ANDY LIVINGSTON Entry - Jamaica Cultural Development

ANDY LIVINGSTON
Entry: Jamaican Sunshine
Singer Andy Livingston has done a balancing act
between his love for the rootsy and softer side of
reggae music for as long as he can remember. He
excels at both on ‘High’, his debut album which
was released digitally in the summer of 2010.
Music has always been part of Andy Livingston’s
life. In his teens, he attended Kingston College, a
school that also produced musical giants in
keyboard greats Jackie Mittoo, Augustus Pablo and
Tyrone Downie of the Wailers.
His first song was done in 1987 while he was a switchboard operator at
the Jamaica Telephone Company. Yet, his early involvement in the music
business was as a producer; along with Herbie Harris he started the Fan
Club label which produced songs by top dancehall artistes such as
Capleton, Jack Radix, Tanya Stephens and Lady G. Livingston stepped
up his own career in the 1990s, collaborating with several artistes
including Abijah, Natural Black, Nadirah X (Nadz) and Daddy Rings.
‘QSHAN DEYA’ (KELLIS QUASHIE)
Entry: Everything Tun Up
Jah humble servant, Qshan Deya’ born Kellis
Quashie of Sugar Hill, Union Island in St. Vincent
and the Grenadines. He is the sixth sibling from a
musically talented family with a rich history of
singers and musicians. At the age of nine he began
performing in local contests, cultural events and
church choirs. Qshan was exposed to different
genres of music with reggae having the most
influence on him. His consciousness of the
Rastafarian faith and culture soon became an affixed regimen of his
lifestyle.
His professional career began in 1999 in Brooklyn, New York where he
recorded his first single titled “Journey”. In 2001 his debut album
“Journey” was also released. Qshan later embarked on a Unites States
Tour where he opened for Anthony B. His first visit to Jamaica was in
July 23, 2002, where he recorded his first music video “Terrible Price”.
This created the opportunity for him to record with renowned music
producer Bobby “Digital” Dixon.
RAHEEM (RAINE DAVIS)
Entry: Jamaicans Bright
‘Raheem’ the singer is known for his crystal cool
engaging vocal tone was born as Raine Davis and
hails from the parish of St. Andrew although spent
most of his grown up years in St. Ann. He began
singing as soon as he could put words together
and it was his dream as long as he could
remember to be a famous singer, songwriter,
musician and producer. Raheem is not only a
vocalist but a musician specializing in wind
instruments specifically the clarinet and the saxophone.
The first arena that he conquered, like many, was the platform at the
World Life Church, St. Andrew after which invitations came for him to
take on larger audiences. Interestingly, Raheem has never attended a
formal voice class and has taught himself how to sing to the level that he
does. Raheem’s style could be best described as a blend of smooth
authentic reggae sounds with dancehall flavors that make him quite
trendy and an exciting listen. His influences range from Jacob Miller
and Dennis Brown to Shaggy, Shabba-Ranks and Bounty Killer.
RAS MAMBA (CHRISTOPHER ROSE)
Entry: Start It
Christopher "Ras Mamba" Rose like a true African
Black Mamba seeks to be a legend in his own right.
Like the snake, Ras Mamba takes his craft so
seriously that he stalks the studios, and stage
performances night and day. His brand of roots
reggae music while holding true to the basics of the
genre takes many steps, leaps and bounds outside
of the norm exposing a radical talent that needs to
be exposed.
Ras Mamba's takes a fresh approach to dealing with the usual stresses,
pains and struggles associated with ghetto life, Jamaican Life and
human life generally. he concept is simple - Don't linger
on the past, look to the future, let's find solutions and Start It. He is
committed to getting his message across to the masses, have them
welcome him as a legitimate artist and performer and ride the wave of
success which he plans to chart with this bold move forward.
MARSHELL HYLTON
Entry: Bring On The Vibes
Marshell is a young, talented vibrant and
inspirational Song Writer and recording artiste
who found her passion for music at a very tender
age. “The fact that I was so tiny I could not be seen
behind the podium. They would put me on a chair
to sing. I would sing with other Sunday school
class members or sing solo pieces, because I was
never a shy person,” she recalls.
Within the last few years Marshell has done back up vocals for several
artistes including Fantan Mojah, Natural Black, Mr. Perfect, Maxi Priest,
Lutan Fyah just to name a few. In addition, she has toured Europe with
Fantan Mojah and Mr. Perfect. Marshell possesses an exceptional
songwriting talent and has above ordinary vocal attributes. As an artiste
she tries her best to send a positive message that will be instilled in the
minds of the people. She hopes to capture the hearts and souls of fans
all over the world.
MOJO HERB
Entry: Jamaica The Land Of Beauty
Christopher (Mojo Herb) Pearce identified that he
was good at saying poems in Grade 3 whilst
attending the Morant Bay All Age School. At
Morant Bay High School, he would entertain
classmates on a daily basis during lunch time.
Though Pearce has not attained the success
desired with group members over the years he
kept doing music on his own and eventually took
on the stage name MOJO HERB. According to
Pearce, the name has significant historical meaning in his family.
“I just can’t do better, music is apart of my soul, without it my life has a
big empty spot.” Pearce credits Bush Man for playing a pivotal role in the
development of his career as an artiste and studio engineer. Mojo Herb
continues to thank the creator of the universe for preserving his life and
acknowledges that though he was not born financially rich he is rich in
spirit & soul and will press on to achieve his goals.
TINGA STEWART
Entry: Big Celebration
Tinga Stewart first recordings were "She's Gone"
and "Old Old Song" with Ernest Wilson of the
Clarendonians. Hit "Hear the Train" produced by
Derrick Harriot followed. Tinga became lead
vocalist for a group called the "Wilcats" and
performed at some of the leading entertainment
spots in Kingston. He sang at venues like The
Flamingo Hotel, Sombero Club and VIP Lounge. It
was easy to see that Tinga was destined to make
an enormous impact on the Reggae world. He then teamed with the Fab
Five
and
Byron
Lee
and
the
Dragonaires.
Now a seasoned artist, Tinga has focused more on studio works with
modest success completing two albums on John Carrol’s "Callabash
label", titled “Key to Your Heart” and “I Feel The Music.” Having already
made his mark on both Jamaican and the international scene, Tinga
decided to further his repertoire by teaming up with, and adding that
Tinga
flair
to
the
dancehall
style.
BUNNY BROWN
Entry: Change The Talk
Bunny Brown The man with the velvet voice,
singer extraordinaire Joel "Bunny" Brown has
been involved in the music business from 1972.
Bunny first started singing in the church at age 9
in the junior choir and this lit a thirst for
performing that is still burning bright. He
continued in the church and school choir and later
formed the group The Chosen Few with Errol
Brown, Franklyn Spence and Richard McDonald.
Derrick Harriott who discovered the group produced a hit album called
"Hit after Hit" with five number one singles to its credit.
Following this success, the group went on tour to Toronto and then
migrated to England where they were signed to Polydor Records. In 2003,
Bunny was offered a production deal by Sir Coxsone Dodd of Studio One
and returned to Jamaica. The taste of Jamaican life was invigorating to
Bunny who threw himself into recording, production and promotion and
quickly became a Jamaican household name for the second time.
RED LAX
Entry: No More Pressure
Charley Anderson, a Jamaican born musician,
singer song writer, composer and producer, is
engaged in a mission to raise awareness
concerning the plight of the hungry and
impoverished children around the world. He was
foremost among the musicians who created the
United Kingdom's 2Tone Ska Movement, which
arose from the blending of Ska music and Rock.
The 2Tone movement went on to be the most
successful enterprise for black and white musicians in British music
history.
Charley currently lives in Colombia where he promotes the United
Nations, World food Program's (PMA) initiative to eradicate hunger and
malnutrition in Latin America and the Caribbean. As a musician he uses
his music to highlight issues of hunger and poverty. His 'Ghetto Child'
single is a clarion call from the roots concerning the issue of disadvantaged and an urgent call for attention, concerning the plight facing
children.
PESO
Entry: Oh If We
Everton David Pessoa, trombonist, percussionist,
song writer, producer, vocalist and music teacher.
Everton was first introduced to playing an
instrument by his music teacher at the Norman
Manley High School and quickly developed a
passion for music. He became involved in his high
school choir and later joined the local church choir
at the Olivet Gospel Hall where he worshipped.
Pessoa, later took the stage name ‘Peso’ when in the early 1990s he took
his love for music to the stage when he began performing with Soca King
Arrow in Montserrat. ‘Peso’s’ musical involvement took him on tours
through out the world with artists in concert, such as Burning Spear;
and Gregory Isaacs. His burning passion for music extends to a dynamic
teaching career, which spans several primary schools in Kingston; the
Institute of Jamaica; and Edna Manley College of the Performing and
Visual Arts.
COMPETITION OVERVIEW
The Festival Song Competition since 1966 has been recognized as the
first step in the careers of many prominent Jamaican artistes who have
then gone on to international success. The competition has evolved over
the years and has been recognized as a showground for aspiring artistes,
songwriters and producers to showcase their talent.
Toots and the Maytals, Eric Donaldson, Desmond Decker and Stanley
Beckford are a few of the past winners of this historic competition, who
went on after winning to leave their mark on the world and in the
cultural history of Jamaica. Since the inception of the competition there
have been several changes, including a name change, with the
competition being re-structured re-branded as the Jamaica Popular Song
Competition, just after 2003. There have also been several changes in the
emphasis, structure and focus of the competition.
This year, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) aims
to select a song for the 2011 Jamaica Independence Festival celebrations
that will invoke a spirit of merriment with an international appeal and
relevance beyond the festive period.
The finalists have been involved in the production of a compilation album
produced by Clifton “Specialist” Dillon. Each finalist was also assigned a
top Jamaican director to produce music videos for each song. The
finalists will make a series of appearances across the island starting on
July 3 and will culminate on July 29 at the National Indoor Sports
Centre. The winner of the competition will be decided via public voting
and the judges’ decision at the final show. The 2009 prize package
includes 1 million dollars as well as cash awards for the songwriters of
the top ten songs.
\
2011 FESTIVAL SONG FINALISTS
Title of Song
Performer
Songwriter
Studio / Producer
Oh If We
Everton Pressoa
Everton Pressoa
Leebert Gilby Morrison
Andy Livingston /
Andy Livingston and H.
Sonic Sound
Andrew Livingston
Harris
Jamaica the Land of
Christopher Pierce
Christopher Pierce
Birch&Bacchas
Beauty
/ MOJO HERB
/ MOJO HERB
LAZEME Production
Jamaicans Bright
Raheen (Raine Davis )
Jermaine ‘Songo’ Wilson
Jermaine ‘Songo’ Wilson
Start it
Christopher Rose / Ras
Paul Thompson / Oba
Paul Thompson
Mamba
Simba
Grafton Studios
Ms. Marshell Hylton
Ms.Marshell Hylton and
Jamaican Sunshine
Bring on the Vybes
Big Celebration
No More Pressure
Change the Talk
Everthing Tun Up
Oliver Miller
Neville Stewart / Tinga
Neville Stewart
Danny Champaign
Charley Anderson and
Redlax Productions
Stewart
Charley Redlax
DT
Norwyn Joel Brown /
Joel Brown & Paul
Bunny Brown
Henton
Kellis Quashie / Qshan
Garfield Phillips
Deya’
Boot Camp Recording
Natural Vibes
PAST FESTIVAL SONG WINNERS
YEAR
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
TITLE
Bam Bam
Baba Boom Boom
Intensified
Sweet & Dandy
Boom Shaka Laka
Cherry Oh Baby
Pomps & Pride
Jump in the Line
Play Di Music
Hooray Festival
Dance Dis Ya Festival
Sweet Jamaica
Land of My Birth
Born Jamaican
Come Sing with Me
No Wey No Betta Dan Yard
Meck Wi Jam
Jamaica , I’ll Never Leave You Again
Proud To Be Jamaican
Love Fever
Dem A Fi Squirm
Give Thanks & Praises
Jamaica Land We Love
Stop & Go
Island Festival
Come Rock
Meck We Put Things Right
Big It Up
Dem A Pollute
Join Di Line
Meck We Go Spree
Peace & Love
Jamaica Whoa
Born Inna JA
Fi Wi Island A Boom
Lift Up Jamaica
Progress
Jamaican Tour Guide
Ole Time Jamaica
Poverty
Remember the Days
Woman A Di Beauty
Rise & Shine
Take back Jamaica
My Jamaica
SINGER
Toots Hibbert
Norris Weir
Desmond Decker
Toots Hibbert
Hopeton Lewis
Eric Donaldson
Toots Hibbert
Morvin Brooks
Tinga Stewart
Roman Stewart
Freddie McKay
Eric Donaldson
Eric Donaldson
Astronauts
Alphanso Plummer
Tinga Stewart
Astronauts
Ras Karbi
Eric Donaldson
Roy Rayon
Stanley Beckford
Roy Rayon
Singer J
Michael Forbes & Duo
Robbie Forbes
Roy Rayon
Heather Grant
Eric Donaldson
Stanley & The Astronauts
Eric Donaldson
Zac Henry & Donald Wright
Eric Donaldson
Neville Martin
Cheryl Clarke(Chetenge)
Stanley Beckford
Roy Richards
Devon Black
Stefan Penincilin
Stefan Penincilin
Khalil N Pure
Omar Reid
Gunty
Roy Rayon
Winston Hussey
Delisser McFarlane
WRITER
The Maytals
Jamaicans
Desmond Decker
The Maytals
Hopeton Lewis
Eric Donaldson
The Maytals
Morvin Brooks
Ernie Smith
Tinga Stewart
Orville Samuel
Winston Wallace
Winston Wallace
Donald Wright
Alphanso Plummer
Sangie Davis
Donald Wright
Ras Karbi
Violet McPherson
Grub Cooper
Calvin Cameron
Roy Rayon
Singer J
David Madden
Robbie Forbes
Joan Davis
Don Cunningham
Calvin Cameron
Calvin Cameron
Carlene Thomas
Zac Henry
Eric Donaldson
Derick Morgan
Cheryl Clarke
Roy Richards
Derrick Morgon
Stavan M. Whyte
Stavan Whyte
Rayon Whittingham
APPEARANCES
Sunday, July 3
Portland Jerk Festival
Folly Oval, Port Antonio
5:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 10
Little Ochi Seafood Festival
Alligator Pond, Manchester
6:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 23
May Pen Town Square
Road Show
6:00 p.m.
FINALS
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011
NATIONAL INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE
PRE-SHOW @ 6:00 P.M
SHOWTIME 8:00 P.M.