Keznamdi bridges the gap
Roots singer Keznamdi’s EP, Bridging The Gap, has debuted at number 10 on the Billboard Reggae Album chart.
It is the biggest achievement to date for the 26 year-old Keznamdi who recorded his first song, Mix A Colour, at age five.
It was not until he began attending St Mary’s College in northern California that he decided to take music seriously.
The son of Errol and Kerida McDonald of reggae band Chakula, Keznamdi has lived in Tanzania and Ethiopia. He says his sound is influenced by his travels and is aimed at educating.
“My music is a message and each of my songs have a purpose. Just take a listen and experience it for yourself and more important than anything else, digest my message,” he says.
The world turns for Iestro
Singjay Iestro is banking on his latest songs to give him a mainstream breakthrough.
Nah Ease Up, When The World Turns and Herb Street are their names.
“Right now, a lot of people are not familiar with the name Iestro but that’s going to change very soon. I’m working hard to make a name for myself in the business and my fan base is steadily growing because of the quality of my music and the positive message in my songs,” he said.
Born Devon Andrew Howe in Waterhouse, Iestro started his career as a teenager on talent shows. His first recording was What You Gonna Do, a duet with Mr Classic (formerly known as Gurt Up).
Subsequent recordings were done for the Arrows, Tuff Gong, Mixing Lab, Cell Block, and Black Shine labels.
Recently, Iestro signed a management, booking and recording Contract with 5 Stars Recording Inc.
Blackout in ‘Philly’
Taurus Blackout, a birthday celebration by promoted by popular Jamaica-born, Philadelphia-based promoter Kahil Powell, takes place May 17 at Club Nifiji in that city.
According to Powell, a number of dancehall acts including Tifa and Spice, will perform.
Powell, a past student of Wolmer’s Boys High School, has successfully staged a number of events in the City of Brotherly Love, including the annual Yard Rave show.
He is also involved in music production, operating the Senanka Records label which has produced songs by Tifa and Konshens.
