ZJ Elektra Takes Her ‘A’ Game to Connecticut

Even her fingers are a-dancing as ZJ Elektra meticulously prepares to launch a musical onslaught on Connecticut, where she has been booked for a double date this weekend. Actually, it will be the Zip jock’s debut in that US state, and since debuts are supposed to be special, Elektra has vowed to give Hartford two nights in May that they are not likely to forget in a hurry.

Come Friday, patrons who attend Sunset Friday at Sunset Café in Hartford, will experience a sunset like no other as the ultra savvy Elektra flexes her musical muscles and totally locks the city. It is almost redundant to say that the electrifying Elektra, whose latest mixtape is wreaking musical havoc in the dancehall, plans to take her ‘A’ game to Sunset Café.

According to the promoters, the buzz on Friday’s event is through the roof and many of Elektra’s fans – both male and female – are ecstatic at the opportunity to experience her live. Also showcasing their musical dexterity will be DJ Prince Paul, Monsta P and Bob Steel, while Kwesol has been assigned hosting duties.  

On Saturday, Elektra zips across to the West Indian American Centre in Hartford for the show that Connecticut has long been holding its breath – ‘Man A Suffer Too Long’, featuring the man of the moment, I-Octane. Certainly another blockbuster event, Elektra is quietly savouring the run-up to what could be a defining moment in her career. 

“When you are billed for a show overseas, there are two magic words on the poster that you have to live up to – ‘From Jamaica’. It’s as if you are expected to create ‘Jamaica’ in that space for as long as you are playing the music. 

And it doesn’t matter whether you are playing dancehall, reggae, jazz or R&B, as long as you are ‘from Jamaica’, you must bring Brand Jamaica to the turntable. But as selectors we know the score and we know how to entertain – what to drop when and how. Hartford will be absolutely Elek-trifying,” the ZIP FM jock stated with a mischievous smile.

Reggae Star Natural Black Set to Perform for UK Fans

Conscious reggae star Natural Black embarks on the UK leg of his current tour schedule, when he headlines Guyana's 47th Independence Anniversary celebrations at Platinum Suite in London, England on May 26, 2013. British promoters Dan Fox Promotions and Vizion Sounds Records only had one choice when it came to nabbing an international reggae act for this prestigious event, with the Guyanese-born entertainer.

"I'm looking forward to representing my country and performing at the Guyanese Independence Anniversary in London," states Natural Black. "It's always wonderful to be embraced by the Guyanese community around the world and I'm proud to bring my brand of reggae music to everyone in the UK and pay tribute to my Guyanese heritage through my music." This prolific event takes place under the patronage of Guyana's High Commissioner to England, His Excellency Mr. Laleshwar Singh.  

Natural Black has been experiencing a tremendous ride on the reggae wave, receiving a warm welcome from fans around the world since reclaiming his roots and taking the reigns of conscious reggae music. His recently released not one but five new singles - "I'm On My Way," "Natural Chronix," "Who Cares For Me," "Don't Play With My Heart" and "Party Truck." He recently shot music videos for both "Don't Play With My Heart" and "Party Truck" in New York City, and fans can stay tuned for those in the coming weeks. 

With new music to share, the entertainer has been performing at stage shows, festivals and private shows, both at home and abroad. He most recently performed in Los Angeles in early April, and brought his show to the Tri-State Area, performing in New Jersey over the weekend (on April 28), where he thrilled fans with a wonderful and substantial set that lasted over 60 minutes. 

Two of his current singles brought him the most forwards – "Natural Chronix" and "Party Truck." Much to the crowd's delight, he delivered with gems from his extensive catalog with tunes like "Conquer Dem" on the I Swear Riddim, "Just Like In The Movies," "Revolution," "Never Hurt You," "Wanna Tell You I Love You" on the Plane Land Riddim, "Nice It Nice," "Exalt His Name," "Nine To Five (9-5)," "Life Be The Same," new single "Don't Play With My Heart," and his monster hit "Far From Reality." Reggae lovers can see this vibrant, uplifting artist live in action on many upcoming international music festivals, including Reggae On The River on August 3, 2013 in California, backed by his full band.

Dream Circle Unleashes "Original / Medicine Man". TELEMUNDO Exclusive Premiere.

Brooklyn-based electronic band Dream Circle unleash their latest video, “Original/Medicine Man,” from their debut album Lost Art. This visual blends two songs together to create one music video that celebrates Dream Circle’s love for Jamaica.

From the turquoise waters of Negril to the cavernous countryside - rich with tight-knit communities, reggae music and ital food - the beauty of the land and people shines throughout this colorful production. Dream Circle’s latest music video is uniquely two videos in one. “Original” is a dub reggae song with the simple message that we are all one people.

The second half of the video transitions into the song “Medicine Man,” inspired by a Rastaman that took the band to Reach Falls, a remote area in Jamaica in the middle of a valley. The video travels through the lush tropical landscape of Dream Circle’s “home away from home.”  

The music of Brooklyn's Dream Circle is an eclectic, genre-bending journey into soul, house, hip-hop, dub and African music. The duo's debut album Lost Art was released in April 2013 on Unemployable Music. The collection features space-hopper Johnny Voltik dropping his blend of soul on “School of Life,” while African-born emcee Oa delivers a killer verse in Yoruba on “Sea of Tranquility.” On “You Remind Me,” Dominican poet and songstress Stephanie Morillo’s vocals glide over tabla drums and take the listener to an even higher dimension. 

Dream Circle was formed in 2011 and consists of band members Katy Walker (lead vocals, keys, production) and Joel Mejia (drums, production). The duo are engaged and currently reside in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY. Walker, who is originally from Austin, TX, met Mejia, the second generation Domincan and Bronx, NY native, while producing a music video and playing for another band (formerly known as My M.O.). 

Their chemistry was inevitable, and the two were compelled to collaborate together after the band parted ways. “I am extremely grateful to have received these messages of universal love and consciousness,” says Mejia about their first collection Lost Art. “It may sound esoteric, but music is magical. It doesn’t come from a place that we typically have access to unless we open ourselves up. We did just that and received this music. 

We wanted it to uplift people and have a vibratory effect on them. It’s not casual listening, but active listening,” he adds. Dream Circle is regularly performing in NYC and the east coast and incorporates live percussion, synths, and loops into their live performance. 

 

Sizzla Returns With His 70th Album 'The Messiah'

One of reggae's most prolific artists Sizzla returns with his 70th album The Messiah on May 28th (Kalonji Music/VP Records). Since his emergence in 1995, the enigmatic vocalist has undeniably put his stamp on the genre regardless of the current style or trend.

His latest effort showcases his musical depth, passion and precision in partnership with Bread Back productions. Mostly written and executive produced by Sizzla himself, Kalonji's full scope of talents are displayed on The Messiah.

With a fresh perspective in 2013, the man on a musical mission inspires positive change worldwide on this 15-track collection. His social commentary on songs like "Chant Dem Down," "No Wicked Man" and "Psalms 121" reveal his daring bravado and righteous lyrics, while his melodic anthem "Good Love" unveils his softer side.  

The buzz around this release has already been circulating his native island. Sizzla recently told the Jamaica Gleaner this "spiritual conscious album" compares to his early classic Black Woman & Child, released in 1997 on VP Records. He also told the Jamaica Observer why he makes music like this compelling collection. Sizzla proclaims "I do music to free the people, unite the world, heal the children." 

The Messiah Track Listing:

1 Psalms 121

2 Look How Many Years

3 Center Of Attraction

4 No Wicked Man

5 The Messiah

6 Chant Dem Down

7 Dem Nuh Business

8 Suffer So Much

9 Good Love

10 One Life

11 Children Bless

12 May Di Powerz

13 Need You Right Now

14 What A Joy

15 Better Come

Nature's Way Ent. Signs VP Deal FOR ‘Soul Reggae’

Independent label powerhouse Nature’s Way Entertainment has secured distribution with the long-established VP Records for its latest various artistes compilation album, Soul Reggae. This aggressive move will provide Nature’s Way Entertainment with the platform to push its high quality catalogue to traditional reggae listeners in the United States and Europe.

This latest album, Soul Reggae is the fourth album produced and released by Nature’s Way Entertainment. Prior releases include various artiste compilations such as "Real Life", the "Hope Riddim" and the debut album "I Have Got Life" by talented rookie Alva.

"We have been doing our own in-house distribution, but I am pleased with the partnership with VP Records distribution arm and sub-label' VPAL Music, which will allow me to focus on promotion and more production," producer and CEO of Nature’s Way, Garfield ‘Fada G’ Cowan said.  

Soul Reggae will be released on May 7, and copies of the physical album will be available at your favourite music stores and digitally on iTunes, other fine retailers and at www.vpreggae.com. The production quality is excellent and the album boasts some of the hottest artists fanning the Reggae flames, such as Zamunda, Wayne Wonder, Alva, Busy Signal, Christopher Martin, Chevaughn, Jah Mason, Mr. Melody and more. 

Filled with inspirational tunes, the tracks were composed to fit the concept of soul, roots, reality and spirituality. Whether it's emotional love or brotherly love, the message is a positive vibe from track one to fifteen. Nature’s Way Entertainment flagship artiste is the super-talented Alva. A Spanish Town native, Alva was raised in Sandy Bay, a small town just South of May Pen, Clarendon. 

Nature's Way actually began with the discovery of Alva, who was Fada G’s school mate-turned brother-in-law. Alva is the label’s flagship artiste and he already has a number of singles released to his credit. Born Oliver Black, Alva hails from St. Ann, and his most recent single and video, ‘12 & 13 (Leave Them Alone)’ is doing very well on local charts. 

Alva was the one who first encouraged Fada G to record him and to start his own record label. Within a year, Nature's Way was born and by the following year, Alva’s debut album “I’ve Got Life” was released and has enjoyed heavy rotation on radio in Jamaica, the U.S. and the U.K. Two videos have been produced for tracks from the album - “St. Anns” and a medley with “Jah Keeps Me Safe And Sound” and “Jah We Pray To”. 

The videos are currently airing on cable television and enjoying rotation on youtube. “We are here to stay, we are just making quality music to heal the soul and uplift the heart,” Fada G said. Other projects include the “Hope Riddim” which was featured on the iTunes front page. Cowan takes great pride in the lyrical content of the songs chosen for the projects, which all compliment the classical reggae vibes of the label’s catalogue and reflects his deep rooted spirituality. You can find Nature's Way productions at your favourite store or online at major digital distribution outlets.