Etana Merges with Penthouse

Its official, reggae star Etana is now backed by the renowned Penthouse Records. The August Town Singer has inked a management contract with music master, Donovan Germain.

His name is synonymous with Buju Banton whose career he led to the pinnacle of success. Penthouse will be an addition to Etana’s already robust team of VP Records and Freemind Music. Germain’s experience and brawny production skills will further propel the songbird on the international scene.

Etana sees the union as seamless as she is no stranger to the veteran producer. He is already executive producer on her forthcoming album. The compilation which is not yet titled will be the follow up to her billboard charted album, Free expressions. This third record will show a different side of the performer.

According to Etana, “It won’t be the usual. The next album is a very happy, party in the park feel. It will have you rocking and smiling. It’s compelling, gives you the vibe to jam on the corner, in your home or in your car. It’s a definite collector’s item”, said the Strong One.

Etana is now winding down an exhaustive tour; she has been headlining festivals across Europe, South America and the United States. This autumn she looks forward to spending more time in the studio to complete her upcoming album with the Penthouse team. Donovan Germain is the founder of Penthouse records and has enjoyed success with the careers of reggae music heavy weights: Beres Hammond, Marcia Griffiths, Wayne Wonder, Mad Cobra and Sanchez among others.

GUINNESS TAKES 12 SOUNDS ON A JOURNEY OF GREATNESS

Sound system greatness returns to national TV with the Guinness Sounds of Greatness reality show on TVJ, starting September 3 at 9:30 pm. The sound clash competition will chronicle the journey of 12 sounds as they vie for the enviable title of Guinness Sounds of Greatness Champion as well as $1 million and top prizes from internationally renowned DJ equipment producers Serato.

The new format of the TV show will not only capture the explosive series of clashes between some of Jamaica’s most popular and renowned sound systems, but the build up and prepping that goes into getting ready for a sound clash. Guinness Sounds of Greatness, which began in 2008 as an island wide road show promoting the art of sound clash, now celebrates its third season. The made-for-TV series, directed by Jay Will, promises to bring all the excitement, controversy and showmanship that dancehall culture is known for to a national TV audience.

Some of Jamaica’s top sounds who have signed up for this battle of the sounds, and the list is impressive, are Black Blunt, Coppershot, Bredda Hype, Area Code 876, Crazy Chris, Rich Squad, Boom Boom and Maestro in the Hot Shot category. Body Guard, Ricky Trooper, Black Kat and Silverhawk have lined up to defend the veterans’ honour. In the end, one Hot Shot sound will get a chance to go up against a Veteran sound and either be overcome by experience or persevere against the odds.

Each Saturday night for 11 weeks, two sound systems will have to bring their best or go home in what is expected to be an intense fight of wit, song selection, dub plates and specials. The clashes will be divided into four rounds with eight Hot Shots sounds squaring off against each other in the first round.

Brand Manager for Guinness, Gary Dixon, says the competition is a good fit for Guinness: “Guinness has always been committed to Jamaican culture and dancehall so it’s only natural that we would pioneer a show like this and bring it to a national audience. The strength of character, innovation and talent exhibited in this art form exemplifies what Guinness represents and it is important that it is preserved and promoted in a positive way.”

Reigning champion Bass Odyssey will not defend its title as the show clashes with its overseas tour. That means it’s an open field and recording studios all over Jamaica have been busy helping competing selectors secure ammunition for what is expected to be an all out musical war on TVJ.

Tune in to TVJ every Saturday night at 9:30 p.m. beginning on September 3 to find out which sound has what it takes to be a Guinness Sound of Greatness and walk away with more than $1 million in cash and prizes at the grand final on Saturday November 12.

Third World Honored at the Montreal International Reggae Festival

It is said that, "Dedication is not what others expect of you, it is what you can give to others." And it is in that "giving spirit" that Third World approaches each and every one of their shows. The group understands that their fans are key components of their success and so no matter the weather or circumstance, they will show up and show out. And this they did this past weekend at the Montreal International Reggae Festival.

In its 8th year, the Montreal International Reggae Festival boasts an impressive line-up of artists that has graced their stage. With the theme "United Against Violence," this year's line-up included Gyptian, Jahvinci, Wayne Wonder, Beres Hammond and Third World Band.

On Sunday, August 21, 2011, the view from the stage was not that of a sea of faces of anticipated fans, but rather the tops of umbrellas and rain coats. "It is always amazing to us what great lengths fans go through to come out and see us perform. And this is not something we take for granted," states Stephen "Cat" Coore. The rainy and windy weather was no match for the Reggae Ambassadors who kept the audience dancing the entire ninety minute set.

The Quays of The Old Port came alive when the band opened with Spirits Lives from their new album Patriots. They followed up with Sense of Purpose, 96 Degrees (Second Generation), Reggae Ambassadors, Now That We've Found Love, Try Jah Love, among others. Fans were delighted when the band paid homage to the late Gregory Isaacs, who is also featured on the group's album. As part of their tribute, the band performed Front Door and Rumors.

And in honoring a musical legend, they were also honored. The International Year for People of African Descent, in remembrance of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and its abolition 23rd August, The Black Coalition of Quebec and the Round Table on Black History Month Presented an award to Third World Band for their outstanding contribution. "We thank the Black Coalition of Quebec and the Round Table on Black History Month for the prestigious award. It is always a great feeling when we are not only recognized for the work that we do but also to know that our music has such a significant impact," remarked Richard Daley.

Prior to their performance in Montreal, Third World also performed in a concert that honored Marcus Garvey at York College Performing Arts Center in Queens, New York on August 17, 2011. Karen Clements of the Jamaica Examiner writes, "On the heels of its Jamaican Independence Celebration, York College hosted reggae band legend Third World. The free concert, sponsored by Councilman James Sanders Jr., filled the rafters with fans both old and new.

And what an event! There is a reason why Ed Robinson, the opening act, is a reggae chart topper. This crowd pleaser and showman wowed with his range and open exchanges with the audience. He took a great show to the next level by switching from vocalist to drummer. But the true Reggae Ambassadors, Third World, tore the house up. Their musicianship of over 30 years in the business has stood the test of time and remains strong. Their classics still feel fresh and new music from their Patriots CD continues their strong tradition. The crowd was on its feet to "Try Ja Love" and "Now That We Found Love". Their powerhouse performance was punctuated by a high impact drum performance and a cellist solo by band member Stephen Coore which was monumental, moving and worthy of its standing ovation."

The band continues their tour with performances in Atlanta, GA on September 4th, Australia on September 10th, Fiji on September 16th and 17th, Dominica on October 29th and Los Angeles on November 16th. For more information, visit www.thirdworldband.com.