Kiprich— Dancehall artiste Kiprich has been encouraged by the reception to his single Empty Barrel and its accompanying video as he sets out to refresh his sound and image. Released in October, the music video was directed by Shervel the Sheep. The song is about people who talk about negative things but who have nothing to offer, while knowing that they are unable to stall someone’s progress. The song is produced by Boysie Jetlife and Iclips Records. The public … Read entire article »

Songs like Fake Smile, Uptop Boss and Attention have made Teejay a hot property in the Jamaican dancehall, but the deejay yearns to break big in the American mainstream.Riches Wii A Pree, his song with Inner Circle, is the deejay’s most ambitious move at the American market. It was launched November 14 at the veteran band’s Circle House studio in north Miami. (From left) Cham; Abebe Lewis, marketing manager at Circle House and conceptualizer of … Read entire article »

Kempo There are several ways to get over a failed relationship. Some people try therapy, others go on vacation. Kempo decided to write a song — a Sad Song.Scheduled for release on November 26, Sad Song is produced by Cocojamzmusik out of Austin, Texas. It is one of the singles on the Loving Colors ‘riddim’ released on October 31.“It’s (Sad Song) is based on a real-life situation, something I had gone through and it was … Read entire article »

BY HOWARD CAMPBELL—Observer senior writer— IT’S been 25 years since Glen Washington evolved from journeyman musician/singer to the big time with Brother to Brother , an album he recorded for producer Clement “Coxson” Dodd. In a recent interview with the Jamaica Observer , the veteran artiste said he’s never tired of recording or performing live. Glen Washington Washington is promoting Finally, his latest song, which is produced by Kelly Tucker. Since breaking through with Brother to Brother, he has never pressured himself to hit … Read entire article »

BY HOWARD CAMPBELL—Observer senior writer— He may be a man of the world, but Lloyd Parks says he has always lived by the tenets of Christianity. Every now and then, the veteran musician tries his hand at gospel. Falling in Love With Jesus is his latest song. Featuring saxophonist Dean Fraser, it is a cover of a 2002 song by jazz musician Kirk Whalum featuring South African guitarist/singer Jonathan Butler. Lloyd Parks It is scheduled for release next week. Parks, founder/leader … Read entire article »

A 30-year resident of Chicago, Jamaican singer Denzel Martin has enjoyed a good life in the Windy City. He graduated from college there and has established himself as a graphic designer. But he has also seen a dark side to his adopted hometown. Rampant crime in Chicago and his native Jamaica drove him to write and record War, a song released in November. Martin said out of concern he had to make a statement in song. “Because of … Read entire article »

Children’s album a passion project for veteran artist— By Yasmine Peru – Sunday Gleaner Writer— Ken Boothe holds a young Sabrella, his granddaughter. The first single from Boothe’s ‘Wait For Us’ children’s album was released in October, along with an accompanying music video, which sees Boothe singing with children, three of whom are his now older granddaughters – Abrella, Sabrella, and Gabrella.— After more than 50 years in the music business, Ken Boothe has more songs and albums … Read entire article »

BY HOWARD CAMPBELL—Observer senior writer— Among the many gems in the Paul McCartney catalogue, Step Inside Love by Cilla Black was an international hit in 1968, as well as theme song for her weekly variety show. Recently, Deon Mattis covered the song with the guidance of producer Wayne Armond. Deon Mattis Mattis, a veteran broadcaster, grew up hearing the original and was keen to put a Jamaican flavor to a song that has been covered by several big names including … Read entire article »

Jah Niceness Back in the day when he aspired to become a singer, Jah Niceness favored the live sound his heroes recorded on. He wanted a similar feel when he launched his career.That debut came 15 years ago and the singer has fulfilled his dream. Most of his songs like Yesterday, his latest, are driven by live drums and bass. “I do prefer recording on live riddims because it has a more authentic feel,” he said. That … Read entire article »

Deceivers feel Kruziano’s wrath on Close 1’s, latest song from the artist who is from St. Croix in the United States States Virgin Islands (USVI).Close I’s is produced by Claudell “Delibanger” Monsanto from St. Thomas in the USVI.“This is about the feeling people have when they are deceived and misled by those closest and dearest to them. It’s not a rebuttal to anything; I just want the world to know we are going through … Read entire article »