By Howard Campbell—– In commemoration of Jamaica’s 50th anniversary of Independence from Britain, the Jamaica Observer’s Entertainment section recognises 50 persons who made significant, yet unheralded, contributions to the country’s culture. This week we feature deejay/ producer Tappa Zukie. Tappa Zukie IN the summer of 1976, deejay Tappa Zukie was introduced to the Jamaican mainstream by Oh Lord, a monster song that became his first number one in Jamaica. Though he was only 21 years old, Zukie (or David … Read entire article »

By William R. Levesque, Buju Banton says he had an unethical juror in his federal trial. TAMPA — Grammy-winning reggae star Buju Banton came within two votes of acquittal during jury deliberations at his 2011 federal drug trial, his lawyers say. But several days later, 12 federal jurors unanimously agreed to convict him. Banton’s attorneys asked a U.S. District Court judge at a hearing Thursday to grant Banton a new trial, arguing jurors may have been persuaded to convict Banton … Read entire article »

By Kimberly—- Even T&T reggae crooner Jamelody knows when it’s time to give thanks for the blessings of life, kick back a little and enjoy another year of the Almighty God’s grace. Michael ‘Jamelody’ Williams celebrates his birthday. The artist who is preparing for what is likely to be an exciting and fast paced 2013, returned from Jamaica recently where he wrapped production of a single with prominent reggae and dancehall artist, Capleton. Amid that, he … Read entire article »

Busy Signal—- By Leighton Levy—- Busy Signal is to embark on a major tour of Europe next March to promote his album Reggae Music Again. The album, which was released shortly before the entertainer was arrested and extradited to the United States this past May, has been doing well, but according to Shane Brown, the album’s producer, the album still has a lot of legs despite being out for more than six months. “Reggae albums have a two-year life span, so this album is a brand new … Read entire article »

    Richard Whyte aka Junior X is rated by many music industry insiders as one of the best writers in reggae music today. The hard hitting cultural deejay who is signed to the US based record label Revolutionary Entertainment is now determined more than ever to take his rightful place in the reggae music industry. Over the last five years he has consistently delivered some of the most lyrically potent hits including Plead My Cause, Freedom, Gangster … Read entire article »

BY CECELIA CAMPBELL-LIVINGSTON—- AN article in last Sunday’s Observer highlighted poor record sales by Jamaican artists in 2012. SoundScan, which tracks music sales in the United States, reports that albums by high-profile dancehall acts such as Sean Paul, Romain Virgo and Konshens sold less than 5,000 copies in the US. (Left) Dennis Howard. Charles Campbell.   Music industry consultants Dennis Howard and Charles Campbell had a lot to say on the topic. For Howard, the local industry is reaping what it has … Read entire article »

By Howard Campbell—– WHILE contemporary Jamaican acts failed to impress music buyers in the United States, older artists did comparatively better in 2012 mainly through the reissue market. Bob Marley again led this ‘vintage’ field. The official soundtrack to British director Kevin MacDonald’s documentary, Marley, sold 31,656 copies according to SoundScan — the company that tracks record sales in the US. Solid figures for that market. Top:Gregory Isaacs, Bottom: Joseph “Culture” Hill Legend, the 1984 compilation containing 13 of … Read entire article »