Grammy-winning deejay Sean Paul continues to spread his wings musically with the release of his latest riddim production, Material. The follow-up to his debut beat Blaze Fia released in the summer, Material is making a big impact in this singles driven industry.

Like its predecessor, the Material Riddimfeatures some noted dancehall artistes including; Sean Paul himself who recorded two songs — Roll With The Don and Call On Jah, the latter was done with veteran deejay Spragga Benz. Singers Wayne Marshall and Tami Chynn, Laden and Future Fambo are just some of the acts riding the Material Riddim. Marshall did Miss Your Love, and his wife Tami recorded Ride; Dip And Go Down is the title of Laden’s song, while Future Fambo and Chi Ching Ching collaborated on Get Drunk.

Some of the other artistes who cut songs on the Material Riddim are Trevor OffKey – Shine Eye, Ce’Cile – Material World, Voicemail – Drop It Low and Mr. Vegas, he recorded a song for the ladies titled Tek Him.
Wayne Marshall, Future Fambo, Mr. Vegas, Laden and Ce’Cile all did songs on the Blaze Fia Riddim.

Like the Blaze Fia, Material was released on Sean Paul’s Dutty Rock label. As what is anticipated to be a busy Christmas party season approaches, the Material Riddim has already drawn positive response from leading sound system selectors such as Garfield ‘Geefus’ Parkinson of Stone Love and Coppershot’s Sanjay Smith. “Is a bad riddim, worse like how Fambo hot right now. It jus’ release but I expect it to kick off,” said Geefus. Sanjay also expects big things from the Material Riddim, he said “It hasn’t really bus’ on air waves as yet but from what I’ve heard I’m impressed. It’s not like anything that’s out there now”.

The deejay shoots the medley video for the Material Riddim this weekend in Kingston. The three part, ten minute medley video will be directed by Mykal Cushnie with Zsolt Haulpa from Canada as Director of photography andalso features choreography by Tanisha Scott.

Sean Paul has been pulling double-duty in recent months. In addition to producing, he has been recording songs for his next album, due out in early 2012. His song with American Alexis Jordan, Got 2 Luv U was a teaser. It entered the Billboard Hot 100 charts at number 93 during the summer. According to the Billboard iTunes chart, Got 2 Luv U also did well throughout Europe, reaching number one in Switzerland and peaking at number two in France.

Sean Paul is one Jamaica’s most successful entertainers. He first hit the big time in 2002 with the multi-platinum Dutty Rock album for VP/Atlantic Records. That set produced three massive hit songs in Gimme The Light, Get Busy and Like Glue. The Trinity, his follow-up album, also another platinum-selling hit. Sean Paul’s fourth album, Imperial Blaze, was released by Atlantic

Visit ALLSEANPAUL.COM for updates.

Source: Headline Entertainment

As the RAJ Musical Ambassador for 2011 & 2012, Tasha T, through her musical style of communication, lent her talent to encourage families to approach literacy from a positive perspective.

“Determination and drive are the key ingredients that parents must have in order to assist their children to climb the ladder of education” Tasha said.

“We [artists] must make the effort to engage our youth in activities to feed their minds, nurture their growth and display enjoyment with various forms of the arts” she continued.

Tasha T has voiced her full endorsement of RAJ’s project her latest release, Educate Yourself, which is the official theme song of the project.

During November 10 – 12, Tasha T and the members of RAJ visited the Cassava Piece Activity Centre, St Andrew; St. James Parish Library in Montego Bay, the Henningay Prep School and the Breadnut Hill Primary School, St. Ann.

“It was wonderful,” a beaming Tasha T said of the visits, where she performed, interacted with the children and handed out pictures and reading material.

‘It was fun,’ says the Read Across Jamaica musical ambassador.

Project co-ordinators Gavin Palmer and Hopeton Brown said they were more than pleased at their three days of activities and happy for the opportunity to engage with students and parents and spread the knowledge.

Tasha will be back in Jamaica early next year for another phase of the Read Across Jamaica project.

Alexander, whose recent album, “Uplift” has held the number one spot on the Jazz World Radio charts for 14 straight weeks, will pay tribute to his musical heroes – Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole – as part of the Singers over Manhattan Series at the Allen Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center, 33 W 60th Street in New York City, from Friday, December 9th to Saturday, December 10th, at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., respectively.

It was Frank Sinatra and pal, Jilly Rizzo, who first brought Alexander to New York while in his late teens where he went on to play at their New York night club, Jilly’s. There Alexander actually accompanied Mr. Sinatra when he sang.

But prior to that adventure, as a boy in his homeland, Alexander grew up listening to Nat King Cole in his own home and after seeing him in 1956 in his hometown of Kingston, Jamaica, at age 12, he knew he wanted to play jazz for the rest of his life. Thirty-four years later, Natalie Cole, the daughter of Nat King Cole, invited Alexander to assist her on her album, “Unforgettable,” a tribute to her father.

Alexander will also be joined in the Allen Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center from Dec. 9-10th, by guitarist Russell Malone and saxophonist Houston Person. Vocalist James De Frances, a 21-year-old phenom, and veteran, Allan Harris, will perform the respective roles of Sinatra and Cole.

Tickets for the December 9th -10th shows are $55 and $65 and can be obtained by logging on to https://tickets.jalc.org/ticketing/show_events_list.asp.

The Commander of Distinction will move on the legendary Blues Alley at 1073 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington D.C., to wrap up the year and ring in another, from December 28th to the 31st. From Jamaica With Love will be the highlight of another trademark lively performance by Alexander as he showcases some of the quartet version from his latest “Harlem Kingston” experience, taking the audience on a musical journey between his Jamaican roots and his American jazz roots.

“I’m very glad to be able to end 2011 and part of my 50th year of celebration in music this way, where I can present my personal reflections at these two treasures of American culture at its best,” said Alexander.

Buy tickets for the Blues Alley shows at http://www.bluesalley.com/events.cfm

Over his stellar five decade long career, Alexander, who has earned a place among the top five jazz artistes in Hal Leonard’s book, “The Fifty Greatest Jazz Piano Players of all Time,” has performed with international stars including Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ray Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Clark Terry, Quincy Jones, Ernest Ranglin, Barbara Hendricks, Bill Cosby, Bobby McFerrin, Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare.

He maintains an active touring schedule, thrilling audiences around the world with his own distant brand of jazz that leaves audiences moving to the beat wherever he plays.

For more on the Caribbean’s greatest jazz pianist and his latest music, visit www.montyalexander.com.

As with all reality shows, there are cast members that truly shine. One of “Teacha’s Pet’s” brightest stars is reality personality “Brooklyn,” also known as K-Shoya. Not only does “Brooklyn” earn and gain the attention of Vybz Kartel — particularly in Episodes 5 & 6 after winning a fashion show challenge and securing a date with the Dancehall artist — she also has won over worldwide audiences single-handedly. Whether it’s “Brooklyn’s” daring fashions, pretty face or overall personality, the massive like what they see. This in part could be the cause of the slack the Dancehall Diva receives from her competitors. With the show just passing it’s half way point, there is excitement in the air as the competitors vye for the attention of Vybz Kartel and await their fate. The remaining episodes promise to be entertaining to say the least.

With “Brooklyn’s” popularity peaking, so have the requests for this break through reality star to make appearances, appear in promotions and entertain. The buzz is certainly be-fitting for the well-rounded reality star, who heads her very own Dancehall Empire in Brooklyn! From modeling and singing to management, promotions, and media, K-Shoya’s talents are infinite. K-Shoya is especially a commodity to the cadre of top dancers that she exclusively manages and promotes. Taking on the role of Dancehall reality star falls right in line with K-Shoya’s quest to be an internationally known Dancehall celebrity and business woman.

With her eyes on the prize, K-Shoya is ready to celebrate her earth strong on December 10 in Brooklyn with the “Teacher’s Pet” edition of her 2nd annual bash. Moving forward, K-Shoya sees 2012 as a year with infinite possibilities for her career.

Eion A. Saunders, one of the executive producers of the news/entertainment program, ZYNC TV NY LINKZ, was honored recently by The Caribbean American Outreach Association USA Inc., for the service his program has provided to the Caribbean community.

The Caribbean American Outreach Association USA, Inc. is a Brooklyn based non-profit organization, whose mission centers around improving the health, education and general welfare of children in the Caribbean and the Unites States, particularly those afflicted with the HIV/AIDS virus and other debilitating diseases.

ZYNC TV NEW YORK LINKZ, as per its mission, has covered many stories in the New York City region and internationally as well, including: Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, St. Kitts, Dominica, Barbados and Montreal. A few years ago, ZYNC TV was proud to be part of the Caribbean American Outreach Association’s medical mission to Jamaica, where the organization brought basic medical and dental services to underserved communities in Jamaica. ZYNC TV covered this mission and broadcasted it to their viewers in the New York area; and went a step further by posting the footage online so people elsewhere in the world could also learn what is happening in some rural districts in Jamaica.

Continuing in that vein, through their journalism work, ZYNC TV has partnered with other community organizations that provide services for communities here in the United States and the Caribbean. Those organizations include: JAMPACT, TOOLS 4 SCHOOL, THE NEGRIL EDUCATION FOUNDATION and THE COALITION TO PRESERVE REGGAE MUSIC.

ZYNC TV continues to provide the Caribbean community with news and entertainment content that the organization finds helpful and enriching to its audience. In doing so, the executive producers, Saunders and Richard “Richie Rich” Walton have put in place a team of dedicated and committed individuals. They are: Catchcha “Catchcha Fyah” Richards, Coral King, Jessica “DJ Hypeness” Lawrence, Nohard “DJ Noah” Grant, Donna Mason, Keishel Williams and Ralph Chicoye.

ZYNC TV airs in New York City and can also be found on Facebook at “Z.Y.N.C.”, YouTube: www.YouTube.com/ZYNCTV and at twitter.com/ZYNCTV

Whether it’s currently on the top of the Jamaican charts, a huge underground seller on the streets or the massive club jam sweeping the dancehalls, the annual compilation provides the hottest catalog of dancehall/reggae music for the fall, winter and new year to come.

There will be two U.S. album release concerts held in Boston and New York City to celebrate this year’s compilations and the life of VP Records’ A&R Joel Chin, who was a major driving force in the series’ success. The festivities kicked off on Tuesday, November 22 in Foxboro, MA with live performances from Mr. Vegas, I-Wayne, Khago, Demarco, Laza Morgan and Wayne Marshall at Showcase Live. The event is hosted by Hot 97 Boston and radio personality Notorious V.O.G. The next stop will be New York City at B.B. Kings on Wednesday, December 14. The show will be hosted by Power 105’s DJ Norie and feature an unparalleled line up including Sean Paul, Demarco, Laza Morgan and Wayne Marshall. A donation will be made in honor of Joel Chin and tickets can be purchased at www.bbkingblues.com.

Strictly the Best Vol. 44 rallies the most in-demand roots and lover’s rock singers for a must-have set from artists like Beres Hammond, Tarrus Riley, Gyptian, Queen Ifrica, Freddie McGregor, and Etana, while Strictly the Best Vol. 45 contains the season’s most popular, cutting-edge dancehall anthems, banging in the clubs and on Caribbean radio from the likes of Mavado, Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley, Sean Paul, Bounty Killer, Tifa and Laza Morgan.

“This year’s Strictly The Best series holds a special spot in our hearts because it was the last record our A&R and nephew, Joel Chin, had a hand in, since his sudden passing this year. As lead A&R, he hand-picked every song and complied the music in a very organic yet strategic manner. He loved the music so much and it showed in his work. This year is no different, and with the help of the rest of our team to complete the project, Strictly The Best Vol 44 and 45 are both one-of-kind collections,” states VP Records President Chris Chin.

Strictly The Best Series

Established in 1993, Strictly The Best is the longest running reggae compilation series in the business. Following the Reggae Gold release, the annual STB series offers a more comprehensive collection of dancehall and roots sounds that have crossover potential and cater to reggae fans alike. Each year, VP carefully compiles a library of most exclusive dancehall/reggae tunes to keep the pace with the biggest Jamaican hits. Showcasing the most buzz-worthy and talented artists, STB series has been the proving ground for many of reggae’s biggest stars including Sean Paul, Mavado, Buju Banton, Bounty Killer, Capleton and many others. If you want to know what the next big reggae hit is in the streets or on the airwaves, Strictly The Best is the go-to compilation.

STB 44 Track Listing:

1. Shaka Zulu Pickney – Tarrus Riley
2. Pot Still Haffi Bubble – Queen Ifrica
3. People Talk – Etana
4. My Number One – Gyptian
5. Still In Love – Alaine & Christopher Martin
6. Pure As The Nile – I Wayne
7. Firework – Tessanne Chin
8. Driving Me Insane – Chino featuring Denyque
9. Summer Love – Denyque
10. If I Could Fly – Tifa
11. This Time – Jamelody
12. I Am Missing You – Beres Hammond
13. A House Is Not A Home – Freddie McGregor
14. Never Leave I – Tarrus Riley
15. The System – Romain Virgo
16. Yap Yap – Richie Spice

STB 45 Track Listing:

1. One By One – Laza Morgan featuring Mavado
2. Love My Life – Demarco
3. Summertime – Vybz Kartel
4. Ravin – Popcaan
5. Let’s Go – Beenie Man
6. Final Destination – Mavado
7. Every Gyal – Chipmunk featuring Mavado
8. Hot Gyal – Gyptian
9. Got 2 Luv Ya – Sean Paul featuring Alexis Jordan
10. Swaggin WTF!! (Too Bad For You) – Tifa, Future Fambo & Wayne Marshall
11. Dancehall Duppy – Tony Matterhorn
12. Cigarette Murder – Twins of Twins
13. Ready Fi Dem – Bounty Killer
14. God Nah Sleep (Rise And Fall Story) – Chino
15. Wanted (Just Ain’t The Same) – Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley

iTunes Purchase Links

Strictly The Best Vol. 44:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/strictly-the-best-vol.-44/id472812119

Strictly The Best Vol. 45:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/strictly-the-best-vol.-45/id472877127

The star studded evening included celebrities and personalities Anthony Anderson, John Salley, Quinton Aaron, Rockmond Dunbar, Phillip Bloch in addition to former Miss Jamaica Yendi Phillips, Anya Ayoung-Chee and designer Meiling. Also in attendance amongst the famous were some of Jamaica’s business and society elite.

Adam Stewart, CEO of Sandals/Beaches and Deputy Chairman ATL said of the event:
The ATL Group was proud to be the presenting sponsors of the 4th edition of the Ocean Style FashionShowcase.

The evening was exciting, fun and sexy; the perfect way for ATL to unveil to Jamaica Motor Trend’s 2011 SUV of the Year, the Range Rover Evoque! We thank Douglas Gordon and his team for all their hard work and staging this amazing event.”

The evening of high fashion was enjoyed by the invitation-only crowd who included guests that had jetted in from Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Toronto, Miami and Trinidad and Tobago.

The evening’s festivities began with the presentation of the Foundation Award to the elegant Novia Mcdonald-Whyte. Presented by Trinidadian designer Meiling and the Jamaica Observer’s CEO, Ed Khoury, the award was given in recognition of McDonald-Whyte’s “tremendous efforts, great accomplishments and lasting impact on Caribbean Fashion.”

The award was followed by the spectacular unveiling of the Range Rover Evoque when Adam Stewart, with Trinidadian designer and Project Runway Season 9 winner Anya Ayoung-Chee alongside, drove the widely heralded and captivating vehicle into the middle of the runway.

There was a solo performance by Jamaican vocalist Alisa who gave a stirring rendition of Adele’s Rolling in the Deep which left guests wanting much more, but it was time for fashion.

The fashion show opened with Jamaican designers Sandra Kennedy and TnT Fashions, presenting all-white resort collections. Sandra Kennedy showcased beautiful white crocheted dresses and swimsuits by Ayanna Dixon. This was followed by menswear from Sophia Max-Brown Boutique, featuring Hugo Boss and Calvin Klein. The main fashion segment followed with a selection of evening wear from a host of internationally acclaimed designers including Alberta Ferretti, Tadashi Shoji, Harve Leger, Badgeley Mischka, Reem Acra, BCBG/Maxazria and Catherine Malandrino. The show was styled by Kathryn Talapados out of New York, assisted by Cayla Hutton with production assistance from Norwayne Anderson of PUSH Management out of Toronto. The models came from Jamaica, New York and Toronto from a number of different agencies, including Saint International, Pulse and PUSH.

After the show guests and media alike rushed to the Range Rover Evoque which until that point remained tantalizingly close but untouched before heading to the After Party held in an air conditioned 80 foot tent, spectacularly decorated by Paulette Henry where guests partied until the wee hours of the morning.

Appleton Executive Tanisa Samuel, a platinum sponsor of the FashionShowcase Weekend was thrilled about the event and excited for what’s to come: “Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum is proud to have partnered with Ocean Style for this incredible fun filled weekend.

Ocean Style Editor in Chief Douglas Gordon, is a visionary who’s made fashion fun and accessible while creating a fashion destination out of Montego Bay. It’s always a pleasure working with Douglas, and we look forward to a bigger and better 2012!!” Ocean Style has posted photos from the weekend on their Facebook page. You can visit www.facebook.com/oceanstylemagazine to view the images.

Event partners and sponsors for the FashionShowcase Weekend were Caribbean Airlines, Jamaica Observer, CVM-TV, JustBet, JS Barkats, Cinnamon Hill, eZines, ATL Britannia and Audi.

ABOUT OCEAN STYLE:OCEAN STYLE produces OCEAN STYLE TV and OCEAN Style Magazine with a mission of using television, print and web, to show the world the rich, fabulous, and engaging Caribbean life. OCEAN STYLE TV is a 30-minute show comprised of a worldly mix of travel adventures, runway showcases, event and fine living features. The show is broadcast to 28 islands, 3 continents and over 85 million households across a number of different markets that include the U.S., Caribbean, Europe and North Africa. OCEAN Style Magazine blends the finest in fashion, beauty, food, luxury travel and entertainment with engaging features and profiles of designers, artists, tastemakers, and celebrities to showcase the good life to be had in the Caribbean. For more please visit www.oceanstylemagazine.com

Levantay has coined the phrase “So sick I collaborate with myself.” She is a vocalist and a DJ who will not be put in a box. Her music is a fusion of many genres but no matter what genre she writes a song in, it is always infused by reggae and dancehall.
Levantay just released her single ‘No One’ which is a lovers anthem with a catchy melody and a great story line. ‘No One’ is already making waves in the cyber world and is getting some radio play.

About Levantay
INL – What inspired you to write/record No One?
L – So many people are breaking up, love seems to have no value anymore so I wrote this song as an affirmation of true Love that stands the test of time no matter what. With the back drop of immigration and distance “No One” is a powerful, heartfelt story of true love. The song was largely influenced by my sisters long distance relationship with her husband who is in Jamaica and she is here and also by a friend whose boyfriend just got deployed by the US Marines. Although it is loosely based on those around me it is filled with my personal experiences having had a long distance relationship for a short time and being a believer in true love. I had to write an anthem for the lovers.

INL – Who produced the track?
L – Ed Robinson produced the track

INL – Where was it recorded?
L – It was recorded in Ed’s studio in Brooklyn and mixed by R&B engineer Sean Gore

INL – Why did you record a dancehall single and what type of impression do you hope to make with the song?
L – Reggae and dancehall runs through my veins, it is who I am, no matter what style of music I am doing you can find the traces of my culture in it. This song will introduce me to the world as a force to be reckoned with, not just as a vocalist but as a DJ as well. This song just came out of me like magic so I hope this magic will infect those who listen to it, and man, you can’t deny that the beat is hot!

INL – What have you been up to lately?
L – I have been writting and performing a lot. I have a show with Elvis D and some other things coming up. I am hoping to do a collaboration with a big name in dancehall and do some work with Sly and Robbie. Community service is on going for me because I believe that giving back is the rent we pay for our space here on this earth.

INL – Any other projects on the horizon?
L – Working on the EP tentatively titled, Chrysalis -Growing butterfly wings and planning shows. I am also writing for a few artistes. I am a poet who sings because poetry lead me to music and now music is taking me to the world so I enjoy writing for myself and for other artistes.

watch/listen to hot new dancehall track – “No One”

New York: Thunderous applause and a standing ovation from avid literary arts lovers cheered Jamaican writer Jean Lowrie-Chin on last night at the New York City launch of her book Souldance at the corporate offices of Ruder Finn Inc in midtown Manhattan. The audience in the jam-packed room was riveted by the passionate and dynamic readings of some of Lowrie Chin’s favorite poems and writings, some of which go back several years.
It seemed the audience could not get enough of the soul-stirring lyrics from yard, and the session reached a fever pitch crescendo when Lowrie-Chin was joined at the podium by playwright and actor David Heron who turned an already energized night of poetry into a sizzling, award-winning theatrical rave. Heron read three pieces from Souldance, and he had the audience spellbound with his dramatic modulations and his witty references to Lowrie-Chin whom he described as his long time mentor and trusted friend.
“I bought seven copies of the book tonight because I was very moved by the readings”, one attendee Nikimo Palache affirmed. “What I heard tonight was beautiful and sonic and I did not want to miss the opportunity to give my closest friends autographed copies of Souldance for the holidays”, he continued.

Jean Lowrie Chin is an extraordinarily gifted writer who has had a lifelong love affair with Jamaica. She loves the country and she writes about the many sides of the Jamaican experience. Souldance, now on amazon.com is a delightful and delicious read as it journeys through Jamaica from coast to coast, sometimes making crucial stops to pay homage to outstanding Jamaicans and world citizens like Miss Lou, Usain Bolt, Jessie Ripoll and Barack Obama.

Jamaica’s ambassador to the United States Her Excellency Audrey Marks brought greetings to the gathering, and she stressed the importance of nurturing and embracing Jamaica’s abundance of creative talent in various genres.

Last night’s launch was hosted by Gail L Moaney, executive vice president, Travel & Economic Development, Ruder Finn Inc. Among those attending were Lester Spaulding, chairman of the Radio Jamaica Group and his wife Dr. L W Koengeter, Portfolio Marketing Group president Noel Mignott, senior vice president, AIG Inc., Mrs. Paulette Mullings Bradnock, legal luminary and member of Jamaica’s Electoral Advisory Committee Hon. Dorothy Pine McLarty, Harlem model Tyson Gregg, marketing director for the Caribbean Tourism Organization Selma Brown, broadcaster Ricot Dupuy and scores more. Sponsors for the event include Rhum Barbancourt, Touch of Elegance Catering, Nakasaki Restaurant and Uptown Vegetarian Juice Bar in Harlem. The Souldance launch was designed by Dave Rodney and Anthony Turner of IMAGES Media LLC, New York.

YOUTUBE LINK of interviews with Jean & David