Reggae Academy Awards

PM Announces February as First Ever ‘Reggae Month’

Office of the Prime Minister

PM Announces February as First Ever ‘Reggae Month’

KINGSTON (OPM)
Thursday, January 10, 2008

Prime Minister, the Hon. Bruce Golding greets Rita Marley at a press launch where he announced that Jamaicans, will for the first time this year observe the month of February as ‘Reggae Month’.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding announced yesterday that Jamaicans, will for the first time this year observe the month of February as ‘Reggae Month’ to highlight the impact of the musical genre on the country’s social, cultural and economic development. The Prime Minister also announced that he had written to Governor-General Sir Kenneth Hall requesting him to issue an official proclamation declaring February Reggae Month in perpetuity.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding who spoke at a Press Launch at Jamaica House hosted by the Minister of Information & Culture, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, said a month of activity was necessary in order to sharpen the focus and draw the attention of the world to this powerful asset that is wholly Jamaican.

Mr. Golding said in addition to being a part of our culture, reggae music has been used by Jamaicans as a means of expression and to communicate our experiences, trials and successes, as well as our joys and sorrows. He said the music has also been used to declare our position against oppression and suffering and to tell of our hopes, with the love as the underlying constant. He said this aspect of the music was the reason it had been embraced by people from around the world, but that Jamaicans felt no jealousy as, “reggae will always remain Jamaica and Jamaica will always remain reggae.”

He said it was also important for Jamaicans especially the youth to understand the power of the music, as they did not watch it grow through its many stages. Various methods will be used to analyze and celebrate the music during the month of February including music showcases, film screenings and academic conferences. “All sorts of means will be used to examine it, to study it, to look at its history and in that process, help to guide its future development,” the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister cautioned that while the music can be seen as an instrument of advancement, if not used properly it could also become a lethal weapon which, instead of uplifting our people, is used to disparage women and undermine the value system that the country wants to support and institutionalize. He said it was therefore important to establish a framework that will guide the future development of the music and ensure that it can remain powerful even a hundred years from now.

Reggae Month will be used to consolidate a series of events into a passionate movement in order to give full recognition to the music as a cultural capital. The month of celebrations will also assert Jamaica’s authority on the music so there can be no ambiguity of its origin. Mr. Golding said the month will also be used to plant the seeds for a nation branding project to firmly establish Brand Jamaica. This year’s activities will also be used as a stepping stone for next year’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of reggae music.

Prime Minister Golding said he welcomed the opportunity to recognize the contribution of the music to Jamaica as well as that of the many musicians and promoters especially the pioneers who never gave up even when it did not enjoy widespread acclaim. He said the government would be in dialogue with representatives of the industry to see what kind of support it could give to create more opportunities for new artistes.

There will be a full calendar of activities to mark Reggae Month starting with the Bob Marley Birthday Dinner on February 6th, the UWI Global Reggae Conference, a Reggae Film Festival and a football match between the Reggae Boyz and Costa Rica, a star-studded Reggae Academy Awards honouring outstanding music industry personalities and the “Africa Unite - Smile Jamaica” concert being hosted by Rita Marley and the Bob Marley Foundation.

–
… Best Regards and RASpect !!!!

Respectfully,

Alexander Bonilla Silva
RAW # 1222
Reggae Promoter / DJ (Radio & Club)
abonilla@reggaecolombia.com
http://www.reggaecolombia.com/
http://www.reggaeambassadors.org/
http://www.myspace.com/reggaecolombia
http://reggaecolombia.wordpress.com/

Postal Mail:
Alexander Bonilla Silva
Barrio Los Caracoles
Manzana 21 Lote 7 (2ª Etapa)
Cartagena De Indias, Bolivar, Colombia
Tel: 00(575) 6670788
Mob:00(57) 311 689 16 30

Jah Cure’s true reflections (Roland Henry, Observer staff reporter)

Jah Cure’s true reflections (Roland Henry, Observer staff reporter)
Roland Henry, Observer staff reporter
Friday, August 03, 2007

JAH CURE: I want people to remember me for good songs

Roland Henry, Observer staff reporter
Friday, August 03, 2007

There’s a certain beauty in the lonely, oft painful tremolos of a Jah Cure track.
His voice, it seems, captures the turbulence of a youth tossed between the harshest conditions of the island’s cities, the hunger for musical greatness and subsequently, a meteoric climb to his dream dented by a 15-year sentence for rape and gun possession.

But whatever the factor for emotional vocal tones, it’s simply undeniable that this soul-baring Rastafarian rocker has a certain je ne sais quoi that radiates with every note. His freedom was only a day old when the recording artiste, born Siccature Alcock, sat with Splash to discuss the past and possibilities his new status may afford him. Though it’s now several hours after the sky gazing - the singer’s first action when he was last Saturday released from the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre - we’re still intrigued and want to know more…

The free ‘Cure’

“You can’t know the value of freedom ’til you go through the struggle like me,” the singer shares, lighting a half-done ’spliff’, repairing to a concrete bench at the back of Big Yard Studios along Eastwood Park Road. “Some man take it for granted, but Jah know, life without it…,” he adds, shaking his head and giving out a long sigh. He doesn’t finish the sentence.

On being in prison

“Prison a nuh bed a rose,” he says, “Dem know is a message me a send fe de youths dem stay away [from prison].” It’s a “negative place,” he notes, “there’s a whole heap of negative, badman from all bout, you’re amongst the notorious and if yuh nuh strong, yuh doom.”

Though he identifies that the “free world” is no less corrupt, he believes that “out here” the choices aren’t so limiting and mistakes are not oft fatal.

The music industry

“Everybody a do dem best… I’m just here to play my part.” He comments, too, on the rising concern about his fellow Rastafari harbinger, the controversial Munga Honourable who refers to himself as ‘Gangsta Ras’.

“A music him a deal wid, but because him a Ras people would look for positive things,” he shares, adding that, “the negative a reality… mi cyaan’ fight him, him haffi eat too.”
“Him a try a little thing, is jus’ a idea fi sell him ting… is jus’ marketing.”

“What I missed about the free world…”

“There’s no one thing, but I missed smoking a good draw a weed, smoking a chalice amongst my bredrin,” he notes. Sunday night, he shares, had a certain livity when he stayed up until the wee hours chatting and laughing with reggae legend and his mentor Beres Hammond, as well as Coco Tea.

My Life as a single

“I’ve seen many things/seen paupers turned kings,” he says, quoting the lyrics from his new single My Life - from the new album True Reflection, The New Beginning - released in conjunction with his release from prison. “Man cyaan do 3,000 days and brush and nuh see nutt’n… that experience teach me a whole heap. The music a go speak to everything that me learn.”

Words to his accuser

During Jah Cure’s incarceration his accuser took her story to the media. Though Splash poses the question of how he feels toward her, the singer sidesteps the query. “Right now me give thanks for life, something great a gwaan for me.I’m jus’ moving on and skipping a new page,” he shares. “I don’t want to hurt anyone with my words.” The interview is interrupted several times by fans loitering in the studio yard; a fan now openly expresses his love and raises bottles of Guinness in celebration.

“Mi soon come give you a reason, me brother,” he says before continuing.

“I wish certain things that happen never happen.what you gonna do about the past?” he poses.
Is he still professing innocence?
“Just let it be.love is the word, and music is the answer.”

The Rehabilitation Through Music Programme

A music project for inmates that pretty much nurtured the recording star’s career. He expresses that he’ll continue to work with acts like ‘Serano’, a talented inmate. “[The programme was instrumental] during the True Reflection recording and we have some other song like Mama Be Cool,” he says, bursting into song.

Jah Cure is inspired by.

“The people that in the world because without them, there would be no who to sing to,” he adds, “.things are happening and if you don’t look around you, you can’t draw inspiration from your surroundings.”

Cultivating a ‘Cure’ legacy

“I want people to remember me for good songs,” he says, blowing a puff of smoke from his mouth. “I want to work with anybody that means himself positive in the business. nuff man gi me them strength and say free Jah Cure.” He mentions that he appreciates those sentiments from everyone who expressed it, whether they were genuinely in support of release or needed to inspire a tough audience.
“Me glad to know say dem could a call my name same way, a whole heap a strength that,” he adds.

The difference between then and now

Despite an eight-year removal from society, the Montego Bay native maintains that nothing has changed except, “the aggression” with which he’s approaching his music. “We’ve stepped up the pitch and heighten’ the way how we a arrange the thing.”

A rendition of the simple spiritually inspired Jah Jah Bless Me pre-empts the closing remarks of our interview. “A jus’ more life and love me bring to the people dem, and Jah a go make that happen, yes,” he says.

View this article at:

Jamaica Observer

–
…. Best Regards and RASpect !!!!

Respectfully,

Alexander Bonilla Silva
RAW # 1222
Reggae Promoter / DJ (Radio & Club)
abonilla@reggaecolombia.com
http://www.reggaecolombia.com/
http://www.reggaeambassadors.org/
http://www.myspace.com/reggaecolombia
http://reggaecolombia.wordpress.com/

Postal Mail:
Alexander Bonilla Silva
Barrio Los Caracoles
Manzana 21 Lote 7 (2ª Etapa)
Cartagena De Indias, Bolivar, Colombia
Tel: 00(575) 6670788
Mob:00(57) 311 689 16 30

Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest - 15th Anniversary

Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest - Julio 15-21, 2007 (Montego Bay, Jamaica) http://www.reggaesumfest.com/

Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest celebra sus 15 años!

Próximo a cumplirse la celebración de exitosos 15 años continuos de trabajo presentándole al mundo los mejores y más talentosos artistas de la música Reggae, los organizadores del festival Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest han prometido en su aniversario Nº 15 un espectáculo insuperable para esta nueva edición del evento conocido como ‘El show de Reggae más grande de la tierra‘
(The Greatest Reggae Show on Hearth)

La fiesta de lanzamiento oficial del evento se realizó el pasado miércoles 6 de Junio en los terrenos del ‘Devon House’, en St. Andrew, Jamaica. La cita de este año con el festival será a partir del 15 hasta el 21 de Julio en la hermosa y vital Montego Bay o ‘MoBay’, ciudad de múltiples opciones y excelentes facilidades hospitalarias.

En esta ocasión se ha previsto exaltar en honores a dos de las mas legendarias y representativas bandas que han participado regularmente en el festival desde sus inicios: Lloyd Parks and the We the People Band y Fab 5.

El ‘line-up’ oficial del Sumfest 2007 se inicia con la ‘Beach Party’ que inaugura el festival el domingo 15, con la participación de los ‘Fab 5’, ‘ZJ Liquid’, ‘Craig Ross’ y la ‘Pieces Disco’. El gran show en tarima tendrá su apertura el jueves 19 con la ‘Dancehall Night’ bautizada ‘Xplosion‘ contando con los artistas internacionales: Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, Baby Cham, Vybz Kartel, Mavado, Lady Saw, Vegas, Ninja Man, Chuck Fenda, Munga Honorebel, Erup, Macka Diamond, Voicemail, entre otros. Live Wyya sera la backing band y los MCs de la noche seran: Richie B - Hot 102 y GT Taylor - Irie FM.

En la siguiente jornada veremos lo que sera la primera ‘International Night’, llamada ‘Evolution‘, que sera el viernes 20 y que presentara a Shaggy, Buju Banton, Morgan Heritage, Richie Spice, Etana, Da’Ville, Cherine Anderson, Christopher Martin, con la intervención especial de la ‘Hard Drive’, entre las ‘backing bands’. Los MCs de noche seran la querida Elise Kelly - Irie FM y Cordell Greeny.

Al final del festival, la ultima jornada se cierra con el show del sábado 21, al cual se le ha llamado ‘Zenith‘, en el que se presenta la reina del Hip Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige, y con ella: Beres Hammond, Tanya Stephens, Alison Hinds, Tarrus Riley, Tessanne Chin, Rootz Underground, entre otros.

Las MCs: Francois St. Juste - Fame 95 y Paula Ann Porter - RJR 94.

Desde el Jueves hasta el sábado por la noche, el evento tendrá lugar en su ‘venue regular’ en el Catherine Hall, Montego Bay.

Mayores informes: Visite Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest.

–
…. Best Regards and RASpect !!!!

Respectfully,

Alexander Bonilla Silva
RAW # 1222
Reggae Promoter / DJ (Radio & Club)
abonilla@reggaecolombia.com
http://www.reggaecolombia.com/
http://www.reggaeambassadors.org/
http://www.myspace.com/reggaecolombia
http://reggaecolombia.wordpress.com/

Postal Mail:
Alexander Bonilla Silva
Barrio Los Caracoles
Manzana 21 Lote 7 (2ª Etapa)
Cartagena De Indias, Bolivar, Colombia
Tel: 00(575) 6670788
Mob:00(57) 311 689 16 30

Jah Cure scheduled for July 2007 release

Jah Cure scheduled for July release
Karyl Walker
Sunday, March 11, 2007

Barring any breaches of prison rules over the next four months, Jah Cure and his many fans will get what they have longed for, the reggae singer’s release.
JAH CURE. could perform on Reggae Sunsplash
Major Richard Reese, who heads the Correctional Services Department, said on Friday that the singer is due to see the inside of a cell at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre in Kingston for the last time in July.

“If he doesn’t commit any institutional breaches he will be released,” Reese told the Sunday Observer. Jah Cure, whose real name is Sycatore Alcock, was found guilty of robbery, rape and illegal possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 13 years in prison in 1998. He served the first part of his sentence at the St Catherine Adult Correctional Centre, but was transferred to the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre after he was held with what prison officials described as ‘contraband’.

Word on the street was that Jah Cure was found in possession of recording equipment and illicit drugs during a search of his cell.
Jah Cure also had an appeal against his conviction turned down and was denied parole on two previous occasions.

During the trial, the court was told that the singer and an accomplice held up two women and two men at gunpoint. The police said Alcock and an accomplice chased the men away before robbing and raping the two women on a dirt track in Montego Bay. Jah Cure was eventually arrested and convicted but his accomplice, who it is alleged raped the other woman in a pile of gravel, has never been brought to justice.

It is widely believed in law enforcement circles that the other man was subsequently shot and killed by gunmen.
If Alcock is released in late July, he could perform on Reggae Sunsplash in early August. However, a source close to the singer said Jah Cure was planning on organising a major concert to celebrate his freedom.

A stream of singles over the last three years has worked wonders for Jah Cure’s popularity, therefore, his re-entry into the entertainment scene should be warmly welcomed by his legion of fans.
Alcock joins a list of entertainers who have spent time behind bars.
Among them are living reggae legend ‘Bunny’ Wailer, who was sentenced to 14 months for possession of marijuana in 1967. He was found guilty after a police officer testified that Wailer stashed a bag with ganja in a barrel.

Two years earlier, Toots Hibbert was sentenced for the same offences.
Ska trombonist Don Drummond was found guilty of murdering his wife in 1964 and was interned at the Bellevue Hospital in Kingston where he died five years later.

His death has officially been listed as suicide.
Crooner Gregory Isaacs has spent time behind bars, while dancehall artiste Alozade was sentenced after he assaulted a cop inside the Half-Way-Tree court.

The once popular deejay Zebra is now serving time on sexual offence charges.

View This article at:

Jamaica Observer

–
…. Best Regards and RASpect !!!!

Respectfully,

Alexander Bonilla Silva
RAW # 1222
Reggae Promoter / DJ (Radio & Club)
abonilla@reggaecolombia.com
http://www.reggaecolombia.com/
http://www.reggaeambassadors.org/
http://www.myspace.com/reggaecolombia
http://reggaecolombia.wordpress.com/

Postal Mail:
Alexander Bonilla Silva
Barrio Los Caracoles
Manzana 21 Lote 7 (2ª Etapa)
Cartagena De Indias, Bolivar, Colombia
Tel: 00(575) 6670788
Mob:00(57) 311 689 16 30

North American tour for Stephen Marley

North American tour for Stephen Marley

Stephen Marley embarks on a North American tour next month.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007,
Grammy-winning artist and producer Stephen Marley has announced that he is launching a much anticipated tour this spring.
Stephen Marley embarks on a North American tour next month.

Kicking off on Friday, March 30, the tour is happening in association with the Ghetto Youths International Foundation and will feature special guest, brother Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley. The tour will run through May, hitting more than 40 cities with acclaimed artist K’naan also in tow.

Billed as the Mind Control North American tour, Ghetto Youths International will contribute one dollar from every ticket sold to the Marley’s homegrown charity, The Ghetto Youth Foundation, which provides aid and programmes to children struggling in impoverished and war-ravaged conditions around the globe. Highlights of the 3-month tour of Canada and the US will also include performances at the World Ski & Snowboard Championships in Whistler, British Columbia on Sunday, April 15, Coachella Music Festival in Indio, California on Friday, April 27, and Jazzfest in New Orleans on Saturday, May 5.

Stephen is preparing the cross-country trek in support of the impending release of his solo debut album Mind Control (Tuff Gong/ Ghetto Youths/ Universal-Republic) released on Tuesday, March 20. The album has been receiving accolades in the press with early reviews calling the release “irresistible…an impressive offering” (Urb magazine) and “4 stars…heir to reggae’s royal family honors dad’s legacy….dance-hall-inflected reggae/ hip-hop jams, carefully balancing political fire and island-life vibe. His ease with both elements would make his father proud” (Spin magazine).

Stephen will be showcasing new songs from the release, which includes guest appearances from Mos Def and Ben Harper. Standout tracks include gems such as the mesmerizing Chase Dem, and the soulful serenade Hey Baby.

The album also features the hit track The Traffic Jam, which is currently exploding onto charts in Jamaica and England and showing early spins on several US Rhythmic/Crossover stations. Marley, along with Damian, debuted the track live this past month on the Jimmy Kimmel Show.

For Stephen, 2006 was a coming-out party of sorts. He scored his fifth Grammy award for his triumphant co-production work on brother Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley’s acclaimed RIAA-certified Gold disc Welcome To Jamrock, to date garnering him the most Grammy awards of any Marley and more than any other Reggae artist in history. Stephen also embarked on two US concert tours last year, including the acclaimed Bob Marley Roots, Rock Reggae Festival, where brothers Stephen and Ziggy Marley joined together for the first time ever with reggae pioneer Bunny Wailer.

His work has been earning acclaim for several years, whether for collaborations with R&B stars like Erykah Badu or his part on the dancehall burner It Was Written, and especially after Chant Down Babylon, the platinum-selling star-studded Bob Marley tribute he produced.

A veteran of the family’s fertile launching pad, Ziggy Marley and The Melody Makers, Stephen has emerged in recent years as a pivotal production and creative force, helping to oversee Marley enterprises like Tuff Gong Records and its umbrella imprint Ghetto Youths.

View This article at:

Jamaica Observer

–
…. Best Regards and RASpect !!!!

Respectfully,

Alexander Bonilla Silva
RAW # 1222
Reggae Promoter / DJ (Radio & Club)
abonilla@reggaecolombia.com
http://www.reggaecolombia.com/
http://www.reggaeambassadors.org/
http://www.myspace.com/reggaecolombia
http://reggaecolombia.wordpress.com/

Postal Mail:
Alexander Bonilla Silva
Barrio Los Caracoles
Manzana 21 Lote 7 (2ª Etapa)
Cartagena De Indias, Bolivar, Colombia
Tel: 00(575) 6670788
Mob:00(57) 311 689 16 30

Nadine Sutherland’s Call My Name set for April release (by Kevin Jackson, Observer Writer)

Nadine Sutherland’s Call My Name set for April release
Kevin Jackson, Observer Writer
Friday, February 23, 2007

Nadine Sutherland’s Call My Name set for April release
Kevin Jackson, Observer Writer
Friday, February 23, 2007

It was 28 years ago that Nadine Sutherland gained attention locally when she entered the Tastee Talent Competition. Since then she has gone on to record some memorable hits in reggae.

Among her more familiar recordings are Young One Like Me, Until, Skeezer, Why, Babyface, Action with Terror Fabulous and What You Gonna Do with Buju Banton.

A few years ago, a new generation of music fans was introduced to Sutherland when she took up judging duties on the highly popular Digicel Rising Stars talent competition on TVJ.

Now Sutherland is getting ready to release her forthcoming album Call My Name for the South Florida-based Eight76 Records. The set is due out in April and is led by the first single Big Tingz. “Big Tingz is a shout to my people all over the world to let them know that I am bringing the heat for this year. I am very excited about Call My Name and just about life in general right now,” said an elated Sutherland.

A video for Big Tingz is expected to be shot this weekend in Negril.

Wine Pon You is Kartel’s latest video

Vybz Kartel has been quite visible of late with songs such as Tic Toc, Beyonce Wine and now his latest groove Wine Pon You. The song was produced by Donovan ‘Don Corleon’ Bennett.

Last week Kartel took over the popular ‘Back road’ area of Port Henderson Road in Portmore, to shoot the clip for the single. Direction was handled by Nordia Rose.

Commenting on the video shoot, Kartel said: “It was crazy over there, the road was blocked with girls from all the crews in Portmore, and the Portmore Empire members were there as well. We did several shots inside the Fantasy nightclub, so the video has an exotic feel with the lights and the girls, very sensual without being erotic. Nordia Rose knows what she’s doing.”

Judgement Fi Dem pays off for Easy Wayne

With steady rotation on radio and at video outlets including Hype, RE-TV, Juice TV and CVM’s Hit List, Easy Wayne’s single Judgement Fi Dem is finally reaping some form of success.

He is booked for a few shows including Kingston 13 Splash (February 23), Hot Girl March Out (March 24), Hype 2007 (April 1), Easter Fiesta (April 8), Giddimani (April 16), and Western Consciousness (April 28).

Easy Wayne recently performed at GT Taylor’s Magnum Extravaganza show in St Elizabeth; Rebel Salute; and Royal African Celebration Of Love.

“Right now, I am concentrating on releasing my album Judgment Fi Dem 2000 Degrees. I am aiming for the international market and to make it on some overseas charts while developing my fan base. I have some plans to tour overseas but that’s in the developing stages right now,” said Easy Wayne.

Hot Wuk remix commissioned by Shel Roc

One of Trinidad’s hottest producers Shel Roc recently commissioned a soca remix of Mr Vegas’ recent chart-topping single Hot Wuk. Vegas, who was in Trinidad for the recently concluded carnival celebrations, said the song has been getting positive feedback.

Additionally, Vegas performed a handful of shows with soca star Machel Montano while in Trinidad. “When Machel and myself took to the streets, it was something else. Look out for Glory Days/Raging Bull. That’s going crazy right now,” said Vegas.

Vegas heads to Follow The Arrow on Saturday night at James Bond Beach.

BITS AND PIECES

Caught up with singer Da’Ville at the launch of the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) earlier this week. He revealed that his debut disc On My Mind for VP Records is due out next month. He recently won the Best Male Singer of the Year title from the EME which was aired on Richie B’s Hot Mix on Hot 102 FM. Late last year he was voted Best Male Singer at the Stone Love Awards. He has three nominations in the International Reggae and World Music Awards.

Ce’cile says her long-awaited debut album is finally coming out this summer. She too has been nominated for an award in the International Reggae and World Music Awards. “It feels good to be nominated,” said Ce’cile.

Singer Tessanne Chin says she plans to allow her fans to choose the follow-up single to her smash hit Hideaway. “I might have a listening party or just ask the fans to email and vote from a batch of songs. I want them to decide what will be the next single,” said Chin. Hideaway is still doing well on the charts.

Deejay Mr G aka Goofy says he has a handful of new singles penetrating radio at present. He recently worked on projects for the Sean Nizzle, TJ Records, Steely and Clevie and Pyrano labels. Additionally, he is featured on his very own Rapid Burse rhythm, which also features songs from Buju, Tina and Borderline, TOK, Beenie Man, Erup and Tanto Metro and Devonte.

View This article at:

Jamaica Observer

–
…. Best Regards and RASpect !!!!

Respectfully,

Alexander Bonilla Silva
RAW # 1222
Reggae Promoter / DJ (Radio & Club)
abonilla@reggaecolombia.com
http://www.reggaecolombia.com/
http://www.reggaeambassadors.org/
http://www.myspace.com/reggaecolombia
http://reggaecolombia.wordpress.com/

Postal Mail:
Alexander Bonilla Silva
Barrio Los Caracoles
Manzana 21 Lote 7 (2ª Etapa)
Cartagena De Indias, Bolivar, Colombia
Tel: 00(575) 6670788
Mob:00(57) 311 689 16 30

Buju Banton, Tanya Stephens top IRAWMA nominations (by Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer)

Buju Banton, Tanya Stephens top IRAWMA nominations

Ephraim Martin (right) of Martin’s Inter-Culture Ltd. with Da’Ville (left) and Tessane Chin at the announcement of nominees for the 27th International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) at the Pegasus on Tuesday. - Colin Hamilton

By Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer

When the nominees in the nearly 40 categories of the 27th International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) were being read at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, on Tuesday evening, some names kept coming up.

The one that came up most among the men was Buju Banton, who has been nominated in nine categories, while Tanya Stephens is tops among the women with five nominations.

Ephraim Martin of Martin’s Inter-Culture, which stages the awards, said that ‘once the nominees are announced fans and the general public can vote. Last year, 50,000 people voted and this year we expect to double that. There was hardly a country around the world there wasn’t a vote from.’ Nominations were sourced from music industry personnel.

Social relevance

Voting is done by ballots distri-buted in the United States, as well as online at www.IRAWMA.com, with one set of votes allowed per person. A note on the ballot says “your decision should be based on materials/releases between December 2005 and November 2006. Also consider the social relevance of materials, originality and sales, the scope of local, national and international performances, quality of performances and stage appearance.”

Among the categories Buju Banton is nominated in are ‘Bob Marley Award for Entertainer of the Year’, sharing that slot with fellow multiple nominees Sean Paul (eight, including three in the ‘Best Crossover Song’ category), Gyptian (five), Damian Marley and Beenie Man (three each).

He is also in the Recording Artist(s)/Group of the Year category, where Tony Matterhorn gets one of five nominations. Matterhorn’s nominations, which include ‘Best New Entertainer’, ‘Best Songwriter’ and ‘Best Sound System/Selector’, span the widest range of all the nominees.

Baby Cham is also among the males with the highest number of nominations, with six, three of them (’Best Album/CD’, ‘Best Crossover Song’ and ‘Best Music Video’) speci-fically related to ‘Ghetto Story’.

Tanya Stephens straddles singing and deejaying, nominated for ‘Best Female Vocalist’ as well as ‘Best Female Disc Jockey/Rapper’, her ‘Rebelution’ CD among the nominees for ‘Best Album/CD’, where Matisyahu’s ‘Youth’ gets a rare entry by a non-Jamaican in a reggae category. David Rodigan from England and Japan’s Mighty Crown do the same for ‘Most Popular Sound System/Selector’.

The IRAWMA is not, of course, all music, as a rotating cast of entertainers and Martin’s Inter-Culture personnel announced ‘Best Reggaeton Entertainer’, ‘Best Calpyso/Soca Entertainer’, ‘Best African Entertainer’ and ‘Best Soukous Entertainer’ among the nominations.

And charitable efforts are not to be left out, as Burning Spear, Capleton, Friends of Reggae (who stage the Kansas City Reggae and World Music Festival), Moodie’s Records (for the Butterfli Wings Foundation for Children in Jamaica) and Wyclef Jean are up for the ‘Community Service Award’.

View This article at:

The Jamaica Star

–
…. Best Regards and RASpect !!!!

Respectfully,

Alexander Bonilla Silva
RAW # 1222
Reggae Promoter / DJ (Radio & Club)
abonilla@reggaecolombia.com
http://www.reggaecolombia.com/
http://www.reggaeambassadors.org/
http://www.myspace.com/reggaecolombia
http://reggaecolombia.wordpress.com/

Postal Mail:
Alexander Bonilla Silva
Barrio Los Caracoles
Manzana 21 Lote 7 (2ª Etapa)
Cartagena De Indias, Bolivar, Colombia
Tel: 00(575) 6670788
Mob:00(57) 311 689 16 30

Int’l Reggae & World Music Awards return to world-famous Apollo Theater

Int’l Reggae & World Music Awards return to world-famous Apollo Theater

Friday, February 23, 2007

Ephraim Martin (2nd left) of Martin’s International is flanked by Macka Diamond (left) and Tessanne Chin (3rd left) at the launch of the 2007 International Reggae & World Music Awards, at the Jamaica Pegasus on Tuesday evening. Also present are Ce’cile and Tarrus Riley. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Kingston, Jamaica –
The 26th Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), by Martin’s International and Associates returns to Harlem’s World Famous Apollo Theater, in New York City on Saturday, May 5, 2007, commencing at 8:00 pm for general admission, 7:00 pm for VIP ticket holders, and 6:00 pm for the nominees, performers, sponsors and other participants to walk the red carpet.

The official announcement and the releasing of the nominees were made on Tuesday, February 20 at a press conference, held at the Pegasus Hotel, in Kingston, Jamaica by Martin’s International and Associates.

Chairman Ephraim Martin, Directors, Clifton Edwards and Austin McBean; along with several entertainers, nominees and media celebrities, including: Tanto Metro, Ce’cile, Macka Diamond, Winford Williams, Daville, Tarrus Riley, Tessanne Chin and Loyal Hayley announced nominees for all 41 categories.

More than one hundred and fifty entertainers and music industry professionals were nominated and selected for special awards by music industry experts throughout the globe.

Among the leading nominees for 2006 are: Sean Paul and Buju Banton with nine (9) nominations each; Baby Cham with six (6) nods and Gyptian, Tanya Stephens and Tony Matterhorn with five
(5) each.

Media Mogul Oprah Winfrey and International Pop/Rock Star Bono will be given the Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award for their contributions to humanity worldwide, especially in the continent of Africa. Inductees to the IRAWMA Hall of Fame will be Boris Gardner and BB Seaton & the Gaylads.

Special Martin’s International and Associates Award of Honour will be given to: King Jammy’s Edmond “Bunny” Lee, Ed Robinson (E2 Recordings) and Don One Records. Special Producer’s Respect Award will be given to Dougie Fresh, Gregory Isaacs and Half Pint. Special Award of Appreciation will be awarded to the following: Winston “Niney” Holiness, Jerome Hamilton, Dahved Levy of WBLS 107.5 FM, Lorna Wainwright of Tuff Gong, Bobby Culture
and Friends of Reggae Dave Clark.

Other nominees include: Capleton, Damian Marley, Beenie Man, Luciano, Beres Hammond, Freddy McGregor, Daville, Richie Spice, Dean Fraser, Chuck Fenda, Marcia Griffiths, Cecile, Alaine, Jah Cure and Bounty Killa. Plus: Sly and Robbie, Vybz Kartel, Akon, Wyclef Jean, Sizzla, Macka Diamond, Machel Mantano, Rhianna, Daddy Yankee, Youssou N’Dour, Toots and the Maytels, Rupee, Third World, Burning Spear, Tarrus Riley, Daville, Malachi Smith, Voicemail, Mutabaruka and Dean Fraser, among others.

Tickets for the made-for-television event are now on sale at the Apollo Theater box office (212) 531-5305 and thru Ticketmaster.com, 212/307-7171 and all Ticketmaster outlets. VIP Diamond box tickets are available only from Martin’s International and Associates 877/9-REGGAE ((973-4423).

Each year, the experts in the reggae and world music industry select the nominees for IRAWMA, after which reggae and world music fans and the general public then vote for the winners. To participate in the process and help to select the winners in the various categories, persons may vote online www.irawma.com, or mail in your ballot to: IRAWMA-c/o: Martin’s International and Associates, PO Box 5836 , Chicago , Illinois 60680 . Ballots are available in various newspapers, restaurants and record stores. Ballots may be requested by sending your request by e-mail to: irawma@aol.com.

The International Reggae and World Music Awards, which annually honours the best in reggae and world beat music at the global level, has been expanded in terms of organisers, and is produced by Martin’s International and
Associates, LLC whose directors include: Ephraim Martin, Clifton Edwards, Austin McBean and
Carlton Muldrow.

View this Article at:

Jamaica Observer

–
…. Best Regards and RASpect !!!!

Respectfully,

Alexander Bonilla Silva
RAW # 1222
Reggae Promoter / DJ (Radio & Club)
abonilla@reggaecolombia.com
http://www.reggaecolombia.com/
http://www.reggaeambassadors.org/
http://www.myspace.com/reggaecolombia
http://reggaecolombia.wordpress.com/

Postal Mail:
Alexander Bonilla Silva
Barrio Los Caracoles
Manzana 21 Lote 7 (2ª Etapa)
Cartagena De Indias, Bolivar, Colombia
Tel: 00(575) 6670788
Mob:00(57) 311 689 16 30

Ron Muschette wakes them up, (The Jamaica Gleaner: Friday | February 23, 2007)

Ron Muschette wakes them up
published: Friday | February 23, 2007

Andr Jebbinson, Staff Reporter
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/

Ron Muschette - Contributed

Should you tune in to IRIE FM on any given Monday or Friday morning, you will most likely hear the voice of none other than Ron Muschette with ‘The Wake Up Call’.

He got into radio by building an in-house radio station at Sandals Montego Bay, while working there as an entertainment co-ordinator. Having travelled to The United States extensively, Ron is now able to add the Jamaican touch to what he has learned from working in Miami, Boston, New York, Atlanta, Milwaukee, and more.

How did you get started in the media?

Ron Muschette: I was sent by Jah and built my own station called W.S.M.B at Sandals Montego Bay, while working there.

What is your dream Job?

I have it, but I still want to be a pilot and fly one of those A320 or A340.

What is your best moment working in the media?

Being on the air, knowing that you’re sending Jah blessing to people and making them feel irie.

Have you been faced with negative remarks?

Yes, especially my earlier days when Barry G, Leahcim Semaj and Diana Wright wanted to invade my genius like The U.S. invading Iraq. And even now I get criticism, but I survive by Jah.

If not radio what would you be doing?

Flying planes.

What is your favourite show (local/international)?

‘Easy Skanking’ with Elise Kelly, ‘Running African’ with Andrea Williams Green, ‘Cutting Edge’ with Mutabaruka, Donna Chin on KLAS, and anything on CNN.

Who are your favourite media personalities (local/international)?

All IRIE FM personalities, Samantha Rose on Zip FM, Dave Toomer, and Ivor Smith on Kool FM and also Paula Zahn on CNN

What turns you off about people?

Dishonesty and bad odour.

If you could meet anyone person who would he/she be?

Michael Jackson

What is the one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?

That I don’t have locks and my voice is bigger than my size.

View this Article at:

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20070223/ent/ent1.html

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/

–
…. Best Regards and RASpect !!!!

Respectfully,

Alexander Bonilla Silva
RAW # 1222
Reggae Promoter / DJ (Radio & Club)
abonilla@reggaecolombia.com
http://www.reggaecolombia.com/
http://www.reggaeambassadors.org/
http://www.myspace.com/reggaecolombia
http://reggaecolombia.wordpress.com/

Postal Mail:
Alexander Bonilla Silva
Barrio Los Caracoles
Manzana 21 Lote 7 (2ª Etapa)
Cartagena De Indias, Bolivar, Colombia
Tel: 00(575) 6670788
Mob:00(57) 311 689 16 30