All posts by Reggae Report Archive

Miami’s Nine Mile Music Fest a Success!

The 18th Annual Bob Marley Celebration Feeds the Hungry

Words & Photos by M. Peggy Quattro

Movement of Jah People, a philanthropic organization started by Cedella Marley Booker, continues its mission to help the homeless and deliver the conscious message of her son Bob Marley. Although the festival name has changed from The Caribbean Music Festival to Nine Mile Music Fest, the atmosphere remains the same a great line-up of entertainers topped off by the acclaimed Marley brothers. This year Stephen, Damian, Julian, and Ky-mani provided uplifting performances for thousands of loyal fans scattered throughout beautiful Bayfront Park in downtown Miami.

Damian & Julian Marley

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Busy Signal Breaks New Ground

Busy Signal Breaks New Ground with “Suavemente”

Busy Signal is a top versatile Dancehall artist, and one of the most sought after. Whether implementing the soulful importance of the Commodores’ Night Shift on his song of the same name, or his lyrical versatility connecting with all fans on Marcia Griffiths’ song Automatic, Busy Signal knows which buttons to push and where. Continue reading

Sean Kingston on Justin Beiber’s Tour

Sean Kingston – Featured on Justin Bieber’s My World Tour

Photo by Irwandy on Flickr
Sean Kingston took time to talk with the Miami Herald’s Michael Hamersly about touring with the young pop superstar:
Q: What can we expect [on tour]?
A: I have a 50-minute set, and it’s one of those deep celebration sets with a lot of energy and a lot of feel-good music, hands in the air, like a rock star just partying.
Q: You were born in Miami. What are some of your favorite hangouts?
A: South Beach is always nice, and the Grove. I like to go to Boca — Boca has a nice mall. I like to go to Muvico, the Hard Rock — I don’t gamble or nothing like that, but the clubs are pretty nice. Wherever they let me in is where I’m at.
Q: How grateful are you for your success?
A: It’s just a blessing. I’m very grateful, man. It’s kind of like one of those things where I’ve been dreaming of this all my life, and it’s finally opened up, that big break when I was 17. Now it’s just about keeping it up and staying relevant and continuing to make great music. Continue reading

Buju Banton-Before the Dawn Concert

Buju Banton Before the Dawn Concert: Soaring to Spiritual Heights!

By M. Peggy Quattro and Halcyone Hoagland
Photos M. Peggy Quattro, David Muir, Roy Sweetland

Buju chills with his fans – Photo David Muir

With more than 20 years as a Reggae music icon, Rasta Dancehall performer and five-time Grammy nominee Buju Banton has no shortage of true friends, as in those who are there for you in your greatest time of need. The all-star line-up of artists, media professionals from around the world, and all-around top-shottas of Jamaican entertainment gathered together inside Miami’s Bayfront Amphitheater were just that Buju’s nearest and dearest. Surrounded by those who have mentored and been mentored by him, Buju gave thanks for fans and friends who have clearly given him tremendous strength and support during the challenges of the past year. As Buju awaits retrial in February 2011, Reggae Report caught up with Buju’s attorney, David Oscar Markus, at a quick briefing inside the press tent. Markus has successfully defended several cases in the state of Florida and remains optimistic about the outcome of the case. Buju is positive most people would have crumbled by now he remarked. Its very hard to fight the government, very difficult. He added that they are trying to say Buju Banton is a drug dealer, and Buju is no drug dealer.

Ras Michael and the Nyabinghi Drummers set the evenings tone with Rasta chants invoking the spirit and blessings of the Most High. With a certain reverence in the air, guest artists took the stage one by one: Richie Loop, Everton Blender, Nadine Sutherland, Freddie McGregor, Wayne Wonder, Mykal (Michael) Rose, Gyptian, Sean Paul and Spragga Benz, Tarrus Riley (who did some hilarious impersonations of Buju and had Dean Fraser mocking Buju’s voice with the his sax), Shaggy with Rayvon and Serani, Gramps Morgan, and Miami’s own DJ Khaled, who brought Ace Hood, Rich Kid, and surprise guest Busta Rhymes. Each one echoed their sole purpose for being there, to provide support, strength, and to build solidarity as a community. Hit after hit, the program grew in steady anticipation of Buju’s arrival. Continue reading

Damian Marley & Nas – Distant Relatives

Damian Marley and Nas

Distant Relatives Tour – Giving Hope and Help
By M. Peggy Quattro
Photo by Alex Markow
Miami, FL – Two brothers by different mothers, Damian Marley and Nas have set the summer concert season on fire. The Distant Relatives tour, touted by its stars as a family affair, is getting rave reviews while the dynamic duos CD by-the-same-name is charting worldwide.

Damian Marley and Nas in Pompano Beach, FL

The Distant Relatives CD debuted in May 2010 at #5 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling a reported 57,000 copies its first week. Reviews have labeled the lyrics inspiring and its production convincing. The CD also shot onto to Billboards Rap, Digital Album, R&B/Hip-Hop, and Reggae charts, where it sits at #1 today. The joint venture, two years in production, was produced by brothers Damian and Stephen Marley, with Stephen leading the way and leaving his indelible mark throughout the 13-track CD. A bonus iTunes track, featuring Reggae’s Junior Reid, is an added treat. Several singles have topped the iTunes and UK Singles Charts, and the song Strong Will Continue, is featured on the 2010 FIFA World Cup video game.
Distant Relatives CD

Musicians, playing on live instruments, include the Marleys long-time riddim team of Chris Meredith on bass and Squidly Cole on drums. Shia Coore, son of Third World guitarist Cat Coore, is featured on the CD as well as touring as bassist, and Reggae veteran Paul Fakourie is featured on keyboards. Continue reading

Gyptian Live! in LA

Gyptian at Jamaica Live @Club Cabana!

Words and Photo by Jan Salzman

Hollywood, CA – July 29, 2010 – The line to get into Club Cabana was a block long. I had never seen this before for a Jamaica Live performance from any artist. Obviously, Gyptian’s hit single “Hold Yuh” was making its way onto the radio playlists and the public was responding. Luckily, I ran into the Jamaica Live publicist, Russell Gerlach, and was escorted through the crowd into the stage room. Give thanks! I would never have gotten a good spot for photos otherwise.

Gyptian Live! in LA Photo Jan Salzman

Gyptian took to the stage around 1:00 a.m. to the screams of scantily clad girls who were jammed against the stage. The girls had their sexiest moves on as they reached out to touch the young, popular star. He was sporting a new hair style with his locks tightly braided in rows to the nape of his neck. Continue reading