Chris Martin By Leighton Levy— Rapidly rising reggae singer Chris Martin is on track to launch the first of what it is expected to be several albums for VP Records early next year. The 26-year-old reggae star signed a multi-album deal with the record label in August in a move that he believes will take him to new heights in a burgeoning career that has seen him become a hot act in Africa, certain parts of Europe, the Caribbean and along the east coast of … Read entire article »

  AFTER much anticipation for Sizzla’s return to performing in the United States, his tour of that country has hit a roadblock. The Rastafarian artist has been denied a visa to that country, according to Stephen Brush of International Artists Agency, who spearheaded bookings for the tour. Sizzla He said, based on the outcome of the meetings, he has no choice but to reschedule the tour for early next year. “I am deeply saddened by the news, and I can … Read entire article »

Miller  By Curtis Campbell– While interviewing an artist, the question was asked, ‘Does Jamaica have a music museum’? The artist, who asked the question, was being facetious, wasn’t he? Of course there is, but according to him, many of the younger members of the industry were ignorant about the roots of Jamaican music. One of the reasons for this ignorance is the fact that young artists are not aware of a place where the island’s musical work is put together. The Gleaner contacted curator of … Read entire article »

Freddie McGregor – Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer—- By Derrick Scott– He is a pioneer of ska and reggae music and remains an icon of the genres. The Institute of Caribbean Studies will honour the legendary contributions of Freddie McGregor by presenting him with the 2013 Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Award at the 20th Annual Caribbean American Heritage Awards (CARAH) Gala at the JW Marriott on Friday in Washington DC. The Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Award recognises an individual of Caribbean or … Read entire article »

  By Crossfade—   A non-Rastafarian reggae musician who grew up a practicing Muslim, Tiken Jah Fakoly is a native of Africa’s Ivory Coast who draws most of his material and inspiration from his home continent. His concern for the well being of his people has gotten him in trouble and even exiled for a time from the Ivory Coast. But this weekend, Tiken Jah will surely be welcomed in South Florida, visiting for a first-ever local performance as part … Read entire article »

Dubbed the Miami International Reggae Festival, the festival, put on by Rockers Movement, is a positive celebration highlighting the power of word, sound and art uniting us all as members of one human family. The daylong family-oriented festival will be composed of many elements but all share in a single idea: a state of being unified as one. As Bob Marley so humbly said, “one love, one aim, one destiny.”Miami Reggae Festival is a family-friendly event … Read entire article »

  George Zimmerman – AP APOPKA, Florida (AP): Officials say George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watch volunteer acquitted earlier this year in the shooting death of unarmed black teenager, Trayvon Martin, has been arrested following a disturbance call from a house in Florida. A sheriff’s office statement says Zimmerman was arrested Monday afternoon after deputies responded to a disturbance call at a house in Apopka, northwest of Orlando. Zimmerman will be transported and booked into jail. The statement provided few other details, … Read entire article »

  Sizzla, one of reggae’s most prolific artists, releases his brand new video for “Good Love” off his 70th albumThe Messiah,released in May 2013 on Kalonji Music/VP Records. The Jay Will directed video premiered on Okayplayer’s Large Up, who hails “Good Love” as one of their “favorite songs by him in the last decade.” Watch/post Sizzla’s “Good Love” video now http://youtu.be/VsJWDVJA8l0 Since his emergence in 1995, the enigmatic vocalist has undeniably  put his stamp on the genre regardless of the current style or … Read entire article »

Vybz Kartel– By Jerome Reynolds— After more than two years behind bars, dancehall entertainer Vybz Kartel is expected to go on trial today for the murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams. The matter is to be heard in the Home Circuit Court. Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, is jointly charged with fellow entertainer Shawn Campbell, popularly known as Shawn Storm, fashion designer Calvin Haye, André St John, Shane Williams and Kahira Jones. It is alleged that Williams was killed … Read entire article »