Silkkey D – 1/2 Dozen Questions

Posted on January 15, 2015 by celebrityplusagain

silkkey

There is no shortage of talented artists and musicians in Jamaica…please believe me. I love introducing new faces, and in this case, silky voices to everyone. Hailing from St Catherine, Jamaica, this artist is about to take the genre by storm. As is customary for my blog, I had to get “1/2 Dozen Questions” answered really quickly to make my introduction.

Silkkey D answers the following 1/2 Dozen questions below. Check it out:

Q. How are you Silkkey D?
A. Well at this moment I am in high spirits, and giving thanks for all that I am blessed with.
Q. That’s right. Giving thanks is paramount. So, where are you currently, and what are you working on?
A. Well, currently I am in Linstead, St Catherine. I am working with Black Tiger Music on a few musical projects, which so far are going great.
Q. “When It A Go Betta” is a song that speaks volumes. Really heartfelt. Tell us what inspired this track.
A. I was inspired by financial constraints and the suffering in the world, especially in Jamaica, so I wrote the song. The lyrics addresses a few of the problems we face daily, so my question is: “When it a go betta?”
Q. How do you see the state of dancehall and reggae in 2015, and how do you as an artist plan on making an impact?
A. The state of dancehall music in the year 2015 is showing some amount of evolution. The new artists are more lyrical and technically advanced in showcasing their talents through social media. When it comes to the business aspects however, there is room for some amount of improvement. My contribution to the music industry will definitely be positive. I want to use my talent to uplift the world. Word is power, so I want to empower people around the world culturally with my songs.
Q. Back to your affiliation with Black Tiger Music…how did this come about, and what are you currently working on at this label?
A.  My affiliation with Black Tiger Music started in 2009. So far our musical partnership continues to move from strength to strength. Our partnership came about when a friend of my sister was talking with the CEO of Black Tiger Music, and during that conversation numbers were exchanged. I eventually had a conversation with Mr Reid, (the CEO) regarding my music, and well, the rest is history. We are currently wrapping up production on some new singles, and “Wrapped Up In Your Arms” is slated for release shortly.
Q. What can fans look forward to from Silkkey D in 2015?
A. Well for 2015, the fans can look forward to hearing beautiful and inspirational songs from Silkkey D. “Love” is the word

——–
Well, there you have it. Listen out for lots more from this artist. A talented crooner who will have the ladies swooning with his next release. (Shhh…I heard it 🙂

Link Silkkey D on Social Media right here:

https://www.facebook.com/SilkkeyD

And check out “When It A Go Betta” on YouTube below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UiTx2CoBUc

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Til Shilo Music & Broadleaf Reggae Introduces-Kaydeno

Posted on December 17, 2014 by celebrityplusagain

KAYDENO

Jamaica has never been, or will ever be short on talent. Millions of visitors flock this island paradise yearly, to not only bask on it’s sun kissed beaches, but also to groove to one of the country’s chief exports…it’s music. Reggae music with it’s pulsating rhythms is infectious, and youngsters from an early age, gravitate to this genre as an outlet. Reggae/soul artiste Kaydeno is one such youngster.

Kaydeno hails from Eight Miles, St Ann, the lush parish in which Reggae Icon Bob Marley was born in the neighboring Nine Miles.
With a birth date of December 26th, Kayshan Dawkins plans to “shine as bright as the famed north star at Christmas time.”

Recognizing his talents at an early age, Kaydeno at five years old, was singing lead in his church choir. His soulful voice got the attention of everyone in his community, and he skillfully graced many stages at local area events.

Being influenced musically by other veteran artists such as Sizzla, Berres Hammond, and the icon Robert Nesta, Kaydeno’s focus has always been on music. “Music is my life”, remarks the twenty year old who possesses the soul of a man twice his age.

Wise beyond his years, talented and spiritual, Kaydeno has what it takes to be an international superstar. His passion for the genre, keeps him focused, and his songwriting ability allows him to pen the plight of the poor, while his soulful voice delivers his messages melodiously.

Songs like “Better Days” on the “Broadleaf Reggae” label, speaks volumes about Kaydeno’s insight on issues plaguing Jamaica’s lower and middle classes. “It Nuh Pretty” and “Reggae Music” are two other tracks that are slated for release in upcoming weeks.

2014 has been a great year for this young artiste, who has made the decision to take on the world musically. He is harnessing his skills and forging full speed ahead. Passion, prowess, possibilities. Music lovers…welcome Kaydeno.

Social Media Links:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kaydeno
Twitter: @kaydeno_music
IG: kaydeno_artiste
Soundcloud: http://www.soundcloud.com/kaydeno

Listen “Better Days” on YouTube:

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Happy Birthday Karen!

Posted on November 10, 2014 by celebrityplusagain

karen12

Once upon a time in Brooklyn, New York, (35 years ago) lived three little girls who had recently migrated from their island home of Jamaica, West Indies. There names were Tanya, Karen & Shilo. Tanya and Shilo went to Junior High School together, and desperately seeking Jamaican company, bonded rather quickly.

Fast forward to the 1st day of High School. September 1979!

Tanya and Shilo located each other at orientation,  and while comparing program cards and all that other technical 1st day crap, Shilo took note of this ‘browning’ standing all alone a few feet away…looking quite uneasy. She also noticed that this little girl with the neat afro and the one dimple kept staring at them…and this made Shilo very uncomfortable. Not wanting to take a chance on this being another bully who mistook her and Tanya for a ‘coconut’, or a ‘banana boat’ passenger, Shilo screamed ‘lovingly’ at the little girl: “AYE GAL, A WHA YU A LOOK PON?”  With tears in her eyes the little girl responded: “my name is Karen, and I just want to be friends!”

Aww jeez. Damn that Shilo was a little bully! Turns out Karen was fresh from Yaad just like Tanya and herself, and overhearing their accents, just wanted to be friends with other children to whom she could relate.

In no time these three were inseparable. They did everything together, and to this day (November 10th, 2014) they are still friends. THE END!

Oh…wait. You might be wondering what the purpose of my story was. Well, my sweet friend Karen is celebrating a milestone birthday today. November 10th, 2014. She is forever young, so she is now officially 20/30.

Happy Birthday Davis…Evans loves you infinity. You are a true friend, has always been a true friend, and will ALWAYS be a true friend. Not only to me, but also to a host of others. You are a beautiful person, inside and out, and carry around a beautiful spirit. I never blow smoke, and I don’t swell people head, but believe me when I say that this woman is damn near perfect. Seriously. Ask someone who knows her.

She is kind and sweet to everyone…even to those who may not deserve it. I don’t know how she does it. It’s always: “oh Evans, be nice!” She is so sweet it’s amazing. Always happy no matter the situation, and always giving. Not just material, but she gives of herself. Folks purchase tickets for Karen to travel overseas with them when they have to face a crisis they don’t want to face alone. She has been to more funerals than she can count, and half the people she probably didn’t even know. She is just that supportive friend who is always there for whomever she deems a friend.

When I was having my first child, she was having her third. I didn’t know what the hell I was doing. I remember one day I ran downstairs half crazy and sleep deprived. I had to go to Karen to help me figure out why my three week old little girl wouldn’t stop crying. Karen busted out laughing and screamed, ’cause it’s 96 degrees and yu wrap up the poor pickney inna suh much clothes!’ The poor baby was hot like hades. What the hell did I know? I was young and petrified. Karen took her God-daughter (born one and a half hour before Karen’s birthday) out of the blankets and the child stopped crying immediately. Poor mi.

When my mom needed surgery, she left work and came and sat in the hospital with the family. When her other friends have a crisis, she is there. When her children need her, she is there. When her family and church members need her, she is there. When the homeless in Miami were sleeping under the bridge, she would cook and deliver to them. When I need her, she is always there…always. How blessed this world is to have a Karen Angela Davis in it! How blessed we who know her are to have her in our lives! I wonder how Heaven is getting along without this Angel!

I know I have to appreciate the people I love and let them know that I love them NOW! So Karen,  this is all I have to give…my love, honor and respect to you. I have cherished the entire 35 year friendship (although you probably still 19) and hope we make at least four more decades being besties. (I am curious to see if when yu 90 you will still have one dimple, or if it will vanish).

I made a video for you, and I started to put that Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight and dem ‘Friends’ song, but I had to delete it. Made me all teary and stuff and I can’t have that. Sooo, I decided to pay tribute to Club Elusions and fling een Baby Wayne lol…please click below and watch.

Happy Birthday Karen. May GOD bless you always!

1/3 🙂

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qq6m3vFv_s

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New Video From Freemynz…

Posted on October 7, 2014 by celebrityplusagain

…coming soon!
frmz

The duo known as Freemynz, had themselves a very exciting summer with the release of their latest single, “That Rush”.

From 19Box Recordings: “19BOX (JUKEBOX) RECORDINGS is proud to make available the debut release of Freemynz, with their single ‘That Rush’. Freemynz indulge their passions for Reggae, R&B and pop music, all while paying homage to EDM-influenced club music.

Freemynz is the brainchild of Catapila & Shango Trex. Both of these artists have already appeared on 19BOX RECORDINGS as Rise And Shine 3.11, as well as Shango Trex featuring Catapila for their cover of Billy Ocean’s classic ‘Caribbean Queen’. After the success of their individual efforts with us, they joined forces last year after working on the projects described above together.”

The video for “That Rush” was shot entirely in Japan, and directed by Austin Uchino. It’s now in the editing process and is slated for release in the upcoming weeks.

frmz2

YouTube Links:

Freemynz-“That Rush” live in Japan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NSjss6twLc

“That Rush” Mixes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCeHtkV86v0

“That Rush”…’Family Edition”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKQ6D3GXQxM

Freemynz-real vibes: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgJkZybb-hY

Social Media:

Freemynz Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/Freemynz

Photos by: RealShot MASATO

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Lynx Unruly – 1/2 Dozen Questions

Posted on August 14, 2014 by celebrityplusagain

lynx
I caught up with this artist I call, “The Fire-escape Man” recently for my “1/2 Dozen Questions”. He has a brand new collaboration with singer Maxwell Collins, that has been enjoying steady rotation on local radio.

Take a listen and make a purchase right here on iTunes.
“Throw My Heart Away”
itunes.apple.com/us/album/throw-my-heart-away-single/id892003688.
In the meantime:

Q. Hi Lynx, how are you?

A. Greetings. I am feeling extra blessed with a mild touch of unruliness

Q. You have the monster hit for the summer, “Throw My Heart Away” featuring Maxwell Collins. Tell us how this project came about.

A. Maxwell and I have always been friends, writing music and sharing musical thoughts. One day we were vibing and I was telling him about a friend who got his heart broken. The song basically wrote itself. Stone Ginger Wine might have played a major role in creating that song as well 🙂 

Q. Have you any other collaborations, and which artist (you’ve never worked with) would you like to collab with on a project?

A. Yes I do. It’s been only a month since [the track’s] release, and the response has been magnificent. I have a collaboration with Neziah, a song called “Touch the Streets”. Which Artist would I want to work with? NONE! If it’s suggested, I would consider. Maxwell Collins is a part of my team, so you will be seeing numerous collaborations with us. We just might became a duo in the near future.

Q. Refresh our memories by telling us about some of your previous projects?

A. I have worked with Jerome ‘Jerry Dwag’ Felix on the ‘River Bed’ Riddim. The track is called “Gwaan yah Gal”. Also on the “Good Hope” Riddim with “Cah Hold we Dung”. Those are the recent ones, and I know the fans remember the big tune, “Fire Escape”.

Q. What are you currently working on?

A. Currently I’m putting the finishing touches on a new track that’s slated for release in October. I’m ready. Miles ahead.

Q. Is there anything you would like to say to your fans here?

A. To all my fans I just wanna say a gigantic thank you for the support over the years. It’s truly appreciated. Please continue to roll with me because I am always going to have the song that you wanna hear. I’m going to make you proud of me. Watch and see! Incidentally, my next release is entitled “Love Yu”, coming in September. I’m going to need your help on this one. It’s DIFF-R-ENT!

You can also feel free to drop me a line or say ‘hi’ anytime you feel like it. I will get back at you as soon as I can because you are my rock. Without you I am not Lynx Unruly. Believe that!

http://www.facebook.com/mrunruly
twitter: @Lynx_unruly
IG: @Lynx_unruly
Google Plus: Lynx Unruly

Posted in 1/2 Dozen Questions, 1/2 Dozen Questions, 1/2 Dozen Questions, Feature, Interview, Main, Music | Tagged | Leave a comment

Ninjaman & Downsound Records Making A Difference

Posted on August 8, 2014 by celebrityplusagain

Life in Jamaica for many is a day to day struggle. Making ends meet is not always possible for many hard working men and women. Often times, some just need a break. A head start…someone to believe in them.

winner

Downsound Records and Ninjaman recently held an event which peeked my interest. The event was dubbed, the “Taxi Operators Appreciation & Family Fun Day”. Wow…that’s some title. I was immediately intrigued and couldn’t wait for August 2nd to roll around. I was unable to attend the event, but I hounded some of the Downsound staff asking for photos and information about the winner.

Why was I so excited? Why did the winner(s) interest me so much. Well, I’ll tell you.
I feel deeply for others, and love to see lives being changed for the better. I had never heard of an event showing love to the taxi drivers, you know, (some) of the people who risk their lives daily in an effort to keep Jamaica moving.

Many taxi drivers on the island can’t afford their own vehicles and drive (at a cost), the vehicles of others. As a grand prize, Downsound Records was giving away a brand new Nissan, and all a taxi operator had to do was be skilled in toasting. The dj skills haffi tun up! With veteran dancehall artiste Ninjaman overseeing this event, contestants had to come correct…or step.

Jamaica Star article posted on DSR’s website:

“Keith Black, a taxi driver who plies the Mount Salem to Montego Bay route, won the Ninja Man taxi appreciation day talent competition Saturday night at Turtle River Park, Ocho Rios.

Black, stage name ‘Zedek’, was pushed all the way by runner-up Donovan, emerging victorious with well-put together lyrics, earning a two-record and video deal, plus $250,000. Though not originally part of the deal, Donovan earned a two-record deal due to his good performance on stage.

t4

The Downsound Records event attracted more than 100 taxi operators, narrowed down to 15 for the finals. After 11 performances, the Don Gorgon, Ninja Man, was not pleased with the level of talent shown and made his feelings known.
“Yuh see as far as mi concern, none a dem (contestants) nuh bad,” he said to MC Skatta, who had taken over from Nuffy. “My $250,000 naw go suh! Mi waa lyrics up yah!”
Ninja Man got what he demanded from the remaining cabbies.

In the end, it was up to Zedek and Donovan to fight for the prize.
Black, who has been operating a taxi since 1997, was happy for the life-changing experience. “The next step fi me is the recording contract, a straight to that,” he said. ‘Yuh know seh, is maybe six or seven years ago mi find out seh mi can deejay. Mi perform now and again, but yuh know seh mi is a taxi driver, mi have mi family an’ all a dat. Taxi driving a mi job suh mi only perform now and then.”

—-

I applaud Ninjaman and Downsound Records for thinking outside of that proverbial box. Undoubtedly, Keith Black and Donovan the two winners, will not be the only persons benefiting from this event. It’s all about community and family. It has to be…someone has to care.

Ninjaman might be the front teet, gold teet, gun pon teet, Don Gorgon, but people need to look deeper. What a kind soul! Who is the dj who is always turning the other cheek and endorsing love among his peers? Who is the dj who says what he means and means what he says…without apology? Who is the people’s dj? Who is the family oriented, always worried about the citizens of Jamaica dj? The always giving advice to the youths dj?
Ninjaman…your bark is worst than your bite and we love you for it, because we see your heart.

I have to also big up Joe Bogdanovich and the entire Downsound Records staff. This label is ‘people’ driven, not ‘money’ driven. Search YouTube and Google if you think I’m playing. Who is always performing at charity events and schools? Who is always doing for the community behind the scenes? Downsound Records is a force…a driving force in Jamaica. We need to recognize. I sincerely hope others in the position to make a difference, will.

winna

Heart over hype!

http://www.downsoundrecords.com

Disclaimer:
These are my (Shilo’s) thoughts. Opinions expressed here in this blog are mine and mine alone. An independent thinker who takes pleasure in exercising her right to free speech.

Posted in Feature, Shilo's Opinion | Leave a comment

Freemynz gives fans “That Rush”

Posted on July 15, 2014 by celebrityplusagain

freemynzbanner
Brand new single coming your way in less than two weeks.

The duo Freemynz have been enjoying international success, and keeping fans happy with every performance.

PRESS RELEASE
19BOX (JUKEBOX) RECORDINGS is proud to make available the debut release of Freemynz, with their single ‘That Rush’. Freemynz indulge their passions for Reggae, R&B and pop music, all while paying homage to EDM-influenced club music.

Freemynz is the brainchild of Catapila & Dennis “Shango Trex” Llewellyn. Both of these artists have already appeared on 19BOX RECORDINGS as Rise And Shine 3.11, as well as Dennis “Shango Trex” Llewellyn featuring Catapila for their cover of Billy Ocean’s classic ‘Caribbean Queen’. After the success of their individual efforts with us, they joined forces last year after working on the projects described above together.

Reblah Star is part of the original production team, and known as Shanti Reblah, who has received recognition as an international recording artist, producer and engineer. He has remixed ‘That Rush’ in his own unique genre that he describes as ‘Reggae Tech’.

Jon FX is a popular Jamaican Dancehall producer, who has worked with artists such as Sean Paul, Shabba Ranks and so on. The Jamaican vibes are strong in his remix.

Russian producers DJ Shury & uRetz complete the remixes and take on an 80s vibe with a relentless house beat that uses inspiration from ‘The Never Ending Story’ by Limahl and totally different from the other versions.

RELEASE DATE : July 30th, 2014

Freemynz – One Love Jamaica Festival – Japan
jap13
jap16
https://www.facebook.com/Freemynz?

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Throw My Heart Away-Lynx Unruly (feat) Maxwell Collins

Posted on July 15, 2014 by celebrityplusagain

lynx

“Throw My Heart Away”, the brand new single from Lynx Unruly, featuring Maxwell Collins, has been released and is now available on iTunes.

I have this track stuck on repeat. Sweet smooth flow from Maxwell, and Lynx with the perfect timing on the toasting. Gotta love it. Real cool track for the hot summer days. Makes you wanna let your hair down and drive alongside the beach in a convertible. Yeah…heads bobbing, lemonade sipping.

Go ahead…click on this link below and head on over to iTunes. Have a listen and come gimme your feedback.

iTunes Link:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/throw-my-heart-away-single/id892003688
lynx2
(Lynx Unruly & Maxwell Collins)

Keep it locked!

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Jah Nissi – 1/2 Dozen Questions

Posted on July 12, 2014 by celebrityplusagain

jn
Reggae music with it’s infectious riddims, has for decades been spread around the globe, by countless reggae artistes from various parts of the world. It has international appeal and artistes work tirelessly to keep the genre in the spotlight. No…you don’t have to be Jamaican to be a reggae artiste.

I recently had the pleasure of listening to an artiste by the name of Jah Nissi who resides in Canada. He is a reggae artiste who was born in Haiti, and I must admit that I am thoroughly enjoying all the tracks I have heard thus far.

I engaged him in my now famous “1/2 Dozen Questions”, and this is what Jah Nissi had to say.

Q. Greetings Jah Nissi, how are you?

A. Greetings, I’m okay. Thanks for having me.

Q. You are a reggae artiste who hails from Haiti. I think that’s wonderful. How popular is reggae in Haiti?

A. Reggae is very popular in Haiti. We have some great bands and artistes who play reggae very well.

Q. How long have you been doing reggae, and who were some of your influences?

A. I have been playing Reggae for ten years. Some of the artistes who inspired me are, Bob Marley, Alpha Blondy, Tiken JAH Fakoly, Morgan Heritage, Luciano, Midnite, Stephen Marley and Israel Vibration.

Q. Which reggae artiste from Jamaica would you most like to record or perform with?

A. Well I’ve got so many. I would like to record and perform with Stephen Marley, Peter Morgan, Luciano, and Etana.

Q. Tell us about your debut album “L_Union”.

A. “L’Union”, is an album dedicated to my country Haiti. That’s why I called it “L’Union” which means (unity). There are ten tracks on this album. They are ten strong tracks, most talking about the condition in which my people are living. This album is based on the sociopolitical situation of my people. I also talk about loving each other. I preach reconciliation because I feel as if we are divided.

Q. Do you have any shows or tours planned for 2014?

A. Yes, we do have some shows coming up. We have FKZO festitalin coming up in August in Toronto, and we have another show in October in Montreal. We are also planning a promotional tour for the album in Paris, but at the moment dates are not yet available.

—
There you have it. Thanks for the time Jah Nissi…looking forward to big things from you.

Here’s the official video for the title track, “L’Union”. I love this track. Sexy French accent over drum and bass.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjdd0A2rCEk
For more of Jah Nissi, log onto YouTube and do check the links below.
Social Media Links:
http://www.facebook.com/ernesto.ernesto1999
@jahnissi1999

Posted in 1/2 Dozen Questions, 1/2 Dozen Questions, 1/2 Dozen Questions, Feature, Interview, Music | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Recording Artiste Nature Captivates

Posted on July 10, 2014 by celebrityplusagain

nat15
Downsound Records recording artiste Nature, performed a full set (over an hour and a half) complete with his band and background vocalists, on Tuesday night at the Blue Essence Lounge.

His performance was met with rave reviews, and the capacity audience was captivated.

A truly amazing performer he is.

Reggae and dancehall fans will again be treated to another outstanding performance from Nature, on Friday, July 18th, (International Night 1) at the 22nd annual Reggae Sumfest. So come out in your thousands.

More on Nature:
@naturereggae
http://www.facebook.com/Nature.ellis

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