Funeral Arrangements for Cedella Marley Booker Set for April 27-28
The funeral arrangements for Cedella Marley Booker, mother of Reggae icon Bob Marley, are set to take place in Jamaica, between Sunday, April 27 and Monday, April 28. Mother Booker, as she was affectionately known, died on Tuesday, April 8 at her South Miami, Florida home. She was 81 years old.
The two day activities surrounding the celebration of her life and achievements will commence with a public viewing at the National Arena in Kingston on Sunday, April 27 between 10 a.m. and 3:p.m., and the funeral service at the Ethiopian Orthodox Church on Monday, April 28 commencing at 8:00 a.m.
At the public viewing on Sunday, musicians and singers will pay tribute to her love of music and her achievements.
The final service will take place at the Ethiopian Orthodox Church on Maxfield Avenue, commencing at 8:00 a.m., where the service will be officiated by Father Haile Malekat Dobson, Administrator of the Ethopian Orthodox Church in Jamaica. The procession will then journey to Nine Miles for the interment where she will be laid to rest in the garden next to her son’s Masoleum.
Cedella Marley Booker has recorded solo and collaboration albums, performed in the U.S., Jamaica, Europe, Mexico, and Africa, and authored a book, Bob Marley, My Son.
Mother B is well known for her philanthropy both in Jamaica, the wider Caribbean and in South Florida. She has adopted the Basic School at Nine Mile in St. Ann, renamed the Cedella Marley Booker Academy. Both Mrs. Booker and her son Bob Marley were born in Nine Miles. She is also associated with Rhoden Hall Basic School and Eight Mile Basic School in St. Ann.
Her son Richard Booker said of his mother: “My mother is a rare woman, loved by everyone she met. I know that she is in the hands of Jah and will never be forgotten here on earth.”
A Rastafarian by faith, Cedella Booker showed the world a peacefulness and love that she openly shared with all those who surrounded her. In the spirit of Bob Marley, Mother Booker founded Movement of Jah People, an organization that benefits the underprivileged in South Florida and the Caribbean.
She is survived by daughter Pearl Livingston, son Richard Booker, daughters-in-law Rita Marley and Sharien Fogle-Booker, nieces, nephews, 14 grandchildren, and 49 great-grandchildren.
Nickeishia Barnes: Perseverance Personified
Nickeishia Barnes learned to turn to music to help her get through life’s difficult times at an early age and it has proved to be her strength. In 1996, she entered the much-famed Tastee Talent Competition solo, and on this first attempt, made it all the way to the quarter-finals. Two years later, she was back again, as a group. The group made it as far as the quarter finals as well and even without the first prize winnings she took away valuable lessons from the competition which has served her well.
Eventually, she evolved from this to a more serious involvement with music her brother Christopher ‘Escobar’ Barnes. After enrolling at the University of West Indies where she became somewhat distracted from the music for a while. Concerned friends encouraged her everyday to return to music, and not sit down on her immense singing talent. The words took time, but eventually bore fruit.
The extremely popular televised 2006 Digicel Rising Stars Competition effectively cemented her reputation as a talented performer, singer and songwriter. Since placing second in the competition in 2006, Nickeishia has recorded a number of songs in her very short yet rapidly climbing career. (including song entitled In Love receiving heavy rotation on the air waves).
She has worked with musical geniuses Sly and Robbie and Horace Murphy, along with the Penthouse family, which has built her skills and stockpiling an armada of hits to release gradually to the public. Nickeisha has set high goals in attaining optimum success in the local and international music industry. In addition to singing and songwriting, she has plans to enter the world of artiste management, concert production and other related field.
Masala to Perform at Reggae on the Hill
Popular alternative band Masala will be displaying their versatility on Sunday, April 27 at the much anticipated Reggae on the Hill which will be held at Farley Hill National Park. Reggae on the Hill is the final show of the Digicel Reggae Festival. Set against the ruins of the Farley Hill Mansion, Masala will demonstrate their musical prowess with the likes of the “Prophet” Capleton and the ever energetic Sizzla Kalonji.
Masala, led by Philip 7 who rose to fame with his hits Beautiful Surprise and Nothing Left to Say, are local favorites with weekly shows at the Ship Inn, Royal Pavilion, Lord Willoughby Tavern and Jumbies. Though relatively new to the music industry this band has already collected a wealth of experience and delivers performances that are always satisfying.
Also on Farley Hill for this annual show will be Tanya Stephens, Coco Tea, Taurus Riley and Pressure. With such a solid line up of artistes this event is guaranteed to be just as explosive and memorable as the ones over previous years.
Source: Pyramid Entertainment
Biggie Irie & Peter Ram To Perform @ Soca In Me Vein
On Friday, April 25 Peter Ram and Biggie Irie will perform at the Soca In Me Vein show scheduled to be held at The Parrot, Queens, New York. Biggie Irie, a veteran of the stage known for his 2007 International Groovy Soca Monarch hit Nah Going Home and Peter Ram, who has successfully released the hits Woman By My Side and Pumpin will be joined on stage by Jamesy P and Jadine
The show kicks off at 10:00 pm and patrons will be treated to a cocktail of infectious soca hits and melodies provided by Djs for the night, Crazy Beenie and DJ Rude Boy.
Source: Pyramid Entertainment
Jamaica Music Industry ‘4ever’ Indebted
On Sunday, May 4 the Dodd Family invites all to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the life of Clement “Coxon” Dodd, dubbed the “Father of the Jamaican Music Industry.” From the four corners of the globe the interest in the preservation, protection and promotion of his life’s work has been of the highest order, knowing the seminal role that it has and will continue to play for generations to come.
Through his lifetime he witnessed the transmission of Jamaican musical culture to the four corners of the globe with little direct benefit to the ‘folk’ of Jamaica as creators and inspirers. However, the ultimate emergence of the Jamaica Recording and Publishing Company has presented the opportunity to re-invent and preserve the wheel of creative expressions.
As such the Dodd Family is embarking on what is currently known as a 360 Degrees Project of his work that will be built on the storytelling of this legendary tale of creative expression that will be layered into the current music industry mode of digital infrastructure and delivery and expressed through publishing, merchandising, films and events.
Through this historical maze, the unfolding of the music catalog will take place that will re-align its original purpose and intellectual property rights in a manner befitting the role that this body of work has played and continues to play for the Jamaican people and culture. This will be done in partnership with various local and international firms with the one caveat being that the expression and the will of the Jamaican people, that this is their ‘Island In The Sun’ will be upheld.
Its unfolding in 2009 will kick off the proposed national celebration of 50 Years of Reggae Music, with a January 26, 2009, birthday unveiling of the commissioned bust and the launch of the development of the Studio One Museum, itself a multi-layered experience.
Source: Studio One Foundation
John Legend and Billy Ocean Kick Off St. Kitts Music Festival Launch In New York
Over fifty press officials were gathered on the 64th floor of the prestigious 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City on Thursday, April 17 for the official launch of the twelfth staging of the St. Kitts Music Festival. Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Sports & Culture, along with Unoma Allen, Corporate Communications Manager for the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, Allister Williams, Executive Director of the St. Kitts Music Festival and Faron Lawrence, Chairman of the St. Kitts Music Festival, announced the line-up for the annually anticipated event.
As Minister Skerritt began his remarks with a brief summary of the Festival’s history, unique positioning and cultural significance, he was interrupted by a ringing phone. John Legend, the headlining act for this year’s Festival was calling in to talk to the media gathered.
“It is an honor to be chosen as a role model and headlining the St. Kitts Music Festival during their 25th year of St. Kitts Independence,” said Legend. At noon, a call-in from musical star Billy Ocean further delighted the crowd. To a request from the floor, Billy Ocean sang a line from his hit single Caribbean Queen, while the media sang along and clapped. He stated that he is looking forward to being in touch with his Caribbean roots and being on stage at the Festival. In addition to calling into the press conference, both John Legend and Billy Ocean had pre-recorded short video spots promoting their upcoming performances which played on a large 7.5’x10’-foot screen.
Allister Williams, Executive Director of the Music Festival announced the artistes who have been confirmed to perform at the Festival and the line-up of performers for each of the three nights, Thursday June 26 through Friday June 28. The artists announced included Grammy Award Winning artistes John Legend and Billy Ocean along with leading Zouk musical act Kassav, the Paul Peress Project, Russel Tompkins Jr. and the New Stylistics, Calypso Rose, Nu Vybes Band International. Additional acts will be announced closer to the date of the event.
The St. Kitts Music Festival has become a well-established Caribbean and International event attracting international visitors as well as locals with a mix of musical styles on the popular market, including R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Soca, Calypso, Gospel and Contemporary music while reflecting a uniquely Caribbean flavour.
Bushman Chants “Get It In Your Mind”
Get It In Your Mind, the eighth album recorded by singer and songwriter Bushman has been released since March 2008 and is poised to be a mega record selling success for the year. The independently released album on Bushman’s record label, Burning Bush, is a thirteen track musical catalogue with a video enhancement track called Gun Ting.
With the release of the album and his superior vocal style and piercing lyrics, Bushman is slated to perform across the world for the upcoming months. Upcoming performances include an appearance in St.Kitts along with Freddie McGreggor on Saturday May 31 called Double Trouble. His tour of Europe for the first in four years commences in July and his debut performances in Japan and Australia are slated for the month of August.
But the summer does not end there for Bushman, as his Burning Bush Record Label in collaboration with Penthouse Records will be releasing a complete album honouring the Reggae Legend, Peter Tosh. The album bears the title Bushman Sings the Bush Doctor and is set to release in July.
Much is to be expected from the powerful showcase of lyrical prowess and stage presence that usually characterizes Bushman’s performances.
Mr. Vegas Jumpstarts College Rave Tours
One can always count on popular singjay Mr. Vegas to give an entertaining stage performance. Now, Mr. Vegas’ college fan base is getting the rare opportunity of experiencing him live and direct during his multi-city “College Rave” tour.
Mr. Vegas is thrilled with the tour’s success as he attracts full venues at each stop along the way. He has rocked the houses of Trinity College, Northeastern University, Spellman College and Buffalo University with just eight remaining colleges to storm. College fans have been extremely receptive to Mr. Vegas’ appealing sets, as he keeps them exciting and full of energy — joined by top notch dancer Boricia Anthony Brown and DJ extraordinaire Bryan Dobson aka Fatta Diamond.
Mr. Vegas boasts a wide catalogue of hits, but it is his electrifying stint of Hot Wuk that propels the crowd into sustained frenzy. At the half-way mark of his set, Mr. Vegas performs the fiery track and advises the crowd that he has brought someone to show the Jamaican authenticity of the dance. Boricia then enters stage and puts a dent in the floor with her sensational moves.
As a vehicle of incorporating the college students into the show, a dance contest is held. Highlights of the tour can be seen on myspace.com/mrvegas. The “College Rave” tour is just one of the many recent accolades under Mr. Vegas’ belt.
The past year has been quite rewarding for the popular artist, as he has unleashed hit after hit, shined on stellar remixes with the likes of Kat Deluna/Lil’ Kim and Trey Songz. Additionally, Mr. Vegas blazes in the new smash video of Hot Gal Nuh Fight Ova Man, which is in rotation on numerous video outlets.
With much more instore for the fans visit one of the eight remaining schools for the Mr. Vegas “College Rave” tour!
Source: Irish and Chin
Serani Inks Two-album Deal
One of dancehall’s hottest new artistes, Craig ‘Serani’ Marsh, has signed a two-album deal with Japan label JVC Entertainment. The producer, now turned singer, says, “It’s exciting for me because since I took the decision to add singing to my repertoire, the response has been great.”
Serani gained public recognition as a singer when collaborated with Bugle and Movado with hit singles Doh and Dying respectively.
After reaping success there, Serani went on to record a number of other hit songs, among them, Stinking Rich, She Loves Me and Study People. According to Serani, “people have taken on to my songs very quickly, which I am very thankful for.” Now, as Serani focuses his attention on his new two-album deal in Japan, he will be moving full speed ahead to ensure the success of these albums. He admitted to being, “very driven, when it comes on to music whichever aspect I am devoted to, making dancehall and reggae bigger worldwide.”
Source: Irish and Chin
The Show Goes On For Esco
Esco, formally of the duo, Leftside and Esco, has been busy in the studios recording with a wide range of Dancehall producers as well as focusing on his own production efforts for his newly formed 1-1-1 Productions. Some of Esco’s new songs receiving wide airplay in Jamaica include; Don’t Hail We from Jamaica’s DJ Sunshine’s all new Ghetto Wuk riddim, Bust A Whine a one off from Esco’s 1-1-1 Productions, Wow from Natural Bridge Record’s Sea Breeze riddim and Dun Dem Credit featuring Fresh from Seanizzle’s Creepa riddim.
Esco’s more than demonstrating his creativity and versatility with his all new TGSO (meaning The Show Goes On) riddim features songs like; Head A Leak by Delly Ranx featuring Smurf, Do It Hot by Deva Bratt, Control Dis Ting by Esco, Fren Ova Gal by Fambo, Horny Anyone from Fresh, Hot Gal Step Out by Malica and Nah Come from Wayne Marshall.
Esco has also been making a consistent mark within the Soca community. First, with releases as a part of the former duo Leftside & Esco and more currently based on some of his own collaborations. Some of the new Soca tunes Esco has recorded include : Wine of my dreams on the Response Riddim produced by Johann Seaton of Sel Construction and All Day RMX with Shurwayne Winchester and Johnny King. He even joined Shurwayne Winchester to perform their song in front of an excited soca crowd in Jamaica during the Carnival season a few weeks ago.
Esco is in the prep stages of shooting a few videos in the next couple of weeks and has plans to work with Jamaica’s most esteemed international video director Ras Kassa.
He is one of the artistes scheduled to perform at the upcoming UNA Awards (Urban Music Awards) taking place at the Reggae Beach Venue on Saturday, April 26. The UMA’s are being televised in several countries including; Barbados CBC, France, England Channel U and BBC Free, Jamaica CVM and RE TV, Japan Bap TV and US on BET J. The winners of the UMA Awards are being selected by the general public via a voting system on their website here.
Source: Rude Gal Enterprise
Calypso King Mighty Sparrow Hits B.B.King Blues Club and Grill
Calypso King, the Mighty Sparrow will grace B.B. King Blues Club and Grill on Saturday, May 31 to once again reinforce the fact that he is the ruler of the calypso music industry. The show commences at 8:00 pm and will prove to be a historical moment as the &ldquoKing” performs hit after hit from his wide collection of seventy (70) albums.
All patrons are guaranteed an extraordinary performance as the Mighty Sparrow uses his unique showmanship and talent to educate and entertain. The show promises wholesome family entertainment accentuated by the delectable treats from the restaurant that the venue hosts.
New York City will come alive on Saturday, May 31 as the Mighty King Sparrow unravel the secrets of Caribbean life in his performance at the B.B. King Blues Club and Grill. Tickets are currently on sale on the web here.
Source: B.B. King Blues
