RealVibez

Cezar Takes Jamaican Music To A New Fan Base

2008-05-14T18:13:00.000-07:00

Fresh new Remix of 'Keep On' transforms a positive message into an Electro Reggae club sensation

Wednesday, 12 May, 2008 – Kingston, Jamaica: - It was the dance remix of Bob Marley's Sun is Shining in 1999 that brought a positive reggae message to the attention of a new age of young club goers and now in 2008 Cezar is doing the same. Under the direction of his new management RHH Music Corp., Cezar's award winning single Keep On has now been remixed by German house music production duo Peter Spencer and Josh Hill aka Spencer & Hill, transforming Cezar's pure reggae message into a Reggae Electro remix and new club sensation.

Rodney Hill, CEO of RHH Music Corp. and Cezar's manager, explains the rationale behind the remix: "This remix opens the door to having a reggae soul artist heard in house clubs throughout the world where at any given time there are thousands of clubbers, creating a new fan base. The sky is now the limit for Cezar."

The remix was commissioned by Ultra Records, a leading independent electronic label based in New York, who bought the licence for the original reggae version in 2007. The original reggae version of Keep On, written by Cezar and produced by David Kennedy, caught the attention of Ultra Records after copping 2nd place at the International Song Writing Competition in May of 2007.

With nearly 15,000 hits on YouTube in just 2 months, the remixed track has been getting incredible attention internationally not just because of the club appeal but also because of the international message. With lyrics like: "You just got to keep on trying, and keep doing the best with the hand that you get. Don't give up that fight! You can't stop you can't weep, can't keep on crying. Keep doing your best you know life is a test. It's gonna be alright!" Keep On is an uplifting anthem of perseverance, hope and 'active optimism'.

Keep On, an ideology for all ages, has now been remixed to attract a new Electro Reggae fan base, taking Jamaican music and its positive message to a new generation of music listeners and club goers. The remixed single has already been receiving heavy club rotation in the US and Europe especially making a sensation in Russia, Hungary and Brazil.

Listen to the song:

MANAGEMENT CONTACT:

New York:
Rodney Hill - rojat69[@]gmail.com
RHH Music Corp.
(718) 578-2266

Jamaica:
Shannon Hart - shannonehart[@]gmail.com
(876) 361-3575

www.cezarmusic.com
www.myspace.com/cezarmusicpage
www.realvibez.com/cezar

Reggae Sumfest – Best Concert of the Year

2008-05-09T15:27:00.000-07:00

KINGSTON JAMAICA – May 9, 2008. 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 ; to provide a forum for songwriters, performer and musicians to be recognised 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 US 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, commented on receiving the awards, "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 artistes

Machel Montano of Trinidad and 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.

Reggae on the River Eco Music Festival 2008

2008-05-08T05:08:00.000-07:00

PATTERSON, NY - April 20, 2008 - Lauren Drummond, President of LMJ Productions, LLC and Executive Producer of Upstate Reggae on the River Eco Music Festival announced today that noted Caribbean producer, Victor E Lewis, Managing Director of VicRae Inc., will lead the production team of the first annual Upstate Reggae on the River Eco Music Festival at Croton Point Park, Croton-on-Hudson, New York scheduled for August 23, 2008 from 10 AM – 8 PM.

Mr. Lewis is credited with having generated more than $3 million in annual revenues based on performance fees for emerging artists under his representation. A visionary and is instrumental organizer of international entertainment events and has an excellent track record. As a producer, Mr. Lewis has managed successful public events in London, Iceland and various parts of the US. He has produced events for the U.S. Committee for Refugees, notably worked effectively with the NYPD/NYFD's 911 Emergency Fund and Upliftment Jamaica just to name a couple of his successes.

Upstate Reggae on the River Eco Music Festival is an all-day family event that features the "Messenger" roots Reggae icon Luciano with Jah Messenjah band, featuring special guest Mikey General, as well as new sensations Rootz Underground, actor/musician Leon and the People's Band, Latin Rock Band Sequida, and Mystic Dub with more to be announced. A key component of Upstate Reggae on the River Eco Music Festival is a Children's Pavilion where Lydia Adams Davis and Grammy Award winner, John Guth will perform. Our Art Pavilion will feature various local and international artists. Carlos "GoGo" Gomez presents an African/Cuban drum circle workshop and an environmental work shop for all ages. A multitude of vendors will be on hand with foods from all over the Caribbean and Latin America as well as a variety of arts and crafts.

The first annual Upstate Reggae on the River Eco Music Festival will help increase awareness of environmental concerns and the preservation and sustainability effort in the Hudson Valley New York region. This years theme is "Recycling to Save the Planet." this one day event represents a tapestry of various genres of music, art, culture woven to support the message that in order to preserve the environment we must come together to create eco-friendly environments. LMJ Productions, LLC will donate part of the proceeds to Upstate Reggae on the River Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation to deserving educational and environmental organizations.

For tickets or additional information contact LMJ Productions LLC at 845-494-4654 or visit www.upstatereggaeontheriver.org.

ReggaeSumfest 2008 – Ready And Set To Go

2008-05-05T20:50:00.000-07:00

Kingston , Jamaica – May 5, 2008

“Reggae Sumfest 2008 is definitely on for July 13-19, and will once again set standards as the Greatest Reggae Show on Earth”, announced Johnny Gourzong, executive director of the festival.

2008 will mark the 16th presentation of the festival and, by all accounts, it’s shaping up to be another first-class event. As usual, the festival will kick off with the beach party at Tropical Beach on Sunday, July 13, featuring top sound systems. On Thursday, July 17 top dancehall performers will energise the full capacity crowd, while Friday and Saturday will continue the tradition of offering the finest reggae singers and bands, alongside top international stars.

Digicel, Ocean Spray and Air Jamaica, the JTB and VP Records have once again signed on as major sponsors of the event while for the first time, Supreme Ventures has signed on as a Silver sponsor, Red Bull has come on board as a Gold sponsor and Jamrock Magazine as a Platinum sponsor. Negotiations are underway with several other companies who have expressed interest in supporting the event. Media support is once again very strong with CVM on board as the official TV station, Irie FM as the official radio, and the Jamaica Observer as Official newspaper. In addition FAME, HYPE TV, RE TV, TVJ, Linkz FM, ZIP FM, Vybz FM, Megajamz, Buzz Magazine, Jamaican Lifestyle and Whaddat.com, have added their support to the event.

After a seven-year stint as title sponsor, Red Stripe has taken the decision not to renew their title sponsorship for 2008. Organiser’s, Summerfest Productions report that while Red Stripe’s contribution was significant and they will miss working with the company on Sumfest it will in no way deter the festival. They believe in the importance of Reggae Sumfest as a national event that contributes in a large way to the overall economy and are determined to make Reggae Sumfest 2008 a big success with the help of their current sponsors.

The line up for Reggae Sumfest this year promises to be excellent. While not all contracts have yet been signed, a peek at the wish list for the festival revealed that the local line up promises to be as strong as ever. A long list of artistes are being targeted which include Beres Hammond, Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Sizzla, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, Mavado, Busy Signal, Jah Cure, Richie Spice, Macka Diamond ,Brick & Lace, Tami Chynn, , Erup, Queen I-Frica, Etana, Tarrus Riley, Anthony B, Voice Mail., Vybz Cartel,. Demarco, Courtney John. Harry Toddler. No clues were revealed for the International acts, however it was hinted that negotiations were ongoing with some very ‘big names’.

So, while there have been some rumblings in the music concert arena, Reggae Sumfest is still a must go event on the calendar for 2008, and promises to once again surpass the standards set in previous years.

CONTACT:
MARCIA MCDONNOUGH
TOUCHSTONE PRODUCTIONS
876-702-0786

New Video: Stack$ featuring Jah Cure - Flyin' High

2008-04-20T20:58:00.001-07:00

Jah Cure has continued his form since being released from prison and Stack$ is making his mark on the hip-hop in South Florida. Check out the video for this collaboration produced by SOBE Entertainment and Dangazone Music.

Click here to watch

Reggae group Morgan Heritage release new album 'Mission In Progress' Today

2008-04-16T06:12:00.001-07:00

Morgan Heritage, one of the most influential reggae bands today, will be releasing their highly anticipated 10th album Mission In Progress today on VP Records.

Renowned worldwide for their riveting live shows, Morgan's Heritage's new release captures the band bottling the power of its stage performance on disc and infusing its songs with a heavier dose of hip-hop. Produced by Morgan Heritage (with a few songs helmed by Shane Brown and Stephen McGregor son of reggae singer Freddy McGregor),MISSION IN PROGRESS lyrically finds the group continuing their quest to bolster their love for reggae music through romantic, street-wise and conscious songs built on slabs of spirituality. Musically however, MISSION IN PROGRESS is the realization of Morgan Heritage’s “ROCKAZ” concept: reggae music with an edge.

"I think this record is the most aggressive one that we've ever done both musically and personally," says vocalist/keyboardist Una Morgan. "A lot of our inner feelings from growing up in the industry and the experiences that we’ve had touring the world, specifically in Africa, are reflected here and served as the inspiration for this album.”

The album's first single is "Raid Rootz Dance" a re-imagined and renamed cover of a Steel Pulse song ("Blues Dance Raid"). The release also features "Brooklyn and Jamaica," the group call's the first song to represent both the old neighborhood and their home for the past 11 years: Jamaica. Other standout songs featured on the album include the straight-up romantic track “Love You Right,” the sublime funk-fueled anthem “Nothing To Smile About” and the golden jam “Faithful.”

Comprised of five offspring of reggae veteran Denroy Morgan, Morgan Heritage is comprised of vocalist/keyboardist Una, vocalist Peter ("Jahpetes"), keyboardist/vocalist Roy ("Gramps"), rhythm guitarist Nakhamyah ("Lukes") and vocalist/MC/percussionist Memmalatel ("Mr. Mojo"). Born in Brooklyn's tough Bushwick neighborhood, the band's five members were raised in Springfield, Massachusetts, and spent their summer vacations back in New York's hippest outer borough, where they returned after high school. Raised with intensive vocal and instrumental training, the Morgan children were exposed to everything from the godfathers of roots reggae to top 40 American radio: from Duran Duran and Tears for Fears to Metallica and Van Halen The band signed to MCA Records in the 90's triggering one of the most impressive streaks in modern-day reggae since. In a dozen years, the band has racked up several hits in Jamaica and abroad, thanks in part to collaborations with such lauded Jamaican producers as Lloyd "King Jammy" James and Bobby Digital.

You can watch Morgan Heritage music videos on Realvibez.

Courtesy of Headline Entertainment

SOHH talks to Elephant Man about his new album - Let's Get Physical

2008-04-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Popular hip-hop site, SOHH.com, sat down with Elephant Man last year and spoke with him about his upcoming album, Let's Get Physical, that was finally released this week (with little promotion) by VP Records and Bad Boy Records after major delays.

Check it out below:

Listen to "Cruise Control" by Mariah Carey feat. Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley

2008-04-15T06:33:00.001-07:00

Mariah's album is out and naturally we have to allow you to listen to the new song Cruise Control. Buy it if you like it.

Realvibez.com featured on CollegeMogul.com

2008-04-13T08:17:00.000-07:00

Realvibez.com recently received an extremely favourable write-up at Collegemogul.com, "a blog and online resource for college entrepreneurship" that also reviews "new and existing companies led by students and young entrepreneurs."

RealVibez: The Caribbean MTV, was written by Alex Lindahl, one of the students who came to hear us speak at Boston College's Entrepreneurship Society last October, a gig that resulted because of Facebook and connecting with Scott Bradley.

We love when non-Caribbean people refer to Realvibez.com as a "Caribbean MTV" because that is exactly what we have been trying to create via the web. It shows that we are achieving that goal and bodes well for the future.

This kind of PR is important for startups and early-stage ventures, you never know who will read the post, and it helps with search engine ranking.

The feature on CollegeMogul is even more important because the blog was recently added to the Startup section of Guy Kawasaki's new venture, Alltop.com, which collects stories from “all the top” sites on the web.

Guy Kawasaki is the author of many books, including The Art Of The Start, and he mailed me a signed copy of his book last year (you can imagine how much I treasure it).

Watch the new GTA IV Trailer feat. music by Mavado

2008-04-01T07:32:00.000-07:00

Yes it is true, Jamaica Dancehall artist Mavado has joined the elite group of artists that have had a song on a videogame soundtrack - Wayne Marshall, Mad Cobra and Damian Marley.

Mavado was recently released on bail after being arrested in Jamaica on shooting with intent and firearm possession charges.

Below is the latest trailer which features the song "Real McKoy":

Realvibez Video Playlist Featured on Imeem.com

2008-03-19T11:12:00.000-07:00

Imeem.com, the 3rd largest social networking site in the US and a strategic partner of ours is featuring our Best Of Realvibez video playlist for the next week and a half.

We are proud to represent the Caribbean music community and help to promote the music to the users of Imeem.

Check out the feature here - http://www.imeem.com/playlists/

Adidas to shine spotlight on Reggae

2008-02-14T07:12:00.000-08:00

Pro Model Tuff Gong

Adidas, the well-known sporting brand, is launching it's first ever global campaign for the Adidas Originals lifestyle brand which sports the trefoil logo launched in 1971.

According to Mediapost, The campaign involves some short films and one of them, "Sounds of the City", will promote a number of Adidas Originals products while spotlighting Reggae from Jamaica.

The first film focuses on Adi Dassler, the founder of Adidas and the is a very short clip of Bob Marley, a fitting tribute to the singer who was well-known for loving football (soccer) and wearing Adidas.

Check out the film here.

Check out some of the Reggae/Jamaica inspired products below:

Marley Jacket

Pro Model Kingston

Kingston Zip Hoodie

Half Pint launches his new album 'No Stress Express' in Jamaica

2008-02-07T10:07:00.000-08:00

The Half Moon Hotel/Resort, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, was the scene on Saturday, January 26, 2008, when the entertainment fraternity turns out to support the launch of the latest venture from superstar artiste, Half Pint. Dignitaries, media personalities from Jamaica, the US, Europe and the Caribbean along celebrities from as far as Germany witnessed the Jamaican launch of his album No Stress Express. This offering will be released worldwide on March 11, 2008 through Half Pint Music / Essential Music Group and distributed via Universal Music Group Distribution.

No Stress Express is deemed to be a classic and is poised to be his best album to date. The hot tracks include “Unity” featuring Jack Maness from Long Beach Dub All Stars / Sublime, “Bad Boys” featuring Sizzla, “Just be Good” featuring R&B songbird Mikki Howard, ‘Mind Over Matter,” ”Suzie,” and "Children of His Majesty.” Half Pint will be performing on three shows in Great Britain to promote the album in February 2008 and a US tour in April / May.

High praises poured out for Half Pint acknowledging his latest achievement. His manager, Loyal Haylett, lamented on his fifteen year relationship with the superstar. Ras Astor Black reminisced on the early days of the artiste's career performing and doing interviews on reggae Roots TV in Chicago. He stated that "Half Pint deserves to be on the Reggae Walk of Fame." Jamaica's Minister Of Culture and Information, the Hon Olivia 'Babsy' Grange stated, "the singer represented the culture of Jamaica and has always made her feel proud." She thanked his record company for supporting Half Pint.

Mr. Desmond Young, the President of the Jamaica Federation of Musicians (JFM) remarked that artistes such as Half Pint make Jamaica the most popular place on earth. Other speakers included Levent Karahan, President of United Music Industries, Derede Whitlock, a representative from the Ministry of Tourism of Antigua and Barbuda, and producer / industry veteran Clifton 'Specialist' Dillon. Mingling in the gathering were Sharon Burke, Ainsworth Davis, Bridgette Anderson, Dacosta Records executives Tyehimba Kafele and Dr. Vernon Dacosta, singers Carol Gonzales and Pam Hall, Ken Williams (WVIP -NYC), Jamusa (WAVS - So Florida), Steve James (Roots FM), Conrad McLeod, Howard Hendricks, David 'Squeeze" Anakie (Link Up Media), Sandra Rose, photographer Dianne Issachar and representatives from The Gleaner, The Sunday Herald, XNEWS, Jamaica Observer, JamRock magazine, Buzzz magazine, Echos magazine,Yard Flex, Bob Arts TV, Carib TV, ReggaeInc.com, Serfphonic Disco among others.

Half Pint has enjoyed a long history of success dating back to the early 1980s. His first big hit “Winsome” was later covered by the Rolling Stones in 1986. Today,he is surrounded by a competent and able support team which consists of manager Loyal Haylett, and Ra-Umi Alkebu-lan " Alkebu-lan / The Media (Jamaica) and Russell Gerlach / Foundation Media (North America).

Da’Ville records ‘Turning Me On’ for Trinidad’s top soca producer $hel $hok

2008-02-05T14:30:00.000-08:00

Da'Ville will be 'turning on' his fans with a brand new single recorded on his Fashozy Record label and produced by O. Thomas, J. Brown and Trinidad's top Soca producer Sheldon '$hel $hok' Benjamin.

You can listen to 'Turning Me On' below. The single is also included in the Realvibez 'Hot Singles' on the front page.

'$hel $hok' started on his musical journey as a drummer and professional deejay and has been working in the music business for the past 16 years. He started building his own rhythms and is currently one of Trinidad's most prolific and contemporary producers, responsible for a string of hit tracks like 'Roll It Out' by Alison Hinds, 'Dance With You' – Machel Montano, 'Sugar Boy' – Patrick Roberts, 'Good Morning' – 3Canal and 'On The Floor' by Mr. Vegas featuring soca diva Destra.

$hel $hok is known to have shaped Trinidad & Tobago's modern sounds for 14 years. He has been featured in Billboard magazine, worked with labels like Motown Records, Virgin Records -France and collaborated with Saalam Remi (producers of the Fugees).

"Hammer" - Rootz Underground's newest music video

2008-01-31T09:52:00.000-08:00

Realvibez.com is the first place anyone can check out the newest music video from Rootz Underground - Hammer.

Click to watch the bigger version

Rootz Underground is an up-and-coming band from Jamaica that formed in 2000. Learn more about them by checking out their official website.

VP Records to acquire Greensleeves Records

2008-01-29T13:10:00.001-08:00

The music industry has seen a wave of consolidations over the last few years as the industry has seen declining sales. The genre of Reggae seems to be a candidate for a major acquisition, one that would create a virtual monopoly.

Today VP Records, which describes itself as "the world’s leading reggae record company", announced that it has made an offer to purchase Greensleeves Records, which is owned by Zest Plc.

Zest Plc acquired Greensleeves Records in March 2006 for £3.25 million. It has traditionally been VP's largest competitor and the acquisition would drastically reduce the number of options for Reggae artists.

Based on an article in the Jamaica Observer today, Music industry players fear looming monopoly, members of the music industry in Jamaica are not too thrilled by this news.

Chris Chin and Randy Chin, respectively Chief Executive Officer and President of VP Records, further added: “Although Greensleeves has historically been our competitor, we have always had the utmost respect for what Greensleeves stood for. The label and its founders had a long term commitment to Reggae music and no one is better positioned than VP Records to understand the need to respect this legacy. We will ensure that Greensleeves remains alive as a brand synonymous with excellence in Reggae and Dancehall music.”

The offer must be approved by the Shareholders of Zest Plc.

VP Records press release

Marley Brothers First Ever Jamaican Performance at Africa Unite

2008-01-24T10:56:00.000-08:00

A reformulated Smile Jamaica partners with the first ever Caribbean staging of Africa Unite at the landmark James Bond Beach for a signature concert featuring Ziggy, Stephen, Julian, Ky-Mani and Damian Marley performing together for the first time on a Jamaican stage.

The dreams of The Legend Bob Marley are realised in momentous staging of Smile Jamaica - Africa Unite at James Bond Beach on Saturday, February 23. To underscore the significance of this pairing, the Marley Brothers will assemble together for their first ever combined performance in Jamaica.

Never before on Jamaica soil, have Ziggy, Stephen, Julian, Ky-Mani and Damian Marley appeared together on a single stage, on a single night. The sheer magnitude of the combined concert event is further enhanced by their participation.

In the five years since his last stage appearance in Jamaica Ziggy has released two critically acclaimed albums. He shook the industry with a Target stores only album release (at the time an unprecedented distribution deal for an independent) and then supported the re-release of Love Is My Religion with a coast to coast US tour.

No stranger to the Grammys, Stephen was recently nominated for his first solo project, Mind Control. Arguably the longest anticipated album in reggae history, the indefinable roots reggae hip hop infused project catapulted Stephen into the limelight as an artiste.

Brother Stephen helped produce Julian’s sophomore set, A Time and Place. Echoing the voice of his father, Julian’s music is reminiscent of a reggae style not easily found on store shelves, but loved the world over.

Highly regarded as an actor, with a number of film projects under his belt, Ky-mani focused on his music in 2007. His first album in five years, Radio, and the lead single One Time, returned Ky-Mani to the Billboard charts.

A junior giant, Damian rocked the industry with back to back Grammy Award winning albums (Half Wyay Tree and Welcome to Jamrock) and a slew of hardcore hits. Honing his performance skill with frequent collaborator “Ragga”, Damian trod in the footsteps of his father, touring the world.

Initially founded by Ziggy and Stephen Marley along with the Melody Makers, Ghetto Youths has been expanded to incorporate brothers Julian, Ky-mani and Damian. Now headed by Stephen, Ghetto Youths International is driving force behind the re-emergence of Smile Jamaica.

Collaborating for the Smile Jamaica - Africa Unite stage is truly symbolic considering the significance of Smile Jamaica. In December 1976, Bob Marley, headlined the show at the National Heroes Park in Kingston. Despite being attacked the night before, he bravely and defiantly stepped out and said he would only do one song, but ended up working the stage for ninety minutes. Persons described the atmosphere of that show as “buoyant and positive”.

It was a similar atmosphere in Ethiopia at the first ever Africa Unite concert in 2005. Realising the vision of Bob for a united continent, the Africa Unite concert was the culmination of symposiums, exhibitions and activities before an audience of 300,000. The Rita Marley Foundation, directed by Bob’s widow, was instrumental in making this dream on Bob a reality.

A combination of two remarkable concert events, Smile Jamaica - Africa Unite is the magnificent result of Ghetto Youths International in collaboration with the Rita Marley Foundation.

Other performers sharing in the moment include: The Melody Makers (the Marley sisters Cedella and Sharon), the seminal The I Three (Rita Marley, Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt), Black Uhuru, Rasta talents Capleton, Taurrus Riley, Richie Spice, Spragga Benz, Lutan Fyah, Coco Tea and Alborosie, African Queens Etana and Queen Ifrica, musicians Dean Fraser and Ernie Ranglin, new comer Javaughn and sound systems Stone Love and Gully Bank.

Adding diversity to programme are Mutabaruka, who can only be described as Mutabaruka, and the West Indian pop songstress, Rihanna.

Thanks to the strong support of sponsors; reggae radio IRIE FM, the national station Television Jamaica, the afro centric Peoples Telecom, the Jamaica Tourist Board and The Gleaner, the Smile Jamaica-Africa Unite concert is offered to the public at $1,500.00 per person.

Beyond the calendar, historians will record in their date book Saturday, February 23, James Bond Beach, Smile Jamaica - Africa Unite.

For more info visit: www.Africa-Unite.org

Mr. Vegas working on 'Tek Weh Yuhself' remix with Lil' Kim and Kat Deluna

2008-01-24T10:45:00.000-08:00

Realvibez got word today about Mr. Vegas' upcoming remix for his hit song 'Tek Weh Yuself' that has been a powerhouse on the charts (watch the video).

The remix will feature Lil' Kim and Kat Deluna. "The remix will be way catchier than the original and will be coming with a whole heap of vibes," Vegas explained. The three-way combination will see the remix with a hip-hop flavour and a Spanish vibe combined with a Caribbean touch…as he says, "it's the perfect blend.

Early February should see the shooting of the video for the remix as, according to Vegas, they are "dotting every i and crossing every t'" regarding the paper work.

Last week Thursday saw Mr. Vegas making an appearance at Madison Square Garden in New York when Lil Mama called him on stage to do 'Hot Wuk'. Mr. Vegas performed to loud screams of appreciation before making his exit.

Damian Marley on Mariah Carey's next album?

2008-01-18T11:27:00.000-08:00

My wife is a big Mariah Carey fan (after going to a concert with her I can understand why) and she recently pointed me to an interesting post over at MariahDaily.com which clearly said that Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley is on her upcoming album tentatively titled "That Chick".

The site claims that the name of the track is Cruise Control.

Read it here.

Sean Paul toured with Mariah Carey in 2006 and did an excellent job of representing the music and the Caribbean well. We have no doubt that Jr. Gong's collaboration with Mariah will continue to keep our music in the spotlight.

Big Up.

Did Billboard get the top Reggae artistes list wrong?

2008-01-07T10:41:00.000-08:00

Billboard Top 10 Reggae Artistes

1 Matisyahu
2 Bob Marley
3 Stephen Marley
4 Damian 'Jr Gong' Marley
5 Sean Paul
6 Bob Marley & The Wailers
7 Collie Buddz
8 Buju Banton
9 Notch
10 Beenie Man

Some will question why Notch is on the list - but he did release an album, more reggaeton than reggae though.

Other will question Beenie Man being so low and why Bob Marley gets two mentions - but then the list is mostly based on sales figures.

Still others will ask about Mavado and the new artistes - but then what mainstream popularity have any of those garnered?

I am just glad they did not have Sean Kingston on the list.

Ky-Mani Marley Marches in the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart

2007-12-20T05:40:00.000-08:00

In the week Ky-Mani Marley was confirmed to return as the special guest on the 2008 leg of the hugely successful Van Halen Reunion tour with David Lee Roth; Marley's anthemic song The March broke into the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Sales Charts - debuting at an astounding #19. The March the second single off his album Radio, outperformed songs by 50 Cent, Beyonce and Jay-Z to name a few.

Listen to the track below:

The March is currently performed by Ky-Mani at every Van Halen show to
great response. The song puts his message out to the world and continues on 30 years later from his father's Exodus in a still troubled world.

USA Today, reporting from the opening show on the tour reports that Marley "incurred favor with the crowd by opening his half hour set with Roots, Rock, Reggae and finishing with 'No Woman, No Cry,' two songs from his late father Bob Marley's repertoire. However, he flashed his own charismatic side by enthralling the crowd with The March, a hip-hop/reggae hybrid song from his new album, Radio, that juxtaposed the war in Iraq with street violence."

The March is being released to mainstream radio in early 2008 as well as a video release with a powerful message. Ky-Mani's album Radio is currently on a number of radio and Billboard music charts including the mainstream Rhythmic Radio chart at Mediabase where it entered the top 200 this week.

DMX, Junior Reid and Dawg. E Slaughter shoot music video in South Florida

2007-12-11T09:28:00.000-08:00

Realvibez was present for the first day of shooting for the music video for Bad Boys, the first single off DJ GQ's upcoming album 'Let Em Know', dropping in Spring 2008.

The music video was shot in various parts of South Florida, including Miami, Broward and Boynton Beach. The video will debut online on Realvibez.com in January shortly after the release of the song to djs and radio disc jockeys.

The title of the song is Bad Boys - DJ GQ featuring DMX, Junior Reid and Dawg E. Slaughter. Junior Reid has been in demand since bursting back onto the scene on Mims' remix of This is why I'm Hot and Dawg E. Slaughter, a native of Trinidad, has been building a strong following among US fans.

DMX has been away from music for some years and this song marks his return to the scene in a big way. His most memorable collaboration with artists from the Caribbean was Here's Comes The Boom featuring Sean Paul and Mr. Vegas from the movie Belly.

Stay tuned for more photos and information.

Brighton council's censorship is reminiscent of totalitarian regimes

2007-12-11T08:58:00.000-08:00

In the 1930's, the Nazis launched a campaign in Germany to purge the country of art that they deemed "degenerate" - and of course they decided what fell into that category. This also extended to music, plays and film. The goal was cleanse the culture and we should all know about events such as book burnings.

That is no different from what a council in Brighton is trying to do in modern-day Britain, one of the staunchest past critics of totalitarian regimes.

This article in the Guardian makes some valid points, namely that:

Brighton council's assault on homophobic dancehall music rests on some poisonous prejudices.

Dancehall is not the only target.

"They are planning to prohibit art that "incites racist, homophobic or sectarian violence". Any pub, club or gallery which displays art or plays music that "incites violence" risks having its licence revoked. The main target is anti-gay Jamaican dancehall music. According to the Brighton councillor Dee Simpson, the aim is to "stop the playing of what is loosely termed murder music".

If you have been fortunate enough to read books such by George Orwell such as 1984 or Animal Farm, or even watched the movie 'V for Vendetta', you will quickly see parallels with authoritarian censorship and this Brighton council.

It does not take a genius to realize that this would set a dangerous precedent and one can see where they could require the Bible to be edited and ban the King James version.

The article in Guardian also rightfully points out that they may as well look at banning works from people like TS Eliot or 'The Merchant of Venice'.

When will "developed" countries realize that they cannot claim to be defenders of "freedom of speech" and then seek to restrict speech? When will they realize that becoming a "nanny state" only creates more problems?

Finally, when will they wake up to the fact that socialization and economic opportunities have far more impact on disposition to crime than any art, movie or music?

Tarrus Riley bottled in Antigua?

2007-12-10T06:57:00.000-08:00

Realvibez has received unconfirmed reports that Tarrus Riley, the up and coming Reggae singer who has been making waves with songs like She's Royal, was bottled in Antigua

Bottles and stones were thrown onto the stage at the widely anticipated Tarrus Riley show. It is assumed that some confrontation took place and Tarrus jumped onto the stage and started to shout some expletives including "a Jamaica me come from" and the Antiguans replied by pelting the stage with bottles and stones.

It is not clear at this point if the artist was injured. This is not the first a Jamaican artiste performing in Antigua has been bottled. Elephant Man met a similar fate a few years ago. He has since returned to Antigua, apologised for his actions and have since performed many times in Antigua much to the delight of the Antiguans.

Realvibez is trying to confirm the reports.

2008 Grammy Nominees for Reggae are announced

2007-12-06T12:54:00.000-08:00

• The Burning Spear Experience
Burning Spear

• Mind Control
Stephen Marley

• The End Of An American Dream
Lee "Scratch" Perry

• Anniversary
Sly & Robbie And The Taxi Gang

• Light Your Light
Toots & The Maytals

This is certainly one of the more 'Reggae' focused group of nominees in recent memory.