SHAZELLE – ‘GOT TO HAVE LOVE’

Shazelle has released her first single for 2013, “Got To Have Love.” It’s a catchy pop/dance track celebrating love and life with a hint of Caribbean flavour. “Got To Have Love” was written by C2W Music songwriters, Mark Cyrus, Candy Gloster along with Desmond Dennie,  also produced by Mark Cyrus. This single is one of the songs featured on her upcoming debut album to be launched early this year.

2012 proved to be a successful year for the pop artist/ songwriter. Her previous single "State of Emergency" featuring Beenie Man, received positive global attention from fans and industry heavy weights, which launched her entry in the Japanese music circuit. On July 18th, 2012, digital sales for "State Of Emergency,’ started on Recochoku (Japan's biggest digital download site) international charts and reached the #2 spot within two weeks moving ahead of artists like Nicki Minaj and Justin Bieber.  The video hit the local and regional airwaves and are played on popular tv stations such as Synergy TV, CVM Hitlist countdown, MD TV, LINKS TV, RE TV, HYPE TV and CVM Plus.  

Signed and published as a songwriter to C2W Music in 2012, Shazelle travelled across the Caribbean working with some of the world’s top songwriters and producers including Mickaela Shiloh (Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, J.Lo, Pitbull), Jackie Boyz (Madonna, Chris Brown), Ras (Jordin Sparks, The Wanted), Autumn Rowe (Leona Lewis, Cher Lloyd), Saint Nick (Usher, Missy Elliot), , Chuck Harmony (Ne-yo, Rihanna, Kerry Hilson), Jukebox (Willow Smith, Chris Brown, Mindless Behavoiur). This past year C2W Music has hosted writing camp in collaboration with various music labels for their artists such as Rihanna, Jennifer Hudson, Amber Riley from Glee, Rachel Crowe from X Factor 2011 and Interscope Records/Universal rising group Mindless Behavior to name some.

Shazelle was among some of the big winners at this year’s 103FM ‘The First & Finest’ 12^th Hall of Fame and Music Awards. The Trinidadian pop singer/songwriter took home the award for ‘Best Indi-Pop Song’ (Indian Pop) from one of Trinidad’s leading stations 103FM (The First, The Finest) for her single, “If We Fell In Love” (Hindi Version).  “If We Fell In Love” was co-written by Shazelle, Rupert Gayle, Justin Forsley, Keo, and Louie Grants. The Hindi version was produced by Justin Forsley, vocal produced by Pama Sarai and translated by Ria. The official video was shot in Romania at the Buzau mud volcano site.

2013 is set to be a very exciting year for Shazelle with her debut album slated for release in Japan and other global markets along with more songwriting opportunities and traveling through C2W Music. She also looks forward to joining a team of local personalities lending their voices in a local animated film, “Perfect” written by Teemal, air marked for release in August (TBA). 

Afrofest Celebrates Black History Month!

One of the most prestigious festivals in Canada is Afrofest!  Celebrating 25 years of showcasing the best and brightest talents from the diaspora, Afrofest programming always receives priority attendance by music lovers in Toronto and Canada, not to mention visitors from abroad. 

In honor of Black History Month, Afrofest has special performances that you will want to attend!  As a part of the celebrations, Afrofest will be saluting Black History Month this February for its 6^th annual series of Friday night concerts. The weekly events will take place at the Gladstone Hotel on February 1, 8, 15 and 22, beginning at 8 p.m. The series features a diverse selection of top African artists living and working in the city - Discover Africa in Toronto! Each week there will a different line-up of African talent performing live, so get ready for a night of dancing!

Friday Concerts line-up:

February 1 – Donné Roberts *

February 8 – Waleed Abdulhamid and Ruth Mathiang*

February 15 – Jabulani*

February 22 – Njacko Backo*

 

CD release party: Njacko's 10th album, which includes tenor banjo and cello banjo tracks by Ken Whiteley, soprano sax by Jane Bunnett, trumpet by Larry Cramer, djembe by Mohamad Diaby, in addition to tracks from Kalimba Kalimba.

Afrofest 2013 is a chance to discover Africa in the heart of Toronto, presented by Music Africa. Held annually since 1989, it is a free showcase of the rich and diverse African culture. Michael Stohr, President of Music Africa says, "Afrofest is proud to celebrate its 25^th year in 2013. We hope that the concerts during Black History Month bring together the community to not only enjoy the local stars of African music, but to also highlight the importance of history and culture of Africa in Canada.”

MasSicker aka King Mas Starts 2013 With ‘One Wish’ Coming True

For Boston’s MasSicker aka King Mas, 2013 has begun with his album, One Wish coming true as fans of Reggae and Dancehall from around the globe have rated the album as one of the best independent releases for 2012.  This energy has carried through to 2013 as album sales continue to do well on iTunes and all digital retailers online.

The album, produced on the Viral Sounds Entertainment imprint, is an authentic expression of King Mas’s musicianship, production standard and willingness to intertwine good musical composition with lyrics that provoke thought.  An example of this standard is found in the song “Fade Away.”

The song is a rebuild of the classic Unchained Riddim originally produced by Studio One.  Using its familiarity as a foundation, King Mas unites and strengthens the people when he sing-jays “number one we don’t play number two / all dem ah try dem can stop dih Warriors from go through / dis dih natty rebel and yuh ah go get slew / many are called but the chosen are few (repeat) / because jah know we keep stepping up higher / blazin up dih fyah / fih dih yute ah revolute ah spark it like ah live wire / Babylon time ah expire.…”

One of the places Mas has made an impact musically is England.  Gav Pauze of Pauze Radio notes that MasSicker is an “unforgettable name that must not be overlooked.”  The famed DJ also goes on to say that “very few other artists match MasSicker’s vocal skills and musical abilities.”  Fans agree!

To Connect with MasSicker aka King Mas via social networks click here:   

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COLIN JAMES JOINS 2013 CANADIAN MUSIC INDUSTRY HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

 The Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame welcomes Canadian guitarist, singer-songwriter and producer Colin James as the latest 2013 inductee. The six-time Juno Award winner and multi-platinum musician will be celebrated on Thursday, March 21, 2013 during the Canadian Music & Broadcast Industry Awards gala dinner at the Kool Haus in Toronto, as part of Canadian Music Week activities.

Prior to the induction, Colin James will be making a special concert appearance on Wednesday, March 20^th at Lee’s Palace in Toronto. Tickets for the performance will be on sale to the public this Friday, January 11^th at 10:00am via Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.ca - or  1.855.985.5000   to charge by phone. 

You know an artist has a true gift when they can redefine an entire music genre and revolutionize a movement. Colin James has that, said Neill Dixon, President of Canadian Music Week. He injected what we commonly knew in the 80’s as pop rock with his incredible zeal for blues and immediately gained commercial adoration. He also single-handedly piloted the revival of swing in the 90’s with his uncanny adeptness for jazz standards. There are few artists who can do that and yet continue to be actively current today. He is an incredible musician whose talents deserve this Hall of Fame recognition and admiration from the industry.

It’s a real honour to be inducted into the Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame, remarked Colin James. “Receiving recognition for the work I love to do is always great but to be acknowledged by the industry here in Canada is very special.

In a career spanning 25 years, Colin James has topped the charts as a pop vocalist, recorded an acclaimed blues album and led the swing revival with his Little Big Band, which he both fronted and produced. He’s written memorable hit songs and recorded distinctive covers of timeless classics, all the while continuing to sell out shows from coast to coast. A Stevie Ray Vaughan protégé when he first broke onto the scene, James instantly gained prominence for his guitar prowess. He has since followed his own muse, traversing the genres of blues, rock, pop, swing and even gospel, becoming one of the most accomplished and well-rounded artists around. The release of his fifteenth album, Fifteen, earlier this year a return to James’ full-blooded rock roots - is yet one more testament to his longevity and impressive career.

James’ 1988 self-titled debut, featuring his two self-penned hits Voodoo Thing and Five Long Years, was the fastest-selling album in Canadian history. It won him his first Juno and an opening spot on tour with Keith Richards. His second album, Sudden Stop, featured his hit Just Came Back, which reached #3 on the U.S. radio charts and earned him the Juno Award for Single of the Year. Colin was next credited with launching the swing revival, thanks to his wildly popular Little Big Band, which has released four successful albums to date.

A skilled performer, he has shared the stage with influential and guitar greats Bonnie Raitt, Lenny Kravitz, Albert King, Mavis Staples, Carlos Santana, Buddy Guy, Mick Fleetwood and The Chieftains; had his songs recorded by artists such as: Lucinda Williams, Johnny Halliday and Maria Muldaur; and won a staggering 16 Maple Blues Awards.

Tickets for the Canadian Music and Broadcast Industry Awards gala dinner are available for purchase through the Canadian Music Week website at www.cmw.net.

ABOUT CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK:

Canadian Music Week is Canada’s leading annual entertainment event dedicated to the expression and growth of the country’s music, media and entertainment industries.  Combining three information-intensive conferences; a trade exposition; a film festival; a comedy festival; four awards shows and the nation’s largest New Music Festival Canadian Music Fest CMW spans a six-day period from March 19 to March 24, 2013 at the Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre Hotel and over 60 downtown Toronto venues, attracting participants from across the globe. For more information, visit www.cmw.net.

Tommy Lee Set to Tour Canada at the end of January Creating a Fan Frenzy!

Dancehall sensation Tommy Lee begins 2013 with a tour which will see him perform in multiple cities in Canada.  Arriving in Toronto on Wednesday January 23^rd, Lee will be in Canada until January 28^th.

Hosted by Ma’s Place Promotions, Niyah of MYC Entertainment, Heavy D Promotions and Team Work Entertainment, the tour will have the artist perform in Toronto on Friday January 25^th, 2013 at On The Rox Entertainment Complex (1600 Steeles Avenue West) and in Montreal on Saturday January 26^th at EB Lounge (5345 De Maisonneuve West).  Additional performance dates have been confirmed for private functions hosted by the who’s who of Canada’s party planners.

Fresh from his performance at Sting, and building on the momentum of his catalog of successful hit records, Tommy Lee is ready to entertain his Canadian fans up close and personal.  “I’m looking forward to my Canadian tour,” said Tommy Lee from his recording studio in Kingston, Jamaica.  “Canada has been a good market for me and I’m happy to give my fans more of my music.”

Tommy Lee’s recent hits include “Psycho” which was remixed for Usain Bolt’s historic 2012 Olympic performance, as well as “Some Bwoy,” “Shook” and “Buss A Blank.”  Collectively, the artists singles have been viewed by millions of fans referred to as Spartans several of which come from Canada.

In addition to his live performances, and to cater to fan demand, Tommy Lee will be hosting four autograph signing sessions in Etobicoke at Falcon Banquet Hall for the INI media conference, Scarborough at 2-Lined Music Hut (Wednesday January 23^rd), Toronto at TreaJah Isle Records and Tapes (Thursday January 24^th), and Montreal at Sash Boutique (Saturday January 26^th).

Addressing the recent rumors that there is a pending $25 Million dollar lawsuit facing the artist by a Toronto promoter, Management made it clear that the suit is unfounded and will not deter Tommy Lee from performing for his Canadian fans, nor any of his international fans.  “If there was any merit to the case, Tommy Lee would not be able to travel and clearly he can.”

For more information on the tour, photo and video updates will be shared via the @TommyLeeRV and @L3Magazine Twitter handles.