Protoje's Arguments continues to make waves

Saturday, November 21, 2009 11:55 PM

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Catch Di Riddim

by Kevin Jackson, Observer Writer

Friday, June 26, 2009

New singer on the rise, Protoje, has been locked in the number one spot on the video charts for the past five weeks with his lovers rock tune Arguments. The song, which was produced by former Renaissance Disco selector DJ Karim, has been enjoying rotation on radio.

For Protoje, a career in music was inevitable. His father is former Calypsonian Lord Have Mercy, and his mother is 1970s Breakfast in Bed singer Lorna Bennett. His cousin is noted producer Donovan 'Don Corleon' Bennett.

"I feel really good about how things are working out. The video has made people aware of who I am and what I have to offer to the music fraternity. This musical journey that I have been trodding has really opened my eyes to the industry and it has also prepared me immensely to this point," Protoje said in a recent interview with this column.

Asked what was the story behind the song Arguments, Protoje said, "It's about the hardships of being in a committed relationship. It's like you just broke up with someone and you are getting involved with another person. I have to say thanks to my sister Leann, who directed the video. The message in the song came across in the video."

Born Oje Ollivierre, Protoje began studying music at an early age. The 27-year-old who attended Munroe College, is preparing to release the singles Used to Be with veteran singer John Holt and Wrong Side of the Law.

General Degree hits top spot on German Reggae chart

General Degree is back on familiar turf - the number one spot. The track I Can't Stop Loving You released on the Supersonic label, has taken over the number one spot on Germany's Reggae chart.

Degree, who has topped the charts over the years with songs including Granny, Boom Boom, When I Hold Yuh Tonight and Pianist, was quite surprised when he got the news about his latest chart-topper.

"Well, the song came about from an inspiration about my relationship with my baby mother. We have been together for 20 years now and we have two children. I never knew the song was number one, but I give thanks for the strength," said Degree.

Degree, who has been busy finalising plans for the staging of his annual Manchester Fiesta stage show, said he recently completed work on two new singles, Good for Kirkledove Records; and Happiness for his very own Size 8 label.

Chris Martin upbeat about new singles

We caught up with singer Chris Martin as he was making his way out of the Body by Design gym, earlier this week.

Martin was quite excited about one of his latest singles Melody to My Song which is featured on the Good Love rhythm.

"Melody to My Song has been getting some good airplay and the feedback from the fans has been overwhelming. We are planning on doing a video very soon. There is also another song that we are doing a video for. It's called Real Friends and it features Assassin and D-Major. It was produced by TJ Records," Martin explained.

Martin also completed work on two other singles, She Never Listens with Demarco; and No Second Dance on the new chapter rhythm from Big Ship.

With just a year left to complete his degree programme at the University of Technology (UTECH), where he is majoring in Finance, Martin says his musical career will be his main focus once the studies are completed.

Caribbean entertainment bits

Internationally acclaimed soca king Machel Montano continued his quest to channelling Caribbean music worldwide when he hit the stage at the prestigious Radio City Music Hall, recently. Billed as 'Machel Montano Live in Concert: Raw and Uncut,' the highly anticipated event featured performances from the HD family, including Patrice Roberts, Farmer Nappy, Zan, Umi Marcano and the HD Band. According to media reports, this was the first time a Caribbean artist has headlined the landmark venue and Montano's show broke new ground for soca music.

Police in the Bahamas have questioned the pop star Robbie Williams over an armed robbery against two paparazzi who took photos of him on a beach recently.

Eight beauties will compete for the Miss St Lucia Carnival Queen title on July 4.

Trinidadian group KES the Band is set to release a new album next month.

Soca singer Shurwayne Winchester recently collaborated with Ce'Cile on a single for his upcoming album.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the song Carpenter which was a number one hit locally for John Holt in 1991, was not an original recording? Originally titled If I Were a Carpenter, the song was written in 1965 by Tim Hardin. In 1966, it was recorded by pop singer Bobby Darin, who took the song to number nine in the UK and number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

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