Shanti Force – Biography (@shantiforce)

Posted on November 15, 2017 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Shanti Force bio Ashan Shanti Force Crosdale, born July 24th, 1995 is a young reggae dancehall artist, signed to the Wyzelife Productions Ltd., who Grew up in Hackney, East London.

He was always a student that was working above national curriculum average. He passed his GCSE’s at Mossbourne Academy with an A grade. He aspires to be a well known artist and as such places a lot of emphasis on the positive messages in his music, and catchy choruses.

He has been performing on shows from a tender age via his father, Lion Wyze, who took
him around to shows and helped publicize the young talent. He performed at shows such as ‘Justice in the East,’ a show with Junior Reid, ‘Oneness Concert,’ ‘UK reggae showcase’ and many others. Shanti Force‘s slogan is: “Front Page Nuh Back Road.” As such, he has songs such as “Do it My Way Girl” and “Thunder Roll” which was written from the age of 7. His talent has not gone unnoticed and has secured collaborations with Jamaica’s Iyara and he was also featured on Gappy Ranks’ new album, Pure Badness, with a song called
“Turf War.”

His career took off on a wider scale in 2016 as he was booked on shows overseas; opening for Kalado in Germany, performing on the Exit Festival in Serbia and the
Sea Dance Festival in Montenegro. He has since then continued to master his craft and entertain his supporters with high energized performances. He recently returned from a
promotional tour in Jamaica where he opened for Sizzla at MargaritaVille (Ochi Rios) and performed At Bourbon Beach in Negril alongside Khalilah Rose. He also did several other smaller scale shows.

Since returning to England he has been in the studio working on a reggae project set to be released in The new year. Shanti Force hopes to continue creating his buzz and build up his fan base. Look out for more from the Young Rising Star.

For bookings and/or inquiries, persons are being asked to email johnwyze@hotmail.com or call +447947327520

The Illest DJ Fou4 – Bio (@DjFou4)

Posted on November 15, 2017 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

DJ FOU4 Andre Antonio Hines A.K.A The Illest DJ Fou4 is a selector who plays a variety of genres: Reggae, Dancehall, Hip-hop, R&B, Soca, Alternative, EDM and Retro.

He hails from the beautiful island of Jamaica, in the parish of St. Thomas, and was born at the Princess Margaret Hospital to mother Evett Davidson, also called Joan, and father Ronald Hines (who use to select music as well). At birth, Andre was four pounds and two ounces, hence the name DJ Fou4. Initially he was called Daddy 4 and then over time, as he began to advance in his craft, he adopted the title: The Illest DJ Fou4.

He grew up with his mother and 6 siblings (3 brothers and 3 sisters) in White Hall, St. Thomas. One by one all his brothers and sisters eventually migrated leaving him with his mother, aunties, uncles, cousins and grandparents. The first school he attended was the Flemmings Basic School in Seaforth; he then went on to Seaforth Primary. In the 6^th grade, he successfully passed his common entrance for Morant Bay High School. DJ Fou4 was on the track and field team for a short while but all his interest was in music, not just listening and playing it, but also dancing to it. He was an excellent dancer and at lunch break and after school he and his friends would play the Bug Riddim and he would do the bogle and Jerry Springer dance to wow the girls.

According to Fou4, “high school was the best part of growing up.” He was a member of a dance group called Krazy Squad. They entered the JCDC festival and partook in the community’s Unity Vibes Police Youth Club. They were successful by all accounts and were awarded with trophies, medals, certificates and cash prizes.

The Illest DJ Fou4 started playing music professionally in 2012. It all started when his friend Gary (also known as Picture Frame) allowed him to play on his sound system. It was then that he learned to mix and blend the right songs, paying attention to things like tempo and BPM (beats per minute). At first, his family was not supportive of his career in music. He recalls both his aunt and mom constantly telling him that, “music should only be a hobby, not a career.” He was not moved by their opinions, instead, he kept on working on his craft and as a result he improved so much so that he is now a resident DJ on Stylz FM, Portland’s #1 radio station. Now his mother is one of his biggest fans. She is always tuning in to his radio show and gives him constructive criticism. The Illest DJ Fou4 is on air every Thursday from 5 to 9 PM and again on Saturday nights on the DETOUR show from 8 PM to midnight.

The sky is the limit and DJ Fou4 is well aware of that fact. As a result, he is currently working on dominating the airwaves, bringing his unique vibe and energy to his audience. Stylz FM airs on the following dials across Portland and surrounding Parishes: 96.1, 96.5 and 96.7 FM. In addition to playing on the radio, DJ Fou4 also does regular mixes (mixtapes) for both street and digital distribution.

Follow The Illest DJ Fou4 on all his social media platforms.
Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/djfou4

YouTube: www.youtube.com/TheDjfou4

Hulkshare: www.hulkshare.com/DJFOU4TheILLEST

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DjfourTheillest

Instagram: www.instagram.com/djfou4theillest

Hu’manuwah’s Bio (@Humanuwah)

Posted on November 8, 2017 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Hu’manuwah, the singer, song writer, performer, producer and CEO of Soul Journey Universal, was born Prince-Emmanuel Alexander Smith. He grew up in the community of Water House, which is located in Kingston 11 on the beautiful island of Jamaica. As a youth, he attended St. Patrick’s Primary and Trench Town Comprehensive High Schools. After leaving high school he applied himself to a number of potential career paths, yet none resonated with him as much as music did. It was around age 17 that his consciousness became ignited with the fire of knowledge and a quest for truth.

This flame grew within him until his whole being and life was consumed with an unquenchable thirst for spiritual truths, knowledge and development, at its highest level. After much research, his desire for true self- knowledge became a reality. Knowing what he now knows, his purpose and aim is to be a channel of spiritual awakening, enlightenment and inspiration to the world.

Possessing the ability to move you into higher states of spiritual awareness, with only a few lines of any of his songs, Hu’manuwah is considered by many to be a musical, spiritual giant in his own right. His entire body of work to date is centered on the heights and depths of man as a spiritual being.

His songs reaffirms the ageless truth that as spiritual beings (Souls) we are immortal and all powerful by our very essence and nature. His lyrical content speaks to the fact that we are not the minds, emotions or physical bodies we occupy throughout each respective life time; be it on this planet or on any other throughout this boundless universe, filled with an abundant array of life.

According to Hu’manuwah: “Our true purpose in this lower, physical universe is to get all the necessary experiences needed, which serves to refine us as souls (spiritual beings). This refinement then prepares us for our ultimate re-awakening. That we are all, infinite universal creators, here in this universe to learn and master its unique construct which is LIGHT”. He believes also that as universal creators, we are limitless, all-powerful and eternal, and that we exist beyond this universe in many forms and realities.

Hu’manuwah is currently promoting his latest single; Jamaica’s Cry (Life over bullets). His other recordings are: Rough Road, Earth Is A School, It’s Within, Mankind Must Evolve, Greater Than, Grow Spiritually and that is just to name a few.

His major musical influences includes all the past and present giants of reggae and dancehall. He listens to just about any genre of music that inspires him. He characterizes his musical art as a reflection of the soul’s journey to its inner and higher states of consciousness, and this he endeavors to foster and maintain throughout his career as HU’MAMUWAH aka “The Soul Liberator.”

CONNECT WITH HU’MANUWAH

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HUMANUWAH1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Humanuwah-308144842998025
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souljourneyuniversalrecords

Glen Washington – Bio

Posted on September 27, 2017 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The musical career of Glenroy Washington, singer, songwriter and drummer, personifies the cliché; ”The race is not for the swift, but for those who can endure.” The triumph of Glen Washington’s endurance has been 25 years in the making.

Like most successful artists, Washington evolved from humble beginnings. Born in the parish of Clarendon, Jamaica he is currently one of the most in demand artist in reggae music; this has come after many years of recording and waiting in the wings. In 1997, he released his debut album ‘Brother To Brother’ and, to date, has released 10 albums. Fans and critics alike say there is not one bad song in his catalog.

Washington began his musical career in the early seventies as the lead singer for the group “Names And Faces.” He later became the lead singer in a band called “35 Incorporated” and learned to play the drums under the guidance of, then drummer, Joseph Hill. When Hill left the band, Washington filled the slot, and became a singing drummer.

There are positive lessons of encouragement and motivation to learn from Washington’s experiences. His musical career is reminiscent of Boris Gardener, singer, bass player and bandleader who after 25 years in the music industry recorded the golden “I Wanna Wake Up With You.” In the same vein, it was thirty years after recording the classic “Black Magic Woman” that Santana went on to sweep the 2000 Grammy awards for the gigantic hit “Maria Maria”.

Similarly, Washington made his first hit record “Rockers Not Crackers” in 1978 for the Joe Gibbs Record label; but he did not grace the charts again until the release of the hit “Kindness For Weakness” in 1998.

Most music industry insiders would say that after 20 years in the business, it’s unlikely that an artist would release his biggest hit, but it has been proven again and again how speculative this business is.

Over the years, Washington has recorded sporadically as a solo singer and extensively as a studio drummer and, has laid tracks for various artists. Simultaneously, Washington was a full-time drummer (sometimes singer) in several different bands, such as: The Avengers, The Titans, and Happiness Unlimited. With Happiness Unlimited he migrated to the USA to work with Stevie Wonder. The other Bands he played with are Calabash and Bands that backed Artists such as Leroy Sibbles, Shinehead, Junior Reid, Gregory Isaacs, Sister Carol and the Meditations.

After a short hiatus from performing; in 1997, Washington once again pursued his solo singing career by doing some recording sessions for Studio One’s, famed Producer – Clement Dodd. It was dejavu all over again with the release of Washington’s awesome debut album “Brother to Brother”.

It seems the Studio One sound was launching another Artist career. However, it was a year later while recording for Producers Lloyd Campbell & Jason Sterling, that Washington hit with the classic album “Next To You.” It was marketed by VP Records and featured the hit song “Kindness for Weakness”, all tracks on this album are considered single material.
From the resurgence of Glen Washington’s singing career, his smooth, raspy, bass voice has often been likened to that of Beres Hammond. Washington says, “Beres is one of my favorite entertainers, so I regard it as a compliment to be compared with him.” With the release of over forty singles and eleven albums in four years, Washington has established himself as not only a singer but, also as a gifted songwriter who penned his own songs.

Other albums released by Washington are “Can’t You See” produced by Jah Life Records; “Think About It” for Philip Smart; “Number One Girl” produced by Lloyd Campbell & Jason Sterling, “Solitary Red Rose” for Ruff Stuff; “Can’t Keep A Good Man Down” for Don One; “Wondering Stranger” for Coxone Dodd, “ Reggae Max” for Jet Star, “Free Up The Vibes” for Stingray and “Your Love” Lloyd Campbell & Jason Sterling.

Washington said, “As a drummer backing other artists, I have toured the world, playing in countries like Japan, North, South and Central America, all over Europe and all the Caribbean Islands. Now I am repeating those trips as the featured artist, and it’s a great feeling to see thousands of fans coming out for my performances.”

Submitted.

IYARA Biography (@iyaraang @iyaradifyara)

Posted on September 23, 2017 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Standing at six feet tall, the quintessential rising talent to be heard is Eric Somers known to the world as “Iyara.” A deejay with numerous talents, Somers was crafted within a multicultural country called Jamaica “Land we Love.” Grounded and humble Somers gleams that his hometown is one that has the lowest crime rates, highest rainfall and some of the most well-mannered citizens, known as Portland, Jamaica.

Born to Veronica Layne and Carl Somers, Somers is the fifth of six children. Growing up in a small district called Bellevue District in Rio Grande Valley, Somers was exposed to little or no city life distractions therefore school was definitely his main priority. After attending the Bellevue All Age School, he furthered his education at Port Antonio High School. He owes the utmost respect to two particular teachers for molding and grooming him into the man he is today.

His aspiration for music began when he first saw dancehall veteran Rodney Pryce, known to the dancehall world as ‘Bounty Killa’ performed ‘superfly’ at a school event. Since then, his admiration for the music industry grew. As he matured, Somers sought to make his place in the music industry. As a young man, he became an apprentice in his father’s construction company; however little did his father know that Somers was not made out to be a construction worker resulting in him firing him eight times. Music was obviously his direction even though he was constantly hindered or prevented from writing lyrics. Although Somers grew up hearing his father playing jazz, blues, mento and rock steady, Somers identifies himself with dancehall and reggae.

Somers decided to leave his humble beginnings to seriously pursue his musical journey and headed for Whitehall, Kingston. As he embarked on his new life in the city, a Rastafarian man overheard him deejaying and thought his talent had meaning; “a voice that needed to be heard.” This was the birth of his stage name Iyara. Music is Somers’ escape and he insisted on getting a musical break. “Advance” a friend of Somers happened to be the nephew of Somers musical idol, Bounty Killa. How ironic is that? With a burning desire to showcase his talent, Advance introduced Bounty Killa to Somers at Bounty Killa’s place of residence. Killa was thrilled by his lyrical content, his passion and his humility. On that day, his talent became his ticket to his success when he joined Killa on stage at 2008 Champion in Actions, which was his very first time performing and which he executed well. Immediately after, he was signed to Alliance Next Generation. Somers’ musical talent would not be detained.

Though riding the momentum Iyara nonetheless encountered rocky roads but managed to overcome them, allowing his career to have highlight performances at events such as Sting, Reggae Sumfest, Champions in Action, and performances in the United Kingdom, Canada, and America. Iyara also give back to his community performing at schools and other local events. His aim within this music industry is to get the entire world to listen to his music and feel his positive expression. But in Iyara’s own words, “Time is the master, you can ask the clock.”

RASTAFARI Mama ASKALE SELASSIE (Bio)

Posted on September 7, 2017 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

RASTAFARI Mama ASKALE SELASSIE
EDUCATING THE COMMUNITY (WORLD) TO EMPOWER THE NATION OF RASTAFARI

In Service to His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie for over 45 years proven by the fact that all her 4 birth youths were born to a Rasta Mother.
Born in Jamaica and growing in the UK since she was 10 years old, Mama Askale began her working career as a Music Publisher at VIRGIN RECORDS with Richard Branson. Here as the 1st Black employee, she was promoted to Publishing and Promotions Manager and instrumental in the establishment of The FRONTLINE Label, which produced a range of Jamaican Artistes and Producers. This brought Mama Askale in the frontline of Radio & Media Promotions in the UK (1972-1974).

As soon as Bob Marley met Mama Askale in a discussion on Publishing Rights, he invited her to Jamaica, to TUFF GONG to establish Bob Marley Music in Jamaica. Rastafari calling took a major role and accepting this invitation began a journey in Rastafari by moving to the Hills of Jamaica and working with Bob Marley at Tuff Gong until he transcended in 1981. Then travelling throughout the Caribbean Islands promoting TUFF GONG MUSIC.

As Bob Marley used to tell anyone who challenged my work, “she nuh work for Tuff Gong unuh, she work for JAH.” This is Mama Askale, working for JAH, journeying to share and spread HIM message of Love and Unity. From Jamaica and The Caribbean, to the USA establishing the Press and Publicity Dept. for RAS RECORDS (1982-1988).

The Call for Repatriation brought Mama Askale and Family back to the UK, where she re-trained as Social worker and later gaining an essential Degree in Education,” in order to monitor her children’s Education ina Babylon.” The next 2 decades were focussed on Education and travel inside Europe. In Educating the World Community, to Empower the Nation of Rastafari, Mama Askale established strong Media and PR Links worldwide. Travelling to establish the Mission of The EMPRESS MENEN FOUNDATION became a natural duty from His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie Mama will testify. Jah honoured her to travel in HIM Footsteps and meet HIM Creations.”

The Elders of Rastafari ARE the fulfilment of The Creed, according to Mama. The ANCIENTS be Fed: The ANCIENTS be clothed: The ANCIENTS be nourished: The ANCIENTS be PROTECTED and CARED FOR. Duty before they leave I and I.”

In Europe, Directors of The EMF were to be found in France, Spain, Holland, Germany, Slovenia, UK, Croatia, Finland and Denmark (when Ras Chiozo was present). The Annual EMF Ethiopian Calendar became the vehicle for the Promotion of RASTAFARI WORLDWIDE. This continues as Mama, Empress Askale Selassie returned to the Roots, The Motherland AETHIOPIA, where the mission to Educate the Ethiopian Community has become crucial as most Ethiopians have no knowledge of their great King and Emperor as DIVINE. Mama Askale has a solution. Education. Never ceasing to educate, she has now produced the 2nd Editon of the All Amharic RASWORLD Calendar for Ethiopians at Home and Abroad.
Mama Askale, is eager to SHARE and is honoured by The Promoter and Organiser of The Aarhus Reggae Festival in Denmark to come and share her experiences and indeed Ethiopian Souvenirs and much more with Reggae Lovers from a solid and welcoming Source.

Askale Selassie: Facebook
See the works unfold on Youtube

Joseph Blue Grant a.k.a. “Still Cool” Bio

Posted on August 29, 2017 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Joseph “Blue” Grant a.k.a. “Still Cool,” singer, songwriter, producer and musician, was born in Jamaica and is known as one of the most talented entertainers from the island. Joseph “Blue” Grant has been in the reggae music business since the early seventies and while working in Jamaica has shared the stage with veterans like Burning Spear, Denis Brown, Bob Marley, Judy Mowatt of the I-Threes (Bob Marley’s backing vocalists), Sophia George, Tiger, Brigadier Jerry, Freddy McGregor, Sugar Minott, Cornell Campbell, Tony Rebel, Eddie Fitzroy and many more top reggae artists. Joseph Blue gives credit also to working with some of Jamaica’s finest musicians like Pablo Black and Jah Privy (Studio One), Earl “Bagga” Walker, Earl “Chinna” Smith, Tyrone Downie, Robbie Shakespeare, Noel “Sowel” Bailey, Junior Dan, and many more. Joseph Blue founded the name and the popular reggae group “Still Cool” in the seventies. Group members alongside him were Louie Campbell, Steven Hylton, and Frank Dimond. This Jamaican reggae group graced the stage of many shows promoted by the Twelve Tribes of Israel Organization and Band, creating the anthem of Rastafarians and poor people all over the world with the number one hit “To Be Poor Is A Crime” (1981), written by Joseph Blue Grant. This song was later covered by Freddie McGregor and again it became a number one hit in (1992), even being awarded “The number two reggae song of the year 1992” in Great Britain.

When the group took a rest from the music scene, Joseph “Blue” Grant migrated to Europe, but while working in Europe kept the Still Cool vibes alive by referring to his backing band – consisting of musicians from Jamaica, Germany, Africa and other Carribean countries – as the “Still Cool Band.” During this time, Joseph Blue Grant released a number of singles, which were distributed by Tuff Gong International Jamaica, and Jet Star Phonographics in Great Britain, among them the original “To Be Poor Is A Crime,” “Poverty Is Wicked” and “Partytime.” Albums released in Europe initially are “Distance Makes No Barriers” (1996) and “Digital Jockey – 8 Studies in Dub” (2000) which includes the single remix of “To Be Poor Is A Crime” and from which the video clip earned “Pick of the week” on MTV Nordic Europe.

In 2001 Still Cool sent his plea to the decision makers of this world with his album “Save the Planet,” released in England and other European countries. For the launch in England he worked together with artists like Lerry Lions (bass), Barry Prince (drums), Simeon (keyboard) and Gilli Dread (guitarist), featured by David Rodigan at Club Subterranea in London. Many concerts followed, taking the tunes around England, France, Holland, Belgium, Denmark and Germany to clubs and festivals like Reggae Sundance, Reggae Geel, Reggae Jam and SummerJam. Summer of 2008 saw Still Cool releasing his new album “Can’t stop this music.” Presented at Rototom Showcase stage in Italy, Joseph has since been taking these songs and their vibes mainly to city festivals and towns around Germany, among them Bremen, Kassel, Haltern am See, Oberhausen and Essen, as well as the Reggae Meeting in Tocnik, Czech Republic. In July 2017, the new acoustic album “Voice & Steel” was finally released. With its meditative qualities, it presents Mr. Grant at his best in his element as original singer, songwriter and steel drum player. Joseph “Blue” Grant is truly a defender and an advocate of reggae music as can be seen in the lyrical contents of his songs. “To Be Poor Is A Crime” – ‘Still Cool’ Joseph Blue Grant – is carrying on the longevity of the reggae music, determined and steadfast in his quest to spread his message of peace and love, equal rights and justice to a worldwide audience.