META AND THE CORNERSTONES Gear Up For Album Release And European Tour

On April 30, 2013, VP Records will release Meta and the Cornerstones sophomore album, Ancient Power. The 14 track album, Executive produced by Meta Dia and Co-produced by Sidney Mills, was recorded in Kingston, Jamaica at Tuff Gong Studios. The album features collaborations with reggae artists, U-Roy, Capleton and Damian Marley. Additionally, Meta worked musicians such as Dean Fraser, Julian Marley, Mikey Chung, Wayne "C-Sharp" Clarke and Wilburn "Squidly" Cole, among others, on the album.

The first single from the album, "My Beloved Africa" featuring Damian Marley pays tribute to Meta's homeland. "My Beloved Africa" is a love letter that talks about the ancestry, rich history, beautiful and smiling faces of a resilient people.

Listeners are treated to the raw emotion of Meta's pride in what he calls, "Africa, my place of birth." The chorus, "Mama Africa you are my nice one" ties together the overall theme making this an altogether feel good, positive, reggae single that will make you dance and beam with joy. Add to that Meta and Damian's vocal similarity and you have a chemistry that makes "My Beloved Africa" a sure fire hit that made its way to #1 in France, is in rotation on BBC 1xtra and a favorite of veteran UK DJ Sir David Rodigan.

Meta and The Cornerstones will celebrate the release of the album with a performance at Le Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker Street, New York, New York on April 30th. In addition to the performance, there will be a meet and greet with fans and media outlets. Leading up to the album's release, on Monday April 29th, Meta and the Cornerstones will make an appearance at Sirius XM Radio, where they will perform live before specially invited guests and media. The performance will be aired live on The Joint. On May 9, 2013, the band will kick off their European Tour at Festival Rock'n Solex in Rennes, France. The Rock'n Solex festival combines Solex racing and music and is the second largest musical event in France. In its 46th years, the festival will be held May 8 -12th. The band will then travel to the SuperMarkt in The Hague where they will have the official European album release party for Ancient Power. Meta chose the SuperMarkt in The Hague for the official European release because it was the first venue that the band ever played in Europe. The tour will continue with performances at Festival Le Bouillon on May 16th, Afro Pfingsten Festival on May 17th, Rootstock Festival on May 18th, Petit-Bain on May 30th, Espace Malraux on May 31st, Le Tamanoir of June 1st and Afro Latino Festival on June 29th.

Video: Delus - What tomorrow May Bring

Delus, a son of the rugged streets of Kingston, Jamaica, has always had a passion for music. His deep-seated passion is as a result of his influence by musical icons such as Buju Banton, Spragga Benz, and Beres Hammond. In pursuit of his dreams, Delus hung out at the Youth Man Promotion/Black Roots Studio owned by the late, Lincoln “Sugar” Minott. His first recording was with his brother, Konshens. The duo recorded under the name Sojah which means “Sons of Jah.”

Their first single “Medz Pon Di Corner” for the Cash Flow label, went to number one in Japan in 2004, which afforded them the opportunity to tour in that Asian territory. The tour prompted the release of the duo’s debut album titled “Sons of Jah.” Following the success of the album, Delus decided to pursue a solo career. In 2007, he released singles such as “Nymphomaniac” and “Power” on the Cash Flow Label and “Move” on the Rapid Fire Label. 

During that time Delus displayed his versatility when he directed and edited music videos for artists such as Bescenta, Warrior King, Tiana and a medley that included artists such as D'Angel, Mr. Peppa, Delly Ranx, Sojah and Spragga Benz. Additionally, he worked on projects such as "Some Gal" on the Outada Riddim by Seanizzle, "Gal or War" for Mr. G's Young Blood, remixes by D&H (Daddy & Hypa) out of France, with Tracks like "Whatever You Like (Anything U Want)" Remix with Rapper T.I. featuring Delus & Nicole, "Gangsta Remix" with Mavado featuring Delus & Vybz Kartel and “Arab Money” dubbed "Gangsta Money" with Busta Rhymes featuring Delus. 

 In 2009, he promoted the singles “Gang War,” from the Exile Production Label, along with his latest videos for chart topping singles “True Love,” from Media House Production, “She’s Happy” featuring Konshens, “Heathen Dem Nuh Like Me” from Miguel Music and “Loose Control” on the Substance Riddim from Young Veterans Productions. Later that same year, Sojah released their sophomore album titled “Modern Revolutions,” at which time the duo went on tour in Europe to promote the album. 

The album featured artists such as Luciano and Iriepathie. Dancehallusa.com wrote, “When you talk about a complete album, “Modern Revolution” is a fine example. Each and every song tells its own story but still manages to keep a connection between all the other tracks on the LP.” Through a distribution deal with Zojak World Wide in 2010, Delus released an EP “My Reality” which is available on iTunes and other digital outlets. 

He completed a six week promotional tour of the United States. The tour, which was sponsored by Nuvo, Carol’s Daughter, JAMROCK Magazine, Whereitzat Magazine, Upscale Crowd, Negril Village Restaurant and Link Up Radio, was a concerted effort to broaden Delus’ fan base and increase airplay of his music. During that time Delus released his single “Another Gal” which was well received by radio and fans in Jamaica and abroad. Additionally, Delus released the medley video for “Another Gal” which features his brother, Konshens and fellow recording artists, Darrio and Chris Martin. 

The popularity of the single afforded Delus the opportunity to travel to Japan on a two week tour. In 2011 he was nominated for an EME Award (Excellence in Music and Entertainment) in the category ‘Most Improved Artiste’. The singer who has written songs for College Boys entitled “God Alone,” “Sanity” for LMR (Love, Money, Respect) Productions, “Mek Dem Sorry” for Subkonshus Music, “Unruly” for Live Up Records, is just getting started. 

In late 2012 to 2013, he released the singles Get Away for Warrior Music/Subkonshus Music; Galls from Birth for Blaqk Sheep; Let Me Love You (Chillax rhythm) for Frankie Music; Live My Life featuring Konshens on the Mad Panamera rhythm; and Hussler featuring Darrio on the Money up Rhythm for 12 to 12 Music. Delus gained some new ground in 2012 and delivered creditable performances at events including Sting and Reggae Sumfest. Additionally, he signed with Subkonshus Music to manage his career.