Growing up without a father didn't impact negatively on the life of 23-year-old Okeefe Aarons. He, however, developed a special bond with his mother despite having to relocate from Kingston to St Elizabeth at an early age.

"My mother built a house in St Elizabeth and we moved there when I was young. My mother wanted to leave the garrison because of the violence. During that time I developed a special bond with my mother. Right now she's my biggest fan," said Aarons who is known in the music world as the up-and-coming artiste Laden.

Laden's star is about to shine bright in the sky, having logged generous airtime both at radio and in the dancehall with his latest single Time To Shine. Produced by Stephen McGregor, Time to Shine which is currently riding the charts, has somewhat placed Laden into the spotlight.

"I always had songs playing on the radio like I'm Sorry but Time to Shine has given me a real fan base. This looks like the song to give me the big break that I have always wanted," said Laden.

According to Laden, Time to Shine was conceptualised based on his own personal experiences. "The song is a personal feeling. I have been putting in all the work and getting the positive feedback. Right now I am just dying to see that dream come true," he said.

A former student of the Haile Selassie High School in Kingston, Laden grew up between Kingston and St Elizabeth. "I used to live in Cheapside District in Junction. I never born come see my father. I heard that he was robbed and killed in America," said Laden.

Laden gained some attention in 2006 when he entered the Digicel Rising Stars competition and placed in the top eight. He is grateful for the opportunity and the platform that the competition provided for him, as it has opened many doors for him in the music world.

"Digicel Rising Stars helped out a lot in terms of exposure. It made it easier for people to recognise me and it also got me the opportunity to record for producers," he informed.

Laden recently wrapped up the video shoot for Time to Shine. The video was shot in various sections of Kingston including Tivoli Gardens, CPTC and Big Ship studio.

Michael 'Biggs' Burbridge took over the directing duties, while Nadia Stanley handled the production.

"The video is about me just entering the music industry and then the Digicel Rising Stars competition came about. It's basically wanting to get that break to shine," Laden explained.

Some of Laden's recent projects include the songs Working Hard which was produced by Daseca; Anytime (featured on the beauty and the beast rhythm from TJ Records); and Inside With You (featured on the Old Crep rhythm from Chimney Records).

Vybz Kartel, Busy Signal, Lady Saw, Coco Tea and Queen Ifrica for Sav Impact

Sav Impact is set to invade the parish of Westmoreland on January 1, 2009. The inaugural staging of the event will feature performances from top dancehall and reggae acts as well as up-and-coming artistes.

Vybz Kartel, Lady Saw, Busy Signal, Coco Tea, Queen Ifrica, Etana, Bugle, Macka Diamond and Stevie Face will keep patrons rocking to their steady diet of hits.

Timmi Burrell, girl group MBC, Ras Slick, Vengeance and Gransonn are also on the line-up. Ninja Force and Impact bands will handle backing duties, while DJ Peck of Linkz FM and DJ No Doubt of Vybz FM will spin the hits.

Ron Muschette and ZJ Sparks from Zip 103 FM will serve as emcees.

Sav Impact is being promoted by HAH Entertainment Productions.

Busy Signal records song with Lloyd, new album to drop in March
Busy Signal and R&B singer Lloyd recently teamed up for a collaboration for the R&B singer's upcoming project. Additionally Busy is all set to release an x-rated album in March of next year for VP Records.

The album will be released digitally. According to his manager Shane Brown, Busy is on a mission for his female fans, which justifies an album of this nature.

Da'Ville heads to Japan

Singer Da'Ville will be heading to Japan for the Christmas holidays for a pre-promotional launch for his new album Ichiban. While visiting Japan, Da'Ville will take advantage of several shows as well as a photo shoot with Japanese reggae group Fireball, which is managed by Mighty Crown. While in Japan, Da'Ville will be wearing clothing by Mizchif Clothing, a New York based clothing line.

BITS AND PIECES

Over on the reggae charts in Italy, Sugar Roy and Conrad Crystal occupy the number one spot with the song Here I Come featuring Barrington Levy. On other reggae charts Sugar Roy and Conrad Crystal are riding high with a remake of Jah Jah See Them a Come featuring Gyptian.

R&B singer Keyshia Cole previews her upcoming album on Geffen Music, with two new singles Playa Cards featuring rapper 2Pac; and You Complete Me. Cole who teamed up with dancehall artiste Sean Paul a few years ago on the track Give it Up to Me, is known for hits including Heaven Sent, Love and I Shoulda Cheated.

Mothers can't father

Trousers in Denim

Cream of the 'Crop'