Bushman Words for Natural Black

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Norman G
Irie Fm's Entertainment Buzz turned into words of war and warning to Natural Black from Rastafarian singer Bushman.The singer whom Bushman questioned his action and intention after Natural Black gave the reason for Bushman is giving singer Natural Black three months to returns to the Rastafarian faith Published May 17, 2012 | By admin Entertainer Bushman is giving singer Natural Black three months before he returns to the Rastafarian faith. Natural Black explained that he removed his locks to do dancehall music. However Bushman believes that the Far from reality singer’s attempt at dancehall will be short-lived. The men were speaking during a heated discussion on the Entertainment Buzz Wednesday (09/05/12). Natural Black came under fire after removing his locks. The Guyanese entertainer has reportedly received death threats following the moveto pursue Dancehall because 'roots music' was'nt getting him any where and he need to feed his family.Bushman in the discussion expressed his views and felt Natural Black is himself 'far from reality' and is giving singer Natural Black three months to returns to the Rastafarian faith Entertainer Bushman is giving singer Natural Black three months before he returns to the Rastafarian faith. Natural Black explained that he removed his locks to do dancehall music. However Bushman believes that the Far from reality singer’s attempt at dancehall will be short-lived. The men were speaking during a heated discussion on the Entertainment Buzz Wednesday (09/05/12). Natural Black came under fire after removing his locks. The Guyanese entertainer has reportedly received death threats following the move
 
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Beenie Man Begging Mercy Gay Community

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Norman G
Beenie Man Video Begging Mercy From The Gay Community Internationally acclaimed Dancehall superstar,Beenie Man has publicly confirmed his stance regarding gay and lesbian critics who have continuously criticized him throughout his prestigious career. In a video posted via the official YouTube page ofRototom Sunsplash, the self-professed King of Dancehall issued a statement regarding the flack he’s received from gay and lesbian rights groups while explaining his personal stance regarding those communities. Citing recent problems while trying to secure work, Beenie Man made it perfectly clear that he has no personal issues with homosexuals. “Let me make this clear and straight. I have nothing against no one. I respect each and every human being, regardless of which race, regardless of which religious belief you have, and regardless of which sexual preference you are, including gays and lesbians,” he said. According to Beenie Man, the growing tension between himself and the gay/lesbian community stems from songs he did dating back to the early 1990s, when he first became a household name. “Do not fight against me for some songs I did 20 years ago,” he said. “There is no one in this world is the same as they were 20 years ago, I know I am not. I was a kid and I come from Waterhouse, which is a small community. I never know what the world is like and what the world is all about. But now I know that people live in this world that live their life differently from my life. I still have to respect and love human beings.” Beenie Man isn’t the first artiste this year to publicly address this issue as Reggae superstar, Sizzla Kalonjirubbished claims of promoting violence against homosexuals in his songs. Beenie Man was one of several Jamaican artistes to sign the Reggae Compassionate Act in 2007, an agreement created to dissuade entertainers from using homophobic lyrics in their music. watch the video with the link
 
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Skatalites Brevett Dead

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Norman G
One of the founding members of The Skatalites Band, Lloyd Brevett is dead.http://gojamaica.net/news/articleimages/2012/36960lloyd_brevett_3.jpg Brevett died at the Andrews Memorial Hospital in St. Andrew this morning at the age of 80. In October 2001, he was conferred with Jamaica's fifth highest honour, the Order of Distinction and in October 2010, he was awarded the Silver Musgrave Medal for his contribution to music. The musician’s son Okeene Brevett was killed in February after collecting an award on his father’s behalf at the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association Awards at Emancipation Park. At that time, the former upright bass player of The Skatalites was said to be too ill to collect the award.
 
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Natural Black Locks off

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Norman G
Natural Black shears locks Monday, April 30, 2012 Print this page Email A Friend! POPULAR reggae singer Natural Black has cut off his locks, breaking his covenant in the Rastafarian lifestyle and dramatically altering his look. "I got up and cut off my locks Sunday morning because I looked around at my surroundings and realised that I have not been living a Rastafarian lifestyle. I want to see the changes around me, and as it relates to the upliftment of the people, the direction of the Rasta order and the walk toward perfection. That is not happening. I just see discord and chaos in the rasta community, all of it is very misleading," said the artiste, whose real name is Mortimer Hartley The Far From Reality singer is aware that there might be a backlash from members of the Rastafarian community, but he is prepared to defend his decision. "They tell you one thing about the upliftment of the people and improvements and things His Majesty speaks of, but in the long run, you realise that is a different thing which is really happening and it is disappointing. Rasta still stands predominant. We can only defile ourselves, Rasta is still the highest, but I am not living up to those high standards, so I can't be a hypocrite. That is why I take a pair of scissors and cut my locks myself," he said. Natural Black plans to concentrate more on recording dancehall music, and is putting the recording of roots and culture songs on pause. "I just need a break from it, I feel like I need a change, mi a go tek it to the dancehall right now. Because I buss with Songs with Meaning and Far From Reality, dem brand me as a roots artiste, but mi have the chance and the talent to do dancehall as well. I respect Rasta but mi caan be a rasta and do skettel music, It nah go match, I want to do some hardcore dancehall songs and mi caan do both, that ah go create a conflict within myself," he said. He commisserated with his fans who might feel betrayed by his decision but pointed to well-known members of society such as consultant Leachim Semaj and Dr Peter Phillips, minister of finance, plannning and the public service, who have abandoned the Rastafarian lifestyle by cutting their locks. "People change and move on, mi de pon my journey and this is where it lead me. Mi ah do this for myself, right now, mi ready fi the dancehall," he said. The singer is promoting new singles, Play With You, and a song, Dancehall Riddim on a rhythm track of the same name on his own Shagillia label. Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Natural-Black-shears-locks_11373541#ixzz1tWqpcQFd
 
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No Vibes for Vybz

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Norman G
June 8 is the date set for the re-appearance in court of Vybz Kartel Internationally acclaimed Dancehall superstar, Adidja Palmer, more popularly known as Vybz Kartel faces a longer wait regarding a decision on bail as he has been remanded once more in one of his murder cases. Appearing in the Home Circuit Court on Friday, a bail application was expected to be made on the Portmore Empire deejay’s behalf in the Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams murder case. However, the application was delayed, forcing the judge to hand down a June 8 court date for Kartel as well as the co-accused in that matter: Shawn Campbell aka Shawn Storm, Kahira Jones, Shane Williams, Andre St. John and Calvin ‘Moonie’ Haye, who’s been on bail since January. Each of the men stands accused of participating in the killing of Williams during an incident at a Havendale, St. Andrew residence last August. On Monday, the Crown handed over audio and video evidence to the defense that they say incriminates each of the men in Williams’ murder. Police stated that Williams was beaten and stabbed to death following an argument over the disappearance of illegal guns.Kartel will also be appearing in court on June 8 in regards to his other murder case. The self-proclaimed ‘Worl’ Boss,’ stands accused of murder, conspiracy to murder and illegal possession of a firearm in the shooting death of St. Catherine based promoter/businessman, Barrington ‘Bossie’ Burton. Kartel was granted JA$3 million bail in the Burton matter but cannot post it due to the fact that he has been remanded in connection to the Williams case. A bail application will reportedly be made in the Burton case during Kartel’s next court appearance. Lenburgh McDonaldand Nigel Thompson are also accused in the matter but have yet to post bond. Vybz Kartel remains incarcerated in a Spanish Town based facility. He has been jailed since September of last year.
 
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Bunny Wailer no Ratings for Marley

Posted on April 29, 2012 by Norman G
Wailer unhappy with MARLEY FILM Jamaica Observer reporting Bunny Wailer not happy with Marley' BY RICHARD JOHNSON Observer senior reporter johnsonr@jamaicaobserver.com Sunday, April 29, 2012 BUNNY Wailer, the surviving member of trailblazing reggae group The Wailers, is unhappy with certain aspects of the just-released documentary, Marley. For Wailer, who was one of the main voices in the Kevin MacDonald-directed film, Rastafari — a central theme in the life and 'livity' of Bob Marley — was not given its rightful and respectful place in the production. Kevin MacDonald is Marley’s director. He told the Sunday Observer via telephone that he agreed to be part of the production based on the fact that Bob Marley's eldest son, Ziggy, was executive producer. Therefore, it was felt that this would allow for a true picture of the reggae icon. However, Wailer's hopes were dashed when he attended a pre-release screening and saw the final cut. In the hour-and-a-half-long documentary, Wailer offered viewers personal insights and anecdotes into the life of Bob Marley. In his signature style, Wailer is articulate and witty as he paints a picture of the man who rose to superstardom in the late 1970s and died of cancer in 1981 at age 36. Inspired by the 1966 visit to Jamaica by Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie, Marley would spread the word of Rastafari through his music and this, Wailer believes, should have been given more focus in the documentary. "Rastafari was what Robert Marley sang about all his life. Rasta music is the legacy he has left us. When I looked, I did not see an emphasis on Rasta — our faith, His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie and the influence these had on the man Robert Marley," said an incensed Wailer. "I was not pleased with that," he added. Although disgruntled, Bunny Wailer still decided to give Marley's local premiere on April 19 inside Emancipation Park, St Andrew, his full support. But all that would change just hours before the start of the event. He said just before leaving for the event, he was informed of the use of the Ethiopian tri-colour — red, green and gold — as a carpet. This is a symbol revered within Rastafari. "As a Rasta, I felt disrespected." His voice raised a few notches, highlighting his anger. "I was not comfortable with the fact that they had Rasta colours on the ground... it turned me off and I decided not to attend the event," Wailer said. This latest development only served to compound his previous concerns that Rastafari was being downplayed in the celebration of the life of Bob Marley. "It is all very troublesome and upsetting that all of this took place. How are they going to fix this?" he questioned. He lays the blame for this flag faux pas squarely at the feet of Bob Marley's widow Rita, his daughter Cedella and Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records which distributed several of Marley's albums. "This was a total disgrace and I am happy I was not there to witness what Rita, Cedella and Chris Blackwell did to the memory of my brother. It was filthy and dirty and I could never be involved in anything like this. How are we going to heal? I don't understand Rita," an angry Bunny Wailer stated. Marley's music career as a member of The Wailers began in 1964 when he joined forces with friend Neville 'Bunny Wailer' Livingston and Winston 'Peter Tosh' McIntosh. They recorded several ska and hardcore reggae songs before Tosh and Wailer left for solo careers in 1973. Tosh was gunned down at his St Andrew home in September of 1987. Read more:www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Wailer-unhappy-with-MARLEY-FILM_11359008#ixzz1tQ5WJOCc
 
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Freedom Poetry ….Kartel

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Norman G
Vybz Kartel continues to proclaim his innocence behind bars. With the help of University of The West Indies professor, Carolyn Cooper, Kartel has released two letters to the public, via the Jamaica Gleaner. Kartel who is facing murder, drug and obstruction of justice charges believes he is presumed guilty even before being tried, as law enforcement is using the media to tarnish his reputation. Vybz Kartel also issued excerpts from his book, Voice of the Jamaican Ghetto, proclaiming his innocence while aiming to distinguish his controversial on stage persona from his off stage demeanor. Part 2 of the letter was published on Sunday in the Jamaica Gleaner, along with a poem written by Kartel...... Conclusion of Adidja Palmer's letter "Ms Cooper, please publish this letter so that the Jamaican people can see my point of view on this serious matter as my life depends on the outcome of this case. "In closing I would like to let the people know that i am an innocent man and i have faith in my lawyers and know that i will be acquitted. Thank you. Sincerely yours Adidja Palmer. P.S. I have enclosed a poem i wrote. feel free to publish it as well. Thanks Ms C." (A poem) Guilty before trial? by A. Palmer The police have found me guilty and i haven't gone to trial yet, but they spread propoganda on T.V. & internet Dem a beat it in the people's mind that i'm guilty and deserve death, but the public knows how the police operate, so mi nah fret. So many people in court for allegedly taking 4, 5, 6 pickney life, So how they don't discuss that on 'CVM at sunrise'? Allegations of extrajudicial killings by security forces have already been issue, but i've never seen them on t.v. so much, talking about that, did you? Me never kill nobody yet but they say my music breeds crime, that's why they're on my case they want me imprisoned long time. I am an artiste so i know things will make the news, but don't crusade this ungodly way to distort peoples views. Mi swear my innocence before all mankind and God, why would i risk going to jail Leaving behind 7 children, after mi nuh mad. I am not the first man The romans soldiers have sacrificed, like me, that man was not guilty That man was Jesus Christ.
 
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Government unaware of how lucrative entertainment industry is.Frankie Campbell

Posted on March 5, 2012 by Norman G
Many people in Jamaica are ignorant about the true state of reggae in contemporary music,says Frankie Campbell Co founder of dance band Fab Five and president of Jamaica Association of Vintage Artistes and Affiliates(JAVAA),Campbell at at the recent forum held at The Observer HQ spoke about the lack of respect shown to reggae and the foundation artistes in Jamaica and how little the younger generation know about the accomplishments of the music's pioneers including Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff. To improve the situation, Campbell says the history of the music should be taught in school.He said despite the music's accomplishments, not much is being done by the private sector and government to assist the entertainment sector.The co-founder of the Fabulous Five Band stressed the need for influential sectors to tap into the earning power of music just as they have endorsed sports figures. "I think culture and sports is the way out. Music has been doing it for years on its own. Why are we not getting help?" he queried. According to Campbell, the government and private sector seem unaware of how lucrative the entertainment industry is. "The entertainment industry is the largest in the world and we are one of the few countries that don't realise that," he said. In their bid to capture the youth market, private sector companies like telecommunications rivals Digicel and Lime have used controversial dancehall acts like Vybz Kartel, Mavado and Bounty Killer in ads to promote their products. Recently, LIME signed Grammy winner, Damian 'Junior Gong' Marley as the face of several of its promotions. But Campbell believes because many of these artistes have had run-ins with the law, clean-cut performers have been stigmatised. "My helper can go and get credit, but I, as a self-employed man can't. All of a sudden our ratings gone, why? Because of a few bad eggs?" he quipped. Read more: www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Musicians-shunned-for-Deejays_10918285#ixzz1oHvVUFnX
 
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US Not budging on Buju

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Norman G
US government responds to Buju Banton's appeal MIAMI (AP) — The U.S. government says plenty of evidence supports a federal jury's conviction of Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton, on cocaine conspiracy and trafficking charges. Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, is appealing the February 2011 conviction. Defense attorney David O. Markus says his client was relentlessly pursued by a government informant, resulting in improper entrapment. Federal prosecutors filed their response Friday in Atlanta's federal appeals court. Prosecutors say Banton's words and actions, in recorded conversations and a videotaped meeting in a Sarasota, Florida warehouse, where Banton tasted some cocaine, revealed the singer "eagerly brokered" a drug deal between a friend and undercover government agents. They also asked the appeals court to reverse a judge's decision to toss a related gun charge. Banton is serving a 10-year prison sentence.
 
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Stephen Marley wins 2012 Reggae Grammy

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Norman G
The Marley legacy continue... The examiner reports. Score yet another victory for the Marley family on music’s biggest stage as Reggae superstar, Stephen Marley copped his eighth career Grammy on Sunday. Marley won his the 2012 Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album on Sunday for his third studio album, Revelation Pt. 1: The Root of Life. The announcement was made during the Grammy pre-show event at the Los Angeles Convention Centre in California and later conveyed to fans through Marley’s official website and Facebook page. Stephen Marley beat out his brother, Ziggy Marley who was nominated for his sixth studio album, Wild & Free. Marley also beat out Dancehall/Reggae superstar,Shaggy for his tenth studio album, Summer in Kingston. Other nominees in the Best Reggae Album category were veteran artistes, Israel Vibration for Reggae Knights and Monty Alexander for Harlem-Kingston Express.This Grammy victory marks a record third for Stephen Marley as a solo artiste; adding to five awards he previously won as a member and producer of his brother, Ziggy’s band, Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers. The Marley family, in total, has won an impressive 14 awards since the Best Reggae Album category was introduced in 1985, four years after their legendary father, Bob Marley died. Ziggy Marley has won four awards while Damian Marley won for his albums, Half Way Tree (2003) and Welcome to Jamrock (2006).
 
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