reggaexclusive -- web site: …caribbeanmusic.ca/jun07.pdfprince everald continues to perform...

reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.reggaexclusive.com --- Phone: 416-287-1335 -- Email: [email protected] Pg - 3


REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

PRINCE EVERALDLAUNCHES NEW CD

Prince Everald recentlywon the Longevity

Award at the CaribbeanCrucible Awards and wasspotlighted as CaribbeanCrucible’s “Artist of theMonth”. He received the“Lover’s Rock Single of theYear” Award at the TorontoInt’l. Reggae Music Awards for

his single “Mother, Mother” inJune 2005. This track is aspecial tribute to mothers allover the world and isreceiving excellent reviews.He also recently released hisnew chart-topping full-lengthCD entitled “Prince Everald &Friends Vol. 2”. This CDfeatures artists like “GrammyKid” Michael Rose, WilliWilliams, Glen Washington,Nana McLean, Dougie Mackand Donna Makeda, alongwith the Prince himself.

Prince Everald made anappearance at the CalgaryInternational Reggae Festivaland the Montreal InternationalReggae Festival where he didnot fail to create an impact.He also performed at the IrieMusic Festival at NathanPhillips Square where he wasspotlighted on City TV’sEntertainment News singingtwo of his original songs. Hehas appeared on the annualCanadian Reggae MusicAwards, Marcus Garvey Day,Jamaica Day, Toronto Street

Festival, Centre Island forCaribana and Du MurierTheatre to name a few. PrinceEverald released a 7” – 45(vinyl) titled “Glorify the King”(Side A) and “Help” (Side AA)in the year 2002, which isreceiving airplay in Canadaand around the world. Thisrecord is currently in storesand doing considerably well.His consciousness broughthim to the Jamaica With LoveConcert in October 2002featuring the MightyDiamonds and George Nooksand the Black ThroneJudgment Concert inDecember 2002 featuringCapleton. He received theRoland Alphonso MemorialAward in October 2002 andhas performed with a range ofhigh profile artists includingFreddie McGregor, Sanchez,Lt. Stitchie, Yami Bolo,Michael Rose, Sugar Minott,Cocoa Tea, Bounty Killer, LadySaw, Leroy Sibbles, Capleton,Beenie Man and a myriad ofother stars.

His CD, “Prince Everald &

Friends” Vol. 1 released in1999, has receivedtremendous airplay in Torontoand around the world. Hethen released “Prince EveroldMeets Mother Lisa in the year2000. Prince Everaldcontinues to perform locallyas well as internationally. Hehas made appearances inCanada, England, Jamaicaand Chicago to name a few.Receiving various Awardsfrom the reggae musicindustry, this dynamic artisthas been in the musicbusiness for over twentyyears and has been releasingrecords and CDs ever since.

The “Prince Everald &Friends” Vol. 2 CD Launch &Earthstrong Celebration willtake place on June 22nd,2007 at the Club Paradise(200 Attwell Drive, Etobicoke).Special guest artistsappearing are: Willi Williams,KoreXion, Donna Makeda &Devon Irie amongst others.For more info: 647-338-5414/415-213-1999.

What’s Inside ReggaeXclusive’s 18th Issue

pg 4 Artist Spotlight - Prince Everald Launches New CDpg 5 JuLion’s Views - Willi Williams - The Man, The Gorgon, The

Icon; Luciano; Pop-Up: KoreXionpg 6 Rastafest 2007; I & I Promotions Presents; Calgary

Reggaefest 2007; Montreal Int’l. Reggae Festival 2007;Jamaica Day 2007; Interviews to be cont’d. in Sept. 07 issue

pg 7 Canadian Foundation For Child Development;ReggaeXclusive Condolences; Ras Iyahkayah

pg 7 Top Reggae DVD Picks - pg 10 ReggaeX Reviews: Capleton Blazed The Docks, Collie Buddz

Promote The Herbs; Rockaz Rejoice During Royal Visitpg 11 Interview with Sanchez; New Voice of Reggae: Parampg 12 Band/Group Spotlight: Black Uhuru feat. Michael Rose; Third

World; Kymani Marley; Dean Fraserpg 13 Artist Watch: Balvin Banton; Ernie Smith. Glen Rickspg 16 Barrington Levy To Perform FREE Concert @ Harbourfront

Centre August 5th; Tony Rebel; Queen Ifricapg 17 Errol Blackwood; Richie Stephens; Tanya Mullings; Causionpg 18 Kay Morris Wins Special Award; Nana McLean Wins “Top

Gospel Album” Award in New York City; Lyric DVD Magazineforms Lyric Music Group; Pop-ups: Steele; Sister Carol

pg 19 Levi Myaz; Michael Thompson; Tinga Stewart; Mikey Generalpg 20 Spotlight On: Gyptian; I Waynepg 22 Galaxie Top 10; Subscription Form; Resi Top 10 & Int’l. Top

10; Reggae Radio Program Listingspg 23 Dancehall Vibes: Dancehall Fever Hits Calgary; Queens of

Reggae in Review; Kirk Davispg 24 Deejays/Sinjays Spotlight: Admiral Bailey; Professor Nuts;

Mikey Dangerous; Donna Makeda; Ibo & Kindredpg 25 New Voices: Eyesus; Struggler; Brimstone; Tonya P

Publisher: reggaeXclusivePublications416-287-1335All rights reserved.No part of this publicationmay be reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior permissionfrom the Publisher.(c) 2007 reggaeXclusive

Publisher:ReggaeXclusive Publishing

Editor: Loraine Gomes

Marketing & Sales:Fitz KnightLoraine Gomes

Writers:JuLion Lisa ConnorsHalina T. Di-LalloMichelle OttleySophia “Iyamtheiah” Daniels

Contributing Writers:Stephanie Aleung

Layout & Design:Paul Murton fromdbsduplication.com

Photographers:Sandi DestonisLisa Connors Halina T. Di-Lallo Iyah Roots

Send Photo and ads to:[email protected]( 300 lines Tiff, Jpg no “gif” orCorel Draw).

On The Web:Email: [email protected]/reggaex

ReggaeXclusive is publishedevery quarter. 2007 Issues:March, June, September &December


REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S VIEWS

LUCIANO

Asuperstar in his nativeJamaica, Luciano

combines his love of God andbeauty into a soulful, spiritualblend of rock and R&B-tingedreggae. Born JeptherMcClymont in Davey Town, hebegan his musical career singing

in church and moved to Kingstonto pursue music professionally.After McClymont had workedwith prominent reggaeproducers like Herman Chin-Loyand labels like Aquarius and SkyHigh, Homer Harris of BlueMountain changed McClymont’sname to Luciano. Luciano thenreleased singles for labels likeBig Ship, New Name Muzik, andSky High, and began workingwith longtime producer Phillip“Fattis” Burrell. However, thepressures of constant recordingand performing caused him toleave the music scene in 1993 toregroup and reconsider his life.

His return, 1995’s WhereThere Is Life reflected Luciano’ssabbatical with its spiritual,

contemplative style, and foundcritical acclaim for its artisticintegrity and stylistic diversity.Luciano’s sacred approach to lifeand music fills his other albums,including 1996’s After All, 1997’sMessenger, and 1999’sChampions in Action. GreatControversy was issued twoyears later, as was A New Day.Serve Jah was issued in 2002,followed by 2003’s “Tell It fromthe Heart”. “Lessons of Life”from 2003 teamed the singerwith the hot production crew FatEyes while 2005’s “Upright”featured the production of DJFlava and marked Luciano’s firstrelease on the Kingston label.

KOREXION

KoreXion will be performing atvarious venues throughout thesummer. With hit songs like“It’s All Bless” and “X-Rated”,KoreXion is keeping theairwaves on fire. Look out forour 2007 Reggae Juno Winner.

POP UP

JULION’S VIEWS WILLI WILLIAMSTHE MAN, THE GORGON,THE ICON

Last Friday, I went toWilli’s place. I am

working on a Canadian reggaecompilation and thought that itcould not be considered ascomplete unless I approachedlegends in the game like LeroySibbles, Jojo Bennett, WilliWilliams or Leroy Brown. Tospeak of their contributions toreggae worldwide as well ashere in Canada would lead tomore pages than I am able towrite. First and foremost, I ama music fan! One of the musicthat moves me GREATLY isreggae! I consider it the true‘soul’ music as it captures allpeople from all countries theworld over, more than ANYother genre can boast. Thereis no place on this planetwhere reggae isn’t played orheard. My venture into therealm of ‘myspace’ confirms itdaily and gives me contact to

bands, artists and musiciansthe world over. Why it movesMexicans, Americans, Dutch,Germans, Philippines,Japanese, Africans, Italians,the French, Belgium,Alaskans, Australians,Chinese, Pakistanis, Indians,English, South Africans,Brazilians and EVERY othernation too numerous tomention is mind boggling.Why didn’t R&B, or classicalmusic, or Rock, or even thePolka take over the planet?Reggae music! So as I buildthis compilation, I build it as afan. I go and find music andartists that I like. And as Isearched I needed toapproach the legends.

Willi Williams is one suchlegend. www. williwilliams.com. Our initial conversationwas by phone, I called acouple of times but he was inPuerto Rico performing, then Ifinally got him, told him ofwhat I was trying to create areggae compilation forwww.canadinreggaeworld.com and his initial answer was,“Good luck with that!” andseemed about ready to hangup the phone. I scrambled tostall the dial tone and told himthat I understood how and whyhe felt the way he did, but Iwas on a mission and wouldnot stop coming at him until herelented. So I went to hishome. We discussed some ofthe reasons for him not evenattempting to get music to the

radio personalities here inCanada as many of them feelthat they are actually starsthemselves and that unlessthe music is not directly out ofJamaica it can’t be played, ormore accurately, if the artistresides in Canada it definitelycan’t be played. Even if theartist is an icon! This brethrenis as quoted as any in the PunkRock movement as a“Godfather’ based on thenumbers of his tunes that theycovered, including a band likeThe Clash and still Willi doesnot get played in Canada? Wediscussed his disgust at Flow93.5FM – he brought to myattention that Flow backwardsspells “Wolf”, I guess pointingto us as the sheep – for notrepresenting him personally orreggae music for that matter.Here is a man that is greatlyrespected in Jamaica andaround the world as still acontributor to the genre andnone of his tunes gets playedhere. Some 14 albums andTONS of written tunes thateven he can’t remember andwe can’t find a tune to play onradio?

REVOLUTION!

This original, Trenchtownfire man, calls for aRevolution! I paraphrase, “Weshould all (reggae artists andfans) walk down to the Chumbuilding and set up and don’tmove till they acknowledgeour presence and play our

music. We are residents here!Pay taxes here and NOT ONEOF OUR TUNES IS PLAYED onAC radio! We want it played!Not on one station, but on allof them!”

Shit, he got my bloodboiling and I was looking formy stick and a piece ofcardboard to make my sign.Fun and jokes aside, it didmake me think even deeper onthis topic. People of all raceslisten to reggae musicworldwide on MANY radiostations and we reside hereand hope to hear a few tuneshere and there. No one isasking for charity! Just playthe music against what iscurrently being offered andsee if it stands the test. If wecry racism, we are called weakfor using the ‘race card’ but atthe end of the day, no matterwhat you call it, ‘de music stillnah play!’http://www.williwilliams.com/discography4.htm I listened tothe tune on this page for theentire length of this article.Couldn’t get tired of it! So thecompilation is complete, and Iwas unable to get a tune fromthe “Gorgon” as time did notallow for our schedules tomesh. But I am still and willalways be a HUGE fan of hiswork, his humility as aRastaman, his wisdom and thefire that he still blazes. Hail tothe Gorgon, Willi Williams.


REGGAEXCLUSIVE NEWSRASTAFEST: JULY19th - JULY 22nd,2007 @ YORKUNIVERSITY

Thursday July 19th, 2007 - 10a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (FREE)Empowerment of womenworkshop with CherryNatural, Makeda Silvera andMertella Montague. Location:Graduate Student Centre,room 430, student centrebuilding

Friday July 20th, 2007 - 10a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (FREE)Rastafarian seminar/arts andcraft exhibition Location: Varilecture hall A, Vari link, Varirotunda, central square D.J.Chocolate (CKLN 88.1 fm) andEmpress Divine

Friday July 20th, 2007 - 7:00p.m. - 10:00 p.m. ($20)Reasoning With My sisters.Play written and directed byMasani Montague. Location:Burton Auditorium

Saturday July 21st, 2007 - 12noon - 9:00 p.m. (FREE)Family fun day/arts and craftexhibition / free concert.Featuring Eddie Fitzroy,Mutabaruka, Cherry Natural,Blakka Ellis, Horace Martin,Prince Everald, TrinityDrummers, Ras BajalousI’Kambo, Ras Iyahkayah, RasIshaka, Django, Peculiar I, RasMoses and Righteous.Location: Vanier Field/basketball court Music: D.J.Chocolate (CKLN 88.1 fm),Patrick Roots (CIUT 89.5 fm)and Ark of the Kovenant(Atlanta). MC: King David(CHRY 105.5 fm)

Sunday July 22nd, 2007 - 3:30p.m. - 5:00 p.m. ($20)Youth Revolution. Playwritten and directed byMonique L. Johnson.Location: Burton Auditorium

Sunday July 22nd, 2007 - 7:00p.m. - 10:00 p.m. ($20)Curse of Ham. Play writtenand directed by Ras LeonSaul. Location: BurtonAuditorium

I & I PROMOTIONSPRESENTS SISTERCAROL & MUMMANANCY

I & I Promotions present DJBrigadier Jerry, Sister Carol,Mumma Nancy, PeterRanking, Noel Ellis, Exco Leviand Zion Spice on August24th, 2007 at 7 Eric Avenue,Brantsford. Music by KingSturgrav, Super Fresh, SniperSound and Ruff Ryder.

IRIE MUSICFESTIVAL 2007

Irie Music Festival (August 3-6, 2007), takes place at 3great locations at: NathanPhillip Square, Queen’s Parkand Ontario Place. Checkdates and times at:www.iriemusicfestival.com.Our kick off concert featuresFreddie McGregor, RitchieStephens and Comfort onAugust 3rd at special EventsTent, Ontario Place. Gatesopen at 6pm. Showtime:7:00pm.

C A L G A R YREGGAEFEST 2007

The August heat is going toget hotter when the FourthAnnual Calgary InternationalReggae Festival paints thetown red, green and gold. Thetheme for this year’s festival(ReggaeFest ‘007) is “Bondingwith Reggae Roots” and itpromises to do just that.Aiming to unite the global,national and internationalReggae community,ReggaeFest ‘007 will offersomething for any and everyReggae music fan. Week-longlocal events will show youeverything from how toprepare a delicious,traditional Jamaican meal tothe history of Reggae andanything else you can think ofin-between. The event wrapsup on August 18 with a fullday of jammin’ music fromrenowned artists like ErrolBlackwood and RichieStevens. For a completeartiste lineup, more festival

information or to buy yourtickets visit www.calgaryreggaefestival.com.

MONTREALREGGAE FESTSCHEDULE 2007!

FRIDAY July 13LOVE STAGE 11:00am-2:00pm - place Jacques-Cartier (FREE) LOTO -QUÉBEC STAGE 2:00pm -10:00pm - place Bonsecours(FREE) Kymani Marley

SATURDAY July 14LOVE STAGE 11:00am -2:00pm - @ Jacques-Cartier(FREE) LOTO-QUÉBEC STAGE2:00pm - 6:00pm - @Bonsecours (FREE) MAINSTAGE 6:00pm - 11:30pm -Quay Jacques-Cartier ($40-$50) Black Uhuru feat.Michael Rose & DuckieSimpson, Gyptian, I Wayne,Turbulence, Admiral Bailey,Jah Cutta, Mikey Dangerous

SUNDAY July 15LOVE STAGE 11:00am -2:00pm - @ Jacques-Cartier(FREE) LOTO-QUÉBEC STAGE2:00pm - 6:00pm - placeBonsecours (FREE) MAINSTAGE 6:00pm - 11:00pm -Quay Jacques-Cartier ($40-$50) Third World, FrankiePaul, Tony Rebel feat. QueenIfrica, Kirk Davis, TanyaMullings, Steele

SUNDAY NIGHT JULY 15-16BOAT CRUISE 11:30pm -3:00am - Quay Alexandre onCavalier Maxim Boat ($60-$70) Luciano “UNPLUGGED”feat. Dean Fraser & MikeyGeneral

FRIDAY July 13 / FREE ALLDAY

SATURDAY July 14 / 6pm -11:30pm Advance: $40 CDN,Door: $50 SUNDAY July 15 /6pm - 11pm Advance: $40CDN, Door: $50 Weekend-Pass (Sat. & Sun.) Advance:$70 CDN, Door: N/A VIPWeekend-Pass (limited)Advance: $200, Door: $250Includes: full access to VIPelevated area, private bar andservice with 5 free drinks,private terrace with patio

tables, Free festivalmerchandise, perfect view infront of stage, and more.

JAMAICA DAY 2007

Toronto, Ontario - Hold ontight! You are about toexperience the event of 2007.The program, which draws anenormous crowd of people,will include several activitiesconsisting of poetry readings,games for the children andadults, mouthwatering foodand beverages, artifacts andentertainment, music, afashion show, an art & craftsale, domino tournament withGTA’ most impressive teamsfrom various Domino clubs,spot prize giveaways withawesome prizes, (including atrip to Jamaica), soccergames, basketball games,face painting, skits andcomedy, story telling, dancersand more!!

The Annual Jamaica DayCelebration 2007 takes placeon July 28th, 2007 atKeelesdale Park, 2801Eglington Avenue West.Gates open at 11am to9:30pm event continues to11:pm. Opening Ceremony:4:00p.m. sharp! Visit ourwebsite atwww.jamaicaday.com. Emailus [email protected]: 647-889-6424 or905-487-8365. Admission$25.00 in advance / $30.00 @the Gate (Adults 18 & Over).Ages 13-17 $15.00 (IDrequired). Ages 5-12/Seniors$5.00 (ID required). Ages 4 &under - FREE. No cameras,no projectiles. Patrons cannotbring outside food or alcoholinto this event.

INTERVIEWS TO BECONTINUED IN THESEPTEMBER 2007 ISSUE

The Sizzla and Roger Steffensinterviews will continue in theSeptember 2007 Issue ofReggaeXclusive.


REGGAEXCLUSIVE CULTURAL NEWS

CANADIANFOUNDATION FORCHILDDEVELOPMENT

Canadian Foundation forChild Development held

its first Dinner and DanceFundraiser on Saturday June 2,2007. The event was held tohelp with the on-goingproduction of Dual Desks,Tables, Chairs, ComputerDesks, Blackboards, andCupboards for the rural areaschools in Ghana, West Africa

Canadian Foundation forChild Development was foundby Mr. Kwaku Addo-Ray. It is anon-profitable charitableorganization based inMississauga, Ontarioestablished in 1998. The

objective of CFCD is to assistthe educational system ofAfrica and the Caribbean, bygiving children a solidfoundation for growth andintellectual developmentthrough the provision ofrelevant learning materials

In the near future we areplanning to opening an office inTrinidad & Tobago to head ourprojects in the Caribbean. Itwas a wonderful night and wewould like to thank all oursponsors and everyone whoattended and gave a donationto our worthy cause. Contact:Jennifer Thomas - MediaR e l a t i o n s / F u n d r a i s i n gCoordinator - CanadianFoundation For ChildDevelopment. Tel: (905) 567-1400. Fax: (905) 567-1168.Cell: 647-833-4512 or Email:[email protected].

Mr. Kwaku Addo-Ray in Ghanawith the children.

RAS IYAHKAYAH

Ras Iyahkayah was born asMcCraig Daniel in TheEmerald Isle - MONTSERRAT.He grew up in the village ofMolyneaux (a.k.a Trench Town)where his exceptional voicebecame evident at a veryyoung age when his musicteacher would always advicethe class to ‘listen toMcCraig’s notes’. By seven

years old he already beganperforming for live audience sand over time he has traveledthrough the Caribbean,Canada, and now taking hisspace in Europe. During hisjourney, the humble Rastamanshared stages with reggaeicons such as Third World,Capleton, Beres Hammond,Freddie McGregor, and NadineSutherland to name a few. Heuses the same nurturing spirithe farms with to cultivate hisalways conscious lyrics and atthe same time can complimentany reggae rhythm with hisunique voice. Like his voice,his message is clear. He singsof life’s blessings, pressure,love, and righteousness whilesharing his knowledge ofRastafari.

Previously known as SimpleOnitsha (Madzimoyo Orji), thisentertainer spent several daysand nights singing, deejaying,

and selecting music at nightclubs, large festivals, etc. Hecollaborated with recordlabels, sound-systems, radiodisc jockeys, and many othersin countries includingJamaica, Anguilla, Montserrat,St. Maarten, The Netherlands,United Kingdom, France,Germany, Portugal, andCanada. He is known best forhis soulful strong vocals andhis versatile style which oftenleads to comparisons toGarnet Silk, Limey, MaxiPriest, Sizzla, Turbulance,Aswad, and others.

Ras Iyahkayah moved to theUnited Kingdom in 2005 andappeared at several venues inLeicester, Brighton,Wellingborough, and France.With less than two years in theUK, his work accomplishedincludes collaborations withrecord labels and soundsystems throughout Europe.

He is also busy keeping upwith requested dub-plates,and jingles for radio stationsand sound systems around theworld. Of his latest work, JahSound.net refers to hiscollaboration withVibronics/Scoop as “theinfamous ‘Mama Africa’”. Thenew release is already afavorite amonng dub fans.Meanwhile, a recentlyreleased medley video withDYMZ production includes RasIyahkayah’s latest release‘Close To I’ This humble,professional, experienced,well-traveled, village mandoes not yet have an albumreleased but if you are giventhe privilege to witness his liveperformance or hear hismusic, you will never forgethim! To listen to or book RasIyahkayah: Visitwww.myspace.com/rasiyahkayahmusic

REGGAEXCLUSIVE ARTIST WATCH

REGGAEXCLUSIVECONDOLENCES

ReggaeXclusive condolencesgoes out to Lady Luscious(aka Janet Scott) on the loss

of her daughter AleishaAshley who died recently in atragic car accident and alsoto the family of MoniqueMcKnight. May their soulsrest in peace.

CFFCD in Trinidad

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TOP REGGAEDVD PICKS

The date is set - July 1st,Lyric DVD magazine willrelease Global Warming - atwo part series on Babylon’sdestruction of Mother Earth.Hear from I Wayne, Gyptian,Bunny Wailer, Capleton,Marlon Asher, Bushman,Alaine, Polly Famous,Turbulence, Higher TroddFamily, Fanton Mojah and JahCure - his final days behindprison walls Technologicaladvancements must not bejudged solely by theirachievements but also equally

by their consequences - LyricDVD Magazine

Release date: August 1,2007 Lyric DVD Magazine setto release Unforgiven - thetruth about the Beenie Manand Bounty Killa feud - August1 2007. Here from Don Mafia,Angel, Beenie Man, BountyKilla, Movado, Vybz Kartel,Adonia, Busy Signal, Predator,Bling Dog, Jamaica’s DeputyPolice Mark Shields, NinjaMan, Spice, Foota Hype,Gyptian and Bascom X. This isa must have if you are a trueDancehall fan. Collect themall. Lyricdvdmag.com


UPCOMING ARTIST SOON TO BE RELEASED

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REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S “LIVE SHOWS” REVIEWS

reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.reggaexlusive.com --- Phone: 416-287-1335 -- Email: [email protected] Pg - 10

CAPLETON BLAZEDTHE DOCS - CollieBuddz Promote TheHerbsBy Sophia “Iyamtheiah” Daniel

Amulti-nation crowdgathered at the Docs to

witness Capleton and CollieBuddz in concert. It’s been awhile since Toronto got achance to welcome a freshinternational talent. The bigherb tune by the Bermuda-bornCaucasian stirred a buzz in thedancehall community. Torontowas eager. Expectations wereset high for Collie Buddz and itwas soon time for him todeliver.

Turn tables spun for a whileand J Logix almost concealedthe long wait using perfectselection. Tréson took thestage first and it was great thathe did - for it takes a certainkind of artist to please awaiting crowd. An acousticversion of “Legalize It” set thetone for the night. The crowdwas definitely mesmerized bythe singer’s showmanship.Peter Tosh would have beenproud. For the remainingsegment Fulla Band alongsideTréson’s heart-touching voicerocked us through a journey oflove and reality. Included inthe unforgettable performancewere the hit singles “Moments”and “Jenny Rocka”. Big thingsare in store for thisphenomenal entertainer.

Toronto’s upcomingTrebleton kept the positivevibration with “Life InThe City”.His rapid dancehall styledemanded the audience’s keenlistening skills and he got that.All were tuned in. “Finally theherbs man come around”.Collie Buddz hit the scene with

a short medley and asexpected the crowd went nuts.A significant amount ofEuropean ladies took over thefront lines screaming andwhaling for the new artist.They were not alone! Theentire Docs drew nearer.“Tomorrow’s Another Day”received an overwhelmingresponse and Buddz’ voicecould not be heard over thecrowd’s when he sang “ComeAround”. Collie performedmostly girl tunes with little orno emphasis on serious issues.Perhaps he doesn’t considerhimself a messenger? In anyevent the ladies seemedpleased.

Other artists to bless thestage included Fire Lion, JahThunda, and Toronto’s JahYouth. Later, the fire startedbackstage with Capletonyelling “Wi Bun Dem Out, WiBun Dem Out…Holy EmmanuelI, Selassie I, Jah RastafarI!” Aflaming red suit burst on stage.King Shango uttered:“Capleton bun maternityinfirmity, mi bun Bird Flu, AIDS,E.U., G8…” It was show time!The Fireman started “Jah JahCity” and the crowd finished it.As we know, Capleton alwaystalk to the massive so beforegoing further he spoke ofMarcus Garvey’s vision of HaileSelassie I’s crowning in 1930.

With his eyes closed foralmost the entire showCapleton literally performedhits on top of hits. “SlewDem”, “The Wicked Man WillHave To Fall”, “St Mary MiCome From”, “It Was anInvasion”, “Hunt You”, “LookGood In Her Clothes”, “NumbaOne Pan Di Look Good Chart”were a few. He even invitedthe audience to request songsduring his extensiveperformance. Cell phones litthe venue saluting theenergetic Fire Man. Everyonehad at least one hand up atsome point especially during“Dash A Fire”. Prophecy Bandwas outstanding keeping upwith The Prophet.

Toronto clearly lovesCapleton. In fact, he tooksome time to render a specialappreciation for the people.

He spoke of Toronto being thefirst place he traveled to byplane as an artist. “Torontobless mi and send mi out innathe earth…” While there is stillroom in the dancehallfraternity for role models,Capleton holds his own. Hisconcerns and knowledge ofWorld Affairs cannot bedisputed. His music,reasoning, and communitycontributions are constantreminders. This is an artistwith a serious message.Capleton educates while heentertains. One need notguess his intentions. Heclearly stated: “I chant fi equalrights and justice four cornersof the world, for salvation tothe fullest…”

“ROCKAZ REJOICEDURING ROYALVISIT”Editorial and Photo By: Halina T.Di-Lallo - Calgary, Alberta

The Royal Family ofReggae, ‘Morgan Heritage’touched down in Calgary aspart of their Canadian tour onSaturday March 3rd atMacEwan Hall Ballroom, U ofC. The hall slowly began to fillaround 9 p.m. and the soundsystem pumped out someserious old and new riddimsadding to the growingexcitement. Having never seenthem perform live, I waitedwith excited anticipation forthe night to unfold.

Around 10 p.m.,MC for theevening, ‘Tullo’ from CJSW90.9 - Level The Vibesintroduced the opening act,‘SYA’ from Toronto who wasbacked by Calgary’s ‘Kindread’Band. After a short set,Calgary’s ‘IBO’ stepped ontothe stage. I was totallyimpressed by their set, theycertainly showcased theirdiverse musical abilities fromconscious roots to ska theycertainly are a first class act. Itwas just after 11 p.m. wheneveryone got to their feet and

headed to the front of thestage which filled instantly -the first note rung out. Theband played a taster of whatwas to come and the nextinstant, Peter and Grampsstepped onto the stage. It wasa very special moment; it hadthat feeling of musical historyfor Calgary.

Without the sweet sensitivevocals of Sista Una who isspending time at home being amum, the family carried on inpure spiritual bliss. The setwas around two hours long,comprising of new and old.They captivated the crowd withsongs like “She’s Still LovingMe”, “Tell Me How Come”,“Down By The River” and afavorite of dreads and non-dreads alike “Don’t Haffi Dreadto be Rasta”. Gramps andPeter took the lead vocals andplayfully exchanged the leadplaying off of each other’sstrengths, clearly showingtheir impressive vocal skills.

Words cannot express howimpressively Morgan Heritageperform. Their stage presencewas exceptional, somethingwhich can only be achievedafter many years in thebusiness. They are a truereggae blessing and a bandthat I believe will continue toamaze the reggae world foryears to come. Gramps andPeter fed off the vibes of thecrowd, who were dancing,whistling and shouting praises.The atmosphere was electric,giving the impression of acrowd much larger than wasactually in attendance, andwith the intimacy of a smallvenue you almost felt like youwere on stage with them. Thiswas a special night, thememory of which we’ll keepforever. A huge respect mustgo to the opening acts, “SYA”,“IBO” and “Kindread” Band fortheir perseverance and hardwork to gain recognition inCanada. Also to the sponsorsand all those involved inpromoting the night, but mostof all a massive respect to themighty legends themselves –“Morgan Heritage”.

Photo by:S a n d iDestonis


REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW WITHSANCHEZ

ReggaeX: Greetings Sanchez,welcome to Calgary. It is anhonour to have you here. Howare you enjoying it so far?Sanchez: So far so good. It’slike home. It’s beautiful!

ReggaeX: Your career inmusic has spanned anincredible twenty years withsome thirty one albums andover seventy singles, and stillgoing strong! What is thesecret to your longevity?Sanchez: Oh my God I wouldsay just keeping out of troubleand doing the right things atthe right time.

ReggaeX: When did you firstrealize that singing was yourtrue calling in life?Sanchez: Age ten or eleven.

ReggaeX: You have such anobvious spiritual, Godly vibeabout you both in your musicand your presence. Can youdescribe how God hasimpacted your music?Sanchez: Of course. Well, I

was brought up that way. I wasgrown up in the church so Iwasn’t far from it and I’m stillnot far from it.

ReggaeX People talk aboutyou as a cover artiste, and youhave done a lot of amazingcovers but you have alsowritten some fantasticoriginals.Sanchez: Yes and I am greatfulfor being a cover artistebecause it has made me aman.

ReggaeX: But the thing isyou’ve done your covers asgood or better, in my opinionthan many of the originals.Sanchez: Thank you, Iappreciate that.

ReggaeX: So can we lookforward to some moreoriginals from you ?Sanchez: Of course!

ReggaeX: You’ve doneextensive touring over theyears. What are some of yourfavourite spots?Sanchez: I’d say Europe.Europe is just different. You’replaying to 80,000 peoplesometimes 100,000.

ReggaeX: Where is the placeyou want to go more thananything?Sanchez: Africa. I’d love to goto Africa.

ReggaeX: Of all your awards,which one are you most proudof?Sanchez: The gospel hall offame for real.

ReggaeX: How does it feel tobe known as one of the bestvoices to ever come out ofJamaica? Actually one of thebest voices in music period!Sanchez: I feel great and I justpray that God will just keep meand keep my head togetherthat I don’t get over all this,just keep me on track.

ReggaeX: Who are some ofyour favourite new artistesright now?Sanchez: Just people likeGyptian, Jah Cure all of them.I like them.

ReggaeX: Do you have anyadvice for any of the newartistes?Sanchez: Just try to do thepositive things and never dosomething you’ll regret downthe road.

ReggaeX: Your career, from afan’s perspective has alwaysseemed to flow so effortlesslyand smooth. Have there everbeen any really difficult times?Sanchez: Yes of course. I sitdown and cry sometimes and Icall my publicist and I say toher I’m gonna drop this, forgetthis. Just get me a ticket backhome and she says no, this isnot the time for you to give up.Yes there have been times butwe get over it.

ReggaeX; Can you tellReggaeXclusive readerssomething that would surprisethem about Sanchez?Sanchez: That I can play musicvery well. (laughter). So they’llknow something new aboutSanchez.

ReggaeX: What do you do forfun or to relax in your sparetime?Sanchez: Just play music and Ilove to watch fights, boxing.

ReggaeX: What is your take inthe direction that reggaemusic is going right now?Sanchez: Well, not 100%.Some of them are off track sosome still need to get back inline.

ReggaeX: You’ve done somegreat combinations. Is thereanyone you’d like to work within the future?Sanchez: Maybe we might dosomething with Tyrese me andmy partner are thinking aboutthat very strongly eitherTyrese or Alicia Keys. Thatwould be cool.

ReggaeX: What about yourSanchez Raw album?Sanchez: Well, that is the oneI’m working on right now but Ican’t tell you yet when thatone will be released.

ReggaeX: What can fansexpect from you in the future?Another 20 years or more?Sanchez: The best thingsthere are. Yes, because I feelgreat! I could go on and on.

ReggaeX: Thank you verymuch for your time. It hasbeen an honour. We look veryforward to seeing you latertonight.Sanchez: It’s been a pleasure.Thanks for having me.

Interview & Photo by:

Lisa Connors

PARAM

Param is a music lover thatwrites and sings reggae

music. He focuses primarily on

Roots and Culture style Reggaeto inspire and uplift peoplethrough his music. Param’smusic has the feel of an ancientchant and beat. Born inDuckenfield, St. Thomas,Jamaica Param was exposed tosoul, country, gospel and reggaemusic at an early age. As ateenager, the sounds of BobMarley and Dennis Brown hadthe greatest impact on him. Theturning point in Param’s life waswhen he met and followed theProphet Gad and started reading“a chapter a day” of the Bible.

He had a better spiritualunderstanding of himself andGod and was able to use musicas a forum to promote thegoodwill of man on earth.Param’s first visit to a studio waswith Dennis Brown whoencouraged him to sing andcontinue writing his music.

Param joined his family inToronto, Canada in the late 80’sand recorded two songs withRonald Merrils. Param sharedthe stage with artists such asOrthodox Issachar and Ronald

Merrills to perform his ownmusic and the music of BobMarley at various stage shows inMontreal and Jamaica duringthe 90’s. In 2005, Paramrecorded his song “Jah EverLiving” produced by DaltonBrowne in Jamaica. This song isreceiving airplay on the localToronto radio stations and canbe found on myspace and in thelocal Toronto record stores.Param is presently working onan album to release more of hissongs.

REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S NEW VOICE OF REGGAE

BLACK UHURUFeat. MICHAELROSE AT MIRF2007

The most successful ofthe second-generation

reggae bands, Black Uhurumaintained their high qualitydespite numerous personnelchanges in their 16-yearhistory. The first reggae bandto win a Grammy award, fortheir 1983 album Anthem,Black Uhuru was, according toReggae: The Rough Guide,“The most dynamic andprogressive reggae act of the1970s and early ‘80s.”

Black Uhuru, whose namecomes from the Swahili wordmeaning “freedom,” wasformed in the Waterhousedistrict of Kingston by Ervin“Don Carlos” Spencer,

Rudolph “Garth” Dennis, andDerrick “Duckie” Simpson.When the group experienceddifficulties securing a recordcontract, Spencer left topursue a solo career andDennis joined the WailingSouls. Simpson, who remainedthe thread throughout BlackUhuru’s evolution, re-organized the band with Errol“Jay” Wilson and quivery-voiced lead vocalist MichaelRose, compared by TrouserPress to “a Rasta cantor.”Accompanied by the rhythmsection of Sly Dunbar ondrums and Robbie Shakespearon bass, Black Uhuru createda sound that made them amatch for any reggaeensemble. Their debut album,Love Crisis, released in 1977,included the anthemic hit “ILove King Selassie.” Threeyears later, the album wasremixed and released as BlackSounds of Freedom.

With the addition ofharmony singer Sandra“Puma” Jones, an Afro-American woman who held amaster’s degree from

Columbia University and was aformer member of the femalegroup Mama Africa in 1981,Black Uhuru entered theirmost commercially successfulperiod. In addition torecording a memorable studioalbum, Red, and an excitinglive album, Tear It Up, thegroup reached its peak withthe release of Anthem in 1983.Remixed and revised forrelease in the United States,the redone version was re-released in Europe shortlyafterwards.

Michael Rose, is one ofJamaica’s most distinguishedsingers, as a member of BlackUhuru Michael Rose was oneof the foundation stones of theroots movement, beforelaunching a successful careerin the modern dancehalls. Hiswork with Uhuru helped bringthe group a Grammy, while hisdistinctive vocals launched anentire musical style -theWaterhouse sound. TheKingston neighborhood ofWaterhouse is where Rosewas born, on July 11, 1957.There, Rose grew up with a

love of music, and began hiscareer when barely into histeens competing in talentcontests, and then workingthe North Coast hotel circuit.

At 15, he returned to thecapital and cut his first single,a DJ version of Andel Forgie’s“Woman a Gineal fe True” forproducer Newton Simmons.That barely hinted at what wasto come. Soon after, Roselinked up with childhoodfriend Sly Dunbar, whobrought him to meet producerNiney Holness. The singer cuta number of songs for Holnessduring 1972: “Clap theBarber,” “Love Between Us,”“Freedom Over Me,” and bestof all, “Guess Who’s Coming toDinner.” Although, none ofthese songs fired the charts,Rose was already putting intoplace a sound and vision thatwould shake the music world.Through Holness, Rose alsocame to cut a song for LeePerry, “Observe Life”; it toodid little. Check out BlackUhuru @ the Montreal Int’l.Reggae Festival 2007.


REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S BAND/GROUP SPOTLIGHT

THIRD WORLD

Third World is one of thelongest-lived reggae

bands of all time, and one ofJamaica’s most consistentlypopular crossover acts amonginternational audiences. Whilethe band was long capable ofauthentic roots reggae, theyusually preferred to mix inelements of R&B, funk, pop,and rock (and, later on,dancehall and rap). Puristsoften criticized their music astame and polished, overlybeholden to commercialconcerns. Indeed, they wereregular visitors to theAmerican and British chartsduring the ‘80s, but the best oftheir output was undeniablysatisfying on a creative level aswell.

Third World was originally

formed in 1973 by keyboardistMichael “Ibo” Cooper andguitarist/cellist Steven “Cat”Coore. Both had receivedformal training at musicschools in Jamaica, and bothhad played around theKingston reggae scene beforejoining the original lineup ofInner Circle around 1968.When they left to form theirown band in 1973, they tookInner Circle bassist RichardDaley with them, and alsorecruited drummer CarlBarovier, percussionist Irvin“Carrot” Jarrett, and leadsinger Milton “Prilly” Hamilton.Barovier was quickly replacedby Cornell Marshall, and thegroup made its live debut thatyear at Jamaica’sindependence celebration.Having all their own musicianson hand, Third World didn’tneed to rely on sound systemsto play records that weren’tpractical to duplicate live. As aresult, they found it difficult toland a label deal, since mostlabels in Jamaica wereoperated by sound systems.

KYMANI MARLEY

Following in the legacy ofhis father’s footsteps,

Ky-Mani Marley continues onwith the pop-reggae sound inwhich his family’s been knownfor. Stepping into his Jamaicanroots, Marley independentlyreleased his debut “TheJourney” in 1998, whichdeveloped a huge following onthe reggae charts as well assome dedication from fans ofBob Marely.

The following year, “TheJourney” was eventually re-released in the United States.Many more records appearedin Spring 2001 on “ArtistsOnly”. Kymani wll beperforming at the MontrealInt’l. Reggae Festival 2007.

DEAN FRASER

Sax player Dean Fraser hasbeen tearing up horn sections oninnumerable reggae singles,working with some of Jamaica’slegends, including Bob Marleyand the Wailers, since 1978. He isconsidered one of Jamaica’sfinest brass players and hasdeveloped an internationalfollowing for his sultry jazz-tonedreggae music. Fraser formed hisfirst band, the Sonny Bradshaw 7,around 1978. It was rising reggaestar Jacob Miller who helpedFraser become popular.

In the mid ‘90s, he released“Dean Plays Bob” and “DeanPlays Bob Vol. II” as a tribute tothe music of his long-time idolBob Marley. Dean will beperforming on the Boat Cruisealongside Luciano @ MIRF ‘07.

reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.reggaexclsive.com --- Phone: 416-287-1335 -- Email: [email protected] Pg - 13

BALVIN BANTON

Balvin Banton’s musicalcareer started as a

young boy in Acious ValleyDistrict in the parish of St.Thomas Jamaica, where heand his friends would gettogether and sing as a groupor sometimes Balvin sangsolo, growing up with the

intention of being one of theworld’s greatest singers.Growing up with this in mind,he has never been far fromthe music scene where hespent most of his young lifearound the sound system.

In the early 70’s after hisgraduation from school,Balvin left for Kingston tolearn the mechanical trade.At his address in VinyardTown Kingston 19, there wasa nightclub called The GreenMist where the Youthprofessional band was basedand did live performancesseveral times per week. Beingaround the band, Balvin got achance to learn to singprofessionally. He then

entered the Youth TalentParade Show at the GlobeTheatre. After that, thepremises burned down.Balvin moved back to St.Thomas and for a while, heput the music aside. Balvinthen migrated to Canada in1980 and lived in Montreal forten years. There, he becameinvolved in the musicbusiness again and recordedhis first song. He then movedto Toronto in 1990 and puttogether a band called TheExodus Vibration Band andcontinued with his music. Hewas the band-leader, playedthe rhythm, the keyboard anddid the vocals. He would playat various nightclubs andEntertainment Centers in and

out of Toronto. He even did alive appearance on City TV,Toronto.

Balvin left the band in1994 and went solo, then metBransford Sinclair in 1995 andthey started to work togetherand consequently releasedtheir first CD. They areworking on their second CDwhich will be ready forrelease later this year. Balvinwas also a star in the moviecalled “Jacket and Tie”, aJunior Whisper Film. Thismovie was released inOctober of 2006. Balvin’sgreatest desire is to keepworking in the studiorecording his own songs.

REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S ARTIST WATCH

REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S OLDIES BUT GOODIES

ERNIE SMITH

Glenroy Anthony Smith isknown around the world to

all who have had the joy andexcitement of hearing him sing andplay, as “Ernie”. Ernie is a truepioneer of Reggae Music, but thisfails to convey the versatility,longevity and impact of his illustriouscareer as a singer, composer, lyricwriter, musician arranger and artistesupreme. Ernie plays mostly reggaebut changes with ease to rock,rhythm and blues, ballads, countrymusic and gospel.

His professional musical careerbegan in 1965, when he formed hisfirst band, the Vandals, from amonghis brothers, sisters and friends. Hisfirst recording in 1967 was anoriginal composition “I Can’t Take It”.This was later recorded by JohnnyNash as “Tears On My Pillow”. Fourfantastic hits followed “Bend Down”,“Ride On Sammy”, “One Dream”and “Pitta Patta”. In 1972, at the 3rdWorld Popular Song Festival of theYamaha Foundation For PopularMusic in Tokyo, he won the lionshare of the Grand Prize, ahead of

legends like Neil Sedaka, for hispresentation of his originalcomposition “Life Is Just For Living”.As a result, he became the firstJamaican musician in the field ofpopular music to receive a nationalhonour from his Government. Theaward of the Badge of Honour forMeritorious Service, together withhis creativity, music and energyboosted his popularity and fameboth at home and abroad.

Through the well-knownbooking agent Ronnie Nasralla, Ernieplayed Madison Square Garden in1973 and The Felt Forum in 1974.Engagements in Brazil, otherCaribbean territories, the Mid-West,Eastern and Western coasts of theUSA, Germany, Italy, Switzerland,Holland followed the next few years.Migration to North America in 1976was a necessary decision in theaftermath of his controversial hit, “AsWeFight One Another For the Powerand the Glory, The Kingdom Goes toWaste’’. By 1979, Ernie was a wellestablished exponent of reggaemusic in Canada, and touredextensively throughout that country.Ernie returned home to Jamaica in1989, after a 13 year exile. He wasinstantly back in demand on thehotel circuit, as well as corporateand private functions, gala events,major stage shows and has morethan once performed on ReggaeSunsplash. Ernie will be headlining@ Jamaica Day 2007.

GLEN RICKS

Glen Ricks, was born inKingston Jamaica, son

to Arthur and Lillian Ricketts.He immigrated to Canada in1967 and attended KitchenerWaterloo Collegiate Institute.

After arriving in Toronto, heentered a talent contest in1969 and won second place.In the meantime, he met agroup of guys from Jamaica ina group called “The FabulousFlames” and they decided toform a dance and singinggroup. This was a wonderfulpartnership for the years tocome. They left Toronto atsome point in 1969 and wentto Jamaica, there history wasmade. They did their firstrecording of “Holly Holy”, theNeil Diamond cover which hevoiced for Clancy Eccles. Thesong became a big successthat sparked them to make analbum. The second single“Growing Up” also becameanother big hit. Glen thenbegan to make a name for

himself becoming the numberone artist in the North Coast inJamaica.

Glen began to seeopportunities beyond TheFabulous Flames andsubsequently, he declined theoffer to become the lead singerfor The Fabulous Flames.Consequently, he begantraveling to the United Statesto pursue a solo career. Duringthat time, he traveled toChicago where he met one ofhis idols, Donny Hathaway,who took his music and talentto another level. Glen decidedto return to Toronto and joinedthe group named “Crack ofDawn”, becoming the drivingforce behind the band. Theband claimed notoriety withinNorth America, resulting in aCBS Recording contract.Sadly, the group dismantled.Glen was once again on hisown and signed with CBS torelease two singles, “I gotsomething for my Baby” and“Oh what a big World”. Inleaving that contract, hedecided to go with Filthy Rich,a Toronto based independentrecord label, where heproduced the album “Heart ofmy World”. In 1990, Glenmoved again to Jamaica wherehe recorded for the likes ofproducers Sly and Robbie,Bobby Digital and Phillip FattisBurrell.

reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.reggaexclusive.com --- Phone: 416-287-1335 -- Email: [email protected] Pg-14


BARRINGTON LEVYTO PERFORM FREECONCERT @HARBOURFRONTCENTRE AUG. 5

Barrington Levy, aliving legend in global

music circles will be playing aFREE admission full concertwith his Detour Posse band tohelp commemorate the 45Anniversary of Jamaica’sIndependence at Toronto’sHarbourfront Centre, as partof the Island Soul festival, onSunday August 5th at 9:30pm. Dubbed Jamaica’sNumber #1 singer of all timebecause of his uniquelyexpressive song style and hisnear endless string ofworldwide reggae hits (TooExperienced, LivingDangerously, Under Mi Sensi,Broader Than Broadway) andwidely played hip-hopcollaborations with Diddy’sBad Boy recording artistShyne (Bad Boyz) all the way

to Canada’s Rascalz with K-os(Top Of The World), this will bea concert to remember.

Barrington Levy’soutstanding career as a top-class reggae vocalist beganmore than two and a halfdecades ago. In the late1980’s, Barrington Levy beganworking with veteranproducer Jah Screw, andtogether they created some ofreggae’s most memorablerecordings.... There was theclassic album of Barrington’sgreatest hits dubbed BroaderThan Broadway, which is oneof the best reggae collectionsever created. This wasreleased on the pioneeringhip-hop label Profile, whichhelped Barrington to becomemore recognizable in thecrossover market. After astunning performance on the1993 Sunsplash, Barringtonwas signed to MCA Records,but quickly parted ways withthe label and began workingwith Jah Screw to make theDuets album, where Levyteamed with all the hottestDJs from Beenie Man to LadySaw. He came back largerthan life with Bounti Killer onthe song “Living Dangerously”- undisputedly the biggestreggae song of 1996, both inJamaica and the UnitedStates, and for months heldthe #1 spot on the dancehallcharts worldwide. Calledreggae’s ‘Mellow Canary’ byvirtue of his strong, pure vocal

style, he’s renowned as thefirst original singer of thedancehall era, inspiring manyimitators en-route.

In 1975, Barringtonrecorded his debut track “MyBlack Girl” with the MightyMultitude. During these earlyperformances, his singingwas often informally recordedand sent to places in Englandand the U.S. The first foreignrelease, “A Ya We Deh”, wasfollowed by a major hit with“Collie Weed”, produced byJunjo Laws for Jah Guidance,and others like “Twenty-OneGirls Salute” and “Mind YourMouth”. Producer Henry“Junjo” Lawes discovered himsinging on a local sound-system, and wasted no time intaking him to Channel One forthe first of many hit singles in1979. In 1983, Levy made abig splash in Great Britainwith “Under Mi Sensi”, a tunethat spent 12 weeks toppingtheir charts. With a plethoraof original material and anoutstanding, immediatelyrecognisable voice,Barrington simply could notfail, having hit after hit for notonly Junjo but also AlvinRanglin (Life Style), DelroyWright (Live & Learn PresentsBarrington Levy & BeresHammond) and in 1984George Phang’s Powerhouselabel, who released the MoneyMove album to critical anddancehall acclaim. That sameyear Junjo produced Prison

Oval Rock which took thereggae world by storm.Barrington had also shownhimself to be a creditableproducer in his own right,releasing one track “Deep InThe Dark” on his own BLlabel, but this situation was toprove short-lived. Help camein the shape of Paul Love, akaJah Screw . Their firstrelease together was “UnderMi Sensi”, immediately thesong became a classic,staying in the reggae chartsfor weeks on end. It wasclosely followed by“Murderer” for Jah Life, andthen Barrington and JahScrew’s “Here I Come” in1985 which was a nationalchart-hit through a majorlabel deal with LondonRecords. Once again hejoined forces with Jah Screwfor a delightful cover of BobAndy’s Studio One hit “TooExperienced”. After astunning performance on the1993 Sunsplash, he signedto MCA and promptly beganwork on an album with Sly &Robbie in Jamaica. The firstsingle, “Work” was arevelation; Barringtondelivering an uplifting culturalmessage over an infectiousdancehall bogle riddim. Hecame back with Bounty Killeron the song “LivingDangerously” - undisputedlythe biggest reggae song of1996.

REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

TONY REBEL

Tony Rebel sings apeaceful, roots-

oriented form of dancehallmusic designed to inspire hisaudience to take a morepositive approach to life andsocial change. Born PatrickBarrett, Rebel is a

Rastafarian, but rather thansimply creating serious,philosophical tunes, heinfuses his music with alighthearted, liberal-leaningdose of humor.

Prior to becoming arecording artist in the 1990s,he spent 14 years playing thelocal dancehall circuit.Examples of his upliftingapproach to dancehall can beheard on his 1993 albumVibes of Time; other releasesinclude 1998’s If Jah. TonyRebel will be performing atthe Montreal Int’l. ReggaeFestival 2007 and also onRastafest on July 19, 2007 atthe JCA along with QueenIfrica, Donna Makeda, NattyPablo and Nkruma.

QUEEN IFRICA

Queen Ifrica, royalempress, also known

as Fyah Muma, took the musicworld by surprise, when in1995 she turned on ascorcher of a performance ina talent contest at the aptlynamed Club Inferno inMontego Bay. Queen Ifricajoined the Flames Production

camp in 1998 when, at a showin honour of the late GarnettSilk, Tony Rebel hearing theclean vocals and theunmistakable quality of herperformance, asked her tojoin the Flames camp. Sincethen, she has worked her wayup to being one of the premierfemale cultural reggaeartistes in the business.

Queen has had several ofher recordings become astaple on the airwaves, fromthe ever popular “Randy” to“Boxers and Stockings”. Herdebut album “Fyah Muma” isnow in stores. Check her outat the Montreal Int’l.Reggaefest 2007 andRastafest on July 19.


REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S ARTISTS SPOTLIGHT

ERROL BLACKWOOD

Born in the Accompong(Maroon) Hills of Jamaica,

Errol Blackwood migrated toToronto, Canada at an early agewhere he learned to play thebass guitar. Playing with severalbands in Ontario doing a mixtureof R&B, Soul and Funk, Errol’slove for music comes from avariety of sources, ranging fromthe church of his father who wasa pastor to the NyahbingiDrummers.

In 1980, Errol formed theband Messenjah, along with RayRuddock and Rupert Harvey andthe group would go on to recordtwo albums under the WEArecord label. Messenjah touredextensively for over five years inCanada and the US; bandhighlights include working withsuch musical greats as TheClash and Frank Zappa andplaying at Reggae Sunsplash.Errol himself has worked withseveral musicians over theyears, among them The CoolRuler - Gregory Isaacs who sangon a track from Errol’s first soloalbum. Errol also worked withBob Marley’s Wailers Band as alead singer. Since 1990 Errolhas been nominated for fifteenmusic awards, winning eleven ofthem including the CanadianIndie Music Award in 2003.Errol Blackwood is sure to bringsome nice Reggae vibes toCalgary for ReggaeFest ‘007.

RICHIE STEPHENS

Known as the man withJamaica’s Golden Voice,

Richie Stephens is a classicperformer who has greatlycontributed to the developmentof Reggae music. RichieStephens has been a householdname in Jamaica for nearly two

decades, and whetherappearing with reggae greatslike the late Dennis Brown orwith the late R&B legend LutherVandross, he has audiencesrockin’ and dancin’ all nightlong.

Over the past decade, Richiehas amassed a hit list whichincludes “Joy”, “By Your Side”,and “Weakness for Sweetness”.Stephens now owns his ownrecord label, Pot of GoldRecords and has recorded andreleased 11 albums.

Richie’s passion for successis also about helping others.This long time humanitarian hasgiven time and money to buildschools in Jamaica, and has alsogiven proceeds of his concertsto various charity organizationsworking with the aged andhomeless.

Richie Stephens attributeshis accomplishments to hardwork, professionalism andconsistency combined with thelove and support of his family,friends and fans. The world over,Richie strives to maintain anddeliver high quality reggae music.www.richiestephens.net

TANYA MULLINGS

Losing a loved one is nevereasy and for Tanya

Mullings, whose singing careerhas spanned several continents,the pain of losing herfather/manager, Karl Mullings,while working on her mostrecent CD, creates a gaping holethat defies an accuratedescription. The widelyrespected Jamaican-born

manager worked with suchluminaries as keyboard wizardJackie Mittoo, Lynn Taitt,Carlene Davis, Lovindeer, JayDouglas and Glenn Washingtonand shaped the career of hisdaughter Tanya. Her career gotunderway in the late 80s inToronto, where she was born.Over the years Tanya hasperformed throughout the USA,Canada, England and theCaribbean where she hasenjoyed warm acceptance dueto her usually solid musicaldelivery.

She performed on the 1992Reggae Sunsplash in MontegoBay, the 1993 Reggae Sumfest,1996 Reggae Sunsplash held atChakka Cove in St. Ann, 2005 &2007 Montreal InternationalReggae Festival, 2007 CalgaryInternational Reggae Festivaland Smile Jamaica TVJ. Amongthe artistes who have appearedon shows with Tanya areBarrington Levy, Super Cat,Junior Reid, Buju Banton andmany more. Her musicalrepertoire includes the albumsJust the Beginning (1990),Unplugged (1993) and RealPersonal (1996). She has wonvarious industry awardsincluding 11 Canadian ReggaeMusic Awards and 6 CaribbeanCrucible Awards. She wasnominated three times for theprestigious Juno Awards andwas presented with the CitizensAward for the Arts by the City ofBrampton in Ontario, Canada. In2004 her hit songs ‘A LoveThang’ which was produced byBobby “Digital” Dixon, and ‘Loveand Affection’ were featured onthe television pilot Kink In MyHair, which was produced anddirected by Tonya Lee Williamsof the Young and the Restlessfame and starring uber-entertainer Sheryl Lee Ralph.After taken a well needed breakto deal with the loss of herfather, Tanya’s single Nuh Easystarted to blaze the airwaves.Tanya knew right then that shehad to get back into the studioand complete the CD for herselfand her father, and that she did!Working with producers BobbyDigital Dixon, Dalton Browne,Patrick Roberts, Wayne“Devonte” Passley, MorganHeritage, Danny Browne,“Computer” Paul Henton, ByronBobby Treasure, Robert

“Dubwise” Browne, andDubmatix. The CD also featuresMorgan Heritage, Tanto Metro,Craig T and Mega Banton. Tanyafully intends to reclaim her spotat the top of the female reggaehierarchy as she unleashes a CDthat showcases her raw,indomitable talent, sultry,vibrant sound and demonstratesonce again why she has enjoyedsuch ardent fan appeal andexcitement with the dazzling yetpotent spin that permeates hermusical renditions.

CAUSION

A forceful and charismaticperformer, singer/songwriterand musician, Causion ischarged with intense emotion.His social and conscious lyricsare filled with messages thatblend Reggae, soul and popmusic. Born Gregory ColinBailey in the beautiful twin-island nation of Antigua &Barbuda, Causion’s new album“One Life to Live” enlightens themasses on tracks like ‘GangWar’ and ‘Slave Addiction’ andhe tells us how to live a betterlife on ‘Give Jah the Power’.Over the years, Causion hastoured throughout the UnitedStates and Caribbean with someof Reggae’s finest, including RitaMarley, Third World, DennisBrown, Freddie McGregor andJudy Mowatt. In 1995, he wasthe first Antiguan reggae artistto perform at Jamaica’s Sumfestand in addition, he hasperformed at the Bob MarleyMusic Festival, Reggae Cari-Fest - New York City and CryFreedom Antigua.

Currently residing in SouthFlorida, Causion took a briefhiatus from performing to gointo the studio to record hissophomore album. NowCausion’s performance pause isover and it’s once again time toenjoy this captivating artist.


REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT

HOT OFF THEPRESS - LYRIC DVDMAGAZINE FORMSLYRIC MUSICGROUP

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Look out for the Global

Warming World Tour Summer2008. Potential acts are IWayne, Bush Man, BunnyWailer, Gyptian, Bascom X,Steven Marley, MightyDiamonds, Etana and MarlonBins. Also look out for Lyricspecial yearly print issueand Caribbean Mangoswimsuit issue - A Lyricmusic Group production

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NANA MCLEANWINS “TOP GOSPELALBUM” AWARD INNEW YORK CITY

In 1979 Nana McLean burstto national prominence

with her debut album for A&MRecords “Dream of Life”. Her1980 country bluesy “GeorgiaEyes” was played onpractically every radio inCanada. Her roots run deep in

Jamaica’s reggae industry asshe recorded her debut single“Till I Kiss You” on the Coxonelabel in 1977.

Nana’s career has beenlittered with numerous awards,nominations, presentationsand recognition from suchorganisations as the CanadianBlack Music Association andthe Canadian Juno Awards. Heralbum “Nana McLeanCollector’s Series” producedby Jamaican ace DonavanGermain, won the 1997 JUNOfor Best Reggae Recording.Last fall Nana appeared in a 90minutes world premier concerton Bravo television and inDecember represented Canadaat a world music festival inAbidjan, Ivory Coast, Africa.Nana is now a born-againchristian singing gospel songs.Her recently released gospelalbum has already won her aTop Gospel Album Award in NYCity. Way to go Nana, don’tstop the music.

KAY MORRIS WINSSPECIAL AWARD

On Kay’s recent visit toJamaica in May 2007,

she toured several parishesperforming in churches andconducted radio interviews onseveral radio stations. Hervisit was to establish the KayMorris Foundation (KMF) inJamaica. While in Jamaica,she met with the two UNagencies, as well as, shevisited the Father Ho Lung

Orphanage in Kingston toestablish collaborations andpartnership. KMF will becarrying out medical missionsto Jamaica in the near futureas she believe this is a goodway to give back to hercountry and help Jamaicansliving with HIV/AIDS andorphans in her homeland. Inconversation with Kayrecently, she told ReggaeXclusive that she is nowgetting calls for help from asfar as South East Asia (India).

Saturday, June 9th, 2007KMF held a very successfulfundraising dinner in aid of2007 mission to Africa. OnSunday, June 10th, 2007 whileat the 1st Canadian ReggaeMusic Awards - Kay Morrisa.k.a Nana Sika received aSpecial CommunityRecognition Award forcontribution to the CaribbeanCommunity in Canada.Upcoming tours: GrandCayman and Florida.

POP UP - POP UP - POP UP

Sister Carol is not stranger tothe reggae musci scene. Sheis a versatile cultural deejayand a tireless teacher andmother. Sister Carol will beperforming on August 24thinside J’S Place (7 ErieAvenue, Brantford). Alsoappearing will be BrigadierJerry, Sister Nancy, Zion Spiceand many others. Music by:Sniper Sound, King Stur Grav,Super Fresh & Rootsman.

STEELE

Steele’s first album“Uncorrupted” album has hitmany charts globally and inCanada. Now with the release ofhis second album “The Love ofJah”, Steele is taking theairwaves by storm and showingall that he is no fly by nightartist. With tracks like “What’sWrong With We” feat. GeorgeNooks and “New World Order”feat. Queen Ifrica, Steele’s newCD is off the chain and a mustbuy. Steele will be performing atthe Montreal Int’l. ReggaeFestival in July 2007.

MICHAEL THOMPSON

Michael Thompson a.k.a.“Visionary” will be

performing at the Prince Everald& Friends Vol. 2 CD Launch &Earthstrong Celebration on June22nd, 2007 @ Club Paradise(220 Attwell Drive, Etobicoke).He will also be making anappearance at Jamaica 2007 onJuly 28th, 2007 @ KeelesdalePark.

Michael started singing allover Jamaica where hedeveloped a strong following ofsupporters for his music. Hethen began to travel the world,to such places as Guadalupe,Antigua and The United States;He stayed in Philadelphia forsometime. Michael thenmigrated to Canada to join therest of his family; it didn’t takelong for the Reggae scene toembrace this talented vocalist.He performed at cultural eventssuch as Miss Canada World,Miss Ghana and many otherpageants around Ontario.“Visionary” has opened for topReggae artists such as DobbyDobson, Half Pint, Errol Dunkley;Loan Ranger, V.C, George Nooks,Admiral Bailey and Regina BelleMichael has appeared on suchshows as The Canadian ReggaeMusic Awards, Jamaica Day,Toronto International CulturalReggae Festival and The JerkFestival. He opened at PhoenixConcert Theatre and did backupvocals for Willi Williams.Michael’s first full length muchanticipated album was releasedin 2007. This album is sure tomake a big impression on anyStudio One lover. His music canbe heard as far around the worldas Ghana Africa, IRIE FM, Power106 FM, and VYBZ FM inJamaica . and through outCanada.


REGGAEXCLUSIVE SINGERS SPOTLIGHT

LEVI MYAZ

Levi Myaz was born inSt. Anns, Port of

Spain, Trinidad. He movedto South Florida in 1994.The son of the late andmuch revered World BeatArtist and producer Richard‘Nappy’ Myers, Levi hadearly exposure to theTrinidadian music scene.At 17 years of age hisstrong interest in writingmusic was awakened andhe wrote his first song‘Avoiding the Hurt’ inOctober of 1993. Hestarted singingprofessionally in 1994. In1995 Levi startedperforming with a popularSouth Beach based multi-cultural reggae band calledDread, Green & Gold. Herecorded some tracks inCanada with his cousinbassist Brian Cesair. Fourof the songs they didtogether got the attentionof Warner Brothers andSony executives in Canada.

The last few yearscollaborations withproducer Martin Raymondhave produced music forthe upcoming albumincluding a remix of hisfather’s famous hit song‘Old Time Days’, ‘KeepMoving’, and ‘Music of myLand’, a hit at Carnival in2005. After opening forAnthony B in San Franciso,the two got together torecord ‘Real King’ which isgetting heavy airplay on theradio in New York, Jamaicaand Trinidad. Levi will bereleasing his new CD “TrueStory” in June 2007 and willbe performing in New Yorkin April 2007 and Canada inAugust for Rootsbana 2007.

TINGA STEWART

Neville “Tinga” Stewartcareer began in 1969. His

first recording was with ErnestWilson of the Clarendonians titled“She’s Gone” and “Old Old Song”.It was followed by a hit “Hear theTrain” produced by Derrick Harriotwhich secured Tinga’s positionearly in his career. In 1971, Tingajoined the “Borris Gardner Band”as the lead vocalist. In 1973Tinga went solo and immediatelyscored a second hit “FunnyFeeling”, produced by LloydCampbell. His success with the1974 winning Festival song, “Playde Music” written by Ernie Smith.With confidence, and a wellestablished career, Tinga wrotethe following year festival song,“Hooray Festival”, for his brotherRoman Stewart.

In the year 1981 he walkedaway with a winning song “No WehNuh Betta Dan Yard” written bySangie Davis, produced by RitaMarley. Now a seasoned artist,Tinga has focused more on studioworks with modest success andcompleted two albums on JohnCarrol’s “Callabash label” titled“Key to Your Heart” and “I FeelThe Music”. Between 1978 and1979 Tinga did four songs forproducer Joseph Hookin of“Channel One Records”, titled“Dry Up Your Tears”, “Gonna Fallin Love”, “Rainy Night In Georgia”and “Long About Now”, which hitthe charts in England. In the sameyear Tinga covered a TimmyThomas song. “Why Can’t WeLive Together”, which was asmash hit in Europe. In 1987Tinga had a smashed hit “Aware ofLove” produced by King Jammys,later in 1988 Tinga collaboratedwith reggae dancehall greatNinjaman and topped the chartswith hits “Take Time to Know Her”and “Cover Me”Tinga has 12albums and over 200 singles.

MIKEY GENERAL

Mikey General made aseries of noteworthy

singles for the British Fashionlabel in the 1980s, then movedto Philip “Fatis” Burrell’sXterminator label, where hehooked up with soon-to-besuperstar Luciano. The twosingers left Xterminator to formtheir own Qabalah First label,which brings us to Exalt Jah. Onthis album, Mikey General isjoined by guests that includeLuciano, Adigun Minkah andTurbulence for a modestlyenjoyable but not reallyoutstanding set of modernroots-and-culture songs.

Accompanied mostly by arhythm section centered arounddrummer George Miller andbassist Donald Dennis (thoughSly Robbie put in anappearance, as do Mafia Fluxy),General phones it in on thesloppy “Pretty City,” and wimpsout on the overly laid-back “FlyAway, Runaway.” When he getsenergized on “In Times LikeThese,” it causes him to losetrack of the chords and startsinging painfully off-key. Butthere are bright spots, notably“Red Ina Rome” (a combinationtrack with Luciano), and themuscular “Love Chant.”

Unfortunately, those are notenough to redeem what isultimately a rather lacklustereffort from a talented singerwho has done considerablybetter in the past. MikeyGeneral will be performingalongside Luciano and DeanFraser on the “Unplugged” BoatCruise on July 15th for theMontreal Int’l. Reggae Festival.Tickets are $60-$70 andboarding time is 11:30pm toreturn at 3:00am.


GYPTIAN

Windel Edwards,otherwise known as

Gyptian is a Jamaican reggaesinger. Born on October 25th,1983 in St. Andrews, Jamaica,he started off singing inchurch. In 2005 he scored twobig hits, “Is There A Place” on

the Seasons Riddim and“Serious Times”. The latterwas considered by manypeople to be the best reggaesong in 2005 (beating outDamian Marley’s well-received“Welcome To Jamrock”).

His style of music isconsidered Lovers Rock andRoots Reggae, with songsabout political issues andlove. He is in the same vein ofmusic of established artistsSizzla, Luciano and BeresHammond. Gyptian releasedhis first album for VP Recordson September 12, 2006.Gyptian will be performing onJuly 15th for ActionPromotion’s Event and also atthe Montreal Int’l. ReggaeFestival 2007.

I WAYNE

IW a y n e ,b o r n

Clifford Taylorin Portmore,Jamaica, hasofficially hit

the international scene with his#1 hit “Can’t Satisfy Her”. Thishumble 24-year-old singer hasbeen the first cultural reggaeartist to be added to Hot 97 inNew York, a station famous forits hip-hop influence. Sincethen the track has caught on inseveral markets and hasentered the Billboard HipHop/R&B Singles charts.Riding on the top of the NewYork and Florida reggae chartsfor months, with “Living inLove” on the Hard Times

Riddim produced by StephenGibbs and Errol Thompson, IWayne has already provedhimself to be a consistenthitmaker.

Coming from a musicalfamily, I Wayne first made hisventure into performance as astudent at Greater PortmoreHigh School, joining a localgroup Vibes Machine. Onenight, the artiste was forced toperform alone due to the factthat his bandmates wererunning extremely late. Theresponse was tremendous, andI Wayne was motivated toperfect his solo act. I Waynewill be performing on July 15thfor Action Promotion’s Eventand also at the Montreal Int’l.Reggae Festival 2007

POPUP

KIRK DAVIS

From the first note to thelast, Kirk Davis aka LittleKirk continually amazes witha seemingly effortlessdelivery of honey-ladennotes. You can see Kirkperform live at the MontrealInt’l. Reggae Festival onSunday July 15th on the MainStage. Don’t miss this event.

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SONG ARTIST

1. OH CANADA EXCO LEVI2. I DON’T MIND TANYA MULLINGS/MORGAN HERITAGE3. NEW WORLD ORDER STEELE FEAT. QUEEN IFRICA4. LOVING YOU BLESSED5. SIN EYESUS6. TWO CHORD SKANKIN LJX7. MUSIC HAVE ME WEAK NKRUMA8. MORE HERBS FIRE CHESS9. SAVE THE WORLD BLESSED/JUNIOR KELLY10. ONE GOD MUZIK SOULJAH

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SONG ARTIST

1. TAKE MYSELF AWAY SIZZLA2. STICKY JAH CURE3. DON’T MATTER AKON4. GULLEY SIDE MOVADO5. GO AWAY DING DONG6. BEWARE TAURUS RILEY7. BAD FROM MI BORN MUNGA8. REVERSE DE THING KIP RICK/EXCO9. LOVE & AFFECTION PRESSURE10. TEK WEH YU SELF VEGAS

APRIL - JUNE 2007 - COMPLILED BY EMPRESS KIM & THE TREAJAHISLE RECORD CREW - EGLINTON AVE. WEST )

REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S “RESI” TOP 10 / REGGAE RADIO PROGRAMS LISTINGS

REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S “INT’L.” TOP 10

TRACK #1: NO GUNSARTIST: Fire ChessALBUM: SingleLABEL: Independent

TRACK #2: JAH JAH LOVEARTIST: JahranimoALBUM: Real LifeLABEL: Utopia Records

TRACK #3: ONE NATION ARTIST: Ibadan ALBUM: Do ItAgainLABEL: JuPeter Records

TRACK #4: DIRT, DUST AND SANDARTIST: DubmatixALBUM: Atomic SubsonicLABEL: 7 Arts Entertainment / RDX

TRACK #5: NO MORE WARARTIST: Tasha TALBUM: Single LABEL: Ras Vibes Records

TRACK #6: STRUMMING MY GUITARARTIST: SilvanusALBUM: SingleLABEL: Independent

TRACK #7: RIGHT TRACKARTIST: Jah Cutta & DeterminationALBUM: Wha’ GwanLABEL: Stomp Records / Warner Music

TRACK #8: ROCK IN UARTIST: Well ChargedALBUM: Wicked Licks EPLABEL: Nuff Love Productions

TRACK #9: Wolf BlassARTIST: Nikeisha / Beenie ManALBUM: Wolf Blass EPLABEL: Independent

TRACK #10: BURNING THE COALSARTIST: Ron WisemanALBUM: Mystical MoodsLABEL: Marshmellow Records

GALAXIE REGGAE - TOP 10 CANADIAN SPINS

Channel 915 on Bell ExpressVu -www.galaxie.ca Channel 540 on Videotron; Channel 632 on MTS; Channel 431 on SaskTel

Top 10 Canadian Spins for May - June 2007Compiled by Stephen Neale/Galaxie Reggae

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REGGAEXCLUSIVE DANCEHALL VIBES

DANCEHALL FEVERHITS CALGARYPhotos and article by: Halina T. Di-Lallo - Calgary, Alberta

Tunda Clap Promotionspresented the 1st

Edmonton Calgary DancehallQueen Competition on FridayJune 1st.at the PenbrookeCommunity Hall in Calgary. Asusual, the dancehall crowd wasa late one, so people startedfiltering in around 11:30 p.m.The crowd was certainly out infull force when the show beganaround midnight. Cranking themusic to the max and hyping

the crowd were Kentone Soundfeaturing “Baby Face”,“Homeless Sound Crew” and“Super K” of Black Reaction,Toronto.

D.J. “Blackz” of BlackReaction was the Host for theevening when 4 contestantsbraved the stage to clash forthe prize of round trip toToronto for the Canadian Finalsin November, $500 cash prizeand trophy. The girls lined upon stage and were introducedby Blackz, and then one by onethey showcased their Round 1and 2 routines. With someincredible moves only C.J.Williams and Simone Reecewould progress to battle it out inRound 3 after a short break.

Nowadays, gymnasticsplays a big part of thecompetition. A DHQ must bevery flexible and creative in hermoves and her dress, danceand attitude plays a big role inthe judging. So much energy,time and effort is spent by thesecontestants to make sure thattheir dancing moves get themnoticed in hopes of becoming

the next Queen.

The battle was on andthese girls were on top form.C.J. was all over the stage, onthe speaker and excited herfans when she jumped up onthe table. She did some wickedwhinin, the crowd werescreaming. It was a close battlebetween these two, but in theend the judges ruled C.J.Williams to be the winner withSimone Reece taking 2nd place.She was obviously the localfavourite as the crowd just

soared. Presenting Simone andC.J. with their trophies wasspecial guest judge, the currentCanadian DHQ Princess Buffy,DJ Blackz and Calgary’s firstDHQ Nichola Robinson.

After the presentations,

both Buffyand Nicholashowed theirown moves.P r i n c e s sB u f f f yc e r t a i n l yshowed themassive whyshe earnedthe title of notonly theC a n a d i a nDHQ 2006b u tMontreal’s First Soca DHQ 2006and Booty Jam Champion 2006.Once again, the Calgarydancehall fans could not getenough. After the show,patrons merged to the afterparty and it was even hotterthan before.

Big up all the contestantswho truly did a wonderful joband of course the judges andfans. We look forward in C.J.representing Calgary in theCanadian Dancehall QueenCompetition in Toronto inNovember.

“LIVE SHOW” REVIEWSTHE QUEENS OFREGGAEBy Sophia “Iyamtheiah” DanielPhotos by: Sandi Destonis

The Queens of Reggaedeparted from Montreal

and landed in Toronto on June 3,2007. The concert series wascreated to empower andpromote female reggae artists.The intent is to spread acrossNorth America converging withother queens. Some ofCanada‚s most influentialfemale singers and deejaysparticipated in the historicalevent at El Mocambo.

Attendees were blessed with

the grace of Edmonton‚sAURESIA, Somalian queen ofreggae DEEQA, TorontoInternational Music Awardwinner CHATTA, fundraisers forDominican and Canadian youthsGOLDILOCS 1 and INSIGHT.Our TONYA P shared her „Love,Love, Love‰ and it wasreciprocal. The veteran of thenight was thirteen-award winnerDONNA MAKEDA who wowedand left us with the encouragingwords to „Hold On‰.

While the Kings continue todominate the Reggae musicindustry the roar of thelionesses can definitely beheard. The Queens of Reggaedemands recognition as theycontribute to and voice oursocial, spiritual, and economicalconditions. Give thanks to thepromoters Positive CreationsMusic Collective. Visit:www.myspace.com/thequeensofreggae for more informationabout The Queens of Reggae.

Carrie Mullings, Donna Makeda& Tonya P

Simone Reece -Runner Up

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REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S DEEJAYS/SINGJAYS SPOTLIGHT

ADMIRAL BAILEY

One of the principal andmost important DJs to

emerge from the latter-dayraggamuffin era of Jamaicanreggae music. He began his DJcareer for the legendary KingJammys and was also a regularartist on the sound system of thesame name. Because Jammyswas ruling the reggae world atthis time with his new digitalrhythms, it was inevitable thatAdmiral Bailey would attractmuch attention. His first tuneslike “One Scotch” (with ChakaDemus) and “Ballot Box” (withJosey Wales) were minor hits,then “Politician” was even morepopular.

After this, Admiral Baileycould literally do no wrong. Hissubsequent singles - “Big BellyMan”, “Kill Them With It”, “NoWay No Better Than Yard”,“Horse Tonic”, “Think Me DidDone” and “Jump Up” all wentclear and were enormous hits. Allhis big tunes were produced byKing Jammys, who released analbum “Kill Them With It” (LiveAnd Love) to capitalise on thesuccess of the 45s. Check himout at the MIRF 2007.

PROFESSOR NUTS

Professor Nuts wasborn in Kingston,

Jamaica. He is known for theimportant role he played inJamaican music. He was oneof the first Jamaican artiststhat combined comedy, socialcommentary and music. Hestarted out as a dancer calledDisco Nuts. After beinginspired by the music of rootsreggae artist Nicodemus in1979, he started to write hisown lyrics. Because of hisclever and comical style,some friends gave him thename Professor Nuts. Thefirst stage show he performedwas at the reggae carnival atCinema 2 in 1985.

Over the years he did notrelease a lot of records. In1991 his first and only albumcalled “Make it Again” wasreleased. One of ProfessorNuts’ best known songs “In ADe Bus” is on this album.Other known songs are Nuttn’Ah Gwan Fada, Satan Strong,Fish & Festival, Funny Guy,God Damn It and Don’t. Lookout for him at Jamaica Day2007 on July 28th, 2007

MIKEY DANGEROUS

Mikey Dangerous is adancehall lyricist who

has been exploding on to theinternational music scene with apowerful voice and an arsenal ofdeadly material. He entertainsaudiences with his versatileenchanting voice, and energeticperformances. His stagepresence is captivating andunforgettable. This artist islyrically dangerous! Dangeroushas dedicated an endlessamount of time to developing hisstyle and lyrical skills.

He has established his nameas a solid, talented, multifacetedperforming and recording artist.Mikey’s voice has been featuredon a variety of recordings and hitsingles that have made their wayaround the world. Make sure tocheck out: www.myspace.com/

therealmikeydangerous tosee music videos, hear sometunes and to find out aboutupcoming shows and newreleases. Mikey will beperforming at the Montreal Int’l.Reggae Festival 2007 alongsidemany top artists from around theworld.

IBO & KINDREAD

His musical roots areplanted on the tiny

island of Nevis and has nowmanifested into the consciousRoots Reggae band “IBO andKinDread.” IBO the lead

vocalist, hails from the islandof Nevis and has many years ofexperience touring NorthAmerica with his previousbands Imperial Force out ofMontreal and Strugglah out ofCalgary, opening up the gatesto what is now a thrivingCanadian touring Reggaecircuit. IBO has opened showsfor many top reggae artists,and has played for the likes ofHalf Pint, Ken Boothe, TheMighty Diamonds, Scare DemCrew, George Nooks and AltonEllis to name a few.

IBO and KinDread, a groupwith a positive message is adriving force on the CanadianReggae circuit who deliversthe message of Rastafari, loveand reality and have inspiredmany people as they touracross North America. Theband has released one albumand two singles to date on theSmokeyroom Productionslabel to which IBO is signed.The album “The Prayer” hassold over two thousand unitsin Canada in a Reggae marketthat is not known for high

volumes of album sales. Thefirst single “It’s a long way”was recorded at AnchorRecording Studio in Kingston,Jamaica and the new single“Sweet like a Sugah” willfeature labelmate Ras Ghandi.Members of the band all havea vast amount of musicalexperience ranging fromstudio sessions to playing theJamaican hotel circuit andbacking band for top Reggaeartists.

DONNA MAKEDA

Donna Makeda will beperfoming at the Prince

Everald & Friends Vol. 2 CDLaunch & EarthstrongCelebration on June 22nd,2007 at Club Paradise (220Attwell Drive, Etobicoke). Shewill also be appearing on theCanadian Reggae Summit onJune 30th at the HorseshoeNiteclub and July 19th forRastafest at the JCA alongsideTony Rebel, Queen Ifrica, NattyPablo and others.

This multiple-award winnerhas been spoken of as one ofthe most hard-working femalesin the reggae music industry inCanada. With 13 reggae musicawards, two full-length albumsand many singles to her name,Donna has been creating quitea stir on the local andinternational reggae musicscene. Her new single “HoldOn” is getting fair rotation onthe radio and she has twocombinations with PrinceEverald on the Prince Everald &Friends Vol. 2 CD entitled“Amazing Love” & “Come IntoMy Life”. Donna is currentlyworking on her third album.

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REGGAEXCLUSIVE FEATURES NEW VOICES OF REGGAE

STRUGGLER“Missa Man Deh”

Struggler’s latest singletitled “Missa Man Deh” on

his ‘Faith Music Label’ andaccompanying video is gettinggood rotation on radio, cable andlocal television stations. The tunethat encourages people to let gooff war and live in peace is in thepromotional phase and is beingdistributed by Cap Calchini Co.Ltd.

Struggler, christened R.Ritchie, started in the musicbusiness professionally in 1984.Both tunes were done on a disco45 for producer Junior Ramsay ofWashington DC on the BlackShepherd Label, while VP Recordsof New York did the distribution.In 1991-1992, Struggler voiced“Poor Man” for renowneddancehall producer King Jammys.The singer came with “Problem”on his own Struggler Label and amusic video in 1999, three yearslater there was a remix of “PoorMan” on the SPR ProductionLabel. The rhythm also featuredLuciano with “Vision”, MikeyGeneral with “Naah Mek” andTurbulence with “Rough Time”.Looking back, Struggler said, “Ihad a rough time back in the daysas I didn’t get anything from theearly tunes”. He then decided toget into the production aspect ofthe music business. Hence, hisown label was formed. However,he is willing to work otherproducers.

Struggler has performed inNew York, Philadelphia,Connecticut, New Jersey andother States in the USA. TheKinston-born singer is hoping forthe best and intends to keep hismusic clean. He also hopes thatother persons involved in themusic will help to stamp outcorruption in the industry.Struggler says, “Bless and thanksto my fans out there”.

EYESUS“Sin”

Ricardo Rhoden,known as Eyesus, is

one of Toronto’s youngesttalented ReggaeEntertainers. He was born insmall town called Daguilar onWaltoma Park Road inKingston Jamaica. Eyesushas been performing onshows since he was about 10years of age. Other studentslooked up to him as one ofthe best. Eyesus moved fromJamaica. On December 18,2002 he came to Canada andhe started to be recognizedas one of the most talentedreggae entertainers. He hasperformed with celebritieslike Delly Ranx, ErrolDunkley, Danny English,General trees, 14k, and manymore. He also has a numberone song with Steele called“Better Most Come” and asingle call “Sin” that hasbeen played on the radio. Heperforms on many big eventslike Jamaica Day andCaribana to name a few.

What inspired Eyesus tobe a Reggae Entertainer is allthe hard work he has done.Since he was small, he usedto listen to artists like BujuBanton and Shaba Ranks andwould say that one day hewould be big in the businesstoo. Eyesus also won anaward for best D.J. Anytimeyou hear a “deh buss”, youknow it’s Eyesus. He hassuch a beautiful voice thateveryone loves it. He is soonto be recognized as an artistin the near future. Eyesusalways shows love to eachand everyone, he is a veryrespectable person. A “dehbuss”, you should know itsEyesus.

BRIMSTONE“Signs”

Wellesly Chambers(aka Brimstone), was

born and raised in Clarendon,Jamaica. He grew up aroundmusicians all of his life andobserved his interest in musicfrom there on. This is how theMost High revealed himself tohim and gave him inspirationto get involved in singing sothat he would be able tospread and deliver hismessage through music to theworld.

Brimstone has beenactively creating, arranging,and writing his songs as wellas building his own originalrhythms. He does this allindependently, but he has apartner, Jeannie, who helpshim to write and arrange hissongs. Jeannie also doesback-up harmonies forBrimstone.

Brimstone’s music is veryspiritual, as he gets all hisinsight from the Most High.All of his songs are based onreality and life. He does thisto elevate the minds of thepeople in this world and hisultimate goal is to keeporiginal Roots, Reggae Musicalive and spread it worldwide.Brimstone has released hisfirst CD (with 14 tracks) called“SIGNS”. This CD is nowavailable.

If you would like to seemore information regardingthe CD, check outwww.caribbeanmusic.ca/brimstone. To purchase a copy,please contact Brimstonedirectly at (416) 769-9474 or(416) 427-1823, you can alsoemail him at:[email protected].

TONYA P“With Me”

When her first single“With Me” hit the

streets in 2005 fans wereamazed by its powerfulcombination of modern R&Bwith the sweet sound ofReggae and Soul. Tonyabegan singing in her highschool music productions atthe age of 14. She was alwaysvery much influenced by theR&B singers of her time suchas Whitney Houston, Mary J.Blige and Faith Evans toname a few. However comingfrom a Jamaican backgroundgave her the ability to feeland also relate to the Reggaeculture. So there it was! Astyle that she could call herown (Reggae R&B) as shemost recently titled it.

This young lady has theremarkable gift of writinglyrics that reach out andtouch masses regardless ofage or gender. Tonya hasalready exceeded theexpectations of femaleToronto Reggae artists andnow plans to raise the bar asfar as it can go. When askedabout her inspiration for hermusic she quickly responded“Three things - Life, Love andPain”. The new single “LoveLove Love” has recently beenreleased and has beenreceiving rave reviews alongwith heavy airplay onToronto’s top Reggaeprograms. Tonya plans to doas many live shows aspossible both locally andinternationally to get theworld more familiar with herand plans to continue writingreal music with a realmessage that will beshowcased on the highlyanticipated album that istentatively scheduled torelease at the end of 2007.


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