Dancehall artiste, Mr Lex, was arrested and charged with rape in New York, United States of America on Friday.
The deejay, whose real name is Christopher Palmer, was arrested after a woman reported to the police that he sexually molested her. He is now out on bail.
It is alleged that on Thursday night while the woman was in her room at a hotel in Queens, New York, the deejay forced himself on her. The police arrested Mr Lex the next morning.
out on bail
The deejay was given bail on Saturday and is booked to appear in court on November 2.
When contacted by THE STAR yesterday, Earlton Clarke, Mr Lex's manager, admitted that the deejay had been charged. Clarke, however, said that the deejay, known for hit songs such as Full Hundred and Cook, was innocent of all charges.
"The matter is now before the court and we have all faith in the judicial system," he said.
Mr Lex, Clarke said, would never hurt women and the court would soon find he is innocent. He said the deejay knew the young lady and had the highest regard for her and her parents.
limited disclosure
According to Clarke, who spoke to THE STAR by telephone while travelling back to Jamaica, he didn't want to disclose much detail on the case, since it would be appearing before the court.
The manager said in the meantime, the deejay, who cannot leave the United States until his court appearance, would be working on some musical projects.
"He was up here voicing and working on some tracks when this thing happened. It just affected everything. He is still in shock about it because nothing like what they said (are alleging) happened," the manager said.
Mr Lex rose to fame in the late '90s with the hit song Gonna Make Some Money and quickly became one of dancehall music's hottest artistes. Things slowed down after a few years, however, and despite still having other records he has been out of the limelight for sometime.
Source: Jamaica Star
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Gays launch protest against Sizzla
Members of the gay and lesbian community are again making their voices heard when it comes to reggae artistes with anti-gay messages.
First it was a slew of concert cancellations for Buju Banton on his North American tour to promote his latest album Rasta Got Soul, as members of the gay community aggressively picketed every venue the 'Gargamel' was slated to perform. They got the upper hand as Buju conceded to a meeting with a group in San Francisco last Monday. However, Buju made no promises about changing his opinions on the taboo community.
Now fellow Rastafarian reggae artiste Sizzla Kalonji is facing the latest verbal outbursts on his European tour.
Late last week, a concert venue said it would cancel his show in Denmark if he did not change his anti-gay stance.
However, the threat was later withdrawn.
The artiste, whose real name is Miguel Collins, was scheduled to perform at the Danish venue Pumpehuset last night.
The Copenhagen Post claimed Sizzla said he was a 'role model' for young people in Jamaica and stood by his anti-gay stance. He was quoted as saying he only signed the Reggae Compassionate Act so he could continue performing in Europe.
However, Sizzla replied shortly after on Pumpehuset's website saying he was misquoted.
"It is clear that what I have said has been misconstrued in an interview I had given since I have been on tour. Some who are interviewed, granted interviews in good faith, others may have other motives or axes to grind but I have none," the statement said.
equal rights and justice
It continued: "I believe in peace, equal rights and justice for all mankind and malice towards none. The Reggae Compassionate Act was signed with that belief and it will not change. Me signing the Reggae Compassionate Act is my unflinching belief and commitment towards its goals. In all my shows that I have done so far, I have not wavered from that commitment, which will stand to a lasting testimony."
When contacted, Sizzla's publicist, Olimatta Taal, confirmed on Sunday night that the concert was still scheduled for last night.
Sizzla was not available for a comment but Taal says she speaks on his behalf.
"It is evident that Sizzla and other artistes in the reggae industry are being attacked. These organisations have protested concerts and used the press as a tool to push their agenda. Many concerts have been cancelled as a result of their actions and lots of money have been lost. There is a bigger picture that I think these organisations are not looking at," she told THE STAR.
She added: "Sizzla and the other reggae artistes are all products of a strong, rich Caribbean culture with certain values and principles. They have all been moulded by environments that are a marriage of love and hate, poor and rich, Christian and Rasta, peace and violence. They use reggae music as a way to express themselves, be the voice of the voiceless and the marginalised. Most times the topics they discuss and sing about are controversial but that is the beauty of reggae music and its mother Rastafari. "
Buju Banton's meeting with the gay group in San Francisco has received mixed responses. While some said it was overdue, others questioned his moral mettle.
Buju, who recently relinquished a portion of his estate in an out of court settlement with long-time domestic partner Lorna Strachan, said in the meeting they spoke and he listened and he spoke and they listened.
One of the gay activists noted that Buju's views were shaped by Jamaica's homophobic behaviour and anti-buggering laws.
Earlier this year, Human Rights Watch wrote to Prime Minister Bruce Golding urging action to stem endemic violence against gays, bisexuals and transgender people in Jamaica.
Just last week, during the debate on the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms, Golding reiterated that the country's Parliament would not recognise same-sex marriage or union while he was in power.
"I make no apology in saying decisively and emphatically that the Government of Jamaica remains irrevocably opposed to the recognition, legitimisation or acceptance of same-sex marriages or same-sex unions," Golding declared at the debate last Tuesday.
Taal pointed out that Jamaica's views on homosexuality is not unique and that the gay community is being selective with its demonstrations.
"The whole world is torn around the issues of homosexuality and homophobia but reggae music is the scapegoat with reggae artistes as the targets," she said. "The lovers and supporters of reggae music must stand up and unite to protect reggae artistes and reggae music, which are misunderstood."
Source: Jamaica Star
First it was a slew of concert cancellations for Buju Banton on his North American tour to promote his latest album Rasta Got Soul, as members of the gay community aggressively picketed every venue the 'Gargamel' was slated to perform. They got the upper hand as Buju conceded to a meeting with a group in San Francisco last Monday. However, Buju made no promises about changing his opinions on the taboo community.
Now fellow Rastafarian reggae artiste Sizzla Kalonji is facing the latest verbal outbursts on his European tour.
Late last week, a concert venue said it would cancel his show in Denmark if he did not change his anti-gay stance.
However, the threat was later withdrawn.
The artiste, whose real name is Miguel Collins, was scheduled to perform at the Danish venue Pumpehuset last night.
The Copenhagen Post claimed Sizzla said he was a 'role model' for young people in Jamaica and stood by his anti-gay stance. He was quoted as saying he only signed the Reggae Compassionate Act so he could continue performing in Europe.
However, Sizzla replied shortly after on Pumpehuset's website saying he was misquoted.
"It is clear that what I have said has been misconstrued in an interview I had given since I have been on tour. Some who are interviewed, granted interviews in good faith, others may have other motives or axes to grind but I have none," the statement said.
equal rights and justice
It continued: "I believe in peace, equal rights and justice for all mankind and malice towards none. The Reggae Compassionate Act was signed with that belief and it will not change. Me signing the Reggae Compassionate Act is my unflinching belief and commitment towards its goals. In all my shows that I have done so far, I have not wavered from that commitment, which will stand to a lasting testimony."
When contacted, Sizzla's publicist, Olimatta Taal, confirmed on Sunday night that the concert was still scheduled for last night.
Sizzla was not available for a comment but Taal says she speaks on his behalf.
"It is evident that Sizzla and other artistes in the reggae industry are being attacked. These organisations have protested concerts and used the press as a tool to push their agenda. Many concerts have been cancelled as a result of their actions and lots of money have been lost. There is a bigger picture that I think these organisations are not looking at," she told THE STAR.
She added: "Sizzla and the other reggae artistes are all products of a strong, rich Caribbean culture with certain values and principles. They have all been moulded by environments that are a marriage of love and hate, poor and rich, Christian and Rasta, peace and violence. They use reggae music as a way to express themselves, be the voice of the voiceless and the marginalised. Most times the topics they discuss and sing about are controversial but that is the beauty of reggae music and its mother Rastafari. "
Buju Banton's meeting with the gay group in San Francisco has received mixed responses. While some said it was overdue, others questioned his moral mettle.
Buju, who recently relinquished a portion of his estate in an out of court settlement with long-time domestic partner Lorna Strachan, said in the meeting they spoke and he listened and he spoke and they listened.
One of the gay activists noted that Buju's views were shaped by Jamaica's homophobic behaviour and anti-buggering laws.
Earlier this year, Human Rights Watch wrote to Prime Minister Bruce Golding urging action to stem endemic violence against gays, bisexuals and transgender people in Jamaica.
Just last week, during the debate on the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms, Golding reiterated that the country's Parliament would not recognise same-sex marriage or union while he was in power.
"I make no apology in saying decisively and emphatically that the Government of Jamaica remains irrevocably opposed to the recognition, legitimisation or acceptance of same-sex marriages or same-sex unions," Golding declared at the debate last Tuesday.
Taal pointed out that Jamaica's views on homosexuality is not unique and that the gay community is being selective with its demonstrations.
"The whole world is torn around the issues of homosexuality and homophobia but reggae music is the scapegoat with reggae artistes as the targets," she said. "The lovers and supporters of reggae music must stand up and unite to protect reggae artistes and reggae music, which are misunderstood."
Source: Jamaica Star
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Broadcast Commission of Jamaica Reviewing Daggering Ban
Jamaica’s Broadcasting Commission is reportedly reviewing the wholesale ban on daggering and explicit music that was effected earlier this year. This review is reportedly being done in an an effort to remove some “gray areas” that have been plaguing media houses that are said to be at risk of license violations.
A Broadcasting Commission official reportedly said “beginning (this) week.., the Broadcasting Commission will be continuing its consultations with broadcast and subscriber television licensees. The directives of February 2009 will be one of the matters to be addressed in the consultation. The commission will be making the findings available when the consultation has been completed.“
Some media houses have reportedly been concerned that the vagueness of the initial directive could lead to inadvertent violation of the broadcasting code. A media house can have its license suspended if it broadcasts three songs that are in violation of the directive.
Source: Dancehall Mobi
A Broadcasting Commission official reportedly said “beginning (this) week.., the Broadcasting Commission will be continuing its consultations with broadcast and subscriber television licensees. The directives of February 2009 will be one of the matters to be addressed in the consultation. The commission will be making the findings available when the consultation has been completed.“
Some media houses have reportedly been concerned that the vagueness of the initial directive could lead to inadvertent violation of the broadcasting code. A media house can have its license suspended if it broadcasts three songs that are in violation of the directive.
Source: Dancehall Mobi
Friday, October 16, 2009
No More Music & Video Equipment In Public Passenger Vehicles
As of next Monday, October 19, the police traffic department will reportedly be removing music and video equipment from public passenger vehicles. This new drive forms part of a joint venture that was undertaken by The National Transformation Programme and the Ministry of Transport & Works that is aimed at tackling the problems of illicit activities involving students on the buses, and also the general indiscipline on the roads.
All this is reportedly in keeping with the Transport Authority’s regulations.
Source: Dancehall Mobi
All this is reportedly in keeping with the Transport Authority’s regulations.
Source: Dancehall Mobi
Thursday, October 15, 2009
COPS RAID DEEJAY'S HOUSE
Tough-talking Superintendent Cornwall 'Bigga' Ford, head of the Flying Squad, has promised another 'visit' to Kid Kurupt, following a raid of the deejay's home at Barbican Terrace, St Andrew, on Tuesday.
Superintendent Ford and members of his team swooped down on the deejay's home following constant reports of disturbances coming from there.
Kid Kurupt was not present, but what was said to be seen at the deejay's home has sparked the police's interest and concern.
The police said two girls aged 16 and 17 were found at the home, while another 15 men were present. The girls had been away from home for some four months now, THE STAR was told.
Kid Kurupt first contacted THE STAR and spoke of the raid, and admitted that he had received previous complaints from his neighbours.
The deejay said, "I went somewhere at the time the police came by. I drove back and saw them at the house but didn't stop."
He continued: "Bigga Ford spoke to my cousin and gave him a message that I should behave myself. But I am behaving myself and nah do nutten. I might smoke ... and play loud music but I don't have no guns or nothing illegal not going on, no bad behaviour. I don't have a problem with Bigga Ford, I just want dem know I'm not doing anything unlawful."
He further went on to say "not even a rizzla" was found.
When asked about the operation, superintendent Ford quickly responded by speaking about the two girls seen at the house and "... Man from Red Hills, Cassava Piece, Constant Spring and Grants Pen was there too. Fifteen of dem.
Source: Jamaica Star
"Why so much man haffi deh a di yard?" he questioned before adding, "Tell him seh I coming back fi him."
The police said the girls who were found at the house were taken to the offices of the Flying Squad in downtown Kingston, where they were collected by their parents.
For the deejay who has lived in the house he owns in the area for the last 15 years, he believes that the operation was done after complaints from his neighbours. He said that he, too, has received complaints and he has made attempts to calm the rowdy behaviour of his friends.
"I'm putting everything under control. Everyone was there today, dem now know is a serious situation. They went through it instead of me," Kid Kurupt said.
When informed that Ford would be visiting the residence again, Kurupt said he did not have a problem with that and only wants to discuss any problems the superintendent might have with him, describing it as a "positive move."
Meanwhile, Kurupt, who is known for songs such as Sake A Dah Gal on the Don Corleone-produced Egyptian rhythm, says he is trying to make his way back into the business. "I'm just trying to get back into the business, trying to change my life. I'm doing work with people I grew up wid, like Black Diamond, and do positive music, not the derogatory thing like one time," he said.
Superintendent Ford and members of his team swooped down on the deejay's home following constant reports of disturbances coming from there.
Kid Kurupt was not present, but what was said to be seen at the deejay's home has sparked the police's interest and concern.
The police said two girls aged 16 and 17 were found at the home, while another 15 men were present. The girls had been away from home for some four months now, THE STAR was told.
Kid Kurupt first contacted THE STAR and spoke of the raid, and admitted that he had received previous complaints from his neighbours.
The deejay said, "I went somewhere at the time the police came by. I drove back and saw them at the house but didn't stop."
He continued: "Bigga Ford spoke to my cousin and gave him a message that I should behave myself. But I am behaving myself and nah do nutten. I might smoke ... and play loud music but I don't have no guns or nothing illegal not going on, no bad behaviour. I don't have a problem with Bigga Ford, I just want dem know I'm not doing anything unlawful."
He further went on to say "not even a rizzla" was found.
When asked about the operation, superintendent Ford quickly responded by speaking about the two girls seen at the house and "... Man from Red Hills, Cassava Piece, Constant Spring and Grants Pen was there too. Fifteen of dem.
Source: Jamaica Star
"Why so much man haffi deh a di yard?" he questioned before adding, "Tell him seh I coming back fi him."
The police said the girls who were found at the house were taken to the offices of the Flying Squad in downtown Kingston, where they were collected by their parents.
For the deejay who has lived in the house he owns in the area for the last 15 years, he believes that the operation was done after complaints from his neighbours. He said that he, too, has received complaints and he has made attempts to calm the rowdy behaviour of his friends.
"I'm putting everything under control. Everyone was there today, dem now know is a serious situation. They went through it instead of me," Kid Kurupt said.
When informed that Ford would be visiting the residence again, Kurupt said he did not have a problem with that and only wants to discuss any problems the superintendent might have with him, describing it as a "positive move."
Meanwhile, Kurupt, who is known for songs such as Sake A Dah Gal on the Don Corleone-produced Egyptian rhythm, says he is trying to make his way back into the business. "I'm just trying to get back into the business, trying to change my life. I'm doing work with people I grew up wid, like Black Diamond, and do positive music, not the derogatory thing like one time," he said.
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