The 19th Annual 9 Mile Music Festival is This Weekend!

About The 9 Mile Music Festival: The 9 Mile Music Festival began as a labor of love, Pioneered by, Cedella Marley Booker.  Over the years the festival has had other names including "The Caribbean Music Festival" finally evolving into what is known as the 9 Mile Music Festival today.  This reggae music event is more than just your average "concert", it has a commitment to doing good and spreading love. The 9 Mile Music Festival is responsible for collecting over two (2) million canned goods over its 18 year span, in an effort to continuously give back to its community. Four canned goods are required for entry, along with a purchased admission; the canned goods collected are then distributed to shelters in Miami & Jamaica.  

About Historic Virginia Key Beach Park:Virginia Key Beach, once accessible only by boat, was established in 1945. In 1982 the City of Miami closed the park and it remained shuttered until the Grand Re-Opening in 2008 when local citizens formed the Virginia Key Beach Park Task Force in response to plans for private development of the property. In 2002, Historic Virginia Key Beach Park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Come visit our beautifully renovated venues which celebrate the distinct cultural, recreational and ecological past of this tropical paradise.

The 9 Mile Music Festival has chosen this Historic location as the venue for 19th Annual 9 Mile Music Festival. This decision was made largely because this venue offers what the fans want; a bigger venue, easier parking and longer hours to enjoy the reggae music.

03-01

JaRIA Lauds Local Greats Including Copeland Forbes

source: Jamaican Observer

SEVERAL contributors to the development of the local music industry got their recognition at the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) on Saturday at Emancipation Park.

Twenty-two recipients were honoured.

Copeland Forbes (foreground) addresses the audience after receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from Billy Heaven, CEO of CHASE. (Photo: Joseph Wellington)

Copeland Forbes, industry activist and tour manager, was recognised for his 50-year service with a lifetime achievement award. The award was presented by CEO of CHASE, Billy Heaven.

"This is the second major local award I'm receiving," he told the audience.

The list of awardees also included notable institution, Alpha Boys School, which received recognition for its long history of mentorship for scores of outstanding musicians.

On the day when the music industry bid farewell to sound system pioneer, King Stitt — for whom there was a moment of silence — two legendary Jamaican sound systems, Tom The Great Sebastian and Jack Ruby Hi Fi, were honoured. And, in keeping in that vein, two pioneering recording producers — Clement 'Sir Coxson' Dodd and Duke Reid, were like Thomas Wong (of The Great Sebastian famed) and Jack Ruby, were posthumously honoured.

Among the other posthumous recipients were singers Peter Tosh and Gregory Isaacs, organist/pianist extraordinaire Jackie Mittoo, the group Culture and Neville Willoughby for outstanding contribution to media. Two engineers, Errol Thompson and Phillip Smart, also received awards.

Promoters of the first international reggae music festival, Reggae Sunsplash, finally got their props. Ronnie Burke, one of the two survivors, received the plaque from JAMPRO's Creative Industry Manager Kim Marie Spence on behalf of the other founding directors Don Green (who now lives aboard), as well as late Tony Johnson and John Wakeling.

Former Prime Minister PJ Patterson accepted the Band Award for the Skatalites, for which he was manager.

The crowd was entertained by some of the recipients such as Bob Andy, who received the Songwriter Award, Marcia Griffiths as the outstanding Female Artiste; and Toots Hibbert as the Male Artiste. Andy and Griffiths performed solo as well as a duet of their hit song Young, Gifted and Black.

But it was not all an old school affair. The Artiste of the Year Award went to Romain Virgo and Song of the Year Award went to Laza Morgan's One By One. The Golden Jubilee Commemorative Award went to The Jamaica Federation of Musicians.

Not to be left out were some awarding winning performances in between the presentations, from Andrew Tosh, Kenyatta Hill both of whom well represented their father (Peter Tosh and Joseph Hill respectively), Freddie McGregor, Stevie Face, Tristan Palmer, young Edna Manley student Sarina Constantine and Mary Issacs.

They were all well support by the JaRIA Band with various arrangers and directors including Maurice Gordon, Everol Wray, Jon Williams, Neville Hinds, Dean Fraser, Jermaine Forrester, Vern Hill, Peter Asbourne, Michael Harris, Ian and Albert Hird, but on most items, it was the incomparable Michael Ibo Cooper.

— Basil Walters

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/JaRIA-lauds-local-greats_10897762#ixzz1nnlVSqV3

03-01 

Maui's Inna Vision Presents the "Zion Train EP."

Three hard-hitting roots tracks from the new release "No Stopping" available March 1, 2012.  The "Zion Train EP" represents Inna Vision's new sound, new band, growth and inspiration.  Be ready to feel the island vibes from Hawaii to Jamaica, Aotearoa to California!   "All aboard Zion Train!"

Zion Train Ep

Track Listing: 

1. Zion Train

2. Country Living

3. Beautiful 

Produced by: Inna Vision

Recorded at: Cultural Vision Maui Studios

Mixed and Mastered by: Robert Tsuhako and Koa Lopes 

Currently known as “The Heaviest Roots Band on the Reggae Island,” Inna Vision is becoming the most asked about band in Hawaii.  From there debut in 2005, these Hawaiians from Maui have shown great knowledge of Reggae Music and a crucial progression in playing the art of Reggae.  With a playlist of strictly original material, Inna Vision is making their statement clear that their music will be here to stay and live on for generations.

In their youth, all members were highly influenced by the World’s Reggae movement with legends such as The Marley's, Don Carlos, Junior Reid, Steel Pulse, Aswad, Martin Campbell, Hugh Mundell and so much more.  Inspiration grew to realization and the realization became Inna Vision’s first release “Music On My Mind.”  Recorded, produced and released in 2008 by Cultural Vision Maui, this album set the Hawaii Reggae scene ablaze with hit songs “Princess Smile, Irie Insulation, Pumpin Fya, Have a Talent, Shine and Mission.”  After touring the Hawaiian Islands and California it became evident that their music holds a special place and this is only the start of their journey to become the next major demand in Reggae.

Inna Vision proudly released sophomore album “Ashes Four Your Urn" in September 2010.  The project contains 18 songs with booklet lyrics and includes a bonus lifestyle film for a more intimate look through the eyes of these young prodigies.  Inna Vision records at home studio, “Cultural Vision Maui,” where they continue to create their signature sound and pave their own road to success.  With World-Wide tours ahead you'll surely get your chance to witness Maui’s Reggae at its finest.

Inna Vision: Kokomon, Kamakoa, Poki, Kaya, Calvidread, King David, 83

Hometown: Maui, Hawaii

Credits: 3 Full length albums

"Music on my Mind" - 2008

"Ashes Four Your Urn" - 2010

"No Stopping" - 2012

Also Available:

"Music is the True Destination EP" - 2010

"Shacks and Shakas" - Single - 2011

Label: Cultural Vision Maui

CEO: Michael Lopes

island.wide@yahoo.com

Accomplished: 4 U.S. Tours: Hawaii, California, Oregon, Nevada and Utah

Performances with:

Steel Pulse, Don Carlos, Jr. Reid, Barrington Levy, Bunny Wailer, Mighty Diamonds, Gramps Morgan, Roots Underground, SOJA, Gentlemen, Alborosie, Katchafire, Groundation, Apple Gabriel, Midnite, Bamboo Station, John Browns Body, Anthony B, Dezarie, Tribal Seeds, Ooklah the Moc and Paula Fuga.

Websites: www.Innavisionmusic.com, www.Facebook.com/innavision, www.ReverbNation.com/innavision,

email: innavisionbooking@gmail.com

03-01

STAY FLY WITH MEGA BANTON

MEGA BANTON has maintained a deep affection for music as long as he can remember, born Garth Alexander Williams and grew up in city of Portmore located in St Catherine outside of the capital of Kingston.  Mega Banton in his early youth would crooned the lyrics and sounds of his favorite artists such as Dennis Brown, Yellow man and Alton Ellis over his father's stereo system; he would also performed these songs at school concert, and at local neighborhood street party.  Mega Banton would eventually start writing his own songs and developing his own lyrical style while attending the  prestigious ST. ANDREW TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL.  Mega Banton skills and reputation grew as a talented young deejay in the community.  Mega Banton began performing at local stage shows which caught the attentions of veteran Deejay in the reggae industry such as RICKY GENERAL; who loved the young artist drive and ambition and decided to introduced him to the notorious reggae mogul/ producer Jack Scorpio.

While at recording sessions at the Black Scorpio labeled Mega earned a reputation for his intense delivery and provocative vocal flare.  Mega swift hard-hitting lyrical delivery distinguished him from among the emerging deejays with songs that epitomized the dance hall era of the early 90s.  He began to record tracks like 'GIVE IT A EASE" which is the first song he ever recorded.  The song echoed the harsh reality of Jamaica lifestyle which most of the people and community lived in daily and the violence that surrounded them; his song gave hope to the massive with a positive message.  In 1993 Mega Banton released his debut album, FIRST POSITION, on VP records with hit singles such as  NAME A MENTION, GLAMOROUS, and SO WI STAY.  The single "SOUND BOY KILLING" on the same album charted on the US BILLBOARD charts and propelled Mega Banton career to international status; which led to a record deal with SONY RECORDS and produced the album 1,000,000 MEGA WATTS in 1996.

Mega  have toured extensively with the Shocking Vibes Crew such as Beenie Man, and Tanto Metro and Devonte. The popular street anthems MONEY INA MI POCKET and  PON DI CORNER, revived Mega Banton status as one of Jamaica's most respected deejays in the business; these songs stayed on the Reggae charts in Jamaica and the United States for several months in 2003.  Mega Banton popular underground singles such as RISE IT, GIMMI DEM and GARISON  featuring  Mr. Lex, have kept Mega  Banton name buzzing in the streets, on the charts, in the clubs, and on top of his game in the reggae dance hall areana; The singles GIMMI DEM and GARRISON were released on Gargamel Records and produced by one of Mega Banton idol and musical inspiration Buju Banton.  Mega has been limited his appearance on various Dancehall  Rhythms in the last few years, as he chooses rhythms that fits his unique style, voice and swag;while he still manages to preserve his untouchable style and status which can be heard on his latest song and video "Stay Fly" on the Basik Instink Riddim by Taranchyla and dj Froggy. http://youtu.be/jD7eephQpuQ

Mega Banton has maintained a herbal and meditation vibes and following in Northern California and the Bay Area with songs such as 'I'm so High", "Fly Away" and "Get High" which he performed on the Annual Smoke Tree Tour.  Mega Banton has record songs with reggae greats such as Barrington Levy, Micheal Rose, Leroy Smart, Lady Saw, Steel Pulse, Tanto Metro & Devonte, Mr. Lex, Cecile, Ricky General and Delly Ranks.  Today Mega Banton still remain humble, focus and determine to take over the dancehall scene and radio waves.  Mega Banton is currently in the studio in Jamaica working on new his album and a single to be drop in 2012.  Mega Banton in recent years have been working and recording in the studios with top name producers and labels in the reggae industry in Jamaica such as dance hall producer NotNice, Jam 2, Steely and Cleevie, Baby G, King Jammy, John John, Equanox, Braeton Connection and Free Willy.

Mega  Banton also known as Megah Di Megaladon, or Megah is currently under the management of TWINKLEEK  MUSIC GROUP / KNAK DEM OUT PRODUCTION   who is based in Oakland California  and is in the final stages of completion of his new album, THUG POETRY to be released in the summer of 2012.  The new album features a combination of Mega's usual hardcore dancehall edge with an added touch of hip-hop with a variety of tunes and topics such as DUPPY SHOW, MONEY VENTURE, EYES ON  ME & CRIMINAL.  Fans can look out for songs, singles and the upcoming album release on Mega Banton official Facebook page; to listen and purchase Mega Banton songs go to ReverbNation/Mega Banton.  Mega Banton current tracks will also be featured on an upcoming mix cd called "ENEMIES ON DEADLY GROUND", which will be out in the Spring of 2012.  Mega Banton has proved his position as an undeniable force and legend in the dance hall scene which others follows artist uses as a guide.; For booking information contact Postman Ali at (510)759-1091 or at www.knakdemout.com 

Purchase at:

http://www.reverbnation.com/artist/control_room/2372565#!/therealmegabanton

03-15

Marley still climbs the charts

BY KEVIN JACKSON  Observer Writer

THIRTY-ONE years after his death, Bob Marley continues to outsell contemporary reggae and dancehall stars.

On the latest Billboard Digital Reggae singles chart, Marley registers 14 songs including One Love, Buffalo Soldier, Is This Love and No Woman Nuh Cry. However, it's the single Three Little Birds, at number three, that has registered the biggest download sales to date.  Some 1,358,184 downloads have been sold in the United States.

Marley's most recent album, the live Bob Marley & the Wailers: Live Forever-the Stanley Theatre 1980, debuted and peaked at number 14 on the Billboard 200 Album chart last year.  It currently holds the number five spot on the Billboard Reggae Album chart, selling  72,212 copies according to sales tracker Nielsen Soundscan.

The 1984 compilation, Legend, is the biggest selling reggae album of all time, with 14 million copies sold in the US.

Legend's worldwide sales now stand at over 25 million copies. It has spent 992 consecutive weeks on Billboard's Pop Catalogue Album chart.

Legend is currently number one on the iTunes Reggae Album charts in 14 European countries as well as Canada and New Zealand.

On the current iTunes Top 100 Reggae Singles chart, Marley has 12 songs with Three Little Birds ranked at number two.

Marley has charted 22 titles on the Billboard 200 Album chart. His 1976 album, Rastaman Vibration, was the highest charter in his lifetime in the US, peaking at number eight in 1976. He was the first reggae artiste to score a top 10 album in America.

On Billboard's R&B album chart, Marley registered 21 titles. Rastaman Vibration was his best showing, stalling at number eleven.

The box set, Songs of Freedom, which soared to number one in 1992, is his sole chart-topper on Billboard's Top World Music Album chart.

Eight Marley titles have made Billboard's R&B Singles chart. In 1976, Roots Rock Reggae moved to number 37. His biggest success on that chart came with Exodus in 1977 which stopped at number 19.

On Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart, Marley only earned one entry. Roots Rock Reggae peaked at number 51.

Apart from Could You Be Loved stalling at number 49 in 1980, Marley's biggest success on Billboard's Dance Music Club Play chart came via remixes.  In 1999, Sun is Shining soared to number one, while one year later Rainbow Country made number seven.

Marley fared better on the UK pop charts.  In 1975, he hit number 22 with No Woman Nuh Cry. Up until 2000, 15 Marley songs charted in that country, with Sun is Shining the best performer at number three.

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Marley-still-climbs-the-charts_10685764#ixzz1lwanpBqe

03-01

"The Unstoppable European Summer Tour"

Cali P Featuring Shotta Paul - Book them Now!!!

INSPIIIIIIRED MASSIVE!!!!!

ITS CRAZY!!!! HIGHLIGHT AFTER HIGHLIGHT!!!!

RIGHT NOW WE CALLING UP EVERY PROMOTER AND SOUNDSYSTEM!!!!

ITS TIME FOR THE MADDEST SUMMER EVER SINCE AND YOU CAN MAKE US COME TO YOUR CITY!!!!!!

CALI P COMING FRESHHHH FROM JAMAICA IS GONNA BE TOURING ALL EUROPE THIS SUMMER AND YOU ALL CAN GET YOUR AVAILABLE DATES NOW FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE, JULY AND AUGUST!!!!

THE PACKAGE INCLUDES JUGGLAZ (SHOTTA PAUL & DJ MESKA) EUROPE'S HOTTEST COMBINATION OF A MC AND SELECTA! THEY PROOVED THAT REPRESENTING FOR THE SENTIEL SOUND WORLD WIDE OVER THE LAST YEARS!!!!!

ALSO ON BOARD DJ CHIQUI DUBS WICH IS PANAMA'S TOP REGGAE AMBASSADOR BY REPRESENTING THE SOUTH AMERICAN REGGAE/DANCEHALL MOVEMENT!!!!

FEEL FREE TO SPREAD THE TOUR FLYER!! POST IT ON BLOGS, TELL YOUR FRIENDS TO BOOK A SHOW!!!! ALSO DONT HESITATE TO CONTACT US ON ANY INFO YOU NEED!!!!!

AND MAKE SURE YOU DONT MISS THE GREATEST EVENTS FOR 2012 ALONGSIDE CALI P, JUGGLAZ AND DJ CHIQUI DUBS!!!!!!!!

"THE UNSTOPPABLE SUMMER TOUR"

CALI P

JUGGLAZ (SHOTTA PAUL & DJ MESKA)

DJ CHIQUI DUBS

GET YOUR DATES!!!

contact: shottarock@googlemail.com 

NOW AVAILABLE:

CALI P' s new Album "UNSTOPPABLE"

http://itunes.apple.com/ch/preorder/unstoppable/id459724242 

INSPIRED MUSIC/HEMP HIGHER NEW RIDDIM "MOONLIGHT"

http://itunes.apple.com/ch/album/moonlight-riddim/id468793494?l=fr

STILL AVAILABLE:

LIKE A LION SOUNDTRACK (Cali P, Fantan Mojah, Munga, Fulklip di Govanah.) http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/like-a-lion-official-movie/id389759068

03-01

Reggae Singer Richie Stephens Reaping Success with Gospel Medley

Kingston, Jamaica: International reggae singer Richie Stephens, who has touched the lives of secular music lovers with songs like "Winner," "Fight Back" (with Garnet Silk), "Trying To Get Next To You" and "She Is A Maniac" is reaping success in gospel circles with his new release titled "The Gospel Medley." The song has gained traction on a number of gospel/reggae stations and has caught the attention of gospel show promoters in the USA who have booked him to perform on gigs in Connecticut, Boston and New York.

Popular radio host Brother Gary, whose morning show airs on WVIP, 93.5FM in the tri-state area said he played the track for an entire hour when he premiered it on his gospel program.

"We have been getting crazy calls about the song here in NY. Based on requests from listeners, I actually had to play the song for an hour when I premiered it. Richie has done great music in the past but this is the type of message music we need to be getting more of" he reiterated.

Mello FM radio host Errol Smith, who was the first to play the song for listeners in western Jamaica said, "When I played the song on my Friday morning program, the calls and text messages started less than a minute into the track...Richie has another boomshot!" Smith said he played the song three different times on that first show and the requests have not slowed.

South Florida radio host Captain Kirk of WAVS 1170 AM, has also endorsed the new song.

"Richie has found a new gear with this gospel medley. The song is timely and takes us right back to church" he reasoned.

The aftershocks of the tragic passing of the Stephens' son Demar "Copper Cat" Graham, who was murdered last year has found an artistic platform in his music—and, he's successfully parlayed his tragic woes into success in his career. Aside from 'The Gospel Medley,' his tribute single 'Live Your Life' has topped charts in Florida, Atlanta, Canada and Jamaica and was voted 'Song of the Year' in New York last year. His follow up single 'Warrior' is also enjoying rotation on stations in Jamaica and the video has racked up an impressive 89,000 views on www.wickedhype.com.

“The songs I am now doing is motivated by a need to offer encouragement, affirmation and to reconnect with our heavenly father. After Demar's death last year and the struggles I endured, I feel the need to give God the glory and to thank him for taking me through the rough times” Stephens said. 

03-01

Romain Virgo & Perfect -- Performing at the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival

Contact: Peter Wardle

King's Music International

Phone: (510) 326-8445 or

online at reggaeangl@aol.com

http://www.kingsmusicinternational.com 

Romain Virgo is the upcoming young reggae artist that is currently really creating a stir in the reggae circles amongst the fans and promoters. He is an exceptionally talented performer with a strong voice and a nice live show repertoire. Currently he is very busy internationally doing shows in diverse places.

After his successful debut performance at Sierra Nevada last year, the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival is bringing him back again this year for another round. This repeat performance says a lot because it is rare for Sierra Nevada to repeat acts two years in a row. The radio and DJ's are playing his music and the people love his songs and his sound. Romain Virgo is nice and a good natured person on and off the stage.

Touring alongside Romain Virgo is another young reggae artist who is currently coming up strong internationally named Perfect. Perfect is one of the most refreshing younger voices on today's Reggae/ Dancehall scene. He is full of energy. Similar to Romain Virgo, Perfect has been an ambitious performer from an early age, since he was nine years old. He also has a good natured character on and off the stage. There is an intriguing charisma about Perfect when he performs.

Perfect has toured Europe extensively, appearing on all the major festivals as well as performing on the east coast USA on large shows. In 2008 Perfect did his first west coast US tour. In 2009 Perfect's schedule included a European tour alongside Fanton Mojah, a tour in France alongside Gyptian, two appearances in Amsterdam, a west coast US tour with I-Wayne and another west coast US tour alongside Pressure Buss Pipe. 2010 Perfect appeared again for US tours as well as multi European tours that included festivals, Reggae Camp and Ruhr Reggae Summer. 2011 Perfect performed on Reggae on the River, in Humboldt County where he was so well received that they brought him back three months later to the Mateel Community Center to headline their Harvest Fest show in late November.

Perfect definitely has strong foothold in the US on the west coast where he is starting to draw impressive crowds. Youngsters think he is the greatest. Perfect also did a number of other  US performances in November 2011. Perfect is definitely a talented young performer who is appreciated worldwide.

With the two of these popular younger stars we can expect to get good crowds at their shows on this June / July US tour. 

03-01

Your ad or announcement could be in next week's

Reggae eGuide  - Rates below....

Max Dread Minaya :: Se Tinen

Produced by : MinayaMusicInc and HandCancel Productions

www.MinayaMusicInc.com; www.HandCancelProductions.com 

This song is about how some people are living in a generation gap.  Some are confused in regards of whom they are as far as culture is concerned.  Color of skin, Race, Religion and beliefs.  " "Se tinen, se tinen su cuerpo; Se tinen, se tinen su piel" "Gentes sin origen, actuando otra ves, no sabes donde vienes, no saben lo que es" You don't know where you come from, then you do not know your self. It is how some move to other places and forget where they come from, because of disregard, a better life, and blaming where they from, because of economic conditions and just that along, their culture, places of birth, towns, countries, families class are blamed. The point is to be your self, don't forget who you are, either because peer presure,outside influences, economic, social status in life.  Be humble, don't change for money,not matter what the circumtances are. Love life....  Jah Rastafari.....

Aibums available at:

www.Google.com; www.Amazon.com; www.Itunes.com; www.Cdbaby.com;

Search: Max Dread Minaya; Cd's available "Message From De Heart" and "Max Dread Minaya Sampler".

Music Videos: www.Youtube.com; www.Vodpod.com

Search: Max Dread Minaya ; Available: "Rompes Corazones", "Estranjeros", "El Libro De Mi Memoria", and other live videos.

More songs available for download at:

www.Myspace.com/wwwmyspacecommaxdread

www.SoundCloud.com/MaxDread

Contacts:

Twitter: MaxDreadMinaya@MinayaMusicInc

Ph: 978-687-8206 ; Email: MaxMinaya_78@hotmail.com

03-01

Jah Sun :: Heart Like a Lion

CD/Album- Battle the Dragon

15 tracks of uptempo reggae and conscious dancehall, including production from Italy, Spain, France, England and the US. Adding to the project is 5 special guests: Gentleman, Alborosie, Peetah Morgan, J Boog, Perfect and Stevie Cutlure. This is a must have for all reggae lovers!

purchase: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jahsun4 

Jah Sun

More Love Productions

Humboldt, California

http://jahsunmusic.com

https://www.facebook.com/jahsun411     

03-08