♠ The HOTTT-ed Update on Kimanda Cunningham! ♠

One thing we can say about Kimanda Cunningham is that no matter what, she will continue to strive and improve all levels of her game!

 

Imagine our surprise when she called with her cute King-Stonian accent saying "Mih waan yuh check yuh e-mail.  Mih juss finish ah photoshoot an mih waan know weh yuh think!"  

 

Firstly, for us to get a phone call about a picture or pictures is enough for us to (quietly) say 'what the heck?!'  When we opened the e-mail and saw the pictures, all we could say is "OMG!"  Kimanda Cunningham has taken her image to a whole new level, and all we can say is HOTTT!

 

With her HOTTT-ness in tact, we had to revisit some of her music, in particular, our favourite song "Let's Go" which features Busy Signal.  Listen to music, and see some of her pics below!

If you want to contact Kimanda directly, send an e-mail to neilroadcrushermusic@gmail.com!

 

>>>Kimanda ft. Busy Signal - Let's Go<<< 

 

 

 

 

 

COURT ORDERS FMC TO STOP USING THE CARIBANA™ Trademark

The Ontario Superior Court Of Justice issued an Order on Thursday, May 12^th, 2011 forbidding the Festival Management Committee (FMC) from using the Trademark CARIBANA™ with immediate effect.

The ruling was handed down in response to an injunction sought by the CARIBANA™ ARTS GROUP (CAG), the owners of the CARIBANA™ Festival and trademark.  The FMC has been temporarily managing the festival since 2006, based on an agreement brokered by the City of Toronto between the CAG and the FMC that expired December 31^st 2006.  As a result of the court order the FMC has been forced to shut down the website, www.caribanafestival.com.

CAG chairman Henry Gomez states assertively: "It is the Caribbean Cultural Committee (CCC) now CAG that has conceptualized, nurtured, managed and produced the internationally recognized CARIBANA™ Festival for 39 years.  It is also the CCC, a not for profit volunteer organization, that transformed this Carnival Arts extravaganza into a

financial juggernaut that benefits the City of Toronto and the Province of Ontario."

The Board of Directors of the CARIBANA™ ARTS GROUP (CAG) has made innumerable attempts to negotiate and work with the FMC over the last five years, but the FMC reacted with intransigence and hubris.  The CAG was left with no other option but to seek injunctive relief from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.

The CAG remains open to signing a Trademark Licence and Management Agreement with the FMC for 2011 that respects the rights of the CAG as the owner of the CARIBANA™ Festival and Marks.

The CARIBANA™ Festival was created in 1967 as the Caribbean contribution to Canada's Centennial celebrations. The CARIBANA™ AGM will be held this Saturday May 21, 2011 at Metro Hall, 55 John Street, Room 314, from 1:00p.m. - 3:30p.m.

  

Reggae Icon EVER-G Wins the Big 3!

Saturday May 15^th saw the staging of the 4^th annual Virginia Reggae Music Awards (at East Queens Way & King Street, downtown Hampton, Virginia), and was also the evening that saw the Reggae Icon, EVER-G win three of the prestigious awards.

Nominated for Album of the Year (‘Jah Love’), Single of the Year (“Our Special Place”), and Favourite Artist, EVER-G first wowed the crowd with acoustic renditions of his own recordings and a stirring rendition of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song."  Not long after, the results were announced for Album of the Year, Single of the Year and Favourite artist with one name attached:  EVER-G!  With a surprise twist, EVER-G was presented with a 4^th award (not previously announced) for garnering the most votes and winning in all the categories for which he was nominated in.

“I still can’t believe it,” said an excited EVER-G.  “I know I won; I just can’t believe that I took all three awards.  I am humbled and I wish my parents were here to share this joy with me.  They’re here with me in spirit!” It has been a long time, since those early days at Rusea's High School, where most fans heard EVER-G sing for the first time.  Fitting for an Icon, the audience stood to their feet in applause for EVER-G to which the Icon said:

“the road is not always smooth, and still isn't, but you have to be consistent with your message, stay positive, be true to yourself and your beliefs and never ever take anyone or anything for granted.  Calling on radio jocks, promoters and venue owners, give independent artists & bands a chance - listen to what we have to offer, you might be pleasantly surprised if and when you do so.”

To the fans, EVER-G acknowledged that without them, there is no industry and thanked them for their votes.  He vowed that he will not let them down in the coming year and is confident that with their support, he can achieve greater heights.

On July 31^st, 2011, EVER-G will be performing in Toronto at the famed Lula Lounge for an evening of Reggae Vibrations!

www.evergmuzik.com 

Certified Diva's invade Margaritaville!

To be 'certified' means having been proved by way of a certificate, or, being guaranteed and reliably endorsed.  Imagine our pleasant surprise when we received the flyer entitled 'Certified Divas' who will be performing live at Margaritaville in Jamaica on June 25th, 2011!

Without doubt, Dancehall Diva, Lady Saw is absolutely certified.  This female powerhouse has been releasing hit songs since the 1980's, and has worked with the most notable producers and fellow artists.  Dancehall Diva's from the younger generation include Tifa (who this year won several awards including the Youth View Awards held in February, 2011), Spice (whose single "Romping Shop" with Vybz Kartel dominated the charts 2 years ago), Tami Chynn (who regularly enjoys giving her fans live performances in Europe and Japan, and has YouTube views in the millions), and the newby on the block, Shalli who is steadily gaining grounds in Canada, the Caribbean and in Europe.

Together, these Diva's will be entertaining fans at one of the most exciting night spot in Jamaica.  Check the flyer below for details!

>>>Tami Chynn - Over and Over Again<<<

 

Dawn Penn to Release Album June 4th in New York!

Dawn Penn is the undisputed Reggae-Queen of Jamaica.  She gained worldwide acclaim with her hit "(No, No, No) You Don't Love Me" in the summer of '94, topped the music charts in the USA as well as in Europe, not to mention her native Island.  Only few knew that she had released this song almost two decades ago.

Dawn Penn has been working with many of the best known Jamaican producers and singers since the late sixties. She secured national hits with Johnny Nash and recorded several singles for the labels Prince Buster, Jackpot and others that solidified her fame in the music scene of Jamaica. 

Join the crew from Reggae Retro as they profile music from Dawn Penn on June 4th, 2011 in New York which comes from her new album!  622 Degraw St Between 4th Ave & 3rd Ave
Park Slope, Brooklyn

 

 

 

 

  

♠ HOTTT-ed New Reggae! ♠ Busy Signal - Deal Wid It!

 

I hope you had a great weekend that was filled with music, music and more music!

 

As the headline states, we have something new and HOTTT-ed from the one, the only,

Mr. Busy Signal.   The song is so certified HOTTT, we'll begin with a little back ground story!

 

DJ Krush, from Krushproof Muzik has been producing music for several years, workign with artists Ce'Cile, RDX, Khago, I-Octane and more.  When he and Busy teamed up, the result was what we call 'lyrical and musical mastery!'

 

Imagine a guitar that sounds like it's being plucked as opposed to being strummed; build to that a bassline that purposely keeps the riddim slow and methodical (like a pace car that drives in front of a Nascar pack before the race begins) and add to that Busy's untempered aggression as he tells you how he had to 'deal wid it!'  Kaboom!  This chune is like Vodka ... you only realize you're drunk when you try to stand up!  All of this at 126 BPM!

 

Some of the lyrical play that you will LOVE is when Busy says:

 

"Yuh waan see how me deal wid it / caw me nah

stoop nar deal wid it / gyal caan hear so she ago

feel wid it / dih length weh me have she only ah

see wid it / she ah banana peel wid it / every

ting sign an seal wid it / yuh waan see how Victoria

bruk out / everyting buss out / dih secret reveal

wid it / so my girl / how you ah gwaan like seh /

me caan get it today like seh / me caan tek it

today like seh / me caan wet it today or wreck

it today like seh ...."

 

Mercy!

 

This song made its debut for listeners in Canada and the UK via Natasha Von Castle and L3 Radio, and the feedback was immediate!  The fans LOVE it!  One female caller asked if Busy would come and 'deal wid it' so we have no doubt, Busy will stay in demand!

Listen to the song at the link below, and let us know your feedback so we can pass it on!

>>>Busy Signal - Deal Wid It<<<

©®Natasha Von Castle for L3 Magazine.  Please e-mail L3Magazine@hotmail.com for re-print permissions.

  

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.