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

Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall Returns to Weekenz

The second season of Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall got under way in early January and is expected intensify with the live performances of the twenty finalists at Weekenz Bistro and Bar beginning on February 28.

Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall has travelled far and wide to bring authentic Jamaican talent to the fore. Over the last 5 weeks Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall has presented princes and princess vying for the grand prize of one million dollars each, a video and a single. The first live show for this season will be aired on TVJ on Saturday, February 28 and repeated on Tuesdays at 11:30pm and Thursdays at 10:30pm. The competition will also air on RETV on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 5:30 pm.

After successful audition shows were aired from the five locations: May Pen, Montego Bay, Portmore, Ocho Rios and Kingston, on Television Jamaica (TVJ) and RETV, all is set for the live eliminations. From each of the five audition locations four contestants were chosen by public vote and a total of twenty contestants have advanced to this round of the competition. The public’s votes will eliminate the princes and princesses with the lowest number of votes each week. The second season of the all-dancehall talent competition is expected to run until May when the winners will be known.

With a newly designed set by Simone Clarke from Higher Intelligence Agency; the second season of Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall is expected to be bigger and better than last season. To add to the new set; Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall will feature a dance segment as it did last year only this time each week will feature and new group of dancers. This is a new approach by the talent show’s producers aimed at giving exposure to young dancers while at the same time providing high quality entertainment for the viewing public.

The format of the live show has changed a bit with the inclusion of a back stage feature hosted by comedian Pretty Boy Floyd. This section of the show will see Floyd interviewing patrons during the show while showcasing the contestants off-stage. Jamaican designs will again be featured each week and Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall will premier the latest dancehall fashions by some of the top designers in Jamaica today.

With a new mixture of producers, artistes and noted music personalities as guest judges, as well as different selectors on the wheels of steel each week, Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall is destined to be a hit. Fans should stay tuned as on February 28 at 9pm on TVJ Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall will ‘buss’ new talent.

IT'S A REGGAELUTION FIRST

The food will be exquisite and the atmosphere will mirror a real reggae revolution vibe.

Tuesday November 18 - Kingston Jamaica :- For the first time in Jamaica, all-inclusive party fans will get a chance to enjoy the  exclusive ambiance of an all-inclusive party while at the same time being entertained by some of Jamaica’s most talented and popular reggae artistes.

After years of clamouring by ardent all-inclusive party fans, Rasta Rules will, on Saturday December 6, 2008, stage what will go down in history as the first all-inclusive party fused with a live concert dubbed It's A Reggaelution. As the name suggests, It's A Reggaelution will be an event like no other, featuring reggae superstar Buju Banton, the ever cool Tarrus Riley, international reggae band Rootz Underground and the strong one Etana live on stage at the Liguanae Club with master Spin Doctors Arif "Supa Coop" Cooper & Delano from Renaissance on hand to ensure the musical vibes are perfect.

Food and drink will be inclusive and the food will have a reggae theme with all the traditional and not so traditional menus on offer by Oregano caterers under the direction of master chef Chris McCurdy. An assortment of imported wines will also be available as well as noted vodkas, and Jamaica’s new beer Kingston Beer and other popular liquors.

The Liguanea Club will be accentuated by the stylings of renowned decorator Jackie Tyson, who has over the years developed a reputation of creating high class styles and themes fitting the tastes of discriminating party fans. Jackie is noted for decorating events such as Shaggy's Platinum Party and Tempo's Jamaican launch at James Bond Beach and many others.

"The It's A Reggaelution concept is without a doubt distinctive. We will be using all the resources at our disposal to transform the Liguanae Club into a 'high fashion meets reggae' theme. This is a first for Jamaica and as such we are planning several surprises to please the eyes of our patrons". – Jackie Tyson, Decorator Extraordinaire

Tara Playfair, CEO of Rasta Rules and the brainchild of It's A Reggaelution, is excited about being able to produce an event of this nature for the fist time in Jamaica.

"For years party fans have been asking for this type of event. It's A Reggaelution is a style event, one that blends the best of an all-inclusive with the vibe of a live concert. It's the spot where reggae, good food and drink come together at one cost. We at Rasta Rules are proud to be the first to stage such an all-inclusive exclusive event in Jamaica. The food will be delicious, the drinks plentiful and the atmosphere will mirror a real reggae revolution vibe. The artistes have been every enthusiastic about being part of making entertainment history in Jamaica and fans have already began lining up to get tickets which are limited due to the intimate vibe we are going for.”

Gates to It's A Reggaelution will open at 8pm and performances will begin at Midnight (12am) with the show running until patrons have had their fill of quality music, food and drinks. A limited number of tickets have been printed and are available at Shimmer, Uppercut Barbers, Images Hair Salon, all Cooyah stores, Genius Pharmacy (Portmore) and for those who would rather have tickets come to them Just Call Delivery Service will drop off tickets and allow for payment via debit or credit card.

There will be thousands of dollars worth of prizes on offer including high end cellular phones and cash. The first five ladies to enter the venue will receive a gift basket of assorted goodies from Cooyah, Wray & Nephew, Sky Vodka and Kingston Beer, just to name a few.

On Saturday December 6, 2008 history will be created in Jamaica with the first all-inclusive reggae concert, it will truly be a Reggaelution. Rasta Rules plans to make It's A Reggaelution an annual event, showcasing the best talent in International & Local reggae artistes and delectable cuisine. With presold tickets being rapidly sold, the response so far undoubtedly says that It's A Reggaelution will be one to remember.

JAMAICA READIES FOR MAGNUM KINGS AND QUEENS OF DANCEHALL AUDITIONS

 …10 princes and 10 princesses to compete for the top title of Magnum King and Queen of Dancehall

Tuesday November 11- Kingston Jamaica:- The success and popularity of dancehall music has without question provided opportunities for many Jamaicans who have and are trying to establish themselves in the field. Recognizing this, 

Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall has returned and will kick off its second season Saturday, November 15, in Montego Bay at the Wexford Court Hotel.

The competition’s second season, which was launched on Monday November 10, will see a total of five auditions across the island with the first being in Montego Bay, the competition will move over to May Pen, then through Portmore, Ocho Rios and will make a final stop in Kingston. 

At each stop persons going up for audition will perform for judges Ms. Kitty, General Degree and Scatta with the hope of getting a call back slip for the next round. This process will continue for the four remaining audition stops. From these auditions, 20 contestants will advance to the TV round, 10 princes and 10 princesses who will compete for the top title of Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall.

Executive Producer of Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall Mark Kenny, noted that he was looking forward to the second season of Jamaica’s first dancehall talent show. “I’m curious of what the contestants will bring this year. Last year was a striking and phenomenal display of talent and we are expecting nothing short of that this year”.

The dates for the auditions following its November 15 stop at the Wexford Court Hotel, Montego Bay will be: May Pen, November 22; Portmore, November 29; Ocho Rios, December 6 and Kingston on December 13^th. This year’s competition has a grab of over two million dollars, the release of a single and a music video, and the option of joining the Real Jam Management Agency, which evolved out of the Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall 2007/2008 season. 

All systems are go for this year’s second staging of the Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall competition and based on the buzz on the street it will be bigga and badda.

                                                                                       

AUDITION DATES TO REMEMBER

 

Montego Bay        November 15

May Pen               November 22

Portmore             November 29

Ocho Rios             December 6

Kingston               December 13