EMANCIPATE YOURSELF WITH HEINEKEN RIVER SUNDAYS

EMANCIPATE YOURSELF WITH HEINEKEN RIVER SUNDAYS

Heineken River Sunday’s; the number one family event in St Elizabeth will be bigger and better this Emancipation Day. The monthly event which will see its fifth instalment this Sunday has been growing from strength to strength and is now a regular staple on the Southern Jamaica entertainment calendar.

The first instalment of Heineken River Sundays which was held on Easter Sunday saw over 2000 patrons coming out with a special performance by Jah Cure. The second staging was held on May 2 and featured dancers from all over Jamaica. The third, held on June 6 was a female invasion of St Elizabeth in the form of the Fluffy Diva Miss Kitty, high riding artiste Ce’Cile and DJ Sunshine who made her debut as a dancehall artiste.

On Sunday July 4 there was the ‘Schools Out Graduation and Summer Party’ edition which heralded the beginning of the Holiday season. Razz and Biggy, Kingston Allstars and several other Kingston based sound systems came down to St Elizabeth and made the show that much sweeter.

Heineken River Sundays is a free event and all profits gained from the selling of food and drink will be donated to community projects. Promoter of the monthly event Delmar ‘Della Danger’ Drummond’ says Jamaicans from all walks of life should come out in their Jamaican colours this Sunday: “Because it’s an emancipation party we want Jamaicans to show their colours, we will be playing all the hits from way back to now; all your favourite festival songs and we know the crowd will love it. The drink is Heineken so fans know to drink responsibly and come eat the best food this side of Jamaica”.

This Sunday’s Heineken River Sundays dubbed the ‘Emancipation Party’, will be held on Emancipation Day Sunday August 1 between 12pm-12am at Grossman River, Braes River St Elizabeth. The event will feature the likes of ZJ Ice, Danger Zone, Jerry Kruga, kwaku Vybz , and King Ghetto. The admission to enter is zero dollars and there will be a kids’ treat between 12 pm and 7 pm with popcorn machines, rides and refreshments.

Leave the hustle and bustle of Kingston behind, the next day is a holiday so, emancipate yourself with Heineken River Sundays in St Elizabeth this Sunday.

JAH CURE IS SUMFEST READY

“I have a special set lined up this year with a special feature at the end and I know the fans will like it”.

International reggae artiste, Jah Cure and his An.Ti.Dote Band are Sumfest ready. The artiste who is scheduled to perform on International Night 1, alongside the likes of Etana, Queen Ifrika and Hezron, has been busy rehearsing his set and is fine-tuning his slew of hits specially for the Sumfest Stage.

Jah Cure, who recently returned from Cuba where he shot the video for his latest number one smash Unconditional Love, says the Sumfest experience is one he looks forward to every year: “Sumfest is the number one reggae experience for the fans and artistes. Every year I look forward to it as a sort of validation of the work that we have done. I have a special set lined up this year with a special feature at the end and I know the fans will like it”.

The special feature to which Jah Cure refers is the first time ever, Sumfest Live Premier of the video for Unconditional Love. Cure explains why he chose his Sumfest performance for his Live Premier: "Sumfest is ours, it has come out of and is dedicated to our music, I could not find a more appropriate place to debut this video?"

The groundbreaking video for Unconditional Love was shot over four days in Havana Cuba. Jah Cure says he decided to shoot the video in Cuba because Havana mirrors the image the song is putting forward: "It had to be Cuba, the old cars, buildings and overall feel is wonderful. The song is about finding love when you least expect it and Cuba is the perfect setting to express that message to the fans. I am happy with the way the video turned out and I want to thank the people and government of Cuba for accommodating us."

Unconditional Love which was released earlier this year has become a smash hit here in Jamaica, the United States and throughout the Caribbean. In Trinidad the song has topped numerous charts and is receiving hundreds of plays monthly. In the Eastern Caribbean the story is the same, in the US it is gaining a foothold in the latin market and in Jamaica it is a crowd favourite and is number one on several charts.

The Reggae star is slated to release his latest album this summer and will leave Jamaica at the end of July for a multi-city European Tour which will end in August.

This Week on Digicel Rising Stars

The first studio final for Season 7 of Digicel Rising Stars introduced us to a new Host, a new stage and set, and the first eight of Digicel’s 2010 Rising Stars finalists.

If you missed Sunday’s show, you missed the introduction of the Digicel Rising Stars’ new host, the lady Jamaica voted for the most, RETV and FAME presenter, Lady Rennae. Jamaica’s vibes queen took the title over her four competitors, who include fellow FAME presenter, Lady Deidre, Kemesha Bolton, Julie Malcolm and Kimone McRae. Lady Rennae, says that she is: “Humbled, ecstatic and ready fi wuk!”

Also, if you missed Sunday’s show, you missed the introduction of the first eight finalists, who include the six that Jamaica voted for: Crystal Matherson, the only finalist from Montego Bay this year, Travaugne Ming, Dreams of Memories, Toni Blair, Latoya Chambers and Dellese Douglas, and Rising Star’s judges Clyde McKenzie’s and Nadine Sutherland’s Wild Cards, Simone Hamilton, better known as Camaley, and Jermaine Michael respectively.

Also judging the competition this year is Rising Star’s seven year veteran and unofficial star of the show, Anthony Miller. Between Miller’s quick witted and usually abrasive comments - which have already started - the raw talent shown in these finalists and the vibes queen who “don’t jus’ go hard, ova do it!”, this season promises to be one of the most talent-fun- excitement filled seasons yet!

Outstanding Performances

Though all the contestants brought their all to the stage, three young ladies outshone the rest, setting the trend for the Season 7. Toni, who shone at the Portmore auditions, lit up the stage with her vivacity in her upbeat yet soulful rendition of Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart by Alicia Keys.

Toni was also the first contestant to get positive feedback from Anthony, who said: "She seized the moment, she brought some energy to it, some oomph, and that's a good thing!"

Nadine, agreeing with Anthony, added: "I think you're going to do very well in this competition."

While Cylde asked: "Are you an American? Cause you really brought some fireworks on the fourth of July!"

The next lady to wow the judges and the audience was Latoya, who had made it to the Rising Stars Live Stage last year, but was quickly cut down by Killer Miller. Before her performance of Lisa Fischer's How Can I Ease the Pain, Latoya warned Miller that he better "watch out!", and that's all he could do, as she rocked her song and rocked the stage, even busting a Michael Jackson move, sparking the crowd and further putting the audience on her side.

All Anthony could say was: “That was a great song and easily the most accomplished performance I have seen all evening.”

Nadine who agreed with him, added:“To handle that tune deh, yuh haffi bad! And I really like your image.”

Clyde gave the most specific comment of the three judges, saying that he liked her “confident vocal styling, you were right on! You brought it as you promised you would, and I like the way you were prowling across that stage like a cougar!”

But even after all those positive comments; it was Camaley, Clyde’s Wild Card who stole the show. Though she didn’t have the advantage of moving around the stage, because of a disability, Camaley hit every note from her seat, centre stage, bringing Celine Deon’s Love You More to life with just her voice, and face. Ending to a standing ovation by the audience, she faced the judges who could only sing her praise.

Clyde who was touching his head afterwards said, “I’m feeling for my hat, I have to take it off to you, it was beautiful. I really felt that.”

Anthony, who seemed somewhat stunned said: “I am not a Celine Deon fan but I thought she did more than justice to that song. Clyde won the Wild Card selection for tonight.”

And Nadine closed the comments with: “There is something coming from inside and I felt it, you sat there and... you used your hands and you used your eyes. Apart from the vocal delivery, that was so great. You sing with something from inside.”

Fashion

Being the first Live Show, the season has yet to break into fashion setting trends, though there were a few honourable mentions. Dellese stepped on stage looking ready to rock in her black and red Mohawk, black mini dress with silver studs and black strappy pumps with a fringed, suede ankle to complete the look. While Toni brought back the funk and pop of the eighties in a floral, strapless, eighties style ‘ra ra’ mini dress, with hot pink patent leather peep toe pumps. And Latoya went for an earthier feel in a dark brown, pin stripe mini dress with silver gladiator platforms, earrings and shoulder cuff.

Judges Comments

The judges expressed a general contentment with the first show, though Anthony expressed his disappointment with the guys so far. But all three agreed that there was definitely room for improvement further on in the season. However, some contestants got some very less than positive comments from the judges. Leading the pack is the quartet from Ocho Rios, Dreams of Memories, whose rendition of Under the Board Walk left the audience dissatisfied.

Nadine gave it to them straight, saying: “I like the lead singer, but I really don’t think you’re ready for this competition in terms of your harmonies, technique, you need to grow a little bit more into your selves...you’re all cute young men, but in terms of musicality, it’s just not there at this point”

Clyde, agreeing with her said: “That was a big song... I think that was a little bit above you.”

Miller however didn’t hold back when he said: “Two years ago we had the chipmunks, those were the Rugrats... against all odds, you guys got a chance to make it this far, but you just totally blew it.”

After his performance of Air Supply’s Lonely is the Night, Nadine congratulated her Wild Card, Jermaine, telling him that he did her proud, and that he would continue to grow in the competition. Clyde, agreeing, called the performance, “easy and natural”. Miller however saw things differently, stating:

“Let me just be brief, I thought Nadine should have picked somebody else.”

Another contestant to get sauced by the judges was Dellese, who unfortunately did not rock her rocker outfit, leaving the audience and two judges impressed by her vocals but little else after her performance of Cher’s Believe.

Clyde was the first Judge to comment, stating: “That was pretty good, but given the get up you would have expected more spark from the performance”.

Nadine, who agreed complemented her on her “nice strong tone and powerful delivery” but reminded her that it was her first show and that she would “grow into it.”

Miller however went three for three with his comment: “Dellese you looked the part, but there it ended... the song selection was as dull as the delivery, sorry.”

Audience Comments

The audience for the most part, left the auditorium satisfied, though some were still in awe. One audience member was overheard saying” “Wow that Camaley girl done win, I don’t even care who in the next eight!”

While another member who seemed to be pulling for the under dogs said” “I think Crystal and Trevaune goin’ do better next timw. Them neva do too bad this week, them just need likkle more excitement.”

If you missed Sunday’s show, ensure that you don’t miss another Digicel Rising Stars episode. Tune in to TVJ every Sunday at 8pm, and don’t forget to vote.

KOOLANT - THE NEW VOICE OF THE WAILERS

It’s a sunny day in February and almost twelve-o-clock in the old St Thomas market. The day is scorching and the hustle and bustle is at its peak with housewives bargaining with traders trying to seek out the best deal. Koolant is sitting on a bench chatting with a vendor questioning whether he will get a chance to make it to the big stage as it has been years toiling from studio to studio. The vendor tells him, his time will come. Not two hours later his phone rings; it’s Father Tubby from King Tubbys Sound in England, who tells the artiste that his chance has come; The Wailers need a lead singer. Koolant smiles and looks to the heavens. One of the worlds best known and longest touring Reggae bands has decided to give him a chance to audition to be their lead singer. Within the space of a month Koolant had passed his audition and is on stage with The Wailers performing to thousands.

Koolant’s discovery came soon after his cameo appearance in the film 'Made in Jamaica'. His solo track, Rat Race, was getting airplay but the artiste who’d already performed at East Fest and several other major stage shows in Jamaica was yearning for his big break. His first recording was Keep the Faith, produced by Morgan Heritage, and was included on their 2002 album: Family & Friends Vol. 3. By then, Koolant had gained valuable experience from entering national song competitions and was writing his own material, inspired by reggae’s golden era.

Koolant, who recently performed to over 20,000 Wailers fans at the Wanee Festival in Fort Lauderdale on April 16, is not overwhelmed by the experience but amazed at the quick turn of events that have led him to The Wailers: “I feel good that I have this duty to continue the message that Bob Marley started and singing songs that I have been hearing from I was I child. I want to use this opportunity to spread the sounds of peace and love to the world. It’s amazing that one month I am sitting on a bench complaining about my career and then the next month I am in the US touring with The Wailers. I am most thankful."

The artiste says he always dreamed of reaching this level in his career: “It’s been a wonderful experience, singing with The Wailers because so many of Bob Marley’s songs are still relevant to what’s happening right now, they are of the times,” he continues. “Bob Marley was a prophet, and it’s a honor to be part of that. I put my whole self into spreading that message, and it can only help my own development as an artist and as a songwriter.”

Leader of the band, Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett, believes that Koolant can carry on the tradition: “One good artiste can inspire another, Koolant loves the music and he has become a part of The Wailers learning from us as we learn from him. Koolant and Duane Stephenson are lead vocals for our new track for the United Nations World Food Program called A Step for Mankind and I think that song shows Koolant's vocal strength”.

A Step for Mankind sees the blending of Koolant’s deep yet smooth voice with the powerful lyrics and vocals of one of reggae music’s superstar, Duane Stephenson. Koolant is at home on the track which fits his tone and range perfectly. The importance of this song is amplified by the fact that this is Koolant’s first recorded track with The Wailers.

From one day going to studios trying to get his music out to standing in front of thousands spreading the message of peace and love and touring the world, Koolant sees himself truly blessed. Accompanying Koolant at the mic will be the other lead vocalist of The Wailers, Danglin, while they are backed by band leader, Aston “Family Man” Barrett on bass, Keith Sterling on keyboards, Aston Barrett Jr. On organ, Anthony Watson on drums, Audley Chisholm on rhythm guitar along with Maria Smith and Racquel Hinds as backing vocalists.

THE WAILERS STAND FIRM AFTER 36 YEARS

The sound of a bass guitar echoes across the crowd and a Rasta man stands in front of a mic belting out wails of adversity, struggle, liberation and triumph. It could be any Reggae band but its 1974 and the world is about to hear the infectious sound of Bob Marley and The Wailers.

Reggae music has captivated the world with contemporaries such as Luciano, Jah Cure, Morgan Heritage and Third World performing to thousands of fans throughout the years, but one band has reigned supreme in the house of Reggae music for more than thirty years - this in a genre that has seen many changes. The music of Bob Marley and The Wailers has sold in excess of 250 million albums worldwide, and in England alone they have had over twenty chart hits, including seven Top 10 placements. The band is in constant evolution, changing to contend with modern themes and tasks yet one thing remains constant - the music of liberation and the echoes of Bob Marley that continues to bring joy to millions.

The man credited with the creation and evolution of The Wailers, Aston "Family Man" Barrett, believes that music will always reign supreme in the minds of the people: “Reggae music is the heartbeat of the people, it is the universal language that carries the message of roots, culture and realty and is for all ages and time, past present and future. They ask me how can I do if for so long and I reply that our music is timeless and like the moon, the older it gets the brighter it shines.

Family Man’s essential one-drop rhythms have infiltrated everything from rave to rock. On the album ‘Babylon by Bus’, while not one of the most popular compilations, his talent and influence is pronounced. Recorded live during The Wailers' 1978 world tour, ‘Babylon by Bus’ was driven by Family Man's immense tone and amazing feel. He and The Wailers laid down some of the swankiest grooves ever heard which are evident on classics such as Exodus, Stir It Up, Is This Love, and Jammin. While naming the album as one of the ten essential bass recordings, Basspalyer.com says it's an essential listen for every bass player: "This disc is one of the best-recorded examples of live bass: it's deep, clear, and well placed in the mix, a real sub woofer delight! Throughout the record, Family Man's '70s J-Bass surrounds the audience with a thick throb".

Now, far from 56 Hope Road and 29 years since the death of Bob Marley, Jamaica's biggest musical export continues to grow from strength to strength and still tour the world extensively. The Wailers have performed with international acts such as Sting, Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana, as well as reggae legends Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer and Burning Spear. Their most recent collaborators include country music star Kenny Chesney, rapper Eve, indie star Jason Mraz and acoustic soul singer Colbie Caillat. The impact The Wailers' music has had over the decades transcends generations, international borders and musical genres. In fact, one of the greatest rock bassists, Flea from The Red Hot Chili Peppers, credits Family Man and the Wailers as a significant influence. The Wailers were also the first Reggae band to be invited to the Academy of Country Music Awards.

Over the years, The Wailers have toured almost every day and played to an estimated 24 million people across the globe, with pioneering performances in Africa and the Far East. The Wailers have also continued to fulfil the vision initially set out by Bob Marley and Family Man, and added several new vocalists and musicians to reinvigorate the ensemble. Recently The Wailers welcomed their latest lead singer, Koolant.

Koolant, who hails from Bath and Wilmington in St. Thomas, sees being chosen as lead singer for The Wailers as a dream come true. He says: “It's Bob Marley’s music and it has been a part of my life since I was a youngster. To be able to be in this position now is a great honour and to know that The Wailers want me beside them is a humbling feeling and because music is my strength I know this will be a great combination”.

Family Man remains the heart of the band, continuing to be the connection between the past and present. Currently The Wailers remain strong with Aston “Family Man” Barrett on bass, Koolant and Danglin as lead vocals, Keith Sterling on keyboards, Aston Barrett Jr. On organ, Anthony Watson on drums, Audley Chisholm on rhythm guitar and Maria Smith and Racquel Hinds as backing vocalists.

With almost four decades behind them, The Wailers now look to the future. The band are working on their latest album, a yet to be titled compilation of new music, which they promise will maintain the rich heritage that has made them a worldwide fascination.

The new album will feature the new voice of The Wailers, Koolant, with the first single: A Step for Mankind, which is a collaborative effort with the United Nations World Food Program (WFP). It was written by rising Reggae star Duane Stephenson, who is also featured on the track along with Koolant. The track stands as a symbol of the band’s concern for humanity and their desire to help the WFP combat world hunger.