'Drop Chris Brown' - Facebook page against artiste being on Sumfest

A Facebook page has been created to protest Chris Brown's upcoming performance at Reggae Sumfest in the summer, but the promoters of the event are not deterred.

The page, 'Boycott Reggae Sumfest 2010 Unless They Drop Chris Brown!!!', was created last week after it was announced that the R&B singer would be on the show, which takes place in July. Almost 300 people have joined the page since its creation.

"We understand that people make mistakes and CB (Chris Brown) is probably a better person now. But during these turbulent times in Jamaica, the country needs good influences. There may be a time for CB in Jamaica, its just not right now," the creator of the webpage said about Chris Brown, who was sentenced last year to serve five years probation and to spend more than 1,400 hours in "labour-oriented service" for assaulting his former pop star girlfriend, Rihanna.

In another blog, the page creator said it was disturbing to hear that "convicted woman beater Chris Brown" has been added to the show's line up. "Sumfest should be embarrassed to have Chris Brown perform on international night; but instead, they are celebrating violence against women by having him on stage," it said.

After confirming the singer for the show, it seems no change will be coming from Chairman of Summerfest Productions, Robert Russell.

"Everybody is free to say what they want to say. Chris Brown has his fans and I am sure he has some detractors, as well," he told THE STAR, noting that he does not have a Facebook account.

"He has atoned to what he has done, so I think people should give him a chance to prove himself."

But he is not the only one with this view, as other people have made comments on the page defending Chris Brown.

"Who the hell ever started this group must be Dumb, Deaf or Inflatable. Open your ears and listen to the things our local artistes are saying and doing. If you're gonna judge Chris Brown, look at your own island first. Abuse is wrong, but abuse is abuse in any form and there is no question that our local artistes have the most abusive lyrics, without question," one man said.

Another person said, "you people are ridiculous! Boycott a show because of one artiste who already paid the price for his crime? So what about the others? Hypocritical! If you don't wanna attend, don't. No one will miss you!"

Source: Jamaica Star

'Drop Chris Brown' - Facebook page against artiste being on Sumfest

Sean Paul to visit French fans

International reggae star Sean Paul is scheduled to perform in five cities in five days across France, June 2-6. The French market is Sean Paul's second largest fan base and is in for a treat .

The tour begins on Wednesday June 2, in Paris, at the Palais Omnisports de Paris Bercy. The following day he performs at Le Zenith in Toulouse, and on Friday June 4, St Herbalin at the Zenith. Saturday June 5 will see Sean Paul's entourage move to Marseille at Le Dome and the final performance takes place on Sunday June 6 at Mauguio at Le Seven Club.

Sean Paul has been touring in support of his album Imperial Blaze, which made its debut at number one in Japan and sold over 50,000 copies in its first week of release. Tracks such as Press It Up and Hold My Hand continue to enjoy steady rotation on local and overseas stations.

And while Sean digs into his French support this June, producer Bob Sinclair is this summer set to release a track he produced with the deejay back in October titled Made in Jamaica, with input from the Reggae giants Sly and Robbie.

Multi-platinum selling deejay, Sean Paul, has performed in more than 80 countries in North, Central, and South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Source: Jamaica Observer

Sean Paul to visit French fans

Busy Signal completes video shoot for Let Peace Reign

Dancehall artiste Busy Signal displays another side of his musical artistry with the release of the song, Let Peace Reign. The acoustic recording features Ranoy Gordon on guitar and Nikki Burt on harmonies.

The song is a plea for peace and an end to the crime and violence that has taken over not just Jamaica but other parts of the world.

"The inspiration for the song came as a result of things I see happening around me. The economy, the system, the fight and the struggle," Busy Signal said in an interview on the set of the video shoot.

The video which was directed by Melissa Llewellyn was shot in the rehearsal studio at the Big Yard label on Westminster Road in Kingston.

According to Busy Signal, the song wasn't recorded based on the recent series of events that took place in the island. "The song was recorded about three months ago but it is relevant to what happened in West Kingston', said Busy.

Let Peace Reign was produced by Shane Brown for Juke Boxx Productions. It is the first single from the dancehall artiste's upcoming album, DOB, which is due out on July 13 via VP Records.

Asked whether he has lost a close friend or family member due to gun violence, Busy replied,"I have lost people who were close to me and it's always a tragic moment."

Quizzed if the gun violence that he sang about on the recording mirrored a personal experience, Signal was quite cautious in his response. "Once when I was young in my teens ... but mi get pass that. There are different negatives out there but it doesn't justify for anyone to get involved in crime and violence. But at the same time its not every youth who is able to stay strong and remain focused."

The deejay is confident that the song will hit the right notes and connect with persons who want to see a change. He pointed out that those in authority who are able to make a change should first start making the change within themselves.

"Some people love to point the finger but they need to look within themselves because crime and violence is a worldwide problem. Yes, Jamaica needs some fixing up and I am making a start to that recovery process by contributing this song."

Let Peace Reign is also the first single from an upcoming acoustic album featuring various artistes. The project is being produced by Shane Brown.

Source: Jamaica Observer

Busy Signal completes video shoot for Let Peace Reign

Buju's trial put off again

Entertainer Buju Banton, who has been in a Florida jail awaiting trial on drug charges since last December, will have to wait a bit longer to know his fate.

The trial was again rescheduled on Friday, this time to September.

According to the Tampa Tribune newspaper, district judge James Moody moved the trial without giving a reason. The new development reportedly angered Banton's attorney David Markus who argued that the latest date change is costly for the defence which will have to re-arrange travel plans for witnesses.

Markus also said the date change violates the Speedy Trial Act which requires a defendant's trial to start within 70 days of them being arrested.

Click here to read more.

Source: Jamaica Gleaner

Buju's trial put off again

Nas 'n Marley beat Rolling Stones in chart

By Steven Jackson

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Jamaica Observer

Distant Relatives, the joint album by rapper Nas and deejay Damian Marley has out charted the Rolling Stones to secure the top 5 position on the Billboard 200 album chart whilst also topping the Hip Hop and Reggae album charts for its debut week.

The album recorded the fifth highest sales in the US according to this week's chart released yesterday by Billboard--regarded as the music bible. The album reportedly sold over 55,000 physical copies in its first week in the US however the Observer was unable to verify these statistics, up to print.

The only other debuting albums which bettered the Distant Relatives--released on Universal Republic Records, a division of UMG Recordings--in the US was Glee: The Music Volume at 1 and Brothers by The Black Keys at 3. Interestingly, the album outsold the legendary rock band Rolling Stones with Exile On Main Street: Rarities an album which debuted at 27. However it was unable to beat another related Stones album which re-entered the charts at 2 entitled Exile On Main Street after debuting 44 weeks ago. The Nas and Marley album out charted other debuting albums in the top 30 including Infinite Arms from Band of Horses at 7; This is Happening LCD Soundsystem at 10; The ArchAndroid: Suites II A...by Janelle Monae at 17; and Revolutions Per Minute by Talib Kweli + Hi-Tek Are Reflection Eternal at 18.

Meanwhile online on iTunes charts the album was charting at 4 in the US up to mid-day Thursday. Distant Relatives' highest charting position on iTunes has been number 2 behind Damian Marley's father Bob Marley which has a reissued Legend album according to Observer analysis. Last week the singles from the album secured top-10 spots in the US, UK, France, Germany and Canada on iTunes Reggae charts.

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Nas 'n Marley beat Rolling Stones in chart

Oneil Edwards ... higher and higher

Oneil Edwards ... Higher And Higher

The following was contributed by Headline Entertainment which represents Voicemail.

When he sang the words 'Mr Wacky is gone but his dancing lives on', Oneil Edwards could never have known that his end would be equally tragic. He was named Oneil Jason Charles Edwards at birth, an event that took place on May 8, 1974. One of 10 siblings, Edwards' five sisters and four brothers knew that music would be the road he would take from early in their lives.

He was destined to be in the music business, following in the footsteps of his father, well-known Jamaican recording artiste and producer Rupee Edwards. The performance and production of music was a part of Edwards' early life as he watched his father, heard the sounds, felt the excitement of the music business and decided this was what he wanted to do.

Even as he was making a decent living as an entrepreneur, the music business beckoned to Edwards. Confident of his ability and determined to succeed, he joined with his neighbourhood friends, Jerome 'Craig' Jackson, Kevin Blaire, Robert Manning and Leonardo Grant to form a multi-talented group of singers. It was 1999 and the new century was to bring a round of success for the brand new group, Voicemail.

One hit after the other, with popularity rising, Voicemail became highly sought after on the dancehall scene. The group eventually became a trio of Jackson, Blair and Edwards. Although Edwards' deep and distinct baritone was sure to provoke loud screams, the trio was known for their seamlessly interlaced voices. Their mantra was one sound, one distinctive look, a group that moved in unison and sang in harmony.

This complete image, professional demeanour and focused outlook did not happen by accident. The standards were maintained through Edwards' management style. It was he who administered the group's business. While the others trained, Edwards toiled. He made the deals, confirmed the bookings, planned the tours, coordinated the recordings and thought through the promotions. He was the foundation upon which Voicemail was built.

The life of a performing artiste is a challenging one. No one knows this more than Edwards' life partner, Ingrid Smalling. With every late night, early morning and long, gruelling hours, Smalling provided the strength and support that Edwards needed to make it through the labyrinth that the music industry can be. Their daughter, Nehalis Nastacia Edwards, provided her father with a month of joy, born five weeks before he passed.

'Fun and gregarious; a man of style.' That is how Edwards' friends and neighbours from the Duhaney Park community described him. Always ready to party, always ready to dance.

Edwards left Jamaica a message, one last voicemail. The circumstances of his death and the time at which he passed are both significant. His last voicemail serves to point Jamaica and the Jamaican recording industry in a new direction - a direction that seeks to help to build a nation and take it higher. His wish would be that everyone in the fraternity would hold up their hands higher, clasp them together in his memory and move as one to help to heal a nation in distress.

Out and bad - Rest in peace Oneil Edwards.

Jamaica Gleaner News - Oneil Edwards ... higher and higher - Entertainment - Sunday | May 30, 2010

Oneil Edwards ... higher and higher

The Jamaica Star :: Entertainment :: Gyptian's 'Hold Yuh' moves up - Song continues to climb US charts :: May 28, 2010

The Jamaica Star :: Entertainment :: Gyptian's 'Hold Yuh' moves up - Song continues to climb US charts :: May 28, 2010

Gyptian continues to ride on a high with his hit song Hold Yuh, which will be premiered on BET's 106 and Park today as the 'New Joint of the Day'.

Word from the artiste's camp is that the video, which was shot in Jamaica in March, has also been added to BET in light rotation. The video was also accepted by MTV2 for their 'Sucker Free Sundays Countdown' and has been added in medium rotation to MTV Jamz and Island Soul.

The song, which was released two years ago and produced by Ricky Blaze, has been running the Billboard charts red. On March 27, Hold Yuh debuted on the Billboard's Hot R&B charts at number 78 and has since peaked at number 41. The song entered the Billboard's Heatseeker Songs Chart at number nine and is currently at number six, having been dubbed the 'greatest gainer' on that chart for this week. The song is also number one on the Digital Reggae Songs Chart.

The remixes for Hold Yuh, one with Young Money's Nicki Minaj and the other with American rapper MIMS, continues to do well getting thousands of views on www.youtube.com.

When THE WEEKEND STAR previously spoke with Gyptian, he was happy about the success of the song and was looking forward to the release of his next album, which is titled Hold You, set for release on July 20.

Gyptian is the second local artiste to have their video premiered on BET's 106 in recent times. Demarco and Craig Jackson's Show It was premiered as the 'New Joint of the Day' last Friday.

The Jamaica Star :: Entertainment :: Gyptian's 'Hold Yuh' moves up - Song continues to climb US charts :: May 28, 2010

Jodian Pantry - Mirror Mirror

Jodian Pantry - Mirror Mirror

JODIAN PANTRY RELEASE EP – NEVER STAY AWAY, THE JOURNEY BEGINS

Jodian Pantry continues to make strides in her recording career with the release of the Digital EP – Never Stay Away, The Journey Begins. The EP features five tracks, and is now available for download on all leading digital music distributors including iTunes, eMusic and Amazon.

With the release of the EP, Pantry notes that she is trying to meet the growing demand for her music, while she prepares her debut album. The Rising Stars alum expressed, “I am now even more focused and determined to make my mark on the local and international music scene. Recently, a lot of people have been requesting my music, even from as far as the Philippines. The EP is therefore an attempt to satisfy this demand, while building anticipation for the album.”

One of the featured singles on the EP, is the thought-provoking Blood Money has already begun to receive favourable airplay on local radio stations. With the momentum building, Pantry now has her sights set on a video for the track, which should be completed within two weeks.

The other singles on the EP are titled Mirror Mirror, Feel Love, Falling and Mama Stories. Pantry already has industry insiders raving over her outstanding songwriting and storytelling ability, which she skillfully displays on each track. This, coupled with stirring vocals and soulful melodies, expertly placed on infectious one-drop beats, has neatly positioned Jodian Pantry as an artiste to watch for 2010.

JODIAN PANTRY RELEASE EP – NEVER STAY AWAY, THE JOURNEY BEGINS

Jodian Pantry - Never Stay Away.mp4

Jodian Pantry - Never Stay Away.mp4

Romain Virgo - Who Feels it Knows it

Romain Virgo - Who Feels it Knows it

JODIAN PANTRY THRILLS IN ST. MARY

Recording Artiste Jodian Pantry was in fine form recently as she performed at the St. Mary Technical High School’s “Spanish Day” concert. Exhibiting growth and maturity in her command of the audience, Pantry entered the stage delivering a solid rendition of the Alicia Keys hit, ‘Sleeping with a Broken Heart’.

The screams became deafening as she serenaded an eager male student, before delving into some of her original material. The thought-provoking track, ‘Blood Money’ immediately struck a chord with the appreciative school population, who were caught on to the chorus as she progressed through the song.

Pantry noted that she has been putting a lot of work into her career recently and is now even more focussed and determined to make her mark on the local and international music scene.
Currently working with Advocate Entertainment, she advised “I have been busy in the studios and have already recorded over thirty (30) singles. My focus is on delving into unexplored topics and themes. People can look out for strong, positive lyrics, as that is what the music industry needs right now.”

While accepting that being a successful recording artiste is no easy task Jodian expressed that she is committed to the task and has her eyes set on developing and solidifying her status as one of Jamaica’s premier recording artistes.
Pantry stated, “I always find it interesting when people seem surprised that I sing cultural reggae music. There are many sides to me and my music and I am now seeking to put it all together in a compact package, capable of appealing to various audiences, while still taking the Jamaican music industry to higher heights.”

Jodian was in St. Mary as part of the RRR Campaign, currently being executed by the National Secondary Students’ Council (NSSC). The RRR Campaign focuses on promoting Rights, Respect and Responsibility on the part of secondary students.

JODIAN PANTRY THRILLS IN ST. MARY

Introducing....Jodian Pantry

Jodian’s undeniable prowess as a quality vocalist and high energy performer was evident from as early as age four, when she began to wow the Jamaican audience through entries in local talent competitions. By age twelve, Jodian had captured the hearts of the Jamaican populace through the release of the emotional Gospel track, I’ll Give My Heart. Without fail, the track connected with audiences through its piercing melodies and soul-stirring vocals, coupled with her innocent, yet commanding stage presence.

While the childhood innocence has disappeared, Jodian has matured into a bonafide recording artiste, capable of sharing the stage with the best in the business. To date, she has performed all over Jamaica, in addition to dates in Curacao, Florida, New York, Atlanta and Texas, leaving a solid mark with each step on stage.

Further success was to come with Bed of Roses, a collaboration with Noddy Virtue. Evoking screams and encores wherever it is performed, Bed of Roses quickly shot up the Reggae charts, earning Jodian and Noddy an EME Award in 2008 for Best Collaboration. With their undeniable chemistry, the duo again hit the studios, churning out Loving Feeling which spent weeks at the top of the South Florida and New York Reggae Charts.

As she prepares her debut album, Jodian has been busy in the studios, already recording over thirty (30) singles. She recently released Struggling, Let Me Love You and Mama Stories¸ all of which have been receiving favourable airplay, and have begun to set the foundation for what is expected to be a career replete with hits.

Never one to back down from challenges, Jodian is determined to build on past successes and disappointments as she works towards cementing her place as one of Jamaica’s premier female vocalists. She is well aware that this is no easy task, and spends each day sharpening her skills as a vocalist, recording artiste and performer, exemplifying the fortitude and strength of character that has become synonymous with her name.

Introducing....Jodian Pantry