Sean Paul Returns, Anguilla Awaits Alaine, Superstar Line Up For TCMCF

Sean Paul Returns

Sean Paul is indeed back on the juggling case with ferocity, voicing a number of new tunes after an extended absence. Rumors of a new album in the works for later this year are circulating along with a barrage of new 45s and guest verses. This has caught the attention of many since the reggae/dancehall superstar has broken every record imaginable for a reggae artiste which makes whatever he does an all-important signal for anybody who cares about the direction of dancehall as an industry and an art form.

His current projects include back to back appearances on the Sand-Fly riddim produced by Leftside. The tracks include his solo outing Grip which is a throwback to Sean Paul flow of old, and the Shane-O combination Girls Territory. Two more combinations, Back it Up and As Far As I See, with Mr. Evil/Leftside and Wayne Marshall respectively, shows Sean’s prowess on new-school musical flows. More importantly they demonstrate Sean’s consistent tendency of collaborating with the finest in Jamaican talent, even though he could work with basically anybody in the world.

Sean Paul has also been working with Stephen ‘Genius’ McGregor, one of the only producers whose riddims he has been blessing for the last year or two. Get it Right on the Power Cut and Don’t Tease Me on the Work Out Riddim are two of the finest singles to date coupled with Serious, SP’s collaboration with Busta Rhymes and Busy Signal.

Running Out of Time is simply a Sean solo, doing what he does best. However his collaboration with Fahrenheit, his lyrical sparring partner, on the track Hit Em is definitely one to vibe to. The song also features Sean’s brother aka Jigzagula which adds a hip hop twist to the mix. With all his tracks getting frequent airplay, it is no doubt that Sean Paul will be making summer a little hotter.

Source: Fader Magazine

Musical Tourism? Polish Group Records in Jamaica

DAY by day, they keep coming for the most important experience of their lives, as well as in their musical careers. Their port of embarkment is more often than not, somewhere in Europe, with their final destination being Kingston, Jamaica and more specifically 220 Marcus Garvey Drive, home of the Tuff Gong Studio.

Among the latest cadre of visitors participating in this current wave of what can best be branded as “musicaltourism”, is a Polish act called Rastasize. In less than two weeks, on this their first visit to the island, they have almost completed a 12-track set entitled Day by Day.

These recording sessions are also forming the backdrop for a documentary produced by Piotr Szczepanski, featuring Rastasize and some of their Jamaican counterparts which has attracted a large contingent of foreign press.

The heightened interest of the project is because Poland is experiencing a revival of roots and culture reggae music. Recently, veteran Jamaican act, Twinkle Brothers, recorded an album with the Polish band Trebunie Tutki, entitled Twinkle Inna Polish Stylee Higher Heights, which hit the European World Music charts.

Reggae music became popular in Poland at the end of the 1970s. Since then, there have been hundreds of homegrown reggae acts inspired by the indigenous Jamaican music; however, there has never been in Poland any artistic project like the one Rastasize has now undertaken.

At the centre of the Rastasize aggregation is singer/guitarist Dawid ‘Jamal’ Portasz, regarded as one of the most charismatic representatives of reggae music in Poland.

“Rastasize is a new thing, we want to come strong from the roots. From the place where the heart is beating which is here in Jamaica,” Portasz told Splash. He added, “I feel at home in this place, very inspired. And I can tell you that, you can see God here and the creation people, and you are highly bless. This place for me is the mother and father land of the roots music. To find good musicians you could go anywhere, but to find the roots people, people with soulful understanding of music, you must come to Jamaica.”

A colourful slate of Jamaican musicans has been brought together for the project including, Sly and Robbie, Dean Fraser, Glen Browne, Robbie Lyn, Wayne Armond, Phillip James, Kevon Webster, Michael Fletcher, Strickland Stone, Deleon White, Mark Dawson, Sticky Thompson. Background vocalists are Earl and Maria Smith, Connie Campbell and Althea Hamilton.

Source: Jamaica Observer

Nia Long Added to Star Studded Line Up for CFW 2008

Award winning African American film star Nia Long has been added to the roster of ‘A List’ celebrities confirmed to make an appearance at the upcoming Caribbean Fashion Week (CFW) event. Known for her roles in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Big Momma’s House and Are We There Yet? Nia Long is one of the ethnic community’s most revered actresses. Her first notable role was on the hit comedy Fresh Prince of Belair as Will Smith’s girlfriend. From there she moved to co-star and play supporting roles in urban classic flicks including Boyz N the Hood, Friday, The Best Man and Made in America.

She is also an occasional music video director and has done work for Ashanti, Kanye West and gospel star Yolanda Adams. A true beauty, Long was voted one of the fifty (50) most beautiful people in the World by People magazine and took third place in a poll by the readers of Black Men’s Magazine for “The 10 Sexiest Women of the Year”.

In addition to Nia Long, urban music and movie super star turned fashion mogul Eve, Soul Food TV and big screen favourite turned celebrity model Vanessa A. Williams and soul recording artiste Mashonda Dean will also be making appearances and strutting down the CFW runway. The audience will also be in for an extra special treat as Eve will be showing pieces from her collection Fetish. The rap star will walk the runway with her models and says that she is very excited to participate in this event, which is being covered by the world press, including Elle, Fashion TV Paris, BET, i-D, the BBC, Marie Claire and the New York Times, among others.

With only a few days to go until CFW 2008, there is much excitement and anticipation in the air for what promises to be the biggest and best CFW to date. The strong contingent of stylists, designers and international celebrities will undoubtedly create a veritable fashion feat and trigger sold out houses at the National Indoor Sports Centre come June 11-16.

CFW is presented by Pulse in association with Audi, Smirnoff, Fashion TV Paris, Viva Sparkling Water, Nestle’s Fitness Cereal, the BIDC, Invest Barbados, The Jamaica Tourist Board, The Hilton, Courtleigh and Knutsford Court hotels, The Jamaica Observer, Nestle Supligen, CVM TV, Ocean Style, She Caribbean, Jamrock magazine, Hype TV and several other sponsors to be announced.

Source: Pulse International

Flashpoint Ends With a Bang

“I always knew that the Festival would be accepted and loved by Jamaicans and I am relieved to say that the move from Negril to Kingston is not one that I regret,” said Paul Bucknor, Flashpoint Film Festival Organizer and Film Producer, after the curtains went down on Sunday, June 8. Flashpoint was indeed one for the record books, premiering a record number of Jamaican films making the 2009 staging a highly-anticipated affair. However, it was the world premiere of two budding directors’ feature films that made the event a mega hit.

Joel Burke’s Candy Shop, which starred the likes of Yuri Stewart, Kyino Cunningham, Everaldo Creary and Melissa Fearon, premiered on Friday, June 6 and closed with a tumultuous round of applause. The hilarious comedy showed what happens when curious uptown boys get caught up in a web of trickery and adventure around sexuality and friendship.

Patrons were amused throughout the entire film as many could be heard throwing humorous comments to the director who was in attendance while others wanted to know where they could purchase the DVD. The film is expected to be release internationally, later this year.

The Saturday night premiere of Better Mus Come was rewarded with a standing ovation and shouts of approval from audiences in response to the two hour and fifteen minute movie. Fort Charles hosted a full house for the film premiere with latecomers capturing standing room only. Better Mus Come was directed under the creative auspices of Storm Saulter, who expressed how humbled and grateful he was to be a young Jamaican pioneering an authentic Jamaican cinema movement.

“It’s the 2008 Harder They Come”, one patron was heard saying. Another commented that “The love scene is the best in any Jamaican film”.

Noel-Andrew Bennett, Chief Creative Director of Backayard Magazine commented that, “Flashpoint Film Festival is the spring board for any serious or budding Jamaican film maker who wants to be relevant. It is like Sundance, but a lot warmer.”

The overall technical production of the films coupled with the featured actors had many patrons in awe to know that most of the actors were performing on the big screen for the first time. From this point, exposure is the name of the game, as Bucknor stated that the priority is to “… complete the editing process and get the films up to par with other international films and then take them to other festivals around the world.”

Source: Q-Tech Communications

Bon Voyage for Extatic Fridays

Extatic Fridays closes in fine style on Friday, June 13 at the Pantry, New Kingston with Bon Voyage- The Last Escape. Musical ambiance will be provided by Coppershot Disco, ZJ Liquid and the blazing Kaotic DJ’s. There will be a smooth flow of exotic mixes all night, such as Cosmopolitans, Margaritas, Mojitos and other quality beverages. Admission for an extatic experience is $1500, all drink inclusive. Early bird ticket specials for $1000 are available at 321-3869 or 818-4363.

Free and secure parking will also provided at Super Plus, Dumfries Road adjacent to the Pantry. So come enjoy a night with good friends, good music, good vibes and an unforgettable experience at Bon Voyage – The Last Escape of Extatic Fridays on Friday, June 13.

Anguilla Awaits Alaine

Excitement builds on Anguilla, as the date approaches for the Lady Passion Birthday bashment weekend Women Invasion Girl Power event to be held on Friday, June 27 at the Red Dragon night club. The top artiste slated for the grand event is International Reggae Superstar Alaine Laughton out of Jamaica. This will no doubt be the highlight of this spectacular event.

Alaine is known for her melodious golden voice capturing the hearts of her many fans with hit songs such as No Ordinary Love, Deeper Sacrifice, Rise in Love, Dreaming of You featuring Beenie, Give You and many more. Song bird Alaine was nominated as Best Female vocalist in the 2008 International Reggae World Music Awards.

The Female DJ Bashment extravanganza will also be showcasing female disc jockey talent from Anguilla, Antigua, Barbados, St Maarten, Jamaica and St Kitts.

Six ladies will present their music and hosting repertoire. The artists for the grand event are some the Caribbean’s top female radio personalities and club Disc Jockeys – DJ Lady Passion, DJ Lady Destiny, DJ Sunshine, DJ hurricane, Sister Soldiers and Sister Sensia.

Lady Passion (Desiree Richardson), the inspiration behind the event comments, “I wanted to put the spotlight on female DJs in the area. My aim was to provide them with the opportunity to get exposure and develop their talent. Most of the artistes are radio personalities and some are now also exploring their talent through performing at music clubs. This event is an excellent platform for the ladies to make their mark.”

Lady Passion is one of the most popular radio personalities in Anguilla. Anchored at Kool FM 103 Radio, she created and hosts her own show called The Love Zone which focuses on offering relationship advice interspersed with love music. Another popular show is Caribbean Link Up, where she conducts telephone interviews of popular international artists. A lover of all types of music, Passion combines this voice talent with her dynamic personality and achieves great success as a radio artiste.

Source: Headline Entertainment

A Shaggy Summer

shaggyDancehall icon Shaggy kicked off his summer tour on Saturday, June 7 and is set to take Europe by storm this summer. Shaggy will have fans shaking to his beats, many which have embraced the phenomenal entertainer long before he enjoyed success in America.

Armed with his new album, Intoxication, Shaggy has enjoyed constant radio and video play with his current hits, What’s Love featuring Akon and Bonafide Girl featuring Rik Rok. His latest single, Mad Mad World featuring Sizzla and Collie Buddz, is garnering radio play across the Caribbean, Europe and the States, and is bound to be another success for the bombastic entertainer.

Recently winning the International Reggae and World Music Award (IRAWMA) for Best Video for Church Heathen, Shaggy has been popping up at numerous industry events worldwide, from Monaco to Miami to his homeland, thereby keeping his brand alive and his fans intoxicated for more.

Source: Fox Facts

Don’t Deny Me Says Kirk Davis

Don’t Deny Me is Kirk Davis’ debut full-length reggae gospel album but Kirk is no newcomer to reggae music. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, recording and performing under the name “Little Kirk” throughout the 80s and part of the 90s, Kirk Davis has logged a string of hits throughout his secular career. As one of the most respected vocalists in all of reggae music, Kirk Davis has a talent, which can only be described as a gift from God and he is well on his way to making his mark on the gospel charts, having reached number two with the title track of his album, after only a few weeks.

With one of the purest voices coming out of Jamaica today, Kirk Davis is a soulful almost R&B styled crooner with a style that is one of a kind, lending itself quite easily to the crossover without leaving the Reggae arena. This has never been more apparent than in this sixteen track, plus the intro Prayer for the World, collective mix of roots, culture and soul with a hint of hip hop. On this album Kirk not only shows off his vocal range and skills as a singer but blends his own DJ talents on the title track Don’t Deny Me.

Kirk Davis’ inspiration for his lyrical content spans his life experience, current events and his new found faith in and love for Jesus Christ. The title track came as inspiration almost immediately following his recent baptism, calling out to everyone to embrace the love of the Almighty.

One More Chance not only speaks to the youth behind bars who have done the crime but everyone, no matter what their situation, to aspire to do better and focus on the positive. Kirk Davis once again teams up with brother Moses (Beenie Man) Davis on If A Neva God, recorded shortly after Moses’ near tragic accident in January, 2004.

With youngest daughter Breanna Davis speaking the intro to Peace on Earth, Kirk asks us to stop abusing the children, come together to love one another, do what’s right and bring peace to the world. Davis is also joined on the album with fellow Jamaican gospel reggae artists St. Matthew on Solution an upbeat number letting us know Jesus is the solution. Chief Mutsembi, reggae/hip hop artist out of California also lends his DJ talents to Kirk on the track Protect, a bouncy number about the protective love of the Lord.

Overall Don’t Deny Me is a beautifully lyrical and thoroughly inspiring album. With a sixteen track rousing testimony to the power and glory of the Holy Spirit, this is an album that captivates the undivided attention of listening ears.

Source: Taj Rash Productions

The Turks & Caicos Tourist Board Announces Superstar Line Up for 2008 TCMCF

The fifth annual Turks & Caicos Music and Cultural Festival (TCMCF), set to take place July 28th through August 4th, will bring the some of the world’s most popular artists to the Turks & Caicos Islands. The annual Festival will electrify residents of the Turks & Caicos Islands and the thousands of visitors that come every year to be entertained by a world-class music and cultural event.

The Honourable Wayne Garland, Executive Chairman of The Turks & Caicos Tourist Board, knows that when the world’s best artists are excited about performing live in the Turks & Caicos Islands then it inures a spectacular event. “When you have international and legendary performers like Lionel Richie, LL Cool J and Anita Baker as part of this year’s lineup, then it only enhances our reputation as being the most fabulous destinations in the world. He adds “That if TCI residents are excited by these artists, then I am confident that thousands of visitors to the Turks & Caicos Islands will be equally enthralled and will look to make their vacation travel plans around our Festival.”

The 2008 Music and Cultural Festival will expose the world to the unique culture and heritage of the Turks & Caicos Islands and brings the panache of some of the world’s biggest musical stars to help promote cross-cultural experiences and makes the Festival the biggest and best special event in the TCI. The 2008 lineup will be the best one ever as it brings together international superstars, top performers from Turks & Caicos, and musical legends from across the Caribbean and insures that there is something for everyone, regardless of age, gender or musical taste. Here are some of the musical and entertainment superstars scheduled to appear at the 2008 Turks & Caicos Music and Cultural Festival.

THE 2008 LINEUP OF PERFORMERS

• Lionel Richie
• LL Cool J
• Anita Baker
• JT Taylor(Kool & The Gang’s Former Lead Singer)
• Ne-Yo
• Russell Thompkins & The New Stylistics
• Lou Gramm
• T-Pain
• A Night of Comedy (Including Bruce Bruce, Rickey Smiley and Pale Face)

The Tourist Board has worked hard to attract international superstars from a wide genre of music to come and perform at this year’s Festival. And, when you mix in the great cultural slate of events, including The 2008 Miss Turks & Caicos pageant, it becomes the must do event of the year in Turks and Caicos and perhaps more importantly, becomes the anchor event in promoting Turks & Caicos as the premiere destination for international travelers.

Ralph Higgs, Director of Tourism of The Turks & Caicos Tourist Board, is pleased with the diverse range of performers set to perform at this year’s festival. “When you mix musical legends like with the talents of today’s superstars, it further showcases the rich diversity of music and culture in our Festival, which, of course, corresponds to the tenets of our Music and Cultural Festival.” Mr. Higgs adds that “There is definitely something for everyone on every night, and we are projecting record numbers of attendance for this year’s festival. I am also very impressed with the success of our comedy night. When you bring talented comedians and story tellers from around the world to Providenciales, then it is an angle that further differentiates our Festival and our country from that of all others. We know the TCI is unique and with the wide range of performers at the Festival, then it further cements our brand positioning as a unique place to visit in the international marketplace.”

Now in its 5th year, the Annual Music and Cultural festival is seen as the largest and most popular entertainment event of the year in Turks and Caicos, the scheduled line up includes four nights of great live music and concerts, a boat regatta and cultural events that make it a week long series of events that is sure to please even the most discerning tastes.

For the second year in a row, this year’s festival is being produced by TurnKey Productions. Walter Elmore, the President of TurnKey productions, is excited to be working again on the Turks & Caicos Festival. “I love the TCI! This is one of the world’s most stunning places to be and by bringing in musical superstars to experience the charm and beauty of the islands brings tremendous publicity and international attention for the country.” Mr. Elmore adds “Turn Key Productions has produced some of the world’s biggest live music events in the world. It is obvious that the Turks & Caicos Music and Cultural Festival is now one of the top five Festivals in the entire world, and I am excited in producing a world-class event in a fabulous world-class destination!” He also recognizes that this event could never be produced without a great partnership with a world-class tourist board that keeps everything running smoothly and helps to oversee all of the details. “To produce a great show, one that everyone enjoys and takes pride and ownership in, is the end result of working with a world-class Tourist Board.”

The Annual Music and Cultural Festival is staged by The Turks and Caicos Tourist Board and is now celebrating its fifth anniversary. The beauty of The Turtle Cove Marina in Providenciales provides the breath-taking backdrop for the event, that now attracts well over 10,000 patrons to the Festival. Previous festivals has seen luminary artists perform such as Alicia Keys, John Legend, Kenny Rogers, Michael Bolton, T.I., Shaggy, Steel Pulse, Ludacris, Maxi Priest, Chaka Khan, Boyz II Men, Fantasia, and James Ingram to name a few. For more information on the Turks and Caicos Music and Cultural Festival, contact the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board at (649)946-4970 or check out our website at www.turksandcaicostourism.com.

Soca Gold Back for 2008

VP Records has dropped the 11th installment of the Soca Gold series; the set which serves as the soundtrack to Carnival was released on May 20th.

Soca Gold 2008 includes songs by Road March queen Fay-Ann Lyons Alvarez, Blaxx, Kerwin Du Bois & Shal Marshal, and Ricky T who have all produced hit songs during Trinidad’s carnival. Soca Gold 2008 also includes bumping, party-ready tracks from Mr. Dale and Don Trent, which have been hits on New York radio.

A bonus DVD comes with Soca Gold 2008, which includes live performances from Fay-Ann Lyons, Roy Cape, Ricky T, Farmer Nappy, Roy Cape featuring Blaxx, Edwin Yearwood, Kerwin, Shal Marshal & Bunji Garlin at Trinidad & Tobago Carnival 2008 and Crop Over 2007. The DVD also includes music videos and plenty of Carnival vibes that make up more than ninety minutes of viewing entertainment.

Update from Guyanese SongstressTimeka Marshall

Since being back home I’ve been keeping a low profile but I guess the word spread that I was back and along came a new newspaper interested in doing some promotions for their launching. It will be called The Guyana Times and is bringing a difference in presentation and content. Its much larger than the competitors and is full couloured on every page, plus it strives to give back by having a Page 6 Foundation that will be donating money to unfortunate kids. I will be responsible for its jingle which will be hitting the airwaves soon and a video to go along with it. Plans are in the making also for me to have a column in the entertainment section. It’ll be an interaction with fans and their favourite artiste or popular personality in which they can discuss several topics ranging from whats up with their music career, getting to know them better or just simply asking advice on issues. Theres also talk for me to be responsible for a develpment similar to the observer’s page 2, where persons can get involved and vote for the pics that make the page by online voting.

Contractual agreements are also being done yet another time with the phone company GT&T Cellink Plus that will add another year of me being an endorsee.

Everyone is anticipating some new releases and questions about videos are non stop but other than that writing is continuous, been catching up on quality time with my family and friends and I’ve been hitting the gym everyday to get that summer body since they say in summer at all comes off hahahaha : ) And just getting prepared to blow everyone’s mind when I get back to ja!!

Source: Timeka Marshall

Festival Come Back Again

“What a Festival Bam Bam” is the name of the album that was launched by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) on Tuesday,June 3 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. The competition, which was returned to the calendar after a ten year absence ,is being hosted this year under the theme “Festival Song Come Back Again…What a Bam Bam”.

The ten finalists featured on the album ,will compete over the next nine weeks for a grand prize of one million dollars and to determine which of the ten songs will be selected as the “Festival Song” for this Independence season.

The songs on the album are:

• “Rise & Shine” by several time Festival Song winner, Roy Rayon,
• “Old Time Festival” by past finalist Michael Rutherford,
• “Country Life” by Lynford McIntosh),
• “Sweet Jamaica” by D.J. Speng (Horace Gray,)
• “We Need Love” by Versatile (Nathalee Edwards),
• “Banjo Man” by the The Astronauts, who were winners in 1972, 1984 and1994,
• “Jamaica Little but We Tallawah” by Clevon Edwards,
• “Festival Time Again”by duo, Danny Brasko & Iya Simba,
• “Nah Lef Jamaica” by Zetto,

Road shows featuring all ten artistes will be held at strategic points across the island starting on June 14 at Junction Square, St. Elizabeth, culminating with the National Finals, which has been scheduled for July 12 at the National Indoor Sports Centre.Speaking at the launch, Minister of Information, Culture, Youth & Sports, Olivia Grange expressed great pleasure at the return of the competition saying that “we want to produce a song that even the little baby can rock to”.

Digicel Rising Stars Judges ruled premiere night

Digicel Rising Stars 2008 season premiered last Sunday with a slew of changes. Among them were new presenter Yendi Phillipps, who made her debut and has been the topic of many discussions ever since. “Yendi looked nice, and she looked like she was having fun with the people” commented Peta-Gaye Young a hairdresser interviewed about the show.

Despite the contestants’ hits and misses the judges were on point as Jamaicans got a taste of what is to come this year. “You couldn’t be gone soon enough”, exclaimed Anthony who seemed pained at the sight of a performer who did a poor impersonation of Michael Jackson and an even poorer, inaudible rendition of “Gone too soon.”

Before those final words Anthony asked him to stop but Nadine encouraged him to continue to the chorus. There was no improvement and in the end Clyde agreed with Anthony. The gentleman left the stage.

Such was the synergy of the judges, each in their usual element. Nadine, the ever-caring encourager, urged some to try again. Clyde, as he does with words, weaved song titles and catch phrases into his assessment of performances while Anthony, the only one brave enough to use that famous St. Thomas “o” word, said only what needed to be said in his feedback to the hopefuls.

Most noticeable was the judges’ chemistry, an ostensible consequence of spending much time together each year for the last five years (at least for Anthony and Nadine; this is Clyde’s fourth year) arguing with each other about contestants’ performances, appearance and song selections. During the time they have also shared ideas and seemed to have grown on each other.

“They seem like friends and I think it is good. It certainly will be interesting to see what happens this season with them”, shared Renee Smith a fan of the show, who was overheard speaking with some of her office colleagues. Not much was said of their fashion but there thumbs up for Nadine’s hairstyle.

Synergy aside their job in deciding the top ten could not have been an easy one as St. Thomas provided an unusual mix of talented singers and surprising characters. In the end they felt the top ten reflected the best of what the parish had to offer on the day.

The judges had their say last Sunday but that is not enough for any of the St. Thomas top ten finalists to make it to the studio finals. The public will have to vote to decide which two moves on this week. The results can be seen this Friday at 8:30 p.m. on TVJ. Repeat broadcasts of the show can be seen on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m., Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. and Thursdays at 10:30 p.m.

This Sunday will feature highlights of the Mandeville search.

British Record Industry Achieves Web Breakthrough

The British record industry has achieved a breakthrough in its ongoing engagement with Internet service providers to help rein in illegal file sharing. Virgin Media and the BPI have agreed on a new “education campaign” to help the media group’s broadband customers legitimately download music on their network.

Through the new campaign, announced today, Virgin Media customers who have been found to distribute music files in breach of copyright will receive informative letters, one from each party.

User accounts will be identified to Virgin Media on the basis of information supplied by the BPI.

Virgin Media will distribute the letters, without the need to disclose customer names and addresses to the BPI.

“Education is absolutely key to reducing the extent of illegal downloading, and we are pleased to be working with Virgin Media on this campaign,” comments Geoff Taylor, chief executive of the BPI. “We believe that new partnerships with ISPs can help build an Internet in which music is properly valued. That will benefit not just musicians, songwriters and labels, but all Internet users who love music.” The joint campaign, he says, is “the first step towards achieving that goal.”

ISPs in Britain are under government pressure to find a voluntary solution with the industry, or face legislation from early 2009. According to the BPI, more than 6.5 million consumer broadband accounts in the U.K. are used to access music without permission using peer-to-peer services.

Source: www.bilboard.biz

First Global Builds Jamaica through Music

The launch of First Global Financial Service’s (FGFS) Build Jamaica with Music Project will sponsor a number of efforts that will contribute to the development of youth through good music. It will sponsor the Sonny Bradshaw School Band Competition as well as the Alpha Boys School Band, the annual Ocho Rios Jazz Festival and put on a series of Sunday concerts in Emancipation Park to expose talented young musicians. The government is supporting these efforts and the Prime Minister, the Honourable Bruce Golding, spoke at a press conference in London recently stating ‘we need to support the music more and not let the negative affect the whole reggae industry.”

Source: Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide Inc.