Jamaica Observer

Earlington looks to the Stars

Tuesday, September 27, 2016 12:00 AM

ON Sunday night, 24-year-old Elton Earlington became the seventh male to win the Digicel Rising Stars title. He beat 16-year-old Monifa Goss in a keenly contested finale inside the Courtleigh Auditorium in St Andrew, and brought the curtains down on season 13.

“I am highly overwhelmed by my win. But I won’t be celebrating, because this is just the beginning for me and I can’t celebrate the beginning as if I’ve already made it. I am just going to try and get settled and try to make this more than what it is now. I am happy and grateful to have won. But I need to get out there and become bigger and better. The best is yet to come,” Earlington told the Jamaica Observer yesterday.

For him, winning was the crowning moment after auditioning nine times.

“I auditioned nine times for Rising Stars. I was very happy when I made it to the live studio rounds. I just kept trying because I knew that this is something that I always wanted,” he explained.

He spoke about his most memorable moment in the Rising Stars competition.

“My most memorable moment was when (show) producer Sharon Schroeter told me that I was going to perform the song that gave me the most votes during the competition. That song is When a Man Loves a Woman by Percy Sledge. I was so shocked but yet happy because I always loved that song,” he said.

Digicel Rising Stars began in 2004. The first winner was Portland native Cavan. Other males who have won the competition include singers Christopher Martin, Romain Virgo, Dalton Harris, T-Rizzy, and musician Verlando Small.

“This has been one of the most intense seasons we’ve had. The contestants were the youngest we’ve ever had but they have amazing talent and I hope to see them all on an international stage in the future,” series producer Schroeter told the Jamaica Observer.

At Sunday’s grand finale, a number of contestants from this season shared the stage. Other performances came from Razor B, Alaine, and Dalton Harris.

— Kevin Jackson

Checkmate for Harambe

Tuesday, September 27, 2016 12:00 AM

Harambe, a song by African hip hop artiste Saba Saba and Jamaican deejay E-Dee, is featured on the soundtrack to the film, Queen of Katwe.

The single is co-produced by Sean ‘Due’ Lashley and American Jesse ‘Belief’ Shatkin. Lashly‘s parents are Jamaican (he was born in New York and lived in Patrick City, Kingston, for several years). Shatkin is best known for producing Sia’s monster hit Chandelier.

“Harambe is featured on a ‘riddim’ we did in 2009 called Weapon. Beenie Man’s Woman was the only song on the project that we released on iTunes,” Lashley told the Jamaica Observer. “I’m excited about this. This is more than I could have ever imagined. I have another song featured in a film from Lions Gate that’s coming out soon.”

Songs by Tifa, singer Jimmy Cozier and Vybz Kartel are also on the Weapon.

Co-produced by Walt Disney Pictures and ESPN Films, Queen of Katwe is directed by Mira Nair with the screenplay by William Wheeler. It stars David Oyelowo, Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o, and Madina Nalwanga.

It is based on the life of Phiona Mutesi, a Ugandan chess prodigy who grew up in Katwe, one of that country’s poorest areas. She began competing at nine years-old and has since excelled in numerous international tournaments.

Queen of Katwe screened at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Thurston takes the Minibus

Tuesday, September 27, 2016 12:00 AM

EMERGING singjay Thurston is predicting his debut single, Minibus, will be a hit, especially among the commuting public.

“It’s gonna be a banger. It’s the introduction to who Thurston is,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

Minibus will be released the end of this month on the Natural High Music label.

He shared what the single was about.

“The song is about me travelling on a minibus with a bag of books to distribute to some children. However, everyone on the bus thinks I’m travelling with marijuana. It’s an upbeat and fun song, but there’s an underlying message... I want to encourage the children to read again,” said the 28-year-old.

“I want everyone to know that marijuana on an empty mind leaves an empty soul. I want to uplift and enlighten the youths to amplify their potential,” he continued.

He said a video for Minibus is in the works.

Thurston (full name Thurston Gordon) is a native of Montego Bay, St James. He attended Herbert Morrison Technical High in the parish as well as Northern Caribbean University in Manchester. He holds a degree in psychology and social work from the latter.

He feels the recent flare-up of violence in Montego Bay is a result of the breakdown of the family and values.

“Children are having children... They have lost the ability to express themselves, so they turn to music. Listening to good music is the first step on getting them back on track,” he said.

Having performed at the recently concluded High Vibes Roots and Reggae Festival and We Are Reggae concerts, both in Montego Bay, he said he’s encouraged by the reception.

His other upcoming singles are Tears and Idols.

— Aceion Cunningham

Kenyata banks on Sheblelep Wednesdays

Tuesday, September 27, 2016 12:00 AM

There is no shortage of weekly dances in Kingston, and several of them take place in the Cockburn Gardens area. The new kid on the block is Sheblelep Wednesdays.

The event was launched a month ago at York Avenue in that community by singer Kenyata. He told the Jamaica Observer that his objective is to expose his music as well as that of homegrown artistes.

“Wi have a different thing than Whoppings Thursday an’ All Star Thursday ‘cause our thing have a stage show vibe. Wi waan highlight Kenyata, di artistes ‘roun’ mi an’ di community.”

‘Whoppings’ and ‘All Star’ are held in Cockburn Gardens and nearby Olympic Way, respectively. Along with Belpaz Tuesday, another York Avenue gig, they have revived the community’s dance scene which was vibrant during the 1980s through the Stur Gav sound system.

Kenyata, 31, expects tomorrow’s show to be Sheblelep’s biggest yet. It has special guest acts in singers Junior Reid and Nature.

The gangly Rastafarian was actually born in Clarks Town, Trelawny. He moved with his family to Cockburn Gardens in 1997 and began recording three years later.

His first song, Down Inna Di Slum, was produced by his mentor Norbert Barnswell. The latter, a deejay known as Dilligent, is also a Sheblelep Wednesdays regular.

Kenyata believes most of his songs have not made an impact due to lack of promotion. With Sheblelep Wednesdays, he expects new singles like One Aim, One God, One Destiny (produced by Marcus Myrie) to gain some mileage.

“Wi use to sit down an’ wait pon people (producers) who tell yuh sey ‘next week or next month’ it get release. Wi can jus’ do our own thing now.”

— Howard Campbell

Isha Blender’s Epiphany

Monday, September 26, 2016 12:00 AM

ISHA Williams was a toddler in the early 1990s, a period of cultural awareness in dancehall led by a phalanx of artistes, including her father, Everton Blender.

Strongly influenced by his message, she followed his path into music as Isha Blender. Her first EP, Epiphany, will be released in October.

It contains seven songs with Don’t Be Used, an acoustic number, being the lead.

Blender first recorded at age 12. That song was Bad Boy, produced by her father for his Blend Dem label.

She continued to record sporadically while attending Garvey Maceo High School in her native Clarendon. Shortly after graduation, she migrated to the United States, settling in South Florida where she is a registered nurse.

“Because my dad’s an entertainer, people think you have to do the same thing, but it doesn’t have to be,” she said. “I kept going away from music, but I was pulled back like magnet to steel.”

Epiphany also contains Testimony, a duet with Capleton, Tonight, Joy and Babymother.

Capleton and Everton Blender were part of the roots renaissance of the 1990s that was led by Yasus Afari, Garnet Silk and Tony Rebel. Everton Blender had a series of big hits back then such as Lift Up Your Head, Family Man and Blend Dem.

While she counts the ‘old man’ among her biggest influences, Isha Blender says she gets a different vibe listening to different genres. Neo-soul artistes Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, as well as homegrown acts Nadine Sutherland, Etana, Tessanne Chin and Ikaya are also favourites.

She is hoping Epiphany will be a career definer.

“I want to be an household name as Isha Blender. At the same time I want my songs to uplift and motivate like my Dad.”

Acts turn out for charity

Monday, September 26, 2016 12:00 AM

ORGANISERS of Action For Charity benefit concert are pleased with Saturday night’s inaugural staging of the vintage showcase.

The event, held at Fab 5 headquarters on Springvale Avenue in Kingston, saw a fair-sized turnout of patrons.

“We got the crowd. I think the event went pretty good. The acts gave great sets and the crowd response was good, despite the time constraints in pulling it together,” Fab 5 guitarist Frankie Campbell told Jamaica Observer yesterday.

“The show was in keeping with the objectives of JAVAA, which is preserving Jamaica’s musical heritage,” he continued.

JAVAA (Jamaica Association of Vintage Artistes & Affiliates), of which Campbell is an executive, is a co-organiser of the event.

Action for Charity saw performances from acts including Boris Gardiner, Jackie Parris (former lead singer of The Sensations), The Heptones, The Silvertones, Orville ‘Bagga’ Case, and percussionist Bongo Herman.

The proceed from Saturday’s event went to JAVAA.

“It was good to hear Jackie Parris after so many years. Of course, every one had their favourites on stage and would sing along with them. But I would love to thank the artistes for performing free of charge. They understand the significance of what they were doing,” said Campbell.

The event, which was streamed live to Germany, was to bring attention to the fact that many vintage artistes are being sidelined locally while their music is being revered around the world.

“It met its objectives. It was charity event to raise awareness for that generation of artistes, some of whom have fallen on hard times. On stage, it was hits after hits, after hits, after hits. It was just good authentic Jamaican music and they sounded just as how they did way back when,” said Richard Walker, chairman of Printware Online Jamaica, event sponsor.

“What was most interesting though, the event turned into an after-party for Prince Buster’s funeral. Several artistes paid to come in... Stranjah Cole and Al Capone paid to come in and performed,” said Walker.

Co-organiser Jan Groeppel, president of Germany-based Action Speaks Louder Than Words, said Action For Charity was well received in Germany.

“In Germany, they loved the show very much. When we go back, we’ll evalute then plan further steps together,” he said.

Rub a dub with Kirk Bennett

Monday, September 26, 2016 12:00 AM

Touring with Beres Hammond and an hectic session schedule took up much of Kirk Bennett’s time this summer. Now that he has some breathing space, the drummer steps up promotion for his second album, Rumble In The Jungle.

Last week, he released the video to Rub A Dub Again, directed by Damian Daley.

That song is from the album, which was released digitally in June by VP Records. It features Tarrus Riley.

While he is acknowledged as the top session drummer in Jamaica, Bennett is not known to the average fan. Prominence in a music video can change that.

“A lot of people watch videos to see the artiste, but I’m not fussy. It’s good music getting good reviews and I’m happy for that,” he said.

The title song (done with guitarist Mitchum Chin) was the self-produced album’s first release. There are collaborations with Cocoa Tea on Good Things, Who’s That Sound (with Hammond), and Jah Jah Knows featuring Jah Cure.

Born in Trelawny, Bennett has been the go-to drummer in Jamaica for over a decade, playing on some of the biggest hit songs during the period.

He has maintained that momentum in recent times. Nesbeth’s anthem My Dream and Missing You by Busy Signal are among the latest chart-riders showcasing his patterns.

Bennett has also had success as a producer with his Kirkledove Records. The label’s hits include Tek Wey Yuhself by Mr Vegas and Elephant Man’s Yuh Too Bad Mind.

His first album, Streetwise Dubwise, was released in 2009.

Cervantes Celebration at Redbones on Thursday

Monday, September 26, 2016 12:00 AM

THE Embassy of Spain, in partnership with the Spanish-Jamaican Foundation and the Edna Manley School of Drama, present a dramatic play reading at Redbones Blues Cafe on Argyle Road in St Andrew, on Thursday. Start time is scheduled at 7:00 pm.

The event, which is free to the public, is entitled Cervantes Celebration and is part of the 400th anniversary celebration of the death of Spanish writer Miguel De Cervantes.

Directed by Pierre Lemaire, director of School of Drama at Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, Cervantes Celebration will feature Michael String Bean Nicholson, Jean Paul Menou, and Edna Manley College’s drama students.

Carmen Rives, chargÃ© d’affaires — Embassy of Spain, said the aim of the occasion is to introduce Cervantes to the Jamaican public.

“Not many Jamaicans are familiar with Cervantes. However, he’s one of the world’s pre-eminent novelists. His major work is Don Quixote and he was embraced by many Latin American writers,” Rives told the Jamaica Observer yesterday.

“His writings deal with every day challenges of the human experience.

Don Quixote is the second most translated book after the Bible,” she continued.

Rives said she’s hoping the occasion will be a personal one and that a discussion segment will be held after the readings.

“It’s all about enjoying Cervantes,” she added.

Cervantes is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the Spanish language. In addition to Don Quixote, his other works include Novelas ejemplares (Exemplary Novels), the Viaje al Parnaso (Journey to Parnassus), and Los trabajos de Persiles y Sigismunda (The Works of Persiles and Sigismunda).

He died in 1616 at age 68.

SOJA goes live

Sunday, September 25, 2016 12:00 AM

American reggae band SOJA releases its first live album on Friday. Titled SOJAH: Live In Virginia, the 14-track set includes songs from the eight-piece unit’s studio albums.

Percussionist Ken Brownell spoke about the album in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

“The fact is that our live show is the foundation of SOJA and our fan base has been eagerly waiting for us to put out a live album,” he said.

Live In Virginia was recorded at the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in SOJA’s home state.

“What better place than at home at the legendary Wolf Trap National Theatre for the Performing Arts? We all grew up seeing shows there as kids and it’s all coming full circle now with SOJA: Live in Virginia,” Brownell said.

Some of the songs SOJA perform are Sorry, Creeping In, Mentality, She Still Loves Me, Open My Eyes, Rest of My Life and I Believe.

“The album was mixed and mastered by Jim Fox of Lion and Fox Studios who we have worked with since the beginning on multiple studio albums, so the fit was just perfect to work together,” Brownell disclosed.

SOJA has released six studio albums. Their previous effort was 2014’s Amid the Noise And Haste which sold over 40,000 copies in the United States and was nominated for Best Reggae Album Grammy in 2015.

The other members of SOJA are Jacob Hemphill (lead vocals and guitar); Bobby Lee Jefferson (bass and vocals); Patrick O’Shea (keyboards); Ryan ‘Bird’ Berty (drums); Hellman Escorcia (saxophone); Rafael Rodriguez (trumpet); and Trevor Young (guitar, vocals).

The group performed in Jamaica at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival in 2015.

Althea Laing marks another milestone

Sunday, September 25, 2016 12:00 AM

SHE came into the nation’s consciousness back in 1985, after winning the Miss Jamaica Fashion Model competition. Althea Laing would later blaze a trail as the first local model to grace not one, but two covers of the popular American glossy Essence.

Today, Laing — a mother of two and grandmother to five — is closing a chapter on a career in the classroom as a teacher of English. Having turned 60 year’s old earlier this year, she is now on pre-retirement leave, but looks to the future with optimism.

“I don’t feel 60... What does that feel like anyway? And when I look in the mirror, it is certainly not 60 that I see,” she remarks, punctuated by her trademark laughter. “When I was growing up, once you reached this age you would just sit by your coffin and wait. But now, for me, this is such a lovely time of my life. It’s a time filled with introspection — examining the journey thus far and looking forward to where I have to go. So, right now, I am ‘re-tyring’ for the wonderful journey which lies ahead.”

According to the statuesque Laing, the years ahead will see her working smart. It’s no longer about putting in as many hours. No nine-to-five, five days a week. I am preparing myself to put in a number of solid days per month and be compensated. It’s consultancy and training for here on, she disclosed.

Laing started her teaching career as a teenager after completing her teacher training at the Excelsior Community College. From then, it was on to schools such as Wolmer’s Boys’, Jamaica College, Black River Primary, Haile Selassie Secondary, Belair School and, most recently, May Day High.

“Going into teaching was a no-brainer for me... Both my parents were teachers and I just thought that was the route for me. My father wanted me to be a lawyer as I was the most expressive of his children, but teaching came naturally to me, plus it was easier to do.”

A series of events, including the breakdown of her marriage, a move to Ocho Rios, and meeting entertainment aficionado Weston Haughton would propel Laing into the world of modelling for which she is now best known. For her, these events are mileposts along the journey of her life.

“When I won the contest I was 29 and everyone one said that I was too old, but I was determined to get more out of this thing, and it came with my Essence cover. I heard a team from Essence was in Jamaica and I positioned myself at the hotel in which they were staying and introduced myself. They were impressed and we maintained contact. When they wanted a real chocolate girl for the cover I flew to New York and did the shoot. I can’t explain the awesome feeling to stand in Manhattan and see my face on news-stands. This would create other opportunities, including a second Essence cover.”

She admits that she was before her time and had she come on the scene as a model years later, she would have had more success.

“At the time, it was difficult to market me as a strong African-Caribbean woman... I was before my time. But I am happy, I was able to blaze a trail for these little, dark-skinned girls to follow. Because of me, these girls can now aspire to be on the cover of a magazine. I can also openly say I do not believe that I have been given the respect as a trailblazer, creating a path and opening doors for younger models,” Laing stated.

As she looks to the future, the former fashion model is channeling her energies into educating the youth, whether it is through the teaching of English language and literature, or through her personal development workshops and summer schools.

She encourages educators not to give up on their students.

“See each student as an individual. Each is different and, therefore, needs specialised attention. Do not write off any student saying this child has issues. I was a child with issues so I understand. Work with the personalities and encourage them and you will witness them blossom.”

Jody Kay James — a year later

Sunday, September 25, 2016 12:00 AM

SUNDAY, September 27, 2015 will go down in Jody Kay James’ memory as the night her life changed forever.

“Winning Digicel Rising Stars last year was surreal experience. I think we (the finalists) gave rising stars a revamp. I think the show took a positive turn for the first time in a long time,” James toldJamaica Observer.

Since winning the popular television singing competition, the 24-year-old James got married. As part of her prize package, she attended a two-week songwriting camp in Barbados, an experience she holds dear to her heart.

“The songwriting camp saw producers, singers, and songwriters from across the region coming together. The focus this year was about adding the Caribbean fusion to mainstream music. I really learnt a lot because we were able to do recordings, build tracks, got the hands-on experience of studio life and coming up with concepts for songs,” James recalled.

Additionally, she became a member of a copyright society where she will earn from music that she will release. Her works will also be protected and preserved.

Music-wise, we haven’t heard any material from her on the radio. She explained the reasons for this.

“It has been a fulfilling year, although I wasn’t in the public’s eye. I made a lot of connections musically and I have done work with producers from Trinidad, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Colombia. Very soon you will be hearing something from me on the radio,” James said.

A teacher by profession, she teaches biology at the St Andrew Technical High School on Spanish Town Road in Kingston.

James won a cash prize of $1 million dollars for copping the Digicel Rising Stars title. She explained how she utilised her winnings.

“While I was in Rising Stars, I always spoke about wanting to win so that I can use the money for education purposes. I did just that. I also invested some in my family and a financial institution,” said James.

Marilyn’s fuming at playlists

Sunday, September 25, 2016 12:00 AM

Marilyn, the Jamaica-born singer who emerged during the ‘new romantic’ age of British music during the 1980s, says radio stations have narrowed their playlists in recent years to favour pop stars like Rihanna and Justin Bieber.

In an interview with IBTimes UK, the singer bemoaned the lack of diversity on the airwaves, compared to 30 years ago when listeners were given multiple choices.

“[Years ago] the radio stations would play a lot of different stuff and people would choose what they like and figure it out for themselves. Now, the [choice] that people are being given is very narrow. It’s all the same thing. There’s not a lot of diversity,” he pointed out.

Marilyn added that that sameness has helped the rise of tabloid darlings like the Barbados-born Rihanna and Bieber, a Canadian. They dominate radio in the United Kingdom and North America, the music industry’s most lucrative markets.

“That is like Rihanna, Katy Perry, and Justin Bieber. There’s only a few certain people who go into that little section and they play it over and over, like you’re being brainwashed into, ‘This is what you’re going to like’. Whereas before we had more choice and [the listeners] would choose what they liked,” he pointed out.

The Kingstonian-born artiste recently released Love Or Money, a lovers rock song, with long-time friend Boy George, a spearhead of the new romantic era.

Born Peter Antony Robinson, Marilyn, 53, left Jamaica with his British mother as a child and grew up in the United Kingdom. He credits his Jamaican heritage for his eclectic taste in music.

“I’m from Jamaica so I’ve never really explored that area in my music. It’s such a big part of who I am, the whole island thing; it’s a part of me,” he said. “All of the music I heard when I was growing up, that all influenced me hugely.”

He is best known for the 1983 hit, Calling Your Name.

Boy George and Culture Club were the most prominent of the new romantic artistes. Other big names from that era included Spandau Ballet, Duran Duran and Rick Astley.

Auresia’s On The Road Again

Sunday, September 25, 2016 12:00 AM

Canada’s reggae singer Auresia’s On The Road Again is the first single from her upcoming album Raices.

Released earlier this month, the single shares the singer’s personal experience and feelings that she has encountered while on tour.

“I found the song during a night-time jam by the fire on the beach on a cross-Canada tour on Hornby Island,” she told the

Jamaica Observer.

“After travelling and touring for the past several years, I have been to many places and many people from all different cultures and languages have been so lovely in welcoming me into their communities — I just had to put that into a song,” she continued.

According to the singer, Raices (which means roots in Spanish) ‘ is a musical love letter that traces our heritage. That set is due November 25.

“The album impressively blends roots-reggae and Afro-Cuban rhythms with folk-pop lyrics and melodies,” she said.

Auresia’s other tracks include Jah Goddess, Fuel Up On Love, and So In Love With You.

Cecil Cooper’s funeral on Wednesday

Sunday, September 25, 2016 12:00 AM

THE thanksgiving service for artist and tenor, Cecil Cooper is set for next Wednesday, September 28, at the University Chapel, Mona campus. Starting time is 2:00 pm.

Cooper died on September 5, just a week after being conferred with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD), for his invaluable contribution to the arts.

For many, Cooper was the artist who sang, while others argue he was the singer who painted. Whatever the conclusion, it is clear that he made an impact in these two spheres of his life.

This Jamaican cultural figure is being hailed as one of Jamaica’s best tenors. This accolade has come from renowned composer and choir director, Noel Dexter.

“I knew Cecil for many years. From his years as a student at the Jamaica School of Music, where he was a contemporary of opera singer Willard White. Cecil was the tenor and Willard the bass. He had that kind of voice that was so commanding, and such good delivery. I have a recording of Cecil singing with my late wife (Beverly Dexter) at King’s House, it was fantastic. His range as reflected in the variety of music he performed was really wide. Cecil’s voice lended itself beautifully to a variety of music — opera, show tunes, Jamaican music... he was just brilliant. History will recall that he was one of our best,” said Dexter.

For Basil Watson, renowned sculptor and the son of master painter Barrington Watson, Cooper’s passing came as a shock.

“I am saddened to hear of the passing of my colleague Cecil Cooper. Cecil was an outstanding person who made a difference, whether as a painter, singer or educator, and has been at the forefront of Jamaica’s cultural life for decades. We celebrate his life and immeasurable contribution.”

Long-time friend Lennie Little-White remembered Cooper as the quintessential artist.

“Cecil saw his creativity in a world without boundaries. While his feet were firmly planted in Jamaica, his paintings were like rainbow colours in an arc to the world. His images were Jamaican in origin but spoke with a universal language. When he sang, it was more than a repetitive exercise, but rather his own unique interpretation that challenged his vocal prowess. Most of all, Cecil loved to teach — not just in the classroom but in the streets of life. He touched many of the new generation of artists who he helped to forge an indigenous identity in art without limiting themselves to parochial boundaries. We became friends in 1964 on a pantomime stage at Ward Theatre and he never disrespected our friendship. Cecil was a man for all seasons — one of a kind.”

Ryan Willis has the Remedy

Sunday, September 25, 2016 12:00 AM

Being the son of Noel and Shirley Willis of popular gospel group Grace Thrillers, Ryan Willis is breaking tradition.

The Florida-based singer has recently released his debut reggae single calledRemedy.

A collaboration with singjay Javada, Willis said the song has a very sexual theme.

“It is not derogotary but it is also not recommended for the ears of children. It’s basically saying that I have the sexual remedy and satisfaction is guaranteed once a female gets that close to me,” he said.

Released on his birthday, September 14, the singer said the song boasts a roots-reggae sound.

“Javada also added the dancehall element that it needed. I really hope that it will cross over into the international market and give me the break that I am seeking,” he said.

Remedy was produced by Florida-based producer, Duwayne Bennett.

Growing up in Portmore, St Catherine, Willis said he always had an eye and ear for music. As expected, he started singing in a church group called Young Thrillers.

“My father always pushed me because he saw my talent, and just seeing how electrifying their performances were, it always motivated me. They did a lot for Caribbean gospel music,” he said.

Willis told the Jamaica Observer his decision to do secular music was a bold step but promises to keep his lyrical content clean.

“Even if the single is for a mature audience, I try to keep it clean. My mom wasn’t really fond of me doing secular songs but I look at it as art. Not all of my experiences are Christian-based,” he said.

In addition to promoting Remedy, the 30-year-old singer is also preparing to release other singles such as Stay Together and Forever and a Day.

Shat him a box

Sunday, September 25, 2016 12:00 AM

What sudden anger’s this?

How have I reap’d it?

He parted frowning from me, as if ruin

Leap’d from his eyes.

– Shakespeare,

Henry VIII, 111, 2

Maybe those words were spoken by a man who was just slapped in the face by his woman. Although, instead of asking her what anger’s this, he may blurt out, “Is what yu box me fah, is wha me do yu?” As you may or may not know, the word box is another word for a slap. So when you slap someone in the face the Jamaican parlance is, ‘Shot, or shat him a box.’ “Me say, de woman shat de man a box an him teet rattle inna him head.”

After that slap… er box, he parted from her, frowning, as if ruin leaped from his eyes. The truth is, when men hit and abuse women physically, it makes the news under the theme of domestic violence, and rightly so. It’s frowned upon and the men are condemned, often arrested and thrown in jail.

Well, sometimes, for there are people who actually, and strangely, plorify this, there are even women who see nothing wrong with it, as in their mind it shows authority and garners respect and love. “Him beat me because him love me.”

In most cases, the women live with the abuse for a plethora of reasons, among them financial dependency, status — as she can’t leave the big house and fancy car — and fear: “If I leave him he will kill me.”

But what happens when the shoe is on the other foot, and the woman becomes the abuser? What happens when the box is ‘shat’ by her? We’ll look at that scenario right after these responses to ‘Relationship rumblings’.

Hi Tony,

Relationships are like a long road trip by car. You start off with a destination in mind, with many stops along the way. The road may take many turns, some not so pleasant; there may be a stretch of straight driving with lovely scenery, and you might encounter some potholes that need navigation. Some you hit, some you miss. During the trip, there may be some arguments, the drive is too long and boring, you get lost. Life is a trip and the experience is what you make of it together.

Trevor

Teerob,

Volcanoes rumble, oftentimes for a very long time, while some rumble for a short time and then erupt, exploding with a giant force. Relationships are the same. When they are hot and passionate there will always be rumbling, but when there is no sign of life they’re usually dormant if not dead, or living a lie, in denial, or one party is living a double life and stopped caring. Give me rumblings any day over a boring, tasteless, meaningless relationship.

Karen

I have written about domestic abuse in the past, mostly from the perspective of men abusing women. And true, I have also touched on the aspect of men who were abused by their women too. But I have never gone the ‘full hundred’ on men who are abused and continue to live with it.

After reading that front page story in the Gleaner of Sunday, September 11 about that policeman, yes a policeman, who was stuck in an abusive relationship with his woman, I had to do more than merely touch on the subject this week.

Oh yes indeed, men are physically abused by their women too, but it doesn’t get the same attention as when it’s the other way around. It’s pretty much like the case of the dog biting man versus man biting dog scenario. The latter makes the news because it’s different and unusual.

Well, all bites are painful, but there are other reasons why it’s often swept under the carpet, one being shame. I know men who have told me, “If my woman ever beat me I would be ashamed to tell anybody.”

It’s ironic that the abused victim in that article was a policeman, for very often it’s the police themselves who will snicker, laugh at the male victims who come to report domestic abuse, and chase them out of the station. “Say what? Yu woman shat yu a box, black up yu eye and yu reporting it to police? Man, just get yu whatsit whatsit outa de station mek wi do serious police work.”

But men being abused is a serious issue, and many men are living with this secret shame, under a regime of fear, cowering like curs, afraid to open their mouths for fear of being shat a box. “Just say one more word and see if a fresh one don’t reach yu inna yu face.”

Women sense weakness in men, or sometimes they mistake compassion and caring for weakness and often take advantage. They despise weakness, and will express their contempt with a show of verbal or physical force that would make a foul-mouthed, pugilistic, fishmongering harridan proud. Verbal abuse is also damaging to men, and as the article pointed out, many women will cuss the daylight out of men, often in public, humiliating them usually about their genitals and lack of sexual prowess.

What’s interesting is that many women do not see anything wrong with a woman abusing and hitting a man, and in fact will often justify it. Some will say, “It must be something that the man did why she had to slap him like that.” Or, “Men hit women all the time, so it’s about time they feel what it’s like. Bax him again, slap him and call him Suzie.”

Some have even said, “I don’t sorry for any man who woman beat, him deserve it.” One lady justified her action by saying that once, when she found a condom wrapper in her husband’s pants pocket on laundry day, she calmly called him over, showed it to him, then shat him a colossal box that resounded throughout the neighbourhood. She laughed while telling me: “When I shot him the box, him so frighten him couldn’t believe it and just stood there, fraid like puss.”

That same lady saw her husband dancing closely with another woman at a Christmas party, walked over to him, draped him in his pants waist like when police drape up pickpocket, and dragged him off the dance floor, slapping him repeatedly. His friends laughed him to scorn. But would they have laughed if it was the other way around?

Still, it’s almost laughable when you hear some of the stories of men being slapped and beaten by their women. “Look how the big man just stand up and tek lick from him woman. Is wha kinda man dat?” It’s not laughable if you are the victim though.

What’s interesting is the fact that so many women see nothing wrong with the practice. I know this man who’s married to a soldier, and when I told some female friends how cowed and subjugated he was, they all said, “Him too soff. If I was married to him I woulda beat him.”

Women abuse men for various reasons. Some to exercise power, others because they know that the man won’t hit back. As the old saying goes, ‘Duppy know who fi frighten’. It often begins with a small verbal put-down, then when she sees that the man takes it, she verbally abuses him more, sometimes in public. She feels her strength and ‘tun it up’, pointing in his face, then pushing him, then shots him a box right then and there that rattles not only his teeth, but his sensibilities and self-esteem.

Sometimes shotting the man a box can have positive results. It can be in retaliation, or it can be a pre-emptive strike. There are men who tried to abuse their women, and the first time that they laid hands on them, the box that they got from the women could be heard as far as Port Royal. “Him try to hit me, and when I shot him a box he never tried again, ever.”

Domestic violence is never good, and is not the solution to relationship problems. It’s terrible when men hit women and it should not be tolerated. It’s just as bad when women abuse men, verbally, emotionally or physically. But people, whenever your male friend complains to you that his woman beats him and box him up every night, please don’t laugh at him… at least not in front of his face. And don’t tell him to turn the other cheek either.

More time.

seido1@hotmail.com

Footnote: Sometimes when we observe the behaviour of some of our youth, we tend to lose hope. But all is not lost, as many young people with positive attitudes are still around. The Kiwanis Club of Kingston has an annual Youth in Excellence Prject under the directorship of Mr David Hall. The main objective of this programme is to highlight and recognise Jamaican youth who have achieved excellence in various fields such as the arts, leadership, sports and academics. I am proud to say that my student in seido karate, Romario Cole, was the recipient of an award for 2016. He’s also a KC student. All the other recipients were young people of high achievement. I congratulate them all, and kudos to the Kiwanis Club of Kingston for this excellent programme.

Kartel is King on Billboard

Saturday, September 24, 2016 12:00 AM

Vybz Kartel’s latest album King of the Dancehall is currently the top-selling album from a dancehall artiste on the Billboard Reggae Album Chart. According to Nielsen Music which tracks sales in North America, King of the Dancehall has, to date, sold 3,249 copies since its release 15 weeks ago. It sits at number 19 from the latest tally.

The album debuted at number two in June. Over the past week, the album moved 54 copies. The week before it sold 93 copies.

The other dancehall album ranked on the latest Billboard chart is Alkaline’s

New Level Unlocked. Released 26 weeks ago, the set is at number 31. It had debuted in the number one spot.

To date, New Level Unlocked has sold 2,578 copies. It sold 26 copies over the past week.

— Kevin Jackson

Action for Charity tonight

Saturday, September 24, 2016 2:00 AM

THIS evening, vintage artistes are slated to take the stage at Action For Charity scheduled for Fab 5 headquarters, 11 Springvale Avenue in Kingston.

The Mighty Diamonds, Boris Gardiner, The Heptones, The Silvertones, Orville “Bagga” Case (formerly of Home T), Fab 5, Bongo Herman and Charmaine Limonious are rostered to perform. Showtime is 8:00 pm.

Co-organiser Jan Groeppel, president of Germany-based Action Speaks Louder Than Words, said vintage acts are under-appreciated in Jamaica, while revered around the world.

“People all over the world get a lot of joy listening to many of the music of these vintage artistes. Their music is in demand all over the world, but many of them are old ... some unable to afford proper health care and are living in deplorable conditions. Some are badly in need of help. It’s like nobody cares. I think this is very unjust,” Groeppel told the Jamaica Observer.

“We are hoping people in Jamaica will wake up. Put them (veteran artistes) on the radio, book them for shows, and give them the life they deserve,” he continued.

Groeppel said his desire it that tonight’s event will become an annual one.

Fab 5’s Frankie Campbell, executive of Jamaica Association of Vintage Artistes and Affiliates (JAVAA), said he was pleased to be part of the event.

“The aim of the event is to revive the careers of many of these artistes, many of whom still sound good and are still relevant. We at JAVAA believe in preserving the musical heritage of Jamaica,” said Campbell.

The show will be streamed live to another event in Oberhausen, Germany, where a vintage sound system show is being held.

The headliner for that gig is British selector Tiny T and the Mighty Cloudburst.

Operating for the last three years in Germany, Action Speaks Louder Than Words was officially registered last year. Its aim is to bring veteran acts to the mainstream.

Exco Levi gets spot on Walk of Fame

Saturday, September 24, 2016 2:00 AM

CANADA-BASED, Jamaican-born reggae artiste Exco Levi is adding another to his list of accolades. Today, the artiste will receive a spot on Canada’s walk of fame for his contribution to the arts and entertainment in the city of Brampton.

The winner of four Juno Awards, Canada’s equivalent of the American Grammy, said he truly deems it an honour to be recognised by the city he has called home for the past seven years.

“This is great for a person born in Manchester, Jamaica — a little district called Hormans, near Porus — and migrated to Canada 10 years ago. For them to choose me is a great feeling. Uplifting music is of utmost importance to Exco Levi, and to be recognised for this is more than words can explain. This is even more important to me than winning the Juno Awards. My children, who are all here in Canada, can always go down and look at my star.... even long after I am gone. I remember the first time I was in LA (Los Angeles) I walked and found the Bob Marley star and never dreamed I could have one of my own, so I am humbled and excited,” Exco Levi told the Jamaica Observer.

The walk of fame in Brampton celebrates persons from that city who have achieved greatness in the areas of arts and entertainment. Exco Levi (whose birth name is Wayneford Omaro Levy) explained that other walk of fame inductees include, actors Alan Thicke and Michael Cera, singer Keshia ChantÃ¨ and comedian Russell Peters.

According to Exco Levi, another take-away from the award is the universality of the message in his music.

“As a reggae artiste in Canada, sometimes you get frustrated because you are not getting the recognition and airplay back in Jamaica, which is the hub of dancehall and reggae music, so you get discouraged. But I have come to recognise that all you have to do is represent yourself well and the recognition will come. Like mi granny always say: ‘Don’t watch the noise of the market, just look for the profit from the sale’. There is a whole big world out there for reggae music. Donovan Germain once said to me that I should not worry about this as somewhere in the world my music will be played.”

Exco Levi is currently pushing the new track Siren, which was released in June, and is looking forward to 2017 when he says he will be continuing his journey in a big way.

“Come next year, I will be taking my career on a different level. Over the years, I have watched myself grow. While the message of positive, uplifting music reggae music is constant, there must be some change. I will be experimenting with my riddims, drawing on other genres to create an interesting sound on a reggae base. This is in an effort to cross over and reach different markets and a more diverse audience.”

— Richard Johnson

Chinese troupe for Wednesday show

Saturday, September 24, 2016 2:00 AM

The colourful China National Opera and Dance Theater troupe will be guest performers for a one-time show at Chinese Benevolent Association (CBA) at 176 Old Hope Road in St Andrew, on Wednesday, September 28.

The event, which is commemorating the China National Day and 125th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Benevolent Association, is slated to start at 7:00 pm.

“It’s the first time that they’ll be in the island... the troupe was specially invited to Jamaica for the anniversary through the kind auspices of the Chinese Embassy,” Marcia Harford, event spokesperson, told the Jamaica Observer yesterday.

According to Harford, the event will be a special one.

“We are sharing our culture with the general public as not often people get an opportunity to see these performances. They’ll be singing in Mandarin and doing traditional dances and wearing costumes. It’ll be very entertaining,” said Harford.

The event is $500 per person.

Founded in December 1951, China National Opera & Dance Drama Theater is the largest outfit directly under the central government. Over the past six decades, it has made constant innovations and taken a path for art development that highlights the national culture and combines refined and popular taste.

Harford said another event is also planned to mark the milestone.

“There’s also a dinner dance planned for the same venue on October 1. Veteran entertainers Sonny Wong, who led the Mighty Vikings in their heyday in Jamaica, and Keith Lyn, former lead singer with Byron Lee & the Dragonnaires, will be in performance,” she said.

Bobby Wong of Sparkles Disco will be spinning the oldies.

— Brian Bonitto

King of Ska hailed

Saturday, September 24, 2016 2:00 AM

AS tributes continue to pour in to celebrate the life and legacy of Ska king Prince Buster, world-renowned publications Rolling Stones, New York Times and The Economist have also weighed in on his contribution.

Prince Buster (given name Cecil Bustamante Campbell) died on Thursday, September 7, in Florida. He was 78.

The Economist’s headline read ‘Prince Buster: A Hard Man Fe Dead’.

“His life is a chronicle of the tropical tempest that is modern Jamaica. As a performing artist, sound system operator and producer, Prince Buster played a pivotal role in bringing the upbeat pulse of Jamaican music to the ears of the world. They called him the Prince, but when it came to the island’s explosive ska culture, he was king,” was how the British periodical described him.

He is recognised in the article for turning American popular music “upside down by emphasising the offbeat”, thus giving birth to then a new genre, ska. It was this genius, the magazine writes, that afforded Prince Buster the opportunity to present Jamaica’s new music to the world, alongside Jimmy Cliff and Millie Small, at the 1964 World Fair.

The New York Times eulogised Prince Buster for his musical dexterity, as the “trailblazer of the ska beat”. His arrangement of music at the time was an intentional assertion of his Jamaican identity.

“Prince Buster’s productions were more deliberately Jamaican. His production of the Folkes Brothers’ Oh Carolina, recorded in 1959, meshed the traditional Nyabinghi drumming of a Rastafarian musician, Count Ossie, with what would come to be known as a ska beat,” said the New York Times.

“That beat, in songs like Eric Morris’s Humpty Dumpty, made for huge hits in Jamaica and also had an impact in 1960s Britain. Prince Buster’s instrumental Al Capone was a Top 20 hit there in 1965.”

It was ska’s emphasis on the backbeat, underlined on guitar and saxophone, that fostered the evolution of Jamaican popular music with the emergence reggae, the article also states. But first, ska would give rise to the rocksteady genre by the late 1960s.

By the late 1970s Prince Buster’s influence extended to the punk rock genre in Britain.

“Punk-era rock fans were introduced to Prince Buster through One Step Beyond, the title track of the 1979 debut album by the English ska-revival band Madness, which was a sped-up remake of an instrumental Prince Buster released in 1964. The group had taken its name from Prince Buster’s song Madness Is Gladness, and its first single was The Prince, a tribute to him. Other ska-revival groups like the Specials and the English Beat also recorded Prince Buster’s songs,” penned the New York Times.

This segue from ska to rocksteady to reggae, Rolling Stone magazine declares, made Prince Buster the forerunner to the messiah of reggae music, Bob Marley.

Prince Buster’s funeral will be held at the Islamic Council of Jamaica, 24 Camp Road, Kingston, today, at 2:00 pm. Interment follows in the May Pen Cemetery.

— Josimar Scott

Pure Bi Purify warns Be Careful

Saturday, September 24, 2016 2:00 AM

Just 18 years old, singer Pure Bi Purify recently released a song with an adult message. He hopes that single, Be Careful, will resonate with listeners, especially his contemporaries who are susceptible to peer pressure.

“Mi telling yuh to watch the steps yuh tek in life; careful who yuh talk an’ who yuh trust,” said the Rastafarian artiste. “Not everyone who says they are with you is for you.”

Produced by Charlie Pre Records, Be Careful was released in early September. It is the follow-up to Working Hard, another Charlie Pre production.

Pure Bi Purify is also pushing Sufferation, a song produced by the Marley-owned Tuff Gong company.

Born Marlon Walker in Kingston, Pure Bi Purify grew up in the seaside town of Lyssons, St Thomas, to Rastafarian parents who taught him the importance of accepting his African heritage. He also inherited their love for roots-reggae, and grew up on the sounds of Bob Marley and Bushman, who also hails from Lyssons.

Pure Bi Purify made his recording debut two years ago while attending Paul Bogle High School. Be Careful, Working Hard and Sufferation reflect his cultural awareness.

“I just want to preach the word of culture in my songs. Its conscious music all the way,” he said.

— Howard Campbell

Junior Gong moves to Stony Hill

Saturday, September 24, 2016 8:56 AM

Reggae artiste Damian “Junior Gong” Marley is set to release his fourth studio album Stony Hill , early next year. The album is the follow-up to his 2010 collaborative effort Distant Relatives with American rapper Nas. Marley’s previous solo album Welcome to Jamrock (2005), was certified gold for sales of over 500,000 copies in the US.

Marley, 38, is the youngest son for reggae king Bob Marley. His mother is Cindy Breakspeare, Miss World 1976.

Mr G drops tracks

Saturday, September 24, 2016 8:49 AM

Dancehall artiste Goofy aka Mr G has released three new singles. They are Self Made which was produced by Troyton; Money Team produced by Seanizzle Records; and Champion Bubbla produced by Cornelius Records.

Mr G (given name Chad Simpson) recently released the video for the single Never Gone Quit.

Accid burns with with One Thump

Saturday, September 24, 2016 2:00 AM

2016 Magnum King of the Dancehall winner Accid has released the video for his debut single One Thump. The video was directed by Far Eye Films.

He said winning the dancehall televised competition was a blessing.

“Being in the competition has opened a lot of doors for me. Right now, Magnum set me for life,” Accid told the Jamaica Observer.

Accid (given name Oneil Walker) is from Annotto Bay in St Mary. A former student of Port Maria High, he has been honing his craft for the past decade. His first single English (2006) never made the charts. He is, however, determined to chase his dream.

Jamaica Observer

Earlington looks to the Stars

Checkmate for Harambe

Thurston takes the Minibus

Kenyata banks on Sheblelep Wednesdays

Isha Blender&rsquo;s Epiphany

Acts turn out for charity

Rub a dub with Kirk Bennett

Cervantes Celebration at Redbones on Thursday

SOJA goes live

Althea Laing marks another milestone

Jody Kay James &mdash; a year later

Marilyn&rsquo;s fuming at playlists

Auresia&rsquo;s On The Road Again

Cecil Cooper&rsquo;s funeral on Wednesday

Ryan Willis has the Remedy

Shat him a box

Kartel is King on Billboard

Action for Charity tonight

Exco Levi gets spot on Walk of Fame

Chinese troupe for Wednesday show

King of Ska hailed

Pure Bi Purify warns Be Careful

Junior Gong moves to Stony Hill

Mr G drops tracks

Accid burns with with One Thump

Isha Blender’s Epiphany

Jody Kay James — a year later

Marilyn’s fuming at playlists

Auresia’s On The Road Again

Cecil Cooper’s funeral on Wednesday