Fantan Mojah

Everything Rastafari Promotions Presents Fantan Mojah in concert on Thursday, March 14 at Slim’s in San Francisco. The doors open at 8pm and the music starts at 9pm with opening acts Prestige, Zareb, and upcoming artist from Montego Bay, Jamaica, Jah Warri. The Master of Ceremonies is Spliff Skankin’ of KPFA. Fantan Mojah is being backed by The Dub Kronik Band. Slim’s is located at 333 11th St. in San Francisco and is an all-ages venue. For more information or tickets call(415) 255-0333 or 510-652-2168 or visit http://www.slimstickets.com/events

Owen Moncrieffe aka Fantan Mojah was born in St. Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica. To gain experience, he took a job working with a traveling soundsystem, and performed songs during sound checks. He adopted the name Mad Killer, in an homage to one of his favorite artists, Bounty Killer. After being exposed to the Rastafarian movement his music began to take on a more positive tone, and he was encouraged by Capleton to take the name Fantan Mojah.

Fantan Mojah is notable for being one of the new wave of contemporary reggae singers who prefer to include positive themes in their lyrics. Like some popular new reggae singers, he is a Bobo Ashanti. His faith is reflected in his lyrics, where some recurring themes are - praise for Jah and messages of Rastafari, positive portrayal of women, and condemnation of ill morals. This is a contrast to many popular dancehall artists, who encourage "slackness" in their lyrics, with boasts of sexual prowess and derogatory messages to women.

After performing at many popular Jamaican festivals, Fantan Mojah recorded several songs on popular riddims, and was signed by Downsound Productions. He released his debut full-length album ‘Hail the King’ in 2005. It has become a hit in Jamaica, especially the track "Hail the King", which has an accompanying music video.

Opening the evening’s music is Prestige whose powerful social consciousness, witty nature, and adept song writing ability has cast him in the prestigious position of leading the latest pack of Roots Reggae artists. With a slew of singles including “My Pride,” “Wi Nuh Trust Dem,” “I am Bless,” “Hot Stuff,” a collaboration with Anthony B and Little Devon, and his latest herbal anthem “Smoke Free,” Prestige has flattened thousands at some of Jamaica’s biggest Reggae events including Magnum GT Taylor’s Christmas Extravaganza, Portmore Fest, and the notoriously critical crowd at the annual Sting stage show with stage performances as compelling and uplifting as the morally poignant lyrics behind his music.

This is a true Rastafarian evening of music with uplifting, conscious music. The Rastafari movement, or Rasta, is a spiritual movement that arose in the 1930s in Jamaica. Today, awareness of the Rastafari movement has spread throughout much of the world, largely through interest generated by reggae music like the performers on this special show.

For more information contact Everything Rastafari Promotions and Productions 510-652-2168, or Slim’s 415-255-0333. www.facebook.com/Jahwarri

Reggae Legends, Rising Stars Shine at the 2012 Sierra Nevada World Music Festival

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By Shelah Moody

Photos by Shelah Moody and Michael Ealey

For the past 19 years, promoters Warren Smith and Gretchen Franz have presented some of the finest in reggae, global and indie music at the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, one of California’s most beloved summer events. Each year, people travel from all over the world to attend the three-day festival easily recognized by its--initials, SNWMF.

Marking their seventh year at Mendocino Campgrounds in Anderson Valley, Booneville, CA, SNWMF continued the tradition; presenting with wildly popular acts such as Third World, (Jamaica) Jimmy Cliff, (Jamaica), dub poet Linton Kwesi Johnson (UK), Katchafire (New Zealand) and Luciano (Jamaica) during the weekend of June 22-24. SNWMF 2012 also celebrated the unsung pioneers of reggae such as Sister Nancy, Della Grant and the Twinkle Brothers and Prince Alla; and showcased rising stars such as Cherine Anderson, Romain Virgo and the iKronik band. 

I have followed the Sierra Nevada World Festival from three sites, since 1995. Along with hearing some incredible music and grabbing some exclusive interviews, I’ve fallen in love near the waterfront at SNWMF, formed long lasting friendships and eaten the best handmade chocolate dipped ice cream bar of my life. What a party!

For me, one of the highlights of SNWMF 2012 was watching Grammy-winning singer/songwriter/ film star Jimmy Cliff. You never get tired of watching his lithe, agile frame move across the stage and hearing his ethereal tenor soar across the venue. The Godfather of Reggae, who also appears in the wildly popular documentary “Marley,” performed his some of his biggest hits “Reggae Nights,” “The Harder they Come” and “You Can Get it if You Really Want.” Cliff introduced new material from his latest punk and ska influenced album, “Rebirth,” produced by Tim Armstrong. (Armstrong describes Cliff as one of the greatest songwriters of all time).

When I spotted another real life movie star, Leon Preston Robinson IV, aka Leon (“Five Heartbeats,” “Cool Runnings,” “All the Right Moves”), in the crowd I jokingly asked him what he was doing out of Hollywood. “I thought this was Hollywood,” he replied. 

Another highlight was watching Jamaica’s all-star iKronik band, featuring Rolando “Phanso” Wilson (drums), Isaiah Palmer (bass), Dwight “Duke” Dawes, (keyboards) Wendel "Junior Jazz" Ferraro, (lead vocals, guitar) and Junior “ KavaJah” Johnson (vocals, guitar, keyboards) bring their dream of becoming a successful recording and touring solo act to fruition. On opening night, iKronik performed original songs from their upcoming album including “Ride On” and “Clean Heart.” iKronik also worked extremely hard that weekend as the backing band for many of the artists on the bill.

“Our performance at SNWMF was very significant to us because it was the first festival that iKronik performed on doing our own set and getting great feedback,” said Dawes.

“We enjoyed sharing our original material with the patrons. It was a thrill to see them responding to these songs that are new to them. We also enjoyed playing for all the other artists Luciano, Cherine Anderson, Prince Alla, Romain Virgo, Sister Nancy and Perfect. We all have favorite songs by these artists and it was a pleasure working with them.”

SNWMF marked the return of the man with the velvet baritone, conscious reggae singer Luciano, as Sunday night’s closing act, who delighted the audience performing somersaults on stage and delivering his string of hits such as “Who Could it Be Now, “There's No Love” and “Give Praise to Rastafari.”

Jamaica’s reigning queen of reggae/dancehall/soul, Cherine Anderson proudly represented Jamaica during the year of their 50^th Independence Anniversary. During a media conference the SNWMF press tent, Anderson, who was influenced by Whitney Houston and Lauryn Hill, sang a beautiful a cappella version of her new single, “Eagles and Doves.”

Anderson spoke about her struggles to get the song released and her commitment to producing conscious, motivational, message music as opposed to following formulas and trends. Anderson, who comes from a family of all girls, also spoke of the importance of women supporting each other. A protégée of the Grammy winning drum/bass duo Sly and Robbie, Anderson rose to global attention after co-starring in the Jamaican film, “Dancehall Queen” (1997), in which she played a sexually abused teenager. As an advocate for children, Anderson founded the Reach One Child Jamaica foundation, which provides motivation and scholarships to Jamaican youth, in 2003. Children love Cherine Anderson; it seems that that each time she performs at SMWMF, she is mobbed by groups of wee folks for autographs and photos.

When I saw Cherine Anderson perform, I was blown away; at that moment; knew why I given up a chance to see Anita Baker and Bobby Brown live that weekend in order to attend SNWMF. Backed by singers Peter Gayle and Jasmine Lue, Anderson demonstrated confidence, sensuality, style and warmth on stage.

Anderson, who described herself as an eighties baby, payed homage to imprisoned reggae artist ( and Grammy winner) Buju Banton with her own version of “Til Shiloh.” During her performance of another Buju Banton hit, “Movie Star” (originally recorded by Delroy Wilson), Anderson jumped off of the stage to touch hands with her fans in the audience and make each one feel special by personally singing to them.

The lyrics of her composition, “Eagles and Doves” capture my overall feelings of SNWMF 2012. Check it out:

Eagles & Doves written by: Cherine Anderson, Produced by: Shadow & Dream Queen

They don’t know my story; They don’t know a thing about me who are they to judge me

See my glory; but they never see my pain

People talk don’t faze I am not afraid of words that cannot break or harm me

Watch me rise no time for haters on my plane

No one can hold me down Just watch me win this crown; No one can hold me down

Fly like eagles soar like doves Can’t nobody hold me down

I got life I got love can’t nobody hole me down

So raise your glass fill your cup tonight we’re gonna live it up

Raise your glass fill your cup tonight we’re gonna live it up

Don’t believe in failure we can do it we can rise above it dreams come through

And if you get knock down, you just get back up again

Friend will come and go and the ones we love will hurt and even disappoint too

Be good to people and good comes back to you Chorus: No one can hold me down Just watch me win this crown

Follow the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival on their website: www.snwmf.com

On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/SNWMFhttp://www.facebook.com/#!/SNWMF

REGGAE/DUB BAND C-MONEY AND PLAYERS, INC. LAUNCH FEBRUARY TOUR

                                                       

Christofer “C-Money” Welter was born to be a musician. Welter, who hails from North Carolina and played in school marching bands, sees himself as following in the tradition of great southern trumpeters such as Louis Armstrong, Kermit Ruffins and Irvin Mayfield.

C-Money is best known for his work playing trumpet and keyboards in John Brown’s Body and Slightly Stoopid, two of the top reggae bands touring today. While in John Brown’s Body, C-Money recorded four full-length albums with the East Coast’s premiere reggae band and toured with them for eight years. In 2006, he moved west joining Slightly Stoopid and adding a new dimension and element to the band.

In 2010, C-Money released his second solo album, “Family Business,” garnering praise from ”Performer Magazine” who said, “The record offers the listener a serene feeling, along with empowering words from the various vocalists. Every track on the record is different - some have lyrics while others don't. The record takes the listener through various moods; some tracks feel spacey with an electronic vibe, while others are smoother, with a reggae twist.”

Fitting a robust tour schedule in between life on the road with Slightly Stoopid, C-Money and the Players Inc. have begun to make a name for themselves after touring consistently up and down the west coast for the past three years. The band’s reggae infused mix of funk/jam/jazz/hip-hop continues to delight crowds, as their ever-growing fan base is exposed to C-Money and the Players Inc’s unique concert experience.

2/14 - Hawthorne Theatre, Portland

2/15 - Diablos, Eugene w/ The Sindicate

2/16 - Wild River Brewing, Grants Pass

2/17 - Club 66, Ashland, Oregon

2/19 - Frog and Peach, SLO

2/27- Patrick Malloy's, Hermosa Beach

2/28 - Malibu Inn, Malibu

3/1 - Winstons, Ocean Beach

Like them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cmoneyplayersinc

For Information Contact:

Randy Freedman
Players Inc. Management

C-Money & the Players Inc
215.378.3097

Tanya Stephens

Tanya Stephens is just what I like in a Reggae singer songwriter. This 39 year old Jamaican born talent has a message in her music. No matter whether Tanya is singing reggae or dance hall her voice and lyrics are amazing. Tanya Stephens has been around since the late 1990s. She has had several hit songs throughout her career. Some of my favorite songs of Tanya’s are "Yuh Nuh Ready Fi Dis Yet", "Draw fi Mi Finger", "Freaky Type", and "Cry and Bawl", "These Streets", "Rosa", “Turn The Other Cheek”, “Little White Lie”, “Way Back “ and "It's a Pity". Tanya Stephens is so underrated she needs to be played more. Her music has so much meaning. It is so refreshing that she sings about true life situations. I know I can relate to what she is singing about. To listen to songs from this talented singer songwriter tune into Streetwise Radio. Also listen to Streetwise Radio on iTunes, Live365, Athena365, MyGen365 and Pandora.

LM

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFHNH6059wE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UHM9IO2vB4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZUK0Gkz8b0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQHmIQLJVGw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeAAzhgcHMI&list=AL94UKMTqg-9DSM0x19bwXmN9TTDtWKM6s

Wayne Wonder At The Brick & Mortar January 19th 2013

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

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

AVAILABLE NOW - MAXI PRIEST NEW CHRISTMAS ALBUM "Time Of The Year"

Maxi Priest’s ‘Time of the Year’ Christmas album is a unique album of Xmas songs produced by Livingstone Brown and Maxi Priest. This Deluxe digipack CD features 12 brand new songs including ‘Merry Christmas’, ‘Favourite Things’ and ’12 Days of Christmas’.  The Deluxe CD also includes 4 Maxi Priest Christmas cards

 

Track listing: Let Them In • I As a King • What a Wonderful World • My Favourite Things • Merry Christmas Baby • Time of the Year • We Wish You a Rasta Christmas • Jingle Bells • 12 Days of Christmas • Do You Hear What I Hear? • Happy Xmas (War is Over) • Silent Night

 

Glen Washington Masterpiece

Now a then I hear a reggae artist that makes me smile. Glen Washington happens be one of those artists. DJ Michael Ealey told me to check him out. I’m so glad he turned me on to this talented, amazing artist. Glen Washington is a spiritual singer that has a message in his music. Glen Washington’s vocals are husky and raspy, that has that soulful old school quality. Born in the parish of Clarendon Jamaica, Glen Washington has been in the reggae music scene since the early 1970s. I can see why, his music is awesome! Glen Washington made his first hit record “Rockers Not Crackers” in 1978. It took him 20 years to release another hit single “Kindness For Weakness”. While writing this blog, I’m listening to his past albums as well as his newest album. I can say I have not heard a song I don’t like. I can’t believe I have never heard of Glen Washington. With Glen Washington’s “Masterpiece” album you can’t go wrong. He delivers a strong album that is amazing, wonderful and spiritual. If you like Reggae artists that are easy to understand and has a message in their music, then Glen Washington is an artist you should check out. I’m putting him on the top of my play list. The Masterpiece album gets 5 out of 5 stars from me. You can listen to “Masterpiece” on Streetwise Radio’s Big Splif’s 420 Reggae. You can also listen to Streetwise Radio on Athena365, MyGen365, ITunes and Live365. Also available on Pandora.

LM

http://www.glenwashington.net/home.html

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

Stephen Marley

Stephen Robert Nesta "Raggamuffin" Marley was born on April 20, 1972, to reggae legend Bob Marley and Rita Marley in Wilmington, Delaware. Stephen was raised in Kingston, Jamaica. Stephen grew up in a very artistic and talented family. At the age of 8 he took lead vocals on "Sugar Pie", which he also performed live at the 1982 Jamaica World Music Festival in Montego Bay. Stephen was featured on the single "Jah Is The Healing" in 1985. Stephen and Damian Marley got together and put out an album called “Educated Fools”, they called their group the Marley Boyz that was in 2003. Stephen is artist and producer, in 2005 he produce his little brother Damien’s album “Welcome to Jamrock”. In 2007 Stephen released his debut album “Mind Control”. In 2009 he went on tour with Snoop Dogg and Slightly Stoopid as part of the Blazed and Confused 2009 Tour. I liked several songs from “Mind Control” album "Woman I Love You", "Someone to Love", "The Traffic Jam", "Hey Baby" (featuring Mos Def), "Chase Dem", "Iron Bars" and "Lonely Avenue". Stephen released a single “Jah Army" in 2010, featuring his brother Damian "Junior Gong" Marley. In 2012 Stephen Marley won a Grammy for Best Reggae album "Revelation Pt. 1: The Root of Life." The songs that I like off this album are "Made In Africa", "Pale Moonlight (How Many Times)", "Break Us Apart (featuring Capleton)”, "Jah Army (featuring Damian Marley & Buju Banton)” "No Cigarette Smoking (featuring Melanie Fiona)” and "False Friends" Stephen Marley has performed on a number of songs of other artist like, The Fugees "No Woman No Cry", Michael Franti "Rebel Music (3 O'Clock Roadblock)", Krayzie Bone "Revolution", Erykah Badu "In Love With You", Buju Banton "Poor Old Man", Eve "No No No", Mr. Cheeks "Mama Say" and "Till We Meet Again", Inner Circle "Smoke in My Eyes", Capleton "Sunshine Girl", Iqulah "Who Am I", Heath Hunter "Revolution In Paradise (Jamaica Version - Alex White Remix)", Nelly "River Don't Runnn", Camile Velasco "Guava Jelly", Damian Marley "The Mission", Damian Marley and Nas "Leaders" and "In His Own Words".

DJ Michael Ealey told me that years ago he saw the Marley’s in concert and Stephen would always be in the back ground. He would come out front to play the guitar and that was it. I’m so glad he came out to the front. Stephen Marley is so talented. I think he is so such like his father with his deep lyrics. Out of all the Marley brothers, he is my favorite. You can listen to Stephen Marley on Streetwise Radio. You can also listen to Streetwise radio on iTunes, live365, Athena365, MyGen365.

LM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Marley_(musician)

Alaine

New Jersey born  Alaine Laughton Laughton moved to Jamaica when she was three year old. Alaine was the little girl who was in the movie Clara’s Heart with one of my favorite actresses Whoopi Goldberg, this was in 1988. In the 1990s through 2000s Aliane was living in the United States. Aliane was singing background vocals for Rocefella, Cam’ron, Freeway and she was also writing songs. Aliane moved back to Jamaica in 2004 to work on her solo career. It was a good move for her to come from behind the scene to the front. Aliane can sing. She needed to come out front to do her own thing. Her music makes me feel like I’m in the Caribbean, sitting on the beach sipping on a “Bahama Mamma”. While I was writing this I downloaded some songs of Aliane’s to my playlist. The song I put on my playlist are "Sacrifice", "Without you", "No Ordinary Love", "Forever More" (featuring Tarrus Riley), “Deeper”, "Color Blind", “Speak Love”, "Luv a Dub" (featuring Buju Banton) and "Lovers Prayer". Aliane is another underrated singer that needs to be played more. I’m so glad that internet radio is out there, where you can listen to singers that On-Air DJ’s are not playing. Aliane is a singer that I know I will be keeping up with. Listen to her songs on Streetwise Radio. You can also listen to Streetwise Radio on live365, iTunes, MyGen365 and Athena365,

LM

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

Sisters Tami Chynn & Tessanne Chin

DJ Michael Ealey wanted me to update the Streetwise Radio Big Splif’s 4:20 blog page with a Reggae artist. I had no idea who to write about, so he started suggesting artists that I would like. Michael knows I don’t like the kind of Reggae, which is hard to understand. He suggested Tami Chynn, while I was reading about her I found out she had a sister who also sang Tessanne Chin. Yes they spell their last names different, but they are sisters. I decided to write about both sisters because I think they both are talented. Born in Kingston, Jamaica Tami Chynn is the oldest she was born June 14, 1984 and Tessanne Chin was born September 23, 1985. Their father is Chinese and Cherokee and the mother is Black-Jamaican and British. Tami and Tessanne were exposed to music at a young age; both their parents were in a band called The Carnations. Tami moved to Leamington Spa, UK when she was 14 to study the performing arts. Before Tami became a singer she was a backup dancer for Shaggy. Tessanne on the other hand was performing at the age of 6 with Cathy Levy's "Little People and Teen Players club" one of the top performing arts schools in Jamaica. Tessanne at the age of 12 moved to England and she got her first taste of cultural diversity and she coped with it by writing songs. Tami signed her first record deal in early 2005 with Universal Motown Records she was 24. Tami released her debut album in 2006 called “Out of Many...One”, I really like this album it show how talented she is. Tessanne released her debut album "In Between Words" on December 6, 2010. These girls have performed alongside and collaborated with of some great artist. Tami has performed with international Reggae stars: Beenie Man, Lady Saw and on Sean Paul’s album The Trinity on the track "All on Me". Tami has also performed with Akon and alongside Verne Troyer, T-Pain, Shaggy, Lady GaGa, Natasha Bedingfield and Colby O'Donis. As for Tessanne she also collaborated with Shaggy on "Never Let Go", Trinidadian Soca band Kes on ("Loving You") and was featured on a track with the Legendary Jamaican band Third World on the song "By My Side". Tami and Tessanne have to different styles and voices. Tami is Pop/Reggae and Tessanne’s is more R an B/Reggae, I really like both of them. Tessanne singing style in influenced some of my favorite singers Aretha Franklin, Skunk, Pat Benatar, Diana King, Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Bob Marley and late great gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. Here are some songs I really like of Tami’s, “Hyperventilating”, “Frozen ft. Akon”, “Over and Over Again”, “Tell Mi Seh (Styled by Fifi Bell).flv”, “Neva Know” and “Forever Your Girl”. As for Tessanne’s songs they are “Hideaway”, “Black Books”, “Messanger”, “Broken Melody”, “Loving You w/ Kes”, “Are Yuh Gonna” and “Control (Are You Gonna)”. These two sisters can sing, they both have voices that could rival some of these superstars, they are so underrated. Listen to some of their songs on Streetwise Radio. You can also listen to Streetwise Radio on iTunes, live365, MyGen365, Athena365.

LM

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

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

Taddy P.

Without a doubt, Taddy P is one of Jamaica’s finest bass player, writer and producer.  With a cool and even-tempered disposition, this native son of Montego Bay is truly blessed with a musical gift.

Taddy P’s early musical influences can be traced to the Church, as he was part of the group choir which he also conducted, and to his former school Herbert Morrison Comprehensive High School.

Taddy P’s first instrument was the trombone, which he played from 7th-9th grade in his High School Band. It was at age 13, that he discovered the bass guitar. His music teachers, Professor Grimes, Snick Glenn and Carl Mathews, persuaded him to try out the bass instrument, right after the bass player from the school band graduated.  Taddy P’s first bass guitar was a piece of board cut to the shape of a guitar, with fish line for strings.

Taddy P practiced tirelessly at home on a piece of board cut to the shape of a guitar, with fish line for strings, made by his father. Within a short space of time Taddy P attained sufficient competence to be the school bands bassist. He P graduated High School in 1989 as an outstanding music student, and continued through with further studies in the Fundamentals of Music Theory at Royal School of Music in London, England and Sam Sharpe Teachers College in Montego Bay. Subsequently, he was a music teacher at Herbert Morrison Comprehensive, where he taught Band Techniques, Music Theory and Conducting.

It is not surprising that Taddy P became such a good bass player because he had excellent schooling. He attributes his success at mastering the instrument to endless hours of practice and sheer hard work, honing a hard-driving, steady, well-rounded and infectious bass style. Taddy P’s inspirations were Aston Barrett, Glenn Browne, Nathan East, Marcus Miller, Verdine White and Stanley Clark.

Taddy P’s experience in Jazz, Popular and Reggae Music earned him a reputation that had several bands, both large and small, inviting him to be a part of their group. He performed in bands from 1991 through to 1996 on the North Coast in Jamaica, in hotels such as Seawind Beach Resort,Hedonism II, Wyndham Rosehall, Sandals Resorts and Swept Away Resort. These performances set the stage, showcasing Taddy P’s talent that soon caught the eyes of various Jamaican Celebrity Entertainers and/Artists.

It was no surprise when Taddy P started to perform for Freddie McGregor, Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Rita Marley, Tanya Stephens, Shabba Ranks, Yellow Man, Sanchez, and Monifah in international arenas in Japan, Europe, Africa, the United States, Canada and various Caribbean Islands.

In 1997, internationally known reggae artist Maxi Priest, intrigued with Taddy P’s style, contracted him as his personal bass player and from there on their partnership continues until present. His current drive to produce music is indicative of his success as a professional bass player. Taddy P began experimenting with harmonies, melodies, rhythmic beats and booming bass lines that have him working feverishly in studios producing new music for Maxi Priest, Big Mountain and Patra.

It is this kind of passion and total commitment to his craft that makes Taddy P stand out from the rest. And to document and share his musical experiences and versatility, he produced and released his first 12 track album “Bass Inna Yu Face”, with the title track written and performed by Crissy Love, and promoted heavily on CD Baby.

Having surprised fans with his fusion of reggae, dancehall, jazz, hip hop and salsa on this album, Taddy P is soon set to release another album which will delight and satisfy the palettes of his adoring fans.  And just what can fans expect of the new album?  He insists that it will be a wicked collaboration of artists and of different genres of music, similar to the magical collaborations found on any Santana’s album.  One of reggae’s finest artist, Tanya Stephens is featured on this new album on the track “Heart of Stone”, and already receiving a lot of airplay.

One thing is for certain, Taddy P is always ahead of the game. Always striving to improve and develop himself not just as an artist, but as a producer and a mentor.  When not on tour or in the studio producing music, he can be found in the classroom of Herbert Morrison Comprehensive High School.  It is here that Taddy P teaches 50-100 children each week how to play instruments, and encourages them to develop their abilities as young, promising musicians, and giving back to the same learning institution that helped shape him into the phenomenal artist, writer and producer that he is today    

.http://taddyp.com/