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Baba Kahn Announces Release of his Groundbreaking Compilation

(2008 -- TORONTO, ONTARIO) - Canada’s Most Celebrated Club DJ, Baba Kahn has teamed up with SPG Music to release his highly anticipated debut album "Culture Shock". On March 18th, 2008 Culture Shock will be released across Canada. The album unites sounds from both Eastern and Western cultures, creating a groundbreaking compilation.

The compilation features popular recording artists such as Ne-Yo, Sean Paul, Fabulous, Eve, M.I.A., Bob Sinclair, Fedde La Grand, Enur and many more! The album brings together music from the Eastern and Western worlds and delivers it in a mash-up compilation.

The album also includes three original songs produced by Baba Kahn:

The first single, Tomorrow is a smooth sounding, easy-listening, reggae ballad that has a 1950s feel and will appeal to the masses with its classic soulful sound.

An original underground electro-house track entitled Shiva fuses together the sounds of electro Indian house and dance to create a track unlike anything ever heard before.

The third single is an instant club hit entitled Tonight featuring Canadian Hip Hop Giant Kardinal Offishall and introducing Canada’s newest South Asian talents Lomaticc and Sunny Brown. This track will capture the attention of not only club-goers but of radio-listens alike.

"Culture Shock" is set to launch a full Cross-Canada tour, stopping in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. The tour will round up internationally with stops in the UK, India, Beijing and Shanghai.

Baba Kahn’s success in the industry is documented in the numerous awards he has won. He is highly respected in the entertainment industry and has a loyal fan-base that has been supporting him for over a decade. He is an accomplished DJ and entrepreneur who has achieved massive success across various facets of the entertainment industry.

This musical compilation is the first of its kind in Canada on a commercial scale and acts as the next evolution point in the career of a DJ of Baba Kahn’s status.

Latest TORONTO-LIME.com MUSIC updates...

:: 2008 SOCA RELEASES ::
Machel Montano - Make Love
Rizon - We Doh Fear
KES the Band - Remedy
KMC - Carnival Clap
Nadia Batson - Mind Yuh Business
Patrice Roberts - Mo Wuk
KES & Mista Vybe - Wave It Away
Derrick Seales - Pressure
Silver - Phone Card Reply
Skhi - Vampire
Leon Coldero - Kalawatie
Destra Garcia - Wine It

:: LATEST REMIX/ROADMIXES ::
Farmer Nappy - Chippin' (Roadmix)
Patrice ft Macka Diamond - Wukkin Up RMX
Farm P - Sexy Chocolate Girls Remix
Destra Garcia - High (DJ Dee Remix)
KES the Band - Right Dey (Tony Tempo Refix)
Kat DeLuna ft Ziggy - Whine Up Soca-Pop RMX
Destra - High (G-Factory RMX)
KES the Band - Right Dey (Illusion Mix)
KES the Band - Right Dey (Jester Refix)
J Holiday - Bed (D'Enforcas RMX)

:: 2007 PARANG ::
4 Brass - All Dat Yuh Have
Ajamu - Rosita
H2O Phlo - Christmas By Your Door
H2O Phlo ft Baron - Sweetest Christmas Lime
Small Pin - Better Christmas
Steve Theodore - So We Know It
Synnah - Just Because It's Christmas
Berbice - Christmas Time
Candy Hoyte - Long Time Christmas
Leon Coldero - Ron
Luta - Soca Christmas
Skatie - Miss Tu Young Tu Pong
Slammer Cutter & Farm P - Buss Yuh Bar
Third Bass - Cash For Christmas
Connector - Ole Time Christmas

http://www.toronto-lime.com/music/

Over 60 artists pay tribute to 'THE CURE'

Jah Cure on stage at CUREFEST

Monday October 16th, 2007 - Trelawny, Jamaica - Thousands culminated at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium on Sunday night to celebrate the very first Jamaica performance by the man many are referring to as 'the next Bob Marley'.

The 'Longing For Concert' was the climax to a weekend long celebration for the 'THE CURE' and began on Friday (Oct 12) with an all white affair called Reflections to celebrate Jah Cure's birthday (Oct 11) at the Starfish Resort. On Saturday (Oct 13) the '45 Cures' show was held at Pier 1 in Montego Bay, which featured a DJ Spin Off between top radio and sound System DJs, including Black Chiney, Stone Love, Danger Zone, Fire Links and others.

On Sunday night, more than 60 artists paid tribute to the recently released Jah Cure, including Capleton, Beenie Man, Jah Mason, Richie Spice, Ce'cile, Richie Stephens, Movado, Bounty Killer, Pressure, Sizzla, Chuck Fenda, Ninja Man, I-Wayne, Gyptian, Morgan Heritage, Cocoa Tea, Queen Ifrica, Junior Reid, Tarrus Riley, Wayne Marshall and many others. Each performer paid homage to Jah Cure during every performance throughout the 12 hour long concert, which began at 8pm Sunday night and ended after 8:30am on Monday.

Jah Cure finally hit the stage at 7:45am to a sea of adoring fans and media representatives from every corner of the world. For 45 minutes The Cure mesmerized fans with his sultry voice, drawing from his deep repertoire of hits, like Sticky, Longing For, Dem Na Build Great Man, Love Is, Sunny Day, Good Morning Jah Jah and more.

Photos and video clips from the 'Longing For Concert' are available at...
http://www.toronto-lime.com/pictures/fetes/071014_curefest

For more info on Jah Cure and more upcoming performances go to...
www.myspace.com/freejahscure

Just IMAGINE, Soca Reggae and Soul at CARIBANA™

Destra Garcia at Molson Amphitheatre

Just IMAGINE, Soca Reggae and Soul at CARIBANA™

Monday August 6th, 2007 - Ontario Place Molson Amphitheatre was the fresh new venue for CARIBANA's official cool down party on Sunday. Fans at the sold out event enjoyed entertainment by headliners Sean Paul, Destra and Ne-Yo; plus performances by reggae artist Steel, Baby Boys dance crew and singer Nikki Toussaint.

After several years of declining attendance, the FMC (Festival Management Committee) opted to move the CARIBANA™ after-party from the Toronto Islands to a more convenient Ontario Place. A commendable move as Molson Amphitheatre was the ideal fit for the great mix of Soca, Reggae and RnB music.

Photos from the event are available at:
www.toronto-lime.com/pictures/fetes/2007/070805_imagine_music_fest

CARIBANA™ adds Machel, Destra, Ne-Yo & Sean Paul to festival programming

Monday June 4th, 2007 -- In a press conference held at the Westin Harbor Castle Hotel earlier today, the CARIBANA™ festival management committee announced the expansion of the festivities from a two-week to a five-week celebration, in commemoration of the festival's 40th year. Several new initiatives have been added to the 2007 programming, including CARNIVALISSIMA, CARIBANA™ Village, CARIBANA™ After Parade Bash, CARIBANA™ Imagine Music Festival, a T-Shirt design contest and a singing contest (CARIBANA™ Star).

The newly added 'CARIBANA™ After Parade Bash' will feature Machel Montano HD in concert at Lamport Stadium (Sat Aug 4) and the 'CARIBANA™ Imagine Music Festival' (Sun Aug 5) will headline with Jamaican superstar 'Sean Paul', RnB star 'Ne-Yo' and Soca diva 'Destra Garcia'. (See below for the updated schedule of events for CARIBANA™ 2007)

For more
information on the festival, contests, press releases, etc, go to http://www.caribanafestival.com/.

CARIBANA™ 2007 OFFICIAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday June 8 - Sunday June 10, 2007
Carnivalissima
Harbourfront Centre
Luminato month long event closing at Harbourfront.

Tuesday July 10, 2007
Official Launch
Nathan Phillips Square (noon-2pm)
The official ceremony launches the activities for the Caribana Festival Season. Patrons can meet and mingle with federal, provincial and municipal officials, Caribana Representatives and Sponsors while sampling Caribbean and International cuisine. It is a snapshot of what’s in store over the next two weeks.

Saturday July 21, 2007
Junior Carnival
Yorkgate Mall
Junior Carnival provides festival goers and the surrounding community the opportunity to experience the trills and joys as young masqueraders participate in their earlier festival years.

Sunday July 22, 2007
Arts & Cultural Community Festival
Albert Campbell Square, Scarborough (noon-7pm)
This event will highlight the various cultures of all of the caribbean people. It will include a food competition, Theatrical drama and story telling.

Tuesday July 24 - Sunday August 12, 2007
Art Exhibition
The Blue Dot Gallery
A visual Art Exhibition "COLOURblind! International" produced by 'The Association of African Canadian Artists' - over 60 orinigal paintings and sculptures that have been influenced by the diversity of a people.
Gallery Hours: Mon to Fri 11am-7pm Sat 10am-6pm Sun noon-5pm
Opening Reception - July 26 (5:30pm-9pm)

Saturday July 28, 2007
Calyspo Monarch Finals
Toronto Centre for the Arts (8pm-midnight)
This is where the Calypso Monarch is crowned. Come and see the best and biggest Canadian Calypsonians battle for the crown. From the topical to the lyrical the sweet soca rhythms will lift you out of you seat and get you moving.

Wednesday August 1 - Sunday August 5, 2007
CARIBANA™ Village
Ontario Place (noon-7pm)
As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of CARIBANA™ and 200 years of the bolition of the African Slave trade, CARIBANA™ Village will highlight our liberation through song, music, dance, drama, comedy, art, craft, clothing and food. The island vibe will generate delectable aroma, pulsating beats and vibrant colours to warm up Lake Ontario at the Vista Courtyard and Festival Square inside Ontario Place.
~ Wed Aug 1 - Opening Night - "From Then until now - LIBERATION"
~ Thu Aug 2 - Music Village
~ Fri Aug 3 - Dance Village
~ Sat Aug 4 - CARIBANA™ PARADE
~ Sun Aug 5 - Las Lap Comedy Village

Thursday August 2, 2007
King & Queen
Lamport Stadium (7pm-modnight)
On the Thursday night before Caribana Day all the kings and queens of the bands meet to do battle. Like peacocks they will primp and preen, eliciting oh and ahs from the audience. It is an honour for any reveller to be enthroned the king or queen of his or her band. The kings and queens symbolically have the keys to the city, freedom of the streets. Their movements are supposed to be uninhibited. Band members and onlookers alike are to give them the respect, even if mockingly, usually accorded to real-life royalty."

Friday August 3, 2007
Pan Alive
Lamport Stadium (7pm-modnight)
A thrilling evening showcasing the musical and tonal qualities of the steelpan as members of the Ontario Steelband Association compete before a panel of judges. This panorama of the North is the best opportunity to hear this wonderfull instrument in all its glory.Devoted entirly to the capturing rythms of the steelpan.

Friday August 3, 2007
Caribana Ball
Fairmont Royal York (8pm-1am)
An evening of style, glamour and pomp, celebrating Caribana 40th anniversity.

Saturday August 4, 2007
Parade
Exhibition Place & Lakeshore Blvd (10am-6pm)
This showcase events features an incredible display of colours and pageantry along a 3.6 kilometre parade route on Lakeshore Blvd.

Saturday August 4, 2007
Machel Montano HD in Concert
Lamport Stadium (7pm-modnight)
Join Machel Montano and a host of
other artists for a CARIBANA™ after parade bash at lamport Stadium.

Sunday August 5, 2007
Imagine Music Festival
Molson Amphitheatre (6pm-11pm)
Sean Paul celebrates 40 years of CARIBANA™ in Toronto! Join Sean Paul, Destra Garcia, Ne-Yo and others at the Molson Amphitheatre, as they put on a CARIBANA™ celebration that is Bigger and Better than ever!.

Thursday August 9 - Sunday 12, 2007
And the "Beat" continues - JAZZ
Distillery District
Jazz extension to the traditional carnival type events. The event will be held the week after Caribana in conjunction with the Nu Jazz Society and featuring the vibes of Contemporary, Latin, Brazilian, Indo, African, Blues, Beebop and Hip Hop Jazz.

Big Talent Turn Out For Digicel Rising Stars ‘07

The producers of Digicel Rising Stars should be extremely pleased that the success of last years Digicel Rising Stars has had a positive impact on the would be stars that turned out for the first audition of the new season, in Ocho Rios last Saturday.

From as early as 6:00 am the aspiring stars turned up at the Island Village Shopping Centre, in search of that big break. Some of the usual suspects were missing from the first audition though by midday it became obvious that Jamaica was taking notes during last years show as the acts obviously prepared to walk the road to stardom.

For many persons like Duane Bascente, a resident of Portmore, the show symbolizes his quest to stardom. “I have been rehearsing everyday for the past year trying to perfect my craft, with the hope that I can make the top ten at one of the auditions,” he said. “I have prepared myself to go to all the auditions just in case I don’t make it at one venue. Nothing will stop me from realizing my dream.”

“Ocho Rios is usually one of our largest auditions because in the past three years we held the auditions in the third or fourth week and by then the momentum of the show would have picked up, so it was overwhelming to know we were able audition over 400 persons at this, our first audition.” Paula Pinnock-MacLeod, Digicel’s Marketing Projects Manager and the show’s Executive Producer.

The contestants in Ocho Rios impressed Nicole Desvignes, Series Producer for Trinidad and Tobago’s Digicel Rising Stars who along with her show’s director were at the auditions as guest of their Jamaican counterparts. “It was nothing short of phenomenonal to see the varying talent that Jamaicans possess. The contestants sang everything from Country & Western to R& B and did it with such ease,” she said. “We came to Jamaica to observe the audition with the view of incorporating some of Jamaica’s ideas in our show. The level of organization that goes into the production is remarkable, plus it helps when you have great talent as we saw in Ocho Rios.”

As Jamaica’s leading television programme Digicel Rising Stars has set the bar high for local television production. From memorable performances to excellent scripting and editing, the talent show has put Jamaican talent in the limelight both behind the scenes and in front of the camera. “We have invested a lot in the production of the show. It’s humbling to know it’s appreciated by our viewers,” said Claire Clarke-Grant, Marketing and Sales Manager, TVJ.
With Ocho Rios down auditions continue this Saturday, April 28 at Fayors Entertainment Centre, Mandeville; Saturday, May 5 at Neville Antonio Park, Port Antonio; Saturday, May 12 at Pier One, Montego Bay and Saturday, May 19 at The National Stadium, Kingston. The first show will be aired on Sunday, May 27 at 8 p.m. on Television Jamaica.

The winner of this year’s Digicel Rising Stars will receive a cash prize of $1 million, two singles produced and distributed by Green sleeves, a music video and $100,000 call credit courtesy of Digicel. The second place winner will receive $600,000, a single produced and distributed by Greensleeves, and $75,000 call credit courtesy of Digicel. Third place will receive cash of $400,000, a single produced and distributed by Greensleeves and $50,000 call credit courtesy of Digicel.

http://www.digiceljamaica.com/risingstars

Synergy TV now stronger than ever

by Karen L. Richardson

TORONTO-LIME.com exclusive interview with Synergy CEO, Peter C. Lewis

It is a small screen callaloo that leaves the sweet taste of Caribbean diversity sizzling on your tongue. Synergy TV is three years old, and it is stronger now than ever.

Trinidad’s only TV station committed to locally developed music programming first flooded the airwaves like a much needed downpour in March 2004. Since then, it has grown from a repetitive reel of primarily foreign-produced music videos, to a veritable benchmark for quality home-grown entertainment.

The thriving cable channel is the brainchild of former Xtatik frontline vocalist Peter C. Lewis. In decades past, Lewis was a member of the San Fernando vocal group Bread Boys, before recording his first hit Susanna with Atlantik. For Lewis, Synergy TV is a long-time dream finally become real. The visionary CEO says he has always believed that in regards to audio and video, one ought to accompany the other.

The word synergy means cooperative action. Drawing on insider experience as an artiste, combined with eight years as the owner of the film and television production house, Bread Boy Entertainment, Lewis’s career demonstrates some synergy of its own.

With songs like Tay Lay Lay, Gone Clear and Big Truck fading with the drunken memories of carnivals gone by, many have speculated that Lewis has kissed his singing days good-bye. “No, not really. [I could] never personally do that,” said Lewis “Every now and then I still run and jump up and do that kind of thing. You never really lose that. When de time is right I’ll do de live thing again.” In the meantime, he describes his relationship with his former band mates as ‘cool’, sharing that he recently returned with them from a trip to Jamaica carnival.

Synergy has become top priority. Lewis takes an active role in the operations at the studios on Tragarete Road in Port of Spain. Whether conceptualizing original show ideas or hosting Pete’s Picks on-location at home or abroad, Lewis is a necessary ingredient in the stew.

“To be honest I been missing the travelling with the band, but I travelling right now with Synergy. We’re trying to go a lot of places and do a lot of things,” said Lewis regarding current cost analyses underway to make the station available in North America via satellite. At present, only select Synergy programs are available in the United States on the Caribbean International Network in New York City.

One such program is season two of the wildly popular Synergy Soca Star. Similar to its US counterpart American Idol, Soca Star leaves the fate of talented hopefuls up to both the opinions of the viewing public and the judgment of industry professionals. The choice to limit the competition to soca music came easily for Lewis. “Trinidad is soca. We have soca artists who go out on the circuit. Is a big ting for us. I mean look at how people making a living out of it, living comfortable now. Soca is our ting. I can’t teach nobody how to be a reggae artist and even though reggae picking up in Trinidad now, it’s not our thing. Soca is we ting, so we have to deal with it from that perspective,” said Lewis.

Umi Marcano reigned supreme in season two, but Lewis says the real measure of the program’s success thus far is derived from season one. “We actually did make Fireball a star. He came to Toronto recently. That is the whole trick of it,” said Lewis. “You have to get these kids into the mainstream and ting. They have to be able to want it as well,” said Lewis. In June, the station hopes to create the same kind of buzz over the next Synergy Super Model.

Beyond developing new talent and beauty, it is clear that Lewis is committed to helping Caribbean culture as a whole penetrate the mainstream. Lewis, however, is not the only one vying for eyes in this pursuit. In 2006, multinational conglomerate Viacom introduced MTV Tempo to the list of cable options for Caribbean viewers. In the shadows of a broadcasting giant, Lewis’s wry optimism glows brightly.

“Someone could come with a next channel in the morning and people would watch that too. You hadda understand that you’re on cable and people will always want to watch something,” said Lewis “and competition is good, because it gets you into thinking and doing the things you have to do to always be on top. If it affected anything, it’s just in terms of making us be better at what we do.”

For more information on Synergy TV visit www.synergytv.net

http://www.toronto-lime.com/news/news_2007_synergy_tv.htm

2007 TURKS & CAICOS MUSIC AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES SUPERSTAR LINE UP

(GRAND TURK, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS—April 18th, 2007)... The countdown has begun for the 4th Annual Turks & Caicos Music and Cultural Festival set to take place July 30th through August 6th. The excitement is beginning to build as this year’s Festival brings some of the world’s biggest international superstars to perform in the Turks & Caicos Islands.

Mr. Don Gardiner, Chairman of the Tourist Board is sure that this year’s line-up will be the best ever. "We have worked hard to attract international superstars from a wide genre of music to come and perform at this year’s Festival. When you mix in the great cultural slate of events, including The Annual Miss Turks & Caicos beauty pageant, it becomes the must do event of the year in Turks and Caicos Islands and perhaps more importantly, becomes the anchor event in promoting Turks & Caicos as the premiere destination for international travellers".

The Annual Music and Cultural Festival fuses local music and culture with tinges of international flavour making this weeklong festival, the leading event for the Turks and Caicos. The 2007 Festival encompasses international superstars, great artists from Turks & Caicos, and musical legends from across the Caribbean.

Here is the star studded international musical line-up for this year’s Festival.
John Legend
Michael Bolton
India.Arie
Kenny Rogers
Freddie Jackson
Air Supply
The "Art of Soca" featuring David Rudder, Shadow and Kevin Lyttle

The special Caribbean music tribute entitled "The Art of Soca" will feature performances by Soca legends, performing hit after hit, in a gala event that will certainly stir up the passions of all in attendance. Additional international stars including surprise acts as well as the top Turks and Caicos performers are still to be added to the star-studded line-up.

Ralph Higgs, the Deputy Director of Tourism for the Turks & Caicos Islands is pleased with the diverse range of musical superstars set to perform at this year’s festival. "When you realize that you have Grammy award winners, international superstars that have sold hundreds of millions of records worldwide, current performers on top of the charts today, you understand that the Festival has something for all tastes. By diversifying the line-up we expect more people than ever to attend the Festival, attract more of our permanent residents, bring more visitors from overseas to travel and discover the Turks & Caicos, and include our beautiful country on their future vacation plans as well."

This year’s festival is being produced by TurnKey Productions, producers of several regional festivals including the annual Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, which celebrated its 10th year in January. Walter Elmore, the President of TurnKey productions is especially excited to be working on the Turks & Caicos Festival. "Turks & Caicos is a beautiful country with probably the most outstanding beaches and water I have ever seen. The ability to bring some wonderful performers to enjoy the destination put on a great show that everyone enjoys and takes pride and ownership in, is why we are working with the Tourist Board and helping stage this year’s event. I have no doubt that this year’s festival will generate tremendous excitement, not only here in Turks & Caicos, but overseas, and help bring additional visitors to this great destination".

The Annual Music and Cultural Festival put on by The Turks and Caicos Tourist Board was first introduced in October of 2003 at the Turtle Cove Marina in Providenciales and now boasts a following of over 8,000 people. The previous festivals have seen international acts such as, Shaggy, Steel Pulse, Ludacris, Maxi Priest, Chaka Khan, Boyz II Men, Ashanti, Fantasia to name a few. This year the event returns to the breathtaking backdrop of the Turtle Cove Marina, in Providenciales.

The 2007 Music and Cultural Festival will be widely advertised throughout the United States in the print media and on radio and television stations whose audience share the same demographics as those targeted by the destination.
Additionally, a full one-hour television show with highlights and footage of all concerts will be aired next year prior to the 2008 festival as well as the production of a CD-Rom to be used as part of the Tourist Board’s promotional collateral.

For more information on the Turks and Caicos Music and Cultural Festival, contact the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board at (649) 946-4970 or check out our website at www.turksandcaicostourism.com.

For more info visit: www.musicfestival.tc

Stone Tower Establishes Tobago Reggae Sound

Music Studio Emerging As Independent Label With Unique Riddims

April 19, 2007 – Lambeau, Tobago… pioneering music studio Stone Tower has established a brand of distinctly Tobagonian reggae with a number of unique riddims that have succeeded in gaining time on radio airwaves.

Most noteworthy is the newest riddim, 4Ling Rain, released in March. Tracks featuring the riddim are Confusion, by Carter Lion, Right Next to Me, by Shotta D and Ghetto Rights, by Zebulun. Michael Skeete, president and producer at Stone Tower, describes the riddim as the product of evolution. “It originally started as a slow jam, but when we added certain instruments, it moved from there to hip hop, and finally the reggae riddim.” A fitting result, as Skeete and his wife Liselle envision their growing studio as the hub of development for a truly Tobagonian reggae sound. “We’re looking for a music that can teach and be a positive influence, music that can soothe the mind and keep people at a cool level, especially given the crime in the country presently,” Skeete said.

The production of these sounds with Tobagonian talent has Stone Tower emerging as its own independent label. As Trinidad made strong headway onto the Caribbean reggae scene with artists including Marlon Asher, Jah Melody and Queen Omega, the studio’s production team was inspired. Stone Tower created a parang riddim, Banjo, which was frequently played in songs on radio, specifically 105 FM and I95.5FM, and gained even more popularity when it aired on Radio Tambrin 92.7FM. Riding the Banjo riddim was soca parang king Scrunter and the esteemed Ken 'Professor' Philmore, along with Tobago artists, Fashion Police, Red Eye Rebels, B Vibes and Mad Cap.

Stone Tower will be releasing tracks with the studio’s new dancehall fusion riddim called Dance & Rock in June and a reggae riddim called Da Vibe which features the studio’s founding artists Shotta D and Carter Lion, who both share positive messages of love and unity in their music.

http://www.toronto-lime.com/news/news_2007_stone_tower.htm

Big Names at Tobago Jazz Fest '07

The 3rd annual Plymouth Jazz Festival in Tobago will include international stars Elton John, Earth, Wind and Fire, Gladys Knight, LL Cool J, Al Green, Beres Hammond, Diana Ross, Mary J Blige, LL Cool J and Sean Paul. In addition, Trinidad-born singer Heather Headley is set to perform in her home country for the first time since becoming a TonyAward winner and Grammy nominee.

In its inaugural year (2005), the Tobago Jazz showcased Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, India.Arie, Babyface, Angie Stone, Najee and the O’Jays. In 2006, it featured Sting, Patti Labelle, Stevie Wonder, Vanessa Williams, and Johnny Gill. Local talents slated for the weekend also include Machel Montano HD, Destra Garcia, alongside several Tobago pannists.

The 2007 festival will take place at Fort James (Plymouth Recreational Field), overlooking Courland Bay, from April 27th to 29th. The weekend of activities will also offer Tobago delicacies, local crafts, traditional goat and crab races in Buccoo Village and several after-parties and all-inclusive fetes.

http://www.toronto-lime.com/news/news_2007_tobago_jazz_fest.htm

Jah Cure releases his new album 'True Reflection', before his prison release

Anticipating his release from Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre in Jamaica (July 2007), Jah Cure is set to release his new album 'True Reflection' in May with VP Records. The upcoming album will have a mix of his popular hits as well as new exclusive tracks.

After a 9-year prison term, Jah Cure is already slated for his first performance on August 26th at James Bond Beach in Jamaica, alongside Gyptian, I-Wayne, Richie Spice and others. Born in Montego Bay and raised in Kingston, Jah Cure became involved with reggae music as a teenager and rapidly rose to fame in the late '90s only to have his climb to the top halted by a jail sentence.

After a string of hits in 1997 (including a collaboration with Sizzla called 'King in the Jungle"', Cure's career came a halt in November of 1998 when he was arrested and sentenced to 15 years in prison.

While serving his sentence, was transferred from the St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre to the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre, which had a digital recording studio the inmates could use. It was there Cure recorded several new tracks, which would appear on his album 'Freedom Blues', released by VP records in 2005.

http://www.toronto-lime.com/news/news_2007_jah_cure_album_release.htm

The Legacy Continues: One on One with Kernal Roberts

By Karen L. Richardson

Woven deep into the cultural fabric of Trinidad and Tobago is the music of Aldwyn “Lord Kitchener” Roberts. A decade after the death of the foremost steelpan composer and roadmarch king of the seventies and eighties, his commitment to excellence in music survives in the life of his son, Kernal.

“It is only obvious that my life would end up in this direction,” said Roberts from Kitch’s home in Diego Martin, Trinidad. “All the time I was in school, I used to get in trouble always pounding the bench. Playing music in my father’s band, all de time I wanted to make my own music.”

Kernal Roberts does not make music. He makes hits. He is responsible for writing and composing Bonnie and Clyde, Fly and Max It Up for soca diva Destra Garcia. As the Musical Director for Machel Montano HD, Roberts now writes exclusively for Machel Montano and Patrice Roberts

“Any song that come outta my camp is gonna be a hit song and Machel, everyone, Patrice, we all dedicated to that rule right now,” said Roberts. “I’m not spreading myself out anymore. Those days are done.” According to Roberts, not even family can break his focus. His sister, who serves in the army, is a vocalist who sings with Glenn Washington. Kernal says he will not be writing songs for his sibling unless she is able to commit wholeheartedly to taking his creations to the top of the charts.

“I is like one of them horses and dem. Eye patch on de left and on de right. I can only see straight,” said Roberts of his passion to succeed.

“The creativity part of it is always up, to start. With me, 100%, 24/7 music always play in my head like a radio,” said Roberts. “I’ll be composing silently sometimes, driving, and be humming to myself and I know the finished product just by listening to my brain. I go into deep meditation. I look for the theme, the concept, then you look for beautiful lyrics to embrace all of this.”

After 'Band of D Year' secured a roadmarch title for Patrice Roberts and Machel Montano in 2006, song-writer Kernal Roberts made plans to do it again.

In 2007, all eyes turned to the Machel Montano HD camp with the release of a down-tempo groovy song written by Machel Montano himself.

“It’s like every car you pass you hear [One More Time], every radio station, every corner, every bar, every club. It just took over the whole of Trinidad and Tobago,” said Roberts in praise of his close friend and colleague.

After the pace had been set, Roberts fueled his band with instant favourites like Higher Than High, Light It Up, and Down D Road. His method proved to be the right formula for carnival madness when the spirit of Jumbie possessed an entire nation.

“It’s carnival week and we’re on our way to winning our second roadmarch and it’s like there’s nobody behind us. Like we running by ourselves in de race,” said Roberts. Little did he know Jumbie would become the unofficial soundtrack to Carnival Tuesday, leaving all competition in the dust with 388 plays. Kernal’s second roadmarch victory in as many years was ushered in by an historically unparalleled margin. Shurwayne Winchester’s Open the Gate simple could not keep pace by comparison. The official first-runner up was heard a measly 34 times on the road. For the son of a ten-time roadmarch legend, making history was never an option.

“I knew I wasn’t going to pop down my life or turn to drugs or go on the streets to be misguided by friends or led astray and go to no pipe dreams,” said Roberts. “I didn’t put my head up in the clouds, hoping and praying to write a hit song or to join somebody band. I went on a straight, focused path, knowing that I had a legacy to upkeep for my father, and a legacy of my own to build.”

http://www.toronto-lime.com/news/news_2007_kernal_roberts_one_on_one.htm



2006 International Soca Award Winner ~ 'Favorite Soca Info Website'

Your Caribbean Girl: One on One with Nadia Batson

Written by Karen L. Richardson

She knows the soca industry inside and out. From the studio to the stage, she’s been there, she’s done that – and she does it all well. For the last 15 years, Trinidad’s music insiders have known a secret the public is only now beginning to discover. A highly sought after background vocalist named Nadia Batson, may soon take centre stage as the nation’s next soca queen.

Her time is now. In 2007, Batson is continuing to make her mark on Trinidad carnival as a performer. February began with an enviable first place finish in the bMobile International Power Soca Monarch Semi-Finals competition for “My Land” featuring Kees Diefenthaller. In the same night she placed second in the Groovy Soca category for her unifying melody “Caribbean Girl.” Nadia first heard the news from a journalist calling for a comment while she was driving home. “Well, let me tell yuh, I coulda run off de road, eh. It was really amazing!” said Batson.

Last season was Batson’s first appearance in the soca monarch finals. Her zouk-infused anthem, “One Island” earned her an impressive fourth place finish. “It was already so chaotic last year with me being in just one category, I can just imagine being in the two! So right now, I’m working my butt off trying to make sure conceptually that we have a really strong show.”

Batson is a dynamic performer in her own right, fusing talent and charisma to command the crowd rather than scandalous clothing and overt sexuality. However, until recently Nadia’s best known contributions to Caribbean music were for work down behind the scenes.

Batson was named “2006 Songwriter of the Year” by the Copyright Organization of Trinidad and Tobago. She has written songs for fellow Trini artists including two-time Jr. Soca Monarch Young Marcel, Rita Jones, Terry Seales, Michelle Sylvester and Trini Jacobs. That’s just where the list begins. Outside of Trinidad, Nadia the songwriter achieved unprecedented success in 2006. Batson’s composition, “Flames” won top honours for Barry Chandler of the band Jabae, clinching both the Party Monarch and Road March titles. “Expose” earned first runner-up for Tizzy of El A Kru in Party Monarch and placed third for Road March in Antigua.

“I’m sort of like in drop jaw mode where the writing is concerned because for me it was a hobby for many years. I really didn’t take my writing seriously. It wasn’t something that I had planned to make a lucrative career out of,” says Batson. “Singing is my first love. It has always been. It will always be first.” Naturally, the artiste is thrilled to be receiving recognition for that now.

In the past, Batson has lent her voice to provide background vocals for artistes such as Machel Montano, KMC and Bunji Garlin. In view of her current level of success it is a wonder she did not assume the limelight sooner.

“I’ve been recording songs. They weren’t getting much airplay. I guess when it’s your time, it’s your time.” said Batson, “I honestly don’t think that either physically or mentally I was really prepared for the spotlight or for such hard work because at that time for me everything just seemed to be really glamorous.”

Much has changed since then. Batson has become her own competition. The female lead singer of Kes the Band and member of the Big Artiste Crew wrote four songs still vying for a soca monarch title. Besides the tunes Nadia will perform at the finals, she also penned “Dutty” for Blaxx and “Flames” for Barry Chandler.

“It’s not so much about the competition, it’s about putting on a fabulous show, trying to wow de people,” said Batson. “I am out to kick ass!”

For more information on Nadia Batson, visit www.myspace.com/nadiabatson

http://www.toronto-lime.com/news/news_2007_nadia_one_on_one.htm