Part 2 of our interview with Kwasi Bonsu, co-founder of the Jamaica Music Conference (JMC), the preeminent annual conference for industry education, networking and collaboration in Jamaica.
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The Royal Family of Reggae, Morgan Heritage, have released their newest album, Strictly Roots. The album, which has been available for pre-order since March 10th, 2015, has reached #1 on the iTunes Reggae Chart, and the first single, “Perform And Done” has received substantial rotation on commercial radio. The album is available in retail stores nationwide including Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and Barnes and Noble. Purchase Strictly Roots on iTunes, here: http://apple.co/1zzk8II or on Amazon, here: http://amzn.to/1OyYCe8.
The sensational roots reggae quintet, which comprises siblings Peetah Morgan (vocals), Una Morgan (keyboard/vocals), Gramps Morgan (keyboard/vocals), Lukes Morgan (rhythm guitar) and Mr. Mojo Morgan (percussion/vocals), is undoubtedly one of contemporary reggae’s most powerful forces on the global stage. Guided by sheer acumen and a passionate desire to make their already rich musical legacy even more impactful, Morgan Heritage, after much deliberation and contemplation, triumphantly delivers their latest album exclusively on their very own label CTBC (Cool To Be Conscious) Music Group.
Strictly Roots features a wide variety of guest performers including platinum selling pop/dancehall phenomenon, Shaggy; American reggae and R&B vocalist, J Boog; third generation ambassadors from the Morgan and Marley families, Jemere Morgan and Jo Mersa Marley; reggae sensation, Chronixx; lead singer Eric Rachmany from rock, world and reggae band, Rebelution; and Bobby Lee from the American Grammy-nominated pop reggae band, SOJA.
Morgan Heritage recently premiered “Wanna Be Loved” (ft. Eric Rachmany of Rebelution) with ThePier.org. On working with Morgan Heritage, Eric Rachmany of Rebelution told ThePier.org, “It’s an honor to collaborate with Morgan Heritage. In my eyes they are one of the best Reggae bands of all time. Their style is like no other out there and their story is remarkable. They sent me ‘Wanna Be Loved’ and I immediately connected with the concept that each and every one simply wants to be loved for who they are.” In addition, Morgan Heritage previously partnered with Billboard.com to premiere the video for their first single, “Perform And Done,” as well as working with Yahoo! Music to premiere “So Amazing,” the second single off the album.
Regarding the album, Una Morgan states, “We are thankful that the first album we’ve released as an independent label has been received so well. We hope our independent efforts will be an additional example for others to continue follow.”
Morgan Heritage, which has established themselves as the premiere live group on the reggae circuit, is currently on tour in support of Strictly Roots. The tour also features third generation ambassador from the Morgan family, Jemere Morgan, as a special guest. In addition, Oxfam, an international confederation of 17 organizations working together with partners and local communities in more than 90 countries, will be on site for select shows on the Strictly Roots tour. Regarding the partnership, Oxfam’s Outreach Project Manager, Bob Ferguson, added, “Oxfam America is pleased to be joining forces with Morgan Heritage and their fans to help right the wrongs of poverty and injustice. Oxfam believes that music can change the world, and we are looking forward to working with The Royal Family of Reggae to help make some positive and real social change.” For more information, please visit www.Oxfam.org.
This Reggae Lover Podcast episode opens with the leader of the reggae revival Protoje explaining that he makes music from his heart and not for the charts. Sizzla can be heard begging “Please do not mash up the dance.” George Nooks and Mikey Spice tell stories about having a good time in the dancehall. Alborosie excerpts that Reggae and rubadub music still rock the dancehall to this day.
Garnett Silk compares music to the rod that Moses walked with as he led the Father’s people to the promised land. Luciano sings about the many positive effects of reggae music on the body and mind. Richie Stephens and U-Roy sing out about the nicest times when real reggae music used to play.
Bryan Art describes the love and confidence that overcomes one when entering the dancehall. Christopher Martin paints the picture of a reggae road block where people are dancing in the streets, creating the perfect chill spot. Crooner Kashief Lindo shares a bit of his personal story on the song “Music Is A Part Of Me.”
Steel Pulse, Dubtonic Kru, Gramps Morgan, XO, Hero and Richie Spice all give their take on why Reggae music is so good and what it means to them. Busy Signal goes in about how everybody smiles and unites when positive reggae music is played.
Gentleman teams with Sugar Minott to reminisce about the good old days when there was no drama and the musical foundation imparted love and good vibes. Inner Circle alongside The Reggae Wave sing in defense of the genre.
Reggae Lover #9 – The Mother’s Day Edition 2014 (artwork)
Reggae artists love paying tribute to their mothers, and so do I. Its a part of our culture. A dedication to my mom and to all mothers everywhere, this mix contains passionate lyrics from some of reggae and dancehall’s finest artists. Pay especially close attention to the featured pre-release track (#22) from upcoming artist SuperPEC called Mommy Dearest. Happy Mother’s Day!
PLAYLIST
1 Merciless – Mama Cooking
2 Sizzla – Black Woman And Child
3 Sizzla – Thank You Mama
4 Gramps Morgan – Where Has Mama Gone
5 Jah Cure – This Is One For You Mama
6 Akon – Mama Africa
7 Christopher Martin – Mama
8 Beenie Man and Merciless – We A Star
9 Serani and Mavado – Mama Still Hungry
10 Kevin Lloyd – Oh Mama
11 Mama – Anthony Cruz
12 Sophia Brown – Mama Africa
13 Richie Spice – Mama Love
14 George Nooks – I Remember Mama
15 Garnet Silk – Mama Africa
16 Alaine – When Mama Prays
17 Romain Virgo – Mama’s Song
18 I-Octane – Mama Food Put On
19 I-Octane – My Mother
20 Konshens – Don’t Diss Mama
21 Garnet Silk – Mama
22 SuperPEC – Mommy Dearest
The announcement of the 12 honorees for the 2013 Caribbean American Networking and Social Media Series officially took place via Facebook on Monday May 6, 2013. The Networking and Social Media Series, will present savvy and innovative ways in advertising, and promoting to the cross cultural and international audience. Those attending the event will dive head first into the social media promotional gifts and giveaways throughout the night.
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. This year’s honorees include: Film Producer Roger Bobb; Songwriters Rock City aka Planet VI; Reggae Ambassador: Gramps Morgan, Da Flava Radio: Rico Vibes, Star Time Inc: Levi MacSween, Radio Pioneer Glen Simmonds, The Whatz Happening Editor: Annette Lemonn; Film Producer: John P Wheatley; Georgia Caribbean Association President; Jackie Watson: Caribbean Star Magazine, and the Black Latino Council. 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 Caribbean Media Network, in conjunction with affiliates, will host this memorable networking celebration on Thursday, May 23, 2013, at Atlanta’s new hot spot, Kouture (formerly Fins) Restaurant and Lounge, which is under new management by KCE Bars. This luxury venue is located in the heart of Midtown Atlanta,which will serve as an urban oasis for this year’s celebration. The event will start promptly at 7:00p.m.. (RSVP Required) .
The 2013 Atlanta Networking Event, will be hosted by Caribbean American Diva, Red Carpet Shelley, who serves as an ambassador of Caribbean entertainment, lifestyle, and culture. The atmosphere will be highlighted by the international Highlanda Sound along side some special invited guests.
For more information on RSVP and celebrity involvement: Please contact Caribbean Media Network at 404-455-2944 or email mthomas@caribemedianetwork.com.
@cmnusa @redcarpetshelle @highlanda
are referred to as Reggae Royalty, but rather from music lovers around the world who recognize their rich Reggae heritage and gift to Reggae Music. 
Morgan Heritage – Perfect Love Song – Artwork
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Jemere Morgan Dancehall Now Interview
Dancehall Now Interview with recording artist Jemere Morgan, the grandson of foundation reggae singer Denroy Morgan who’s children Laza Morgan, Gramps Morgan, and in the family bands LMS and Morgan Heritage have enjoyed successful musical careers. Download Podcast
With a mission to heal the world through music, Soul Train Award nominee, Gramps Morgan unleashes his second, solo, album Reggae Music Lives tomorrow (April 24th), independently, on his Dada Son Entertainment label. A musical therapy of sorts, Reggae Music Lives is filled with angelic harmonies, authentic compositions and a unique sound brand, Gramps calls “Rockaz”. Reggae Music Lives is more than Reggae; it’s world-beat, with a little bit of country, a taste of what Americans call rap-Jamaicans call it toasting; mix it with a hint of r ‘n’ b, a dash of blues synthesized with contemporary reggae that maintains the integrity of the original art form and you get a sense of the musical accents that help to make Reggae Music Lives complete.
After two years in the making, Reggae Music Lives arrives with inspiration, healing and Gramps’ determination to make positive changes in the world. The album’s first single ‘The Almighty’ topped the charts in Jamaica, South Florida and New York while ‘Life Too Short’, released on March 28th, advanced in the fight for justice in the case
of Trayvon Martin. Consequently, team Dada Son decided to donate part of the sale proceeds to the family of the slain Florida teenager. The song has since been added to the Justice for Trayvon Martin Foundation website (http://justicetm.org/tributes/) where he is listed as an “Official Donor” for his commitment.
Meanwhile, Mark Brantley, Senior Lawyer and Leader of the Opposition in the National Parliament of St. Kitts and Nevis says: “There is no voice in reggae music today as distinctive as that of Gramps Morgan. His sophomore album reminds us of the deeply spiritual roots of reggae music. Gramps’ ability to make music with a global appeal which touches the human spirit and soothes the soul has been taken to new heights in his latest release. I believe that this new effort by this Grammy award winning artist will be a major hit with lovers of conscious reggae music the world over. But don’t take my word for it. Pick up a copy, put your feet up and let the music wash over you.”
Reggae Music Lives is an evolution of Gramps’ professional and musical growth expressed through his singing, narratives, arrangements and compositions. His melodies and hooks are seasoned with mature, worldly lyrics that are delivered flawlessly. All of his experiences have culminated in the creation of a universal sound that he says stems from exposure.
“I’ve grown so much as a producer, song writer and vocalist. Overall, my experience from touring and working with India Arie; watching John Legend perform every night; touring with different artists; working with the different producers (on this album) and getting a chance to work with my brother Peetah one-on-one writing songs; it’s brought me to a whole other level. My experience really came into play in making this. I think this album is really the best of the brand called Gramps Morgan; as a product, you finally get the sound of Gramps Morgan. The first album was just discovering, getting it and learning myself. Gramps Morgan has been born on this album. ”
The Sound of Gramps Morgan
A personal favourite of Morgan’s on the album sees the return of India Arie, reuniting with Gramps on “Want Fi Charge Wi” a song whose distinct sound is inspired by African rhythms as is “I Hear You Calling”, an ode to Africa. Meanwhile new creative partnerships were also forged on this project, one such collaboration was with renowned duo, Stanley “Rellee” Hayden and Alberto “AL” Cruz also known as the A-Team (Jay Z, Mary J. Blige, Sean ‘P-Diddy’ Combs,
The Notorious B.I.G., KRS 1, Shabba Ranks, Bounty Killer, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lauryn Hill, Deborah Cox, etc…) on the song called DREAM.
One of the most promising tracks on the album, DREAM, is as inspiring as it is universal, in message and in sound. When Gramps sings “…celebrate wherever you are, keep on striving for your dream, just lift your head high, let your spirit fly, dream away…” one is reminded to persevere; the song offers hope and is that motivator everyone needs.
Another first, and what Gramps describes as “a dream” was working with the legendary, Clive Hunt (The Rollings Stones, Maxi Priest, Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tosh, Beres Hammond). Hunt produced three of the thirteen songs on Reggae Music Lives including the title track, which is an unapologetic declaration of the state of Reggae music; and on two love songs that will create their own ‘baby boom’ “Find Myself Thinking” and “I Know It’s Love”. Gramps Morgan fans get a different side of Gramps on “Could Dj (Dem Neva Know)” here the singer switches to a toasting style delivery over a phat beat infused with elements of rap, blues, and some rock riffs.
Like his first album 2 Sides of My Heart Vol. 1 Gramps has again assembled an incredible pool of talent from the novice to the accomplished musicians and producers alike, including his seventeen year old son Jemere Morgan, Jason ‘J-Vibe’ Farmer, Llamar “Riff Raff” Brown, Delroy “Delly” Foster and Kemar “Flava” McGregor.
The songs on Reggae Music Lives are well rounded and crafted with diverse themes from romantic and universal love; to global consciousness and justice, to living in the moment and being grateful. Reggae Music Lives is mature and contemporary, it’s the kind of music that can rock on any gadget at work, home or at play.
Reggae Music Lives is about the preservation of art, music and culture and Gramps wants the world to know that “Reggae music is here to stay.”
Soulful Reggae star, Gramps Morgan has taken a stance in solidarity with the family of Trayvon Martin, the 17 year old boy recently killed in South Florida. To date, the man who shot and killed Trayvon has not been charged. So in an effort to support the Martin family’s demand for justice, Dada Son is donating a portion of the proceeds from the iTunes sales of Gramps’ new single, ‘Life Too Short’.
“Yes Rasta!” American-Jamaican crooner, Gramps Morgan is unleashing another anthem with his unique brand of ‘Rockaz’. His first single ‘Life Too Short’emerges from his upcoming second, solo album, Reggae Music Lives which will be released on April 24 2012, in time for Mother’s Day.
Penned with his brother Peetah Morgan, ‘Life Too Short’ was co-produced by Roy ‘Gramps’ Morgan and keyboardist, Llamar ‘Riff Raff’ Brown (Stephen Marley). Gramps Morgan has the gift of delivering spiritually uplifting lyrics aimed precisely at the listener’s soul. Through song, Morgan reminds us to live this life while we still have it. Gramps says ‘Life Too Short’ is simply “a song of comfort”, and as a firm believer in delivering music to heal humanity, ‘Life Too Short’ raises consciousness of the fragility and sanctity of life.
Gramps Morgan’s songs and lyrics tend toward the positive in all situations, so when he belts out “…Life too short fi a stress di small things when we know Jah bless me with everything /Life too short fi a worry bout bad mind when the world a suffer from war and crime…” he means that he draws his strength from Jah/God. Believing in a greater power than self, Gramps urges the listener to stop wasting time sweating the small stuff and to let go of grudges and “bad mind” (a Jamaican idiom that refers to being envious of, or grudging someone).
Trayvon Martin
Gramps’ perspective on the murder of Trayvon Martin is that of a father and an American citizen. In a recent statement the Centric Soul Train nominee said: “I couldn’t imagine that ever happening to my son.” He’s speaking of his eldest, Jemere. “As a father of a 16 year old…I don’t know what I would do if I was in that situation, but I know that justice must be served.”
“We have been following the tragedy that has happened with Trayvon,” explains Wendy Morgan, Gramps’ manager, “and after reading a report that he was a lover of Reggae music, it humbled us to have someone of that age love our music. We wanted to do our part to pay respect to his young life and contribute to help keep Trayvon’s memory and legacy alive.”
Finding strength in the hardest of times isn’t always easy, but Gramps is reassuring people that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
‘Life Too Short’ was recorded in Kingston, Jamaica at Grafton Studio and Dada Son Recording Studio in Atlanta Georgia.
The single is now available on iTunes with a portion of the proceeds going to the family of Trayvon Martin.
“I’m free like a bird, Jah is my word, that means my word is love.” Gramps Morgan
Atlanta: After having conquered so many feats in the entertainment industry, multi award winning reggae singer Tanya Mullings is now ready to take on a new challenge – her own radio program (The Tanya Mullings Show) – on Atlanta based www.daflavaradio.com.
Mullings, who got her break on radio co-hosting the popular “Rebel Vibez” on CHRY 105.5FM in Toronto with her sister Carrie Mullings will join an all celebrity cast that includes Gramps Morgan, Diva Nikki Z, Kevy Kev, Soca DJ Choice One MD, Jah Prince, DJ Rifa Madness, Highlanda Sound and Rico Vibes. Her first show will air live from the Da Flava studios on Thursday July 1st from noon – 3pm and every Thursday thereafter.
“This is a chance of a life time” she told station owner Rico Vibes when he first contacted her about hosting a show.
“I feel honored to be invited to be part of the Da Flava radio family and I’m looking forward to this journey. For those who know me, you always see me blogging for other artist…these are artists I feel need to be heard and that’s what I plan to bring to my radio show. It’s all about bringing the people good reggae music. I truly like what the station brings to the table and how they support artists. And myself as an artist, it feels really good to have the opportunity to help others. To my fans, I hope you enjoy the show and thanks as always for the love and support you’ve given me all these years” she said with tears of joy streaming down her face.
In the 21 years since she has been involved in the industry, Tanya has released four albums with the most prestigious producers in the industry covering all sub-genres of reggae and R&B.
“My love for music was inspired by my father, the late Karl Mullings who managed my career along with the late Jackie Mittoo, Lynn Taitt and Hopeton Lewis” she recalls.
Her musical journey has taken her to international festivals like Reggae Sumfest in Jamaica; the Montreal International Reggae Festival & the Calgary International Reggae Festival in Canada; North America‘s premier rIrie Jamboree and Madison Square Gardens in New York; Hard Rock Live in Orlando FL and Brixton Academy in London England. She has won various industry awards including the Top International Reggae Artist (2010), International Reggae and World Music Award (2009), fourteen Canadian Reggae Music Awards, seven Caribbean Crucible Awards, two Reggae Music Achievement Awards. She was also nominated five times for the prestigious Juno Awards in Canada (Grammy equivalent) and was presented with the Citizens Award for the Arts by the City of Brampton in Ontario, Canada.
In 2004 her hit songs ‘A Love Thang’ by multi platinum producer Bobby “Digital” and ‘Love and Affection,’ were featured on the television pilot “Da Kink In My Hair” which was produced and directed by Tonya Lee Williams of the Young and the Restless. While working on her fourth album “Music Is My Life” which featured Morgan Heritage, Tanto Metro, Craig T and Mega Banton, her father passed away but Tanya found the strength to complete the album with the help of producers Bobby Digital, Dalton Browne, “Computer” Paul, Morgan Heritage, Devonte, Patrick Roberts, Danny Browne, Byron Bobby Treasure, Robert Browne and Dubmatix. With her new stint on radio, Tanya is ready to prove she is not just a rising star but a star that has risen.
contact:
TanyaMullingsShow@gmail.com
www.twitter.com/@1TanyaMullings
This is the latest episode of the syndicated Dancehall Now podcast produced by Highlanda Sound System for October 27, 2009 featuring the very latest dancehall music in a full stereo radio broadcast format.
This episode includes the Top Rated Eight at 8 Countdown which broadcasts weekly on the Dancehall Now Radio Show (Tuesdays 6pm – 9pm EST) on Da Flava Radio.
Dancehall Now is in keeping with Highlanda Sound’s stated mission to entertain and promote reggae music world wide. This show may contain language that may be considered by some to be offensive. Views expressed by artists and guests on this show are not necessarily shared or endorsed by Highlanda Sound.
Right Click the file and select “Save As…” to download the entire mp3 file or just click to listen to the audio stream now. We sincerely hope you enjoy the selections. Please send your comments, feedback, and requests to podcast@highlanda.net or feel free to comment here. If you like what you hear please subscribe to get automatic updates when new shows are added.
Top Rated 8 Countdown – 10/27/2009
1 Hold On To What You’ve Got – Richie Stevens
2 Street Life – Richie Spice
3 Young Hearts – Tarrus Riley
4 Life – G-Whizz
5 Pull It Up – Mikey Spice
6 Couple Up – TOK
7 Mama You Alone – I-Octane
8 Love’s Contagious – Tarrus Riley
Direct MP3 Download Link (Right-Click and “Save as…” to download)
Media files
Dancehall_Now_Episode_35.mp3 (MP3 Format Sound, 304 MB)
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This is the latest episode of the syndicated Dancehall Now podcast produced by Highlanda Sound System for March 27, 2009 featuring the very latest dancehall music in a full stereo radio broadcast format.
Dancehall Now is in keeping with Highlanda Sound’s stated mission to entertain and promote reggae music world wide. This show may contain language that may be considered by some to be offensive. Views expressed by artists and guests on this show are not necessarily shared or endorsed by Highlanda Sound.
Featured artists this week include Mavado, Busta Rhymes, Wyclef Jean, Damian Marley, The Game, Tarrus Riley, Beenie Man, Erup, Jay-Z, Screechie Don, MIA, I-Wayne, Marcia Griffiths, Busy Signal, Bragga, Buju Banton, Junior Reid, Assassin, Ding Dong, Anthony Cruz, Bounty Killer, Laden, Macka Diamond, Unicorn, Million Stylez, Prodigal Son, and Gramps Morgan.
Right Click the file and select “Save As…” to download the entire mp3 file or just click to listen to the audio stream now. We sincerely hope you enjoy the selections. Please send music, press information, comments, feedback, and requests to kahlil.wonda@gmail.com or feel free to comment here. If you like what you hear please subscribe to get automatic updates when new shows are added.
Direct MP3 Download Link (click link to download)
Playlist
1 So Blessed (Remix) – Mavado/Busta Rhymes
2 Enemy – Wyclef Jean/Damian Marley/The Game
3 Back Bitter (Remix) – Tarrus Riley
4 Trample Dem – Erup/Nature
5 You Have It – Beenie Man
6 New York New York – Erup
7 Brooklyn We Go Hard (Remix) – Jay-Z/Screechie Don/MIA
8 Book Of Life – I-Wayne (live)
9 Automatic – Marcia Griffiths/Busy Signal
10 Dagga Dat – Bragga
11 Buy Love – Buju Banton
12 Some Say – Junior Reid
13 Wanna Be Gangsta – AK
14 Child Molester – Assassin
15 Man A Galis – Ding Dong
16 Different From Fi Dem – Anthony Cruz
17 Mama’s Love – Bounty Killer
18 Really Rate Me – Laden
19 Think Pon Mi – Macka Diamond/Unicorn
20 Everyday – Million Stylez
21 Head Caan Hot So – Prodigal
22 Wash The Tears – Gramps Morgan
Highlanda Sound 