Gyptian in ‘Sex, Love & Reggae’ mode— By Curtis Campbell— Reggae artist Gyptian has topped Billboard’s reggae chart with his latest studio album Sex, Love & Reggae. The artist whose single Hold Yuh was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America earlier this year, told The Sunday Gleaner Jamaicans needed to lend more support to the music industry and quit being foreign minded. According to the outspoken reggae artist, several of Jamaica’s biggest names in music were not given much respect in Jamaica until they were … Read entire article »

  Melodians lead singer Tony Brevett, performing as a solo act at a bash to honour Ken Boothe in New York City. Late Melodians lead singer also led rocksteady transition— Although Brent Dowe has been hailed by many as the man behind The Melodians and the one who went on to achieve most success as a solo recording artist, Tony Brevett must lay a strong claim as the man who secured the group’s position as one of the top Jamaican vocal … Read entire article »

By Simone Morgan— AFTER a two-year hiatus, singer Aisha Davis is back with her latest single When You Hold Me. The track, produced by Ward 21’s Kunley McCarthy, was released last month. DAVIS… this track speaks directly to anyone who has ever been in love “This track speaks directly to anyone who has ever been in love, including myself. It is about the feelings one gets when he/she is in a relationship. It’s about romance and intimacy,” she told … Read entire article »

Akon performs at the Staint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival— By BAZ DREISINGER— Am I the only one who returns from the Caribbean acutely in need of rest? Blame the music. The region is drenched in genres I crave — reggae, calypso, zouk, and the list goes on — which means that night after night has me feeling like Odysseus battling the Sirens: cursed be that delicious din at the dancehall or the rum shop, destined to foil … Read entire article »

By Kevin Jackson—   REGGAE singer Gyptian has become the first Jamaican act to score a number one album on the Billboard Reggae album chart in almost a year. His latest album Sex, Love & Reggae, debuts in the top spot with 1,290 copies sold in its opening week. This, by far, doubles the 500 plus copies that his previous album Hold Yuh sold in its opening week back in 2010. That album opened and peaked at number … Read entire article »

By Urban Islandz Staff— Morgan Heritage received some criticism recently for a political dubplate they released for Audley Shaw. Audley Shaw is currently running for leadership of Jamaica’s opposition party the Jamaica Labour Party JL The song is a dub made off the reggae band’s classic single “Reggae Bring Back Love.” In a statement released to Urban Islandz, Morgan Heritage says the song was made for Jamaica and is not a political endorsement. Read the full statement: Morgan Heritage would like to clarify that the dubplate of our hugely popular hit ‘Reggae Bring … Read entire article »

A line-up of heavyweight international and South African acts is set to add fire to the inaugural Reggae, Roots and Culture at Maboneng on Saturday, 23 November. Leading the charge is UK-based Legend, a group of seven vocalists and musicians dedicated to the life and music of the late, great Bob Marley.   They are joined by One People, which gained global acclaim as the backing band for African Reggae Legend, Lucky Dube, as well as Tidal … Read entire article »

  LUCIANO, looking to rebuild his career after some personal challenges, is scheduled to release his 20th album, The Qabalah Man, this month. The 14-song set is his fourth album in less than three years. It will be released November 29 by VPAL Records, a subsidiary of VP Records. LUCIANO… what the people need is spirituality through positive messages United States of Africa, Write My Name and Rub A Dub Market are the previous albums Luciano released, results of … Read entire article »

  Chronixx By Davina Henry— Credited as one of the major forces in the Reggae Revival Movement, Chronixx recently returned to the island after two successful tours which saw him performing in the United Kingdom as well as the United States. Chronixx, after what was his first US promotional tour, told The Gleaner that it is always overwhelming to see the response of the audience to reggae music. Though he is one of the most in-demand artists, Chronixx along with his Zincfence Redemption Band is adamant about accepting the right kind … Read entire article »

Wayne Marshall—   By Curtis Campbell— Reggae artist Wayne Marshall is asking regular Jamaicans and the Government to be more considerate about the welfare of the numerous homeless children and adults lurking in the corners of the city of Kingston. According to the artist, who is now signed to Ziggy, Stephen, Julian and Damian Marley’s Ghetto Youth International record label, it is a sad feeling to see the growing number of homeless Jamaicans. “As a Jamaican, it’s a horrible feeling … Read entire article »