February 2013 Issue Of Tripple The Focus With Asafa Powell

February is a busy month. With events such as Reggae month in Jamaica, Black History Month, Bob Marley Birthday celebrations globally, Superbowl, NYC Fashion Week, Grammy Awards, The Oscars and of course Valentine's Day, the shortest month of the year seems to be the most monumental with milestone events and celebrations.

Not so much on a grand scale is our own milestone - the second February issue that we are embarking on and we are celebrating in fine style with none other than Track and Field mega star, ASAFA POWELL, on the cover. Last year Actor LEON held that position and we got quite a few emails from our readers who enjoyed his feature. No doubt the reception will be the same for Asafa as we delve into his life on and off the track.

As an added bonus LEON took some time out of his busy filming and recording schedule to update us on what he's been up to. Of course this issue would not be complete without fashion, travel, lifestyle and entertainment in the form of our many features. While we focused heavily on Valentine's Day last year, this year we thought we would stick with things that you the reader face on a day to day basis such as, Money Matters, Vacation ideas, shopping etc. By now we hope that Triple the Focus is your monthly treat, one that rejuvenates your mind, body and spirit. Until next time, walk good!

Droop Lion All Set For Bob Marley Birthday

His compelling mix of culture, roots and reality songs is set to light up Negril's MX3 on February 5, when rising Rastafarian singer Droop Lion, will engage audiences on the eve of the birthday of reggae icon, Bob Marley.

Droop Lion says he feels honoured to play a role in the week-long tribute to Bob Marley, whose birthday is February 6, and notes that he intends to put his best foot forward as he makes a spiritual connection with the reggae legend.

Conscious of his own place in the future growth and development of reggae music, Droop Lion is imbued with a strong sense of respect for all the elder statesmen in the business. He declares that he is a student, not only of Marley, but of every reggae artiste who has paved the way and on whose shoulders he now stands.  

“Bob Marley is the person who has inspired a whole generation of reggae artistes, myself included. His legacy, musically and otherwise, spans the globe and this is especially significant. And there are many other singers and players of instruments who are right up there with Bob and who are also deserving of respect and gratitude. Naturally, I am more than pleased to be part of this movement to pay honour to Robert Nesta Marley,” the Free People Entertainment artiste stated. 

Droop Lion has been maintaining a strong presence with thought-provoking songs like Freeway, Pray For Them, Mama Soon Come Back and Gun Powder. He notes,“ My music is down-to-earth and cultural. There's always a message in it. It's like a medicine to society's sickness." Other artistes scheduled to perform on the February 5 event are the Messenjah Luciano, Iba Mahr, Raging Fyah, Justice Merchant, Robin Banks, Tanya P, Sugar Dee and Ali P. Backing band will be Streetwise.

Delly Ranx Property Tax Riddim Cracks iTunes Top 100 for Reggae and Dancehall!

Delly Ranx and the team at Pure Music Productions is in celebratory mode as news of their recently released Property Tax riddim cracks the iTunes Top 100 list, debuting at #91 for best Reggae and Dancehall releases. Reflecting the musical tastes of fans who purchase Reggae and Dancehall on iTunes, the charting of the Property Tax riddim is a welcome surprise to the team who just released the riddim last week (January 29th) via the distribution company 21st Hapilos.

Featuring performances by Delly Ranx, Buju Banton, Sizzla, Macka Diamond and ZJ Liquid, the riddim has become one of the most played and most added to rotation in the US, Canada and the Caribbean. In the UK, the riddim was debuted by popular radio host, Robbo Ranx on BBC 1Xtra who, received such an overwhelming response, the broadcast had to be made available for fans to listen again and download.

Of the riddim Robbo says “excellent Dancehall production that will be played throughout 2013 for sure.” With the expectation that the popularity will move the riddim higher on the chart, Delly Ranx commented “I love my fans and thank them for supporting the Property Tax riddim. For the news fans we’re picking up along the way, they can expect more great music, more pure music!”  

One of the most popular songs on the riddim comes from Captain Barkey whose song “Property Tax” named the riddim. As one of the last recordings the artist performed before his untimely passing, fans are enjoying the humor behind the concept of paying ‘property tax!’ Buju Banton’s song “Wine and Bubble,” Liquid’s song “Wine For Me” and Ratigan’s song “Know Bout This” will each be released as singles on February 5th through 21st Hapilos and are expected to chart individually. 

About Pure Music Productions: Pure Music Productions is one of the premiere music productions companies in the Caribbean who has produced some of the most noted Reggae and Dancehall releases such as the Life After Lifetime Riddim featuring Bunny Rugs, Earth Strong Riddim featuring Shaggy, Turnpike Riddim featuring Gappy Ranks and the Saudi Arabia Riddim featuring Wayne Wonder.