Another Juror Says Buju Banton Is Not Guilty of Gun Charge (Broward-Palm Beach New Times)
Terri Wright has been called to serve jury duty seven times. But none of the cases compares to the federal drug and gun trial of reggae singer Buju Banton. That one “took the cake,” as she puts it. She still talks to coworkers about the murky back story of the federal snitch, Alex Johnson, and says she couldn’t sleep at night when deliberating.
This week, New Times revealed that three jury members would have cleared Buju of a questionable gun charge had the jury instructions permitted them to do so.
Creating reggae’s framework (The Jamaica Observer)
FOR over 35 years, Maxine Stowe has lived the roots, rock, reggae lifestyle. She has seen artistes and trends fade, at the same time looking to sign and expose new acts and sounds.
Stowe’s re´sumé shows stints with noted record companies like Sony International, Island Records and Motown. There has also been stints with VP Records and Studio One, the outstanding Jamaican label started by her uncle Clement ‘Coxson’ Dodd.
It was at Sony that Stowe had her greatest triumphs. She was an influential member of the company’s Artist and Repertoire team during the 1990s, when it had great success with artistes like Shabba Ranks, Mad Cobra, Patra, Diana King, and Super Cat.
Kenyan’s ruined our reputation – Jamaica’s RDX (The Star)
Jamaican dancehall duo RDX has accused Kenyans of ruining their reputation worldwide. Speaking to UK based Home Boys radio host RoboRanks, Renegade one of the group members said that Kenyans painted them as very controversial singers.
‘Di Captain’ At The Helm (The Jamaica Gleaner)
In the introduction to his latest album, Freddie McGregor – Di Captain, Jenni Jenni gives a synopsis of a music career which has spanned almost 50 years and produced over 30 albums and numerous singles.
The number 30 also figures in another way in McGregor’s life, as his most recent trip to Japan (where Di Captain was released on September 5) was his 30th time to the Far East. His first trip was in 1985, when he performed on the first Reggae Sunsplash tour there.
Interview: NNeka (Unite Reggae)
Nneka began her musical career in 2005. Her debut album ‘Victim of Truth’, released in the UK in 2007, was an inspirational mix of hot loops, black consciousness and 21st-century soul music. Last year she released her third album ‘Soul is Heavy’ and she is actually on tour. She will be playing in Paris (France) at the mythical venue L’OLYMPIA on the 12th of October 2012. United Reggae met this Afro-German warrior princess a few weeks ago in Paris…
INTERVIEW: Tanya Stephens, Forever Vocal (Boomshots)
When it comes to the reggae/dancehall genre, the competition is fierce—and mostly dominated by males. There is no shortage of female artists however, holding their own and showing their prowess. Many come and go, while a select few have earned their veteran stripes. Dancehall divas like Tanya Stephens. Known for not pulling punches or holding her tongue, Tanya’s fans can always count on her to tell it like it is. Straight!
Like the song says, “Yuh nuh ready fi this yet—bwoy!”
I caught up with Tanya recently for a brief one on one conversation. As usual, she kept it extra-real.
Wada Blood Shoots Video For ‘Rastafari Way’ (Urban Islandz)
Fresh from his overseas stint and now back in Jamaica recording a bevy of new material, Dancehall singjay Wada Blood over the weekend shot the video for his latest single ‘Rastafari Way’ produced on the Money Green Productions (MGP) label.
Despite the inclement weather currently affecting the island, that did very little in hindering the efforts of director David Sinclair executing his duties. Braving the unpredictable conditions the video was shot throughout the thoroughfares of Kingston and St. Andrew with stops in Downtown Kingston, Barbican and section of Gordon Town.
Girl power brand of reggae is taking over Deptford (News Shopper)
An uplifting blend of reggae music and theatre is set to set people’s souls alight.
For one week only, the Albany theatre in Deptford is hosting Lover’s Rock Monologues – a showcase of inimitable songs and stories by three of the genre’s key luminaries.
Janet Kay, Carroll Thompson and Victor Romero Evans will be performing at the venue between Tuesday, October 16 and Saturday, October 20.
Matisyahu Announces Sixth Annual Festival Of Light (Jam Bands)
Jewish reggae-rapper Matisyahu has announced that he will be taking his annual Hannukah celebration, “Festival of Light,” on tour this December. The festivities will begin in San Francisco on December 8 before ending at the newly reopened Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY on December 16.