The dynamic duo So-Jah has now become a household name in various Japanese communities. The duo was propelled to stardom in Japan by attaining two number one singles under their belts, 'Pon De Corner' on the Guilty Rhythm and 'Life Get Harder' on the 'Tear Drops' rhythm featuring Martina, both of which were produced by CashFlow Records.

With all that success on the Japanese charts, So-Jah has already booked a flight to Japan for a three week tour. The tour will be seeing them making stops at Tokyo,Yoko Hama, and Kochi.

When they get back from tour, their next project is to complete a video shoot of their latest single entitled 'Too Much Youths Dying' on the Woomba rhythm that was also produced by CashFlow. CashFlow, an instrumental driving force behind the duo, will be joining them on tour for the second leg.

"It's amazing to see that the Japanese market has recognized our talent, but yet still not many persons in Jamaica know us apart from those who live in the Kingston 20 area," one member of So-Jah told Yardflex.com

(Jamaica, NY-October 25th) After departing from the traditional format for the past two years, VP Records has returned to a simultaneous release of two consecutive volumes in the latest installment of the Strictly The Best compilation.

Although the past two years have been very successful for the reggae compilation, (both Volumes 31 and 32 have been some of the best selling in the history of the series), an influx of hits from the island of Jamaica has prompted VP to return to the release of Volumes 33 and 34. The most consistent reggae collection, first released in 1992, is the longest running compilation series in the reggae business.

Not since 2002, when STB Volumes 29 and 30 were released with hits like Sean Paul and Sasha's "I'm Still in Love with You", Mad Cobra's "Press Trigger", Mr. Easy's "Drive Me Crazy", Bounty Killa's "Sufferah", and Elephant Man's "Higher Level", has there been a two volume collection of hits that have showcased both the best in Dancehall and Roots/Lovers Rock.

Now in 2005, STB Volumes 33 and 34 are here, with ground breaking hits like Turbulence's "Notorious", a tremendous song that picks up where Damien Marley's "Jamrock" has left off, with a hard hitting bass and rasta chant of redemption in the face of temptation. This anthem will no doubt propel the release of Turbulence's album of the same name coming in early 2006. Elephant Man's "Willie Bounce", this ode to the beloved dancer Bogle uses the melody from Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" and introduced the world to the Willie Bounce, a new dance which can be seen in Sean Paul's video for "We Be Burning" (a track featured on STB 32). Jah Cure’s "True Reflections", this cry of rehabilitation from one of Jamaica's most elusive singers will further his impressive rise to reggae super stardom. Turbulence and Sasha's "We've Got the Love," with two solo albums on the horizon, this couple shares their lovers anthem and heartfelt emotion on their follow up to the seductive "Want a Natty."

In addition, a host of newcomer's contribute hits to the most wanted reggae compilation: Gyptian's "Serious Times", Producer/Entertainers Leftside and Esco's "Tuck In U Belly", Roger Robin's "Take it Slow", and Idonia's "Lolly" round out the set of tunes that will be sure to please.

New York, NY - October 20, 2005 - Jamaican superstar group T.O.K (Alex, Flexx, Bay-C and Craigy T.) who has been hailed by the New York Times as "the world's greatest dancehall-reggae boy band," have garnered their first U.S. crossover hit and second Vibe Music Award nomination in the Boomshot category with the socially conscious song "Footprints."

The video for "Footprints," will premiere Friday, October 21st on BET 106th & Park as the "New Joint Of The Day," and make its debut on MTV's Direct Effect Countdown shortly. While the video networks jump on board with heavy rotation on MTV Jams and MTVU, the song has been embraced by radio for its message of hope and is getting over 1,100 spins weekly.

While the story behind the song is quite inspirational, the journey that this video has taken to the small screen is a story board of its own. Dedicated to Alex's brother who was killed by a stray bullet in Jamaica, the group themselves were the unwitting victims of foul play. The original video for the single, from their latest CD, Unknown Language, was in video director Jay Will's Toyota Corolla parked on Constant Spring Road in St. Andrew, Jamaica when thieves stole the car and all its contents, including one year's worth of video footage, a digital camera, and computer equipment.

Distraught over the video's disappearance (especially since it was filmed while Alex, Bay-C, Craigy T, and Flexx were still struggling with the loss), T.O.K. went on Jamaican national TV to appeal for its return. The perpetrators were moved and anonymously turned the video master into the local precinct, but kept the car and the remainder of the stolen items.

With time their perspective changed; they unanimously decided to move forward with the re-shoot of the video in hopes of creating one that would maintain the group's strong message against senseless violence and also reach out to the mothers who lost their sons to war and the tragic life that extreme poverty inflicts. They enrolled director Kevin De Freitas to recreate a video that would capture the raw emotions of the original and be more universal in scope.

The lyrics, "Hurry up and come back was the last thing she said to her son, the day his life was taken, she didn't know he wouldn't come back, he died from the bullet of a gun, and now her little boy is gone," originally written to speak out against the senseless violence in Jamaica, takes a different meaning for a mother who has lost her son in the Iraqi War.

Director Kevin De Freitas uses several interesting visual effects to deliver the message, incorporating T.O.K. as narrators into three main scenes which play out the lyrics of "Footprints." In the first, De Freitas uses a technique called "split screen morph," which juxtaposes two different scenes into one frame. In the left frame, you see a mother grieving for her son, a casualty of war, while on the right, a soldier salutes and hands her the folded U.S. flag. Another interesting visual effect is set against T.O.K.'s lyrics, "Another baby left homeless, abandoned when he was two so the street side kids at the shopping mall was the family he knew. It's not easy being homeless, sometimes you have to do what you have to do and he didn’t have a mom or dad to help him get through."

In this scene, a homeless man transforms into a young child demonstrating the humanity and vulnerability of the homeless, and showing how the boy never had the support he needed to make it through as an adult. The video's strong message against senseless violence is depicted in the climactic closing scene where a bystander is hit by gunfire after a fight breaks out in a club. The message comes full circle as the faces of the onlookers change signifying that none of us, really, are immune.

Whether it's violence from war in the streets or abroad, or the reality of extreme poverty, T.O.K.'s lyrics, "When you cry I cry, I cry along with you, when you smile, I smile, I smile along with you," says it all.

"With everything going - the violence, the war, poverty, and even the natural disasters - the world is coming closer together. It has taken devastation to remind us that our struggles are interrelated," explains Bay-C "And it's time for us to make music that's universally relevant." Craigy-T emphasizes, "Ultimately we want to let people know that even in their most difficult times, they'll never walk alone. There's a greater power there to bring you through."

When the interviewer meets Zebra in the office of the Superintendent who runs the prison, he sees a man who radiates an unmistakable joy, fresh-faced and smiling. His five-year incarceration has not broken him.

He is dressed in white: white jeans, white sneakers, cream shirt with a badge of Haile Selassie and his empress over the left side of his chest, and a white turban with a badge with the image of Marcus Garvey directly over his forehead. He has a little orange-cover notebook in his right hand which is heavy with a three-tiered (the trinity, he explained) gold chaparita, and two rings. His left hand has a rasta sweatband, and red-green-and-gold trinkets, and he has allowed his goatee and beard to grow.

"In prison, you have to hold up yourself in a way so you can hold up others. In here, it is strictly a survival ting, ah just tribulation and segregation, today, ah just the grateful vs the ungrateful, yu may be grateful to a man today, but tomorrow, him same one could be yu killer. Ah prison dat."

Since his incarceration in prison since March 2000, no entertainers have tried to visit him, or give support in anyway. For him, it has been a lonely trod, except for visits from close friends and his father, singer Dennis Walks.

"Right now, ah just Dennis Walks mi give the honour. Mi no really see nobody more than so, but mi have to big up Elizabeth Hemmings and Wissian Wisdom, dem two empress de nuh lef me out."

Are you disappointed that no other entertainers have come to offer support?

"No, not really, the whole ah we inna one fraternity, yes, but we no look out for each other. We not close, we just share a stage from time to time, there is no glory, no love, no unity with the self and the crowd for most of them. They are pretenders, but it is good to be natural and real."

"Yu see the two year dem when I run the road from 1998 to 1999, dem grow fi dislike me because I was dem worst nightmare because of how the people did embrace me, when me go stage show, dem waan hurry up and work because after I done work, the show done. The ones on top doan waan to see no one else rise, but I live for the music, I am the music, the music is me," he said.

Zebra has used his time to read the works of Marcus Garvey, the island's first national hero, extensively, and to hone his lyrical skills.

"Music, ah dat hold me up. It mi use and rehab myself, mi no really entangle with no other form of work, or other rehab programme. Mi write continually about the present and the past, but no negative rhyme, dem can play all a Sunday time, the rhymes dem tight up, well write up," he said, breaking out into a short deejay verse.

He said that his days are consumed by music, and he is a part of the Rehabilitation Through Music programme, and often practices with a band called Cry Freedom daily along with other inmates such as Bobo, Marksman, Cry Freedom, Red Ray, Chronic, Elvis, and Leminotep.

He says that he has been approached by many producers to record tunes, but because there is no studio at the St. Catherine District Prison, it has not become a reality.

"A lot of real big man come here and dem feel my energy, and when dem leave, dem invite me to come check dem when mi come a road. Some even want mi to voice from inside here. But the chance not possible to do it from here, because there is no studio, but I get so much use and refuse, I have to be wise to what I am doing now" he said.

He said that he has not been earning any royalties from the hit songs such as 'Rupert', and 'Redder than Red' in the years 1998-1999.

"Mi neva try to ask dem for royalty, mi just love the music. I survive on the blessings of I and I family, who tek care of my children, and right now, mi ah live by the Grace of Jah, by His love and support. Mi family dem a live joyful, my presence as a father is missed, and since I and I come in here, mi empress dem have a few yutes, you know yu get caught up, and dem born while I am in here. I cannot see dem 'cause dem don't allow no children in prison."

What has been the toughest thing about being in prison?

"The toughest time is right now, the present, 'cause mi still de ya, and my toughest time nah go end till me come out alive. The injustice of it too big, up to this time, yu have to watch yuself, watch yu headback, everyting yu do, yu have to bend your mind to serve yu time.

Since his time in prison, his relationship with his father has strengthened, his Rastafarian faith has grown, and he has been able to forge "multiple friendships with the staff, and the inmates.

"The joy is unexplainable, me ah de only one of his children who do music, so mi get everything outta him, so the father, so the son. Him mek his music when no money neva de pon it, ah just small money, no strong currency, so when I come out, I plan to do a combination wid him, do some fresh tune, give him back a joy," Zebra said.

Asked about the turban he is wearing, and the rasta paraphernalia, he laughed and responded: "Well, remember ah me did say Selassie I Send Mi Fi Warn."

Zebra said that the words of Marcus Garvey, and books he had read such as 'Self, Mind and Consciousness' has strengthened his intellect, made him more self-aware and focused. He says that the life of Marcus Garvey is an inspiration to him.

"Marcus go prison, him lef prison and come be a star. Mi a go follow that trod," he said. "Remember, ah me say further on."

Zebra plans to apply for parole this year. According to prison officials, first time offenders are allowed to apply for parole six months before their parole eligibility date, but he is required, as second-time offender to apply eight months before that date.

"I plan to get a form soon, and apply because I have got my letters together, the address where I am going to stay, the studios I am going to be working and so on. Nothing before the time, mi just ah go apply and take it from there."

When is your earliest possible release date?

"Well that will be in the morning, with the rising of the sun, y’know."

Yes, but when?

"In prison," he said, leaning forward. "When yu come out, that is your release date, because who knows, something terrible might reach me afta mi lef da interview ya. The date when I come out alive, that is my release date."

It is here that the other men in the room chuckle knowingly.

How do you feel about other entertainers dissing you as a rapist on stage shows?

"Dem can tease me all dem want, but I not going to answer dem, and gi dem a hype, mi have all the stripe, man ah kill man fi tek off dem stripe, but me, mi born wid my stripe. No man caan get no ride offa Zebra, only Xena alone can ride a zebra."

So what you learned during your incarceration that makes you a better man?

"I learn that you have to be on your side. Any side I am taking must be my side. I get a deeper feeling about life, especially with the love of my empress dem. I am not afraid to die, because if you are afraid to die, you will be afraid to live and vice versa. So I learn to enjoy the small moments, the quiet moments, the time with family, that is life."

"Well, mi name says it all. The world is strictly black and white, my name says unity, black and white must come together, pon a zebra, yu have the black and the white close together, and yu caan tell if is a black animal wid white stripe, or a white animal wid black stripe, so that tell yu dat unity and peace in the world is possible. We can be one, we just have to believe," he said.

Reporting Live From Jamaica's Concrete Jungles, Damian 'Jr. Gong' Marley Exposes A World You Won't See On Postcards.

Driven by a mighty riddim from legendary reggae producers Sly & Robbie and tricked out enough motorcycle, glock and siren samples to male the dub wizard Lee 'Scratch' Perry blush, Jr. Gong's trance - inducing Welcome To Jamrock introduces the world to what life's about in Trench Town of today: massive poverty, endless random acts of violence, ruthless cocaine pushers, gangs whose powers have eclipsed the government's, and dangerously undereducated youths.

Who's to blame? According to Jr. Gong, it's the country's past and present leaders and Jamaican parents." A lot of our problems in our economy have to do with the importation of food from elsewhere. We cannot compete with America's farmers. So you'll find that imported food often sells cheaper than what is grown in Jamaica."

Although the island's leaders need to make Jamaican food affordable for Jamaicans, parents need to be more responsible as well, Jr. Gong says." On a community level, people need to be going around speaking to parents about making sure their kids are going to school, because a lot of times schools will be there, but kids don't go." And that's just grazing the surface, he says.

Even while the violence on the island is continuing to spread to the affluent, uptown areas of Kingston and increasingly putting natives in a state of despair, Welcome To Jamrock has angered Jamaicans who resent being lumped with ghetto gang bangers. Unfazed, Jr. Gong responds, "If people are getting emotional, then that means it's doing what it's supposed to be respect in the international marketplace. I don't know of any other genre of music where you can say, "the music is really about upliftment - upliftment of the people." (See the entire article in the October 2005 issue of The Source, pg. 83)

To Whom It May Concern:
On the 30ft of September 2005, at my court mention, a number of my brothers and sisters came to show me support. I am overwhelmed and honored that so many people care about my welfare, and I thank them all for their encouragement.

I do regret any disturbance that my supporters may have caused the court, and the public. I do not support any steps taken to unduly influence the system of Justice. I believe in this great nation's court system and have full faith that I will be offered a just ruling.

I deeply apologize to the court for the interruption my supporters have caused. I also apologize to the motoring public for any delays you might have experienced that day, when my supporters rushed across Maxfield Avenue.

I am aware that all citizens are free to attend court and listen to hearings, however I appeal to all my supporters to not gather at the courthouse whenever I attend Court. I do wish all my supporters pray for me as I put my trust in the Father.

Sincerely,

Mark Myrie (a.k.a Buju Banton)

Jamaica's dancehall sensation Sean Paul will 'get busy' shooting a music video this weekend, for the single, 'Ever Blazin' which appears on his latest album.

The single 'Ever Blazin' will be released in the international market only to drive sales outside of the United States. In the meantime, Sean's team is finalising plans to shoot a medley video for two other singles entitled 'Break Out' produced by Patrick 'Roach' Samuels' on the Siren Rhythm and ‘Temperature’ which appears on Jah Snow Cone's 'Applause' rhythm.

The medley video will be shot by internationally acclaimed director Little X who shot Sean's breakout video, 'Gimme the Light' that catapulted Sean into the international spotlight.

"We're going to shoot in Toronto on Octobver 21 and 22 with Little X. And the video for 'Ever Blazin' will be shot by Anthony Mandler who shot the video for Common's 'Testify'. Mandler is also the photographer who did our cover shoot," Jeremy Harding, Sean Paul's
manager, said.

In the meantime, the first single from Sean Paul's 'The Trinity' album is this week's Greatest Gainer on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Charts, entering the Top 20 this week, and steadily rising up the Pop charts as well, with the video currently in rotation on MTV and BET. Sean performed the hit single for fans on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Wednesday, October 5, 2005. There will be additional performances coming up next week, and a tour jumping off in November.

Deejay Vybz Kartel, who has been storming local and overseas charts with an arsenal of hits including 'Emergency', and 'Cellular', has decided to start his own booking company to handle his business.

"I just think that it is time for me to dabble in other areas of the business, I want to know more about the business side of the business, so I have been doing my own checks, and I just thought it would be a good idea to exert more control over my professional career, so it is all about Timeless bookings now," he said.

The contact number for the Timeless booking agency is
(876) 472-4914 or (876) 472-4916

'Tempo', a new cable television network dedicated to Caribbean music and culture, will be launched by MTV Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. in October of 2005. The new channel will be advertiser-supported, and will target all people with a passion for the Caribbean lifestyle.

The channel will provide a mix of original and acquired programming that is vibrant, relevant to its audience and true to the spirit of the Caribbean and its culture.

"There was no eureka moment with this idea, it's more like a eureka lifetime. I have always been into our culture, all through school in the Caribbean, then to college on the mainland, I deejayed at Caribbean parties, I promoted events, this what I do," Frederick Morton, a high-ranking exec at MTV Networks who dreamed up the idea of Tempo, he said.

He was born and raised in St. Croix, the United States Virgin Islands to Nevisian parents. He currently resides in Newark, New Jersey.

Frederick graduated from Rutgers University School of Law in 1993 and received numerous awards, including the Alumni Senior Prize. In addition to his law degree, he has a Masters in Public Administration from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Rutgers College, Rutgers University, where he served as the President of the West Indian Student Organization.

After graduation, Morton rose to become the senior vice president, deputy General Counsel, Business and Legal Affairs for MTV networks, a division of Viacom Inc. And he plans to give up all of that to become the head honcho of Tempo, an idea he pitched to MTV two-and-a-half years ago.

"It dawned on me, hey wait-a-minute, this culture is so rich, music is so significant but it is under-recognised, and Caribbean people have done so well over the years, we deserve to have our culture highlighted and embraced," he said.

There will be stellar reggae-and-dancehall line up for the two day kick off for Tempo at the James Bond Beach on October 15th and October 16th. On October 15th, there will a show featuring reggae acts such as Gyptian, Barrington Levy and Richie Spice in a tribute to the greats, then the following day, The Game will appear alongside artistes such as Vybz Kartel, Bounty Killer, Assassin, Voise Mail and other artistes to be confirmed. Donisha Prendergast will host the show.

"The theme of the launch will be Caribbean Rising, I believe it is our time now," he said.

Prior to joining MTV Networks, Frederick was vice president, Chief Litigation Counsel for Viacom Inc. where he managed commercial litigation for the media and entertainment company.

"Tempo will be built around music, and be dedicated to all things Caribbean: music, food, travel, sports, we will try to get a bit into the personal lives of our icons, there are people in the Caribbean who know more about Usher than they know about Bounty Killer, we want to change all that," he said.

Tempo will launch in November 2005 in markets across the Caribbean through its distribution deal with innovative Cable TV and additional distributors that will be announced in the coming months. The network will debut in North America in 2006. Tempo joins Viacom's roster of popular and highly-targeted cable networks which includes MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET and Spike TV. Industry experts say the channel could cost as much as US$100 million to develop, and market to audiences worldwide.

The Tempo channel will be backed up by an aggressive marketing campaign, and there will be VJs from several regions across the island.

"We make good TV," he said simply. "It is going to be off the chains."

Wyclef Jean is also reportedly "tapping into his creative energies" to assist the station reach its desired target audiences. The channel could be available to viewers in Kingston as "early as the end of November" Morton promised.

So by December, the new buzz phrase saturating the ears of the reggae public will be "Got Tempo?". Check it.

The 'Big Easy' has teamed up with the 'Rock' to bring a new kind of festival to the world.
Jamaica and the devastated city of New Orleans will stage the first annual Jamaica/New Orleans Music and Food Festival on November 4 to 5 in Montego Bay, St. James. Plans for the festival were well advanced before the monster hurricane decimated the city last month, and part proceeds will be given to the American New Orleans fund to develop music and culture.

Dubbed the 'Rhythm and Spice Fest', it is the city's first international event since its highly publicized crisis and will be a joint effort with Jamaica to lay the foundations for further trade development and co-operation.

Horace Peterkin, President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourism Association (JHTA) and Co-Executive Producer of the festival, made the announcement at a press conference at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort in Montego Bay on Wednesday, September 28th.

"The festival is a public/private sector initiative that will feature the finest music, food and hospitality," Mr. Peterkin said. "Festivals are a very good niche market we are the ideal location, being close to North America and having the musicians and facilities."

Ernest Collins, Director of Arts and Entertainment in the Office of the Mayor of New Orleans declared that the "event is much more than a festival...there is a lot of growth potential and we see the festival in the context of economic development."

Planning for the festival was far advanced when disaster struck earlier this month with Hurricane Katrina. Mr. Collins said that it is now imperative that these plans materialize, so that both parties can chart a course for future development.

"To do this festival and to do it with a new mission and an urgency and a bigger cause, is a wonderful opportunity. We look forward to doing this and we are thankful for the support from the Jamaican Government," Mr. Collins said.

The event, which is endorsed by New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin, will be an exciting two-day carnival of music, food and fashion featuring chefs, musicians and fashion models from Jamaica and New Orleans. Listed venues include Margaritaville, the Montego Bay Cruise Shipping Pier and The Doctors Cave Beach.

Proceeds of the festival will also go to the AIDS Hospice in Montego Bay.

Plans for the twinning of Montego Bay and New Orleans are also underway with the ceremony set for November.

The Robert Marley Foundation is proud to have contributed over JA$1 million to assist families with their children's back to school expenses for the new school year commencing September 2005.

The Foundation awarded Scholarships to eight (8) graduate students of Bob Marley's former school, Stepney Primary and Junior High, for their continued education. Other grants were made for school fees, books, and uniforms for several children of Trench Town, Majestic Gardens and other inner city communities. Children of the staff members of the Bob Marley Group of Companies also received assistance with cash grants as well as school books issued through the Foundation's Book Club.

The Robert Marley Foundation is dedicated to perpetuate the spiritual, cultural, social and musical ideals and goals that guided and inspired the Honourable Robert Nesta Marley, O.M. during his lifetime.

Written By:
Jigga
Dancehall heavyweight Buju Banton has found himself on the wrong side of the law again, just a few months after his travel ban had been lifted by the United States embassy.

But this time, the charges are even more serious, as he may be facing possible jail time on an assault charge. Banton was on Wednesday offered bail in the sum of $50,000 after he pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault in the night court section of the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court.

The police alleged that Banton might be among a group of men who barged into a house on Carlisle Avenue in Kingston on June 24 last year and beat six men who they accused of being homosexuals.
On Wednesday, the rastafarian entertainer was ordered to report to the Constant Spring Police Station every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, between the hours of 6:00 am and 8:00 pm as a condition of his bail.

The case against Buju Banton will come before the court on September 30.
This incendiary aspects of the case could well signal the death knell of Buju Banton's career, and could put his upcoming tour dates in Europe and the United States in jeopardy. More so, this assault against an alleged homosexual could well trigger a major attack on Buju's character and reputation by overzealous gay rights activists because he has traditionally been one of their favorite targets.

Buju Banton, whose name is Mark Myrie rose to prominence almost 15 years ago with hardcore dancehall lyrics. One of his early hit singles, Boom Bye Bye, drew great criticism from gay rights groups, which claimed the song incited the murder of gay persons. Buju Banton is one of eight dancehall artistes who have come under pressure from gay rights lobby groups in Europe and the United States for their gay-bashing lyrics. In fact, several of these artistes have had a number of their stage shows cancelled as a result of the pressure.

Buju Banton was banned from traveling to the United States for one year after he was found guilty of possession of and cultivation of marijuana in the local courts and ordered to pay a fine of $9,000 or serve 60 days in prison in April last year.

In March this year the travel ban was lifted by the United States Embassy.

The three day Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival 2006: The Art of Music, transforms the picturesque Rose Hall Resort and Country Club in Montego Bay from Thursday, January 26 through to Saturday, January 28 next year. Well known for world class production values, a selection of leading yet diverse acts and an unparalleled comfort atmosphere, the ninth staging of the Festival is expected to supersede previous expectations.

Legendary crooner Al Green and reggae superstar Shaggy are just two of the acts confirmed for the Festival. It can be argued that the music of Al Green is responsible for more conceptions than any other. Over the course of his thirty year career, Green has captivated audiences on stage and on "wax" with timeless classics like: Take Me to the River, Right Now, Right Now. His signature hit, Let's Stay Together is on the favourite play list of people all over the world.

Hot on the heels of the release of his sixth album, Mr. Lover Lover Shaggy will grace the stage of the Festival. Shaggy enjoyed mainstream success with Oh Carolina and Bombastic before unleashing his monster hit, It Wasn’t Me quickly followed by the successful Angel.

The vibrant and colourful city of Montego Bay is the perfect host for the Festival that attracts music aficionados eager to enjoy the best music in a relaxing environment. The gently sloping well manicured hills of The Rose Hall Resort and Country Club and traditional January breeze combine to provide an ideal setting for the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival 2006: The Art of Music at The Rose Hall Resort and Country Club, Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Travel partners Air Jamaica Vacations offers air and travel packages online at www.airjamaica.com or on the phone at 1- 800- LOVEBIRD. The recommended hotel for Festival patrons is host Rose Hall Resort and Country Club, the four star hotel is conveniently located opposite the venue with accessible shuttle service 10 minutes from the heart of the city's main shopping district.

Tickets for the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival: The Art of Music at The Rose Hall Resort and Country Club, Montego Bay, Jamaica, are available from tour operators, Air Jamaica, select ticket outlets and online at www.airjamaicajazzandbluesfestival.com. Tickets are US$50, US$55 and US$60 for Thursday, Friday and Saturday night respectively. Season tickets are available for US$160.

Source: Headline Entertainment

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The gong has sounded off to signal the fans' feverish anticipation of the latest Marley album, that of Grammy winner Damian 'Jr. Gong' Marley. Last week Friday, that excitement reached a heady climax at a euphoric press launch at the Bob Marley museum at 56 Hope Road, St. Andrew.

University of the West Indies (UWI) lecturer Dr. Clinton Hutton delivered the main address at the gathering of media reps, industry insiders and artistes at 56 Hope Road, St. Andrew.

"We are not here because Jnr. Gong is the son of the reggae king of the world, but because Jnr. Gong's talent cannot be disputed. If one time you could say him trying a thing because of his father, you cannot say that now," Dr. Hutton said to enthusiastic applause.

"We see that he is mellowing, he is a man of himself now...his talent cannot be disputed."

Heavyweight stars such as Bounty Killa who appears on a collaboration on the album, Richie Spice, and Richie Stephens paid their respects. Music personalities like Christine Hewitt, celebrity manager Copeland Forbes, and well-known ground networker, "Stampede" were also present.

One of the highlights of the event was a video presentation covering the Jr. Gong's genesis and physical/spiritual development from baby stage to tentative young dreadlocked teen to supremely confident performer with very long dreadlocks rocking Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest 2005 in Montego Bay, St. James. During the presentation, two females, who hail from Trench Town, appeared to be wetting the seat of their tight jeans given their "superenthusiastic" reception of the presentation.

The young Marley paid homage to his mother, Cindy Breakspeare, saying 'big respect' for making sure that education came before music. He fielded questions from journalists, and greeted with humility the ecstatic encomiums heaped on him by adoring fans. He was gracious yet authoritative in his defence of his chosen genre -dancehall.

"Dancehall music was what I was listening to growing up," he said

He responded to critics of the negative images portrayed in 'Welcome to Jamrock'.

"We have lots of songs that display different sides of Jamaica. Is just that it (Jamrock) get popular. It is great to hear people saying things. The song is meant to provoke thought," he said.

The launch also featured a creative backdrop to the official proceedings which reflected the charming poverty of the inner city with its old brick buildings, graffiti-choked zinc fences, with slashes of red, green and gold, 'more justice' and 'one love' written on opposite sides.

Earlier in the evening, Paula-Ann Porter, who hosted the function, said there had been an international bidding war for the album, which is a joint effort among Tuff Gong, Ghetto Youths and Universal Records/Motown. Jnr. Gong said he went with Universal because it already has a significant amount of the family's music, including his father Bob's and brother Stephen's. He noted that going with Universal also allows him input in the distribution of the album.

Ever wondered what it might be like to see Jamaica through Hon. P. J. Patterson's eyes? Now the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has teamed up with Peter Greenberg and the Travel Channel to reveal a unique Jamaica to the world. The excursion is a personal journey around the island, seen through the eyes of Prime Minister P.J. Patterson.

The result is Jamaica: The Ultimate Tour, a program that provides an inspiring perspective of the cultural diversity and adventurous opportunities throughout the island.
The show is scheduled to air at 10:00 p.m. (EST) on Thursday, September 15 on the Travel Channel.

Jamaica: The Ultimate Tour, is a solid addition to the JTB's marketing initiative: "Once You Go, You Know." This initiative was designed to draw attention to the unique experiences and cultural elements in Jamaica, known only to those who venture beyond the sun, sand and sea. It emphasizes the island's rich diversity and unveils undiscovered cultural nuances. The show is the next installment in a special series produced by Peter Greenberg, previously known as The Royal Tour, a show that reveals destinations around the globe through the eyes of the particular Head of State.

The show has inspired the creation of the Ultimate Tour of Jamaica, a vacation package for travelers who wish to share this unique experience. The package was developed by Unique Jamaica, a local tour operator that has established a series of itineraries that follow the path of the Prime Minister and Greenberg, incorporating various activities they engaged in throughout their journey across Jamaica.

Evette's debut CD 'Lately' is now available in stores and websites like Amazon.com and ReggaeSource.com as well as all MusicNet supported sites (Musicnet.com, MTV.com, Yahoo.com, etc.). Evette has made several personal appearances at select stops on the U.S. tour of the Oliver Samuels production Ras Noah and the Hawk.

Her cover of Fantasia's Baby Mama, and current single Without You a (duet with veteran singer George Nooks) are just a few of the exceptional songs driving this great new CD. Baby Mama has been getting airplay across the US and even has made the top 10 of New Mexico's Dancehall Chart. Guest appearances on Lately include dancehall deejay Don Yute, Meeky, singer/rapper PMT, bassist Chris Meredith, drummer Squiddly Cole, and ! Barry O'Hare. Sharon Forrester and Fiona also lend their sweet back-up vocals to a number of tracks.

August 13, 2005
General Penitentiary, Kingston, Jamaica
Jah Cure interviewed by Josef Bogdanovich c/o YardFlex.com

DSR: Given the nature of the charges against you, do you think your charges were excessive?
Jah-Cure: Everything was excessive sentence, was excessive charges, was excessive.

DSR: Do you think you could really survive 15 years in prison?

Jah-Cure: I would have to survive it, because one thing that I know is that I was not going to die, because I see man surviving up to twenty-five years.

DSR: Do you feel sufficiently rehabilitated to be re-integrated into society?
Jah-Cure: Well the system doesn't rehabilitate one, you know, one rehabilitates themselves and I didn’t really need no rehabilitation but, I capitalized on some ways in which I needed to capitalize on, so I feel I got a chance to rehabilitate myself.

DSR: What has the experience of being in prison been like for you?
Jah Cure: It's the roughest experience. It's a life time experience. It's the roughest thing that I have ever been through. I don't think that life can get worse than this for me.

DSR: Have you been able to get along with your fellow prisoners?
Jah-Cure: I get along with most everyone because, true, I have loved and I studied human psychology, which is used by everyone. I don't have a problem getting along with people.

DSR: Are you scared?
Jah-Cure: You cannot be scared when you have the love from the Almighty. Remember that.

DSR: Has your creativity been affected by your incarceration?
Jah-Cure: No! But prison doesn't build you. It kills you, so when you really can push through here so; it's like a rose through the concrete ya!! Knowing that concrete is something hard and you don't know how a rose would come out through the burst part, but, it's just Jah works.

DSR: What keeps you going?
Jah-Cure: Well the prisoner's keeps me going.

DSR: What is your motivation behind bars?
Jah Cure: Hearing the fans, singing my music, and knowing that there is someone out there who hears me, loves me.

DSR: You seem to be more creative now than you were several years ago?

Jah Cure: Yeah, well, I mean, I am now capitalizing on all ways possible and building for when I go back out into society. I want to be able to win souls and be a great man. I want to be much better than before, so in my mind it's a mind frame because you have to get there in your mind before you get there in your flesh. So in my mind I have already gotten there.

DSR: Where do you go in your mind to pen such wonderful songs?
Jah-Cure: I go the farthest that is mainstream in my mind, but, before I go to mainstream I go physically in the flesh.

DSR: Are you earning from your creative efforts?
Jah-Cure: Yes. I am earning physically, spiritually, almost in every way, because you never can loose in a work like this cause music speaks the universal language.

DSR: Are you satisfied that while you are in jail, your earnings are in good hands?

Jah-Cure: Yes. My income is set up inna way. I have my mother and my agents out there and they are monitoring I Cure Music Company.

DSR: Do you think that the music contributes to the present level of crime and violence?

Jah-Cure: Yeah mon! You have to know what your saying but, I am not going to smash no artist. Just know what you're saying because the world is listening.

DSR: What is your favorite all-time song?
Jah-Cure: A Beres Hammond, that says. "Warriors don't cry, lots of folks will hate you, not because they want to but sometimes they don't even know why."

DSR: How did you get involved with DownSound Records?
Jah-Cure: I first got involved with them, let me see, a year ago or so with a tune that I recorded with them called "Congo Man" on the Maroon Riddim. Then a month ago "True Reflection." We recorded that here in GP. The video, everything. I like DownSound, everything they do. Big up!

DSR: Which dancehall and reggae artistes do you admire and why?
Jah-Cure: Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Yami Bolo, Sizzla, Capleton because they are my inspiration and when I see them make mistakes I can capitalize and come good because I see their down fall and their greatest errors in certain aspects of the business.

DSR: Who is Jah Cure?
Jah-Cure: Jah Cure is just somebody who is loving and free spirit and gets miserable whenever things is not right, a nuh nutten a ghetto we come from.

DSR: What was your first job?
Jah-Cure: My first job was to pin up bags in a supermarket two days Friday and Saturday and collect a little $60, anything drop down behind the counter was mine.

DSR: Who was the first person you ever loved?
Jah-Cure: Well, the first person I have ever loved is Shamara and it seems as if no other love ever got so real and a just so it go.

DSR: When was the last time you cried?
Jah-Cure: The last time I cried was when I came to G.P and I saw how G.P was wicked and I was wondering why I left Spanish Town and Spanish Town was so smooth and I was doing all good and I never did anything. It was like a secondary heaven coming to a first degree hell.

Whether you call him Lexxus, Mr. Lexx or The Prince, this talented deejay never fails to appeal to the ladies. His debut album for VP Records was a culmination of several hot dancehall tracks including: Full Hundred, Wid It and Cook.

With the release of Anything Goes, a collaboration with CNN and Wayne Wonder on the Grammy award winning Def Jamaica album, Lexxus secured a space in the hearts of BET babies. Since then, the deejay has been touring the US, Canada and the Caribbean on the strength of new favourites Booty Clap and Taxi with General Degree. His visibility and popularity have been boosted by a number of music videos to his credit.

DownSound Records the master mind behinds the career of reggae singer Fantan Mojah, is at it again, and is about to buss another young talent, Patrick Powell aka Nanko is emerging on the scene with his single "Lucky You". The song is getting heavy rotation on local and overseas radio stations and is charting in New York and Florida.

Some listeners may think that the singer is a psychopathic stalker, by watching the life of another person and feeling less fortunate about his own life. While on the other hand one could perceive "Lucky You" as a song saying to people be thankful for what you have because there is always someone out there who would love to be in your situation.

Recent performances by Nanko was Emancipation Jam in Clarendon and Hail The King in

St. Elizabeth. At both shows he definitely received a favourably response from the audience.

Nanko is from Spanish Town and when he visited is home town he received a warm welcome from fans and old friends, as he did autograph signings in the square during his video shoot.

As of late, Farenheit has been turning heads in the US via his positive vibration (music) that has helped him to attract the attention of automotive leader Toyota, who has featured the singer on their latest CD sampler for Scion, their new brand of cars.

Geared towards urban youth, Scion's marketing campaign has focused largely on music and art, and has been one of the most successful samplers in history. The latest sampler, which features Faren's soulful single Empressario will be distributed throughout the U.S, within the next three months at retail stores, concerts, nightclubs, auto shows, and other tastemaker hangouts.

With a circulation of 500,000, a buzz about Farenheit, and his unique style is certain to hit the streets. Feedback is rolling in already, and unanimously it's Empressario that's coming in as "best track"!

For bookings:
Contact Nicole at 876.754.1526 ext. 23
Visit: headlinejamaica.com

This young and vibrant artitse who goes by the name Shano maybe one of the youngest Jamaican artiste ever to get the opportunity to perform on Reggae Sumfest that is known to most as an international event. This years Reggae Sumfest will be publicised on a wider international scale by the world leading Black Entertainment Television BET.

"From I was of the age of 12, I dreamt of performing on reggae sumfest" are the words of joy spoken by Shano.
'But after Jah make his thunder roll and his lighten flash' are the magic words that he used for the lyrics in his song title Lighten Flash, which makes his long awaiting dream come through way before he expected.
"Even up to this moment as we speak it feels like I am still dreaming," said Shane' with a huge grin on his face.

This young talented 17 year-old DJ whose real name is Roshain Mcdonald, but is more popular known to others by his stage name Shano is certainly going to be standout among his peers as one for the future.

Since his insertion on the Reggae Sumfest line up, Shano is now hard at work rehearsing and building new materials for his first taste of stardom. He also lamented that fans can be prepare to lean back, relax and enjoy his lyrical treat of smash hitting tunes.

Stage show performance nothing new to this 17 year old because Shano could be sited at any major stage show waiting back stage to get a piece of the microphone. But whenever he does get to perform he gradually becomes a crowd favorite.

At the moment Shano and his Manager/Producer Jah Snow Cone are presently putting together the final touch on his new video title 'Better Must Come' produced by Troy McClean on the First Prize Rhythm that is slated to be release in August.
Apart from his new video he also has another new project called Stop The Damn Killing that was produced by internationally acclaim producer Donovan Germainet.

When YardFlex asked his manager Jah Snow Cone what he thinks about his artiste addition to Reggae Sumfest he quickly answered. "First I have to give thanks to the almighty for letting us live to witness the goodness of the hard work and dedication that we have put into music day and night," he said.
He added, Not because we have gained what we want, mean that we are going to get laid back. This is where the real journey begins."

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 fulfill 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 jam-packed 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...hings are looking up," he said.

He will be appearing on Dancehall Night, July 22.

"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.

Song: Stop Them
Director: Ras Kassa/Waynus
Editor: Carlington Silburn
Ratings: *****

Wow! That's the first thing that came out of my mouth after viewing this video and I have to say it again, wow! Well Ras Kassa you really did it this time, I've seen a few videos that you have directed and I'm telling you, they are nothing compared to this one, I wonder if its because you had Waynus assisting you on this one.

Anyway let's get to the video. It kicks off with clippings of a fiery street demonstration that happened sometime ago in Jamaica, and a Rasta greeting Capleton as he enters through a gate. The video is comprised of mostly grainy black-and-white clippings of World War I, scenes of Muslims fighting, bombs exploding, people stoning each other, and it is interspersed with Jamaican conflicts, shoot-outs between gunmen and police, burning tyres and wreckage and general mayhem. It was like the regular local network news broadcast, only with music set over the clippings.

In the video Capleton deejays in front of a huge brick wall with cannons in Port Royal. He waves his signature red, green and gold flag with the words "more fire" written on it. Newspaper clippings that read, Too Evil To Burry", "I Am A Criminal", "War" and placards bearing, "Police Brutality" and "We want Justice" also were also spotted in the video.

The words "Never Gonna Stop", "New World Order", and "Stop Them" flashed across the screen a few times. "War Is Over If You Want It", was written at the end of the video.

Artiste: Fantan Mojah
Song: Feel Di Pain
Producer: DSR
Ratings: ***

Fantan Mojah has shot onto the local entertainment scene like a bullet. In this song, he lauds the legendary strength of the black woman, and her wonderful maternal instinct even in the grips of heartbreaking poverty as she endures pain for months and months and still claims righteousness for her salvation.

It is inspirational stuff.
This song itself can serve as a motivational force for all hard working black women, as Fantan, encourages them not to give up, and claims that their reward will be great, and no matter how great the tribulation, Jah will not bestow unto them what he think they can't manage.

Close to the end of the song, a woman's voice rises up, backing up Mojah's heartfelt lyrics and this voice trembles with passion and pain, a very powerful tool that drives home the thrust of the song, 'Feel Di Pain'.

Well folks due to the rapid turnover of reggae tracks on the market and due to requests from chart fans, we have decided to extend the B Mobile/Mega Jamz Reggae chart to a Top 20. There are three re-entries inside the Top 20 as well as seven brand new entries. Operation Kingfish by Richie Spice takes over the number one spot on the chart this week, giving Spice his third number one song on this chart. His previous number one hits were Earth a Run Red and Marijuana. He hit the top 10 with Ghetto Girl, Black Like Tar and The Way They're Living. His Righteous Youths on the Fifth Element label makes a three point leap to number three this week.

Also on the go, is Inna Di Ghetto by Hero on DJ Sunshine's Yellow Moon Record label. This song rises to number four this week, and holds position number nine on the New York Reggae chart this week. Last week's number one song Home and Away by Norris Man tumbles to number eight this week, while Get it by Brah Yhan inches up to number nine in its second week on the chart.

On the B Mobile Mega Jamz Top 20 Dancehall chart this week, Wayne Marshall hangs on for a 2nd week at number one with Make Them Come while new Shocking Vibes artiste Money Gadd makes his debut on the chart with A Mi Name Money Gadd. Elephant Man's Willie Bounce bounces up to number seven while Wacky Dip by Voice Mail inches up to number twelve.