Canadian neo-reggae soul singer and songwriter Mel Dubé heads to Serbia this week for a live performance on the multiple, award-winning EXIT summer festival.

The Exit festival began as a political protest for freedom and democracy in Serbia and the Balkans over a decade ago. It has since grown exponentially and was voted “Best Major European Festival” earlier this year at the EU Festival Awards – considered one of the most prestigious festival awards in the world. It has also ranked in the top ten world festival destinations on CNN and in the New York Times.

Dubé makes her European debut on the Positive Vibrations /Reggae Stage where she will perform on both July 11 & 13, 2014. About heading to Europe Mel says,

“I’m just so curious to see the reactions of the people and if they will feel my flow. I’m going into new territories with my music so it feels kinda surreal…I’m glad that it is through my musical foundation of reggae and soul music that I am able to represent my culture in an environment that adores it.”

Mel Dubé’s single Bring It, released in 2010 garnered the attention of Canadian radio programmers, igniting her recording career. The song followed her 2008 debut single, Sweet and Tenderly. In 2013 she released her Soulful Melodies of Life EP, and the single Dem Ah Look peaked at #1 on the New Wax Show’s Top 30 which was listed in Earshot, the national campus and community radio report.

It also charted in Canada on 105.5 FM for eleven weeks on Rebel Vibes.

The accompanying video for the single, Extra Side was recently released and has since been featured on The Next Edition (NXE) in Canada. Featured in the video, Champion Sound Clash Selecta/MC Tasha Rozez says,

“She’s a modernly soulful artist with a mature vocal sound. Her self written, catchy lyrics add a youthful yet thought invoking appeal.” 

As a performing artist, Mel Dubé has opened for Reggae superstars Beres Hammond, Morgan Heritage, Tarrus Riley, Chaka Demus and Pliers, and The Heptones. She has performed at Toronto ReggaeFest, Honey Jam and Caribana Lime. Dubé has also been a backing vocalist for Lenn Hammond, Richie Stephens, and Steele among others.

Her recent performances this summer included the Durham Caribbean Festival and the Hub Summer Festival in Ontario, Canada. The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences’ Chair of the Reggae Committee says,

 “Over the few years put into the industry her name (Mel Dubé) and voice have made many people commit to her fan base which is now filling venues across the city any time she performs.” ~ Carrie Mullings

 The Exit festival is held annually in the Petrovaradin Fortress in the city of Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia.

Legendary Jamaican artist General Degree is back with a bang with his new smash EP Bambalam,available worldwide from all major digital retailers on July 15, 2014, with pre-order available now, from FOX FUSE. The dancehall deejay/rapper, born Cardiff Butt in Mandeville, Jamaica, blasted onto the music scene over 20 years ago and has remained a mainstay on airwaves and playlists for two decades now. Consistently touring and keeping his brand relevant with fans – a rare accomplishment in the dancehall genre, this timeless artist now returns with a collection of new hits and the world is taking notice.

General Degree first gained international fame with his dancehall blockbusters “Traffic Blocking,” “Granny” and “Boom Boom,”which, among his other hits, still enjoy regular airplay and club play today, globally. He now adds another smash to his popular catalog with his new single “Bambalam,” as the title track scores a coveted spot on the official 2014 Zumba Mega Mix 41 playlist. The up-tempo, high-energy party anthem has been serviced to all officialZumba instructors and is currently being enjoyed by Zumbaaficionados globally. “I want music fans to enjoy my new collection of works as it is some of my best,” reveals General Degree. “My mission is to finish what I started and I promise there is more to come.”

The Bambalam EP boasts five (5) thrilling tracks. Four tunes were produced by Panamanian producer BK, adding authentic Latin flavors to Degree’s dancehall antics, thereby propelling him into the Latin Pop sphere. “Working on this EP for General Degree has been an amazing experience because I grew up listening to him,” states BK. “And now given this opportunity to produce several songs with my team for him is just great.” Dancehall producer Jah Snowcone, who produced Sean Paul’s international hit and the Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper “Temperature,” also pools his talent onto the EP for the throwback dancehall vibe on “Nuh Fraid.” The blazing track has been in steady rotation locally in Jamaica and across reggae/dancehall platforms internationally, even recently making its debut on David Rodigan’s show on BBC 1Xtra, airing across the UK.

Bambalam brings new hits for the iconic dancehall star and is guaranteed to satisfy General Degree’s longtime fans, and earn him new ones.

The Jamaica Association of Montreal is hosting its 33rd Jamaica Day festival, at Parc Jean Drapeau on l’île Ste-Hélène as part of Parc Jean Drapeau Les Week-end-du-Monde celebrations of multiculturalism within the city of Montreal.

Each year approximately 18,000 excited spectators stop by the festival to absorb the vibrant energy of the island. It’s a fun-filled day with a full program of live entertainment to showcase the captivating Jamaica culture.

The Jamaica Day festival provides a family friendly and safe environment. Although admission is free, a generous donation is asked to support programs, and services offered at the Jamaica Association to service the black community of Montreal.

The Jamaica Association of Montréal Inc. is a non-profit community organization that was founded in November 1962. It is located in the Cote-des-Neiges area and has been serving the community for 52 years. The services and programs available at the association are made possible through donations from the provincial government, sponsors and dedicated volunteers.

Available at the parc will be spicy & delicious Jamaican dishes, drinks and treats that will stimulate your taste buds. Upbeat, live reggae music, and other forms of entertainment will boost your spirits. In addition to the display of Jamaican dishes, there will be various booths exhibiting authentic island inspired merchandise.

This year the festival will pay tribute to: Her Excellency High Commissioner for Jamaica to Canada Sheila Sealy Monteith for her outstanding service to Jamaicans in Canada, and Jamaica’s national heroes and icons including: Marcus Garvey, Nanny of the Maroons, Bob Marley, Shelly Ann-Fraser and Usain Bolt.

This festival would not be possible without the support of corporate sponsors; The Cote-des-Neiges/ Notre-Dame-Grace Borough, Parc Jean Drapeau, Western Union, The Jamaica Tourist Board, Jamaica National Money Transfer, and CKUT 90.3 FM. We thank them for their continual support over the years.

The Association of Montreal invites all members of the Montreal community and across Canada to join them in celebrating their culture and homeland.

For further information please contact Mr. Noel Alexander, President of the Jamaica Association at 514-737-8229 ext. 222, 514-779-8229, jamaica_inc@yahoo.ca or visit http://www.montrealjamaicaassociation.com.

Renowned for his socially-conscious musical messages, Reggae star Natural Black is gearing up for the July 8th release of his 14th full length studio album titled “No Prejudice”.

Laying his distinctively smooth, mellow voice on 15 tracks, the album spans the spectrum of all that embodies reggae, from Culture, Ska, Lovers Rock, Social Commentaries, Dancehall and even an underlying gospel vibe. Natural Black has delivered what is sure to become a classic album.

The title name speaks for itself, “No Prejudice”, it exemplifies Natural Black’s mind set of No Prejudice, that it’s all love and that we should all show love to one another. The songs “Love Got A Way, Searching, Special Girl, Don’t Play With My Heart, Give Me Your Love” and “Feelings” which features M’Deon, are all lovers rock that are sure to quench the soul, mind and body of lover’ throughout the globe. While “This Will Be Over, Rolling On, No More, Africa Awaits” and “When Last” are universal and reflects of our past, present and future. “Just Got Paid” gives off a Ska Vibe, the feeling of wanting to let loose and have fun after a hard working week, when one is ready to go out and full joy the fruit of your labor. “Gimme Di Trees” is an uptempo track that will resonate to dancehall fans. Rounding up this musical feast is “I’m On My Way”, an ever day music moment, inspirational with a gospel vibe.

The album boasts of producers ranging from Jamaica, Europe and USA, including Omar Benjamin (Frenz Fi Real), Ricardo “RedBoom” Reid, Earl Smith (Home Grown Music), Kasha Campbell (Ghetto Lynxx Record), Hakan Kara (Yard Art Music), David Sitbon & Fabienne Romano (Dub Akom) and T. Smith (Triple T Production) who is also the Executive Producer.

“Giving Maximillion thanks to The Almighty Creator for being there and Blessing I in all times, Tasz Smith for putting this creation together, My family forever, Omar “Frenz Fi Real”, Benjamin, Ricardo “RedBoom” Reid, Novlyn “Lovie” Banton, Earl Smith Jr, Maria Smith, Raine Martin, Thamar Williams, Kashka Campbell and Ghetto Lynxx Crew, Wasp Studio, Hakan Kara “Yard Art Music”, Fabienne Romano & David Sitbon “Dub Akom”. To all the musicians for lending impeccable talents, To all the djs, selectors, promoters fi keeping it Irie & Bless, Sancha Flynn our universal designer for all her creative ideas, and last bit never forgotten The ever global Fans to keep I going. Keeping it Running and Bless…” Natural Black “No Prejudice” will be available July 8, 2014 on ITunes, Amazon, Spotify, Google Play and all other digital distribution outlets.

Natural Black – No Prejudice
Label: Triple T Production
Be the First to Pre-Order Your Copy Now @ Amazon

Young Jamaican producer and Black & Yellow executive, Sheldon “Shel-K” Williams has signed a deal with Wray and Nephew (the number one rum company in the Caribbean). Although Shel-K have been working with Wray and Nephew for the past two and a half years, this contract expands their relationship and also makes him one of the official faces of the company with ads appearing on TV, in print media and on major billboards right across the Caribbean. Shel-K is the first Reggae/Dancehall producer to get such a deal from a liquor company.

For those not familiar with Shel-K, he is responsible for the production of hits like Embrace it (Orisha Sound ft. Sizzla), Kingston Riddim, World War Three (Orisha Sound ft. Beenie Man), Gyptian Music, Life Machine by Droop Lion, Can’t get enough by Anthony Que and many more. He is also part owner of Black and Yellow Entertainment, a professional recording and rehearsal studio located on Lady Musgrave Road in New Kingston, Jamaica and a recording artist in his own right.

In addition to fulfilling his obligations with Wray and Nephew, Shel-K is also working on a new single for himself as well as a Reggae/Dancehall album for Orisha Sound with Clive Hunt from VP Records.

Persons wanting to take advantage of Black and Yellow rehearsal space may do so by calling or texting (876) 529-0987 or (876) 845-5228. The facility has a large space with full band equipment and air-conditioning it’s available for band and dance rehearsals and it includes wood laminated floor and full-wall mirror.

Embrace it (Orisha Sound ft. Sizzla): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB_pB2wfNB0

Sunshine Lady (Orisha Sound ft. Wayne Daniel): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbFthCKPXSk

World War 3 (Orisha Sound ft. Beenie Man): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nURDnsi_o6g

The 22nd staging of the ‘Greatest Reggae Show on Earth’ will be buzzing with some of reggae’s biggest names. The long-awaited return of Busy Signal to the Sumfest stage is set to complement the comeback of other performers and legends in their own right, Sanchez and Freddie McGregor. Reggae Sumfest is set to get under way from July 13-19 with stage shows from Thursday to Saturday at Catherine Hall, Montego Bay.

Busy will be making his first appearance at the festival since 2009 and comes in on the back of his platinum single Bumaye with Major Lazer. Busy will perform on Thursday, July 17, as part of Dancehall Night.

The Big Ship captain, singer, musician and producer, Freddie McGregor, is also set to grace the Reggae Sumfest stage on International Night II. McGregor, in speaking about the upcoming performance, said patrons can expect his old hits mixed with a few surprises. “My performance will be a uniquely special one at the closing of the event. The members of Big Ship, Chino, Stephen and Yeshemabeth, the band itself, my backing vocals and I are coming with full force. There’ll also be a special guest performance for the night,” McGregor said.

NINE-YEAR ABSENCE

Kevin Jackson, aka Sanchez, will hit the Reggae Sumfest stage this year after a nine-year absence. Sanchez has become one of Jamaica’s treasured vocalists and possesses a massive collection of perennial hits such as Never Dis The Man, Frenzy and I Can’t Wait (You Say You Love Me). Sanchez will make his return to the stage on International Night II, Saturday July 19.

According to Johnny Gourzong, executive producer of Summerfest Productions, promoters of Reggae Sumfest, these artistes are welcomed additions to the festival line-up. “These acts have not performed on the Reggae Sumfest stage for some time and we know that our patrons have been eager to see them. They continue to put out great music and are making momentous strides for reggae music across the globe,” Gourzong said.

Reggae Sumfest will begin with a beach party at Aquasol Beach, the All-White Party on Tuesday at Pier 1, and stage shows from Thursday to Saturday at Catherine Hall. Sponsors for this year’s festival include Digicel, Iberostar, Secrets, Pepsi, Jamaica Tourist Board, The Gleaner Company Ltd and Irie FM.

For more info log on to http://www.reggaesumfest.com

Readying herself for her first full release after a long break from the industry, Aysha Loren has released funky reggae track ‘Keep It Like It Is’ as a teaser for upcoming EP ‘Back To You’.

The single, a rhythmic blend of pop and reggae with a slice of funk for good measure, does a great job of ramping up the excitement for the EP, showcasing Aysha’s strong vocal with effective, relatable lyrics about choosing to stay ‘just friends’ with someone rather than risk it all by starting a relationship.

You can hear a preview snippet on Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/ayshaloren/keep-it-like-it-is-snippet-by

An experienced artist, Aysha Loren’s family has a successful background in the music industry which led her to a support slot for huge US group Destiny’s Child on their UK tour in her early days. More recently, Aysha has shared the stage with the talented likes of John Holt, Frankie Paul, Janet Kay and Luciano. Having taken a long break in between to start a family, she fell in love with the stage again after performing at a Whitney Houston tribute concert, the start of a journey which will culminate in the EP release on July 7^th.

This experience led her to writing and performing again, re-building her reputation over the last couple of years which have seen Aysha reach the finals of the National UK Open Mic Competition as well as being named as Vibes FM Record of the Week for three weeks running.

Single ‘Keep It Like It Is’ is out now, with the ‘Back To You’ EP out on July 7^th.