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September 21, 2007
Ricardo "Bibi" Gardener reaching Musical Heights
By: Joseph Cunningham
Ricardo "Bibi" Gardner, beloved in Jamaica since his Manning Cup and Reggae Boyz Football days, is charting another course, a musical one - for himself. As Chief Executive Officer at the Mona based Heart of Love Production/Entertainment Management/Booking Agency, Bibi has not only orchestrated the rise of Dancehall artiste Erupt, he has also been responsible with his partners, for producing vibrant rhythms for the dancehall.
Before all this Bibi ruled the Football world that saw him wallow in stardom at Wolmer’s Boys School when he led his team to a dramatic and memorable victory before a packed national stadium in 1993. A key feature of Bolton Wanderers English Premier League (EPL) Campaigns for many years, Bibi was only 15 years old when he was recognized nationally as not just an exceptionally talented athlete, but as a notable individual. His ongoing EPL success came after shining brightly at the 1998 World Cup of Football (soccer) in France with the Regge Boyz. When Bibi signed to Bolton Wanderers at age 19, he became the youngest Caribbean player ever to play football at that level.
Since its establishment three years ago, Heart of Love - made up of Bibi's cousin, Nigel Grant, aka, Nyah and Camara Rowe, has been responsible for Erupt's mega-hit, "Seh dem a Gangsta". Other popular rhythms produced have been, "Gangsta Sittin" and the "Potential" rhythm, which featured the likes of Sizzla Kalonge, Erupt, Natural Black, Richie Spice and A'taru.
"Our aim is to bring quality music with a positive message," Nyah stated, adding that there is no "short-changing" of talent and quality at Heart of Love. As such, their current projects are set to have a positive and lasting impact on the Jamaica and the world. One is a dynamic enhancement of the Atomic rhythm, which is the "Atomic Bomb", built by Suku of Ward 21 and distributed by Energy Beat. The rhythm highlights Beenie Man, Munga with "When My Gun Rise", Busy Signal, Sizzla with "Strength to Strength" and Vybz Kartel with "Great Ball a Fire."
The Four Bottle rhythm will be another seriously hot contender in the Dancehall. Interestingly, the rhythm features a song from Dancehall icon, Mad Cobra, with a video that addresses with subtlety, a current burning issue in the Dancehall. The song is titled "Don’t Cry". The video displays "the Cobra" giving words of encouragement to a man who has been cheated on by his girl!