Dancehall artiste E-Dee takes it to the big screen

Dancehall artiste Everton ‘E-Dee’ Dennis has a lead role in the upcoming Jamaican movie Out the Gate. The film which also stars Paul Campbell, Oliver Samuels, and Shelli Boone, is set to premiere stateside on May 13.

In a recent interview, E-Dee spoke about snagging the role of a lifetime. “Out the Gate was written by myself and producer Q Million. The film is based on my life story, and we thought that it was best that I play myself in the movie,” he explained.

Asked how challenging he found the role, E-Dee explained “Most of the situations in the movie happened in real life, like when my mother passed away in Jamaica, or when I came to Los Angeles and was struggling to make it. I know myself better than anybody and I had to be me, so it was easy to play myself and to feel those emotions again and portray it on camera.”

He said he was honoured to be sharing the screen with experienced actors such as Oliver Samuels and Paul Campbell. “I grew up watching these legends on television and in the movies, so it was an honour to have them on this project,” E-Dee shared.

E-Dee who is best known for the Billboard charting single Bounce Along with Ms Triniti, said he had always had an interest in acting. “I’ve always wanted to be on television since I was small. I studied acting at Music Institute in Hollywood. My first acting gig professionally was in the movie The Party which also featured singer RL from the group Next,” said E-Dee. His other acting credits include Overkill starring Malik Yoba.

Bridgez sparkles with Han Up Deh

Alliance Next Generation artiste Bridgez has been generating steady airplay with her two latest singles Han Up Deh and I Said It. However it is the track Han Up Deh which has been making some serious noise.

“I feel extremely comfortable being a part of the Alliance Family and everyone has their own unique style and we are always motivating each other. It’s a musical home for me and I love it,” Bridgez recently confided.

Han Up Deh is featured on the High Definition rhythm from Builders Music Production while I Said It is from the Echo 1 label’s Pedal rhythm. ‘Han Up Deh is a song that’s basically saying that I’m going to speak my mind while I Said It is pretty much the same. Both songs complement each other,’ said Bridgez.

Splicerr Ras taking his career in a new direction

New York-based reggae artiste and producer Splicerr Ras has his eyes set on making an impact on the music scene.

A former dancehall artiste who recorded songs including Can’t Test My Sound and Montell before embarking on the Rastafarian faith, is originally from Trelawny.

The singer whose easily recognisable baritone voice has been opening up doors for him, says his songs are written from the heart and from personal experiences. “I just don’t get up and write on a subject or topic. My passion for this craft is a natural flow,’ said Splicerr Ras.

With a twelve track album already under his belt (Path to Pursue which he co produced with Ed Robinson), Splicerr Ras has tested his acting skills having appeared in Gangster Nuh Play.

Singer AJ Brown opens art exhibition in Florida

Art and Jazz lovers reportedly came out in large numbers for the opening reception of Double Exposure, an exquisite exhibition of paintings by singer AJ Brown. The event also featured a performance by guitarist Eugene Grey.

Held at the WDNA Jazz Gallery last Saturday, patrons saw a different side of Brown that many weren’t privy of.

Brown’s 30 pieces of paintings depicts Renaissance-inspired artistry intricately interwoven with aspects of the Caribbean.

Brown studied art at the Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts, in Jamaica and at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, while working at the Mirage Hotel. Inspired by the renaissance period of art, he has blended his own Caribbean roots into his works, which will be on display at the WDNA Jazz Gallery, until April 9.

BITS AND PIECES

Rapper Eminem’s 2002 album The Eminem Show has been certified diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America for sales of 10 million units. His 2000 album The Marshall Mathers LP had previously earned similar certification.

A film documenting the rise of Bob Marley & the Wailers to international stardom, and made from footage shot in the early 1970’s which was reportedly lost for 30 years, is set to get its first public viewing. The project which was done by Jamaican actress Esther Anderson, is called Bob Marley: The Making of a Legend. It will premiere this Saturday March 19 at the British Film Institute in London.

VP Records has signed a deal with Warner Bros Records Nashville which will see the release of an album of country music recorded by Jamaican reggae artistes. The project is to be called Reggae Gone Country.

Singer Christopher Martin has joined a growing list of entertainers who have ventured into production. He makes his production debut with the track I Am African on his very own Miss Cheeny Bwoy label.

Selah Marley, the daughter of R&B singer Lauryn Hill and Rohan Marley, is featured in a photo spread of the April 2011 issue of Teen Vogue magazine. Inside the publication, the 12-year-old discusses her love for singing, teen pop star Justin Beiber and her intentions of following in the footsteps of her mother.