Notícias

Arquivo

Notícias

- Fevereiro 08 -

24, Depois de 10 anos de programa na Rádio Solar em Albufeira, completou-se hoje o 1º aniversário do Programa Reggae Portugal na KISS FM, emissão especial esta noite.

- Dezembro -

09, Alpheus vai estar no estúdio da Kiss Fm para uma entrevista Live & Direct, a não perder.

04, É mais um dia histórico, ultrapassámos um milhão de visitantes na página Reggae Portugal desde o dia 1 de Abril de 2001, obrigado a todos que nos visitaram - MÁXIMO RESPEITO !

- Novembro -

16, Estão confirmados os dois espectáculos de Alpheus em Portugal nos próximos dias 7 e 8 de Dezembro de 2007, aqui.

- Outubro -

30, O artista Studio 1 - Alpheus - vai estar em Portugal para dois espectáculos em Dezembro, todos os programas de rádio e soundsystems interessados em jingles e ou dubplates podem contactar-nos para mais informações. Jah bless.

30, MIKEY DREAD DIAGNOSED WITH BRAIN TUMOUR

Michael 'Mikey Dread' Campbell has been diagnosed with a brain tumour, a release from his Miami-based company Dread At The Controls Inc said, yesterday. "The bad news is that Mikey Dread has been diagnosed with brain tumour. He is in the care of the best doctors at Duke University in North Carolina and is undergoing chemotherapy."

The release apparently came as a response to numerous queries and speculations concerning the health of the legendary radio jock who was dubbed, "The Dread at the Control Tower". Hence the relase stated, "For months now, many of you have made inquiries about Mikey Dread. Mikey believes that it is important that his fans, friends and supporters know about his current health condition and the treatment he is currently undergoing, and what has happened to him since July, 2007. The good news is that. Mikey's son was born healthy and strong on October 12, 2007." One of Jamaica's most innovative and original radio personalities, Mikey Dread, last year celebrated two special milestones - his 30th anniversary as "The Dread at the Control" - and his father Simon Campbell's 100th birthday. Thirty one years ago, Mikey Dread revolutionised night time radio when he redefined what was then known as the graveyard slot (between midnight and 4:30 am) by turning it into a primetime listening slot on the now defunct JBC Radio Station. After his radio stint, he ventured into recording with one of his earliest hits, Weatherman Skanking in combination with Ray I, for producer Carlton Patterson for whom he also recorded his best known song, Barber Saloon, after which he migrated to England with more popular recordings to come like Love the Dread. For his 30th anniversary celebration also, Mikey Dread who for sometime now has been touring the world performing at universities and festivals with his own Dread at the Control Band, recorded CD featuring his radio shows back then as well as box set of some of the tunes he has made over the years.

courtesy Basil Walters, Jamaica Observer Sunday October 28th 2007

21, 15:57 JOHANNESBURG,

Five arrested in SAfrica reggae star's murder South African police have arrested five suspects in connection with the murder of reggae star Lucky Dube, one of the continent's biggest-selling artists, police said Sunday. Spokesman Superintendent Eugene Opperman told AFP they have also confiscated two unlicenced firearms and four cars, including the one believed to have been used on the night Dube was killed in the Rosettenville suburb south of Johannesburg on Thursday night. "I can confirm that five suspects were arrested this morning. We confiscated two unlicenced guns, and four cars including the blue VW Polo that is believed to have been used on the night the crime was committed. The cars are believed to have been stolen," Opperman said. Dube, 43, was added to the list of high profile victims of murder in crime-ridden South Africa after he was shot and killed during what is believed to have been a botched car hijack. He was dropping his teenage son at a relative's home when unknown gunmen shot him three times at close range in full view of his two children. The murder was condemned by fellow musicians and South African President Thabo Mbeki who hailed Dube as "an outstanding South African," saying his killing underlined the need for unity in the fight against crime. "We must... make a commitment that we shall continue to act together as a people to confront this terrible scourge of crime, which has taken the lives of too many of our people and does so every day." Senegalese singer Youssou Ndour decried as "terrible" what happened to Dube, saying his murder poses "a big question which South African authorities must provide answers to." The award-winning Dube recorded more than 20 albums in a career spanning two decades and was regarded as one of the first artists to introduce reggae in South Africa.

18, Reggae musician Lucky Dube was shot dead in a hijacking on Thursday in Rosettenville, Johannesburg police said. Captain Cheryl Engelbrecht said the incident took place at about 8.20pm when Dube (43) was driving a blue Volkswagen Polo in the Johannesburg suburb. She said Dube was dropping off his son in the area when he was attacked. "His son was already out of the car. When he saw what was happening, he ran to ask for help." The hijackers were still at large. The boy was too traumatised to provide police with any information, Engelbrecht said. Dube, born in Johannesburg on August 3 1964, was named "Lucky" as he was born in poor health and doctors thought he would die, according to Wikipedia. But Dube survived and went on to become a front-line artist in the reggae genre. However, the singer's website, Luckydubemusic.com, says: "Giving birth to a boy was considered a blessing and his mother considered his birth so fortunate that she aptly named him Lucky." He recorded more than 20 albums in his music career, which spanned more than 20 years, according to Luckydubemusic.com. His albums include Rastas Never Die, Think about the Children, Soul Taker and Trinity. His latest, released in 2006, is called Respect. The build-up to this international success, though, started in 1982 with the release of Kudala Ngikuncenga, an album that was not reggae but mbaqanga, a genre that was to serve him well for four more albums until his transition to reggae in 1985. "The change was brought about by the fact that I wanted to reach the world. With mbaqanga I would have been seen as a tourist musician," he told the Mail & Guardian in an interview in 2001. "Don't waste your time and mine," a concert promoter told Richard Siluma, Dube's producer at the time. "No one wants to hear reggae." By 1987, Dube was the sole reggae star among South African "disco" acts and established music acts such as Brenda Fassie, Stimela and the Soul Brothers. His introduction to the international stage was heartening, such as when he was invited to play at the Sunsplash Festival in Jamaica in 1991. He recalled how the spiritual home of reggae had been waiting for him and his band. "We knew they love the music. They said we remind them of Peter Tosh." On the final evening of the festival they were called back for an encore -- and for another performance the next year. The reggae sensation, who did not drink or smoke cigarettes or marijuana, despite the association of the substance with Rastafarians, had won more than 20 awards for his music contribution locally and internationally. He is the only South African artist to have a record signed to Motown Records, according to Luckydubemusic.com. Dube always had to fend off questions of whether he was Rastafarian. "If Rastafarianism is about having dreadlocks, smoking marijuana and believing that Haile Selassie is God, then I am not Rastafarian. But if it is about political, social and personal consciousness, then, yes, I am," he said.

Although his idol was Peter Tosh, he acknowledged the unshakeable influence of the king of reggae, Bob Marley, whom he described as "the reason we know reggae".

- Setembro -

17th, The sixth release on the Green Tea label is a cracker of an album from the Los Angeles based LVX Collective and is a collaborative effort between musician and producer Dave Harrow and writer and vocalist Zen. The duo have been writing and recording in Los Angeles for the last year and 50.5.10 is their debut album. David Harrow was a member of the successful On-u Sound team and has worked with Bim Sherman, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, The Dub Syndicate and African Head Charge as well as fronting his own projects such as Technova and James Hardway. This superlative musical CV is topped off by having also played with Jah Wobble in the Invaders of the Heart. Zen r.el.z.m is one of the most talented mcs in the underground Los Angeles Hip Hop scene and is currently one of the core members of The Visionaries Crew and one half of the duo Writers Block. This is a very different type of album recorded in Los Angeles, California with thought, care and an abundance of talent. The songs are well crafted, with an obvious debt to classic old school Soul and Hip Hop, but blend a fusion of styles and succeed in taking all of these various influences somewhere startlingly new. There’s a strong soulful feel to Zen’s vocals on stand out tracks such as ‘Shining’ with its strange Indie Rock feel. ‘Days Like These’ has an old school Dub Reggae vibe and the classic Soul vocal to ‘Expressions’ is enhanced by singer Azul. Other guest vocalists include Jah C and Dannu from the Visionaries. This is the first release on Green Tea for some time and we are delighted with the result and excited to be able to work with such a talented group of people. We feel this project is a worthy follow up to the series of Dry and Heavy albums on Green Tea and we believe that the LVX Collective’s fusion of Electronica, Dub and Hip Hop is a surefire winner. A seven inch single by the LVX Collective ‘Days Like These’ is also currently available on the Green Tea label (GTSI003).

- Agosto -

31st, NEWS FROM 47 ENTERTAINMENT

NEW SINGLE FROM LUKIE D, "SEARCHING", ON LAXIS RECORDS:
The past three months, Lukie D has been flying all over the world, he has been performing in USA, Holland, Germany, France, Hawaii and he is soon visiting Portugal, UK, Germany and Japan. This year Lukie D is hardly in Jamaica. But his latest single from Laxis Records is beginning to hit the airwaves of Jamaica. Ras Kassa's the Guru film's has also created very fancy looking video for this single which is being broadcasted by Hype TV and RE TV Jamaica. With no doubt, Lukie D now has become one of Jamaica's biggest superstars and this song "SEARCHING" is going to be one of monumental hits of the artiste's career!!!

BRAND NEW RELEASES ON KALASHNIKOV LABEL: We are delighted to inform you that a brand new Jamaican label with the edge Kalashnikov (AK47) is releasing huge ammunition "NEXT LEVEL RIDDIM" with top DJs like Sizzla, Elephant Man, Turbulence , Anthony B and more including a massive party tune "PARTY TIME" by Stone Love's vibes master Geefus and veteran DJ Fambo and "BUSS OFF YUH FACE" by Nitty Kutchie which is going to be one of the biggest Dance Hall tune of summer 2007. This Riddim is guaranteed to buss the dances!!!
Tracklisting - Next Level Riddim
Bun Bad Mind / Sizzla
Bun U Crew / Turbulence
No Raper / Elephant Man
I Smoke / Monster Empire
Party Time / Geefus & Fambo
Caan Put Hand Pon Mi / Anthony B
Buss Off Yuh Face / Nitty Kutchy

Kalashnikov is also releasing three one drop tunes. "GANGSTA FLEX" by Big Pop which is the answer song to Tanya Stephens' hit song "These Streets". The next track by Big Pop is "BABYLONE HIDE & SEEK" which is dedicated to the streets of Jamaica who is going to face election at the end of this month. Since the nomination day last week, many people have been shot in the street of Kingston. Ironically, in this track, Big Pop is begging the system to stop those killings between one nation. Above two tracks were engineered by Kirk Bennett; the man who build the famous "TEK FA YUHSELF" by Mr. Vegas. And another bound to be a classic tune from Kalashnikov is "RAIN" by Powerman which has been played on Jamaica's no station Irie FM heavily.

KALASHNIKOV LABEL: Cutting edge Jamaican label named after the Russian rifle AK47. But AK 47 in this case does not symbolize violence, but it symbolizes "the toughest" and "the roughest". It also means musical murderation 'co we are going to be the baddest!!!

21st, ASSASSIN's 2nd album called "Gully Sit'n" will be released on September 10th in the UK and the rest of Europe. With productions from Dave Kelly, Don Corleon, Stephen McGregor, Christoper Birch and Daseca, "Gully Sit'n" is one of the most consistent dancehall album of the year.

WAYNE WONDER is making his return with his new single "Again". The track is already getting a great response in the UK (Choice FM, MTV Base..). WAYNE WONDER will be in London for Notthing Hill Carnival to promote his forthcoming album "Forever" - in stores on September 24th.

JAH CURE made an amazing impression at REGGAE SUNDANCE (Holland) on August 12th for his first live performance since he has been released from jail. During an hour, the "Cure" performed his hits on stage, backed by a new band orchestred by Dean Fraser. Listen to JAH CURE exclusive interview on BBC.co.uk/1xtra alongside ROBBO RANKS on August 27th. "Sticky" (Reggae Gold 2007) is actually N°1 in the UK REGGAE CHARTS & 1XTRA DANCEHALL CHARTS. "True Reflections .. The New Beginning" is now in stores. This album is a compilation of Jah Cure's best songs recorded in the last 3 years of his detention. Also included the exclusive track: "To Your Arms Of Love".

Some strong rumours are saying that JAH CURE & TARRUS RILEY will perform live at Brixton Academy (London) on October 20th & 21st. We will confirm this information asap.

TARRUS RILEY also performed at REGGAE SUNDANCE (Holland). On his way back to Jamaica, he made a quick stop in London. Enough time to pass through Chris Goldfinger (Radio 1), Natty B & Gammo Speng(Choice FM) & Robbo Ranks (1Xtra) radio shows. Visit choicefm.com & bbc.co.uk/1xtra to hear what Tarrus Riley had to say to European massives. His single "She's Royal" is currently N° 2 of UK REGGAE CHARTS & 1XTRA DANCEHALL CHARTS and his last album "Parables" is N°1 on UK REGGAE CHARTS.

MAVADO is still at the top of his game and leading the dancehall scene all around the world. VP plans to shoot "Last night" video in NYC early September. This 2nd single is mashing up all the clubs in Jamaica & USA. MAVADO will be on RIDDIM MAG cover alongside Gentleman in September issue.

RAS SHILOH will be in Europe in October to perform live his new album "Coming Home". This album is getting a great response in France & Germany.

15th, JAH CURE PERFORMANCE AT REGGAE SUNDANCE 2007, HOLLAND - What a show. Excellent band, including Dean Fraser as the director of the bunch, with Jah Cure giving an excellent set; wicked performance. All big tunes, audience very excited, Cure loving it too, lovely combo with Jah Mason (Run Come Love Me), Cure's voice sounded great live too. Very nice moment to witness, his first full performance after release (no need for discussing details of that again, been there). Tunes played were Longing For, Jah Bless Me, Jamaica, King In This Jungle, Run Come Love Me (feat. Jah Mason), Jamaica, What Will It Take, Good Morning Jah Jah, I'm Still Around, Reflections, Ghetto Life, Sticky, Love Is and maybe one or two more I can't recall now. My highlight of this year's festival no doubt! Overall a good festival with stand-out performances for me by Natural Black, Tony Rebel, Bunny Wailer and Jah Cure. Mafia & Fluxy did a great job backing Gregory Isaacs, but the man himself had some throat-problems and didn't sound too good, nice to seem him still. Also nice to see acts like Marcia Griffiths, Tarrus Riley, Yellowman, Gyptian, LUST, Lutan Fyah (wasn't as good as previous time), Jah Mason (replaced Richie Spice), Capleton and Jimmy Cliff too.

10th, THE REAL DEFINITION OF REGGAE - Through out the years of the musical genres existence, its ideological definition has been a platform for debate. Various intellectual and institutionalized impressions have been grafted in an effort to refine the clarity of this task; however each one seemingly takes to its own tangent of identity. It is as though the blend to define is either too diluted, or over concentrated. How then can we define the musical structure of this art form without writing an entire book?

Firstly, we have to truly understand and appreciate the development of the music beyond the mainstream contemporaries such as Bob Marley, and Peter Tosh and the basic terminology of “Reggae”. No disrespect intended, but we have to peel away the layers of the onion to reveal its core. It is the core that defines the music. Reggae is not as many may think. A fusion of externalized influences, interpreted, and blended to fit our own cultural experience. This fact may be argued, evident by the past and present trend, but this experience happens to all musical art forms as it tries to find a place outside of its own social habitat. Hiphop/Rap fused with classical, latin, and slews of 60’s and 70’s groove samples. Jazz eventually fused with Blues, R&B, Doowoop etc. and let us not forget the latest and greatest example, reggaeton. Yet the purist fans of every musical genre enjoy the fused experience. Some stay for the ride, while others retreat to purity, like a tribe splitting up, sub-genres are born. As Yuppies become boomers, and Generation X gave birth to Generation Next each generation holds onto their own musical classification. Their rhythmical identity, a subliminal time machine that when needed creates some kind of nostalgic, physiological comfort zone, which for every generation is incomparable. Yuppies, now boomers, still think Jimmy Riley is the biggest thing since slice bread. But Generation Next thinks Tarrus Riley is the man of all times. And when Generation Next gives birth to Generation Y(any child born 2000+), Tarrus will still be the biggest thing for our generation. To each his own, and that’s a fact.

In the early days, as far back as the 1920’s, reggae was unnamed. It had no true social identity in Jamaican culture. It was just called, “Rasta music”, or blackheart chant, that these, so called “madmen” would chant and beat whilst they burned bonfires to cover the scent of the marijuana they consumed. The few Sadhu Indians that’s came to Jamaica in the late 1880’s, brought with them not only weed seeds, but the Nazarene vow, and word of mouth updates of the middle east and its spiritual practices. This influx of information up stirred the yearning few, who crudely interpreted this new knowledge to create a social ideology that other “sufferers” as themselves could identify with. Once the Leonard Howell saga took place in the 30’s, it not only further isolated these outcast, but it fevered their unstated mission of creating a social identity for the people, primarily the black indentured laborers and subsistence sufferers who could recognize, and sympathize with their cause. This was helped heavily by the illiteracy rate amongst the lower class individuals within Jamaica and as such the art of “word of mouth” and rhythmical rhymes were all simple ways used to pass stories, history and lessons of life to the next generation. Reggae embraced this mantra from its conception quite incidentally, and once it was recognized, it became the steam that kept the fledgling art form growing until its upsurge, during the Garveyian Era that not only brought the Selassian prophecy, but with it the ideology of black heritage which was soon blended into this infantile movement aptly name “Rastafari”. As the movement grew, so did the music, and by the 1940’s the term Nyabinghi was attached to the art form, a crude reference to the Nyabinghi drum chants, somewhat like the “talking drums” of the North American Indians, supposedly used by secret Ethiopian warriors to communicate during the 1935 Italian invasion. This would later be redefined (or refined from your point of view) by the Bobo Tribe in the latter 1960’s. The Coral Garden drama in the early 60’s only helped to feed the fire that simmered this musical cauldron, creating a social platform in an instance for the Rastafarian movement, by giving them a very evident mission. To uplift the people, and to give them a sense of heritage, and a spiritual purpose with which they could truly identify. The Nyabinghi sound was experimented with, and soon a new soundscape emerged. The heavy horn based influences of up-tempo Jazz, and the big band sound streaming across the radios in Jamaica during the mid to late 60’s, gave birth to “Ska” or a crude definition of the “skat”, cool cat horn driven up-tempo jazz of the 50’s/60’s that in itself, gave way to Rock.

Once the R&B era of the early to mid 60’s rolled around, the experimentation spawned rocksteady. But the greatest catalyst for the music’s rapid evolution would only arrive once H.I.M Haile Selassie , Emperor Of Ethiopia, visited Jamaica in the late 60’s. The “in the flesh” evidence that the black dynasty was no myth exploded the movement to such a level, it became a cause for concern once it reached the confines of middle and upper class Jamaica in the late 60’s.The existing social strata within the island forced an ideological segregation within the movement, the two most popular being the Bobo and the 12 tribe. This split contrast in “Rasta” ideology was deeply ingrained in the music which emitted from each tribe. The puritan Nyabinghi sound was retained somewhat, by the Bobo along with the chanting principle. The 12 tribe on the other hand created a slow, smooth folk sound with thought provoking limericks and acoustic guitar accompaniment, occasionally accentuated with a Nyabinghi derivative. Unlike Nyabinghi where the drum was the center of the soundscape, the 12 tribe soundscape was centered on the acoustic guitar. It is this sound that became the trademark of the greats we know today. However it was not until Bob Marley and the Gang met Chris Blackwell, did it obtain the “Rock and Roll” accents which commercialized the music on an international level. Since then reggae has evolved, surely, spawning many sub-genres, fusions and soundscapes from its womb, the latest being Reggaeton. Yet despite all the various children that have been derived from Reggae it has not lost its core identity. We the listeners have just forgotten it. Reggae in its true essence is not only an art form. But it is the cultural epitaph of the Jamaican people; It the indigenous identity of a proud nation which has influenced millions worldwide. It is the voice of Rasta, and as this generation redefines the sound, reggae at its core will always be the music of reason. Selah.

10th, NORRIS MAN BEATEN BY SIZZLA’S ENTOURAGE - What a way Norris Man persistent! The man cause two riot at St. Mary Mi Come From when an army of bobos descended on him and beat him to a pulp after he told Sizzla to 'suck his madda' while both of them were onstage. Norris Man had been waiting backstage while Sizzla was performing an extended set. Norris Man walked onstage and began to perform. He told Norris Man to behave himself and leave the stage, and then Norris Man blurted out what could have been his death warrant when he said 'suck yu madda'. Sizzla simply said, 'what yu tell me 'bout mi madda' and suddenly, a small army of turban-wearing men began to beat Norris Man savagely. In the meantime, Sizzla continued to deejay as if nothing had happened. The onstage altercation caused a melee at the front of the stage, as some rastafarians in the crowd began to jump onstage in an earnest attempt to beat Norris Man as well. Capleton was able to restore order with a long stream of expletives and the show resumed. However, later, Norris Man returned onstage and appealed to the people, 'see what dem do me' and this time, he was boxed and mauled, and dragged off the stage like a ragdoll by another set of angry rastafarians. The crowd was terrified by what they were witnessing and there were several mini-stampedes throughout the packed venue. One man shouted in awe: "Ah suicide Norris Man waah commit, why him go up there again?' Norris Man is not backing down from any future confrontation with Sizzla or his entourage following his beat-down at the hands of Sizzla's turban-wearing Rastafarian supporters at the 'St. Mary Mi Come From' over the weekend. “Ah country Sizzla come from, me ah original West Kingston man, me no haffi buy friend. Him fi know that as long as him live, him diss me,” he told One876Entertainment.

The major television stations have been carrying footage of the incident that occurred during Lady Saw’s set when Sizzla walked on and began to deejay. Norris Man entered the stage and declared that he had rehearsed with the Jah Prophecy band and was there to perform. He then deejayed his hit, Big Long Gun Go Over Dem Yard on the Red Bull & Guinness rhythm to a roar of approval from the crowd. “Hope anno me you a talk, Norris Man. Come offa me (expletive) stage,” Sizzla said. Chastened, Norris Man then uttered what many believe to be his death warrant when he responded with a derogatory remark about Sizzla’s mother. He was then attacked and punched several times by several men, even when he had thrown up his hands in apparent surrender; the blows seemed to come from all sides. After Capleton rushed in to part the melee, Sizzla continued to perform, saying: “Norris Man, me a badman, mi nuh haffi cuss bad word, a Kingston me come from.” Then he promised that ‘some big long gun ah run out pon dem", and the crowd went wild. Some people have said that the two had had some amount of friction because Sizzla felt Norris Man’s song on the RBG was a counteraction to Big Long Gun on the Applause rhythm. Two days after the incident, Norris Man is still angry at the onstage attack. He promised that he would ‘see’ Sizzla’s entourage soon, and that they were hiding from him. “Sizzla violate me...mi no punk inna war, why dem nah drive out? Nuh dem have all the machines dem? Right now, mi waan hear wah dem haffi say about this ting 'cause right now, mi nah go to no police wid my ting. Me know the whole ah dem who lick me, tell dem say dem nuffi run and hide, me ah see the whole ah dem. Dem anno artiste, and my fans waan see dem,” he said. He said he was ready for a lyrical and a physical confrontation with those who were responsible for attacking him. In the meantime, Claudette Kemp, Capleton’s manager, said that the David House camp would soon be issuing a press release regarding the annual show.

Source: One876Entertainment

2nd, LEGENDARY DUB POET LINTON KWESI JOHNSON TO PERFORM @ DURHAM LITERATURE FESTIVAL 2007

Linton Kwesi Johnson is one of the most influential black poets in Britain, widely known and admired for his dub poetry: poems performed over reggae backings. He has pursued parallel careers as an activist and musician, often performing with reggae bands, releasing mostly on his own label, LKJ records. Johnson's first book, Voices of the Living and the Dead (1974) announced his intention of being at the forefront of the struggle of black people. He documented the Brixton riots in the early 1980s in poems such as 'Di Great Insohreckshan'. Often stark and violent, his work is leavened by humour, as in the title poem of his 1980 collection, Englan is a Bitch. Do not miss out on this rare visit to the North East. Daljit Nagra has also brought a new voice to British poetry, representing the Asian immigrant experience in poems that are by turns touching and comic. Like the work of Linton Kwesi Johnson, Nagra's poetry is created for the page but its rhythms and wit take on a new life in performance. His eagerly awaited debut collection Look We Have Coming to Dover! was published earlier this year by Faber and Faber, and the title poem won the 2004 Forward Prize for Best Individual Poem.

Venue: Gala Theatre
Date: Thursday 11th October
Time: 7.30pm
Price: £9 / £7conc.
Address: Millennium Place, Durham, County Durham DH1 1WA.

- Julho -

04, TRIBO DE JAH GANHA O PREMIO TODDY DE MÚSICA INDEPENDENTE - MELHOR ÁLBUM DE REGGAE/SKA, No último dia 04/07, no auditório Elis Regina no Parque do Anhembi em São Paulo, recebeu vários artistas e profissionais do mercado fonográfico de todo o Brasil para o Prêmio Toddy de música independente!. Concorrendo pela segunda vez ao prêmio (em 2006 conseguiu mais de 700 votos) este ano a TRIBO DE JAH com mais 1700 votos levou para casa o Prêmio de Melhor álbum de Reggae/Ska com o álbum “THE BABYLON INSIDE” que juntamente com o álbum “LOVE TO THE WORLD, PEACE TO THE PEOPLE” (em inglês), comemora os 20 anos de carreira da banda, que saiu do Maranhão para conquistar o Brasil e o mundo. A TRIBO DE JAH agradece e deseja à todos que votaram bons fluídos e Jah Bless!!

- Junho -

26, Danish-born reggae siren killed in car crash.

Thrity-two-year-old Danish-born reggae singer Natasja Scrul was killed and two others injured in a car accident along the Hellshire main road, St Catherine early Sunday morning.

The singer and friends, the Observer understands, left Saturday night's Portmore Awards where Natasja had performed.

Reports from the Constabulary Communication Network (CCN) are that at about 5:45 am, a Toyota Corolla motor car, registered 6627 EM, was travelling along the Hellshire main road towards the beach. It is said that the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a utility pole. The injured three were rushed to the Spanish Town Hospital where the singer was pronounced dead.

"Last year she won the Red Stripe, Irie FM Big Break contest, said the late singer's manager Stephen Greg, "she's a regular here and she loves Jamaica". He told the Observer that Natasja was scheduled to fly back to Denmark on Friday and was only visiting to put some finishing touches on her album.

"She was doing some work on her album with Sly and Robbie, Arif Cooper and she had done collaborations with Ninja Man, Lady G, among others," Greg shared.

Her friend 'Lady G' is deeply saddened, admitting that she could not fathom her death after seeing her mere minutes before the accident.

"Everytime it come 'cross me mind, but me jus' cyaan believe seh Natasja gone," the female performer shared. 'Lady G' noted that she had called up Natasja during a group performance with Macka Diamond and Queen Paula at "Nuffy's show".

At the same time, the veteran act said that she is trying to be optimistic about her friend's passing.
"Me jus' a look pon it from a positive angle...at least me did get fe spend the last couple hours wid har."

Irie FM marketing director Brian Schimdt expressed similar sentiments, adding that the news put a "damper on everybody [at Irie FM]". He noted that because of the association with last year's competition, he came to know the late singer as, "bubbly and engaging". He added that the singer had recently stopped by the radio station to drop off new music and have everyone know what new projects she was working on.

"She was in the prime of her career," Greg said, adding that the driver of the vehicle had fled the scene but turned himself in yesterday morning.

"The police are doing investigations as to what state he was in when the accident happened, right after the accident he was missing and I think that ought to be questioned," Greg said.

Summer 2006 saw Natasja win Irie FM’s influential “Big Break” contest in Jamaica! 700 contestants, 12 finalists – but only one winner! NATASJA. She's the first non-Jamaican ever to win the contest, and the exposure she is getting over there right now is tremendous!

Born in Copenhagen 1974, Natasja grew up listening to her mother's collection of Dennis Brown and Bob Marley Records. This would mark the early steps in a life filled with music. - A life that has become as busy as ever during the past year.

Natasja’s debut on stage was at the mere age of 13 when she started singing /”dee-jaying” in Copenhagen with local Jamaican soundsystem Sky Juice and was noticed at a concert opening for Macka B and Arriwa Posse, where Mad Professor himself was blown away by her talent.

She was ahead of her time alongside with Miss Mukupa and McEmzee introducing raggamuffin to the Danish hip hop community in the early nineties with the group called No Name Requested. During that period the girls did a lot of shows and travelled with artists such as: Queen Latifa, Das EFX, Tribe Called Quest and Massive Attack opened shows for people like Ninja Man, Charlie Chaplin and Lexxus, including a jam session in the studio with UB40. Natasja’s talent has impressed many people from the reggae scene, which has led to studio recordings, live performances and press coverage in Jamaica.

Unfortunately Natasja suffered serious injuries due to a crash with a racehorse in 1998, during her education to become a professional jockey. The accident slowed her musical career down for a while, but luckily you can’t keep a good woman down and soon after she would be pursuing her recording career again...

During Summer 2004 she released the 12" ‘Cover Me’, and later the 7" ‘Summercute’ followed one year later by her long anticipated debut album ‘Release’. Furthermore she has featured on the hit-single ‘Cigar’ from Denmark’s chartbusting dancehall trio Bikstok Røgsystem, and has also recorded with German reggae institution Germaicans on the Rodeo riddim. Additionally she featured on the new album of Africa Unite. Natasja recently stepped up to the super league of reggae and recorded with legends Sly & Robbie in their studio in Jamaica. Furthermore she had legendary studio engineer Bulby do the mixing duties on the forthcoming revised international version of ‘Release’.

Natasja has been touring in many different countries with her band ‘The Ragga Pack’ or with her soundsystem set up. In 2006 you could find Natasja at Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest in Jamaica, Popkomm Reggae Festival in Berlin, Uppsala Reggae Festival in Sweden, SPOT, Roskilde Festival in Denmark, and the legendary Sting Festival in Jamaica to name some.... Natasja is now ready to hit more international stages in 2007 - Big tings a gwaan!

About NATASJA
DONATIONS TO NATASJA'S MOM - UPDATED

Many things have happened during the last three days since we lost Natasja. As a stress relief amid this sad situation it turns out that Natasja was ensured through DJBFA (Danish organization for songwriters and composers) that will at least cover the costs of bringing home Natasja's remains. So the previous cry of help collection in order to bring back Natasja's remains is cancelled! However Natasja's mom's financial situation is stretched and many people think that Natasja deserves a beautiful funeral and that family in Denmark should have some economic relief in these difficult times. Natasja’s mom invested a lot in her daughters career, sometimes more than she could afford, and one of Natasja’s biggest wishes when she was alive was to one day be able to pay back her mom everything she got from her.

Friends and colleagues of Natasja have been wishing to start collections for Natasja's mom and others already did collect on the day that Natasja died, like it happened at Rub’a’Dub club last Sunday. Anyone wishing to relief Natasja's moms situation can do so by donating money on the bank account below which is set up as a trust fund with the sole purpose of paying for transportation of Natasja’s remains and to pay for her funeral. Any excess funds from the collection will be donated to The Red Cross effort to fight AIDS in Africa. The last cause has always been one of Natasja's greatest wishes to support.

Bank info:
Account number (incl. reg. no.): 3121 3121656760
Swift code: dabadkkk
IBAN: dk4030003121656760

Note: This is a new account number – donations paid to the previous posted account number has also reached Natasja’s mom.

/Peter Skovsted, Musicall Management

ALL OF NATASJA's FRIENDS REGRET THEIR LOSS AND YOURS! OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH HER FAMILY AND MOTHER IN THESE HARSH TIMES, TERRIBLE WORLD WHEN THE GOOD PEOPLE GOES FIRST. R.I.P. ANGEL!

03, apartir de hoje Reggae Portugal com duas horas de programa, entre as 21 e as 23h, TUNE IN !

- Maio -

08, Oba Train é o primeiro álbum a ser editado pela Gumalaka e chega às lojas no dia 28 de Maio! A Gumalaka surge da união de esforços entre a editora Matarroa e a Radio Fazuma. Sendo ambas as entidades referências ao nível da música independente nacional, dentro de áreas mais ou menos específicas, da simpatia existente ao nível musical surgiu a amizade, sendo de certa forma espontânea (e extremamente rápida), a ideia de união de esforços entre ambas. O objectivo da Gumalaka é a edição de música independente de cariz enrolado, tendo sempre como missão prioritária, o prazer de divulgar música e artistas que, de outra forma, dificilmente conseguiriam ver a sua arte exposta. Terrakota - Oba Train - O comboio da vida transporta uma tripulação itinerante - a Humanidade. O comboio não pára a sua viagem e o movimento não tem limites nem fronteiras. O seu trajecto é definido pelo Cosmos e a sua força motora é a sua própria energia. Por vezes, a tripulação desvia-o para caminhos tortuosos, perigosos... ele perde o controle e quase que descarrila criando um desequilíbrio em toda a tripulação entrando por túneis tão escuros que o fim parece quase eminente, como agora !!!! Então, abranda a marcha, encarrila de novo e segue a todo o gás voltando a repor na tripulação força, consciência e amor lançando de novo o Oba Train na direcção certa! Este 3º álbum de originais dos Terrakota é uma viagem musical pelos diversos trajectos da viagem do Oba Train, cheio de sons quentes com tempêro africano que vai passando por diferentes estados de espírito da sua tripulação. Vivemos numa epóca de transição, em que tudo acontece muito rápido, muito arrítmico, em que o respeito pela vida e pelo nosso ecossistema se está a dissipar… a Mãe terra começa a estar desiludida com um dos seus filhos: o homem e a sua humanidade. Movidos pelo apelo da patchamama, os Terrakota decidem, quase que expontaneamente neste disco, contar à humanidade um pouco do que ela tem feito de mal e do que pode fazer de bem… viajando em torno do planeta incessantemente para tentar fazê-lo girar na direcção contrária... Deslizando nos carris do afro-beat// reggae// mbalax// raggamuffin// wassolon// dub// rai// flamenco// salsa rock// rap// zouk// chimurenga. O Oba Train vai de continente em continente expressando-se em português// wolof// inglês// youruba// francês// dioula// castelhano// krioulo// árabe… sem nunca parar, nem nos postos fronteiriços!!!! A sua tripulação é homogénea e mestiça e conduz-nos nesta viagem pelo mais belo e mais puro que nos é confiado… a Vida!

- Abril -

29, O novo álbum dos Terrakota chama-se "Oba Train" e será lançado em Maio através da Gumalaka Records em Portual. Entretanto "È Verdade" já tocou no programa deste Domingo.

18, NOVO EP DE JAHVAI JÁ NO PRÓXIMO MÊS DE MAIO

A banda portuguesa de reggae JahVai lança o seu primeiro trabalho de originais no final do mês de Maio. O EP terá o nome de "Aguenta a Pressão" e aliará uma musicalidade única a letras que alternam entre a celebração da vida o interventivo, retratando uma realidade comum a todas as banda: a luta pelo reconhecimento do mercado português. "Aguenta a Pressão" é um EP que fala sobre as dificuldades que enfrentra uma banda em Portugal, sobre a pressão que existe para nos dedicarmos a uma vida normal e abandonar os sonhos. Mais do que os problemas que dizem respeito à gravação dos trabalhos, aos espaços para tocar ou à divulgação dos meios de comunicação tantas vezes abordadas, fala-se de relações humanas de respeito e preserverança, são relatos sobre a necessidade de ter um emprego que consome tempo e energia, sobre o abdicar do tempo com os filhos, as famílias, a luta contra os monopólios do mercado musical nacional. Este é o relato de uma vida, ou melhor, dez vidas, dez culturas, que se unem num local de trabalho, dedicação e esforço, como a musicalidade do EP irá confirmar. Esta é, portanto, uma fase crucial para este projecto, em que a divulgação é essencial, pelo que a banda está disponível para entrevistas, concertos e todas as formas de divulgação. JahVai agradece a atenção e a dedicação por tornar possível este projecto adiante. Jahbless - JahVai.

5, A página Reggae Portugal comemora hoje o sexto aniversário a título oficial, queremos desde já agradecer aos mais de 700 mil visitantes que contribuíram para a respeitabilidade e credibilidade que o projecto atingiu ao longo dos anos. A todos um BIG RESPECT !

- Março -

31, Depois de 10 anos, Ras Bernardo volta com disco novo !

Depois de dez anos afastado dos estúdios, Ras Bernardo lança "Jah é Luz". A nova fase traz de volta para a cena brasileira do reggae um pioneiro de trabalho renovado.

O disco tem uma sonoridade crua e pesada, com arranjos minimalistas e uma mixagem presente e radical. Uma linguagem ao mesmo tempo atual, com a pegada única, emocionante e emocionada de Bernardo. A mixagem final ficou a cargo do engenheiro de som e produtor musical MPC, do Digitaldubs, e a masterização foi feita na Alemanha por Neil Perch, o "cabeça" do Zion Train.

Para marcar o esperado lançamento, o cantor vai ser apresentar em São Paulo, no dia 31 de março no Studio SP e dia 6 de abril no Rio de Janeiro no Teatro Odisséia.

19, O Núcleo de Rádio da Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade de Lisboa é parte integrante da Associação de estudantes da mesma faculdade e é um grupo sem fins lucrativos. A Rádio pretende ser um meio onde os alunos possam ter acesso a momentos de criatividade, em que serão explorados assuntos de carácter cultural, cientifico e cívico através da divulgação informativa e artística. Pretende igualmente incentivar os alunos para assuntos relativos á comunidade em que estão integrados: a comunidade farmacêutica. Este núcleo tem como grande objectivo a longo prazo poder emitir para um numero mais alargado de pessoas e não fica apenas limitado á sua faculdade de origem. Como tal, precisa de uma imensa restruturação. O primeiro passo já foi iniciado, pela junção de um núcleo de jovens que luta arduamente em prol deste projecto. Falta-nos, no entanto poder adquirir material mais adequado ao bom funcionamento da rádio, pois o que possuímos é muito rudimentar e impossibilita a evolução do núcleo. È nosso desejo também poder dar a formação radiofónica aos interessados em fazer rádio pois de momento somos apenas um grupo de jovens amantes de música sem formação nesta área. Se tens uma banda, és DJ ou VJ, envia a tua maquete para purplesessions@gmail.com até 5 de abril e podes vir a tocar no Musicbox. A Produção.

- Fevereiro -

25, O Programa de rádio - Reggae Portugal - está de volta ás airwaves, todos os Domingos...aqui.

01, Depois da edição de autor "ARSHA", que reúne três temas originais, Arsha prepara-se para lançar o seu primeiro "trabalho" e prepara já uma tourné.

Arsha é a fusão de diferentes influências num som próprio que navega pelo Reggae, Dub Ska e Funk. Consagrando a sua presença no meio artístico com a participação na colectânea "COPA REGGAE", editada pela Família Fazuma com o apoio da Antena 3, a banda setubalense revelou-se em 2006 como uma das mais promissoras do momento.

A sonoridade da banda resulta num equilíbrio de instrumentos que vão desde a percussão (djambés, congas, bateria, entre outros) até ao sopro, às cordas e teclas. Preparados para dar a conhecer o seu som e ritmo característicos, Arsha vão contagiar Portugal com o espírito de união e paz que define o Reggae!

Arsha prepara-se agora para dar a conhecer o seu trabalho ao grande público, em português. (brevemente disponível na página Reggae Portugal.)

- Janeiro -

26, Sly & Robbie revisitam os Grammys:

Os Riddim Twins, Sly (bateria) e Robbie (baixo) estiveram com Sinead O'Connor no lançamento do seu novo álbum “Throw Down Your Arms', no Liguanea Club, Bulevar de Knutsford, New Kingston, em Agosto 2005. No mundo da música, Sly & Robbie são lendas. Por mais de 30 anos, a parceria do baterista, Lowell “Sly” Dunbar, e o baixista, Robert “Robbie” Shakespeare produziram alguns dos Riddims mais inovadores do reggae. Reconhecidos pelos seus esforços, o duo tem sido visitantes frequentes nos Grammy e este ano estiveram outra vez, na 49ª edição dos Grammy, nomeados para a categoria de reggae. Competindo contra eles estiveram Buju Banton, Ziggy Marley, UB40 e Matisyahu Miller. O duo magnífico ganhou o seu primeiro Grammy na primeira edição da recente criada categoria de reggae nos Grammys, fazendo parte do grupo Black Uhuru com o álbum “Anthem”. Trabalharam também na música “Hey Babe” dos No Doubt’s que ganhou o Grammy- de melhor canção(onde colaborou Bounty Killer) e também em “Underneath It All” (com a Lady Saw), e foram nomeados para a categoria do melhor desempenho instrumental de R&B para a musica “Bass and Trouble” do álbum “Language Barrier”. Foram nomeados por quatro vezes, e ganharam em 1998 com o álbum “For Friends”.

O 45º album

Os Riddim Twins já tocaram mais 200.000 canções, não contando as remixes, versões, e dubs. “Rhythm Double” é o 45º álbum editado, contudo nunca deixaram a fama atormenta-los. Sly diz, “A maioria dos álbuns nomeados, não eram esperados, nós nunca tentamos fazer álbuns para Grammys. A primeira vez que ganhamos estávamos em New York, e alguém disse-nos que tínhamos ganhado, nós sentimos bem. Durante anos temos admirado esse pequeno Gramofone”. Ainda, de acordo com Sly, é sempre bom ser consistentemente recordado pelo seu trabalho. Robbie também comenta “é sempre bom quando somos nomeados para algo. Para os Grammys as pessoas fazem uma porção de trabalhos e só alguns são reconhecidos”. Rhythm Doubles, foi lançado em Setembro de 2006, e contou com uma mistura de velhos e novos artistas, tais como Chaka Demus and Pliers, Maxi Priest e Lady Saw entre numerosos artistas novos. Sly Dunbar disse estar contente com os novatos que apareceram no álbum, que terão uma grande exposição com as nomeações.”No álbum há muitos bons artistas novos; nós sentimos bem por eles. Tem o Mitch Alaine, uma menina de Miami, Conrad Crystal como DJ e mais,“ disse ele. A combinação de velho e novos conduziram a uma combinação sublime do veterano Beres Hammond e uma cantora para Love Sound. Há também um sabor internacional com uma batida muito Cubana, também a aparição de Wyclef Jean e Ali Campbell de UB40. Rhythm Doubles mostra uma variedade de sons, com batidas razoavelmente simples. “As influências musicais estão agora a mover-se, pondo o reggae em áreas diferentes. Há um efeito Cubano com El Cubancherio. Nós já tocávamos o reggaeton antes que de se chamar reggaeton. Começou com o nome que nós o chamamos Latreggae, mistura de música Latina e do reggae. Reggaeton começou por ai. Nós fazíamos música para que as pessoas apreciem, levando a musica aos povos num formato simples para que compreendam. Eu não me preocupo com as vendas dos álbuns; Eu olho é para as pessoas nos espectáculos que nos ouvem. Nós tocamos para os povos. Se vender é fixe, se não é fixe também” Disse Sly.

Unperturbed

Não há muito que soe assim tão imperturbável, mas Sly e Robbie provaram que para eles é simplesmente a música e nada mais. Como para eles, se não ganharem não é uma perda, Robbie afirma que os outros concorrentes são também indivíduos talentosos. Sly diz que “os outros são bons e estamos na desportiva com eles. Eu gosto de Buju como uma pessoa, e todos vejo dessa maneira. Eu gosto da música deles. Se nós ganharmos, nós somos os mesmos povos, se não ganharmos somos os mesmos. Nós produzimos duas músicas no álbum do Matisyahu e tocamos nelas. Ele entrou em contacto connosco para fazer duas músicas, e... Um dos singles lançados chama-se Jerusalem ". Sly e Robbie são reconhecidos também no álbum “TooBad” de Buju Banton, nomeado também para o Grammy, pelo seu trabalho na produção do grande single, Drive. Como Robbie disse alegremente, “em qualquer um a nossa presença está lá.“ Sendo um de três Jamaicanos nomeados na categoria, Sly dá as boas vindas à presença dos artistas estrangeiros na música local. O “Reggae é grande, ele chega a diferentes seguidores, eles passam a ter uma ideia da música reggae em todo mundo. Tudo que pode fazer ao reggae é desenvolve-la. A música está a chegar à era onde é aceitada por todos”. Infelizmente o duo não ira comparecer na cerimónia dos Grammys porque estarão a trabalhar no estúdio com os UB40. Os dois comentaram também o frenesin das escolhas do Grammys dos críticos que reivindicam as suas necessidades de separar as categorias para o dancehall e o reggae. Sly e Robbie ambos, explicaram que havia uma necessidade para os jamaicanos em ter a sua próprio cerimonia. “Os Grammys não são jamaicanos. Ao criarem a categoria de reggae apenas mostraram respeito por nós, pois podem facilmente retira-lo. Não é sobre o reggae ou o dancehall, é sobre a música jamaicana. O que nós necessitamos é criar o nosso próprio Awards,“.

Trabalhando com os melhores artistas internacionais e locais, Sly e Robbie não pretendem ir para nenhuma parte, mas planeiam sempre em fazer boa musica.

Por: Nuno Moreira.

10, A Junta de Freguesia e a Organização do Festival de Música Moderna de Corroios, informam que a edição de 2007 está oficialmente em marcha!

Pelo Festival de Corroios, a maioria com as suas primeiras canções produzidas e editadas em CD, brotaram nomes hoje reconhecidos como os «Luazzuri»/1996 (com David Rossi - actualmente no projecto Zedisaneonlight - Zona Música), «Sirius»/1996 (UHF – alguns elementos fazem parte da formação que acompanha António Manuel Ribeiro), «Yellow W Van»/2000 (assinaram contrato com a editora Universal em 2001), «Factos Reais»/2001 (com os trabalhos "Será Justo" editado em 2003 e “Plano B” editado pela Matarroa no final de 2005), «Ashfield»/2002 (segundo lugar no Termómetro Unplugged 2003), «Plasma»/2003 (vencedores em 2004 do concurso “Alarga a Tua Vida” da Alcatel, na categoria Pop-Rock), «The Poppers»/2004 (“Boys Keep Swinging”- Rastilho Records-2006), «UMEED» e «Sugar» 2005, «New onnection»/2006 (“Guts” - Mouraria Records - 2006) entre muitos outros como: «Easyway», «Orgasmo», «Triplet», «You Should Go Ahead», «Dapunksportif» ou «Daza Cominatcha».

A edição de 2007 vai seleccionar os 10 projectos mais talentosos do momento, para apresentarem o seu trabalho em palco, durante 5 sessões. As inscrições estão abertas até dia 2 de Fevereiro de 2007 e o regulamento pode ser consultado no endereço http://festivalmusica.jf-corroios.pt, juntamente com os contactos do Festival. Muito brevemente contamos ter o novo site acabado e disponível on-line.

São várias as novidades para 12ª edição. A maior vai para a inclusão de uma banda convidada em cada sessão, procurando valorizar projectos que tendo dado passos importantes, continuam a sentir dificuldades em alcançar o patamar mais elevado da música nacional.

A filosofia “on tour” do último Festival vai continuar. A novidade a este nível vai para a parceria com a Associação Toca a Rufar, que permitirá a realização da primeira noite no espaço Tambor Q Fala - Casal do Marco/Seixal. Outras entidades e órgãos de comunicação social já confirmaram o seu apoio ao Festival: Câmara Municipal do Seixal, Boom Estúdio, FNAC Almada, EST do Politécnico de Setúbal, Cotonete, Portal Palco Principal e Portal A Garagem. Estamos a realizar diversos contactos com outras entidades para parcerias que possam potenciar o trabalho em prol da nova música portuguesa. A organização do Festival encontra-se receptiva a propostas de empresas, associações e órgãos de comunicação social que pretendam associar-se ao evento.

Após a vitória dos lisboetas NEW CONNECTION, que se encontram em estúdio a gravar o seu CD, o Festival volta com vontade de continuar um percurso firme e convicto nos princípios que o iniciaram em 1996.

Mais do que nos lamentarmos perante a apatia daqueles que teimam em desaproveitar o enorme talento de uma cultura musical jovem e verdadeira que se exprime sem disfarçar o que pensa, há que procurar cada vez mais, apesar do espaço difícil e limitado em que nos movemos, distinguir a Música Moderna Portuguesa, até que haja alguém para escutá-la. Corroios é outra Música!

Fonte: Junta de Freguesia de Corroios.

04, LOS ANGELES (Billboard) – 2006 foi um ano em que Sean Paul liderou a Billboard Reggae Álbuns Chart, pelo segundo ano consecutivo, mas o grande destaque foi Matisyahu, um Judeu que assaltou os mercados mundiais com a música “King Without a Crown”. Embora “The Trinity” de Sean Paul tenha sido lançado em Setembro de 2005, foi só em 2006 que começou a vender bem graças ao single “Temperature”, Nº1 hit da Billboard chart em Abril 2006. Ele que foi o 2º artista de reggae do ano. O álbum “Live at Stubb’s” do Nova-iorquino Matisyahu tomou de assalto as rádios de rock com o hit “King Without a Crown”, que foi Nº 2 do chat. O single “Youth” que foi Nº3 da Billboard 200 pop álbuns logo na sua estreia em Março, acabou por ser a musica Nº 3 do ano também. A família Marley também andou pelo “top-five”, Damian “Jr.Gong” Marley, foi Nº 4 com o álbum vencedor dos Grammys “Welcome to Jamrock”, enquanto que B.M.W. atingiu o Nº 5 com “Africa Unite: The Singles Collection”. Bob ainda teve mais 2 discos nos tops “Gold” na 6ª posição, e “20 Best of Bob marley” no Nº 15 da Billboard chart. Willie Nelson e Sinead O’Connor estiveram também em destaque no mundo do reggae com os respectivos álbuns “Coutryman” e “Trow Down Your Arms” que acabaram o ano na 10ª e 11ª Posição da reggae chart.

Reuters/Billboard

Por: Nuno Moreira.

01, TOUR DO MADIÉ 2007 - Depois de ter lançado “Guerrilheiro”, em Abril deste ano, Kussondulola vai dar início, em Janeiro de 2007, à Tour do Madié, que integra o lançamento de várias edições musicais. Fazendo uma retrospectiva da digressão da banda em 2006, Kussondulola Record lançará quatro novos discos e um DVD, como edições especiais limitadas, que irão acompanhar a actividade de merchandising da nova Tour do Madié:
O DVD “Avante Mayombe” e os CDs áudio “Mayombe - Live”, “Floresta do Mayombe - Live” registam ao vivo os melhores momentos da Tour Mayombe, em concertos memoráveis realizados, por exemplo, na Ilha do Faial, na Festa do Avante! e no espectáculo de encerramento desta digressão, em Lamego (Novembro de 2006). Duas outras edições especiais, registadas em estúdio, serão lançadas no próximo ano: “Musseque” reúne temas de duas actuações de Kussondulola, uma com a presença de um leque alargado de músicos, em auditório, e outra captada no Programa.. da Rádio Comercial. Ambos têm uma sonoridade acústica. Algumas destas músicas nunca foram editadas, fazendo parte da biblioteca musical de Kussondulola Record. “Maiado” reúne temas editados em algumas colectâneas editadas em Portugal e Espanha, participações de Janelo da Costa em outros projectos – caso da Linha da Frente – e algumas composições que não chegaram a integrar a discografia da banda, ao longo dos últimos anos. Voltamos ao presente: no início de 2007 Kussondulola vai editar o seu novo álbum de originais “Madié”, que se fará acompanhar de um DVD Live. Já em Janeiro próximo, a banda dará início à Tour do Madié, através de uma série de concertos agendados para os quatro Sábados deste mês (dias 6, 13, 20 e 27), a realizar no Café Teatro da Comuna, em Lisboa.

Neste espectáculo serão apresentados e gravados vários temas em DVD e CD áudio para virem a integrar as próximas edições de Kussondulola em 2007. O objectivo é convidar os nossos fãs a participar deste novo trabalho, registando simultaneamente imagens e som do arranque desta nova tournée, o que nunca aconteceu anteriormente. “Madié” consiste num projecto de inspiração em alguns sucessos nacionais dos anos 80, com arranjos e letras originais da autoria de kussondulola. Musicalmente, continuamos a desenvolver o género Kilapangasembareggae, (Kilapanga – ritmo tradicional da África Bantu; Semba -música urbana angolana; Reggae - folclore da Jamaica), a que se junta toda a influencia musical da lusófonia (Guitarra Portuguesa, Berimbau, Surdo, Cuica). Ao nível da composição dos temas, o álbum centra-se totalmente na temática da Criação. Como a Bíblia explica, Criação significa que o Deus Todo-Poderoso projectou e trouxe à existência o Universo, integrando outras pessoas espirituais e todas as espécies básicas de vida na Terra.

«CARROS ELÉCTRICOS, ELECTRODOMÉSTICOS, UM DIA TODOS ELES VÃO PARAR DE FUNCIONAR
PORQUE O MORCEGO CONSEGUE VIVER, CONSEGUE VIVER 20 A 30 ANOS, A TARTARUGA, TARTARUGA GIGANTE CONSEGUE VIVER 150 ANOS, O ELEFANTE CONSEGUE VIVER, CONSEGUE VIVER 70 ANOS».

Fonte: Página oficial de Kussondulola.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

- Dezembro -

12, STEELE CONFIRMED FOR REBEL SALUTE 2007. (apenas em inglês)

Rebel Salute, regarded as the biggest one-day cultural reggae event in Jamaica, attracting over 30,000 fans annually, has just recently confirmed the inclusion of the Canadian reggae sensation Steele in their 2007 artist lineup. Every year visitors from all over the world and Jamaicans alike, converge on Kaisers Sport Ground in St. Elizabeth to fulljoy a night of positive vibration. This event, started by veteran artist Tony Rebel, has grown to such magnitude that it's become a staple in the Jamaican society, and is now one of the "must attend" shows in Jamaica. Rebel Salute has created a platform for many up and coming artists to gain massive exposure globally. Steele is both humbled and overjoyed to be a part of such a great event.

Steele, regarded as one of the most consistent artists to come out of Canada, has seen his music develop to the point where he continues to be included in many top ten charts around the world. He has remained true to his belief of positivity within his music and views this opportunity as a natural progression toward higher heights for his music. Steele says, "Firstly, I want to say thanks to the almighty father for his continued blessings, thanks to Tony Rebel who has given me this opportunity, and thanks to all my fans who have always supported my work and have encouraged me to keep doing what I do. I am also grateful to all forms of media, which include radio, newspaper/ magazine and TV, who have always taken the time to play my music, write about my work, play my video, or interview me. I say again that without you I am nothing. It is never a superstar thing for me; I just love to express myself musically. If I am given 5 minutes or 10 minutes on stage, this is another step in the right direction of bringing awareness to the fact that good talent exists all over the world and is not just in one particular market."

Other artists also confirmed for Rebel Salute include Richie Spice, Junior Kelly, Warrior King, Gentleman, Gregory Isaacs, and many more.

11, os nomeados para o Grammy de album Reggae do ano 2006 são :

Too Bad
Buju Banton
[Gargamel Music, Inc.]

Love Is My Religion
Ziggy Marley
[Tuff Gong Worldwide]

Youth
Matisyahu
[Epic/Or/JDub]

Rhythm Doubles
Sly & Robbie
[Taxi Records]

Who You Fighting For
UB40
[Rhino Entertainment]

O vencedor será anunciado no dia 11/02/2007 em Los Angeles.

- Novembro -

30, Gregory “Cool Ruler” Isaacs, a estrela de reggae internacional foi homenageada pelos seus 30 anos de carreira no dia 30/11/06, onde teve um papel fundamental de dar a conhecer a cultura musical jamaicana aos quatro quantos do mundo. A homenagem foi realizada por a alta comissária jamaicana Sharon Saunders, que entregou pessoalmente o prémio que destingue a carreira de Mr. “Cool Ruler”, como um dos grandes músicos jamaicanos.

21, O tão esperado álbum de Sizzla Kalonji "The Overstanding", está agendado para ser lançado nos mercados a 21 de Novembro. O álbum será distribuído pela DDMG/kalonji Records, e após o lançamento, Sizzla irá fazer uma tournée pela América para promover o seu novo cd. The overstanding, é um álbum muito prolífico, meditativo e melódico. A produção é resultado da colaboração de artistas da indústria do Reggae e Hip-Hop, que realizaram músicas de grande qualidade técnica e sonora. Ao longo do álbum Sizzla vai transmitindo mensagens de amor, mais educação para as crianças, a supressão da pobreza, o ensino de valores e a vida em geral. Sizzla é uma das maiores estrelas do Dancehall/Reggae que continua a abençoar o mundo com os seus grandes clássicos, álbum após álbum.

“ Elogiem o Ser Maior, H.I.M. Emperor haile Selassie I, Jah Rastafari.”

Por: Nuno Moreira

06, O album Mind Control de Stephen Marley será lançado no dia 06/02/2007 através da Ghetto Youths/Tuff
Gong/Universal-Republic. O disco tem participações especiais de Mos Def, Ben Harper, Junior Gong Marley no single,'The Traffic Jam'.

05, Brooklyn & Jamaica e Luv U Right são os dois primeiros avanços para o album "Mission In Progress" de Morgan Heritage com edição prevista para o verão de 2007.

- Outubro -

26, Edi Fitzroy assinou contrato com a King Step Recordings para a edição do album "Hold The Vibes".

11, O novo álbum de Sean Paul “ The Trinity” (VP/Atlantic) atingiu o topo da Reagge Chart, vendendo mais de 107.000 singles na 1ª semana, nesta que foi a maior estreia de um artista de reagge na historia de SoundScan . Foi um mês em grande para a música jamaicana: a a semana anterior, Damian Marley vendeu 86.000 na 1ª semana de lançamento, esta que foi a maior estreia que um lançamento de reagge deste que Nielsen SoundScan começou a contagem em 1991. No entanto o reinado de Damian foi curto, Sean Paul, o homem que colocou a Dancehall jamaicano no mapa, voltou em grande como #nº 7 da Billboard 200#, e # nº4 da R&B chart#, e claro #nº1 da Reagge chart#. “The Trinity” é o seguimento de “Dutty Rock” de 2002, sendo este o rei do record de vendas na 1ª semana de lançamento, atingindo os 65.000, tornando o dancehall num fenómeno global, com mais de 6 milhões de discos vendidos. Desse álbum saíram 4 singles que se tornaram em mega hit, e na coloboaração com grnade artistas como Beyonce, Jay-z, Busta e até com Sting nos Grammys de 2004. Com “the Trinity” sean Paul voltou a produzir grandes sons de reagge, dancehall e hip-hop.

O 1º single “we Be Burning”, destacou-se na Billboard R&B/ Hip-Hop chart como a maior entrada no Top 20, na 1ª semana de lançamento. O nome Trinity, deve-se ao facto de ter sido o 3º álbum (2º com a Atlantic), foi produzido ao longo de 3 anos, totalmente no 3º mundo. Este novo álbum já atingiu o mesmo patamar que o anterior “Dutty Rock”, e juntos transformaram a cena musical, mostrando a todo a mundo o verdadeiro Dancehall Jamaicano, que se matinha no circuito Underground , e dando a Sean Paul 1 Grammy, MTV Europe’s Best New Artist Award, Source, Mobo, Juno, e muitos mais premios internacionais de Reggae.

Por: Nuno Moreira

10, Sizzla Kalongi não morreu num acidente de carro!!! Os boatos que estão a circular na Internet sobre a morte de Sizzla são falsos!!! Amigos e fans de uma das maiores estrelas do reagge, tem estado num frenesins de respostas à alegada noticia dando conta de um acidente rodoviário fatal para Sizzla. Alguns dos autores desta noticia falsa já foram identificados e notificados. No entanto, Sizzla Kalongi, tem estado actuar para os seus fans em todo o mundo, espalhando mensagens sobre a necessidade de uma boa educação para as crianças. Recentemente visitou uma escola da sua comunidade, August Town, para estabelecer uma cooperação para centenas de crianças, tendo como lema “Voltar à escola”. A cooperação passa por dar assistência e material aos jovens que estão a preparar o novo ano lectivo. Sizzla irá fornecer refeições para todas as crianças, e acompanha-las, em conjunto com os seus pais.

Sizzla Kalongi tem estado a falar especialmente para as crianças em diversos eventos que tem participado, mostrando a importância de uma boa educação, mas também espera com a ajuda e envolvimento do governo no processo de uma forma informal. No fim-de-semana dos Heróis na Jamaica, Sizzla actuou para estudantes de um colégio espalhando as mesmas mensagens. A kalongi records pediu aos fans de Sizzla para continuarem a apoiá-lo e para se prepararem para o próximo álbum que será editado em breve. - Aos criadores dos boatos deveriam saber: “ Jah-Jah (Deus) é que faz as coisas acontecerem, e não eles!” Sizzla Kalongi estará em breve numa cidade perto de vocês. – Repartiação é uma prioridade, queremos voltar para Africa, Jah Rastafari King Selassie I.

Por: Nuno Moreira