Sizzla Brings the Heat to Oakland, CA, By Shelah Moody

It was hot enough at Sizzla’s Oakland show to turn a press and curl into an afro. As one photographer put it, it was so hot in the club, even the walls were sweating.
On Sept. 23, Grammy nominated reggae dancehall super star Miguel Collins, aka Sizzla Kalonji, backed by the Gumption band, literally brought the heat to the Venue nightclub in Oakland. Case in point, by Monday, Sept. 25, temperatures in Oakland had soared to a blazing 92 degrees, not cooling down until Wednesday, Sept. 28.
Sizzla’s first Bay Area performance in eight years was sold out, with people literally piled on top of each other to catch a glimpse of the musical leader of the Bobo Ashanti Rastafari Movement.
 Incidentally, the Bobo Ashanti house of Rastafari was founded by Prince Emmanuel Charles Edwards in the 1950s. The Bobo dreads are known for wrapping their hair in colorful turbans. In the late nineties, when Sizzla first emerged as a musical super power, I watched Sizzla meticulously iron a long piece of fabric and wrap his hair before a Long Beach, CA show, which is an art form in itself.
“Being in the western hemisphere, in a system designed to colonize black people and to keep them down, you have to get that knowledge of self; knowledge of being and where you’re coming from,” said Sizzla, 40. “When you go to Bobo, it reminds you of your true self, because you keep the Sabbath, you’re praising a black God; you have black men chanting and black priests and black empresses. It reminds you of your true African culture, your true ways. The Sabbath brings thing to re-memory. Apparently, it’s the foundation of our culture. All praise to the holy priest, Emanuel I, Selassie I, Jah Rastafari.”
Jah Warrior Shelter Sound System, featuring King I-Vier and Jah Yzer  alongside DJ Danny Smoky kicked off the show, followed by the multi-racial, IrieFuse band, which combined heavy metal with roots reggae. The temperature rose as the Gumption band, featuring Phanso Wilson on drums, Kevo Gitz on guitar, Taddy P. Camp on bass and  Dwayne Morris on keyboards took the stage and played a soulful set of roots and dub. Collectively, the band members have played with the likes of Beres Hammond, Maxi Priest, Luciano, Jesse Royal and other heavyweights.
Sizzla’s journey from his heavily guarded dressing room to the stage was a surreal, ritualistic experience, and so began the night’s deification of Sizzla Kalonji, whose name literally translates into hot, healing black seed. The air was thick and sweet with ganja smoke as a few rough looking handlers parted the crowd and cleared a path, cell phones and cameras set to video mode, onlookers stood on chairs and tables to welcome August Town, Jamaica’s favorite son as bowed in reverence, counted a few beats, placed his hand on his heart and began the few riffs of his opening song and raced onto the stage.  (see link:  https://youtu.be/uN8aZkEZ0NU).
What followed was a world class Bobo dread get-down that went on until curfew.  Merging roots reggae with hip hop, dancehall and shades of seventies R&B, Sizzla kicked his legs high in the air and performed songs such as “Show Us the Way,” “Guide Over Us,” “Be Strong,”  “Dry Cry,” “Woman I  Need You”  “Give Me a Try” and his signature composition, “Words of Divine.”
The event was not without controversy. One month before the show, it was announced that Sizzla’s show, originally scheduled at the fashionable 1015 Folsom nightclub in San Francisco had be cancelled due to pressure from the LGBTQ community. Sizzla, along with other dancehall artists, have been accused of promoting anti-gay rhetoric and inciting violence against members of the LGBTQ community. In a 2016, interview with Island Stage magazine Sizzla stated that he was not a man of hate, but a man working to end violence and promote education in his August Town community.
“You shouldn’t be afraid of Sizzla. I’m not an animal; I’m not a cannibal,” he said. “I don’t support violence on no level or no degree. What you need to do is to get to know Sizzla. If you don’t know someone, I don’t think that you should stand aside and criticize the person. Spend some time with the person; get to know the person and then we can see where we best go from there. You don’t need to be afraid of Sizzla; you need to be part of the movement for Sizzla. Love to the world. Yeah yeah! Don’t do that, ‘fraid a Sizzla fe wha?”

Up Close and Personal with Tanya Stephens at the 23rd Annual Sierra Nevada World Music Festival By Shelah Moody

“It someone had told me when I was 20 that 40 was so sexy, I would have never believed them!” --Tayna Stephens, Sierra Nevada World Music Festival 2016

Let’s get one thing straight. Tanya Stephens thinks that she is the greatest thing since, and before, sliced bread. And the prolific reggae/dancehall singer /songwriter is proud of it, too, with more than 20 years of music to her credit.

After her riveting performance at the 23^rd Annual Sierra Nevada World Music Festival at Mendocino County Fairgrounds in Boonville, CA (www.snwmf.com) on June 18, Stephens addressed the media in the press tent. In fewer than 20 minutes, she became our BFF. As Stephens was escorted from the stage to the press tent, she was literally mobbed by fans who showered her with hugs, kisses, gifts and praise.

Stephens, who rose to popularity with her risqué dancehall hits and love songs such as “Yuh Nuh Ready Fi Dis Yet,” Draw fi Mi Finger,” “Boom Wuk,” “Goggle,” “It’s a Pity,” “I Can’t Breathe” and “These Streets” said she prefers not to be labeled as a “female” artist. Stephens said her most feared question is “what advice would you give to young women who aspire to break into the music industry?”

“I would say, try not to take too much advice, because there’s no one way to do this,” said the dusky voiced singer, who performed on the SNWMF bill with world music greats such as Etana, Beres Hammond, Toots and the Maytals, Leroy Sibbles and others that weekend. “What works for Tanya Stephens may not work for another female coming into the business. It’s changed since I came in. I would say, don’t be labeled as a ‘female’ artist, just be an ‘artist.’ Stop being intimidated by the word ‘fraternity’ and stop thinking that this is a male dominated industry. They may be many in terms of numbers, but in terms of potency, not so much. We have them beat. Just come in, kick down the door and do your thing. Don’t be hung up on the ‘female’ label; our job is not sexual. I know that people mean well when they compliment me by saying that I’m one of the best female artists, but I feel marginalized by my gender. I look at women and I see no competition. That may sound egotistical to some people, but I’m not an accidental artist. I work very hard. If you hear me put out 10 songs, it means I made maybe, 150 songs. I demand more than just the title female artist. It’s like saying all right, we need some breasts, and I don’t even have that much breasts.”

To date, Stephens has recorded nine solo albums including “Big Things a Gwaan (1994), “Too Hype” (1997), “Work Out” (1997) “Ruff Rider (1998) “Sintoxicated” (2001) “Gangsta Blues” (2004) “Rebelution” (2006), “Infallible” (2010) and “Guilty” (2013).

Stephens has released more than 100 singlesand collaborated with artists such as Lady Saw, Bounty Killer, Shabba Ranks and Marcia Griffiths to name a few.

“I’m a woman when I’m with my husband; I’ve been married for a few years,” said Stephens, who turns 43 this year. “But I don’t see that as something that defines me. I don’t complete him and he doesn’t complete me; we’re just two people who are doing this together. When I’m with my husband, I’m his woman, but with you guys, I don’t have to be a woman, do I? ‘Cause we’re not all sleeping together now are we? I need to be a woman for our kids because they need a mother. But when we are working together, why can’t we just be people? If we embrace the terms “women’ and female,” we embrace marginalization and the limitations put on us.”

After performing at SNWMF, Stephens headed to Europe to play the summer festival circuit. Yes, she has a new album in the works, but right now Stephens is taking it easy and loving it.

“It feels nice; it feels like the best of me, really, said Stephens. “So, I’m in no rush. I’m working on a new album, but I haven’t completed it yet, not to my liking. I have to like it first. And when I like it, then I will think that it deserves your ears; and I will release it. I have no record label; I have no boss, I have no deadline. I can take my time, and I hope you guys will exercise some patience. I have to live up to my own expectations and meet my own standards. That’s my process.

“I’m grateful that you give me a platform, and the fact that people actually like what I do is amazing,” said Stephens. “Nobody has to like my music. Of course, I think that I’m the greatest thing since or before sliced bread, but nobody has to agree with me.”

Oh, and another thing, Stephens has a wild and wicked sense of humor and her sharp wit shines through in her lyrics and conversation. One member of the press asked about her brief business venture as a bar and restaurant owner in Ocho Rios.

“That was not a good pairing,” said Stephens. “Just think about it; me with a bar! (laughed). That didn’t work out. I was my best customer, but that was bad for business.”

Stephens, who hails from St. Mary, grew up in a typical Jamaican household which means that she was influenced by country western music, gospel and Calypso. One of her first influences was Trinidadian calypsonian Lord Kitchener, who inspired Stephens’ love of writing with his double entendres. Stephens also considers SNWMF Saturday night headliner Beres Hammond a great writer. As a student of literature, Stephens loves a good story—the plot, the suspense, the climax. Sidney Sheldon is her favorite novelist; she collects his books in hard and soft cover.

Stephens’ also gushed about one of her biggest musical influences, Motown heavyweight William “Smokey” Robinson.

”Influence is a mild way of putting it,” said the Stephens. “I’ve been in love with Smokey since I was about 10 years old. ‘Tracks of My Tears’ is my all-time favorite song; it’s been my favorite since I was in grammar school.”

To the delight of everyone in the press tent, Stephens crooned a few bars of “Tracks of My Tears.”

“People say I'm the life of the party 'Cause I tell a joke or two/Although I might be laughing loud and hearty/Deep inside I'm blue…”

“I don’t collect keepsakes; I’m not a person who takes a picture with an artist to say ‘look who I’m standing next to,’ because I think I am all that and more,” said Stephens. “A friend brought me an autograph from Smokey, and that’s the only (memorabilia) I’ve kept throughout my entire career. Smokey Robinson was the soundtrack of my childhood and my adulthood. Every pain I’ve felt, I’ve cried with Smokey. I literally cried with Smokey. It’s crazy; you know me and Smokey’s relationship. He doesn’t know we have one.”

Ironically, Stephens said she has no desire to duet with her idol any time soon. “You know what, I don’t like meeting the people I really, really love, because then, they become human. And the truth is, no human can live up to your expectations, so I don’t want to spoil Smokey for me. I would rather Smokey stay just the way he is, over there with his fabulously-getting-younger self.”

Stephens’ currently has another great love, former presidential candidate and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. She even wrote a song for him called “Bernie a di Realist.” https://soundcloud.com/j…/tanya-stephens-bernie-a-di-realist

“Listen, for me Bernie Sanders is not about politics,” said Stephens. “Bernie taps into everything I feel inside as a human; everything I’ve wanted. You know, the peace. The caring for each other. Doing what we know is right as opposed to what is popular and what is on the books. We wrote the damn books so we can change the books. This is what Bernie stands for. So, for me, it’s not even about winning or losing, it has nothing to do with the Democratic Party or the Republican Party. I’m not an American and I can’t even vote here! Bernie is inspiring people all over the world to fight and rebel against what we know is wrong with the system. This country is rich! There shouldn’t be any poor people. Just like Jamaica is rich! There shouldn’t be anyone starving! Even if he is not running for president, I’m with Bernie forever. I love that man! He’s kind of rivaling Smokey right now.”

Follow Tanya Stephens on Twitter: @Tanya_Stephens

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fansoftanyastephens

On Instagram: @tanyastephensofficial

New Music From Ziggy Marley

  


Los Angeles, CA (Monday, February 22nd) – Seven time GRAMMY award winning recording artist Ziggy Marley will release his sixth solo studio album, Ziggy Marley, on May 20th through Tuff Gong Worldwide.  Recorded in Los Angeles and produced by Ziggy, the new self-titled album marks his first release in 2 years, following 2014’s critically acclaimed Fly Rasta, which took home the 2015 GRAMMY award for Best Reggae Album.  A digital pre-order will be available beginning February 26th exclusively on iTunes that will include an instant gratis track of the album’s first single “Weekend’s Long.”  On the same date, a physical album pre-order will be available at ziggymarley.com.

Ziggy is set to guest star in the hit action television series Hawaii Five-0 which will air on Friday, February 26th on CBS.  In the episode, Ziggy will star as Bones, friend of reoccurring character Odell Martin played by Michael Imperioli.  Three Ziggy songs will run during the episode including two new album tracks “Weekend's Long” and “Ceceil.”  “Forward To Love,” from Ziggy’s fourth studio album Wild and Free will also be included in the episode.

This summer Ziggy will embark on a major North American tour (official dates TBA).  Confirmed dates so far include shows at the Spotlight 29 Casino on May 27th in Coachella, CA, BottleRock Festival on May 28th in Napa, CA and the Magic City Blues Festival on August 6th in Billings, MT. For additional concert and ticket purchase information, please visit ziggymarley.com.

ZIGGY MARLEY Links:
ziggymarley.com
facebook.com/ziggymarley
twitter.com/ziggymarley
youtube.com/ziggymarley
instagram.com/ziggymarley
ziggymarleyorganics.com
marijuanamancomic.com

Supa Squad

About Supa Squad 

 Squad Supa Squad is Mr. Marley and Zacky Man! The Cape Verdean dancehall duo SUPA SQUAD are about to take over the world. Zacky Man and Mr. Marley, both vocalists, songwriters and producers, have created a solid fusion of modern dancehall and new roots reggae, and their energetic performances and dynamic stage presence has won over audiences throughout Portugal. With dubplate sessions for Sentinel Sound and PowPow Movement under their belts, the duo is ready to take Portuguese Dancehall to a new level.

Supa Squad releases homonym EP Reggae/Dancehall band, Supa Squad, has finally released their debut album, Supa Squad EP. The album consists of 6 tracks including a featuring with fellow new roots artist Duane Stephenson on Little Youths track. “This EP is the end of a cycle of two years creating modern music and writing lyrics people could relate to.” says Mr. Marley. For Zacky Man, “One Love talks mainly about complicity between two persons in the begining of a relationship while Jah Jah Bless Me has a spiritual component where JAH (God) is mentioned”. Zacky Man also says “We are now working on new material for the near future”. The album was entirely produced by Supa Squad (Mr Marley and Zacky Man) showing their versatility. Tracklist: 1. Jah Jah Bless Me 2. One Love 3. Little Youths feat. Duane Stephenson 4. Man A Hustler 5. Come Together 6. No Follow Dem

IRATION

Yet again, Streetwise Radio is playing artists that are not well known to me. I’ve never heard of Iration, a Reggae group from Santa Barbara, California. Iration really started on the Caribbean island of Montserrat in the West Indies. With three brothers Mario (keyboards), Patricio (bass), and Gino (drums) Zamorano, they were exiled from Pinochet government of Chile in 1973. In 1981 they migrated to the U.S.A. In 1983 Iration was born. Their first performance was a talent show, at Ramapo High School in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey in 1986. Iration began playing college circuits in the US. Iration plays mostly Sunshine Reggae. Sunshine Reggae is a subgenre which is said to bring the "tropical vibes". It is mostly played with a positive or cheerful attitude. This music is played around tropical hotels and resorts. Iration does this kind of Reggae well. While listening to their music, I can see why Iration is considered a Sunshine Reggae Band. Iration means creation in the patois dialect which is spoken in most of the Caribbean islands where English is the primary language. Iration recorded and released their first full length album “No Time for Rest” in 2007. The single off this album “Cookie Jar” reached number one in Hawaii on 93.9 DaBeat. Their music grooves and the lyrics are catchy with meaning. I really like Iration they are a fantastic band with a lot of great meaningful music, which is easy to listen too. Some of the songs that they sing that are my favorites are “Fire”, “Time Bomb”, “Falling”, "Work It Out", “Cookie Jar”, “All In You”, “Wait And See” and “Turn Around”. Iration is a band that I could listen to a lot. They are deftly going on my play list. Streetwise Radio will continue bringing you not well known and new groups like Iration. Also listen to Streetwise Radio on iTunes, MyGen365,s, Live365, Athena365 and Pandora.

LM

http://www.last.fm/music/Iration/+wiki