Khago Says Good Relationship He Has With His Mother Softened His Heart

Having been on a controversial path in recent times, dancehall artiste Khago says the good relationship he now has with his mother has softened his heart, and has also inspired him to pen a reggae album.

The name of the albumis yet to be decided, but Khago says it will be released in June or July, as the songs are already being mixed."For the first time dem ago hear mi sing a mama song 'cause me and mi mother deh pon a good page.  Mi a try put har inna a house before even miself. A dat mek mi even calm down," he told THE STAR. "A bare heart mi have inna da album deh 'cause me and mi madda good again. Mi heart nuh tough up again. 

Not having your mother's love beside you can toughen up your heart. Mi a get mama love, she a tell mi seh she love mi ... soften you up and tek a bag of burden off your heart. Everything used to worry mi, but mi just a realise seh that was because me and mi mother never good." Khago, however, stressed that his mother was not a bad mother but "a did nuff a wi." This, he said, caused him to stray.While partially inspired by his mother, Khago said the album was also inspired by his fans who wanted to hear something different from him. 

My struggles 

"It will have mostly love songs and my struggles that I go through, songs with feelings, the acoustic side. Khago started out doing reggae. I have to get back to the reggae side while still having a presence in the dancehall," he said, noting that he has dancehall songs like Road Dawg and Marina Stretch Out that are also doing well. "The people dem a beg mi nuh fi stray from dat side deh too far. People a seh dem nah really get fi hear that side of Khago. Mi a do a heart-felt reggae album 'cause the people request that side of me." 

The album will feature other artistes like Frankie Paul, Shaggy, Richie Spice, Vybz Kartel and Barrington Levy. He says there will also be productions from Downsound Records, himself and Markus Myrie. And although he seemed to be absent from the dancehall scene for most of last year, he said the time was mostly spent on working on the album that he expects to do well. "A hard work. Mi tek 2012 an put it together and try get mi head straight. Mi feel seh it a go get a big buzz because people never really hear mi sing yet, most people only know Blood A Boil and Nah Sell Out. When they hear me singing they will have a new level of respect for Khago," he told THE Media.

Lady Taz is Jamaican At Heart

New York based reggae artiste Lady Taz is seeking her big break on the local market with the recent release of the video for her single Everyday. Lady Taz, born Tazurdee Fortunato, is originally from Milwaukee, but was strongly influenced by Jamaican culture and music by relatives. Singing reggae music from a tender age, Lady Taz explains how she came to love Jamaican music: "As a child I got a taste of Jamaican culture and music from my Jamaican relatives. They would always talk about Jamaica and it always sounded so mystical.

Then they started giving me Jamaican music as gifts whenever they would visit and I was hooked. The music was so powerful and touched me in a way no other music had done before. Reggae became an outlet for me to express my emotions and creativity. Once I began singing, it was like a force had captured me and gave me a release. The best part of performing is giving others the opportunity to feel my joy and pain through my voice and my interpretation of this powerful music. During my journey as an artist I have learned to embrace the Jamaican culture and I learned to love and appreciate the energy of Jamaican music”.  

Lady Taz’s new video for Everyday was shot on location in Port Royal, where her family has roots, and captures the historic and romantic feel of the town. The track which was produced by TheBadGuyz/BrassGatesMusic, is a fun composition to emphasize her competence as a reggae singer with her own edge and style. Following on the release of Everyday, the singer says she has several hot tracks to release for the Jamaican market: “We have a lot of buns in the oven and some of the tracks are reggae while others are dancehall. 

I try to constantly show my versatility as an artiste and also reflect the flavor that people are interested in hearing. It’s my way of showing the world that in my heart, I am Jamaican”. Lady Taz is also set to release her first mix tape locally aptly titled "Jamerican”. The compilation features dance worthy tracks that explore this Reggae-Soul Princess’ personal brand of Jamaican/American fused music. Already burning the music critics’ ears for its fervent spice, "Jamerican" is set to drop in early February.

Aima Moses Pours Emotion Into New Single ‘Make It One Day’

Rising Dominican reggae artiste Aima Moses has released the first single from his upcoming studio album. The track Make it One Day is a powerful and emotional tale which speaks about the struggles of the poor and the downtrodden. In a release to the media, Moses outlined the story behind the autobiographical single. ‘The song is about the everyday struggle of poor people and it is meant as telling a story which will inspire people from the ghettos and the streets.

I just want them to know that despite all that is happening, and through all the pain and disappointments, don’t give up, just keep pushing because we all gonna make it one day’, Moses explained. Moses has experienced poverty first hand in the past hence the lyrics really hit home.He revealed that a lot of emotions went into the writing and recording of the song. ‘The kind of emotion that went into the writing and recording process, was an emotion of pain and still confidence’, Moses confided. 
He hopes the song will serve as an empowerment to persons who see themselves in similar situations. ‘I want listeners to hear reality when they listen to the song. I want them to hear and feel what the poorer class faces every day and for those who find themselves in similar situations, to keep on striving’,Moses reaffirmed. Make it One Day is the preview to Aima Moses’ forthcoming studio album which is still untitled. 

The set is being produced by Adrian‘Donsome’ Hanson and Peter ‘Shady’ Harrison. It is expected to be released at the end of March, by Donsome Records. Early response to Make it One Day has been overwhelming. ‘People who have heard the song really love it because they can identify with the lyrics and it’s something they embrace as their own anthem’, Moses concluded.

Spice Inks New Management Deal

Dancehall artiste, Spice, has inked a new management deal with Building Block Entertainment. Spice whose correct name is Grace Hamilton says, "This deal has been in the works for quite some time and I'm happy it has now materialized. The only thing that was missing before was a management deal because I already had the other aspects in place, such as the booking agency and the publicity.

So I'm really happy about the deal with Building Block Entertainment, because these are managers with international experience who came together to form the company and I know that with the well-rounded team that I now have, it will help to catapult my career to the next level."

Spice's bookings are currently done by Ray Alexander of the Kool Booking Agency, while her public relations is done by Kavelle Christie of Blueprint Publicity and Promotions Ltd.  

The first single from the Building Block Entertainment camp, is Spice's Nincompoo, featuring bites of Capelton's early hit, is Pure Sodom (Me Nuh Like Dem)

No Slowing Down For @ChinoMcGregor In #2013

Singer, Chino McGregor has started 2013 in musical overdrive and there's no slowing down. His latest single, Touch Your Body which was released a few days ago continues to create excitement among his female fans and the singer says plans are also afoot for an equally steamy video. In addition, other singles including Sex Symbol, Oil A Ride produced by Kurt Riley, Good Good Girl featuring Mavado which was produced by Stephen 'Di Genius' McGregor promise to be hits with Chino's female fans.

In an earlier interview Chino explained the concept behind the single Good Good Girl and said, "The beat has a 1960s type of vibe and definitely nothing typical that people would expect coming from either of us. Overall it's just a fun, happy track targeting the ladies of course." He also says the single which will appeal to core dancehall fans, will also find a footing with those in the international market because of the rhythm's wide appeal.  

Chino, who is known for his singles L.S.L. (Live Some Life) featuring rapper, Kardinal Offishall, Miss Universe, Hustler, Driving Me Insane, Protected, Boom Draw, From Mawning and others, is also preparing to release his Japan album ahead of his May tour. After the first leg of his tour concludes in August, it will be immediately followed by the second set of tour dates in September.

Delly Ranx Hits with the Property Tax Riddim!

Making hit singles and hit riddims is nothing new to Grammy Award winning producer and artist Delly Ranx. The veteran in the music circle has worked with the who’s who in the industry both behind the boards and in front of the microphone giving him an exceptional ear for sound.

The Property Tax riddim is Delly’s latest compilation album which features established voices as well as upcoming artists while staying true to the pulse and excitement of Dancehall! Voiced in Kingston, Jamaica, Orlando, Florida and New York, New York, the riddim boasts of the beauty and attractiveness of the ladies (“Love the Girls” by Bling Dawg) while celebrating the things that make us great as a people (“Di Baddest” Sizzla).  

Front and centre posthumously is Dancehall icon Captain Barkey, whose song “Property Tax” named the riddim, while the Worl General himself, Delly Ranx makes the ladies “Jiggle and Wine.” Macka Diamond is the only female on the riddim with the song “Nuh Behaviour” which lyrically tests the wiles of other females in the industry who do not have the stripes she has. Adding to the riddims prowess is ZJ Liquid and the chune “Wine For Me,” as well as Ratigan’s “Know Bout Diss.” Signed to Pure Music, and coming up the ranks is Knock Shizzle who voiced the song “Opa Locka” dealing with the matter of Wives who have a commitment from their Husbands. 

Impressing the producer and management team with this and other singles voiced for the label, Knock Shizzle has established himself as being a rising star and future voice of Dancehall. “When putting together this riddim, I felt it was important to go back to the roots of modern Dancehall to give the people a sound that is familiar, but fresh messages from some of the best artists of today” said Delly Ranx, the riddim’s producer. “I’m blessed to see how the project turned out, and the performances each artist gave.” 

One of the stand out chunes on the riddim comes from Buju Banton called “Wine and Bubble.” In his signature gruff and course voice, ‘Gargamel’ (as he is nicknamed) returns to his DJ patter of old when he says “wine and bubble gyal / world inna trouble gyal / world blessed / women yuh have it inna yuh hips!” Distributed by Johnny wonders 21st Hapilos, the riddim has been serviced to key DJ’s in each territory around the world receiving positive feedback and playlist additions. The riddim compilation is also available on iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody and all leading digital retail outlets on Tuesday January 29th, 2013.

Etana Shines at JA Jazz & Blues Fest / Better Tomorrow Out Feb 26

Etana shined on the second night of the annual Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival held at Greenfield Stadium in Trelawny on Friday, January 25. According to the Jamaica Gleaner the "graceful Etana" delivered a "commanding performance" to the jam-packed audience inside the 25,000 capacity venue. The reggae soulstress joined the long list of star-studded names - including Dionne Warwick, Mary J. Blige, John Legend, Michael Bolton, Romain Virgo and Monica - who took the stage at this three-day extravaganza.

The singer-songwriter heads to New Zealand this Friday (February 1) to perform at the prestigious 2013 Raggamuffin Festival at Rotorua International Stadium - featuring artists Lauryn Hill, Toots & The Maytals, Rebelution, The Green, Gappy Ranks and many more. She will plan to tour the United States throughout the month of March in support of 'Better Tomorrow.' Dates and more details will be announced shortly.  

Etana will also team up with director Kerrin McLean to shoot her video for "Reggae (Listen to song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OlK2Xg4kr8)" back in her native country of Jamaica. The contagious single, produced by Shane C. Brown of Jukeboxx Recordings, is the title track off her latest EP (Buy now: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/reggae-single/id572799416) and the first single off her eagerly awaited album 'Better Tomorrow' (February 26, VP Records). The video will be unveiled in time for her album launch. 

Recorded at Kingston’s legendary Tuff Gong Studios, Etana’s third studio album 'Better Tomorrow' is a true testament to her evolved sound. She reveals arguably her fiercest, most thought-provoking material to date. With a fresh perspective and baby daughter born in November 2012, Etana offers newfound clarity. Her powerful songwriting and evocative vocals ride effortlessly over soulful reggae melodies on this 14-track collection produced primarily by Jamaica’s own Shane C. Brown and also Stanley "Relle" Hayden. 

Described as “reggae’s Jill Scott” (NPR) or “reminiscent of India.Arie” (Essence), Etana is “moving ahead from struggles of yesterday on a musical journey that uplifts the mind, body and the raw soul," as she eloquently explains on 'Better Tomorrow’s' intro “Spoken Soul.” Etana’s indomitable spirit inspires generations both old and new. Songs like “Queen,” ignite strength and empowerment, while “Till You Get Old (Life's Gift)” is an awe-inspiring tale of motherhood and unconditional love. Her unabashed romanticism shines on the r&b tinged “4 Play 2 Love (Start Over) and on the rhythmic sway of the album's contagious first single "Reggae.” 

She combats hopelessness on "Whole New World," "All I Need" and "Better Tomorrow.” The latter spine-chilling title track addresses the atrocities of children in poverty-stricken communities while instilling optimism for brighter days. 'Better Tomorrow' expands upon her recent digital-only EP 'Reggae' and 2011 sophomore album 'Free Expressions,' which won praise for the being “a rarity: music that sermonizes, yet still sweetly serenades,” according to NPR.org. These releases also follow her 2008 critically acclaimed debut 'The Strong One,' which featured massive hits “Warrior Love,” “Roots,” “I Am Not Afraid,” “Blessing” ft. Alborosie and “Wrong Address” that topped reggae charts in The Caribbean, England and United States. 

Essence.com raved that her “poetic consciousness amid soul-stirring grooves rivals that of gifted neo-soulsters.” Pitchfork chose her debut album as their dancehall pick of the month and gushed about her “fulsome and soulful voicings” and “syrupy love songs.” Vibe magazine claimed she had already “established herself as a formidable performer and songwriter whose music and reputation precedes her.” During this period, Etana was nominated for Best New Reggae Artist at MOBO Awards and awarded Best Female Vocalist at both the Excellence in Music & Entertainment (EME) Awards and IRIE FM Radio Awards as well as the Best Solo Female Reggae Vocalist at the 1st annual Reggae Academy Awards.

Its OK To Take Your Time Says BridgeZ

Alliance First Lady Bridgett “BridgeZ” Roache has released a video for her hit single “Take Your Time” featuring Big Wayne, which encourages men and women to take their time when entering a new relationship. The singer especially hopes to target young women with the song. “It can boost a young lady’s confidence that you can be sexy without flaunting it and showing all over, and you can be sexy without rushing into things.

Once you know your value its natural to want a man to take his time,” says the singjay who is managed by Bounty Killer. Filmed by Chris “Icey Jace” Campbell on location at the Wyndham Hotel in New Kingston, the video shows BridgeZ prepping for a photoshoot while a man (who locked eyes with her in the lobby) tries to find her room. The attractive lead is given the room number by the bell boy only to face BridgeZ strict manager who refuses to let him in. She glimpses him and gives him her assistant’s number as she would be on set all day. Bridgez meets her love interest later that night for just a drink. Shots of BridgeZ and Big Wayne as well as Big Wayne and his love interest play in between these scenes.  

The song was written by BridgeZ, Bounty Killer and Munga Honorable and produced by Zum (Good Good Productions) on the Freezing Point Riddim and has been getting frequent airplay both locally and overseas. The “Take Your Time” video premiered on On Stage with Winford Williams earlier this year. 

ABOUT BridgeZ BrigeZ 

(born Bridgett Roache) is a multi-talented singer, rapper, deejay and songwriter from Kingston Jamaica. Currently a part of the Alliance musical collective, BridgeZ (AKA Alliance First Lady) is managed by veteran dancehall act and Alliance head Bounty Killer. BridgeZ is known for songs such as “Best Friend”, “How You Like It” (feat. Tanto Metro and Devonte), “Put It Pon Me”, “I’m In Like”, “Roll Out” (feat. Bounty Killer), “Hand Up Deh”, “No Any Man” and “Take Your Time” feat. Big Wayne. She has recorded with noted producers including Rohan “Jah Snowcone” Fuller, Kemar “Flava” McGregor and SlyDunbar and Robbie Shakespeare. BridgeZ released a mixtape, Crossover, in 2012.