Its Bacchanal - the final nite of Treasures

For the last in the series of Mas Camp theme fetes before the hot Beach J'ouvert, Jouvert and Road parade that will bring the 2010 season to a close, Digicel decked out its SKYbox with Gimme 5 promo livery and brought in Trini queen Destra to rockthe crowd, ably supported by Busy Signal and the L'ACADCO Dancers.

This writer (ensemble completed by a Digicel bandana) could not resist a personal memento of the occasion, which in turn was enhanced by my wide-ranging conversation with Digicel Network Design Director Steve Curran (shown here with wife Shelly).

Trevor "O. K." & Ribbi

Renowned ZJ Bambino (aka Trevor Off Key), left - makes sure Nite Time Promotions Quad honcho Brian 'Ribbi' Chung (also one of the new faces of Digicel's Gimme 5 promotion) doesn't have ALL the fun as they cozy up to the Digicel Bacchanal girls during Friday night's bacchanal Fete at the Mas Camp.

- photo from Digicel

David M Hits on Centric

David M, who first introduced himself to the local industry in the 90’s confirms the grand premiere of his music video for the single “Lest we forget” on Black Entertainment Television (B.E.T.) on Sunday March 14th and in good faith the video was shown at 10:30am EST. For several months David M and his team have been lobbying for the video to be aired on the station and when it was finally confirmed David took the precaution of watching his dream manifest before going public.

*1 The single “Lest we Forget” which ironically was written 16 years ago on the eve of the inauguration of Nelson Mandela as President of South Africa resonates with words that are as relevant today as they ever were. The song is currently in rotation on Music Choice, has been featured on Centric formerly B.E.T.J. for Black History Month and is silently breaking new grounds in the United States. David M *2 is a natural song writer able to write songs like a classic Reggae ballad with an effort akin to breathing. One of his more recent singles "This is our world" has been recently uploaded and featured as background music on http://www.playersforpeace.org. Players For Peace is a movement that works as an organized commitment of Goodwill working on Legacy Projects through the Gol Iluminado Foundation in support of the United Nations Sport for Development and Peace program’. David M, another son of the Jamaican soil is working assiduously towards the completion of his debut album at the end of March 2010 . The album which is tentatively called "Here comes your life" has already attracted the interest of one prominent record company in the United States.

A little Ways to Go For Jr Gong-Nas project

Nas & Damian Marley's Distant Relatives project was initially due on April 20. However, now fans are likely to wait until May 25 to hear the full-length union between Bob Marley's youngest son and the iconic Queensbridge emcee. At last report, Marley said that the album would feature two tracks with A&M Records' K'Naan, with the album's entire production handled by Damian and Stephen Marley.

In December, Nas spoke about the album's affect on his rich musical legacy. "I can't say how it's gonna affect my musical legacy. I just think that with everything I do, I want it to mean something. Like [Tony Montana] said, 'I tell the truth, even when I lie.' What he was sayin' is, he never lies. He's honest, even when he makes mistakes or misjudgments, he did it in truth. Everything I'm doing is because I feel right about it. The benefit of it [is] we contributed something to the world. Something like this...I don't know who's gonna like it, who's gonna hate it or whatever, but it's another contribution to the world. One more thing to just listen to,"

-Hiphopdx via Headline Entertainment

Comedy Dons for Backyard

The Comedy Dons to take all on April 4

Kingston, Jamaica:- The fourth JA/USA Comedy Connection, set for the Backyard Entertainment Complex on Sunday April 4, is all set to bring laughter to Jamaicans like never before, as they present the theme ‘The Comedy Dons’.

Featuring international comedic superstar and BET Comic View regular Shang and Jamaican comedians Ity and Fancy Cat, Johnny Daley, Rohan Gunter, Emperor and Leighton Smith, the event is being organised by funny-show experts Pro-Starz Entertainment.

Its principal, Renae Excell, says that the ‘comedy don’ theme was selected because of the great experience and respect the comedians on the show have, and that “they simply know how to make people laugh.”

“When we chose the line-up, we needed to ensure that the comedians appearing on the stage were real comedians, people who aren’t afraid to really get involved in their act and ensure that each and every patron has a good time.

“So the ‘comedy don’ theme we thought was more than apt for the cadre of comedians we have put together. From Shang to Gunter, these are men who can make people laugh and laugh well. Trust me when I tell you that come Easter Sunday, laughing ago spoil,” Excell said.

The event will be hosted by Jamaican comedy queen Elva Ruddock, who is the lone female on the bill. Excell mentioned that Elva was picked because she’s expected to inject her own brand of humour which, makes for even more laughter. She also said that there would be another surprise international comedian.

Tight-lipped about who the surprise might be, she continued stating that the event would be a well-needed night of relaxation for Jamaicans, and that they will be able to unwind, have a great time, leave satisfied, and have a few jokes and stories to tell friends. Ticket prices to the event will also be at a minimum, with price-tags of $1000 for college students with ID, $1200 pre-sold, and $1500 at-the-gate, with outlets at Watts New, Rory’s Texaco, Derrick Harriot’s Music Shop in Twin Gates Plaza and Pool Plus in Portmore.

Love & Unity @ Digicel Bacchanal Nite

Last Friday nite, the buzz was definitely sky-high at Mas Camp as Digicel presented its night's entertainment in the Bacchanal Treasures series. Its a transformation witnessed many times before but no less awesome for the repetition. The early night's sparse crowd (which of course allows room to move around) mushroomed into a ultra-capacity affair with ZJ Bambino (aka Trevor Off-Key) and DJ Smoke keeping the vibes soaring.

Those who got in were treated to a masterful show from Alison Hinds, who was not only "smokin'" in a 'second skin' purple-silver catsuit with sequins, she reeled off her hits but in manner that told everyone that she was far from jaded, even having performed on Bacchanal several times before

Upstairs the Digicel box, there was even an impromptu "Dance Off" pitting Riverdance against Dutty Wine and other dancehall moves. Hard to say who won, but a good time was had by all, Thanks to Digicel execs.

Around the grounds amid the revelry, vendor parters did boffo business, and in the Bacchanal Pavilion, the windows displaying the costumes increasingly bore "SoldOut" signs as patrons have been snapping up

NUFF LOVE "THIS LIFETIME" FOR SHEBA

Love This Lifetime (Remix)” the debut single by Ethiopian Singer/Songwriter/Producer, Sheba Sahlemariam featuringBounty Killeriscasting a spellon lovers the world over. The song, released independently anddigitally distributed globally byUniversal Music Groupreceived an unexpected boost last week when it officially debuted on the UK Urban Charts at #28 (Music Week).

The single showcases aromantic R&B/ One-dropflavor,andfeaturesa DJ style reminiscent of old schoolStone Loveremixed by infamousDancehallSuperstar Bounty Killer. Thesongis steadily climbing the charts globally; it currently holds the #9 seat inJamaicaonRichie B Charts,and made it's African debuton AFRO FM out ofAddis Ababa, right at the top, at the #1 Spot.DJ Sirak, a resident on AFRO FM calls the song an “instant hit with the African community;both inside and outside Africa.” The video also holds the #4 spot on CVM Jamaica's popular video show, "Hit List". (Hey Gary Please confirm:)

The video of the songwasshoton the streets ofKingston, Jamaica by Internationally known director Jay Will “Game Over” debuted online http://www.facebook.com/l/e4858;atwww.boomshots.comwith a raving endorsement from Vibe Magazine Editor, Rob Kenner “Sheba’s uniquely qualified to rock your world. And did Imention she can sing?” the video premiered earlier that dayonJamaica's "Entertainment Report"the leadingentertainment news show in Jamaica,hosted by the Anthony Miller, the “Simon Cowell” of Jamaica,with the declaration: “She has got the goods!”

The video has also been added tothe MTV UK and MTV Baserotations, a true coup d’etat for the unknown and independentSongstress.It is also being featured on European music video networks, Starz and Flava.Sheba is now in Europe on a promotionaltour, where she will be celebrating the success of the Single in the UK and introducing French audiences to her music.

There are plans tokeep the momentum going strong for Shebawithseveral follow up singles includingRat-Tat-Hot”,anup-tempo club banger fusingdancehallandelectro pop,“Get Yo Story Str8”abreakthroughAfro-beatRaggaSoul fusion song for the dance floors, anda mixtape previewing material from her upcoming studio album,“The Lion Of Sheba” due in May 2010.

Sheba is also excited to start work withsuch internationally heralded multiple Grammy award winnersSongwritersand Producers likeSly and Robbieand Bobby Digital, some of Reggae and Dancehall's most prolific composers for the past three decades delivering such international hits between them as Chaka Demus and Pliers "Bam Bam" and "Murder She Wrote" and Shabba Ranks' Wicked inna Bed" and Sizzla's "Good Ways" to name just a few. Digital plans toreunite with Reggae legendSizzlaon collaboration with Sheba to be featured on her album called "Someone To Love Me".

“It feels really good to get such a great response from the song, especially as an independent artist who is basically running a label from my lap top while I’m on the road! It makes me feel like I need to hurry up get more music out.” says Sheba from Kingston where she is currently wrapping up of several weeks of a media run in which she was featured on most major television, music video, print and radio outlet that serve the Jamaican Reggae and Dancehall markets.

About SHEBA:
A refugee from the majestic war-torn land of Ethiopia, Sheba Sahlemariam was reared among the concrete jungles of New York City, Europe, the Caribbean and Africa. Named after the Queen of Sheba, famed empress of Ethiopia, to whom her family traces direct ancestry, Sheba is a cousin to Emperor Haile Selassie, which highlights the serendipitous circumstances that moved her family from Ethiopia to Guyana, where she spent her early childhood and later, Jamaica, which deepened her connection to Reggae and Dancehall, the glue to her global and urban sound. Sheba stirs up a unique musical brew that is a mélange of Reggae grooves, Afro-beat, Ethiopian traditional music and jazz, R&B riffs, 16 bar rhymes, and Dancehall Sing-Jaying --souvenirs from her nomadic life. Sheba’s gorgeous four octave range, soul stirring, provocative lyrics and fierce ability to dial up a diversity of musical styles puts her at the razor’s edge and will expel you from preconceived definitions of urban, pop and world music.

-AXES Media

White crowds dig "Black Gold"; Stephenson upbeat

“We lived up to our word and delivered professional sets, we were on time and had no problems with promoters,” he explained, adding, “People deal with you according to how you deal with them.”
So says reggae crooner Duane Stephenson, fresh from his European performance debut.

“Three people who had never toured before managed to fill venues night after night, despite freezing temperatures. We played to predominantly white audiences and they sang the songs word for word. In some places there were literally one or two Africans and then in France there were a few Jamaicans, but it was mainly white people who came out to support us. And we made sure to leave a positive and lasting impression on them,” he told Chat!.
He was on tour with Tarrus Riley and I-Octane.
Duane, whose album August Town, with the hit song of the same, did well both locally and overseas, said he was surprised that fans knew his repertoire so well. He says his set comprised songs from the album, as well as two singles from his upcoming album, Black Gold and Sufferers Heights.

The three-week tour ended on Valentine’s Day with a sold-out concert at the Brixton Academy in London. Also on that bill were Lukey D, Bitty McLean, John Holt and Freddy Jackson.

- dancehallreggaeweseh

Sounds Ahoy! - Music @ the Marina

From my good friend Jana Bent. Two worthy causes in one


MUSIC AT THE MARINA!!
This Sunday from noon til...., come get a seabreeze out!!
Live Music Jam
With Rupert Bent Jr. & Friends
P A R T P R O C E E D S T O H A I T I R E L I E F

Music By

Nothing Fancy (John & Gibbo)
Dress Code:

Wear yu JAMAICAN COLOURS
Special appearance by

Ernie Smith
Support our Jamaican Sailing Team for the U.S. Harpoon Nationals in Ocala, Florida!!

contribution to help the Team compete

$1,000.
food and drink on sale
Reggae Jammin'
on the grill
Jamaica Beverages

at the Bar
Pico Sailing

in the Marina
Sunday, March 14, 2010

• From noon ‘til …… • RJYC Palisadoes Park (Yacht Club

Rap icon Guru (of Gang Starr) Still Hospitalized

Despite what friends and supporters are tweeting, Gang Starr’s Guru - a.k.a. Keith Elam - is still in a coma and his condition is “touch and go.’’ So says Harry Elam, the 88-year-old father of the hip-hop pioneer who grew up in Dorchester. We reached the elder Elam in Buzzards Bay, where the retired Massachusetts judge lives alone. (His wife, Barbara, is in a nursing home.) Elam told us he’s upset about the “misinformation’’ tweeted by Guru’s former musical partner, DJ Premier. “Why is someone who has not spoken to my son in 10 years talking about his medical condition?’’ said Guru’s dad. Harry Elam said his son was originally hospitalized for complications from back surgery and, as far as he knows, his son has not had heart surgery. (DJ Premier tweeted that Guru had successful surgery.) “Keith is seriously ill,’’ said his father, who is relying on reports from his other children. “You never think this is going to happen to you.’’
- The Boston Globe (boston.com)

CD Ka-Ching! - Music industry seminar

The Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JARIA) in response to the members request is facilitating this workshop/panel discussion on how to Market Music.

This session at the Jamaica Trade & Invest Training will take a close look at the mechanics (the how to) of how to actually sell music. This is going to be a close look at what one has to do to get someone to actually pay for a CD, Vinyl Record and/or music download.

This is will be done by speaking to individuals and/or companies who have a track record in the actual sale of Jamaican Music.

So far we have confirmed the participation of Lucas Corthesy who has a successful business selling vinyl records from Jamaica to the markets of Japan and Europe.

Many other music business luminaries will be there to share their experience on how to actually sell Jamaican music.

The workshop is free to all JARIA members
Non-JARIA members $1,500