Shaggy being presented with plaque in Germany

International recording artiste Shaggy is number one on the pop music charts in Germany. His Uefa theme song Feel the Rush soared to number one knocking Love Is You by Thomas Godo from the top spot.

Shaggy recently picked up a gold plaque in Germany for the success of the single. And still on Shaggy, Feel the Rush is currently showing up on several major pop music charts across Europe. It has hit the top 10 in Switzerland, Austria, and Sweden.

And more Shaggy news, his most recent album, Intoxication, which debuted at number one on the Billboard Reggae Album chart last year, has re-entered the chart this week at number 15.

Here's a quick glance at some of the hits from Shaggy which have dented the European music charts over the past 15 years. Angel, Oh Carolina, Bombastic, It Wasn't Me, Freaky Girl, Dance and Shout, Luv Me Luv Me, Hey Sexy Lady, Strength of a Woman, Get My Party On (featuring Chaka Khan) and Me Julie (featuring Ali G).

Courtney John to open for Beres Hammond in the US

Singer Courtney John aka Yogie will be the opening act for Beres Hammond's upcoming North American tour. The tour which is set to kick off next month, will run until early September.

In the meantime, Courtney John has released a new single titled Save Us All. The song was produced by Stephen 'Lenky' Marsden. It's the follow-up to Courtney John's most recent hit Baby Tonight on the Taxi label.

Courtney John can next be seen in action at Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay.

Da'Ville and Demarco team up

While on the set of the video shoot for the song Blessings a Multiply, singer Da'ville disclosed that he has been pleased with recent developments as far as his career is concerned.
"I am happy the way things are progressing and I just want to say thanks to all of the fans and the media for their continuous support," Da'Ville confided. The singer revealed that he is in the process of working on two albums, one for a Japanese label and the other for New York's VP Records.
Commenting on the song, Blessings a Multiply, which features Demarco, Da'Ville said, "I chose to work with Demarco on this song because of the vibes and the chemistry."

The video was directed by Ras Tingle.

And speaking of Demarco, he told this column that he presently finishing up work on his upcoming album for Koch Records. Among the completed tracks is a collaboration with US hip hop artiste, Missy Elliott.

Sizzla, Coco Tea, Tarrus and Elephant Man confirmed for Irie Jamboree

One of the top reggae festivals in the US, Irie Jamboree, takes place this year on Sunday August 31 in Queen's New York at Roy Wilkins Park.

Among the artistes confirmed to perform so far are Sizzla, Coco Tea, Tarrus Riley, and Elephant Man.

Irie Jamboree has over the years won awards for its consistency in providing quality entertainment to the Jamaican and Caribbean communities in New York.

Tifa completes video for Bottom of the Barrel

Dancehall newcomer Tifa has been enjoying some attention of late with the song Bottom of the Barrel which is featured on the Ward 21 produced Estrogen rhythm. She recently completed the video for the song, which was directed by Dexter '3D' Pottinger.

Tifa's recent videos include Tinky Winky, and Kitty Police. Additionally, she was featured in the Dem Gyal Sittin Medley as well as Timberlee's Bubble Like Soup video.
The Cadillac Dancers are featured in the video for Bottom of the Barrel. The group is seen performing its latest dance move, which is called Gweh.

Her debut album Sex, Love and Lies will see its Japan and European release in November.

Dancehall/Hip Hop artiste Tafari becomes a father

Dancehall/hip hop artiste Tafari who recently shot the video for his collaborative single with Junior Reid, Aint No Stoppin, recently became the proud father of a baby girl named Zara Sue Ling.

Tafari is the son of veteran reggae artiste Big Youth.

Chart Updates

Rock group Cold Play retain its lock on the number one spot on the Billboard 200 album chart in the US this week, as the album Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends sold another 249,000 copies in the past week. This has brought sales of the album to just over a million copies since its release two weeks ago.

Rapper Lil' Wayne who will be performing at Reggae Sumfest in Montego bay on July 18, holds firmly to the number two on the album chart with his album Tha Carter III.
Over on the Billboard Reggae album chart, Roots Underground debuted at number 13 with their debut album Movement. The Journey: The Very Best of Sizzla released on Greensleeves Records debuts at number four, while Reggae Gold 2008 leads the pack at the number one spot for a second week.

Mothers can't father

Trousers in Denim

Cream of the 'Crop'