Ocho Rios Irirfm - 50 reggae acts have made the shortlist for the Best Reggae Album award at next year's Grammys.
The 50 nominees for Best Reggae Album will be trimmed to five (or six) finalists when the full list of next year's nominees are announced on December 5 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Vybz Kartel's Pon Di Gaza Mi Sey album, released in October 2011, a month after his arrest on drug and subsequent murder charges made the shortlist.
Another jailed dancehall entertainer, Busy Signal has also been nominated for his album, Reggae Music Again.
Konshens is up for his debut album, Mental Maintenance and Mr. Vegas also appears on the shortlist for his double disc, Sweet Jamaica.
Additionally, past Best Reggae Album winners such as Sean Paul (Tomahawk Technique), Toots Hibbert (Reggae Got Soul: Unplugged) and Jimmy Cliff (Rebirth) scored nominations.
The 55th annual Grammy Awards will take place on February 10, 2013.
Nov 16, 2012
Bounty Killer threatened?
Bounty took his favourite venting place - twitter and tweeted this "Mi hear whispering a go roun bout when me come a mobay wah and wah ago happen, but mek mi tell some paper tongue fool this, any plan dem plan mek sure it blue print on paper and cyaah change, bcuz any mistake dem mek it's gonna be a fistake, mi nuh iron man so mi naah go say nobody cyaah do mi ntn but try don't leave no trace simple, and nobody cyaah do mi ntn on the behalf of another Dj, unless that Dj gonna stop sing pon stage and stop go places world wide, so tell some hurry come fool fi know dem bumboclaath self, and when Demon a plan God a wipe so Anything a Anything bring it fools!!!"
Betweenie Man under fish pressure once again
DAYS after a scheduled performance in northern California was scrutinised by a gay rights group deejay Beenie Man is facing more pressure from the gay community in the United States.
The Gay Liberation Network (GLN) is protesting his November 22 performance at The Shrine in Chicago, citing Beenie Man's past criticism of homosexuals.
In a letter posted on the windycitymediagroup.com website, the GLN demands that Beenie Man's show be cancelled.
"I wish it were possible to say that this artist performs music that is simply engaging entertainment with a great beat and sometimes gritty lyrics. Sadly, this is not the case due to Beenie Man's history of frequent calls for violence against gays and lesbians. Such calls are anything but 'entertainment' when directed against a vulnerable and oppressed minority," read the letter.
The Shrine event is promoted by Ephraim Martin, head of the annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA).
Beenie Man has made attempts to mend fences with the enraged gays. He was one of several dancehall performers who signed the Reggae Compassionate Act in 2007, and recently issued a video apology to gay activists prior to his performance at the Rototom Festival in Spain.
But the GLN is not buying the gestures, claiming they are not genuine.
"Because of his advocacy of violence toward our people and his chequered and inconsistent relationship to the global LGBT community, we respectfully request that management of The Shrine show its respect for our community and rescind its offer to have Beenie Man perform at its venue. We would be happy to sit down with you to discuss this matter further," the GLN stated in its letter.
Beenie Man's show in Trinidad, California, at the Ocean Grove Lodge attracted mild opposition from the Queer Humboldt group.
Dancehall artistes Buju Banton, Capleton, Elephant Man and Sizzla have also had run-ins with gay activists in Europe and North America.
Sustained pressure from groups in both continents forced promoters to cancel several of their shows.
The Gay Liberation Network (GLN) is protesting his November 22 performance at The Shrine in Chicago, citing Beenie Man's past criticism of homosexuals.
In a letter posted on the windycitymediagroup.com website, the GLN demands that Beenie Man's show be cancelled.
"I wish it were possible to say that this artist performs music that is simply engaging entertainment with a great beat and sometimes gritty lyrics. Sadly, this is not the case due to Beenie Man's history of frequent calls for violence against gays and lesbians. Such calls are anything but 'entertainment' when directed against a vulnerable and oppressed minority," read the letter.
The Shrine event is promoted by Ephraim Martin, head of the annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA).
Beenie Man has made attempts to mend fences with the enraged gays. He was one of several dancehall performers who signed the Reggae Compassionate Act in 2007, and recently issued a video apology to gay activists prior to his performance at the Rototom Festival in Spain.
But the GLN is not buying the gestures, claiming they are not genuine.
"Because of his advocacy of violence toward our people and his chequered and inconsistent relationship to the global LGBT community, we respectfully request that management of The Shrine show its respect for our community and rescind its offer to have Beenie Man perform at its venue. We would be happy to sit down with you to discuss this matter further," the GLN stated in its letter.
Beenie Man's show in Trinidad, California, at the Ocean Grove Lodge attracted mild opposition from the Queer Humboldt group.
Dancehall artistes Buju Banton, Capleton, Elephant Man and Sizzla have also had run-ins with gay activists in Europe and North America.
Sustained pressure from groups in both continents forced promoters to cancel several of their shows.
Nov 14, 2012
Vybz Kartel misery continues
KINGSTON OBSERVER - THE trial of jailed dancehall entertainer Vybz Kartel on a charge of perverting the course of justice suffered yet another delay when the matter was mentioned Monday in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court.
The trial was scheduled to begin Monday but was postponed for mention on November 26 to facilitate the disclosure of two outstanding statements to the defence. A new trial date is expected to be scheduled on the next date.
Kartel, whose real name is Adijah Palmer, is jointly charged with Andre Henry alias 'Pim Pim' and fellow entertainer Vanessa Saddler, more popularly known as Gaza Slim. However, bails for both Henry and Saddler were extended Monday while Kartel was remanded into custody.
The two accused were charged last December while Kartel was in custody for the alleged murder of Clive Williams.
According to police reports, on October 29 Gaza Slim filed a report at the Constant Spring Police Station claiming that Williams had robbed her.
However, investigators alleged that they later found out that the report was false and that the three had fabricated the story to mislead the police into believing that Williams was not dead.
Williams was allegedly taken to a house in Havendale, St Andrew, last year August and beaten and stabbed to death over claims by his aggressors that he had lost an illegal gun.
Also charged with Williams' death are fashion stylist Calvin 'Moonie' Haye, deejay Shawn "Shawn Storm" Campbell, Khaira Jones, Shane Williams, and Andre St John who are scheduled to return to the Home Circuit Court on January 21 for trial along with the artiste.
In the meantime, Kartel is to return to court on December 3 for trial on a second murder charge with Nigel Thompson and Lenburgh McDonald in relation to the July 2011 shooting death of Barrington 'Bossie' Bryan.
The trial was scheduled to begin Monday but was postponed for mention on November 26 to facilitate the disclosure of two outstanding statements to the defence. A new trial date is expected to be scheduled on the next date.
Kartel, whose real name is Adijah Palmer, is jointly charged with Andre Henry alias 'Pim Pim' and fellow entertainer Vanessa Saddler, more popularly known as Gaza Slim. However, bails for both Henry and Saddler were extended Monday while Kartel was remanded into custody.
The two accused were charged last December while Kartel was in custody for the alleged murder of Clive Williams.
According to police reports, on October 29 Gaza Slim filed a report at the Constant Spring Police Station claiming that Williams had robbed her.
However, investigators alleged that they later found out that the report was false and that the three had fabricated the story to mislead the police into believing that Williams was not dead.
Williams was allegedly taken to a house in Havendale, St Andrew, last year August and beaten and stabbed to death over claims by his aggressors that he had lost an illegal gun.
Also charged with Williams' death are fashion stylist Calvin 'Moonie' Haye, deejay Shawn "Shawn Storm" Campbell, Khaira Jones, Shane Williams, and Andre St John who are scheduled to return to the Home Circuit Court on January 21 for trial along with the artiste.
In the meantime, Kartel is to return to court on December 3 for trial on a second murder charge with Nigel Thompson and Lenburgh McDonald in relation to the July 2011 shooting death of Barrington 'Bossie' Bryan.
Nov 12, 2012
Sean Paul cell phone stolen with Beyonce number in it
According to reports Sean Paul said he's done everything he can in dancehall music and is now aiming for more mainstream success.
Sean Paul said he's done everything he can in dancehall music.
The Jamaican star - best known for dancehall and reggae hits such as 'Gimme the Light' and 'Got 2 Luv U' - is hoping to branch out and work with more mainstream producers.
He told website DNAIndia.com: "I have reached a point where I don't have to prove myself to anybody in dancehall or reggae music. I'm up there with the best of them, so right now I'm just expanding. I'm trying to bridge the gap, broaden my artistry."
The 39-year-old worked with Swedish production team Stargate and other international producers on his recent fifth studio album, 'Tomahawk Technique', so it would sound more "international".
He added: "I noticed that of late a lot of pop music has had dancehall influences, so I asked some big name producers like Stargate, Rico Love, DJ Ammo and Benny Blanco to make their interpretation of a dancehall beat."
The 'She Doesn't Mind' singer's is also conscious that his biggest hits have been collaborations with other stars such as when he worked with Beyonce, 31, on her 2003 single, 'Baby Boy'.
He said: "I've always said two is better than one. Collaborating helps creative exchanges happen and helps take the tempo to a different level altogether."
"I have however noticed that most of my biggest hits are with women artists - Blu Cantrell, Beyoncé, Keyshia Cole, Alexis Jordan. So, it's all about the chemistry and I am a lucky man. Collaboration is the best way to expand."
Sean recently collaborated with former 'X Factor' judge Kelly Rowland, 31, on 'How Deep is Your Love'
Sean Paul said he's done everything he can in dancehall music.
The Jamaican star - best known for dancehall and reggae hits such as 'Gimme the Light' and 'Got 2 Luv U' - is hoping to branch out and work with more mainstream producers.
He told website DNAIndia.com: "I have reached a point where I don't have to prove myself to anybody in dancehall or reggae music. I'm up there with the best of them, so right now I'm just expanding. I'm trying to bridge the gap, broaden my artistry."
The 39-year-old worked with Swedish production team Stargate and other international producers on his recent fifth studio album, 'Tomahawk Technique', so it would sound more "international".
He added: "I noticed that of late a lot of pop music has had dancehall influences, so I asked some big name producers like Stargate, Rico Love, DJ Ammo and Benny Blanco to make their interpretation of a dancehall beat."
The 'She Doesn't Mind' singer's is also conscious that his biggest hits have been collaborations with other stars such as when he worked with Beyonce, 31, on her 2003 single, 'Baby Boy'.
He said: "I've always said two is better than one. Collaborating helps creative exchanges happen and helps take the tempo to a different level altogether."
"I have however noticed that most of my biggest hits are with women artists - Blu Cantrell, Beyoncé, Keyshia Cole, Alexis Jordan. So, it's all about the chemistry and I am a lucky man. Collaboration is the best way to expand."
Sean recently collaborated with former 'X Factor' judge Kelly Rowland, 31, on 'How Deep is Your Love'
Nov 11, 2012
Khago Robbed to the bone... betrayed?
It was recently reported that Dancehall/reggae artiste Khago was robbed earlier in the week at the construction site of his unfinished house in Mandeville, Manchester. According to the Nah Sell Out singer, members of his staff were robbed of cellphones and a bicycle.
"Mi just guh pon di site and gunman run een sey dem a look money, about six a dem wid gun," Khago said.
"Dem butt up one a mi cousin wid gun and tek wey phone and bicycle when dem nuh get nuh money, but I didn't lose anything else from the property because most of the things dem too heavy to move," he said.
According to the artiste, he feels violated because he is trying hard to make a better life for himself.
"I feel violated still because from mi start build mi house a bare things start happen. When a nuh police a gunman, when yu a suffa you and everybody good, but as yu start mek a money inna life yu and everybody inna problem," Khago said.
Khago believes he was set up by some of his own associates.
"More time yu same friend dem sell yu out. Because mi just buy some tiles fi tile out mi madda house and I rarely stay at that house. Suh how much man woulda know sey mi come home wid things?" he questioned.
However, the reggae artiste says he will remain focused on his goals and will not be distracted.
"Right now mi haffi just gwaan duh mi ting and nuh let people break mi, because a try dem a try discourage mi. The matter was reported to the police station and I will continue to strive to be the best that I can be. Some people just don't want to work in order to make it, they want to survive by taking your things or threatening your life," he said.
Checks made with the Newport police in Manchester confirmed that a report was in fact made. However, according the police, the report was incomplete as the two persons who were actually robbed, were not present at the time the report was being made.
In the meantime, Khago is gearing up for performances at Sting and GT Taylor's Christmas Extravaganza. He is also expected to perform in Belize next week, then on to the United States, before closing off the festive season with shows in England.
Songs such as Pushing Me Away and Clean were recently released by the artiste. Khago also recorded a new song for Downsound Records selector and producer Foota Hype called Nuh Man Nah Mind Mi.
Etana Had a Baby Girl
The baby, who is fathered by her husband Andre Morris was born in the United States over the last weekend.
Etana's new album "Better Tomorrow" will be released in February 2013.
Nov 7, 2012
Bounty killer and crew rush Tommy Lee
There are reports that Bounty Killer went on stage with Tommy Lee at Riverton last night at Stashment. There were a lot of artiste there who performed. Bounty Killer security went up frist in the middle of Tommy Lee set and indicating that it was Bounty Killer time to perform. Its alleged that Tommy Lee said 'A wah do dem goathead ya?' And Bounty Killer and him boys dem rush the stage, and Tommy Lee tek weh himself but not before Bounty Killer security guard get some hump inna him face. After that,, three quarter of the people ah chant 'Tommy Lee', Bounty Killer say him dun wid the slum and a bagga tings, ah Tommy Lee wi waan see.
After 1 year Vybz Kartel cases fail to start! prosecution insecure
Dancehall entertainer Vybz Kartel's case involving the murder of Clive 'Lizard' Williams has been put off until next year.
The case was called up in the Home Circuit Court yesterday and postponed until January 21.
Williams was reportedly killed at Kartel's home in Havendale, St Andrew, on August 16 last year.
It's reported that Williams and another man were taken to the entertainer's house to give an account for a lost firearm.
Both men were reportedly attacked with Williams being beaten and stabbed to death while the other man escaped.
Williams' body has not been found.
The other man is expected to be the prosecution's main witness.
The police had reported that they have video and audio recordings linking Vybz Kartel and his co-defendants to the killing.
Eyewitness statements
The police also said they have eyewitness statements connecting the men to the murder.
Meanwhile, on November 12, Kartel and two other persons are to go before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on trial for conspiracy in relation to Williams' murder.
Kartel, who has been in custody since September last year, is also charged with the murder of businessman Barrington Burton.
That matter will again be heard on December 3.
The case was called up in the Home Circuit Court yesterday and postponed until January 21.
Williams was reportedly killed at Kartel's home in Havendale, St Andrew, on August 16 last year.
It's reported that Williams and another man were taken to the entertainer's house to give an account for a lost firearm.
Both men were reportedly attacked with Williams being beaten and stabbed to death while the other man escaped.
Williams' body has not been found.
The other man is expected to be the prosecution's main witness.
The police had reported that they have video and audio recordings linking Vybz Kartel and his co-defendants to the killing.
Eyewitness statements
The police also said they have eyewitness statements connecting the men to the murder.
Meanwhile, on November 12, Kartel and two other persons are to go before the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court on trial for conspiracy in relation to Williams' murder.
Kartel, who has been in custody since September last year, is also charged with the murder of businessman Barrington Burton.
That matter will again be heard on December 3.
Mavado plays greedy with Uganda Show promoter
Shortly after two of Jamaica's dancehall artists "Konshens and Dermaco" rocked Uganda, two Jamaican artists "Mavado" and "Chris Martins" might be in Uganda this coming December.
The two who are rumoured to be going to Uganda on 31st December i.e. new year's eve and are expected to rock Uganda to the fullest without a doubt.
However, Mavado is said to have called of the concert. "He told the organizers that he had consulted Konshens, who was in Uganda earlier and wanted his pay increased by thousands of dollars, if he is to perform on New Year's eve," a source in Jamaica was quoted.
The concert is organized by Cece Entertainment and a source said the two parties did not agree.
Cece Entertainment disagreed saying Mavado had got another gig on the same day and would make it before. "We had wanted Mavado to perform on New Year's Eve but got another in Guyana. He said he can only be in Uganda on December 29," the source added.
The two who are rumoured to be going to Uganda on 31st December i.e. new year's eve and are expected to rock Uganda to the fullest without a doubt.
However, Mavado is said to have called of the concert. "He told the organizers that he had consulted Konshens, who was in Uganda earlier and wanted his pay increased by thousands of dollars, if he is to perform on New Year's eve," a source in Jamaica was quoted.
The concert is organized by Cece Entertainment and a source said the two parties did not agree.
Cece Entertainment disagreed saying Mavado had got another gig on the same day and would make it before. "We had wanted Mavado to perform on New Year's Eve but got another in Guyana. He said he can only be in Uganda on December 29," the source added.
Nov 4, 2012
Beres Hammond for NBC Tv Late Show
Kingston Observer: BERES Hammond has some high-profile dates as part of the promotion for his latest album, One Love, One Life which will be released November 13 by VP Records.
The singer is scheduled to perform on December 11 on the top-rated American television show, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon which airs on NBC.
Hammond, 59, will be backed by the influential neo-soul band The Roots.
The following day, Hammond is headliner for the Sounds of Reggae Concert at the recently opened Brooklyn Barclays Center.
Maxi Priest, Shaggy and former UB40 singer Ali Campbell, are also scheduled to perform.
Hammond produced 19 of the 20 songs on One Love, One Life which also bears the seal of his Harmony House label.
The first disc contains lovers rock songs while disc two comprises socially-conscious tracks.
The singer is scheduled to perform on December 11 on the top-rated American television show, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon which airs on NBC.
Hammond, 59, will be backed by the influential neo-soul band The Roots.
The following day, Hammond is headliner for the Sounds of Reggae Concert at the recently opened Brooklyn Barclays Center.
Maxi Priest, Shaggy and former UB40 singer Ali Campbell, are also scheduled to perform.
Hammond produced 19 of the 20 songs on One Love, One Life which also bears the seal of his Harmony House label.
The first disc contains lovers rock songs while disc two comprises socially-conscious tracks.
Nov 2, 2012
Sean Paul 100million youtube view reggae man for Uganda Show
0bserver: Jamaican singer Sean Paul has confirmed his third visit to Kampala in a concert slated for November 9 at the cricket oval, in a Club beer-sponsored event. Sean Paul made this announcement at a recent Jamaican concert in Washington DC at Fillmore Silver Spring.
The dancehall icon whose Got 2 Luv U single hit a record 100 million views on YouTube, is said to be the most popular Jamaican singer now, since the single upstaged Bob Marley's classics, No Woman No Cry and One Love that held onto the top spot for a while.
Sean Paul and Shaggy, whose 1990s hit single Angel, are the only Jamaican artistes to ever cross the 50 million mark on YouTube. And before Sean Paul can even fully loosen up in his latest piece of success, another single off the same album She Doesn't Mind is closing in on the 100 million views mark.
The song's video currently stands at a staggering 95 million views. And the audio and video hits combined currently stand at 150 million. So, does anyone still wonder why guys are falling over themselves to pay that Shs 25,000 for the Kampala show?
The dancehall icon whose Got 2 Luv U single hit a record 100 million views on YouTube, is said to be the most popular Jamaican singer now, since the single upstaged Bob Marley's classics, No Woman No Cry and One Love that held onto the top spot for a while.
Sean Paul and Shaggy, whose 1990s hit single Angel, are the only Jamaican artistes to ever cross the 50 million mark on YouTube. And before Sean Paul can even fully loosen up in his latest piece of success, another single off the same album She Doesn't Mind is closing in on the 100 million views mark.
The song's video currently stands at a staggering 95 million views. And the audio and video hits combined currently stand at 150 million. So, does anyone still wonder why guys are falling over themselves to pay that Shs 25,000 for the Kampala show?
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