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Monday, May 31, 2010

Rita Marley's Studio And Memorabilia Gutted By Fire Cost US$20 Million

Rita Marley, widow of reggae legend Bob Marley, has told Ghanaian media that several valuable pieces of personal items were destroyed by a fire which gutted her state-of-the-art studio in that country last Saturday.

Marley said original master tapes of her husband's music were destroyed in the blaze, so too footage of him performing in concert. She added that the property and studio were valued at US$20 million.

Marley, the report said, had recently returned to the west African country. Work on the studio was completed in early 2009 and was due for commissioning later that year but was postponed because the Marley matriarch was away on business.

Marley did not speak of any plans to rebuild the facility but was reportedly critical of the response of the local fire station which, she said, was late on the scene despite its close proximity to the studio.

The Marley studio, which is located near Aburi in southeastern Ghana, is the latest high-profile complex to be destroyed by fire in Ghana, where Rita Marley has owned a home since the late 1990s.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

GRAMPS MORGAN: The New Face of CY Clothing

GRAMPS MORGAN
The New Face of CY Clothing




Dada Son Entertainment is proud to announce that Gramps Morgan is the new face of  CY Clothing Inc.

According to Gramps, "CY Clothing and I have a relationship that goes way back, to when I was a child.

CY 
identifies with what I stand for which is culture, happiness, and love amongst the human race and that's evident in their brand; and it identifies with my brand, Gramps Morgan." 

"I've wanted to do a clothing line for a long time and I wanted to join forces with theCY Evolution brand. They're always supportive of me when I go on tour, so I said why not! Let's join forces and take this to another level. I have so many ideas to improve the brand and they are excited about it."

Meanwhile Gramps' manager and partner, Anthony Alexander says, "This is a very exciting time for the Dada Son family. Under this new partnership comes the newest edition to the Dada Son merchandise catalogue; a brand new Gramps Morgan clothing line designed by CY Evolution."

Friday, May 28, 2010

Yet Another Trial delayed again for reggae singer Buju Banton


A federal judge again has changed the trial date for Grammy-nominated reggae singer Buju Banton without giving a reason.
Banton's trial on drug charges originally was scheduled for April 19, the date Banton requested. But 11 days before the trial was set to start, U.S. District Judge James Moody moved it to June 21.
The defense objected, citing the cost of rearranging travel for witnesses and noting that Banton would be held in jail longer.
Moody overruled the objections.
A notice was posted today that the case has been moved to the September trial calendar. A trial date will be set at a status conference in August.
Banton's attorney, David Oscar Markus, has again filed an objection on the same grounds, saying the change violates the federal Speedy Trial Act.
The law generally requires that a criminal defendant's trial start within 70 days after he is charged or makes an initial appearance, whichever is later.
Banton was arrested Dec. 10 in Miami, had his initial appearance the next day and was indicted Dec. 15. The defense motion says the speedy trial requirement already would have been violated with the June trial date.
Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, has been jailed since his arrest. He and two codefendants are accused of participating in a cocaine deal in Sarasota.
Banton claims he was entrapped.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Toots Hibbert goes R&B for latest album

For his group's new album, "Flip & Twist," Toots Hibbert of reggae icons Toots and the Maytals decided to indulge in something people have been telling him he should do for years.



"R&B from America influenced me," Hibbert said during a tour stop in Salt Lake City, mentioning Ray Charles, Al Green, James Brown and Aretha Franklin among the soulful singers who have shaped his sound. "I keep listening to these songs; people keep asking me, 'Why don't you do R&B? You sound like that.' So I decided I'm going to do some R&B on this album."
"Flip & Twist," with songs such as "Fool For You" and "Perfect Lover," sounds like it could be a collection of outtakes from the heyday of Green or Marvin Gaye circa 1972. Hibbert said he's had some of the ideas for these songs since the 1980s, with some even reaching back into the '70s.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Review: Nas, Marley light up Fox


By Jim Harrington
It worked.
Many believed that the pairing of controversial rapper Nas and reggae star Damian “Junior Gong” Marley had potential. Yet, only a true Pollyanna, one without much experience with these types of cross-genre collaborations, could’ve predicted that the result would turn out as satisfying as what was witnessed on Tuesday night at the Fox Theater.
It was especially impressive given that this co-headlining tour, which features both men onstage at the same time, is only a few shows old. The Oakland gig was really only the fourth date on the trek, yet the duo has already managed to strike a near seamless blend of hip-hop and reggae that honors both genres. It’s probably safe to say that the 36-year-old rapper and the 31-year-old son of Bob Marley put in plenty of time in rehearsals before taking the show on the road.
Plus, one got the feeling at the Fox that this show will only get better down the line. Locals will have the chance to find out if that’s indeed the case when Nas and Marley return to perform at the Outside Lands festival, set for Aug. 14 and 15 at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. (The festival’s complete lineup will be announced June 1 at www.sfoutsidelands.com.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Rita Marley's studio burnt

The ultra-modern music recording studio in Aburi in the Eastern Region belonging to Rita Marley, wife of the late reggae music icon Bob Marley, has been gutted by fire.

The cause of the fire is unknown but sources close to Mrs Marley say it may have been caused by an electrical fault.

Fire service personnel from Akropong also in the Eastern Region were unsuccessful in putting out the inferno, necessitating reinforcement from the Madina Fire Station.

A close friend of Rita, Blakk Rasta, told Myjoyonline.com he had gone to the studio around 16:00 GMT Saturday and "there was no sign of an impending inferno."

MARCIA GRIFFITHS AND QUEEN OMEGA TOURS WESTERN U.S. IN JUNE 2010


Marcia Griffiths and Queen Omega are currently two of the top reigning queens of reggae!

Marcia, one of the original I –Three’s, vocalists with the great Bob Marley, is still keeping the strong spirit of Bob Marley and the Wailers fresh and alive. The two of these gifted singers together, Marcia Griffiths and Queen Omega make for a long show of beautiful female energy.

Marcia Griffiths is scheduled to perform on Reggae in the Desert in Las Vegas June 12th, they both perform on the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival June 20th and Marcia is also on the Monterey Bay Reggaefest July 31st.

May 15th Marcia attended a huge awards ceremony in Jamaica where she received an award for the greatest achievements in the music industry. Marcia is consistently very busy doing recording sessions, shows and tours in the Caribbean and beyond. She is always on the road.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Nas & Damian Marley's Distant Relative Debut Projected To Sell 50,000 In 1st Week



Queens rapper Nas and Reggae star Damian Marley's Distant Relatives debut projected to sell 50,000 copies in its first week. The Grammy winning rapper teamed up with the son of Reggae legend Bob Marley in what was seen as a monumental collaboration. The group had high hopes for the album since its inception and are pleased with its success. Nas even revealed how working on the project helped him through his divorce and custody battles, and you can read the article in the related article section below. The sales projections are based on one-day sales of the album on its release Tuesday (May 18).

Have you heard Distant Relatives yet? Did You buy it? How do you think the hip hop and reggae collaboration worked out?

Solid Reggae Line-Up to perform for a worthy cause in Detroit


On May 29th, Detroit will come alive when Pressure Busspipe along with Jr. Pinchers, Ed Robinson, Stephen Souza, Jerry Max, Cherri Poet and more will all perform for a charitable cause at ‘Spread the Love 2K10’.

‘Spread the Love 2K10’ is an effort by the ladies at Irievibesradiodetroit.com to raise funds for Watsontown Basic School. The Watsontown Basic School is located in Dumfries, St. James Jamaica, a small rural and poor town about 45 mins outside of Montego Bay. 

Music will also be provided Venom Sound from Miami, DJ Killa, DJ Flexx and Roots Rock Sound.

Entry: $12 or $10 with donation of a school supply.

To Get advance tickets call: 313-575-8424/ 313-530-6375/ 734-730-8875

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Nas Speaks On Reggae Music And Bob Marley In New Interview


On the heels of the release of Distant Relatives, rapper Nas spoke with the Wall Street Journalin regards to his work with Damian Marley, his thoughts on reggae music and rap, and more.
“They're both real music by people who are expressing themselves about the conditions around them,” said Nas when asked about the similarities between Jamaican music and rap. “Many of those conditions are similar. Jamaican music can be aggressive, soulful, smooth and exciting all at once—just like hip-hop. At the same time, there's nothing like Jamaica in the United States. Jamaica is its own thing.”
Nas also explained that he’s inspired by Bob Marley’s “untouchable” status and that he would someday hope to have that kind of effect on fans.
“Everyone listens to him—it's not a Jamaican thing or an American thing—it's all over the world,” Nas explained. “I've always wished to be able to do that once, as much as he does it naturally and easily on this untouchable level, I'd want to do that.”
In his interview with the Wall Street Journal Nas also spoke on fellow rappers Lil Wayne and Jay-Z.
Nas revealed that he was able to get Lil Wayne on the Distant Relatives album by sending Wayne a track shortly before he began his prison sentence. As far as Jay-Z, Nas gave praise to his New York City anthem “Empire State Of Mind.”
“It's just keeping that whole thing alive—this New York thing,” said Nas. “There are a lot of people complaining about New York hip-hop, about it not being what it was, and he stood up and now we have another anthem to be proud of.”
Nas and Damian Marley’s Distant Relatives was released on Tuesday, May 18.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Vail: Julian Marley to play free Teva Games concert

VAIL — Julian Marley, son of reggae legend Bob Marley, and U2 cover band Under A Blood Red Sky will headline two free “Mountains of Music” concerts at the upcoming Teva Mountain Games in Vail.

Denver-based Under A Blood Red Sky will perform at 7 p.m. June 3 at Checkpoint Charlie in Vail Village. The band covers everything from the 1983 War tour to present day.

Marley, who will play at 7 p.m. June 5 at Checkpoint Charlie, has been making music since recording his first song at the age of five at the Marley family home in Kingston. His music incorporates reggae, hip hop, dancehall and R&B. He's toured extensively with his brothers, Damian and Stephen.

Teva Mountain games guests also can spend time at the Bear Naked Adventure Village interactive family zone, Teva Blackout Party, Green Light District, Gear Town and clinics on everything from backcountry preparedness and mountaineering.

This year's sporting events at the Teva Mountain Games will include World Cup and amateur climbing, kayaking, rafting, mountain biking, road cycling, trail running, a half marathon, fly-fishing and this year's newest addition, stand up paddling.

For more information about Teva Mountain Games, visit 
www.tevamountaingames.com

Monday, May 17, 2010

Harder they Come Returns to UK Stage

The musical production of the iconic Jamaican film, 'The Harder They Come', returns to the United Kingdom (UK) stage on May 14 for the start of an eight-city tour.

This follows two sold out performances at the Theatre Royal, Stratford East, in 2006 and 2007, a successful run in London's West End in 2008 and a successful North American tour last year.

The musical is based on the iconic 1970s film starring international reggae star, Jimmy Cliff, which was produced and directed by Perry Henzell and co-written by Trevor Rhone. It tells the story of young Ivan Martin, who heads to Kingston with dreams of becoming a reggae star, but the harsh reality of the Jamaican music scene drives him to a life as an outlaw.

The UK tour, which lasts until July 10, will see performances in Nottingham, Birmingham, Leeds, Northampton, Wimbledon (London), Salford, Greater Manchester, Oxford and Cardiff, Wales.

The largely new cast comprise several performers of Jamaican heritage, including the leads, Matthew Henry as Ivan, Alanna Leslie as Joy, Marlon King as Pedro, Joy Mack as Ivan's Mother and Kirk Patterson who plays the photographer and is the dance captain.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Reggae in the Desert is Back

Frederic Apcar Productions is pleased to present the 2010 version of Reggae In The Desert, Las Vegas’ largest Reggae festival, showcasing both the unifying power of Reggae music & the Caribbean lifestyle.


Reggae In The Desert is nine years strong and each year it gets even better. This year's event will feature the likes of Barrington LevyMarcia Griffiths, Sly & Robbie, Eek-A-Mouse and more!


While you are enjoying the legendary musical performances from some of Jamaica's most legendary performers, you will be able to bargain with vendors for Caribbean island style arts and crafts, and when you get hungry sample the great flavours of the Caribbean Islands with the onsite food court that will satisfy any appetite. Quench your thirst at conveniently located beer gardens and Mailbu Rum well so that you will be able to enjoy some of your favorite drinks, and dance the night away. 



Reggae In The Dessert will happen on June 12, 2010,  2 pm to 10pm at Clark County Amphitheater
500 South Grand Central Parkway, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Directions  
From Interstate 15, exit on East Charleston and immediately turn left ontoGrand Central Pkwy. Government Center is on your right. The event will be held at the base of the Pyramid.

PURCHASE TICKETS:
Tickets are now available onTicketmaster
(subject to TM ticket fees & charges)
Charge-by-phone thru Ticketmaster:
800-745-3000

VIP packages available 

Front gate procedures: 
Get your ticket at the ticket booth or pre-purchase from Ticketmaster, then get in line at the gate, you will be searched by security. 
  
REMEMBER! No Re-entry!  

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Exclusive: Toots and the Maytals Interview

If you're sorely missing classic reggae in your life, it might be wise to plan a trip to Hermosa Beach to see Toots and the Maytals perform at Saint Rocke on Saturday, May 15. Read Drew Tewksbury's interview with the legend after the jump.
Toots Tells The Truth 
by Drew Tewksbury

The digital age is all about copies. The endless well of the internet inundates listeners with thousands of bands and musicians that copy sounds, cover songs, and steal ideas from those who came before. The availability of free MP3s, Youtube videos, and online streaming music devalues most music as disposable commodities. If you get what you pay for, and if you pay nothing, then you get nothing, right? Maybe. But with all these endless copies metastasizing across the web, another effect occurs: true innovators become invaluable.

Fredrick "Toots" Hibbert, founding member of Toots & the Maytals is an originator, he is indispensable, and, if possible, should be designated a monument. In Japan they deem certain people (artists, dancers, musicians) as national treasures. Toots is undoubtedly a treasure.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Disney Reggae world premiere: Ziggy Marley’s What a Wonderful World


Disney and SheKnows are presenting the premiere of Ziggy Marley’s latest single, which also serves as one of the tracks off of a new Disney record for all ages -- The Disney Reggae Club! Disney took some of reggae’s biggest stars and paired them with Disney song classics giving them the Jamaican music overhaul.
Disney Reggae Club not only features Marley and the first family of reggae, but also current musical legends Matisyahu, Steel Pulse, UB40 and Yellowman. They all join together to bring 12 tracks from the Disney library and one classic from Louis Armstrong to life in classic reggae arrangement.



This is Disney’s first foray into the reggae format and the Mouse House could not have enlisted a more powerful group of the genre’s biggest stars. Matisyahu tackles Circle of Life, Cedella Marley jams on Can You Feel the Love Tonight and don’t miss Steel Pulse’s take on the classic Jungle Booksong, The Bare Necessities. The full track listing for Disney Reggae Club is below along with our world premiere of Ziggy Marley’s priceless version of Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Reggae star, Capleton, to perform at St Kitts Music Festival


Jamaican reggae artist, Capleton, is scheduled to perform at this year’s 14th annual St Kitts Music Festival, which takes place from the 24th to 26th of June.
Widely known as the prophet, Capleton is expected to unleash some of his most memorable hits at the festival, including Alms House, Music is a Mission and Tour.
Capleton was born Clifton George Bailey III, but is also referred to as King Shango, King David and The Fireman. His lyrics are deep, precise, and thoughtful, while his stage shows comprise nothing less than dynamic and explosive performances.
Chairman of the Executive Committee of the St Kitts Music Festival, Faron Lawrence said; “Capleton is indeed one of the hottest entertainers in the worldwide reggae fraternity. “We are certainly expecting a memorable show from one of reggae’s most reliable hit-makers.” 
He has won numerous reggae awards and has been honored for many of his charity works in Jamaica, as he continues to be among the elite artists of reggae music.
The St Kitts Music Festival features a mix of musical styles on the popular market, including R&B, jazz, hip-hop, reggae, soca, calypso, gospel and contemporary.
Past artists have included such prominent acts as John Legend, T-Pain, Michael Bolton, KC & The Sunshine Band, Wyclef Jean, Ne-Yo, Air Supply, Dionne Warwick and Billy Ocean.
Performers previously announced for this year’s line-up include Infamous, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds and Ky-mani Marley. Tickets to the 14th annual St Kitts music festival are US $40 per person, per night.

Bélo sings for justice in Haiti


Haiti has nearly vanished front page headlines only a few months after the devastating 8.0 earthquake struck Port-au-Prince.
A massive media-powered spotlight on Haiti that captured world attention has quickly faded, celebrity telethons ended, massive donation drives shut down, politicians turning to a new cause célèbre of choice, while on the ground Haitians continues to struggle to survive in real time, in neighbourhoods and communities across the country largely still picking-up the pieces.
Artists like celebrated Haitian singer Bélo provide direct cultural conduit to the ground in Haiti at a time of continued crisis. Recently Bélo performed in Montreal along side local Haitian hip-hop artist Vox Sambou of Nomadic Massive, a concert highlighting progressive Haitian music direct from Port-au-Prince and also from the Haitian diaspora in Montreal.

GRAMPS MORGAN WINS 3 IRAWMAs


Winner Best Song
photo:Champion Eye Wash The Tears
Gramps Wins Best Song IRAWMA2010_stemedia
"Thank you to all who voted!!! Words are not enough."
 
Best New Entertainer
photo: Meg Morris
Gramps_BestNewEntertainer_irawma2010_stemedia
"Thanks to all who voted for me to make me win best new entertainer."
Best Crossover Song
photo: Meg Morris
Gramps_BestCrossoversong_irawma2010_stemedia
Therapy Reggae Remix

"Thanks to everyone who voted for India Arie and Gramps Morgan, Jah bless."
__________________________________________________________________________________

"He's been performing for years as a group member so he knows how to handle the stage and the audience well. His songs are well written and earn their place in the history of reggae music. He's on the top of his game at the moment and humble enough to respect the elders that taught him his craft. There is no stopping Gramps Morgan. The crew and I (The Reggae Spin) await the next instalment of his album." Kevin 'Keveon' Smith