cherrieheader

Miss Jamaica Semi-Finalist Cherrie Garden guest hosts Dancehall Now Podcast 45

4

Another installment of the Dancehall Now radio podcast series, this episode features a soundtrack of fresh riddims and the top singles of today plus Kahlil Wonda, Superpec, and Miss Terri K are joined by 2012 Miss Jamaica Pageant semi-finalist, Cherrie Garden.

DOWNLOAD THIS EPISODE OR LISTEN ONLINE NOW

Spragga Benz ft. Sean Paul Video Shoot Behind The Scenes

Spragga Benz and Sean Paul on the set for the 2012 Material Riddim single  ’Call Upon Jah Jah’ music video.  The OFFICIAL VIDEO is COMING SOON so STAY TUNED!!!
Enhanced by Zemanta
kevinlyttle_winegodown

Kevin Lyttle Debuts Video For New Single “Wine And Go Down”

International soca pop star Kevin Lyttle debuts the video for his sizzling single, “Wine And Go Down,” which was released in November 2011.  This is Lyttle’s first video from his highly-anticipated upcoming album, which is currently in production.

Released on his very own Tarakon Records, “Wine And Go Down” exemplifies the artist’s versatility as he embraces the role of a deejay/rapper to fuse with his acclaimed signature vocal-style, forming this hybrid of island soca and pop club fusion. The singer/songwriter teams up with Richy Peña (talented music producer of the Latin Grammy-Winning album Mi Niña Bonita), for the hit track, which has been making the rounds internationally on radio and in the clubs.

“Dancing is a strong part of our Caribbean culture, so when you hear the beats and the vibes, it makes you just want to wine and go down,” discloses Lyttle, on his inspiration for the video. “With the Miami backdrop and the sexy ladies bringing their moves to the dance floor, we captured all the action for you in this video.”

The video was directed by Hamlet Mark from Grenada, and was edited by a team that included Kevin Lyttle,  Jacqueline P. James-Lyttle, Hamlet Mark, Parick Ramdial, Christopher Persaud, and Mark Shapley.  It was shot on location in Miami and will see an official launch on Saturday, March 23 at the Blue Martini in Kendall, Miami. The red carpet event will be open to media and the public.

Lyttle shot to international fame when his smash hit “Turn Me On”  grooved all the way to number four on the Billboard Hot 100 Pop Chart, representing soca music in the mainstream market in a way that’s never been done before, and hasn’t been done since. The track was from his self-titled debut album on Atlantic Records, back in 2004.

Enhanced by Zemanta
maddSHAWNDY2

Madd Shawndy Says To Tun It Up

2

Highlanda presents a fresh blend of new music and also features an interview with Madd Shawndy, recording artist from the group Madd Ppl Crew and producer of Atlanta Caribbean video network Tun Up TV.  Catch the syndicated Dancehall Now broadcast live on Daflavaradio.com each Tuesday from 6pm to 9pm (EST).

CLICK To Download this Dancehall Now Podcast

Enhanced by Zemanta

Soca Star Farmer Nappy Releases New Album, You Make Me…Surrender

1

Trinidadian singer/songwriter Darryl “Farmer Nappy“ Henry brings his unique brand of soca to the masses with his new album, You Make Me…Surrender, available in stores and online onFebruary 21, 2012. Combining the names of his two singles from the album,“Surrender” and “You Make Me,” both major hits during this Carnival season in Trinidad, rendered Farmer the perfect title for his second studio effort. 

“I’m now celebrating my 30th anniversary in the music business and this year, Carnival will be extra special as my album will be available worldwide on the official Carnival day, February 21,” states Farmer Nappy. “I’ve traveled, performed, encountered and experienced and I’ve captured everything in this album. My journey starts with soca but it doesn’t end there, and neither does this album.”

From Farmer’s signature groovy R&B melodies to his up-tempo carnival-esque anthems, the 13-track album boasts an array of sounds that fully depict the potpourri that is Caribbean music. Blending calypso, kaiso, ragga, soca,reggae and dancehall tones, Farmer manages to capture the true essence of the Caribbean, taking this compilation beyond carnival circles.

With fusion as his fuel, Farmer Nappy teams up with other Caribbean stars to bring a sample of the different flavors of the islands. Reggae icon Anthony Bfeatures on not one but two tracks, the megahit “Chippin Remix” and “Can’t Talk To me,” lending his reggae rap to Farmer’s groovy flow. Soca’s eliteMachel Montano co-wrote “Go Brave” and joins Farmer for “I Pay For This.” Legendary Trinidad dancehall artist General Grant shines on“Looking To Wine,” a trademark tune for calypso lovers. Producers include Barbadian production giant, De Red Boyz (who also scored Farmer his first international  hit with “Chippin’”), Grenada‘s Shawn “Mr. Roots” Mitchell, Barbados’ Dwain “Dwaingerous” Antrobus, and Trinidad’s Kerwin Du Bois and Precision Productions, further adding to the diversity of the album. 

Farmer Nappy built a global fan base as part of fellow international soca act,Machel Montano’s ‘HD Band,’ touring extensively for over two decades and bringing the sounds of mas to the masses worldwide. He can currently be seen performing more than 30 shows during Carnival season in Trinidad, which culminates on day of this album’s release. With his two hits in hand and a new album en route, Farmer Nappy is undoubtedly having his best year yet as he continues his quest of carrying Caribbean music around the world, 30 years and counting.

You Make Me…Surrender is distributed by FOX FUSE, with physical albums in select stores throughout the U.S. and Trinidad, and will be available digitally worldwide on all major digital retailers, including iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody and Spotify. It is now available for pre-order on iTunes and all digital outlets.

For more information on Farmer Nappy, log on to www.foxfuse.com/clients/farmernappy. Please direct all media inquiries to the FOX FUSE Publicity Department - Rhona Fox at 212-300-3813 or rhona@foxfuse.com.

 TRACK LIST

  1. Surrender

  2. Flirt

  3. Chippin’ (With Meh Own Woman)

  4. You Make Me

  5. Go Brave

  6. Love Whip

  7. Looking To Wine featuring General Grant

  8. Can’t Talk To Me featuring Anthony B

  9. Pavement with Kerwin Du Bois

10. Chippin’ Remix featuring Anthony B

11. Pressure

12. I Pay For This featuring Machel Montano

13. Come Back (Bonus Track)

Enhanced by Zemanta

Sizzla Sounds Off on Education with New Single, “Learn To Read”

Conscious reggae star Sizzla returns with a new anthem for the youths, and a plan to encourage and empower the younger generation. The new single, aptly titled “Learn To Read,” speaks on the importance of education, as Sizzla advocates young people to learn to read and write, as a way to overcome ignorance.

“In the beginning, I spoke Amharic, which is the true language,” reveals Sizzla. “And telling the youths about the brilliance of education, and teaching them the importance of it, will empower them.”
 
Sizzla is a member of the Bobo Shanti sect of Rastafarians, a group that typically places a strong emphasis on education and literacy. Unlike any of his other tracks, this track focuses strongly on educating children and investing in the intellect of the youths, thus showing the humanitarian and philanthropic side Sizzla is known for. Because he is iconic, the single will have an impact on parents, government officials, and educators alike, thereby encouraging children to go to school, and learn to read and write.

 Furthermore, the song has undertones of a political agenda, one for the betterment of the youth in Jamaica, and  also timely for the upcoming December 29 elections in Jamaica. It will surely give strength to candidates seeking better budgets for education.

This single is the first tune voiced on the Gal Block Riddim, produced by 22-year old Glenroy “Frosty” Jackson for his own Lion House Music Production, based in Jamaica. It was recorded at Kalonji Records in Jamaica, by Frosty and Ainsworth, and mixed and mastered by Dave Downie and BUG for Unlock My Mind Music, at Hilltop Studio in Brooklyn, New York. The single is manufactured and distributed by Locksmith Records.

The track is now available as a single and ringtone (see links below). It is also distributed from top digital retailers worldwide, including iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, MySpace Music, VerveLife, Zune, MediaNet, Spotify, Nokia, and eMusic

Click here for news and updates from Sizzla, and contact dubsessionstudioja@gmail.com for dubplates. For more information on this single, contact Lion House Music at lionhousemusic1@yahoo.com or 1-876-482-9697 (Jamaica), or Locksmith Records at locksmithrecords@yahoo.com or 732-497-7054 (USA), or visit www.locksmithrecords.com or www.unlockmymindmusic.com.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Kevin Lyttle Releases New Club Banger, “Hot Girls And Alcohol”

Combining two of the world’s favorite things, beautiful women and alcohol, international soca superstar Kevin Lyttle has another hit on his hands with his brand-new single, “Hot Girls & Alcohol.” Produced on the Super Soca Riddim by Black Shadow Records, whose claim to fame is Sean Paul’s breakout hit “Gimme The Light,” this track is sure to be a dancefloor favorite, worldwide.

Released on his very own Tarakon Records, “Hot Girls & Alcohol” exemplifies the singer/songwriter’s versatility as he embraces the role of a deejay/rapper to fuse with his acclaimed signature vocal-style, forming this hybrid of island soca and pop club fusion. This is his second hit single released within one month, as he continues to blaze a trail for soca music.

“I wanted to bring my classic sound to my fans but creatively step it up a notch by rapping as well,” Lyttle discloses. “When you’re around hot girls and alcohol, it makes you feel like you can do anything, and I hope this song empowers you the same way. It’s the same fun, feel-good vibe that I always bring.”

Just having returned from a European tour this week, Lyttle remains intent on bringing Caribbean music to all corners of the globe. He is also in the studio recording new music and working with numerous producers to bring the unique flavors and blends from the islands, to the world.

Lyttle shot to international fame when his sexy single “Turn Me On” grooved all the way to number four on the Billboard Hot 100 Pop Chart, representing soca music in the mainstream market in a way that’s never been done before, and hasn’t been done since. The track was from his self-titled debut album from Atlantic Records, back in 2004.

Artist Links:

www.kevinlyttlemusic.com

https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Kevin-Lyttle/258355864214712

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kevin-Lyttle/103109486396042

Twitter @kevinlyttle

Brooklyn Music Fest Monday Madness with Machel Montano and Mr. Vegas

Following a rich tradition of bringing the best concert events to Brooklyn for years, the Brooklyn Music Festival returns with a Labor Day lineup that is sure to please the Caribbean massive. Aptly titled Monday Madness, the biggest show in New York City this Labor Day holiday is set to go down in Brooklyn, NY – a mecca for Caribbean music lovers. Promoter Daddy Grace Entertainment sought out the hottest acts to truly celebrate New York’s West Indian Day/Labor Day Parade with none other than the ‘King of Soca’ himself, Machel Montano, along with dancehall icon Mr. Vegas.

Machel Montano and Mr. Vegas share a similar history of producing quality Caribbean music since the very beginning of their careers, both boasting catalogs that have set the standard in their respective genres. Montano, a soca star from childhood, is known as the ultimate performer for carnival celebrations worldwide and is, in fact, the reigning Soca Monarch and Road March King in his homeland, Trinidad. He’s credited for placing soca music on the worldwide map. Whereas, Mr. Vegas has consistently pushed the boundaries between dancehall and soca, and is hailed as the best Jamaican act to ever do so. His hybrid of dancehall and soca music has become his trademark. Soca fans look forward to his music as much as their own native sounds, during carnival season.

Montano and Vegas will be joined on stage by friends from both the soca and dancehall worlds, such as Farmer Nappy, Lyrical, Gold Duss, Wild Fire and Khristopher, with a few surprises also planned for concert-goers.

“It’s New York City Carnival and everyone celebrates across the city, the entire weekend, but we are the only concert that will bring you the true essence of carnival,” states promoter Vanmyke of Daddy Grace Entertainment. “Plus we are doing it on the actual Labor Day with Monday Madness, so we’re inviting everyone to come out and celebrate carnival with us, and truly enjoy your holiday.” The concert also marks Montano’s very last appearance in New York City for the summer.

The concert takes place at the Sesame Flyer Pan Yard, located at 1020 East 48th Street (corner of Farragut Road & East 48th Street), in Brooklyn, New York. Doors open at 4pm. Advance tickets for $20 and $25 are now sold out; tickets are currently $30 and will be more at the door. It is proudly sponsored by Western Union and food vendors will be on site, making it a fun-filled event for the entire family.

For more information and for ticket inquiries, contact Daddy Grace Entertainment at 347-569-0791 or 917-674-1835, or Jammins Entertainment at 718-282-8041.

Jamaica Featured In Reception At The Capitol

3

A special reception was hosted recently honoring Her Excellency Audrey Marks, Ambassador of Jamaica to the United States (second left), the first female to hold the post. Jamaica Tourist Board’s Business Development Manager Victoria Rogers (second right) was in attendance to share the occasion, where the Ambassador provided an update on business/investment opportunities in Jamaica. The reception took place at the Law offices of Baker & McKenzie overlooking the White House and featured Jamaican food and cocktails.

Enhanced by Zemanta

US King Of Comedy To Host 7th Annual EME Awards in Jamaica

1

US based Jamerican king of comedy Raymond 'Rayzor' Davis

US based comedian Raymond ‘Rayzor’ Davis, whose rise from struggling local comic in the 1990s to national touring act with an HBO appearance will co-host the 7th annual Excellence in Music and Entertainment (EME) Awards, event founder Richard ‘Richie B’ Burgess said in a recent statement. The awards ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 12 at The East Lawn of the historical Devon House site, Hope Road, Kingston. Razor joins rapper Trina – who was previously announced as an “International Friend of Reggae” honoree – as the second international superstars slated to perform at the EME’s this year.

An enthusiastic-sounding Burgess said, “Rayzor’s popularity is very well known and documented. The EME’s got lucky, in that an appearance that he had alongside Cedric The Entertainer was rescheduled. We are extremely happy that this top class comedian, who has such strong Jamaican connection and international appeal will join us this year…People are gonna be in stitches!”

Davis, who was born in Brooklyn N.Y., said “I am very happy and honored to be asked to host Jamaica’s most prestigious music award show.”

Razor’s first attempt at a career as a comedian was at an audition for “In Living Color,” an American television series which originally ran on the Fox Network in the USA from April 15, 1990 to May 19, 1994.

“My friends and family got on me,” he recalls. “They said, ‘You don’t try out, we don’t want to hear no more jokes from you. That’s it.”

He didn’t get the callback he was hoping for but the audition changed the course of his life forever. After years of honing his craft at Studio 183 in Carol City, he took his act on the road in June 2005 with a knockout five-minute set on the HBO stand up series “P Diddy Presents the Bad Boys of Comedy.” He has since toured nationally and have appeared in music videos for international superstars like Lil Jon and the East Side Boyz, Trina, Ludacris and Fat Joe. Last month, he headlined the Palm Beach Improv and can be found at poetry nights at South Florida venues such as Jade in Miami Beach and the Kola Nut Cafe in North Miami Beach. His new CD, “Sh.. on Digital” was recently released to rave reviews. He is also set to star in the upcoming independent film “Life of the Party,” a mockumentary set in South Beach. The EME Awards in Jamaica will be another big feather in his cap and he is all too excited to make a positive impact.

“I know that if my mother were still here, she would be overjoyed that her son was offered an opportunity to host a major event in Jamaica. I relishes the opportinity to do this show as I have never done anything of this magnitude in Jamaica before. I have done a few private performances within the hotel circuit but nothing as grand as the EME’s!” he said.

The 2011 Excellence in Music and Entertainment (EME) Awards will again recognize the top performers within the Jamaican Recording Industry. Awards will be handed out in approximately 30 categories including DJ of the Year, Best New Artiste, Song of the Year, Vocalist of the year and Producer of the year among others. Winners will be determined based on their performance on The Weekly Jamaica Music Countdown (Charts), votes via texts and votes at the website www.emeawards.com.

Enhanced by Zemanta