cau mag
DESCRIPTION
A GLOBAL CULTURAL ARTS MAGAZINETRANSCRIPT
Issue 1 February 2014
Editor’s letter
Welcome to our first edition of #CAU which stands for
CULTURAL ARTS UNITED
“DISCOVER THE HERITAGE,
DEVELOP THE ART
& SHOWCASE THE TALENT”
This sums up the aims of the organisation. Its main project is a highly successful
annual urban and world talent show called “BLING YA TING” now in its 6th year,
held in Cambridge, England. We are now very proud to launch this fantastic
magazine which unites talented and passionate writers and arts enthusiasts from
around the globe sharing their insight into various industries, professions and
lifestyles. We hope you find this online magazine interesting, thought provoking and
positively inspiring for your own creative interests and ventures.
If you feel you have an article that you think could be included in the monthly
online magazine please send it to: [email protected]
Cultural arts united are a registered (non-profit) social enterprise established in
Cambridge in 2009. Please see www.wordpress.com/blingyating for more
information.
Please also follow our social media pages
@CAU_MAG – follow us and the team
@BLING_YA_TING - Talent show project (CAU HQ)
Content:
Is Beyoncé the Most Influential Female
Artist in Modern Music?
An Interview with American Beat
Maker Ben Monroe
Bling Ya Ting
Independent vs. Major Labels in Hip
Hop: Artistry vs. Marketability
A Carnival Tabanca by Michael
Mondezie
Who is Natalie Exume-Shakespeare?
Canadian Reggae Artists Are Full of
Talent But Struggle to Get Recognition
in the Reggae Homeland, Jamaica
Learn to Love Yourself
Grammy Award? Snoop Lion Gets It,
We Don’t!
‘The Black Man’ – Poem
The Return Of Junior Dan
Is Beyoncé The Most Influential
Female Artist in Modern Music?
By Harriet Line
After the release
of that album in
December last
year, it got me
thinking...Is
Beyoncé the
most influential
female artist out
there?
On December
13th 2013,
Beyoncé
released her
fifth studio
album. Nothing
out of the
ordinary you
might think.
However, the
self-titled record
was kept a very
clever secret.
After a year and
a half of
writing,
recording and
producing, the finished album was put out on to itunes without any prior promotion
or pre-warning. As expected, word of this spread like wild fire, with people taking to
twitter to rename December 13th
their „Bey-day‟.
We live in a time where the internet is one of the most powerful tools out there.
Beyoncé didn‟t need to say a word. She let social media do the promotion for her. I‟d
say it worked-the album sold over 550,000 copies in a single day. And to date it has
sold over 1.43 million copies, her most successful album yet. Did Beyoncé just
change the rules of the music industry?
Let me throw some statistics at you. All 5 of Beyoncé‟s albums have gone to number
one in the US, making her the first female artist in the charts history ever to achieve
this.
As a solo artist, she has sold over 118 million records, plus a further 60 million with
Destiny‟s Child. This makes her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. She
was recognised as the top certified artist in America during the 2000‟s decade.
Billboard named her as the top radio songs artist of the decade, as well as their artist
of the millennium in 2011. She is also the first artist in 20 years, and first ever female
artist in chart history, to have both an album and a single debut at the top of the UK
and US chart at the same time.
Let me give you a couple more facts. In 2011 Beyoncé became the first solo female
artist to headline the main pyramid stage at the Glastonbury festival in over 20 years.
We all remember that performance, right?!
Not only that, but she was also the
highest paid performer per minute in the
world, when in 2010 she was paid
£1.25million for a 5-song performance
at a private party on New Year‟s Eve.
Not bad for a night‟s work...!
At the end of her performance at the
2011 MTV VMA awards show,
Beyoncé revealed she was pregnant
with husband Jay-Z‟s baby. This helped
to make that year‟s awards the most
watched broadcast show in MTV‟s
history. As
if that
wasn‟t enough, in January 2013, she performed at the
half time show at the Superbowl in America. That
performance became the second most tweeted about
moment in history, at 268,000 tweets per minute.
Back in 2009 Beyoncé and Jay-Z were in the Guinness
world records for being the highest earning power couple
of the year, making a whopping $122 million between
them. Not bad going! They now also hold the title as the first billion dollar couple of
the music industry. Taking note of this: last year Forbes magazine named Beyoncé as
the 4th most powerful celebrity of the year.
Let‟s not forget, that Beyoncé took over from her father in 2010 to manage her own
career, which has involved some high profile acting roles also. She currently owns 17
Grammy awards, to name but a few of her achievements.
So my answer....Yes, I think Queen Bey is the most influential female artist out there
right now. Beyoncé is changing the rules, doing things her own way. Change is good
and she is making people stand up and take notice of this album, without even saying
a word. If you‟re one of the lucky ones that managed to get tickets to the sold out Mrs
Carter World Tour, you‟ll see what all the fuss is about...
An Interview with American beat
maker Ben Monroe
By Sazrah Hunt
MANY believe that these days it is impossible to make a living out of
producing. One either does it as a hobby or a side job and others don‟t
feel it is something to take seriously due to that fact that work isn‟t
always guaranteed.
But is there any truth in this, and what else can upcoming music
producers do to survive in this new cut-throat environment?
Our Sarah “Sazrah” Hunt – herself a budding producer, picked up the phone
for a transatlantic chat with American beat maker Ben Monroe.
Ben a.k.a Bevo xP (1/4 of xP Musik), has scorched the radio airways with a
number of hot hits; and composed music for the MTV station, in addition to
working with such heavy hitters as Rick Ross, Pimp C and Trey Songz.
Let‟s find out how he does it.
So Ben! When did you decide you wanted to become a producer and how did it all
fall into place?
I started rapping at first in 1995 with a friend of mine name Myke Wayne - besides
my dad being in the business already going on tour with Kool and the Gang, Color
Me Badd, The Jacksons, Earth Wind and Fire!
Myke was the first person I ever made music with. We started recording a bunch of
songs together then ended up getting into production in 1999.
Who are the biggest names you have worked with?
As a recording engineer I‟ve worked with tons of people. I‟ve recorded Rick Ross,
Bun B, Pimp C, David Banner, Future, Lil Boosie, Trey Songz, Just Bleezy, J
Marz, Blis, Jung Tru, Gucci Mane, Peetey Weestro, Ebony Eyez, Bobby
Valentino, and many many more.
What is your secret to sustaining regular work as a producer?
I was taught „an idle mind is a devil‟s workshop‟. So I stay busy by wearing many
different hats in the industry. If I‟m not recording vocals, I‟m producing songs for
people. If I‟m not producing songs, I‟m mixing songs. If I‟m not mixing, I‟m doing
consulting for several projects helping people get their music out and heard!
What advice would you give up and coming producers and artists?
Do what you love and stay consistent at it. Always remember why you are in music
and why you do it. And the most important thing is keep God first and learn
something new everyday.
Yes! I strongly agree! What is the biggest highlight of your career and do you have
any regrets? I‟ve had several big highlights! One of my first ones was working with
the Trackboyz on Ebony Eyez project. That was my first time doing some music for a
major label. At the time she was on Capitol Records. Also around the same time I
produced a record called So Serious for the All Stars feat. Styles P (from the Lox)
that helped them secure a distribution deal with Universal. That was a while ago but
since then I have had other great accomplishments but these are the ones that started
it all when I was around 18, 19 years old (I‟m 31 now)!
Any projects you got coming up?
J Marz, The Underdog mixtape, Bliss I Want it All mixtape coming soon, Peetey
Weestro , Eyez Don’t Lie mixtape coming soon!
Words by @sazrah_producer www.sazrah.co.uk
Bling Ya Ting
A Cambridge-based social enterprise Cultural Arts United project BLING YA
TING continues to grow
We have just added a third and final audition for BLING YA TING due to demand!
>>>>> This will be on Sunday February 9 from 11am to 1pm at Meadows
Community Centre. The finals are on March 27 at 6.30-10.30pm at the Cambridge
Corn Exchange.
Now in its sixth year, Bling Ya Ting aims to bring together different cultures, ages
and faiths in a celebration of music and dance and performing arts, the past winners
have gone on to perform at the Big Weekend and Strawberry Fair and entered TV
talent shows, some even have appeared on music videos.
This year's finals will be judged by Casso Blax, an urban artist who has been featured
on Kiss and BBC Radio 1 Xtra, alongside Jamie Bruce from The Voice, the fast
growing boy band Concept Official with one of them being a cousin of One
Direction, Mr Rootsy from X factor and talent scouts from management companies
such as MLBA who manages Fuse ODG, Stylo G, Mista Silva, Iyanya, Moelogo,
Lady lykez, and Lethal Bizzle, plus more
and industry agents ABDUL ENTS, & ARDUK.
The event is supported by Press Relief, the News' Community Fund, Cambridge
City Council, Cambridge Corn Exchange, Little D Promotions, Nutz
Headphones, and urban clothes designers Emeralds1948.
To audition, or sponsor please email [email protected]
CHECK US OUT ON TWITTER @BLING_YA_TING
BB PIN 7B801F75 Twitter : @little_della @KING_Erruption
@LDPmusicpromo @BLING_YA_TING @LDP_SSD_DANCE
@LDPmanagement
www.facebook.com/little.D.promotions
http://littledpromotions.wordpress.com/
http://blingyating.wordpress.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/lildpromotions
DO YOU LOVE FASHION OR CULTURE? COULD YOU
WRITE AN ARTICLE ON ASPECTS OF GLOBAL FASHION
TRENDS? CONTACT US NOW!
Independent vs Major Labels in Hip
Hop:
Artistry vs Marketability
BY NICCI NICOLE
Hip Hop is no longer a genre of music. Indeed, it is a state of life. Hip Hop‟s
profound impact on the entire world, from country to country, coast to coast, the way
we urban bass heads dress, speak, and understand the messages in the music, is vast.
However, there is an epidemic of sorts surrounding the culture of Hip Hop currently,
and that is the question: Independent, or Major label?
We‟ve heard and read the horror stories of people getting garbage record deals in
music. Everything from being asked to adjust to what‟s current, instead of what‟s
their unique style of music, down to their appearance, seems to be required nowadays
in the commercial music industry-and the genre of HipHop is no exception. For this
reason alone sways upcoming and present day artists to the temptation of going
“Indie”. Who really wants to be an artist, with rules and regulations regarding their
craft? Who wants to get on stage and be more focused on how many people came to
see you based on your slim percentage of tickets sold, versus embracing the eyes in
the crowd of your long time fans? The answers to these questions? No one knows, of
course. However, there are pros and cons to both sides of the music fence when it
comes to being Independent or “Major”.
First off, I personally think the whole, “Major” terminology should be abandoned.
Let‟s keep terms technical, if you will; say, Independent, and Commercial. When it
comes to volumes of sales and relevance, it truly depends on what and who it is your
targeting or, aspiring to do in the music industry. Being independent doesn't mean
you can not be successful; however, you will possibly face areas of challenge such as
marketability, and capital, unless you have those aspects in your favour already. I‟ve
always noticed, known, and preached to many aspiring artists and new fans to not
associate an artist‟s quality with being renowned or how many luxury cars and
fashion designers they debut, as image is often far from the truth.
Next, let‟s discuss the actual core of being a Hip Hop artist, or any music artist for
that matter: the message. The message we have to present comes from the identity of
our craft. You can merely be marketable but for so long, before the crowd needs
something else. Many artists, especially in this era of liberation, want to say exactly
what they wish, without persecution. Often times, being Independent is the only way
you can do that. Now, if what you have to say from within as an artist is also
marketable, then you‟re in luck with commercial labels. Problems with the “luck in
coincidence” factor in when many commercial labels place sales on the scales instead
of just what makes an artist unique.
I could go on and on about the advantages and disadvantages of being Independent or
“Signed”.
Ultimately, I feel what it comes down to is the morale behind your music. Yes, there
are, so it appears, successful commercially signed musicians who balance being
talented with being original. But, there are just as many Independent artists who are
immensely talented, and will never be heard on a large scale because they aren‟t
“signed”. Does that mean they aren‟t a relevant artist? Of course, not. But perhaps
that means they aren‟t a relevant…”product”.
Which would you rather be?
WRITTEN BY NICCI NICOLE @NICCI_ISNEECHEE ON TWITTER
A Carnival Tabanca by Michael Mondezie
Tabanca: “an extreme sadness and/or depression
following one's breakup from one's love.”
Sudden! That‟s the feeling that hits you when the last music truck switches off
at midnight on Carnival Tuesday in Port of Spain. Silent streets and weary feet signal
the end of yet another year of the Caribbean‟s most storied of festivals. Trinidad and
Tobago the Carnival mecca returns to the everyday business of its thriving energy-
based economy.
There is no way of preparing for the conclusion of the Greatest Show on Earth.
The euphoric escape from the mundane is over, at least for another year. So if you
find yourself pouring over photos of the season gone, day dreaming of your costumed
jaunt on the road or, repeating your favourite soca songs on your iPod, you my friend
are suffering from a serious case of CARNIVAL TABANCA.
Luckily, we at My Destination Trinidad and Tobago can help you through the pain
with our tried and tested Seven Step Carnival Tabanca Recovery Program. This is
guaranteed to slow if not remedy the emotional decay that comes with this dreaded
phenomenon. At least until your much anticipated return to next year‟s celebrations.
STEP 1 - ADMIT
The first step of healing is admitting there is a problem. So we begin our therapy
session today by reliving the experience and recognising what was good about it.
Acknowledge that there is a void. Whenever you feel your emotions getting the better
of you pause, take 30 seconds and remind yourself: it‟s ok to feel this kind of
withdrawal. After all T&T Carnival offers the most addictive of highs; freedom from
all inhibitions.
STEP 2 - ASSESS
Now that you have accepted your predicament you can move on to determining the
extent of your Tabanca. When you think of Carnival do your lips mischievously curl
as your subconscious conjures colourful imagery of unadulterated revelry? Or do you
suddenly become massively depressed, black out and come to rocking back and forth
in a foetal position under your desk?
If you answered yes to the former you‟re in luck. You have a very mild case of
Carnival Tabanca, nothing a cold beer and night out on the town won‟t fix. However,
if you find yourself leaning more to the latter diagnosis you may be in a spot of
bother. Either way the improvement of both cases will rely heavily on the next step.
STEP 3 - SUPPORT
It seems obvious, but the best way to get past any heartache is to be surrounded by
people who have been there and conquered the affliction.
Their Carnival survival stories not only provide a welcome escape from the
melancholy you may be feeling, but also shine the light of hope at the end of your
dark tunnel. Yes my friend, go to the light!
STEP 4 - SEEK COUNSEL
Talk to anyone who would listen to how you feel. Mom, Dad, siblings, spouse,
children, a stranger on the bus, your boss… Ok, ok maybe not your boss who you
most likely told you were taking vacation early in the year for an “important family
emergency.” But you get the picture.
Talking it out loud is very therapeutic. You can feel the anxiety leave your body with
each fallen word and best of all you get to relive the memory of your Carnival
experience over and over again in a healthy way.
STEP 5 - CHANGE
Now that you‟ve gotten this far it may be a good idea to move things around. Start
with your furniture, make a change and end with your schedule. Mix it all up. This
helps you feel like a new person. In many ways you are, you have moved from that
sad pathetic sap to a happier being. Embrace the new you!
STEP 6 - REWARD
Congratulations you‟re on the final leg of your Carnival Tabanca recovery and that in
itself is cause for celebration. Go ahead, pamper yourself. Plan a spa day or a round
of golf. Remind yourself that your life does have meaning outside of the Carnival
season.
If you‟ve adhered to all the steps you have done really well and are deserving of the
ultimate reward. Start booking those tickets and accommodation for this years
Carnival.
................................................................................................................................
Michael Mondezie is a freelance writer for My Destination Trinidad and Tobago. The
newest member of the award wining online travel guide My Destination.com
My Destination Trinidad and Tobago‟s guides are used daily, and trusted by
thousands, and we are always looking for freelance writers with a love for Trinidad
and Tobago to write for us. Contact us at [email protected]
Look out for Fashion articles coming next month
Who is
Natalie Exume-Shakespeare?
Natalie Exume, a native of Queens, New York, Wife and mother of 3 has
always had a passion for the Fashion and Entertainment industries. In fact, in high
school, she was no stranger to the business-and was voted “Best Dressed.” This was
just the beginning! Once Ms. Shakespeare graduated, she attended the University of
Maryland majoring in Theater Arts and Communications. While at the U of M, she
interned for various high-profiled businesses, including Black Entertainment
Television (BET), YSB Magazine, Def Jam Records, Loud Records, and Forty Acres
and a mule film works (Spike Lee Production Company). Ms. Shakespeare has also a
zeal for acting, doing some extra work in films like Malcolm X and Clockers as well
as commercials for Dr. Pepper and Toyota.
Ms. Shakespeare finally had an opportunity to show off her expertise when she
was offered the position of Key Stylist for a major music video titled “Broke
Willies”, for the hip hop group. As a result her high quality work and standards, Ms.
Shakespeare landed another coveted opportunity to work and travel with high
profiled celebrities like June Ambrose, Wayne Scot Lukas, Sean “P Diddy” Combs,
Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliot, 98 Degrees, Wu-Tang Clan, DMX, Foxy Brown, Case,
Sisqo, Mobb Deep, Ananda Lewis, Taye Diggs, Sanaa Lathan and Janet Jackson.
Currently Ms. Shakespeare is freelancing as a Fashion stylist, Artist Marketing
& Management, and Artist Promo. On her spare time she gives private consultation
as a Personal Shopper and Event Planner. Last but not least she has been putting her
heart and soul into developing her “Rockk Momm” clothing line. Rockk Momm
creed and meaning is a strong, loving, trendy and fabulous female.
Follow Ms. Shakespeare on Twitter and IG @Rocckmomm
For more information please email: [email protected]
DO YOU LOVE ARTS AND CRAFTS AND WOULD LIKE TO WRITE
AN ARTICLE FOR CAU? CONTACT US NOW!
Canadian Reggae artists are full of
talent but struggle to get recognition
in the Reggae homeland, Jamaica.
By Reeva Ann Proctor
Despite the generalized image of igloos, snow and snowmobiles, Canada offers a rich
and diversified range of cultures. Yes we may wear those fluffy parkas from
December until March, but that doesn‟t stop us from enjoying what many cultures
bring to our country.
Reggae and Dancehall music have a strong presence in Canada. We host two of the
biggest International Reggae Festivals during our summer months, every college and
university radio station has a Reggae show a minimum of once a week, and we keep
the market lively with local dances and concerts throughout the entire year. So with
our active and dynamic music scene, the question is, why are our Canadian talents
struggling to get their names out there, especially to Jamaica?
There are of course a few in Canada who have made a small impact in Jamaica. Don‟t
get me wrong, we see the Juno Award winner, Esco Levi, travelling the world and
receiving a great amount of support from D Major, Busy Signal, and Romain Virgo.
We see Elaine Lil‟ Bit Sheppard, I-Jah Iba, and Eyesus making their way on
Jamaica‟s local TV station charts and a few other Canadian artists with minimal spins
on the popular radio stations such as, Irie FM or Zip FM. But what happened to our
many other Juno Winners or those getting recognition everywhere else in the world,
but little in Jamaica, the homeland of Reggae and Dancehall? Why can‟t even some
of our many talents get a bly?
I‟ve heard comments such as;
“They are not Jamaican, so why should we give them a bly before our own?”
My answer: Many of these talented artists here in Canada, are Jamaican, or are of
Jamaican Decent. Secondly, Reggae music has become an international force,
shouldn‟t those at the top of the Reggae markets be supporting Reggae music on a
whole?
“They aren‟t producing quality music.”
I beg to differ. A lot of very talented Canadian artists are spending a lot of time and
money to make sure that they are sending their music to Jamaica to get mixed and
mastered, some even as far as going down and recording there. There are also a lot of
talented producers and engineers in Canada who have put out quality music for
popular Jamaican artists. Production values for Canadian projects are world-class.
So why are Canadian Artists struggling to get noticed in the Jamaican market? Is it
money? Is it the lack of support from their own community here in Canada? Is it an
underlying resentment against non Jamaican artists? Or is it really that they are just
not “good enough”. I‟ve decided that I will take it upon myself and interview people
from the many areas of Reggae Music, and will return with more answers in the next
edition.
Reeva Ann Proctor
http://EmpowermentMediaGroup.com
[email protected] Phone: 1-514-258-0699
EMPOWERMENT MEDIA GROUP (Formerly YuhSeeYou Ent. & Publicity)
Empowering Talent, Empowering Growth, Empowering Networks.
Entertainment, Tour and Event Publicity Consulting
Public Relations, New Media & Event Coordination/Management
Management for Canada's Dancehall/Reggae Entertainer; Sampaloo
Publicist(s) for Little Thunder Sound and Tiffie
Founders of Https://YuhSeeYou.Info / YuhSeeYou Productions
LEARN TO LOVE YOURSELF By @raving_prince
The biggest struggle in life is the struggle to understand, know and start loving who
we are.
With the world evolving in a faster rate so are people‟s mentality and observations,
everybody wants to look good.
The world of today entails long job shifts, financial bills, technological advancements
and climatic changes all of which can shift to stressing us out and even affect how we
view ourselves.
You will not be able to enjoy any relationship in life if you don‟t start appreciating
yourself. Once you start living the first step to success in your field is Self-Love
appreciate your being, Do not judge yourself by how you look, what you wear; the
colour of your eyes etc. all of these things are part of who you are but not what you
are.
Just because all deodorant bottles look so sleek, would you drink what is inside?
It‟s not the outer appearance that matters but the content inside.
“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is
out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is
light from within” – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
Start being happy with yourself and you will start attracting more happiness in your
life.
Grammy Award? Snoop Lion
Gets It, We Don’t!
Sonjah Stanley Niaah
I know some of you are still confused. „Should I call him Snoop Dogg, Snoop
Lion or just Snoop?‟ – is just one of the questions circulating about the new lion. Rest
assured, all the sites that matter identify him as Snoop Lion recognising his self-
appointed transformation, and he is clear about the inspiration which led him to
change animal companions from the lowly dog to the powerful king of the jungle. In
an interview with Entertainment Report (aired every Friday on Television Jamaica)
Snoop said he felt he had grown beyond the reference „Dogg‟ and having been
inspired by Marley it was time he embraced the mighty „lion‟ and simultaneously
Rastafari.
Beyond the controversy over a transformational visit to Jamaica, one of the lasting
things marking Snoop Lion‟s change of heart with man‟s best friend, is his
album Reincarnation which ostensibly marks the journey. Not only is
there Reincarnation, but the „documentary film Reincarnated is now available along
with Snoop Lion‟s Reincarnated Photo Book‟.
The twelfth studio album for American recording artist Snoop
Lion, Reincarnation was released on April 23, 2013 under Berhane Sound
System, Mad Decent, Vice Records and RCA Records. The album marks a departure
from the well known hip hop template that has been shaped by Snoop. No less than
Miley Cirus, Drake, Chris Brown, Akon, Busta Rhymes, our very own Mavado, Mr
Vegas and Popcaan are guests on the musical product. „The album was produced
by Major Lazer, Ariel Rechtshaid, 6Blocc, Dre Skull, Supa Dups and Diplo, who also
served as executive producer‟.
So let‟s back up a bit! Snoop‟s journey to Jamaica has been made indelible through
branding on at least three different products, two of which are visual. The journey
and its products could be argued is a classic popular cultural tactical move, one
fraught with appropriation as a motive, circulating around an American-flavoured
globalisation of the „ultimate cool‟ Jamaica at the in/visible centre. Snoop Lion‟s
website says a little more about the escapadethe release of the Reincarnated Photo
Book, featuring the all-important transformational Jamaican journey
was contextualised:
‟The story of Snoop‟s musical and spiritual journey to Jamaica,
reaching its culmination during the recording of his most recent
album…[is] captured in VICE and Snoopadelic Films
documentary Reincarnated. This book is an extension of this
powerful moment in the life of a pop culture icon captured by LA
photographer Willie T. [It] includes extended interviews with
Bunny Wailer, Louis Farrakhan, Chris Blackwell, Daz Dillinger,
Angela Hunte, and conversations between Snoop and VICE—
never-before-seen photographs and untold stories from his personal
archives…his early days singing in church to his discovery at
sixteen by Dr. Dre and his phenomenal life onstage and on tour to
his gang involvement, and Snoop‟s handwritten notes and
nicknames for the characters along the way. It also includes the
limited edition vinyl only given to a select few musical insiders
before the album‟s release.‟
REINCARNATED (ft. Snoop Dogg): Official Documentary Trailer
Snoopermarket is the place to head if you‟re in a hurry to get the book!
But let me get back to the transformational Jamaican journey and the fact that it
earned the album produced around that journey, a Grammy nomination. Where did
all this begin? How do Jamaicans feel about the way in which the album has been
received and is being consumed? How do Jamaican‟s feel about the way the album
represents Snoop‟s Jamaican experience? Here‟s one thought which appeared on
Facebook:
Bear in mind that Rastafari, even as it has been the memory of the Jamaican people,
the historical compass for analysing the atrocities and breaches associated with
enslavement and colonialism, and the philosophical pillar associated with how as
disenfranchised Blacks in the Diaspora we might address our relationship with the
oppressive forces of Babylon including purporting self-reliance, with a heart of „one
love‟ toward all, it is this same Rastafari that has been persecuted and at best snubbed
by especially the middle and upper classes. As I like to say, Rastafari is the outcast
until the troubled soul needs to find its soothing yet revolutionary reggae music
medium for spiritual comfort. So, the opinion of Jamaicans in relation to Snoop Lion
is to be seen in context with the troubled relationship historically between Rastafari,
the Jamaican populace, and the nation state.
Before recording the album, Snoop Lion went on what could be called a pilgrimage
to Jamaica investigating and communing with Nyabinghi Rastafari brethren. Among
the inspirational figures who made the journey an imperative were reggae musicians
such as Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Gregory Isaacs. Snoop
has declared - “I feel like I‟ve always been Rastafari, I just didn‟t have my third
eye open.” (snooplion.com). Statements such as these are not entirely unusual. They
are made by ordinary persons, visitors to the island, reggae and Rastafari initiates far
and wide. However, we don‟t have any degree of frequency in hearing such
pronouncements from celebs, and certainly not Hip Hop celebs. And, no other initiate
has reaped three products in such quick succession, at least in my memory, from a
change of heart with the Lion of Judah.
The proof of the cultural appropriation pudding in no doubt in the eating, and while
reviews have acknowledged the album is worth a listen, we know that the Jamaican
trip reaped benefits at least of sales, if not the coveted Grammy Award in the Best
Reggae Album category. According to Snoop‟s site, Reincarnation debuted at
number 16 on the Billboard 200 chart, with first-week sales of 21,000 copies in the
United States. In its second week the album sold 8,600 more copies. In its third week
the album sold 4,700 more copies. In its fourth week the album sold 2,900 more
copies. As of June 26, 2013 the album has sold 50,000 copies in the United States.
The album has been in the top 20 of many music charts from Australia and Austria to
France and Spain. It also topped the US Top Reggae Albums, featured at number 16
on the US Billboard 200 chart and number 4 on the UK R&B Albums
chart. Reincarnated, has sold some 90,000 units and is the best selling reggae album
for 2013.
Snoop Lion & Diplo Discuss Their „Reincarnated‟ Reggae Project here:
http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/480692/qa-snoop-lion-diplo-
discuss-their-reincarnated-reggae-project
With Jamaican artists, many of whom are returning to reggae musical aesthetics in
their recordings, struggling to sell albums and songs, comments in the wake of
Snoop‟s Grammy nomination have circulated around the quality of the music being
produced in Jamaica, the fact that dancehall is dead, and most of all that artistes
outside Jamaica have a greater appreciation for Jamaican music than those at home.
Before I had listened to the album or knew anything of how it was faring on the
music sales scene, I heard of various comments made by industry insiders, most
notable of whom is Roger Steffens, reggae archivist, Bob Marley collector, author,
and photographer. Steffens, who headed the Grammy Awards Reggae Committee for
27 years, went on record saying it would be a travesty if Snoop won. Here‟s the full
article published in the Jamaica Observer:
„Travesty if Snoop wins‟
ROGER Steffens, who headed the Grammy Awards Reggae Committee for 27
years, says it would be a travesty if American rapper Snoop Lion won the Best
Reggae Album category at next month‟s show.
In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, Steffens described Snoop as a
“pretentious wanna-be”. He is also not impressed with nominees for Best Reggae
Album who were announced last Friday in Los Angeles.
“I think it would be a travesty if Snoop wins. He, like Matisyahu and many others
before him, have used a Rasta-influenced format and warped it toward their own
ends,” said Steffens.
Snoop (formerly Snoop Dogg) is nominated for Reincarnated. He says his
conversion to Rastafari was inspired by a visit to Jamaica in 2012 when he
experienced a spiritual awakening while meeting with a group of Rastafarian
elders.
Sly and Robbie and the Jam Masters‟ Reggae Connection, Sizzla‟s The Messiah,
One Love, One Life by Beres Hammond and Ziggy Marley in Concert are the other
nominees for Best Reggae Album.
Steffens formed the Reggae Committee and served as its chairman until 2011. He
has openly criticised the selection process, claiming that judges favour albums
produced by the Marley family.
The Marleys have dominated the category since it was established in 1985.
Brothers Ziggy, Damian and Stephen have won Grammys as solo acts, while Ziggy
and Steve won multiple times as members of Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers.
Steffens, considered an authority on Bob Marley and the Wailers, believes this
year‟s nominees maintain the trend of mediocre selections.
“The nominations this year fit into the pocket of name recognition more than
anything else, regardless of sales or actual quality,” he said.
Reincarnated, with sales of over 80,000 units, is the best selling reggae album for
2013. The year has been poor in terms of sales by Jamaican artistes, with American
reggae bands performing better on the Billboard charts.
The Snoop set attracted mass coverage from mainstream media in the United
States, due to his conversion from „gangsta rap‟ icon to cultural artiste.
The lanky rapper (real name Calvin Broadus) is one of the godfathers of gangsta
rap which emerged out of southern California‟s impoverished communities in the
early 1990s with hardcore rap acts such as NWA and Ice T.
The 56th annual Grammy Awards is scheduled for the Nokia Theatre in Los
Angeles on January 26.
Back track to the January 26, 2014 announcement of the Grammy Award for Best
Reggae Album with nominees Beres Hammond (One Love, One Life – VP
Records), Ziggy Marley (Ziggy Marley In Concert -Tuff Gong Worldwide), Sizzla
(The Messiah - VP Records), Sly & Robbie And The Jam Masters (Reggae
Connection - K‟z Records), and yes, Snoop Lion‟s Reincarnated (RCA
Records/Berhane Sound System/Boss Lady Ent.). We now know that Ziggy Marley
copped the award amidst comments that there is a special place in the Grammy
corridors for the Marleys. Whatever the result, and whether it would have been a
travesty if Snoop won, there are important lessons to be learned from the rapper
turned reggae artist. It is on this matter that I wish to dig a bit deeper.
While reggae music sales have shifted marginally for Jamaican artists such as
Chronixx, Protege, Iba Mahr and Kabaka Pyramid who form part of the core of what
is being called the „Reggae Revival‟ placing the revolutionary commentary of
Rastafari back in the music, there is something above and beyond sales that is critical.
With the entire sales platform having shifted with digital sales overtaking other
forms, and the disparity in access to iTunes for example, being a crucial factor in
terms of location, buyers and distribution, Jamaican artistes would be well advised to
tackle two important issues around music quality and that of management /
distribution deals. It is full time that local Jamaican acts get that what it takes to break
into the international market is solid music, rooted in the spirit of Jamaica, staying
open to international collaborations, musical cross-fertilisation and even cultural
appropriation. Afterall, let‟s not get it twisted. Industry insiders will tell you Jamaica
only has the making of an industry, but it will take understanding the parts of the
market monopolised by Hip Hop stars turned reggae artists such as Snoop Lion to
move beyond the challenges of quality and parochialism.
Acknowledgment: Pictures of Snoop Lion courtesy of his website snooplion.com.
Read more about Reincarnated
here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reincarnated_(album)
Sonjah Stanley Niaah is Senior Lecturer in Cultural Studies at the
University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.
Follow her on twitter @CultureDoctor
Check out her blog www.dancehallgeographies.wordpress.com
THE RETURN OF JUNIOR DAN
Junior Dan was born in London‟s reggae capital Harlesden. He started singing as a
child in churches and soon after recorded his first song with venture records at the
age of seven. (Venture records had the likes of Junior English and Ken Boothe on
its label). There he recorded the Diana Ross hit "You Are Everything".
It was when Junior Dan moved to May Pen (Clarendon) Jamaica at the age of 16. He
started taking the singing more seriously. There he sang on the local sound called
"Upsetter". Inspired by the singer Little John he entered the tastees talent show in
Kingston. Junior Dan then came back to London in 1987 and teamed up with Lloydie
Crucial who released his first song "Never Gonna Give You Up". This song became
a great hit in London on pirate radio stations.
He started working with other producers such as Andrew Connell (Tonos Records)
Ladbroke Grove and then started to work with General Levy. He was then
introduced to Musik Streets young producer & Robbo Ranx who took them straight
to Fashion Studios to Gussie P where they recorded "Tell Me Why" and "you Can‟t
Hurry Love" at Howard Hills Studio in Brixton.
These two songs put Junior Dan and General Levy on the musical map as a duo!
They were both reggae chart toppers. The team toured the country doing show after
show also touching Scandinavia‟s Norway and Sweden. They did that for
approximately four years before they flew off to Jamaica with the then 16 year old
Jazzwad. Junior Dan recorded R Kelly‟s "Honey Love" at Penthouse Studios in
Kingston and "Nothing Compares” to you at Music Works Studio next door. Junior
Dan had the privilege of working with many of the greats including Sly & Robbie
and Gitzy.
Junior Dan and General Levy had the privilege of doing another two songs with
Devon Russell and the Firehouse Crew. They recorded "Wild Animal and My Girl
Lollipop". They were all worked well as a team. Junior Dan, General Levy, Jazzwad
and Robbo Ranx then hit New York‟s HCF studio and Junior Dan did collaboration
with Bobo General "Precious thing" which was also not released but was a great
song.
Junior Dan then went on to record “Band of Gold" which done well with music
street and then joined Vivian Jones Label "Imperial House" and voiced the song
"Dreams" a cover version of Gabrielle‟s international hit song. Junior Dan‟s reggae
version of the song was highly successful and played out for at least two years and
generated many sales. This was the song that really started his solo career. He then
released "My love” and went on to do a collaboration with Vivian Jones called
“summertime”. Junior Dan was then signed to London Records for three years. and
recorded the song “Monkey Man” with General Levy which hit the national charts.
Junior Dan decided in September '96' that he was going to leave the music business
and live a life devoted to a Christian life.
16 years later a family man husband and community role model Junior Dan returns
to the music industry stronger and wiser and with a clearer vision for his music than
ever before. He has just finished recording a fantastic Reggae Gospel EP consisting
of four songs which depicts his life and how he has overcame his musical and life
struggles “Crown On My Head “ & Lets Just Praise Him“ & Testify & “ I‟ve
Got Joy” all have done immensely well in the Reggae Gospel market both in the UK
and abroad. Soon Junior Dan will be releasing his first album yet to be titled from
the team of legendary Producers such as Paul “BARRY BOOM” Robinson and
Carlton "Bubblers" Ogilvie, Stingray Studios and Bobby Digital! Junior Dan is
now signed under new management of Little D Promotions where they plan to take
the music to the four corners of the globe. In a time when so many are looking for
direction and positive guidance his music provides timeless classics with messages
that very relevant to the everyday situations of the every day person. This is
definitely music for the soul!
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