By: Claude Mills
Photos By: Carlington Wilmot

R&B singer Jimmy Cozier will soon complete his reggae album for Harmony House Records in Jamaica. The album, which has not yet been titled, could be released this Summer.

"I am just doing the last couple of tracks now, it's going to be 14 tracks of classic reggae," he said.

Jimmy Cozier's mother, Dawn, is Jamaican-born, while his dad is an accomplished jazz musician so he grew up in a home where diverse music cultures converged and he was exposed to a pantheon of jazz greats, as well as music from reggae icons such as Bob Marley and Beres Hammond. So it was almost inevitable that he would explore the Jamaican side of his heritage.

"I come here a lot, just for the peace of mind, and to work out on my album with Beres," he said.

Cozier's mother hails from Port Royal, just outside the capital city of Kingston. During the interview at the offices of entertainment promotions company, Solid Agency in Kingston, Cozier sometimes put on a pretty good Jamaican accent, and seemed to be quite knowledgeable about the lingua of the island.

One of the first singles on the reggae album will be 'Slow Down' which is an ambitious horn-happy reggae track centred around finding love.

In the meantime, he is also working on his R & B album, and he let YardFlex hear a single called 'You Got Them Goods', a juicy cut that will have the ladies swooning in the North American clubs. He has also been working with producers such as Swizz Beats, Sha Money and Salaam Remy.

"I am also doing some work with this hot new kid called Neo, who is signed to Jay Z, and he wrote two songs for my album," he said.
Jimmy is also challenging himself by donning a producer hat as head of Cozier Entertainment which signed singer Sheree Dennis recently. According to Cozier, her upcoming single, 'I Love You' features Jimmy Jones and a verse from the late Biggie Smalls".

The video for this single will be shot on March 14th and will premiere on BET 106 and Park soon afterwards.

"At this stage, the pull of being an artiste is still strong, I like doing the reggae and R & B projects, with reggae, you can say things, you have more artistic freedom than what you would have with R & B because those things would not be commercially successful. Reggae gives you more range to express yourself," he said.

Asked if he is trying to create a unique Reggae-R& B hybrid, he laughed and said: "The gap will be bridged, maybe not by Jimmy Cozier, but if I can play a role in helping to define the R& B and reggae sound, by bringing light to authentic reggae, that's what I am gonna do."

Cozier's voice was first heard on Junior M.A.F.I.A's 'Backstabber' and he has toured with Boyz II Men as well as Gladys Knight.
Cozier first vaulted into the spotlight with the single, 'She's All I Got' featuring Fabulous. He was first discovered when his managers at NY based Upgrade Entertainment slipped a tape of Jimmy Cozier's work to Wyclef Jean. Wyclef saw the talent in the Flatbush, Brooklyn-born Cozier and arranged a meeting with Clive Davis, a legend in the music music business, who was also in the midst of starting a new label - J Records. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Ambition never ends with the first hit song. The pursuit of excellence is the driving force behind reggae artiste Bescenta, who is a rare combination of intensity, quiet confidence and humility.

Born Bryden Bescenta Craig Wilkins on April 12, 1975, he grew up in the Salisbury Plain area, close to Stony Hill in St. Andrew. He attended Almond Hill All Age, then Oberlin High, before graduating from St. Andrew Technical High School (S.T.A.T.H.S) in Kingston. Immediately after high school, he learned the electrician trade, and to support himself, even did odd jobs like painting houses.

"I can even wire a house, and install lights if it come to the test. I am a pretty good electrician," he said. "However, it has always been about the music, while I was in high school, I was hunting for the truth in music, but when I got out in the real world, I knew I had to make a living, so I didn't watch the type of work I was doing, as long as when weekend come, mi ting put together," he said.

However, eventually, the influence of music began to exert itself in his life, and he began to record his first songs with Peter 'Sweetness' Nembhard on Auntie Boom Records. He joined up with a group called Cornerstone and in 2001, Bescenta met with producer 'Computer' Paul Henton, and they formed a successful partnership, recording 'World Is in Trouble'.

Now, the 'World Is in Trouble' is a song carved in reggae oak: solid. With Bescenta's rich vocals and lyrical stylings, the song became an anthem for residents of the island's tough inner city areas, and its end-of-days theme became a stirring call for action and change to arrest the killings and violence that lead to over 1,600 deaths last year.

The song enjoyed a lot of airplay during the Summer of 2004 during the annual Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Popular Song contest, and eventually finished second overall.

"It was not about winning, the money or the forward, it was the message of love and non-violence that I was trying to convey to the people, and I really wanted them to hear me, so I went with a current, an energy, and it worked," he said.

However, he was not pleased with the pace of his career, and when he was approached by Ray 'X-ray' Stephens from Vertex Records, he parted ways with Computer Paul in late 2000.

"I appreciate what Computer Paul did for me, I entered his establishment with my own current, and then I added that to his current, and we made some great music together. He had to do what he had to do, and I had to do what I had to do, focus on my career," he said.

Bescenta's star has begun to shine brilliantly with his new focused and efficient management structure led by his manager, X-ray and engineer, Ricky Genius.

By: Jigga Mattic
Photos by Carlington Wilmot

Dekka the Dak was born to be a deejay. Although he has spent the better part of the last five years supporting his young family doing a nine-to-five, this year, 2006, he plans to 'break free' from his self-made shackles to pursue his dreams of stardom with a single-minded ambition.

"Yes, I believe this is going to be my year, I caan waste no more time, mi need to just give the music thing a real shot," Dekka said during an interview with YardFlex this week.
Dekka, whose real name is Kerry Walker, hails from Kintyre, St. Andrew where he grew up in a family of seven -- four brothers and two sisters -- all raised by his mother, Sylvia Green. He attended Mona High School where his passion for dancehall music soon became evident to all those who knew him.

"Ah me alone musical inna mi family, so when I was younger, mi just decide fi tek it up serious, and at high school, mi start deejay wid friends like Mega Plow and Snakey Trouble, you know, beat desk ting, crowd draw inna the schoolyard, so from those days, it was just in me," he said.

After high school, Dekka recorded a single at Peter Blake's studio in Mona, which is also the home of Don Corleone's Vendetta Records, but the song was never released. Soon after that, at the request of his mother, migrated to the Cayman Islands in order to seek employment there to support his young family. He landed a job at an establishment called Noah's Ark doing deliveries, however his contract ends later this year.

"Working in Cayman was something I had to do...to take care of my son, but I have been saving up money, and now I plan to return to Jamaica later this year to take the music thing serious. I have a lot of talent, and I feel like I am wasting it by not doing music full time. So when I get back, I am going to buy myself a ride (car) so I can make the rounds to the studios and get my music out there," he said.

By Claude Mills/YardFlex Reporter

'I feel like bombing a church
now that you know that the preacher is lying.'

I wish I had met this great man face to face. However, as a rabid fan of Marley's music, I'm glad I never met him, or got the chance to form prejudices about this artiste who was well ahead of his time. Therefore, the mystique of the man will stay with me forever, despite the millions of words that have been penned and countless tomes painstakingly constructed, in his honour.

Certainly, the man who wrote the incendiary words italicised above was no ordinary singer or performer, but a man who - even under the influence of his favourite plant - was able to mesmerise and bring under his influence thousands through his soul-searing, energy-filled performances.

There is an ineffable something about Marley that I cannot deny, maybe if I could

figure Bob out, if I could box him in and categorise him then his magic, essence and power would wither and die, but I cannot, and therein lies his enduring charm.

Marley was born on Jamaica to a young black mother and an older white father in February 1945. A precocious musician, a teenaged Marley recorded his first song, 'Judge Not' in 1962, but afterwards, formed a vocal trio in 1963 with friends Neville "Bunny" O'Riley Livingston (later Bunny Wailer) and Peter McIntosh (later Peter Tosh). The group members had grown up in Trench Town, a ghetto neighborhood of Kingston, listening to rhythm and blues on American radio stations. They had been influenced by such names as Ray Charles, the Drifters, and Fats Domino.

The group christened themselves the Wailing Wailers (shortened to the Wailers) because they were ghetto sufferers who'd been born "wailing." The trio began to practise Rastafarianism - a sect that revered Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia (a.k.a. Ras Tafari) as a black Messiah. As practicing Rastas, they grew their hair in dreadlocks and smoked ganja (marijuana), believing it to be a sacred herb that brought enlightenment. Rastafarians took their name from Ras Tafari, Haile Selassie's title before he was crowned emperor in 1930, described in legend as a descendant of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba who ruled 2,000 years ago

On February 10, 1966, Bob Marley and Alpharita ("Rita") Constantia Anderson got married. The union produced five children.
The Wailers recorded prolifically for small Jamaican labels throughout the Sixties, during which time ska - Jamaican dance music that drew from African rhythms and New Orleans R&B - was the hot sound. The Wailers had their first hit in 1963 with "Simmer Down," and they went on to record 30 sides in the "rude boy" ska style for Jamaican soundman Coxsone Dodd's Studio One.

As the music evolved from the bouncy ska beat to the more plaintive, sensual rhythms of rock steady, Marley struck up an with Jamaican producer Lee Perry resulted in some of the Wailers' memorable recordings, including "Soul Rebel" and "Duppy Conqueror," and the albums Soul Rebel and Soul Revolution. It was a remarkable time in Jamaican music history with the classic heavyweight lineup featuring Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh and brothers Aston and Carlton Barrett.

Though the Wailers were popular in Jamaica, it was not until the group signed with Chris Blackwell's Island Records in the early 1970s that they found an international audience. After Catch a Fire (1972) and Burnin' (1973), Marley raised eyebrows but it was not until May 10, 1975 that he gained commercial success when his Natty Dread became the first album by Marley and the Wailers to make the U.S. charts, reaching #92.

On May 13, 1976, 'Rastaman Vibration,' by Bob Marley and the Wailers -and featuring an American, Don Kinsey, on lead guitar - was released. It became Marley's highest-charting album, reaching #8 in the U.S. and #15 in the U.K.

Marley was on his way to international stardom, but life would throw him a curve ball when there was an unsuccessful assassination attempt back in his homeland of Jamaica. When intruders entered the Marley compound on December 3, 1976, two days before the historic 'Smile Jamaica' peace concert at the National Stadium, little did the players in that early morning drama know that they would set in motion a series of events that would propel Bob Marley into the international spotlight. Though Bob and Rita Marley were grazed by bullets, they electrified a crowd of 80,000 people when both took to the stage with the Wailers on the 5th - a gesture of survival that only heightened Marley's legend.

In fact, he was so influential a cultural icon at that time in Jamaica that Time magazine proclaimed in an editorial that, "He rivals the government as a political force."

Still, the assassination attempt scarred him physically and emotionally. In a SUN newspaper article dated February 10, 1978, Bob Marley was quoted as saying: 'That shooting may be the best thing that ever happened to me. It forced me to leave Jamaica. I still can't go back because the men who tried to kill me have never been arrested. They might try again.'

After the shooting in '76, Marley went into a 14-month period of exile, and a period of intense creativity during which the albums, 'Exodus' (1977), the brilliant 'Survival'(1979) released at a time of great political turbulence and social unrest in Africa, were unleashed on an unsuspecting world. At the historic 'One Love Peace Concert' on April 21, 1978 on the 12th anniversary of Haile Selassie's visit to Jamaica, his popularity grew. He convinced JLP leader Edward Seaga and late former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Michael Manley to shake hands. Later, he was summoned to the United Nations in New York and given a UN Peace Medal.

However, the fearsome hoofbeats of doom soon thundered into Marley’s life. In 1977, surgeons removed part of a toe that had been injured in a soccer game, upon which a cancerous growth was found. This led to the discovery of spreading cancer in 1980, after Marley collapsed while jogging in Central Park. The cancer would claim his life less than a year later, but not without a fight.

According to the book 'Chanting Down Babylon', in April 1980 Marley was invited to headline the Independence celebrations in Zimbabwe. He was the only performer on the main stage that night, squadrons of jets screamed overhead and 21 cannons were fired. Thousands of freedom fighters broke down the gates to enter the Harare National Stadium as he sang 'Zimbabwe', from the album 'Survival'.'

On September 21, 1980, Bob Marley performed the final show of his career, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The tour's remaining dates were canceled as Marley sought treatment for his spreading cancers. Marley was buried on the island with full state honors on May 21, 1981.

Here's a list of his international influences: Johnny Nash re-recorded 'Stir It 'in 1971, and it hit the UK charts in '72. Amnesty International used the single 'Get Up, Stand Up' as its anthem, features Peter Tosh on vocals. Another Marley creation, 'I Shot the Sheriff', was recorded by the legendary rock/blues guitarist Eric Clapton and gave Clapton his first number one US single. The

anti-racist 'War', with lyrics taken from a speech by Emperor Haile Selassie made in California on February 28, 1978 became an unofficial anthem of the guerrilla fighters in South Africa.

On October 4, 1980, Stevie Wonder's tribute to Bob Marley, the reggaefied "Master Blaster (Jammin')," entered the singles charts, eventually topping the R&B chart for seven weeks and peaking at #5 on the pop chart.

In a savage twist that Tuff Gong himself would have smiled at, Marley's pacifist reggae anthem, "One Love," was adapted as a theme song by the Jamaican Tourist Board, a remarkable about-face for a society where Rastafarians and their music had once been reviled and suffered physical abuse at the hands of the agents of the Jamaican government,

Marley's 'Zimbabwe' tune was inspirational to the Zimbabwe National Liberation Army (ZANLA) freedom fighters.The electronic drum machine employed on a version of 'No Woman No Cry' qualified that single as a widely regarded rock classic.

The hurricane relief concert in London in 1988 used 'Smile Jamaica' as its theme

song. Bob Marley Day is celebrated in Toronto and in Zimbabwe, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Berkley and Washington D.C.

In Addis Ababa, he is thought of as a modern reincarnation of the ancient Ethiopian church leader, the Holy Yared. Marley struggled in favour of history in defending Emperor Haile Selassie even in the dark days when it was almost considered as a subversive act to utter the name Selassie I. Marxist officers overthrew Selassie's feudal government in 1974 and he died a year later. Under dictator Haile Mariam Mengistu, whose government killed tens of thousands of its critics, it was taboo to speak of the emperor, or of his family, who were exiled until Mengistu was himself toppled in 1991. In a fitting twist of poetic justice, Marley's 60th birthday anniversary was celebrated in Ethiopia, last year.The celebrations move to the west African nation of Ghana which will host this year's Africa Unite Bob Marley celebration show. Plans are in the pipeline to stage the Bob Marley 62nd birthday celebrations in South Africa in 2007.

On a mountainside above Lima, Peru, carved in huge letters, are the words 'Bob Marley is King'. Maori, Tongan and Samoan islanders have formed a band called Herbs to sing Bob's 'songs of freedom'.

In 2001, on Bob Marley Day in Hollywood, the late reggae superstar claimed his own bit of real estate in the land of the rich and famous. He was accorded the 2171st star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame by the Hollywood Historic Trust and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce during a ceremony of pomp and pageantry of which the reggae king was totally worthy. According to a Gleaner article written by Andrew Clunis published February 8, 2001, "significant of the nature of the man, the massive gathering could have represented the United Nations, as Rastas of all nationalities and general fans from all walks of life transformed 7081 Hollywood Boulevard into a kaleidoscope of red, gold and green".

Such was the awesome force of the man!

Bob Marley is indeed one of the greatest artistes of all music forms of the 20th century. Marley's influence on the worldwide music scene is undeniable, having been inducted in Rolling Stone's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on January 19, 1994, a first for any artiste from a Third World nation. Bono of U2 was his presenter, and Rita Marley accepted the award on behalf of her late husband.

He was also dubbed Time magazine's artiste of the century, and One Love was dubbed 'Song of the Millennium' . Marley's Legend album, which features some of the most popular Bob Marley & the Wailers standards, is by far the largest selling Jamaican album internationally, selling over 10 million copies in the United States.

Marley combined his own particular spirituality with his intimate knowledge of the deprivation and social injustice which, to some extent, still exist in local ghettos. Marley's lyrics are all at once a call to political action, rebellion, religious mysticism and universal love and brotherhood delivered in hypnotic rhythms that carry an unmistakable signature.

He will not be forgotten. Ever.

The quintessential Jamaican singer/songwriter, Tanya Stephens is equally adept at blazing the latest dancehall riddims as she is at blessing an acoustic guitar-driven ballad with lyrics that are insightful, relevant, comical, and often scathing...life and love observed with the honest eyes of a child, yet processed and returned to her audience with uncommon maturity and melody.

On Rebelution, Tanya Stephens once again displays her wit and musical sensibilities with bouncy songs like Hey Lady, in which she matter-of-factly explains to a woman (and all women) what steps she could have taken to keep Tanya from stealing her man.

Paying respect to the masters, Tanya borrows some rhythmic ideas on songs like Dirty Thoughts, where listeners will instantly recognize Bob Marley's "Mr. Brown" riddim, and To the Limit, which draws on a classic Burning Spear riddim. On the first single These Streets, and airy acoustic guitar track, Tanya pleads with her thug-love to realize that "these streets don't love you like I do." On this, her fourth LP, Tanya is poised to reach even greater international acclaim and finally be recognized by the masses as one of the great talents to emerge from Jamaica. Rebelution features the musings of a songbird who is vulnera! ble enough to feel the pain, but tough enough to live through it.

With a militant swagger, Rebelution is an edgy narrative of a street smart guerilla poet who continues to break the stereotype of what a female Jamaican artist should sound like. Smart and sexy, jagged and cunning, the lyrics flow out of the speakers and attack the unfortunate victims of her sharp tongue. This is not a passive listener's record, nor is it a record for the weak hearted. It screams and bites in the gentlest way possible, with back handed compliments and sometimes less-than-reaffirming opinions.

Armed with a fervent voice and classy demeanor Tanya tells her truth the way she sees it, uncompromising and uncensored. The evolution from the love scorned Gangsta Blues is apparent, but does not stray from the autobiographical, if anything Rebelution is the next chapter in her story. Already a cult hero in her native Jamaica, this album has Tanya Stephens crying from the hills and streets of Kingst! on... Viva La Rebelution!

Source: VP Records

Yo, just let me test the speakers, HYPEEEEEEEEEE!
You may know him for the abovementioned intro ON 'Wear My Sunglasses at Night' or maybe for his provocative disses of dancehall diva, Cecile, or, yet again, for his somber, cerebral ultra-creative radio hit, 'Mirrow', but Benzly Hype remains a bit of conundrum for dancehall fans who are unable to label him or put him in a box.

"Small minds think alike, great minds thinks differently, out the box, if you want to remembered, you have to be great. Every great Jamaican artiste is never recognized in his own country, but when he's recognized overseas, he gets the recognition at home, Marley is the perfect example of that," said the only deejay who can boast that he has an exclamation mark as part of his stage name.

He is also starring in a comedic pilot for local television which is a semi-autobiographical take of a young deejay life, a project being spearheaded by Rick Elgood of Dancehall Queen fame.

"It is a comedy, and about weird, quirky characters I met on the journey coming up, it features Zimbu from Africa, Clumsy Dapps and the Innocent Kru are in it, it is all about the journey...it is a blast, you'll see," he said.

After embarking on a solo career, Benzly has quickly made a name for himself, especially the rave critical reviews which greeted his
'Mirrow' single. Since then, he has recorded a number of other singles such as 'Friday (T.G.I.F)', 'Jasmine Jones' and 'Stroke' on the Black Chiney label for his debut solo album.

"I have been shopping my Mirrow album around to a number of overseas record labels including Shady Records and Jive Records. Jive has more latched onto it, and I am waiting on them to get back to my team that is liaising with them right now," he said.

The super-talented artiste has also dabbled in other areas of entertainment, creating the 'Brown Girl in the Ring' rhythm which already has spawned a juicy combination single of the same name featuring Beenie Man and the deliciously looking Danielle.

"I made the Brown Girl in the Ring track when I was 18 years old. Originally, the track was supposed to appear on my album, but while I was overseas, I got a call from Rory saying that Beenie Man and Danielle had recorded on the track, so I decided at that time to just run with their single, and the song is now #2 on the New York reggae charts," he said.

Of his behind-the-scenes production skills, he said: "I have been producing tracks here and there behind the scenes for years, but people may not have realized that I was the one creating those rhythms. I played the keyboards, the flute and other instruments on Norris Man's 'Persistence(Is To Try)', that big hit many years ago."

He is indeed a man of many talents, even conceptualizing the artistic designs for his own Benzly Hype Collectible Sticker series which he gives away free to his growing teenybopper audience.

Born Hemsley Ainsley Gary Coleman Morris Jr. on September 20, 1976, Benzly Hype! - a member of the popular Innocent Kru has an extraordinary combination of musical talent, brains and hype.

For Booking: (1876) 392-3489
Email: channel2@musician.org

Dancehall Girl power at its best, bundled with youth, great voices
and sexy images all rolled into this exciting new female dancehall
group emerging from the bustling Kingston, Jamaica metropolis.

Introducing Storm (aka Natalie) the writer*, Foxy (aka Joy-ann)
the lead singer*, and the baby of the bunch Miss Chin (aka Heather)
the musician*, all excellent singers with great attitude and tremendous potential.

With ages ranging from 18-22 years this group of sexy females have already been compared to their male counterparts TOK and have been turning heads since their debut performance at Blazee Blazee in Mandeville.

MBC so far have been getting nuff love from radio Jocks in Jamaica,
the UK and the USA with their released debut singles "platinum" and
"make boyz cry" from producer / manager extraordinaire "Computer" Paul Henton.

He also is the mastermind behind the conceptualizing and grooming of this sexsational new group, guaranteed to breathe some exciting new air into the Dancehall.

Their new sizzling hot singles "short a nut'n" and the hard hitting
"wuklis man" released in August 2005 are already creating a buzz
in the streetz, and are directly contributing to requests for live
performances and voicing sessions from other top producers in Jamaica.

As their name implies M.B.C. has been, and will continue "making boyz and big men cry"

As the whole nation gets ready for the first-ever explosive reggae festival in Gambian music biz featuring superstar Buju Banton, What's On caught up with the man behind it. Mike Randoll is a Black British who have worked with a lot of popular world musicians. In this interview he talks more about the Buju festival.

What's On: Tells us what role do you play with regards to the coming of Buju Banton to The Gambia?

Mike: My company is called Level 22. We are behind the coming of Buju on Christmas day in The Gambia and also on the 31st December in Sierra Leone.

Out of all the countries in Africa, you only identified The Gambia and Sierra Leone for Buju to perform. Why The Gambia?

A friend of mine Lamin Manga, we worked together while he was in the UK, invited me to The Gambia two years back. I felt in love with the country and he encouraged me to do something for the country. The people here are friendly and it's a very nice peaceful place. I feel safer here, even more than the Caribbean. This is why I want it happen here than any other place.

You already got a local organising team, under the dynamic leadership of Azziz Willan. Are you impressed with what they are doing?

Yes, definitely! All the things we expected them to do, has been done. The stadium has been booked, the people are responding, the flyers and posters are arriving in the next few weeks. We are waiting on materials from Buju in Jamaica for the radio and TV adverts. All that is left now is to convince the people that he is coming.

How do you intend to convince the people?

Lot of promotions... Get Buju to say "hey Gambia look out am coming on Christmas day." We are getting some audios from him for the adverts.

When we talk about Buju he is seemingly a controversial musician. What sort of impact do you think he is going to create in the life of young Gambians?

Buju controversial? May be because of his homophobic lyrics. I don't think he is. There are lots of reggae musicians who sing negative things, making the kids to be bad, taking guns and all other things. Buju loves Africa, when I spoke to him the last night before coming here, he said he has been hearing about The Gambia. He is so excited about the Christmas festival. Buju sings about peace and love. Being a rasta is not about being a bad man.

Most of the time when music superstars come to The Gambia, young Gambian artistes are invited to perform but this performances always take place in the absence of the star. Do we expect the same during the Buju festival?

The only problem with that is when you have a major artiste, it happens in the West as well, and you also have local artiste on board they can't see. The routine is you do your sound check and go to chill in your room. It's not that they are not interested in seeing the musicians, the routine doesn't allow that. I don't think it's going to be possible but I hope The Gambian artiste will learn from Buju's performance.

How many times was Buju in Africa?

I think it's been a couple of times. He has been at Ivory Coast and may be Nigeria or East Africa. He wants to be in places where the culture is alive and the people are nice. If this goes well, the other artiste like Sizzla, Capleton, Morgan Heritage and others may also be interested. Buju will surely share his experience with them.

What type of a welcome do you think we should give to Buju when he lands at the Airport?

Well, Azziz who is the person doing the work on the grounds has a heavy welcoming package for him. When he comes off the plane, there will be a traditional African welcome. He will be taken round town for the people to see him, so that he can say hello to everybody. They will be treating him like a king. We want him to go back to Jamaica and keep on talking about The Gambia.

What are some of his engagements in The Gambia, apart from the Christmas night performance?

Sixteen of them are coming from Jamaica and they will be here on the 20th December. So they will be able to meet and greet government officials, the sponsors etc. He will also visit historical sites of cultural interest. He will finally leave on the 27th December for Sierra Leone.

Any message for the reggae fans?

What I have to say to the fans is we are dealing with peace and love. That's what the music talk about. Peace, love and unity. Buju's show is not about negativity, it is not about burn down Babylon or having conflicts with the police. We want every body to enjoy and go home talking about it.

Young Andrew Cameron is one of the most competent young deejays working on the International Music scene. He may be young in age, at 28, but he is a veteran artiste, having started mashing up stage shows from the age of ten.

"LITTLE WICKED", as he was now called, because of his size and how good he was lyrically registered the fact that he is a talent to be reckoned with. During those early days, "LITTLE WICKED", went on to record quite a few songs. The first of which is titled, "Chicago Bulls", which was released in 1991 on the Prof record label. He followed up his first release with another single titled, "I Spy", which was also released on the Prof record label.

On the strength of these two singles "LITTLE WICKED" began to garner some recognition as a qualified artiste. So much so, that ace deejay, Ninja Man, having taken note of his talent and decided to take him under his wings which saw him earning the opportunity to perform at Border Clash before a huge audience in 1992, in which Little Wicked was called up on stage by Gun teeth, Gold teeth Ninja Man.

In the early '90s "Border Clash", was a premier calendar event that showcased the best talents in the parishes of Kingston and St. Catherine. Of course, this was the beginning of stardom for "LITTLE WICKED." Immediately after his '92, "Border Clash" performance he was booked by Isiah Laing to appear on, "STING" that same year."

The following year, (1993), "LITTLE WICKED", met veteran producer, Tappa Zoukie Sinclair, who expressed the desire to work with him and assist him in building his career. The first single, "Tappa", released for him is titled, "Done Wid De War." It was released that same year, along with "Nah Get Nuh Ratings." The popularity of, "Nah Get Nuh Ratings", inspired Ronnie Burke, the then C.E.O., of the now defunct, Synergy Productions, to book him for an appearance on "REGGAE SUNSPLASH '93." On that historic occasion he ended up performing in a 'clash' situation with, "ANTHONY B" (who was then also an upcoming artistes). That same year he also performed at REGGAE SUMFEST. His first overseas show was in Grand Cayman in 1994.

LEXUS PROMOTIONS AND RECORDING COMPANY head Mr Carroll Powell heard and saw LITTLE WICKED'S talent and sign him in 1996. He began to travel extensively and after performing at an event in New York, a gentleman came and told him that the late Biggy Small wants to have a word with him, Biggy lamented about his talent and potential. He also stated that he will be having his own record company soon to be called Junior Mafia and wanted him to be one of his first artistes to team up with his production. This same year they performed together at Sting. But it did not materialized because of his death.

Soon after LITTLE WICKED met Dougie Fresh once more whose path was cross during his time with Biggy Small, they did a song together called "NUTTY BUDDY" which did well overseas, so much that he and Dougie Fresh performed at the Apollo in New York. There he met the presenter of the Soul Train Awards who requested their performance on that show. LITTLE WICKED was now sparring with the rich and famous. He was introduced to Tommy Hilfiger and became the first artiste from Jamaica and the Caribbean to model his couture.

In the ever evolving international recording and entertainment firmament trends change rapidly and in the beginning of the new millennium he became a father ease off the scene relaxing and helping to raise his three children. It was during this period he found his true calling in the Rastafarian faith and became a Rasta, which is newly found name form to the now "RASSHADY". Now this son of the sunshine city is back bigger and better and has resign with Lexus Promotions and recording Company. His Latest single is "RUN IT" which is creating waves on the local dancehall circuit. You can expect great things from LITTLE WICKED AKA RASSHADY for the coming years.

For Booking Contact:
Lexxus Promotion
(876) 461-6552 or 309-4689
Office: (876) 754-2718
Email: Lexxuspro@cwjamaica.com

Engineer/Song writer/Artiste Delano McLaughlin more familiarly known to others by his alias 'Ilano' will no doubt be one of Jamaica's main characters behind the scenes of Jamaica’s Dancehall/reggae music.

Ilano has steadily been in the music industry for over five years now, where he started out in the position of assistant engineer for internationally acclaimed producer Dave Kelly.

Within the first six months on the job Ilano shows tremendous amount of skills that impressed Dave Kelly so, he decided to upgrade his position from assistant to Recording Engineer which saw Ilano taking vocals for well known artiste such as Baby Cham, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Foxy Brown, Kimani Marley, you name it.

As Ilano got more mature in the business, he then sailed ship to join forces with Ili Dread at Kings of Kings.

There he became one of the main recording engineers and it was from there he started to develop his skills as a songwriter and managed to pen a couple of hit tunes for entertainers such as Wayne Wonder, Spragga Benz, Chico, Mr. Easy to name a few.

WhenYardFlex.Com asked Ilano which area of the music industry he first fell in love with this is what he had to say. "To tell you the truth, singing was my first love, but then I got curious wanting to know how the music was created, this was when I decided to rest being an artiste. But one thing I can tell you it's best when you master what's behind the music before you decide on becoming a recording artiste," said Ilano who's the nephew of the late veteran DJ Pan Head.

Ilano closed by letting us know what his philosophy of life is: Everything Measures by Time - With That You Will Succeed.

By: YardFlex Reporter Jigga

You'd be hard pressed to find a more humble artiste than singer Gyptian. He has been able to retain his easygoing persona even though he has been bombarded by accolades and hailed by many admirers since his smash hit, 'Serious Times'.

The powerful hit, 'Serious Times', is a song carved in reggae oak - solid. The terrific trifecta of Gyptian's rich, ice-cube clear sound, the mournful drums of noted Nyabinghi drummer, Bongo Herman, and the sweet saxophone of Tony Green have made the song a bona fide hit that has made FM radio in Jamaica sit up and pay attention.

It has graduated to cult status, becoming a ghetto anthem on the lips of the poverty-stricken masses. The song is all at once a call to action, a sad commentary on the country's spiraling murder count, and an earnest advice column to young males on how to survive these most 'serious of times'.

Riddim magazine interviewed the artiste just a few days shy of his 23rd birthday at Mr. Wong's studio, 'Ten Times Strong' in Portmore, St. Catherine recently. Seated on a fire hydrant outside the studio, and dressed in his underpants and a white merino, Gyptian is the impresario of cool.

"Calm as the breeze would describe me, just cool and easy going, it's an Edwards thing, in the genes," he joked, a dying ganga 'spliff' hanging from his lower lip.

Gyptian was born Windel Beneto Edwards on October 25, 1983, and hails from King Weston District near Lawrence Tavern in St. Andrew. He got his first whiff of success last year when he was chosen as the winner of a major talent contest. Now, only a few months later, everybody knows his name. But this humble young man is almost at pains to maintain that his recent heady success has not changed him in any way.

"Nothing no change, people see me as a star, but I always see myself as a leader, growing up, going to high school, I was always a leader long before this, so this is nothing I can't handle," he said.

He attended King Weston All-Age before going on to Glengoffe High school, and had always harboured the ambitions of either becoming a police officer, or a soldier. He had never seriously entertained the idea of a career in the music business, but admits that he used to love singing in churches.

"The church is like the dancehall, God de everywhere, Methodist, Baptist, Ebenezer church so I go there go sing," he said. He grew up in what he calls "a happy household" with both parents, his Christian mother, Pauline, and his Rastafarian father, Basil. "They have always lived lovingly and they never tried to influence us to become Rastafarians or Christians, they allowed us to make up our own minds," he said.

Encouraged by family members, Gyptian began to pursue his music career, and began to hone his craft at several talent shows and small concerts across the island. He came to Kingston and hooked up with renowned musician Earl 'Chinna' Smith, who produced the first 'Serious Times' track as far back as 1999, but it was never released. "I went back to King Weston to regroup, and then I had some relatives in Portmore who told me about this studio there, so I went to that community to live in 2004," he said.

A few months later, after winning the 'Portmore Star Search' contest, the Big Enchilada came (drum roll please), the resurrection, re-make and release of 'Serious Times'.

"This producer, Kenneth 'Spragga' Wilson actually took me off a construction job I was doing for $1,000 a day to voice the tune, and he never paid me for voicing the tune because he used up all his money to book the studio time, and ting, si I never got paid for the song," he said.

But all that is forgotten now given the smashing success of the song.
"The whole vibe with the tune good right now, everyone a reach out to it and to me, so I have to keep my composure about it," he said.
Several artistes have already began to comment on Gyptian's serenity, and composure when on stage. Reggae l0vers who have seen him perform are struck by the mesmerizing quality of his delivery when singing 'Serious Times'. He stands almost stationary, and he begins to chant in that distinctive throaty voice, and audiences stand a little in awe of what appears to be the cool, matter-of-fact musings of a youthful Old Testament prophet who has a little bit of God's inside information.

In that moment, he becomes what Jamaicans like to call a 'warner man', a doomsday Messiah prophesying about approaching destruction. All that's left is that single finger of reproof. Gyptian is a shortened word for 'Egyptian', a name given to him by his friends who were teasing the artiste one day because he had wrapped a towel over his head, and "looked like an Egyptian", and the name stuck. He is still learning about the Rastafarian faith, and has begun to grow his covenant (locks).

"If it grow, it grow. Right now, life is just for living, and am not 100 per cent sure about Rastafarianism being a religion as some people make it out to be, so I am just taking it easy," he said.
Gyptian credits Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, Luciano, Beres Hammond and other cultural icons as his influences, but surprisingly, it is Celine Dion.

"I love her delivery, her clarity, her work is powerful, the songs are incredible, each note is sharp and clear, she is so good I can't even pick out my favourite song, I love all of them," he said.
He also has great admiration for Jimmy Cliff, who the singer claims "looks a lot like my father."

"I would love to sit and have a conversation with him one day," he said. He has not been signed to any label, but has been doing some freelance work with a number of different producers, working on follow-up songs such as 'What a Policy' on the Season rhythm, 'You Never Know', 'Mama Don't Cry' and 'Going on Life's Journey'.

"I have done some things that I have put my all into and I feel really proud about it. Music is the only thing that will transpire eternally and the idea of doing conscious music has become a part of me," he said.

Source: Riddim Magazine

One of nine children, Rodney's destiny would be irrevocably shaped by the landscapes of inner-city Kingston, where tribalism and poverty battle for the morals of the hungry and the desperate.

Leaving Trenchtown soon after, Miss Ivy relocates her family to Riverton City, a community founded on the Kingston City dump. Once known as 'Dungle,' the sprawling rubbish heap is a vital resource to many of its inhabitants.

Clothed just by 'tear-up-batty' pants, Rodney would sneak out late at night to hear the music thundering from speaker boxes strung up in the community.

Belonging to the sound system owned by his Father, affectionately known as Breezer.

"I used to just grab the mic and vibe up the place with my arguments and slangs!" remembers Bounty of the beginning. "I never had any lyrics of my own. Once I went to take the microphone at a talent show in Riverton. I intended to DJ, but I just opened my mouth and began to sing Junior Reid's 'Woman Make Your Waistline Roll!' Even though it didn't work out how I planned it, the crowd were hyped by it so I decided to build my own lyrics."

By: Jigga - YardFlex Reporter

Peter Lloyd is an artiste who has had a remarkable odyssey. He has matured and grown up under the bright lights of the media spotlight, so much so he took an enforced sabbatical a few years ago. Now, he's back. He has rediscovered his love for the music, and the world had better watch out.

"My problem was that I was actor, a broadcasting, did a lot of film work, I do edutainment, I give motivational talks. When I came back to Jamaica in 1999, I stopped singing, I was tired of it, and about 2000, I went to stage shows, and decided I can do this again," he told YardFlex.com.

In the early part of his career, he was known as a "girls' artiste". The classy vocalist, a former top north coast cabaret star, is no stranger to making hit songs. In fact, he has been the voice behind classic dancehall hits such as "Dancehall Queen", "Perfect Body", "Oh My Darling", and 'Pose', a sensuous combination with Lady Saw.

Now, he has flipped his game, so to speak, by doing the roots rock anthem, 'Wake Dem Up', and dancehall flavoured 'Gold Digga'"When mi do dem song de, mi a pickney, a teenager, I wanted the hype, the girls, but when you become a man, you put away childish things, so I am doing conscious songs, then I was writing my reality, now I am doing our reality. I have developed as a good songwriters and I have been working with the best producers," he said.

A teetotaller, he has never touched alcohol, never smoke, and likes to read,"If me want to get high, I have my music," he quipped.

What are his future plans?
"We are putting together an album for VP through Dean Fraser's label. We are choosing 16 tracks and we are in the process of putting it out, maybe in February of next year," he said.

"I am working with Sno Cone, Sly and Robbie, Dia Fearon and a lot of the top producer, and doing some co-writes with some of these producers as well."

He is a devout Rastafarian who started growing his covenant 18 months ago. " I just start locks again a year and a half ago, I had a difference of opinion with my elders, they call me a neo-rasta. They have some beliefs not relevant today, just like Jews say Old, and Christians say new, I believe man and woman equal, the brain is fundamentally the same, people need to stop watching so much white TV, not knocking the white race, I love Africa,"

Peter Lloyd's philosophy on life is centred around the all-conquering emotion of love. In his heart, he believes love can conquer all things.

"If a man do you the worst thing possible, and you show love to that man, that makes you the strongest possible human being, we don't need no more hate, that is why I don't see the same as certain rastas who burn fire. Love is the answer," he said.
Amen.

Damian Junior Gong Marley is unique ... as the son of the legendary Bob Marley, the youngest veteran has lived up to and exceed critical expectations even while shedding the "stereotype" of his father to deliver a musical hybrid as conscious as it is infectious.

Welcome to Jamrock and the forthcoming Road to Zion singles may have catapulted Damian into the mainstream (with hit videos, national TV appearances, Billboard chart action and record breaking album debut) but long time fans earned respect and returned admiration when Damian dropped his sophomore Grammy award winning album Half Way Tree along with its hit singles It Was Written, Still Searching and More Justice.

With performances exceeding an hour in length, Damian is known to captivate his audiences with extremely powerful and colourful sets underscored by excellent musicians. Capitalising on the success of Welcome to Jamrock, Damian is expected to tour the Caribbean in January.

From their ground breaking My Crew, My Dogs, to their current hit album, Unknown Language, dancehall's first and only quartet, T.O.K. continue to make their mark in the mainstream. Their current single, Footprints (a stirring tribute to loved ones lost due to senseless violence) is in rotation in major US markets even as the music video climbs BET's 106 and Park. Their explosive performances include a ten year career of club banging tracks – Money 2 Burn, Eagles Cry, Hey Ladies, Solid as A Rock, Shake Your Bam Bam and their most recent hit, Tears.

Performing at a slew of US based radio concerts, "yard based" calendar concerts and embarking on a sold out Japan tour, T.O.K. have precious few booking dates available.

Once again topping the charts with his current hit, I Still Believe, Wayne Wonder has produced several classic hits during the course of his 15 year career including the monster crossover success, No Letting Go.

His powerful live performances dispense a plethora of sing along favourites including Saddest Day, Joy Ride, Movie Star, Forever Young and Enemies along with new clubs hits like Glad You Came, Bounce Along and Friend Like Me from his recent VP/Atlantic album, No Holding Back.

Anything Goes from the Grammy Award winning compilation album, Def Jamaica and Hold Me Now from 50 First Dates movie soundtrack are also crowd favourites.

'It's Yuh Boy' - is the slang of the singing sensation Maurice that he frequently use to intro is songs or when representing on stage. Maurice can be classified as one of fastest rising young artiste on the dancehall circuit - riding high with a tally four hit singles, 'COME BACK HOME', 'PLEASE CALL ME', 'MARY MARY'and 'DANCING TIME' feat. Delly Ranx.

His professional entry in the world of dancehall music started 2 years ago, after his relationship with his girlfriend ended, which inspires him to write the song Come Back Home that explains his feelings towards his princess who have walked out of his life leaving him home alone. The single was also Co produced by Maurice.

He believes that music is a very powerful medium of expressing ones self and to educate. His repertoire includes Gospel, Scoa, Reggae, and Dance Hall etc.

Maurice is very satisfied with the buzz that he is received at this time and intends to use every opportunity he gets to improve the quality of his music, while eyeing the international market.

Maurice has made appearances on both TV and radio. Namely: Hype TV, MUSIC PLUS (channel 14,) TVJ (morning time) CVM TV (The party and Hit list) Hot 102 to name a few.
He was also featured in the Star, X news and Gleaner.

So far he has performed on Teen Fest, St Mary Wi Come From, Bling Dwag Summer Jam, Barbeques, Street Dances, Fashion Shows etc.

It seems like such a long time ago that Marlon Plunkett aka KIPRICH was the Crazy Kid working out with the big one Jack Scorpio, as well as Danny Brownie of the hot Main Street Label to which he had been signed.

It was in fact, just the other day, the late nineties, when he catapulted onto the dancehall scene with his first number one single, LOGO DI BWOY. But KIPRICH has been so prolific since then, that he leaves fans in wonder at his many hits over such a short period of time.

Perhaps the catalyst for his successful beginning was a name change which came about when one of his management representatives Audley "Bredi" Allen decided that it was time to get rid of the Crazy Kid. Armed with his new moniker KIPRICH began to make his mark, turning out hit after hit all written by the young deejay himself.

With lyrics readily flowing from his pen, KIPRICH has become one of the most consistent deejays in the business. This has made him much sought after, by major producers. As one of their number enthusiastically put it "he can be counted on to give producers chart topping singles." Dance hall hits like Loggo Di Bwoy, Imagine This, All Ladies, Cut Him Off, Bad Man No Snitch, Waste Time represent just a few of his strong catalogue.

Not everyone can make the transition from studio to stage with the same degree of success. However, armed with his trademark smile, KIPRICH performs with so much commitment on stage that he has made a name for himself as an exciting live performer.

His latest project, scheduled to be released soon, is his first album. The producers read like a who's who of reggae/dancehall music with heavyweights Snow Cone, John Baker, Rock Wilder, Bobby Digital, Sly & Robbie, King Jammys, Flabba Malcolm and Steely and Clevie all on board. KIPRICH is justifiably hyped up about the project at it represents another level of achievement in his development as an artist.

Always in perpetual motion, KIPRICH had toured extensively through North & South America, the Caribbean and Europe. But he wastes no time dwelling on his past successes. For KIPRICH it's all about charting new territory while keeping it real...and rich!

By: Jigga - YardFlex Reporter

All the guys want her. And all the girls want to be her. Heck, with her stunning good looks, and her great voice, who wouldn't want to be Tami Chynn?

Tami Chynn has become a popular name on the dancehall scene over the past two years and is now honing her skills and consolidating a sizeable fan base, both locally and here in the United States. She was born to an 'artistic family' so it's no surprise that Tami got involved in music, her sister, Tessane, is also a singer. Tami has done songs on a number of tracks on various dancehall tracks, and this year, earned an honourable mention on one of dancehall's biggest hits, Left Side and Esco's 'Tuck in Yu Belly'. Despite her stunning good looks, and upper crust background, she refuses to be 'pigeonholed' and considered an 'uptown' artiste.

"People would consider me an uptowner, but everyone's opinion varies. I am not what I consider uptown to be, can't I just be no-town?" she said, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

Tami, you are so fine, girl, you can be anything you want to be.

In case you are curious, Tami is part-Chinese, part-Cherokee, part-white, part-black.

"Mi mix up bad," she said, laughing.

She describes her most inspirational moment in the biz so far as "definitely the RE TV high school tour".

"That was one of the best experiences as an artiste and person, just humbling, knowing that people are out there and enjoying my music, as opposed to feeling cocky and big-headed about it...to have all these people rooting for me, have to keep up my standards."

Growing up in St. Andrew, she attended Sts. Peter and Paul, before moving on to Campion, but after only a few years, she moved to England.

"I finished schooling at Trinity public school. It wasn't no private school, it was big change to my whole way of life, a big culture shock, no uniforms, you were on a first name basis with teachers. In fact, I was the only person uptight about handing in assignments, everybody else was just like whatever. The teachers here in Jamaica instil a fear but over there, more relaxed, if you do it, whatever," she said.

Who would you want to work with most? And why?

"I have been very fortunate to work with most of the artistes, I did a song with Sean Paul, for his album, 'All On Me'. I worked with Assassin on, 'All Night' he is such an amazing artiste, he is so brilliant. I’ve had the chance to work with Lady Saw, and Beenie Man, I've worked with Sanje, and I see him coming up, Busy Signal, mi love Busy, he is doing real well, and of course, Wayne Marshall."

She will be shooting a video for the single, 'Tell Mi Seh' in New York soon. The video is directed by Nadia (who is of Jamaican heritage) and Naylor, the directors who shot the Cezar video and who have being a part of the new Smirnoff Ice media campaign.

"It's a ladies anthem showing another side of my creativity," she said.

Earlier this year, she inked a four-album deal with Universal Records.

"The first album is due out in 2006. Luckily, I had been working on it before...it's been a blessing getting signed to a major label... it's just wicked, but I have a lot of work to do, and it's just the first step in my career."

This gorgeous Gemini says she wants to dabble in acting in the future once she establishes herself in the music biz.

"I want to consider myself a businesswoman. I have to learn the business of the music, we have to know, or else, the wool gets pulled over your eyes."

If you want to know more about Tami Chynn you can check out her website at www.tamitunes.com where you can read her diary, sign her guestbook, watch videos, interviews, listen to music, and see her events page.

Since the track Peace In Spanish Town, Jamaica has not stopped hearing the conscious cries of Lutan Fyah.This son of Spanish Town grabbed the spotlight in 2003, and has somewhat gone on a recording rampage to make sure he cements his place in the hallowed halls of Roots Reggae.

Lutan Fyah has been working the Jamaican airwaves - and as he admits - deliberately. Tracks like Rasta Still Deh Bout, Reputation For Love, Badness Nuh Pay and Back To Africa are all in rotation at once. The music videos for Rasta Still Deh Bout and Reputation For Love both enjoyed regular reviews on local cable channels at the same time.

Lutan Fyah says there is a method to his madness. "Right now is just work. Because I don't have no crew or camp I just do the work," he states.

Earlier this year he released the fifteen-track album A Time And Place on the luster Kings Label, and he is working to follow up with another by December. Releasing two albums in a year from the same artist is known in Hip Hop circles as the sign of accomplishment. While rappers Tupac Shakur and DMX can attest to this, in Reggae circles it is not common.

Lutan Fyah however feels he must leave his mark. "I want more people to get to know the real Lutan Fyah. Mi want to be more consistent," he explains. "Mi want people hear me and accept me more because it is energy for me. When I feel this energy from the people a the greatest thing, so mi can't stop work."

Little Hero's luck has finally kicked in with the success of his runaway hit Inna De Ghetto. The song, which is featured on DJ Sunshine's Real Life rhythm, has given Little Hero's career the attention that he craved for.

"The vibe is really good right now. I am hoping that this time around things will be better," he said recently.

Inna de Ghetto that reached number one on the B Mobile Mega Jamz Top 20 Reggae chart rose to number five on the New York Reggae chart a few weeks ago. The song is currently number seven on Richie B's Top 30 Hit List chart.

Little Hero, who was born Paul Gayle in Farm Town, Discovery Bay in St Ann, is no stranger to scoring a chart climber. As a matter of fact, around 10 years ago he was featured on the collaboration God Alone with Merciless and Action Fire.

The single was first recorded as a solo with Little Hero and was produced by Courtney Cole for the Roof International label. It garnered some airplay, but it was the remix featuring Merciless and Action Fire, released on Harvel 'Gadaffi' Heart's Annex label, that took the dancehall scene and the charts by storm.

"The song was a big hit back then," said Little Hero. "I got some shows and it put my name out there. Just the other day, I re-recorded a version for the Inspire rhythm, and so far it's getting a lot of airplay."

Little Hero made his recording debut in 1992 on Courtney Cole's Roof International label with the track Pretty Looks, which featured Delly Melody. Among his latest singles are the 'Prayer Time' and 'No More War' on the Inspire label.

Jovi Rockwell carries herself much like a blues musician of the early 20th century; she is brooding and spiritual with her music. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, the child of an art and music connoisseur Jovi has been steeped in "the business" since an early age.

She is a mysterious bon vivant who always has a story to tell and a song to serve as the soundtrack.

The latest talent to emerge from the multi-textured, dancehall soul label Mystic Urchin Music (Farenheit, Transdub Massiv) Jovi offers up an intimate blend of dancehall, pop and soul that she describes as "Rebel, Love, Goddess music." She imbues the already innovative blend of musical genres that is Mystic Urchin with an impressive throaty vocal style that is accented with both depth and emotion.

Merely in her early 20s, Ms. Rockwell is still honing her craft as a singer, songwriter and bass player. Her debut singles prove that she is seeking out various styles and sounds before settling on a few to call her own. Meanwhile, Jovi masterfully ensures that her work doesn't sound like a patchwork quilt, but rather a perfect blend.

By Jigga
YARDFLEX REPORTER

Bratt and Kuko, two Spanish musicians/producers, are big time lovers of reggae music, and have come to Jamaica to hone their reggae skills to return to spread the art form in their native country, Spain.

Bratt and Kuko are devoted to reggae music. When Kuko was 16 years-old, he went to an African bar in Madrid, Spain to see an afro-reggae band play, and after that night, he felt helplessly, hopelessly in love with reggae music. And that affair has lasted 16 years.

But what about Flamengo music?
"Mi no like that! Fire pon dat! That is prehistoric music, bomboclaat!"

Talk about your die-hard reggae lover!
He and his friend Bratt have been to Jamaica seven times in the last decade, in search of that authentic Jamaican reggae feel.

"I am here to feel the vibes, and learn from everyone about reggae music, and feel the energy. If you want authentic Flamengo, you go to Spain, if you want authentic reggae, you have to come to Jamaica," Bratt said.

"Right now, reggae is growing in Spain, it may be bigger in Germany, and other European countries, but my mission right now is to spread reggae to every corner of Spain."
Four years ago, they got their band together called Canaman, and did an album called ‘Fronteras (Borders)’ that sold moderately well in Spain.

"We came to Jamaica to Anchor Recording studio and recorded all the musicians for the song, it was a big project, we had Nando producing plus combinations with Capleton, Marcia Griffiths, and Louis Culture, we really learned a lot," Kuko said.
Now, this time, they have flipped the script a little, and now have played their own instruments on their latest project, the 'Mad Sensi'.

"We have just brought it here now to have it mixed, we are doing combinations with Jr. Kelly, Frisco Kid, Lutan Fyah, Luciano, Mikey General and Bongo Herman The big producer, Fattaman is mixing the riddim to give us that real reggae feel," Kuko said.
Kuko is an accomplished reggae musician, and once shared a stage with Anthony B, Coco Tea and Freddie McGregor in a show in Jamaica a few years ago.

"Our backing band, Canaman is wicked wicked, and we perform all over Spain, and we use the money we earn and put it back into the music, trying to improve our sound, we record a lot of music in Spain," Kuko said.

The first volume of the 'Mad Sensi' project will be released in January 2006.

Booking:
00 34 91 4474581
00 34 67 9816193
Email: raszic@yahoo.com

Most people know Patrick 'Roach' Samuels as being a close, personal friend of deejay Vybz Kartel, and they often see him lurking in the shadows in music videos, backstage at shows, or at the studios.

He grew up in the area of Kingston known as 'South', a rough-and-tumble neighbourhood known for its bloody gun-violence in the southern part of Kingston. He attended Calabar High school before going on to Vauxhall Comprehensive High. After graduating, he got a job at the Jamaica Cement Company in the engineering department, working there for 10 years and earning the nickname, 'Mama Boy'.

"I loved working at the Cement Company, I worked as an assistant to the engineers, I got crazy love there, dem check fi me, and while I was there, mi meet Bounty Killer; Killer was the first man mek me hold $100,000 one time when him give me 4 dub plate fi a sound name Black Culture from Miami inna 1996," he said, smiling.

It was while hanging around Bounty Killer that he first met the young, ultra-talented Kartel.
You know dat is Bounty responsible for Kartel, and dem time de, Kartel used to give him crazy song, and people seh dat me and him resemble, and from dem time de, mi admire him style of deejaying, the way him string him words together. Mi recognize him talent, and mi invest $20,000 in him far in advance fi 4 tune long before him name get out big a Jamaica," he said.

Knowing all the deejays in the business and hanging around them, it was only a matter of time before he made the natural progression to being a producer.
"Mi know all the big name dem, and mi know the business but mi neva mek the step until one day, last year October, mi de de rounda Kartel and mi seh 'blow wow, deejay, you know mi need two dub plate', and him seh 'go Blacks (the producer), tell him dat yu need a riddim, at the speed of 120 and come back wid it'," he said.

However, when 'Roach' returned with a rhythm to Kartel, he said "Kartel fling it outta the CD player outta him car, him said mi need a badda one, ah eediat riddim dat". At this point, he pauses and laughs, and takes a pull from his burning cigarette.
"Bwoy, him no easy y'know," he said.

After that, as fate would have it, he stumbled upon the source of inspiration for his virgin project.
"I was over Kartel another day, and he was writing a song from a producer called Ellis on The Symphony riddim, but the CD contain two riddim, and mi hear a phrase, the siren, inna the riddim that mi like. So mi call Lauren Hill engineer, and tell him, amd mi get the file, go rounda Blacks, him do a magic job, him give me what mi want, and the riddim ready fi the road," he said.

The first songs he produced were 'Call Di Ambulance' by Kartel, and songs by Bling Dawg, Ward 21 and then a bouncy single by Sean Paul.
"I saw Jason (Sean Paul's brother) one day, and mi tell him dat mi have a riddim, mi give it to him, and the next day Sean call me and said that him do the first verse already, and the next day, him do the next verse and that was it. I took the next couple of months and finish the production and it ah run the road fi the last few months," he said.

The 'Siren' rhythm, which samples Quincy Jones' 'Ironside', contains the monster radio hit, 'Emergency', which recently hit #5 on the UK Dancehall charts, and is getting regular rotation on HOT 97 in New York. The distribution of the rhythm is handled by 'In the Streetz' and appears on the Time Travel label.
"Mi have a new riddim ah come out soon, it ah run the place, look out fi it," he said

Errol Stewart, aka DJ Smurf, was born on September 21, 1972. He grew up in Kingston, and was raised by both his mother and grandmother. He would stay between Vineyard Town and Woodford Park occasionally, and sometimes in Cashew Park with his mother. While growing up with his grandmother, he was placed under a lot of restrictions.

His interest for the turntable budded from a tender age. While sitting at his gate, he would carefully observe as Metro Media played on weekends on the corner of every weekend on the same road.
While attending Calabar High School, he would conduct cassette clashes with his classmates. There and then he recognized his true potential and got a few mixing lessons from Ian, a friend of his, who was also a D.J. from Road Star Disco.

Later he decided to make it his career. In 1988, he started deejaying on various sound systems in the corporate area and played for various occasions, such as office parties, wedding receptions, school fetes, soca sessions, 70s and 80s sessions, dancehall sessions, and also provided background music for dinner parties.
His career choice led him to work alongside prominent DJs. He also played at various nightclubs throughout Jamaica, such as Asylum, Club 2000, Margarita Ville in Montego Bay, The Brewery in Montego Bay, and The Jungle in Negril, just to name a few.

Currently employed at HOT 102 FM, he has a few radio experiences. He appeared as a guest DJ during the Karl Marshall show, while at Fame FM. He was also a member of the 80s club at Mega Jamz.
His main interest musically is 90s to current Dancehall, Hip-Hop, Disco and Soca. Nevertheless, he has a fair appreciation for music of the 70s from various genres.

His interests also include reading, net surfing, and cooking. In fact, he has obtained a Senior G.C.E. pass in Home Economics, as well as a Teacher's Diploma in Computer Science at the Secondary Level at Mico Teachers' College

Errol's love and dedication for the music will allow him to achieve all his dreams, and to not only be a prominent DJ, but to also be a "Musical Connoisseur".

Many consider her the sexiest female disc jock in the business, for others she spreads joy, laughter and her vivacious personality and talent ensures that she is constantly in demand. Just as her name suggests DJ Sunshine is lighting up the radio scene these days. Only two and a half years on the air and already she has achieved what many disc jocks dream about. Sunshine has carved a niche for herself in the very competitive world of radio.

Just listen to her slots on Irie FM on Wednesdays from 2:00pm to 6:00 pm, Thursdays 2 pm to 6:00 pm and Fridays 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm that is why her career has catapulted in such a short time.
On Wednesdays be prepared for a little bit of everything while on her Thursday and Friday afternoon slots it's a party vibes with Sunshine knowing just what to serve to her entertainment hungry fans.

And to think Sunshine never saw herself as being a radio disc jock, while she was working at Harry's Bar on Constant Spring Road. It was one of those gigs that DJ face from IRIE FM heard her playing and decided she really was good. He told her he wanted to introduce her to Brian Schmidt. Brian was very impressed with Sunshine and that led him to introduce her to Carl Young owner of the station. The rest as they say is history as she is now comfortable ensconced at the top station.

Born in St. Andrew DJ Sunshine attended St. Andrew High School for Girls. She was all set on being an architect and was firmly encouraged by her mom to pursue that dream. With that in mind she went to study at Miami Dade Community College "to get that piece of paper". Having completed her studies, Sunshine realized that she really didn't want to be an architect. According to her, music was in her bones.

She bought a Gemini CD system and had it entertaining herself while she practice her spins at home. It happened that her friends used to throw a lot of house parties and she ended up being the 'unofficial' selector. It was while selecting for her friends Sunshine realized she had found her true calling - selecting. From then on she started to freelance her talent. Now she is very in demand playing at football matches, sessions and serving as emcee.

What is so special about this disc jock? Well Sunshine will be the first to tell you that it is all about humility and being yourself. She stressed that you must always know that there is room for improvement and stays focused. Relaxation for this busy disc jock is lying down in her hammock with her dog at her side cooling out.

Bookings: Khool International - 4
Thant Crescent, Bridgeport P.O. St Catherine, Jamaica
Telephone #: 876- 998-5083,
Cell. #s: 876-877-5956 & 839-6533
Fax: 876-704-0866
E-mail Address: khool@anngel.com.jm
Other queries email: sunflowerrock@hotmail.com

Even though his stage name is the chaos-inducing 'Turbulence', this 24 year-old artiste is one of the most grounded, humble and focused young artistes you will find in the music business today.

Born Sheldon Campbell January 11, 1980, he attended Swallowfield All Age, and St. Andrew Technical High school before graduating from the latter in 1998.

Turbulence grew up in the poverty-stricken area of St. Andrew which had been charmlessly dubbed 'Hungry Town' by its residents. 'Hungry Town' is actually 6 Mary Crane Lane, Kingston 8, a network of concrete squatter settlements located close to Constant Spring in St. Andrew. However, it was a rough-and-tumble experience for the young man, and he got into mischief at times, but his passionate love for music kept him grounded and led him to the path he needed to follow to fulfil his true potential.

"I grew up with two brothers, one sister and my mother, and it was really hard. Often, we didn’t have enough to eat but there was always a lot of love to go around from my mom because I never knew my father. The place is called 'Hungry Town' and with good reason because a lot of real poor but trying people lived there... sufferation, violence, and real uptown ghetto. But I got through it," he said.

A year after completing his secondary school education, Turbulence hooked up with the Exterminator Record label which already boasted such heavyweight acts such as Luciano and Sizzla. Turbulence's life was about to change forever.

Realising the incredible talent harnessed within the slender frame of this young man, Phillip 'Fattist' Burrell, the head of Exterminator adopted him into the family, and that's where he has remained for the past four years.

During his first year with the camp, Turbulence made an immediate impact with an inspirational gem of a song, 'Think of Peace', and his first ever song, 'On My Way to Zion' which he recorded in 1999, and a critically acclaimed debut album.

On the strength of this album, he became the opening act of dancehall firebrand Sizzla, and after wowing an audience in his first ever performance in Trinidad in front of thousands who had come to see a show headlined by Lauryn Hill, Turbulence never looked back.

"I am really grateful to Exterminator, they are the ones who believed in me and put me on the map. The people there look out for my welfare, it's not just a producer and some artistes, it is a family," he said.

Known for his high-energy, 'riot-inducing' performances, Turbulence has toured the United States extensively, and has been on a number of European and Caribbean tours.

In 2003, he followed up his debut album with sophomore effort, 'Rising', and more success followed. Recently, he released his latest album, 'Join Us', and has a small armada of singles which have been enjoying airplay locally such as 'Run Cow', 'Babylon You Doomed', 'Not Like Them and Those', 'Universal Struggle', 'Gideon Start Again' with Ancient Monarchy a.k.a Frisco Kid, and the popular 'Want a Natty' alongside Billboard chart-rider Sasha. The combination single, 'Want a Natty', has been doing very well, and the video for the song is in heavy rotation on local television and cable stations. A new medley video for the soon-to-released single, 'Name and Number' and the single, 'Baby Let's Go' will be introduced to the public soon as well.

Now, years later, Turbulence has built a house for his mother far from 'Hungry Town' but she refuses to move. He says he understands that she 'feels comfortable being there'.

"I still live close by to the town, but I had to move out to seek my fortunes. The people look to I and I to make it better. Many times, I am the one who sends their children to school, and help in several other ways; they are good people but I need to rise so that in the future, I can help those who need help," he said.

Last year, he wowed a jampacked Sumfest audience with a marquis performance right after the enigmatic Beres Hammond as he was still the opening act for Sizzla.

"After the first five minutes, mi just get mad and do my ting, and everybody was surprised that I could go so hard, I made my impression and this year, I have my own 25 minutes slot...things are looking up," he said.

"Ultimately, I see myself opening up a chain of community centres across Jamaica, each with its own studio so we can more adequately harness the talents of the inner-city youths in Jamaica. We have to get the youths positively engaged in something so that they will choose something other than crime and the gun. We have to give them hope," he said.

Turbulence is offering the same brand of 'hope' in his hometown, 'Hungry Town' where he has formed a group called 'Higher Trod' which consists of artistes like Jumbo Rass, Natty Paul, Black Warrior, Sonny Terrible, Mangaroo, Prince Jared, Mastablade, and I Star, all sons of the same community.

"You have to know yourself, and know your purpose so you can elevate yourself and make a positive impact on the world," he said.

Mr Easy is a man over-flowing with music and melodies that deal with the more harmonious aspects of life and living. He was born in the verdant, undulating hills of the Cockpit Country. The transition at the age of ten, for this country boy, to the cold, gray streets of New York City was not an easy rite of passage.

Mr. Easy, who was named for his laid back and easy demeanor faced an awkward transition to New York being Jamaican born, yet of African heritage, something which always seems to create a dilemma of the soul. However, it wasn't long before he settled into this new lifestyle and by 1982, was helping "Sir Noel" set up his sound system. Easy joined the crew of DJ's and experimented with some of the lyrics that he had been writing since he first went to high school. He soon began performing at places like the Starlight Ballroom and singing songs made popular by Dennis Brown. After an introduction to a record producer, Barry, he hit the studios to record a cover version of the Isley Brother's hit "Caravan Of Love". By the end of the 1980's, Mr. Easy was not only writing original material but he was also composing his own melodies.

Mr. Easy played and studied hard in the Big Apple, thereby gaining a wealth of experiences in a relatively short space of time. He cites Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, Gladys Knight as well as Erik B and Rakim among his major musical influences. As a youth his dream was to conquer the crowd at New York City's famous Apollo Theatre as nearly every solo singer that ventured onto that stage was booed off. Mr. Easy was more than successful. Easy recounts how Sidney Mills, the keyboard player from Steel Pulse, helped him to write "Just Be A Lady" and how he sang out for all he was worth. The crowd went wild, they didn't boo they clapped and cheered. Easy received congratulations and encouragement from people like Patti LaBelle and Quincy Jones. The result of this early success was a record deal with Motown Records and the release of Mr. Easy's first album.

Extensive touring of the United States, Japan and the Caribbean followed with fellow Jamaican artists such as; Beres Hammond, Shinehead, Red Fox and Shaggy. It was while he was working on his never to be released second album for Warner Brothers with Mickey Bennett that he met Dave Kelly and a long-term alliance was formed. At that time there seemed to be a need to win over a homeland audience that is like none other in the world. For a Jamaican, you could have conquered the globe, but if you've never had a major hit in the homeland-you just haven't truly made it.

Easy feels that the experiences of performing and recording in New York combined with maintaining a working base in Jamaica has enabled a crystallization of ideas to take place where he can let his creativity shine. Since dedicating himself to years of recording with top producers like Dave Kelly, the melodic quality of Mr. Easy's voice has been in much demand. Songs like; "Mi Haffi Stop" on the Showtime riddim, "Man Ah Say A Who" on the Rae Rae riddim, "Funny Man" on the Joyride riddim, "Freaky Lady" on the Juice Ridd