BY RICHARD JOHNSON Observer senior reporter PLANS are coming together for the July 1 observance of International Reggae Day (IRD). Conceptualiser Andrea Davis notes that things are “looking out” for IRD, which she ‘birthed’ 20 years ago. “This year, the theme is ‘You Reap What You Sow’, and we are partnering with a number of…
LONDON, England (AP) — Paul McCartney says he’s feeling fab and ready to rock ‘n’ roll. The 72-year-old former Beatle posted a brief YouTube video Tuesday night saying he’s recovered from a virus that forced him to cancel shows in Japan and South Korea, and delay the opening of a United States tour. He said…
William Anthony Maragh aka Super Cat, Don Dada was born in Kingston, Jamaica, 25 June 1963. He achieved widespread popularity during the late 1980s and early 1990s dancehall movement. Super Cat helped bring Jamaican dancehall to global light in the Nineties with hardcore “gunman” tunes and crossover collaborations with the likes of Kris Kross, Sugar…
By Jamaica Observer SINCE moving permanently from his native Italy to Jamaica in the late 1990s, singer Alborosie has logged countless hours in the recording studio. Much of that time was spent cutting duets with some of dancehall/reggae’s biggest acts. Some of those songs can be heard on Specialist Presents Alborosie & Friends, a double…
Derrick “Duckie’ Simpson was born in Jamaica, West Indies June 24, 1950. Duckie is the founder of Black Uhuru a Jamaican reggae group formed in 1972, initially as Uhuru (Swahili for ‘freedom’). The group has undergone several line-up changes over the years, with Derrick “Duckie” Simpson as the mainstay. They had their most successful period…
Melville Cooke, Gleaner Writer Neville Garrick is happily a part of the Jamaican support group for Brazilian football. Just before Mexico tackled Brazil last Tuesday, he told The Gleaner, “I have been cheering for Brazil since Pele days.” Having played as a defender for the University of Carolina, Los Angeles, the team reaching the 1971…
By Jamaica Observer GUSSIE Presenting The Right Tracks, a multi-song collection of producer Gussie Clarke’s work in the 1970s, is scheduled for release on July 22. It will be distributed by VP Records through its reissue subsidiary, 17 North Parade. The 40-track set contains songs by cutting-edge roots acts like Augustus Pablo, IRoy and Horace…
By Jamaica Observer ROBBIE Shakespeare, who has played on some of the great reggae songs of the past 40 years, has been named Top Reggae Bass Player by the Largeup.com website. Shakespeare is known to dancehall/reggae fans as half of Sly and Robbie, the formidable ‘Riddim Twins’ that also includes drummer Sly Dunbar. While he…
Shereita Grizzle, Gleaner Writer Jamaica’s music industry players are still mulling the statements made by Minister of National Security Peter Bunting, even a month after those comments. In his sectoral debate presentation last month, Bunting said the country had developed a subculture of violence and lawlessness that was being reinforced and promoted by different segments…
JACAP talks tough By Cecelia Campbell-Livingston Observer staff reporter [email protected] Wednesday, May 28, 2014 The Jamaica Association of Composers, Artistes and Publishers (JACAP) has intensified its campaign to ensure copyright owners are compensated for their work. According to JACAP director, Augustus ‘Gussie’ Clarke, the organisation plans to turn up the heat against media houses….
Third World Band has dedicated their 24th album to their former lead singer, late Bunny Rugs who passed on February 2, 2014. The 14 track album titled UNDER THE MAGIC SUN will be released on June 10. The release of the album will will be followed by a tour in the United States. Third World…
BY PAUL HENRY Crime/Court Desk co-ordinator [email protected] Tuesday, May 27, 2014 SINGER Tony Rebel has filed an appeal against the Supreme Court’s refusal to reinstate his defence in the multimillion-dollar copyright infringement lawsuit against him. The loss in the Supreme Court means that the matter will proceed to an assessment of damages hearing for…
Wilbert Campbell aka Count Suckle was born in Kingston, Jamaica. He passed away on May 19 in London, England at 80-years-old. Count Suckle’s Life (Nine Night), will be this Thursday 29th May, At The Heritage Inn, 301 Cricklewood Broadway, London, NW2 6PG From 7pm. He will be forever be remembered as England’s legendary sound system and night club…
