He has helped to popularise the tag, 'caliente!' (hot) among dancehall/party fans in the know.

Now, New York native(by way of Puerto Rico) Capital D brings his brand of heat to Western Consciousness 2006, scheduled for Saturday, April 29 at Landillo in Westmoreland.

Capital D has come a far way since his debut performance in Connecticut in 1992. His Jamaican exposure includes stints on Sting, Sumfest, East Fest, Rebel Salute and Fully Loaded.

Performing in both English and Spanish, Capital D manages to appeal and capture a worldwide audience. His music is mainly influenced by conscious artistes such as Luciano, Sizzla and Morgan Heritage.

His latest hit songs are Gun Boys, Wrong Place at the Wrong Time and, World A Reggae Music, a duet with the legendary artiste Ini Kamoze.

Western Consciousness will also feature a special screening, courtesy of VP records, of the film One Love starring Ky-Mani Marley and Cherine Anderson, directed by Rick Elgood(Dancehall Queen and Surf Rastas).

Cuban reggae star for Sunsplash

Mey Vidal, dubbed the Cuban queen of reggaeton, will be on show as part of a Latin reggae package at Reggae Sunsplash 2006 in Priory, St Ann (August 4). Vidal's reggaeton-flavoured recording of the John Holt & the Paragons vintage classic, The Tide Is High - previously covered by the US group Blondie, has been getting rotation on local radio. An accompanying video is now being sent to local cable and free-to-air channels.

Vidal has also worked with reggae artiste Da'ville, on a track called Talk About Love (Communicate), for her forthcoming album.

A singer in her homeland since the age of 5, Vidal's journey to becoming a music industry regular includes participation in American Idol, Star Search, and stints on Latin TV networks such as Telemundo and Univision. She also did extensive promo work for the album at the annual MIDEM music industry expo in France.

Vidal now resides in South Florida.

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