Entertainment News
May 2004

MILESTONES

SIR COXSONE DODD PASSES AWAY

Legendary reggae producer Clement "Sir Coxsone" Dodd, 72, died on May 4, 2004, apparently from heart failure, just four days after the city of Kingston, Jamaica honored him by naming a street after his famous Studio One recording label. He is survived by his wife and six children.

Coxsone Dodd is remembered as a pioneering giant in the Jamaican recording industry. His "Downbeat" was one of the earliest sound systems in Jamaica during the 1950s. As one of the first producers of Jamaican music, Dodd began recording in 1955 and he acquired the Studio One property at 13 Brentford Road in 1960. Studio One and his Down Beat labels became known as the "Motown of Jamaica," pumping out hits using the finest musicians to break new musical ground, including the Skatalites. For more than four decades, Dodd produced artistes such as Bob Marley, Marcia Griffiths, Bob Andy, Peter Tosh, Delroy Wilson, Paragons, Culture, Alton Ellis, Ken Boothe, and many more.

He earned the Jamaica Order of Distinction in 1991, and in August 2002, Dodd was given a special award, marking Jamaica's 40th year of Independence, for his contribution to Jamaican music. He also received a gold Musgrave medal for his contribution to music in 2002. Aloun N'dombet Assamba, Jamaica's Minister of Industry and Tourism with responsibility for Entertainment, was quoted by the Jamaica Gleaner: "'Sir Coxsone' as he was known to all, was indeed the father of popular entertainment in Jamaica. For decades, the development of modern Jamaican music and the unearthing of new talent rested on his shoulders as he did his utmost to nurture an industry that has now become a powerful force internationally." See related article at: http://www.jahworks.org/CoxsoneDodd.htm

PHYLLIS DILLION STRUGGLED WITH CANCER

Jamaican singer Phyllis Dillion died at her home in Long Island, New York on Thursday April 15, 2004, after a long battle with cancer. Originally from Linton in St. Catherine, Jamaica, Miss Dillon started her professional career at Duke Reid's Treasure Isle studio. Known as the queen of rock steady, her hits include Don't Stay Away (1966), Rock Steady, One Life to Live, Tomato, Nice Time and We Belong Together.

MUSIC NEWS

Toots and the Maytals are on tour to support their new CD "True Love" on V2 Records. The tour hits US West Coast and European dates in May/June 2004 and future dates can be found that the official Toots and the Maytals website.

Celebrate Massive B's 13th Year Anniversary on Saturday June 5, 2004 @ Club Crystals (Queens, NY) with $1000 Cash Giveaway for Best Dancer, tickets, and special guests. Based in NYC, Bobby Konders and Jabba formed Massive B Sound System which has become a force in the reggae community throughout the tri-state area on WQHT Hot 97.1 (every Sunday from 10 pm-1 am) and internationally in the dancehall arena. They present music and dancehall culture in a unique and fun way -- packed with high energy and positive vibes. Massive B also offers a new release, the Sick Riddim, mixing dancehall with a hip-hop twist, featuring Sizzla, Predator, Anthony B, Burro Banton, King Kong, and Choppa Chop. Massive B's rub-a-dub style Heavenless Riddim now features Bounty Killa riding the riddim with "Wi bun da highest."

Bushman's latest, "Signs," has just been released on VP Records. For a real audio stream of this new album, visit ireggae.com at: http://www.ireggae.com/sounds/bushmansigns.ram Daniel Frankston has assembled an online Sound Station with more than 350 hours of reggae streams in Real Audio. Go to http://www.ireggae.com/soundz.htm

New York: In May 2004, entertainment powerhouse Irie Jam Media Group and Yardman Style launched their marketing partnership that will see Yardman Style providing fashionable clothing and promotional items to Irie Jam Radio DJs, Irie TV hosts, and giveaways for Irie Jam Media and Black Emperor Entertainment Events throughout the spring and summer of 2004. Yardman Style clothing targets the Caribbean/Reggae market and features reggae artiste celebrity models such as Sean Paul, Beenie Man, Elephant Man and others.

More reggae wear! Established in 2002, Reggae Rags Clothing line is operated by Ejaness Reggae Comprehensive, Inc., out of Brooklyn, NY. The demand for their t-shirts and other garments has allowed them to increase manufacturing orders, resulting in lower prices. Go to http://www.ReggaeRags.com to gear up for the summer.

Check out "King of the Nile," a brand new riddim from ADDIS Records -- featuring artistes Luciano, Luten Fyah, Junior Kelly, Natural Black, Turbulence, Jennifer Barrett, Admiral Tibet, and others (on 7" singles).

Candis Francis, known as "The New Dancehall/R&B Queen," has released her single "Shake Dem Off," her aggressive but comedic stand on "haterz."

The Jet Star Record label out of England will soon offer pre-orders of its forthcoming releases directly from its website. Prior to that service, you can receive an e-mail alert when the upcoming "UK Cup Clash" DVD is released. Send your request to info@jetstar.co.uk to be notified. Also on the Jet Star website you can find the Riddim Guide, a brand new, regularly updated essential guide to the hottest riddim albums; Selectors Choice highlighting the best in new release 7" singles; Killer Price Promotions featuring limited time special offers; interviews; and other news. Go to http://www.jetstar.co.uk.

Singer Cleve "Stitchie" Laing (previously known as Lt. Stitchie), multi-award winning Jamaican reggae gospel artiste, has just released his new album, "Kingdom Ambassador," and announced the launch of Stitchie's official website.

Quiet Storm Records in Hawaii has released "Island Roots Volume 4," packed with more great hits from talented Hawaiian island artists. Visit Quiet Storm Records' website to hear samples from the CD.

John McKenzie, organizer for the Caribbean-American Chamber of Commerce for the Greater Washington Area, invites you to support the declaration of June as the official Caribbean-American Heritage Month for the United States of America (the proposed bill in Congress is H. Res. 570). Contact him to receive a copy of the support letter which you can then send to your representatives in the House and Senate: John S. McKenzie, PO Box 2495 Wheaton, MD 20915-2495; phone: 240-393-7204; email john.mckenzie@cocopages.com.

Check out this flyer from Air Jamaica ... $313 from LA to Montego Bay ... what a deal for an irie island vacation! www.airjamaica.com

EVENTS

The 23rd Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), sponsored by Martin's Inter-Culture, Ltd., were awarded on Mother's Day, May 9, 2004, in New York City's Columbia University-Alfred Lerner Hall. Sean Paul topped this year's nominees with 11, followed by Sizzla and Elephant Man (6 each), Beenie Man (5), Luciano, Buju Banton and Wayne Wonder (4 each), Sanchez, Burning Spear, Morgan Heritage and Beres Hammond (3 each). In addition to the reggae categories, awards were given for Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer, Best African Entertainer, Best Compas/Racine, Best Latin Entertainer, along with many special presentations including the new categories of Best Reggaeton Entertainer and Best Hip Hop Entertainer. Performers included Luciano, Sanchez, Richie Stephens, Half Pint, Dean Frazer, Calypso Rose, Soukous Stars, Mikey General, and others. Check out their website for the winners.

AIDS Walk Caribbean starts at 9:00 on June 12, 2004, at Flatbush and Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, N.Y. This annual 10k Walk Caribbean Project is dedicate to families of Caribbean descent affected or infected by HIV/AIDS in the United States or the Caribbean diaspora. Its goals are to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS epidemic amongst Caribbean-Americans in the New York Community and the Caribbean, in addition, to raising funds for CPIC Caribbean Support Center and Hospice Fund. The walks begin at 9:00 on June 12, 2004, at Flatbush and Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, N.Y. "Now it's time for the estimated 5 million members of the Caribbean diaspora in the United States to assist in stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS by supporting this community initiative," said AWC chairperson, Truda Hickman, Secretary of the Caribbean People International Collective Inc. (CPIC). Contact Ms. Hickman at 703-441-2619 or 718-282-WALK (9255), cpicincny@aol.com, aidswalkcaribean@aol.com, or check the website for more info: www.aidswalkcaribbean.com.

SHOWS

Carnival come back again ... to Massachusetts! On Saturday, May 22, 2004 at Unity Sports Club, Dorchester, MA, DJs Sound Inc Crew and Sound Vibration spin all the 2004 tunes. Email: bostonunityinfo@yahoo.com for more info.

In the Dallas, Texas area throughout the month of May, you can catch Watusi, the Caribbean / Polynesian / Latin / Afrikan / Island Style entertainment group. Call the Tropical Hotline at 972-771-3797 or go online to http://www.tropikalproductions.com for their calendar.

On May 29, 2004 -- the night before San Francisco's 26th Annual Carnaval Parade -- Ashkenaz in Berkeley hosts a Trinidadian soca/calypso/rapso show you should not miss. Rapso artiste Brother Resistance (Roy Lewis) combines African-inspired arrangements with his political poetry. Award-winning calypsonian Crazy is famous for his "smut" (double-entendre) lyrics. Crazy and Brother Resistance and the Royals will be backed by the Jouvert Band, bringing forward the hottest sounds from the Caribbean. The King and Queen of Carnaval will appear also. For more info, click here.

In Los Angeles on Monday, May 31, 2004, the 18th Annual UCLA Jazz/Reggae Festival (Jazz Day on Sunday) at UCLA Drake Stadium, Westwood, CA. (310) 281-1124. Artistes include Beenie Man, Machel Montano & Xstatic from Trinidad, Nasio Fontaine and Michele Henderson from Dominica, and others.

Also in LA, on May 30, the Von Dutch Affair at the Shatto Ballroom will showcase Stone Love, Libra Love, Quantegy and Ruff Cutt sound systems. (714) 931-8611.

Club Dread at Studio Z in San Francisco welcomes Tanya Stephens -- who is riding the wave of her smash CD "Gangsta Blues" and hit song "It's A Pity" -- on Memorial Day, Monday May 31, 2004, with Women in Reggae DJs Empress I-Lexis and Jenicyde. E-mail ClubDread2@aol.com for details.

Hawaii offers the 1st Annual Concious Riddem Reggae Festival in Kona on the Big Island on Saturday, June 5, 2004. Performers include Marty Dread, SoulMedic, Iblical, Humble Soul, Forward and MixJah plus Selectors Jahworks [no relation to this website] and Princess Ites of Revolution Sounds. Call 808-322-2628 for information.

Australia will host the Iration Steppas -- dub inna year 3000 style -- sound system from England featuring Dennis Rootical & Mark Iration. Also on the bill is Jah Trinity Sound from London, Milton Naphtali from Adelaide, and local DJs spinning dub, roots, reggae and dancehall. Shows will be on June 18, 2004 in Sydney, June 19 in Melbourne, and June 20 in Adelaide. Contact Terrasphere Productions for more info at tsphere@bigpond.com.

In Jamaica on July 3, 2004, the "Jah Restoreth Our Soul" reggae show will take place at the Lost Beach Complex, Little London, Westmoreland Jamaica, featuring performers Peter Broggs, Gregory Isaacs, John Holt, Leroy Sibbles, Bongo Herman, backed by Dwight Pinkney & DP Band from Kingston and sound by Q45. Contact colleen@lostbeach.com for more info.

REGGAE CLUB NEWS

Angel Magik just celebrated three successful years in the Bay Area with massive party. The Caribbean-urban-dancehall night continues every 2nd Saturday of the month, at a Shattuck Down Low in Berkeley. Other events sponsored by Jonny Mac aka DJ Jah Kno can be found at http://www.jonathanmack.com.

Every 4th Saturday, there's a new roots/reggae/dancehall night -- Reggae Gold -- at The End Up in San Francisco. Polo, Rolo, Toks and guest DJs. Enter to win tickets here.

Good-2-Go Saturdays (second Saturday of every month) starting May 8, 2004, at Ganesh Club, San Francisco, presented by the Mighty Black Love Soundstation. Features DJs from Jamaica, Atlanta, Guyana. Email Jungles at 5104421010@myairmail.com for guest list info.

King of Kings continues every Sunday at the Shattuck Down Low in Berkeley, with a special benefit show on May 23, and a Memorial Day Party on the 30th.

Miami has a new weekly reggae spot, expanding from its monthly gig at the Bayside Hut on Key Biscayne. Starting Thursday, May 13, 2004,DJ Lance-O of Kulcha Shok Musik, Inc. will spin roots reggae music and a touch of dancehall as well as guest selectors and surprise guest artists. Surf videos & movies all night.

In Honolulu, Hawaii, check out The Lion's Den at Indigo's Eurasian Restaurant on the last Saturday of the month. Pacific Sounds Outernational selectas bring you roots, reggae, dancehall and dub.

Reno, Nevada celebrates Wokstar's One-Year Anniversary Bash at the Blue Lamp. Selassie Son Productions and The Stoner Brothers present DJs, vendors, ital food. Email.

BAY AREA REGGAE BANDS

Send your band's website, email or phone number to be included!

Native Elements
(San Francisco's reggae band plays lovers' rock, roots and conscious dancehall wrapped cozily in a bright "frisco-pino" treatment)

Red Di
(An original reggae band, based in San Francisco's East Bay, whose music combines one drop, steppers, dancehall and worldbeat rhythms influenced by American rock, pop, jazz, and r&b).

Dubwize
(Roots rock reggae band, with latin beat influence, from California's Central Coast area)

Tribulation

(Bay Area Roots Reggae Band, who recently opened up for Mikey Dread at The Independent in San Francisco).

REGGAE RADIO ON THE NET

Reggae Makossa, founded by Makeda Dread in San Diego, CA, has 20 years of broadcast experience. You can now listen to their shows via the internet at http://reggaemakossa.com. Also based in San Diego, CA, the Worldbeat Cultural Center, established in 1985, continues to promote peace and indigenous cultures of the world through music, art, education, culture and technology. In May 2004, they will open the Tijuana branch of the center in Baja, Mexico. Sign up for the newsletter at worldbeatcenter@yahoo.com or check the website at http://www.worldbeatcenter.org.

Congratulations to John (DJ Bahilman), whose Creation Steppin' Radio scored two trophies at the 2004 "Best of Live365 Awards" ceremony on May 1, 2004: "Best Reggae Station" and "Best Professional Website." Chosen from more than 20,000 Live365 stations, including a couple hundred playing reggae, it's quite an accomplishment.

Also online, you can find the Cannabis Health Journal at http://www.cannabishealth.com. This e-mag promotes the new image of the responsible cannabis user, with special attention paid to the medicinal use of marijuana.

Corinne Mah is a freelance writer and publishing specialist based in San Francisco and the Commonwealth of Dominica. A veteran of the music business, she has worked with diverse musical genres in various locations for more than 20 years.