Internationally acclaimed, Grammy-nominated singer, Freddie McGregor, O.D., has made significant contributions to Reggae music since inception, and has also helped to shape it with his conscious lyrics and Philly-Soul style for over 50 years. Equally adept as a romantic crooner or as an emissary of strong cultural messaging, his undeniable vocal ability boasts hits like Push Come to Shove, Africa Here I Come, I Was Born A Winner, Guantanamera, his signature Big Ship, Lock Dem’ Down and Bangarang (both chart topping hits from album “Comin’ in Tough”) and American soul classics like, Just Don’t Want to Be Lonely (Ronnie Dyson) and Can I Change My Mind (by Tyrone Davis). With his profound natural talent and influenced by legends Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Alton Ellis, Ken Boothe, Bob Andy and many others, Freddie finessed his craft to become one of reggae’s greatest singers. Early tracks like Why Did You Do It and Do Good and Good Will Follow You propelled his career in the mid-sixties. He followed the group the Claredonians to Kingston and later teamed up with Ernest “Fitzroy” Wilson to form the duo Fitzie and Freddie recording for Coxone Dodd’s Studio One label. In 1975, Freddie’s musical and lyrical content changed with a strong slant towards social consciousness with tunes like Mark of the Beast, I Am A Rasta and reggae classic Bobby Babylon. He released his long awaited album “Mr. McGregor” in 1977, which contained reggae mainstays such as Zion Chant, Rastaman Chant and Walls of Jericho marking a major milestone in his stellar career and paving the way for his 1981 single Big Ship, which has become one of reggae’s classics and biggest hits.

In 1989, Freddie launched his own label entitled, Big Ship, featuring “Jamaica Classics: Volume One” as the first major release, which included popular tunes like “Let Him Try and Derrick Harriots Loser (by Derrick Harriot). Today, Big Ship is the most recognized Reggae label in Japan handling its own production, manufacturing, distribution and promotions while having produced several reggae artists including General Degree, Cutty Ranks, Mikey Spice, Benjy Myaz and Freddie’sdaughter,Yeshemabeth.

HisalbumentitledAnythingforYoufeaturingthesongsUncleSam,ISeeItInYouand Anything for You, was nominated for a Grammy in 2002. Video productions include the historic Super Stars Extravaganza DVD, highlighting rare concert footage from the 1989 Denbigh Show Ground with live performances by such greats like Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Cocoa Tea, Barrington Levy, Frankie Paul, Carlene Davis and the legendary Tamlins.

Over the years, Freddie has consistently “given back” to the community supporting underprivileged youths in communities in Jamaica through scholarships or guiding their musical careers. With events such as Rock Steady Meets Reggae, promoting unity within the Reggae fraternity and Reggae by the Lake, Freddie encourages positive family values through music. In 2010, he designed and donated a decorative mask for the Education Africa Gala silent auction (others designers included Sting, Paris Hilton, Simon Cowell and Sir Bob Geldof) to support access to education. A strong advocate for the protection and promotion of the music industry, his credited accolades/titles include serving as Chairman of the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association, receiving both the prestigious Jamaican Order of Distinction (2003) and a Sumfest Award (2012) for his contribution to Jamaican music and culture. Always ready to perform, Freddie continues to please his fans throughout the world. He has completed over 30 albums to date and headlined international concerts and venues including Poland’s Blue Note, Japan’s Jumping Splash, Reggae Sunsplash (Clapham Common), the Cartegena Festival (Colombia), Midem (France), the Jamaican Expo (performing for Nelson Mandela and Prince Charles), the London Hammersmith Apollo performing with John Holt and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Annual Caribbean Tourism Week (NYC), Reichold Center for the Performing Arts (USVI) and many others. His song, Lovers Rock, was featured in the critically acclaimed HBO film “Disappearing Acts” and inducted an Apollo Living Legend at Harlem’s famous Apollo Theater Salute. His latest project “True to My Roots”, attests to the experience, intensity and wisdom that are uniquely Freddie. It’s a disc that genuinely has something enjoyable for every demographic but can be listened to and enjoyed without the burden of trends, market values or any other preconceptions. This is not the “phoned-in” exercise of a weary veteran content to coast on the past, but the sound of a leader scanning the landscape with a positive view, with an eye to opportunity, not content to pick at consumed carcasses, but mindful always of the need to stay grounded “true to his roots” as the title track proclaims.

Alison Hinds (born 1 June 1970) is a female soca artist from the Caribbean island of Barbados. She is one of the most popular soca singers in the world and has unofficially been given the nickname the “Queen of Soca.” She has produced many popular songs that top charts even in countries which do not widely listen to soca.

In 1986, Hinds joined the soca band Square One. At first this band performed mostly in bars and clubs, but later they became a top Soca band, bringing soca to a new level. Alison produced her first hit in the year 1996, “Ragamuffin.” That song made her win road march of that year for Kadooment (Barbados’ Carnival). The following year she repeated road march and also won The Party Monarch with another hit “Twister”. Alison was the first woman to ever win these titles in Barbados. This led to Hinds’ role as the lead singer in the band. Next, Square One created an album called “Full Bloom”. This album took over the Caribbean. It included the song “Faluma,” which was the top song in the Caribbean for the period of 1999-2000. It toped the charts of Guatemala for 49 weeks. It was during this period that Hinds’ popularity grew. Square One continued to produce hits until 2004 when it broke up – partly due to Hinds’ departure.

Currently Alison Hinds lives with her family, husband Edward Walcott and daughter Saharan (born May 5th, 2004), on a horse farm in Barbados. She has her own band, “The Alison Hinds Show”. This band was formed in 2005 when Hinds returned to the soca scene with the hit song “Roll It Gal” which is an anthem for young women and encourages them to have pride in themselves. In 2006 the song was still popular. Hinds is the main singer and most of the members of the band are young dancers and musicians. She also produced a song called “Love Affair.” Since she returned to music she has recorded a collaboration with Machel Montano for the the remix of “Roll It Gal.”

Hip-hop, much like Reggae and Dancehall, is another genre that Jamaicans can claim as their own. This is because the founding fathers all admit that they were influenced by early Jamaican music. Jamaicans were chanting, or talking in melody, rhymes and creative slangs way before Kool Herc invented hip-hop in the early 70’s in the Bronx. Furthermore, Clive “Kool Herc” Campbell was born in Kingston, Jamaica, so that solidifies the statement made earlier; Hip-Hop is Jamaican Music.

New York battle rapper, Nedley Anderson, more popularly known as Deadly, believes this is why he had to return to his Jamaican roots.

Deadly’s career in music really started in the streets of Port Antonio, Jamaica. Even as a child, he rushed every stage with his gritty persona. He migrated to the United States in the mid 80’s and immediately fell in love with hip-hop. He brought his Jamaican attitude to the genre much the way Busta Rhymes did. His true artistic works, however, were done in underground basements in what is commonly known as battle rap. It is there that he would lyrically slay his competition with his DEADLY words. He quickly became popular in both New Jersey and New York and was soon signed by Brian Cooper of Diehard Records. He released several singles: “Cool’n,” SayaPraya,” “C’mon Witcha BadSelf” and “I Got More Flavaz Than U.”

While he was tearing up stages in New York City in clubs like SOBs, Tilt and Paladium in the early nineties, he had a strong feeling that he was being called back home to Jamaica.

Not long after, due to circumstances beyond his control, he did return to the island. He continued to make music, though he slightly altered his style and delivery. People began noticing his unique and soulful, yet melodious delivery in songs like “Abundance of Water,” “Jamaversary” and “Home Wrecker.” Popular radio personality, Ron Muchette, has played “Home Wrecker” almost as a morning staple and calls Deadly ‘The smoothest rapper he has ever heard.’

Deadly believes that this is just the beginning. His watery flow can be heard in his latest release, a song called “Beggy Beggy.” An instant earworm; the kids only have to hear it once and they’re able to sing every word in the chorus after that. Deadly is also excited about a couple other unreleased tracks that he is currently working on.

In this world where the creativity in music is at an all-time low, please keep your ears out for Deadly. Because his creative mind, American experience, and Jamaican roots is setting the stage for some truly unique musical sounds, subjects, and ideas. Deadly has just started his Alfamatic Label at The C.R.A.S.H. COURSE Media Center, in Port Antonio. He plans to flood the world with the memorable scenes in this tourist destinations in upcoming music videos. His music is not the typical hip-hop songs about girls, guns, glitter, and gold. No, he raps with melody from his heart about Jamaican lifestyle and the things that affects Jamaican people. This makes him truly original in the world of hip-hop.

Anyone wanting to work with Deadly should send an email to crashcoursemediacenter@gmail.com.

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Born on February 5, Kadian ‘Ikaya’ Blair was born in the heart of Waterhouse in Kingston Jamaica, one of the country’s most controversial communities. Although surrounded by many political, economic and social conflict, her parents were unwavering in their efforts to show her a life filled with opportunity, love and family. Marie Pusey (Mother) and Hugh “Bingy” Blair (Father) were instrumental role models for the Jamaican reggae and R&B songstress who discovered her talent at age 4 while auditioning for a choir assemble in pre-school. But even at that age, Ikaya was no stranger to music. As a child, she would sit in amazement as she watched her grandfather play his ‘kette’ drums at his workshop in her community. Her mother saw her passion and nurtured this talent by encouraging her to enter the music and dance festivals while attending the Pembroke Hall Primary School. As a teenager she would continue to follow her dreams of becoming a singer, performing at various concerts and entertaining small crowds at home and at school. While attending Wolmer’s Girl High School she formed a group called B2K girls. Her father’s popularity as a former football player for the Jamaican Reggae Boyz and the Waterhouse Premier League brought her into contact with reggae “Prophet” Clifton ‘Capleton’ Bailey in 2001. The singer started her career as a background vocalist for Capleton, who became a hit among the reggae and Rastafarian communities in the mid to late nineties and was known for his “fire blazing” lyrics. Eventually, she became his opening act for performances he made on tours around the world. The two later recorded a collaboration entitled ‘Fire’ which was featured in the top spot on numerous music charts.

Ikaya’s exposure to the world and various genres helped to define her own style and sound in the fierce, male dominated music industry in Jamaica. Her first love, reggae, was fused with dancehall, R&B and hip-hop, to create hardcore, soulful renditions of her life experiences. Since her entrance to the music scene, the vocalist has released several singles showcasing her versatility. ‘Hard Way’, ‘High With You’, ‘Good Up’, ‘These Tears’ and her collaboration with Merciless ‘Amber Alert’ have all received good reviews and heavy rotation on local and international media outlets. ‘Hard Way’ topped the Jamaican Music Countdown charts while the video for ‘High With You’ has seen steady rotation on cable and radio stations worldwide, reaching fans as far as Kenya in Africa. Her musical style has been described as “thought provoking” and “scintillating” by many music critics who recounts her presentation as the “most promising” when compared to other new female artistes in Jamaica. Though her journey to stardom has seen many struggles and challenges thus far, Ikaya is focused on producing exceptional music that touch and change the lives of people who experience her material. Not only does she sing like the sweet breath of winds beneath the soul, Ikaya also proves herself to be a prolific Deejay, sharing the spotlight with many big names in the industry. In her singles ‘Fly Away’ produced by Don Corleon and European reggae chart topper ‘Ain’t Giving Up’ the singer demonstrates her adeptness to switch between soulful melodies and spitting rhymes on hardcore dancehall rhythms.

The early stages of her career has seen her opening for more established musicians, recording tracks for her debut album, creating music videos and promoting her work at various local and international events. In 2011, Ikaya made her debut performance at the 18th staging of Jamaica’s

largest reggae festival – Reggae Sumfest, Sting, Follow the Arrow as well as Jamaica Day in Canada and the Reggae Rhythm and Blues concert in New York City. She has been recognized for her achievements so far, copping the most coveted award of ‘Female Artiste of the Year’ in 2010 by the 39 years old Jamaican sound system operator, Stone Love. In that same year, Ikaya received the award for the MIA’s (Music Industry Award) ‘Best Video of the Year’ for her single ‘Hard Way’ and the Hitz 92 FM’s People’s Choice Award for ‘Best New Artiste’. Ikaya has worked with many noteworthy producers in the past including Don Corleon, Seanizzle, Flava McGregor, DJ Wayne , Zj Sparks , DZL Records and has done productions on the Kings of Kings Label.

Currently signed to an independent music label, Ikaya continues to write songs and record tracks for her first studio album, which is not yet titled. She anticipates the debut of her creative work which she explains as “All of me, my life, my experiences, love, family, friends and my surroundings. It’s an expression of my versatility compiled on one CD. My greatest joy will be that my fans and friends appreciate and have fun with it!”

OMAR CRAIG FORSYTHE (born August 2, LEO) was born and raised in Jamaica. Known musically as JAY-5Flow, he is a diverse Los Angeles based international reggae and dancehall artist, who believe and breathes the philosophy “Never give up on your dreams…  Keep working hard each day and you will be successful.”

Jay-5 who grew up in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, revealed to his mother at a very young age his desire to be an entertainer. Music was so deeply embedded in young Jay-5, that it would eventually led to him getting suspended from High school during his teenage years. Like fire, music burned fervently inside young Jay-5 it forced him to go against school policy and performed in front of his entire classroom which was against school’s policy.  Instead of being deterred, Jay-5 sought out more appropriate avenues to quench his appetite for music.

In the late 1990’s with the support of his good friend dancehall artist Russian, Jay-5 began performing at many local shows in the parishes of St. Mary and St. Ann. Fearlessly Jay-5’s hunger to showcase his versatility, diversity and wit,  grew rapidly which lead to him performing in Tourist sector, providing live entertainment in resorts across Jamaica’s North Coast.

In 2008, Jay-5 met the producer and CEO of Rebel Soulz, through Russian.  Under the guidance of the Rebel Soulz camp, Jay-5 did his first professional recordings which include “Magic (Pearl Riddim)” and “Just Dance (Current Affairs Riddim)”.

After that recording and performing, for Jay-5 music became a career, his dreams were now taking flight.  This led to the alliance with renowned dancehall deejay and actor Spragga Benz and his Red Square Crew.  His musical talents were also recognized by producer, Minto Pierre (MPR) who produced the track “Shake It Señorita” which is on his album The Dancehall Macarena.

In 2003, Jay-5 relocated to Los Angeles, California to further pursue his career in entertainment.

His relationship with Spragga Benz and his Red Square family created platforms that gave him the break to perform in international events sharing the stage with the likes of rapper Foxy Brown, Kymani Marley son of reggae legend Bob Marley, Beenie Man, Gyptian, Warrior King, Konshens, Kranum of curse Spragga Benz and many others. Jay-5 have also tour the US alongside Spragga Benz, He recorded Dancehall Macarena his hit song on his album The Dancehall Macarena for Hot Boxxx Ent. To add Jay-5 performed at the “2014 Sting” which is one of the most anticipated dancehall platforms that takes place in The Parish of Saint Cathrine, Portmore Jamaica.

In 2015 VP Records sign Jay-5 to a 4 year distribution deal.

Steven Omar Black, more popularly known as Action Blaxxs, is an emerging Dancehall Recording Artist who is currently getting a lot of attention because of his aggressive style and catchy punch lines.

Born and raised in the Melbrook Heights community in Kingston, Jamaica, Steven grew up with his older brother and sister as both his parents left when he was still a child (his Dad relocated to Canada and his Mom, based on differences she had with his father, simply left the family). Growing up in a home with no adult supervision and/or guidance was extremely challenging but he successfully rose to the challenge. He now strongly believes that he’s capable of withstanding any hardship precisely because of all the difficulties he had to endure while growing up without his parents.

He attended St. Benedict Primary and then went on to Donald Quarrie High school. While at Donald Quarrie he got the opportunity to join his father in Canada, which is where he now resides.

While most twelve year old boys were busy playing with toys and/or friends, Steven was focused on writing his first song. He initially got into music because of his cousin, Simon Splinter, who was an aspiring reggae artist at the time. Simon would encourage him to write songs and would even act as a support for young Steven, allowing him to DJ/chant on P.A. systems. Though he penned his first lyrics at age twelve, he did not do any actual studio recording until he was nineteen years old. It was then, in his late teens, that he began to seriously consider a career as a dancehall artist. In his mid-twenties he adopted the name Action Blaxxs; a name given to him by his peers who all saw him as a man of action.

Inspired by artists such as Bounty Killer, Beenie Man and Buju Banton, he eventually released his first official song years later. The track was called “hustle everyday” and it served as the launching point for Action Blaxxs’ entry into the Dancehall Music Industry.

Fast forward to 2017 and Action Blaxxs is now getting a lot of recognition for his recent release, “drink fi drunk,” which many are calling a street anthem. He is also getting ready to share what he hopes will be another catchy tune, this one is entitled “tears.” Both songs were produced by Kevin Thunder from Heart to Heart Records 101.

In addition to recording new music for his soon to be released EP, he’s also got some upcoming appearances in the Caribbean. These include several live performances and radio interviews.

Anyone wanting to work with Action Blaxxs should contact his team via any of the following phone numbers: 1.647.781.4537, 1.647.769.9334, 1.876.408.8109 or 1.876.585.1008. His management can also be reached via email: actionblaxxs@gmail.com.

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