Chino From Mawning Digital EP is Now Available

(VP RECORDS, NEW YORK) - Dancehall newcomer Daniel "Chino" McGregor debuts his music to the masses with his Digital EP From Mawning, released by VP Records on January 18, 2011. The four-track digital EP contains hits that have made Chino a household name in Jamaica for years and is a prelude to his upcoming debut album, also from VP Records.

With singles such as title track "From Mawning" ("Never Change") to "Protected," a collaboration with his brother, acclaimed producer Stephen "Di Genius" McGregor, Chino's melodic style of deejaying and versatility makes for guaranteed hits. Stephen McGregor also steers the helm of this digital EP as producer of all its tracks.

Along with the release of the digital EP, Chino is gearing up for a U.S. promo run to power his upcoming album, which kicks off with an anticipated performance for Power 105.1 WWPR on February 20 at B. B. King's in New York City. It will be a family affair as Stephen McGregor is also slated for the show.

From Mawning is now available from digital retailers including iTunes and directly from VP Records at www.PlanetReggae.com.

TRACK LISTING

1. From Mawning (Never Change)
2. Protected
3. Ruff It Up
4. Pon Your Head

The Heptones Baptize Toronto with Trip Down Memory Lane!

An event over 35 years in the making was realized in Toronto, Canada where The Heptones united for an evening called ‘The Heptones Reunion.’

Presented by Kingston Class Reunion Corp, and sub-titled ‘Rockaz Pt. 2,’ The Heptones performed history for their eager Toronto fans who filled the Jamaican Canadian Association to capacity, and dressed as if they were in the company of their King.

Opening for the Heptones was Mel Dube, Tony Anthony and Nadeera. Canada’s Reggae songstress Ammoye also opened, performing with her trademark sugary voice which immediately connected. Fans sang the punch line to her song, and called her back for an encore!

Uncle Jonny, backed by the EOP Band, thrilled fans who were treated to several songs from his catalogue, including new music from his soon to be released album ‘Roots Reggae’ which is due in stores in April, 2011.

The climax for the evening without doubt was The Heptones performance. The King, Mr. Leroy Sibbles, was announced to the stage by the shows’ hosts, Delroy Sterling and Natasha Von Castle who was met with thunderous applause, hanker-chiefs waving, and women eager for a touch of the Kings hand.

“There is no doubt about the energy from tonight’s show” said Delroy Sterling. “Toronto hasn’t seen something like this in a long time.” Opening with the signature song “Party Time,” the mood was set; couples embraced, and fans danced.

“The Heptones baptized Toronto with their trip down memory lane” said Natasha Von Castle. “Fans were so in tune with Leroy’s every move on stage, that his sweat fell on them, and they didn’t mind. This was a truly incredible and historical event!”

“This was one of the most special nights to me. Barry and I haven’t performed like this in years; the fans really got a rare treat,” said Leroy after the show. Fans rushed and protested until security let them past to take pictures with the star.

The events promoter, DJ Wiz was happy with the turn out of the night which included a capacity audience, and a bar that had to be re-stocked to keep up with demand. When asked who’s next to take the Kingston Class Reunion stage, he smiled and said “we’ll see!”

I-Octane To Promote “My Life” Tour In New York

The entertainment community in New York is bracing for the arrival of reggae firebrand I- Octane whose sizzling performances have ignited the audiences in Jamaica and sparked a demand for his soothing brand of dancehall reggae on the international scene.

I Octane will be heading to New York later this month for a whirlwind press junket which will begin with a press conference and "meet and greet" at the popular Caribbean eatery, Negril Village restaurant.

The press conference, which is exclusive to members of the media fraternity, will be moderated by Pat McKay of Sirius Satellite Radio, and begins at 6:30 pm. Then at 8 p.m, there will be a “meet and greet” where the artiste will be able to take pictures with his fans and sign autographs. The singer will round out the night with a performance at "Wah A Gwaan" Wednesdays in Brooklyn, New York at Club Temptations.

I-Octane had a marvelous year in 2010 where he scored three number one hits with the breakout hits, Lose A Friend, My Life and Puff It. Last year, he copped several major awards including Stone Love culture artist of the year, Jamaica Observer male singer of the year, Jamaica Star People's Choice Award male singjay of the year and Hitz 92FM Male Reggae Artist of the year. He also earned a contract with Digicel that affords him the distinction of being the company's “Brand Ambassador”.

Widely regarded by music critics as the new face of 21st century reggae, Octane is poised to take his music to the next stratosphere as the demand for his music grows internationally. He will make the first step towards meeting this demand when he embarks on a two-month tour, dubbed the “My Life” tour, later this Month and which will include shows in the United States, Europe and Canada.

During this promotional run in New York to promote the tour, I-Octane will conduct radio, print and television interviews, make appearances and do a few performances in the Tri-state area. Octane is slated to appear on radio stations such as Sirius Satellite Radio, WBLS 107.5FM, Irie Jam Radio 93.5FM, Linkup Radio 93.5FM, Hot 97 (NYC), 105.1FM, Hot 97 (Boston) and others. Additionally, the singer will host Upscale Crowd's weekly party at Rebel Nightclub in Manhattan on Saturday, January 29, 2011.