Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Spring Break Jamfest 2008

The Ultimate Spring Break Party Series is JamFest Negril, Jamaica: -- Spring Break is always a special time of the year which brings with it a new realm of entertainment. This year the organisers of JamFest will bring a fresh, exciting concept to the production of live events. More information can be found at www.springbreakjamfest.com
Student Travel Services and Sun Splash Tours have combined efforts to create a package uniquely designed to appeal to visitors from overseas and on island. Set for the Wavz in Negril Westmoreland the combination beach party, talent competition and concert, JamFest will be held on Monday nights on March 3rd, March 10th, March 17th ending on Easter Sunday on March 23.
Apart from performances by dancehall practitioners, Assassin, The Doctor, Beenie Man, Shaggy and TOK the JamFest month of activities will also see the musical prowess of nine of the best bands, who participated in the recently concluded Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival in Montego Bay, St James, being be tested to the fullest. The nine musical outfits will battle for the right to be called the best of the best in a playoff dubbed the Battle of the Bands. All nine bands entertained patrons with aplomb at the recently held Jazz Festival.
Spring Break has traditionally attracted hordes of tourists to the western end of Jamaica when university students, mainly from North America, take a week off from their hectic college schedule to frolic and mingle with the locals during a frenzied month of top-drawer entertainment. JamFest seeks to provide enjoyable entertainment of international standards and revive the Spring Break market.
With its Reggae and Dancehall blend, this year's JamFest will cater to lovers of both musical genres. For more information on travel packages to Jamaica please visit www.ststravel.com or www.sunsplashtours.com. Jamfest will run each Monday from March 3 to March 17 and on March 23 at Wavs Negril.

Source - Headline Entertainment

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Power Link

The New York based, 11-year-old Caribbean-American media company makes another move to expand "Jamaican Radio" programming by joining forces with Power 106 FM in Jamaica and creating "Power Link.

"The Power Link is a simulcast of "Perkins online," Jamaica's longest running talk show teaming up with LinkUp Radio's broadcaster David "Squeeze" Annakie at 12:30 PM Tuesdays and Thursdays in New York on LinkUp Radio 93.5FM. Listeners in New York can now ask questions, share comments and give suggestions as to what is happening in Jamaica on a global perspective. The show was brokered by Charles Spence General Manager of Sales and Marketing, N.A. JN Money Transfer in the USA. JN Money Transfer is the official sponsor of the show.

About the Host Wilmot Motty Perkins:
Perkins is the longest serving Talk Show Host on Jamaican radio, having hosted his first program "What's your Grouse" on RJR in 1960. He had a short break from the airwaves a few years later, during which he went into farming. Motty returned to radio in the 70s, as host of JBC's popular call-in programme "Public Eye." He later hosted "Hot Line" on JBC and then "Straight Talk" on KLAS FM, before hosting "Perkins On Line" on Hot 102FM.

Perkins came to POWER106 in April 2002, with his probing interviews and keen analyses of pertinent matters which continue to make for compulsive listening. Perkins on Line' is spirited interaction with callers on a wide range of topics. It is described by many as "The Poor Man's University." A typical caller will often attribute his or her widening knowledge of events happening in and outside of Jamaica to the information garnered from just listening to these broadcasts.

Host, Wilmot "Motty" Perkins says the underlying intent of the program is to, "focus public attention on the gaping hiatus between what is and what might be, and to do it within a broad framework that embraces not only the history of Jamaica, but the history of mankind."

There are some who often disagree with his point of view on issues. However, Motty revels in controversy and these calls add spice. Given the stated intent of the program, Motty says ''if people really think about it, they might discover that 'Perkins on Line ' is more profoundly positive than negative." That's why it is called the "Thinking Persons' Call-In Show". The program is broadcast Monday - Friday , 10:00 am - 2:30 pm on Power 106 fm in Jamaica.

About the host David "Squeeze" Annakie:
LinkUp Media Inc. was established in1996 by CEO David "Squeeze" Annakie upon exiting corporate America at young age to pursue his vision of high profile media representation of the Caribbean Diaspora. LinkUp Media Inc. is an all-inclusive Caribbean-American media company, with production Studios in the Bronx, 3868 White Plains Road and corporate offices in Manhattan at 225 Broadway. The company consists of subsidiaries JAMROCK Magazine, LinkUp Radio, Plush TV, and the newly acclaimed "The Link" Newspaper formerly know as the Caribbean Link. LinkUp Media is also known for hosting annual events such as The JAMROCK Reggae Festival and the Vintage Festival.

David "Squeeze" Annakie recognized the need to fill the void of consistent news, information and music of the Caribbean-American community in New York and beyond, and conceptualized and started LinkUp Radio, broadcasting on WRTN 93.5FM, blazing the latest hits and remixes through the airwaves and celebrity interviews. He took his innovation several steps ahead of the competition by linking with multiple radio stations in Jamaica, London, Trinidad, Guyana and Canada, simulcasting and creating programs that were in demand such as the "HotLink" on RJR with Jamaica's journalist Dr. Barbara Gloudon, The Immigration Link on Hot 102 with Brad Bernstein Attorney at Law, the top immigration attorney in the USA and "The International Link" a music formatted program on Saturdays with Hot102 in Jamaica, updating listeners with the latest on the Reggae scene. The LinkUp Radio program is predominantly talk on weekdays and music on the weekends.

The company took another giant step forward with the launch of JAMROCK Magazine in 2006 -- a premier glossy lifestyle publication with a distinctly Caribbean flair. With a compelling and unique global perspective on style, music, travel, entertaining, and beauty, JAMROCK offers a unique mix of coverage that surpasses any Caribbean or American publication on the market and has a circulation of 150,000 worldwide.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Lutan says .... i am innocent


The public may have heard of my recent arrest on the charge of arson. This comes out of an incident in Spanish Town which I was accused of being involved in.

I would like to state that I am innocent of all charges and find this conspiracy misleading and wanton. I have constantly contributed to the development of youths in Spanish Town and would never get myself involved in such activities. Lutan Fyah symbolises positivity and upliftment of the people and the music.

2007 was a good year for Lutan Fyah, Indeed I was able to spread my message world wide and bring reggae music to new peoples. I understand my obligation to my fans, Jamaica and the music and would never under any circumstance manifest such evil behaviour.
I continue to give praises to my supporters for their continued faith in my music and I look forward to continuing the positive trend that I am known for.

Lutan Fyah

Thursday, February 7, 2008

REBELMIX PRESENTS CHALICE'S GREATEST HITS: AT THEIR BEST

April 1, 2008 will see the 28th anniversary of what some consider Jamaica's greatest pop/reggae band ever formed. Chalice, which was conceptualised in 1979 began on April 1, 1980 in the Gibraltar Hills of St. Mary and was at the time comprised of talented musicians of diverse social and musical backgrounds. Chalice will celebrate this anniversary with the release of their greatest hits, entitled At Their Best, through Rebelmix, the Caribbean's first and leading full-service digital distribution company.

Chalice has had an incredible career, opening for notable U.S. acts such as The Commodores, The Spinners, Eddie Kendricks and The Four Tops. The band has also had a slew of hits including "I Still Love You", which stayed seven weeks at number one, and "Good To Be There", which broke the Jamaican top ten; both songs were from their 1981 debut album Blasted. Chalice followed up Blasted with several other critically acclaimed works including Standard Procedure, Stand Up and Crossfire, which was released in Jamaica only and featured the hit "Revival Time".

In 1990 Chalice released their sixth album, Si Mi Ya. This album was voted album of the year by the Jamaican Music Awards Committee and the single "Dance Hall Monic" is still being heralded as a masterpiece of ingenuity and creativity.

At Their Best features Chalice's greatest hits from the period 1980 to 1986, when the band was comprised of Robi Peart (vocals, guitar, percussion), Keith Francis (bass), Oswald "Trevor" Roper (guitar, vocals), Desmond "Desi" Jones (drums), Michael Wallace (keyboard, vocals), Wayne Armond (guitar, vocals) and Alla (Keyboardist, Vocals).

"The title says it all. This was a period when the group was at their best and in the prime of their careers. We wanted to share with the old fans and new fans a priceless piece of reggae nostalgia " – Gary Peart, founder and former manager of Chalice, and owner of Pipe Music International, Chalice's label.

To this end Pipe Music and Rebelmix have teamed up to give fans the possibility of reliving the good times. At Their Best contains nineteen timeless tracks of reggae music history. The release is now available through Rebelmix on leading digital retailers, websites and mobile carriers world-wide, including the Apple iTunes Store, eMusic, Yahoo! Music, the Microsoft Zune Marketplace and more.

"Rebelmix is proud to be a part of reggae music history. Chalice laid the foundation for many of the reggae bands on the scene today and we feel honoured to bring their music to a new generation" – Christopher Edmonds, Rebelmix President and Co-founder.

Track Listing: Chalice At Their Best

01 - Dangerous Disturbances
02 - Revival Time
03 - Good To Be There
04- Can't Dub
05 - Joy In The Morning
06 - A Song
07 - Funny Kind'a Reggae
08 - I Still Love You
09 - Youth Man (On The Corner)
10 - Children In Exile
11 - Praise Him
12 - If We Love Jah
13 - I'm Trying
14 - Back Weh Evil Forces
15 - Marie
16 - Night Fever
17 - Go Slow
18 - Are We Loving
19 - Stew Peas

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

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.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

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

Friday, November 23, 2007

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

Thursday, November 22, 2007

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.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

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.