REGGAE & DANCEHALL NEWS 2009-I
all items of the first trimester of 2009 (January, February & March)
Old News
After a shootout between a fugitive and the police at his house (see news 2008.03.26) Luciano has now been charged with harbouring a fugitive. Please read the full Associated Press article here.
The two men standing trial for murdering Lucky Dube have tried to escape when they arrived at court to hear their verdict. Please read the full BBC News article here.
A fire which was probably set off by an electrical problem blazed through Sizzla's temporary home in St Andrew last Saturday the 21st. He resides in St Andrew because a mansion is currently being built in Stony Hill. No people were reported injured. Please read the full SKN Vibes article here.
Three policemen were injured during a gunfight at Luciano's residence in which the fugutive gunner was killed. Luciano spent the night at a policestation and was questioned but has not been charged. Please read the full Associated Press article here, or a more comprehensive account from the Jamaica Observer here.
During her stay on St Lucia Amy Winehouse penned a bunch of reggae influenced songs for her upcoming album that were rejected by her record company Island. They told the artist they though it unwise to change her style so abrubtly. Please read the full Metro.co.uk article here.
After being questioned by police authorities, Ninja Man has offically been charged with murder, conspiracy to murder and illegal possession of a firearm. Please read the full Jamaica Observer article here.
The man killed by gunfire was no other than renowned soundsystem operator Ricky Trooper. Please read more on this story from Go-Jamaica.com here.
A shooting that involved dancehall entertainer Ninja Man occured this Tuesday 17 March and resulted in one death. Ninja Man has been contacted by police and the deejay has agreed to come in for questioning. Please read the full Radio Jamaica article here.
Last week Risto Benjie was arrested for robbing a woman and he is now out on a bail of 40.000 Jamaican dollars. He will have to stand trial on June 22. Please read the full Radio Jamaica article here.
Yesterday evening Dutch reggae star Ziggi won one of three silver harps at the Dutch music gala. Please read the full Buma Cultuur article here (in Dutch).
Pop rock supergroup U2 have recorded a full reggae album during the recordings for their latest album No Line On The Horizon. The reggae album is scheduled to be released in early 2010. Please read the full Jamaica Gleaner article here.
Last Friday the 20th of February Luciano was hit on the head with a lead pipe by his former sound engineer Freckles. For the engineer's point of view, please read the full South Florida Caribbean News article here.
Burning Spear won his second Grammy award yesterday (sunday) evening for his latest album Jah Is Real. Burning Spear won the reggae Grammy before for his 1999 album Calling Rastafari and has been nominated numerous times. Please read the full CaribWorldNews article here.
After weeks of discussion it is now official, the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaican has officially banned radio and television stations from airing songs with content deemed explicitly sexual and violent, even if concealed by bleeps. So, 'daggering' songs can no longer be heard on the radio and the video's no longer seen on the telly. What this means for festivals like e.g. carnival remains to be seen. Please read the full Jamaica Gleaner article here.
Thursday february 5th was the day the Excellence in Music and Entertainment awards were handed out in the garden of the Pegasus hotel in New Kingston as a part of the official Jamaican Reggae Month 2009. For a complete listing please check the full Jamaica Gleaner article here.
The Jamaican government is probably going to appeal against the court's September ruling that aquitted Beenie Man of tax evasion charges of 40 million dollars. Please read the full radiojamaica.com article here.
Bounty Killer is accused of several traffic violations including running seven red lights. He will stand trial May 12. Please read the full Associated Press article here.
The three men arrested for the murder of South Africa's greatest reggae star Lucky Dube have denied their charges. Lucky Dube was murdered in October 2007. Please read the full BBC News article here.
Jamaican roots outfit Rootz Underground, who have been generating quite a buzz for some time, are currently distributing their latest (live) release Alive as a free download. Alive was recorded during their Reggae Train Tour Fall 2008. Please follow this link, sign up, download and enjoy.
Canadian producer and instrumentalist Dubmatix whos has recently signed with the Echo Beach label has re-visioned Bob Marley's hit tune 'Is This Love'. Please follow this link, download and enjoy.
After the clash with Mavado on stage at last December's Sting show, both Vybz and Mavado were charged with indecent language. Vybz appeared at court this tuesday and found his case dismissed after he pleaded guilty. Mavado was fined on the same charges as Vybz Kartel last tuesday. Please read the full Radio Jamaica article here.
After a clash with Vybz Kartel on stage at last December's Sting show, both Vybz and Mavado were charged with indecent language. Mavado appeared at court this tuesday and heard the verdict of 3,000 dollars or imprisonment after he pleaded guilty. Kartel's case will be heard next week. Please read the full Radio Jamaica article here.
Two residents of the United States Virgin Islands were arrested for robbing Craig 'Serani' Marsh and his manager of money, jewelery and cellphones at gunpoint earlier this month. One of the two arrested was popular local radio jockey DJ Avalanche. Please read the full Caribbean Net News article here.
Mento and Ska pioneer Lord Tanamo suffered a stroke that has left him unable to speak. The 74 year-old performer now resides in a Toronto nursing home. His doctors try to reach family and friens to help him through this period. Please read the full Jamaica Observer article here.
After a very succesful first staging in February of 2008 the show and awards will not see light in 2009. Please read the full Jamaica Observer article here.
The latest video for Lady K-Wida is online now. The tune is 'One Man Woman' and features King Yellowman. Please check the full video here.
Tata Ford, who co-wrote several of Bob Marley's hits including 'No Woman No Cry' died on December 28 of diabetic complications and hypertension, he was 68. A memorial service will be held the 13th. Please read the full Associated Press article here.
