Don Corleon drops female-only rhythm

It has been done before but Don Corleon plans to bring the women in dancehall to the forefront this Christmas with his all-female Feminine rhythm.

The rhythm, which was released recently, features artistes like Tifa, Kris Kelli, Ce'Cile, Deneque, Stacious, Cherine Anderson and Ishawna.

Corleon said he decided to do a rhythm with only women because he realised that there are usually few or no women on most rhythms.

"I decided to do it because there are a lot of women in the industry with talent and they don't get the exposure and the opportunity to work with a lot of producers. That's why I did this to strengthen the women in the industry," he told THE STAR, while noting that every song on the one-drop rhythm is different.

He, however, acknowledged that this was not the first as Ward 21 did an all-female rhythm, Dem Gal Sittin, early last year. That rhythm featured women like Lady Saw, Macka Diamond, Tifa, Timberlee, Natalie Storm, D'Angel, Stacious, Ms Ting, Ce'Cile, Lady G, Queen Paula and Spice.

Ishawna, whose song on the Feminine rhythm is called Good Love, says she is really pleased with what Corleon is trying to do for the females in dancehall.

"I think it is great because the females in the business really need that right now. It will show other producers that it can be a hit with only women on the rhythm. Other producers might wanna do something like this or add more females to their rhythm," she told THE STAR, while noting that she recently shot the video for her song I Want You.

And so far, Corleon says the rhythm has been doing well.

"It's is one of the most played rhythms on the radio now. It is getting a lot of response all over the world. It is time for women. I'm giving the women an opportunity to shine. It is going to benefit the women and show their versatility," Corleon said.

To help promote the beat, he says the female artistes have been promoting their songs on the rhythm at weekly events like Weddy Weddy, and they also made an appearance on Hype TV's Up and Live. In coming weeks, he said, "We will be touching the road and campaigning fully." And, a medley video for the beat will be released by year end.

But Corleon is still working with the male artistes, as he recently released the Pulse rhythm, which features artistes like Capleton, Munga, Flexxx, Savage, Professor, Mr Vegas, Elephant Man, Wayne Marshall, Vybz Kartel and others.

In addition, he is working on Gentleman's new album.

Source: Jamaica Star

Media Hammering Mavado & Vybz Kartel Over Gully/Gaza Feud

In recent times, and particularly since it was announced that vendors were found selling ‘Gully vs. Gaza’ paraphernalia outside high schools in Kingston, dancehall giants Mavado and Vybz Kartel have been hammered by the local media – with everything from editorials, articles, weekly columns and letters to the editors slamming the artistes for their roles in the ongoing feud. Below, we’ve featured a few of these recent snippets:

- Nov. 6 – Radio Jamaica Article – School administrators have joined those expressing dismay at the growing feud among the student population over support for rival dance hall artistes Mavado and Vybz Kartel
- Nov. 9 Jamaica Observer Column – Gully-Gaza feud hurting … DJs have power over how teens think and view themselves, survey shows
- Nov. 9 Jamaica Gleaner Column – Toxic garbage of Gaza/Gully culture … It is a dangerous thing for these characters to be allowed to plant the seeds of violence into the hearts and minds of our impressionable, rudderless youth. I am no prophet, but I think the Gaza and Gully connections will continue to laugh all the way to the bank while the bloodshed will continue among the fans
- Nov. 9 Jamaica Observer Editorial – Lessons from the Gaza-Gully debacle … adult-to-greying Jamaicans dare not dismiss the likes of Vybz Kartel and Mavado, for they and others of their ilk have built a great, almost cultish following among the young
- Nov. 13 Jamaica Observer Article – Parliamentary committee blasts media, supporters of Gully/Gaza feud
- Nov. 14 J.I.S. News Item – Gully/Gaza conflict to be one of the main topics at the next ‘Speak Out’ session being organized by the National Parent-Teacher Association of Jamaica (NPTAJ)
- Nov. 14 Jamaica Observer Column – A senior psychologist has weighed in on the raging Gully Gaza debate, chastising some parents whom she said are allowing ‘loose lyrics’ to grow their children instead of living up to their responsibilities
- Nov. 14 Jamaica Gleaner Letter To The Editor – This is an open letter to Messrs Mavado and Vybz Kartel. Gentlemen, Jamaica is in crisis, what with crime, corruption, coarseness and unemployment, and is on a downward spiral … Are you aware of the awesome power you both possess as instruments of change in Jamaica’s history
- Nov. 15 Jamaica Gleaner Letter To The Editor – Mr. Hamilton, the time you are taking to address these individuals (Kartel & Mavado) should instead be used to address your learned colleagues to stop representing murderers or entertainers who may be involved in criminality and getting them off charges
- Nov. 15 Jamaica Gleaner Article – Dancehall disgrace – Both artistes claim that their feud is lyrical and not intended to lead to physical confrontations, but it appears that they have not told that to their supporters … Kartel and Mavado will continue to stand out as what’s wrong in Jamaica’s dancehall at this time and will remain among The Sunday Gleaner’s People Under Pressure

Source: Dancehall Mobi

Macka to write about Real Gangster's Wife

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

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

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

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

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.