Nefetari is Having a Great 2012!

2012 thus has been a year filled with overwhelming success for Nefatari. Her journey has been marked with many accomplishments and part of it has been documented with the help of Soul & Legacy in a new documentary.

The documentary "I AM ART" takes an in depth look at the singer as she reflects on how she started in the business to lead her to one of the biggest moment in her career performing at the largest event celebrating African-American culture and music in the United States, the "2012 Essence Music Festival". Nefatari also offers her personal views on Jamaica's bleaching trend, and much more! 

Nefatari who recently premiered her video "What U Think About Me" on Hype!TV has already garnered over fifteen thousand views on youtube. The video directed by Icey Jace factory is also on rotation both internationally and locally on several video shows including RE TV, and CVM.

Modeling as always played a part in Nefatari's life, she has had editorials features in Vogue, WWD, Glamour and other great fashion magazines, so it was an added pleasure when the singer was picked to be the new face of K.Dupont clothing line based in New York (more information to come).

Her summer has seen her perform all over the United States and her home of Jamaica, with her latest in Portland at Iyara's stage show "Iyara Di Ting Deh". She is slated for many more performances as this year comes to an end, keep up with the dates visit her on twitter/NefatariMusic and

END PROSTATE CANCER MODELS, BIKES, AND CARS SHOWCASE

In October 2011, Cruz CEO was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. This was a result of having his PSA checked on a regular schedule. 1 out 3 men will be diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. This is a curable disease, however too many men are waiting too late; mainly because they aren't aware of this disease.

Having battled and so far winning the war against this cancer, Cruz wanted to do something to raise the awareness of Prostate Cancer. Therefore, Cruz has reached out to Zero-End Prostate Cancer Project.  ZERO leads the fight to end prostate cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men. By promoting greater awareness of the need for early detection and leveraging public resources for life-saving research and new treatments for those with advanced disease, we will win this fight.

We now look to the future to achieve our ultimate goal of creating a life-giving legacy for our sons and grandsons: the first generation of men who are free from prostate cancer—"Generation ZERO."

Join us in creating this new generation, where prostate cancer becomes an obsolete health condition, much like polio. This new day is coming sooner than you may think.

Cruz will launch a Prostate Cancer Awareness campaign for Saturday, October 13th.  They're inviting models, bikers, cars and photographers from near and far to participate in one of the largest models, bikes and cars photo shoots on the East Coast.  We will have Prostate Cancer Challenge/Dash for Dads 4 mile walk and run and more...

Vendors and Health Care Providers are encouraged to participate.

The main focus will be to encourage every man to take the Prostate Cancer Screening Test.
We would like your participation. If you are a Model, Car Owner/Car Club, Bike Rider, Bike Club, Photographer, Vendor or you would like to participate in the "Dash for Dads", complete the form at

www.cruzinc.org/events.html

Mighty Crown's 'All Konshens' Mix Tape!

This summer, Mighty Crown teamed up with fiery act Konshens to produce the "Bounce it in Da Street" Mix.  A thrilling Dancehall and dub-infused spin of Konshens' hit  "Mental Maintenance" album, this mix was produced in Mighty Crown's Yokohama, Japan studio. As both Mighty Crown and Konshens boast maximum respect for each other's leading roles in the Dancehall movement, the musical connection of these powerhouses is phenomenal, yielding more than than 30 heavy tracks.

Dancehall fans will not be disappointed by this special mix. From start to finish, the tunes are pulsating. From customized Konshens tracks and anthems to music from select Dancehall artists, this mix leaves no stones unturned. If you love Konshens and rate Mighty Crown's hardcore juggling style, then this mix is for you.

Mighty Crown is one of the world's most visibile and successful sound systems. Heralded as clash kings, hardcore jugglers and a well-rounded business entity, Mighty Crown is the driving force behind Japan's Reggae Dancehall movement. Their annual stadium concert, which features top Japanese acts, alongside some of Reggae Dancehall's largest names, attracts over 30,000 people.

Konshens burst on the scene over four years ago and has since cemented himself as a well-respected fixture in the Dancehall industry.  Delivering mostly up-tempo tracks, which inspire the massive to move, Konshens has solidified an international following with anthems like "Do Sum'n" and "Gal a Bubble" among others. As if Konshens couldn't get any hotter, he recently released a skin-baring video (featuring Leftside) that has everyone talking!

Download Here:  http://irishandchin.com/konshens-mix/finish/3-stuff/151-konshens-mix-by-mighty-crown

L3 Magazine September Issue 2012!

The summer of 2012 belonged to Cham and O as the Husband and Wife team laced fans with the hottest Dancehall songs to hit the airwaves.  Taking their show on the road, Cham and O performed (and are still performing) for fans around the world.  How do they balance their busy careers, making new music, and family?  Natasha Von Castle sat down with both Cham and O to get the answers!

What did O say when Natasha asked “Did you have a secret desire to perform with Cham?!”  Read the full interview for the exclusive scoop! 

Being the sons of Reggae legend Jr. ‘One Blood’ Reid is not easy.  On the one hand you have some who won’t give you a chance because of a famous Father, on the other hand you have others who want to use the name to advance their own careers.  Discussing this and other subjects, Tricia ‘ZJ Sparks’ Spence sits down with Wada Blood for an insightful interview; his truthful answers to this topic and more might surprise you.  This is a must read!

You may have never heard of the duo Mr. and Mrs., but Dave Stewart, one half of the famed group The Eurythmics has and he’s impressed with their talent.  The real life Husband and Wife take Rap with elements of Dancehall to a new level as they combine her Jamaican roots with his American roots.  Marcus Weller sits down with the two and we like what we see and hear!

This month, Heike Dempster brings us the roots conscious fashions of Mamayashi; we also take a look at the film The Cool Boys which will make its debut at the Trinidad & Tobago Film Festival.  If you missed the Montreal International Reggae Festival we have photo highlights!  We also have Music Charts, Video Charts and Ms. September who is the beautiful Desyray, photographed through the lens of our Centrefold Editor, Jerome Dupont.

Young artist features include Joggo from The Netherlands (Reggae), Tracy Cruz (Soul), Gloria RyAnn (Soul) and J-Haze (Hip Hop), and we showcase Art in the Dancehall as seen through the eyes of renowned world artist and curator, Robin Clare.

All of this and more in the September issue of L3 Magazine available here:  http://bit.ly/QCN2Ux

And www.L3Magazine.com

 

Stephen Souza's Video for Sounds Explosion!

One of the most popular riddims for a live band to beat, especially on a Festival or live stage show stage, is the Hi-Fashion Dub riddim originally produced by Studio One.  From the time the people hear the trumpeting sound of the horns, they know they’re about to get their money’s worth from the featured performer.

Stephen Souza is that featured performer!

Stephen’s introduction to the network comes by way of his debut single called “Sounds Explosion.”  Performed over the rebuilt Hi-Fashion Dub riddim, Stephen delivers these lyrics for an original chune:

Now Europe massive are you ready / Jamaica massive are you ready / New York / Say when I’m ready people hold on steady / as it’s jamming time / Reggae music playing all night long / take a tip this is Stephen Souza with a brand new chune / come fih nice up yuh avenue now / sounds explosion / people get ready for Dancehall and Rocksteady….  Kaboom!

Stephens’ voice is not too much, and not too little.  As a matter of fact (and because we’ve heard his catalog), we would say he is that voice which runs in the vein of Beres Hammond, Tinga Stewart and George Nooks.  With the quality productions Mr. Souza is working with, you’ll be hearing great material as the months go by.

P.S.  Add Stephen for shows in the Tri-State area!  Speak to DelRose Productions via 347.853.2734 and email:  misterdel101@gmail.com

 

Anthony B's New Single Condemns Slaying Kayan Lamont

Known to the world for his spit fire lyrics used to confront political injustices and bringing the issues of the people to the forefront. It is no surprise that Anthony B has once again vocally demonstrated the recent alleged police murder of, eight months pregnant, Kayan Lamont, in Yallah St. Thomas, Jamaica.

Anthony B is no stranger to singing about police injustice, one of his most popular, yet controversial tune was "Good Cop, Bad Cop". He shined a light on some of the unfair and illegal behaviors inflicted on the people of his island Jamaica.

Eight years later, after the release of Good Cop, Bad Cop, Anthony B is speaking for the people again, with his new single titled "Too Hard Now."

"When I first heard of the recent police killing of the two sisters, in my country of Jamaica and knowing that one of them was only a month away from having a new born baby; I say to myself, this is too much now" said Anthony B.

Kayan Lamont and her sister were allegedly coming off a bus in the coastal town of Yallah, St. Thomas, when a police officer attempted to arrest her for "indecent language". He then allegedly shot the 25 year old, eight months pregnant Kayan in the head, and then shot her sister in the upper body. Eyewitnesses state the officer was apparently aiming at the third sister but his gun ran out of ammunition.

"When will we take a firm stand, to stop this innocent slaying of our people" said Anthony B. Looking at everything happening in the world, as well as what is being done to our reggae and dancehall culture, Anthony B voiced "Too Hard Now".

Too Hard Now Babylon a gwan too hard/ Down yah inna yard police man a gwan too hard/ Imagine the land of reggae music no dance cyah keep/ As the sound tun on/ You get raid from police/ Don't lock it off dem wah kick out yuh teeth, So wat happen to freedom of speech.

 

"Too Hard Now" was produced by Irie Vibration out of Austria and Anthony Bs label Born Fire Music. Set to release on 9/11 Anthony B is currently scheduled to take his voice to the media and airwaves.

Richie Spice Ready to Open the Next Chapter

Conscious reggae singer, Richie Spice, explored the depth of his musical ability with the 2011release of his fifth studio album, the critically acclaimed Book of Job.

Rated as the most digitally sold Reggae album for 2011 by iTunes and the New York Times, Book of Job, distributed by VP Records, peaked between #1 and #4 on the Billboard Reggae Charts for a period of six months, from the date of release.  Propelling the popularity of Book of Job were hits such as Black Woman, produced by Raging Fyah, Yap Yap, produced by Lenky Marsden, Legal, produced by Richie Spice, and New Day, which held down the #1 spot in Kenya and Grenada, for three months.

However, as successful as the Book of Job proved to be, Richie Spice is not one to sit on his laurels and is a firm believer in the saying, 'the best is yet to come'.

"Book of Job did well for reggae, not just for me Richie Spice. With all the talk about reggae music not having an impact, it is important to understand that there are a lot of great songs being produced by reggae singers, producers and musicians, but unfortunately these songs, for whatever reason, are not being heard. I have songs which have topped charts in Kenya and other countries in Africa, yet Jamaica hardly plays these songs. And I am sure that it is the same for a lot of other reggae artistes. But we do what we have to do and keep on putting out good, cultural, conscious music for our fans to enjoy," the usually quiet reggae singer declared.

Richie Spice, who is always in demand internationally, noted that whatever the obstacles, he is committed to staying true to his roots as he continues to stimulate his creative processes in the production of great music.

Christened Richell Bonner, the singer has traversed the globe, so much so that his Jamaican fans yearned to see him, and when they did, it was pure musical inspiration.

"Yeah.. I had a great time at A St Mary Mi Come From," Richie reminisced with a big smile.

And it was obvious to those in the audience that he did. Performing in a segment that included artistes such as Singing Melody, the duo of Jigsy King and Tony Curtis and Chuck Fender, Richie Spice held the stage steady and skillfully engaged his audience.

"I would love to perform in Jamaica more, but as we all know the shows are just not happening, so we have to go to the festivals in Europe and California because that's how we make our living," the singer explained simply. 

Despite a hectic tour schedule, Richie Spice has still found time to work on yet another album, which is scheduled for release this year.

"This one will be really special," he promised. "I have been toying with this idea for a long time, but nothing happens before the right time...and that time is now," he stated. 

Since 2004 Richie Spice has been elevated as one of reggae’s most in demand talents and the recipient of numerous awards and accolades. He received the Most Cultural Artist Award at the 13th annual South Florida Reggae Soca Awards in 2005; he was voted and received the Male Singer/Singjay of the Year at Jamaica’s IRIE FM Awards in 2007 & 2008 and following his performance at the first annual “Black My Story” concert held in Kingston in 2008 Spice was honored for his positive musical contributions.

His 2004 album “Spice in Your Life” was listed as the year’s best reggae release by the New York Times; “In the Streets To Africa”, reached number 6 on the Billboard Reggae chart and one of the album’s biggest hits “Youth Dem Cold” peaked at number 59on the Billboard Top 100 Singles Chart and ranked at number 29 on Vibe Magazine’s Best 44 songs of 2007. “Gideon Boot” debuted at no. 1 on the Billboard Reggae chart, in May 2008.

According to Richie Spice, “My responsibility is to use the talent that God gave me as an instrument to uplift people who are facing the struggle worldwide and let them feel happy in themselves. It is all about righteousness, and endorsing the love of the people, good over evil and life over death.”