Getting To Know Smokie Cut.

Born on the 4th of May in Goodwill at the P.M.H (Princess Margaret Hospital) a Dominican Queen gave birth to a baby whom she didn't know would make her one day so elated by the great music he brings to the table. He's known for his uplifting lyrical content and melodious voice/flows. He was raised up with some good friends which later formed a group called GWC "GoodWill Crew" Records. A very creative writer who put words together like Scrabbles. Real name is Jihad Jean-Jacques who is the 3rd child but 2nd son on his mother's side.

He started his musical journey at approximately the age of 7years old singing with other primary school colleagues. One man, two words, three syllables,it's the unpredictable and undeniable Smokie Cut. Very humble from the first approach and has a warm welcoming spirit of truth and Positivity. Inspired by many great top artist from all over the world, Bob Marley, Buju Banton, Sizzla ,Bounty Killa, Beenie Man, Yellow Man, Skinny Banton etc...He decided to follow a trend in which he knew was going to be a deep river to cross and steep mountain to climb to reach his destiny. He got exposure to a recording studio in 2003 which gave him the opportunity to record a 5 song demo which was actually completed in one day at Stevin "Ghost" Jno. Baptiste studio. He wakes up with music on his mind, usually skips morning breakfast and starts writing rhymes and also always has a new chorus or bright idea after he comes out from the shower. Getting a lot of positive feed backs and support from his immediate family, friends, encouraged him to continue his quest to musical success.

Smokie Cut is a different than the average artist out there and is continuing to keep being solo until he meets the right set of people to do collaborations with. Although growing up due to lack of equipment in the studio, he still tried to make the best out of the limited resources he worked with. Over the years he became a stronger, sensual and realistic writer, who from day one picked up the pen and pad promising never to let it go. It's very courageous and amazing to see that where he comes from Music is one of the hardest ways to make it in life however it motivates him even more to try harder.

He's a Multi-talented young man who's known to be involved in numerous genres of music such as Reggae, Dancehall, Rap, R&B, Soca and Dominica's own "Bouyon" Listening to his music play on local radio stations, viewers opinion thinks his music is head to head with international American and Jamaican recording artists.

In 2009 Smokie Cut recorded and video directed an exclusive jingle for one of Jamaica's biggest entertainment programs entitled"Doe Watch Me Watch Yourself" which is REtv's Slogan. With this well put together song, shocked thousands across the Caribbean region which made him somewhat recognized by many. Also, he recently released a smashing hit single/video shot by REtv in Jamaica entitled "Nah Back Down" on the Beach Front Riddim in January 2010. The riddim was produced by Head Concussion Music.

Without any management team nor help, he keeps on striving for excellence. From day one till now, all his material, video directing/editing works and efforts are done by him. Smokie Cut is currently in the studio writing rhymes and lyrically equipping himself for anything... Hoping to get signed by a major record label some day.

How German Reggae Star Gentleman Found Success By Keeping It Real.

In 1998, German sing-jay Gentleman flew to Kingston, Jamaica to further his career in reggae. Seeking recording opportunities, Gentleman called several Kingston based producers via contact information gleaned from the island's Yellow Pages but only one expressed interest in working with the Cologne-based artist: Richie Stephens. The CEO of Pot of Gold Productions, Stephens, 45, is best known for the robust, soulful vocals that characterize his numerous hit singles over the past twenty years, including the patriotic "Come To Jamaica," adapted as the official theme for Jamaica's leg of the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, and the 2011 dancehall hit "Born to Love You."

"Many people from abroad who try to do reggae sound funny but Gentleman's delivery is very convincing, which got my attention right away. To see where he has reached now tells me I made the right choice in giving him some strength back then," Stephens recalled in an interview at the Hilton Hotel, Montego Bay following his set at the January 2012 Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, which included Gentleman as his special guest.

Now a superstar throughout Europe, Gentleman (born Tillman Otto), 36, backed by his 11-piece band Evolution featured Stephens in his New York City debut performance on March 13 at La Poisson Rouge. The show marked the U.S. launch of his fifth studio album Diversity, released stateside on Feb. 14 as a 14-track set on the Queens, New York-based reggae independent VP Records. Originally released in Germany in April 2010 (Island/Universal) as a 28-track double CD, Diversity entered Germany's Billboard chart at no. 1 and was certified gold for 100,000 units shipped, according to The Bundesverband Musikindustrie (BVMI), which represents Germany's music industry.

" Diversity is my most versatile work to date; it has dancehall, roots reggae, ballads; reggae is the most versatile music so there is no need to jump into other genres," Gentleman explained while seated alongside Stephens in the lobby of The Hilton. Gentleman's breakthrough at home arrived with a chorus he delivered in (Jamaican derived) sing-jay style on the 1997 single "Tabula Rasa" by the German hip-hop group Freundeskreis, which reached no. 13 on the German national charts.



Gentleman signed with the Sony subsidiary Four Music and released four albums for the label including Confidence, which was certified platinum by the BVMI in 2007 (more than 200,000 units shipped), prior to signing with Island/Universal in 2010.

Whether from Jamaica or Germany, artists based outside of the U.S. face comparable challenges when attempting to break into the American market, and therefore require similar promotional strategies, notes Aaron Talbert, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at VP Records. "Considering the impact of the internet and Amazon.com on international releases, we are focusing on viral media, especially Facebook and YouTube clips to familiarize North American reggae fans with the continuing story on Gentleman and Diversity with on-tour posts, performance and interview clips forming the various promotional activities we have set up for him," Talbert commented.
Stephens and Gentleman are presented with the Song of the Year Award by Irie Jam radio personalities Christopher McDonald (left), a.k.a. Dubbmaster Chris, and Irwine Clare. (Photo: Marjorie Flash)

Gentleman's vocal timbre does not possess the sonic dynamism of Jamaica's most prominent sing-jays but his ability to consistently engage an audience throughout an hour-long set, as he ably demonstrated at La Poisson Rouge, eclipses many of the island's dancehall acts. He shared with the near-capacity crowd of approximately 700 the story of Stephens' encouragement early in his career and their enduring, 14-year friendship. In 2011 Gentleman offered Stephens solace at his Cologne residence following the murder of Stephens' 22-year-old son Demar Graham, (a.k.a. dancehall artist Copper Cat) outside of his Kingston home on January 21. Later that year Stephens performed with Gentleman on several dates throughout Europe including an appearance at Poland's Woodstock Festival where they debuted an as of yet unrecorded collaborative tribute to Graham; the overwhelming response from the audience of 700,000 to the majestically arranged "Live Your Life" was highlighted in the video to the single, released in September on Pot of Gold Productions.



Now regarded as an anthem of empowerment, "Live Your Life" has topped several reggae tallies in Jamaica and throughout North America and was named Song of the Year by New York's Irie Jam radio, which broadcasts various reggae/Jamaican-centric programs for 26 hours weekly on WVIP, 93.5 FM, New Rochelle; the results are based on listener requests throughout the year with input from on-air personalities, explains Irie Jam founder/CEO Bobby Clarke. "It's a powerful song that is even more compelling when performed live; Gentleman has embraced the Jamaican tradition like his own and I fully endorse what he continues to do internationally for reggae," says the Jamaican-born Clarke.

Gentleman and Stephens' subsequent duet, the African-tinged "Warrior" (Pot of Gold Productions) is currently doing well throughout the Caribbean and will soon be targeted to the American and European markets.

Neither combination track is included on Diversity but both songs are intended for a forthcoming collaborative album; a joint tour is also planned as each artist's career has benefitted from their recent partnership: Stephens is enjoying resurgent popularity at home and gaining new fans internationally while Gentleman has attained greater credibility within Jamaica and the Caribbean Diaspora. "I feel like I have reached a new level of acceptance. As a foreigner you struggle with Jamaicans feeling like you are taking their music," Gentleman acknowledges, "but in Europe I bring reggae to people who see me on TV or hear my album and they start to discover Jamaican artists. Bob Marley already proved reggae has a message that people from different backgrounds can identify with."

Getting To Know Recruit.

His name is Garvin Orlando Spence and he goes by the stage name "Recruit." A young and upcoming artist who hails from Sherlock Crescent in Kingston Jamaica, he is following in the footsteps of his two older brothers - Delus and Konshens - who are displaying their talent in the music industry as well.

While in the ninth grade Recruit began showcasing his talents through his penmanship. "Many things influence my lyrics. My best lyrics come out when I write about lovemaking." During his last year of high school, he started taking music more seriously. "The first song I recorded was in 2005. To date I think the song that will resonate well with fans is "Galang Gal" on the Trailer Reload Riddim." Since then, he has emerged on the entertainment scene and has been steadily making his mark through his performances. He has opened for top billing artistes such as Serani, Spragga Benz, I-Octane and has performed as a solo act on "Rock with Squeeze" at SOB's in Manhattan and "Africa Meets Jamaica" at De Island Breeze in New Jersey.

As a multi-talented artist, Recruit's style is classified as a diverse mix of dancehall with a little reggae and pop. "I listen to everything, even the music that sounds like gibberish. I love R&B, Hip Hop, Rock and Soca. Other than my brothers, my favorite artist of all time is Denis Brown."

On a regular day Recruit can be found in the studio working on new material. He has worked with French producers Daddy and Hyper from D&H Productions, Konvict Yard Music, Shango Productions, Subkonshus Music and LMR Productions. "I do music because it's my way of expressing my thoughts on different aspects of life. I can safely say that music is my second love because I have been surrounded by music all day, every day for as long as I can remember."

With his feet firmly planted and with hopes of carving a niche out for himself, Recruit is certain that he has something a little different to offer. Something that will set him apart from his older siblings.

Hailee Araya:Biography.

 

Hailee Araya, born and raised in Sweden to Ethiopian parents. As a child, Haile recorded her first Demo when she was 12 and since then, there has been no turning back. Hailee describes herself as a shy and private girl; her single "Rid You Of My Love" is also now available on itunes. 

The multitalented individual has been a pianist since childhood and would also like to add Acting to her resume. She has written 5 scripts and attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles. 

Hailee has been featured on various blogs and websites since the release of her single. With all the positive feedback she has received, Hailee is now gearing up for a tour of performances at festivals and events around the world.  Hailee's single 'Rid you of my love" was written By Hailee and produced by Paul Kastick who works with Diana King, Maxi Priest, Shaggy and Tessanne Chin to name a few. On keyboard for the track is Norris Webb of Legendary Reggaeband Third World.

Hailee musical tastes range covers almost every genre. She listens to Zeritu Kebede to Tessanne Chin, Tami Chin, Sade, Bob Marley, Slash, Michael Jackson, Etana, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Al Green,Vybz Kartel, Buju Banton, Demarco, Lauryn Hill, Jay Z, Tupac and many more. 

Her single "Rid You of my Love" was written during a time when "I had to make myself understand that it didnt matter how much I loved him or what he had said before, he didnt love me or even like me that much...at least not anymore. I should have understood that. The more he rejected me, the more I craved his love and I had to fight the instinct to protect myself in a lie again....or make excuses for him that would allow me to let HIM disrespect my feelings. It's a song about acceptance. that...its time to cut your losses and run".

The single "Rid You Of My Love" can be found on itunes, amazon etc.

For more information:

www.haileearaya.com

www.facebook.com/haileeArayaMusic

www.youtube.com/Haileearayaa

Busy Signal Biography.

Born Reanno Gordon on January 24, 1982 and raised alongside three brothers and a sister
by his devoutly Christian mother in the St. Ann’s parish community of Brown’s Town,
Busy’s first exposure to music, like so many Jamaican youth, was in the church. While
attending services and singing hymns he realized he possessed immense vocal talent and
earned his very first encore from the church congregation; when services concluded,
Busy would substitute the hymnal lyrics with his own words, much to the consternation
of his mother.

In his early teens Busy’s family relocated to Kingston moving between the garrison
communities of Standpipe, Tivoli Gardens and Papine, volatile environments that
continue to inspire his gritty lyrical depictions. As a student Busy would save his lunch
money to buy cassettes of popular music, everything from Madonna and Whitney
Houston to Jay Z and Eminem and he was repeatedly reprimanded for beating out
riddims on his desk. At night, he often snuck out of the house to hear such preeminent
sound systems as Renaissance and Bass Odyssey, fascinated by the deejays’ voices that
boomed through the towering assemblage of speakers.

Busy made the requisite links with several sound systems in hopes of becoming a
recording artist and gained a modicum of studio experience voicing dub plates for
Renaissance and Kilimanjaro. “Getting into the studio to do my first recording, I linked
up with Fatta one of the engineers from Renaissance, then it was just on the rise from
there,” Busy recalls. “I was trying to learn, trying to get it in the right context, melody,
the verses, trying to know what is a hook, the importance of breath control, metaphor and
word play, just trying to get better towards what I want to be in life.”

Busy took a step towards reaching his goals with the release of his first single “Shake It
Fast”, voiced on Renaissance’s Tunda Clap riddim. His breakthrough, however, arrived
in 2005 with the hits “Not Going Down” and the self produced “Step Out”, the title track
of Busy’s critically acclaimed 2006 debut album released on Greensleeves Records.
“Step Out” also featured the haunting ghetto narrative “Born and Grow” and the
indomitable “Not Going Down” as well as a cadre of guest artists including Bounty Killer
who mentored the early stages of Busy’s career and provided the aspiring deejay with his
first opportunity to display his talent in front of a Jamaican audience. Busy’s association
with the Killer led artists’ consortium called The Alliance brought him further renown, as
did a succession of hit singles for various producers and his consistently enthralling
performances at major Jamaican stage shows including Sting and Reggae Sumfest.

With the release of “Loaded” in September 2008 for VP Records, characterized by its
authentic street savvy, quick wit, and mesmerizing vocal stream, Busy’s music was now
cited as the gold standard for a new generation of dancehall releases. “Loaded” included
such mega hits as the risqué “Tic Toc” (which ranked at number 70 on Rolling Stone’s
100 Best Singles of 2008); “These Are The Days”, a bitter commentary on the poverty
and violence intrinsic to ghetto life and the compelling “Jail”, a grim recollection of
Busy’s brief incarceration in the US. “The streets come with a lot of stuff; I was locked
up once, a conspiracy charge, then I got bail,” Busy admits. “After that I was like I don’t
want to be in the street, in the mixup or the confusion. I just want to do music.”

Whereas “Step Out” generated inaugural accolades and “Loaded” captured international
attention, “D.O.B.” is poised to bring Busy the (dancehall) superstar status his vast,
diversified talents merit. To insure a smooth delivery in the rebirth of dancehall that
arrives with “D.O.B.” Busy chose to work with several of Jamaica’s finest upcoming
producers including ” Clayton “Claybeat” Morrison and Carlington “Karl” Morrison,
Karim “DJ Karim” Thompson, Kirk “Kirkledove” Bennet, Kalonji D’Aguilar, T’Jean
Bennett and Andrew Myrie for UIM Records and, arguably, contemporary dancehall’s
most successful hit maker, 20 year old Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor. “I get real work
done with young producers, no disrespect to the big producers but I just try to give young
producers an opportunity to get real work and real production out there,” says Busy.

The astonishing breadth of Busy’s vocal talents are expressed through various guises on
D.O.B. from the fiery Spanish chanter of “Picante” and the self-produced, boldly
orchestrated “Busy Latino”, to “hot gal” fashion commentator on “Hair Dresser Shop” to
herb connoisseur on “Hi Grade”, its lyrics deftly delivered over a brilliant reworking of
the immortal Stalag 17 riddim courtesy of Busy’s manager, veteran engineer/producer
Shane Brown.

Busy’s hypnotic flow expresses appreciation for females’ “wining” skills on “How U Bad
So”, “Gal Dem Song” and the big hit “‘Pon Me”, the latter produced by the renowned
duo Diplo and Switch, better known by their dancehall persona Major Lazer.

Surprisingly robust-baritone phrasings complemented by orchestral inspired synth-strings
dominate the thug-themed oratorio “Opera”. “Sometimes I listen to opera and people
look at me like what am I trying to do?” discloses Busy who first heard the late,
celebrated tenor Luciano Pavarotti at a friend’s house and was duly inspired to purchase
his music. “Opera is not my music but I listen to its sound; the way the voice projects in
opera it can shatter glass; that is vocal strength so I listen to that a lot.” “Sweet Love
(Night Shift)” originally a number one hit in 1985 by The Commodores gets a similar
treatment to “One More Night” with a gentle one-drop rhythm framing his confident
melding of lover’s rock romanticism with dancehall’s bolder carnal expression.

Busy’s most compelling role on D.O.B. is as a spokesperson for disenfranchised
(Jamaican) youth on several rugged, rhapsodic ghetto psalms. “Nuh Boy Caan Buy Wi
Out” offers a riveting a cappella delivery relating the importance of remaining true to
one’s principles despite tough circumstances. “Yes Dawg” provides an affirmation for
inner city youths to reach their goals despite a system that Busy decries as “set up so the
youths get paralyzed, hypocrites with dem bag a lies” and he smoothly alternates
between deejay chat and American style rap, seeking “a Brinks full ah money right now”
to help alleviate ghetto suffering on “My Money (Money Tree)”.

Bounty Killer joins
Busy for “Summn’ A Guh Gwaan”, a warning of the inevitable consequences when
Jamaica’s poorest citizens are further squeezed by rising prices and diminishing services:
“when dem run de higglers dem off de street, and de pickney get hungry can’t find food fe
eat/and de big guys turn dem head like dem no see it…summn’ a guh gwaan.” The
fearlessness chronicled through a series of blood-splattered gangster exploits on “Nuh
Fraid”, which captures the sinister pulse that courses through Kingston’s garrison
enclaves is definitely not for the faint hearted.

Violent scenarios depicted in various song lyrics have been repeatedly criticized for
inciting real life carnage but Busy defends their inclusion in his rebirthing of dancehall as
an unfortunate but authentic representation of life in the ghetto. “Guns are things we see
all over, if there were no guns nobody could sing gun lyrics,” Busy reasons. “But artists
definitely have to take at least a percentage of the responsibility in trying to balance it in
the music.” Busy strives for equilibrium with “Peace Reign”: accompanied solely by an
acoustic guitar, he pleads for a better way while seeking for peace for all mankind,
revealing perhaps the most significant aspect of the charismatic, multifaceted musical
identity presented on D.O.B. “People listen to Busy Signal and they will hear clean stuff
and raw stuff but they won’t hear 100% of either,” he notes. “I try to have that edge but
balance it basically because I have corporate people that look up to me and ghetto people
that look up to me too.

Mr Vegas:Biography.

One of the more musically flamboyant artistes of his generation, Mr. Vegas has become one of the most internationally-renowned Dancehall superstars during the last 15 years. His career resume boasts many hits and his sexpot persona on stage has made him very much in-demand with his female fans. However, M. Vegas' career almost ended before it started.

Born Clifford Smith in 1974, he immediately grew a love for music and gained a stage name worthy of the big-time. During his childhood days, Smith acquired the name Mr. Vegas due to his tendency to kick a football like a Las Vegas dancer. Smith took on the moniker and began singing covers of Dancehall/Reggae hits at parties and events; creating some buzz amongst his peers.

However, Smith's career was nearly cut short when, during a fight over stolen mixtapes, he was hit in the face with a crowbar. Smith suffered a broken jaw and had said jaw wired shut for nearly two months. This injury threatened his progress but, in awkward sort of way, built his confidence as he soon changed his speech patterns and deejaying style once his jaw continued healing.
In 1997, Mr. Vegas teamed up with prominent Dancehall producer, Jeremy Harding, where despite not having fully recovered from his injury, recorded his first mainstream single, Nike Air. The song became an instant hit on local Dancehall charts as he gained clout within the industry; particularly amongst female fans.

However, it was in 1998 when Mr. Vegas established himself as a permanent figure within Dancehall history with the release of his internationally-acclaimed hit, Heads High. With chart-topping success in Jamaica, Heads High also featured on the Billboard Top 100 R&B Charts in the United States as well as charts in the United Kingdom. Following the unveiling his debut album, Heads High that same year, Mr. Vegas earned even more acclaim as the project garnered chart-topping acclaim while earning a British Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Award for Best Reggae artiste in 1999.

Vegas then followed that up in 2000 with a classic collaboration alongside fellow breakthrough artiste, Sean Paul for the single, Hot Gal Today which also earned great success internationally; also appearing on the U.S. Billboard Charts. That single featured on Vegas' sophomore album, Damn Right in 2001; a project that featured other hits such as She's A Ho and Girls Time as well as a guest appearance from Shaggy. The album reached number two on the U.S. Reggae Charts that year.

Mr. Vegas continued to elevate his status in 2004 as he released his third album, Pull Up. The compilation featured several international hits such as the sexually charged, Tamale, Hands in the Air and the title track, Pull Up, which sneaked onto the Billboard Charts.
For the next two years, Mr. Vegas continued to experiment with his sound as he combined with Trinidadian superstar, Machel Montano for the single, Do You Know. In 2006, Mr. Vegas scored a huge collaborative effort with fellow Dancehall superstar, Mr. Lexx (then Lexxus) for Taxi Fare; another single dealing with issues amongst females. By this point, Vegas firmly established himself as a sex symbol amongst his female fans. He re-affirmed that status with the release of his retro-themed single, Constant Spring, produced by legendary duo, Steelie & Clevie.

2007 showcased Mr. Vegas' range within the Dancehall/Reggae industry as he unveiled the sensual duet, You're Gonna Need Me alongside singing sensation, Jovi Rockwell. A Reggae-themed remix of Dionne Warwick's classic single, You're Gonna Need Me showed a more sensual side of Vegas never previously witnessed. However, he soon returned to his more familiar image; capitalizing on the "Daggering" era with the release of the chart-topping smash, Hot Wuk (featuring Hottaball and Opal). Additionally, he jumped into the dance market with the release of reputable hits such as Raging Bull (featuring Ovamars) and Tek 

Weh Yuhself which soon caught on at sessions across the island.

2008 became a quite eventful year for Mr. Vegas, who stamped his authority on Dancehall once more with the release of his thought-provoking singles, Daggering and Hot Gal Nuh Fight Ova Man; both songs which did well on local Dancehall charts.

However, 2008 nearly saw the end of Vegas' prestigious career as he announced an early retirement from music. Citing distaste for the industry as well as the desire to spend more time with his children and get closer to God, Vegas considered leaving the only career he ever knew. But, after taking some time off to gather his thoughts, Vegas changed his tune; returning to tour on the RETV High School Tour that year while slowly re-embedding himself back into the Dancehall framework.

With his batteries recharged, Vegas returned with a bang in 2009 by unveiling several top ten hits such as I Am Blessed and Gallis, which earned Vegas more international exposure as the song garnered strong airplay across North America and Europe. He also ventured into the soca world once more with singles like Soca No Linga and Dope.

The last two years saw Mr. Vegas maintain his top draw status with singles such as Let Them Talk and Badmind People while also featuring on an emotional tribute single (Can't Even Walk) to former Voicemail member, O'Neil Edwards who was killed during the spring of 2010. In 2011, Vegas scored a near chart-topper with the release of his socially critiquing single, Certain Law which gained him a strong buzz amongst the underground Dancehall fraternity. Furthermore, Vegas teamed with Gyptian and American singer, Teairra Mari for the internationally acclaimed hit, Pum Pum Shorts while joining forces with Shaggy and Josey Wales for the patriotically-themed single, Sweet Jamaica.

In 2012 and beyond, fans can expect more consistency and ingenuity from this lyrical mean machine as Vegas continues to amaze fans with his range and vocal abilities. Going forward, Mr. Vegas will continue to take gambles within the Dancehall industry as he seeks to build on a seemingly legendary status.

Christopher Martin:Biography.

A star has risen. Christopher Martin, the talented singer/performer from Back Pasture in St. Catherine who shot to instant fame and recognition shortly after winning the coveted Digicel Rising Stars title in 2005, is fast becoming one of the most sought after performers on the Jamaican music landscape. With a slate of singles permeating radio and the Jamaican music charts including Giving It and Jamaican Girls, Christopher created history when he became the first Digicel Rising Stars alumni to score a hit single on any chart in Jamaica. ‘It has been a wonderful journey so far, filled with new and promising encounters. It is also challenging but I love what I am doing, so it makes that much easier’, Christopher remarked when asked about the journey from being an unknown to a popular personality. Christopher’s growth as an artiste and an individual ever since he shot onto the scene in 2005 is quite evident. His vocal chops have improved drastically, he is now under the guidance of the Big Yard label which is one of the most prolific musical entities in Jamaica, and he has gained a lot of respect from his peers. ‘I’ve grown tremendously and I am more confident in my performance. My voice also seems more richer and I know exactly what it is I am capable of. I think I have gained the respect from others, due to the amount of work that I have been putting in’, said Martin. Martin was born on Valentine’s Day in 1987 to parents Cleveland and Maxine Martin. He attended the Watermount All-Age School and later the St. Jago High School. It was during his high school years that his love for the dramatic arts and sports developed. He participated in various sporting activities including football and he even participated in the School’s Drama Festival where he was awarded the best actor award in 2003. That same year he was named Mr. St. Jago High and he also earned the sectional prize for Most Talented. Additionally,

Martin has won numerous awards for singing, throughout his high school years. In 2005, he was awarded the Gold Medal in the Jamaica National Skills competition in singing. Christopher graduated from St. Jago High school in 2003. After winning the Digicel Rising Stars competition, Martin participated in Digicel’s Christmas promotions in 2005. His debut single Love is all We Need formed part of the promotional campaign. Martin’s subsequent releases included Conscience, Christmas in Jamdown featuring the Katalys Crew, My Love for You, Take My Wings, Tonight, Giving It, and Jamaican Girls. He has worked with a number of top producers in the reggae/dancehall arena including Robert Livingston (Big Yard), Arif Cooper, Shane Brown and Christopher Birch.

He has performed on a number of stage shows, events, functions and entertainment events across Jamaica and even overseas. One of his major accomplishments in 2006 was signing a contract with Blue Cross of Jamaica. He will make appearances on the behalf of the company until June 2006. Martin’s parents have been the source of his motivation to pursue his musical ambitions. ‘My parents and my peers at school really motivated me. They always said that I would be a star’, he said. He said his main objective is to bring the music and his interpretation of the music to farther heights. ‘I want every household across the world to know and love my music and where I come from’, Martin added. Martin is presently studying Business Management and Accounting at the University of Technology (UTECH) in Jamaica. His lifelong goal is to become an entrepreneur. Martin lists singing, reading, socializing and baking among his hobbies. His website which can be seen by logging on to www.chrismartin.com.jm is up and running. His fans can interact with him via that medium. Very soon, a fan club will be officially launched where fans can get closer to him.

Cécile:Biography.

For years the dancehall has been dominated a male voice. With deejays and singers, it has been a relatively tough business for a woman to enter. To be a female contender you must have a tight package. Style, flair, lyrics, performance and can either really sing or deejay. This budding artist fits the bill! Ce’Cile strikes a balance between confidence and humility. A visually astounding woman with a sultry sound, the twenty something year old exhibits wisdom beyond her years.

Born and raised in the parish of Manchester, Ce’Cile attended Bishop Gibson High School. Surrounded by a family of singer Ce’Cile extends the highest praises to her sisters, whom she boasts have amazing voices. Releasing her first recording at the youthful age of fifteen, she follow-up shortly thereafter with “Beat of My Heart” for Ibo Cooper, then a member of Third World.

A woman full of multifaceted talent, Ce’Cile used to work for Celestial Sounds, where she took care of running the business as well as vocal arrangements in the production studio. With a history of harmonizing in and out of the recording studio for artists like Spanner Banner, Norris Man, Chrisinti and a host of others, Ce’Cile had been patiently making the strategic moves sure to insure herself on top in the Dancehall community!

Nevertheless, in doing all this, Ce’Cile miraculously leaves room for more, being the first and foremost an accomplished singer and songwriter. To her distinct credit Ce’Cile represents an emerging pro-originality female component in the music industry. A poet in her young days, Ce’Cile has evolved into a talented songwriter. Writing for herself and the voices of her peers, Ce’Cile refuses to sell her creative abilities short. Inspired by Anita Baker’s “Sweet Love” in the 80s. She brings a unique dimension of R&B, to reggae music. Ce’Cile’s voice naturally fuses R&B, Pop, and Reggae, creating a powerful sound diversity.

The year 2000 marked a distinct change in direction and focus of her career. Voicing several combinations for JAMDOWN Records such as: “Silent River” with Nadz & Danny English, “Let’s Get It On” with Mega Banton and “Girls Fi Get Love” a combination with Saba, Ce’Cile began to get international recognition for her signature voice. She has voiced a few covers in the last year including the popular “If You Had My Love” originally recorded by Jennifer Lopez on the mega hit LATINO riddim from King Of Kings. This riddim boasted Capleton’s “Crazy Looks” (a Dancehall favorite) and provided great exposure for Ce’Cile. Recognizing the importance of being in the public eye for the sake of pushing her career forward, Ce’Cile was behind the shooting of the video for the Latino riddim. The video featured a combination of songs “If You Had My Love” the remix which featured the deejay Saba, “Hanky Panky” from Heather Cummnings, “A Wha Dis God” by Danny English and Egg Nog, “How U Fi Dis” by Zebra and of course the hit on the riddim – “Crazy Looks” by Capleton.

Ce’Cile doesn’t favor the cover song road and her desire to pursue an original path does give her a steep mountain to climb with the average producer. “They don’t want original stuff,” she states bluntly. In the past she’s voiced with producers like: Steven Ventura for M-Phatic Productions. These days she’s managed to record with Jermey Harding of 2 Hard Records (responsible for the International Beenie Man hit ‘Simma Simma’), Snowcone for Natural Bridge Records, Mark Hudson for Stone Cold Records, Christopher Birtch for LongMan Records and more.

Not distracted by the demand for cover songs and the hardships of voicing with quality producers, she is motivated by female artists like Lauryn Hill who found success in staying true to themselves and their musical vision. This type of inspiration has been the motivation that has sparked her production debut on the Kings Of Kings Records with her first riddim release. Her spoof song “CHANGEZ” which uses humor to explain her reasoning for not engaging in sexual relations with other artists mashed up Jamaica. It was unheard of for a woman in the business to bluntly put out the observations that were commonly felt by others. The song “Changez” swept threw Jamaica and the entire Dancehall community securely establishing Ce’Cile as a female artist who has arrived!

This self-produced riddim release featured the songs; "Best of Me" by AISHA (yes a cover of Mya), "Don't Do Me That" by FRISCO KID, "Free Speech" by Merciless, "Bun Part II" by Danny English, "Hot Work" by Egg Nog and New Product, "Yardie Way" by Ce’Cile, "Still As Sweet" by Heather Cummings and General B, “Pretty Dunce” by Mr Vegas” and “New Application” by Elephant Man which is actually a male counteraction to her song “Changez”.

Gracing stages both locally & Internationally, excellent performances at Cactus Night Club and Reggae Sunsplash in 1998 served as a catalyst for the young singer. The end of 1999 and beginning of 2000 was full of growth as she was gracing stages; in Canada, at Miami’s AT&T Amphitheater, Vermont’s for the annual Roots based ‘Vermont Reggae Festival’, California’s famous Bob Marley Festival 2003 – where she won a new legion of fans, a variety of local shows in Jamaica and she was requested by Beenie Man to perform MYA’s vocals in the remix to “Girls Dem Sugar” for the BET Harlem Block party which aired on their worldwide network.

Just returning from a European Tour she’s preparing a new video for one of her latest singles “Rude Boy Thug Life” that has hit the Hip-Hop charts in Germany. She’s already been featured in a spread for Riddim Magazine in Germany and appeared on the top Entertainment program performing this song.

Looking at Ce’Cile, the ambition shines brightly in her eyes, yet she exudes a very human and compassionate side as well. A side that is most evident in her life’s motto: DO UNTO OTHERS AS U WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU”. “If we live by this it covers everything,” she says. A resilient rose, Ce’Cile grows with a necessary caution.

Alaine:The Biography.

Alaine Laughton, known by her first name, is a singer and songwriter. She was born in New Jersey, but moved to Jamaica at the age of three.

In 1988, Alaine appeared in movie Clara’s Heart along side Whoopi Goldberg. Through the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, Alaine has lived in the United States and has been songwriting and singing back up for Rocafella artists such as Cam’ron and Freeway.

She moved back to Jamaica in the summer of 2004 to focus on her own music after working as an investment banker for JP Morgan and Chase. Alaine later met with Craig “DASECA” Marsh, and started working with him. Their immediate chemistry provided Alaine with her first song on the radio within days of her arrival back to Jamaica.

In 2005, the single “No Ordinary Love” on Don Corleon’s Seasons Riddim was a breakthrough single in the Reggae scene, and Alaine was quickly praised for her special talents. The single topped the charts in Jamaica and also charts in the UK. The music video topped the charts on MTV Tempo’s Cross Caribbean Countdown for several weeks and became the first video by a female reggae artist to be retired from the countdown on one of Jamaica’s biggest video request shows, E-Strip.

Alaine has continued voicing tunes for the last few years for the likes of Don Corleone, dropping nice cuts such as “Heavenly” on the Heavenly Riddim and Sacrifice, her latest single. A music video for the single, directed by top Jamaican director Ras Kassa was recently released. Her other singles “Deeper”, “Chaka Chaka Love”, “Heavenly”, “Wine” and “Love Sound”, a duet with Beres Hammond have all done well. “Dreaming of You” (featuring Beenie Man), “Rise In Love” , “I Love You” (featuring Busy Signal) and Sacrifice, among others, are in current rotation across the world.


Alaine has performed at the Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay, Jamaica in 2005 and 2006 to positive reviews. She has also performed in St. Vincent, Tortola, St. Maarten, Cayman, Nevis, St. Croix , St. Thomas (USVI), St. Lucia and the United States. She has been spreading the word about HIV and safe sex to high schools throughout Jamaica, and will be showcased as one of twenty artist in the movie “Made in Jamaica” which is being directed by Jerome Lapperrouzas.

Her voice coupled with her song writing skills perfectly combine to create and unforgettable sound that is all her own.

Bob Marley: All His Children & 9 Baby Mommas.

Bob Marley married Rita Anderson on February 10, 1966.  Rita brought a daughter into the marriage (Sharon) from a previous relationship and although not officially acknowledged so did Bob (Imani).

 

The Marley's would have four children together during their marriage.  For those of you keeping score… Bob had eight more children with eight different women not including Rita.  Rita as well had another child as a result of an affair with another man during this time.  Rumor has it that there are several other "unclaimed" or "forgotten" children of Bob Marley but to the best of our knowledge these are Bob Marley's children and mothers.

Imani Carole Marley born May 22, 1963 (with Cheryl Murray)

Imani is Bob's first born child but for reasons unknown she is not acknowledged as such on the official Bob Marley website.

Sharon Marley born November 23, 1964 (adopted by Bob)

 

Sharon was born two years before Rita married Bob to an unnamed man but Bob adopted her as his own and she is offically recognized as one of his children.

Cedella Marley born August 23, 1967 (with Rita)

Cedella is Bob and Rita's oldest child together and she was also part of the group Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers.  Cedella who was named after Bob's mother is a clothing designer and CEO of Tough Gong International.

David "Ziggy" Marley born October 17, 1968 (with Rita)

 

David Nesta "Ziggy" Marley is Bob's oldest son and the front man of Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers.

Stephen Marley born April 20, 1972 (with Rita)

Stephen is Bob and Rita last child together and the fourth member of the band Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers.

Robert "Robbie" Marley born May 16, 1972 (with Pat WIlliams)

Robbie was born less than a month after Stephen and was Bob's first of many children not fathered by Rita.  Not much is known about his mother Pat "Lucille" Williams as Robbie was brought to live with Bob and Rita.  He is not a musician and has mostly stayed out of the spotlight as a motorcycle stunt rider.

Rohan Marley born May 19, 1972 (with Janet Hunt/Dunn)

 

Rohan was born just three days after brother Robbie and a month before brother Stephen.  Not too much is known about Rohan's mother Janet Hunt other than the fact that Rohan was also eventually brought to live with Bob and Rita at the age of four years because Janet was not caring properly for him. Rohan attended the same school as Ziggy and Stephen, but he was a trouble maker to the point that was sent to live with Bob's mother Cedella Booker in Miami.  He played linebacker at "The U" (The University of Miami) and is also notorious for having five children with singer Lauren Hill.

Karen Marley born 1973 (with Janet Bowen)

 

Karen, is the third biologocal daughter of Marley, she was born in England in 1973 to her mother Janet Bowen aka "Janet From England".  Karen grew up in Jamaica with the Marley's and attended school with Stephanie.

Stephanie Marley born in 1974 (adopted by Bob)

 

Stephanie was born out of wedlock after Rita had an affair with a man named Ital.  Bob adopted Stephanie as and accepted her as his own and she is officially recognized as one of his children.

Julian Marley born June 4, 1975 (with Lucy Pounder)

 

Julian was born in London and raised by his mother, Lucy Pounder although she did bring Julian to visit the Marley's in Jamaica and Miami.  He is a singer, songwriter, producer and self-taught musician with three albums to his credit, most recently 2009's Grammy-nominated album Awake.

Ky-Mani Marley born February 26, 1976 (with Anita Belnavis)

 

Ky-Mani was born in Jamaica to Bob's then-girlfriend Anita Belnavis, a Caribbean table tennis champion, and raised in inner-city Miami. Ky-Mani was initially more interested in sports than in making music, but that all changed when he discovered a knack for rapping and singing and released his debut album, Like Father Like Son, in 1996.

Damian Marley born July 21, 1978 (with Cindy Breakspeare)

 

Damian mother was 1976 Miss World Cindy Breakspeare and one of Bob's most known about girlfriends.  Damian is nicknamed "Jr. Gong" after his father. and is a dancehall reggae artist and Grammy Award winner.  In 2010 he teamed up with Nas on the collaborative album Distant Relatives, which bridged the gap between dancehall and hip-hop.

Madeka Marley born May 30, 1981 (with Yvette Crichton)

 

Makeda Jahnesta Marley was born to Yvette Crichton in 1981 in Miami mere weeks after Bob's death. She is the singer's youngest child, but she did not grow up with or around any of her half siblings. She  attended high school and college in Pennsylvania and currently resides in the Philadelphia area.

"Children are wonderful. It don’t take plenty y’know. Just a nice girl who don’t take birth control. Sexual intercourse is a lovely thing"

Bob Marley

Robert Nesta Marley aka Bob Marley:The Biography.

Reggae's most transcendent and iconic figure, Bob Marley was the first Jamaican artist to achieve international superstardom, in the process introducing the music of his native island nation to the far-flung corners of the globe. Marley's music gave voice to the day-to-day struggles of the Jamaican experience, vividly capturing not only the plight of the country's impoverished and oppressed but also the devout spirituality that remains their source of strength. His songs of faith, devotion, and revolution created a legacy that continues to live on not only through the music of his extended family but also through generations of artists the world over touched by his genius.

Robert Nesta Marley was born February 6, 1945, in rural St. Ann's Parish, Jamaica; the son of a middle-aged white father and teenaged black mother, he left home at 14 to pursue a music career in Kingston, becoming a pupil of local singer and devout Rastafarian Joe Higgs. He cut his first single, "Judge Not," in 1962 for Leslie Kong, severing ties with the famed producer soon after over a monetary dispute. In 1963 Marley teamed with fellow singers Peter Tosh, Bunny Livingston, Junior Braithwaite, Beverly Kelso, and Cherry Smith to form the vocal group the Teenagers; later rechristened the Wailing Rudeboys and later simply the Wailers, they signed on with producer Coxsone Dodd's legendary Studio One and recorded their debut, "I'm Still Waiting." When Braithwaite and Smith exited the Wailers, Marley assumed lead vocal duties, and in early 1964 the group's follow-up, "Simmer Down," topped the Jamaican charts. A series of singles including "Let Him Go (Rude Boy Get Gail)," "Dancing Shoes," "Jerk in Time," "Who Feels It Knows It," and "What Am I to Do" followed, and in all, the Wailers recorded some 70 tracks for Dodd before disbanding in 1966. On February 10 of that year, Marley married Rita Anderson, a singer in the group the Soulettes; she later enjoyed success as a member of the vocal trio the I-Threes. Marley then spent the better part of the year working in a factory in Newark, DE, the home of his mother since 1963.

Upon returning to Jamaica that October, Marley re-formed the Wailers with Livingston and Tosh, releasing "Bend Down Low" on their own short-lived Wail 'N' Soul 'M label; at this time all three members began devoting themselves to the teachings of the Rastafari faith, a cornerstone of Marley's life and music until his death. Beginning in 1968, the Wailers recorded a wealth of new material for producer Danny Sims before teaming the following year with producer Lee "Scratch" Perry; backed by Perry's house band, the Upsetters, the trio cut a number of classics, including "My Cup," "Duppy Conqueror," "Soul Almighty," and "Small Axe," which fused powerful vocals, ingenious rhythms, and visionary production to lay the groundwork for much of the Jamaican music in their wake. Upsetters bassist Aston "Family Man" Barrett and his drummer brother Carlton soon joined the Wailers full-time, and in 1971 the group founded another independent label, Tuff Gong, releasing a handful of singles before signing to Chris Blackwell's Island Records a year later.

1973's Catch a Fire, the Wailers' Island debut, was the first of their albums released outside of Jamaica, and immediately earned worldwide acclaim; the follow-up, Burnin', launched the track "I Shot the Sheriff," a Top Ten hit for Eric Clapton in 1974. With the Wailers poised for stardom, however, both Livingston and Tosh quit the group to pursue solo careers; Marley then brought in the I-Threes, which in addition to Rita Marley consisted of singers Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt. The new lineup proceeded to tour the world prior to releasing their 1975 breakthrough album Natty Dread, scoring their first U.K. Top 40 hit with the classic "No Woman, No Cry." Sellout shows at the London Lyceum, where Marley played to racially mixed crowds, yielded the superb Live! later that year, and with the success of 1976's Rastaman Vibration, which hit the Top Ten in the U.S., it became increasingly clear that his music had carved its own niche within the pop mainstream.

As great as Marley's fame had grown outside of Jamaica, at home he was viewed as a figure of almost mystical proportions, a poet and prophet whose every word had the nation's collective ear. His power was perceived as a threat in some quarters, and on December 3, 1976, he was wounded in an assassination attempt; the ordeal forced Marley to leave Jamaica for over a year. 1977's Exodus was his biggest record to date, generating the hits "Jamming," "Waiting in Vain," and "One Love/People Get Ready"; Kaya was another smash, highlighted by the gorgeous "Is This Love" and "Satisfy My Soul." Another classic live date, Babylon by Bus, preceded the release of 1979's Survival. 1980 loomed as Marley's biggest year yet, kicked off by a concert in the newly liberated Zimbabwe; a tour of the U.S. was announced, but while jogging in New York's Central Park he collapsed, and it was discovered he suffered from cancer that had spread to his brain, lungs, and liver. Uprising was the final album released in Marley's lifetime -- he died May 11, 1981, at age 36.

Posthumous efforts including 1983's Confrontation and the best-selling 1984 retrospective Legend kept Marley's music alive, and his renown continued growing in the years following his death -- even decades after the fact, he remains synonymous with reggae's worldwide popularity. In the wake of her husband's passing, Rita Marley scored a solo hit with "One Draw," but despite the subsequent success of the singles "Many Are Called" and "Play Play," by the mid-'80s she largely withdrew from performing to focus on raising her children. Oldest son David, better known as Ziggy, went on to score considerable pop success as the leader of the Melody Makers, a Marley family group comprised of siblings Cedella, Stephen, and Sharon; their 1988 single "Tomorrow People" was a Top 40 U.S. hit, a feat even Bob himself never accomplished. Three other Marley children -- Damian, Julian, and Ky-Mani -- pursued careers in music as well.

ETANA:REGGAE ARTIST.

Reggae music has birthed yet another rarity- a spirited and soulful singer/songwriter in the eloquent and enchanting empress Etana! In just one short year, Etana has been hailed as one of the burgeoning new and sensational sound in the roots Reggae era. This young woman, a small one at that, in a largely male-dominated industry makes her presence even more powerful.
Her debut single, Wrong Address, co-written with Sean Element and released in the spring of 2006 has created waves throughout the music scene. The recognition is attributable to her unique and expressive vocals which envelope the song, as well as the song’s lyrical content. To catch her in performance is to experience an intriguing mix of the sultry and meditative – her body sways and dances as her voice soars and her musical testimonies are as edifying as they are captivating.
Etana’s beginnings are humble, but influence greatly her intense passion for music and the sense of maturity and respect with which she approaches her art.
With her roots sunk deep in August Town, Jamaica, the home base of Reggae icon Sizzla, but her feet physically planted in Miami, Florida after migrating there with her family at 9 years old, Etana tried to succeed in the music business as a member of the all girl pop group Gift.
 It was not until she returned to the source, uncannily to start up an internet café with a friend in the busy Kingston metropolis that her lifelong dream began to be realized. She scored an audition with Fifth Element Records, the management company largely responsible for launching the careers of Richie Spice and Chuck Fender.

Floored by her powerful and sometimes raspy alto voice, the Fifth Element management team immediately asked her to join Richie Spice’s touring party as a backing vocalist. The ensuing fifteen months would see Etana stepping up and out to soak up some of the stage lights, gracing stages in Europe and North America and independently in Africa.
Wrong Address struck a resounding chord with Reggae enthusiasts and still receives heavy radio rotation. Her most recent single Money released in the summer of summer 2006 has proved to be a radio friendly hit.
From reggae and pop to rock and jazz, her musical influences are varied and though she is not one to subscribe to labels, Etana describes her brand of music as reggae soul – “It is straight from the heart, straight from the soul, straight from the people and everyday life” .

Operating now from both Solid Agency, the leading Caribbean entertainment events / artiste management company and Etana’s very own, Freemind Music “the B.E.S” Records, expect sheer greatness. Etana’s debut album, which is still untitled, will be released early next year (2008). In the mean time her third single, Roots, released may 2007, has already begun to enjoy popularity as evidenced from the air waves and her live performances. Prepare yourself for the Etana Experience!

Download Free Etana single beautiful day through copy/paste the link below.
 http://soundcloud.com/etana-the-strong-one/etana-l-am-strong?code=AQA5Eg80aVbj4iji6W4iKF4Tpi89MsO-Sqrhbt671YESg

JHIKOMAN: Tanzania's leading Reggae Artist.(Voice of the voiceless!!)

Jhikoman is a well-known Tanzanian reggae artist. His unique singing style and lyrics have been touching people. He’s produced several albums and has performed widely in Europe and Africa. In his latest recordings Jhikoman along side The AFRIKABISA Band, Jhikoman keeps exploring, combining roots reggae with African sounds, using music as a tool for unification . Through music people of different back ground comes together in unity!

 Uplifting beats combined with positive words visibly move his audiences. Songs are composed in AfricanReggae styles. He mixes Kiswahili, English and his Native language Kinyasa. For Jhikoman, music presents an opportunity to raise awareness about social oppression and injustice, bringing real societal issues to the fore. It also provides a medium for communicating messages of peace, love and unity. The journey continues for Jhikoman and his Band, AFRIKABISA composing songs in a style without boundaries.

Buy his Albums  copy/paste to the address bar through the link forward h:ttp://www.jhikoman.com/?section=music-22