Thursday, December 20, 2007

THEY WILL BE THERE....

NEED A BETTER REASON TO BE AT I SCREAM
Photos By: Christopher Icey Jace Campbell


Wednesday, December 19, 2007

DEMARCO, ETHEOPIAN AND PABLO ESCOBAR IN THIS WEEKS "YARD LENS"

Photos By: Christopher Icey Jace Campbell
For promo use contact jamiceyjace@yahoo.com







I SCREAM LADIES CHILLIN WITH DANCEHALL NEWCOMER DEMARCO

I SCREAM... YOU SCREAM.... DEC 23rd WE ALL SCREAM

The Premier event for the Christmas season.
Where will you be ?

SOLID AGENCY LEADING THE WAY

By far we the best.
Checkout >>> WWW.SOLIDAGENCY.COM

GEORGE NOOKS THE LOVE DOCTOR ON "SO EXCITED"

Photo By: Icey Jace
Words: Icey Jace
Months after releasing his album “So Excited” veteran lover’s rock singer George Nooks is busy promoting his12 track project which can be regarded as his best effort yet. Undeniably fresh and full of well composed songs the album which was released on C&I Records is a classic blend for both the young and young at heart as it opens up the doors of several genres such as Dancehall, Jazz, Reggae and Rock Steady. Taking it to the notepad Nooks collaborated with both Ian Clough & Calvini Bakker to present beautiful songs of love and compassion with a separate few addressing social and political issues giving the album a complete scope as far as content goes. Incorporating his unique vocals on a bouncy up tempo dancehall rhythm Nooks starts things off with a bang getting dancehall DJ Mad Cobra to join him on the title track that tells a vivacious story of guy likes girls. From there Nooks embrace the realities of hard life on Never Giving In thanking Jah for his many blessings and inspirations as he chants the rebellious hook. Next up is Easy Girl which has a peculiar feel reminiscent of music recorded in the mid 80’s, a definite standout track Nooks commands the tasteful melody, making singing look easy for the duration of the song.

Well known for swaying the ladies Nooks Crying at Night is the passionate late night icebreaker that will have women anticipating similar fantasy tales down the line. Representing 35 years in the business Nooks takes Foot Soljah to heart making the track an interesting listen with emotional notes of hope and dedication. Summing up the album tracks 6 through to 12 are all masterful lover’s rock slow jams that will no doubt embrace the hearts of women giving them reassuring message clad stories of “love gone sour, come back sweet” and “forever yours hold me tight” in the music. As lined in the track listing Thinking, Flower, Separated, Caribbean Queen, Genuine Love, Touch My Life and My Woman compliments the overall mood of the album which is centered on relationship experiences, both the good and the bad. The album is a great listen especially when you and your significant other are feeling enchanted and just want to set the mood right. A reliable source of great music George Nooks looks set to represent for another 35 years.

Now planning a possible tour European tour George Nooks is looking to take “So Excited” international. He has already confirmed distribution deals with several record companies such as VP Records, Tuff Gong Records and Dynamic Sounds not to mention the fact that fans can download a digital copy of “So Excited” on I Tunes, Napster and ebreggae.com

Available in record stores island wide.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

ISLAND GEOOVE MAGAZINE LAUCH STING 2007 ISSUE @ ASYLUM

In Photo: Island Groove Editor-In-Chief Danesia Williams & Dancehall Artist Danielle

Now celebrating its third successive issue Island Groove Magazine officially launched its Guinness Sting 2007 Edition last Friday night to a jam packed Asylum Night Club which also played host to the 1st of several Sting road shows geared towards increased promotion. Island Groove which featured Dancehall artist D Angel on its August/September cover this time embraced another upcoming female artist in Danielle who will be performing at Sting this year. Volume one Issue # three takes an in-depth look at Sting’s glorious past and more disciplined present, highlighting the events rich history of Dancehall’s finest moments with a few snapshots and details of who will be performing and what fans can expect from their favorite artists come December 26th. Among the top artists making their Island Groove debut are Busy Signal, Demarco, Christopher Martin, Bounty Killer, Ninja Man, Beenie Man, Bugle & Shane O with the sexy hardcore DJ Danielle taking the centre fold feature. Editor-In-Chief of the print Danesia Williams, Photographer Nicketa Thomas and Contributing Writer Christopher Icey Jace Campbell were elated about the release after months of preparation and showed solidarity at the launch that was attended by several prominent entertainment figures as well as media stations.

Looking rather stunning and enjoying her first ever cover feature Danielle was up and about signing autographs for the dozens of patrons who rushed to the V.I.P area of the club to get their free promotional copy of the magazine which is currently published six times a year. With only a handful of other local magazines in circulation Island Groove is a welcomed addition to the changing entertainment industry that is highly dependent of such mediums to highlight the work of Reggae and Dancehall Artists.
Support the development of the industry and get your copy.

Available at Book Stores & Pharmacies island wide.
Visit: www.islandgroovejm.com

Friday, December 7, 2007

THE LOCAL LINE UP `'I SCREAM" SUNDAY DEC 23rd @ JAMES BOND BEACH ORACABESSA

JAY Z AMERICAN GANGSTA ALBUM "DID IT MAKE THE CUT"

Hip-hop's never seen anything like this before. It's never had the chance to see a legend reflect on his career, taking a step back and offering insight into the madness before the fame, while objectively considering the consequences and chances. But in the world of hip-hop, Jay-Z may be the exception to every rule. No rapper has achieved his success in both the rap world and under world and lived to tell it.
Not truly needing any form of validation, American Gangster is Jay-Z's authoritative stamp on the rap world, his answer to all those who doubted him after 2006's Kingdom Come. Inspired by the 1970's based Ridley Scott film of the same name, Gangster shows Jay-Z at his most mature, most composed, and most vindicated.
Beats play like a victory march; a celebration of all things hustler. It's a journey through the lifestyle, from top to bottom and back again. The closing "American Gangster," Jay's exodus from the game and hustling epilogue, cuts out in exultation (and releases Reasonable Doubt). Sampling the decadent Motown sounds of Frank Lucas' time, Jay captures the lavish lifestyle of a mogul in his heyday with "Sweet" and "Say Hello," both are soulful testimonies of a man above the law, his only enemy being himself.

Jay's raps occasionally rely too heavily on pop culture, with references to Britney Spears and Tony LaRussa firmly dating the record in its modernity. But perhaps that's all that's keeping it from being a timeless classic. Backed by the all-star production lineup of Diddy, Jermaine Dupri, The Neptunes, No I.D., and Just Blaze, Jay's given the freedom to do what he does best: boast his greatness. And what greatness he has.

Source: Ballerstatus.com

SASSY ENTERTAINMENT PERSONALITY FLAMZE TALKS "SEX, DRUGS & ENTERTAINMENT"

Photo's By: Icey Jace
Jampress Writer: Icey Jace
In the year 2000 Harlem born rapper Camron released his second full length album under the title S.D.E >> Sports, Drugs and Entertainment as it was thought at the time each was dependent on the other. Though highly controversial the album went on to sell gold and was the door opener for the now Diplomat Records C.E.O. Several years later and thousands of miles away here in Kingston Jamaica one of local Radio Station RJR 94FM’s sexiest young Personality Sidony Smith more popularly known as Flamze has decided to break the ice on S.D.E in her own special way replacing her views on Sports with her rather interesting views on Sex . At 26 Flamze is a familiar face that can be seen hosting major stage show events as well as chairing Press Launches and Album Releases, she even has her own evening program fitting called “Catch A Fyah” which air’s Monday to Saturday 1-5 PM. Speaking openly in a recent interview on each topic she gave revealing details about her Sex Life, personal views on the illegal Drug Marijuana as well as her vision for the local Entertainment Industry. Below are excerpts from the actual interview recorded on Sunday December 2nd, The Full length interview can be heard on her myspace page.

Interviewer
Tuff Question, kinda cheeky but tell me, when was the last time Flamze had Sex?
FLAMZE
About the end of August, but by the time this interview comes out I’ll be having sex. YES…….. (Laughs)
Interviewer
Aright how important is sex in your relationships?
FLAMZE
It’s very important but at the same time I don’t put it on a pedestal and say “oh my god if this relationship doesn’t have sex it’s not gonna happen”.
Interviewer
Talk to me about your Sex Life now, is the Sex Life good?
FLAMZE
Very good, (laughs), yes very very good I have no complaints im comfortable with a guy with his off days, its not everytime I want the whole Marathon hour, half hour, forty five minute thing. If its two minute we good, just make it count.(laughs)

Interviewer
Ok on to Drugs, have you ever smoked Marijuana?
FLAMZE
I have, I’ve tried it, I didn’t like the feeling it gave me because it mek mi feel I’m not in control of the situation. I started crying and it was a horrible experience for me so although I’m a Rass I don’t really burn weed.
Interviewer
Do you think Marijuana should be commercialized and be readily available in stores and pharmacies?”
FLAMZE
Yes and No, Yes because it would eliminate a lot of police work quite frankly, lol all the raids on ganja field and farms but at the same time the people who control the money side of Marijuana are gonna loose and you know what that means.
Interviewer
Ok Entertainment, what do you think about the quality of dancehall at the moment?”
FLAMZE
I think it can be better, I think there’s way too much violence and I’m speaking about it from a Disc Jockeys perspective. I don’t like the derogatory comments made about women, I don’t like to see sex promoted way out of control, its like too “In Your Face”. Dancehall can be conscious; a lot of people think that its only reggae music that’s conscious but I Octane and Teflon for instance “Gun Rise” was a good conscious song.
Interviewer
With the formation of RIAJAM and even the Teen Choice Awards do you think the industry in becoming more professional in carrying out the music?”
FLAMZE
Definitely and it’s a good thing, because we found in the past that a lot of artists have lost out on the financial side because they didn’t know what to do, so you’ll find artists are becoming way more knowledgeable.
Interviewer
At the moment what artists are you really impressed with?”
FLAMZE
There’s quite a number of them but first up I have to represent for the ladies, I love Etana and what she’s doing, the positive toll she’s starting to take on the music, I’m really impressed with Macka Diamond, I think she stepped out of the typical dancehall woman title when she wrote a book. I love and respect the work of artist like Bugle because he’s so humble and he took the time to grow and now he’s reaping the rewards of his years of work.

TO SEE FLAMZE LATEST PHOTO SHOOT CHECK OUT HER HI5 PAGE / MYSPACE LINK.

Thursday, December 6, 2007

ETANA HOT FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

ETANA SEEN HERE WITH QUEEN IFRICA
PRESS RELEASE 06.12.07
With the Christmas season officially underway the Warrior Love empress Etana will be extremely busy in this the second most productive time of the year in entertainment. Already confirmed at a number of major events Etana is coming off an equally eventful summer season which saw her performing on Reggae Sumfest, Fully Loaded, ATI Appleton Live Concert as well as New York Cities Irie Jamboree in early September. Etana who’s exclusively booked through Solid Agency current calendar stands as follows. On December 8th she will appear in Montego Bay at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex to do Reggae Fever, December 21st will see her performing alongside Collie Buddz and Roots Underground on the annual staging of Welcome To JamRock which will again unfold at the Constant Spring Football Field. From there its back to back performances the first of which starts on the 23rd with the inaugural staging of Celebrity Access Jamaica’s “I SCREAM” show @ James Bond Beach Oracabessa, next up would be Island Explosion on the 24th at the Country Club in May Pen Clarendon. GT Taylor’s Christmas Extravaganza will be on Dec 25th and Etana will again be representing in all her splendor with the critically acclaimed, chart topping single Roots. Completing the extensive list of billings will be Guinness Sting 2007 where she will perform in the Singers Paradise segment on Dec 26th at the Jam world Entertainment Centre Portmore. For further details of where you can see the now VP Records recording artist perform checkout her myspace page

>>> www.myspace.com/etanathestrongone

ETANA PERFORMS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS

On November 28th it was all about giving back, as reggae singer Etana made herself available for an exclusive charity performance for Students and Teachers of the Carberry Court Special School located in Papine St. Andrew. Etana who already has a hefty schedule in and out of the island recognized the obstacles faced by the children many of whom were physically or mentally challenged and thought it fitting to provide a little treat to the youngsters. Arriving at minutes past 2PM the inspiring young vocalist went right into her performance with defining cheers and smiling faces in the backdrop. Giving her all Etana was brilliant in delivering a passionate performance of her current catalog of singles. From Wrong Address to Roots which she had to do twice as requested by the students it was an overwhelming feeling when she sang the track Money which despite not having great promotional support seemed to have been known by several persons in the audience. Introducing the Warrior Love single to the gathering Etana once again sought to highlight the importance of compassion in everyday life as the single represents her very first song about relationships and love. At the end of the performance segment Etana spent some time walking and talking to the children who were all presented with promotional items courtesy of The Strong One herself who is the progressive entrepreneurial Owner of the record label Free Mind Music >> The B.E.S Records. Supported by her Road Manager and Promotion Assistant, Etana took pictures and autographed books for the over 50 students. At the end of the proceedings she was presented with a plant as a show of gratitude from the school but not before sharing in a few hugs and laughter.
Currently preparing for a busy December season Etana is already confirmed for several major events including Damian Junior Gong’s annual event Welcome To JamRock. She is also still campaigning towards the release of her debut album Etana The Strong One due out early 2008 and for now fans of the singer can anticipate the release of a brand new single in the coming days.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Thursday, November 22, 2007

ETANA HYPE TV INTERVIEW WITH NIKKI Z

BEENIE MAN COLLAPSE @ POPULAR KGN CLUB


Beenie Man fainted after feeling ill ad collapsed in the arms of Quad security personnel early this morning, just minutes after getting into a vocal argument with Ice, a dancer, in the club.BeenieMan1.jpgIt is as yet unclear what could have caused the deejay to feel ill, but it could perhaps been a combination of his libation of Hennessey, Heineken, Red Bull, exhaustion from dancing, the argument and his recent emotional and financial woes.The deejay collapsed and was immediately held by members of the Quad security detail. He was drifting in and out of consciousness for at least three minutes. At first, he failed to respond to questions, then he eventually revived, and drank a bottle of water, and then resumed partying.
Earlier, the deejay had attended a special function in the Asylum nightclub for members of the media and entertainers. Sting promoter Isaiah Laing had playfully tried to get Beenie Man and D'Angel to reconcile their differences inside the club. He even tried to pull Beenie Man towards Angel at one time, but Beenie Man resisted.
The X News publication was given a certificate of appreciation for its continuous support to Nite Time Promotion over the years. The award was handed to X News marketing executive Doretta Wynter.

source: one876entertainment.com

WEEKLY CELEBRITY PICS (22.11.07)






MIMS, CHAM & JUNIOR REID PERFORMANCE @ HGS

Monday, November 19, 2007

WAYNE MARSHALL WORKING ON 2ND SOLO ALBUM FOR 2008 RELEASE



WAYNE MARSHALL is at it again, after blazing radio airwaves this year with songs like Cocky, Astronaut, Who & Dem, Smoking on some and his most recent release Pot Holes the Alliance DJ will finally be putting out his second solo album soon. Marshall who has been having a great year was recently present at a photo shoot for an upcoming December 23rd event and had this to say on what fans can expect the second time around. “Well im working on my second album, in the studios with Steven McGregor, Jam Two, Delly Ranks, Left Side and Esco as well. Im doing work with various producers right now but the album is the thing that’s number one on the agenda so mi kinda a take it to them more to the street, create the buzz and get everybody calling the name and anticipating the project and then we can eventually drop the album probably some time next year. We working on tracks with Sean Paul right now in the studio for my album that’s going to be hot, but it’s not finished yet. The same thing for Junior Gong me and him have two prospective collaborations in the works which I’m looking forward to, me and Tessanne Chin is going to be rocking on the album as well plus me and Chino did some hot stuff recently. It’s a whole heap a work, im just going to do a lot of hot songs and scale down to make sure the album is an All Star cast when it actually comes out”.
Marshall is also hard at work on the Alliance album alongside Bounty Killer, Mavado, Busy Signal and Bling Dawg which has a similar 2008 timeline. The first single Keeping it gangsta which features Marshall is now getting heavy radio rotations and will no doubt help setup his solo effort. His album which is still untitled is expected to be the rise of a new more focused Marshall with more potent crossover records that will ultimately bring his career to the next level.

Friday, November 16, 2007

APPLE LAUNCHES NEW ALBUM FOR SHAGGY




Visitors to the Apple Store in downtown Manhattan got the shock of their lives when they literally bumped into dancehall superstar Shaggy. The reggae icon unveiled his new album, Intoxication, for fans and media on Wednesday, November 7.

"The Apple Store event was a preview of the album to support our iTunes downloads, and also to have an intimate setting for our fans," reveals Shaggy. Joined by members of the Big Yard family, including Rik Rok and Rayvon, plus Collie Buddz and Da'Ville, Shaggy performed new tunes from Intoxication, including his latest single featuring Rik Rok, Bonafide Girl.

"The thing that I look forward to the most about this album is that it bridges the gap between my core audience and my mainstream fans," discloses the 20-times platinum, Grammy Award-winning artist.Fans around the world can catch Shaggy when he takes up some prime couch time on Late Night with Jay Leno (NBC), The Late LateShow with Craig Ferguson (CBS), and Tavis Smiley (PBS), during the week of release.

Intoxication is a joint venture between Shaggy's own label, Big Yard Music Group, and VP Records. Fans can either lineup on Tuesday, November 13 when the album hits stores, or log on to where else, iTunes.

EINSTEIN - REVELING IN LYRICAL WARFARE



Dancehall has long been the genre of showdowns & clashes with anyone bold enough to step in its arena earning the chance to compete with the best of the best. Lyrically driven it takes skillful artists to compose melodies and hooks that have a shelve life of longer than 4 weeks, not to mention the appeal needed to grace highly competitive local circuit charts. The year is 2007 and a bubbling young DJ in Einstein is preparing for a musical assault. Having only recently received recognition as a true lyricist Einstein exudes confidence in his work. Judging by his string off break out singles he is ready for warfare with sharp flows flipping verse in verse out with the deep texture of a well trained voice powering over most of the summer’s hottest riddim tracks. Einstein who is an independent artist with no label ties is however the first to tell you that this is only the beginning and dancehall is no one man band, “connections and goodwill goes a far way in getting your work out to the masses”. Now coming into his own Einstein has an attentive audience craving new records, mix that with the respect of most local Radio DJ’s and in a few years dancehall could see a next crossover prospect.
His image is crisp and with a distinct personality that seems to explode once he steps foot on stage mic in hand the Rise up the Rifle DJ is strapped with extra clips in hand scoping a successful career in music.
ONE876 went in search of the rising artist to get a better feel of what he has to offer dancehall music.

EINSTEIN
Real name: Jermaine Einstein Shaw
Community: Spoilers/ Central Kingston/ South Side/ Jungle
Management: Independent

ONE876
Ok Einstein what made you decide to become a DJ?
EINSTEIN
“Well it was good music first of all; all type of music Hip hop, Rap, Souls, Dancehall and more so the artists. The artists dem that put out good work, the lyricist dem because what draw me to music is lyrics, me a DJ from me a 10 y.o but mi really start pay attention at 14 to Bounty Killa, Spragga Benz and many more.
ONE876
What was your first break out single?
EINSTEIN
“Well the first single that I did was a song called Love Your Life on True Blue Recording Label in 2001 and the second one was Nah Run that I did for Scatta Dancehall Rock Riddim inna 2003 and the third one was Wet Up Yourself for Scatta also but the real break out single was Rise The Machine / Excalibur that I did for Steven McGregor on the Power Cut Riddim, Yea that was the big one.
RudegaL.com
What are some of the strides you’ve made so far, how has things been progressing?
EINSTEIN
“Well a long time mi inna the music business and nothing never really use to gwan, even when we a do the first set a songs but since me sing the tune for Steven “Genius” McGregor it really tek mi places cause all people a call from foreign now dem want to book me for shows, a Jamaica mi start get a whole lot of shows to do. I have some small island shows coming up, one in New York a tour in Germany, so since that song progress has been made.
ONE876
How would you describe your style of DJ?
EINSTEIN
“Well my style is a type of Singjay but it hardcore, it not really soft, Lol. It have hooks, it catchy, I sing for the punch lines and just flow but when mi touch the verses mi really meditate cause mi like lyrics, mi like when someone can listen and get substance out of it.
ONE876
Who are some of the producers you’ve worked with?
EINSTEIN
“Mi work with Steven McGregor everybody done know that, mi work with Jam Two, Birch, Delly Ranks a real good producer and DJ, mi work with Baby G that a Jam Two brother King Jammy’s youth dem, Disc Jock Ice from Coppershot and nuff other producers.
ONE876
I saw a video clip of your latest single Black Rain Fall, talk to me about that project?
EINSTEIN
“Well Demarco is the producer of the song, he called me one night and ask me to voice on his riddim so I jumped on my bike and go down to King Jammy’s studio and me and him sit down a vibe till mi come up with the melody Black Rain Fall. After it done mix mi decide say me ago give them a video for it so mi check mi video director friend Smokie and do a video, right now it a get crazy rotation but Black Rain Fall is not the only new single out, Mi have a ting call Shoot Dem Up on Delly Ranks Shoota Riddim and mi have High Rise on Jam Two Slash Out Riddim.
ONE876
Ok and you have a mix tape out?
EINSTEIN
“Yea mon the mix tape a go hard people love it cause me is a man that promote my ting dem, mi nuh feel shame fi tek a money outta mi pocket and buy 2000 CD and burn it and give them away free just like how mi tek my money outta my pocket and shoot my video fi promote the ting.
ONE876
Aright go ahead and big up all who help Einstein along in music, call some names.
EINSTEIN
“As mi say big up the producer dem, big up Scatta, Jam Two, Demarco, Delly Ranks, Steven McGregor, DJ Ice, Baby G, DJ Marvin, DJ Quami, ZJ Liquid, Troy Porter and all other Disc Jocks that hear Einstein and say yow da youth ya have potential cause at the end of the day me only make the first move.

RAPPER MIMS ROCK HEINEKEN GREEN SYNERGY FINALS



By: Christopher “ icey jace ” campbell
New York based Rapper MIMS whose ring tones download sales earned millions thanks to his critically acclaimed This Is Why I’m Hot single gave a superstar, encore performance in Kingston, Jamaica recently. Billed alongside One Blood messenger Junior Reid & the man with a Conscience Cham formerly Baby Cham to headline the Heineken Green Synergy 2007 DJ Finals on Oct 27th the rapper that tosses flows and rocks the meanest hooks signaled to his Jamaican fan base that it was time to Party Like a Rock star.
Dressed in a diamond studded Black Tee and dark blue jeans MIMS got thinks popping with Tupac’s Hail Mary gig, there after lacing a few potent records from his Music Is My Savior album.

With loud cheers and hands raised in the air as requested by the rapper the large crowd that had crammed into the Chinese Benevolent HQ wanted more and so they where given his second official single Like This, a bouncy, eclectic track that caused a massive jump fest. Saving the best for last MIMS then told everyone why he’s so hot in an impressive solo performance of his biggest record to date This Is Why Im Hot. With the ladies grabbing at his legs and digital cameras and cell phones flashing away MIMS had the crowd singing word for word but after cutting the second verse called in re-enforcements in Junior Reid & Cham. As the stage lights went dim and the signature intro of the Remix echoed from the speakers it was 100 % pandemonium. In comes Junior Reid starting the simple task of holding the performance vibe “Tu Tu Twea…. This is why im hot…” and yes the crowd again sang word for word with Reid decked in full white with matching turban. Next up was Mr. Wow Wow himself Cham “I got my clip to the rear of me, punks live in fear of me” and off he went juggling his verse to the hundreds who had turned out. The three now on stage signified the power of the remix, with each getting an even share of the spotlight MIMS, Junior Reid and Cham then exited the stage. After the performance defending champion DJ Fines of the Bahamas reclaimed his title and took home a cheque for US$10,000. Backstage the rapper was as cool as can be doing interviews with HYPE TV & CVM TV while Buzz Magazine Photographer Roy Sweetland exercised his camera lens.

ETANA WINS BEST CULTURAL ARTISTE @ TEEN CHOICE AWARD



OCT 27th PRESS RELEASE
Promising roots/reggae singer Etana was finally acknowledged for her year long dominance in reggae music at the inaugural TeenAge Choice Awards hosted on Oct 26th at the Pegasus Hotel. The awards which represent the choice of the average everyday teen launched out with 23 diverse categories that spanned everything from Entertainment & Sports to Fashion & Food, teenagers across the island spoke and the awardees were named based on votes via text messaging. The stunning young vocalist who just recently shot a video for her latest single Warrior Love was nominated in two categories. In the Female Artist of the Year category Etana was welcomed alongside the likes of Tessanne Chin, Macka Diamond & Alaine while in the Best Cultural Artiste category Etana took home the award ahead of Tanya Stephens, Queen Ifrica and Tarrus Riley. Graceful in all her glory Etana was overjoyed but humble in receiving the Best Cultural Artiste Award, her first award of this magnitude.

ETANA SINGS FOR HEINEKEN GREEN SYNERGY FINALISTS




OCT 27TH PRESS RELEASE
Heavily in demand Etana cleared a few hours of her busy Saturday Oct 27th schedule and joined a panel discussion to give the Heineken Green Synergy DJ Finalists food for thought as they went into competition later that night. The Forum which was held at Big Yard Studios gave each finalist a chance to sit and talk to persons directly involved in the local Entertainment Industry. Etana was among an esteemed panel of industry reps that spoke on the problems associated with piracy, the high cost of Dub plates to DJ’s, the process and tools of making a riddim as well as how each any every player in the Music Industry can benefit financially. Joining Etana on stage were recording artists Busy Signal, Beast, Demarco, Chris Martin and Benzley Hype while producers Shane Brown and Christopher Birch spoke on why dancehall riddims come out so fast one behind the other. On Stage host Winford Williams posed questions to the panel as journalist from several local and international media stations covered the proceeding. A special request however came from one of the Green Synergy DJ’s who said to Etana “sing the chorus to your big tune” as she replied “which of them” he hastily responded “you know which one” as the room of observers chuckled with laughter. Etana then went back to spring 2006 and gave a soothing acapella performance of her smash single Wrong Address, surprising many of the regional finalists who despite not speaking English were empowered by her sound.
Etana is already confirmed for several big Christmas events with the biggest being a booking on this year Guinness Sting which is being staged under the theme The Unity.

MARLON BINNS TRACKING VOCALS FOR VP RECORDS ALBUM



Upcoming reggae crossover singer Marlon Binns has been steadily taking his music to the next level. Binns who got his big break back in 2005 when he teamed up with the warlord Bounty Killer on the groovy club single Turn Me On is now working on his debut album for VP Records. The album which is due out mid 2008 will be the first of a two album deal the singer signed with the famed record label after being introduced by Sharon Burke to a VP Executive. Now in the studio tracking vocals for the still untitled project Binns has been reintroducing himself to the industry with a number of fresh singles. Make It which features his Solid Agency label mate Teflon is a smooth inspiring song about defying the odds, while Want You Back is the most recent track produced by the great Saliem who has worked with the likes of Sean Paul, Lauren Hill & Wayne Marshall. In speaking of his recent progress Binns expressed gratitude for being offered such an opportunity. “Everybody deserves a chance so mi feel good to know that I’m gonna do an album; we’ll see where it can go from there”. Binns who incidentally has a brother involved in music says he will be including him on the album that is shaping up to be 13-15 track effort. “Marvin Binns is his name and me and him on the album we have crazy things together, we are individual artists but more time we sing together”. In acknowledging the many obstacles he’s sure to face in the coming months Binns say one way or another it will happen. “There’s a lot of criticism out there from people as long as you trying to be progressive but we open to criticism cause that what makes us better”.

ETANA WARRIOR LOVE PREMIER




WARRIOR LOVE VIDEO
PREMIERS ON HYPE TV


nov 3rd PRESS RELEASE
Dem can’t stop the way, I feel for you my love has no boundary, dem can’t bully the way mi feel, I fight for you when you fight for me, dem cant stop the way, dem wish and dem hope and dem fight and dem pray… dem cant stop this Warrior Love.
2 Weeks after reggae singer Etana wrapped her Warrior Love video shoot the final edited cut was officially premiered Friday Nov 2nd on local entertainment station HYPE TV. Etana who has so far entrusted video director ISHACK with all her projects commented in an earlier HYPE TV interview with Nikki Z that she wanted to show a different side of her talent. “A lot of people was always saying like how come you do all these strong uplifting rights and justice songs and you don’t do any love songs, so I figured alright then let me just give them a love song, but it had to be the right love song the love song that heist up the King man dem to the highest level and tell how a relationship should be to the highest level. So it’s like setting an example same way message in the music”.
Commenting on her onscreen Warrior Love with Roots Underground Band member Steven Newland Etana said it was a good vibe. “You know what Steven is just a cool person, mi love him locks, it’s thick and the girls always talking about it so I figured mi ago big him up same way” lol.
The video which looks very sharp and has a lot of artistic details in the editing has so far been getting rave reviews. Sharon Burke of Solid Agency saw the premier and was pleased with the outcome. “I love the video I think they (the directors / producers) did a good job, it really does the song justice”. Etana who is currently away on business was unable to see the final cut but said she was joyous about the shoot. Now getting a buzz, fans of the singer will have to vote to keep the Warrior Love video in rotation.