Luciano Makes Special Appearance At Western Consciousness

Luciano, popularly known as 'The Messenger' didn't waste any time giving impassioned performances of his popular Sweep Over My Soul, Come Away, Peter Tosh's Legalise It, and Tired Fi Lick Weed Ina Bush - a Jacob Miller original.

The Guinness-sponsored event which was staged at Paradise Park, Petersfield, Westmoreland also featured explosive performances by Bounty Killer, Tanya Stephens, Beenie Man, Freddie McGregor and Little Hero.

'The Messenger' whose set had been heralded by one of the MCs, Cordel Greene, Executive Director of the Broadcasting Commission, was undoubtedly one of the night's favourites. Gary Dixon, Brand Manager of Guinness said, "Having Luciano on the show was definitely a great addition and the patrons were not only surprised but seemed to love the musical message he brought to the table. It was definitely a great touch to the night's proceedings."

Luciano who has been traveling across the world spreading his musical message, earlier this year, partook in an African ceremony in Gambia. This special Jola initiation ceremony was a biennial event designed among other things to encourage people of African descent in the Diaspora to discover, reconnect and embrace their ancestral identity, whilst showcasing Africa's rich cultural heritage.

What is referred to as the "Futampaf" ritual, provided a good opportunity for the home-comers to taste and experience the uniqueness of this ritual. Luciano and other initiates were formally adopted into the Jola family with new African names.

Chino Releases Tracks From Upcoming US Album

In three weeks, reggae/dancehall artiste, Chino, will release his much-talked-about self-entitled US album, Chino.

In preparation, the artiste has released the first two singles from the upcoming May 24 album and so far, the catchy songs, I Am and Seal The Link (Leaving) have been receiving impressive reviews from fans. I Am, an upbeat club single and Seal The Link (Leaving) a slow, provocative reggae track were both produced by Stephen 'Di Genius' McGregor and Chino says both tracks are indicative of the commanding productions on the album.

"The album will have a lot of great tracks. It won't be just one genre and that's in an effort to cater to not only the US market, but also the European and Caribbean territories. There will be reggae, dancehall, jazz, hip hop and a lot more influences. Every market has their favourite kind of music so we kept that in mind when we were putting the concept of the album together," says Chino.

In reference to I Am and Seal The Link (Leaving) he says, "We chose those tracks as the first two to be released from the album because they are total opposites as far as genres are concerned. I wanted people to know from get-go that we really thought outside of the box for this project."

Chino is no stranger to well-produced albums. Last summer he released his sophomore Japan album, Never Change, and it dominated the Japan Reggae iTunes chart, where it shot to the second position a few hours after its release. Later on the hit single, From Mawning, also released on the album, ended the year as the number one downloaded and bought ringtone in the country.

Chino, also known for Protected, Ruff It Up, Before Dem Gone and others also has high hopes for the 15-track US album, Chino. "We put a lot of work into the album and we've also come up with an intense marketing campaign, so we are expecting great things."

The album will be available online and in stores on May 24.

Cherine Drops Seven New Singles‏

Cherine, the multi-talented Dancehall-Soul 'rebel' is making strides as one of the most refreshing young acts on the dancehall/reggae scene. She is expanding her horizons by releasing not one but seven new singles ahead of the summer's exciting party period.

Showing that she is more than versatile, Cherine varies her musical styles with these new singles. The independent women anthem "Make up Sex" is the first single to hit the streets and is already receiving strong support from fans across the globe.

Cherine turns up the heat in the must see video "Make up Sex", which reveals a side of the songbird that most fans have never seen.

Cherine continues to rock the airwaves with the radio friendly hit "Rebel", a collaboration she co-wrote and performs with dj Danielle (DI). The Sly & Robbie produced hit "Rebel" is currently climbing several charts such as the Jamaica Music Countdown, and is currently # 5 on TVJ's Entertainment Report Video Chart, #3 on Hype TV's VTX Chart and recently entered FIWI Choice, CVM TV Hitlist as well as Carib Vibez TV Top Ten Video Charts.

"Fade 2 Black" and "We Don't Stop" produced by U.I.M and Dancehall Soul Productions respectively, addresses issues being faced by many Jamaicans and have been added to radio play lists in countries such as Venezuela and Kenya.

Tribute to Japan

Wasting no time, Cherine gets ready to drop the awe-inspiring and heart touching single "More Left In You", a tribute to the many lives lost in Japan's catastrophic Tsunami. The song has been getting positive feedback and support from industry veterans such as Sly & Robbie, and is produced by Dancehall Soul Productions.

Fans can also look out for other hot new tunes on Dancehall Soul Productions such as "All I Want Is You" and " Star A Mi Show (My Man Dat)", which should find favor especially with her many independent and 'honor-rebel' female supporters.

After captivating both TV and in studio audiences with a remarkable one hour performance with her band on TVJ's Layers of Soul recently, Cherine is gearing up for heavy promotion of her new singles. There is also a remix for "Make Up Sex" with one of MTV's buzz worthy hip hop stars in the pipeline. Listen to these songs and watch the videos at www.cherineanderson.com.

Third World Spirit Lives Concert Series

How does Third World say "thank you" to their Jamaican Family for 38 years of support? Simple! The group, in association with Brownstone Marketing and VicRae Inc., will host a free three-day concert series in Jamaica Labor Day Weekend, May 21, 2011 - May 24, 2011.

Dubbed the Spirit Lives Concert Series, named from the single "The Spirit Lives" on their new album Patriots, the Reggae Ambassadors will perform their number one singles in addition to songs from their new album. The performances will be held in Portland, Montego Bay and Port Antonio.

Cat Coore remarks, "Third World is in its 38th year as a band. We could not have lasted this long without the support of our fans, particularly the support of our Jamaican family. For us it is only fitting that we give back in some capacity and this is one of the many ways we can do so. We have been blessed and we just want to be a blessing to those who have never seen Third World because of cost associated with tickets etc. So we are looking forward to just jamming in the shade and vibing with the people."

The concert series will commence on Friday, May 20, 2011, with an exclusive live performance at the Jamaica Pegasus Gardens in Kingston. The all-inclusive formal event will feature performances by Third World, Tessanne Chin and Nomadz. With ticket prices at $6000 per person, the goal of the event is to aid in raising funds to benefit the Jamaica Children's Heart Fund ("JCHF"). Third World has been involved with the JCHF for over four years. The organization provides cost free open-heart surgery to children in Jamaica, whose families cannot afford surgery.

The organization is comprised of a pediatric cardiac surgical team, and an intensive care team from the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital (JDCH), Hollywood, Florida, headed by Dr. Richard Perryman, Chairman-JCHF/Director Cardiothoracic Surgery JDCH, along with Dr. Gerald Lavandosky, Vice Chairman-JCHF/Pediatric Intensivist JDCH. Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital is a world-class hospital noted for medical professionals who are uniquely qualified to handle the most complex and critical pediatric open-heart cases.

Recently, the JCHF merged with Chain of Hope Jamaica ("COH JA"). The merger with COH JA aims to create a sustainable paediatric cardiac programme at Bustamante Hospital for Children through the creation of a new cardiac facility including a new operating theatre and catheterization laboratory and a 10 bedded Intensive Care Unit to double the number of existing beds at the hospital. The project also includes the specialized training of key cardiac personnel.

Additionally, the merger will facilitate improved utilization of donor contributions to achieve the desired outcome of a paediatric cardiac center of excellence to serve the children of Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean who are suffering with heart disease. Other partners who are helping to make this project a reality include Chain of Hope UK, Caribbean Heart Menders Association, Congenital Heart Institute of Florida, Gift of Life International and the Rotary Network.

"Over 400 children are born every year in Jamaica with heart disease. Over half of these children will need medical or surgical intervention or will face a premature death. Chain of Hope Jamaica is truly honoured to have the legendary Third World as ambassadors for these children and as contributors towards our current project aimed at developing a sustainable paediatric cardiac programme at Bustamante Hospital for Children. We are extremely grateful to Third World for choosing to be a link in the chain saving the lives of our children" - Dr. Charmaine Scott, Peadiatric Cardiologist and Chairperson of Chain of Hope Jamaica.

With the assistance of sponsors such as LIME, Courts Jamaica Limited, Truetone Production and Superior Auto, Third World will take their show on the road with the first stop on Saturday, May 21, 2011 in Folly, Portland. Then on Sunday, May 22, 2011, the group will perform at Dump Up Beach in Montego Bay. Third World will close out the concert series in Portmore at Portmore Mall Roundabout on Monday, May 23, 2011. All concerts will begin at 7pm.

CEO of Brownstone Marketing, Joseph Oates remarks, "Brownstone is extremely privileged to be working with an iconic group, Third World Band and is also deeply appreciative to have been given the opportunity to produce an event of such magnitude as the Third World Spirit Lives Concert Series. Jamaicans can expect to experience wholesome entertainment at these events. The type of experience that would be expected of a premium priced music festival."

Richie Loop’s Musical Takeover

Richie Loop of the Big Yard Music Label / Scikron Entertainment continues his musical takeover for 2011 by releasing not one, not two, but three new singles within one month! These three energetic releases are “Love Zone”, “Gyal Yuh Body Clean”, and “What You Thinking”.

“Love Zone” is featured on the “One Away Riddim” and “Gyal Yuh Body Clean” can be found on the “Hot Noodles Riddim”, both produced by Robert Livingston for Big Yard Music Label / Scikron Entertainment. "Love Zone" can also be found on the "Dancehall Rock" album released last month

Expectations are especially high for “What You Thinking”, a scorching hot club banger that features Pretti Kitti and is guaranteed to get revellers moving whenever heard.

In addition to a slew of new recordings, Richie Loop continues to perform for his fans at the highest level, and this can be attested at the Jamaica International Kite Festival in St. Ann which was held last Monday. Before a crowd that numbered in the thousands, Richie Loop gave a resounded performed alongside Fambo and Ajrenalin to the satisfaction of those in attendance.

Persons can continue to expect music and performances of the utmost standard from Richie Loop at the highly anticipated Best of the Best Concert at Bicentennial Park, Miami on May 29, 2011 (Memorial Day Weekend).