Sizzla Sounds Off on Education with New Single, "Learn To Read"
Conscious reggae star Sizzla returns with a new anthem for the youths, and a plan to encourage and empower the younger generation. The new single, aptly titled "Learn To Read," speaks on the importance of education, as Sizzla advocates young people to learn to read and write, as a way to overcome ignorance. "In the beginning, I spoke Amharic, which is the true language," reveals Sizzla. "And telling the youths about the brilliance of education, and teaching them the importance of it, will empower them."
Sizzla is a member of the Bobo Shanti sect of Rastafarians, a group that typically places a strong emphasis on education and literacy. Unlike any of his other tracks, this track focuses strongly on educating children and investing in the intellect of the youths, thus showing the humanitarian and philanthropic side Sizzla is known for. Because he is iconic, the single will have an impact on parents, government officials, and educators alike, thereby encouraging children to go to school, and learn to read and write
Furthermore, the song has undertones of a political agenda, one for the betterment of the youth in Jamaica, and also timely for the upcoming December 29 elections in Jamaica. It will surely give strength to candidates seeking better budgets for education.
This single is the first tune voiced on the Gal Block Riddim, produced by 22-year old Glenroy "Frosty" Jackson for his own Lion House Music Production, based in Jamaica. It was recorded at Kalonji Records in Jamaica, by Frosty and Ainsworth, and mixed and mastered by Dave Downie and BUG for Unlock My Mind Music, at Hilltop Studio in Brooklyn, New York. The single is manufactured and distributed by Locksmith Records.
The track is now available as a single and ringtone (see links below). It is also distributed from top digital retailers worldwide, including iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, MySpace Music, VerveLife, Zune, MediaNet, Spotify, Nokia, and eMusic.
SHAGGY NOMINATED FOR 2012 GRAMMY AWARD
'Summer In Kingston' Gets Nod for Best Reggae Album
New York, NY (FOX FUSE) - A stellar career continues for international icon Shaggy as he receives the 2012 Grammy Awardnomination for best reggae album - the ultimate recognition for his latest studio effort, Summer In Kingston, released on his own Ranch Entertainment label, on July 19, 2011.
The 8-track digital album was heavily marketed with a focus on fan-targeted promotions, and Shaggy has been touring non-stop since its release as he continues his global dominance. Summer In Kingston has also been massively embraced by mainstream media, granting the multi-platinum artist notable appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC), The Today Show (NBC), and Lopez Tonight (TBS), just to name a few.
"I'm grateful to be nominated for the 2012 Grammy Award for best reggae album," Shaggy reveals from his current tour stop in Sidney, Australia. "My entire team at Ranch Entertainment and Crush Management worked tirelessly to capture the essence of the true summer vibe on the island of Jamaica, to bring it to the world."
Summer In Kingston debuted at #1 on the Billboard and iTunes Reggae Albums charts, while its lead single "Sugarcane" also revved reggae singles charts, worldwide. The "Sugarcane" video, filmed in Jamaica and depicting the perfect 'summer in Kingston' as its backdrop, saw an MTV premiere.
This marks the tenth album from the diamond-selling artist, already aGrammy winner for his breakout album Boombastic, back in 1996. He has received three previous Grammy nominations, as well as multiple American Music Awards and MOBO (UK) nods.
"My heartfelt thanks to my longtime fans for your continued support of my music and making this happen, and to The Recording Academy for again recognizing our efforts," states Shaggy. The 54th Annual Grammy Awards takes place on February 12, 2012 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. It will be broadcast live on CBS.
Bounty Killer & Gabriel - "Lollipop"
Rodney ‘Bounty Killer’ Price and Nancy ‘Gabriel’ Gordon have teamed up to do a “remake” of one of Jamaica’s biggest hit single, Millie Small's 1964 smash hit “My Boy Lollipop”. The song, which was recorded on Tuesday, November 8, 2011, has been getting rave reviews from fans and music industry insiders alike all over the world.
Riddimstream.com that has been blasting the song all over the world since its release quotes, “This is probably dancehall’s biggest remake yet”. Over 50,000 people have already viewed the song worldwide accumulatively on different social media networks, blogs etc. Phone calls and emails are being sent from places such as Namibia, England and Europe showing interest in the song.
The producer of the track Leebert ‘Gibby’ Morrison believes that the song will do very well and expresses the joy of Bounty Killer representing on the single as this was not a coincident, but a dream. He states, quote “ Since the initial recording of the song by Gabriel, I deeply felt that Bounty Killer was the right artiste to represent, do remember this is a dancehall mix and as such I personally believe Bounty Killer is the best choice and sound we need to give the song its edge and appeal”. He also stated, ““If one does not appreciate music and the variety of flavours that come with it then they will not appreciate an artist like Gabriel. She is not just an everyday sound. You do not hear artists like Gabriel everyday.”
Nancy ‘Gabriel’ Gordon sees this opportunity as a dream come true for her as she explains, “Bounty Killer is an artiste that I personally look up to and respect, I have been told by him and others that my sound is very different and unique. I know that I will appeal to a more mature crowd readily, but my hope is that my unique style will be accepted and listened to by everyone”.
Bounty Killer sees this as the perfect opportunity to relive and be apart of history as this song was done over 40 years ago and still finds favor with fans all over the world. He says, “This song was before the inception of reggae and dancehall. I was not even born when the song was recorded, so this allows me to relive the past and also make the song relevant today to all fans worldwide. It is also an opportunity to expose another young talent who I believe has a sound reminiscent of the 60’s era. This may not be readily accepted by today’s dancehall, but it will surely be a classic that will do well worldwide, especially in the European market so I feel pleased to be apart of this project”.
The expectation of the song is huge. Millie Smalls’s version had sold millions worldwide and created quite a stir and pretty much the same is expected with this version
Bounty Killer & Gabriel - "Lollipop"
**Red Pond - Love So Nice Tour** - Junior Kelly & Prestige - DATES AVAILABLE (Nov. & Dec) - Book NOW!
Junior Kelly Prestige
Triple T Production is giving American music fans the ultimate winter Reggae retreat with the Red Pond - Love So Nice Tour featuring Roots Reggae Champion 'Mr. Love So Nice' Junior Kelly. Named for his recent album, Red Pond released in 2010 by VP Records, the Red Pond - Love So Nice Tour marks Junior Kelly's first time in the United States in over two years. Starting in New England in November, Junior Kelly will hit the east coast for the first time in nearly four years, before traveling throughout the Southern and Midwestern United States before hitting the West Coast in December. Kelly is known around the world for his extensive catalogue, which includes the chart-topping classic "Love So Nice," "Smile," and "Sunshine." Joining Kelly on the Red Pond - Love So Nice Tour is Roots Reggae soldier Prestige, whose singles "Dem Wrong," "My Pride," and "Smoke Free" have garnered a considerable following throughout the United States and the Caribbean. His latest single "The Questions" is currently burning up airwaves around the world.
The Red Pond - Love So Nice Tour includes Junior Kelly, and Prestige with a live band - no track dates.
DOWNLOAD THE RED POND TOUR
MEDIA PACKAGE
To book the Red Pond - Love So Nice Tour in your area, contact Tasz Smith of Triple T Production, 917-617-0874 or tasz114@gmail.com.
AVAILABLE DATES:
November 22nd - 25th : New England
November 27th - 29th: New York (Tri-State) area
December 1st - 15th : Midwest
December 16th -30th: West Coast
December 31st - January 4th - South
I Wayne Leaks Two Tracks From New Album Life Teachings out Next Week Oct 11 on VP
I Wayne, one of the top conscious roots reggae artists of this generation, is back with Life Teachings, his long-overdue album on VP Records, due October 11. With simplicity and grace, I Wayne’s angelic-tinged vocals flutter effortlessly across these 14 tracks filled with hair-raising lyrics and uncompromising conviction. The intricately-crafted album features organic rhythms rife with rugged basslines and one-drop drumbeats, produced mostly by Patrick Z. Henry, who is responsible for 11 of the album's songs and I-Wayne's breakthrough hit "Can't Satisfy Her."
On Life Teachings, I Wayne rejects materialism (“Wise and Fearless”), predicts the imminent downfall of Babylon (“Burn Down Sodom”), rails against the violence associated with “Drug and Rum Vibes,” exalts Rastafari’s holy herb (“Herb Fi Legalize”) and successfully ventures into dancehall terrain with “The Fire Song” featuring Assassin (a.k.a. Agent Sasco) and produced by Gareth Campbell.
