Already a veteran of the music business and a legend in his country, Trinidad, Machel Montano has been taking his taste of soca rhythms to the masses for decades and is now being recognized internationally for it.
At the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) held on Sunday, May 4th at the Apollo Theater in New York, Montano walked away with not only the most wins of the night but also the most coveted awards of the night. These include the Bob Marley Entertainer of the Year, Most Outstanding Stage Personality of the Year and Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer awards.
Yeah man, me Buffilous again. Mi back broad, mi nuh gi two cents whey nobady waa write bout mi. Rootz girl can tan deh meck everyting badda har, if yuh duh dat yuh neva meck a move. Anyway, all a di YardFlex reader dem a mi friend so mi nuh care how dem cuss mi out...mi love almshouse and mi nah tap. And speaking bout mix up and blenda check out dis ya one yah.
And before unno chat, no a nuh mi friend, mi just know bout di situation alright.
Dis 69 year old rasta woman deh wid a 27 year old guy who waan fi marry har. But how she suh lucky. Dat deh young stud waan har fi di rest a har life and yuh have some young ooman whey can't find a man a har own!
Curry Festival in Westmoreland was a sell off event. The massive turned out to enjoy the sumptuous treats that were available. Everything that could be curried was curried and it seemed that's just the way the massive crowd wanted it as they flocked every available stall on the compound.
The day was about sampling, chatting, kicking back and just having fun. The vibes continued like that until it was showtime. The Mannings Chorale delighted with their sweetly blended voice, earning themselves some enthusiastic cheers.
The 'Jamaican Michael Jackson' managed to inject some laughter – couldn't tell if they were laughing at the act or because of their antics. DJ Nicholas was a sure winner as he injected some spiritual energy into the crowd going into some of his popular numbers such as What Kind of Church Is This, Mi Waan One Soul and others. By the time he was through the crowd seemed totally satisfied.
YardFlex nuh stop get comment from people whey go a di International Reggae and World Music Awards pon how Barbee likkle bredda impress dem.
Yeah man when Beenie Man couldn't collect di award di likkle nine year old bwoy go pon di stage and sey him a collect on behalf of Beenie Man and to top it off, di pickney sey Zagga zow! When him done talk...place pop up. Him guh back di next time and collect again and him personality done di place.
Mi nah tell nuh lie, di pickney did cute and people a wonder sey him fit di video light. A wonda him him plan fi guh pon broadway?
Preparations for Reggae Sumfest 2008 is definitely in full swing, despite Red Stripe's move to withdraw their sponsorship after a seven-year stint as title sponsor.
Dicigel, Ocean Spray and Air Jamaica, JTB and VP Records have once again signed on as major sponsors of the event. While for the first time, Supreme Ventures has signed on as a Silver sponsor, Red Bull has come on board as a Gold sponsor and Jamrock Magazine as a Platinum sponsor. The disclosures were made by Marcia McDonnough of Touch Stone Production and Marketing, which represents for Reggae Sumfest.
Reggae Sumfest in its 16th year will run from July 13-19. As usual, the festival will kick off with the beach party at Tropical Beach on Sunday, July 13, featuring top sound systems. On Thursday, July 17 top dancehall performers will energize the full capacity crowd, while Friday and Saturday will continue the tradition of offering the finest reggae singers and bands, alongside top international stars.
At a private concert held in Paris on Tuesday of this week pop diva Madonna announced she loves to french-kiss the French! as she ground away at an electric guitar.
According to AP news Madonna put on a high-voltage half-hour show for a privileged 1,500 fans to mark the release of Hard Candy, her 10th chart-topping album. "Who do you love more, me or the Rolling Stones?" she asked the crowd packing the Olympia, a mythical concert hall near the Paris opera, before launching into a ear-popping heavy-metal version of her mega-hit, Hung Up.
"I thought you might say that," quipped the queen of pop, who turns 50 on August 16, as the adoring crowd roared back their answer.
It seldom occurs when an album is created with all the songs being a hit. So if you're in the mood for conscious, uplifting, cultural messages and positive vibes then "Get It In Your Mind" by Bushman is the album for you.
This album features singers Richie B and Prince Jabba, as well as, producers such as: Fabon Francis, Kabs, Negus-esh, Dwayne Bacchas, Christopher Pearce, Tramaine Allen, Michael Williams, Togetherness Records, Rawl Productions, Dwight Duncan, Stephen Gibbs, Denovan Germaine, Glen Brown and Royal Braithwaite.
Born Dwight Duncan, in the village of Spring Garden, St. Thomas, Bushman attended the Lysson All Age School, where his music teacher noticed his potential for music and nurtured him during his developing stages. Dwight then went on to Yallas High School where he continued to shine musically as a member of the school choir, participating in numerous school concerts. During his teenage years he became the selector for Black Star Line sound-system and then known as Junior Melody he took part in several singing competitions and talent searches in and around St. Thomas. Gaining a strong local fan base Junior Melody began to sing dub plates for local sound-systems. The rave reviews from the sound selectors and the people of his community encouraged Junior Melody to take his talent to the next level, the studios of Kingston Jamaica, the place to be if he wanted to make a name for himself in the reggae business.
Hey peeps, from di odda day mi a hold a meds and kip quiet. Cause whether unno want to believe it or not mi nuh feel suh good when mi read unno comments and si some a whey unno haffi sey. Memba sey mi have an opinion like everyone else and unno nuh si mi a cuss unno off fi it. Straight up mi nuh suh strong like Buffilous cause it come een like sey comment just roll offa fi har back. Although some a fi har friend sem really outa whack.
But mi have something pon mi mind and mi caan kip it nuh more. Mi fed up! Mi tiad! Mi caan teck di way how di fish dem just a teck ova everything. Yuh have money gay, powerful gay, committed gay and di whole a dem a attack di straight people a Jamaica. Not to mention how di artistes dem a feel it. Red Stripe stop sponsor live shows, some artiste caan even perform any and anywhey and pon top a it, it come een like dem waa fi tell wi how fi run wi country.
International Curryfest 2008 will be held on June 15, 2008 at the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida.
It will be the events first staging, and it will bring to the Tri-state area, a Caribbean Flavour. "The event will be highlighted by a display of curry cuisine", says Patrick 'Lexus' Simpson of International Curry Fest. He emphasized that the day will be one filled with togetherness, the kind that will be created by fun, food (curry dishes) and entertainment.
It was another week of the KLAS Stay in School Tour. This week roads lead to Central High School in the beautiful parish of Clarendon. The auditorium was full of energetic students ready to be entertained. Apart from the many artistes who were present to entertain, the students had Inseason juice drinking competitions and hot juggling from DJ Kat. DJ Kat played much to the students delight and they were not afraid to show off their dance moves. They showed much enthusiasm to Mavado's "On the Rock" and Erup's "Click Me Fingers".
After all this excitement, there was still more to come. Among the artistes that stood out were Nesbeth, Baby Chris, Blacker and Dugsy.
Rap artiste 50 Cent had his diamond-encrusted chain stolen by super overzealous fans during at a recent concert in Angola.
Hmm, he had better be more careful about how he dangles temptation in front of his fans...as they will do anything to get a piece of him. The "In Da Club" hitmaker, real name Curtis Jackson, was performing in Luanda with his G-Unit crew when one man jumped up onto the stage and grabbed the jewelry from his neck.
In a grainy video footage posted online, the assailant can be seen running off with the chain as 50 Cent and his entourage chase after him.
According to TMZ.com, 50 Cent caught up with the thief and is alleged to have punched him before claiming back his prized chain. A source tells the website, "The chain is around 50's neck right now."
In Dancehall circles, the name DeMarco brings to mind an artist with a great lyrical gift. The way that he flows and rhymes is very infectious.
He has surged up the ranks with his bonafide hits, "Fallen Soldiers" and "Duppy Know Who Fi Frighten." The latter has caught the attention of international record label, Koch, which is the same stable for international stars like Sean Kingston and Ray J. The cross over appeal of Fallen Soldiers has given DeMarco a three album deal with the label.
That aside, there is a certain revelation that caught YardFlex totally by surprise during our interview with the singjay.
DeMarco is actually multi-talented! Speaking with his manager and having received confirmation from producers concerned, we found out that DeMarco is actually responsible for creating all the hottest current rhythms in Reggae music.
He began making this trek with the Side Walk University rhythm, which features Vybz Kartel's "Beyonce Wine". His dominance is now unparalleled, because he has in his catalog, the Mission rhythm featuring Mavado's "On The Roc" and Junior Gong and Stephen Marley's rhythm track, "Mission."
DeMarco created the Black Rain, featuring Busy Signal's "Pon Di Edge," The Warring 2008 Rhythm, featuring Mavado's "Money Changer," the Gang War rhythm featuring Junior Gong's "One Loaf of Bread" and the Shoot Out rhythm, featuring Mykal Rose's "Police and Thief."
With a deep-seated passion that engulfs his persona, this young man stands out from the rest. With an intense love and enthusiasm for every aspect of the music business – from producing to songwriting to deejaying to engineering – Demarco has his fingers on the pulse of almost every genre of the infectious rhythms of the world. Whether it's reggae, dancehall, hip-hop or R&B, Demarco has written and produced for the best of them. Top names like Olivia, Styles P and Sean Paul have experienced his producing skills, while Bounty Killer and others have put vocals to his lyrics; and in between all that Demarco still finds time to do combinations with other artists and record his own songs!
Planet Reggae always finds room for a great roots, and BE PREPARED! JAMELODY'S 15 track VP Records debut CD, showcase a rare voice: soulful, gritty, with echoes of Dennis Brown and Garnet Silk, as well as Stevie Wonder ; but Jamelody is clearly his own man, and he sings not just for one audience, but for the whole world.
Jamelody is the artiste with the unique sound; his songs not only have a Reggae flavour but also incorporates Pop and R&B. Fans and the public can expect an album with a brand new vibe, a new voice that everyone everywhere can relate to, and this album promises to showcase uniqueness like they've never heard.
Jamelody got his inspiration for this album from the almighty, his friends, family and even enemies. Jamelody is looking forward to the release of this album and hopes everyone will support him. He hopes when the album is released everyone around the world will be satisfied and will know Jamelody.
The Best Dressed Chicken 50 Fest was indeed a major success. The two day celebration brought out saved and unsaved from all denominations. It was an event for the whole family. Persons left high spirited and wanting more.
The show started in the mid day with fun and excitement for the children. At 5:30 pm, it was time for the artistes to perform. Whoever said that Christians and Gospel music are boring was proved wrong. On Saturday the crowd saw the likes of Chevelle Franklin, DJ Nicholas and Israel.
Da'Ville keeps rising. The crooner has now stretch his talent to the 'Mother Land' Africa. He now has a number one song on the Kenya's Top 40 Reggae Chart with 'Dreaming'.
The song is on the 1-9 rhythm produced by Jamaica's famous Robert Livingston from the Big Yard label. His latest single 'Yesterday' continues to do justice for the singer's career. It is positioned on Richie B's Top 20 Reggae Chart at #1,. Ascending to #8 on Hype TV Top 20 Singles Chart and #2 on RE TV's Top 20 Reggae Chart. Entertainment pundits are predicting that, at the pace the song is moving, in a couple of weeks it could be in the top 5 position on all the major charts. The single and video are enjoying heavy rotation locally and internationally.
Da'Ville has a rather hectic schedule of activities slated for the month of May. On May 3 and 5th he will be performing in Grenada and Antigua respectively, with all the other events slated for the U.S. On May 10, he will be in Washington DC, and then on Sunday, May 11, it will be at the "Queen of The Sea" event in Queens, New York.
The members of the GLK Entertainment Group, the official promoters of Mello Vibes and Yesterday, have distanced themselves from popular promoter Roderick Reid who they say resigned from the organization almost a year ago.
"Rodrick Reid was never a promoter of Mello Vibes, however he was a promoter of Yesterday, and had a minor share in that event. For some time, he has not been actively involved in the promotion of that show. He had resigned from the GLK Entertainment group because of 'creative differences'. The promoters of GLK promoters, in no shape or form condone any act between anyone of the same sex, and condemn categorically any act of molestation and exploitation of children," Gyete Ghartey, who is a partner of the group, said in a release issued today.
Popular party promoter Rodrick Reid will appear before the courts today to answer charges of indecent assault and gross indecency after administering alcohol to a minor with the intent of committing an indictable offence. He is accused of molesting a boy who was under his supervision
YardFlex gleaned that Beyonce has got the mother of all pre nuptials agreement with hubby Jay Z that could result in adding another $25 mil to her already huge net.
Word is that the longer Beyonce stays married to S. Carter, the more money he pays. The thirty-eight year old Carter's net worth is estimated at $300 million.
It is no secret that Jay-Z adores Beyonce, and was pretty much willing to give her almost anything she wanted. The prenup calls for Jay-Z to pay Beyonce $10 million if the marriage ends after two years, and $1 million a year for each further year she remains in the marriage, up to fifteen years.
"Beyonce would be granted access to their private jet and a fleet of cars, which includes a $1 million 1959 Rolls Royce convertible," this according to a tabloid snitch.
Jay's thrown in a few incentives for having children: He's promised to pay her an additional $5 million for each child she bears for him-for her loss of income during pregnancy and child-rearing years."
Damn, talk about a match made in heaven...go Beyonce...this is what we would call a sweet deal.
Capitol News reported yesterday evening that monopoly NCN radio has taken the decision to ban the music of Bounty Killer and Mavado from their airwaves.
According to a report carried on livinguyana.blogspot.com the move follows the government banning the two Jamaican dancehall artistes from traveling to Guyana to perform or for any other purpose. On air presenters were informed of the move late yesterday afternoon.
This is a natural move following the banning of the artistes from Guyana. Mavado was slated to perform alongside Lady Saw at the Linden Town Week this weekend but since his ban has been replaced by the self proclaimed dancehall king Beenie Man.
Yeah man, me Buffilous again. Mi back broad, mi nuh gi two cents whey nobady waa write bout mi. Rootz girl can tan deh meck everyting badda har, if yuh duh dat yuh neva meck a move. Anyway, all a di YardFlex reader dem a mi friend so mi nuh care how dem cuss mi out...mi love almshouse and mi nah tap. And speaking bout mix up and blenda check out dis ya one yah.
Curry Festival in Westmoreland was a sell off event. The massive turned out to enjoy the sumptuous treats that were available. Everything that could be curried was curried and it seemed that's just the way the massive crowd wanted it as they flocked every available stall on the compound.
TW LW WOC Artiste Name - Song Title - Record Label
Preparations for Reggae Sumfest 2008 is definitely in full swing, despite Red Stripe's move to withdraw their sponsorship after a seven-year stint as title sponsor.
At a private concert held in Paris on Tuesday of this week pop diva Madonna announced she loves to french-kiss the French! as she ground away at an electric guitar.
It seldom occurs when an album is created with all the songs being a hit. So if you're in the mood for conscious, uplifting, cultural messages and positive vibes then "Get It In Your Mind" by Bushman is the album for you.
Hey peeps, from di odda day mi a hold a meds and kip quiet. Cause whether unno want to believe it or not mi nuh feel suh good when mi read unno comments and si some a whey unno haffi sey. Memba sey mi have an opinion like everyone else and unno nuh si mi a cuss unno off fi it. Straight up mi nuh suh strong like Buffilous cause it come een like sey comment just roll offa fi har back. Although some a fi har friend sem really outa whack.
Rap artiste 50 Cent had his diamond-encrusted chain stolen by super overzealous fans during at a recent concert in Angola.
In Dancehall circles, the name DeMarco brings to mind an artist with a great lyrical gift. The way that he flows and rhymes is very infectious.
Planet Reggae always finds room for a great roots, and BE PREPARED! JAMELODY'S 15 track VP Records debut CD, showcase a rare voice: soulful, gritty, with echoes of Dennis Brown and Garnet Silk, as well as Stevie Wonder ; but Jamelody is clearly his own man, and he sings not just for one audience, but for the whole world.
Da'Ville keeps rising. The crooner has now stretch his talent to the 'Mother Land' Africa. He now has a number one song on the Kenya's Top 40 Reggae Chart with 'Dreaming'.
The members of the GLK Entertainment Group, the official promoters of Mello Vibes and Yesterday, have distanced themselves from popular promoter Roderick Reid who they say resigned from the organization almost a year ago.
TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL 
YardFlex gleaned that Beyonce has got the mother of all pre nuptials agreement with hubby Jay Z that could result in adding another $25 mil to her already huge net.
Capitol News reported yesterday evening that monopoly NCN radio has taken the decision to ban the music of Bounty Killer and Mavado from their airwaves.