Orlando Octave’s “Single” Burning up Airwaves and Charts (@OrlandoOctave)

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Trinidadian hit house Central Records scores a major win with its breakout soca blockbuster “Single” by Orlando Octave, now available worldwide from all major digital retailers (released November 4, 2016), from Fox Fuse. Crafted for the 2017 Trinidad Carnival season, “Single” has been burning up airwaves and charts, in and out of the Caribbean.

Soca sensation Orlando Octave showcases his melodic vocal chops on the groovy soca tune, which relates to both men and women, with lyrics that address the issue of those who are in a relationship but pretend not to be. The provocative theme, meshed with superb production from Central Records, have catapulted “Single” as one of the most popular songs for the current soca season. It was produced by Akeem “Lackaz” Ryan and executive-produced by Dale Ryan – the brotherhood backbone of Central Records, written by Dale Ryan, Emmanuel Rudder, Orlando Octave and Brandon Villafana, and mixed by David Millien.

The audio-only video has already amassed over one million views on YouTube collectively, and its popularity continues to grow as we inch closer to Trinidad Carnival, where it is sure to take center-stage, keeping Central Records and Orlando Octave in the spotlight all year long.

Buddy Guy, Bettye LaVette, Ruthie Foster Quintet and Others Confirmed for the 2017 Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise (@bluescruise)

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Buddy Guy

The 2017 Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise which takes place from October 21 to 28th, will include a roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale to Aruba, Curacao & Half Moon Cay and Bahamas (Beach Party). It all takes place on Holland America’s ms Nieuw Amsterdam!

Artists confirmed for the cruise are: Buddy Guy, Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’ Band, Booker T. Jones Presents: A Stax Revue (10-Piece), Elvin Bishop, Bettye LaVette, Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue w/ Tommy Castro, John Németh, Monster Mike Welch & Vanessa Collier, G. Love & Special Sauce, Cyril Neville’s Royal Southern Brotherhood, Ruthie Foster Quintet, James Hunter Six, Tommy Castro & The Painkillers, Wee Willie Walker & Frank Bey w/ Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra, Samantha Fish, The California Honeydrops, Coco Montoya, Victor Wainwright & The Wildroots Revue, Mr. Sipp “The Mississippi Blues Child,” John Németh, Chris Cain, John Mooney & Bluesiana, Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band, Cedric Burnside Project, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram feat. Tony Coleman, Randy Oxford (Jam Host), Mitch Woods Club 88, Rev. Billy C. Wirtz, Bettye Jo Miller, Steve Willis and Scottie “Bones” Miller.

You can now reserve a cabin by visiting: https://reservations.bluescruise.com/Booking

New Video Release: Ding Dong – Hustler (@TheDingDong @SivSivva @JWONDER21)

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Ding Dong has just released the official video for his single, “Hustler,” which was produced by Sivva Siv Records. The visuals are raw, real and on point, as editor and director, Icey Jace, does an amazing job complimenting the song’s lyrics with the appropriate images.

“Hustler” is now available for stream/download via iTunes and persons can click on the image above to watch the video.

New Soca Release: Kerwin Du Bois – Misfits (@kerwindubois)

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Decibel Productions shines with its new gem “Misfits” by Kerwin Du Bois, now available worldwide from all major digital retailers (released December 16, 2016), from Fox Fuse. “Misfits” was produced by Darien Bailey and Hector Cesar for Decibel Productions and penned by Du Bois, and was created for the 2017 Trinidad Carnival season, where the former International Groovy Soca Monarch is enjoying another successful season.

“Misfits” is an early fan favorite and has been heating up personal and radio playlists since its release. The audio-only video continues to rack up views on YouTube, as the song builds momentum and garners Decibel Productions and Kerwin Du Bois another bonafide hit.

Based in Barbados, Decibel Productions was founded by talented producer Darien Bailey, who was previously part of Studio B, before launching his own imprint in 2016. Just over 20 years since he kicked-off his musical career, when he is not composing chart-topping music, Bailey can be found slaying on a keyboard, working as one of the top keyboardists in Caribbean music. He continues to collaborate with the region’s biggest talents to tackle music from all angles possible, with his long-term goal rooted in the future of Caribbean music on the international scene.

DJ Nicholas, Deitrick Haddon & Others Deliver at AIM First Fest in Jamaica

Story by: Don McDowell

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Deitrick Haddon live at AIM First Fest 

The AIM Financial Corporation sponsored AIM First Fest held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre on January 2, 2017 is being hailed as a resounding success for its
organization, presentation, and coordination, with many feeling it was worth it.

AIM First Fest showcased a star segment of tier one Jamaican gospel artistes Prodigal Son,
Rondell Positive, DJ Nicholas, and Kevin Downswell alongside Preachers of LA’s Deitrick Haddon, pastor, lyricist, and singer.

Patrons experienced the effulgent Rondell Positive in full flight in tandem with the ever effervescent iWorshipp doing background vocals as he delivered More Than A Conqueror, Stick Nor Stones, Fire Medley, and closing with the high energy Keeping Me Alive.

The welcoming applause to Prodigal Son’s return to the local stage after a dearth was phenomenal. Prodigal’s entre Blessings a Run Mi Down set the crowd on fire as they sang and danced.

Prodigal Son blessed the AIM First Fest crowd with Bongo Town, Head Cyaa Hot Suh, I Wish, and God Again. In closing his set, in true prodigal fashion, Prodigal Son asked forgiveness for any hurt or pain caused previously to his fans, arising from previous controversies.

The Mr. “Turn up the Volume” DJ Nicholas musically taught his audience on Divine Mathematics, exercises at the Holy Ghost Gym, biology class on blood constituents, and also on exorcism to Move That Squatter (Satan).

After a seemingly disconnected start singing on tracks, Grammy nominee Dietrick Haddon ‘upped his game’ by calling on his Jamaican audience for 60 seconds of praise, as he moved to his 2008 hit He’s Able“. Yes “him tun up d place” creating an atmosphere of worship as the crowd sang and praised the Most High God Yahweh.

Pastor Haddon after sharing a short testimony of backsliding some time ago moved the people to repentance and rejoicing, as he, with the help of Downswell’s band segued into Well Done, Its On The Way featuring DJ Nicholas, and Love Him Like I Do. Some patrons generally felt Haddon redeemed himself and represented well eventually.

Closing the curtain, Kevin Downswell’s, brilliant performance in praise and worship stimulated fans to another level of praise as he belted out You Make Me Stronger, Goodbye World, Already Done, and was accompanied by Prodigal Son in a high energy rendering of That’s Enough and Cyaa Cold with each ministering to different sides of the audience.

The Aim First Fest package also featured Party King rides, games, giveaways, food, and a shopping village, plus professional security and police patrols.

Other artistes performing included George Nooks, Perpetual Sounds of Praise, Rev. Glen Graham among others. Mc’s were Nadine Blair, Basillia Barnaby-Cuffe, and the show’s
promoter Markland Edwards.

With its veritable list of corporate supporters including title sponsors AIM Financial Corporation, the RJR Communications Group, Grace Kennedy Money Services, and others, it may be that Action Entertainment – promoters of the event has broken through to significant corporate sponsorship of gospel events.

New TV Station In Trinidad And Tobago Seeking Jamaican Content

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GT Network Staff

A new network, called GT (Great Things) TV, will begin broadcasting in Trinidad, Barbados, St. Lucia and Curacao via the Flow platform as of January 7, 2017. CEO and Director of Operations, Ancil Harris, has made it clear that they have full intentions to expand to all the Islands in the Caribbean, as the station will serve as a unifying platform that promotes West Indies culture, music and lifestyle.

Currently they are seeking content from Jamaican visual producers. Submissions can include anything, ranging from: animated series, music videos, soap operas, comedies to movies. Submissions should be made to their representative in Jamaica, MJE (www.mjent.net). For more information persons can Call, Text or WhatsApp 1.876.313.6319.

3rd Annual Bob Marley Birthday Tribute & Aquarius’ Birthday Celebration set for February 12th in Atlanta (@highlanda)

highlanda-bob-marleyHighlanda Sound, a purpose-driven organization that is on a mission to entertain and promote high quality reggae music worldwide, is excited to announce as well as invite everyone out there to their upcoming 72nd birthday bash for the late reggae superstar and legend – Bob Marley.

Dubbed as the 3rd annual Bob Marley Birthday tribute, this enviable event is being put together and promoted by Highlanda Sound, The Honorary Citizen and ĀGARD. The show will also be an Aquarius’ Birthday Celebration for ĀGARD and Kahlil Wonda from Highlanda Sound. Suffice it to say that the event has been scheduled as a special February edition of the monthly Rub-A-Dub ATL – a nightlife event that takes place monthly on second Sundays in Atlanta.

Details are as follows:
• Venue: Wildpitch Music Hall (255 Trinity Avenue, Atlanta 30303)
• Date: Sunday, February 12, 2017
• Time: 6PM till midnight
• Ticket Prices: $15 online, $20 at the door

Tickets are now available and can be secured online by clicking here. Speaking excitedly, a spokesperson of Highlanda Sound said; “The last installment was completely sold out. This upcoming edition promises to be greater. It will be an evening of roots rock reggae as Ijahknowah and B.R.A.P captivates the audience with live reggae music.”

“Furthermore, we’ve got music by DJs: Natural Vibes, Innocent, Black Magic, ĀGARD, Highlanda, and DJ Passport. Food will be supplied by the popular Webba’s Jerk Hut. This
particular edition of the Bob Marley birthday tribute will be taken over the top by all our performing artists and DJs. We therefore urge you to get your tickets early so as to not miss out on the fun and electrifying experience” he concluded.

To know more about the Bob Marley Birthday tribute, click here.