Nesbeth 'Drive By' single
hits Number 1 on
Kenyan radio station in Africa!
Ever since its release, ‘Drive By’ the Jan Biggs produced single written and recorded by Nesbeth struck a musical note among Reggae enthusiasts in Kenya. For several weeks the single has been blazing the airwaves of Kenya number one radio station, Metro FM the pioneering FM station in Kenya. Metro FM was set up in April 1996 and relaunched on 1st august 2005 as a 24 hour reggae radio station. Since its relaunch, Metro FM has become a big player on the entertainment scene. One disc Jock disclosed that the single, “became an anthem in Kenya after holding down the song of the week title for a unprecedented number of weeks and so it’s no surprise that it is the number 1 song on the Reggae Charts today”.
"Drive By" is a musical depiction of unyielding drive by shooting incidents that occur in many inner city communities on a regular basis, it is a musical revelation that crime has not been brought under control in Jamaica for a very long time. The lyrics are words from one voice and one individual who has found clever ways of speaking his thoughts. Thoughts, that represent the mind set of thousands who live under these stressful conditions daily and having to deal with the tragic loss of friends and loved ones rapidly.
The video for Drive By was shot and directed by Terminal 4 Productions on locations in Cassia Park, Arnette Gardens and Don Mair Drive in Kingston Nesbeth who is nominated in the category of “Singjay of the Year” for the 2010 EME Awards is elated with the recent development, he now awaits the response from at least one prospective Promoter in Kenya who contacted his Agent for a possible appearance there on June 1st.
Fantan Mojah “Tax Invasion” and Capleton’s “Haition” tracks on the Tremma House produced riddim, Massaca have ignited much excitement among international radio jocks. Tremma House producers Nelly and Pinky have finally made their mark in the local industry. The riddim also features Teflon and some Tremma House young giants such as Craig Scott, Bitta, Insane and Prrpropa-ting.
Cush Hunta and Christina Starz will once again hit the road with Claro. Claro Road Shows begins this Friday January 29, the group journeys to HiLo Supermarket, Port Maria and then Cross Roads, St. Mary and on Saturday January 30th, Cross Roads Post Office and 79A Kings Street.
Togetherness Records recording artiste Kiprich enhances his status in the Dancehall market by taking the bold step of creating music which both he and his management hope, will hit the billboard. Kiprich is prepared to go international, his performance on STING 2009 dubbed "the greatest Reggae show on earth" is still a hot topic on the Dancehall radar and he has been nominated in the categories of DJ of the year and Best collaboration of the year for the 2009 EME (Excellence in Music and Entertainment) Awards.
Fantan Mojah has recorded and released what already seems to be a controversial and potential hit song entitle "Tax Invasion" produced by Tremma House Productions on the Massacre Rhythm. The single hit the airwaves late evening January 6th on ZIP 103FM and immediately after several radio jocks have called in for their copies. Upon hearing about the radio djs' reaction towards the song, Fantan took it to the streets to get a reaction from the people and the response was the same. "Tax Invasion" earned massive forwards and replays and mumsel, a testament that this song is indeed a potential hit. As the name suggests, Tax Invasion addresses Jamaica current economic problems and the many increases on basic food items brought on by the Government in an effort to cover the countries debts. Other artistes have addressed the situation but Fantan Mojah's "Tax Invasion" track on the Massacre riddim is the cereal (see real) being fed to the masses at this time as he continues in his mission to advocate for poor people.
I-Octane record 30 performances between late November and December!
Reggae crusader I-Octane performed at a record 30 events between late November and December last year including 98% of all the major shows held in Jamaica during that period. Many are still talking about his STING 2009 performance and the massive forwards he received from beginning to end of his performance. Octane's journey was never easy and is still far from perfection but his efforts and overall islandwide campaign, the interest, motivation and contribution of management company Arrows Recording and team player and Road Manager Biggs have placed I-Octane at the top of his game. Having started the New Year right, the high energy, high performance artiste now prepares for his first Europe tour and the release of a debut album.
David M “Lest We Forget” single
hits the international market!
David M Lest We Forget single has hit the international market and is now a regular selection on several radio jocks playlist in Illinois, Atlanta and New York City. In the 90’s David M hooked up with “the Berry Gordon of Jamaica” Gussie Clarke of Anchor Recording and wrote songs for artists such as, Gregory Isaacs, Freddie McGregor, Coco Tea, JC Lodge among others but abandoned music for the rigors of the family business at the time. He returned after 14 years with “Lest we Forget” which ironically was written 15 years ago on the eve of the inauguration of Nelson Mandela as President of South Africa…. The words are as relevant today as they ever were.
Sounie Production is a unique group of composers, songwriters, engineers, sound designers, and producers who have a burning desire to create the most memorable reggae music out there. The label most recent production is a rhythm called “Crank it up” which features its Spanish Town base Reggae/Dancehall artiste Lt. Brooksie on a track entitle “Dance”. Brooksie perform the track on “Christmas Bonanza’ a show held in Hanover last December and hosted by veteran Radio Jock Ron Muschette for the first time publicly and was please with the crowd response. Overall his performance at the event was seemingly good as he was called back on stage where he perform three of his singles Talk It Over, Mama and Dead Man Walking featuring Chronicle and Montis. Dead Man Walking is getting a fair amount of airplay locally and in around New York City but notably on Hot 97. As Brooksie puts it, “the song speaks to the fact that men involved in crime are Dead men walking”. Sounie Production has thrown much effort behind promoting this song which is also featured on a number of cd mixes to include the popular Coast to Coast mix and DJ Kenny.
Reggae artistes Roots Revealers are satisfied with the work they were able to put in on their recent visit to Jamaica. The duo performed at Reggae artiste Cocoa Tea annual event Jam Jam as well as March Out 2009 and Teen Splash where they felt most rewarded after performing their current single “Sweetie” which features Chaka Demus. Roots Revealers were invited on stage during Chaka Demus and Pliers performance to do the single at 2:00am and the very huge crowd responded favorably, some people in the audience were seen singing word for word every line of the song while others showed their appreciation with loud cheers.
"It's tough out there but we are remaining positive and focused on developing Serani as an artist and a brand," said Julian Jones-Griffith, Serani's manager, in the aftermath of shifting a little over 1100 units first week of his debut album, No Games. "We are lucky that we have venture partners who believe in Serani, will stay the course and roll out a third single. They share our vision of artist development and breaking him in new markets. When you think, how far Serani has come in terms of profile and mainstream airplay in under 2 years as an artist it's a phenomenal achievement and hes out-paced many acts who have been on the scene for years. We're closing in on 100,000 single downloads overall since we rolled out, which is huge, and I'm confident we will get where we want to go."
Tuesday, October 27, 2009: The lawns of Hope Gardens in Kingston will be transformed for three exciting days when Garfield’s Christmas Wonderland comes to town from December 18 to 20. The ultimate family event, all three days, from the Friday to the Sunday will be chockfull of activities designed for every member of the family. The organizers promise “a full entertainment package geared at the whole family”. The brainchild of Peter Shoucair, he says the idea to do this kind of event came about because of “the lack of quality family entertainment.”
According to Shoucair, “There are limited opportunities for the family to go out and enjoy themselves, especially in this kind of easy, funfilled atmosphere and Christmas is a time when families come together, so we figured this would be an ideal treat.”
Another significant day in Jamaica's history, National Heroes Day has come and gone. It is that time of year when we celebrate our seven National Heroes, and also the date on which awards within Jamaica's honour system are bestowed. It is with this in mind that we take time out to congratulate Honorable Usain Bolt O.D., the youngest recipient to date of the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander in Jamaica. As it relates to our music, there are some who believes that the late great Honourable Robert Nesta "Bob" Marley is indeed a National hero and should be acknowledged as such. That is a debatable subject and understandably so but without further delay we bring you this weeks’ Artiste Update.
National Heroes Day holiday weekend was indeed great for the party lovers and of course the NIP artistes were out at the events and represented themselves well. Positive music will forever live in the industry and usually pays off when it matters most, which is why I-Octane enjoyed much media attention throughout the weekend. His past performances on the Morgan Heritage family produced East Fest event and Red Stripe LIVE show were re-broadcast on TVJ. I-Octane, one of the newcomers on R.E.T.V. School Tour, deed to educate, uplift and motivate people through his music, continues and he was once again rewarded with resounding forwards at every event he performed.
Bramma is making sure he puts in enough appearances to add to his credit before his two weeks Europe tour. Throughout the weekend he performed at various events firstly and at short notice he made an appearance at the Meadowbrook High School Heritage Day concert and upon entering the schools' compound he was mobbed by excited students who were not expecting him to show up, Bramma had to be locked in a room to ease the rush but gave the students a satisfying performance. He also performed on RECESS at YMCA and Fresh Fridays Anniversary again to resounding forwards. On Monday October 17 he stormed the stage at billed....... event held at Portmore Football field, his first appearance on a major event in Portmore and sharing stage with Elephant Man other billed artiste for the event was label mate Chino. Bramma's currently single "Mi Nuh Fear" on the Outbreak riddim produced by Steven McGregor is enjoying heavy rotation on radio stations locally and internationally.
The ‘Feels So Good’ music video from sexy reggae singer Barbee premiered on Saturday on Winford Williams’ OnStage and earned the soulful singer some big props.
After the premiere, her momiger’s (mother/manager, Rose) phone was ringing off the hook as people called to congratulate Barbee on a great video and for her super hot sexy looks.
Shot at the prestigious Jamaica Conference Centre in Kingston, TD Films under the direction of Ras Tingle worked round the clock to capture the perfect ambiance for the ‘Feels So Good’ single that has been getting heavy airplay locally and abroad.
DJ Currency is ready to release another of his high energy Dancehall mixes entitle ‘When dis buss’ Volume 5, hosted by Reggae/Dancehall artiste Bitta ‘so sicka’. Currency’s signature ‘scratching’ style on a Dancehall mix sets him apart from his peers plus his keen sense of immediately identifying potential hits, creates an ‘I must hear the next DJ Currency mix’ urge in any individual and/or fan of current day Dancehall music and who listens his mix for the first. Apart from putting down his mixes in a timely manner, Currency knows his audience and selects every tune with them in mind. Like many djs he has his favourite but readily selects potential hit tunes by any artiste for his mixes, he says, ‘Every day we learn something new and every day we grow smarter music bring people together for good and not so good reasons. Whatever the case, we can’t play one set of music we play all music as long as it can hold its own’, When dis buss DJ Currency buss with it.
With summer long gone and the Christmas season fresh in the air, many artistes have gone back to the drawing board to re-organize their Christmas season promotional campaign. Some will be dropping albums while others will be releasing singles, but matters not what the case maybe, Christmas is the pulsating time of year that is filled with high expectation. The artistes know the roll they play throughout this season so it all boils down to delivery in this very competitive market.
Well advanced into her voice coaching program and determine to improve her sound and production quality with every new song, Sophia Brown has released a new single “Gimmi that good love” another independent production on her Musicmecka Label. “Gimmi that good love” is reminiscent of a steamy relationship between a man and a woman.
I-Octane new single “Loose a friend” on the TJ Production Label has already made a significant impact locally. The song is a resounding cry of a person who lost a friend and is explanatory the inner city communities reaction to the song as many have lost friends to loved ones to unyielding gun crimes in Jamaica. We at New Image Promotions say this is, another potential hit for I-Octane who leaves the island this weekend for Toronto to perform on the highly anticipated Champions in Action, Dancehall/Reggae show.
Christina Starz joined the campaign to release her new single, a raunchy, humorous Dancehall selection called “Mi nah call nuh name”, the song is retrospective of a bad experience she once had in the music business.
