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.