Nina Simone, the musical genius and Black Power icon (@NinaSimoneMusic)

2It is no secret that we here at MJ Magazine are huge fans, lovers and supporters of Nina Simone. For those not familiar with the name Nina Simone, she was a classically trained musical genius, chart-topping chanteuse, and Black Power icon. Ms Simone lived in a time when racial divide was the norm in America and other parts of the world. What we here at MJ Magazine and I suspect others around the globe most admired her for was her determination to maintain her natural, African way of thinking, looking and acting despite the enormous pressure she was under to conform.

Director Liz Garbus has put together a documentary entitled What Happened, Miss Simone? It is a collaboration between Netflix, Radical Media, and Moxie Firecracker Films. To find out when and where you can watch the documentary, follow the production team on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/whathappenedmisssimone

Ms. Lauryn Hill extends her SMALL AXE: Acoustic Performance Series Tour (@MsLaurynHill)

1With the first run of dates quickly selling out, Ms. Lauryn Hill has announced an extension of her SMALL AXE: Acoustic Performance Series. These shows will take place in small, mostly seated venues, giving fans the opportunity to see Ms. Hill, with guitar, in a uniquely intimate setting. New dates added to the series include shows in Boston and Philadelphia, as well as additional shows in New York City. Go to http://www.MsLaurynHill.com for tickets. The concerts will also include music by special guest DJs (to be announced), as well as a screening of an abridged version of the documentary “Concerning Violence”.

In addition, fans will be able to upgrade their experience to a VIP Meet & Greet that includes a limited edition 24” x 36” art poster designed by Ms. Hill, souvenir tour laminate and an individual meet and greet (includes photo and autograph) after the show. For more information on VIP upgrades go to http://www.MsLaurynHill.com.

DATES & LOCATIONS FOR THE SMALL AXE ACOUSTIC SERIES
Feb 13 / Howard Theatre / Washington, DC
Feb 17 / Rough Trade / Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Feb 20 / Highline Ballroom / Chelsea, NYC
Feb 23 / Highline Ballroom / Chelsea, NYC
Feb 25 / The Blue Note / Greenwich Village, NYC
Mar 18 / Wilbur Theatre / Boston, MA
Mar 21 / Madiba / Harlem, NYC
Mar 25 / City Winery / Soho, NYC
Mar 28 / Keswick Theatre / Philadelphia, PA

JAH FUCHA FINALLY RELEASES OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR “EMBRACE ME” (@jahfucha)

JAH FUCHA FINALLY RELEASES OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR “EMBRACE ME”One of the most talked about upcoming artist, Jah Fucha, has finally release the official video for his single “embrace me”. The song which is on the Love Spell Riddim, produced by PBR Production, has been getting steady radio rotation both locally (Jamaica) and overseas. Persons within the industry have been eagerly awaiting the release of the video which was shot sometime ago by Garth Dell in the Claremont district of Hanover. Editing was done by Squid but the overall direction of the video was conceptualized by both PBR Production and Romaine Cole.

Persons may watch “embrace me” official video here:  and anyone wanting to work with Jah Fucha may do so by sending an email to any of the following addresses gussieph@hotmail.com, cromaine19@yahoo.com or jahfucha@gmail.com. Persons may also contact Jah Fucha and his management team by calling (876) 884-3943 / (876) 352-4275

Did you know that MC Lyte is hosting a TV Show? (@mclyte)

13158_774997549216805_8345622833980993822_nHip-hop’s living legend MC Lyte continues to strive with her new TV show Morning Cup which airs on Centric TV in the USA each and every Monday through Thursday morning at 7am EST. The artist who has already done so much in the entertainment industry is easily conquering her role as a television host.

Morning Cup features celebrities and experts who explore what’s hot in Hollywood, update viewers on current events, and deliver the latest and newest music videos.

Protoje new album Ancient Future now available for Pre-Order (@Protoje)

9Protoje will be releasing his third studio album entitled ANCIENT FUTURE on 10th March, 2015. This sees a collaborative effort between Phillip ” Winta” James of Overstand Entertainment and Protoje’s entity, Indiggnation Collective coming to fruition to present an album that navigates through Jamaica’s musical history and presents it in a way that embodies an updated energy.

The album has a definitive sound and it identifies with the current temperature of the Jamaican music scene. It is a Step forward in breaking through new barriers and tries new ideas that embody the spirit of 1970’s and 80’s with the new energy of present times.

This album is iconic in a few ways. The collaboration with Winta James has resulted in Protoje discovering a sound tailor-made for his style of lyrical delivery. Their chemistry in the studio has definitely resulted in Protoje finding his sweet spot.

“When I write lyrics and get to hear them it’s almost like looking in a Mirror.” Says Protoje. ” I try to be honest to what I was feeling in my chest and speak it to get the chance to reflect and learn from it. The music on this album allowed me the freedom to do so. Working with Winta has really made me into a better artist in that having observed me as an artist over the years he was able to evaluate my strength and weaknesses.”

From his first two albums, we were introduced to a newcomer who quickly became the “brand new prince pon the scene” (as heard in ‘Who Dem A Program’). In Ancient Future, Protoje has clearly established a throne and the bounds of his kingdom.

While reggae is the obvious root of his expression, this new album really blurs the line between reggae and hiphop in a way that will be most pleasant to fans of both genres.

At the same time, he represents the spirit of the Reggae Revival well and enlists fellow upcoming heavyweights, Chronixx, Jesse Royal and Kabaka Pyramid, showing that the movement is here to stay. Two tracks feature new comer, Sevana, an Indiggnation Collective Artist, whose soulful delivery is way above par and is sure to appeal to music lovers throughout the world.

Ancient Future Tracklist:

1. Protection (feat. Mortimer)
2. Criminal
3. Who Knows (feat. Chronixx)
4. All Will Have to Change
5. Stylin’
6. Love Gone Cold (feat. Sevana)
7. Sudden Flight (feat. Jesse Royal & Sevana)
8. Bubblin’
9. Answer To Your Name
10. Who Can You Call
11. The Flame (feat. Kabaka Pyramid)

All songs produced by Winta James.
“Bubblin'” produced by Winta James, Protoje Diggy and Paris Lamont.
“Answer To Your Name” produced by Winta James and Lewis Planter.

Pre-order here: https://itunes.apple.com/album/ancient-future/id962614411

FOX FUSE release 2015 Soca compilation jam packed with hits (@FOXFUSE)

5Get ready to jump and wave to the sounds of the Caribbean with Get Soca 2015, the first compilation from FOX FUSE. This flagship, definitive soca collection features the top hits from the 2015 Trinidad Carnival season, from soca’s biggest hit-makers, all on one album. Get Soca 2015 is available worldwide from all major digital music retailers on February 17, 2015, with pre-order available now, from FOX FUSE.

Packing tropical heat with 21 blockbuster songs, Get Soca 2015 presents the soundtrack of Trinidad Carnival, for both festivalgoers and international soca aficionados. This sizzling collective of soca gems will have everyone jamming as it perfectly captures the essence of Carnival and brings this rich Caribbean cultural celebration to the international masses, year round.

6Get Soca 2015 features the kings and queens of Carnival, including reigning International Soca Monarch Machel Montano, reigning International Groovy Soca Monarch Kerwin Du Bois, world-renowned soca stars Alison Hinds, Farmer Nappy, KES, Destra Garcia and Patrice Roberts, alongside soca sensations Olatunji, Benjai, Skinny Fabulous, Lyrikal, Porgie & Murda, Shal Marshall, Lead Pipe and Fadda Fox, in addition to rising sensations Preedy, Flipo and Islandboy Rick J. Legendary calypsonian Crazy rounds out this full spectrum of sounds from across the Caribbean, which is bound to electrify soca fans globally.

Get Soca 2015 spotlights a diverse array of top producers and performers spanning the Caribbean islands, including Trinidadian thriller Olatunji with “Ola,” which has garnered over two million views for its audio-only video on YouTube, and is featured on the biggest riddim release of the season, Kan Kan Riddim, produced by Trinidad-based AdvoKit Productions. Barbadian duo Porgie & Murda deliver “Ben Up,” which has amassed over one million views for its audio-only video on YouTube, and was produced by Barbados-based Monstapiece Entertainment. Trinidadian groovy king Farmer Nappy returns with new smash “My House,” after he was recently awarded Calypso of the Year for his massive 2014 hit “Big People Party,” with both tracks produced by Barbados-based De Red Boyz. Antiguan sensation Ricardo Drue breaks out with “Vagabond,” which is currently burning up playlists and sales charts, and was produced by Grenada-led WIZ Records. Trinidadian virtuoso Benjai crafts new soca anthem “Phenomenal,” which is also featured on the Kan Kan Riddim; both “Ola” and “Phenomenal” have been mainstays on iTunes charts around the world since released back in November. Barbadian ace Fadda Fox shines with “Ducking,” which debuted at Barbados’ recent Crop Over celebrations and continues to be a crowd favorite, and was produced by Barbados’ own Studio B. Trinidadian stars shine with “Pop Ah Bottle” from soca king Machel Montano and “Lucky” from Queen of Bacchanal Destra, both from Trinidad-based Martian Music, while KES delights fans with “Fallin’” and “Jus Wanna Jam,” produced by Trinidad’s MadMen Productions and Barbados’ Studio B, respectively.7

Curated by Rhona Fox and Zack Cohen, owners of FOX FUSE, this collection is their mission of propelling Caribbean music globally, in motion. “We enjoy a strong partnership with the top producers in soca music today and we are thrilled to bring their biggest hits to the international masses, so that soca can be enjoyed beyond Carnival and in all corners of the globe,” state Fox and Cohen.

TRACK LIST

1. Preedy – My People
2. Olatunji – Ola
3. Farmer Nappy – My House
4. KES – Fallin
5. Kerwin Du Bois – Use It
6. Flipo – Sweat
7. Shal Marshall – Motivation
8. Fadda Fox – Ducking
9. Islandboy Rick J – Give She Wine
10. Benjai Featuring H2O Phlo – Phenomenal
11. Ricardo Drue – Vagabond
12. Machel Montano – Pop Ah Bottle
13. Skinny Fabulous Featuring Lyrikal – Sober is Over-Rated
14. Crazy – Respect De’ Elder
15. Porgie & Murda – BenUp
16. Destra Garcia – Lucky
17. KES – Just Wanna Jam
18. Lyrikal – Dey In It
19. Patrice Roberts – Ah Feeling Mehself
20. Farmer Nappy Featuring Alison Hinds – In Trouble
21. Lead Pipe – Carnival Addiction

Link to pre-order: http://getsoca.com/

Morgan Heritage gives stellar performance at Jazz and Blues Fest despite the rain (@morganheritage)

4Despite the temperamental weather, the anticipated return of Morgan Heritage at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival was by all accounts a huge success. Music fans of all walks of life gathered to witness the Royal family of Reggae for their renowned riveting performances.

No sooner had the siblings stepped on stage than the weather started to dim and a light rain fell upon the festival, but the fans were not moved by the slight downpour as they danced heavily and sang along to the group’s soul-stirring songs such as Don’t Haffi Dread and Down By The River. Unfortunately to the dismay of the crowd, Morgan Heritage’s set was abruptly ended as the rain heightened.

Humbled and honored to share the same stage as Mariah Carey on their beloved island, Morgan Heritage mood was far from dampened by the weather. Speaking of the night, Mojo Morgan stated “Anytime you see that people are enjoying what you do regardless of the forces of nature, it tells you that you’re doing something right. We are grateful to be blessed with some of the best fans in the world and their commitment to live Reggae music was on full display.” Gramps Morgan chimed in “When the rain came down we saw it as a blessing despite we had such a show planned put the Jazz and Blues audience so we were cool in mind body soul and spirit we look forward to performing on jazz and blues again in the near future very near future hint hint”.

The group is headed to Toronto, Canada to headline the February 6th show at the Sound Academy. “There is just something about Canada that appeals to us in a special kind of way. And we are really anticipating this performance on the birthday of Reggae King, Bob Marley. As musicians and reggae ambassadors, we must always remember and honour those on whose shoulders we stand,” stated Morgan Heritage’s youngest sibling, Mojo MOrgan.