IrieZine #1 (July 2011) by IrieZine

Reggae Sumfest 2011

A preview of the ‘Greatest Reggae Show on Earth’.

CHAN DIZZY Making Waves

Agent Sasco Keeping it Real 12 Global Report 14 Randy Rich 8

FRESH PON DI SCENE

DI GENIUS

Moving Forward

Ken Boothe

Summer Beach Essentials

JAH ROCK and JAH RASTAFARI

Jamaican Men on Women's Fashions, Especially Leggings

Caribbean Fashion Week Highlights

Living Legend

Enjoy

Reggae Sumfest 2011 A preview of the ‘Greatest Reggae Show on Earth’. P

erhaps one of the most anticipated events in Jamaica’s entertainment industry, Reggae Sumfest has really established itself as the premiere stage show of the summer season. 2011 marks the 19th staging of the annual series that seemingly grows bigger and better as the years go by. Traditionally, it is three nights of intense live entertainment; Dancehall Night and International Nights I and II, in the island’s second city, Montego Bay. Each year, Sumfest features A-List acts from Jamaica’s music repertoire as well as major international acts. The buzz is usually strongest in the weeks leading up to the event as patrons eagerly await the announcement of the booked performers. Last year, the appearance of the then-incarcerated Vybz Kartel had everyone on edge as they wondered if the artiste would be released in time for his performance. In addition, international R&B sensation Chris Brown’s addition to the line-up left many disgruntled with the coordinators of the event. The artiste had been convicted for domestic violence the previous year after assaulting his girlfriend, Barbadian pop star Rihanna. It was felt by

some that it was inappropriate to have Brown on the show as it would send the wrong message as a Caribbean country and perpetuate Jamaica’s bad reputation of supporting “badmanism”. Regardless of this, the event went on with both artistes who contributed significantly to the show’s overall success. This year, of course, is no different. The international lineup for 2011 includes two very provocative artistes, namely R.Kelly and Nicki Minaj. Minaj only recently emerged on to the scene as the female protégé of Lil Wayne. Hailing from the Young Money Militia, she has appeared on several hits as a featured artiste with hip hop chart-toppers Ludacris, Drake, Kanye West, Jay-Z, P. Diddy and Usher, to name a few. The Trinidad-born prodigy is known for her raunchy lyrics, voluptuous figure, overt sexuality, numerous alter egos and eclectic fashion sense. Her debut album ‘Pink Friday’ peaked at #1 on the Billboard 200 in its eleventh week on the chart. Undoubtedly, Minaj’s expected appearance has already caused quite a stir among Jamaicans, since it will be her first performance on the island. The truth of the matter is that with her constant shift between personalities and unpredictable image, no one knows what to expect other than a spectacle of showmanship.

Enjoy

Will Minaj’s usual antics be favorably received by patrons or will she suffer the same fate as Kelly did in his first performance? R. Kelly, on the other hand, will be performing in Jamaica for the second time. His first appearance left a bitter taste in the mouths of many Jamaicans who bore witness to Kelly dropping his pants on stage in 1996 at JamWorld, St. Catherine. In furtherance of his disorderly conduct, he has had numerous run-ins with the law, the most scandalous being charges for having sex with a minor and producing child pornography. As an artiste, Kelly is one of the most accomplished R&B singers, song-writers and producers to date. He has been the recipient of countless accolades including three Grammys, sold numerous multi-platinum albums and performed at sold out tours across the globe. He’s been the bearer of hits such as ‘I Believe I Can Fly’, ‘The World’s Greatest’, ‘Bump N Grind’, ‘Trapped In the

Closet’, ‘Ignition’ and the list goes on. Yet, will the poor reputation he has made for himself over the years overshadow his musical prowess? It’s been said that Jamaican crowds are hard to please. Will Minaj’s usual antics be favorably received by patrons or will she suffer the same fate as Kelly did in his first performance? Can R. Kelly win over Jamaicans this time around and redeem himself of past demons or will it be another tragic episode yet again? Come this July it will all unfold as Reggae Sumfest takes place in Catherine Hall, Montego Bay once more.

enjoy

CHAN DIZZY Making Waves H

ailing from the Head Concussion camp, newcomer Chan Dizzy has been making waves in the dancehall industry. His debut single, “Nuh Strange Face”, was well received by dancehall lovers not just in Jamaica but across the globe, reaching as far as Africa. Chan Dizzy, as he’s been called since high school, started off his career as a rapper, but eventually made the switch to dancehall. “Hip hop wasn’t working!” he said laughed. “It’s kinda hard to be a rapper from Jamaica. I know many Jamaican rappers out there that are really talented, but it’s been a struggle.” Dizzy credits his producer Tariq Johnston, more popularly known as Russian, for convincing him to crossover. At this point, he already had a foot in the door acting as ghost-writer for several other artistes, which made his transition seamless. Though he is now a full time deejay, Dizzy attributes his unique flow and style to his Hip Hop background which sets him apart from his counterparts. “When I’m at home, I might listen to some tracks because I love hip hop and everyone can hear the rap influence in my music, but I’m not a rapper anymore. I might spit a one verse here and there, but that’s about it,” he said. Despite the smooth shift between the two genres, he does face several challenges, those typical of a fresh face or voice in the music business. He expressed the difficulty of getting his songs played by selectors in

the dancehall due to the concentration of already established artistes. However, he highlighted, “I’ve been blessed to be the artiste of a producer that is one of the leading producers in Jamaica,” in reference to Russian. This has afforded him heavy rotation on the radio which helps to popularize his songs and eventually have them played in the dancehall. This perhaps is best demonstrated in the success of “Nuh Strange Face”, which he noted has made things a bit easier for him. To keep the momentum going from this achievement, he vows to deliver consistency in his music, avoiding gimmicks and being true to himself by not doing anything just for the sake of being popular. He lives by the philosophy “eat like a king, work like a slave”, for how can you go wrong when you eat right and work even harder? His latest project, Dizzyness, a mixed tape produced by Eccentrix Sound and Head Concussion, features his two most recently released songs, “Hello Badmind” and “Nicest Feeling” featuring J. Capri among 20 tracks. To date, the artiste has worked with producers Jeremy Harding, Jamie Roberts (Young Vibez Production), Chimney Record, Sajay Records and Stephen ‘Di Genius’ McGregor (Big Ship). His has collaborated with several artistes including Suhverto, Versatile and J. Capri. He also hopes to collaborate with Aidonia is the near future, an artiste he described as being very instrumental to his own craft.

These are just a part of the foundation Dizzy is laying for career. “In five years, I should be one of the top five artistes with a couple tours under my belt and hopefully an album or two through hard work. Most of all, I should still be relevant,” he said. “Who doesn’t want to win a Grammy, who doesn’t want to stand on that stage and thank God and their mother? Probably even a platinum plaque on my wall.” He summed up his aspirations by quoting a line from “Notorious” by Biggie Smalls: “chilling, sitting on ‘bout half a million... next two years I should see bout a billion.” He is also gearing up for his first set of tours. “In March, I’m supposed to be embarking on a European tour of France, Amsterdam, Germany and some other places. Later down in the year I’m supposed to be going South Africa and Japan,” he said. Dizzy is no longer a ‘strange face’ to the dancehall scene. Indeed, 2011 seems to be a promising year for the rapper-turneddeejay. His positive energy, drive, creativity and most of all his humility are qualities that will indefinitely take him a long way. He advised other aspiring artistes to “eat, sleep, breath and live music. It’s not a nineto-five; it’s 24/7-365, so if you don’t work hard, then you won’t get anything out of it. Know that you have to be dedicated, persistent and hard working. It’s not all about what you see in videos. That’s the simple part of it.”

cover story

“Any form of sensationalism can add to your response you know, but that is not the only way. A great talent is a sensation within itself. Somebody might just come through and just wow you with dem talent.”

Assassin

Keeping it Real

effrey Campbell, better known as Assassin and Agent Sasco, has been a quiet storm on the Jamaican music scene for the past 10 years. The 28-year-old deliberately and methodically uses his lyrics to penetrate the minds and hearts of dancehall fans the world over. Known for his raw, passionate delivery, Assassin has earned a reputation for distilling Jamaica’s truth, infusing his rasping melodies with pensive dancehall rhythms in songs such as ‘Eediat Ting’, ‘Same Ting Again’ and ‘Gully Sittn’. Though he has largely avoided lyrical confrontations with other

artistes, Assassin continually confronts the grim realities of life in Jamaica, attacking controversial topics with cutting wit and accessible intelligence. Whether using unapologetically irreverent humour in early songs such as ‘Anywhere We Go’ or direct verbal attack in such songs as his most recent hit ‘Talk How Mi Feel’ Assassin has managed to maintain both his musical integrity and his reputation as a hardcore dancehall act, earning respect across socio-economic barriers.

cover story Keeping It Real “Any form of sensationalism can add to your response you know, but that is not the only way. A great talent is a sensation within itself. Somebody might just come through and just wow you with dem talent. Like, think of Michael Jackson before all the strangeness, like the premier of the Moonwalk. He wasn’t involved in any craziness at the time and just the moonwalk by itself was enough to generate the sensation at the time,” he said. “I just don’t really subscribe to that view that the drama is necessary or there is no way around it. Once you’re doing your work the right way you wouldn’t need all that, you just have to be patient enough to appreciate that. I feel it should be my talent and my work that ultimately define my career.” Assassin’s career officially began 10 years ago, but his passion for dancehall was evident from as early as five years old, when he would sneak out of the yard to attend the dances in his community. He made an instant connection with many of the lyrics he heard and learned the value of making of making music others can feel as well. “A song like ‘Gully Sittn’, where anybody who eva haffi go shop and order a half stick of butter and di big jill of oil, can take ownership of that, you know?” he explained. “You have frivolous things that you can talk bout: how big your car is, how big your watch is and people can relate to it but not in the same way. They relate because we all want to live a fantastic life and tings like dat, but when you speak of reality that a man in his present situation can relate to, it’s different from aspirational lyrics.”

Going Global This commitment to keeping it real has given Assassin the opportunity to perform in several places around the globe, including the Caribbean, North America, Europe and Japan. It is especially gratifying to take his music to places where Jamaicans wouldn’t even imagine dancehall has a fan base. “You could go as far as Japan and know say di audience good, but being on the road with Buju, you really get to go out into like the Midwest of America which, for a dancehall artist. is not the usual audience. Me a talk ’bout Indianapolis and all these places. To go and represent the music in these places it gives a sense of satisfaction and motivation that from stepping into a recording booth in Kingston, the whole world can witness our talent and have access to it,” Assassin said.

“I feel it should be my talent and my work that ultimately define my career..”

cover story

At this point in his career, Assassin is focused on building his empire and staying relevant in the industry, creating good music that doesn’t compromise who Jeffrey Campbell is at his the core. “I have to retain my musical integrity. I have to uphold my level of respect and my family’s respect. [My daughter] must be able to grow up and say ‘I’m not ashamed of anything my father has said’,” he stated. He made it clear: “I woulda never denounce God, no time at all. I would not get behind a microphone and say anything that my mother would be ashamed to hear. That’s part of my keeping it real. I am representing my values.”

Words of wisdom Assassin also dropped some words of wisdom for upcoming artistes who want to make it in the music business: “If you focus on the music, you get the respect for that. So if it means that you’re

singing off key like I used to do when I was trying in the studio at sixteen, you correct that. If it means you are unfit like I was, you go run pon di beach and get yourself fit. If it means that you need to go find yourself better melodies, you do that. Challenge yourself; you haffi grow in the music and you will get the respect. Love the music sincerely.” The DJ, who is well known for his pragmatism, has also branched out into producing, launching Boardhouse Records in 2007. His company has produced hits such as Elephant man’s ‘Nuh Linga’ and his own ‘Talk How Mi Feel’ and ‘Run Di Place’.“Being around other musicians; it’s just a good thing to have that vibe and act that out, me and my brother and my cousin we grew up together we work together and we have other artistes we support. That whole experience is like a different type of fulfillment in itself.”

International

Global Report Location: Tallinn, Estonia by Jane Langemets

stream radio show but that doesn’t satisfy the hunger of those who deeply love reggae music.

Reggae music is reaching everywhere. In Estonia, it was possible to listen to reggae-influenced music from as early as the 70s. A strong reggae community emerged in the 90s when Estonia got its independence back. Then, people started to use and wear symbols that were coming from Rasta culture, - dreadlocks, Lion of Judah, etc., listen to Jamaican music and pay more attention to the lyrics of the songs. Surely, everybody here knows who Bob Marley is, especially since The Wailers band visited Estonia three times!

Bashment Kingz also runs a monthly reggae party called Bashment, which is based in Von Krahl, Tallinn. Every month, all reggae music lovers in Tallinn can go to this party, which sometimes offers live shows as well. Bashment Kingz has been really active in bringing new riddims and artistes to Estonia. Artistes that have visited include David Rodigan, Rory from Stone Love sound system, Macka B, Tippa Irie, General Levy, Lone Ranger and so many others.

In 2006 for instance, www.reggae.ee was created to promote Afro-Caribbean music and culture in Estonia. There has been many different party series, live concerts and events that Reggae.ee has been organizing, like Version, Afrikulcha and Mama Africa. The purpose of Reggae.ee is not to make everybody love reggae music but to bring different cultures closer to the local community, to give everybody a chance to experience something new/different and let them decide for themselves what they want to do with it. Handicraft and cultural workshops (dancehall lessons, African dance workshops) are also featured. There are a few radio shows that currently play Afro-Caribbean music in Estonia. Reggae Power is a weekly reggae show which is run by Bashment Kingz Sound selectors, one of the first active sound systems in Estonia. On Sundays, there is Etnokonservid, which airs African-rooted music from time to time. Sure, it is possible to hear Sean Paul, Beenie Man and Shaggy in every main-

Luckily, Estonian reggae music lovers can travel anywhere when they really want to see some bigger artistes from Jamaica. There are many fulfilling reggae festivals all across Europe, such as Uppsala Reggae Festival in Sweden, Summer Jam in Germany, Rototom Sunsplash in Spain and many others. Finland is the closest destination for reggae music travellers. There are many talented musicians, producers and promoters of reggae in Estonia as well. We have our own dancehall queen, Listonia (http://www.myspace.com/listonia), whose hit song with Mr. Lexx is getting a lot of attention now. There are also a few active reggae bands like Plookie with Fire Pon Ice band, Maikameikers, Ska Factor and Bombillaz. Estonian producers of reggae and dancehall riddims include Def Räädu, Gee and Madou. Yes, we have snow and it is cold from time to time, but fire is always blazin!

international

“ Dancehall ting now is a world to itself. Nobody can explain the dancehall. Nobody. You just have to come and experience it.” Location: Helsinki, Finland by Juha “ScandalBag” Kurkela In my home country, Finland, the means to experience Jamaica and her culture are quite scarce. Fortunately, for me, a music lover and selector, the quality of music played at reggae/dancehall clubs in Finland has taken huge steps forward since the 90s, when the newest tunes you heard were often a couple of years old and when dub plates were non-existent. Despite today’s skilful selectors, killer dubs, the dancehall crowd being aware of the latest hits and classics, and Appleton in my party cup, I still feel that some crucial elements of dancehall are missing. To cope with my “homesickness”, I must use other remedies as well. Besides emailing and phoning friends in Jamaica, meeting my few Jamaican friends who reside in Finland, I cook every now and then - rice and peas, ackee and saltfish, red peas soup or other Jamaican delicacies, and of course, spend lots of time mixing latest the tunes or throw-back classics. I also keep myself updated with the news on Jamaica and Jamaican music by following Jamaican newspapers online, listening to Jamaican radio stations like Zip FM and downloading fresh mixtapes by Coppershot, Renaissance, Richie Ras and Zj Wahwa. I must also big up the websites that provide video clips of programs such as Smile Jamaica, Ian Boyne’s ‘Profile’ and Winford Williams’ ‘Onstage’, just to name a few. However, the way I feel about this “artificial Jamaica” that I’m trying to create around me is pretty much the same as how selector Ricky Trooper brilliantly describes dancehall in Norman Stolzoff ’s book, Wake the Town and Tell the People: “Dancehall ting now is a world to itself. Nobody can explain the dancehall. Nobody. You just have to come and experience it. Dancehall in foreign is different than yard dance. You haffi come a Jamaica and come experience it.”

production house

“ My vision and mission is to be among the top music producers of the world as I don’t consider myself just a reggae or dancehall producer. ”

Randy Rich FRESH PON DI SCENE T

wenty one-year-old newcomer Randy Mattis has set out to conquer the music world through his label Randy Rich Production. He officially launched his career last year with the release of the Rags to Riches Riddim featuring Laden, Bugle and Ding Dong. Randy has started out on the right note, evident in the responses he has been receiving for his first production. The ambitious young producer gave Irie eZine an inside scoop on his craft:

IE: Do you play any instruments? RR: I’m in the process of learning to play the keyboard and also the guitar.

IrieEzine: At what point did you start to look at production as an actual career? When did it look like you would get the opportunity? Randy Rich: I started to look at production as an actual career about a year ago when I started making my own beats.

IE: What is your vision and mission for your production house? RR: My vision and mission is to be among the top music producers of the world as I don’t consider myself just a reggae or dancehall producer. I’m a music producer, so that leaves the window open for other genres of music should the opportunity present itself.

IE: What sets Randy Rich apart from producers that are already out there? RR: Just creativity really… Everybody brings something different to the table, so we can’t really compare; it’s just a matter of preference. IE: What projects have you already released? RR: I’ve done the Rags to Riches Riddim which was released in April of this year and I’ve had a couple singles, one with Versatile called “Gyalis Foreva” and “Feel High” with Jahmiel.

IE: Where does your inspiration come from when you set out to create a riddim? RR: Inspiration comes from my mood and the vibe I’m trying to bring across from that project.

IE: As a young producer, who are those music producers/pioneers of the industry that you look up to? RR: I look up to TJ from TJ Records and more recently Stephen McGregor because as a young producer – not just in experience but also age, he’s accomplished a lot so I give credit where credit is due.

production house

“ My plan is just to make music and put my all in the music I make to ensure that it is of the best quality.” IE: What is the ultimate achievement as a producer that you aspire to gain? RR: The ultimate achievement as a producer I think would be to introduce a new talent into the business, to work with that person and have them be known all over the world for our great music. IE: Which artiste would you really want to work with, either international or local? RR: Being a young producer, I haven’t even started working on my ideas that I want to make reality, so I welcome any artiste willing to work and I’m ready to take on all the challenges that comes with that. We all know all the great artistes out there, and I listen to every type of music so everybody really. IE: What would you say is the most challenging thing you’ve been faced with as a young producer thus far? RR: Getting my music to reach listeners’ ears in the form of airplay or at parties or wherever music is being played. IE: What do you think about the state of the music industry to date and where do you see it going in another five years from now? What are your plans to aid in getting to that point? RR: The music industry to me is the same as it’s always been

in terms of structure; its just the sound of the music is gradually changing and, like everything else, that is expected… In another five years, I think we might have a different category of dancehall or reggae just to differentiate the sounds. My plan is just to make music and put my all in the music I make to ensure that it is of the best quality. IE: What philosophy do you live by that guides your attitude towards your work? RR: Rome wasn’t built in a day. Nothing happens before its time and greatness takes time. IE: What can we expect for the years to come from Randy Rich? How can fans communicate with you? RR: We can expect great things from Randy Rich where music is concerned. I’m not sure what other ventures I’ll be involved in, but music-wise you can expect Randy Rich to deliver some good music. Fans will soon be able to communicate via websites which will be available in the future, but for now, they can keep up to date by visiting my Facebook page “Randy Rich Productions”. IE: If I wasn’t pursuing a career in music production, I would be... RR: Miserable! (Laughs)

production house

“ My inspiration comes from everywhere. I don’t have a set pattern or routine when I set out to make music. I’m at my best when I just sit in the studio, have a vibe and ideas just start flowing.”

DI GENIUS Moving Forward A

t only 21 years of age, Stephen McGregor is one of the most successful and renowned Jamaican producers in the music industry. The recipient of several Producer of the Year and Best Music Producer awards, ‘Di Genius’, as he is popularly called, has gone from being seen as just “Freddie McGregor’s son” to a musical icon himself. The creative force behind Big Ship Productions gave Irie eZine a behind the scenes exclusive.

Irie eZine: When did you start to look at production as something you wanted to do seriously? Di Genius: I started doing production professionally at about 12 years old. Really it was just a hobby. I didn’t start playing instruments to be a producer but when I started recording artistes and did the Cartoon Riddim at 14, the rest was just history. IE: What advantages do you think playing instruments affords you as a producer? DG: I play a few instruments; drums, guitar, bass, violin and piano. I think it is an advantage for me because most producers have a lot of silent partners or they have ideas and cannot create them

for themselves, whereas I have that edge over others to think up something and do it rather than hire someone to do it for me. IE: Where does your inspiration come from when you set out to create a riddim? DG: My inspiration comes from everywhere. I don’t have a set pattern or routine when I set out to make music. I’m at my best when I just sit in the studio, have a vibe and ideas just start flowing. I think one good hit song can last a lifetime. If Michael Jackson was still alive and came here to do a concert, he wouldn’t need a new song because of his several previous hit songs. IE: What would you say is the most challenging thing you’ve been faced with as a producer? How have you overcome this? DG: The most challenging thing I think would be the criticisms from people in the industry who believe they know the answers to everything and critics of my style. I’ve overcome this by just not caring anymore.

production house

“ The vision and mission is what I’m doing now, like spreading the music in places all over the world.”

IE: How has becoming a performing artiste helped you as a producer? DG: It’s a way of getting a better connection with the people. When you go out there and perform you get a first-hand look at how they receive your music. Subconsciously, it’s helped me in producing but I can’t pinpoint how exactly. IE: Are you working on projects with overseas artistes or producers that you would like to brief us on? DG: I recently did some sessions with Nelly Furtado for her upcoming album. I’ve worked with Ne-Yo as well, but most of the time ... I work on songs to be shopped by artistes abroad. IE: Who do you look up to in the industry? DG: There are a whole heap of people! I basically look up to everyone before me that played a role in getting reggae and dancehall where it is today. Internationally, I would say producers like Timberland and Swizz Beatz. IE: What is your vision and mission for your production house? DG: The vision and mission is what I’m doing now, like spreading the music in places all over the world. For instance, most of our fan base is in Africa, where dancehall isn’t so popular.

IE: What should we be expecting from the Big Ship Family for 2011? DG: Albums for sure. We just completed Chino’s new album that’s extremely sick! The album is exciting as we’re trying to push the envelope with what we’re doing. Also, we have tours for a couple regions planned already like US, UK, Japan and stuff in Africa coming up. IE: What do you think about the state of the music industry to date and where do you see it going in another five years? DG: There is always good music being made. The problem I have now is with quality control. These days, anything can make it to radio, but otherwise we have a good group of people working to make good music so five years from now we should be safe and in a good position. IE: What words of wisdom can you share with upcoming producers? DG: You just have to know what you want to do and put your all in it. Believe in yourself because if you don’t, then no one else will or take you seriously. Make sure you are getting in it for the right reasons and not for the hype or anything like that. Most of all, try to be different.

legends

“ IIt is the love of music and people, especially to see how people embrace our music. It makes me feel good about where we come from. ”

Ken Boothe Living Legend T

he title “veteran” is loosely thrown around in entertainment circles these days, bestowed upon several undeserving characters, which beg the questions: Who is a veteran and what does it take to acquire such claim? Similar to the military, an entertainer cannot (or at least should not) be arbitrarily called a veteran; s/he earns the privilege through years of duty, cultivating his/her craft and contributing to the overall welfare of music. At 63 years old, Ken Boothe has devoted 45 of those years to creating music. To date, he has recorded over 20 albums including a gospel cd, had several local and international number one hits, all while touring the globe. A recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award in 2003 and the Order of Distinction for his contribution to Jamaican music, there is no doubt that Ken Booth is indeed a musical veteran. The Genesis As he welcomed me into his home, which he later explained doubles as a museum, my eyes take in the various portraits and mementos of H.I.M Haile Selassie I and photographs with fellow mu-

sicians, family and friends. Boothe didn’t hesitate to take a stroll down memory lane, recalling how he was introduced to music. His mother used to sing around the house as she washed and cleaned. However, it was his older sister, the late Hyacinth Clover, who really inspired him to go into show business when she got him involved with the performing arts at eight years old. Boothe officially began his recording career in the 1950s after meeting Stranjah Cole, who was already a recording artiste at the time. The two became a duet and wrote songs like ‘Uno Dos’, ‘Hush Baby’ and ‘Moseniwah’. He later moved on to Studio One, where he released his first solo album, ‘Mr. Rock Steady’, for Clement “Coxsone” Dodd. The Artiste “Music takes you to places to express yourself and interact with people all over the world,” Boothe stated when asked what keeps him going after all these years. . “It is the love of music and people, especially to see how people embrace our music. It makes me feel good about where we come from.”

legends His passion for music resounded vehemently with every answer, a passion that could only be found in an old-timer who has invested so many years into something he loves. It was so humbling to hear him respond, “My greatest achievement is to see that my work has became a reality in the eyes and ears of people and even inspire people over the years.” For those who were not aware, Ken Boothe also recorded a gospel album entitled “Door to Door”. Music Dynamics Comparing the music industry of yesteryear to today, Boothe stated that there “more development but less love.” He recalled being at Studio One with Bob Marley and Delroy Nelson, walking home together in the evenings after a long day of recording. “There wasn’t much luxury back then, but you could feel the love and the love for music,” he said. Although dancehall seems to be the current face of Jamaican music, Boothe believes his the music of his time still finds favour with younger audiences. “The songs we sing, their parents played while they were growing up and even now, younger artistes are singing over our songs,” he said. Regardless of the genre, he believes Jamaican music has developed a legacy over the years and he hopes this generation and those to come will take it to an even greater level. “I am for all times. Music is music, so I will always benefit.” He expressed appreciation for younger artistes like Romain Virgo, Chino and I-Octane whose music he finds to be of good quality. He is also not averse to collaborating with young artistes as long as the project complements his work. It is therefore no surprise that his son, Kenijah, is following in his father’s footsteps. In order to continue Jamaica’s musical dominance, the industry needs “more togetherness – too much dog nyam dog. In every era you have it, but now it’s too much,” Boothe said. He advises young artistes to be very critical when signing contracts or have a lawyer deal with it to protect their best interests. “My generation wasn’t as well-learned and so people used that to exploit us,” he added, imploring the youth to go to school and “learn something.” With no plans to retire any time soon, the father of 11 joked, “I hope to come back as a song. Even after I’ve passed, I’ll still be alive.”

He expressed appreciation for younger artistes like Romain Virgo, Chino and I-Octane whose music he finds to be of good quality.

summer

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summer

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fashion

JAH ROCK and JAH RASTAFARI

eter C. Whittington is the Founder and Chief Designer for Jah Rock and Jah Rastafari Apparel. After forming a successful security company which consisted of 165 employees, he left his home country of Trinidad to pursue his education in patent design and technology. Concurrently, he was traveling all over the world, seeing and hearing how different cultures used the words “Jah bless”. Mr. Whittington’s imagination was then opened to how powerful the word ‘Jah’ could be in uniting all cultures. This lead to the birth of the collection we know today as Jah Rock and Jah Rastafari. Jah originated from the word Jehovah and Rock signifies that he is the rock of this world. Also, many people use the term “Jah Rastafari”, but they do not give credit to the Jamaican people who coined the word. People are unaware of what the reference signifies as well. Whittington therefore decided to create a brand using the popular term Jah Rastafari to fill the people with enlightenment and give them hope and strength, showing its necessity, and clearing up all the misconceptions of the word. Jah Rock and Jah Rastafari are both Urban-styled brands. They target 13 to 25 year-old teenagers and young adults. However, this does not mean that if you are older you cannot wear the brand as it really has a universal appeal. Currently, the brand offers T-shirts and hats (both male and female) that are available for sale in Jamaica, Canada, Bahamas, Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Puerto Rico, and the USA. The full line (including dresses, pants, shirts, shorts, hats, accessories, shoes, handbags and jackets) will be released this summer. See preview on http://www.jahrockapparel.com/.

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Jah originated from the word Jehovah and Rock signifies that he is the rock of this world.

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Jamaican Men on Women's Fashions, Especially Leggings

raditionally, Jamaican women have always had a love for what we called ‘tights’, be they long or short. However, this has moved into new phenomenon, becoming everyday wear, no longer just for the gym. Leggings can now be worn for a variety of occasions, dressed up or dressed down depending on preferences. But are women taking the trend too far? We’ll see what a few of our gents have to say as they throw in their two cents on Twitter. @JTCM1: Leggings has easily become one of my favorite female garments, but if worn incorrectly, can be very unattractive..... incorrectly would speak to too much exposure of the genitalia. @MarlonPerry: It’s ok when worn at the appropriate places, leggings at a PTA meeting...not good @SeanABennett: As a man I find leggings on any woman very attractive. They fit to the curves and contours of a woman’s body. Not only does it accentuates her assets it also hides any insecurities she may have with her lower body (cellulites, stretch marks etc.) but above everything I think women love leggings because it makes them feel sexy and if my woman feels sexy mi criss.

@WayneJonesJnr: I like leggings, but shouldn’t be worn any and everywhere. Getting kinda tired of them tho, been aroun for a while. @Yungtrepreneur: but when “heverybody” start wear it and inappropriately at that it’s gotta stop. I liked it when it was “in”, being that it was so close to being naked. @Jayekampie: I think the popular trend of women wearing leggings has become more for the purpose of fashion and exuding sex appeal than for comfort purposes. Most women wear then for the sole purpose of showing their curves and also to feel sexy and accepted. While it is very flattering on some figures it is the total opposite for others because like most garments they were made for a certain body type. As far as liking them goes...I like the way they look if they are worn by the right person with the body type that suits them. @StephenDeer: Depending on the setting I don’t mine women wearing leggings. I like seeing women in leggings because it pronounces their shape and that’s appealing to the eye.

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Highlights

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