Asfa Hits the Charts in Jamaica

New kid on the block Asfa is making waves with the latest entry on the Jamaican Top 25 Reggae Charts. His second singleNot The Life came in at number 23 and is steadily climbing up the survey.  

The singer grew up in Bedward Gardens in a small community known as Dread Heights and since debuting with the singleMother I in March of this year has been building a following ever since. After introducing himself with his first song which he did as a special tribute to his late mom the artist answered the call of his fans for a follow up. The result is Not The LIfe. The song is done on a bouncy one drop called the Question Riddim and the theme is a cry from the oppressed due to exploitation by financial institutions. In it he sings "This is not the life for me, tired of living in misery,too much " corporatocracy", " which rings familiar in this age of rising national debt which is often times shouldered by the very poor. The song is receiving heavy rotation on radio and the video has just been added to the Hype TV playlist. Asfa's growing legion of fans can also support his efforts by buying the song as it is available on all major online stores. 

Asfa, since launching his career has made promotional appearances on Hype TVs Up and Live and was interviewed on Richie Bs radio show on Hot 102 FM. The song is also Top 5 on The Bess FM Culture Chart. The infectious composition has also not escaped the attention of many radio programmers all over the world and is a staple on reggae stations especially in Australia ,The UK and Germany. 

The jovial and easy going artist is no newcomer to the business as he began this musical journey in the early 90s as a selector on Travelers Disco and also made his first steps as an artist opening shows for Judy Mowatt . At the beginning of the next decade he toured with Sugar Minott and Little John in Switzerland and Germany as their dj. The music took a back seat when he migrated to the US where he eventually settled in Jacksonville Florida. However after a number of years out of the scene he is now organized and moving full speed ahead. With a voice that has a unique sound and is easily identifiable , many have commented in social media circles that talent such as his " is a welcome change". Asfa is a pure singer in the tradition of artist such as Luciano and Garnett Silk and aims to live up to the standard of his forbearers.  

Working with manager and ex-manager of Natural Black Roger Grant, the artist is optimistic about his future in the business and believes Not The Life will bring him the initial exposure that he needs. At the same time he is wasting no time in readying his debut album titled "Journeying" which he hopes to release on his own label Jecoliah Entertainment Production by years end.  

http://youtu.be/iX5hndmtP7A 

http://youtu.be/unM7WB8MAwI

Contacts: Manager: Roger Grant

Phone#s: (267) 407-1713 or (678) 629-1303

Emails: organicrecordsus@yahoo.com or asfajep@gmail.com

www.reverbnation.com/asfajep

www.facebook.com/asfajep1

www.twitter.com/asfajep 

www.linkedin.com/in/asfajep

www.youtube.com/asfajep

www.soundcloud.com/asfajep

www.myspace.com/asfajep

www.whotune.com/asfajep

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Andru Branch Steps Into The Light

Internationally celebrated reggae troubadour Andru Branch is uplifting the nations with music. Following the success his JUNO-nominated collaboration with members of TheWailers, Branch’s third full-length release Step Into The Light is a concept album that shines with musical performances by the Halfway Tree reggae band, featuring Bob Marley’s legendary Studio One bass player Brian “Bassie” Atkinson. 

Growing up amidst a vibrant Rastafarian community in Toronto, Canada, Andru began his career playing percussion. Mentored by the great reggae percussionist Alvin “Seeco” Patterson of The Wailers, Branch has gone on to back reggae superstars Gregory Isaacs, Glen Washington, Sean Paul, Frankie Paul, Yellowman, Gramps Morgan, Tony Rebel, Queen Ifrica and Vybz Kartel, to name a few.  

Andru signed with independent Jamaican record label Kingston Muzik in 1996 and recorded his first album with Bob Marley & The Wailers’ Aston “Family Man” Barrett, Earl “Chinna” Smith, Tyrone Downie and Seeco Patterson. Recorded and mixed in Kingston, Jamaica, What If I Told You went on to be nominated for a JUNO Award for “Best Reggae Recording” in 2000. Kingston Muzik shopped the album at the Midem conference in 1998 and licensed its distribution to independent reggae distributor Tabou 1 in Paris. The album sold in France, Holland, Germany and throughout the United States, and charted on radio in France and in the Netherlands.  

The 2007 release of “Bring Back Real Reggae Music”, from Andru’s sophomore album The Only Constant, earned global recognition. Recorded in Jamaica at Kingston Muzik Studio, the album features Ziggy Marley’s rhythm section, drummer Squidly Cole and bass player Chris Meredith, as well as Seeco Patterson of The Wailers. The Only Constant charted across the country, and the second single “Ease Off The Pressure” sat at number one for four months on Galaxie Radio’s Jammin’. Canada’s music authority Exclaim! Magazine calls the album “nothing less than stunning”. 

Andru Branch and his group Halfway Tree broke onto the international scene with their hit single “My Jamaican Weed” in 2009. Branch returned to Jamaica in 2010 to record the internationally acclaimed ska single “Rocksteady” with a host of reggae legends, including Chinna Smith on guitar and original Studio One drummer Joe Isaacs.  

Andru Branch’s brand new full-length release Step Into The Light is a concept album that shines with musical performances by the Halfway Tree reggae band. Studio One reggae pioneer Brian “Bassie” Atkinson delivers deep, undulating bass lines, while the brass section glistens on this collection of inspired roots reggae music. In true form, Branch’s music is lyrical and majestic, reminiscent of the golden era of reggae. Download the new album here.  

From “the greatest one night show on Earth” – Sting to Jamaica’s legendary Reggae Sunsplash to Rebel Salute 2012, Andru Branch performs extensively. Andru Branch & Halfway Tree continue to inspire fans around the globe, promoting equal rights and social justice. There are few groups that consistently deliver such an authentic, bass-heavy, richly textured, roots reggae sound. Their music is gloriously hypnotic and their message is positively uplifting.  

“…nothing less than stunning.” – Exclaim! Magazine  

“This is indeed real reggae music.” – Tom Orr, World Music Central  

“Branch has obviously mastered the sound.” – The Coast, Halifax  

“…someone whose respect and affinity for the best in reggae are propelling him into the limelight of a growing circle of fans…” – Uprising International  

“…sounds like the Marley inspired tunes all the world has come to know and love…” – The Sunday Herald, Kingston, JA 

“Halfway Tree sings the kind of songs that are missing in today’s mass market.” – The Town Crier, Toronto

Download the new single FREE:  Step Into The Light

Visit our website:  www.halfwaytree.ca

Like us on facebook:  www.facebook.com/halfwaytree

Follow us on twitter:  http://twitter.com/andrubranch

Download the new album:  Step Into The Light

Watch our videos:  Holy Jihad

                            Rocksteady 

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Sgt. Remo is scheduled to release his EP album entitled “Life is for Living” this month. The EP is almost out of post production receiving the final touches before it is released later this month. The EP will feature five Sgt Remo songs with a diverse production. The album kicks off with a MASSIVE roots tune entitled "Marie" on the Maya riddim. It was produced by Jah Fabio out of Guadalajara, MX and recorded at Empire Soundz studio in Jacksonville, FL with Shimran Ali (founder of the Empire Soundz Crew). Next comes a great Dub collaboration entitled "Tell Me Who" on the Dub on the Range Riddim. This one is produced by dub producer McPullish (www.mcpullish.com) and recorded at the Dub Cove in Buda, TX. Also featured is the song "No Man Stranded" produced by EA Productions from St. Petersburg, FL. The album is rounded off by two more songs that will be unveiled soon! The EP will be released on the Jah Yutes Entertainment label and will be a strictly digital distribution available at www.sgtremo.com and everywhere digital music is sold.

Look out for new Sgt. Remo Music on the Shepherd Riddim album. This is another McPullish production on Charlie's Records (www.mcpullish.com ) and features music by Chezidek, Sgt. Remo, Tippa Irie, Jahn Ti, Kat Ireana, Ken Serious, McPullish dubs and more.

Earlier this year Jah Yutes Entertainment released Sgt. Remo’s single "Dawtah." This was the first collaboration between Sgt. Remo and EA Productions. This is the featured song on Sgt. Remo's online radio station at Jango and has received over 40,000 plays in the last 3 months. If you have not tuned in yet, check it out when you can! It's free and you can listen on your computer or phone. Don't forget to link up with Sgt. Remo at www.sgtremo.com and like Sgt Remo Music on FB. 

Link up!

www.sgtremo.com

www.facebook.com/pages/Sgt-Remo-Music/173344146046799

www.jango.com/music/Sgt+Remoitunes.apple.com/us/artist/sgt.-remo/id405263776

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005CYTW3K

www.cdbaby.com/cd/sgtremowww.soundcloud.com/sgtremo

www.reverbnation.com/sgtremowww.youtube.com/sgtremo

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24th Annual Peter Tosh Birthday Celebration Concert in Berkeley, CA October 20

Out of Many One Productions is proud to present the 24^th annual Peter Tosh Birthday Celebration commemorating the late, great reggae legend, icon Winston Hubert McIntosh, aka ‘Peter Tosh’ on Saturday, October 20 at the Ashkenaz in Berkeley. Performers include Peter Tosh’s son, Tosh 1, Peter Tosh’s cousin Sister-I-Live, Nyabinghi drummers, plus special guests to be announced. 

Tickets are $20 (student tickets are $17) and can be purchased in advance at the Ashkenaz. Doors are at 7pm; an original documentary about Peter Tosh including interviews, history and music is at 8pm,and the music starts at 9pm. This is an all ages venue.

For more information contact Out Of Many One Productions, 917-834-0330 or for tickets go to http://www.ashkenaz.com/. The box office is open every night when there is an event for presale tickets. 

For Press Passes/Interview Requests, contact: Kaati/RBA Publishing Inc 775-337-8344 kaati@reggaefestivalguide.com

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OM marks milestones for Tosh's family

Gleaner: Anastasia Cunningham, News Coordinator

Perfect timing. That's how the family of Winston Hubert 'Peter Tosh' McIntosh felt about the late reggae icon being conferred posthumously with the Order of Merit at yesterday's National Honours and Awards Investiture Ceremony at King's House.

"God really works in mysterious ways. This is the 50th anniversary of his music career and the 25th anniversary of his passing," Tosh's 30-year-old daughter Niambe McIntosh shared with The Gleaner.

"This is indeed an honour. We have come a long, long way and I honestly don't feel it could have happened before this time. The family is feeling very proud, to us this is just one more step forward, because his message and his legacy is a long journey so we are still fighting."

This year, of the 157 Jamaicans who were presented with national honours and awards for outstanding contribution to the country's development through their service in various fields, Tosh was the sole recipient of the Order of Merit.

The internationally acclaimed reggae musician, who was murdered at the age 42 in 1987 at his home during a robbery, was honoured for his seminal contribution to the evolution of Jamaican popular music.

Solo albums

His illustrious career included his time with The Wailers, before going solo to produce albums such as Legalise It, Bush Doctor, Equal Rights and Mama Africa.

Niambe, who accepted the award on behalf of her father, said the occasion was even more momentous because the family was now in full control of Tosh's estate.

"The family is united now more than ever," she stated, alongside her siblings Andrew, Dave, Steve, Tosh I and Gamel, several nieces and nephews as well as other family members on the lawns of King's House.

Tosh's 45-year-old son, reggae singer Andrew Tosh, declared, "I feel wonderful, it is an honour. It's about time. We all feel great to know we have finally got this high honour for our father. We heading for the Hall of Fame next."

The Order of Merit is the third-highest honour and is awarded for eminent international distinction in the field of science, the arts, literature and any other endeavour. Other internationally acclaimed reggae icons holding the honour are Jimmy Cliff and Bob Marley.

Other musicians stood tall, as Reinford Hugh Lee 'Scratch' Perry was awarded with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD) for his pioneering work in the development of Jamaican music.

Frederick Nathaniel 'Toots' Hibbert, who had previously been conferred with an Order of Distinction, accepted the Order of Jamaica (OJ) for outstanding contribution to the development of Jamaican popular music.

Neville O'Riley 'Bunny Wailer' Livingstone, a man who had already been conferred with a CD, also earned an OJ for pioneering contribution to Jamaica's musical development.

Other awardees from the field of music and the arts included Peter Ashbourne (CD), Barry Moncrieffe (CD), Cynthia Wilmot (CD), Tony Gregory (OD), Jacki Jackson (OD), and Dr Pamella Powell (OD).

anastasia.cunningham@gleanerjm.com

10-18

New Collie Buddz Video Just Released

Collie Buddz presents his newest track and music video "Won't Be Long". Shot in various places in Hawaii during the Red Star Music Festival dates with Rebelution, and while recording with J. Boog in his studio. Make sure you watch the video in HD while you vibe out to this smooth tune.

Special thanks to J. Boog, Anu, Abbey, Uncle B and Wash House; Eric, Marley, Rory, Wes, Dean and Rebelution; BAMP Project and the beautiful islands of Oahu and Maui.

Watch the Official Music Video for "Won't Be Long" on Youtube

Purchase "Won't Be Long" on iTunes

Collie Buddz's The Dark N' Stormy Tour

The Dark N' Stormy Tour Dates:

Oct 18 - Collie Buddz w/ New Kingston, Los Rakas & The Holdup - Wonder Ballroom - Portland, OR

Oct 19 - Collie Buddz w/ New Kingston, Los Rakas & The Holdup - Knitting Factory Concert House - Spokane, WA

Oct 20 - Collie Buddz w/ New Kingston, Los Rakas, The Holdup, Zion I, Vokab Kompany, & DJ Nima Fadavi - City Arts Fest - Seattle, WA

Oct 22 - Collie Buddz w/ New Kingston & Los Rakas - WOW Hall - Eugene, OR

Oct 24 - Collie Buddz w/ New Kingston & The Holdup - The Fillmore - San Francisco, CA

Oct 26 - Collie Buddz w/ New Kingston, Los Rakas, & The Holdup - Arcata Theatre - Arcata, CA

Oct 27 - Collie Buddz w/ New Kingston, Los Rakas & The Holdup - The Catalyst - Santa Cruz, CA

Oct 28 - Collie Buddz w/ New Kingston, Los Rakas & The Holdup - SLO Brew - San Luis Obispo, CA

Oct 30 - Collie Buddz w/ New Kingston & Los Rakas - Fulton 55 - Fresno, CA

Oct 31 - Collie Buddz w/ New Kingston & Los Rakas - McNear's Mystic Theater - Petaluma, CA

More shows & Event information at www.CollieBuddz.com/Events

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Toots & the Maytals Receives The Order of Jamaica

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16th – 18th August 2013 – The UK’s NO1 Reggae / Dub Festival – Secret Location

www.onelovefestival.co.uk 

After a tremendously successful One Love Festival 2012 event which was arguably our best year yet!! We had the largest audience turnout and participation accommodated by blazing hot sunshine creating a wonderful mix to a star studded line up. Cementing One Love Festival as UK’s No1 Reggae and Dub camping event. 

One Love Festival is Now 6 years old and widening its appeal year in year out to a growing appreciative European reggae and dub community. One Love Festival was Introduced into the UK in 2008 to commemorate the 30^th anniversary of Jamaica’s 1978 One Love Concert where Bob Marley famously united two opposing political warring factions easing tensions in a very volatile Jamaica that was on brink of civil war where just only two years earlier saw Marley’s attempted murder over. 

We are very excited to launch our 2013 website and to announce the dates of 2013 show, to introduce our Early Bird Ticket Deposit Scheme with initial artist announcement. 

2013 Website Now Live 

Our talented designers have been busy over the last couple of months developing a brand new looking designed website, logo and new look www.onelovefestival.co.uk - 

2013 Dates to put in your diary 

We are please to confirm the dates for 2013 is the weekend of 16^th – 18^th August. 

Early Bird Ticket Deposit Scheme 

TIER 1 – LIMITED EARLY BIRD 2013 TICKETS are on sale now: 

We have introduced a easy to pay for Ticket Deposit Scheme – where customers Only have to Pay £49 Now to secure Discounted Early Bird Tickets prices and the remaining amount Next Year in May!! For further information please visit www.onelovefestival.co.uk

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Tony Rebel and Queen Ifrica -- Tour North America - January February 2013

Tony Rebel and Queen Ifrica are touring North America together again January, February 2013. This is a conscious, hardcore roots-oriented tour package. They have been touring together for many years. Their last tour with Kings Music International was in the summer of 2012. The grand finale of the tour was their headlining Reggae On The River. Similar to the 2012 tour, this years entourage features a top notch Jamaican band and cream of the crop background vocalists.

Tony Rebel was the progenitor of the sing jay style, a melodic mix of dancehall DJ toasting and singing. Tony sings a roots-oriented dancehall style. He and his brethren, the late Garnet Silk initiated a spiritual renaissance within the youthful dancehall component of Jamaican reggae. Uplifting conscious oriented hits such as Fresh Vegetable, Sweet Jamaica and Jah by My Side spread Tony Rebel's name and songs far and wide. Tony Rebel is a leader in Jamaica's Cultural Revolution. He sings songs with themes of self-awareness, self- reliance, personal responsibility and determination. These values help strengthen the listener's awareness of righteous concepts and ideals, encouraging people to live more positively.  For his community, Tony does volunteer work giving speeches, charity performances and collaborating on social agenda committee's. Tony Rebel's annual festival --The Rebel Salute - is now the largest festival of its kind in the Caribbean.

The other artist on this package, Queen Ifrica's love light is ever shining. She has become one of the most sought after artists in the Reggae business. Queen Ifrica is very outspoken for the cause of the people. For years Queen Ifrica has toured the world as an opening act for Tony Rebel and his Flames crew. Her popularity has risen with a string of hit songs and she is called on from all corners of the world. She is the daughter of the renown elder vocalist, Derrick Morgan. Queen Ifrica is effervescent, strong, self- assured, and humble. On stage, her conscious charisma, melodious hooks and fluid delivery contribute to her currently being a serious musical force to be reckoned with. Along with her conscious message she brings fun and happiness to her performances. Her voice is now heard regularly on the radio and in the streets of the world with hits such as Lioness on the Rise, Daddy,Randy, Jus My Brethren and Below the Waist. She has now risen above most of the other reggae acts and has established herself internationally as a crowd favorite. She is currently in great demand. Queen Ifrica is a hot reggae commodity worldwide, but as a strong conscious female role model.

Contact: Peter Wardle

King's Music International

Phone: (510) 326-8445 or online at reggaeangl@aol.com

http://www.kingsmusicinternational.com

10-18 

Music is the message for reggae, hip-hop, pop artist Matisyahu

BY MIKE BELL, CALGARY HERALD

It’s perhaps not the reaction one would expect.  Which should probably make it the expected reaction.  But ask reggae, hip-hop, pop performer Matisyahu about his appearance the previous evening at Dalai Lama’s One World Concert — alongside such artists as David Crosby, Counting Crows, Dave Matthews, Nelly Furtado — and his response is positive but tempered.  That’s even when you ask him about the Lama, himself (Twelfth son of the Lama, the flowing robes, the grace, bald, striking, etc.), whom is considered by many to be the rock star of the spiritual world.  “With my experience over the last decade, I’ve met a lot of older spiritual people so I don’t get so excited about things. People are people, no matter who you are — Dalai Lama or not. . . ,” says the American musician born Matthew Paul Miller. “But he does great work, he does amazing things, and he does a lot of good, so I was happy to be a part of it.”

More Here.......

10-18

Bad Brains Announce New Album With A Streaming Single

by Andrew Tijs

Reggae-punk icons Bad Brains stream the first single from their first album in five years.  Bad Brains have been a sketchy prospect for the late period of their career, ploughing through singers in the early ‘90s, changing their name, reforming and breaking up, and only releasing a couple of albums in the last fifteen years.  But after 2007’s Build A Nation, produced by late Beastie Boy and superfan Adam Yauch, Rolling Stone have announced a new album Into The Future.  Frontman H.R. told RS, “My vocalizing strengthens the impact of the group’s overall deliverance of the music, and the expression of the church of music. The new album wouldn’t be an A-plus new album if it hadn’t been for the earlier music, which was equally as inspirational. And it gets better and better.”  The album was produced by the band this time, is titled Into The Future and will be released on November 20. There’s a stream of the title track attached to the Rolling Stone article.

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