NERVES HIT MAGNUM KINGS AND QUEENS OF DANCEHALL CONTESTANTS

“Every artiste will face moments like these in their career and the true test will be how they are able to bounce back” 

Last week’s Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall show was a true depiction of the difficulty associated with making it in the dancehall world as several of the nights favourites stumbled on their lyrics. 

This prompted Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall Judge Skatta to comment:

“This is what real dancehall is live, when you come on stage you have to be prepared and ready for anything”

Catching up with Skatta after the show he continued: “You can never predict what will happen on the stage and the contestants have to be prepared. This is the nature of dancehall and I feel good that a show like Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall can give the people a real feel at home of what it takes to become a real artiste”. 

Poor and Boasy, one of the contestants who had trouble with his lyrics was quite apologetic to his fans while at the same time vowing to come back better than he did on Saturday. “Is a learning experience every week, mi jus have to go back to di drawing board an mek sure seh mi fans dem an di people who a watch mi no disappointed again”. Commented the Street boy turned Magnum prince. 

Nazine also had to rewind his In Love tune and come again as he could not seem to remember his lyrics. The crowd favourite is pledging to come hard this week in an effort to redeem himself. He asserts: “I am coming fully prepared this week even though we never rehearse the tune last week we coming to teck it’ back this week cause the people dem a depend on we fi give dem some positive music” 

Celebrity also had an attack of nerves on the Magnum Stage last Saturday while belting out her number Ambitious Woman. The princess, speaking to Fancy Cat backstage was still confident while at the same time seeking the forgiveness of the viewing public.

Assistant Producer of the hit show Sanjay Ramanand in not surprised that so many of the contestants seems to have gotten week Kneed. He comments: “Every artiste will face moments like these in their career and the true test will be how they are able to bounce back”.

Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall continues to bring authentic Jamaican talent to the Jamaican stage. Every week brings a new level of excitement and quality entertainment. Watch this Saturday live on TVJ at 9 p.m. for more.

BACCHANAL JAMAICA & DIGICEL READY FOR CARNIVAL 2009!

 Bacchanal Jamaica and Digicel wishes to advise the public that their carnival parade will be taking place as scheduled on the streets of Kingston on April 19^th, 2009.

 

Thursday, April 9 – Kingston, Jamaica: Coming off last Friday’s ‘Moulin Rouge’ fete at the Mas Camp, Bacchanal Jamaica is showing no signs of slowing down before the big road march on Sunday April 19.

 

Bacchanal Jamaica along with Digicel ups the tempo of the carnival vibe starting this Saturday, April 11^th with Beach J’ouvert at James Bond Beach and continuing the fun next week Wednesday with Soca @ De Sandbar at Lime Quay, and Bacchanal J’ouvert on April 17^th at the Mas Camp.

 

Bacchanal Jamaica and Digicel wishes to advise the public that their carnival parade will be taking place on the streets of Kingston on April 19^th, 2009.

 

The carnival parade titled “Bacchanal Gone Hollywood” will begin at 10am on Mona Road and will follow the same route as last year, ending at the Mas Camp. Band preparations have been finalized and spectators are invited to come out and view Bacchanal Jamaica’s grand carnival extravaganza.

 

Hitting the road strong, Bacchanal Jamaica boasts nine costume sections and live entertainment including Trinidadian group Imij & Co., DJ Smoke from Renaissance, DJ Omar C from Sparkles, DJ Billy and Trinidad’s very own DJ Private Ryan.

 

Digicel’s Sponsorships and Event Manager, Tahnida Nunes says Digicel is excited about the grand Carnival finale: “The bigger, better beat continues this Easter weekend with Beach J’Ouvert which promises to be filled with high energy and exciting action, just before soca diva Destra turns up the heat inside Mas Camp once again for Bacchanal J’Ouvert, the perfect kick start into the last hurrah – the big road march on April 19. And as always with Digicel there is more. Patrons will also have a chance to win more prizes from Digicel at both Beach and Bacchanal J’ouvert.”

 

With more fun, more fete and more soca, Bacchanal Jamaica along with Digicel are strong and ready to give Jamaica a Carnival in 2009!

 

MAGNUM CONTESTANTS CAMPAIGN FOR SURVIVAL

 

As we draw closer to the finals of Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall 2009 the contestants in the competition are literally being forced to come up with strategies to ensure that they remain in the competition each week. 

Tiki, who advanced from the May Pen auditions of her campaigning strategy. She revealed: “It’s a competition, persons are going to have their favourite and there is no question about that, you just need to campaign to stay in the competition.” The sensual performer then proceeded to reveal some of what she did. She continued: “I walk around May Pen weekly promoting myself carrying boxes for contributions, I also have a Fish Fry during the week and deliver the food to supporters by singing, I even use it as a ground to test possible songs for the competition”

He has a cool and calm style that is almost entrancing, but Nazine like Tiki is securing his stay in the competition by effective campaigning. According to the prince who advanced from the Portmore auditions his most notable strategy is ‘Nazine Thursdays’. He revealed: “I have this party at Church Road, Bog Walk on Thursdays; it’s a excellent thing that gives you this club vibe in a lawn setting...it mad”. The enigmatic Nazine divulged some more of his strategies: “I do some school appearances too and I leave tin cans for contributions to assist with votes especially at my past school Bog Walk High where the support is great.”
The ‘so simple’ one Mr. Kruger is seeking to take the crown to Montego Bay. Mr. Kruger reveals his strategy: “One thing you find is that MoBay people really support talent and once you good they will endorse you”. Mr. Kruger agreed that his lisp seems to help; “but I don’t leave it up to that alone, so I walk into stores in Mobay as well as around town letting people know who I am.” However, Mr. Kruger was quick to note that he doesn’t have a static campaign strategy; “my campaign strategies aren’t static and every week some friends and I brainstorm as to what we will do.”

Keeping it in Montego Bay, Destiny said: “my campaigning includes walking in Mobay and seeking contributions to help get the votes because performing at Weekenz can’t be all. She continued: “other contestants are equally as good as you”. The contestant also notes that she has in place a Fish Fry almost every week; however she wasn’t able to get that done last week because of rain. “Outside of that every Sunday we have a car wash out on the highway by Ironshore” She went further: “This is a huge support because it gives me opportunity to interact with the fans and perhaps catch some of the persons you wouldn’t normally see.”

As for Ryan Campbell who goes by the initials RC things are shaping up for him. He confirmed: “There is a mad thing that we have out in Old Harbour call ‘RC Thursday’s’ at the Stereo Vibe Club, it’s the hottest thing bout the place and that’s the thing I using for promotion, there are also town appearances, last week we were in Mandeville and this week we looking at coming Kingston because I hear the Kingston people want to see me” Gave a confident RC.

Poor & Boasy, the contestant with the impressive story of being a ‘street youth’ who made it to the top ten, says his campaign is in the streets where he still washes windshields. “More time people just tell me that they like what I doing and that is me they voting for ...plus the other youths them tell people bout me still,” said Poor & Boasy.

The other contestants left in the competition: Sasha-Lee and Tesha note that they have been making similar moves. Tesha feels that it is speaking with the voting public in the streets that really has kept them in the competition, since it gives them a feeling as to what the voting public wants them to do. Sasha-Lee shares the same sentiment as both; while expressing that she is to step up her campaigning by approaching some businesses for sponsorship.
Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall continues to be Jamaica’s top choice and as the show intensifies watch TVJ every Saturday night for the showdown.

MAGNUM DROP-OUTS CONFIDENT OF A COMEBACK

Last Saturday, a few jaws dropped as the second batch of finalists were sent home.

Saturday, March 21; Kingston, Jamaica: Common sentiments of "not giving up" seem to be on the lips of the first eight contestants to have been eliminated from the Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall Competition.

The eight were eliminated over a two-week period from an equally divided total of 20 finalists. In the divided group, four contestants were sent home each week, two princes and two princesses. Medal Tally from the Montego Bay auditions and Triple Threat from Ocho Rios, the only group to have advanced to the TV rounds, and both women from the Kingston audition, Reggae Queen and Baby Glamorous.

Reggae Queen is not pessimistic about the result, stating: "I was happy to have entered the competition and be given the chance to show my talent to Jamaica. It exposed me and I'm glad for that and I know I can do more in entering the competition next time around." The deejay who previously confessed that her motivation came from her mother, now deceased, said: "This isn't the end for me and I will be doing some work on coming back."

The youngest contestant, Baby Glamorous, opined: "Things happen for a reason. What I need to do now is to learn from my mistakes and get back in the game."

Medal Tally expressed similar sentiments, outlining that giving up wasn't an option. He said: "When you believe in something, you can't stop at an obstacle."

Triple Threat should have been the most distraught; the group, after fighting individually at three auditions and being repeatedly turned down, came together as a group and were lucky to advance.

When questioned about not making it after all this effort, Dwayne 'Gansta Wasp' Forrester thanked those who supported the group and said: "We slip up some parts and we improving ourselves and working on getting back in the game because music is our passion."

Tattoo also said: "Things don't always turn out for the best the first time and you can't let that prevent you from achieving what you want. You just have to get up and try again."

T-Gee was the other female contestant in the second pool to make her way home. She said: "I was shocked, to tell you the truth. I was expecting to go through and I was so nervous just before the announcement of the persons going through, but there is always another year and time for you to improve, especially since we know what the judges and Jamaica is looking for."

The other two voted off the competition were Warrior and Neckoteen. Both expressed shock at their fate but professed continued determination and stated that it was not the end of the road for them as they were re-evaluating themselves while preparing for a comeback.

Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall continues with a weekly dose of good, clean lyrics. The competition is set to heat up as the final 12 contestants vie for top honours.

Watch TVJ every Saturday at 9 p.m., as the saga continues.

TEACHER BELIEVES IN MAGNUM STREET BOY POOR & BOASTY

Although there is significant evidence that both are more than just friends; Poor and Boasy and Debbie remain tight lipped on the matter.

Saturday, March 21; Kingston, Jamaica: 

As a female how far could one conversation take you, a relationship perhaps? …second thoughts? Debbie*, an early childhood teacher in the corporate area never had any such reservation; when she spoke with Poor & Boasy, now a finalist in the Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall competition, she confessed.

“About three years ago I was walking home from work, I was a bit fatter and I remember him calling to me, ‘fluffy…mi like you’ or something to the effect, I turned and said something like ‘you can’t handle this’,” thus she began her narration of the story of how she met Omar Poor & Boasy Johnson or 'Ganja Man' as he was then known.

Debbie continued: “We began talking regular, because I always walked that side going home from work, so we had regular conversations about him and other things in the evenings.”

The early childhood teacher heard him singing one evening, and as a teacher would to her student she encouraged him to make something of his voice. She revealed: “He had this distinct voice that I could tell was fit for radio and music”. “I told him he had a good voice and that he should make something of it.” she opined.

Debbie, as she is affectionately called by Poor & Boasy, said this pushed her even more to get him off the street. “Talking with him you will realize that he is intelligent, and has something else to him and I was worried with all the police sometimes troubling the ‘street yute’.” With this as support Debbie said she began telling him about competitions on TV that could help…at that time Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall had already started so we had to wait until last year’s to auditions,” commented Deborah.

Omar Johnson revealed what motivated him to enter Magnum Kings & Queens of Dancehall: “I entered the competition because this teacher I’m talking with told me that she saw potential in me and that I could become more, she believe in me and I tried it.” 

We queried two back-fence talks that Johnson has been living with Deborah for three years and that she was the mother of his daughter. Deborah revealed that: “he has a daughter with a street girl and that was before me”. “…at three months I advised him to take the child from her (the mother) because she wasn’t caring for her (the baby) properly.” 

She continued to tell how they have cared for the child together, “…now everything is well with her at one year and four months and he has been a good father to her.”

Deborah continued: “I look out for him and I will call his friends and ask if they know where he is if I don’t see him and tell them to tell him to come home to me.”  Although there is significant evidence that both are more than just friends; Poor and Boasy and Debbie remain tight lipped on the matter. Debbie maintains:  I do it because I’m concerned for him and I think he has so much potential to be a great entertainer.

 *Name changed to protect her identity.

EMPRESS IMPRESSES ON MAGNUM KINGS AND QUEENS OF DANCEHALL

This success in creating the perfect dancehall image transcends the tangible and manifests itself in 

the vibe she creates onstage.

 

For a television show to be successful, a lot depends on the approach, personality and style of the host. Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall has thus drawn for the multi-talented reggae singer, radio presenter and MC Camielle Mullings, otherwise known as Empress. 

Returning for the second season of Jamaica's premier dancehall talent show, the young dynamo, who has performed at various shows locally and has also graced the stage in Japan, among other countries, believes a show like Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall is perfect for her. 

"I think I have the personality of a strong, empowered humanitarian and a humble musician with a poetic vibe to spread positivity throughout the world," said an energetic Empress while liming with the contestants after the first live show last Saturday. 

Dressed in a splendid yellow dress and styled by image guru Dexter '3D' Pottinger, Empress epitomises confidence and grace. This success in creating the perfect dancehall image transcends the tangible and manifests itself in the vibe she creates onstage. 

"I believe the key to being successful on any show is creating a connection with the audience; showing who you truly are," she commented. Commenting on how she makes the show reflect her personality while still maintaining the genuineness of dancehall, Empress said, "dancehall music has developed over the years and has come to be a dynamic and ever-evolving genre with various artistes bringing their variety and continuing its growth". 

She continued: "Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall is a true example of this; fresh talents are being unearthed who continue to replenish the music, so for me it's all about dynamism and style and talent." 

When asked about connecting with the contestants, Empress says she believes the competition allows the contestants to reach out to many, including the media fraternity. 

"The competition helps the contestants to develop relevant business relationships and show their talent to the wider public," she offered. As a media personality, Empress is committed to helping the contestants achieve this goal."For me, I assist where I can by having contestants, including those who have dropped out, and the winners, on my programme 'The Corner' on Newstalk 93 FM," she said.

CE'CILE TO TOUR WITH GERMAN SUPERSTAR PETER FOX

Ce'Cile is no stranger to Germany as her release Hot Like We has been a famous club and mainstream radio hit in Germany for over three years…

Monday Febraury 23; Kingston, Jamaica: The Bad Gyal has kept tongues wagging since first breaking into the Dancehall scene with the self produced, shockingly refreshing and thought provoking smash Changez. Now with her new album Waiting in-toe, Ce'Cile heads off to Germany this March for a series of shows with German Reggae Superstar Peter Fox.

Since her début in the late nineties Ce'Cile has been a regular staple in the international dancehall and reggae market. Her sultry singing, along with finely honed dee-jaying skills have made her one of the most sought after dancehall/reggae singers now on the scene.

Peter Fox is currently number one on the German Charts. After being on the album charts for four and a half months, Fox won three Echo Awards (aka the German Grammies) in the categories of: Best Hip-Hop/Urban Album, Critics Award and Producer of the Year.

Fox is the former lead singer Germany's most successful Reggae Band Seeed , but has eclipsed the success he had with Seeed by selling over 1 million units and counting of his debut solo album named Stadtaffe (City Ape) which was released on September 8, 2008. He has also topped the million hits mark on youtube on multiple occasions.

The Bad Gyal will open for Peter Fox on 6 shows including one at the biggest indoor concert venue in Germany; the Lanxess Arena in Cologne which holds 16,000 people. The tour will see Ce'Cile performing to crowds of between 9 and 16,000 and news from Germany are that most tickets are already sold.

Ce'Cile is no stranger to Germany as her release Hot Like We has been a famous club and mainstream radio hit in Germany for over three years, although it was never officially released there until last summer. The artiste is also highly rated on the urban scene and this is a grand opportunity for her and Jamaican music in general to reach a wider audience.

With this tour Ce'Cile will get the chance to satisfy her waiting German fans and also show the German mainstream pop audience why the German Reggae crowd has already fallen in love with her style and music. The artiste will also make stops in Hamburg, France and Austria. throughout the tour.

Ce´Cile Tour Dates with Peter Fox

March 09 Austria, Vienna – Gasometer

March 10 Germany, Munich – Zenith

March 11 Germany, Stuttgart – Porsche Arena

March 13 Germany, Cologne – Lanxess Arena

March 14 Germany, Chemnitz – Stadthalle

March 15 Germany, Bremen – AWD Dome

For more information visit: http://www.myspace.com/cecile or www.peterfox.de