JamaicansMusic.com

Fast-rising reggae artiste Junior X who is known for hits such as Plead My Cause, Seek Your Goals, The Pill and Gangster Life is currently preparing for his Canadian debut.

Junior X says that he is planning to deliver a very special performance for his fans in Canada. He will be performing on an event dubbed ‘Junior X Live’ on Thursday, June 24 at the Lula Lounge in Toronto.

“Since I got my break in the music biz I have done shows in the US, Japan and in the Caribbean, but I have never been to Canada. I am looking forward to this show in Toronto and I am going to give the people a very fiery performance,” he said.

A spokesperson from his management company Revolutionary Entertainment which is based in the United States, says that company is very pleased with the progress of his career. They also stated that they have accomplished a lot in a very short time, as it has been less than a year since they have signed him and he has already produced two number-one songs in the form of The Pill and his latest chart-topper Gangster Life.

Junior X’s debut album which is tentatively titled Tha Soundtrack Of Life is slated to be released before the end of the summer.

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With all the rave in the sporting arena being about the much anticipated 2010 FIFA World Cup competition, the premier international football tournament, scheduled to take place between June 11 through to July 11 in South Africa, it comes as no surprise that Jamaica and the entire dancehall community are ‘revved up’ and ready to go: but what is surprising is just how involved the females are, namely, the Money Goddess herself, Macka Diamond.

“A Brazil mi ting dey, if anuh Brazil a mus Argentina,” states Macka, who was quick to make it clear that she wasn’t just familiar with the names of teams, but was familiar with even the coaches, history and specific players.

“I wish I was going to South Africa,” declared Macka in a rather disappointed tone, but was fast on the draw with, “but dat nah go stop me from watching as much of the games as I can, because this World Cup is going to go down in history as the greatest one yet!”

Spoken like a true fanatic, but only time will tell if Macka is on the money with her predications. But one thing is for sure, Macka, like so many of her co-workers, is geared up and ready for kick-off.

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Artiste focused on more positive music

Leighton Levy, Star Writer

Busy Signal is just weeks away from dropping his latest album DOB, (Difference of Busy Signal).

The album will be his fourth and is set for release on July 13, he tells THE STAR.

“There is a whole bunch of work and whole bunch of videos in progress and everything,” says the entertainer born Reanno Gordon. “I have a song with Bounty Killer called Suppen A Go Gwaan, and we have some songs with me Bounty Killer and Mavado.”

Just recently he shot a video for the song he did with Bounty Killer.

confidence

The deejay, who is said to be part of the Bounty Killer-led Alliance, says his work these days is about bringing positive messages to his fans because that is what Jamaica needs.

“I am trying to put out uplifting songs right now. The state that Jamaica is in right now, we need some songs for people to restore their strength, restore their confidence, restore their love for the Caribbean, restore their love for themselves and cherish life,” he said making reference to the recent upheavals in Kingston and the alarming number of people who have lost their lives.

Now, he says, is not the time for the songs that have negative messages. “You have to do things under timing,” he said. “Only an idiot would go out there and sing a gun song, only stupid people would do that at a time like this in Jamaica right now. Personally, I don’t even think we need songs like that.”

There are about 17 tracks on the album including one called Let Peace Reign for which he shot a video recently. The videos, he says, are more about letting people see what the songs are all about. “This is a blessing basically,” he said.

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Five-time Grammy-winning artist and reggae icon Ziggy Marley, motivated by the historic occurrence of the World Cup being played in Africa for the first time, took the opportunity to write his current single ‘Africa Land’.

The song is an anthem to unity, freedom and new beginnings - well-known principles championed by the legendary Marley family. Africa Land falls on the heels of Marley’s 2009 Grammy-winning children’s album Family Time.

danceable song

For this song, Marley recruited Grammy-winning artistes, brother Stephen Marley and African mega star Angelique Kidjo. Together they created a catchy, danceable song which incorporates dancehall reggae, as well as African elements. Free downloads of the song is available at www.ziggymarley. com and www.tuffgongworldwide.com.

“The bible says ‘the first shall be last and the last shall be first’. How fitting that South Africa, the last nation on the homeland to be free, is the launch pad for a global event that will showcase the rise of the African continent,” said Ziggy Marley. “Africa Land is the song which celebrates that dream becoming true,” Marley says.

Marley plans to release Africa Land as an exclusive to African radio, to be followed worldwide as a free download shortly thereafter. Africa Land will be the first single from an upcoming collection of free singles entitled ‘The Wild and Free Singles’ Marley is to release later this year.

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Dancehall singjay Mr Vegas took centre stage on the US mainstream television station, CBS, yesterday with a very energetic performance.

The singer, whose correct name is Clifford Smith, and is known for a gazette of hits including I Am Blessed, Heads High, Gallis, Hot Wuk, Do You Know, Raging Bull and others, performed his new single, Look Who’s Dancing alongside Fatta Diamond and the band, New Kingston, yesterday at 8 a.m., 7 a.m. (Ja) on CBS’s ‘Early Morning Show’.

Mr Vegas, who represented Jamaica on the morning programme’s one-week celebration of Caribbean culture, says, “Performing is something I love and it’s always a great opportunity to get out there and represent your country and heritage. I want to continue to show the world how vibrant and charismatic Jamaicans are not only as performers, but also as individuals.”

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It was a celebration for the life of Oneil Edwards, the late member of dancehall trio Voicemail at his memorial service that was held at Church on the Rock, St Andrew, last Saturday morning.

After the procession, his body was removed to the Meadowrest Memorial Gardens in St Catherine where it was laid to rest.

The pews within the majestic church that sits on the hill at Clifton Drive were lined with black and white, the prominent shades of the morning, despite well- wishers being asked to wear cheerful colours. Nonetheless, it was a celebration of the life of the silent force within the energetic group.

The Reverend Franz Fletcher told members of the entertainment fraternity, who turned out in their numbers, that it was up to them to effect a positive change within the country by eliminating the lyrical manifestation of violence from their songs.

Then, Edwards’ mother, Lisa Brown, approached the pulpit and exercised great composure as she read the first scripture which was taken from John 11: 21-27.

As tears trickled down the cheeks of some of those in attendance, Edwards’ babymother, Ingrid, held the late entertainer’s six-week-old daughter, Neahlis Edwards, close to her bosom and mourned her lover’s death.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, in her tribute, echoed the previous message of Reverend Fletcher as she reiterated that it was time for members of the entertainment fraternity to play their part in helping to rid the country of its high level of crime.

Soon the church was filled with the slow melody of Amazing Grace sung by Edward’s close friend, Tracy July. The lyrics stirred emotions within the congregation as faces contorted while some wore an expression of passivity.

nostalgia

A nostalgic feeling was stirred as Tara Playfair-Scott of Street Smart, Marlon Burke, Solid Agency and Camille Didier of Headline Entertainment reminisced about Edwards life - which they spoke of with high esteem, while injecting humour, a characteristic of the deejay’s personality, during their remembrance.

His uncle-in-law, Lascelles Bailey, and sister, Kim Edwards, followed suit as they read his eulogy, which was more a celebration of the life of the vibrant entertainer, son and father.

Approaching the end of the service, Praise His Name, a song written by Voicemail was sung by various artistes and the remaining members of the group. At this point, fans and entertainers were seen in the churchyard conducting interviews. Moments after, the pall-bearers consisting of Edwards’ brother, Carey Edwards, group members Craig Jackson, Kevin Blaire and friends, Lance Stewart, Neil Garden and Oneil Dawkins, carried the mahogany coffin to the hearse.

Edwards was 35 years old when he passed away. He is survived by his six-week-old daughter, his girlfriend, mother, five sisters and four brothers.

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Recording artiste Gyptian, born Windel Edwards, was involved in a motorbike accident along Molynes Road in St Andrew yesterday, in which he sustained minor head and shoulder injuries.

The accident occurred in the vicinity of the Olympia Crown hotel at around 6 p.m.

When THE STAR arrived at the Andrews Memorial Hospital where Gyptian was being treated in the Accident and Emergency Department, he was in high spirits as he related the unfortunate ordeal.

“Mi an Nitty Kutchie did a ride out from Flava Squad studio, ’cause mi did waa ketch a vibes an when mi reach Molynes Road a man just walk out inna di road,” the reggae artiste said. “As mi swing di bike outta him way, him run inna di same direction, an wi just collide … Mi couldn’t avoid it.”

The pedestrian who was involved in the accident has not yet been identified, but is said to have also suffered minor bruises and is being treated at the Medical Associates Hospital in Half-Way Tree.

“Mi nuh know who him is, mi neva see him before,” Gyptian said.

injury

Nitty Kutchie did not suffer any injury as he was on a separate motorbike.

According to Ivor Ruddock, Gyptian’s manager,who was present at the hospital, an MRI scan was done and the doctors have confirmed that there are no abnormalities with the Hold Yuh star’s brain, “So they are going to release him,” he said, “but the results for the X-ray for his left arm will not be available until tomorrow (today).”

Ruddock further stated that they have not yet made an official police report, but the father of the man involved, who is believed to be the owner of the Olympia Crown hotel, has already made an official report to the Half-Way Tree Police Station.

The motorbike is said to be badly damaged.

Gyptian, who is looking forward to the release of his album, entitled Hold Yuh, set for next month (July 20), wants to let his fans know that he is okay, saying: “Mi deh yah same way!”

Among the well-wishers at Gyptian’s bedside were friends, family members, and Christy Barber, vice-president of VP Records.

Magnum starsChozenn and Juggla will be going all out, no holds barred, in a long-awaited clash at Settlement on June 26.

After weeks of ‘throwing words’ during the recently completed Magnum Kings and Queens of the Dancehall competition. The anticipated clash between them didn’t materialise when Chozenn was voted out from the top spot. Juggla instead battled eventual winner Press Fyah. On the female side, Reggae Queen battled Bumpa.

Chozenn and Juggla will face off at the Settlement at the Kingston Polo Club which, due to the recent, civil unrest was postponed from June 12. When The STAR spoke to Chozenn, he was more than ready for the match, saying, “the country is highly anticipating a clash and Chozenn is ready. I’m ready, mentally and physically, my preparation is high and mi not even a build some new songs fi him.” According to Chozenn, losing to Juggla, lyrically, will not happen.

Juggla was also confident about his chances, saying, “di clash right now is the greatest opportunity, mi neva get to done him off on the Magnum Kings and Queens show so me a go finish him at the Settlement.”

it nah tek too much to kill him still

He further told THE STAR that he would be in the studio working on material for the clash, adding, “it nah tek too much to kill him still, a mi likkle puppy and mi still have him leash.”

The two have been busy since the competition with Chozenn releasing a new song, Physical War,as well as others to come, while Juggla is releasing a song with fellow Magnum contestant, Tanto Blacks, called The Plan.

Juggla and Chozenn aren’t the only Magnum contestants facing off at the Settlement show. The female finalists, Reggae Queen and Bumpa, are reportedly confirmed to clash as well. The two faced off on the show with Reggae Queen facing serious consequences when she breached the Broadcasting Commission’s rules. Despite this, it was Reggae Queen that got the most response from the audience during the clash. Neither females could be reached for comment.

The Settlement is organised by Brite Lite Funeral Home’s owner, Tommy Thompson, and is the second one to be held. The first Settlement saw a face off between Mr G and LA Lewis, as well as Gabriel and Merciless.

Thompson said, “despite the postponement, basically everybody is back on board. We’re expected to have clashes like Goofy versus LA, Merciless vs Gabriel, Harry Toddler vs General B, Face vs Queen Paula, Deva Bratt vs Iyara, Gallawas vs Sky from 21 Bad Gals and performances from the Twin of Twins, Flexx, Popcaan and Mavado, who will be closing the show.”

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Let Peace Reign: Busy Signal (Juke Box Records) - Song asking for peace and urges mankind to look into themselves because of the inevitable destruction war and violence causes. The alternative vibe of this song makes it fresh and Busy’s vocals being backed mainly by guitar and keyboard keeps the listener interested.

Miss Me: Drake and Lil Wayne: (Young Money Records) - This is much different from Drake’s last release which had a more R&B vibe. This track has a Hip Hop flavour where Drake flows the way he is supposed to and what his fans know him for. This tune has a really fresh vibe.

Nuh Kill Out Nuh Artiste: Capleton (Bless Youths Production) - Capleton cries to not make the situation with Oneil and Cobra a trend and threaten the entertainment industry

One Woman: Vybz Kartel (Adijaheim/Notnice Production) - Kartel is being plain, blatant and authentic suggesting that one woman cannot satisfy him. He contends that his love cannot rest in one woman’s soul. This song is fresh because for Kartel this is real talk

Hold Me: Mavado (Chimney Records) - This is another song that Mavado delivers like he is used to doing especially when singing about the ladies. This is fresh as it compares to his previous hits and is sure to connect with the girls.

Come And Get It: Sean Paul (Big Ship) - Sean Paul teases the girls to come and get his love because it is all theirs. The artiste delivers an up-tempo, bright, party song that will definitely work for the summer and appeal to the ladies. Definitely a fresh tune to listen out for this summer.

FRESH TO DEATH RIDDIMS:

Water Cycle - Adijaheim/Not Nice Records

Basic Instinct - Froggy Music (Young Producer; First Project)

Sex Appeal - Chimney Records

Story Time rhythm - Mice Music (Young Producer; First Project)

STILL FRESH

Touch A Button - Vybz Kartel

Street Grooves rhythm - Head Concussion Records

Cardiac Bass rhythm - Cro3 Production (ZJ Chrome) (Reggae Rhythm)

Major rhythm - Don Corleon

Billboard rhythm - Payday

FRESH TALK:

‘JUST REMAIN CALM’ used in the streets and pioneered by Frank White ironically in a period where many are panicking because of the recent upsurge in violence. It is used in especially tense but not so serious moments to bring about a sense of humour!

Fresh spot to catch ZJ LIQUID:

1. IKANDI - This and every Tuesday night at Club Privilege

2. Quad Wednesdays - Wednesday June 2 at Quad

3. Inches - June 5 in Portmore

FRESH UPDATES

ZJ Liquid will not be on air today (Wednesday, June 2) but listen out for these fresh hits throughout the rest of the week!

ZJ Liquid would like to apologise to the patrons of Bikini Fetish for his absence as the new rescheduled dates conflicted with dates that were already confirmed.

Remember to catch Fresh to Death Wednesdays on ZIP103 - 2 p.m.- 6 p.m. to catch these fresh tunes. Listen to ZJ Liquid Tues-Fri; 2 p.m.- 6 p.m. and Sun; 6 p.m.-10 p.m.

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Nine months ago Wayne Marshall took the hand of his long-time girlfriend Tami Chynn and tied the knot in a private ceremony at the Mona Visitors’ Lodge. But now, the spotlight is on her younger sister and vocal powerhouse, Tessanne Chin, who recently got engaged to RJR’s sports anchor Michael Anthony Cuffe Jr.

In a recent telephone interview with THE STAR, the songstress was still on cloud nine as her engagement was only two days ago.

She dished out how she was caught off guard with the stunning revelation.

“I was tricked!” she exclaimed. “I was told that it was going to be a surprise party for Cuffe and so I was all set. We did the whole surprise thing and everything.” Tessanne, however, wasn’t the only one to be shocked by the engagement, as she said, “no one else knew about it except for Tami and Cuffe’s sister, so it was a total shock to everyone else, including me. I definitely never saw that coming.”

“After surprising him, or so I thought, we were all just sitting around laughing, chatting, eating and just having a good time with family and friends and then it happened,” she said excitedly. “It all felt so surreal to me. I really thought that I was in a dream. I was shocked but happy at the same time, and hoping that if it were a dream that I wouldn’t wake up.” (laughs out loud).

Tessanne admits that it is still early so no date has been set as yet. And, for those who thought that it was unexpected, Tessanne confessed that “Cuffe has been my best friend for over four years now, but we became more than best friends six months ago, and so we are moving to the next step.”

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