Vybz Kartel signs with Denise Smith of Topline Entertainment.

Deejay Vybz Kartel and Guyanese/Jamaica-based reggae label Vizion Sounds Records, recently struck deals with Topline Entertainment. Kartel, who is seeking to consolidate his business affairs since breaking away from the Alliance, signed a deal with Topline, which will see the company handling his bookings.

The Vizion Sounds label, which has been quite active locally releasing projects for its roster of artistes including First Born, King Prof, Andrew Bees and LMJ signed with Topline Entertainment for the handling of their bookings.

Denise Smith, head of Topline Entertainment, sees the move as a positive one for her company. She currently handles bookings for To-Isis, Delly Ranx, Heather Cummings and the Uprising Band.

"Vybz Kartel approached Topline Entertainment because he feels that his new image will fit in with the profile of the company and with my reputation in the music business as a honest, hardworking person. I know that my company will do an excellent job in organising his bookings both here and overseas," Smith said. She added, "I met with him and found him to be an intelligent, charming young man who knows what he wants and where he wants to go. Whatever happened in the past is the past, and entertainment is about hard work and dedication and we are going to arrange things in a proper structure. We have already been getting requests for shows in Canada, Europe and North America. He is presently dealing with his work permit to facilitate his travel to these countries."

In commenting about the Vizion Sounds camp, Smith said, "I listened to their work and was quite impressed with their style and material. They have some excellent work and their presentation is outstanding, all they need is the right booking agent to take them globally."

Kartel is quite ecstatic about the booking arrangement with Topline Entertainment and the new direction his career is going. "I admit that in the past I did not have a proper business management structure in terms of my booking, and that may have caused some confusion in creating the perception that I am a no-show artiste as some people have said. But there was also a lot of propaganda being circulated by certain parties who did not want me to succeed. I have cut all ties with those people and I am working hard to change that perception of me," Kartel commented.

Singer Da'ville (left) gets his trophy for Male Singer of the Year 2006 from Stone Love's Wee Pow.

First Born is a group of five Guyanese artistes who are currently the leading act in their country, having released four albums to date Exodus Chapter XIII Verse 2, Confident, Wake Up Call and Irites. The group has hit the charts in Jamaica with songs including Changes, and Irites.

Elephant Man threatens to inflict full energy into Sting 2K6

Elephant Man has promised to inflict a lot of energy and hype into his anticipated performance on Sting 2K6. The annual Boxing Day event, which is to be held at Portmore's Jamworld complex, lists Elephant Man among the Top 10 acts on the line-up.

In commenting on his anticipated performance, Elephant Man said "Sting is a show weh me always look forward and we a guh just give our full energy." Elephant Man has been busy in the studio working on new singles. He will be coming at Sting with new and old hits for the fans.

Other acts completing the Top 10 line-up for Sting include Buju Banton, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Capleton, Chuck Fendah, Richie Spice, Vybz Kartel, Ninja Man and Vegas.

Da'Ville takes Male Singer of the Year title from Stone Love

2006 has been a great year for singer Da'Ville. With hits including Can't Get Over You and the chart-topping Always On My Mind, Da'Ville's triumph at the recently held Stone Love Anniversary show and awards for Male Singer of the Year, came as no surprise. Da'Ville released two albums this year, Can't Get Over You and In Heaven via Avex in Japan.

CHART UPDATES

Sean Paul and Rihanna move from 63 to 54 on the latest issue of Billboard's Hot 100 chart, with their hit, Break It Off.
Meanwhile, over on the R&B Hip Hop Singles & Tracks chart, Mavado's Weh Dem A Do crashes from 42 to 53. Come Around, which is a big hit on various worldwide reggae charts for Collie Buddz, is bubbling under Billboard's R&B Hip Hop Singles & Tracks chart.

On Reggae charts this week, Come Around by Collie Buddz is number one in Germany, and the UK. Driver by Buju Banton is number one in Canada, while Brooklyn And Jamaica is number one for the 5th week running in New York for Morgan Heritage. Morgan Heritage is number one in St Lucia with Love You Right.

Trousers in Denim

Cream of the 'Crop'

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