`Di Captain` Jr. Gong - Island Stage Magazine

Transcription

January/ February 2015
Collectors Edition
M
A
G
A
Z
I
N
E
Welcome to JamRock
+
Cruise 2014
Ziggy Marley
“Life on Mars”
Etana
Jah Cure
Una Morgan
Apollo: Marley Tribute
Spotlight Artists:
‘Di Captain’
Jr. Gong
Exile Di Brave
Nesbeth
Uprising Roots
Omari Banks
Chrycee
www.island-stage.com
Remembering
Robert Nesta Marley
70th Earthstrong
February 6 , 2015
We will Never
forget.
Rest in Power
© FIFTY-SIX HOPE ROAD MUSIC, LTD
Remembering
Bunny Rugs
February 6, 1948
We will Never
forget.
Rest in Power
© Sista Irie Photography
Follow Island Stage
Follow Reggae Reflection
@IslandStage
@1EmpressK
TABLE OF CONTENT
8.
47.
MUSICALLY SPEAKING
12.
ZIGGY MARLEY
LIFE ON MARS?
20.
WELCOME TO
JAMROCK CRUISE
39.
42.
JAH CURE
ETANA
ETANA interview
ISLAND STAGE
SPOTLIGHT
JAH CURE intervieww
54.
UNA MORGAN
interview
67.
MARLEY TRIBUTE
77.
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Advertise With Us Today!
‘Where The Islands Come To Play’
islandstage.llc308@gmail.com
Letter From the Editor
Welcome to 2015!!! Happy New Year to one and all!!
Wow!! 2014 was a whirlwind year with the new magazine launching in January,
our first cover was none other than Protoje. Issue two paid tribute to the Queens
in the industry and Jah 9 was our cover artist. We did a very cool 420 issue in
April, and highlighted the release of Ziggy Marley’s ‘Fly Rasta’. Maliika Walker’s
interview with Ziggy was included in that issue. Fast forward to 2015, and in this
current issue, we have Shelah Moody’s interview with Ziggy towards the end of
the Fly Rasta tour, and a Grammy nomination for the album on top of it!!
We will forever be grateful and humbled that we were able to pay tribute to the
late, great Lucky Dube in our July issue. Working with TK and Nkulee Dube was a
highlight for us, and not to mention Lee Abel’s priceless photos of Lucky. I think
we made him proud!!!
Konshens was on our September cover and we introduced artists such as Amlak Redsquare, Kazam and Bugle just to
name a few.
Once again, our last issue of the year paid homage to the female artists, and the great Diana King graced the cover.
Our interview with Diana is so inspiring!!
So, here we are with the first issue in 2015!!! The inaugural Welcome to JamRock Reggae Cruise was a complete hit,
and we have all of the photos to prove it! We also covered the One Love Bob Marley Tribute at The Apollo Theater
this past November. We think you will like this issue!!!
I would like to say Thank You to all of you who have supported us in our efforts! We want to continue to bring you
rich and provocative content in our magazine as well as on the website.
I would also like to thank our contributors!! Empress K at Reggae Reflection, Lee Abel, Maliika Walker, Lloyd
Stanbury, Sista Irie, Shelah Moody, Gail Zucker and Michael Kuelker- thanks to each of you for your support and
willingness to allow Island Stage to display your works. I am honored to work with professionals who have the level
of integrity and talent that each of you possess.
Here is to a highly Blessed and Prosperous 2015 to us all!!!!!
Cheers!
Susan Underwood
Musically
Speaking
by: Lloyd Stanbury
Music
Awards and
Reggae
Island Stage Magazine
As usual the announcement of the nominees for the
Reggae category of the GRAMMYS has caused the
now familiar flurry of comments from members of the
Reggae community and entertainment media. The
nominees for the 2014 Best Reggae Album category of
the GRAMMYS are: “Fly Rasta” by Ziggy Marley, “Full
Frequency” by Sean Paul, “Back on the Controls”
by Lee “Scratch” Perry, “The Reggae Power” by Sly
and Robbie & Spicy Chocolate, “Out of Many One
Music” by Shaggy, and “Amid the Noise and Haste”
by SOJA. Already we have seen media reports and
comments making mention of projects being omitted,
as well as various opinions expressed regarding the
GRAMMYS. One thing is for certain, the GRAMMYS
attract more attention and comments than any other
music award, and despite the criticisms, it is clear that
a GRAMMY win or nomination does mean something
to artists.
Academy to be able to have a say, and to influence
the process of selecting winners. You are not required
to be a citizen of the USA to become a member of the
Academy.
As far as the Jamaican and global Reggae music
industry is concerned, I think we need to come together
to establish our own internationally recognized music
awards that cater specifically to the Reggae music
genre, in much the same way as Hip Hop, Country,
Latin and other genres have done.
There are many models out there for music awards.
Some awards are developed by media entities such as
MTV, Billboard, and BET, and winners are determined
by popularity through public voting participation. The
GRAMMYS are based on voting by persons from within
the recording industry, and is not based on chart
success or record sales.
Music awards are a very important aspect of the
international music industry. It is therefore necessary
for performers, composers and producers of music, as
well as the media and management representatives
who support their recordings, to inform themselves
and get involved in the music awards process. A full
understanding of the procedures by which entries
are submitted, nominations decided, and winners
selected, is essential. Without knowledge and
active participation you will continue to be on the
fringe, either shouting from the galleries or making
disgruntled comments.
There have been a number of awards that cater in
varying degrees to the Jamaican and Reggae music
community. With the exception of the Honour awards
presented annually by Jamaica Reggae Industry
Association/JaRIA, no such award exists currently inside
Jamaica. The JaRIA Honour Awards are presented
in February each year and recognizes the lifetime
achievement of persons involved in Reggae. It is not
about current or recent releases or performances. On
the international level there is the Ephraim Martin
promoted International Reggae and World Music
Awards/IRAWMA originating out of Chicago. As the
name suggests IRAWMA caters to Reggae, Soca and
World Beat music. It is not specific to Reggae.
And how do the GRAMMYS work? I would strongly
recommend that readers of this article take a look at
the web site for the Recording Academy, which is
the entity established for determining how entries are
submitted and nominees and winners chosen. The
Recording Academy website is located at www.
grammy.com. What is clear with the GRAMMYS is
that performers, producers, songwriters, managers
and label executives need to become members of the
Issue 07 January/February 2015
In 2008 the Recording Industry Association of Jamaica
took a bold step in establishing the Reggae Academy,
with a view to developing an international music award
specifically dedicated to Reggae and Dancehall.
PAGE
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The Reggae Academy was designed based on the
Recording Academy/GRAMMY model with membership
open to vocalists, songwriters, music producers,
recording engineers, music video producers,
agents, label executives, managers and media
representatives from around the world involved in
the Reggae recording business. The Reggae Academy
Awards were successfully staged in February 2008
in Kingston. Its presentation also facilitated the
declaration of the month of February as Reggae
Month by then Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce
Golding, and Governor General Hall.
The Reggae Academy Awards 2008 was hailed by
many as the best music award show ever presented
for reggae. Inadequate sponsorship support, and
disagreements between key individuals within the
Academy administration and the wider Jamaican
reggae community, have caused the Reggae Academy
Awards to be placed on pause. As long as reggae
artists, music producers, labels, managers and media
representatives remain unwilling to unite and
cooperate in establishing their own international
awards, and as long as they remain non-members of
the GRAMMY Academy, then they should stop talking
and accept what they get.
Lloyd Stanbury is an Attorney at Law and
Consultant in the Arts and Entertainment
industry. He studied at the University of the
West Indies - Norman Manley Law School and is
also an author.
PAGE
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rglent@blackherbals.com
Ziggy MarleyLife on
Mars?
© Lee Abel www.reggaeportraits.com
By Shelah Moody
Photos © Lee Abel
“I don’t want to escape to the moon/Even if the world
went boom/I just want to be with you/and do the
right things to you,”— Ziggy Marley “I Don’t Wanna
Live on Mars”
Don’t let lead track on Ziggy Marley’s fifth solo album
“Fly Rasta” fool you.
“I Don’t Wanna Live on Mars” has nothing to do with
him being the first Rasta on the Red Planet. As the
Grammy winning singer/songwriter/musician/producer
confirmed during a recent interview, “I Don’t Wanna
Live on Mars” is actually a love song for Mother Earth.
“I wrote that song with the environment in
mind, but I didn’t wanna sound too preachy,”
said the eldest son of reggae icon, Bob Marley
and singer Rita Marley. “So I found a way to talk
about (protecting the earth) in a way that was
not preaching or promoting any kind of ideology.
The earth represents an entity that I love; and
I am saying that I would never leave the earth
for any other entity. I speak of the earth as a
woman, and I wouldn’t leave her for any other
woman.”
“Even if the world went boom?”
“I’m still sticking with her.”
On Nov. 6, 2014, the city of San Francisco is beaming
with civic pride and bathed in orange and black hues,
a week after the Giants won the World Series for the
third time in five years. As Marley’s “Fly Rasta” tour
wraps up in California, the seasons are transitioning
from Indian summer to mid-autumn, and the weather
in the Bay Area is less conducive to an evening stroll
and more suited for rushing inside from the cold.
We met with David “Ziggy” Marley for our interview
after sound check at San Francisco’s historic Fillmore
Theater. Marley, who turned 46 on Oct. 17 and spent
his birthday performing in Atlanta, is currently one
of the most in demand artists on the touring circuit,
and next to his iconic father, he’s arguably the world’s
most recognized reggae artist.
Music, a non-profit founded by Michael “Flea” Balzary
and Keith “Tree” Barry of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, in
Los Angeles, CA. I asked how this unique production
came about.
“Someone liked the song and performed it and
sent it to us,” said Marley. “It just came about.
We always like to show how the song lives
beyond me; it’s about everyone else and how
they feel about the music; and if they interpret
the music, I always appreciate it. That’s how the
music is supposed to live.”
The Fillmore, the house that Bill Graham built in
the late sixties, still has its signature Dead Head
charm; you get a shiny red apple on the way in and
a commemorative poster on the way out. Every time
he plays the Fillmore, Marley plays to a packed house,
and each time it seems, a new legion of fans.
On that note, I asked Marley about the possibility of
a classical production in the future, perhaps a “Ziggy
Marley with Strings” concert at the Hollywood Bowl.
Backstage in his dressing room, the Fly Rasta is
bundled in a black puff jacket. He puts away his
electric guitar and settles on a leather couch that has
probably hosted some of the most famous derrieres in
rock, hip hop and R&B.
“Oh yeah, mon, we should do that,” Marley
laughs. “I’m open- minded, so anything is
possible.”
We discuss the video for “I Don’t Wanna Live on Mars”
–the first music video to feature his family—his wife,
Orly, daughter Judah and sons Gideon and Abraham.
It was shot, as Marley explained, somewhere in a
barren stretch of the California desert. The video has
a sci-fi motif; and you’ve gotta admit, Marley and
Judah do look kinda fly in their white space suits.
Although the title is indicative of flight and ascension,
Marley explained in his “Making of Fly Rasta” video
that many of the songs on the album, such as “Moving
Forward,” “I Get Up” and “Sunshine” are motivational
songs about overcoming obstacles. Indeed, Marley
has overcome his own set of obstacles, transcending
the boundaries of race, nationality and musical
genre—his world has reached far beyond reggae. He
and his wife, Orly, have built a Tuff Gong Worldwide
empire which includes a Ziggy Marley line of clothing,
film and books. His line of non-GMO foods, Ziggy
Marley Organics, includes a line of cooking products
such as flavored coconut oil and roasted hemp seeds.
“The idea behind the video is that it’s actually
earth that we’re on, not Mars,” said Marley.
“If we don’t correct the direction that we are
headed in now, that’s what the earth will look
like. In the video, I’m searching for surviving
plants and trying to replenish the earth with
plants.”
“Try the Caribbean Crunch,” he says.
During our conversation, I compliment Marley on a
beautiful, classically inspired cover of “I Don’t Wanna
Live on Mars” that I saw on YouTube. It is performed
by the children of the Silverlake Conservatory of
PAGE
14
As part of the third generation, Ziggy’s eldest son,
Daniel “Bam” Marley and his nephew Jo Mersa
Marley (son of Stephen), who used to rap, sing and
dance with Ziggy and the Melody Makers as children,
are now touring and recording independently and
continuing the Marley legacy of making conscious
music.
“Play I on the R&B – wo-oh! Want all my people
to see:
We’re bubblin’ on the Top 100, just like a mighty
dread!”—Bob Marley, Roots Rock Reggae
In 2013, Marley made history by performing a tribute
to Bob Marley with the likes of Sting, Rihanna, Bruno
Mars and his brother, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley
(also a multiple Grammy winner) at the 55th annual
Grammy Awards telecast at the Staples Center in Los
Angeles.
Fly Rasta is a soulful mix of contemporary reggae,
rock, blues, African, rock and folk music—a mélange
that the artists refers to as “Ziggy Music.” In January,
2014, Marley won the Grammy (Best Reggae Album)
for his live recording,“Ziggy Marley in Concert.” On
Dec. 5, 2014, it was announced that “Fly Rasta”
received a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae
Album. One of the most provocative tracks on “Fly
Rasta” is “You’re My Yoko,” which is “Livicated” to
his wife and Tuff Gong Worldwide’s CEO, Orly Marley,
as well as an homage to the Beatles.
“The song is correlated to the relationship that
I’ve heard about between John Lennon and Yoko
Ono,” said Marley. “Relationships can play an
important role in artistic expression, because
love is one of the most basic artistic expressions
there is. Open-mindedness, and finding ways
of expressing yourself–if you have the right
partner–embellishes it and makes it grow
more. I feel that it was something that I could
relate to after understanding Lennon and Ono’s
relationship, and how, when they met, (Lennon)
got into a whole different kind of vibe. I can
relate to that.”
do is the truth,” Marley said. “That is the only
way to succeed—if what we are doin’ is the
truth. With falseness and negativity, there is no
success.”
The alternative rock flavored ballad, “Lighthouse,”
which Marley co-wrote with Sam Martin, is also
somewhat Beatlesque and was a favorite on the “Fly
Rasta” tour.
“Conscious lyrics can be danced to,” Marley
continued. “You can have fun, and you can have
a party with conscious music.”
Fast-forward to 2014, Marley is still keeping people
dancing to conscious music in an age of social
media. Marley takes an active role on his Facebook,
Instagram and Twitter pages, posting his milestones
and reflections on life after his shows or during down
time. And yes, he does read the comments from his
followers.
“I’m holding up the fire/lighting up the sky/like a
lighthouse on the ocean/bring you home alright,”–
Ziggy Marley, “Lighthouse.”
“Lighthouse” is a nice song; it’s a very personal
song,” said Marley. “I think the song has yet to
be fully defined. “It’s a little mysterious.”
“Back in the days we never had a connection
to our fans, we relied on popular media,” said
Marley. “Now, we can reach out to them. It’s
very good, very important and very beneficial
for me to understand my fans better and for my
fans to understand me better.”
I first interviewed Ziggy Marley on a warm October
afternoon in 1988, on the “Conscious Party” tour
with the Melody Makers (which included his siblings,
Stephen, Cedella, Sharon and backing vocalist Rica
Newell) at the Waikiki Shell in Honolulu, HI. The
story was published in our college newspaper, “Ka Leo
O Hawaii” (“Voice of Hawaii’).
At the moment, Marley said that he has no desire
to contribute to the growing pool of celebrity
autobiographies. “Eh, my music is my book,” he
said.
The 19-year-old star was unpretentious, wearing
worn sneakers, baggy corduroys, a white T-shirt
emblazoned with the African continent and shoulder
length dreads. He had dark, gentle eyes, an ebullient
smile like his father’s and his boyish face boasted a
slight mustache and goatee.
Like “Fly Rasta,” most of Marley’s solo albums as well
as his past albums with the Melody Makers allude to
the concept of repatriation or returning, spiritually
and mentally, to the Motherland. Incidentally, his
mother, Rita Marley is a citizen of Ghana and now
holds the title of Nana Afua Adobea (Queen of
Development) in the South-eastern Akwapim Region
of Ghana.
“Conscious Party,” one of my top ten favorite albums.
Conscious Party, produced by Chris Frantz and Tina
Weymouth from Talking Heads went on to win a
Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 1989.
“The theme of the album and the other albums
that we have put out is that in everything you
PAGE
16
The Fillmore show literally ended in Africa. As drummer
Carlton “Santa” Davis (drums), Ian “Beezy”
Coleman (guitar), Rock Deadrick (percussion) and
Pablo Stennett (bass) held down the rhythm section,
backing vocalists Tracy Hazzard and Chantelle
Ernandez performed African dances during the
intro to “Conscious Party.” During “Look Who’s
Dancing,” the spirit overtook Marley as he interpreted
the story on the djembe, a West African hand drum.
Marley had literally taken flight! After the show
longtime Ziggy aficionados would describe it as one of
his finest performances.
I asked Marley about his plans after the “Fly Rasta”
tour wrapped up.
“After the tour is over, I’m going to take care
of my compost pile,” said Marley. “Get the land
ready fe plant some food next season. Relax,
spend some time with the children. Write some
more songs. Get ready for another record, and
LIVE!”
www.ziggymarley.com
#WTJRC Photos by Reggae Reflection
www.reggaereflection.com
“How blessed we are to have the
opportunity to be doing this. This
is a historic moment - not just for
myself and for all of us that are
on the cruise but for reggae music
itself. I would like to give God
thanks and give thanks to all the
people who made this possible.
We are all making history so give
thanks.” Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley
© Reggae Reflection
L to R Damian, Stephen, Julian and Rohan Marley
The 1st Annual Welcome to
Jamrock Cruise: A Personal
Reflection
run into one of your favorite artists on the cruise, and
when you did it was usually a positive experience.
Article By Maliika Walker
Photos © Reggae Reflection
The first night of performances arrived and Black
Am I was the first artist to hit the stage, introducing
us to the pure fiyah performances that were to
come. He performed select singles from his catalog
that raised the energy of the crowd. Julian Marley
followed with a performance style reminiscent of his
father. Julian electrified the crowd with songs from
both his and his father’s catalog. Some of the songs
in Julian’s set list included Harder Dayz, Lion in the
Morning, Rastaman Vibration and of course Boom
Draw. Damian Marley closed out the first night
with an electrifying set that included songs from his
extensive catalog, including some songs from Distant
Relatives - a collaborative album with hip hop artist
Nas. Damian’s set list included Justice, Beautiful,
Make it Bun Dem, Dispear, and Land of Promise.
Stephen “Ragga” Marley also joined his brother
on stage to perform some of the killer duets, which
included The Mission. Of course Damian performed
his smash hit, Welcome to Jamrock, which of course
received a rousing ovation from the audience. The
evening was not over once the performances ended.
The sound systems set up shop around the ship
as the boat shook with blazing Reggae music until
4AM. It didn’t matter where you were; you heard
the sound systems everywhere on the ship. The party
continued with the sound systems, including the great
David Rodigan, Mighty Crown, and Shinehead’s
Kingston 12. Each played great Reggae from
different parts of the ship. The party was not just in
the lounges with the sound systems, passengers were
having a great time all over the boat. Some people
hung out on the many decks on the ship or had small
parties in their room. The general theme of this
cruise was no one was going to sleep until at least
4AM.
I remember exactly what my first thought was when
I woke up on October 20, 2014; the 1st annual
Welcome to Jamrock Cruise is going to be the best
experience I have ever had in my life. The thirteen
month countdown was officially over for those lucky
enough to secure a ticket on the 1st annual Welcome
to Jamrock Cruise, a cruise that sold out one year in
advance. Put that in perspective for a minute. The
#WTJRC was announced last fall; it was sold out
one year before we set sail. I knew this was an epic
event for reggae music. The very moment I boarded
the ship was a first for me. I was just delirious with
excitement that my first ever cruise was going to
be a Reggae cruise. I had no idea what an amazing
adventure was in store for me.
Once my friends and I boarded the Norwegian Pearl,
we were met with nothing but smiling faces from the
passengers and crew alike. All anyone was thinking
was let’s hurry up and make sure we make it to the
‘Sail Away’ Party. I overheard one passenger ask,
what on earth is a ‘Sail Away Party’? Well we found
out quickly enough. The speakers began blaring
Reggae music as soon as we pushed away from the
dock. The 12th floor deck pool area quickly filled
with passengers as we all greeted each other, danced
to the music, and just began to have the time of
our lives. Damian Marley, our host and reason for
being on this epic adventure, welcomed all of us to
the cruise as we departed the dock in Miami. The
atmosphere at the ‘Sail Away Party’ was nothing but
positive vibes. The artists, DJs, passengers and crew
were smiling and spreading positive energy. While
walking back to my cabin to freshen up I ran into
none other than Cham and his lovely wife Ms. ‘O’.
That was another welcome element to the cruise. The
artists were walking among us. You were bound to
Now you would think that people may have slept in
PAGE
22
L to R - Damian Marley, Julian Marley, Black Am I , Stephen Marley
‘JuJu’
the next day, however that was not the case.
We were at sea on day 2, and the decks and dining rooms were packed before 12 noon with people ready for
whatever was in store for the day. The day party started and people were dancing and just enjoying themselves.
All nationalities and ages were represented on #WTJRC. One of the great things about being at sea, is you had
a chance to meet fellow passengers. The evening brought out some interesting characters. My friends and I met
one man walking around the deck in his wife’s dress as a joke. It turns out his wife was asleep in their room due
to non-stop partying and he just couldn’t resist doing something crazy. He wasn’t alone, we all partied with him
and had a good time. The second night of performances brought The Wailing Souls, Tarrus Riley, and Shaggy.
The Wailing Souls opened with a set filled with their classics, leaving the audience mesmerized and wanting more.
Tarrus Riley blazed through his performance of She’s Royal, Beware, and the Michael Jackson remake of Human
Nature. Shaggy closed the evening on his earthstrong night, and left the stage on fire. David Rodigan and Rory
Stone Love kept the party going until the wee hours of the morning, which included suprise late night freesyle
performances by Damian Marley and Shaggy. You just never knew what was going to happen during the sound
system set. Every night something amazing happened.
We docked at the port in Montego Bay on our third day of the cruise. I couldn’t wait to set foot in Jamaica once again.
I honestly believe in the lyrics of the great Bob Marley’s song; “There is a natural mystic blowing through the air”.
While traveling to our scheduled excursion in Ocho Rios, I couldn’t help looking out the window to watch people
going about their day. The natural beauty of Jamaica is always front and center to me; the ocean that surrounds the
island and the breathtaking mountains, gives you the feeling that you are in a special place. While at Margaritaville,
I ran into some fellow cruisers who couldn’t wait to witness that evening’s live entertainment. Everyone knew the
evening’s entertainment lineup included a few artists who are not currently allowed to perform in the U.S. - namely
Busy Signal, Bounty Killer and Jah Cure. Jah Cure has never played a date in the U.S. and a woman I spoke to
mentioned that she practically begged her husband to let her come on the trip because Jah Cure was on the lineup.
My friends and I couldn’t wait to get a good position to witness a night of magical performances. The evening was
kicked off by the beautiful Etana. The leading Roots Reggae Empress led the crowd through a set that served notice
to the brilliant album, I Rise, that was to be released in just one week’s time. The crowd embraced every lyric and
movement as Etana performed a beautiful set. Busy Signal performed next and the audience was on their feet. The
crowd danced along to the rhythms of the music as Busy performed a set that everyone would remember.
The next performer of the evening was a special one for my friends and I. We were elated the moment Jah Cure’s
addition to the lineup was announced. Once Jah Cure set foot on stage, my entire section on the pool deck erupted
in celebration. This was the first time most people from the U.S. saw Jah Cure in person. One woman next to me
screamed so loud my ear drums begged me to find another place to watch the show, but I was captivated by the
music. Jah Cure gifted the audience with a set that included his hits Longing For, Sticky, and True Reflections.
It is impossible to not feel each lyric being expressed by the artist many refer to as The Cure; his voice pierces
through you.
I happened to be backstage preparing to interview Jah Cure while Bounty Killer set fiyah to the stage. Bounty Killer
closed out the evening with a plethora of tunes from his early days in dancehall to present. The crowd didn’t miss a
beat in singing every song and listening to the artist chant about the realities of ghetto life in Kingston, Jamaica.
Damian Marley joined Bounty Killer on the song,
Khaki Suit, a hit track from his classic album
Welcome to Jamrock.
eager to enjoy their last day on this epic journey.
One woman I spoke with noted that she would sleep
the next day in her hotel. She couldn’t bear going to
sleep and risk missing something, and I actually felt
the same way.
The sound systems once again came alive with
Shinehead, Stone Love and Bambino partying well
past 4 AM.
Before I knew it, it was the afternoon and the main
pool deck was packed with people listening to great
Reggae Music. Some people were relaxing in the
pool, some were tanning on the decks, or just making
sure they met as many people as possible. A few
people approached me that day, just to say hello and
chat about the fun we were all having. One couple
mentioned they feel so connected with everyone on
the ship. We were all experiencing history; a five
day reggae party on the ocean, filled with nothing
but music and positive vibes with over 2,000 of our
closest friends. I made a note to just walk around on
the boat and observe the people on board. I noticed
a group of complete strangers taking pictures with
one another just so they could remember each other
the following year.
On day 4 prior to our arrival in Ocho Rios, we watched
the sunrise in complete silence as it rose over the
Caribbean sea. It made me feel like I was in paradise,
feeling a natural high that I hope many get the chance
to experience.
Wayne Marshall set the stage for the evening with
selections from his recent album, True Colors.
Damian Marley made his first appearance of the
evening as he joined the dancehall veteran for their
hit song, Go Hard. Cham followed with a red-hot
performance that held the audience’s attention from
the moment he set foot on the stage. Cham’s wife,
dancehall artist Ms. ‘O’, joined him onstage and the
two kept the energy going. A group of cruisers I met
that evening commented that they had never heard
of Cham before that night, but couldn’t wait to get
their hands on Lawless merchandise the following
day. Damian Marley joined Cham on their smash hit,
Fighter.
Cham
Dancehall star Sean Paul closed out the night with
a set that included hit after hit after hit, including
Gimme the Light. Damian Marley once again hit the
stage, this time joining Sean Paul on their song Riot.
The Sound systems, Mighty Crown, Renaissance,
Diva Nikki Z and DJ Norie took over until the wee
hours of the morning. Sleep was clearly forbidden on
this cruise.
Some people felt they were going to sleep in on Day
5, but the main cafeteria didn’t reflect that the next
morning. The morning buffet was packed with cruisers
PAGE
26
Selectas! Geefus and Rory
Stone Love
Tarrus Riley
Mighty Crown
S
Shaggy
Tarrus Riley
The Wailing Souls
David Rodigan
Shaggy
Shaggy and Damian
Bounty Killer
Busy Signal
Jah Cure
© www.reggaereflection.com
Wayne Marshall
Cham
Sean Paul
© Reggae Reflection.com
Jo Mersa
The final evening came way too fast. All week we had great
weather, despite forecasts to the contrary, but as we drew
closer to Miami, rain became an unwelcome visitor. Some
sets were cut short and the evening appeared disrupted
as a whole. Jo Mersa and Christopher Ellis performed
some of their hits but rain forced them off stage. Morgan
Heritage was able to get in a set of their hits which included
some selections from their release, Here Come the Kings.
Stephen Marley did step foot on stage to close out the
evening but rain again came and abruptly ended our time on
the pool deck. An announcement was made that Stephen
would be performing in the Atrium area inside of the ship and
we all ran there. You couldn’t move a muscle, but those who
attended that final show witnessed an EPIC jam session! .
Accompanying Stephen were Damian, Julian, and Jo Mersa
Marley, Sean Paul, Morgan Heritage, Wayne Marshall,
Cham, Shinehead, Illestr8, JBoog, Rica Newell, SuperNat and Christopher Ellis. It would have been great
to see Stephen’s band perform live but the final freestyle
performance was the perfect conclusion to an epic adventure.
Christopher Ellis
During the final performance Damian stated the following,
“Thank you all very much. It may mean something to
you, but it means even more to us. We give thanks to
each and every one of you for making our dreams come
true.”
No Damian, thank you! Your vision brought people together
from 42 countries around the globe. I met people from such
countries as China, Italy, Germany, Canada and Trinidad; you
name the country and chances are a representative of that
country was there. It was a beautiful feeling to see a true
representation of One Love as people greeted one another,
and we realized we shared a common bond that will forever
link us. We were the inaugural passengers on this historic
cruise. We experienced five days of non-stop Reggae music.
I am already booked and confirmed for the next celebration.
I hope to see you on the 2015 Welcome to JamRock Reggae
Cruise, the best punky reggae party in the world!
Keep Dancing!
© Reggae Reflection.com
©Reggae Reflection
Geefus
Stone Love
Selecta!
DJ Westafa
“I was born strong,
I was made for this.
See, I met so many
hard times and I
thought I couldn’t
make it. See, I had
my trials when my
pillow dried my eyes,
then the morning
came and my wings
still flied.” -Etana
I
Rise
by: Maliika Walker
Photos by Reggae Reflection
Etana = The Strong One. That is the meaning of her name,
The Strong One. When I think of Etana, reflections of
strength, beauty and courage come to mind. That is the image
many of us have of her. Album after album, show after show,
Etana has shared her heart and soul with us through her music.
Etana recently released one of the year’s most anticipated
albums, I Rise. The album was produced by Clive Hunt whose
credits include such great artists as The Rolling Stones, Peter
Tosh, Stevie Wonder and Jimmy Cliff. This album features
roots reggae at its finest and includes covers of such classics
as Selassie is the Chapel by The Wailers and Stepping out
of Babylon by Marcia Griffiths. I am always amazed by the
inspiration Etana shares with all of us through her music. She
also challenges all of us, and this album is no exception. On
the song Trigger, she challenges us to open our minds and not
to judge. Sure, people make mistakes in life but she challenges
us to think about the circumstances that may lead a person
to make that mistake. One of my personal favorites from the
album includes the title track, I Rise. We sometimes have our
trials and tribulations, but when we wake up the next day it’s a
chance for a new beginning. Do yourself a favor and check out
I Rise today.
Island Stage recently caught up with Etana during the Welcome
to Jamrock Cruise and discussed her new album, her clothing
and health/beauty products, and her thoughts on Babylon vs.
Zion among other things. Here is our conversation.
How did it feel when you found out you were the
first woman in 17 years to top the U.S. Billboard
Reggae Album Charts? What an amazing achievement.
Congratulations!
Etana: Thank you so much. I had no idea that it was true and
I was kind of shocked. I was wondering, like, why so long.
At first I thought maybe female artists just weren’t being
supported as much as they should have been. Then I looked
at myself and reflected that I didn’t know a lot of things that I
know now. Maybe I could say that I wasn’t working as hard as
I should have been. I am very proud of the achievement but
couldn’t help wondering why so long for a woman to reach the
top of the chart again.
A movie director asked me to write a song about a woman
who was struggling to find her way. But instead, I thought of
all the powerful women that I know who’ve been through a lot
yet, they continue. While writing the song, I thought about
Maya Angelou, Oprah, Nina Simone, even Miriam Makeba. I
also thought of myself. And then I put it on paper.
What was it like to record your album, I Rise, with Clive
Hunt as Producer?
Etana: Well I know that Clive Hunt was very talented and
that he’s been around for a while in reggae music. I never
knew that he loved the music that much to the point where he
would reproduce a song until he thought that it was complete.
He wouldn’t throw some songs or some tracks together, he
went all the way to the top with every musician and even
the young ones too. If something wasn’t played right or he
thought that someone could do a better job, he would actually
erase the whole track. I don’t know how he did it. All the
musicians and engineers were busy people, but they all came
back and did it each time that he called.
Thank you for sharing that with us. One of the songs
I love from the new album is the song Trigger. I was
actually robbed at gunpoint, so when I was actually
listening to this song, I realized I was one of those
people that the song may have been directed to.
Etana: To not be judgmental as soon as you see a person;
you can’t just read the book by the cover. Let it go, because
that young person has a heart; they have a mind and they
have feelings like me and you. You never know what they’re
going through, and you’ll never know if you never experienced
some of the same things that they have. You probably could
relate.
You remade one of my favorite songs from The Wailers,
Selassie is the Chapel. What inspired your decision to
record your remake of this classic song?
Okay let’s discuss your other businesses. I love your
clothing line.
Etana: It has been an intro to my shows since 2007. Some
people would usually ask me, “Why don’t you record that
song?” So I decided to record the song as a full introduction
of the whole album, like a prayer really.
Etana: Thank you.
I am curious. Why get into fashion?
I’m excited about your new album, I Rise. As you look
at your album what type of message did you want the
audience to receive from it?
Etana: Because when I travel all over the world people
usually ask me, where did you get that skirt? Okay, don’t tell
me where you got the skirt, tell me where you got the fabric,
and I’ll make the skirt. And I figured that there are so many
young seamstresses, including a young family member of
mine, who’s wicked at sewing. However opportunities are not
so much in Jamaica. So I decided I’d have people in Jamaica
sew the line, create employment for them. And then take it
to the rest of the world.
Etana: Every day when you go through any kind of struggle,
any kind of negative energy, you get up the next day and
you start again. Start again with a more positive side, on
a positive note. And you fight, you build, you grow. I rise
everyday with the faith, will and the love to keep going.
Whenever I look at your album cover, I honestly think
about Maya Angelou’s great poem and I Rise.
Now you don’t just sell dresses and apparel. I also
noticed you sell other things like jewelry and health
products.
Etana: This song was written one month before she passed.
PAGE
44
Etana: Well, first of all I believe that women love to be
beautiful. We love to see our skin glow. I know that you
have to work on feeling beautiful from the inside out. On
the outside, I can help you with that, with the shea butter,
the coconut oil and coconut milk. I can help you with all the
good stuff for your skin that would actually help you to clean
your pores, take away liver spots, dryness and Eczema. All
of those things that help smooth out your skin is what my
company focuses on. That’s what I’m into because I love to
see the natural skin glow. I feel really good about that.
I love the line and the possibilities of success in
the future. I definitely feel your success as an
entrepreneur can help inspire other women to follow
their passion.
Etana: I continue to encourage every other woman. Live your
life and be free. Be happy doing you. That’s the only thing I’m
doing; what feels natural to me the best way that I can. I am
happy to share clothing, health products, stories, our lives.
That’s what I’m about.
I wanted you to talk about, as a Rasta woman, how
would you define Babylon versus Zion? I have spoken
to a few Rasta recording artists and I’m intrigued with
the individual perspective you all have to this question.
Etana: Negative, like how people say there’s a hell. I don’t
believe there is a hell. I would associate Babylon system as
a negative system, Babylon is like hell, a negative society,
negative people. Babylon in any case is an ancient system. A
sytem that makes you feel as though your life gets taken over
by a set of people you don’t know. One where you feel not in
control of your own steps before you eat, the water you bathe
with, stuff like that, the whole negative system.
Zion is a spiritual high. Not gold floor and honey and milk like
I was taught back in the days in Christianity. It’s important
that we get as close to unconditional love as possible and to
peace of mind, spirit, body and soul. Zion is being mentally
and spiritually in a positive place overstanding everything
PAGE
45
in and around you. Being aware of your spirituality and
surroundings as well as being able to find that balance. Zion is
wisdom, spiritual strength and knowledge. Sometimes people
look outside of themselves for this place but stay reminded
it’s a mental and spiritual space and when you are there you
will see Zion in everything you do, in everything you are.
stage and not be too concerned about anything, just allow
the music to take over. Even if the lights go out, always
remember that the people are there to to celebrate, to sing
along with me and so just sing. Even if the microphone goes
out, still sing. It’s just about sharing positive music and
energy, spirit and life with these people.
How do you feel Empress Menen is viewed by the
Rastafari community at large? I spoke to a few women
and they feel that her presence isn’t respected as it
should be.
What are you most excited about in terms of people
hearing this new album? What is the top message you
want them to walk away with, upon hearing it?
Etana: I want them to say wow, the album was properly put
together and if she can do it, I can do it. I want them to be
able to say, I Rise.
Etana: But you know why? It was not until the 40s that
women were allowed to vote. That’s not so long ago. I’m not
too happy about it at all - but I think we’re getting there it’s
2014. I think that women have come a long way but we still
have a long way to go. We now have the mindset to go out
there and say what we believe in and demand the respect
we deserve. But we’ve still got a long way to go, and that is
why that Empress Menen is not too much talked about. She
probably couldn’t speak much. Think about it.
What advice or encouragement would you give to
young girls all over the world, especially in Jamaica,
who are just trying to make it for themselves in this
world?
Etana: Well, I would ask if they knew when they were going
to die today what would they do? I would definitely ask that
and if they should dig deep inside, where do they think their
passion really lies? Then I just say to do that. Do that every
day until you get it as close to perfection as possible. Believe
in you first. Don’t allow people’s negative opinions to be your
personal business. It’s not your business. It’s just on you to
find your way, be comfortable being who you are, doing what
you do, and just do it.
What is one of the top lessons you’ve taken from
touring some of these countries all over the world?
Etana: That I have to just totally be myself when I touch that
PAGE
46
“Jah children wake
up, and stop walk in
your sleep. Lift your
heads up, it’s no time
to take defeat. If we
knock and it no open,
we shall surely push
it ova.” -Jah Cure
©Reggae Reflection
5 Minutes with Jah Cure
By: Maliika Walker
We all remember pivotal moments in our lives like the
first time you rode a two wheel bike on your own,and
the moment you heard your favorite song and it was
love at first sight. I will forever hold on to my recent
memory, witnessing Jah Cure live in concert for the
first time. Jah Cure hypnotized the entire boat with
his incredible performance during the Welcome to
Jamrock Cruise. Fans held on to every note, every
moment, every sound as Jah Cure graced the stage
with his presence. He was a particular treat for U.S.
audiences as he has not been able to perform here due
to VISA issues. His performance led me to recall the
first time I heard one of his songs. It was 2007 and I
grew disenchanted with the music industry. I felt the
radio was not exposing us to new talent but the same
old junk. One of my friends suggested that I listen to a
song called Longing For by Jah Cure, noting I haven’t
heard a true voice until I heard his voice. I listened to
Longing For and I have been a fan ever since. October
22, 2014 will forever be the day that lives in the
memory of everyone on board; the day they witnessed
Jah Cure capture the imagination of an entire ship and
did not let go until he exited the stage.
Siccaturie Alcock (aka Jah Cure), was born in 1978 in
Hanover Parish, Jamaica. He was enchanted by music
at an early age, frequently sneaking out to check out
local dancehalls and live shows. Some of the great
artists he saw perform, Burning Spear, Peter Tosh, and
Garnett Silk, left a lasting impression that influenced
his mission in life to be a reggae star in his own right.
Not just a singer but an artist that would impact the
hearts of people.
Jah Cure moved to Kingston to pursue his dream of
becoming a reggae artist at a young age and met the
likes of Sizzla, Jah Mason, and Capleton. Jah Cure
eventually caught the attention of the legendary
Beres Hammond and he became his producer and
mentor. A succession of singles were released in
1997 and 1998 but his success was interrupted by
his incarceration. Jah Cure would not be silenced,
even while incarcerated. Three albums were recorded
and released while he was still serving his sentence.
The single that expanded Jah Cure’s audience while
still behind prison walls was the smash Longing For.
His haunting, yet powerful voice, touched the souls
of anyone who heard the single. His hit album True
Reflections was released in 2007, a few days after he
was set free from the prison system for good. He has
since performed for audiences in countries all over
the world and released two additional studio albums
and numerous hit singles including Sticky and Never
Find.
Jah Cure will be releasing his new album in March of
2015. He has so far released two hit singles from
his forthcoming release, Rasta and Life We Live.
Island Stage got a chance to spend a few minutes
with The Cure where we discussed his upcoming
album, how he was influenced to pursue a career in
music, and his desire to tour the U.S. Here is our
conversation.
I think it’s great that you are one of the artists
on the 1st annual Welcome to Jamrock Cruise.
It is time for U.S. audiences to witness a live
performance from the Cure.
Jah Cure: What the U.S. means to me is my life. I
just don’t want to get too old and have never been
there. I know the U.S. is going through a hard time
right now with Ebola and ISIS. It’s just a test for
the U.S. because they are leaders and all leaders
have to be tested to show strength. I want to tell
the audiences in the U.S. that I need their support.
I need to be there because I use my music to heal
and cure people. I would like to tour the U.S. so I
can touch my fans there, sing my music directly into
people’s hearts. Touring the U.S. and touching them
with my music is something I want to do because I want to impact minds and change lives there as well.
I was introduced to your music by a friend of mine who told me that I had to listen to the voice. You
were that voice. The first song I heard from you was Longing For.
Jah Cure: That song was a wake up call for me to let the fans know that Jah Cure was here. It let people know that
I was here to speak to their hearts.
I know you were influenced by some of the greats like Bob Marley and Beres Hammond. What inspired
you to pursue a career in music?
Jah Cure: I was just sleeping one night and my mother had the radio on. It was some love song playing. Some
Brian McKnight playing, a song called One Last Cry. I remember waking up crying while listening to this song. I
went to the bathroom and looked in the mirror and asked myself, why was I crying? I realized I was crying because
the song was so deep and I felt the soul of this song. From that point I just kept trying to bring out the feeling also
with my music because I was inspired by that song. I will always remember that moment. That song inspired me to
impact people like that. That song was my wakeup call to be a soulful singer. I love songs about love. I eventually
started performing in shows. I remember I won a fruit basket in a contest once and I made a decision after that
to take music seriously. I left Montego Bay for Kingston at a young age. From the moment I arrived in Kingston, I
was learning the business and eventually caught a break. Then I went through some trials and tribulations in my
life. Even going through those trials I was still determined to make my voice heard. I was able to reach out beyond
the prison walls with a song like Longing For. Today I count songs like Love Is, Sticky, Hands of Love, Good
Morning Jah Jah - some lovely songs are in my catalog. Yes, I went thru some trials in my life but I am grateful for
those times because my bad days provided for my good days. So here I am.
What is next for Jah Cure? I understand you are working on some new music.
Jah Cure: Yes I have a new album coming out in 2015. The first single from this album is called The Life We Live.
It’s the song we are promoting right now. The fans can expect some more great songs yet to come. My next single,
Rasta, will be released by the end of the year. I am in full control of the production of the album and it will be
released by my company.
I read your next album comes out in March of 2015. Do you know what you are going to call it?
Jah Cure: Well I have some names but after tonight I am going to go back to the ‘shuffle box’ and see what I come
up with. I have a name already in my mind but after speaking with some people tonight, I am going to speak with
my team and see what they think as well.
What message do you have for the youth who may be
going through their own trials and tribulations?
Stay strong. Stay positive. Believe in God, because He’s
real. Know that you have to love yourself before you can
learn to love others. - Jah Cure
A Queen Among Kings
Una Morgan
By: Maliika Walker
“Yeah, yeah, I’ll be down by the river, yeah. Waiting
for the good Lord to pass my way, oh yeah. I’ll be
down by the river, yeah. Singing songs of joy on this
lovely day, oh yeah. Three singing birds told me, my
sunrise is always there in the morning, praying and
blessing the day.” Morgan Heritage, lyrics from their
hit single Down By The River.
Down By The River is one of those songs that sneaks
into your bloodstream and just stays with you. I could
not wait to hear the band perform this song along
with other great hits from their catalog, including
Don’t Haffi Dread. Over the years I have always
enjoyed seeing Morgan Heritage live and I was not
disappointed on the cruise. Despite an extended
rain delay, the band took to the stage and performed
numerous hit songs from their catalog effortlessly.
Everyone was united in perfect harmony while they
were on stage. The magic of Morgan Heritage is
making everyone feel the message of their music.
2014 marks twenty years since Morgan Heritage
graced the stage for the first time at Reggae
Sunsplash in Jamaica. The children of the great
Denroy Morgan have since gone on to release
numerous hit albums including Don’t Haffi Dread,
More Teachings, Mission in Progress, and Full
Circle. The group is world renown for their amazing
live performances so they treated fans to a few
live albums, MH in London and Another Rockaz
Moment.
2013 marked the return of of the band to their fans
worldwide with the release of their eagerly anticipated
reunion album, Return of the Kings. This is their
first album of new music since 2008’s Mission in
Progress. The album was well received by critics
and fans alike. Island Stage had a chance to catch up
with Una Morgan at the Welcome to Jamrock Cruise
where we discussed her upcoming solo release, what
© Maucobi Styles
influenced Don’t Haffi Dread, as well as their most
recent band release Here Come the Kings. Here is
our conversation.
You guys regrouped last year and released the
album, Here Come the Kings, your first album
since 2008. What was it like touring for this
album after the hiatus from recording?
How does it feel to be one of the acts closing out
the 1st Welcome to Jamrock Cruise, an event
that sold out a year in advance? You guys will be
helping to send us home in grand style.
Una Morgan: Well you know what happens, you end
up playing more of the older songs than the new ones.
But we learned over the years to take more control
because you want people to hear the new songs so
we added a section to the show to showcase the new
music. We of course, have to cover the classic songs
everyone loves like the Love Me’s and Don’t Haffi
Dread. The newest album was released a year ago so
now we can mix the new with the old, the equilibrium
is a lot better.
Una Morgan: It goes back to divinity. There is a
divine relationship between the Morgans and the
Marleys. It’s not that we’re favorited or anything,
there are just so many similarities in our upbringing.
Their dad, our dad. Their music, our music. It’s like
we’re twins almost. When we got the call it was the
biggest honor. We were humbled. We were very
thankful to be invited to perform on the inaugural
event, another first of this event is not going to
happen. We want to make Damian, Stephen and JuJu
(Julian) proud so they can say yes, the Morgan family
did represent. We are very humbled, very thankful.
Be assured that we are going to kick butt tonight.
How do you feel about the album, Here Come the
Kings? How do you feel it was received by the
public?
Una Morgan: It’s a good album. It shows where the
group is now, it represents us today vs. the previous
years. The fact that it’s a new album that the fans
can have after a five year hiatus was something we
were happy about. The fans seem to love the album.
All in all, recording and releasing this album was a
great experience. We just released a new single from
the album entitled, Put it On Me.
I remember meeting a Rasta, with no locs, in
Jamaica in 2005. His mentioned to me that he
did not have to loc his hair to be Rasta. The
only thing that mattered is that he lived his life
righteous and he believed Haile Selassie I was
Jah. Did a personal experience influence Don’t
Haffi Dread?
I sometimes wonder what advice a current
veteran performer would give to their old self
the first time they were to set foot on stage.
What would you say to the young Una now?
Una Morgan: That song was largely based on
some of the comments we heard from elders in the
Rastafarian community. Our father taught us that it
was all about what’s inside our hearts. Say someone
has cancer and they can’t wear locs, are you really
going to say they are not Rasta? No, you are not
because that is not what the truth is. So we found it
very important to put that on record.
Una Morgan: Confidence. Whether you are
performing in front of one person or two hundred
people, always give it your all. The fact that you
are on that stage at all means you have something
important you want to say. Don’t go up on that stage
only giving half of yourself, go up there believing in
yourself and what you are doing. Once you believe
PAGE
56
in yourself and have the confidence you will be fine.
Because all of those jitterbugs in your belly you are
feeling will disappear because you believe in you.
Don’t let anybody tell you anything, just believe in
you.
I heard a rumor that you are working on a solo
album. Any truth to this?
Una Morgan: Word got out on the boat about my
solo album and I am so excited. I am recording it now
and can’t wait for everyone to hear it.
Such a long time coming!
Una Morgan: Yes I agree, a long time coming. For
me it represents the evolution, which is coincidentally
the name of the album The Evolution of Me. The
process began in 2010 and it has now become
something else. I am so excited about it.
I am excited for you. Do you know when the
album will be released?
Una Morgan: Yes, May 2015. People can also expect
a major announcement from me in January 2015.
The album will be released by a label in Jamaica called
UVM Records. The producer for the album is Andrew
Blacks who has also produced Popcaan and Bugle to
name a few. He is like a brother to me. He is mainly
known for dancehall but his musical ability takes him
out of the stratosphere. His talent is amazing and has
allowed me to recreate myself as a Ragga Soul artist.
I am very excited about this project.
© Maucobi Styles
PAGE
57
Peetah Morgan
Mojo and Gramps Morgan
Super-Nat
‘ZILLA’
‘RAGGA’
BOUNTY KILLER
Sean Paul
Badda Gyalz Dancer
Final Night
ONE LOVETRIBUTE TO
BOB MARLEY
NOVEMBER 29, 2014
APOLLO
THEATER
MALIIKA WALKER
PHOTOS BY REGGAE REFLECTION
The Wailers band would close out the evening; a
fitting choice considering the show was in tribute
to one its founders. As the band began playing the
classic Natural Mystic, I couldn’t help but picture the
great Bob Marley holding the microphone stand as the
haunting intro filled the auditorium. It was wonderful
seeing one of the greatest bass players in the history
of reggae music, Aston “Family Man” Barrett. The
band played the Wailers catalog beautifully including
The Heathen, War, and Africa Unite. Ky-Mani
Marley joined the Wailers on stage to perform his
father’s classic songs I Shot The Sheriff, Running
Away, and Crazy Baldhead. Ky-Mani included a
classic of his own, his own dedication to his father
entitled Dear Dad. Ky-Mani’s voice was reminiscent of
his father’s as he performed his catalog as only one of
his son’s can.
I was seven years old on October 25, 1979. It is
one of those days where I wish I was born at least a
decade earlier. At least then, I would have possibly
been able to witness one of seven shows that Bob
Marley & The Wailers would perform at the Apollo
Theater. Fast forward thirty-five years. The Apollo
Theater held not one, but two tribute concerts to
Bob Marley, commemorating his debut performance
at The Apollo Theater on Saturday, November 29,
2014. I met a woman at the recent tribute show who
mentioned to me that missing this show was not an
option for her. In 1979, she had a conflict so she gave
her ticket away to a friend thinking Bob Marley would
certainly come back to perform at the Apollo. She
always regretted her decision to give her ticket away
because Bob would never return to the Apollo Theater.
The first tribute show of the evening sold out quickly
so she grabbed tickets for the 11PM performance
as fast as she could. She said she immediately had
flashbacks to late October 1979 and told herself she
would not miss this historic night.
The audience had no idea of the amazing performer
that was set to perform next. When Ms. Lauryn Hill
entered the stage, the crowd erupted with excitement.
Ms. Hill performed Bob Marley’s classics such as
Zimbabwe, Is this Love, and Could You Be Loved.
Ms. Hill also treated the audience to her classic song,
Doo Wop (That Thing). The Wailers ended the
evening perfectly by inviting each of the performers
on stage for a stirring rendition of One Love. I
asked the woman, who gave away her ticket to Bob
Marley’s final Apollo performance, how she felt about
the show that evening. She echoed my thoughts
exactly, “Tonight’s show was an epic tribute to
one of the greatest artists to ever live.” Yes, Bob
Marley was a great artist but his music also carried a
message that continues to touch people all over the
globe. Bob Marley once made the following statement,
“My life is only important if me can help plenty
of people. If my life is for me and my own
security then me not want it. My life is for
people, that’s what me is.” This night the people
celebrated the great Bob Marley. Something tells me
he jammed right along with us that night.
Third World set the stage for what would be an
unforgettable evening, performing some of their
biggest hits including Forbidden Love, 96 Degrees,
and Jah Jah Children. The band also paid a touching
tribute to Bunny Rugs, their deceased brother in
song. Maxi Priest joined Third World on stage to
perform Bob Marley & The Wailers classic songs,
Jammin and Turn Your Lights Down Low. The
crowd rose to their feet as soon as the band played
the first note of Jammin. Bob Marley’s son, Ky-Mani
Marley, an actor and Grammy nominated recording
artist, joined Third World in a classic performance
of Redemption Song. Third World closed out their
performance with their classic, Now That We Found
Love. The audience danced in the aisles to the classic
hit.
PAGE
68
Third World’s Cat Coore and Richard Daley
Third World’s
Tony ‘Ruption’
Williams
Ky-Mani Marley
One Love
Bob Marley Tribute
The Apollo Theater Saturday,
November 29, 2014
Lauryn Hill
Maxi Priest
The Wailers
Cat Coore and Maxi Priest
Island Stage
Artist
Spotlight
The Uprising Roots
© Alexx Frass
Ascending like the Sky fire (sun) in the East, The
Uprising Roots are born out of Rockfort, East
Kingston. Rising up with an assertive musical
defiance, they bring forth a positive, progressive
change amongst humanity. This band of musicians
are on a mission to use the power of their music to
manifest this positive change. Uprising Roots is no
ordinary band as they occupy the “Upper Room” of
reggae music and they are dubbed as The “Element
of Surprise”.
BV). A humble son from the garden parish of St. Ann
who grew up in the yam parish of Trelawny. With
music being a part of the spiritual and social fabric
of the Jamaican rural folks, he has continued in the
tradition of his uncles and grandfather who sang
and played music in their church band. Lloyd was
exposed to music and it’s theory while being a student
at the William Knibb Memorial High where he was
in the school choir. Akin started his musical journey
into the reggae arena as a “Dub-Poet”, gaining his
motivation and inspiration from some of Jamaica’s
greats; Virtuoso Jackie Mittoo, Robbie Lyn, Linton
“Kwesi” Johnson and Mutabaruka in nurturing, honing
and fusing his artistic talents. Akin was propelled
into exploring the tenets of the Keyboards after
experiencing unprofessionalism and short coming
in bringing his art form to reality and satisfaction.
“Akinsanya” being a ‘Dub-poet” brings another
ingredient into the musical mix of potent roots music.
“Kush” Rashawn McAnuff (Drums/Lead vocal), was
born into a musical family. His father is the legendary
Winston ‘Electric Dread’ McAnuff and his Uncle Dave
‘Makkaruffin’ McAnuff a professional drummer in his
right. Kush started rehearsing with his Father’s band
“Black Kush” and learning his skills by observing
some of the best in the business, such as Leroy
“Horsemouth” Wallace, Sly Dunbar and Carlton
Barrett. Kush has recorded and toured extensively
with the “Inna De Yard All-Stars” headed by musical
director Earl “Chinna” Smith. Kush as the lead singer
for the band is not your average drummer at all!
“Junior Congo” Joseph Sutherland (Percussionist)
a Kingstonian started out as a Nyabinghi drummer.
He and “Kush” met and it was decided to add some
extra spice to the blend by bringing him into the band.
The Uprising Roots has been experimenting “outside
of the drum” with various instruments, pot covers and
whatever percussive he can get his hands on.
“Pot a Rice” Ruel Ashburn (Bass/Engineer/BV)
started playing music at an early age at Mount Carmel
revival church in St Andrew. His life was transformed
at age twelve when he accompanied his Grandmother
to a convention and saw the church band spirited in
action. His first interest was the drums, later moving
on to learn the guitar, keyboard and eventually
settling down with the bass. Inspired by the technique
likewise simplicity of the legendary “Bagga Bass” on a
visit to Tuff Gong studio with Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith. “Pot
a Rice” is also the Engineer responsible for recording
and mixing the bands’ debut album “Skyfiya” and
has extended his mixing skills to other projects of his
peers in the industry. He is CEO of his company Rice
Field Productions.
“Kimmy Gold” Kimberlyn Goldson, born in the
garden parish St. Ann, attended the Run Away Bay
All Age School prior to attending Browns Town High
school. Kimmy, as she’s affectionately called has
been playing the keyboards since the tender age
of three and taught by her father, one of the core
founders of the “Vital Roots” band which is based in
Switzerland. Kimmy is a graduate of the College of
Agriculture Science and Education where she studied
in the faculty of education to become a primary school
teacher . Because of her experiences working in
the tourist industry, and as a musician along with
her interest and skill in speaking a foreign language
“Akinsanya”, Lloyd Palmer (Dub Poet/Keyboard /
PAGE
79
Spanish, Kimmy was asked by the principal of Ocho
Rios primary to teach Music and Spanish. Two very
exciting subjects in her native country Jamaica. Her
musical skills have seen her playing at weddings and
with bands along the north coast in the hotel cabaret
circuits. A musical daughter of Ethiopia that chants
like King David and await Shiloh.
Bunny Wailer, Beres Hammond, Shaggy, and Buju
Banton. He has performed live with Aretha Franklin,
Gladys Knight, The Four Tops, Lloyd Parks, We the
People, The Tony D’Acosta Affair, The Boris Gardener
Happening, Light of Saba and Mystic Revelation of
Rastafari. This vast array of experience not only made
Nambo a true expert in composing reggae music, but
also exposed him to genres such as jazz, classical and
rhythm and blues.
LEGEND IN THE ROOTS MIX
THE UPRISING ROOTS
The Uprising Roots is honored to have some living
legends of the Jamaican music industry as part of our
ensemble, imparting their knowledge and skills as we
move forward. These are respectively the pillars of
reggae music.
Conceptualized on 1st January 2006 the band core
members met by jamming as musicians playing
together “Inna de Yard”. “Kush” recalls seeing Earl
“Chinna” Smith, a friend of his father Winston
McAnuff, a fellow veteran Musician ,that introduced
him to Pot a Rice. Chinna said “si yuh drummer
deh” as “Rice” had been looking for a drummer to
work with. This gave birth to the initial seasoning of
Drum and Bass been infused together Uprising style.
Another veteran in the business who was influential on
the band is Sugar Minott, as It was at his studio that
a lot of the early practice and rehearsals took place.
It was here that they would meet to rehearse and
from here the start of their performing together on
shows with Sugar Minott. Uprising Roots has played
on various artistes albums locally and internationally
including; Gyptian, Lutan Fyah, Warrior King,
Midnites’(Kings Bell), Nyorah, Ras Zacharri, Dax Lion,
lenn Hammond’s Raw Soul. UR has release their debut
album “SKYFIYA” on their TRU MUSIK RECORDS label
which is distributed online by Zojak and is available
on all major online distribution world wide (Itunes,
Amazon). Uprising Roots, signed a distribution deal
with VP Records for their 2011 album Skyfya. “BLACK
TO ROOTS” is the 1st single from the bands up
coming album set to be released.
Winston ‘Bopee’ Bowen, guitarist extraordinaire,
international session guitarist who has played with
the likes of great Jamaican artist like Dennis Brown,
Luciano and Beres Hammond just to name a few. He
also produces records on his label Jobes Hill Records.
He has played in groups with the likes of Dean Fraser,
The Roots Radics, Lloyd Parkes, We the People band,
The 809 Band and The Aggrovators for number of
years. He was also a member of the Taxi Gang Band
Aggregation led by Grammy winners Sly & Robbie
and also went on the Taxi Connection European Tour
with international reggae artists such as Yellow Man,
Bunny Wailer and I Jah Man Levi. A veteran musician
with many skills as songwriter, percussionist, arranger,
vocal and producer. He has performed on many
number one hits like “Money In My Pocket” Dennis
Brown, “Ballistic Affair” Leroy Smart, “Yaho Yaho” The
Jays.
Ronald ‘Nambo’ Robinson- Is a veteran musician,
vocalist, percussionist and recording artist in Jamaica
and is recognized among my peers as one of Jamaica’s
foremost trombonists. Nambo has recorded with
various artists such as Bob Marley, Dennis Brown,
Jimmy Cliff, Lauryn Hill, Gregory Isaacs, Peter Tosh,
The Uprising Roots Band suffered a tragic and
dramatic loss in June 21st 2011 as their headquarters
PAGE
80
© Varun Baker
crumbled to ashes after a fire. Their camp was where
the band called home and worked many long hours on
their craft. Here is where they also recorded their first
full-length album Skyfiya. There are many memories
embedded in each square foot of the property. The
loss though, will not stop the group from putting out
good music as they have started recording their 2nd
album at Tuff Gong Recording studios. Although this
fire was a setback for them it will take some time
to rebuild and recover from this loss - but they will
recover, and continue to make good reggae, roots
music.
The Uprising Roots Band is gearing up to release their
second album “Black To I Roots” but first the band
of 11 years, has been putting in immense work in
preparation for the heavy Roots Reggae compilation
set for release in 2015.
photo © Monique Gilpin
PAGE
82
Omari Banks
© Josveek Huligar
On his fifth birthday Anguillan born Singer/ Songwriter
Omari Banks took the stage in Milan, Italy at Club
Zimba to sing alongside his father Bankie Banx and
has not left the stage since. By the age of ten he
had won multiple talent shows as a singer and was a
confident guitar player.
on and pursue his passion for music. With a lifetime
of experiences and life lessons, he immersed himself
in songwriting and perfecting his musicianship. He
dedicated himself to his music and created his debut
album, Move On.
The 10-track album recorded in Kingston, Jamaica
and Houston, Texas, is a mélange of Omari’s musical
influences and what he likes to call his “contribution
to a legacy his dad, Bankie Banx started in the early
70s.” He currently performs four to six times a week
around his native land with his band, Eleven, or in
simpler acoustic sets.
As a teenager his attention turned to the sport of
cricket, where he excelled first locally, then regionally
and then ultimately on the world stage. As a twenty
year old, Omari shined bright on the largest stage in
test cricket as he played a pivotal role in the greatest
second-inning comeback in test cricket history.
Throughout his successful twelve year professional
cricket career, Omari seemed to always excel on the
largest stages.
Omari’s instrument of choice is the guitar and unlike
his contemporaries, he plays, sings, and writes his
own songs. He also writes, arranges and produces
the music that is filled with rich horns, snare drums,
heavy bass and electric guitar chords and melodies
that bring Omari’s words to life, setting him apart
from most contemporary Reggae artists.
As quoted on Espncricinfo.com:
“In May 2003, Omari Banks made history as the
first player from Anguilla to play test cricket for
the West Indies. Facing the mighty Australians,
Banks had the sort of introduction that would
break lesser men – he picked up three wickets in
his first innings, but was spanked for 204 runs in
40 overs”.
Omari wrote both the lyrics and the music on the
title track, “Move On” which was produced by
Stanley Stevens. Renowned musicians Junior Jazz,
Glen Browne, Robbie Lyn and Sly Dunbar accompany
Omari on this autobiographical song about his
transition from cricket to music. Other notable
musicians and performer’s on Omari’s album include
Stephen “Cat’ Coore of Third World, Corey Stoot and
Bankie Banx.
With a high, elegant action and good control of
flight, Banks possessed sufficient guile to trouble the
best, but it was his resourceful lower-middle-order
batting that really caught the eye – the following
week in Antigua, he contributed an assured and vital
47 not out, as West Indies successfully chased 418
for victory, the highest fourth-innings target in Test
history.”
Omari is on a musical mission to spread messages
of love and consciousness with his assimilation of
traditional Jamaican Reggae music accentuated with
Rock and Blues backbeats, in an adult contemporary
fusion that he blends seamlessly with Lovers Rock
and R ‘n’ B.
Despite his success in sports, Omari never lost his
passion for music. He was well known for traveling
with his guitar and performing; even as he focused on
cricket. After twelve years of traveling the world as a
professional athlete, Omari made the decision to move
The video for his first official single, “Unafraid”
premiered at Moonsplash 2013 to great anticipation.
PAGE
84
“Unafraid” became the #1 music video in the
Caribbean for 2013. The song remained in TOP 10 of
TEMPO’s Cross Caribbean Countdown for seventeen
consecutive weeks and peaked at #1 on multiple
occasions.
Omari has signed a record deal with Red Bullet
Records in the Netherlands to release his single
“Unafraid” in The Netherlands, France, Belgium and
Luxemburg in April 2014.
The album release for Move On in June 2013, was a
major success and a must-attend event on Anguilla,
where an album release of this magnitude had never
been seen. Omari is a man with a message and the
desire to succeed; his brilliant cricket career is a
testament to Omari’s drive and determination, but his
musical journey has only just begun.
“I want to take my music to an international
market because I have an opinion based on
knowledge and information. I want to use the
gifts I’ve been blessed with to have a positive
influence on people. Being someone who has
already travelled the world with sports, I’m
able to have a broader perspective than a lot of
other people. I can communicate to all levels of
thinking from a child to an adult and my music
is ageless and really touches lives because the
stories are true and talk about what’s really
going on.”
OMARI BANKS: UNAFRAID (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
© Chenoa Maxwell
Nesbeth
© Tiffany Lue-Yen
Jamaican reggae artist Nesbeth connects to his
audiences through joyful, socially-conscious music
that tells authentic tales about his life’s most inspiring
moments and his communities; past, present and
future. His energetic live shows brighten stages
worldwide, and he turns each performance into an
intimate platform on which to share his viewpoints
and experiences and to spread his free-spirited
optimism.
he was introduced to renowned music producer Flava
McGregor, with whom he has recorded over 10 wellreceived songs offering hope to people vulnerable to
a culture of violence and uncertainty, such as “Board
House,” “Guns Out,” “Friends for Sale,” “Drive By” and
“A Nuh Suh Mi Waan Live.”
During the past two decades, Nesbeth has been
a force at international festivals such as Reggae
Sumfest, Bob Marley Birthday Bash, STING, Rebel
Salute, Irie Jamborie in New York City, Summerfest
in Washington, D.C., New Jersey Reggae Fest and has
played shows at venues in Ottawa, Canada, Antigua,
Saint Kitts, Anguilla, Grenada and cities throughout
the United Kingdom. In February 2010, he hosted “A
Nuh Suh Mi Waan Live,” a love and unity concert in
the Arnett Gardens community where he and other
native artists performed. The event brought together
thousands of residents that had been isolated in their
communities for years by violence.
Each of his songs illuminates the animated, emotional
layers of his resonant voice along with his ability to
create striking melodies and improvise on unusual
international rhythms. His solo work, various
collaborations with other talented artists and on-going
philanthropy illustrate his own perseverance, express
his passionate political ideologies and reflect the
colorful work and narratives of the artists and groups
that continue to move him, including Bob Marley,
Whitney Houston, Lauryn Hill, Damian “Jr. Gong”
Marley, K’naan and others.
Nesbeth still strives to be the voice of his nation
by creating music that tells a powerful story and
supports his philosophies and by lending his support
to a variety of charitable events. He won a 2013
Manchester Award along with an honorary award
at the 2013 Music Industry Achievers Awards and
completed a successful debut tour of the United
Kingdom in September.
Nesbeth grew up in the urban Arnett Gardens
neighborhood of West Kingston on the island of
Jamaica, referred to as “The Concrete Jungle”
because of high crime rates and widespread economic
hardship. Throughout his childhood, music was the
sun in his life, and his curiosity about using it to
communicate and to offer comfort to himself and
others grew as he began to experiment with recording
and discover his own voice.
His last single, “Ole Gangalee” has been a hit all
across Jamaican radio. Early 2014 Nesbeth signed
with London based Entertainment Soul Records and
set upon recording his first 5 track EP for them. This
collection of songs is proudly titled ‘Victory’ because
that’s the way Nesbeth is feeling right now. Of the EP
Nesbeth says ‘I see the songs as parts of my body,
each song plays a significant role. I want to anoint the
oppressor and the oppressed, word sound is power!”
Nesbeth recorded his first single, “Reflection of
Love” in 1993 with singer Camera and since then
has gathered an impressive list of accomplishments,
both on his own and alongside other talented artists
on stage and in the studio. His music has been
released by labels such as Jack Scorpio, No Doubt
Records, Down Sound Records and Shocking Vibes
Production, a company that produced Nesbeth’s
beloved single “So Let It Be” in 2002. In early 2007,
PAGE
87
© Tiffany Lue-Yen
Download VICTORY and WATCH ‘TASTE
VICTORY’ Video
Exile di Brave
Poised
Confident
Lyrical
Talented
© Oarabile Tome
©
This Jamaican reggae artiste born Clayton Johnson,
hails from the sunshine city of Portmore, and is on a
mission in music to entertain and uplift.
Organically bred and grown on reggae, dancehall and
hip hop music, Exile di Brave began his music career
creating hip hop music while going to college in 2003.
He soon found out that as he became seasoned in
honing his musical style and competence, he was being
usurped by the inevitable melodies of reggae.
With bubbling enthusiasm and interactive performance,
Exile Di Brave has captivated audiences on shows
such as ‘Westmoreland Curry Festival’, ‘Spectrum’
‘Conscious Reggae Party’ and Bob Marley Festival in
Negril.
Exile is also the director of a weekly event called ‘Vinyl
Thursdays’ which promotes live roots music, plays only
vinyl and streams online. This charismatic artiste is
serious about his music and has so far toured Guyana,
England and Europe. His energetic performance at
Reggae Jam in Germany; Rototom Festival in Spain
and Uprising Festival in Slovakia in 2014 only added
another accolade to his musical resume. Using social
commentary and personal related contents to bring
out his messages, he has recorded songs such as “The
Calling”, “Voice of the young”, “Coming home soon”,
Hungry” and “Rasta Party”. This multi-talented singer
currently operates EDB entertainment and has already
released his first album titled “The Calling” with a
second album on the way called “The Journey begins”
to be released early 2015.
Exile Di Brave has one thing in mind – To face the
music with confidence and courage. He believes with
the right attitude and message he will be able to
inspire the world one verse at a time.
© Oarabile Tome
Reggae has chosen him, he didn’t choose it, and with
that conviction he continues to master his mental,
intellectual and musical craft. Focused and fiery, he is
lyrically courageous as well as cultural. Undeterred by
anything, he is on the go and has multiplied his talent
into writing and directing his own videos.
Loving what he does best – Music, the world will see
more from this raw talent, a diamond in the dust, he’s
a force to reckon with. We present to the world in a
powerful package, EXILE DI BRAVE.
\\\\
Get the new Single on iTunes here: Click the image or
go to iTunes
Click to watch video
PAGE
92
“Music is ingrained
in me, my passion,
the deepest
expression of my
soul and I can no
longer restrain
it!”
--Chrycee
© Aldrin Henry
Unique! Passionate! Real! The Melodious, heartfelt sounds
of Chrycee Musique pulsates through every crevice of one’s
being, touching the heart and soul. Taking you to new heights,
soothing you into sheer bliss! That is the epitome of Chrycee
Musique!
Hailing from Simply Beautiful St. Lucia, Chrycee is a talented,
soulful singer/songwriter, recording artiste and performer, with
an undeniable passion for music. Growing up with a DJ father,
Chrycee was constantly exposed to music of all genres. From
as way back as a tot—makeshift mic in hand!—she’d imitate
the melodious voices of internationally acclaimed artists,
glimpsing to and developing her obvious talent.
Years later, Chrycee is realizing those dreams, bringing her
unique flavour to the music industry as she writes and sings
about life and love, capturing in her soulful and melodic
compositions everyday life experiences. Passionate and
motivated, Chrycee is a firm believer in the beauty of dreams
and that anything is achievable once you set your mind to it
and give your all.
Over the last five years, Chrycee has established herself in
the Music and Arts Industry. To date she has released eight
singles, which showcase not only her vocal range and soulful
voice but her unique songwriting, versatility and wit, with
releases ranging from R& B to Jazz, Caribbean Groove and
Lovers Rock Reggae.
After two sensational performances in Cayenne, French Guiana
in December 2013, Chrycee, alongside her band, Soleil band
received the prestigious honour; specifically selected from a
number of submissions to perform at the 2014 Tobago Jazz
Experience. Chrycee performed at the culminating Beach Jazz
Fiesta on Sunday April 27th, 2014, opening for Keyshia Cole
and Earth Wind and Fire.
Chrycee also had two breathtaking performances during the
2014 St Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival in May. One thing is now
evident: Chrycee is a rising entertainer to keep a keen eye on!
Official Website
© Carleen Jules
© Carleen Jules
Island Stage would like to thank
the following people. Without their
contributions, this issue would not have
been possible.
Empress K - Reggae Reflection
Maliika Walker
Lee Abel
Shelah Moody
Sista Irie
Lloyd Stanbury
Jacky French
Malaika Lepine
Entertainment Soul Records

`Di Captain` Jr. Gong - Island Stage Magazine

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