ZIGGY MARLEY PERFORMS WITH ANGELIQUE KIDJO AT NAACP AWARDS

by M. Peggy Quattro

A highlight of the well-produced NAACP Image Awards held Feb. 14, 2008 in Los Angeles, CA, was the tribute to actress/activist and Lifetime Achievement Award winner Ruby Dee.

Performing “Sedjedo” from her Grammy-winning CD Djin Djin, the blonde-haired Benin-born Angelique Kidjo delivered a high-spirited and powerful performance. The diminutive world-renown star was dressed in a black tuxedo-style suit while her band was dressed in traditional African attire. High-heeled boots did not deter the World Music veteran from dancing exuberantly to the drum-fueled rhythm.

Joining her on stage, and featured on her latest CD, Ziggy Marley performed flawlessly alongside the lively Kidjo. Sung in Kidjo’s native Beninese, while bouncing on the Gogbahoun riddim, the ever-smiling comfortable-in-jeans Ziggy contributed by singing the English verses, perfectly connecting the music of Jamaica with the rhythm of Africa. Continue reading →

Director Martin Scorsese set to Produce a Bob Marley Documentary

February 8, 2008 – It was reported in Variety online that famed director Martin Scorsese will team up with Steve Bing’s Shangri-La Entertainment and international sales agent Fortissimo Films to produce a yet-to-be-titled documentary about Reggae’s international super star Bob Marley.

Tuff Gong Pictures and Shangri-La are producing, and the Marley family has endorsed the film. The release date is set for Feb. 6, 2010, in honor of brother Bob’s 65th earth day.

Eldest son Ziggy was quoted as saying, “I am thrilled that the Marley family will finally have the opportunity to document our father’s legacy and are truly honored to have Mr. Scorsese guide the journey.”

The same three powerhouses teamed up to produce the Rolling Stones’ documentary “Shine a Light,” which opened the Berlin Film Festival on Feb. 7, 2008.

Breaking Up the Band: Ali Campbell Leaves UB40 after 28 Years (and UB40’s Latest Response on January 28, 2008 is Below)

This is a messsage directly from Ali Campbell’s website where he explains his reasons for leaving UB40

January 27, 2008 – As one of the founder members of UB40, I have put the band first in my life for the last 28 years and am deeply saddened at the ending of that relationship. No words can express how upset I feel today that I have been forced to make this decision.

I am perhaps most upset on behalf of the fans, who have stuck with us, through thick and thin, throughout the years and are the best fans in the world. However, I feel that it is important for me to put the record straight on my reasons for leaving the band.

Contrary to some of the misleading, false information and accusations that have been circulating in recent months, the reason for my forthcoming departure from the band is NOT, as has been stated, due to my wanting to pursue a solo career. That is not the truth!! I released my first solo album 13 years ago and when I released my current solo album I had every intention to continuing to balance my solo career with my commitment to the band.

The reason for me leaving the band is that management difficulties, which have been ongoing for almost 5 years, had become intolerable. Continue reading →

Sean Kingston – Taking You There

By Kevin Jackson, Observer Writer
Taken from the Jamaica Observer, Kingston 2008

Sean Kingston’s debut self-titled album has to date sold more than seven million copies worldwide. Discovered on the popular social networking site, MySpace, Kingston has become a force to be reckoned with since his debut outing was released in July of 2007 via Epic Records.

In a just five months, Kingston has accrued more than seven million worldwide sales of ringtones, ringbacks, singles and albums in physical and digital sales for songs including his global chart topping single “Beautiful Girls.” That song went to number one in 21 countries around the world. His second hit “Me Love” was also a gold-certified hit. His latest top ten hit “Take You There” has also gone gold. That single is currently number ten on the Billboard Hot 100. Additionally, Sean is featured on Natasha Bedingfield’s latest hit “Love Like This.” Continue reading →