Little Hero (Short Biography)

Paul Gayle (born 1972), better known by his stage name Little Hero, is an established Jamaican reggae singer, who is affectionately referred to as Hero by his peers.

Hailing from Farm Town, Discovery Bay, St Ann, Little Hero emerged in the early 90s. He had his first recording with producer Courtney Cole in 1992, but did not get the appropriate recognition until 1994 when he had his first major success with the hit song God Alone. This was a huge collaboration that was done with dancehall artist Merciless and Action Fire.

God Alone was featured on Hero‘s debut album – Revelation – which was released sometime between 07 and 09. Although the record initially premiered in Japan it was eventually published worldwide to his very receptive fanbase, who supported it so much so that it entered the Billboard Top Reggae Albums Chart at number one.

Little Hero Followed the release of his Revelation album by sharing More Love in 2013 (Delroy Roberts Music) and Summer Holiday in 2020 (Ochi City Records). In between his full length projects he has consistently recorded singles for various producers.

One of his most recent singles is Keep On Shining; an inspirational, upbeat, dancehall song that he did for Paul Patmore Productions.

Ragga Lox – Biography (@Raggaloxx)

Reggae recording artist Ragga Lox is an eloquent lyricist whose voice compliments tracks in a unique manner. He was born Rohan Robinson in Mandeville, Manchester in Jamaica; and grew up in the community of Georges Valley, a small district on the outskirts of the city. Ragga Lox migrated to the United States in the late 80s and has been living there ever since.

In the early 90s – while using the moniker Terminator – he linked up with his longtime friend Captain Remo (now known as Natty Remo) who had already made a name for himself in Brooklyn. Remo introduced him to Sounds Junior Production, which is where he began his recording career. Unfortunately, the name Terminator was short lived as it did not match his image. Therefore, none of his songs were ever released under that name.

By the mid 90s he had transitioned from Terminator to Ragga Lex. He then started recording for Rhythm One Records. His first ever release came in 1995; with three tracks on a compilation CD titled “Rhythm One Riddims.” His song, “Ghetto Youths,” was a fan favorite. The album also featured Wayne “Sling Ting” Smith, Yankee B and Devon Clarke.

While at Rhythm One Studios, musician and engineer Tarriii suggested that Ragga become a member of a band so that he could get the experience of performing live. The opportunity presented itself almost immediately, as Ragga became one of the founding members of the band U.N.I (Under the Nazarene Influence) and performed in and around the northeastern section of the United States. It was the experience of working with the band that inspired his decision to wholeheartedly commit to a career as a recording artist.

He then parted with Rhythm One in 1996, but continued performing with the band for another year before pursuing a solo career. Ragga soon established, and began recording for his own label, Rtist4Rtist Ent., with “Bright Lights Big City” and “Chocolates and Roses” being its first releases. “Chocolates and Roses” was an instant success and received a considerable amount of airplay in and around the New York Tri-State Area, before spreading out to other markets.

His debut album, “Mr. Lexinstein,” was completed in 1999 but was not officially released until the year 2000. It received favorable reviews from both local and international press. To his surprise, this also included the Jamaica media.

The coverage received by the Jamaica media was bitter sweat because there was an article in the Jamaica Observer about the album, but it featured the picture of popular dancehall deejay, Lexxus instead, who was at the time going by Mr. Lexx. Ragga then decided to go back to the drawing board.

Ragga changed the “Lex ” to “Lox,” which he thought was more practical as Rastafari had now become his way of life. With the new name he also started to venture into other areas in the industry. He began working on radio: co-hosting Culture Jam Radio with Bobby Channel One and Reggae Jam Radio with Dave Judah on 93.5 FM in New York.

Currently Rtist4Rtist Ent. handles the productions, bookings, marketing, promotions etc. for Ragga Lox. To date the company has released a total of three albums: “Music is My Life,” released in 2005; “Steppa Inna Babylon,” released in 2010 and “Rastalogy,” released in 2020.

Through various agents and affiliates, Ragga Lox has performed on numerous shows, including Irie Jamboree in NYC; Reggae in The Valley, in Jamaica; One Love Africa in Addis Ababa Ethiopia; and other shows in Shashemene ET, Kenya, Canada, Trinidad and all across the United States. He has shared the stage with reggae greats such as Luciano, Gregory Isaacs, Bob Andy, Junior Gong, Mykal Rose, Sizzla, Buju Banton, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer and more.

Fiyaneer’s Biography (@ReggaeVibesMus1)

Fiyaneer is not your average reggae crooner or DJ. His passion for his craft as well as the genuine charisma with which he composes and presents the topics that are depicted in his music, certainly sets him apart from his contemporaries.

Fiyaneer, christened Odene Burke, hails from the rural community of Allman Hill in St. Catherine and attended the educational institutions Allman Hill All Age and St Mary’s College in Above Rocks. He discovered his love for music in his formative years and is always eager to share stories detailing how he used to stay up with his father who would allow him to sing and DJ using his uncle’s sound equipment, way into the nights after the parties that they used to host had ended. Seeing that he was always immersed in an atmosphere that was permeated with the sounds and rhythms of reggae; it was only natural that he would have developed an affinity for the genre.

Fiyaneer honed his craft by working over the years, with groups such as Kanastone which also featured popular recording artiste Bescenta. He has also worked with the prolific King Jammy’s. This well rounded ambassador of culture has also entered the Jamaica Festival and Tastee talent competition and presented original material in both contests. His work represents strongly for the reggae genre, his lyrics are intricately crafted masterpieces that details vividly, the experiences of the down casted and down trodden members of society, staying true to the roots and the essence of reggae music. He has an unmistakable passion for social justice and for seeing the needs of the less fortunate being met, this concern for the disenfranchised members of the society, is always depicted in his music.

Fiyaneer is a musical craftsman who manages to create and deliver consciously potent music, whilst remaining humble and grounded.

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AbiYah Yisrael – Biography (@abiyah_yisrael)

AbiYah (Ah-bee-ya) Yisrael is a rising reggae artist currently working with an independent label, Chayah Studios, which she co-owns in Caste Bruce, Dominica. She also works closely with Ever Blazzing Production out of Germany. From the tender age of 6 she has been involved in music, taking part in various competitions and live shows; emerging as 3rd runner up in the Dominica Calypso Finals in February, 2021. In 2012, while using the moniker “Nicole Christian,” she released a gospel album called “Speak To Me.” That same year AbiYah was enrolled at the University of the West Indies – Cavehill Campus – where she completed a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. There, her perspective on religion, life and history shifted causing her to pull back from gospel music for approximately 6 years.

AbiYah has now re-emerged as a new artist singing what she refers to as “Truth Music.” Her music is heavily influenced by the songs of Nasio Fountaine, Jah9, Marcia Griffiths, Denis Brown, Lucky Dube, Aretha Franklin, Yolanda Adams, among many others. AbiYah identifies herself as an African, a daughter of the nation of Israel and her music reflects those views.

Clear as the crystal waters of Dominica, AbiYah delivers vintage sounds of Afro-Caribbean roots meshed with a spiritual lyrical adroitness. This is heard through her new and prior releases such as: “Africa Time” (2021) on the Reconciliation Riddim produced by Lavoro Duro of South Africa, “Great And Mighty” (2021), “Eat Clean Live Clean” (2021), “Protect Me” (2021), “Love In My Heart” (2020) on the Empathy Riddim, again produced by Lavoro Duro, “Bloodshed In The City” (2020), “Calabash Running Over” (2020), “Herb Tree” (2020) and “Corona Virus (Plan-demic)” (2020). “Calabash Running Over” and “Herb Tree” are on the ‘Prayer Riddim’ and ‘I Great Riddim’ respectively, both were produced by Francis Kaumba from Ever Blazzing Production. AbiYah is destined to take on the great commission of enlightening others through her music so they become aware of themselves and identity.

AbiYah means Yahweh is my father.
Follow AbiYah Yisrael on Spotify, Apple Music, Instagram, YouTube, SoundCloud and Facebook

Petra-Kay’s Biography

Petra-Kay Linton – known publicly as simply Petra-Kay – is a passion driven woman of God who seeks to enhance His kingdom through her music ministry. She began performing at the age of seven in church. Later on, in 2012, she became a member of the Radical Weapons and was privileged to share stages with some of the biggest names in gospel: Kevin Downswell, Jermaine Edwards, Joan Flemmings, Micah Stampley and many more.

After traveling far and wide to share the word of God with the Radical Weapons, and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, she decided to step away from the group and continue on as a solo act. That said, Petra-Kay and her manager – Kamar Forrest of Danx440 Entertainment – have truly been walking by faith.

In 2019 she released her first single, Sovereign God, which was well received by gospel audiences worldwide. She followed up in 2020 with the now trending Chorus Medley Live (Extended Version), which surpassed a million views in less than a year. Her momentum continued in 2021, when she won the Sterling Gospel Music Award for Breakout Sensation of the Year.

Petra-Kay Linton has been a committed Christian for well over a decade and has no regrets about her decision to serve the Lord. She currently attends the New Life Worship Centre under the leadership of Pastor Steele.

Anthony Cruz – Biography (@Tadsrecord @JahCruz)

Although Anthony Cruz (real name Rowan Smith) was raised in the same Mandeville neighborhood as his cousin Aaron Silk and uncle the late Garnet Silk, he moved to Miami in 1993 where he started to make a name for himself under the direction of Miami based musician/producer Willie Lindo. Convinced the world was ready for him, Lindo released Cruz’s debut single, ‘Tell Me What’s Up’ (an original), ‘Just Call My Name’ & his debut album titled ‘Where There Is Love’. The album featured the title track, ‘When You Get Lonely’ and ‘Love Will Never Die’.

In 1999, Cruz decided to return to Jamaica to claim his piece of the pie in the land of his birth and the home of reggae music. The first song he recorded back home, ‘Maria Maria’ (a cover of the Santana/Product R&B big hit), became a hit, and from then he continued to make hits after hits including ‘You Remind Me’, You Got It Bad”, ‘Mama’s Blessing’, the infectious ‘Halfway Tree’, ‘People Bawlin’ on Massive B’s ‘Truths & Rights’ riddim, ‘Lost In Love’ over Energy’s ‘Queen Of The Minstrel’ riddim, and the wicked combination tune with Buju Banton entitled ‘Place Too Bloody’.

Continuing on the path to take his career to the ultimate level, Anthony Cruz signed a management, booking and recording contract with 5th Element Records in the summer of 2000. His sophomore album ‘Mama Blessing’ and title track was released in December 2005. After five successful years with label mates Richie Spice & Chuck Fender, he departed in September 2005 and launched his independent recording label, Shanshan Music with popular singles such as ‘Never Too Much’ featuring BEENIE MAN, ‘Burn Dem’ featuring CAPLETON, ‘I Won’t Wait’ by LUCIANO and ‘Anthony Cruz & Friends Formula Riddim’ compilation cd featuring Luciano, Capleton, Richie Spice, Teflon, Spanner Banner, Mitch, Mr Perfect, Mitch & Symfoni.

Although Anthony Cruz is often labeled a lovers rock crooner, albums such as ‘Mama Blessing’, ‘Fight With All You Might’, ‘Inna Di Dance’, ‘Cruz Control’ and the ‘Cruzing EP’ showed that he’s also an artist who is able to deliver noteworthy culture and reality songs.

Anyone who has heard one of his songs or albums will affirm that Anthony Cruz is a fine singer. And that’s what he demonstrates once again throughout his latest studio album entitled ‘Elect Of Jah: Light Of The World’. The title of the album indicates what this collection of tunes is mainly about; a spiritual set with a special vibe in order to uplift, educate, and inspire people. It implies that there’s not much room for songs that deal with affairs of the heart (only ‘Hear, Mind And Soul’ and ‘In My Life’ touch the lovers theme).

Several tracks here make for compelling listening, starting with the tracks that form the great opening part; the Bobby Digital produced ‘Where Would I Be’ (‘Joe Frazier’ riddim), the Linval Thompson produced ‘Know Him For Yourself’, ‘Jah It’s Only You’, the awesome ‘One Boss’ (‘Drum Song’ riddim) and ‘All Riches’ (‘First Step’ riddim). Among the other highlights are the acoustic ‘Black Man Story’, which was produced by Christopher Hooper, the DJ Kat produced ‘Let It Burn’, and ‘Cold Blooded’, for which the soulful singer teamed with producer Christopher Knight. And then there’s ‘Shanice’, a tribute to his late daughter.

ANTHONY CRUZ is cruising his way to becoming one of Jamaica’s greatest singers; nominated for Best Male Reggae Artist in the British Reggae Industry Awards (B.R.I.A) 2012 and his ‘CRUZ CONTROL’ and ‘INNA DI DANCE’ album nominated for REGGAEVILLE.com album of the year in Europe! He is also the recipient of the 2006 Reggaesoca Music Award for Best Reggae Combination ‘Too Bloody’ featuring Grammy Winner Buju Banton in Florida.

He is a firm believer in supporting community development and charities. He teamed up with broadcaster Markland ‘Action’ Edwards and Kingston Bookshop to offer book vouchers worth $20,000 to help struggling Jamaican parents defray back to school expenses in 2014. He also joined NFL Players Corey Mays of the (Kansas City Chiefs) & Derrick Williams of the (Detroit Lions), the New Love Foundation, P DIDDY former assistant Fonzworth Bentley and actress Faune Chambers to help promote literacy in BELIZE 2011. They raised funds for a library and computer lab to help keep fifty children in ST MARYS school. Even thou Anthony Cruz does not celebrate Christmas, he still believes in giving back and took six-year-old Nadia ‘Hope’ Graham from the Waterhouse community for a shopping spree at Ammar’s clothing store at Sovereign Village Jamaica December 2018.

Anthony Cruz is now focusing on expanding his Shan Shan imprint, touring, increasing his music catalog and fanbase! His latest album “Elect Of Jah: Light Of The World” is available at iTunes. His 5th studio album ‘INNA DI DANCE’ featuring Luciano, Macka Diamond and Dean Fraser is available at Amazon and ITUNES! The 12 Track Album is a nice mix of lovers rock, spiritual and dancehall songs like the title track on the Banjo ‘riddim’ from Stone Love which is getting a buzz in the US, UK, Belize, Jamaica, Malawi and on demand streaming sites like Spotify, Deezer, Rhapsody.

Additionally, Anthony Cruz is now also promoting a brand new single titled “Leave The Door Open”, done in collaboration with Tad’s Record.

Audley Rollen’s Bio – Legendary Jamaican Entertainer

The career of Legendary Jamaican entertainer and Reggae Icon Audley Rollen stretches as far back as the late fifties when he and his brother enrolled in acrobatic numbers on Vere Johns “Opportunity Hour” in Kingston Jamaica.

Opportunity Hour was the foundation of Jamaican entertainment and popular music, it was the springboard that elevated Artists like John Holt, Bob Marley, Blues Busters, Derick Harriot, Derick Morgan, Millie Small, Jackie Edwards, Owen Gray, Dobby Dobson, Alton Ellis, and Higgs and Wilson to name a few.

As one half of the bicycle act “The Wisdom Brothers” Rollen and his brother thrilled audiences across Jamaica, and after competing with a variety of artists on the Vere Johns opportunity hour they won the coveted title “all Island Champion”, other all Island champions were Higgs and Wilson, and Segree Westley. Page 14, THE STAR, Thursday, September 3rd, 1959.

As all Island champions “Wisdom Brothers” Higgs and Wilson, and Segree Wesley, performed at every major theatre and nightclub throughout Jamaica, and it was during that time that Audley developed an interest in singing. He learned how to play the guitar, and Higgs and Wilson took him under their wings and taught him how to stay on pitch. But it was some years later after taking music lessons in Rollington town, Kingston Jamaica, that Rollen blossomed into an accomplished singer/musician who came to prominence in the mid to late 70’s.

1966 in Woodford Park Kingston Jamaica “Junior Minns” then lead singer and leader of the Famous vocal group Techniques invited Audley to audition for the group, although short live, undaunted Audley moved on and became a member of another vocal group “The progressions.”  They recorded a few tracks that were released in Europe by Harry Palmer on a various artist Album titled “Reggae to the U k with love”.

In 1968 Rollen became associated with record producer Keith Hudson and it was during that time that Rollen along with schoolmate “Earl Chinna Smith” began to arrange and sang background vocals on some of Hudson’s productions like “Big Bad Boy” Alton Ellis “S 90 Skank” Big Youth “Spanish Amiga” Dennis AL Capone and “Riot” by Dizzy Johnny.

Rollen’s’ first hit in 1969 “Oh My Darling” which was produced by Keith Hudson entered the British charts, and shortly thereafter Rollen and Dennis Al Capone then (Dennis Smith) teamed up and recorded “You a Come” “Zaca Zazza” and “Bad Harvest” for Producer Keith Hudson.

Shortly thereafter Rollen became lead singer of The Hippy Boys Band, members of the band at that time were Robert Shakespeare, Milton Henry, Shan, Webby, Tyrone Downey, and Roya. Other members of the hippy Boys at one time or another was the “Barrett Brothers” bassist Aston “family man “Barrett, Drummer Carlton Barrett” and Keyboard wizard Tyrone Downey all of whom became part of Bob Marley and the Wailers fame.

After the departure of Max Romeo and Lloyd Shakespeare from the “I’m gonna buy you a rainbow” Emotions, Rollen became lead singer of the Emotions, other members of the group at that time were Milton Henry, and Leroy Brown. The Emotions at that time was regarded as one of the finest harmonizing groups of that early period, they went on to record several songs for ace producer Lloyd “Matador” Daley that included “Wary Wary” “Poor Man’s Story”, and “Hallelujah” the latter a Rollen’s composition was a big hit in Europe,

1969 The Emotions recorded a two-sided hit on the High Note Label for producer Sonia Pottinger “You can’t stop me” and “Dr. No Go.” “You can’t stop me entered the top ten, on both stations in Jamaicia R.J.R. and J.B.C. and “Dr. No-Go” went on to become #1 on both stations, these songs also did well internationally.

1970 Audley became lead singer of “Youth Professional Band” members of the Band at the time were drummer Basil “Benbow” Crarey, bassist Robert Shakespeare, Keyboard Bernard “Touter” Harvey, Guitar David Zada Bryan, M C. Charlie Ace, saxophonist Dirty Harry, and trombonist Vin Gordon. The band performed across Jamaica, and the Caribbean and was a mainstay on J.B.C T V’s “where it’s at”.

An interesting thing is that the then bassist for the hippy boys, and Youth professionals Robbie Shakespeare later teamed up with drummer Sly Dunbar from Skin Flesh and Bones to form the most durable reggae producing duo ever “Sly and Robbie”, and Bernard “Touter” Harvey later teamed up with Jacob Miller and The Inner Circle of “sweat” and “bad boys” fame.

In the spring of 1971 Audley once again teamed up with Ace Producer Lloyd Matador Daley and recorded two monster signature hits “Repatriation is a must” and “All that glitters is not gold.” Dennis Brown did background vocals on All that glitters, both songs were international hits as well as top ten hits in Jamaica, there were at least six versions of each songs.

1972 Rollen recorded two more songs for producer Lloyd “Matador” Daley, a reggae remake of Don & Won’s “What’s your Name” on this track Leroy Sibbles provided background vocals, it is believed by some that UB 40 first heard Rollens’ reggae version of What’s your Name and fell in love with it before then recorded their version.

1973 Rollen went back to Hi Note Records and recorded “My World” and “It flows” for producer Sonia Pottenger.  “My World” went on to become a top ten hit in Jamaica, and it flows was big in England, Brent Dowe contributed background vocals on “my world”

1974 Rollen recorded “Don’t let go” for producer Ed Wallace, background vocals were done by the S.P.M. singers, and it was distributed by Bryon Lee’s “Dynamic sounds label”

Shortly thereafter Rollen migrated from Jamaica to the U.S.A. and settled in the city of Brotherly Love Philadelphia home of the famous R&B producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff.  Rollen tried to influence them to do reggae as well but R&B was doing so well for the pair with acts like Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Billy Paul, The Intruders and Lou Rawls that they looked the other way. It was not until later after Reggae became popular in the U.S.A. that they eventually recorded the I threes.

1976 in Philadelphia Rollen formed the band “Rockstone” and toured extensively across the U.S.A. How much this did for reggae cannot be measured in terms of hits, but it was certainly an early and particularly important contribution towards the development and promotion of the music for which Rollen deserves respect.

1980 Rollen produced and recorded his first Album “Prevail” on his own Philadelphia reggae sounds label, it was released in the U.S.A. and Europe and even today there is still a big demand for it.

1980 Rollen enrolled at R.E.T.S electronic engineering School for certification as an electronic engineering technician and after two years changed his major and transferred to Lyons technical Institute for H.V.A.C. technician, Rollen graduated from that institution in 1984.

1984 Rollen got together with Lloyd Barnes and they produced and recorded the Role Model Album that was released in Japan and Europe.

It was shortly thereafter Rollen moved back to Jamaica and got together with Earl Chinna Smith, Horse mouth Wallace, Professor Larry, Tony Asher, and Scully Simms, and he started laying tracks for his Honey Album.  In 1989 he released from the same album the monster single “Shy Girl” and it turned out to be one of his biggest North American hits, the monster 12’ single broke all barriers it was a smash in Canada, Europe, Jamaica and the U.S.A. As a result, in 1990 Rollen was invited to perform at the Canadian Reggae Music Award

During the 90’s Rollen ran off a series of hits such as Shy Girl, Between the sheets, Things in Life, and Hot Stuff. His music videos were extremely popular in the Caribbean and North America, Rollen is only one of three artists to have had three songs in the top ten reggae charts all at the same time. To his credit Rollen has produced, written, arranged, and recorded ten Albums.

Despite his success in the reggae music industry Rollen felt an emptiness inside as if something were missing, and it would be between 1997 to 2002 Rollen lost his father an Adventist minister, his Mother, and his last son Joseph. After the devastation of that experience Rollen put his career on hold to re-evaluate his life, and it was during that time that it was revealed to Rollen that his talents would be better served if used to Glorify the Lord.

2002 Rollen and his beautiful wife dawn Marie joined the staff at W.A.V.S.1170 AM Radio broadcasting five shows weekly using their Radio ministry to glorify the Lord. W.A.V.S. radio is the biggest and longest running Caribbean radio format in North America

In 2002 Rollen gave their life to the Lord and he and his were baptized in the Adventist faith, and some years later both he and his wife went to seminary and on June 21, 2014 they both graduated from Galilee Ministries Chaplaincy and pastoral University with their Doctorate degrees in ministry and counseling

From 2008 to 2014 Rollen recorded three top selling gospel CD’, Room at the cross, He has made a way, and Why worry when you can pray. The title track from the why worry when you can pray CD won the Gospel song of the year at IRAWMA in 2014. In That same year Rollen was also the recipient of A Lifetime Achievement Hall of Fame Award for his contribution towards Reggae music

In 2010 Rollen and his wife became Pastors of Wisdom Sabbath Ministry in Plantation Florida. During this time, Rollen has headlined a series of sold-out events, e.g., the Gospel Praise Concerts, and the Time for Love Series, which is a presentation that deals with relationship, love and marriage, unfortunately, over the past year there have been a pause on public performances. Audley however does not view this as a setback but as an opportunity to get back in the studio.

 In April of 2020 Audley started working on his 11th studio album entitled “Never Knew love” from which the single “Never Knew Love” is scheduled to be release April 2021.

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