L3 MAGAZINE | MAY 2012 | NO. 011 by L3 Magazine

MAY 2012 | L3MAGAZINE.COM

CHERINE

ON HOW WE LIVING

GRAMPS MORGAN

REGGAE MUSIC LIVES ANTIGUA’S

MR. NATION A.K.A. JUS BUS

FROM HIS THRONE

WARRIOR KING SPEAKS!

NEW MUSIC RELEASES BUSY SIGNAL REGGAE MUSIC AGAIN TONY CD KELLY’S 1ST QUARTER RIDDIM

LADY SAW

SHE LIKES HER MATE!

TORONTO INTERNATIONAL MUSIC SUMMIT MARLEY THE DOCUMENTARY DAVID RODIGAN CLASH R.E.S.E..T. WINNER & MORE

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

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T H E B E AT L E S

THE BEATLES

YELLOW SUBMARINE FEATURES FILM RESTORED FOR MAY RELEASE ANASTASIA SARADOC

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he Beatles’ classic 1968 animated feature film, Yellow Submarine, has been digitally restored for DVD and Blu-ray release which has the baby-boomer generation and hippies alike in a time warp to that unforgettable era. Currently out of print, the film has been restored in 4K digital resolution for the first time by Paul Rutan Jr. and his team of specialists at Triage Motion Picture Services and Eque Inc. Due to the delicate nature of the hand-drawn original artwork, no automated software was used in the digital clean-up of the film’s restored photochemical elements. This was all done by hand, frame by frame.

T H E B E AT L E S

Bonus features for the Yellow Submarine DVD and Blu-ray include a short making-of documentary titled “Mod Odyssey” (TRT: 7:30), the film’s original theatrical trailer, audio commentary by producer John Coates and art director Heinz Edelmann, several brief interview clips with others involved with the film, storyboard sequences, 29 original pencil drawings and 30 behind-the-scenes photos. Both Digipak packages will include reproductions of animation cells from the film, collectible stickers, and a 16-page booklet with a new essay by Yellow Submarine aficionado John Lasseter (Chief Creative Officer, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios). Lasseter writes in his essay, “As a fan of animation and as a filmmaker, I tip my hat to the artists of Yellow Submarine, whose revolutionary work helped pave the way for the fantastically diverse world of animation that we all enjoy today.” Directed by George Dunning, and written by Lee Minoff, Al Brodax, Jack Mendelsohn and Erich Segal, Yellow Submarine began its voyage to the screen when Brodax, who had previously produced nearly 40 episodes of ABC’s animated Beatles TV series, approached The Beatles’

manager Brian Epstein with a unique vision for a full-length animated feature. Yellow Submarine, based upon a song by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, is a fantastic tale brimming with peace, love, and hope, propelled by Beatles songs, including “Eleanor Rigby,” “When I’m Sixty-Four,” “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds,” “All You Need Is Love,” and “It’s All Too Much.” When the film debuted in 1968, it was instantly recognised as a landmark achievement, revolutionizing a genre by integrating the freestyle approach of the era with innovative animation techniques. Inspired by the generation’s new trends in art, the film resides with the dazzling Pop Art styles of Andy Warhol, Martin Sharp, Alan Aldridge and Peter Blake. With art direction and production design by Heinz Edelmann, Yellow Submarine is a classic of animated cinema, featuring the creative work of animation directors Robert Balser and Jack Stokes with a team of animators and technical artists. “I thought from the very beginning that the film should be a series of interconnected shorts” remembers Edelmann. “The style should vary every five minutes or so to keep the interest going until the end.” These styles included melding live-action photography with animation, 3-dimensional sequences and kaleidoscopic “rotoscoping” where film is traced frame by frame into drawings. The entire process took nearly two years, 14 different scripts, 40 animators and 140 technical artists, ultimately producing a groundbreaking triumph of animation.

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MAY 2012 | NO. 011 CEO & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF VP & CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER PUBLISHER ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

NATASHA VON CASTLE DOMINIQUE RAPHAEL L3 GROUP OF COMPANIES - KEVIN SMALLS PAIGE HARRIS

EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR & LIFESTYLE EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR & CARIBBEAN AFFAIRS EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR & MUSIC EDITOR TRAVEL EDITOR MUSIC REVIEW EDITOR BEAUTY EDITOR TECHNOLOGY EDITOR COPY EDITOR SENIOR WRITER CARIBBEAN CORRESPONDENT CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

I first met Blacka Di Danca last year while he was on tour with Collie Buddz. He left a lasting impression because of his command of the stage via Dance. Every now and again I pop in on Twitter and see some of the comments he makes and be amazed at his maturity for such a young person. In April, I couldn’t take any more and asked Blacka to contribute a guest editorial and this is what he had to say… “Be faithful.” What comes to mind when you hear that phrase? Odds are, you connected the phrase to relationships. You are somewhat correct. You see, you cheat yourself in any relationship when you are unfaithful, but relationships are not confined to gender or to gender affection. Your career is a relationship. Your family is a relationship. Your friends are a relationship. You are in a relationship with yourself. You are in a relationship with your dreams, hopes and aspirations. Faithfulness goes a long way. Often we may get tested, often we may be tempted, but do not let temptation be your destruction because the idea of temptation will not be destroyed with you, but it will float around trying to destroy the lives of anyone with a sense of ‘hope.’ Stay true to what you love and you can never lose. You may not succeed in your dreams at times, but failure does not mean loss, it means ‘not yet.’ Be faithful.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR I am a strong believer in monogamous relationships meaning, one Woman or Man in your life. The reason for my belief is because if you can stay committed to all aspects of your life, then everything will eventually fall in order. It takes a strong Man to stay with one Woman, and it takes a strong Woman to stay with one Man, at least in this day and age. But, if you can do that, if you can ignore temptation, then you can focus more on your other relationships. Often, we may be temporarily deterred off sight from our dreams. Often, we may look for the easy way out. Understand this, if it wasn’t hard, everybody would be doing it. Quitting is too easy. Anything worth a struggle will reward you with exponential treasures. Fight for what or who you love, because in a strange way, every aspect of your life is connected to the other. Commit to every relationship in life and you will reap great benefits. Always remember to love yourself, love (and maybe correct) your bad habits, love your good habits, love the mistakes that you made, and love the successes you’ve encountered. Self love gives birth to a beautiful soul. Remember, do not let negative points in your life get you down, even a broken clock shows the right time twice a day. Keep trying, keep pushing. Be faithful. Tweet with Blacka! @BLACKAdidanca

Natasha Von Castle 12

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

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ALAN JACKSON

C ALAN JACKSON RELEASES ‘THIRTY MILES WEST’ ANASTASIA SARADOC

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ountry music superstar Alan Jackson releases his much anticipated album Thirty Miles West on June 5, much to the anticipation of his fans! Debuting on ACR (Alan’s Country Records)/EMI Records Nashville, the album is produced by long-time producer and friend, Keith Stegall. Jackson’s current single from the new disk is “So You Don’t Have To Love Me Anymore.” When asked about the unique album title Jackson responds, “There’s this highway that’s been in existence for forever now – it’s called the Dixie Highway and it runs from north of Michigan all the way down to South Florida, and I wrote a song about it that’s on the album. I grew up on Highway 34 outside of Newnan, Georgia, and that’s where we came up with Thirty Miles West. I think we were about thirty miles west of the official part of the Dixie Highway that runs through Georgia.” In support of his new album, Alan will be making several promotional stops across North America. Alan is one of the most successful and respected singer-songwriters in music. He is in the elite company of Paul McCartney and John Lennon among songwriters who’ve written more than 20 songs that have been recorded and taken to the top of the charts. Jackson is one of the 10 best-selling artists since the inception of SoundScan, ranking alongside the likes of Eminem and Metallica. L3’s rating is 3.5 out of 5. Visit www.alanjackson.com for more information!

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JOHN COLTRANE HOME REHABILITATION CONTRIBUTED

preservation effort has been launched in support of the deteriorating John Coltrane House in Philadelphia, with hopes that it will spearhead a broader mission to reclaim and promote the city’s rich jazz heritage. Cultural officials gathered more than 100 local jazz musicians for a group photo in front of the row-house where the renowned saxophonist, lived from 1952 to 1958. It became a national historic landmark in 1999. “We are serious about our music here in Philadelphia, and jazz has meant a lot to this city,” Mayor Michael Nutter said. He and other city officials hope jazz lovers will donate money to save the brick house in the tough Strawberry Mansion neighborhood. Unoccupied for the past several years, the Coltrane home has fallen into severe disrepair, and homes on either side are boarded up. The run-down property is an apt symbol of Philadelphia’s jazz history, “a legacy that has certainly been too often neglected and not celebrated,” said Gary Steuer, the city’s chief cultural officer.

Philadelphia claims jazz greats including Coltrane, Billie Holiday, Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, McCoy Tyner and Grover Washington Jr. Last year, musicians and club owners formed the Philadelphia Jazz Coalition to promote the current scene and the city’s musical legacy. Coltrane played with the Miles Davis Quintet for part of the time he lived here on 33rd Street. He later became known for a pioneering jazz style that incorporated Indian and African influences. Seminal recordings include “A Love Supreme,” ”My Favorite Things” and, with Davis, “‘Round Midnight.” Ideally, future plans for the home will include programming and neighborhood engagement, said Walter Gallas, director of the northeast field office for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Jazz lovers and cultural officials in Philadelphia are promoting a fundraising effort to save the run-down John Coltrane House. Preserving the national historic landmark is part of a broader mission to reclaim the city’s jazz heritage and celebrate the current music scene. L 3 M A G A Z I N E . C O M | M AY 2 0 1 2

WELCOME

JACKSONS TOUR

JACKSON’S UNITY TOUR NIYAH OF MYC ENTERTAINMENT CONTRIBUTED

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After nearly three decades of wanting them back, the Jacksons are returning. The remaining members of the Jackson 5 have announced the dates of a U.S. summer trek called the Unity Tour 2012. Beginning June 18 in Louisville, Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Tito Jackson will tour together for the first time since 1984, when the Jacksons were supporting their “Victory” album. The Unity Tour will showcase the Jacksons’ classic hits like “I Want You Back,” “ABC” and “I’ll Be There,” as well as honor the legacy of Michael Jackson, who died in 2009. “I am so happy and excited to perform again onstage with my brothers,” says Jermaine Jackson in a statement. “I can’t wait to sing all the songs that were so much a part of all of

JACKSONS TOUR

Here are the dates for the Jacksons’ Unity Tour 2012:

our lives. We are ready and committed to keep the family’s legacy alive and perform once again with the highest level of excellence, creativity, and most of all, integrity.” The Jacksons were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, and in January, Michael Jackson’s handprints and footprints were immortalized during a ceremony at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Cirque du Soleil’s “Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour” tribute show is currently housed at Madison Square Garden in New York, and continues across North America through August.

June 18: Louisville, KY (Palace Theatre) June 19: Cincinnati, OH (PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center) June 20: Rama, ON (Casino Rama) June 22: Merrillville, IN (Star Plaza Theatre) June 23: Detroit, MI (Fox Theatre) June 24: Kettering, OH (Fraze Pavilion) June 26: Cleveland, OH (Jacob’s Pavilion) June 28: New York, NY (Apollo) June 29: Atlantic City, NJ (Borgata) June 30: Englewood, NJ (Bergen PAC) July 1: Baltimore, MD (Lyric Opera House) July 3: Washington, DC (DAR Constitution Hall) July 6: Raleigh, NC (Raleigh Amphitheatre) July 7: Charlotte, NC (Time Warner Cable Uptown Amphitheatre) July 8: Atlanta, GA (Chastain Park) July 10: Nashville, TN (Ryman Auditorium) July 11: St. Louis, MO (Fox Theatre) July 13: Dallas, TX (Verizon Theatre) July 14: Houston, TX (Bayou Music Theatre (Verizon Theatre)) July 17: Albuquerque, NM (Hard Rock Hotel & Casino) July 18: Phoenix, AZ (Dodge (Comerica Theater)) July 20: Las Vegas, NV (The Cannery) July 21: San Diego, CA (Harrah’s Rincon) July 22: Los Angeles, CA (The Greek) July 27: Saratoga, CA (The Mountain Winery) July 28: Lincoln City, OR (Chinook Winds Casino) July 29: Snoqualmie, WA (Snoqualmie Casino) L 3 M A G A Z I N E . C O M | M AY 2 0 1 2

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REEL WORLD

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REEL WORLD

REEL WORLD FILM FESTIVAL SUCCESS! CONTRIBUTED

hanks to the generous support of TD Bank Group, NBC Universal and Cineplex Entertainment, the ReelWorld Film Festival (RWFF) is screened several notable films including “LUV” and “Hopelessly In June.” “LUV”, directed by Sheldon Candis was screened on the festival’s Opening Night Gala, at Cineplex Odeon Sheppard Cinemas. The movie marks the journey of an eleven-year-old, Woody Watson, who is a timid Baltimore orphan who dreams of a better life, and his absentee mother who may or may not be in North Carolina fighting drug addiction. Woody puts his hopes into the hands of his uncle Vincent, who he looks up to as the father figure he never had. Vincent, a street hustler and former drug dealer is fresh off an eight-year stint in prison, but wants to take a new direction in his life. When Vincent offers to show his nephew how a man handles his business, Woody jumps at the opportunity to join him on a field trip of life lessons. Vincent’s plan is to open his own crab shack restaurant, however, when he’s denied a bank loan, the temptations of his old life, working for Baltimore crime boss Mr. Fish return to haunt him. A day once bright with optimism quickly spirals downward into a world of violence. Coming of age all too fast by day’s end, Woody starts to doubt his hero and ultimately must decide where he stands. The film stars, Michael Rainey Jr., Common, Danny Glover and Dennis Haysbert. The films’ director, Sheldon Candis were in attendance for the special screening. Sponsored by NBC Universal, “Hopelessly In June,” is a movie about dating in Los

Angeles which has been cruel to Daleon Myers, a financial analyst from a staunch Baptist family, but hope emerges when he falls in love with June Flowers. June is a successful businesswoman whose parents are an extremely liberal Hollywood couple. It will take a lot to help them overcome their cultural differences and find the love they both have so long desired. Directed by Vincent Brantley, the film stars, Keith David, Vincent Brantley and Carolyn Neff. Two time Emmy winner Keith David also spoke at RealSpeak following the screening as well as the Director Vincent Brantley.

L3MAGAZINE.COM | APRIL 2012

LIFE

M A R L E Y D O C U M E N TA RY

ANASTASIA SARADOC

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rom “Simmer Down,” to “Redemption Song,” and “Catch A Fire,” Bob Marley’s music has inspired generations. His spirit touched fans from Jamaica to Italy, Japan to Zimbabwe. “Marley,” the highly anticipated new documentary from awardwinning director Kevin McDonald was released internationally on April 20th, 2012 to tell the story of the legend. Representing the Marley family at the Miami premier at The Colony Theater in South Beach was Bob’s first daughter Cedella. The office of the mayor of Miami Beach presented Cedella with a plaque and declared April 9th “Official Bob Marley Day,” in Miami Beach. The documentary, despite being extremely long at 2.5 hours, is an exciting and captivating journey through Bob Marley’s life, with an incredible soundtrack. The audience follows Bob Marley’s life from birth until his untimely death of cancer in 1981. The accounts in the film are mostly anecdotes and memories of musicians who worked with Bob, his family and friends and this style gives the documentary a very personal touch. It is not just a string of information but rather the story of Bob’s life told by the people closest to him who knew him intimately. “Marley,” allows the viewer HEIKE WOLLENWEBER to get to know who Bob Marley was as a man and as a musician.

M A R L E Y D O C U M E N TA RY

MARLEY DOCUMENTARY REVIEW The interview pieces and anecdotes are mixed with archival material of interviews with Bob Marley, concert footage, photographs and new video footage of places Bob visited throughout his life such as Miami, Gabon, the first African country Bob visited and performed in and Bavaria in Germany where Bob spent the last few months of his life. The film actually starts off in today’s Ghana at “the door of no return,” the last door millions of Africans walked through when they left their homeland behind as slaves sold to the US and the Caribbean. Participating in the documentary are two of Bob’s children, Cedella and Ziggy but there is almost no mention of any of the other nine children and they do not appear in the documentary. Bob’s late mother Cedella Booker, cousins, aunts and a childhood teacher paint a picture of Marley’s childhood and upbringing in St Ann, Jamaica as a mixed race child, which played a big role in who he became as an adult. Bob’s wife Rita Marley, his former girlfriend Cindy Breakspear and baby mother Pat Williams help to illustrate Marley‘s adult life. Cindy and Pat in particular add insight into who Bob was as a man as they share some of their personal encounters and fond memories of the man they loved. Music of course is the essence of Bob Marley’s life and his legacy to the world. His tremendous success, and spirit, is well documented through concert footage and interviews with musicians who worked closely with Bob at different points in his career. People like Bunny Wailer, Lee Scratch Perry, Bob Andy, Marcia Griffith and Chris Blackwell share their experiences to bring viewers closer to Bob. “Marley” is as much an account of Bob Marley’s life as it is a story about Reggae music and of Jamaica. We learn more about the emergence and development of Reggae music in Jamaica, about Jamaica’s history, political violence of the 70s and 80s, the history and culture of Rastafari as well as the impact that Marley and Reggae music have had on people around the world. Kevin McDonald has done a magnificent job of giving viewers new knowledge and insights into Bob Marley’s life and a feel for who he really was. McDonald struck the right note with a well balanced documentary. He composed a masterpiece merging historical account, facts, personal memories and Bob’s own words and music to create a true portrait of a man who touched the hearts and souls of millions. A man who stood for “One Love,” and whose words “I want mankind to live together; Black, White and Chinese,” were the last words that echoed through the theatre. L 3 M A G A Z I N E . C O M | M AY 2 0 1 2

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MASTERING MUSIC

MASTER YOUR MUSIC WITH UNIVERSAL!

ost experts will tell up and coming artists, and even established artists too, that music should be polished and ready for market, particularly, it should be radio ready. To get it ready, all songs need to be mastered. In steps Universal, yes, Universal as in the record label! Universal Mastering’s engineers have worked with artists including Aerosmith, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kanye West, Harry Connick Jr. and more. Universal Mastering is a full-service professional mastering facility equipped with a staff of world-class mastering engineers have worked with some of the industry’s top recording artists and producers including Stevie Wonder, The Who, John Coltrane, Sublime, Lil’ Wayne and more! Using effects such as compression, limiting, and equalization plus others to enhance the overall sound of your music, your songs will be comparable in presence and volume to commercially released recordings after it has been mastered. To take advantage of this special offer, sign up at Tune Core. Here’s the link: http://www.tunecore.com/store/product/62

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CONTRIBUTED

ON THE SCENE

CONGRATULATIONS TO DAVID RODIGAN AND BASS ODYSSEY 2012 WORLD CLASH R.E.S.E.T. WINNERS!

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THE SPORT OF CLASH

few years ago, when interviewed for L3 Magazine, we asked Chin of Irish and Chin if Sound Clash is a sport or a hobby, and he firmly replied ‘a sport.’ Chin also went on to explain that one day, this sport, our sport, will become an Olympic level operation where countries will find their best, prepare their best, and enter their best for competition. Chin was absolutely right.

Clash is a sport of tune selection, riddim selection and speech on the microphone! The staging of this years’ World Clash R.E.S.E.T. proved that there is a market for the sport, and also proved that Irish and Chin have kept the sport alive through mediums such as Sound Chat, a radio special that puts focus on Sound Systems past and present (visit www.irishandchin.com for more information and listing for radio shows and more). More than 5,000 fans eagerly participated in the New York staging of the Clash which saw UK veteran, David Rodigan take the cup from the hands of Jamaican, American and Japanese sounds. Congratulations to David Rodigan who competed and won the 2012 World Clash R.E.S.E.T in New York. Congratulations also to Bass Odyssey for winning World Clash R.E.S.E.T in Jamaica! MARCO

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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

THE BEAUTIFUL LAND OF CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

eing in Travel means experiencing new cities and new countries; the food, the culture, the landscape is usually much for the eye to behold. This month, we explore South Africa and all it has to offer. Ironically, Cap Town tourism and Durban Tourism teamed with National Geographic for a first in their collaborative series of international activities to promote South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tourism offering. This is good news! SAIDAH GOMEZ

STEVE MCCURY

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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

The world’s eyes were more widely opened to the positive side of South Africa with the staging of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in which 32 teams from around the world competed for the coveted World Cup trophy. One of the bonuses of that year was the Vuvuzela which screamed loudly for favourite teams. Beyond memories of FIFA, 2010, what’s not to love about Cape Town? From iconic Table Mountain, several hundred million years in the making, to the hip watering holes of Camps Bay, South Africa’s “Mother City” is the brightest light in the reborn rainbow nation. Inspirational landscape, sugary sand

beaches, centuries old vineyards, and colonial mansions, plus a host of adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities are among Cape Town’s many blessings. Factor in a colorful creative vibe and a lively social scene—manifesting itself in outstanding places to stay, eat, shop, and party—and you’ll soon realize why the city is South Africa’s favorite playground. Here’s a look at some of our favourite scenes from the beautiful land of Cape Town, South Africa!

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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

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MISS MAY 2012

DESYRAY

Model: Desyray Keizer Make-Up: Michal May Stylist: Johnakeshia Thompson Hair: Shawn Lamar Daniels Photography By: Jerome Dupont. ÂŠNeu Era Photography 2012

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I N T E R N AT I O N A L A F FA I R S

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS DJs WE LOVE TO HEAR SPIN AND YOUR EARDRUMS WILL FALL IN LOVE TOO! OLIVA LEWIS

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I N T E R N AT I O N A L A F FA I R S

CANADA’S PHENOMENAL FIREBALL DJ & PRODUCER - TICKY TY! If positive energy could be heard, you would feel that rhythm radiating from Toronto’s fireball DJ and Producer, Ticky Ty! Miss Ty’s signature style and energy has catapulted her into the underground house scene with a blast! Perfecting her craft while broadening her creativity in Japan, Ticky shaped her signature style and overall outlook on the music scene. In only the first few months of her debut in Toronto, Ty had graced the stages of Footwork, Fly, The Comfort Zone and has also performed for charities such as the 519 Community Centre supporting Our Youth and Casey House. Ty’s unmistakable Afro Puff and intense energy consistently showcases her as a multifaceted DJ showcasing art! Of that art Ticky says “There’s no reason why you can’t feel and express the music just as much if not more than everybody on the dance floor! That’s why when I spin I’ll dance, get on the mic, and act out the lyrics – whatever the mood calls for, I’ll answer with everything I am!” Connect with Ticky Ty! @DjTickyTy

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L3’S

CHAM 1 “Wine” AMMOYE 2 “Radio” RDX 3 “Hustle” BUDDZ 4 “ICOLLIE Feel So Good” FROGGY MADD SQUAD 5 “Sanctuary” KAYSHA LEE 6 “Prototype” WAYNE WONDER 7 “Anuh Lie”

KAYLA BLISS BAMI FT. 8 “Rock 14 JAH n Sway” PRESSURE “Poppin” KING ALI BABA FT. OCTAYNE 9 “Superstar” KONSHENS 15 “Gal A Bubble” LINDO P FT. MICHIE MEE 10 “Love” (DJ Kurt Riley Refix) I-BRILLIANCE WORLD FT. 16 “Greatest Lover” 11 THIRD MARCIA GRIFFITHS “You Made Me So Very Happy” FAZE FT. TIFFIE 17 “Feel Good” CHAM FT. O 12 “Back Way” KAYLA BLISS 18 “One More Chance” CHRIS DEMANTIGUE 13 “Just The Two of Us” PROFESSOR FT. 19 DAPROTOJE

Charts are based on the most active DJ downloads via the L3 Music Distribution service.

“Skanking and Rocking”

CROSS CARIBBEAN

TOP 10 CHARTS

INDEPENDENT TASH TOP 10 CROSS CARIBBEAN MUSIC CHART Compiled by Independent Tash

DAMIAN MARLEY 1 “Affairs of the Heart” VEGAS 2 “Bruk It Down” BUSY SIGNAL 3 “Missin You” KONSHENS 4 “Gal A Bubble” POPCAAN 5 “Party Shot”

I-OCTANE 6 Bad Mind Fi De Year TARRUS RILEY 7 “Never Leave I” GYPTIAN 8 “My Number One”eart” CHRISTOPHER 9 “Cheater’s Prayer” RKG 10 “Cheatin Ting”

LOVE

SOCA CHART

TOP 10 CHARTS

SOCA

INDEPENDENT TASH TOP 10 SOCA MUSIC CHART Compiled by Independent Tash

Contact Tash direct at IndependentTash@gmail.com

FAY-ANN LYONS 1 “Miss Behave” KES THE BAND 2 “Stress Away” BIG RED 3 “6:30 Bend Ova” MACHEL MONTANO 4 “Mr. Fete” MACHEL MONTANO 5 “Pump Yuh Flag” KERWIN DUBOIS 6 “Bacchanalist” SWAPPI 4D 7 “Bucket” FARMER NAPPY 8 “You Make Me” DESTRA 9 “Link Up” IWER GEORGE 10 “Jab (No Pain)”

*All songs on this chart reflect the most played hits as confirmed by Program Directors (PD’s) throughout the Caribbean via reporting radio stations and night clubs.

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CARIBBEAN ARTISTS

BREAK OUT

*Photography by Mark Lyndersay

BREAK-OUT CARIBBEAN ARTISTS

COLLIS DURANTY

FABION 1 “Wear My Name”

COLLIS DURANTY 2 “Mr. Officer”

RITICAL 7 “Wish You The Best”

Miami (Jamaica)

Trinidad & Tobago

ROXXY

“Delete” St. Maarten

Tortolla

NYNE 3 “Je-taime”

STEWART WILSON 4 “Rule the World”

NHAKENTE 5 “IBUGGY See Them”

Anguilla

BLESSED

“Reggae Time” Toronto

Cayman Islands

Barbados

SMOOTH T

“Jovert” Turks & Caicos

DION GUMBS & BETTI V

“We Can Smile Again”

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LOVE

TOP 10 CHARTS

EXCO LEVI

RICO VIBES TOP 10 VIDEO PICKS FOR MARCH

“SEEMS LIKE FOREVER”

Compiled by Rico Vibes

JEMERE MORGAN

EXCO LEVI

3 4

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“FIRST KISS” “SEEMS LIKE FOREVER”

DA PROFESSOR FT. KEN BOOTHE “TOUCH YOU”

TANYA MULLINGS

BUSY SIGNAL

DELLY RANX

“BAD GYAL”

“COOK HENNESSEY”

SINGING MELODY

CHAM

J BOOG

“RESCUE ME”

KONSHENS

“COME OVER”

“COLLIDE”

KONSHENS “BAD GYAL”

“WINE”

“LET IT BLAZE”

CHAM “WINE”

T H E A LT E R N AT I V E B E AT NEW RELEASES

KINNIE STARR

“YOUR EYES”

No relation to Ringo, at least not genetically, this singer channels all the upbeat deliciousness of pop songs of yesteryear. Complete with a live band, not drum machines and electro samples, Starr’s voice has a soft, haunting quality capable of multiple styles from pop to jazz to rock. A ballad of sorts, Starr tells a vivid tale of how love sneaks up on you and becomes everything. “Your Eyes” combines elements of all three, with jazzy, smooth verses, pop harmonies, and rocking choruses.

THE ALTERNATIVE BEAT ALLIE MASON

DEMETRA PENNER

BOXER THE HORSE

ROYAL CHANCE

FRED

This beautiful acoustic folk number is basically the best lullaby you’ll ever have sung to you. The violin and vocal harmonies gently accentuate Penner’s delicate and sweet voice. Echoing like a female Chad van Gaalen, especially on some of his more balladtype songs in records past, this number has the potential to relax you into a zen-like state. The instrumentation and harmonies are so well balanced, it’s as if they are all one in the same; one single instrument producing an effortless marriage between lead vocals, harmony, piano and violin.

Reminiscent of early Weezer, this quartet from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island harnesses all of the key elements of surf rock and pop. Low-fi guitars coupled with Jeremy Gaudet’s half-sing, half-speak vocal delivery might not initially turn your crank, so to speak, but there is a certain charm and youthfulness about it that draws you in and holds you tight. Alliteration and metaphor—literary depth in general—isn’t usually what you’d necessarily associate with surf-rock, but these boys have managed to create something smart and sonically satisfying.

If you’re looking for a dose of 100 percent rock, this is the one track this month that is just for you. Royal Canoe, a six-piece band from Winnipeg, Manitoba has some of the most complex compositions I’ve heard in a long time. Their three-song EP, which includes “Bathtubs,” has lead singer Matt Peters dishing out just about every kind of vocals you can imagine—distortions, falsetto, choral—you name it. Backed up by a full electric accompaniment, including keys, strings, bells, unidentifiable percussion, and seemingly disco-inspired back up vocals, this six-minute-long jam will keep you on your toes, that’s for sure.

Although this song begins with a simple drum-beat and piano, and slowly introduces other instruments and vocals, orchestral, operatic and ear-orgasm inducing are just a few words that will help you imagine what this track accomplishes by its end. Hailing from Cork, Ireland, Fred is not actually a one-man band like the name implies, but is a six person full band, oozing with talent out of every orifice. With the crescendos and complexity of a full-throttle philharmonic, Fred tells an epic tale through lyrics and music.

“I AM WRITTEN”

“RATTLE YOUR CAGE”

“BATHTUBS”

“FEARS AND REMEDIES”

L3MAGAZINE.COM | APRIL 2012

LOVE

LOVE ADVICE

L3MAGAZINE.COM | APRIL 2012

LOVE ADVICE

L 3 M A G A Z I N E . C O M | M AY 2 0 1 2

LOVE

ON BLAST

MUSIC ON BLAST

MALICA

THE VOCAL SOOTHER It’s not too often that a vocalist can effortlessly master multiple genres of music, but Malica, whom we have labeled the Vocal Soother, is just that person! Coming from Brooklyn, New York and growing up in Duhaney Park, Kingston, Jamaica, Malica was exposed to the North American sound and the Caribbean sound at a young age which is perhaps the reason why she cannot be musically contained to one box. Early influences such as her Father’s passion for music, and his Sound System, Love Vibration, Artists such as Barrington Levy, Beenie Man, Professor Nuts, Sanchez, Gladys Knight, Sade, Marcia Griffiths and others were instrumental in Malica’s vocal development and her well rounded sound. Once her parents realized that her passion for music was more of a destiny than a desire, she was given singing lessons, and entered into various talent competitions. Self-assured and determined, Malica took voice lessons in

L 3 M A G A Z I N E . C O M | M AY 2 0 1 2

everything ranging from Gospel and R&B to Opera with no limits! In the recording booth, producers Jam 2, Rodney Jerkins, JonJon, Seanizzle, and the legendary Tony ‘CD’ Kelly have all been impressed with her vocals, work ethic and song writing skills. Her vocal styling has been featured in places such as Portugal where she was featured on the single ‘All Night Long,’ from an album by the late great recording artist, Angélico Vieira. In addition to working with world class producers, Malica has performed at Universal Studios, Hard Rock Cafe, House Of Blues, and graced the stage at Miami’s annual Best Of The Best concert. The songstress has also shared the spotlight with acts Buju Banton, Shaggy, Nick Cannon and Snoop Dogg. Tweet with Malica! @malicamusic CONTRIBUTED

ON BLAST

TAKING A LOOK AT CURACAO’S RUENNA! KARLA ASHLEY Captivating fans across the Caribbean, the graceful, sweet Ruenna is the Curacao’s leading lady! Having won several pageant titles as a teenager, and having the most accumulated distinctions such as Miss Teenager Curaçao and Miss Teenager Congeniality of the largest teenage pageant in the world aptly named Miss Teenager, Ruenna remains humble, causing those close to her to give her the nickname Sugar. Sugar’s break-through as an actress occurred in a political satire, Fe Lusafe, where she took the leading role. The film explored aspects of Curaçao’s revolution of May 30th, 1969; written, directed by and featuring the legendary comedian Eligio Melfor. More recently Sugar completed a tour in Aruba with the humoristic and controversial play, Gainan Fini, yet another leading role, where she portrayed a female writer transforming into a homosexual man to write a book about the “gay community” life. Sugar will also be starring as one of the main actresses for an international production company, Endemol’s, new soap-series entitled Ki bo Ke Men (What do you mean?). Currently juggling her final year as a student at the College of the Dutch Caribbean, majoring in Marketing & Public Relations, Sugar, is also touring the Dutch Kingdom, staring in one of the biggest theatrical plays of the year, TISHA. TISHA, another controversial production about a fifteen year old girl who, throughout the play, is placed in the most

complex situations, exploring issues such as relationships, sexual morality, pregnancy and tradition. The underlying question is whether we determine our own destiny. The producer, Teatro KadaKen, has no ready-made answers, but explores these issues critically, with humour and poetry. The play was written by Mr. Albert Schoobaar, also known for the successful play, Deconstruction of Edsel K, which was nominated for Dutch Royal condecoration of “Appeltjes van Oranje”, together with the direction of international Dutch director Sylvia Andringa. As a beauty ambassador to the island of Curaçao and ambassador of the WE LEAD Foundation, Sugar hopes to continue her acting career and, one day, obtain the Miss Universe crown. She also desires to be an inspirational role model to young persons across the world, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with passion, focus and respect. Her role models are her grandmothers, mother, (who she attributes her talent, perseverance and beauty), Tyra Banks, and Anne-Marie Braafheid (the former Miss Curaçao 1968/ Miss Universe 1969 First Runner-Up and the first dark skinned woman to attain a high position in the Miss Universe contest). For more information visit www.facebook.com/missruenna L 3 M A G A Z I N E . C O M | M AY 2 0 1 2

LOVE

ON BLAST

DALE SKORPIO VOICE WITH DISTINCTION

ased on his passion for Para-Sailing, Jet Skiing and Motorcycle racing, you wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t guess that the voice of Dale Skorpio has entertained many, namely in the Mandeville area of Jamaica. Though life has taken this entertainer through the corporate world, Dale has always found his outlet through music. Singing for special events, and for hotels in the tourist area of Jamaica, Dale, as well as his fans embrace his unique sound. Singing from Baritone to High Tenor, Dale has become known for the touch he gives to Country music, a genre not often performed on the island. Currently unsigned, Dale is hopeful a label will listen to his style with fresh ears as he performs Alternative and Reggae music in addition to Country!

CONTRIBUTED

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ON BLAST

DRE ZEE’S PATH IN MUSIC!

ost artists we talk to share their path in the music and describe it something like ‘knew from an early age I wanted to be in music, started singing in the church then went on to ….’ There’s nothing wrong with that story, but our ears perked when we heard the story of Dancehall artist Dre Zee! This truly multi-talented artist has played the role of Executive Producer, label owner and artist and performed well in each role. It’s his role as artist that’s caused his light to shine recently, and with the help of Grammy award winning producer Tony CD Kelly. With the release of his singles “Good Good Girl,” and “It’s Really This” (with label mate Italis), the path that Dre walked is put to good use as fans like what they hear! Born and raised in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Dre moved to Miami, Florida as a teen which is where he came into his own musically as his brother Kirk Douglas, a Dancehall DJ, introduced the teen to the concept of live stage performances, and techniques to ‘ride a riddim.’ Dre Zee went on to work with artists such as Future Fambo, Busy Signal, Bling Dawg and other Dancehall greats on the ‘Reggae Nights’ project. Riddim after riddim, Dre Zee was in his comfort zone. He traveled overseas and performed in Germany as well as venues across the Caribbean. One of his career highlights so far is his collaboration on a track with Ky-mani Marley, son of Reggae icon Bob Marley. Currently signed to world renowned producer, Tony ‘CD’ Kelly’s K..Licious Music Group, Dre plans to use music as his method of sharing his numerous stories coming from Montego Bay, and now to the world! CONTRIBUTED

L 3 M A G A Z I N E . C O M | M AY 2 0 1 2

LOVE

ON BLAST

HOSNY

RACINES FRANÇAISES CLAIRE

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ON BLAST

Hosny, Rasta Rebel, un album à découvrir. On se souvient de cette déferlante de groupes de reggae français à la fin des années 90. Le nombre de ces groupes encore actifs est désormais à compter sur les doigts d’une main. Passionné de musique (et de reggae) depuis son enfance, HOSNY ne s’est jamais contenté de surfer sur une mode. Il était là bien avant «les autres» et c’est avec grand plaisir que nous vous annonçons son grand retour dans les bacs. Avec «RASTA REBEL», HOSNY continue de transmettre les messages qui l’ont toujours animé : la spiritualité, la foi en la Nature, en l’avenir, l’amour, autant de thèmes directement inspirés de la philosophie Rasta, depuis toujours revendiquée par HOSNY. Si certains seraient tentés de crier au cliché et à l’imposture, ils n’auront qu’à se replonger dans son tout premier album sorti en 1997 sous le nom GOOD MORNING BABYLONES. On y entendait déjà toute la sincérité et la foi d’HOSNY que l’on retrouve ici dans un «RASTA REBEL» venant directement du coeur de l’artiste. Les Jamaïcains auront été les premiers à déceler la sincérité de ce jeune français installé à Paris. C’est ainsi que les deux premiers albums de Good Morning Babylones seront enregistrés avec The Wailers, les authentiques musiciens de Bob Marley. L’album «Unité Universelle» sorti en 2003 offre un son directement sorti du Studio Kingston, Jamaica. Les maîtres du genre (Familyman, Vin Gordon, Bembo ou encore Glenn Da Costa…) ont donné toute leur confiance à HOSNY et le prouvent à nouveau cette année puisqu’ils ont réédité l’expérience Paris-Kingston pour «RASTA REBEL». Petite cerise sur le gâteau, l’illustre claviériste Veron Sutherland des Gladiators s’est ajouté à ce prestigieux casting. «RASTA REBEL» est un album entièrement écrit, composé et interprété par HOSNY. Les arrangements sont issus de la collaboration avec The Wailers mais aussi avec le directeur artistique Nicolas Atlan, lequel a supervisé (toujours en présence d’HOSNY) les prises de sons et le mix de cet album. HOSNY, artiste entier, est français et tient à chanter en français pour faire passer son message. HOSNY, auteur, compositeur, interprète prépare la sortie de son 4e album. Sa musique authentique, moderne et rebelle, diffuse un message positif d’Amour et de Paix pour tous les peuples. Son 1er album « Radical Fighters » déclenche la vague de reggae qui va déferler en France et sera classé dans les meilleures ventes en Angleterre. Son 2e album « Unité Universelle » et son 3e album « Rasta Rebel » sont enregistrés entre Kingston, Jamaïque, et Paris, avec les Wailers, musiciens de Bob Marley. Plus information: http://www.hosnygoodmorningbabylones.com/

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LOVE

ON BLAST

INTRODUCING

ITALIS

THE MAN WITH THE DEEP VOICE! CONTRIBUTED

L 3 M A G A Z I N E . C O M | M AY 2 0 1 2

hen most people hear the voice of Italis, they think they’re hearing the voice of Buju Banton. Oh what shoes to fill! Born Patrick Anthony Willis, the Virgo Dancehall sensation inherited his vocal chords from his Father and Grandfather who each have unusually deep voices. Growing up in the church, Italis experienced ‘celebrity’ status at a young age as the church membership and visitors often crammed spaces to hear the star perform! Combining his unique voice, with the energy of artists Dennis Brown, Papa San, Ninja Man, Garnett Silk, I-Wayne and Bushman, Italis gives fans lyrics they want to hear such as his chune “Money” on Tony CD Kelly’s 1st Quarter Riddim (see the music review section for more). As this was the first song people outside of Jamaica heard from the artist, Italis made sure to offer a second single, just as hard, called “It’s Really This” featuring label mate Dre Zee. Both songs showcase the grit and determination of the artist to represent the thoughts of the people. Of his vocals sounding like Buju, Italis says “I love Buju Banton. He is also an inspiration. People tell me I sound like him all the time. I can’t help that. This is just me; naturally.” He also adds “Although I am mainly a DJ, the singers are the ones who inspired me the most. Dennis Brown is the artist I listened to and was inspired by more than anyone.” In addition to Kelly and the K..Liscious Music Label, Danny Champagne also paved the way for the artist to hone his craft and share the stage with label mates Malica, Dre Zee as well as established artists.

ON BLAST

BLACK BARBI Take a little bit of Fashion, combine it with a little Dance and of course, music and you get Shauna Kay Whyte otherwise known as Black Barbie! Having walked the runway for notable fashion designers, Black Barbie has become one of the personalities of choice in the world of Caribbean entertainment. Her talent has opened many doors, most recently that of media personality. Currently the host for Dancehall 360 degrees / Dancehall Connects TV, Barbie interacts with the who’s who in the industry, bringing viewers up to date with artists’ careers. In addition to TV, Barbie can be heard on radio in New York. Her style has earned her the award for “DJ of the Year” and “Best Female Radio Personality” at the Linkage Awards On the hosting front, the ‘’Miss Jamaica Caribbean Teen Talent Pageant” saw this starlet coordinate with celebrity panel judges Delus, Barbee and Nicole Skye as they chose the young lady best suited to represent Jamaica at the Caribbean Teen Talent Pageant in St. Kitts & Nevis! Connect with Black Barbie via Twitter: @Blackkittybarbi MARCUS WELLER

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ON BLAST LOVE

BUSY SIGNAL REGGAE MUSIC AGAIN LLOYD BRADLEY FROM BBC

overshadows his bringing a fresh tunefulness to the genre in recent years, expanding its scope and extending songs’ longevity. With Reggae Music Again he builds on all the clever musicality of 2010’s D.O.B. to produce an album that, appropriately for the 50th anniversary of Jamaica’s independence, immerses itself in Reggae music heritage. It works because rather than attempting to ‘do’ traditional Reggae, Busy bring the without leaving his comfort zone. He and his musicians totally understand the vibes connecting the music’s various aspects with its’ audience, and (re)create them in an entirely modern setting. Thus his sing-jay vocals can be more sing than jay this time without compromise. Two songs sum up this approach. On its surface 119 is pure Dancehall, all sharp edges and brisk tempo, but it’s pulled back a couple of decades by subliminal touches of echo and a drum pattern which could be a bassline. Kingston Town, meanwhile, talks of a dark side of the city far removed from Lord Creator’s version, presenting itself as a spooky repurposing of dub and deejay toasting. temporary; yet by employing musicians such as Robbie Lyn, Dean Fraser and Kirk Bennett for a more traditional feel, Reggae Music Again bridges Jamaican music’s digital divide. Modern Day Slavery and Fire Ball are multilayered roots music: the former builds on a clever organ and tops o underlying swing to the sequenced beats. Lovers Rock is present and updated with Royal Night, stitched together with a killer guitar line, and on Jah Love, which adds an intriguing choral element to some cool beats. Pop Reggae gets a bright n breezy look in with the title-track and Run Weh, while Comfort Zone is a delicate acoustic mix that Busy’s righteous vocal keeps rooted in the Dancehall. The only time anything sounds at all derivative is when Wicked Men draws heavily on Lee Perry and Niney (The Observer), and Part of Life conjures up vintage Black Uhuru. But there’s enough updating to make these pieces his own. Really, Reggae Music Again represents far more than what it seems to be billed as, namely Busy Signal changes style. It’s an important evolution of Dancehall connecting it to the timeline of Jamaican music, then pushing forwards into the 21st century. L3’S RATING IS 4.5 OUT OF 5 STARS!

TADS RECORDS THE PHANTOM VOLUME 2

CONTRIBUTE D

The Phantom Vol. 1 was a great success so it comes as no surprise that Tad’s Records, the series creator, has released Vol. 2. The second installment focuses on emerging and/or re-emerging talent such as fast-rising star Popcaan whose Billboard rise with the song “Only Man She Want” made him a fan favourite. Reenergized lyrical master Assassin joins the compilation I-Octane is back by popular demand with “Cyaan Do We Nutten” and “My Story.” Says Tad Dawkins of Tads Records “I believe we’ve got great songs from great artists on The Phantom Vol. 2, material music fans will love and appreciate.” The Phantom Vol. 2 is available on all major digital outlets.

L 3 M A G A Z I N E . C O M | M AY 2 0 1 2

ON BLAST

NAZARENES A MUSICAL JOURNEY JOSHUA CHAMBERLAIN

Opening with a meditative chant sung in English as well as the East African language Tigrinya, the Nazarenes pay homage not just to their homeland of Ethiopia but also their family’s Eritrean roots. The title track sets the tone for the album ether with

reggae on “Mother” and “Lonesome Lady”, the creeping dub vibes of “Alive” and “Politrickcians,” the pop/rock arrangements of “Destiny”, “Mamy Blues” and “Get Together” to soulful alto harmonizing on “The Lord Said” which features Virgin Islands roots reggae standard-bearer Midnite. For the track “It’s Too Late”, Lutan Fyah, the leader for conscious Dancehall music Cumulatively, Meditation is a 14-track statement from the Nazarenes that it’s not too late to protect the vulnerable, improve the environment and live in harmony with others, all to a solid foot-tapping, hip-moving, head-nodding soundtrack. Throughout, I Grade Records production value is on display in which the musical commitment to mobilize and motivate reggae and world music fans worldwide.

inning producer, Tony ‘CD’ Kelly, releases the ‘1st Quarter’ riddim to the delight of Dancehall and Reggae lovers worldwide. K..Licious Music Group, Tony’s label, has produced some of Dancehall and Reggae’s most successful singles, albums and collaborations. For almost three decades, the

K..LICIOUS MUSIC THE 1ST QUARTER RIDDIM

CONTRIBUTE

Wata and Buy Out riddims. erently. The label ill be making their debut on the ‘1st Quarter’ riddim; siblings Malica & Atiba, Italis and Dre Zee. Each have a unique sound craved by audiences who appreciate god music. The label’s songstress Malica (see our artist features section to learn more about Malica), featured on the riddim, is telling it like it is with the self assured track, ‘Best Italis, the artist who was once nicknamed Buju Kid for sounding almost identical to Buju Banton whom he refers to as ‘Father’ in his chune “Money,” explains people’s motivation for wanting the currency , while label mate and sing-jay Dre Zee is not a bit disappointed that his ‘Good Good Girl’ seem to have gone bad. This riddim also features veteran Dancehall hotshot Shaggy and newcomer Shaki, Beenie Man, Future Fambo, General Degree, Mystic, Denyque, and Notch. The ‘1st Quarter’ riddim is full of vibes to say the least, but what else would one expect from Tony ‘CD’ Kelly?! It’s K..Licious! L 3 M A G A Z I N E . C O M | M AY 2 0 1 2

LY R I C S

L3MAGAZINE.COM | APRIL 2012

LS LADY SAW

DANCEHALL’S EVERLASTING QUEEN NATASHA VON CASTLE

ost things are coming up new for Lady Saw! New album, new-er attitudes and new-er approaches to industry situations, but let’s just look at her new music! She has Dancehall abuzz right now with her singles “Love Mih Mate,” “Mr. Short Comings” and “Love Sick” which for her loyal fans, substantiate the reason why she is the Queen … The Dancehall Queen. Ms. Marion Hall has come a long way since she started as a teen. She’s seen a lot of artists come, and a lot go,

and a few who are in between. With all she’s seen, she’s never moved from her throne. She releases hit records as a matter of course. When producers are putting riddim projects together, she gets the call. When foreigners are looking for Caribbean spice, Lady Saw is the one they turn to. It would surprise many to know the extent of business relationships Marion has, but then again, to be Queen, you must! Here is Lady Saw….

L3: Looking at where you are now, and comparing it to where you started, does it surprise you that you have first, second and third generation fans as in the fans who started with you had children, and their children support you, and now their children’s’ children support you! LS: I’m not surprised knowing that I have third generation fans. I’m just really happy I have them as fans. I marvel about it after looking back at all the years I’ve been in the business. To be in this business for so long, and to be able to captivate the younger minds … I am so humbled by that! I also appreciate it, and I don’t know what else to say. I’m happy! I must also say that I did know from a young age that I would be one to last. You have 2,847 people talking about you right now on the social networking site Facebook, you also have more than 76,000 fans who ‘like’ you, not to mention your Twitter presence sees you communicate with more than 17,000 fans. Are you enjoying all this social communication? I most definitely enjoy all of this! When it comes to Twitter, I would say I’m a Twitter geek! I do tweet some crazy things some times, but the fans love it because they say I’m keeping it real. Fans are often surprised that I talk back to them, but to me, they’re like family. When I’m having an off day, they’re right there to calm me, and encourage me, and when I’m having good days, they’re right there to say keep up the good work. We have a great relationship – me, and my fans! Not only are you performing for fans, you are also producing for fans! How does it feel from a professional perspective to be on the other side of the mixing board. It feels good to be a producer; putting melodies together, riddims, even song writing for artists – everything feels good. What I also like is seeing how everything comes together, for example, watching Vybez Kartel in the studio (prior to his incarceration) and seeing how the riddim and the lyrics, and his voice came together for the project. Things like that I like to see! I also produced a song with Beres Hammond which will be on my album Alter Ego, and that was a joy! Hanging out in the studio, writing the song, humming and singing out the melodies, listening to him sing out his part and me doing my part, that was great too. Working with Haley from UB40 was another really good experience. Again, writing for these artists (Vybez Kartel, Beres Hammond, Haley) and hearing their interpretation of the lyrics really means a lot as in it’s a special experience for me professionally. As one of the few female producers in our industry, do you feel like a Pioneer – like your championing the cause for female producers to be accepted and given more opportunities? I felt like a champion for years. Being that person whose been in the business for years, and being that person who opened the doors for many females, and being the person who went through the days of music distributors telling producers not to work with females because they’re music won’t sell, yes, I feel like a Pioneer and I am a Pioneer.

“ I FEEL LIKE A PIONEER. “I AM A PIONEER.

Other female producers have come to me and told me that I inspire them, and that feels good to hear. My first record that was played on the radio was produced by a female. The label was called Capricorn Records and the owner met in an accident and passed, but to carry on that start is a joy. While I enjoy being a producer, I also make sure to record for other female producers as well. I always make sure to give as much support as I can! Big up DJ Sunshine from Irie FM! You have a new album coming out called ‘Marion Hall – The Alter Ego,’ and are dropping new singles leading up to the albums release. Are there any curve balls, or unexpected musical placements that will be a surprise to fans?! It’s a different album, and not one that everyone will be used to. It’s Jazz and Blues, it’s Gospel, it’s laid back Reggae and the topics are very deep. The song with me and Beres is a song about a young lady who, while going to school, would pass and say good morning to everyone she met, until something happened. We don’t tell you what happened. It could be that she was beaten, raped, abused in some way; people will relate to the song. The title is called “Fine Young Lady,” and we see the effect of what she is going through in the change in her character. Those are the types of songs on the album. Based on feedback from people who either came by the studio and heard, or were in the studio when the songs were being recorded, this album will have an impact. Lady Saw begins to sing which prompts me to comment… Hearing you sing takes me back to the day I bought your album ‘Bare as You Dare,’ with songs like “Let’s Stay Together.” In a sense you’re going back to your beginning! Ah you remember that?! And songs like “Give Me A Reason” which was done over my a major Country music artist. I actually came out singing before I was a DJ! There was something about being a DJ that’s aggressive, which is how I like to be when I’m on stage, so that was the path I developed more. Now I’m getting back to the singing! Your single “Love Mih Mate” is an international Dancehall sensation! We know you don’t have a ‘mate’ so we’re curious as to where the lyrics for that chune came from?! Now listen, everyone has a mate; I might even have more than one! When you’re with a fine man, you have to expect some trouble. We women were made beautiful; our curves, the body, the way God made us, which man is going to pass and not want a piece, unless you’re a man who is just not interested in girls?! I think that some women cause troubles in marriages etc., so I won’t sit here and say I’ve never had a mate (at this point John John,

Lady Saw’s Husband, enters the room and overhears our interview). As John John just said, my mate likes me too! (we all laugh – it was just that funny)! This happens every day; women throw themselves at John. I don’t know if it’s a power thing, or if it’s because I sing about sex on stage and they think I’m getting it good every night so they want to sample it too, I don’t know what it is, but ‘it’ is definitely there. How the song came up because there was a young lady who lives a few miles away from me, and another artist who lived in that area too. John went to see the artist because of a production he was working on. He went to see the artist, and when he went to see him, this particular young lady was immediately attracted to John. They ended up exchanging numbers, and John started coming into the house with all these things (Lady Saw senses my inner shock that I can’t believe she’s sharing this with me, which prompts her to say ‘why do you think I have so many followers on Twitter. I don’t hide, I talk….), things like bath and body wash, cranberry juice, sprays, lotions – all these things. I was in Florida part of the time because I was pregnant and under Doctor’s care being a highrisk pregnancy, and John starts sending me all this US money. The girl was supporting him! When I found out he was taking things from this young lady, I said I needed to speak to this girl. John told me the girl was his boops (a boops is a person used for financial gain but not a love interest). He said he takes the things and laughs at the girl. As an artist, I don’t want to go out in public and cuss anybody but…. One day I went for a walk and I saw the girl come out, and I called her name. She turned around (who told her to turn around) and I said “girl you have a lot of nerve. I don’t want to see your silly a$$ and why are you giving my man all these things? She said she sold the items to John. So I said to her, don’t let me silly slap you! I reminded her who was who and what was what and she went inside. After that, John didn’t bring anything else home, and that’s where the song really came

“

TO BE IN THIS AND TO BE AB YOUNGER MIN BY THAT!

S BUSINESS FOR SO LONG, BLE TO CAPTIVATE THE NDS ... I AM SO HUMBLED from! I performed the chune in Trinidad, and the fans loved it so – it’s a good thing! Editor’s note: Only Lady Saw can do a song like this! Will we see you as the Queen of Dancehall record with Beenie the King of Dancehall anytime soon. Better yet, a joint album called ‘King and Queen?!’ Well we have worked together before, and I’m sure we will work together again! You are the only female in Dancehall to reach Gold and Triple Platinum certification from the R.I.A.A. for your work in 2002 and 2003 respectively, and you have also won a Grammy for your work with No Doubt. Do those accolades influence how or with whom you make music? What I will say about that is those awards have opened many doors for me. For instance, if a big artist from America, or any other part of the world, wants to do collaboration with a female, my name is the first that’s called. If I feel it won’t be good for me, I turn it down, if I like it, I work with it. Definitely, those accolades have opened doors for me and still open doors for me. It’s a good look! On a different tip, young men have commented that you look really good for your ‘age’ and wouldn’t mind courting you. What are some of the beauty regiments you use to keep your skin looking flawless? Nothing! God knows, I eat late at night, I love ice cream, I cook rice and peas with coconut milk, I love creamy pasta but the thing is, my Mom looked like us. People would think she was a sister, but she’s our Mom! It’s just great genes! What general advice can you give readers on Life, Love and Lyrics? On life, please enjoy it to the fullest! If you like to party, then partay; if you like being in the church, then give thanks and praises in the church. Whatever makes you happy, enjoy it and do it! Love is a wonderful thing, and it can also bring you pain. I think giving love everyday is beautiful and the right thing to do; and laugh too! Lyrics is powerful. Make sure what you say comes from your heart.

Lady Saw would love to hear from you via Twitter >>> @LadySawDHQueen

REGGAE MUSIC LIVES WITH

G M GRAMPS MORGAN NATASHA VON CASTLE

e is a Man. He is a Father. He is a Son. He is a Brother. He is a music creator. He is Gramps Morgan.

Every word spoken from Gramps mouth is sustenance for your soul. He doesn’t want you to go wrong along your travels in life, and makes sure to keep that tone consistent in his music. Having just released his second solo studio album ‘Reggae Music Lives,’ Gramps is on the road promoting the album and connecting with fans. We caught up with the Reggae great during his time in Utah…!

L3: The Reggae industry’s ‘Royal Family’ are the Morgans! As the most visible son, we would call you the first heir to the throne! Are you offended if we give you that title?! GM: It’s quite flattering, but even in the lineage of royalty, the next in line is always the oldest brother, and I’m not the oldest! Even you’re talking the oldest son of Morgan Heritage, then for that, yes I am. It’s a compliment – I get what you’re saying. I’m humbled, thank you! The last time we saw you, you had just released 2 Sides of My Heart which was a powerful album, and your first as a solo artist. Did you learn musical lessons in business, entertainment, touring with that album? I learned a lot of things. I learned a little more from the record label side; things like distributing and managing the manufacture of the records which is a totally different than making the music and putting it out. I had to learn things like getting the record in the stores and properly registering the album and each song etc. With a of that, yes, I learned a lot, and they were valuable lessons. You graced several red carpets with that albums release, one of which was the BET Awards. Was that a thrill for you as much as it was for us, your fans? It was a joy. A lot of times, we as the Reggae fraternity don’t make ourselves visible enough. The Hip Hop and R&B community is so fond of our music and they’re big fans of what we do. We have to find ways to bridge that gap. Going back to the question, it was a joy to be there, and this was my second time going. It was also a joy to be at the Soul Train Awards too. I am blessed with this project and the previous projects! Fast forward to today. Your song “Life Too Short” has elements of the Peter Tosh sound (which is a compliment) as in there’s an aggression to wake people up to the reality that this is not lip service – life really is too short to be playing games. Is that a fair assessment on our part? I wouldn’t say aggression, I would say it’s more you’re hearing me sing with the Jamaican Patois which may come across as aggression but it’s not. As for the Peter Tosh comparison, yes, several people have told me that; that I sound like him. When I sing Lover’s Rock, people then say I sound like Mikey Spice (which I as the interviewer agree with too!). I think the message in the song “Life Too Short” is very stern. It’s stern because we have to bring the message home that we have to enjoy life, and love what we do and it doesn’t take much to enjoy family.

You can go to the park and have a pic-nic with your family and fly a kite. You can roast some Fish and Chicken and Bread and have a GREAT time, so I’m trying to make that evident. I don’t want people carrying loads that they have no business carrying. Certain burdens are not theirs to carry. When you do that; or when you hold things in, or when you hold on to malice etc., you make yourself unhealthy. You shorten your life. Life is just too short – literally. Part of the revenue earned from iTunes sales of the single will go directly to the family of Trayvon Martin, the person who inspired the song. This has not been done in Reggae history that we are aware of. What prompted you to be so compassionate towards this family? One of the biggest things for me is that I have a son the same age as Trayvon Martin (Gramps is referring to teen sensation Jemere Morgan), and when I saw the reported facts of the case, I couldn’t help but say ‘that could have been Jemere.’ I must say condolences to the family of Trayvon, and condolences to the family of the accused. Either way, both families have suffered and are suffering tremendous loss. No matter who was right or wrong, Trayvon didn’t deserve to lose his life. I wrote the song “Life Too Short” a year and a half ago, but when I saw what was going on with the family, and knowing the area they come from, I just felt that the song was comforting and re-assuring. We reached out to the family, and they were receptive and most importantly, they liked the song. They were so touched, they officially added the song to the family’s official website (http:// justicetm.org/tributes/) which fans can see. This is a deep honor… Your new album will be hitting stores and digital retail outlets soon. If your first single is an indication, the album is outstanding. Tell us about your journey putting the album together. The journey wasn’t anything too different than what I’ve done before, except that I’ve been experimenting with new producers. One such producer is Clive Hunt whom I’ve heard of for many years, and have wanted to work with, and I had the chance to do that with this album. Clive is not just a producer but he’s a musician as well and that made the world of difference! I also had the chance to work with producer Rellee Hayden from New York and a song writer named Al Cruz who’s amazing; they really came in strong with songs like

“Dream,” and “I Appreciate You.” Kymani Marley’s keyboard player came in as a producer as well as a young producer who came in with “Part Time Soldier.” That song is doing really well in Jamaica too! Another surprise on the album is India Arie is back singing, only this time she’s singing in Patois – Jamaica’s native language! You could hear we were having fun on the record. You recently wrapped a tour with Kymani Marley! Oh man – let me tell you! Kymani is that brother! Within the whole Marley family he and I are really close. Don’t get me wrong, I’m close to Stephen and all the brothers, Damian, all of them, but with Kymani, there’s a lot we can relate to. We both were born in the United States, grew up with the American culture etc., and we just clicked – easy! When I mentioned I wanted to tour, he was like ‘let’s do it!’ We created history together. That was the first time a Marley and a Morgan ever toured together! Your Son Jemere has followed in your footsteps. We’ve seen footage of the two of you performing together, and he looks very comfortable performing! Are those moments of pride for you?! I wouldn’t say I’ve reached the point yet to say its pride, I would say happiness to see him out there doing his thing. I’m happy that his Mom allows me to be the Dad, the Father, the Mentor in his life because young kids have so much by which they can be distracted. When I watch him on stage, it’s more that I’m looking at what he can improve upon. He’s still growing, and still a work in progress. I want him to be great at what he does. I don’t want him going into anything and not giving 100% of himself. We’re not in this to play. The Morgan family is a musical ministry but at the same time, I want him to have fun. When I see him on stage, I often think ‘wow, this is going to be something!’ Did you find yourself passing on the same advice your Father gave to you when you decided to become a recording artist? Definitely! It’s all about development, and to develop properly it takes a lot. I want to develop him in the right way, and that’s what my Father wanted for us. The advice is pretty much the same; learning proper keys, proper pitch, going from one show to the next and how to rest your body. When it comes to touring, not being out at after parties every night as that will wear you out and you’ll be tired on the tour. Also, lack of rest will affect the voice and stage performance, so it’s guiding him with those things. Some

LOVE

LOVE ADVICE

L3MAGAZINE.COM | APRIL 2012

LOVE ADVICE

of these are things that people don’t understand. Thankfully he learns fast, especially after touring with me and his Uncle Peetah in Europe last year! Changing topic, let’s talk about your fans! Most artists interact with their fans through social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. You go above and beyond by selecting music and playing for them on the radio! Has that been as rewarding as it sounds like it has? I find it’s fun! It’s a joy (Gramps laughs) to see the reaction of fans! It’s like going to the cheesecake factory and hearing people say ‘mmmmm – yummy!’ That’s how it feels, so yes, it’s rewarding and it’s a lot of work too! (fans can hear Gramps via www.daflavaradio.com every Wednesday from 12 to 3pm EST) A performance in Boston treated fans to the Gospel and or praise and worship side of your catalog which is quite extensive. Did the promoter for that show specifically ask for the Gospel component, or are you moved to perform those songs at this time or a combination of both? I just perform! It’s not that I just wanted to perform Gospel songs, though I do hope to do a Gospel album one day, or rather, Gospel oriented. My music is the Gospel; Reggae music is the Gospel and that’s one of the biggest misconceptions a lot of people have. If you listen to artists such as Luciano; the majority of what they’re singing about is the Most High Jah. So it’s one in the same. The promoter for that show recognized that there is the word of God in my music and wanted me to perform on his show. By the way, when I performed, the church turned up-side-down. The congregation enjoyed themselves! Given your extensive experience in the music business; whether watching your Dad with siblings, or you as Gramps Morgan, how much of a role does your faith play as in your relationship with Jah play in the way you handle the day to day pressures and stresses of being in this industry? My relationship with the Creator whom we call the Most High Jah, continues to humble me, and makes me want to become an example for a lot of young men, and my temperament is very calm. You would have to push real hard to get a reaction out of me. I have to give praise to my Dad and my Mom. Growing up in the Haile Selassie faith didn’t allow me to know about hype. I don’t have that kind of bone in me. I do like laughing so there’s always joy around me. I would say my relationship with the Creator really keeps my humility.

“

MY RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CREATOR... CONTINUES TO HUMBLE ME, AND

“

MAKE ME WANT TO BECOME AN EXAMPLE FOR A LOT OF YOUNG MEN.

We can’t leave the interview without asking how excited are you that Morgan Heritage will be releasing the album ‘The Return’ and going on tour soon! Oh my skin is itching! We have some last few touches to do and we’ll be out! The lead single “The Return” produced by Shane C. Brown of Jukeboxx Productions (Jamaica) has been getting great reviews so fans are going to get another classic Morgan Heritage album where you can hear how much all of us have grown! What general advice can you give fans on Life, Love and Lyrics? On life, enjoy it. Do you best, find your purpose in life and be the best at it. With love, above any other kind of love to place divine love – that the ultimate when it comes to love. As for lyrics, watch your lyrics and remain true to your word!

Stay connected with Gramps Morgan via his website www.grampsmorgan.com L 3 M A G A Z I N E . C O M | M AY 2 0 1 2

C CHERINE

DANCEHALL’S SOUL NATASHA VON CASTLE

reparing for this interview with Cherine was a little exciting, a lot reflective, and very anticipatory. Cherine is one of the few people in the business whose Soul is reflected in the music she makes and the look that she carries. By that I mean, the beauty you see on the outside can really only be seen because of the beauty she carries inside.

Coming from Rockfort (an inner city of Kingston), which is one of the harshest and most volatile communities of Jamaica, Cherine was surrounded by odds against her which she couldn’t see. Instead, she saw her heart, her passion for acting and her talent in music, and decided to pursue those things with everything in her. Today, she shares the stage with International legends Sly & Robbie, and younger generation powerhouses such as Michael Franti and Chuck Fenda as the beacon we rely on. Ever aware of the power of her voice, Cherine uses her power for good. Not moved by status, fame or fortune, Cherine gives back. She gives back to the humble ‘rock’ who gave to her and nurtured her; she gives back to beautiful Jamaica. Here is Cherine!

L3: Your music is the food which nourishes your fans souls. Each song is a unique recipe. How much of the music is for your fans and how much of your music is for you? C: I do keep my fans in mind when I get together with my team to decide what to put out for the audience and for the region. For example, what goes out in the US may be different to what goes out in the Caribbean or Europe. Most of the songs I write are inspired by real life experiences; some songs are fun, some are about love, and some address social issues for example “How We Living,” or “Kingston State of Mind.” Those songs make you think and cry while others are meant to be motivational. I guess above all I have to believe and connect with the songs I write to deliver a convincing performance for my supporters. For me, again it really comes down to the song. There are some songs that when approached, are from the perspective of being the artist where I want to experiment and I want to dig deep in my own experience. The again, I might meet people when I’m out and for whatever reason we get into a conversation and its something personal, or something about a friend, and one word strikes a chord. For example, the song “Talk If Yuh Talking;” that song came after talking to a friend of mine whose relationship wasn’t working and who was getting ready to get a divorce. I could hear that anger in her voice, and I knew the couple long before their success so I understood the situation. Within 10 minutes I wrote the song and it was written from the female perspective. The song is so full and so filled because it’s coming from a real place. I really do try to write on topics and write about things that are real to people. If I write from that place, I find it’s easier to connect with the audience. It’s easier for them to relate to the songs. You are one of the few artists who’s been

able to establish your own verbal branding. That branding is a mix of Reggae, Dancehall, Soul and R&B with a sprinkle of Rock! When did you know that this unique mix was for you, or did you always know? First of all let me say this is a great question, and thank you for asking. My sound is called Dancehall-Soul. A couple of years back, my team and I just knew from the beginning that what I was doing was a little bit different from what was playing on radio at that time. To call me a Reggae artist may have been offensive to Reggae lovers and to call me a Dancehall act would have been disappointing to some so my aim was not to be the ‘next so and so,’ my aim was always to be ‘Cherine;’ authentic and true to who I am and what inspires me. I wanted to create music that spoke of my experiences as well as the videos and art that spoke to me and where I’m coming from. You know, the girl who grew up in East Kingston, Jamaica, the girl from the inner-city; I can tell you everything from going through curfews and gun shots to the girl who went to school in Middlebury, Vermont and also lived in Tokyo. I wanted and want my music to reflect all of me and not just one part of me and I think that’s where the term ‘Dancehall-Soul’ was coined. It’s a fusion of multiple genres with a whole lot of rebelliousness, and I say rebelliousness with a cause. I’m socially conscious and I don’t want to, nor do I apologize for that. I make music that doesn’t limit me. It’s free and experimental and fun and at the same time can make people think. At the same time, I’m a young woman who has traveled and been to university I places like the US and Japan. I wanted that fusion music; it’s where ‘street’ meets ‘sweet!’ That’s what Dancehall-Soul really is. What’s cool is seeing other artists refer to themselves as Dancehall-Soul! That’s really cool! A part of your musical expression includes your guitar which you play well! Who taught you to play, and why the guitar as opposed to the piano or any other instrument? I’m still learning the guitar – I think I’m still at the baby stages! There’s definitely a huge obsession. After touring with artists Michael Franti John Mayer and working with some of Jamaica’s great guitarists such as Cat Core and Mikey Chung and Maurice Gordon among others, I have completely fallen in love with this instrument. I have so much respect for these great musicians who have made this instrument their choice. I have much more work to do before I can say I play the instrument well, but I LOVE the guitar! I love the sound, I love how it feels in my hand; I love that I can get up and jump around the stage with it in my hand and dance and still have it in my hand. I really learned to play by chance and from a lot of other musicians while I was on the road, but especially Dave Shul who was the lead guitarist at the time for Spearhead. He taught me a lot. That was when I went on stage and played the guitar for a lot of people and a live audience; it was frightening and exciting but I stuck with it. There were periods of time when I was much more committed to the lessons and there was a time when I took a break. When I learned a new chord, I would try to write a song based on that chord. I’ve taken it upon myself to really study, so, I’ll be studying with two great guitarists Maurice Gordon and the guitarist from my own band. I really love the instrument.

You’ve been blessed with the opportunity to work with the legendary Sly &Robbie. Has being around them taught you any additional lessons about playing instruments? Definitely! Sly & Robbie are legendary and they are amazing at the instruments they play. The one thing I heard from both Sly and Robbie consistently is ‘practice, practice, practice!’ That is the key message they taught me with respect to playing the guitar and just getting really comfortable with the instrument. I like the drums, but I really needed an instrument I can pick up and run up and down on stage and still have the instrument in my hand. I keep telling Robbie (the Bass player of the duo), I’d love to play the Bass Guitar too, but I have to spend some more time perfecting the guitar first! I think it would be cool and sexy on stage to be playing the bass guitar! The two of them have been very supportive – huge supports! Usually we ask if there are artists or producers artists would like to work with, but in your case, who are some of the people who have reached out wanting to work with you? Wow! Most of the legendary musicians and producers have expressed interest in working on projects. That’s really a humbling feeling because when you think of Sly & Robbie, or King Jamm,y’s, Bobby Digital – I would give you a list – like Glen Brownie or Dean Frazer; it’s humbling. Marcia Griffiths recently was in the studio – we call her Auntie Marcia – she is the Queen of Reggae and to watch these people who have shaped the music for the past 50 years or so, it’s incredible to know that they want to work with me. What’s really amazing is being on the stage with them! Being in the studio and making the music there is one thing but being on the stage with them is something else. I can’t put it in words – it’s almost surreal. It’s amazing – really amazing! At a time when Jamaica was feeling low in spirit, you offered your voice of hope with the song “Shine On Jamaica.” Tell us about the song and some of the work you do with various communities and organizations on the island. Shine on Jamaica! The song was written for a project we released in 2009 called ‘The Introduction – Dubstyle’ which was my EP. That project came out of being on the road with Michael Franti and a lot of the fans kept saying ‘who is this girl?’ We had music out, but we didn’t have an album, so ‘Shine on Jamaica’ was one of the songs from that project. It did relatively well in some Reggae markets like 4 weeks at #1 on the New York Reggae charts, the South Florida Reggae charts, the video did very well in Jamaica, but for some reason, when the Tivoli situation came up as well as the extradition of Dudus came up, the song came back. I think people were reaching for it. The newspapers here began to break down and analyze the video such as what were talking about (the messages in the video) which was incredible.

The song came out a little bit ahead of its time. The people really connected with the message which came to the fore again. Shine on was written in between a tour./ I had 2 weeks off, was at my managers house in Philly and wrote the song in his basement studio. I was really impressed with the athletes as the song was written during the Olympics. There was a lot of negative stuff going on, but I was looking at the world wide stage and seeing people like Usain Bolt and Shelly Ann Fraser and Milenie Walker and to see these people – our people go for gold and create an upset was really amazing. This little island was doing such amazing things so really, the song was just to let people know that no matter what they’re going through, and no matter how crazy the news may be on TV, at the end of the day just continue to shine. That’s what the song was and is about. After I came back to Jamaica, I directed the video so we put it out and it was loved, but it really didn’t connect until like you mentioned, the Tivoli / Dudus extradition. In respect to communities and organizations that I’m a part of, I’ve spent a lot of time working on my own foundation and it’s called Reach One Child Jamaica. I started it in 2003 while I was a College student at Middlebury College and really it was born out of trying to help Excelsior Primary which is my alma matter, as well as St. Ann’s Infirmary who had gone through a whole lot of changes after hurricane Ivan and I was trying to help in any way I could. My manager Patrick Lindsay came on board and officially launched the foundation. We’ve been giving students school supplies and scholarships around the East Kingston area as well as we supported and sponsored sports teams such as the Excelsior Primary netball team and we’ve also been doing a series of motivational talks with the kids. That has been over the past 7 to 8 years.

All of this was done under the radar because when you do good, you just dogood – you just do it. That’s it! As we move forward we’re getting more into work with the High School students. There was a project we put out in the form of a video called ‘How We Living,’ which was based on a true story. It’s about a friend of mine who had a baby while we were in High School and at the age of 16. I won’t give it all away, but I will say visit www.cherineanderson. com and check out the video. We deal with teen pregnancy, violence against women and a few more topics. At the end of the day things come down to a choice, and we want the kids to make an educated choice. We’ve gone in to several High Schools with the support of the Women’s Centre here as well as the Bureau of Women’s Affairs and we’re having that real talk with the kids. It’s not adults talking down to a 14 or 15 year old, it’s different. We have so many young people involved so we’re having the one on one talk in very real way but I acknowledge that my position as a Jamaican actress and singer; a lot of kids look up to me. I don’t want to just go to the schools to sing my latest hit and then walk away for them to only remember that I sang a pretty song? I don’t want to do that. I wanted to use, especially this project, the song as a way of having a real conversation with them. We’ve been welcomed with very open arms by the schools, and have a great relationship with the kids and it feels good to help support them and motivate them to achieve their dreams. I’m also doing a lot of work with other organizations such as the Cancer Society, and I’ve recently partnered with Yoplait Yogurt for their save lives Breast Cancer Campaign. Through this campaign, we were able to raise almost $1MM Jamaican dollars to assist the Jamaican Cancer Society with their research and outreach program. I’m also working with the Bureau of Women’s Affairs on a United Nations funded project called ‘The Way Out.’ This project raises awareness of gender inequity and also has a goal to eradicate things like violence against women in Jamaica. From a directors’ perspective, your use of Speaker Boxes as a focal point in the video for ‘Shine on Jamaica’ was brilliant, as was the positive messages flashed across the screen. How was it to be in the role of director as well as subject? Thank you! For anyone who has had any opportunity to be in Jamaica, you know that music is the life of the people. The sound system as well as the Dancehall culture is a huge movement in Jamaica. Dancehall is a very important part of Jamaican culture, especially for younger people and for people who grew up in the inner city. Dancehall for me is like free therapy so the use of the speaker boxes has multiple meanings. One of those interpretations is that the speakers carry the message. Speakers reflect the place the music is often played – the Dancehall – the culture. Most importantly, the speakers are the heart of the people. I decided to make the video a bit abstract with very little interplay between the characters. I wanted to draw attention to the strong lyrics in the song so that each person can take an interpretation of the song and see how the words apply to them and their own life.

You would see the Jamaican pledge in the background as well as the national anthem and sitting on the speaker box, well, as a girl from Rockfort, I can tell you what that is! On a Friday evening the sound system turns on and the music shakes everything in the house until 4am. 90% of the time that’s how you heard the music. It really was free therapy for the inner-city. If a Lady had a problem with her man, she can’t afford an expensive counselor, but she heard a Bob Marley song come on singing “one love” and that would be the chune that stopped the war in the house! It really is – the Dancehall really is – an important part of everyday life. Continuing with your directorial work, let’s talk about “How We Living.” Walk us through that project from embryo to birth. How We Living, like Shine On, was released on the same project which was in 2009. I decided last year that I wanted to release a project called JA 9.25 which was a mixed tape, and a gift to my fans on my Birthday. I said to my manager ‘I don’t think people even realized what the song was talking about. And he said, why don’t we just bring it back because it’s going to be new to so many. I said ok, let’s put it out on the mixed tape and see how fans respond. It was so amazing. There were two songs people were asking us about which are “How We Living” and “Eagles and Doves.” We decided we would do a video for How We Living which was a little tricky. In casting talent in Jamaica, we realized that everybody is great until we turn the camera on. I didn’t want, and keeping in mind we didn’t have a big budget, to have to hire big names that I knew we couldn’t quite afford, so, my manager suggested that I play all the characters. I asked him what he meant! I said to him ‘is this some kind of Eddie Murphy thing we have going on’ and he started laughing! To do that would be tricky and would mean that I would have to be really organized about the shots, what we’re trying to achieve, and the overall look of the video. It would also mean getting the right team. At the time I have Sancia Gordon from ZLink Entertainment. I asked her if she could produce the video, and she said yes – let’s see how we can best put it together. I called everybody I know. We got Devons House which is a historic site in Jamaica, and only had one day there to get the entire video. I played the 16 year old girl, I played the Grandmother, I played the single Mother who was being abused and trying to take care of her son, and the Mother who was proud that her son had passed the worst and become a doctor. It was a mini movie. It runs a little bit longer than the typical music video, but it’s a gripping story, and I encourage everybody to see the video. Fans can view the video here: http://cherineanderson.com/ Of all your music videos, this one, How We Living, generated the most feedback (that we’ve seen) on Facebook and Twitter. How important a role does Social Media play in what you do? It plays a huge role! It allows fans to express what they think about the work we’re doing, and it allows us to implement some of those ideas. People really wanted to talk about the video, and social media gave them that outlet. Sometimes I think we appreciate it more than the fans do. We hear directly from them, no go between, and I like that! It’s cool!

Your appearances at festivals and on television shows emote a connection to people’s Dancehall Soul. Do you feel the audience energy as much as we feel yours energy? Sometimes! I’ve been very fortunate to perform in front of some amazing audiences and Toronto is one of them. I was there in 2008 and again in 2010 with Michael Franti and John Mayer and it was incredible. I try to adjust my show based on where we are, which in a way, is my interpretation of audience energy. I can definitely feel them, and see them! The truth is, sometimes their energy is that major driving force for me! When you’re on stage performing, and you close your eyes while singing, what do you see? I see perfection, happiness, reality and love…. My audiences take me to that special place…. You’ve had several hits this year! One of our favourites is “Rebel” featuring Danielle a.k.a. D.I. Lyrically, did you and D.I. work together in the studio, did you come up with the rebel theme and D.I. added to it – tell us about the lyrics! Rebel was a very easy song. Sly Dunbar contacted my manager Patrick Lindsay and said he was working on a song with D.I. and needed me to write a chorus. Sly sent me the track, and I went into the studio and started humming the line ‘I’m a rebel.’ The engineer said ‘yo, I really like this!’ So I wrote the rest of the chorus in 15 minutes because we didn’t have that much time to record. She and her team loved it, and I was happy because it was her song. Women love the song; women everywhere love the song. I had fun putting it together, and it was really fast! One more thing, big up D.I., and all my Danehall Souldiers who have supported the song! On September 25th, you released a mixtape called ‘JA9.25.’ This was a first as in we don’t know you to have released a mixtape before. What was the inspiration for doing this as this release is very forward thinking in terms of staying in touch with the younger generation!? JA 9.25 was actually my second mixed tape! I had released a mixed tape in 2008 / 2009 which was hosted by Rory from the legendary Stone Love sound. That one was called the ‘Street Anthems’ mixed tape. This one was basically done for the fans, and was released on my birthday. This is just one project that I’m most excited about. This was a reminder of why I love doing what I do! You have an album coming out soon! Is there anything that will make us lose our minds (which is probably a silly question – right)?! Everything about the album is going to make you lose your minds. Everything about the album is going to excite you! I think it is going to be amazing. If fans what the appetizer to the main course, I suggest fans get familiar with the mixtape … definitely!

tunity to live life. Love … try it! It’s one of the most misunderstood aspects of life, but it’s also the most wonderful! Lyrics, well lyrics are the words to life and love!

What general advice can you give our readers on Life, Love and Lyrics? Live and recognize that life is precious, and we’re all lucky to have the oppor-

Make sure you visit Cherine often >>> www.cherineanderson.com!

WK WARRIOR KING FROM HIS THRONE NATASHA VON CASTLE

arrior King has been a staunch defender of Reggae music, and conscious Reggae music. Performing on stages around the world, this Warrior King proudly waves the red, yellow and green banner. The banner is more than a show piece. The banner is symbol of the meditation the King holds within. He has a deep respect for Rastafari, a passionate love for his fans and a deep respect for the music that allows him to perform. We caught up with Warrior King at the Inspired Music Studios in Kingston, Jamaica and our time with him was as good as an ital dinner with yam, banana, cassava, salt fish, dumpling and the whole works! Presenting Warrior King!

L3: What we like about your music is you perform lyrics that are non judgmental. For example “Never Go Where The Pagans Go” tells us where you won’t go, and by example tells us where we should go! Also, “Lose My Culture” says what you won’t lose. Is this style of lyrical delivery done on purpose? WK: First and foremost, I must say greetings in the name of his Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie the 1st (we exchange royal greetings). Well I know that there are different types of people in the world that we are living in, people of different colours, religion, preferences, etc., so when writing music I try my best to bring the truth across in a very intelligent and tolerant way, knowing that everyone has the right to their own way of life, opinion and worship. In the introduction of you to our readers, we refer to you as ground provisions like yam, cassava, carrots, cabbage, sweet potatoes etc. Would you say this is what your music is to and for the people who hear you? Yes (The King definitely likes this analogy)! Man shall not live by bread alone, but also by divine words and inspiration. Just like how we need good food to sustain our body, we also need spiritual food to sustain our heart, mind and soul. Remember Jah words are spiritual food. At what point in time in your youth did you know that you were destined to be an international \ Culture Reggae artist? Well from an early youthful stage I could feel something inside of me telling me I was destined for greatness, and while attending the National Tools and Engineering Institute, I really realized I was destined to be an international Reggae artiste. Your new album ‘Tell Me How Me Sound’ received international critical acclaim. The album connected in Canada, the same way it connected in the US, the same way it connected in the UK and the world over. What was your formula for putting together such a successful album?

As usual asking for divine guidance from start to finish, spending quality time on the project and, working with great musicians and also working with Bulby who is one of the best producers /engineers in the music business. Each song was like a baby, and each baby had to be fed and nurtured, and each baby had its own unique voice that wanted and needed to be heard! Are there any songs on the album that are especially important to you? If there are, which ones, and why? Yes there are. The first is “Jah is the Only One for I,” because without him nothing is possible and with him all things are possible. The second is “Tell No Lie” because a lot of people have tried write the story of my Fathers life which in fact derives from ignorance and envy, but the truth is the truth, it’s an offence but not sin. Haile Selassie is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and the conquering lion of the tribe of Judah (Warrior King speaks very passionately)! The third is “I’m In Love With You” because it was especially made for my Queen and it’s a classic. For the readers who don’t know, who are some of the producers you worked with? You mentioned Bulby, but who are some of the others? Michael Johnson (Lion Paw Label) Sheldon Stewart (Calibud Label) Collin York (Fat Eyes Label) Donovon Jermaine (Penthouse Records) Sly and Robbie (the Legends!), Bobby Digital (another legend), Phantom (Inspired Music Concepts) Kingswell Music, One Blood Carl Label, Steeley and Cleevie, and my own Rootz Warrior Productions as well as others. You gave listeners 21 tracks on the album and you sound like you have even more to give! Is this true? Yes there is a lot more in the pipe line and will be out in the right time. Tell Me How Me Sound is your third studio album. In 2005 you released Hold The Faith and in 2002 you released Virtuous Woman. Will you release a live album where you compile songs (from over the years) that you performed live? Tell me how me sound is my fourth album to be exact and definitely will be doing a live album in the near future. The audience at your show in Amsterdam, Netherlands was especially in to your performance. They chanted and sang every lyric with you. Tell us about your stage performance, in particular, the vibes when you perform? I try to give my best at all times regardless of where I am. My performances are energetic, soulful and uplifting and can be fun at times (the King laughs!) I try to make the audience feel like part of my show. To produce as much good music as you do, and to perform at the energy level you do, you need inspiration as much as you give inspiration. What are some of the things that inspire your creativity? The main source of my inspiration comes from the most high King Selassie the first. I’m a loving person so I’m inspired by love as well as situations I find myself in at times, issues I see that need to be addressed and also the people I surround

myself with inspires my creativity. There is no place like home! Where are some of your favourite places to perform and relax in Jamaica? Linstead, Mandeville, Clarendon, Kingston and St. Elizabeth! Outside of Jamaica, have you ever been to a country that you could call your ‘second home? Yes Trinidad! What general advice would you give our readers on Life, Love and Lyrics? Life is what you make it and love is the reason we all exist and positive lyrics with love makes life much better! Tweet with Warrior King @inspiredmusicc

Z ZAYNE

FROM JAMAICA TO THE WORLD!

HEIKE WOLLENWEBER

ancehall artiste Zayne is ready to take his music to the world! The Jamaican born, Floridabased young talent has been recording and working towards his goals steadily. Zayne takes his career and music very seriously and is in charge of not just his lyrical compositions but musical compositions of his songs too. He is dedicated and has strong work ethics that have prepared him to achieve his goals and be the best he can be. Like many other artists before him the young artiste started off singing in a church choir when growing up in Portland, Jamaica with a grandfather who owned a sound system. As

a child, Zayne used every opportunity to play with the sound system and soon he began to transition from singing gospel to more secular songs. Eventually relocating to Florida to attend school and study aircraft engineering, the artist began to make more frequent trips to his native Jamaica to continue his career in music. Voicing for producers (Red Boom, Digital Sham and Benji to name a few), and performing at stage shows in the Petersburg and Tampa areas of Florida, audiences have enjoyed his music, such as songs My Hero,” “Party in JA” and “Look How Long.” I caught up with the artist one on one!

HW: First up, Zayne, please introduce yourself! Z: Tell dem seh a Zayne! Di gyal dem love mih like champagne! Dom Perignon fi di gyal dem fi (Zayne is clearly playful) carry on! Zayne is a young artist with a unique sound who, right now, is coming to change the game, coming to change Reggae and Dancehall music and take it to a next level pon top a level. Tell us more about your career so far. Well, my career right now … I am just working hard. I am in the studio recording, day after day, and pushing my songs out there day after day. I just completed a 14 track mixtape so you can look out for that. I also just completed two videos for “My Hero” and “Just the Wine” so you can look out for those too. 2012 will be a good year. You mentioned the new videos. Do you have any music videos out already that our readers can check out online? The videos for “My Hero” and “Just the Wine” should be released by May. Readers can check them out on YouTube and they will be on all the media and TV stations across the world so by fans will see me. You often travel between Jamaica and Florida. How does location affect your career? Traveling between Jamaica and Florida does not really affect my career to a great extent. The only problem I find living in Florida is that you cannot just walk into any studio and get the same authentic recording that you would get in Jamaica. I find I have to search for that engineer who can record me the right way; otherwise I don’t have a problem living in Florida. Tell us a bit about your songs “Party in JA”, ‘My Hero” and “Just the Wine.” Well, “Party in JA” is just a party song. When you hear it you just want to party! “My Hero” is a song about my little brother who passed away last year. He inspired me to write that song. The song is a bit emotional and also a true story, basically, about my brother who passed away in an unfortunate incident; a drive by shooting. “Just the Wine” is a song for the ladies. From you know you can wine and hold your man and your body good that one is for you! What generally inspires you to write songs? It’s always something different. Things that happen in my life or around me inspire me to write; again, what happened to my brother inspired me to “My Hero.” When I go to party I write about it in a fun way. It’s always something different. How would you describe your sound; your music? I have to say, my sound is unique cause there is no other artiste who sounds like me so that makes me unique as an artiste. My music is just authentic Reggae and Dancehall music with a little crossover vibe to it. What are your plans for the rest of 2012? To tell you the truth, you cannot plan Jah works so right now I am just in the studio working hard on new singles, new collaborations and stuff like that

to put out. I am pushing my music. I believe that once you put in good, you will reap good. I am hoping for a successful year. That’s my plan. What collaborations will we be hearing this year? You will most definitely hear some collaborations! I have a collaboration with an old time Dancehall veteran Bunny General and I also have some other collaborations coming up but I cannot reveal details yet. I will wait until they are ready to be released so fans can hear and see! Which Jamaican or international artistes would you like to work with and why? I would love to work with Buju Banton, Sizzla and Jah Cure because those artists inspired me. In terms of Dancehall music, I would love to work with Konshens, Mavado, Blak Rhyno, Popcaan. Just any artiste really that is willing to work with me, and who is making good music. On the international scene now, I would love to work with Lil Wayne, Drake, Pliers, Young Jeezy, Rick Ross. Again, just about any artiste who is making good music and willing to work with me. Connect with Heike about this artist and more via Twitter: @axesmedia

TM TAYA MARQUIS

TORONTO’S SHINING LOS ANGELES STAR!

STARLETTAH BROWN

ou may think you don’t know who Taya Marquis is, but we assure you that you do! You know Taya for several reasons: 1. Ke$ha, 2. Britney Spears and 3. President Barack Obama!

Although Taya grew up and went to school in Mississauga (a suburb of Toronto), she moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music. As a song writer and producer, Taya has worked with some of the most well known talents in the industry which has opened the door for her to

contribute on ‘minor’ projects such as “Make It To The Sun” which was donated to Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. Not too bad! We caught up with Taya prior to the Toronto International Music Summit in which the singer shared some insight on why she does what she does … so well! Introducing Taya!

L3: We learned that you wrote your first song at the age of 10 and also performed it. It takes a lot of guts to add the performance element. Are you fearless where music is concerned?! T: I used to worry about what people want and what they will think. But as I grew into myself more, I learned you can’t please everyone so yes, I became fearless when it comes to my music. At the same time, like many artists, I am protective of my creations. But when I’m confident in a song I let loose, hold nothing back, and do “me.” All I can do is hope that people accept it and love it because I can’t be anything else. You’re an upcoming performance artist as well as a song writer and producer. Is it ever challenging to balance the three, especially when dealing with other performing artists? It is challenging at times, especially writing songs for myself then writing songs for other artists. These are two very different things that are both equally important to me. But I love it, as they are both my passion so I make it work. One of the blessings to who you are is being able to perform at the Canada’s Walk of Fame ceremony in 2011! Do you appreciate being Canadian more now that you live in LA? I’m not living in LA at the moment. I moved to Toronto because I built a solid team here, but I go back to LA often for musical opportunities. When I’m there, I most definitely miss my Canadians! LA has always been the place to be for musicians and it still is, but I think the spotlight is turning towards Toronto now, especially with the success of Canadian artists like Justin Beiber, Drake and The Weeknd. I’m very proud to be Canadian. L3:

In 2010 you let the Reggae-ish, Dancehall-ish side

In 2010 you let the Reggae-ish, Dancehall-ish side of you come out with the song One and Only which you co-wrote for Rayvon. How did that project come about? I work very closely with the producer Alikat from ABC Productions/Durrani Bros. He has done work for Snow, RZA, Justin Nozuka to name a few. Ali is an amazing person and producer. So when he asked me to be on the track, I jumped at the opportunity. I co-wrote my parts with Mikal “Mikz” Gonzales. The song was so much fun to write to because of the Reggae vibes. It was even more fun to perform it with Rayvon, who flew up from Jamaica for the show. What might be surprising to most is you have an Indian background as in South Asian. Has your cultural background influenced your approach towards making music, or even influenced your sound? No cultural questions please! While you attended Cawthra Park Secondary (Mississauga Performing Arts School), what was your instrument(s) of choice? I was a vocal major. If we gave you multiple fabric to work with, as in wool, yarn, silk, leather etc., based on your music, what would the finished piece of your creation look like, a coat, a blanket or a welcome mat?! Everyone might interpret it differently as some might see it as a welcome mat or blanket perhaps. I guess I see it as a coat ... sometimes a sexy leather or fur coat (not real) you would rock to the club and at other times a cozy cotton robe you wear at home after a hot bubble bath. You were selected as one of the artists to perform at the 2012 Toronto International Music Summit on May 26. Why do you think this is an important platform for you as an independent artist in Canada? The Toronto International Music Summit will be the perfect place for me to showcase the new songs I have been working on. There will be a mix of people, from industry professionals to music lovers alike. Which is why I’m going to perform a killer show (Taya smiles brightly)! What general advice can you give our readers on Life, Love and Lyrics? Live like you have nothing to lose. Take chances, because regrets are the worst (laughs). You know the saying “Love like you’ve never been hurt?!” I live by this, and fully trust in it. I’m a people person, and have never gone wrong by showing love. Most of us have the ability to write our own destiny. But the tools we use to write are different. Mine just happen to be a pen, pad, and a microphone. You have to find your tools and write the lyrics to your life!

JB JUS BUS NATION TRICIA SPENCE

remember a few months ago seeing an animated discussion on twitter over Justus and Jus Bus or something like that. Then I remembered, ‘oh yeah, there is a Jus Bus out of Antigua.’ Fast forward a few weeks, I get this song in my inbox titled “Kiss Me Girl” by Them Island Boyz featuring Jah Cure produced Jus Bus and Released by I-Swag Ent / Chosen Sounds / Offshore Music. I thought to myself, ‘here is this Jus Bus dude again.’ It was then that I decided to do some investigations. Some cool things popped up about him so I made the link with him on twitter and here begins the story of Mr. Nation. Yeah you read right, his name is Justin Nation. Here begins a riveting storyline. He and his parents move from Texas to St Croix, USVI when he was a lad, Father ups

and leaves Mom and son, Mom decides after the devastation of Hurricane Hugo and arise in crime to the island that it was time for a move … he floats between the land of a beach for every day of the year and Florida … years later Antigua is the canvas for Jus Bus’s fertile mind. We do the interview via Skype with Jus Bus quite relaxed and smack dab in the middle of a sofa. I wasn’t sure if that was his normal persona or if ethnic fatigue was working its way over his body (after all he did tell me he was going to be late because he had to eat). As we are about to start the interview someone walks in the frame, Jus Bus bawls out, hey Sparkie, this is Drastic one half of Them Island Boyz. You could just feel the camaraderie between them via the fibre optics.

TS: So how did the move from St Croix to Antigua affect you? JB: Well, I was young so I embraced it, life was often hard growing up in the islands. My mom was not very stable so we moved quite frequently. I’ve literally lived in almost every village in Antigua. (He chuckles) you know the old saying “it takes a village to raise a child” (We both laugh, I’m loving his sense of humor).

Nah. Actually the first person I saw really doing that years ago was a friend of mine who is also a part of our whole movement in Antigua by the name of Velvet, who happens to be a fashion enthusiast and upcoming stylist. On the note of fashion, do you have a favorite designer because I recently spoke to someone who told me if the clothes are not name brand they get serious allergies? (He blurts out) “WHAT!” No I actually don’t have a favorite designer. Once it looks good and I like it, I’ll wear it. After all, it’s not the clothes that make you, it’s you who make the clothes.

Somewhere along the lines, I have read that you used to climb mango trees and ride donkeys, man, didn’t people in Antigua wonder if this white boy was mad? Funny you should mention that, but, no yuh know. Actually, they were surprised at my dialect. You know, that’s how I got my name Jus Bus, I was in Villa a village just outside St. Johns City. I had gone to the shop and said to the store keeper “gimme a half bread and peanut butter.” And the guy next to me said “this yute jus bussssss!” Him talk like we” and the name just stayed with me; all my friends used to tease me. Oh I got 2 of your remixes today, the Usher Climax remix is banging, did you build the beat You actually taught yourself music, but you do quite a bit in Entertainment? yourself? Production and graphic design wise, I am firm with that. I only just started Actually, Walshy, Walshy Fire (he repeats for developing myself as an artiste, I would say, about 2 yrs now. I would al- emphasis) helped me. I do a lot of the technical ways write and demo hooks with artists I would produce and some would musical arrangements but his ear for sound and encourage me to sing but I never started taking singing seriously until song is impeccable and his opinions, ideas and I hooked up with Torsten Stenzel , together we produced a song called Creative Input are extremely sharp. So we al‘Sometimes I’ that features Long Time collaborator LogiQ Pryce we leaked it ways end up fusing some great music together. locally for feedback and the response wasn’t bad so we started our project from there. Over the past 3 weeks I have recorded 12 new songs that will How long did it take you? be added to the load of songs we already have recorded while working with It neva tek to long (by now you must realize Jus Adrian Zogortis, a writer from UK who was originally born in Kenya. (At the Bus flows between the English and Antiguan time of this interview, 3rd week in April, 2012). dialect. I laugh to myself and wonder if this is how Jamaicans sound to foreigners. You would So tell me a little about your upcoming album. have to hear him to understand, but it’s a syrupy The album is basically about my life story, what I’ve been through, not sing song sound). flashy tings or a bag ah woman or money and tings I don’t have. I sing about what I feel and what touches me the most. It’s a cross be- So how long have you and Walshy Fire known tween world music, retro, classic rock, some pop and a likkle bit of reggae. each other? I’m actually influenced by a lot of old music including ska, jazz, I love the We’ve known each other for quite a while. We 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s in terms of era’s of music – and my all time favorite did do a mix CD inna 2005 called “Street Bums” artist would be Nina Simone. Her story is amazing, all of what she went that ended up being an underground classic thru … she was very passionate in every song she sang. with reggae/remix collectors. I was doing remixes before I got involved in production (again So, I was looking at a video of you on youtube; ah, has anyone ever told you you hear him chuckling). Hey Sparkie, mi used that you dress like Farnsworth Bentley?! to sleep pan him sofa years ago when I was liv(He laughs hard) Ha ha. Noooo. It’s the bowtie thing right? I no longer wear ing in Miami after late night musical sessions bowtie, cause everybody and dem grandmother in Antigua start wearing so we like family. Anyways, back to the Usher them. remix. You know is 3 different version mi did try and it never connect cause I was using a crappy Did you come up with that? DIY a cappella that had all kinda interferences

nection with Diplo and Major Lazor that I was able to acquire a good clean studio a cappella and then we created something proper. Big up to Diplo as well cause the original was well produced which was done by him. The remix myself and Walshy did came out well and it has a real vintage reggae vibe with a big band feel. (I suddenly remember that for the last few times that I havecorresponded with Jus Bus, he is always near water, so I had to ask)What is it with you and fishing? Mi deh pan a island (I live on an island). You must end up fishing somehow (He laughs); especially, if you enjoy what’s around you. You know most times, I would just go sit on a hilltop. Hey Sparkie, actually you know when Jah Cure did deh ya (when Jah Cure was here), he end up ketch all a di fish dem (He caught all the fish). Di man all ketch a big fish take it up fi me tek a picha and it get weh and fly right back in the water out his hand (he even caught a big fish and was posing to take a picture and it got away [he laughs so hard]). Jah Cure is very down to earth and humble though it was a good fun. Him all extend him stay cause he enjoyed di vibes and di music we had ended up creating together (he even extended his stay because he was enjoying his stay and the music that we were creating here in Antigua so much). Speaking of Jah Cure, was that song with him and Them Island Boys (Drastic and B.V comprised the duo) planned? It neva planned at all (It wasn’t planned), but Jah Cure hear it and say the song wicked (Jah Cure heard it and thought the song was a wicked one) and so he became a part of it (listen to Them Island Boyz and Jah Cure collab and other Jus Bus works here http://soundcloud.com/jusbus) What kind of response have you got to the Them Island Boyz and Jah Cure Song? It’s on Tempo, HYPE TV and a few other Caribbean Broadcasters are airing it. We don’t have a big budget, so we are happy for the good feed-

back and support we have received so far. The concept is sexy. Are Them Island Boys your artistes? They are not signed to me, but they are good friends and I’m one of their main producers. Actually, it’s three labels that cross promote each other that came together for the song; Offshore Music Ltd., ISwag Entertainment and Chosen Sounds Studio. We’re one big musical family at the end of the day. You also do work with Zj Bambino, how did you two meet? We met while I was in Miami, through Walshy Fire and Dolla Cham. I used to work with MPBC a printing and marketing firm and I met him when he came in. I used to do flyers with that company. We ended up doing music and the vibes was just great. We had and have good chemistry. He even opened up his home to me when things got hard for me. When he used to go to Jamaica, he would even make me house sit because there was a mutual respect and trust with each other. So is from dere that we build a natural relationship (it’s from that point that we started building a good relationship). To this day we still do work together. As a matter of fact, we have the GYAL SEASON riddim project coming up. It will be released in 2 parts. The 1st part is Boy Meets Girl and the next part is Gyal Season Extended. 1st set have male and female collaborators such as Trevor-Off-Key and Keida and Etana and Busy Signal and the 2nd set will have on solo artists from Jamaica and Antigua. Oh yeah, he made me hear it in private at his studio. That is a wicked riddim. Yeah, it came together nicely. So, when are you looking at releasing your album? It’s still a work in progress. I am still creating material and about to start some private rehearsals, I have to prepare for when I get LIVE shows and be ready. I am recording a lot of material so that I can have something substantive to shop to the Major Labels. If they don’t show any interest I will go Indie (Independent) but I like to do things right instead of rushing. A lot of people always say they don’t get recognition while at home, but they get it outside, is this the case with you? I am respected as a musician to a certain extent, but memba mi deh round di island long time (remember I have been around for quite a while). It didn’t happen overnight, I grew up on this island for over 17 years it took a while before people started catching on. It’s all apart of the game. I’m still not big yet, I’m growing. Mi nah watch dat still, dat cyan stop mi. (I’m not watching what haters have to say, I’m still grinding, nothing will stop me).

What’s a typical day for you? Music, music and music, but when I’m not doing music I go to the beach, watch movies or hang with friends. Music does bring a lot of things with it, like girls throwing themselves at you, after all you are not bad looking; are you in a committed relationship? No, I’m single because it is complicated when yuh put music first and u apply large amounts of dedication and sacrifice. Mi passionate bout music (I am passionate about music). Mi dedicate endless hours to music (I dedicate endless hours to music) so right now I can’t devote myself fully to a woman unless maybe I find someone in the same line of work or someone understanding enough. Time will tell but for now me jus ah focus pon di career. Tell me something about you that a lot of people don’t know! I love to fish! Ha! Alright you know that already. I love taking pictures. I have an artistic eye and photography has started opening new portals up in my mind in terms of creativity with every new image I capture. You have the look and sound, who would you want to work with? Adele, Joss Stone, Damian Marley. Bwoy, it’s going to be hard to get a chance to work with Damian Marley but hopefully in due time it happens, I met him and Julian Marley at Stephen’s (Stephen Marley) yard and that was through Bambino. Out of respect for Bambino, mi neva really push up the fact seh mi do music (out of respect of Bambino, I didn’t want to be too extra with the fact that I did music). Dem very irie though, was a great experience being there and around great musicians. In terms of producers, I would love to work with Kanye; he has a mad vibe and is very particular about details. A lot of people say Reggae is dead, what is your take on that? People are just frustrated and many people are going too far with crossing the genre and they forget the roots of the music. I don’t have a problem with the new sounds we just need a balance of the selections in di industry. Bambino and I are infusing old school elements with some of the new school. We are trying to keep it fresh. Reggae will be revived its surely isn’t dead. What advice do you have for L3 Magazine Readers on Life, Love and Lyrics? Music is life and life is music. Be true to yourself. If you love something, follow it no matter how hard it is. When you love what you do, not matter how hard it gets LOVE will take you through that process. No matter how hard music get, music heals me so I get through it. Even if I don’t eat or have to sleep on the floor, I do it because I love it. I did a 9 – 5 and made money, but it made me feel like a zombie. Stick to what you love. Eventually you will get somewhere. The interview is ending, but Jus Bus stops me and says “big up LogiQ Pryce aka Paradise Pryce. He is a great writer who is an island Hip Hop artiste that blends his experiences in life with his music. Mi cyan leave him out (I can’t not mention him). He is like my brother. Also Big Up to J. Omari Harrigan Who owns and runs Chosen Sounds Studio and Dolla Cham who has Riddimsteam.com they have been a big help when it comes to development of me as a Producer and promotions as well!” Before we say our final goodbye he gives me a private hearing of some of the things he has been working on and one word to sum them up would be, AWESOME. www.justinnation.com

JESSIE JAMES IN FOCUS

JENNIFER MENSTER We know how hard it is to get a break in the business, so for this segment of ‘In Focus,’ we’re looking at upcoming artist Jessie James! L3: You’re a new artist who has caught the attention of a major label being Inspired Music. How did you get such a lucky break?! JJ: Let me first say greetings in the name of love! When i first met Inspired Music Producer Phantom, I was at a studio in Montego Bay. We talked about doing some work together because he had seen and heard some of my work on the internet and liked them. So far, we’ve done some wonderful projects; songs like “Live My Life”, “Going Home” and “This Love,” which is doing extremely well. I am grateful for the love and support that I have been getting from Inspired Music Concepts its highly appreciated and I know I’m fortunate. Anil ‘Phantom’ Montaque has a global reputation for being an elite producer. What is it like working with him, especially given that your sound is Alternative? Working with Phantom is good – great actually. The music he creates is good, and he keeps pushing me as an artist to improve; to keep getting better. He puts a lot into his work and is a true professional. The fact that I’m an Alternative artist and he’s able to cater to that sound puts him in a league of his own. Speaking of having an alternative sound, it’s not every day we hear a Jamaican artist performing this genre of music. Who are some of your musical influences?

When I was younger I listened to a lot of soulful music and I always listened to the melodies of the artists, especially the way they enunciate their words. Artists like Sam Cook and, Kenny Rogers, Bob Marley on the Reggae side, Michael Jackson, NSync, Adele and James Blunt to name a few of the influences. We know you’re a young performer, but have you had much stage experience, and if so, what have you learned so far (that you think is most important) about being on stage and delivering for fans? Yes I have some stage experience enough to give me an idea of how stage performance should be done. I’m still learning, and analyzing the work of other great artists so I can improve. Being a young artist, I’m blessed to have been on a number of stages in Jamaica. The one lesson I’ve learned so far is to be a good performer I have to have that confidence in myself. Once the confidence is there, it becomes easier and faster to connect with the audience! When you sit down and put pen to paper, are you thinking about the musical composition, the fans or you in that moment? Sometime the instruments talk to me, at times I will have a melody in my head, or I just try to find a good topic to start with and hope the listeners like it!

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