reggaexclusive`s - caribbeanmusic.ca
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reggaexclusive`s - caribbeanmusic.ca
CULTURAL NEWS, VIEWS, REVIEWS, INTERVIEWS VOL. 5 ISS. 3 SEPTEMBER 2007 FREE? WOW! More Info On Page 2 LYRIC MUSIC GROUP PRESENTS THANKSGIVING LONG WEEKEND OCTOBER 5, 07 KOOLHAUS (TORONTO) OCTOBER 6, 07 CLUB NEMESIS (BRANTFORD) MARLON ASHER “Ganja Farmer” REGGAE ICON SIZZLA KALONJI MUNGA HONORABLE “Bad From Mi Born” For An Onlne Version Of Our Magazine Check: WWW.REGGAEXCLUSIVE.COM Email: reggaexclusive@rogers.com Web: www.caribbeanmusic.ca/reggaex reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.reggaexclusive.com --- Phone: 416-287-1335 -- Email: reggaexclusive@rogers.com Pg - 2 ACTION PROMOTION 12 YEAR ANNIVERSARY & CAVEMAN 32 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Featuring TAURUS RILEY NATURAL BLACK SAT. DECEMBER 1ST, 2007 and more Inside: JAMAICA CANADIAN CENTRE (995 Arrow Rd, Etobicoke) Music By: CAVEMAN SOUND and more To become a Sponsor or Vendor for this event Contact Action @ (416) 841-8326 or email: mractionpro@yahoo.ca reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.reggaexclusive.com --- Phone: 416-287-1335 -- Email: reggaexclusive@rogers.com Pg - 3 What’s Inside ReggaeXclusive’s 19th Issue pg 4 pg 5 pg 6 pg 7 pg 8 pg 9 pg 10 pg 11 pg 12 pg 13 pg 14 pg 15 pg 16 pg 17 pg 18 pg 19 pg 20 pg 22 pg 23 pg 24 pg 25 pg 26 Artist Spotlight - Ra-Sa-Nai (Formerly known as Denny Denton JuLion’s Views - A Wake Up Call Attention One And All; Reggae Musician Critically Injured in Crash; Female Fronted Reggae-A Rare Prairie Sight; Korexion’s New Video Premier; Pop-Up: Ra-Sa-Nai. Multi-Award Winning Gospel Artiste Update; Upcoming Event - 12 Tribes of Israe; Don Carlos - The Godfather Sizzla - Up Close & Personal; Morgan Heritage Interview Slingy; Iyah Roots; Real Roots Reggae - A Canadian Story Prince Everald & Friends in Paradise; Gyptian Meets I-Wayne; Jamaica Day “The Rock Rocks” Prophecy - Capleton’s Official Band Reasons With ReggaeX Eric Morgan of Action Promotion; Artist Spotlight: Janaya Ellis Souljah Fyah; Calgary Reggaefest 007; TOK In Concert The Dynamic Duo “Sly & Robbie”; Pop-Up: Exco Levi; Michael Thompson Canada Day Reggae Style; Rastafest 2007 in Review; Give Thanks & Praise Concert Series; Lluidas Vale Fundraiser Fyah Mumma Queen Ifrica Reasons with ReggaeXclusive “Breakthrough” Shines for Nana at the 2007 Maja Gospel Awards; Tarus Riley Marlon Asher; Morgan Heritage Interview Continued Reggaeplanet.net; Ibo & Janaya Ellis; Morgan Heritage Interview Continued Galaxie Top 10; Subscription Form; Resi Top 10 & Int’l. Top 10; Reggae Radio Program Listings Ladies Night at Kabana; The Oprah of Dancehall - Natash Von Castle of L3 Magazine Munga Honorable; Natural Black; Natasha Von Castle Cont’d. Dada Kalonji Interview Continued; Roger Steffens (Final) Treson Chats with ReggaeXclusive; Prophecy Interview Continued; Jamaica Day Review Continued; Don Carlos Continued Publisher: reggaeXclusive Publications 416-287-1335 Contributing Writers: Sweet Marie Layout & Design: Paul Murton from dbsduplication.com All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior permission from the Publisher. (c) 2007 reggaeXclusive Photographers: Halina T. Di-Lallo Lisa Connors Sandi Destonis Publisher: ReggaeXclusive Publishing Cover Design: dbs Duplication Send Photo and ads to: murton@on.aibn.com ( 300 lines Tiff, EPS or Quark 4, no “gif” from the web ) Editor: Loraine Gomes Marketing & Sales: Fitz Knight Loraine Gomes On The Web: Email: reggaexclusive @rogers.com www.caribbeanmusic.ca /reggaex or: reggaexclusive.com Writers: Lisa Connors Halina T. Di-Lallo JuLion Sophia “Iyamtheiah” Daniel Michelle Ottley ReggaeXclusive is published every quarter. 2007 Issues: March, June, September & December REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S ARTIST WATCH early singing experience in the church. Growing up in his community, he joined the Boy Scout Cadets band where he got the opportunity to perform on many local charity events island wide. His musical influences and favorite artists are Dennis Brown, Bob Marley, Linval Thompson, Toots and the Maytals and many more. RA-SA-NAI (THE ARTIST FORMERLY KNOWN AS DENNY DENTON) Born Denton Cousins (aka Ra-Sa-Nai) in the parish of Portland in the beautiful island of Jamaica, W.I. Like many other artists he got his In the early ‘80’s, he came across a program called “record jury”. This gave him an in-depth overstanding of how songs should be written. This program explored musical arrangement, lyrics and melody techniques. After appearing on several local shows, he gained the confidence necessary to pursue a musical career. In 1979, he wrote his first song entitled “Nuclear Weapon” that was later released in 1984 on the June Rose Label. This song had a fair amount of air play in the Caribbean and elsewhere. 1986 marked his second release entitled “Freedom” on the Music Mountain Label. That same year, he also released “Girl now-a-days”, “Wicked Apartheid” and “Don Bonds” produced and released on the Dennis Star Label. Upon migration to Canada in 1993, he recorded “Lost my Love” on the Bull’s Eye Label produced by Mr. Bevin Jackson, who also coproduced songs for Kings of Kings CEO, Colin Levy’s (aka Iley Dread) first album. Not one to sit and wait, Ra-Sa-Nai continued laying tracks. In 1995, he recorded “Dollars Nah Value” on the Little Melody Label out of Miami. He continued on his musical journey with the 1997 recording of the thought provoking “Tell Me Why” produced by Colin Levy and published by the Kings of Kings Label. This song was one of his most popular songs to date. Armed with his arsenal of profound musical lyrics, he now performs on many stage shows all over North America and Jamaica with artists such as Luciano, Dennis Brown, Buju Banton, Beres Hammond, Capleton, Beenie Man, Sizzla, Anthony B, Errol Dunkley and many more. Words of Wisdom from RA-SA-NAI: Ra is Love, so let us continue to live in love and respect each other. Build the unity so that we can Highly gain the strength. Bless! reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.reggaexclusive.com --- Phone: 416-287-1335 -- Email: reggaexclusive@rogers.com Pg - 4 REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S VIEWS our industry has to offer. JULION’S VIEWS “A WAKE-UP CALL” hen I was a child growing up in Jamaica, whenever one of my elders wished to ask a question that needed some level of intellectual response from my little head, they would start the questioning with that dreaded “Stick a pin….”. Once you heard that, you had better get on the thinking cap and stay focused. So I took a page from the elders and stuck a pin with the letter I wrote, basically to the ‘industry’. I put industry in quotation as, in my humble estimation, there really isn’t one. Mind you, reggae is getting spun on turntables, CDs and singles and albums getting made in studios, live performances happening, burnt CDs getting sold and burnt some more, but we don’t generate enough for the music buyer to take us seriously. When we can sell music inside and outside of Canada I will certainly concede that there is such a thing as a reggae industry here. W *************** “Hail community radio DJs and artists... As you are all aware, I write for the ReggaeXclusive magazine, published every quarter. Each quarter, like clock work, ReggaeXclusive sends me my reminders to write something about the Canadian reggae scene. My focus in the past little while, has been the “Real Roots Reggae - A Canadian Story”, a project that I have GREAT pride in and do believe represents some of the best What I am about to write about is the fact that Leo Cripps, a radio show host in Calgary and Janaya Ellis of Souljah Fyah is about to outsell every radio personality in Toronto as well as artist in Toronto 100 to 1. They are enthusiastic about what they consider to be a great project and are selling them to their audiences. A part of my strategy was to involve as many people as possible so if 10 of the 20 took on these roles, we might sell a few units and make a mark and open doors for other artists and other projects. A part of my article will touch on the ineffectiveness of the Toronto radio personality as it pertains to selling an artists product. If the role of the DJ is to just play good reggae music, all of you have that covered, as I, like many other fans do enjoy much of the music that you spin. So keep playing what you like and enjoy hearing for yourself, but you are not aiding effectively in my project. I am letting you know in advance so that you can either: 1. ‘bun me out’ and say that I am crying sour grapes and the real problem is CRW’s inability to be creative or point to my poor marketing strategies. Or, 2. Cut up the compilation saying that you don’t like the attempt at a ‘lame’ radio show in-between songs. Or, 3. The music is soft and lame and if you had a choice, you wouldn’t pick any of those tunes or artists. Or, 4. Point out the vibe of it and say it is stuck in a time warp and no one listens to that style of reggae anymore. Or any other negative point that I have missed. I am giving you all something to say, so that you can send me your responses prior to me putting my ‘views’ in print. I believe that you are all ineffective as ‘music sellers’ for the Canadian artist and have been so for a LONG time and that this trend must change in order to grow this industry. Many artists question why we either listen to you all in the first place. Many veterans have told me personally that they would never give any of you their music as it is a waste of space and time. I will be saying much of this, so I give you a chance to rebut in print or on your shows in advance. Many of the current artists today feel the same way about all of you! There is no effective way to sell Canadian reggae if you folks are involved! Maybe, we are putting undue pressure on you, as the ‘system’ is set up against you. Mainstream radio with it’s ‘rotation’ system are able to grow and sell artists from even foreign lands. With only 2-3 hours per week, you are not able to use such a system. But do you play the artist music in the first place? Do you communicate amongst yourselves to bus’ artists or projects??? Well, I give you a chance to respond folks! What’s wrong with selfishly playing Canadian? This is where we live, pay taxes and grow our children! I will touch also on may of the artists on the project who have not lifted a finger to sell this current project. I won’t name names, but may have the means to come and grab a couple of copies from me and sell to their family, fan base or parties and have done nothing!!! They are waiting for me, or the radio DJ or some divine intervention to sell music. Well the Canadian ‘reggae industry’ will always flounder with my abrasive style or your ineffective ways, so lets continue to sink together.” What has come back to date is that it is not the job of a community radio personality to sell Canadian produced reggae music. Of that I and many were already aware! But I have been around and a part of the scene for a time now and am really tired of “second place”. That isn’t exactly the place we are really in; I’m alluding to a mind set when I say “second place”. This is a competitive world and a competitive business and having performed, played, spun, sung, created, pressed and burnt reggae music for close to 40 years now, it is unacceptable to me that we don’t have a stronger presence in our own country. There is an old saying that goes something like, “You can’t be a king abroad until you are a king at home.” And that adage is true! Many in the community spend time bitching at mainstream radio, especially Flow 93.5FM as if ONE station is supposed to save our plight. The problem isn’t Flow! It is my askewed perception that ‘someone’ else will come along and save us and sell the reggae music! There is no one! I realize now, that the problem isn’t the community radio DJ, but more accurately my misguided dependence on what seemed to be our only outlet for exposure and viable sales opportunities. The real problem is me and the many, many, many artists in this broad country not stepping up and creating a stronger force. Well the time for revolution is now and I am seeking forward thinking, business minded, level headed, creative thinkers to move this great reggae music to its rightful place. Selling our reggae music in OUR own country as well as exporting and selling on foreign lands… Come show me how, because I don’t know, but am willing to learn and to work to achieve it! I dun bun out some of the artist dem too and blaze a little fire on myself along the way, but don’t take it personally, mek we tek de bull by the horns. It’s only been 40 years…JuLion reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.reggaexclusive.com --- Phone: 416-287-1335 -- Email: reggaexclusive@rogers.com Pg - 5 REGGAEXCLUSIVE NEWS ATTENTION AND ALL! ONE n support of Ibo & KinDread, The Calgary Reggae Festival Society is selling the First Canadian Reggae Compilation CD - Real Roots Reggae, A Canadian Story which features Ibo & KinDread’s track “Sweet like a Sugah” I The CRFS is selling this double disk set for $25.00 Fifteen dollars from each sale will go directly to Ibo and the band. Please show your support and call 403-399-3705 to purchase a copy. For more information on the CD visit www.calgaryreggaefestival.co m. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ibo & KinDread at this time. REGGAE MUSICIAN IBO INJURED IN CRASH HEADING TO CALGARY FESTIVAL Published: Monday, August 20, 2007 by Jason van Rassel - Calgary Herald ne of the city’s bestknown reggae musicians was critically hurt and members of his backing band seriously injured in a highway crash near Brooks. Ibo and his band Kindread, were on their way from a show in Regina to Calgary, where they were scheduled to play at the Calgary International Reggae Festival on Saturday night. Their van, carrying six people, left the Trans-Canada Highway a few kilometers west of Brooks about 9:15 a.m. Culture Brown, a vocalist touring with Ibo and his band, said he was asleep in the second row of seats when the vehicle left the road. “I woke up to a rolling van and I told myself, ‘I don’t want to die,’ “ Brown recalled Sunday. The van landed on its wheels. Brown — who was wearing his seatbelt — was able to quickly jump out because the side door had come off. O Ibo, who was driving was also wearing a seatbelt, but was trapped inside the wreck and critically hurt. Ambulances took Ibo and three band mates to hospital in Brooks, while Brown and another musician escaped with minor cuts and bruises. STARS air ambulance later flew Ibo and his keyboard player, known by the stage name Lee, to Foothills Hospital in Calgary. The other two injured men are also recovering at Foothills after ambulances drove them into the city. Lee’s and Ibo’s condition has since been upgraded to stable, Ibo is now speaking a few words which is something he could not do before. Prior to becoming a solo artist, Ibo was a longtime member of the veteran Calgary reggae band Strugglah. He has toured North America and opened for reggae legends like the Wailers and Jimmy Cliff. News of the crash spread quickly Saturday and cast a pall over the normally joyful reggae festival atmosphere. “When we pulled up to the hospital, there was a large group of people who wanted to know the latest about (Ibo’s) condition,” Andrews said. Ibo’s ties to the reggae festival are long and strong. He is one of the event’s founding members. “We were setting up for the reggae festival and all you had was a bunch of crying people,” festival president Leo Cripps said. “It’s family, its friends.” Brown took the stage at the festival Saturday night to deliver the news to the audience, and the remaining musicians performed a tribute to Ibo. “We had a tribute for him and for all he’s done for reggae music in Calgary,” Cripps said. Ibo was born on the Caribbean island of Nevis, and his mother was trying to make arrangements to be at his bedside, officials said. Ibo and his tour companions were supposed to head to B.C. after their show on Saturday, but Brown said his only concern now is for the musicians he spent the summer touring the country with. “Every one of us are family. My family means more to me,” he said. The RCMP are probing the cause of the crash. FEMALE-FRONTED REGGAE A RARE PRAIRIE SIGHT: Edmonton’s Souljah Fyah Vows to Fill the Void with Tour ne of Edmonton’s most-loved urban music acts is set to embark on an extensive western Canadian tour. With their sophomore recording Truth Will Reveal setting fire to airwaves across the country, Souljah Fyah will soon be showcasing their scorching live act in a string of cities, with stops along the way to headline the 2nd annual Winnipeg Soca and Reggae Festival, and the Forward Festival in Sooke, B.C. O “We’ve built a strong following in Edmonton and in Calgary,” says lead singer Janaya Ellis, “and Edmonton is a great city for festivals in the summer, but it is definitely time to branch out.” Indeed, this past winter Souljah Fyah managed to draw crowds of 200+ to local establishment Blues on Whyte on a weekly basis and now they have the confidence to go after the national stage. While Edmonton may not a be a traditional bastion of reggae music, Janaya Ellis and her troupe of Souljahs have managed to impress a number of the genre’s top names. They opened for reggae legends Morgan Heritage and Mikey Dread twice, and have paved the way for Buju Banton in Calgary last July. “It’s great to rub shoulders with the ‘forefathers’” says Janaya, “and while we respect and learn much from them, we feel we bring a unique aspect, given the strong female presence in the band.” Souljah Fyah’s first single Abundance of Good will be one of two tracks featuring female vocalists that will appear on the first ever Canadian reggae compilation, produced by Canadian Reggae World. Souljah Fyah’s music ranges from songs of love and lament to passionately political diatribes but it’s their ability to fill the dance floor that is fast making them one of the most sought-after and talked-about Canadian acts of the year. For a complete listing of Souljah Fyah’s tour dates, visit www.souljahfyah.com. If you’d like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Janaya Ellis, please contact Love Empire Entertainment at 780/479-5265 or email: souljahfyah@gmail.com. Contact: Janaya Ellis: Tel. 780/479-5265 Email: souljahfyah@gmail.com KOREXION’S NEW VIDEO PREMIER It is here finally when GP Promotions and Island View presents Anonymous Saturdays starting September 15, 2006 inside Island View Niteclub at Markham and Lawrence in Scarborough. This is a Scarborough Club District event hosted by Korexion (2007 Juno Award Winner). Also, come and see Korexion's video premiering for the first time anywhere before. Music by King Turbo, Black Reaction, D'Enforcers, Infinity Sound Crew. Nuff prizes and surprises. POP UP “RA-SA-NAI” The singer formally known as Denny Denton is now known as “RA-SA-NAI”. Look forward for new releases soon. reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.reggaexclusive.com --- Phone: 416-287-1335 -- Email: reggaexclusive@rogers.com Pg - 6 REGGAEXCLUSIVE CULTURAL NEWS MULTI-AWARD WINNING INT’L. GOSPEL ARTISTE UPDATE ay Morris is currently working on a new single featuring Luciano, with her full CD to-follow. While in Jamaica in May 2007 Kay (Nana Sika) met several representatives of the United Nations (UN AIDS & UNDP) who applauded her for her work in Africa. The meeting aimed at discussing KMF role in assisting people living with HIV/AIDS in Jamaica her native country. K During the meeting with the UN, Kay stated that she would like to see fellow successful Jamaican artists join in the fight against HIV/AIDS and give back to Jamaica. She suggested that she could collaborate with a major Jamaican music entertainer to bring forth a powerful message that would unite Jamaicans and people around the world in the fight against HIV/AIDS. She contacted Luciano about collaborating on the project and he embraced the idea. Kay is the writer of the song “When You Cry”, which addresses the various issues associated with sickness, disease, poverty especially HIV/AIDS. The UN invited Kay to come back to Jamaica on UN Day October 24th, 2007 and participate in various projects that will benefit orphanages and HIV/AIDS agencies in the Island. On October 13th, 2007 Kay Morris (Queen Nana Sika) will be honored at the 2007 Planet Africa Awards Gala when she will receive the prestigious Nelson Mandela Humanitarian Award. The awards gala will be held at the Renaissance Hotel on Dixon Road. The public is invited. For more information please log on t o : www.PlanetAfrica.net;www.silv ertrust.net UPCOMING EVENT 12 TRIBES OF ISRAEL (CANADA) presents The 77th CORONATION CELEBRATION OF HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY EMPEROR HAILE SELASSIE & STAGE-SHOW ON NOVEMBER 2ND, 2007 JAMAICAN CANADIAN CENTRE (995 Arrow Road, T.O.) Infoline: 416-725-9891 STAY TUNED FOR MORE! REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S FOUNDATION ARTIST DON CARLOS - THE GODFATHER “Laser Beam” on Carlos (born Euvin Spencer) Legendary Reggae Artist was born and raised in one of the most deprived regions of Western Kingston, Jamaica, in a district notoriously known as D Waterhouse, which incidentally is also a musical spawning ground for many of ever Reggae's greatest talents, such as King Tubby, Black Uhuru, The Jays, Junior Reid, and King Jammy to name a few. Don Carlos started his singing career in 1965 in conjunction with other artists and quickly moved on to creating solo singles. In 1972, Don moved into a trio as one of the original contributors of Black Uhuru, alongside other founding members Garth Dennis (who later went on to joining the Wailing Souls) and Derrick Ducky Simpson. Two years after the trio's groundbreaking debut, the group split in different directions and Don continued to pursue a solo career. Within three years of developing his songwriting skills and grooming his distinctive vocal style, “Suffering” was released in May 1981. This strong release took the industry by storm, courtesy of a heavy roots and culture flavored showcase for the Negus Roots Label. This album was a massive hit in Africa, selling in unprecedented numbers. At this time, he worked alongside Gold, his co-writer and back up vocalist. Together, they brought such timeless through creations as “Harvest Time”, “Day to Day Living” and “Them Never Know A Natty Dred Have Credentials” between 1980 to 1984. Don continued on with including releases more “Laser Beam”, “Raving Tonight”, “Never Run Away”, “Just A passing Glance”, “Ghetto Living” and “Deeply Concerned”. During the eighties, Don was a popular artist in the Dancehall scene with numerous Top Ten hits between 1982-1985. Don is still churning out solid, melodic roots reggae. There's an old saying in the music industry that claims: What goes around, comes back around. In Don's case, a request from Duckie for Don to continue his former role as lead vocalist in a rejuvenated Black Uhuru reunion resulted in another strong Black Uhuru album - “Now”. 1989 marked (Continued on page 25) reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.reggaexclusive.com --- Phone: 416-287-1335 -- Email: reggaexclusive@rogers.com Pg - 7 REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S INTERVIEWS SIZZLA – UP CLOSE & PERSONAL By: Stephanie Aleung (Final from March 2007 issue) .A: Does the I them live as a commune? Sizzla: Yes. We are Rastafarians. We keep the Sabbath. We’re like special Imples that see to it that all the Rastafarians stick together. Whenever you have a banquet, celebration or coronation and Black History month is coming up. Judgment Yard has been known to go around and help and assist all the mansions. Whether financially or through S transportation or through food, based on the fact that the artists’ from Judgment Yard reaches out to the world so his duty is to make sure the culture is being maintained. Whereas with the nation is not seeing. Through the world we see what is going on, so it’s our duty to take care of the elders, the elder Rastafarians and things like that, know what I mean? So when we come in the world and we do tours and we get money, you don’t know what’s happening back there but we know. We know. So then we just go and make drums and we’ve got to keep the drums clean, know what I mean? You’ve got to always have drums and to make sure the priests’ have their royal garments. Their turbans and robes. You’ve got to make sure those things are there. S.A: Knowing and overstanding the way in which modern day slavery exists, InI have personally faced people who fight I positive works and Rasta livity. In your experiences and coming up as an African Rastaman in the music industry today, have you had to face any discrimination night, hooked up performed and left the same night. So we didn’t really get to experience Calgary. MORGAN HERITAGE Interview by Lisa Connors C: Greetings to you and welcome to Calgary on behalf of all your fans. Is this your first visit to Alberta? Peter Morgan: Actually we’ve been here before but not on our own tour. It was on a punk rock tour, the vans warped tour. We came through Calgary; I don’t even know where we were, just on a big field. We drove in during the L LC: Could you talk a little about your beginnings in music and when you first started to play music together? PM: At home still, you know music was a part of our upbringing. Our father Denroy Morgan, reggae singer from the mid 70’s, late 70’s throughout the 80’s and after his album with RCA Records “I’ll do anything for you” which was around 80, 81 he decided to put it to us because he saw the talent in us, we used to just learn a lot of top 40 songs, what was on the radio and develop ourselves. We did get some formal training me, Lukes, Gramps not much though just enough to know what was what in music. Other than that the development was done on our own just and how have you dealt with it? Sizzla: To be truthful, I haven’t faced any discrimination. Coming in as Rastafari, it’s like we get the icing on the cake you know? You know what I mean? I haven’t faced any discrimination. Ras Tafari is the king of Africa, what you should know. When I’m coming to this country I’ve got to abide by the principles so if Ras Tafari is our King, why shouldn’t we abide by his principles? If he’s Ras Tafari, we are Ras Tafari. So we’ve got to maintain the principles of The Most High. So that the world is used to hearing about Ras Tafari but the world needs to research to know who Ras Tafari is and why we are Rastafarians. I didn’t face any discrimination; I was more accepted and respected to be truthful. S.A: Very happy for the I. All of InI give thanks and look at the I with such gratitude and respect for paving the way for other Rastafari artists’ and for helping to diminish the stigma that is sometimes associated to Rastafarians by those who do not overstand InI teaching each other along the way. LC: What was it like for you as a Jamaican family living in a place like Springfield Massachusetts? PM: It really didn’t make much difference to us because as far as were concerned we didn’t know the difference between an American thing and the Jamaican thing because in our house the lifestyle in our family was as if we were living in Jamaica being born in America but our upbringing was straight Jamaican because our parents weren’t American. We used to get in trouble because we refused to speak American in the house. My dad used to tell us we were born in America so we should speak it! LC: How does it feel for you to work as a family unit? PM: Great man! As far as that is concerned we don’t livity. InI look to you like another Bob Marley. I also love the way you will ride a hip hop rhythm or any type of rhythm like you’re riding a proper reggae rhythm. Sizzla: Yes. Because this is it. Sometime you need to bring something new to them and show them they are Rastafarians. Not because of the music, it’s not just about singing. It’s to unite the youths and we got a responsibility. Don’t forget about slavery! Children over here in the real hip hop culture, they are my brothers and sisters but they have been brought here because of slavery. Their parents were taken from the Caribbean and scattered all over the world. They’ve become accustomed to the principles there. They’re growing that way and it’s the same thing in Jamaica. Real Rastafarians know where they’re coming from, before they had even start living in America, know hat I mean? So Sizzla going through the world now can’t stray from that point. It doesn’t matter what you do, no matter what those rappers say. They are your brothers and they are your sisters. (Cont’d on page 26) know nutten else. I wouldn’t rather it any other way. It works for me. I’m always with my family and I’m greatful for that. LC: When you got signed to MCA in 92, after Reggae Sunsplash was that when you realized your career was really going to take off? PM: Well it was like a dream for us because growing up we used to love listening to New Addition, Bobbie Brown and all those acts were signed to MCA Records, coming out of high school and going to Jamaica on a vacation and doing the Reggae Sunsplash concert, we didn’t go to Reggae Sunsplash looking for a recording deal. We didn’t even know there were scouts there, and then all of that came out of it! LC: I heard you didn’t have so much creative freedom with (Continued on page 19) reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.reggaexclusive.com --- Phone: 416-287-1335 -- Email: reggaexclusive@rogers.com Pg - 8 BLACK ARROW RECORDING ARTIST “SLINGY” “Untouchable” lingy aka Kemar Donaldson was born in the parish of Clarendon, Jamaica. Slingy started singing and Deejaying at the age of ten. His big break came at the age of fifteen when he performed at Teen Splash in 2002 and Island Explosion in 2003 in Jamaica. Slingy has opened up for such artists as Hi Octane and Emanuel Steele S just to name a few. Slingy's musical talent is a blend of singing, singjay and deejaying, which makes him very versatile and a hit with the ladies. He is now working on his debut album called "Untouchable" being produced by Courtney Buckley and Shawn James at Black Arrow Studio here in Toronto. This will be a blend of dancehall reggae, R&B, and Hip-Hop. Get news, entertainment and everything you care about at Live.com. Check it out! www.live.com/getstarted.aspx REAL ROOTS REGGAE - A CANADIAN STORY History!!! The First Ever Canadian Reggae Compilation!!! Available For Sale - Online @ www.canadianreggaeworld.com Also Available at: Trejah Isle - 1514 Eglinton Avenue West - 416-787-7615; Roach-A-Rama - 191A Baldwin Avenue (Kensington Market) - 416-203-6990 reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.reggaexclusive.com --- Phone: 416-287-1335 -- Email: reggaexclusive@rogers.com Pg - 9 REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S “LIVE SHOW” REVIEWS Williams made a choir from the audience with “A Lot Of People Nah Get Nuh Suppa Tonight”. By that point we should have realized how blessed we are to live among several Reggae veterans in Canada. Photo By: Sandi Destonis PRINCE EVERALD & FRIENDS IN PARADISE By: Sophia “Iyamtheiah” Daniel n Friday June 22, 2007 Prince Everald celebrated his birthday and the launch of his latest CD entitled “Prince Everald & Friends Vol 2”. The venue was Club Paradise and appropriately so. The audience witnessed an unforgettable show, one that included some of Toronto’s most talented upcoming artists and legends. In addition to that, they were backed by Reggae Music Achievement Awards “Top Band Of The Year” Mountain Edge Band. O The night opened with a tribute to Bob Marley by female vocalist Megan. Param forwarded chanting his new release “Jah Ever Living”. Recently awarded “Most Promising Artist of The Year” Exco Levi did no harm singing “What One Dance Can Do”and of course his “Oh Canada”. belted Clement Gordon “Darling Whoo”, “I Want a Love That Is Real” and “Better Days Are Coming”. Later we heard the voice of the Rasta woman. To be more precise “The Dancehall Empress” Donna Makeda entered chanting “Babylon Yu Throne Gone Down”. Her performance included “Hold On” and “Jah Ah De Rulah”. It is truly refreshing to hear uplifting tunes in Dancehall style. Soon “The Visionary” Michael Thompson graced us with “Amazing Grace”. “The Armageddon Man” Willi After much anticipation, Prince Everald entered singing the Lord’s prayer. His soothing voice caressed the rhythms singing songs including “There’s A Land Far Far Away”, “Wake Up Man Kind” and “Glorify The King”. This Some of the man SINGS! duets on the new CD were performed live including “Come Into My Life” with Donna Makeda. The vibes of love, peace, unity, and consciousness were sure evidence of what great music does. Although the upcoming artists and legends sang their heart felt songs, a lot of people got no knowledge that night. The show was poorly attended resulting once again in a cultural/conscious starvation in the reggae music fraternity. In any regards, the ones who attended either left with CDs or the intention to purchase at a later date. Gyptian GYPTIAN IWAYNE MEETS By Sophia “Iyamtheiah” Daniel unday July 15, 2007 perhaps marked one of the hottest nights inside the Jamaican Canadian Centre. Action Promotion did it again filling the venue almost to its capacity. Although I Wayne and Gyptian had already performed in Toronto it would be different. Almost every song performed by both artists were known and sung by the audience. Ja Pong opened the S show and perhaps nervously so. Those who had the pleasure to see him previously may agree that he’s been more effective. However, reggae concert attendees understand the pressure of being the first performer of a highly anticipated show. His lyrics were clear as he sung about love and his relationship with “weed”. Shadae appeared in a pair of daisy-dukes. Unexpectedly she alarmed the audience with an RnB vibe complimented by soft vocals. She had difficulty hearing herself at times due to reasons beyond her control. Feedback from the microphone could not be adjusted without adequate equipment but the sound issues appeared to cease the moment Fire Chess stepped on stage. “No Guns” created waves. He also spoke to the audience saying “It‚s not a hype thing”. His fans must be pleased with his decision to make Toronto his home. Fire Star perhaps made his first appearance in Toronto that night and judging from the fire in the upcoming star ∑he will return. Otis I was also present and his fans enjoyed the popular “Youths Dem Nah Hear”. Gyptian emerged singing “Serious Times”. The audience sang louder than he could. His fired-up audience later received some counseling when he spoke and sang of his disapproval of men “Troubling little school girls”. The shy artist Toronto saw a year ago no longer existed. The ladies loved him and he teased them with roaring sounds between songs. Gyptian’s multi-hit performance included “My Father Say”, “Beautiful Woman” and “Oh Mama”. I Wayne took the show to another level. He immediately began schooling ladies with “Dash Weh Nuh Belly Young Girls”. The “Fire Soldier” had the crowd at full attention during his acappella sessions. “Can’t Satisfy Her”, “Living In Love” and many others had the crowd singing and dancing. It is not surprising that I Wayne introduced New York’s popular Hip-Hop radio station (Hot 97) to roots reggae. Everyone wants to hear I Wayne and seeing him live is a plus. Besides the lack of a band and Fire Lion’s hostile performance (swearing on stage), the show was enjoyable. Action Promotion must be commended for a fun, peaceful, and entertaining night. JAMAICA DAY 2007 “THE ROCK” ROCKS By Sweet Marie Tanya Mullings ndependent Promotions Entertainment Inc., promoters of The Annual Jamaica Day Celebrations in Toronto, Canada has done it again with yet another successful staging of the 17th Jamaica Day Celebration. As Loague, Karen and Funky put it, ‘The Rock’, one love for ‘The Rock’, standing together as a community”. I The Jamaica Day vibes were peace, love and a lot of fun. Everyone were relaxing and enjoying the activities and diverse performances by world acclaimed artists from both Canada, Jamaica and abroad. When special guest Sanchez from Jamaica graced the stage belting out hit after hit the crowd went wild. All through his performance the audience cheered and raised flags for more and more of Sanchez, they couldn’t get enough of him. The goodlooking romanticist passionately pleased his audience, who did not want to see him leave the stage. Ernie Smith, a veteran to the reggae (Continued on page 25) reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.reggaexlusive.com --- Phone: 416-287-1335 -- Email: reggaexclusive@rogers.com Pg - 10 REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S INTERVIEW right? Prophecy’s Buba: Yes, we play for many other artists when Capleton isn’t touring. PROPHECY CAPLETON’S OFFICIAL BAND REASONS WITH REGGAEXCLUSIVE Story/Photo by Iyamtheiah apleton’s Prophecy Band blessed us with a solid reasoning about the music industry. Two of the four members were available. It was like being in Jamaica under a coconut tree by the river with ancient Rastaman. C R.X: Blessed love. Thanks for taking the time out for ReggaeXclusive. Welcome to Toronto again. Please introduce yourselves. Prophecy’s Iyakimo: Blessed. Give thanks. Prophecy is Capleton’s official band. My name is Iyakimo A.K.A Israel. Prophecy’s Buba: I am Buba the bass player. R.X: Give us the history of the band. How long has it been since the four-piece started playing out? Buba: Prophecy’s Prophecy started specifically for Capleton as a backing band and we’ve been coming to Toronto with him for more than 9 years now. Prior to that we had different members and were called The Roots Explosion. R.X: So you play exclusively for Capleton? Prophecy’s Buba: We play for other artists too like Cocoa T and Gregory Isaacs, most Jamaican artists really. R.X: Capleton doesn’t use another band though so when he’s touring Prophecy is committed to him. Is that R.X: Let’s talk about the music industry. How do you view the international reggae scene? Prophecy’s Buba: Ah just global love from the international scene. We’ve toured around the world and it’s just love everywhere. How do you feel R.X: about the influence of modern technology in the music industry? For example, nowadays artists sometimes work without live bands. There is a lot more computerized sound. How do you think that affects reggae music? Prophecy’s Iyakimo: The way I feel about the live thing, man use tracks and all those things but I think the people full-joy the live band more than the tracks because of the natural energy. You know together we stand and united we get a stronger force. The people love the live band. The people full-joy the live music more. Everywhere we go they welcome us. So it doesn’t really affect us. R.X: What about pirating the music? Many people own CD/DVD burners. Statistics show that reggae sales are impacted more than other genres. What are your views on this matter? Prophecy’s Iyakimo: Don’t feel dismayed about that. Life still remains life and the computer remains computer. This is life and whatever manifests in this life is life, you understand, whether it’s evil or righteousness. Computer can’t get out life. The devil comes trying to take out life. It’s not just about the music because the message have to come through the vessel that the Almighty bless him with. Things have to get back to the roots so the message comes into the music but it comes from an ancient time. Everything has to take back its course. So when you make a CD and a man burn it and sell it then get all the money and you don’t even make any, remember the message have to get through. Prophecy’s Buba: Yeah the message has to go cross. We can’t stop it. Prophecy’s Iyakimo: So I don’t feel any way about that. The message is life and when you understand life you don’t really worry about that still. R.X: In terms of content (lyrics) where do you see the music industry heading? Prophecy’s Iyakimo: You see this year 2007 is perfection. Whosoever is not dealing with righteousness this year whether artist or musician will get weed out. Like I come and talk to the brethren who put on this show and he showed me that the hip-hop artists are getting a beating now. That is because of how they are trying to broadcast an evil mentality, gun lyrics and degrading the female gender. That has to get weed out because whosoever not dealing with righteousness in these times I am sorry for them. Everything has to get back to reality; and when we speak we speak biblically also because the bible says that you must sing a new song and that mean songs of deliverance. What are songs of deliverance? Something to save the nations you understand me? Only a few people understand what it means and it’s a few who even read. Some don’t know; so whosoever don’t know will face their judgment too ‘cause I and I know that we have to sing songs of deliverance. Whosoever jumping up out there thinking this is a money thing should know it’s not about money. It’s a work and you are a messenger as Luciano would say. You are a messenger for The Most High Jah Rastafari. So your duty on this domain here is to make sure that Rasta children eat right and live right – loving their brothers and sisters. So when some men come and jump into the music business and talk lots of things, make lots of money and bank it all for himself - Judgment! But then, we can teach them too because we know they don’t know. Music is the biggest influence in the world now spoiling people on a wide scale especially we Israelites or we can say Jamaicans or Ethiopians in Jamaica. Plenty judgment is on our heads. The few warriors that know see it like I. I sing you know, and I write I tunes too. I’m stepping out this year with my lyrics so when you hear of Iyakimo you will remember it was I talking to you. If we sing to please ourselves Rasta say woe to the leaders who lead the children astray. Jah will judge you with fire. So many are just trying to get rich and mighty but within this domain that’s all they can do. We don’t work for the fame of men because men can’t please us. We do the works of the Almighty. As a Rasta sister you know the heavens so it’s just clean livity. RX: Thank you. Would you like to add anything to that Buba? Prophecy’s Iyakimo: Yes. The gangster thing isn’t working out. We have to keep the music positive. Many artists are singing about who should die, guns and teaching the youth gangster messages. That is all violence. Reggae music is about teaching and uplifting the people. Even in Jamaica the gangster life is coming across but I trod many places in the earth and know that the people really want to hear positive messages. Even you as a writer for the magazine should write reality in reference to The Most High. You have to let them know to put out clean lyrics. The entire music fraternity should have the right message carrying a right vibration and right spiritual energy to the nation in order for things to be in harmony with creation. (We’ll touch the clothing industry another time). Live to please Rastafari. It’s not about us ‘cause we didn’t make ourselves. The Almighty made us and placed us here for a reason: to do his works. (Continued on page 25) reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.reggaexclusive.com --- Phone: 416-287-1335 -- Email: reggaexclusive@rogers.com Pg - 11 REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S PROMOTER SPOTLIGHT He promoted his first dance at Duhaney Park in Jamaica where sounds like Love Vibration played. With Mr. Action’s background, and friends like Tumpa Lion, Simpleton, Pan Head, Ronnie Twate, Admiral Bailey, Singing Sweet, Roundhead, Power Man, Johnny P, Capleton, Baby Wayne and Penny Irie, no wonder being able to promote remains one of his greatest pleasure. His other interest used to include making tunes in Penthouse studio with Cleavy and Steely. ERIC MORGAN OF ACTION PROMOTION Promoter ction Promotion has being hailed as one of the most popular promoters in the dancehall industry with over 11 years of experience in the business. Mr. Action learned the music business at a very early age, when it all started back in 1986 while he was still living in Jamaica, under the promotional name and record label “Bammer”. A During the summer of “95, Action Promotion did a BBQ featuring sounds like Military & Glamatone at Fresh Way Drive. This was the first of many. In ‘98, a stage show called “Heads High” featuring Vegas and Sean Paul at Connections Nightclub, the first ever promoter to bring Sean Paul to Canada. In 2000 he brought Super Cat to the Base Nightclub. In 2001, a dance called “Link up in the West” featuring David Rodigan at the Base Nightclub. The same year he did a dance called “Stop the Violence” featuring Tony Matterhorn to open the dancing industry so that people could feel safe again in dancehall. In 2002, Mr. Action promoted his first “Lock De City” dance and Black-O-BBQ & Picnic which became a year to year event, with a past history of a variety of sounds taking part including: Stone Love, Tony Matterhorn, Bass Odyssey, Black Chiney and Cash Money. The same year that he started Lock De City, Mr. Action was also responsible for “Road to World Clash that occurred at the Base Nightclub where Rebel Tone was crowned the winner, the first sound from Canada to enter the world clash in New York City and bring home the championship. In 2003, Mr. Action promoted Bass Odyssey and Mighty Crown in a dance called “Two World Champion”. In 2004 Mr. Action brought Capleton, Mad Cobra, and Assassin together in a concert called “Heat” at the Five Star Banquet Hall. with Vibrant Promotion. Not to mention in 2005, his “Reign of Fire” tour with Capleton, along with Jah Thunda and Military Man, which occurred at the Kool Haus and Mr. Action’s 10th year anniversary featuring Beenie Man which occurred at the Kool Haus. In 2006 he had Baby Cham live in concert at Zone 1 Nightclub, also in the same year he had Morgan Heritage live in concert at the Kool Haus and the Toronto International Cultural Reggae Festival with George Nooks and Ja Melody. Finally in 2006, Mr. Action’s 11th and Caveman’s 31st Anniversary with Turbulence, Natural Blacks, Fantan Mojah and Ninja Ford at Zone 1 Nightclub. Then in July 2007 he had Gyptian meet I-Wayne inside the Jamaican Canadian Association. Mr. Action wants to thank all of his supporters who have supported his events for over the past 11 years. Stay tuned for Mr. Action’s 12th and Caveman’s 32nd Anniversary event coming in December 2007. Mr. Action has other interests like “Pink N Jeans”, REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S ARTIST SPOTLIGHT JANAYA ELLIS “Feel Like Smiling” anaya “Sista J” Ellis has long been involved in music. Trained classically on piano for 17 years, Janaya had a good foundation for branching out. Raised in a musical family, she also played flute, drums, and steel pan. At 8, she was an original member of Edmonton’s first steel orchestra, TRIN CAN. Janaya began studying keyboards in jazz-drenched Grant MacEwan J College. From there, her love of Jamaican and African beats, along with her West Indian roots, influenced her artistic direction. She has played with Caribbean bands like RISASA, TROPICANO’s, EXODUS, and HARMONICS band in Florida. She has toured the State of Florida with St Kitts’ LORD SAINT. She performed in 1999 at Moonsplash in Anguilla, BWI. Sista J composes, produces, plays bass guitar, keys, and is the lead singer in SOULJAH FYAH, an Edmontonbased reggae band. She is the leader, manager, and promoter for SOULJAH FYAH, and the band has had excellent success in becoming Edmonton’s leading reggae action. Playing everywhere from the Sidetrack Café to the amazing Winspear, the band has rootical energy with wide spread appeal. Sista J is also working on a solo project, produced by Ibo from Nevis (of Kindread band). In 2003 she returned from Nevis, St.Kitts, and St Martin promoting this project. The response to the first single “Feel Like Smiling” has been overwhelming. SOULJAH FYAH released the debut LP in 2004, and it is available at all local record stores in Edmonton, on line at Souljahfyah.com, and is available on order at HMV, Chapters, and Indigo. Purchase 1,000 Pressed Retail Ready CDs from DBSduplication.com and get a free “u-tube” video of your band Details at www.freevideo.dbsduplication.com 416-693-9413 reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.reggaexclusive --- Phone: 416-287-1335 -- Email: reggaexclusive@rogers.com Pg - 12 REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S BAND/GROUP SPOTLIGHT SOULJAH FYAH he top drawer of Alberta talent! . . . Lionel Rault, CKUA host of the Nine to Noon show “Souljah Fyah showed up in top form, inspirational leader Janaya Ellis setting the room on fire with her heartfelt T presence and constant call for positive action. Ellis’ tiny frame practically raised from the ground, glowing as her wild, dreadlocked mane spiraled around her head, following the beat. As the night went on and sweat poured from every pore, Souljah Fyah solidified their reputation as one of the most dedicated and beloved local acts around . . . the supreme leaders of Edmonton’s reggae scene.” See Magazine. January 12, 2006 Edmonton group Souljah Fyah is part of the changing of the reggae guard in a number of ways . . . Shereen Tuomi, 2005 Calgary Reggae Festival preview “If Janaya Ellis ever decided to enter Canadian Idol, she’d annihilate the competition . . . “ Sandra Sperounes – The Edmonton Journal – July 24, 2003 Souljah Fyah is a reggae band from Edmonton, Alberta, with members hailing from all around the globe. A bombastic live vibe and meaningful lyrical content make for a mystical musical trans-sperience. Front woman Sista J’s single entitled “Feel like Smiling” is featured on the soon to be released compilation CD by Smokey Room Productions. This CD will feature many other great Canadian Reggae artistes, both male and female. Souljah Fyah’s “Abundance of Good” appears on history’s first Canadian Reggae compilation, released in July 2007 by Canadian Reggae World. Souljah Fyah will be releasing “Truth Will Reveal” summer 2007produced by IBO. Contact: www.souljahfyah.com or call: 780-479-5265. REGGAEXCLUSIVE “LIVE SHOW” REVIEWS Causion CALGARY REGGAEFEST 007 Photo & Article by Lisa Connors hat should have been a joyous day for Reggae fans in Calgary, instead turned out to be a very sad one. The fourth annual Calgary International Reggae Festival was just about to get underway when received its organizers devastating news. Calgary’s own Ibo and KinDread were in a serious car crash while en route to Calgary to perform at Reggaefest 007. Long time brethrens and band mates Ibo and Yardie sustained critical injuries. Chris and Robbie, two of four musicians on tour with Ibo and KinDread W sustained serious injuries. The other two musicians, Culture Brown and Juan fortunately escaped the crash with only minor injuries. The cause of the accident is yet unknown. The news of the accident was announced at the Festival. Although the park was filled with families, friends, and great Reggae music, the mood was definitely a somber one. There was a deep sense of sadness as well as a deep sense of hope that our brothers would pull through. The Reggae community in Calgary came together much like a family, and held each other up with love and support to get through this very difficult day. Errol Blackwood Reggae music, being as spiritually uplifting as it is helped to elevate the minds and hearts of those at Reggaefest. All acts were in top form and did their best to keep spirits high. Abijah, Dub Station, Tanya Mullings and Richie Stephens gave some outstanding performances. The most memorable performances were those from Causion and Kirk Davis who both dedicated songs to our brothers. Causion sang a heartfelt song entitled “One Life to Live” which the audience loved. Kirk Davis sang “One more chance” beautifully, while Culture Brown jumped and waved his flag in celebration of life and of love for his brothers. At this time, two weeks after the accident, Chris, Robbie and Yardie’s conditions are all improving. Ibo is recovering slowly due to the severity of his injuries. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families. May Jah Bless them all. TOK IN CONCERT Photo and article by: Halina T. DiLallo - Photo Journalist, Calgary, Alberta, Canada fter a full day of Carifest events held at A Princes Island Park, the party goers continued well into the wee hours of the morning. Tunda Clap Promotions presented a full night of non stop entertainment at Lady Fatima Hall on Saturday June 16th. Calgary rappers, “Vex Cobo” and “King Khan” opened the show, followed by “Shayne Bailey” direct from Trinidad who was promoting her new single “Leggo Meh Man”; keep an eye out for this “hot” performer! During breaks, DJ’s “Black Emperor”, “Nu-Tek” and “Jamsta J” kept pumping out the vibes. When “Rupee” (direct from St. Thomas, Barbados) hit the stage the crowd went wild! What a stellar performance, singing hit after hit including “Tempted to Touch” and “Jump”. After a short break “TOK” stepped on stage when the mass just rushed to the front. This Dancehall Quartet of four young men exceeded my expectations. What an exceptional group. They performed one song after the other, including my favourites “Chi Chi Man” and “Footprints”. This was certainly an evening to remember. For more information on upcoming events, check out: www:tundaclap.com and Calgary Dancehall.com. reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www./reggaexclusive.com --- Phone: 416-287-1335 -- Email: reggaexclusive@rogers.com Pg - 13 416-656-7926 or 416-656-7756 & PA SYSTEM www.studioquality.net REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S “LIVE-SHOW” REVIEW THE DYNAMIC DUO "SLY & ROBBIE" Editorial and photo by Halina T. Di-Lallo Cherine Anderson n Sunday August 19th, Deep Entertainment Social Club showcased the legendary "Sly & Robbie" better known in the industry as the "Riddim Twins" at Quincy's on 7th in Calgary. O Back in the mid 70's, these two youths had already become established figures on the Jamaican scene, Sly as a drummer and Robbie on bass. They merged together and formed a rhythmic drum and bass partnership, and "Sly & Robbie" was born! Back in the day, the duo literally lived off only bread and water while on a world tour with Peter Tosh in order to save up enough money to start their label. After the tour, Taxi Productions was launched featuring the breakthrough of Black Uhuru. Nobody could accuse them of taking things easy as Drummer Lowell "Sly" Dunbar and bassist Robbie have been Shakespeare pioneers in reggae music for decades with legions of loyal fans worldwide and they are still going strong. Their riddims have been the driving force behind countless songs and it is estimated that together they've played on approximately 200,000 tracks, and that does not include remixes, versions, or dubs. Sunday's showcase in Calgary was one of their stops on their North American Tour featured the Taxi Gang, highlighting Jamaica's Rising Star "Cherine Anderson". The legendary riddim section took to the stage around 10:00 p.m. With every instrument playing their part, keyboards, saxophone, and trombone comprising the rest of the backing band, Sly and Robbie took the crowd from one mood to another with ease, with playful keyboards, or with killer bass riddims that echoed into your bones. They hit the crowd with classic riddim after riddim from their extensive repertoire. While Sly and Robbie took care of the drum and bass, guest singer Cherine Anderson stepped on stage to accompany the reggae legends. Cherine calls her music "Dancehall Soul: a mixture of reggae dancehall, soul, R&B and a little Lover‚s Rock". She says that "behind the beat is a message, it incorporates the grittiness of my past with the sweetness of things I've been exposed to". This highly educated, intelligent young lady possesses so many qualities; she has a superb voice, is an actress and a songwriter. Her stage performance was outstanding. Keep an eye out for this multi-talented lady. The show finished at 11:30 p.m. with patrons calling out for more for several minutes. Even though an encore was not to be, all the artists mingled with the audience signing autographs. Although the venue was not filled to capacity, the enthusiasm of the crowd was certainly high. Link with Sly & Robbie and Cherine Anderson on their sites on My Space Music for their upcoming events and news. POP UP EXCO LEVI will be going to Jamaica for CureFest 2007. He recently won an Award at the 2007 Reggae Achievement Awards and has been performing at numerous shows during the Summer. Look out for Exco Levi. reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.reggaexclusive.com --- Phone: 416-287-1335 -- Email: reggaexclusive@rogers.com Pg-14 be a part of the destiny... Excellent Album, Nice Mix of Roots, Rockers, Rub-a-Dub & Lover’s Rock Now Available on Itunes, Napster, Rhapsody, MSN, Music Match, Puretrackers and many other outlets near you. For more info/contact/inquiries: www.myspace.com/michaelthompsonvisionary or visionforlife2003@yahoo.ca 416-315-2952 reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.reggaexclusive.com --- Phone: 416-287-1335 -- Email: reggaexclusive@rogers.com Pg-15 REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S “LIVE SHOW” REVIEWS the lead vocal and plays rhythm guitar entertained the crowd when she played the Didgeridoo. The venue was held at the Tropicana Bar & Grill, Marda Loop, Calgary. Check out all artists on My Space Music for more information. Culture Brown CANADA DAY “REGGAE STYLE” Donna Makeda Photos and article by: Halina T. Di-Lallo - Photo Journalist (Calgary, AB, Canada) he “Sweet Like a Sugar Tour 07” which covers one end of Canada to the other, gave Calgary fans a Canada Day to remember reggae style. Smokey Room Productions presented IBO & KinDread featuring from Jamaica, cultural Deejay “Culture Brown” who is promoting his new single “Strong & Bless”. The multi talented “Five Star Affair” band who play a mixture of funk, ska and rock opened the show. Tristin Chanel who is T RASTAFEST 2007 IN REVIEW By Lisa Connors t was time to wave the ites, green and gold banner once again when Masani Productions presented Rastafest 2007. This longstanding festival started out as Cuture Jam back in 1985 and has since evolved into a I four-day celebration of Rasta culture. Events including workshops, seminars, plays, arts and crafts exhibits, family fun day, and the main event "Back By Popular Demand" gave the city of Toronto the very best of Rasta vibes! "Back By Popular Demand" held at the Jamaican Canadian Centre on July 19th, was an evening of positivity, true Rasta livity, including no sale of alcohol, and edutainment, music with a message! It all got underway with a Rasta fashion show featuring D. Grant Customized Knitwear, African Bloodline and Zin Zen Collection. All lines were impressive, and could hold their own on any International runway! The evening continued with a host of talented artistes including Steele who sang a soulstirring rendition of "Slave Driver" that would have made Bob himself proud! Culture Queen, Donna Makeda was first to get the crowd to its feet performing tunes like "Hold On" and "Come Into My GIVE THANKS AND PRAISE CONCERT SERIES yric Music Group presents Sizzla Kalonji, Munga Honorable and Marlon Asher on Friday October 5th, 2007 inside the Koolhaus, Toronto and on Saturday October 6th, 2007 inside Club Nemesis in Brantford, Ontario. L Canadian reggae fans are in for a special treat on Thanksgiving Weekend. Sizzla Kalonji (Reggae Icon), Munga Honorable (Bad Form Mi Born) and Marlon Asher (Ganja Farmer) in one concert. This could be the biggest reggae concert Canada has ever seen in recent history. It is rare for Canadian reggae fans to watch three reggae artists of this magnitude in one concert, on one stage. Munga Honorable blazed his way into super-stardom Life" (alongside Prince Everald) in high spirits. Iwayne caused a frenzy when he burst on stage for a surprise appearance! Queen Ifrica wowed the crowd as she commanded the stage with power and grace. Headliner Tony Rebel put on a scorcher of a performance, firing off hits like "Fresh Vegetable", "Know Jah" and many more. Rebel closed the show with Rasta anthem "Jah Is Standing By My Side". What an upfull night! "Family Fun Day" took place at York University on Saturday, July 21st. The afternoon featured several great performances by artistes such as Prince Everald, Cherry Natural, Trinity Drummers, Mutabaruka and many more. The event was well attended and much enjoyed. Rastafest 2007 wrapped up on Sunday, July 22nd with plays "Youth Revolution" and "Curse Of Ham". Big Thanks and raspect to Masani Montague and all who helped to make these blessed events possible. faster than any other reggae artist in the last ten years. With his crossover Reggae and Rap style, some are already calling him the next reggae superstar. Over the last ten years Sizzla Kalonji has given us hit after hit. A show of this magnitude can only bring out another legendary performance! With over 40 albums to his credit it’s no surprise why some call Sizzla Kalonji “DADA the King”. Not to be outdone is Trinidadian Superstar Marlon Asher with hits like Ganja Famer and his latest hit Shorty. He is a living legend in his own right. Perhaps this tour’s name should be changed from “The Give Thanks and Praise Tour” to “Tour of Legends”. I Have only one thing to say about this show and that is that YOU BETTER BUY YOUR TICKETS EARLY!!! reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.reggaexclusive.com --- Phone: 416-287-1335 -- Email: reggaexclusive@rogers.com Pg - 16 REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S INTERVIEW five hundred thousand people I personally think that you have a responsibility to at least bring a message. “FYAH MUMMA” QUEEN IFRICA AT RASTAFEST 2007 Article & Photo by Lisa Connors eggaeX: Greetings Queen Ifrica. Thank you for the beautiful show you just gave us at Rastafest 2007. The way you command the stage is just unbelievable, seeing you in person is like larger than life! Queen Ifrica: Give Thanks! R ReggaeX: How do you like Canada? Queen Ifrica: So far it’s like as Rasta I n’ I have to come together now wherever we are in the world. When we are doing Rasta functions like this we put all the efforts around making sure that people come here and the message goes out. I n’ I are already convinced. We done love it already so we just bring in the outsiders to come see the glory of Rastafari. Who love it ah go deh yah, which is I n’ I. ReggaeX: I understand you are more than a recording artiste; you are also very involved in community issues in Jamaica, speaking out against gun violence. Queen Ifrica: That is why I am so passionate about it because it is not just about going up on stage and making people ‘wine’ up themselves. But it’s about having the responsibly of making sure you leave a message. Singers and players of instruments have a serious role to play. When you go on a stage and you stand in front of one or ReggaeX: That is definitely what you are getting across. You are using your music for humanitarian works. Queen Ifrica: That is the word! That is exactly it. The community work that we do in Jamaica, the organization is called Committee for Community and it consists of myself, Tony Rebel, Luciano, an entertainment lawyer, a social worker, and a few others. We have a vital role together to go into the communities to take out the rivalling gang members from each side and sit them at a conference table. We sit in the middle as mediators and have them discuss what they are fighting about, and how we can come about getting some solutions. ReggaeX: The situation seems to be a volatile one. It’s a brave act for you to get in the middle of it. Queen Ifrica: It’s not as volatile as you may think. The problems that we have in Jamaica are concentrated in specific areas but for some reason you have people in the media who put it on the Internet as if the entire Island is at war. Trust me if you have never been there, it’s wonderful, Kingston is wonderful you can go anywhere, safely. ReggaeX: Yes I did go to Kingston, safely. Queen Ifrica: Safely, you know! There is a stigma. There will always be enemies that don’t want to see the country rise for some reason or another but we are there as a reminder that good is there. Good and evil is everywhere. ReggaeX: Are you seeing the results for your efforts that you are looking for? Queen Ifrica: Yes. What we find is that it’s a lack of love, that’s a reminder that something’s wrong. These youths are very young and when we embrace them and go to their hearts, we go to their conscience. We don’t make promises to them, we don’t promise to buy them anything or take them anywhere. We just let them know that police will not ask you any questions. They will just kill you. We as a committee, if the police should arrest somebody wrongfully what we do is provide a lawyer to defend them, to get bail. We make them promise that if we are to defend them they must stay in accordance with the law. We don’t defend the wrong in what they do. just entertainment. It’s far from just entertainment. It makes you stop and listen and say yes I’m going to go out there and do something. Queen Ifrica: Yeah man, that’s the mission. ReggaeX: If people want to help out with your organization, what can they do? Check your website? Queen Ifrica: Yes, sometimes people do free shows and then we split the money amongst the communities for things like going back to school, for people who want to do something positive. ReggaeX: You are a revolutionary and so is your music. Queen Ifrica: Yeah man, give thanks. I intend to stick to it. ReggaeX: Your message is making its way around the world now that you are touring, and travelling. You came on to the scene around ‘95 and you have just blossomed from there. Queen Ifrica: Yes, because we believe in growing. We don’t believe in mass production. We believe in organic growth, timely. Cause you can’t build a house by foundation alone. ReggaeX: I’m sure you are getting a good reception everywhere you go. Do you have any favourite destinations? Queen Ifrica: No. My favourite would be Africa and I haven’t reached there as yet. I’m on my way there. I look forward to experiencing that. ReggaeX: Fyah Muma is doing well there too, and also globally. Queen Ifrica: Yes and I really give thanks for that. The real message of that album was to put myself in it. To say yes we have problems but let us find solutions. ReggaeX: Your music is not ReggaeX: The mission is accomplished! Queen Ifrica: Yeah man, definitely. It’s a serious energy. We are very true to it. I don’t preach sexist war or division. I preach balance. Come together and meditate to find solutions to the problems. ReggaeX: How are you able to find a balance between being a mother, a musician and an activist? Queen Ifrica: A good family unit comes in right there. I have a very great family unit that creates that comfort, always checking in with me. As soon as I get to Jamaica everybody is with me. ReggaeX: Then you have your extended family, your musical family with people like Tony Rebel. Queen Ifrica: I give thanks. I can’t say enough about Tony Rebel. He is such a selfless individual. He has come into the business and he has been Rasta before he came in like myself, and he has done 100% cultural music. I give thanks to the Most High for his support and Flames Productions camp. It is not necessarily about making the money but spreading the message. We give thanks every time. Edutainment is what we say. We give thanks for people like John Legend who says “Imagine the world with love”. We strongly believe that good over evil will be the ultimate force, so we stay close to that. ReggaeX: Thank you Queen Ifrica. God Bless. Queen Ifrica: Give thanks, same to you. reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.reggaexclusive.com --- Phone: 416-287-1335 -- Email: reggaexclusive@rogers.com Pg - 17 REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT “BREAKTHROUGH” SHINES FOR NANA AT THE 2007 MAJA GOSPEL AWARDS Photo by Eddie Grant amaican-born, Toronto based songbird Nana McLean has been on the Reggae Music scene for more than two decades and has captured the hearts of many. This year, at the Annual Maja Gospel Awards, Nana walked away with three awards, she was nominated for six. The awards she won are “Female Artist of the Year”, “Reggae/Soca Performer of the Year” and “Album of the Year”. J Nana's career has been littered with numerous awards, nominations, presentations and recognition from such organizations as the Canadian Black Music Association and the Canadian JUNO Awards. Her album “Nana McLean - Collector’s Series, produced by Jamaican ‘ace’ Donovan Jermaine, won the 1997 JUNO for Best Reggae Recording. Nana's 90minute world premiere concert on Bravo television is a regular repeat programme. Since her entry to the reggae music industry many years ago, Nana has not slowed down. With numerous singles and albums, Nana continues to shine and inspire many with her music. Nana is a first class performer, a powerful, emotional balladeer, and a classic reggae singer with a bluesy R&B style. She is now a born-again Christian singing for the Lord and writing and recording Gospel songs. More blessings to you Queen Nana, much respect. airwaves both locally and internationally. Boasting 14 original tracks out of 15 "Parables" is a respectable achievement for this young artiste. The album is currently being distributed by VP records. TAURUS RILEY “Beware” ot even ten chariots with horses can stop this new Reggae voice on the scene. No, it's not a novelty act, but one that is destined for legendary status. A natural man of superb talent has risen like a Phoenix, some would say "its Jah will". The singer who gave us "Larger than Life" and "Barber Chair" on his first album "Challenges" on the Yaman Label is back at it, and even better than before. The introduction of his 15-track album 'Parables' produced under Dean Frazer's Canon Production was launched in the heat of his career. Fans were introduced to the musical shooter as they saw how well he used words emphatically. "Beware" is one track that is conscious and well received across the N The name Taurus Riley originated from him being ruled under the sign Taurus and the style he first came on the scene with, his friends said he fired musical shots with the fast pace that he would deejay, both were combined hence the name Taurus Riley. The new musical sensation got hands on experience from his dad Jimmy Riley who is a veteran in the music fraternity, he said that life was always in the studio and traveling with his dad and so he was exposed to the music and to other veterans which he looks up to such as Beres Hammond and instrumentalist Dean Frazer. Taurus expresses the love and respect he has been receiving from his fans, throughout all his recognition and achievements he maintains his goal in music, which is not to preach to people but to uplift youths and to increase peace and love in societies. reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.reggaexclusive.com --- Phone: 416-287-1335 -- Email: reggaexclusive@rogers.com Pg - 18 REGGAEXCLUSIVE SINGERS SPOTLIGHT some of his musical mentors. Marlon feels that reggae touches his soul and he wants to communicate that extension of spiritual soulfulness with the world. A gifted musician, Marlon teaches musical arrangement of the steel pan, the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago, to young enthusiasts with an average age range of 7-17 years old. MARLON ASHER “Ganja Farmer” arlon Asher, a native Trinidadian started singing at the age of seven in the choir of his grandparent’s church. The name “Asher” was derived from the 12 tribes of Israel and “Asher” is the tribe which represents December and the Spirit of Christ. His musical style is that of a conscious reggae artist and he cites Bob Marley, Dennis Brown and Barrington Levy as M Marlon Asher’s talent and ingenuity was revealed with the release of the song “Ganja Farmer” which became a huge hit via aggressive underground marketing. The song “Ganja Farmer” was derived from an older selection named “Ganja Man”, which was also written by Asher. Asher maintains that he is not a ganja farmer and that the song does not promote the cultivation or use of the illegal substance. However, he hopes to create awareness for the work that farmers do, and to be mindful that regardless of their crop, destroying any farm takes away someone’s livelihood. has been Marlon performing throughout Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean as well as the United States. He has taken the stage amongst renowned performers such as Damien “Jr. Gong” Marley, Beenie Man, Shaggy, Maxi Priest, Sizzla and even R&B sensation Boys II Men. Since his debut in the United States at Reggae Carifest in July 2005, Marlon has been performing extensively in the Tri-State area as well as in Miami, Toronto, Baltimore, Boston, Virginia and in 2006 he performed his music in Europe as well as Japan and Africa. Asher feels that he has been blessed and his future is one that will involve him singing. He said “God has his plans for me. I believe I am a messenger here to deliver a serious message. I am just waiting for Him [God] to reveal his message”. Asher has a message for the youth: “your talent should never go to waste, with God all things are possible. Pray hard and you will succeed”. Marlon’s preview album was produced by Carl “Beaver” Henderson in Trinidad. He is co-managed by brother and sister duo Geron “Big G” Woodruffe and Anje Woodruffe of Caribbean Underground Productions. With the success of the “Ganja Farmer”, Marlon has now released the love song “I Love You” on the same riddim and has been performing his new tracks “Love of Jah”, “Standing” and the title track of the album “Locked out”. The 45 is available at Music Ambassador & Beat Street records in Brooklyn, New York. For bookings/information: cup@marlonasher.com REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S INTERVIEW stage. We’re always writing new material. When we get older we can sit back and say which one is our favourite! Photo by Lisa Connors MORGAN HERITAGE (Cont’d form page 8) MCA and the first album. Of all the albums you’ve done for VP is there a particular favourite? PM: Not necessarily because we were always working on new albums when three in one came out we were already working on full circle so we never really get a chance to sit and listen to our album and really burn it out in our heads because once it’s finished recording we start rehearsing it for the stage and that’s where we know our music, on stage. The audience and the fans know our records better than we do! A lot of times the songs we remember are the ones we pick for the LC: What was it like to do the Vans Warped Tour in such a non-Reggae environment and would you do it again? PM: Yeah man! It was a different vibe. It was an eye opener. You see reggae music, rap music, you see punk music and you say what kinda ting dat! You don’t get a true understanding of what it’s about, but being out there for eight weeks with 52 punk bands and you’re the lone standing Reggae band you learn a lot. To see that 80% of them on that tour are vegetarians, they are very conscious and socially aware. Punk music is still like an underground music almost just like Reggae. LC: So there are some parallels there. PM: Yes a lot of parallels, a lot of things that you can compare the in two musics. It was almost like we met another side of our family. Especially because of how radical they are and the things that they rebel against. Maybe the music is a bit too hard and aggressive for you to understand what they are saying. All the bands couldn’t wait for us to come on stage to play some Reggae. We stood out so much the first year they called us back to do a second year! It was a great experience! LC: Your music is so heavily inspired by Ras Tafari and your lyrics are clearly teachings. Do you hope to inspire your listeners to learn more about the faith through your music? PM: Yes definitely! The faith is more than saying you are a Rasta. It is enlightenment in life. It is being aware of yourself, of what we were created for, being a lover of all people. It is a universal love in a divine manner. It’s not to just say you is just Rasta and all about Haile Selassie and smoke ganja, it’s more than that. It’s about how you live with people, how you entertain your friends; how you entertain people you don’t know. It goes much further than words from your mouth. What we hope our fans get out of our music and our lyrics is an inspiration on how to live a better life more than just an inspiration to say yes I am a Rasta. The music is not just to convert people to Rastafarianism but to show people that there is hope in the world. There is love in the world! Rasta is not to say it is the lone Religion, because who can tell the Father Creator how to reveal himself to different people? So we as Rasta respect all people of all faiths, all religions. We don’t condemn other faiths and say that one is right and that one is wrong. The goal is to try and live an upfull life. LC: Why did you write the song “Don’t Haffi Dread” and was it controversial? PM: Yes major controversy! The true thing about that is I didn’t have locks growing up (Cont’d on page 20) reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www./reggaexclusive.com --- Phone: 416-287-1335 -- Email: reggaexclusive@rogers.com Pg - 19 REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT REGGAEPLANET .NET he Reggae Version of myspace and youtube is finally here - reggaeplanet.net - October 4, 2007. Be a part of history as we unveil the new look. T ReggaePlanet.net is where you can rep your music, your colors and your culture. Set up a page and claim your space while meeting others who share the same passions as you. a fan, make reggaeplanet.net your home. Take advantage of you free web page with you own url before all the names are taken up - reggaeplanet.net/bobmarley Watch the latest music videos or watch other members videos. Share your favorite music with others or listen our 24 hour radio and much much more! If you love reggae music then reggaeplanet.net is for you. On October 4, 2007 a new era in reggae music will begin! Reggaeplanet.net If you are an artist or just MORGAN HERITAGE (Cont’d. from page 19 and from the day I born all I know is Rasta, me grow up inna Twelve Tribe, and amongst Binghi and the teachings in my household was Ras Tafari and I didn’t have locks until 1997-98 so all my years going through school I wore my hair braided, I didn’t cut my hair, my other brothers cut their hair but how you adorn yourself doesn’t tell us who you are. Some people want to be part of a fashion and adorn themselves that way. Haile Selassie the First was the first Rataman and he did’t tell anyone to be a part of the movement you have to wear locks. The whole lock wearing is from an ancient time. Locks in this day and mean time don’t really anything to anyone except the person who is wearing it. Rasta is more than just that. LC: How much of your lyrics are drawn from personal experience? For example what about that song “Gnats Groupie” talking about a groupie robbing you? PM: Well that in particular didn’t happen to us but it happened to another artist that was staying in the same hotel as us. It was a very popular RnB artiste. All of our lyrics are personal in the sense that it might not have happened to us, just personal in that it could happen to any man or any woman. We don’t like to write fantasy songs. LC: There seems to me to be a bit of a Peter Tosh vibe to some of your music. Some of the heavy guitar riffs and some of the vocals. Is this just a coincidence? PM: Well voices do sound similar. Gramps has a very close tone to Peter Tosh himself. The music itself is more than reggae because we incorporate our music with Rock and RnB music because of our style of singing. We never learned to sing by singing reggae music. Our whole development in singing was based on RnB and American Gospel music so all of that creates a different sound and a different style. We can relate our music to Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Jacob Miller and all the veterans. And at the same time to the RnB acts like Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson because these are the artistes we listened to growing up. LC: Do any of you have any solo projects in the works? PM: Yes, Mr. Mojo is working on a solo project. We're very excited about that. It’s very different. Everyone knows that Mr. Mojo Raps and he sings and there is more to him than what comes across in Morgan Heritage and in doing his solo project its not to sound like Morgan Heritage its for the fans and the lovers of MH and new fans who will be attracted to his music to realize that there will be a Ras Ibo & Janaya Ellis hanging out. Ras Ibo was recently involved in a very serious accident in Calgary, AB. The staff of ReggaeXclusive wishes you Jah-speed, get well soon my brother. deeper dimension to everyone in this group. When we’re working as a collective body everyone has to be on the same page and share the same view to deliver a oneness in the message. So this project is very interesting. LC: Where do you all currently reside? P.M: Between Jamaica and the U.S. We were in Brooklyn but we moved to South Georgia and Florida so are always in between there and Jamaica. LC: What are some of your most memorable or favourite destinations on tour? PM: One of the first most memorable places was when we did our first tour in 1994, a U.S tour in Red Rock Colorado which is an amphitheatre, and the altitude is so high we could barely breathe! The amphitheatre holds 20,000 people and it is carved out of the rock! The seats go up so when you’re performing the audience goes straight up which is very memorable. Then our first trip to Africa, the Ivory Coast, very memorable situation. Then our first trip to Japan when we went with the Reggae Japan Splash tour in 2000 with Thriller U and Maxi Priest. The first time we crossed the border into Canada was very memorable to us. We thought we were flying, but we ended up driving and it was a very long drive. LC: Who are some of your favourite artistes right now? P.M: Luciano, Sizzla, Buju Banton, Capleton. LC: What do you do in your spare time when you’re not on tour? PM: We just chill at home. We get in trouble by the family because when we get home they want to go out but we just want to chill at home because we’re tired! LC: Do you want to break into the mainstream with your music? P.M: Not for the reasons that we thought we wanted to, but for different reasons. To bring this music across to the people and to realize that Reggae is still alive and that dancehall and Reggae are two different things. LC: What can we expect on the new album? P.M: A little harder than the last one, very different because we’ve decided to go after a different audience, a little younger. We will still have the traditional side of Morgan Heritage on it but full circle on a different level. LC: What does the future hold for Morgan Heritage? P.M: Just more music, more touring and a lot of new material! LC: Thank you for your time. I appreciate it! P.M: You’re welcome! reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.reggaexclusive.com --- Phone: 416-287-1335 -- Email: reggaexclusive@rogers.com Pg - 20 reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.reggaexclusive.com --- Phone: 416-287-1335 -- Email: reggaexclusive@rogers.com Pg - 21 REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S TOP TENS GALAXIE REGGAE TOP 10 CANADIAN SPINS TRACK #1: JAH JAH LOVE ARTIST: Jahranimo ALBUM: Real Life LABEL: Utopia Records TRACK #2: STRUMMING MY GUITAR ARTIST: Silvanus ALBUM: Talk To Jah LABEL: Silverglobe Records TRACK #6: ABUNDANCE OF GOOD ARTIST: Souljah Fyah ALBUM: Real Roots Reggae - A C’dian. Story LABEL: canadianreggaeworld.com TRACK #7: X-RATED ARTIST: Korexion ALBUM: X-Rated EP LABEL: Kornerstone TRACK #3: RIGHT TRACK ARTIST: Jah Cutta & Determination ALBUM: Wha’ Gwan LABEL: Stomp Records/Warner Music Canada TRACK #8: BURNING THE COALS ARTIST: Ron Wiseman ALBUM: Mystical Moods LABEL: Marshmellow Records TRACK #4: NO GUNS ARTIST: Fire Chess ALBUM: Single LABEL: Independent TRACK #9: WITH ME ARTIST: Tonya P ALBUM: Single LABEL: Independent TRACK #5: NO MORE WAR ARTIST: Tasha T ALBUM: Single LABEL: Ras Vibes Records TRACK #10: OH CANADA ARTIST: Exco Levi ALBUM: Single LABEL: Rulaz Production Channel 915 on Bell ExpressVu - www.galaxie.ca Channel 540 on Videotron; Channel 632 on MTS; Channel 431 on SaskTel Top 10 Canadian Spins for July - September 2007 Compiled by Stephen Neale/Galaxie Reggae / SUBSCRIPTION FORM SUBSCRIPTION FORM NAME:_____________________________________________ ADDRESS: _________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ PHONE #: _________________________________________ Please indicate which issues you need in this section by marking an X next to it. MAY 2003 DEC 2003 SEPT 2004 JUNE 2005 MAR 2006 DEC 2006 JULY 2003 MAR 2004 DEC 2004 SEPT 2005 JUNE 2006 MAR 2007 SEPT 2003 JUNE 2004 MAR 2005 DEC 2005 SEPT 2006 JUNE 2007 1year (4 issues) - $20. / 2 years (8 issues) - $35. 3 years (12 issues) - $50 / 5 years (20 issues) - $90 (Only Certified Cheque or Money Order accepted. Make cheque payable to: ReggaeXclusive, 402-207 Galloway Road, Scarborough, ON, Canada M1E 4X3) REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S “RESI” TOP 10 / REGGAE RADIO PROGRAMS LISTINGS Urban Space - Tony Barnes & Sweet T CKLN 88.1 FM Movements - Mercedes CKLN 88.1 FM ReggaeMania - Ron Nelson CKLN 88.1 FM 1. OH CANADA EXCO LEVI Rebel Music - DJ Chocolate CKLN 88.1 FM 2. NO GUNS FIRE CHESS Musical Triangle - Milton Blake CKLN 88.1 FM 3. LION HAS PREVAILED (REMIX) HUMBLE 4. NEW WORLD ORDER STEEL & QUEEN IFRICA Delroy G Showcase -Delroy G CHRY 105.5 FM 5. GOD BLESS THE CHILDREN KENNY B Mix Supreme - Delroy Sterling CHRY 105.5 FM 6. I WANT YOU TONYA P Zion Train - Natty B & Bigga CHRY 105.5 FM 7. I DON’T MIND TANYA MULLINGS 8. ONE GOD MUZIK SOULJAH Radio Dubplate - Richard Banton, Janet CHRY105.5 FM 9. TIME & TIME AGAIN LINDO P CHRY 105.5 FM Positive Vibrations - King David TASHA T 10. LION OF JUDAH CHRY 105.5 FM Cool Runnings - Sir B CHRY 105.5 FM (AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2007 - COMPLIED BY NATTY B AND BIGGA - Caribbean Crucible - Luther Brown ZION TRAIN - CHRY 105.5 FM - EVERY WEDNESDAY 1 - 4 PM ) Rebel Vibes - Carrie Mullings CHRY 105.5 FM CIUT 89.5 FM Reggae Rhythms - Patrick Roots Morning Ride - King Turbo CIUT 89.5 FM Norman Otis Richmond CIUT 89.5 FM SONG ARTIST High Praise CHRY 105.5 FM Caribbean Radio Show - Durmot Williams CIRV 88.9 FM 1. SHE IS ROYAL TARRUS RILEY Reggae Plus Radio - Lee Marshall www.reggaeplus.net 2. AFRICAN QUEEN 2 FACE IDIBIA TARRUS RILEY 3. BEWARE Galaxy Reggae - Stephen Neale Ch 932/ Bell Express Vu 4. BEAUTIFUL SEAN KINGSTON Caribbean Express - Wayne Vernon CFRO 102.7 FM 5. MOVING ON COLLIE BUDZ Crooked Beat Nicky Dread (Guelph) CFRU 93.3 FM TARRUS RILEY 6. STAY WITH YOU C 101.5 FM Hyah Fyah Show - DJ Justice (Hamilton) 7. CONSCIENCE BABY CHAM 8. WRONG ADDRESS ETANA Reggae Pulse - Delroy Sterling CHIN FM107/AM1540 BEENIE MAN 9. BACK IT UP Internet Radio Candi McNeil www.indietalent.ca 10. WINE PON IT MUNGA Ramjam Radio - MsFlexin www.ramjamradio.com AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2007 - COMPLILED BY EMPRESS KIM & THE Wikked Ackk Movements www.fusionradio.ca TREAJAH ISLE RECORD CREW - EGLINTON AVE. WEST ) Vintage Love - Leslie Andrews CKCU 93.1 FM SONG ARTIST REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S “INT’L.” TOP 10 reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.reggaexclusive.com --- Phone: 416-287-1335 -- Email: reggaexclusive@rogers.com Pg - 22 REGGAEXCLUSIVE DANCEHALL VIBES of music. She has on many occasions made it known to the male selectas that she is one to be reckoned with! LADIES NIGHT AT THE KABANA” Article and photos Halina T. Di-Lallo n Saturday, April 14th, Kabana Bar & Grill celebrated its 1st Year Anniversary with a live stage show introducing an all “Ladies” cast. D.J. for the evening was “Lady Redz” (half of RnR Sound). From the top to the very last drop Canada’s top Selectress mesmerized the audience with her expertise in dropping the needle. She always grants the Reggae massive what they really wish for, as her motto goes – “I always play for the people and not for myself”. From Foundation, Dancehall, Soca to Pop, “Lady Redz” shows her diverse knowledge O The show commenced around 11 p.m. with the Backup Band for the evening “Infiniti”. “Trevor Rankin” (the other half of RnR Sound) introduced the first act, Calgary’s own Canadian Reggae Music Award winner “Bianca”. Entering the venue she began singing a version of “Heaven” a capella which she released last Spring. Once on stage, the familiar reggae beat commenced and “Bianca” accompanied by her back up singer Angie McGillivray, took command with her powerful voice. Next, she broke out with her newest single; a rendition of Bob Marley’s “Who The Cap Fit”. Bianca lacks no confidence when performing to a live audience and her passion was electrifying as she sang her slow version of “Waiting In Vain”. To everyone’s surprise, she finished her set by bursting into an old ska riddim by Phyllis Dillon, “Don’t Stay Away”. Interacting with her fans she had everyone up on the dance floor as she sang an extended mix of the tune. Fans kept crying out for her to “Pull Up! Pull Up!” which in Jamaica this means that the music sounds so nice, that you must play it twice. Bianca obliged gracefully. She continued singing as she left the stage and thanked her faithful fans for their continued support. After a short intermission with a complimentary buffet for all patrons in the Dining Area, the next act appeared on stage. Originally from Kingston, Jamaica and now residing in Florida, “Judy Bell” performed a set of three songs. Although she was having mic problems, she scuffled through and thanked her audience for their support. The final act was also an artist originally from Jamaica and now living in Florida, “Paulette Pearce”. She gave a long performance of approximately 11 songs, including some from her upcoming album. Unfortunately, the vibes were lacking and the majority of the audience unappreciative of this talented artist. The backing band “Infiniti” finished off the evening by playing a couple of instrumentals. Bianca was elected to take on the lead role in singing the final song of the evening. Gathering on stage, all of the lady artists, including Lady Redz, accompanied her as they sang one final song “One Love”, a tribute to Bob Marley. Final Thought: In a male dominated field, “female artists” are always struggling to continue the legacy of reggae music and keep it alive. Although the feature artist Paulette Pearce delivered a good performance, the most impact efforts of the night came from Calgary’s own “Bianca” and DJ “Lady Redz” who both capitaved their audience with their magnetic stage presence. REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S INTERVIEW/BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT THE OPRAH OF DANCEHALL: NATASHA VON CASTLE By Sophia “Iyamtheiah” Daniel. L3magazine.com is a place for and about sound systems, disk jockeys, producers, and all others contributing to reggae music. Editor-in-Chief Natasha Van Castle spoke with ReggaeXclusive about L3 magazine’s success. R.X: Greetings. Thank you for taking the time to speak with ReggaeXclusive. We appreciate that. Natasha: Thank you. It’s a pleasure. n just over one year a Toronto born reggae magazine has gained international recognition online. The website I R.X: Tell us about L3 Magazine. Natasha: L3 Magazine started online in January 2006. The L stands for Life, Love, and Lyrics. Special prints are also available. We interview sound systems, artists, really everyone who is associated with reggae music in some shape or form. We even interview other magazines. Without each other we can’t be successful. R.X: Can you share with us the traffic to your site and location of your readers? Natasha: Yes. We get over 2,000 hits per week, approximately 8,000 each month. People all over the world read our magazine. Our readers are in Germany (thanks to Sentinel Sound System), England, Jamaica. R.X: Why do you think that your site has become so popular in such a short time span? Natasha: It is because of our relationships with the sound systems. We don’t believe that only the artists are stars. People behind the scenes are just as important. R.X: Tell us about your interaction with sound systems. Natasha: I come from a sound background so I’ve met a lot of people over the years. In fact I managed some sound systems and artists. These include Desert Storms, King Turbo, and King Aggression. The sound circle is small and my passion and love for sound systems was always there. I would go to Muscle’s so I could relate to their work. That would always get them excited as well as me. R.X: Which artists have you managed? Natasha: I’ve managed a few people such as radio personality Carrie Mullings and poet J. Nicole Noel for example. R.X: How does a young person become a manager in the entertainment industry? Natasha: Paralegal in entertainment law was a result of my education. I attended Ryerson University for Paralegal. My first project came to me from a company called Narcotic Entertainment. I was approached by them regarding signing some artists to publishing deals. They had confidence in my abilities and offered me a position in the publishing division. That was in 1998. (See L3 Magazine pg 24) reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.reggaexclusive.com --- Phone: 416-287-1335 -- Email: reggaexclusive@rogers.com Pg - 23 REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S DEEJAYS/SINGJAYS SPOTLIGHT the business with his hit song “No Bad Like I”. Lyrically “Nuh Bad Like I” launched an attack on other upcoming deejays who proved unable to match Munga’s style. Following on the success of the monster hit, Munga performed on stages all over the island, US East Coast and the Caribbean. MUNGA HONORABLE “Bad From Mi Born”’ loquent, street smart and infectious dancehall deejay Munga Honorable introduced himself to the dancehall with an explosion of hardcore rhymes. Born Damian Rhoden from Islington St Mary, Munga joined the music scene at the tender age of 18 when he entered the Red Label Wine Superstar Competition with the original song “Who Drink Out the Red Label Wine”? E Munga developed his versatile style as a prodigy of the fireman‚ Capleton before grabbing the attention of the nation as a solo act. With an edgy rap style combined with a conscious mind and a “gangsta Ras” image, Munga broke into L3 MAGAZINE (Continued from page 23) R.X: Can you explain how your management career paved the way to L3 Magazine? Natasha: I can’t pinpoint exactly how. It is like a car driving from Toronto to Pickering but there are stops in between. I was raised in reggae music. My parents are from Trinidad but reggae music just comes to me. From the time I first heard Bob Marley I remember thinking at age six “That is the greatest music on earth”. In 2003 Ses from King Turbo offered me employment as manager and when you work for a great sound system like King Turbo you are exposed to many. Because of the excitement in Coming under the tutelage of David House and Don Corleon proved a turning point for Munga. Under the guidance of these co-managers, Munga has unleashed an extensive collection of singles on reggae’s hottest riddim tracks. Since releasing his hit single “Bad From Wi Born” in 2006, Munga has become one of the hottest commodities on stage shows. His Flippin Rhymes‚ I Came To Take My Place‚ Not At All‚ and Earthquake‚ are all on heavy rotations at parties and all the radio stations. His highpitched Sizzla like singing style has producers clamoring to voice the artiste who hopes to one day be as prolific as a Capleton, Sizzla or Bob Marley. In the midst of making his first album, Munga knows that he too will soon take his place as a dancehall great. “I want to be somewhere at the top of the market, where mi can buss some yute too, he says. the reggae industry, everyone wants to carry the news. I’m a journalist and I like to call myself the Oprah of Dancehall. Chris will video tape interviews and that is my way to be journalist and interview the people. R.X: Was it that easy? Natasha: No. It hasn’t been easy. It is a lot of hard work. There were a lot of disappointments along the way but there were also bonuses that made me hold on and kept going forward. R.X: Who inspired you? Natasha: My mom. She could be the worst person at doing a particular task but you can’t tell her no. What I take from that is her determination. I am also inspired by a few women in the public eye. They NATURAL BLACK “Far From Reality” atural Black represents an exciting approach to Reggae music. This resilient brother has over the years demonstrated his ability to get the attention of a wide crosssection of music lovers to listen to his music. He has instilled a new awareness among his peers, with songs such as 'Bad Mind', 'Songs of Feeling', 'Never Leave You Lonely' and more recently, 'Nice It Nice', 'Far From Reality', and 'Never Hurt You' from his album, 'Far From Reality'. N Mortimer 'Natural Black' Softley was born in Georgetown, Guyana. He came to Jamaica in 1995. Coming to Jamaica was natural, as he epitomizes the inherent culture of Reggae. Asked what attracted him to are: Donna Makeda: Multiaward winning reggae singer and founder of ReggaeXclusive magazine, Tasha Roses: Owner of Guns and Roses Sound System, Carrie Mullings: Radio personality, Sharon Burke: Organizer for Sting in Jamaica and Solid Gold, Traci McGregor: Vice-president of (Buju Records Gargamel Banton’s Record Label) and Oprah Winfrey: Renowned talk show host, actress, etc. Each of theses women represent a aspect of my different personality. R.X: Where is L3 Magazine going? What are your goals? Natasha: More international. Being able to work with the clash masters Irish and Chin now creates the opportunity to travel. It is truly Reggae music, Natural Black pointed out that Reggae music has a vibe that is different from any other music. He says, “like life, Reggae music inspires, and gives the artiste an opportunity to express one's self fully, regardless of the issues highlighted”. His message is crystal clear, and his impassioned pleas for wrongs to be made right and justice applied in the case of the poor and oppressed, are indeed relevant in these crucial times. His style and personality has made him a favorite among some of the top record producers and show promoters in Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean. As a result, he has toured extensively and has performed to sold-out audiences in Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy and Slovenia. He has also performed on festivals such as Sting, Reggae-Sumfest, Rebel Salute, East Fest and others. P.G. Music's Marlon McCubbin produced his current album 'Far From Reality', and believes that the singer is capable of taking his audience to subliminal levels, where only in the depth of one's consciousness can one's mind create and conceive a true spiritual balance. amazing. We plan for monthly printed issues distributing in Toronto, New York, Australia, Germany, Italy, etc. R.X: After launching the website, did you expect this? Natasha: No. I just knew I had a dream to follow through with. However, as long as you do whatever you do with passion you will succeed. I think passion is what made us. R.X: Your journey is inspiring. Thank you for sharing. All the best with L3 Magazine. Do you have anything to add before we conclude? Natasha: Live life to the fullest with joy in your heart. Be mindful of the lyrics you share – people are listening. Inspire each other with Love and the purest intent. Bless! reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.reggaexclusive.com --- Phone: 416-287-1335 -- Email: reggaexclusive@hotmail.com Pg-24 REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S INTERVIEW TRÉSON CHATS WITH REGGAE XCLUSIVE By Iyametheiah TRÉSON: I was born in Montreal, Canada but ended up in a foster home in Jamaica. By 9 years old I was transferred to a Mandeville Vison Home. My new foster parents were U.S missionaries and they got me a guitar. R.X: They taught you how to play the guitar? TRÉSON: No, I just picked it up and played. It was just natural to sing and play. Tréson took some time out to speak with ReggaeXclusive backstage. The singer, songwriter, musician is climbing the ladder of success, yet he remains a container for a humble and peaceful charisma. We are thankful that he shared intimate details of his musical journey with absolute sincerity. R.X: Tell us about Tréson and how you started to sing? “PROPHECY” CAPLETON’S OFFICIAL BAND... (Continued from page 11) Riches aren’t all. We have to be humble, for the meek shall inherit the earth. Word is power so we must watch what we say. When we send out a word it is created and becomes a living soul. So we have to say the right words. As far as I am concerned gangster is not a good word. When you are a gangster you have war in your head, violent thoughts. Reggae music is not about that. R.X: We give thanks for the time. More love, life, and prosperity. Blessed Love. Prophecy’s Iyakimo: Yes I. Buba: Prophecy’s Rastafari. Note: Some translations were necessary as the entire interview was conducted in Patios (Jamaican dialog)* R.X: When did you start performing? TRÉSON: My parents formed a band including my brothers, and I, we had gigs twice per week. It was at that time we started to play for our community. There was always somewhere for us to play as a band. R.X: What was next? How did you become a solo artist? TRÉSON: I moved to Toronto at age 16 and didn't know what I wanted to do with my life as yet. Soon, I joined the Canadian Armed Force and did five years. It was good and it woke me up to myself. I would tell anyone who is unsure what to do to join the army. You learn discipline but I had one problem there. I couldn't take the yes sir, no sir, so I left. R.X & TRÉSON burst into laughter. R.X: So when did you start to sing again? TRÉSON: I became selfemployed as a construction worker and also some farming. I did those for years but had a strong feeling about music. But it was more than just the music. I was about 21 years old. I got a guitar again and made myself play. The words came with the cords. R.X: What happened at age 21 for you to pick up the guitar again? TRÉSON: The birth of my daughter. That changed me. My foster mom encouraged me also. All this time I felt like I had living to do. Singing is easy but I started to ask myself questions like "What you gonna say with conviction from the heart?" I started to JAMAICA DAY DON CARLOS (Continued from page 10) (Cont’d. from page 7) music business and truly an inspiration to all, captivated the crowd with his performance. He was definitely in great form and did not fail to deliver. the reunion of the original vocal trio with Don, Garth and Duckie. After six years, 19891994 and four albums, singing lead for Black Uhuru in the studio and on the road, Don again went back to his solo career. His other titles with Black Uhuru include Mystical Truths, Iron Storm and Strong. All of these four albums are classics with Don up front on lead vocals. As well, each of these four titles were nominated for Grammy Other artists who gave outstanding performances were Professor Nuts, Symfoni, Tanya Mullings, Michael Thompson, Demolition Man, Treson, Kay Morris, Tonya P., Eyesus, Macomere Fifi, Jimmy Reid, Blakka Ellis and Jakki James. Other artists appearing on the bill were Tinga Stewart, VC, Church Boyz, Douglas Booth, Letna Allen, Patrick Blair, O’neil Davis, Ibo, Projek RAW Dance Group, Mountain Edge Band and Black-X-Kimo Band. Hosts for the event were Carrie Mullings, Super V and Garvia Bailey. Much respect goes out to the promoters for a very peaceful event. write solid lyrics, playing a lot, hibernating in every park or isolated spot in Toronto. I would even get in my car and drive up to Wasaga beach. I wrote songs like "KeepThe Change" which starts: "I am drifting from this ocean into a commercial world". R.X: Tell us how your music became known with a number one single and global airplay? How did all that happen? TRÉSON: CKLN Saturdays, singles with Version Xcursion, then that lead to Montreal Reggae Festival, eventually Urban Space Award and positive feedback from people in the Canadian Reggae scene like DB Hawkes, Luther Brown, Carrie Mullings, Friendly Man, and so much more respectful people. R.X: How did you feel about the fact that they like your music? TRÉSON: Their listening to my music is an award for me. R.X: Your music has a unique sound. (Cont’d. in Dec. 2007 Issue) Awards. After the Black Uhuru reunion, Don continued to show his inspiration through his albums Ease Up, Seven Days a Week and Groove with Me. During this time don kept on touring and in the new millennium he joined forces with the California based Reggae Angels for four years with a solid backing band. New cds Live at Belly Up and Elevate the Roots, due out in 2007 available along with his classics at www.DonCarlosRecords.com. reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.caribbeanmusic.ca/reggaex --- Phone: 647-435-0637 -- Email: reggaexclusive@rogerscom Pg - 25 REGGAEXCLUSIVE’S INTERVIEW DADA KALONJI... (Continued from page 8) heir ancestors were here, it’s just because of Columbus or some slave master that take them from there and their children are born there that they become citizens. If the goat born in the cow pen that doesn’t make the goat a cow. You understand it? It’s still a goat. It was just born there. Naturally, know what I mean? So the musician, every chord, every pattern, every beat, the player can play that so what’s different? It’s just one music and the same songs and tunes and players of instruments. The Most High dwells and abides in each and every one of them. If we know these children here are not fully wrapped in the culture, we’re supposed to be the ones to T ROGER STEFFENS Interview by: Michelle Ottley Photo by: Sandi Destonis andi: Whom from the Marley family can you say is sending a future message of consciousness with the year 3000 coming up and who would you say is reaching the people. Roger: I think the future message is coming from Damian, he has terrific lyrics but unless you get a magnifying glass and read the minor notes in the book and the lyrics printed in it you are not going to catch a whole heap of this speed rap which is the young generation’s way of approaching music, it is not S step out and help. I’m not going to be like some artists’ and just sing and go home. You need to be someone who when you’re not onstage and you’re not hype to talk to you about what you’re doing wrong and what you’re going to do. You might have the ‘bling bling’ fans but I have a cultural fan that’s really serious about slavery, raping, thieving, kidnapping, racism, prejudice. I got fans that, that BURN! Those things! So you’ve got to open your eyes now my rapper brethrens and my rapper sistrens. Wake up to the world right now; it’s what’s going on? So we have to unite someway, somehow. But, reggae can’t die and hip hop comes from reggae and reggae comes from Nyahbinghi, which is the churchical music, know what I mean? So, it’s one. S.A: Yes I that’s very true, and how lovely it would be if everyone could wake up and see that we all need to unite and work together. What is your favorite color? Sizzla: (smiles) my favorite color? I like all colors but umm... I would say red, gold, green, black, white and baby blue. These are the colors musical. The song of rap to me is the beat of a cell door being slammed over and over and over! I do not like being shouted at, a kind word turns away wrath and I think people have to reconsider the roots for the 21st century and find a way for the roots to live again. Artists like Turbulence and Chrisinti, Jimmy Riley’s son Taurus Riley and his debut album 2 years ago were a knock out, I played it on the radio everywhere I went. I am 64 years old and I am still being astonished, I want to be astonished, I am always out there rooting for young people. Turn me on man, let me hear something that I have never heard before and I will scream it to the roof top for you. Give me something to be excited about; don’t give me something that I have heard I think 16 times before. Damian is reaching his generation more so than any other artist and because he that represent the flag, the banner because it’s red, gold and green. Black because of Black Supremacy throne bearing and His Majesty as the Black King. We represent ourselves with the color black. Before the Sabbath you wear black. The days are with the colors. Sunday is more of red. Monday is yellow. Tuesday is green. Thursday might be blue, Friday black and the Sabbath is white again, know what I mean? S.A: What is your favorite food? Sizzla: My favorite food? Hmm...I like rice and peas, yeah. Of lately I’m like more into the soya products. Sometimes words affect me (in the bible), know what I mean? Like knowing that I’m going on stage and you know that you’re supposed to have a turban on and you don’t have your turban on. Right now I might be free. I might be having a bath so I might not wear one. Once I’m going to deal with people, spiritually you’ve got to be like royally adorned to fulfill livity! Chapter 21 verse 10 says that he that is a high priest must not uncover his head amongst has the Marley name he will continue to be awarded Grammies, anything that has the title Marley or the Wailers is an automatic winner by name recognition solely and it that you is interesting mentioned 3000, because at the millennium, the new York times built a time capsule to be opened by the year 3000 and they wanted to put a piece of musical art that could stand the test of time for the people 1000 years from now. And they chose Bob Marley live at the rainbow in 1977. Michelle: So do you have any final words? Roger: For the Canadians, I have been coming to Canada for the last 40 years. Since I came back from 26 months in the war in Vietnam and had the climate been better I would have chosen here and forsaken America in 1970. I love Canada! The people are great! And there is a his brethren or go naked or be affiliated to anything dead because you’ve been consecrated and set aside to deal with the work of The Most High. So when I read those things, I say dead? But fish is dead. So let go the fish and the chicken! They say, “King you cyah stop eat fish!” Mi say why? Look how far I have to go to catch the fish. The fish is way out in the sea. Why am I going to his domain to catch him? I start burn Fiyah! Fiyah! No meat, and all of a sudden I start notice the soya products start take the supermarket. Know what I mean? At one time there weren’t much soya products. So after the culture consciousness come about I notice soya products, right as I start burning the fire! So yeah soya products, tofu but not only soya but a lot of different, savory vegetarian dishes made from spices of the earth. S.A: If you had to choose one word to describe yourself what would it be? Sizzla: (smiling) I could say benevolent. Sizzla is just tremendous. I want to thank you ladies and ReggaeXclusive Magazine. Blessed Love, Ras Tafari! sophistication that is the best parts of England mixed with the best parts of America and if the blandness is the price you pay, well so be it! Because it’s a much better life than what I see in America, where our constitution is being shredded to pieces. And do not be ashamed of being a Canadian artist, realize that you can contribute just as much to the world as some poor kid born in the bush in Jamaica without a hope in the world or any kind of future. And that was Bob Marley and you are coming from a much more civilized time and place. Michelle: Is there any Canadian artist that you see and like? Roger: I like Odel and Michael St. George is a brilliant Dub Poet and guy. I also used to love Messenjah. (This was the final portion of the Interview with Roger) reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.reggaexclusive.com --- Phone: 416-287-1335 -- Email: reggaexclusive@rogers.com Pg-26 Featuring: MICHAEL ROSE, WILLI WILLIAMS, DONNA MAKEDA, NANA MCLEAN, GLEN WASHIINGTON Available at: Treajah Isle - 416-787-7615; Irie Music; Natia Fashion & Boutique - 416-242-5731; DJ Records - 416-654-8336 and all leading Record/CD Stores. Distributed by: SIMMIX RECORD & CD DISTRIBUTION 416-243-0656 Fax: 416-243-8402 reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.reggaexclusive.com --- Phone: 416-287-1335 -- Email: reggaexclusive@rogers.com Pg - 27 reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.reggaexclusive --- Phone: 416-287-1335 -- Email: reggaexclusive@rogers.com Pg - 28