REGGAE & DANCEHALL NEWS 2009-II
all items of the second trimester of 2009 (April, May & June)
Old News
Etana recently had herself baptised to Christianity. This does not mean that she rejects Rastafari but more that see wants to bridge certain gaps. The linked article publishes some interesting observations from her MySpace blog. Please read the full Florida Courier article here.
After having her side of the car smashed in by another car last Saturday, D'Angel walked away unharmed. She was on her way to a party on the island of St Thomas (US Virgin). Please read the full SKN Vibes article here.
After trying his hands on the country and western genre US rapper Snoop Dogg is now in the studio recording reggae music together with Stephen Marley. They will team up with Slightly Stoopid for a US tour this summer. Please read the full Caribbean World News article here.
Filmmaker Luciano Blotta has debuted his documentary RiseUp at the Canadian International Documentary Festival in Toronto. The documentary follows three artists (Ice, Turbulence and Kemoy) during several years in their attempts to make in the Jamaican music business. Please read the full Jamaica Gleaner article here.
Freddie McGregor has been elected as the first ever chairman of the newly formed Jamaica Reggae Industry Association. Please read the full South Florida Caribbean News article here.
Last night, Sunday the third of May, the 28th International Reggae And World Music Awards ceremony was held at the York College Performing Arts Center. Winners of multiple awards include Mavado, Etana, Queen Ifrica, Beres Hammond and Lutan Fyah. For a complete listing please visit the IRAWMA site here.
Ziggy Marley, who was also present at the White House Easter Egg Roll, is currently working on revisions of his father's standards for a children's audience. The new album will be released in June and will follow his May 5th release Family Time. Please read the full Reuters article here, and/or more on Easter in the full Associated Press article here.
Ninja Man's son was apprehended this Saturday for his role in the March 17 murder. The alleged motor vehicle used for the killing was found on the premises. On March 17, Ninja Man and a group of men, including his son, were reportedly involved in a dispute with a man on Marl Road in Olympic Gardens, St. Andrew. The bullets missed the fleeing man but hit and killed 20-year old deejay Ricardo Johnson also known as Ricky Trooper. Please read the full radiojamaica.com article here.
No news but worth mentioning: The New York Times recently did an interview with Wackie's producer Lloyd Barnes and photographed inside the legendary studio. Please read the full New York Times article here and make sure to check the photo's.
Damian Marley and US top rapper Nas, who earlier contributed to Damian's 'Road To Zion' (2005), have started the recordings for a full collaborative album due out in June. The release will be followed by a world tour. Please read the full Entertainment Weekly article here.
The trio responsible for Lucky Dube's death have all been found guilty and have been sentenced to life imprisonment. Please read the full BBC News article here, and the full Associated Press article here.
