Spragga Benz nurtures Red Square recruits in 2012
Written by Blade 3NTY Friday, 06 January 2012 22:15
Reggae Dancehall superstar Spragga Benz has been very busy since the release of his latest album “Shotta Culture”. In recent activities, his main focus has been on nurturing his new Red Square recruits; Xyclone, Kemmikal, Tajji, Briggy Benz, Jay-5, Jahfrika, Tugz and Survivor Slim.
On a more focused note, Xyclone, also know as, Roje Robinson, is affiliated with Red Square Productions through managers Survivor Slim and Roy Fearon. Many who know Xyclone know him as the son of Peter Blacks, the legendary disc jock of Reggae Vibrations sound in Philadelphia.
Xyclone met Spragga Benz back in 2007:
“We were watching a movie, “The Back Wall Street” to be exact. I never forgot that night, it was December 26th, Sting night and the artist didda eat some vegetables and beans. And wi didda reason about the plot of the movie” nothing music, just a reason like we knew each other for years.”
Xyclone brings added value to the Red Square team in his ability to not only write but also produce and audio engineer most of his own material.
Spragga Benz's rising music fraternity pushes its new pledges forward. Spragga Benz and other RedSQ veterans have been recently featured on the School Fee, Sudden Death, Audacity and Bun It Riddims and are being expectedly widely received. It is simply their drive, high energy, authenticity, great lyrical talent and genuine love for music and humanity that make them destined for greatness. Along with several other features, releases, club appearances, projects and upcoming tour dates 'The New RedSQ' is success bound.
I Octane to release 'Crying to the Nation' on VP-Scikron imprint
Written by Blade 3NTY Friday, 06 January 2012 21:55
I-Octane will release his debut album Crying To The Nation onFeb 14, 2012. The 16-track opus is a joint venture deal with reggae powerhouse VP Records and Scikron, which is owned and operated by Robert Livingston, former long-time manager of multi-platinum artist Shaggy. On I-Octane's first full-length LP, he will reinvigorate the feeling of roots and dancehall at its purest. I-Octane has already proven himself as a powerful lyricist and unveils his uncanny ability to sing romantic ballads and socially aware tunes on this traditional reggae album.
I-Octane’s “Puff It,” which is featured on Crying To The Nation,is chosen as one of National Public Radio's Top 5 Dancehall Tracks for 2011. NPR's Baz Dreisinger describes I-Octane as “2011's buzzworthy newcomer: a Rastafarian DJ in the vein of Sizzla or Capleton, comfortable moving from conscious music to hardcore dancehall and back again.” The year’s favorite anthem showcases his “signature style: rapid-fire rhyming skills, haunting vocals and simple, singalong hooks,” Dreisinger adds.
I-Octane also renews his Digicel sponsorship deal for 2012. This is second year he will serve as the sole Brand Ambassador for the Caribbean’s largest mobile communications provider. Shelly-Ann Curran, Digicel's Sponsorship and Activations Manager, recently told the Jamaica Observer that I-Octane’s “unique style of music mirrors the youthful vibrancy and positive energy that is Digicel.”
Crying To The Nation Track Listing:
1. Rules Of Life
2. Help I Please
3. Vanity Will Come
4. Nuh Love Inna Dem
5. Puff It
6. No More Violence
7. System A Beat Dem
8. Zion Awaits
9. L.O.V.E. Y.O.U.
10. Missing You ft. Agent Sasco
11. Once More
12. The Master's Plan
13. Lose A Friend
14. All We Need Is Love ft. Tarrus Riley
15. Space For All Of Us ft. Alborosie
16. Crying To The Nation
$14-million budget for Shaggy & Friends
Written by Blade 3NTY Friday, 06 January 2012 21:50
THE staging of the fund-raising Shaggy and Friends concert is definitely a multimillion-dollar venture.
This year's event, organised by diamond-selling reggae act Shaggy to raise funds for the Bustamante Hospital for Children, has a production budget in the region of $14 million.
Hours before the third staging of his fund-raising concert, artiste turned philanthropist Shaggy performs his hit Strength of a Woman for Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller at her inauguration at King’s House yesterday. (Photo: Karl McLarty)
However, according to head of Shaggy's Make a Difference Foundation, Rebecca Packer, for the type of event being staged at Jamaica House come tomorrow evening, the spend could have been much higher.
"We really have to thank our sponsors and suppliers — many of whom are providing services for free or at cost — for helping us keep production costs down. A show of this calibre including artistes, lighting, sound, décor, food and drink, could easily run us in the region of $50-million," Packer told Splash last night.
She stated that having gotten over the obstacle caused by the shifting of the original December 30 date, due to the general election, the plans for the third staging of the event were running smoothly. "It's really like a well-oiled machine. Having gone through the process on two previous occasions we have worked out the kinks.
Packer says rehearsals are already underway, as international acts Eve and Lauryn Hill are already in the island, with Maxi Priest and Deniece Williams scheduled to arrive later today.
This year, the proceeds from the event will go towards the construction of a 15-bed cardiac intensive care unit at the hospital, in conjunction with the international charity, Chain of Hope.
To date, the Shaggy & Friends Make a Difference Foundation has raised a total of J$57,000,000 (US$650,000), which has gone toward providing vital and life-saving equipment for the island's sole paediatric hospital.
This year the concert features a interesting mix of local and international acts including Half Pint, Coco Tea, I-Octane, Romain Virgo, Assassin, Wayne Marshall, Mr Vegas, Tami Chynn and Gyptian.
Packer notes that patrons can expect the usual high standard, both in terms of performances on stage, as well as the look and feel of the venue.
"We have worked to create an all-round concert experience for patrons, whether they are in our silver, gold or platinum sections. These includes an impressive choice of food, drink and overall décor."
One major change in this year's event is the elimination of the sit-down five-course meal for patrons in the upscale platinum section. But, Packer explains that patrons in this section will still be privy to choice food and drink, as well as participate in the fund-raising auction.
Shaggy concert on Pay-per-view
Written by Blade 3NTY Friday, 06 January 2012 21:30
Telecommunications company LIME has joined forces with the Shaggy Make a Difference Foundation to share tomorrow's concert with persons unable to attend.
LIME has also created opportunities for their customers and Jamaicans in the Diaspora to participate and contribute by providing a live broadcast of the concert on LIME Mobile TV and via Pay-per-view online from which we will donate proceeds.
According to Stephen Price, Head of Marketing for LIME, although the 'Shaggy' concert has become one of the most prestigious charity events on the social calendar, it is the reason for the concert that makes it easy for LIME to partner with the organisers.
"This event has raised millions of dollars for the Bustamante Children's Hospital and we at LIME are happy to have partnered with Shaggy on this amazing venture. We know how important this institution has been for so many children and families," Price said.
"We are particularly happy to be adding the special mega star-power of Lauryn Hill to the event. The anticipation we have been feeling makes us confident that her performance will be have a distinct place in the history books," Price further commented.
The Observer
Model Jaunel McKenzie: no plans to retire, dying to start family
Written by Blade 3NTY Friday, 06 January 2012 21:23
For nearly a decade Jamaican supermodel Jaunel McKenzie has been working the runways and fashion glossies of the world.
A product of Pulse's Caribbean Model Search and the winner of the Fashion Model title in 2002, Mckenzie has gone on to creating records with her body of work which includes Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Essence, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, GAP and Lord and Taylor.
There is a defiant "No!" from the other end of the telephone when Splash puts the retirement question to the 25-year-old. She states that she has no plans to stop modelling, citing supermodel Naomi Campbell who is still making moves into her forties. Her latest accomplishment, and a major feat for 2011 was a 12-page spread in Italian Elle — a first time appearance in that publication. The charming model says she has also kept herself in the 'biz' by doing commercial work with appearances in catalogues for high-end clients Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Macy's.
However, with all McKenzie's success one major model milestone still eludes her.
"I would really love a make-up contract — it's what all models dream of." But how close is she to achieving this signature of a bonafide supermodel? "I believe I have as good a chance as anyone out there. I have come to realise that in this industry everything is possible," she states.
For 2012 McKenzie says she is remaining current in a bid to maintain her status. As a result she is changing her agency — moving to Muse — and constantly reinventing her look to catch the eye of new clients. "As a model you must stay current, Now I am more into the gym — which I don't like, I prefer to play a sport, but it is something I must do. I am also wearing my hair different, and changed the colour. I have cut my hair in the past, but I won't be doing that again."
Modelling aside, the question of marriage and a family came up, to which McKenzie shrieked with laughter, "you'll have to ask my boyfriend about marriage!"
She has been in a six-year relationship with New York businessman and radio personality David 'Squeeze' Anakie, and the model says she is enjoying the relationship, as they are both comfortable with each other and the demands of each other's careers
But there seems to be a burning desire to start a family. " I'm dying to start a family, but, I am a firm believer in getting married before starting a family, so it has to come in that order."
The model is mindful of the pressures that a family of her own can have on a modelling career. She states that one does have to sacrifice one for the other, "with time management and a strong sense of priorities it is possible to have it all," she adds.
Her strong ties to her own family comes across in the interview when she describes her closeness with her siblings. She explains that her Christmas holiday in Jamaica is dedicated to spending time with her younger brother and sister. Evenings at the movies and just overall down time with her family have formed the major part of her nearly two-week stay on the Rock.
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