ReggaeMania News
Check out our news and blogs when we report on the going-ons in our local and international Reggae-Dancehall scene.
VARIOUS News 2017
TALK TO ME now seen weekly on Rogers TV!
March 2017: TALK TO ME – the round table talk show with the fearless foursome: Denise Jones, Clifton Joseph, Teresa “Sweet T” Castellucci and Kayla Thompson can now be seen on 9 on the ROGERS TV (started – March 6th, 2017). Produced by Jones & Jones Productions Ltd. with lead talker
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TALK TO ME now seen weekly on Rogers TV!
Denise Jones, TALK TO ME covers everything: politics, global affairs, entertainment, religion, community events and gossip – local and international. Nothing and no one is spared as TALK TO ME shares points of view on presidents and prime ministers, playwrights and JUNO winners, legacy and current entertainers, policing and community organizations. TALK TO ME, this sharp and sassy one hour TV Talk Show is kept in line by Marissa Corrigan, Producer/Technical Producer, ROGERS TV.
Snagging a six-episode run in the new life of this talk show, TALK TO ME debuts in March 2017 and will air on ROGERS TV at the following times: Monday March 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th, and April 3rd and 10th 2017 at 11PM on Rogers TV Peel.
TALK TO ME episodes will also be aired during the week on Tuesdays at 11AM and 5PM. TALK TO ME will be available to Rogers Cable customers in Mississauga and Brampton on Channel 10. Clips will be available on the ROGERS TV YouTube channel under the Peel Region playlist.
The four hosts of TALK TO ME come to television with a mixed bag of assets: Clifton Joseph – Dubzz Poet at large and media expert, Teresa Castellucci – publicist, radio host and music lover, Kayla Thompson – entertainment news journalist & social media expert, and Denise Jones – media pro and event/entertainment mover and shaker. The TALK TO ME foursome hosted one of the best hours on radio on CHIN Radio for two years and are delighted to have the opportunity to premier TALK TO ME on ROGERS TV.
The above is a re-broadcast of a Press Release from
Mi Naw Drink No Rum an' Red Bullll!
September 2017: High Blood Pressure in the African Community and the Energy Drinks that Fuel the Fire! Take control of your health, test your own blood pressure periodically, and think twice before consuming your next can of red bull. After all it is what it is
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Mi Naw Drink No Rum an’ Red Bullll!
High Blood Pressure in the African Community and the Energy Drinks that Fuel the Fire! Take control of your health, test your own blood pressure periodically, and think twice before consuming your next can of red bull. After all it is what it is …
Dr. Tricia Edwards (A.K.A Chatta)
Doctor of Natural Medicine
I love The King of the Dancehall, but at the same time appalled at how many of our people were influenced by such a deadly combination! Besides physically combining the Red Bull and Rum, just the mere fact of combining either of the two with High Blood pressure is where the problem lies. High blood pressure is a plague that many African people have been affected with for many years, and the percentage increases by the minute.
Naturally, we as a nation are physically, biologically, and biochemically created differently. Unfortunately, we are choosing the wrong fuel for our tank type! Our bodies are reacting to foreign foods and it’s time to take a stand to our health, and consume what we require. African people require raw fruits, vegetables, and seeds, from ancient times; as do Caucasians require foods of their origin and culture. Africans have a Melanin System that if left neglected will work against us, and if nourished will enhance every aspect of the human body.
In Africa, Blacks who sustain traditional lifestyles have very few problems with high blood pressure and other blood disorders such as Sickle Cell. In the U.S, Blacks respond differently to high blood pressure drugs than do other groups of people. When drugs are tested, the melanin is removed from the black mouse, and then drugs are tested on the white mouse. Drugs are not properly tested on melanated rats so when it comes time to enter the African body it places additional side effects and cell confusion.
So what is this thing we call High blood pressure? High blood pressure and hypertension are usually caused by a lack of quality nutrient packed foods. When we feed on nutritionally deprived foods (especially not made for our body type), the immune system is weakened, and internal organs. This in turn decreases the organs’ functional ability to utilize nutrients, which feed the body and its various neurological functions. For example, the liver is responsible for mood. Can you imagine if you have a toxic liver? It is related to a typically angry, aggravated individual. When I experience individuals with behavioral problems and anger related to frivolous issues, a liver cleanse is usually required. One of the major functions of the liver is the storage of glycogen, vitamins, and minerals.
So why are Africans more prone to high blood pressure? We have a Carbon based Melanin System that acts as a magnet. Imagine eating food such as an apple that is alive and raw. That apple sticks to the body, feeds the melanated system which is your body’s battery, and the energy and nutrients fuel through the blood. When junk acidic foods are consumed, the system is at work again, trapping and sticking that junk food to the melanin system. Now this time the body feels tired (Niggeritis Anyone?!), weak, moody, angry, bloated, and the cycle leading up to blood pressure circulates. Mainstream conventional medicine does not understand the correlation of junk food and the black body. If one were to read the average article, as to why Africans have high blood pressure more so than Caucasians, most will read that the Author is not sure or it is due to genetics. I mean it seems as if they are correct on the issue of genetics, because Africans keep suffering from the same diseases. High blood pressure is not due to genetics, but the real problem is we keep on eating the same junk foods from generation to generation!
Much of the community is overweight. Though there are varying reasons for obesity, one of them is over consumption of junk food. You may think because one is overweight there must be a lot of nutrients flowing through the body. In actuality, the overweight body is starving because of the lack of proper nutrients, which are a consequence of solid, heavy, empty valued foods.
The body that is starving tries to get more nutrients to pay the arrears. Inevitably, the body demands more nutrients in the blood by robbing the poor nutrient deficient blood. The human body is an intelligent one, and knows what measures to take when an increase in nutrients is needed. The body must take its nutrients from the blood, so it increases the quantity of blood by increasing the pressure to what we know as High Blood pressure or Hypertension.
Such sufferers, please think twice before adding fuel to the fire with Red Bull and its: 80 milligrams of caffeine, 27 grams of sugar (that is almost 2 tablespoons of sugar per can!) and the sugar free version is sweetened with aspartame – one of the deadliest sugar substitutes that weaken the nerves and tissues, and Taurine an inhibitory neurotransmitter targeted to the heart which may cause irregular heartbeats.
There was a study involving University Students who drank one 250ml can of the sugar-free version of the energy drink, and it increased the stickiness of the blood. When the blood becomes sticky, it puts one at risk to life threatening blood clots. Seizures have also been reported after consuming Red bull on an empty stomach. Keep in mind vitamins, nutrients, and medication are most potent on an empty stomach, because food is not in the way to interfere with the chemical reaction.
Ok so here we have an individual with high blood pressure, dancing up a storm in a crowded dance where the oxygen is cloudy and muddy, stressed out because smady tep pon dem expensive shoes, an’ brush against dem expensive hairdo (blood pressure raising even more …), THEN consume the highly caffeinated toxic Red Bull. Wow. It’s a scary picture. Live raw super foods can give you a natural high, which will benefit you in the long run, reverse high blood pressure, and level cognitive experiences. Raw juiced vegetables, chlorella, fresh alkaline water, non-fried foods, yeast and gluten free, dairy free, red meat free food consumption all contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
Before I leave you, allow me to get a little technical with you all. Take charge so your Doctor knows that you know your stuff! So the next time they say your blood pressure of 140/100 is normal, you’ve learned the truth on reggaemania.com. The normal blood pressure reading is 120/80. The highest (first) number is your Systolic Pressure which represents the force the heart places on the walls of your blood vessels, as it pumps with each heartbeat. A high systolic reading means strain on the blood vessels when the heart pumps blood into the bloodstream. Whereby, the (second) lower number is the Diastolic Pressurewhich is the lowest pressure the blood places on the walls of blood vessels when the heart is relaxed between beats. If your diastolic pressure is high, it’s an indication that your blood vessels barely have a chance to relax between heartbeats.
Occasional high blood pressure is a natural occurrence when stressed, exercising, or nervous. Untreated sustained high blood pressure may put you at risk of premature heart attacks and strokes. These numbers represent the systolic pressure and your diastolic pressure for the increase of pressure is the body’s attempt to feed itself. This increase in pressure is the body’s last resort to defend itself against emotional stress, toxemia from highly acidic alcohol and preservative and artificial foods, unbalanced metabolism, obesity, free radicals, bodily and environmental pollutants, and the stress of the junk food diet you but the body through.
Take control of your health, test your own blood pressure periodically, and think twice before consuming your next can of red bull. After all it is what it is, BULL!
Dr. Tricia Edwards (A.K.A Chatta)
Doctor of Natural Medicine
Designation #507-807
WBNMP
dr.edwards@chatta.ca (Health Related)
chatta@chatta.ca (Music Related)
www.liveitonline.ca (coming soon)
And the 2017 Juno Award Nominees for Best Reggae Recording are….
Feb 28-2017:
So who’s got your vote to win this year’s Reggae Recording of the Year at the 46th Annual JUNO Awards? Yes, its that time again – are you ready for the dance? Often referred to as the Canadian equivalent of the Grammys, Canada’s most prestigious music award is presented annually to
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Canadian musical artists and bands to acknowledge their artistic and technical achievements in all aspects of music. Winners are chosen by either members of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences or a panel of experts depending on the award. This year, Ottawa hosts JUNO Week and the JUNO Awards March 27 – April 2, and will be broadcast live from The Canadian Tire Centre on Sunday, April 2 on CTV.
The Juno category Reggae Recording of the Year has been awarded since 1985. Before we take a look at the 2017 nominees, let’s first big up Kafinal! – last year’s Reggae JUNO Award winner, and while we’re on the congratulatory tip, we have to mention Exco Levi, who received the award four time consecutively between 2012 and 2015. And now, the nominees for Reggae Recording of the Year…“Sorry” (Ammoye), “Cry Every Day” (Blessed), “Roll ‘Dem” (Dubmatix ft. Gappy Ranks), “Siren” (Exco Levi), and “Who Feels It Knows” (Jay Kartier).
There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to submitting an original track for JUNO consideration. One has to be a Canadian resident or landed immigrant, legally living in Canada. The song original song registered with SOCAN, and be able to meet the deadline for applications in accordance with the JUNO rules and regulations. Interestingly enough, songs submitted featuring collaborations with non-Canadian artists are considered 50% Canadian, leaving room for other highly-decorated superstar foreign artists to pop up in our JUNO nominations.
Once the deadline has passed, the process begins. A series of qualified judges go through all the applicants with a mission to bring that number down to five. In isolation, judges score each entry with a number from 1 to 25 using various factors such as ‘production quality’, ‘song lyrics’, ‘how the track is built’, etc. after carefully reviewing each song. Decisions are not based on sales or by whether there is an accompanying music video. In the end, it really comes down to the judge’s personal taste, so it doesn’t matter if an artist is branded or unbranded, signed or unsigned, veteran or brand new.
After the judges finish this process, their paperwork is sent off to an accounting firm to tabulate the top five nominees in each category. Once this is done, these same judges go through another round of scoring whey they determine the JUNO Award winner in each category.
When all is said and done, the question still remains, what does winning a JUNO mean for our artists? Case in point, where has it taken Kafinal since his JUNO win? Is this artist’s name even on your radar? Arguably, wouldn’t four time winner Exco Levi still be Exco Levi with or without his JUNO Awards? Maybe winning a JUNO is just another stripe one can can put on his artist-resume, another rung on the ladder when it comes to reaching higher heights as a Canadian artist; and when you’re a Canadian artist, everything counts in large amounts.
I am not overly impressed with this year’s song selections, just being honest. Let me be clear – I love some of these artists and their works, but when it comes to these specific songs, I can personally assure you, that all of these artists have released better songs – some of them might have not been registered and/or submitted, or, not qualified for some reason or another. In sports, some years offer better drafts than in others, just like some years farmers have better crops.
Having said all that, and without trying to be ‘mean’ – here’s my ‘vote’ for which song I personally think should win this year’s JUNO, and my criteria is that if I had to pick one song that is the best from a folder or songs I didn’t necessarily love, which song would I pick. I pick Jay Kartier “Who Feels It Knows” for having the best song of the bunch, although some of his earlier stuff I used to play on 88.1 is better. I hope my vote totally biases the judges – because they know who they are and it is the code of the JUNO Awards presenters to always keep their identities a secret. Good luck to all the nominees. Scroll down to hear the nominated songs, then visit www.reggaemania.com to cast your vote!
Here Are Five 2017 Best Reggae Recording JUNO Finalists (in alphabetical order):
01. Ammoye “Sorry”
02. Blessed “Cry Everyday”
03. Dubmatix ft. Gappy Ranks “Roll ‘Dem”
04. “Siren” (Exco Levi)
05. Jay Kartier “Who Feels It Knows”
Kafinal (featuring U-Roy) “Nah Complain” — Last Year’s JUNO Award winner for Best Reggae Recording
JULY 2017 NEWZ BITZ
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: On Tuesday, June 27th, Barrington Rose AKA Barry Culture, left the earth and went to a better place. R.I.P Barry Culture. Big up Moose Don and Pancho, selectors of the Barry Culture Sound who
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looked up to B.C. as a mentor, father and very dear friend. The Barry Culture viewing is Thursday July 6th between 4 and 8pm at 28 Old Kingston Rd., Ajax. There is a 9 night at 14 Holden Coourt in Whitby directly after. The funeral will be on Friday July 7th @ 11am at 550 Kingston Rd (Rivaltine Tabernacle Church). The Reception is going to take place at 55 Nugget Ave in Scarborough.
Canada celebrated its 150th Birthday on the July 1st holiday Long Weekend, so there were lots’s of things happening in the ‘Six’.
LIVE ARTISTS AND CONCERT NEWS
On Saturday July 1st at Whitehaus, Spice and Pamputae were live in concert with Gary Chucks on the 1’s and 2’s. The show was presented by African Star & Original Trensetta, and had weak to moderate attendance.
Princess Promo presented the Stonelove 150 Canada Celebration inside Toronto Plaza Hotel Saturday July 1st but the event was very poorly attended.
Sanchez & De Baron was promised for Saturday July 1st at the re-located to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on the CNE Grounds. De Baron did show, but Sanchez did perform. The Boat Cruise that was supposed to feature both Artists featured neither.
The YOWRONTO Music Festival at Woodbine Mall (Outdoor) is a FreshKut Entertainment Presentation that took place on Saturday July 1st and Sunday July 2nd. Featured artists Saturday included Cham, Professor Nuts, Alison Hinds, Romain Virgo, Ammoye (Canada), Michie Mee (Canada) and more. Romain Virgo (backed by a live band) was the show stealer on this night, he did a wicked performance for the fans. The Sunday show featured Lt. Stitchie, Tassanne Chin, Alison Hinds, Eric Donaldson, Blessed, Tasha T., and more. The Sunday event fell behind schedule due to the rain that fell earlier and headline shows had to be cut short or cut completely during prime time. Good crowds (in the thousands) turned out both days for this show – seems like the promoters pulled it off and should be back next year!
The Canada Day Music Festival took place in Wild Water Kingdom in Brampton Saturday July 1st and Sunday July 2nd (2 PM – Midnight). Jr. Reid, Anthony Malvo and Jahvinchi were some of Saturday’s headline artists, while the Sunday promised Josey Wales and Cocoa-Tea. Cocoa Tea made it Toronto, but did not go on stage to the disappointment of the Brampton audience. There is speculation that it was a money issue why Cocoa-Tea did not perform.
On Sunday July 2nd ReggaeMania’s own DJ Ron Nelson performed as MC and DJ at a Nathan’s Phillip’s Square (downtown Toronto) ‘Roots of the Six’ event that featured headliners The Dirty B-Sides, Maestro Fresh Wes, Michie Mee and Dream Warriors. Drake made a surprise appearance on the same stage later that night.
Jamaica’s DeMarco and Tifa performed live at the Phoenix (downtown) for Reggae Revolt on Saturday July 15th. The event was poorly attended, but both artists still performed their live shows. Spex Da Boss, advertised on the flyer, was a no show. Demarco is a great studio artists with nuff hit songs, but his drawing power has always been an issue.
SOUND SYSTEM NEWS
The official Irish & Chin World Clash (2017) is coming to Canada!! Yes it’s true – look for it Saturday October 14th at a venue in Toronto, soon to be announced. Usually World Clash is held during the US Thanksgiving Weekend in Amazu (New York), but speculation for the move to Canada comes partly as a result of low attendance in the US for last year’s World Clash and this year’s US Rumble, the fact that there are two local Toronto Sounds on the line up (King Turbo
As a result of World Clash coming to Canada on October 14th, Ron Nelson Productions then moved the date for the Fully Loaded Canadian Sounclash Championships from October 21st [one week after World Clash] to September 30th. A new venue comes along with the new date, soon to be announced. By moving the date to September 30th, the two prime events are separated by two weeks, allowing people to budget to support both.
Juggle Ugly is a X-Loaded promotion happening in Toronto on Sunday October 15th – the day after World Clash in Toronto. The pre-flyer for the non-clash juggling event advertises United Kingdom World Clash contestant Platinum Cartel on the bill, plus LP International, X-Loaded, Rebel Tone, Step A Choice, and Empire Sound.
Saturday July 8th, Night 2 of Fully Loaded 2017 @ White Haus featured 10 Sounds clashing for $1,000 cash, a Night 2 Winner Trophy, and the right to advance to the Fully Loaded Championship Finals in September. Sounds featured included Black Lion, Kat Attack, Killa Instinct, King Vower, Noble Works, Royalty, Tap Shatta, Zone Warrior, Silver Bullet, and No Limit Intl. Previous to the night, Insurgency (Vancouver) pulled out along with Typhoon, both due to health reasons, which is why Silver Bullet and No Limit Intl. were inserted into the clash. The event was won by Noble Works, who defeated Royalty (2nd) in a 7-song Tune-fi-Tune knockout final round, despite Royalty having led the event based on points awarded by judges). Black Lion was third, so them as well as Royalty and Noble Works now join Outlaw, Don Rankin, and Turbalance in the September Fully Loaded Canadian Sounclash Championship Finals on Saturday September 30th.
A Dubplate Showoff series is going on at Sankofa Restaurant on Eglinton. Despite a very small venue size, sounds clashing it out on Saturday July 15th (Part 2) included Blackstar, Klymaxx, Cumtraxx, Royalty, Heavyweight, and Nebula (Ottawa). Congratulations to Cumtraxx for coming out on top. The clash had some good moments as Heavyweight (came out a bit bullyish) and Cumtraxx (held their ground) both tried to kill each other with customized dubs. FYI – the mics man for Heavweight is MC Bonez – formerly with Cumtraxx! This dispute may have to be re-settled in the future.
The Nowhere to Run Sound Clash also took place Saturday July 15th inside 40 Hanlan Rd., and featured Killa Assasin, King Shiloh, and Zone Warrior. Not too many people in attendance, but the win went to Killa Assassin.
JULY 21st: Beres Hammond plays Massey Hall, Friday, July 21, 2017 8:00PM
Saturday July 22nd is Part 3 of Fully Loaded 2017 Sound clash Preliminaries at Whitehaus. Just a few days before the event, Buffalo’s Desert Eagle Sound withdrew from Fully Loaded (expired passport issues) and was replaced by a Sound to be named the next day. The July 22nd featured line up includes Diplomat, Greenz Connection, Jani (Vancouver), Killa Assassin, Laza Force, Majestic Vybz, Sniper, V.I.P, Xixgon Intl. and a 10th Sound. At the night’s conclusion, the 10th finalist ‘wildcard’ Sound (based on points earned) joining the other 9 finalists will also be announced.
LIVE ARTISTS AND CONCERT NEWS
On Saturday July 1st at Whitehaus, Spice and Pamputae were live in concert with Gary Chucks on the 1’s and 2’s. The show was presented by African Star & Original Trensetta, and had weak to moderate attendance.
Princess Promo presented the Stonelove 150 Canada Celebration inside Toronto Plaza Hotel Saturday July 1st but the event was very poorly attended.
Sanchez & De Baron was promised for Saturday July 1st at the re-located to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on the CNE Grounds. De Baron did show, but Sanchez did perform. The Boat Cruise that was supposed to feature both Artists featured neither.
The YOWRONTO Music Festival at Woodbine Mall (Outdoor) is a FreshKut Entertainment Presentation that took place on Saturday July 1st and Sunday July 2nd. Featured artists Saturday included Cham, Professor Nuts, Alison Hinds, Romain Virgo, Ammoye (Canada), Michie Mee (Canada) and more. Romain Virgo (backed by a live band) was the show stealer on this night, he did a wicked performance for the fans. The Sunday show featured Lt. Stitchie, Tassanne Chin, Alison Hinds, Eric Donaldson, Blessed, Tasha T., and more. The Sunday event fell behind schedule due to the rain that fell earlier and headline shows had to be cut short or cut completely during prime time. Good crowds (in the thousands) turned out both days for this show – seems like the promoters pulled it off and should be back next year!
The Canada Day Music Festival took place in Wild Water Kingdom in Brampton Saturday July 1st and Sunday July 2nd (2 PM – Midnight). Jr. Reid, Anthony Malvo and Jahvinchi were some of Saturday’s headline artists, while the Sunday promised Josey Wales and Cocoa-Tea. Cocoa Tea made it Toronto, but did not go on stage to the disappointment of the Brampton audience. There is speculation that it was a money issue why Cocoa-Tea did not perform.
On Sunday July 2nd ReggaeMania’s own DJ Ron Nelson performed as MC and DJ at a Nathan’s Phillip’s Square (downtown Toronto) ‘Roots of the Six’ event that featured headliners The Dirty B-Sides, Maestro Fresh Wes, Michie Mee and Dream Warriors. Drake made a surprise appearance on the same stage later that night.
Jamaica’s DeMarco and Tifa performed live at the Phoenix (downtown) for Reggae Revolt on Saturday July 15th. The event was poorly attended, but both artists still performed their live shows. Spex Da Boss, advertised on the flyer, was a no show. Demarco is a great studio artists with nuff hit songs, but his drawing power has always been an issue.
SOUND SYSTEM NEWS
The official Irish & Chin World Clash (2017) is coming to Canada!! Yes it’s true – look for it Saturday October 14th at a venue in Toronto, soon to be announced. Usually World Clash is held during the US Thanksgiving Weekend in Amazu (New York), but speculation for the move to Canada comes partly as a result of low attendance in the US for last year’s World Clash and this year’s US Rumble, the fact that there are two local Toronto Sounds on the line up (King Turbo
[defending champs] and King Attarney), the fact that Irish and Chin are re-branding this year’s World Clash to accommodate younger new-generation Sounds not sporting the popularity of giant Sounds used in the past the likes of Bass Odyssey, Blackat, and even Mighty Crown – and the fact that Irish and Chin does have some history here successfully promoting in the Canadian markets initially with Ron Nelson Productions and most recently with Jill (Soundclash.com) who helped pulled off a successful Canadian Rumble Road To World Clash a few months back.
As a result of World Clash coming to Canada on October 14th, Ron Nelson Productions then moved the date for the Fully Loaded Canadian Sounclash Championships from October 21st [one week after World Clash] to September 30th. A new venue comes along with the new date, soon to be announced. By moving the date to September 30th, the two prime events are separated by two weeks, allowing people to budget to support both.
Juggle Ugly is a X-Loaded promotion happening in Toronto on Sunday October 15th – the day after World Clash in Toronto. The pre-flyer for the non-clash juggling event advertises United Kingdom World Clash contestant Platinum Cartel on the bill, plus LP International, X-Loaded, Rebel Tone, Step A Choice, and Empire Sound.
Saturday July 8th, Night 2 of Fully Loaded 2017 @ White Haus featured 10 Sounds clashing for $1,000 cash, a Night 2 Winner Trophy, and the right to advance to the Fully Loaded Championship Finals in September. Sounds featured included Black Lion, Kat Attack, Killa Instinct, King Vower, Noble Works, Royalty, Tap Shatta, Zone Warrior, Silver Bullet, and No Limit Intl. Previous to the night, Insurgency (Vancouver) pulled out along with Typhoon, both due to health reasons, which is why Silver Bullet and No Limit Intl. were inserted into the clash. The event was won by Noble Works, who defeated Royalty (2nd) in a 7-song Tune-fi-Tune knockout final round, despite Royalty having led the event based on points awarded by judges). Black Lion was third, so them as well as Royalty and Noble Works now join Outlaw, Don Rankin, and Turbalance in the September Fully Loaded Canadian Sounclash Championship Finals on Saturday September 30th.
A Dubplate Showoff series is going on at Sankofa Restaurant on Eglinton. Despite a very small venue size, sounds clashing it out on Saturday July 15th (Part 2) included Blackstar, Klymaxx, Cumtraxx, Royalty, Heavyweight, and Nebula (Ottawa). Congratulations to Cumtraxx for coming out on top. The clash had some good moments as Heavyweight (came out a bit bullyish) and Cumtraxx (held their ground) both tried to kill each other with customized dubs. FYI – the mics man for Heavweight is MC Bonez – formerly with Cumtraxx! This dispute may have to be re-settled in the future.
The Nowhere to Run Sound Clash also took place Saturday July 15th inside 40 Hanlan Rd., and featured Killa Assasin, King Shiloh, and Zone Warrior. Not too many people in attendance, but the win went to Killa Assassin.
JULY 21st: Beres Hammond plays Massey Hall, Friday, July 21, 2017 8:00PM
Saturday July 22nd is Part 3 of Fully Loaded 2017 Sound clash Preliminaries at Whitehaus. Just a few days before the event, Buffalo’s Desert Eagle Sound withdrew from Fully Loaded (expired passport issues) and was replaced by a Sound to be named the next day. The July 22nd featured line up includes Diplomat, Greenz Connection, Jani (Vancouver), Killa Assassin, Laza Force, Majestic Vybz, Sniper, V.I.P, Xixgon Intl. and a 10th Sound. At the night’s conclusion, the 10th finalist ‘wildcard’ Sound (based on points earned) joining the other 9 finalists will also be announced.
JUNE 2017 RM Newz Bitz
Artist Newz: Bounty Killer announces that as of June 12th 2017 (his birthday), the cost his Dub Plates will be minimum $500 U.S. per dub. Rumor has it that Vybz Kartel, even though incarcerated, is currently charging $3,000 per Dub, while Supercat is also rumoured to be asking $3,000 U.S. per Dub.
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Kranium performed at Nugget Banquet Hall. Another late start time (after 2:30 am) and a decent show although Kranium didn’t like it. He kept complaining about the lack of vibes due to having to work with a replacement make shift band after his own band was not there backing him. Close to 600 people were in attendance.
Alkaline, Mavado and Jahmiel confirmed for August 19th outdoors at Woodbine Mall by Rodeo Promo and The Agency Group Inc.
Festival & Concert Newz
Thursday June 15th sees The Wailers performing live at the Phoenix Concert Theatre (Toronto) with special guests The Human Rights Band.
June 23 – June 24: TD IRIE FEST Mississauga (1PM to 11PM) – (Free) @ Mississauga Celebration Square. Featuring Jamaica’s Da’Ville, Aaron “Voice” St. Louis , Moses Revolution, and Blessed.
Sound Clash Newz
Saturday June 10th: Current (2016) World Clash Champions King Turbo vs King Adies in NYC at Tropical Paradise Grand Ballroom, Brooklyn. The ReggaeMania.com and L3 Magazine and ReggaeTownRadio crews will be representing. King Turbo got slaughtered in this clash – and I was there to experience it. Didn’t get to wave our flags even once. A clean sweep for Adies.
Saturday June 24th: Fully Loaded Night One took place @ White Haus Nightclub (Mississauga), Saturday June 24th, featuring 9 Sounds clashing – Don Rankin, X-Loaded, Webzites, Outlaw, Military, Turbalance, Hallow Point, Sound Elete and Supreme Genes (Lady Killa was supposed to be the 10th Sound but pulled out the Monday prior). This was a ‘jackpot’ clash – congratulations to Baltimore’s OUTLAW Sound, who took hom $1,000 cash as winners of Night One. They, along with Don Rankin (Tune-fi-tune finalist) and Turbalance (placed 3rd), became the first three Sounds (of 10) to advance to the October 21st finals also to be held at White Haus.
In early June LP International had their anniversary party in New York and despite it being’s Puma’s Birthday and having celebrities the likes of Bus Da Rhymes and in attendance, the event failed to attract more than 100 people or so, which did not look good inside a large venue. Ricky Trooper was advertised on the bill but did not show, and Canada’s Polly Famous was not in attendance.
On Friday June 30th, Tony Matterhorn played at Classic Lounge for Stars in All White. The event had an okay turnout with the usual late crowd and the vibes were so-so due to the sound system not sounding right at Classic. On a brighter side, Tony Matterhorn did impress some of the Island people in the venue when he went ‘out of his box’ and played Spanish and Soca music to the delight of the massive.
Technology Newz
Every DJ today is familiar with the popular Serato software primarily used to play music from their personal Laptops. A lot of us consumers out there use popular Apps like Spotify, Apple Music and Google Play, to play our music from our smart phones and Tablets; we can listen to anything we want instantly just by typing the name of the song in the search window. Well now, because of a new App called Pulselocker,
DJ’s will have that same “Spotify” feature programmed to work with thier Serato (and similar) Software. Dj’s will now have at their mercy, a library of about 20,000,000 songs that they can play virtually (via streaming) or from files that are downloaded to their computers. The service is not free, but fairly priced at about U.S. $10 monthly, the same cost to users now pay to have Apps like Spotify and Apple Music on their phones. There is a U.S. $20 monthly subscription fee for users who want the ability virtually download their playlists enabling them to play and perform music without the need for a wi-fi-connection.
MAY 2017 RM Newz Bitz
Artist Newz: Legendary Jamaican singer Paul Blake aka Frankie Paul, blind from birth, passed away due to kidney health complications on May 18th – 2017. Born in 1965, Paul had been a patient at the University of the West Indies Hospital in Jamaica since April 2017, and was ill for an extended period
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of time.
Mavado performs for 40,000 people in Gambia (Africa) the same place where Frankie Paul (RIP) lived in the 90’s. He was also given several acres of land as a gift from the Gambian government.
Busy Signal gets back his US visa. Years ago, he was arrested and spent a short time incarcerated in the US after turning himself in for outstanding charges. He is now free again to tour the US and already has some dates in store.
Fallout between Vybz Kartel featuring Shenseea over the popular hit song Loodie. In a strange move, Vybz Kartel stated that he didn’t give Shenseea permission to use the song, then he re-released it with her part excluded.
Jamaica sing-jay Ishawna released the controversial Equal Rights and the song takes the Internet by storm. The song promotes to a delicate and homophobic Jamaican community, the taboo topic of a woman’s desire to receive oral sex, and the hypocrisy from the men who like to receive, but not give. Did you know – Khago has sinced released “Sit In My Place”, a video and song that may be tarnishing his career based on the response from the dancehall fraternity. Khago was a Rasta, he cut off his lox and start to bleach, now him a come out a sing bout freak.
Dexta Dap releases his controversial erotic music video Bring It To The Owner, also featuring Canada’s own Lady Ice. The video exposed body parts that may have put it in the category of soft-porn, but in the end, the men loved Lady Ice and the women loved Dexta Dap. The Video may have set new standards for what is now acceptable in the Dancehall from a music video viewpoint. Jamaica’s Koladotried to follow this erotic music video trend the following week with his own racy video of Sexcited, but that flopped. “Bring It To The Owner” was also controversial because it may have crossed a fine line between promoting gun violence and promoting reality.
Jamaica’s hottest dancehall artist Popcaan performs to a sold out crowd inside Rebel Nightclub 05.19.17. Jamaica’s Masicka was at WhiteHaus this same night, but despite the popularity of his new hit song Infared (featuring Vybz Kartel), the crowd was small after a weak promotion. Papa San performs in Toronto at Revivaltime Tabernacle Church Saturday May 27th.
Sound Clash Newz
Younghawk defeats Sniper Sound at the Park The Hearse Clash 05.27.17.
King Pin from King Adies receives a ‘kunk’ from Puma of LP International. The story goes like this — the two Sounds were playing at a juggling event in Germany, when Kin Pin could be heard jeering and antagonizing while LP who were trying to address the crowd on the mic. The highlight of it all was when King Pin said to Puma, ‘mi nuh like you’, after which Puma responded by ‘kunking’ him with the same mic he was using to address the crowd. A short scuffle happened afterwards with no serious injuries. Ironically, nobody is blaming Puma for kunking King Pin, and incident with a video (with very clear audio) that may have gone viral. King Pin could have waited for his turn to play if he had something to say on the mic.
The Japanese Sound Yaadbeat, defeats Bass Odyssey in Jamaica’s Boom All-Star Sound Clash (May 11/17), a play-off styled clash tournament originally featuring 8 Clash Sounds (Bass Odyssey, Rebel Tone (Canada), Renaissance, Yard Beat, Venom, Twin Star (Canada-Blax Dun Da Place), Ruff Cut (Canada), and Code Red). Big up Canada’s Rebel Tone, who lost to Yaadbeat in the semi-finals and had to settle for a 3rd place finish.
In late May, Tall Boy, the Ras from Canada’s Soul Vibes Sound, passed away. RIP Tall Boy.
News breaks from Moose Don (Barry Culture Sound)’s social media that ‘father’ Barry Culture is not doing well. Our prayers are with ‘Barry Culture’. On Tuesday, June 27th, Barrington Rose AKA Barry Culture, left the earth and went to a better place. R.I.P Barry Culture. Big up Moose Don and Pancho, selectors of the Barry Culture Sound who looked up to B.C. as a mentor, father and very dear friend. The Barry Culture viewing is Thursday July 6th between 4 and 8pm at 28 Old Kingston Rd., Ajax. There is a 9 night at 14 Holden Coourt in Whitby directly after. The funeral will be on Friday July 7th @ 11am at 550 Kingston Rd (Rivaltine Tabernacle Church). The Reception is going to take place at 55 Nugget Ave in Scarborough.
RM NEWZ Bitz — Updated daily…
Alkaline, Mavado and Jahmiel confirmed for August 19th outdoors at Woodbine Mall by Rodeo Promo and The Agency Group Inc.
Festival & Concert Newz
Thursday June 15th sees The Wailers performing live at the Phoenix Concert Theatre (Toronto) with special guests The Human Rights Band.
June 23 – June 24: TD IRIE FEST Mississauga (1PM to 11PM) – (Free) @ Mississauga Celebration Square. Featuring Jamaica’s Da’Ville, Aaron “Voice” St. Louis , Moses Revolution, and Blessed.
Sound Clash Newz
Saturday June 10th: Current (2016) World Clash Champions King Turbo vs King Adies in NYC at Tropical Paradise Grand Ballroom, Brooklyn. The ReggaeMania.com and L3 Magazine and ReggaeTownRadio crews will be representing. King Turbo got slaughtered in this clash – and I was there to experience it. Didn’t get to wave our flags even once. A clean sweep for Adies.
Saturday June 24th: Fully Loaded Night One took place @ White Haus Nightclub (Mississauga), Saturday June 24th, featuring 9 Sounds clashing – Don Rankin, X-Loaded, Webzites, Outlaw, Military, Turbalance, Hallow Point, Sound Elete and Supreme Genes (Lady Killa was supposed to be the 10th Sound but pulled out the Monday prior). This was a ‘jackpot’ clash – congratulations to Baltimore’s OUTLAW Sound, who took hom $1,000 cash as winners of Night One. They, along with Don Rankin (Tune-fi-tune finalist) and Turbalance (placed 3rd), became the first three Sounds (of 10) to advance to the October 21st finals also to be held at White Haus.
In early June LP International had their anniversary party in New York and despite it being’s Puma’s Birthday and having celebrities the likes of Bus Da Rhymes and in attendance, the event failed to attract more than 100 people or so, which did not look good inside a large venue. Ricky Trooper was advertised on the bill but did not show, and Canada’s Polly Famous was not in attendance.
On Friday June 30th, Tony Matterhorn played at Classic Lounge for Stars in All White. The event had an okay turnout with the usual late crowd and the vibes were so-so due to the sound system not sounding right at Classic. On a brighter side, Tony Matterhorn did impress some of the Island people in the venue when he went ‘out of his box’ and played Spanish and Soca music to the delight of the massive.
Technology Newz
Every DJ today is familiar with the popular Serato software primarily used to play music from their personal Laptops. A lot of us consumers out there use popular Apps like Spotify, Apple Music and Google Play, to play our music from our smart phones and Tablets; we can listen to anything we want instantly just by typing the name of the song in the search window. Well now, because of a new App called Pulselocker,
DJ’s will have that same “Spotify” feature programmed to work with thier Serato (and similar) Software. Dj’s will now have at their mercy, a library of about 20,000,000 songs that they can play virtually (via streaming) or from files that are downloaded to their computers. The service is not free, but fairly priced at about U.S. $10 monthly, the same cost to users now pay to have Apps like Spotify and Apple Music on their phones. There is a U.S. $20 monthly subscription fee for users who want the ability virtually download their playlists enabling them to play and perform music without the need for a wi-fi-connection.