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New World Reparations"
Documentary
A new documentary, "New World Reparations," saw its world premiere
in Toronto, Canada, on Nov. 2, 2003. This 62-minute film, subtitled "Twelve
Generations of Work with No Pay," asks questions about monetary compensation
for the enslavement of Africans brought to the new world. The film was
produced by Elliott G. Thompson, a Canadian of Jamaican descent. Check
out the film's trailer here
where you can also order a copy of the film.
 "MTV2
Bashment" Show Premiers Oct. 26, 2003
MTV2, the 24 hour music network, announced the pilot episode of "MTV2
Bashment" on Sunday, Oct. 26th at 3 p.m. ET. Hosted by the "energy
god" Elephant Man and taped last month in Jamaica, the half-hour
show features the hottest dancehall/reggae videos. Elephant Man's video
"Pon De River" has been in heavy rotation on MTV2 and was recently
named "Buzzworthy" on MTV and MTV2.
MTV2, a 24-hour music network, reaches nearly 50 million homes, and emphasizes
showcasing new music and breaking artists. For more information about
MTV2 visit http://www.MTV2.com.
Watch Reggae Nation
TV on Fox
Reggae Nation TV airs a brand-new one-hour special on Tuesday, Dec. 2,
2003 on FOX Sports Net Core Culture. Core Culture airs in the "Off
the Wall" slot in the U.S. and via syndication to more than 100 countries.
The show will broadcast at 11 a.m., 4 p.m. and 2 a.m. Wednesday morning.
It will re-air in the Spring of 2004.
The Reggae Nation segments on Core Culture and Fusion follow 2002's "Island
Movement" TV special. This new program tells the story of the current
reggae explosion, featuring interviews, live concert footage, music videos
and behind the scenes access.
For information contact ResinWeb@aol.com or catch the vibe at http:www.ReggaeNation.com.
LA Radio Show Features
DJ Junor Francis
Jamaican DJ Junor Francis hosts the reggae portion of the Sound Lab on
Hot 92 Jamz from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday nights in the LA area.
Junor's "pure reggae niceness" show airs between Bay Area freestyle/dance
DJ Jose Melendez from 10 to 11 p.m. and J-Solo playing Old School jams
from 1 to 2 a.m. The Sound Lab is hosted by Chris Loos and has earned
high ratings for the 25 weeks it has broadcast.
Junor, a 15-year radio DJ veteran, describes his show, "You get the
older gems that you don't hear, from lover's rock to singers, the original
dancehall music." Junor has a busy career as an MC and DJ, and he
writes about Jamaican music and Black history for a variety of publications.
Contact Justine Ketola at zionboundmedia@comcast.net for more information.
 Building
Dominica Through Music
"Cultural Passport," a CD released in Oct. 2003, features 16
musicians from Dominica, the Nature Island of the Caribbean. Timed to
celebrate Dominica's Independence and the acclaimed World Creole Music
Festival, the CD signifies the cultural ambassador status of Dominica's
musicians, including Nasio Fontaine, Ophelia Marie, Ras Perez, Reggae
Cowboys, Lazo, Camron Pierre, Jeff Joseph & the Grammax band, Pat
Aaron, and Jahlee.
The Commonwealth of Dominica is a cultural center in the Caribbean, and
is home to the music styles of Zouk, Belle, Cadence and Bouyon. "Cultural
Passport" is aimed at preserving the cultural identity and strengthening
the national independence of Dominicans. The project was spearheaded by
Delmance "Ras Mo" Moses and the non-profit Ralph Casimir and
Orion Cultural Fund (ROC Fund). Funds generated from the CD go toward
the teaching of culture, music and the music business to the youths of
Dominica.
For more information, contact Delmance Moses by email at rasmo@igc.org.
To purchase the CD, check out http://www.buydominica.com.
 Clothing
Line, New Album for Ska Legend Neville Staple
Neville Staple -- ska front man best known for his work with two-tone
band The Specials -- launched Rude Wear Fashions in Nov. 2003.
Staple's All Star band performed at the VIP party of the MTV EMAs in Edinburgh,
on Nov. 6, 2003, joined by former band members, Lynval Golding, Roddy
Radiation and Jerry Dammers, along with the Beats' Ranking Roger and 60's
Icon Donovan. Rude Wear announced its 2004 winter range at the same show.
The two-tone image of the late 1970's and early 80's was based around
racial unity at a time when there was much racial tension. Rude Wear fashion
aims to celebrate 25 years of ska music and the resurgence of ska's artists
-- including Neville, Madness, No Doubt and others -- by creating clothes
that are attached to the music but are updated for today's markets. Rude
Wear clothing covers suits, jackets, polo shirts, sweat shirts and T-shirts.
Staple commented, "It's really great to see this type of clothes
will soon be in shops again and maybe the kids will again walk down the
street looking smart and trendy. No, seriously, the guys at Rude Wear
have done a fantastic job and we have been working on this now for many
months in order to bring together the music and the fashion once more."
Watch for the clothing to appear in stores by Feb. 2004.
Along with creating his own fashion line, Staple has formed a partnership
with Alchemy Entertainment to create Rude Boy Music, his own record label,
with a focus on Roots music. This label will not only release Staple's
archive material and new recordings, but will also allow him to sign new
talent. Neville Staple is currently on tour and producing a new album,
with a live DVD to follow.
For further information contact: Barry Sanders, Rude Wear Fashions, by
email at Barry.Sanders@entertainmentsales.com, or Jason Rothberg, Neville
Staples Management, by email at jason.rothberg@rocknroadrally.com.
 Ce'Cile
Releases New Song
Dancehall artist Ce'Cile has a new song out on the Coolie Dance Rhythm
-- "Do It To Me" (Oct. 2003). Like her first hit "Changez",
"Do It To Me" challenges Jamaica's social taboos in relationships.
Recently signed to Delicious Vinyl Records, Ce'Cile is working on her
debut album. For more information, contact http://www.rudegal.com.
Calypso Singer Prowler
Dies
Trinidad and Tobago's Calypsonian, Mystic Prowler, aka Roy Lewis, 59,
collapsed in a taxi in San Juan on Sept. 20, 2003, and died of an apparent
heart attack. Prowler, who won the 1998 Calypso Monarch title with "Look
Beneath the Surface" and "Vision of T&T in The Year 2010"
was also known for his hits "PC Man," "Sugar Pie,"
"Lui, Lui," "Marriage Receipt," and "Milkman."
Bay Area Club News
Caribee nightclub in Oakland, CA, was the Bay Area's favorite reggae dancehall
during the 80s and 90s. Now, Caribee returns on Thursday nights, featuring
DJs Toks, Rolo 1-3 and Ubald. (1408 Webster St. at 14th St., Oakland,
CA)
Island Paradise Club on Webster St. in Alameda, CA, celebrates their 7th
year in business. Thursday nights now feature member discounts, a Dart
Tournament, as well as DJs. Vote for your favorite DJ to play on Thursdays
by sending an email to ipclub@pacbell.net and check their website at www.islandparadiseclub.com
for more information.
In the roughest neighborhood in San Francisco, Club Six continues to offer
DJ entertainment to brave club-goers. Thursday nights feature "Give
Thankz" with DJs Polo, Irie Dole, Shortkut, Doogie, I-vier. (60 Sixth
St. between Market and Mission, SF)
Corinne Mah is a Pointe
Michel, Dominica-based freelance writer and publishing specialist. A veteran
of the music business, Mah has worked with diverse musical genres in various
locations for over 20 years.
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