Living Legend Jimmy Cliff Counts Down to Annual Montreal International Reggae

Giving us songs that represent the pride of Jamaica and all peoples across the Caribbean and around the world, Jimmy Cliff is a living legend whom the Montreal International Reggae Festival is proud to have on its stage.

Beginning his career at the age of 14, Cliff worked with Leslie Kong who produced the music for Cliff’s first hit single “Hurricane Hattie.” Since then, the internationally loved artist has released songs that have defined our times, our nations and our Caribbean culture. Songs such as “The Harder They Come,” “Many Rivers to Cross” and “Miss Jamaica” are stalwarts in our musical fabric.

For generations, these and the rest of Cliff’s discography have served as motivation to get through some of our tougher times. At this years’ Festival, these songs help us celebrate 50 years of Independence from Great Britain and what a party it’s going to be!

For the 9th Annual Montreal International Reggae Festival, Jimmy Cliff invites you to relive the musical memories that helped define us as a people. Make sure you’re there when he sings “The Harder They Come” and more!

Headline Entertainment To Serve As Booking Agent For Delus

Jamaica's premiere PR Firm, Headline Entertainment, has added reggae artist Delus to their already impressive list of clients. The firm represents Alaine, Assassin, Cham, Chris Martin, Copper Shot, Damian and Stephen Marley, Etana, Morgan Heritage, Mr. Lex, Munga, Sean Paul, Tessanne Chin, TOK, Voicemail and Tami Chynn, among others. Since 1997 Headline Entertainment has specialized in promotions, publicity, event planning, marketing and bookings.

Stacey Bethel, CEO of Triple 7 Entertainment and manager for Delus remarks, "Headline Entertainment's reputation is remarkable. Their client list speaks volumes and that's very important.

I have had the opportunity to see Jerome and his team in action and the work they do is nothing short of amazing. I have no doubt we will work well together in the best interest of Delus. We share several things in common but the most important of all, is that both Headline and myself believe in Delus' talent."

Delus adds, "Headline Entertainment is highly regarded so the fact that they agreed to take me on as a client is a good look for me. I am glad that my management team was able to make that connection on my behalf - the team is really solid and I need that. I look forward to working with Headline and I am confident that the relationship will be mutually beneficial."

2012 has been a busy year for Delus. On Monday, August 6, 2012, Delus performed at the JCDC's Fever Pitch event at National Stadium in celebration of Jamaica's 50th Anniversary. Delus shared the stage with Voicemail, George Nooks, Nadine Southerland, General Degree, Raine Seville, Specialist, among others. He has released a slew of singles to include "Come Ova" with Patra, "Live Mi Life" with Konshens, "Hussla" and "Work Hard" with Darrio, "Set Suh," "My Girl," "No Lippin," and "Blinking Lights." In July both he and Patra shot the video for single "Come Ova" which is slated for release later this month.

Additionally, June 21-23rd, Delus embarked on a three day all island tour alongside Denyque. The two performed aboard the Red Bull truck in Portland, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. To top things off, Delus surprised fans when his brother Konshens brought him onstage to perform hit single "What Tomorrow May Bring" at Reggae Sumfest, Dancehall Night.

On Friday, August 17, 2012, Delus will perform at Denyque Live! at Redbones Blues Café in New Kingston and in a matter of weeks he will release his second mixtape and begin working on his Sophmore EP to be released in late September.

Stein Steams Up the Summer

Jamaican dancehall artist Stein steams up the summer with the launch of his sleek new website, www.steinmusik.com.

The official site is Stein's direct link for media, bookings, radio and DJ drops, and dubplate requests. It also connects his audience directly with all his social sites. But mainly, the website offers up his catalog of music, with all songs titled and in one place, for the first time.

Stein also recently shot the video for his latest single, "Wheel It Off," produced by Chimney Records on their Money Box Riddim. The video is directed by Stein's long-time video collaborator, Andre "Silence" Dixon, and is set against the tantalizing backdrop of Miami Beach, Florida.

"I've been back in Jamaica recording music day and night for my debut album, All Or Nothing, due out early next year," reveals Stein. "I took a brief break to shoot a video because sometimes you need the visuals in addition to radio support. So I'm trying to get my music out there to the fans, in every way I can."

This has proven to be a sizzling summer for Stein. Earlier this summer, he embarked on a U.S. promo tour in the New York, Boston, and Connecticut areas, blazing his brand and building his name with the masses. He also joined hip-hop heads such as Maino on a New York City school tour, to spread the message of peace to high school students. Stein now plans to extend his outreach to students in Jamaica and across the Caribbean.

ABOUT STEIN

Famous for his profound, prolific lyrics and versatile, fluid flows, dancehall artist Stein emanates the sounds of the streets, the people, and the true essence of dancehall music, in Jamaica.

Stein was born Jermaine Melvil Lee-King on April 8, 1983 in St. Thomas, Jamaica. His mixed heritage pays tribute to his Kingston-born father of Chinese and Afro-Caribbean descent, and his Portland-born mother of Afro-Caribbean ancestry. He was first nicknamed Einstein by a female cousin, after she saw his undone hair in a local barbershop and noted the resemblance to Albert Einstein. The nickname caught on within the entire community, and once he transitioned into a dancehall artist, the teenager could not get away from it as local crowds hailed him as 'Einstein,' whenever he hit the stage. As he has matured into a dancehall deejay, singjay (singer), and songwriter, the artist's music has evolved and so has his name.

Stein, first performing at the tender age of seven, finessed his sound and his lyrical content for years. He eventually gained prominence in the dancehall scene in 2007, with his breakout hit "Rise Di Machine (Caliber)" on the Power Cut Riddim, produced by Stephen "Di Genius" McGregor. Stein secured a number of hits over the years through chemistry in the lab with McGregor and other notable dancehall producers, including Chimney Records (Jordan McClure and David "Hizzle" Hayle), Cashflow Records, Big Yard (Robert Livingston), and UTP 007 Records (Supa Hype).

Melodies aside, what sets Stein apart is his indelible talent for crafting hardcore, gritty, sexy dancehall lyrics to perfectly accompany any riddim presented to him. His musical process can be challenging because he often has so many lyrics in hand, it is difficult to choose in which direction to take the track. His knack for lyrics also brings substance to his music, as fans are able to party to his songs in the dance halls, but can leave, listen to his music in their car or at home, and be able to take something away from each tune. This has granted Stein the opportunity to loop his lyrics into the sounds of other dancehall icons, penning several hit tracks or Bounty Killer and Beenie Man.

Expanding his repertoire as an entertainer has placed Stein on stages across Europe, the United States and the Caribbean. Career highlights include a 2008 European tour, where Stein was elated at the reception he received from fans in Germany, France, Belgium and Italy. Having relished notoriety as a predominantly underground artist in Jamaica until then, the tour exposed Stein's music to an international fan base, which he currently enjoys.

The year 2012 sees Stein putting his stamp on the global map with four singles garnering airplay throughout Europe, Africa, North America and the Caribbean. With current hits such as "Shell Dung The Party," "Summer Time Again," "Visa Buddy" and "Again & Again," Stein is determined to bring his brand of dancehall to the worldwide audience, and spread the sounds of the Caribbean beyond all borders.