(¯`·._(¯`·......Wha Gwaan in R.A.W......·´¯)_.·´¯) Wednesday, March 12, 2008 _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ *INDEX [1] ^R.A.W. Announcement: Annual Meeting Agenda & Kyle Russell '08/Board-members' Agenda overview [2] ^R.A.W. Announcement: 3/15 Annual Meeting Update [3] Our Friends in Serbia need our support. I received this letter the other day. [4] -*- Reggae Vibes News Bulletin (March 5, 2008) -*- [5] Enter email subject here [6] Our Photos Online [7] 'Reggae Vibes' Newsletter #616 [8] Renegade Productions Reggae/Ska Concert Calendar for March in Northern California [9] THE VIBE Newsletter [10] Vote for Wayne Stoddart Love in any Language on hoodhype.com [11] Initial Artists for the 15th annual SNWMF announced [12] Thank You Letter from Kenya - Peace restored _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ [1] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Kyle Russell[Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: [R.A.W. Announcement:] Annual Meeting Agenda & Kyle Russell '08/Board-members' Agenda overview Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:52:55 –0700 From: Gary Garrett ANNUAL RAW GENERAL MEMBERS & EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING AGENDA The Agenda for RAW¹s General Members Annual Meeting will be: General Members Meeting Segment ­ presence & participation from all is welcome. A. Roll Call. Establish a Quorum. Kyle Russell will Chair the meeting, welcoming everyone and reviewing rules of conduct. B. Summary of Reports of Officers and Directors & Review and Discussion of Board Members' 2008 Agendas will consist of Chair presenting overview regarding submitted Annual Reports and 2008 Agendas with special emphasis on new initiatives being proposed by new & current Board members. These will be available online soon. Members wishing a copy of the Reports and Agendas now may request one from Daniel Frankston (frankston@ireggae.com). C. New Business (General Meeting segment). Tom Pearson to present to the summary of his fee-waiver proposal. Daniel Frankston will a summary of the Suggestions he received by members unable to attend the meeting. Discussion by members of Agendas proposed by new and current Board members, fee-waiver proposal and Suggestions submitted by non-participating members. Open discussion for members to present any new Suggestions they might have for how RAW should be proceeding (including concrete how-to¹s of what it would take to realize them, practically speaking). D. General Members Vote on New Business Items. E. Adjournment of General Members Meeting Executive Board Meeting Segment ­ presence of all is welcome, participation only by Board members except as provided for by Chairman A. Roll Call. Establish a Quorum. Kyle Russell will Chair the meeting, welcoming everyone and reviewing rules of conduct. B. Summary of action to be taken by Executive Board based upon General Members Meeting C. New Business (Board segment). - Approve action voted by the General Membership: the waiving of RAW dues during 2007 and the old-number buy back option. - Review and vote on staggering of Executive Board elections (ie. term lengths for the various positions). - Discuss & vote on streamlining the process by which the ByLaws may be amended (per section 7.2 thereof). - Approve of any actions suggested at the general meeting, but not voted on by the members; and, - Adopt resolutions pertaining to whatever board member "agenda items" needs approval by the board. D. Adjournment. [2] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: [R.A.W. Announcement:] 3/15 Annual Meeting Update Date: Wednesday, March 05, 2008 5:11 PM >From Kyle Russell: Greetings, Kyle Russell (Interim Executive Director of RAW) here, I am authorizing this communication to go out to the entire email RAW database via Webmaster Gary Garrett (directly, with the following Subject above, and for inclusion in the next WGIR update). ANNUAL MEETING (time and technicalities) Please mark your calendars, RAW's Annual Meeting is in a couple of weeks: at 2:00pm Eastern Standard Time, on Saturday, March 15 (11am Pacific Standard Time). All Board members' attendance is expected. We have allowed for 100 people to sign on, but are awaiting RSVP's from all who expect to attend, so that we can know if this is sufficient, or too much. We are using a Pro version of Parachat, and you will go to the following URL to log in: http://www.reggaeambassadors.org/chat When we used the free version for a preliminary meeting in February, it was pretty intuitively clear how to sign in and chat, it was like IM'ing, and we used the expression '!' to get the attention of the moderator. I believe the moderator, which will likely be myself or Secretary Daniel Frankston, will have more control over the dialog. To find out more, visit the Parachat Help URL, at http://www.parachat.com/helpdesk/userguide7/ SUGGESTIONS REQUESTED In advance of the meeting, please submit any suggestions or recommendations through Daniel Frankston, frankston@ireggae.com (along with practical suggestions for how they can be implemented) ANNUAL REPORTS & AGENDAS Annual Reports from the following "standing" Board members (bringing them up-to-date through 2007) have been submitted to our webmaster, and should be up at the following link shortly, for viewing: http://www.reggaeambassadors.org/contact.php Susan Thompson, Nan Lewis, Tom Pearson, Kyle Russell, Loel Spencer, David Bauman We will be submitting Current Year Agendas (to be posted at the same link) this week for: Daniel Frankston, Ras Danny Fallon, Frances Nwajei, Frankie Moniz, Kyle Russell, and Tom Pearson And are awaiting Current-Year Agendas from: Gary Garrett, Robert 'Peace' Wright, Joanie Pearson, Joel Spencer, Susan Thompson ANNUAL MEETING AGENDA The Agenda for the Annual Meeting will be: A. Roll Call (Establish a Quorum). B. Summary of Reports of Officers and Directors C. Review and Discussion of Board Members' 2008 Agendas.(Agendas may be made available by email, as well as online). D. New Business. E. Adjournment. We will fine tuning and getting more specific on all the above as we get closer to the date. Some specific items up for discussion, or presentation at the Annual Meeting will be: - the staggering of Executive Board elections (ie. term lengths for the various positions). - the waiving of RAW dues during 2007 and the old-number buy back option. - streamlining the process by which the ByLaws may be amended (per section 7.2 thereof). CONCLUSION / NEXT STEPS In the meantime, my goals (with the support of existing & future Board members) are as follows: - to familiarize myself and/or another Chair of the Meeting with the Parachat moderator protocol, as well as Roberts Rules of Order - to ensure that all Annual Reports & Current-Year Agendas are submitted and viewable determine - to finalize the Meeting Agenda Blessings, Kyle Russell 617-771-5119 Interim Executive Director, Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide [3] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Kaati [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #111] Subject: Our Friends in Serbia need our support. I received this letter the other day. Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2008 17:43:29 –0700 From: Kaati kaati@ReggaeFestivalGuide.com Our Friends in Serbia need our support. I received this letter the other day. Dear Ms. Kaati, it is my huge respect to write you and to your precious site. All this years from 2002 you are supporting our little but cute first ever Reggae festival in Serbia. To be honest with You i think we will never have enough money to invite Reggae stars like Sizzla, The Gladiators, Misty in Roots or Black Uhuru, but magic of our festival is very special and positive place in middle of deep forest just few kilometers from Serbian - Hungary border, so it perfect place for gathering around young people and young reggae bands from EX- Yugoslavian republics which was just few years ago in state of wars between each other. It is so powerful with positive energy that we till now have NO one fight or any problem so it is like oasis of love and peace in this troubled Serbia. I think that we with Your help can make Trenchtown festival story to be recognized by European Union and UNICEF an other Peace organizations of the World and to show true examples of how Reggae philosophy doing direct act made just with few young people Will after fall of regime of Slobodan Milosevic. What I want to say to You is my mission that Trenchtown become one special place on planet Earth where Reggae power beat the ethnic differences and united young people from Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, and of course all the rest of the world. We need Your help. Maybe you know some people who can do something to present the Trenchtown and to step in organization with us and to help us. We don't search for money. We just want to show to the world that here in Serbia existing place very different than rest of Serbia and Balkan. Also on the Trenchtown there is great number of young and very quality reggae bands who are never been invited to perform in Europe or any festival out of Serbia, Croatia nad Bosnia, never have professional record because they do not have money to record a album. I think that our Bands can be very interesting for festivals around Europe but nobody know for them and when they hear that they are from Serbia their chance to be invited are minimum. I have more than 20 reggae dub ragga bands on my contact list from Bosnia, Croatia, Macedonia, Serbia... Or you have some other ideas maybe? Please let me know about your opinion. Please consider my mail and every your answer negative or positive will be respected. Wish You all Good! Sinisa Kaati #111 REGGAE FESTIVAL GUIDE P.O. Box 50635 Reno, NV 89513 (775) 337-8344 fax: 775/337-6499 Sign up for our weekly Reggae Festival e-guide newsletter Go to [4] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Reggae Vibes Prods NL [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: -*- Reggae Vibes News Bulletin (March 5, 2008) -*- Date: Wednesday, March 05, 2008 5:15 PM >From Reggae Vibes Prods NL -*- http://www.reggae-vibes.com -*- -*- Reggae Vibes News Bulletin (March 5, 2008) -*- **** THIS WEEK'S UPDATES AT http://www.reggae-vibes.com **** You can download free mp3's and desktop wallpapers! New wallpaper for April with pic of Echo Minott, two new download tunes on the "Precious" riddim -- Turbulence's "That's Right" and Taffari's "Never Get Weary" -- plus Herb-A-Lize It & Ziggi's Dubplate Mixtape, have been added. "Your Top 5" of March 2008 is submitted by Mojoo from Sweden, and features tunes from Nicodemus, Louie Culture, Assassin, Spice, and Bunny General. TOP 50 of album recommendations for March 2008, compiled by Teacher & Mr. T., with Turbulence, Jah Mason & Anthony B's "The Pow Pow Triology" at the 1 spot and the 'one riddim' cd "Rial Agony Series 2 ~ Bless Ya Riddim" as our new "Album of the Month"! Twenty brand new sound files in our Top 50! Listen to tracks from Jah Mason, Assassin, Luciano, Pressure Buss Pipe, Alaine, Sugar Minott, Danny I, Munga, Chino, Cobra, Everton Blender, Busy Signal, Arkangel and 8 more tunes in MP3 format. Check our SOUND & VISION section featuring "Mi Selector" with : - Riddimwise with the "Creepa", "Heart Strings", "Night Creature" and "Retro Black Widow" riddims. - Showcase Vibez featuring a Harmony House Showcase, Ward 21 Productions, and a UK Reggae selection with Lloyd Brown, Roger Robin, Maxi Priest, and Sandy Smith. - Crucial Vintage : Richie Stephens, Alton Ellis, Cultural Roots, Jackie Mittoo, Jackie Edwards, Gregory Isaacs, Vivian Jones, Cornell Campbell, Gregory Isaacs, Marcia Griffiths, Judy Mowatt, Luie Lepki, Junior Delgado, Ranking Ann, and The Ethiopians. - Inna Di Mix : "DJ Loudmouth Presents Culcha Invasion Vol. 12", "Higher Heights Presents Arm & Dangerous Vol. 5", "DJ Rondon Presents Vocal Singing Reggae Vol. 28", and "Green Up Sound Presents Herbs We Promote!". Listen to the Snippet-Mix of our new album of the month, the 'one riddim' set "Bless Ya Riddim". "Riddim Driven ~ Shaddowz" once more proves that young producer Stephen McGregor is 'Di Genius'. The re-issue of Cedric 'Im' Brooks' "From Mento To Reggae To Third World Music" is a treat for music lovers. The 2006 released "2-in-1" set is a must have compilation for sweet singers enthusiasts. Everyone into the minimal dub(-house) style of early Rhythm & Sound, should check Pole's "Steingarten Remixes". Pow Pow Productions unleashes a 7" selection for the "Ruff & Tuff" riddim, a smooth and relaxed roots backdrop. 'Videoclip Of The Week' features Tifa & Timberlee's "Tinky Winky". Playlist for Reggae Vibes Radio Show ~ Thursday, March 6, 2008. **** AND DON'T FORGET... **** Win a free copy of the "Spirits In The Material World" CD, compliments of Elemental Consulting & Shanachie. We're giving away three CD's. Contest ends Wednesday 12th March. Submit your personal top 5 tunes! Every month we'll pick a winner and post his/her top 5 complete with full length soundclips on the Reggae Vibes website. 'Reggae Vibes SoundStation' brings you the sounds of yesterday, today & tomorrow. Push the PLAY button of the player on top of the homepage to get it started! And... you're even able to request a tune! New tunes are added twice a week (Tuesday and Saturday). "The Official UK Dancehall Top 10" and "Jamaica's Weekly Top 20 (Singles) Hit List" - both with full length soundclips - are featured on our site. Also check Teacher & Mr. T's "Hot'n'Fresh Top 15", where you can vote for your favourite tune. Which records were featured in the reggae chart exactly 30 years ago? You'll find the answer in our monthly "Revive Top 10". THIS AND MUCH MORE AT : http://www.reggae-vibes.com (c) 2008 Reggae Vibes Productions [5] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Headline Jamaica [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: Enter email subject here Date: Fri, 7 Mar 2008 16:19:33 -0500 (EST) From: Carlette DeLeon March 05, 2008 In This Issue: Ky-Mani Marley To Appear on National Televised Shows <#kymani> Loud statements from Dean Fraser's Cannon <#dean> Official Spring Break Series Gets Hotter <#official> Realvibez presents at Global Reggae Conference <#realvibez> Natasja Gains Appreciation Worldwide <#natasja> Juke Boxx Issues A Warning <#juke> Tourism, Business Interests Line Up Behind Symphony <#symphony> Ideal Health for IRAWMA <#irawma> I-Octane crosses the 'Poverty' line <#proverty> Reggae's finest salute The Police <#reggae> Caribbean flavour at Lincoln Center <#lincoln> CSharp releases Don't Come Searching <#csharp> New Kidz Reads the News <#kidz> Patrons Follow Di Arrow to Magnum <#magnum> The Return of Mr Myaz <#myaz> Sizzla, CoCo Tea and Jah Cure Rise to the Occasion <#rise> Tour Calendar: Revised and Updated <#tour> On The Horizon: Expanded and Updated <#horizon> Thought of the Week "When evil men plot, good men must plan. When evil men burn and bomb, good men must build and bind. When evil men shout ugly words of hatred, good men must commit themselves to the glories of love." (Martin Luther King Jr.) Measure your IQ: Which is the odd one out? CLABK OLLWEY LUBE NOIR REPPUL Headliner: Timeka Marshall Who would have thought that a simple jingle for a local company would be the start of a music career that seems destined for success? Well that is exactly how young Guyanese singer Timeka Marshall got her break. In 2006 a local telecommunications company staged a competition for their new jingle. Timeka entered and won. This became the springboard for recording her first R&B Single We Should Separate, which was released and quickly followed by the music video. Produced by Muzikmedia and shot on location in Jamaica both the track and the video gained popularity on the Caribbean music scene and held their own in heavy rotation on radio and television stations across the region. Yet there was much more to unearth in the way of Timeka¹s talents. After performing We Should Seperate on the Guyanese entertainment circuit to appreciative audiences, Timeka was keen to cultivate her songwriting talents and attended the Barbados Music seminar and Showcase in February 2007. There she blew regional and international music executives away with her obvious talent and enticing sensuality. With just one performance of the gritty dancehall track ³Nothing At All², Timeka was immediately signed to a developmental deal which would see her working with some of Jamaica¹s top producers. back to top <#top> For bookings: Call: 876.754.1526 Click: headlinejamaica.com Complete: PDF Booking Form Booking Agents For: Sean Paul Wayne Wonder T.O.K. Damian Marley Stephen Marley Cham Morgan Heritage Spragga Benz Alaine Tami Chynn Tessanne Left Side I-Octane Farenheit Lexxus The Tamlins Voice Mail Assassin Jovi Rockwell Chrisinti Richie Spice Munga Pressure Rootz Underground Ruff Kutt Crew Paula Anne Porter Denise Hunt Stone Love Copper Shot Code Red Digicel Rising Stars Caught on Camera! Voicemail gives this Calabar student a word of advice on the recent No Joke School Tour. Acting Vice Principal for Wolmers Boys High School Ms. Robb thanks Sean Paul for taking the time out of his busy schedule to participate in the No Joke School Tour. Assassin gets down with Jamfest spring breakers at his recent performance at Wavz, Negril Lil Joe Brings a positive message to spring breakers while he performs his single, Not good at all. From left, Kurt Goffe, Brian ³Ribbie² Chung, The Hon. Mike Henry Karlene and Collin Smith Enjoy Thursday Singers Nite Live at Christopher's Jazz Cafe. Charts Update! Hype TV¹s Top 20 Singles At #1 is Click My Finger by Erup, Truck Back At #5 is Pick it up Drop it by Sean Paul, Birchill At #11 is Wine Gal by Beenie Man, T J Records At #14 is Pon di Edge by Busy Signal, Star Kutt At #19 is Squeeze Har by Mavado, H2O RE TV Top 20 Dancehall chart At #1 is Shoot Out by Mykal Rose, John John At #4 is Doh by Serani feat. Bugle, Daseca At #7 is Force it Up by Mavado, Purple Skunk At #13 is She Loves Me by Serani, Daseca At #16 is Nuh Fren Fish by Bounty Killa, Foota Hype At #20 is Chicken Fries and Gullybeans by Tony Matterhorn, TJ Records RE TV Top 20 Reggae chart At #1 is Daddy by Queen Ifrica, No Doubt At #3 is August Town/ Fairy Tale by Duane Stephenson, Cannon At #7 is Warrior Love by Etana, Free Mind At #13 is Hurry and Come Home by Chuck Fenda, Birchill At #18 is I Just Want to Know by Maxi Priest, Birchill At #20 is Back Biter by Tarrus Riley, Don Corleon MVP Top 10 Video Countdown on RE-TV At #1 is Pain by Capleton/Bobo Zare/ Contractor, Green Lion, Dir: Fabrikated Projex At #4 is Sticky by Jah Cure, Danger Zone, Dir: Marie Baruse At #6 is I Can Feel Your Pain by Gyptian, VP Records, Dir: Rhona Fox At #9 is Lonely by Sanjay, Renaissance, Dir: Kimala Bennett At #10 is Baby Tonight by Courtney John, Taxi, Dir: Marie Baruse BBC1Xtra Dancehall chart At #1 is Shoot Out by Mykal Rose, John John At #4 is She¹s Royal by Tarrus Riley, Cannon At #8 is Bonafide by Shaggy Feat. Rik Rok and Tony Gold, Big Yard At #10 is August Town by Duane Stephenson, Cannon Source: BBC 1Xtra Dancehall Chart Mind Buster Solution When the anagrams are resolved, IRON (NOIR) is the only metal amongst colours: BLACK, YELLOW, BLUE and PURPLE. Contact Us: Jamaica 8 Haughton Avenue, Kingston 10, P.O. Box 9042 C.S.O. Jamaica WI Tel: 876.754.1526 Fax: 876.906.3634 US Mailing Address: 221 South State Road 7 MB# 4237 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33317 Tel: 305.748.4602 Headlines! is a weekly newsletter published online by Headline Entertainment for media and entertainment professionals. We make no express or implied warranties regarding the accuracy of information contained within this newsletter. Unless otherwise indicated, content provided within is in the public domain and free to redistribute. To submit information, releases, pictures and other materials for consideration, please email media@headlinejamaica.com. We welcome your feedback about the content, layout and usefulness of our newsletter. Headline Entertainment is a leading booking agency and public relations firm operating in the Caribbean. The company has successfully developed its customer base over a ten year period by offering professional services of international standard. Increasing and refining the artiste roster, creative courting of repeat customers, adding qualified team members, diversification of services offered and improving internal infrastructure is expected to facilitate the aggressive growth of the company across the region. Experienced team leaders, Jerome Hamilton and Carlette DeLeon are the driving force behind Headline Entertainment's globally recognised success. Ky-Mani Marley To Appear on Two Nationally Televised Shows Next Week Musical artiste, actor and reality TV star Ky-Mani Marley continues his press campaign for his latest album Radio. Ky-Mani will appear on two nationally televised programs the week of March 10. On Monday March 10, Ky-Mani will appear on NBC/Telemundo's show called "The Shuffle". The show will air at 5:00 PM (EST). "The Shuffle" is a hip, fresh look what's going on in the world of music and mun2. Hosted by resident VJ Pico, the show is shot from the Telemundo studios in Miami. On Thursday March 13 Fox's Happy Hour with Cody Willard and Rebecca Gomez welcomes Ky-Mani for a one on one interview. Fox's "Happy Hour" is described as a new breed of news show, where a younger version of "Regis and Kelly" meets "Cheers" with the breeziness of ³Entourage." "Happy Hour" will air at 5:00 PM (EST) on Thursday, March 13. The album also remains firmly ensconced in the Top 5 of the Billboard Top Reggae Albums chart 23 weeks after debuting at #1, Ironically, Ky-Mani has been trading chart positions with both his father and brother Stephen, further proving the strength and artistic variety within the formidable Marley family musical legacy as he comes into his own on Radio. Marley not only boasts broad-based musical appeal but also has been making his multimedia mark as a critically-acclaimed actor in a number of independent films while debuting last fall as a TV star in his own reality series on BET J., "Living the Life of Marley." The show, which follows Ky-Mani as he recorded Radio and now promotes the album, has been picked up for a second season by the cable channel. Source: Warrior Productions back to top Official Spring Break Series Gets Hotter Sanctioned by the Jamaica Tourist Board and the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association and staged in conjunction with industry leaders Student Travel Services and Sunsplash Tours, JamFest, the official Spring Break Party Series, add hot Caribbean acts to an already impressive line up. Kicking off this past Monday, March 3, at Wavz in Negril, was deejay Assassin. Lyrically deft and musically dextrose, Assassin, is a favourite of the ladies and respected by the men. His explosive, high energy performance left the JamFest audience screaming for more while his repertoire of hits, such as No Boring Gal, Idiat Thing Dat and Girls Gone Wild had them signing along. Raising the curtain for Assassin was Lil¹ Joe, the singjay is touted as the big thing² having broke on to the scene with the one drop track, Nothing At All. For the follow up, on Monday, March 10, organisers have contracted deejay of the decade, Beenie Man to entertain the crowd. Beenie Man copped a slew of awards during the recent awards season. He has been on top of his game for more than 20 years, gaining international appeal with is bank of crossover hits starting from Romie back in 1996, to Who Am I? (Simm Simma), to King of the Dancehall to Back It Up. A consummate performer, Beenie Man gives it his all on every stage and oozes with charisma. Young, beautiful and talented are the words used to describe, Timeka Marshall , the opening act from Guyana for Beenie Man. The video for her debut single, We Shall Separate is still in rotation on local video outlets and her new tracks, Free and Hello are making their way on the airwaves. Her charming style and beautiful smile serve to compliment her powerful voice that moves effortlessly from singing to deejaying in as single bar. Jamfest marks her Negril debut. International superstar Shaggy makes an appearance on Monday, March 17. It was in fact Shaggy that broke sales records worldwide with his unprecedented reggae hit, It Wasn¹t Me. But it was not Shaggy¹s introduction to the world stage. Reggae fans first took notice of the deejay with his UK hit, Oh Carolina, followed by the worldwide sensation, Boombastic. Keeping the ladies in love, Shaggy has followed up with Angel, Sexy Lady, Strength of a Woman and the provocative Church Heathen. Perhaps stable mate, Christopher Martin may make an appearance as well. The final blow out on Easter Sunday, March 23 has an amazing and eclectic line up of Caribbean performers. Jamaica¹s first and only ³rude bwoy band², T.O.K. is a party by themselves. T.O.K. has a barrage of club and radio friendly dance inspired hits including Money 2 Burn, Gal You A Lead, Eagles Cry and Galang Gal. Travelling from Barbados for an exclusive performance on the Jamfest stage is Pyramid recording artiste, Philip 7 . Smooth and sensual, Phillip¹s music reflects his diverse musical tastes with all the sounds of the Caribbean blending to form and truly unique, yet pleasing sound. back to top <#top> Loud statements from Dean Fraser's Cannon "Long and short of it is that we a try put the music on a level. We are trying to make a statement with what we do." Those are saxophonist Dean Fraser's simple words on his role as a record producer who has been making quiet strides lately. And, if Tarrus Riley's recent clean-up at the Reggae Academy Awards is anything to go by, then statements are indeed being made. The singer's She's Royal, a track produced by Fraser for his Cannon label, was on everyone's lips in 2007. Riley won four awards at the Sunday February 24 show. The 52-year-old Fraser says his aim is to make music which targets everyone, from babies to centenarians. He is proud of She's Royal's success and broad appeal; there is a soca version of the ballad done by Byron Lee and the Dragonaires. Fraser says he is always prepared to make good music and to that end, the sax man employs a formula of live music. "We want to go back to basics. I think more acoustic music, with musicians, soul," he said. He points out that computerised music, if done properly, has its place, as he uses drum machines for a certain sound or feel. "People tend to say there's a lot of computerised music, but drum machines have to be programmed. If you apply yourself, the music can be as good," he explains. Recently,Fraser has worked with some of the best young talent in reggae, including Riley whose impressive Parables album he produced. Besides Riley, former To-Isis singer Duane Stephenson and judge-turned-singer Carol Gonzalez have benefited from his expertise. He's working, too, with Shirley Willis, the former Grace Thrillers matriarch who is now flying solo. "I'm here to highlight young talent; make them feel at home," he said. "I'm trying to make youngsters understand that this music business is a big business." In terms of selecting who he works with, Fraser says, for the most part, they choose to work with him. "We don't necessarily succeed all the time but we try to make music for longevity," he said. "We're not in the disposable thing. We hope that in another 30 years, She's Royal will be like a (producer Clement Dodd) Coxsone tune," Fraser added. The in-demand producer takes nothing from his colleagues. He mentions Don Corleone, Robert Livingston, Christopher Birch and Stephen McGregor as among the producers he admires. He also addressed recent attacks against dancehall music, which critics say is influencing violence with its negative content. "If you have a problem with the content of a song, it doesn't mean the music is changing for the worst. People are being influenced by everything, by other people, politicians, schoolteachers (not just music)," he says. But he does admit that persons who publish questionable lyrical content will have to take responsibility. "When a man get up and deejay certain lyrics, he's responsible for whatever he says. He will have to take responsibility for that." Fraser has several projects in the pipeline, such as a She's Royal compilation track which will feature female artistes. There is also an instrumental Tribute to Jackie Mittoo set, and Luciano's new album Jah is My Navigator. Source: Jamaica Gleaner Realvibez Media CEO presents at Global Reggae Conference David Mullings, CEO of Realvibez Media, was among the youngest people invited to present and participate in a panel discussion titled Marketing Music on the Internet at the Global Reggae Conference held at the University of the West Indies, Mona in Kingston, Jamaica during February, now officially Reggae Month in Jamaica. The week-long conference also included participants such as the well-known Reggae archivist and author Roger Steffens, Ellen Kohlings, Editor-In-Chief of Riddim magazine based in Germany and Christopher Edwards, CEO of Rebelmix, a digital distributor of Caribbean music. The invitation was due to the efforts of Headline Entertainment and resulted in an interview on national radio station Nationwide Radio. David is only 27 years old and graduated with an MBA in Marketing and International Business from the University of Miami at age 22. ³Being invited to participate in such a major conference was an honour² said David. ³We appreciate any opportunity to educate people about online marketing tools that exist and how Realvibez fits into their strategy.² The presentation focused on basic online marketing tools, real-world cases and the new ³push strategy² in regards to getting content to where people already are instead of the ³pull strategy² of old. Source: Realvibez Media Natasja Gains Appreciation Worldwide With her hit song, Calabria 2008, having held down the number one spot for two weeks on the Billboard Hot Dance Airplay Chart as well as spawning a number of remixes locally and overseas, late great Danish reggae sensation, Natasja, has been generating a buzz internationally. Undoubtedly, people worldwide love the beat. Among the versions of the song that now exist are a remix featuring Pitbull, Lil Jon and the Tag Team plus a version with dancehall icon, Vybz Kartel, that has been creating a stir on the local scene. Calabria 2008 has been doing extremely well on the international charts. Currently at the number 9 position on the Billboard Hot Dance Airplay, the song has been on the chart for a total of 16 weeks so far, having peaked at the number 1 position twice. The song is also moving strongly on the Billboard Hot 100, the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 and the Billboard Pop 100 Charts, establishing it as a worldwide hit. Natasja, popularly known as the Red Stripe Irie FM Big Break Winner for 2006, is also featured on Big Tings Music's One Night Rhythm. Natasja shines on the lead single, One Night. A great showcase of her rapid and melodic DJ style, it represents one of her last recorded songs, one of the rare singles to be released posthumously. The original version has Natasja trading DJ lyrics with Mr. Lexx and another version with Danish reggae sensation, Chin. Source: Bigtings Music back to top <#top> Juke Boxx Issues a Warning: The Edge is Here Stripped down and hardcore perfectly describes the new rhythm project from Juke Boxx Productions . Yes! Juke Boxx Productions. Dubbed, Warning, the rhythm is exactly that; a warning that Juke Boxx is not just a label for radio friendly, instrument rich reggae. Producer Shane C Brown takes a decided different approach for the project. The technology driven production is heavy on the bass and the drums, perfectly suited for the streets and unlikely to be heard on radio. Leaving caution behind, Warning calls on dancehallx2019;s finest to express their message. Each at the top of their game, Busy Signal, Demarco, Bling Dawg, Wayne Marshall and Voice Mail all drop provocative and potentially controversial tracks, touching on hot button issues. Then, x201C;gangster for lifex201D; Movado makes his Juke Boxx debut; more than a warning, itx2019;s a clear message ­ x201C;if you dis we, a dangerx201D;. Definitely dancehall, Warning on the surface seems like a distinct departure from the melodic reggae sound introduced by previous Juke Boxx releases ­ Brooklyn and Jamaica by Morgan Heritage on Statement, Gash Dem by Chuck Fenda on Confessions and the recent Run Dem Weh featuring Busy Signal and Morgan Heritage. But deeper analysis reveals a consistent theme of relevant social commentary. x201C;Who defend we when the Police dem wrong?x201D; asks Busy Signal in support of this theme. Motivated by real, life experiences, Curfew pulls no punches. The military inspired drum roll, police siren and helicopter sound effects underscore an intricate vocal delivery by Busy Signal reflecting both his anger and frustration. Curfew is slated for release later this month. All Juke Boxx Productions releases are available from All Access Distribution. Links to streaming samples, behind the scenes images, videos and all the news on the latest releases from Juke Boxx Productions are available online at www.MySpace.com/JukeBoxxProductions . back to top <#top> Chevelle Franklyn to Headline Gospel Concert International gospel singer Chevelle Franklyn, who made a successful transition from dancehall to gospel music in 1998, will headline the inaugural Ebenezer's 75th Anniversary Gospel Concert on Friday, March 14 at Lehman College, 250 Bedford Park Blvd in the Bronx. Other performers include Unconditional, the EPHN Temples of Praise Dancers and Choeur Magnificant. Franklyn is no stranger to the limelight. She garnered major success in the early 90's with smash hits Nice and Naughty and No Pushover that were staples on reggae charts globally. This led to performances with some of the hottest reggae stars of the day and collaborations with Spragga Benz and dancehall icon Shabba Ranks. It was however her 1997 combination hit single Dancehall Queen with Beenie Man that had this singing sensation soared to musical heights. Over a hard driving drum and bass, disco-fueled rhythm, supplied by the creative genius of Sly and Robbie, Franklyn wailed a tribute to the queen. The song was featured on the Dancehall Queen soundtrack for Island Pictures and won her international acclaim. This eventually led to her signing to the Island Jamaica label. Since abandoning her secular past, she has been winning new fans in the gospel arena combining her new expression with her energetic lyrical style. A 2000 collaboration with Papa San on his award-winning album, Victory, led to a Marlin Award for her vocal appearance on the track Touch from you. Her debut gospel album, Joy, released in 2002, won her five awards at the Caribbean Music Marlin Awards. Her second disc titled His Way is a contemporary gospel masterpiece, which blends upfront Caribbean rhythms with outstanding vocals. His Way features the melodic thought-provoking hit single, Come, King Jesus, the outstanding re-make of the international hit song, Dancehall Queen, and Before You, a track which shows the diversity of Chevelle's ministry as she enters into intimate worship. Source: Anthony Turner Tourism, Business Interests Line Up Behind Symphony With scarcely two weeks to go, the buzz is increasing for the 2008 edition of Symphony Under the Stars, scheduled for Saturday March 15 at the Cable & Wireless Golf Academy, and major players in the tourism and commercial spheres are lining up behind the one-of-a-kind music event. Addressing the recent launch at the Hilton Kingston hotel, Minister of Tourism the Hon Edmund Bartlett said that Symphony was an event of the caliber which his ministry was seeking to align with. "Music and the performing arts are critical to the mix of attractions, and Symphony Under the Stars is the kind of event that will be a major draw for lovers of Jamaican music from the key markets internationally." Major corporate entities and brands supporting Symphony include Lascelles Wines & Spirits, Appleton Jamaica Rum, Air Jamaica, Nescafe and Mercedes Benz. Part proceeds from the event will go towards the establishment of a scholarship fund at the Reggae Studies Unit. Symphony Under the Stars is a SHEM Music Production and features Grammy award-winner Roberta Flack, Chalice, LUST, AJ Brown, Da'ville, Courtney John, Duane Stephenson, and the specially assembled Masterpiece Orchestra, with members drawn from New York and Jamaica, led by Jon Williams. Source: S.H.E.M. Music Productions Ideal Health for IRAWMA Ideal Health- Toni/Richard Haynes one of the most innovative Health Technology Companies in the country today, that provides Scientific, Metabolic and In-Home Testing, among others, is among the sponsors for the 27th Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA). Dedicated to ³Health Awareness,² the star-studded red carpet celebration is set for Sunday, May 4 at 6:00pm for VIP & 7:00pm for General Admission at the world famous Apollo Theater, 253 West 125th Street, in New York City. The 27th IRAWMA in its dedicated to Health Awareness will bring into focus the lack of health and medical attention in the entertainment industry. It is very fitting to have Ideal Health, Executive Diamond Directors Toni and Richard Haynes, to partner with IRAWMA and to help to make the community more Health Conscious. A three minutes DVD showing at the Press Conference to launch the 27th IRAWMA, Wednesday March 5, will help to educate the community about Ideal Health and its mission, according to Mr. Ephraim Martin, IRAWMA¹s Chief Organizer. Among the featuring acts: Kymani Marley, Doug E. Fresh, BeenieMan, Tarrus Riley, Winsome Benjamin and a host of other international reggae and world music will be walking the red carpet and performing at the Apollo Theater. Source: Tropical Fete back to top <#top> I-Octane crosses the 'Poverty' line I-Octane recently received recognition at the Excellence in Music and Entertainment Awards for his music video Stab Vampire and his latest video Poverty seems set to follow in the same direction. This is definitely one of the best music videos for the longest time. Poverty takes a sharp look into ghetto livity, it cuts to the core as it identifies the cause and consequences through cleverly inserted blurbs. This gripping social commentary zones in on real issues that contribute to crime through a pictorial portrayal and I-Octane tops it off with his soothing empathising voice in the background. The video since its release has been permeating the local cable and television music video programmes and is receiving some good feedback. It could be one of the contributing factors why the single Poverty which was recorded on the 83 rhythm has now shot its way on the Hype TV Top 20 Singles chart at # 18. Incidentally another single, Queen Ifrica's Daddy Don't Touch Me There was also recorded on the same rhythm and that song sat at the number one spot for four weeks. It's left to be seen whether I-Octane's Poverty will follow the same path. Source: I-Octane Reggae's finest salute The Police Some of reggae and pop music's biggest names have saluted British supergroup The Police on the album, Spirits In The Material World: A Reggae Tribute to The Police. The album was released in the United States on Tuesday February 19, by New York's Shanachie Records. Most of the 12-track disc was produced by reggae band Inner Circle at its Circle House studio in Miami. The 'Spirits' crew includes old school reggae acts like the Wailing Souls and Gregory Isaacs, as well as new wave roots performer Tarrus Riley. Former UB40 singer Ali Campbell, and American singers Joan Osborne and Cyrille Neville (of the Neville Brothers) also appear on the set which was conceived last April by Shanachie Records' General Manager Randall Grass. It is the second reggae tribute to the three-piece band which was arguably the biggest international act of the early 1980s. Grass told The Gleaner that the Shanachie set is different from the two-volume Reggatta Mondatta: A Reggae Tribute to the Police, released a decade ago by Ark 21 Records. "Those had licensed tracks, these songs were all done from the ground up," Grass said. Junior Reid, who is also enjoying a career renaissance, covers Synchronicity while the 'Souls' contribute One World. Isaacs puts his spin on So Lonely while Tarrus Riley did a version of King of Pain, taken from the group's massive 1983 Synchronicity album. Inner Circle recorded The Bed's Too Big Without You. Grass said he came up with the idea for a Police tribute shortly after Sting, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers reunited for the 2007 Grammy Awards. "They always had a reggae element to their songs," he said. Founded in 1976, Shanachie Records has a vast catalogue of folk and Gaelic music. Their roster also includes some of the most influential reggae albums of the 1970s, including Two Sevens Clash by Culture and Visions by Dennis Brown. Source: Jamaica Gleaner Caribbean flavour at Lincoln Center Just imagine if Lord Kitchener and Stanley Beckford performed on the same stage, on the same night, at the Lincoln Center in New York City. What a commotion they would have made! Both men are dead but the calypso and mento, the music they helped make art forms, will be honoured by Caribbean musicians this week with the Lords of The West Indies shows at the Lincoln Center. The shows are scheduled for Friday March 7 and Saturday March 8. The Lords of The West Indies is the brainchild of Jamaican jazz pianist Monty Alexander, who will guide a cast of Jamaican and Trinidadian musicians in homage to sounds that helped shape the modern Caribbean beat. "I've been dreaming about this for 20 years. Wynton Marsalis, (artistic director at the Lincoln Center) came to me directly and invited me to bring a programme, and I thought this would be something that is culturally important," Alexander told The Gleaner from New York last week. "So, what we are going to do is revisit some classics, but play them like it is today." Jamaican saxophonist Dean Fraser and drummer Desi Jones will be members of Alexander's band. So too bassist/singer David 'Happy' Williams and singer Keith 'Designer' Prescott of Trinidad and Tobago; Jamaica-born saxophonist Charles Dougherty and Clifton Anderson of the United States Virgin Islands are also down to play. Doughterty and Anderson both played in Kitchener's band. Alexander, an acclaimed musician who has played alongside greats like Duke Ellington and Count Basie, said this weekend's shows mean a lot to him. "Growing up in Jamaica back in the late '40s, early '50s I was exposed to a grand variety of music including mento or folk music which was handed down by our ancestors," he explained. "Equal to that is my experience listening to the great music from Trinidad which was Lord Kitchener, the Mighty Sparrow and Lord Melody." Before it was relegated to hotel porches and the arrival lounge at airports, the mento was a popular part of Jamaican entertainment. That popularity waned in the 1960s when Ska and rock steady emerged, but in the 1970s Beckford led a revival through his success in the Festival contest; he also had several chart hits at a time when most youth were tuned into Bob Marley and roots-reggae. Beckford died in 2007. Lord Kitchener (given name Aldwyn Roberts) or 'Kitch', is arguably Trinidad's greatest Calypsonian. He was recording hit songs from as early as 1938 and won that country's Road March title on numerous occasions. Kitchener died in 2000. Like the mento, calypso has also taken a back seat as Trinidadian youth have been turned on to the faster-paced soca for over 20 years. Alexander says he played in calypso and mento bands early in his career. He is concerned about the loss in interest among Caribbean youth of both beats. "It's the fault of the parents, they didn't tell their children about what was important in their culture, so they now say, 'cho man a ole' time music dat'," Alexander said. "It's important for us as musicians to preserve this music." Source: Jamaica Gleaner CSharp releases new single- Don't Come Searching The Jamaican Band CSharp is releasing a new single entitled Don't Come Searching. CSharp is known for producing outstanding and lasting music with a positive message and the new single is another example of their amazing musical talent. The band formed in 2001 and has been touring the world since, representing Jamaica and Jamaican music. CSharp has been performing internationally in countries such as Italy, Germany, Suriname as well as China. CSharp has worked with some of Jamaica's most renowned musicians and artistes such as Third World, Rita Marley, Tony Rebel and Taurus Riley to name a few. CSharp intend to be a piercing force cutting through the barriers of culture and ethnicity, travelling to the farthest parts of the world, not leaving any corner untouched and spreading a message of positivity, purity and strength. The motto of CSharp is "Bringing People Together Through Music". Following their motto CSharp creates music that knows no boundaries, appeals to all people and moves across genres. Don't Come Searching is the latest single which will also be featured on the forthcoming album, scheduled to be released this summer. Don't Come Searching will stick with you from the first time you hear the song. The music along with soulful voices and captivating lyrics and delivery makes this song one that you won't forget as it will touch your soul. Source: Heike Wollenweberback New Kidz Reads the News Gargamel Music artist New Kidz unleashes his outrage about the increasing rate of sex-related crimes in Jamaica. His fiery new single Carnal Abuse (Chuck Back) is getting positive reviews in the streets and has also been commended with regular airplay on one of the island's leading radio station Irie FM. Kidz is passionate about the issue, which he insists has been placed on the back burner for way too long. "We don't want to see it happening," he says, "but it is." A recent cover story in the Jamaica Gleaner (Saturday February 16) supports his claim. In the shocking article, Resident Magistrate, Primo Griffiths, reveals that hundreds of cases of carnal abuse and molestation appear before the local courts on a yearly basis. Kidz proposes that the media help raise community awareness by putting these assailants on blast: "Bun a fyah pon a carnal abuse," he roars. "All raper man fi mek the headline news!" Source: The Gargamel Patrons Follow Di Arrow to Magnum Magnum Follow Di Arrow 2008, hailed as the best dancehall show since the start of the year, presented itself as a good example of how entertainers and patrons can have a good time. The event was well attended and even attracted a large throng of tourists from Asia, Europe and America. The Bashment Squad was the first sound to take the stage as patrons were streaming in droves allaying fears by some that the early morning showers might put a damper on the event. Magnum Follow Di Arrow on Saturday March 1, 2008, went off without a hitch and patrons indeed received their monies worth plus 'brawta'. Magnum Tonic wine has for the last nine years sought to bring quality dancehall entertainment of the highest standard to Jamaica. Magnum Follow Di Arrow, based on the crowd response and the standard of performances, is fast becoming one of the flagship events sponsored by the brand. Magnum Tonic Wine ensured that all the checks and balances were in place; the stage production, site management and overall ambience of the event were of a superb quality. "Every bottle of Magnum Tonic Wine is produced to the highest standard, based on this fact it is natural that whatever we are involved in manifests that same characteristic. We see the successful staging of 'Magnum Follow Di Arrow' as further reinforcement of the commitment Magnum has to the development of Jamaican culture. We are happy that so many patrons and members of the industry came out to support the event and guarantee that next year will be bigger and better" ­ Gary Dixon Brand Manager Magnum Tonic Wine. Patrons at Magnum Follow DI Arrow were treated to numerous stellar performances from the likes of Macka Diamond, who graced the stage clutching a fresh bottle of Magnum Tonic Wine , Assassin, Lady Saw, Wayne Marshall and Mega Banton to name a few. There were several highlights on the show, these included the amazing Magnum girls who at one point corralled Professor Nuts during one of his more notable performances. There were also commendable appearances from 'The Man From Mars' Tony Matterhorn, Little Hero, Bugle & Serani and Elephant man who climbed atop both speakers on the stage before commandeering a voluptuous young lady from the audience. Chuck Fender and Anthony B also showed why they continue to be staples on the dancehall scene with Chuck Fender dominating his set and Anthony B returning to the stage three times due to pleas of encore from the massive audience. Magnum Follow Di Arrow was a culmination of months of planning and rehearsals, all of which was organised by the promoter Dexton Ennis who had high praises for those who helped to make the event a success. "We put in a lot of preparation into this event; from rehearsals to preparing of the venue. I would like to commend the artistes for what can be considered some of the best performances to ever grace the James Bond Beach stage. The production was of a high quality and Magnum Tonic wine delivered by providing the energy and the motivation we needed to make Magnum follow Di Arrow St Mary's premiere dancehall show" ­ Dexton Ennis Promoter, Magnum Follow Di Arrow. The conclusion of Magnum Follow Di Arrow 2008 was a pleasant surprise to many. Bounty Killa, the father of the Alliance came on stage at about 5 am belting out some of his huge hit tunes to the joy and pleasure of the audience. Bounty, in his militant best manifested the style and dexterity he is known for. It was in the middle of his set that the daddy called on the son and the Magnum fuelled crowd erupted with joy. Mavado was amazing and showed why he is now on top of the dancehall world, overpowering the venue with his recent hits from Deh Yah Pon the Gully Side to Life of a Gangsta on the Shootout Riddim. It was at this point that Bounty Killa and Mavado surprised the massive audience by calling on the Don Gorgon who cruised onto the stage in his signature style this time sporting a large umbrella. Mavado and Ninja man then went on to satisfy the crowd with a friendly tune for tune segment with Bounty Killa interjecting periodically. The three dancehall kingpins on the stage at the same time was a surprise the crowd never expected and many patrons went home satisfied with the dancehall tet-a-tet. By the time Mavado, Bounty Killa and Ninja Man exited the stage at about 6 am; Magnum Follow Di Arrow 2008 had already gone down in dancehall history as one of the best shows ever to grace the shores of Jamaica's north coast. James bond beach was packed to capacity and Magnum Tonic wine flowed through the veins of the patrons all night long. Magnum Tonic wine will continue to present top class events to the public and will always seek to raise the bar while providing energy when we need it. Source: Alykhat PRback The Return of Mr Myaz Benjy Myaz (aka Benjamin Myers) was born in a little town called Haddington, Hanover, on the island of Jamaica. He and his other seven musical siblings were exposed to music at an early age, playing with the band in their father's church. Benjy quickly learned the guitar and was always eager to play at devotions in primary school and do rehearsals with the church groups. He went on to study formal music at Herbert Morrison Technical High School in Montego Bay and after leaving school in 1984, Benjy taught music for two years at the high school level and began further studies with private tutors. His musical career began when he started working in the Jamaica Tourism industry, playing in most of the North Coast hotels for nearly eight years. During that time, Benjy applied and received a scholarship to Berklee School of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Faith, in its divinity, wouldn¹t have it that way. He, however, went on to develop skills in bass playing, arranging, songwriting and music production and his career as a musician is credited to his vast knowledge about music. He has command of at least seven instruments, with his first love being the Bass. This he owes to diligent studies and an innate love for music. Says Benjy, when you are formally trained, it allows you to appreciate the origin and growth of music. As a producer, he got his first big break in 1986 when he arranged and produced a remake of Brooke Benton's classic So Many Ways (performed by Dennis Malcolm), which went to the number one position in Jamaica, England and New York. With hopes of touring as a bassist, Benjy became a member of the Rhythm Kings Band, touring with Jimmy Cliff, Culture, Toots and the Maytals, Shinehead and J.C. Lodge (just to name a few). He also realized his other dreams of singing, writing and arranging. The nineties afforded him the opportunity to produce, write, arrange and collaborate with top Reggae/Pop/Gospel/Folk/Urban recording artists such as Third World, Garnet Silk, Ken Boothe, Joanna Marie, Joan Myers, Pam Hall, Michael St. George, Bankie Banx, Freddie McGregor and producer, Bobby Digital, among others. As a solo act, he performed alongside international artists Jeffrey Osbourne, James Ingram, Gladys Knight, Angie Stone, Kevon Edmonds, Bankie Banx and most recently with Peabo Bryson at the Buzz Production¹s To Mom With Love concert series held in Jamaica. He performed at World Food Day (Nov.2000) at James Bond Beach, Ocho Rios, Ja, appearing as a bassist for the chorale, Sounds of Blackness and also Jimmy Cliff. Cliffs performance was rated the best of the entire showcase. Benjy Myaz has toured North America; performed at several showcases in Japan; he performed at Midem 97 (France); Reggae Sumfest (Jamaicas premier music festival), the Jamaica Jazz Festival and Anguilla's annual Moonsplash, held in March 2007, where he appeared as bassist and musical director for Bankie Banx, and has been since 1997. In 1999 he received a Nomination Medal & Certificate from the Grammy Committee for being a part of Toots and the Maytals Grammy-nominated album. So far, Benjy has released three albums, namely Intimate Relationship (his debut album), released in the U.S. in 1997 and Time Together, released in Jamaica and Japan in 1998 and the U.S. in 2000 (VP Records). His own label, My Werks Music, released Long Story Short, the third vocal album, in November 2005. His first single, Love You Higher (Randy Crawford), was released in 1995. It received massive airplay and has become a classic in the annals of reggae music. In fact, he performed the song at the Prime Minister's Ball in 2000 alongside Randy Crawford --to her surprise and delight. Prior to completing Long Story Short, Benjy produced an instrumental album entitled You¹ve Got Me -- the first of its kind ever produced in Jamaica - featuring the sound of the Bass as the lead instrument up front which is set to be mastered and packaged very soon. You are going to love experiencing this side of Benjy Myaz. In order to accomplish the variations, he utilized his knowledge of other instruments to transform the bassists melodies. He states, ³The Bass was always an accompanying rather than a lead instrument and the concept was to create melodies and not make them sound repetitious or monotonous². This instrumental album he said ³was strongly inspired by fusion musicians like Herbie Hancock, George Duke and especially bass players Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Jaco Pastorius, to name a few; not forgetting the reggae feel which brings back the album to its grass roots". A fine line separates musicians who play music to live and those who live to play music. Benjy Myaz is no doubt one of the latter, as Benjy emphatically states, "I¹m about chasing creativity, not the competition". Source: My Werks Musicback Sizzla, CoCo Tea and Jah Cure Rise to the Occasion Fayors Entertainment Centre, Mandeville comes alive on Sunday March 23 with the display of unity by Sizzla Kolongi and Jah Cure at the first staging of the Unity with Love show. After a recent disagreement in the public eye, the two have recommitted themselves to an exemplary presentation of peace and harmony, and have chosen to do so in Mandeville. This is a welcome display of responsibility within the entertainment industry amidst a series of physical and verbal clashes in recent times. As such it is refreshing to see our entertainers, who are role models to the youth display maturity in their friendships and business relationships. Jah Cure, Sizzla and CoCo Tea each bring a different type of energy to the package and as such Mandeville should be in for a unique showcase. Coco Tea¹s cool-toned, laid-back vocals are perfect for sweet, smooth lover¹s rock, and are guaranteed to warm the cool hills of Mandeville while Sizzla Kolangi will blaze a trail of high energy hit songs. Dancehall fans young and old alike will be treated to a demonstration of the principles of Rastafarianism as respected entertainers Sizzla, CoCo Tea and Jah Cure deliver pointers on clean, responsible and fun living. Unity with Love is sponsored by Mek Yah Water and Freedom Wireless, and will be staged at Fayors Entertainment Centre on Sunday March 23. General admission is $1500.00, whilst the VIP all- inclusive access is $3500.00. Tour Calendar Artiste Date Location Beenie Man Mon. Mar. 10 Wavz, Negril Timeka Marshall Mon. Mar. 10 Wavz, Negril Romain Virgo Sat. Mar. 15 Kaiser Sports Club, Discovery Bay, St. Ann Jodian Pantry Sat. Mar. 15 Kaiser Sports Club, Discovery Bay, St. Ann Shaggy Mon. Mar. 17 Wavz, Negril Leftside Sat. Mar. 22 St. Croix T.O.K. Sun. Mar. 23 Wavz, Negril back to top <#top> On The Horizon Saturday, March 8: Good Times, Chinese Benevolent Association Sunday, March 9: Sigma Run, Emancipation Park Monday March 10: Jamfest, Negril Sunday, March 16: National Childrens Gospel Finals , Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre Monday March 17: Jamfest, Negril Friday March 21: Good Times, Margaritaville Ochi Rios Sunday March 23: Jamfest , Negril Tuesday March 25: Actor Boy Awards, Pantry Playhouse and Dinner Theatre Saturday May 31: Good Times, Mas Camp Saturday August 30: Good Times, Mas Camp Friday October 10: Good Times, Margaritaville [6] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Mary Kirk [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: Our Photos Online Date: Saturday, March 08, 2008 8:03 PM >From Mary Kirk We call this the "Circle of Love". Only in San Francisco could you go to a fundraiser in a beautiful building with hundreds of people, their dogs, everyone dressed up, an orchestra, and a chocolate fondue fountain and plates full of sushi and other fine foods for grazing. Hope all is well! Mary, Shan, & Oreo Website: http://www.tonyaperme.com Event Name: Bark and Whine Ball , Photo Booth [7] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Lance-O [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: 'Reggae Vibes' Newsletter #616 Date: Wednesday, March 05, 2008 5:12 PM >From Lance-O heres the right one Greetings 'REGGAE VIBES' Massive & Krew First the audio link: http://www.kulchashok.com/old/mp3/reggaevibes616.mp3 This week's edition is brought to you by Kulcha Shok Muzik producers of this program as well as the new tv show 'Island Hoppers,' available on Dish Network & Direct TV. Kulcha Shok also has new t-shirts as well as a new song from Tarrus Riley. For that & more kulchashok.com Now this weeks top 10 according to 'REGGAE VIBES' & it's contributing stations 10. PICK IT UP & DROP IT SEAN PAUL ATLANTIC 09. GIVE IT UP BEENIE MAN/BARBEE 357 08. DADDY QUEEN IFRICA NO DOUBT 07. JAH IS MY NAVIGATOR LUCIANO CANNONBALL 06. SHOOT OUT MICHAEL ROSE/DAMIEN MARLEY JOHN JOHN 05. NO EVIL LUCIANO CANNONBALL 04. SHES ROYAL TARRUS RILEY CANNONBALL 03. BONAFIDE GIRL SHAGGY feat. RIK ROK & TONY GOLD BIG YARD 02. NAH GO A JAIL BUSY SIGNAL JAM 2 01. CLICK MI FINGER ERUPT TRUCK BACK With Reggae Months end in Feb Prime Minister Bruce Golding has charged Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, (MICYS) Hon. Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, with the responsibility of developing activities to make Reggae Month an international phenomenon by next year. He wants Jamaica to become the showplace of reggae music for the world, which it should be. Golding delivered greetings at the premiere of the film 'Africa Unite'and said the decision to make February 'Reggae Month' was strategically made to tie-in with the celebration of the birthday of Jamaica's greatest exponent of reggae music, the Hon. Nesta Robert Marley. He said what makes Bob Marley so unique was the fact that he was not only a songwriter but also a philosopher. He also made a presentation at the Reggae Academy Awards. Pulse model Nadine Willis has taken a journey down a new road, with the release of her debut single, What If, a song written by Grub Cooper and produced by Pulse Music. The song is actually the first of six or seven that Nadine plans to record for a debut album, which should be ready by the end of the year. Nadine's foray into music occurred last year when she recorded a song for former Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller. Her brother has been her strength in the music. Pulse is no stranger to music. In the 1980's the company actually produced several songs one of which, Just Can't Get You Out Of My Mind by Ainsley Morris, topped Jamaican charts. Pulse's reggae show, Reggae Superjam, which debuted in the 1980s, was also an annual event that was eagerly anticipated by music lovers. One of the most memorable concerts was the 1983 edition which featured the late reggae superstar Peter Tosh, in his last local concert before he died. Pulse says it will be releasing several video singles featuring songs by Tosh, at that 1983 concert, during 2008. Luciano will tour with Mikey General and Jahmessenjah Band. March 27-30 & April 4-7 is California Oregon & Washington state fall in between. The tour then heads east to Boulder Co April 8 Salt Lake City Ut 13 Austin TX 18 & 19, 23 St. Louis Mo, 26 Cincinnati Ohio, 27 Chicago Illinois, 29 Baltimore Md, 30 Manhattan NY,1 New Haven Ct, 2 Boston and the last date we have is May 3 Poughkeepsie NY. For full schedule kulchashok.com In our new releases this week first from VP Records its D'Soca Zone. One of my favorite soca releases of the year as it has the more ragga sound from the different islands. This one is no exception feat. Peter Lewis from TNT, Super P from Grenada, Peter Ram Barbados, Bomani St Vincent & Adrian Durchin fr Guyana. Fragga Ranks has returned with 'Things Kina Funny.' A cd that revisits old rhythms & style. Lustre Kings releases their 'Shining Riddim' with the likes of the VI's best: Midnite, Niyorah, Pressure, Abja, Ras Attitude, Batch and others like Benjai, Lutan Fyah, Jah Mason, and I Lue & new voices of Arkangel & more. Alos in there was the new Norris Man cd 'Heat Is On.' The follow up to what was his best cd to date 'Home & Away.' This one still keeps him under the radar but good. Each week we ask a trivia question first last week we asked, what was the first 12" in the UK? The Wailing Souls 'War/Jah Give Us Life' on Greensleeves in 1978 This week we ask, the Wailing Souls had a record, what was it? In case you don't know. we will have all that & more on next weeks edition…. It can also be heard on DIVERSE FM 102.8 London England w/ Lady Diamond KPRG Guam 89.3 w/Reggae Ambassador KGHP Gig Harbor, Wa 89.9 w/ Mike Kelly WOKB 1600am Orlando Fl w/ Lady D Selector's Choice LANCE-O 305.534.6110 KULCHA SHOK MUZIK, Inc. www.kulchashok.com myspace.com/kulchashok myspace.com/islandhopperstv [8] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Kaati [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #111] Subject: Renegade Productions Reggae/Ska Concert Calendar for March in Northern California Date: Friday, March 07, 2008 2:49 AM >From Kaati Renegade Productions Reggae/Ska Concert Calendar for March in Northern California/Southern Oregon Fri, March 14 Pato Banton and the Mystic Roots - reggae Harlow's, Sacramento, CA 9:00 pm 9:00 pm (Doors Open at 8:00 pm) $20.00 advance 21 & over Tue, March 18 Sister Carol also Malika - reggae Harlow's, Sacramento, CA 9:00 pm (Doors Open at 8:00 pm) $20.00 advance 21 & over Saturday, March 29 THE ITALS Ashland Armory, Ashland, OR Doors 8pmShowtime 9pm $15 advance/$20 day of show All ages Sat, April 5 Luciano, Mikey General & Jah Messenger Band Harlow's, Sacramento, CA 9:00 pm (Doors Open at 8:00 pm) $25.00 advance 21 & over Fri, April 18 THE ENGLISH BEAT & Frankie Hernandez Band Ashland Armory, Ashland, OR 8:30 pm (Doors Open at 7:30 pm) $25.00 advance All Ages Sat, April 19 The English Beat Miners Foundry, Nevada City, CA 8:30 pm (Doors Open at 7:30 pm) $25.00 advance All Ages Kaati #111 REGGAE FESTIVAL GUIDE P.O. Box 50635 Reno, NV 89513 (775) 337-8344 fax: 775/337-6499 Sign up for our weekly Reggae Festival e-guide newsletter Go to [9] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Natural Vibrations [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: THE VIBE Newsletter Date: Saturday, March 08, 2008 8:02 PM >From Natural Vibrations Can't see images? Click HERE to view as a web page. NEW! ³I love Natural Vibes² Pink Toddler Tee $11.99 (also available in white) Best Reggae Album Winner! "From The Heart" $14.99 Just Added! Hearts Logo White Baby Tee $14.99 "Natural Vibrations" Brown T-Shirt w/Rays Logo $21.99 ³I love Natural Vibes² White Baby Onesie $14.99 '07 Sale! NV Logo Black Tank $11.99 NEW NATURAL VIBRATIONS WEBSITE We want all of you to check out the new and improved website naturalvibrations.com . Our site has been remodeled with a fresh new look and cool new features that make getting NV news and tour updates easier and faster than ever. We've added a special feature on the website for our fans to grab the Natural Vibrations "gydget" and put it on their Myspace page or other website. Enjoy! FROM THE HEART WINS BEST REGGAE ALBUM MAHALO to all of you who made "From the Heart" the Best Reggae Album winner at the 2007 Hawaii Music Awards!! We are so stoked to receive this honor yet again from the voting fans who won us Best Reggae Album in 2000 for "Getting High" . APRIL-MAY 2008 WESTCOAST TOUR Get ready for the Vibes! We can't wait to tour through California, Oregon, Washington, and Colorado starting April 2nd! Most of our tour dates have been posted on our website and can be found on the SHOWS page. There will be more shows (and states) added so keep checking back. Sponsor Natural Vibrations!! Availabilities are going fast with the upcoming 2008 tour. This is an awesome opportunity to market your business and there are a variety of ways your company can get involved. Contact us mailto:management@naturalvibrations.com for more info. NEW PRODUCTS ADDED TO WEBSTORE The NV KIDS and NV GIRL sections have been updated with new products. Check it out! The crazy demand for our "I love Natural Vibes" kids clothes has been amazing and we promise to expand our kids line at your request. On a budget? Go to our '07 CLOSEOUT SALE to get your NV gear for as low as $9.99 and up! Our 2008 line of new men's and women's tees and tote bags will be available VERY soon. Lookout for the official announcement and be one of the first to get your hands on the killer new Natural Vibrations styles. MARCH 2008 Visit our SHOWS section to find out where we'll be playing on Oahu and Maui in March. This is our last month in Hawai'i before our tour so come down and send us off right! Happy Birthday to you...Bassist Jehua Evans celebrates on March 25th! Show him some love on our official Myspace profile. A HUI HOU - NATURAL VIBRATIONS www.naturalvibrations.com www.myspace.com/naturalvibrations To unsubscribe to this newsletter, send an email to management@naturalvibrations.com Copyright (C) 2008 Natural Vibrations LLC. All rights reserved. Forward to a friend [10] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Wayne Stoddart [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: Vote for Wayne Stoddart Love in any Language on hoodhype.com Date: Wednesday, March 05, 2008 5:14 PM >From Wayne Stoddart CLICK: http://www.hoodhype.com/artist_vote.aspx?en=61 and vote WAYNE STODDART - Love in Any Language Hey guys here is your chance to help get Wayne Stoddart music to MILLIONS of listeners worldwide and get the artists exposure he may have never had using traditional broadcasting such as radio or television. Simply go to http://www.hoodhype.com/artist_vote.aspx?en=61 and vote for Wayne Stoddart - Love in Any Language. Help bring back the POSITIVE in Hip-Hop and reggae music!! CLICK: http://www.hoodhype.com/artist_vote.aspx?en=61 and vote WAYNE STODDART - Love in Any Language WHILE YOU ARE HERE FEEL FREE TO CHECK OUT MY VIDEO: http://donmcgregor.multiply.com/video/item/1/Wayne_Stoddartanyway ALSO, Wayne Stoddart reviewed in top UK Magazine CROSS RHYTHM: http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/artists/16559/ Thanks in advance for the support! www.waynestoddart.com www.myspace.com/waynestoddart UNDILUTED MUZIK Home of Wayne Stoddart Music www.waynestoddart.com www.myspace.com/waynestoddart Email: info@waynestoddart.com, waynestoddart@gmail.com [11] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: SNWMF [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: Initial Artists for the 15th annual SNWMF announced Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2008 4:47 PM >From SNWMF: Here is the list of the inital artists announced to appear at SNWMF 2008 June 20-22, 2008 in Boonville, Caliofornia, with lots more artists TBA: Michael Franti & Spearhead The Mighty Diamonds Midnite Sister Carol U Roy Cornel Campbell Yami Bolo David Rodigan Stone Love Stranger Cole Roy Shirley Pat Kelly Alika Quinto Sol Rootz Underground Taj Weekes & Adowa Daniel Frankston SNWMF - Publicity www.snwmf.com Tel: (415) 387-1368 Fax: (415) 221-5413 [12] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: Thank You Letter from Kenya - Peace restored Date: Saturday, March 08, 2008 9:51 PM >From Kay Morris Dear friends, many thanks to everyone who participated in the Peace-A-Thon for Kenya - your efforts have been a huge success. Please read letter below. March 2nd, 2008 Kay Morris Foundation P.O. Box 59076 7205 Goreway Drive Mississauga, Ontario L4T 4J1 Canada Dear Kay Morris /Queen Nana Sika APPRECIATION FOR THE SUPPORT On behalf of the lovely people of Kenya, your fans, my company and Caravan of Hope I would want to express my sincere appreciation for the effort you put in mobilizing people around the world to send a message of hope to the thousand of Kenyans that were affected by the post election violence. The peace-a-thon initiative was a great success cause all the messages that were written were submitted to the panel of eminent person that was headed by Hon.Kofi Annan and a copy send to leading media houses in the country and it was one of the coals that kept the fire of hope burning. The messages reflected your commitment to supporting humanity and peace in Africa and also it was a great time to bridge the gap between the Africans at home and Africans in Diaspora. With the signing of agreement between the protagonists I believe it is a sign of great things to happen and an example to the rest of Africa that a crisis can always be solved through dialogue. It is a triumph for peace and diplomacy". Common sense has prevailed and the Kenyan people have the outcome, for which they have hoped and prayed, As we embark on this journey of reconciliation and healing please keep praying for us bearing in mind thousands are still homeless. We hope that your support for our people won't end there and anyone who is willing to continue supporting the caravan of hope they are welcome especially in kind. In conclusion Kay Morris I have this great quote from Martin Luther that should always encourage you and the entire people who supported peace-a thon. When evil men plot, good men must plan. When evil men burn and bomb, good men must build and bind. When evil men shout ugly words of hatred, good men must commit themselves to the glories of love. Pass my sincere appreciations to all that supported this initiative and may God richly bless them and enlarge their territories and bless them in deed. Respectfully, I am Cedrick Todwell GROUP CEO *********************************************************************** In the abundance of water, the fool is thirsty Forward the Reggae Vibe...Every Time ! Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide Tom Pearson R.A.W.#33 http://www.reggaeambassadors.org ************************************************************************* < R.A.W. Disclaimer > "Any and all statements, views, and opinions expressed in the 'Wha' Gwaan in R.A.W?' newsletter are those of individual members of Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide, Inc. (R.A.W.). R.A.W. is not responsible for the veracity, or for the content, of any R.A.W. member's statement, views, and/or opinions included in this newsletter."