Entertainment October, 2008!

Grenada - Calypso Competition Returns To Independence Celebrations

Oct 26 - Grenada's Ministry of Culture has begun planning for the celebration of Grenada’s 35th anniversary of independence on Saturday February 7, 2009.  Minister of Culture Senator the Honorable Arley Gill says the 2009 celebration will see the return of the Independence Calypso competition.   “We are re-introducing the Calypso competition because we believe it is an integral part of our cultural expression and has a place in the expression of our independence as well,” said Senator Gill.  He called on calypsonians to begin writing their pieces for the competition in time for the deadline of January 17th, 2009, when recorded songs must be submitted to the independence committee. According to Senator Gill the semifinals will be held on January 24 and finals on January 31, 2009.   “This is the time for our young calypsonians to begin to show their skill and talent. We want as many of our performers who work to display their skill at carnival to also take our independence competition very seriously,” he said.   He said like Carnival, it is important for the planning for Grenada’s major festivals and historic occasions, such as Independence, to start early and involve as many people as possible.

 Alton Ellis Fans In London Turn Out To Honor The Godfather Of Rocksteady

Hundreds of fans and well wishers turned out on October 19, at a special Memorial Dance, held at the Bridge Park Community Centre in Harlesden, London, England, to pay tribute to veteran Jamaican singer, Alton Ellis, who died on October 10 in London.   After a minute's silence, the audience was treated to music and performers from the Rock Steady era, including singer, Dennis Alcapone, who described Alton Ellis as the "greatest single Jamaican artiste ever."  Mr. Ellis' children were in attendance and one of his sons, Dean Ellis, was the disk jockey for much of the night. He introduced his younger brother, Christopher Ellis, who demonstrated that he was blessed with his father's talent and had the audience dancing to tracks, such as: 'I'm still in love with you girl' , 'You make me so very happy', and 'Ain't that loving you'. Consular, Political and Economic Affairs Officer at the Jamaican High Commission, John Clarke, who represented High Commissioner, Burchell Whiteman, conveyed heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, associates and fans of Alton Ellis.  "We at the High Commission, share your sorrow at the passing of a true Jamaican legend. Alton was widely regarded as the Godfather of Rocksteady. His career in the field of entertainment spanned more than 50 years and his name is listed among the most popular exponents of Jamaican vintage music. We recall that in 1994, he received the well-deserved Order of Distinction from the Jamaican Government, in recognition of his vital contribution to Jamaica's popular culture," Mr. Clarke said.  "It is fitting that we are reflecting on the life of Alton Ellis on the eve of National Heroes Day, given the immense contribution he has made to the evolution of Jamaican music and the international currency it has attained. May his soul rest in peace," he added.  He recalled that Mr. Ellis headlined the 'Get Ready to Rocksteady' concert, sponsored by the Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports earlier this year. That event, it should be noted, is being edited as a musical documentary, highlighting the evolution of Rocksteady and will pay tribute to the work and legacy of Mr. Ellis.Information, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister, Olivia Grange, has announced that the Jamaican Government is to assist with the funeral arrangements for Mr. Ellis who will be laid to rest in Jamaica.  The Memorial Dance was organized by Director of Hawkeye Sports World Limited (formerly Hawkeye Records), Roy Allen.

Cocoa T To Release Album 'Yes We Can' On November 4th

Zojak World Wide, the leader in digital distribution, in cooperation with Coco Tea's Roaring Lion Records, is pleased to announce the release of Coco Tea's eagerly anticipated album, YES WE CAN.  The album will be available worldwide on I-Tunes and www.cocoateabarackobama.com the same day as the US elections, November 4, 2008.  YES WE CAN burnishes Coco Tea's credentials as a foundation reggae storyteller, mixing smart social commentary, life experience and musical talent in a way that both soothes and empowers.  Featuring renowned music-makers, saxophonist Dean Fraser, the Firehouse band and famed producer Bobby Digital as well as Coco Tea's own productions, YES WE CAN is meticulously assembled, track for track.  Led by his hit single, "Barack Obama", Coco Tea is joined on the album by an-all star cast of reggae pioneers - Marcia Griffiths, Shabba Ranks, Cutty Ranks, El General and Prezident Brown.  Combining modern melodies, live instrumentals and timeless roots bass lines with crucial vocals over 14 tracks, YES WE CAN is essential Coco Tea.   Deeply affected by local and international issues, Coco Tea has sought to craft an album focused on meaningful day-to-day concerns, from politics, to love to personal and community well-being.  The lead single, "Barack Obama", did just that, winning Coco Tea television appearances on CNN and FOX News as well as interviews with the BBC, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, West Indian Times and New York Post for its participatory message, catchy music and unique Jamaican perspective.  The follow up single and title track, "Yes We Can" is a non-partisan call for unity between people of all political affiliations, races and classes.  And "Time Is Red" (featuring Shabba Ranks), is a cool and deadly combination with the original Grammy winner in which the singer gracefully weaves his lyrical magic between the edgy speech of the deejay on top of a wicked one-drop riddim from Bobby Digital.  YES WE CAN is not all seriousness and dread however.  "I Swear" and "Love Is Not To Play" prove Coco Tea is still a player in the lovers game.  The duet with Marcia Griffiths, "Real Men", is just one of the standout tracks which captures the charisma and passion of these veteran artists.  Coco Tea's musical creativity is also on display with refreshing covers of two timeless reggae classics, "Smiling Faces" by John Holt and Horace Andy's "I May Never".  Here, Coco Tea brings new word play and saxophonist Dean Frazer's superb saxophone solos to make them his own on these updated versions.   A one time racehorse jockey, Coco Tea has been riding a wave of success with foundation dancehall tracks for Henry 'Junjo' Lawes in the 80s ("Rocking Dolly", "I Lost My Sonia") and roots anthems in the 90s ("Riker's Island", "Holy Mount Zion").  With over twenty years in the business and more than 50 albums to his credit, Cocoa Tea maintains his position as a leading voice for culture and consciousness in dancehall reggae.
 

Oct 26 - Police are still searching for the missing nephew of Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson, after her mother and brother were found dead in their Chicago home in an apparent domestic dispute.  The bodies of Darnell Hudson Donerson, 57, and Jason Hudson, 29, were found shot dead on the afternoon of Friday, October 24th, police said.   Hudson's nephew, seven-year-old Julian King, was reported missing from the home.  The Federal Bureau of Investigation are searching for the boy, whose stepfather is in custody as a suspect in the murders. No charges had been filed against William Balfour, 27, the estranged husband of Hudson's sister Julia.  Neighbors heard shots fired, but did not immediately alert the police because gunfire is common in the poor south Chicago neighborhood.  Hudson, 29, won an Oscar for her role in the musical Dreamgirls in 2007. She also starred in blockbuster Sex and the City and The Secret Life of Bees.  Just weeks ago the singer, who broke onto the scene in the talent program American Idol, released her debut album, Jennifer Hudson. 
She is recently engaged to boyfriend David Otunga.

Selector Among 4 Murdered At Jamaica Nightclub

In Jamaica, an engineer and selector, known for working with Tony Rebel and Queen Ifrica, was among the four persons killed in an incident at the Double Diamond Club and Gaming Lounge, Washington Boulevard, St Andrew, early Monday morning, October 20th.  E'jon Peart, 20, from 37 Greendale Drive, Kingston 19, was killed along with Davian Kerr, 19, from Pembroke Hall; William Wilberforce and Lynchmore Forbes, a 23-year-old laborer also from Pembroke Hall.  Also injured in the incident was Leslie 'Steve' Moodie, a corporal of the Jamaica Defense Force (JDF) Coastguard, who has been accused of the shooting incident.   Reports are that approximately 4:15 a.m., a birthday party was in full swing at Shop 23, Boulevard Shopping Centre, when 31-year-old Moodie approached a woman and was in discussions with her. Male companions of the woman are said to have approached him and an altercation developed. Sometime after that, it is alleged that Moodie pulled his gun and started firing indiscriminately. Three persons, Peart, Kerr and Wilberforce, were killed on the spot. Forbes was pronounced dead at the Kingston Public Hospital.  Ifrica and Rebel were early on the scene and identified Peart's body.

Tony Rebel & Papa San Creating a Buzz on ICM Fest Line-Up

Writer: Lady Cham

Oct 22 - There is an exciting buzz surrounding the upcoming ICM Fest set to take place at the historic Virginia Key Beach Park, Key Biscayne, Miami, Florida on Sunday, November 16th, 2008.  Fans will be delighted with the venue which is located in Miami-Dade County on oceanfront property with a breathtaking view which is perfect for a family fun day.   The park, which was once a 'coloreds only' beach is located at the southern end of Virginia Key and boasts the bluest ocean and skies.  Patrons will feel as though they are in paradise with the delightful hot sun, wonderful palm trees and cool water.  A huge plus this year is that patrons will not have the frustration of searching for parking as the organizers are providing free parking inside the ICM Fest venue.   

The stunning surrounding of the venue is also perfect for the show lineup, which is loaded with many of the best acts in the International music industry.  Favorites set to perform are; Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Movado, Tony Rebel, Queen Ifrica, Da’Ville, Etana, Sean Kingston, Spragga Benz, Papa San, Christopher Martin, Munga Honorable, Mr. Vegas, Konshens and Sight & Sound.    With this incredulous lineup, there are two acts that are creating a special buzz with lovers of veteran artists.  In a career that spans two decades, 10 albums, several compilations and fifteen years of promoting a spiritual renaissance within reggae, Tony Rebel has become a reggae mogul.  He became a household name with his 1991 hit ‘Fresh Vegetable’ on the Penthouse label and he received a Grammy nomination for ‘Stir-It-Up’ while on the Columbia Records label.  Not only is he a musician but a producer and the successful promoter of his annual conscious music showcase ‘Rebel Salute’ which after 14 years still observes its founding principles of ‘no meat’ and ‘no alcohol.’  Thousands of patrons are excitedly awaiting the gritty yet melodic style of ‘Sing-Jaying’ that Tony Rebel showcases and it will be a treat for them as it is not often that he is billed on shows on the East Coast in the United States.     

The other artist causing a special buzz is an artist that is a musical genius; Papa San.  He stretches Gospel to places only he can take it using reggae, rock & roll, dancehall, heavy metal and an international sound that is completely his own.   What fans admire and love about Papa San is that he is constantly in your face with new and inventive ways of spreading Gospel music.  In 1997, Papa San, a long-established King of Dancehall and World music with hits such as 'The System' and 'Maddy Maddy Cry,' had what he describes as a supernatural visitation, and committed his life to Jesus Christ. The contents of his songs changed to convey his newfound faith in the Gospel, but the mighty grooves, unforgettable hooks and mile-a-minute words and rhymes continue to soar, pour and roar forth.  He believes that there are no boundaries to God or to music and so fans can look forward to hearing him spread God’s word using dancehall in a reverent but relentless style that is sure to please, especially with the backdrop of the tropical venue.

At this time ICMFEST is offering their deepest condolences to two members of the dancehall reggae fraternity who recently lost their father's; Rodney 'Bounty Killer' Pryce and Xavier 'Flex' Davidson from the group T.O.K.  We pray that you both find peace during this very difficult time.    

Patrons are urged to log onto www.icmfest.com for ICM Fest ticket specials and hotel accommodations.   For further information call (305)359-3445, (305) 434-7974,  347-515-6727  or email d_empiremgnt@yahoo.com   Don't miss out on the hottest event in South Florida!!

God is the answer…thank God for life. God Bless us all.

Peter Tosh Family Say No To Tribute At Savanna-la-mar

Written by Lady Cham

Twenty one years after the murder of militant reggae superstar Peter Tosh, there is fighting over something that should be so beautiful and peaceful, a remembrance and tribute to the great reggae legend.   Aggressive just like Peter, his family is not backing down regarding their wishes that Peter remain the focus of the event which was schedule to take place on Saturday, October 18th 2008, the eve of Peter's 64th birthday.  Peter was born in Westmoreland, Jamaica on October 19th, 1944 and was brutally murdered on September 11th, 1987.

Peter Tosh TombHistory

(Photo: Peter Tosh Tomb)

In 1990 Jamaican promoter Worrell King took the initiative to begin an annual musical tribute to Winston Hubert McIntosh aka Peter Tosh and for the first 14 years it was held close to Peter’s family home in Belmont, Westmoreland, Jamaica.  However, the event outgrew the venue and King moved it to Independence Park, Savanna-la-mar, Jamaica.  There are many including one of Peter’s son’s, Andrew Tosh, who feel that moving the tribute was not in the best interest of Peter Tosh fans because patrons would no longer be able to visit Tosh’s mausoleum, visit the home where Peter grew up and his mother, Alvera Coke, still lives.  In fact, to the family, moving the event took Peter Tosh out of the ‘Tribute to Peter Tosh.’   

Signature ToshTribute set for family home

(Photo: Andrew Tosh)

This year, 2008, Andrew Tosh, militant just like his father, had one focus regarding the planned tribute, that it would be held at the family home in Belmont.  Miraculously, due to planned renovations at the Savanna-la-mar location, the promoter was forced to move the tribute back to Belmont and there was excitement that for the first time it would be held not just at Belmont, but at the McIntosh home next to Peter’s mausoleum.  Tourists and locals were geared up for a fun, authentic day of celebrating the life of Peter Tosh and Peter’s mother who is close to 100 years old, was looking forward to greeting guests and sharing her stories of Peter’s life with them. 

Police deny permit

(Photo: Peter Tosh)

Two weeks before the tribute was to take place in Belmont, the police denied the permit for the event, citing ‘not enough parking facilities’ as the reason for the rejection of the permit.  The promoter, Worrell King then moved the event back to Independence Park in Savanna-la-mar, which had become available again.  This did not sit well with Andrew Tosh who vowed that if the event was not going to take place at Peter’s home then it would not take place at all.  “We give credit to Worrell King and acknowledge that he stood up when no one else did and created the a tribute to our father Peter Tosh, but he does not own the name Peter Tosh and he cannot dictate to us, the family, and act like he owns the Tosh name,” stated Andrew to West Indian Times.  Worrell King is quoted by Jamaican media as saying, "There are some persons, who are hell-bent on creating a controversy out of the event," he said. The promoter said that at least two of Tosh's offspring are insisting that the show be held despite the stop-order. "They are insisting that the show should be held in Belmont, in defiance of the police instruction, and I can't do that," said King.  I have to work with the police because, as a promoter, I have my reputation to protect," he said. However, Tosh’s family did not wish to defy the police instructions, they were just determined that if the tribute could not happen at Belmont, then it would not happen at all.  So said, so done.  The tribute to Peter Tosh is off.

Not about money

(Photo: Peter Tosh)

The Tosh family has stated that this is not about money, the tribute was a free event and money was never made, it is about keeping the integrity of the name Peter Tosh and making sure that the tribute remains about Peter Tosh and no other individual. 

Cham with Tosh brothers(l-r Dave Tosh, Lady Cham & Andrew Tosh)

Hopefully, in 2009, the Tosh family will come together and create their own tribute to Peter Tosh, it is well overdue.  Others can always promote and host tributes to our reggae great, it is their right as individuals; however, the official tribute should come from the family so that fans of Peter Tosh get the real, authentic feel of Peter, as only his family can give. 

1 TOK's Flexx1 bounty killa

(WIT File Photos L to R: Flexx from TOK and Bounty Killa)

T.O.K's Flexx and Bounty Killa Mourn The Passing Of Their Father's

Oct 14 - Two of Reggae’s dancehall stars recently lost their father’s within days of each other.  Constantine Basil Pryce, the father of ace deejay Rodney Pryce aka Bounty Killer, died on Thursday, October 9th after being ill and Hector Davidson the father of Xavier Davidson aka Flexx from the group TOK passed away on Sunday, October 12th after a long illness.   Bounty Killer has been a very dominant figure in the dancehall for more than a decade, and is known for a slew of hits over the years, among them, Poor People Fed Up and Look Into My Eyes.  Flexx and the members of T.O.K began on the High School circuit in Jamaica and have worked hard to reach their current status in dancehall, some of their most popular hits Hardcore Lover, Footprints and Uknown Language.  West Indian Times sends sincere condolences and prayers out to both families.

Backstage - Artist Gramps Morgan singsGramps Injured - Morgan Heritage Cancels European Tour

Oct 12 - Reggae group Morgan Heritage, which kicked off their world tour earlier this year, has cancelled their highly-anticipated club tour of Europe.   The six-week sojourn, part of the promotion for the group’s critically acclaimed album, Mission In Progress, was scheduled for the beginning of November to the middle of December.
“We were really looking forward to touring behind the new album in Europe,” a spokesperson for the group said.  “It was going to be our first club tour in Europe since 2005, so we were really looking forward to doing more intimate, more up close and personal shows all over Europe,” the Heritage representative explained.   Morgan Heritage says a medical injury which group member Gramps suffered the first week in October has resulted in the cancellation of the tour. “Gramps needs time to heal before we hit the road for such an extended period,” a member of the group stated.  Looking at it philosophically, the group member reflected, “All things in life have their purpose, because this cancellation gives us the chance to spend much needed time with our families over the next two months.”  Morgan Heritage, however, will be not be totally grounded as they will be doing one-off shows in the Caribbean while Gramps heals. Among the islands the group is scheduled to perform are Cayman, Nassau, the Bahamas and Dominica. They will also be doing a benefit concert on Saturday, October 18th for the city of New Orleans, and a hurricane relief concert in Turks and Caicos for the damage caused by Gustav.  “Hopefully, Gramps will be fully recovered in time for our African tour starting in Sierra Leone in the middle of December. The tour is also scheduled to be going to Liberia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Senegal and Gambia,” Morgan Heritage stated.  And, for those who are wondering when the group will return to Europe, they will doing a festival tour in May and June of 2009.

Rocksteady star Ellis dies at 70

Oct 11 - (BBC) Reggae star Alton Ellis, known as "the Godfather of rocksteady", has died at the age of 70.  The Jamaican-born singer, who moved to Britain in the 1970s, achieved fame with a number of hits, including I'm Still in Love and I'm Just a Guy.  He was a leading pioneer of the more laid-back "rocksteady" sound, which came out of Jamaica in the 1960s.  Ellis was still performing until August this year, when he collapsed after a concert in central London.  His manager and agent Trish De Rosa described him as "my guiding star and my inspiration".  "His life was the music and the stage," she said. "He was getting a tremendous amount of work right up to the end - it was very difficult to get him to slow down."  The Jamaican authorities are considering giving Ellis a state funeral, Ms De Rosa added.   The prolific singer, who began his career in the 1950s and fronted vocal group The Flames, was diagnosed with cancer in 2007.  Ellis underwent chemotherapy before returning to the stage, but died in London's Hammersmith hospital on the night of Friday, October 10th.   He leaves more than 20 children.

Oct 8 - Mr. Vegas Retiring - Last Performance Scheduled For ICM Fest in Miami, Florida

Dancehall artiste Mr. Vegas, born Clifford Smith, is retiring from the music business to spend time with God and his children.  He said his decision was ordained by God and it has been in the making for years.  Vegas says that this is something that has been brewing for a while and he will not be doing gospel. The artist is reported to have said that he has felt like leaving the business since he and Bounty Killer were at differences but he did not leave at the time because it would have looked like the Killer had gotten the best of him. Fans can see Mr. Vegas perform live for the last time at the ICM Fest on Sunday, November 16th, 2008 in Miami, Florida.  Log onto www.icmfest.com for details.  We wish Mr. Vegas all the best in his future endeavors.

Oct 7 - Jamaica Police Deny Permit For Annual Peter Tosh Celebration

West Indian Times recently reported that this year's official Annual Tribute to Peter Tosh would be held on October 18th the eve of Peter's 64th birthday at his birthplace in Belmont, Westmoreland, Jamaica at the site of his mausoleum.  However, Peter's son Andrew Tosh has informed West Indian Times that the Jamaican Police have denied the permit needed to keep the event at the Tosh home in Belmont and the event has been moved back last year's location at Independence Park, Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland.   There are many Peter Tosh fans who will be very disappointed by this turn of events as this would be the first time that the event would be held at Peter's home and resting place.  Patrons would have had the opportunity to take in the beautiful surroundings and interact with Peter's mother, Alvera Coke who still lives at the McIntosh home.  Second generation Wailers, Andrew Tosh, son of Peter Tosh; CenC Love, the daughter of Bunny Wailer and Akila Barrett, the son of the late Wailers' drummer, Carlton Barrett are scheduled to perform along with artists Bushman, Little Hero, Natural Black and Edi Fitzroy.  This is a free all day event beginning at 10am with fun activities for children and promises to be a beautiful tribute the the toughest mystic Winston Hubert McIntosh. 

(West Indian Times File Photo) 

Irie Love Making Music The Gedion Way

Oct 5 - Named by her father after the Third World song, Irie Ites, one could say it was destined for Irie Love to be musically inclined. A top 12 finalist in the 2006 Red Stripe Irie Fm Big Break Contest for upcoming artistes, Irie Love became one of the most recognizable persons in the competition.  She soon came to the attention of singing group, Morgan Heritage and in April 2007, Irie Love became the first female artiste signed to their Gedion Music production company. Since then, she has been touring the world as the opening act for Morgan Heritage. Her debut album entitled 'Life of LOVE' is scheduled for release on October 7th and then to be released on iTunes on October 10th.  Her first single, It Was Me, produced by Stephen McGregor, is currently in rotation in Europe and many other countries. In addition to touring with Morgan Heritage Irie Love has performed on such shows as Western Consciousness, Rebel Salute, East Fest, Uppsala Festival in Sweden and the UCLA Reggae and Jazz Festival.  Born in Hawaii to a father with Jamaican roots, she also carries Dutch, English and Native American blood in her lineage.  Irie Love started taking her passion for music seriously after a leg injury crushed her hopes of playing in the WNBA. After a state wide competition in high school, which Irie Love won to represent her school, she was signed by Quiet Storm Records, who released her first single, a reggae rendition of Chaka Khan’s classic, Tell Me Something Good. Irie Love soon began opening for major reggae acts in Hawaii, including Steel Pulse, Damian & Julian Marley, Mikal Rose, Don Carlos and Big Mountain, Yellow Man, Eek-A-Mouse and Gregory Isaacs.  Irie received professional voice training and has been trained in opera and classical voice. She taught herself to play the acoustic guitar and the ukulele. All the experiences in music and voice landed her professional back-up vocal jobs with PINK, David Hollister and Chaka Khan. She writes almost all of her songs and has done vocal production for a number of American artistes. Irie Love’s deep grasp on Reggae, Jazz, R&B, Soul, Hip Hop & Dancehall, makes it difficult for her to be ‘boxed’ into any specific genre. To that she says, “I want my music to speak for itself.”   And she is ready to say to the world, “Aloha”.

(photo: Sis Vickie gives DJ Jo Pro a well needed massage at the benefit dance)

Posted Oct 2 - On Sunday, September 28th many came out to a special benefit and remembrance dance held at Trisom Cherry Lounge in Virginia Beach in support of the family of murdered 12 year old Shatierra 'Shay Shay' Sigler.   Shay Shay's father is renowned DJ Jo Pro and her mother is Lady Robin of the Out N Bad reggae dancehall crew.  Both were in attendance with family and friends including the Out N Bad ladies supporting them.  It was an emotional night with fellow music fraternity family doing their best to stay strong for the family and show their love.  There was a moment of silence and prayer when candles were lit to shine a light of love for Shay Shay.  On hand was Sister Vickie of Zen Massage Center located at 4332 Holland Plaza Shopping Center in Virginia Beach, 757-962-2999 who generously offered her services for the entire evening and all proceeds went to the family.  The family were treated to well needed chair massages from Sister Vickie who remarked "It feels good to be able to do something tangible for the family, this is such a tragedy and I don't mind helping at all.  It's great to see the community coming together as one to help in this tragic time."    Seko and Carlita from Blackstarliner, King Walker from Lionheart, Lady Cham from Audio One Superpower and Joe Swynger from Crazy Love Sound also provided music.  Dancers and dancehall patrons who wanted to show their respect came out and supported with open hearts.  Artists Futuristic, Nubian, Sons of Thunder, Buggz, Sleepy Wonder and Bobo General also made it to the benefit and supported to the fullest along with members of the business community including Big T from Montego Caribbean, Icon Sound, Cess & crew from New Youth Sound, Black Russian from Desert Storm Sound and Killa Khan from Love People sound.  A special thanks to Trisom for opening their doors and providing the venue for the benefit and to King Walker for all his generous support.  The family cannot express in words the gratitude they feel for what the community has done for them, the benefit was a great help financially but most of all the support shown will stay with them forever.

 

DSC_0898Beenie Man Tax Evasion Charges Thrown Out

Oct. 1 - In Jamaica on Monday, September 29th, Beenie Man’s tax evasion trial was thrown out of court.  According to the judge, the evidence was not enough for the case to continue.  Now that Beenie Man is cleared of all charges, he has vowed to make sure his taxes are paid on time and in full.  According to his publicist, Ray Alexander the deejay said, give thanks to “Rastafari” - for getting this heavy load off his head.  

Cherine Anderson On The Road With Michael Franti & Spearhead

On the heels of wrapping a successful 21-day tour of the US in early September, the young dancehall soul songstress Cherine Anderson returns to the States again, this time hitting the road with singer/activist Michael Franti and Spearhead. Anderson is touring with the massively popular Franti and Spearhead in support of their September 9 release, All Rebel Rockers, in which Cherine is featured on three songs. The first single of the album, Say Hey (I Love You), featuring Cherine, is receiving great radio rotation as well as being featured on ads for the CW and E! Entertainment Networks. Anderson serves as the band's opening act, performing songs from her upcoming EP The Introduction-dubstyle, and rejoins the band as a featured vocalist during the Spearhead set. In October, the tour takes Anderson to Australia, her first time taking her dancehall soul sound down under. The talented artistes bring their powerful shows to 10 cities in Australia, including Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

In May, 2008 a Chris Godfinger interview with Beenie Man was posted to Youtube and in it Beenie Man spoke negatively of his child’s mom in England saying, “Mi baby-mother is a kind of careless woman…Mi get a son a England which me neva know bout but mi know bout him now.”  Shezal Laing, who is reportedly the child’s mom in England and the niece of Isaiah Laing (founder of 'Sting' and ex-crime fighter in Jamaica) filed for child support from Beenie Man  and has posted a video of her own on Youtube in reponse to Beenie Man's interview.  Shezal uses photos and text to respond to what she calls Beenie Man's 'lies'.   Still photos of Beenie Man bottle feeding his baby son clearly show that he did know about his son.  The child is now six years old. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_WOCMEZgAo

Bob MarleyNew Bob Marley Bio 'A Life' Written By Garry Steckles

One of the twentieth century's most iconic cultural figures, Bob Marley was responsible for popularizing reggae music throughout the world. He set attendance records that still stand today and his 1977 Exodus album was hailed by Time magazine as the greatest of the 20th Century. His unique blend of politically conscious lyrics and unforgettable melodies won him legions of fans far beyond the Caribbean. But Marley was no mere pop star: his strong attachment to Rasta beliefs and practices and his fierce hostility to the injustice of "Babylon" made him an important spokesperson for the dispossessed all over the globe.  In this new biography, Garry Steckles follows Marley's eventful life through the early days in rural Jamaica, arrival in Kingston, first recordings and performances to his spectacular status as an international superstar. Throughout, he analyzes Marley's political and religious beliefs, while also concentrating on his relationships with fellow musicians, family and influential figures. He documents Marley's often turbulent relationships with reggae legends like studio pioneer Clement "Coxson" Dodd, fellow Wailers Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, and the wildly eccentric producer Lee "Scratch" Perry, introduces you to behind-the-scenes legends like Island Records founder Chris Blackwell and the volatile PR genius Charles Comer, and takes you on the Rasta roller-coaster that carried Marley to the cover of Rolling Stone. A chapter focusing on Marley's long-term legacy explores what the musician contributed to world music and what the religious believer gave to Rastafarianism.   Gary Steckles has worked as a newspaper editor in the US, England, Canada, and Barbados. He has written about reggae and all aspects of Caribbean culture in major newspapers and magazines in North America and the Caribbean.