In 2007 deejay Macka Diamond stepped on a few corns with her controversial first novel Bun Him. Now the dancehall diva is back with her second novel, The Real Gangster's Wife.
A deejay, designer, actress and mother, Macka Diamond has embraced many roles and once again is back to her job as a writer.
Having released what was dubbed Jamaica's first dancehall novel to good reviews, Macka Diamond is back with an even more nail-biting story. Coming off a high from her action-packed starring role in the Caribbean movie, Redemption of Paradise, which was shot in Antigua, Macka Diamond is looking to keep the action alive with her latest novel.
Being very tight-lipped about the project, when THE STAR spoke to the deejay she said it was the movie that inspired her second novel.
"When I was shooting the movie I would jot down a couple of things, that's what really inspired it. Bun Him was different and people have really been asking me for a sequel, but that woulda been something too easy, I wanted something more challenging. This one gets into the love and action more; dis one di man dem nah go bun mi out, dis a everybody sitten," Macka said.
Macka Diamond's first novel Bun Him... the Saga Continues was inspired by her popular song with Black-er called Bun Him. It was released by Page Turner Publishing House and distributed across the island by Sangster's Book Store. Macka also plans to release The Real Gangster's Wife with Page Turner and hopes it will be out by her birthday on January 12, 2010. Macka Diamond will be having a birthday bash in Little Copa, Bull Bay on January 9.
Like the first book, the second novel was written by Macka Diamond, but with the help of a co-author. However, this time around, she has a lot more experience saying: "I'm still in the learning stages and want it to be perfect, but this time around there will be less for them to really co-write. It's a great idea and improvement is there."
However, Macka Diamond admitted to being nervous about the upcoming release. "Mi kinda nervous because everyone wanted a Bun Him (part 2) but this is different. I hope dem like it though," she said. Macka Diamond says she is planning to bring her first novel, Bun Him, to the big screen, adapting it as a movie before she contemplates a possible sequel to the novel.
In the meantime, Macka Diamond has also been busy in the studio with a song called Wine and Galang Bad on the 'Double Impact' rhythm and an upcoming collaboration with Tony Matterhorn for Big Yard Music.
Source: Jamaica Star
Friday, November 13, 2009
Keiva the Diva is pregnant
Popular female dancer Keiva the diva, yesterday admitted to reports of her being pregnant.
The 30-year old dancer, business woman and now mother-to-be, confirmed with THE WEEKEND STAR that she was expecting to give birth to a child and expressed full confidence of her near role as mother that is fast approaching.
"I'm pregnant. I don't really tell anyone about it, but it's okay if they hear now. I don't want to say how long," said the dancer, born Keiva Hibbert.
But she did, however, disclose information about who the father is. The dancer, who gained popularity after featuring in Elephant Man's Log On video in 2001, revealed that the child's father is an American.
"The father lives in America and he's not the popular figure people would want to hear. I don't want to get too excited about it. Some people actually notice, while others will be hearing about it tomorrow (today)," she said, in a telephone interview.
The dancer said since she became aware of her pregnancy, she has cut down on the hectic partying and has only attended two weekly dances in the form of Wet and Passion Sundays, where she presented her most modest character.
Keiva, who is getting ready to have her first child remains hopeful that all will go well.
"I feel it's comfortable for a lady to have her first born smoothly. I'm definitely going to have a smooth one. I only party at Wet Sundays because it has enough room, and I only dance a little," she said.
The dancer, who recently opened her store Keiva's Kloset, located at Princeville Plaza, Shop #2, Constant Spring Road, said she has taken motherhood seriously and has employed a new lifestyle in hope of a perfect carriage.
"I'm enjoying motherhood right now. The book (What To Expect, When I'm Expecting, by Heidi Murkoff and Sheron Mazel) I'm reading is teaching me a lot. I'm waking up and sleeping at the right time now, eating on time, plus my mother (Beverley Reddie) gives strong support," said Keiva, who noticed her bodily changes after a vacation in the United States.
"I never know I was pregnant. I went on a vacation but after going to Passion Sundays I was feeling bad. Did a pregnancy test and later found out," she said. For now, fans can expect not to see Keiva on the dancefloor," she said.
She however, reassured, "I'm not going to stop dancing. It's in my jeans. I'm going to be a mom now, so things must change. My fans will just have to understand that."
After her child's birth, the medium-built dancer, known for the popular dance moves like Earthquake, sees herself being the example of a strong career-driven woman, who devotes enough time and energy into a child's development.
"How I'm going to cope? That's not a problem. When I was dancing people said it was going to be difficult running a store and thing. It's just that you have to know what's important," she said.
Source: Jamaica Star
The 30-year old dancer, business woman and now mother-to-be, confirmed with THE WEEKEND STAR that she was expecting to give birth to a child and expressed full confidence of her near role as mother that is fast approaching.
"I'm pregnant. I don't really tell anyone about it, but it's okay if they hear now. I don't want to say how long," said the dancer, born Keiva Hibbert.
But she did, however, disclose information about who the father is. The dancer, who gained popularity after featuring in Elephant Man's Log On video in 2001, revealed that the child's father is an American.
"The father lives in America and he's not the popular figure people would want to hear. I don't want to get too excited about it. Some people actually notice, while others will be hearing about it tomorrow (today)," she said, in a telephone interview.
The dancer said since she became aware of her pregnancy, she has cut down on the hectic partying and has only attended two weekly dances in the form of Wet and Passion Sundays, where she presented her most modest character.
Keiva, who is getting ready to have her first child remains hopeful that all will go well.
"I feel it's comfortable for a lady to have her first born smoothly. I'm definitely going to have a smooth one. I only party at Wet Sundays because it has enough room, and I only dance a little," she said.
The dancer, who recently opened her store Keiva's Kloset, located at Princeville Plaza, Shop #2, Constant Spring Road, said she has taken motherhood seriously and has employed a new lifestyle in hope of a perfect carriage.
"I'm enjoying motherhood right now. The book (What To Expect, When I'm Expecting, by Heidi Murkoff and Sheron Mazel) I'm reading is teaching me a lot. I'm waking up and sleeping at the right time now, eating on time, plus my mother (Beverley Reddie) gives strong support," said Keiva, who noticed her bodily changes after a vacation in the United States.
"I never know I was pregnant. I went on a vacation but after going to Passion Sundays I was feeling bad. Did a pregnancy test and later found out," she said. For now, fans can expect not to see Keiva on the dancefloor," she said.
She however, reassured, "I'm not going to stop dancing. It's in my jeans. I'm going to be a mom now, so things must change. My fans will just have to understand that."
After her child's birth, the medium-built dancer, known for the popular dance moves like Earthquake, sees herself being the example of a strong career-driven woman, who devotes enough time and energy into a child's development.
"How I'm going to cope? That's not a problem. When I was dancing people said it was going to be difficult running a store and thing. It's just that you have to know what's important," she said.
Source: Jamaica Star
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Reggae Sales Struggle, even Sean Paul cannot top 100,000 units
Sean Paul is still the top seller in the world of reggae-dancehall. The deejay has moved 70,917 copies of Imperial Blaze after 13 weeks while Matisyahu’s Light sold 58,698 after 11 weeks. Sean Paul’s previous album, Trinity, produced five big hits, "We Be Burnin'", "Ever Blazin'", "Give It Up to Me","Never Gonna Be The Same" and the U.S. chart-topping smash hit "Temperature". It sold over three million copies three years ago. Collectively, reggae music titles sold 502,171 units in 2009.
The failure of this album to generate a top ten single or to move major units signals a troubling development for the reggae-dancehall industry which is struggling with anemic sales, sluggish ticket sales at reggae concerts and a general malaise and disenchantment with the art form among older Europeans and Americans.
On the Billboard reggae charts, Bob Marley’s best selling set, B is for Bob which moved 35,760 copies after 20 weeks. Titles such as Reggae Gold 2008 continued its good showing, selling 40,096 after 73 weeks, while its followup, Reggae Gold 2009 sold 18,949 after 20 weeks. The reggae band, Rebelution sold 20,311 of Bright Side of Life after 14 weeks, while Ziggy Marley keeps the Marley name strong, moving 36,152 of Family Time after 28 weeks; his brother Julian Marley registered sales of 8,768 of Awake.
Tarrus Riley’s Contagious hasn’t spread like a superful only moving 4,736 after 14 weeks, while Jah Cure’s Universal Cure moved 5,319 units after 30 weeks. Compilation albums have not fared much better as UB40’s Greatest Hits sold 26,323 while Shaggy’s Boombastic Collection moved 8,845 after 60 weeks, and Tanya Stephens’ ‘Tanya The Hits Collection’ has sputtered, moving only 864 units after nine weeks. Sizzla’s ‘The Very Best of Sizzla’ sold over 10,000 units.
After 36 weeks, Mavado’s ‘Mr. Brooks..a Better Tomorrow’ registered sales of 14,000 plus while Beres Hammond’s Moment in Time sold 11,124 after 63 weeks. Buju Banton’s Rasta Got Soul crested the 8,000 mark after 28 weeks. Queen Ifrica’s ‘Montego Bay’ tanked with only 2,726 units moved after 21 weeks.
There were pleasant surprises like Heavy D’s Vibes which sold almost 10,000 copies after 57 weeks, and the Bermudan-born Mishka’s Above the Bones (pictured above) which sold over 14,091 copies after 38 weeks. Born to a Bermudian father and Canadian mother, Mishka is known for his unique brand of soulful roots-reggae.and is signed to actor Matthew McConaughey. The album is produced by Matthew McConaughey and Atlanta producer/musician Daryl Thompson (Sly & Robbie, Peter Tosh), tracks ‘Coastline Journey’ and ‘3rd Eye Vision’ are featured in McConaughey’s latest movie ‘Surfer Dude.’
Source: One 876 Ent
The failure of this album to generate a top ten single or to move major units signals a troubling development for the reggae-dancehall industry which is struggling with anemic sales, sluggish ticket sales at reggae concerts and a general malaise and disenchantment with the art form among older Europeans and Americans.
On the Billboard reggae charts, Bob Marley’s best selling set, B is for Bob which moved 35,760 copies after 20 weeks. Titles such as Reggae Gold 2008 continued its good showing, selling 40,096 after 73 weeks, while its followup, Reggae Gold 2009 sold 18,949 after 20 weeks. The reggae band, Rebelution sold 20,311 of Bright Side of Life after 14 weeks, while Ziggy Marley keeps the Marley name strong, moving 36,152 of Family Time after 28 weeks; his brother Julian Marley registered sales of 8,768 of Awake.
Tarrus Riley’s Contagious hasn’t spread like a superful only moving 4,736 after 14 weeks, while Jah Cure’s Universal Cure moved 5,319 units after 30 weeks. Compilation albums have not fared much better as UB40’s Greatest Hits sold 26,323 while Shaggy’s Boombastic Collection moved 8,845 after 60 weeks, and Tanya Stephens’ ‘Tanya The Hits Collection’ has sputtered, moving only 864 units after nine weeks. Sizzla’s ‘The Very Best of Sizzla’ sold over 10,000 units.
After 36 weeks, Mavado’s ‘Mr. Brooks..a Better Tomorrow’ registered sales of 14,000 plus while Beres Hammond’s Moment in Time sold 11,124 after 63 weeks. Buju Banton’s Rasta Got Soul crested the 8,000 mark after 28 weeks. Queen Ifrica’s ‘Montego Bay’ tanked with only 2,726 units moved after 21 weeks.
There were pleasant surprises like Heavy D’s Vibes which sold almost 10,000 copies after 57 weeks, and the Bermudan-born Mishka’s Above the Bones (pictured above) which sold over 14,091 copies after 38 weeks. Born to a Bermudian father and Canadian mother, Mishka is known for his unique brand of soulful roots-reggae.and is signed to actor Matthew McConaughey. The album is produced by Matthew McConaughey and Atlanta producer/musician Daryl Thompson (Sly & Robbie, Peter Tosh), tracks ‘Coastline Journey’ and ‘3rd Eye Vision’ are featured in McConaughey’s latest movie ‘Surfer Dude.’
Source: One 876 Ent
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Spice denies being at odds with Kartel
"It's just music" is the response from deejay Spice about the rumours circulating that she and fellow deejay Vybz Kartel are not on good terms.
Rumours have circulated that the two are at odds since the release of Spice's counteraction to one of Kartel's songs titled Chattie Back. The song is in response to Kartel and Sheba's Gal A Whe Mi Do Yuh? (Do Mi Dat), in which Sheba made mentionof Kartel's supposed 'romantically' involvement with Spice. After Chattie Back was released, rumours began circulating that Kartel was not pleased about the song and the two are no longer on speaking terms.
When contacted by THE STAR, Spice, in a statement sent via her publicist Kavelle Christie said, "as far as I know, Kartel and I don't have a beef going on. My counteraction is just a musical one, even though I haven't spoken to him in a while 'cause I'm so busy with my album. I have no idea what he thinks about the song."
However, when Vybz Kartel was contacted by THE STAR, he had no comment to give about the 'beef'.
The musical 'war' started after Gal A Whe Mi Do Yuh? (Do Mi Dat), in which Sheba plays the role of an angry girlfriend who seeks revenge on Kartel, accusing him in the song by saying: "Mi have a strong feeling say yuh touch Spice." In the song Kartel responds, "Me and Spice ting, ah fren sum'n."
In Spice's song, however, she adamantly confirms that Kartel has tried to get involved with her, making reference to text messages she has as proof. She deejays, "Everyting yuh do me, mi ah go chattie back. Yuh did a look mi, yuh cyaan say a lie dat."
Getting more personal, Spice makes reference to the father of her son saying, "is a lucky ting mi neva deh wid you, and yuh neva get di Indian ting caw yuh a beg me fi lef di baby fadda mek me and you married and ting."
Late last year, the two made headlines and raised public scrutiny with their raunchy collaboration Rampin' Shop. Promotional pictures with a semi-nude Spice in bed with Kartel, which were released as well, also raised questions about their relationship. The two have been adamant that they are just friends.
When asked if the two will be doing work in the future, Spice responded, "Rampin' Shop is our biggest hit to date, so obviously we make a great team. So of course I would do another song with him; a mi DJ. When I travel the world that's the first thing people ask for - another hit, so I'm willing. But as for my song, Kartel know seh a so di music ting go; a him mi a learn from."
Spice is currently working on releasing her debut album, and recently completed shooting the video for Fluffy vs Slim, featuring Pamputae.
Source: Jamaica Star
Rumours have circulated that the two are at odds since the release of Spice's counteraction to one of Kartel's songs titled Chattie Back. The song is in response to Kartel and Sheba's Gal A Whe Mi Do Yuh? (Do Mi Dat), in which Sheba made mentionof Kartel's supposed 'romantically' involvement with Spice. After Chattie Back was released, rumours began circulating that Kartel was not pleased about the song and the two are no longer on speaking terms.
When contacted by THE STAR, Spice, in a statement sent via her publicist Kavelle Christie said, "as far as I know, Kartel and I don't have a beef going on. My counteraction is just a musical one, even though I haven't spoken to him in a while 'cause I'm so busy with my album. I have no idea what he thinks about the song."
However, when Vybz Kartel was contacted by THE STAR, he had no comment to give about the 'beef'.
The musical 'war' started after Gal A Whe Mi Do Yuh? (Do Mi Dat), in which Sheba plays the role of an angry girlfriend who seeks revenge on Kartel, accusing him in the song by saying: "Mi have a strong feeling say yuh touch Spice." In the song Kartel responds, "Me and Spice ting, ah fren sum'n."
In Spice's song, however, she adamantly confirms that Kartel has tried to get involved with her, making reference to text messages she has as proof. She deejays, "Everyting yuh do me, mi ah go chattie back. Yuh did a look mi, yuh cyaan say a lie dat."
Getting more personal, Spice makes reference to the father of her son saying, "is a lucky ting mi neva deh wid you, and yuh neva get di Indian ting caw yuh a beg me fi lef di baby fadda mek me and you married and ting."
Late last year, the two made headlines and raised public scrutiny with their raunchy collaboration Rampin' Shop. Promotional pictures with a semi-nude Spice in bed with Kartel, which were released as well, also raised questions about their relationship. The two have been adamant that they are just friends.
When asked if the two will be doing work in the future, Spice responded, "Rampin' Shop is our biggest hit to date, so obviously we make a great team. So of course I would do another song with him; a mi DJ. When I travel the world that's the first thing people ask for - another hit, so I'm willing. But as for my song, Kartel know seh a so di music ting go; a him mi a learn from."
Spice is currently working on releasing her debut album, and recently completed shooting the video for Fluffy vs Slim, featuring Pamputae.
Source: Jamaica Star
Anthony B to walk the red carpet?
Deejay Anthony B is making big steps with his recently released 'Rise Up' album, and plans to walk the red carpet at the 37th annual American Music Awards show in November.
The 2009 American Music Awards will be held at the Nokia Theatre, Los Angeles, and will be aired live on Sunday, November 22 on ABC.
According to a release sent to THE STAR, the artiste had originally been slated to appear on the 'One Love' tour of the United States alongside reggae icons like Coco Tea, but changed his mind about the tour when the opportunity presented itself for him to promote his 'Rise Up' album on the West Coast of the United States.
The release stated that the deejay will be going on a press run along the West Coast, and will be attending industry parties and events as he tries to raise the visibility of his album. This marketing push will culminate with the deejay appearing on the red carpet of the American Music Awards.
He commented, "I am looking forward to walking the red carpet and doing interviews about the Rise Up album. We ah go campaign it hard, and meet and greet as many people as possible because the buzz on Rise Up is great so far, and when the nomination time comes for the album, I want them to be acquainted with what Anthony B represents."
Rise Up, which appears on Greensleeves/VP Records, is already shortlisted for a Reggae Grammy nomination this year. "If I make the final list, it will be my very first Grammy nomination; and I feel the album deserves consideration because it has an authentic reggae feel and the reggae world will respond to it," he said.
Anthony B will be hosting his annual charity-based event in Trelawny on January 1. He will also be performing in Central and South America in January of next year. "The world is opening up for reggae music we just have to campaign and promote and believe in what we're doing," he said.
Anthony B's latest single, You Hold Me, has been getting rotation on the airwaves as well. and the video is also in rotation.
The 2009 American Music Awards will be held at the Nokia Theatre, Los Angeles, and will be aired live on Sunday, November 22 on ABC.
According to a release sent to THE STAR, the artiste had originally been slated to appear on the 'One Love' tour of the United States alongside reggae icons like Coco Tea, but changed his mind about the tour when the opportunity presented itself for him to promote his 'Rise Up' album on the West Coast of the United States.
The release stated that the deejay will be going on a press run along the West Coast, and will be attending industry parties and events as he tries to raise the visibility of his album. This marketing push will culminate with the deejay appearing on the red carpet of the American Music Awards.
He commented, "I am looking forward to walking the red carpet and doing interviews about the Rise Up album. We ah go campaign it hard, and meet and greet as many people as possible because the buzz on Rise Up is great so far, and when the nomination time comes for the album, I want them to be acquainted with what Anthony B represents."
Rise Up, which appears on Greensleeves/VP Records, is already shortlisted for a Reggae Grammy nomination this year. "If I make the final list, it will be my very first Grammy nomination; and I feel the album deserves consideration because it has an authentic reggae feel and the reggae world will respond to it," he said.
Anthony B will be hosting his annual charity-based event in Trelawny on January 1. He will also be performing in Central and South America in January of next year. "The world is opening up for reggae music we just have to campaign and promote and believe in what we're doing," he said.
Anthony B's latest single, You Hold Me, has been getting rotation on the airwaves as well. and the video is also in rotation.
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