Jigga Mattic
YardFlex Reporter

Shortman from the Fras Crew has made claims that Ding Dong is trying to rip off his 'Surf' dance that he built for a song done by Shifter on the 'Wipeout' riddim. However, it is a claim that Ding Dong, who originated the Bad Man Forward, Bad Man Pull Up dance, denies because he says that

"One of the members of the Fras Crew go ah Gabba Sundays a few weeks ago and he said that DJ Whiteman announced that Ding Dong have a new dance called 'Surf', but Surf is a dance that me build a Foota Hype Birthday Bash seven weeks ago when I heard Shifter's song. So from that Gabba Sunday, me see him couple times and him no do the dance, but mi hear say him do it at other places when me not there, but is my dance, how him fi try tek it," Shortman told YardFlex.com.
"Me ah the only one wid a rubber surf body board and me carry it everywhere me go, so him fi just leave my dance alone."

For his part, Ding Dong, when questioned about Shortman's allegations just laughed. When reporter Jigga Mattic approached him while Ding Dong was making his way through the JFK international airport in New York, Ding took off his knapsack, and rummaged through his back to take out a file folder with newspaper clippings. He showed the reporter a cut-out of an article published in the Hard Copy newspaper four years ago where he had been photographed doing a similar 'Surf' dance.

"Why me woulda want tief Shortman Surf dance? Me always do my own ting, me do a Surf dance years ago, and plus that dance can only do for one riddim and that's Wipeout and it skettel out with too many artistes. Shortman need fi study the music more, ah me mek people start dance again, ah me go fi Keiva and dem after Bogle dead and nobody no waan go out again, ah me say Bad Man Forward, Bad Man Pull Up, and ah that and Dutty Wine still ah run the place, Shortman need fi just easy himself, mi no waan tief him dance," he said.

Ding Dong was in New York to perform at Squeeze's show in the Bronx, and the following day he made an appearance at the Irie Jam Celebrity Soccer Match at Roy Wilkins Park where he scored a brilliant individual goal to help the entertainers win 2-1.
So who owns the Surf dance, and will it take off? Only time will tell.

By: Jigga Matic

Singer Jovi, whose single 'Rizzla' is enjoying excellent rotation on local radio stations, recently made an appearance in a Machel Montana/Mr. Vegas video for their reggaeton flavoured single, 'Dance With You'.

YardFlex.Com spent the day with her on the shoot which was held in the middle of Times Square on Memorial Day, right outside ABC Good Morning America studio. Dressed in a sexy outfit and sporting roller blades, Jovi and two other skater girls shot scenes crossing the less-than-frantic Times Square streets, narrowly dodging taxi cabs, and generating interest from roaming tourists and one police cruiser. Jovi and her girls flirted openly with NYPD police officers who chatted up the girls. The director of the video which is sponsored by Cable and Wireless is Mark Humphrey. Grant Mercer, senior vice president of marketing and communications in the Caribbean Region for C & W was also present.

Jovi plays Machel's love interest in the video, and had a really fun time with the experience, even freestyling for passers-by and keeping everyone entertained with her unique offbeat personality.

"It was a really great experience, being in the middle of Times Square, and just filming, I am just learning a lot right now, and I thought that the scene with the cops was pretty hot," she said.

When Machel Montana arrived, he said in amazement: 'this shit is going to look dope'.

He explained how the song got made:

"This song is very special to me, and I released it last year but it was late in the season, and it didn't have the jump up vibe, so when the carnival season in Trinidad was over, I played the song for Mr. Vegas, he liked it, and we remixed it in reggaeton and released it this year, and it has played every day since then in Trinidad. Mr. Vegas has a song on the same riddim called 'Genie Wine' as well. The riddim was done by two Cuban guys who live in Sweden and have a dancehall sound system called Topaz, so it has a real international flavour, they love dancehall but programme reggaeton, the riddim bad bad, but it's good to get together with different people from different cultures and do music."

Both Mr. Vegas and Machel are managed by Leslie Cooney.

On the second day of the shoot, director Mark Humphrey will shoot a prepaid roaming commerical for Cable and Wireless using the artistes. The theme of the ad is that, according to Michael Look Tong, vice president of Marketing, "you can take the Caribbean with you as there is no hassle and no deposit to be made on your b-mobile phone when you travel overseas, just take your phone and go, you can ask someone to top it up for you later'.

By Claude Mills
Photo By: Carlington Wilmot

Queens, New York:
Beenie Man was threatened by thugs at the end of the sixth annual Celebrity Soccer Match at the Roy Wilkins park in New York tonight on Memorial Day, May 29th.

"Some 90s man say dem get a phone call from a certain artiste say mi teeth fi get lick out because of the lyrics mi deejay at a stage show in Miami last night. Mi tell the man who come to me the name of the hotel that I am staying in, and give dem mi room number and tell him say him can come check me cause me nuh know where this ah come from, look how much time him diss me and the one time mi do a lyrics weh diss him, look what him waan to bring to me," Beenie Man told YardFlex.Com just minutes after the incident happened.

The stage show Beenie Man was referring to was the Memorial Fest that was held in Miami and where Bounty Killer and Beenie exchanged heated barbs directed at each other. Because of the damaging nature of the insults, we are unable to repeat them on this website, but the ongoing feud between the two archrivals has set the dancehall world on edge yet again. We will have more on this story as it breaks on YardFlex.Com reporting from Queens, New York.

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Zebra has returned to the airwaves with a bang. The incarcerated deejay's latest release, a song called 'Stocky', which narrates the story of a down-on-his-luck cocaine addict who is terrorizing his family and community because of his addiction.

"Mi glad that the people dem ah endorse it and that the disc jockeys are showing me love, Zebra have lots of good music to give the people dem," Zebra told YardFlex.Com from his prison cell at the St. Catherine District Prison where he is serving his sixth year on a rape charge.

The track is enjoying heavy rotation on local radio stations.
"It is getting crazy airplay right now and is a good sign that when he comes to road, he is going to be a force to reckon with," said his producer Key One.

"Zebra was one of the top deejays in the island but he messed up, and everybody turned their backs on him, but me like to help a man when he's down, me believe inna Zebra, and me know him from Spanish Town days so that's why me ah work wid him," producer 'Key One', chief executive officer of Key One Records, said.

He says that he has at least nine more songs to release from Zebra. The single, 'Stocky' appears on an exclusive rhythm created by Owen Dalhouse, a drummer of the band Riddim Kings, adn was recorded in a portable laptop/studio in the prison.

The lyrics are 'classic Zebra', biting and humourous at the same time, and which are delivered with great melody and narrative power.

The lyrics go:

Him no have pride, respect or shame/Ah just the needle him want fi push inna him vein...Stocky have a house next door to Dovecot/Him pawn off the zinc offa the house top...sell off the one cow him father got...him rob the passenger from offa the train/rob the pilot as him just land the plane.

"Zebra ah go get back everything and more that he lost because is basically an album I am working on right now for Key One Records. Right now, the buzz on Zebra in the streets is amazing, people want to know about him," Key One said.

Richie Spice has been nominated in the reggae male vocalist category at the 13th annual Reggae Soca Music Awards which will be held on May 27th.

"Right now, I am grateful for the nomination, it is just an energy, and mi give thanks for the support of the people who support me and reggae music," he said.

The show will be a black tie affair at the Broward Centre for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Avenue in Fort Lauderdale, and will begin at 8 p.m. Richie Spice's single, 'Youths So Cold' peaked at #59 on the Billboard Top 100 singles chart last year. Spice's latest singles, 'Brown Skin' and 'Open the Door' on the Bobby Konders Massive B label, have been getting rave critical reviews and are expected to drive the sales of his upcoming album, 'In the Streets to Africa'.

"Right now, we are negotiating with a major US label to lock up distribution for the album overseas but we don't wish to disclose who at this time," Devon Wheatley, head of Fifth Element Records, said.

Photo By: Benjamin Poljak

intro;
ooh oh LORD
a di living fiyah once more enuh
they really don't know
cyaah cool enuh cyaah watah dung enuh
naah compromise nuh time enuh

verse:1
a big man like you
rape off a 6 yr old baby
a big man like you
pop off yuh gun and put nine pon a likkle ole lady
a big man like you
bunn dung a school and a talk bout yuh mad sick and crazy
but when GOD hol yuh
nuh if nor nuh but nuh badda tell almighty bout maybe

chorus:
gash dem and light dem
for all the negative vibes weh dem a bring
gash dem and light dem
mi come fi mash up and wreck up dem senseless killing
gash dem and light dem
bwoie affi reverse wid dem bag a gun ting
gash dem and light dem
stand guard and come out a di wages of sin

verse:2
yuh love yuh life si dung and pawk it
and stop carry watah inna baaskit
suh mi affi draw fi all di MOSES law
eye fi a eye a dat nuff a onuh waah
onuh a push it till blood stawt draw
all di wrongs bwoie yuh have to pay fah

chorus:
gash dem and light dem
for all the negative vibes weh dem a bring
gash dem and light dem
mi come fi mash up and wreck up dem senseless killing
gash dem and light dem
bwoie affi reverse wid dem bag a gun ting
gash dem and light dem
stand guard and come out a di wages of sin

verse:3
dunce bat yuh nuh si seh yuh nuh smawt
come a tell mi seh yuh don't have nuh hawt
a long time wi a preach and a talk
and a tell yuh gi di politics a walk
but yuh a tell mi yuh nuh fraid fi pop it off
caah yuh love hear di big dog a bawk

There is no contesting it. The Tastee Talent Contest has undisputedly stamped itself as the leading trendsetters in the unearthing and showcasing of real talents in Jamaica. The May 25th semi-final contest re-confirmed this as 25-top talents in the various areas of the performing arts, demonstrated the wealth of talent that abounds in Jamaica, bursting at the seams for outlets and opportunities to turn those talents into hard cash.

This month contest brought back good singing to the stage as both young and not so young contestants dipped into their 'oldies but goodies' bags and came up with winning presentations at last Thursday's Tastee talent contest at the Tastee Outdoor Theatre in Cross Roads. The organizers are of the view that the promised prize of 'Best Solo artiste' to perform in the UK-Unsigned talent contest at the end of the year, could well be the reasoning behind the influx of singers in this month's competition.

The performances by all 25 contestants were awesome and made life difficult for the 7-member panel of judges. When the verdict finally came it, it was 21-year-old Andre Smith, who was declared the overall winner of the keenly contested semi-final. With 336 points, singing Air Supply's hit', 'All out of Love', Andre was a clear winner from the band struck its first note. As the response from the large crowd grew warmer, his performance gained momentum, and he had the hundreds of ladies in the audience singing, swaying and screaming long, after he left the stage. Andre went home with $60,000 in cash, gifts and certificate from the sponsor, Tastee Limited. Andre will now go on to the grand-final in December.

In second place, with 329 points, was 10-year-old Sarah Ramsey, a grade 4 student at Excelsior Primary School. She did a rendition of American singer, Patti Page's 'Crazy'. Sarah performed her entry with such grace and was able to capture the hearts of the judges. She won for herself $45,000 cash, gifts and certificate from Tastee, as well as a much deserved place in the December 14 grand-final.

Third place went to Richard Beckford, with 313 points. Elegantly clad in full black and performing his entry, 'Tears', which was made popular by Force MD & R Halpin in the mid 80's, Richard, held each note like a true professional and took home the third place prize of $35,000 in cash. He too will move on to the grand-final.

In fourth position, was another dynamic singer, Daulton Bell, doing Tom Jones's hit of the 50's, 'Fall in Love', which earned him 302 points from the judges and $30,000 cash from Tastee Limited. He was also awarded an additional $10,000 for being adjudged the 'Best Dressed Male' bringing his total take home reward up to $40,000. He now has a chance to compete for the prestigious Tastee Talent big prize in the December grand-final.

Other winners from the May 25 semi-finals were Tamara Brown, customer service representative at CESCO, who was awarded the prize for 'Best Dressed Female', Mosase Brandford, 'Best Costume', Troy Fletcher 'Best Original' and Wayne Graham’, Most Cooperative Contestant’. Each of these contestants received a cash award of $10,000 from Tastee Limited.

The guest artistes segment saw performances from former Tastee winner and two time JCDC Popular song contest winner, Penincillin, Shocking Vibes' Mr Nesbet and the Tastee Postars. Emcee was the 'Vibes Master' Jerry Davy, while Unique Vision Band provided backing for contestants and guest artistes.

The Tastee Talent Contest is sponsored by Tastee Limited makers of Jamiaca's# 1 beef patty for over 40 years. The next audition for entrants in the 2006 series will take place on Saturday July 1, starting at 9:00 at the Tastee Outdoor Theatre, home of the Tastee Talent Contest, Cross Roads.

Contact: Corporate Image
Tel: 978-0687
Email: ciproduction@yahoo.com

By: Claude Mills
Photo By: Carlington Wilmot

Konnichiwa.
There is no denying it anymore. The Japanese have a yen for all things Jamaican.

There are more ska and ska-punk bands in Japan than Jamaica at this time. In addition the number one international reggae sound, Mighty Crown, is from Japan and not so long ago the number one dancehall queen was Japanese.

So why do so many Japanese love reggae?

"From a Jamaican perspective, I believe it has to do with Rastafarianism. It came out of learning about what they stand for. Because reggae is associated with rastafarianism, I think that is how they became interested in it," Megan Barrett, assistant to the cultural officer at the Japanese Embassy, told YardFlex.Com

However, the fervent Rastafarian religious belief displayed by many reggae musicians is alien to the experience of the largely non-religious Japanese. Plus, marijuana is strictly verboten in Japan. And while there are plenty of Japanese kids wearing dreadlocks these days, it's more about fashion than culture or religion.

Some people think that the festive vibe of reggae, especially in terms of its historical roots in mobile DJ units, resembles the atmosphere of Japan's local festivals, or "matsuri." Others see similarities between the highly stylized "skanking" dance style associated with ska music and Japanese "bon odori" festival dances.

Not everyone agrees. Just ask Keiko Yasuda, a Japanese national who came to Jamaica at the age of 19, and got married to a Jamaican man, just because of her love for reggae.

"However, Jamaica has more upbeat riddims, I used to dance bon odori as a child, but it is not as similar. In patois, we have very similar, in Japanese, we call oyster in Japanese, kaki, but it patois, you know what that means, so we always laugh, oh my god, we eat oyster for stamina, we say kaki tonight for dinner, that's so funny and weird," Ms. Yasuda, who is a member of the administrative staff of the Japanese Embassy, said.

The similarities don't stop there.

"We have a lot of similarities, and it is interesting and weird at the same time, our countries names begin J-a. We are both islands, Japan played Reggae Boyz in World Cup, we have JDF, no army, but a body to protect our country, Jamaica has a JDF as well. We love Blue Mountain coffee, we buy 99 per cent of Blue Mountain coffee made in Jamaica in Japan," the thirtysomething year-old divorcee with 'one pickney' said.

She added: "In Tokyo, it is hard to find a coffee shop to sell straight Blue Mtn Coffe, they send it as a blend with Brazilian, because it is too expensive, but my mom buys Blue Mtn blend, 100 grams is US$20. If you order a cup of blend, it is US$15."

Some schools of thought believe that Jamaica's notoriously difficult-to-comprehend patois

"The consonants and sound of our patois and their attempt at speaking English is similar," famed 'Coolie Dance' producer Cordel 'Skatta' Burrell said. "That is part of the attraction, it just seems we have a lot of things in common. We love karate movies, and they love our reggae."

REGGAE AS MESSAGE MUSIC

Reggae's syncopated rhythms are said to echo in the rhythm of Okinawan music -- so much so that Okinawan music is sometimes called "Japanese reggae."

"I personally came to Jamaica at 19 because of the reggae music. I fell in love with Bob Marley music while living in the countryside of Japan, where I could only find Bob Marley and Cliff records in shop. It was very strong music when I was in high school at age 17. I read translations and felt strongly about them," Ms. Yasuda said.

"No other black music has that message, rap not as strong as reggae's message. I learned about Kenya, Tanzania, Jamaica is different from other black society, it has more offering to me, the Maroons, Marcus Garvey, it was very new. Most Japanese love roots reggae," Ms. Yasuda said.

She believes that a lot of young Japanese want to come here to work and live, but cannot do so because of the lack of job opportunities and the language barriers.

"The young people like to correspond on fashion, music via Internet, and there are a few Japanese owned guest houses for Japanese only, most in Kingston, Mandeville and Montego Bay," she said.

According to statistics from the Jamaica Tourist Board, Japanese nationals, especially young adults, have rediscovered the magic of Jamaica in the last couple of years, after a decline in the late 90s.

The number of Japanese coming to Jamaica peaked in 1995 when there were 23,673 visitors, but then in Asia, the economic downturn affected travel outside of Japan.

Up and coming singer Nanko has been booked for three shows with international superstar Shaggy in the Caribbean for this Summer.

"It's a great development for him, and he's getting paid really good money for this tour, and it is a good indication that his music has been accepted by bonafide reggae fans. He has got a couple of follow up tunes, especially an uptempo one called 'Loca Amore' that I know will do well in the Caribbean and the Latin American markets," Joseph Bogdanovich, CEO of Downsound Records told YardFlex.Com.

Nanko rose to fame last year on the strength of his 'Lucky You' single which hit the pole position of the Richie B Tru Juice charts.

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By Richie B, host - "HOT MIX" on Hot 102FM
Sponsored by Tru Juice

TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL
01 1 12 Nuh Badda Mi-Mr. Perfect-Pure and Clean (2wks@#1) NM

02 3 9 Gash Dem-Chuck Fenda-Juke BoxxU-1

03 2 17 Gangster Rock-Elephant Man-Birchill Records (2wks@#1) D-1

04 5 7 Heart Attack-Beenie Man-Fire Links U-1

05 4 19 Hotta-T.O.K. featuring Maestro-B-Rich (1wk@#1) D-1

06 6 12 Get Crazy-Voice Mail-Birchill Records (pp#4) NM

07 11 10 Tilly Ben Ben-Buju Banton-Flip Money Records U-4

08 7 17 Please Stop The Killing-Hit List-Fouta/Gogan Music (pp#5) D-1

09 8 14 Bad Out Deh-Alozade featuring Kiprich/Chico-B-Rich (2wks@#1)D-1

10 18 4 Dutty Wine-Tony Matterhorn-Hyperactive Entertainment U-8

11 9 18 Do You Know-Mr Vegas-Fi Wi Music(1wk@#1) D-2

12 12 9 Bad Man Forward-Ding Dong-VP Records NM

13 16 6 Weh Dem A Do-Movado-Pure Music U-1

14 15 12 Too Much Gun-Busy Signal-H2O U-2

15 17 7 Bad Man Forward-Elephant Man-Fire LinksU-2

16 13 12 Nuh Fren Mate-Macka Diamond-B-Rich D-3

17 10 16 Toppa Tings-Capleton-Don Corleon (2wks@#1) D-7

18 20 5 Temperature-Sean Paul-Jah Snow Cone U-2

19 21 5 The Prayer (Oh Lord)-Little Hero-Inspire U-2

20 23 3 Haffi Get It-Sizzla-Stainless Records U-3

21 24 4 Talk To Me-Buju Banton-H2O U-3

22 26 2 One Man-Beenie Man & D'Angel-Fire Links U-4

23 14 13 Anywhere We Go-Assassin-Mad House (pp#6) D-9

24 28 2 Forgot Them-Wayne Marshall-Legends U-4

25 19 11 Love Is The Only Solution-Gyptian-Palm of Gold (pp#12) D-6

26 29 2 Red Bull & Guinness-Delly Ranks/Chino-Pure Music U-3

27 22 13 We Set Di Trend-Beenie Man-John John (pp#8) D-5

28 - New Stuckie-QQ-Super Love Records

29 30 2 Bad Boy Romeo-Smoke-Outta Road Records U-1

30 - New Wrong Hail-Future Troubles-Steely & Cleevie

May 25, 2006 Kingston, Jamaica—On Saturday June 10th, world renowned authentic reggae clothing brand Cooyah, will host its second celebration of Jamaican culture and entertainment, with the stylish and star studded Cooyah XL 2006 at Morgan's Harbour, Port Royal, Jamaica.

Last year the highly lauded Cooyah XL extravaganza was described by Trace magazine as, "a five-star party in the rainforest of Kingston...which took party patrons to the dizziest heights in fashion entertainment."

Promising to outdo itself this year, the ultimate ultra all inclusive Cooyah XL event will feature celebrities such as, Rapper Mike Jones, UPN Half & Half's Lamon Rucker, and many more to be confirmed. At midnight super models and international celebrities will strut the moonlight runway featuring the latest from the Cooyah collection. Spinning the best in party music will be Upsteper China’s leading selector, Ed Lover from NY's Power 105, Kirk Riley, Renaissance, Coppershot, Walshire Killer and Razz & Biggy.

Regarded universally as the original Jamaican roots wear, Cooyah has represented reggae artistes by designing promotional clothing and has marketed original designs that reflect Jamaica's cultural heritage since its founding in 1987.

A favourite among international entertainers, Cooyah's strong brand acclaim is visible on media outlets including MTV's Tempo, and Jamaica's CVM TV Hype TV, RETV, TVJ and Music + and is a praised fashion trendsetter in print publications including Ecko-Complex, and Touch (UK).

Cooyah XL 2006 is sponsored by CVM TV, Hype TV, Tempo, TVJ, RETV, Pulse, 94 FM, Hitz 92 FM BWIA, Roots Malta, Appleton Jamaica Rum and The Courtleigh Hotel, and is a Jamaica Tourist Board and JAMPRO endorsed event. For more on Cooyah visit www.cooyah.com

Hot blazing Gangsta Guerilla DJ Mr. Peppa will be heading to the tri-state this weekend, where he will be doing a couple of gigs including Irie Jam Celebrity Soccer Match at Roy Wilkins Park, New York.

Mr. Peppa who has just recently shot the video for Gangsta Guerilla will be knocking it hard at the Celebrity Soccer Match - when asked if he thinks he will make the starting eleven, he replied. "Yow right now it's all about fun, so for me it doesn't really matters, it's all about good sportsmanship," he told YardFlex.Com.

Mr. Peppa who's a product of Natural Bridge Records burst on the Dancehall circuit in 2003 with the hit single 'Good Good Gone', but since of late he's more known to the public for his mega hit single 'Hypocrite A Talk' that has now been added to the list of dancehall anthems.

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BIG HEAD promotions (the promoter for Jamaica's world famous, 9 year
old annual International Dancehall Queen Competition), together with
chicagoreggae.com (the top-ranked website for reggae and dancehall in
the midwest), Fireworks and Uncle Joe proudly present the 1st Annual
Midwest Dancehall Queen Competition on Saturday, July 1, 2006 at the Taste Entertainment Center 6331 S. Lowe, Chicago, IL.

There have been several successful dancehall queen competitions in
Chicago over the years, but this is the first contest to be meticulously organized, culminating in the winner being sent to the International Dancehall Queen Competition held annually for the 9th year in Montego Bay Jamaica.

The extraordinarily popular contest attracts contestants from all over the world including, for example, last year's contestants from: New York, Florida state, Georgia,Sweden,Japan, Canada, Belize, Trinidad and of course Jamaica.

For further information, contact our marketing representative Jennifer Boswell at 773 793 4008 or email dancehallqueen@gmail.com .

Grammy Award winning, reggae pioneer BURNING SPEAR is a certifiable legend, celebrating more than 35 years in the music business. As the popular story goes, Rodney bumped into BOB MARLEY while walking through a field, and the two began talking about music. Marley encouraged him to visit Jamaica's Studio One, where Rodney and a fellow musician recorded "Door Peep." By the time of its release, Rodney had branded the duo Burning Spear, taking the nickname of Jomo Kenyatta, who was jailed by a colonial British government in Africa but rose to become the first president of Kenya..."I think people have to remember the originals," Burning Spear suggests. "So to be honest, I don't really feel no way about it when people put reggae in a different form. Regardless who's gonna do what with the music, I don't think they interfere with Burning Spear."

"I don't know how other people see music," reggae legend Burning Spear reflects. "Some people might see it based upon money, some people might see music based upon opportunity and access. But I see music as life. I see music as inspiration."

For more than 35 years, Burning Spear's music-thus, his life-has inspired people on numerous continents. Since the beginning, his songs have implored listeners to fight oppression in all its forms, to work at improving their own condition and to consider the social impact of their actions.

OUR MUSIC builds upon the Jamaican native's legacy of musical activism. With its inimitable dancing groove, the album percolates and bubbles rhythmically in its call for unity between races, between nations, between individuals and even between business associates.

OUR MUSIC is the second album released on his Burning Spear label, following 2003's Grammy-nominated FREEMAN. In the midst of its expected messages about love, oppression and African history is the title track, a public confirmation that his brand of positivity is tempered with a strong sense of self. "Our Music" is Burning Spear's reclamation of his own artistry-a justification for establishing his record company and a challenge to all artists to commandeer their own future.

"A lot of artists just have no time to really look within the business section of the music business," Burning Spear reasons. "There's no one to really sit them down and give them some of that business understanding before they get into what they get into. So then people walk all over these artists and do things where it's not appropriate and it's not right. It's not in the artist's love."

With his art and his business now firmly in his own control, Burning Spear's OUR MUSIC stands among the most joyful albums of his career. Bolstered by its throbbing basslines, bright horn parts and slinky female background singers, the songs embrace persistence ("Try Again"), self-analysis ("Friends"), love ("Fix Me") and community ("Together") through deceptively simple lyrics that point to deeper issues. It is, in effect, smart music you can dance to.

"It's like art," he says. "You're gonna paint this thing, and people are gonna look at this art and say that it looks like a tree, looks like a car, some people it looks like a flower. People are gonna say different things according to what they see. It's very different, what it looks like to them."

Make Boys Cry journeyed to Japan last week for a series of promotional appearances for their debut Toshiba EMI album which is due out this Summer.

"The girls were really excited about the trip, everything went great, they shot a new video for 'Short a Nutten' which will be the lead off single, MBC did photo shoots, they did MTV Japan, a couple of TV stations, did station IDs and for radio disc jockeys. The album drops in Japan on July 19th, and will be available in the UK three weeks before that. Usually, they don't promote reggae artistes this way, usually, it's underground, no mainstream airplay, so to see them roll out the MTV guns, Toshiba is a powerful force, and they believe in the project.

They have the look, they're marketable, they are a rare find coming from Jamaica...EMI is looking to sell over 100,000 copies with this album at least," Computer Paul said, adding that this augurs well for reggae music internationally.

MBC will soon be doing a combination single with Def Jam UK artiste, Smujji, and a big-time Atlanta-based rapper soon. YardFlex will be bussing a story on this soon, so stay logged on.

By Cecelia Campbell-Livingston

She is talented and set on making big strides in the music business. You could say she started being groomed for the big times from as far back as she remember. Her name is Helen Lindsay and she has had a
love affair with music for almost seventeen years now.

It all started when she was a little girl of five years old. According to Helen she would use singing as therapy whenever she was sad.

She first started singing in church, as her father was a piano player. He would take her along with him "and I was always placed in the front bench with the choir. I would sing along not knowing the song, but i was the seed that was being planted for my love of
music," Helene reminisced with a smile.

Born in Kingston, Helen attended several schools there, including Waterford Primary, before going on to Continuation High in St. Mary. She later migrated to the USA. While going to college there she was very active in radio. She briefly thought about being a nurse, but singing was uppermost in her mind and it was a desire she could not ignore.

Helen got the chance she needed to show her talent when she met Scaramooch of Junkyard Record who saw her potential.

Since then Helen has been working on her recordings both independently and with other producers including Junkyard Records. Among the recordings she has done are 'No Lazy Body' (with Anthony B) and 'Please Be True' with Daddy U-Roy. She has also done back-up
singing for artistes such as Yami Bolo and other top artistes from Jamaica who performed in New York.

Helen is aware of the stiff competition to make it in the music business, but she is not worried about it, as she says "I am bringing love which is now crying to be free for all mankind in a world that is filled with hate, fear and despair."

Although singing is her life Helen is ensuring that she has something to fall back on. She is presently in college studying to be a pharmacist. No matter how long it takes to make it to the big times Helen is prepared to work hard and wait. Etched in her memory is the advice of a famous country singer on being successful: "She said three words; faith, courage and determination, and I got it," she shared with YardFlex.com.

For those who have not seen this up coming singer in action then the opportunity will soon present itself as she has several shows in the making.

Look out for her - she is ready!

Beenie Man rightly proclaimed himself, King Of The Dancehall, a couple years ago and no one in the battle-based culture batted an eye-lash. Why? Because when it comes to chats and riddems, Beenie Man is the alpha and the omega. That is, the 33-year-old Kingston native, born Moses Davis, but better know 'round the world as Beenie Man, is the dancehall movement personified.

Releasing his first record, "Too Fancy" at the tender age of 7-years-old in '81, Beenie has not only been at the forefront of the genre ever since, but has been largely responsible for growing it into the international phenomenon it is today. And it is exactly this legacy which his latest release, Undisputed, serves to maintain. "This album is all about the title," he says. "It wasn't a concept, but more of a theme.

Each song had to live up to that name." And with production by the likes of Scott Storch, Don Corleon (Elephant Man, Sizzla) and Tony Kelly (Sean Paul, Wayne Wonder), and appearances by Akon, Brooke Valentine and reggaeton artist Voltio, Beenie able to completed the task of crafting an LP worthy of such a bombastic title. The lead single, "Hmm Hmm" is vintage Beenie at his best with infectious choruses and unforgettable melodies.

However, is it really any surprise that the man behind over 1000 songs would be able to make an LP with such a cocksure title? "Music is in me since I was little," he says. "My uncle had a DJ set up and I got my start doing that before I was 6 years old." Perhaps in part due to the fact that he still spins to this day. Consequently by 7 he had recorded his first single, and by 10 he had released his first long-player, The Invincible Beenie Man. Throughout the '80s he continued to record, perform and DJ. In '92 Beenie made a splash at the famous Reggae Sun Splash by going after rival Bounty' Killer in what would become an infamous back-and-forth. Though the following year they would squash it and record a split album, Gunz Out.

Shortly thereafter Beenie release a remake of Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry", titled "No Mama, No Cry", which was produced by legendary tracksmen Sly and Robbie. It was during this collaboration that Beenie was enlightened to the Rastafarian doctrine and eventually converted. A slew of national hits ensued through out the mid nineties, including "World Dance" and "Slam." But it was in 1997, on the strength of his crossover smash of his Grammy-nominated Many Moods Of Moses and it's single "Who Am I?", that Beenie exploded as an international superstar. And in doing so for himself, he opened ears and doors for everyone in his genre around the world.

Around the same time Beenie made his acting debut in the critically acclaimed Dancehall Queen. He then went on to The Doctor and Y2K, in '98 and '99, for VP Records. Both considered dancehall classics in their own rights, solidified his core base. Virgin records responded to Beenie's breakout success and signed him. Art And Life, his debut on the new label, truly broke him stateside. Monster hits like the Neptunes produced "Girls Dem Sugar" featuring Mya, and the Wyclef-guested, Saalam Remi produced "Love Me Now" took him to the top of the pops.

From there Beenie continued to churn out hits at home and abroad. "I still do singles, and DJ," he says. "Because it is important to never lose touch and stay in what's going on. And I still love it, as well." His 2002 set, Tropical Storm only further solidified him in the with it's brilliant collaboration with Janet Jackson, "Feel It Boy". However it was his latest, Back-To-Basics, which is arguably the closest thing dancehall has seen to a summer-blockbuster-esque album a la Get Rich Or Die Trying. The LP yielded hit after hit after hit. Undeniable anthems like "Dude" and "King Of The Dancehall" served to coronate Beenie as truly undisputed in every sense of the word.

"I've broken down every barrier and broken every record," says the man who's been nominated for 3 Grammys and won multiple MOBOs in the ,in a tone of absolute humility, referring back to Undisputed. "So this album is just one more step forward." Was there ever any doubt?

The video for Da'Ville's single 'On My Mind' was premiered on Entertainment Report (E.R.) on Friday, May 12 and gearing to be one of the top music videos for the summer.

Shot in a countryside setting, Da'Ville is seen playing a guitar as some children joyfully play throughout the shoot. There is also a scene in which the children are seen being transported in a traditional Jamaican donkey cart.

While Da'Ville sings about the woman he has on his mind, she picking some juicy mangoes and putting them into a hamper basket. The video is very family oriented and one that can be watched by all ages. 'On My Mind' is destined to be another quality effort from the singer.

On My Mind will be aired on all local cable and TV channels throughout the island. Plans are also being put in place for it to be aired on several international music cable stations.

Valuables worth over $450,000 stolen

By: Claude Mills
Photo By Carlington Wilmot

Deejay Grace 'Spice' Hamilton was robbed on Saturday at about 2 a.m. by an armed man who broke into her Mannings Hill apartment through a window, and at gunpoint, made off with $150,000 in cash, five cellphones and jewellery valued at over $300,000.

According to Spice, the robber, who was dressed in full black and had a black towel over his head, was working with an accomplice who stood guard downstairs while he clambered up the steep wall to her second floor apartment.

"I was up talking with my aunt who is visiting from England, and then we fell asleep, leaving the lights and the TV on, and then I only heard a scream from my aunt, 'Gracie, Gracie, who is that? Who is that?'. I jumped up and I saw a man with a black towel over his face, in a full suit of black like a ninja and a walk like a crab," she told YardFlex.Com.

"Same time, mi start scream, and mi auntie a scream and him come over we wid him gun and say shut up, stop scream. That's when I realized that it was a gunman. Then him say 'don't move, whe de money deh? Don't move!' And mi look pon him and say how mi fi give yu the money if you tell me don't move? And him say O.K., gwaan fi the money," she told YardFlex.Com.

He then emptied the contents of her purse on the bed, and sifted through to find $150,000 in cash, and then he began searching her jewel box for other valuables.

Spice said that she kept her head during the robbery and even became the robber's 'personal assistant' of sorts, assisting him to sort through her possessions, and to carry armfuls of her expensive shoes.

"The man gone wid all mi shoes, all of them gone..he was there for a long time, and he got so much stuff...he had to make more than one trip downstairs where a car and his other friend was waiting. I thought about locking the door at one point but I didn't want to take any chances and then him shoot me over material possessions. I can work back that once I have my life, so I just allowed him to take whatever he needed, the only thing I resisted him on was when he wanted to rape me," she said.

"I am just grateful to be alive, I kept saying the Psalm, 'The Lord is my shepherd...' over and over again during the robbery, but I am glad that I did not panic and do anything stupid. When someone is robbing you, don't resist, just allow them to go with it, you can always work to buy back what was lost, but if you resist, and they kill you, what happens then?" she said.

The investigating officer at the Constant Spring police station confirmed that the robbery had indeed taken place, and that the police were pursuing a few good leads into the robbery.

Spice has joined a growing list of entertainers and celebrities who have been robbed in recent times including Gyptian, Assassin, and cricketer Wavell Hinds whose car was stolen at gunpoint a few weeks ago.

By: Jigga Matic
Photo By: Warlington

Mey Vidal is a stunner. She was the centre of attraction for many at the Reggae Sunsplash launch in Ocho Rios, St. Ann over the weekend for her sassy moves, and her melodious voice.

Born in Cuba, she left at the age of nine where she lived in Panama, then Costa Rica before finally settling in South Florida. She specialises in an eclectic mix of music which includes reggae, reggaeton and Latin reggae.

"There are a lot of Jamaicans now in Florida, and I just love reggae music and I have to give props to the roots. Lots of people choose to like ignore it, but reggaeton came from Panama, and then when the Puerto Ricans began to sing reggae songs in Spanish, and then when it moved to New York, it blew up all over the world, but I have to give props to the roots, this is where it started," she told YardFlex.Com.

Her debut album, 'Esa Cubana' (That Cuban girl) will be released soon, and she will appear on Reggae Sunsplash on August 4. Look out for her singles, 'The Tide is High', 'You Want My Body', 'Talk About Love' featuring Da'Ville and 'Coco Jamboo'.

She has appeared on a number of television stations such as Telemundo, Unavision, Mun2 TV and channel 41.

Here's looking at you girl. 'Mey' you have a great career.

By: Claude Mills
Photos By: Carlington Wilmot

The organizers of this year's Reggae Sunsplash 2006 festival ushered in the return of the original reggae festival with great panache during an unveiling ceremony at the RIU Hotels and Resorts in Ocho Rios, St Ann, on Saturday, May 20.

When the drums of the Kingston Drummers began to speak, the posh, ritzy hotel was transformed into an ancient unpredictable jungle paradise, and the tourists loved it. A Caucasian woman, who was staying at the resort, wheeled her physically challenged son to the crowd gathered before the lightning hands of the drummers, and the child clapped his hand in obvious glee at the rhythmic, decadent sounds.

That is epitome of what Reggae Sunsplash is all about, bridging gaps between people, and creating a space where people of different backgrounds can meet, converse and leave with a better understanding of each other.

The unveiling featured a smashing performance from Cuban singer Mey Vidal whose 'You Wanted My Baby' on the 'Tempted to Touch' riddim went over well with the audience. She will be performing at the festival on August 4, and her debut album, 'Esa Cubana' will also be released soon.

According to the organizers, this official launch of Reggae Sunsplash is being held to reach out to the St. Ann community, who the organisers believe is integral to the continued growth and success of the festival.

Earlier, the media fraternity was taken on a short tour of the festival's new home, a sprawling 200-acre property in Richmond Estate, Priory, and will feature over 100 acts performing for more than fifty six hours from August 3 through to 6, 2006. There was also a sneak preview of performances from some of the acts being showcased on the festival this year, including the Professional Moves Dance Company and the Kingston Drummers.

There will be craft and an art village set up in the venue to showcase other aspects of Jamaican culture, and there will be an amphitheatre set up near the sea. The venue has its own distinctive charm, with a small forest of rocks not far from the amphitheatre where one can wonder around and be one with nature. About 100 metres west of the amphitheatre location, there is a crescent-shaped inlet where the incoming waves are broken into two by the breakwater, then come in to whisper against the sandy shore that is the ideal place for a beach party.

"It will all be completed on August 1 at 12 noon, we do the sound checks, and then rehearsals on Tuesday and Wednesday, and put on the roof on the main stage, and that's it, we're ready," Charles Campbell, director of operations and producer for Reggae Sunsplash 2006, told YardFlex.Com.

The bMobile-sponsored festival will feature 56 hours of entertainment from over 112 acts performing over the four nights and the organisers have vowed to keep the momentum flowing non-stop.

Victor Essiet, a Nigerian reggae star whose album 'One Love, One World' is due out in record stores soon on his own Mystic record label, was in attendance at the event, as well as Russell Gerlach of Foundation Media. Native Wayne Jobson, a producer at Indie 103.1 Radio, an LA station was also present at the 'walk and talk' tour.

Some members of the media complained about the ho-hum f actor of the media tour, but what the tour lacked in pizzazz at the venue, the organizers more than made up for at the RIU hotel, and then some.

By: RICKY JORDAN
Carlington Wilmot Photo
According to reports from Barbados by Daily Nation News LEGAL ACTION is about to be brought against the Royal Barbados Police Force and one
of the world's biggest reggae artistes, Sizzla, who is slated to perform here this weekend.

The action, stemming from Miguel Sizzla Collins not being allowed to enter Barbados last year, is to be brought by a United States-based Bajan promoter, who paid

50 per cent of the performance fees for the March 2005 show that didn't come off.

Promoter Anthony Harris told the Daily Nation yesterday he was meeting with attorneys here in an attempt to take action against Sizzla and the Commissioner of Police, who stopped Sizzla's entry into the country following an arrest in connection with illegal firearms.

Harris said he had been trying to contact Commissioner of Police Darwin Dottin for the last month and Sizzla's management for eight months.

"I seem to have just been dropped by the wayside," he added, noting some US$50 000 had gone into the deposit for fees and other costs toward last year's show. "The least Sizzla's management should have done would have been to meet with me," he said, noting it would also have been normal practice to reschedule the show.

Asked whether his legal action would be an injunction, he said this would be known fully by today after meeting with his attorney.

"I'm not interested in stopping anybody's show. I just want my money. I need to be recognised," he said.

A source close to Sizzla's management, meanwhile, said the deposit had in fact been paid to them last year and they had been prepared to perform in Barbados.

"It wasn't Sizzla's fault that the show didn't come off. It's the police's fault," the source added.

Meanwhile, Floyd Reifer who along with former West Indies captain Courtney Walsh is bringing Sizzla here, said he had heard nothing about such legal action. But he said he and Walsh, operating under the title of Cricket Icons Entertainment, had the okay

from the police, Immigration and emergency services.

The show comes off Saturday at the National Stadium, featuring Sizzla, Gregory Isaacs, Tony Curtis, and LUST out of Kingston, Jamaica.

rickyjordan@nationnews.com

Relax, it's only a statue...

MTV NEWS: A statue of Britney Spears in the buff has prompted floods of complaints.

The statue, entitled 'Monument to Pro-Life: The Birth of Sean Preston' is due to be unveiled at the Capla Kesting gallery in New York next month.

Pro and anti-abortionists have got their knickers in a right old twist about it - the gallery's had 3,000 complaints.

It features Britney naked on all-fours, giving birth. Gross.

But the sculptor, Daniel Edwards, didn't fashion it from real life - he's never even met her.

MTV News
HV

Sean Paul's third album, The Trinity (VP/Atlantic), has been certified platinum by the RIAA for U.S. sales of over 1 million units. The album current smash single, "Temperature," held the #1 spot on Billboard's Hot 100 Airplay chart for four consecutive weeks. The album's first single, "We Be Burnin'," was recently certified as an RIAA double platinum digital single. "Give It Up To Me," the third single from The Trinity, has just been released.

On the heels of his latest platinum certification, Sean Paul is gearing up for a fantastic summer - in addition to an extensive 4-week European tour, Sean will perform at MTV's Beach House on May 31st and at NYC's Hot 97 Summer Jam, the largest one-day hip-hop festival in the country.

Sean Paul's The Trinity is currently in its 33rd week on the national charts, including its 20th week at #1 on Billboard's Top Reggae Albums chart. The album has also been a huge hit around the world, selling over 1.2 million copies overseas. It is certified platinum in Canada, France, and the Gulf States, and gold in Belgium, Hong Kong, Ireland, Switzerland, Japan, and the United Kingdom, with as many as four singles heating up in these territories. The newest single to hit the international airwaves will be "Never Be The Same."

Sean has been seen performing hits from The Trinity on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno," "Live! With Regis & Kelly," "The Jimmy Kimmel Show," and "Last Call with Carson Daly." He's recently been featured on the cover of YRB Magazine, Trace Magazine, Ozone Magazine, Music Connection, and Cannabis Culture. He is the most successful Jamaican artist of all time on the U.S. Charts, with three #1 singles ("Temperature," "Get Busy," and "Baby Boy"), five Top Ten hits (including "We Be Burnin'" and "Gimme The Light"), and eight chart entries over two worldwide multi-platinum albums. He's about to push that even further with the release of "Give It Up to Me."

The Trinity is the follow-up to Sean's smash VP/Atlantic debut, Dutty Rock, which sold more than 6 million copies worldwide. In the wake of the breakthrough success of Dutty Rock, Sean racked up numerous prestigious awards, including the Grammy for Best Reggae Album - redefining the category in the process. He won MTV Europe's Best New Artist Award as well as Source, MOBO, Juno, Much Music, and International Reggae and World Music awards.

For more information, please visit www.seanpaulmusic.com.

We think we 'em! We think we really like 'em.
Hot rap group Dem Franchize Boyz are slated to headline the performance segment of Absolute Temptation Isle's Temptation Live stage show. This takes place on July 31 at the Long Bay Beach football field in Westmoreland. Dem Franchize Boyz have topped the Billboard Rap Singles charts with tunes including Lean With It Rock With It and I Think They Like Me.

At the launch of the 5-day Absolute Temptation Isle event earlier this week, promoter Alex Chin confirmed that the group will be taking the stage. He also hinted at the possibility of another overseas act to be added to the lineup. The five day package will be packed in with 13 events which comprise Absolute Temptation Isle's get-away package which runs from July 28 to August 1.

Jamaica's hippest phone company, Digicel, has also teamed up
up with Absolute Entertainment for the staging of the highly anticipated Absolute Temptation Isle 2006. The 'Five Days of Steaming Hot Fun' begin on July 28.

This summer also marks the third year of Digicel's involvement in ATI as an associate sponsor of the event. And this summer, ATI expects to attract both local and overseas visitors in excess of 10,000 patrons

"Heaven took a melody, gave it a soul, gave it a mission, put it on earth and named it Ne-Yo" -- words spoken from the mouth of a chose young man. At the tender age of twenty-two, the lyrical and musical talent that Ne-Yo possesses is far beyond his years. Born into a family of musicians from Arkansas, Shaffer C. Smith aka Ne-Yo was raised in a single parent home by his mother. In hopes of a better opportunity, Ne-Yo's mother relocated his family to Las Vegas, Nevada, where Ne-Yo would discover his passion.

Topping Billboard's No. 1 R&B chart for several weeks, the words on "Let Me Love You" touch your heart and makes you feel good in your soul. Performed by the R&B artist Mario, "Let Me Love You" is just a glimpse into the mind of a true writer. A master in the art of storytelling, Ne-Yo began writing at an early age.

A vivid imagination and creative energy has allowed Ne-Yo to write songs for multi-platinum artists such as Mary J. Blige, B2K, Faith Evans, and Musiq Soulchild. When asked about writing number one hits for other artists, simply put, Ne-Yo said, "I feel there is always room for good music. I want to reach people's soul with my lyrics throug whatever vessel God chooses."

Set to release his debut album on Def Jam Recordings, this dynamic entertainer is ready to deliver. The fun and catchy first single from the album, "Stay" is a song about holding on to the one you love. With smooth rhythmic melodies over pulsating beats, this infecitous track is guaranteed to make your body tingle while swaying to the intoxicating music. While staying true to himself, Ne-Yo is a versatile artist able to express thoughts and emotions other artists are afraid to confront.

Citing Prince, Marvin Gaye, The Rat Pack and Stevie Wonder in his list of favorite entertainers, Ne-Yo's album invokes a nostalgic feeling, a renaissance if you will. On the track "Diamond," Ne-Yo sings from the heart, resonating pure and beautiful honesty. Not many men are capable of admitting that they are the richest man in the world, not financially, but rich because of the love he shares with that special woman. Whether it's the bedroom or the dance floor, Ne-Yo's songs are filled with passion and intense energy that pulls (you into the music) and puts you into a zone.

Ne-Yo is taking the music industry by storm, as he graces and challenges the R&B genre with his writing and vocal talents. Much more than today's male singer, Ne-Yo is a rare artist; expressing creativity thru drawings, paintings, martial arts and song. He is distinguished by youthful energy with in-depth lyrics that touch the soul. Ne-Yo is honored and ecstatic to be a part of the Def Jam brand, which produces some of the best R&B and hip-hop artists in the world. Every artist has something to prove and now it's Ne-Yo's turn. "The R&B heavens have opened its gates and blessed us with Ne-Yo -- A gift for everyone to enjoy."

--- from the official Ne-Yo website

intro:
gangsta fa life
real bakkle is on
anyway gangsta fa life
anyway

chorus:2x
weh dem a do weh dem a try
marrow wi fly into di sky
gun mi nuh barrow mi money buy
a bwoie wi die
(marrow wi fly)

verse:1
anyway mi nuh tek talk sen bwoie body to di grave pawk
dem bwoie deh nuh have nuh brave hawt
dem and dem girl have di same hawt
dem a cry like a bitch wen di war stawt
dem a run like a witch wen wi get wrawt
man guh murda dem bloodclawt
gangsta fi life wi nuh tek talk

chorus:2x
weh dem a do weh dem a try
marrow wi fly into di sky
gun mi nuh barrow mi money buy
a bwoie wi die
(marrow wi fly)

verse:2
warlawd bakkle stawt yuh nuh si weh dem gone again
gangsta fi life wi cyaah calm again
yeah bring dem arm again
7 8 9 10 get corn again
weh dem a guh do now di tugs dem cawna dem
yah man a perform again
di girls dem love how mi gwaan again
fiyah fi a man weh nyam unda dem

chorus:2x

outro:

let dem know dat yeah
yuh know wi naah talk again
coppa will balk again
yuh know weh mi a seh delly

Skullman is back with a bang. The deejay's latest hit, 'Don't Violate' has been scorching the airwaves like a US military strike over Baghdad in recent times.

While the big hit, 'Stuck' helped to define Skullman's career in the 1980s, he has not remained 'stuck in time', but has constantly evolved to keep pace with the dynamic demands of dancehall music, penning new favourites for music lovers of every generation. The song 'Don't Violate has earned him major props at stage shows across the island, and given Skullman his second taste of mainstream success.

Earlier this year, he signed a contract with the RJR Communications Group to do an islandwide tour called the 'Cross Country Invasion'. He appeared on 54 shows across the island.

"Mi love how the people dem respond to me right across the island, it was like mi launch mi career all over again, and then I tried a song I have called, 'Don't Violate', and the place lift up each time the way the people dem love the tune, mi know say it gone, this is going to be my next hit," he said.

He has also been doing a lot of work with famous Coolie Dance producer, Cordell 'Skatta' Burrell, as he seeks to redefine his sound for the 21st century.

The Spanish Town-based 'Skullman', born Paul Bartley, is a past student of Kingston College where he was an excellent athlete, excelling in various sports. However, it was music which was his true calling. He ventured into music in 1985, scoring immediate success when he won the St Catherine leg of the Deejay Championship of the Jamaica Festival competition in 1985 with March To Africa.

However, it was not until he sang the introductory, 'Me Name Skullman' that he began to generate a buzz in the dancehall.

"I got the name from the original Skull gang fro Kingston which was based outta East Kingston. Ah man did say me look like one of the Skull gang, and after that, me call myself Papa Skull, and then me create the new style called 'Stuck', and I changed my name to Skullman," he told Xtra Entertainment.

And then, his career rocketed into the next stratosphere. Skullman’s catchy original 'Stuck' inspired deejay Early Black to pen a song of the same name, and Early Black's version with the line, 'Follow me do the new dance...Stuck' became a monster hit, even spawning a dance of the same name.

"When I bussed the talk, 'Stuck', I told everybody that in six months, every deejay ah go talk like this, and it happened just like that," he said.

The 'Stuck' songs started a good-natured rivalry between Early Black and Skullman.

"When Early Black did 'Stuck' and put the dance style on it, it took off more than my original 'Stuck', maybe because it was on Dennis Star label, a big label at the time, it sold more than mine, and then that forced me to go out there and defend it," he said.

He did a counteraction called 'Buck' and followed that up with 'Run Outta Luck' for King Tubbys, a single that peaked at number seven on the local charts.

"For a while, we had a little thing going, Early Black had heard that Skullman was looking for him, and because of the name, he was probably a little fearful of me, but I sat him down and explained to him, no violence, ah just music, but this is what I was going to do, that I was going to brush him up a little, he never really liked the idea, but I had to do it, me affi mek the people know that I am the original," he said.

He says he hasn't seen Early Black in years but added in a jocular voice that 'probably he was stuck somewhere'.

AFTER STUCK

In 1989, Skullman followed up with other hit singles, 'Turbo me Turbo', produced by Dennis Star, and 'Jump and Spread Out and Stop' on the Pickout label. He also created an impression with 'Je T' aime' (French for 'I love you') on Sly and Robbie's hugely-successful Bhangara compilation album, which also includes the monster hit, 'Murder She Wrote' by Chaka Demus and Pliers.

As the 1990s rumbled around, Skullman found that he had fallen out of vogue with producers who were more interested in other upcoming acts. He was forced to find other ways to survive

"You have to help yourself, after a while, I found that no producers wanted to work with me, so I had to do things on my own. I was forced to produce my own songs, and I started to keep my own show, 'Border Clash'," he said.

The popular Border Clash series of concerts were held at Coney Park in the early 1990s, and then he switched to producing in the mid-1990s when he launched his first label, Border Clash. Its first release was 'Sneeze', which was followed by ‘Hold Up Your Hand' and 'Show Me'.

"It's been a hard struggle with the producing, as an artiste, I never really learned how to do it well, me can deejay over rhymes and stuff, but it is only when I meet up with a good producer that I can find the hit songs, that's why me always looking for one," he said.

Over the years, Skullman has performed solo all over the world in various locales such as London, England, Miami Florida, as well as states such as Connecticut and New York. He has also performed in Grand Cayman, Bermuda and Antigua.

"I've always worked alone, with one exception in 1993, I think it was, when I did a Skullman in concert featuring Shaggy, Worl-A-Girls and Sugar Man in Bermuda," he said.

Last year, Skullman scored a minor hit with 'New Dance...Stop' which peaked at #4 on Suzie Q's 'Reggae Train' video top ten, and hit #9 on the RJR charts.

This was the first indication that Skullman's career may indeed be on the rise again, especially given the advance buzz on his new single, 'Don't Violate' on the Full 100 label which has become a favourite at stage shows across the country.

For Booking
876-354-5084

Junior Kelly is now home from a tough European tour that promoted his most recent album Tough Life where one of the highlights was a sold out Paris concert that had in attendance several journalists who could be seeing dancing and singing to his pulsating repertoire.
He then travelled to Reggae Japansplash 06, where he shared the stage with veterans Marcia Griffiths and Gregory Issacs.

From Japan, Junior Kelly was confirmed to perform at Gambia West Africa's Repatriation Jam, however, the festival was postponed due to problems between the promoters and other local organizers. So as not to disappoint his disgruntled and emotional African brothers and sisters he changed his travel arrangements and was the key organizer in the production on the following day of a successful free concert on Gambia's Baku beach.

Junior Kelly has been confirmed for Reggae Sunsplash 2006 World Beat Night and his singles Get Out There on Shane Brown's Confessions rhythm, Altafan's Creator and Rock My World on His Imperial Majesty rhythm (Fever Label) are enjoying steady rotation on local and overseas radio. A video for Hold The Faith (a tribute to Dennis Brown) has been released.

Junior Kelly had been nominated in the Most Improved Entertainer category of the upcoming International Reggae and World Music Awards which was held at the Apollo Theatre, New York on May 6, 2006.

Presents: FUEL

.

By: Claude Mills
Photo By: Carlington Wilmot

Sizzla's new found friendship with Damon Dash has realized a new sneaker deal.

"The sneaker deal is just for year, it's a deal with Pro Ked, only in America. On the sneaker, yu will have the Pro-Keds sign, them you have the Sizzla sign, no special colours, we just endorse it same way. It is just to promote the name still, still get a percentage off it for a year," he told YardFlex.Com.

Will you be promoting it?

"Yea, man, yu tink Sizzla nah promote? The people just want it bredrin, So is the same principle again. accept all these things, see if we can get any income from it, any progress out of it, from it good and positive, we just deal with it."

Did you have a say in the design? Will the sneaker be in rasta colours?

"We help design it, but at the same time, Prod keds is still a Pro keds, me just want to mek it hit the market and take it from there. Just market yourself, man, if you name rasta, Selassie, everyting engrave wid him name on it, I and I is just Sizzla, I want to make a Sizzla belt, and a shirt that design a way, we just want to find a company that can make it, so that the quality stitch is there, so that people will accept it in the fashion world."

He also has a clothing line called Miguel Maklonen (author) which will be unleashed on the public soon.

Last year, it was reported that Sizzla had signed to Damon Dash Music Group (DDMG) but Sizzla has refuted that claim saying "we're just good friends...I have not signed with him...we're only doing the sneaker deal...but he is a good friend of mine and I hope to invite him to August Town one day, but I have to get certain arrangements in terms of security in place first before that happens."

Sizzla did not choose to divulge the monetary details of the sneaker deal, but the deal fulfils a promise that Dash made last year. During an interview with YardFlex.Com last October, Dash said:

"I own a lot of different business, and promoting is what I do, so there are plans to put out a Sizzla sneaker for PROKEDS, and there are plans for a book, a clothing line, a movie, a documentary, the whole nine yards, I am going all out on this project."

Dash currently operates multiple businesses including Tiret watch company, DDMG, and both State Property and Rachel Roy clothing lines.

In the meantime, Sizzla's 16-track 'Ain't Gonna See Us Fall' disc for New York-based VP Records was recently released and features production work from Neil 'Arthur Whale' Amos for Free Willy Productions, Christopher 'Langman' Birch, Rohan 'Sno Cone' Fuller and Dwayne Chin-Quee for Black Chiney.

Sponsored Link

GARGAMEL MUSIC IN ROW WITH BIG CAT RECORDS OVER DANCEHALL STAR BUJU BANTON'S ALBUM RELEASE

Dancehall artist Buju Banton and Gargamel Music have threatened legal action against Big Cat Records who recently released an album called "Buju Banton Presents: Toppa Di Top Dirty Rhythms".

According to a release from Gargamel Music's Vice President and General Manager, Tracii McGregor, fans of Buju Banton should not buy the album as no one but Big Cat Records will benefit from the sales on this project, and warned that litigation will be the next step.
A release from Gargamel Music said that "the so called deal that was executed five years ago is null and void today".

"...and despite the fact that the material is just as old, Big Cat records is trying to promote it as a sanctioned new album and has even gone as far as listing Buju Banton as one of their artistes on their website," the release stated.

However, Big Cat Records refutes the claim of Gargamel Music that the release of this album at this time was a malicious attempt to smear or damage the image of reggae superstar Buju Banton.

"I am the one who worked with Buju Banton and other Gargamel Music artistes years ago to facilitate the distribution agreement, so I have a personal interest in the project,” Trea Davenport, of Cool Shades PR, told YardFlex.Com.

"And I empathise with Gargamel Music who believe that the artiste has fresh music out there, music that is less antiquated and would be a better representation of his (Buju's) work, but I understand the position of the record label who believed in this project so much that they wanted to put it out in a big way as if it just came out," she said.

A former employee of Big Cat Records but still au fait with the Atlanta music scene, Ms. Davenport, who is based overseas, added that the record label had planned a media blitz of sorts to promote the album, booking ad spots in XXL, and Source magazines, and had even printed thousands of flyers and posters to ratchet up interest in the project.

"The reason and rationale behind the release at this time is that it is the opportune time for Big Cat to do this project because previously, they only had the resources to access small distribution channels such as 'mom and pops' stores, but now, because of the success of another act, Gucci Mane, who sold over 200,000 records, the record label now has greater resources and access to bigger record stores and the distribution network it wanted so it can finally do justice to the Buju Banton project," she said.

Gucci Mane is a rapper from Atlanta, Georgia whose make-no-bones-about it ode to bling in the single, "So Icy" alongside Young Jeezy became a huge hit (debuted at #24 on Billboard Hot Rap Song Charts) last year, and his album, "Trap House" sold major units. 'Mane' is 'man' in Down South slang.

According to Ms. Davenport, the project was "held back that long out of respect for the artiste...this is not a malicious act...and it's a win-win situation for everyone because everyone can make money when the music is distributed on a global level'.

Efforts to get a comment from Melvin 'Mel Man' Breeden, the president of Big Cat Records, proved unsuccessful as there was no response to emailed questions at deadline time.

Sean Miller
YardFlex Writer

Reggae soul sensation Etana's radio hit, 'Wrong Address', has been blowing up all over FM radio. The song is a haunting and melodious song that is leading the charge of a new genre of music in Jamaica, reggae-soul.

The song, which is accompanied by a wonderful video, narrates the story of a young ambitious woman striving to overcome adversity.
"It is a true story based on my aunt who applied for a job and was turned down. But while she was in the office, somebody told her that she should change the address on the application next time she was applying for a job. I found that shocking in this age that we live in so I did a song about it to try to change attitudes hopefully," she told YardFlex.Com

Etana recently performed during a function at the British High Commission where she did 'Wrong Address' and covered classic songs such as Whitney Houston's 'Your Love is My Love', and Phyllis Dillon's 'No No No' to rave reviews. Upcoming singles yet to be released are 'Live and Love Life' and 'Jah Chariots'.

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Beenie Man and R & B singer Akon shot a video for their combination single, 'Girls' last week. The song, which has been getting a lot of spins on hip hop stations, is one of the tracks on Beenie Man's upcoming 'Undisputed' album set for release on July 18, 2006.

"It was a two-day shoot and we did a lot of green screen work so the images will be added later. I always like working with Little X The buzz on the song so far is good, I am looking forward to seeing the finished video," he told YardFlex.Com.

Beenie Man will be shooting the video for 'Hmm Hmm' next week as well. "Hmm Hmm" is the lead single of the album for which the Doctor has enlisted his superstar friends such as hip-hop mega-hit maker Scott Storch (Beyonce, Eve, Chris Brown, Nelly, The Roots), and studio guests such as Akon ("Lonely") and reggaeton's seminal female star, Ivy Queen.

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Jigga Mattic
YardFlex Writer

Jamaica's performance artist and vocal feminist Stacey Ann Chin appeared on BET's dynamic new Sunday talk show, 'Meet the Faith' that aired last Sunday, May 7 at 11 a.m. (ET/PT) and 8 p.m.(ET/PT).

Chin was the 1999 winner of the 1999 Chicago People of Colour Slam and winner of WORD: The first Slam for television. She has done one-woman shows off Broadway, and was a co-writer and performer in the Tony-nominated Russell Simmons' Def Poetry Jam on Broadway. Her work has been published in the New York Times, the Washington Post and the Pittsburgh Daily, and her work has even been aired on '60 minutes'. Chin is also a vocal feminist and ahs declared publicly that she is a practising lesbian.

The appearance on 'Meet the Faith' was yet another of a string of appearances in mainstream television where her quirky, no-effort-required hairstyle, her feisty charm and zany wit are always welcome additions to any current affair discussion. 'Meet the Faith' is a 30 minute weekly show reportedly offers a "provocative take on world events through moral discussion, a surprising and unexpected blend of guests, and unconventional topics.

By Richie B, host - "HOT MIX" on HOT 102 FM
Sponsored by Tru Juice

TW LW WC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL

01 2 17 Hotta-T.O.K featuring Maestro - B-Rich (1Wk@#1) U-1

02 1 15 Gangster Rock-Elephant Man-Birchill Records (2Wks@#1)D-1

03 7 10 Nuh Badda Mi-Mr. Perfect-Pure and Clean U-4

04 8 10 Get Crazy - Voice Mail - Birchill Records U-4

05 6 16 Please Stop The Killing-Hit List-Fouta/Gogan Music U-1

06 10 7 Gash Dem And Light Dem-Chuck Fender-Juke Boxx U-4

07 3 12 Bad Out Deh-Alozade featuring Kiprich / Chico-B-Rich (2Wks@#1)D-4

08 11 5 Heart Attack-Beenie Man-Fire Links U-2

09 4 16 Do You Know-Mr.Vegas-Fiwi Music (1Wk@#1) D-5

10 5 14 Toppa Tings-Capleton-Don Corleon (2 Wks@#1) D-5

11 9 11 Any Where We Go-Assassin-Mad House (pp#6) D-2

12 12 9 Love Is The Only Solution-Gyptian-Palm Of Gold NM

13 16 8 Tilly Ben Ben-Buju Banton-Flip Money Records. U-3

14 14 10 Nuh Fren Mate-Macka Diamond-B-Rich NM

15 17 7 Bad Man Forward-Ding Dong-VP Records U-2

16 13 11 We Set The Trend-Beenie Man-John John (pp#8) D-3

17 21 5 Too Much Gun-Busy Signal-H20 U-4

18 24 4 Weh Dem A Do-Movado-Pure Music U-5

19 22 6 Bad Man Forward-Elephant Man-Fire Links U-4

20 15 8 Ital Stew-Turbulence-Tads Int.(pp#15) D-5

By: PaPPa & RaZZi

Reunited and it feels so good. Reunited 'cause we understood...These are the words from the old Peaches and Herb classic that Mr. Lex must be crooning these days as he has reconciled with his wife of three-and-a-half years, Tossan Campbell-Palmer, former Ms. Petite Jamaica 1999.

The couple got back together again after a trial separation recently and word is that things are even better now between the two.

"Every couple has problems, every couple goes through these challenges...but ah just love, Tunya means a lot to me, she's a very important part of my life, both of us are more mature now, so yes, we're together again...respect," Mr. Lex told YardFlex.Com today.

Today is Mr. Lex's birthday, and the couple will be celebrating this festive occasion by heading to the North Coast to stay at one of the Hedonism resorts for a few days. They declined to specify which one.
"It has been seven years since we've been together, three years since we've been married and you know, how those things go, we have arguments like everybody else, and last year, he moved out...this was meant to be, we're still in love," Tossan said.

The couple posed for a photograph for YardFlex.Com beside Mr. Lex's sleek black Benz motor vehicle before they zoomed off to the North Coast earlier today.

Last year, it had seemed a certainty that the marriage was 'on the rocks' after Mr. Lex moved out of the matrimonial home last May. At the time, Tossan, 26, had denied that a divorce was in the works for the couple and insisted that no matter how bad things got that they would work it out. And boy, was she right!

Sources close to the couple said that they had begun dating and seeing each other again since late last year, but "things were still a bit sticky', However, sources divulged that as of late, the union seemed to have recaptured the magic because the relationship has regained some of the former glow and lustre that made the union such a great one in its earlier years.

Stay logged on to YardFlex.Com for more information as word is that there is a special surprise on the way for Mr. Lex and Tunya. When they're ready, YardFlex will buss it for the world to know.

There's one perfect fit
And, sugar, this one is it
We both are so excited
'Cause we're reunited, hey, hey

A release from the website, www.prweb.com, announced that Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, the youngest son of music icon and legend Bob Marley collected an unparalleled six awards at the 25th International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), on Saturday May 6, 2006 at the World Famous Apollo Theatre.

The producers of the event were Chicago based Martin's Inter-Culture Ltd. and associates.

Hosted by actor LEON (Waiting To Exhale, The Five Heartbeats, The Temptations), the well organized, event was a resounding success. Luminaries and dignitaries graced the red carpet as media and fans celebrated this anticipated event. America's Next Top Model finalist Camille McDonald caused a sensation in her role as one the presenters.

Damian Marley reached sensational heights with the album "Welcome To Jamrock" (Tuff Gong/Universal), which features Nas, Bobby Brown, and Black Thoughts (the Roots). Marley's 25th IRAWMA 2006 awards, included his father's namesake "Bob Marley Award For Entertainer of the Year", as well as "Recording Artist of the Year", "Best Song", "Best Album", "Best Music Video", and "Songwriter of the Year" which he shared with his brother Stephen Marley.

"Best Male Vocalist" went to imprisoned but immensely popular Jah Cure, "Best Female Artist" went to the legendary, former I-Threes backing vocalist, Marcia Griffiths dubbed the "Queen of Reggae" by her peers. Sean Paul, who had received multiple IRAWMA awards two years ago, collected the "Best Crossover Song" with the chart topping "We Be Burning".

Beenie Man won "Best Male DJ/Rapper", his female counterpart Macka Diamond took home the "Best Female DJ/Rapper". Notable awards went to Wyclef Jean "Community Service Award", Youssou N' Dour, for "Best African Entertainer", Matisyahu for "Best New Entertainer" and Danny Glover and Harry Belafonte who along with U2's Bono received the "Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award".

One of music's most honest and inspirational singer/songwriters, 12-time Grammy nominated India.Arie will release her new album, Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship, on June 27.

Her third studio album, and her first since 2002's acclaimed Voyage To India, which reached #6 on the Billboard Top Albums chart, the new disc was produced by longtime collaborators Shannon Sanders and Mark Batson (Seal, Beyonce), among others. The album's first single, "I Am Not My Hair," featuring searing remix collaborations with Akon, Swizz Beatz, and Jazze Pha, marks the first time India.Arie has agreed to let other artists remix her work.

Known for her soulful pursuit of unvarnished musical perfection, the new album is a more personal expression containing more intimate songscapes from the artist, duly recognized through the years for her keen insights about the world at large. She will be doing an extensive promotional tour this month, with a trek to Europe after Memorial Day to perform select songs from the much anticipated album.

The video for "I Am Not My Hair," helmed by noted director Barnaby Roper (Moby, Razorlight), premiered on Yahoo! Music, and has been embraced by other major video outlets including BET and MTV.

India.Arie emerged onto the music scene in 2001 with her platinum plus debut Acoustic Soul. A masterful meditation on self-acceptance and womanhood, she was dubbed the new "neo-soulstress" by no less than Newsweek Magazine, praising her as "one of the freshest talents to come out of 2001," the emotive singer went on to be nominated for seven Grammys for her debut album, and subsequently has won a host of awards including 2 Grammys, 3 NAACP Awards, as well as being recognized by BET, Billboard Magazine, MTV, VH1 and Essence Magazine, among others.

2002's Voyage To India cemented her rep as a seminal singer/songwriter, netting her 4 Grammy nominations and two statues. With more than six million albums sold, she most recently was nominated for her 12th Grammy in the Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals category for her collaboration with Stevie Wonder on the title song of his most recent album, A Time To Love.

India.Arie is also a U.S. ambassador for UNICEF and universally recognized as a tireless champion of social and humanitarian causes around the world. She recently returned from a trip to South Africa where she observed and assisted humanitarian efforts taking place in the epicenter of the global AIDS crisis.

Amina Elshahawi
ThinkTank Marketing
535 W. 34th Street, Suite 102
NY, NY 10001
W: 646.792.2227
C: 917.974.1784
E: amina@thinktankmktg.com
http://www.thinktankmktg.com
AIM: Somaya22

COPPER - The fatherly, grand man of reggae, a flamboyant strongman among the showmen of songwriters, "Toots" Hibbert, and his band, the Maytals, play a free April show in the Burning Stones Plaza at Copper Mountain for the resort's Sunsation festival.

Toots has become a popular phenom among the masses of aging performance musicians, and his latest U.S. release is a testament to the man and his band's impact upon some of the most familiar musicians in America today.

"True Love" remains a reggae release, though the guest list for Toots' studio during the recording process spanned the spectrum of popular music.

The guest appearances from rock-star royalty like Eric Clapton and Keith Richards, singer/songwriter legends Bonnie Raitt and Willie Nelson, original Wailers Marcia Griffith and Bunny Wailer drew quite a few new fans to the stores for Toots' ringleading effort. If those priceless collaborations didn't sell the album, then some of the younger stars helped sweeten the deal.

"True Love" also features Toots with rockin' soul singer Ben Harper, jam lord Trey Anastasio, Philly's best-known live hip-hop artists The Roots, pock (pop/rock) star Ryan Adams, Jeff Beck, No Doubt, Rachael Yamagata, Terry Hall, The Skatalites & U-Roy, superfreak Bootsy Collins, Ken Boothe and a bouncy cut with freestyle-rhythmician Rahzel from The Roots and pophall (pop/dancehall) star Shaggy.

The album, a mixture of Toots and the Maytals classics and the band's more recent material, rivals the Bob Marley and The Wailers tribute album "Chant Down Babylon" as one of the most widely known reggae albums released in the United States since "Legend" (also by Bob Marley and The Wailers).

For entire story, http://www.summitdaily.com

DJ Macka Diamond is in high spirits after walking away with the Female DJ/Rapper of the Year Award at International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) held last Saturday at the world famous Apollo Theatre, New York.

Macka Diamond edged out other nominees Lady Saw, Ce'Cile, Tanya Stephens and Fiona.

It was pandemonium when Macka Diamond took centre stage to perform her hit single 'Bun Him'. She didn't even need Black-er's input as the audience did his part quite convincingly. 'Bun Him' is still very dominant on the New York Charts for the fifth week now.

Her debut album, 'Money O' produced by Greensleeves was released last month and already it's enjoying great vibes. Among the hit singles on the album are 'Bun Him', Lexus and Benz' and 'Done Already'.

June 27 will see the very successful lady DJ going on a three-week tour of the United States.

Ray Khool
Khool Booking Agency
JA.Office # 1(876) 998-5083
US.Office # 1(347) 394-5801
JA.Fax # 1(876) 704-0866
Email: khoolray@cwjamaica.com
Email: ray.khool@gmail.com
Website;www.myspace.com/khoolbooking

Photos By: Warlington

P & L Records recently shot a medley video for their new rhythm titled, "Holiday". The Holiday is anticipated to be the hottest local compilation this summer. The music video for the Holiday rhythm features: Bounti Killa, Vybz kartel, Mr Lexx and Bling Dawg.

This medley was shot at a mansion in Jacks Hill, St. Andrew. Creative Source, popularly known for Game Over, Jay Will and Sharif directed videos directed the flick.

The video reflects the whole idea of Summer Holiday's with a bevy of scantily clad females at a car wash scene to a fun BBQ party that's poolside. Other scenes include Bling Dawg hosting a Summer night club setting with his entourage in tow sipping Hennessey and making the most of the usual holiday excitement, while Mr Lexx preferred cooling down indoors. He relaxed in sud-filled Jacuzzi surrounded by females.

Other tracks on the Holiday feature: Mad cobra, School Boy, Round Head, Danny English, Devonte, Predator and New Kidz.

When we spoke with P & L director, Keona Williams she expanded on what the new record label was about, "P & L is a fairly new label however the team that it's comprised of have been working in the local industry for years. We have the experience and know how to take dancehall music to another level. Our mission is to create a new era in music and we are certainly on our way in doing so."

She also informed us of the follow-up release, the "Bad Breed" that is expected to be an even bigger smash than the "Holiday". The Bad breed features dancehall legend, Buju Banton, TOK, Alozade, Ward 21 and Risco Benji.

"The Risco Benji track has been creating a bit of controversy from an opinion expressed by the artiste about the Beenie/ D'Angel relationship , however the views that he and other artistes express in the songs recorded for our label are not those of P & L Records. Beenie Man made it clear that he disapproves the lyric but that is an issue between Risco and Beenie."

--
Keona Williams
Operations Manager
P & L Records
(876) 906-6314 office
(876) 499-0981 mobile

Beenie Man is the name mentioned by many Ugandan 'ragga artists' (as they are known by local funs) when asked to tell their music idol.The born lucky Uganda's Bobi Wine now says his dream seems to have come to reality when he met,talked and performed with not only the dancehall king singer Beenie but also Spragga Benz in Stockholm Sweden last month.

Known in Uganda as the president of "Fire Base Crew" Bobi Wine is one of biggest East Africa Dancehall musicians famous for their real ragga tunes done in Luganda his mother tongue."I can't say I am a star but I think I am good, because if Beenie Man could admit that I am talented, and even agreed to do a song with me, then Ugandans should know that I am good," that is what Bobi said when he was interviewed on KFM(local radio station in Uganda) few days after he come back from his tour outside Africa which ended in London on Easter.He even promised two duets with Spragga Benz very soon.

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By: Claude Mills
Photo By: Carlington Wilmot

Aidonia told YardFlex.Com that he has not yet been
contacted by well-known 'Coolie Dance' producer Cordell 'Skatta' Burrell regarding management ties, yet he has been assailed by a lot of rumours that his now ex-manager has cut all ties with him.

"I have not heard from Skatta since last week Thursday when he called me and asked if I was going to come in to sign the contract or not. I told him I was doing my hair, mi soon come in, but him hang up and mi no hear nutten since then, me no hear nutten official yet about this management issue... just this one bag a negative thing, the media ah call mi phone, one bag of rugu-rugu, and me and the man no have nothing," Aidonia said.

"I was given the contract nearly two weeks ago, and mi review certain tings wid mi family because dem a represent mybest interest and nutten no wrong wid dat because after all, a contract is a compromise between managment and the artiste. And there were certain things that I never liked, so mi have to look out for myself, this is my career."

He said that he would 'just watch out the rest of the week to see wha really a gwaan' before he made a decision. Aidonia currently has a small armada of singles such as 'Kingfish ah Come', 'Oku' and 'Send Fi Di Tings Dem' with Bounty Killer which are creating a buzz on the streets.

What will be the next episode in this unfolding drama? Stay logged on to YardFlex to find out, we are always 'on top of things'.

By: Claude Mills
Photo By: Carlington Wilmot

Cordell 'Skatta' Burrell has cut off all management ties with deejay Aidonia, who he has managed for the past 14 months.

"Aidonia says that I cannot manage him exclusively, and he has refused to sign a contract my lawyer put together for him," Skatta told YardFlex.Com while responding to rumours that have circulated since late last week that there was once again friction in the camp.

"I still believe in him, he is a talented artiste, but he needs to know say him wrong. How can you be that ungrateful? It's not his talent alone that put him where he is right now, he is very talented, but millions were spent on promotion and development of the artiste, and he has not help up his end, loyalty is the most important thing in this business. None of the great artistes make it without a good management structure, Buju, Beenie Man, Sean Paul, Shaggy, look at what they have done because they have remained loyal and true to what they are doing."

Aidonia, whose real name is Sheldon Aitana Lawrence, had a bonafide hit last year, 'Lolly' only two months after joining forces with 'Skatta', however, he has yet to hit the charts again, although songs such as 'Oku' and 'Kingfish Ah Come' have been getting a lot of buzz in the streets lately. Earlier this year, media reports indicated that there was trouble in the camp, but the impasse' was soon resolved, and the two reconciled. But this split, given the rhetoric flying around, looks like it's for good.

"His behaviour is unacceptable, and his behaviour is going to make other managers not want to invest time and money in young artistes again, nobody nah go waan tek up dem career. He is saying that he is going to make his sister, who do four years at UWI, manage him, but why her four years at UWI wasn't able to buss him in the first place in the hearts of the people?

Aidonia and Skatta had an association for 14 months but Aidonia had never been given an ultimatum to sign until now.

"Him can make his sister, and him family manage him career. Him don't care about the money I've spent so far, mi just ah go call it ah loss, right now, it nuh mek no sense. Him mess up big time and mi caan deal wid him, this is the last time him ah go mess up wid me."

Ding Dong, whose 'Bad Man Forward, Bad Man Pull Up' single went to number one in England on the reggae charts, has introduced a new dance/song, 'Before Summer'. The dancer-turned-deejay also recorded a song of the same name, alongside Tornado to compliment the dance.

"The dance ah go tek the whole place soon. When people see it, dem ah go know it instant because it different, it come in like six different dance inna one, right now, we endorse it every Sunday at Gabba Sundays inna Ravers Clavers Park rounda Mountain View," Ding Dong told YardFlex.Com.

He has an upcoming show in Bahamas with the rest of the Ravers Clavers crew.

"Ah just crazy show a come in right now, we go away every weekend, the people dem love the flavour."

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By: Jigga Matic
Photos By: Warlington

Building a rep in the dancehall game without a record deal is no easy task. But Munga is a testament to the power of dedication and talent. He has been able to 'trick dem and buss'.

The rookie deejay's growing buzz is centred around the unapologetically hardcore single, 'No Bad Like I', which has become a rude-boy anthem at stage shows all across Jamaica, plus he is getting crazy love from turntablists as well as FM radio as the track is a must-play for every disc jockey worth his salt in the business today.

"I never knew the song had a current, but I never knew that it would be this big," the 26 year-old deejay born Damian Rhoden said.

He grew up in the parish of St. Mary where he attended Hillside Primary and later St. Mary High for two years. He then moved to Kingston where he attended Tarrant High at the same time as Denise Plummer a.k.a Dancehall Queen Stacie. At school, he made good grades, and could have done any number of things but he chose to deejay.

"A stage show was always going on in, before and during class but I had people taking notes for me so I didn't miss anything," he told YardFlex.Com.

Growing up, he was an avid fan of Hardy Boys novels, a hobby that explains his love for 'songs with a storyline'. In 1997, he fell in with a thug crowd, and one day, stopped attending school thereby pre-empting plans to expel him, .

"I started banging, taking it to the streets, doing things to survive, washing cars, odd jobs in supermarkets, y'know, hustling," he said.

Munga's decision deeply disappointed his mother, a teacher, Karen Hamilton, who had nurtured hopes that her son would have become an accountant. Fate had different plans for him. In 1998, while visiting his grandmother in St. Mary, his uncle, Norman Hamilton a.k.a La Lumba encouraged him to enter the Red Label Wine Superstar competition with a song he co-wrote called 'Who Drink Out the Red Label Wine?". Munga entered and annihilated the competition, taking home the top prize.

After that, he drifted a little, hanging around the David House camp. He was the 'bannerman' in Capleton's 'Dutty Life' video in the late 90s, and he also did collaborations with Little Capes (Capleton's younger brother), all the while trying to concentrate his energies on honing his talents and mic skills. He did his first recording in 1999, a song called 'Hold A Vibes', a collaboration with other David House members on the Loyal Soldier label. Soon after, he began to do small stage shows.

"We start travel in 2001, opening for Capleton in the small islands, and then in 2002, I opened for him on the US tour. The Prophet has been the best teacher I could possibly have, he taught me about presentation, which is your image to the people, and the delivery of your sound and vocals, I commend him for that, he has the presentation aspect locked," he said.

However, despite his outstanding vocal ability, it was not until the year 2005 that the deejay who describes his sound as 'part Biggie-part Pac-part-Jigga with a piece of Capleton, Sizzla and Bob Marley' registered his first hit, when he recorded 'Bad Like I'.

STORY BEHIND THE HIT

He explains the story behind the hit:

"It was originally a 16-bar freestyle that I had, and one day, Cool Face, who scouts for Don, heard it and told Don, and Don told me to finish it. When Don hear, him turn red, him skin colour change, so mi know him feel it too. Two days later, mi call him and say me finish. So for the next two weeks, mi check him everyday straight, and on the 15th day, him record me," he said.

The song's lyrics launch a lyrical attack on rising star Idonia, 'If Busy Signal fraida Idonia, I don't/Fraid to shoot him/I won't'. Munga says that they have a good natured rivalry and there is no bad blood between the two.

"Me and him go tune fi tune at a stage show already, ah just love," he said.

In the meantime, the song continues to enjoy great airplay.

"I knew it was a hit from the night I record it, the reception mi get from the artiste dem: Voise Mail, Bling Dawg, Don, DJ Wayne, mi just know. The following day, the Friday, it play on the radio and it just gain momentum from then," he said.

He is now jointly managed by David House and the Don Corleone-owned Vendetta Records. Munga's upcoming singles include 'Flipping Rhymes' and 'Hold Her'.

"I will be shooting a combination video, for 'Bad Like I' for the garrison and the next single, 'Flipping Rhymes' for the uptown audience, when I am done, people are going to remember Munga," he said.

Sounds about right. Dem bwoy de no bad like...

According to a press release from Gargamel Music, Inc.international Reggae star Buju Banton aka Gargamel will headline UCLA's 20th Anniversary Jazz and Reggae Festival to be held Memorial Day Weekend at the sprawling Intramural Field on the UCLA campus at the end of May.

The prestigious two-day festival features some of the most talented names in both Jazz and Reggae, and attracts over 30,000 fans each year.

The Jazz lineup on Sunday, May 28th includes such greats as Dianne Reeves, Floetry, Gerald Wilson and His Big Band Orchestra, Kenny Burrell and Donnie. Monday, May 29th boasts Jamaican music sensations Assassin, Bushman, Macka Diamond, Tami Chynn, and of course, the legendary Buju Banton who will close out the festivities with his energetic blend of dancehall and roots Reggae.

"We are especially excited that Buju Banton will be headlining our 20th UCLA Jazz-Reggae Festival," says Todd Hawkins, Executive Producer of the annual event. "This year's festival theme is 'For the Love of Music' and Buju has proven that what he does is because of his love of music. It has been a while since LA has seen Buju and we are thrilled to be bringing him back to sunny southern California, and more importantly, to one of the premiere venues for live music on the West Coast."

Banton has just placed the finishing touches on his first pure dancehall collection in over a decade. The album, entitled Too Bad, is presently scheduled for release later this summer on his own Gargamel Music label. He is expected to perform classic songs from his extensive catalog as well as new tunes from the highly anticipated forthcoming project at the UCLA show.

Local dancehall group Voise Mail took their brand of music to the international scene recently, as the members invaded Japan on a two week trek to promote their recently released album Hey.

According to group member Jerome 'Craig' Jackson, 'Japan sell off. It was crazy fun and the vibes was great'. The group performed to venues which drew out fans in their thousands. 'We did shows in Takanawa, Tokyo and we have a few more to complete before we come back home to Jamaica', Jerome added.

The members of the group were overwhelmed by the response of the Japanese people, towards their performances. 'Voise Mail is on their way into the hearts of the Japanese. It was as if they couldn’t get enough of us', Jerome commented.

While in Japan, Voice Mail did the interviews with various media houses including MTV Japan.

Voise Mail's debut album Hey which was released in January, is only available in Japan. By early summer, their fans in Jamaica, the US and the Caribbean will be able to access the 20 track album. Christopher Birch, Robert Livingston, Donovan Bennett and Nigel Staff are among the producers who worked on the album.

Known for hits such as Weh Di Time, Ready to Party, Do What You feel like, and Jamaican Jiggas, Voise Mail is currently making strides on the charts with Get Crazy.

Rihanna's "SOS" Hits #1 on Billboard Hot 100, Hot Digital Songs, Pop 100, Dance/Club, Billboard Monitor, and R&R Pop Chart - With Worldwide #1 Chart Results Pouring In!!

A GIRL LIKE ME, Second Def Jam Album, Debuts At #5 On First Week Sales of 115,126 Copies

New Single "Unfaithful" Blows Onto The Charts, As Video Debuts On MTV's "TRL" - Follow-Up To #1 Video "SOS"

Rihanna builds on success of 2005's RIAA gold debut, Music Of the Sun, featuring summer crossover smash "Pon De Replay"

Def Jam recording artist Rihanna is buoyed by the top 10 debut entry of her second album, A GIRL LIKE ME (follow-up to her RIAA gold debut, Music Of the Sun), as she rides the crest of this year's biggest crossover smash, "S.O.S." - which takes over the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, Pop 100, Hot Digital Songs Chart, Hot Dance Club Play Chart, and Billboard Monitor and R&R (Radio & Records) Pop charts.

With "S.O.S." popping everywhere, "Unfaithful" (co-written by Def Jam label mate Ne-Yo and produced by Stargate) is taking off as A GIRL LIKE ME's second single pick. The song debuts at #34-bullet on the Billboard Mainstream Top 40 chart and is #1 most added at Rhythm, putting the song on more than 85 stations as of impact date.

The video for "Unfaithful," directed by Anthony Mandler, made its MTV debut this week on TRL - where "S.O.S." has already enjoyed its own #1 stay. The "S.O.S." video, directed by Chris Applebaum, was also # 1 on AOL video (with over 8 million plays to date) and Top 5 at Yahoo! Music. Taking off behind an infectious taste of "Tainted Love" (the Soft Cell classic), "S.O.S." has logged more than 157,000 iTunes downloads to date, and was the biggest first week digital single EVER! On May 15, go to MSNVIDEO.COM where MSN will feature an exclusive album release party and performance from Rihanna...live from Barbados!

"S.O.S." is a worldwide phenomenon that has gone #1 on the Canadian Airplay chart, the Japanese International chart, the Australian singles chart, the French airplay chart and European airplay chart. In this country, it marks the second time Rihanna has topped the Dance Club chart since last summer 2005, when her #1 "Pon De Replay" stopped traffic in the U.S. and Europe, and was certified a triple-platinum digital download by the RIAA.

The beautiful young Barbados native, personally signed by Def Jam president and CEO Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, has caught the eyes of NIKE and JC Penny for high-level endorsement deals. NIKE chose "S.O.S." as the theme for an exclusive video, choreographed by the world renowned Jamie King (Madonna and Shakira) which launched their newest clothing line (check out the video at www.nikewomen.com).

Similarly captivated by Rihanna, JC Penny has chosen Rihanna as the new face of Miss Bisou in their stores nationwide as well as in their advertising campaigns. Her video and music will be featured in all Junior's sections of the stores. Meanwhile, Rihanna is making her movie debut in a cameo role playing herself in the upcoming cheerleader flick, Bring It On: All Or Nothing, currently in production.

After making appearances last week on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live, Live with Regis & Kelly, MTV's TRL and CD USA, Rihanna is looking forward to future appearances on NBC's Last Call with Carson Daly and more.

Photos By: Warlington

Floydwest is not your typical garden-variety singer. He is a charismatic firebrand who is unafraid to speak his mind, even if it means that he might offend you. In fact, he is defined by one primary mission in his life, and that is to make music that speaks to the hearts of men.

"Right now, I believe that Jah ordain it for me to sing and perform for people, and I have a message that has to get out there to the people," he said.

West has packed a hectic full life in 25 short years. During his youth, he was a whiz at performing poetry and short narrative pieces, winning several medals in the annual Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's (JCDC) competitions.

At one time, while attending Bridgeport High, he won a Colgate song contest under the name 'Rapper Kid'. In his late adolescence, acquired skills as a woodworker (learning from his father, Owen Fitzroy West), before going into music, later becoming disenchanted. After that, he began studying at Portmore Community College before leaving that to enjoy a brief stint in the army!

Now, that's a lot to pack into 25 years.

But recently, Floyd West has returned to his first true love -- music, and he's doing so with a bang as his latest singles, especially, 'Confession', have been generating a lot of attention in music circles.

Born December 13, 1980, Floyd West grew up in the Lincoln Crescent area of East Kingston before moving to Portmore at the age of four.

Floyd's mother, Vancile Nembhard-West, was a member of the Adventist church choir, which led to his having a background rooted in the Adventist church. He sang on the choir, and at one time, he was even a youth preacher. It is these early church-influenced experiences that fired his interest in English Literature even to this day because his older sister would often make a habit of reading biblical texts to him.

"I would say that I am heavily spiritual still, growing up in that environment, it expose me to certain questions about creation, and my role inna the universe, mek yu tink deep," he said.

He attended Independence City All Age and then Bridgeport High school for a few years, before his subsequent expulsion for a fight where a knife was brought into play.

"We not so violent, but we can be violent. That situation came out of the mixing of the intelligent with the not-so-intelligent, when those two people bounce together, a clash is almost inevitable, and in that, I was forced to become unintelligent...to defend myself," he said.

After that, he admitted that he 'drifted a bit', but his parents stood by him in this dark hour. Eventually, he finished his secondary education at Kingston Technical where he sat and gained four subjects including Mathematics and Physics. Having done so well, it seemed that Mrs. West's dreams that her son might become a preacher/engineer would be realized. His sister, Sophia Parkes is presently employed as an engineer at Kaiser Jamaica Bauxite Company.

However, Mrs. West's dreams were dashed because of the call of the music. Even while he was at KT, he had formed a group called the 'Gremlins', auditioning for Penthouse Records, and even Sly and Robbie. So upon graduating, he threw all his energy in that direction.

"From a youth growing up, me know that me abnormal, me can remember things at an early age, my mother told me that I started talking quite early, and my singing ability started to show early so much so that teachers used to put me on the desk and instruct me to sing…mi did always find myself in the spotlight," he said.

At age 18 when he began to record at Arrows but a few years later, became disenchanted when his songs were never released. Frustrated and angry, he decided to attend Portmore Community College to do a few courses.

"They have five tunes up there for me and when I return there, I am going with a lawyer…me did a leggo music through them...but music call me back, there's something special about music, and even as a youth, people clearly see me a singer, even in the army Rear Admiral Lewin used to call me Buju and even encourage me to go studio, so this is the path me a pursue fully," he said.

Now that he is back on the musical path, Floyd West has become a bit of an insider sensation, raising eyebrows with his brilliant vocals during performances at clubs like Asylum in New Kingston, and stage shows across Jamaica.

Recently, he did a song called 'Dance' with his brother, Damian 'Jerimyah' West for Christopher Cort, aka 'CK' of 'Infahred Records'. The recording eventually caught the ears of DJ Sunshine from IRIE FM, and DJ Chill of HOT 102, and this development has opened up vistas of opportunities for the young singer.

"Right now, this is a transition period for me, and Shine's (Sunshine's) influence allow me to mek whole heap of changes in my life, women represent a change, and she is doing that for me now," he said.

Other noteworthy singles which have been getting favourable airplay include 'Let Down Your Hair' and 'These Days', both combinations with 'Jerimyah'.

However, the single which is making FM radio sit up and pay attention is the smooth silky 'Confession'. A video was recently shot to promote this single, and it premiered on local TV and cable stations recently.

Mr. Vegas is now in high spirits following his successful debut performance in Russia on April 29.

Vegas knew his song 'Do You Know' was crossing borders but even he wasn't prepared for the overwhelming response he received when he touched the stage in Moscow Russia.

"The show as great, the venue was jam packed and the audience was singing along to songs such as 'Heads High', 'Tamale', 'Do You Know', 'Pull Up' and 'More Love' the singer shared on his experience.

For him it was really an experience and more encouraging for him was the fact that the Russians told him it was one of the best show they had seen for a long time.

Considering he is the first dancehall artiste to be performing in Russia it is high praises indeed.

'Saddle to the East' rides again.Bounty Killer has revived his signature stage show, 'Saddle to the East' which will be held in August of this year, a move that is sure to please the legions of Killa fans out there.

Kingston, Ja/New York, NY: Hailed as the 'Poor People's Governor,' Dancehall icon Bounty Killer joins forces with non-profit organization Upliftment Jamaica to revive his signature stage show Saddle to the East in support of on-going educational initiatives in St. Thomas, Jamaica's most impoverished parish. After a six-year hiatus, the highly anticipated Saddle to the East, returns on August 26th, this time at Goodyear Oval in St. Thomas, and features the ace deejay (mc) alongside his A-List dancehall and reggae brethren.

'The Five Star General' who was named "Upliftment Ambassador" at the organization's 2004 Gala, is re-launching the annual concert to raise money to support Upliftment's programs geared toward improving academic training and structure, furnish teaching materials and supplies, and re-building playgrounds in St. Thomas's under-funded schools.

"It's a beautiful thing to see artists like Bounty Killer not only say, but also do," states Upliftment Jamaica founder and St. Thomas native Gary Foster, Vice President of hip-hop mogul Russell Simmon's Rush Communications. "I give the utmost respect to Bounty Killer for using his celebrity status as platform to make a difference in people's lives and to make a positive impact on Jamaica."

Bounty Killer, whose given name is Rodney Pryce, has been dominating the dancehall scene since the 90's with a unique rapid-fire delivery and hard-hitting tunes like "Poor People Fed Up," "Anytime," and "Look." His 1996 album My Xperience spent 6 months at the top of the Billboard Reggae Chart and 2 months on the Billboard Top Albums Chart. In 2001, he reached number 5 on Billboard Top 200 with "Hey Baby" which he recorded with rock/punk band No Doubt. He initiated Saddle to the East in 1995 in an effort to rally the entertainment sector to give back to the community. Originally held during Christmas season, the moderately priced show gave less fortunate populations the opportunity to see the biggest and best names in Jamaican music, while the proceeds were donated to schools and charities in the country's inner-city communities. Due to mounting resistance from local authorities, Bounty Killer discontinued the show in 2001.

New York: Rising dancehall star Jovi Rockwell is blowing up worldwide. The young singer who describes herself as a "rebel-love-goddess" is riding a wave of popularity in the tri-state area where her unreleased single "All About Love" is enjoying heavy rotation on numerous Caribbean radio programs including the number one rated Irie Jam Radio, WRTN, 93.5FM in New York.

The hot single "All About Love" is from her forth coming album on Wire One Music and was produced by Yogi from FIWI Music. Another single, "You Are Gonna Need Me" is also creating waves in New York. The song which is a remake of an all time Jamaican classic was recorded with dancehall star Mr. Vegas and will be included on his forth coming album due out this summer.

In Jamaica, another unreleased single "Rizzla," which was leaked by Shaggy's manager Robert Livingston to DJ Sunshine of Irie FM is enjoying multiple spins on the Ocho Rios based station and looks set to make it to the top of the charts.

"I am so very excited about all the attention my music is getting. It just goes to show that hard work does have its rewards" Jovi was quoted as saying.

Aside from her exploits on radio, Jovi recently shot the video for "All About Love" in Ocho Rios, Jamaica to capitalize on the growing popularity of the single. The video shoot was directed by Joel Burke. Once completed, it will be serviced to MTV, BET, VH-1 and cable channels in Jamaica.

Jovi, who recently inked a multi album deal with Wire One Records garnered notoriety with singles "Party On" and the Renaissance-produced "Get On The Dance Floor" which was recorded with DJ Zumjay. She appears on the current cover of Backayard Magazine with Tami Chin, Kris Kelly and Alaine and is the newest act signed to the impressive Headline Entertainment artist roster which includes Sean Paul, Damian Marley, Wayne Wonder, TOK and Spragga Benz.

Turn It Up! is the all new dancehall television show hosted by top BBC 1Xtra DJ Robbo Ranx hitting the TV screen on Friday 5th May 2006.

This groundbreaking TV show Turn It Up! is a 30-minute music and lifestyle programme featuring live dancehall footage, interviews and up-to-date coverage of the international dancehall scene.

Robbo Ranx hosts London's only West End dancehall and reggae club night, Uptown Splurt, every Wednesday at prestigious top spot Cameos nightclub. The night features some of the biggest DJ names in UK dancehall.

Turn It Up Live! features the live vibes at Uptown Splurt, as well as dancehall and reggae stars from around the world, including performances from Voicemail and appearances from Ghost, LOC and many more.

Robbo says: ‘Turn It Up! is all about Dancehall; the music, the lifestyle and the culture... It has a massive following here, and now for the first time the freshest video's, interviews and news will be hitting the UK screens... exclusive to Channel U'

Turn It Up Live! will be aired at 9.30pm on Channel U (360 Sky TV) Friday 5th May 2006 with each episode repeated.

For further information contact: Peter Murray on 0208 728 0374 / info@trinitymediagroup.net

Named after the highest mountain in Africa and one of the the many tourist attractions in Tanzania, the Kilimanjaro music awards organizers put up a list of all the artists nominated for this year's event.There are twenty one categories including best reggae/ragga artist which features local reggae big names like innocent nganyagwa last year's winer and Hard Mad who have tried to keep up the music's true roots.

Innocent Nganyagwa plays Tanzanian reggae blending some Tanzanian rhythms into normal known reggae beats whel as Hard Mad does real dancehall music flavoured with roots reggae and some african tunes.I n another category tittled East African musician of the year, two Ugandan dancehall artists who havve been on a tour to UK have been mantioned that is Bobby wine of Kagoma/Taata wa bana fame and MeggaDee of Nze ndeka/In heven no beer fame.

-By Frank

It's Lykle Bit 30th b-day, and as most people would do they would celebrate it, either by having some bashment dance or with family and friends. Lykle Bit on the other hand decided to have a fundraiser to raise funds in assistance of providing tickets to the youths in the community to attend an amusement park such as wonderland, CNE, etc. The reason behind this is that most parents cannot afford to give their children a summer to remember; we all know that at the begining of the school year most teachers want to know what they did for the summer; most of them dont have an answer, now they do.

"I have local Toronto artist who have volunteered their time in support of my idea to come out and perform because they thought it is different and that it is for a good cause. I also have DJs coming out to play variety of music and Big G (www.biggonline.com radio show host) hosting the event.

Once the fundraiser is over, I will set a b-b-q date and use some of the proceeds to coordinate it, and purchase the tickets (musement park) at that time I will give away the tickets to the youths who attend the b-b-q. Note that the b-b-q and the tickets are free for the community.

Editors At Large
By: Claude Mills
Photos By: Carlington Wilmot

Dancer-turned-deejay Ding Dong is revolutionizing the dancehall game with his edgy creativity and dancing savvy, creating a host of new moves to match the slamming dancehall rhythms coming out of the island's studios.

YardFlex.Com caught up with him at Ravers Park in Nannyville, St. Andrew last week, the same week he scored his first number one hit, 'Bad Man Forward Bad Man Pull Up' on the CHOICE FM chart in London, England.

You've probably seen him in a recent Digicel commercial on TV, or in the 'Wacky Dip' video with Voice Mail. Now, Ding Dong's got his own thing - Bad Man Forward, Bad Man Pull Up, a self-explanatory dance geared towards the 'shotters' who once believed they were too macho to dance.

"The dance did build already long time from last year Summer when mi de ah England. Mi build the talk ah England, when me and Keiva, Mad Michelle, Sadiki, Craigy Dread and Sadiki were on tour there, and mi wait till the people dem were ready for it because the love the people have for Bogle the icon, so 'Willie Bounce' run the place for the while because there could be no other hit dance, so the people dem ready fi a new dance now," he said.

Ding Dong, whose real name is Kemar Ottey (no relation to Jamaican-born sprinter Merlene Ottey), has contributed his voice to a number of songs such as 'Wacky Dip' with Voice Mail and 'Weddy Time 2', along with Bogle and Voise Mail. His solo recording 'Chakka Chakka', also did well a few months ago. But 'Bad Man Forward, Bad Man Pull Up' is the first to bring him mainstream attention.

"Ah the greatest feeling in the world right now, yu know how much deejay neva go #1 yet, and mi get a number one, so mi just feel great," he said.

At the time of the interview, the single was also #15 on the South Florida Top 20 Reggae Singles chart.

In Jamaica, dance is widely considered to be an outlet for anger and is a nonviolent alternative to the street violence that is widespread in many of Kingston's tough neighbourhoods. Ding Dong has established his own clique of dancers, 'Ravers Clavers' which includes Overmars, Chicken and Beer, Johnny Bravo, Sir Yummy ("the youngest oldest looking"), Mundo, Pree Dem and Strength. The crew will be on tour in England in April, and just recently returned from Antigua and Barbados.

"We name Ravers Clavers because we rave seven days a week, we enjoy weself everyday, and I wanted to find something that rhyme with rave, so mi say 'ravers clavers' and set it," the 25 year-old Nannyville resident explained.

Ding Dong also explained the origins behind the 'Bad Man Forward, Bad Man Pull Up' dance, which is the current favourite among dancehall goers.

"The bad man forward is fi the bad man dem who no waan Jiggy, dem waan something inna dem own routine, so it must be a stepping dance, and if dem love it, everybody love it, and it work, cause ah de first me eva see so much bad man ah dance and ah enjoy demself," Ding Dong said, laughing.

"Dem nah pree man like dem used, dem a wait fi the song play so dem can dance too, ah de so the ting de right now."

Decked out in a colourful shirt, and rose-gold jewellery, Ding Dong, a thin 6'1, is a joy to be around. During the YardFlex photo shoot and interview, he cracked jokes, and made fun of his fellow dancers. Here are some of his comments during the shoot.

"Hey, oonu fi always smile when you a tek picture, ah the hottest picture when yu smile." Laughter greeted this remark.

"Yea, yu fi work pon one pose and master it."

More laughter.

"Hey, pictureman, tek one wid me phone 'cause mi phone hot," he told Warlington.

After seeing the photographs on the screen, he declared: "Mad, mi like da one de, mi shirt hot, mi shirt flop yu, Chicken and Beer, mi shirt flop yu."

He took a break during the interview to share a joke with his 'Ravers Clavers' clique about an incident at a street dance a few nights before.

"Mi de ah de dance, and Elephant Man see a old van park up at mi foot. Him say (lisping), 'wha kinda van that Ding Dong and yu thay yu hot?’. (Speaking normally now) Mi jus look pon him and say, 'wha kinda go inna mi song dat, Ele, and yu hot? And mi just lef him'," he said. He was referring to the 'Bad Man Forward, Bad Man Pull Up' phrase in one of Elephant Man's current songs that mimics Ding Dong's number one hit.

"We ah do we ting this year, Ravers Clavers fi life," he said.

You can see Ding Dong strut his stuff at Gabba Sundays between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. at Nannyville featuring Caution, the CD sound with DJ Whiteman.

By: Jigga matic
Photo By: Warlington

Quick, send a 'she-mail' to Pythagaros, the Father of Mathematics. Tell him that the number two is dead. Well, at least in Jamaica.

Here on the rock, the Arabic number two (2) has somewhat of a bad rep.

"All things are numbers," said Pythagoras who laid the cornerstone of scientific geometry. However, Jamaicans have taken this idea a bit too far to the extent that the number two has become the victim of nasty smear campaign, perpetrated by the Cash Pot, Bingo and Drop Hand games that Jamaicans have played for decades.

Here, the number two has all sorts of terrible connotations and has become a euphemism to suggest homosexuality, immoral men, or suspected gaydom, and in the Cashpot game, 'small fire'. As such, most artistes, producers and managers have summarily banned the word, and now use word twice instead.

This weird development changed the fast food experience for many a young man. Since it is strictly verboten to say '2', you cannot walk into KFC, or Burger King and order a 'number two' on the overhead display board. No, you order the 'twice', 'the 1 plus 1' or the meal in between 1 and 3, or something else which is a euphemism for a number that is now vilified more than those two retards, 6 and 9.

A few weeks ago, YardFlex called 'Applause' producer Rohan 'Sno Cone' Fuller, on the rise of Sean Paul's 'Temperature' to the #2 spot on the Billboard charts. The conversation went something like this:

"Big up Jah Sno Cone pon the Billboard hit, but how the number two ting drop in?'

"Is not number two, is twice it de (laughing), and it not going to stop at that position (more laughing)..it straight...it ah go straight a number one (more laughing."

In the week of March 19th to 26th, the song hit the pole position on the Billboard Pop 100 charts, Sean Paul's third number one song, and Rohan 'Sno Cone' Fuller's first chart-topper. Yu lucky Jah Cone!

The good-natured diligence being taken by members of the fraternity in what they articulate has changed the local vernacular so much so that some phrases are now outlawed. You cannot say, 'come we go down ah de place', instead, you have to say, 'mek we forward'. You ought not to say, 'I forgot...', instead you say, 'mi neva memba...". You should not utter 'soon come back', say 'link up, little bit', no come ting. You cannot even say that a girl has 'killer legs' or 'killer lips' because that could mean she has Bounty Killer's legs or lips, so bulletbulletbullet fi dem speech de!

Even local geography has been forever changed by this new age thinking. There are newly christened locales such as 'Gallings Hill road' which is now the new meaning of Mannings Hill Road, 'Womantego Bay' replace Montego Bay, that new parish, 'Galchester' and its capital, 'Galdeville' original name Manchester and Mandeville. Funny, isn't it? Sorry, my bad. I should have said, it's quite humorous, isn't it? It's got so ridiculous artistes are even afraid to eat mangoes.

Pythagoras, the great Greek thinker, who was the first to establish a link between music and maths, was obsessed with numbers and believed mathematics was the key to explaining the ten sides of reality. Jamaicans are just following his beat.