ĀGARD, formerly known as Crisis Don, one Highlanda Sound’s founding members resurfaces on the scene in Brooklyn, New York.
The longtime producer, DJ, and promoter has decided to share two DJ sets he did for an exclusive private event in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn.
The almost two hour first set includes an hour of rare Disco re-edits from Stevie Wonder to The Bee Gees to Wham. The set goes all the way from 70′s Disco to Major Lazer. Listen and download the live set and let us know what you think.
Check out this interview with Meta from Meta & The Cornerstones during their visit to last.fm!
Proclaimed the next ‘African Reggae Voice’, Meta’s unforgettable vocals are complemented by the incomparable sounds of his band The Cornerstones. Meta and The Cornerstones’ music is warm and embodying, immensely addictive, and destined to forever change the dynamics of Reggae music. Through pure musical genius and humble spirits, the band successfully fuses Reggae, Afro-Pop, Hip-Hop, Rock, and Soul music with passionate lyrics in English, French, Wolof and Fulani.
Born in Senegal, West Africa, lead singer of Meta and The Cornerstones, Meta Dia, discovered his love for music and desire to be a musician at a very young age. Listening to Reggae greats Bob Marley and Gregory Isaacs helped nurture his admiration and true appreciation for all types of music. As a self-taught musician, by age 14 he was performing on the street and stages of his hometown Dakar, Senegal. In 2000, Meta formed his first band YALLA SUUREN (God Bless), which was nominated for Best Hip-Hop/Reggae Group by the French Cultural Center the same year. Within two years, Meta had become one of the premier pioneering voices of the Hip-Hop culture in West Africa. After relocating to the United States, Meta immediately began collaborating with artists such as Sean Blackman, and Hip-Hop Ambassador Toni Blackman. Shortly after settling in New York City, he formed his visionary band, Meta and The Cornerstones.
With varying ethnicity, religion, and musical influences, Meta & The Cornerstones’ sound is a melting pot rooted in diversity, strength, and unity. Lead singer Meta Dia hails from Senegal; Israeli Guitarist Shahar Mintz; Texas born Daniel Serrato, and Keyboard Player Aya Kato from Japan, join Jamaicans Wayne Fletcher on Drums and Rupert McKenzie on Bass, and combine their creative differences from Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and America, which are clearly expressed in the repertoire of the band’s music.
Meta and The Cornerstones channels the roots of Reggae while simultaneously breathing new life into the genre, thus creating what critics have called a “soul-pounding spiritual experience” during their live performances. Inspired by Alpha Blondy and Lucky Dubee, they have shared the stage with Reggae stars Luciano, Steel Pulse, Clinton Fearon, Israel Vibration, and Tanya Stephens amongst others. In 2007, the band was personally invited by Senegalese-born international superstar, Youssou N’Dour to perform at his annual African Ball concert at the Nokia Theater in New York. The following year Meta and The Cornerstones proudly released its first album entitled “Forward Music“. Of this work Clive Chin; Jamaican producer for The Wailers, Dennis Brown, and Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, notes, “Meta and The Cornerstones have taken us back to the foundation of reggae music”.
As he continues to establish new grounds, Meta is now the first African artist to be signed to the iconic record label VP Records, the#1 source for Reggae Music. Through VPAL/VP, Meta and The Cornerstones is set to release their second album ‘Ancient Power’ in the spring of 2013. Recorded at the infamous Tuff Gong Studio in Kingston Jamaica, ‘Ancient Power’ links Africa to Jamaica by paying tribute to the ageless sounds of reggae preserved by the history of its legends. The 15-track work features Reggae legend U-Roy, as well as today’s leading artists Capleton and Damian Marley.
With the vision to transcend oceans, borders, and language barriers through positive music, Meta and The Cornerstones never fails to create and convey a sincere, loving, and unifying vibe for every audience blessed to experience it. They truly have something to offer those that listen and that offering is always a message of ‘Peace, Love and Harmony’. So come… Immerse yourself in it.
Recognizing Caribbean American Cross-Cultural Contributions to the Global Marketplace
The 2013 Caribbean American Networking and Social Media Series will kick off in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday May 23, 2013. The annual recognition identifies professionals and civic minded individuals of Caribbean heritage, living in the metro Atlanta area, who have contributed to the multicultural community. Our honorees were carefully considered amongst an excellent slate of distinguished nominees, which includes film producers, songwriters, executives, doctors, and community leaders. The accomplishments of our honorees, play a significant role in the continued growth of the metro Atlanta area, and surrounding counties.
The Caribbean Media Network, in conjunction with affiliates, will host a memorable networking celebration on Thursday, May 23, 2013, at Fins Restaurant and Lounge, located in Midtown Atlanta. The event will start promptly at 7:00p.m. The event timing has a notable significance for Caribbean Americans in Atlanta, as the city plays host to the 25th Anniversary of Atlanta Caribbean Festival, on May 25, 2013.
The 2013 Caribbean American Movers and Shakers Networking Series includes a series of promotional events, in the prime markets of Atlanta, Georgia, New York City, and Miami, Florida, throughout the year. The 2013 Atlanta Networking Event, will be hosted by Caribbean American Diva, Red Carpet Shelley, who serves as an ambassador of Caribbean lifestyle and culture. Music will be provided by radio personalities Kahlil Wonda and Super Pec of Highlanda Sound, throughout the evening.
For more information on RSVP and celebrity involvement: Please contact Caribbean Media Network at 404-455-2944 or email mthomas@caribemedianetwork.com .
Reggae and Soca Fans Turn Out in Droves for the Timeless Concert in NYC
Stage 48 in Manhattan packed for the Timeless concert, on March 31, 2013.
Photography by Clyde Belcon
Maxi Priest brings reggae to the fans at Stage 48 in Manhattan, on March 31, 2013.
Photography by Clyde Belcon
KES The Band and frontman Kees Dieffenthaller pleased the crowd
at Stage 48 in Manhattan, on March 31, 2013.
Photography by Clyde Belcon
KES The Band (Photography by Clyde Belcon)
KES The Band (Photography by Clyde Belcon)
Maxi Priest brings reggae to the fans at Stage 48 in Manhattan, on March 31, 2013.
Photography by Clyde Belcon
Beniton The Menace (Photography by Clyde Belcon)
A timeless time was enjoyed by all attending the Timeless concert, starring reggae icon Maxi Priest and soca sensation KES The Band, on Sunday, March 31 in Manhattan, New York.
Presented by New York City’s haute nightlife tastemakers Big & Strong and Tryst Experience, this rare fusion of reggae and soca took centerstage at the ultrachic Stage 48 in midtown Manhattan, which was filled to capacity with reggae aficionados and soca revelers, who braved the elements and packed into the venue hours in advance on a rainy New York wintery-Spring day.
Mighty Crown “The Far East Rulers” rocked the legendary BB Kings recently, alongside a star studded line up including Morgan Heritage, Beenie Man, Mr. Vegas & more!
Mighty Crown leveled the crossover crowd with hit after hit. On more than one occasion, Mighty Crown brought the ram crossover crowd to a roar. Crown’s entire set went over well, but it was the moment that Sami T performed the Harlem Shake that the revelers went into a true frenzy!
Mighty Crown has officially scored with their 28 date “Driving Force Tour.” The overall tour has been a hit, with fanfare and feedback increasing after each performance. The “Driving Force Tour” has struck a chord with promoters and fans alike as requests for new dates have been pouring in.
As a matter of fact, two new dates have just been added to the tour: April 4 (Legend Nightclub, Washington, DC) & April 14 (The legendary SOBs, New York, New York). Stay tuned for everything Mighty Crown & “DRIVING FORCE.” See the full schedule here:
http://www.irishandchin.com .
AFFRM’s new Array label will debut this Jamaican jewel with special one-night engagements on March 13 in Philadelphia, DC, Houston, Seattle and Chicago. Then the film hits theaters in NYC and LA for week-long engagements beginning Friday, March 15.
Beres Hammond’s new album One Love, One Life reaches #1 on U.S. Billboard Reggae Chart after five weeks in the market. One Love, One Life (VP/Harmony House Records) has been Top 5 on the Reggae albums chart since its November 13th release, with sales climbing the past two weeks.
“Beres’ touring and the national media exposure played a major role in this increase” states Aaron Talbert, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for VP Records. “CD sales at the venues and the in store appearances in New York and Miami really put the album in front of the fans,” he adds.
“We hope to continue the momentum through Christmas and into 2013. “We are happy and proud to see Beres at the top of the chart,” states VP Records President Chris Chin.
One Love, One Life is Beres Hammond’s first studio album since One Moment In Time released in 2008 on VP/ Harmony House Records. Beres had a hand in producing 19 of the 20 songs one this new double-disc collection. The first disc One Love includes his signature classic lover’s rock sound on new singles like “No Candle Light” and “Keep Me Warm,” while the second disc One Life contains more of his socially-conscious, spiritually-empowering tunes including “You Stand Alone,” “Truth Will Live On” and “Prime Time.”
Brooklyn get ready for “Tanya Stephens“ live on December 24, 2012. This will be her one and only live performance in Brooklyn for 2012. Giving you hits like: “Yuh Nuh Ready Fi Dis Yet,” “These Streets,” “Goggle,” “Turn The Other Cheek,” “Freaky Type,” “It’s A Pity,” “Handle The Ride,” “Big Heavy Gal,” “Too Hype,” “119,” “What A Day,” “Draw Fi Mi Finger,” “Pon De Corner,” “Can’t Breathe,” and “The Truth,” among many others at Woodbine Ballroom located at 2281 Church Avenue & Bedford Avenue, in Brooklyn.
Tanya Stephens live!
Limited advanced $25 tickets are on available at Proper Fix Barbershop on Church Avenue & E54th: (718) 781-2593, GT Paradise Restaurant at 4208 Church Ave between 42 & 43: (718) 856-1846 , Gail B4 & After Salon on Snyder Ave between Utica & E49th, West Indian Fruit Market on the corner of Church & Kings Highway. Admission will be more at the door, so get your tickets early.
Next Friday – 9/21/12 The Heavenly Renaissance, The F.C.C. & World Famous Superfriends Present “I Love NY” New York Stand Up! Music by Brooklyn’s own DJ Clark Kent! www.Heavenatl.eventbrite.com
” by Kevin Lloyd.
(718) 781-2593, GT Paradise Restaurant at 4208 Church Ave between 42 & 43: 
