Frederick “Toots” Hibbert, frontman for the legendary reggae band The Maytals, was hospitalized in Richmond, VA for injuries sustained while performing at the Dominion Riverrock festival on Saturday May 18, 2013. An audience member hurled an empty glass bottle at the performer, striking him in the forehead and subsequently forcing Hibbert to leave the stage ending the show 38 minutes prematurely. The band was performing their classic version of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country … Read entire article »

BY HOWARD CAMPBELL—-   THOUGH he grew up in the farmlands of Culpeper, Virginia, singer Big Kenny says his musical tastes were not limited to the country sounds the region is known for. “We had AM radio that played everything… George Jones, The Beatles, Bob Marley. I listened to everything,” he told the Sunday Observer. Top: Donisha Prendergast addressing children on the set of the video shoot. Bottom: Country singer Big Kenny (left) and Reggae artist Ky- Mani Marley … Read entire article »

Monty Morris—- Eric ‘Monty’ Morris seems to be the forgotten ska superstar. This perhaps has a lot to do with his disappearance from the Jamaican music scene somewhat early, as he migrated to the United States. In a relatively short period, between 1961-1969, Morris majestically crafted several outstanding hit recordings in the ska and rocksteady mould. Oil in My Lamp, Humpty Dumpty, Money Can’t Buy Life andSammy Dead were early pieces that set the stage for what was to follow. Drawing on lyrics mainly … Read entire article »

By Erik Magni—-Swedish reggae festival Öland Roots – sometimes labeled as the coziest reggae festival in the world – celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and the line-up is bigger than ever before. Confirmed acts include a number of major world-renowned artists and bands including Toots & The Maytals, Tarrus Riley & BlackSoil Bandand Scottish sensation Soom T, along with a big number of local Swedish acts such asKultiration, Svenska Akademien and Syster Sol. This year’s festival is also extended with one extra day and takes place … Read entire article »

By Dave Rodney—- New York-based promoter Christopher Roberts, CEO of New York City’s annual reggae and R&B concert, Groovin In The Park, announced recently that R&B icon Patti LaBelle and reggae legend Sanchez have been added to the line-up for the June 30 concert. It will be held at the Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, New York. “We are absolutely thrilled to have superlative icons Ms LaBelle and Sanchez on Groovin In The Park this year,” Roberts stated. “Each year, we … Read entire article »

By Simone Morgan—– After making local charts last year with Do it For Love (with deejay Specialist), singer Ishawna is looking to go one better with her latest track, Murderer. The Downsound Records artist was in New York City recently promoting the reggae-soul number which features a sample of Buju Banton’s song of the same name. ISHAWNA… I really don’t think dancehall music is dying. Buju Banton Ishawna is pleased with the response to Murderer in the Big Apple. … Read entire article »

By: Oiboh Peter, Samuel Abulude, Kola Niyi-Eke , Achor Abimaje—- Last weekend was the 32nd memorial of the late reggae legend, Bob Marley, which was celebrated worldwide. The celebration was mostly associated with smoking of Indian hemp globally. OIBOH PETER, Abuja, SAMUEL ABULUDE, Lagos, KOLA-NIYI-EKE, Asaba, and ACHOR ABIMAJE, Jos, recount the celebration. The sky was full of celebrations with music in the air as people sat  at different locations and under the shade of trees  with … Read entire article »

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Less than 72 hours after he announced that Caribbean Airlines (CAL) had accumulated losses of more than US$100 million, Trinidad Finance Minister Larry Howai Friday said that the current board of directors of the state-owned airline has been replaced. Howai told a news conference that the new interim board will be chaired by former independent legislator Phillip Marshall and includes the Jamaican Dennis Lalor. Howai told reporters that the new board … Read entire article »

 LONDON (AP) — George Michael was being treated at a hospital Friday (May17) for what his publicist called minor injuries after being a passenger in a car crash near London. A statement released Friday said the singer was in an accident on Thursday night and suffered “superficial cuts and bruises.” George Michael The statement from publicist Connie Filippello said no other vehicle was involved in the crash. She declined to provide details about where Michael is hospitalised or … Read entire article »

BY HOWARD CAMPBELL —- EXTENDED breaks for artists are unheard of in the fast-paced music business where trends change in the wink of an eye. Sibling group Morgan Heritage, who return to the fold after five years, have been around long enough to know this is one industry the old adage ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ does not apply. Morgan Heritage The Morgans are preparing to hit the road to promote Here Come The Kings, their new album, … Read entire article »