Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Wyclef`s Protege Released From Jail
CaribWorldNews, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Dec. 24, 2008: Grammy winning rapper and former Wyclef Jean protege, John Forte, has been released from a federal prison in New Jersey.
Forte was released on Wednesday ahead of the Christmas season following a pardon last month by President Bush.
He was originally set to serve 14 years in jail after being caught in 2001 with two briefcases containing $1.4 million dollars worth of cocaine at Newark International Airport.
Forte served seven years behind bars. His freedom is due largely in part to the work of folk singer and friend Carly Simon, who lobbied to have his conviction overturned.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Bunji Confession/Call Me by Khari Kill
In a recording studio back in the states, Brooklyn, New York to be exact, right down on St. John’s and Nostrand Avenue our source ran into the infamous Kill aka Khari Kill working with Muscle from Artical One Productions on their latest Soca project. Upon meeting Khari for the first time it was easy to see that he lives music, as he exudes a regal, spiritual vibe that is undeniably felt by all around him.
With a strong voice he says, “Weh’s de scene” our source then proceeded to ask him about the latest controversy in his new Soca song titled “Call Me,” recorded by Artical One Productions on the Te Pica Riddim. With a smile Kill looked over and said “What controversy?”, then reached for a DVD with live footage of himself and Bunji Garlin on stage at the Elite Ark in Brooklyn and there it was, “The Confession.”
Khari why did you choose to sing a song on this topic?
Khari replied, “People does see me and ask me why yuh doh put out ah Soca tune for carnival?...not knowing I have been putting out sweet Soca music over the years and have not been able to be recognized, even though I am an established musician that’s known to the world for my Reggae music, with hits such as “Picture of Selassie.” So I say, yuh know wha, I go put out a song dat go cause bacchanal because carnival is bacchanal and bacchanal is carnival, as meh brethren Jah Bami say before dey thief he style” then he laughed.
So what exactly is this confession?
Well, some say it’s another true testimony from the voice of D. Ghetto. While others say that it’s the spark of controversy. So, you’ll have to be the judge. The only way to find out what all the talk is about is to check out “Call Me” and hear the Confession for yourself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nHSP3mK8BI
Before leaving, Khari gave some insight on his second new Soca tune recorded by Artical One Productions entitled “Set Up” on the 911 Riddim. He said, “The ancient monarchy, coming for the monarch.”
For more info on KHARI KILL, logon to myspace/kharikillmusic.com or for more about Artical One Productions and current artists and projects call (347) 992-8643 or email: Articalone@gmail.com.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Rihanna For An Inauguration Performance
CaribWorldNews, WASHINGTON, D.C., Sat. Dec. 20, 2008: Def Jam artist and Multi-Platinum, Bajan Grammy Award-winning global superstar, Rihanna, is set for an inauguration performance.
Feeding America and the Recording Industry Association of America announced that Rihanna will perform at an inauguration charity ball on January 20, 2008 in Washington, D.C. All of the proceeds from the RIAA inauguration after party will go directly to Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger-relief organization. The joint announcement was made today by Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America, and Mitch Bainwol, chairman and CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Vicki Escarra said, `We are thrilled to have Rihanna's participation in the inauguration charity ball. As the prevalence of hunger in America increases at an unprecedented rate, we are most grateful to Rihanna and to RIAA for helping us bring greater visibility to this tragic reality and helping us feed millions more people in need.`
David Arquette, chairman of Feeding America's Entertainment Council said, `We are hopeful that President-elect Obama's pledge to fighting hunger in America and ending child hunger by 2015 will bring relief to the 1 in 8 million Americans at risk of hunger today. We can all do our part by raising money, donating food, or volunteering. The RIAA Inauguration event is the perfect example of an organization that has chosen to lead the way by choosing Feeding America as it beneficiary.`
Mitch Bainwol said, `We are delighted to partner with Feeding America, the nation's largest domestic charity dedicated to hunger relief, to announce Grammy-award winner and superstar Rihanna as the performer at our inauguration event. With her unique sound and addictive melodies that have garnered numerous Grammy awards and countless other music accolades, Rihanna is the perfect fit to entertain our inauguration audience as we salute the historic Obama Administration and the anti-hunger efforts of Feeding America.`
Other special celebrity guests and entertainers, including members of Feeding America's Entertainment Council, as well as details about the event will be announced in the coming weeks.Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Guyanese singer Nhojj joins Rihanna, Regina Belle at Barbados Music Awards 2009
NEW YORK, USA: Guyanese soul singer Nhojj heads to the 4th Annual Barbados Music Awards on January 4, 2009 to perform his sensual ballad “Love.” The ceremony will be held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre in Barbados, and will be viewed globally via live web broadcast.
BMA producer Ronnie Morris invited Nhojj after hearing him sing “Love” at Guyana Fashion Weekend ‘08. Attendees included the American Ambassador, GFW president Sonia Noel, BET host Abiola Abrams, and “Amen” sitcom actress Anna Maria Horsford. Walter Greene, host of the event and editor of the weekly New York Carib News, wrote “Nhojj is on the cusp of becoming a household name.”
At age 5 Nhojj began his musical journey singing choir hymns in his father’s small church in Guyana. Now he writes and records his own songs. Lyrics to “Love” are provocative–”I want to see you nude in the moonlight”–quite a jump from “The Lord’s Prayer,” one of his childhood favorites.
“It’s not so much of a jump,” Nhojj explains. “The nude body is a creation of God, a thing of beauty. I want my music to tap into that beauty. I want it to be positive and affirming–to be joyful.”
In recording “Love” for his new release “Soul Comfort,” Nhojj utilized the work of pianist Carl Evans (Stevie Wonder, Barry White) and percussionist Tommy Aros (Luis Miguel). “Love” is featured in the Indie film “Blueprint” which screened at over 30 International Film Festivals this year, including the Cannes Film Festival. A music video is in production with “Blueprint” director Kirk Shannon-Butts.
It wasn’t always smooth sailing for Nhojj. He slowly ventured into the music business only after graduating from New York University with a BA in Economics. “For a long time I didn’t believe I was good enough,” Nhojj explains. “I would always compare myself to others - fear is paralyzing.” He credits friends, family, and meditation for giving him courage to face his fears and begin writing and recording. Now with 4 CDs under his belt, and a live performance DVD filmed by Emmy nominated director Bill Cote, Nhojj feels ready to share his brand of Caribbean Soul with the world.
“Music for me is about connecting with the audience in a deep way,” Nhojj reflects, “when the mood is right and the spirits descend - we all feel the euphoria, its like fireworks - I’m really looking forward to this experience… to putting a smile on everyone’s face.”
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Taking Orders for Ponche-de-Creme!!!
Yes folks it is that time of year, drink and be merry!!! Ms.Brenda will be taking orders for her famous Ponche-de-Creme for you to enjoy for your christmas. For those of you who don't know what Ponche-de-Creme is, it is the Trinidadian version of eggnogg (only A LOT better). If you will like to place an or for a bottle or 2 or 3 or4 you can contact Ms.Brenda at 704-906-4945. The price per bottle is $10. Orders must be placed by 12/19/08!!!
Photo source: www.trinigourmet.com
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Magnum Winners Debut Two Hot Videos
Just over six months after winning the Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall 2008 competition, Singer Jah and Baby Tash are showing that they are poised for growth.
Register and Mix up are what the first Magnum King and Queen of Dancehall, Singer Jah and Baby Tash have unleashed through Real Jam Records as their first successful singles. The songs which have been receiving air-plays on various radio stations got their official premier at the launch of the 2008/2009 season of Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall. Along with the official videos for both songs the tracks are expected to take over the colours of TV in the coming weeks as various TV and Cable station premieres the videos.
Just over six months after winning the Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall 2008 competition, Singer Jah and Baby Tash are showing that they are poised for growth. Both worked with top producers in the music industry to create high quality videos for their respective singles. Both videos premiered on the Entertainment Report recently and also had their debut on TVJ's Intense. Singer Jah had the opportunity to work with Mellissa Llewellyn as producer and J Will as director for his video Register. Baby Tash on the other hand worked along with producer Carlene Samuels and Kimala "Lala" Bennett as director.
In a heighten state of joy Singer Jah had nothing but praises to deliver about Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall. "No matter how many interviews I do, I have to bless up Magnum Kings and Queens because they are the ones who gave me the opportunity for to be recognized." commented the singer.
Asked about what he thought of the video Singer Jah commented that he was passionate about it just the same as he was about his work. "The video itself is a part of the song; both of them combined are good, and the video really reflects what the song is about…it sell off," opined Singer Jah of his song and video which illustrates pain caused by a female who broke the heart of her male companion.
Baby Tash noted that she chose the single Mix Up particularly because of the reactions that the crowd had toward the song. "The song is really about people who pay more attention to other people's life than their own," said the deejay who confesses to being a little shy. "This is something real, you even have a line in the song that says 'them know everything bout Angel and Beenie". The deejay of Mix Up and past student of Jonathan High said, "I'm doing something that I love, so it wasn't just about the competition it was more than that it was a part of me".
The public have seen the Magnum King and Queen of Dancehall performed at several shows including the Magnum Dancehall Road shows, which have passed through the Amnesia Night Club in Ocho Rios, Mobay and several hot spots across the island. When prompted about the expected success of Singer Jah and Baby Tash, Executive Producer of Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall, Mark Kenny, noted that he is proud of how the artistes are progressing and is looking forward to seeing them going places. "I'm very proud of the level of success so far for Baby Tash and Singer Jah since they took the top spots and I'm really looking forward to seeing them take off successfully in Jamaica and going International."
Releasing more from the bag Kenny mentioned that, "We are also looking at getting them a profile…getting them place perhaps in advertisements and movies international and locally." The Executive Producer reasoned that he wanted to help Singer Jah and Baby Tash reach out in the international arena. "We want to see how possible it might be in getting them an International contract perhaps with Universal."
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FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: http://www.myspace.com/magnumkingsandqueensofdancehall
Watch Singer Jah's Register Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OyUIp6uaKg
Watch Baby Tash's Mix Up Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6n2Y---r67A
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
Farmer Chipping To Brand New Tune!!
Trinidad - December: By October the melody of his song was stuck in our heads and the lyrics bounced off the tongues of many unprepared music lovers. Even before the hype begun for the Carnival 2k8 season, he was already receiving remarkable airplay and was somewhat responsible for setting the groovy Soca tone for 2k8.
We were already “Chippin down the road” and encouraging many others to do the same. Farmer formerly Farmer Nappy has been enjoying immense success since his debut as a Solo artiste in May 2007. His smooth and successful transition is one that led to him copping the title of “Best Groovy Soca Song Of The Year” at COTT Awards 2008 for his smash hit “Chippin.”
Born Darryl Henry, Farmer has experienced many changes in the Soca industry and has utilized every experience to become the artiste he is today. Following his bumper season from Crop Over into Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival 2k8, he is at it again, this time it is all about Belly Dancer!! The recently released groovy soca track is already receiving satisfactory airplay in Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, UK, New York and many Caribbean islands.
Farmer’s inspiration for his new single, Belly Dancer came to him after hearing the riddim in the studio. He said as soon as he heard the riddim he told the producer to “burn it for him one time.” When asked about the penning of the lyrics for this song, Nappy responded, “The words came to me instantly; De ting start around two in de morning, came to me first and the words flowed from there.” He continued by saying, “My manager heard the riddim and said it sounded a bit Arabian, with that came, belly belly belly belly dancer.”
It is with no exaggeration, I say, Oh and what sexy bellies we see in his new video which is currently receiving heavy rotation on synergy TV. With editing by Lee Aleong of Lee Designs and conceptualization by Katrina Chandler of Country life Entertainment, it truly captures the essence of the song. The catchy dance choreography and sultry belly dancing is sure to be a hit with viewers. In the not too distant future the video would also be seen on another one of the Caribbean’s premier entertainment stations, TEMPO. He continues to step up his game and the video is such proof.
Farmer has earned his place in the soca industry; not just as a “hype man” but also for the astounding work he has done as far as song writing throughout his career while under the Xtatik umbrella. He was responsible for the co-writing of many Xtatik hits such as, “BIG TRUCK”, “MUSIC FARM”, “TAYEE AYEE”, “CROWDED” and “WORKING DOG” to name a few. He won the award for ‘best song writer’ in 1998 for “FOOTSTEPS”, which also won 'Road March of the Year' and ‘Best song of the Year’ for Trinidad’s Carnival. He has been in the soca realm for twenty-six (26) years, having spent twenty-five (25) of them at the right hand of Soca Prince Machel Montano and the band Xtatik. Although Farmer is now a solo artiste, he still appears on stage as part as the Xtatik entourage to sold out audiences all over the world. Stay tuned for more Carnival 2k9 releases from Farmer and the soon to be remix of Belly Dancer!
You can read more about farmer on his myspace page www.myspace.com/1farmernappy
You can view the "Belly Dancer" Video HERE
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Caribbean Artistes Make 51st Annual GRAMMY Nominations
CaribWorldNews, LOS ANGELES, CA, Thurs. Dec. 4, 2008: Seven Caribbean artistes last night made the nomination list for the 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards.
Bajan-born Grammy singer, Rihanna, received three nominations Wednesday night. Rihanna was nominated in the Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals category for her collaboration with Maroon 5 on `If I Never See Your Face Again,` in the Best Long Form Music Video category for `Good Girl Gone Bad Live` and in the Best Dance Recording for `Disturbia.`
Other Caribbean artists making the nomination list for the 51st Grammy`s are Burning Spears, Elephant Man, Heavy D, Shaggy, Lee `Scratch` Perry and Sly & Robbie. The six are vying for the Best Reggae Album honor.
Burning Spear`s `Jah Is Real,` will face off against the Elephant God`s 'Let`s Get Physical', as well as `Vibes` by Heavy D; ` Repentance,` by Lee `Scratch` Perry, Shaggy`s `Intoxication` and `Amazing` by Sly & Robbie.
The 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on `GRAMMY Sunday,` Feb. 8, 2009, at Staples Center in Los Angeles.