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TOP 25 DANCEHALL SINGLES

TW LW    WOC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL

01  2 11 Beg U A Touch – Vybz Kartel – Adidjahiem Records (1wk@#1) U-1
02  1 15 Hot Like a Fire – Toya – Downsound (2wks@#1) D-1
03  6 11 Come into My Room – Mavado & Stacious – Di Genius U-3
04  3 16 Put Yuh Hand Up In The Air – Assassin – Di Genius (2wks@#1) D-1
05  7 12 Mi Woman a Call Mi – Beenie Man – SANKOFA U-2
06  9 10 Caan Fren Again – Steven McGregor – Di Genius U-3
07 11  7 Clarks – Vybz Kartel / Popcaan / Gaza Slim – CR203/Adidjaheim/Notnice U-4
08  4 14 Gal Ova Gun – Mavado – Armz House Production (pp#2) D-4
09 10 10 Wanna Be Ballaz – Assassin – SANKOFA U-1
10  5 14 Fire Pon Obeah – Capleton – SANKOFA (pp#4) D-5
11  8 17 Fresh – Flexx – Fagan Fraternity/Hapilos Entertainment (2wks@#1) D-3
12 13  9 Skippin Feelin – Tiana & Chi Ching Ching – Media House Production U-1
13 16  6 My Cup – Richie Loops – Big Yard Music U-3
14 17  4 Hold Yuh – Gyptian – VP Records U-3
15 12 18 How She Like It – Duane Howard & Junior Kelly – Reign Time Records (pp#5) D-3
16 18  7 Mr. DJ – Miss Triniti  – Trini Girl Production U-2
17 14 16 Go Go Club – Vybz Kartel – Head Concussion (pp#3) D-3
18 20  4  Party Cup – Ding Dong – IMG U-2
19 19 16 Every Gal – Nicky B – Head Concussion (pp#8) NM
20 15 28 Mi Want My Own – Tyrical – Seanizzle Records (2wks@#1) D-5
21 23  2 Gal A Mad Over – Mavado – Di Genius U-2
22 25  2 Bank Inna Mi Pocket – Versatile – Romeich Records U-3
23 24  3 Boss Lady – Toya – Downsound U-1
24 21 19 Skip to Ma Lue – Serani feat Ding Dong & Razz & Biggy – Daseca (1wk@#1) D-3
25 22   22 The Realest Song – Konshens – Cash Flow (1wk@#1) D-3

TOP 25 REGGAE SINGLES

TW LW    WOC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL

01  2   9 Sweetie – Roots Revealers feat Chaka Demus – Family House Music (1wk@#1) U-1
02  1 20 Love this Lifetime – Sheba feat Bounty Killer – Sonic Dynasty (1wk@#1) D-1
03  4 13  Johnny – LUST – Born Music U-1
04  3 26 Heavy Load – Tom Laing – Top Tier/Raw Moon (3wks@#1) D-1
05  6 19 Million $ Check – Mojo Morgan – Gedion Soldiers Ent U-1
06  7   9 No Other Alternative – Guidance – Brown Brothers Music U-1
07  5 13 Rise Again(Tribute to Haiti) – Shaggy, Sean Paul, Sean Kingston, Tessanne Chin, Etana, Alison Hinds, Kees Dieffenthaller, David Rudder, Belo, Shontelle Layne, Destra Garcia, Edwin Yearwood – Birchill Records (pp#3) D-2
08 11   8 Unconditional Love – Jah Cure feat Phyllisia – SOBE/Danga Zone U-3
09 10 13 Nah Stop Try – Zebilum Tucker – Formula One Productions U-1
10 15   8 August Town – Etana – Free Mind U-5
11 12 10 Night Shift – Busy Signal – Turf Muzik/Star Player Music Group U-1
12 14   7 My Promise – Andy Livingston – Black Dutch Records U-2
13  9 11 A Time and a Place – Buju Banton – John John D-4
14 17   7 Thank You Jah – Vybz Kartel – Adidjaheim / Notnice U-3
15  8 23 The Pill – Junior X – Revolutionary Entertainment (2wks@#1) D-7
16 18   7 Trouble in the World – Richie Spice – Master One Productions U-2
17 19   6 Gangster Life – Junior X – Revolutionary Entertainment U-2
18 20   4 Dance Like We’re Making Love/Sugar Dumplin – Nicky B – Feelin Records U-2
19 13 28 Feel So Good – Barbee – Rare Diamond Productions (1wk@#1) D-6
20 22   5 Comeback to Bed – Gramps Morgan – Dada Son Entertainment U-2
21 16 17 Lose A Friend – I-Octane – Truck Back (pp#6) D-5
22 23   4 Salt of the Earth/Let’s Drink – Richie Stephens – Boot Camp U-1
23 24   2 The Leaders – ELJAI – Jah Mix Entertainment/No Doubt Records U-1
24  – New Free – Etana – No Doubt Records
25 21 18 Hold My Hand – Sean Paul feat Keri Hilson – Fresh Ear (pp#5) D-4

TOP 10 ALBUMS/CD CHART

TW LW   WOC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL

01  1 11 Pon Di Gaza 2.0 – Vybz Kartel – Adidjaheim / Tads Records (2wks@#1) NM
02  2 15 Now & Forever – Sanchez – VP Records (4wks@#1) NM
03  3 10 The Focus Riddim  – Various Artistes – Raw Moon / Top Tie NM
04  4 15 Crucial Times – Sizzla Kalonji – Greensleeves Records (3wks@#1) NM
05  5  7 Genuine – Bescenta – Upliftment Music International (UMI) NM
06  6  6 Ragga, Ragga, Ragga 2010 – Various Artistes – Greensleeves NM
07  7 12   Escape from Babylon – Alborosie – Greensleeves NM
08  9  2 Sugar Roy/Conrad Crystal & The Great Reggae Icons – Sugar Roy / Conrad Crystal & Friends – Fireball Records U-1
09  8 13 State of Da World – Inner Circle – Shanachie D-1
10     - New Red Pond – Junior Kelly – VP Records

_____________________NOTES_____________________________________

NUMBERS IN BRACKET INDICATE THE NUMBER OF WEEKS AT THE NO. 1 SPOT.

Back in the 1930’s Colombia was infused with a music that was born on its shores, which hug the tropical Caribbean island hotbed.  That music, which quickly became popular all over the Caribbean and Latin America, was called CUMBIA.  Like much of the Caribbean’s culture, Cumbia is a blend of African-Indigenous-European sounds that coalesce into a rhythm which the body can not resist.  This music is the background to a comedic love story called “Cumbia de Mi Corazon.”
Long ago on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, in the town of Barranquilla, Don Heriberto and Maruca met when they were at the prime of their youth, and through the dance of the cumbia became one; only to be separated in the flesh by Heriberto’s untimely death.  Some fifty years now between heaven and hell, Don Heriberto, refuses to enter his final resting place without the love of his life, Maruca.  Now an elderly woman, Maruca transitions into the afterlife, but is a bit lost.  Along with two Angels who are trying to earn their wings, Don Heriberto helps Maruca find her way with the sounds that led them to one another long ago in the carnal world. Share in their journey to rejoin with one another and become one body enveloped in the sound of their coastal Caribbean rhythm.
This theatre production features a script written by Toby Campion and produced by C. Raul Espinoza; and features an American trained, Spanish speaking cast form a variety of Spanish speaking countries.  This play also marks the directorial debut in Los Angeles of German Jaramillo. German Jaramillo was one of the original founders, and actors, of the Teatro Libre de Bogata (Free Theatre of Bogata) back in 1973.  Teatro Libre de Bogata was the first theatre company-owned playhouse that served as a training center and performance venue in Colombia.  In 2001 Jaramillo moved to New York where he founded the celebrated ID Studio Theater and Research Center.  Jaramillo finds that “This storyline takes place in the origins of the music called Cumbia, in a time when Cumbia is most popular and an integral part of these two people’s lives.” As a native Colombian who is well versed in the music and dance of the Cumbia, Jaramillo was a shoe in to direct this production.
Although this play is in Spanish it does feature English supertitles, so do not miss out, join the Bilingual Foundation of the Arts, in Los Angeles, April 30-May 23, 2010 as they present “Cumbia de mi Corazon.”  For information on times, dates and address please refer to our Calendar of events!

Add to our COE
Cumbia de mi corazón
04/30-05/23 Fri-Sun
Times: Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 3 p.m.
Location: Bilingual Foundation of the Arts, 421 N. Avenue 19th, Los Angeles, CA 90031
Tickets: Cumbiademicorazon.tix.com or (323) 786-6281
$25 General Admission; $40 Opening Night Performance and Gala Saturday May 1st; $15

The Reigning Queen of Dancehall Soul
How Fame Has Helped Elevate
Her Music To Its Own Art Form

Ask any male reggae enthusiast who Cherine Anderson is and you’d get a fleeting smile of appreciative recognition.
The stunning singer, songwriter and actress who made her onscreen debut in the hugely successful film “Dancehall Queen,” is a familiar face in the industry. With a starring role opposite Idris Elba and musical credits in the romantic flick “One Love,” she has quickly become one of the industries most sought after artists of her generation.
Currently on a U.S. tour opening for musician John Mayer with Michael Franti & Spearhead, Anderson speaks softly, with thoughtful pauses. There is an arresting honesty to her voice. She doesn’t give interviews often and is a very private person, I am told, and as a result, she comes across as genuinely engaged in our conversation.
“I grew up in the church and was pretty much protected from the craziness of the streets.”
A petite performer who stands at just 5′ 3″, Anderson grew up in East Kingston, Jamaica. An active member of her church choir, she received professional training in music, dance and theatre when she joined one of the Caribbean’s most successful performing companies, the Ashe Professional Arts ensemble, at age 12.
“I‘ve always enjoyed the arts and grew up in church. We were very active in the choir and at school, I danced, did drama and was pretty much an all-rounder,” she says.
Through the performing arts company, Anderson got the opportunity to audition at  age 13 for “Dancehall Queen,” a modern day Cinderella story of a poor Kingston street vendor who discovers the diverse world of dancehall music.
“They told them they were auditioning for this film and I thought it was another Jamaica play which would go straight to VHS. I went and auditioned and had a call back. What I was told by the producers and writers is that they auditioned about a hundred girls,” she says. “Doing it was fun for I was young and wide eyed and I was like a sponge absorbing everything. I had never done a film before, even though I have experienced being on set dancing and singing I hadn’t done anything onscreen,” Anderson continues.
With the success of “Dancehall Queen,” several movie opportunities came flooding in, offers she turned down to focus on her education.
“I made a decision that I wanted to get a college degree and I think that held a lot of things back in terms of pursuing the arts. I really wanted to get my degree so I was not focusing on anything music or film,” says Anderson who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Music and a minor in Japanese Language and Literature.
“It’s hard trying to shoot a film and complete a degree, so it was more choosing to complete school to then focus on the music and I did that,” she continues.
In 2003, the movie “One Love” a forbidden love story between a reggae musician of Rastafarian faith and a lead singer of a Christian church choir gave Anderson the opportunity to combine her favorite genres – movies and music.
“I wanted to do a project where I was getting to do both and “One Love” was interesting because of the marriage between the music and acting. It helped me to launch the musical side of my career so it was a no brainer because I had the opportunity to write the score for that film.”
Earning an MTV2/Urbanworld Film Festival Best Actress Award for her role as Serena, it catapulted the savvy and smart performer further into the limelight with the opportunity to appear alongside some of the world’s biggest artists.
With musical influences which range from Lauryn Hill, Jimi Hendrix to U2, her formal introduction as a singer/songwriter came in the form of “Good Love.”  A soul filled lover’s rock track produced by the legendary Sly & Robbie, it peaked at #2 on the South Florida reggae charts and also appeared on their Grammy nominated album “Anniversary.” The follow up “Coming Over Tonight,” a duet with Chuck Fenda gave Anderson her first #1 song and video and since then, the official reigning queen of dancehall, who pens all of her own material – a self coined musical genre called dancehall soul has been in high demand.
“For me, the brand of music I make which I call dancehall soul is pretty eclectic, as I am pulling from all the genres that I have been moved by which is soul music, R&B, jazz and rock. The only way to let people understand what it is you are doing is to take your music out there and if you are playing to five, ten, twenty and thirty, that is what you do. With the help of my management team Zlink Entertainment, we have been blessed in the sense that I have not only toured with reggae greats like Sly & Robbie, but I have had the opportunity of being on the road with Michael Franti and opening for bands like Counting Crows and now John Mayer,” says Anderson.
“With art I just want to be free and I like writing stuff that people can relate to.”
In 2009, drawing inspiration from her experiences and everyday occurrences, Anderson released a nine song EP entitled “The Introduction-dubstyle.” With a unique brand of deeply personal songwriting which is impeccably crafted and delivered, it gave Anderson’s fans access to some of her released singles such as “Talk If Yuh Talking” and the uplifting anthem “Shine On Jamaica,” and earned her a 2009 Vocalist of the Year EME Award.
“I like writing stuff that I think people can relate to.” Songs like “Shine” which I directed the video for is dealing with the political state and it’s talking about growing up in a country like Jamaica. I am aware of gang warfare and people dying and friends having babies before they are out high school.  Some of the songs that I write are about my own experiences. Some are of things I have observed.  The song “Talk If Yuh Talking” which did really well came after talking to friend of mine who was going through a divorce. “The inspiration comes from anywhere, but it’s always something people can relate to,” claims Anderson.
An electrifying young performer endowed with a richly soulful voice and striking beauty in a male dominated industry, Anderson refuses to play on her looks.
“I am such a tomboy. I have never played on pretty because there are always prettier. I have always been respected so much for my brain and talent and what I have to say and have never had to rely on looks.”
Level headed and immensely humble, despite her fame and popularity, Anderson is well aware of the subtleties and nuances of fame and it’s something she takes in stride.
“I have always been pretty level headed and it’s cool to have people respect you for your talent and that is part of the plus side. The flip side is to be asked questions about your personal life because it’s something I never talk about. [Being famous] You loose your privacy and people feel that they are entitled to know everything about you but it comes with the game. If that is the only thing that is bad about having a career where everyone knows you then it’s wonderful,” she continues.
Anderson has been featured on the official remixes for Madonna, Britney Spears and Sir Paul McCartney and has also collaborated with Wyclef Jean.
“I have known Clef since I was a kid,” cites Anderson who performed with Wyclef to over 7,000 fans in Tortola, British Virgin Islands.  “He’s like a big brother and I first worked with him when I was in the 10th grade.”
Anderson is working on her debut album, which is scheduled for release this year.
“We are working between Los Angeles and Jamaica on this project which will be released later this year,” she says. “It will be dancehall soul, so expect the unexpected. It is eclectic and it’s going to mix all those sounds I have been talking about – the dancehall, R&B, soul, reggae and rock. Especially now I have been on tour with John Mayer and the Counting Crows, the guitar has become my new best friend,” she shares.
Currently in the middle of a 3 month arena tour opening for Mayer, Anderson will be performing with Michael Franti and Spearhead at the Staple Center on March 25th, and it’s a concert she promises will be a spectacular show.
“We are going to take the temperature up to the next level. Expect to have a wonderful time. Don’t come out in any high heels because you won’t be able to dance,” she adds.
Visit www.ticketmaster.com for more info.

Saturday’s artists featured were Shaggy, The Dirty Heads, Don Carlos, Frankie Paul, Yellow Man, Big Youth, Gramps Morgan, Mikey Spice, Lloyd Brown, Bajah & Dry Eye Crew, Mystic Roots Band, Yellow, and Wall Dub Squad.

Sundays line up of stars consist Detour Posse, The Lions, David Kirton, The Aggrolites, Edi Fitzroy, The Mighty Diamonds, Alborosie, Tarrus Riley, Gregory Isaacs, Barrington, Levy.  The MCs: of this two day festival was Amlak Tafari and Richie B. They did a fantastic job in keeping spirits alive as they announced each artist.

International Jamaican Reggae superstar Capleton has once again become the target of the gay community and the organization GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) in response to his concert and festival bookings in California and Florida this month.

Capleton replied was this “For as long as I live, I will give and forgive and do good as long as I can…” a quote from one of his recent album, “Head Above Water.”

A morning news conference was held at the LB Hyatt Hotel. The media interviewed many artists that was scheduled to perform, which included Yellow Man who performed in a Lakers jersey and shorts with Kobe Bryant’s name on the back. Gramps Morgan and The Dry Eye Crew made their appearance at the news conference. Ragga Muffins promoter, Barbara Barabino, directed questions from the press to the performing artists and introduced to the media some of the performers making their first appearance at the festival.

Ms Barbino informed the media that she and her staff started work on forming the two day event during the summer months. “It takes a lot of hard work to get the scheduling done.” said Barbara. She thanked everyone for their tremendous support in making the festival one of the major reggae music festivals worldwide.

CaribPress obtained an exclusive interview with the West African singing trio from Sierra Leone called Bajha & The Dry Eye Crew.

CaribPess: How did you get started?

Dry Eye Crew: With the war in my country going on, many of our people were being killed.  Someone had to spread the message that these killings must stop. The people needed someone to speak up. We are the voice of the voiceless that stood up with no fear.

CP: We notice your music is deeply rooted in reggae music.

DE: Back home we not only listen to reggie music, there is a lot of diverse music played over the radio stations. We listen to them all.

We are so happy to meet Yellow Man; many of his records are sold there. The man is like a mentor to me.

We feel that reggae music is a form of original African music.

CP: Is English the major language in your country?

DE: You must remember, we were colonized by the British. Yes we do speak English but we speak in Creio. Some of our words are tribal.

CP: How many albums have you put out?

DE: We have 7 albums that had been released in our country. We will release our first international album in June called Love Somebody. It’s all about love. We say to all reggae fans please watch out for it.

Dry Eye performance is with so much energy that you can’t help to move your feet to the earthy reggae sounds they project.

This year would have been Bob Marley’s 65th birthday. He still continues to be the king of reggae music even to this day. His strongest message to the people is LOVE.

2011 will mark thirty years of this successful music festival. Ms. Barabino said it will be unique and should not be missed.

Artifacts will include a cassette tape in which another reggae great, Peter Tosh, jams a blues song with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, museum curator Herbie Miller said Sunday.

The tape was recorded in June 1977 in New York City, said Miller, who was Tosh’s former manager.

It will be placed alongside the album “Escape from Babylon” by American singer Martha Velez that Marley produced in 1976.

The museum is requesting donations to help preserve Jamaica’s vibrant music history. The island’s music preservation took a major hit two years ago when officials discovered that a massive collection of 1970s music, including original recordings by Marley and Tosh, disappeared from the archives of the former Jamaica Broadcasting Corp.

The collection has not been found.

Miller said a date has not been set for the opening of the Jamaica Music Museum in Kingston. It will be operated by the government through the Institute of Jamaica, which oversees cultural affairs.

TW LW WOC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL

01 4 12 The Realest Song – Konshens – Cash Flow (1wk@#1) U-3
02 1 12 Dance The Night Away – Voicemail & Busy Signal – Washroom Entertainment (2wks@#1) D-1
03 3 10 Bicycle – Vybz Kartel – CR0203 NM
04 2 16 Life We Living – Vybz Kartel – Cash Flow/Adidjaheim (3wks@#1) D-2
05 6 9 Skip to Ma Lue – Serani feat Ding Dong & Razz & Biggy – Daseca U-1
06 5 15 Woman Pon Yuh Head – Chino – Big Ship (pp#3) D-1
07 9 18 Mi Want My Own – Tyrical – Seanizzle Records (pp#8) U-2
08 8 22 Holiday – Din g Dong / Chevaughn – Notice (4wks@#1) NM
09 12 7 Fresh – Flexx – Fagan Fraternity/Hapilos Entertainment U-3
10 11 8 How She Like It – Duane Howard & Junior Kelly – Reign Time Records U-1
11 13 6 Go Go Club – Vybz Kartel – Head Concussion U-2
12 14 6 Put Yuh Hand Up In The Air – Assassin – Di Genius U-2
13 15 6 Every Gal – Nicky B – Head Concussion U-2
14 7 19 House Cleaning – Mavado – Heart of Love (pp#2) D-7
15 10 13 Country Mi Ting Deh – Mikeylous – Specialist Sound Production (pp#9) D-5
16 18 5 Hot Like a Fire – Toya – Downsound U-2
17 17 5 Never Let You Go – Shaggy & Tessanne – Big Yard NM
18 21 4 Gal Ova Gun – Mavado – Armz House Production U-3
19 20 4 Bills – Lisa Hype – Head Concussion U-1
20 22 4 Fire Pon Obeah – Capleton – SANKOFA U-2
21 16 23 Skip to Ma Lue – QQ feat Ding Dong – QG Production (2wks@#1) D-5
22 19 14 Better Days – Chase Cross – Frass (pp#12) D-3
23 25 2 Mi Woman a Call Mi – Beenie Man – SANKOFA U-2
24 – New Beg U A Touch – Vybz Kartel – Adidjahiem Records
25 – New Come into My Room – Mavado & Stacious – Di Genius

TOP 25 REGGAE SINGLES

TW LW WOC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL

01 2 16 One More Night – Busy Signal – Turf Music (1wk@#1) U-1
02 3 15 King & Queen – Richie Spice & Alison Hinds -Black Coral U-1
03 4 13 The Pill – Junior X – Revolutionary Entertainment U-1
04 5 18 Feel So Good – Barbee – Rare Diamond Productions U-1
05 1 18 Ears Hard – Vybrant – Major Links Entertainment (2wks@#1) D-4
06 6 16 Heavy Load – Tom Laing – Top Tier/Raw Moon NM
07 8 10 Love this Lifetime – Sheba feat Bounty Killer – Sonic Dynasty U-1
08 9 8 Hold My Hand – Sean Paul feat Keri Hilson – Fresh Ear U-1
09 7 20 Drive By – Nesbeth – Jan Biggs (3wks@#1) D-2
10 11 11 You Make My Day – Sizzla – Minor 7, Flat 5 U-1
11 13 7 Lose A Friend – I-Octane – Truck Back U-2
12 14 9 Million $ Check – Mojo Morgan – Gedion Soldiers Ent U-2
13 10 21 Ruff Times – Nico D feat. Jah Mason – Tad’s Int’l Rec/Kontractor Music/J.A.M. (2wks@#1) D-3
14 17 5 Love Contagious – Tarrus Riley – VP Records U-3
15 12 20 Rolling Stones – Spanner Banner – Penthouse (pp#4) D-3
16 20 3 Johnny – LUST – Born Music U-4
17 22 3 Rise Again(Tribute to Haiti) – Shaggy, Sean Paul, Sean Kingston, Tessanne Chin, Etana, Alison Hinds, Kees Dieffenthaller, David Rudder, Belo, Shontelle Layne, Destra Garcia, Edwin Yearwood – Birchill Records U-5
18 15 14 Be By Your Side – Ras Penco – Uprize Music Production (pp#11) D-3
19 18 24 Falling for You – Lutan Fire – Renaissance (2wks@#1) D-1
20 21 4 Searching – Peter Lloyd – Black Light Records U-1
21 16 24 Revolution – Natural Black – Fifth Element Records (pp#2) D-5
22 24 3 Nah Stop Try – Zebilum Tucker – Formula One Productions U-2
23 19 26 Try Jah Love – Josie Mel & Smokey Benz – Minor 7, Flat 5 (3wks@#1) D-4
24 – New Time and a Place – Bu ju Banton – John John
25 23 27 Always on my Mind – George Nooks – Tads Records (pp#3) D-2

TOP 10 ALBUMS/CD CHART

TW LW WOC TITLE/ARTISTE/LABEL

01 1 9 Strictly the Best Vol. 40 – Various Artistes – VP Records(2wks@#1) NM
02 2 13 Tell It Like It Is – Stevie Face – Boot Camp Records (4wks@#1) NM
03 5 5 Crucial Times – Sizzla Kalonji – Greensleeves Records U-2
04 3 16 The Ultimate – Various Artistes – Tads International Records (3wks@#1) D-1
05 6 5 Now & Forever – Sanchez – VP Records U-1
06 4 30 2 Sides of My Heart Vol 1 – Gramps Morgan – Dada Son (4wks@#1) D-2
07 8 3 State of Da World – Inner Circle – Shanachie U-1
08 10 2 Escape from Babylon – Alborosie – Greensleeves U-2
09 – New Pon Di Gaza 2.0 – Vybz Kartel – Adidjaheim / Tads Records
10 9 20 Trial & Crosses – Twins of Twins – Kingston 13 Productions (3wks@#1) D-1

He explains that the tracks are SOLID throughout the album.  “I love all the tracks,” but the ‘whammy’ is “Heavenly Father”, he said.  “The lyric is all about God.”

Rankin’s wide ranging appeal blends reggae, hip-hop and R&B and has taken him worldwide to Canada, France, Germany, Holland and Spain.  He makes his African continent debut in 2010 with plans to perform in Nigeria and Senegal.

Born Harold Johnson in Kingston, Jamaica, he spent decades in the entertainment business.  And his dedication and tradition of excellence goes back as far as his early days singing in church, to his teenage years as a reggae deejay [rapper] in the island of Jamaica.

“The message to his fans is that the album is about truth, rights, love, reality and self empowerment,” Rankin said.

His journey has adapted strength along the way.  Though he’s seen many places along the way, from New York to Hawaii, he currently resides in the Bay Area of Northern California.  New York City was his first home after migrating from Kingston, Jamaica in 1978.

Now 51, Rankin served in the US Army for six years and was based in Hawaii.     There he met Ginger (Linda Sur), and the two began to write music and perform together.  This blend of diverse musical influences fueled a new style of reggae music called “Jawaiian” music.  Hence, the duo “Rankin Scroo and Ginger”.   While in Hawaiian, he formed “Crucial Youth Productions”, his recording studio band.

Ginger admits that ‘Rankin Scroo’ has been a core in the San Francisco Bay area for reggae fans.  “He has worked with a lot of artists,” said Ginger.  Rankin’s extensive resume includes stellar musical collaborations that extends to Alpha Blondie, Black Uhuru, Frankie Paul, Judy Mowatt, Lutan Fyah, Sister Carol, Too Short and E-40, to name a few.

And what has Rankin learned from other entertainers? To be savvy about his wants and needs.  For Carib Press readers and his fans, his advice to young reggae musicians who want to start out in the business is to keep a focus on what they want to do and make sure they accomplish the mission with the song first,  and the business aspects second.

Music aside, Rankin is dedicated to improving the lives of young people and engaging them is a great way to tap into their potential.  To cultivate courtesy and respect to all people, he started a youth program in Northern California to help strengthen the youth.

He has plans to perform in Jamaica and want to show the people what he brought to the foreign land, since the culture is from there.  “Going to Jamaica will be a going home party,” said Rankin.  And concluded by saying, “I look forward to a Southern California performance very soon.”

Bob Marley live in concert in Zurich, Switzerland, on May 30, 1980

KINGSTON, Jamaica  _ An annual concert that draws hundreds of tourists to celebrate Bob Marley’s birthday has been canceled for the first time since its inception in 1992 over noise complaints.

Police denied promoter Clive Pringle an event permit because of several run-ins with police and residents in Negril, superintendent Dezeita Taylor said Thursday.

The Bob Marley Birthday Bash that Pringle organized every Feb. 6 regularly exceeded the 2 a.m. curfew established under the Noise Abatement Act, she said.

Last year Pringle was fined $560, police said.

Pringle said he appealed, but doubts the concert will be held.

The show was launched in 1992 in Negril _ a seaside town west of Kingston _ and has attracted up to 3,500 people, Pringle said.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett recently called for a revision of the Noise Abatement Act to extend time for events popular with tourists.

Bob Marley birthday bashes are held worldwide in places including London, Hawaii and Miami.

Photo from Wikimedia Commons.

Pink, Celine Dion, Natalie Cole, the Jonas Brothers, Kanye West, Tony Bennett, Jennifer Hudson, Akon and other musical luminaries stood shoulder to shoulder on risers at Henson Recording studios, singing their hearts out and hoping to help Haiti.

At one point during the session, the musicians broke out into an acappella version of the pop classic “Lean on Me.”

True to her diva reputation, Barbara Streisand recorded her solo over and over, completely absorbed in the recording process and stopping only to correct her pitch.

Rapper Lil’ Wayne was told he would do Bob Dylan’s part in the original song.

“I said, ‘Are you kidding?”’ he said. He felt blessed to record the song but admitted, “I don’t know how to sing.”

Asked how the earthquake had affected him, he said he had Haitian friends in Miami who lost relatives in the disaster.

“I think it’s amazing what’s been done for Haiti, but I think it’s amazing what hasn’t been done for New Orleans,” said the Crescent City native.

Quincy Jones, who produced the 1985 anthem, announced last week that he planned to redo the song to benefit recovery from the deadly Jan. 12 earthquake in Port-au-Prince.

Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, the original “We Are the World” thundered up the charts when it was released on the radio and in record stores in March 1985.

An unprecedented number of top pop musicians gathered at A&M the night of Jan. 28, 1985, following the American Music Awards, to record the tune. The song featured 45 American superstars, including Jackson, Richie, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Bruce Springsteen, Diana Ross, Bob Dylan and Cyndi Lauper.

None of the original performers returned for the re-record.

The 1985 record raised more than $30 million for USA for Africa, a nonprofit organization founded by the singers to fund hunger relief in African nations.

While reporters watched a video feed of the session in a nearby room, stars like West mingled outside with friends and greeted his buddy, Snoop Dogg, with a hug.

Nicole Richie and “Good Charlotte” singer Joel Madden showed up with their 2-year-old daughter Harlow, whom Madden bounced in his arms to the beat of the music.

Julianne Hough from “Dancing with the Stars,” who is also a country singer, said she felt honored to lend her voice to the effort and sing next to so many talented musicians.

“It’s just iconic. Celine (Dion) is just so gracious and amazing and such a pro,” she said.

“Enough of this moping man, let’s rebuild Haiti, let’s show ‘em how we do it where we come from!” Jean shouted after singing the slow song “Rivers of Babylon,” with a Haitian flag around his neck.

He segued into the joyful tune “Yele” with an island beat, as musicians danced around him, singing the refrain: “Earthquake, we see the earth shake, but the soul of the Haitian people will never break!”

It was a stark contrast from the opening of the telecast: no words, simply photos of Haiti’s tragic citizens as a backdrop, as Alicia Keys called for the help of angels in somber tune.

“Can you send me an angel to guide me?” Keys sang from her song “Prelude to a Kiss.” There was no audience or applause, allowing the moment to sink in for the millions expected to watch.

“The Haitian people need our help,” said George Clooney, who helped organize the two-hour telecast. “They need to know that they are not alone. They need to know that we still care.”

Then, after an impassioned plea from Halle Berry, Bruce Springsteen dedicated a song for Haiti _ “We Shall Overcome.”

Since Haiti suffered the devastating earthquake on Jan. 12 that killed more than 200,000 people, the entertainment world has responded with an outpouring of charity, from million dollar donations to songs designed to raise money for relief.

On Friday night, those efforts became collective as the biggest celebrities from music, film, sports and even politics joined together for the telethon. Stars like Mel Gibson, Reese Witherspoon and Julia Roberts manned telephone lines while CNN’s Anderson Cooper gave reports about the situation from Haiti. Heartbreaking video showed Haitians buried in rubble and badly injured, with tears and overwhelming sorrow etched on their faces.

Although the celebrity phone bank appeared to be continuously busy with donation calls, some of which were piped into the telecast, it was not immediately known how much money was raised by the show.

Most of the musical performances were downbeat, emotional songs. John Legend sang “I Feel Like A Motherless Child.” Kid Rock, Keith Urban and Sheryl Crow sang “Lean On Me.” Beyonce, with Coldplay’s Chris Martin backing her on piano, revised her hit “Halo” with new lyrics: “Haiti we can see your halo, we pray you won’t fade away.”

Madonna provided one of the few upbeat moments with her choir-backed performance of “Like A Prayer,” while Sting’s “Driven To Tears” was also spirited.

Jay-Z, Rihanna and U2’s Bono and The Edge debuted a new song, “Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour),” as Jay-Z rapped from London: “When the sky falls, and the earth quakes, we can gon’ this back together, we won’t break.”

Mickelson Civil, a Haitian filmmaker, fought back tears as he talked about relatives who died and those who are barely surviving: “The survivors shouldn’t have to go hungry or be afraid now,” he said.

Jean made one of the more personal celebrity appeals of the evening, speaking of his experience after witnessing the torment of the nation first hand.

“I carried bodies of my people in the cemetery. They should have been walking,” he said. “Instead they were heavy in my arms. … Right now we can see the second wave of the disaster coming … We have to make sure that the second wave never makes it to Haiti.”

Jean ended his comments with a message directly to the Haitian people, in Creole. Jean’s Yele Haiti Foundation is one of the groups that will benefit from the evening’s donations; Jean had come under criticism for the spending practices of the foundation, and before the telethon Friday announced a new accounting firm to handle the group’s finances after acknowledging past mistakes.

The telethon was broadcast from New York, London, Los Angeles and Haiti, and was featured on all the major networks and channels. It was also streamed live on sites like YouTube and MySpace.

Haitians were able to listen on Radio One Haiti.

Leonardo DiCaprio was among those celebrities who urged viewers to donate; on Thursday, he joined the list of previous celebrities donors with a $1 million gift to The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, one of several organizations that will benefit from the telethon.

John Mayer called in a $500,000 donation before the telethon began, according to a representative for MTV.

People were able to start donating even before the telethon at a newly established Web site, and also through text or telephone. Viewers will also be able to purchase performances from the evening on Saturday by way of iTunes for 99 cents, with those proceeds going to relief aid as well.

The telethon won’t be the last major celebrity effort for Haiti; BET plans to hold its own all-star telethon on Feb. 5, with Diddy and Queen Latifah as hosts. It will also be aired on MTV and VH1.

http://www.hopeforhaitinow.org

Each day of the ten-hour Saturday and Sunday Festival offers an array of international arts and crafts, food and lifestyle vendors -North America’s largest International Food and Crafts Fair -for Festival attendees’ enjoyment. The family-friendly event offers free admission to children 12 years and under when accompanied by a paid adult. The Children’s Activity Space, provided bythe “What About the Children? Foundation” is another annual tradition at the Festival, providing entertainment to kidswith storytellers, face painting and other enriching activities.

Performing on Saturday, February 20:

Shaggy • Don Carlos • Frankie Paul • Yellowman • Big Youth • Gramps Morgan • Ken Boothe • Lloyd Brown • Bajah &the Dry Eye Crew • Mystic Roots Band • Yellow Wall Dub Squad •plus more artists to be announced…

Performing on Sunday, February 21:

Barrington Levy • Gregory Isaacs • Capleton • Cocoa Tea • Tarrus Riley • Alborosie • The Mighty Diamonds •Konshens • The Aggrolites • David Kirton • The Lions • Detour Posse •plus more artists to be announced…  The Line-up is Subject to Change

Tickets may be purchased through all Ticketmaster locations including: The Long Beach Arena Box Office, F.Y.E., Ritmo Latino and Select Macy’s locations.To charge by phone: (800) 745-3000 or order online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Ticket prices: $38-$60 plus applicable service charges

Doors open at Noon • Show Begins at 1:00 pm • The Long Beach Arena is located at 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach.

For more information please call the Ragga Muffins Festival Hotline at (310) 515-3322. The main number at the Long Beach Arena is (562) 436-3636

www.raggamuffinsfestival.com

www.raggamuffins.org

myspace.com/raggamuffinsfestival

Columbus Short is either an incredibly lucky guy, an extremely talented actor or, most likely, he’s a combination of both luck and talent.

The actor, dancer and musician who got his first break in the dance flick “Stomp the Yard” has had a very illustrious career staring in hits flicks such as “Save the Last Dance 2,” “Quarantine,” “Whiteout,” “This Christmas” and the musical drama “Cadillac Records” with Beyonce Knowles.

“It’s a blessing because initially I was on that audition grind 4/5 times a week,” says the 27-year-old Missouri native.

With several projects in the pipeline including the John Singleton movie “Tulia” with Halle Berry and Billy Bob Thornton, “The Losers”, and a “Stomp the Yard” sequel which he’s executive producing, Short can be seen in the drama “Armored”, an action packed thriller about a bunch of armored truck guards who plan a robbery of their own security firm.

“It’s a very smart movie and I fought to get the part,” he says. “I hadn’t done a movie in this genre and the role wasn’t written for an African American and the director didn’t want an African American to be the lead. So there was a campaign that had to take place on my behalf to prove and convince the studio I was right for it.”

Directed by Nimrod Antal (“Vacancy”), Short’s character, Ty Hackett, is a former war vet who signs on as a guard at Eagle Shield Security. With mounting unpaid bills, a mortgage and the responsibility for his 14-year old brother (Andre Jamal Kinney), he’s soon convinced to execute what is deemed as a perfect crime – to steal 42 million dollars from his armored truck.

An unconventional heist thriller, “Armored” stars Matt Dillon, Laurence Fishburne, Amaury Nolasco (“Prison Break”) and Jean Reno (“The Da Vinci Code”) and is a thriller with lots of adrenaline, action and suspense.

“There are no martini glasses and women. It’s just blue collar men backed into a corner who feel like they were owed. It’s good guys making bad decisions and it juxtaposes drama and action in a believable way with plenty of rock ‘em, sock ‘em and blow ‘em up moments as well as emotionally intense scenes,” says Short whose intensity is evident on screen. “I haven’t done anything heroic in my life so to live that out in a film is amazing and that’s what I love about acting because I get to do things I don’t normally do. I was a hero in this movie and it was attractive.”

Photos By: Lacey Terrell

Michael Jackson is bigger in death than he was in life...

Michael Jackson is one of the most sampled artists in the world.

From reggae, soul, pop to rock his music has been sampled in numerous songs. Whether it’s Rihanna’s “Don’t Stop the Music,” which sampled “Wanna Be Startin’ Something or SWV’s “Right There,” a reworking of “Human Nature,” or even Wayne Wonder’s reggae rendition of “The Girl is Mine,” there’s no dispute that his influence in music is simply staggering.

Born on August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana at the height of the first full decade of post segregation, Michael was the seventh of nine siblings (Marlon’s twin Brandon died at birth). His father Joseph Walter worked as a crane operator at U.S. Steel and played guitar in a band called the Falcons whilst his mother Katherine worked part time at a retail store. As early as five years old, family members recall hearing Michael’s amazing display of vocal abilities and by 1965, a family act featuring Michael and his brothers Jermaine (on bass and vocals), Tito (on guitar), Jackie and Marlon were performing at local talent shows. Throughout the late 60s, the Jackson clan would spend weekends piled into their father’s station wagon (Joseph was highly influential in their musical development) to perform in various cities from Indiana to Chicago and as far east as Harlem’s Apollo club where they won over the legendary tough crowds. The sight of a pint sized Michael belting out the hits of James Brown and other R&B stars of that era electrified audiences and drew public attention. It wasn’t long before Motown founder Berry Gordy signed the group to his Detroit label releasing their first album, Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5, through Motown Records in December, 1969.

Dubbed The First Family of Soul, The Jackson Five became the undisputed Kings of Motown and were the first black teen idols of that era with their skilful steps, trendy afros and sequin-studded gloves. Their first four singles rocketed to the top of the charts, four albums went platinum, and the band of brothers sold over 50 million records while pioneering a multimedia empire that spanned magazines, cartoons and television. Michael, however, with his high voice and infectious energy always stood out in the group and in the late 70s he finally parted ways with his brothers to pursue a solo career.

His first classic solo effort “Off The Wall” was a commercial success. Then there was the movie musical “The Wiz” with Diane Ross and album “Thriller” which became an undisputed, groundbreaking musical volcano and a pop culture phenomenon. During his extraordinary career, Michael sold an estimated 750 million records worldwide, released 13 No.1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Even the Guinness Book of World Records recognized Michael as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and album “Thriller” as the Biggest Selling Album. Michael won 13 Grammy Awards and received the American Music Award’s Artist of the Century Award. Five of his solo albums — “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” “Bad,” “Dangerous” and “HIStory,” all with Epic Records, a Sony Music label — are among the top-sellers of all time. The dancing, the silver glove and the scope of his cinematic music videos paved the way for artists from Justin Timberlake, Ne-Yo to Chris Brown and his videos were among the first by a black artist to be played on MTV.

Since his premature death, Michael Jackson has become the center of a million obsessions with speculations running rampant about his life and cause of death, but there’s certainly no disagreement on the impact he had in all genres of the music industry. Jackson, who once shared a stage with reggae great Lucky Dube released memorable jams and songs that have been played tirelessly in the last month. Hip-hop acts sampled him, electronica artists remixed him whilst reggae artists interpreted his songs with eclectic twist. Whether it’s the reggae rendition of “The Girl Is Mine” by Yellowman & Peter Metro, Shinehead’s “Billie Jean” or Sanchez’s “Ben,” threads of his influence can be heard in many genres even if some references haven’t always been flattering. At a recent award ceremony shortly after his death, numerous artists spoke of his influence. Artists from Melody Thornton, Alicia Keys, Bounty Killer to Jeremy Priven all remembered the trend setting musical icon. “Without the gloved one,” actor Jeremy Piven joked, “Justin Timberlake would probably be selling curly fries.” “The way his life ended was tragic, but his music is definitely magic!” Bounty Killer told Fuse Magazine.

Embracing funk, disco, pop, soul, soft rock and jazz, Michael Jackson made music and plenty of it, but despite his musical success, his legacy will always remain marred by his eccentricities; allegations of child molestation, a prescription drug problem, his numerous plastic surgeries, his financial woes, and childlike idiosyncrasies such as his comparisons to Peter Pan and a refusal to mature to an age where he would have to confront the pain of his past, including an allegedly abusive childhood documented in a book by older sister Latoya Jackson and also discussed in his autobiography “Moon Walk.”

According to a recent report in The Wall Street Journal, Jackson was almost $500-million at the time of his death — the result of bad business decisions, associated lawsuits, and a desire to keep living the lavish, often whimsical lifestyle he enjoyed in the mid-1980s, but without the vibrant musical career that had sustained it. At the time of his death, he was on the verge of trying to revive his musical career, via a series of performances at London’s O2 arena with dates running until early March 2010.

Michael Jackson is bigger in death than he was in life. He went from being a fresh-faced kid who made his stage debut at the age of six years old to the dizzying heights of becoming one of the word’s most iconic pop super-stars with a recording legacy that will live forever through all genres.

Samantha Ofole-Prince is a contributer to Carib Press

Photo from Wikipedia