Tiger & Pliers Leave Toronto in a Bam Bam - Chaka Demus Disses the Masses

In entertainment, we see just about everything there is to see when it comes to artists and their sometimes non-explainable behavior.  Usually, the crazy behavior is related to their personal lives, making it easier to dismiss.  In the case of Chaka Demus, the non-explainable behavior is professional and involves his fans which is where our disappointment lays.

Kingston Class Reunion hired Chaka Demus and Pliers to perform in Toronto.  The original date of performance was July 2^nd, however had to be changed to July 16^th.  The date change was agreed to by Jeffrey of Free People Entertainment, who manages Chaka Demus and Pliers.

Being the professional organization that KCR is, the artists as well as their travelling entourage were accommodated at every request including obtaining a visa for additional associates to travel.  The artists received their visas, however, Chaka’s ‘assistant’ and Jeffrey did not receive theirs.  This was not the fault of KCR as all paperwork and documentation was submitted at the same time.

When Chaka Demus learned that his assistant could not travel, the artist decided he was not going to come to Toronto to perform.  DJ Wiz, a representative for KCR called Chaka Demus and Jeffrey, when it was explained that the assistant is Chaka’s girlfriend and baby mother and he could not travel without her.  DJ Wiz explained that there was nothing he could do about the girlfriend as he cannot influence the decision of the Visa officials, nor was she a part of the performance of Chaka Demus and Pliers.  Chaka would not hear of it.

After days of phone calls, Chaka agreed to travel.  When the flight arrived in Toronto, Pliers and Tiger were present no Chaka.

Once again phone calls were made, another agreement reached with a new ticket purchased; still no Chaka.

To accommodate Chaka Demus, DJ Wiz called a well respected elder from Jamaica, Mr. Patrick Roberts (former executive with Shocking Vibes Records) to accompany Chaka Demus on his travel from Jamaica to Toronto.  Mr. Roberts spoke to Chaka who agreed to travel with him.  A third ticket was purchased for both Chaka and Mr. Roberts to travel to Toronto on Saturday July 16^th.  Mr. Roberts arrived at the airport; Chaka did not. 

The disappointment felt by the promoter, the fans and media towards Chaka Demus is very high.  The city of Toronto was greatly looking forward to his performance with Pliers, and sharing the stage with Tiger.  The Canadian Reggae and Dancehall community feels shunned.

We share this information with you because, had we known this artists history, he would not have been chosen to perform at Kingston Class Reunion’s event.  We know now that he conducted himself in the same manner regarding an Australian tour last year, and a European tour this year.  Jeffrey, his manager is well aware of Chaka’s practices and chose to say nothing.  We, Kingston Class Reunion choose to say something so other promoters don’t experience the distress we felt.

The show went on…

Tiger and Pliers have become the toast of Toronto with their exceptional performances!  Rocking the crowd with hits like “Bam Bam,” and “When,” Tiger did not allow the effects of a stroke to stop his music career.  He often laced the crowd with anecdotes between songs such as ‘it’s nice to be important but it’s important to be nice,’ much to the crowds glee!

“Her Love Is Burning” and “Tease Me” had the Toronto audience in the grip of Pliers hands, especially the ladies who could not take their eyes off the veteran entertainer!  At one point, Pliers addressed the crowd by saying “yuh done know, it’s supposed to be Chaka Demus and Pliers, but right now, ah Pliers alone who ah represent; big up Toronto people!”

Special mention goes to Mel Dube whose performance of her original song “Bring It” was as hot as the heat wave gripping the East Coast.  Ammoye, fresh from her trip to Serbia (to perform at the Exit Festival), maintained her status as Canada’s Female Artist of the Year with her performance of “Sorry!”

Rounding out the opening acts was Uncle Jonny who won the crowd over with his song “Jamaican Girls.”  One fan said “Uncle Jonny gets it right – Jamaican girls are the best in the world!” 

During his performance, Uncle Jonny paid tribute to his good friend Sugar Minott in honor of the anniversary of the Icon’s passing.  Fans pulled up the song “Mr. DC” as the vibes were high when reflecting on the greatness he contributed to the industry.   

Photo Gallery 

Video Gallery 

  

Without Apology - Chaka Demus on Blast

For the most part, the Reggae industry works on even levels.  The promoter contacts a booking agent and or manager to book an artist or a sound / DJ, pays his / her money, and signs a contract.  The artist shows up and performs.  Fans are happy and the promoter is happy, not to mention the artist.

In the case of Chaka Demus, this was not the case.

Chaka Demus was paid his deposit via his manager Jeffrey from Free People Entertainment, and decided not to come to Toronto to do the show with Pliers because his girlfriend and baby mother was not able to obtain a visa for travel.

Although the promoter paid for the Visa application, police record checks and travel expenses for Chaka Demus, Pliers, Tiger, Jeffrey (the manager) and the girlfriend, Visas were only issued to Chaka Demus, Pliers and Tiger.

Chaka Demus was contacted several times and gave assurances that he would come on the original flight date.  He didn't make the flight.  A new ticket was purchased for travel for the next day, he didn't come.  A fresh ticket was purchased for him to travel with Patrick Roberts to Toronto on the day of the show, and he didn't come.

Why am I telling you this?

Chaka Demus has a history of doing this.  We spoke to Pliers who told me that Chaka did this for an Australian tour, and European tour.  He refused to travel because his girlfriend couldn't obtain a visa.  Not his Wife, his girlfriend.

We wish someone had shared their experience with the media so that no one else could go through the headache and stress we went through with this show.  We're sharing this information with you so you don't have the same experience.

On a brighter note, Pliers and Tiger are the talk of Toronto for the incredible performances they gave, as are Mel Dube, Uncle Jonny and Ammoye! 

Pliers gave an exceptional performance and reminded his fans of the hit records he has under his belt.  He also performed Bob Marley classics such as "3 Little Birds" which won the crowd over!

To see pictures from the show, click here.
For YouTube video's of Pliers and Tiger performances, click here!


P.S.  Our feelings about Chaka Demus are not a secret.  Feel free to share this blast with him...

 

Event Update for June 24th, 2011

See the flyers below for events that are happening ... there might be something in your neck of the woods. 
Flyers listed in date order!

Date Change! July 16th, 2011 - Toronto Prepares for a Bam Bam with Chaka Demus & Pliers and Tiger!

Date Change!  Chaka Demus & Pliers and Tiger will be performing in Toronto on July 16^th, 2011 at the Phoenix Concert Theatre.

Kingston Class Reunion wishes to inform the public that the show originally scheduled for Saturday July 2^nd, 2011 will now be rescheduled to Saturday July 16^th, 2011 at the Phoenix Concert Theatre, 410 Sherbourne Street, Toronto.

“With the addition of Dancehall veteran Tiger to the bill, schedules were overlapping, so we had to make the date change” said a Kingston Class Reunion representative.  “Fans are in for an incredible night of great vibes, we’re just doing it two weeks later than planned!”

Now in its third staging, Kingston Class Reunion will give the city of Toronto an unprecedented night of entertainment as three Dancehall legends take the stage at the Phoenix Concert Theatre (410 Sherbourne Street)!

With their careers spanning more than three decades, Chaka Demus & Pliers are the first Jamaican act to place three consecutive singles in the top five of the British music charts.  Attaining additional accolades such as having performed at the 2007 American Music Awards with Alicia Keys, and having their song featured in the movie soundtrack for Poetic Justice (starring Janet Jackson & Tupac Shakur) and Save the Last Dance (starring Julia Stiles and Sean Patrick Thomas), fans of three generation have a love for their music.

Tiger, whose music career began in 1978 rose to Dancehall prominence in 1986 with the release of the song “Puppy Love,” followed by the 1988 hit, “Bam Bam” and the Steely & Clevie produced “Ram Dancehall.”

Tiger has recorded with the Award winning group the Fat Boys, and has had his music featured in the movie ‘Cool Runnings.’  He was later signed to Columbia Records where he released an album featuring production from Sly & Robbie, The Brand New Heavies and a guest rap from the infamous group Tribe Called Quest.

Joining Chaka Demus & Pliers and Tiger are hosts Natasha Von Castle from 88.1 CKLN and L3 Radio, and Delroy Sterling from CHRY 105.5 FM and supporting artists Mel Dube, 2011 Award nominee Ammoye and veteran artist Uncle Jonny who will be backed by Canada’s number one band, EOP (Essence of Praise).  Additional music will be provided by Wiz International, Massey Sound, Tre-Jah-Isle International and DJ Chocolate.

Since the announcement of Chaka Demus & Pliers and Tiger on The Caribbean Crucible with Luther Brown, the city of Toronto has declared this concert to be the most anticipated on the event calendar.

For additional information about Kingston Class Reunion and the show, log on to www.unclejonnyreggae.com, or call 416-525-3394.  Blackberry users can add the pin 26ACD6D5.

Tickets are available at 2-Lined Music Hut, Nicey’s (Brampton & Scarborough), Granny’s Place, Gem’s House of Jerk, The offices of CHRY 105.5 FM, Tre-Jah-Isle Records and Tapes, and Play De Record. 

 

Toronto Prepares for a Bam Bam with Chaka Demus & Pliers And Tiger!

Kingston Class Reunion is pleased to confirm that Tiger, known for his hit singles “Bam Bam,” “Puppy Love” and “Boombastic” will be joining the original Dancehall duo, Chaka Demus & Pliers for an evening dubbed ‘Bam Bam’ in Toronto on July 2^nd, 2011.

Now in its third staging, Kingston Class Reunion will give the city of Toronto an unprecedented night of entertainment as three Dancehall legends take the stage at the Phoenix Concert Theatre (410 Sherbourne Street)!

With their careers spanning more than three decades, Chaka Demus & Pliers are the first Jamaican act to place three consecutive singles in the top five of the British music charts.  Attaining additional accolades such as having performed at the 2007 American Music Awards with Alicia Keys, and having their song featured in the movie soundtrack for Poetic Justice (starring Janet Jackson & Tupac Shakur) and Save the Last Dance (starring Julia Stiles and Sean Patrick Thomas), fans of three generation have a love for their music. 

Tiger, whose music career began in 1978 rose to Dancehall prominence in 1986 with the release of the song “Puppy Love,” followed by the 1988 hit, “Bam Bam” and the Steely & Clevie produced “Ram Dancehall.” 

Tiger has recorded with the Award winning group the Fat Boys, and has had his music featured in the movie ‘Cool Runnings.’  He was later signed to Columbia Records where he released an album featuring production from Sly & Robbie, The Brand New Heavies and a guest rap from the infamous group Tribe Called Quest.

Joining Chaka Demus & Pliersand Tiger are hosts Natasha Von Castle from 88.1 CKLN and L3 Radio, and Delroy Sterling from CHRY 105.5 FM and supporting artists Mel Dube, 2011 Award nominee Ammoye and veteran artist Uncle Jonny who will be backed by Canada’s number one band, EOP (Essence of Praise).  Additional music will be provided by Wiz International, Massey Sound, Tre-Jah-Isle International and DJ Chocolate.

Since the announcement of Chaka Demus & Pliers and Tiger on The Caribbean Crucible with Luther Brown, the city of Toronto has declared this concert to be the most anticipated on the event calendar.

For additional information about Kingston Class Reunion and the show, log on to www.unclejonnyreggae.com, or call 416-525-3394.  Blackberry users can add the pin 26ACD6D5.

Tickets are available at 2-Lined Music Hut, Nicey’s (Brampton & Scarborough), Granny’s Place, Gem’s House of Jerk, The offices of CHRY 105.5 FM, Tre-Jah-Isle Records and Tapes, and Play De Record. 

 

Toronto Prepares for a Bam Bam with Chaka Demus & Pliers!

Now in its third staging, Kingston Class Reunion confirms that Toronto should prepare for a ‘Bam Bam’ as the legendary Chaka Demus & Pliers take the stage on July 2^nd, 2011 at the Phoenix Concert Theatre (410 Sherbourne Street)!

With their career spanning three decades, they are the first Jamaican act to place three consecutive singles in the top five of the British music charts; they’ve attained accolades such as having performed at the 2007 American Music Awards with Alicia Keys, having their song featured in the movie soundtrack for Poetic Justice (starring Janet Jackson & Tupac Shakur) and Save the Last Dance (starring Julia Stiles and Sean Patrick Thomas).  They are gold, platinum and two time platinum selling artists for hits such as “Murder She Wrote,” “Twist and Shout” and “Tease Me”, and continue to appeal to both mature and younger Reggae lovers equally.

Having performed in cities and venues around the world, the duo said “Toronto is the kind of city that artists have to perform in.  For us, it’s a city that we love and have appreciated performing there over the years.  The fans are in for a serious treat!”  Chaka Demus & Pliers have not performed in Toronto in over ten years, maaking their upcoming performance a rare treat.

Joining Chaka Demus & Pliers are hosts Natasha Von Castle from 88.1 CKLN and L3 Radio, and Delroy Sterling from CHRY 105.5 FM and supporting artists Mel Dube, Jill Donaldson, 2011 Award nominee Ammoye and veteran artist Uncle Jonny who will be backed by Canada’s number one band, EOP (Essence of Praise).  Additional music will be provided by Wiz International, Massey Sound, Tre-Jah-Isle International and DJ Chocolate.

Since the announcement of Chaka Demus & Pliers performance on July 2^nd, 2011, early bird tickets have been moving swiftly.  One patron called the info line to say “I have dreamed of seeing Chaka & Pliers perform, and now my dream is coming true!”

For additional information about Kingston Class Reunion and the show, log on to www.unclejonnyreggae.com, or call 416-525-3394.  Blackberry users can add the pin 26ACD6D5.

Tickets are available at 2-Lined Music Hut, Nicey’s (Brampton & Scarborough), Granny’s Place, Gem’s House of Jerk, The offices of CHRY 105.5 FM, Tre-Jah-Isle Records and Tapes, and Play De Record.