2009 is off to a busy start for one of Dancehall's most promising young artiste, Latifa Brown, more popularly known as "Tifa". She has already kick started the year by being nominated for a total 5 awards in this years award season, namely, the Excellence in Music and Entertainment (EME), Youth View Awards and the RETV MVP Awards.
"It was an honour within itself to be nominated, even though I did not win any awards this year, it was still good to know that my work is being recognized within the industry and also by my fans," stated Tifa when asked about her recent nominations.
Although Tifa did not win the award for "Young, Hot and Hype Female", the dancehall diva gave a stellar performance at the 2009 Youth View Awards, which displayed not only her vocal talent, but also her skill in choreography. Tifa also recently performed to a sold out concert in Belize with the TNT crew, which consists of Tifa, Natalie Storm and Timberlee.
Tifa will be onboard a series of tours both Locally and Internationally and is currently going from parish-to-parish with RJR Cross Country Invasion, which will make it's final stop in Montego Bay at the end of the month. Other artists on the Cross Country Invasion include Konshens, Stacious, Cameal Davis, Chino, Laden, Romain Virgo, Sophia Squire, Kip Rich, Goddy Goddy and Nesbeth.
The dancehall artist will also be a part of the 2009 RETV School Tour, which is an Abstinence Awareness tour, which will visit 6 schools across the island over a 6-week period.
"I am thankful to the RJR Communications Group and RETV for giving me the opportunity to shine and spread my music to my existing fans and this also allows me to meet some new ones. The RJR Cross Country Invasion has been an amazing experience, and I expect that the RETV School Tour will be the same."
Tifa will be performing at the Dancehall Cares concert being held in Canada, which is a benefit concert in aid of the Bustamante Children's Hospital. Dancehall artist, Aidonia is also booked to perform at this charity event. After the concert, Tifa will also be performing at another show in Toronto. She has also been working on several projects for various producers that will be released next month.
-from Garrick Communications
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
"E is so very, very Extraordinary"
Not that we’re carrying a brief for the folks at the National Housing Trust (there was, after all, that statue, but that’s another debate), but they’ve made some fairly astute and beneficial choices in the way of culture.
One such was Emancipation Park, which revitalized the former ‘dust bowl inking the two major midtown thoroughfares (Oxford Road and Knutsford Boulevard). The other was commissioning composer-arranger-musician Peter Ashbourne to put together a large ensemble to play a Christmas concert in the aforementioned Emancipation Park, shortened, for practical purposes, to E-Park.
The band thus dubbed the E-Park Band, has proved itself to be nothing short of an absolute musical gift to the Jmaaican people (and other nationalities who may hear it), and Ashbourne & Co again vindicated themselves at Sunday evening’s Jazz in the Gardens, the first in the bi-monthly live series for 2009, at its familiar home in the Gardens of the Pegasus, a stone’s throw from the Park of the Band’s its conception.
That the programme was essentially a reprise of that performed in the Second City during the Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival last month made it in no way less enjoyable. The high level of musicianship and –more importantly – the sheer joy amongst the 13-member ensemble and the instant rapport with the audience fuelled a great hopefulness for a return to the days when such bands were commonplace. This in spite of Ashbourne’s typically deadpan admission that “this is not an economic proposition; it’s a labour of love.”
the loving laboured and romped (yes, we’ll use that word) through a varied repertoire encompassing pop, reggae, the Great American Songbook, and a “dancehall instrumental piece, incorporating the sampled voice of a lady begging on the street among other things.
They were preceded by a group of which one hopes the market will also make room for, and which might be thought of as their successors, even at this relatively early stage. The Edna Manley Ensemble, comprising recent graduates –and one teacher – at the former Cultural Training Centre offered a similarly diverse repertoire delivered with no small measure of verve.
They started with a competent, if somewhat tentative “Autumn Leaves”. Violin soloist Rafiq Williams was hampered by indifferent sound levels (thankfully, the overall sound was much improved from previous Jazz in the gardens outings), with only bassist Alves Dean showing any noticeable assurance on his instrument.
The addition of two sparkling female vocalists changed that for the better. First Some Thomas who did a creditable job covering “Love Me Forever” by the late great Cynthia Schloss before taking things up a notch with vintage Jimmy Cliff – “The Lion Say.” Immediately following her, Abby Gaye Dallas confirmed that her fine showing at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Talent Stage was no fluke, putting her sultry vocals – and a neatly restrained sensuality – to good effect on “St Louis Blues” and “Night In Tunisia” (the latter employing lyrics improvised by Chaka Khan to fit the Dizzy Gillespie original). Courtney Fadlin, no stranger to the Pegasus faithful blew sweet and mellow on the smooth jazz classic, Grover Washington’s “Just The Two Of Us”
In an era when even established players are being made subservient to technology and even the art of selecting records for play has been steadily dehumanized, the sight - and sound - of a six-man horn section, complemented by guitar, bass, drums and two keyboards is truly a refreshing change, not to mention the truly exemplary vocal stylings of Karen Smith, Michael Sean Harris and the aforementioned EMC grads.
Sunday’s jazz in the Gardens offered, amid economic downturn and potential political upheaval, a genuine sign of hope. Let’s see where it leads.
One such was Emancipation Park, which revitalized the former ‘dust bowl inking the two major midtown thoroughfares (Oxford Road and Knutsford Boulevard). The other was commissioning composer-arranger-musician Peter Ashbourne to put together a large ensemble to play a Christmas concert in the aforementioned Emancipation Park, shortened, for practical purposes, to E-Park.
The band thus dubbed the E-Park Band, has proved itself to be nothing short of an absolute musical gift to the Jmaaican people (and other nationalities who may hear it), and Ashbourne & Co again vindicated themselves at Sunday evening’s Jazz in the Gardens, the first in the bi-monthly live series for 2009, at its familiar home in the Gardens of the Pegasus, a stone’s throw from the Park of the Band’s its conception.
That the programme was essentially a reprise of that performed in the Second City during the Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival last month made it in no way less enjoyable. The high level of musicianship and –more importantly – the sheer joy amongst the 13-member ensemble and the instant rapport with the audience fuelled a great hopefulness for a return to the days when such bands were commonplace. This in spite of Ashbourne’s typically deadpan admission that “this is not an economic proposition; it’s a labour of love.”
the loving laboured and romped (yes, we’ll use that word) through a varied repertoire encompassing pop, reggae, the Great American Songbook, and a “dancehall instrumental piece, incorporating the sampled voice of a lady begging on the street among other things.
They were preceded by a group of which one hopes the market will also make room for, and which might be thought of as their successors, even at this relatively early stage. The Edna Manley Ensemble, comprising recent graduates –and one teacher – at the former Cultural Training Centre offered a similarly diverse repertoire delivered with no small measure of verve.
They started with a competent, if somewhat tentative “Autumn Leaves”. Violin soloist Rafiq Williams was hampered by indifferent sound levels (thankfully, the overall sound was much improved from previous Jazz in the gardens outings), with only bassist Alves Dean showing any noticeable assurance on his instrument.
The addition of two sparkling female vocalists changed that for the better. First Some Thomas who did a creditable job covering “Love Me Forever” by the late great Cynthia Schloss before taking things up a notch with vintage Jimmy Cliff – “The Lion Say.” Immediately following her, Abby Gaye Dallas confirmed that her fine showing at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Talent Stage was no fluke, putting her sultry vocals – and a neatly restrained sensuality – to good effect on “St Louis Blues” and “Night In Tunisia” (the latter employing lyrics improvised by Chaka Khan to fit the Dizzy Gillespie original). Courtney Fadlin, no stranger to the Pegasus faithful blew sweet and mellow on the smooth jazz classic, Grover Washington’s “Just The Two Of Us”
In an era when even established players are being made subservient to technology and even the art of selecting records for play has been steadily dehumanized, the sight - and sound - of a six-man horn section, complemented by guitar, bass, drums and two keyboards is truly a refreshing change, not to mention the truly exemplary vocal stylings of Karen Smith, Michael Sean Harris and the aforementioned EMC grads.
Sunday’s jazz in the Gardens offered, amid economic downturn and potential political upheaval, a genuine sign of hope. Let’s see where it leads.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Blues & more @ Hope Gardens
“Blues on the Green”
U.S. Embassy hosts annual free concert
Feel the power of Blues on the Green on Friday, February 27, during the United States Embassy’s free concert featuring American blues singer and guitarist Deborah Coleman at Hope Gardens in Kingston.
The concert comes courtesy of the U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Section and many distinguished sponsors in celebration of African American History Month.
Deborah Coleman has been described by USA Today as “one of blues music’s most exciting young talents.” Along with a discography that spans a decade, she gives knockout live performances that have made her one of the hottest acts on the contemporary blues scene. Meticulous and focused in the studio and highly charismatic onstage, Coleman has developed a guitar style that reflects the influences of Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Guy, Freddie King, Albert Collins and Larry Carlton. Her vocal inspirations are as often found in the singing of Chrissie Hynde and Patti Smith as in the recordings of Bessie Smith, Janis Joplin, Memphis Minnie and Alberta Hunter.
The free concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. and include The Maurice Gordon Group, headed by talented Jamaican guitarist Maurice Gordon, and local jazz and blues singer Myrna Hague.
Parking will be provided at both the Jamaica College parking lot and Gibson Avenue, Hope Pastures entrance to Hope Gardens. Starting at 5:30 p.m., shuttle buses will transport patrons from both parking lots to the concert venue. Patrons are encouraged to carpool to avoid inconvenienc
U.S. Embassy hosts annual free concert
Feel the power of Blues on the Green on Friday, February 27, during the United States Embassy’s free concert featuring American blues singer and guitarist Deborah Coleman at Hope Gardens in Kingston.
The concert comes courtesy of the U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Section and many distinguished sponsors in celebration of African American History Month.
Deborah Coleman has been described by USA Today as “one of blues music’s most exciting young talents.” Along with a discography that spans a decade, she gives knockout live performances that have made her one of the hottest acts on the contemporary blues scene. Meticulous and focused in the studio and highly charismatic onstage, Coleman has developed a guitar style that reflects the influences of Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Guy, Freddie King, Albert Collins and Larry Carlton. Her vocal inspirations are as often found in the singing of Chrissie Hynde and Patti Smith as in the recordings of Bessie Smith, Janis Joplin, Memphis Minnie and Alberta Hunter.
The free concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. and include The Maurice Gordon Group, headed by talented Jamaican guitarist Maurice Gordon, and local jazz and blues singer Myrna Hague.
Parking will be provided at both the Jamaica College parking lot and Gibson Avenue, Hope Pastures entrance to Hope Gardens. Starting at 5:30 p.m., shuttle buses will transport patrons from both parking lots to the concert venue. Patrons are encouraged to carpool to avoid inconvenienc
A Light Comedy Lyme
Last evening presented a rare opportunity, even among the current burgeoning comedy scene: several of Jamaica's best comics, all in one spot, just shooting the breeze, ribbing each other - for the audience's benefit - and riffing comedically on various aspects of life.
Call it 'holdin' a medz' comedy style, but it made for a refreshing evening's entertainment at the LimeLight entertainment centre in Half Way Tree (with the Portmore buses plying their trade outside).
The event is intended to be a monthly one (3rd Wednesday) as Limelight looks to take on the midweek entertainment demand, with -alternately -poetry, gospel, comedy and live music.
Sounds good to us.
Call it 'holdin' a medz' comedy style, but it made for a refreshing evening's entertainment at the LimeLight entertainment centre in Half Way Tree (with the Portmore buses plying their trade outside).
The event is intended to be a monthly one (3rd Wednesday) as Limelight looks to take on the midweek entertainment demand, with -alternately -poetry, gospel, comedy and live music.
Sounds good to us.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Brayhan Art makes big play with 'Murda'
With not one, but two remixes kicking up a ruckus on airwaves (and terminals) across the globe, Brayhan Art is making a big and bold play for some well-deserved recognition with Murda Dem A Play.
The song addresses the seemingly entrenched problem of violent crime but not from the usual angle. Brayhan doesn't preach but still lays out the situation starkly, and in a manner that most listeners can easily relate.
"To how we see the situation." he remarked to this writer some time ago, when the re-mixes were still a thought and the original 'Murda' was burning up the charts, "it seems those guys almost tek the ting like a game, like how you woulda play gun as a kid, but is jsu dis is the real ting, an' people gettin' hurt and killed."
'Murda's' success is opening up even more doors for the lanky singer, with requests coming from as far afield as Japan and Germany for the singles. Meanwhile, work is continuing apace on his debut full-length CD, "Everybody Wanna Live" which should be commanding retail space and the media's attention in a couple months at most.
Born Bryan Grant in St. Ann, Jamaica, Brahyhan Art (Bryan Grant), his keen interest in music was inspired by his eldest brother, a recording artist known as Ray Grant. However, it was his mother who taught him his first three primary chords on which he’d improvise for the next couple of years. During Brahyhan's early teens, the guitar became secondary until years later when he began practicing for a college entry audition. Between teaching and singing, he also wrote songs for artistes such as George Nooks, Singing Melody, Bushman, Luciano, etc.
Today, devoted to his singing career the, Best New Artist for the year 2002 By; ER (Entertainment Report) TVJ, 2003, has done splendidly on many major shows including “Rebel Salute,” - on repeated occasions, “ATI,” “Fully Loaded,” “St. Mary Mi Come From” and “Unity Splash”, among others.
His international appearances include an extensive tour of the United States and Canada. Art sees himself as furthering and building on the marks set by the crooners who came before him, including the likes of Dennis Brown, Beres Hammond, and Toots Hibbert.
The song addresses the seemingly entrenched problem of violent crime but not from the usual angle. Brayhan doesn't preach but still lays out the situation starkly, and in a manner that most listeners can easily relate.
"To how we see the situation." he remarked to this writer some time ago, when the re-mixes were still a thought and the original 'Murda' was burning up the charts, "it seems those guys almost tek the ting like a game, like how you woulda play gun as a kid, but is jsu dis is the real ting, an' people gettin' hurt and killed."
'Murda's' success is opening up even more doors for the lanky singer, with requests coming from as far afield as Japan and Germany for the singles. Meanwhile, work is continuing apace on his debut full-length CD, "Everybody Wanna Live" which should be commanding retail space and the media's attention in a couple months at most.
Born Bryan Grant in St. Ann, Jamaica, Brahyhan Art (Bryan Grant), his keen interest in music was inspired by his eldest brother, a recording artist known as Ray Grant. However, it was his mother who taught him his first three primary chords on which he’d improvise for the next couple of years. During Brahyhan's early teens, the guitar became secondary until years later when he began practicing for a college entry audition. Between teaching and singing, he also wrote songs for artistes such as George Nooks, Singing Melody, Bushman, Luciano, etc.
Today, devoted to his singing career the, Best New Artist for the year 2002 By; ER (Entertainment Report) TVJ, 2003, has done splendidly on many major shows including “Rebel Salute,” - on repeated occasions, “ATI,” “Fully Loaded,” “St. Mary Mi Come From” and “Unity Splash”, among others.
His international appearances include an extensive tour of the United States and Canada. Art sees himself as furthering and building on the marks set by the crooners who came before him, including the likes of Dennis Brown, Beres Hammond, and Toots Hibbert.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
VP, Golden Krust seek Carib stars
The premier dancehall/reggae record label has teamed up with the popular Caribbean food franchise for Reggae’s Golden Krust Caribbean Star Search competition, giving musicians 18 years and older who are residents in the US, a place to showcase their talent.
Contestants simply need to upload a one-minute minimum performance video onto www.youtube.com/vprecords.
Winners will be chosen by the most votes received and the VP Records and Golden Krust “star” will have the selected song recorded by one of Jamaica’s top producers. The song will be featured on VP’ s Reggae Gold 2009, the genre’s most popular CD compilation worldwide known for the biggest hits of the year in reggae/dancehall.
This year’s Reggae Gold comes at a very important time — marking VP Records 30 Year Anniversary. In addition to Golden Krust, VP Records joins forces with JTI (Jamaica Trade & Invest), JTB (Jamaica Tourist Board) & Catch-A-Fire Clothing/Zionrootswear to celebrate this moment in history with their most successful annual album series.
Reggae’s Golden Krust Caribbean Star Search is an integral component to this multi-faceted marketing venture.
“All of us at VP Records are very excited to have the opportunity to be a part of such a great campaign with Golden Krust”, states Cristy Barber VP of Marketing & Promotions for VP Records. “It’s always a pleasure to see other successful Caribbean companies wanting to help introduce new talent into our genre. This campaign will give musical hopefuls their time to shine,” she adds.
“Golden Krust is proud to be able to give young people an opportunity for musical stardom” commented, Lowell Hawthorne, president of Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill. “Music is universal and this contest will afford some budding singers and songwriters a chance at success.”
The contest kicked off February 1, 2009 and continues through March 27, 2009. The emerging “Reggae Star” will be announced on VP Records YouTube channel, April 1.
For more information, email reggaegold@goldenkrustbakery.com or call 347.266.9759.
-From Reggae Wire News Network www.riddimjamaica.com
Contestants simply need to upload a one-minute minimum performance video onto www.youtube.com/vprecords.
Winners will be chosen by the most votes received and the VP Records and Golden Krust “star” will have the selected song recorded by one of Jamaica’s top producers. The song will be featured on VP’ s Reggae Gold 2009, the genre’s most popular CD compilation worldwide known for the biggest hits of the year in reggae/dancehall.
This year’s Reggae Gold comes at a very important time — marking VP Records 30 Year Anniversary. In addition to Golden Krust, VP Records joins forces with JTI (Jamaica Trade & Invest), JTB (Jamaica Tourist Board) & Catch-A-Fire Clothing/Zionrootswear to celebrate this moment in history with their most successful annual album series.
Reggae’s Golden Krust Caribbean Star Search is an integral component to this multi-faceted marketing venture.
“All of us at VP Records are very excited to have the opportunity to be a part of such a great campaign with Golden Krust”, states Cristy Barber VP of Marketing & Promotions for VP Records. “It’s always a pleasure to see other successful Caribbean companies wanting to help introduce new talent into our genre. This campaign will give musical hopefuls their time to shine,” she adds.
“Golden Krust is proud to be able to give young people an opportunity for musical stardom” commented, Lowell Hawthorne, president of Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill. “Music is universal and this contest will afford some budding singers and songwriters a chance at success.”
The contest kicked off February 1, 2009 and continues through March 27, 2009. The emerging “Reggae Star” will be announced on VP Records YouTube channel, April 1.
For more information, email reggaegold@goldenkrustbakery.com or call 347.266.9759.
-From Reggae Wire News Network www.riddimjamaica.com
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Beenie, Cruz for Belize
Beenie Man is headed to Central America next month to inaugurate the Belize Reggae Fest Series, an initiative of Triple T Productions and Nuff Muzik Productions to bring top tier Caribbean performers to Belize's ample community of Reggae music lovers.
On Saturday, March 7th, King Beenie and Reggae crooner Anthony Cruz are set to launch the Reggae Fest Series at the Princess Hotel and Casino with a lively mix of Dancehall and Lover's Rock, while DJ Andrew D of Irie Jam Radio 93.5FM in New York will be spinning the latest Reggae and Dancehall tunes from 'Yaad' (Yard) and 'abraad' (abroad) as Jamaica's favorite "Attitude Gyal" Dyema shows off Dancehall's latest fancy foot and hip work.
Triple T and Nuff Muzik are launching the Belize Reggae Fest Series in response to a tremendous demand for top tier Caribbean artists in Belize and other parts of Central America. Tasz Smith, CEO of the New York based Triple T Productions, was floored by the overwhelming response to Beenie Man at his last performance in Belize in 2005. After noticing that shows featuring top billing Caribbean entertainers were far and few between in Belize, Smith joined forces with Garth Guthrie of Nuff Muzik Productions in Florida, to initiate the Belize Reggae Fest Series, which will be bringing the most popular Reggae and Caribbean music artists to Central America.
On Saturday, March 7th, King Beenie and Reggae crooner Anthony Cruz are set to launch the Reggae Fest Series at the Princess Hotel and Casino with a lively mix of Dancehall and Lover's Rock, while DJ Andrew D of Irie Jam Radio 93.5FM in New York will be spinning the latest Reggae and Dancehall tunes from 'Yaad' (Yard) and 'abraad' (abroad) as Jamaica's favorite "Attitude Gyal" Dyema shows off Dancehall's latest fancy foot and hip work.
Triple T and Nuff Muzik are launching the Belize Reggae Fest Series in response to a tremendous demand for top tier Caribbean artists in Belize and other parts of Central America. Tasz Smith, CEO of the New York based Triple T Productions, was floored by the overwhelming response to Beenie Man at his last performance in Belize in 2005. After noticing that shows featuring top billing Caribbean entertainers were far and few between in Belize, Smith joined forces with Garth Guthrie of Nuff Muzik Productions in Florida, to initiate the Belize Reggae Fest Series, which will be bringing the most popular Reggae and Caribbean music artists to Central America.
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