spotlight on winston hewitt founder/promoter/artist/producer

Transcription

spotlight on winston hewitt founder/promoter/artist/producer
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
“'EVERYTHING REGGAE - WHETHER NATIONALLY OR INTERNATIONALLY”
REGGAEXCLUSIVE'S 1ST ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL - CANADIAN REGGAE MUSIC AWARDS ISSUE
FREE?
WOW!
SPOTLIGHT ON WINSTON HEWITT
Canadian Reggae Music Awards
FOUNDER/PROMOTER/ARTIST/PRODUCER
*Special Feature Inside
CULTURAL NEWS, VIEWS, REVIEWS, INTERVIEWS VOL. 2 ISS. 1 MARCH 2004
The Long Awaited Reggae Gospel CD
IN STORES NOW. IT'S HOT! HOT! HOT!
Info/Bookings: Ph: 905-824-8121 OR 416-844-7038
Online-purchase: www.kaymorris.com - Email: [email protected]
IT’S HERE
BKACK-X-KIMO
ENTERTAINMENT
PRESENTS
THE LONG AWAITED CD COMPILATION
CODE 4-1-6 MUSIC
IN STORES NOW
SKILLO PURE PLEASURE PREZIDENT BROWN I A LION RAS MAGIC
DESTRY DON HOWIE SMART DENNIS HARRIOT BAD FOWL SPIDA &
LLOYD EXODUS LYRIC BANTON
Info: [email protected] (416) 824-5903
reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.caribbeanmusic.ca/reggaex --- Phone: 647-435-0637 -- Email: [email protected] Pg - 2
SIZZLA KOLONJI
wenty-three year old
Sizzla began his journey
s Miguel Collins, born of
evout Rastafarian parents
nd raised in the close-knit
T
The 1980’s witnessed a
dancehall explosion and with
the music came the lifestyle;
drugs, guns and “slackness”
(vulgarity).
Sizzla watched
carefully, collecting his lyrical
ammunition.
Formally
adopting the Rastafarian faith,
with it’s “no holds barred”
advocacy of repatriation,
slavery reparations and the
use of ganja, he joined the
ranks of the Bobo Ashanti in
the mid 1990’s.
Sizzla began to develop his
own uncompromising style
whilst serving his musical
apprenticeship
with
the
Kick starting his recording
career with a release through
the Zagalou label, he then
teamed up with Bobby ‘Digital’
Dixon for a series of singles.
Extensive touring with fellow
roots and culture artist
Luciano followed, earning
Sizzla critical acclaim.
1996 marked an important
turning point for Sizzla who
began working with producer
Phillip ‘Fatis’ Burrell of
Jamaica’s foremost modern
roots stable, Exterminator. A
run of successful singles led to
the release of Sizzla’s debut
album, ‘Burning Up’ (RAS). The
year later with the follow-up,
‘Praise Ye Jah’ (Jet Star). His
major breakthrough came with
the release in 1997 of the now
classic album, ‘Black Woman
and Child’ (Greensleeves). The
evocative title track, issued as
a single, rapidly achieved
anthemic status. Presently,
Sizzla
is
experiencing
worldwide success with his
track “Just One Of Those
Days” and “Thank You Mama”.
Embracing his roots and
culture heritage, Sizzla has
taken all that is great in reggae
music and made it his own.
reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.caribbeanmusic.ca/reggaex --- Phone: 647-435-0637 -- Email: [email protected] Pg - 3
What’s Inside
ReggaeXclusive’s 5th Issue
Alton Ellis; Winston Hewitt - p 5
Toronto 1; Reparations; pop-ups - p 6
Reasoning with Dr. Miguel Brooks - p 7
Prezident Brown - p 9
Calgary Stage Shows Review - p 10
Band/Group Spotlight; Casper - p 11
Charlie Abrahams; Jo Jo Bennet; Gilligan - p 12
Publisher:
reggaeXclusive
Publications
647-435-0637
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication
may be reproduced or transmitted
in any form without prior
permission from the Publisher.
(c) 2004 reggaeXclusive
Johnny Clarke; Dobby Dobson; Ken Booth; KIng Turbo - p 13
From a Radio DJ’s Perspective; cd catalogue - p 16
United Groove; George Nooks; Mallory Williams - p 17
Singers Spotlight - p 19
gospel spotlight - kay morris; barbara jones - p 20
ReggaeXclusive Top of the Tops - p 22
radio personalities - Dudley George; Sir B - p 23
Singjays/Deejays Spotlight; Ryan’s Views - p 24
Editor:
Loraine Gomes
Writers:
Glynn Taylor
Halina T. DiLallo
Junior Magnum
Ryan Bailey
Layout & Design:
Paul Murton from
dbsduplication.com
Patrick Roots
Trevor Bindoo
Marketing & Sales:
Fitz Knight
Loraine Gomes
Photographer:
Halina T. DiLallo
Peculiar I
Send Photo and ads to:
[email protected]
( 300 lines Tiff, EPS or
Quark 4, no “gif” from
the web or Corel Draw).
On The Web:
Email: reggaexclusive
@rogers.com
www.caribbeanmusic.ca
/reggaex
Contributing Writers:
David Bassie
New Voices in Reggae - p 25
reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.caribbeanmusic.ca/reggaex --- Phone: 647-435-0637 -- Email: [email protected] Pg - 4
REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S INTERVIEWS
1972, where he now resides in
Middlesex and has established
his own Alltone Label.
ALTON ELLIS
By Halina T. Di-Lallo
B
ack in the 1960's when the
ska and rock steady sound
swept through Jamaica and later
in England, it offered a start to a
number of artists whose careers
still continue to this day. Such
veterans were the Maytals,
Wailers and the most influential
instrumental ska band was the
Skatalites with solo artists such
as Prince Buster, Derrick
Morgan, Ken Boothe and Alton
Ellis and the Flames to name a
few. Songs like "Warpaint" by
Basil Gabbidon, "Shake A Leg" by
Derrick Morgan, Alton and Eddy's
"Muriel" and the biggest hit of all
these early tunes, set the pattern
for the early new wave to
vocalists and harmony groups.
Producers offered these artists
up to $10 a song and clubs paid
$2 for an artist to perform on a
Saturday night if they had a hit in
the charts.
There were no
royalties in those days and most
artists would have their songs on
white labels and not even have a
mention.
These performers
invested everything with the
force
of
their
creative
personalities to be heard, their
paths have been long and hard.
Let us not forget how they
struggled in so many ways for
their music to be played; we
must always respect them and
never forget the hardships they
endeavored. Today we can look
back and see that they were a
major force in the foundation of
modern popular music to date.
One such artist was Alton Ellis,
who with over 30 years in the
music business deserves the
right to be applauded for his
dedication and commitment. I
caught up with Alton after his
appearance at the Ocean Bay
Nightclub in Toronto with Glen
Washington and Leroy Brown
before he left for his trip back
home to England. Alton spent a
few years living in Toronto in the
late 60's early 70's and then
planted his roots in England in
We talked about his upbringing
and the struggle for artists in the
early years. Alton was born into
a musical family, and he first
recorded in the late 50s as part of
a duo with singer Eddy Perkins
for Randy's and Studio One as
Alton And Eddy. They enjoyed
some success in the R&B style
and "Muriel" was a massive hit
for them. Perkins departed soon
afterwards for a solo career and
Alton continued with Studio One
at Brentford Road, as well as
working with Coxsone Dodd's
arch-rival in the business, Duke
Reid, at his Treasure Isle Studio
in Bond Street, initially as Alton
Ellis And The Flames.
WINSTON HEWITT
By Halina T. Di-Lallo
stream it becomes a Number
1, for example, UB40's "Red,
Red Wine", Ken Boothe's
"Everything I Own". Same as
today, although they have
changed the beat of the
reggae beat, artists like Sean
Paul and Elephant Man have
reached the main stream.
Unfortunately, most of our
Canadian artists do not have
the funds, therefore they go
independent". He continues
to say, "A lot of the people who
produce here do not have the
funds to use professional
studios but use demo studios
to do their recording and
therefore cannot compete.
These
artists
that
are
struggling do not use proper
engineers. When you go into a
real studio they spend hours
and hours on one line on the
controls to balance the music
properly to get the proper
sounds, most studios do not
have compressors to make the
music tight.
The artist,
engineer and producer have to
know what sound they are
looking for".
inston Hewitt took me
back 20 years ago
when he first came up with the
ideal of a Canadian Reggae
Music Awards. He tells me
"Back in 1984 I had been a
reggae artist for years, I was
working construction with my
brothers. One night, I was
sitting down watching The
Alton expressed to me how American Music Awards. The
disillusioned he has become over Eagles had a song out called
the years with reggae music. He "Hotel California" which in my
enlightened me about how his mind was reggae, Culture
rhythms have been plundered Club's big hit was "Do You
and
given
a
sometimes- Want To Hurt Me", Tina
excessive number of new Turner's "What's Love Got To
treatments. Vintage rhythms Do With It" and lots of other
now sound as if they have been songs won Awards during this
specifically built for "new songs". period in 1984. No reggae
Alton says, "In one way it is credit artist had been nominated
Winston continues to say,
that they are using my music, but anywhere, like Bob Marley,
"That you get what you pay for.
discredit comes from not being Gregory Isaacs and Dennis
Also the environment that you
paid. Even if someone uses my Brown to name a few. I then
live in has a lot to do with what
baseline, or a portion of my realized that for reggae artists
you eat or drink, has a lot to do
music - the credit has to given". to have Awards to put up on
what you are listening to and
He tells me that over the past 10
their wall, they were not
how you carry yourself. The
years he has seen so many
environment that we live in is
selling enough records to have
compilation CD's and remixes of
not a reggae or R&B
a Gold or Platinum. That is
his work, and explained to me
environment, we don't hear
when the idea came - to start
how new lyrics can be crafted
up a Reggae Awards". Now,
this music 24/7 on a radio
onto old rhythms. Alton says,
station and we do not have the
"That just as in the early days 20 years later Winston's
d
ream
is
celebrating
it's
20th
sound
drilled
into
us.
when his songs were covered
Unfortunately that is why so
and no royalties were paid, the Anniversary.
many of our Canadian artists
same is still happening today,
leave Canada to make it!
Over the years, like any
some things never change, too
many people are still exploiting veteran in the music business,
( Con’t on page 20 )
artists and still getting away with Winston has seen many
it". I replied by quoting one of changes. He says, "Every time
Alton's songs "Cry Touch", the a reggae song hits the main
song informs us that in no
uncertain terms time will catch
Independent, Original and Proud
up on you!.
Recording, mixing, mastering, midi
After so many years in the
business, Alton Ellis's music is
very influential even today.
W
pre-production, CD artwork and
typesetting
Tel: (416) 789-0598
Nedrick Gavin
( Con’t on page 25 )
President
www.virosmusic.com
[email protected]
3689 Bathurst Street, Toronto,
Ontario M6A 2E6
reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.caribbeanmusic.ca/reggaex --- Phone: 647-435-0637 -- Email: [email protected] Pg - 5
REGGAEXCLUSIVE NEWS
NEW WORLD
REPARATIONS
lliott
G.
Thompson
presents
New World
Reparations, a film based on
the case of reparations for
African enslavement. In recent
years millions and billions of
dollars along with land have
been awarded to people
including First Nation Tribes,
Japanese who were held in
concentration camps and Jews
from Hitler’s holocaust in World
War II. More recent settlements
have been made and are
forthcoming with Lybia and the
rebuilding of Iraq. Africans
were brought to the new world
as an enslaved workforce to
work on plantations and in
homes for absolutely no wages
at all. Slave-owners were also
compensated after slavery,
meanwhile freed Africans and
their descendants were left to
combat the forces of racism.
E
New
World
Reparations
features interviews from Chief
Brian
LaForme
of
the
Mississaugas of the New
Credit, the Nation Of Islam,
Black Activist Dudley Laws,
Jamaican African Ambassador
Hon. Dudley Thompson, Mario
Van Peebles and many more
views on the case of
reparations.
With this film
Thompson
observes
that
compensation had always been
asked for since slavery’s
abolition and New World
Reparations intents to take
these important talks from
behind closed doors and into
the open. To puchase a copy of
this film call: 416-891-1273.
NEVER TOO FAR
FROM HOME
By: Stefan Bindoo
ave you ever looked at the
television and wondered,
when is there going to be
programming that deal with the
interest and culture that I have
grown up with. Yes, there are
radio programs and everything,
which is great, but when can I
see the same type of
programming that I used to when
I was home. Home being in the
Caribbean. Well, look no further
than the Island Express and
Focus Caribbean. Both programs
give you the feeling that
regardless of where you are in
this world you are never that far
away from home.
H
Island Express is a music video
program hosted by “Jax” with
one goal in mind. To not only
bring the music the people of the
West Indies have grown used to,
but to expose it to people who
have not yet had the pleasure of
the Island culture.
Focus
Caribbean, another program
hosted by April Mulling, fills the
gap by bringing news stories
directly from the Caribbean to
your television. So now you don’t
have to go online to read or know
what is going on...Just turn on
your television - to Toronto 1
(Channel 15) on Saturdays from
11 am - 12 noon and on Sundays
from 11 am - 12 noon.
Both programs are produced
by Red Gem Productions out of
Toronto and promise to bring to
you a taste of home away from
home. Contact info: Red Gem
Productions, 416-609-1284 c/o:
Trevor Bindoo.
Newsflash:
Who God Bless,
No Man Curse,
Beenie
Man
passed
the
Worse. Jah Bless
Beenie
Man.
Manager’s death
shock Beenie Man.
Paul Tyrell, Beenie Man’s road
manager, has been shot dead in
Jamaica!
What’s Up
With
Michael
Rose? He’s
CANADIAN
REGGAE MUSIC
AWARDS
Big up to Ras Lee on his
two nominations for “Top
SInger (male)” and “Top
SIngle”.
He will also
performing
at
the
Canadian
Reggae
Awards.
CRMA NOMINEE
back with Black
Uhuru and in the
studio redcording and planning a
reunion tour. BIg Up Michael Rose!
JUNO NOMINEE
Congratulations to Leroy
“Artist”
Brown
nominated for a
Reggae
Juno
2004. Leroy was
also nominated
in 3 categories at
the
Canadian
Reggae
Music
Awards
Congratulations to Jimmy
Reid on his
nominations
for
“Top
Reggae
SInger
(male)” at
t
h
e
Canadian
R e g g a e
A w a r d s .
Jimmy will be performing
at the Show come March
21st, 2004.
In
1978
Winston
Dias hit
t h e
JUNO NOMINEE
charts
Congratulations
to
Nana
with a #1
McLean on her nomination for a
reggae
Reggae Juno 2004.
hit “Slow
Also
for
her
Dancing”
nomination of
and a top ten hit
To p R e g g a e
“Rivers of Babylon”, both
S i n g e r
songs
produced
by
(female) at the
Winston Hewitt on the
Canadian
Boss
Record
Label.
Reggae Music
Winston will be at the
Awards.
Reggae Awards March 21
Retail Ready
Duplicated &
Packaged CDs
$1450.00
Per 1,000
Call Paul At 416-693-9413
www.dbsduplication.com
BEST RATES IN TORONTO
FULL PRODUTION RECORDING STUDIO
Mixing Pre-Master 2”, 1”, Digital, etc.
reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.caribbeanmusic.ca/reggaex --- Phone: 647-435-0637 -- Email: [email protected] Pg - 6
REGGAEXCLUSIVE CULTURAL NEWS
Dr. Miguel Brooks
REASONING WITH
DR. BROOKS
(Continued from Dec. 2003
Issue)
G
lycine: You touched on
it last night, a subject
that
when
discussing
Rastafari with non-believers
tends
to
be
quite
controversial, and of course
I’m speaking about the
questioning of Sellassie being
the true and living God. Over
the years there have been
those who have claimed to
have found His Imperial
Majesty’s remains and claim
that he is dead. What do you
say to those who say His
Imperial
Majesty
cannot
possible be God?
Dr. Brookes: Well in the
fourth chapter of my book
Negus: The Dynasty Of the
Blessed Seed, I describe there
about His Imperial Majesty
Haile Sellassie I and I inform
there that he is not dead, he
actually disappeared from the
hands of his captures at the
time in 1975 after the over
throw of the monarchy. He
was allowed, as it was his
custom to go in his private
chapel where he would pray
for one hour every day. He
would be guarded by the
military. This happened for
three days and on the third
day he was allowed to go in
and pray for one hour, and
after he never did come back
out. As time passed they
broke down the door, dug
down in the ground, tore the
ceiling apart, and after that
was never to be seen again in
the material plain. The guards
that where watching him were
ordered to a military base and
executed so the secret would
die with them.
And the
charade was constructed in
which several burial sights
were dug up including one on
the grounds of the Jubilee
Palace in Addis Abba, and of
course
they
could not
announce to the world that
this little small sized old man
disappeared from captivity, so
they announced to the world
that he died of natural causes,
and that his remains were
buried at a secret location.
Recently as you mentioned
there was another controversy
when they said that they had
brought out the skeletal
remains of His Imperial
Majesty. But when it was
checked out those bones
could not correspond to his
Imperial Majesty, they were
too tall. They could have never
been His Imperial Majesty’s
bone they were too long, they
have even produced animal
bones to say that it was His
Imperial Majesty. And His
Imperial Majesty was very
small 5 feet 2 inches, the
exact length of the Arch Of the
Covenant
because
the
personification of the Arch Of
the Covenant when the Arch
Of The Covenant is in
seclusion, the Arch is the
word of God in stone when His
Imperial Majesty in person
personifies the Arch. He really
transcended the material plain
too
manifest
in
other
dimensions and he shall
return in full power and glory
as the King Of Kings, Lord Of
Lords, Conquering Lion Of the
Tribe Of Judah, the Elect Of
God, the Light Of The
Universe, Vanquisher Of Our
Enemies and to establish his
eternal
Kingdom
as
prophesied in the scriptures.
Glycine: Even though you
are a well-accomplished
scholar and a Doctor of
Psychology do you face
tribulations still because you
are carrying the words and
doing the works of Rastafari?
Dr. Brookes: Oh Yes
considerable tribulations, I did
not, as you know, take the
Nazarite vow, I do not wear
locks therefore I look pretty
much like an upright western
academic, but this way I am
able on behalf of His Majesty
and on behalf of the Glory Of
Ethiopia to move in the
corridors
of
power
or
corridors of academia, and I
am
not
immediately
recognized
as
a
representative
of
his,
sometimes I am referred to as
an “underground” Rastafarian.
Glycine: Dr. Brookes I
wanted to ask how do you
view this Christmas?
Dr. Brookes: Well, it is
really a remnant of Pagan
practices, the ritual of the
winter solstice and all that.
Which was adopted later by
Christianity but in truth and in
fact it has not
been
determined
when
Yesus
Christos really came to earth,
as the sacrificial Lamb of God,
that as you say properly is a
Babylonian Pagan celebration,
but it has taken over the
world. It is not too important
to determine exactly when,
but it is important that we do it
in the true spirit of recognizing
the coming of the Christ, both
the time when he came as the
lamb of God and this time
when he came as His Imperial
Majesty Haile Sellassie I to
manifest the kingly character
of the most high.
Glycine: For the many
other Rasta’s will read this
what words of encouragement
do you have to say?
Dr. Brookes: Well my
mission at this time in Canada
is really to advocate for the
unity and empowerment of
Rastafari
and
African
descendants throughout the
Diaspora here in the Western
world, and in the homeland in
Africa.
We are living a
prophetic moment in the
evolvement of the history of
humanity and it is absolutely
essential that we develop that
unity, love, harmony, and
respect for each other. Which
we see in other ethnic groups
like the Orientals, we can
learn lessons from them.
THE END!
reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.caribbeanmusic.ca/reggaex --- Phone: 647-435-0637 -- Email: [email protected] Pg - 7
Half Pint
alf Pint's diminutive
stature belies not only
his vocal capabilities but also
camouflages his huge on-stage
presence, often described as
no less than explosive and
dynamic. He has worked with
top producers such as Errol
(John) Marshall; Errol (Myrie)
Lewis; Prince (King) Jammy;
the rhythm twins, Sly and
Robbie; George Phang; Jack
Scorpio, Bobby "Digital" Dixon
and Mass Hugh to name a few.
H
In 1983, Pint's first single,
"Sally," was released followed
by "Winsome," the virtual
anthem of the day. He
continued to bombard the local
and international Reggae
scenes with a slew of hits,
including "Mr. Landlord,"
"Level the Vibes," "Substitute
Lover" and the massive chart
topper “Victory”. Pint's prolific
song writing ability was
officially recognized with the
cover of "Winsome" by world
renowned rock group, The
Rolling Stones in 1987 and
which they renamed "Too
Rude"; and by the pop group
Sublime's
adaptation
of
"Loving" in 1996.
Pint’s
exposure to the big screen has
come with the movies “The
Mighty
Quinn”
(1989),
“Substitute 2” (1998), and
“Mookie” (1999), all Original
Motion Picture Soundtracks. In
1998, Half Pint was endowed
with one of the greatest honors
of his career when he signed
with the prestigious BMG
Music Publishing Company.
Half Pint enjoyed relative
success on his album “Legal
We Legal”. This was followed
by a 15 city US tour with
Anthony B. Pint was presented
with "The Keys to The City of
Lauderdale Lakes" by the
Mayor of that Florida suburb in
2000. Half Pint will be
performing at the Canadian
Reggae Music Awards on
March 21, 2004 at the
Travelodge Hotel at Keele &
401 in Toronto.
REGGAE GRAMMY WINNERS
SEAN PAUL
DAVID HINDS from STEEL PULSE
REGGAE JUNO WINNERS
SATTALITES
MESSENJAH
CANADIAN REGGAE MUSIC
AWARD WINNERS
Glen Washington
Carla Marshall
Leroy Sibbles
Pamela Maynard
Jakki James
Lenn Hammond
Sonia Collymore
Wally Ritchie
Lady Jade
reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.caribbeanmusic.ca/reggaex --- Phone: 647-435-0637 -- Email: [email protected] Pg - 8
Prezident
Brown
H
e is an
advocate of
a resolute new
Roots & Reality
movement,
a
reggae DJ, who sees every 'Single' as a
way of sounding out his "words of
encouragement", which is also his most
popular song title. He is one of Jamaica's
most melodic DJs.
He was born in the green hills of
Clarendon. Fitz Albert Cotterell, or just
Fitz to his friends, left school after the
early death of his father and moved with
his mother to Port Maria. He later went to
Oracabessa and finally ended up in Ocho
Rios, a huge tourist hot spot on Jamaica's
northern coast. Getting into music was
just a matter of time. The earliest and
most formative influence on him was the
producer and sound system operator
Jack Ruby. He took the fatherless son
under his wing in 1984, gave him the
Prezident Brown DJ identity and even let
him be one of the resident MCs on his
sound circuit, one of the most renowned
of dance hall history, Jack Ruby's HiPower.
Eventually, producer Barry O'Hare's XRated label gave him a proper home base
to enable a breakthrough in Europe. He
had his breakthrough in 1995. He flooded
the market with music and freelanced
continuously. Two albums produced by
Barry O'Hare were released within one
year called "Big Bad & Talented" and
"Prezident Selections". These albums
were to give Prezident Brown a footing in
Europe, as Barry O'Hare had made a sales
and distribution agreement with the
Dutch reggae label Runn, which operated
from Maastricht.
Prezident Brown's
"Generation Next" was released October
6, 2003 through Chet Records, Sony
Music and Muzik Ave. He also recently
released a song with Ryan called ”Be
Thankful”. For bookings call: (416) 8245903.
reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.caribbeanmusic.ca/reggaex --- Phone: 647-435-0637 -- Email: [email protected] Pg - 9
REGGAEXCLUSIVE “LIVE SHOW” REVIEWS
the stage whose persona
always ignites an audience.
“IBO” sang the popular tunes
of Bob Marley with demeanor
and spirit, radiating a hypnotic
performance
over
his
audience.
Watch out for
“IBO”, who will be releasing
his debut album this spring!
ORGANS
REMEMBERING A
LEGEND
Photos & Article:
By Halina T. Di-Lallo
algary celebrated Black
History Month with an
evening of tribute to “Bob
Marley” on Saturday, February
14th to honour this icon, his
life and music. The evening
was one of roots, culture and
reggae music. The live venue,
held at Renegades Pub and
Night Club joined forces with
Calgary’s “Afesha Music”. MC
for the evening was “LEO C”
from
CJSW
90.9
FM
Caribbean
Linkup.
Throughout
the
evening
Calgary’s Top DJ’s, “Original
RnR” (Lady Redz and Trevor
Rankin) entertained the crowd
with the echoing sounds of
Marley melodies.
C
Opening the show, the
audience were treated to
unreleased video footage of
Bob Marley courtesy of Roger
Steffens,
world-renowned
Marley Biographer. The video
shown on the big screen,
showed clips of Marley’s early
years of rehearsals and
performances. After a brief
interval, Calgary’s multitalented artist “IBO” took to
Headlining the show was
Errol “ORGANS” Anderson, a
singer who is continuing the
“Trench Town Experience”.
Born in the ghettos of
Jamaica, this quiet spoken,
humble man is true to his
roots. A singer, songwriter
and musician “Organs” sang
tracks from his impressive
roots album “People Power”.
His performance portrayed
that music is a message
carrier, dealing with joy, one
love, and one heart and to get
up and stand up for your
rights!
“Organs”
has
developed a charismatic style
of his own, showing off his
energy
and
passion
throughout
his
live
IBO
performance. Guitar in hand,
he ended the evening by
singing some familiar Marley
tunes,
the
audience
responded! It was a night to
remember.
King Ujah, Bianca, Ouda Ouda and Lenky
SHINING LIGHT
SHINES ON
CALGARY
Kick off started with M.C.’s
for the evening Calgary Radio
Celebrities, “Tullo” and “Leo C”
of CJSW 90.9 fm. After a short
introduction about the Society
and lineup for the evening, D.J.
Nuw Tech immediately created
the vibes for the crowd to get
up dancing.
After an intermission with
door prizes and giveaways,
feature artist “King Ujah” took
the stage.
This acclaimed
singer has several awards to his
name and is very impressive on
stage. Having seen “King Ujah”
perform on many occasions, he
has certainly developed as a
live performer, his vocals have
grown over the past few years
and if you have never witnessed
“King Ujah” live in concert, you
have missed a treat. He gave a
forceful performance as would
be expected. “Ujah” performed
tracks from his latest album
“Beauty For Ashes” including
“Shining Light”, “Oh Jah Jah”,
“Roots Girl” and one of my
favourites “Mama”. He stole
the show with an overenergetic and entertaining
performance, he left the crowd
euphoric, they wanted more, he
filled their anticipation by
coming back to do an encore!
The evening got underway
with the first of the lineup of
Calgary artists as “OUDA
OUDA” jumped up onto the
stage.
As always, OUDA’s
performance was full of energy
and
enthusiasm,
he
commanded the stage and his
audience. Next, strolling on the
stage was “Lenky” (Mr. Smooth)
performing
some
classic
reggae. The crowd wanted
more and more they got with
“Lenky” taking charge and
keeping the vibes at a high
when he sang “Stir It Up”. The
We must never forget the
backing posse at any concert.
These musicians are masters in
their
field
and
deserve
recognition
for
their
adaptability to play numerous
rhythms. Backup band for the
evening was the KinDread Band
with guest musician L.A. from
Toronto on Bass.
Backup
singer for “King Ujah” was
Calgary’s “Racquel” who also
sang solo “I Believe I Can Fly”
with music schoolteacher
“Angie McGillivray” as backup
singer for “Bianca”.
Photo & Article
By Halina T. Di-Lallo
h what a night!
The
Calgary Reggae Festival
Society is to be congratulated
for
the
hard
work
of
orchestrating a superb night of
entertainment with local talent
and one of Toronto’s renowned
artists “King Ujah”. The venue
was at The Night Gallery held
on Saturday, February 28th.
O
Calgary artists kept coming,
with Canadian Reggae Music
Award
Winner
“BIANCA”
performing
several
songs
including a beautiful version of
“Waiting In Vain” and her latest
single “Heaven”.
All
artists
delivered
memorable performances to a
packed house, certainly a
wonderful closure to Black
History Month.
reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.caribbeanmusic.ca/reggaex --- Phone: 647-435-0637 -- Email: [email protected] Pg - 10
REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S BAND/GROUP SPOTLIGHT
WOMEN AH RUN
TINGS
omen Ah Ruh Tings
is Toronto’s longest
standing all women Dancehall
Reggae and R&B purveying
band. Founded in the early
90’s by Lady Luscious to
empower women of all
W
nations they have entertained
and united Toronto audiences
with their ferocious grooves
and uplifting and conscious
singing and rapping. 2004
sees the release of their new
6 song CD “Dare to be
Different” which represents
the latest and greatest
incarnation of Women ah run
Tings in all of it’s funky sexy
and soulful glory. The band
consists of seven members
including Lady Luscious,
Santinha, Heather Burton, J.J.
Sheppard, Aimee O’Connor,
Debbie August-Moffat and
Rachel Melas. For more
information
or
bookings
contact: (416) 588-9227 or
(416) 241-3478.
ReggaeX: What do you hope
to achieve in the reggae music
world?
Casper: A level of respect,
success, and many awards and
to someday be regarded as a
legend.
REASONING WITH
CASPER
R
eggaeX: Who is Casper
and where does he come
from?
Casper:
I am a reggae
artist/producer and songwriter.
I come from a little town East of
Toronto in a place called Picton
but I’ve been living in Toronto
for the past 10 years.
ReggaeX: Who inspired you
to
become
a
reggae
singer/artist?
Casper: Jah, as well it’s
always been in my blood to sing
reggae music, and I like the fact
that it was a challenge to learn
that type of music.
ReggaeX: Who influenced
you in the music business,
generally?
Casper: Robert Nestor
Marley, Coco Tea, Gregory
Isaac, Shinehead, Snow, Tiger,
Buju Banton, Wayne Wonder
and Shabba Ranks and the list
goes on.
ReggaeX: What do you do in
this spare time, when he is not
in the studio recording?
Casper: I enjoy going by the
lake, spending time with family
and friends, listening to other
music genres, paint pictures of
wildlife, travel and learn about
other parts of the world.
ReggaeX:
Why did you
choose the reggae music
genre?
Casper: It chose me, it
comes natural to me and I enjoy
the music.
ReggaeX:
What kind of
vibes do you encounter in the
reggae music community?
Casper: The kinds of vibes I
want to encounter is positive
vibes that can uplift the people
and help us love each other and
come together as one.
ReggaeX: What are your
goals?
Casper: To continue to help
people, to bring my record label
“Unlimitedsounds” and its
artists to an international level,
to create future jobs for people
who
want
to
work
at
Janaya Ellis
SOULJA FYAH
(Photo & Text from Len Chan)
SOULJA FYAH is a progressive
Reggae Band based out of
Edmonton led by lead singer,
composer
Janaya
Ellis.
SOULJA FYAH came into
existence in 2002 influenced
by a combination of rhythms
from Reggae, Soca, African
and Calypso and blending the
various sounds to create their
own style that has made the
band a favorite wherever they
have performed.
Unlimitedsounds, to get reggae
artists up coming or well known
specifically in Canada to
collaborate on more projects, to
encourage the music industry
on a national and international
level, to support reggae artists
with much respect and props
and to become a international
reggae artist/producer and
songwriter.
ReggaeX: Who writes your
music and who are some of the
artists, producers and studios
he has worked out of?
Casper: Jah and I write all
my music. I’ve worked with
artists such as: Lady P, Prince
Ally, Faith from the UK, Korxon,
VJ from Guyana, Thunda, Big
Miz & Kush for NYC, Moze Dee,
Shabba from the Finch Crew,
Taz. I have in the works
collaborations with Avetha,
Devon Irie, Black Floss, Donna
Makeda, Black Lion and
Freddie McGregor. I haven’t had
any success to date working
with other producers/studios.
That
is
why
I
built
Unlimitedsounds Records.
ReggaeX: How do you feel
being nominated for ‘Top
Reggae Newcomer’ (Male) in
the Canadian Reggae Music
Awards and what are your
thoughts on the Canadian
Reggae Music Awards?
Casper: I feel honored to be
nominated for ‘Top Reggae
Ellis known as Sista J-Zealous
has a strong foundation in
music having studied flute,
piano, drums, steel pan and
keyboards. In 1999 Ellis
performed at Moonsplash in
Anguilla BWI and has played
in Caribbean Bands like
Risasa,
Tropicanos
and
Harmonics Band in Florida.
Sista J was recently in St.
Kitts and Nevis promoting her
new solo project produced by
IBO from Nevis and the first
single is called "Feel Like
Smiling".
SOULJA FYAH has performed
in major festivals such as
Cariwest in Edmonton and
Carifest in Calgary along with
Leon Coldero of Code 868.
Newcomer’ (Male). It took a lot
of hard work, dedication and
encouragement to get to this
point. My thoughts on the
Reggae Awards are I think that
Winston Hewitt is giving artists
a chance to be recognized, and
help further their careers by
putting on this event every year.
ReggaeX: Any shout outs or
big ups?
Casper: You dun know seh
Jah first! My Mom & Dad, my
brothers Don and Kris, my
woman Michelle love & respect.
Big up all artists in the industry
for doing a great job like Prince
Ally, Lady P, Winston Hewitt,
Shabba from the Finch Crew,
Faith from the UK, Big Miz &
Kush from NYC, Lady B, Masani
& Delroy Sterling from CHRY
105.5 FM, Real FLEX TV in JA,
DJ Emron Easy Sounds from
the UK, King Turbo from CUIT
89.5 FM, Ron Nelson from
CKLN 88.1 FM, Courtney
Mcintosh from IRIE FM in JA,
Ras Jockey from Kings of
Kings, Black Lion, Donna
Makeda, Coco Tea, Daddy
Rusty, Mary from Syracuse NY,
Andrew
&
Crew
from
Millennium Wear, Moma P &
Family, Prince Robert, Rick
from
CHCR
104.5
FM,
Sensation & Christina, Lady Di
& Crew, Rasta Digital... and
many more.
reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.caribbeanmusic.ca/reggaex --- Phone: 647-435-0637 -- Email: [email protected] Pg - 11
SPOTLIGHT ON PRODUCERS/ENGINEERS/PROMOTERS
CHARLIE
ABRAHAMS
Producer/Promoter
By Halina T. Di-Lallo
r o d u c e r / P ro m o t e r
Charles
Abrahams,
owner of JAHMIX Records and
JAHMIX PRODUCTION started
his career in promotions at the
age of 11 back home in St.
Ann’s, Jamaica promoting
dances with his mother. At
the end of 1974 Charlie laid
down his roots in Canada. On
arrival his career was focused
on becoming a Civil Engineer,
after taking courses in
Mechanical Engineering, he
knew that his heart was really
set on music and that is where
his career path was steered.
Charlie told me that his
mentor was Jack Ruby who
produced Burning Spear. He
was classed as Jack Ruby’s
right hand man. Around 1980
Charlie brought Jack Ruby to
Canada and they organized a
Canadian tour, which spanned
over a couple of weeks.
Charlie was probably one of
the first Reggae Promoters in
Canada mentoring other
people who wanted to get into
the business along the way.
On the promotion side, Charlie
has worked across Canada
and the United States and has
future plans to do some work
in Europe. He told me that
when he is tired on promoting
he changes to producing.
Under his cap he has
produced artists such as
PRINCETON BROWN, Q-SHAN
DIA and CHESTER MILLER to
name a few.
P
I asked Charlie how he has
seen reggae music grow in
Canada. He told me that in
one sense it is growing and in
another it is not. What artists
are doing is recycling what
has been produced before.
For example, most of the
artists are using the old
foundation riddims in a new
context. He states that what
they are doing is great but
most of the mixes are not
reggae but dancehall. He
quotes Beenie Man saying
that “Bob Marley made
Reggae Music but he makes
Dancehall the same as
Elephant Man, there are no
rhythm guitars in their music
just bass and drum”. Yet,
dancehall music is now
commercialized, it is what is
selling, what people want to
hear. Charlie stresses that
music is an art and you cannot
create something that has
been created before.
He
pointed out to me that he was
not criticizing he was just
showing
the
difference.
Everyone goes with what is
trendy, it may last for a few
weeks then it is over.
Whereas, roots reggae music
like Bob Marley’s will always
be played.
I was interested to find out
what Charlie as a Promoter
looks for in artists to appear
on a show. He is more from
the old school, he told me that
the most important thing for
him is whether the artists are
creative, if his ears like their
work then he will bring them
to the people. Being in the
business in Canada for 20 plus
years, he promotes shows and
artists that people can listen
to - not the hype and bling
bling! He pushes creativity, as
he himself is an artist, a writer
and producer. He tells me that
he is not into the music for any
awards but for the rewards, if
his customers are happy then
he is happy. As Charlie’s work
is prominent from here to
Jamaica, he can certainly
choose who he wants to work
with and to have an effect the
right way! One way or another
the music lives on!
record companies. He had
several single disc hits while at
home, his most memorable
“Leaving
Rome”
thus
establishing his talent on an
international level. He returned
to Canada in the late seventies
and shortly after in 1979
registered his music label
“BUNJO”.
JO JO BENNETT
Producer/Musician/Singer
(Bunjo Music Productions,
Records &Tapes)
is musical roots are in
jazz and the classics;
his musical sojourns however
have afforded him involvement
with appreciation of the PopMusic culture. Today he is one
of the genre’s top icons and a
pioneering exponent of the R &
B Soul, Neo-Soul and Reggae
segments.
H
In 1970 while on hiatus in
his homeland Jamaica, Bennett
released his first and only
album “Groovey Joe” while
performing live and doing
studio work for numerous
GILLIGAN - ENGINEER
Adam Babin a.k.a. Gillagan
moved to Toronto in 1996
where he worked for a
rehearsal studio by the name of
Kool Kat and met the reggae
band Hit Squad. In time he was
asked to be the roadie for
Roscoe. He then started to
work in a punk recording studio
reggaeXclusive
advertising works!
Call 647-435-0637
Jo-Jo Bennett is currently
the leader (Guru) of the Toronto
based Pop-Reggae band “The
Sattalites”, a band that is the
winner of numerous music
awards including a Juno in
1990. A ‘rabble-rouser’ as he
has been dubbed by music
critics, this entertainer will has
the exuberance and charm of a
youth just discovering music.
To meet and talk with the
veteran off stage however, he
provides no insight at all as to
his on stage ‘rabble-rousing’,
he becomes deeply introverted
and non-exhibitionist. If asked
about his plans for the future
he states, “I just take it one day
at a time”.
named Black Scorpion and
that’s when the fun started.
From there he worked live
shows with U-Roy to John Holt.
It was Roscoe that renamed
him Kill-a-Gan after working for
him at dot-com recording
studios and that’s where he
met Courtney Buckley. A year
later, Mr. Buckley started Black
Arrow Music Recording studio
and from there we recorded
artists like Little John, Noel
Ellis, Monty Morris, Misty,
Sample King and right now
we’re working with King
Culture. Black Arrow Music is
at the front line of reggae
music and Gillagan is the new
kid on the block and loving it.
Check
the
website
at:
www.blackarrowmusic.ath.cx
reggaeXclusive is now
online at
www.caribbeanmusic.ca
/ reggaex
reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.caribbeanmusic.ca/reggaex --- Phone: 647-435-0637 -- Email: [email protected] Pg - 12
FROM MENTO TO SKA TO REGGAE - “OLDIES BUT GOODIES”
JOHNNY
CLARKE
n 1974 a
Reggae
Star
was
born - his
name
J o h n n y
Clarke. From the moment he
left
the
starting
gate,
everyone could tell that
Johnny Clarke was a winner.
His hit. “Everyday you’re
Wondering” produced by
Rupie Edwards was first, and
then none shall escape the
music of Johnny Clarke.
I
Shots like “None Shall
Escape”, “Joshua’s Word”,
“Enter Into His Gates”, “It’s
True”, “If You Should Lose
Me”, “True Believer in Love”,
and “Move Out of Babylon”,
came too fast and too right to
miss the bulls eye of the
record charts. Johnny Clarke
came to America in November
1974 to become the first
Jamaican Reggae Artist to be
covered by national television
since Jimmy Clark.
DOBBY
DOBSON
obson
began
singing as part of a group
known as the Deltas (later to
form the Paragons). They
recorded their first song for
the Tip Top label "Cry A Little
Cry", written by Dobson, and
produced by Sonia Pottinger.
Though it proved a radio hit,
the group split and Dobson
continued to record solo for
Pottinger. His first recording
POP UP
session resulted in the
Ken Booth has been in the
music business for 39 years release of a duet with Chuck
Joseph, "Baby How Can I".
and is definitely a veteran.
He will one of the headliners Although the Tip Top release
greeted
with
at the 20th Annual Canadian was
indifference,
Dobson's
Reggae Awards on March
21st @ the Travelodge Hotel distinctive vocal style secured
@ Keele & 401.
D
recording
sessions
with
Coxsone Dodd and Duke Reid.
With Reid, he recorded
"Loving Pauper", as well as
cutting "Seems To Me I'm
Losing You" for Coxsone Dodd
at roughly the same time.
His initial single, "That
Wonderful Sound", sold in
excess of 40,000 copies in the
Caribbean and was followed
by
"Endlessly".
Shortly
afterwards "Sweet Dreams"
for Federal Records was
released. In 1979 Dobson
immigrated to New York. In
1982, during one of his
sporadic studio sessions, he
recorded
"Sweetheart",
produced by Inner Circle.
Dobby will be performing at
the 20th Annual Canadian
Reggae Music Awards to be
held at the Travelodge Hotel
on March 21, 2004.
REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S SOUND SYSTEM SPOTLIGHT
on shows like Side 3 show on
CIUT 89.5, which featured Spex.
Kingturbo
Entertainment Inc.
Childhood friends Ricky Turbo
and Slingshot, determined that
they had something worthwhile
to contribute to reggae music.
In October 1989, during a
birthday party for Slingshot, the
sound played for the first time
publicly. Originally called Unique
Hi-Power, the name was soon
changed to King Turbo.
In the dancehall scene, King
Turbo was dubbed "Kid Turbo"
by peers and more established
reggae sounds because of the
group's relatively youthful age
and their huge high school fan
base. In 1990 King Turbo made
its first radio appearance as a
reggae sound on Ron Nelson's
"Friday Night Reggaemania"
show, becoming the first reggae
sound in Toronto to actually play
on the radio. They later played
Five years later, in 1995, King
Turbo made history again by
being the first reggae sound
offered their first show on radio.
The "Morning Ride" features
Shooks as the host, and Spex
spinning the hottest Reggae
tracks. The show broadcasts
Mondays from 6 to 9 a.m. on
89.5FM or on the web at
www.ciut.com.
In January 2000, King Turbo
Entertainment
Incorporated
launched their own musicrecording studio called Hits
Factory. King Turbo is no longer
considered just a reggae sound.
Rather, King Turbo is regarded
as an entertainment empire that
includes outlets such as
clothing line, broadcasting,
producing,
marketing,
promoting, and the Internet.
Upcoming projects include a
compilation
CD
featuring
production by Slingshot and
Spex, and talent from CV and
Joopy on the sounds record
label. Interested in finding out
more about King Turbo? Call
416-848-4777.
reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.caribbeanmusic.ca/reggaex --- Phone: 647-435-0637 -- Email: [email protected] Pg - 13
“MR.
DANCEHALL
ROCK”
BARRINGTON
LEVY
The man with
the “one of a
kind” voice in
Reggae
Dancehall.
Keep the good
sound coming,
Mr. Levy.
SEAN PAUL
ReggaeXclusive salutes Sean Paul.
Man who won the 2004 Reggae
Grammy.
LADY SAW
Respect to Lady Saw - 1st
woman
in
Dancehall
Reggae
(collaborating
with the group “No
Doubt”) to win a Grammy.
COMING - CD
D
.
H
A
R
R
I
O
T
T
reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.caribbeanmusic.ca/reggaex --- Phone: 647-435-0637 -- Email: [email protected] Pg-14
3rd ANNUAL CORONATION BALL “UNITY IN THE RASTA COMMUNITY”
Sponsored by PM Productions. Give Thanks For The Strength from PM Productions
reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.caribbeanmusic.ca/reggaex --- Phone: 647-435-0637 -- Email: [email protected] Pg-15
REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S CANADIAN REGGAE CD CATALOGUE
Any artist who need their CD to be included in the catalogue call reggaeXclusive @ 647-435-0637
From a Radio DJ's
Perspective
By Patrick Roots
fter listening to a new
song or album, a DJ
can always inform you
whether it will go on to
become a hit with the buying
public. Whatever it is in a hit
eggae tune that captivates a
DJ, deep down in their soul
hey know that it will go
traight to the psychic of
hose they play music for
namely the listening public.
A
Not many recording artist
are able to draw attention to
their works within the first
few bars. However, for those
artists with the ability to
direct attention their way, it is
always a pleasure listening to
their productions. One such
ecording artist this Dj have
ound with the ability to
garner attention and possibly
climb the music charts
worldwide is Musical Sniper
(born Robert Wilson) with his
new
CD
out
on
the
Oracabessa Record label
titled "Rough Upbringing".
No stranger to the ear of
reggae
lover
worldwide,
Musical Sniper (aka Rappa
Robert) has had success
highlighting his vocal abilities
from the beginning of his
musical career. Starting out
in the Jamaican music
business with then deejaying
sparring partner Tippa Lee,
Musical Sniper then called
Rappa
Robert
achieved
success on the Jamaican
music charts with a tune
produced by Tristan Palma's
Black Solidarity label called
"Come Inna De Dance".
Reports out of Jamaica at the
time describes Rappa Robert
and Tippa Lee as up and
coming Deejays who created
a new and unique sound in
the Dancehalls and parties,
they utilized harmonies in
their deejaying endeavors
establishing themselves as
the deejays with harmony.
The deejaying duo soon
went on to more fame when
they did a tune called "No
Trouble We" on Hugh James
Redman International label.
This tune skyrocketed Rappa
Roberts and Tippa lee to #1
position on the Jamaican
chart.
A
video
that
accompanied "No Trouble
We" was instrumental in
helping to get the tune heavy
airplay on music video
programs
worldwide.
Because of circumstances
beyond their control, the
deejaying duo was forced to
Part
Company
soon
thereafter. After Tippa Lee's
departure,
Rappa Robert
began work on his solo career
turning to old friend and long
time producer Paul Hussey
for guidance. Musical Sniper
had started out as a singer at
the beginning of his career;
became a deejay when e met
up with Tippa, now with the
help of Paul Hussey and
Oracabessa Studio. Musical
Sniper has returned to
singing while still integrating
his melodious style with some
deejaying. This new album
"Rough
Upbringing"
is
produced with help from
people like Paul Hussey, Sly
and Robbie, Monty Alexander,
Glen DaCosta and many more
of reggae's finest.
The album itself carries a
unique blend of original
compositions with topics
ranging from hope for a
better world (Stand up
Strong"), hardship of the
common
people
("Downhearted
People"),
short-term relationship, ("No
Joking thing") to senseless
killings
("Sending
Them
Away"). Of the 11 tracks on
the
album,
"Rough
Upbringing" is the only
adapted tune written by Brian
Jobson. This release by
Oracabessa
records
highlights the scope of
Musical Sniper's heartfelt
lyrics
and
inspiring
messages. Although Musical
Sniper attained fame in the
deejay fraternity for his
earlier works as Rappa
Robert, he now looks like he
will once again become a
household name in this 21st
century with his ever-fresh
lyrics, melodies and songs.
Patrick Roots and the Crew
do
Reggae
Riddims,
Wed.nites 8-10pm on CIUT
89.5 FM
In Record Stores
All Over!
Look Out For New
CD Coming Soon
Entitled “Musical
Feeling”
reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.caribbeanmusic.ca/reggaex --- Phone: 647-435-0637 -- Email: [email protected] Pg - 16
RECORDING STUDIO SPOTLIGHT
sees this enterprise as a way
of giving back to a community
that is struggling in a way of
providing
access
to
a
professional sound recording
studio at affordable rates.
UNITED GROOVE
MUSIC CENTER
he Canadian Reggae
Music Awards presented
United Groove Production with
“Top Promoter” Award in 1995
and United Groove Band with
“Top Reggae Band” Award in
1996. Singer, songwriter and
performing artist Junior Miller
is the man behind the United
Groove. Extending his reach
as an artist and major musical
force Junior Miller opened the
doors to the United Groove
Music
Centre
Recording
Studio
with
hopes
of
establishing himself as a top
engineer and producer. He
T
In an attempt to fill a void in
the current climate of the
recording industry, Miller
presses on. The Music Centre
is proud to have worked with
some of the finest talents in
reggae music and hopes to
keep moving forward in this
great musical tradition. Miller
is presently working on the
release of a brand new single
“When I Come Home” with
Junior Jazz out of NY, and a
CD compilation featuring
national and international
reggae artists.
Advertise in
ReggaeXclusive.
Call: 647-435-0637
SOCIAL WORKER
Specializing in:
Custody and Access Cases;
Home Assessments for adoption purposes;
Consultation;
Parenting Assessment with respect to custody,
Assists Parents to develop Parenting Plan;
Conflict Mediation;
Culturally sensitive practice
SLIDING SCALE FEES BASED ON INCOME
(905) 501-7140
two years. The music video
for "She Boom" was the first
video to feature dancehall
dancers.
major success both locally
and internationally.
"Left
With a Broken Heart", "Since
I Fell For You" and "We're in
this Love Together" were
some of the singles which
followed and which made
indelible impressions on the
music industry.
GEORGE NOOKS
inger George Nooks is
no stranger to having
hit songs; in fact he did it
under two different names!
He held the top spot as
Prince Mohammed with
"Forty Leg" and George
Nooks with "Tribal War". He
pulled off something no
singer had managed to
achieve, having two hit songs
simultaneously under two
different names. Like most
great singers, multiple award
winner in the 1995 Tamika
Reggae
Award,
George
Nooks started his musical
career in the church.
Following "Tribal War", which
was song of the year in 1978,
Nooks linked up with Dennis
Brown
and
recorded
"Bubbling Love" and "Cool
Cool Runnings" which had
S
With over twenty-five hits
with various producers and
record labels in Jamaica, and
a Platinum record for "One
Time
Daughter/Someone
Loves You Honey" (Ariola/J.
Gibbs) George Nooks took
position as one of the hottest
DJs around town.
This
brought him a on a world tour
performing
in
Europe,
Canada, United States and
the Caribbean islands. The
singer has been enjoying
chart success with singles
such as "Labba Labba" and
"Archibella". Presently he is
finishing tracks for his soon
to be released album "So
Much Love" for VP Records.
George will be performing at
the
Travelodge
Hotel
Ballroom (Lower Level) on
April 24, 2004 at Keele &
401.
MALLORY
WILLIAMS
xperience
and
professionalism
are
what
aptly
describes
entertainer,
musician,
producer Mallory Williams. In
1980 Mallory joined the Carib
Band at the Jonkanoo Lounge
in Jamaica. It was at the
Jonkanoo Lounge he started
to sing.
E
In 1985, Mallory scored his
first top ten hit "Reggae Gone
Grammy". This was followed
by "Irie Dawta", which made
it to number two on the
charts. Not satisfied with
scoring two top ten hits,
Mallory topped the charts in
1986 with the classic ode to
dancehall, "She Boom". This
was his first number one song
and ruled the airwaves for
Mallory took a break from
being a solo artist and toured
with reggae superstar Jimmy
Cliff. He also played with
"Lloyd Parks and We the
People Band". Mallory then
began a successful run with
Ziggy Marley and the Melody
Makers. He toured with the
group and played keyboards
on several albums including
the Grammy award winning
"Fallen is Babylon". Mallory's
new CD is entitled "Dance
Reggae-Cha-Cha-Cha.
He
added lyrics and recorded it
in English, Spanish and
Portuguese. His CD boasts
such noted reggae artists as
Hitman Wally, U-Roy, Sugar
Minott, Nana McLean and
Mad Anju.
Mallory will be appearing
at the “From Jamaica With
Love” Concert on Saturday
April 24, 2004 inside the
Travelodge Hotel (Lower
Level) located at Keele & 401
in Toronto.
reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.caribbeanmusic.ca/reggaex --- Phone: 647-435-0637 -- Email: [email protected] Pg - 17
reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.caribbeanmusic.ca/reggaex --- Phone: 647-435-0637 -- Email: [email protected] Pg - 18
REGGAEXCLUSIVE SINGERS SPOTLIGHT
PRINCE ALLY
B
orn in British Guyana,
Prince Ally has been
musically influenced since a
young age. In 1985 Prince
relocated to Canada with his
family. With 10 albums and
multiple awards, he owns a
Distribution and Production
Company, "A TIP Record
Label" and is President of the
"Island Music Shop". His
awards and achievements are
very impressive and includes
awards on Most Versatile
Artist propagating culture to
it's fullest.
His latest album is a classic,
"The Greatest hits of Prince
Ally" and includes hit songs
like "People of the World",
"Ethiopian Rock", "We are
only Love", "Hold On", "Drug
Free", "Hello", "Ain't No
Sunshine", "Imagine" and "I
Who Have Nothing" to name a
few. Make sure that you
purchase this dynamite CD,
well produced with some of
the best in the music business
to date. Also catch Prince Ally
live performing and get your
fix of a lover's mix. Singer,
Songwriter and Producer,
Prince Ally wants the world to
know this, "Follow your
dreams and work towards
them, never give up and
always be persistent." For
more information call: 416746-7748.
KING SELAH
ing Selah was born on
May 20, 1966 in
Portland, Jamaica.
As a
teenager, he took up singing
and playing the guitar. In March
1983, he migrated to Toronto,
Canada. Upon leaving school,
he started the musical group
SELAH with three other friends.
After several years, the group
disbanded to pursue solo
careers. King Selah took a
short hiatus from performing
and traveled to Jamaica where
he met producer Ervin Allah
Lloyd. When he realized Selah's
talent, he encouraged him to
work on his song writing
abilities with the goal of a fulllength album. Upon returning
to Toronto, Selah began in
earnest to amass material for
what is now his current release
"The House of David".
K
"House of David" is a
conscious
melding
of
spirituality, social commentary,
and the everyday struggle
known as the human condition.
The mix includes love songs,
praise, and dancehall. It has
received accolades and airplay
in the United States and
Canada.
REGGAEXCLUSIVE
ADVERTISING
WORKS. CALL 647435-0637
RIVERS REHEARSAL STUDIO
Best Reggae Rehearsal Studio In Town
For more information call:
(416) 537-3542
BOOK YOUR TIME NOW ANYTIME OF DAY!
Equipment Provided Beverages also available
DAVE PARKER
orn on the beautiful
island
of
Trinidad
&Tobago, Anthony D.S. Parker
a.k.a.
Dave
Parker
immigrated to Canada with
his family as a child. In the
mid 80's Dave's musical
career took a turn when he
started performing with the
award winning reggae band
LIVE STOCK where he sang
lead vocals.
Later, he
became the co-founder and
lead
vocalist
of
the
REVELATION band.
B
The 2001-2002 release of
the
CD
"Togetherness"
represents Dave's first solo
effort after many years of
work.
This CD has an
energetic reggae sound that
has vocals of a well-seasoned
artist. A distribution deal was
realized for this CD on the
French island of Guadeloupe
with Tululu Records for
Europe,
Caribbean
and
Africa. With future plans and
the dreams of realizing a
recording contract with a
major label, this 2002-03
reggae award nominee has
written a new CD entitled "All
For One Love. The cross style
is an incredible mix of zouk
love, reggae, R&B and quiet
storm held together by heart
felt
vocals
and
vocal
arrangements.
eroy Brown Jnr. began
showing an interest in
music from an early age. "He
sang before he talked", recalls
his father Leroy Brown. In
1999, he produced his first
single, Maria, Maria, a cover
version of Carlos Santana. The
track was released on the Hit
Squad Label. It enjoyed heavy
rotation on many stations
across Canada and the USA.
L
In 2002, "I believe in music"
was released on Dakarai Music
Label produced by Sly and
Robbie, the track entered on
the New York Top Singles Chart
and Miami's WLRN Caribbean
Rhythms in December. Leroy
was nominated for "Top
Newcomer" and "Male Singer
of the year" at the Canadian
Reggae Music Awards in
Toronto for the year 2002. The
summer of 2003 Leroy Junior's
third song "Give Love Another
Try" was released on Leroy
Brown and Friends Compilation
getting sudden airplay on major
and community stations in and
out of the country. With quiet
determination and strong will,
this artist is destined to take
the world by storm. Call (416)
878-4942 or (416) 760-8821.
E m a i l : L y r i c a l 2 2
@blackplanet.com
GREAT PRICES ** QUALITY SERVICE ** WE DELIVER
DON’S
WEST INDIAN RESTAURANT
1745-1747 ST. CLAIR AVE. W.
TORONTO, ONTARIO
TEL: (416) 656-1741 OR 658-7365
reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.caribbeanmusic.ca/reggaex --- Phone: 647-435-0637 -- Email: [email protected] Pg - 19
REGGAE GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT
KAY MORRIS
anada’s reggae gospel
Queen & Diva in her own
rights, is a singer/songwriter &
president of a foundation, she
is also a native of Jamaica and
was raised by two Pentecostal
Minister parents, 22 years ago
she migrated to Canada where
she resides with her husband
and four children.
C
The
“Jewels”
are
shimmering female vocalists
that provide not only harmonic
support for Kay Morris’
melodies, but also serve to reaffirm the strength of her
message through song. Kay
Morris & The Jewels’ debut
album, “Live Again” was first
released
in
Canada
in
December 1995 and featured
two original compositions
written by Kay.
Building on
the group’s growing popularity,
March 1997, Kay was awarded
the 1996 Canadian Reggae
Music Award in the “Top
Female Newcomer” category.
BARBARA JONES
B
orn
in
Kingston
Jamaica, this talented
lady made a dramatic debut
with the still popular "Walk
Through This World With Me"
followed by "Sad Movies", a
WINSTON HEWITT
January 1999, Kay Morris &
The Jewels released their
follow-up
CD
entitled
“ARMAGEDDON”.
March
2002, Kay won “Top Female
Gospel Artist” at the Canadian
Reggae Music Awards. May
2002, Kay Morris won the
Caribcan Awards in the Best
Traditional Album category.
June 2002, Kay received the
Hopeton Lewis Caribbean
Gospel
Music
Award
Certification for Outstanding
Achievement.
March 2003, Kay Morris &
The Jewels was “artist of the
month” on NTA Channel 12
Television
in
Nigeria.
September 2003, the Kay
Morris Foundation received
official
registration
certification of incorporation
as a Non-profit NGO from the
government
of
Ghana.
October 2003, KMF received
non-profit NGO status in
Canada. October 2003, Kay
Morris & The Jewels won the
MAJA Gospel Music Awards in
the
Best
Reggae/Soca
Recording category.
Song
“Daddy” (on upcoming CD)
was among the Top (12) finalist
in the Canadian National
Gospel Song Competition.
2004 Highlights: April 3rd,
KMF launch in Ghana: April 613, Nigeria Tour; April 14-19
London, England tour. Email:
morris
@nobelmed.com.
Website: www.kaymorris.com.
Contact Kay Morris at: (905)
824-8121 or 905-824-7038.
( from page 5 )
If you are an R&B artist you have
to go to where it is played. You go
there and learn and mix in that
environment".
ORDS
OF
HIS
IMPERIAL MAJESTY
EMPEROR HAILE SELASSIE
1ST - THE LAST CHRISTIAN
KING OF THE SOLOMONIC
DYNASTY - DEFENDER OF
THE FAITH.
W
Progress without religion is
just like a life surrounded by
unknown peril and can be
compared to a body without a
soul.
Therefore O Christian, let us
arise and with the spiritual
zeal and earnestness which
characterized the apostles
and early Christians, let us
labor to lead our brothers and
sisters to our Savior Jesus
who only can give life in its
fullest sense.”
How long will we, who are
disciples of the Lord Jesus
Christ, who are taught by the
same Holy Bible, continue to
remain
divided
among
ourselves?
Winston tells me that over the
past 20 years he has seen so
much Canadian talent grow and
states that we are blessed with
our Canadian artists. " The
Reggae Awards are really to
expose Canadian talent and for
them to promote themselves and
hopefully make it to the
mainstream level". He says "every
year is a learning tool and every
year they
make
changes,
hopefully for the better". This
year, the Awards take place on
Sunday, March 21st at 7 p.m. at
the Travel Lodge Hotel, 2737
Keele Street, Toronto. As this is
20th Anniversary, they are
planning to hold a pre-Award Party
with some of the artists on the
Saturday night. A dynamite show
has been planned; one of the best
performance wise and everyone is
very excited. Ken Boothe is one of
the featured artists, with Johnny
Clarke, Dobby Dobson and Half
Pint, an artist who came along in
the 80's who has held his own.
His song "Greetings I Bring From
Jah" is classed as an Anthem.
Also Barbara Jones along with a
host of Canadian Artists. Please
check out the website for updates
and information on the nominees
for
this
year
at
www.canadianreggaemusicaward
s.com
cover of Sue Thompson's hit.
Other popular hits include
"Soul and Devotion".
She
gained international acclaim in
1981 with her hit "Just When I
Needed You Most", which
entered the British Charts. In
1985
she
entered
the
Canadian Charts with "Dream
Lover", that same year she
won
the
Top
Female
International Reggae Award.
Barbara will be performing at
Reggae Music Awards to be
held on March 21st, 2003 at
the Travelodge Hotel located at
Keele & 401 in Toronto.
reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.caribbeanmusic.ca/reggaex --- Phone: 647-435-0637 -- Email: [email protected] Pg - 20
PRINCE EVERALD RECEIVES AWARD
rince Everald received the Roland
Alphonso Memorial Award in
appreciation for his contribution to
reggae music for more than 15 years
from Tipper Foods Ltd. An electrifying
performer, Prince has appeared on
stage throughout North America,
England, USA and the Caribbean. One
of his first singles "Money" was noted
in the L.A based Reggae and African
Beat Magazine as one of the top new
releases in 1988. Prince Everald has
also received numerous nominations
for his music at the Canadian Reggae
P
Prince Everald
Music Awards and was named "Best
Artist" in 1995.
He has released two full-length CD
albums, "Prince Everold & Friends"
Volume 1 in 1999, and "Prince Everold
Meets Mother Lisa" in 2002, along with
numerous singles.
Look out for
"Prince Everold & Friends" Volume 2
coming soon to a record store near you.
Also look out for the new single
"Mother, Mother". For bookings and
more information fax: (416) 243-8402 or
email: [email protected].
Tipper
Distributed by: SIMMIX RECORDS & CD Distribution Fax: (416) 243-8402
reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.caribbeanmusic.ca/reggaex --- Phone: 647-435-0637 -- Email: [email protected] Pg - 21
REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S TOP OF THE TOPS
SOUND
SYSTEMS
S I N G J AY S
D E E J AY S
TOP
SINGERS
Black Reaction
King Turbo
Delta Supreme
Studio Mixx
Soul To Soul
Stereograph
Volume 1
Military
Stereo Prophet
Rebel Tone
Soul Controller
Glamour Tone
Upsetter
Gunz & Rozes
Stone Love
Black Supreme
Star Trek
Desert Storm
King Sturgrav
Tippertone
Black Mellody
Barry Culture
Magnum Force
Stereochoice
Red Flame
Roots Love Sound
Brimstone
Blessd
Carla Marshall
Insp. Lenny
Dezzie
Devon Irie
Donna Makeda
Lazah Current
King Ujah
Tasha T
Spida
Leroy Brown
Nana McLean
Chester Miller
Prince Everald
Junior Miller
Ryan
Organs
Jackie James
Belinda
Steele
INTERNATIONAL
INTERNATIONAL
Sizzla
Capleton
Beenie Man
Warrior King
Elephant Man
Sean Paul
Anthony B
Junior Kelly
Buju Banton
Louie Culture
Willi Williams
George Nooks
Barrington Levi
Wayne Wonder
Coco Tea
Michael Rose
Beres Hammond
Leroy Sibbles
Junior Reid
Ritchie Spice
REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S TOP 10 SINGLES
SONG
ARTIST
Heartache
Gotta Move On
Step in the Name of Love
Glorify The King
Stand Up Strong
In My House
Roots Girl
Been There Done That
Greetings
The Lion Has Prevailed
Leroy Brown
Nana McLean
Ryan
Prince Everald
Musical Sniper
Donna Makeda
King Ujah
Spida & Avetha
Steele
Humble
(Compiled by Natty B of Zion Train - CHRY 105.5 FM)
TOP CD S
Leroy Brown & Friends Various Artists
Full Time Love Willi Williams
Sold Out For Jesus
Pamela Maynard
Experience Ryan
Ryan
Beauty For Ashes
KIng Ujah
Prince Everald &Friends Vol. 1
Prince Everald
Experience Reggae Music
Jahlin
Jah Ah De Rulah
Donna Makeda
It’s Raining
Mr. Cool
Great & Marvelous
Orthodox Issachar
High Time
Wire
Never Let Jah Go
Chester Miller
They Called Me Madness
Peculiar I
Reggae “R” Us
Various Artists
REGGAE RADIO PROGRAMS LISTINGS
Urban Space - Tony Barnes & Sweet T
Movements - Mercedes
ReggaeMania - Ron Nelson
Delroy G Showcase -Delroy G
Mix Supreme - Delroy Sterling
Reggae Rhythms - Patrick Roots
Musical Triangle - Milton Blake
Black Roots Radio - Denise Burnett
Zion Train - Natty B & Bigga & Glycine
Radio Dubplate - Richard Banton, Janet, Banky
Positive Vibrations - King David
Cool Runnings - Sir B
Caribbean Crucible - Luther Brown
Morning Ride - King Turbo
Norman Otis Richmond
Reggae Plus Radio - Lee Marshall
Conscious Vibes
Island Explosion - DJ Ruffkut
Durmot Williams
Dibi Hawkes
Crooked Beat - Nicky Dread (Guelph)
CKLN 88.1 FM
CKLN 88.1 FM
CKLN 88.1 FM
CHRY 105.5 FM
CHRY 105.5 FM
CIUT 89.5 FM
CKLN 88.1 FM
CIUT 89.5 FM
CHRY 105.5 FM
CHRY 105.5 FM
CHRY 105.5 FM
CHRY 105.5 FM
CHRY 105.5 FM
CIUT 89.5 FM
CIUT 89.5 FM
www.reggaeplus.net
CHRY 105.5 FM
CHRY 105.5 FM
CIRV
CIUT 89.5 FM
CFRU 93.3 FM
reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.caribbeanmusic.ca/reggaex --- Phone: 647-435-0637 -- Email: [email protected] Pg - 22
REGGAEXCLUSIVE HIGHLIGHTS REGGAE RADIO PERSONALITIES
THE COOL RULER
OF TORONTO'S AIR
WAVES
By Glynn Taylor
hat do you get when
you
combine
a
smooth voice, a great ear for
music and an unbeatable
personality? Well, you get Sir
B, the "cool ruler of Toronto's
waves". Born in Kingston,
Jamaica 1962, Byron Ellington
had a passion for music from
an early age. But it wasn't
until he ventured to Canada in
1976 that his musical career
really took off. Like many
radio DJ's, Sir B has worked
with several sound systems,
selecting for Boweeble Sound
system and Golden Eagle
International in the 90's.
W
In 1992, Sir B was invited
to CHRY by Elaine Thompson.
So it wasn't long before "Cool
Runnings" was up and running
weekly on CHRY. When asked
to describe the content of his
show Sir B said, " It's a
soothing show, my listeners
can always count on getting
the best in old and new
music". Over the years Sir B
has interviewed many of
reggae's biggest stars, Glen
Washington, Alton Ellis and
Luciano. He even had the
privilege of speaking with Bob
Marley's mother, Cedella
Booker. He is also no stranger
to the international scene,
broadcasting
live
from
Jamaica several times.
On a weekly basis, Sir B
strives to play as much
Canadian content as possible,
as he put very bluntly, "If there
is no swearing and it isn't
slack, I'll play it!" When asked
what he thought constituted a
good package he said, "I
always look at lyrical content,
the quality of the track, and
most
importantly
the
production." In Sir B's eyes
where Canadian artists are
lacking is in the production, "I
hear too many good riddims
but not enough good voices".
For those who have been
tuning in you may have been
hearing a female voice, it's the
voice of Sir B's new co-host
Carrie Mullings. "We have
great chemistry and she adds
a nice flavor to the show." So
make sure you tune in every
Saturday from 12pm-2am on
CHRY 105.5fm.
DUDLEY GEORGE
VANCOUVER DJ
Halina T. Di-Lallo
or nearly 24 years Dudley
George
has
been
volunteering his time on Co-op
Radio, CFRO 102.7 fm out of the
City of Vancouver, British
Columbia.
Vancouver Cooperative Radio is a noncommercial,
co-operativelyowned,
listener-supported,
community
radio
station.
Dudley runs 2 programmes, The
Supermix Show, every 3rd
Saturday
and
every
4th
Saturday of each month from 11
p.m. - 7:00 a.m. His late night
show every 3rd Saturday is
mainly reggae, soca and
calypso and on the 4th Saturday
he switches to conscious
reggae sounds.
F
Dudley spoke to me about
how he first got into the radio
industry through DONALD
DAWES, who had a programme
called the Doctor Love Show Dudley used to select during
the show and one night Donald
handed him the mic - 24 years
later he is still not letting go of
the mic!
Dudley told me that he has
seen many changes in the
music scene. He states that
"Nowadays there is a lot of
slackness in the music" which
he stays away from. He strongly
expressed to me that that no
one benefits from it. Dudley is a
devotee and follower of roots
and culture and believes that
the conscious music, which he
plays, is music that will teach
the youths. The messages are
more spiritual and positive
relaying the fighting against
oppression and fighting against
wrong.
Our interview ranged from a
discussion about how artists
have changed their images and
their role in the music industry,
some for the better and others
not. For example, singers like
Luciano and George Nooks who
Dudley says have changed so
much over the years for the
better. “When you listen to
George Nook's older albums he
was more a DJ and now he is
actually singing.” Dudley talked
to me passionately about how
some other artists have now
turned commercial and their
whole image has changed - he
feels that they are not
portraying anything positive in
their messages. He says, "that
these artists have been given a
gift, they can reach out to so
many people and then they
switch - it is truly disappointing.
When artists turn commercial
they change their image and
sell what the people want it's a
same really". "A lot of the big
labels don't really care - they
are after the dollars - if their
artist cannot deliver any more
then they will find someone
else. That is what the big
record labels want - but at the
same time they should be
educating their artists to send
out a good message".
He
continues to say, "that is why so
many artists have now gone
independent - they do not want
to be "owned" so to speak.
They lose their individuality.”
I asked Dudley about the
reggae scene in Vancouver. He
tells me that he would like more
listeners to phone in and voice
their opinions on the music
being played, and to join in on
the discussions.
As for
concerts in Vancouver, there is
a great deal of local talent - but
it seems that the Promoters are
not really interested as they
want to make money so they
deal with the big names. All in
all, Dudley George has a
remarkable talent and a vision,
he is a radio DJ who uses his
gift through the power of the
radio to spread the music to
his listeners.
reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.caribbeanmusic.ca/reggaex --- Phone: 647-435-0637 -- Email: [email protected] Pg - 23
DEEJAYS/SINGJAYS SPOTLIGHT / REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S VIEWS
PEAS ZEAD
D
ennis Ferron Jnr.
a.k.a. Peas Zead was
born in Kingston Jamaica.
Like many young men his
age, sports, music and girls
were the thing. He decided
to take on two of the three
topics seriously. Sports and
music was the obvious
choice.
After receiving a track
and field scholarship to
Wallace
state
college,
Hanceville Alabama, U.S.A.,
and making the all American
team in high jump, it seems
sports was up and rolling.
On time out from college,
Peas Zead headed for
Jamaica. In no time, he did
some gigs around town.
Back in the states sports
was rolling to a stop as
Dennis Ferron Jr. explains,
"Everything was fine but due
to reasons beyond my
control I moved to Canada,
here I could not pursue my
track and field to the full
potential, so when I got
settled I wrote songs". He
is currently working with
BlackXkimo Entertainment
and Code 4-1-6 Records in
Toronto,
doing
shows
around town and gearing up
to unleash songs like "I'm
Not Running Son" and "Melt
Inna Snow".
Peas Zead, the young
new artist that is sure to
cause a stir in Toronto's
reggae music community.
His
performance
is
energetic, vibes strong and
moving with catchy, smart
lyrics, a true trendsetter
already getting attention
from fans and media. This
artist has what it takes to
become a top artist.
KING UJAH
K
ing Ujah has proven
himself to be a versatile
artist. With a steady stream of
popular singles making deep
inroads in England and America,
King Ujah has maintained an
international presence even as
far away as Japan where his
photo appeared in the youth
driven publication "Guidepost"
King Ujah's CD "Beauty For
Ashes" has been receiving
tremendous airplay in and
around Canada and is certainly
musically rocking listeners with
its rootical vibe. As a result of
this, King Ujah has been hired to
perform at various stage shows
and festivals. He just recently
went to Calgary and was the
headline act for the Reggae
Festival Fundraiser where he put
on an excellent performance. In
the studio again and working on
his second full-length album,
King Ujah is also doing work with
various
producers
for
compilation CDs. He has been
nominated this year for "Top
Reggae Dancehall DJ (male)" at
the Canadian Reggae Music
Awards. Good Luck, Ujah.
RYAN’S VIEWS
ebruary is award month.
Achievement awards for
film and music are presented in
this, the shortest month of our
calendar. The timing seems
perfect though as we move
through our climatic journey and
F
yearn for the warmth of the next
season to usher in these awards
and
accolades
on
our
homegrown and international
musical and cinematic talent.
What better time to huddle
around the television and watch
our favorite stars and superstars
make predictable speeches,
thank God for being a gangster
and pay homage to the blingbling. With any luck the
diamonds in the rough will bring
a ray of hope for the next year
and liven up these ceremonies.
There’s another side to
award season though because
February is for many the start of
a new year, the time for planning
and projections. A time when
goals are laid out and challenges
issued. It’s also a month without
any public holidays! It’s a time
when all those who indulged
over the Christmas holiday have
to devise a plan to deal with their
creditors
and
displaced
Jamaicans and other Caribbean
Nationals go through all the
reasons they can come up with
for going back home but still find
a better one to stay. Where am I
going with all this? I’m trying to
say that February is a special
time as it brings the start of
something new or brings to an
end something old- depending
on how you view the adage ‘the
glass is either half full or half
empty.’ February is also the time
for the Juno’s and the Canadian
Reggae Music Awards to shine
brightly.
Earlier this month both
entertainment
bodies
announced their nominees in a
public nominee celebration
forum. While some categories
read like a who’s who in the
industry others raised a few
eyebrows and questions. With
the Canadian Reggae Music
Awards I am still unsure as to the
process of nomination despite
calling its director and attending
its nomination ceremony. I feel
that voting process is greatly
flawed as there does not appear
to be any control over the
amount of ballots issued and
given that the nomination
process is supposed to be done
in
the
name
of
public
participation,
as
the
organization’s
point
man
asserts, it would seem that the
public’s awareness of this is
minimal. It was further pointed
out that if an artist who they
think is not deserving of
overwhelming support receives
that support that those votes
would
consequently
be
disqualified as the organization
has its finger on the pulse of the
industry. However and for the
record as well, I think that the
CRMA is a great idea and I
commend it’s organizers and
founder for keeping it going for
some
20
yearsdespite
insurmountable odds. Moreover,
I am encouraged that the CRMA
facilitates a vision for young
musicians and artists as
expressed to me by Mr. Hewitt
himself.
I would like to
congratulate all those who are
nominated because in an
industry that places little value
on process and an overemphasis on outcome, it is nice
to be honored by your very own.
The Juno awards also made
its nomination list public this
month and in our category of
interest, Best Reggae Recording
and in true Juno form, there
were
no
surprises.
This
prestigious award ceremony will
take place in April in Edmonton.
For our 5 nominees, allow me to
express right here how proud I
am that you were chosen this
year and commend you for all
the hard work that you have
placed
into
getting
your
recording from creative idea to
the public airwaves. I hope that
as your names are called in
Edmonton
that
you
will
recognize that you are now a
part of a bigger movement-one
that will continue to break down
the status quo and allow reggae
to be as commonplace as rap
and rock music in Canadian
society. I want to congratulate
you all and just as February
signals a fresh start in award
terms, I look forward to more
quality Canadian reggae music.
Ryan will be performing on
March 19 at The Palm Grove NIte
Club and March 20 at the Ocean
Bay Nite Club. Also appearing
will be Q-Shan Dia & Organs.
reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.caribbeanmusic.ca/reggaex --- Phone: 647-435-0637 -- Email: [email protected] Pg-24
REGGAEXCLUSIVE FEATURES NEW VOICES OF REGGAE
ALTON ELLIS
(con’t from page 5)
MOUNIA SAHARA
M
ounia Ezzahar, born
in Morocco, North
Africa, migrated to Canada
with her parents at the
tender age of two years At
age ten, she entered her first
Young Talent Contest. She
continued singing for a while
until she lost interest and
pursued other endeavors.
She was re-discovered by
producer Delroy (Silvanus)
Roberts who practically
forced her into the studios.
With her 1st CD album
completed and ready for
release soon, the stage is
set for this magnificent new
artist.
May 2000, Silver Globe
Records released "Rasta",
as Mounia Sahara's first
single, as well as the single
"Why Should I Run" by
Admiral Tibbett with "Rasta"
instrumental version on the
flip side. The two singles are
distributed by Penthouse
Records.
Silver Globe
Records announces the
release in Montreal of the
CD "I've Got a Joy" by
Mounia Sahara, one of
Reggae newest female solo
artists. The long awaited CD
consists of 13 tracks of
which the lead track is done
in Spanish, English, and
French to capture a wider
audience. It is a collectors'
item for the world to enjoy.
For
more
information
contact: Silver Globe Record
at (514) 369-6998 or email:
silvergloberecords @yahoo.com.
www. silvergloberecords.com
CHRISTINE BRYCE
He told me how shocked he
was when he appeared over
in
Europe
and
the
Netherlands as to how
popular ska and rock stead
music is. He loves to perform
and although his records and
live shows are now few and
far between this veteran is a
true artist.
Alton says, "I look forward
to a long life and happiness.
He prays to God for a healthy
and long life, he has paved
the way with blood, sweat
and tears and says that he
has done his work. Artists
like Alton Ellis set the
foundation decades ago. He
was such a popular figure in
rock steady with smooth,
soulful vocals and his music
was infectious then and still
is today and remains a
remembered
pioneer
of
Jamaican music worldwide.
hristine was born in St.
Mary, Jamaica. At the
age of 13, Christine performed
nationally at church events
singing lead as a member of the
church choir "Young Ones".
Christine, along with her
siblings and Mother moved to
Canada in 1989. In 1990, she
met music producer Dave
Williams who showed interest
in her talent. As a result, she
gained her first experience in a
professional recording studio.
C
In 1995, Christine met
music producer, Nedrick Gavin
(Neddy-G) of Viros Music at a
recording studio where she was
working
as
background
vocalist. Nedrick loved her
style and saw her potential.
Since then he has been working
with her as co-writer and
producer. In 1997 Viros Music
released Christine's first R&B
single entitled "Sexy Baby".
This single attracted interest
from Trinity Records and in
1999,
Christine
recorded
"Understand Me", categorized
as euro/dance music. This
song was released on a
compilation Cd, "Big Fun,
volume 1". She performed this
song at Canada's Wonderland,
the Woodbine Festival and
CHIN picnic and appeared
briefly on City T.V. performing at
the CHIN picnic.
Currently she is working on
a reggae album to be released
on the Viros Music label in
Toronto. Please address all
inquiries to Viros Music at: (416)
789-0598
or
email
[email protected] or check
http://www.virosmusic.com
reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.caribbeanmusic.ca/reggaex --- Phone: 647-435-0637 -- Email: reggaexclusive@rogerscom Pg - 25
Available Through SIMMIX
CD & Record Distribution
Or A t Al l L ea d in g Re c o rd St ores
Fax: (416) 243-8402 or email:
[email protected]
Canadian Reggae
Showcase is now on
CHIN-AM 1540
Every Tuesday
Caribbean Connection Canadian
Showcase on CHIN On Tuesdays
lex Waithe will interview Canadian
Reggae Artists and play their
music Every Tuesday at 11:30 pm On
CHIN-AM 1540 (in Toronto), 91.9 FM (in
Brampton). Call to pledge support for
this all Canadian Reggae show with ads
as low as $30.00.
A
More information surf
www.caribbeanmusic.ca/radio
or call Paul Murton at 416-693-8530
reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.caribbeanmusic.ca/reggaex --- Phone: 647-435-0637 -- Email: [email protected] Pg-26
Bring in this ad and receive a 10% discount on any item in the store.
reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.caribbeanmusic.ca/reggaex --- Phone: 647-435-0637 -- Email: [email protected] Pg - 27
reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.caribbeanmusic.ca/reggaex --- Phone: 647-435-0637 -- Email: [email protected] Pg - 28