vp records - Reggae Vibe Magazine

Turns any bottle into a water pipe
REGGAE VIBE SUMMER 2015 ISSUE
CONTENTS:
MARCIA GRIFFITHS | JAMROCK CRUISE |
SHAGGY | TRIBAL SEEDS | CEDELLA MARLEY | TASHA-T | KWAME NKRUMA | THIRD WORLD
:Page 6 - Jamrock Cruise
:Page 8 - Reggae News
:Page 12 - Third World
:Page 14 - Top Ten
:Page 18 - Shuga
:Page 20 - Cedella Marley
:Page 22 - Adahzeh
:Page 26 - Health Corner
:Page 28 - Tribal Seeds
:Page 30 - Kwame Nkruma
:Page 34 - Akon’s Solar Academy
:Page 38 - Tasha-T
:Page 40 - Album Reviews
:Page 42 - Marcia Griffiths
:Page 48 - Best of 2014-2015
:Page 50 - Buju Banton Letter from the editor
This issue is the second which means we made it through the first. Things that you
may attempt to achieve is a process that may not happen over night. Like I have
heard many people say “don’t give up”. Believe me the thought has crossed my mind
but it’s songs like “Fight Back” by Garnett Silk & Richie Stephens that inspired to
keep towards the positive direction. With lyrics like “Get on up, stand up, fight back,
and don’t give in” positivity persuaded my thinking pattern as a young man growing
up in the ghetto experience. It’s the positive of the music we promote to the people of
today. It’s the music of this time that brings forth the same positive message. For
example “Chronixx - Don’t give up, aint no giving in. When the going get tough. The
tough get going”. Editor in chief:
Ras Mahddy
Editors: Grace Vanriel | John Nolan | Wayne
Townsend | Nadine White
Contributing Writers:
Mark Abell Contributing Photography:
Myflash Photography
El-Shamesh Photography
Contact Us:
Email: mail@thereggaevibe.com
That leads me to the cover of this issue featuring the Queen of Reggae Music Marcia
Griffiths celebrating 50 musical years of excellence. She is a great woman and we
felt it was the correct thing to do and honor her. One thing I respect a lot about sister
Marcia is how she stayed relevant for so many decades. She will tell you it was
never easy for a woman to succeed in a male dominated business. Which brings me
to why this issue was very hard to get out to the people. My youngest daughter made
a rough entry into the world but she made it through and that was priority over all. So
forward we go from here… Love to my family Na’Dia, Nyela, Mahkai, Makayla, and
Shortie and Mr. Robert Clements III. Big up Wayne, John, and Nadine.!
Non-Allied Reggae News
2015 Summer Issue
REGGAE NEWS
Shaggy helps food for the poor build houses in Haiti
KINGSTON, Jamaica -- Jamaica’s
Grammy award-winning reggae star,
Shaggy, will perform at Food For The
Poor’s (FFP) 20th annual Building Hope
Gala, to raise funds to build critically
needed houses for poverty-stricken
individuals living in Pon Batay, Haiti.
FFP’s 20th annual Building Hope Gala
will be held Friday, February 6, 2015, at
Boca West Country Club in Boca Raton,
Florida. According to FFP President,
Robin Mahfood, the charity organization
is elated that Shaggy has chosen to
assist them in raising funds to help.
“Shaggy is a true friend of Food for the Poor. Thanks to Shaggy, the determination of Building Hope
Gala committee members, and the South Florida community, Food for the Poor is positioned to
build even more homes to commemorate the gala’s 20th anniversary,” said Mahfood. “The gift of a
safe, secure home is a tremendous blessing for a family who lives in a crumbling one-room shack,
and does not know where their next meal will come from. A home offers more than shelter to a
destitute family - it offers hope,” he added. At Building Hope Gala, attendees will be invited to make
pledges for the construction of the houses. Attendees will also be able to bid on additional silent
auction prizes, such as electronics, jewelry, vacations, golf and dining packages at Boca West
Country Club.
Ziggy Marley captures his 6th Grammy award
As we continue in 2015 the 57th Grammy Awards held in Los Angeles on Sunday featured the
best Reggae album award which was not given away on live T.V. and there were no performances
by any Reggae artist. Yet the award still exist. This years winner again was no surprise Best
Reggae Album: Ziggy Marley, Fly Rasta. That brings Ziggy's Grammy award totals up to six. He's
earned three solo and three with the melody makers. Ziggy Marley who is Reggae legend Bob
Marley's oldest son now 46 beat out the other nominees Sean Paul for Full Frequency; Lee
'Scratch' Perry's Back On the Controls; Shaggy's Out of Many, One Music; Sly and Robbie's the
Reggae Power; and Soja for Spicy Chocolate Amid the Noise and Haste.
thereggaevibe.com
!1
Non-Allied Reggae News
2015 Summer Issue
Omi has the X-Factor
By: Nadine White
Jamaican superstar Omi gave his Danish fans a
sweet treat when he graced ‘The X Factor’ stage in
Denmark to deliver his hit ‘Cheerleader’ (Felix
Jaehn Remix) at the country's famous Jyske Bank
Boxen stadium. Founded by renowned media
mogul Simon Cowell, 'The X Factor' is the world's
leading talent search program and an enviable
platform for any artist to perform on; this is a huge
achievement for Omi, just four years into his
professional career. What's more, news recently
emerged that Cowell has signed 'Cheerleader' to
his record label Syco Music for its UK release on
12 April. The song has already been streamed over
100 million times on Spotify, hit the #1 spot in over
10 countries, gone 3X platinum in Australia and 4X
platinum in Sweden. With many across UK and
European tipping it to be this year's summer song,
some of Omi's musical peers have openly
endorsed the track via social media including pop
chanteuses Ellie Goulding and Meghan Trainor.
Ghetto Youths International Rock Manhattan, New York
The Ghetto Youth Crew made what New York fans are hoping is an annual appearance at SOB’s in
Manhattan’s lower west side to support their new album Set Up Shop, Volume 2. Ghetto Youths
International has put out two amazing mix tapes with a group of up and coming reggae talent and
this show proved they can back it up live. While many of the acts are young with only a few
tracks or a single album under their belt, they were able to rock the crowd until the wee hours of
the morning with amazing sets back to back. The future of reggae looks bright with Ghetto
Youths helping to lead the way. SOB’s is a small venue with room for only a few hundred people and the perfect venue for this
type of show. The event was hosted by Power 105.1’s own DJ Norie, a New York legend himself,
who is coming off massive success with his own Anything Goes show, last month. DJ Norie hyped
the crowd, partnering with resident DJs to MC some classic reggae hits as the show began.
Acting as the MC for the full show DJ Norie added a little bit of local flare as only he can do. To kick off Black-Am-I took the stage and the momentum built from there. While this new artist
only has a few tracks out, he continues to grow and develop and had the crowd singing, ending
his set with his single In the Ghetto from the Set Up Shop album. thereggaevibe.com
!3
First of all rest in power to one of the greatest singers Bunny Rugs! The band Third World
was formed in 1973 by the very talented Stephen “Cat” Coore (son of former Deputy Prime
Minister David Coore) and keyboard player Michael “Ibo” Cooper. The drummer and the
singer formerly of the Inner Circle Band percussionist Irvin “Carrot” Jarrett and Milton “Prilly” Hamilton joined. Bassist Richard Daley drummer was recruited and in 1974 Third World
began their historic musical journey.
In the great year of 1977 the great William “Bunny Rugs” Clarke and drummer Willie Stewart
were the next pieces to be added to the great puzzle of music these guys put together. The
band recorded one of Reggae music’s classic collectors albums 96° in the Shade their second release. One of the heights of their illustrious career came in the late 1970s and early
1980s, when their cover version of The O’Jays’ “Now That We Found Love” from their third
album Journey to Addis, a hit single in 1978, reaching the top ten in the UK. They had first
met Stevie Wonder in Jamaica in 1976 and the single prompted him to perform
with them at the Reggae Sunsplash festival in 1981 in the wake of Bob Marley’s death, playing his tribute to Marley, “Master Blaster”. Third World went on to perform several times
at the festival, and they also took part in the ‘Reggae Sunsplash USA’ tour in 1985. Wonder
also wrote, along with Melody A McCully, their 1982 hit “Try Jah Love”, which brought them
further exposure in North America.
More recently in January 2013, the group was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at
the Jamaica Jazz and Blues festival in Montego Bay Jamaica as the celebrated their 40th
year in music. In 2013 the group completed a 40th anniversary world tour; Illness forced
Bunny Rugs to miss the European shows. AJ Brown stepped in as lead vocalist until the
death of William “Bunny Rugs” Clarke on 2 February 2014. Later Brown was announced as
Bunny Rugs’ replacement. AJ Brown has surely made a great decision joining Third World.
In many opinions Brown is a perfect fit to continue running with torch passed on from
Bunny Rugs.
1. KABAKA PYRAMID - WELL DONE
“MR. POLITICIAN MAN” (GHETTO YOUTHS
INTERNATIONAL)
2. JAHCOUSTIX FT. SHAGGY - WORLD
CITIZEN (IRIEVIBRATIONS RECORDS /
VPAL MUSIC)
3. PROTOJE FT JESSE ROYAL, & SAVANNA
- SUDDEN FLIGHT (INDIGGNATION COLLECTIVE / OVERSTAND ENTERTAINMENT)
4. ROMAIN VIRGO - STAY WITH ME
(VP RECORDS)
5.KONSHENS - NOBODY IN THE WORLD
(SUBKONSHUS)
6. KABAKA PYRAMID - CHANGE THIS
WORLD (CASHFLOW RECORDS)
7. INNER CIRCLE FEAT. CHRONIXX & JACOB MILLER - TENEMENT YARD (CIRCLE
HOUSE)
8. IKAYA & SHUGA - DAT NAH GO WORK
(PENTHOUSE RECORDS)
9. STYLING - PROTOJE - OVASTAND ENTERTAINMENT (INDIGGNATION COLLECTIVE / OVERSTAND ENTERTAINMENT)
10. JOEY BADA$$ FEAT. CHRONIXX - BELLY OF THE BEAST (CINEMATIC MUSIC
GROUP / PRO ERA)
Kabaka Pyramid teamed up with Damian Marley on the production side. When ask if he would be doing any
more works with Damian Marley he simply said “the link is always there“. We see it as top of the chart!
The Reggae Vibe charts are based strictly upon the professional analyst who’s basis is to keep good Reggae Music
alive. The charts are based on live instrumentation, quality lyrics, production quality, arrangements and over all creativity, and quality. We don’t follow Bill’s Board, or any other chart. This is the Non-Allied Official Chart! For the most
up-date chart information or to vote for your favorite song log on to thereggaevibe.com
Shuga has been a rising star in a industry that over the years has proven to be not to be so
kind to females. Shuga has been very consistent with crafting her talent towards the positive side of Reggae music. She has taken the stage at all the major shows in Jamaica and
has proven she can handle the requirements for taking her career to the next level. Like so
many artist that possess the talent to have a successful music career Shuga deserves the
spotlight for all to support the artist on her musical journey.
Mitsy Campbell also known as Brown Shuga was born in Bogue Montego Bay, Jamaica. She
grew up in a Christian home, her mom was a devoted Seventh Day Adventist while her dad
owned a Sound System. She grew up attending Church with her mother and sisters. There
was never a time in her life that she can remember when she was not singing. She attended
the Herbert Morrison Technical High School where she was a member of the school’s Choir.
At age 14 Mitsy was already performing at hotels in Montego Bay and was well known for her
natural talent. A young girl with a very big voice. After high school Mitsy began performing
gigs at several hot spots around Montego Bay then she settled at the Coral Cliff where she
performed Caberet. While at Coral Cliff she was told that Tanya Stephens needed a back-up
singer, she auditioned and was chosen on spot to go on tour with Tanya throughout Europe.
She managed to keep her job as a cabaret singer at Coral cliff and taking time off to go on
Tours with Tanya Stephens.
In 2008 friends encouraged her to enter the Digicel Rising Stars competition, she auditioned and was a favourite among the judges, at which point she gave herself the stage
name Brown Shuga. The audience took and immediate liking to her and each week she kept
moving up in the competition. She won the competition and then moved on to performing at
several Stage Shows in Jamaica while working on recording and putting out original material. So far she has recorded several songs which includes Unknown Voice, Freedom and
Hopeless which have been getting a lot of air play, Her most recent Single Bloody Hands has
hit home with the Jamaican public and has been creating waves of positive responses from
her fans.
Recently changing her name to Shuga due to conflict with a Media personality of a similar
name, she is not deterred at the very least. Shuga remains focussed and will continue to
make her positive input to the Entertainment Industry, doing what she loves best.
As the first born of Bob and Rita Marley,
Cedella Marley is a descendant of reggae
royalty. As an accomplished singer, an
inspiring author, an adventurous fashion
designer and visionary entrepreneur, she
is a self made woman, with each aspect of
her multifaceted creativity honoring her
exalted familial legacy.
Cedella’s latest venture into the world of
fashion design has led her to July 2015
when she unveiled her new Harambe
clothing line at Caribbean Fashion Week
to rave reviews!
The ‘Harambe’ collection from Marley
along with the those from best regional
designers are expected to be on show at
CFW 2015 as Pulse marks the 15th anniversary of the event.
In 2014, Cedella was appointed as Global
Ambassador to the Reggae Girlz, Jamaica Women’s Football Program, in order
to garner the support and awareness that
the team needs to advance to the finals of
the Women’s World Cup in Canada 2015.
Through her tireless support, the team has
received adequate funding and product
sponsorship enabling their advancement
to the CONCACAF World Championship in
October 2014.
CMD (Cedella Marley Designs) in collaboration with Puma, designed the music-inspired and retro uniforms for the Jamaican
track and field team for the 2012 Olympics
which was shown at CFW 2012. A big
feature at the London Olympics, Marley’s
designs won several accolades including
being named as one of the best team kits
of all countries participating in the games.
Her designs have been presented in different regions across the world, receiving
coverage from Vogue and Glamour.
ADAHZEH | THE KING’S DAUGHTAZ
Jamaica has over the years produced a handful of female groups. But what most lacked were musicianship, great talent, beauty and versatility. And that’s exactly what all female band Adahzeh is
bringing to the table.
The five member outfit comprises Kadian Hamilton (lead vocalist born December 7); Chevanese
Palmer (bass guitar born October 2); Karissa Palmer (Keyboard born May 11); Tashana Barnett
(drums born April 3); and Tara-Dean Williamson (guitar born September 1).
Dubbed the Kings Daughtaz, Adahzeh is on the rise having impacted many of the live performance showcases across Jamaica. Fans have been left mesmerized with the vocal delivery, astute
showmanship and diverse musical offering that the five member outfit has become renown for.
The group was formed in 2013. It started with the vision of Karissa Palmer, the leader of the
group who dreamt about being part of all female ensemble. This dream slowly became a reality
when research was done and possible prospects of the band were found.
The search was conducted in January of 2013 by attending live performances, scouting out
female musicians, making connections with friends who knew female musicians and simply
by word of mouth. The search ended June when the five-piece band comprising a lead singer,
drummer, bassist, keyboardist and a guitarist was formed.
Whether it’s a lovers rock vibe, or music that stirs the soul into action or even waking up the inner
rebel in you, the girls offer that and a whole lot more. They are also working towards bringing the
full entertainment package. From the high-class, edgy, trendy appearance, to the creativity and
musical ingenuity and to compliment those attributes, there’s the sizzling high-energy
performance with choreographed dance movements.
Some of the group’s musical influences include Maroon 5, Shuga Mamas, Rihanna, Beyonce,
Jazmine Sullivan, Dubtonic Kru and Tessanne Chin. With a unique sound fusing reggae, dancehall, rhythm and blues, rock and techno, the girls have blended their talents to create something
new for the music industry. And they are determined to leave their musical footprints across the
globe.
Their goal is to significantly leave a mark in the music industry and to bring positive music to
Jamaica and ultimately the world creating a great impact and the motivation to move to greater
heights.
The community champion taking vital supplies to countries
with little or no medical help.
THE UNIQUE idea of ‘a clinic in a box’ is helping to save lives
in some of the most remote and neglected parts of the world
– thanks to a team of women who run a Birmingham-based
charity. Community champion Jenny Simpson, better known as
Empress Zauditu is at the helm of the multi-faceted charity Sick
Be Nourished (SBN), which has already helped thousands of
people across Africa and in Jamaica.
As a surgical nurse practitioner with more than 20 years experience she knows only too well the importance of taking vital
supplies to countries with little or no medical help.
EQUIPMENT
but we now need financial help to ship out all this equipment as it’s
so desperately needed in parts of Ethiopia, Gambia, the Sudan and
Nigeria as well as parts of the Caribbean.”
Sick Be Nourished, which takes its name from words in the Ethiopian
creed, was founded by the Empress following the death in childbirth
of a beloved friend in Shashamane, Ethiopia, more than ten years ago.
TRAUMA
The trauma of seeing her friend Yainka die after going into respiratory
arrest following the birth of her fourth child is something that has
haunted Zautidu ever since.
“I will never forget leaving the hospital with Yainka’s baby, then having to go home and tell her other three children that their mother was
dead,” recalled Zautidu, who has five children of her own.
So the Empress and her team are filling up ‘clinics in a box,’ each
with £350 worth of equipment ranging from disposable gloves
and wipes, to blood pressure monitors, stethoscopes, syringes,
peak flow monitors and patella hammers.
“With proper equipment there was no reason for her to die. The whole
thing affected me greatly and made me want to do something about
it.”
“The aim is for a health professional in a rural community to
be able to start up a local clinic using the equipment in these
boxes,” explained the Empress as she and her team filled boxes
at their offices in Birmingham city centre. Hospitals across the
West Midlands and the UK including Hammersmith, Charing
Cross and St Mary’s Hospitals in London, have donated equipment, but now the hunt is on to find sponsors willing to help
the team ship the boxes. Makkedah Idawah, another member
of the self-funding charity, said: “The equipment is piling up
and hospitals have been very generous,
The charity also puts a great emphasis on training the next generation
about the importance of preventative health in issues such as sexual
health and parenting. Zauditu hopes to create an SBN nursing crew
along similar lines to the Black Cross nurses’ system that was created
by Marcus Garvey as part of his Universal Negro Improvement Association that he set up in the 1920s. “I feel it’s very important to work with
the community to give them the career motivation to consider becoming a health professional,” added Zautidu, who was given a ‘local hero’
award at the Association of Jamaican Nationals gala awards night in
Birmingham in 2012.
SBN is also raising its profile through branded merchandise and also
music after just releasing a charity album with support from singer
Ken Boothe, one of Jamaica’s finest vocalists who had a number one
hit in 1974 with the song Everything I Own.
DONATED
Boothe donated a track called 400 Years for the charity album and
was made a lifetime honorary member of SBN when he met Empress
Zauditu. Singer Jimmy Cliff and celebrity chef Levi Roots are also
supporting SBN.
Meanwhile the charity’s work continues with health awareness workshops on issues such as the Ebola virus.
Zauditu whose team also includes Chipo Sibanda, Sister Gem, Sister
Taitu and Taleebah, added: “Our work is both international and very
local all at the same time, but if we raise awareness, while also raising
people’s self esteem, then we are helping to improve the quality of
people’s lives.”
Donations can be made through PayPal. For more details visit www.
sickbenourished.org or email: sbn@live.co.uk.
Each Box contains a variety of Equipment which can be used to set up
a makeshift clinical facility practically anywhere. This will enable local
practitioners to carry out basic health checks within their villages and
communities.
Contents:
X1 Littmann Stethoscope
X 1 Sharps Box
X1 Omron Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor (standard cuff)
X1 Omron Large Cuff
X1 Omron Small Cuff
X1 Mini Wright peak flow monitor X 250 mouthpieces (Disposable)
X 10 pair gloves
X 50 Respiratory masks
X 2 Surgical Gowns
X 1 Seca Tape Measure
X1 Patella hammer
X1 Tuning Fork
The contents are valued currently at approximately £350, however
as we receive more resources these will be added to the box so even
more health checks can take place.
How can you help? :
Sponsor a Box: £250 will enable SBN to transport these much needed
resources to those areas within Africa and beyond, where the need is
most. Donate for a Box: Minimum Donations of £75 to secure a box for
your clinical staff. All donations can be made via: Barklays Bank.Sort
code: 20-09-03 Account no: 20088765
Escovitch Fish
With all the unhealthy choices for food in America we decided to give
the world an option for a healhty alternative. Fish can be a very tricky
subject with some people. The facts are the benefits outweigh the
risk. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish are good for your heart. If you’re
worried about heart disease, eating one to two servings of fish a week
could reduce your risk of dying of a heart attack.
Ingredients
4 whole red snapper | Salt and pepper | 1 cup cooking oil
Method
1. The day before, clean and scale fish. Season with salt and black
pepper and refrigerate.
2. Set stove to High and add cooking oil to pan. Dry fish with paper
towel and pan
fry for about 5 minutes each side.
3. Take fish out of pan and place on paper towel to drain oil
Escovitch Dressing
Ingredients
½ each, green and red bell pepper, julienned
1 carrot, julienned
1 small onion, sliced in rings
3 Tbsp cooking oil (you can use leftover oil from frying fish)
2/3 cup vinegar
10 pimento berries (optional)
½ tsp salt
1 tsp hot pepper sauce
½ scotch bonnet pepper, seed removed and chopped
Method
1. Cut and chop vegetables and put aside.
2. Put vinegar and oil into a saucepan and bring to a boil
3. Add carrots and let simmer for about a minute
4. Add pimento seeds, if using, salt and pepper sauce
5. Add red and green bell peppers a simmer for a minute
6. Add onion and simmer for about 5 minutes or until the onion is
transparent
7. Add scotch bonnet pepper and stir
8. Place fish into serving dish and spoon dressing on top
and we’re glad we’ve had the opportunity to play festivals
with them. We’re good friends with them as they’re great
guys and we’re enjoying sharing the road with them.
M: Tribal Seeds just released, “Representing.” How does this album embody the
band’s philosophy and musical evolution?
TR: I feel its our best work yet. We recently added two
new songwriters, Gonzo and Ian Young and their
musicianship added a lot to our sound.
M: What’s the inspiration for the stateuesque imagery on the album cover and
tour posters? Who did the artwork?
By: Mark Abell
Recently I spoke to Tony Ray Jacobo, the producer, keyboardist
and vocalist for Tribal Seeds, a San Diego based reggae band
that has been performing for about a decade. Currently they
are traveling on their “Summer Smoke Out Tour” to promote
their eighth album, “Representing,” which was released in
2014.
M: Your buddies “The Expanders” experienced a theft
recently. What happened?
TR: They were in Seattle and as they were playing, and their trailer got
broken into and most of their instruments and some of their luggage
got stolen. They have a Go-Fund-Me campaign to try and get some of
their gear back.
M: On Twitter, the band expressed support for funding
a new film entitled, “Holding On To Jah.” What is
compelling to you about the project?
TR: One of the guys who put together the film is the singer for Groundation which we are fans of. He put
together a great documentary involving some of reggae’s legendary
figures, culture and everything his
band stands for. There’s quite a few artists that they spotlight on there.
M: Bret Bollinger of Pepper mentioned helping Ballyhoo along on their tour. You are friends with them
too?
TR: We are on tour with them on the last week of tour. This is our second tour with them. The first one we did was a couple years back,
TR: Our lead singer’s idea was to show the ancient
connection between Mexico and Africa whose peoples
built a lot of the same structures, which shows how we’re
related to each other and emphasizes the connection of
all people.
M: What’s the most challenging aspect of
touring?
TR: Being away from the comforts of home is difficult as
space and privacy is limited with eleven of us on
the bus, though we still enjoy it. There’s nothing like
being home with family and friends!
M: What’s the most disastrous thing that’s
happened on the tour?
J: For the most part it’s been smooth sailing, nothing
disastrous has happened. Some mechanical things
happened with the bus which are minor conveniences.
Though Justin in the first band, Beyond Eyesight who
opened for the tour broke his collarbone skating, day two
of tour, he stayed with it and continued to complete his
performances with a broken collarbone.
M: What are some of your musical influences?
TR: We’re Heavily influenced by Bob Marley, Steel Pulse,
and Midnight.
M: Where did you get exposed to it?
TR: We grew up with reggae music in our household, our
parents introduced us to it, naturally we developed a passion
and a love for it.
M: I’m talking to Slightly Stoopid tomorrow.
Are you friends with those guys?
TR: We consider Slightly Stoopid our bigger brothers, they
gave us a lot of exposure. We’ve looked up to them for a long
time, to get to tour with them twice within one year was
unreal for us.
M: What was it like hanging out with Slightly
Stoopid?
TR: They kinda knew me as the “Crown guy”, when I was
drinking last year, I was a big fan of Crown Whiskey (some
of their lyrics read “Getting down and drinking Crown.”).
They would see me with a bottle and I would try and force
them to drink shots.
M: Any particular producers that would be a
dream to work with?
TR: A producer like Diplo, he does some dancehall reggae
which would be good. I’m a big fan of his work. Working
with him would be cool.
M: How do you get into a positive headspace
before you go into the studio?
TR: I like to go in there and be prepared and take care of
business. I do a lot of my production on the road if I’m able
to get a nice scenic environment, I like doing that.
M: Any particular venues that would be a
dream for you to play?
TR: The Red Rocks, Colorado. 420 event last year with
Slightly Stoopid was memorable. It was unreal to be with
that crowd with those huge red cliffs on the side, it was
crazy. It’s not everyday you get to play somewhere like that,
it definitely stands out.
By: Ahmad Tafari | John Nolan
This month we feature Kwame Nkrumah the nationalist leader who led the Gold Coast’s
independence from Britain and presided over its
emergence as the new nation of Ghana. We do
this to inspire the Africans in America and around
the world to do great things that shine a positive
light. The “edutainment” of it leads to the historical
connection between the black star flag of Ghana,
Kwame Nkruma and the red, gold and green that is
so pervasive in reggae music.
Kwame Nkrumah
Kwame Nkrumah was born as Francis Nwia Kofi
Ngonloma in 1909 in Nkroful, Gold Coast. From an
early age he was exposed to the teaching that would
later influence his development as both a revolutionary and political leader. Studying to be a teacher at Achimota School in Accra, he experienced the
writing of Marcus Garvey and W. E. B. Du Bois. After
gaining his education, Nkrumah traveled to New
York, where he saw alternatives to the British tradition of government. Studying at Lincoln University, America’s oldest black college, he was afforded with an acute understanding of the politics of race relations and
the needs of America’s black communities. Following New York, Nkrumah traveled to London in 1945 where
he enrolled at the London School of Economics. He did not finish his PhD there however, as politics
drew him towards his true calling. He helped to organize the Fifth Pan-African Congress in Manchester,
England and went on to found the West African National Secretariat, working towards the decolonization of
Africa. Kkruma also served as the Vice-President of the West African Students’ After returning to the Gold
Coast in 1947, he founded the Convention People’s Party (CPP). The CPP appropriated a red rooster and the
colors red, white, and green in its flag. Already familiar with the power an icon could hold, this symbol was
familiar for local ethnic groups, and represented leadership, alertness, and masculinity. The platform of the
CPP focused on the Gold Coast’s need for self-governance. It gained momentum by engaging cocoa farmers,
trade unions and other working class people to support its base. It broke new ground by inviting women to
be part of the political process as well, many who became passionate advocates for the cause of
independence. The growth and support for the CPP was successful, because unlike previous campaigns
who engaged only the elite, the CPP focused on the common man. “I am not African because I was born in
Africa but because Africa was born in me.” ― Kwame Nkrumah
When the British drafted a new constitution that gave Ghana more self-government, but only allowed those
with money and property to vote, Nkrumah organized massive protests with CPP party members, youth, trade
unionists, farmers and veterans. Arrested for civil disobedience, Nkrumah was imprisoned and although
behind bars he and the CCP were elected by a landslide in the 1951 election.
Following the election, the Gold Coast Assembly adopted Kwame Nkrumah’s resolution demanding
independence from Britain. The British Government stated that they would agree to a firm date for
independence if a reasonable majority for such a step were obtained in the Gold Coast Legislative
Assembly after a general election. The 1956 election returned the Convention People’s Party (CPP) to
power with 71 of the 104 seats in the Legislative Assembly.
Ghana’s Independence
‘Ghana is free forever’ were the words of Kwame Nkrumah, the first elected president of the former
Gold Coast, on the 6th of March 1957 when Ghana became the first African country to gain independence from colonial rule. Today, more than fifty years later, Ghana is known to be one of the most
peaceful and stable countries in Africa. Ghana’s route to independence became the model for the
rest of the continent. By the mid-1960s, over 30 African countries were independent. After Ghana
became a republic in 1960, Nkrumah became President and was awarded the Lenin Peace Prize in
1963.
Flags of Freedom
The black star of the Ghana national flag has become an iconic symbol of African emancipation. It is
featured in the middle of the Ghana national flag and was adopted from the flag of the Black Star Line.
Nkrumah was inspired by the ideas of the Jamaican black activist Marcus Garvey, who founded the
Black Star Line, a shipping company to bring African-Americans back to Africa. When Ghana gained
independence from British rule, this flag was designated as the national flag by Kwame Nkruma.
The colors of the Ghana national flag also hold unique and important symbolism. The red represents
the blood of those who died in the country’s struggle for independence from the United Kingdom, the
gold represents the mineral wealth of the country and the green symbolizes the country’s rich forests
and natural wealth. A similar statement has been made for the colors of the Rastafarian flag. Rastafarians embrace the flag of Ethiopia because of their connection to His Imperial Majesty Emperor
Haile Selassie I and his role as emperor of Ethiopia from 1930-1974. Both countries struggled under
imperialistic rule, were led to independence by strong African nationalists and embraced the red,
gold and green in their statements of independence.
Notable Achievements
In addition to helping Ghana gain its independence, while serving as president Kwame Nkrumah
accomplished many notable achievements for the African nation. The first was the development of
infrastructure, Nkrumah worked to develop cities like the Tema Township. Once a small fishing village, it was grown into a major city with the introduction of a large harbor in 1961. Today Tema acts as
a major trading center and one of Ghana’s two deep seaports. As well as the Accra-Tema motorway,
a 19-kilometre (12 mi) highway that links Tema to Accra, the capital of Ghana. Its construction was
fashioned after the Autobahn in Germany and was purposed to be the first link between the two major
cities in Ghana. Kwame Nkrumah founded the second largest public university in Ghana, Kwame
Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in 1952, based on the ideas of achievement through
diligence and commitment.
“We face neither East nor West; We face forward” ― Kwame Nkrumah
Legacy
In February 1966, while Nkrumah was on a state visit to North Vietnam and China, his government was
overthrown in a military coup led by Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka and the National Liberation Council. Like
many people who have strived to make changes in the world they have faced an uphill battle. Kwame’s life
had a very strong impact on Ghana to this day. Much of his legacy is still very relevant. The African Union
(AU), a union of 54 African states, was created the aim of replacing the Organization of African Unity (OAU),
founded by Nkrumah. The AU has continued his work pushing for a unified Africa. Through all the opinions
his push for his vision of African unity still guides the minds of African leaders today.
Like many people in the world discover when you strive to make a positive change you find that everyone
is not going to love you. Kwame was considered to be changing what was to be a democracy into a dictatorship. After two attempts to assassinate Kwame the phrase “They Can’t Kill Kwame”. Kwame’s life had a
very strong impact on Ghana to this day. Much of his legacy is still very relevant. Through all the opinion
his push for his vision of African unity still processes in the minds of the African leaders today. The question is who, or will anyone take the next step and pick up where Kwame Nkruma left off.
The message is in the music as Bob Marley sang the song “Africa Unite” which was one of his many
changes he wanted to see. Luciano titled his album United States of Africa. The honorable Marcus Garvey
called for Africa to unite in his poem, Hail, United States of Africa. Muammar al-Gaddafi former Libyan
leader and chaiperson of the African Union called for African unity. Will we one day see Africa United?
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Embrace, support, and request this Empress
Tasha “Rasta” T! That needed to be said
straight from the beginning because if you
don’t read anymore of this article you got the
most important part. Tasha-T is the type of
artist we created this magazine to feature. She
has improved her artistry, and she still has
room to grow. She has worked with producers
that have been able to create good music that
compliments her style.
Her album in many opinions was one of the
best of 2014. Personally she’s a very “down
to earth” empress, very humble, and pleasant. The lyrical content and the issues she
addresses in her music are remarkable. Tasha-T is an example of when you set a solid
foundation with both parents raising the young
it produces impressive results. She can be
compared to the Queen of Reggae Marcia
Griffiths when it comes to the way she royally
carries herself. When it comes to the force
of her deliverance she can be compared to
Queen Ifrica. Over all Tasha-T is a rising star
that deserves to be recognized.
Bio
With a discography that stretches back to her
teenage years, Tasha T’s longevity can only
be explained by her dedication, versatility and
creativity. After releasing several popular singles from her long awaited sophomore album
“Real Talk” the petite Reggae songstress with
a big voice and distinctive vocal style Natasha
Whyte (professionally known as Tasha T) is
showing why she has been on a music award
winning fast-track. Residing in Toronto, in 2014
she was presented with the Queen Elizabeth
II Jubilee Medal by the Governor of Canada.
Closely following this achievement she received the Trail Blazer Award from the organizers of Jamaica Day, adding to an already well
stacked Reggae music awards cabinet.
In a genre where women are seldom singled
out for recognition; you might wonder what
makes Tasha T so very special?
As a solo artist Tasha T has a lot going for
herself. She writes, records, produces and
is the Musical Ambassador for Read Across
Jamaica Foundation; and if you’ve ever
caught her stage performance you immediately sense that she performs from her heart
therefore it’s no surprise that “Real Talk” distributed by VP Records does just that...gets
right down to the heart of the matter. Music
on the album supported by engaging lyrical
content will probably make you sit up and say
“yeah that’s right” because the songs contain
a strong message from a carefully selected
range of topics from universal inner city problems to personal experiences including
friendship and love relationships all from a
woman’s unique perspective. The album jacket
lists impressive collaborations with some of the
most respected names in Reggae production
including Mikie Bennett, Bobby Digital, Sheldon Stewart aka Cali Bud, Computer Paul and
Danny Maestro. In its entirety the “Real Talk”
album is a breath of fresh air at a time when
fully grown sophisticated listeners bombarded with one beat repetitive robotic type lyrics
(primarily meant to incite gyrating) crave fully
explored instrumentals accompanied by lyrics
that go deeper to actually tell a story relevant
to their lives and world-wide social issues.
As Tasha T explains “keeping it real is what I’m
all about” and that commitment is evident in
her engaging performance style that focuses
on educating, motivating, uplifting and inspiring people from all walks of life. With excellent
reviews mounting, the latest single release
from the Real Talk album “Bed Of Fire” has
been on the rise on major Reggae charts in
Canada and the USA where she enjoys a loyal
and growing following and has generated a
positive response in Italy too. As her releases
continues to do well Tasha T has been invited to grace the stages of several noteworthy
festivals including “Groovin’ in the Park” and
“Reggae Culture Salute” in New York (an
event where in a significant statement Queen
of Reggae Marcia Griffiths unexpectedly called
Tasha T out to join her on stage). Tasha T also
performed at the prestigious “Festival of Life”
in Chicago, “People’s Festival” in Delaware,
“Jerk Fest” in Philadelphia and “Jamaica Day”
in Toronto and at a multitude of local area
shows throughout the continental US.
As a professional artist who happens to be
a woman in Reggae, Tasha T is a tribute to
female fortitude and drive as she shares her
optimistic vision of life and all the possibilities
for a better future. Suitable for everyone’s listening pleasure her “Real Talk” album is available on ITunes and all online outlets.
PROTOJE - ANCIENT FUTURE
Released: March 10, 2015!
2015 Indiggnation Collective /
Overstand Entertainment!
On this 3rd album Protoje takes the present
Reggae Music and evolves the music into
more of a vintage hip-hop Reggae style. I
always preach about the connection between
Hip-Hop and Reggae. Protoje’s style supports
the theory in a major way. For fans of Hip-Hop
you can recognize some of the excerpts used
by Protoje that come from Hip-Hop artist. My
most impressive point of the album was track
7. Sudden Flight featuring Jesse Royal &
Sevana the opening line from Protoje “La di da
di me nah join no party” is an excerpt from
Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick’s Classic HipHop song La di Da di. “Proto-diggy” has
seriously fused Hip-Hop with Reggae in a way
that he is one of the top three lyricist on my list
along with Damian Marley. Protoje and his
band Indiggnation bring a new conscious vibe
in Reggae, backed by meaningful lyrics and
stories that make you think, and most
importantly, question. It’s very similar to how
Hip-Hop was when it first began in the mid
80’s. When the music had more creativity, and
more of a positive message. Ancient Future is
a collectors choice five star top notch album
that a set a new standard in Reggae music. I’ll
go ahead and make a bold prediction and say
on the record “this may very well be the best
Reggae album for 2015”.
RATING:
EXCO LEVI - COUNTRY MAN
Released: Mar 17, 2015!
℗ 2015 Penthouse Records
Exco Levi worked hard to get a good quality album together.
Penthouse productions compliments his talent very well. It’s
sweet Reggae music like Ice cream and cake to your ears.
RATING
HEZRON - THE LIFE WE LIVE
Released: May 27, 2014 ℗ Tad's Record Inc
This album is fully loaded with an array of hit songs.
Hezron is Jamaica’s top male vocalist right now. Buy
it don’t bootleg it’s worth every cent.
RATING:
BIGA RANX - NIGHTBIRD Released: Mar 09, 2015 ℗ 2015 X-Ray Production
There’s a few tracks that are worth the mention such
as the track featuring U-Roy but besides that I
wouldn’t recommend this album to hardcore Reggae
lovers.
RATING:
BARRINGTON LEVY - ACOUSTICALEVY
Released: May 05, 2015 ℗ 2015 Tafari Records
I don’t think you can go further than outer space. This
one is the highest level of good Reggae music. The
album is like having Barrington Levy performing live
personally for you.
RATING:
NATURE - LIFE’S JOURNEY
Released: June 02, 2015 ℗ 2015 Downsound
Nature is similar to Sizzla when he first hit the scene
fighting for a spot amongst all the other talented
conscious artist in the Reggae fraternity. The album is
but will REVIEW
the people rate
him RATINGS
amongst the kings?
FULLgood
TRACK
AND
LOG
FOR THE
ON TO THEREGGAEVIBE.COM
RATING:
Marcia Llyneth Griffiths (born 23 November
1949) better known to the Reggae community
as “Sister Marcia” celebrates a milestone 50th
year in music. Marcia Griffiths is not only the
definitive female Reggae singer of the Sixties
and Seventies; she’s also one of the most influential and important voices in Reggae history.
Marcia Griffiths is one of the only female artists
to last through the transition of music through
Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae, and Dancehall, which
has earned her the title of Queen of Reggae Music. After she hit her artistic and commercial
stride in the late 60’s singing with Byron Lee
and the Dragonaires, she continued to record
an uncountable amount of solo Rocksteady,
and Reggae hits.
MARCIA GRIFFITHS ILIBRATES
50 YEARS OF MUSIC
BY: RAS MAHDDY
Between 1974 and 1981 she was a
member of the I Threes, a trio of
backing singers, which supported
Bob Marley & the Wailers. Born in
West Kingston, Jamaica, Griffiths
started her career in 1964, performing on stage with Byron Lee and the
Dragonaires upon the request of
Phillip James of The Blues Busters,
who had discovered her singing
in her home neighborhood. Sister
Marcia reflected on the tender age of
13 when she was this skinny little girl; her first performance was on the big Easter show Monday morning
at Carib Theater with Byron Lee and the Dragonaires. Byron Lee and the band didn’t want her to perform
because the show was already planned out and he couldn’t accommodate anyone else. She had rehearsed
with the band even though they didn’t want too prior to the performance. She wasn’t expected to perform
until Phillip James insisted she sing. The Queen Marcia said, “I will never forget waiting to perform a cover
song by Carla Thomas entitled “No time to lose.” While waiting on the guitarist to begin that particular
song she realized that the band had planned to sabotage me; they wanted to mess me up. When I realized
what was going on I quickly figured out that I’d better start singing acapella without the guitarist. Even at
that tender age I knew that God was with me because I heard a voice say little girl you better start sing, and
when I start sing they better follow me!”
The performance was so impressive that the same day she was taken along with her father beside her
from Carib Theater directly to the legendary Studio One. When Marcia walked in she met the great Clement
“Sir Coxson” Dodd the legendary Studio One producer, Lee “Scratch” Perry, all The Wailers including Bunny Wailer who she had known since kindergarten, Ken Boothe, and Delroy Wilson. Marcia wasted no time
as she began recording that very same day on a track with “Utan Green” who wrote the song. When Utan
talked with Marcia outside the studio before they began recording he told her don’t bother with nervous
business. When recording time came it was Utan that became so nervous the great Jackie Mittoo told
Marcia since you know the song to go ahead and sing the song solo. That didn’t go over to smooth with Utan
and became irate and wanted to beat up Marcia and all sorts of foolishness.
Marcia Griffiths went on forward to record for Dodd’s Studio One label, where she recorded a series of duets with male singers such as Tony Gregory “You’re Mine”, Bob Marley “Oh My Darling”, Jeff Dixon “Words”,
and Bob Andy “Always Together”, with whom she would have a relationship lasting several years. In 1968
she had her first success as a solo artist, with “Feel Like Jumping”, which like her other early Studio One
solo hits (including “Truly” and “Melody Life”, were written by Andy.
The moment in time spent with Sir Coxson at Studio One eventually died down due to the fact that Coxson
benefitted more from her talents than Marcia Griffiths herself. Like many other artist have said about Sir
Coxson they also never received any royalties for any of the huge catalog of hits Coxson put out on the
Studio One label. It was strictly one little payment just enough to buy lunch for singing all
day long. Those who tried to collect royalties
from Sir Coxson have said along with Marcia
Griffiths it was not a positive experience.
Marcia Griffiths continued on her musical
journey onto leaving Studio One to work with
Harry Johnson mainly known for his Harry J
Studio where Bob Marley & The Wailers recorded some of their albums in the 1970s. Harry “J”
came down to Studio One and invited Marcia
along with a few others to come visit Harry “J”
Studio. Marcia Griffths said “When Mr. Dodd
see him out there he race him from the gate.”
Sister Marcia went on to team up with Bob
Andy in 1970 to record the cover song “Young,
Gifted and Black” by American singer Aretha
Franklin. “Young gifted and Black” hit #5, and
“Pied Piper”, which peaked at #11 in the UK for
a total of twenty-five weeks. To many peoples
surprise the audience was Caucasian skinheads in England. Bob Andy and Marcia Griffiths had a very
close relationship. From 1970 to 1974 the two worked together as a duo (Bob and Marcia).
Many people thought that Bob and Marcia were married and they were not, Marcia Griffiths she said “
No, me and Bob Andy were not married, never ever, I believe we were very, very, close, we were intimate,
yes. I believe God put Bob Andy there. If Bob Andy wasn’t there a young girl in a male dominated business
vulnerable with all these men around me, all these musicians, all these men surrounding you. I don’t
know what would have happened to me today. I don’t know where I would be because I was left in Clarendon, I wont call the musician name but he left me, and Bob Andy in Clarendon. He said he’s responsible
for singer, not singer and boyfriend. So he left me, Bob Andy, and the man that pack up the instruments
named Eek-A Man and we had to walk and bum rides. Bob Andy never left me!”
Marcia Griffiths also recorded for Lloyd Charmers who she considered to be one of the best producers
she’s worked with. During her time with Charmers she put out the album “Sweet bitter love.” She continued to record as a solo artist throughout the 1970s, working with one of the only female producers at the
time Sonia Pottinger also known as Ms. “P”. During that time Marcia also met Errol “E.B.” Brown another
great producer that worked with Ms. “P”. Judy Mowatt also recorded with Sonia Pottinger. Ms. “P” was
someone both Judy and Marcia could relate too because of her also being a female in a male dominated
industry. Marcia released two albums during that time “steppin” and the classic “Dreamland.”
Sister Marcia went on to work with many other producers such as Fatis Burrell on the Xterminator label,
with whom she did a few tracks with. Sydney “Luddy” Crooks was the producer who came in after the
death of Errol Brown. Luddy came in to the situation at a very vulnerable time for Marcia. Marcia had
added a few tracks to the album she and Errol were working on and at one of the singers most depressing
times Luddy just took the album “Rock my soul” and disappeared. Last thing that was heard about him
was that he was in Brazil. Sister Marcia says that up to now Luddy has never given her account for anything from that album. One of the tracks on the album was “Children of Israel” it shot up to number one on
the New York charts. Bunny Wailer and Marcia were childhood school mates now collaborated to bring forth one of
the biggest hits for her career “Electric Boogie” which was
written and originally recorded by Bunny Wailer in 1976. In
1989 Marcia re-recorded “Electric Boogie” which began one
of the most popular dance crazes in music history the “Electric Slide” which is a line dance known very well through
out America and the world. Marcia says “The Electric Slide
began in Washington, DC and out lived the twist, the madison, the bus stop, macarena, and all the other dances at that
time. I can remember going to Baltimore, Maryland for the
Electric Slide Day and I couldn’t even sing because I never
seen One hundred thousand people sliding one way like a
wave. The policemen on duty were doing the Electric Slide.“
The“Electric Boogie” reached number 51 on the US Billboard
Hot 100, making it her most successful single. It remains the
highest-selling single by a female reggae singer of all time.
The riddim for Electric Boogie actually came from a riddim
box Marcia purchased while in Canada. The box was brought
back to Jamaica and Bunny Wailer loved it. He recorded the
beat from the riddim box and constructed the foundation of
the beat. He later brought in legends Sly & Robbie to record
the drum and bass over the beat. That was the birth of a
monster hit, which brought international prominence for Sister Marcia.
vvvBetween 1974 and 1981 were a few of her most precious times when she was a member of the I Threes, a
trio of backing singers which featured Judy Mowatt, Rita Marley, and Marcia Griffiths which supported Bob
Marley & the Wailers. Marcia says “I was honored to be with Bob Marley because I knew this man was special. There were so many unique things to come from Bob Marley that I still don’t see come from another one
so I was really happy to be with him. Bob opened my eyes that I started to realize the music is not just entertainment and fun it went much deeper. When I saw how serious this man took his music that is what opened
my eyes and that’s when I realized the music is a
serious thing. It is a responsibility that you have because here you are this one person sending messages
to the four corners of the earth and these messages going to everyone touching souls, teaching and uplifting and I realize that it is very important that the messages you send to people in the world is a serious
thing and it depends. It’s on your shoulder and it depends on the message your are sending there whether
it’s going to divide or unite so I am thankful for him that he opened my eyes and I started thinking about
the lyrics and the message that I’m going to send to people because of how serious I saw this man take his
music.” One of the most memorable moments was in Italy when Bob Marley and the Wailers flopped the
pope. One hundred thousand people turned out for the concert compared to the pope that couldn’t draw that
size crowd. Nothing was ever seen in Italy of that magnitude and it was shocking. Marcia says “It was kind of
fearful because you didn’t know what to expect.”
Beres Hammond has written most of Marcia’s songs, and produced many of the songs also. The two have
plenty of duets together but many of them were not released. She has more recently had further hits with
producer Donovan Germain at Penthouse records where she brought forth many of her major hits. In 1986
she began the journey with Penthouse with a cover by Fleetwood Mac entitled “Everywhere” that
Sly Dunbar insisted she record. She continued on
with the recording of her album “Marcia” in 1988,
Fire Burning, Closer to you, and the duet with Beres
Hammond entitled “Live On”.
She also has many of the wickedest combinations with many artist like Buju Banton, Tony
Rebel, Beres Hammond, Cutty Ranks, Mikey Spice,
Wayne Wonder, Bunny Rugs, and Busy Signal. The
28 year relationship with Donovan Germain and
Penthouse has grown so close that it has become
more of a family relationship. In August 2014 it
was announced that Griffiths would received the
Jamaican Order of Distinction (Commander class)
in October that year.
Marcia continues to tour the world on her musical
mission. Still pleasing the numerous fans that still
pay top dollar to enjoy entertainment from Queen
of Reggae music. Marcia still records and releases new music on many of the latest riddims. She’s
the iron woman of Reggae music. Don’t miss the
opportunity to catch Marcia live when she comes
to a venue near you.
She celebrates 50 years and we send congrats to
the Queen of Reggae Music, and we pray you receive many more blessings on the journey of life!
The Reggae Vibe best of 2015 are determined by a poll of the public and music buyers. The Reggae Vibe
best of 2015 have nominations based on sales, airplay, activity on social networks, and video viewing and
can nominate only the works released between December 1 of the previous year and September 1 of the
current year.
Artist of the year
SHAGGY
Best Male Vocalist
HEZRON
Best Female Vocalist
JAH9
Band of the year
MIDNITE
Shaggy has found the
time and money to donate to various charities
in Jamaica, and different
parts of the Caribbean.
Shaggy should recieve
many honors for the
work he has done keeping the music clean yet
very entertaining.
He took his time perfecting his craft and
now Hezron has surely
increased his fanbase
and gained much more
appreciation. His most
recent release “Life we
live” is a great collection his best works so
far.
This song bird is in
the beginning of her
career and has already
surpassed many of the
female artist that have
been established for
years. She is building
a huge catalog of hits
which begins with her
album “New Name”.
Midnite is one of the
world’s top roots reggae
bands. Midnite hails
from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin
Islands, and has been
playing since 1989. The
band has been keeping
the tradition of Jamaican roots reggae alive
through it’s music.
Best Reggae Lyricist Of The Year
PROTOJE
With the release of Ancient future there is no doubt Proto-diggy is one of the top
lyrical masters in Reggae music. He creatively combines what some would call
controversial lyrics along with the best production work making himself one of
the most talked about artist in Reggae today.
S
Reggae Music Video Of The Year
RAS KASSA (CHRONIXX - RASTAMAN WHEEL OUT]
This years best creative Reggae music video was inspired by one of Jamaica’s
classic movies “Rockerz” released in 1977. The track was featured on the Dread
and Terrible project. Chronixx says “the Dread and Terrible project is a way of
reminding the system that Rasta is now at the forefront of Jamaican culture”.
Reggae Album Of The Year
TARRUS RILEY - LOVE SITUATION
Love situation brings together some of Tarrus Riley’s best works to date. The
album features appearences from Big Youth & Mr. Cheeks, Dean Fraser, Whippa
Demus, Konshens, and the great Father U-Roy. For those who love good lovers rock
Reggae music this one is one to add to your collection if you haven’t already.
Best Reggae Song Of The Year
TASHA-T - MARIJUANA
The production is from the real Collie Budd in Kingston, Jamaica. We love the
riddim , we love the lyrics, we love the overall package that Tasha-T brings. We are
fighting for the laws regarding Marijuana be reformed in America because of the
exact reasons that Tasha-T speaks about in this anthem for Marijuana partakers.
Best Rising Star of 2K14
GULLY BOP
Best Producer of 2K14
DJ FRASS
Best Veteran Artist
SHABBA RANKS
Culture Award of 2K14
MUTABARUKA
Social media has proven
to be one of the best avenues to be discovered.
Gully Bop was recorded
and posted on social
media. Before you know
it Gully Bop became a
new sensation. He’s
toured Europe, He’s set
to hit the United States
after recently acquiring
his U.S. visa.
When you hear some
of the best riddims of
the year feauring the
hottest artist in Reggae
the name DJ Frass is very
frequently associated
with it. He produced
one of the years biggest
hits by Kiprich - Loyalty
over royalty and one
of dancehall’s biggest
riddims Jelly Wata.
Long gone are the days
of his early hits like Mr.
Loverman, and Ting-aling and Shabba is still
relivant. Now Emperor
Shabba has been relasing massive hits since
his return two years ago.
We could expect a new
album within the next
year according to our
sources.
Muta for many years
has brought the contriversial radio show “The
Cutting edge” and now
more recently a new
shovw “The stepping
razor art of war”. Mutabaruka has dedicated
a vast majority of his
life to educating people
about African culture
and world issues.
Having been arrested and incarcerated in Miami in December 2009, Buju Banton was convicted
for conspiracy to distribute five or more kilogrammes of cocaine in 2011 with an additional firearms
charge pending against him. The reggae star - real name is Mark Myrie - is currently serving time in
Georgia correctional facility. He has always proclaimed his innocence and intention to appeal the ten
year sentence and “fight for freedom”. Meanwhile, the sentencing for Banton’s remaining firearms
charge was originally scheduled for October 2012 but, upon his Lawyer David Markus’ request for an
investigation of juror misconduct, was postponed. Just prior to this turn of events, Buju’s legal team
submitted a request to the US Court of Appeal but this was rejected because of an “extenuating technicality”. A few more attempts at appeal were made prior to this.
In May 2015, news has recently emerged that the US Attorney Office has struck up a deal with Banton – they will drop the outstanding firearms charge if he ceases to appeal his current sentence! After
much consideration, he duly agreed to this; a source illuminates, “Buju fought a good fight and it all
came down to choosing the lesser of two evils”. They add: “The state was preparing to go after him
on the gun charge which could have added five more years to his sentence if they had gotten a conviction. Buju has under four more years on his current sentence and his appeals were going nowhere
so it wasn’t a case of him giving up, its a case of doing the smart thing”. Whilst this latest development has come
as a blow to patrons who continue to lobby for Buju’s freedom,
Rosemary
Duncan, coordinator of the Buju Banton Defense Support
Committee assures that the Til Shiloh singjay remains as resilient
as ever,
in spite of bleak circumstances: “I spoke with him today.
He’s
the same person, in terms of spirit. He’s writing great
music”.
Buju Banton’s last album ‘Before The Dawn’ won the
‘Best
Reggae Album’ Grammy Award in 2010.
By: Nadine White