Entertainment September, 2008!

Sept. 28 - SLEDGE.....the name is from a popular TV series called Sledge Hammer, he went from Mc Sledge to SLEDGE, hosting numerous talent shows in various communities in the inner city area of Kingston, Jamaica.   Sledge was born Courtney Whyte and started out singing from the tender age of five in Churches, Schools, Bible Clubs and Community concerts.    “For me music is what I like, it gives me the opportunity to express myself and show love to the people” Sledge commented.  SLEDGE was also prominent in the Tastee Talent show and has appeared on quite a few of their tapings as a guest artist and was once a contestant himself.  He was the lead singer for various bands and performed at the most popular hotels and venues across Jamaica. Sledge has opened for artists like Mikey Spice, Karen Smith, L.U.S.T. and Beenie Man just to name a few.  SLEDGE has now gone solo and is now active in Hartford, Connecticut U.S.A. He has shared the same stage with the likes of Sanchez, L.U.S.T., Third world, Half Pint, Sugar Minott and various Hip Hop artistes.  SLEDGE has blossomed into a song writer and is currently being sought by various record labels in the United States.  He is making inroads into the music industry since the release of songs such as “Should I, Fancy Girl, and Find Out Who Your Friends Are.   Sledge notes that his music is for the healing of people all over the world, he wants to use it to unite everyone and to help make the world a better place. 

---

HUMBLE

Sept. 28 - Born Simon Jonathan Vassell in the small township of Redditch, England to Jamaican-born parents, Humble was exposed to music at an early age. The sweet sound of reggae music had hypnotized the youngster by the tender age of three after hearing a song by an American-born reggae artist named Johnny Nash called "Tears on my Pillow". "I would sing the song to anyone willing to listen".   Humble's parents then returned to Jamaica. "My mother was born in St. Elizabeth so anytime I went back it was there I would go, love the country".  Humble moved with his family to Toronto when he was three. In grade three, Humble took the mandatory musical aptitude test and later learned he had scored the highest percentage in his entire school. "Hearing a note sequence or a tone and retaining it in my head was very easy, I just have to hear it once". As he entered his adolescence years Humble's parents had divorced and he moved to the community of Rexdale. Staying out of trouble wasn't too hard as his reserved and quiet demeanor gained curiosity and respect from those around him.   When Humble was in his late teens he bought a guitar and found his passion in creating music and his own unique sound. So far Humble's journey has caused him to meet many artists and people in the music industry.   In October 2005 Humble released his debut album titled "Hard to See" on the Sound Check Records label. The debut album earned Humble a Juno nomination for 2007 as well as Canadian Reggae Achievement awards for Artist of the Year and Album of the Year. Humble has opened for many international artists such as Junior Kelly, popular dub poet Mutabaruka, Tony Rebel, and roots reggae's legendary Abyssinians to name a few.   In 2007 Humble found interest in the ambitious Canadian label Palm of Gold and it wasn’t long before he found himself in Kingston Jamaica working on a new project.  The new album is set for release in late 2007.  In the meantime Humble has been hard at work spreading his music and gaining popularity one song at a time with a Japan tour in November 2007 as well as another award for his single “High Grade”  which was presented at the Global Marijuana Music Awards in Australia for Best Reggae Marijuana Song in October 2007.  At the present time Humble is working towards collaborating with some of Toronto's top reggae artists to help build the reggae reputation in Canada  It's clearly not Hard to See that this Rasta youth is definitely going places.
 

---

New Site For Peter Tosh Tribute

Sept. 24 - Basil Walters, Jamaica  Report: October is celebrated as Heritage Month, a month in which we honor heroes and cultural icons past and present. One such icon is Peter Tosh. The annual Peter Tosh's Tribute which for the past three years was held at Independence Park, Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, will be held this year at his birthplace in Belmont at the site of his mausoleum.  The main feature of the tribute, which takes place on Saturday, October 18 (the eve of his 64th birthday), will be the appearance of three performers belonging to the second generation of the Wailers. These are 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.  "So you see, the Wailers will be there," mused Worrell King, promoter of the 18-year-old event. Other acts include Lutan Fyah, Bushman, Little Hero, Natural Black and the ever present Edi Fitzroy. There will be no charge for the all-day affair beginning at 10:00 am with fun and games activities for children.  According to promoter Worrell King, the concert has been relocated because he was told by the Westmoreland Parish Council that Independence Park was scheduled for renovation, however, this is yet to begin. Taking all of that in stride, King sought to put a positive spin on it when he reported: "Quite fittingly, this year patrons will have the opportunity to interact with his (Peter Tosh's) mother who is still living there at Belmont where Tosh is resting. And they will also get to view the mausoleum, as well as the splendid scenery provided by the trees and the birds."  One of reggae's strident voices, Winston Hubert McIntosh, a guitarist and original member of the Wailers, was born on October 19, 1944, and was brutally slain at his Barbican home on September 11, 1987.  For his lyrical stridency, short-fuse temperament he dubbed himself 'The Stepping Razor', and for his staunch, unapologetic advocacy of the Rastafari worldview, he saw himself as 'The Mystic Man'.

---

"RADIO RETALIATION"   The ESL album which features two tracks by Sleepy Wonder was released on Tuesday, September 23rd (the anniversary of Sleepy's Mother's passing four years ago).  It was a bitter sweet day for Sleepy as he remembered his mother and her never ending love and support for him and his music.    The album debuted #4 on the USA BILLBOARD TOP 100 CHARTS http://www.musicsnews.com/pages/USA-Billboard,-Album
#38 On the UK TOP 100 CHARTS http://www.musicsnews.com/pages/USA-Billboard,-Album  and #3 IN GREECE'S TOP 100 CHARTS http://www.musicsnews.com/pages/GREECE-Charts,-Album
 

---

ICM Fest Line Up of International  Acts Finalized

Sept. 23 - The International Caribbean Music Festival which has been a staple event in South Florida since 1997 is set to take place at the historic Virginia Key Beach Park, Key Biscayne, Miami, on Sunday, November 16^th, 2008.  This popular event has experienced many positive changes since its inception in 1997 as a Pre-Thanksgiving Family Fun Day, Reggae Bash held at the AT&T Amphitheatre, which consisted of a lineup that still is being talked about today.  Each year that the show has been staged, the promoters have taken the initiative to make changes that reflect what the people want, and as needed they have moved the event to accommodate the over 30,000 patrons who travel each year from near and far.  One of the things that makes ICM Fest unique is that the organizers permit the patrons to choose who they want to see on stage by allowing them to vote for their favorite artists and in doing so they guarantee to host the hottest acts in the industry.    This year there was a big buzz on the street during voting time because there are many popular dancehall artists that have not performed in South Florida for a long time and patrons fervently awaited word that their voices were heard.  A spokesperson for the event had promised “It will definitely be the people’s choice,” and as promised the long awaited lineup is full of great choices.  

For the first time in the United States dancehall fans will witness the ‘King of the Dancehall’ Beenie Man,

‘Poor People’s Governor’ Bounty Killer and ‘The Gully Gad’ Movado in the same arena; it’s left to see what will happen when the 'Big 3' hit the stage; Love and Happiness. 

 

Long awaited culture singjay Tony Rebel is set to delight the masses and the two most empowering women in reggae; Queen Ifrica and Etana, will majestically grace the ICM Fest stage and bring the true essence and power of the woman to the festival.   

 

Among the other artists set to perform are reggae vocalists Da' ville and Christopher Martin who are sure to gratify the crowd.

 

International superstar Sean Kingston whose hit song 'Beautiful Girls' has topped the charts in Europe, Australia, Canada, US and around the globe will bring his on point lyrics in the reggae, hip-hop and rap style that his fans love.

Sight and Sound will be an act that you don’t want to miss; they have brought a revolutionary spin on playing Reggae music that involves encompassing sight, sound and the audience. 

  

The lyrically unstoppable Spragga Benz, the ‘bad from him born' Munga Honorable,

 

 

 

Mr. 'Hot Wuk' Vegas and newcomer to the dancehall Konshens are all a hit with dancehall fans and promise to light a fire that will be one for the record books. 

Also set to perform by popular request is Papa San and he is sure to delight the patrons as he stretches Gospel to places only he can take it.  Once again ICM Fest is slated to be a hit with a prolific line up that is ‘the people’s choice.’

The promoters wish to thank all who voted for their favorite artists and are urging patrons to book their travel and accommodations early by logging onto www.icmfest.com for discounted travel.   Delroy Escoffery one of the organizers of ICM Fest is conscious of the ailing economy in the United States and noted that "there will be FREE PARKING for all patrons at the festival."   

GOD is the answer...thank GOD for life...God bless us all...

---

Bolt parties like a rock star - Sprinter celebrates at homecoming concert

Olympic triple-gold medalist Usain Bolt was unbeaten in his ability to entertain at a homecoming party held in his honor at his alma mater William Knibb Memorial High in Trelawny on Saturday, September 20th.  Dubbed 'Hart Hill Usain Bolt Homecoming concert', the event saw the world-record holder partying like a rock star much to the delight of the audience which erupted in a frenzy when he was introduced by MC Candice Buchanan.  To honor Bolt's Olympic achievement, he was presented with a bronze sculpture of himself done by sculptor Kay Sullivan on behalf of the Sherwood Content residents.  Bolt made sure that the international media in attendance captured his dominance on the dance floor which was synonymous with his world-record breaking performances at the recently-concluded Beijing Games.  Not to be outdone were the popular dancers who were in attendance.  David 'Ice' Smith, creator of the dance move 'Gully Creeper' and Marlon 'Overmars ' Hardy, creator of 'Nuh Linga' challenged the 22-year-old sprinter to participate in the dancing frenzy which lasted some 30 minutes much to the delight of the capacity-filled audience.  Dancehall artiste Beenie Man, one of the headline acts, was not in attendance due to prior commitments.  Shaggy, however, was adamant that the crowd would not go home unsatisfied. 'Mr Lover Lover' went through his catalogue of hit songs which included Angel and It Wasn't Me with his colleague Rik Rok.  Other entertainers who performed included Kiprich, D'Angel, Wayne Marshall, Voicemail, RDX, Bugle, Richie Spice, Timberlee and Tifa.  Among those in attendance were Commissioner of Police Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin with his wife Tessa, and Spanish Ambassador to Jamaica, Jesús Silva with his family.

---

East Fest Under New Management

It is being reported that East Fest, the annual year end cultural stage show promoted and produced by sibling group, Morgan Heritage, is now under new management.   According to the reports, the group is "no longer part of the planning and production of the successful roots and culture stage show". Morgan Heritage, who this year launched the critically-acclaimed CD, Mission In Progress, has been touring extensively in support of the product.  One reason given for the group's 'resignation' from East Fest is their hectic tour schedule. "We decided that our touring schedule would not allow us to properly organize a festival," Heritage is quoted in a release. The release further stated that "the Family took a decision to turn over the event to new management".  Held annually in St Thomas, the show, in keeping with the beliefs of the Morgan family, took a hiatus in its seventh year and made its return last December, using the same format with which patrons had become familiar. Hopefully the new managers, whoever they are, can deliver a successful roots show that is still in keeping with the group's beliefs.

---

Order Of Jamaican Heritage Proposed

Cultural icons Bob Marley and Louise Bennett may not make it as Jamaica's next national heroes, but could be the first to receive the newly proposed Order of Jamaican Heritage (OJH), posthumously.   Rebel slave uprising leader, Tacky stands a much better chance of being named the eighth national hero, if convincing information can be produced. But for the time being, it is likely that the number of national heroes will remain at seven.  The information is contained in the report of a committee, which was appointed by Prime Minister Bruce Golding last October to review the system of national honors and awards. The committee was chaired by Professor Rex Nettleford and also included fellow University of the West Indies professors, Barry Chevannes and Verene Shepherd.  The report was reviewed by the Cabinet last week and tabled in the House of Representatives by the prime minister. It goes next to Parliament's Human Resources and Social Development Committee for further review.    PM Golding said that he hoped to have the matter resolved before the end of the 2008/2009 session, so that any changes made would be done in time for the 2009 award of honors.  The committee was asked to review the system of national honors and awards and make recommendations for changes, while ensuring that appropriate recognition was given to those who render outstanding service. It was also asked to advise on whether Marley and Bennett (Miss Lou), who are frequently cited as deserving recipients, should be considered for national hero status, or if the present complement of seven national heroes should remain.  The committee recommended that the Order of National Hero, the highest honor, should remain restricted to the existing heroes for the time being.  However, it recommended that a new Order of Jamaican Heritage be instituted as the second highest national honor. Currently the second highest national honor is the Order of the Nation (ON) which goes to governors general and prime ministers.  The OJH would be given to outstanding individuals or groups for outstanding contributions to "the nation's tangible and intangible heritage, as well as in the decolonization of Jamaican sense and sensibility as part of the struggle for political and cultural sovereignty".  The committee said that it was also aware of recent petitions to elevate Tacky, the hero of the 1760 war of liberation, to the status of national hero. It recommended that a researcher be identified to write a paper justifying Tacky's elevation to that status for future consideration as the committee did not have such a paper to guide it at the time.  The other members of the committee were Madge Barrett, Merrick Needham, Senator Oswald Harding, Seragh Lakasingh, Hugh Nash and Jean Barnes.

---

MIGHTY DIAMONDS HEADLINES FOURTH ANNUAL

REGGAE CULTURE SALUTE

Reggae stalwarts, the Mighty Diamonds will headline the fourth annual Reggae Culture Salute on Saturday, November 1^st at Brooklyn’s Cultural Performing Arts Center, 1020 East 48^th Street (corner of Farragut Road) in Brooklyn. For more than thirty years the Mighty Diamonds have been entertaining and educating the world with sweet harmonies, conscious lyrics and polished performances that have made them synonymous with Rastafari and Roots Reggae. Reggae Cultural Salute (RCS), a celebration which  highlights the unique relationship between Reggae, Rasta, Selassie and Jamaica with the power and intensity of Roots Rock Reggae will also bring feature The Melodians, one of Jamaica’s greatest rock steady groups.  Reggae Culture Salute, which honors the 78^th anniversary of the coronation of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie and Empress Mennen of Ethiopia, is produced by TSO Productions with proceeds to benefit the Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music (CPR) Fellowship for reggae studies at the University of the West Indies. This first class showcase of Roots Reggae, suited for reggae aficionados as well as newcomers, will continue the tradition of presenting diverse stages of the genre’s evolution. The fourth annual Reggae Culture Salute will feature a full screening of Stephanie Black’s film, Africa Unite, about the 2005 Marley family concert held in Ethiopia in honor of Bob’s 60^th birthday. Doors open at 9pm; show time is 10:30pm. For tickets and information please visit www.ticketweb.com or call 718-421-6927 for local outlets.

---

It seems that SingJay Sleepy Wonder never sleeps!  Signed to ESL/THIEVERY CORPORATION, he has recorded two new tracks on the 5th studio album entitled "RADIO RETALIATION."   The two tracks by Sleepy Wonder are; SOUND THE ALARM and the title track RADIO RETALIATION.  The video for RADIO RETALIATION was shot recently in Washington DC to meet the September 23rd release date.  Readers can get a preview of the video at; http://www.myspace.com/thieverycorporation   http://www.myspace.com/eslmusic  or http://www.eslmusic.com
 
With no sleep in sight for Sleepy Wonder, he is working on the FORT KNOX FIVE PROJECT, where he recorded two tracks on the RADIO FREE DC album, the two tracks are; SOUND BOY KILLA and THE WONDER STRIKES AGAIN.  This album is also due in stores in September.  Check the details at; http://www.myspace.com/fortknoxfive  http://www.fortknoxfiverecordings.com
 
Last and certainly not least,  SLEEPY WONDER's Independent project on NO CHOICE MUSIC GROUP/BUG MUSIC is going strong. Sleepy recently signed a three year Distribution deal with Bug Digital and is set to release tons of projects thru this loop hole. 
SISTER "J"  (GOSPEL)
SLEEPY WONDER  (REGGAE-HIP HOP/ROOTS)
SHINEHEAD  (RAP/REGGAE/ROOTS)
RAS ATTITUDE (ROOTS)
P. RUGER  (RAP)
BRANDI EDWARDS  (R&B)
You can check out Sleepy Wonder and his No Choice Music Group @ http://www.myspace.com/sleepywonda  http://www.myspace.com/nochoicerecords   http://www.bugmusic.com
 

---

Hip-Hop Meets Reggae In Paradise
Buju Banton & Lil Wayne To Pop Bottles In Nassau

It's gonna be a non-stop party in Nassau, Bahamas when Reggae/Dancehall icon, Buju Banton shares the stage with one of Hip- Hop's biggest stars, Lil Wayne at the Poppin' Bottles Concert on Friday, September 26th!
According to promoter, Red Tottle, of Red City Entertainment, "Buju's fusion of traditional roots rock, contemporary R&B and dancehall DJing have earned him a prophet-like status, while Rolling Stone magazine tagged Lil Wayne as "Best MC of 2008," so it should come as no surprise that this highly anticipated concert will prove to be legendary -- history in the making!"  The Poppin Bottles Concert will be staged during Lil Wayne's birthday weekend and already has the entire tiny island buzzing with excitement. Nassau's own DJ Pencil has been tapped to host the event, which will be held at the Bristol Wine and Spirits Grounds on Gladstone Road. Tickets are on sale at Ticketleap.com and all Juke Box locations islandwide.

For more info visit: www.myspace.com/lilwaynenassau
Fans can also catch Buju Banton on the following confirmed dates:
Sept. 14 - Bladensburg, Maryland
Oct 11 - Toronto, Canada
October 18 - Hartford, Connecticut
 

---

New Kidz Holds A Vibe
Rising Artist Impresses Top Magazine Staff

Coming on the heels of his hot new single, "Woman," Gargamel Music's flagship artist, New Kidz, has been tipped by local and international media to be Dancehall's newest sensation. Last week when Kidz visited the New York offices of one of the world's most prestigious entertainment publications - Vibe magazine, the staff couldn't have been more impressed with his work. New Kidz met with veteran wordsmith Rob Kenner, founding editor of the mag's popular Reggae/Dancehall column, Boomshots, and also got the unique opportunity to play several new tracks being considered for his forthcoming debut album for Kenner, other members of the Vibe staff and Gargamel CEO himself, Buju Banton.   Kenner, who first met Kidz over eight years ago while he (Kidz) was still aligned with fellow artist, Elephant Man's camp, admitted that over the years, he has seen a tremendous growth in Kidz' musical delivery, saying, "His stuff is much more melodic" and that Kidz has "taken his writing to a different level."   For proof positive, download your copy of "Woman," now available online everywhere!

---

Delly Ranx Jumps Ship
Multi-Talent Settles Down At Gargamel

Gargamel Music welcomes multi-faceted artist/producer/writer/beatmaker, Delly Ranx, to the family. "I don't really think about juggling all of those titles," Ranx says modestly. "I just approach music one day at a time."

Starting with his early '90s hit, "Gal No More Than You" followed by the chart-topper, "Hotty Hotty Girl" and a hit collabo with Mega Banton "Pon Di Corner," Delroy "Delly Ranx" Foster has been a Dancehall staple for over 10 years. This multi-platinum selling producer has also been at the helm of some of Dancehall's most innovative works: the Hennessy riddim, which boasts the song "Ganja Breed" from Sean Paul's multi-platinum selling Dutty Rock album and also Redbull and Guinness, the biggest riddim of 2006, which propelled Mavado's breakthrough smash single, "Whe Dem A Do."

For the past few years, Ranx has been affiliated with the Big Ship family through Freddie McGregor, and helped to mentor both of McGregor's sons: Stephen and Chino. Now settled in at Gargamel, Ranx will continue to "make good music and spread the musical love around the world. I want my co-workers in the industry to see where the music should be heading and where we want to take it," he offers.

Gargamel CEO, Buju Banton adds, "Delly has done a lot of big things with his career yet he remains humble. This is the place where he'll be allowed to blossom."
 

---

Irie Jamboree 2K8 And Love

Written By: Lady Cham & Mr. Cham

Love for the Caribbean and love for our Caribbean athletes who shone a brilliantly, blinding GOLD light at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, this was what Irie Jamboree was about this year.  On Sunday August 31^st, 2008 Irie Jam Media brought to Queens, NY and the World, Irie Jamboree 2008. This was slated not only to be the usual festival with a star studded line up of artists, but a celebration for the  athletes, especially the Jamaican runners, on their accomplishments in China..... Read More