Jamaica’s Reggae Month Kicks Off With Dennis Brown Tribute Concert (@ReggaeMonth)

img-20170126-wa0004With Kingston’s designation as a Creative City of Music by UNESCO in 2015, the Reggae Month Committee made the decision to produce this year’s staging of Reggae Month under the theme “Reggae Mecca”. For the last two years, the association has been advancing the discussions on the importance of assuming the nation’s rightful ownership of the music as an indigenous product of Jamaica with the most recent theme in 2016 of “Reggae Mekyah”.

Playing on the popular moniker “mecca” the activities will include the signature Reggae Wednesdays in Mandela Park, Half Way Tree beginning with a tribute to Dennis Brown entitled Di Root.  Popular artists will celebrate the crown Prince with songs of their own and his catalogue in a three hour packed show beginning at 6:30 pm on Wednesday February 1, 2017. As usual the show is free to the public.

On Sunday January 29 the month activities will receive its usual blessings with a Church Service in Trench Town at the Praise City International with special performances from Mary Isaacs, Ibo Cooper, Nexus and URIM 7 beginning at 10:00 am.

Reggae Month was officially declared On January 9th 2008 by the then Governor General of Jamaica. This was done to highlight and celebrate the impact of the musical genre on the country’s social, cultural and economic development. Additionally, the birthdays of two of Jamaica’s and Reggae Music’s late icons are commemorated during the month of February:  The late Dennis Brown also known as the ‘Crown Prince of Reggae’, is celebrated on February 1, while the late Robert Nesta ‘Bob’ Marley, the renowned ‘King of Reggae’ is celebrated on February 6.

New EP From Dancehall Artist Shawn Storm (@kwashawnarecord @shawnstormmuzic)

shawn-stormKwashawna Records presents Shawn Storm’s “The Real Sivva EP.” The hit filled EP features 9 blazing songs from the dancehall star, namely: “Infliction,” “When Life Get Hard,” “Virtous Woman,” and Sivva Skit, “Focus,” “High On Life,” “Dutty Hear” and “Nuh Love Likes.”

If you are a lover of dancehall music, culture and lifestyle, this is a must have for your collection. “The Real Sivva EP” is available on iTunes and all major online digital stores now. It is distributed by 21st Hapilos Digital.

UZMAN Biography (@UZMAN1)

uzman1

Paul Day, better known as UZMAN is a spirited Dancehall/ Hip Hop artist/rapper, whose passion for music and performing can be felt in each track. It’s reflected in his success of the international 2013 single “Night Life” and the 2014 release “Wine and Grind”.

“Night Life” features guest collaboration with international Reggae singer Jah Mason, climbing to the #1 spot on Funk Master Flex’s world popular Franchise Record Pool and it peaked at #29 on the Global Reggae Charts. “Night Life” also appeared at #5 on the Bling Ring Show Charts with heavy rotation on Community Links TV in Jamaica. International producer Jahronomo INC, who has covered the gambit of entertainment working on television show scoring, radio commercials and has taken the song “Wine and Grind” under his direction adding a Reggae, Calypso, Funk fusion for the radio. The song quickly got the attention of world renown remix King DJ Power who worked on a remix of the single “Wine and Grind”adding to the collaboration with legendary reggae artist Junior Reid. Both the song and video remix lead to a monumental performance at the Islands national Music Festival in West Kingston the “Jamaica Jamboree 2015”. “Wine and Grind” peaked at #8 on the Top 40 Indie Chart on the award winning Starfleet Record Pool. “Wine and Grind” was featured on Omni TV’s “VMIX show” a national Canadian music television program.

UZMAN started working on music and performing on stage as a child in the early eighties. Fascinated with Grand Master Flash’s music video for the song “The Message”, UZMAN developed his dream of becoming a recording artist. From Mojah’s pre-production Studio in 91’ to Jah Studio in 92’ he studied recording, editing and mixing techniques along with the complete process of songwriting and music distribution. The deep raspy voice singer MC was featured in Hip-Hop Weekly and Coast 2 Coast Mix-tapes Magazines.

UZMAN is also an artist signed to Music Label Beat Charge INC., one of Toronto’s surging entertainment businesses on the rise.

When asked about his goals and ambitions on writing songs and performing on stage UZMAN stated, “The impression I’m trying to give off, is that I’m reaching another level in my music career,” he says, “I’m gonna continue to shine. My diverse style makes fans of many other music genres enjoy my work.” he laughs sincerely.

WWW.UZMANMUSIC.COM | beatchargeinc@gmail.com | Twitter: @uzman1 | 416-919-7286 Facebook: UZMAN | Instagram: uzmanmusic | Reverb Nation: UZMAN | Youtube: megauzman | Sound Cloud: UZMAN

UZMAN’S DISCOGRAPHY INFORMATION
– “Club Fit 2015”

DPNC (group)
– Showdown (1991)

JUNCTION MAYHEM (group)
-Snapping Necks (1992)

PROJECT UNDERGROUND (group)

On The Move of Elevation EP (1992)
– The Project
– Freestyle
– We Shall Overcome
– Funky Bogle

– On Da Move (1993)
-Who Say T.O Cant Rock (1993)

UZI (solo)
-Mix Up [Feat. Mr O] (2000)
-Fever (2000)
-Tuffood (2001)

UZMAN (solo)

Bailout (2009)
Wine And Grind (2010)
Bana Time (2010)
Wine And Grind [Android Riddim) (2011)
Made By Streets (2011)
Stress Less (2011)
Gyal Chat [Blueberry Riddim] (2011)
My Shine (2011)
Big Man Lovin [feat. Keyma [Kush Riddim] (2011)
Tek Time (2011)

Lowe Me (2012)
MIA [Feat. Tay Dizm] (2012)
Party Right (2012)
Night Life [Feat. Jah Mason] 2013
Sexxtra [feat. Kima] (2013)

HERE IS HOW YOU CAN CONNECT WITH UZMAN

WWW.UZMANMUSIC.COM
Facebook – UZMAN
Myspace – uzmaninfo
Reverbnation – UZMAN
Twitter – @UZMAN1
YouTube – Megauzman

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Biography written by www.mjent.net

Fox Fuse Releases ‘Get Soca 2017’ A Compilation of the Top Soca Hits of the Year (@FOXFUSE)

get-soca

Jump and wave to the sounds of the Caribbean with Get Soca 2017, the third edition of this annual compilation from FOX FUSE – the largest worldwide digital distributor of soca music. This flagship, definitive soca collection features the top hits of the 2017 carnival season, from soca’s biggest hit-makers across the entire Caribbean, all on one album.

Packing tropical heat with 21 blockbuster singles, Get Soca 2017 presents the soundtrack of Trinidad Carnival (Trinidad and Tobago), Crop Over (Barbados), Spicemas (Grenada), Lucian Carnival (Saint Lucia), Antigua Carnival, Vincy Mas (St. Vincent and the Grenadines) and Bacchanal Jamaica (Jamaica), for festival-goers and international soca aficionados. This sizzling collection of soca gems will have everyone jamming as it perfectly captures the essence of carnival and brings these rich Caribbean cultural celebrations to the international masses, year round.

Get Soca 2017 features the kings and queens of carnival, including the 2016 International Soca Monarch winner Voice, the 2016 Road March king and 2015 International Power Soca Monarch Machel Montano, and the 2015 International Groovy Soca Monarch Olatunji Yearwood – all from Trinidad and Tobago, the 2016 People’s Monarch Marvay and the 2015 Party Monarch Peter Ram from Barbados, the 2016 Jumpy Party Monarch Ricardo Drue of Antigua, the 2016 Power Soca Monarch Boyzie and the 2015 Groovy Soca Monarch Shortpree of Grenada, the 2015 Power and Ragga Soca Monarch Skinny Fabulous of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the 2015 Power Soca Monarch Ricky T of Saint Lucia.

World-renowned Trinidadian stars Farmer Nappy and Destra Garcia team for a timeless duet, and fan favorite Kes joins forces with songstress Nailah Blackman for an energetic collaboration, while Caribbean electronic music DJ collective Ultimate Rejects are fully embraced with their breakout hit. Soca sensations Shal Marshall, Orlando Octave and Swappi of Trinidad and King Bubba of Barbados, alongside reggae superstar Tarrus Riley and new sensation Linky First of Jamaica, and Nigerian Afrobeat star Timaya round out this full spectrum of sounds, which is bound to electrify soca fans everywhere.

Curated by Rhona Fox and Zack Cohen, owners of FOX FUSE, this collection is their mission in motion of propelling Caribbean music globally.

Get Soca 2017 will be available worldwide from all major digital music retailers on February 10, 2017, with pre-order available now. For more information, please visit getsoca.com.

TRACK LIST

1. Machel Montano – Wake Up
2. Orlando Octave – Single
3. Linky First – Rock and Come In
4. Timaya – Bang Bang
5. KES & Nailah Blackman – Workout
6. Olatunji – Tun Fo Meh
7. Swappi – Ana
8. Ricky T – Freaky Girls Featuring Eempey Slicker
9. Shortpree – She Want to Come
10. Skinny Fabulous – Watch Thing
11. King Bubba – Calling in Sick
12. Peter Ram – Good Morning
13. Shal Marshall – Famous
14. Tarrus Riley – Who Am I to You
15. Farmer Nappy & Destra Garcia – Technically
16. Marvay – Know the Face
17. Ricardo Drue – I.D. (Stamp Yuh Name)
18. Farmer Nappy – Abundance
19. Ultimate Rejects – Full Extreme
20. Boyzie – Bullseye
21. Voice – Far from Finished

Thriller U – 2017 Biography (@thriller_u @nyahblessmusic)

thriller-u

It is often said the race is not to the swift or the strong but for those who endure to the end. The same can be said of Thriller U whose career has withstood the test of time. Arguably one of the Jamaica’s best vocalists, he has faced the challenges of this demanding industry and remain firmly rooted ready to takes his place in the Reggae Music Hall of Fame. His latest single, “In Common“, a captivating and solid tune, provides notice to the world that he is still at the top of his game and remains a force to be reckoned with among the greatest singers of all time.

Produced by Hopeton Brown of Nyah Bless Music, “In Common” is about two people getting to know each other and finding out they both have something in common. “I know we all have something in common”, states Thriller U. “I have not come out with a song for a long time now and this is a song for you all. This song has the potential to be #1 on the Billboard Charts, and I am not talking the reggae charts!!!”.

Born Eustace Hamilton, he started singing at the tender age of ten. He had no idea that playing tunes from the jukebox with his friends every Sunday in Sligoville would lead to a life changing endeavor and eventually a musical career. He explains, “I was just doing it as a hobby, we were just out there with friends trying to be happy. Those times I never saw music as a career.”

Thriller U‘s UK debut album, Waiting for You, released in 1988, reflected his tremendous talents. The title track was a #1 hit on the United Kingdom Album charts and remained at #1 for eight consecutive weeks. During that time his vibrant single Juggling surged to #1 on the Jamaican Top 40 charts, spending over five weeks. Other #1 hits followed, to include Young and She Green (featuring Johnny P) and I’ll Prove It to You, both represented by Technique Label.

In 1988 Thriller U linked with Donavan Germain and began a collaboration would eventually span over 20 years. He became one of the major singers of Penthouse Records, recording more than 20 singles and an album for the label. The album, Crazy was released in 1989, the same year he was honored Best New Singer of the Year by the Jammy Annual Awards. Since then, he worked with a number of producers, locally and internationally, including Ossie Hibbert, Bobby Digital, King Jammy, Overheat Records Avex Tracks, Sly & Robbie and Rap artist Krs 1.

While enjoying a successful solo career, he joined the vocal group L.U.S.T. (Love, Understanding, Sensitivity and Trust), alongside Singing Melody, Tony Curtis and Lukie D. The combined performers stated that the group was going to put the ‘flava back into reggae’. The group shot to stardom in 2007 thanks to their debut single Sweetness of Your Love which spent multiple weeks atop local charts. They found themselves back into the spotlight in 2009 with their impressive rendition of Air Supply’s 1985 hit, Just As I Am.

Thriller U‘s style is similar to that of Frankie Paul who he considers to be an influence on his musical career. Others include his sister Peaches, Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Pinchers and international stars such as James Ingram, Dionne Warwick, Teddy Pendergrass and Michael Jackson. The silky smooth singing style enabled him to obtain an international recognition and he credits the voice for his artist name. He explains, “Originally my name was Baby U, as my father name Big U. When I was singing, people said it thrill them, so they started to call me Thriller U.”

Thriller U remain steadfast in his desire to prove the critics wrong. He has accepted the fact that the reggae music industry has changed a lot. However, he firmly believes reggae is not dancehall, reggae is reggae. His latest single, “In Common” released on the Nyah Bless Music label is solid proof there is hope for the music. And he adds, “Back in the days when we made music it was good music to play to global audiences. This single may be instrumental in putting the industry back on track.”

Thriller U‘s depth and quality of his songs is the driving force that has kept him at the top his game. If he continues to deliver classics such as “In Common“, he will definitely continue to be a major force within the reggae music industry.

Raging Fyah is now Jamaica’s Reggae Music Ambassador (@Ragingfyah @Babsy_grange)

raging-fyah

Adding to the prestigious honor of being nominated for 2017 Best Reggae Album by the Grammy committee, Pele, Demar, Anthony Watson, Courtland “Gizmo” White and Kumar, collectively known as Raging Fyah add “Jamaica’s Reggae Music Ambassador” to their numerous honors.

Members of the band met with Minister Grange on Friday, January 20, 2017, to solidify their new role. Minister Grange also used the opportunity to once again congratulate the band on their recent Grammy nomination and to wish them well on their upcoming tour.

On January 24th, Raging Fyah embarked on the 2017 “Winter Roots Tour” which will see the band perform coast to coast throughout the United States commencing in Santa Cruz, California and ending March 10th in Tucson, Arizona.

Alison Hinds, Machel Montano & Others Join Calypso Rose in Concert on February 24th (@AlisonHinds @machelmontano)

alison-machelSocalypso, a show like no other, set to take place on Friday, February 24th in Trinidad and Tobago. The event features appearances by several Caribbean royalty: King of Soca Machel Montano, the Caribbean Soca Queen Alison Hinds, her majesty Calypso Rose and several others.

It all goes down at the Grand Stand at Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. There are a limited number of general admission tickets costing $250 and special reserve tickets for $500 available now at:

  • Bmobile outlets
  • West Mall, Brian Lara Promenade
  • James Street S’fdo and Trincity Mall
  • Cache in Port of Spain
  • The Hideout Clothing – Long Circular, Gulf City
  • Cleve’s Frederick St.
  • Crosby’s St. James
  • In Excess Arima

And for more information persons are encouraged to call 733 7673 or join the Facebook Event Page by clicking here.