Reggae Wednesdays continue today in Emancipation Park on the heels of a successful slate of events including the Trench Town Festival and the Ecumenical Church Service.

The series of concerts continue with a showcase of Reggae Bands: Legends and New Sensations. The line-up will include Fab Five, Errol Lee and the Bare Essentials, Dubtonic Kru, Uprising Roots, Raging Fyah and C-Sharp. The evening will start off with drumming from the Akwaaba drummers led by and Phillip Supersad.
Reggae Wednesdays are free to the public and starts at 6:30 pm each week.
Reggae Month was officially declared by Sir Kenneth Hall, former Governor General of Jamaica on January 24, 2008. Reggae Month is produced by the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) in partnership with the Jamaica Tourist Board and sponsored by the Edna Manley College, Sun Island, Guardsman Group, RJR Communications Group, IRIE FM, Zip FM, The Jamaica Observer, Wisynco, JAMPRO, Advantage General, Rum Bar Rum, Grizzlys, Alternative Music and Tru Tone.
JaRIA has been organising Reggae Month activities since 2009. JaRIA is an independent, non-governmental organisation serving the needs and furthering the common interest of all individuals, institutions, organisations and firms directly and indirectly involved in the Jamaican music industry.
For further information contact Coleen Douglas at 849-9560 or coleendouglas@hotmail.com

Charles Campbell

JARIA

Reggae artiste Chrisinti returns for 2012 with new music and new energy. After an absence from the reggae scene for most of last year Chrisinti is ready to focus on his career again.

His latest single “36 Bullets” is now available on iTunes as well as other major digital music outlets. Produced by Fitzroy Francis for Mightyful 13 “36 Bullets” is part of the “Mighty in Battle” Riddim juggling, which, besides Chrisinti also features Shabba Ranks, Bushman, Black Uhuru, Fragga Ranks, Zanadu and Andrew Bees.

Chrisinti is working on more music, more videos and more performances for the new year. He is currently in studio recording his new album scheduled to be released for fall 2012. Still tightlipped about the details Chrisinti will record parts of the forthcoming album in the US and parts in his native Jamaica as he plans to work closely with some of the best musicians and producers reggae music has to offer.

Chrisinti says his fans can also look forward to many new music videos and live performances in Jamaica as well as internationally as he is ready to return to the reggae stages of the world.

For more music, information, jingles and to schedule interviews please contact me any time.

Download link for “36 Bullets” for promotional use only:

http://www.mediafire.com/?4ova13wzizfq6dr

Heike Wollenweber

Axes Media

Jamaican artiste Names M has received a nomination in the CariVibez Video Awards in the category of “International Video of the Year” for his collaboration “Where They At” with D’Angel.

Styled by Romeich, Names M and D’Angel certainly look the part in the video, fashionable, stylish and definitely leaving a lasting impression. The video was shot in Kingston, the Port Royal Yacht Club and on a Yacht cruising in the Caribbean Sea.

Directed by Crew Media Inc and edited by Yuri Jones the video was a landmark in the career of Names M, putting him on the musical map. The concept, according to Names M was to create a video showing what the song “Where They At” is all about, a “woman’s anthem for classy, sexy women”, a video as energetic as the song, merging hip hop and dancehall.

Upon hearing about his nomination, Names M said “ I truly appreciate the nomination by CariVibez. This shows that someone out there recognize our countless, sleepless nights of work. The fact that CariVibez decided to bring such a nomination to the forefront shows the innovation of that company as well. I thank everyone that has played an instrumental part in my rise and look forward to continued success pleasing my fans.” He adds, “Let’s push good music created in the Caribbean onto the international landscape and keep it there! Names M ain’t ya regular rock!”

According to CariVibez, Caribbean music has come a long way over the last decade and nowhere is that more evident than as seen through the quality of music being created by our artists and producers, the creative and eye popping music videos from our directors, and the creativity of the genre’s unheralded heroes; our dancers and dance groups. The Video Web Awards, as the name suggests, is a web based award event that is true to its name and follows a format where the web community determines the winners who will be awarded the Global Tower of Recognition. The list of individuals selected as nominees in each category are those who have created significant buzz on the internet and recognized for their concepts, style, flow, creativity, and cinematography to list a few of the requirements.

The 3rd Annual Video Web Awards event has grown since its inception and has been expanded each year to include new categories. We are pleased to announce the addition of Gospel which is rapidly on the rise and embodies a spiritual infusion of a higher level as well as Dance Groups in recognition of their dedication and tremendous creative contribution to the genre on a whole.

In all there are eleven categories and one special award honoring the very best. The eleven categories are Director Avant-garde, Producer, Breakout, International, Best Collaboration, Dancer (male and female combined), Dance Group, Soca / Calypso, Gospel as well as individual categories for Female and Male Video of The Year and additionally the Bogle Award for special recognition in dance.

Names M would like to ask all fans to vote for him once the official voting opens on January 31^st, 2012.

A new single, “New World Order”, will be ready for international airwaves for February 2012, following the success of “Where They At” feat D’Angel and “Lights & Action”.

S’Voyce, artiste, song writer, producer and CEO of White House/ Sagini, has teamed up with Furniture Plus for the holidays bringing everyone a Christmas song to enjoy in the season.

The song was originally written by Julio S’Voyce Hall in October 2010 but
was not released due to time constraints. This year however S’Voyce and
co-producer Mark Johnson were determined to release the song and sacrificed
time and sleep to make it happen. The song, entitled “Christmas Time Again“
also features Slip & Slide artistes Shonie and newcomer Lattia. The
especially designed CD features the original version of the song plus three
additional remixes and instrumentals.

In spirit of the season, the White House/ Sagini team produced “Christmas
Time Again” as a meaningful gift and part of the proceeds will be donated
to the Ranfurly Home for Children in Nassau, Bahamas, wanting to bring joy
to the children.

With the help of Furniture Plus , who also allowed the artiste to use their
beautifully designed establishment for the cover and poster shoot, the
project will reach even more people as the store will sell the single in
all locations across the island. The single will also be available at every
Super Video location as well as digitally so everyone across the world can
enjoy the Christmas spirit as well.

S’Voyce says “Christmas is about giving and this is a beautiful way to show
those who are less fortunate that there are people in the world who care.”
He adds “The CD is a perfect gift for everyone. The songs are for families
to relax or to listen to while doing all the thing we love to do during the
holidays.”

What does the artiste love most about the song? “The song fills your heart
with emotion and brings out a smile in everyone, which I love to see
especially for the holidays when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Christmas is a time for sharing, giving and for love. We hope to raise
enough money to bring smiles to the faces of the children at Ranfurly Home
and we also hope that everyone who hears the song will enjoy it every time.”

“Christmas Time Again” will be released digitally and in stores on November
28.

DOWNLOAD LINK: http://www.mediafire.com/?rhdf9pw105we57s

Source: Heike Wollenweber – AXES Media

When JaRIA was formed in 2009, its primary goal as an umbrella organisation was to unite all individuals and organisations within the music and entertainment industry.

JaRIA is extremely pleased to announce that its new Board of Directors comprises of, a representative of JACAP Mr. Vernal ‘Junior’ Weir, a representative of JAVA Mr. Frankie Campbell O.D., a representative of the Sound Systems Association Mr. Winston ‘Wee Pow’ Powell, and a representative of Manifesto Jamaica Mr. Rupert Abishai Hoilett.

The other directors of the board are Mr. K. Michael ‘Ibo’ Cooper O.D., J.P. (Chairman), Mr. Charles H.E. Campbell (Vice-Chairman/Executive Director), Mr. Junior Lincoln, Mrs. Mary Isaacs Black, Mr. Stephen Stewart J.P., Ms. L. Nichole Brown, Ms. Coleen Douglas, Mr. Paul Love, Ms. Shani Nembhard, Mr. Deleon ‘Jubba’ White, and Mrs. Carol Lawrence.

This enhances the ability of the music and entertainment industries to speak with one voice in lobbying for public policies and legislation which better serve the interest of the industry. In addition to being the main organisers of the annual Reggae Month programme, JaRIA’s current focus is on a) forging formal links with European promoters, booking agencies and agents; developing channels of communication to resolve issues such as difficulties faced by European promoters and our artistes on tours b) developing a programme/platform to provide greater airplay for the wider industry and c) advocating and lobbying for an Entertainment Encouragement Act, the formal designation and establishment of Entertainment Zones, the Preserve the Music Campaign, and the revision of the Noise Abatement Act. Also, in order to better protect the rights of composers, authors and publishers, we are striving to get greater compliance with the JACAP license and permits from musical events and businesses that use music daily.

Source : Charles Campbell – http://groundingsblog.blogspot.com/

When JaRIA was formed in 2009, its primary goal as an umbrella organisation was to unite all individuals and organisations within the music and entertainment industry.

The audience at a recent all-inclusive cancer benefit was left craving more after a performance by Trinidad and Tobago’s musical powerhouse Karma. The members of the renowned Chutney-Soca outfit gave of their time and talent to assist in raising funds and bringing awareness about this illness that affects many lives in T&T and around the world.

The elegant event entitled “A Christmas in November” was held at the Anchorage Beach Club and was headlined by Karma featuring the energetic and multi-talented Ravi Bissambhar (Ravi B), his captivating and charismatic sister Nisha Bissambhar (Nisha B) and young, musical dynamo Gregory Ayuen. Backed by a team of youthful, dynamic musicians the vibrant vocalists had the venue rocking with a high-powered and diverse set. With a virtually never ending supply of stamina, the band delivered a wide range of musical genres such as Soca, Chutney, Pop, Dance and R&B. Ravi B kept the crowd moving to several of his original hits including “Ah Drinka” and “Cya Come”, while Nisha B had the audience singing along to her renditions of popular songs by Destra, The Black Eyed Peas and Rihanna.

Much to the patrons’ delight, Gregory paid homage to the classics by rendering such fan favourites as Stalin’s “Black Man Feeling to Party”, Tambu’s “Free Up” and Lionel Richie’s “All Night Long”. This fundraising extravaganza has been produced for the past 9 years by the Lucy Joyce Blackman Foundation which is spearheaded by sisters Heather and Judith Blackman who lost both parents to cancer. Both ladies were thrilled to have Karma as a part of the 2011 edition of this event which donated proceeds to the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society’s outreach program, an initiative that benefits several citizens.

Judith Blackman, who is already receiving requests to organize another similar event, attributed much of the fundraiser’s festive atmosphere to Karma’s presence. She shared, “The band not only brought joy to the cancer survivors and their families who were in attendance, they emphasized the whole point of partying for a positive purpose”. Ravi B took a moment onstage to underscore the importance of researching about cancer as well as to implore the gathering to continue the support of this very worthy cause.

Although Karma is currently completing its last string of international gigs before Carnival 2012, the band members were truly glad to be on hand in their homeland for this important occasion.

POS, Trinidad (Sonique Solutions)

Ravi B andKarma support the Cancer cause.

The album is essentially a conscious reggae album but mixed with the Virgin Islands experiences and a twist of cross Caribbean flair.

Sekhu is an artiste whose musical goals are to reach an international listenership,give inspiration and strength through his music. As a person, Sekhu strives for better living, independence and his ultimate goal, spiritual
enlightenment. “Do Your Best” is Sekhu’s introduction to the international
market and he is ready to represent for the striving reggae scene in the US
Virgin Islands and be part of the international reggae community.

“Do Your Best” features many songs with positive messages such as the title
track “Do Your Best” as well as “Enuff Bloodshed”, “Man of Peace” or “Lift
Up Your Heads”. The album is all about the Caribbean experience, the
struggles of the people, Rastafari, freedom and above all, positivity.
About his album, Sekhu says “It has a little of everything. Everyone should
find something they like and can relate to on this album.

The album is available on all major digital outlets as well as select
stores in the Caribbean.

Please check out the album and review it if possible. For further
information and to schedule interviews please contact me any time.

“In the struggles today, we must find a way – Do Your Best” – Sekhu

Tracklisting:

1. Searching

2. I Care

3. Do Your Best

4. Interlude

5. Enuff Bloodshed

6. Lift Up Your Heads

7. Do Ah Little

8. Peace Of Mind

9. Interlude

10. Till De Earth

11. Mama & Papa

12. I Care (remix)

13. Man Of Peace

14. Interlude

15. VI Fun

16. Good Times

17. Meekness

18. Zion Gate

Source: Heike Wollenweber – AXES Media

The Stop The Bleeding Organization will no longer be part of the One Love Music Festival, scheduled for December 30^th, 2011 in St Croix. 

The Stop The Bleeding Organization would like to announce that as of Thursday, November 3^rd, 2011 the decision had been made that they could no longer be part of the One Love Music Festival, scheduled for December 30^th, 2011 in St Croix. Due to unmitigating circumstances such as timing that decision had been reached last week by the organization’s founder, Mrs Cheryl Francis, wife of the Lt. Governor Gregory R. Francis and the promoter Lenny “The Barber” Hansen.

According to Cheryl Francis, the movement is all about putting down the guns and teaching the children non- violence. She says she “appreciates Mavado’s enthusiasm to join a positive movement that helps our young people to understand the need to stop the violence and put away the gun.” Furthermore, she says “I am thankful we have made an impact on Mavado and he is willing to spread the word of Peace to all who listens to his music and we hope many other artistes will join this movement and promote the positive messages to our children.”

The Stop The Bleeding Organization, based in the US Virgin Islands, stands for non-violence and is actively involved in reducing gun violence and youth crime in the USVI and the Caribbean region.

Cheryl Francis founded Stop the Bleeding Inc. in 2007 to actively involve parents and their children in reducing violence in their communities and the foundation has grown steadily since. Mrs Francis has been working tirelessly to spread positive messages and be active in schools, working with parents, children and teachers alike.

Music is very important in reaching the youth and the organization has recently released the single and video “Believe” featuring the artistes Pressure, Verse Simmonds, Elijah Vegas, Rena Faith, TSR and Mada Nile. Stop The Bleeding would like to express their gratitude to the artistes who invested time, talent and energy in the production and promotion of the song and the music video as well as thank them for their continuous support.

For further information please visit www.stopthebleedingusvi.org

Source: Heike Wollenweber – AXES Media

Track Starr is not your average newcomer in the music industry. The university student who is based in Connecticut is an artiste and a producer, a multi-talent who moves easily from the mic to the mixing board and who just as easily moves between genres, merging his Jamaican and his US experiences into his own blend of urban music.

Emilio ‘TRACK STARR” Bowens, born in Kingston Jamaica on June 13, 1986, discovered his love for music at the early age of 5 when he began playing the “recorder”. The young talent went on to take piano lessons after school and eventually taught himself to play the saxophone at age 11. Soon he was playing for the church, school events and weddings.

Emilio attended Mona High School, where his interest in music evolved into song writing( Hip-hop, dancehall and reggae). Beating on the desk and spitting lyrics with fellow classmate at the time Track Starr gave himself the name “Mad-Doggy Dog” after his musical influences at that time: Snoop Dogg and DMX.

At age 17 Emilio migrated to the USA. Settled in Bridgeport, Connecticut Emilio started his journey as a producer and engineer. Emilio chose the alias Track Starr and was introduced to the software FL Studio 4. Within a matter of months Track Starr started making some of the hottest beats at his school and community. Being a producer and an artist comes natural and easy to Track Starr who usually has two or three songs finished in his mind by the time he puts the final touches on a beat.

Track Starr has a very unique and diverse style of music combining hip hop, pop, dancehall and reggae to create his blend of cross-genre music. As a producer and as an artiste Track Starr is influenced by Dr.Dre, Pharrell, Kanye West, Timbaland and Stephen ‘Di Genius’ McGregor. He has worked with artistes such as Haskell, Alandon, Phila, Jego Letal, Bramma out of the Big Ship camp, Chedda from Dackside Entertainment, Capelton, Zambia’s no 1 artiste King Dandy

Track Starr is currently completing his final semester at Western Connecticut State University studying communications and psychology. Of course he is also working on his music career, step by step taking his skills and music to the next level. Eventually Track starr wants to set up his own record label signing young talents across the Caribbean and also start a clothing line. With so much talent we will surely hear a lot more from Track Starr.

Source: Heike Wollenweber – Axes Media

Sekhu is part of a striving reggae scene in the USVI with many artistes and talented musicians creating a vibrant industry. To Sekhu, reggae music is universal. Reggae is about consciousness, righteousness and social awareness.

In his teenage years Sekhu started linking with Djs and often do impromptu performances in the street at events, singing and chanting his latest songs. Gathering experience and honing his skills every day Sekhu recorded his first song alongside the Reggae Bubblers for the collaboration album “Black Star Liner” in 2001 and he has been moving forward with his career ever since.

With positive feedback from peers and his growing fan base in his home island of St Croix Sekhu continued to work hard and let his great love for reggae music flow into his songs. Sekhu is part of a striving reggae scene in the USVI with many artistes and talented musicians creating a vibrant industry. To Sekhu, reggae music is universal. Reggae is about consciousness, righteousness and social awareness. He uses reggae music to uplift the communities, uplift the people and provide inspiration. He considers himself a versatile and positive artiste who addresses injustice in his music and gives back to his community who inspires him on a daily basis.

Sekhu is a conscious reggae artiste whose musical goals are to reach an international listenership,give inspiration and strength through his music. As a person Sekhu strives for better living, independence and his ultimate goal, spiritual enlightenment.

Sekhu has released his 15-track debut album “Do Your Best” in 2011. “Do your Best” is culture music, conscious reggae in the Jamaican tradition but with unique marks of Sekhu’s identity and experience as a US Virgin Islander. Some of the outstanding songs on the album such as the title track “Do Your Best”, “Zion Gate”, “Mama & Papa” as well as “Searching” are in international rotation and Sekhu is pushing forward to let his music be heard and reach out to old and new fans alike. “Do your Best” is available on all major digital music outlets such as CD Baby, iTunes and Amazone.

As he expresses it, Sekhu is set “full steam ahead” working already on his sophomore album which is set to be released some time in 2012. In the meantime Sekhu will be performing, promoting his music and spread his messages of positivity and awareness.

Download his new single “Do Your Best”: http://www.mediafire.com/?2441o5h6b2t9klh
Source: Heike Wollenweber – Axes Media