Artistes Night 2
ARTISTES LINE-UP NIGHT 2
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Capleton
Clifton George Bailey III (born 13 April 1967),[1][2] better known by his stage name Capleton, is a Jamaican reggae and dancehall musician. He is also referred to as King Shango, King David, The Fireman and The Prophet. His record label is called David House Productions. He is known for his Rastafari views expressed in his songs.
Early life
Bailey was born in Islington in St. Mary in 1967.[3] As a youth, he was given the surname of a popular St. Mary lawyer and friend of the family, Capleton, as a nickname by his relatives and friends.[4] Capleton rejects the name given to him at birth. He now prefers “King Shango”, given its roots in the Yoruba language.[5]
As a teenager, he sneaked out of his home to catch local dancehall acts, eventually leaving St. Mary for Kingston at the age of 18 to work on his career as a dancehall deejay.[6]
Career
Early career
In 1989, he got his first big international exposure. Stewart Brown, owner of a Toronto-based sound called African Star, gave the untested artist his first break, flying him to Canada for a stage show alongside Ninjaman and Flourgon.[4]
When Capleton first arrived on the scene in the late 1980s, slackness and gun talk were the dominant lyrics in the dancehalls. The pre-Rasta Capleton had a string of hit songs from “Bumbo Red” to “Number One on the Look Good Chart” and “No Lotion Man”.
He recorded the song that began to establish his significant place in Dancehall, “Alms House” in 1992. The tune became a big hit in the dancehall, followed up immediately by “Music is a Mission” and the massive hit “Tour”. By 1993, he was voicing tunes which became increasingly conscious, such as “Prophet” and “Cold Blooded Murderer”.
Tunes such as “Tour” and “Wings of the Morning” earned him a deal with Russell Simmons’ Def Jam Recordings,[7] which culminated in the Prophecy and I-Testament albums of the mid-1990s. Grammy Nominated in 2003 Album “Still Blazin” VP Records Executive Produce by Errol “GenErral” Adams / Joel Chin
Later career
In 1999, Capleton headlined Reggae Sumfest‘s dancehall night, to much fanfare.[8] The performance, which led to a subsequent headliner placement the following year, is credited with “re-bussing”, or creating a comeback for, his career.[9] The 1999–2000 period elicited a string of hits, many of which can be found on the album More Fire.[10]
Grammy Nominated in 2003 Album “Still Blazin” VP Records Executive Produce by Errol “GenErral” Adams / Joel Chin
By 2004, some argued the quality of Capleton’s music had been downgraded by over-proliferation on numerous riddims, while Capleton himself argued his continued recording over both dancehall and roots reggae riddims created balance in his musical output.[11] Nonetheless, he scored hit singles over one of the most popular riddims of 2004,[12] “That Day Will Come” over the Hard Times riddim.
After a hiatus from the label, Capleton returned to VP Records in 2010 with the release of I-Ternal Fire.[13]
After headlining a U.S. tour which included Romain Virgo, Munga Honorable, and Kulcha Knox in the fall of 2010, Capleton embarked upon a tour of the African continent for late 2010 and early 2011. Stops included Gambia, Senegal, South Africa and multiple dates in Zimbabwe.[14] In December 2012 the music Unite Cape Town International Reggae Festival saw Capleton, reggae and dancehall artists like Black Dillinger, Blak Kalamawi .[15]
Capleton’s annual ‘A St Mary Mi Come From’ live show has raised funds for several charities since it was first staged in 2000, including local schools and hospitals.[3]
Beenie Man
Moses Anthony Davis (born 22 August 1973),[3] better known by his stage name Beenie Man, is a Jamaican Dancehall deejay.[4]
Biography
Davis was born in the Waterhouse district of Kingston in 1973.[3][5][6] He was involved in the music industry from a young age, started toasting at the age of five, and was encouraged by his uncle Sydney Knowles, who played drums for Jimmy Cliff.[7][8] He won the Tastee Talent contest in 1981,[5][9] and Radio DJ Barry G introduced him to local sound system operators, who helped to establish the popularity of the young deejay, who became known as Beenie Man.[7] He recorded his debut single, “Too Fancy”, with record producer Henry “Junjo” Lawes in 1981, with Lawes also including him on the 1983 album Junjo Presents Two Big Sounds alongside established stars such as Dillinger, Fathead, and Ringo.[5] His debut album, The Invincible Beenie Man: The Ten Year Old DJ Wonder was produced by Bunny Lee and released in 1983,[10] his first hit single following the same year with the Winston Holness-produced “Over the Sea”.[5] In 1984 Beenie Man recorded some material with Barrington Levy (released ten years later), but his music career was put on hold while he finished school, and spent time travelling to the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada.[5]
1990s return
Beenie Man continued performing and honed his craft beside the then dominant Dancehall figures including Ninjaman, Admiral Bailey and Shabba Ranks. He found his artistic home at the Shocking Vibes studio where he continued to record singles with only moderate success in the early 1990s. His career gained momentum after a performance at the Reggae Sunsplash festival in 1992, and a rivalry with Bounty Killer began the following year after Beenie Man was accused of stealing Bounty Killer’s style and catch phrases.[5] The rivalry was captured on the 1994 album Guns Out, with the two artists settling the feud with a soundclash.[5] Beenie Man had his first number one single in Jamaica in 1993 with “Matie” (Produced by Ephraim Barrett, Donovan and Dave Mills on the Shelly Power Records label) and he won the DJ of the Year Award the same year, the first of eight consecutive awards.[9]
International stardom
Partially as a result of prodding from his producers, Sly and Robbie, with whom he recorded cover versions of Bob Marley‘s “Crazy Baldhead” and “No Woman No Cry” in 1994, the latter a Jamaican chart-topper, Beenie Man converted to the Rastafari movement, as did several of his contemporaries at the time, although in 2005 he stated “I have not converted. I was baptised an Ethiopian Orthodox and at the age of 10 I became a Judah Coptic.”[5][8] In 1994, he was signed by Island Records and released the critically acclaimed album Blessed, which established his reputation internationally.[5] In 1995 he toured the UK and joined up again with Barrington Levy to record an updated jungle version of Levy’s “Under Mi Sensi”.[5]
In 1995, Beenie Man collaborated with Dennis Brown and Triston Palma to release Three Against War and Mad Cobra and Lieutenant Stitchie on Mad Cobra Meets Lt. Stitchie & Beenie Man. He also collaborated with Lady Saw on “Healing”, Sanchez on “Refugee”, and Michael Prophet on “Gun ‘n’ Bass”, further establishing his reputation.[5] He took another step up the ladder in 1996, releasing the seminal Maestro, produced by Patrick Roberts and shot him to UK fame. During the period from the mid to late 1990s, Beenie Man dominated the Jamaican charts to the extent that he perhaps had a good claim to the crown of “Dancehall King”, a title only bestowed previously on Yellowman in the early 1980s. Beenie Man’s first real break into the United States came in 1997. He heard an instrumental rhythm by an unknown producer named Jeremy Harding, and demanded to add his voice to the rhythm. So this was the birth of his first international hit; he recorded “Who Am I” and the single quickly went Gold. It opened the doors for the world to see a new reggae star in the pages of Newsweek and other major media outlets. The same year, Beenie Man topped the Jamaican singles chart with seven different singles.[5]
Beenie Man appeared as himself in the 1997 film Dancehall Queen.
In 1998, Beenie Man headlined Reggae Sunsplash and signed to Virgin Records to release albums in the United States. His first American offering was The Doctor (1998). During the late 1990s, Beenie Man began his conquest of America with the hits, “Romie”, “Who Am I”, and “Girls Dem Sugar“, which featured American R&B singer, Mýa. During this time he received an impressive number of international music awards including a MOBO Award for Best International Reggae Act in 1998,[11] while remaining at the top of the local charts. In 2000, Beenie Man released Art & Life, which featured Arturo Sandoval and Wyclef Jean (The Fugees), for which received a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album.[5] In the same year he co-produced (with Wyclef Jean) the debut album by actor Steven Seagal.[5] Beenie Man, like many dancehall artists, is outspoken on a number of social issues, as exemplified by songs such as “Steve Biko” and “Murderer”.[12][13][14]
In 2002, he had a sizeable hit with a duet with Janet Jackson called “Feel It Boy“, but his biggest break in America came in early 2004 with the release of a remix of “Dude“, featuring guest vocals by fellow Jamaican Ms. Thing as well as rhymes by Shawnna. He thus cemented his fan base on both sides of the Atlantic.
He had hits in the UK in 1998 with “Who am I” (#10), in 2003 with “Street Life” (#13) and “Feel It Boy” (UK #9), a duet with Janet Jackson, and in 2004 with “Dude” (#7) and “King of the Dancehall” (#14).[15] Also in 2004, The Associated Press observed that Beenie Man had “become a name-brand artist worldwide” and called him “king of the dancehall reggae scene”.[16]
He was also a judge for the 6th annual Independent Music Awards to support independent artists’ careers.[17]
In April 2008, it was announced that Beenie Man was to co-write and star in the film Kingston.[18] In October 2010, Beenie Man came out with the EP I’m Drinking Rum and Red Bull, which included four songs, “Im drinking Rum and Red Bull”, “I’m Okay”, and two versions of “Stack and Pile”. He later released the full album on 28 February 2011. “Im Drinking Rum and Red Bull” features Future Fambo. In September 2008, Beenie Man was cleared of charges of tax evasion.[19][20]
In April 2009, Beenie Man signed with Brookland Entertainment, a new record label formed by Eric Nicks and The Trackmasters, in preparation to release his new album The Legend Returns, the music video for the release of his new single “Gimme Gimme” being shot in Canada on 18 April 2009. The song “Let’s Go” was released on the Overproof Riddim compilation album in 2011.
In 2014, Beenie Man and long-term rival Bounty Killer put aside their differences and recorded a single together, “Legendary”.[21] The two performed a well-received Verzuz battle together on Instagram during the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine on 23 May 2020.[22][23] Around that time, Vibe described them as “two of the most legendary icons in dancehall.”[24]
Discography
Luciano
Jepther McClymont OD (born 20 October 1964),[1] better known as Luciano, is a Jamaican second-generation roots reggae singer.
Career
Born in Davyton, Manchester Parish, and raised as the seventh of nine children in a strict Adventist family, Luciano began recording in 1992, with his first single “Ebony & Ivory” (on which he was credited as ‘Stepper John’) on the Aquarius Record label, followed by a split album with DJ Presley (now credited as ‘Luciana’) for producer Sky High.[1] His first releases as Luciano included the hit single “Give My Love a Try”, produced at Castro Brown’s New Name Studio, followed by others produced by Brown, Freddie McGregor, Blacka Dread, and Sly and Robbie, including the 1993 no. 1 UK reggae hit “Shake It Up Tonight”.[1][2]
He started working with Philip “Fatis” Burrell, releasing the singles “Chant Out” and “Poor and Simple”, with the album Moving Up following in late 1993.[1] In 1994 he cut singles for Musclehead and Louie Culture before returning to work with Burrell for a series of successful singles and the album One Way Ticket, which saw Luciano at the forefront of the “Rasta Renaissance” in dancehall music.[1][3] The renewal of Rastafarian influence into dancehall music in the early 1990s had begun with artists such as Tony Rebel and Garnett Silk. After Silk’s death in late 1994, many looked to Luciano to continue consciousness in reggae music. Of Garnett Silk, he stated “Garnett was more like a brother, a father, a tutor, a forerunner. When he moved on I knew the work for me became harder still.”[4]
The following year brought the smash hit album Where There Is Life for Chris Blackwell’s label Island Jamaica. It contained such hits as “It’s Me Again Jah” (a no. 1 single in Jamaica), “Who Could It Be”, as well as the title track.[1] He recorded a second album for Island Jamaica in 1996 entitled Messenger (largely compiled from his hit singles), whose title track earned him his enduring nickname.[5]
The majority of his recording in the mid-to-late 1990s was for Burrell and the Xterminator label, which by that time included such artists as Sizzla, Mikey General and Firehouse Crew,[3] as well as recordings from Capleton and Cocoa Tea. Along with the work on the two albums for Island Jamaica, the majority of Luciano hits produced by Burrell were featured on 1999’s Sweep Over My Soul. Burrell and Luciano parted ways in 1999.[6]
By 2001, Luciano had released two live albums as well as two compilation albums alongside Sizzla and Anthony B after the split with Xterminator. That year saw the release of two new albums of material, Great Controversy on Jet Star and A New Day on VP Records. The latter received a nomination for Best Reggae Album at the 2002 Grammy Awards, and was executive produced by longtime saxophonist and touring partner Dean Fraser. The album received additional production from Sly & Robbie and was backed by Fraser and the Firehouse Crew.[7]
Fraser continued to produce many of Luciano’s albums throughout the decade, including 2008’s Jah Is My Navigator. In 2010, he released United States of Africa. While the previous album had focused mostly on God, Africa dealt with global events. Of this, Luciano stated, “We’re not just singing about Zion and all those glorious dreams. We’re also dealing with issues that affect the people, their very minds.”[8]
He was awarded the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer on 15 October 2007, in recognition of his contribution to reggae music.[9]
In July 2009, Luciano paid his respects to fellow musician Michael Jackson by releasing a reggae tribute (on Lioni Records) of Jackson’s iconic USA for Africa charity song, “We are the World“.
Luciano’s album Zion Awake was nominated for Best Reggae Album at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards.
Beliefs
Luciano is a devout Rastafarian, whose lyrics promote consciousness and eschew slackness, or vulgarity, which is often prominent in reggae and dancehall music. He has criticized other Rastafarian reggae artists who record slackness material, describing them as having lost focus.[10] The singer is known for reading Biblical verses prior to performances.[10]
The singer is also an activist in the promotion of ganja, or marijuana, stating: “I’m not fighting for the decriminalisation of ganja, because it was never a criminal. My fight is to enlighten the people of the cannabis and let them know of the herbal properties and the benefits we can achieve from it.”[10]
Personal life
In 2010, Luciano was reportedly given a tract of land for residence in the Gambia at the bequest of President Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh.[11] The singer first performed in the country in 2001,[7] and has stated his preference for eventually residing in Africa.[8]
Awards and nominations
Year | Award | Category | Nominee/work | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2002 | 44th Annual Grammy Awards | Best Reggae Album | A New Day | Nominated | [13] |
2016 | 58th Annual Grammy Awards | Best Reggae Album | Zion Awake | Nominated | [13] |
Discography
Studio albums
- Moving Up (1993)
- One Way Ticket (1994)
- After All (1995)
- Where There Is Life (1995)
- Messenger (1996)
- Sweep Over My Soul (1999)
- A New Day (2001)
- Great Controversy (2001)
- Serve Jah (2003)
- Visions (2003)
- Tell It from the Heart (2003)
- Serious Times (2004)
- Jah Words (2005)
- Gideon (2005)
- Child of a King (2006)
- God Is Greater than Man (2007)
- Jah Is My Navigator (2008)
- United States of Africa (2010)
- Write My Name (2010)
- Rub-A-Dub Market (2011)
- The Qabalah Man (2013)
- Zion Awake (2014)
- Embrace Your Failures (2017)
- In The Name of Love (2019)
- The Answer (2020)
Live albums
- Live (2000)
I Wayne
I Wayne, Rastafarian stage name for Cliffroy Taylor (born September 13, 1980 in Portmore, Jamaica), is a roots reggae singer. He is known for his hit singles “Living In Love” and “Can’t Satisfy Her” from his debut album, Lava Ground.
Biography
I Wayne was raised by his aunt and her husband Ansell Collins, a renowned keyboard player.[1] This young artist has been refining his craft since age seven. Coming from a musical family, I Wayne had first made his venture into performance as a student at Greater Portmore High School, joining a local group Vibes Machine.[2] The group, consisting of singers and DJs, used to perform at afterwork parties at popular clubs such as Cactus and Asylum.[2] One night, the artiste was forced to perform alone due to the fact that his bandmates were running late. The response was tremendous, and I Wayne was motivated to perfect his solo act.[3]
In the summer of 2004, Wayne released Can’t Satisfy Her, in the new wave of reggae. The track was reportedly the first roots reggae song to be added to the influential Hot 97 playlist.[1]
In November 2004, I Wayne signed a recording contract with VP Records to release his debut album, Lava Ground.[3] Lava Ground was praised for returning to reggae’s “essential roots” in contrast to popular reggae artists who induce listeners to “dance and groove to their carefree music”.[4]
Discography
Young Lions Volume 1 (Chuck Fender, Richie Spice, Jah Cure and I Wayne)
- Released: 7 June 2005
- Tracks: Fifteen
- Singles: “Fire Burning Red”, “Living in Love”, “Rome a Crumble”
Lava Ground (album)
- Released: 23 August 2005
- Chart position: Top Reggae Albums: 5[5]
- Tracks: Eighteen
- Singles: “Living In Love“, “Can’t Satisfy Her“
Book of Life (album)
- Released: 6 November 2007
- Tracks: Sixteen
- Singles: “Book of Life”, “Need Her in I Arms”
Life Teachings (album)
- Released: 11 October 2011
- Tracks: Fourteen
Queen Ifrica
Ventrice Morgan (born 25 March 1975), better known by the stage name Queen Ifrica, is a reggae singer and disc jockey from the hills above Montego Bay, Jamaica. She is the daughter of ska musician Derrick Morgan but was raised by her mother and stepfather.
A Rasta by faith, she is known for her work in that community. While some of her songs are about deeply personal subject matter such as “Below the Waist” and “Daddy,” she also moves forward a strong social critique in songs such as “Tyad A Dah Sumn Yah” and “Serve and Protect.”[1][2][3]
Biography
Queen Ifrica began her career in 1995 after shining at a local talent contest in her hometown of Montego Bay, Jamaica. This eye-opening experience eventually led to major stage performances in her country including the esteemed Reggae Sumfest as well as a union with Tony Rebel’s Flames Crew in 1998.
With roots firmly secured in the Rastafarian faith, she blossomed as one of the top cultural artists in reggae, swarming the airwaves with hits like “Randy”, “Jus My Brethren”, “Below the Waist” and “Daddy” and stealing the stages at major festivals and stage shows around the world (Summer Jam in Germany, Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, Bob Marley Festival, Reggae on the River in California and Reggae Sundance Festival in Holland). As an active community leader, Ifrica is involved in several outreach programs for children in Jamaica’s inner-city and charity shows where proceeds are donated to the cause.
She signed a record deal with VP Records, leading to the release of her first album, Montego Bay, in July 2009. Her second album, Climb, was released in March 2017, and topped the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.[4][5]
Discography
- Montego Bay(2009), VP Records[6]
- Climb(2017), VP Records[7]
LEROY GIBBONS
Biography
Leroy Gibbons burst on the dancehall scene in the mid-1980s with his strong voice and Lovers Rock style. He fell in with the Jammys camp, performing over the King Jammys sound system regularly and recording the popular album “This Magic Moment” for the label as well.
He is known mainly for cover versions of oldies, such as “Cupid”, “This Magic Moment” and “Stir It Up” as well as a few of his own originals.
Leroy most recently was in Jamaica performing several dates for King Sturgav in the latter half of 2007.
He now lives in Canada.
Stonebwoy
Life and music career
Stonebwoy pronounced “stoneboy” was born in Ashaiman in the Greater Accra region of Ghana and began making music in his early school days. He realized his talents and abilities as a lyricist and scriptwriter at an early age, remembering writing and acting drama pieces as far back as the fourth year in primary school.[12]
He studied at Methodist Day Secondary School the same year with rapper Sarkodie where he obtained his high school certificate. He continued his tertiary education at University of Professional Studies to earn a degree in marketing in 2013.[13]
Satekla is married to Louisa Ansong Satekla,[14] with two children.[15] Louisa is a dentist.
Recognition and musical style
Stonebwoy normally ragga in Jamaican Patois (Patwa or Patwah), and is considered a “multifaceted artiste” due to the various musical styles he possesses. In 2015, he received many awards and nominations ranging from “Artist of the Year” to “Album of the Year”. His sophomore album, Necessary Evil, was the recipient of 3 Ghana Music Awards from 6 nominations.[16] Nana Appiah Mensah, CEO of gold dealership company Menzgold, sent out words of encouragement to Stonebwoy on Instagram for Stonebwoy being supportive.[17] On 18 April 2019, Nana Appiah Mensah posted a photo of Dance hall act Stonebwoy saying he is proud of the Bhim Nation president for defending him and that God bless him.[18]
He was listed as part of the 2019 50 (fifty) young CEOs, by YCEO and Avance media. The list which was launched earlier in 2018, was set out to honor distinguished young individuals pursuing the course of providing solutions to some of Ghana’s pertinent problems.[19]
Philanthropy
Stonebwoy established the ‘Livingstone Foundation’.[20] In January 2017 the foundation announced a sponsorship package for five students of the Tema Methodist Day Senior High School, his alma mater.[21] As part of celebrations for Stonebwoy’s 30th birthday, the foundation donated a sum of GH¢5,000 to the accident ward of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in March 2018.[22][23] Stonebwoy has also opened the official BHIM merch shop in Ashaiman. Proceeds from the shop are used to fund activities of the Livingstone Foundation. In 2020, the Livingstone Foundation in collaboration with the BHIM Merchandise Shop gave out free sanitizers as parts of efforts to combat the coronavirus spread in Ghana.[24] Stonebwoy also donated sanitizers and other items to the Police Department in Ashaiman to aid them in discharging their duties during the coronavirus pandemic in Ghana.[25][26]
Endorsements
Stonebwoy has recently been named the Brand Ambassador for ‘Big Boss’, a new energy drink.[27] In September 2020, Stonebwoy was named Tecno Mobile brand ambassador and unveiled the Camon 16 Series in October 2020.[28][29]
World tours and notable performances
Stonebwoy kicked off his world tour in the Euro-zone in August 2014.[30] He performed in Germany, Italy, Spain and Austria. His 2016 Canada-America tour saw him perform in New York City, Ohio, Philadelphia and Ontario. In the same year, he rocked Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sidney all in Australia.[31] His second Euro tour saw him travel to the Nordic to thrill fans in Denmark, Finland and Sweden in last quarter of 2017.[32] Stonebwoy performed at Reggae Sumfest,[33] Afro nation festival in Portugal,[34] Rotterdam reggae festival,[35] Uppsala Reggae Festival.[36] Rototom Sunsplash.[37][38]
Stonebwoy performed at the Global Citizen Festival held at the Black Star Square in Accra on 24 September 2022.[39][40] Stonebwoy was one of the headliners for the festival which was aimed at advocating for the end of extreme poverty in Africa and performed alongside the likes of Usher, SZA, Sarkodie etc.[41][39] He was adjudged as one of the best performers on the show by patrons and critics alike.[42]
Controversy
On the eve of 18 May 2019, during the 20th edition of Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, a brawl erupted between the followers of Stonebwoy[43] and his music rival Shatta Wale and his fans, which lead to Stonebwoy pulling out a gun on stage.[44][45] They were both arrested and detained the following day.[46] They both appeared in court where they pleaded not guilty to both their respective charges after which they were granted bail of GH¢50,000 each. They were stripped of the awards they picked up that night and were indefinitely banned from the program by Charterhouse, the organizers.[47] They made peace by the 30th day of the very same month.[48] His ban from the Awards show was lifted in the 2022 edition of the show.[49]
Discography
Satekla has so far released four studio album and many other singles since 2012.
2012: Grade 1 Album
Under “Samini Music”, Stonebwoy recorded his first hit single “Climax” featuring Samini and mad “Ghetto Love” featuring Irene Logan. Both songs earned him nominations at the Ghana Music Awards. After this exposure, he released his debut album “Grade 1 Album”. The album contains seventeen tracks which featured prominent Ghanaian artists in.[50]
2014: Necessary Evil
Released on November 23, 2014; it is a 29 track album which featured the likes of Sarkodie. It includes tracks like Baafira, Sneaky, Gbedegbede, Candy, Pull up remix, and Cant Cool.[2]
2017: Epistles of Mama
Released on 12 December 2017; the Epistles of Mama was dedicated to Satekla’s late mother by name Mrs Catherine Lucy Aku Ametepe Satekla. The 24 track album features Sean Paul, King Promise, Burna Boy.[51] The album peaked at Number thirteen (13) on Billboard chart top 200 albums worldwide.[52] In 2018 ‘Epistles Of Mama (EOM)’ was rated the second-best album in the world according to reggaeville.[53] The Album was honoured by YouTube for hitting over 10 million views.[54]
2020: Anloga Junction
On 24 April 2020, Stonebwoy released his fourth studio album which featured the likes of Keri Hilson (US), Nasty C (SA), Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania), Alicai Harley (Jamaica), Jahmiel (Jamaica), Zlatan (Nigeria), Kojo Antwi (Ghana), Chivv (Netherlands) and Spanker (Netherlands).[55] He also worked with producers like Mix Master Garzy, Streetbeatz, M.O.G. Beatz, Spanker, Riga, Phantom, iPappi and others.[56]
- Featured in
- 2021: “Guns of Navarone” (Sean Paul feat. Jesse Royal, Stonebwoy & Mutabaruka)
Entertainment Achievement Awards
In March 2021, his album Anloga Junction won the Album of the Year award in the Entertainment Achievement Awards. He also won the Male Artist of the Year Award.[166]
3Music Awards
In March 2021, his album Anloga Junction won the Album of the Year award in the 3Music Awards. His song Putuu Freestyle (Prayer) won the Viral Song of the Year.[167]
International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA)
In May 2021, he was nominated for the ‘Best African Dancehall Entertainer Award’.[168]
Website: https://stonebwoyb.net
DJ NAZ
About Dj Naz Gurlpower
Nazaria Davis better known as Dj Naz Gurlpower, is a women empowering selectress, representing music at its best the same way any male can adding that “Gurlpower” touch. Naz comes from a strong line of musical icons, being the daughter of Don Taylor, the former manager of Bob Marley and mother Joy White, who is popularly known for her hit song First Cut, which was produced by Donovan Germaine of Penthouse Records. She has pursued her dreams of entering the music business studying studio engineering, but she became fascinated by the idea of becoming a disk jockey. DJ Naz followed her heart.
Dj naz is the first and only female who entered and dominated Heineken Green synergy, First Female winner for Fully Loaded Boom 45 sound clash, Dj Naz is the resident Dj for Digicel Ends on Magnum Kings and Queens, TV host and producer at Rjr’s Retv Group, where she Host Retv’s Video Chart show and Hotspot.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/DjNazGurlpower1/about_details
Dynamq
Kennedy Ongele Lorya professional Know with his Stage Name as Dynamq is a South Sudanese Reggae-dancehall artist, Professional DJ, Producer, the founder of Dynamq Sounds International and the Non-governmental organization Dynamq Foundation in Juba south Sudan.
Early life
Dynamq was born in a family of seven children. He grew up in a refugee camp in Kenya known as Kakuma, having had to flee the civil war in his native Sudan. His love for music came from attending Sunday school. He got himself involved with Jamaican music while at the camp. His affiliation with sound systems began with the Shashamane set. After relocating to Kansas City, Missouri he formed Dynamq 10 years ago and has competed in several sound clashes.[1][2]
Career
Sound System | Sound Clashes
His first big stage show was at the 1996 King Lions Sounds ‘Rasta Festival’ held at the City Hall in Nairobi. He is the reigning Rumble champion and holds the Bermuda Triangle champion title, he has also made it to the semi-finals in the popular Boom Clash in Jamaica and the River Nile Crocodile and Jamie Hype from Young Hawk sound formed Team USA to compete in, and win, the famous War Ina East championship.[1][3]
He has shared the stage with various artists such as Damian Marley,[4] Benjy Myaz, Lady G, Richie Spice, Luie Culture, George Nooks, Jesse Royal, Queen Ifrica, Mikey Spice, I Wayne, I-Octane and Beenie Man.[5]
Awards and nominations
Year | Award ceremony | Prize | Result |
---|---|---|---|
2012 | Afro Entertainment Awards | Best Songwriter | Nominated[6] |
Best Music Video | Nominated | ||
Best Male artist | Nominated | ||
Best Talented Artist | Nominated | ||
Best International Artist | Nominated | ||
Best Music Album | Nominated | ||
2015 | All Africa Music Awards | Best Male East Africa | Nominated[7] |
2016 | MTN/Eye Radio Music Awards | Best Reggae Artist | Won[8] |
2017 | All Africa Music Awards | Best Male East Africa | Nominated[9][10] |
2019 | South Sudan Music Awards | Best International Act | Nominated[11] |
Josey Wales
Josey Wales OD (born Joseph Winston Sterling[c], October 9, 1956, in St. Mary, Jamaica) is a Jamaican dancehall deejay. He has been called, along with Brigadier Jerry, Yellowman and sound system partner Charlie Chaplin, one of the best Jamaican dancehall deejays of the 1980s.[1] Wales is named after the 1976 Western movie character from The Outlaw Josey Wales, played by Clint Eastwood, and subsequently nicknamed “The Outlaw”.
His career began in the late 1970s, first starting as a deejay on the Roots Unlimited sound-system where he often sparred with Burro Banton, and later performing over U-Roy-owned King Sturgav sound system.[2] He gained even more popularity in the early 1980s performing over Henry “Junjo” Lawes‘s Volcano sound system, and recording singles such as “Bobo Dread” and “Leggo Mi Hand” for Lawes’ label of the same name, as well as later hits for George Phang‘s Power House label, most noticeably “Undercover Lover”.[3]
He was shot and robbed in a Kingston bar in 1997, an incident that he dealt with in the country and western song “Bushwacked”.[3] He survived the robbery, and after his discharge from a hospital, he went to the United States and bought an ambulance to donate for the Kingston Public Hospital.
He appeared in Shaggy‘s “Bad Man Don’t Cry” video, and by 2014 had begun recording new material.[3]
In October 2017, he was awarded the Order of Distinction by the Jamaican government.[4][d]
Personal life
Josey is a Rastafarian and has been since 1975 but also retains a major influence of Christianity. He was baptized in May 1958. He currently resides in Kingston.
Discography
This discography is incomplete; you can help by adding missing albums/singles.[e]
Albums
- 1983 – Josie Wales Meets Early-B
- 1983 – Outlaw, also called The Outlaw Josey Wales
- 1983 – King Yellowman Meets The Mighty Josey Wales [f]
- 1984 – No Way No Better Than Yard
- 1984 – Two Giants Clash (split with Yellowman)
- 1985 – Undercover Lover
- 1986 – Rules, also called Ruling
- 1986 – Ha Fi Say So
- 1988 – Special Prayer
- 1988 – Na Lef Jamaica
- 1989 – How Yu Mouth Tan So
- 1994 – Outlaw (reissue)
- 1994 – Charlie Chaplin and Josey Wales – Kings Of The Dancehall
- 1994 – Cowboy Style
- 2001 – Rulin (reissue)
- 2015 – “Loving Pauper” w/ Sista Sensi
Echo Minott
Echo Minott was born Noel Phillips in 1963 and grew up in the Maverley area of Kingston, Jamaica.
He started singing from an early age, appearing in local talent contests and school concerts. His first break came in 1980 when he recorded the album “Youthman Vibration” for legendary producer Prince Jammy, at the age of 17 years. This album wasn’t released in Jamaica and appeared on the Starlight label based in London, U.K. In 1983 he recorded the tune “Ten Miles” for his cousin, producer Errol Marshall, and this was his first tune to be released under the name Echo Minott.
He then recorded his first UK hit “Man in Love” (Oak Sound) for Dillinger and an album “Echo Minott meets Sly and Robbie” (Jam-Can) for famous producer George Phang. Four of these songs were later re-packaged on an album called “Echo Minott meets Frankie Paul” (Powerhouse) and released in 1987. Now in-demand as an increasingly popular dancehall singer, Echo began recording for many other producers and scored his first Jamaican No. 1 single with the song “Love Problems” produced by Joe Gibbs. He followed this with another hit, “Farmer Man” for the late Henry “Junjo” Lawes’ Volcano Records label.
It was in 1985 that Echo Minott finally became an international reggae star with the monster hit “Lazy Body”, released on the Black Scorpio label. It was a number one all over the reggae world and led to a whole album of versions to the rhythm. This was swiftly followed by the album “Rock and Calypso” for producer Harry J, which contained the hit singles “Lazy Body”, “Rock and Calypso” and the mighty “Uncle Sam Country”, which told of his exploits from his visit to America. At this time, Echo was a regular member of two of Jamaica’s top sound systems Black Scorpio and King Jammys.
It was with Jammys that Echo was to have his next hit singles. “Original Fat Thing” and “Put One Hand On The Key” were both enormous hits on Jammys’ new revolutionary Sleng Teng rhythm track. Hundreds of versions have been recorded to date of this rhythm but the initial Jammys’ cut remains the definitive one, with its classic versions by Wayne Smith, Tenor Saw, Johnny Osbourne and Tonto Irie.
Echo hit again in 1986 with the extraordinary track “What The Hell”, also for the Jammys label, which remained top of the Jamaican charts for three whole months. This song was the first ever to use the raggamuffin beat of today’s dancehall and was an extremely controversial song that inspired many answer versions such as the hit “Babylon Boops” by Lovindeer. This led to Echo recording his own second part “Me and My Girl Gone Back” which was another international reggae dancehall hit.
King Jammys followed these hits with the “What The Hell” album and also another big hit “Emmanuel Road”, which re-worked an old Jamaican folk song in the dancehall style. Many other hits like “Mr Ruddy” (Witty), “Follow Me” (Music Master), “Been Around The World” (Jammys), “Whip Appeal” (Black Scorpio) and “Artical Don” (Two Friends), ensured that Echo Minott remained a household name within the reggae scene for the rest of the eighties, and into the early 90s. In 1992, Echo left Jamaica to live in New York and immediately had a massive international number one reggae hit with “Murder Weapon” (Signet), that rode a version of Shaggy’s “Oh Carolina” rhythm. When the jungle explosion hit the UK in 1993/94, Murder Weapon was re-worked in the new style and became another enormous hit again. Returning to Jamaica in 1994, Echo had more dancehall hits with songs like “I Am Back”, once again for Jammys and “Sensitive” for Mafia and Fluxy. He then took a break from the business for a few years.
Source: https://www.reggaeville.com/artist-details/echo-minott/about/
George Nooks
George Nooks, a.k.a. Prince Mohamed, Prince Mohammed, or George Knooks (born c. 1958 in Kingston, Jamaica) is a reggae singer who initially found fame as a deejay.
Biography
Nooks started his musical career in the youth choir at his church, and moved on to perform at school concerts and talent shows. After first recording professionally in 1974, Nooks first found success performing under the name Prince Mohamed, as a deejay on discomix tracks for producer Joe Gibbs, notably on Dennis Brown‘s 1978 hit “Money in my Pocket”, and “How Could I Leave”, as well as “Light Up Your Spliff” for producer Prince Tony Robinson.[1] He moved on to work with other producers such as Alvin Ranglin and Bunny Riley. His first album, a joint effort with General Echo, People Are You Ready, was released on the United Artists subsidiary Ballistic in 1978.[1] This was followed by African Roots, recorded the following year for producer Linval Thompson. He had a hit in Jamaica with “Forty Legs Dread”, and the increasing violence in Kingston prompted Nooks to record a version of Little Roy‘s “Tribal War”, now singing rather than deejaying, and released under his real name, which he followed with a cover version of Errol Dunkley‘s “Darling Ooh”.[1] Nooks would subsequently concentrate on his singing, releasing the Today album in 1981, although he reverted to Prince Mohamed in 1982 for an album with June Lodge. His singing gained comparisons with Dennis Brown, who he would later pay tribute to with a double album of Brown covers.
His 1996 single “Real Man” reached number 55 on the Billboard R&B Singles Sales chart.[2] In 1997 Nooks released his first album in 15 years, a self-titled collection resulting in three Tamika Reggae Music awards,[3] but since 1997 he has been quite prolific, releasing a string of solo albums, as well as albums shared with Glen Washington, Roland Burrell, Singing Melody and Lukie D. Since the death of his grandmother in 2001, Nooks has primarily recorded gospel material.[4]
His 2016 album Ride Out Your Storm reached number 4 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart, and number 22 on the Gospel chart.[5]
Nooks also works as a producer, and has run his own Total Records label since the early 1990s.
Albums
Prince Mohamed
- People Are You Ready (1978) Ballistic (with General Echo)
- African Roots (1979) Burning Rockers
- No One Remember Africa (1979) GG’s
- Bubbling Techniques
- Inna Him Head (1980) Joe Gibbs
- Someone Loves You Honey (1982) Joe Gibbs/Ariola (June Lodge featuring Prince Mohamed)
George Nooks
- Today (1981) Jimpy’s
- One of a Kind (1990), Mr. Doo
- George Nooks (1997) Correct
- This One’s For You (1999) VP
- Standing By (2001) VP
- Damage (2001) Charm
- Toe 2 Toe vol. 2 (2002) Jet Star (George Nooks & Glen Washington)
- Better Days (2002) Jet Star
- Created by the Father (2002) Cactus (with Roland Burrell)
- No Power on Earth (2002) Jet Star
- Singers (2003) Brick Wall (Singing Melody, Lukie D, and George Nooks)
- Don’t Give Up (2004) Jet Star
- Jet Star Reggae Max (2004) Jet Star
- One 2 One Volume 2 (2004) High Power Music, VP Records, (with Gregory Isaacs)
- Giving Thanks (2005)
- George Nooks Sings Dennis Brown: The Voice Lives On (2006)
- Come a Long Way (2006) Cousins
- So Excited (2007) Tafari
- Diamond Series (2008) Tad’s/Total
- Broken Vessel (2012), Tad’s International
- Ride Out Your Storm (2016), Tad’s International
- For You (2018), VP
DVDs
- God is Standing By (2005) Jet Star (with Sanchez)
Sanchez
Kevin Anthony Jackson (born 30 November 1964),[1] also known by his stage name Sanchez, is a Jamaican reggae and gospel reggae singer-songwriter and record producer.
Biography
Born in Kingston, Jackson grew up in the Stony Hill and Waterford areas. He was given the nickname ‘Sanchez’ due to his skills – a reference to a footballer of that name.[2] He sang from an early age in the Rehoboth Apostolic Church choir in St Catherine.[1][3] After working with several Kingston sound systems, first as selector for the Rambo Mango sound system, he began recording and had his first hit with “Lady In Red”, recorded for producer Red Man in 1987.[1][2] By 1988 he was one of Jamaica’s most popular singers, and at his performance at Reggae Sunsplash that year he was called back for six encores.[2] He had further hits with “Loneliness Leave Me Alone”, produced by Winston Riley, and with his version of Tracy Chapman‘s “Baby Can I Hold You”, which was included on the Philip “Fatis” Burrell-produced Number One album (1989).[4] He has worked with several of Jamaica’s other top producers, including King Jammy, Bobby Digital, and Donovan Germain.[5][6]
His 2000 album Simply Being Me reached number 14 on the US Billboard Top Reggae Albums chart, and 2002’s Stays on My Mind hit number 9.[7]
Primarily known for love songs and cover versions of pop and R&B songs, in the 1990s he mixed gospel themes with other topics on his albums, and released the totally gospel Who is This Man in 1999 and He’s Got the Power in 2003.[1][8][9]
In 2012 he revealed that he is now “a full-time producer”, and has been working with studio engineer and writer Rodnie “Tenor” Lion.[10] In May he revealed that he was working on two self-produced albums, one dancehall (Like a General) and one gospel (There is no Other Like You Lord).[11]
Discography
Albums
Album Name | Year | Label |
---|---|---|
The Sweetest Girl | 1988 | Dennis Star[12] Rohit[13] |
Sanchez | 1988 | Vena |
Loneliness | 1988 | Techniques |
Wild Sanchez (Wicked & Wild Sanchez) |
1988 | Dennis Star Greensleeves[14] VP[15] |
Number One | 1989 | RAS[16] Island, Sanctuary, Universal[17] |
Number One Dub | 1990 | ROIR[18] |
In Fine Style | 1990 | VP |
I Can’t Wait | 1991 | VP |
The One For Me | 1992 | VP |
Bring Back The Love | 1992 | VP |
Tell It Like It Is | 1992 | VP |
Boom Boom Bye Bye | 1993 | Greensleeves |
Just Sanchez | 1993 | Overheat |
Tell It Like It Is | 1993 | VP |
Can We Talk | 1994 | VP |
Missing You | 1994 | VP |
Only You | 1994 | Luddy’s |
Brown Eye Girl | 1994 | VP |
Here I Am | 1995 | VP |
Forever | 1995 | Exterminator |
The Golden Voice of Reggae | 1997 | World |
Perilous Time | 1999 | Artists Only! |
Who Is This Man | 1999 | VP |
True Identity | 1999 | VP |
Simply Being Me | 2000 | VP |
Songs From The Heart | 2000 | Artists Only! |
Stays on My Mind | 2002 | VP |
No More Heartaches | 2003 | VP |
He’s Got The Power | 2003 | VP |
Now & Forever | 2009 | VP |
Love You More | 2011 | VP |
Giving Praises Live | 2013 | Jasfar |
Beware | 2016 | John John |
Split albums
- Pinchers Meets Sanchez (with Pinchers) (1989), Exterminator
- Wayne Wonder & Sanchez Part 1 (with Wayne Wonder) (1989), Penthouse
- Wayne Wonder & Sanchez Part 2 (with Wayne Wonder) (1990), Penthouse
- Sanchez Meets Cocoa Tea (with Cocoa Tea) (1993), Sonic Sounds
- Thriller U & Sanchez (with Thriller U) (1996), Record Factory
- Toe 2 Toe Vol. 7 (with Ghost) (2003), Jet Star
Compilations albums
Leroy Sibbles
Leroy Sibbles (born Leroy Sibblies, 29 January 1949) is a Jamaican reggae musician and producer. He was the lead singer for The Heptones in the 1960s and 1970s.
In addition to his work with The Heptones, Sibbles was a session bassist and arranger at Clement “Coxsone” Dodd‘s Jamaica Recording and Publishing Studio and the associated Studio One label during the prolific late 1960s. He was described as “the greatest all-round talent in reggae history” by Kevin O’Brien Chang and Wayne Chen in their 1998 book Reggae Routes.[1]
Biography
The son of a grocer, Sibbles began singing in the 1950s and also played guitar, having been taught by Trench Town Rastas Brother Huntley and “Carrot”.[2] Barry Llewellyn and Earl Morgan had formed The Heptones in 1958, and Sibbles was in a rival group along with two friends. Sibbles joined The Heptones in 1965 after the two groups competed in a street-corner contest.[2][3]
The trio made their first recordings for Ken Lack in 1966 with “School Girls” and “Gun Man Coming to Town”, the latter the A-side of their début single.[2] Though the songs did not achieve hit status, the latter composition made the playlists at Radio Jamaica Rediffusion (RJR). They moved on to Clement “Coxsone” Dodd‘s Studio One where they stayed until 1971.[2]
The Heptones were among the most influential groups of the rock steady era,[4][5] along with The Pioneers, The Gaylads, The Paragons, The Uniques, and The Techniques. Signature Heptones songs included “Baby”, “Get in the Groove”, “Ting a Ling”, “Fattie Fattie”, “Got to Fight On (To the Top)”, “Party Time”, and “Sweet Talking”.[6] The group’s Studio One output has been collected on albums The Heptones, On Top, Ting a Ling, Freedom Line, and the Heartbeat Records anthology, Sea of Love.
Studio One
Beyond his work as a singer-songwriter, Sibbles contributed to the collective output of Studio One as a bass player during the late 1960s.[7] Keyboardist and arranger Jackie Mittoo encouraged Sibbles to play the bass when he needed a bassist for his Jazz trio.[6][8]
When Mittoo left full-time duties at Studio One, Sibbles auditioned singers, arranged sessions, sang harmony, and played bass as a part of the studio group variously known as the Sound Dimension and Soul Vendors.[9] These musicians, with engineering supervision Sylvan Morris, played backing tracks used by vocalists Bob Andy, Alton Ellis, Horace Andy, Carlton Manning, The Abyssinians, The Gladiators, Willi Williams, Ken Boothe, John Holt, Burning Spear, Dennis Brown, Slim Smith, and scores of others.
Sibbles was a contributor to tracks including “Freedom Blues” (which evolved into the Jamaican rhythm known as “MPLA”) by Roy Richards, “Love Me Forever” by Carlton & The Shoes, “Satta Massagana” and “Declaration of Rights” by the Abyssinians,[9] “Stars” and “Queen of the Minstrels” by The Eternals,[9] “Ten to One” by the Mad Lads,[10] “Door Peep (Shall Not Enter)” by Burning Spear, and the instrumental “Full Up”, which was used by Musical Youth for their huge worldwide hit “Pass the Dutchie“.
Because of the Jamaican process of versioning and the liberal recycling of rhythms in subsequent years, many of the songs, rhythms, and melodies written and recorded during the rocksteady era, the aforementioned in particular, continue to be referenced today. The most frequently referenced of Sibbles’ bass lines is that found on the instrumental “Full Up”, popularised internationally by Musical Youth‘s recording of “Pass the Dutchie”, an adaptation of Mighty Diamonds‘ “Pass the Kouchie”.[1][7] Sibbles’ legacy also endures in Horace Andy’s tribute to him, “Mr. Bassie”. (While Sibbles has been credited with the original “Real Rock” bassline, this was more likely performed by Boris Gardiner). The bass parts Sibbles and others developed in rocksteady used a rhythmic space found in later roots reggae, where the notes were not necessarily played or sustained on each downbeat of a 4/4 measure. Sibbles has explained that his style was to lag the downbeat slightly.
Other musicians involved in the Studio One rock steady sessions included Richard Ace and Robbie Lyn on keyboards; Bunny Williams, Joe Isaacs, and Fil Callendar on drums; Eric Frater and Ernest Ranglin on guitar; and the horn section of Felix “Deadly Headley” Bennett on saxophone and Vin Gordon (a.k.a. “Don D. Jr.”) on trombone.
Work with other producers
After Studio One, Sibbles and the Heptones recorded for other producers including Lee Perry,[11] Harry J,[2] JoJo Hoo Kim, Niney The Observer, Clive Chin, Gussie Clarke, Lloyd Campbell, Prince Buster, Ossie Hibbert, Phil Pratt, Harry Mudie, Geoffrey Chung, Danny Holloway, Rupie Edwards, and Joe Gibbs.[2][12]
Other Heptones releases from the early 1970s were Book of Rules (Trojan Records) and the Harry Johnson-produced album Cool Rasta (Trojan), recorded just before the group benefited from the internationalisation of reggae via Island Records. Danny Holloway produced Night Food and Lee “Scratch” Perry-produced Party Time were the fruit of the association with Island.
As a solo artist, Sibbles worked with Lloyd “Bullwackie” Barnes,[13] Lloyd Parks, Sly & Robbie, Augustus Pablo, Bruce Cockburn, and Lee Perry, but primarily produced himself. Sibbles moved to Canada in 1973, where he married and remained for twenty years, and won a U-Know Award for best male vocalist in 1983, and a Juno Award for best reggae album in 1987.[2][6][14] He left the Heptones in 1976, midway through a US tour.[12] Also in Canada, he recorded an album for A&M and licensed several albums to Pete Weston‘s Micron label, including Now and Strictly Roots. In 1990 he collaborated on the one-off single “Can’t Repress the Cause”, a plea for greater inclusion of hip hop music in the Canadian music scene, with Dance Appeal, a supergroup of Toronto-area musicians that included Devon, Maestro Fresh Wes, Dream Warriors, B-Kool, Michie Mee, Lillian Allen, Eria Fachin, HDV, Dionne, Thando Hyman, Carla Marshall, Messenjah, Jillian Mendez, Lorraine Scott, Lorraine Segato, Self Defense, Zama and Thyron Lee White.[15]
Sibbles continued to visit Jamaica, and performed at Reggae Sunsplash in 1980, 1981, 1983, 1986, and 1990.[12] He returned to the Heptones in 1991.[12] In 1996 he recorded “Original Full Up” with Beenie Man.[5] Sibbles is featured in the 2009 documentary Rocksteady: The Roots of Reggae.[14] He continued to perform and record into 2010.[16][17]
Production work
Sibbles moved into production in 2009, and set up the Bright Beam record label.[18] He has produced records by singer Sagitar and deejay Chapter, as well as his own recordings, including a successful cover version of “Harry Hippy”.[18]
Solo discography
- Now (1980), Micron
- Strictly Roots (1980), Micron
- On Top (1982), Micron
- The Champions Clash (1985), Kingdom – with Frankie Paul
- Selections (1985), Leggo Sounds – also released as Mean While (1986), Attic
- It’s Not Over (1995), VP
- Come Rock With Me (1999), Heartbeat
- Reggae Hit Bass Lines (2009), Ernie B
Errol Dunkley
Errol Dunkley (born 6 February 1951),[1] sometimes spelled Erroll Dunkley, is a Jamaican reggae musician, born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1951.
Biography
Dunkley’s recording career began in 1965, when he was 14, with “Gypsy” (a duet with Roy Shirley) for Linden Pottinger’s Gaydisc label, “My Queen” (with Junior English) for Prince Buster, and “Love Me Forever” on the Rio label.[2] From 1967 to 1968, he recorded several singles for Joe Gibbs, including “Please Stop Your Lying” (1967) and “Love Brother” (1968), before switching to Coxsone Dodd in 1969.[3]
In the early 1970s, with Gregory Isaacs, he formed the African Museum record label. Isaacs soon took sole control of the label, and Dunkley formed Silver Ring, a new label. In 1972, he teamed up with producer Jimmy Radway for two of his most popular singles, “Keep the Pressure Down” and “Black Cinderella”. The same year saw the release of Dunkley’s debut album, Presenting Errol Dunkley, produced by Sonia Pottinger, which included the track “A Little Way Different”.
Dunkley continued to record throughout the 1970s and toward the end of the decade his popularity in the UK grew, resulting in a breakthrough UK Singles Chart hit in 1979 with “OK Fred“, a cover version of a song written by John Holt, that reached number 11.[4] His 1980 release “Sit Down And Cry” also reached the charts.
Dunkley re-recorded “OK Fred”, his biggest hit, in 1996 with Queen Sister *N*.
Albums
- Presenting Errol Dunkley (Gay Feet, 1972), reissued as Darling Ooh (Trojan Records, 1981) – (a four star AMG recommendation)
- Sit and Cry Over You (Third World, 1976)
- Militant Man (Lovella International, 1980)
- Profile of Errol Dunkley aka OK Fred (Third World, 1980)
- In a Different, Different Style (Easy Street Records, 1984)
- Special Request (Carousel, 1987)
- Aquarius (1989)
- The Early Years (Rhino, 1995)
- Please Stop Your Lying (early Joe Gibbs recordings) (Rocky One, 1996)
- Continually (2000)
- OK Fred (The Best Of) (Trojan 2004)
- Love Is Amazing (Studio One)
- Moodie Meets Errol Dunkley (Moodie Music)
- OK Fred – Storybook Revisited – Errol Dunkley (Burning Sounds ) 2020
Johnny Clarke
Johnny Clarke (born 12 January 1955) is a Jamaican reggae musician, best known for his recordings with producer Bunny Lee in the 1970s.
Biography
Clarke grew up in the Kingston ghetto of Whitfield Town and attended Jamaica College.[1] In 1971 he won a talent contest in Bull Bay, his prize a meeting with producer Clancy Eccles, with whom he recorded his first song, “God Made the Sea and the Sun”, the following year.[2][3] The single didn’t sell well, and disappointed with the lack of promotion from Eccles, he moved on to Rupie Edwards, who produced Clarke’s first hits in 1973, with “Everyday Wondering” and “Julie”.[1][2] In 1974, Clarke moved on again, recording “Jump Back Baby” for Glen Brown, before beginning a long association with Bunny Lee and his band The Aggrovators in 1974.[2] “None Shall Escape the Judgement” was an immediate success[4] and became the title track on Clarke’s debut album.
Clarke was named Artist of the Year in Jamaica in both 1975 and 1976,[4] and became one of the most popular singers on the island, mixing original songs with covers of popular reggae songs by other artists, and mixing roots and lovers-themed material.[2] Many of Clarke’s songs concern his faith as a Rasta and the beliefs of the Rastafari movement, including anti-violence (as on “Let Go Violence”) and legalization of marijuana (“Legalize It”). He helped define the “Flying Cymbals” period that preceded the “Roots Rockers” sound of the mid- to late 1970s.[5] Clarke was one of the first Jamaican artists signed to Virgin Records‘ Frontline subsidiary in 1976, releasing the albums Authorized Version and Rockers Time Now on the label.[2] Clarke enjoyed further hits in the early 1980s with producer S Douglas, before working again with Lee. His popularity in Jamaica, however, declined, and he relocated to London in 1983, recording with Mad Professor, as well as further recordings for Jamaican producers King Tubby, Errol Thompson, and Prince Jammy. He has since occasionally reappeared with new material – Rasta Nuh Fear in 1992, and Rock With Me in 1997 – and continues to tour regularly.[2] His song “None Shall Escape the Judgement” was featured on the Trojan roots compilations.
Clarke is known for his so-called “African Roots” or knee-length dreadlocks, which, when performing live, he frequently conceals inside a large hat. At the climax of his concert, he removes his hat, revealing his “African Roots” to the audience.
He set up his own Hit Machine label, his first album on the label being Jamaica 50 Johnny Clarke Sing Then Dub Them, released in 2012 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Jamaican independence.[5]
Studio albums
- None Shall Escape (1974) Total Sounds
- Moving Out (1975) Total Sounds
- Enter Into His Gates With Praise (1975)
- Sings In Fine Style (1975)
- I’m Gonna Put It On (1975) Vulcan
- No Woman No Cry (1976) Total Sounds
- Authorised Version (1976) Frontline
- Rocker’s Time Now (1976) Frontline
- Don’t Stay Out Late (1976) Paradise
- Up Park Camp (1977) Justice
- Girl I Love You (1977) Justice
- Sweet Conversation (1978) Third World
- King of the Arena (1978) Third World
- Satisfaction (1979) Third World
- Down In a Babylon (1980) Cha Cha
- I Man Come Again (1982) Black Music
- Yard Style (1983) Ariwa
- Reggae Party (1984)
- Sly & Robbie Present the Best of Johnny Clarke (1985) Vista Sounds
- Give Thanks (1985) Ariwa
- Enter into His Gates with praise (1989) Attack
- Rasta Nuh Fear (1992) Sonic Sounds
- Don’t trouble trouble (1994) Attack
- Rock With Me (1997)
- Reggae Heights (2003) Mafia & Fluxy
- Jamaica 50 Johnny Clarke Sing Then Dub Them (2012), Hit Machine
Chezidek
Chezidek (born Desbert Johnson, 1973, Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica) is a roots reggae singer.[1] He is known for his hit singles, “Call Pon Dem” (featured in Grand Theft Auto IV), “Can’t Hear Must Feel”, “Inna Di Road”, and “Leave De Trees”.
Biography
Chezidek started singing from an early age at school concerts, and was a member of St. Ann’s Bay Marching Band.[2] After finishing school he performed on sound systems in the area, as Chilla Rinch, singing and DJing at various dance and talent shows.[3]
He left St. Ann’s Bay for Kingston where he linked up with record producer Philip “Fatis” Burrell from Xterminator Production.[3] He recorded his first album in 2002, entitled Harvest Time (distributed by VP Records), with popular tracks such as “Can’t Hear Must Feel”, “Breakfree” and the title track “Harvest Time”.[2]
His first number one hit single “Leave De Trees” on the Our Promotion label,[4] produced by Hugh Miller (aka Bunny Dan) went on BBC Top 10 dancehall chart.[3] Since then he has performed on major events such as Magnum Sting, Teen Splash, Dancehall Jam Jam, Bob Marley Tribute, and Tribute to Peter Tosh, Rebel Salute and Western Consciousness. He was awarded best new artiste by the Jamaica Federation of Music and Affiliated Artiste (JFM) for Middlesex (County).[3]
Chezidek’s album Inna Di Road was produced by Bobby “Massive B” Konders and distributed by Greensleeves Records in September 2007. “Call Pon Dem” as well as covers of “Mi Nah Run” from his album Inna Di Road is featured on the fictional radio station Massive B Sound system in Grand Theft Auto IV.
Discography
Harvest Time (album)
- Released: 16 July 2002
- Tracks: Eleven
- Singles: “Breakfree”, “Can’t Hear Must Feel”, “Harvest Time”
Rising Sun (album)
- Released: 29 March 2005
- Tracks: Fourteen
- Singles: “Inna Love”
Mash Dem Down (album)
- Released: 18 August 2006
- Tracks: Fourteen
- Singles: “Mash Dem Down”
Firm Up Yourself (album)
- Released: 5 June 2007
- Tracks: Fourteen
Inna Di Road (album)
- Released: 11 September 2007
- Tracks: Fourteen
- Bonus tracks: Two (Music Videos – “Inna Di Road”, “Call Pon Dem”) on (enhanced) CD
- Singles: “Call Pon Dem”, “Inna Di Road”, “Leave The Trees”, “Mi Nah Run”
Judgement Time (album)
- Released: 4 June 2010
- Label: Heartbeat Europ (SunnyMoon)
- Tracks: Seventeen
NIGIBOY
Imeru Tafari
Entertainment News
Imeru making use of every blessing
Third-generation reggae recording artiste Imeru Tafari is projected to carry forward the legacy of strong entertainers, including his mother, reggae singer Queen Ifrica, and ska and rocksteady pioneer Derrick Morgan, his grandfather. While his family is renowned, there is still a lot to be learnt about the up-and-coming entertainer who has evolved from the nervous 16-year-old protege who debuted on stage at Rebel Salute in 2010.
“I have been interacting with and learning from people I grew up listening to as a child, so I am humbled and ready to make use of every blessing,” he told THE STAR.
He received his first major breakthrough with Silent Prayer, recorded on the Divine Majesty riddim, produced by Israel records and Sonovic music, and which featured songs by other reggae and dancehall entertainers such as Chronic Law, Kabaka Pyramid and 5 Star Celestial.
With the project being released in 2020, during the initial stages of the COVID-19 lockdown, Imeru was uncertain how he would progress without performances or other opportunities for in-the-street promotion.
“I honestly didn’t expect so much support on YouTube because we were in the heat of the pandemic. After that release, I gained a lot of supporters on social media. I had to take hold of the small wins at that time, and it forced me to mature in the studio while voicing. I started to observe myself more and become my biggest critic. My vocal skills greatly improved after that,” Imeru shared.
And others are recognising that maturity. He secured a feature on a track with dancehall sensation Popcaan, titled Elevate. The song has already garnered more than two million views on YouTube. In the song, he pays homage to his mother, calling her by her name Ventrice Morgan, which he shared was Popcaan’s idea.
Imeru shared, “He calls her mama, just to show you the level of respect he has for her [so] when we were in the studio listening to the riddim, he mentioned it, and it manifested in the track. Queen Ifrica says a lot in her music, but as a mother, she acts upon those words. So as a child, I learned a lot of my core morals and principles from her actions. She lives by example as a Rastafari woman, and that has imprinted on me from day one.”
Imeru says he has learnt a lot from Popcaan.
“Popcaan has taught me so much, and I feel blessed to be on the musical map. However, I care less about self-gratification and more about the process of learning through new experiences. I am more comfortable writing traditional reggae music. However, he showed me the possibility of exploring different sounds that will attract other audiences. I am a Rasta, but I’m also a Jamaican man, born and grown in Granville, St James. I know and share the experiences of a ghetto youth,” he shared.
Despite the criticisms the dancehall genre has received as being violent, Imeru said that he is grateful to be part of the legacy of dancehall music and hopes for unity, especially among his Rastafarian brothers and sisters.
“Disunity in Rastafari has been happening for years because of different approaches to the lifestyle and teachings and spiritual beliefs, but we have to find a solution together. The ancients need to trust the younger generation and give them a chance to carry the baton and amend some of the issues,” Imeru said.
“It’s not only Rastafari has disunity. Humans overall are disconnected. We are all unique. We have our own face, fingerprint and voices. Conflict is inevitable. But people need to find patience to reason more and find solutions to problems peacefully by respecting each other,” he concluded.
Source: http://jamaica-star.com/article/entertainment/20220322/imeru-making-use-every-blessing
KUMAR FYAH
Biography
Music resides in the very bones of this multi-instrumentalist, who spent his formative years as a church drummer before formally studying classical piano and eventually strumming his guitar on stages across the globe. Even his leisure time is spent reading books about the history and science of music. Simply put, Kumar has never been afraid to evolve creatively or otherwise. As self-assured as he was when he declared that he will be “playing music for the rebels” on ‘Judgement Day,’ so he remains confident today, encouraging all who will hear: “If you wanna change then the time is now. If you wanna know, let me show you how.” (‘Good Life’)
Here is a man who knows where he is going but is also thankful for where he is coming from. Born on December 12, 1988, Kumar McCarty Bent was raised in the parish of Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica. As a young man he found himself frequenting sound system hubs in the neighboring parish of Clarendon, where he would purchase dubplates for resale in other sections of the island. It was not long before he found himself ghostwriting for upcoming artists, most notably Duane Stephenson who hired Kumar for a project in collaboration with producer Christopher Birch. A working relationship was then established with Birch, and Kumar grew into a full-fledged artist, known originally as Damari. His artistic development continued with productions from Notis Records before he was approached by Raging Fyah to become the band’s lead singer. Damari then became the world renown Kumar, helping the outfit to break beyond a local industry usually unaligned with band culture to become one of the forefront bands of the Reggae Revival movement.
The rest, of course, is history. Yet this is a history still unfolding and one in which a 30-year-old Kumar has returned to life as a solo artist, feeling renewed and experiencing new heights of creativity. The first single of this new phase, ‘It’s Alright’ (produced by Nebulus Records/Big Yard Music) is a signal to his longtime supporters that Kumar’s usual strength of voice and depth of message are not going anywhere, anytime soon. At the same time he is evidently evolving beyond the usual genres and sounds that have previously accompanied his words. Going forward, Kumar is delving deeper into various sources of inspiration and he invites us all to join him the rest of the way on his incredible musical journey.
TIMOY TJ JONES
Biography
Biography Teejay, the given name by his brother Dan Tippa who is also a musician, Teejay born 3rd October 1994 and the given birth name Timoy Janeyo Jones from Glendevon, Bottom Pen, Montego Bay in the parish of St James, Jamaica. Teejay attended Glendevon Primary and Junior High School. Teejay is from a musical background with three brothers and one sister.
At the age of six, Teejay was inspired and motivated by his brothers C & C was the group name at that time of whom are all musicians. Teejay started recording from the age of 6 years old. The studio was home based and he had the chance to capitalize on his music talent. He did not stop there, he went on to do great music. Teejay is also inspired international artistes like Percy Sledge, Maxi Priest, Dennis Brown, Buju Banton, Celine Dion and Mariah Carey. Teejay wrote his first song at the age of 10 2005 which was ‘I know Jah’ a song that was well received in the community of Glendevon. Teejay was very popular in his community and he used to sing on gospel shows, talent shows and also dancehall stage shows. People always loved to hear Teejay sing because of his brilliant voice. At the age of 13 he attended St James High School which he was one the lead singer for the school choir on TVJ All Together Sing 2007 from that Teejay was also a recording artiste for a recording label which is Ten Floor Records with artistes such as Teacher Dee, Dan Tippa, Mr Ice, Fresh Evil, Esca, Stilla Blaze, Father Brissett which is a riddim builder, DJ Jigga is a radio personality on Linkz FM and also the winner of Heinekin Green Synergy. Teejay started to voice for European producers Addi Rock, JMC productions and many more, Teejay is also a Studio Engineer, writes his own music on his own production.
At the age of 14 he had a song for all the schools in Jamaica the name of the song was ‘Schoolaz Antem’ that song was very popular and was heavily rotated on the radio airwaves, school shows and street dances. At the age of 16 due to financial constraints he no longer attended school and did not complete his exams. However from that he decided to take his music career to a next level In 2010, had a summer song which was taken a spot in Montego Bay, one of Teejay’s friend known as ‘Gilly Pree’, started to play a role in his career as his road manager.
Teejay’s first show with a popular artiste who was on the rise on that time known as ‘Tommy Lee’ from the Gaza. The next show ‘Push it to the Limit’, ‘Pink Fridays’ ‘Ink Up’ . In 2012, started releasing songs like ‘My Life’ which is a big song on youtube, ‘Summer Time’, ‘Living My Life’, Move From Deh’, and many more. In that time, Teejay met with another artiste who is known as ‘Melody Blacks’, a well respected artiste in Glendevon, Norwood. Melody Blacks told Teejay that he wanted to start his own video productions and he also wanted to work with him. The first video production that Melody Blacks did was ‘My Life’ by Teejay which is currently on youtube. During the same time, Teejay met with some other artistes from the same community of Melody Blacks, these artistes are very talented such as Rhyminister, Knowledge and also Melody Blacks. The artistes decided to start a music family would be a great idea. Teejay started to do his own engineering work for these artistes and himself songs like Rhyminister ‘Killaz and Killaz’ which is currently the number 1 song in Montego Bay. Teejay and Rhyminister ‘Bad mind a Tek Dem Ova’, Teejay and Knowledge, ‘Life Set Away’, ‘Psychobel’ by Teejay and Rhyminister and many more . Teejay says “hard work leads to success”. In 2013, these are some of the top songs in Montego Bay. During the same time, Teejay started to work with Gilly Pree and Claudia Yap, CY Entertainment Management & Bookings, Claudia Yap is a UK Entrepreneur and is heavily involved in the music industry. The same year 2013, January 7 Teejay became a father of a baby boy who is called Jayden Jones. Teejay says his son “is the next great talent to the world and he is trying his best to make sure his name lives on for his son. This talent is going to be the next great Icon of the world, and to all his friends, family and relatives look out for Teejay.
Teejay’s music is been played in the dancehall and overseas and is currently being played on the radio airwaves on Linkz, More FM, Sting fM (UK) and other radio stations around the world.
Davianah
entertainment news
Davianah ‘Wanna Be’ herself – Tony Rebel’s daughter breaks free from public’s expectations
Published: Monday | December 24, 2018 | 12:00 AM Sade Gardner
Being the daughter of reggae luminary Tony Rebel comes with a lot of uninvited assumptions. As his daughter Davianah shared, she is often assumed to be a reggae singer and has tried to alter her brand because of who her father is.
But not anymore. The singjay is breaking free with her upcoming mixtape Wanna Be, which demystifies the entertainer, who actually has an affinity for trap, R&B and dancehall music.
“It’s an introduction. I want people to get a good understanding of who I am and my personality,” she told The Sunday Gleaner. “I’m getting a couple artistes who will be saying how they feel about me, so there will be a lot of clippings of me speaking, my father, and other artistes. The mixtape will also have a part of it where it’s just interviews, so in-between tracks, you’re going to hear clippings of interviews with me. This will allow people to get a little glimpse into who Davianah is musically.”
This will be her first body of work since making her debut on the music scene in 2011. The title track is one of 10 on the mixtape, which is being produced by the family-run Young Rebel Records. Davianah hopes to release it by March the latest.
“I’m doing a little bit of what I feel – it’s going to be a nice mix of reggae, trap, everything,” she explained. “I don’t really have expectations for it; I just want people to listen to it and tell me what they think about it. but I’m always putting out things just to let people have a chance to hear me and like me if they want.”
The Making Moves artiste has been showing a more raunchy side in recent months in a series of trap freestyles on her social-media platforms. While this may be new to some onlookers, Davianah said she has always embraced her sexuality but was hesitant to publicly express it due to the affiliation with her father.
“It has always been me. what I’m doing now is sharing it with people of the world cause I never use to. seeing that daddy is who he is, I would always cover up a lot,” she shared. “I would never post certain things on Instagram, but I want them to get a good idea of who I am, and if I was to be, ‘oh, I’m this reggae girl’, skanking all the time in the African print, I would not be real to myself. The truth of the matter is, I am a trap baby. I love short clothes and I love when my clothes very short and very tight. I want to show my pretty little body. I believe I am very sexy and ‘flossy’ from ever since. Daddy knows who I am; he tells people all the time, even when he brings me out on stage. it’s just that the world doesn’t know.”
Mixtape aside, Davianah hopes to make further strides in her career in the new year.
“This year was amazing and very progressive. I think I stepped up a lot this year, and I’m hoping to go further next year. Two thousand and nineteen looks like a nice year for me, so me just waa continue climb and see how far I can go.”
CHRISTOPHER ELLIS
JUNIOR HOLT
RAS-I
5 STAR Celestial
BRIMSTONE
AZA LINEAGE
TANZIE
ABATAU