| July 9, 2007 |
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Vol 4, Issue 17
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The 2007 MAGAZINE IS AVAILABLE NOW!
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The 13th edition of the Reggae Festival Guide has been distributed to reggae and record stores, festivals, restaurants and at reggae shows all over North America.
We give thanks for all of our distribution people, our contributors and advertisers who helped to make the 2007 issue the best one ever!
This year's magazine is full of interesting stories, festivals, radio information and more.
The stories include Book and DVD reviews, Reggae Fashion, Reggae Reggaellections, a feature on the legendary Clancy Eccles, Reggae Passings(a story on those who passed away last year), a piece on the winner of our Sonicbids Artist Contest: Higha Seeka, a photo matchup, a "ras" word puzzle and more.
>Would you like a copy of the 2007 Reggae Festival Guide magazine delivered to your door?
Then simply send $7 with a written request to:
RBA/Reggae Festival Guide
P.O. Box 50635
Reno, NV 89513
Are you from outside of the U.S.?
Please send $12 with a written request for overseas shipping and handling.
Or you can order one online at: http://www.reggaefestivalguide.com/magazine/order.shtml
It will be shipped straight to your mailbox filled with reggae eye
candy, lifestyle features, reggae history, and more!
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Ex-Beatle Recruits Sizzla, Lady Saw and Cherine Anderson for Remix
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by Basil Walters (reprinted from the Jamaica Observer)
photo: Cherine Anderson
Former Beatle Paul McCartney has crossed over into dancehall with the release of a single on the heels of his new album, Memory Almost Full. The remix single, Nod Your Head, is produced by Sly and Robbie and features Sizzla, Lady Saw and Cherine Anderson.
The album, which should have all the niche markets nodding, is produced by David Kahne who was head of Columbia Records' A&R (artistes and records) department.
McCartney is often described as one of the most influential contributors to the history of rock music, but the rave reviews of Memory Almost Full suggest that Paul McCartney is far more significant than that. He has written over 50 top-ten hits, released well over 30 non-Beatles albums and was inducted eight years ago in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
But perhaps what in time may prove to be his most notable achievement is not as his website implies, the marrying of a supermodel half his age, but his current flirtation or infatuation with dancehall music.
Following in a long celebrated tradition of reggae/rock fusion for which Bob Marley is noted, influencing the likes of Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones, and the Police to mention a few, McCartney reaching out to dancehall can be seen as an appropriate acknowledgment that this Jamaican music genre is the missing ingredient in his almost full memory.
And what better way for the former member of the Beatles (the group whose music was quite popular in Jamaica), to complete the cycle, than to meet with this dynamic dancehall's triumvirate in Sizzla, Lady Saw and Cherine Anderson along with the twin icons of the Taxi Gang whose musical magnetism is international.
There is the hope that in the not-too-distant future, a world tour, or at least, repeat the rounds he made recently appearing in gigs at a Hollywood record shop, following shows in London and New York, attracting scores of fans performing classics like Long And Winding Road, Hey Jude and Get Back, except this time round include these pre-eminent dancehall performers. One sure way of having everyone nodding their heads.
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Rocky Dawuni & Elle MacPherson Visit Ghana To Announce (RED) Grant!
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Ghanaian music star Rocky Dawuni and supermodel Elle MacPherson just completed a June 13 -15 tour of Ghana in West Africa on behalf of (RED) and the Global Fund. The visit served to announce a grant from (RED) and the Global Fund for HIV / AIDS treatment programs and the delegation also included President of (RED) Tamsin Smith and Adele Sulcas of the Global Fund. Accompanied by Dr. Nii Akwei Addo (Head of the Ghana National AIDS Campaign Program,) the group toured Korle- Bu and Police Hospitals in Accra as well as St. Martin 's Hospital in Agomenya to see projects where the grant will be utilized.
The Global Fund grant including (RED) grant will amount to a total of 97 million dollars ( U.S. ) disbursed over 5 years. The overall goal is to diminish HIV/AIDS illness and death by rolling out on a national level, a comprehensive package of prevention, treatment, care and support services.
(RED) was founded by U2 front man Bono and Bobby Shriver to harness the power of some the world's most iconic brands in the fight against HIV / AIDS. The money realized from the sale of (RED) products is then contributed to the Global Fund.
2007 has proven to be a year of tremendous action for musician /activist Dawuni, having just completed a successful tour of Israel where he performed with the country’s star Mosh Ben Ari. In March, his annual 7th “Rocky Dawuni’s Independence Splash” concert celebrating Ghanaian Independence Day, attracted over 40, 000 people at La Pleasure Beach in Accra , Ghana and Rocky also traveled extensively with UNICEF to the northern part of his homeland to bring attention to the pressing need for clean water and sanitation.
Currently, Rocky is featured on the highly successful "Instant Karma: Amnesty International Campaign To Save Darfur" Deluxe Edition release (Warner Bros Records) which features covers of John Lennon songs by global stars including Black Eyed Peas, U2, Christina Aguilera, Green Day, Ben Harper and Jack Johnson. In addition, Dawuni’s afro beat "Wake the Town" is destined to reach new audiences when the genre-defining track is featured on video giant EA's forthcoming FIFA 2008 video game.
For more information please check out:
www.myspace.com/rockydawunimusic
www.rockydawuni.com
www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/video/2007/ghana_video200707
www.joinred.com
www.instantkarma.org
www.unicef.org
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BUJU WAVES BYE BYE TO "BOOM BYE BYE"
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Due to the recent uproar about three of our top dancehall voices being censored by gay rights movements after allegedly signing a statement that denounce performing what they refer to as hate songs, Buju Banton’s Gargamel Music sent a letter to media outlets to address the image of the artiste that is being portrayed by the gay community.
The release signed by the President of Gargamel Music, Inc. Traci McGregor states:
After hearing about the concerns being voiced by members of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender community about international reggae icon Buju Banton, I felt it was important to reach out, as the public portrait that has been painted of Buju as an artist who has espoused violence, hatred and negativity his entire career is one of absolute fraud.
Indeed a young Buju Banton wrote the incendiary anti-gay tune “Boom Bye Bye” back when he was a mere 15 years old. Penned in response to a widely publicized man/boy rape case in Jamaica, it caused a furor in the states when it was re-released four years later in 1992. For the record, he had not performed the song since the early nineties and regularly speaks out against violence - against all people. “I was a child when I wrote those lyrics,” Buju admits. “But let me make it clear that I do not encourage or condone violence towards any human being, and that includes our gay brothers and sisters.” Last year, when Buju once again found himself the target of a new generation of gay activists, he utilized two lines from “Boom Bye Bye” only as a springboard to discuss the enduring persecution he has faced because of the song and to assure his fans just how much he has evolved since. Yet certain factions of the gay community have continued to use it against him in an attempt to discredit him in the media.
Those who have followed Buju Banton’s artistic development and have actually listened to his entire body of work, know of his prodigious growth into one of the world’s most prolific singer/songwriters - one whose consistently positive messages of peace, love and spiritual enlightenment are never lost in the music.
Buju’s 1995 release ’Til Shiloh was nominated for a Grammy award, landed on Spin magazine’s Top 20 Albums of the Year and hailed by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the Best Albums of the Decade. His Grammy-nominated project Inna Heights (1997) and also Unchained Spirit (2000) garnered him numerous comparisons to the late great Bob Marley. His 2003 album Friends For Life was also nominated for a Grammy award, as was his most recent project Too Bad (2006).
Buju Banton’s love for humanity is not just demonstrated in words but also in deeds. Twelve years ago he responded to the AIDS crisis in Jamaica by launching Operation Willy, an organization focused on raising monies for HIV positive babies and children who lost their parents to the disease. For the past three years he served as spokesperson for Upliftment Jamaica, a US-based non-profit committed to working with underprivileged youth in Jamaica.
Buju and his Shiloh Band have played all around the world over the past 15 years, and the song has not been a part of his performance. His culturally diverse fan base - which, no doubt includes gay people - spans the Caribbean, North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East. For them, he is not simply an artist; he is a very necessary voice.
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REGGAE FESTIVAL GUIDE ON MY SPACE!
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Link us on My Space! We are excited about this great marketing network. WE NOW HAVE OVER 1,800 FRIENDS! This is indeed a wonderful resource that can link so many great artists, record companies, DJ's and reggae lovers worldwide. Watch for concert footage postings, festival ticket giveaways, contests and more!
Go to www.myspace.com/reggaefestivalguide to become our FRIEND!
Peace & Blessings
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FESTIVAL NEWS
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Reggae artiste, Stephen Marley, son of reggae icon Bob Marley is confirmed to perform at the 5th annual Irie Jamboree concert, slated to take place at Roy Wilkins Park, Queens, New York on
Sunday, September 2nd 2007.
The promoters were able to woo the Grammy winning producer, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose new album "Mind Control" contain tracks like 'Hey Baby' featuring Mos Def, 'Iron Bars'featuring Julian Marley, Mr. Cheeks and Spragga Benz and 'The Traffic Jam' featuring Damian Marley. Stephen's album is doing well in Jamaica, Europe, and Canada and is generating just as much attention state side - enjoying multiple spins on urban radio stations and cable
channels.
Louie Grant, of Irie Jamboree who helped to orchestrate the deal said, "Sunday, September 2nd will be another historic day for Irie Jamboree and for all the Caribbean nationals living here in the tri-state area. Anytime we are graced with the presence of a Marley is a very special occasion for us. Over the years, Stephen has consistently delivered quality music in a professional and creative manner, positively reflecting the best of Jamaica. I congratulate him for having the foresight to produce an album of the caliber of 'Mind Control.' I also applaud him as one of our reggae stalwarts who have kept the reggae flame burning internationally for Jamaica" Grant noted.
The promoters announced that Morgan Heritage, singer Luciano, Da'ville, Jovi Rockwell, Assassin, Anthony B, Beenieman, Mr. Vegas and Lady Saw are also confirmed for Irie Jamboree 'CINCO' - the 5th staging.
"We are very excited about the lineup this year and feel especially happy to have Morgan Heritage in the lineup. They are a favorite among reggae lovers in the tri-state area" said Steven 'Yello' Williams of Irie Jamboree.
The all day family festival will again be recorded in HDTV surround sound and will include a food court with an eclectic array of vendors merchandising exotic foods, arts and crafts and other cultural items that reflect the diversity of the Caribbean.
Last year's Irie Jamboree - North America's premier reggae festival - with headliners Beres Hammond, Marcia Griffiths, Capleton, Beenieman, Buju Banton and Baby Cham attracted a record twenty five thousand patrons. The event earned bragging rights earlier this year at the International Reggae & World Music Awards, copping the award for "Concert of the Year," beating out contenders Reggae Sumfest (Jamaica) and Welcome To Jamrock (Jamaica) amongst others.
Log on to www.iriejamboree.com or call 1-888-irie-nyc for updates.
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EASY STAR ALL-STARS TOUR EUROPE AND MIDDLE EAST
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The Easy Star All-Stars European Summer Tour is now underway. The band is excited to hit the road again, this time with some new songs, as well. Check the Easy Star website for the latest updates and go see them if they are anywhere near you! www.easystar.com
To celebrate, we are offering a few specials in the Easy Star Store. Buy any CD or LP and get 15% off your entire order. Spend $30 or more and get a free EASY STAR VOL. 1 poster from the vaults.
July 13 Bournemouth, England Bournemouth Opera House
(with the Wailers and Pama Intl)
July 14 Hertfordshire, England Rhythm of the World Festival
July 15 Salisbury, England Larmer Tree Festival
July 16 London, England Jazz Café
July 17 London, England Jazz Café
July 18 Southampton, England Talking Heads
July 19 Brighton, England Komedia
July 20 Presteigne, Wales Sheep Music Festival
July 21 Kirkcudbright, Scotland Wickerman Festival
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Aug 17 Swindon, England 12 Bar
Aug 18 Bristol, England Clockwork
Aug 19 Devon, England Beautiful Days Festival
Aug 20 Plymouth, England White Rabbit
Aug 21 London, England Jazz Café
Aug 22 London, England Jazz Café
Aug 23 Swansea, Wales Sin City
Aug 24 Cumbria, England Solfest
Aug 26 Glasgow, Scotland Arches
Aug 27 Newcastle, England Academy
Aug 28 Inverness, Scotland Ironworks
Aug 29 Aberdeen, Scotland Scotland Café Drummond
Sept 1 Ireland Electric Picnic Festival
Sept 2 Aberystwyth, Wales Arts Centre
Sept 6 Egypt Cataract Resort
Sept 9 Isle Of Wight, UK Bestival
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Renegade Productions Concert Calendar
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UPCOMING RENEGADE SHOWS:
Sunday, July 22
FEMI KUTI also
THE REGGAE COWBOYS
Truckee Park Truckee, CA
Thursday, June 28
THE WAILERS
Historic Ashland Armory
Ashland, OR
Friday August 3, Reggae In The Park
ZIGGY MARLEY
Truckee River Park Amphitheatre
Truckee, CA
Saturday August 4, Reggae In The Park
MIDNITE & THE ABYSINNIANS
Truckee River Park Amphiteathre
Truckee, CA
Go to:
www.renegadeshows.com
www.myspace.com/renegadepresents
for more information or call:
(530)583-2801
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Festival News
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RICHIE B OF HOT 102 FM TOP 20 CHART
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Week of June 29, 2007
TW LW WOC Play Song - Artist - Label
1 1 10 Board House (2 wks @ #1) - Nesbeth - No Doubt Records
2 2 12 Bad From Mi Born - Munga - Don Corleon
3 8 4 Back It Up - Beenie Man - 357 Records
4 4 13 Whine Pon Yuh (3 wks @ #1) - Vybz Kartel - Don Corleon
5 6 7 Tease Her - Anthony B - Trinity 7 Records
6 7 7 Guardian Angel - T.O.K. - Fresh Ear
7 5 8 Baby Father - Vybz Kartel & D'Angel - Free Willy
8 3 12 Lef Dem To Time (2 wks @ #1) - Elephant Man feat. Jigsy - Big Yard
9 9 8 Never, Never - Brick & Lace - 180 Entertainment
10 13 5 Dance - RDX feat. Jigsy - Apt 19 Productions
11 12 6 People's Choice - Ray Darwin - Tad's International
12 18 4 She Is Royal - Tarrus Riley - VP/Cannon
13 20 2 Gully Side - Movado - Firelinks
14 15 3 Below The Waist - Queen Ifrica - Penthouse
15 16 5 No Man (Set Up) - Monster Twinz - Birchill
16 11 9 Shake Up Yuh Natty - Dez-I & Phillip Watkis - New Creation Records
17 19 3 Need Your Loving - Chaka Demus & Pliers - Explorer
18 10 18 Music Alone (1 wk @ #1) - Ginjah - I-Land Music
19 NEW 1 Drop Dead - Elephant Man - Big Ship
20 NEW 1 Cyan Cool - Chuck Fender - Birchill Records
TW - This Week; LW - Last Week; WOC - Weeks on Chart
Sources: Sound Systems, Record Shops, Night Clubs & Radio Play
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Happy Earthday to all!
Pablo Moses born June 28, 1948
Tanya Stephens born July 2, 1973
Gramps (Morgan Heritage) born July 7,
Irie Love born July 7, 1982
Marion "Lady Saw" Hall born July 12, 1969
Desmond Dekker born July 16, 1941
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Reggae Festival Calendar!
CLICK ON THE FESTIVAL TITLE TO GO TO WEBSITE
PROMOTERS: GO TO http://www.reggaefestivalguide.com AND POST YOUR EVENT FOR 2007!
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Summerjam
July 6-8, 2007
Cologne, Germany
Hotline: 490711-238 5050
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Afro Reggae Festival
July 6-8, 2007
Konigsbrunn, Bavaria, Germany
Hotline:0049823132237
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Rototom Sunsplash
July 6-14, 2007
Osoppo, Udine, Italy
Hotline: 390434977314
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Victoria
July 11-14, 2007
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Hotline: 250-385-0051
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Reggae Meltdown
Friday July 13, 2007
Bournemouth, Dorset, United Kingdom
Hotline: 08701989898
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Montreal International Reggae Festival
Friday-Sunday, July 13-15
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Bayfront Reggae Festival
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Duluth, Minnesota
Hotline: 218-834-5037
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6th Annual Soul Rebel Festival
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Nederland, Colorado
Hotline: 202-415-1352
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Jamaica Day Reggae Festival
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Anna Arundel County, Maryland, U.S.
Hotline: 301-221-6517
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Maple Ridge Caribbean Festival
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada
Hotline: 604-467-5535
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Sound Session
Sunday-Saturday July 15-21, 2007
Providence, Rhode Island
Hotline: 401-351-0353
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Red Stripe
Monday-Sunday July 16-22, 2007
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Hotline: 876-953-2933
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Reggae In Wulf
Friday July 20, 2007
Friedberg, Germany
Hotline: 00498213196029
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The weekly E-Guide is a wonderful resource for those who live, love and enjoy reggae and its vibrant culture. It encompasses the music, energy and spirituality that define this unique and diverse community worldwide. You can expect CD releases and industry news, band tours, inspirational pieces, reggae trivia and of course, upcoming reggae festivals.
The Reggae Festival Guide Magazine is an annual publication which comes out in May. RBA Publishing (also home of sister publication Blues Festival Guide) prints 100,000 copies of the magazine which spotlights festivals throughout the year, feature stories on festivals around the world, radio DJ listings and stories with messages of upliftment.
For years, the Reggae Festival Guide Magazine received numerous requests for updates on festivals via email, and on May 2, 2004, the webmaster of ReggaeFestivalGuide.com, Kristine Cummins partnered with the magazine (RBA Publishing), and published the first emailed issue of the E-Guide E-Newsletter.
The readership is now over 10,000 reggae fans and counting. Each week, The Reggae Festival E-Guide reaches members of the Reggae community around the world.
The E-Guide is currently edited by Reggae Festival Guide's Marketing Director, Justine Ketola. Click here to email Justine.
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