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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Rootzgirl

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

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

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

By: Rootzgirl

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

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

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

Super Cat

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

Gramps Morgan

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

Donovan Germaine

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

Marcia Griffiths

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

Mr. Perfect

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

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

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

Super Cat

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

Gramps Morgan

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

Donovan Germaine

Answer: It's a taboo subject

Marcia Griffiths

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

Mr. Prefect

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

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

By: Dimples

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

with Joan Wilson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She is to report back in three months.

Photography By: Milton Raynor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photography By: Milton Raynor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Joan Wilson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Long live the King.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Festival mix up

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

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

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

Tellah kibba yuh mouth

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

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

Photography By: Milton Raynor

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

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

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

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

By: Dave Lindo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Dave Lindo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Dave Lindo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Big up to the Marleys!

By: Dave Lindo
Photography By: Milton Raynor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photography By: Milton Raynor

By: Buffilous

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Richie Spice leaves Fifth Element

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

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

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

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

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By: Joan Wilson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Dave Lindo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Dave Lindo



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Jodi-Kaye Watson

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

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

Junior Reid explains

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

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Jamaicans cold

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

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By: Jodi_Kaye Watson
Photography By: Milton Raynor

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Joseph Cunningham

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: The Sensible One

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Dimples

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

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

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

4. Women are men's weaknesses.

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

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

7. Men love you more than you love them.

By: Dimples

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sean Kingston Issue release party wasn't 'Beautiful'

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

Come on man, give a brotha a break.

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How Cedella Marley Booker get OD

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

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By: Joan Wilson

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

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

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

By: Dimples

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

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

By: Dave Lindo
Photography By: Milton Raynor



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

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

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

By: Dimples

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

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

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

By: Dimples

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Dave Lindo

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

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

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

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

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

By: Jodi-Kaye Watson

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

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

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

Photography By: Milton Raynor

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

Much Love from the Staff at YardFlex.

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Joseph Cunningham

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Jodi-Kaye Watson
Photography By: Milton Raynor

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

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

By: Joseph Cunningham

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Jodi-Kaye Watson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photography By: Milton Raynor

Below are scenes from the event:

By: Joseph Cunningham

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

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

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

Photography By; Milton Raynor

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

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

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

Photography By: Milton Raynor

Below are photos from the event:

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

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

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

Ele in Africa

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

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Big tings a gwaan fi Mavado

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

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

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

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

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

By: Bridgett Anderson

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

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

By: Joseph Cunningham
Photograph By: Milton Raynor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photography By: Milton Raynor

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

Below are scenes from the event:

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Joseph Cunningham

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

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

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

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