New York – Culture reggae star Richie Spice is heading into the summer on a high note as he sees the release of his newest catalog of hits, Gideon Boot. The VP Records release hits store shelves today and plans are in the works for a media tour in early June.
“This album is to let the people know the realities of life, of what’s taking place in the world right now,” reveals Spice. “We have to stand up for the youths, and we have to share with them what we can right now so we can move over and let them take over.”
Richie Spice has been consistent with putting culture reggae on the charts with his buttery baritone, addressing social issues and also blending romantic ballads to keep his female fan base satisfied.
Recently topping the reggae charts in Jamaica with “Anno Me Dat,” “Di Plane Land” and “Wrap Up A Draw,” Spice has been busy promoting his new singles and upcoming album both at home and abroad. He recently shot the video for “Di Plane Land,” a more serious video with a documentary feel that portrays an in-depth look at the plight Caribbean travelers face when going through immigration, while journeying to the States.
Like the video, Spice has always shunned the hype and instead stays true to the culture genre by weighing-in on conscious topics close to the hearts of his listeners, a formula that has earned him lifelong fans over the past few years. In fact, Gideon Boot has been in production for almost five years now. The majority of the album is produced by musical mastermind Bobby Digital, with added tracks from producers Flava (No Doubt Records) and Arif Cooper (Fresh Ear Productions).
Gideon Boot is now available for purchase in stores and online. Click here to check out his latest video, upcoming tour dates and sample the first two singles from the new album.
Wayne Wonder “Surpriz” NY Fans
New York – Reggae “Icons” Buju Banton, Super Cat and Barrington Levy are not exactly the perfect lineup for your mama this Mother’s Day. Billed as “The Ultimate Mother’s Day Show,” the jampacked theater at the famed Madison Square Garden was in for a treat, however, when romantic crooner Wayne Wonder made a surprise appearance at the highly anticipated “Icons” concert on Saturday, May 10.
In town for two shows this past weekend, Wonder first balanced out the program, performing along with Tony Matterhorn on Friday night at Baruch College in Manhattan. Then after wooing the ladies at MSG on Saturday evening, he made another featured appearance in Brooklyn, officially bringing in Mother’s Day with some of his longtime supporters.
Wonder has been consistently touring since the release of his album, FOREVA, back in September, and a return to the New York scene is more of a welcome home for the singer, who first called the Big Apple home after relocating from Jamaica.
Reggae Sumfest Wins “Best Concert of the Year”
New York – “Concert of the Year” and “Promoter of the Year” were two coveted awards won by Reggae Sumfest and Summerfest Productions at the 27th Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) on Sunday, May 4 at the Apollo Theater in the historic Harlem, New York, beating out several large international reggae concerts, which also vied for this honour.
IRAWMA established in 1982, outlines its mission as that of acknowledging and honouring the accomplishments and contributions of entertainers in the categories of reggae, Caribbean and other world music. Its intent is to provide a forum for songwriters, performers and musicians to be recognized for their artistic efforts and achievements with the overall objective of promoting greater participation and acceptance of reggae, Caribbean and world music globally.With 28 years under its belt, IRAWMA is well recognized as the industry’s oldest and most prestigious event in its chosen category. The ceremony has been staged in many major U.S. cities as well as in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The public is able to vote for their favourite nominee in each category on the internet.
An ecstatic Johnny Gourzong, executive director of Summerfest Productions, comments, “We are of course extremely proud to have been awarded “Concert of the Year” and “Promoter of the Year.” As you know Reggae Sumfest is now celebrating its 16th year, and over the years we have always put Jamaica’s finest performers on stage along with highly acclaimed international acts. Our production standards are also first class. We do extensive marketing and we have put together an excellent team to ensure that all the necessary elements are executed in the most effective way. We are therefore very happy to see our efforts recognized by our global audience and awarded by the International Reggae and World Music Awards.”
Entertainers from the reggae and soca worlds turned out in their fineries to mingle with media and industry friends, of course with the hope of winning one of the coveted awards. Over 40 awards were given out to various artists.
Machel Montano of Trinidad & Tobago copped three coveted awards – Bob Marley Entertainer of the Year, Most Outstanding Stage Personality of the Year and Best Calypso/Soca Entertainer awards. Beenie Man emerged as Recording Artiste of the Year while Etana came away with the Best Female Vocalist and Tarrus Riley, the Best Male Vocalist of the Year.
