 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.

By Tashan Hendricks

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.

By Tashan Hendricks

When one hears the term Baker’s dozen an array of  scrumptious glazed donuts, dozens of macadamia cookies, brownies and croissants are few of the things you evoke.  However this Baker’s Dozen is a batch of the trendiest clothing on the market.

Recently launched,  the Baker’s Dozen (13) targets the 14 t0 40 age group  and  takes  a fresh, simple but versatile approach to clothing, starting initially with t-shirts.  This clothing company not only produces the clothing but also markets and supports it through a range of advertising and promotional campaigns aimed at  developing  brand awareness.

The company has  building  partnerships with retailers who have so far been satisfied with the quality and customer response to the product. Baker’s Dozen (13) markets its line as an alternative to existing clothing lines, and differentiates itself by its viral marketing strategies, using social networks, and responding to customer feed back.

The company’s goal in the next year is to have a strong presence in the fashion industry and to elicit a large consumer demand for the products. In the next 2-5 years the company aims to venture into a whole lifestyle of Baker’s Dozen (13) products in addition to  clothing.

The phrase “Baker’s Dozen” dates to the 13th century. Bakers who were found to have shortchanged customers could be subject to harsh punishment. To avoid the penalty of losing a hand to an axe, a baker would bake 13 items for the required 12. This practice was insurance against “short measure”, on the basis that one of the 13 could be lost, eaten or burnt leaving the baker with the original legal dozen. The name ‘Baker’s Dozen’, apart from being a creative and unusual one, also represents the quality that the company’s brand brings to the market. The company guarantees that customers will not be “shortchanged”.

By TH

Reggae Sumfest Dancehall Night Hits High Note

 On  Thursday evening,July 22, 2010,  Jamaica’s premier Reggae Festival Reggae Sumfest, got off to a brilliant start at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre in Montego Bay.

Rain had been pelting the western section of the island only hours before the start of the show, but that was not enough to stop the thousands of loyal Festival supporters who turned out. From as early as 7 pm, patrons were lining up outside the venue anticipating the start of the Festival.

The event pulled thousands of patrons into the Catherine Hall complex to see an armada of current stars blended with the future stars of Jamaica’s Dancehall scene.

The artiste package was a competent mixture of experience in the form of acts such as Bounty Killer and Assassin, youth in the form of acts such as Konshens and Tifa, potential in the form of acts such as Taz and Bescenta, and vitality in the form of acts such as Spice and Vybz Kartel.

They all thrilled a receptive crowd with blistering performances, raising their game to the excellence that is associated with the Reggae Sumfest standard.

One of the show’s more moving moments was when the group Voicemail opened with a soulful rendition of Praise His Name, a tribute tune recorded in memory of Oneil, their fallen group member.  The almost tearful rendition held the audience silent for a few moments, until the tribute morphed into another form of dedication with the introduction of more upbeat and vibrant tunes that the group is known to perform.

Another solemn moment occurred when one of dancehall’s most influential artistes, Bounty Killer, was honoured in song by one of his most popular protégés, Elephant Man, and when Bounty Killer similarly paid respect to Vybz Kartel.

This commendable start to the 2010 Reggae Sumfest is testament to the strength of the Festival, pulling thousands from across the world to watch a well packaged show from start to end.

Reggae Sumfest continues on Friday Night with International Night One, and will feature acts such as Chris Brown, Protoje, Etana and Jah Cure, and International Night Two on Saturday, with acts such as Usher, Beenie Man, Shaggy, and Tarrus Riley.

Reggae Sumfest remains the most celebrated and supported Reggae Festival in Jamaica, and attracts the world’s leading musicians and performers. In its near 20 year history, the show has boasted a superb entertainment package, loaded with the best performances, food, music, and culture.

Social networking and music promotion

You want to catch the customer’s eyes; you want your business to be the best, so you seek out different ways to appeal to them. Facebook, YouTube, MySpace and Twitter are just a few of the popular social networks that are being used to market various ideas and companies.  What is a Social Network? A social network is a website where people connect with friends, both those they know offline and those who are online-only buddies. Social networking sites are a hot topic for marketers, as they present a number of opportunities for interacting with customers, including via plug-in applications, groups, and fan pages.

In this day and age technology is way to go, for instance numerous companies such as Digicel, Lime and Island Grill have all being utilising social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. But social networks are not just for the big companies but it is a medium through which artists can market themselves and their music. Artists such as Tessanne Chin, Vybz Kartel and other upcoming artist such as Tanto Blacks have made their way into the business and are making a name for themselves from the publicity that these networks afford them.

Social networks have made it easier for persons in the music industry to gain recognition and exposure that they may not have been able to access. In times gone by success in the music industry was limited to only a select few, but technological developments have changed that.  The availability of social networks like YouTube and MySpace can allow artists to upload their music videos and songs, and their fans are able to view and listen to their favourite artists and at the same time see upcoming artists.

But there is a downfall to social networks, they can also be harmful to artists as it is just as easy for their fans to download their music without paying for it, which directly affects the sales and revenues artists would earn. In 2009 leading dancehall deejay Vybz Kartel released his “Pon Di Gaza” album independently via Adidjahiem Records/NotNice Records, but according to some reports – based on Nielsen SoundScan figures – a measly eight copies of the album were sold in its first week. 519 individual downloads of various singles off the album were recorded for the same first week period. Technology has helped changed the music industry but it still has its downfalls.

Putting in the time and effort required is what will set you apart from the other, less than willing, marketers.  The first step is branding yourself with long term ways of generating attention to your page. What this means is becoming an expert in your niche, by writing articles, press-releases or blogs and putting them on the social network sites. If your content is good, your traffic or followers will be good. Submitting new content on a consistent basis will aid in your attempt to catch and maintain your target audience’s attention.

While MySpace remains the market leader, FaceBook’s recently launched FaceBook Ads system has added a feature where users can recommend products to friends. It’s estimated that an individual is three to five times more likely to buy a product if a friend uses and recommends it.

As an avid user of social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, I have seen firsthand as both an entrepreneur and a customer that social networks are an asset. It’s the twenty-first century and customers have different needs and as such we need to employ different strategies to catch and maintain their attention and their disposable income, so allow your customs to follow you on Twitter or add you on Facebook.

Reggae Times

Aldria Grant

Dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel, whose real name is Adijah Palmer, was freed from police custody on Friday, July 16, 2010 after spending 14 days in jail. The release of the deejay came when his detention release forms were signed by the Minister of National Security, Dwight Nelson. Kartel turned himself in on July 2^nd, after he was identified as a person of interest by the police.

The deejay release was greeted by a lot of support and jubilee. The deejay is set to perform on Thursday night at the annual Reggae Sumfest show at Catherine Hall, Montego Bay, and St James. He is expected to be one of the star performers for the well-anticipated event. He is also booked to perform at the annual Manchester Fiesta. The police reported that they have completed their investigations involving the artiste. The artiste is said to be at home spending time with his family and in the studio working on more hits.  

Elephant Man’s red convertible Mercedes Benz was seized yesterday at his Hillcrest home. Elephant Man, whose real name is Oneil Bryan, is accused of owing the government approximately $10 million dollars in taxes. Members from the Tax Department Special Enforcement Team and the police descended upon the deejay Hillcrest Avenue home off Hope Road, Kingston and were searching the premise when the seizure was made.  On March 24, 2010 the DJ was barred from leaving the island after the Tax Department took out a Stop order on him. The Stop order was lifted so he could embark on his European tour. The artiste paid over $3 million however; he reportedly failed to pay over the balance of the tax debt which led to Tuesday’s operation.

 Elephant Man has 10 days to pay off his debt or his red convertible Mercedes Benz will be auctioned to cover the debt. Elephant Man became known for his colourful hairstyles and energy-based performances.

Elle attained notoriety in the 1990’s as a part of the Scare Dem Crew. He went solo and has recorded a string of hit songs, such as Pon Di River, Gully Creepa, Sweep, and more recently collaboration with Bounty Killer; This Is How We Do It.