(¯`·._(¯`·......Wha Gwaan in R.A.W......·´¯)_.·´¯) Wednesday, March 19, 2008 _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ *INDEX [1] Special Message from Mikey Dread's wife - Monika Campbell and Contact Information [2] R.I.P Mickey Dread [3] Mikey Dread at the Controls Trodding to Zion [4] Mikey Dread - forever at the Control [5] [LOZ:] GOSPELREGGAE: Christafari Update/Band plays before 80,000/Avion Recording New Album [6] Calling for us in R.A.W. to start (a) regular chat [7] Haji Mike Update! (HAJI MIKE) [8] Headlines! Brick and Lace, Sisters, Ziggy Marley and more [9] Katchafire Press Releases (2 shows) [10] 'Reggae Vibes' Newsletter #618 [11] Saturday, March 29 - THE ITALS featuring Keith Porter-Opening band: Second Nature-Ashland Armory, Ashland, OR [12] Tuesday, March 25The ITALS -REGGAE FROM JAMAICA - Spring Reggae Party-Tahoe Biltmore, Crystal Bay, NV _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ [1] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: Special Message from Mikey Dread's wife - Monika Campbell and Contact Information Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2008 9:12 AM >From Mushiya Strickland For Immediate Release: Monday, March 17, 2008 This is an Official News Release from the "Dread At The Controls, Inc." MIKEY DREAD PASSED AWAY Michael Campbell (aka "Mikey Dread) our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2008 with his wife and family by his side. For those who would like to join us in remembering the wonderful memories of Mikey Dread, you can call or write to: Monika Campbell, 99 Lawn Avenue Stamford, CT 06902 Tel: 203-353-1448 www.myspace.com/datc All other sources of information are not accurate. For the most current and up to date information contact the above name and phone number. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. The Campbell Family Services are tentatively scheduled for Saturday April 5, 2008 Port Antonio Jamaica - please continue to visit www.myspace.com/datc for up-to-date postings. Mushiya Jobe Enterprises P.O. Box 600542 Dallas, Texas 75360-0542 www.mikeydread.com www.innervisionsreggae.com www.dubmusic.com www.mackieconscious.com 214-342-5638 469-767-9730 762-419-6975 mojamaica@msn.com mojamaica@peoplepc.com [2] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: DJ SupaMario [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #1690] Subject: R.I.P Mickey Dread Sent: Saturday, March 15, 2008 8:38 PM >From DJ Supa Mario >From R.A.W. Member 1690 International DJ SupaMario May we take a minute to give respect and thanks and praises to a brethren of mine and certainly yours. Mickey Dread, may you R.I.P. and it was and is a truly an honor in touring with you and he had touch so many people in this world may he R.I.P....... Reggae has truly lost a legend Bless-it!! International DJ SupaMario www.djsupamario.com R.A.W. Member #1690 [3] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: WorldBeat Cultural Center [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: Mikey Dread at the Controls Trodding to Zion Date: Sunday, March 16, 2008 1:48 AM From: WorldBeat Cultural Center 1954 - 2008 Mikey Dread At the Control, Trodding to Zion. Honoring the Mighty Lion... WorldBeat Center Honors the memory of the Mighty Lion, Mikey Dread, who trodded into Zion Today, Sat, March 15th 2008 at 4:00pm PST. Tonight's concert featuring, Midnite is Livicated to the legendary Pioneer, Mikey Dread. Makeda Dread the WorldBeat Center sends all blessings to the family. DREAD AT THE CONTROLS Michael Campbell better known as Mikey Dread, is a Jamaican singer, producer, and broadcaster. >From an early age, Campbell showed a natural aptitude for engineering and electronics. After he finished college, Campbell started out as an engineer with the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC). Campbell wasn't impressed that the JBC's playlists mainly consisted of bland, foreign pop music at a time when some of the most potent reggae was being recorded in Jamaica. He convinced his JBC bosses to give him his own radio program called Dread At The Controls, where he played nothing but reggae. Before long, Campbell (now using the DJ name Mikey Dread) had the most popular program on the JBC. Well-known for its fun and adventurous sonic style, Dread At The Controls became a hit all over Jamaica. Inevitably, JBC's conservative management and Campbell clashed, and he quit in protest. By that time, Campbell had earned a solid reputation as a singer and producer and began recording his own material. Distinctive albums such as Dread At The Controls, Evolutionary Rockers, and World War III all became favorites amongst reggae fans. His collaboration with producers King Tubby and Carlton Patterson stand out as some of the best work each party has done. Campbell's music attracted the attention of British punk rockers The Clash, who invited him over to England to produce some of their music. Although initially suspicious of the strangers, Campbell soon became the best of friends with the band, producing their famous "Bankrobber" single and performing on several songs on their 1980 album Sandinista!. Campbell also toured with The Clash across Britain, Europe, and the US, gaining many new fans along the way. After many years working as a producer and singer, Campbell withdrew from the business and moved to Miami where he furthered his college education with courses in electronics and business. Disgusted with several unfair contracts with record companies, Campbell shrewdly waited until all of the existing contracts expired and then regained control over his entire catalogue. Since then, he has been re-releasing much of it on his own Dread At The Controls record label. In October 2007, it was announced that Campbell was being treated for a brain tumour. [4] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Eric [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #1418] Subject: Mikey Dread - forever at the Control Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2008 9:11 AM Mikey Dread - forever at the Control MONDAY MUSINGS with Yasmine Monday, March 17, 2008 On Saturday night we walked into a visibly distraught Brigitte Anderson at Symphony Under the Stars. She was mourning the passingof her friend, Mikey Dread, who had made his transition earlier that day. "He was really such a wonderful person . and he has a baby who's just a couple months old . you should really do something extensive on him .," Brigitte rambled on in her grief. Interestingly, it was only earlier in the week that Observer had carried an article about Mikey Dread and how 'hopeful' he was about beating his illness, so it came as a shock, just as we were wrapping up the Entertainment section on Saturday to hear that he had died. The comforting thing, however, is that his legacy is so extensive and so universal, that, in a sense, Mikey Dread will forever be at the control. A versatile and multi-faced person, the Dread clearly was a perfectionist and this is evident by his belief in formal training in his chosen field. In 1980, he attended the National Broadcasting School in London where he perfected his media production/radio broadcasting skills, graduating with special commendations; in 1984, he studied studio/recording techniques at Polytechnic of North London; in 1996, he attended the Art Institute of Ft Lauderdale as a full -time student majoring in music/ video production, graduating with honours; in 2000, he graduated with honours from Lynn University, Boca Raton/Florida with a magna cum laude Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Communications. In that same year, he released World Tour, his first album in five years. Between the years 1976 when he started working at JBC and 2007 when he released his final album, Life is a Stage, Mikey Dread accomplished so much, it was as if he was ensuring that his half a century-plus on this earth would be memorable . and it was. Broadcaster, singer, songwriter and producer, he toured Europe and Scandinavia as support artiste for UB40 and produced 10 dub tracks for them; he made several appearances and performances on BBC and Sky TV Music Box, London and Bristol, UK and did live appearances with UB40, Bob Dylan, and Carlos Santana at Rock Music Festival at Wembley Stadium in London and Slane Castle in Dublin, Ireland. His performances in Italy in November 2001 in Bari and Rome re-established him as one of the original roots reggae icons of the mid-seventies/early '80s reggae era of Jamaican music. He produced artistes such as Sugar Minott, Junior Murvin, Earl Sixteen, Wally Bucker, Sunshine, Jah Grundy and Rod Taylor and was integral in the career development of singer Edi Fitzroy, who was an accountant at during 'the Mikey years'. Mikey Dread was the featured artiste on Lips Like Sugar with Seal for the soundtrack of the Adam Sandler/Drew Barrymore -Sony Pictures movie 50 First Dates. May his soul rest in peace. [5] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Lion OF Zion Ent [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: [LOZ:] GOSPELREGGAE: Christafari Update/Band plays before 80,000/Avion Recording New Album Date: Monday, March 17, 2008 4:43 PM >From Lion OF Zion Ent Here's what's in our latest Christafari update... TO THE FOUNDATION WORLD TOUR FRUITS OF OUR LABOR PERFORMING BEFORE 80,000 IN BRASILIA 80 CONCERTS IN 2008! RECORDING AVION'S NEXT ALBUM OUR PLEA Dear Friends, The last time that I wrote you an official update, the CDs for Christafari's "To The Foundation" had just arrived from the manufacturer and we had humble dreams of what the Lord would accomplish through our small ministry. Thanks to your fervent prayers and the Lord's abundant grace, over the last 11 months we have been blessed like never before. We have seen the hand of the Lord expand this ministry beyond our wildest imaginations! It seems that our dreams were far too small in God's eyes. Not only did we recei ve very positive reviews from the press, but the album was also nominated for an award and even made the Grammy ballot! While CD sales have been on a major decline recently, "To The Foundation" quickly became our all-time bestselling album on our webstore GospelReggae.com. Through online sales alone it has more than tripled our previous bestselling title "Gravity"! Our touring has taken off also. Since our last update the Lord has blessed us with an astonishing 50 concerts in 9 countries spanning 3 continents! TO THE FOUNDATION WORLD TOUR Over the last few months we have had the privilege of seeing thousands come to Christ on our tours of Europe, the United States and Brazil. In addition to performing and ministering from stage, I have also done a lot more preaching in churches on Sundays and in between shows while on tour. When we were on the road Christafari experie nced unprecedented band unity. That's incredible when you consider 9 guys and 2 girls touring together for 30 days, often staying in surprisingly modest accommodations, with little time for rest and relaxation. We have had our fair share of tough times though, like when 8 of us got sick in Brazil. One after another we caught a stomach virus while having to play night after night. As is expected with any frontline ministry, we have also experienced persecution and tremendous spiritual warfare. After an intense show in Holland last August, one pastor came up to me boasting that he had never seen spiritual warfare like what we experienced that night. He was excited because he knew that the Lord was doing a work that was threatening the enemy. FRUITS OF OUR LABOR While there have been trying times, we have also seen an unprecedented amount of spiritual fruit. The first show of our 2007 Braz ilian tour is a great example of this. It was held in a massive church in a very small town and we packed thousands of reggae lovers into the building. So many people came that over a thousand were turned away at the door due to fire codes! That night we gave a blistering 2-1/2 hour-long concert. At the end of the night I remember the pastor coming up to me with a light in his eyes. "We have never seen so many unbelievers in our church before," He rejoiced, "And we have never seen so many people come to Christ at one of our outreach events before!" Then he handed me a stack of response cards with a huge smile on his face! God is great! PERFORMING BEFORE 80,000 IN BRASILIA Of all the 37 countries that I have had the privilege of visiting with Christafari throughout the years, Brazil is by far the most responsive to our ministry. It's the only place where you can find a string of churches that play reggae worship and a plethora of Christafari cover bands! Our music has had a huge impact in the country since the mid nineties when our videos started playing on MTV Brazil, and we are one of the most popular American Contemporary Christian Music acts in Brazil. Having toured virtually every major city, I am convinced that there is no more receptive country to gospel reggae than this beautiful place. After touring there extensively last November we have already received numerous invitations to return. Just a few weeks ago we got a call on a Monday morning from the Brazilian government asking if we would like to perform at a massive Christian alternative to Carnival that Saturday! We were promised an audience of 25,000. As you can imagine, we leapt at the offer and within three days were on a plane to the capitol of Brazil. They gave us the sweetest time slot of the event with the most popular worship team in Brazil playing right b efore us. Earlier in the night we were then told that at least 50,000 people were in the audience-no pressure! By the time we hit the stage the numbers had increased exponentially. We heard after the fact that the official number the Brazilian Military had counted while we were performing was 80,000 people! It was an unforgettable experience teaching so many people the various dances in our song "New Movement." In fact, we hope to submit our experience to the Guinness Book of World Records for largest choreographed group dance! After a spirited show we were told that the Brazilian Government thought that we gave the best show of the evening and they requested that we return to perform in front of 250,000 people! Only in Brazil! 80 CONCERTS IN 2008! This year looks to be an even better year with numerous tours on the horizon. In three weeks we will be heading off to our first ever Hawaii tour. On this t rip we plan to perform 9 shows on 5 islands playing everywhere from a mega church to a convention center and a park to a maximum-security prison. We are playing various dates in the USA this year including tours of the East Coast, West Coast and Texas. This Summer we could be in Europe for as long as 6 weeks and will be visiting countries like Iceland, Norway, Spain, Hungary and Slovakia for the first time! In October we plan to spend another month in Brazil. Would you please stand in the gap for us and pray for our tours? Please pray that the word of God is clear and leads to many salvations. Also please pray for our safety, health, unity and that the Lord provides for us. And please remember to pray for our new booking agent and tour manager Kevin McIntyre as he sets out to book us 80 concerts this year on as many as 6 continents! If you know of anyone that may be interested in hosting Christafari for a concert this year, please don't hesitate to contact our booking agent through email: kevin@pmareggae.com or via telephone: (512) 535-7642. RECORDING AVION'S NEXT ALBUM As I am writing this we are in the process of recording two albums. Reggae Redemption Songs II is almost finished, and we have just begun tracking Avion Blackman's highly anticipated sophomore effort. Would you please pray for this recording? Please pray for our physical health, our marriage, and that the Lord will bless every note, lyric and vocal recorded. Pray for our distributors, record label and webstore. Pray that this album will get out to as many as possible. Pray for the future listeners of this recording and ask the Holy Spirit to use this album to touch lives and bring souls to Christ. OUR PLEA Please pray for our finances. Ask that God will con tinue to provide for us as we do His work. Given our present financial situation, instead of digging ourselves into greater debt to cover the costs of recording, mastering, manufacturing and promoting Avion's new album, we once again humbly ask you to lend a helping hand. If you have ever been blessed by the ministry of Christafari and Avion Blackman, and enriched by our recordings, please consider blessing us with a monetary love-gift of any size. The honorariums we receive for concerts are not always enough to cover our expenses, and recording new albums is necessary to keep touring and preaching the word of God. Your generous donation will be greatly appreciated and enable us to finish Avion's album. Our need is real and immediate. If you are sending a tax-deductible donation, please make your check payable to THE SOWERS INTERNATIONAL, and put CHRISTAFARI in the lower left corner. Make sure yo ur name and address is written clearly on your check. Then mail it to: The Sowers International Post Office Box 2260 Orange, CA 92859 If you are not looking for a tax write-off, please send your donation directly to us. Make your check out to CHRISTAFARI and mail it to the following address: 1942 259th Place Lomita, CA 90717, USA May you be showered with all the spiritual blessings from above! Swimming in His Grace, Mark Mohr and Avion Blackman-Mohr P.S. If you would like to stay up to the minute with our Christafa ri, Avion Blackman and Lion of Zion ministries please visit our website www.christafari.com Please print out this e-mail and cut out the portion below. Use it as a daily prayer reminder. Thanks! PLEASE PRAY FOR MARK AND AVION MOHR AND CHRISTAFARI: For continued strength in Mark and Avion's marriage and for the rest of the band members. Pray that Avion's album will get out to as many as possible and bring souls to Christ. For their health and the Lord's constant guidance and provision. For the new musicians that are joining the group (Drums, Sax). For pending tours and more opportunities to perform and share the gospel of Jesus Christ A tour bus or a 15-passenger van for their local/U.S. tours. For Kevin McIntyre, Christafari's new booking agent. [6] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Roots-ee [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #1414] Subject: Calling for us in R.A.W. to start (a) regular chat Date: Monday, March 17, 2008 4:50 PM >From Roots-ee Greetings R.A.W, let i&i use the RAW chat room at http://www.reggaeambassadors.org/chat/ suggest as a starter some night at 10/11 pm DST/7/8 pm PST what say wednsdays or thursdays? one love one peace roots-ee --- the ark band RAW 214 -- RAW 1414 http://thearkband.com http://thearkband.com/gigz/index.html http://www.myspace.com/thearkbandcolumbus ***emancipate yourselves from mental slavery none but ourselves can free our minds*** [7] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Haji Mike [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: Haji Mike Update! (HAJI MIKE) Date: Monday, March 17, 2008 4:44 PM >From Haji Mike SoundClick Mailing List unsubscribe HAJI MIKE Haji Mike Update! Its been a long time mailing list friends...here's a run down on all things Haji Mike... *21st March KISA, Nicosia, DJ set in aid of ENAR/EU Anti Racism Day 10 onwards eclectic dub selections and world beats.... *The OTM tune 'Safe Sex commissioned for RUBSI for World AIDS Day, feat Pinky, Sofoz, Zeki Ali Haji Mike written in collaboration with Mike Cherry Chris Louvieris will be featured on this year's EUROPAVOX Festival CD compilation in France. 3,000 copies are distubuted free at the Festival.... *Michalakis - the poem described by Haji Mike as 'my manifesto piece' will be included in 'A Dialogue Day event /exhibition in Hungary as part of the Anna Lindh Foundation's '1001 Actions for Dialogue. *Many tunes of late have been made online between Haji Mike Bandulu Dub from Portugal. What started out as a kindred connection through Myspace has turned into a full blown collaboration called 'Bandulu Dub meets Haji Mike'. 'Freedom' one of the first songs will be included on a CD compilation for international solidarity with the people of West Papua. Finally if you are on Facebook type in Haji Mike and link up...peace! http://soundclick.com/hajimike Mailing list provided by SoundClick, the #1 artist music community. We have a strict no-spam policy, please forward violations to abuse@soundclick.com. You can always unsubscribe . [8] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Headline Jamaica [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: Headlines! Brick and Lace, Sisters, Ziggy Marley and more Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2008 9:13 AM >From Headline Jamaica March 12, 2008 In This Issue: Brick & Lace to link with African Star <#brickandlace> Machel Montano To Rock New York <#machel> Di Fallen Angel & Di Devil's Concubine held over for 6 shows <#angel> Tarrus has the most nominations for IRAWMA <#tarrus> K'naan Hitting It Big <#knaan> From the stage to the pulpit? <#macka> The Lady Behind That Sultry Voice <#paula> Miss Jamaica Universe Finalists Selected <#mju> Rootz Underground - Reggaes NEXT Generation <#rootz> Stars and Trouble - Two hot riddims <#stars> Ziggy Marley, increasing AIDS/HIV awareness <#ziggy> Green and Mondon Secure Sigma 5K Title <#sigma> Acoustic Soul Diva Eisa Davis <#eisa> Africa Unite/Smile Jamaica pictures <#africa> Tour Calendar: Revised and Updated <#tour> On The Horizon: Expanded and Updated <#horizon> Thought of the Week "The rights of the weak are not weaker rights, but are completely equal to the rights of the strong." (Dionigi Tettamanzi) Measure your IQ: Find the missing number. IV3 II2 XII4 VIII5 XVI5 III3 V2 XIX 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 Timeka’s 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 “Nothing At All”, Timeka was immediately signed to a developmental deal which would see her working with some of Jamaica’s 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! Richard Byles President and CEO of Life of Jamaica and Ms. Jamaica World 2007 Yendi Phillips chat a bit before the race at the Sigma Corporate Run recently Walkers toe the start line awaiting their signal from the Honorary Starter at the recent Sigma Corporate Run Charts Update! Top 20 Dancehall Singles At #1 is Doh by Serani feat. Bugle, Daseca At #4 is Shoot Out by Mykal Rose, John John At #9 is Journey by Bugle, Daseca At #15 is Money Fi Spend by Vybz Kartel, Big Ship At #19 is Everybody Dance by RDX, Apt 19 At #20 is Bag a Talking by Deva Bratt, Truck Back Top 20 Reggae Singles At #1 is Praise God by Little Hero, Inspire At #3 is St. Jago De La Vega by Lutan Fyah, Mac‚s D At #5 is Baby Tonight by Courtney John, Taxi At #10 is Old Rugged Cross by George Nooks, Tads International At #16 is Unknown Number by Busy Signal, Juke Boxx At #20 is Protect yuh Neck by Tarrus Riley, Fat Eyes Top 10 Albums/CD Chart At #1 is Unselfish by Courtney (Yogie) John,Fi Wi Music At #3 is Book of Life by I Wayne, VP At #7 is Jah Is My Navigator by Luciano, VP Records At #9 is Revelation by Little Hero, Inspire/Diamond Edge 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 Hype TV‚s 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 Bonafide by Shaggy Feat. Rik Rok and Tony Gold, Big Yard At #14 is Love is Wicked by Brick & Lace, 180 Entertainment At #19 is Dem a Sissy by Assassin, Don Corleon 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 The South Florida top 20 Reggae singles At #1 is No Time To Linger/ I Pray by terry linen/Freddie McGregor, Joe Fraser At #5 is Walk A Mile In My Shoe by Mikey Spice, Joe Fraser At #12 is So Appealing by Voice Mail, Don Corleon At #14 is Just Like The Rain by Courtney Melody, Reggae Vibes At #17 is Silly Dreams by Lady Saw, First Name The New York Top 30 singles chart At #1 is No Time To Linger/ I Pray by terry linen/Freddie McGregor, Joe Fraser At #6 is Daddy by Queen Ifrica, No Doubt At #10 is Life Precious Gift by Tarrus Riley, Joe Fraser At #13 is Outstanding by Morgan Heritage, Don Corleon At #17 is Walk A Mile In My Shoe by Mikey Spice, Joe Fraser At #20 is Everybody Dance by RDX, Apt 19 At #26 is What‚s Love by Shaggy/Akon, Big Yard BBC1Xtra Dancehall chart At #1 is Shoot Out by Mykal Rose, John John At #4 is She‚s 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 5 The numbers that come after the roman numerals correspond to the number of lines in that particular roman numeral 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. Brick & Lace to link with African Star The Pam awards new artiste of the year will be doing collaborations with Kevin Lyttle and Brick & Lace. It is one thing to have an idea and another to walk your talk, but for singer Henry Tigan, luck has also factored in to give him the big musical push that has earned him a respectable career in a short spell. In the last seven months, Tigan billed for tracks like Emiranga, Lwaki Oninza, Abogezi and Love Enzita his collaboration with Rita Kigozi, will now take his shot at the international pedestal. My Country in which he features Marlon Asher and Pretty Gal a dancehall track with Mighty Mystic were the precursors for his journey onto the international stage. "It has been seven miraculous months. I've managed to break through the local market. My ambition now is to gain international recognition," the soft-spoken, Tigan revealed. To aid his ambitions, his manager Suudi Lukwago, is calling the shots and already the 23-year-old has a number of collaborations with famed international stars, his latest track World of Scandals with Marlon Asher being one them. Click here for full story. back to top <#top> Minister Grange Launches Sisters to Sisters Mediathon Females opening their arms and offering assistance to other females is the theme of x2018;Sisters to Sistersx2019;, an all female mediathon scheduled for Sunday April 13. Launched at Womenx2019;s Centre Foundation of Jamaica Head Office on Thursday, March 7 the mediathon aims to assist in empowering females. Proceeds of the event will go towards building shelters for battered women across the island and also towards the Womenx2019;s Centre Foundation of Jamaica. The mediation recognizes International Womenx2019;s Day which is celebrated worldwide on March 8 under the theme x2018;Financing for Gender Equality.x2019; The mediathon has an ambitious but attainable goal of ten million Jamaican dollars, in addition to the mandate of raising awareness of significant issues affecting women. To date a number of x2018;sistersx2019; in the entertainment business have reached out in support of the event. Confirmed x2018;sistersx2019; include: actress Leonie Forbes, veteran singer Marcia Griffiths, newcomer Etana, conscious deejay Queen Ifrica, dancehall diva Cex2019;cile, songstress Tessanne Chin, multi-talented Cherine Anderson, rising stars judge and singer Nadine Sutherland, dub poet Cherry Natural as well as the Lx2019; Acadco dancers. These independent and creative women will lend their talents to motivate women around the country to stand up for themselves and their rights while encouraging the broader audience to pledge funds towards the target. The mediathon will be staged at the studios of the Creative Production and Training Centre (CPTC) and will be broadcast live on various television and radio stations. The programme for the April 13 event, which starts at 1 PM, will include a showcase of music, dance, poetry and more. At the launch Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sport Olivia x2018;Babsyx2019; Grange noted that women had come a far way yet many still face the day to day trials of domestic and sexual abuse. She recognized that the governmentx2019;s contribution alone is not enough, stating: x201C;in order to effectively implement programmes and initiatives that will help to empower our women and girls, adequate human and financial resources will have to be secured. This highlights the need to carry out work to promote gender equality. It also points to the need for partnerships with other organizations and collaboration among various stakeholders to meet gender equality goals.x201D; The Minister closed by noting that one organization already on the x2018;Sisters to Sistersx2019; initiative is Food for the Poor. Food for the Poor will assist in the work of the Womenx2019;s Centre Foundation of Jamaica as well as in the furnishing of the shelters for battered women. The initiative is confident that many more organizations will follow to assist in achieving the targets. back to top <#top> Ziggy Marley, increasing AIDS/HIV awareness Ziggy Marley, the eldest son of the late reggae musician Bob Marley, is using his musical success and influence to increase awareness about HIV/AIDS, and he is also working to alleviate poverty and political strife in Africa. Recently, H&M asked Marley to design a T-shirt for its Fashion Against AIDS campaign (www.designersagainstaids.com ), which includes Rhianna, Good Charlotte and Rufus Wainwright. Marley's shirt is emblazoned with the phrase Love Is My Religion in the Rastafarian-inspired colors of red, green and gold. According to Ninette Murk, founder and director of Designers Against AIDS, Marley's was one of the top three best-selling shirts. Marley has lent his support to a number of grassroots causes and his voice to the Jamaican jellyfish character in the 2004 animated film "A Shark's Tale." In 2005, Marley's dreadlocked image was featured in a series of ads for the Aldo Shoes Fight Against AIDS campaign. "I like to involve myself in positive things, so this is something that is important to me," Marley said by phone from Los Angeles. Born David Nesta Marley in Trenchtown, Jamaica, in 1968 to Bob and Rita Marley, Ziggy released his first album, Play the Game Right, with the Melody Makers - which includes his siblings Cedella, Sharon and Stephen Marley - in 1985. As one of the most popular touring acts on the reggae circuit, Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers recorded 10 albums and received three Grammy Awards. In 2002, Marley released his first solo album, Dragonfly, which introduced his eclectic style, combining roots reggae, jazz, African, alternative and R&B, which he calls Ziggymusic. Marley earned a 2006 Grammy for best reggae album for his second solo release, Love Is My Religion. In February 2005, Marley and his family traveled to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for a concert and celebration of Bob Marley's 60th birthday. (Bob Marley died of cancer in 1981.) The Marley family, in conjunction with director Stephanie Black and co-producer Danny Glover, turned their experience into a compelling documentary called "Africa Unite: A Celebration of Bob Marley's Vision." On Thursday March 20, Percy Hintzen, a UC Berkeley African American studies professor, and Marcel Diallo, chief executive officer of Black Dot Artists Inc. in Oakland, will host an "Africa Unite" panel discussion after its Bay Area premiere on the UC Berkeley campus. The film features performances by Ziggy Marley and his siblings Damian "Junior Gong," Stephen, Ky-Mani and Julian and interviews with Lauryn Hill and others. The father of five and soccer enthusiast prefers to leave the fashion decisions to the women in the family. Click here for the full story. back to top <#top> Green and Mondon Secure Sigma 5K Title National cross country champion Rupert Green and Elizabeth Mondon of France secured the open mens and womens 5K titles at the 10th annual Pan Caribbean Sigma Corporate Run which took place on Sunday, March 9 in Kingston. Green completed the course which started from the Pan Caribbean headquarters on Knutsford Boulevard to Emancipation Park in a time of 17 minutes and four seconds to beat out Adane Williams of Chase E Ramson who clocked a respectable time of 17 minutes 28 seconds. Dwayne Powell who represented Bank of Jamaica rounded out the top three, finishing in a time of 18 minutes 21 seconds. In the women's open division, Mondon from the Smith Warner International team, dominated the field from start to finish and posted a comfortable time of 21 mins 31 seconds. Karlene Blagrove finished second and Sherene White third. In the meantime paralympian Tanto Campbell successfully defended his wheelchair title while Vinette Green was not to be denied, as she won the female wheelchair title. In the under 16 category, 14 year old Lechester Beech beat out 15 year old Lancelot William Jr for the youth title while 14 year old Sherene White copped the girls crown. In the corporate challenge team results, Bank of Jamaica cashed in to seal first place in the run in a time of 1 hour and 57 minutes ahead of Jamaica Biscuit Company and the National Land Agency. J Wray and Nephew took the corporate team walk title ahead of COK Co-operative Credit Union and Bank of Jamaica. back to top <#top> Reggae vs. Soca To Rock The Office The infectious sounds of Reggae and Soca will punctuate the Kingston air when the x201C;Reggae Boyzx201D; of Jamaica tackle Trinidad and Tobago's "Soca Warriors" in a friendly international match at the National Stadium on Wednesday, March 26 2008 starting at 7:00 pm. The match will be used by both teams as part of their preparations for the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign. The encounter will be the first meeting between the teams in almost three years, with Jamaica coming away 2-1 winners in a Digicel Cup encounter in February, 2005. Wednesday, March 26 will also see the second leg of the first round of World Cup qualifiers taking place but with both T&T and Jamaica having a first round bye, they will use the opportunity to tune up for their second round matches, scheduled for June 2008. The teams are expected to field full strength squads inclusive of their overseas based professionals. Jamaica has invited several European based players including Wigan Marlon King, along with Ricardo Gardner of Bolton Wanderers, Donovan Ricketts of Bradford City, Demar Phillips of Stoke City. The squad will also see the welcomed return of x201C;Reggae Boyzx201D; stalwart Deon Burton. Rounding out the list of internationally based invited players are: Luton Shelton, Omar Daley, Ian Goodison, Demar Stewart, Jamal Campbell-Ryce, Ox2019;neil Thompson, Khari Stephenson, Tyrone Marshall. T&T is also expected to have more of its overseas-based pros, who have not played for the country since October 2006. Their quest for glory will revolve around English based talisman Kenwyne Jones of Sunderland and Stern John of Southampton. This game is also significant in the fact that Jamaica's Technical Director Rene Simoes was once the head coach of the x201C;Soca Warriorsx201D;, a post he filled back in 2002, four years after having guided the Reggae Boys on the Road to France campaign in 1998. Tickets for the game will go on sale from Saturday, March 22. Prices include Grandstand $3,000 and $2,500, Bleachers $1,000. They are available at: Juici Patties ˆ Clarendon; Hi Lo Spanish Town, Cross Roads, Liguanea, Mandeville, Port Maria; World of Sports, Savanna La Mar, Negril; Petcom Portmore; Western Sports, Twin Gates, Liguanea, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios; Rori King Petrol Station; Lloydx2019;s Pharmacy, Morant Bay; York Pharmacy and New Kingston Golf Academy. Major sponsors for the match are Digicel, Red Stripe and Jamaica National Building Society. Other sponsors include Jamaica Money Market Brokers, National Commercial Bank, Air Jamaica, the Sport Development Foundation, Grace, Stewarts Auto, The Jamaica Observer and Courts. back to top <#top> Machel Montano To Rock New York Soca superstar Machel Montano is getting ready to shine in the spotlight once again when he headlines at New York’s famed Madison Square Garden (MSG) on Friday, March 28. Montano set industry records by performing two shows on one night at MSG last year May, and both to sold out crowds. Hailed as the “Prince of Soca,” he’s back for the highly anticipated encore, promising a show that is “bigger and better,” as he returns with a slew of new singles from his upcoming album, due out this summer. Montano maintains his crossover and worldwide appeal by successfully fusing genres, somehow managing to seamlessly blend soca with reggae, dancehall and reggaeton. He recently scored chart-topping hits with the likes of Shaggy, Mr. Vegas, Vybz Kartel and Buju Banton. A national hero to the people of Trinidad, Montano returned home for Carnival season and is now preparing to spread his new sounds to the rest of the world, New York being one of the first stops. Last year renaming himself Machel Montano HD, he pledges to redefine his identity both as an entertainer and an individual. “Every year I get simpler, and I am getting closer to some complete picture of the sound I’ve been trying to create,” reveals Montano. Fans can hear his redefined sound when he takes center stage at MSG, with his usual fanfare. The audience can expect more of a Vegas-style show with an abundance of theatrics, masquerade costumes and surprise guests. Last year’s performances saw special appearances from Shaggy, Mr. Vegas, and Collie Buddz, just to a name a few. Now Montano promises some major surprises in store for his fans, come Friday, March 28. Source: Rhona Fox back to top <#top> Di Fallen Angel & Di Devil's Concubine held over for 6 shows Di Fallen an Di Devil's Concubine, after a highly praised run as part of TWO for ONE, will be staged by itself for 6 performances at the Pantry Playhouse on March 14 ˆ 16 and the Easter Weekend, March 21 ˆ 23. For the third time in Jamaica's theatrical history, aficionados of social satire will be entertained with Di Fallen Angel an Di Devil's Concubine ˆ a riveting one-act play that portrays two indigent elderly women whose paths cross in the abandoned house they both inhabit. The play, directed by two-time Actor Boy Awardee, Fabian Thomas, has been getting rave reviews from audiences who have seen it the Pantry Playhouse. Originally presented in 1987 at the School of Drama, Di Fallen Angel An Di Devil's Concubine was performed by Honor Ford-Smith and Carol Lawes who created the characters in an improvisation piece, and which was later scripted by both actresses in collaboration with Eugene Williams, Hertencer Lindsay and Pat Cumper. This production features the alternating combination of Nadean Rawlins and Hilary Nicholson, and Nyanda Cammock and Noelle Kerr. The play explores the issues of aging, homelessness and survival in skillfully crafted and humourous script in which the protagonists relate their own compelling and harrowing experiences in a journey which becomescathartic for both women and binds them together as they share painful secrets. As a pointed social satire which tears at the phobias and stereotypes of many Jamaicans the play allows you to laugh at some of the darker and taboo subjects of our culture through situational comedy while inspiring contemplation on the dichotomy of class relations and generational prejudices that necessitate change and transformation. The spoken word/poetry/movement performance word medicine, the play's companion piece from TWO for ONE will be presented for the last time on Easter Monday at 6 p.m. Source: Fabian Thomas back to top <#top> Tarrus has the most nominations for IRAWMA On Wednesday March 5, 2008 at the Hilton Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica, the nominations, for the 27th International Reggae & World Music was announced. Special guest artists, celebrities and media personalities such as Miss Jamaica World, Yendi Phillips, Cecile, D’Angel, Norma Brown Bell ˆ RJR, Winford Williams and Milk of CVM TV were on hand to announce this years nominees. Leading with the most nominations is Tarrus Riley, with a mega seven (7) nods, two of them being Best Male Vocalist and Best Song for the female anthem She Royal. Gangster DJ Mavado has five (5) nods from IRAWMA, for Best Male DJ, Best Album, Best Recording Artist(s), Songwriter of the Year, and Community Service. Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Steven Marley and Sean Kingston all received four (4) nominations, while Soca star Machel Montana and Junior Reid have three (3), Reid is nominated for two (2) in the same category of Best Crossover for his hits with Alicia Keys and rapper MIMS. The 27th IRAWMA is dedicated to "Health Awareness" and takes place on Sunday May 4, 2008 at the World Famous Apollo Theater, New York City. Ephraim Martin, Founder of the IRAWMA, announced that Beeni Man, Kymani Marley, Sean Kingston, and Buju Banton as a presenter are booked for the star studded event so far. Source: OCM back to top <#top> K'naan Hitting It Big In my years at SCOPE, if there's one thing to be overly impressed with, it's our ability to grab artists on the verge of superstar success. A couple years ago it was Fall Out Boy, opening for Taking Back Sunday. They were the shy little introverts who would turn into superstars before our very eyes. Last year Sherwood and the Hush Sound both opened up for Mae, and now both are on the cusp of greatness. In a few weeks we'll see British pop-rockers Athlete (who are wildly successful across the pond) blow away a Switchfoot crowd in the second floor ballroom on their way to becoming the next big British import. During Stephen Marley's tour last year, a little-known (except in his adoptive home of Canada) rapper named K'naan blew away a crowd with his Somalian beats and ridiculous rhymes. We knew then that one day he would be carving his own path, and entertaining audiences across the country. He was energetic, charismatic, funny, and knew how to work a crowd. Well, it's official. K'naan has hit the big time. Touring with Bob Marley's kids is one thing, but singing along side one of pop's biggest and most recognizable faces is a completely different story. K'naan has lent his silky smooth voice to the newest Nelly Furtado song, and he's showing American audiences what people in Iowa City got a taste of last year. The Dusty Foot Philosopher is poised to become the next big thing in hip-hop. A Somali rapper bent on bringing awareness to the world, his message is as good as his music. Source: Scope Productions back to top <#top> <#top> >From the stage to the pulpit? Maybe it’s a trend, but it seems that after all the excitement, ray-ray and passa-passa, the arms of the Lord always seem to be the place of refuge for most of those in the field of entertainment who decide to turn over a new page. Internationally, rappers such as Ma$e, left BadBoy Records to follow the Lord, only to be drawn back years later. Rapper DMX has flirted with the idea openly, and locally, the likes of Papa San, Lt. Stichie, Chevelle Franklin and Carlene Davis, have all walked away from illustrious careers to take up their cross and follow the Lord. Dancehall recording artiste Macka Diamond seems to be the latest entertainment personality to be trodding this path. Just recently Macka was the specially invited guest of Prophet/Pastor Arthur Duncombe, of The City of Praise, in Nassau, Bahamas, to speak to the women of his congregation. The request in itself seemed strange, said, Leesah Larmond of DiamondDistrict Ja., who initially refused to take the booking for the artiste, on the basis that it just didn’t seem morally correct for her artiste to be placed in such a compromising and strange situation. “I mean, let’s be reasonable, we are talking about Macka Diamond, and these people where talking about having her come and address a congregation of Christian women, it just didn’t seem right ” However, with the Pastor himself calling and making his intentions clear, Leesah eventually saw it his way. The conference was based around the fact that in the Bahamas, too many women in the church seem to be losing their husbands to women who are not of the fold. That alone made it a bit intimidating, said Macka, who didn’t want to be looked upon as the object of these women’s problems. But .they needed someone from the secular world who would not be afraid or timid to talk about issues of sex without the frills and fandangles, and after much contemplating, Macka decided to accept the challenge. What Macka however soon found out was that although they may sing a different tune, like her, they (all the women in congregation) all want the same things; contentment, happy family life and the list of usual desires on most women’s wish list. That in itself was not strange, but what was, was the fact that the church actually reached out for a dancehall artiste, one who they believed knew a thing or two about holding on to a man. “Who me?” asks Macka with a smile when asked if she was going to write the ‘How to Hold a Man advice book,’ “no sah, dat too much fi me, mi wi leave it at fiction, but the advice thing dey pon ah level wha kinda tricky, suh mi ago leave it alone.” That being said, it sure didn’t stop Macka from stepping up to the plate like the professional she is and answering the question like she had a degree in the field of Relationship Counselling. In Macka’s own words, it wasn’t so much about the advice, but more so speaking from a personal standpoint, listening to the issues the ladies in the Bahamas are having with their husbands, and basically saying if it was her in the situation, this is how she would deal with it. “It wasn’t like I was trying to be all professional with it, I was just doing me, telling them how I feel and how I would deal with things, that was all Macka did, well,” Macka pauses and flashes a wide smile before saying, “dat and show dem di wine wha fi use hold dem man, because dem say dem hear bout it and wanted to learn it.” Macka blushes and says, “mi nuh really know it mi self either anuh, but mi jus show dem how fi do Hulla Hoop.” “We all can learn from each other, age or status making no difference,” says Macka, when questioned about the strange nature of the request to speak to a congregation of Christians. “In some way you could say it strange yes, but in a next way, remember sey we jus went and speak to the students at Jose Marti High School, we spent a day over the Christmas holidays with the blind children at Salvation Army, so we are not strangers to different types of audience, plus most people who are now saved, once wasn’t, so although they may not listen to my music any more, they know me, and I am proud to know that a church can call my office and request my presence to speak to the ladies of their congregation, dat big” says The Money Goddess, sounding like she has her sights set on something for prime time, after the well attended and well received church event saw even the ladies of the congregation sticking around to take pictures and chit-chat with Macka. Source: Dancehallreport back to top <#top> The Lady Behind That Sultry Voice As far as Jamaican radio goes, Paula Anne Porter Jones has one of the smoothest and most easily distinguished voices. Her trademark cool demeanor, the ease with which she speaks, and the outstanding command of the language have been some of the notable features that have landed her in the hearts of many Jamaicans for the 15 years she has been involved with broadcasting. She is the familiar voice on the Cable and Wireless’ voicemail system, as well as on Air Jamaica’s in flight programme Writings’. She has also voiced all of their North American and Caribbean campaigns. Added to this, she has voiced dozens of local commercials. As a Master of Ceremonies, she has hosted some of the island’s most prestigious events, such as the World Cup Cricket Opening Ceremony, the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, Reggae Sumfest, and a myriad of other public and private events. For the past several years, she has been a Voice and Speech lecturer at the Creative Production and Training Centre, as well as offering private consultant services to companies and businesses. She was born in Jamaica’s old capital Spanish Town St Catherine, but grew up in May pen Clarendon. Her early school years were spent at the May Pen Infant School and then the St Thomas Moore Prep school. Before she was ten-years old, her family moved to Kingston where she enrolled at the Holy Childhood High School. At High School, Paula’s trademark was her high level of activity. She confesses she became involved in everything there was to become involved in, from athletics to academics. “I’ve always been like that. I volunteered for several things in school that no one else did. Seminars, presentations you name it, I just did them,” she states. It was this initiative that got her proverbial feet wet in the broadcasting world so to speak, and sewed the seeds that have borne the fruits of today. Teachers at her school would make daily announcements to the students through the PA system. Paula volunteered to do it one day, and unofficially took over the duty every day for her remaining years there. As she became accustomed to speaking to mass audiences, she responded to a notice from the Creative Production and Training Centre (CPTC) that they were conducting free speech classes. She grabbed the opportunity, only to learn they were also looking for presenters for the hit teen show ‘Rappin’. Rappin was the turning point for her. The teen show was novel, new and innovative, and it cemented itself into the psyche of thousands of teens who needed an outlet to express themselves. As the show grew, so did her popularity and her competence in broadcasting. The next logical step was to formally study the craft she was actively involved in, so she enrolled at the University Of The West Indies’ Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication, CARIMAC, to study television. Her active instincts kicked in again, and Paula began to play Volleyball for a local club, upping her game to eventually represent the University and now Jamaica. Her thrust into radio was somewhat incidental. While on campus, she responded to the call of FAME FM seeking on air presenters. She landed the job and grew in the position to have her own afternoon time slot, and to become a senior producer there as well. She currently co-hosts the Jamaican Morning radio programme weekdays on RJR94 FM. back to top <#top> Miss Jamaica Universe Finalists Selected Twenty-five young beauties have been selected to compete for the 2008 Miss Jamaica Universe (MJU) title. Fresh from the fabulous MJU launch party the night before, over fifty pageant entrants made their way up to Villa Ronai, Stony Hill on Sunday March 9 for final eliminations. With every girl desirous of making the final cut, MC (Model of Ceremonies) Celine Tyson announced that only half the group would be selected to vie for the 2008 MJU title. After an entertaining opening number choreographed by the famed fashion designer and pageant creative director Barry Moncrieffe, all fifty entrants took the stage donning chic MJU tanktops and jeans. They then made a second runway appearance in swimsuits reminding the audience and the judges just what they were made of. The finalists are: Xinyu Addae Lee, 19 year old Med Student at UWI; Lauri- Ann Ainsworth, 25 year old MBA student at the University of Leicester; Jesmaine Brown, 25 year old published poet; Adrianna Bryan, 18 year old Entertainment Coordinator at Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort; Kadia Campbell, 26 year old model; Salome Campbell, 21 year old Entertainment Agency Coordinator; Sherene Duncan, 21 year old Economics student at UWI; Jhnnell Eastman, 21 year old Marketing student at UTECH; Cherrion Ebanks, 21 year old Nursing student at UWI; Nickela Garwood, 23 year old Administrative Assistant; Crystal Gordon, 20 year old Tourism student; Kimberley Gunnings, 18 year old Biology Student at UWI; Francine Hall, 24 year old Purchasing Officer; Nicole Hopkins, 18 year old Education & Business student at UTECH; April Jackson, 19 year old Law and Economics student; Borzana Jones, 25 year old Geography Teacher; Noelle Kerr, 26 year old Freelance Actress and Presenter; Stasha Gaye Leon, 26 year old Management Studies student; Antoinette Ming, 20 year Print Media Business Development Executive; Keren O’Neil, 20 year old BSC Science student at UWI; Doneika Plowright, 21 year old Insurance Clerk; Latoya Samuels, 21 year old Dental Clerk; Rebecca Silvera, 21 year old Makeup Artist; Roshane Suarez, 18 year old student at Moneague Community College and Jeseka Williams, 21 year old Marketing and Finance student at UTECH. Attractive and articulate, the selected MJU women form the zenith of the island woman’s beauty and charm. However, only one lucky girl will get the chance to represent Jamaica at the world’s most celebrated beauty spectacle - Miss Universe. Set to be staged in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam, high hopes are in order that our beauty will bring the title home. Jamaica has had significant success at Miss Universe pageant claiming 4 top ten finishes - Sandra Foster, Nicole Haughton, Christine Straw and Kimberley Mais. Viewed by close to a billion viewers around the world, the glamorous live event features some of the world's most beautiful women between some 75 and 85 countries. Miss Jamaica Universe 2008 will drive away in style, courtesy of Stewart Motors, in a brand new, fully loaded 2 litre BMW 120i hatchback, receive one million ($1,000,000.00) dollars in cash, courtesy of title sponsor World Wise Partners, plus gifts and other prizes totaling approximately ten million ($10m) in value. Miss Jamaica Universe is produced by Pulse, with title sponsorship from World Wise Partners Ltd, in association with Stewart Motors, the BMW dealers in Jamaica, CVM TV, The Hilton Hotel, Gymkhana, FAME FM, Zip 103 FM and Irie FM. The coronation for Miss Jamaica Universe 2008 takes place at the National Indoor Sports Centre on Saturday April 12. back to top <#top> Rootz Underground - Reggae's NEXT Generation Rootz Underground, known for their signature blend of contemporary roots reggae with rock, dub and jazz influence, releases their highly anticipated debut album Movement on Tuesday March 4, 2008 on Riverstone Records/Mystic Urchin via Ryko/Warner Music Group. Rootz Underground is the ultimate live music experience, harkens back to the classic reggae bands of the 70’s and 80’s (Bob Marley and The Wailers, Steel Pulse and Third World). Their fresh fusion of musical genres and beautiful instrumentation has scored them #1 hits and a devoted fan base in their home of Jamaica. In March, the band sets sail to tour the United States with Gregory Isaacs and perform at this year’s South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin, TX. Their debut album Movement serves up rich sounds full of careful layers with universal and honest lyrics. The songs have a serious rock music sensibility with breakdowns into hard-hitting grooves, intense builds and smooth transitions back to the one-drop reggae rhythm. The album’s compelling hit Victims of the System, remained #1 on Jamaica’s MTV Tempo Cross Caribbean Countdown for so long that they had to retire the video. The current tune Hammer, produced by the reggae/dancehall genius Bobby Digital, has been steadily making impressions in Jamaica. It’s new video recently debuted on Jamaica’s Entertainment Report on TVJ and is currently being serviced in the US. This 14-song set is an eclectic mix that will appeal to a wide range of music enthusiasts. They have become a favorite of the Marley family and were asked to join them at their annual Welcome To Jamrock show in Kingston this past December and will continue more dates with them in the future. On March 15th, the band will make their Texas debut at the SXSW Music Festival as the headlining act at Flamingo Cantina on an eclectic showcase with other genre bending “reggae” artists. Line up is below. Saturday 3/14 Flamingo Cantina Time Location 1:00 a.m. ˆ 2:00 a.m. Rootz Underground (Jamaica) 12:00 a.m. ˆ 12:40 a.m. Grimy Styles (Austin, TX) 11:00 p.m. ˆ 11:40 p.m. Dokkebi Q (London, Korea, Japan) 10:00 p.m. ˆ 10:40 p.m. Cherine Anderson (Jamiaca) 9:00 p.m. ˆ 9:40 p.m. Katchafire (New Zealand) 8:00 p.m. ˆ 8:40 p.m Mau Mau Chaplains (Austin, TX) Source: SXSW back to top <#top> Stars and Trouble - Two hot riddims from House of Congress Portmore-based House of Congress has released two hot rhythms with tracks that are now creating some buzz on the dancehall scene. The Stars and Trouble rhythms share one thing in common: an exciting line-up of uplifting tracks that everyone can enjoy, both adults and teeny boppers. are into wholesome family entertainment. For us it’s more than just making musicthe message must be there too,” said HOC’s Chris Congress. As such, the label has taken great care in ensuring that they stick to the central theme of the company and that’s but uplifting music’. Kicking off the Stars rhythm is a young, hip group named ASK with They Should Know. Indeed, if their smooth sound is anything to go by then they will definitely be going places in the business. Anthony B is no stranger when it comes to social commentary but Everybody Need Somebody is more on the lighter side as he explores the relationship issue. That’s what makes the Stars rhythm so entertaining ˆ it’s a little culture, lovers rock laced with some party vibesbut it’s all good. Hero makes his contribution on the rhythm with I Cry and that track is definitely worth the listening time invested. Lutan Fyah like you have never heard him before comes to you in It’s Good To Know and that’s good enough reason for you to check out this rhythm. Other tracks on the Stars rhythm are Ginjah - Manipulative People, King Shadrock - Free Dem With Music, Cutty Ranks ˆ In The Streets and Hollow Point with Young Thugs. The Trouble rhythm so far features the works of Cutty Ranks with Dutty Ways and ASK with We Can All. Regarding the rhythms, Chris Congress said that they are now in the process of recording even more tracks on both of them. you thought the rhythms were hot before, wait until you hear the finished product,” he promised. Source: House of Congress back to top <#top> Acoustic Soul Diva Eisa Davis The Pulitzer Prize finalist, whose stripped down brand of minimalist soul music was regularly featured on the TV series Soul Food, will perform songs from her critically acclaimed debut project Something Else. Written and produced entirely by Eisa, and recorded over a two-week period in a small Brooklyn studio "loaded with vibes and a 100-year-old Steinway grand piano," Something Else features an A-list cast of musicians, including percussionist Daniel Sadownick (Me'Shell N'degeocello, Angie Stone) and guitarist Marvin Sewell (Cassandra Wilson, Jason Moran, Lizz Wright). Eisa plays piano on each of the compositions on the album. "I chose songs I'd been singing live for some time, ones that had settled into themselves and would be second nature," Eisa says of the collection. Perfect and 40 Moons, songs that were on her very first demo, are brought to life by their sunny chord progressions. I Weep, a tortured ballad drenched with acidic regret, contains lines from a Rumi poem translated by Coleman Barks. Quiet reflection leads to triumph on the title track Something Else. Source: Tracii McGregor back to top Africa Unite/Smile Jamaica pictures here Tour Calendar Artiste Date Location 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 On The Horizon * 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 Wednesday, March 26: Jamaica's Reggae Boyz vs. Trinidad's Soca Warriors, National Stadium Sunday, April 27: Reggae on the Hill, Farley Hill, Barbados Saturday, May 31: Good Times, Mas Camp June 26 - 28: St. Kitts Music Festival July 28 - August 4: Turks and Caicos Music and Cultural Festival Saturday, August 30: Good Times, Mas Camp Friday, October 10: Good Times, Margaritaville [9] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Sister Yasmin [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: Katchafire Press Releases (2 shows) Date: Sunday, March 16, 2008 1:47 AM >From Sister Yasmin Dear Media Friends: Please note that these artists are playing 2 shows in our area - Thursday, April 3 at the Caspar Inn in Caspar, and Friday, April 4 at the Mateel Community Center in Redway. Please see below Bios for both bands. Thank you for helping us get the word out about both these shows. Peace! DJ Sister Yasmin Press Release/PSA - for immediate release March 15, 2008 Contact: DJ Sister Yasmin, 707-884-4703; sisteryasmin@hotmail.com Indigenous Reggae Dance Party at Caspar Inn on Thursday, April 3rd, 2008 at 8:30pm On Thursday, April 3 The historic Caspar Inn in downtown Caspar, CA, proudly presents an Indigenous Reggae Dance Party with New Zealand's international sensations Katchafire in their first major US tour. The show also features local Black Indian artist Tchiya Amet and her Lighthouse Band, plus Crucial Dance Riddims with DJ Sister Yasmin, Mendocino county Selector. The show starts at 8:30pm and is for 21 and over. Tickets are $20.00 in advance, available at the Caspar Inn, Twist in Mendocino, Tangents in Ft. Bragg, and online at www.casparinn.com From: Lance-O [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #] Subject: 'Reggae Vibes' Newsletter #618 Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2008 9:11 AM >From Lance-O Greetings 'REGGAE VIBES' Massive & Krew First the audio link: http://www.kulchashok.com/old/mp3/reggaevibes618.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. SHOOT OUT MICHAEL ROSE/DAMIEN MARLEY JOHN JOHN 09. JAH IS MY NAVIGATOR LUCIANO CANNONBALL 08. PICK IT UP & DROP IT SEAN PAUL ATLANTIC 07. ON THE ROCK(remix) JAY Z/MOVADO VP 06. DOH SERANI/BUGLE DASECA 05. PON DI EDGE BUSY SIGNAL STAR KUTT 04. NAH GO A JAIL BUSY SIGNAL JAM 2 03. FALLEN SOLDIERS DEMARCO KOCH 02. WARRIOR LOVE ETANA FREEMINDED 01. CLICK MI FINGER ERUPT TRUCK BACK A young lady who was raped got in touch with Lady Saw & pleaded with her to record a song about rape. Little did the caller know Lady Saw had been raped as a child too, according to a recent Jamaican newspaper article. Their conversation eventually led to the still-unnamed track, which tackles not only rape but allows 'Saw', born Marion Hall, to connect with her own ugly past. Saw states "When I was writing the song I cried. I cried because some of her experiences were my own," Saw tells Splash. "I feared the song, I was afraid to tell my story, I was like 'No, it going to cause too much attention'. I called Sly & Robbie (producers of the track) and seh delete it, but they told me the words were too powerful and that somebody who's hurting needs to hear it." This is why sex is always the focal point of her act, always her 'kryptonite', always the stuff that puts her in charge. and hopefully now, the source of healing for many like her who've been scarred. In an effort to help ignite and re- create feelings of celebration among Jamaicans at Independence time, the board of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) has decided to bring back for 2008, what was known up until the late nineties as the Jamaica Festival Song Competition and return around the independence time. "We seek to identify a song that is reflective of the spirit of the Jamaican people at Independence time" asserts Renee Robinson, Director of Programmes Management at JCDC, while assuring persons that the competition will not replace the Jamaica Popular Song competition. Entries are currently being accepted for the competition that will take the familiar format of ten finalists being selected, island-wide road shows and public voting in order to declare a winner. Songs of any genre will be accepted, however, the lyrics must be in-keeping with a spirit of festivity and celebration’. Jah Cure has a new album Jah The Universal Cure is coming out. The album has a whole heap of crossover material and collaborations which feature Sean Paul and Junior Reid. and possibly with with rapper Lil Wayne and hip hop star Akon, as recordings have been done with them too. Grace Jones, a Jamaican, worked with a lot of Jamaicans on her new album. People like Mikey Chung, Sly and Robbie and Uzziah 'Sticky' Thompson. The still untitled album is expected to be released on an international imprint. Michael Campbell aka Mikey Dread the Dread at the Controls has passed due to a heart problem. He helped paved the way for people like myself & other reggae radio personalities. In our new releases this week first from Half Pint, who, by the way is one of my all time favorite singers, has put out another great cd called 'No Stress Express'. His voice is still greatand there are some recurrent favorite on here. A great new cd comes from Taj Weekes & Adowa called 'Diedem.' Now this cd has what we call a 'sound.' No one big tune but a good solid cd of live roots & culture with though provoking lyrics. his weeks feature on Selector's Choice. Lastly, we got Steel Pulse on dvd called 'Door of no Return' courtesy of Music Video Distribution. Its live in Senegal with in-depth interviews & live concert footage in a documentary style. Each week we ask a trivia question first last week we asked, Jr Walker & the All Stars' song 'Shotgun' helped Bob Marley write which song? Ska Jerk This week we ask, who sings lead on Wailers song 'Don't Ever Leave Me?' In case you don't know. we will have all that & more on next weeks edition..... It can also be heard on Stereo Bahia Limon Costa Rica 107.9 w/Gamlek & Jeff WCIN Cincinatti, Oh 1480 am w/Sister Ivette Hit 94 Aruba Curacao w/Johnny Habibe WKDU Philadelphia Pa 91.7 w/Duprex Selector's Choice TAJ WEEKES & ADOWA 'KICK & CRINKLE' LANCE-O 305.534.6110 KULCHA SHOK MUZIK, Inc. www.kulchashok.com myspace.com/kulchashok myspace.com/islandhopperstv [11] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: Kaati [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #111] Subject: Saturday, March 29 - THE ITALS featuring Keith Porter-Opening band: Second Nature-Ashland Armory, Ashland, OR Date: Sunday, March 16, 2008 4:54 PM >From Kaati Renegade Productions Kaati ­ publicity 775-337-8344 SPRING REGGAE BASH Saturday, March 29 Live, from Jamaica - THE ITALS featuring Keith Porter Opening band: Second Nature Ashland Armory, Ashland, OR Doors 8pmShowtime 9pm $20 All ages THE ITALS BRING ROOTS REGGAE TO HISTORIC ASHLAND ARMORY ON SATURDAY, MARCH 29 The Itals featuring Keith Porter, will be performing at Historic Ashland Armory at 208 Oak Street in Ashand on Saturday, March 29 at 9pm. Tickets are $20 and the opening band is Second Nature.. Treat yourself to the honey-sweet harmonies of one of Jamaica¹s finest reggae trios ­ The Itals. Hailing from the the ³Golden Era of Roots Reggae,² the Itals' harmonies first hit the charts with "In a Dis Ya Time" (1975). Described by Keith Richards as "the perfect reggae track," he made sure the song was included in the Rolling Stones' Artist Choice CD (released 2003), available through Starbucks Coffee from Hear Music, a division of EMI (as well as in selected, major chains). As the Œ70s turned into the Œ80s & Œ90s, classic albums like "Brutal Out Deh" and "Rasta Philosophy" delivered cultural hymns by the dozen, catapulting the "Give me Power" LP to #1 on CMJ's "Reggae Route" chart. Pollstar selected the ITALS among their top 100 artists in 1985. And the group has performed throughout the world, including at Reggae Sunsplash. The ITALS' CD¹s express the same, solid harmonies that put the ITALS in the ranks of the Mighty Diamonds and Culture. Advance tickets are available in Ashland at Music Coop, in Medford at Bad Ass Coffee, Six One nine, Music Head; in Merlin at Victoria¹s Station; in Grants pass at Listen Here; in Williams at the General Store; all Tickets West Outlets and online at www.renegadeshows.com For more information contact Renegade Productions, 530-583-2801. 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 [12] *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= *=*=*=*=*=*=*= >From: [Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide #111] Subject: Tuesday, March 25The ITALS -REGGAE FROM JAMAICA - Spring Reggae Party-Tahoe Biltmore, Crystal Bay, NV Date: Sunday, March 16, 2008 4:55 PM >From Kaati Tuesday, March 25 The ITALS (REGGAE FROM JAMAICA - Spring Reggae Party Tahoe Biltmore, Crystal. Bay, NV Doors 8:30pm/shotime 9:30pm $15 advance/$20 day of show 21+ SPRING REGGAE PARTY!!! THE ITALS BRING ROOTS REGGAE FROM JAMAICA TO TAHOE BILTMORE, CRYSTAL BAY, NV ON TUESDAY, MARCH 25 The Itals featuring Keith Porter, will be performing at Tahoe Biltmore in Crystal Bay, NV (north Tahoe) on Tuesday, March 25. Doors open at 8:30pm and the music starts at 9:30pm. Tickets are $15 advance and $20 day of show. Tahoe Biltmore is a 21+ venue. Treat yourself to the honey-sweet harmonies of one of Jamaica¹s finest reggae trios ­ The Itals. Hailing from the the ³Golden Era of Roots Reggae,² the Itals' harmonies first hit the charts with "In a Dis Ya Time" (1975). Described by Keith Richards as "the perfect reggae track," he made sure the song was included in the Rolling Stones' Artist Choice CD (released 2003), available through Starbucks Coffee from Hear Music, a division of EMI (as well as in selected, major chains). As the Œ70s turned into the Œ80s & Œ90s, classic albums like "Brutal Out Deh" and "Rasta Philosophy" delivered cultural hymns by the dozen, catapulting the "Give me Power" LP to #1 on CMJ's "Reggae Route" chart. Pollstar selected the ITALS among their top 100 artists in 1985. And the group has performed throughout the world, including at Reggae Sunsplash. The ITALS' CD¹s express the same, solid harmonies that put the ITALS in the ranks of the Mighty Diamonds and Culture. Advance tickets are available in Joby¹s, New Moon Natural Foods, Tahoe Hemp, Recycled Records and at the venue; also online at www.renegadeshows.com , tickets.com and jambasetickets.com For more information contact Renegade Productions, 530-583-2801. Kaati #111 REGGAE FESTIVAL GUIDE P.O. Box 50635 Reno, NV 89513 (775) 337-8344 fax: 775/337-6499 Kaati 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 *********************************************************************** 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."