Entertainment News
December 2004

2004 GRAMMY NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED

This year's Grammy nominees in the Best Reggae Album category are:

* Black Magic
Jimmy Cliff
[Artemis Records/Unique Corp.]

* The Dub Revolutionaries
Sly & Robbie
[Sanctuary]

* African Holocaust
Steel Pulse
[RAS/Sanctuary Records]

* True Love
Toots & The Maytals
[V2 Records]

* Def Jamaica
Various Artists
[Def Jamaica/Def Jam Recordings]

The nominations spanned the year from October 1, 2003 through September 30, 2004. The 47th Annual Grammy Awards will take place on Sunday, Feb. 13, at The Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA and will be broadcast live on CBS from 8–11:30 p.m. (EST/PST).

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS

JetStar Records--offering 20% off CDs and DVDs. Click here for more info.

Easy Star Records is running a promotion for the holidays from their online store: buy any shirt and get $3 off any CD in your order. To shop, click here.

ReggaeCD.com has put the entire VP catalog (over 600 CDs) on sale for the holidays.

Wisdom Records is the San Francisco source for all things reggae.

ReggaeRags.com--Reggae Rags Clothing. Place your order by December 19th.

PSM Recordings--For the month of December if you buy any available title using their "one-click" Paypal ordering, you get a second one for free.

ReggaeKing.com--Bob Marley merchandise. Place your order by December 10th.

Urban Threadz--Australia's source for underground clothing from hiphop and graff gear to rave and skate clothing.

PASSED

Legendary engineer Errol Thompson passed away on Sunday November 14. He was considered Jamaica's greatest engineer, and his work with Joe Gibbs produced some of reggae's finest music including classic works from Peter Tosh, Culture, Dennis Brown, Black Uhuru and the Mighty Diamonds.

Janice Angela Brown, daughter of San Francisco lawyer and music promoter Clavere (Gus) Brown, passed on Monday December 6 from a complication with leukemia. She was in the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Condolences can be sent to Gus at cabrown2@earthlink.net.

UNDERWEAR DRIVE

Mikey General and Sista Irie collaborate to help the Jamaica National Children's Home. This orphanage is located in Mona, Jamaica. The Tegwyn Special Unit is a wing of this same home which cares for physically and mentally challenged children. The kids are mostly in wheelchairs, unable to wash and take care of their physical needs. Underwear is a much needed commodity. Sista Irie is seeking underwear donations for the children.

The underwear can be for girls or boys, preferably cotton, and in any sizes from the youngest to about age 14. Even one package is very helpful. Also, please include a postcard from the town or city you are from for the kids to enjoy! Email Sista Irie at sisirie@io.com so she can bring the donations down to JA in January.

REGGAE ARTISTS PERFORM FOR A CAUSE

Reggae recording artists Elephant Man and Lady Saw performed live on December 7th with Alicia Keys, Mario, and others in support of Alicia Keys' charity organization Frum tha Ground Up and Teens in Motion. The show, sponsored by New York's #1 station for Hip Hop and R&B Power 105.1 fm, took place at Exit Night Club on West 56th Street in Manhattan, New York. Frum Tha Ground Up is devoted to equipping America's youth with the tools essential for achieving success on all levels. The organization promotes and instills desirable character values such as fortitude, confidence and integrity by providing inspiration, motivation and encouragement to each and every member. Both Elephant Man and Lady Saw are on the VP Records label.

MUSIC NEWS

I-Wayne signed to VP Records on November 23, 2004. The roots and culture artist signed a multi-album deal. The talented 24-year-old singer has recently topped the charts with songs like "Can't Satisfy Her" and "Living in Love." His first album on VP will be released in the 2nd quarter of 2005. I-Wayne became a member of an elite family of cultural artists who have released records with VP including Morgan Heritage, Luciano, Capleton, Bushman, Junior Kelly, Warrior King, and others. VP Records A&R rep Neil Diamond, who has been working with the artist and his management team Loyal Soldiers, was enthusiastic about the signing, "There needs to be a new breed of artists to carry on the traditions of the legends in this business, and we feel that this artist could be the next Luciano, Garnett Silk, or Jacob Miller."

See Rupee’s "Tempted to Touch" video that features clips from the New Line Cinema film “After the Sunset” starring Pierce Brosnan, Woody Harrelson, Salma Hayek and Don Cheadle (in theaters now): Quicktime LO/Windows LO/Quicktime HI/Windows HI.

Bob Marley was inducted into the UK inaugural Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. A panel of senior music industry figures chose five artists or groups - Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Bob Marley, Madonna and U2 - to be founding members. The names were announced at a star-studded ceremony at the Hackney Empire in East London. Among Bob's musical peers honored at the ceremony were George Martin on behalf of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Bono.

On December 26th 2004, Supreme Promotions and GOTEL Communications have collaborated to stream STING 2004 on the web. The event will be a live video and audio stream broadcasting worldwide by Nine Systems. The event will be a pay-per-view event with prices starting at $1.99US for audio only and up to $3.99 for a near DVD quality, full screen picture with CD quality audio. This year's event features Beenie Man, Jah Cure, I Wayne, Capleton, Fantan Mojah, NinjaMan, and Jah Cure live from prison. Contact the Sting hotline for more info 1.876.698.0019 (note: this is a Jamaican phone number.)

First Ejaness Reggae Comprehensive, Inc. has secured exclusive merchandizing rights to the name and image of Garnett Silk. In the coming year look out for the launch of the "Garnett Silk" collection, on the Reggae Rags Clothing line. ERC will be rekindling the passion for this great artist through t-shirts, clothing and other merchandise.

1Xtra's Robbo Ranx the heart of the Boboshanti faith with a visit to Bull Bay Bobo Camp to meet its musicians, "Bobo Dreads: Unravelling the Truth."

The Recording Industry Association of Jamaica Limited/RIAJam is calling on all Jamaicans at home and abroad as well as all fans and supporters of Jamaican music around the world to take a stand in support of positive Jamaican music which continues to entertain, inform and inspire millions of people around today as it has done for the past 50 years. The RIAJam wishes to make it absolutely clear that it does not in any way condone or support the recording or performance of music containing lyrics which promote or incite violence against any group of persons. To show your support for their stance, contact info@riajamaica.com.

Trinisouth Boyz Ent. and Rockers Island Entertainment Inc. teamed up once again for the "Second Annual Children’s Christmas Party & Toy Drive," which was held on Sunday, December 5, 2004 at Bayside Hut in Key Biscayne, Florida. The proceeds benefitted child victims of Hurricane Ivan.

Rocker-T is promoting his new album "Hold On Strong" [Zionway/PSM] touring in Panama where he is playing to sell-out crowds. The music in this following link was recently recorded in Panama and features four new Rocker tracks not available anywhere else, with production and music from PSM and Stand Out Selector: http://www.myspace.com/conqueringlionsoundz. The new album is available in stores across the US already and online at http://www.zionway.net and through Ernie B's Reggae at http://www.ebreggae.com.

Vegitation band returned home from the High Times Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam safely. Look for more coverage in the next High Times Magazine. The band is also preparing to record at live CD at Winston's Beach Club, Ocean Beach, in San Diego, CA on Janaury 21, 2005.

DJ Vlad was featured on BET's "Rap City" on December 7, 2004.

Geronimo Chief has a new music video out featuring Rudy, "I Want Your Body." Whatz Up TV NY interviewed Geronimo Chief and aired the new video on December 6.

The Urban Network is currently promoting independent artists like hip-hop and R&B songstress Temmora, New York rapper Rican, and others. For more information visit http://urbannetwork.com/.

Dasvibes Productions, a Jamaica-based record label, recently launched a platform for artists involved in Caribbean music to have a forum to create, record and get the appropriate marketing and promotions for their music. Dasvibes Productions has three main artists under their label: Valume, Enesi and Slicer. They also promote Daddy Rings, Sizzla, Gentleman and Steady Ranks. Dasvibes Studios are located in Seaview Gardens, Kingston, Jamaica.

Newcomer Steady Records Mad Audio is an online non-profit independent audio recording label which specializes in promoting unheard voices and unique sounds normally trampled on by the big industry. For more information, visit: http://www.iota.tv/steady_records/.

Ras Astor Black, founder of the Bob Marley School for the Arts Institute in Jamaica, has a TV show, Reggae Vibration TV. The show is broadcast in the Chicago area (Comcast) and promotes travel, music, the non-profit Jamaican American Club and more. If your interested in getting on his show send you CDs and DVDs to: Ras Astor Black Reggae Vibration Show/901 Mangolia Drive/Algonquin Il 60102.

San Francisco Reggae retailer Wisdom Records has a number of new singles in stock: Infinity & Abijah, "King of Kings" (Xterminator label), Sizzla, "Fly High Fly Low" (Xterminator label), Sizzla, "Jah Never Fail I (Jesus Walks remix)" and T.O.K., "Solid As A Rock (Remix)." Wisdom Records is located at 4308 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94112. For more information visit www.wisdomrecordssf.com.

On November 24, KNON 89.3 Irie FM Dallas hosted Buju Banton live from Jamaica on the "African Forum" show with DJ Ima Uwagbai, Queen Mushiya and Bro You.

NEW RELEASES

Greensleeves releases new album from Sizzla. "Life" was recorded exclusively at his newly built studio in Judgement Yard, Kingston, Jamaica. For more information click here.

VP Records unleashes the big hitters: Beres Hammond, "Love Has No Boundaries," Various Artists, "Strictly the Best 32," Garnett Silk's 2-CD "Reggae Anthology," Degree, "The General," and Capleton, "Reign of Fire."

Ras Records releases the box set "This Is Reggae Music: The Golden Era 1960-1975." This 4 CD box set is a comprehensive look into the early days of Jamaican music during the golden period of 1960-1975. The set starts with early Ska recordings from 1960 and concludes with Burning Spear’s "Marcus Garvey" from 1975. This 90-track set includes British and Jamaican hits as well as several great rarities. "This Is Reggae Music" features legendary artists such as Bob Marley & The Wailers, Toots & The Maytals, Lee Perry and Jimmy Cliff and Jamaican stars like Ken Boothe, John Holt, Dennis Brown and Gregory Isaacs, alongside many other lesser-known Jamaican artists who contributed some of the best Jamaican music ever recorded. For more info, click here.

JetStar just released a number of new CDs and DVDs which include: Mafia & Fluxy, "Strictly Vocals," Burning Spear, "Creation Rebel, "Lee Perry, "Live" DVD.

Motion Records just released a limited edition collector's LP of Various Artists, "Out on a Funky Trip." The LP is in a gatefold sleeve and pressed on 180gm vinyl. Tracks were recorded in the 1970's mostly at Randy's studio. For more info, click here.

Soul diva Chaka Khan released "ClassiKhan," the debut release on her Earthsong Record Label. The album is a collection of standards that include Peggy Lee’s “Is That All There Is?” and “The Best Is Yet To Come,” “Hey Big Spender,” “I’m In The Mood For Love,” Patsy Cline’s “Crazy,” and  “To Sir With Love.” The renowned London Symphony Orchestra accompanies Chaka on all the tracks.

Putumayo Records releases Various Artists, "South Pacific Islands," one of the first widely distributed collections of contemporary music from this remote region of the world. In fact, most of the artists featured on South Pacific Islands are little known outside their country of origin. This enhanced CD features an OK! Ryos music video filmed on the picturesque beaches of New Caledonia, as well as informative liner notes in English, Spanish, and French, striking Lonely Planet photographs and the recipe of a traditional South Pacific dish. For more information, visit here. They also released "Music From the Chocolate Lands" on November 9. The CD offers a selection of songs from the tropical countries that grow cocoa beans as well as collaborations with musicians from the European regions where chocolate-makers produce some of the world’s most appetizing chocolate products. Click here for more info.

The Dominica Gospel Music Group releases the CD "Vessels of Honor." Vessels of Honor Ministry was founded in 1996. The Ministry was initiated by Richardson Ferrol, a musician and songwriter, who after hearing the three angel-like voices of Anna, Bertilia, and Cindy (originally known as the ABC Singers) suggested the uniting of their God given talents and efforts. The Ministry has one common objective, and that is to minister grace and love to sons and daughters of God through anointed music. To purchase CD click here.

Ed Robinson releases "Sky Is the Limit" on Charm/JetStar. There are sixteen tracks for roots and lovers' rock fans.

Tanty Records released Various Artists, "Roots of Dub Funk 4" which the album notes describe as, "Dirty, heavyweight bowl tingling dub yes! But combined with enough JA Reggae to African Roots to USA Funk/Jazz melodies and an execution of 'touch' at the studio mixing desk that defies that throw away 'knock it together in five minutes' attitude employed by so many of today's 'wannabe' dub meisters..." The CD can be purchased on the label's website.

Quiet Storm Records releases compilation "Island Roots, Vol. 5" just in time for the holidays. The CD is packed with tracks from Hawaii’s favorite artists. For a limited time enjoy a flat shipping rate of $3.85 (U.S. Mail) per order. For more info click here.

TCOOO Records releases Various Artists, "18 Karat Reggae Gold" was released in response to the VP Records series of the same name. This compilation offers tracks by lesser-known artists. For more info, visit http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/reggaegold.

DEB albums are going to be available in CD Format just before Christmas. Available titles include Dennis Brown, "Wolf and Leopards," Various Artists, "Black Echoes," DEB Players, "Umoja Love & Unity" and more. For further info, visit Badda Music.

Murda One Sounds presents the next mix installment, "Mellow Vibez 3" that can be purchased on the website.

Centron Sound has been busy releasing new material from Spragga Benz, Selah, Johnny P and more. Visit http://www.centronsound.net/.

BOOKS

Cheryl L. A. King's book, "Michael Manley and Democratic Socialism - Political Leadership and Ideology in Jamaica" focuses on the
leadership of Michael Manley from 1972 when he was elected Prime Minister of Jamaica to 1980 when he was voted out of office. Manley
adopted what he called Democratic Socialism as the guiding philosophy of his party - The People's National Party (PNP) for the restructuring of
the Jamaican economy. Cheryl King's study probes the reasons for the failures and successes of Manley's brand of socialism during that period.

To purchase this book, click here.

MAGAZINES

SkyWritings, the official in-flight magazine of Air Jamaica, is celebrating the late Bob Marley’s 60th birthday by devoting most of their January/February ’05 issue to his life and musical career. Featured stories will include: Writing Cedella Booker's Story, Bob Marley’s Life in England, The I-Threes, The Success of the Marley Children, Bob Marley Tourist Attractions and Music Review: New Bob Marley Re-Issues. For more information visit http://www.airjamaica.com/skywriting/.

CHARTS

I-Wayne's single "Living in Love" made the New York Top 30 Reggae Singles chart compiled by Clinton Lindsay for the week of December 15, 2004. The single also made the #1 spot on the South Florida Singles chart for the week of December 10. The New YOrk and South Florida Reggae Charts are compiled by Clinton Lindsay from sale reports submitted by the areas' leading retail record stores.

For the week of December 3, Jah Cure's "Longing For" led the Mega Jamz 98FM Top 10 Reggae/Singers Chart, while Capleton's "Or Wah" topped the Dancehall Chart for the 5th week in a row. The Mega Jamz chart is based on sales in record stores across Jamaica.

Topping Richie B's Jamaica's Weekly Top 20 Singles for the week of December 3 is "Hungry" by Fantan Mojah on the Downsound Records label. Richie B is the host of the "Hot Mix" on Hot 102 FM in Jamaica. He compiles the tracks based on information received from the following Sound
Systems, record shops and clubs in Jamaica: Clappers Music Box - St. James, Hurricane Disco - St. James, Olympic Sound System - St. James, Silver Star Sound System - Lucie, Hanover, Sky Disco Sound System - St. Andrew, Sting Ray Machine - Portmore, St. Catherine, and Bad Influence Sound System - St. Catherine.

Wisdom Records owner, DJ Ivier, places the 'Military' rhythm at the top of his Top Ten New Dancehall Rhythms list for the week of December 8. The 'Maroon' makes the top new roots rhythm.

CATERING

Backayard Catering will cater your holiday meal at affordable prices. Located in the Bay Area, they serve Caribbean and Continental food. For menus, services, and other info, visit www.backayard.net.

EVENTS

The bi-annual Surf Expo takes place on December 16 in South Florida with the band Uprooted performing live alongside the former lead singer & voice behind Inner Circle hits 'Sweat' & 'Bad Boys.' 20 tables of surf, reggae & other products will be displayed. For more info, visit: www.jahsurf.com.

The Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival will take place January 22-25, 2005 in Jamaica.

The 2005 Annual Ragga Muffins Festival will take place on February 19-20 at the Long Beach Arena in Long Beach, CA.Tickets are available through all Ticketmaster locations and ticketmaster.com. You may ask for the SEAT SPECIAL until January 1, 2005. To purchase by phone: (800) 583-8700, (213) 480-3232, (714) 740-2000, (805) 583-8700 and (619) 220-TIXS.

TOURS

Reggae band Inner Visions will be spending December back home in the U.S. Virgin Islands. They will be performing in St. John and St. Thomas with a New Year's Eve culmination at Foxy's Famous Ole Year's Party, Foxy's Bar, Jost VanDyke, British Virgin Islands. For more information, visit www.foxysbar.com or http://www.innervisionsreggae.com/.

St. Croix's roots daughter, Dezarie, is on tour this month. Look out for her in California and Hawaii.

Snoop Dogg will be touring England, Scotland, Ireland, France and Germany in February 2005. If you are interested in booking shows or after-parties click here.

Starting in February and March, Prezident Brown will be touring the US nationwide including Hawaii. He will also be touring in Mexico, Canada, and Europe. If you're interested in booking the Prezident in your town contact Sean Fay at Booking offers at jahmanipro@yahoo.com.

REGGAE RADIO

iM4RADIO.COM launched a new online Caribbean radio station, CaribbeanVibesRadio.com (CVR), headquartered in Largo, Maryland. You may tune in at www.caribbeanvibesradio.com 24-hours a day, 7-days per week.

Live365 online radio is currently offering a free trial period. They have over 10,000 stations and have won Webby Awards in 2001, 2002, and 2004. For more information visit www.live365.com.

Tune in to The Reggae Capital, www.kingsmancamp.com, on air everyday 24 hours a day.

If you're in the Denver, Colorado area check out radio 1190 "RastaExperience" and Mountain 99.5,"Reggae on the Mountain."

Laura Gardner is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of http://www.jahworks.org. In addition to her journalistic contributions to various online and print publications, she is a graduate student of somatic psychology, and has worked alongside the Monterey Bay Reggae Fest, San Francisco's Reggae in the Park, and other music festivals in the Northern California area.