REGGAEXCLUSIVE “LIVE SHOW” REVIEW who done a really good job. The house was full and ready to rock.
BOB MARLEY TRIBUTE 2014 WITH MESSANJAH
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ee’s Palace was the venue for this event. I must admit, it has been a while since I have been to any reggae concert at all. But I couldn’t resist attending this tribute. Bob Marley’s music lives on. He touched and changed many people’s lives around the whole world. One of my favorite Bob Marley’s quotes is “Live the life you love, love the life you live.” The set was decorated with a large banner of Bob Marley done by Tai Kim,
starring Tom Cruise and their soundtrack was also featured in “Milk & Honey” feature film.
The show opened with “House of David” band. Some of the artists that performed were Ms Carol Brown, Papa Levy and King Selah singing many Bob’s songs. They warmed up the crowd who was jamming and singing along. I remember Richard House aka “Isax” from many years ago and he is still one of the best in the music biz playing the sexy saxophone. The band was quite entertaining even though at one point sounded a little pitchy. I was quite excited with anticipation to hear Messenjah. They have been around for a long time as have I. This Canadian reggae band was founded by Rupert Harvey who plays the lead guitar and lead vocals. They’ve become one of the most successful and popular reggae groups in the history of Canadian music. Messenjah won the Juno award for the best Canadian Reggae Band and has been featured in movie “Cocktail”
Messenjah have been absent from the music scene for 16 years. Last time I saw them was in Yorkville, the name of the venue escapes me, but they were brilliant then, so I was curious to see if they still got it. I was not disappointed. Even though some of the members of the group have changed the high standard and the concept has not. Messenjah delivered a solid performance! Rupert Harvey’s vocals were pretty great. He was very playful, passionate and engaging with the audience who
of Guyana and the Female Dancehall DJ of The Year at the 20th Canadian Reggae Music Awards. Other awards includes Top Reggae Newcomer 1993, Top Reggae Dancehall DJ (female) 1995, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2004 and Top Reggae Music Video for Jah Great Woman in 1995 just to name a few.
DONNA MAKEDA IS CANADIAN REGGAE ROYALTY! (By Natalie White of Buzz Editorial, JA)
D
onna Makeda, internationally renowned as Canada’s Reggae Empress, started singing and performing as a child and is still going strong. Rooted and grounded as a Rastafarian and of Guyanese descent, she graduated from Trebas Institute with a diploma in Recorded Music Production. She went on to publish her own reggae magazine called ReggaeXclusive Entertainment News. Her accolades and awards are numerous and include the Consul General’s Award
Donna released extensive singles and albums; “Who Can Endure” “Jah Ah De Rulah” which includes songs like Come Into My Life featuring Prince Everald, Make Love, Not War featuring Roger B and In My House featuring Negus Morris of the Heptones. The video of Jah Great Woman can be seen on Much Music and propelled her on to the global stage in areas such as the Caribbean, North America and Europe that subsequently got her signed to a licensing deal with Amiata Records in Italy for the remix of Life Story. Her deep involvement in stage plays landed her the lead role in a Documentary film titled Roots Daughters alongside Judy Mowatt. Her appearance and opening acts for internationally renowned artistes such as Capleton, Coco Tea, Marcia Griffiths, Sister Carol, Culture, Beres Hammond, Buju Banton, Michael Rose, Cutty Ranks and Louie Culture
loved him right back. His brother Carl Harvey was on the rhythm guitar rocking it. Errol Blackwood was very high energy and the harmonies were pretty awesome. The crowd just loved when they burst into a spontaneous dance on the stage. I have to mention that Roger Williams, cousin of the great Jackie Jackson was just fantastic! Cool and steady on the base guitar. Bass runs in that family. They played one of their older tunes ”Sitting in the back of a Police car” which got great response, “Cool Operator”, “Rock U High”, I’m Falling in Love” and “Today We Pray” to name a few songs they played. Thank you Messenjah, you have rocked the house, you have rocked my soul. I can’t remember the last time I danced all night long. It was a memorable night. We might have to wait till summer time for their next show. (Review by: Bianca “Nyavingi” Brynda - Producer/Director of “Roots Daughters” The women of Rastafari Founder/Director of Yoga Bliss)
have shown her up in so many places like Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Calgary, internationally in Barbados, Guyana, New York and Jamaica. Donna is now leaving her mark here on the island in the Cash Global Records Commercial on CVM TV alongside Beenie man and Rich Kid. She was loved by the audience on stage with tunes from said Label Gwehnazi feat. Chatta, and Badmind feat. King Ujah from the Cash Global HQ. The soon to be released Things Ain’t Always What It Seems on the Mad Run Riddim is in the selected list of tunes to be lead songs and video single, it is arguably the best tune up to date Donna has done.
POP-UP
We were pleased to have Mr. Williams of Cash Global Records on “The Buzz” giving an in-depth level of information about the upcoming tour, the release and its artistes including Donna, he was very dogmatic to say “Donna Makeda is undoubtedly the Canadian Empress of Reggae Music Royalty, there isn’t one person or entity in the Canadian reggae fraternity that she hasn’t impacted somehow or another and that is her legacy.” So we anticipate the release of the single and the appearance of Empress Donna Makeda.
TIFFIE RELEASES I’M WILDIN VIDEO Toronto’s Pop Reggae Artist at it again! Check out her latest Video “I’m Wildin” off her self-titled EP “TIFFIE” on Youtube. Check out: youtube.com tiffiesworld01 and tiffiesworld.com @tiffiesworld.
reggaeXclusive -- Web Site: www.reggaexclusive.com --- Phone: 416-519-0831 -- Email: reggaexclusive@rogers.com Pg - 19