Jamaican musician -- and son of reggae legend Bob Marley -- Stephen Marley has won a Grammy for Best Reggae Album for his acoustic version of the album 'Mind Control.' This original 'Mind Control' also won the same award back in 2008.


In taking the Grammy Stephen edged out Buju Banton with Rasta Got Soul, Gregory Isaacs Brand New Me, his brother Julian Marley with Awake and Sean Paul’s Imperial Blaze .


Yardflex takes the opportunity to congratulate Stephen.

Photos By: ASHON WILLIAMS

Dancehall artiste Sizzla Kalonji whose real name is Miguel Collins, has bene released form jail.


Sizzla was taken into custody for questioning in relation to an alleged shooting incident in August Town, St. Andrew.


His manager, Phillip Burrell said that the artiste had not been charged.


Reports are that Sizzla was picked up on Wednesday night by the August Town Police after they received reports that men were firing guns in the area.


A senior officer at the Half-Way-Tree Police Station told RJR News that the artiste's hands have been swabbed and samples sent to the government laboratory to determine whether he had fired a weapon.

It was more than an ordinary performance. Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds delivered a soul-stirring, goose-bump raising, concert style show that can easily rival any performance the singer has given around the world – and it was clear that the night belonged to him.


Sharply dressed in an all-black ensemble, Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds indelibly wrote his name in the annals of the history of the JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival. Making his triumphant entrance on the epic stage to the chords This Is For The Cool, and the stage lighting bounced off his skin magnificently.


“Whoo!” he said, to excite the thousands gathered at The Greenfield Stadium in Trewalany, and in complete sync with his band, he shouted “Good evening Jamaica!” Then it was official, Babyface had arrived and was ready to rock the Festival and its patrons.


He beckoned to the ladies to scream, before performing Close My Eyes, which he dedicated to his now fawning female fans. Babyface’s vocal chords are still in shape and well tunes, and he used every bit of his musical mastery to woo the JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival for almost two hours, with a full set of the extensive repertoire of music the artiste has developed over the years, including a guitar showdown with his band’s lead guitarist.


Every now and then, the smooth-skinned and agile Babyface threw in a bit of comedy and his on-stage antics bolstered the crowd to show him even more love and the crowd seemed to have reached its capacity for screaming. That soon proved to be only temporary, as Mr Edmonds decided to go through a medley of songs he wrote and produced for other artistes including Day and Night, Every Step I Take, I Wanna Rock With You Baby, Can We Talk For A Minute, My My My, Mama, and To The End Of The Road – to which he added a spontaneous jump into the crowd. His set also included a tear-jerking tribute to the late King of Pop Michael Jackson, with Gone Too Soon.


While Babyface’s performance was hands down the performance of the night, stagemate and UK-based singer Joss Stone also proved to be more than worth watching. Walking out by asking “are you ready to sing with me now”, the songbird jumped into the crowd who were lukewarm to the petite bombshell. The crowd now fully excited and engaged, Stone made her way back to the stage where her band struck the right note as she posed another question to the Festival’s patrons. This time, it was “are you digging on me?” The answer was simple and loud: “yes”, followed by emphatic exclamations from the multitudes ready to see her perform.


She breezed through her fast-building catalogue of music, and like most international acts do when the touch Jamaican stages, Stone sang the King of Reggae’s I Wanna Love You, and made the Marley melody all her own. Her performance reached a crescendo when she brought saxophonist to front of stage, and transformed the space into an onstage jazz café, and patrons didn’t mind in the least.


Local acts also rocked the stage well, including Romain Virgo and Cherine Anderson. The two, who performed early in the night, had persons rocking and rolling to their sweet songs and infectious music. So much so, that the two acts stayed locked in media interviews until wee hours of Friday morning, talking to persons who not only saw their stint on-stage, but heard raving and glowing comments about it.


Also of note were the Festival’s closing act, The Whispers. They go the beat going even as drizzles of rain damped the musically satisfied patrons, and when the energy-laced beat of When The Beat Goes On began to make familiar with jazzmaniacs, not even the showers could stop the dancing. Their mellow-mood set ended with patrons reaching a musical high that will not soon be forgotten.


The JAMAICA Jazz and Blues Festival will continue today, Friday January 29 with Erykah Badu, Billy Ocean, Machel Montano HD, Robin Banks, Deborah Cox, Tamia, and Kelly Price. The latter three will be performing as The Queens Project. Friday night, nicknamed ‘Friday on Fire’ is sure to go down in history as one of the best ever concert nights of the Festival.

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

Protected



God is within me and around me. I am safe wherever I go.


In this moment, my thoughts are centered on God. Nothing can disturb the peace that fills my soul. I enfold my loved ones in thoughts of peace and safety and know that each is protected and provided for.


I take responsibility for my physical safety by being aware of my surroundings and not taking unnecessary chances. And I trust God. I am open to the wisdom of God and allow this infinite intelligence to guide and guard my steps. I also see God's guidance as an indwelling presence in others I pray for.


I am assured that God is present in every cell of my being, in every moment of my day. A simple prayer of "Thank You, God," is all I need to establish peace of mind and heart.


I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and my might.--Isaiah 12:2

Following his impressive Rebel Salute performance Iley Dread flew back to the States where he again stamped his class at a top reggae event in North Carolina. Come Thursday he will again be making the trek to Jamaica where he is expected to be gracing the Excellence In Music and Entertainment (EME) Awards stage in the Pegasus Gardens in Kingston.


There he will be treating Reggae music lovers with tracks from his latest album Unleashed driven by the lead single from it Are You Sure.


“I support Richie B’s vision. A lot of artistes out there are doing works and some are not recognized for it. The EME’s is all about acknowledging something good in the industry. I am particularly looking forward to making that connection with so many industry players in the house,” Iley stated.


Following his stint here in Jamaica, Iley will be heading back to the States where he has a Valentine’s show in Miami.


In between promoting his album the singer is now gearing up to shoot a music video for another single off his Unleashed album.

Popular dancehall artiste Miguel Collins popularly known as "Sizzla Kalonji" remains in police custody on Thursday.


He was picked up on Wednesday night by the August Town Police after they received reports that men were firing guns in the August Town area.


A senior officer at the Half-Way-Tree Police Station told RJR News that the artiste's hands have been swabbed and samples sent to the government laboratory to determine whether he had fired a weapon.


The senior cop declined to give any more details

Bwoy people still a talk bout did wicked interview whey Lisa Hyper do pon Irie FM on did programme name Entertainment Buzz. Mi sey she was so real, she just talk whatever come to har mind and when one caller phone in and ask har sey if a did first time she a go dung pon a man, wi did swear sey she nah go ansa, but nah sah, she admit sey a nuh did first! Fi real, yuh caan get nuh realer dan dat. Wi nah lie a nuff nuff people call in pon did programme and big up har status. Yeah man from how it sound Lisa Hyper gone clear.

Fulfilled


God is the source of all that fulfills me.


I take a moment in quiet meditation to consider what truly fulfills me. In this ease, I breathe deeply and fully. Gently, a thought comes to mind. Perhaps it's about something I have postponed or resisted. Have I been holding on to a limiting thought of I can't...? Am I willing to transform my I can't into an I can?


No matter what I want to accomplish, I never go through it alone. The spirit of God goes with me. Knowing this, I put my God-given intelligence and strength to use and do what is mine to do.


Regardless of what is required mentally, physically or spiritually, I can accomplish it. I can because God, my constant companion and guide, is the source of all that fulfills me.


May he grant you your heart's desire, and fulfill all your plans.--Psalm 20:4

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Dr. Kenneth Baugh has wished a speedy recovery for former Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies and Chairman of the Jamaican Diaspora Foundation, Professor Rex Nettleford who fell ill this morning (Thursday) in Washington.


Professor Nettleford was rushed to a hospital and placed in intensive care. Jamaica's Ambassador to the US, HE Anthony Johnson paid him a brief visit while Minister Baugh spoke with a member of the medical team assigned to him.


Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Dr. the Hon. Ronald Robinson who chairs the Special Committee of Parliament on Diaspora Affairs, informed the Committee's sitting at Gordon House this morning (Thursday) of Professor Nettleford's illness.


In wishing him a speedy recovery, Dr. Baugh said Professor Nettleford will be foremost in our prayers at this time.

Yardflex has it on good grounds that Reneto Adams fans might just be seeing him in action once again on the frontline. According to our sources he is being considered for a top post in the Jamaica Constabulary Force. From what we understand he could be receive the post of a special deputy commission with the responsibility of crime under his belt.


Well we hear he has been in talks with the top personnel and all we can say is – it’s about time!

By Rootzgirl


Honestly I could hardly stop myself from flinching when I read the story in the Star about the 11-month old baby who fell into a pot of soup.


Apparently her mom had to go to shop and left the baby in care of her 8-year-old sibling who took the pot of soup off the stove and placed it on the ground.


She wasn’t monitoring the baby properly and she fell into the soup.


Now , we can’t get upset at the little girl cause it’s not her job to be monitoring a child, considering she is a child herself.


Check out the case below:


A St Catherine mother is now facing a possible jail sentence after her 11-month-old baby fell into a pot of hot soup.


The woman, who pleaded guilty to negligence in the Linstead Resident Magistrate's Court last week, will know her fate on March 22, when she returns for sentencing.


Allegations outlined in court are that in early January, the woman went on an errand and left an eight-year-old and a two-year-old to supervise the infant.


During her absence, the eight-year-old child is said to have removed a pot of soup from the stove and placed it on the floor.


The baby is reported to have fallen into the pot of soup and suffered burns to his hands, head and back. She was hospitalised after the incident.


Following an investigation by the Riversdale police, the mother was taken into custody and charged.


When she appeared before Resident Magistrate Simone Maddix last week, she was not represented by a lawyer.


The court has placed the other two children in the care of their grandmother.

We really don’t like what’s going on. We think that the government should listen to the Pilot Association’s plea and sell the national airline to them. It’s utter nonsense to think that they would be a burden on the country’s resources once again.


Once the sale is final there is no way the government can be help responsible for its upkeep. As a matter of national pride we should at least try to have one asset that bears the country’s name.


We have been selling off everything from left and right now we can’t say we own anything in our own country.


All respect to Trinidad, but they own more of the country’s assets than we do, selling them Air Jamaica will now be the last straw in the coffin.


The government should at least take an objective look at the pilot’s proposal and allow them the chance to bring in their investors. That way we can all fly with pride.


Speaking for ourselves we have never flown anything else but Air Jamaica, so now what will happen to the loyal Air J flyers?


It’s time the government start listening to its real assets – its people.

All Is Well



I release financial concerns. I am free, and I am prosperous.


Letting go of financial worries and concerns is freeing. I ask myself an important question: "What really matters in my life right now?" The answer often reveals that love, fulfilling relationships, health and happiness are more important than any financial concerns.


I acknowledge the prosperity already evident in my life. I open my mind and heart to the abundance that is already here. I have faith that any resources I need are on their way. I do my part to open the way for greater prosperity to manifest.


I have everything I need today, tomorrow and always. The knowledge that I am one with Spirit and all is well frees me to live more abundantly.


Be content with what you have; for he has said, "I will never leave you or forsake you."--Hebrews 13:5

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

TAMPA, Florida (AP) — The attorney for Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton says the government entrapped his client in a drug deal.


In court documents filed Tuesday, David Markus says the government used a paid informant to convince his client to buy cocaine, the St. Petersburg Times reports. The defense is pushing to have the informant’s identity revealed.


To prove entrapment, Markus will have to show that Banton was not predisposed to engage in criminal behavior and that the government induced him.


Banton was arrested at his home Dec. 10. The 36-year-old, born Mark Myrie, pleaded not guilty to a drug charge in Tampa federal court. He’s being held without bail at Pinellas County Jail.


Banton’s trial is to begin in March. His latest album, “Rasta Got Soul,” has been nominated for a Grammy.

On Sunday, January 31 beginning at 12:00 noon and ending on Monday, February 1 at 2:00 AM, friends, fans and colleagues of the late great reggae superstar, Dennis Brown will gather on Orange Street between Charles and North Streets to have a festive time in celebrating the 53rd anniversary of Dennis’s birth.


Dennis was born on February 1, 1957 and is a product of downtown Kingston, living for many years at 135 Orange Street, commonly called Big Yard.


The festivity will take the form of a street fair, with vendors from the neighbourhood selling art, craft and food items. Music will be provided by the legendary Soultone sound system with selector Witty Henry, and guest selectors Roy Black, Bunny Goodison, Michael Barnett, Jimmy “Solo” Howard, and invited special guest selector Mayor Desmond McKenzie, who is reputed to have the most extensive collection of Dennis Brown records.


Live performances are expected from Ken Boothe, Beres Hammond, Gregory Isaacs, Marcia Griffiths, John Holt, George Nooks, Freddy McGregor and many others, with mc Tommy Cowan and backing band Lloyd Parkes and We the People. At midnight there will be a cake cutting ceremony with tributes paid to the Crown Prince’s musical contribution to the strength of Jamaican music. Invited guest speakers are the Honourable Olivia “Babsy” Grange, Minister of Youth Sports and Culture, and Mayor McKenzie. Also paying tributes are Junior Lincoln, chairman of the Dennis Brown Trust, Trevor “Leggo” Douglas of Leggo Recording Studio and a close friend of Dennis Brown, representing the music industry, and Julian “Jingles” Reynolds chairman of Sounds & Pressure.


The event will serve to kick-off Reggae Month, and is organised by the Dennis Brown Trust, Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JARIA), and Sounds & Pressure, an organisation committed to the restoration of downtown Kingston as a vibrant cultural centre, and in particular Orange Street also known as Beat Street, the music Mecca of the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s.

Telecoms giant, Digicel, has sponsored a recording with diamond-selling artiste, Shaggy and a diverse Caribbean cast to raise money for earthquake survivors in Haiti.


The song is called Rise Again and was written by the Jamaican reggae rapper. It features fellow Jamaican reggae star Sean Paul, Haitian musician Belo and soca singers Alison Hinds of Barbados and Destra Garcia from Trinidad and Tobago.


Shaggy said Tuesday the song lets Haitians know that “we are here for them.”


It is part of a relief fund established by mobile phone company Digicel.


The 7.0-magnitude quake on January 12 killed an estimated 200,000 people in Haiti.


Shaggy recently hosted his second annual charity show in Kingston to raise funds for the Bustamante Hospital for Children.


A gala event, ticket prices ranged from $30,000.00 to $5,000.00 and the venue was sold out.

Ghetto Youth’s International, organisers of the annual Bob Marley concert Smile Jamaica, have announced that the 2010 staging of the celebration of the King of Reggae’s birth would have to be called off, due to numerous circumstances.


Smile Jamaica spokesperson Norman Bryan, said yesterday that while the organisation was looking forward to staging the concert after “there are some extenuating circumstances that just cannot be ignored, and there’s no way we could proceed with the concert bearing them in mind.”


He added that the Marley family will still be celebrating Bob’s birthday and honouring his legacy in private.


Bryan also said that the Ghetto Youth’s International would be redoubling its efforts to make a 2011 staging possible.


“Ghetto Youths International will continue spreading the message of the Hon Robert Nesta Marley, and we will be definitely putting our heads together to make 2011 the year Smile Jamaica returns from its hiatus.”


Smile Jamaica saw its historic birth in December of 1976, when it was held at the National Heroes Park in Kingston. The event took place a mere two days after gunmen almost ended Bob Marley’s life, and he was recuperating in the Blue Mountains. It was there that Marley magic reigned supreme yet again, as an injured Bob agreed to perform one song for the 80,000-strong throng of patrons. That one song turned into a magical 90 minute performance with Marley and the Wailers.

Inner Peace


In the quiet of this moment, I am at peace. All is well.


Allowing time for the silence of prayer and meditation is vital to my well-being. In the quiet, I am serene. I am still. I am calm. Inner peace permeates my body and clears my mind. I am connected to the Divine.


If at a later time I find myself in a challenging situation, the time I spent in the silence allows me to maintain tranquility. I am able to focus on the peace of God in the midst of the challenge. I focus on faith and love and know that all is well.


My actions of compassion, gratitude and service reflect the serenity I feel within. In choosing inner peace, I bring greater peace to the outer world.


He woke up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves; they ceased, and there was a calm.--Luke 8:24

Vybz Kartel sent out a statement to say that he did not order Gaza Kim to be beaten, he also made it clear he does not condone this type of behaviour. Now all we want to ask is: What happened to the men who beat Kim and her brother. Are they still on the Gaza strip.


If Lisa Hype was kicked out because she was not sharing the same vision of the crew, what will happen to the thugs who beat Kim at the studio - going against their boss principles in not beating women?


We sincerely hope that Kartel lives up to his standards and if as he says he does not sanction Kim's beating discipline those who dared to 'violate' his orders.


If they are still there...then we have to wonder about the sincerity of his stance that he didn't have anything to do with it.

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

Word on the street, which is supported by video footage taken by a cell phone, is that the teenager in the controversial Gaza clan was disciplined with a Gaza beating ordered by leader Vybz Kartel and carried out by his minions who surround him.


This alleged hit took place on Friday at the studio, even as Kartel locked himself in a room to shut out the cries from Gaza Kim and her brother as the Gaza thugs rained blows all over their bodies.


Vybz Kartel, who has a fanatical following, formed a group of four girls, called the Gaza Princesses, who have sworn their total allegiance to the man they refer to lovingly as “Mi boss.” With Lisa Hype’s kick from the group, there remains three princesses --- Gaza Kim, Gaza Indu and Sheba – all of whom are driven by fear and respect for Kartel.


Reports are that Gaza Kim and the entire Portmore Empire crew, which is controlled by Kartel, were summoned to the Kirk Avenue, Havendale studio on Friday, at which time the severe punishment was meted out to Kim. The case was tried in Kartel’s kangaroo court and Kim was allegedly found guilty of being in the company of men who were discussing her boss in an unfavourable. For this action, she was kicked and boxed repeatedly by the men who have been described as “Kartel’s lapdogs who trip over themselves to carry out his every wish.”


All this is captured on the video. When Kim’s brother, who also acts as her guard tried to help, the thugs turned on him and also thrashed him soundly. Neither Gaza Kim nor her brother have since turned up to the Kirk Avenue studio.


Statement from Gaza Kim


“I will like to make it known that I've heard rumours about an incident that occurred over the weekend. I Kim Hamilton aka Gaza Kim will like to make it publicly known that I was indeed assaulted over the weekend. I've visited the doctor but I'm still tramatised but recuperating through my ordeal.


“I've taken the necessary actions to correct the wrong that was done against me and legal advise is been sought.I ask my fans, family and friends to not only sympathise but empathise with me in my time of need.Future comments will be made through my publicist and legal team.”

Surprise


I am open to unexpected blessings.


Life is filled with surprises, both big and small. They may come through an unexpected phone call from a friend, exciting news of a new opportunity, or a surprise invitation to an event. Each surprise bears its own gift and blessing.


I am open to life's surprises and to the unforeseen treasures that come my way. As I become receptive, I release any expectations about how my life will unfold, for I know that God is in charge. The light and love of God fill me and those I care for, leading each of us along life's path. I look forward to the surprises that come my way. I may see some as treasures and some as challenges but I can be sure that each surprise blesses me and opens my life to unexpected good.


For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.--Matthew 6:21

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

In response to allegations that Kim Hamilton, popularly known as Adidjahiem Records/Portmore Empire siren Gaza Kim, was physically assaulted over the weekend, Adidjahiem Records CEO Adidja 'Vybz Kartel' Palmer issues the following statement:


I, Adidja Palmer, condemn this alleged attack on Gaza Kim. And if these allegations are true, I urge her to contact the relevant authorities if she has not yet done so,to deal the matter swiftly .


I do not condone violence, especially any attacks against females and children. Gaza Kim is a very young and very talented singer who I hope will reach far in her musical endeavors whether or not she is a part of the Portmore Empire.


My deepest sentiments go out to her.


--Adidja Palmer--


Few details about the alleged assault have been released at this time, and the extent of her injuries are unknown. In a statement released earlier today, Gaza Kim confirmed that she was physically assaulted, and that she was recuperating from her injuries. She also stated that she is seeking legal advice.

Written by furtune News Jan 23, 2010


Rotimi Etumudon-Martins, a.k.a Alariwo of Africa, has made his mark on the Nigerian music scene. He tells CHUX OHAI why he is coming back to music after a long break.


You have been away from the music scene for a long time. What have you been doing?


I have been busy. I‘ve been busy in the studio working on my new project. I am almost done; the title of the album is ‘Back on Track‘. It is a 16-track album. When the time comes, people will understand why I have been away.


You recorded your first music album in 1998. Why has it taken so long to come back to the scene?


I released my second album titled ‘Boju Boju‘ in 2002 and since 2002, I have not another album. Now I am releasing my third album in 2010, eight years after, the noisemaker is back. I wanted to take my time and I have been busy all the while. I have been anchoring events as an MC and I am into event packaging. I run a music studio of my own and I am equally a broadcaster. I have been making noise here and there and positively too. Music is my calling and I felt I should take my time as the industry has become more competitive. I love competition and the competition is getting annoying, hence I have to do it right.


What do you mean by the competition getting annoying?


It is getting annoying in the sense that it is getting more interesting. Some people are playing trash, but they are selling. I think these days it is about singing nonsense to make money. That is not the kind of music I want to do, I am too mature for that. I would say with confidence and without apology that I am a veteran in this industry, in my own little way. I have to take my time to come up with something very creative and that is exactly what I am doing.


If some of your colleagues, I suppose younger colleagues, have been singing trash and smiling to the banks, don‘t you think you should toe the same line?


I am a godfather in the industry. I don‘t need to sing trash because people are singing trash and smiling to the banks. And I can tell you that 85 percent of them are doing well, it is only 15 percent that are singing trash. Most of them however are very creative and making sense with their music. I don‘t have to imitate them. When I released ‘Yawa go gaz‘, most of them were either in primary school or secondary school. I wanted to take my time; I didn‘t want to rush anything. When the time is right people will decide, I am a matured artist so I have to play mature music.


Since the Nigerian audience now appreciate trash, what do you think has happened to the psyche of the average Nigerian music lover?


Nigerians are mature music fans; we have the eccentric, classy and timid. It actually depends on the kind of music you make. You can make songs for different kinds of people. So my kind of music is a crossover. It appeals to the timid, primitive, childish, matured, elderly and classy audiences. It cuts across every class, the one you appreciate you listen to. I am a teacher when I sing my songs. I talk about the injustice in society. That is exactly what I am doing. I am not going to change it. There are some party tracks however for dance lovers, but I will not change my overall style. It is different from the others.


When you say your kind of music is crossover, what exactly do you mean?


Crossover is the fusion of different brands of music, with a little emphasis on African traditional rhythm. In my album I have Fuji, Afro Beat, highlife and other different kinds of music, as long as it is soothing to the soul. My friend Sunny Nneji said let‘s play music and let people appreciate it. When I first met Biodun Kupoluyi, he asked what I meant by crossing over. Was I crossing over to the wrong direction in music? I told him I was crossing over to make reasonable music and right now people are beginning to appreciate it. Apart from that, I act in the movies, anchor and do a bit of stand-up comedy. I am the cross over king. I didn‘t give myself the title. It was given to me 11 years ago and I have been doing it perfectly well.


Who gave you the title?


During an event I attended at the University of Lagos, the MC didn‘t show up and I was around as a guest artiste. I had to anchor the event. Two reggae and one high life artistes were invited. They couldn‘t make it. I did virtually everything and the award was given to me three weeks later as a cross over King for being able to handle different roles perfectly.


What year was this?


This was in 1996.


Before 1996, what were you doing?


I was a broadcaster, I was with Eko 89.75fm. I hung around them for a while until I was encouraged to learn broadcasting by Lekan Ogunbanwo. Tokunbo Ojekunle trained me in radio broadcasting; he is now with TV Continental and Radio Continental. While that was going on, I started a programme at the FRCN training school and have a diploma from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. I am not really a graduate but I am educated in my own little way.


There was a very strong element of Afrobeat in ‘Yawa go gaz‘.


‘Yawa go gaz‘ was afro-beat. I was just mimicking Fela then. My producer Nelson Brown made a beat and said that I should listen to it. Immediately I heard the beat, I was flowing with lyrics. That was how ‘Yawa go gaz‘ came up.


If Yawa go gas was afro beat, then you didn‘t have a crossover.


Yawa go gas was the only afrobeat song in the album. There were 3 reggae tracks on the album, 3 high life tracks and one gospel track. It is a still a crossover.


What was it like growing up?


Growing up was interesting and inspiring. My dad is a strict disciplinarian. I was born 41 years ago in Fadeyi. My dad was a perfectionist; he wanted everything to be done properly. If you didn‘t get things done right, you were in trouble. He gave us the best education possible. I attended the same school with Sunday Oliseh and Eucharia Anunobi. Sunday was a goal keeper back then, not a footballer, and Eucharia had always had a flair for acting. We all grew up together in Ojota. I have always loved singing from birth. It was only my mum that encouraged me. My dad felt I should get the basics academically and I got the little I could before I quit for music. My mum gave me her blessing. She called me recently to say that my middle name had been changed. I am now Rotimi Chukwugoziem Martins, it is now my time to reap. Whatever my mum tells me is what I listen to.


You mean your dad never encouraged your music career?


No he didn‘t. But he indirectly introduced music to me. When he wakes in the morning, he would play Jim Reeves, Don Williams and some other African artistes like Osadebey. He didn‘t know he was inspiring me. Now he is so proud of me and I give God the glory. The only thing is one needs support from people from one‘s immediate vicinity. When you don‘t get that support, then you need to move further to another angle to seek assistance.


I have noticed that your younger brothers have also caught the bug. Is it that music runs in the family?


Yes and No. Yes, in the sense, that our father infused music in us. No, in the sense that they felt they could do music and when they experimented it was a big success for them. If you are not talented don‘t do music. For now, they are on a break. They want to study the industry and do the right thing. They are both coming back, they are called two one and am already working on their album right now with my producer. That is exactly what we are doing. I asked them to give me time to finish their album so I could concentrate on theirs and I am almost done with mine.


For a while, ‘Yawa go gaz‘ was the rave of the dance floors. Did you make money from the album?


I only made a name and not money. Till today, and by God‘s grace, it is still a national anthem. I was at a place with my manager and the DJ asked for the CD. I didn‘t have it on me then. When I brought it and played it, everybody stood up. In an interview with Kenny and D1, they asked for the CD too. I have given it to them. They even asked for the remix. It is a classic. The problem now that is Don Jazzy had asked to do the remix and I am still waiting on him. He heard the album when he was back in UK then.


Although you call your kind of music Crossover, your style and carriage suggests that you might be quite passionate about Afrobeat music.


If you listen to lyric of ‘Yawa go gaz‘ carefully, you will notice that I said, ‘We don come again; Afrobeat family and the original noise maker‘. I didn‘t say ‘All the Afrobeat musicians‘. Femi Kuti is playing Afrobeat and Lagbaja is playing Afrobeat. Lagbaja is even playing higher life music. Now between 80 percent and 90 percent of the present-day Nigerian music artistes are playing Afrobeat, but they don‘t want to admit it. I am defining the kind of music that I am playing. So I will tell you that I‘m playing what I call crossover music. Fela is the tree and we are the branches. I am using the present tense for Fela because his music still lives in our hearts and our souls. If he is the tree and we are the branches, it means that we can never do it the way he did. Even his own sons cannot do it better than he did.


But most of the new generation music artistes claim that they are playing hip hop. How do we tell the difference?


It is simple. They call it Afro hip hop. Now what is the ‘Afro‘ there all about? It is either it is African or it is Nigerian in content. The Nigerian character of the kind of music that they play is a fusion of highlife, juju, or some other local idiom. But they know that they are playing Afrobeat.


How would you describe the kind of music that is in vogue now?


The kind of music that rules now is dancehall, which consists of a fusion of Afrobeat and highlife. But they are serving it in bits. It is like they are offering music lovers the opportunity to cut one slice each from a giant loaf of bread and to decide if they want to eat the bread with butter or with stew. Like I said, they are honest about what they are doing. They are being mischievous and selfish. They are using a dancehall beat and singing in Pidgin English. What do you call that? Of course, it is dancehall music. I guess they are doing this because they want to penetrate the night clubs and make people dance.


So much time has passed between 1998 and 2010. Now how would you describe the changes that have occurred on the Nigerian music scene?


We are the change. We started the revolution. We struggled for the change to take place. For exampple, I am the first person in Nigeria to play Afrobeat with a touch of hip hop. Till this day, people tell me that they like ‘Yawa go gaz‘ because it was hip hop-oriented Afrobeat music. Back then, we set a standard and the people appreciated it. Right now, younger artistes are coming and they are experimenting on what people like me have created. Before now, our own experimentation was based on what the likes of Fela, Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey and others created. So music is about experiments and sharing of ideas. Also before now, nobody appreciated Yoruba music until 9ice came from nowhere and started singing hip hop with a traditional African beat and people started listening and buying his music. They call him the Kongo aso exponent, but I call him Mr. Proverbs. Could you believe that he won the MOBO awards with songs rendered in an African language? That is an innovation, I tell you. So you see that music has to evolve. Without change, noting works in this world.


A few years ago, you vied for the position of chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Performing Musicians‘ Association of Nigeria and failed. What happened?


It was obvious that some people didn‘t want good people to handle the affairs of Lagos PMAN. The political theatre is filled with miscreants and criminals and politics is not meant for good people who have something good to offer the society. In the case of Lagos PMAN, I told them what I planned to do if I became the chairman. But Charly Boy collected money form somebody and made him the chairman of the chapter. The man is late now. His name was Disu. Before then I had worked very hard to make sure that Charly oy was elected national presdent of PMAN. If it were possible to evaluate my contribution, I would say that I contributed about 65 percent to his success. I know what myself and several other people did to put him at the helm of the affairs of the association. But because he felt I was a radical like him and he knew I was intelleigent enough to spot wrong-doing on his part and to tell him to his face that it was wrong, he moved against me. He did that to Bolaji Rosiji and Tee Mac. At the end of the day they clashed with him and they left. We battled Charly Boy to ensure that Dele Abiodun emerged president of PMAN. I don‘t like to talk about PMAN because it is not moving forward. It needs young and vibrant crusaders like me to move forward. But since most of the mebers do not want that, Charly Boy has been able to play a few pranks and after siphoning all the money belonging to PMAN, he has moved from Lagos to Abuja. He has been trying to make a name for himself, but a thief will always remain a thief. He knows that I will say it to his face anytime. I am waiting for the day he will sue me in court. If he does, a lot of people will stand by me. But he knows he cannot do that. Everbody knows that exploied PMAN to his selfish advantage.


How come you did not speak out against Charly Boy‘s excesses when he was in charge?


That is a very good question. You want to speak out when the person that you want to talk to hardly gives you a chance to confront him and anytime you want to see him, his aides tell you he is not available and gives excuses. Then what do you do? If only Charly Boy will agree to sit down for a few minutes and let me ask him a few questions. But he cannot do that. We know he is a criminal and he siphoned monies belonging to PMAN. Also we know that he went to Alaba International Market once and set fire to fake CDs and collected a lot of money from the traders. There was a time he almost ganged up with a bunch of idiots and they tried to beat up one Alaba big boy because he requested money from him and tha latter refused. I was the person that saved the boy. The boy is still alive.


Now that Alariwo of Africa is back on the music scene, what should your fans expect from you?


They should expect positive results. I am back on track and for good. I am a winner and my best is yet to come.

This morning Gary Coleman finds himself caught up in the Utah criminal justice system, but details are kind of sketchy.


Police confirmed the actor, 41, was arrested in Santaquin, Utah on Sunday on a warrant for failing to appear in court.


However, police told the AP that they didn’t have details on the warrant or know if Coleman was still being held. More information would be released later in today.


The Salt Lake Tribune reported that Utah County Jail records show Coleman was arrested after police received reports of a disturbance at his Santaquin home.


Coleman was also busted in Utah in 2008 after a man claimed Coleman tried to run over him in a parking lot when he tried to take a picture with the child star. The case was reportedly been settled out of court.

Rapper Apache, an original member of Queen Latifah’s Flavor Unit, has died, according to Web site AllHipHop.com.


A cause of death has yet to be announced, but the Web site UnKut.com is reporting that Apache was living with a bruised heart and on permanent disability when he died.


Best known for his 1992 single “Gangsta B**ch,” which reached No. 11 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Singles chart, Apache, born Anthony Teaks, worked with a number of his Flavor Unit cohorts, as well as Fat Joe and A Tribe Called Quest.


The Newark, New Jersey native followed his 1992 album with 1993’s “Apache Ain’t Sh*t.”


DJ Kid Capri said of Apache’s death via Twitter: “That’s my g, r.i.p in peace big homie, you will be missed, shout out to his family naughty by nature, I just did a show with them, god bless.”

Dubbed the bad gyal of the dancehall Ce’Cile has made an impact on the scene since she demanded attention with her fist big hit Changes. She started as she meant to go on – creating her own rules and dejaying on whatever topic she chooses. Whether it’s to generate debate as with her controversial Do It To Me Baby or she can get all lovey dovey check out her song I’m Waiting to see what we mean. This female artiste has effectively shown that she is quite versatile when it comes to holding her own on or off the stage.


Yardflex: Are you working on anything new now?
Ce’Cile: Currently working on a new album for the international side but asides from that I’m recording many singles for our base market.


Yardflex: What songs are "running the place" now for you?
Ce’Cile: "Anything" - Feminine Rhythm by Don Corleon, "Nah Stress over Man" - Street Bullies by Tony Kelly and Bigyard, "Mek Dem Know" - Big Yard, "Ansa" - Big Yard
"Let her Go"- Sankofa on the Ital Jockey Ridim and "Promise" on Ariff Cooper's Relationships Rhythm. Plus I have many more singles coming out look out for my song called "Home Tonight" on Don Corleon's New Feelings Rhythm.


Yardflex: Any upcoming shows?
Ce’Cile: Just came back from St Kitts, I go to Bahamas for Valentines, but I've purposely eased up off the traveling to get my recording back on and to show my face and sound back here in Jamaica, touring so much kinda takes you away, but I have to keep relevant so I'm concentrating on Jamaica and the releases right now before the touring season starts again, Because I am stil promoting my last album. I also have about four music videos to shoot.


What do you think of the current state of the music?
I think its very bad in some ways, but there are sparks of hope here n there, i can see the creativity coming back, some people are really doing garbage while some are doing great things, i like Stephen McGregor and Don Corleon, Big Yard as Usual, I love what Chino and Konshens are doing, TIFA and MAKEDA, i think Kartel and Mavado deserve to be on top cause they are working hard and both are being creative, I like WASP, I'm sure I'm forgetting some but the music is looking up.


Yardflex: If you could change anything in the music biz what would it be?
Ce’Cile: The business structure itself and there are no standards, like any one can produce an off key track and it gets played, I don't care how stupid or lacking in depth your lyrics is, if it’s on key and produced right there will be someone to like it, but I hate inferior production and mistakes in music.


Yardflex: What's your hope for 2010.
Ce’Cile: That we will have more dancehall artistes doing international stuff. That Ce'Cile can be the best Ce'Cile can be, and then get even better.


Yardflex: Tell us about the real Ce'Cile
Ce’Cile: I'm a workaholic, I'm very quiet, don't like to go out partying if I’m not making money, I read a lot, I watch News consistently, I play scrabble and Mario Go Kart, I go to the gym a lot, I love my fans, I have a mission and that’s to do music and make a lot of money, hopefully the latter part will come to fruition soon, lol, I enjoy life and try to enjoy my life without the public.


Yardflex: Are you planning on tying the knot anytime soon?
Ce’Cile: NO


Yardflex: What's your favourite meal
Ce’Cile: I love many things, fried breadfruit, ripe fried plantains, ackee and saltfish, rice n peas n chicken, yard country style lol.


Yardflex: Who do you admire in the biz (DJ/Singer)
Ce’Cile: Shabba, Super Cat.


Yardflex: What do your parents think about your choice of a career
Ce’Cile: They ok with it now.


Yardflex: Has it always been music for you?
Ce’Cile: Always.


Yardflex: If you could do it all over again, would you still choose music.
Ce’Cile: I think yes, and I would have done what I eventually did earlier.


Yardflex: What advice do you have to give those coming into the biz
Ce’Cile: Education counts, street smarts count, voice training and playing an instrument could add significantly to the appeal, image matters, being unique helps, being bilingual could be a plus as well.

Harmony


Connected to Spirit, my life is in perfect harmony.


Voices in harmony create a delicious blending, a beautiful sound. Hearing it brings pure joy. Conversely, when harmony is off, the imbalance is disturbing.


It is that way in my life also. At times, I may get sidetracked, focusing on the ways in which my life appears to be flawed. In that frame of mind, I feel disconnected and discontented. But as I become aware of my disharmony, I can make adjustments.


Just as musicians must listen carefully and bring their voices into alignment to create harmony, I, too, must listen in order to bring myself into alignment with Spirit. When I am in sync with God, harmony is the inspiring result. I am blessed and at peace.


Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.--Colossians 3:14

Indie newcomer Capsicum Records, home of "roots on the
bottom, pop on the top" artists Mistreree, Sledge, Cuban
Cohiba, Mayyah Stuart, Burnie T, Sal Anthony and Natasha
Redding, will sponsor the 2010 Excellence in Music and
Entertainment (EME) Awards to be held Thursday night,
February 4, in the Gardens at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston,
Jamaica.


Modeled after the famed annual Grammy Awards, with all the
pomp and pageantry characteristic of such a ceremony, and
now in its sixth year, the EME Awards are the brainchild of
renowned Hot 102-FM radio personality Richard "Richie B"
Burgess. They emerged out of a need for an authentic and
grass roots based recognition of achievement in Jamaican
music and entertainment.


Efforts are underway to make this year's event the best award
show ever staged on the shores of Jamaica. The overwhelming
support and popularity of the awards are why they were relocated
from the studios of Hot 102-FM to a venue that can accommodate
the large following the ceremonies have amassed over the years.
The EMEs have garnered the full backing of the CVM Group,
including CVM-TV, X-NEWS Newspaper as well as Hot 102-FM and many other local media entities, with coverage also provided by international media like BETJ, and an endorsement from the Jamaica Tourist Board


"We are so delighted to become a part of this," said Capsicum
CEO and A&R Director Roger Meltzer. "It has concerned me
for years that the winners of Grammy Awards in reggae and
dancehall music are never even televised accepting these coveted
awards. If we're lucky, there might be a 'crawl" at the bottom
of the screen announcing those winners. It's like achievements in
our genre aren't accepted as an authentic and legitimate music
worthy of recording industry recognition despite it's world-wide
following. People forget that Bob Marley’s songs are played all over
the world more frequenty than those of Elvis Presley’s”.


The Awards recognize achievements in approximately 30
categories including DJ of the Year, Best New Artist, Song of
the Year, Voclist of the Year, Producer of the year and Album
of the Year among others. Winners are determined based upon
performance in the Jamaica Music Countdown as compiled
weekly by Richie B from the island-wide contributions of sound
system selectors, night clubs, record shops and radio dj's,
as well as internet voting on the emeawards.com website.


This year, Role Model Awards will be presented to the Legendary Toots Hibbert and Denroy Morgan, while the Special International Friend or Reggae Awardeewill be India Arie, who will be honoured for her embrace of the reggae music genre.

World Peace
Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me.


When my attention turns to areas of conflict in the world, I may lose my own sense of peace or feel small and insignificant. Yet I've learned to take a broader perspective: Peace is truly the rule in the world, and conflict is the exception.


Peace abounds as we all work together in cooperation. A new day is dawning in which we know we are children of God, whole and complete. Individually, and as nations, we are enough and we have enough.


We live in a world of peace and plenty. As the world works together in cooperation, natural resources and abundant good will be available to all. I am filled with faith and hope for our world. I let there be peace on Earth, and I let it begin with me.


May mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance.--Jude 1:2

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

Bwoy , after much guessing and spelling and digging up inna did bottom of the barrel, it look like Tifa good to go. The girl find a nice lickle song fi sing over and she do it bad like wow. Tifa girl, just gwaan do you ting because dem cyaan stop you this year. Nuff girl head a go hot up ova this one because everywhere we go we nuh stop hear it a play. A just one ting we a beg you: stay far from all the baby mada drama that a tek place inna did biz cause we know you don’t want certain gal fi a call up you name. And you know what we are talking about. Don’t mek we haffi spell it out.

Grammy award winning songstress, India.Arie will be in Jamaica to perform the combination hit single, Therapy, with Gramps Morgan at the Excellence in Music and Entertainment (EME) Awards and also to receive the International Friend of Reggae Award. The awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, February 4 in the Gardens of the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston.


According to Gramps, ever since the song has been released he has been encouraging India.Arie to come to Jamaica to "renew her acquaintance with the people ... and what better time than now".


"The collaboration, Therapy, did very well and there was a snowball effect as I did Good Morning America, VH 1 and then India was kind enough to invite me on tour with her and John Legend," Gramps Morgan, also of sibling group Morgan Heritage explained. That tour, he said, ended on September 6 last year.


He described the tour as a "true learning experience which has humbled me and made me more appreciative of my brother, Peter, who has been the lead singer for Morgan Heritage for years".


Gramps, who has been pursuing a solo career for the past year, while still a member of Heritage, spoke briefly about his respect for R&B singer John Legend, who showed him "things about my voice and proved a true artiste". He explained that the shows, some of which were back-to-back, can take its toll on a singer's voice, "and I had to put in practice all these things which I knew, but which were reinforced," he said.


Gramps also joined Buju Banton's Rasta Got Soul tour for part of the leg, and, despite the cancellations of several dates, the singer said he was still appreciative of the opportunity to represent reggae music as a solo act and also for all the positivest he was able to gain from the experience.


"From Buju, I learnt the importance of exercise and fitness and just giving 210 per cent," he said when we caught up with him backstage after his well-received performance at Saturday night's Rebel Salute in Port Kaiser, St Elizabeth.


Gramps released his debut album, Two Sides of My Heart Vol I, to critical acclaim in the last quarter of 2009. A reggae version of Therapy is also included on the album, which has been nominated in the Best Reggae Album category of the EMEs.


The singer noted that working on the collabo and subsequent touring with India.Arie has seen them develop a connection that is deeply spiritual.


"Some people have been thinking otherwise, but it's a brother and sister and also a heavily musical relationship," he said firmly. "However, the spiritual connection is incredible," Gramps declared, adding that he was looking forward to performing Therapy with India at the EME awards.


India.Arie, who has had a total of 15 Grammy nominations throughout her career, has already won two Grammies -- both in 2003 -- for Best Urban/Alternative Performance for Little Things and Best R&B Album, Voyage To India. She has three nominations going into this year's Grammys, among them Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals for Chocolate High with Musiq Soulchild; Best Urban/Alternative Performance for Pearls (India.Arie & Dobet Gnahore) and Best R&B Album, Testimony: Vol 2, Love & Politics.

Bwoy a di biggest debate inna di streets right now and dat is a who fah pickney whey Jah Cure did tink a fi him. Mi sey di amount a name whey a call up inna dat deh raffle deh nuh pretty at all. Big name artiste all none artiste.
A whey really a gwaan star. But di number one questions whey Yardflex waan fi ask, dem neva listen to Buju Banton song whey sey cover yuh willy and doan be silly. What if some a dem girl deh whey a sleep wid more dan one entertainer did have AIDS a how it woulda guh...a suh much entertainer woulda have it tuh. No sah, dem must teck sleep mark death. Dem too careliss wid dem health if you ask we.

Bwoy it come een like sey hard times a lick a certain big name artiste. Cause nuff promoter always sey him a one a di reasonable ones dem when it comes on to pricing and working with di programme. But wi talk to bout three promoters recently whey sey dem couldn't believe him coulda do dem dat. Di man sig off pon di contract with a certain price and money pay up and ting and him nuh do nutten but wait till di day of di show dem dan call up di promoter and meck dem know sey him nah go pon di stage unless dem gi him some more money.
Now straight up a ediot ting dat. If yuh set a price, stick to it.

Starting this and every Friday, Yardflex will be sharing a true confession story from one of our readers. You can share yours too by simply emailing yardflexinc@gmail.com


How I seduced my way out of trouble


I am not a bad person…at least I do not consider myself to be. But there are times in life when you just have to use whatever you have got as your assets and work your way out of an uncomfortable situation. I come from a good home, my parents are ardent Christians, and it for real they have really tried to instill some good values into me. But for some reason I have always liked the fast life and even while going to school when things were tough on my parents I found creative ways to get money without having to use my body.


I would know that a guy liked me and because I know I looked damned good, I would promise them the world and deliver nothing. Fools that they were, they always gave me whatever I needed.


After leaving high school, it was not so easy making my way to college. That’s why I found a sugar daddy who was contented to pay my way through and was satisfied with the rare occasions of me pleasuring him. I told him I had to concentrate on my studies, but I don’t have to tell you about those wild parties that throw at UWI and some of the things we students get up to. Yeah, we sure do get education, but there are lots of other out of classroom activities, I can’t even share in this confession. Anyway, it’s not about my stint at UWI, it’s about the trouble I got myself in and how I had to sleep my way out of it.


I eventually got me great job at a big company, nice pay and a lot of perks. Don’t ask me how I could have been so stupid to want more. But when the accountant pointed out a way I could make even more money, I allowed him to suck me into the scam he had to rip some money off the company. My main area was sales and all I had to do was make statements signifying we sold less that what was brought in…well I don’t want to go too much into how we tried to defraud the company, wouldn’t want to put any ideas in someone else’s head do we.


Suffice it to say we eventually got caught, but the heat was more on the accountant than myself. So my being the schemer that I was when they arrested me, I could not deal with my name being plastered over the media and the thought of my poor parents having to deal with the shame was enough to have me getting to my boss. I got a one on one with him and put down a royal crying session, begging him to have mercy as I didn’t think my parents could deal with it.


I started rubbing against him and when I felt his immediate hard on, I knew I was gaining grounds. He tried to move away but I started nibbling his ears and throat.


“Look here…” he never got to finish what he was saying as I started deep kissing him. Right there in his office, I went took off his clothes went down on him and gave him sex of his life. What he didn’t know was that I was taping the whole thing on my cell. He was so into what I was doing to him that he didn’t have a clue.


After I was through, he gave me a smug smile and said, “thanks for the sex, but I am still going to make you pay for trying to rip us off. Come here with your foxy self, thinking you can turn things around with your body…it was fun, but…you’re not that good sweetheart.”


I laughed and walked out the office, while the police carted me away, I emailed me a clip from the video and told him that would be reaching the web and I would be telling others we were partners in crime if he didn’t get me off. Considering he had a lot to lose if his wife found out, I was sure I would not be sleeping in jail.


I was right, he came all flustered and apologetic, saying they discovered I was a victim also in the scam and just like that I walked out and never looked back. They fired me of course but that I could live with as long as I had my freedom and he would be keeping his mouth shut about my role…who cares.


Yeah, sometimes a girl gotta do what a girl gotta do…don’t judge me too harshly

1. WHY DO MEN BECOME SMARTER DURING SEX
(because they are plugged into a genius)
----------------------------------------------


2. WHY DON'T WOMEN BLINK DURING SEX?
(they don't have enough time)
-----------------------------------------------


3. WHY DOES IT TAKE 1 MILLION SPERM TO FERTILIZE ONE EGG?
(they don't stop to ask directions)
-----------------------------------------------


4. WHY DO MEN SNORE WHEN THEY LIE ON THEIR BACKS?
(because their balls fall over their butt-hole and they vapor lock)
-----------------------------------------------
(You're laughing, aren't you?!?!)
-----------------------------------------------


5. WHY WERE MEN GIVEN LARGER BRAINS THAN DOGS?
(so they won't hump women's legs at cocktails parties)
----------------------------------------------


6. WHY DID GOD MAKE MEN BEFORE WOMEN?
(you need a rough draft before you make a final copy)
-----------------------------------------------


7. HOW MANY MEN DOES IT TAKE TO PUT A TOILET SEAT DOWN?
(don't know.....it never happened)
-----------------------------------------------
( C'mon guys, we laugh at your blonde jokes!)
-----------------------------------------------


8. WHY DID GOD PUT MEN ON EARTH?
(because a vibrator can't mow the lawn)

Bajan award-winning singer, Rihanna, is lending her voice to help the people of Haiti by trying her hand at a Bob Marley classic.


The singer this week used her performance on The Oprah Winfrey Show to perform Bob Marley`s `Redemption Song,` in order to raise money for Haiti that was struck by an earthquake on Tuesday, January 12, and again on Wednesday, Jan. 20th.


`This song for me, growing up, anytime there was a difficult situation, I always listened to this song because it was so liberating. Even now I listen to it when my back is up against the wall. I feel like the people of Haiti need to hear something inspiring,` Rihanna told Winfrey.


Source: Carib World News

Dancer Mystic Davis is taking her career to another level with the formation of her dance company Optimystic.


The dancer told Yardflex that observing the scene there is not real training outlet for bright upcoming dancers. According to her apart from Dance Xpressions dancers have very little options to perfect their craft.


That’s what her company is all about. As she says “It’s a dance/choreography company and the focus will be on young talents as well as working along with choreographers, directors and artistes,” the talented dancer pointed out.


Mystic shared with Yardflex that the formation of her company will in no wise affect her dedication to her dancing – in fact it can only enhance it. She says that when she is not in the streets dancing then she can be found at home always practicing ensuring that her moves stays fresh and creative.


The dancer’s dedication has been rewarding as last December she was awarded Stone Love Dancer of the Year and it is left to be seen how she will score in the Youth View Awards for which she has another nomination.

No Worries


I am faith-filled, fearless and free!


Today I remember the truth of my being: I am a radiant child of God. Fear and worry have no power over me. Worry is simply the habit of focusing on what I do not want. So today, I envision Jesus standing beside me, reminding me to have faith.


Faith is the activity of seeing life with the vision of the Christ. Rather than worry, I say, "See this as Jesus does." From this higher perspective, worry is transformed into faith. I receive divinely inspired solutions and take right actions, knowing all my needs are met.


Through a daily practice of living by the example of Jesus, my Way Shower, I find my worries dissolve into nothingness. I am faith-filled, fearless and free!


Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink. ... Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?--Matthew 6:25

People, it STICKY pon dem. Rosie and Gordene were best friends and then mateys, but here comes the kicker, dem coulda be 'honorary babymammas' as well because two ah dem did a sex Chino at the same time. But anno fi him name alone ah call. Nuff man nah answer dem cellphone today and suddenly dem Blackberry BB nah work, dem fraid say dem get the teary-eyed call say 'I think that you're the father of my child'....WHOI, MI BODY! Dem a raffle up and ah pick. Mi hear say ah the Warlord himself used to pay her rent over Oaklands at exactly the time when she breed, that's why de people dem use white-out and write up a bagga tings pon her wall. Promotions money caan pay the 35g a month rent, who dem a ramp wid? Dem caan trick mi. Killa can pick up same batter ears sometime yu see? Beenie Man sleep inna the bed weh him buy Angel, and see it happen again, how Bounty so salt? Mi body!

Lisa Hyper is pleased with the demand for her latest mixtape, 'Lisa Hyper: Go Hard or Go Home' which has hit the Corporate Area with gale force this week.


Reports are that her street team has distributed over 1000 CDs to a variety of selectors, mix tape artistes, taxi and bus drivers, and other entertainment insiders over the past three days.


"We haffi print up some more this week because the stock is running out fast," emcee Nuffy, who is Lisa Hyper's road manager, said.


The mixtape includes humourous little skits such as Nuffy interviewing men on the street asking them their opinions of Lisa Hype and even one skit which plays like a stirring endorsement from a young child, saying 'ah Lisa Hype mi say'.


The mixtape includes popular songs such as Trust, Prayer, I Did It So What, Bawl fi Bun the chart-burner Bills featuring Gaza Kim, and diss songs such as Barba Foot Chair, Death Sentence and the unapologetic demolishing of Spice called The Truth. There's even a freestyle Gaza track included, a naughty untitled 'girls song' featuring Jahvinci, Blak Ryno, Lisa and Vybz Kartel which was voiced for Stephen over 12 months ago.


"People love it, dem respond it, the first 1000 gone already, mi surprised," an elated Lisa Hype said. "Right now, my street team ah burn up some new ones fi distribute inna HWT and Portmore."


Lisa Hyper is confirmed to perform at The Settlement at the Linkz Entertainment Centre in Yallahs, St. Thomas, and at Shebada's Birthday Party I and II on February 14 and 16th, and Follow Di Arrow on February 27th at James Bond Beach, St. Mary.

It’s been almost five years since Noddy Virtue captured the imagination of an entire country during his brilliant run in the Digicel Rising Stars competition.


He has matured as a performer, won awards, scored number one hits and even grown his ‘covenant’. Yes, the Bed of Roses singer now sports long Rastafarian locks as part of a revamped new image.


“The girls love the locks, dem love the new image, things have really come together, promoters are calling for shows overseas, producers want me on their tracks. It’s great,” he said.


Now, Noddy has delivered yet another hit song, Mistaken Identity that is catching fire in the dancehalls this year.


“It’s really about a man being in a serious relationship with a girl and he is about to commit to her, because she looks like she could be Mrs. Right, and he’s been searching for her all his life and he is now asking himself, is she the one? Is she the right woman for him? And the song is hoping that this is not a case of mistaken identity with a woman pretending to be Mrs. Right, the one true love of his life,” Noddy explained.


The Moses Production single has been getting excellent rotation on IRIE, HITZ 92, and Bes FM.


Known for his rich, throaty and clear sound, Noddy Virtue’s stature as a singer has only grown over the past few years. His debut album, Just Believe, is a critical darling among music writers.


“The album was really a labour of love , and the disc jockeys have been very supportive of it. The songs have turned up on a number of charts, and it continues to sell overseas,” he said.


The album, Just Believe is distributed all over the world through VP Records.


Songs such as Lost That Loving Feel ing hit #5 on Linkage Radio and was simultaneously #1 on the South Florida and New York charts. The critically acclaimed cover song, Bed of Roses is now at #18 on the South Florida reggae charts, while Song to Me spent nine weeks at #1 on the New Style Radio charts, hit #1 on the RJR Radio charts and peaked at #2 on the Jamaica Music Countdown charts. Love Jah also hit #1 on Internet reggae charts in Italy and Japan.


Last year, Noddy Virtue won an EME award for Best Collaboration award for Bed of Roses featuring Jodiann Pantry. He’s nominated again this year for Lost That Loving Feeling.


He performed at the Pepsi Rebel Salute over the weekend, and wowed a huge audience at a Marcia Griffiths-produced concert in the US during November last year that showed that Noddy Virtue is one of the most energetic and charismatic singers in reggae music in the 21st century.


“I just love to perform, whether it is a small intimate audience of 200, or a huge crowd of thousands, Noddy Virtue always gives 100 per cent. I love to sing,” he said.


Virtue has also forged a relationship with Desi Jones and the Skool band, which has been backing the singer over the last few months.


“We have great chemistry, this band and me, and we’re looking to do a tour to support the album later this year,” Noddy said.

Garfield Phillips aka Zebra will be spending his time behind bars until March 27 when his case will again be called up. The DJ is charged for the rape of his 13-year-old stepdaughter.


He is alleged to have sexually molested the juvenile on two occasions at his home in Bog Walk in April last year. The court was told by the police that the girl made a report to her mother who is Zebra’s common-law wife, but she didn’t do anything about it.


Other members of her family felt that the mother did not address the matter with the seriousness it deserved and took it upon themselves to make a report to the police.


According to reports the DJ got word that the matter was in the hands of the police and he fled the area and sought refuge in Westmoreland.


With his being on the police wanted list Zebra was held and captured in that parish and handed over to the Bog Walk Police who slapped him with the charge.

Boy what’s with these artistes and women who can’t seem to tell the truth where their pregnancies are concerned. First it was Rosie passing her baby on to the wrong artiste and now conscious singer Jah Cure has to swallow the bitter pill that the woman he was caring for and supporting during her pregnancy, the child is really not his. Hmnn we have to wonder how the daddy will turn out to be. Check out the official statement from Jah Cure’s camp.


OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM JAH CURE


:-There have been recent media reports about a DNA test result that involved Jah Cure. While not wishing to join the media circus that has ensued because of these revelations, Jah Cure wishes to outline a few facts and settle the matter once and for all.


Jah Cure has supported the mother throughout her pregnancy and had his father and manager be with her at the time of delivery in the US. His support for her throughout this period was unwavering.


Before the birth of the child Jah Cure requested a DNA test, a request which the mother refused. Despite this, Jah Cure continued to support the child and the mother.


Now that the DNA test has been done and it has been shown that he is not the father, Jah Cure wishes to move on.


The fact is that the most important individual in this whole affair is the child and the longer that this continues the more damage is being done to the child. Jah cure will not now abandon the child but wishes that the media respect the privacy of the parties as the child is indeed innocent and did not contribute to the mistakes of the adults involved.

Bwoy the tiefing ting a gwaan a way star. Imagine Ity and Fancy Cat DVD out and di people dem pump in a lot a money inna di venture and before it even have time fi soak di market and dem can even meck back whey dem put in di CD deh a Canada a sell fi $5 when it supposed to legally a sell fi $15! No star, a whey dis piracy ting a guh end. It hard fi yuh put suh much inna one ting and den have people a rip yuh off, left, right and centre.

The two men convicted for the kidnapping and murder of Manchester businessman Richard Lyn and his wife Julia have been sentenced to death.


Lennox Swaby and Calvin Powell were sentenced to hang Wednesday during a hearing of the Home Circuit Court.


Government prosecutors had sought the death penalty, which was strongly opposed by the defence.


But in her summary, presiding judge, Mrs. Justice Marva McIntosh said the men had shown no remorse for their actions and were beyond reform.


Prosecutors had argued that there is serious concern about the rise in kidnappings and murders in Jamaica and the two were prime candidates for the death penalty.


Mr. Lyn, a well known figure in the Manchester business community and his wife were kidnapped from their home on December 9, 2006.


After killing the Lyns, the men contacted their family members demanding a ransom.


Investigators who had struggled to locate the couple for weeks testified that Powell, a garbage truck driver, was the man who led them to the bodies at the Martins Hill dump on December 29, where they had been hidden.


Powell denied this and tried to distance himself from the killing.


The two men testified that the Lyns were killed by a policeman they named as Nicholas Stewart.


Prosecutors dismissed the claims and argued that appliances stolen from the Lyns residence were found in the possession of the men.

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

By Rootzgirl


Just when you think the news could not get any more disgusting come along something else that absolutely turns your stomach. In Tuesday’s issue of the Star there is a story about a 10 year old girl who gave birth and the child died three days later.


Now the weird thing about it all is that the story claimed no one knew she was pregnant until she was in the seventh month. They only discovered this when she fainted in class and was rushed to the hospital, it was then the discovery was made.


Now what I want to ask is this, how is it possible that she could be pregnant for all of seven months without so visible signs.


How closely was she being monitored by her mother that morning sickness, missed periods and all that passed her by.


When exactly did she get involved with a 30-odd year old man that the mother missed out on all the dialogues and stuff like that.


Of course children can keep secrets but a child that young should have been under tighter control.


The whole Mountainside community in St Elizabeth should bear the shame of this deed as someone must have noticed some inappropriate behavior. Check out some of the story:


The child's father said he is distraught about the incident because he was not given custody of his daughter when he attempted to take her into his care.


"I filed for custody for my daughter but I did not get her and she was given to her mother," said the man.


He also said he does not get to see his daughter because he is a man who does not tolerate foolishness.


A senior cop attached to the Black River Police Station told THE STAR that the matter was being investigated; however, the officer was tight-lipped about the case.


The child's father told THE STAR that the child delivered the baby in December and the baby died three weeks later. The angry father said that he was not even told about the baby's death until two weeks after.


According to the father, his daughter fainted at school and was rushed to the hospital when it was revealed that the child was seven months pregnant.


"How could she be seven months pregnant and no one knew, that makes no sense," said the confused father.


The child's father is begging that the culprit be brought to justice as no one in his right mind would have sex with a 10-year-old girl.

By Buffilous


Now mi know unno tink sey mi faas and mi love people business, but mi caan help it, if it always a come mi way. Is not like mi guh outa mi way fi get it. Then again maybe di ongle solution a fi change mi friend dem, cause dem eva have some mix up tings either a gwaan inna dem life or inna dem friend life.


Well di latest passa passa come from dis girl whey inna wi crew. Di ongle ting a can sey is dat she really a gwaan out and bad. To birdcage, mi neva know sey woman coulda bad and disgusting suh.


This girl a deal wid two brothers and fi mek it wus one a dem inna di freaky ting like anal sex.


She a play round wid di two bredda dem and from wha mi get is like one a dem nearly lose him mind ova har and yuh tink sey she woulda care. No sah, dat nuh stop har from a go from one a dem bed to di nex.


Di wus ting is dat from one a di brother a deal wid har a pure saltness a follow him. Him all talk outa him mouth sey it look like she jinx him, and you woulda tink sey him woulda si di light and step.


Di odda day she dey a Rebel Salute a gi out him photo and him CD.


Mercy, if a laugh a pop up, no sah, dem two brodda yah need fi open dem eyes and smell the roses, cause it nuh pretty at all.

* 18:32 15 January 2010 by Kate Ravilious


Earthquake experts are warning that the devastating quake that struck Haiti on Tuesday could be the first of several in the region. They say historical records suggest that not all the energy that has built up in the faults running through the Caribbean region was released in this week's tragedy.


Their fear is that enough energy remains in the fault system to trigger another earthquake of the same scale as Tuesday's.


The last time Haiti was struck by earthquakes of this scale was in 1751 and 1770, when three large earthquakes hit within the space of 20 years. They ruptured the same fault segment as the one that slipped on Tuesday, as well as segments lying further to the east, in Haiti and the neighbouring Dominican Republic.


"Last time round there was a sequence of earthquakes," says Uri ten Brink, an expert on earthquakes in the region from the US Geological Survey in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. "I'm worried, as we might expect the eastern side of the fault to rupture next." Other geologists concur. "Stress transfer along the fault is likely to trigger a chain of quakes," says Bill McGuire from University College London.


Far-reaching effects


Another, larger earthquake could affect surrounding nations as well. The fault that was responsible for Tuesday's quake extends west through Jamaica. Another runs parallel to it in the north, along the southern edge of Cuba and the northern side of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Historical records suggest that both these faults produce large and destructive earthquakes every few centuries.


"They are dangerous especially when large population centres like Port-au-Prince, Kingston in Jamaica or Santiago in the Dominican Republic are so close to them," says Paul Mann from the University of Texas at Austin, who published a paper in 2008 that forecast a major quake in the region.


The region harbours a third fault to the east, which is a further cause for concern. Unlike the others it lies underwater, where the Atlantic Ocean plate dives underneath the Caribbean plate, creating the Caribbean island chain: it is a submarine thrust fault, like the one that caused the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami on 26 December 2004.


Satellite measurements show that the Caribbean plate is moving east over the Atlantic plate at around 2 centimetres per year. Measurements over several decades show that the sum of all earthquakes that strike on "splinter faults" on the Caribbean plate, like Tuesday's, have accounted for around half of the energy associated with this movement, leaving the other half stored up in the system. Some of the remainder may be accommodated by slow creep along the region's faults, but McGuire and his colleagues are concerned that much of the stress may be accumulating on the undersea thrust fault to the east.


If that stress were to be released on the submarine fault, it could trigger a catastrophic tsunami of the scale of the 26 December 2004 Indian Ocean disaster.
Tsunami threat


McGuire released a report warning of this danger in 2008 (PDF). Along with the entire Caribbean, Central America, the Gulf coast of the US and the north coast of South America would be at risk from such a tsunami.


In particular, geological measurements indicate that stress is building in the section of submarine fault between easternmost Dominican Republic and the island of Guadeloupe. Large earthquakes of magnitude 8.5 to 9.0 could rupture the entire 1000-kilometre length of the fault, McGuire and his colleagues wrote in their report.


From the amount of energy being accumulated by subduction, McGuire and his colleagues estimate that undersea thrust earthquakes could recur every 2000 years or so.


Unfortunately, high rates of natural erosion in the region have long since wiped away the geological signs of the last earthquake along this submarine fault. We know from historical records that there has not been a quake along the fault in 500 years, but the next one could be within the century, or within the next millennium.


"We don't want to scaremonger, but much larger quakes, of magnitude 8 or more, have occurred in this region and will do so again," says McGuire. "Where they are submarine they will present a major tsunami threat, especially as this is such a small area compared with the Indian Ocean."

The many artistes that donned the stage were fairly impressive with their delivery to establish audience participation. One of such artiste was Colin ‘Iley Dread’ Levy who gave a good account of himself on stage, flying in from Canada on short notice.


Iley who made it to the rehearsal but never got the chance to do so fit in quite well with the band performing both old favourites such as Picture on the Wall and Flowers In My Garden as well as tracks from his latest album Unleashed.


The producer, writer and singer from the Kings of Kings label last performance at Rebel Salute was in 2003 and for him performing thsis year was a fulfilling experience.


The minute he hit the stage he made a connection with the crowd. He truly unleashed as he went through his paces performing five tracks.
With Rebel Salute behind him now the conscious singer is now looking forward to his next big project and that’s his annual Unite the People show.


“We are still in the planning stages, but one thing I can say is that we want to add somethign enw to the mix,” the singer informed.
Iley says he is looking at bringing in a major surprise on the line-up, but for right now he is keeping the details under wraps.

Healing


I am an ever-renewing expression of divine life.


I am a creation of God, an ever-renewing expression of divine life. The cells of my body and every organ and tissue vibrate with the life of God rejuvenating and strengthening me.


By exercising both my body and my mind, I improve my spiritual well-being as well as my physical, emotional and mental health. I practice deep, meditative breathing, which renews me during my prayer time and is good for me anywhere, anytime.


In prayer each day, I contemplate the life of God within. I affirm health and wholeness, and my body responds with life and energy. I focus on the flow of divine life within me and give thanks for God renewing me now.


On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul.--Psalm 138:3

Let Go, Let God


I release and allow God's magnificence to flow through me.


This little phrase is a powerful statement of Truth: Let go, let God. I know that when I cling to what I perceive as a problem, my mind races to try to fix it. In this mode, I am working the problem instead of allowing the solution. By releasing my grip, I allow divine wisdom to flow freely within me.


Let go, let God, isn't about giving up; it is about going to the Source. Rather than casting my hands up in despair, I open my heart and mind and go within in prayer. In the silence, the answers I have been chasing rise to the surface easily. Miracles occur.


When I step out of the way and allow divine guidance to flow, I unleash the wisdom of God within me.


I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I seek to do not my own will but the will of him who sent me.--John 5:30

By Rootzgirl


If I ever had any doubts that we are in end times then they have been dispelled by the kind of news I have been seeing lately. There are wars and rumours of wars, mothers against daughters, earthquakes in divers places and fathers against children.


The latest comes in the case of a 45-year-old dad who is now in court for allegedly killing his 16-year-old son. Allegations are that the teen went to visit his father who is a chef for lunch money to go to school. An argument developed and the father used a blunt instrument to hit his son in the head. He fell on the ground and started throwing up, the dad called his daughter to come and take her brother to the hospital, the youth died the following day.


Now the father’s lawyer is claiming that he didn’t hit his son and yes the child came to check him for lunch money and he left and went to get it and when he returned he found his son on the ground.


The father is remanded in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court.


I don’t want to play judge and jury here, but the story is filled with more holes than a strainer! It’s sad though that some fathers can’t willing fork out money to take care of their kids. If they are no longer in a relationship with the mothers then they should make it their duty to ensure the children’s needs are taken care of.


I’m tired of reading about kids being ill-treated or not properly taken care of. We are losing too many of our kids, it’s time that adults bat for them.

Dominicans dancehall fans are bracing themselves for a major disappointment come month end when headline for an upcoming show Vybz Kartel might not show up.


Kartel is exected to perform on January 29 but according to a report on Dominica News Online that might not happen.


Quoting from the short article, “reliable sources have informed Dominica News Online that Kartel will not be performing because of personal reasons beyond his control.


The sources say the show may be postponed or canceled but the public will be kept up to date of any developments.”


Comments under the article indicate that many are not surprised by this move.

Jamaica has the most "churches" per square mile of any country in the world. Source-Guinness Book of World Records. Over 1,600 "churches" all over Jamaica. That number is growing.


·Jamaica was the first country in the Western world to construct a railway, even before the United States! This was only 18 years after Britain!


·Jamaica is the first Anglophone Caribbean Country to gain Independence.


·Jamaica is the first team from the English-speaking Caribbean to qualify for the Football (Soccer) World Cup. This was the 1998 championship.


·Jamaica stands strong in 3rd place on the list of countries to win the Miss World titles the most! [Hmmm!] The only countries to have won it more than Jamaica are India, Venezuela and the UK, but considering the size of Jamaica, you have to say that this achievement is monumental!


·On his second voyage to the New World in 1494, the tip of the Blue Mountains in Jamaica was the first land sighted by Christopher Columbus.


·Jamaica was the first commercial producer of bananas in the Western Hemisphere.


·Jamaica also was the first island in the Caribbean to produce rum on a commercial basis..


·The Manchester Golf Club in Jamaica, established in 1868, is the oldest in the western hemisphere!.


·Apart from the United States, Jamaica has won the most world and olympic medals.


2009: The world’s fastest man and woman are Jamaicans: Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser.


·Jamaica has more multiple (two or more) live births than anywhere else in the world.


Jamaica was the first country to impose economic sanctions against the apartheid regime of South Africa.


·Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean.


·Jamaica was the first Caribbean island to enact legislation, "The Motion Picture Industry (Encouragement) Act," to promote the making of films.


·Jamaica is the first country to sign a Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria grant agreement.


·Jamaica was the first tropical country to enter the IOC Winter Olympics. The bobsleigh team's efforts inspired the film ‘Cool Runnings’.


·Jamaica was the first colony England acquired by conquest. This was in the year 1655 when the Spanish were driven from the island.


·We have the second largest butterfly in the world. (The Giant Swallowtail)..


·Another of the interesting facts on Jamaica is that it was the first British colonial territory to establish a postal service (in 1688).


·Jamaica was the first Caricom country to liberalize the telecommunications sector. Since then, other Caricom countries have opened up to competition.


·Another one of the most interesting facts on Jamaica is that Jamaica was the first country in the


·Port Royal in Jamaica was once labeled 'The wickedest city on Earth.'

The police are probing Sunday's gun salute at the funeral of alleged Clansman member 31-year-old Patrick Marcel McDonald, also known as Kingman, in Trelawny.


Two policemen are among seven persons who have had their hands swabbed since the incident took place and up to late Monday afternoon, were still in custody.


The incident sent a wave of panic through the usually quiet farming community of Bunkers Hills.


It is understood that when the shots rang out, the Wakefield Police were alerted and quickly went to the scene.


Searches were carried out and a gun was seized.


Two vehicles were also confiscated while several persons were taken into custody and had their hands swabbed.


Two of those in custody have since been slapped with gun and ammunition charges.


Four others are being held on reasonable suspicion of breaches of the Firearms Act and three have been slapped with ganja charges.


It has still not been established what charges will be laid against the cops.


Residents told our news team Monday that they cowered in fear, many claiming it was their first time hearing live gunshots.


Up to late Monday afternoon, the police were searching two vehicles including an Escalade which were both at the funeral.

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

Right now, we don’t know who fi blame — Beenie, Ele or the organizers of the Coke Zero concert. While we agree wid Ele say Beenie shouldn’t go up pon stage Saturday night and flop DeMarco and tek the rest of the show fi himself, a di Coke Zero organizers we haffi blame deso. Cause a must dem did give Beenie the mic fi go pon stage. And some people a say a DeMarco call him up. But we don’t tink say DeMarco coulda so fool-fool cause him did have him set done plan out and after Beenie reel off him bag a tune no time neva left fi DeMarco fi bring on him peeps and do him ting like how him plan. But, tell mi something, if dem did want Beenie pon did show why dem neva book him. Beenie was there from early out and mek sure say Sean Kingston give him a call up and then him go trample for Marco ting. When Beenie done wid the stage no forward neva left fi Ele, who was closing the show.

Bwoy we did really sorry fi Elephant Man when the crowd boo him at the Coke Zero concert. But Ele, you shoulda did know say if you a go cuss Beenie the crowd a go turn round pon you. Is so dem stay. Remember how dem did boo Bounti a Sumfest cause him did a call Beenie fish and all dese tings. Ele, all you shoulda did do, is dance and sing you song dem and collect you money. But instead you want play hero and a defend a next man cause. We hope you learn.

Jamaica's Youth View Awards 2010 nominated Favourite New Artiste of 2009, Denyque is fresh and out with a new single produced by Equiknoxx Music on their Kamera Trick Riddim entitled "Oh So Good" which was released on January 10.


From overwhelming reviews thus far, the song is doing “oh so good”. The dancehall soca / pop flavored song is already in heavy rotation globally, yes to as far as Ethiopia they are saying that Denyque sounds "Oh So Good". Just in time for the Carnival 2010 season in Trinidad & Jamaica, we are expecting this single to do very well.


"Oh So Good" is just her third single in less than a year since her debut release "Can’t Breaqthe" in March of 2009 and then the Don Corleon (Sean Paul ft. Keyshia Cole - Give It Up To Me) produced “Pieces" later in the year, Denyque has already graced the stages of some of Jamaica's high profiled events such as Jamaica's Ministry of Health's World AIDS Day concert, Usain Bolt's Celebrity Party Reception, Asafa Powell Foundation's Night On The Track Concert and Sting 2009 to name a few. To everyone's amazement, Denyque's Sting 2009 Performance video on Youtube had reached 14,960 views in less than three days.


With her momentum growing progressively, Denyque goes on a month long tour of the United States in March of 2010.

Leadership



I affirm divine guidance for all leaders.


Today I honor the leaders of the past who have helped create justice, peace and progress in the world, and I pray for the current leaders who guide our global community.


I support decision-makers in prayer. I believe they can reach wise and fair conclusions for all involved. As I pray, I remember that God is present in all people and in all circumstances. I release any concerns in the sanctity of prayer. I place my trust in God.


Perhaps I, too, may be inspired to lead in some way--by joining a volunteer group, assuming leadership at work or even running for public office. Whatever the inspiration, I respond with a willing and peaceful heart.


We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: ... the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.--Romans 12:6, 8

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

By Buffilous


Lawks a just di odda day mi write bout women whey sleep round and now mi haffi share one now wid dis girl whey mi help out. She come to mi and tell mi sey she in danger fi lose har job a one a dem big airline company.


Now being as she have bout five pickney, mi really did sorry fi har and mi have a friend…well him more like a brotha to mi know him deh pon di shy side and being as him tell mi sey him a look a nice girl fi par wid. Mi teck my faas self and go hook him up wid mi friend.


Well mi know she did have a young bwoy a par wid, but she tell mi sey di relationship nah head nuh whey and she a bruck it off. Mi teck har word fi it and hook har up wid mi friend.


Bwoy she nice from dat, cause dollars start fi run, him treat har like a queen and when him a buy tings fi har, him nuh ongle just treat har, him alla member di kids dem tuh. Straight a suh moi friend flex still, so mi know she woulda be inna good hands.


But mi get fi regret sey mi do di hook up cause mi neva know sey she would start to dis di man. Him treat har like a princess and yuh woulda believe she start talk back to the young bwoy so till mi friend get suspicious and start fi get smady watch har.


Now him a gi out sounds sey him a move on. Di wuss part a di whole deal is dat di pickney dem fada nahy gi har zilch fi dem and now mi friend a guh step.


Why some women so fool fool? Why mess up a good ting? Tell mi please.

Renewal



My body is relaxed, my heart is at peace and my spirit is renewed.


Taking time to rest and relax is important to me physically, emotionally and spiritually. By giving my body the rest and attention it needs, I find peace and strength within.


As I relax my body, I also relax my mind, releasing negative thoughts or concerns. I feel a wave of peace rush over me. My spirit is renewed. I become more aware of the presence of God working in and through me, guiding me to new blessings and fulfillment.


I give thanks for my peaceful moments with God--moments when my body is relaxed and my mind is at peace. I know these moments are sacred. They renew me in mind, body and spirit.


Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.--Matthew 11:29

Freedom


I am free from limitation of any kind.


I know that the same Spirit is in me as was in Jesus Christ, and I follow the path He showed me to perfect freedom. He knew that the spiritual power within Him was greater than any force in the world and that nothing could hold Him in bondage. Following in His footsteps, I affirm that nothing can enslave me, for the spiritual power within me enables me to rise above any limitation.


I speak the word of Truth with the authority that comes from knowing of my Christ dominion and mastery. If in the past I have allowed thoughts of fear to dominate me, I now assert my divine authority over these limiting beliefs. As I become aware of my true freedom in Christ, new vistas of happiness and accomplishment open before me.


--Adapted from Daily Word, August 5, 1950
For freedom Christ has set us free.--Galatians 5:1

Photos By: Ashon Williams

By Buffilous



Now fi tell di truth, it nuh really look good when everybody all up inna yuh business. Yuh si mi, mi nuh believe inna di bun ting and as far as mi can remember a ongle one time mi dweet and dat a because mi did bex nuh rhatid how him cheat pon mi wid a skettel.


No wha get mi fired up is how some woman can carry demself dat mad class dem up all kinda way, it bad when you tun yuhself inna pass round donkey when it come to sexual partners.


How can yuh hold up yuh head when man nuff man a sey him have yuh aready. Yuh have a man whey supposed to be proud a yuh and him shame like dawg because when himmtink sey him have a prize, him ongle a realise sey a whole heap a man fuss him.


Listen man, mi a appeal to di woman dem before it too late fi dem, not because yuh have a pretty face and a hot body, dat mean seh unno fi run it red like it caan dun.


Nuff disease deh bout and even if unno nuh ketch none, unno caan teck it back once unno spread unno legs.


Pass round donkey title nuh good, as di ad sey, check yuhself before unno wreck unnoself.


From yuh character gone, it caan come back again...no star, lock up unno foot and meck sure a smady whey deserve it, get it,

Reliable YardFlex sources have confirmed that visa restrictions have been lifted from dancehall artiste Adidja “Vybz Kartel” Palmer.


“He has been given a permit that allows him one entry to the United States,” the source said, adding that Kartel will be able to work on this visa.


Kartel, whose last performance in the US was nearly five years ago, has since been trying to renew his work permit for that North American country, without much success.


Interestingly, the reason for the US embassy’s refusal to grant the dancehall artiste a visa has never been fully disclosed and this has led to various speculations.


A prolific hitmaker, and the self-styled Gaza President, Kartel has a huge following and is in high demand for shows in the US.


Last year, an intense and much-hyped rivalry between himself and the Gully God, Mavado led to intervention by the Jamaican government.

Prosperity



I am successful and fulfilled, realizing the power of God in me.


The headlines may say the economy is less than healthy. A glance at my checkbook may indicate that my financial situation is less than ideal. But these indicators do not measure my true wealth. My true wealth lies in the power of God within me.


The power of God in me is constant and unchanging. As I connect with this inner power through prayer, my life is brought into perspective. As I pray, tension and uncertainty fall away. Strength and reassurance fill my heart and mind. I am successful and fulfilled. I achieve my goals and move forward with confidence.
There are unlimited possibilities before me. Giving thanks for my prosperity, I welcome new expressions of abundance unfolding.


Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.--1 Peter 5:7

The Jamaican government is trying desperately to contact Jamaicans who may be in Haiti.


Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Ken Baugh Thursday told RJR news that contact had been made with some seven or nine Jamaicans and plans were being made for them to be taken back to Jamaica on an Air Jamaica flight.


He says, however, that with new restrictions being placed on flights entering the country, that plan has had to be put on hold.


Dr. Baugh says his ministry has no details on the persons that have so far been contacted and he has no figures as to how many Jamaicans are living in Haiti.


With this limited information to work with Dr. Baugh is making an appeal for relatives of Jamaicans in Haiti to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.


"The ministry has the names of seven or nine Jamaicans but we don't have any details. What we are making arrangements for is for when Air Jamaica goes across that persons will be going across to make contact with them. And hopefully to bring them home,"


"I would encourage anybody with family members that they are concerned about to call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Families have called in and that is how we got the names, we are maintaining contact with those people here in Jamaica and certainly we are working very closely with Jamaica so that when they go they have space and capacity to bring them back," Dr. Baugh said.


Meanwhile, The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is asking persons with Jamaican relatives in Haiti to call 886-1849.


The team is also trying to get Jamaicans home as soon as possible.

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

"My heart goes out to Wyclef and to the people of Haiti. I saw the devastation of the island on the news and I was moved, the hundreds of dead bodies piling up on the streets, the buildings destroyed by the earthquake, people working to rescue friends and family trapped in the rubble...and I want to make myself available to help in any way I can," Beenie Man said in a release.


"I hope that the Caribbean community will also organise quickly and help our brothers and sisters in every way possible, or else we will have an even bigger disaster on our hands. The schools are packed with dead people, the hospitals full of sick and dying, all communications cut off...it's a catastrophe."


Beenie Man and Wyclef Jean collaborated on the radio hit, Love Me Now and another song called Lie Detector several years ago.


"Wyclef Jean and I share a passion for improving communities throughout the world and he has always been very hands-on when it comes to looking after his home nation so I can't imagine what he is going through at this very difficult time," Beenie Man, who has also spearheaded social and environmental programmes in tough inner city areas such as Craig Town, Arnett Gardens and Waterhouse in his native Jamaica, said. Beenie Man has already contributed money to the Yele charity to aid humanitarian efforts.


Haiti is regarded as the most impoverished nation in the Western hemisphere and is home to 9 million people, four million of whom live in the capital city, Port-au-Prince and its environs. The quake's epicenter was only 10 miles from Port-au-Prince. In 2008, Haiti was hit by four hurricanes. Wyclef, a Goodwill Ambassador to Haiti, started the Yele Haiti Foundation to raise relief funds for the area following Hurricane Gustav in 2008.

After a successful 2009, Chino's hard work still has him reaping its rewards in 2010. The Reggae/Dancehall artiste, whose name is Daniel McGregor has been nominated for a staggering six awards in this year's Youthview Awards and EME Awards.


For the YVA's he was nominated in the categories: 'Male Artiste of the Year', 'Young Hot & Hype Male Artiste of the Year' while for the EME's he was nominated for 'Breakthrough Artiste of the Year;, Singjay of the Year', 'Most Improved Artiste of the Year' and his mega-hit From Mawning was nominated for 'Song of the Year - Dancehall'.


Chino spoke of his striking accomplishments, saying, "Last year I worked exceptionally hard and even while on a three month tour in Europe and the USA I was still writing so when I got back to Jamaica I could record and get things kicking again. It has taken a lot of sacrifices to get to this point: non-stop travelling, performing, recording and sometimes when people see you they don't know what you have to go through to get to a point, so even that, I pour everything into my music. I feel really happy but humbled to see where the journey has taken me and once again I have to say bless up to everybody for the support."


Also in December of last year, Chino, alongside another artiste walked away with 'Best New Artiste(s) of the Year', and to kick-off 2010 with a bang, in addition to his numerous noms, he has released a humorous yet telling-tale called Telephone Gallis, (which he says he is a far cry from), on the Jukeboxx Label. Then this Saturday, Chino will share the stage with other superstars, namely Sean Kingston, Iyaz known for his Billboard chart-topper Replay, Elephant Man, Ding Dong, Etana, Alaine, G-Whizz, QQ and more at the Coke Zero Presents Sean Kingston in Concert at the LIME Golf Academy, St. Andrew.

Teddy Pendergrass, one of the most successful R&B singers of the 1970s and ’80s, passed away yesterday after a battle with colon cancer. He was 59. Pendergrass was diagnosed with cancer last year and had a difficult time recovering from surgery; he died at Bryn Mawr Hospital outside of his native Philadelphia, ABC News reports. The five-time Grammy-nominated singer had chart-topping hits in three different decades with 1978’s “Close the Door,” 1988’s “Joy” and 1991’s “It Should’ve Been You,” plus well-known songs like “Love TKO,” “Two Hearts” with Stephanie Mills and “Hold Me,” a duet with Whitney Houston that featured on Houston’s 1985 debut album.


Pendergrass’ rise to international fame was briefly halted after he was involved in a 1982 car crash that left him in the hospital for six months and paralyzed from the waist down, but he didn’t let the accident prevent him from making music. “He had about 10 platinum albums in a row, so he was a very, very successful recording artist and as a performing artist,” Pendergrass’ friend and collaborator Kenny Gamble, of Gamble & Huff, told the AP. “He had a tremendous career ahead of him, and the accident sort of got in the way of many of those plans.”


Pendergrass began his career as lead singer of the Philadelphia soul group Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes — singing their Number One hit “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” — before embarking on his own solo career. He released his self-titled solo album in 1977 on Gamble & Huff’s Philadelphia International Records, the first of eight albums Pendergrass would record for the label before moving to Warner Music’s Asylum and Elektra. “To all his fans who loved his music, thank you,” his son Teddy Pendergrass II said. “He will live on through his music.”

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

Whooi if a laugh a pop up. Can you imagine that Sting come and gone and all now some people nuh si dime from di promoter. The latest saga now is wid di hardworking cop dem a Sting dem want dem money.


Mi a pree di Star yesterday and mi couldn’t help di but sey ah bwoy, a whey him do wid all a di money, cause Sting did get a decent crowd and nuff artiste whey go pon stage never get a cent..


Now according to the Star story several policemen who provided security at the show say they are yet to be paid.


The lawmen, who shared their frustration with the paper said they were told that they would be paid the following day, but two weeks later they have received nothing.


The policemen, who are all stationed in the St Catherine South Division, said they provided various services on December 26, from manning the gates, to patrolling the grounds and securing the backstage area. Though the promised rates of pay vary among officers and the service they provided that night, some were entitled to between $5,000 to $6,000 for the night, while others were entitled to more.


One lawman said, "Wi bleach di whole night till mawning and now we're calling about our money and can't hear anything. Everybody is tight-lipped. Nobody can say anything. Mi get mi holiday and shoulda go home to mi family, but seh mek mi go stand up inna di night dew and all now me or mi family cyaan see di night dew money."


He said the officers were becomingly increasingly frustrated and need to hear something soon. He said they heard through the grapevine that part of the money had been given to their superior, but not all of it.


When contacted, head of Supreme Promotions, Isaiah Laing, confirmed he had indeed paid over some of the money owed, and was looking to pay the rest soon. He said the security bill for the show was a whopping $900,000 and he had already paid over $550,000. He said he was in the process of securing the remaining funds and had all intentions of honouring his obligations.

*Reports have again surfaced claiming Tiger Woods has checked into a sex rehab center in Arizona.


Sources tell People that Woods entered The Meadows, a clinic in Wickenburg, Ariz., sometime around the holidays - a rumor that first made the rounds last month. The clinic specializes in substance abuse, as well as compulsive disorders such as gambling or sex addiction.


A sex-therapy expert who claims to be familiar with the situation says the 34-year-old golfer arrived in Wickenburg around New Year's and will likely stay for 4 to 5 weeks of treatment.


"He should be out by Valentine's Day or thereabouts," says the source.


*Meanwhile, cimedian Paul Mooney, like every comedian on the planet, has weighed in on Tiger's issues and is having a field day. Actually he's maintained for years that Woods would have a "Ni**a wake call" one day.


Here he is with Davy D having big fun at Cheatah's, er Tiger's expense.

Crime got a big blow when the police made a whopping gun find at the Adolph Levy Warehouse in Kingston.


The police eized 12 high-powered firearms and more than 700 rounds of ammunition from the warehouse


Operation Kingfish spokesman, Sergeant Jubert Llewellyn, said the seizure was made during a joint effort by security personnel.


Reports are that the guns and ammunition, plus 28 magazines and a telescopic lens for a sniper rifle, were hidden in an air compressor.


The compressor was among a shipment declared as personal effects, which was coming from New York in the United States.


The Kingfish spokesman said that two women and a man, all of St Catherine, have been held in connection with the seizure. Llewellyn, however, would not reveal their identities or say whether they are linked to any of the criminal gangs operating from St Catherine.

HUNDREDS of people are feared dead in Haiti after the Carribean island was hit by a powerful earthquake last night.


The tremor hit just before 5pm local time about 10 miles southwest of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Raymond Joseph, Haiti's envoy to the US, said it was a "catastrophe of major proportions".


A hospital and other buildings in the capital were reported to have collapsed. A visiting US official said the sky in the city was"grey with dust" and he could hear screaming.


Among the hundreds thought dead or buried under the rubble is a substantial number of United Nations personnel, after the UN headquarters on the island was flattened.


The United Nations has a 9,000-strong peacekeeping force in Haiti, which has been there since a rebellion in 2004.


Peacekeeping chief Alain Le Roy said other UN installations in the Caribbean nation were also seriously damaged.


The quake was quickly followed by major aftershocks of 5.9 and 5.5 magnitude. Reporter Joseph Guyler Delva said: "Everything started shaking, people were screaming, houses started collapsing ... it's total chaos.


"I saw people under the rubble, and people killed."


A tsunami watch was in effect last night for Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba and the Bahamas.


Henry Bahn, an official from the US Department of Agriculture, was walking to his hotel in Port-au-Prince when the ground began to shake. He said: "I just held on and bounced across the wall.


"Everybody is just totally, totally freaked out.

Attraction


God's love in me attracts my highest good.


When I focus on my heart space and the love inside of me, I immediately become a spiritual magnet--a mighty force attracting more love into my life, aligning me with God's good.


God's love within me has the power to attract harmony and abundance. The process begins as I turn within for prayer and release any concerns or needs to God. Blessing my circumstances, I faithfully affirm the power of God's love to fulfill my heart's desire. Divine love expressing through me attracts loving relationships and opportunities that are in alignment with my highest values.


Radiating love, I am a force that attracts the blessings of God into my life.


God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.--Romans 5:5

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

By Rootzgirl


I was really touched reading about Mr G’s dedication in ensuring that his son gets the best possible care in Monday’s All Woman.


According to the story when the DJ learnt that his two-year-old song Chad-Antonio was autistic, he hit the books, to learn as much as the disorder as he could. But it didn’t stop there he played an active role in ensuring his son got the best care possible and after two years Goofy is happy that through proper education and with a bit of understanding and support, the toddler is well on his way to leading a close to normal life.


In the interview he told the reporter “He had certain habits that really drew my attention for me to want to get him checked out. He has this rocking thing that he does and he has this sound that he makes," said the recording artiste. "He started withdrawing, not eating, only drinking, and I just thought that his behaviour wasn't normal."


Simpson said he brought his son to see the executive director of the Early Childhood Commission Dr Maureen Samms-Vaughn who made the devastating disclosure that his second to last child was autistic.


Goofy ended up putting his music on hold for a while to spend more time with his son. But with his son's progress, Simpson has gone back to doing performances, even appearing on the most recent staging of Sting.


I applaud fathers like that.


May the others follow his example as it is sad that other dads have normal kids and still can’t find time for them.

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

The 2010 staging of the Excellence In Music and Entertainment (EME) Awards will unfold on Thursday February 4, at the Gardens at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston. Founded by popular radio personality Richard ‘Richie B’ Burgess, the awards show was created to honour the players in the local music industry, both past and present.


The EME Awards, a non-profit venture, has garnered unwavering support and popularity through the years and has attracted coverage from both the local and international media. Last year, the presence of America’s BETJ Channel, provided quite a fillip for the EMEs and their repeat airings of the event has definitely added to the excitement both here and abroad.


The publication of the List of Nominees for this year, has triggered off wild voting well beyond the initial projection of the organizers. An EME Awards spokesman said, “We had such a mad rush to our website (www.emeawards.com) that we had to speedily upgrade the capacity of our server to accommodate the increased traffic. In fact, we had to upgrade our server’s capacity to terabytes in order to facilitate the existing and growing traffic.”
Internet votes represent 30% of final scores, the other 70% based on Chart success and overall impact.


Awards will be given out in over 30 categories including, DJ of the Year, Vocalist, Album, Song, Producer,Singjay, Lyricist, Best New Artist and Breakthru Artist of the Year among others. Additionally, the Award of ‘Role Model of the Year’ will be bestowed on Toots Hibbert and Denroy Morgan.


Considering the number of A-Listers that will be attending the 6th Annual EME Awards, the entertainment world awaits the fashion statements that will be made on the Red Carpet which opens up at 7:00 pm. The awards ceremony itself gets underway at 8:00 pm. The EMEs remain an invitation only event but will be aired on CVM TV, CVM Plus, Hot 102 FM and other local and international media affiliates.

Mr Vegas, a mek you a hype and galang so? Why you trace off Richie B pon Twitter just true you tink him neva nominate you fi him EME award. All a talk bout how you nah pay fi mek you tune go pon did man chart and all these tings. And then, it look like you decide fi look again and you realize say you name deh pon did nomination list. You no feel foolish? All when you wipe it off a Twitter, we still have it, and we have the tracing from last year with you and Irie Jam people to. Mek you a gwaan so? A true you and the deejay baby madda deh big and serious now mek yu a show up you colours so? We spot did two a oonu ova Raga Christmus show and it look like a dat did get did deejay angry when him see him baby madda a pose up side a you. All when him deh a Sting him did still look angry; is a good ting him neva get fi perform. But Vegas, is a new year now, a time you stop curse like a girl and find fault cause remember: you is not Mr Perfect at all. And, tell did baby madda she she fi try pay lickle attention to the child, it don’t look good how she a ignore him.

Bwoy fi tell di truth, wi neva know sey Beenie Man is a father to four kids who suffer from sickle cell. We a read one story inna TeenAge Observer whey him sey he could not say no to such as just cause as Shaggy's especially knowing the state of his own children who will be beneficiaries of the aid being given to the Bustamante Hospital for Children. Yeah man nuff people wouldn't come up front bout dem tings deh. Beenie all wi can sey is that you continue to be a good father and gi dem four pickney an abundant supply of love and attentiion. Seen.

THE SLOGAN, “because you’re worth it”, was once made famous, in part, by Beyonce’s participation in a series of advertisements for the cosmetics brand L’oreal. But taxpayers, trade unionists and artistes are now questioning whether the entertainer’s upcoming concert, for which the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) is to spend a minimum of about $10 million to stage, is worth it after all.


According to the president of the Communications Workers Union Joseph Remy, TSTT has informed the trade union that $5 million has already been spent by the company on the upcoming concert carded for February 18 at the Queen’s Park Savannah. He revealed that senior TSTT officials have also said that, excluding the costs of building infrastructure for the event, the total cost of paying Beyonce’s appearance fee and promoting the event will cross $10 million.


“That information was confirmed,” Remy said in an interview with Newsday yesterday. “Five million has already been spent and they are estimating spending between $5 million to $10 million on this promotion. But it can even go beyond $10 million. That’s for her appearance fee and part of the cost of promotion. You also have to remember the kind of infrastructure you will have to put up in the Savannah.”


The upcoming concert is being billed on Beyonce’s website as a part of her ‘I am…Sasha Fierce’ world tour, which has scheduled stops in Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Peru before hitting Trinidad. Officials at TSTT yesterday remained tight-lipped about the cost of the event, citing confidentiality clauses in their contract arrangements.


“We can’t disclose anything. It will be in breach of our agreement to disclose any financial details,” said Graeme Suite, manager of media relations and corporate communications, when asked to comment on the report of the $10 million price tag.


Entertainment consultants with experience in bringing high-profile American artistes to perform in this country yesterday said Beyonce’s standard appearance fee per concert is US$1 million (TT$ 6.3 million). Beyonce recently billed a Manhattan nightclub US$200,000 (TT$1.3 million) to appear, according to E! Online. The singer did not, however appear, after the nightclub owner failed to pay the fee.


Remy yesterday criticised TSTT for what he described as “lavish expenditure” in the context of the current global economic slowdown.. Additionally, he called the move to stage the concert “contemptuous” in context of the bitter multi-million dollar battle the trade union and TSTT have been engaged in over the salaries of TSTT workers over the last months.


“This is scandalous to the extreme and we need the Government to intervene and to stop this promotion,” he said. “We want a full-scale investigation into this because this smacks of corruption. It is a wastage of taxpayers’ money and we are questioning the whole backdrop of the genesis of this concert.”


Remy added, “We are going to write to the Government calling on them to call the company into account for this type of expenditure, especially now when we are having economic troubles and we are lavishing this money on Beyonce. We are in 2010 and we still have employees working on 2005 salaries.” He queried why the company was investing significant sums in a non-core business. “A few years ago TSTT took a decision to get out of non-core business transactions, for example employee loans. But now that you’ve done that, you are now coming to promote a Beyonce concert that really adds no value to the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago or your employees and is not a core transaction,” Remy said. The planned concert also came under fire from Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation executive member Karega Mandela who noted its timing in the middle of the Carnival season.


“I have no problem with Beyonce, but if you are using State funds in the middle of the Carnival celebrations I think it is gross disrespect,” Mandela said. “It is not a private person doing this, State funds are being used.” But don’t raise any questions over Beyoncé’s concert with any of her many local fans, judging from comments posted on an online forum by Trinidadians on her website at www.beyonceonline.com.


“I’ve been waiting a lifetime for this,” one forum member, identified as designerboi09, wrote. “Each day I think about it, I say thank you God for giving not just me but the many fans of Trinidad and Tobago and beyond of this amazing experience which is about to hit our shores.”

David Oscar Markus, the defense lawyer for embattled deejay Buju Banton is reported as saying that it made no sense to seek bail for his client, as immigration authorities had placed a detainer on Banton, who is in the United States on an entertainer’s work permit.


Markus told reporters on Thursday after Banton’s court appearance in Tampa, that he will first have to fight to get the detainer lifted, and then seek bail on the cocaine-related charges.


The lawyer said that the entertainer will fight the criminal charges, and will not enter into any plea deal with prosecutors.


Markus reportedly criticised the immigration detainer, saying that in Banton’s case there is a presumption of guilty until proven innocent by the United States immigration.

Lloyd Banks has been arrested on assault and robbery charges after allegedly attacking a promoter following a concert in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, on Friday night (Jan. 8).


The G-Unit member, born Christopher Lloyd, performed at Brantford’s Club N.V. before the altercation occurred. According to MTV News, the rapper and three associates, Nicklas Sloane, Shawn McGee, and Tyrell Cooper, got into an argument with the promoter over payment for his appearance and performance.


The promoter claimed that Banks and the three other men held him in his hotel room against his will before assaulting and robbing him on Saturday morning (Jan. 9). All four individuals were charged with forceful confinement, aggravated assault, and robbery.

A March trial date has tentatively been set for deejay Mark ‘Buju Banton’ Myrie.


Following an appearance in court on Thursday, Buju’s drug conspiracy case was set for a status conference in February with the possibility of the actual trial starting on a day to be announced in March.


It is said that cases don’t often go to trial so quickly, but lawyer, David Oscar Markus is quoted as saying he would push for the case to proceed swiftly.


The four-time Grammy nominated artiste was arraigned Thursday on a charge of conspiring to buy more than five kilograms (11 pounds) of cocaine from an undercover law enforcement officer in Sarasota last month.


Banton was arrested at his Tamarac home in Florida on December 10, two days after federal authorities say he met with a confidential informant to discuss the drug purchase.


Banton will likely miss the January 31 Grammy Awards, where he is nominated for his latest album, Rasta Got Soul.

Dancehall heavyweight flosser Owen Clarke aka Roy Fowl will be resuming his flossing in the dances soon. Word is that the British Link Up head honcho who was sentenced in 2004 is now ready to resume his link up.


According to reports in the media there could be a series of week-long celebration at street dances all over the corporate area to mark his return. Another speculation is that there could be a series of parties also to mark his presence back on the scene.


Well the danchall massive can look forward to giveaways, heavy profiling he takes back his place in the dancehall.

Honor


I honor my identity as a child of God.


I honor people in my life who are important to me and show them respect. But do I always honor and respect myself? By honoring myself, I am also honoring God, for I am God's beloved child.


How do I honor myself? I listen to and follow the still small voice within that guides my thoughts, words and actions. I give thanks for my body and make a commitment to eat right and exercise each day. I recognize my unique talents and abilities, knowing they are God-given and that I am forever capable of learning and doing more.


I take time for spiritual study and reflection, for it is an important part of my life and a reflection of who I am as a beloved and honored child of God.


As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.--Colossians 3:12

Grace



The grace of God sustains me in every moment.


Life presents many opportunities to grow, change and choose direction. Whatever lies before me, I can be sure that God is in the midst of it. God is present in every moment as goodness, freedom, wisdom, understanding and all I need for fulfillment.


Whatever choices I make, whatever direction I take, I trust the grace of God to guide me. I live calmly and confidently, and I walk my path in peace. I have absolute assurance that the grace of God is equally present in the lives of those I care about.


As God's grace is demonstrated, I give thanks for the opportunities that come my way and know that each is a gift. I am aware of the grace of God surrounding and sustaining me. What a powerful way to live!


From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.--John 1:16

D & L Promotions, organizers of the annual Black & White Affair, emphasis that the shooting of a wanted man, Patrick McDonald, took place after the party was over. They emphasize that steps were taken in an effort to prevent persons with weapons from entering the venue.


At approximately after 6:15 am, McDonald who also called ‘Kingman’ was shot in the head four times and died on the spot.
Here is the statement by the promoters.


“D & L promotions, organisers of the annual Black and White Affair, wish to clear the air surrounding a shooting incident which occurred at the National Arena where the 11th renewal of the show was staged on Thursday December 31, 2009.


“In an effort to ensure a safe, fun filled and incident free event, the organizers put in place a major security plan which involved the services of a private security firm along with uniformed policemen and women. This security plan also involved the use of metal detectors, the frisking of male and female patrons entering or re-entering the venue, among other procedures aimed at preventing firearms and/or other illegal weapons from being brought into the venue undetected.


The plan worked extremely well with no reports of scuffles, clashes or disturbances up to the time of the successful and incident free conclusion of the event.


A fatal shooting incident occurred at one of the doors leading into the arena after the event had officially ended resulting in the death of man. The incident is regrettable and distressing. Our investigations have revealed that the victim was in no way connected to the organizers, sponsors, or any other individual associated with the event.


It has always been and continues to be the pledge of D & L promotions to abide by the laws governing the staging of public events, and we use this medium to apologize for any distress or inconvenience to members of the public as a result of the incident. In the meantime, we are cooperating fully with the police in their investigations of this incident.”

So it look like the singjay and the daughter of the high profile pastor really have a ting a gwaan. People a wonder a how Rev like him new son-in-law and how di locks ting and church ting a go harmonise. But, memba say Tommy Cowan a big big church man and still have him whole heap a dreadlocks, so a no nutten. Rev, people a wonder if you did stay fi him performance a Sting?

The Appeal Court is scheduled to hear the long awaited appeal of convicted Matthews Lane leader Donald "Zeeks" Phipps who is now serving life for murder.


Lawyers representing Phipps will be going to Court on Monday to challenge his 2006 murder conviction.


Phipps, former Matthews Lane strongman, is now serving life behind bars following his conviction for the 2005 murders of Rodney Farquharson and Dayton Williams.


Both men were beaten, tortured and shot in Matthews Lane and their bodies burnt in an open lot in downtown, Kingston.


Phipps will have to serve 30 years behind bars before becoming eligible for parole.


However, lawyers for Phipps have asked the Appeal Court to quash the conviction and sentence.


In his application, Phipps claims that his trial was unfair and amounted to an abuse of the process of the court and a violation of his constitutional rights as the judge erred in admitting hearsay evidence at the trial.

The Linstead Police are seeking the public’s assistance in finding the mother of a child who was abandoned at a bus stop along the Bog Walk Main Road in Linstead, St. Catherine on Tuesday, December 29.


The CCN is reporting that about 6:00 p.m.., residents found the child and contacted the police. The officers took the baby to the Linstead Hospital where she was medically examined and found to be in good health.


The mother of the child or anyone knowing her whereabouts is being asked to contact the Linstead Police at 985-2285, police 119 emergency numbers or the nearest police station.

Joy

I am joy in expression.


There is no need to ever wait for joy. My joy does not depend on reaching or achieving certain goals. I don't have to graduate from college to feel joy, nor do I need to be married to feel joy. I needn't postpone my joy until I've retired or reached a certain level of success. Joy is a state of mind, arising from realization and gratitude, accessible to me at all times.


I focus on the joy that underlies my life each day. When I awake, I feel joy. Throughout my day, I give thanks for the people who share my journey. At the end of the day, I am grateful for each experience. I reflect on the blessings in my life and feel joy welling up within me. I never wait for joy. I choose joy in this very moment.


My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy.--James 1:2

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

The decision by the pilot of American Airlines Flight 331 to land the aircraft in weather conditions it was not capable of handling might have contributed to the December 22 accident, United States-based aviation expert Michael Slack, is quoted as saying.


Slack reportedly stated that it was “not just pilot error, but pilot recklessness.”


Responding to reports that the 737-800 aircraft was attempting to land in a tailwind of 14 knots, Slack pointed to a 2004 study which showed that the maximum tailwinds for take-offs and landings by this model plane was 10 knots in clear weather conditions. This number, he noted, was lower in bad weather.


Pointing out that all pilots have this information, a Met Service official present at yesterday's hearing, explained that data about the weather conditions

Reggae artiste Julian Marley has been nominated for a prestigious Grammy Award in the Best Reggae Album category for his third studio record entitled, Awake.


The Ghetto Youths/Universal release hit streets on April 28, 2009 and was co-produced by Julian and his brothers Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and Stephen Marley. Julian “Ju Ju” Marley drew inspiration for Awake from the spirit of Cedella Marley Booker, his grandmother (and Bob Marley’s mother), who passed away in 2008. The gifted singer-songwriter is in the running for the coveted award along-side Stephen Marley, Buju Banton, Gregory Issacs and Sean Paul.


Julian notes, “I am honoured by the recognition and feel Blessed that Awake has made such a bright impression on the Recording Academy.”


Recorded at the Lion’s Den in Miami, Florida, and Tuff Gong in Kingston, Jamaica, the music presented throughout Awake is rife with the inspiration of all the family members who have come before.


The album features collaborations with brothers Stephen Marley on Little too Late and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley on Violence in the Street and rapper Mr. Cheeks on Oh Girl.


Born in London in 1975, Julian Marley is a skillful veteran performer, producer and songwriter with numerous successful international tours and albums under his belt.


In 2009, Julian Marley and The Uprising spanned the globe in support of Awake. Having just finished a major European leg, Julian has extended his tour to include 2010 performance dates in Europe and in the United States beginning with co-headlining the 2010 Raggamuffin Music Festival in Australia.


The 52nd Annual Grammy Awards will be broadcast live from the STAPLES Centre in Los Angeles on the CBS network beginning at 8:00 pm (ET) on Sunday, January 31.

Reggae/dancehall artiste Mark “Buju Banton” Myrie is scheduled to make his first appearance today in a Tampa courtroom, where he faces federal drug charges, according to a report carried in the Miami Herald.


Buju was recently moved to Tampa from a jail in Miami where he spent Christmas. He is accused, along with two others, of trying to buy more than five kilograms of cocaine with intent to distribute in early December from an undercover law-enforcement officer in Sarasota.


Gargamel Music Inc., the artiste’s own record label, announced Wednesday that Buju has hired highly-regarded Miami criminal defense attorney David Oscar Markus to fight the drug charges.


Markus is reported as saying that Banton is innocent and was set up by "some evil people trying to take advantage of his trusting and honest character."


The charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison. Banton's most recent album, Rasta Got Soul, is nominated for the Grammy Reggae Album of the Year.

A group of promoters and entertainers say they plan to write the state-owned Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) asking it to withdraw its sponsorship of the February 18 concert featuring the American singer Beyoncé, Dominica News online reports.


Former chief executive officer of the Caribbean Prestige Foundation, Gregory Fernandes, who is among those involved in the effort to get TSTT to rescind its decision, said that they intended submitting the letter to the company’s CEO, Roberto Peon, on Wednesday.


Fernandes, according to the report, said on radio in Dominica that TSTT has already indicated that it would be reducing its funding to activities for the Carnival celebrations this year.


“Bringing Beyoncé at this time puts more pressure on the industry,” he said, adding “Carnival activity is a very high risk and a lot of bands suffer high losses”.


Fernandes also said according to media reports, the production cost for the Beyoncé concert is in the vicinity of TT$10 million (US$1.4 million).


Lisa Agard, executive head of Mobile and Legal Services at TSTT, said the company would be in breach of its contract with Beyoncé if it discloses the cost for the concert.


“I can’t give you exact numbers, particularly with regard to what she is costing. Not because we have any reluctance to disclose it, but there are confidentiality provisions in her contract with us,” Agard told a local newspaper. But she insisted that her company’s involvement in other activities for the Carnival would not suffer as a result of the show.


Meanwhile, it was confirmed that a company owned by West Indies cricket icon, Brian Lara, and star footballer Dwight Yorke, was one of the main contractors for the concert.


The promoters say the most expensive tickets for the show, valued at TT$1,600 (US$266) have already been sold out and the Trinidad Guardian newspaper reported Wednesday that fans of the singer in Suriname have been paying as much as US$860 to travel to Trinidad to attend the one day event which is part of Beyoncé Worldwide Tour.

The prestigious Excellence In Music and Entertainment (EME)Awards is back and this years staging of the event will be on Thursday February 4, at the Gardens at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston.


The EME Awards is the brain child of popular radio personality Richard 'Richie B' Burgess. He created this award show to honour the players in the local music industry, both past and present, for their hard work in creating and maintaining excellence within our rich musical culture. The EME Awards is a non-profit venture.
Since its humble beginnings back in 2005, as a small,
In-studio production, the Excellence In Music and Entertainment Awards has grown to become one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the local entertainment calendar.


The EME Awards has garnered unwavering support and popularity through the years and has attracted coverage from both the local and international media. Last year, the presence of America’s BETJ Channel, provided quite a fillip for the EMEs and their repeat airings of the event has definitely added to the excitement both here and abroad.


Over 85% of the awardees were in attendance for both the 2008 and 2009 staging and the organizers hope to improve on that this year. This is a clear indication of the respect the industry has for this event. 2010 promises to be even bigger and better.

I thought we would be resting the stupid clash idea with LA Lewis and Goofy, but if the report in the Star is anything to go by then it could very well be happening. More’s the pity.


According to the report Brite Lite Funeral Services' owner Tommy Thompson is planning an event later this month where the two artistes will face off lyrically.


At Sting 2009 at Jamworld in Portmore, St Catherine, the $200,000 casket was on stage waiting and Mr G, fully clad in black, was in attendance but LA Lewis was missing in action.


Now Thompson is making arrangement for the two artistes to meet on a new yet-to-be named stage for a clash of comical proportions.


Yeah yeah, we all know LA Lewis is no DJ and we can’t foresee him coming with any killer lyrics. Just look at what happened at Ragashanti’s Mix Up and Blenda show at the Arena, the boos are still resounding in our ears.

See it deh now, how people gwaan manage when gunmen not even afraid a di law. Cops in Old Harbour Bay were attacked by gunmen after responding to calls that shots were being fired in the Terminal area of the community.


According to police reports, shortly after 10 a.m., the cops were patrolling the area and upon reaching Terminal Road they came under heavy gunfire from a group of three armed men.


The men fired upon the vehicle and the policemen had to make a hasty retreat.


The gunmen reportedly ran to nearby bushes. One was later found hiding on the premises of a community centre before being taken into custody.


These policemen must realize that they have to step up their game if they are going to take on the gunmen.

Reports circulating is that Windalco will be closing operations in Jamaica at the end of March.


Windalco has not been producing since early last year after challenges in the global aluminum market forced it to scale back operations to three days per week and lay off some workers.


Windalco's parent company, the Russian based UC Rusal has been facing financial difficulties and problems with the Russian government.


However Mr. Morrison the President of the National Workers Union which represents the workers said with the situation improving with prices and slow but steady recovery in global economies, there was hope the operations could be saved.


Windalco has the capacity to produce about one million tonnes of alumina.


The shutdown of Windalco's Jamaican operations will affect its plants in Ewarton, and Kirkvine as well Port Esquivel.


Some 1,500 workers are expected to be made redundant in the process, but Mr. Morrison says the Union will be holding discussions on the way forward with management Thursday where it is hoped solutions can be found to prevent a shutdown of the company.

Greg Christie,Contractor General

The police have been called in to probe a death threat issued to a Senior Director within the Office of the Contractor General (OCG).


Contractor General, Greg Christie says Assistant Commissioner of Police in Charge of Serious Crimes, Les Green is now investigating the origins of an anonymous telephone call to the Director, warning that he would be killed.


Both the Contractor General and ACP Green have declined to comment publicly on the death threat, but it is understood that high level security measures have been implemented following a meeting
Wednesday with officers from the Protective Services Division of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.


The OCG Director, who received the death threat, has been leading an intensive audit into a group of five irregular contractor re-registration applications.


The applications have linked five Government contractors in what is suspected to be a criminal conspiracy involving the award of Government contracts by the National Housing Trust (NHT).


The five contractors have, during the past four years, been awarded contracts from the NHT amounting to at least $87 million.


At the end of last year, the OCG issued a release pinpointing another threat to staff at the government entity.


That threat is related to the discovery of fraudulent applications submitted to the National Contracts Commission (NCC) between September and October 2009 by the Managing Director of one of the contracting firms.


That investigation has intensified over the past two weeks, with the OCG conducting several taped interviews with representatives of all five contractors as well as four employees of the NHT.


The threats have reportedly shaken up staff at the government watchdog agency whose mandate is to stamp out corruption in how contracts are awarded.


In the meantime, the OCG has fired one of its own Directors as the fallout over the awarding of government contracts to fake contractors continues.


Employees of the National Housing Trust, an Information Technology specialist and a high school teacher have also been fingered as being involved in the tangled web of alleged deceit.


The OCG says based on evidence it has uncovered, four of the contractors it is investigating for fraudulent registration applications are fakes.


The web of alleged corruption, according to an OCG release, extends to a former director who was fired on Monday.


The Director, who had 18 years of employment with the agency under his belt, allegedly confessed to internal investigators that he had falsified the Contractor Verification Forms for the four fake contractors.


The OCG says one of the four fake contractors is a full-time teacher at a prominent St. Andrew High School, while another is an Information Technology Specialist.


The probe suggests that the four fake contractors are utilized by the fifth to funnel contract awards from the NHT.


The OCG points to joint bank accounts in the name of the fifth contractor that are being maintained by at least two of the sham contractors allegedly to facilitate Government contract payments.


The Contractor General's office says it has also established that the Managing Director of the fifth contractor is a church brother of one of the sham contractors and a neighbour of another..


The office says the scam was set up at the prominent Kingston church where they worship.


Additionally, someone identified as a Project Manager of the NHT, has been formally listed as a full time employee of the fifth contractor for the past four years.


Two other full-time employees of the NHT are also listed as full time employees of two of the sham contractors.

Pray for Others


I pray for you, knowing that God is your ever-present source.


When a dear one is in need, the first thing I can do is to pray. I turn the concern over to God and rest in the silence of sacred communion. In these peaceful and powerful moments, I send love toward my dear one and feel the assurance of divine order unfolding. I see the fullness of life, love, wisdom and substance revealed.


I may or may not have the opportunity to help in person; however, I always have the means to make my contribution in prayer. I turn within because I know prayer makes a difference. My energies of love and compassion, understanding and peace further support divine order unfolding for good in the lives of others.


They long for you and pray for you because of the surpassing grace of God that he has given you.--2 Corinthians 9:14

Rihanna has found a well-endowed, sexually proficient man worthy of that fling in LA Dodger Matt Kemp. The two were rumored to be dating after being snapped together over New Years and now they've taken their sex train (not like that) to Mexico.


Now, these grabby/kissy snaps are tame compared to a couple of hot tub pics that'd leave the cast of "Real World: Las Vegas" slackjawed.


You go girl

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

Gargamel Music, Inc. is pleased to announce that top federal criminal defense attorney, David Oscar Markus, has officially been retained to defend four-time Grammy-nominated Reggae icon, Buju Banton, against the trumped-up drug charges currently being levied against him by the United States government.


"Buju is innocent - plain and simple," declares Markus. "He was set up from the jump by some evil people trying to take advantage of his trusting and honest character. We are all looking forward to getting him out of prison so that he can move forward with his stellar music career."


David Oscar Markus


Mr. Markus is a Magna Cum Laude Harvard Law graduate who kicked off his high profile legal career as an Assistant Federal Public Defender in Miami. His overwhelmingly successful private practice, Markus Law (www.markuslaw.com), focuses primarily on federal criminal cases at both the trial and appellate levels.


Prestigious attorney resource guide, Chambers and Partners, says David Oscar Markus "is a man who gets consistently great results... When he walks into a room the US Attorney's office winces as he puts them to the test every step of the way." The National Law Review says, "David is a reincarnation of the old time great criminal defense attorneys."


The nationally recognized litigator has also consistently been named one of the top lawyers in the country by Florida Super Lawyers (2006 - 2009); Florida Trend (2008 - 2009); Daily Business Review's 5th Annual Most Effective Lawyers (2009); Top Lawyers In South Florida (2002 - 2009); South Florida Legal Guide (2002 - 2008); Best Lawyers In America (2007 - 2008).


Early Tuesday morning, US Marshalls transferred Buju Banton to a jail facility in Tampa. He is scheduled to appear in US District Court for the Middle District Of Florida on Thursday. Meanwhile, sales of Banton's Grammy-nominated album, Rasta Got Soul, have continued to increase in the four weeks since his incarceration. A documentary-style music video for new single "Optimistic Soul" will begin circulating in the coming weeks.

Christ Light


The Christ Light leads me to my highest good.


Like turning on a light bulb, when I have a new idea or spiritual insight, I feel the Christ Light illuminating my mind and awakening my spirit. When I am needing guidance, I turn within to find the Christ Light is ever present. It is my guiding light which directs me confidently through any challenge.


While in meditation or while I am busy with chores, an idea may come to me revealing a channel for peace and prosperity or providing the perfect solution to a puzzling situation. I receive deeper spiritual understanding of events unfolding in my life or in the life of someone dear to me. As the Christ Light illuminates my mind with new ideas and understanding, I am led to my highest good.


The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.--John 1:9

We read a column in the Jamaica Observer on Monday and have to admit we were deeply touched. We can’t help but share it with you and implore you to send up prayers for Tarrus Riley back-up singer Connie Campbell.


Check out the story.


IT has been four long months since talented back-up singer for Tarrus Riley, Connie Campbell, has been languishing in a coma in a Maryland hospital. And with each passing day, the situation just seems to get more complex.


"It is just unreal... frightening," saxophonist Dean Fraser told us early September last year when we saw him at Irie Jamboree in New York. The incident had unfolded a few weeks earlier and Fraser, still shell-shocked, didn't want any media attention. As he related it then, the group had been on a tour stop in Maryland and while at rehearsals, the decision was taken, in the interest of time, not to go back to the hotel, but instead to freshen up on spot and wait for showtime.


"Connie went into the bathroom and shortly after another member of the group followed her. Then I heard a scream and when we ran to the bathroom, we realised that Connie had fainted. She soon revived and said she was feeling all right. However, I insisted that she go to the hospital, although in my head, she passed out because she probably wasn't eating right. And, on tour, we always tease each other about that kind of thing," Fraser recalled.


Fraser, Riley and the others performed without Connie and, right after the show, Fraser headed to the hospital to pick up the back-up singer..


"I was a bit surprised that she wasn't calling me every minute to come and get her, and I was prepared for a little tracing from her when I reached," Fraser said with a wry smile.


However, the sight that greeted him at the hospital made his knees buckle and his heart almost stop beating.


A semi-conscious Connie was lying in a hospital bed, hooked up with tubes to a machine. She was having what Fraser described as violent body spasms every 10 seconds.


"I couldn't believe my eyes. I started to tremble and everything all at once. The doctors say they didn't know what was causing shake like that so viciously and such


quick succession. They couldn't tell me what was wrong with Connie...it was just unreal... totally frightening," Fraser said.


He was then faced with the daunting task of reporting this mystery illness to the other members of the group and to Connie's immediate family, all of whom wanted answers that Fraser was in no position to give.


Fraser said that one of the hardest decisions the group had to make was to leave Connie at the hospital in Maryland and continue the tour, performing every night as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. At the end of the tour, they all returned to Maryland to look for Connie, but, unfortunately there was hardly any change. By this time, the doctors were reporting that Connie had suffered multiple strokes, leaving her with damage to the brain stem. And she was still comatose.


Subsequent visits by her musical and immediate family left them confused, but with just enough hope and inspiration.


"Connie is a strong girl with a lot of willpower," her significant other, George, told us late September, before he went off on tour. "We were just getting ready to put together some songs for an album and she was excited about it. Although she is supposedly in a coma, when I visit her I remind her of these things and I just talk about everyday things. I keep telling myself that this is just a temporary setback and that Connie will soon be well again," he said, doing his best to keep his composure.


George added that he had taken their young daughter to visit and she, too, did her best to talk to her mother as if she could hear. George was hoping for that miracle while he was on tour.


Not having heard anything from George since his return, last Tuesday night at the launch of Rebel Salute, we again asked Fraser about Connie. Immediately, his whole demeanour changed. He shook his head, looked as if tears were just seconds away and said softly, "No change. She is still in the coma, not recognising anybody. Her sister and daughter are there visiting her now, but nothing has changed."


"Don't you think it's time the entertainment fraternity knew about this?" we queried.


He agreed.


Ideally, they would like to bring Connie back home where family and friends can have easy access to visiting her in hospital. The Kingston Public Hospital is willing, but, "the ventilator is the problem. Nobody wants to take the risk of having her travel so far", it was explained.

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

Bwoy it was real drama on Ragashanti live yesterday when Spice called in to the programme. Yeah man di topic was Ungrateful Friend mix up and Spice did have a lot to say on dat one. She sey Nuffy fit dat topic as him is one ungrateful friend. She go inna di days when dem used to share on dumpling inna har board house a Portmore. To when she used to meck him drive up har car till people tink sey a she a borrow it from him when she drive it..


She all go inna di fact sey she used to teck di money whey har man gi har and share it wid Nuffy…and after all dat him still tun round and dis har!


Spice sey Nuffy sabotage har and never call har up pon di stage and den him have di gall fit un round and a sey she coward.
Spice alla a meck Nuffy sister Marie call in and sey how har bredda ungrateful fi true.


Mi dear it was pure drama when Raga hook up wid Nuffy him sey him nah back dung from whey him sey, Spice coward fi true…and she know it. Him talk how much time him haffi coax har fi teck di stage.


Spice sey him illiterate and a she teach him fi read and write and cuss him how him tell har business to Lisa Hype. Nuffy just lick back and sey wha bout when him used to tell Macka and D’Angel business to har fi DJ bout! Whooii mi cyan teck it.

Bless My Body


I bless my body. I see it healthy and whole.


From the top of my head to the tips of my toes, I breathe in a prayer of gratitude for my body. I bless every cell, marveling at the way they work together. Every strand of DNA is woven into a pattern of the unique being that I am. Every part of my body is a distinct creation that fits perfectly together with the whole.


If there is an area of my body that is in need of healing, I send it special blessings, calling forth the perfect life of God. I forgive myself for ways I may have not honored or appreciated my body in the past. I give thanks for the wonderful service my body provides. With new eyes of love I see my body as it was created, healthy and whole.


Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure.--Psalm 16:9

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

Boy oh boy it's really something when the British are actually willing to pay Jamnaican prisoners 5,000 pounds for them to come back home. Yeah man dem sey di prison too full up wid di Jamaicans dem and dem willing fi do dat fi get rid a dem.


According to a story in the Jamaica Observer, permanent secretary in the National Security Ministry Major Richard Reece Thursday confirmed that the Jamaican Government was aware of the British Facilitated Returns Scheme under which the UK government is offering foreign nationals imprisoned in that country £5,000, (J$72,000) if they accept deportation before their sentences expire.


But the scheme was blasted by a high-ranking police officer, who accused the British government of offloading criminal elements created by their system on Jamaica..


Prisoners who qualify for the grant will receive a first payment of £500 in cash, of which £46 pounds will be paid upon departure from Britain. The remainder will be given in the form of an automated banking card which can be used to make withdrawals from financial institutions in the prisoner's home country.

Well remember we told you Liser Hyper (yes she change har name is no more Hype, she Hyper now!) she never really said anything juicy, more than say she is doing her own thing and that she still cool wid Vybz Kartel. So we no more clear why him sey him nuh want har inna Gaza than before she go pon di programme. Wi get the feeling that she holding something back. But a suh life guh, maybe one of dese days di real ting will come out. She sey she a programme har music ya now and tings. Still wi wish har all di luck.

Controversial dancehall deejay, Rodney “Bounti Killer” Pryce, after his actions at the Shaggy & Friends concert on Saturday night, issued the following statement:


After nearly 20 years at the top of the Jamaican music industry I
have been involved in many battles - sometimes with fellow artists, sometimes with outside forces and sometimes with the state and its politicians. I've learnt to choose my battles wisely and the grounds upon which to fight them.


I've also learnt when to admit I didnt choose my ground wisely andSaturday night's Shaggy & Friends' show was one of those occasions.


With so many politicians and members of the upper echelons of
corporate Jamaica present, an audience I rarely get the ears of, I
got caught up in the moment while expressing myself. I now realise it was inappropriate and extend my apologies to Shaggy, his sponsors, benefactors and all in attendance who were offended by my performance.


Alliance made a pledge to donate $250,000 to the cause and we will follow through on that promise and continue to support Shaggy and answer his call whenever he reaches out.

Looking back, Shaggy will ask himself again and again why he gave Bounti Killa the microphone to go on stage in the closing moments of the Shaggy & Friends concert at Jamaica House on Saturday.


If ever there was a Kanye moment in local entertainment, it happened when the cross, miserable, angry Warlord bounced on stage at the show at the dying moments of the concert and killed what, up until then, had been a very good thing.


Killa pounced upon the “battyman dem” at the show who didn’t “give enough” to the worthy cause, the Bustamante Hospital for children. It was a real Kodak moment to see the look on the faces of those in attendance at this concert where ticket prices ranged from a high of $30,000.00 to a low of $5,000.00.


Bounti finally got a chance to face his target audience and he cursed them off in the best way he knew how “oonu a battyman, oonu don’t give enough to charity ... all of oonu man who don’t have nuh pickney .. oonu a battyman.”


Poor Shaggy looked as if he jsut wanted to fold up himself and hide in on of the guitar cases, but instead he quickly exited the stage. Nobody was going to videotape him on stage during Bounti’s anti-gay tirade and make it look as if he was in support of Bounti’s statements.


Shaggy must have given some signal to the sound people, because as soon as Bounti and Mavado left, the sound system started playing music. Patrons just stood there, waiting for something to happen on stage ... anything except the return of Bounti with more venom. Finally, as the capapcity crowd made its way through the gates, MC Squeeze went on stage and formally brought the curtain down on Shaggy & Friends.


As for Bounti, he and Mavado pledged $250,000.00 to the cause.

New Life


This brand-new day begins with Christ in me.


Every morning, I have the ability to rise and begin a brand-new day with a fresh, new, positive attitude. I am not bound to old conditions, old patterns, old ways. Christ in me makes all things new. Through this power, I create a new me and embark on a new life.


I am open, creative and innovative. I express new ideas and open myself to perspectives I might never have considered. In so doing, I fling open the door to new ways of thinking, feeling and being.


Christ in me is life and energy in abundance. Christ in me is faith and hope that on any given day, I can release any negative feelings and replace them with goodwill, peace and prosperity.


Our inner nature is being renewed day by day.--2 Corinthians 4:16

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

Photos By: MILTON RAYNOR

Coming fresh from his Christmas day performance at Jagra GT Taylor Extravaganza, singer Colin ‘Iley Dread’ Levy is now looking forward to Pepsi Rebel Salute scheduled to be held on Saturday, January 16 at the Port Kaiser Sports Club in St Elizabeth.


“I personally endorse what Rebel Salute stands for and I’m really looking forwarding to perorming on stage,” said Iley whose last performance on the show was in 2003.


The singer says he will be treating conscious music lovers to tracks for his lately released album entitled Unleash as well as some old favourite such as Flowers in My Garden and Picture On The Wall.


Colin Levy aka Iley Dread, singer, songwriter, producer hails from the parish of Hanover.. Like most artistes, he developed an early appreciation for music and honed his talent performing on community and school events. He migrated to Canada in 1992, where he continued to explore his love for reggae music in Montreal, Quebec.

The dancehall welcomed the New Year with a tragedy as a male patron was reportedly shot and killed this morning at the annual Black and White Affair held at the National Arena in Kingston.


Information is sketchy, but reports are that the gala New Year’s Eve session was winding down close to seven this morning when shots rang out and patrons ran for cover.


It was later revealed that a man had been shot dead at the venue.


So far, there has been no official statement from the police on the shooting.


Black and White Affair is one of the premium and most successful New Year’s Eve shows on the calendar. Each year, patrons fly in from the US, England and other parts of the world to attend this event known for its high rollers and fashionistas of every age and from all sections of society.

So the graffiti king finally break him silence bout him so-show at Sting. And him come with him mouth full of one bag a sobolious lie. How di hearse neva pay for and him suit neva pay for and him neva get enough ticket fi him entourage. Why LA Lewis tink say people a fool. Everybody know say a true him get a full 10 minute boo over Raga show him did fraid fi go a Sting.

Why is Assassin griping like a big gal how him perform good at Sting and media overlook him. And him a gwaan on and on bout how him is dis good boy who only want to elevate di music. But a when Assassin really see di light? Look how people did a beg him no fi use di name Assassin because it just too violent and negative, and him neva tek telling. And now that him decide fi change it him a galang like him deh pon some kinda crusade and him is so perfect. Yute, you have a far way to go and if you a go lef the business just because media don’t give you enough big up after one show, den maybe you inna di wrong business.

Flippa really have a speedy recovery after him crash him Porsche Cayenne pon Hagley Park Road Tuesday morning. We nah tell no lie, di vehicle maaaad. Everybody did a pass it and a slow down and wonder a who fa truck. But we hear say Flippa did crash one next vehile di odder day inna di States. Flippa, it look like you need a bath inna di 2010 or you need fi get some driving lessons. Anyway, we hope you boat ride whe you a plan gwaan good Tuesday.

What Lisa Hyper a go do with all the tattoo dem pon her body that talk bout gaza? This is a lesson to all a oonu who just buy out this tattoo ting. Onnu must stop scrawl up man name all over oonu body cause when oonu and di man lef and oonu get a new man is a big problem. Cause tattoo can’t rub out or wash off, so tink twice and thrice before oonu plaster oonu body with all kind a tings.

How di woman dem inna di biz so bitter? Sting neva done good and Lisa Hyper go build lyrics and call up all a di woman dem name wicked wicked. And although nuff a dem say dem nah answer her, Spice build some lyrics weh nuh normal. Di tune name Lisa Swiper and Spice come out wid all guns blazin’. ‘Sting stand up pon you stiffer than the d—k inna you mouth … you put di c---y inna you mouth cause you hole no have no glue’. Spice go hard. A wonder if Lisa Hyper a go answer.

Look like the prison ting a work fi Gargamel. Last week him popularity just tek off cause everybody a look up pon him on the Internet, and now him album Rasta Go Soul gone back on the chart. Buju, just hope and pray say the people dem who a tune in to the drugs case also spend some more money pon you music, cause dem deh legal fee deh nah go pretty.

Begin Anew


I release that which no longer serves me. My spirit is restored.


With the start of a new year, I eagerly anticipate doors opening wide with new possibilities. I am grateful for new beginnings. I welcome the opportunity to release that which no longer serves me, knowing that life can begin anew for me. I open my heart and mind to receive my good.


While I may or may not make New Year's resolutions, I resolve to focus my attention on "being" rather than "doing." This year, I allow myself the gift of reflection. By tuning in each day to the Divine Presence within me, I find my spirit is restored and my vision for myself is expanded. I am able to create the life that I desire. By staying in the present moment, I see the Truth of me--and I am a joyful new creation.


I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut.--Revelation 3:8