Archive for the ‘Music News’ Category

By: Ralston Barrett

Their hopes are to one day become the world’ most famous dancehall duo. But, don’t think they’ll just merely sit and wait, as through share determination and hard work, dancehall duo CP Inc are making strides towards a successful music career.

The group, comprising Wayne Rose and Shawn Reynolds, has been entertaining music lovers across Jamaica for some time now and have now transcended into a recognizable force in the local music industry.

And as their name implies, CP Inc (Creative People Incorporation), there is no shortage of creativity about the duo, which began their professional music career back in 2001.

“We form the group in 2001 and since then we have grown tremendously,” said Shawn Reynolds. Read the rest of this entry »

By: Ra-Umi Alkebu-lan

Lutan Fyah recently returned from a short summer tour to Europe in awe of how much the people there love his music and how easily the music that comes from Jamaica transcends language and cultural barriers.

The singer, born Anthony Martin, and who grew up wanting to emulate reggae icons Dennis Brown and Garnett silk, enjoyed what he described as a 10-show European tour that included stops in Brussels , Germany , Italy and Croatia . Everywhere he went, he said, there was incredible response to his music. “I feel confident and good for this response,” he said. “Each and every show was like a different gear, a better performance.”

In Croatia , he said, the best way to describe the crowd response to the music was ‘pandemonium’. He also performed in Lazinello, Italy along with Julian Marley but the show in Germany had a great ‘vibe and ambience. It was a great show.” He closed off the tour with a performance at Reggae Gael in Belgium on August 7.

Coming from Jamaica the home of reggae music, Lutan Fyah said he his heart was warmed by the way Europeans embraced his music. “The people gravitate to the kind of music that we make; and the place that we come from and the language that we use; we don’t understand what dem a say and them no understand what we a say if we reason face to face, but the people dem sing your song line for line whichever country in Europe where people listen reggae,” he said. “Reggae has a fan base (in Europe ), the people just have a love for the music and anywhere it de, dem find it.” Read the rest of this entry »

Kingston, Jamaica: Any artiste who chooses aliases must never forget that a name is as relevant to its character as the lyrics. Over the years we have seen the positive and negative effect aliases have on characters example, Assassin (the character) is probably one of the most respected Dancehall artistes there is, he’s responsible, consistent and a true Dancehall star but the name (alias) does not fit the character and certainly have not created opportunities other artistes have benefited from such as working with corporate entities.

On the other hand an alias can be very effective, it can become a brand and sells the character such as the alias, Vybz Kartel. The character is creative and trendy and has become one of Dancehall’s most influential artistes. Aliases distinguish the character and identifies with their lyrical content. In my opinion, choosing an alias is as important as making hits so artistes should be careful of the aliases they choose!

HIGHLIGHTS! Nesbeth depart Kingston to perform on Calgary International Reggae Festival on Saturday August 21st. On his arrival, he is expected to do several interviews including a live television performance on City TV channel 8 backed by the Ultimate Crew Band from Toronto as well as interviews on
Virgin Radio 98.5, CJAY 92.1 and AM 1060 Classic Country. Upcoming artiste Bittah releases three new tracks.

Cush Hunta

In light of a major distribution deal with MSE (Media, Sports and Entertainment) that lead to the distribution of his single, “No Skylarking” featuring reigning Reggae Queen Marcia Griffith and young rapper Phaze Kryme to over 31 digital stores (including leading digital download stores Itunes, Amazon, Napster, Rhapsody, Limewire, Emusic, Verizon and Thumplay Inc.) Corner Stone Productions has completed yet another project on its agenda for Cush Hunta, that of shooting a medley video for Cush’s Ready Fi Buss and A De Same Thing” tracks.

The video, directed by Infrared was shot on location at Blaze Nightclub in Portmore and Cush’s hometown, Allman Town. Ready Fi Buss is currently Cush Hunta’s most popular single and A De Same Ting is receiving consistent rotation on local radio.

The feedback from both songs has prompted the artiste’s management team to release a video to capitalize on the growing trend. Cush Hunta is schedule to perform at telecommunications giant LIME, Skool Aid event August 21 at Jamworld Centre in Portmore, St. Catherine. LIME Skool Aid event will be day of music, entertainment and giveaways for kids going back to school. Other performers on the event include Beenie Man, Elephant Man, Richie Loop, Etana, Chris Martin, Prodigal Son, DJ Nicholas and many more.

Upcoming Reggae artiste Isat performed for the first time on a major stage alongside his dad, vintage Reggae artiste Big Youth at Stur-Gav tribute to the late Sugar Minott, the show was held on Saturday August 14th at Mas Camp.

The crowd response was very encouraging and even prompt one industry insider to invite Isat to perform the following Monday at the weekly Uptown Mondays event which he did to yet another warm reception. Isat’s dream is to revive Reggae music making it once again an attractive brand to young Jamaicans.

The artiste is appalled by the fact that kids, teenagers and young adults in Europe, California and the rest of the world accept Reggae in its purest form but kid of similar demographic in Jamaica believes Reggae is Vintage.

Isat claim he is the man behind the music and will forever be singing and performing Reggae in its authentic form of love, spirituality and social commentary, “but modern” in other words Isat’s aim is present through his music “the current generation expression of Reggae.”

This weekend the north Atlantic coast of South America will experience the invasion of Jamaican culture when dancehall recording artiste Black Ryno invades French Guiana with his brand of music.

The event billed ‘Black Ryno in Concert’ will featuring the artiste whose given name is Romain Anderson as the headliner. The concert is slated for Friday, August 20 in Cayenne the capital.

Though seldomly seen in the streets Ryno has been busy recording and entertaining large gathering across the North American and Caribbean Diaspora making stops in California, Atlanta, Connecticut, Florida, St. Vincent , Barbados and the twin island republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Black Ryno one of the biggest stars of 2009, known for hits such as ‘Can I’, ‘The Paper’, ‘Real Stinger’ and ‘Wish I Could See You Again’ is now on a positive path to reclaim in spot in the dancehall arena and has since released a number of singles including the infectious number ‘Wine & Dip’ on the Sex Appeal Rhythm produced by Jordan McClure and David ‘Hizzle ‘ Hayle of Chimney Records.

According to Ryno “Right now I am just focused on building my career and putting out good music for the people . Look out for the new singles from Seanizzle name ‘Sting Dem and Done’ and ‘Shades’ on the Split Personality Riddim.”

Meanwhile plans are in high gear for the release of two new videos for the singles ‘Wine & Dip’ and ‘Come A Mi Yard’ later this month.

“BITTERSWEET” JUMPS TO #1 ON URBAN ADULT RADIO AIRPLAY CHART AS THE #1 GREATEST GAINER

[New York, NY] With a renewed commitment to her music career and fans, Fantasia is preparing to resume promotional activities for the August 24th release of her third album Back To Me (J Records).

Fantasia will kick off her promo run with previously confirmed television performances on Good Morning America (8/24), Lopez Tonight (8/25), 106 & Park (9/8), Regis & Kelly (9/9) and Wendy Williams Show (9/10). Additional appearances include Steve Harvey’s Ford Hoodie Awards (8/28) and Tom Joyner’s Family Reunion (9/4).

“I can’t thank my fans enough for their prayers and support during such a challenging time. It has given me the motivation to get back to work and honor the commitments I made to promote ‘Back To Me,’” states Fantasia. “I put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this album and I pray that everyone enjoys it as much as I do.”

Early reviews indicate that the critics are indeed enjoying the former American Idol winner’s latest effort. With a 4-star rating (out of 5), The New York Daily News states that Back to Me “far out-performs the singer’s first two works, with meatier hooks, Read the rest of this entry »

AP: NEW YORK – A week after an overdose, Fantasia is back to promoting her new album.

In a statement released Monday, Fantasia says she “can’t thank my fans enough for their prayers and support during such a challenging time.”

The singer overdosed on aspirin and other pills at her home in Charlotte, N.C., last week.

Her manager says she wasn’t trying to kill herself, but police believed they were responding to a suicide attempt. The overdose came days after a woman accused Fantasia in court documents of having an affair with her husband.

The former “American Idol” winner will make TV appearances, including stops at “Good Morning America” and “Live with Regis & Kelly,” in the next couple weeks to promote her third album. The CD, titled “Back to Me,” is out on Aug. 24.