The Phoenix in a Gas House

On The Record: Annie Paul

2011-02-03T11:11:00.000-05:00

This is an interview i stole off the Gleaner's website of my blog mom Annie Paul tackling every thing from what is choking the Jamaican Fine Art landscape to the launch of her Coolie Snack. Just so you know Annie you can pay me in snacks and I'm still overdue for our cooking lesson. Hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did.

Chi Chi Badman Pt. 3

2011-02-02T21:18:00.000-05:00

In Dancehall’s short history Bogle emerged to be the most prolific figure to be referred to as a dancer. His untimely death (as with the nature of untimely deaths for anyone in the spotlight) shot him up from a mare famous dancer in a certain subculture to known figure worldwide and dancehall innovator ultimately the benchmark that all other dancers in the particular genre aim for. His name is venerated in songs especially about dancing and he is fondly remembered by even those who are allegedly connected to his untimely demise. At the time his style was unique and for that period considered even a bit outrageous. Black leather, motorcycle boots, studded dog collars and thick heavy chains are usually associated with the more Sado- Masochist gay community instead of notorious Black Roses crew-member. However that was the wardrobe of choice for Mr. Gerald “Bogle” Levi, this inevitable fueled the argument that Bogle to date is the most successful Chi Chi Badman in the business. His statement “Out and bad” is argued to be more than just slang or the attitude needed to wear the gear he chose. Instead it alludes to his status of being a badman “out of the closet”.

Now there seems to be an endless stream of “Dancers” following in the path of Mr. Wakkie however, the chosen style seems more homosexual than Bogle could ever get away with. Ama’s observations are very keen as she states.

“It does not take a cryptologist to decipher the signs given off by the garish hair colour and styles, the loud earrings, the extravagantly designs and coloured clothing, and by the effeminate style of dancing and modeling of certain prominent Dancehall DJ’s and male dancers. They are gay, or at least bi-sexual. But it does not end there… ..there is even a well known but ‘down-low’, local sub-culture of prominent Chi Chi Bad Men producers and managers in Dancehall Reggae. These ‘reducers’ and ‘damagers’.., interact mostly with the younger and more vulnerable artists, some of whom will do literally anything to succeed.”

“As a result, younger and newer Jamaican DJ’s moving in the wrong circles are now at serious risk of being propositioned for gay sex or even raped if they leave themselves carelessly. This may be one of the reasons for the lyrical fixation on homosexuality by many Dancehall DJ’s. They may have been confronted with a lot of secret gay activity in the business; may have been victimized or solicited into secret taboo relationships; and may be covering up their dual identity by verbally lashing out against gays in general.”

I find myself constantly asking where are the real men? It cannot be that this is all Jamaican women have to look forward to. Don’t get me wrong there is a vast difference between men who are a little Metro (which many women appreciate), and a Chi chi Badman. There is nothing wrong with a who takes care of himself and appearance, there is nothing wrong with a man who gets his nails done, nothing wrong with him going to the spa to get a proper facial and ingrown hairs taken care of and there is absolutely nothing wrong with a nice smelling man. We know the problems, but the important thing is how we fix this dysfunctional situation.

.... Sorry I forgot to post this -__-

Chi Chi Badman Pt. 2

2010-12-26T19:36:00.001-05:00

Clearly, Jamaica has a growing culture of latent homosexuals of both male and female. They outwardly seek the company of the same sex, however, due to fear of societal rejection and or the promise of violence they never fully embark in an out of the closet gay relationship. Instead they opt for a more socially accepted version. Therefore, women embark in relationships with men who act and dress in a more female manner. Outwardly the ‘men’ are very in-tuned with their femininity (in the wrong way), they display very ‘delicate’ mannerisms and do everything from bleaching, eyebrow arching and even forgoing male scents opting instead for a flowery perfume instead of a woody male cologne. To fill the void women tend to take a more dominant role and while they may still dress like females their roles have now become that of protector and provider in the relationship. Financially, emotionally and at times physically they do everything in the relationship that the quintessential male figure should do, including but not limited to providing money, directly or indirectly to buy bleaching cream and Clarks and/or walking on the outside during their strolls a position usually only occupied by a true gentleman. Essentially perpetuating a ‘Mine mi fe wine mi’ culture. Something once only a certain class of females would have the audacity to admit to. But instead now songs like Clarks II Vybz Kartel proudly states;
“Gal a mine mi fi wine me she love me off,
She say she a go a town she mi say bring mi Clarks,
She say wah kinda style yu wah,
Me say bring it inna suede, leather every material fi de Boss.”

No doubt women play a destructively encouraging roll in the Chi Chi Bad man phenomena. When before the effeminate boy especially in inner-city communities would be ridiculed and at times ostracized for acting/talking like a sissy now he now has a place in the company of older women who enjoy the company of a young Shebada. They cajole and encourage these boys to act more outrageously, they discuss in the presence of these children their adult/sexual relationships and instead of a functioning adult-child relationship the boys are treated as girlfriends and provide comic relief for these older women, providing the punch line for very explicit situations. Eventually they learn to beg, either implicitly by imitating actions of the elder female or explicitly being told to do so. Thus, begins the erosion as without a real male figure to instill such values as real men work, they protect and provide for their families, these boys eventually learn the hard way there is no such thing as a free ride when they beg the wrong men.

For the uninitiated the Dancehall video light is more than just an avenue to ‘big up’ oneself and friends, it is more than just a catalog of a hype party. A video light especially one from a very well known party is a market of the flesh. Long before e-harmony and match.com the video light acted as a community notice board advertising the best and ‘baddest’ a particular subculture had to offer. Dressed in the finest and dancing in very sexually suggestive ways is a means for one not only to cement one’s place in this subculture but also acts as a means for a ‘big man’ to see a hot girl and say ‘a who da girl deh she bad eeh.’ This may eventually lead to him knowing this girl in a more biblical sense. Therefore, one can understand why some players in this culture would bitterly oppose wasted hours of important video time spent on peacocks. Essentially the culture that sprang up of male dancers; they act in an identical manner to the women they ‘model’ and brag and big up friends and their sexual prowess. And in some cases they beg more than any woman ever could. Where the conflict arise is these Chi Chi bad boys some posing as dancers will muscle out women from the Video Light. In theory these Chi Chi Bad boys compete for the same spoils and have no qualms reminding females that in comparison to what they have to offer a pussy has no value.

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The Jamaica Blog Awards

2010-12-22T13:42:00.002-05:00

Hey yow Ima let you finish reading, but The Phoenix in a Gas House is the Best Personal Blog of All Time !^_^

If you love me and love the blog please don't turn me into the Jamaican Kanye West at the upcoming Jamaica Blog Awards. Don't make have to grab the mic and be a douchebag, So vote and save me from doing something crazy.

Or worst I will start stealing. Please don't make me angry steal crap ^_^ Just vote for The Phoenix in a Gas House for Best Personal Blog.

Links
Jamaica Blog Awards

Chi Chi Badman Pt. 1

2010-12-19T22:55:00.001-05:00

Some days I feel like Rip Van Winkle. I fell asleep for too long and woke up in a strange time warp where nothing makes sense. To be honest I feel like that old man shaking his fist saying,

I'm not saying these men are gay

“Hey you crazy kids turn that garbage off and pull your pants up!”
There is this phenomena set to music by Beenie Man and further defined by Dr Imani Tafari-Ama [Blood Bullets and Bodies: Sexual Politics Below Jamaica's Poverty Line, 2006, Chapter 6, pages 219-220] that I grossly need help understanding. That is, the phenomena of the Chi Chi Badman. Tafari-Ama states;

“In most every way, these Chi Chi Bad Men or bad Chi Chi Men are the ultimate binary opposition to emerge from the concrete jungles of Kingston’s urban slums… No sociologist was able to predict that the product of the most violently antagonistic and consistently anti-homosexual discourse in the ghetto- the bad boy gunmen- who are supposedly the very antithesis of anything queer, gay or funny, would suddenly and voluntarily switch their sexual orientation to become the very kind of persons that they had previously hated so passionately- batty men.”
“In effect, they have become lower class male prostitutes who service upper class gay men for top dollars.”

Usually the inner-city male is seen as the epitome of the Jamaican version of the macho man. Further more there is on other group in Jamaica so vehemently intolerant and opposed to the homosexual lifestyle than that of the Jamaican Shotter/Inner-city male. If you still subscribe the ideal male figure projected in songs from independence to present he is a very strong classically masculine figure constantly facing and overcoming the pressures of being male and underclass. Therefore, the phenomenon of the effeminate badman is an unforeseen paradox of our time. One is very amazed when observing these “men”; bleached faced, very arched eyebrows dressed in pastels that the girliest girl gravitates to because it totally expresses femininity.

If you have a penis then pink is the wrong colour for you

Not to mention the very close fitting female jeans worn strategically below the rump by these men. It gives the feeling of an advertisement of easy access rather than to convey the notion of strong, hard male protector. While generally the idea of a homosexual male is usually that of a tame, fragile, extravagantly flamboyant, RuPaul- esque male, however, today this is definitely not the case with the Chi Chi Badman and no better description could be found than that postulated by Ama in which she states;

“Make no mistake about it. These new inner-city Chi Chi Boys are not your ordinary tame and domesticated/sophisticated kind of homosexuals. These are not the poor, defenseless and victimized Jamaican homos whose cause the British gay group Outrage! likes to champion. No, these Badman Chi Chi Boys are tough young killers who can defend themselves and who will not hesitate to shoot or cut up anyone trying to criticize or mock them for their decision to embrace this still distained lifestyle.”

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For Your Eyes Only - Shaggy ft. Alaine

2010-12-15T00:01:00.000-05:00

2010 National Biennial

2010-12-12T22:06:00.002-05:00

Today was the opening of the National Biennial Exhibition. It will run from December to March and features eighty (80) artist, thirty (30) were invited while the others gained their place through a jury system.

The fifth edition of the biennial was pretty much a snooze fest. It was hard to hear the guest speaker Ms. Kay Osborne, which in this case might have been a good thing as the bits and pieces that you did hear were pretty boring.

Guest Speaker Kay Osborne in front of work by Phillip Thomas

As opening art shows go especially in Jamaica, it was much of the same. There was so much social masturbation and hand jobs going on, thank goodness the quality of work being shown was so potent to cut through the stink of social climbing.

L to R: Veerle Poupey, Joseph A. Matalon, David Boxer

David Boxer

"I was the Guest Speaker at the National Gallery and all I got was this lousy T-Shirt."

In spite of the first day foolishness there are so many great Jamaican artists and I was happy to see so many great works in one place at one time. Some I particularly liked were from Kemar Swaby Hands of the Beholder (Mixed Media), Sekani (Akindele Hickling) The Valiant Warrior, Khalfani Ra Paradise or Tasmanian Devil The Great Taboo(Wax Acrylic on Bible Pages).

Jody Ann Macmillan- Made in Jamaica (oil on canvas)

Marlon James

Marlon James- Janus (Digital Print)

Raymond Watson

Raymond Watson- Rhythm (Stone Resin Steel)

Omari Ra

In many societies art galleries tend to be seen as being an intimidating place Jamaica is no different, however I do hope you all take the step and go see the show. Find out more about the artists you like and MOST IMPORTANTLY. BUY THE WORK FROM ARTISTS YOU LIKE. I don't know why people think artist survive on love and weed, they need cash too.

Gene Pearson, O.D.

Gene Pearson, O.D. - Blue Mountain (Raku, Height 59cm)

Links

A Legend Only in the Mind
Better Mus Come Trailer

Artical Exposure Quickie

Beat it like Ike

When Kartel Did Black

2010-12-11T01:31:00.008-05:00

To quote Marcus Garvey or any other black leader who had a positive opinion on black skin would be an utter waste. I never understood Bleaching, I can't understand how this is an actual phenomena in the same place that gave birth to Marcus Garvey. The main thing I don't get is some Bleachers will never admit that that is in fact what is being done. Opting for euphemisms such as "rub" and "tone". Bleaching Lord Kartel said his metamorphosis happened by using only cake soap(washing soap) and sitting in air conditioned rooms all day. One thing that I will always love about the internet is its full of information. So here is a bit of information for anyone who happens to be a true friend of Kartel to remind him that he is supposed to be black.

2003

2005

2008

2010

Its so bad he has his own soap

Links
Freak in the Dancehall
Who murder the Music
A Silly Monday Post
Lisa Hype's Oral Exam

Bhutu in a Benz

2010-12-05T10:58:00.001-05:00

Remember when Rex said a Bhutu in a Benz is still a bhutu? I believe at the time his reference was to the many Informal Commercial Importers (ICI’s) or Hagglers who displayed the usual characteristics of new money. That is the intense concentration on flash and showing a very Kitsch idea of opulence with the trinkets that their money affords. Except the class and refinement that these trinkets were suppose to show was woefully missing. No doubt that there has been and continue to be a mass erosion of manners and what one would think to be common sense etiquette extended to each other daily (maybe it had something to do with Elephant man moving up on the hill). And there is also no debating that money cannot buy you common sense, good judgment or refinement, just ask Vybz Kartel. I believe there is a mass conspiracy of ‘Bhutufication’ of the population as thought up and executed by the so-called Jamaican academia and jokers that pass for politicians done as a means of social control and perpetuation of the ‘Us vs. Them’ mentality so rampant in this Jamaican post-colonial society.

Unfortunately, as with every ill thought out plan by weak minds the blow back was/is reminiscent of a synthetic outbreak intended to harm and/or control only one set group. However, they tend to infect indiscriminately. The result is the bhutification of the nation. So dramatic and invasive is this disease that not even the nice uptown Brownings were to survive the Bhutu epidemic. The recent Babyface concert held at the National Indoor Arena brought to light the Bhuturized uptown practices that seem now ingrained in the culture like darkness does for cockroaches. For most parties the VIP section conjures images of velvet ropes and exclusivity. The very meaning of the abbreviation Very Important People oozes opulence and rareness and the impression of intimacy with the performers that could never be garnered by those who occupy the cheap-ass nose bleed seats. Very Important Behinds are seated comfortably here and the rest of you poor bastards should be overflowing with jealousy.

Unfortunately this is not the case with a great majority of these Jamaican events the money spent on procuring a VIP ticket one would gain greater value and satisfaction using said money to wipe ones ass and watch it being flushed down the toilet. This was the feeling I got from the recent Diana King /Babyface show. This was infinitely sad, as the lineup was not the normal ‘Buff Baff’ rabble of Vybz Kartel and Bounty Killer therefore; the expected experience was somewhat different. I have seen the glowing reviews of the show from different media houses and I wonder was this the same event or what? Jamaicans have always been blamed for poor customer service practices and the Jamaican show promoter heads the list of persons oblivious to the term customer delight.

The old adage “You get what you pay for” is an insult for those who forked out big bucks for the so-called VIP access to this and many other stage shows (usually in my case I get robbed twice or even thrice as I never learn my lesson and go alone to the so called VIP). For example, the $6500 spent at the Babyface concert gets you entry into the acoustic nightmare that is the National Indoor Sports Arena (a Turnkey Productions event). Yes I am sure there are ways to circumvent the awful sound that one would get from a huge echo friendly space with hard walls and seats meaning, the sound would constantly bounce back however, the sound technician (and I use technician very loosely) must have been a recent graduate as the sound for the night for all performances was so harsh and offensive to the ears.
For an event billed for couples one would think the hidden agenda was for said couples to go home and have sex. The décor if you can call it that went in another direction. There was no romantically draped fabric anywhere, nothing to suggest love or even lust. It was so bad that my Louis Vuitton Don had to ask,
“Eve honey is this a joke or did you take me to a children’s party?”
The god awful white plastic lawn chairs that no one thought of putting a cheap slip cover over to create some kind of different ambiance not to mention the hard ass stadium benches no one though to put cushions on after all it WAS V.I.P. There was nothing inclusive in the so called VIP access so patrons had the pleasure of buying refreshments and being served in the very very very did I mention very cheap plastic cups and cocktail plates the cheap ones not the Chinet or Dixie ones.

By no means am I picking on the promoters the Babyface/Diana King show that was supposed to be some sort of charity venture. But in truth it would have been better served if the donation was sent directly to the United Way instead of wasting it on the so-called VIP tickets. There are other false VIP offenders including yearly staples such as Reggae Sumfest now that VIP is a joke at best and a pigpen for you to wallow in on not so sunny days. Now there is so much buzz all over the social media about the upcoming Jazz and Blues Festival for the 23-29th January 2011. Yes I am going because I think I might try to rape that lead singer for Maroon 5 so far the confirmed headline act. Let’s hope Turn Key Promotions don’t fuck up VIP for Jazz and Blues 2011.

Links
A Legend Only in the Mind
Quarter Century of Cloth
Freak in Dancehall

Chan Dizzy - Nuh Strange Face

2010-12-02T18:11:00.000-05:00

So cute!

2010-12-02T17:54:00.001-05:00

I found this on my friend Annie's page so i thought i'd show it to you too.

I-OCTANE - NO LOVE INNA DEM/MINE WHO YUH A DIS

2010-12-02T17:44:00.000-05:00

I love these 2 songs man.

The MIA Blogger

2010-11-21T01:11:00.001-05:00

I’m afraid to post on my own blog. I’m s such a weird-o. I can’t say I’m a perfectionist because I’m not, but what I can tell you is I never give the good stuff when my life is happy and well adjusted. I’m trying to fix that; after all this blog started when I was going through a dark sad period in my life. So what have I been up to? I have been really happy. I’m also leaving the nest pretty soon which is pretty overwhelming and exciting feeling. I know I won’t be ready for everything but I’m not afraid. I keep having weird dreams about waking up in my truly awesome apartment with hardwood floors and I’m starting to think that I’m a little bit crazy seeing as I haven’t seen this apartment in real life yet. Something about myself I did not know... I’m pretty blond, and I find it hilarious that some days I’m a walking dumb blond joke. Finally on the personal level old friends are coming back into my life I am happy for their return but I do have a long memory everything is taken with a grain of salt.

What’s in the pipeline?
The very long overdue already written but I don’t like the conclusion interview I did with one of my most favorite designers Biggy. Chi Chi Badman a look at the homosexual bad man. Bhutu inna Benz why the more prudent choice is to wipe your ass with your cash and flush it down the toilet instead of spending it on VIP ticket for most Jamaican parties. I’ll return to where I started thanks in part to a request from @Just Sherman and write more history/culture related posts. Also there is a write up on artist Raymond Watson as he finishes up his piece for mounting at the Simón Bolívar center. I think that’s all the unfinished posts that I will be cleaning up and posting in the coming days/weeks. Now my question to you is why don’t you hold me more accountable when my mind wonder’s away like a flock of sheep and there are no posts here huh?

Latest and Greatest-Baby Cham and Bounty Killer

2010-10-29T22:03:00.000-05:00

Latest

Greatest

R.I.P. Gregory Isaacs

2010-10-26T01:44:00.000-05:00

Gregory Isaacs Dead At 59

2010-10-25T17:56:00.000-05:00

By Gil Kaufman

The "Cool Ruler" has died. Reggae great Gregory Isaacs, who earned that chilled-out honorific thanks to his natty dress and emphasis on romantic, yearning tunes, died at the age of 59 at his home in London following a yearlong battle with lung cancer, according to BBC News.

Isaacs, best known for his bubbling 1982 hit "Night Nurse," gained his nickname as a result of his 1978 album, Cool Ruler, on which he perfected the reggae style known as "lover's rock," a swaying, bouncy sound that mixed the insistent thrum and downbeat of the Jamaican islands with a 1950s R&B crooner-style vocal.

"Gregory was well-loved by everyone, his fans and his family, and he worked really hard to make sure he delivered the music they loved and enjoyed," his wife Linda said in a statement.
Though his recorded persona was that of a sensitive, often heartbroken man, a Los Angeles Times obituary noted that Isaacs was blocked from taking up the mantle of the late Bob Marley as the next international reggae star as a result of his outlaw "rude boy" persona, which resulted in dozens of arrests over the years on drug and gun charges, as well as a serious cocaine addiction.

Isaacs, born in Kingston, Jamaica, on July 15, 1951, loved listening to American R&B singers such as Sam Cooke and Smokey Robinson on the radio as a child and began making a name for himself as a teenager in the 1960s, performing at talent contests and with other vocalists before going solo in 1970.

After a string of self-released albums and singles on his own African Museum label, he finally hit pay dirt with 1973's "My Only Lover," widely considered the first lover's rock tune. Like so many of his hits, it showcased his sensual, smooth tenor and kicked off a decade-plus run of chart-toppers that peaked in 1982 with the seductive "Night Nurse," recorded at Marley's Tuff Gong studios. In addition to his entrancing high and longing vocals, Isaacs used urgent moans and groans as the signature punctuation on some of his most beloved songs.

In keeping with his outlaw image, Isaacs was unable to celebrate the hit because he was serving a six-month prison sentence in Jamaica for unlicensed handgun possession. "I'd say he's one of the three geniuses I've known in the reggae music business, and I've known everyone," said Gary Himelfarb, who released several Isaacs albums on his label, RAS Records, in the 1990s.

"Gregory was the kind of person who could walk through a room of 20 people and come out the other side and tell you what everybody was wearing," added Himelfarb, known professionally as Dr. Dread. "He could sit at a piano and compose incredible tunes. He was really brilliant. He was on a whole other level than your typical Jamaican artist."

While the combination of his legal troubles and the ravages of drugs on his subtle voice contributed to his unreliability, Isaacs nonetheless became an inspiration to a new generation of reggae stars through his combination of lover's rock and more politically charged tunes, such as "Black Liberation Struggle."

Son and fellow reggae singer Kevin Isaacs, who appeared on the joint 2000 album Father and Son, tweeted a tribute to his dad Sunday night, writing, "R.I.P Dad, you're a great father to me and my Idol. That's all I can say for now, I'm hurt. My dad just died. Give thanks to all his supporters."

Though he was said to have recorded 500 albums in his career, the Times said Isaacs put the number at closer to 200. His final album was 2008's Brand New Me for the African Museum label.

Share your well-wishes for Isaacs' family in the comments.

Top 5 Reasons Not to Trust Water in the Street

2010-10-22T13:43:00.000-05:00

Not to be ungrateful for the rain but if you are a pedestrian, Kingston is one really nasty place to be when it rains. What’s worst is if you happen to get caught Downtown Kingston in slippers or the unthinkable, getting splashed by some inconsiderate driver. Here are my top five reasons why you should never get caught downtown in the rain.

5. Usually when it rains the earth looks refreshed and new. There is crispness about the air and the earth shows you that yes I am happy for the rain. This is not the case in Kingston. Instead of green and happy there is a putrid gray that looms over the entire area and everywhere you walk you think oh god this is so nasty.

4. Every pool of water is a guaranteed cocktail of the nastiest germs ever. If it happens to touch your skin no matter if you bath in bleach, peroxide and hospital strength alcohol you are going to get some sort of skin infection.

3. At some point in our history some people got together and decided that to use trash receptacles; were no longer where trash goes. As a result you find everything depending on the street from baby diapers to juice bottles all over the street. What is funny is the trash bin will be completely empty while around it is full of garbage. When it rains guess what gets mixed with that lovely rain water?

2. Some men are so NASTY they relieve themselves in every corner they find now if this corner has the pungent aroma of ammonia and sometimes fecal matter on DRY DAYS what do you think is in this run off from this same corner.

1. One rule of thumb when dealing with bodies of water in Kingston is to take it for granted that this is sewage water. I know it might look clean and you might think it’s just a broken main or run off from this rain we are having but TRUST ME, if it didn’t start out as sewage water it got mixed with sewage water therefore you guessed it, its sewage water.

Caribbean Artistes UNiTE to End Violence Against Women

2010-10-14T17:24:00.000-05:00

St Michael, Barbados:
Popular dancehall entertainer Bounty Killer, who has recently been before the courts after multiple altercations with female companions, is among a number of Caribbean artistes who have pledged their support for the eradication of violence against women in the region.

"He's definitely going to be getting involved in it. He acknowledges that he has been in situations like that before, so he wants to try and become a positive example by contributing to a cause like this and being able to talk to others who find themselves in these situations. So he will be putting a lot of energy into this project," said Bounty's manager, Julian Jones-Griffith.

However, he said they are yet to formulate exactly what form his contribution will take.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, made the announcement during the Caribbean launch of the UNiTE campaign to end violence against women, held at the Hilton Barbados, this week.
Grange said Bounty Killer, whose real name is Rodney Pryce, had sent a message to her while she was at the conference, stating that he wanted to turn a new page in his life and was willing to be part of any programme that addresses the issue of violence against women.

The United Nations Secretary-General's campaign has been using Caribbean artistes to convey messages for a change from the form of abuse which continues to increase in the region.
Grange, who was chairing a panel on Caribbean artistes at the conference, said using artistes to convey the message for a transformed society was a positive move which would reap success.
"There is no doubt that if you want to increase public awareness and social mobilisation you have to use music," she said.

Dominican artiste Nelly Stharre expressed her delight for the opportunity to contribute to the change in society. She said artistes can make a difference through music by conveying the right messages in music. "A lot of time artistes don't understand the opportunity and responsibility we have to make a difference in society, more effective than our parents and teachers, even politicians," she said.

Stharre noted that it would take hard work and determination to tackle the problem which has been plaguing society for so long.
Adisa Jelani Andwele, an artiste, who is the UNDP spokesperson for peace and poverty eradication, and reggae artiste Masud Sadiki from St Kitts, are also working with the group.

The United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) said artistes, due to their power of voice and personality, can make a tremendous contribution to the campaign by educating and sensitising everyone, who needs to join in the fight to end gender-based violence.

In the meantime, UNIFEM has pledged to work along with the 'Sisters for Sisters' and the 'Brothers for Sisters' programme in Jamaica, as well as several artistes, to extend their cultural Caribbean artistes UNiTE to the island.

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Bounty Killer Accused of Hitting Woman with a Hammer
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Buju Gets Bail

2010-10-14T16:39:00.000-05:00

By PAUL HENRY
henryp@jamaicaobserver.com

Reggae artiste Buju Banton was this afternoon offered $250,000 bail in the Sam M Gibbons Federal Court in the United States.

But Banton, real name Mark Myrie, is still not in the clear as his lawyer David Oscar Markus will now have to seek bond in the immigration court to prevent his deportation to Jamaica. Banton’s entertainment visa was revoked when he was arrested last December.

As part of Banton's bail condition, he will have to wear a monitoring device and will be subject to house arrest and 24 hour security, to be paid for by the defence.

He can only leave his house for meetings with his attorney and for doctors’ appointments and to purchase medication. He will also be subjected to drug testing.

Related Articles

Prosecutor Asks Court to Keep Buju

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Better Mus Come official trailer

2010-10-11T14:38:00.000-05:00

Been hearing good things about this movie. I might go on Wed or Thur so look out for a review or something. If you don't see one and want it just remind me about it.

Protojé Drops New Single

2010-10-11T14:10:00.000-05:00

From: Jamaica Observer

With the impending release of his album The Seven Year Itch , Protojé has released a fifth single. The new track entitled Rasta Love features Grammy nominated artiste, Ky-Mani Marley.

Marley delivers the catchy chorus describing the trials of a young woman involved with a rasta man while Protoje fuels the song's savvy verses. The track has reportedly caught on with fans in cyberspace since it was leaked on YouTube last week.

The Don Corleon produced Rasta Love comes hot on the heels of Roll, released in August on the Minor Riddim. Both tracks will appear on The Seven Year Itch is slated for an early 2011 release. Protojé is currently anticipating his promotional tour this December in parts of Europe and the USA.

Most recently, the singer performed in Toronto, Canada at the Manifesto Festival of Community and Culture. His next major gig will be on October 17 at ARTical Empowerment Live!, the main event for the upcoming Manifesto Jamaica Festival of ARTical Empowerment. It will take place at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston, Jamaica. Protojé’s entire Indiggnation band is expected to perform.

Related Articles

Protoje Unplugged for Manifesto Toronto
Artical Exposure Quickie
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Did You Miss This?

2010-10-11T13:36:00.000-05:00

VYBZ KARTEL SIGNS COMPASSIONATE ACT

According to sources deejay Vybz Kartel has signed the Reggae Compassionate Act, which he would have to cease all anti-homophobic lyrics or statements.

Stop Murder Music (SMM) France campaign received a signed copy of the RCA a few weeks ago. It has been alleged that a copy of the document, has the artiste's name and his signature, reports are that that he signed the document on September 22.

In 2007, gay groups in the US and Europe drafted the Reggae Compassionate Act, which called on dancehall acts to be more tolerant to homosexuals.

A concert, which was to be held at the Elysée-Montmartre on Sept-ember 24, with reggae singer Sizzla Kalonji, was subsequently cancelled due to efforts made by gay affiliates.

According to Auerbach Chiffrin, they will be keeping on eye on Kartel to make sure he "respects his words"….

Vybz Kartel and Russian at Odds?
There is word going around alleging that Vybz Kartel is in no longer in any working relationship or any relationship for that matter with ace producer Russian from Head Cuncussion Records.

It is alleged that the Russian had signed up several new artiste that Kartel had some interest in and has been working with artiste from the Bounty lead Alliance group. This seem to not sit well with Vybz Kartel and thus things seemed to have gone sour between them.

It is still being speculated that Vybz Kartel still beats his artiste and thus the new ones are not up for that and thus would rather roll with Russian from Head Concussion Records. It was also indicated that Kartel is trying to influencing Russian not to work with the alliance members...

Kartel and his team recently established the Gaza/Portmore Empire talent show to recruit new artiste and performers. The event will be ongoing until January 2011 where the winners would be awarded with contracts with the group. My advice to them is to get insurance and a body guard.

KONSHENS LANDED A MOVIE ROLE

Recording Artiste Konshens will take on his first movie role early next year in a film that will be directed by Gareth Cobran. Cobran, who is popular for music videos like Konshens' Realest Song and Protoje's Dread, said he would be doing his first film next year, with the dancehall artiste playing the lead role.

While remaining tight lipped about the name of the film, Cobran said he is in the process of developing a script and is also looking for some funding for the script. Cobran said the film will be an adaptation of a play written by Omall Wright and added that it is not the everyday kind of story that comes out of Jamaica but still very relevant to our culture. Konshens says he is excited about this new venture.

As for being in a movie, he said it would be his first time but he is definitely looking forward to the experience. Konshens also said he thinks Jamaican artistes should jump at opportunities like this to work on local projects, build and expand their selling power and star qualities.

TANTO BLACKS STABBED

Upcoming artiste Tanto Blacks was stabbed at least three times last Friday night, after he had an altercation with another man, said to be his friend of 17 years. Tanto explained that he was stabbed after he had asked the man, to vacate a place he had rented to him.

He said he rented the place to the man for a while now but recently gave him an eviction notice. According to Tanto, the tenant was reluctant to leave and decided to stay, despite being given adequate time to leave and identify somewhere else. Tanto said last Friday, he confronted the man who showed no immediate sign of wanting to leave.

He said he went into the house and began removing the blades from a window when he was stabbed in his back. A report was made to the police and following investigations, the alleged assaulter was arrested and charged. Tanto received treatment at the Spanish Town Hospital before getting additional treatment at a private medical practice.

Mary J. Blige. Gyptian Tour

Reggae artist Gyptian continues to sizzle this year as he now joins forces with the iconic Mary J. Blige. Gyptian will be breaking from his tour schedule to join the R&B queen on the England leg of her UK tour. He takes the stage on November 2 at The O2 Arena in London, the same venue Michael Jackson was slated to headline for his infamous 'This Is It' concert. Gyptian then heads with Blige to the LG Arena in Birmingham on November 3, before resuming his own tour. Gyptian has been touring consistently since releasing his current album Hold You this summer, even joining Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley and Nas on several dates of their recent 'Distant Relatives' tour in the US.

Gyptian was enlisted for Blige's new single, "Anything You Want," which is expected to be on her new album. The reggae-infused track also features Busta Rhymes and has been receiving steady airplay since its release in early September.
This exciting concert collaboration was secured by Planet Reggae, the new booking division of VP Records/Greensleeves Records, with AEG, the world's #1 concert production company.

"These are the opportunities that come about by having the #1 record label in reggae enter the live-touring business," states Neil Robertson, head of Planet Reggae. "Our brand lends credibility and comfort for the major international talent buyers. When you combine that with a great artist like Gyptian and a manager like Ivor Ruddock, who both understand the bigger picture, you can expect more high profile opportunities which are good for the whole genre."

Gyptian has been heating up the UK scene recently, with his performance at BBC Radio 1Xtra Live in late September, and will return on October 20 for the MOBO Awards, where he's nominated for 'Reggae Artist of the Year.'

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2010-10-11T12:32:00.002-05:00

That’s What a Monster Do

2010-10-08T14:05:00.001-05:00

This song is insane Nicki Minaj has one of the best verses esp the part where she big up Mony Matterhorn I couldn't stop laughing, you just got to love Miss. Onika Tanya Maraj, but you can call her Nicki.

Just in case you are not familiar with the reference this is what she is talking about.

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What if Dancehall Artists Used Their Real Names

2010-10-06T12:05:00.003-05:00

What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.
William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

In dancehall it’s all about the bravado and the image one portrays to the intended audience. Among other things dancehall is all about power, sex appeal and just raw energy. Now can you imagine if some of our most famous Dancehall artists opted to use their real god-given names? Really getting your head knocked in with a hammer from a guy named Basil is not as powerful as getting your ass kicked by Bounty Killer. Basil sounds like that dude who works at the art supplies store or at most a foundry. Good thing Jeffrey Campbell sounds like that surveyor you pay a lot of money to, who in turn does a crap job at road repairs. Good thing he decided to go through not one but two name changes from Assassin to now Agent Sasco. These fake names make them more mysterious, more bad ass and yes they just sound cooler.

Oje Ollivierre Sounds like your 3rd Form Spanish Teacher
- Protoje

Windel Beneto Edwards- Gyptian

Miguel Orlando Collins- Sizzla Kalonji

Front Teet Gun Pon Teet Desmond John Ballentine
not the same ring as Ninjaman

O'Neil Bryan that has got to be the most boring name
-Elephant Man

I think whoever named this demon Adija Palmer knew what they were doing
-Vybz Kartel

Gully God David Constantin Brooks
not the same power as Mavado

Anthony Moses Davis

If a selector called Dufton Taylor Jr. told you to "dash out yu hole!"
Would you? Tony Matterhorn was the better choice

Shabba Ranks should sue whoever named him
Rexton Rawlston Fernando Gordon

James Chambers- Jimmy Cliff, OM

Toots Hibbert- Frederick Nathaniel Hibbert

Mr. Lover Lover- Orville Richard Burrell
not the same ring asShaggy

Tigers die and leave their skins; people die and leave their names. ~Japanese Proverb

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I OCTANE - MY LIFE

2010-10-01T23:22:00.002-05:00

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Prosecutor asks court to keep Buju locked up

2010-10-01T13:54:00.001-05:00

BY PAUL HENRY Observer staff reporter henryp@jamaicaobserver.com

If the US Government has its way, Jamaican Reggae superstar Buju Banton will remain behind bars pending the outcome of his retrial in December on cocaine and gun charges.

In documents filed in the Sam M Gibbons Federal Court, James Preston, the Assistant US Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, said that Banton, whose registered name is Mark Myrie, was a flight risk, while urging that a bond motion filed on behalf of the entertainer should be rejected, "without any further hearing".

Defence attorney David Oscar Markus had on Tuesday filed the motion for bond, a day after Banton's cocaine and gun-possession trial was declared a mistrial because a 12-member panel of jurors was unable to reach a verdict at the end of three days of deliberation.

Among other things, Markus stated in the document that Banton was not a flight risk because of his fame, and that he was only denied bail before his trial that started on Monday, September 20 due to the revocation of his entertainment visa upon his arrest.

Markus stated in his filing that if the federal court were mindful to grant Banton bail, he would also seek bond in the immigration court to prevent his client's deportation so he could face his retrial.

The bail hearing is tentatively set for October 6, at which time a date for the retrial will be agreed.

But in his written objection, Preston charged that Markus failed to give legal support as to why his client should be released pre-trial, and noted that with this second motion for bond, Banton "wholly ignores the previous court order for his detention".

"The motion should therefore be denied," the prosecutor stated in the document.

Preston also rebutted the assumption by Markus that the Jamaican entertainer is not a flight risk because of his notoriety.

He added that Markus, in his motion, had failed to point out that the court had previously found that there were aggravating factors, based on the evidence, for Banton's detention outside of his immigration woes.

"The defendant has presented nothing new, other than a hung jury, for the court's consideration," Preston wrote, while adding, "The defendant again fails to rebut the presumption that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure that the defendant is not a risk of flight."

Banton has been in jail since his arrest last December 10 when he was charged, along with friend Ian Thomas and James Mack, for conspiracy to possess and distribute 5 kilogrammes of cocaine and possession of a firearm during the furtherance of a crime.

Both Thomas and Mack, who were arrested hours before Banton at a warehouse buying the drugs from an undercover agent, have since pleaded guilty and will be sentenced in November.

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Lots of Rain Lots of Damage

2010-10-01T02:54:00.001-05:00

Can anyone guess what happens when you don't take care of your environment and refuse to maintain infrastructure?

Transcripts of Buju Meeting with Informat (CS)

2010-09-27T13:18:00.001-05:00

http://www.tampabay.com/specials/2010/PDFs/banton.pdf

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Bounty Killer Gets Bail

2010-09-27T12:55:00.001-05:00

Deejay to return to court November 9
BY TANESHA MUNDLE Observer staff reporter mundlet@jamaicaobserver.com

Deejay Bounty Killer was this morning granted bail when he appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's court.

Bounty Killer, whose real name is Rodney Pryce, was granted $500,000 bail and was ordered to return to court on November 9.

He is charged for the assault and unlawful wounding of Racquel Smith. Smith turned up at the Constant Spring Police station two weeks ago and complained that he beat her with a hammer, a mosquito repellant and a chain. Police reported that she was badly bruised and bloodied when she lodged the complaint.

This morning Smith indicated through her lawyer Terrence Ballentine, to the court that she wanted the matter to be sent to mediation.

Ballentine said his client and Pryce had been together for three years and he had never hit her until the incident earlier this month. He said Smith wanted to continue her relationship with the Deejay.

However, Senior Magistrate Judith Pusey would have none of it and dismissed the request.

Pryce also had another matter in which he is charged for possession of ganja put off until November 8.

Jurors Evenly Split on Buju's Fate

2010-09-27T12:41:00.001-05:00

Judge rejects lawyer's motion for mistrial

BY PAUL HENRY Observer reporter henryp@jamaicaobserver.com

A jury foreman minutes ago told United States judge Jim Moody that they have not been able to reach a verdict in the drug case involving Jamaican Reggae star Buju Banton.

The foreman said the 12-member jury was split evenly.

"I don't know if we will get to a final decision. We don't feel that we will progress, so could you provide further instructions? Since Thursday we have been reviewing evidence, nobody has changed their minds from their original positions," the jury foreman told the court.

Moody then instructed the jurors to take their time in coming to a final decision.

"Be as leisurely as the occasion may require," Moody said.

The judge gave further instructions that none of the jurors should surrender their conscience decision.

Banton's attorney David Markus then filed a motion for a mistrial but Moody rejected the motion.

Banton appeared in court in a white shirt and a cream coloured pants today. His feet were shackled.

The long wait for a verdict has not been going down well with the artiste's supporters who all appeared nervous.

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Judge Orders Jury to Deliberate in Reggae Singer Buju Banton's Drug Trial

2010-09-27T12:27:00.000-05:00

By The Associated Press (CP) – 1 hour ago

TAMPA, Fla. — A judge ordered a Tampa jury to continue deliberating on whether Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton conspired to buy cocaine from an undercover police officer last year.
The 12-person jury sent U.S. District Judge James Moody a note Monday saying they hadn't reached a verdict because none of them had changed their minds since Thursday, when deliberations began after a four-day trial. Moody had released them for the weekend on Friday.
Banton's attorney asked for a mistrial, which Moody denied.
Banton is charged with conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine and aiding two others in possessing a firearm during the course of cocaine distribution. He faces up to life in prison.
Banton's attorney maintains that a U.S. government informant entrapped him.

Old Mon and the Sea

2010-09-25T14:11:00.003-05:00

Remix | By CHRIS BLACKWELL | September 24, 2010

Jamaica has been on the defensive lately. jamaica . . . no problem T-shirts sold in sticky tourist flytraps seemed like so much wishful thinking in June, when a popular mafioso went on the lam and riots shocked the slums of Kingston. It would be a while before the memory of daily body counts receded into a haze of happy ganja smoke.

Chris Blackwell, the big daddy cool of the Island Outpost group — a consortium of glitzster hotels including the Caves, Jakes, Strawberry Hill, Geejam and Ian Fleming’s beach retreat, GoldenEye — remembers the country’s postwar better self, when high tide used to bring Hollywood and royals of every flag. “The first person I ever saw water-ski was Errol Flynn,” says Blackwell, who grew up in Jamaica. Flynn was dressed for cocktails. He had a cigarette holder in his fist “and a dachshund under his arm. I was 12 or 13, and it was the most glamorous thing I’d ever seen.”

That was then. Now Jamaica, with its lush Jurassic terrain and hypnotic music, its fountainhead of rum and distinct cuisine, competes for heat with St. Bart’s, Mustique and even Anguilla, a scrubby cultural wasteland in Blackwell’s view. “Anguilla is just a strip of sand,” he says dismissively. “But a lot of people who have money prefer a place that has no natives. No problems. All they want is a great beach.” Though Blackwell himself is now a very rich man, he is careful to avoid any implication that he has become the Mon. The founder of Island Records, he phenomenized Bob Marley, Cat Stevens, Grace Jones, Steve Winwood, the B-52s and Roxy Music; signed U2 to its first record contract; and then, in 1989, sold his label to PolyGram for something like $300 million.

Then came a ’90s layover in South Beach, when Miami was practically giving away Deco bijoux, and Blackwell, who couldn’t resist a bargain, scooped up the Marlin and the Tides. But now he’s home, and Jamaica is his next act, only Jamaica is suddenly behaving like some strung-out rock star. A State Department travel warning was briefly issued just as the impresario was getting ready to take me on a tour of his Jamaica, the last stop the gutted-and-overhauled GoldenEye, scheduled to open in mid-November.

The Caves sits high on a cliff in Negril, past the honeymooner hideaways and the storied emerald golfscapes of Montego Bay. Blackwell, who despises golf, has made a conscious decision to leave the country-clubbers to MoBay, as natives call it, where his cousins, the Pringles, famously opened Round Hill in 1953. Blackwell’s Island Outpost almost seems to make a point of tastefully exploiting the other rich and varied neighborhoods of the island.

The Old Harrovian accent notwithstanding, Blackwell grew up in Jamaica, where his mother’s clan, the Lindos, is one of the island’s first families. At the hotel bar, he shows off Blackwell’s Black Gold Special Reserve Fine Jamaican Rum, with its Gothic-scripted treasure-map label. “Settling in Jamaica in 1625,” it says of the Lindos, “they were renowned for exporting bananas, coconuts and rum.” (Equally: the importing of slaves from Africa.)

“On a choppy day, it’s like a washing machine in here,” says Blackwell, 73 but markedly fit, swimming his grotto like some grizzled Neptune. Blackwell fishtails through an underwater tunnel to reach a second, larger cave. I follow and emerge bleeding like shark chum. “Fetch the white rum!” he shouts — 150 proof. Locals slap their faces with it like Aqua Velva before downing a shot. Blackwell dabs it on the back-of-leg scratches, and it burns more than the original offense. But it could be worse: On a recent night swim here with Vladimir Doronin, the Russian-oligarch boyfriend of Naomi Campbell, sea urchins stung Blackwell on both hands. The remedy for that, he reliably informs me, is urine. The Caves is sand-free, and so in the next few months, Blackwell plans to revamp the resort, its Caribbean cottages giving way to Santorini-bleached rooftops.

After a breakfast of johnnycakes and eggs with callaloo, it’s into the jeep for a trek down south. Blackwell used to know the roads like a telephone lineman, but that was ages ago, and the signs are spotty. Blackwell, a widower of five years, turns out to be an indefatigable roadside shopper, on the hunt for lignum vitae cutting boards, artisanal goat cheese, Bombay mangoes. The jeep slows at a fly-clouded shack where Blackwell consumes fried snapper and a Red Stripe as anonymously as any bus driver.

The houses turn more fastidious as we enter St. Elizabeth Parish, where the villas of Jakes bestride Treasure Beach. The rooms are a fashion stylist’s dream: door frames made of driftwood, walls in the outdoor showers built with Perrier-Jouët empties, a birdbath recycled as a sink. The zinc-roofed cottages were designed by Sally Henzell, an unreconstructed hippie who once dated Blackwell before marrying Perry Henzell, the director of “The Harder They Come.”

Her son Jason, who quit banking to oversee Jakes, commandeers the skiff Mr. Nice Guy for a voyage to the Pelican Bar, a flimsy offshore rig that has somehow survived his 40th-birthday blowout and a hurricane. Jason points to the property down the shore that Lily Allen was going to buy — then didn’t. “That’s when her accountant said, ‘What do you want to go and buy land in Jamaica for?’ ” Blackwell jokes. (But, he adds politely, “She’s a terrific girl.”)
The boat slows before two giant hawksbill turtles in flagrante delicto, a rare sight and virtually impossible to capture with Blackwell’s Nokia phone. “Okay, we’ve interrupted enough of this love affair,” Blackwell announces, and the skiff skips onward.

Back in the jeep, we reach Kingston after Blackwell begs directions from a police car and is dragooned into taking on a hitchhiker, a friendly mama juggling plastic-wrapped plates of food. She turns out to be a cop, too. “So now that I have a cop in the car, I can break the speed limit?” Blackwell asks. She gives him a breadfruit recipe before hopping out.

We make a left into Trench Town: broken asphalt, corrugated roofs and car tires repurposed as planters. Bob Marley was raised here. “I released his first record,” says Blackwell, who misread the name on the tape box as Robert Morley. “Same as the foppish English actor. That record’s worth thousands of dollars now. ‘Robert Morley’ singing ‘One Cup of Coffee’ on one side and ‘Judge Not’ on the other. It’s like a mistake on a stamp.”

When Marley was shot, he recuperated at Strawberry Hill, Blackwell’s home high above Kingston in the Blue Mountains, where the coffee comes from. Blackwell’s gingerbread house with shutters is duplicated on a smaller scale on the estate’s 50 acres for guests who dig cottages with treehouse views and the colonial romance of four-poster beds canopied with mosquito nets. “Bob and I were a match made in heaven,” Blackwell says. “He’d met someone who is Jamaican, who understood the language, understood him, what he was. And didn’t reject it. I gave him money without any contract to make a record because with these rebel characters, the only way to establish a relationship with them is to show them trust.”

In Kingston proper, Marley’s house turns out to be a Victorian gingerbread, too. Blackwell lived here first, orchestrating a hand-over, one intuits, to tweak the neighbors, who appear to have responded by selling out to car dealerships in this formerly upmarket neighborhood. “Rich people don’t care at all for the classes that don’t have any money, they really don’t,” says Blackwell, who deems Marley “blessed with a real innate wisdom.” Blackwell remembers when Rastas were treated like vermin, underappreciated as fakirs who rove the land and are today so closely identified with the Jamaica brand. They remind him more than a bit of the Jews.

On the coast, in Port Antonio, No Doubt and Drake are expected in coming months at Geejam’s in situ recording studio. Tom Cruise and his family rented all five villas when he shot “Knight and Day” in town. The Aga Khan is dearly departed from his Port Antonio beach house and private island, but Thyssens still reside at Alligator Head, and the cattle is still branded ef for Errol Flynn at Flynn’s estate, Boston, a 15-minute drive from Geejam, where his widow, Patrice, endures.
Blackwell’s partner Jon Baker is a punk pirate: diamond hoop earrings, chipped tooth and oik accent. His act under management is the Jolly Boys, a bouncy calypso band of elderlies singing Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab” down at the Bushbar restaurant.

Blackwell confers with Baker about installing Apple TVs at other Island Outpost hotels: keep the guests pleasantly distracted if it rains. The discussion inevitably runs aground on St. Bart’s. “If they want to make Jamaica happening, they’ll have to loosen restrictions,” says Blackwell, who’d like to see marijuana declassified as a drug here.
“Marijuana is Jamaica’s big brand,” Baker says.
“This place would really take off,” Blackwell continues. “But parents hear the word ‘drugs’ and don’t want their kids near that. Marijuana is a plant. It’s an herb. It’s ridiculous.”

Blackwell handles the jet ski like a Harley as we buzz the beaches and mangrove-shadowed lagoons of his ambitious 52-acre GoldenEye compound. There’s talk that the airstrip nearby, which is being upgraded to accommodate international flights, will be renamed the Ian Fleming Airport. Fleming’s red bulletwood desk, where he fired off 14 spy novels, shall return. (The original skin-and-bones villa that Blackwell acquired in 1977 has been refreshed and expanded as part of the overhaul.) Fleming’s gardener Ramsey Dacosta remains, cutting coconuts for guests. Summer-camp-style docks have been grafted to each of the private villas. Blackwell jokes that one super-property is “the Russian lot.”
Fleming was merely a journalist and former intelligence officer who had only just started fooling about with a novel on his typewriter when he started up at GoldenEye. Blackwell’s darkly ravishing mother, Blanche, eventually became Commander Fleming’s mistress. She sublet GoldenEye and redecorated it, much to the irritation of Fleming’s wife, Ann, who disparaged Blanche to friends as Ian’s “Jamaican wife.” It’s the only subject Blackwell trips over later in the car, probably because his mother is still alive. He describes her back then as “sort of like a man in a way, ready to try anything and go anywhere.” Blanche was a fixture at Firefly, Noël Coward’s house just up the hill and open to the public. This is where, at age 14, Blackwell learned how to be at ease with superstars like Charlie Chaplin, Liz Taylor and Audrey Hepburn funning around the swimming pool with the heart-stopping view.

The jeep pulls into the Montego Bay airport. The end of the road. We’ve been listening to the band 1 Giant Leap in the car. “It’s all about finding things that will attract people,” Blackwell says. “Like a video does for a record.” May Jamaica be a hit for Chris Blackwell.

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Miss Right - Sizzla Kalonji & Peter Jackson (Judgement Yard Mix)

2010-09-25T11:45:00.000-05:00

Protoje unplugged for Manifesto Toronto

2010-09-25T11:03:00.000-05:00

Protoje Exclusive Performance from themanifesto.ca on Vimeo.
Watch this video of Protoje and his Indiggnation band’s lead guitarist, Jason Worton, doing an acoustic version of the song »JA« exclusively for Manifesto. Shot in the hills of Kingston, Jamaica.

No Verdict Yet

2010-09-24T23:45:00.000-05:00

Jury breaks deliberations for lunch
BY PAUL HENRY Observer staff reporter henryp@jamaicaobserver.com

The jury has broken their deliberations for lunch and the courtroom closed in the trial of Reggae singer Buju Banton. The jury will return for their deliberations at 1:00 pm or 12:00 pm Jamaican time.

On the 5th floor of the Gibbons US Court here in Tampa, Buju Banton's supporters prayed and held hands, while his longterm friend and fellow entertainer Wayne Wonder broke out singing the embattled artiste's popular hits of the nineties including 'Serious' and 'The Stone Love Anthem'.

"The tension is too thick," a supporter told the Observer.

Buju is being held in a holding area until the verdict is read.

If convicted, the artiste, real name Mark Myrie, could be sentenced to life imprisonment or slapped with millions of dollars in fines for the charges of conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine and illegal possession of a firearm in the furtherance of a crime.

He was arrested at his Tamarac, Florida home on December 10 last year, following the arrest of former co-accused Ian Thomas and James Mack, who had been in possession of the firearm for which Banton was jointly charged.

Thomas and Mack have since pleaded guilty and will be sentenced in November.

Remember Why You Like Buju Banton II?

2010-09-23T16:11:00.000-05:00

Remember Why You Like Buju Banton?

2010-09-23T15:56:00.001-05:00

Just in case you forgot why you like Buju Banton.

Jamaicans Anxiously Await Buju Verdict

2010-09-23T15:32:00.001-05:00

Unsure whether artiste will be exonerated American jury

From: BY KIMMO MATTHEWS Observer staff reporter matthewsk@jamaicaobserver.com

Thursday, September 23, 2010

HOURS before a 13 member panel of jurors is expected to deliver a verdict in the case involving Reggae artiste Mark Mryie in Tampa Florida anxious Jamaicans are awaiting the results and expressing mixed views about the pending results.

"Him going to prison," one man, a bus operator identifying himself as 'Mark', told the Observer a few minutes ago.

He was one of several persons who the Observer is now interviewing on the streets about the case.

A 13-member panel of jurors in Tampa, Florida is now deliberating whether to find Reggae artiste Buju Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, guilty or innocent of conspiracy with intent to distribute five kilogrammes of cocaine.

Another man who identified himself as 'Shawn' said he strongly felt he would be set free.

Meanwhile, William Edwards who was at the Knutsford Court Hotel in Kingston this afternoon said he really wanted Buju to be free but said based on the evidence it appeared he would be sentenced.

"I would love for him to be freed but based on the evidence it looks unlikely but I will be watching with my fingers crossed," said Edwards.

A female security guard at the hotel who seemed unsure, said she was praying for Myrie.

"All we can do his hope and pray," said the guard.

Another taxi operator along Waterloo Road said he hoped he was exonerated.

Myrie has maintained his innocence and says he was entrapped by government informant Alexander Johnson, a Colombian who has served three years for a drug offence. Banton told the court he was talking 'straight up crap' when he engaged in conversation with Johnson about drugs on a plane during an eight-hour flight from Madrid, Spain to Miami, Florida last year.

The artiste, along with James Mack and Ian Thomas, was arrested in December last year after Thomas and Mack were nabbed during an undercover drug sting at a warehouse in Sarasota, Tampa. If convicted Myrie faces a sentence of 20 years to life and a fine of up to US$4 million.

LT. Stichie - Wear Yu Size

2010-09-23T15:17:00.000-05:00

Nuh Trouble We - Rappa Robert and Tippa Lee

2010-09-23T15:09:00.002-05:00

Florida jury deliberates in Buju Banton drug trial

2010-09-23T14:29:00.000-05:00

Associated Press
Published: Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010 11:36 a.m. MDT

TAMPA, Fla. — A Florida jury is deciding whether Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton conspired to buy cocaine from an undercover police officer last year.

Banton is charged with conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine and aiding two others in possessing a firearm during the course of cocaine distribution. He faces up to life in prison.

The singer testified that he talked a lot about cocaine with a U.S. government informant, but he was only trying to impress the man, who claimed to have music industry connections.

In closing arguments Thursday, Banton's attorney said the informant only managed to connect two co-defendants to the conspiracy.

Those men pleaded guilty. Neither testified in the trial that began Monday in Tampa federal court.

Buju says he’s nervous, scared

2010-09-22T23:19:00.004-05:00

Stephen Marley says artiste is no drug dealer
By PAUL HENRY, Observer staff reporter, henryp@jamaicaobserver.com

Reggae star Buju Banton denied being a drug dealer when he took the stand during his drug trial in the Gibbons US Court here this afternoon.

Banton said he was “talking crap” during the conversation with Alexander Johnson, the prosecution's main witness, on a flight they shared from Madrid to Miami. He said the incident has caused him and his family indescribable pain.

Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, was called to the stand about 2:45 pm Florida time by his attorney David Oscar Markus.

“I was just talking crap. I’m not a drug dealer,” Banton admitted.

He said that he did not want to be outtalked by Johnson, and said Johnson seemed to be a nice person who he liked hanging out with.

Banton admitted also that he had made a false move by sampling cocaine in a warehouse in Tampa. He said he was unaware that he was going to see cocaine as Johnson told him that he was going to inspect a boat.

He said he was fascinated with boats and was very surprised when he saw cocaine.

Banton apologised profusely and when asked by his attorney how he felt, the artiste said, “I am nervous and scared and I have been waiting for 10 months…” before he was interrupted by lead prosecutor Jim Preston who objected to the line of questioning.

Presiding judge Jim Moody sustained the objection.

Under cross examination, Preston, who asked Banton if he had thanked Johnson for making him [Buju] himself again, Banton said, “I would not risk my career which I have been working to build for 20 years for five kilos of cocaine.”

Banton said he was thanking Johnson who he thought could hook him up with a record deal and not a cocaine deal, as his record deal with his former company Tommy Boy Records had expired in 2009.

Meanwhile, Stephen Marley, son of Reggae king Bob Marley, also testified on Banton’s behalf, saying he has known him for over 10 years and never knew him to be a drug dealer.

Banton was arrested at his home at Tamarac, South Florida hours after his former co-accused Ian Thomas and James Mack, were arrested during an alleged drug bust in an undercover operation at a warehouse in Sarasota, Florida in December last year.

All three were charged with conspiracy to possess more than five kilogrammes of cocaine with intent to distribute, while Mack was charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offence.

The drug charge carries a minimum sentence of 20 years to life in addition to a fine of up to US$4 million, while the firearm charge carries a sentence of five years to life and a fine of up to US$250,000.

Both Mack and Thomas, in their plea deals, have agreed to give evidence to assist the US Government in building a case against Banton, in exchange for lesser sentences.

The trial continues tomorrow.

Buju never invested in drugs says informant

2010-09-22T00:42:00.003-05:00

Prosecution plays video tape showing artiste tasting cocaine
BY PAUL HENRY Observer reporter henryp@jamaicaobserver.com

Alexander Johnson, the United States informant assisting prosecutors to seal a conviction against Reggae artiste, this afternoon testified that Buju Banton never entered into any drug deal with him.

Johnson, a Colombian national who had served three years for a drug offense, made the revelation under cross-examination from Banton's attorney David Markus.

He said Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, never sold or bought drugs and had never wired any money to him to invest in the illicit trade.

Johnson also admitted that Banton had never purchased any cocaine in Panama or Colombia and that their dealings never went beyond talk.

The informant did not readily answer when Markus asked if Myrie had stopped taking his calls in December last year.

"Didn't Ian Thomas tell you that he (Myrie) does not want to do anything man? Talk to me. He said that's not him, he is about music, he eats and sleeps the music?" Markus asked to which Johnson replied yes.

Johnson also told the court that he had no knowledge that Myrie had financed the deal that went sour in the police controlled warehouse in Saratoga, Florida when Myrie's co-defendants, Ian Thomas and James Mack were arrested attempting to purchase cocaine from Drug Enforcement agents.

Earlier the prosecution played a video recording of Myrie tasting the contraband in December last year. The footage showed the artiste, Thomas and an undercover cop at a location in Sarasota. A kilogramme of the drug was produced by the cop and Thomas used a knife to cut it open and Myrie used his finger to wipe the knife and sampled the cocaine.

Thomas described the drug as 'fish scale' a term Johnson explained to mean high quality. While the footage was being showed some of Banton's fans appeared disappointed while others watched with keen interest.

Johnson also testified that during a meeting Thomas informed him that he had a contact in Georgia with drug connections and that he (Thomas) would be the person who would be doing business.

Markus is expected to continue cross-examining Johnson when the trial resumes tomorrow morning (September 22, 2010).

Tapes at Buju Banton trial in Tampa reveal discussions of drug deals

2010-09-22T00:33:00.003-05:00

From: http://www.tampabay.com/news
By Nicole Hutcheson, Times Staff Writer
In Print: Wednesday, September 22, 2010

On a summer day last year, reggae star Buju Banton met up with a man for drinks at a Fort Lauderdale restaurant.

After hours of casual conversation, the talk turned to drugs.

"Do you have any contacts where I can get cocaine?" Banton eventually asked.

He didn't know the man he was talking with was an informer, and that part of the conversation was being taped.

The question came back to haunt the four time Grammy-nominated musician Tuesday morning in a federal courtroom in Tampa, where the 37-year-old faces charges of conspiracy to buy and sell 5 kilos of cocaine, and aiding and abetting two others to possess a firearm in the course of cocaine distribution.

Prosecutors presented audio evidence of Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, discussing a wide variety of drug deals over five months, including shipping cocaine from Panama to Europe in crates with frozen seafood.

Alexander Johnson, the government informer, testified he first met Banton in first class on a flight from Madrid in July 2009.

From then on, he said he called Banton several times and met with the star throughout Florida.

The audiotapes and transcripts presented Tuesday included choppy conversations between the men. Drugs are discussed, as are dollar amounts and the best ways to transport, but often incoherently. Alcohol was consumed during most of the encounters.

But prosecutors say what is clear is that Banton wanted to put up money to buy cocaine.

"All I do is finance," Banton told Johnson during the restaurant meeting, transcripts show.

"So you give the money to buy dope?" Johnson asked.

"Yes," said Banton, according to transcripts.

Defense attorney David Markus has argued that while his client talked about drug dealing, he never actually funded any.

"Did Mr. Myrie invest one dollar of money into a drug deal?" Markus asked Johnson during cross examination.

"With me — no," Johnson answered.

During another conversation on Aug. 1 at a South Florida hotel, Banton and Johnson discussed buying kilos of cocaine from Panama and transporting them to Europe in containers filled with frozen seafood.

Johnson told Banton he had a seafood business called Frozen Fish, the transcripts show.

Johnson turned informer in 1996 after being convicted of distributing cocaine and marijuana. He was paid $50,000 in the Banton case, according to testimony.

During a conversation at a Sarasota restaurant on Dec. 8, Banton admitted to Johnson he was having money problems. "My truck is in the shop and I can't get it out," Banton said. "I'm going to concentrate, though; things are going to be straight next year."

It was on that day that Banton brought an associate named Ian Thomas along for lunch with Johnson. Banton described Thomas as a "friend who had contacts to purchase kilos of cocaine," Johnson said in court.

Johnson told Banton he would give him 5 extra kilos of cocaine if Thomas and his associate, a man named James Mack, purchased 20 kilos.

Prosecutors presented video of Johnson, Banton and Thomas entering a warehouse in Sarasota later that day. In it, Thomas cuts a kilo open. Banton approaches, takes the knife, wipes it and tastes his finger.

Another video shows Thomas and Mack being arrested while attempting to purchase cocaine at the warehouse two days later. Banton was arrested later that day at his South Florida home.

"So that 5-kilo deal for Mr. Myrie never happened, did it?" Markus asked Johnson.

"No," Johnson said.

The trial is scheduled to continue today.

DEA Agent Testifies in Buju's Favour

2010-09-20T22:29:00.004-05:00

Says he has no evidence reggae singer is a drug dealer
BY PAUL HENRY Observer reporter henryp@jamaicaobserver.com

Drug Enforcement Agent Daniel McCeaffrey, today testified that he had no evidence that Reggae singer Buju Banton, was involved in illicit drug dealing.

McCeaffrey, who gave evidence on the first day of the trial at the Gibbons US Federal Court in downtown Tampa, said there was no evidence that Buju Banton — whose real name is Mark Myrie — received any money from any drug deal.

He also said even though he was investigating Banton for a year, he could find no evidence that the artiste had collected any money from drug dealing.

He made the revelation during cross-examination from Banton's attorney David Markus.

Markus, in his opening salvo, told the 14-member panel of jurors that he would prove that Myrie was not a drug trafficker and had never invested in illicit drug dealing. He said that artiste would waive his right not to testify.

"He's got nothing to hide because the truth is on his side in this case," Markus said.

He said his client's big mistake was that he loved to talk. Markus said Myrie met DEA informant Alexander Johnson, a Colombian national, on a flight from Madrid Spain to Florida last year and during conversation Johnson introduced the subject of drug dealing to him.

He said Myrie had in fact tasted cocaine but that did not qualify him as a drug dealer.

Markus also argued that Myrie did not know about the US$130,000 that his co-defendant James Mack had been held with. The money he said was given to Mack by two men identified as 'Ike' and 'Tike' from Atlanta, Georgia.

The attorney said Mack and Ian Thomas were the ones who were dealing drugs and said his client made a decision not to partake in any deal and went to his Tamarac home in Florida, where he was arrested in December last year.

Mack and Thomas have taken plea deals and have agreed to testify against the artiste. All three are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilogrammes of cocaine. The charge carries a sentence of 20 years to life and a fine of up to US$4 million.

Prosecutor Jim Preston argued that he would prove that Myrie is a known drug dealer who invested in multi-million dollar drug enterprises and he was arrested because he was starting a new venture.

Forensic chemist Alexandra Gongra also gave evidence that the substance that Thomas and Mack were arrested with was cocaine.

Telephone records analyst Donnie Godshoal also gave evidence today.

Dozens of Banton's supporters turned up outside the court to show their solidarity with the four time Grammy nominee.

His former manager Donovan Germaine, VP Records President Chris Chin and Deejay Delly Ranks were also present for the trial.

Bounty Killer Accused of Hitting Woman With Hammer

2010-09-20T20:31:00.003-05:00

Sometimes I feel so alone, I just don't know, feels like I been down this road before, So lonely and cold, It's like something takes over me, Soon as I go home and close the door, Kinda feels like deja vu, I wanna get away from this place I do, But I can't and I won't say I tried but I know that's a lie cause I don't And why I just don't know...
Eminem Déjà vu

Dancehall artiste Bounty Killer is again behind bars for assaulting a female companion at his Oakland Apartment on Saturday September 18, 2010. According to a statement from Deputy Superintendent Altermonth Campbell from the Constant Spring Police Station, “Mr. Rodney Price was arrested after a female covered with bruises reported that he (Bounty Killer) had used a hammer to beat her.”

DSP Campbell says from his experience and based on a trend, he believes some entertainers are having problems handling success. "I truly believe success is their problem,"

DSP Campbell said. In speaking specifically to the allegations about the 'Warlord', Campbell said; "Bounty is not a fool, for years he has been doing good songs so he is not a fool."

Killer will remain behind bars until his court date this Wednesday the 22 of September.
The incident comes approximately six months after Bounty Killer spent two weeks behind bars, after he was arrested by the same Constant Spring police for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend. The complainant, Kadeem Baker, eventually dropped her claims against him.

I had a dog name Hitman Wally and it learned not to shit in the house, and he is the DUMBEST dog in the world. Now if a dumbass like Hitman Wally can learn not to shit where he sleeps, why is it so hard for Rodney Price to learn that slapping around females is just not Kosher? Also does Bounty Killer have to kill one of these women before they learn not to pursue a ‘relationship’ with this serial abuser? Or maybe 19 stitches is now a groupie Medal of Honour?

Study You Friends- I-OCTANE

2010-09-19T17:49:00.000-05:00

STUDY YOU FRIENDS BY I-OCTANE by khoolray

Second Buju co-defendant to testify against him

2010-09-17T01:08:00.004-05:00

Signs plea agreement with US prosecutors
From:http://www.jamaicaobserver.com

James Mack, the second co-defendant in the case against Reggae singer Buju Banton, today agreed to assist the United States Government in seeking a conviction against him.

Mack affixed his signature to a 17-page plea agreement between himself, his attorney, Mary Mills and United States District Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, Brian Albritton.

"Defendant agrees to fully cooperate with the United States in the investigation and prosecution of other persons, and to testify, subject to a prosecution for perjury or making a false statement, fully and truthfully before any federal court proceeding or federal grand jury in connection with the charges in this case," the plea agreement states.

Mack pled guilty to conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

The drug charge carries a mandatory minimum term of 20 years to life and a fine of up to US$4 million, while the firearm charge five years to life and a fine of up to US$250,000.

The agreement stated that Mack, Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie and Ian Thomas negotiated the sale of cocaine with an informant.

In December last year, Mack and Thomas drove to an undercover warehouse in Saratoga, Florida and attempted to purchase seven kilograms of cocaine with US$135,810 before they were arrested by undercover agents.

A search of a Honda motorcar Mack was travelling in turned up an illegal handgun.

Last week Thomas signed a similar plea deal.

Mary J. Blige f/ Busta Rhymes & Gyptian – ‘Anything You Want’

2010-09-15T13:22:00.005-05:00

From: http://www.rap-up.com

Mary J. Blige enlists Busta Rhymes and Gyptian for the Caribbean-flavored “Anything You Want,” a Jerry Wonder-produced joint expected to appear on MJB’s next album.

“Everyday, all I think about is you/ In so many ways, I need to show my love to you,” sings the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul before throwing it to Busa Buss, who blesses the Jamaican tune with a patois-delivered verse.

And with Gyptian warming up the track with his dulcet reggae vocals? You know it’s a wrap.

Debt and crime in Jamaica: The end of the beginning

2010-09-15T12:36:00.004-05:00

From: http://www.economist.com

The state has taken on creditors and gangsters, but the economy is still weak

Sep 9th 2010

JAMAICA has long been one of the world’s most indebted and violent countries. This year the prime minister, Bruce Golding, made two belated attempts at shock therapy. In January the government opened a big debt swap. Four months later, security forces began a search for Christopher Coke, the country’s most feared gang leader. Over 70 people died in fighting in his supporters’ neighbourhood—which is also Mr Golding’s constituency.

Both initiatives were successful. The finance minister, Audley Shaw, says he appealed to creditors’ common sense and patriotism, noting that the choice was exchange or default, and that their holdings’ value would improve with the state’s credit rating. He also threatened to levy punitive taxes on holdouts. “I said if I have to haul us kicking and screaming into single-digit interest rates, I’ll do it,” he recalls.

It worked. Holders of over 99% of domestic debt accepted a cut in coupons from 17% to 11% and an extension in maturities of two and a half years. As a result, the government’s annual interest payments fell by 3.5% of GDP. That made possible new loans from the World Bank and IMF, boosting reserves by 70%. And the currency has gained 5% against the dollar in 2010.

Security gains have been just as impressive. In June Mr Coke surrendered and was extradited to New York. Parliament has set new minimum sentences for gun crimes, toughened bail requirements and extended the police’s powers of arrest. Since the start of June there have been 276 murders, compared with 444 in the same period of 2009. And 24% of this year’s killings have been solved, versus 19% in the first eight months of last year. The diary of Cedric Murray, a gangster shot by police last month, shows that criminals’ morale is slipping. During the May fighting he wrote, “I fired my AK-47 until my fingers were numb.” Two months later, he bemoaned his “wasted life”, and longed for his kids and a “good sleep”.

Yet these successes only underscore the depth of Jamaica’s problems. Private borrowers still pay interest of 17%. A stronger currency has eroded tourism earnings and remittances. Consumer demand is frozen: profits during the year to June at the dominant brewer, Diageo’s Red Stripe, are down by almost half from the year before. And the investment climate remains difficult. “A small man starting a business cannot succeed…unless he is willing to play all sort of games,” says Gordon “Butch” Stewart, the owner of Sandals, a resort chain.

Meanwhile, dissent is growing among police. On September 5th Raymond Wilson, the chairman of the police officers’ federation, griped of low pay and “pigsty facilities”, and said the government was “hell bent on destroying the police force.”

Mr Golding will need more successes to stay in office. His party spent 18 years in opposition before 2007 and a new election must be called by 2012. Lower government-bond yields and deficits win few votes. Nor will Mr Coke’s exit. Most gang leaders are still at large. Voters will need to see more and better jobs, and even fewer violent crimes, to return him to power.

Where's Sizzla?

2010-09-15T11:46:00.006-05:00

Just in case you missed it:

Sizzla gets farm, settles in Zim
From: http://www.newzimbabwe.com

REGGAE superstar Sizzla Kalonji has ditched his native Jamaica and relocated to Zimbabwe after being rewarded with a farm for performing at President Robert Mugabe's 86th birthday celebrations in February.

“I am here to stay,” Sizzla told the state-owned Sunday Mail weekly newspaper. “Zimbabwe is home. I have received tremendous welcome.”

His spokesperson Olimatta Taal confirmed that rather than pay the artist in cash for performing at President Mugabe’s birthday bash Zanu-PF handed the Jamaican a farm located close to the town of Chegutu.

"Instead of giving him cash (for his performance) they gave him land. It is very honourable that he would take land instead of cash," Taal is reported as saying.

“He is in Zimbabwe because he loves Africa. He isn’t pro-Mugabe or anti-Mugabe, but he respects Mugabe as a leader.”

State-owned local media was quick to extol the development with the Sunday Mail declaring that the artist "was the latest and most important visitor to be swayed by the infectious Zimbabwean touch".

Olimatta Taal also said Sizzla’s Zimbabwe move had nothing to do with allegations that he was on the run from Jamaican authorities for gun crimes allegedly committed less than a month before President Mugabe's party.

"He (Sizzla) laughed when he heard the allegations," Olimatta Taal said. "He doesn't take it to heart."

A Jamaican online publication said the singer – born Miguel Orlando Collins – was arrested by police in Saint Andrew, Jamaica, on 29 January in connection with a shooting incident. He was released a day later when witnesses did not come forward.

A police spokesman said then that investigations were ongoing and suggested Sizzla "could be detained in the future, if the need arises".

Meanwhile Sizzla, 34, has been quite effusive in his praise for President Mugabe urging the veteran leader to "champion the cause of the return of the African people from the gates of hell they are living in Jamaica and the Caribbean."

"I think he's a good president, kind to his nation, just and true," Sizzla said of Mr Mugabe last month.

The Sunday Mail also stated that Kalonji had since been granted with a work permit and was working to consolidate business enterprises he has established locally to complement his singing profession.

“In Zimbabwe we have already started recording. I am also looking into areas Judgement Yard (his company) can invest in for the upliftment of Zimbabwean youths,” Sizzla said.

UPDATE

Sizzla leaves 'noble' Zimbabwe
From:http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com

Sizzla left Zimbabwe last Friday, telling reporters he would return to the southern African country with other reggae artistes. According to The Herald newspaper, Sizzla supported the government's controversial land reform programme, calling it 'noble'.

The reggae star first arrived in Zimbabwe for the 21st February Movement (a welfare programme for the country's youth) celebrations in the city of Bulawayo. He also performed at a party marking president Robert Mugabe's 86th birthday that month.

The Herald reported that Sizzla staged a farewell show in the capital, Harare, on September 6, where he mingled with fans.

Mugabe was one of the leaders of the revolution that toppled the racist regime of Ian Smith when the country was known as Rhodesia. He has led Zimbabwe since independence in 1980.

But his land reform (seizing properties of mostly white farmers) has drawn strong criticism internationally. Critics claim Mugabe has given the lands to relatives and cronies.

Mugabe's alleged attacks on opponents have angered many world leaders including Nelson Mandela. The Herald said Sizzla had different views on the land reform.

"I'm happy that the leadership here is doing everything to empower the majority with the land reform programme and the black empowerment drive, which is a noble idea," the publication quoted him as saying.

Mavado-When You Feel Lonely

2010-09-10T01:26:00.005-05:00

Radio Edit

JOLLY BOYS-Mento Music

2010-09-07T22:34:00.004-05:00

Quarter Century of Cloth

2010-09-06T23:40:00.012-05:00

What do you get when you cross an agricultural student, a nationalist and a designer? I don’t know either, but at some point in his life those labels stuck to The Cloth’s founder/designer Robert Young. While the name Robert Young and The Cloth may not be as household as that of a Prada or Moschino there is no denying the quality, innovation and strict attention to detail demonstrated by the line, which would rival the more popular global counterparts. The name emerged from a clever play on words of Young’s early fascination with the perks of the priesthood which at the time included a among other things a nice house along the Savannah in Port of Spain. Young states, “I am an artist that works with clothes.” It is very easy to see this in his line, as many pieces (Jackets, jumpers, bags etc.) while very wearable feel suited to be framed and hung at a focal point to be a topic of discussion.

In 1986 Robert Young along with artists Nathalie Phillips, Adel Todd and Camille Selvon out of necessity began pushing the boundaries of the clothing technology available by working and reworking designs. Printing, painting and making meaningful garments that they felt that could not be replicated by anyone else. The women would later move on to other projects and school respectively. With over 24 years in the business it is safe to say that Young is an expert when it comes to his chosen craft of fashion, design and clothing. Admittedly Young says he “fell quite clumsily” into design. Moving from an agricultural at CXC to a Lab Technician, the birth of ‘The Cloth’ came about more from necessity and capitalizing on the Structural Adjustment measures placed on the island. During this period some Caribbean islands such as Trinidad and Jamaica had a ban placed on imported goods (clothing etc.) to save foreign exchange. Hence, citizens were only allowed to extract from the central bank approximately $200USD for travel per year. This gave many local industries the space needed to develop.

1997 Young had a show called ‘No Chorus Yet’. This intrinsically meant, “I have no definite way of doing anything yet!” Watching his show one would find that very hard to believe. As over the years the Cloth has become known for its unique shows, like opting for a live band to play in the centre stage during a show. This years Caribbean Fashion Week was no different. While all other designers had their models stomping the runway to the sound of over played and meaningless tunes, models for the Cloth walked pensively to the sound of a river meandering the runway mimicking the flow of water. As Young admits, “I have always had a story but the (design) process came about clumsily.”

At the end of the show instead of doing the customary walk of the designer trailing his designs Mr. Young had something more substantial than a wave and smile. Amid much microphone trouble the message was not lost. He said, “We cannot move forward if you don’t buy your own”. But how do we move forward? How do we move the Caribbean fashion industry from a third world odd ball to a first world fashion mainstay? Young confesses that it is not for his generation but for the ones coming up as much is currently lacking. Issues such as adequate capital to make economies of scale a sensible and profitable option or the ability to mass-produce to rival larger markets inhibit today’s Caribbean designers.

Instead we should first ask, “How can we get access (in our current state)?” Also, and possibly most important is, we must recognize that what we do has value. The smart options he presented were the development of high-end niche markets; develop interesting stories around our products, and ensure the quality is high. The key however is the reinvestment of profits and stemming the tide so common in industries in the Caribbean - that of flight of capital. What is needed is a revolution of the mind; in that we not only actively support local industries but in turn local employers pay staff better and where applicable explore the option of employees being part owners in the bran. Invest in real economies, instead of more abstract industries such as speculations and futures, thus minimizing the effects of a collapse of such unstable markets for example the Cash Plus/ Olint fiasco that still plagues Jamaica. The key for Caribbean islands is to build and or rebuild tangible industries thus creating real employment opportunities, instead of seasonal ones. Thus making a strong foundation for future generations and making it more attractive for present ones to invest, also there is a great need to harness the strength of the Diaspora through networking.

Young had a very pragmatic view of Caribbean leaders however, as he puts it “they are us.” Essentially our government deals with problems as we would in our limited experiences they try to make the best of what they have. They act only when there are accidents; it is through these accidents that set the wheels of change in motion. However, across the board respective Caribbean governments can assist in the stimulation of local industries by charging fewer taxes or even negative taxation on goods made and owned locally.

His advice to upcoming designers is priceless. That is, they need not be intimidated by the colonizing nature of fashion instead he encourages them to use life experiences to find new ways of doing things. Inspiration proliferates our rich history and culture for example Johnkanoo, Marcus Garvey and even more contemporary figures such as Bob Marley may be used to develop original points of views. In essence use them as practice until you find your footing.

Finally, Yong cautions that while “fashion is a dream space” it can quickly become a nightmare when designers misread the context or do very little in analysis of the message that their garments convey. Therefore a well-made dress in good fabric can send the message that the wearer is a whore when it was not the intention of the designer. This is the result when we perpetuate ideas, which we do not understand, or have any practical use for (for example a winter line).

One of the more entertaining statements made by Young during the interview was;
“If I could do what I want with these girls from Jamaica I would pull out all their weaves.” While very hilarious to imagine, (and a dangerous road for him to venture-women here are very serious about their weaves) it strikes at the core of us as a people missing the bigger picture, in what is fashionable and the disconnect of who we are. We constantly miss the value and beauty that we already posses, opting to replace the tangible and beauty concentrated with flash.

With all that’s said what other designers do Robert Young like? He mentioned Biggy because of his keen understanding of his niche. Japanese designers such as Issey Myake, Yohji Yamamoto and Comme des Garçons, his contemporaries who always seem to shine a new creative light on concepts we think we know. This year The Cloth celebrates 25 year of hard work and timeless designs (for example the T.V. Tee-shirt) Tsh5. Stop by their facebook page to see upcoming events and also to order must have pieces. For those in Jamaica the only place to get designs by the Cloth is Kerry ManWomanHome (1876-929-2096).

the cloth cfw 10 from Robert Young on Vimeo.

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2010-09-04T19:47:00.002-05:00

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2010-09-04T18:58:00.007-05:00

I know it's been a while now and I haven't done one of these WTF posts, I enjoy them hope you do too. This one I found on Facebook it's so ubiquitous in my feed I couldn't ignore it anymore seeing as, I kid you not... ALL my Jamaican friends have been either tagged in or shared this video at some point.

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2010-09-02T01:47:00.005-05:00

UPDATE
Want to say a big thank you to Gio who sent me the original song which Patience was sampled from. Thanks again babe I love them both.

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2010-08-30T19:39:00.011-05:00

You know something is wrong when the fake video is better than the original, and why Bambino have so much free time him nuh have no music fi go play?

ART'ical Exposure -Quickie

2010-08-28T03:03:00.008-05:00

Soo sooooo sleepy but I really wanted to post this for all who missed ART'ical Exposure tonight. I got there late mainly because I one take forever to get ready and two really went to see Protoje's performance. There are alot of people out there who constantly complain about the state of Jamaican Music- its too this, its not enough that,no one plays instruments anymore, blah blah blah. To them I say SHUT THE HELL up get off your ass and look at what is REALLY out there instead of just what you hear on the radio and in some clubs.
Mad respect to the Manifesto Jamaica people for focusing light on the positives in Jamaican Art and when you go to the shows (post some dates later) please make a donation/contribution whatever you want to call it...zzzzzz-snot bubbles- Sorry What! NO I'M not sleeping. Well maybe i am just a little, i will post something sweet for you later when i am high on coffee for now enjoy your nights. Oh yeah Shaq (the rap about anything on the spot MC) was a real treat.

Jamaican Home Remedies II

2010-08-23T20:28:00.008-05:00

Hey remember last year November when I promised you all very faithfully that I would post more on Jamaican Home Remedies and things my mom and gran gran use to alleviate whatever ailed me. Yeahhhh. Here are a few more.

Aloe (Aloe vera)
Family: Liliaceae
In folk medicine, the peeled leaf of the aloe plant is used in various ways. Some of the uses are for external problems: alleviating burns, the removal of scars, skin moisturizer, skin cleanser, hair conditioner, for teething and head fungus. It is sliced and applied to the area, or rubbed on the area. For healing cuts and swellings a piece is placed in warm water then applied to the affected area; for burns the fluid is drained and applied directly to the site.
In the case of improving internal problems such as gas, hypertension, colds, nerve conditions and gastrointestinal disorders, the peeled leaf is placed in water and soaked for four to five hours then drunk as required. For treating diabetes, it is boiled and drunk, as an anti inflammatory agent or blood purifier, one cupful of the blended aloe is taken over a daily over a one-week period. Aloe is also use to alleviate biliousness, insomnia and constipation. It may be taken as a tonic, laxative, purgative and appetite stimulant and to enhance the immune system.

Guava (Psidium guajava)
Family: Myrataceae
Locally, guava is one of the most effective plants use to stop diarrhea. The fruit is very high in vitamin C. Other local uses include treatment for bellyaches, insect bites, colds, hemorrhage, heart problems, worms, high cholesterol, vomiting, toothache, depression, hypertension and diabetes, and as a tonic. For all these ailments, the leaves are boiled until you smell the guava aroma. It is then strained and drunk as a tea.

One more thing did you know that a nasty nasty cockroach has medicanal value? If you ever had inflamation that just will not go away and gets worst before it gets better then the big nasty ugly ones (i forget the correct name now) is caught put on the fire and then tied to the area. EEEEEwwwwwww but it works. Now tell me was this helpful and do you want more of these kinds of posts?

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Vybz Kartel Fertility God?

2010-08-22T15:10:00.007-05:00

Fertility God or just Fuck Demon Vybz Kartle is like Marvin Gaye to the contemporary Jamaican bed room. I don't know if it’s what is said or how he says it but across the board women seem to respond in very moist ways when it comes to the "rawness" of lyrics in general. Why is it that women get so hot and bothered to a "Tek Fuk" as opposed to the myriad of other uplifting 'Women are queens and should be loved and respected' songs?

Raw

Radio Edit

I did this mini fact finding mission at work and I found it very funny the number of Kartel babies out there. Also it was so funny not only the information got but how passionate people were when they spoke about doing the nasty to a Kartel cd. I especially loved it when a co-worker related to me a story of how her boyfriend sent her flowers at work, made a lovely dinner, later took a nice hot bath but made the mistake of playing some recent Kartel as background on their way to bed. She said everything romantic instantly went out the window and she almost "NYHM HIM ALIVE"!

So now I would like you to answer two questions for me. Why is it that women, especially the good girl types get so primal for a nasty nasty Kartel song? second What is YOUR favorite dirty dirty Kartel song to get down on?

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Beat it Like Ike

2010-08-22T00:55:00.008-05:00

With the exception of the venue being muddy, Reggae Sumfest 2010 came and went without much incident. The ironic thing is the time leading up to the event there was much ado about nothing regarding Chris Brown performing on the Sumfest 2010 bill. Online there were even groups formed to voice their outrage and yes even a facebook page; “Drop Chris Brown for Sumfest”. The impression you got was Chris Brown was going to come to Jamaica and slap every girl publicly in the face with his penis. On second thought that might not have been such a bad thing for most of his fans.

Many of us should be happy that our lives are not constantly under public scrutiny because we would more than crumble under the weight of our own mistakes. I am not a fan of Rhianna and even less of Chris Brown, just to put that out in the universe. I can see how the average moron without a life who lives vicariously through the tabloids would take it very personally the ‘assing’ that Chris Brown gave to poor Re Re in the car that night. While I don’t condone any person abusing another in any way you get the feeling that more and more people get caught up in the business of watching and minding other people’s business while their own sits and rot.

Maybe I missed something because while Jamaica is known for its very strong and beautiful women. It is also still a very male dominated society. And as male dominated societies go women do get exploited at varying degrees. One has to wonder how genuine the so-called boycotts were and whether the motive really was the protection of women’s rights and not riding the coat tails of a scandal for the publicity. Its simple, if you call for the boycott of Chris Brown because he is/was abusive to women, why not call for a boycott of Bounty Killa, Vybz Kartel, Beenie Man and all the other acts that were on Reggae sumfest 2010 who has a very long history of being both physically and verbally abusive to women?

It is an over used statement but people need to look at the bright side of all of this. If Chris Brown wasn’t an idiot and gave an epic ass-whopping to America’s black sweetheart in a more female friendly society then his schedule would be so full that he wouldn’t even have time to ignore an invitation from the promoters of Reggae Sumfest. If Chris Brown was still 'Bubble Gum Boy Wonder" then Jamaicans could only wish to see a great performer like Chris grace the stage of Reggae Sumfest as we would not be able to afford him. And no one who actually attended Reggae Sumfest 2010 can say he didn’t perform his ass off. Be glad he is a little dirty now and not just from the Mo Bay mud, be less quick to judge for everyone at some point has made mistakes and acted foolishly. However, what is important is what you do AFTER you have fallen from grace its whether you get up and how you move forward, it is what you do to earn the forgiveness and respect of those you have wronged. And for those who only have negative energies to offer the only thing Chris Brown and you needs to say to them is
Dueces!

A Taste of Ink

2010-08-13T21:08:00.002-05:00

In two weeks I will get my first tattoo. Tattooing is an art form I loved for a really long time:- before it was cool; before it became a right of passage for the preppy boys to show that they were “down” or for the wanna be Gangster Rappers to use as a means of easy street cred. I fell in love with tattoos in my primary school library, hidden in a stack of old dusty donated National Geographic Magazines which were many years past due. Thus, the seed was planted. I would go to Japan and get my first tattoo done by a master Horishi. Looking back I am almost certain the article would have been about crime in general or maybe the Yakuza in specific. However, the only thing I understood was the beauty of turning bare flesh into a live canvas. I remembered also from the article, one man who loved his body armor so much he stated in his last will and testament that on his death his skin should be removed bequeathed to someone I don’t remember who, I thought,
“You can do that!”
At the time I thought that was the coolest thing in the world.

Over the years the idea never left me, and it became my secret promise to myself. I would go to Japan I would have my first tattoo, it would be massive and it would cover my entire back. I would voraciously consume everything on Horimono and developed this romanticiszed life of living there until my back was finished. I would teach English to babies or something like that. Live in a small apartment with a high-tech toilet and a lowtech bed. I would get homesick once in a while and every year atleast once I would send home a big barrel for the people I care about. Most days I would be happy others I would be sad or confused and about three years I would move to some other country of interest and do it all over again. In the twilight of my time on earth I would be like an old drunken sailor. My tattoos would tell stories of what I did, believed, seen and maybe even who I loved.

Reality check - Many birthdays came and went, and dreams/aspirations lose their shine. They became dusty ghosts that haunt the periphery of a card punching at ten past the hour to get a half an hour of overtime pay existence. The air you breath tastes different because it is the air of conformity that suffocates dreams and poisons the spirit of adventure. Many plans are tired and fail and fail and fail miserably. To do and do and do things differently only to feel the distinct sting of disappointment takes a toll on the psyche and you have to fight yourself in order not to be completely overcome by your insecurities.

I have never been to Brazil for Carnival, never bought shoes in italy. I never seen snow much less been snow boarding. I never drank mojitos at Hemingways’ bar nor visited Goya’s house. But the biggest and most painfully disappointing thing of all is I never gotten tattooed in Japan.

I know I’m not old or dead nor planning to die anytime in the near future. But life has a way of slapping you in the face with one disappointing event that makes another crystal clear. And there is nothing like the feeling when you realize the life in your hand and the life you live have significantly diverged and you have come to the point where you are out of ideas and fighting for energy to perform this seemingly Herculean task of putting your jolly mess of a Humpty Dumpty life together again.

Bounty Killer - Path To Greatness Reggae Sumfest 2010

2010-08-07T01:00:00.005-05:00

This year’s Reggae Sumfest paid tribute to Bounty Killer his contribution to Jamaican Contemporary Music and his influence on other artists in the industry. It wasn’t as over the top as Beenie Man's crowing last year. Frankly at times one had to wonder if as much planning and attention went into this year piece. Compared to the big ass girls on bikes and Lady Saw putting on what looked like a preteen girl meets Bedazzler meets Burger King crown on Beenie Man's head. This video reminded patrons that they are different artists with different styles, tastes, points of view and it did a really good job of painting Bounty in a better light. Regardless of your allegiance if any, there is no denying the impact that Killer made over the years on the landscape of Jamaican and in places International music, slang and mannerisms. Although it is all about Bounty, Nitty Kutchie is boss in this.

POLICE KILLS MAN IN OCHO RIOS VIDEO CAPTURED ON PHONE!! WARNING

2010-07-31T20:25:00.003-05:00

The first 4min. is the "important" bit. There is nothing else I can say about it it just speaks for itself.

Protoje - Dread

2010-07-29T14:07:00.002-05:00

There was mad love for Protoje at Sumfest 2010

JAH CURE: UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

2010-07-29T13:08:00.002-05:00

Reggae Sumfest 2010

2010-07-20T22:21:00.011-05:00

It’s July and Reggae Sumfest is fast upon us. Well it’s this week to be exact. The line up this year features the likes of Usher, Chris Brown, Assassin, Tarrus Riley etc. Personally the line up for me is not that special. Yes… it will be a good show but I can’t say I am super excited about anyone really, except Konshens. Constantly you are inundated with information about the show. That is probably thanks to the fact that Lead Sponsor Red Stripe has come crawling back to Dancehall/Reggae like a shameless dog thanks to plummeting sales.

For me it is very hard to top performances from Jr. Gong and Nas in 2009. However Usher may be the one to give a memorable performance. More and more I have come to expect less and less from the so-called international acts. Last year’s international acts were very lack luster. Jazmine Sullivan looked very sloppy and to be honest most persons ended up ignoring her performance.

Keri Hilson complained of throat problems and lip-synced her performance here. Where I stood the consensuses was:

“Might as well the Sumfest people played her videos on a big screen and saved the money they paid her because what’s the point of doing a live show if you cannot deliver”. Ne-Yo had technical troubles and acted like a diva but he eventually had all the ladies singing by the end of his performance.

After you go to as many stage shows as I do, you very get tired of seeing the same performance from the supposed hot dancehall acts. Let’s hope some of them went to the gym and did some voice training in the time leading up to the show… you know instead of just smoking weed and sitting around at the studio. I think if I have to watch another out of breath, off key dancehall artist shouting through a performance I’m going to throw a shoe on stage. Maybe the Sumfest people could explore the option of putting a few more veteran Dancehall/Reggae acts on upcoming shows, part for balance and part to act as some form of motivation to the younger artists.

Finally I hope that the so-called VIP area is better than last year. My mother always told me if you have nothing good to say you should say nothing at all. So that is all I will say about Sumfest’s so-called VIP. Overall I do hope that all goes well and there are more happy memories than annoyances and long band changes this year. Keep your fingers crossed and good luck Sumfest 2010.

Sumfest- Dancehall Night

2010-07-20T10:04:00.000-05:00

A look back at the 2009 Reggae Sumfest Dancehall Night. Demarco was super boring. Flippa Mafia had money to blow, D' Angel channeled her inner stripper and Elephant man thought he was the king of... I don't know what.

Chaka Demus and Pliers Sue for Royalties

2010-07-16T22:22:00.004-05:00

Dancehall/Reggae artists Chaka Demus and Pliers are suing their record company for approximately $10 million in unpaid royalties and trademark infringement. The suit was filed against the Universal Music Group and states that the record company misappropriated and diverted monies owned by the artists. The artists claimed in the suit that they signed a worldwide recording deal with Universal-owned label Island Records in October 22 1992, which allowed the artists to retain all rights to the trademark Chaka Demus and Pliers.

In addition to the $10 million, Demus and Pliers are also demanding an injunction ordering Universal Music to cease the sale, production and performances of their music. The suit was filed at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in Manhattan.

Born John Taylor (aka Chaka Demus) and Everton Bonner (aka Pliers) the duo had major hits in the 1990s such as “Bam Bam”, “Tease Me” and "Murder She Wrote" featuring then Dancehall Queen Carlene.