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AMSTERDAM – On May 10th, 2015, reggae legend Bob Marley passed away exactly 34 years ago. Marley was responsible for the spread of Reggae and Rasta worldwide and still appeals to the imagination of millions of people. On Saturday May 9th, Caribbean Creativity, in collaboration with Each One Teach One, therefore organizes a tribute to Marley in film theatre Kriterion with a full night of film, music and food in Jamaican Roots/Reggae/Rasta style. The evening starts at 21:30 hrs in the bar area of Kriterion with a Nyabinghi, a traditional drum session that performed as a communal meditation in the Rastafari movement. These sessions have evolved from the drum ceremonies that enslaved Africans brought with them to Jamaica during colonial rule. Then, at 22:00 hrs, the film Akwantu: The Journey will be screened. This unique documentary by Jamaican-American filmmaker Roy T. Anderson, documents the struggle for freedom of the legendary Maroons of Jamaica, former enslaved Africans, who were able to flee the plantations and slave ships to form communities in some of the most inhospitable regions of the island. Poorly armed and outgunned, these brave warriors engaged the mighty British Empire over an 80-year period and were victorious. As a result, two peace treaties were signed between the British and the Maroons in 1738-39 that established Maroon self-government in Jamaica. Nowhere else in the New World had Africans enjoyed such a degree of autonomy, coming almost sixty years before the Haitian Revolution, and more than one hundred years before the Emancipation Proclamation that ended slavery in the United States. After the film screening the night will continue in the bar area of Kriterion with a reggae afterparty. First, Young Flame will do a rootsy dancehall performance, after which Rasta Int. Sound will complete the night with the best reggae tunes. Of course, Jamaican snacks (strictly ital. vital by Chef Journy!) and drinks (Red Stripe!) will be available all night long. A film ticket costs €9,50 and could be secured by calling Kriterion (020 623 1708). The afterparty is free. This event is part of Rootical Vibrations, an initiative of Caribbean Creativity and Each One Teach One. Caribbean Creativity is a foundation committed to the promotion of Caribbean and Caribbean-themed cinema. Each One Teach One is a Dutch Rastafari consciousness groups. This tribute to Bob Marley marks the 11th edition of Rootical Vibrations, which is held every four months in either Kriterion or De Balie in Amsterdam

New York City/Jamaica – April 21st, 2015 – The Royal Family of Reggae, Morgan Heritage , have released their newest album, Strictly Roots , today. The album, which has been available for pre-order since March 10th, 2015, has reached #2 on the iTunes Reggae Chart, and the first single, “Perform And Done” has received substantial rotation on commercial radio. The album is available in retail stores nationwide including Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and Barnes and Noble. Purchase Strictly Roots on iTunes : or on Amazon. The sensational roots reggae quintet, which comprises siblings Peetah Morgan (vocals), Una Morgan (keyboard/vocals), Gramps Morgan (keyboard/vocals), Lukes Morgan (rhythm guitar) and Mr. Mojo Morgan (percussion/vocals), is undoubtedly one of contemporary reggae’s most powerful forces on the global stage. Guided by sheer acumen and a passionate desire to make their already rich musical legacy even more impactful, Morgan Heritage, after much deliberation and contemplation, triumphantly delivers their latest album exclusively on their very own label CTBC (Cool To Be Conscious) Music Group. Strictly Roots features a wide variety of guest performers including platinum selling pop/dancehall phenomenon, Shaggy; American reggae and R&B vocalist, J Boog; third generation ambassadors from the Morgan and Marley families, Jemere Morgan and Jo Mersa Marley; reggae sensation, Chronixx; lead singer Eric Rachmany from rock, world and reggae band, Rebelution; and Bobby Lee from the American Grammy-nominated pop reggae band, SOJA. Morgan Heritage recently premiered "Wanna Be Loved” (ft. Eric Rachmany of Rebelution) with ThePier.org. On working with Morgan Heritage, Eric Rachmany of Rebelution told ThePier.org, “It’s an honor to collaborate with Morgan Heritage. In my eyes they are one of the best Reggae bands of all time. Their style is like no other out there and their story is remarkable. They sent me ‘Wanna Be Loved’ and I immediately connected with the concept that each and every one simply wants to be loved for who they are.” In addition, Morgan Heritage previously partnered with Billboard.com to premiere the video for their first single, “Perform And Done,” as well as working with Yahoo! Music to premiere “So Amazing,” the second single off the album. Regarding the album, Una Morgan states, "We are thankful that the first album we've released as an independent label has been received so well. We hope our independent efforts will be an additional example for others to continue follow." Morgan Heritage , which has established themselves as the premiere live group on the reggae circuit, is currently on tour in support of Strictly Roots. The tour also features third generation ambassador from the Morgan family, Jemere Morgan, as a special guest. In addition, Oxfam, an international confederation of 17 organizations working together with partners and local communities in more than 90 countries, will be on site for select shows on the Strictly Roots tour. Regarding the partnership, Oxfam’s Outreach Project Manager, Bob Ferguson, added, “Oxfam America is pleased to be joining forces with Morgan Heritage and their fans to help right the wrongs of poverty and injustice. Oxfam believes that music can change the world, and we are looking forward to working with The Royal Family of Reggae to help make some positive and real social change." For more information, please visit www.Oxfam.org. The band also recently announced the release of their official fan community app, powered by TopFan. Available on all Apple iOS and Android devices, Morgan Heritage’s official mobile community enables fans to listen to their music, watch music videos, read their latest news, enter contests, buy tickets to their upcoming tour, and much more. Download the app here. Throughout 2015, Morgan Heritage will be touring in support of Strictly Roots, which was released on April 21st, 2015. Purchase Strictly Roots on iTunes .

International Singjay Reggae Artiste, X-amount is popping with style & rhythm;unique blends of dancehall, lovers rock,and culture under the umbrella of one sound. Born Gus Knight,Ill hailing from New York,X-amount has achieved radio promotion on Jamaica's IRIE FM,ZIP 103, HITZ 92 FM along with a plethora of radio stations throughout the island. An introduction to Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, and Gregory Isaacs by his father at an early age paved the way for his musical career decision and set a solid foundation for him. He received his name " X-amount " through divine intervention, realizing that help from a higher power could enable him to do exceedingly and abundantly greater things beyond his wildest imagination. X-amount is known among his peers and family to sustain a diversity of talent, which ranges from song writing, music production, studio engineering & designing graphics. When asked about his musical career and development his response states: "Reggae music allows me to express myself in a creative way while connecting with my heritage and passion... it gives me a platform to bring a message that promotes social justice and change. I desri e to reach and connect to the hearts and souls of my listeners." The International artiste has been active in the music industry for over 8 years and has been performing locally throughout Jamaica and abroad. X-amount has taken his stance in reggae and dancehall after performing in Port Antonio, Jamaica with King Yellowman, and opened various stage shows for Lady Saw, Macka Diamond, Elephant man , and Baby Cham among others. X-amount strongly advocates for the improvement of social communities, especially those that are disadvantaged. He explani s that he is quite happy to do voluntary musical work and has no qualms doing them again while embracing opportunities that allow unique benefits for both his fans and career endeavors. With a diverse catalog of music, X-amount is certainly creating frenzy in Jamaica! In 2015, "Gorden of Roses," produced by Anthony Records from Spanish Town, Jamaica will be released and promoted in the heart of reggae music. He will be on the 4th Generation Riddim by BlackSpyda Productions with "I Love You". The riddim also features artistes such as: Capleton, Sizzla,Alkaline and more. Another single, "Shock Ml" on the Sweet Escape Riddim from Brixton Music Group,which includes dancehall artiste like Konshens. Although his name is commonly used in a phrase,he has made it clear to the world that there are no limitations or boundaries to his musical creative process. His delivery is strongly built and the message is clear. No matter how hard they try to set the limit- he is revered within the industry as the one and only...X-amount caah count! LISTEN HERE via SOUNDCLOUD

WHAT DO you get if you mix popular ITV 1 show Britain’s Got Talent with the country’s top unsigned reggae artists? Britain’s Got Reggae (BGR) offers a syncopated spin on the popular television franchise and aims to give unsigned UK reggae artists opportunities and exposure in a competitive field. This year’s event, the second in the series from City Link-Up Unsigned, will take place at the Hootananny in Brixton, south London, on Thursday, April 23, 2015. Brixton’s Hootananny has previously won awards for the Best Live Music Events venue and Best Live Music Pub and has also played host to many established reggae artists from home and abroad. BGR’s inaugural event took place in January and showcased artists from Leicester, Nottingham, Birmingham and London. It was originally planned as a one-off affair, but due to an outpouring of positive feedback, another celebration was organised almost instantly. “There are some fantastic artists and music being produced within the UK but limited platforms exist for those that are up and coming,” the show’s organisers said. “Mainstream radio stations are no longer playing reggae music, so they are not even getting heard by wider audiences. We feel as a team that we have created a platform with a few of the leading businesses within UK Reggae Music such as VP Records, Stingray Records & Natty B’s UK Official Reggae Charts, which will enable artists to get the positive exposure that is needed,” they added. CHARITY The events support raise awareness for the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT) and makes every effort to encourage people of colour to join the register. Black donors are seriously unrepresented. “Our vision is for reggae music within the UK to be recognised and for artists to get the recognition they deserve.” The full schedule of dates for future events are as follows: Thursday, April 23, 2015 Thursday, July 9, 2015 Thursday, August 6, 2015 Thursday, September 3, 2015 Thursday, October 1, 2015 Thursday, November 5, 2015 Thursday, December 3, 2015 The City Link-Up Unsigned team are currently looking for sponsors for Britain's Got Reggae events. If you're interested, please email citylinkup@gmail.com or visit:www.citylinkup.co.uk FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION, CONTACT: Cyrlene Braithwaite (CEO City Link-Up Unsigned) EMAIL: citylinkup@gmail.com WEBSITE: www.citylinkup.co.uk

The Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders are revisiting Saint Lucia’s Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa for their 2015-2016 swimsuit calendar photoshoot, April 9-14, 2015. This is the first time that the organization has returned to a destination for their annual destination photoshoot. The resort’s 85-acre landscape and mile-long beach will offer stunning shoot locations as home base for the squad as they capture the south coast beauty from sunrise to sunset. They’ll also visit the attractions that make Saint Lucia an award-winning destination from the seeing the World Heritage Pitons from a catamaran to Pigeon Island National Park. “We are honored to be the first resort and first destination the Chiefs Cheerleaders have chosen to visit twice. We look forward to welcoming them again. They are wonderful ambassadors for the team and we know our guests will enjoy spending time with them as they enjoy the best our island and our resort has to offer,” says Mark Adams, President and CEO of Coconut Bay. “Our guests will have several opportunities to mingle, get autographs and photos with the squad during the course of their visit.” Coconut Bay’s varied amenities and family-friendly activities will be the center of the action as the Chiefs Cheerleaders pose for the camera and have some fun behind the scenes. The squad will take to the ocean in kayaks and on stand-up paddleboards. The adults-only Harmony Pool, one of five at the resort, the oceanfront spa, waterfalls and sundecks will serve as the perfect backdrops for sunrise photoshoots and unwinding later. The squad will also have some good old fashioned fun as they enjoy many resort offerings from horseback riding and Segway tours to tubing around the Lazy River and twisting down the slides in the CocoLand Waterpark, Saint Lucia’s largest. Fans can get a sneak peek of the photo shoot and the Chiefs Cheerleaders’ Saint Lucia experience by following @ChiefsCheer and @_CoconutBay on Twitter, Kansas City Chiefs and Coconut Bay on Facebook.

Back with a stylish bang this year, Saint Lucia’s third edition of HOT Couture will once again prove why the event has already built a reputation around the region as the runway show with a difference. And once again the dream team of Mae Wayne and Adrian Augier have come together and presented a vision and theme for this popular fashion spectacle at the Jazz and Arts Festival. Once again the Johnsons Centre in Rodney Bay will be the venue for a glittering production, the details of which are a well-kept secret. Already, activity behind the scenes has amped up with model castings held in the north and south of the island for the last week. So far, many of the cast members from 2014 have returned, citing HOT Couture as a pivotal moment in their budding careers on the catwalk. SHE Caribbean publisher Mae Wayne , former runway model Denise Lay and make-up artist Mike Celestin made up the panel of judges and were happy to see returning models as well as new talent taking part in the auditions. Although the designer line-up for the show is under strict wraps for now, HOT producer Mae Wayne is excited that the third event will continue to exceed expectations, despite the challenges faced in terms of budget and sponsorship in the current economic climate. “The show is going to be a fabulous evening of the best local and regional fashions on the runway, and we have an amazing twist which we’ll keep secret for now,” says Wayne. “HOT Couture has already gained a strong following in the region, and there are also international designers knocking on our door to get involved, so this year we plan to have a really eclectic mix of talent on stage. It’s also been great to see so many models at auditions who were trained by Richard Young last year. It means that the skills and experience we are giving them are being carried forward and not wasted.” With initial rehearsals to be conducted by Denise Lay, Richard Young will return to Saint Lucia to oversee the final rehearsals later this month. And, speaking to some of the models who have come back for a second or third time on the HOT Couture runway, it’s obvious that the Trinidadian “Style Evangelist” made a deep impression during the many hours of training in 2014. Not only will the show include secrets and surprises, but this year will feature a glamorous after-party on Rodney Bay’s floating entertainment venue, The Pearl, with VIP packages available for the whole evening. The HOT Couture Trunk Show will take place at Bay Walk Mall on Thursday, May 9th, where one-of-a-kind fashions will be on sale by many of the participating designers. You can purchase tickets right now at stluciajazz.org where you will also find more news and details on Saint Lucia HOT Couture 2015 – it’s going to rock! St Lucia Star

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio will be opening up his own resort in Belize. He recently purchased the Blackadore Caye, an unpopulated island off the island. He is partnering with New York City-based developer Delos to build a luxury, environmentally friendly resort. According to a report from The New York Times, DiCaprio plans to “ create an eco-conscious resort ” on Blackadore Caye, his private island in Belize. The environmentally-conscious actor is partnering with NYC developer Delos on the resort, which will be called “ Blackadore Caye, a Restorative Island .” The resort is set to open sometime in 2018 and will feature 68 villas, infinity pools and amenities like special lighting that encourages sleep. The New York Times also reports that Deepak Chopra will “spearhead a program focused on health and anti-aging” at the resort.

Kevin "Clement" Reynolds , the music mogul of 21ST Hapilos Digital distribution was convicted of murdering a man in front the man's daughter in Silver Spring Maryland. He was sentenced to life in prison plus twenty years for killing Wesley King, in Montgomery County on Tuesday (Mar 31). The murder took place in November of 2002, when Reynolds went to King's home and fatally shot him in front of King's 11-year-old daughter Nickesha. "When a defendant kills a man in front of his 11 year old daughter he deserves to pay a very high price for his crime," the Montgomery County State's Attorney, John J. McCarthy said. Reynolds, who had been on the run for twelve years, got a new passport and adopted a new name, Dennis Graham. Last April he was picked up by the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force and NYPD detectives while waiting at the JFK to board a flight to Kingston. "Twelve years and a music empire later, the long arm of the law caught up with Dennis Graham a.k.a. 'Kevin "Clement" Reynolds'," McCarthy said. Reynolds was sentenced to life for his first degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder convictions. The additional 20 year sentence is for use of a handgun in the commission of a felony.

EYENITY is a rastafarian duo, of Caribbean (Jamaican and Haitian) descent, who is on the grind to make it big in the music industry. Working out of Miami, Florida, the male/female duo is engulf in a musical marriage, combining their vocals on riddims fused between genres that are close knitted with their own cultures as well as ones they adopt, to create their sound. The name "Eyenity" derive from the popular Rastafarian reference 'I and I' and means, 'I in you and you in me.' It solidify everything 'Eyenity' represent which is, love and acceptance of self no matter the race and colour of skin. Their mission is to uplift, comfort and inspire people of colour through music. "Our ultimate goal is to make a global impact, uplifting and giving life to those who need it through music. We want to move an entire race in a positive, thought provoking way." Empress Gina, of the group said. Jah Marcus is electrifying when he hits the stage. He's a self taught singer, guitarist, drummer and base player. He also taught himself how to produce and engineer. Eyenity is dedicated to pushing the envelope of self reliance and independence for a brighter future. In fact, the duo released their début album Self Reliance August 2014, demonstrating their own capabilities, resources and independence in the making and compilation of all 11 tracks on the album. Inspired by the great Bob Marley and American hip hop group the Fugees, EYENITY's musical recordings include elements of hip hop, soul, Caribbean and other music genres, particularly reggae. They have played across South Florida's Caribbean community over and over, bringing to their audience, an intoxicating and positive energy. As Jah Marcus continue to hone his skills, his creative efforts are distinct. The idea of synchronizing lyrical themes rhythmically with other genres as demonstrated on "Desperado" the first single off the album is notable, and they hope music fans will experience more of them as they learn to appreciate their work. EYENITY is looking to excel "beyond anyone's wildest dreams", in this very competitive music world. The duo is very optimistic about the future will be doing all that is possible to make their dream a reality.

Keisha Gibbs-Bartley the wife of popular entertainer Merciless was pronounced dead at the hospital on Friday (Apr 3rd), after she was found unresponsive at her home in Clarendon, Jamaica. Reports are that, Bartley was found at her shortly after 11 a.m. last Friday by a neighbor who alerted the police and fire personnel from the Old Harbour Fire Station. Speculations are that Bartley might have committed suicide by ingesting several pills.

Jamaican international reggae superstar Orville ‘Shaggy’ Burrell is officially an Ambassador of the 6th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference. The Conference will take place June 13 – 18, 2015 in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Shaggy as Conference Ambassador will lend his voice to endorsing the Conference at home and in the Diaspora – a development which has been welcomed by both Ministers at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. “As one of Jamaica’s leading musicians and a cultural icon, Shaggy’s presence will help us to bring Jamaicans home to the event which promises to be a great business generating occasion,” said Senator Arnold J. Nicholson, QC, Minister of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade(MFAFT). “I am pleased that he has volunteered his support, and I look forward to working with him and other ambassadors on future initiatives.” Robert Scott, JAMPRO’s Vice President of Export and Market Development and Head of the Marketing Sub-Committee for the Conference added that he is pleased that Shaggy will participate in the Conference as a brand ambassador. The 2015 staging which has placed greater emphasis on engaging with the younger Diaspora will feature presentations on investment and trade opportunities and avenues for increasing Diaspora involvement in Health, EDUCATION and community development, an exciting Marketplace (trade exposition) with local and overseas exhibitors, fast tracked Services from a range of Government agencies, a golf tournament, and nightly special events. The six day programme concludes with the highly anticipated Diaspora Day of Service, during which members of the Diaspora will execute a range of projects in Communities Island wide. The conference takes place at the Montego Bay Convention Centre and the official hotel is the Rose Hall Hilton Hotel. Further details are available at www.jamaicandiaspora.gov.jm. In other news Shaggy will be in Toronto this weekend to attend the University of West Indies Toronto Benefit Gala, where he will receive an award for his humanitarian work on Saturday night. Shaggy who is passionate about his charities started the “The Shaggy Make a Difference Foundation in support of the Bustamante Hospital for Children in Jamaica.

Grammy Award and certified triple-platinum Lady Saw and Multi-Award winner named Top Reggae Artist of the year in 2006 by Billboard, Reggae star Matisyahu have been added to the Friday, April 10th, 2015 "Dancehall Rising" lineup. Outspoken, fierce and deemed the dancehall Queen, Lady Saw's name is cemented into dancehall history with such hits as "Man is the Least", "Chat to Mi Back", "Heels On", "I've Got Your Man", "Hot Gyal" and "Heels On". Known for blending reggae, rock and hip hop, The New York Times '​ wrote that "Matisyahu sound owes a lot to early dancehall reggae stars like Barrington Levy and Eek-a-Mouse". The international star has sold out stadiums worldwide with such top 40 hits as "One Day", "Sunshine", "Live Like a Warrior", "Warrior", "Youth" and "Without A Crown". Lady Saw and Matisyahu join 2 of the biggest names in dancehall and reggae music, Mavado and Capleton on a memorable night hosted by renowned radio personality, fan favorite "King of Mix Up" "Ragashanti". 4 Superstars, 1 Stage, "Dancehall Rising". Get your tickets early before they are sold out!!! KINGS THEATRE in Brooklyn, NY on Friday, April 10th 2015. LADY SAW, MATISYAHU, CAPLETON & MAVADO (LIVE) FRI. APRIL 10, 2015 Venue: KINGS THEATRE 1027 Flatbush Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11236 DOORS OPEN: 8:00PM - SHOWTIME: 9:00PM INFO: 718-282-8041 Purchase TICKETS at: www.ticketmaster.com