Entertainment Update May 2008!

(May 30th, 2008)  By now we have all heard rumors and innuendos about what took place backstage at Best of the Best 08 in Miami, Fl.  Well, West Indian Times was in the press area backstage when things got heated between Buju Banton and Jr. Reid and we are here to give you an EYEWITNESS report as witnessed by Dawn Johnson for West Indian Times.   In the press tent, Buju was doing his thing and Jr. Reid also came into the tent and when Jr. was about to leave I hollered out to him that I needed shots of him and another media house said the same thing. So Jr. Reid turned back and as he was coming coming back in, Buju was about to leave.  As they passed each other Buju extended his hand in a greeting to Jr. Reid and Jr. said "No, mi nah shake your hand" and Buju responded "OK Jr. Greed."  Then Jr. got upset and called Buju a batty bwoy.  Buju looked at Jr. Reid in disbelief and said "Ah dat you ah call me? Batty Bwoy? and Jr. Reid said "Yes, an you can guh suck yuh maddah." Buju moved towards Jr. Reid and Jr. Reid began to move toward Buju and that was when the media personnel moved in and there was a scuffle whilst making sure that there was no fight.  It was best of the best with a question mark.   The rest of the review from both backstage and front stage can be read by clicking this link:

SOCA AWARDS ORGANIZATION, INC. is pleased to inform you that on Monday June 2^nd, 2008 the Categories, Honoree Recipients and Nominees for (iSA 6) will officially be announced. 

On Saturday October 18th 2008 at 5:00pm the spotlight will shine on the St. Kitts Marriott Event Center “DOME” which will be the official location of Soca music.  Watch as history unfolds, for the first time in the beautiful island of St. Kitts the Soca Awards Organization Inc. (SAO), endorsed by St. Kitts Tourism Authority presents the 6th Annual International Soca Awards (iSA6) – Under the Patronage of the Honorable Minister of State for Tourism, Sports and Culture, Senator Richard “Ricky” Skerritt.  The Annual International Soca Awards is the Caribbean’s equivalent to the Grammy, Hip Hop, MTV and BET Awards, where exponents of the Soca Music art form are recognized and rewarded for achievements and excellence in various categories.  This gala event is a presentation of the Brooklyn, N.Y. based Soca Awards Organization, Inc., whose founder and CEO is young and ambitious Trinidadian entrepreneur COLIN JACKMAN.  After five successful years in New York 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007 and in Trinidad in 2005, the 2008 event promises to be the biggest yet, showcasing the absolute best talent that the Caribbean has to offer with the usually highly anticipated live performances by the top international Soca Artists.  A very high profile international entertainment superstar is expected to be the "Special Invited Guest Presenter" at the star studded evening of music, culture and honors.  The Red Carpet and VVIP reception starts at 5:00pm, doors open at 6:30pm and show time is at 7:30pm sharp. 

LIVE ON - ZIZ TV, ZIZ Radio, Win FM 98.9, Sugar City Roc 90.3 FM, Radio One 94.5FM - St. Kitts.   Red Hot Radio 98.1FM - Antigua, thefrontlineradio.com, socaawards.com (iSA RADIO).   We encourage you to stay linked to www.socaawards.com for up to date information and more exciting news on the 2008 International Soca Awards.

Support for iSA6 is provided by St. Kitts Tourism Authority, St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino, b Mobile, HYPE TV, Royal St. Kitts Hotel & Casino ZIZ TV, ZIZ Radio, socaawards.com, socatvonline.com, Win FM 98.9, Sugar City Roc 90.3 FM, Radio One 94.1FM, Red Hot Radio 98.5FM, sknvibes.com, Club Kactus, sknentertainment.com. Pour Moi – Cognac, JTE Spirits, W4 Tours & Promotions, tropicalfete.com, thefrontlineradio.com, toronto-lime.com and wukupnuff.com, www.socaordie.com, caribbeanmecca.com, tswradio.com, Soca Mix, Turner Video Productions, V.I.P Connected.

Reggae SingJay Sleepy Wonder who was recently voted Reggae Producer of the Year 2008 at the Virginia Reggae Awards has just inked a distribution deal for his company 'No Choice Music Group' and is soon to hit the road again with Thievery Corporation on tour of the US and also Europe.   Big things are happening for Sleepy Wonder right now with a label distribution deal with 'Bug Music Digital' who are in London, LA, Munich and New York, it is a 3 year deal that will distribute any music coming out of No Choice Music Group with a concentration on ringtones and downloads; ITunes, WalMart, RapCity, Amazon 3, Napster, EMusic & all mobile outlets i.e. Verizon, Sprint, Groove, Bell and others.   Listen out for Sleepy's track 'Warning Shots' as the title track on the movie 'Babylon Central' which is an original, independent feature-length film directed and co-written by Eric Hilton (Thievery Corporation) and  shot on location in Washington D.C. in 2006/07.

Tour Dates:

June 20 – San Francisco – The Greek

June 21 – Las Vegas – Mandalay Bay Beach

Scorsese Pulls Out Of Marley Movie

Jamaican entertainer Owen Moncrieffe, who goes by the stage name Fanton Mojah, is out of police custody in the UK.  The musician was apprehended in Brixton, South London on Thursday, May 15th, following a police drug raid on a shop.  He was released without charge Friday afternoon.  The singer reportedly explained to the London Metropolitan Police that it was a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.  At the time he was apprehended Fanton Mojah stated that he had gone into the shop to purchase a bottle of water.  A shop worker who was also held for questioning remains in custody.  Fanton Mojah has just completed his tour of several UK cities.
 

Machel, Tarrus and The Marley's Dominate 27th IRAWMA Awards at the Apollo Theater.

Review & Photos by Stan E. Smith (Staff Writer) Amid a spectacular stage lighting, great performances, award winners, the successful staging of the 27th International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem NYC on May 4^th 2008 concluded appropriately with a Finale of Bob Marley's One Love by entertainers, award winners, volunteers and staff.

From the red carpet with the stars to the awards presentation the show was an unqualified success. The stage lighting was bright and the stage prop were complimentary. Former Zappow band lead guitarist Dwight Pinkney who was awarded the Martin's International Award of Honor along with the absent Freddie McGregor opened the entertainment on with his self-penned Dennis Brown classic ‘How Could I Leave’ segment of the show.  However the night’s awards were dominated by the Marley clan with five awards, Ziggy, Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award, Kymani Most Promising Entertainer and Producer's "Respect" Award and Steven, Best CD -Mind Control, and Songwriter of the Year, Trinidad’s soca maestro Machel Montano, arguably the Caribbean best entertainer created history by winning the most awards (3) for a soca artist for the Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer, Most Outstanding Stage Personality and the Bob Marley Entertainer of The Year award (Sean Paul has the record with 6 one time) Soca artiste Jaydene survived a mike mal function and came back like trooper as saxophonist  Dean Fraser, who doubled as the event’s band leader, collected his award for Best Instrumentalist, then got back up on the bandstand  telling the audience “ I have work to do.” Mutabaruka, who said he was running out of space on his fridge to put them, took home his 22^nd IRAWMA trophy for Best Poet.   The awardee for the category of Best Song of the Year was announced by Ritchie B, the entire audience sensed that their favorite She's Royal, by Tarrus Riley would take it, it did. Rousing approval and screams by female patrons validated this unquestioned choice. Riley, added a nice touch when he told the female this one was for them. He received an equally appreciative welcome when he returned to collect his trophy for the Best Male Vocalist.  The no-show self proclaimed King of Dancehall Beenie Man, received two IRAWMA awards for recording Artist of the Year and DJ of the Year. Though he wasn’t the only winner brothers Stephen and Ziggy Marley were also no-show but had brother Kymani there to represent them. Beenie has been a no-show before and his lack of representation speaks volumes about his lack of professionalism. Awardee Billy Ocean who wasn’t there, but sent a video taped thank message, so did Shaggy some years ago while he was on the road. One has to wonder if this attitude explains why Ocean and Shaggy are bonafide superstars and Beenie, after so many years still remains an ever popular artist who just can’t get to the next level.  Etana, who seems to be everywhere these days walked away with the Best Female Vocalist, award. Author of Bob Marley Reggae King of the World Malika Lee Whitney remarked how impressed she was with Etana’s performance of her hit ‘Warrior Love. ’ Queen Ifrika, also a no-show got the nod for Best Female DJ/Rapper beating out D’Angel, Lady G, and Macka Diamond.  The female performers and presenters were fashion statements from their performance out fits to their red carpet dress they were sexy to elegant. Cecile had her gold see-through top gown, Lady G, looked splendid in her power blue gown with silver jewelry; D’Angel in her sexy green sequin high front cut long tail back dress, Barbee, in her bootylicious dress which complement her ample booty, Etana’s royal gown gave her a regal presence and host Sheila Hylton in her tight-fitted black leather out fit.  

The murdered South African reggae star, Lucky Dube, was awarded posthumously as the Best African Entertainer, while Buju Banton another no show received the award for Most Educational Entertainer.  Diamond Grammy-winning dancehall star Shaggy, who was entertaining with his antics received the award for Best Music Video for Church Heathen.  Sean Kingston, also a no-show received two trophies for Best New Entertainer and Best Crossover Song for Beautiful Girls.  The IRAWMA Hall of Fame inductees were London-based, Trinidadian born singer Billy Ocean, Jamaican gospel great Claudelle Clarke, and Tuff Gong studio recording engineer Errol Brown and London based  Jamaican born, Rock Steady singer Winston ‘Mr. Fix’ Francis aka Billy ‘Extra Careful’ Cole.  Publisher of the New York base Everybody's Magazine, Herman Hall was recognized with an Award of Appreciation for Contributions to the Music Industry.   Everybody’s is possibly the oldest Caribbean entertainment/news publication in the United States. The magazine began publication in the1970s. Entertainer, Winsome Benjamin and Carib News publisher Karl Rodney also received awards in this category.

List of IRAWMA 2008 Winners:

Kehv, Dean Brown and Angel @ bushbaby in Brooklyn, NY

Story & Photos By Stan Evan Smith

Florida based acoustic R&B Reggae artist, Kehv and DC base Spoken Word poet, Angel recently made their New York debut at bush baby in Brooklyn. They were joined by multi-instrumentalist Dean Brown. The trip from Maryland/DC to New York City was fast. With temperatures in the 40’s and chilly, the small but intimate multi cultural ambient setting, at bush baby,  located a few blocks from the home of one of hip hop lyric poet, the late Biggie Small, was the ideal setting. The evening’s underground music created an Irie and Mellow vibe.     Angel, set the tone for the night’s spiritual communication. With an emphasis on language as her form of communication noting “the deepest love is written in the word” she opened with a poem titled ‘Word. She exited but the audience wanted more, but, that was later. Multi-instrumentalist Dean Brown, who’s set featured Jamaica Ska, one-drop Reggae then Dub picked up where Angel left off. Brown let loose with the Bob Marley’s ‘classic ‘Trench Town Rock’ then segued to ‘Song of a man’. He conjured echoes of the late Augustus Pablo, the great reggae instrumentalist who popularized the melodica in reggae with his melodic incantations of Far East melodies from his melodica on the track ‘Peace and Love.  When the evening’s featured guest Kehv, took his seat before the mike, guitar in tow he thanked the audience for coming and apologized for his hoarseness. He launched into an acoustic dub ‘Free way.’ As he went along he became more comfortable and the reggae poet/rap poet in him emerged. Kehv related his life experiences through his music and was able to connected with the audience on ‘Life Story.’’    After a brief intermission Angel resume her set with music as back drop. Looking confident her body language oozed with sexual passion on the Robbie Marley penned “Sniper.’ However it wasn’t until she recited ‘Addicted’ the love drug, that the sexual passion emanating from her erotic words drew the audience into her erotic web.   Kehv and Dean came back for a jam session, with Dean playing the conga drum and Kehv the guitar they sang a medley of Marley tunes ‘Stir it up’, Redemption song’ and ‘No Woman No Cry’. Angel, after some coaxing joined and exhorted the willing audience to also join in, they did. She teamed vocally with Dean for another Marley classic ‘Three little Birds.’ As the vibe slowly wound to a close, the evening’s fulfilling finale to a great of entertainment came to an end.

The Itals Bring Sweet True Roots Reggae To Virginia Beach, VA

Review by Sister Vickie - Although I am not a dancehall fan, I have to to big up 'Mike Walla' and sista friend 'Beautiful' {she sounds like the late Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopez, from the group TLC).  They opened 'The Ital's'  show, Saturday night, April 26^th at the Jewish Mother down at the Ocean Front in Va. Beach to a tight but short R&B flava set ending with ‘Cry Baby’, then bringing on the group 'Bukwi,'  {nominated this year for two awards in The Virginia Reggae Awards including Best Song of the Year & Best New Artist}, the band consisted of King Louie & Tony Nucklez + DJ Cool Mo singing a mix of hip-hop with a roots/dancehall reggae flava.  After a quick band change, “NATURE’S CHILD” who are reggae ambassadors based in Virginia came on stage.  Nature's Child is a band that is multi-cultural, multi-racial, and multi-talented.  They are comprised of; George (Lead Vocals, percussions), Delores {Dee}, Vocals, Austin-(Drummer), Joe (Saxophone, Flute, background vocals), Vasily (Bass Guitar Backup), Ed (Bass Guitar) and David {Young Lion} Lead Guitar, Vocals.  Their positive energy was in true roots and rockers form.  They started their set with a Bob Marley cover, of ‘WAR’ and the energy continued to rise throughout their set of sharing the message of peace and love to new fans and old fans alike.   They drew in the crowd who sang along with them seeming to enjoy every moment.    They had the crowd in the palm of their hands wanting more……  In closing they, invited  opening acts, Buckwi and Mike Walla all showing ‘one love and unity’ singing, together Jr. Gong’s ‘Welcome To Jam Rock.’   Then Nature’s Child brought on the nights head line act, The Itals……  There was an instant feeling of “all is IRIE” the minute Keith Porter and his band, with two back-up singers (one being his daughter Kada) hit the stage and began to sing ‘sweet roots reggae music’ to the pleasing crowd.  He sounds as good today as he did 30 years ago!   I felt as if I was back in Jamaica at a Heineken Star Time show swaying to di music in the cool outdoor breeze with mi Rasta bredrens and sistrens!  Mi say, the sweet smile of Keith Porter said it all on that small stage, ‘di bredren love to sing’ and he knows how to entertain an audience.  The band was tight and in the mood to make sure every one was feeling Irie!  He even sang an old R&B song wid a Jamaican flava.  Winding down their set, they sang their signature song “Inna Dis Ya Time” to a very satisfied crowd.  Can’t end dis review without big up and nuff respect to di drummer 'Drummy Zeb'  for keeping the vibes full of energy!    Mi really happy Iya went to dis here show.  Give thanks to the promoters VIP & Fidelity Records who brought the show to the Jewish Mother.   

I make no excuses for lovin' to di bone mi roots and culture!  Looking forward to seeing the Itals next strong when they pass through Virginia.

One Love!  Sista Vickie say so!

Cocoa Tea & Ritchie Stevens Shine at Team Bickle Benefit Concert

BROOKLYN- A midsize crowd of Caribbean nationals and well wishers including dignitaries, sponsor and celebrities were treated to fine quality top flight quality entertainment by reggae stars at Team Jamaica Bickle (TJB) concert at Brooklyn College’s Walt Whitman auditorium on Sunday April 20^th 2008.  The fund-raising event for the Jamaican high school athletes participating in 114th Penn Relays at Franklin Field at the University of Pennsylvania and the August Olympics in Beijing saw reggae stars Coco Tea and Ritchie Stephens and equally talented new comers Etana, Duane Stephenson and Trinidadian reggae singer Jah Melody, (who could turn out to be one of the best things to happen to reggae music in long time. They gave stellar performances at a fine event. Sing jay Gyptian made a cameo appearance.  On hand were Anthony Johnson, Jamaica's ambassador to Washington and permanent representative to the Organization of American States along with his wife, Pamela; incoming consular general Genevieve Brown Metzger; and New York State's assemblyman, Nick Perry, local media, Sirius Satellite Radio, Program Director of Reggae and Gospel Pat McKay and President of VP Records Chris Chin.   The show opened with shades of Bitty Mclean by unknown singer Shango Trex. Next up making his debut was Jah Melody who calls himself 'the voice of the ghetto youths.’ Despite getting a lousy mix his amazing evocative vocal shone through on “Be Prepared” (title of his debut CD) and Ithiopia, The mastery of vocal range he demonstrated on Stevie Wonders “Ribbon in the Sky” proved impressive.  Former 2-Isis member, Duane Stephenson, who was making his New York debut, (penned Jah Cure hit Reflections) with his laid-back aurora  took thing up a notch with “Ghetto Pain” and his hit “Cottage in Negril” remake of the late Tyrone Taylor classic. However, it wasn’t until the autobiographical “Welcome to August Town” that he got into high gear.   Roots singer Etana, gave an emotionally charged performance. With her regal bearing on stage, she added diva-like head rolls and walks. Her tortured and pained voice expression on “I am not afraid” made the jazz& R&B accompanying arrangement more relevant. She segued into “Wrong Address”   “Roots” and Warrior Love. She had the audience exactly where she wanted them.  Ritchie Stephens used his limited time wisely. As the audience rousing welcomed him he used chorus, hooks and verses of his many hits and R&B covers he stir the audience from their seats into the aisle. From  his reggae hit ‘Trying to get to you’ to his soulful crooning on “ There’s No House W/out a home’ and Luther Vandross’ “I’d Rather Have Bad Times With You’ to his standard tribute to his mentor Dennis Brown, ‘Should I’ and ‘ Spanish Harlem’ the crowd begged for an encore as he obliged. Coco Tea, the Barack Obama man of the night gave a nearly one hour set which the fans thoroughly enjoyed. The Rastafarian singer chanted down Babylon’s throne and gave praises to “Israel’s King’ and ‘Holy Mount Zion’, then he took the bad boys to task on “Rikers Island’ and disparaged the rent-a-dreads.  He had a segment for the ladies w/” 'Love Me', 'She Loves me now' and 'Good Life’  and he went way back in time with 'Tune In.'  For his encore he duly obliged the clearly satisfied audience with  his newest hit, his tribute to American Democratic presidential candidate, Barrack Obama.  The evening’s proceedings closed what was a great abbreviated but memorable concert.

REGGAE INVADES SWEET AUBURN SPRING FESTIVAL IN ATLANTA WITH CARIBBEAN VILLAGE ADDED TO THIS YEAR'S EVENT

Atlanta, GA:  The Sweet Auburn Music Festival in Atlanta is the largest multi-cultural music, art, film and food festival in the Southeastern United States. The three-day festival will take place this year from May 7 to 11 and is expected to attract some half a million consumers. The festival takes place in the historic Sweet Auburn/ Martin Luther King National Park District in downtown Atlanta.  This year, for the first time, a Caribbean Village is being established at the festival by New Creation Records, an Atlanta-based record label.  Some 16 reggae artists from Jamaica and the United States will perform over the 3 day period, and companies from across the country that do business with the Caribbean American market in the Southeastern United States can showcase and sell their products to the exploding number of Caribbean American residents in the Atlanta region.  The Sweet Auburn Spring Fest 2008 will have ten stages with continuous entertainment alongside pavilions that will put focus on culture, health, sports, business & technology, dream homes, fashion, a film festival, a celebration of books, cars & bikes and international cuisine. Families attending with kids can enjoy the very popular Kids Fun Zone loaded with engaging fun activities for their enjoyment.  "Given the growing popularity of reggae music in the region, and with a growing number of Caribbean immigrants moving to the Atlanta region, the time is right now to diversify the offerings of the Sweet Auburn Spring Festival", Danny Sterling, president of New Creation Records commented.  Among the reggae artists performing are Dez-I, Phil Watkis and Josie Mel form Jamaica and Joseph Quote, Charmaine Da Costa (formerly of Whorl A Girl), Papa Lova, Benz Man, Joanna Marie, Vital and Rochelle from the United States. For more information, visit    www.sweetauburn.com or www.newcreationrecords.com