HOME

joe-gibbs-jamaica.jpgEntertainment Update February 2008!

Farewell Joe Gibbs

Joe Gibbs died of heart attack at University Hospital of the West Indies from a heart attack at age 65.

He leaves behind a rich legacy that not only impacted Jamaica, but indeed the whole world.

Born in Montego Bay in 1943, Gibbs left Jamaica to train as an engineer in the US. After some time spent in the United States as an electronic engineer, Gibbs went back to Kingston, and opened a repair TV shop at 32 Beeston Street where he soon started to sell records. The fast growth of the local music scene encouraged him to be more involved in the business, and in 1967 he started to record some artists in the back of his shop with a two-track tape machine and the already established Lee Perry who had just ended his association with Clement "Coxsone" Dodd. In 1968, with the help of Bunny Lee, he launched his Amalgamated label, and had his first success with one of the earliest rock steady tunes, Roy Shirley's "Hold Them".After Perry went away to set his own label "Upsetters", Gibbs enrolled the young Winston "Niney" Holness who helped maintain Gibbs' production on the top of the charts. During the rock steady period until 1970, he met success with numerous hits by vocalists like The Pioneers, Errol Dunkley, and Ken Parker, and worked with backing bands like Lynn Taitt and the Jets (including the organist Ansel Collins, and horns players Tommy McCook, Johnny "Dizzy" Moore, Bobby Ellis and Vin Gordon), or The Hippy Boys (featuring the Barrett brothers as the rhythm section).

He switched to the reggae sound with his first international success "Love of the Common People" by Nicky Thomas (#9 in the UK Singles Chart in the summer of 1970). He kept on recording artists like The Ethiopians, Delroy Wilson, and The Heptones (the two volumes of his singles' compilations The Heptones and Friends were bestsellers in Jamaica). During this period he launched three new labels; Jogib, Shock, and Pressure Beat and also opened his New York Record Mart at 11 South Parade.

In 1972, after having moved his studio in the Duhaney Park district, he set up a new one at 20 North Parade and started to work with the sound engineer Errol Thompson, who used to be at Randy's Studio. Together, known as "The Mighty Two", along with his studio band known as The Professionals (that includes bassist Robbie Shakespeare, drummer Sly Dunbar and guitarist Earl "Chinna" Smith) they produced hundreds of singles including the hits "Money In My Pocket" by Dennis Brown and "Ah So We Stay" by Big Youth and "Eviction" by Black Uhuru. The duo worked on over 100 Jamaican number one hits.

In 1975, he set up his new 16-track studio and record pressing plant at 24 Retirement Crescent and kept on producing Jamaican artists under numerous label names (Crazy Joe, Reflections, Belmont, Town & Country) meeting success again not only in roots reggae, rockers and lovers rock styles with Dennis Brown, Jacob Miller, Sylford Walker, The Mighty Diamonds, Gregory Isaacs, Prince Alla or Junior Byles but also with instrumental and dub cuts (African Dub series).The 1977 Culture album Two Sevens Clash is probably Gibbs' most internationally acclaimed production, with a major impact on the punk band The Clash. Other successful artists produced by the Mighty Two during the end of the seventies include Marcia Aitken, Althea & Donna, John Holt, Barrington Levy, Cornell Campbell, Dean Fraser, Delroy Wilson, Beres Hammond, Ranking Joe, Prince Jazzbo, Prince Mohammed, Dillinger, Trinity, Prince Far I, Clint Eastwood, I-Roy and Kojak & Liza.

In the 1980s, Gibbs had an international hit with J.C. Lodge's hit of "Someone Loves You Honey". He did not pay any royalties to the song's writer, Charley Pride, who sued and won. Unable to pay the huge settlement ordered by the Court, Gibbs went out of business. In 1993, he went back on the Jamaican scene, reissuing works from his catalogue on the Rocky One label his son Carl had started from Miami, Florida a few years before, and teaming again with Errol Thompson to produce some new music.

Joe Gibbs is gone but his musical works will live on forever.

Entertainment Industry Lose Another One R.I.P Raw Dawg

Message from Jay, Garrison ENT.  (2-24-08)

Mi cah believe di ting, mi just link di man about a month ago fi book em
pan a dance mi a have a Virginia Beach inna di summer.

According to reports reaching Garrison Ent. Rraw Dawg was gunned down
while on his way from a popular night club in Washington D.C., the
unofficial reports said he was shot eleven (11) times and died on the
spot. What is even more bizarre, the upcoming deejay was never one known
for trouble or getting himself into problematic situation.

"Him a di last man anybody ah expect fi hear sum'ting like dat fi happen
to ..cause even though we neva close ..him was still a easy going yute
weh nuh trouble people ...a just fun anytime yuh deh round dem man deh..
so fi see dat reach him it just mash up everyman medz a way." Alliance
member Wayne Marshall said.

Details surrounding his death are still sketchy at this time, but one
thing is certain, the entire Bounty Killer led Alliance is still trying
to come to grips with this tragic loss. Efforts by our team to contact
Alliance spokesman Julian Jones-Griffiths proved futile as we found out
himself, Bounty, Mavado and Busy were all off the island on other
professional engagements.

Rraw Dawg who migrated to the United States at an early age was schooled
in New York, after leaving school through much encouragement from family
and friends he decided to pursue a career as a deejay and soon recorded
his first song titled "Gyal in a Me Bed" on the 'Aolla Aolla' riddim a
few years later he decided to dabble into the world of producing and
made his first 'riddim' the "Yellow Tape" which featured the likes of
the warlord himself, Bounty Killer, Busy Signal, Wayne Marshall, Jaguar,
Angel Doolas and himself featuring Michael Andrews amongst others. He
was also in the movie BASHMENT.

In closing we the family of Garrison Ent. would just like to take this
opportunity to extend our condolences to his family and friends in their
time of need and let them know our prayers goes out to them. Rrawg Dawg
you will be sadly missed with that signature slang "Ahrrar".

-JAY-
Garrison Ent.

Bobaraba dancersA national dance craze in Ivory Coast, Africa has spawned a black market in treatments claiming to increase one's bottom size. The dance in question has been inspired by DJ Mix and DJ Eloh's hit song Bobaraba, which means "big bottom" in the local Djoula language. When it plays you can be guaranteed that the dance floor will be packed with people shaking their derrieres. Even Ivorian footballers have adopted the moves and could be seen wiggling their bottoms in a curious on-pitch dance after each goal scored during the just-ended Africa Nations Cup.  DJ Mix (l) and DJ Eloh (r)DJ Mix says it was inspired by women and a tribute to women because African women are defined by the shape of their bottoms.  Kady Meite, one of his dancers, says the song is a message for women because there are women today with large bottoms who are embarrassed, so it's to say don't be ashamed - be comfortable.  The message seems to have been taken on board - so much so that some women are now going in search of a "bobaraba". In the market women sell "bottom enhancers". However, doctors have warned of the possible dangers of some of the concoctions on sale.  One is a liquid that needs to be injected into the bottom once a day and it is in a vial of colored liquid labeled "Vitamin B12".  Each vial costs $2. The label claims it is made in China.   The same amount of money will also get you a small tub of cream.   There is no description of what the product contains on the tub, or how to apply it; just the words "Big bottoms and big breasts", and two illustrating pictures. The health ministry has not authorized these products. 

Radio airplay under scrutiny (2/21/08)

Jamaica's broadcasting chief has said new regulations will hinder radio DJs from taking bribes from local music companies or artists to play songs, a longstanding problem in the country.   Hopeton Dunn, chairman of the broadcasting commission, said program managers must now provide detailed play lists to government inspectors to prevent the bribes known as payola.  Mr. Dunn said in a statement that the problem has been impacting on the broadcasting industry for a very long time.  In addition, he said he would recommend introducing financial sanctions under the island's Broadcasting Commission Act to discourage improperly sold or traded air time.

Lutan%20Fyah%20dancehallreggae.jpgFeb. 14th - Message From Dancehall Artist Lutan Fyah

The public may have heard of my recent arrest on the charge of arson. This comes out of an incident in Spanish Town which I was accused of being involved in.  I would like to state that I am innocent of all charges and find this conspiracy misleading and wanton. I have constantly contributed to the development of youths in Spanish Town and would never get myself involved in such activities. Lutan Fyah symbolizes positivity and upliftment of the people and the music.  2007 was a good year for Lutan Fyah, Indeed I was able to spread my message world wide and bring reggae music to new peoples. I understand my obligation to my fans, Jamaica and the music and would never under any circumstance manifest such evil behavior.  I continue to give praises to my supporters for their continued faith in my music and I look forward to continuing the positive trend that I am known for.  -Lutan Fyah

Report by Yasmine Peru:  In Jamaica, the annual Twelve Tribes Tribute to Dennis Brown and Bob Marley held on Saturday night at Skill Craft on Skibo Avenue, run by Rupert Hoilett (a KC alumnus) should have been highlighted as one of the must-attend sessions for Reggae Month.  For the entire night the selector played tunes by Dennis Brown and Bob Marley exclusively. For some of us, it was a crash course in getting to know the Crown Prince musically, because the selector seemed to have every vinyl (which sounded so clean) whether it was 45 or LP, and every CD ever recorded by D Brown, and he unleashed them on rapid.  His Marley selections also hit the right note. It was reminiscent of the days gone by when dances were nice friendly places full of love and couples actually danced together instead of the profiling that takes place now with the men on one side and the females on the other. There was the usual 12 Tribe fare on offer - roots and ital food - and they were very reasonably priced. Sugar Minott, Junior 'One Blood' Reid Julian 'Jingles' Reynolds, Jah Love selector Ilawi, TVJ's Kay Osbourne, Trevor 'Jumpy' Harris and George Golding (both KC alumni) were among those persons we saw having a great time. At an entry fee of $150 per person, patrons got much more than their money's worth.

"Half Pint Leaves For England For Three Shows"

Half Pint leaves for England to promote his album  “No Stress Express”     After launching his album No Stress Express  on Saturday January 26, 2008 at the Half Moon Hotel, Montego Bay, Jamaica, Reggae superstar Half Pint now turns his attention to promote the16 tracks album, he leaves this Wednesday, February 13th for three shows in England, on February 15 , Bradford, 16 Birmingham and 17 London, The hot tracks on the album includes “Unity” featuring Jack Maness from Long Beach Dub All Star/Sublime, “Bad Boys” featuring Sizzla, “Babylon Release The Chain featuring Dollarman, ‘Mind over Matter”, ” Suzie” and "Madonna”. The album will be released worldwide on March 11, 2008 and will be distributed via Universal Music Group Distribution. Ra-Umi Alkebu-lan his publicist will accompany Half Pint. Tour dates for the US and Europe have already been confirmed.

Carnival Vibes Heating Up In Jamaica

Fresh from Trinidad and Tobago's carnival, Surface, one of the twin islands' hottest bands, had the true revelers of Bacchanal Jamaica's Hot Dreams at the Mas Camp last Friday in a wining frenzy.  The band sang a mixture of the hottest tracks from TnT's recent road parade such as Patrice Roberts and Machel Montano's Rollin, Faye-Ann Lyon's Get On and Roy Cape's Breathless, while favorites from the past. The group further won the crowd's approval by interjecting popular Jamaican songs such as Tek Whey Yu Self and Dutty Wine into their performance.  For the fourth week in a row the turnout at the Mas Camp was spectacular, reconfirming that the Mas Camp Village is definitely the hot spot to be on a Friday nights for the carnival season. Once again enthusiastic socaphiles congregated by the costume desk to ensure that they got theirs.  If Bacchanal Fridays' Hot Dreams is any indication of the weeks to come, the temperature is only going to rise.  Bacchanal Fridays continues this week at the Mas Camp with Dreams of Neverland.

Valentine's Promises To Be Hot In VA!!

It's going to be a Valentine's to remember going down at Blakely's located at 414 S. Battlefield Blvd, Chesapeake, VA on Friday February 15th for the Caribbean massive. It's another grown and sexy affair brought to you by Humble Beginnings in Association with Foreign Fridays. Bringing the best in Reggae music will be the world famous Revolution Sound  out of D.C and the one and only Blueprint Sound with Jason Steele as well as VA's own Crazy Love Sound with Joe Swynger.   EVERYONE FREE B4 11PM!   Strictly rockers cool vibes and good food!! 

The Lazarus Foundation in conjunction with the Norfolk State University's Caribbean Student's Association will be hosting their 2nd annual Caribbean Royalty Scholarship Pageant on Thursday, April 3rd 2008.  The pageant was designed to show case the cultural art of the Caribbean and to foster unity among the Caribbean community through art, music, drama, and cultural expression. Also, they provide an opportunity for young ladies to portray their elegance, passion, excitement, and vibrancy.  The winner of this pageant will be awarded a minimum of $1000 towards her education. Not only will she walk away with scholarship money but a life changing experience as well. Last year's pageant was a great success and with the help of the public, Caribbean Royalty 2008 will be a bigger success.  The following are a few requirements:
*       Must attend a 4-year university
*       Must have at least a 2.0 GPA
*       Must be from the Caribbean or have family from the Caribbean
*       Must be available for all rehearsals

For any question, concerns or directions please email caribbean@nsu.edu or call Genea Kelsick at (757)660-5707 or Cary Lazarus at (757)576-6287.

Another Jamaican dancehall artiste has found himself in trouble with the law.  Thirty-one-year-old Anthony Martin otherwise called "Lutan Fyah" was Friday, February 8th charged by the police in St. Catherine, Jamaica in connection with a fire which destroyed a house in Thompson Pen in the parish.  The DJ, who was slated to receive an award in Kingston on Thursday night, is charged with arson.  He is booked to appear in the Spanish Town Resident Magistrate Court on Tuesday.  Lutan Fyah  was arrested on Wednesday while watching a football match at the Prison Oval in Spanish Town.  A police source has said that on December 3 last year, Lutan Fyah led a group of men to a tenement yard in the community to look for a man.  The DJ claimed the man disrespected him while he was performing at a stage show.  When they did not find the man, they allegedly attacked an occupant of the premises.   Before leaving, Lutan Fyah and the group of men allegedly fire bombed the house.  This resulted in 16 persons including nine children being left homeless.

In Jamaica, Prime Minister Bruce Golding has charged Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, (MICYS) Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, with the responsibility of developing activities to make Reggae Month an international phenomenon by next year. He wants Jamaica to become the showplace of reggae music for the world. Delivering greetings at the premiere of the film 'Africa Unite', on Wednesday, Golding said the decision to make February 'Reggae Month' was strategically made to tie-in with the celebration of the birthday of Jamaica's greatest exponent of reggae music, Robert Nesta Marley. Golding said that no one has had that impact in his lifetime and today Bob's music is more powerful than when he was on stage, he added that Bob Marley's music inspired people the world over through the messages which still remain relevant and powerful 27 years after his death.

 

Fifteen Years: The Art of Laura James is now on view in the Castle Gallery at the College of New Rochelle, NY. This beautifully presented exhibition, runs until February 24 and features over 80 religious and secular pieces by the self taught painter of Antiguan heritage. Ms. James, who was born and raised in Brooklyn, is best known for her illustrations in the Book of the Gospels lectionary published in 2000 by LTP on behalf of the Roman Catholic Church. An award winning edition of the four gospels, the book includes 34 paintings rendered in the Ethiopian Christian Art style.  Groundbreaking in that it shows Biblical figures as Black, the book is now being used by numerous Christian denominations around the world.  Now, the College of New Rochelle has honored Laura with a retrospective exhibition that fully displays her unique vision. Ms. James blends intricate patterns, text, and vibrant colors into what she calls "art for the people".  Besides religious icons, also on display are secular works which mainly focus on women. One room in the gallery is devoted to Ms. James' ongoing series titled, "Nannies, and Other Mothers", where she highlights a subject long neglected by popular culture by telling the stories of countless women who leave their families in the Caribbean to come to America, Great Britain or Canada in search of a better life, taking jobs as domestic workers. "I think most Caribbean people are intimately familiar with the subject,” she opines, “but we never talk about it." With this work Ms. James is trying to start the conversation.  Over 50 collectors lent their paintings to this tremendous exhibition, which was curated by Jennifer Zazo. Highlights include an enormous scroll of the Solomon and Sheba story, owned by Rev. Calvin Butts (of the Abyssinian Baptist Church), as well as 15 pieces from the Book of the Gospels.

As part of their Black History Month celebrations, Laura James will present a lecture about her work on Tuesday February 19, from 6pm-7:30pm in the Mooney Center at the College of New Rochelle. Ms. James' work will also be on display at the National Black Fine Arts Show February 14-17 at the Puck Building in NYC, where she will be represented by Gallerie Bourbon Lally.  The Castle Gallery and the Mooney Center are located on the main campus of CNR, 29 Castle Place, New Rochelle, NY.  Gallery Hours: Tues., Thurs. & Fri., 10 am to 5 pm, Wed., 10 am to 8 pm, Sat. and Sun., 12 to 4 pm.   For additional information, tours, and directions to CNR, please call (914) 654-5423 or go to www.cnr.edu/cg.htm.

 

It's Soca season in Jamaica and the airwaves have been bombarded by rhymes and rhythms that announce loud and clear that one of the most exciting and energetic seasons in Jamaica’s hectic entertainment schedule, is here again!!!  Yes its time to order the costumes, get the waistline in order and make sure there is plenty of water on hand, because like the actions of many have proven over the years, a time fi wine and galang bad!!!!  Yes it is, but as Jamaicans get ready for yet another memorable Soca Season, some of Jamaica’s Crčme Della crčme in the entertainment industry, have already started the party. Macka Diamond & Patrice RobertsOne particular individual is none other the Money Goddess herself, Macka Diamond, who not only has a monster soca remix with Patrice Roberts, ‘Wukkin up' which has already topped the charts in both Trinidad and Canada, but with all that, what’s even more interesting, is that Macka is presently on a two-week tour in Trinidad with Machel Montano and his band, of which Patrice Roberts is a member.   The tour which kicked off on the 26th of January at Hasley Crawford Stadium in Trinidad, found Macka performing alongside Patrice to an audience of over 30,000 screaming and gyrating fans, who not only loved the remix of Wukkin Up, but also proved that although Soca is their thing, they can all still do the Hulla Hoop.  “Trus mi, it hectic, yuh affi inna shape fi dis,” says Macka about the rigorous two-week schedule,  which as found her doing as much as three shows a night. But Macka is not alone, because although they may not be on the full two-week tour with the band, fellow reggae artiste such as Anthony B, Vegas, Beenie Man and International Reggae Superstars, Sean Paul and Shaggy, have all been spotted making cameo appearances all over the busy revelry laced Soca Mecca of Trinidad and Tobago.

Hezron Teams up with Bobby Digital to Release “So In Love With You”  As Jamaica’s native son has returned home for the premier of his passionate single “Missin U” released last March. He now follows it up with a big, big tune called “So In Love With You". After spending the last few months in Jamaica, Hezron has made a few appearances and is climbing the popularity charts with his grand voice and stage show. Hezron’s Jamaican performance schedule now heats up, fueled by his growing song popularity.   He recently brought down the house at The Village Café, Bank of Jamaica Auditorium and Christopher’s with an amazing 3 hour show.  Hezron’s myspace continues to grow and attract loyal listeners who appreciate the strong sensual sounds of the Hezron Vibe. Hezron’s selections of Lovers Rock continue to grow as more producers request the Hezron sound. Bobby Digital of Digital-B Recording Studio’s has pushed Hezron into the limelight with this authentic Jamaican love song that grabs your heart and lets you truly appreciate the Reggae style of music.  Hezron is currently planning his video for “So In Love With You” which he’d like to shoot in Jamaica this November. His new label promises a hot video to match the vibe of the song while capturing the full beauty of Jamaica.  Hezron recently said, “My desire is to recapture some of what is lost in today’s music and videos; ya know’ the real deal, real music, with a real video that tells a story. No gimmicks or catchy sayings, just what the heart knows to be true.”  Hezron has perfected the fusion of Reggae with R&B like no other. From RE Television with his “Missin U” video to a spectrum of Jamaican radio with “So In Love With You”—Hezron’s spreading the love!

 

Launching its 1st Annual Caribbean Urban Music Awards in Jamaica on April 26th, 2008 at James Bond Beach in Ocho Rios, The Urban Music Awards has nominated Sizzla Kalonji for Best Album, “Overstanding” and Artist of the Year.  The Urban Music Awards is one of the biggest international awards ceremonies held in the USA, UK, France, and Germany, broadcasting worldwide to an audience of 14.5 million viewers annually. With over 3 million urban music fans nominating and voting on the official UMA website internationally per year, voting for Sizzla Kalonji will commence after February 14th on www.urbanmusicawards.net The UMA’s celebrated its 5th anniversary in 2007 by launching for the first time in New York on the 7th of July 2007. The Urban Music Awards was born out of the need to build a worldwide and independent awards ceremony to recognize the achievement of 100% urban based artists, producers, club nights, DJ’s, radio stations, record labels and artist that are a product of the current Urban music scene.
 

Lindy Davidson and Associates' “Scandal Us” has won the Band of the Year title in the Tobago Festivals Committee 2008 Carnival competition.

 

“Storm Over Bad Rock,” by Gloria Stoute and Associates, was second, while “The Beautiful Game of Football” by Lue Ann Melville and Associates was third.

 

The results were released on Tuesday, February 5th:

Small Bands

1 Hello New Orleans

The Belle Garden Tambu Bamboo Band

3 JD Fantasy

 

Medium Bands

1 The Ashanti Ananse

2 Traditional Explosion

3 Sailors Ashore

 

Large Bands

1 Scandal Us

2 Storm Over Bad Rock

3 The Beautiful Game of Football

Jamaican singer Cherine Anderson has reportedly completed a re-mix combination single with the severely troubled, Britney Spears. She has started off her year collaborating with Sly & Robbie and Britney Spears on the remix to Spears' latest single entitled, "Piece of Me," newly released on iTunes (as one of six remixes). The tune, featuring a fresh, feisty-voiced Cherine Anderson, is described as "pure-fyah," and definitely a club banger.  Cherine, whose career is still in its infancy, has already had collaborations with many extremely talented international artistes. These include Wyclef Jean, Chuck Fenda, Paul McCartney, Bootsy Collins and Ky-mani Marley

 

There is certainly no letting up for singer Da'Ville who will be 'turning on' his fans with a brand new single titled 'Turning Me On'.   The single recorded on his Fashozy Record label is being produced by executive producers O. Thomas, J. Brown and co- produced by Trinidad's top Soca producer Sheldon '$hel $hok' Benjamin.  Not only is 'Turning Me On' well put together and the lyrics very catchy, but it is getting the kind of cross over promotion that will create a strong fan base for Da'Ville in Trinidad.   '$hel $hok' who started on his musical journey as a drummer and professional deejay, has been working in the music_ business for the past 16 years. He soon started building his own rhythms and is currently one of Trinidad's most prolific and contemporary producers, responsible for a string of hit track like 'Roll It Out' by Allison Hinds, 'Dance With You' – Machel Montano, 'Sugar Boy' – Patrick Roberts, 'Good Morning' – 3Canal, 'On The Floor' by Mr. Vegas featuring soca diva Destra and now hot off the press 'Turning Me On' by Da'Ville.  Apart from producing individual tracks with various_ artistes, $hel $hok has also compiled and released several albums featuring a number of top soca artistes Machel Montano, Xtatik, General Grant, Black Mayl, Gailann, 3Canal and Bunji Garlin.   $hel $hok is known to have shaped Trinidad & Tobago's modern sounds for 14 years. He has been featured in Billboard magazine, worked with labels like Motown Records, Virgin Records -France and collaborated with Saalam Remi (producers of the Fugees).

2008 is off to a great start for Jamaica's beloved reggae diva Nadine Sutherland. Her critically acclaimed album Call My Name (released last May) is up for two Canadian Reggae Music Awards. The popular lead single, "Big Tingz", has been nominated for Best Reggae Single - International while the full album (produced by Kenroy "YahBreeze" Archibald and Nadine for Eight76 Records) is up for Best Reggae Album in the International category.  Nadine, who is headed to South Florida to perform at the highly anticipated Evening of Love & Togetherness Concert, was thrilled when she got word of the nomination. "Call My Name" is such a special project, and when I see it being recognized I am happy. We never had a big budget like a lot of other labels and producers, not a lot of the big promotion dollars, so we have just really worked hard to let people know about Call My Name and get to hear the album. The response to the music is true and sincere, so I am thankful".

Carnival 2008 has come to a close and the last and most most coveted titles Band of the Year and Road March have been announced.   Brian MacFarlane's large band presentation Earth: Cries of Despair, Wings of Hope took the Band of the Year title for the third straight year.   He dominated both South Quay and the Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain with his portrayal, and at the second venue he received a standing ovation.   Meantime, Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez's "Get On" took the Road March title. This is Lyons-Alvarez's second title she first won with "Display" in 2003.  National Carnival Commission (NCC) chairman Keston Nancoo noted that it was the second year Carnival was on the streets and it had worked well again, with no bottlenecks and a smooth flow of bands.

 

Rumors have been circulating that former Fugee alum Lauryn Hill just gave birth to her fifth child, a girl.   Hill was confirmed to be pregnant back in October for longtime boyfriend Rohan Marley. The two have four other children together, however sources say the couple are no longer together.  Lauryn Hill is said to be living with her mother in New Jersey and believed to be financially in debt, whereas Rohan Marley is supposedly living in Ethiopia.

 

On Saturday February 16 Gregory Isaacs along with the Live Wyya Band will embark on a five week tour of North America, the tour is in support of the new album by Gregory Isaacs title "BRAND NEW ME", while Live Wyya will be promoting their new single title "MASTERPIECE" which is the leadoff single from their upcoming album which will be released late spring. MASTERPIECE was produced by Mikey Bennett of Grafton Studios and the single is predicted to have the same impact that "SHE'S ROYAL" by Tarrus Riley did as it has become one of the most requested song by females across Jamaica and on the internet. The tour which was coordinated by ace tour manager Copeland Forbes and booked by Peter Schwartz of "THE AGENCY GROUP LTD. out of New York City will start at the Ragamuffin Festival (formerly bob Marley reggae festival) at The Long Beach Arena  February 17 and will truck its way across the length and breath of the USA. The tour will make a few stops in Canada in Victoria, British Columbia - February 26, Vancouver at the Commodore Ballroom February 27 and Toronto at the Phoenix Theatre March 10. The tour will make stops in New York City, Connecticut, Boston, Washington DC, Richmond Virginia, Raleigh North Carolina to name a few before finishing  in Philadelphia March 22 at North By Northwest theatre. This is the first major tour by any reggae group for the year 2008 said Forbes a veteran of many international tours and will see the Live Wyya Band performing a thirty minute set by them selves prior to providing musical backing for the Cool Ruler who'll be celebrating 35 years in the music fraternity. The group returns to Jamaica March 23 and take a breather before heading out to South America making stops in Lima Peru, Buenos Aires -Argentina, Paraguay and Chile then on to Europe April 14 for another five week run making stops in  Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Holland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Austria, Finland, Spain, Portugal, Ireland and the UK to name a few.  On the Europe tour Gregory and the Live Wyya Band will be joined by Brazilian singer SORAIA who did a cover of Tarrus Riley’s hit "She’s Royal" in Portuguese title "NOA SAIA", and The K QUEENS a duo out of Portmore Jamaica who, have been making a name for themselves in the dancehall circuit.  The entourage will then head over to Africa the ending of May making stops in Ghana, Senegal and Gambia before heading to Havana Cuba for Cuba disco 2008.  Other personnel on the tour are Norman "Duwie" Reid - Road Manager, Mervyn Williams - Engineer, Beecher Barrett-Stage Technician, Thaddeus "Teddyy" Laidley - Tour Manager, Richard Roache - Merchandiser and Copeland Forbes Artist Manager and Tour Coordinator.  Forbes said this is the start of many significant tours this year which will see an all female tour of Europe in the summer, the annual "One Love Tour" which will be staged in South Africa for the first time later this year, and a special Roots man/Bulletproof tour of North America by four of Reggae’s greatest Artistes all backed by Sly and Robbie and the Taxi Gang.

It is being reported out of Jamaica that members of Jamaica's number crime fighting team Operation Kingfish  issued a statement  on February 5th requesting a meeting with both Adidjah 'Vybz Kartel' Palmer and Sheldon 'Aidonia' Lawrence for questioning concerning a photograph that shows both Vybz Kartel and Aidonia posing with various high power weapons.   According to the statement the cops are anxious to speak with both Aidonia and Vybz Kartel but prefer to do so in the presence of their lawyers - from there they should be able to explain freely as to how these weapons came about.   Further investigation also revealed that none of the two are valid licensed firearm holders.   It was just recently that Aidonia got released on bail after he was accused of being involved in an alleged shooting incident that left one dead. And recently Vybz Kartel was freed of charges for using indecent language while performing at his own Birthday Party held at the Amnesia Night Club, Ocho Rios (Jamaica).