Love is in the House: Stephen and Mystic Marley Illuminate One Take Acoustic Jams Tour

By Shelah Moody

     Stephen Marley’s One Take Acoustic Jams show is full of beautiful surprises.

     March 16 was a great day for reggae music; as many Jamaicans were rejoicing at the return of Buju Banton, who performed his “Long Walk to Freedom” concert at National Stadium in Kingston after serving a nine year prison sentence in the U.S.  

         Many miles from Jamaica, across the sea on the night of March 17, St. Patrick’s Day,

another historical event took place in Berkeley, CA.

     Grammy winning reggae artist Stephen “”Ragga” Marley brought his One Take Acoustic Jams Tour to the UC Theatre.

    The first beautiful surprise was Marley’s 21-year old daughter, Mystic Marley, who opened the show. As a child, Mystic and her siblings would often join their father in stage at the end of the show.

       Now a grown woman, Mystic took the stage as a solo artist, showing off her robust vocals and deft songwriting skills. Mystic’s vocals have the rebel quality of a Lauryn Hill and the sass of Stephen Marley’s long time backing vocalist, Rica Newell. (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=f7q-B6ppceE)

        After a short break, Stephen Marley emerged in a cloud of smoke and began playing the conga drums. The stage was beautiful lit in the Rasta colors of red, green and gold by creative consultant Nesta Garrick. A tapestry of Ethiopia’s ruler, Haile Selassie I,  hung above Marley’s head and a gold statue of the Lion of Judah sat by His side.

   

     Marley and his band opened with an Ethiopia-inspired instrumental, telling his story on the acoustic drums and transporting the audience from Africa to the Caribbean to America; and also channeling his iconic father, Bob Marley. (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=424UWbAdq4Y).

      “Greetings in the name of His Majesty, Haile I, Selassie I the first, Jah Rastafari!” Marley proclaimed.

      “Love is in the house! Yeah!”

        This set the tone for the rest of the show.

      Another beautiful surprise: Marley was backed by some of finest musicians in the business: Grammy winning producer Lamar “Riff Raff” Brown on keyboards, Ranoy  Gordon on guitar, Christopher Meredith on bass, Wilburn “Squidly” Cole on percussion and Nicholas Laraque on flute, saxophone and clarinet. (Marley and Laraque are the greatest collaboration since Branford Marsalis and Sting).

   A beautiful surprise is that Marley’s One Take Acoustic Jams show is mildly electric, but just enough to give it a symphonic feel. But Marley’s raspy, gut wrenching voice has so much soul that it needs very little musical accompaniment. Like his father, Stephen Marley has a keen sense of harmony and his voice caresses a melody.

    During the one hour minute set, Marley moved the audience with songs of freedom, songs of love and songs of redemption. Marley performed songs made famous by his father, including “Small Axe,” “Rainbow Country,” “Misty Morning” “All Day” and original songs from his award winning albums, “Mind Control” and “Revelation Part 1: The Root of Life” and Revelation Part 2: The Fruit of Life” Marley even sampled a bit of electronic dance music with “Revatuo Party.”

     The show’s climax was brilliant. Laraque delivered a Rasta-funky clarinet solo while Marley chanted “Jungle Fever” and played the acoustic drums. Then, the band segued into “Bob Marley’ Could You Be Loved” and Marley called Mystic on stage to song with him. (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NSirDZb-DAw)

    “This is my daughter!”  !Marley beamed, after giving Mystic a huge hug,

    “Yeah! Generation to Generation.”

      After killing them softly, Marley brought the audience back to earth with his poignant ballad: “It’s Alright,” tapping into the ethos of a generation.

“I've been a stranger to myself
I've felt alone like no one else
I've seen the good suffer long
I've felt the power of love
I've made a way out, flew where to go
And what's it all for? I don't know
But it must be said, just so you know
That it's alright, it's alright, it's alright
Yeah yeah yeah yeah.”

   Another beautiful surprise: Marley hosted a paid meet and greet after the show at the UC Theatre after the show. Fans got the opportunity to chat with Marley and even take selfies with him. They walked away with an autograph poster and a copy of his latest CD: “One Take: Acoustic Jams.” Proceeds went to benefit the Ghetto Youths International Foundation, a non profit that Marley set up with his brothers.

Visit stephenmarleymusic.com

Happy Holidays

J Boog

Rose Petals Winter Tour 2019

The Catalyst

1011 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

7:00 PM

J Boog (Jerry Afemata), a reggae singer of samoan descent was born in Long Beach and raised in Compton, CA. He is the youngest of seven brothers and one sister who come from hard working parents that relentlessly instilled a strong cultured household.

Currently residing back and forth between Hawaii and California, J Boog has been working incessantly since the release of his debut album "Hear Me Roar" (2007). He followed that up with his sophomore album "Backyard Boogie" (2011) which topped the US Billboard Charts and iTunes charts in numerous countries. J Boog has shared his craft & has toured around the world: Europe, Africa, Dubai, New Zealand, Australia, The US & Japan all have felt the authenticity of J Boog. 

Jerry helped pave the way for many Polynesian artists with the help of island music pioneer George "Fiji" Veikoso. The two met in 2005. They immediately clicked and created a sound that opened many doors for the Polynesian community. In 2008, J Boog joined Hawaii/San Francisco based recording & record label, Wash House Music Group Inc. Together they've been on a journey thats most promising with endless limits.

Shortly after that, J Boog teamed up with Yami Bolo & Gramps Morgan of reggaeʻs royal family, Morgan Heritage. They embarked on a journey to have J Boog witness the culture of Jamaican music & history. This being Jerryʻs first visit to Jamaica, he was completely overwhelmed & found himself working in historic studios: Bob Marley's "Tuff Gong Studio", Don Corleon's "Hit Maker Studio", Bobby Digitals "Digital B Studio", Shaggy's "Big Yard Studio" & Sugar Minott's "Youth Man Promotions". All very prestigious recording artists & compounds. He was constantly surrounded by several artists he had been influenced by and many of these artists where featured on his 2011 release Backyard Boogie. Backyard Boogie entertained a wide spectrum of reggae fans, old & new. It gave a variety of roots, r&b, lovers rock and good vibes. Hits included: Lets Do It Again produced by Don Corleon and Sunshine Girl produced by Gramps Morgan featuring Morgan Heritage front man Peetah Morgan. 

The success of Backyard Boogie earned J Boog Best Entertainer Award at the 2012 Irawma Awards held in Chicago, IL. A year later, he dropped a 5 song EP called "Live Up" & a mix-tape collaboration with fashionista powerhouse Diamond Supply Co. His most recent EP "Rose Petals" (2016) peaked the US Billboards & iTunes Charts at #1 & was nominated for Best Reggae Album of the Year at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards. It featured hip hop mogul Snoop Dog & six time Grammy Award winner Stephen "Ragga" Marley. The Rose Petals EP was just a little foreplay to what would become his next full length album called "Wash House Ting".

A true student of music; you can catch J Boog on world wide tours across the globe, on radio interviews or in the studio working on new material. His humility has gained him true fans everywhere he goes while exercising, MUSIC IS THE ONLY UNIVERSAL TONGUE. Stay tuned....

Reggae Songbird Etana Headed to Kenya

Reggae Songbird Etana Headed to Kenya

After a moving and inspiring performance for International Women's Day in Jamaica, soulful songbird Etana is headed to Kenya to lend her voice for a concert and a cause.

The multi-award winner and newly independent artist is slated to perform at "Dobba Fest" on March 18th, 2017 alongside reggae stars Luciano and Richie Spice. A humble and excited Etana stated " My fans in Kenya have steadily been asking for me, so I’m looking forward to hearing my Kenyan people singing to me in perfect harmony."

With her memorable honey coated voice, Etana will perform from her vast repertoire of hits and classics, as well as new material such as her recently released stirring single "Know Who I Am", "..If you see me walking much lighter Oh that’s because I know who I am and if you see my smile getting brighter It simply means I do understand.." With it's heartening lyrics, the latter has already garnered attention and momentum on the airwaves, "The songs speaks of where we were as a people and where we are now and where I wish for us all to be as people. United and strong." - Etana. "Know Who I Am" has also delivered beautiful visuals in the form of a lyrical video.

As philanthropy plays an integral part of Etana's life, during her Kenya journey, the songstress will take part in a youth initiative organized by Brand Afrika for the government Ministry in charge of the Studio Mashinani project. " I will be involved in a couple of youth empowerment music workshops prior to the show. I am always willing to give my time to share and encourage the youths. "

Upon her return Etana will head back to the studio to put the finishing touches on her upcoming album, slated to be released later this year.

May the Pulse Be With You: Grammy Winning Reggae Band Releases New Documentary, “Dreadtown” By Shelah Moody

Steel Pulse @ Mountain Winery, Saratoga

“Reggae music pleases kings and queens, so I’m sure that it will please you,” announced lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist David Hinds.

I first saw Steel Pulse at the Waikiki Shell in Honolulu, HI, 1988. Ironically, the U.K.’s Grammy winning reggae band was the opening act for a local group, Cecilio & Kapono. My first exposure to the music of Steel Pulse came via the reggae show on KTUH FM, our local university radio station. I was captivated by their roots and dub sound and their militant and spiritually uplifting lyrics. Songs like “Handsworth Revolution,” “Chant a Psalm a Day,” “Stepping Out,” “Ku Klux Klan,” “Not King James Version,” “Blues Dance Raid,” “Roller Skates” and “Drug Squad” became the soundtrack of my young adult life. Steel Pulse was rocking against racism and speaking out on police shootings of unarmed black youth decades before Black Lives Matter.

David Hinds and Selwyn Brown. Founders of Steel Pulse

It was fate that led me to spot a fabulous young dread, David Hinds, and his magnificent towering dreadlock, walking out of the Food Pantry, our neighborhood overpriced grocery store, in Waikiki, 1989 on the eve of Steel Pulse’ headlining Waikiki Shell performance. I remember running through the “don’t walk” sign to catch up with David and grabbing the sleeve of his denim jacket.

“Excuse me, are you….”

“Oh, yes,” he said. “And you are…?

I quickly introduced myself and the underground publication, “Scrawling Wall,” that I was writing for at the time. I did not know that I was shaking and sweating in the Honolulu heat.

“You seem like you are afraid of me,” said Hinds.

“Oh no, I’m just a bit nervous because I love you guys so much,” I said.

What followed was a two hour interview for “Scrawling Wall” with Hinds, who introduced me to band members Steve “Grizzly” Nesbit on drums, Selwyn Brown on vocals, keyboards and melodic, Phono Martin on percussion and vocals and Sidney Mills on keyboards. Hinds spoke to me in depth about the influence of the Black Power Movement in America, discrimination against blacks and other peoples of color in the U.K., and the songwriting process that led him to write classics such as “Throne of Gold” and “Ravers.” When Hinds opened his jacket to reveal an oversize button depicting a cow pooping with a circle and I line over it, (“No Bullshit”), I knew that we would be friends for life.

Ironically, Steel Pulse came to town to perform during my last weekend in Honolulu and I hung out with the band members at Diamond Head Beach, where the warm sand glistened like millions of diamond chips. The Pulse was with me when I left Honolulu for good to attend graduate school in San Francisco. While tears flowed, I played their 1991 recording, “Victims” on the plane. The first single was “Taxi Driver.” Putting worlds into action, Steel Pulse filed a class action suit against the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission, due to drivers refusing to pick up blacks and dreads.

In the summer of 1994, the staff of the Reggae Calendar International lost our dear friend, Joyce Ann Cooke, who was killed in a car crash on the way to Reggae on the River. Headlining at Reggae on the River that weekend was none other than Steel Pulse. A blessing came out of tragedy that weekend; my feature story on Steel Pulse for “Reggae Calendar International” caught the eye of Steel Pulse’s tour manager, who recommended me to MCA records to write the press release for their upcoming album, “Vex.”

A standout track on “Vex” was a song called “No Justice, No Peace.”

“The practice of so many injustices has left us with very little confidence in the judicial system,” said Hinds. “Above the angry groove of the drum and bass, “No Justice, No Peace,” lashes out at the outcome of the Rodney King trials. “No Justice, No Peace” goes on to acknowledge Mike Tyson’s incarceration in comparison to a Kennedy family member’s acquittal on an almost similar crime.”

Fast forward to fall, 2016. Steel Pulse is currently touring with one of the biggest acts in reggae music, multiple Grammy winner Ziggy Marley. When reggae music was rough and uncut, Steel Pulse opened for Bob Marley, who dubbed them the Young Wailers.

                                       Drummer Wayne "C-Sharp" Clarke

      

Though they players and the groove may have changed over 40 years, the message remains the same. Steel Pulse current lineup includes core members, Hinds, Brown and Mills, along with Wayne “C Sharp” Clarke on drums, Amlak Tafari on bass, Jerry Johnson on sax, and Makiesha McTaggert on vocals, rapper BaRuch Hinds (son of David) and David Elecceri on guitar. 

Vocalist Keysha McTaggart and keyboardist Sidney Mills

They’ve added an acoustic version of “Chant a Psalm a Day” and new songs such as “Don’t Shoot” and “Put Your Hoodies Up (4 Trayvon),” livicated to the unarmed black youth across the country who’ve been killed by police.

Steel Pulse newest members David Elecciri, guitar, and rapper BaRuch Hinds

After seeing the Pulse live at least 100 times over the years, the show is new to me every time and I wait for the point when they play “Rally Round” and I can throw my fist in the air and sing along with the refrain “Closer to God we Africans!”

Steel Pulse is also gearing up for the release of “Dreadtown,” the definitive documentary of Steel Pulse, which memorializes their 40 year career and evolution of as a band. With Hinds as executive producer, “Dreadtown” was directed by Yoni Gal of Driftwood Pictures. Past and present band members and family are featured in the film, as well as luminaries such as the Marley family, Gwen Stefani, Michael Franti, Snoop Dogg, Johnny Rotten and Alpha Blondy.

"Dreadtown" has been in the making for eight years, said Hinds, 60.
“We started out doing the video, for our song "Door of No Return." (see link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsO4aYNFc9U). The song is about a captured slave who is actually a king. My son, BaRuch, has the lead in the video. The song is about someone of high realms all of a sudden finding himself on an auction block in the United States or somewhere like that, and being sold. The whole idea of "Door of No Return," not that I'm veering from the subject of "Dreadtown," is that there is a place called Goree Island, a small island off the coast of Senegal, and on Goree Island is a detention center or a fortress where slaves were held until they were dispatched to various parts of the world. There was an opening through the fortress that the slaves had to go through that was called the door of no return. Once they went through the door, and went throughout Europe and parts of the Americas to become slaves, they never had a chance to return.”

“I was very emotional about the whole thing and thought I was actually representing my ancestors returning through the door of no return,” said Hinds. “My point is, we decided to take it to another level and make a movie on the making of "Door of No Return." It was so interesting what developed as far as ideas and what we contributed, and the next step was to turn the whole the Steel Pulse experience and advertise our 40 year legacy. That's how "Dreadtown" came into play. We're hoping that it can be completed by the end of the year. It's crucial now, because there are so many issues involved. We started out, as you know in England where we were facing racism and all of the stuff that came along colonialism and of course, we go back to 400 years of slavery. To know that things have come around 360 degrees in this day and age; where England has exited out of Europe—racism is at the root of it all. You’ve got Donald Trump establishing his format of racism right here in the U.S. It’s as if our songs have been revitalized for that same reason. Our story needs to be out there; it needs to be told and I’m hoping that it will be something that people are very much interested in. I hope it doesn’t have a “sell by” date or gets put on the shelf after a period of time, because we are living in times where things are very much disposable. We want to know that your children and grandchildren can still have this film as a template of how things are and were. I hope that it can be part of a school’s curriculum. We want to have people taking time out with kids of all ages and dimensions and looking at it and saying, wow, this is what’s happening, and sort of have it as a debate or whatever they want to use it as. We want it to last for a long, long time, even after Steel Pulse has retired as a band.”

May the Pulse be with you at: www.steelpulse.com

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

On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steelpulseofficial/

On Twitter: @Steelpulse

The Reggae Soul of Rusty Zinn

Rusty’s mix of classic reggae, rock steady and ska is imbued throughout with the sound of his magnificent voice, his hook laden original compositions and his thorough understanding of the place of soul in Jamaican music. Of the twelve tunes on ‘The Reggae Soul of Rusty Zinn’, (RockBeat Records, to be released in February 2015) nine are written by Rusty, and show his command of the craft. Meaningful lyrics, memorable and melodic tunes set in timelessly crisp productions, all topped off by his warm and intimate voice. The kind of songs that should be on every radio stations’ playlist.

Rusty Reggae Soul cover 2The album’s opening song ‘Rise Up’, is up on YouTube and is rapidly gaining views. The tune shows the ska side of Rusty’s musical personality, and is a joyful paean to hope and optimism in these doubtful times. It has the sensibilities of a ‘We Shall Overcome’ lyric but with a far better tune and a totally irresistible dance beat. All the songs on the album, whether written by Rusty or not, reflect love, a yearning for love, or an unflinching optimism in what lies ahead. ‘Pushing Towards A Dream’, ‘She Comes From Nothing’ and ‘Woman Don’t Settle’ acknowledge problems but point to solutions, while ‘Angie I Love You’ (written for his wife),’Do I Stand A Chance With You’,’Lover’s Glory’, ‘Put Your Faith in Me’, Frankie Valli’s ‘I Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You’, Gladys Knight’s ‘Is There A Place’ and Jimmy Holiday’s ‘Turning Point’ are unabashedly romantic to the core. ‘Gift Of Love’ is a glorious celebration of life’s central theme set to a riffing ska rhythm.

The focus of Rusty’s music is always centered on the voice first and foremost. He says: “when I was a small child the very first music I remember hearing were vocal groups like The Spinners and The Stylistics. My parents were always playing music from their youth, mostly Doo Wop, Sam Cooke, The Beatles, Ray Charles, Fats Domino and so many more. I think being raised on all that kind of music made me subconsciously develop certain standards to uphold in my music.  Those standards are elements such as soulful singing, good messages, strong arrangements, nice chord progressions…“ These are key ingredients in Rusty’s personal brand of Reggae which is also much influenced and inspired by such great Jamaican singers as Alton Ellis, Ken Boothe, Delroy Wilson, and Slim Smith. and he now brings the sensibilities of soul to his chosen brand of Jamaican music. Emphasizing melody, romance and feeling, he terms his musical vision ‘A Journey to the Soul of Lovers Rock Steady.’

Rusty Zinn’s musical journey started in the eighties in the blues field. A stunning guitarist and singer, he established a world wide presence as a young blues turk,  and all who saw and heard him marveled at his mastery of the idioms, his astonishing guitar playing, his soulful singing – a musician’s musician. However,by the turn of the millennium he found himself drawn to the melodies and rhythms of Jamaican music and rapidly and thoroughly immersed himself in the idiom, studying it and learning its history just as thoroughly as he had the blues.

‘When I was in Kingston in 2009, recording my ‘Manifestation’ CD it was like I was in a dream state. It was like being in reggae Disneyland because on every street corner you would recognize a reggae legend. When I started my recording session there it was the first time I could remember my knees knocking together just like they did the first time I performed on stage at the age of 18. There I was singing and performing my own material with my heroes – some of the biggest legends and veterans of Jamaican music. The great producer Bunny Lee even walked in while I was singing a song. He watched and listened for a while and then gave me a thumbs up and a great big smile and turned and walked out the door.’

Over the years Rusty has performed with a multitude of Jamaican artists, and befriended even more. He’s recorded with the legendary Jamaican rhythm section Sly and Robbie, Boris Gardiner, Robbie Lyn, Mikey Chung, Soul Syndicate, Scully Sims, Hux Brown and many more.

His YouTube video of ‘I Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You’ has received more than 865,000 hits.

He has twice received Joe Higgs Music Award nominations as Best International  Reggae Artist (in 2007 and 2009) and for Best Male Singer category (alongside such legends as Beres Hammond) in 2009. These nominations were a great honor for Rusty as Joe Higgs, known as The Godfather of Jamaican Music, has had a huge impact and profound influence on his music, particularly his approach to songwriting. Other Jamaican performers who have had an impact on his music are his many mentors, Milton Henry, Mikey Mao Chung, Barry Biggs, Clinton Fearon, Tony Chin, and Fully Fullwood. Rusty sought out many of these Jamaican music notables and befriended them so that he could soak up the true vibes of some of Reggae’s foundational singers and musicians. He found that many of these men who are his heroes were more than approachable and willing to share their knowledge with him.

When reviewing an earlier CD in The Beat publication Chuck Foster (KPFK ‘Reggae Central’) wrote “…. did I mention this guy can sing?” and compared his songwriting talents to the great Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham.

Sly Dunbar, of the legendary rhythm section Sly & Robbie, recently commented: ‘I was blown away by his singing … his voice is clean and smooth. He is a great artist. ‘Nuff respect to Rusty.’

‘Great songs, delivery and execution that hits you with truths, rights & Love! ‘  Doug Wendt (Midnight Dread)



Rusty’s manager, Bob ‘Rob’ Bell says: ‘My first years in the music business were with Island Records and Trojan Records from 1965 through 1972 – the golden age of ska, rock steady and reggae. Rusty has that sound and feeling down without playing the nostalgia card – he plays to the heart’. Echoing the latter sentiment, James Austin of Rockbeat Records adds that ‘this CD has excellent “crossover” potential, opening up the world of Reggae to a whole new audience’.

"Nah Complain",By Kafinal and Uroy Now Playing On Streetwise Radio

Born in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, Jamaica, Jeffery Williams better known as Kafinal has emerged as an entertainer and vocalist with diverse talents.

The singer/comedian/actor who is now based in Toronto, Canada credits his sometimes difficult upbringing with giving him his strong work ethic and sense of humour. The second of five children for his parents, he remembers how his mother worked hard to make ends meet. With that determination, he has decided to pay homage to her with his work.

Like many of the musical greats he started singing as a child in the church as well as in school and at community events. In 2001 while still living in Jamaica his professional musical timing had come and he released songs like “Cooking Dat Pwile” and “Drive By”.

Upon relocating to Canada, Kafinal began to make a name for himself on the Caribbean live show and performance circuits both as a singer and comedian.

The re-emergence of his first love, music, which Kafinal describes as “soul-filling”; presents him with an opportunity to entertain the best way he knows.

Influenced by all genres of music, he lists Bob Marley, Desmond Dekker, U Roy, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson and Beres Hammond among his musical influences.

For Kafinal the sky is indeed the limit as he plans to build on the exposure and fan-base he has garnered and take it to the highest level. He promises to continue to put out excellent music with the best production quality.

Lyrically he is definitely on his way as he has already released not only “catchy” but very relevant content. His latest project is titled “Nah Complain”, which features the legendary U-roy, has been rocking the airwaves in Jamaica, Toronto, the Caribbean and North America.

Expect more from this talented brother of the Caribbean.

contacts:

www.kafinal.com

https://www.facebook.com/kafinal

https://twitter.com/kafinal

bookkafinal@gmail.com

ALKALINE. PUTTING A BLACK EYE IN THE GAME?

PUTTING A BLACK EYE IN THE GAME?

By. Amero

Wow it seems as if time just whizzes by it already the end of the first month

in 2015. I know I shouldn't bring it up because it just makes me feel older

but anyway. When it comes to youth its kinda hard to understand what the

heck drives them to do what they do. I mean I can't explain why I did the

things I did as a youngster but we as adults tend to wonder. The reason I

say this is because of Jamaican dancehall sensation Alkaline. The young

artist is gaining momentum in his career and his new song “Wul Di Claffy

Dem’ has the young crowd pumped up. His youthful voice and rapid fire

lyrics are his penchant. The song has a catchy hook that makes it easy

to follow and Alkaline like his name seems to rap like he's full of batteries.

But why do the youth love him so well? I think its because of his off the

record antics that they are attracted to. When you look at the Alkaline all

you can notice is his blacked out eyes like some vampire from the movie

Underworld. No really he has no whites in his eyes.

At first you think wow such creepy contacts he has but when you get

into the meat and potatoes of the story it seems that he has tattooed his

eye balls. Yes its not a typo. Stories have floated around that his eyes

are tattooed black. When asked about his eyes Alkaline says, "its for the

attention but also because I'm calm and contented this way". "Any artist

or entertainer of any caliber wants to maintain the spotlight". I guess so

but I’ll pass myself. To make this story even more strange is that a fellow

Jamaican artist named Mace tried to follow suit and get his eyes tatted

black and wound up in the hospital. So I think that its safe to say that

those are not contacts in his eyes. Young people (not all youngsters) like to

follow crazy and different ideas so think that's the draw but in this case doing

something that's not normal. Alkaline does have major talent and in some

weird way knows how to market himself so i cannot say hes right or wrong

for his actions. I just hope nobody goes blind doing this type of stuff. Well

then again instead of writing his lyrics he can use talk to text app. So go

ahead with your bad self Alkaline keep making headlines. Alkaline and

other great dancehall music can be heard o g Splif 420 Reggae Show at
 4:30 pm and 10pm everyday on Streetwise Radio. Sponsored by Streetwise
 Special Delivery Inc.

Queen Makedah

"Blending reggae with the traditional sounds of R&B gorgeous lush vocals, Queen Makedah will take you on a vocally adorned journey to the very root of your soul. You’ll love the uplifting lyrics that border on socio-political issues tender to all our hearts. Good stuff."  Smother.net (Spiritual Healing Album Review)

"This is fresh and so different and is just basically one of the best Albums out there and is soothing for the soul and this CD is certainly a heavy weight contender for today’s world of music especially with its fresh stance."  English Crew, CD Baby (Spiritual Healing Album Review)

"Queen Makedah - Spreading Peace through Voice. Queen Makedah thrilled the crowd with charisma and vocal bravado, infusing R&B, soul and gospel into the traditional reggae grooves, while delivering music that is accessible and danceable."  Andrew Creasey, Oregon Music News
Now Playing on,
Streetwise Radio,Live365,Athena365,MyGen365.

Miss Kjah

This Trinidadian and Grenadian singer/songwriter from the United Kingdom is a talent. Her name is Khadijah but she goes by her stage name Miss Kjah. Miss Kjah can sing and write. She takes the old school music and blends it into a reggae song. I like the way she took two of my favorite R&B songs and music and made her own reggae songs. The Teddy Pendergrass’s “Close The Door” and The Floaters “Float On” songs were nicely done. Her version of “Close Da Door” and “Float On” is refreshing. Miss Kjah lyrics are uplifting and energetic. She has the ability to make you want to hear more. That is what I like in musical artists. To put out music that inspires. Miss Kjah is a talented, wonderful artist that is going to be around for years to come. If she keeps putting out good inspirational music and stays true to her craft. Miss Kjah has a single out called "Burn Bridges " it is a very inspirational song. You can listen to it on Streetwise Radio. Listen to Streetwise Radio on iTunes, Pandora, Live365, MyGen365 and Athena365.

LM

http://www.misskjah.com/page2.htm

http://www.misskjah.com/page3.htm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeguakZljHU

Calendar Listing:

Saturday, October 20

24^th Annual Peter Tosh Birthday Celebration Concert featuring Tosh 1,

Sister I-Live, Nyabinghi Drummers and more

Doors: 7pm

Film: 8pm

Music: 9pm

$20 tickets ($17 for students)

All ages

Ashkenaz, Berkeley CA

1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley CA

510-525-5054, 917/834-0330

24^th ANNUAL PETER TOSH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FEATURING TOSH 1, SISTER I-LIVE, AND MORE ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20 AT THE ASHKENAZ IN BERKELEY

Out of Many One Productions is proud to present the 24^th annual Peter Tosh Birthday Celebration commemorating the late, great reggae legend, icon Winston Hubert McIntosh, aka ‘Peter Tosh’ on Saturday, October 20 at the Ashkenaz in Berkeley. Performers include Peter Tosh’s son, Tosh 1, Peter Tosh’s cousin Sister-I-Live, Nyabinghi drummers, plus special guests to be announced.

Tickets are $20 (student tickets are $17) and can be purchased in advance at the Ashkenaz. Doors are at 7pm; an original documentary about Peter Tosh including interviews, history and music is at 8pm,and the music starts at 9pm. This is an all ages venue.

In August of this year, the late reggae star Peter Tosh was appointed a member of the Order of Merit (OM), receiving the country's third highest national honor and joining Wailers band mate and reggae icon Bob Marley as a recipient.
Twenty-five years after his murder, Tosh, who had no national honor previously, headed a list of 119 Jamaicans national recognized for outstanding contributions to the country on JA Independence Day.

The concert will feature Tosh 1, aka Jawara McIntosh, the youngest son of the reggae icon, who was born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1980. He moved to Boston in 1985 where he was raised by his mother. Tosh 1 has performed all over the world and he does especially well on the festival circuit.  This October / November, 2012 Tosh 1 is doing a Western US / Canada tour.

Tosh 1 is now set to release his highly anticipated album “Death to the Shitstem.” This album is slated to drop on October 19th, his father's birthday. The album features songs like “Get up Stand Up” his up-to-the time rendition of The Wailers classic,  “Babylon Burnin,” “Man Up”, just to name a few. This new album is a revolutionary embodiment of Tosh 1's signature hip-hop meets reggae brand of music, the best of both worlds!

In Boston, Tosh 1 was introduced to rap and hip-hop, the flow and flavor of LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Ice Cube and Run DMC. "That was when music was real," says Tosh 1, who started mixing the sounds of reggae with loops and samples of hip-hop in high school. Tosh has a love-hate relationship with the hip-hop genre, and believes many of its artists have gone astray, seduced by major record deals, fast cars and expensive clothes. "The same revolutionary spirit that once inspired me has been transformed into everything it once detested," says Tosh 1.

In 2000, Tosh 1 decided to record a couple of tracks in the studio, creating a hybrid sound that blended urban sounds, but still stayed true to the tenets of reggae and its messages of social change, activism and spirituality. "It was like second nature, like magic," says Tosh 1. "People just fell in love with it."

Tosh 1 is a revolutionary artist with an impetus to right wrongs. "I give people food for thought," explains Tosh 1. "It's about waking people up. I am going to expose the system for what it is. We have to be more conscious of our life here on earth and stop complaining."

Also appearing on the bill is Bay Area favorite dancehall queen, Sister I-Live. Born and raised in the Parish of Westmoreland Jamaica, West Indies, her singing career began in her local parish church choir and school choirs and youth clubs. This exposure inspired her to start writing her own songs. She and her friends would frequently go to the beach side with guitars and drums chanting music for hours.

From an early age she was interested in seeking a spiritual way of life. At fourteen-years-old, she began visiting and reasoning with local Rasta bredren and sistren and attending the Nyahingi groundations where Rastas would chant together with drums. In 1973, she began to grow her dreadlocks and further her commitment to Rastafari.

After moving to California in 1984 where she started singing as DJ, toasting and singing over the local sound systems, she then began singing on stage shows, backing up local reggae performers. In 1987, she began singing with a band called the Chosen Few, comprised of some of the toughest reggae musicians in the Bay Area.

Sister I- Live is a lively performer whose dancing infectiously moves her audiences. She is called a Dance-Hall Diva because of her compelling live performances. A cousin to the legendary Peter Tosh, Sister-I- Live has ability to pull the fire out of the audience with her every sound. Each song brings a healing message surely to touch the hearts of many. Her musical repertoire is varied with original cultural lyrics as well as, classic reggae cover tunes.

The Peter Tosh Birthday Celebration concert is slated to be a special treat for all those Peter Tosh fans that have been waiting for Peter's next release, and for the younger generations who never got to see Peter Tosh perform live in the flesh. Peter's youngest son, Tosh 1 has now taken the torch and moved ahead with youthful strength and vigor to carry on the work of his father.

For more information contact Out Of Many One Productions, 917-834-0330 or for tickets go to http://www.ashkenaz.com/. The box office is open every night when there is an event for presale tickets.

Diana King

Diana King is a reggae fusion singer-songwriter, who performs a mixture of R&B, reggae and dancehall. Diana was born on November 8, 1970 in Spanish Town, Jamaica to an Indo-Jamaican father and an Afro Jamaican mother. Diana’s career began after she made an appearance on The Notorious B.I.G.'s 1994 song "Respect," from his album Ready to Die. Diana signed a recording contract with Sony Music. Her first single "Shy Guy", came off her debut album “Tougher Than Love” released in 1995. It was a hit, reaching #13 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was certified gold by the RIAA in the U.S. It also hit #2 on the UK Singles Chart and it reached #1 on the Eurochart Hot 100 Singles chart. The single went on to sell nearly five million singles worldwide. The “Shy Guy” song made the soundtrack to the 1995 film, Bad Boys. Diana King not only sings her reggae and dancehall music that sounds awesome, she also does cover versions of two of my favorite singers. She did a cover version of the song "I Say a Little Prayer" (originally recorded by Dionne Warwick in 1967) and did a fantastic job. Diana also did a cover version of the Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody”, which was on her second album “Think Like a Girl” released in 1997. Diana released her third album “Respect” on July 24, 2002, in Japan. Eventually it was released in other markets, such as the UK on April 17, 2006 and released digitally in the United States on April 29, 2008. "Summer Breezin” the lead single off this album was played on BET, VH1 video and received some urban radio play. Warrior Girl was Diana’s fourth album, but it was released in the United States (under the title Agirlnameking) on November 8, 2011. Out of all her songs on all four albums, my favorites are “Summer Breezin”, “Shy Guy”, “L L Lies”, “Yu dun Kno”, "Closer", "When We Were Kings" (with Brian McKnight), "Love Triangle" and “Love Me Thru The Night”. Diana King is one of those artists that can sing. I can’t believe I have never heard of her, this lady is a real talent!! Her voice is unbelievable. In her personal life Diana came out as a lesbian. Good for you Diana King. I look at life like this. You have to be happy with yourself and do you! Streetwise Radio is playing songs from Diana King. You can also listen to Streetwise Radio on MyGen365, live365, Athena365 and I-Tunes.

LM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diana_King

Sharp! Now Playing On Streetwise Radio

This song and video is all over the internet. It's hot and we are now playing it on Big Splif. Looking for more great sounds from Sharp in the future.
M.Ealey




Sharp
Bio:


Sharp hails from the picturesque island of Jamaica a talented soccer player with a promising future, could not deny his undying love for the music. Sharp’s musical endeavors transcend way beyond being just an MC his musical background includes a B.A. in the Music Industry which he acquired from The College at Oneonta in New York. Sharp first realized his musical talents with close friendRudy in Jamaica (R.I.P). He discovered his versatility and way with words and encouraged Sharp 
to battle rival DJ’s in school and local parties. However, it wasn’t until he met up with Empogen high 
school classmate and started writing songs performing at various class parties and Teen Star 
competitions. Being around music watching and listening to his mom singing and playing the guitar 
and was also a die hard fan of reggae great Terror Fabulous was instrumental in his pursuing a 
career in music. Sharp recorded his first song professionally in late 2006 that was followed by a 
string of performances in New York, Toronto, Canada and Atlanta Georgia Sharp now resides in 
Miami Florida joined forces with his cousin Sean Mccorkell and started their own company BBK 
Entertainment notable performances opening act for a few well known reggae stars, Sanchez, 
Capleton and Mr. Vegas to name a few. Sharp is currently working on his debut album entitled “All 
or Nothing” which features the hit single “Money Right”.



Personal Interests:


Sharp is a music and a sports addict, like reading traveling has a fascination with languages 
currently studying to become fluent in Spanish and of-course has an undying love for the ladies I 
love Y'all.!!!!


Email:


bbkentertainment@gmail.com
Website
http://bbkentertainment.com