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Jamaican dancehall stars, Romain Virgo and Busy Signal, have been added to an already star-studded cast for the 2015 Tobago Jazz Experience (TJE). The two will join the legendary David Rudder who has also been added to the TJE cast along with local acts Kess the Band and this year’s groovy soca monarch, Olatunji. They will be part of the Experience that includes mega stars J ennifer Hudson, Miguel, Kool and the Gang, and Jill Scott , in what promises to be another huge Tobago Jazz Experience. The Experience , which is much more than music, takes place from A pril 19 to April 26, 2015 and will begin in Speyside, with shows all over the island, culminating in a weekend of music, fun, food, and dance at the picturesque Pigeon Point Heritage Park . -ITCM

Dancehall artist Karamanti and Danish Reggae singer and producer Lise Ranks collaborated on a two Reggae track which will be released later this year. The duo met in Aalborg (Denmark) while Karamanti there for her European tour. Initially they agreed to do a one track, but once Karamanti returned to Jamaica however, they agreed on a collaborating on two songs. The songs will be produced by Lise Ranks.

Tourism in the Bahamas will never be the same again, as the largest single-phase luxury resort set to open in March along Nassau's famous Cable Beach. The hotel's 100,000 square foot casino - it's the largest in the country The integrated gaming resort will include a 100,000 square foot casino - the largest in the country - alongside 40 restaurants and bars, plenty of shops in its Waterside Palace promenade, the first-ever Tournament PlayersClub 18-hole golf course in the Bahamas, and The Racquet Club, a world-class tennis facility. The entire hotel will be decorated in traditional Bahamian style, including many bright colours The Baha Mar Casino & Hotel will be the mega-resort's most impressive stand-alone property, offering 1,000 rooms and 105 suites and villas. Of particular note is the VIP Villa Roxie, with interiors designed by singer Lenny Kravitz's design firm, boasting a private fitness room, massage room, media room and gaming room. Also design by Kravitz a nightclub. At the SLS LUX at Baha Mar Not to be outdone, there will also be a 700-room Grand Hyatt outfitted in traditional Bahamian colors and designs, an all-inclusive Melia resort, a Rosewood property and an SLS Lux hotel, known for its Las Vegas and Beverly Hills outposts. The refined elegance of the Rosewood's spa The Rosewood, with just 200 rooms and five beachfront villas, however, will be the smallest. In total there will be over 3,000 rooms available to book, along with countless other timeshare and private rental home options. But what really sets this mega-resort apart from its Las Vegas counterparts is the stunning beachfront. There's over half a mile of sandy oceanfront, as well as 'The Sanctuary,' which offers 20 acres worth of beach and pool experiences, including lagoon pools and streams. The Five luxury hotels, comes with a staggering $3.5BILLION price tag.

Major Lazer have no problem packing parties all over the world, but in the very beginning, audiences weren't sure what to make of the group, now comprised of Diplo, Walshy Fire and Jillionaire . Promoter Kamal Banky remembers Diplo's first shows in Jamaica actually baffled the locals. "The dancehall crowd was like, 'What's he playing?'" says Banky. "People stood up and they were like, 'We hate this, we don't like this.' And the room cleared out." Today, the scene when Major Lazer visits Jamaica is wildly different — and we've got the footage to prove it. For Major Lazer Take Kingston — the second documentary in the "Mastering the Craft" series by Rolling Stone Films presented by Patrón — we followed the group back to the island to revisit their roots and headline their own festival. "For us to have a spark starting here for all our new music is the most important," Diplo tells us. "We can go out to the rest of the world, as long as we prove ourselves here." Thinking back to his earliest days, Diplo recalls being "fascinated by dancehall" as a child growing up in the town of Plantation, Florida: "It was always something on the radio in the parks," he says. The music catching his ear was developed legendary producer King Jammy's studio, and in the film Diplo and Walshy Fire, who was born in Jamaica, visit the historic spot. "I used to go there all the time, man, and, as we say in Jamaica, 'bleach,' which is basically just hang out for way too many hours," Walshy Fire recalls. Jammy, whose "Sleng Teng" riddim ushered in a new era of electronic reggae, explains the story behind his 1980s breakthrough. "I started engineering at King Tubby's studio," he says. "Most of the big producers in Jamaica used to pass through Tubby's – like Bunny Lee, Lee 'Scratch' Perry, Yabby You. After I left King Tubby's and had my own studio, it was strictly digital." "We're definitely playing on that old fun attitude that Jammy's studio brought to dancehall and reggae," says Diplo as he geeks out over a closet full of old tapes. "That's what our essence is. And the artwork from his studio was the foundation for our project. Like, we totally ripped that off – like 100 percent said, 'Yo, I love this artwork so much.' And we made the whole concept around this kind of Eighties cartoon action-hero version of Jamaica that his studio started." The film ends with Major Lazer onstage in Kingston, triumphantly kicking off the headlining set at their own festival with a custom dub of Kiesza's "Hideaway." Far from clearing the room, the music sends the audience into a frenzy, and the DJs match the fans' energy by jumping on top of the equipment and into the crowd. "We just wanna keep pushing it forward here in Jamaica," Diplo says of Major Lazer's dancehall-inflected sound (their new track " Lean On" arrived this week). "We have such a respect and a love for this place." - Rolling Stone

The Caribbean nation of Jamaica is synonymous with the sound of reggae. Now, Jamaica leaders want to certify “authentic reggae” to bolster indigenous artists on the world scene. The Associated Press reports today on the influential island’s efforts to better protect its cultural heritage. Jamaica hopes to add reggae to the United Nation’s global list of “intangible cultural heritage” sites that includes Argentina’s tango and China’s Peking opera. An “authentic reggae” certification mark would function as “sort of a ‘Good Housekeeping Seal’” to encourage using Jamaican musicians, producers and merchandise. Outside of the Bob Marley family, few top-selling reggae albums come from Jamaica anymore. The Jamaica Reggae Industry Association does not discourage outsiders from making reggae, it just wants more credit. Island artists suffer from rampant record piracy on the island and off, and frequently cannot offset those losses with touring, due to issues securing travel visas, among others. Reggae was born of the confluence of Afro-Caribbean folk and American R&B, and first hit the shores of England in the ‘60s, then exploded in the ‘70s. Modern non-native reggae stars have grafted the genre’s tropes onto their own accents and locales. Jamaica also recently moved todecriminalize small amounts of cannabis as well as medical cannabis

For decades, the sound of Jamaica has been reggae, the infectious, uniquely syncopated music that transformed the small Caribbean island into a cultural powerhouse. But the genre's success has taken it far beyond its roots, and now many in Jamaica worry that reggae-lovers abroad are forgetting the motherland where it was born. "Reggae was given to the world by Jamaica so nobody can or ever should discourage anyone overseas from making this music. But we think there should be acknowledgment that reggae was created in Jamaica," said Michael "Ibo" Cooper, a musician who is chairman of the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association. Around the world, music festivals celebrating the sounds made famous by reggae patron saint Bob Marley and followers who developed the faster, brasher derivative of dancehall are more likely to be headlined by bands from places like California or France than by native-born Jamaicans. Aside from albums by the late Marley or his progeny, few of the top-selling reggae CDs or downloads come from Jamaican artists. To get a stronger foothold in the information age, Jamaican officials and reggae industry insiders are brainstorming ways to better capitalise on Jamaica's exuberant music culture and help protect what some claim is local intellectual property. After years of only piecemeal support, the government increasingly is viewing reggae and other cultural enterprises as a hoped-for economic engine on the island. Officials are hashing over the creation of a certification mark to designate "authentic reggae" - a sort of "Good Housekeeping Seal" - to encourage the use of Jamaican musicians, producers and merchandise. They also hope to defend Jamaican reggae by having the UN's culture organisation add it to a global list of " intangible cultural heritage " such as Argentina's tango and China's Peking opera. The Paris-based agency says the island's government has yet to apply for inclusion on the list of more than 280 cultural traditions. Rob Bowman, a music professor from Canada's York University who has researched intellectual property and Jamaican music, said that while population numbers mean reggae's biggest markets always will be overseas there's no reason why more revenue streams from foreign commerce shouldn't flow back to Jamaica. "With few exceptions, these styles of music cannot be authentically replicated by non-Jamaicans. As such, these styles of music represent intellectual property that is, for all intents and purposes, already a part of Jamaica's branding," Bowman asserts in a World Intellectual Property Organisation consultancy report for Jamaica. A country of fewer than 3 million people, Jamaica has had remarkable success originating influential musical forms such as ska, rocksteady, reggae, dub and dancehall. Musicologists say production innovations and the discovery of "toasting," reggae deejays chanting over a beat, directly inspired hip-hop. A cross-pollination of Afro-Caribbean folk music and American R&B, reggae first was introduced to Europe by Jamaican migrants settling in Britain in the late 1960s. Its popularity exploded in the 1970s with the rise of Marley and other Jamaican Rastafarian stars, whose music influenced British groups like The Clash, UB40 and The English Beat. Jamaican music later shaped US bands like No Doubt and Sublime. Eric Smith, CEO of the New York-based reggae label Easy Star Records, said American bands are succeeding now due to their strong "do-it-yourself" ethos and online marketing, a key to making it in independent music. Unlike some earlier non-Jamaican reggae artists who adopted island patois and themes, they use the genres to highlight their own US culture, not Jamaica's. "While we certainly need to respect, understand and celebrate the unique and rich history of Jamaican music and do whatever we can to support it, there is no practical way to stop anyone else from tapping in and drawing something from the culture," he said. Few Jamaicans argue there is any troubling cultural appropriation going on with foreign artists who embrace their music. Still, local musicians want better opportunities to make money and reach audiences abroad playing the island's top cultural export. Just like everywhere else, Jamaican performers have scrambled to offset losses from plunging CD sales when consumers simply download music for free. And while dancehall reggae stars like Sean Paul and Beenie Man have notched international hits over the years, other current Jamaican acts have had difficulty building fan bases overseas due to difficulty securing visas, among other issues. Jamaican artists say sustained support from the government could give the local music industry a much-needed boost and help prepare musicians to get a greater slice of the international market. There's high hope for emerging artists like Chronnix, the most prominent member of a burgeoning scene dubbed "reggae revival" whose young artists are building their careers with a savvy understanding of social media. Jamaica celebrates "reggae month" each February. This year, events included workshops on intellectual property for up-and-coming musicians. The island's biggest university also recently hosted an international reggae conference, where the global business of reggae was a featured topic. While non-Jamaican reggae artists are having the most success with the niche genre, Smith and others believe it's only a matter of time before Jamaicans dominate reggae again. "Over the years, the popularity of Jamaican music has fallen at times only to give way to a new explosion of creativity and popularity as Jamaica reinvents itself and shows the world once again what a musical powerhouse it is," Smith said from New York. - AP

Via our media partners: Destine Media - Dancehall super star Konshens known for his up-tempo singles like "Gyal a Bubble", "Siddung", "Bad Gyal" just to name a few. During the earlier part of his career fans fell in love with his hit single "Winner", which was released during a time when the economy was going through turmoil and people were struggling to make ends meet, (still relevant today). Konshens never stop making one drop songs or singing songs for the ladies, YET, the many djs and radio disc jocs tend to box the artist in and set an expectation that he need another "Gyal A Bubble" single. However, true musicians and artist can never be BOXED-IN nor expected to continue giving the same type of music. What they can promise their fans is to continue producing music from their heart, music that takes you to a place you can relate to via our numerous emotional senses. Whether, its a place of reflection, happiness, love, sadness or uplifment, then the musician/artist has achieved their goal. This past week Konshens released a John Legend cover of "Nobody in the World". This is the first cover the dancehall super star has ever released in his musical career and it was definitely worth the wait. Not known for doing covers, fans were surprised, yet once they click play fans applauded the unique style Konshens brought to the John Legend single (You & I, Nobody in the World). Recorded on a reggae rhythm Konshens definitely brings his own style to the single. Produced by SubKonshus Music/RoadLife you still hear some of the dj-ing style Konshens is known for as well as his sultry vocals the females melt for. Konshens definitely shows his love for music and respect for John Legend in his delivery of this single.

Didn't make it to Carnival this year? Have no worries as The First Ever and Biggest Caribbean Concert to hit the tri-state area for 2015 brings you Kes The Band, Kerwin Du Bois, Ravi B, Olantuji, Lead Pipe & Saddis, Fadda Fox and more to be added! This star studded lineup is sure to quench your soca thirst as it features such acts as one of the Caribbean's most popular and sought after bands Kes The Band who will perform "Wotless", "Endless Summer", "Look Fuh Dat", "Tuesdays on the Rocks", "Stress Away" and "Where Yuh From" among many of their other hits singles, Trinidad's popular star Kerwin Du Bois with his mega hit "Too Real", "Bacchanalist" and "Monster Winer", Chutney superstar Ravi B "Ah Drinka", "Dulahin" and "Flowing", Olatunji "Wining Good", "Ola" and "Wah Do", Mr. Killer "Rolly Polly", "When We Reach" and "Panty Dropper" and a host of stars who will bring fête on Sunday, April 12th, 2015 to the new state of the art Kings Theater in Brooklyn, New York. Get your tickets early, bring your flag and get ready to sing, wave, sweat and jump up all night! SUNDAY APRIL 12th, 2015 KES THE BAND, OLATUNJI, MR. KILLA & RAVI B, KERWIN DU BOIS, LEAD PIPE & SADDIS & MORE. Venue: KINGS THEATRE 1027 Flatbush Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11236 DOORS OPEN: 6:00PM - SHOWTIME: 8:00PM INFO: 718-282-8041 Purchase TICKETS at: www.ticketmaster.com

Every so often with each generation, music lovers are blessed with memorable, distinguishable and haunting voices, the kind that pulls at your heart strings and leaves a lasting impression. On Sunday, April 11th, 2015 Jammins Entertainment brings American Idol winner and 8 times Grammy nominee Fantasia, along acclaimed Voice Winner Tessanne Chin for "Voices In Concert". Between the 2 soulful stars are a string of hits, such as Fantasia's "I Believe", "Truth Is", "When I See U", "Ain't Going To Beg You" and "Lose To Win", and Tessanne Chin's "I Have Nothing", "Hide Away", "Count On My Love", "Tumbling Down" and "Everything Reminds Me Of You" 2 Divas, 1 Stage, 1 Unforgettable Night! Get your tickets early as this unprecedented event will only take place for one night. "Voices In Concert" at KINGS THEATRE in Brooklyn, New York. FANTASIA & TESSANNE CHIN (LIVE) SAT. APRIL 11, 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

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Kingston City Run (KCR ) now enjoys a double dose of star power as event organizers recently unveiled their newest, celebrity ambassadors: Miss Universe Jamaica Kaci Fennell and Pulse Supermodel Jeneil Williams . Since fitness plays such an important role in their lives, both ladies are thrilled to be a part of the annual charity race, which tests the strength, conditioning and endurance of local and international runners during its ½ marathon, 10K and 5K contests. Kaci and Jeneil are also happy to a part of an important initiative that helps to raise much needed funds for the homeless population living in the island’s capital. “With Jeneil’s athletic background and Kaci’s work with a number of feeding programmes, we believe this is a perfect partnership,” says Nicola Madden Greig, Co-Chair, Kingston City Run Organizing Committee. “We’re excited to have them both on board and look forward to working with them on a number of activities in the weeks leading up to the big race on Sunday, March 15,” she explains. Jeneil jumped at the opportunity to assist with the promotion of the event as it gives her a chance to indulge in one of her first loves: running. Long before gracing the pages of Vogue and modelling for top international brands, including Burberry, Fendi and Louis Vitton, Jeneil was a rising track and field star at Vere Technical High School. In fact, it was an injury she sustained during the high jump that derailed her athletic dreams, leaving her to pursue a modelling career instead. Jeneil, still an active jogger, sees running as a great way to stay in shape, and believes participating in races, such as Kingston City Run, is a fun way to get healthy and fit. Kaci was eager to support the event because of her strong desire to give back to individuals who are less fortunate. Over the past several months, Kaci has been working closely with a local charity to organize feeding projects in communities around Kingston and St Andrew. Since teaming up with the organization, she has helped to organize a bake sale benefiting homeless persons and recently hosted a Christmas dinner at a private girls’ home. “It is always exciting to be a part of doing good, Kingston City Run is a fine example of just that. I am more than happy to be a part of KCR this year,” reveals Kaci. “I hope we can get an even bigger turn out than last year so that we can assist in providing immediate care as well as more permanent housing solutions and skills training for the homeless. I’m looking forward to everyone’s full support,” she explains. Besides the main race day, Kingston City Run participants will start the weekend off at the Bacchanal Welcome Party on Friday, March 13 and enjoy an Experience Kingston Lifestyle Expo and pre-race party on Saturday, March 14. To learn more about the upcoming race and weekend activities visit www.kingstoncityrun.com or email info@kingstocityrun.com for details.

Guyanese singer Charmayne "Maxee" Maxwell, a member of the 1990s girl group Brownstone —has died after cutting herself in a fall at home in Southern California, last Friday (Feb. 27), a representative said Monday. Maxwell, 46, fell backwards out of a doorway with a glass of wine in hand. The glass shattered and cut Maxwell in the neck as she hit the ground. Although alcohol may have been a factor, authorities have yet to determine what caused the fall. An autopsy and toxicology test is expected to return an official cause of death. Maxwell found fame in the early '90s after she formed the group with Monica “Mimi” Doby and Nicole “Nicci” Gilbert. The group was signed to Michael Jackson's MJJ label, and scored its biggest hit with 1995's "If You Love Me", a single from their debut album From the Bottom Up, that year. The song earned them a Billboard Music Award and a Grammy nomination. The group went on to release another album in 1997, but hasn’t officially made music together since. She was married to Danish music producer Carsten Soulshock Schack and is survived by 11-year-old son, Nicolaj Hojer . The family is requesting privacy during this most difficult time. Our condolences go out to Maxwell's family.

Considered by many as 2 of the biggest names in dancehall and reggae music, Mavado and Capleton are undoubtedly a force to be reckoned. Billboard chart topping artist Mavado known for such hits as "Settle Down", "On the Rock", "So Blessed", "So Special", "Don't Worry", "House Top", "Gyal A Mad Ova", "Dem Alone", "​A So You Move ​", "Hope & Pray​", "​Dying​", "Money​" and “Real McKoy" used as the theme song for the fourth Grand Theft Auto trailer, is joined on Friday, April 10th, 2015 by international reggae star Capleton the "fyah man". While Capleton is known worldwide for his energetic performances, the reggae artist also boasts an arsenal of many hits such as "Jah Jah City", "Tour", Raggy Road", "That Day Will Come", "In Her Heart", "Dis the Trinity", "Some Day",​"​Good Inna Her ​C​lothes​"​, "Who Dem", "​Number 1 Pon The Look Good Chart​"​ and "​I Love The Way​". A night that will be talked about for years to come, 2 Musical Powerhouses on 1 Night 1 Stage, Capleton and Mavado "Dancehall Rising". Get your tickets early before they are sold out!!! KINGS THEATRE in Brooklyn, NY on Friday, April 10th 2015. 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