Caribbean Culture

In celebration of Jamaica’s 50th Year of Independence, VP Records releases Out Of Many, 50 Years of Reggae Music on July 17, 2012. This comprehensive 3 CD compilation chronicles the country’s musical evolution with one significant hit from each year since the island’s independence in 1962. The track listing is impressive as it is thoughtful (scroll down) but does anything look a little strange or glaringly missing?   There’s NO BOB MARLEY!!!!  Obviously, its a licensing issue and I get it but...Read Full Story

Atlanta Caribbean Carnival is finally here!!!  Atlanta Caribbean Carnival is Mas and Music as the Atlanta Caribbean Carnival Bandleaders Association welcomes one and all to an all-encompassing celebration of Caribbean culture. As Atlanta Carnival celebrates its 24th Anniversary, the public is invited to fully immerse themselves and partake in all that Atlanta Caribbean Carnival has to offer, as we once again return to Downtown Atlanta. Beginning on West Peachtree Street and ending with the...Read Full Story

Machel Montano, the reigning International Power and Groovy Soca Monarch was part of a panel discussion at the Caribbean Investment Forum 2012 where he expressed his optimism about the soca genre which he believes will ultimately surpass reggae and dancehall to become the “sound of the Caribbean.” Check out some of his comments courtesy of the Trinidad Guardian: On the need to examine the local industry and measure successes against other cultural industries around the world: “…have we...Read Full Story

Twenty year-old Trinidad soca artist Erphaan Alves is this coming week’s MTV Iggy artiste of the week! Woot woot! This means prominent placement on the popular website plus an interview! MTV Iggy’s Beverly Bryan seems rather impressed by the 2008 Junior Soca Monarch Winner: He penned “Precision Wine” for Kes Dieffenthaller of KES the Band and “Take You Home” and “Doh Friad” for Machel Montano. More importantly, he’s burning up the radio with his own tracks and proving himself to be finalist...Read Full Story

For anyone following the Reggae and dancehall scene we’ve heard story after story of concerts (especially in Europe) being boycotted and cancelled all together due to the efforts of gay rights groups.  Artists such as Sizzla, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer and others have felt the pressure from these groups right in their pocket books. Well gay and transgender organisations in Belgium have promised to end their protest at Reggae concerts featuring acts who are known to have recorded songs bashing...Read Full Story

Kes the Band's Kees Dieffenthaller shares an entertaining onstage moment with an audience member Just days before its annual Carnival celebration, the beautiful island of St. Maarten was set ablaze by a fiery contingent of talented international musical acts. Adding to the melting pot of this year’s festivities was regional crowd pleaser Kes The Band which headlined the highly anticipated “1 Red Nation” concert at the Carnival Village in the capital of Phillipsburg.The Carnival Village was...Read Full Story

Startime Promotions and Team Blazin 98 present “Machel Montano Ladies First’ on Friday, May 25, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia.   After a two year absence from the Atlanta soca scene, Mr. Fete returns for the biggest fete ever “Ladies First” to be held at Obsessions in Decatur, Georgia,  And, remember to wear your black or white! To purchase tickets visit:   E-tix.com and for more information call:  678-608-6962Read Full Story

Machel Montano and Team HD will be performing at the 2nd annual Atlantic City Carnival this year. The Concert located at badger stadium will be one of the most talked about performances and venues for the year. July 21st 2012, Atlantic City.Read Full Story

Bob Marley's heirs threaten to sue right-wing Israeli MK Jamaican reggae star's heirs claim 'insulting' use of 'Iron Lion Zion' by MK Aryeh Eldad, saying it threatens Marley's legacy. By Uri Zer AvivTags: Israel crime Israel culture Get Haaretz on iPhone Get Haaretz on Android Heirs of Jamaican reggae singer Bob Marley have sent a warning letter to MK Aryeh Eldad, threatening legal action over the unauthorized use of the song "Iron Lion Zion" for propaganda purposes. In the film clip...Read Full Story

 Flippa Mafia Dancehall star Flippa Mafia has returned with a bang. His latest single Real to the People which is featured on the Dutty Cartoon riddim from Board House Records, has been blowing up all over FM radio. In a release to the media, Flippa explained the story behind the song. “Every song I do has meaning behind it based on the things I am talking about. A me say star a star. Me a di real flossing King”, Flippa explained. This isn’t the first time that Flippa has worked with the...Read Full Story