Rebelmix has a Heart to Art

Groundbreaking Heart to Art Music, New Yaard Entertainment, and Father Romie's Nuclear Records have teamed up with digital music distributor Rebelmix to release their 2 latest projects globally. Rebelmix, the Caribbean's leading digital distribution company, markets Caribbean music to the world through alliances formed with top world-renowned Internet retailers such as Apple iTunes Store and Yahoo! Music .

Through their collaboration with Rebelmix, Heart to Art Music and Nuclear Records, taking another step on their road to success, are now able to distribute material from two of their most promising young stars -- Oxygen and Paashot -- to a wide audience while maintaining the artistic integrity of their music.

Oxygen weaves stories with addictive hooks and lyrics that are either explicit or ingenious, but never clichéd. Oxygen has released the EP, 'Inhale…And Join the Addiction,' which features six songs including collaborations with some of dancehalls supreme foundations artists. These tracks include On Tonight (featuring G Maurice), Buds & Trees (featuring Michael Rose) and Stick to Me (featuring Jack Radics).

Paashot has conjured up a delightfully varied concoction, components of which may appeal to different tastes, but which, when taken together, make one delightful musical feast. He has recently released the EP, 'Shots,' on Apple iTunes Store through Rebelmix. This release is complete with 7 songs. Shots is dotted with tasty treats. From the spicy Latin-tinged Pluck Me (featuring Kenji), to the intoxicating Million Girls and the Eastern Caribbean-flavoured Dancin' Now (featuring Nando), Paashot's music is infused with ingredients from the myriad of cultures that he has embraced on his life's journeys.

Oxygen's and Paashot's music is now available online through Internet retailer Apple iTunes Store. It is clear that the synergy between Heart to Art Music, Nuclear Records, and music distributor Rebelmix will take the industry to another level and allow for a wider market reach for reggae and dancehall music.

Kngston Beer's Tuesday Nite Live

Mystic Urchin started Tuesday Nite Live (TNL) in 2005 to expose young cutting edge talent and give a voice to artistes who would usually have to wait for a hit track before getting on a stage. The weekly stage show, held at the Village Café in Kingston, has helped launch the careers of many known artistes such as Taurus Riley, Bryhan Art, Dwayne Stephenson, To Isis, High Quality, Jovi Rockwell, Farenheit, Empress and Rootz Underground.

"As an artiste manager I realised just how hard it is to get a new artiste on a show and that Kingston needed a place where new talent could get exposure." Steve Wilson of Mystic Urchin explains. "Kingston is the birthplace of reggae, yet there wasn't anywhere that people could see live music on a weekly basis, we wanted to change that, now we have a weekly live night right in Kingston."

"TNL is a weekly event that helps young artistes hone their craft, it gives them confidence to perform to a crowd and the opportunity to practice stage presentation" – Suzanne Ingram, TNL Producer.

While it started as a way to launch young talent, Tuesday Night Live has evolved into the place where popular artistes go to try out new songs, shoot music videos or just go to check out the rising talent. Artistes such as: Lady Saw, Cutty Ranks, Diana King, Sean Paul, Pinchers, Beenie Man, Tami Chynn, Tessanne, Wayne Marshall, CeCile, Dean Fraser, Jimmy Riley and Beres Hammond are just a few of the names who have made appearances at Mystic Urchin's TNL.

The ongoing success of Mystic Urchin's TNL has attracted the attention of sponsors such as Kingston Pilsner Beer, Rebelmix, Island Stubs and Supreme Sounds.

"Kingston Pilsner got involved with TNL last year right after launching the new brew. We feel that TNL is bringing something different to the Jamaican nightlife by showcasing Jamaican musical talent, giving them a platform in which to express themselves. Like TNL our beer is uniquely Jamaican, made by Jamaicans just like our music, and the association with TNL serves to enhance the live music scene, which will benefit our music industry." – Lisa Bell, Marketing Manager, Kingston Pilsner Beer.

"Rebelmix is in the business of promoting Jamaican music worldwide, and we see TNL taking a big step in promoting fresh, vibrant talent to Jamaicans and visitors. This synergy between Rebelmix and TNL makes sense and we are happy to be a part of the Live Music Movement" – Christopher Edmonds, Rebelmix

Kingston Beer's Tuesday Nite Live will continue to expose fresh, young, cutting edge talent every Tuesday at the Village Café in Barbican Kingston.

Source - Alykhat PR

BORN AS A SUFFERER: THE UNTOLD JAMAICAN STORY

Jamaican author and Iraq war veteran Laura Johnson has recently released her 3 rd book: 'Born As A Sufferer'. Released in April of this year, 'Born As A Sufferer' depicts the lives of two young people, Shelly and Bobby, who are fighting their own demons in the streets of Kingston, Jamaica. They are travelling on different roads but going at the same pace and both up against death, love, fear and crime. It is up to the two of them to find their own way out of their situation. While finding their own footprints they meet and complete each other's journey.

"My motivation in writing this book was to write for Jamaica. Even though the book can be appreciated by all cultures, it was inspired by the people of Jamaica. The song Born As A Sufferer by Bounty Killer provided me the inspiration to write about how one can grow up as a sufferer and still manages to rise to the top. The book is based on my own experiences as well as those of others. I conducted interviews with Jamaicans of varying backgrounds to get a wider perspective. I walked the streets of downtown and uptown, city and country to ensure that this is a true depiction of Jamaican life". – Laura Johnson

Jamaica has always played a significant role in Johnson's life, despite spending most of her time overseas she has consistently returned to reconnect with her roots.

"I want to give Jamaicans the opportunity to see my work. I want to show them that hard work and drive pays off and that every sufferer can reach the top" – Laura Johnson

Manifesting inner as well as outer beauty, Johnson's persona betrays her humble origin. Born in Dunkirk, Kingston Laura Johnson left Jamaica in the late 80's and after graduating high school joined the U.S army. She has served in Iraq, Korea and Kuwait to name a few and is currently living in Missouri.

While deployed in Iraq, Laura was inspired to complete her dream of writing. She went through a life changing experience and while on a crucial mission she decided to document her experience in the sand. This experience gave birth to her first book, 'A Soldier's Heart', which is a collection of poetry dealing with her emotions and battles in the war zone. Upon completion of her first book she was compelled to write 'A Soldier Never Cries', which details her life before, during and after her tour in Iraq, as well as the experiences of her fellow comrades.

Laura Johnson is currently working on two other books to follow 'Born As A Sufferer'. She is presently writing the Jamaican version of Romeo and Juliet and will soon complete a Children's book entitled 'Mia And Her Toothbrush'. Pioneering Jamaican author Laura Johnson will be in Jamaica next week promoting her most recent book 'Born As A Sufferer'.

Source - Alykhat PR

LIL LION

Lil Lion born, April 16th 1995 in the Bronx, New York, has been rapping & Deejaying since the age of three. Growing up in the Bronx has nurtured in Lil Lion a level of street wise maturity rare for his age that has earned him the respect of his older peers.

As a rapper and a Deejay, music beats through Lil Lion veins, having been fed on a steady diet of Dancehall, Reggae and Hip Hop by his Jamaican father. His father, Daine 'Jimmy' Clarke, a music producer who migrated from Jamaica in the late 80's believes his son has immense talent.

"Since Lion was three, I saw his potential, he would sing along to DMX and Beenie Man and say that he wanted to be just like them. It was then that I decided to get back into producing and help him fulfil his dream of being an entertainer" - Daine 'Jimmy' Clarke.

No stranger to the stage, since the age of nine, Lil Lion has been a regular staple at Mingles Night Club (Bronx), Chrissies Night Club (New York) and the famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem, with his most recent performance in May of 2007.

"I see music as a means by which I can lift myself and my family. I want to entertain and please my fans and I hope I can make it big in the music business" – Lil Lion.

Coupled with stage performances Lil Lion is also a recording artiste with Mel-Shar Entertainment and has released Hip Hop tracks such as I'm Grown, So Fresh and My Swagg.

Lil Lion has also done collaborations with major R&B and Hip Hop recording artistes such as Pleasure from the group Pretty Ricky and D.J. Webstar (known for his hit Chicken Noodle Soup.)

Lil Lion is making an effort to break into the Jamaican Dancehall scene with his recent collaboration with the hot dancehall singer Barbee. The track Age Is Just A Number , written by Lil Lion and Barbee, demonstrates his potential as a Deejay.

"You should here the lyrics he's spitting to me on this track, these lyrics are super hard for a young guy." - Barbee

Lil Lion has already been creating a stir, which has earned him the admiration of his Dancehall Idol.

"Lil Lion a murda! Dis ya artist a di future. Look out fi him." – Beenie Man.

With his busy performance schedule and recording sessions, Lil Lion has been focused on balancing music and academics. At all times Lil Lion puts school first, understanding the importance of education in achieving his dream of owning his own record label. Lil Lion is a role model for the fellow students at his school and he understands the responsibility he has undertaken.

"Its sometimes hard with homework, studying, recording and performing, but I have to fit it all in. My dad always makes sure that my schoolwork is complete before I'm allowed to record or perform. I have to work hard cuz I wanna make my dad proud." – Lil Lion

www.myspace.com/lillionempire

LIL LION TELLS BARBEE "AGE IS JUST A NUMBER"

A buzz is currently on the streets of New York surrounding the hot new rap sensation Lil Lion, who has teamed up with Barbee, well known for her hit collaborations such as Missing You with Junior Kelly and Paddy Cake with Beenie Man. 12-year-old Lil Lion and Barbee have recently written and recorded the new track: Age Is Just A Number produced by Ingoma and Daine 'Jimmy' Clarke for Mel-Shar Entertainment of New York.

The track, Age Is Just A Number, introduces Lil Lion to the reggae market and demonstrates his lyrical competence as a Deejay. As a rapper Lil Lion has shown quality beyond his years, which has already earned him the admiration of both fans and members of the Hip-Hop fraternity. Now reggae fans have the chance to see him hone his skills in this genre.

Born in New York, Lil Lion claims reggae heritage as his father, a Jamaican producer who migrated to New York in the late eighties, has had considerable influence on his musical tastes.

"Growing up my father listened to Notorious BIG, Busta Rhymes, Bob Marley, Super Cat and Beenie Man. I have a love for both Reggae and Rap but I always wanted to do Reggae music and Barbee gave me the opportunity with Age is Just A Number" – Lil Lion

"Lil Lion has some of the best lyrics I have heard form a young DJ, when he is in the studio I have to really look to see if its really him deejaying." – Barbee

Age is Just A Number has stirred a bit of controversy in New York as it portrays a young boy trying to date and adult. However, Lil Lion explains that the song is innocent and illustrates normal adolescent feelings.

"Age is Just A Number song just shows how sometimes teenage boys like me can have a crush on a older woman, many kids my age will understand. This song is just innocent fun" – Lil Lion

Age is Just A Number will be released next week and can be heard on Lil Lions Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/lillionempire.

Kiprich records second album for Big Yard

DJ Kiprich is busy in the studios working on his second album for Big Yard, which is expected to be completed soon. VP Records, who were also responsible for distributing his first album titled Outta Road, recorded for Big Yard. Not only is Kiprich working on his new album, he also has recorded singles titled Bun Fi Bun and On My Mind'on the Big Yard label, Rosie Whine'on Birchell label and 40 & Over on the Total Cil label.

Christened Marlon Plunkett, the DJ who was born in Waterhouse, St.Andrew, went by the stage name Crazy Kid when he just started out in the music business. Crazy Kid was not doing any justice for his career so he changed it to Kiprich, which was to give him the big break he so desperately wanted. His first hit song was Leggo Di Bwoy followed by Mad Sick, Head No Good done in collaboration with Predator. He later struck big with Telephone Ting, Imagine This and The Letter, which all became popular in the dancehalls at yard and abroad. The gifted DJ, whose parents wanted him to have a different career, is also very versatile at writing songs. He is responsible for penning the lyrics of Elephant Man's hit single Jook Gal, which was later re-mixed and featured Kiprich himself, Lil Jon and the Eastside Boyz.

Nasio Fontaine received Dominica’s Highest Honour

Nasio Fontaine, on the heels of a mystical performance in his homeland - the first time he has played Dominica in over a decade - received his country's highest award at a ceremony held on Saturday, November 3.

Nasio was honored by the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica with the Sisserou Award of Honour presented for meritorious service to the island. This humble rastafarian burst onto the international reggae scene with the release of Reggae Power in 1994. He subsequently has released three critically-acclaimed CDs, Revolution, Living In The Positive and Universal Cry. A greatest hits compilation entitled Rise Up (with a companion cd documenting two unforgettable shows last year in Sierra Leone) has also just been released.

Nasio's powerful performance on Thursday, October 25 before 20,000 mesmerized fans, is still the talk of Dominica. Just as the show was about to begin, lightning and thunder struck and the heavens opened up with a torrential 45-minute downpour. This could not stop the return of Nasio, though, as the jam-packed, drenched crowd stayed to witness a stellar 90-minute set by one of the most gifted artists on the planet.

Source -Headline Entertainment

Universal Gets Half Pint of Music

Essential Media Group LLC and Loyal Haylet Management are pleased to announce the signing of a Joint Venture deal for the Half Pint Music catalog and the venerable chart topping Dancehall Reggae superstar, Half Pint. Half Pint has enjoyed a long history of success dating back to the early 1980’s. He was the first major artist produced by Prince Jammy (later King Jammy), and together they helped establish a lighter, more relaxed, more melodic approach to dancehall that made for an easy transition into the digital ragga era. His first big hit Winsome was later covered by the Rolling Stones in 1986 (under the new title Too Rude). Many hits followed: Money Man Skank, One in a Million, One Big Family, Pouchie Lou, the socially conscious Mr. Landlord, and the all-time dancehall classic Level the Vibes. The huge hit Substitute Lover came in 1992, and in 1996 the rock group Sublime covered another Half Pint classic, Loving.

Essential will shortly release No Stress Express, the highly anticipated album of entirely new material with distribution via Universal Music Group Distribution, and a digitally remastered Greatest Hits compilation to be distributed by IDN. In addition, Essential intends to release the entire Half Pint back catalogue on CD, including availability through I-Tunes and all major digital outlets.

Source -Headline Entertainmet

The Rise Of Nickesha Barnes

After placing second in the 2006 Digicel Rising Stars Competition, 26 year old, Nickesha Barnes has been working alongside Penthouse Records to perfect her talent. Nickesha openly expresses that she is still not confident or comfortable with her progress, in terms of applying her ‘gift of voice’ while recording in studio.

However, the singer’s live performances are nothing short of compelling, possessing a strong stage presence and the admirable quality of reaching out to her audience. She has made appearances at shows such as Soca meets Reggae on Sunday,October 14, at the Turtle River Park in Ocho Rios and guest performed at the 2007 Digicel Rising Stars Live Show at Mas Camp, among others.

Dirty Step-daddy featuring Anthony B, is her latest release. Nickesha expects to start video production for the single, in the first week of December. The concept of the song is centered on family relationships and conflict. More significantly the song incorporates the problems some children face when a parent re-marries. It is projected that the video will shine more light on the issue of which she speaks.

In future, Nickesha wishes to collaborate with artistes such as Tanya Stephens, Delly Ranks, Alaine, Cherine Anderson, Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley and any other artiste who would like to share a microphone with her. She wouldn’t mind working with other former contestants of the Digicel Rising Stars Competition. In addition, she is not partial to the idea of working behind the scenes and wishes to experiment with talent and music productions.

Nickesha also balances her career as well as being a mother of her five year old son, Jahneil Dixon and maintaining a job at the Ministry of Health. She takes great pride in functioning as support to the individuals at the Mona Rehab among other charitable projects such as the Healthy Lifestyle Festival held at Emancipation Park. Nickesha mentions, ‘there is nothing like helping out those who just need a listening ear’.

Nickesha exhibits humility which furthermore adds to her success thus far, gradually climbing to the heights of entertainment. In touching base with her fans Nickesha says, “Keep transferring the energy and I promise I won’t disappoint”. Continue to look out for more from this artiste on the rise.

Source - Headline Entertainment

Apple Store Officially 'intoxicated'

Visitors to the Apple Store in downtown Manhattan got the shock of their lives when they literally bumped into dancehall superstar Shaggy. The reggae icon unveiled his new album, Intoxication, for fans and media on Wednesday, November 7."The Apple Store event was a preview of the album to support our iTunes downloads, and also to have an intimate setting for our fans," reveals Shaggy. Joined by members of the Big Yard family, including Rik Rok and Rayvon, plus Collie Buddz and Da'Ville, Shaggy performed new tunes from Intoxication, including his latest single featuring Rik Rok, Bonafide Girl."The thing that I look forward to the most about this album is that it bridges the gap between my core audience and my mainstream fans," discloses the 20-times platinum, Grammy Award-winning artist.Fans around the world can catch Shaggy when he takes up some prime couch time on Late Night with Jay Leno (NBC), The Late LateShow with Craig Ferguson (CBS), and Tavis Smiley (PBS), during the week of release.Intoxication is a joint venture between Shaggy's own label, Big Yard Music Group, and VP Records. Fans can either lineup on Tuesday, November 13 when the album hits stores, or log on to where else, iTunes.

Grafton Studio Complex New and Now Fully Equipped

The Grafton Studio Complex has been newly renovated to facilitate a complete one-stop-project studio. The new studio boasts facilities like; a main studio, pre and post production rooms, writing room, video production and editing centre, cafeteria, internet café and communication centre. The complex also offers artiste-business services and now fully in the rehearsal business with refurbished rehearsal rooms.Grafton is centrally located at 2b Grafton Road, on the corner of Grafton and Deanery Road in Kingston.

The CEO of Grafton the internationally renowned songwriter, producer and musician - Mickey Bennett has created an atmosphere conducive to a true artiste expression through music. Grafton studio has added first class rehearsal studios complete with; state of the art instrumental and studio equipment, both analogue and digital utilizing the latest in Protools technology. Newly added dance floors with mirrors for dance choreography and dance classes, makes the Grafton Complex a virtual one-stop-shop for any recording artiste development.The well trained staff complements and adds a world of creativity to any project or idea. Grafton also organizes hospitality and accommodations for many foreign artists while recording at the studio.

Along with the who’s who of Jamaican music, the studio has recently facilitated rehearsal for stage shows like Cure Fest, St. Mary Mi Come From, and accommodated artistes’ like Jimmy Cliff, Dean Frasier, Maxi Priest, Roberta Flack, LL Cool J, Third World, Ziggy Marley, Crossfire and John King both from Barbados, Digicel Rising Stars 2005 workshops, among numerous others.With rich history and culture, the studio is close to the heartbeat of the people. Grifton creates an ambiance that enhancing the creative effort and delivering quality productions of the highest industry standards.

Cutty Corn: "Music is my life"

Born August 20 1976, Cutty Corn A.K.A. Oneil Omar Samuels has been around the music for as long as he can remember. From the early days at Tivoli High and Denham Town Primary Cutty could be seen entertaining fellow classmates on the corridors and in classrooms. He spent his spare time after school performing to his friends and perfecting his talent along with the regular school and community concerts. Before going mainstream Cutty Corn was Lead Singer of the Midtown Band, which was an offshoot of the Alpha Boys band.

Cutty Corn has music in his blood, as he is the cousin of renowned dancehall artist Cutty Ranks. Although relatively new to the mainstream music scene, Cutty Corn has been on the big stage since the mid nineties. With shows such as Champions in Action, West Kingston Jamboree and Island Explosion just to name a few under his belt, Cutty Corn has been dubbed one of the emerging talents of 2007.

Cutty Corn has nurtured his vocal talent through years of performances and by following good examples from his favourite artistes who he names as Bob Marley, Sanchez and Wayne Wonder.
Cutty Corn Started recording in the year 2000 and has released several songs that have received credible reviews from the industry. In 2006 he recorded the song "She Gone" on the Errol Dunkley Ghetto Vibes Label and also "Hustling" Ft Vegas produced by Gary G, he later did "Penitentiary Cry" on the Beat Love Rhythm for the Chilla Label. "Penitentiary Cry" received good airplay but was bettered by "Lucky Day" on the Jamdown Rhythm for Danger Zone Records released in early 2007.

Despite working with some of the best producers in the business such as Jigsy King and Della and having received regular airplay along with being a staple in the dancehall, Cutty Corn has just recently made the transition from the underground scene to the mainstream and now believes he has lived a life of music.

"Music keeps me going, when you have the music you can't stop, when i see people love my lyrics i want to do more. Music is my life" – Cutty Corn

Source - ALYKHAT PR
Date - November 1, 2007

I WAYNE BOOK OF LIFE

Roots and culture artists have long been a constant in Jamaica, from the influence of legends like Bob Marley to conscious dancehall singers like Garnet Silk. However, in the summer of 2004 a new and powerfully distinct voice emerged on the reggae music scene. With a fresh timbre, substantive lyrics, and a passionate performance, this singer almost single handedly led a new wave of roots and culture reggae music that swept the island of Jamaica. I Wayne, born Cliffroy Taylor in the working class Kingston suburb of Portmore, Jamaica, officially hit the international scene with his #1 hit “Can’t Satisfy Her,” the first track by a cultural reggae artist to be added to Hot 97 in New York, a station noted for its hip hop preference. The tune then caught on in several markets and spent over 22 weeks on the Billboard Hip Hop/R&B Hot 100 chart. I Wayne followed up that firey description of a desperate Jamaican reality comprised of prostitution, poverty, and sexually transmitted diseases with “Living in Love” on the Stephen Gibbs and Errol Thompson-produced Hard Times riddim (VP2272). It may seem as if I Wayne suddenly burst onto the scene, but the 28 year old has been refining his craft since age 7. Coming from a musical family, it’s not surprising that I Wayne’s first performance venture with local group Vibes Machine took place when he was a student at Greater Portmore High School. The collective of singers and DJs performed at afterwork parties held at popular Kingston clubs like Cactus and Asylum, until one night, when his bandmates were late, and I Wayne was forced to take the stage alone. The response was tremendous, so he perfected his solo act, incorporating his keen appreciation for singers like Sade, Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Marcia Griffiths, Beres Hammond, and Sizzla Kalonji, into his developing style and honing his craft by chanting DJ style with local sound systems like Diamond Cruise and The Legend, as well as performing at Garveymeade, an annual Portmore event held on December 24th for the past 10 years. His distinctively fluid yet controlled vocals won him a record deal with VP Records in 2004, and his debut album, “Lava Ground,” hit stores in the summer of 2005. It yielded two hit singles, “Can’t Satisfy Her” and “Living in Love,” as well as the critically praised title track. Slipping and sliding through the higher notes of the scales with a jazz singer’s assurance and a reggae chanter’s rough-riding rhythmic sensibilities, I Wayne’s meteroic rise and his lyrical gift for piercing the veils that cloak Babylonian hypocrisies sparked a new wave of enthusiasm among the industry for this young generation of roots and culture singers and songwriters and eager anticipation for his second set, The Book of Life (releasing November 6). This time around, a set of spare, light-as-air roots instrumentals, produced by the finest of Jamaica’s young mixing board talents, provides an elegant showcase for I Wayne’s even more dazzling singing/chanting, richer melodies, and more penetrating lyrics. Says Neil Edwards, the project’s executive producer, “For the past year, a lot of artists have been glorifying death and destruction, so I Wayne flipped that and focused on life.” Where many are didactic and full of condemnation, this time around, I Wayne simply wants to remind listeners of an essential truth—that life is a gift for which we can be grateful. “I just praise life, just deal with it naturally,” says I Wayne. “There’s nothing wrong with praising the sun, moon and stars and the wind, and all that create balance. Life is love and love is life.” The philosophy may seem simple yet “Life’s” topical range—I Wayne’s detailing of where natural balance has been lost—is typically far-reaching and deep. He covers domestic violence in “Jealousy and Abuse” (featuring the great Lady G); male and female intimacy in “Need Her in I Arms”; and worldwide divisions and anarchy in “Politics and Religion.”

Mavado set to CONNECT JAMAICA

In his quest to "try and get a computer and Internet connection into every school in Jamaica," Mavado kept his promise to assist in ensuring all local schools are able to connect to the Internet by donating 2 computers each to Constant Spring All Age and Charlie Smith High School on Tuesday October 22.

"I give thanks to God that I am now in a position to help my country. I gave to Constant Spring Junior High and Charlie Smith first, because I attended those schools myself, but we will be going to schools around the island. Our aim is to cover every school." - Mavado

"We really appreciate this donation. I hope that other entertainers will follow and try and make a difference " - Marva Maylor, Business Basic Coordinator at Constant Spring All Age
"This donation was a surprise because David Brooks did not have a long stay at this institution and for him to remember us is a really good thing." - Mr. Dennis Kelly, Principal of Charlie Smith High School.

CONNECT JAMAICA aims to donate computers every month to schools around the island, raising funds via various events and donations. CONNECT JAMAICA is taking advantage of the telecommunications provider Flow Jamaica 's offer of free Internet connection to all schools over the next two years.

"This is not a short term thing we want to do once, we want to establish it as a cause anybody can contribute to." - Mavado

Mavado's annual Birthday Bash dubbed the Real Mckoy will take place on Saturday December 1st at the Temple Hall Estate in St Andrew and will be donating a significant portion of the proceeds towards purchasing computers for CONNECT JAMAICA.

"Investing in the future of our nation is not something you need to be inspired to do; it is everybody's duty. I have a powerful voice amongst the people so I intend to also use it positively and to help contribute to the future of our nation." - Mavado

Source - ALYKHAT PR
Date - October 25, 2007

Island Girlz

Fresh talent with hit potential and cross over appeal! Well get ready, Jamaica’s newest buzz is here. The vocal group is called Island Girlz!

Island Girls in the last 4 weeks have been heard across Jamaica on Jenny Jenny’s RJR radio program, Nationwide radio, Kool FM and KLAS. In addition they debuted on Smile Jamaica and did their first concert to a smiling crowd at the ever popular Ewarton Jerk Festival. Their sound is a fresh mix of reggae yard sounds and r and b. The melodies are unforgettable and their appeal will be from Kingston to New York to London.Island Girlz are Tiffany and Savanna.

Tiffany is exceptionally talented at 12 years old. Her voice has a hip new R and B feel with is mixed in to her Jamaican roots. Tiffany has the presence and energy of a performer who is bound to reach into audiences and make them smile.

Savanna at nine years shares a progressive level of talent and charisma that will come across in a big way. Savanna shares the vocals with Tiffany. Both singers sing lead and harmonies.
Savanna is active in her new found music career with piano and singing lessons underway. She also recently won the child actress role in the film Better Mus Come being currently filmed in Jamaica. The film is being produced by Firefly Films and is targeted for release in early 2008. Savanna is also the child actress in Sanjay’s new video Man of my words.

Tiffany and Savanna created the group less than 6 months ago. They started straight in the recording studio. The duo has recorded half dozen songs and is releasing two tracks immediately. The initial tracks are Promise us love-lover over and Save your Dollars.

Source - Headline Entertainment

Marley Still Giving

Tuff Gong International made a donation of much needed items to the Bustamante Hospital for Children at an intimate informal presentation on Wednesday, October 3. The donation was one of several contributions that Tuff Gong has made to health and education sectors recently.

Representing Tuff Gong International at the presentation was Donisha Prendergast, granddaughter of the late Rt. Hon. Robert Nesta Marley, founder of Tuff Gong International. Also on hand for the presentation was Sister Lorna Wainwright of Tuff Gong International. The donation to the Bustamante Children’s Hospital consisted of bedside chairs and a Mayo table for Ward Two Surgical. The donation has help to facilitate the re-opening of the newly renovated operating rooms at the hospital.

At the Victoria Jubilee Hospital, Tuff Gong International contributed two incubators for the premature nursery at the hospital. The incubators were desperately needed and much appreciated by the administration of the hospital, regarded as the leading hospital for pre-natal care and births.

Extending to education, the Marley Family has again generously assisted several families with their back to school expenses for the 2007 academic year. As a part of the contribution to the education sector, eight students from Stephney Primary and Junior High School were the recipients of the Bob Marley Trust Scholarships to attend Ferncourt, Brown’s Town, Yorke Castle, Abuthnott Gallimore, Marcus Garvey and Calabar High Schools as part of their continuing education.

Children of staff members of the Bob Marley Group of Companies, of which Tuff Gong International is a member, also received assistance with cash grants as well as school books issued through the company’s Book Club.

The Bob Marley Group of Companies consists of the Bob Marley Foundation, The Rita Marley Foundation, Tuff Gong International and URGE, all of which have charitable arms which endeavor to keep the legacy of Bob Marley alive.

Source - Headline Entertainment

Shaggy O.D

Music icon Shaggy received the Order Of Distinction in the rank of Commander for outstanding service to Jamaica on Monday October 15 at Kings House. The Order of Distinction is the fifth in order of precedence of the Orders of Societies of Honour in Jamaica; Commanders take place and precedence immediately after Members and Honorary Members of the Order of Jamaica.

Shaggy, born Orville Richard Burrell, in Kingston, Jamaica, relocated to his mother's home in Brooklyn, New York at age 18. After leaving the US marines in the early nineties he launched his music career to great success. Oh Carolina, a cover of The Folkes Brothers(1960) hit became his first major success when it roared into the Number One spot in the U.K. and nine other countries, in 1993 the song also appeared on the Pure Pleasure album. Shaggy quickly followed in 1995 with the Boombastic album for which he won a won Grammy in 1996 for Best Reggae Album. In the last 12 years Shaggy has sold over 20 million albums worldwide. Shaggy is not only an entertainer but also has a soft heart, over the years Shaggy has consistently demonstrated his philanthropy by giving significant funds to charities all over the world from Jamaica to Africa.

Shaggy has been a consistent staple on the music scene both internationally and locally. He has made and indelible mark on Jamaica and is a great example for all. "I feel honoured to receive this award and overwhelmed that the Jamaican government saw it fit to bestow upon me such recognition" said Shaggy.

Shaggy received his Order of Distinction at a public awards ceremony held on National Heroes Day, Monday October 15 th at The National Indoors Sports Centre.

Source - Headline Entertainment

Date - October 17, 2008

JAVAUGHN: Youngest Protégé signed to the Marley’s Camp

Javaughn is considered a child prodigy in Reggae music. Although in his early teens, Javaughn already masters three instruments (keyboards, drums and bass guitar), has years of stage experience (both locally and internationally), and is armed with the resounding vocals and sound confidence that have landed him a record deal with the Marley’s Tuff Gong/ Ghetto Youths Label.

With his father being a musician, music teacher, songwriter and singer, it seems Javaughn’s destiny was etched in stone before he was even born. His father recounts memories of playing his own instruments and singing to Javaughn’s pregnant mother, and recalls some healthy kicks from baby Javaughn in response to the music.

Born in Portland, Jamaica in 1992, at age two, Javaughn started playing around with the keyboard, and three years later started playing the drums and bass guitar. He describes the situation as; “It was never hard for me because talent runs in the family, it was just natural.”
By the time he was four, Javaughn’s exposure started from his singing with the Sensation Band from Port Antonio, where he rose rapidly as a child star. He moved around in musical circles and did regular Sunday night stints at the Dragon Bay Hotel in Port Antonio, as well as other hotels along the coast. These gigs only stepped up his reputation as a solid cultural singer, and soon, word spread about his talent and he was being booked for some of Jamaica’s major concerts. The list includes Sting in 1999, East Fest in 2003, Stars R Us, Welcome To Jamrock, and consecutive years at the Bob Marley Tribute Concert in St Ann. He has even traveled overseas to perform at UNIFEST in Miami in 2004, and at other shows in New York.

Expectedly, with the early talent comes exposure. Thanks to his association with Junie Star of Prime Time Entertainment, he and his father were introduced to the Marley family. The meeting instantly bore fruit, as the Marley’s spotted the talent and gave a listening ear. Before long, he started working with the Ghetto Youths production entity, developing more range in his vocals, and learning the rudiments of recording. The studio and stage work has been steady since joining the unit. He has completed a 10 track album entitled, SuperStar that is scheduled for a November 20 release under the Tuff Gong/ Ghetto Youths Banner.

Javaughn’s life expectedly gets hectic, but his father insists he does school work to complement his music. He attends Fair Prospect High (Grade 10) and has been playing these instruments in the school band since he entered the school, and seems set to do so up until he graduates. He enjoys playing football, building rhythms on his computer and watching television in his spare time. “I haven’t had any major challenges yet in the business, Javaughn explains. The best thing about my life so far is working on the album. Outside of everything though, I’m just a normal person.”

In five years, he sees himself walking to a podium, and collecting his own Grammy award, then entering production afterwards. He has used his own words as a guide in life: “You can make it as long as you have talent. You will have producers looking out for them, so just try.”

Source - Headline Entertainment