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Reggae messenger Luciano is now apart of the Solid Agency Camp and according to early reports the booking and public relations company known for their exceptional work in the entertainment industry will be looking to promote the veteran singer in new and more innovate ways.

"We are definitely looking forward to working with Luciano, he is one of reggae's most prolific prophets who has remained consistent over the years. Luciano has toured extensively throughout his career but what we will be looking to explore are new and uncharted territories for him like the Philippines and even China". From a promotional standpoint we will be looking to increase his visibility online through social networks and entertainment websites worldwide. Luciano has a profound image and reputation that we want to ensure is protected at all times".

In other news Luciano is slated to travel to France this May for the Yes We Can Tour. His first show will be on the 20th where he will perform in Bordeaux. From there it's on to Toulouse, Paris and Limoges before the completion on the 28th at the Big Band Cafe in Caen.

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Dancehall artiste Sheldon ‘Aidonia’ Lawrence current single ‘Hundred Stab’ on the Sky Daggering riddim by Equinoxx Productions is creating a lot of noise on the scene for him. The talented DJ is presently touring Europe for a series of performances across the major cities.

With an agenda to please his fans in that part of the world, Aidonia is extensively touring the continent for the next three weeks with scheduled stops in hot spots such as Padova and Milano in Italy, Copenhagen in Denmark, Toulouse in France, Berlin and Mannheim in Germany amongst others. The first major and even more noteworthy, the first headline tour for Aidonia, he also welcomes French sound system ‘Soul Stereo’ along for the journey.

One of the most famous and respected European sound systems, Soul Stereo is the region’s leading authority in Jamaican music and tour extensively across the world delivering their unique sound. The French based selectors have worked with some of the industry’s premier talents including Black Uhuru, Mykal Rose, Capleton, Natasja Scrul among others and with Aidonia now in Europe, it was only natural that the two would cross paths says Soul Stereo foundation member Rico, “We respect his music and the energy that he brings to the stage. We are very happy to be a part of this tour with him” he says.

Although he has visited Europe on prior occasions, this will be the deejay’s first visit to Germany and Italy where his work and popularity precedes him, “There are a lot of Aidonia fans in Germany and Italy and although this is his first trip there, he has a steady fan base who can’t wait to see him hit the stage…” says a representative of his management team, “He is a rising commodity on the international dancehall scene and this is a grand opportunity for him and Jamaican music in general to reach a wider and more diverse audience.”

Promoted by Soul Vybz Music & Almighty Reggae, the ‘So Sick’ tour with Aidonia featuring Soul Stereo began on February 21st in Lecce, Italy and will end March 28th in Toulouse, France. Since his debut some years ago, Aidonia has been a prominent feature on the local and international dancehall market. His success is measured by a veritable list of hits including ‘Cardinal Point’, ‘Bicycle’, ‘Bukam Bukam’, ‘Lolly’, ‘Send Fi Di’, ‘Give It Up’, ‘Straight Happiness’, ‘Nuh Start It’, ‘Uccubit’, ‘Wats Up’ among others.

This tour comes on the heels of multiple travels for Aidonia who has been waving the dancehall flag all across world stage including US, Canada, France, England, USVI, Antigua, Costa Rica, Guadeloupe, Trinidad, Barbados and more.

By: Rootzgirl

No questions asked, music has evolved. Days gone by there were some songs that could not be played, songs that we now consider tame by today's standards. Now we are in this generation and the debate is raging surrounding the explicit song Ramping Shop. Upon listening to it I must say it was a very cleverly written song, at the same time I felt some measure of sadness. Here are two talent people who could describe the bedroom activity so creatively and they had to spoil it with the expletives and graphic lyrics.

Looking back I remember another song that beautiful described making love and till this day it remains a favourite of mine.

The song is A1 Lover done by Spragga Benz. A part of the lyrics goes "climb the twin peak to the chocolate top..." now we don’t need a lot of guesses to figure out he is talking about breast nipples. But the song is so tasteful there really is nothing to be offended about. Now I am no prude, but please there is a limit to what we can get away with in the name of music.

Whether it’s from calypso or dancehall, whatever it rears its ugly head from, my stance will be the same.

The music will always be bigger than we are. It has survived over the years and today, still remains a dominant force.

While we bicker, censor and quarrel it will again go through another evolving process and who knows just as today we wondered what the fuss was about, maybe tomorrow I will be termed a prude who can’t appreciate clever lyrics.

But until that day, I think someone should take a stand…even they end up being a small voice crying alone in the musical wilderness.

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By: Rootzgirl

It’s been awhile, but I am back on the scene. And yes, the rest did me good, but coming back into the same old situation is depressing. Instead of things getting better for our children it is getting worse. The only thing I can say is Lord deliver our kids…cause no one else can.

What is really happening to our children and why are we not doing a thing to stop it? I am tired of the many reports coming out in the media bout the abuse of those precious ones. For me, I think it is high time that government come up with stronger measures to deal with these people are taking out their lust and anger on their kids.

Look at the man who was so upset about his son leaving a foot of shoe at school that he set him afire? Now, what in the world could have possessed him to behave like that. If there was any justice in this world they would just set him afire too and let him feel how it hot...just cool it out in time for him not to die.

Then the business man who turned on his twelve year old daughter for sex, he should be castrated as he obviously doesn’t have any use for that organ of his. After all the prostitutes and other women he could have he had to turn to his young daughter, how sick than that can you get.

Who will save the kids, who will fight for them, society must now take a stance and be very vigilant, start looking out for your neighbours children and don’t be afraid to stand up. It might not make you popular, but if you can save a child from being abused another day in his or her life then that’s good.

Super Cat

Answer: The first destruction in the modern age of reggae name STING. Sting has the music like boxing ring. Imagine big artistes like Maxi Priest and Bunny Wailer come and get bottled. It seem to be a pattern, then the clash is at the forefront. Clashes should be for new artistes, who need to express their talent, established artistes should not be in that category. There is always a stigma in the music, from the underground to the forefront. Are they going to ban the sex channels? Why should anyone stop a man from expressing how him feel about sex and how a woman make him feel.

Gramps Morgan

Answer: Slackness is slackness and it affects every one differently. We all do slackness but some chose to take it out of their bedroom, everything has its place.

Donovan Germaine

Answer: I think it is necessary, any well thinking family wouldn't mind.

Marcia Griffiths

Answer: I am not one for the slackness. I will always be one to quote the Bible if we are called upon as singers and musicians because we are the only ones who can transcend God's teaching onto our nation. Therefore, why should we continue to feed this nation, especially this generation with any thing negative. Maybe we as singers and musicians don't realize that we were called upon by God.

Mr. Perfect

Answer: I think it was a great move. We need to have morals in our society and we need to control what our kids see and hear. We can't control everything but we have to start somewhere. I know they will find things out through magazines, games etc., but at least we are trying to limit their exposure.

We need to take dancehall back to how it was. I remember when Little Lenny came out with "Gun inna Baggie," he had to do a clean version for the airwaves called "Healthy Body," If persons wanted to hear "Gun inna Baggie", they would have go to sessions. I really think this decision will not affect dancehall, I think it will only make the sessions more attended by patrons who are not able to hear their favorite songs on the radio. What they need to realize is that dancehall will never die, it will only find ways of reinventing itself, through the artistes who will continue to write good music, fashion etc.

Lady G

Answer: Nothing is wrong with slackness, there is just a time and place for everything. I think the ban should have been done a long time ago, but it's the radio stations that need to be cleaned up.

Dr. Dre:

Answer: According to the Broadcasting Commission all daggering and song that have to be censored from all genre should not be played on the airwaves. So why am I still hearing soca, R&B and Hip Hop songs that are of sexual content being played? Why are they only targeting dancehall. I do believe there is a time and place for everything. There are certain songs that definitely don't need to be played on the radio. However, daggering songs still are going to be made.

As for our children, they are still going to hear the songs on CDs and they are going to still learn how to dagger.

All radio station across the world censor their music, irrespective of the genre, so why does the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica believe that songs that require censoring should be banned? They need to check themselves.

Tony 'Mentally ILL' Matterhorn

Answer: A me say "sex as me reach, practice weh me preach." Inna me song "Dutty Wine" me say, "f*ck inna di water, f*ck inna di sea" and da song deh reach # 1 all over the world. The Broadcasting Commission can only ban daggering songs in Jamaica, but them caah stop it internationally. A Europe me just a come from and a the daggering songs them a mash up over deh. A no we tell the disc jock say them no fi play the daggering songs after dark, so a dem unnuh fi talk to.

How come the Broadcasting Commission wah ban songs with sex inna it. Them fi member say sex is reproduction, but how them no wah ban gun song wey a talk bout killing. The Broadcasting Commissioner must be incompetent and can't f*ck him wife, then if so be the case it need fi get a man f*ck har fi him and leave daggering music alone.

Twin of Twins

Answer: Well its good, because is not everything fit for the airwaves. We think they are hypercritical by not going across the board and banning other genre of music.

Bugle

Answer: I think its one of the worst decision made in music worldwide. The Broadcasting Commission is not only banning daggering songs, they are banning all songs that have to be censored. That mean all my good tunes, with a few cuss words are no longer able to be played on the airwaves. Why are they banning daggering songs, when uptown people have kiddie carnival?.

Once the government can't control something, they try to get of rid of it. They don't like to see poor people strive. Our music is accepted worldwide, is this same music put our country on the map. Look how long Bob Marley dead gone and him get artiste of the century? Is because of his music.

Mikey Spice

Answer: They should have been on it along time ago and finally they have arrived. If that is all lies within vocabulary, then we don't need to read.

Question: What do you think about the payola in the business?

Super Cat

Answer: Payola is illegal, it's embezzling the funds in the business. Hundreds of thousands of artistes don't have it to pay for payola. Why don't they just buy some regular commercial air time, it is cheaper than payola. Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh never paid payola. These disc jockeys are trying to break the artiste. Once the strength of the people is behind the music. i.e. disc jockeys playing the music in dancehall, in the clubs and the street venues it's not about what the artiste can afford but what they (the people) want. Artistes and their management don't want to feel like they are being "sticked up."

Gramps Morgan

Answer: Well it happens every where around the world it's been going on since the 60's in the music business, PERIOD. However, in Jamaica it makes it hard for an upcoming talent that is more than qualified to have a music career and doesn't have the money, so that artiste doesn't get the chance to be heard, so it sucks in that way.

Donovan Germaine

Answer: It's a taboo subject

Marcia Griffiths

Answer: I have never supported Payola in the business, because the way I see it, if you have a God given talent to do a work, we should all work together. We are one family. There should be someone to take it from there to another level. Also, if someone is employed to do a job, why should we pay them again to do the same job. It reaches a stage where artistes are paying more than they are receiving from their music.

Mr. Prefect

Answer: I Think payola is doing more harm than good to the business. Sometimes it helps to a certain level, but when the politics of it 'kicks in' it's not good. You might have a new artiste who may not the have the right connections, payola can help him to a level, but when you have an artiste a pay the disc jockeys to not play your songs that's when the politics of it is harming the business.

Also some promoters are using payola to get themselves much further in the business. I remember back then when a young artiste would be given a small fee to perform on a big stage show, nowadays the artiste have to be paying the promoters instead. Some of them don't even have a 'chune' that anybody know.

Lady G

Answer: I don't agree with it because an individual might have a good song but because they don't have the cash, their music might get bypassed.

Dr. Dre

Answer: I hate it, it's disgusting, it is the reason why our music it at this distraught stage. The artistes and their people have to do all the work, engineers spend their time building the rhythms, record the artiste and still turn around paying the disc jocks to play the song. In the end they play whatever they feel to play. We need some strong measure set in place to eradicate payola. I know its everywhere, but its forefront in Jamaica.

Tony 'Mentally Ill' Matterhorn

Answer: Me nah pay no bwoy fi play my songs. Me never pay a disc jock fi play my songs. Me a the # 1 selector so why me should a pay a bwoy fi play my songs.

Twin of Twins

Answer: We think its a pernicious act that is leading to the detriment of our dancehall and reggae music.

Bugle

Answer: I personally don't like it. At the end of the day, you have an artiste who believe say him have a hot tunes, so him pay a few disc jocks to rinse it out. Its definitely stupidity. Disc jockies who are collecting money don't love the business, they are just in it to hustle. A lot of them do this because they are bad minded and red eye. People like them make the business look stagnant.

Mikey Spice

Answer: Where I am concerned, I don't believe in it. Them nah get my money so them no affi play my songs. Good music is good music and will always play.

The Staff of YardFlex Inc would like to wish our CEO Deborah Cole a Blessed, Happy and Enjoyable Birthday. We hope you enjoy the day to the fullest and hope you live to see many more.

Much Love from the YardFlex family

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By: Dimples

Me seh me have a friend and she said she meet this cute guy. Him nice and ting and him look like somebody she coulda par with. She wasn't looking for some one to settle down wid just someone to date. Anyways dem go out a couple a times. Him carry her go movies and party and she say him know how fi av a good time. She think all was going well until him seh him ago introduce her to him close friend. She tink the man must rate her to want introduce her to him paari.

Anyways dem go watch a play the nite and she meet the fren. Could you guess and tell me wah happen. She like the man fren. But to how she stay she neva want the man fi know and besides the fren was there wit him woman. So she play it cool. She seh wen she go home the nite she a wonder y she like the man fren and y she neva meet him fuss instead.

About a week pass and she try fi forget the fren cuz she know nutten couldn't gwaan. So it was Saturday and her man call her seh dem a go out. Wen the man come pick her up guess and tell me who in a the back a the car - no the fren and a different woman.

In a her mind she a wonder weh him odda woman deh. As the night a go on she a realize seh the man was a big time playa. Him phone ring every five minutes and is a woman call everytime. Me sure unu a wonder how she know seh a woman call him everytime. But we all know seh a man don't talk to a woman the same way him talk to him brethren unless him is a fish.

Every woman weh pass him a look pan dem wid flirty eyes. Mi fren was so mad. Fuss because the woman sit down like an idiot and nah seh nutten like she fraid a him and also because she did deh home a tink bout dis man weh neva even like har and was a big time playa pon top a it.

Ladies if yuh av a good ting neva gi weh sure fi unsure.

Shaggy told reporters recently that he sees similarities between Presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama and the character Rocky from the 1976 motion picture of the same name.

In the movie a small time boxer got a once in a lifetime chance to fight the heavyweight champ in a bout in which he strives to go the distance for his self-respect.

Shaggy said the thing he found unique about Obama was his ability to inspire others to go the extra mile and "deliver."

Watching Obama is like viewing "Rocky" in Shaggy’s eyes, who said that he just gets motivated listening to him and will admire his spirit, whether or not he wins. Barack Obama’s speeches puts, "a fire under your ass," Shaggy said. As a pure symbol of hope he gets you charged up, he expounded.

Not at all an admirer of the current President George Bush, Shaggy classed him as one of the worse presidents ever, according to reports.

It look like Olympics fi come regular, because only when a Olympics
the crime rate drop. It look like everybody so busy a watch Olympics
them nuh have nuh time fi rob, kill or shoot nuh body.

Why wi caan keep this up wen nuh Olympics nah gwaan. Look how the country a run sweet during the olympic season. A suh it fi run all year round.

Tell mi de truth, oonu nuh tink seh it look bad fi wi a do so well inna China, and a run de place ova deh an wi deh a Jamaica a kill off wi one anada. We a one small island an we rank number one inna medals inna athletics. Wi beat out all a di first world country dem. Oonu nuh feel proud? an feel seh oonu fi stop di foolishness now, a full time Jamaica crime rate drop. It well over due.

Wi have so much fi bi proud a, wi need fi unite like how wi unite ova dem past few days yah. If we keep dis up, our likkle island will be a better place and everybody ago want come yah - because Jamdung sweet and violence free.

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Mi seh, how some people and country bad mind suh?
Mi seh afta Usain Bolt bun up de field and bruk two
worl record people a fight him out.

Why dem nuh want see Jamaicans prosper? A wah wi
do dem? Dem need fi know seh wi little but wi talawah,
an nuh matter wha, we a God Bless pickney.

Mi seh dem all have up seh Bolt deh pon drugs, dats why
him run suh fast, cause him neva use to suh fast. Dis
just grieve mi heart, cause after we a do so well de
little badmind people dem nuh want se we reach nuh weh
so dem a start rumour.

Dem feel seh wi an dem a de same ting. A straight
dumplin, banana, yam and cassava we eat a Jamdung.
Wi nuh affi tek drugs, 'cause...we have it like that!

All wi affi tell dem seh is come affa wi name, because
de more dem talk a de more we a prosper, a wah dem feel like?

To all Jamaican athletes - nuh watch nuh face, we proud
a oonu, mek dem gwaan chat. Oonu really mek wi proud.

A we seh Jamaica "to di flipping worl".

It is reported that after performing at a sold out show in Stratford Rex, London, Beenie Man and a woman, allegedly D'Angel's sister, had a physical altercation.

Witnesses say that at approximately 4am Monday morning, while Beenie Man was backstage preparing to leave the venue, a woman approached him wanting to discuss money owed to her. Beenie Man who was leaving for Germany told her that he would talk to her upon his return to England. As he turned to walk away she grabbed his chain and broke it, at which time his security guards intervened.

However, Beenie Man's publicist, Ray Alexander, could not confirm the incident as he said that Beenie Man had not mentioned anything to him during their 8am phone call. He promised to speak to Beenie Man about the alleged incident in Germany the following day.

Beenie Man is presently on a one month long European tour and is scheduled to perform in Germany on August 19, Holland on August 23, 26 and 27, and Belgium, August 24.

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with Joan Wilson

It's a good time to be back. I apologise for being caught up with work and other stuff, so my writing had to go on the back burner. But not even the pressure of work could keep me from checking in to talk about my joy which knows no end.

One little dot on the map and we are creating havoc in Beijing, China! What could possibly beat the overwhelming swell of pride when Usain Bolt crossed the finish line in 9.69 seconds and gave us the gold?

But if I thought my cup had overflowed with joy, then I had another guess coming as our three girls, Shelly-Ann Fraser, Kerron Stewart and Sherone Simpson, made a clean sweep of the medals earning gold and two silvers in the same race - creating history. Who would have ever imagined that!

Shelly-Ann who hails from the Water House community proved to the world that one's address is just geography. She was super confident, regal and a beauty to behold as she totally stamped her class on the athletic games.

Jamaica is a blessed island and we, as a people, need to realise that and stop our foolishness. It's time we as Jamaicans come together and realise how great a nation we are and start pulling together as we should.

As we bask in the glory of our athletes achievements on the track, let's not make their efforts go in vain by tarnishing the positive recognition that their victory has given us. With our strong performance on the field in the Olympic games, all eyes will be on us. Let us give them something worth seeing.

Big up to the athletes, big up the the people and big up to my country...let's start living like the champions we are...a suh mi sey!

Producer / artiste Alley Cat has released a new album called Dancehall Knowledge Vol 1 which contains inspirational songs as well as songs "...with a little bit of rude bwoy touch..defending the struggles of the people..."

He is hopeful that the album will be a success as the first video has been doing well on RETV and CVMTV top ten countdown. It has also been getting great airplay and positive feedback.

The album features artistes such as: Red Square, Mitch, Fiona, Miami based Tenor Blue and new comers: Badd Cash, East Coast and Scorpion.

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Everyone has heard a different story about what really happened in Sweden with Sean Paul and other artistes. YardFlex has gotten an exclusive interview from an artiste, Limey Murray, who was at the venue in Sweden.

He explains that the attack was not just on Sean Paul, his band or management team, but on all the artistes who were present. This he explains was an attempt by the lawmen to control the speech of the artistes and was a direct attack on dancehall and reggae music.

Mr. Murray told YardFlex that the Police in Sweden interrogated the artistes, management and band members. They were placed in coaster buses and taken to this large auditorium where they had to do a urine test. The urine test was done to establish the presence of any traces of herb in the urine. If traces of herb were found during the urine test they would have to proceed by doing blood tests. The blood tests would show how long ago the artistes had engaged in herb smoking and if they had smoked the herb while in Sweden, seeing that it is an illegal substance in the country.

Meanwhile the artistes were being interrogated, he explains, they were going through their hotel rooms and dressing rooms, in an effort to locate the weed, which proved unsuccessful on every count. Even with the presence of dogs, they still did not find any weed in the possession of any of these individuals. Murray feels that this was a direct act of racial discrimination.

Not only did the police officers search for weed but they also checked their passports to see if they came to Sweden legally. After Mr. Murray was through being interrogated and returned to the hotel, Sean Paul still had not been released. Meanwhile Luciano, Richie Spice Queen Ifrica and other artistes were preparing to demonstrate in front of the police station to demonstrate their disgust.

Devon Garvey, who is said to be Marcus Garvey’s great grand son, has been charged in Half-Way-Tree Criminal Court with allegedly sexually assaulting a 12 year old girl.

Garvey, who hails from Gold Smith Villa in August Town, St Andrew had the carnal abuse charges laid on him this week after reports surfaced about his indiscreet actions towards the adolescent.

Police reports state that Garvey was accompanying the young girl from church on May 31 this year, and instead of taking her home, he brought her to his house, where he allegedly sexually assaulted her.

Arrested and subsequently charged for the offence, Garvey has denied the allegations, says his attorney, Christopher Townsend.

He will return to court on September 8 for a preliminary enquiry into the incident.

Contrary to reports flooding the internet Sean Paul's booking agent and publicist Headline Entertaining are maintaining that their client was not arrested on drug charges at the Uppsala Reggae Festival last Friday.

It was reported that the DJ who has made a big impact on the international scene was taken and processed along with 300 other people including artistes at a local police station.

Another media reported that the DJ's hotel room was searched without his knowledge.

Reporting on the incident Andreas Jakobsson on the web site www2.unt.se/avd/ quotes the festival boss as being "furious about Sean Paul’s arrest" and the way how the police treated the 10 artistes who were allegedly arrested and the voluntary workers at the festival. He is quoted as saying, "Both artistes and staff feel humiliated".

"The way they treated Sean Paul and other artistes was totally unacceptable. They searched his hotel room when he was not present and went through wallets and other personal belongings."

But in an article published in Chat! Headline's Corlette Deleon was quoted as saying 'There were no arrests, no raid, no secret police. Sean performed in Tunisia last night and today he flies to Russia and returns to the island later this week to fulfill his engagement at Champions In Action on Saturday night."

It was a night of pure fun and excitement at Club Nazz in Negril where Divas in Concert took place. Although Macka Diamond, Queen Paul and Lady G were missing in action, you would never know it by the way the crowd seized every moment to enjoy themselves.

Lady Saw and Spice proved to be two lethal divas as they literally took full control of the crowd. They came, they saw and they conquered big time.

D’Angel, Lady Diva and Miss Thing did their thing to good response from the crowd, but the night belonged to Spice and Lady Saw who drew upon every iota of experience to totally captivate the crowd.

But the only thing Yardflex want to know is how could they be so wicked to D’Angel to ask her to close the show after the blistering pace set by Saw.

Still she did not fare too badly even if she had to put in everything to deliver.

Christopher Gonzalez, whose expressionistic sculptures and paintings earned him a reputation as a pioneer in Jamaican art, has died, according to a longtime family friend. He was 65.

The acclaimed Jamaican artist lost his battle with cancer, on Saturday at the Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay, said Kay Osbourne, managing director of Television Jamaica.

Gonzalez, born in 1943 in the central parish of Manchester, is best known for creating a controversial 9-foot (2.7-meter) statue of reggae legend Bob Marley, which is housed at a museum in Ocho Rios.

The bronze statue, which depicted the beloved Jamaican musician with a distorted face and a tree trunk for a lower body, was pelted with rocks and fruits at its 1983 unveiling in Kingston, on the second anniversary of Marley's death. Angry reggae fans said Gonzalez's abstract statue bore little resemblance to the songwriter.

Gonzalez, a graduate and former faculty member of the Jamaica School of Art, was also known for two bronze reliefs commemorating the island's Independence and his work on the tomb of the country's first prime minister, Norman Manley.

Gonzalez is survived by his wife, Champayne Clarke-Gonzalez, and six children, according to Radio Jamaica.

Digicel Rising Star judge, Clyde McKenzie in expressing his opinion about the performances of the contestants on Sunday, August 3 had a lot to say.

He said that as the contestants became more comfortable with themselves and the stage their performances became stronger, even though he saw some weak ones as well.

One of the stronger performances he mentioned was the group Khalil, from Montego Bay. He said that they are one of the finest performers in the competition as they have the ability to use their harmony to make them the crowd favourite.

Cameal, he believes did a fair rendition of Jimmy Cliff's "The Harder They Come". He says that her delivery and interpretation of the song should have an impact on the public.

He was, however, disappointed in the performances of the group SLR and the Linstead born barber, Nigel Wilson. He thinks that the group SLR has talent, but chose the wrong song, while Nigel, he thinks, has the potential but once again failed to deliver, leading to his being sent home. Like Nigel, Lashana has the ability and a marvelous voice but needs to improve her delivery.

McKenzie commented that he was disappointed that Patrice Ellis and Top Team did not make it to the top ten as he thought that their performances were energetic and looked forward to seeing more of them.

Finally he mentioned that it will take some time for the audience to accept Yendi as host as they have become accustomed to Denise. He thinks, however, that Yendi is doing a great job as she has her own personality and can only be herself.

The Bob Marley Foundation recently donated 100 books to the Victory Basic School in Trench Town, St. Andrew. The books, which are based on the Caribbean experience, are designed to help children in the early childhood program develop in the critical areas of reading, mainly pronunciation.

The Administrator of the school, Miss Black, declared that she has already read the books and found them to fit perfectly in the school's curriculum.

Mrs. Jackie Lynch Stewart, General Manager of the Bob Marley Foundation said that the features of the books should accelerate the literacy process, and make learning more meaningful. She believes that starting with the young ones is an important way to contribute to nation building, and change the society.

The Foundation will also sponsor two teachers from the school by sending them to special reading workshops to improve their literacy teaching skills which will assist in improving the literacy level at the school.

The Foundation also has plans to make similar donations to Stephney Primary and Juniour High School, in the parish of Bob Marley's birth, St. Ann.

Inspiring Rastafarian Reggae singer, Jah Cure,premiered his latest music videos last week on the top local music video channels and programmes.

The Danger Zone/SoBe Entertainment singles 'Hot Long Time' (featuring Junior Reid), 'Journey' and 'Green Grass' hit the HD plasma screens with such a powerful impact that the request lines for all the channels must have been ringing off the hook.

Award winning video director J. Will outdid himself with the production of the videos that were shot on locations across Jamaica.

'Hot Long Time' is not the typical Jah Cure type music video. Filmed in Port Royal, the scenes feature hot bikes, cars, helicopters and some sexy girls, which Jah Cure fans should definitely love.

'Journey' is a reflective mastery that sees Jah Cure journeying across Jamaica and chronicling his 'trod'. The scenes feature the wonders and beauty of the island paradise.

While the herbs tune 'Green Grass' reflects Jah Cure's message of consciousness, which should appeal to all official 'herbs man and woman'.

'Hot Long Time', 'Journey' and 'Green Grass' are a wonderful delight for music lovers, who almost simultaneously, experienced different sides of the versatile singer.

And what a month it was for Jah Cure fans! Three great music videos coming a week after that masterful Reggae Sumfest performance in Montego Bay, that is still a hot water cooler item.

Montego Bay was indeed longing for the cultural singer, who did not disappoint in his first official Reggae Sumfest performance.With his Iyah Cure band and harmonized back up singers in tow, Jah Cure hit Reggae Sumfest stage like a man in charge. He was in no way fazed by the fact that he was taking the stage right after an excellent performance from international superstar, Akon. Jah Cure was the picture of confidence…and he more than delivered.

Attired in a suave white Armani outfit with wicked Adidas Y3 footgear, the conscious Reggae ambassador delivered a powerful set that had the massive captivated.

With boundless energy that had the physically fit singer working the full expanse of the Sumfest stage, it was a deafening uproar that greeted the strains of the chart topper 'Longing For'.

The seasoned entertainer, who just returned from a lengthy, successful European tour, had the massive right where he wanted them…and he was quite at home in his hometown.

Jah Cure held his audience mesmerised with each delivery, touching their heart and soul with 'What Will It Take', 'Sunny Day', 'Love Is', 'Run Come Love Me Tonight', 'Arms of Love', 'Guardian Angel' and 'King In This Jungle'. When he drew for 'True Reflections' he had to wheel and come again. It was a commanding Jah Cure that closed off his approximately 45-minute set with 'Sticky'…leaving the audience just as he started – longing for more.

The beloved singer will soon be heading back to Europe to complete his multi-city tour.

A 29 year old Jamaican woman, with two drug charges,who was released from a detention centre in Puerto Rico has avoided deportation to her homeland citing fear of being tortured. Judge Irma Lopez-Defillo had initially ordered that Nichole (her middle name), be deported, when the woman checked in with immigration authorities on Thursday, August 7, regarding her order of supervision, but upon hearing stories of her life in Jamaica as a lesbian, the judge also fearing that her sexual orientation would put her in danger if she were to return to Jamaica deferred the order based on the climate of intolerance in Jamaica.

"The general atmosphere in Jamaica is a feeling of no tolerance towards homosexuals in general,...the respondent's life is definitely at risk," the judge said.

Nichole's lawyers plan to file documents so that she can apply for legal residency as the Department of Homeland Security has the authority to deport her to any other country.

She is to report back in three months.

Photography By: Milton Raynor

Scenes from the recently held "A St. Mary Mi Come From 2008":

Recently, There has been much debate as to who most deserves the title 'King of the Dancehall'. However, older artistes and musicians in the business say talk is cheap, let the work show.

Yellowman and Beenie Man have already made claims to the title, and while it is almost impossible to mention Beenie without Bounty Killer, they have all made public utterances declaring themselves as 'King'.

In a recent interview with The Gleaner Yellowman said, "If me a king? That the people dem say, all over the world. Not Jamaica alone. The people dem say it and dem have been saying it for a very long time. Is not a while ago dem say it."

Beenie Man also embraced the title when he revealed that business entities plan to crown him official 'King of the Dancehall' some time later this year.

However, Bounty Killer, performing at a show in Miami recently, reportedly said that even though he was performing second to last (Beenie closed the show), he was still the undisputed 'King of the Dancehall'. In brushing aside Beenie Man's claim to the throne, Bounty in an interview with The Gleaner said, "Wi know King Stitch, wi know King Tubbys, wi know King Yellowman, an wi know Warrior King, an wi know Jigsy King. Mi nuh know nuh odda king. One odda king mi heard about an a Peter's king, suh any odda king is a Peter's king or a Kingfish ting? So we only heard about a couple kings of the dancehall and all of a sudden we hear about this self-proclaimed king ... have you ever heard anybody say Jigsy King can't be the king? Why yuh a fight fi di kingship? Guh hold a queenship man."

MAKING LOOSE CLAIMS

But some older artistes and music professionals say some of the artistes have been making loose claims to the throne and will need much more depth and consistency if they ever hope to rightfully wear the crown.

Sound system operator Winston 'Merritone' Blake says, "There is no one person that is deserving of that title, but if you talking about a popularity contest then the race would be between Beenie Man and Bounty Killer, and you have like the Vybz Kartel and others."

However, Blake says for him, in order to wear such a crown, artistes have to fit certain criteria.

"To me a king must be lyrics, your content, what you have to say. Undoubtedly, Marley's lyrics make him a king; his lyrics are echoed all over the world? Talking bout under girl an dem ting deh a King a Hype. The real kings are the people who write serious lyrics that are not only social commentary but also entertainment, like a Tony Rebel. Artistes are storytellers and especially in the areas they come from they are of great influence. So as far as I am concerned, there are some artistes who are very talented, but I would love for them to understand that the children are the first to learn their songs and do the things they say, so think before you talk," Blake said.

STILL LEADING THE PACK

Of the current crop of dancehall artistes, Blake says Buju Banton is still leading the pack.

"The only legitimate person who was only a few steps away from the coronation is Buju Banton. With the body of work that he has done already and the type of lyrical structure, he is still miles ahead of the rest, but recently he started jumping all over the place. [Because] to make a conscious album and then the next thing him gone back to talking bout di sex an thing, that kind of inconsistency cannot work for me. It's not the one-drop performance that makes you great, it's the consistency, so they need to decide exactly what they are going to be, and work consistently," Blake said.

However, In his regards for Beenie and Bounty, Blake said, "As a performer, I would give Beenie as outstanding, but in terms of lyrically, five and a half, six and I would give Bounty a seven. As a performer, Bounty just does what he does; he is not a charismatic performer, he is more militant, but Beenie will dance and add more to his performance. Bounty is a no-frills performer. He has created an image as being a warlord, but entertainment is theatre and if you are a warlord I expect you to not only say it but look the part. But Bounty's lyrics are much more serious and on the ground as to what is happening, I think Beenie is a poor lyricist, very ordinary and at this point I think that he should hire people to write for him, but ego might not allow him to do that because if he can sing anything and get a number one, then why should he? But then again there are many ways of reaching the number one in Jamaica."

Derrick Morgan says he knows King Yellowman as the King of the Dancehall, but if he was to choose from the current crop of artistes then his choice would be clear.

"Right now wid like Beenie, Bounty and Buju dem, I feel the more consistent artiste among them is Beenie Man or Buju Banton, that in terms of being a king of the dancehall now. If is the now music, I would put Beenie Man in front, for all times it would be Yellowman. Bob Marley would be the King of Reggae. Lyrics-wise, I would put Beenie Man and Buju Banton. A my two bwoy dat and if yuh want cultural deejay mi woulda put Tony Rebel. But Beenie more consistent in terms of having hits; mi nuh really know nuh Bounty (song) weh mi can si down an hum," Morgan said.

source - Jamaica Gleaner - by Teino Evans, Staff Reporter

The 'dancehall doctor' Beenie Man continues to prove that he is the king of dancehall, after a command performance at the recent Reggae Sumfest and a sparkling performance over the weekend in Bermuda.

Following his massive Beenie Sizzle '08, which is set for the Jamalco Sports Club in Clarendon on Independence Day, August 6, he will be embarking on a hectic summer tour of Europe beginning on August 8 to 27, and has been confirmed for Irie Jamboree '08 on Sunday, August 31.

Beenie Man's first jig takes place in Lisbon, Portugal on Friday, August 8, then it's on to Uppsala, Sweden on Saturday, August 9. He will then be off to Bersenbruck, Germany on Sunday, August 10; Lecce, Italy on Monday, August 11; and the dates continues.

After Beenie Man wraps up in France he will head for England where he will perform in Bradford on Thursday, August 14; Birmingham on Friday, August 15 and London on Saturday, August 16.

On Sunday, August 17 and Monday, August 18 the 'Doctor' takes a break, with the tour pulling up in Germany on Tuesday, August 19 at Hamburg; Dortmound on Wednesday, August 20; Stuttgart on Thursday, August 21 and Chiemese on Friday, August 22.

The tour then moves into Holland on Saturday, August 23 at Den Haag, Oudenaarde; Belgium on Sunday, August 24; then back to Amsterdam, Holland on Tuesday, August 26; culminating in Tilburg on Wednesday, August 27.

Beenie Man's next big stint will take him to New York where he is confirmed as the headline act at Irie Jamboree '08.

It's almost ironic that the first track on Mikey General's new album is "Jah Time". As the song tells you, "nothing ever happens before Jah time." Now is Mikey General's time. Time to break through, and a time to shine.

One of Reggae's most exciting talents in conscious vocals is that of Mikey General. His high tenor voice, like a warm breeze over the ocean, carries a message of faith and optimism. He is now ready to break through the barriers of the reggae industry with his new release "Confidence in Self".

This new release shows his aim and his standard. The 16 track CD release, on the Qabalah Music First Label, shows the artiste expanding his repertoire with 'Confidence'. The Album boasts tracks such as "Looking A Way Out", a testament of today's economic times, and the popular "Heart Broken" with Contractor. This Qabalah Music release is expected to separate the singers from the chanters – if you will.

After many years and numerous tours of Europe, Africa and North America, Mikey General is truly a world citizen of music. For more information visit www.myspace.com/mikeygeneral.

Photography By: Milton Raynor

Weddy Weddy celebrated its 4th anniversary at Stone Love's HQ, on Burlington Avenue, Wednesday night. Magnum was the title sponsor for this event. All roads leading to Stone Love's HQ were jam packed. There was hardly any space for patrons to move in the venue and all were dressed to impress.

Guest selectors, from various sound systems, came out to show solidarity for the Stone Love movement. Artistes present were: Beenie Man, D'Angel, Bounty Killer, Seranie, Bugle, Bling Dawg, Junior Reid, Mr. G and Daville who invited the 'Queen of Reggae' Sister Marcia Griffiths, to share in the celebration. Sister Marcia's cameo performance was extremely well received by the patrons.

Big up Stone Love for the fourth year of production! Continue playing good music!

Reanno Gordon, aka Busy Signal, one of the hottest dancehall artistes, will be releasing his much anticipated album through VP Records on September 9th, 2008.

The album contains hits such as "Jail", "These Are The Days", "Unknown Number" and "Wine Pon Di Edge", which are presently dominating the dancehall scene. There are also the hip hop/dancehall mix of "Tic Toc" and "Cool it Baby".

Busy's talent for telling the story of the life of ghetto youths in "These Are The Days". "Knocking", "People So Evil" and "Curfew", has made him a much respected spokesperson for the residence of the innercity communities.

As a protege of Bounty Killer, and a member of Bounty's musical powerhouse, The Alliance, he has received international attention since he began in 2005 with hits "Born and Grow" and "Step Out".

His mastery of the stage has led to his being booked on all major Jamaican stage shows, the most recent being, Reggae Sumfest.

The release of this album "Loaded" will only serve to cement him as a solid member of the dancehall fraternity.

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By: Joan Wilson

Greg Nesbeth, aka Nesbeth, is really coming into his own right now. Ever since his song Board House catapulted him into mainstream attention, the artiste, who is now signed to No Doubt Records is determined to continue on this positive trend.

Currently he is focusing on putting the finishing touches on his new upcoming album entitled Board House. One of the tracks that will be featured on the album is Guns Out, which is currently enjoying a steady buzz on the dancehall circuit right now. According to Nesbeth, this song is one of his favorites as it delves into the levity of inner-city life. "It's all about you having to see people being murdered, being tight lipped and to top it off having the cops coming in and treating you like criminals too."

The singer told YardFlex that he is happy with the trend his career is going, but all of that will not change him. "I am the same humble individual I have always been. I am happy that Board House was a number one. I am not saying I will do it again, but if it's repeated, then I will still be me."

Still he would be a hypocrite if he did not admit that success has its perks, one that he is currently enjoying. According to him he now gets more recognition from producers as where he used to pine to be on a top riddim, he is now being sought out! And of course there is the recognition he is now receiving within the music business and on a social level...he revealed with a cheeky smile on his lips. As much as he is enjoying the new turn in his career, that has not always been the case for this talented singer. He recorded several songs for other producers which went no where. It was a big let down for him when enough promotion was not being put into bringing the material to the attention of listeners. One of his recordings, I Love Her She loves Me, got some amount of buzz, but not as much as he would have liked.

Nesbeth is grateful to friends from his old school, Charlie Smith High, who encouraged him to pursue his dream when they realized he had the right vibes and the voice to go with it. "They started calling me Nesbeth and I just stuck with it, according to them Greg does nothing for me." the singer told YardFlex with a laugh.

Board House which is produced by Flava is expected to be released by September and will feature tracks such as Board House (title track), Guns Out, Baby Mother among others.

Mayor Desmond McKenzie is not pardoning entertainment centers in the Kingston and St. Andrew area. Club goers will have to find new party spots, as The Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation, (KSAC), will be on a rampage to close down more than 20 of the common night clubs and entertainment spots in this area.

Mayor Desmond McKenzie has announced that the KSAC has carried out investigations, and and a number of these places were in breach of the International Fire Code (IFC). The IFC examines steps to prevent fires as well as extinguishing them.

The code states that in the event of a fire proper measures must be in place to detect, find and extinguish the fire in a way that will have minimal effect on the building and more importantly the safety of individuals.

Desmond McKenzie has explained that several of these places of entertainment were inspected and were in breech of these codes. Mr. McKenzie will be taking stern actions over the next few days.

Desmond Mckenzie who just recently received death threats, for his move to clamp down on extortionists a month ago, says he will continue dealing with the issues at hand. He explains that most of these places of entertainment only have one way for both entry and exit. This is in breech of the IFC and can cause harm to occupants in the event of a fire.

Today is the 116th earthday of H.I.M Emperor Haile Sellasie I. All mansions worldwide will be commemorating this day. In Jamaica the various mansions will be hosting different celebrations.

The Twelve Tribes of Israel will have a celebration at its HQ in Kingston from 12 noon to 12 midnight.

The Nyah Bingi will be hosting its Bingi at Scotts Park and the Bobo Shanti will also be celebrating the earth strong of his majesty.

Long live the King.

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The launch of the seventh annual staging of "A St. Mary Mi Come From" took place at the 'Top of World' at Jamaica Pegasus, on Tuesday evening. Though off to a late start, the show progressed into an exciting evening.

The show began with the singing of the 'National Anthem', followed by the welcome and opening remarks by Mrs. Norma Brown. Mr. Desmond Young, Mr. Bryan, Ms. Kemp, Mrs. Barnett and Constable Rochelle followed with greetings.

Guest speaker, Mr. Miquel Lorne, spoke about the history of 'A St. Mary Mi Come From', and his disappointment in the lack of recognition this production has been getting from the Jamaican population. He expressed that as this is one of the most charitable events it should be more widely recognized.

Mr. Clifton "Capleton" Bailey, in his response, explained why he primarily gives back to health and educational institutions. He quoted from the Ethiopian prayer which states, "aged protected, sick nourished, infants cared for". He also pointed out that his majesty, during his reign, placed a lot of emphasis on both health and education. He then delivered an Acapella new track which addressed the present crime situation and made mention of the new presidential candidate for the United States, Barack Obama.

"A St. Mary Mi Come From" has been successful in exposing fresh new talent, as reflected in the performances at the event. Such performances included: Jody-Ann Pantry, Noddy Virtue, Hail Selassie High School and Oberlin High School, whose performance was so excellent in its execution, that they were called back for an encore.

Big up to the Fire Man. Nuff Respect.

After performing at the St. Kitts 12th Annual Music Festival, Busy Signal found himself without transportation to get back the the hotel.

Busy claims that he was left behind because he performed the song, "Pon De Edge" which he was asked not to do.

The Chairman of the Music Festival, Faron Lawrence, said that he was unaware that Busy was left behind and knows nothing about him being asked not to sing that song. He explained that performers are usually provided with transportation to take them back to their hotels, but sometimes they are also told that transporting all of them is not possible and they will have to make their own arrangements. Sometimes artistes opt to remain behind to watch the show. Lawrence says he was not aware if this was the case with Busy Signal.

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Yardflex went to Alligator Pond to take in the Little Ochi Seafood
Festival and honestly the venue sell off. The place cram so till, but to tell the truth I had a problem hearing the performers as it seemed as there were competitions from three different segments at the venue.

Upstairs at the upper deck bar it was like a dance session, in the middle there was the stage show and out front music was blasting again.

Then not to mention the security guard that enjoyed drawing his knife.
Yardflex observed him on at least four occasions arguing with 'unwanted' patrons who he felt came in illegally and worse were there selling stuff. The knife came out and there he was threatening to 'done dem!'.

With all that though the steamed and fry fish went like hot bread, shrimps, lobster and other seafood were in abundance. Romain, George Nooks, Nikiesha Barnes and others tried to do their best, but performing on tracks under those conditions, never made it at all. The Dragonaires totally dominated and had the crowd from start to finish.

Festival mix up

What a bam bam with the Festival Song Competition whey keep Saturday night. Roy Rayon was declared the winner but whey hot people, is dat a him crape up everything.

Nobady else no win dime out it. Di people dem bex, cause dem sey him done win di million fi di prize aready, smady else shoulda win a ting tuh. Dem a cuss out backfoot bout it. A suh it guh...di world nuh level at all.

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Tellah kibba yuh mouth

But a whey di girl Tellah a gwaan wid dung a Little Ochi Seafood Festival. She come pon stage wid one piece a tracing and a throw word pon Baby Tash; and class har up di most ways, bere tings. Now, she nuh reach nuh way inna di music yet and a galang suh. A bad mind she bad mind sey Baby Tash win, or she waan fi use conflict fi meck it. Whatever di reason...stop it...it nuh look good.

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"St. Mary Me Come From" time again

It that time of year again for "St. Mary Mi Come From". The show will be held at its usual venue the Grays's Hill Inn Sports Complex in Annottobay, St. Mary on August 5, 2008. The well anticipated show of the summer will bring out some of the top acts in reggae and dance hall.

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The staff here at YardFlex send our condolences to Alvin and Frankie Campbell from Fab 5 and JAVAA who recently lost their mother. You are both in our prayers during your time of bereavement.

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Portia or Peter Phillips?

Who do you think will come out victorious as the president of the Peoples National Party? Minister Dr Peter Phillips has now entered the race against our current president The Honorable Portia Simpson Miller. Dr Peter Phillips will be challenging her at the upcoming annual conference.

Photography By: Milton Raynor

Below are scenes from the recently held book launch of Milton Wray's Who Am I?...The Untold Story of Beenie Man in Kingston, Jamaica:

Jamaica, dubbed one the most homophobic nations on earth has spawned the Caribbean's first Gay and Lesbian Social Network, Rainbowvibes.com, where Caribbean gay life meets the world.

"The site is an online hub for Caribbean gays, lesbians and bisexual people living at home and overseas and their friends in South America, Latin America, USA, Europe and Canada. Now they can all connect with each other in a single space online." Andrea* added.

The site is the brainchild of Matthew Raine*, a gay Jamaican IT executive, who now lives in Canada and Andrea Rainford*, a Jamaican lesbian marketing executive who lives in Kingston, Jamaica. "The need was glaring. The nature of most Caribbean countries has made it a challenge to meet and connect face to face. Here, online, there are no limits. Having a social network of our own was something we craved ourselves and had the know how to get done, so we said let's be bold and give this Pride gift to our community." Matthew* said.

The site was launched to coincide with Pride Month, a global celebration of gay rights and culture. It already has members from over 20 countries world wide. Being picked up in the British, Canadian and Latin American press and blogging community.

Rainbowvibes.com has all the interactive features of a social network like Facebook. Members are able to create and join groups, add music, events, videos, chat, make friends, find dates, create and join discussions, write blogs and read news from around the Caribbean and the rest of the World. "Our focus is on making the site a fun,vibrant and meaningful online destination where our members are happy to spend time and tell their friends about it too." Matthew* explained.

Rainbowvibes.com went on line during Pride Month, June 16, 2008 and "we're expecting it to do great things."

Contact: Matthew Raine* / Andrea Rainford*: rainbowvibes@gmail.com

By: Dave Lindo

Bembe Thursday, the 'hype' dancehall event staged each Thursday at Weekenz in Kingston, Jamaica has become a global phenomenon in less than two years.

The idea for Bembe originated when former Stone Love selector, Richie Feelings, jokingly told his friends that he is a bembe marble and staged a dance of the same name.

As Jigsy, a member of the Bembe Squad explained, "A bembe marble is one of those big marbles, so Feelings said that he was bembe marble. The owner of Weekenz approached Richie to do a weekly event at his spot so he (Richie) linked us up and we decided to do it and call it Bembe Thursday. At first we took it as a joke - we never dreamed that it would get so big.

Feelings also invited selectors Razz and Biggy, Jigsy and Penny Bling to form the Bembe Squad. In a very short time it became the place to be on a Thursday night in the capital city. "People from all over started to attend, by midnight the place is normally jam packed." Jigsy said.

"Bembe is for the girls, still we have a ratio of 10 -1 on a weekly basis and we play just vibes music; all kind of music to suit everyone."

From the onset, Bembe Thursday has always been an early event with the vibes increasing by 10 pm and ending at 2 am. "We only go later when we have a special event like a birthday party or something," Jigsy said.

The event has become so popular that presently it has spread across the various continents. "It global right now, you have Bembe in England on a Friday, Bembe Wednesday in Japan, Bembe Thursday in Cayman and Miami, Bembe Sunday in Canada and even in Australia they have Bembe."

Asked how the Bembe Squad manages to play at so many events, Jigsy said, "We basically rotate among ourselves. Both locally and overseas, we go to the other countries when they are having (a) special event.

Most of the top artistes pass through Bembe Thursday, as well as top selectors including: Coppershot, Chromatic, ZJ Liquid and Bun Bun.

Jisgy disclosed that Bembe will be on fire this summer, "It will be just crazy vibes. We will be having some big events including my birthday party on August 7, 2008.

D'Angel seems to be busily 'sprucing up' her stage performance, apparently in preparation for her first performance in the upcoming Reggae Sumfest Festival.

So far this month, July 4 and 6, 2008, D'Angel performed for the grand opening of Club Amazon in Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth and the Portland Jerk Festival respectively.

D'Angel had Club Amazon exceeding its 500 capacity by the time she made her 1:00pm entrance. She mingled with the crowd until her 3:00pm performance time. "It was very good to see D'Angel showing up early and taking time out to chill with the audience." a promoter of Amazon Productions said.

She wooed the audience with a spectacular performance and made them even more frenzied when she brought on Vybz Kartel, who performed his latest hits.

Her performance at Portland Jerk Festival was just as exciting as she had the crowd clamouring for more as she performed her anthology of hits.

The Government is to establish a museum of reggae music and artifacts, to represent the struggles and achievements of Jamaican music, and will establish a special initiative to encourage and assist Jamaican film makers to produce works on Jamaican culture.

The announcement was made by Minister of Water and Housing, Dr. Horace Chang, on Thursday July 3, who was giving the welcome address on behalf of Prime Minister, Bruce Golding at a launching reception for the 7th International Crossroads in Cultural Studies Conference. The reception was held at Vale Royal, the Prime Minister's official residence.

Noting that culture remains an important part of "who we are, what we are and how we do what we do," Dr. Chang stated that Jamaica's cultural identity and image worldwide were strongly linked to reggae music, "an indigenous product of which we are very proud."

Describing reggae as an international language of the oppressed, he credited the work of artists like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, whose "lyrics captivated international audiences, unified people in their struggles and served as the basis for negotiating significant truces." Their work, he stressed, "took the themes of rebellion, human rights, love, respect for others and freedom into the far corners of the world and helped pave the way for unity and peace."

Dr. Chang pointed out that reggae is so important to Jamaicans, that the month of February has now been devoted to celebrating it. That celebration included the successful staging of the Reggae Film Festival, as a result of which, a special initiative is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sport, to encourage and assist Jamaicans to make their own films about their own culture.

He also noted that Jamaica had just celebrated International Reggae Day (July 1), which demonstrates the significant impact of music from a small country on people all over the world, who he said, continue to appreciate reggae.

Dr. Chang is in charge of the Government until Prime Minister, Bruce Golding's return from the 29th regular meeting of the conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) being held from July 1 to 4, in Antigua and Barbuda.

The July 3 to 7 conference, which is being staged at the University of the West Indies (UWI) is being held in Jamaica for the first time. It attracted participants from over 60 countries to focus on revival, drumming, dancehall and reggae, to help bridge the gap between traditional scholars and the wider public.

Among those at the reception were, Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, Olivia Grange; Governor-General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Professor Sir Kenneth Hall; former Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Edward Seaga; Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Professor Barrington Chevannes; Vice Chancellor Emeritus, of the University of the West Indies, Mona campus, Professor Rex Nettleford; and Chairman of the Association of Cultural Studies, Professor Meaghan Morris.

Source: JIS

Desmond McKenzie, Mayor of Kingston claims that he is 'marked for death'. According to him he discovered that his name was on a hit list. This information was revealed at the Jamaica Labour Party Area One Council meeting in Bull Bay on Sunday.

McKenzie claimed his name was among several on a list of public officials. But the Mayor is not cowering in fear as he boldly stated, "As far as I am concerned, I will never allow anybody, whether real or imaginary, to derail the work I am doing,"

"The only persons who can stop me from doing my work is the voters in the corporate area. I am not afraid," he said.

The Mayor made this disclosure as he was lamenting the murder of a public official, Jamaica Urban Transit Company Chairman, Douglas Chambers, just over a week ago.

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By: Dave Lindo

Co Co Tea will be putting out a new album titled Yes We Can, named after his latest single, a song which implores people of all nations to unite and live in peace in order to have a better world.

The album was produced by Co Co Tea aka Calvin Scott on his Roaring Lion/Dancehall Jam Jam label. According to the singer, it will have 12-15 tracks and will feature his big international hit Barrack Obama; a tribute to the American on his presidential campaign.

He has also reunited with Shabba Ranks for a song titled Time Is Real. Co Co Tea in the 1990's had 2 big collaborations with Shabba in Pirates and Who She Love. He also has collaborations with Marcia Griffiths, President Brown, Cutty Ranks and El General. He has also done a remake of Horace Andy's song, She Is My Baby.

Co Co Tea speaking to YardFlex spoke highly about the album. "It is a one in a million CD." he said with his trade mark smile. "It is a mixture of Lovers Rock and authentic reggae music. I had famous musicians working on it, like members of the Prophecy Band, Dean Frazer and his harmonizers, Kirk and Bowie, Teetamus, Lymie Murray. It has an international appeal and I am expecting it to do very well."

Speaking about the song Yes We Can, he said, "when I did the song Barrack Obamapeople tend(ed) to view it as political. But it was the changes that he was articulating that I looked at. Yes, we would like a black man in the White House, that would show that we have moved beyond the race thing.

In the song I am just encouraging the integration of the whole world, it's not skin colour, or which nation you are from. The world is heading into racial division. As artistes we have to create the initiative. We are tired of the violence. We need to do songs that bring us together, and that uplift morals. As Israel Vibration said, "We All Have To Sing the Same Song."

The Album is scheduled to be released in late July and will be distributed by Roaring Lion in the Caribbean and Amazon.com, and the Tunecore.com network internationally.

Co Co Tea will be going on a world tour to promote the album titled the Yes We Can Tour. The United States leg will be called Reggae For America World Tour. He will be making his first trip to Africa in counties like Gambia, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana and Zimbabwe.

YardFlex sends condolence to singer Anthony Cruz who lost his mother, Lorna Harriot, three nights ago.

The singer told YardFlex that his mom met into an accident three years ago and since then she has been plagued with after effects from it. "She had a lot of back pain...in fact she had pain all over," Anthony Cruz said, as he tried had to maintain his composure.

He said everytime she went to the doctor she received medication, but that was about it. Three nights ago she went to bed "and she just never woke up," the singer brokenly stated. "Right now I am just trying to keep the faith and stay positive," he told YardFlex.

Anthony Cruz will be leaving the island this weekend for Delaware, where his mom lived to make funeral arrangements.

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There really seem to be no end in sight when it comes to Beenie Man's tax case. Called up yesterday, the trial was once again pushed back to July 29 in order for the crown to get more time to present witnesses.

The artiste is scheduled to return to court on July 29 when the trial is expected to resume.

Moses Davis aka Beenie Man is facing trial on allegations that he owes the government more than $40 million in outstanding taxes.

Revenue officials alleged that Beenie Man failed to pay over the taxes over a number of years.

But Beenie Man has consistently maintained that his former management company Shocking Vibes was responsible for paying his taxes.

The artiste had initially agreed to hold discussions with the tax department regarding a possible settlement, but later decided to challenge the tax assessment.

The entertainer was arrested on a warrant last October, after he failed to appear before the Tax Court to answer the charges.

YardFlex will keep you posted.

By: Dave Lindo

Magnum Kings and Queen Of Dancehall winners Singer Jah and Baby Tash are presently reaping the rewards for winning the competition. YardFlex caught up with Singer Jah and Baby Tash, who won the King and Queen titles respectively, at the Magnum Kings and Queen Of Dancehall Road Show at Folly Oval, Port Antonio, Portland on Saturday, June 28, 2008.

Singer Jah said that the competition has given him invaluable exposure. "The people love wi crazy, and I love them same way." he said "The competition has helped my career a lot cause it has made me known on a national level. Where people from 14 parishes saying Singer Jah. I could't ask for a better start in my career."

Commenting on what he has been doing lately he said, "I am working on my album right now with Scatta Burrell. You can say the album finish already. I am also working on a music video so I give thanks that things are really looking up for me."

Brand manager of Magnum, Gary Dixon was pleased about the massive crowd that turned up at the second road show, the first being on Saturday June 21, 2008 in Junction, St. Elizabeth.

He was even more pleased with how the competition went. "It was great, really! we were optimistic that it would have done well based on the strength of dancehall in our society which we were highlighting. It was the first time around and we expect it get better in future. Two good persons won and the show itself has done well for the entrants."

Dixon said that the brand itself, Magnum, has been doing exceptionally well on the local market. "Our consumers have increase in numbers many times over. We at Magnum feel good about how the people have been taken on to the drink."

Baby Tash, a native of Spanish Town and a Business Administration student at UTECH said she is also benefiting from the competition. "It has been very good, people accept me in the streets and it has helped to build my carer as an artiste." Tash is also working with Scatta Burrell on several projects which will be coming out this summer. Burrell was one of the judges at the competition.

Tru Juice who partnered Magnum as a sponsor of the competition was also pleased with the level of attention that the competition received. Tru Juice's Brand Manager, Danielle Terelonge felt good about her company's involvement with the competition as well as the road shows. "It has benefited the entrants a lot in giving them exposure that they needed. What the show has shown me is that the youths do have talent. And the competition gave them the platform to showcase it. It was a wonderful experience where people came together to celebrate dancehall."

Crime continues to give the country a bad reputation. The situation worsened when a US-based church mission had to cancel plans to come to Jamaica arising out of the fact that 39 of their members were roused from their beds and robbed at gunpoint at the Salvation Army at Mannings Hill Road in St. Andrew hours before dawn on Monday.

According to reports gleaned by YardFlex the robbers were able to gain access to a secure area where the visitors were sleeping at the rear of the School for the Blind compound.

Among the stuff stolen were wallets, hand bags, digital cameras, cellulars before they made their escape at the back.

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It's that time of year again for the annual "JAVAA Anniversary Show". The Jamaica Association of Vintage Artistes & Affiliates in association with Jamaica National Building Society will be hosting a sequence of events in "The Gardens" at the Pegasus Hotel on Friday, July 11, 2008, along with the "JAVAA Anniversary Show". The concert will be called "Their Music Lives On", where the first twelve inductees to the JAVAA Jamaica Music Hall of Fame will be announced.

This year the focus will be on Delroy Wilson and Phyllis Dillon. Delroy Wilson is known to be the man who paved the way for Dennis Brown, Ken Boothe and Errol Dunkley. While Phyllis Dillon is remembered as one of the real queens of Jamaican music. Phyllis Dillon will be represented by Mary Isaacs and Angella Stewart. Ken Boothe OD, Errol Dunkley and young Jevaro Laing will represent Delroy Wilson.

There will be other tribute performances like: Slim Smith (Lloyd Parks/Bunny Brown), Cynthia Schloss (Althea "Di Chic" Hewitt), Blues Busters (Ras Mandito/Bagga Case), Bob Marley (Roy Rayon), Don Drummond ('Bubbles' Cameron), Garnet Silk (Aaron Silk), Jackie Edwards (Boris Gardiner), Jacob Miller (Lymie Murray), Scotty (Andrew Cassanova), Count Ossie (Bongo Herman), Brent Dowe (Junior Sinclair), Ruddy Thomas (Leo 'Jays' Hall), Adina Edwards (Elaine Peart), General Echo (Krabwalking Jamrock), Roland Alphanso (Headley 'Deadly' Bennett OD), Clancy Eccles (Clancy Eccles Jr.), Tenor Saw (Gregory J), Stanley Beckford (Mento-Tone), Sonya Spence (Deon Hardy), Vic Taylor (Maurice Henry), Tyrone Evans (Francisco "Mako" Jarrett), Augustus Pablo (Robbie Lyn), and Justin Hinds (Michael Laing). They will be backed by Fab 5 and Unique Vision Bands.

JAVAA has now reached five years and has introduced the JAVAA Jamaica Music Hall Of Fame, which was launched February of this year at the Half Way Tree Entertainment Complex. There have been twelve awardees thus far and six more will be announced every year at the JAVAA Anniversary Show.

Gates open at 7:00 p.m., Showtime at 8:00 p.m

Ziggy Marley has been known for his generous donations to the Bustamante Hospital for Children. His first donation was in 1991 and has continued over the years. The foundation which is called URGE (Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment) has made several donations since the start of the year to the cash strapped hospital. They have donated equipment such as Laryngoscope sets, blood pressure machines, a Metro Basic crash cart and a Stand Mounted Suction Pump.

The Chain of Hope, Jamaica had appealed to URGE and they responded by paying for a pacemaker for little Shinnia Porteous who was five months at the time. She is now recovering at home.

The Victoria Jubilee Hospital's Premature Nursery also received donations from the Marley family; they donated twelve CPI Baby Cots and an Infant Radiant Warmer to the institution.

St. Ann is also receiving attention from URGE as they are the host of an annual health fair in Nine Mile. Here one can find international doctors and nurses who come to offer their time, medical supplies and services.

Big up to the Marleys!

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By: Dave Lindo
Photography By: Milton Raynor

The Canadian and Swiss Government joined together to co- produce a film about Jamaica's Rock Steady music which is being documented by Director, Stascha Bader from Switzerland and Robert Boulos from Canada, who is the film's Line Producer.

The project which is dubbed Get Ready to Rock Steady is a tribute to the great music form. "Rock Steady was a pivotal part of Jamaica's music from the 60's where everybody was talking about love." Robert said. "Rock Steady is a forgotten era, people remember Ska and Reggae but they forget about Rock Steady."

The idea was formulated by Stascha 2 years ago where we decided to unite all the artistes and musician involved in that music form. It was the first time they were working together in over 40 years so this is a big reunion.

The only person missing was Lyn Tait who couldn't come because of health reasons, but as a guitarist he was the one who came up with the sound of Rock Steady.

Stascha was overly excited about the project, with his eyes beaming he continued, "I fell in love with Reggae like everyone else in Switzerland in the 70's and 80's. In those days all the 'big name' artistes came to Zurich, from Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Burning Spear, Culture (and) Max Romeo. I did my PHD thesis and wrote a book on Dancehall and Reggae in 1985 called Words of Fire for the University of Zurich."

He added, "In 2006 I remembered how much I love Reggae and wondered how it all began. I came back to the roots and saw where Rock Steady was the angular point, which was clean and full of love. My dream was before they (musician / artistes) die, to get them back together and record an album and film. The original musicians and original artistes in the original studio as Tuff Gong Studio was once the Federal Studio where some of the great Rock Steady music was recorded."

Robert explained, "Jamaica do(es) not have anything documented in their archives on Rock Steady so this film and album can be used for that purpose."

Stascha and Robert have joined together some of the greatest musicians and singers that Jamaica has produced. Sly Dunbar - drums, Lloyd Parkes and Jackie Jackson – bass, Ernist Ranglin and Hux Brown - guitar, Robbie Lyn - Key board, Gladdie Anderson - Piano, Bongo Herman and Skully Simms - percussion. On the Brass section there are Glen DaCosta, David Madden, 'Deadly' Headley and Calvin Bubbles Cameron.

A live show also titled Get Ready To Rock Steady will be staged yesterday, June 25, at the National Indoor centre. The show was filmed live as part of the documentary.

Artistes participating in the project are: Judy Mowatt, Marcia Griffiths, Dawn Penn, Alton Ellis, Derrick Morgan, Ken Boothe, Leroy Sibbles, Hopeton Lewis, the Tamlins, Stranger Cole and Uroy.

The musicians and artistes were just as excited to be a part of the project. YardFlex sat through the rehearsal for the show and the vibes was just awesome. It was like we were in 'musical heaven' watching the artistes and musician working together, reliving the good old days. It was evident that they haven;t skipped a beat after 40 years and was into their work like it was just yesterday. A high point was seeing one of Jamaica's great 'song bird' Judy Mowatt rehearsing the song Silent River and Dawn Penn doing No No No backed by those great musicians.

One of the pioneers of local music, Leroy Sibbles, as bouncy as ever spoke highly about the project. "I am excited to be a part of it, it brings back memories, it is good to be reunited if only for this project," he said.

Leroy Sibbles who is an icon in the business worked as a bass player, musical arranger and back up singer with the group Heptones on many hit songs in the early day. He worked on Dennis Browns first album, No Man Is An Island, John Holt's album, Love I Can Feel, to name a few.

Carlton Smith of the Tamlins shared feelings similar to Sibbles, "It's a good experience. There are foundation musician like Ernie Ranglin, Hux Brown, who played on several of our (Tamlins) early hit songs. We used to play for Sly and Robbie as most of our songs were produced by them on their Taxi Label. And we used to be Peter Tosh's back up singers. Sly and Robbie used to be in his band so it is like a real reunion."

The great man himself, Ernie Ranglin in his humble way said, "It is nice. I haven't seen them for over 30 years. Not seeing them for a long time, just nice, same spirit, fine musicians, we had great times in those day and it is good to relive those days."

Dawn Penn said "It is invigorating, very gratifying for what we do, thanks (to) the people who had this vision to bring it back to what it used to be. Hats off to Rita Marley and Tuff Gong also, they have been doing a great job and carrying on the work."

Engineer Errol Brown who had worked on several Rock Steady songs said he had a bitter sweet experience on the project, as he explained. "It was good seeing all these great musician but it was very sad to see them, shaky and poor. They have put in the work and paved the way for Jamaica's music and haven't been rewarded for their work. People like Coxsone Dodd and my Uncle Duke Reid gave them little or nothing. They got up to 15 pounds – 30 pounds for their work when they (Coxsone and Reid) made up to 30, 000 pounds. They should have gotten their fair reward."

Instead of the level of crime in Jamaica being reduced it seems to be aggressively increasing. According to The Gleaner, the Global Ratings Agency has ranked Kingston as the 31st most dangerous city in the world to live in. This report was issued earlier this month. Jamaica is a small island yet the level of crime committed in our island reflects that of a larger country.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police Mark Shields has, however, come forth to say that this report is unfair as most of the crimes in Jamaica are gang related. He explains that although Kingston is ranked as unsafe, in comparison to London and other developed countries, it is one of the safest.

This may be true but it does not excuse the fact that at least 800 persons have been killed in Jamaica in 2008 with nearly fifty percent of these murders taking place in Kingston and St. Andrew alone.

Many persons have asked, what can be done to solve this problem? Many have argued that without sufficient jobs the crime level will not decrease. This is true because when you think about it people are just looking for a way to survive and provide for their families. Some are just plain frustrated, as nothing that they do seems to make a difference to their standard of living, so they lash out at society and unfortunately me and you. If these men and women had better opportunities and constructive things to do then some of them would not have the time to get mixed up in criminal activities.

I know we all just wish that everyone would stop the killing and fighting and live as one.

Born Natalie Cole in rural Jamaica, she moved to Kingston as a child. Natalie grew up listening to, and being influenced by the sounds of Motown, Madonna, and dancehall female artistes like Mumma Nancy, Lady Patra and Lady Saw. It was while a student at the Holy Childhood High School that she decided to make a career of music. After joining the Holy Childhood choir she successfully auditioned for the Cathy Levy Players.

While still in school, Natalie was approached by a producer seeking female singers for an all girl reggae group. The group was Make Boyz Cry(M.B.C). After a few years as group leader and an album released by the Toshiba-Emi label in Japan, Natalie decided in late 2006 to pursue an alternative course. She left the group and began to record material with some of the top producers in Jamaica and across the globe. These include, Swatch International, Flabba (MO’ Music), Ward 21, Jam 2, Seanizzle, Wildlife (Switzerland), Phlatline (Germany) and New York based Stretch Armstrong (who has produced for Nelly Feurtado, Lil' Kim, Wu Tang Clan).

From hardcore Passa Passa bashment tracks to global dance music, Natalie Storm delivers a variety of tracks like no other. Her first single on the Swatch International label titled "Best Friend" received strong radio play both locally and overseas. The video featuring Cesar got maximum exposure on HYPE TV, RE TV and Music Plus. This was followed by the hit single Talk Di Ting Dem also on the Swatch Label which became one of the most popular slangs in the dancehall. The video for Talk Di Ting Dem was also a smash hit and was constantly charted on HYPE TV's VTX Countdown.

The dance music remix of her Hot Love single featuring Jigsy from Danger Zone is being played at dance clubs all across Europe and North America. Natalie's most recent releases A Nuh My Fault on the Dem Gyal Sittin riddim, Gal Fi Get Boo on the Estrogen, and Body Good on the Creeper riddim are all getting featured both on radio and in the dancehall. She has just recorded two singles with Stephen McGregor for his Big Ship Label for release this Summer. Her brand new release on Ward 21's Tear Up Jeans riddim is currently becoming one of the most requested songs at dances and on radio.

Natalie has performed at numerous events islandwide including Spring Jam in Portland, Spring Break in Negril, Champions In Action as well as the HITZ 92 FM Evolution showcase. Natalie will also accompany Swatch International as one of their featured artists on selected Passa Passa dates throughout North America, the Caribbean and Europe.

Following an accident on Wednesday night gospel singer Shirley Willis in now fighting for her life in a Kingston Hospital. Up to submission of this news brief, the singer was said to be in a coma. Details are sketchy, but it is understood that the singer was alone when she crashed.

Shirley Willis was the unforgettable leading vocal of the age-old gospel group, The Grace Thrillers. One of the most visible and renowned member of the original group, Shirley's compelling voice in popular songs like "By the Grace of God I am Saved", "Can't Even Walk", "Oh What a Sunrise" and "Not My Will" has won the hearts of Jamaicans at home and Jamaicans through out the Diaspora.

Shirley's marital bliss with Noel Willis, eventually came to an end and they legally parted in 2004. Shirley's disassociation with the Grace Thrillers group was also official at that time. Since the dissolve of the original Grace Thrillers, Shirley has released one album, "Trust Him More". Shirley recently joined the newly formed group Thrillers United which includes former Grace Thrillers members Sandra Brooks and Dian Barnett.

YardFlex prayers is with Shirley and we are praying for a speedy recovery.

The Sex Workers Association of Jamaica has spoken out in support of recommendations for de-criminalization and levying taxes on Jamaica's sex industry, this ccording to a report on radiojamaica.com.

In a front page story in one of the dailies, Dr. Kevin Harvey, Senior Medical Officer in charge of the Health Ministry's National HIV/STI Programme is quoted as saying the government could earn some $3 billion in revenue if they de-criminalized, regularized and taxed this sector.

The Association Spokesperson Marsha Grant said its members are ready for this move and are more than happy to support the call.

Ms Grant argued that despite the fact that prostitution and other segments of the sector are covertly supported by many Jamaicans, it remains a largely underground enterprise, fraught with danger.

She said de-criminalization would give workers greater protection.

"They are the victims of physical, emotional and psychological abuse both from clients and from other persons who operate in the industry. This would open-up an avenue for them to access support from the security forces," she said.

Accessing better health care

Ms Grant added that members of the Sex Workers Association are eager to gain access to other benefits taken for granted by Jamaican workers.

"Currently, they are not accessing health services as much as we would like them to and this is contributing to their demise. Operating underground as it were, they have little recourse for fair treatment and for making investments that can better their and their children's lives," said Ms Grant.

The Spokesperson warned, however, that in spite of the Association's eagerness to see change, the members will only pay taxes if their contribution to the national coffers ensures an improvement in both the HIV/STD outreach programmes and the treatment they receive when seeking assistance from the Police and other Government services.

Ms Grant said the Sex Workers Association of Jamaica is willing to sit with officials from the Ministries of Health, Justice, Finance and Planning to iron out a plan of action that will benefit all concerned.

She said her organization has already started working with Jamaica AIDS Support and the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition.

Photography By: Milton Raynor

By: Buffilous

Yow, yuh si like how mi lose mi best friend mi a guh talk di tings dem. But a wha do some ediat gal sah, who claim sey dem a hot gal and gwaan like dem a hype pon mi and dem a man mascot. Di way dem a gwaan is like sey dem a fuss inna di line, but a waan tell dem sey dem deh a di back a di line!

Mi a di original and mi know di imitator dem – straight!

Now since as mi a talk up di tings might as well mi cuss and done. Now dis gal who claim sey she a marketing executive and sey companies not stop fly har all over di globe a try hype pon me and a watch my business. But weh she no kno is datwhile she a watch fi mi business fi har a spoil. She a run dung di engineer whey she claim sey har bonafide man and mi a have di last laugh cause if she ongle know sey di man a nuh fi har alone, mi stop count how much woman him breed and she still tink sey him nah stray.

Ordinarily mi nuh cater, but when a girl waan gwaan like she deh pon top a di worl...me affi bring her bak to grung. And weh hot mi even more, she deh yah a play di role a wedding planner and in di mean time a hope sey di man wi put di ring pon fi har finger, she not even know sey di muma out a road a chat har big time, how she a use har and ting. Di madda sey she want better fi har son and him coulda never lick him head a guh put ring pon fi har finga.

And all a dat mi neva have di heart fi laugh afta yuh when yuh find out sey di madda did a play hypocrite and dat yuh neva stand a chance wid di son, di shame yuh shame you fly out gone a foreign. But nutten nuh change, yuh barely lan, yuh start to chase another man, dis time one whey nuh belong to yuh. Still yuh fi know sey di man nah lef him good good wife fi yuh...yuh ain't dat good sista.

Yeah, yuh might brown and di coolie har a glisten, but dat alone caan hold man. Memba dat!

Sorry yah peeps, fi bring mi personal business pon di internet, but yuh done know mi caan hold back nutten when mi bex and a di ongle way di skettel a guh si dis, cause mi know she love read bout people business.

Yes, a yuh same one mi a talk, yuh done know yuself a aready! Mi sey dat.

What a coincidence.....YardFlex understands that Beenie Man broke his hand whilst playing Football. Both his accident and Barbee's accident seemed to have occurred the same time. hmm, Is there some kind of connection? Well, I just guess he couldn't stand being healthy whilst she wasn't.

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Barbee was hospitalized Saturday night following an accident in New York on her way to Jamrock Reggae Fest that was held at the Hammerstein Ballroom.

According to reports Barbee took off her seat belt to apply makeup as she was running late for the show. Her friend, who was driving a Mercedes Benz lost control of the vehicle due to the reportedly slippery conditions of the road, resulting in the Benz hitting a SUV. Barbee hit her head against the windshield, breaking it and in the process knocking herself unconscious.

She awoke some two hours later in the hospital. The upcoming singer is now recuperating and is expected to be released soon from hospital.

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Everyone remembers Esco from the duet Leftside and Esco. He is now pursuing a solo career and has established a new record label called 111 Productions. You seldom find artistes who write and engineer their own music, voice themself, build their own rhythms, mix for themself and yet remain quite humble. Well, Esco has been doing all this.

Esco grew up in a musical surrounding and has always been around beautiful melodies. His father was a disc jockey and Marcia Griffiths was his step mother. This is one factor which has contributed to his musical career.

Esco has been on the dancehall scene for quite a number of years and has not changed much except becoming more fierce and aggressive. "One has to be fierce and aggressive to survive in the music industry." he says. Esco has had many accomplishments in his career but his greatest has been having a number one single.

Touring is a vital part of an artiste's career. Esco has been on tour for the last couple of months and will be heading off again this summer. He has been to Italy, Japan and Ghana.

From touring to making hit songs we just can't keep up with this busy artiste. This is all in an effort to be internationally acclaimed.

Esco is currently working on his new album and creating a different showcase and packaging as a Dancehall artiste. The album can be looked at as a double album. It features both sides to his music. Reggae versus Dancehall. Ladies can also be on the lookout as Esco promises "nuff tings for the ladies".

Bounty Killer, Assassin, Baby Cham, Damion Marley and Jay Z are some of the artistes whom Esco looks up to. He also wishes to do collaborations with Vybz Kartel, Tessanne Chin, Kanye West and Timberland. The Reggae and Dancehall industry has some talented and sexy female artistes; Kris Kelly, Spice and Tessanne Chin are the ones who this talented sexy artiste would consider taking out on a date.

"40% image, 30% talent, 30% networking and 100% love." This is the advise that Esco has for all aspiring artistes.

Richie Spice leaves Fifth Element

Richie Spice and his long time management company Fifth Element Records have parted on friendly terms. Following months of speculations, company officials confirmed the rumours reminding fans and media members that it was a mutual decision taken in the best interest of Richie Spice's career.

Fifth Element Records helped in shaping the career of Richie Spice; and has expressed their blessings for him on his journey. After spending so many years atop charts around the world, Richie Spice has taken a decision to invest more time and energy into his own previously formed family based management company, aptly titled Bonner Cornerstone Music.

Bonner Cornerstone Music currently handles the affairs of family members, Spanner Banner and Snatcha Lion.

According to Richie Spice, the change was necessary, as he desires to take his career on a different path.

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The Ban on Bonner

Richie Spice's latest entry on the albums chart, "Gideon Boot" has been slapped with an indefinite ban by the IRIE FM Programmes Department.

The ban extends not only to the material found on the album "Gideon Boot", but to all songs from his repertoire. According to IRIE FM officials, the song contained an expletive that could faintly be heard after the song had ended, and came as a surprise to Announcer Elise Kelly who was playing the song in her shift.

Representatives from VP Records also expressed their shock upon hearing of the ban, and have begun taking corrective steps to rectify the situation.

The album was part of a deal with ace producer Bobby Digital, who was charged with the responsibility of selecting the final copies of the songs for the album, released on VP records label. Unofficial word from insiders is suggesting that a mistake was made on the part of the person charged with the responsibility of mastering the songs for the final album cut.

Members of Bonner Cornerstone Music, at which Richie Spice is now officially based have expressed outrage at this mistake being made; one which is definitely casting a negative light on the singer who is noted for his cultural songs.

By: Joan Wilson

Born in Shiloah, St Elizabeth, Jamaica Festival Development Commission’s (JCDC) gospel finalist for 2008 Tarshea Williams grew up in Windsor, Clarendon then came to live with her mom in Kingston at age 13 where she attended the Denham Town High School.

Tarshea admitted to YardFlex that she has always had a love for gospel music but because she didn't know the proper outlet to work on her talent, that passion lay dormant. Until her aggressive sister decided to push her to expose her gift.

In 2005 she entered the gospel festival but made her exit in the elimination rounds. Four years later, she is back and this time she is in the finals and if Tarshea has her way she will be going all the way to the top!

"I want to win!" she told YardFlex! But this gospel singer is not going to beat herself up if she doesn't. She says that any which way the tide turns she is still in a win win situation. If she doesn't take the top spot, the exposure that she would have gotten from the event will still be good.

"I thank God for everything," she shared.

YardFlex wish Tarshea all the best in the competition to which the finals will be held in July.

Jody-Ann Wallace, 18-year-old Mannings High School student, is Miss Jamaica Global.

She copped various prizes, including an all-expense paid trip to London, a trip for two to the United States or any Caribbean destination of her choice as well as jewelery, courtesy of Rainbow Souvenirs,among others.

Interestingly, Wallace did not produce a top 10 talent piece, however, her poise and the confidence she exuded on the night gave her the edge.

On a night when third-place winner Natasha Brown was a big crowd favourite, she asserted, "I need to be number one in every area." As such, she was dominant in all other categories. "I like to think positively," she told reporters, adding, "I thought to myself, I'm gonna do my best to win. After the final five questions, I felt very confident that I'd make it into the top three."

She is now focussing on the international pageant to be held in London at the Watford Coliseum on August 10. Referring to that competition, she said: "I'm confident that I will represent my country well. I am going to give it my best."

Third-place winner Natasha Brown also walked away with the prize for most talented, while second-place winner Jodane Russell was named most aware.

Miss Global Jamaica will compete against at least 35 women from across the world.

By: Dave Lindo

Killamanjaro is one of the long standing sound systems in the business who has carved a name for themselves as a sound system with true class and quality. Named after the famous mountain in Africa, Killamanjaro has stood tall, whether in fierce sound clashes or 'nicing' up a dance or party with some 'wicked' selections. YardFlex caught up with the owner, popularly known as Papajaro.

YardFlex: In what year and how did Killamanjaro get started?

Papajaro: The sound was started in the summer of 1969 while I was at school. My brother had a sound system, and I developed a love for it. After some years my brother migrated to the UK, and left the sound system with our father. My father operated it for awhile and then sold it. At that point I decided that I was going to build my own sound system.

Yardflex: In the early days it was said that the sound used to be transported in a VW van. People were appalled by its small size, yet its excellent sound quality exceeded that of sound systems many times bigger. What was the secret in getting such high sound quality from a small system?

Papajaro: This was not an accident (size), it was a deliberate design. Since this sound system was going to be moving from place to place. I designed it as small as I could with the highest level of efficiency.

YardFlex: Who were the members of your team in the 'early days'?

Papajaro: In the early days we had artistes like: Super Cat, Early B, Jim Kelly, Dirty Harry, and selector Ainsley.

YardFlex: What was the vibes like in those days?

Papajaro: The vibes was great. It was doing what you love, while enjoying yourself, and not worry about some of the dangers that exist now.

YardFlex: In the 'rub a dub' era, (artistes performing live on the version), who were some of the artistes who used to work on Jaro?

Papajaro: Super Cat, Early B, Jim Kelly, Dirty Harry, Lone Ranger, Buro Banton, Charley Chaplin, Ninjaman, Hammermouth, Junior Cat, and Daddy Shark.

YardFlex: Who would you consider to be the most talented artiste (s) to work on your sound?

Papajaro: Everybody had their own unique style, so it is very hard to say who was most talented.

YardFlex: What was the payroll like in those days? How much did the sound play for?

Papajaro: I can't recall what that was, but I know it was very small. In those days it was more about the love for music, than the love for money.

YardFlex: What was the transition like in changing from a 'rub a dub' sound to the time when dub plates were the order of the day?

Papajaro: Killamanjaro did not change from being a 'rub a dub' sound system; we just added another dimension, so that (the) transition was quite smooth. Killamanjaro still plays at 'rub a dub' sessions although this is not as frequent as a juggling session.

YardFlex: What are some of Killamanjaro’s biggest achievements?

Papajaro: Some of the big achievements are: winning Killamanjaro/KingAddies clash in Portmore, Killamanjaro/DavidRodigan (clash) in Miami, WorldClash 2000 in New York, Killamanjaro/SilverHawk (clash) at Skateland (Half Way Tree).

YardFlex: What has or have been the most memorable achievement (s) to date?

Papajaro: The most memorable one is the Killamanjaro/KingAddies clash in Portmore.

YardFlex: It was believed by many that when Ricky Trooper left the sound it would affect its progress, was that the case?

Papajaro: Yes, it affected us, but not to a great extent.

YardFlex: Where overseas has Killamanjaro played?

Papajaro: We have toured places like the USA, Canada, UK, Japan, Kenya, Germany, Holland, France, Italy, Sweden, Belgium, Switzerland, Trinidad, Guyana, Belize, Antigua, St Kitts, St Croix, St Vincent, St Thomas, St Johns, St Maarten, St Lucia, Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman.

YardFlex: Where do you presently have the largest fan base, both locally and overseas?

Papajaro: We have large fan base both locally and abroad.

YardFlex: What changes has the sound gone through in the past 5 years?

Papajaro: We have not gone through any major changes over the last 5 years, but we always maintain and upgrade our sound system to keep it in tip top shape.

YardFlex: What plans do you have for the future?

Papajaro: We have a few things planned for the future, but we do not want to preempt them.

YardFlex: Looking at the sound system business now compared to the early days would you say it has gotten better or worst?

Papajaro: The sound system business has come a long way from what it was in the past, but I personally liked it better then.

YardFlex: What do you think can be done to improve it (sound system business)?

Papajaro: There is no quick fix, because there are a lot of factors that brought the business to where it is. For example; high crime rate, and unemployment. We have a new culture in Jamaica, and the longer it takes to start lowering the crime and unemployment, the harder it will be to correct the problem. Apart from the above, people need to know that the police are serious about the 2:00am shut off time, and should start coming out earlier.

Photo Source: www.dancehallreggae.com

By: Dave Lindo



The exciting 2008 Festival Song Competition was launched at The Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston, Jamaica on Tuesday, June 3, 2008.

Dubbed, "What A Bam Bam Festival", this years judging for the songs promises to be an exciting and competitive one. All ten songs in the finals were unveiled at the launch and were really sounding good, bringing back memories of the 'good old days' of festival. Songs like, Toots and the Maytal's "Bam Bam", the infectious "Cherry O Baby" by Eric Donaldson, 'yes man dem vibes deh!'

As disclosed by guest of honour, Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, The Hon. Olivia Grange; the objective of this years competition was to bring back the high standard of the old days. She said, "I am happy that the festival songs are back on track, the original concept by Hon. Edward Seaga was to find a song that even little babies would rock to. With these songs I feel confident that we are right there."

Among the ten finalist are former winners, the Astronauts (1979, 1982 & 1994) with the towering Zack, who has a song called "Mento Man" and Roy Rayon, (1985, 1987, 1991). Rayon once again is coming strong in the competition this time around with a song titled "Rise and Shine".

The other entrants are Lynford McIntosh – "Country Life" , Michael Rutherford- "Old Time Festival", DJ Speng- "Sweet Jamaica", Versatile- "We Need Love", Clevon Edwards- "We Need Love", Danny Brasko & Lya Simba- "Festival Time Again", Zetto- "Naw Lef Jamaica" and Monty Montgomery with a song called "My Jamaica".

The ten finalists performed their songs live at the launch and the respective music videos for each song was shown.

Of note, the songs were produced by stalwarts of local music such as Trevor Bonick and Grub Cooper, Dennis Mckay and Bobby Digital. The well rated Clifton 'Specialist' Dillon was the coordinator for the production of the songs. Dillion made his mark on the local and international music scene in the 1980s to 90s as a member of Shabba Ranks, Cobra and Patra's management team with the company Spec Shang

The music videos were also done by top 'videographers' across the Island including Rass Kassa of Guru Films.

Speaking to YardFlex, Dillon was very upbeat about the project, "It was a wonderful experience, it was the first time for me and it was a good vibes throughout." Dillon disclosed that he was impressed with one particular entrant with whom, all being well, he is thinking of signing to his label. Specialist is presently working with Alborosie and Spirit.

The Festival Road Shows gets on the way on Saturday, June 14, 2008 at Junction Square, St.Elizabeth, then the Trelawny Multi Purpose Stadium on Thursday, June 19, 2008, Friday, June 20, 2008 at the Leiba Esso Tiger Mart, Clarendon, Sunday, June 29, 2008 at Fantasy Beach, Priory, St.Ann. Saturday, July 5, 2008 at Port Antonio Sqaure, Portland and the final show will take place on Saturday, July 12, 2008 at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston. All shows starts at 8pm.

The Festival Song 2008 competition is sponsored by Digicel, Cooyah Jamaica Ltd, Hot 102, Irie FM, RJR, Hitz 92 FM, Power 106, Links FM, Roots FM, Kool 97 FM, NationWide Network, CVM TV and Xnews.

Photographs Contributed by: JCDC.

Erup...the intense calm. He has formed his own record label, Fully Governed Inc., and he now has greater autonomy in relation to his musical career. He affirmed in a recent interview, "I'm running my show, an seeing how I can help myself, also tryin fi build up di youth dem." He has also found time to mentor new talent, artistes such as: Faydra, Jah Strength, Toni Bless and Management Ash, whilst performing in foreign lands and doing collaborations with the likes of Tarrus Riley and Anthony B. Erupt recently performed at 'The Return Of Supercat', held at the Madison Square Gardens. Erupt is renowned for the hits, "Run Dem Head", and "Click Ma Fingers".

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Island Queen, TVJ's exclusive show, begins its new season, airing at 6:30 pm on Fridays, with a repeat on Tuesdays at 9:00 am.

The show has a new host, in the form of Kaysia Johnson, Miss Jamaica Festival Queen 2006.

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) is the driving force behind the competition, in partnership with title sponsors, TVJ. The television broadcast is aimed at popularizing the competition.

Marketing & Public Relations Consultant at the JCDC, Dahlia Harris, explained that, (JCDC's) "Island Queen received excellent feedback from the public and we believe that it has contributed to a lift in the standards of the overall programme this year.

The winner of The Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Competition is selected as a 'cultural ambassador' and contestants at the parish and national level are judged based on talent, poise and cultural awareness. The winner will be determined by calls and text voting.

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Better Mus' Come a suspense drama that was set in 1977 against the backdrop of political gang activity will make its world premier at the Flashpoint Film Festival on Saturday, June 7 at Fort Charles, Port Royal. The storyline was brought to life with the added talent of the exceptional and dynamic Nicole Grey, Roger Guenveur Smith (American Gangster, Malcolm X, Do the Right Thing), Everaldo Creary, Ricardo Orgill and Dwayne Pusey.

"Through reading about the political tensions in the seventies, I wanted to use this film to explore the root of many of our post-independence problems," commented director of the film Storm Saulter. "I became fascinated with the violent culture that was born with the arming of certain groups which has created a culture of violence that has stayed with Jamaica, and is identified with Jamaicans worldwide," he continued.

Producing the film did not come without its challenges as the director explained, "It was very hard to get proper special effects material and props into the island is exploding blood, blank shells, fake movie guns. The people we were renting from in Hollywood thought it was too dangerous here, and that someone would steal the guns and start a militia or something - a militia with fake m16's." "The Government needs to work out an easier approach for us filmmakers to get the right tools to do a world class job, safely. However the JDF and the JCF came through for us and provided our prop guns and blank shells, and security. They were excellent and I give them the highest respect and ratings for being so professional and helping us get the job done."

By: Jodi-Kaye Watson

It seems like the price of everything is rising except the salary of Jamaicans. It has been announced that The Office of Utilities Regulation has approved a 25 per cent increase for rural buses and hackney carriages. Jamaica is a nice place to live, but it seems so impossible when you have citizens working for minimum wage while at the same time bus fares are increasing. When you really think about it $3,700 per week cannot do much. There are bills to pay, children have to go to school and people have to eat.

No working individual should take home less than $6,000 per week when considering the economic situation Jamaica is facing. I remember, just the other day one loaf of bread was for $95, now when you visit retail outlets it's $190 for that same loaf of bread! This is unbelievable! Jamaica needs a miracle if we are going to survive.

You have some individuals who have to take two or three public vehicles to get to work, now with imminent increase in bus fares they may as well stay home, as they may be better off. It seems as if some Jamaicans are only working to pay bus fare and buy lunch. Jamaicans really have it hard. It makes no sense for us to play the blame game as it will not make the situation better. All that I can say is... "be strong Jamaicans and pray for a miracle because we really need it."

Junior Reid explains

Junior Reid a talk up di tings regarding his kick off with Buju Banton at Best of the Best. He was on Richie B's programme yesterday and in the Chat! The singer is contending that the only reason he reacted to Buju's hailing like that was because Buju was playing the hypocrite. Buju had earlier referred to him Junior in the earring of his daughter Destiny as Junior Greed and then he hailed him as if he hadn't just said something about him. According to Junior that's why he called him a fish. Well, seems as if the drama doesn't end!

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Jamaicans cold

Bwoy Jamaica people nuh easy yuh know. What a way di people dem whey gather a KPH forced di mentally ill man fi jump from offa di top a di building. Nah tell nuh lie, mi blood run cold when mi si sey him really jump. Him drop pon some spikes and barbed wire. It look like him might be paralyzed fi life.

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Big up yuhself Usain

Talk bout blood run cold. Mi caan tell yuh how much time mi watch Usain recording winning race pon youtube. What a race man. Mi proud fi true. But mi nuh like how a certain paper a try pit two great runners gainst each odda. Meck wi enjoy di fact dat wi have di two fastest runner in di world and nuh badda start nuh foolishness and negative vibe.

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Commissioner of Police call it quits

Commissioner of Police Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin called it quits just after six months of acquiring the post. There were reports that the Government was contemplating to replace the then commissioner.

Reports of the Police Commissioner's resignation have left an air of uncertainty over the National Security Portfolio coming on the heels of the removal of Derrick Smith as Minister a month ago.

However, there has been no official statement from the Government.

By: Jodi_Kaye Watson
Photography By: Milton Raynor

Over 15,000 Jamaicans are either blind or otherwise visually impaired. "Sight Awareness Week" was celebrated from Sunday, May 25 through to Saturday, May 31. To commemorate this week JAVA Jamaica Association of Vintage Artistes facilitated the album launch of one of its members, Michael Leng, who is visually impaired, at its regular weekly meeting, held at Lime Light in Half Way Tree on Thursday, the 29th of May.

Michael Leng was not born blind but had a successful business in the United States when he got shot. He has been blind ever since. This happened in 1989 after which he returned to Jamaica. However, this was not the reason for him focusing on a singing career as he had done a song with Clive Hunt in 1977 which had done quite well.

His debut album is entitled "Hearts on Fire". It features producers such as Jim Hynes and Supreme Promotions. Mr Leng did some producing on this album as well. The rhythm tracks were all Studio One Tracks and Michael Leng wrote all the songs on this album with the exception of How Can I Live, which is a Dennis Brown cover. The band featured on this album is Fab 5.

Fans and the public can expect an album with songs of upliftment and song of reality that everyone can relate to.

If you weren't at Lime Light in Half Way Tree on Thursday, May 29th you really missed out on something terrific; the album launch was exceptional! This is a moment that he has always dreamt of and would like to thank the sponsors: JAVA, Supreme Promotions, Tinga Boutique in Portmore; for providing his dapper outfit, Linstead Food Fair; for providing the food and the The Band; provided by Java.

A wise man once said that a prophet is never honored in his own country. And so it has been with Capleton. While the veteran DJ's words and works long ago earned him the title of 'The Prophet', the respect and honor that should rightfully be his have been a long time coming.

"Anytime you try to uplift righteousness and upliftment of the people them, then you ah go get a fight." Says the hottest entertainer in the worldwide reggae fraternity.

"Bob Marley come do it and them fight him. And when Bob Marley dead, that's when they start to endorse him. I already aware of this, I am not unaware. So I know the more them fight I is the more I get stronger."

In the fast-moving world of dancehall reggae, fame and success are hard to obtain and easy to lose. Fans can be fickle, and trends change in the blink of an eye, leaving most entertainers with painfully short career spans. Only a rare few can remain relevant from year to year, holding their audience's attention and leaving them crying for more.

His lyrics are deep, precise, and thoughtful. His stage shows are nothing less than dynamic, explosive performances. But his remarkable staying power and longevity may be Capleton's greatest gift. Born Clifton George Bailey III, on April 13, 1967, in the rural parish of St. Mary, Capleton earned his future stage name from friends who were so impressed with his sharp reasoning skills that they named him after the most famous lawyer in town. From a tender age, he was a lover of the traveling sound systems, sneaking out at night to catch the vibes until dawn. But it wasn't until he turned 18 and moved to Kingston that he was able to realize his destiny. It was Stewart Brown, owner of a Toronto-based sound called African Star, who gave the untested artist his first break, flying him to Canada for a stage show alongside giants like Ninjaman and Flourgon. The audience poured out their appreciation, and he never looked back.

When Capleton first burst on the scene in the late 1980s, the dancehall was a very different place than it is today. Slackness and gun talk were the order of the day. This bright promising newcomer announced his arrival with a string of hit songs from "Bumbo Red" to "Number One on the Look Good Chart" and "Lotion Man". Everything he touched hit the 'sound-good' charts, and the youthful artist with the nimble vocabulary and hardcore voice quickly established himself as one of dancehall's most reliable hit-maker.

But even he could not have predicted that eleven years later, at the start of the new millennium, he would be dancehall's ruling voice. "I think the people dem see say me really deserve that because of the amount of years me put in." Capleton says, "and we never really bow and we still hold the faith. We stand up for whatever we a say. Yeah and we really work for it. And them say by your works, a so you get your pay. The people them see the amount of fight me face and the whole heap of accusation. And me still never give up." When he dropped the tune "Alms House" in 1992, Capleton established himself as more than an entertainer but as a guiding light of righteousness through music. 'United we stand and divided we fall', he sang for the benefit of his fans and dancehall comrades. "Nuff of them nah go know themself till them back against the wall."

A few years later he came back with yet another antidote to the clashing and rivalry that had taken hold of the dancehall business. "Music is a mission," he reminded his fellow artists, "not a competition. Some man use the music to cause confusion." The path of this dancehall Prophet was clearly established in 1994 with a string of songs that declared his newfound faith in Rastafari. "I an I sight up the light and see say really, yunno, Rasta is real founder of the world, because Rasta did come set the trend. Understand, Rasta is life." The first words of his mega-hit "The Trinity" made it plain that the DJ had experienced some kind of revelation. "I was once lost but now I'm found." he stated, "Selassie I live every time."

Capleton became a strong advocate of the teachings of the Jamaican National Hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association and advocate of Universal Black Repatriation. "Babylon rewarded us with hatred for our love." he declares. "They taught us to rape, steal and kill. For instance, they stole our literature and taught it back to us in a different manner so as to infiltrate our minds with foolishness and other misconceptions. Now we as black men do not see ourselves as prince and prophets, but as punks and guys.

Our women do not see themselves as queens, princesses or empresses anymore, but as harlots and concubines. The only solution, as Bob Marley advocated, is to emancipate oneself from mental slavery. Over the years I an I as a nation and a people, them no really teach I an I nuttin' bout I an I black self. You know I mean? Them teach we European philosophy. So I an I and some other youths a try emerge now, we ask certain question and we ask fi certain things. Caw we know say in an institute, or in a college, or in a certain organization we need we Ethiopian curriculum, we need the black man thing. We need to know
about weself. Because the prophet Marcus Garvey did show we say, 'A nation without knowledge of them own history is like a tree without a root'. And if you don't know where you coming from, you not gonna know where you are going." Even as he uplifts the black race, Capleton always makes a point of clarifying that he does not seek to alienate any other race. "We are not being racial nor prejudiced star," he says. "Because we know Jah is for everyone. But where history and prophesy is concerned, that is our witness and we have to be ourself, and we cannot hide from the truth. Caw we woulda be a traitor and a sellout to ourself. And you cannot sell out yourself."

Soon thereafter came the song "Tour" a blazing state of the dancehall report written in the weeks following the slaying of Panhead and Dirtsman, two of Capleton's fellow artistes. That song not only became an anthem of the roots revival within the dancehall, but a hip hop flavored remix of that song hit the Billboard charts, opening up a huge new audience to Capleton's messages of righteousness. There followed a relationship with Def Jam records, who released two of Capleton albums, "Prophecy" and "I-Testament", which featured memorable collaborations with rap stars like Method Man and Q-Tip. Both records were warmly accepted by the international audience, but as the millennium drew to a close, Capleton sensed that it was time to return to his core audience.

He had work to do. "I have to be myself, right? And I only can be me." he reasons. "So whichever way fi make me be me, I work with dat. understand?"

Capleton is now at the height of his powers. 1999 and 2000 have brought a ceaseless string of sound system favourites and dancehall chart toppers like the anti-violence anthem "Jah Jah City" and "Good In Her Clothes", a message of respect for the sisters who carry themselves like empresses rather than harlots. But even as he completes his mission of upliftment, Capleton has had many critics. One of his biggest hits, in fact, is addressed to the 'naysayers' in the press and the 'ivory towers' of power. Critics won't leave I alone," chats the Prophet, "they say they can't take the fire weh me put pon Rome."

Many of Capleton's songs and most of his critics make mention of this blazing fire. Capleton hopes to clear up the confusion once and for all. "Is not really a physical fire. Is really a spiritual fire, and a wordical fire, and a musical fire. You see the fire is all about a livity. But is people get it on the wrong term. People get confused. So when a man say 'more fire' him think that mean say you fi go light the cane field or go light the church." Fire, Capleton explains, is a way of reminding one's brother that they are going astray. "That way a man know say him doing something wrong. That even give him the urge to know say, Yo check up on yourself. What you are doing is not right, or else him would say 'Fire fi dat', or 'Burn dat' or 'More Fire'. If we go check it back now," he continues, "fire is for the purification of earth, anyhow you check it. This earth itself have to even emerge from the literal fire also, which is the volcanic activity, we a talk bout lava. The hottest element to rise us in the morning is the sun. The water cleanse, but it's still the support from the fire that burn the water, burn out of the bacteria so the water coulda heal we fi cleanse. The herb heal, but it's still the fire fi burn the herb so the herb coulda heal we also."

By: Joseph Cunningham

Reigning Miss Jamaica World, Yendi Phillips, is still an increasing glow. She has been selected as the replacement for longstanding 'Digicel Rising Star' host, Denise Hunt.

Yendi shared with YardFlex, exactly how this, one of her latest successes, came about. There was an audition opened to an aspiring short-list of hosts, a routine which Yendi said was an exciting challenge.

"From my observation, the criteria for coping with the role was to have a vibe which would capture the attention of onlookers."

Further, she revealed that the significant challenge was script reading. A challenge, which was not just about one's reading ability, but rather about reading with style and purpose before a panel of judges.

Since then she has been busy with the auditions, working alongside Nadine Sutherland, Clyde McKenzie and the infamous Anthony Miller, with whom, she revealed, she has absolutely no problem 'meshing' with.

Word on the street is that Yendi has filled Denise Hunt's former slot extremely well, and has in fact brought her own brand as the host of 'Digicel Rising Star'.

The second annual staging of Jah Cure's CureFest has been put on hold. This move comes as a result of the numerous overseas engagements the artiste has. Since the staging of CureFest in October 2007, Jah Cure's career has grown by leaps and bounds and for the last six months Cure has been touring consistently.

Delmar Drummond, CEO Danger Promotions, explained the decision: "The demand for Jah Cure is extremely high right now. So many promoters from all over the world have been requesting him to perform. We decided to venture to Europe to give him more exposure there. Unfortunately the dates of the Europe tour coincide with the dates proposed for CureFest 2008. We are hoping that we still may be able to host CureFest after the Europe tour but we cannot be sure just yet. If not, we will definitely schedule it for next year as we are committed to making CureFest a calendar event in Jamaica. We apologize for all Cure fans who looked forward to CureFest this year."

CureFest 2007 was the 3-day event staged between Friday October 12 and Sunday October 14, and began with Jah Cure's birthday celebration dubbed Reflections at the Starfish Hotel. This was followed by 45 Cure's on Saturday October 13 at Pier 1, Montego Bay where Radio DJ's and sound systems came out to show their support. The event climaxed with the Longing For concert at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium on Sunday, October 14 where Jah Cure performed a full set for the 1st time in Jamaica in 8 years. Jah Cure will however, perform on Sumfest Reggae Night, Friday July 18 in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

This June Jah Cure will begin his first full European Tour. This will be the biggest tour Jah Cure has done to-date and will take him to all the major cities in Europe including states in Scandinavia.

The promoters of CureFest are assuring fans that when CureFest returns it will be bigger and better than its inaugural staging.

By: The Sensible One

Since the start of the year the murder toll in Jamaica is now close to the 700 mark. The murders seem to be escalating on a daily basis. It's time Jamaicans hold the powers that be responsibly to effectively deal with this new crisis facing Jamaica. Now is not the time to have conferences and talk about solutions, it's time to address the deep root of the problem so that Jamaica can once again go back to the beautiful country it once was.

Politicians and residents must stop providing a safe harbor for criminals, they have to come clean with what they know and help the police to effectively deal with it.

Cops must stop getting in bed with the same people they claim they are trying to capture. Unless corrupt cops realize the image of the country is far more important than making deals and padding their pockets, their co-workers will always be at risk.

Residents instead of protesting and shielding criminals must help the police in the fight to clamp down on these killers.

Girls who enjoy the thrill of spending and profiling with blood money, while washing the bloodied clothes must share the blame too.

This wave of crime affecting the country must stop...it's not a sole crusader job, it's an effort that must be shared by everyone. Of course citizens needs to once again have confidence in the police, but how can they when witnesses are disappearing on rapid, the fear is rampant that the same people they make the report to are selling them out to the perpetrators.

One thing is for certain, this cannot continue, it's time for all to play their part in curtailing this spiraling problem.

19-year old Christina and 17-year-old Lisa Brown were brutally murdered on Tuesday at their home when three men entered the premises on Henderson Avenue in Kingston and sprayed them with bullets.

The sight that greeted onlookers upon entering the room was Christina's lifeless body laid in a relaxed position with one of her legs on the window sill, while her sister was shot dead as she crouched with her hands over her face behind a chest of drawers. This would indicate the teens were begging for their lives as they met their demise.

The girl's mother, Donna Brown broke down and sobbed uncontrollable for her daughters even as church sisters tried to console her.

According to police reports the men were armed with 9mm pistols and they entered the house from the rear and shot the two sisters, then fired at their father before escaping in a gully behind the premises. Mr. Brown escaped injury.

It is also believed by investigating officers that one of the sisters is intimate with a man accused of being involved in a triple murder the week before in another community. The men came in search of that man and when he was not found they killed the two sisters instead.

Photographs Source: Jamaica Observer

Negril Village in Lower Manhattan is set to come alive on June 4th as 'Jamaica's Greatest, The World's Best' reggae festival - Reggae Sumfest - rolls into the Big Apple for the annual New York kickoff.

Media practitioners are invited to join sponsors and Summerfest Productions officials in marking the 16th year anniversary of the festival at a private event at Negril Village restaurant from 6:30 p.m. next Wednesday.

This year's Sumfest gets underway in Montego Bay, Jamaica from July 13-19, 2008, kicking off with a Beach Party on Sunday July 13th, featuring Classique and Danger Zone Records.

Executive Director of Summerfest Productions, Johnny Gourzong is especially thrilled at this year's line-up that includes some of the hottest dancehall acts on the reggae scene, including Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Voice Mail, Macka Diamond, Vybz Kartel, Harry Toddler, Busy Signal, Wayne Marshall, Elephant Man, Anthony B, Richie Spice, Queen Ifrica, Jah Cure, Tarus Riley and Etana.

She says, "If I can bring a light to something, I would have achieved everything I ever hoped for."

Cherine Anderson has come with a difference, not with the commercially viable, breast and bottom gyration, but instead, with deep, soulful music with a positive message.

Her current message, "Kingston State of Mind", is an appeal for civility, and a rebuke against the unjust. Whatever the message is, Cherine always delivers it with a positive connotation. Interestingly, this Reggae artiste, without exposing her body unduly, or without bragging about bedroom exploits, has been receiving international clout. Remarkably, a project done by world leading producers Sly&Robbie had her collaborating with Canadian mega-star Britney Spears for the song "Piece of Me".

She is a Jamaican actress and Dancehall/Reggae vocalist. Anderson's acting career began in 1997 with a role in the local classic "Dancehall Queen", she is also known for playing the character Serena in the 2003 Jamaican film, "One Love".

Anderson has worked and performed with musician Sly&Robbie, Sting, Bootsy Collins, Jimmy Cliff among others. She contributed to several IODA compilation releases prior to the success of her January 2006 single, "Good Love", which appeared on a compilation showcasing the rhythm of Jimmy Riley's "Love & Devotion".

"Good Love" appears on the 2008 Grammy nominated album "Anniversary" by Sly & Robbie and The Taxi Gang. In 2006, Anderson collaborated with Chuck Fenda on the single, "Coming Over", which rose to #1 on the Jamaican charts and remained on the Top 30 for 26 weeks. Anderson made her directorial debut in 2007 when directed the video for "Kingston State of Mind". The song would eventually top the Caribbean video charts and remain in the top 10 for 4 months. Wyclef Jean is featured on the remix to "Kingston State of Mind".

Anderson opened for Wyclef Jean in Tortola, British Virgin Island in 2007. She was a featured vocalist on Sly & Robbie and The Taxi Gang's US/Canadian tour in 2007 as well.

By: Dimples

1. Men are more emotional than you think, if they loved you at one point, it'll take them a lot longer than you think to let you go.

2. Men may be flirting around all day, but before they go to sleep, they always think about the woman they truly care about.

3. Boyfriends and men need to be reassured often that they are still loved.

4. Women are men's weaknesses.

5. If a man tells you about his problems, he just needs someone to listen to him. You don't have to give him advice.

6. A usual act that proves that a man really likes you is when he teases you.

7. Men love you more than you love them.

8. When a man says he is going crazy over a woman he really is. Men rarely say that.

9. When a man tells you that you're beautiful, don't say that you aren't. It makes them want to stop telling you because they don't want you to disagree with them. Just blush and accept the compliment graciously, then flirt with them.

10. When a man looks at you for more than a second he is definitely thinking something.

11. Don't be a b*tch. Guys can be intimidated and give up easily.

12. Not all men are jerks. Just because ONE is a jackass doesn’t mean he represents ALL of them.

13. When a man sacrifices his sleep and health just to be with you, he really, really likes you and wants to be with you as much as possible.

14. A man who likes you wants to be the only man you talk to.

15. Men go crazy over a woman's smile.

By: Dimples

When old people talk we mus listen. Dem always seh "not all that glitters is gold" and is true. Now imagine yuh meet a nice man and ting and decide to settle down. Before unu move in together all is well. Him buy yuh nice gifts, expensive clothes, mi a talk 'bout Gucci, Guess, Dolce & Gabanna etc. Him put yuh inna one criss Lexxus and just spoil yuh like milk. Now you a tink you must be the luckiest woman right now.

So after all this, yuh convince seh yuh find a good man; a man weh a go tek care of yuh so yuh decide fi go live wid him. Yuh a plan fi work still cauz at least yuh wa'an av sumting fi yuhself. So after yuh live wid the man yuh start realize dat him was a wolf in sheeps clothing. First of all the man tell yuh seh yuh affi stop work and stay home an look after the house. Anywey yuh a go him affi de deh. So yuh know seh no more going out wit friends. Yuh think that is all! De man change yuh phone number so everybody weh yuh use to know ca'an call yuh again. Den yuh realize seh him know everybody weh yuh talk to and weh yuh send message to and yuh a wonder how come. Only fi know seh de man ave a fren weh work a Digicel an him get a list and the conversation of everbody weh yuh call and text. And it only gets worse. Yuh know yuh ca'an get on him bad side cauz yuh know him ago buss yuh *ss. So if him seh jump yuh betta ask how high. So wen all dis a happ'n to yuh yuh a wonder if it really worth it.

Tell me weh unu think, is it really worth it to stay wid a man like this?

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Hon Bruce Golding, Prime Minister of Jamaica has reaffirmed his commitment in pursuing the the possibility of having Jamaicans overseas represented in the country's upper house of parliament, the Senate.

He made this speech to a capacity crowd last Wednesday in Birmingham. Mr Golding stressed that the time had come to examine how the Diaspora may actively contribute to decision making and governance in Jamaica.

Reinforcing a commitment he gave to explore the issue, when he visited the UK as Opposition Leader two years ago, he said a route would have to be found through the Senate, to facilitate the initiative. He added: "Our system of representation requires that your vote be ascribed to a particular constituency. The difficulty would be to decide which constituency would receive an individual's vote. That is a challenge but we could expand the Senate to provide for representation from the Diaspora."

The Prime Minister was addressing more than 1200 persons on the second leg of his four-city UK tour. As was the case in London the previous night, Mr Golding was received enthusiastically and held his audience spell-bound for just about two hours.

Speaking in a relaxed and engaging mode, Mr Golding thanked the audience for their contribution to the Jamaican economy, with a promise to tackle issues of concern for returning residents.

He explained Government's social intervention programmes aimed at redressing poor conditions in inner-city communities. "I have met with all the agencies concerned with improving life for our most vulnerable. They have been mandated to go into these communities and intervene. We cannot afford to be producing so many criminals. Every child that is born in Jamaica has the potential to achieve at the highest level. We have a responsibility to ensure that they do and we are treating it seriously. We are going into these communities on a rescue mission. We are saying to people, look, we know you have not been treated well but we are here to do something about it. People from our inner city will be treated with same urgency as those from upper St. Andrew. The potholes on their streets will be fixed; their garbage will be collected on time. We have to make people feel like a part of the Jamaican family once more."

The Prime Minister said the school leaving age for secondary students will be increased from 16 to 18, to ensure that young people achieve marketable skill levels. He outlined a plan to introduce the Heart/NTA training scheme at the secondary level to make vocational training more accessible.

He was applauded by members of the audience for his administration's health and education policies. Members of the audience sanctioned his administration's decision to introduce structured casino gambling.

Responding to a question about the reintroduction of capital punishment, Mr Golding said the matter would soon be taken to parliament for a conscience vote. "If the view of the House is that we should abolish capital punishment, we will. If it is that we should resume it, we will start hanging some people," he said to huge applause.

During his tour the Prime Minister walked through the community of Brixton in South London where he greeted Jamaican business leaders and other members of the community.

He also toured parts of Birmingham where he met members of the West Midlands community.

The Prime Minister was enthusiastically received in all the areas he has visited.

On Tuesday, May 20 the 2008 Flashpoint Film Festval was launched at the Ashanti Restaurant in Hope Gardens. Audiences were treated with a viewing of selected films as well as original performances from characters of the film, "Better Mus Come", by director Storm, which is set against the background of the political upheaval of 1970's Jamaica.

The release of the teen comedy "Candy Shop" by director Joel Burke is also highly anticipated.

Port Royal will be the new venue for the 2008 Festival, scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 5 - Sunday 7, at the historical sites such as Fort Charles and the Naval Hospital. Coleen Douglas, Communcation's Director of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust, who has fully supported the Festival commented that, "Port Royal's history is a major economic point for Jamaica and with the Flashpoint Film Festival there, it will draw peoples' attention to the earthquake of 1692 and the novelty of the pirates and the role they played in Jamaica's history...after the festival the centre will be available for private screenings and conferences."

There will be a Multimedia Centre at the Naval Hospital which will have the capacity to screen videos and multimedia projections. Short films can also be viewed during the day for the duration of the festival.

Mutabaruka has committed himself to air public screenings of films such as; Sankofa, Rockers, One Love, Africa Unite among others, in Port Royal's public square and for free on the Moble Movie Network.

Sean Kingston Issue release party wasn't 'Beautiful'

Bwoy di word from mi New York contact is dat Sean Kingston’s Issue release party by Squeeze di odda day was a big flop. If yuh neva mind sharp it coulda meck any artiste get suicidal. Di turn out low and wi undastan sey nuff a di people dme nuh waan support Kingston either.

Come on man, give a brotha a break.

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How Cedella Marley Booker get OD

Yeah, wi sey may har soul rest in peace and all dat, but wi still haffi question certain tings., Wi caan really undastan how she get Order of Distinction (OD) inna Jamaica. Meck wi talk up di tings dem. If dat be di case why Dennis Brown never get it. Dem really need fi list out di criteria dem and tell wi whey she did duh fi get it, just because she gi birth to di reggae king? Because when mi examine it, mi nuh si wha else she did duh?

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Can Mavado travel again

Best of the Best a dis weekend, suh it a meck mi wonda if Mavado a guh really get him tings properly sort out fig uh. No star dem really a guh hard afta di dancehall artistes dem. Dem hafif clean up dem tings proppa. Mi nah lie still it nuh look pretty out deh pon dem

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Talk up di tings

Bwoy Nationwide really let guh Miss Kitty. Mi haffi confess dat mi only did start listen to da station dey because mi hear people a talk bout dis woman whey nuh ramp fi talk up di tings and how she is like fresh air pon di radio. Den mi tune in and from dat mi nuh stop. But whey mi waan know is, which song she coulda play suh? Well, mi have a feeling mi a guh hear har voice soon pon one nex' radio.

By: Joan Wilson

It's full speed ahead where dancehall artiste Lady Saw is concerned. The female DJ is now engrossed in working on her next album and one thing she is promising is that it will be hot! "I don't know yet what the title will be, but I am working with several top producers such as Ward 21, Sly & Robbie, Skatta, Baby G, John John, Jazzy T among others," she told YardFlex in an interview.

Saw who is involved in a lot of projects with these producers says it will be quite a task selecting that final 16 tracks which will be making the cut for the album. Although she doesn't know yet what the final selections will be she is promising that it will contain something for every one. "It will have tracks with the kind of message 'No Less Than A Woman' gave, you know speaking to realities of life, and the fun stuff," she shared reassuring that her fans will definitely not be stuck with a boring repetitive album.

But for now she is not in any rush as she is having fun keeping her performance commitments and putting out singles in between. She told YardFlex of her upcoming single which she says will be 'mashing up the place'. The single in question "A Nuh Yuh Belly" is a jazzy, funny song that makes women with "protruding bellies" feel good about themselves!

According to Saw she has already given a sneak preview of this track during her performances and the women really love it. "The big belly song mad, it's gonna mash up di place!" Lady Saw enthusiastically commented about the upcoming single which is now in the mixing stage.

The lady DJ is working on two other singles which she says will definitely be making the cut for her next album they are "Belvedere Heights" and "Baby Take Your Time" which she describes as a very sexy song and currently she is doing a video shoot for that one.

Come July she will be going on an overseas tour and as much as she is anticipating this it is a bittersweet pleasure for her as she says for the first time in ages she will be missing Sumfest. But the love that she will be missing at Sumfest will be given back to her two fold when on her overseas tour as Saw says it's a different kind of energy performing for her Caucasian fans. "It makes me feel so special when those who are not your people responding to you on stage. They give you more time, pay attention to your lyrics, tell you your song really touched me," Saw revealed.

By: Dimples

Mi seh mi av a friend and she seh dat she meet dis cute guy. Him nice and ting and him look like summady she coulda par with. She wasn't looking for some one to settle down wid just someone to date. Anyways dem go out a couple a times. Him carry her go movies and party and she sey him know how fi av a good time. She think all was going well until him seh him ago introduce har to him close friend. She tink the man must rate her to wa'an introduce her to him paari.

So dem go watch a play de nite and she meet de fren. Could you guess and tell mi wah happen? She like off de man fren! But to how she stay she neva wa'an de man fi know and besides the fren was dere wit him woman. So she play it cool. She seh wen she go home de nite she a wonder why she like de man fren and why she neva meet him fuss instead.

About a week pass and she try fi figget de fren 'cause she know nutten couldn't gwaan. So it was Saturday and har man call har seh dem a go out. Wen de man come pick her up guess and tell me who in a the back a de car! No de fren and a different woman. Inna har mind she a wonder weh him odda woman deh. As de night a go on she realize seh de man was a big time playa. Him phone ring every five minutes and is a woman call everytime. Mi sure unnu a wonder how she know seh a woman call him everytime. But we all know seh a man don't talk to a woman the same way him talk to him brethren unless him a 'fish'. Every woman weh pass him a look pan dem wid flirty eyes. Mi fren was so mad. Fuss 'cause de woman sit down like a idiot and nah seh nutten like she 'fraid a him and 'cause she deh home a tink bout dis man weh neva like har and was a big time playa pon top a it.

By: Dave Lindo
Photography By: Milton Raynor



The Inseason, KLAS FM School Tour, season came to an exciting end last week at the final stop; the beautiful Runaway Bay Heart Hotel and Institution, in Runaway Bay, St. Ann.

It was excitement galore as the KLAS FM team, Tony Young, Alicia Anderson, DJ Kat and the crew touched down at the Runaway Bay Institute.

The students and members of staff were entertained by performances by the 'original mix up man' Black-er, Nesbeth, Dugsy Ranks, Alibra and Gospel Artiste; Junior Thompson.

Nesbeth had the crowd on their feet and singing along to songs such as "Board House" and "I Love Her". Nesbeth ended as strongly as he started and had the crowd asking for more as he sang his new release, "Guns Out".

Dusgsy Ranks ran up on stage and set the place on fire as he did his big hit song "Wifey" on the infectious Pepper Seed rhythm. Dugsy, through the big response from the crowd had to 'pull up' the song and start again.

It was sheer pandemonium as Black-er stepped on stage and unleashed his arsenal of 'mixup and blender' songs. The students, and yes, ... some members of staff, were jumping in the air as Black-er sang "Later Fi She".

Clothes were flying as Black-er went into "Tek Off Supp'n". The place erupted as Dusgy Ranks accompanied by a female student walked the 'run way' and showed the audience how to 'walk with attitude' as Black-er did the song of the same name.

Black-er ended on a high with songs such as "Now A Days Style" and "No Man Cah Mek Yu Pop Down".

Female singer Alibra showed true class and quality in her performance and with excellent voice range and control, captivated her audience.

Junior Thomspon set the place in a 'frenzy' as he led his audience through a series of praise and worship songs including "Standing On The Rock", "I Shall Not Be Moved" and "New Creation".

The students at Runaway Bay Heart Hotel and Institution gave as much as they got and held their own with some classic performances.

Chief among them were the Heart Of Flames Dancers, Kadene, popularly known as Fatty, who has a really wonderful voice. Producer of the KLAS FM, School Tour, Ms. Alicia Anderson was very upbeat when speaking about the series of school tours. "It has been a really wonderful experience," she said. "We started on January 17, at Kingston College, and went to schools such as Calabar, York Castle, Charlie Smith, St. Hughes, STETHS, St. Andrew Technical and here at Runaway Bay Heart Academy.

All the legs have been a huge success and we want to thank all the sponsors, from YardFlex, Inseason Juicies, Addidas and Pharmaton. Hats off to the hard working KLAS FM team who did a wonderful job."



The tour was well supported by local artistes such as Shane O, Anthony Cruz, Jah Mason, Etana, Dez I, Lenya Wilks, Nekeisha Barnes, Jodian Pantry, Nanko along with Blacker, Dugsy Ranks, Nesbeth, Alibra and Junior Thompson.

By: Dimples

Me always hear people a talk bout weh dem woulda do if dem find dem man and dem best friend together inna bed, but me neva know it woulda happ'n to mi a backside! Mi sey mi an' de man together fi five years and me know the girl fi 'bout six years. Me and she work a de same place and she know how much me really love de man. Me is a girl who neva know seh me coulda really love a man so much, the man really take care of me and the sex goooood me a tell yuh.

Now could you believe dat mi did have an assignment and mi did affi go Mo-Bay fi three days but the work was cut short and dem send me home a day early. Me couldn't get fi call him cause me know sey him deh pan night shift and him ca'an tek no phone call. So anyways, me reach home 'bout eleven o' clock de night and a expect to find an empty house. Little did i know dat him and me fren well ina my bed well lock dung.

Me have mi own key so mi open de door and dem neva hear when mi come in, but I was wondering how him gone a work and lef de music a play.

Dem time deh a some sweet love music a play. Anyways, wen I buss the room door mi se the two a dem well a moan an' a groan an' a carry on. The way me frighten me stand up and couldn't move. Me not even did realize seh dem se me. Yuh se wen me realize seh a him and me fren me couldn't decide who fi beat fuss. But mek me tell unu someting, i did give the two a dem a fine bus assing, me neva know a so mi culda fight. Up 'til dis day mi neva love another man and mi no know when mi ago do dat again. It hot trust me!

By: Dimples

"Money talks and bullshit walks" is a common term used by Jamaicans. Women no longer want "bruk pocket man". So men if you ain't rolling out inna yuh criss vehicle and have yuh money lock some women won't even bother to look your way. As Kartel's song says "Car man ina dem gal yah thought, dem change man like auto parts, no vehicle no romance". And me know some man can agree with him because some women nowadays just looking a man to con.

But the question still remains, can money really make a woman happy? Now you have some of these women who lucky fi find the money man dem, but dem a buss dem ass. Now a so some woman really love money that dem ago stay wid a man weh out fi kill dem? Now memba dis ladies, yuh no have no money fi yuh self yuh affi depend on the man fi everything yuh want. Some time me affi wonder if some women no like feel independent. Don't get me wrong me nah seh woman fid deh wid bruk pocket man but mek sure yuh have sumting fi yuh self so dat if the man run yuh or a buss yuh ass yuh can at least leave wit yuh dignity.

Me know seh a no every woman fortunate fi born wid money or have big job and the way Jamaica a run now it hard fi find a good job or get an education, but at least woman must try fi have sumting inna life. Me no know bout other woman but fi depend pan a man fi everyting no feel nice at all. So ladies, if yuh find a money man or yuh searching for one mek sure yuh av something can fall back pan.

Tell me weh unu think. Can money really make women happy?

'Future Fambo', exploded unto the Dancehall scene with the Kung Fu dance, on the Martial Art riddim in the early 1990s. Known as Future Troubles at that point, he emerged as a militant deejay who infused a good sense of humor.

In accordance with this image, he is ready to release his second album,Mada. The balance of humor and militancy is embedded in this album. According to Fambo, songs such as Run Di Place, which is basically blowing his own trumpet as a Fambo, is one of the people's favourite. Drunken Dance and Out will be on the new album.

Promotion has already begun prior to the release of the album in June. He has recently returned from a European Tour, during which he opened for main-act Bounty Killer. "I was well received on the tour". He said. Fambo is also set to travel to New York for a show, where he is slated to perform at Amazuru.

Interestingly, Fambo revealed in a recent interview that his recent hit, Drunken Dance has been banned in certain countries, because of a perceived glamorizing of alcohol addiction. Nevertheless,the popular phrase says, 'no publicity is bad publicity' and as such, Fambo, is currently in the spotlight.

Nevertheless, despite the many challenges, the entertainer says he will continue to work as he believes he still has what it takes to 'run di place'.

By: Dave Lindo

*new single 'Love You Anyway' to be released this summer.

Barbee is upbeat about her latest single, 'Love You Any Way', which is scheduled to be released in the summer. The song is sounding good and from all indications should do well for her on the international scene.

The song comes in her effort to take her career to a higher level. "It's a real lovely song, it was produced by Alicia Key's producer Sean Do," she disclosed. "It is a song that is dear to me. It's about when you are in a relationship you should stay true and just stick it out, just love him and don't bun him."

She added, "I just sat back and focused on my music. I saw where I needed to get back to basics. I started taking guitar lessons and voice training because I am preparing myself for the big times. I am looking at the different aspects of the business because that's where many people fail. They are stuck on the small things and miss the bigger picture."

Barbee disclosed that she is also doing acting lessons which was prompted by her getting some offers for the 'big screen'. "Some roles are on the table, some real big opportunities which I am excited about," she said.

Love You Any Way was done on an acoustic, one drop rhythm and will be included on her debut album. "For the album I am working with different producers including Beenie Man, who is the production manager for the project." Barbee explained. "I have a lot of songs working on, with different writers including Rihanna's writer and Alicia's (Keys) writer. We are just fitting the songs right now."

Commenting on the type of album it will be she said, "It's just world music, R&B, little rap, reggae music, that will have an international appeal."

For the summer Barbee will be making some appearances at some top events. "I have a lot of shows lined up, a lot of hip hop shows as well as shows with Beenie Man. I want to say thanks to the people who have supported me. Those who have shown me real love. I really appreciate it because they are the ones who have helped to build my career as an artiste."

Barbee burst on the music scene in 2006 with the big hit single Missing You, a combination with Junior Kelly which is still very popular throughout the world.

In 2007 Barbee made her mark scoring with songs such as Give It Up, a combination with Beenie Man, Candle Light, Paddy Cake among others.

At the EME Awards she won the New Female Artiste Of The Year and Collaboration Of The Year for the song Give It Up.

By: Jodi-Kaye Watson

Jamaica is an island full of talented people. Two such people are David Hayle and Jordan McClure who have formed their record label called, Chimney Records. The two have been friends since Preparatory school and both share the same passion and enthusiasm for dancehall music. After high school the two decided to create their own music and agreed to combine efforts to build their own label from scratch.

The goals of these talented young men have always been to make great music that will stand the test of time, music that people will enjoy as much as they do and to be remembered for that music. These two also aimed to achieve a level of success that would be inspirational to others.

Currently the two are working on several projects, including, Soul Seeka Riddim, featuring "Tell Dem" by Bounty Killer and Einstein and songs by Vybz Kartel, Bramma, Black Rhino and others. They are also working on albums for Vybz Kartel, Bramma and Einstein and have several new singles to be released soon.

Working with these artistes has given David and Jordan a new level of respect for their talent, professionalism and creativity. The most memorable project for Chimney Record to date was the project done with Bounty Killer. The two have looked up to and respected the 'Killa' from they were kids.

Everybody who is involved in the music business must look up to someone. These two talented young men look up to not only Bounty Killer but also Vybz Kartel, Sean Paul and Delly Ranx. The two wish to work with Sean Paul, Junior Gong, Mavado, Busy Signal, 50 Cent, Rick Ross, T-Pain, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige and Busta Rhymes, just to name a few. These two have big dreams and with their determination and persistence we know they will achieve all that they want to.

David and Jordan have a few words for youngsters who dream of having their own record label, "Make good music, believe in yourself and make things happen and never let failure be an option". This is really good advice for young talented people.

Be sure to look out for David Hayle and Jordan McClure, (the founders of Chimney Records). They are taking Jamaica by storm.

Photography By: Milton Raynor

YardFlex would like to send a special earthday greeting to Chat reporter Cecelia Campbell-Livingston. We wish for you God's richest blessings on your day and all the best in life.

Much Love from the Staff at YardFlex.

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Kingston, Jamaica:-- Western Jamaica got a premier serving of the trendiest and hippest fashion affair, Fashion Block, Montego Bay, on Saturday, May 3, cost free. Over 10,000 massive came out to view this phenomenal occasion, courtesy of international fashion expertise of the Saint International team.

"The Menswear fashions were a big hit with the audience, as well as the Dexter Pottinger's Digicel couture pieces," said a satisfied Deiwght Peters, CEO of Saint International. "It was also much bigger than the previous ones, with over 12,000 high energy persons witnessing the iconic event".

Fashion Block is normally accommodated over the Easter weekend but this year's event was not at all affected by this change. "I think the timing this year made this year even better than the previous Fashion Blocks we've had in Montego Bay, and the support received from their business sector, especially those on Gloucester Avenue, truly propelled the success of this year's event," commented Peters.

With a sharp eye for talent, Peters grasped the opportunity to recruit two new young ladies (Melanie Ribbe and Ann Marie Lumsden), who were offered Saint contracts right then and there. Peters hopes to groom them into the success stories of top international model Canise Campbell, who won the very first Faces of Summer competition and was also discovered in Montego Bay.

Next year, Fashion Block MoBay will be an even grander spectacle and is anticipating getting even more support from the business sector of Montego Bay. But special thanks goes out to Digicel, Sunday Herald, Zip FM, Linkz 96 FM, TVJ Electrotech, Ping 's Fabric, Nationwide Radio, Knutsford Express, Mitsubishi, Coral Cliff, The Brewery, Tony's Pizza and Wexford Court.

With the rational and objective of introducing Western Jamaica to local designers, Fashion Block, Mo'Bay is indeed becoming a worldwide calendar event, and this year, it also marked the countdown of Saint International's flagship event, STYLEWEEK, which is scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 22 – Sunday, May 25, 2008.

Morgan Heritage has knocked Elephant Man from the number one spot on the Billboard Top Reggae Albums Chart. Morgan Heritage is now sitting comfortably in the number one position with Mission In Progress while the Energy God slipped to number three position with Let's Get Physical.

The number two position is now occupied by Stephen Marley with Mind Control. Collie Buddz who was number two last week is now in fourth position with his self titled album, while Rebel Souljaz once again rounds off the top five with Nothing To Hide. Ky-mani Marley and Shaggy are still standing firm.

Ky-mani is in the sixth position with Radio and Shaggy's Intoxication is in eigth position. Veteran entertainer Barrington Levy has entered the chart for the first time with his album which was placed in the number 10 slot, Teach The Youth.

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By: Joseph Cunningham

From the bowels of poverty comes a continuous flow of Dancehall superstars, who record songs idolizing and paying tribute to their mothers' for the guiding hands they provided amidst innumerable negative elements in the ghetto.

The number of songs celebrating "mama" in the Dancehall is too many to mention, however, they all standout.

"Grammy Kid" Shabba Ranks made Mama Christie nationally renowned, from as early as the 1980s. Deejay Merciless said, "Mama's Cooking" is the greatest, while Bounty Killer has made mention of Miss Ivy in so many huge hits, that she is internationally renowned.

On the eve of another Mothers' Day, YardFlex made a link with a number of leading Dancehall acts to have them share their sentiments for Mama.

In an emotional response singing sensation, Serani said, "As the message in my new song, "Mama Still Hungry" purveys, I just want to repay my mother for all she has done for me. I think there is no better way to do this, than to make her live a life of comfort, hence putting an end to her struggles."

Tarrus Riley wishes health and strength for his mother. David Haile (Chimney Records) said, "thanks mom for all the support, I love you and happy mothers day." Further, Bugle said, "I wish my mother could live forever."

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Curry Festival in Westmoreland was a sell off event. The massive turned out to enjoy the sumptuous treats that were available. Everything that could be curried was curried and it seemed that's just the way the massive crowd wanted it as they flocked every available stall on the compound.

The day was about sampling, chatting, kicking back and just having fun. The vibes continued like that until it was showtime. The Mannings Chorale delighted with their sweetly blended voice, earning themselves some enthusiastic cheers.

The 'Jamaican Michael Jackson' managed to inject some laughter – couldn't tell if they were laughing at the act or because of their antics. DJ Nicholas was a sure winner as he injected some spiritual energy into the crowd going into some of his popular numbers such as What Kind of Church Is This, Mi Waan One Soul and others. By the time he was through the crowd seemed totally satisfied.

Jodian Pantry really 'bruk out' now. She called up a male volunteer on stage and 'wine pon him' as she sang. The crowd seemed to like the bit of excitement and when the Digicel Rising Star second placed winner left the stage, she had made her mark.

Stacious held her own with the crowd with some biting lyrics. Bugle only seemed to make that connection when he drew for What Am Gonna Do, Chris Martin was Mr. Confidence as he easily took command of the crowd especially the ladies who he had eating out of the palm of his hand. In between acts selectors from Vibes and Links FM did their thing, but one had to wonder if they weren't dragging out that stint because some of the artistes were not at the venue yet.

After a really long selecting stint surprise guest artiste Prodigal Son took the stage. He was a bit hit. He made way for the final act of the night Munga Honourable who took the curtains down on the eight staging of Curry Festival.

Preparations for Reggae Sumfest 2008 is definitely in full swing, despite Red Stripe's move to withdraw their sponsorship after a seven-year stint as title sponsor.

Dicigel, Ocean Spray and Air Jamaica, JTB and VP Records have once again signed on as major sponsors of the event. While for the first time, Supreme Ventures has signed on as a Silver sponsor, Red Bull has come on board as a Gold sponsor and Jamrock Magazine as a Platinum sponsor. The disclosures were made by Marcia McDonnough of Touch Stone Production and Marketing, which represents for Reggae Sumfest.

Reggae Sumfest in its 16th year will run from July 13-19. As usual, the festival will kick off with the beach party at Tropical Beach on Sunday, July 13, featuring top sound systems. On Thursday, July 17 top dancehall performers will energize the full capacity crowd, while Friday and Saturday will continue the tradition of offering the finest reggae singers and bands, alongside top international stars.

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By: Jodi-Kaye Watson
Photography By: Milton Raynor

It was another week of the KLAS Stay in School Tour. This week roads lead to Central High School in the beautiful parish of Clarendon. The auditorium was full of energetic students ready to be entertained. Apart from the many artistes who were present to entertain, the students had Inseason juice drinking competitions and hot juggling from DJ Kat. DJ Kat played much to the students delight and they were not afraid to show off their dance moves. They showed much enthusiasm to Mavado's "On the Rock" and Erup's "Click Me Fingers".

After all this excitement, there was still more to come. Among the artistes that stood out were Nesbeth, Baby Chris, Blacker and Dugsy.

Nesbeth did a memorable performance including songs like "Board House Bun Dung" and "Guns Out This Morning". The students knew the words to both songs and they basically took over the performance.

Baby Chris had brought the energy and rocked the house. His hit "Ring Ding Ding" had the students dancing and singing. He also brought a new song "I Like To Move It". We will be listening out for that.

Who better to close the show than a veteran and the girl's defender. Blacker and Dugsy kicked up a storm. The female students especially enjoyed their performance. They got songs like "When Wifey Come Out" and "Tek Off Sumting". The female students were satisfied.

Everyone left satisfied and wanting more.

By: Joseph Cunningham

In Dancehall circles, the name DeMarco brings to mind an artist with a great lyrical gift. The way that he flows and rhymes is very infectious.

He has surged up the ranks with his bonafide hits, "Fallen Soldiers" and "Duppy Know Who Fi Frighten." The latter has caught the attention of international record label, Koch, which is the same stable for international stars like Sean Kingston and Ray J. The cross over appeal of Fallen Soldiers has given DeMarco a three album deal with the label.

That aside, there is a certain revelation that caught YardFlex totally by surprise during our interview with the singjay.

DeMarco is actually multi-talented! Speaking with his manager and having received confirmation from producers concerned, we found out that DeMarco is actually responsible for creating all the hottest current rhythms in Reggae music.

He began making this trek with the Side Walk University rhythm, which features Vybz Kartel's "Beyonce Wine". His dominance is now unparalleled, because he has in his catalog, the Mission rhythm featuring Mavado's "On The Roc" and Junior Gong and Stephen Marley's rhythm track, "Mission."

DeMarco created the Black Rain, featuring Busy Signal's "Pon Di Edge," The Warring 2008 Rhythm, featuring Mavado's "Money Changer," the Gang War rhythm featuring Junior Gong's "One Loaf of Bread" and the Shoot Out rhythm, featuring Mykal Rose's "Police and Thief."

With a deep-seated passion that engulfs his persona, this young man stands out from the rest. With an intense love and enthusiasm for every aspect of the music business – from producing to songwriting to deejaying to engineering – Demarco has his fingers on the pulse of almost every genre of the infectious rhythms of the world. Whether it's reggae, dancehall, hip-hop or R&B, Demarco has written and produced for the best of them. Top names like Olivia, Styles P and Sean Paul have experienced his producing skills, while Bounty Killer and others have put vocals to his lyrics; and in between all that Demarco still finds time to do combinations with other artists and record his own songs!

Born in Portmore, St. Catherine, Demarco is a past student of Ardenne High School. Growing up, he used to 'play around' on a sound he and his friends created called Future Disco. It was during that time that he found out he had a great love of music. That soon led to his performing on almost every community event in his Portmore area. At age 15 he would go to Cactus nightclub and perform every at chance he got.

In 1998, Demarco migrated to the United States...New York to be exact, but he never lost his desire to be involved in the music business. He soon moved to Baltimore where he hooked up with a friend who taught him the intricacies of creating music by showing him how to mix, use the keyboard, sequence and all that complicated stuff. Demarco was so excited about learning about this other aspect of the music business that he was determined to someday produce music. However, with no funds and just a dream, Demarco started doing whatever jobs he could get in order to buy the needed equipment, one piece at a time, to set up his own studio. Soon he had all the equipment he needed to build rhythms. And that he did; night and day, in between jobs, not getting any sleep, or food for that matter...sustaining himself with only the prospect of creating a wicked riddim. When he was through with each masterpiece, he would sell the beat to rap and dancehall artistes and at other times he gave them away in a bid to promote his talent.

It worked! It really did! All those long, hard, sleepless, foodless hours in his customized home studio began to pay off. Demarco started to get attention from artists and managers who wanted him to build rhythms for them, but with limited cash, it was challenging to take his talent to that other level.

Little did he know that his luck was about to change. A friend who was quite impressed with his talent introduced him to Star Kutt Music. The principals behind the company checked out his work and immediately decided that he was worth the investment.

Demarco has not looked back since. Demarco and Star Kutt became synonymous. He began working harder than before, putting out a lot of boom rhythms in keeping up with his full calendar of commissions. He created rhythms for Styles P and Free from 106 & Park, as well as having two rhythms on Elephant Man's 'Good 2 Go' album. He also made numerous beats alongside The Soul Diggaz who are signed to Missy Elliot and were involved in the production of her last three albums.

In between creating rhythms, Demarco found the time to pen lyrics for other artists including Bounty Killer; "Warlord Reloaded" and "Hey Sexy Baby." He has also lent his vocals on a combination with Bounty Killer titled as well as Sizzla titled "Kings and Queens." Further, he has also done combinations "Them Again."

By: Jodi-Kaye Watson

The Best Dressed Chicken 50 Fest was indeed a major success. The two day celebration brought out saved and unsaved from all denominations. It was an event for the whole family. Persons left high spirited and wanting more.

The show started in the mid day with fun and excitement for the children. At 5:30 pm, it was time for the artistes to perform. Whoever said that Christians and Gospel music are boring was proved wrong. On Saturday the crowd saw the likes of Chevelle Franklin, DJ Nicholas and Israel.

Chevelle's love for God and Gospel music could be seen through her spirit filled performance. DJ Nicholas who performed for a whopping thirty minutes kept the crowd dancing to songs like "Naah Bow", "Holy Ghost Church" and "Back 2 The Owner" just to name a few, from his album "On The Shout". Even after a thirty minutes performance the crowd still wanted more. Israel who was visiting Jamaica for the first time brought the show to a close. His song of worship and praise reminded the audience that although they were there to have a good time they should still be giving God the praise.

Sunday was another exciting day. The crowd was graced with the presence of Prodigal Son, Papa San and Carlene Davis. Prodigal Son who is known for giving a high energy performance lived up to his previous performances. His songs "Blessings" and "Lava Ground" just to name a few had the crowd enjoying themselves in the Lord. Papa San and Carlene Davis who are two of the veterans of Jamaican Gospel music also had the crowd dancing and giving God the praise.

All in all this was a spirit filled concert which brought happiness, restoration, revival and new souls to the kingdom of God. If you were not there you really missed something.

Da'Ville keeps rising. The crooner has now stretch his talent to the 'Mother Land' Africa. He now has a number one song on the Kenya's Top 40 Reggae Chart with 'Dreaming'.

The song is on the 1-9 rhythm produced by Jamaica's famous Robert Livingston from the Big Yard label. His latest single 'Yesterday' continues to do justice for the singer's career. It is positioned on Richie B's Top 20 Reggae Chart at #1,. Ascending to #8 on Hype TV Top 20 Singles Chart and #2 on RE TV's Top 20 Reggae Chart. Entertainment pundits are predicting that, at the pace the song is moving, in a couple of weeks it could be in the top 5 position on all the major charts. The single and video are enjoying heavy rotation locally and internationally.

Da'Ville has a rather hectic schedule of activities slated for the month of May. On May 3 and 5th he will be performing in Grenada and Antigua respectively, with all the other events slated for the U.S. On May 10, he will be in Washington DC, and then on Sunday, May 11, it will be at the "Queen of The Sea" event in Queens, New York.

He will be in Hawaii for a two-day stint on May 17 and 18 at Reggae on the Rocks in Maui, then moves on to Atlanta on May 22, where he will make an appearance on the Atlanta Carnival 10th Annual Flag Party.

Next will be Brooklyn, New York on May 25, where he will perform at the Soca Symphony '08, culminating with his final show at the West Indian Social Club in Hartford, Connecticut where he will perform at Stone Love & Da'Ville's "Girls Call".

The members of the GLK Entertainment Group, the official promoters of Mello Vibes and Yesterday, have distanced themselves from popular promoter Roderick Reid who they say resigned from the organization almost a year ago.

"Rodrick Reid was never a promoter of Mello Vibes, however he was a promoter of Yesterday, and had a minor share in that event. For some time, he has not been actively involved in the promotion of that show. He had resigned from the GLK Entertainment group because of 'creative differences'. The promoters of GLK promoters, in no shape or form condone any act between anyone of the same sex, and condemn categorically any act of molestation and exploitation of children," Gyete Ghartey, who is a partner of the group, said in a release issued today.

Popular party promoter Rodrick Reid will appear before the courts today to answer charges of indecent assault and gross indecency after administering alcohol to a minor with the intent of committing an indictable offence. He is accused of molesting a boy who was under his supervision

"Reid is accused of crimes committed in his capacity as a probation officer. He has not been involved in Yesterday for several months. While Mello Vibes, an event he is not affiliated with, is geared towards adults, young people don't come to our event, it is catered to an older demographic. Reid never played a role in the promotion of Mello Vibes," Mr. Ghartey said.

The direct promoters of Mello Vibes and Yesterday are Omar Perrin and Gyete Ghartey. Both events are skewed towards an older demographic where songs from 70s, 80s, and 90s dominate the turntables.

"The allegations against Rodrick Reid are unfortunate, but everyone is innocent until proven otherwise so we are waiting the final decision of the courts," Ghartey concluded.

Junior Reid's signing with The Danger Zone Music Group / SoBe Entertainment will soon bear fruit with the impending release of his latest album: "Junior Reid: The Living Legend," to be released through The Danger Zone Music Group/SoBe Entertainment and Leak Records.

The album features tracks such as "Mo Money," "This Is Why I'm Hot" (remix), "Black Roses" and "Bullet." It has already been featured in Rolling Stone Magazine.

Junior Reid will soon release his new single "Don't Play Me Dirty," also off the upcoming album.

Beginning his career in the late 1970s when he released tracks such as "Human Nature," "A1 Lover" and "See How Me Black See How Me Shine," Junior Reid has now begun writing a new chapter is his impressive musical history.

Over the years Junior Reid has widened his horizons; his vocals have been used extensively on the hip hop scene. Noted for his collaboration with West Coast hip hop artist The Game, on the Billboard hit "It's Okay (One Blood)," Reid has also appeared on 'Mims' "This Is Why I'm Hot" (Remix), Fabolous' album "From Nothin' to Somethin'" on the track "Gangsta Don't Play" and Fat Joe's track "More Money," to name a few.

On November 18, 2007, Reid made another great step in his musical career when he performed alongside Alicia Keys at the 2007 American Music Awards and is also featured on a remixed version of Alicia Keys' single "No One."

Most recently, Junior Reid has done a track with Danger Zone/SoBe Entertainment recording artiste Jah Cure titled "Hot Long Time" and it was through this collaboration that the alliance between Junior Reid and Danger Zone/SoBe Entertainment was created.

Della Danger, CEO, Danger Zone Music Group, said, "We have been in the music business together for many years admiring each other's work. Through the "Hot Long Time" collaboration we were able to strengthen each other and out of that project came Reid's signing with The Danger Zone Music Group /SoBe Entertainment. As our creed states; Unification Through Music and through this unity we strengthen Junior and he strengthens us."

Photography By: Milton Raynor

Below are scenes from the event:

By: Joseph Cunningham

Top New York radio personality and head of Dahved Levy Promotions Inc, Dahved Levy, in partnership with title sponsors, CaribbeanFever.Com will stage the third 'ICONS'- Mother's Day Reggae Festival, featuring - Buju Banton, Barrington Levy, Super Cat and Friends on Saturday, May 10, 2008.

The Wamu at Madison Square Gardens which has a capacity seating of six Thousand, will house the event.

According to Dahved, "Patrons are booking flights and have been flying in from different countries and across different states in the U.S." He added that, "People have not seen Super Cat in action for a long time and this has created a major buzz about the show."

Levy asserted that in a continued effort to produce a classic and classy concert series, CaribbeanFever.Com brought three icons of reggae music together to compliment each other on one stage in mainstream territory.

"Part of our goal has been to move Caribbean music away from its usual community enclaves and into halls of prestige all across America," says Levy, who is host of the number one Caribbean Fever Show on 107.5 WBLS in New York. "This is necessary support for our aim to take our Caribbean music and culture to the next level in order to compete with other genres of music," he adds.

This showcasing of the Caribbean's musical icons began last year when CaribbeanFever.Com produced what was described as a phenomenal concert that featured Shabba Ranks, one of reggae music's first crossover artists and Buju Banton.

CaribbeanFever.Com then produced other highly successful shows such as 'Soca In The City' featuring Machel Montano thereby gaining acclaim as an organization of excellence.

"All CaribbeanFever.Com shows are always full of surprises," says Levy. "For instance, in last year's reggae icons in concert, the featured artists were Buju and Shabba. However, there were guest appearances by other artists including Lady Saw, Tony Matterhorn and Da'Ville.

Similarly, in the two previous sold-out Machel Montano concerts, fans were treated to surprise appearances from his friends, the likes of: Busta Rhymes, Doug E. Fresh, Shaggy, Mighty Sparrow, David Rudder and Pit Bull.

This year's ICONS concert will feature a special guest appearance by emerging artist, Kayla Bliss.

Photography By; Milton Raynor

Below are photos from the E.O.C Holy Trinity Church Jamaica:

Ce'Cile has teamed up with renowned producer Scott Storch in collaboration with Beenie Man on the track titled So Fly. The track is as a result of the relationship with Danger Zone and SoBe Entertainment.

Storch, known for his wicked instrumentals and credited with hits such as Lean Back by Fat Joe, Candy Shop and Just a Lil' Bit by 50 Cent as well as Baby Boy by Beyonce and Sean Paul, has also produced for a variety of artistes including Dr. Dre, Fat Joe, Nelly, Jadakiss, Christina Aguilera, Nas, Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, Beyoncé, Brooke Hogan, The Game, Chamillionaire, Chris Brown and many more.

"I have known Scott Storch for a while, he is really cool. I did the So Fly song to a hip hop beat at SoBe while he was producing Brook Hogan; Beenie heard the song and loved it and we decided to collaborate on it after which Scott decided it would be more authentic on a dancehall beat which made it even cooler. I think the song will be accepted by regular Ce'Cile fans and will help me to continue making an impact on the international market" Ce'Cile commented.

Photography By: Milton Raynor

Below are photos from the event:

Last night Macka Diamond made her debut on Royal Palm Estate and we must say she did a great job too. Hmm wonder if we will be seeing more of the DJ in this type of scenario. But that's not the only thing that is occupying her time right now. She was summoned the US Embassy as a special guest performer at their benefit concert in aid of Children First Center in Spanish Town, which is a youth-centered non-governmental organization which operates in the heart of Spanish Town, and helps educate at risk youth children between the ages of 10 and 18.

It all started last December with the Salvation Army School for the Blind, where Macka Diamond and her company, DiamondDistrict Ja. alongside Island Grill, joined forces to give an unforgettable Christmas treat to over 130 students, which comprised of a live performance from the Money Goddess herself, who then played Mrs. Claus and presented them all with gifts. It didn't stop there, because Macka was just at the Mico Teachers' College lending a helping hand to the Student Council Body and their fundraising efforts, by delivering yet another one of her memorable performances.

Then it was Kim Cole from Shortwood Teachers' College who reached out to the Money Goddess and her Company for some much needed assistance in their fundraising efforts to renovate their school's netball and tennis courts. But with all that said, being summoned by The US Embassy may very well be the biggest request to lend a helping hand yet for the Money Goddess. "I wouldn't say that," starts Macka, who goes on to explain that helping is helping, and it is always important to assist, regardless who is making the request. The event took place on Saturday at US Embassy Atrium.

Althea Hewitt, formerly of the Fourth Street Sisters has just completed the video-taping of her first music video. This music video is for her recorded version of the song "The Love That A Woman Should Give To A Man", produced by Ervin 'Alla' Lloyd and John Alexander. The song was a big hit for the late Phyllis Dillon and was originally recorded by Patti Drew. The song now called "I'm ready" by Althea's friends because of its newly arranged chorus has been getting good airplay and those who have heard it love it.

"I wanted to do my version of the song because it is a song I really love and one that I grew up with" Althea told YardFlex. Producers Lloyd and Alexander thought it a great idea and decided to produce it with a 'year two thousand and eight' rhythm track, giving Althea the freedom to add her jazz style of vocals to it. Musicians on the recording are Winston 'Bopee' Bowen and Steve Golding guitars; Ervin 'Alla' Lloyd and John Alexander on keyboards, Howard 'Spred' Bedasse on bass, backing harmonies were done by the John Alexander (who also created the drum tracks) and the legendary Boris Gardner.

In the video Althea's leading man is Kirk Headley. Kirk is an international model and appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show in 1999 having been voted second in a contest for the sexiest man in the Caribbean. Most of the video location shots were done at 10A West Kings House Road, a home that once belonged to the late Perry Henzel who created and filmed the famous movie 'The Harder they come'.

Commenting on the direction of her debut album Althea said, "I will pay respect to other female Reggae artistes like Phyllis Dillon, Marcia Griffiths, and Cynthia Schloss. So I will be including some of their songs". Althea's debut CD on the VP's International label should be out somewhere in August or September

Ele in Africa

Yeah man, it look like all di artistes dem haffi return to dem roots and figet di country dem whey a lick out dem lyrics. See deh Elephant Man deh pon one big street jam a Africa and it come een like sey di people dem caan wait fi log on to him performance. A Kampala biggest street jam and it name Smirnoff Rave Street Jam. Back to Africa me sey.

-------------------------------

Big tings a gwaan fi Mavado

Whey dem a duh, whey dem a try...Mavado a still di DJ...unno nuh hear sey dem name him 'Best New Reggae' artiste on Rolling Stone Magazine...outa a all a 125 plus people, places and tings. Yeah, unno fi know sey that is not nuh jing bang recognition. So wha if dem tun him back from States? A nuh nutten dat...tings still a gwaan fi di DJ.

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Assassin tuh!

Speaking of dancehall, DJ Assassin duh one collaboration wid American superstar Usher for the remix of 'Love In The Club' and it feature Young Jeezy and YardFlex undastan sey it will officially kick off Usher's latest album whey name 'Here I Stand' fi June 2008. Fi real, a like di vibes whey a gwaan inna di dancehall. It worth fighting for...nuh true.

---------------------------

Akon Signs Tami Chynn

YardFlex understands that Akon bought out Tami Chynn's contract from Universal Records. She is presently signed to his label Geffen Records and they just finish shooting the video for the single 'Frozen'.

Their seriousness mixed with a touch of humour, and a skill at riding a riddim, somewhat similar to that of a young Shabba Ranks, have set the duo Dohlance and Saylah in a class above the rest.

The two have been creating waves on the local entertainment scene with outstanding performances since the start of the year at shows such as Spectrum, Follow Di Arrow and Mountain Dew Stunt Festival. As a testimony to their on-stage performances, they have been receiving rave reviews and garnering more fans on each occasion. Dohlance and Saylah have also made a name for themselves at the Crowing of Shane-O, Galidaz Bounce and Spring Break.

A few weeks ago at Spring Break, the duo created much excitement when they performed in the midst of Dancehall's biggest acts. What should have been a short stint was extended into a six-song set, as the duo was called back for encore after encore. Their popular songs in the Dancehall are currently, "Be Yuh Please," "Wine Pon Me," Yuh Look Good," "Buck Yuh," "Slap It," and "Give It Up."

In an interview with YardFlex, Dohlance revealed that he and his team-mate are focused on making their mark in the industry in 2000&LOVE. "We are in the laboratory developing our unique sound, because that's one of the tings that the people really love about us," Dohlance explained

Dohlance and Saylah will be featured on a soon-to-be-released Reggae compilation album, produced by the production company, Rise Above It International, based in Toronto, Canada. The duo has three songs on the album which, will feature 40 artistes, predominantly foreign Reggae acts.

Born Norwayne Hills (Dohlance) and David Reynolds (Saylah), the two met at a show in 2002 and have been performing together ever since. Dohlance, who is 24 years old, hails from Trelawny, where he was introduced to music by playing the drums and keyboards in church. Being shy was his greatest obstacle, as he realized his talent involved delivering his performances for huge audiences. With the support he received from friends and family, he finally conquered his fears.

Saylah who is 21 years old is from Mavis Bank in St.Andrew. He also discovered his talent in the church and started penning his own songs from the age of 13, drawing inspiration from artistes Sizzla Kalonji and Bounty Killer.

Since teaming up with their manager Palmer G in 2004, the duo has been doing numerous recordings at the Vendetta, Orange Hill and Di Endzstudios.

Their big break occurred with the release of the single "Wine Pon Me", which struck a responsive chord with the massives and was given power play on radio in the latter part of 2007. The accompanying video received heavy rotation on RE TV, Hype TV, Portmore Cable Channel, Music Plus and even on youtube. Their songs can be heard internationally in dollar vans in New York, the clubs in Canada, United Kingdom and Japan.

Dohlance and Saylah are taking advantage of the increased momentum on their career, and promise to make 2000LOVE a very big year for them.

You can check out their myspace pages http://
www.myspace.com/dohlanceand http://www. myspace.com/saylahman

By: Bridgett Anderson

The Mas Camp was transformed recently into the likes of an 'old time' dance hall with two sound systems Jammys, from Waterhouse and Scorpio from Marverly along with a host of artists from the 80's. It has often been said that 'good music will stand the test of time' and this magnanimous Horseman production proved this.

The star-studded line up did not disappoint the patrons who were there to enjoy this musical treat. Juggling by Black Scorpio was reminiscent of the 80's with selections being drawn by artists both here with us and those who have passed on.

Couples were seen doing the good old 'rub-a dub' a rare scene in the 21st century dance hall.

Just past midnight, it was show time and MC for the evening, Shaka Fame got the live action started. Every performer was in full form that evening and the only female on the bill shone as brightly as always. Lady G, with her voice consistently as strong as ever, delivered all those back in the day hits of hers, while others like: Courtney Melody, Admiral Tibet and Burro Banton brought the audience on a fantastic and nostalgic memory lane ride.

Belting out a slew of hits, these back in the day hit-makers proved they were up in years but definitely not cold. Burro Banton jumped and pranced from one side of the stage to the other and even offered up one of his newest hot tracks. John Wayne joined him on stage dressed for guerrilla warfare; and he came, fought and conquered with his musical contribution.

Mr. Fresh Flourgan belted out his 80's hits and had the crowds singing along with him. He took a moment to reflect on the state of the music today.

When the "Cool Ruler" Gregory Isaacs hit the stage, his hat 'kotched' on his head; he seemed to only whet the crowd's appetite with three of his hits; leaving them wanting for more. Gregory came back however, with a one line encore, singing "Lets Give It a Try."

Comedian Professor Nuts, juggled more than one song on the same riddim. He paid tribute to Nicodemus who had passed on and was his teacher; then Jammys and Scorpio took the stage for the 'Final Chapter'. Shaka flipped the coin and it was time for Jammys to kick things off with the play off dub for dub. Jammys appeared to be under pressure this time around and drew selections from out of the 80's but all in all the night belonged to Scorpio who finally nailed Jammys with Calypso Rose's dub. It was clean fun and good music for everyone to enjoy.

Admiral Bailey started off the second segment of Giants Of The 80's. He experienced some technical difficulties with the microphone and when fixed, he explained, "When tings not going right for you, you must know when to quit." And that he did, after his short but spicy set, showing the crowd that he still got it.

The festival man himself Tinga Stewart represented well, as did the melodious crooner, Sanchez, whose voice was sounding sweeter than ever. He sang all the old time favourite church choruses. "It is always a pleasure to listen to this artist," one audience member said. Sanchez invited Galaxy P to do a number, after which he ended his amazing Set.

The final performer for the morning was the Grammy man himself Mykal Rose. His signature sound cannot be mistaken and although quite a few people had already left Mas Camp, those remaining thoroughly enjoyed Rose's set.

This production brought out patrons like: a favourite lovers rock crooner Beres Hammond; Jimmy Riley, Donovan Germain and Leggo - just to name a few.

YardFlex congratulates Horseman for doing a production like this to bring back the vibes of the old days, where people went out, danced and enjoying themselves without fear. Nuff respect.

By: Joseph Cunningham
Photograph By: Milton Raynor

Legendary Reggae songbird and former member of the Bob Marley led I-Threes, Marcia Griffiths has scored with a number one hit song in the United States of America.

YardFlex made the discovery whilst interviewing Marcia via telephone at her home in Jamaica. In the current Jamaican music industry where Dancehall and its artists appear to rule all local charts, the work of the stars from the past often goes virtually un-noticed.

Nevertheless, Marcia Griffiths has scored with "I Told You So," on the South Florida Reggae Chart in Miami. She added that the song also peaked at number two on the New York Reggae Chart.

"The song is a love song, which tells the tale of a woman, who after leaving her unappreciative ex-partner, is now telling him that she had warned him that she would somehow find the strength to move on," Marcia explained.

In related news, she is currently working on an album titled, "Marcia and Friends," which will feature many of the contemporary Dancehall era's biggest stars. "I appreciate everybody in the [reggae] music, despite the message in some of the music being released, the fact still remains, these youngsters do have tremendous talent."

Dancehall's warhead Merciless is dismissing rumours that he has been given a long prison sentence for a serious crime in the United States.

In a recent radio interview, the deejay who is presently in Miami, Florida says the rumours are untrue.

He explains that he has been sorting out his immigration papers and is
working on his music. Further, he added, "People will always be
negative and say negative things, but for all those who would want to
see me get a prison sentence, well it's their bad luck. I'm spending
time with my children and my family; Leonard is riding high right
now, doing my music as always."

.

It's Founders Day at the St. Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) a time-honoured institution located in the heart of Kingston's inner city.

STATHS is celebrating 47 years of sterling contribution to the education of the nation's children. In their addresses, both the head mistress and the head girl pointed out that, despite their location, St. Andrew Technical is one of the best high schools in Jamaica.

It was against this background that the KLAS/ InSeason outside broadcast got underway. When the setting up was complete, DJ Kat totally transformed the school with his juggling. The students rushed out of their seats to display the latest dance moves and showed much enthusiasm for Movado's On the Rock. To Tony Young's request that a student come on stage and sing the song, a female student eagerly went up and gave a performance of which Mavado himself would have been proud.

Cooling down the excitement, Tony Young invited the principal on stage. When asked what she would tell Jamaica about STATHS she replied, "This school is among the best in Jamaica, with excellent students who, when they leave this institution, are prepared to face the world."

Expressing similar views about her school was the head girl, who noted that STATHS was "truly one of the best schools in the island, despite being located in the inner city".

The school community was blessed to have DJ Nicholas as the first guest to grace the stage. This Reggae Gospel artiste, whose songs are quite popular with the teens, had them singing and dancing. Gallimore, another popular reggae gospel artiste, was next on stage and he, too,delivered well.

Tony Young then brought out Tashina McKenzie a past student of STATHS and a finalist in the Digicel Rising Stars competition. Her former school mates warmly embraced her and she in turn was energized and made a lasting impression.

Tony Young took the opportunity to remind the 'schoolers' that the purpose of the tour was to encourage them to "STAY IN SCHOOL". He asked each person to say to the person sitting beside them: "STAY IN SCHOOL".

The next artiste to perform was Renegade, who did two original tracks addressing the social issues citizens are facing in Jamaica. Alibra, a new female artiste, delivered some powerful words of encouragement to the girls. Be independent; never dependent on men, was the theme of her song.

Phil Watkins, a singer who is definitely one to watch, was the next entertainer to perform. Perhaps better known for his combination single with Dez-I "Shake up yuh Natty", he delivered his two original pieces well.

The words, Mi Board House Bun Dung, alerted the students that Nesbeth was in the building. He delivered this popular hit, along with a new track called "Guns Out This Morning". Before exiting the stage, he gave them a preview of a song he had recorded with R&B superstar Akon.

Tony Young then brought on Bridges who interacted well with the students, in particular the males.

It was now time for the In Season drinking competition. Four students entered willingly.

STATHS also experienced a little calypso from Miss Trini a singer from Trinidad. She challenged a student in a wining contest who declared that this was an easy task for her. Next it was time for Dugsy Ranks who is known for his popular hit "When Wifey Come Out". He is one of the faithful performers of the stay-in-school
tour. The Ring Ding Ding artiste Baby Chris then joined him on stage and did an energetic performance. In an exciting twist, which was highly appreciated by the student body, before leaving the stage they asked a teacher to show off her dance moves. In the true spirit of the occasion, she went willingly and really delivered.

DJ Kat closed the show with more juggling, hyping up the place with selections from Mavado, Beenie Man and others.

Photography By: Milton Raynor

YardFlex photographer, Milton Raynor was at the launch of the 2008 Season of Digicel Rising Stars at Courtleigh Hotel last Tuesday evening.

Below are scenes from the event:

Julian Jones-Griffith, manager of deejay, Mavado, dispelled rumours recently about his artist being deported from the United States of America.

Julian issued a statement after Mavado was denied entry in the United States on Thursday.

The statement reads: Mavado and I were very surprised by the immigration issues he had upon arriving in the US on Thursday night. He was deemed "inadmissible" by the US Department of State, who had instructed Homeland Security to return him to Jamaica to face a warrant for his arrest.

Upon checks we immediately did in Jamaica, we discovered there is no warrant for his arrest in Jamaica so it seems as if the system had not been updated in the US to say he had already been arrested, bailed and rendered free to travel with the return of his travel documents.

Julian says, Mavado was not deported and they have already taken steps to rectify the situation, which they are confident will happen in the immediate future.

Reports from Canada indicate that Mavado's Canadian fans are 'on edge' since he is scheduled to perform this coming weekend at EB Club Lounge in Montreal. Well, let's hope Julian knows to clear up legalities before lifting off from Jamaica next time.

The Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network (JYAN), has announced a call for Papers for the Yute X – Youth Advocacy Conference to be held at the Knutsford Court Hotel on Wednesday, May 7 to Friday, May 9 and climaxing at Emancipation Park on Saturday, May 10, 2008.

Aimed at raising young people's awareness of several issues that include: Adolescent Reproductive Health, Substance Abuse, Violence and Youth with Disabilities, the conference will also address the state of advocacy in Jamaica and the Caribbean region.

Sponsored by the USAID through the JA-STYLE project, JYAN invites youth aged 16 to 24 to submit abstracts by April 18 and completed papers by April 28, 2008. Topics to be addressed are wide-ranging and papers must demonstrate thorough research techniques, while being an extension of submitted abstracts.

Abstracts and subsequent papers must be about one of the following issues: Youth Advocacy: Impact on Reproductive Health and HIV/AIDS; Youth Advocacy through the media; Youth Representation, Governance, Decision-making Processes, Lobbying; The Impact of Youth Leadership in the Region; Youth Advocacy: New Approaches, Old Problems; Youth Advocacy through Creative Art Forms (music dance, visual art, poetry); CSME, CARICOM, Youth Leadership; or, Youth Advocacy in the inner city.

Papers should be submitted in the following formats:

Individual Paper Presentations: Authors are requested to provide up to three keywords to help organizers to assign accepted papers to thematic groups.

Panel Organization: Individuals may propose the organization of a panel around a common theme. Organizers must submit both a panel abstract as well as the abstracts of the papers to be included in the panel (maximum of 4 papers per panel).

Poster Presentation: Authors must submit an abstract clearly indicating that they are interested in making poster presentation.

A selection committee will review and choose papers based on their content, presentation, suitability and relevance to the conference focus.

Abstracts and papers must be submitted with the author's biography and contact information (name, age, mailing address, email, organization) and abstract titles must be included. Papers should be no longer than 600 words and presentations should be no longer than 5- 7 minutes in length.

E-mail submissions to: email to youthadvocacyconference@gmail.com.

By: Joseph Cunningham

THE TWIN OF TWINS, also known as Curly Loxx and Tu Loxx have delighted reggae lovers time and time again with their comical Dancehall commentaries.

Over the past 10 years they have released a number of story-telling
compilations, including the "Stir it Up" series. The best selling record to date, Volume 7, "Till Death Do Us Part," is a hilariously thought out and executed comedy, in which The Twins explore the many complex sides of love and relationships in their now famous, satirical comedic style.

As usual this is done in their pseudo radio show format, perfected on
their last two number one selling albums. During the course of the one
hour plus of music and comedy, the Twins stick with their winning formula that consists of impersonating the voices of Jamaican and International Celebrities and having them interact and tackle various issues, along side an array of fictitious characters developed and cultivated from the creative mind of Curly Loxx. The list of characters include Ian LLyad and Mr. Muta as the combating hosts, alongside a series of guests like Beenie, Bounty, D'Angel, Bob and Rita, Professor Abougani from Africa, Ras Whitey and many others.

The new CD also features The Twin of Twins' Curly Loxx stepping forward and showing his Grammy nominated song writing and performing skills on four brand new songs, including the current crowd pleaser "One Gal."

The Twins tackle the source of all the current controversy among various factions in the dancehall community. Another new single is "Tight like Glue" where the Twins and Mr Vegas deliver what may be their biggest commercial hit to date. A recent preview of their new CD/video on Youtube.com is an indication of the drawing power and popularity of The Twins, as it premiered in the Top 30 Comedy Videos in the World on its first day, and received honors for finishing in the Top 100 in its first week.

The Twin of Twins have been making headlines and showing their diversity, as they are the first dancehall artistes to be invited to appear at a seminar at Harvard University's School of Internet and Society. They were also once again featured in one of the world's biggest hip hop publications, Vibe Magazine's February 2007 issue, where they were praised as being "underground sensations."

If all that isn't enough The Twins also embarked on a 20 city U.S. tour promoting their new album, and have just signed an exclusive deal with one of Europe's top booking Agents.

In August of 2005, the Twin of Twins CD "Stir it Up Vol.5 The Crucifiction of the Ghetto," spent five weeks at Number one on the Jamaican X-News and Hot 102 album charts. An amazing 10 years after their first "Stir it Up" CD started bubbling underground, the Twins finally achieved the mainstream recognition that they had been diligently striving for. The fifth volume in the series perfected their formula of combining well crafted music alongside biting social commentary, and comical interpretations of real life situations and people. In the short time since the January, 2005 release of their groundbreaking "Crucifiction of the Ghetto," demand for the Twins has lead them to performances at many of the major shows in Jamaica, including what Vibe Magazine called a brilliant performance on dancehall night of Reggae Sumfest.

In April 2006 they released the highly anticipated new album "Stir it Up vol. six :The Resurrection of the Ghetto." Recorded in their private studio in Kingston, with Henry K engineering and mixing, the CD continues to feature some of the characters that the public has embraced with such vigor, and as always will shock and surprise listeners with new voices from the Jamaican and the International music scene. A new twist to this CD is the inclusion of some hit singles the Twins have recently recorded for other producers, further cementing their reputation as world class DJ's.

Recently, the Twins have recorded a song with double Grammy winner Damian Jr. Gong Marley, "Gangstas and PIMPS," which is the first single from their new album. Because of the street buzz generated by the song, Tuff Gong records will be releasing the single and marketing to an international audience in August.

Carlos Hill's informal investment scheme – Cash Plus - has been under investigation for some time for fraudulent activities and he was arrested along with his brother, Bertram Hill on April 10, following a police raid of his chic St. Andrew residence in Norbrook.

On that day police conducted nine raids in upscale areas of Kingston, in their attempt to glean information needed to lay formal charges on a group that has left its investors high and dry.

A court appointed Receiver General reported that the company was broke on April 9, 2008; triggering the police action.

Hill had been promising to resume payments of monthly returns for some time now and investors who were expecting their payouts on March 31 were again asked to wait until April 14 by the late CEO and suspected swindler.

Held in custody while awaiting questioning by police, a frustrated Hill fought for his immediate release, according to former lawyer Hugh Thompson.

2002: Cash Plus Ltd opens up in Jamaica with Carlos Hill at the helm.

May 2007: Cash Plus CEO bought the Hilton Kingston Hotel.

July 2007: Purchased Drax Hall Estates, St Ann.

September 2007: Became major supporters of the National Premier League football.

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) issued cease-and-desist orders on Cash Plus and its leaders.

February 2008: Plans announced for Cash Plus to begin payments of monthly returns again by March 31; indicating that this was contingent on approval by the Financial Services Commission.

March 2008: Cash Plus announces inability to resume payments on March 31, giving an April 14 payment date; and the Court appoints a receiver/manager.

April 9: Court-appointed receiver/manager announces that Cash Plus is broke.

April 10: Carlos Hill and brother arrested.

Public notice

The police are requesting that persons who may have been defrauded by Cash Plus; fill out a form that is available at twww.mns.org.jm.

Upon completion the form must be mailed to: The Jamaica Constabulary Force at P.O. Box 462, Kingston.

By: Jodi-Kaye Watson

YardFlex: What is your real name?

Anthony Cruz: Rowan Smith

YardFlex: Who inspired you to become a professional singer?

AC: My uncle and Garnet Silk.

YardFlex: How did you get started in the music business?

AC: I got started at Age 18 and I owe that to Willie Lindo a producer in Miami.

YardFlex: Are you happy with the response you have been getting from your fans, especially the ladies?

AC: OF COURSE!

YardFlex: What artists inspired you in the local music business?

AC: Sanchez, Peter Tosh and Dennis Brown.

YardFlex: What artists do you admire internationally?

AC: Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie

YardFlex: Where do see yourself musically in five years?

AC: Doing more hits, traveling the world and signed to a major record label.

YardFlex: How many albums have you completed?

AC: 3

YardFlex: What's your favourite song from your new album "Fight With All Your Might"?

AC: All 15 tracks

YardFlex: What inspired you to write the song "Leaders of the World"?

AC: Based on how the world is running presently.

YardFlex: Have you ever been in love?

AC: Maybe

YardFlex: Have you ever gotten your heart broken?

AC: No, but I have gotten my feelings hurt.

YardFlex: Are you in a relationship presently?

AC: No

YardFlex: Do you see yourself getting married anytime soon?

AC: Never can tell

YardFlex: Have you seen any female artist in the local music industry that you would date?

AC: LOL

YardFlex: What do you look for in a woman?

AC: Good personality, educated, sexy and someone who can cook.

YardFlex: What's your idea of the perfect date?

AC: A quiet place like the North Coast or a nice dinner on a cruise.

YardFlex: Any fantasies that have not yet been realized?

AC: Having sex on the front of a yacht.

YardFlex: Anything you want to let the public know about Cruz?

AC: I am a very down to earth person, I am a country boy
(Mandeville) and I can actually cook.

YardFlex: Any one you want to give a shout out to?

AC: My mom Lorna, dad Courtney, family & friends, interviewer Jodi, Penthouse Records and all my fans.

For more on Anthony Cruz go to: www.myspace.com/jahcruz.

By: Joseph Cunningham

Nesbeth has high hopes of becoming the next superstar, and, he has the talent to make the transition. Like many successful DJs, Nesbeth was born and raised in humble upbringings. Gloria Wright and Neville Nesbeth had a son they christened Greg. Due to economic hardships young Greg was forced to leave his Arnett Gardens home to live with relatives in Waterhouse and then Maxfield Avenue. Each move meant a new school and a new set of hardships.

Despite the lack of stability in his family life, young Greg was able to find and maintain an interest in music. He was encouraged by his friends to take music seriously and pursue it as a career. In 1992, Greg took on the stage name Nesbeth and made his Debut Performance at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre where he was well received.

Nesbeth recorded his first single "Reflection of Love" with a singer named Samaria in 1993, starting his professional career in earnest. Jack Scorpio, King Jammys and Shocking Vibes are just a few of the labels he has graced in his career.

His music covers a broad spectrum of subject areas, but he admits that those that address adversity are closest to his heart. This is evident in tracks such as "Sad Situation" featuring Beenie Man, "Only God Knows Why," "One Life to Live" and "So Let It Be," on the Golden Bathtub Riddim as well as his current track "Tears Falling," on the Emotion Riddim produced by Nesbeth and Rising Sun Production.

He has performed extensively, making appearances at a number of shows in Jamaica such as Teen Splash, Bob Marley's Birthday Bash, Sting 2005 and The Jamaica Peace Day Concert both in 2005 and 2006. He has also performed overseas in Antigua, St Kitts, Atlanta, and New York.

With enormous amounts of energy, Nesbeth delivers each performance and this helped him sweep the Big Stone Talent Show at the Doctor Bird Night club in 1999. At the end of the night Nesbeth walked away with the Best Dressed, Best Performance and Most Disciplined Awards. With the well laid foundation in the business Nesbeth hopes to achieve success through the four D's: Discipline, Determination, Dedication, and Desire.

He draws inspiration from artists like Beenie Man, Lauren Hill and all the performers who have paid their dues before him.

Currently Nesbeth has the following popular songs on rotation: "Board House," "Gun Rise" and the most current, "Friend Killa." Stay tuned to Nesbeth who has begun releasing hits in succession.

By: Joseph Cunningham

The Inseason Juice KLAS High School Tour continues its trek throughout the island, and its most recent stops were at the Garvey Maceo and St. Mary High Schools.

Both occasions proved to be the most memorable, since this ongoing tour started two months ago. With certain features of the tour now becoming a staple, such as the Inseason Juice Drinking Competition; the question and answer segment focusing on historical and other facts about the institutions; and the performances - it was the student population that made the difference.

Students of both institutions had YardFlex's admiration, as we recognized that they were true Jamaican young people...they were 'oh so' vibrant.

The highlight of both stops were the performances. New additions to the entertainment package include: Nesbeth and Baby Chris, who were huge hits with their audience. Nesbeth was armed with his songs, "Board House," and his newest hit, "Gun Rise," while Baby Chris sang, "Ring Ding Ding."

However, to the greater extent was the impact that Black-Er had on both occasions. Adjusting words from otherwise inappropriate songs, made for a scintillating set.

By: Dave Lindo

The inaugural staging of Grooving held recently at Waves Beach in Negril, Westmoreland was truly a wonderful event that saw some classic performances from some of the 'greats' in reggae music.

On that night the master - Beres Hammond, sparkled like fine wine, treating his fans to a memorable performance. Armed with his lengthy catalogue of hit songs and backed by his dynamic band Harmony House, Beres played his sweet music like a 'pied piper' – while the audience moved 'uncontrollably' to its beat.

Beres kicked off on a high note from the word go with the song "What One Can Do" which immediately set the place on fire. As if in a trance, Beres skipped and pranced on stage as he went into "What Can You Do To Stop A Man From Trying." The crowd was set in a frenzy as Beres lead them on with the song "Step A Side" then onto "What One Dance Can Do." Going full speed ahead with "She Loves Me Now," Beres was forced to 'wheel and come again'.

Acknowledging the presence of the late Garnett Silk's manager, Bridgett Anderson, Beres paid tribute to the 'ark angel' by singing one of his songs, "Mamma Africa;" before he kept on 'groovin' with songs like "Tempted to Touch" and "Double Trouble."

At one stage he was joined by his good friend, another icon in the
Business, Marcia Griffiths for their collaboration "Never Have To Worry." His 55 minute performance proved that Beres is a truly a blessing to reggae music and the lovers of it.

Celebrating 45 years in the music business, one of reggae's leading
ladies, Marcia Griffiths, was just awesome as she bowled over her audience with a gem of a performance. Marcia had the crowd rocking as she took them to a state of musical ecstasy. Bringing her audience down memory lane and dishing out undiluted reggae, she delivered classics such as "Dreamland" and the the soul stirring "I Shall Sing."

And sing she did, as she went into the song penned by the great singer/ song writer Bob Andy, "Fire Burning." Joined by her son she delighted the audience as they sang "All My Life," which they had to pull up and start again.

Showing immense versatility and the depth of her music Marcia took the crowd down Studio One lane. After doing a version of Dawn Penn's "No No No," she went into one of her all time greats, "When You’re In Love," which brought the house down.

She stepped off stage but the people would not have it and demanded
more. She obliged coming back just as strong with the international hit song, "Electric Slide" and another classic "Stepping Out Of Babylon."

Another veteran in the business, Jimmy Riley father of the outstanding singer, Tarrus Riley came and 'stamped his class' at the event.

With the Gumption band playing a mean set, Riley had his fans eating out of the palm of his hands as he treated them to "Love and Devotion," an all time crowd favourite. He then told them to "Give Me Your Love," and then after sang about "My Woman's Love." Every one was singing along as he did "Everybody Needs Somebody" and after paying tribute to the black mothers with "Black Mother Pray" he closed his set as strongly as he started with the songs "Gonna Get Rougher" and "Inside My Heart."

Iley Dread gave a strong performance doing songs such as "Praise Him" and "Rise Up Mothers." He got a good response when he combined with one of his female backup singers for the Dennis Brown original, "If I Had The World."

Jeffrey Star showed true class and quality performing at the event. Blessed with a lovely voice, the singer stood tall and delivered a good performance which although not familiar to his audience, was well accepted by them. It was evident that this man is a force to be reckoned with in reggae music.

Villa Dutch and Seekez who kicked off the show represented well and showed great potential. Michaelous formerly Nigga Mikey, did an entertaining set especially when he brought on the youngster Dadda who showed maturity beyond his years.

The curtains came own on this classic event that was staged by radio disc jockey GT Taylor from Irie FM, with another icon gracing the stage. This time it was Freddy Mcgregor, the man from the Big Ship camp, who ended the show on a high.

He treated patrons to classics such as "Prophecy," "Push Come to Shove" and "I Will Stay With You." The hits kept coming he kept the high vibes going with "Can't Stop Me From Loving You."

Drawing for songs from the Studio One era such as "Let Him Try," Freddy had young and old skanking away. As the crowd asked for more he appeased, hitting them with other hit songs such as "Winner." Freddy also paid tribute to his close friend, the late Dennis Brown by singing his songs "Revolution" and "Love and Hate."

The North Coast awaits the next rendition of 'legends on fire.'

By: Joseph Cunningham

Shaggy was the nickname given to a Jamaican youth, Orville Burrell, by
friends during his teenage years, when his hair bore a similarity to the cartoon character, Scooby Doo.

Today, when the word Shaggy is mentioned, the famous Jamaican Reggae singer comes to mind, preceding that of the fictitious cartoon character. Orville Burrell 'Shaggy,' has to date released six albums, two of which sold multi-platinum. Five were number one hits and eleven tracks made it as top ten singles in the world. Having exceeded sales of 10 million, the Grammy winning artist is Jamaica's only living "Diamond" selling entertainer.

In the early 1990's Shaggy came on the scene with his remix of the Ska classic 'Oh Carolina'. Soon after, the release of "Boombastic" solidified Shaggy as a dancehall hit-maker winning the 1996 Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album.

When the album, "Hotshot" was released in late 2000, it quickly became the best-selling album in 2001, selling over 13 million albums world wide and topping charts in the US, UK, Germany and Australia. The album was certified platinum seven times in Canada and six times in the US. The album featured the mega hits, "It Wasn't Me" and "Angel."

In 2005 he released "Clothes Drop," a Dancehall album which featured the singles "Wild2Nite" and "Ready Fi Di Ride" both of which climbed well on European charts. After a semi-hiatus in 2006, he returned in 07 with the Dancehall banger, "Church Heathen," which dominated the hardcore Dancehall scene. This spoke volumes for his versatility.

Shaggy has sold in excess of 20 million albums, and his most recent single, "What's Love," featuring Akon will only serve to further solidify him as one of the world's greatest recording artists.

By: Joseph Cunningham

The name Barack Obama is a name familiar to all and sundry across the globe and it's no surprise that a song, titled, "Barack Obama," composed by legendary Jamaican singer, Cocoa Tea is receiving critical acclaim worldwide.

Cocoa Tea has been the mastermind behind many of Reggae’s greatest cultural hits that include the current hit about the United States Presidential Contender.

"I'm in support of Obama because of the ideas for change I hear him articulating. I would really love to see a man like him hold the high seat in the White House," Cocoa Tea asserted.

He revealed that he recently received a call from the Associated Press based in the US about the song and further revealed that, "since then there has been a media craze including the Miami Herald."

A few weeks ago the song became the first Reggae track to be played on CNN. Work is now being done to complete Cocoa Tea's new album titled, Barack Obama. It will be a double CD... 18 tracks each.

Commenting on heightened support for Obama, he said, "I actually would like to be a part of Obama's campaign for the presidency. I want to get in touch with the right persons on his team since the song is creating this kind of buzz."

There are unconfirmed reports that the song was recently aired on FOX as well.

Penthouse Records has announced an amicable separation from artiste, Buju Banton.

In a statement issued recently, CEO of Penthouse, Donovan Germain said, "I have been guiding and managing the career of Buju Banton for the last 18 years and the time has come for this chapter to close."

He added that having dedicated the last 18 years to building Buju Banton's career, taking him from obscurity to the pinnacle of international stardom, it was with a sense of pride that he relinquished the management of the artist, to move on to other activities.

Germain further stated, "First and foremost, I am a producer and after spending so many years on the road touring, I now feel the need to get back in the studio and get really involved in the production side of the music."

According to music news, he said this was a "mutual decision" which was long in the making. Germain pointed out that Buju Banton would be handling his own affairs under his Gargamel Music outfit.

"Buju is now refurbishing his studio and his entire operations, so he will be able to handle his bookings and all management-related activities." Germain said he wishes Buju continued success, adding that the artiste could feel free to call on his expertise whenever necessary.

Lutan Fire copped no shot

Lutan Fyah and his manager are dismissing rumors that the singer was shot.

Lutan's manager George Golding spoke with Elise Kelly during the Easy Skanking Show earlier this week and explained how the rumor started.

Subsequent to the interview, Lutan Fyah who is presently on tour in Europe called the Easy Skanking Show to reassure his fans that he is alive and well.

In related news, his tour of Europe with fellow Jamaican singer, Jah Mason has been recently extended due to the overwhelming response.

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UK Cup Clash: The Final Conflict, Stratford Rex, London

By: Michelle Edwards

After a successful seven year stint, it's the end of the road for the UK Cup Clash as we know it. This weekend, London's Stratford Rex will play host to a night billed as 'The Final Conflict'. Jamaica's Killamanjaro will compete for the first time against the UK's David Rodigan and V.Rocket, Germany's Sentinel and previous cup clash winners champions Mighty Crown, Tony Matterhorn, Black Kat and Bass Odyssey.

By: Bridgett Anderson and Elizabeth Smith
Photography By: Milton Raynor

The Asylum Night Club in association with Wray & Nephew Over Proof Rum, Ocean Spray the CVM Group, Hype TV and Lloyd Parkes and We the People have come together to present a live production every last Wednesday in the month entitled 'GROOVING LIVE.' The concept of this product was realized through a vision to bring back live music to the night clubs.

In the early 1960s and 1970s the Red Hills Road was the home of all the night clubs which boasted live music nightly. With this in mind Earl Samuels, from the Asylum is confident that this new concept will work. He states he has the backing of his sponsors to see this vision through to a reality.

Wednesday 26th March was the second in the 'Grooving Live' series featuring Trinity, Errol Dunkley, Horace Andy and Leroy Sibbles. This was a star studded line up of reggae music connoisseurs. Chris Hardy the Brand Manager put it like this, "Back to Basics." He is very committed to the product and sees the production only getting bigger and better.

The MC for the evening was Pretty Boy Floyd and at midnight, Lloyd Parkes and We the People Band kicked off with instrumental pieces; showing why they have for years been the best backing band.

It was now show time and Pretty Boy Floyd brought on Trinity, who set the pace for a night of roaring nostalgia. He began his set with "John Saw Dem Coming," then went on to "Natty Dread Still Dey Ya" and "Weatherman Ska." Interacting with the thrilled audience he delivered hit after hit. At times Trinity would rub a dub with some female members of the audience expressing that this is how it was in the dance hall back in the days. Trinity also did a tribute to the "first super star" in Jamaica, Delroy Wison.

"Boy bad fe a old boy," Lloyd Parks commented, as the dapperly dressed Errol Dunkley rocked the crowd with number one tunes like, "OK Fred", "If You break my heart I'll Go", "You Know” and “Black Cinderella." The club was oozing appreciation for Errol Dunkley who Parks commended for his most successful single "OK Fred," that sold 5 million copies in the UK and made it on the charts there.

Bringing back the stellar vintage sounds left no room for good better best, and the audiences encores and roars for all the artists proved this. 'Sleepy' Horace Andy and Leroy Sibbles wrapped up the night with their timeless melodies and voices that seemed to be constant with no change.

Sounding just like his records Horace Andy performed hits like, "Fever" and "Jah Say Who." He commented on not having appeared on stage in Jamaica for three years and expressed joy for the chance to be there with artists and musicians; brethren of 40 years. Trinity, joined Horace on stage to add his DJ rifts to some tracks.

Going straight into "Sea Of Love," the legendary Leroy Sibbles came on stage. It was hit after hit, as the audience sang with him through songs like "Lost My Baby," "Pretty Looks" and "Baby Be True." Leroy took time out to 'big up' Alton Ellis saying, he understood Alton was recently ill and went directly into, "You Think I Love You." Leroy then left the stage and was forced to return by a boisterous insistent audience. He wrapped up with the Inner Circle cover "Girl I'm Gonna Make You Sweat" and then did his all time favourite "Fatty Fatty."

All the artists featured on this 'Groovin Life' series are living legends in Jamaica's rich musical heritage, who have paved the way and sacrificed to bring the music to where it is today.

Nuff raspect Asylum, Wray & Nephew Overproof White Rum, Ocean Spray, CVM Group and Hype TV.

Photography By: Milton Raynor

YardFlex's photographer, Milton Raynor was at D'Angel's recently held birthday party on the roof of the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.

Below are photos from the event:

By: Jodi-Kaye Watson

Dance Hall music is a vital part of Jamaican society. What would Jamaica be without dance hall music? It is unimaginable. Although dance hall music is an important aspect of the Jamaican society this genre of music has proven to bring about both positive and negative effects on Jamaica.

Economically, dance hall music contributes to the National Income of
Jamaica. Tourists are drawn to Jamaica because of our music. When tourists visit Jamaica they bring in foreign exchange that helps in the growth of the Jamaican economy. Many of our artists contribute to the economy in the form of taxes. Several of our dancehall artistes have charity programmes and help in the building of community centers. This is referred to as Social Responsibility.

Whether you are a fan of dancehall music or not you will still come in
contact with it. Dancehall music is everywhere in Jamaica. You may hear it while travelling in buses or taxes, while walking down the street and just about anywhere. For a genre that is so popular in society why has it been having so many negative impacts on society?

Some dancehall artistes promote violence. This can lead to an increase in criminal activities in Jamaica. Some of these lyrics make it seem
acceptable to just hurt or kill someone without showing any remorse. It has also been alleged that some artists have been involved in some of these criminal activities.

What some of these artistes fail to realize is that they are role
models. Men, women, boys and girls look up to them. When will some of
them realize how influential their lyrics are? Just imagine a Jamaica with only positive and uplifting music? Crimes will decrease and then we can truly say "SWEET SWEET JAMICA".

Teenage Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Diseases are on the
continuous increase in Jamaica. Teenagers seem to be having more sexual relationships than adults. Promiscuous behaviours that are taking over this beautiful island have become one of many reasons for an overwhelming increase in the number of HIV/AIDS and STD cases.

Some of these dancehall lyrics promote immoral acts. Women nowadays no
longer seem to be concerned with establishing relationships or marriages before "sleeping" with men. Many women are guilty of having "one night stands" (unprotected).

Although the guys are involved we truly can't blame them. If women
respected themselves men would show them respect. If dancehall music was to address and speak out against these behaviours it is safe to say there could be a decrease in the number of teenage pregnancies and Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

Whilst there is a negative side to how dancehall music impacts on the
Jamaican society it has also brought about positive impacts. Some lyrics of our dancehall artists uplift men and women in society. They often push ghetto people and people in general to be strong and never give up regardless of the situation. Some lyrics stress the importance of education and encourage children to stay in school. Kartel has a song titled "school girl," where he encourages school girls not to have sex in buses and to put their education first.

Our dancehall artists are extremely talented. They have the power to
encourage, uplift and influence the actions of those who come in contact with their music. They need to unite and take a stand against
counter-productive vibes!

There have been many attempts at a sustained Reggae/Dancehall unit (group) throughout the years, but T.O.K. is today the only one in Jamaica that is still together without ever having been reunited.

Founded in the early 1990s, hailing from Kingston, Jamaica the group comprises four members: Alistaire "Alex" McCalla, Roshaun "Bay C" Clarke, and Craig "Craigy T" Thompson, who were choir members at Campion College, and a younger friend, Xavier "Flexx" Davidson, who attended Calabar High School.

Originally they were called "Touch of Klass", but T.O.K. became the acronym for several titles, including "Taking Over Kingston" and "TOO Klaat." The group was inspired by the success of Boyz II Men.

They toured the local high school circuit in Kingston and worked their way up to appearances at the famed North Coast hotel and lounge circuit. They would differentiate themselves from the other groups by performing covers of Bob Marley songs or "Hot Stepper", by Ini Kamoze, which was a popular song at that time.

In 1996, they were signed to Sly & Robbie's Taxi label, but were not getting much attention. Their breakthrough came later on in 1996 with the single "Hardcore Lover," recorded with Lady Saw. They scored again with hits like "Whoa" and "Ill Na Na."

Still, the number one position eluded them until 1998 when "Eagles Cry" reached the top slot in Jamaica. Their biggest song to date is the controversial "ChiChi Man" in 2000, which dominated the Dancehall for an extended period.

The group broke into the U.S. market with a 2001 debut album, "My Crew, My Dawgs," which peaked at number six on Billboard's Top Reggae Albums chart.

In 2005 T.O.K. had another hit with the song "Footprints," that is about one of the group member's younger brother getting killed by a stray bullet. In 2006 they were featured with Admiral T, a famous Caribbean singer of reggae-dancehall, on his album "Toucher L'Horizon."

Though currently on a hiatus, the group maintains an undeniable presence on the local and international front as Reggae ambassadors.