Jahna Sebastian is a singer/songwriter/producer in the UK that claims that she had a baby girl by Swizz Beatz.

According to a letter her friend shared with a website, Swizz is aware of the child as he showed up with Alicia Keys last year for a paternity test that eventually proved he was the father.

Anyway, the other day she may have posted subliminal shots at Alicia Keys on her blog. In a blog titled “I give thanks for being a producer myself so I don’t have to f*ck for tracks as if I was just a singer” she concluded with:

Hearing about some of today’s successful artists, who for their career sleep with producers jumping from one to another, break up marriages even when kids are involved and take everything for themselves with no sense of morality, building their image by speculating on sacred things, then get Grammys and worldwide promotion, I think to myself that somehow they get away with it too easy, but what is happening within their soul?

The Muddy conditions of the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex was not enough to keep away patrons from coming to enjoy what turned to be night of pure pleasure with the closing night lineup.

American R&B star Usher totally dominated as he made his entrance on stage to shouts from the ladies. He was in total control, oozing sexuality he played it to the hilt.

Going through the paces with some of his super hits which included U Got It Bad, Confessions Pt II among others he kept the pleasure vibes flowing.

It was twice the thrill when he called on stage Mavado, and chaos when Elephant Man and Chris Brown joined him for another stint on stage.

They ‘wrecked the place’ as they both showed they were more than up to par with the Jamaican moves and lingua.

There were other acts who also impressed on Saturday night and these include Shaggy who from the minute he took centrestage with his hit song Church Heathen had the crowd going.

He was the consummate performer as he did some of his top songs. Shaggy really know how to entertain and did it in fine style on Saturday.

Etana could do no wrong on Saturday and she seemed to be in a playful mood, we wondered if it had anything to do with the man dancing in the shadows to her songs – the same one she acknowledged in her song saying “Andre gives me crazy love!”

Queen Ifrica was on her usual conscious mission, she bat for the Jamaican men, the craft market vendors and the country as she performed songs such as Montego Bay, Below the Waist and others.

QQ gave some real ‘go go’ like dancing on stage and he gyrated away most of the times through his numbers.

Chris Martin delivered as did the early segments artistes such as Steele, Hezron, Sophia Squire and Lymie Murray.

All in all there were no losers for the night and patrons more than got their money’s worth on Saturday.

Sugar deserve a betta tribute

Really now people, what kinda fool-fool pap dung tribute dat the veteran artiste dem do fi Sugar Minott at Sumfest Saturday night. We cyaan believe say the big big Dean Fraser did have no part inna dat. A lie dem a tell pon Dean, cause him wouldn’t did mek Tony Tuff go up and a hog the microphone so. As a matter of fact, Tony Tuff shouldn’t did sing more dan one line inna any tribute song to Sugar. And we did expect much better from Tristan casue Tristan have sense. And look how much good song Sugar have, why Jimmy Riley did haffi choose the nursery rhyme bout Simple Simon. We neva hear Sugar sing dat deh sond deh yet. And look how Sumfest did a promote the ting like say it was going to be sinting sensible. We lose big time. Sugar, may your soul find peaceful rest after dat deh bag a foolishness.

Wha’ kinda mess Zamunda did inna?

A wha kinda mess Zamunda find himself inna mek him just run off the stage so at Reggae Sumfest? By the time the MC hand him did mike, him dash it back and flee di stage. What we a hear don’t smell too right, so all did people who a mess wid did artiste we haffi tell oonu fi flush that one straight dung did toilet. Bwoy, it look strange how di whole ting do dung , but we still a listen out fi di real story.

Pamputtae tickness nuh normal

People onnu see wid oonu owna two eye how Pamputtae tick! Dat deh tickness deh no normal … it supernormal. When Pamputtae tan up trong and slap her thigh dem and ask, “Oonu see how mi tick? … well … People Dead! But we haffi big up di fluffy girl doah, cause she and har two fluffy dem mash up di Sumfest stage; we doan know how it neva pap dung a grung. When the two trong, healthy, fluffy dem climb up pon di lighting rig one time we did a hol’ we breath cause it did look sticky. But all’s well that ends well and we haffi say Fluffy to di flippin’ werllll!

Why a man haffi catch Chris Brown hat?

What a way blogger Tyrone Reid nuh stop pose up inna Chris Brown baseball cap dat the singer throw inna did crowd to him female fans dem. Tyrone mek sure say him wear the cap come a Sumfest Saturday night and doan ask if did woman dem nah look pon him and cut demy eye. But him couldn’t care less, him just a walk up and dung fi di betta. And, if you don’t want to be embarrassed, don’t ask him to borrow it to take a picture, cause you aint getting it.

Is a churchman or a Kingman di empress married to?

So people deh pon stage a call up dem husband name inna song and all these tings. But like how di husband did a watch her perform she shoulda did jus call him up pon stage and introduce him to har fans dem. Cause everybody want fi find out if the empress who did baptize ina Christian church married to a churchman or a Kingman cause it sound like a some crazy love a gwaan inna dat deh relationship.

Beenie and D’Angel must stop tek people fi fool

Is high time Beenie Man and D’Angel stop tek dem fans fi eeediat. It look like everytime a big show come round the two a dem find themselves pon di people dem stage a chat bout reunion and a act all lovey dovey. And two day after the show you hear dem a deny say dem deh. But people couldn’t care less anymore what did two a dem want fi do cause we all know that it’s all about giving dem career a hype, so we wish dem luck and prosperity inna dem foolishness.

Well Sumfest come and gaan but wi still haffi talk up di tings dem. Dancehall night a pure lovie dovie a gwaan between di doctor and him wife D’Angel.

Kiss kiss and tings. Memba sey Beenie Man nuh deh pon Dancehall night such a muss him wife him come support. Den Saturday night D’Angel meck sure sey she deh a front fi cheer har husband on. Yeah man, something a gwaan.

A which artiste did haffi cut him performance short because him waan do a number 2. Backside all now wi still a laugh cause di way how him lef di stage quick and rush fi di loo yuh couldn’t help yuhself.

Not even too song him nuh do. Is a good ting it was a young artiste cause people woulda really galang bad if it did happen to one a di big artiste dem.

By Joan Wilson

American artiste Chris Brown, came, saw and totally conquered at Reggae Sumfest on International Night 1, held at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex in Montego Bay.

The youthful 21-year-old singer went into full gear as he danced, lip synced and sang his way into the hearts of the Sumfest fans.

He could absolutely do no wrong for the entertainment hungry crowd as they lapped up every thing he dished out.

The singer performed some of his big hits which included Gimme Dat, Run It, Say Yow, Brown Skin Girl, and With You.

It was even more exciting when he drew for Kartel’s Clarkes and showed that when it comes on to the Jamaican dance moves, he is also up to speed.

But Sumfest wasn’t just about Chris Brown, good as he was. There were other impressive acts for the night.

Coming after a fully charged, performance from Brown Jah Cure managed to hold his own on stage by choosing his better known songs such as Call on Me. He exited stage to the premiering of his music video for Unconditional Love which was shot on location in Cuba.

The Hold Yuh artiste Gyptian also put up a good showing, while thrilling fans, he also encouraged them to “support his new album by buying it.”

Gyptian called on stage a well dressed Nitty Kutchie who used the few minutes to make the connection with the crowd. Sugar Roy and Conrad Crystal also gave a cameo performance courtesy of Gyptian.

Young acts represented well such as upcoming singer Hezron and Canada-based artistes Steele who was making his Sumfest debut.

The females were not outmatched in any way by their male counterparts as the Strong One Etana gave a well received performance.

She was in fine form as she went through her paces singing songs such as Warrior Love, Wrong Addres, August Town and when she drew for Crazy Love, she acknowledged her husband by saying, “Andre gives me crazy love,” much to the crowd’s delight.

Etana made way for the Fyah Mumma Queen Ifrica who did a fiery, cultural stint.

When Yardflex exited the venue Tony Rebel was on stage holding his own.

Digicel’s Next Generation campaign ambassadors, I-Octane and Agent Sasco, showed a packed-to-capacity Catherine Hall entertainment complex just how bright the future of Jamaican music is when they delivered sterling performances on Dancehall Night at the 2010 staging of Reggae Sumfest.

Dressed in purple and white, I-Octane first of the two Next Generation artistes to christen the stage on Thursday July 22 and made no qualms mystifying the thousands of patrons with his smooth vocals, powerful messages and positive music.

Born Byiome Muir, I-Octane’s soul-stirring 45-minute stint on stage showed Montego Bay exactly the stuff real performers are made of. He never lost the vital connection between himself and the crowd, made evident by the constant streams of torches and lighters dotting the dark Montego Bay sky.

Signs that the reggae singer got the thumbs up from Reggae Sumfest came each time the first chords of his many hit songs started to emanate from the towering speaker boxes at the front of the stage.

Fireworks, firecrackers and fire-rockets competed with screams of approval as I-Octane’s voice reverberated through the venue, and he took the crowd to entertainment ecstasy.

Sharply clad in a clean-lined metallic suit and a black skinny tie, dancehall’s most versatile artiste Agent Sasco indelibly wrote his name in the minds of Reggae Sumfest patrons in true Next Generation style.

Masterfully going through a seemingly endless arsenal of hit songs, Agent Sasco owned his stage and engaged his audience – which wasn’t hard to do. After all, from his first minute on-stage, the crowd had their hands in the air and only took them down when the artsite spoke to them or transitioned through songs.

Agent Sasco would satisfy the entertainment-hungry audience for almost an hour with his usual and unmistakable energy, which was rewarded with constant crowd approval. Shouts for encores were instantaneous when his time onstage ended.

Digicel’s Sponsorships and Events Manager, Tahnida Nunes was beaming with joy after the two artistes performed, emphatically stating, “The Next Generation is here, and it is bright”.

“We are so proud of I-Octane and Agent Sasco and their performances tonight,” the dreadlocked Nunes said as she happily congratulated the two faces of Digicel’s campaign on their on-stage antics.

Nunes also reiterated that the telecommunications giant is dedicated to “the next generation in totality, to Jamaica, and Jamaican entertainment.”

“Definitely, there are bigger, better things to look forward to from Digicel and The Next Generation.”

The experience that is the Greatest Reggae Show on Earth, Reggae Sumfest, was made bigger and better for patrons thanks to the Festival’s official telecommunications partner Digicel.

The mobile phone company, for the 4th year in a row, presented its acclaimed and exciting Digicel Talent Stage, which featured the likes of upcoming artistes performing at different intervals during the night.


With the likes of Denyque, Raine Seville, Natel, D-Major, Tanto Blacks, Keida, Princess Tia and more, the stage shone bright with the young talented stars, something that Digicel is known to encourage and support.


“Without a doubt we are proud that we have the opportunity to enhance the Reggae Sumfest experience with our talent stage, and are even more elated that we get the chance to shine some light on the next generation of talent.

The response was amazing, the artistes were magnificent and exciting and we are happy that the festival patrons enjoyed our entertainment package,” said Tahnida Nunes.


Nunes continued, saying what a major experience the talent stage represents for these artistes.


“Our stage remains a major platform for the exposure of talent, and all our acts go on to do great things in the entertainment industry. Immediately, I think of Tifa who made her debut at Reggae Sumfest on our stage in 2009 and this year she rocked the main stage, and she is just one on the list of many who have gone on to do big things,” she remarked.


Nunes, Digicel’s Sponsorship and Events Manager, isn’t the only person who had praises for the talent stage, as patrons enjoyed the activity which gave them more entertainment while band changes were undertaken on the main stage.


“Boy, it always give me something to look forward to, and all we haffi do is really turn round. So I enjoy it, especially Tanto Blacks and Kedia on Friday,” said one male patron. His female companion concurred, saying she enjoyed performer Denyque on Saturday night. Teenaged patrons also took pleasure in the talent stage as a large throng of them could be found each time activity on the stage commenced.


“It really is something that we are committed to doing and will continue doing as we expose more talent, and make Reggae Sumfest a bigger, better experience for all,” Nunes commented.


Digicel has been a major part of the Reggae Sumfest family for 10 consecutive stagings, as a part of its commitment to Jamaican entertainment, culture, and people.

Jamaica continues to shine on the world stage.

The latest comes from Dexter Lee who yesterday created history at the Stadium du Moncton last night as he sped to the island's first gold at the 13th IAAF World Junior Championships, to defend the title he won two years ago in Bydgoszcz, Poland.


Lee, who ran out of lane seven after posting the seventh fastest time in the semi-finals, stopped the clock at 10.21 seconds, well below his personal and season best 10.16, beating American Charles Silmon, who ran a personal best 10.23, while France's Jimmy Vicaut, the joint world leader, was third in 10.28.


Yardflex congratulates the athlete on his achievement

Yardflex gets an exclusive with Gyptian for the release of Hold You.

By Lydia Patel

Yardflex TV caught up with Gyptian for an exclusive one on one at the VP records office in Queens. His album is officially launched worldwide and the VP artist is definitely looking forward to a great run. “It’s a lot of work, and it’s not a bed of roses/ You have to be dedicated to make it happen’. Gyptian is currently in NY promoting his brand new album and making numerous appearances at radio station and shows in the tri state area. The title track of the album, ‘Hold You’ has been a mega success for most of this year and remixed by major acts like Niki Minaj and Ricky Blaze. Hold You is available at all major retail outlets and digitally on itunes.

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The Reverend has been receiving a lot of flack since news broke that Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke was held in his company. A lot of criticisms have come his way regarding his role in the whole affair.

What do you say? As a Christian, should he have stayed out of it? Was he justified in what he did? Holla at us.

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Keith ‘Shebada’ Ramsay introduced himself to the comedy market in a big way when he had viewers cracking up in stitches as a competitor on The Comedy Buss. Although he had taken part in other small productions it was the Comedy Buss that told the entire Jamaica he is a talent worth watching. Then came Bashment Granny and also Keith’s meteoric rise to fame! Yardflex sat down and had a one on one with the super popular actor in a no holds barred interview

How long have you been in the theatre?

Three years now - since 2006

Any Formal training…

No...acting is innate… I started out in church …I did a one man piece on Moses and the Burning Bush -entered regional and national church competitions and came first.

Was acting always a dream for you?

So badly…from I gained knowledge… from the time I could recognize the stars

Why did you choose this career?

It’s a gift so what better way …use your gifts

If you weren’t acting, what other job would you like to do?

I would be doing track and field. While attending Clan Carty High, after school, I started doing track and field for the Church of God which is the church that I now go to….I love track super bad. It helps reduce stress for me. I am excellent at track …if I was still training now I could give Asafa and Bolt a run a for their money!

What plays have you been in?

Bashment Granny 1, Shebada Comes To Town, Like Father Like Son, Di Driver and Bashment Granny 2.

What are your fondest moments?

In Like father Like Son - an actress had diarrhea…I brought it to light onstage and the whole show went in a different direction…changed the situation [laughter]

How has it been working on Bashment Granny?

When I stared out with Bashment 1 I had no idea what I would be up against…Maama Man, Jukie Trevor - he is the master of theatre….when I went on stage for the first time with him it worked beautifully…it’s not a one man show it is a show with a whole body of people with a certain chemistry

Do you get along with all your cast members?

We fight …always fighting…new members just don’t understand the chemistry…it has gotten a lot better…over the past eight months. Call me Michal Jackson call me anything u want but don’t call me broke

Do you ad lib with a lot of your scripts?

Based on what you get you can tell…I don’t want to sound cocky…but I don’t work with scripts

As far as Trevor - he understands me very well…so he is like, ok Shebada I know you got your stuff packed but this is the situation with this actress and actor and so just go ahead and do your thing. I’m reading them – the actresses and actors as well as the audience… and one thing that is not cool is to have an uptight audience every night …like a DJ gotta read the crowd to select his tunes, I also need to read the audience…

Is your character on screen anything like your persona off screen?

I am very shy I like my own stage….the hardest part of entertaining is the end…I need to go into a room an recuperate

How do you feel when you are on stage? Are you nervous or once the lights turn on you’re ready for action?

Never ever nervous…on stage fine, but not in a group of 12 or five persons…then I get inhibited and shy

Are you double jointed?

No - you have a whine called the Chiney wine…remember say me young - me no old and seized up…

You seem to have a lot of fans out there, how do you feel about that?

They’re cool but I need to interact with them more…I am very shy…on a 1 on 1 basis I get nothing done…I need help in that area.

Are you currently in a relationship?

I have somebody …live….but I’m so much afraid of giving a name…I am nervous…[he calls girlfriend…she says go ahead]…her name is Samantha and we call her sex…I call her Sam, Samantha and Sex….we argue so much…we miss each other and that’s why we argue.

I know in this industry you can have negative criticism, does that affect you?

I don’t pay it any mind.

I hear that you’re engaged to a little lady, how is that?

Not engaged yet…

You have any advice for upcoming actors/actresses?

If you have a dream keep your dream alive and don’t let anybody put you in a box or cripple you.

Jah Cure's first performance since his release from prison on July 28, 2007 has left a lasting impression on his European fans. On Sunday August 12 at the Reggae Sundance Festival in Eindhoven, Holland, Jah Cure performed in front of 20,000 persons who were longing for that day. Irie FM's Elise Kelly gave a graphic report of this moment that she called absolutely phenomenal.

Kelly, who was present for most of the Reggae Sundance performances, lauded praises on all the "Masters of Their Craft" who gave brilliant presentations to the massive European audiences. Besides what is now termed as the historic crowd reception for Jah Cure, patrons were said to be highly engaged and enthusiastic throughout. Performances by reggae giants like, Bunny Wailer, Tony Rebel, Marcia Griffiths, Gregory Isaacs, Buju Banton, Jimmy Cliff and Anthony B were reportedly energy filled and well received.

The undisputed highlight of the festival this year, Jah Cure won out on a toss up as to who would close the show. Choices were Cure or Capleton… and after Capleton "bun down de place" with his mighty flaming sound, Jah Cure emerged and pandemonium broke out with the tumultuous applause and warm reception. In describing Jah Cure, Kelly said, "Looking absolutely handsome in full white Jah Cure received the kind of love in Holland that was phenomenal." With the excellent music direction of Dean Fraser, and in full control – with enormous confidence, Jah Cure mesmerized the Sundance audience.

After 2 encores and after the band had dismantled, the 20,000 strong in the Sundance field refused to move, Kelly reported. They wanted more of Jah Cure, and he could not refuse such a determined lot. Coming back one last time, Jah Cure polished off a tremendous show that had people interacting with tears and in song. Worldwide it has been described as a historical moment.

Fresh from the successful US launch of his much anticipated debut album, "Gangsta for Life – the Symphony of David Brooks," Mavado has returned to the island to shoot a video for his mega hit "Squeeze Her Breast," the summer anthem also featured on his album.

The video was shot over two days on location in Cassava Piece and in a sound studio, with scores of hot girls flooding the camera lens. The video, which was directed by Julia Braham, also features a snippet of the follow-up to Squeeze Her Breast, "Twice a Day," a song that leaves little to the imagination. The video has now been edited and should be hitting TV screens over the next couple of weeks.

Mavado will be returning to New York later this month to headline the Carifest stage show, as well as to film a big budget video for the second single from "Gangsta For Life."

"Dying" - the first single from the album - is now the number 1 record in rotation on New York's HOT 97 FM.

Mavado recently made an appearance at Funkmaster Flex's Custom Car and Bike Show in Hartford Connecticut, where he appeared alongside many of the top rappers in the game, such as T.I, Yung Buck, Jim Jones. Camron and Mike Jones. Shaggy and Elephant Man also represented for Jamaica.

On the recording front Mavado voiced a track with Akon and Busta Rhymes for Busta's upcoming album, to be released on Dr Dre's Aftermath Records imprint. He also recorded two tracks with Wyclef Jean and Uncle Murder for their respective upcoming albums.
Mavado will be hosting the Jamaican launch of the album towards the end of this month.

By: Joseph Cunningham
On August 12, 2007, Jah Cure is expected to make his first overseas appearance since being released last month. According to his manager, Allison Hunt, he will perform at The Sundance Festival in Holland. She also confirmed that news about his being scheduled to perform in the United States in upcoming months are unfounded and false.

The current "hot ticket" in reggae - Jah Cure is literally busting out all over, with an unprecedented popular winning streak that overrides the negativity of his recent unfortunate incarceration.

Born on October 11th, 1978 in Hanover, Jamaica and raised in Kingston, the talented singer was given the name Jah Cure by Reggae superstar, Capleton whom he met while growing up in Kingston. His first big break came in 1997 when he released the single "King of the Jungle" which was a duet with Sizzla. The single was produced by Beres Hammond who became Cure's mentor. He then released a steady stream of singles that won him critical and popular acclaim

In November 1998, while driving around Montego Bay, Jah Cure was pulled over by the police and arrested on rape and other charges that have been reportedly questionable and absolutely denied by Jah Cure.

While in prison, with access to recording equipment, Jah Cure released three albums and a number of singles, some of which have topped the Jamaican and foreign charts. His first album "Free Jah Cure" was released in 2000, it was followed by "Ghetto Life" in 2003 and "Freedom Blues" in 2005. More recently Jah Cure has released the singles, "Love Is", "Longing For" and "True Reflections," further showcasing his unique voice and lyrical ability.

Three days after his July 28, 2007 release from prison, Jah Cure's fourth album, "True Reflections.... A New Beginning" was released

Natural Bridge recording artiste Mr. Peppa shot a medley music video last week for the songs 'When Last' and 'Pressure Dem'. The video was shot in the Kingston area under the direction of music video director Julia Braham who has been making a name for herself on the local scenes. Following hot on the tracks of the medley video, will be the shooting of another music video which will be shot on film for the song 'Whining', and will be directed by internationally acclaimed Ras Kassa 'The Guru', by the end of July, so as to catch the summer buzz. The video treatment for 'Whining' is currently been worked on and will be shot on film for the international market.

After the video shoot Mr. Peppa along with Ward 21 will head to Costa Rica for two shows in July to promote their combination single called 'Chatty Mouth' which made the Reggaeton chart in Costa Rica. While in Costa Rica, Mr. Peppa and Ward 21 will be making appearances at several radio and television stations, where they have been enjoying heavy rotation. Thereafter Mr. Peppa will be heading to the United Kingdom for a mini tour, where he has also been enjoying favourable airplay.

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The Portmore-based Dallas Dancers were the centre of attention at the recent video shoot for the international version of Shaggy's Church Heathen. The shoot which took place on Tuesday May 22 at the Asylum nightclub, saw the Dallas Dancers creating a storm with their well choreographed dance routines.

Directed by Jay Will, the international edition of the Church Heathen video saw cameo appearances from the likes of Danny Champagnie, media personality Miss Kitty and Ninja Man among others.

"We had a good time working with Jay Will. He has always been looking out for Dallas Dancers and we thank him for giving us the opportunity to display our talent", Baswell Rhoden, a member of Dallas Dancers commented.

Apart from the Dallas Dancers, the video shoot also featured dancers including Mad Michelle, Black Blingaz, Sample Six and Cadillac Dancers.

The six member Dallas Dancers, a spin-off from the Portmore Dancers, were recently featured in videos for Jimmy Cozier and Sri Lankan artiste MIA. Both videos were directed by Jay Will.

Downsound Records did a three day shoot for two videos, Nanko's 'Loco Amore' and the 'Sika Medley' last week which involved scenes shot over two days in the parish of Portland, and culminated in an exciting alcohol-fueled, girl-crazy finale at the Asylum nightclub in Kingston on day three.

The HWT-based music outfit shot the Sika Medley at the Asylum nightclub on Tuesday. The video features the artistes Harry Toddler's 'Beggy Beggy', I Maroon's 'One Woman Kill Nature', Nanko's 'Step Up In the Club', Lion's title track, 'Sika' and Natalie's 'Big Things', Millennium 'Dig It'. The Cadillac Dancers also developed a new dance move called the 'Sika' to compliment the rhythm.

"The shoot went really well, we got some great scenes, especially with our slate of upcoming acts. Downsound believes in working with young artistes, they're hungry and they have great potential, and we have some amazing beach footage with Nanko in Portland for his solo, 'Loco Amore'," Downsound boss Joseph Bogdanovich said.

Scenes for 'Loco Amore', Nanko's follow-up to his monster hit, 'Lucky You', were shot at the studio in HWT, Frenchman's Cove, Portland Port Royal and in Kingston. A scene was also shot at Morgan's Harbour in Port Royal.

"This video is a sure hit!" exclaimed Teneille Baxter, A & R representative of Downsound Records. "We got great response from the regulars at the club, it was very exciting, we got some great shots, especially a scene where Nanko grabs the mike, jumps on stage and the girls rush him and take off his shirt...it was incredible to capture that on film."

Xtra News was able to get a sneak peak of what the video for 'Loco Amore' was all about.

"In Loco Amore, which in English, means 'crazy love', Nanko is showing the many ways how to treat a lady, the fine places you can take her, traveling with her in the Caribbean, or romancing her at home. The ladies are going to love this video," Mr. Baxter said.

A young lady called Bouriesha plays Nanko's love interest in the video.

Downsound is known for its breakthrough work in the video field, having shot the critically acclaimed 'Hungry' video featuring Fantan Mojah, and 'True Reflections' with Jah Cure. Joe B, who directed both videos, is once again at the controls. Downsound editor Roger Maxwell is now editing the clips, and the video will soon be aired on local television stations such as CVM, TVJ, HYPE, RE and JUICE.

NEW YORK
It's Official. The biggest bootlegg movie of all times, hits the big screen on September 15th, 2006!

The movie that has been nicknamed, The Jamaican Scarface, Shottas will make it's theatrical debut across the United States late summer.

Distributed by Sony/Screen Gems, the official release of one of the most popular movies ever with an allstar caribbean cast, is sure to become a box office hit.

Shottas Part 1 hits the big time!

Cess Silvera, the writer, director, and producer of Shottas, is confident and proud of the finished masterpiece. "Shottas has been re-edited, and Stephen Marley has redone the music score. The movie is in new form. You've never seen Shottas like this before. Clarity, surround sound, quality, and you do not want to miss the opening three minutes. It's ridiculously sick. Shilo, I can't even disclose the opening scene to you. Everyone just have to get to the theatre early."

Shottas has inspired movies such as 'City Of God', and is now officially the biggest ever bootlegg movie to date. According to Cess, 'we have to prove to the industry, to Hollywood, that our movies can sell. The bootleggers owe us,' Cess remarked laughing. 'You all have one or two bootlegg copies. It's payback time now.'

Everyone is asking about Shottas part two.

Well, the wait will soon be over, but we must do our part to support our own. The filming of part two takes place in October 2006, and is slated for an early 2007 release.

However, to ensure the success of part two, we all have to come together and support part one. Please don't sit and wait for the bootleggers to get out of control...and please, don't wait until the 'next' week because you didn't have the time. Make the time. Our culture depends on this.

The weekend of September 15th, we have to all flood every theatre across the United States showing Shottas. First weekend sales count for everything.

If you feel there is something you can do to make a box office record a reality, please contact me at msshilo@gmail.com.

Shottas stars, Ky-Mani Marley, Spragga Benz, Paul Campbell, Louie Rankin & Wyclef John.

'Sugar Mommies', a play centred around the issue of sex tourism in Jamaica, especially the practice of older Caucasian women coming to the island resorts to 'get their grooves back' with young nubile black men.

The plot focuses on white women from the UK and US who come to Jamaica to be with 'rastatutes' or 'rent-a-dreads', and comes with a high price for the 'milk bottles' or 'whiteys' as the white woman are supposedly called. The play debuts on August 5 at the Royal Court Jerwood Theatre next month.

Playwright Tanika Gupta traveled to Jamaica, and conducted 240 interviews with females, primarily sex tourists, in order to do research for the project. The play will be directed by Indhu Rubasingham and stars Canadian-born actress Linda Bellingham. It will run through to September 2.

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Music video director Ras Kassa of 'Welcome to Jamrock' fame got his major international break when he co-directed Sean Paul's latest video which was done for the single, 'Never Gonna Be the Same' alongside internationally recognised director Jesse Terrero who shot the infamous 50 Cent 'Candy Shop' video.

"It was a great vibe between me and Jesse, we shared ideas and I learned things from him and he maybe learned about how to make a Caribbean video, we just combined and the energy was great...the video is going to be great, some people say that it's the best song on his album," Ras Kassa of Guru Films said.

The video was shot on May 26th and May 27th in locations in Port Royal in East Kingston, Standpipe, St. Andrew and Jack's Hill in upper St. Andrew. It was the first time that Ras Kassa had worked with Sean Paul and Mr. Vegas since the project, 'Hot Gal Today' that was shot with Kevin Lee several years ago.

"It is Sean's first video in Jamaica since his international success, and it was great to be a part of the experience. We walked through Standpipe and featured Daddygon's brother Gaddy, it was an important video for Sean to do, and I am glad that we could have been a part of the project because it means a lot to Jamaica's own music video industry because the crew was 99.9 per cent Jamaica. Sean is well grounded and very very very real, we have to come together and support each other, or else reggaeton ah go run away with our glory," Ras Kassa warned.

Ras Kassa was nominated in the Best Music Video category for 'Welcome to the Jamrock' at the recent Vibe awards but eventually lost out to R. Kelly's 'Trapped in the Closet'.

"We won just being nominated in the first place, in that category, we were the only video that was shot on DVD, all those other videos were shot on 35 mm film, and the lowest budget for one was US$200,000, ours was not even US$50,000, we won just to make it there," he said.

The video will be edited in Los Angeles, and Kassa will be flying to that city to 'see how it ah gwaan'.

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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By: PaPa & RaZZi

Mr. Peppa shot the music video for his slamming new single, 'Gangsta Guerilla' last weekend. The shoot took place over two days in the Corporate Area, and featured scenes from shot at such locations as the juice factory in Allman Town, Kingston, the 'white room' at ADVIDCO, and the Habibi Latino Restaurant in New Kingston.

"The video depicts the 'survival mode' that everyone in this society, whether rich or poor, can relate to, the struggle to survive and function in a very competitive society so this song addresses some critical social issues. The concept for it was Mark's (Pinnock) idea, and I added in some parts. When it makes its debut in two weeks, it's going to be crazy," Mr. Peppa told YardFlex.com.

The director of the video is Maci-Don, and the editor is Endless.
"We have some real footage of motorists winding up their car windows at the approach of street youths, we have an 'uptown yute' going through similar struggle, because we really face the same kind of struggles whoever you are," he reasoned.

Are you concerned that 'Gangsta Guerilla' may be regarded as a 'thug anthem' rather than a clever bit of social commentary?

"Not really. The song addresses social issues but from you say, 'Gangsta Guerilla, we no tek chat...', people will interpret that in a more thuggish manner

The single appears on the 'Gully Slime' rhythm, the latest Natural Bridge project, and will be distributed by In the Streetz. Other songs on the rhythm include Matterhorn's 'Goodas Fi Dem, as well as song by WARD 21 and a combination between Mr. Lex and Vegas. The video is expected to premiere on local cable and TV stations within the next two weeks.

You can see Mr. Peppa live at a show this Saturday at Weekenz on Constant Spring Road, St. Andrew.

It's unsurprising that the video for Rihanna's latest single, S.O.S. (Rescue Me) contains an alluring bronzed woman, flashing lights, and close-ups because (1) these are nearly prerequisites for MTV videos and (2) Rihanna is so gorgeous that she really doesn't need to do anything to entertain. Throughout the video she sprawls in a corner and dances in sultry outfits; the lyrics suggest that a boy has her &ldquostressing" and "calling out for help," though she certainly doesn't seem to be losing any sleep over it.

RihannaFor Rihanna, a native of Barbados, this video is a departure from the dancehall theme of her two previous singles, If It's Lovin' That You Want and Pon de Replay. Gone are the beach scenes, the DJs, and the Caribbean backing track. In fact, this video is shot against an erratic monochromatic background, features few choreographed dance scenes, and a thundering beat that is an obvious appropriation of Soft Cell's eighties hit Tainted Love.

As a result, Rihanna's choreography in S.O.S pales in comparison to her previous work, but fits well with the song; the hazy lighting and changing backgrounds even compensate for the lack of synchronized movement.

Overall, S.O.S. is a fairly standard pop music video. Rihanna burst onto the charts last summer with a unique sound, but her latest effort merely indicates that she is versatile enough to produce hits outside of the reggae/dancehall realm, just like every other pop singer. At least, in comparison to her recent Nike advertisement featuring this song, the music video attempts to interpret and complicate the song lyrics. Unfortunately, despite this valiant goal, it ends up being largely indistinguishable from other videos in the same genre, I guess I'll have to wait for her next one to "rescue me" from the monotony.

Source: The Harvard Crimson (http://www.thecrimson.com)

The new single, Whistle, performed by the duo of Leftside and Esco, has been creating waves since the video hit television screens a little over two weeks ago. The soca-influenced song which is really a take off from the Iwer George hit Water (recorded a while back), has been embraced by the Wata product for its latest promotional vehicle.

'This song is basically a work for hire. The distributors of the Wata product wanted to recreate a song coming off the Iwer George song. The vibe has been good so far', Matthew 'Esco' Thompson explained in an interview on the weekend.

Although a bit suggestive, Whistle appears to have been embraced by loyal soca enthusiasts. 'We hope it will do well for the carnival season. If you notice, the video has a lot of girls, and we tried to create a whole different look', added Thompson.

The video for Whistle was shot on location in Lime Cay a few weeks ago and YardFlex's finest was there PaPa & Razzi.

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Text & Photo By Warlington

The Dynamic duo Tanto Metro & Devonte - "Musically Inclined" their latest album will hit the selves on March 21, 2006. The Duo have recently shot the video for one of the lead single on their album titled 'Good Or Bad Times' produced by Troyton Remi for Black Shadow Records on the Blink Riddim. The video was shot at 11 Lindsay Crecesnt in the studio of Advico/Music Plus.

This magnificent video was the sole responsibility of Rass Kassa, which he says will be premiering on MTV-TEMPO within the next couple of weeks.

Tanto Metro & Devonte are now hard at work promoting the single as well as their upcoming album. They did themselves well last week at VP Records Spring Break held at Margaretville, Negril.

They also recently did Wild 98.7 FM annual show called 'Wild Splash' in Tampa which features other top act like Ne-Yo, Bubba Sparxx, Tami Chynn, Elephant Man to name a few. Their next big assignment will take them to New York on the Life Beat Concert - 'Reggae Explosion 3' that will be held on March 29, 2006 at

Rolling Wid PaPa & Razzi

SOLD OUT! When Beenie Man shot the video for his new single, 'Swing Eh Weh' in Barbican Place, the uptown garrison, it was no comparison, the whole community came out for the event. School kids coming home from school stopped by, mangy dogs and even an old codger that looked like he must have had his last erection in 1987 showed to ogle the winking bellybuttons, exposed thighs, and daring fashions of the Barbican hotties at the video shoot.

It's the first time that Pappa and Razzi have ever seen so many girls dressed up in their finest on a hot, Tuesday afternoon, even the bleached-out face ones who normally scorn the sun like it's something lethal appeared in their numbers. And Kingston, de gal dem hot!

"Today, ah normal day, and look how the gal dem dressed to impress," one man said, a big grin spreading across his black oily face. "Yo, ah history dis!".

When Pappa and Razzi got there, Beenie Man was cracking jokes about deejays with 'hurricane tongues', dissing the 'ugly girls', and boasting about 'how blessed he was'. He even deejayed snatches of a new song called 'Whe' that he seemed to be in the process of writing.

Eventually, the video shoot kicked off. Director Abidan Campbell of Green Gorilla Media Ltd. shot a scene where Beenie Man, in full black, and the dancer Sample - creator of the Swing It' Weh dance - faced the cameras while a small army of women stood in the background behind him. Jamaica is one of those few places left where ordinary women of all shapes, colours, sizes and looks can find their way into music videos. The director shot a few scenes of people coming out of the land, demonstrating the arm-heavy dance while marching in double file. Quite a few of them were seen rubbing their shoulder blades after a few takes. Cha-ching for the doctors and chiropractors.

Why?

Because Swing Eh' Weh, is a dance designed by a man with a fiendish imagination, possibly with the express purpose of creating a brand new set of dance-related injuries. Check this out: the dance is done by leaning forward at an angle, while swinging your right arm in a quickly rotating circle. It is a dance that is calculated to put pressure on, and possibly throw out your rotator cup, or maybe, to put out an eye of the unsuspecting person standing next to you. It will soon be a favourite in many hospital wards, and doctors’ offices across the island.

But for that day, 'Swing Eh' Way' from Sample 6 was the name on everybody's lips. Big up Zumjay who dropped by, as well as the Sample 6 dancers, BIG UP Jackie Sample, the big man's baby mother, respect to Park Girls and the 3-5 massive, as well as Mikey Matthis. Extra special big up to the cute cute browning inna the white and blue, yu look good bad!

By: Jigga Mattic
Photos By Warlington

Dressed to the nines in a white business suit and her hair a stunning red, D'Angel looked like the portrait of a take-no-prisoners career woman on the set of her new video, 'Give the Woman a Chance' on Wednesday afternoon. The video was shot by critically acclaimed director Nordia Rose at Victoria House, Lindsay Crescent.

"I think that this song is an important one because it sends a clear message to women that they can succeed at the highest level of politics and business, if they just stick to their guns," D'Angel said.

The set was painted in a dazzling white. The Jamaican flag, and an orangish-Jamaican coat of arms appeared in the background while D’Angel, reading from her prepared speech, addressed a crowd of women. The single, which was recorded in the euphoria surrounding Portia Simpson Miller's victory in the PNP Presidential elections, appears on the Free Willy label. Former Rising Star sensation Face and dancer Keiva were also present at the video shoot.

Beenie Man clowned around at the video shoot as well. At one point, while D'Angel was off camera, he walked up to the lectern, cleared his throat and began to speak.

"From Portia win, no woman no waan cook fi dem man again!" he declared.
Laughter greeted this remark.
"No gal no waan wash clothes again!" Boos this time.
"Me? Me? Me?" he said, indignant now.
"Tek him offa the stage," Nordia shouted out. A man stepped forward, and tried to drag him off the stage, but he refused to go, holding onto the lectern.

"Is we run tings! Yu hear that! We! Man run things." More boos. Whistles of derision.

"No? Den is who run tings?"
"Woman run tings!" the females shouted in unison.
Finally, he was dragged off the set. The ladies then burst into applause.

Grinning sheepishly, Beenie Man, the ardent troublemaker, then declared: "That was a good shot."
YardFlex thinks so too. The video will be edited soon, and will premiere on Jamaican television in a few weeks.