I-Octane Rocks Christmas Shows Home and Abroad‏

After two stellar performances in Jamaica at GT Taylor's Christmas Extravaganza in St Elizabeth on December 25 and Cream of the Crop at the Cruise Ship Pier in Ocho Rios on December 28, Digicel/Busta brand ambassador I-Octane left the island for two shows in Guyana.

The first show, held on December 31 in Linden, at the Wisrock Bus Park, saw more than 4000 patrons coming out to see his performance.

At 11:30 p.m., the artiste stormed the stage with Buss a Blank, Nah Wash, Badmind Dem A Pree, My Story, and others hits. The high energy was maintained throughout his set, but when he performed crowd favourites like My Life and L.O.V.E. Y.O.U., his performance soared to another level.  

Fellow artiste, Versatile, entered the stage halfway through Octane's set and performed two songs before leaving Octane to lament, Gal a Gimmi Bun, Puff It and I A Cry before closing the show and his high-energy 50-minute set withJah Jah. Not long after wrapping up that show was Octane back onstage at a second event on New Year's Day in George Town at the national stadium car park. Here, he performed to a crowd of more than 30,000 strong. 

I-Octane proved the perfect balm for the rainy conditions. Buss a Blank sent the crowd into a frenzy, and was a sign of things to come as the deejay delivered a set worthy of his name. Again, Octane gave fans a double treat when he introduced Versatile to the stage for their collaboration, Anything We A Eat. 

The latter also performed his song Nah Go Be Ungrateful. Octane later closed his hour-long set with Jah Jah. Ruff Kutt was the backing band for both shows, and both events were sponsored by Banks Beer Guyana.

Dubkor On A Musical High

Roots Reggae singer Dubkor is confident that his musical break through is just around the corner. “Like many other artistes I could have taken an easier route to make a name in the business by doing other styles of music to get a break but Roots music is my choice. It is not the easiest way to break in the business.

But I’m not worried because my mission is to deliver the message to the people. Now is the right time to be doing good Reggae music, the people are yearning for good music and spiritual upliftment.

They need positive messages in these hard times and thats what Dubkor’s music is all about.” Over the last few years the classically trained musician and vocalist has worked assiduously with his dedicated team of musicians that make up his Pikki Head Band, to carve a niche on the live music scene in Kingston.

 “So far we have developed a nice following mainly in the corporate area, people know about us because we have done a lot of shows in and around Kingston such as Live At Wiki Wacky, Conscious Reggae Party and Reggaevolution. We have also done a number of gigs in other parts of the island including Negril,” said the artiste. Dubkor has also released several singles that have received good airplay on local radio including Verandah, Little Love Story, Gideon, Same Routine and Defend Di Ends. “Our music has received a good amount of support on radio too. 

Our new singles Gideon and Defend The Endz are receiving steady airplay both locally and abroad.” Dubkor is currently promoting his debut album titled Rasta Man Riding. “Things are looking good right now, we are getting a lot of positive feedback about the album from fans all over the world. 

We are also getting a lot of calls for shows.” Dubkor is booked to perform on the 22nd annual Bob Marley Birthday Bash which will take place from February 1st to 6th at MX3 Entertainment Center in Negril. He will perform on the 5th alongside Raging Fyah and Kabaka Pyramid.

Exco Levi Begins 2014 With Rebel Salute Performance!‏

Performing artist Exco Levi begins 2014 with a historic performance at the prestigious Reggae festival, Rebel Salute on January 18th, 2014 in St. Ann’s, Jamaica. Originally born in Manchester, Jamaica, and emigrating to Toronto, Canada in his teens, Exco has steadily risen to become one of the best voices representing Reggae for the younger generation.

With songs of hope, faith and reassurance, the young artists catalog are mainstays on radio stations around the world, and in the portable music players of fans.

With an aim to add to the momentum gained on radio and fans iPods, Exco welcomes his upcoming performance at Rebel Salute, 2014. “2014 is off to the right start,” said Exco while taking a break at the Penthouse Recording studio. “I’ve been blessed with a catalog of good music, and I’m eager to share that catalog with fans and friends at Rebel Salute.”  

Enjoying a very successful 2013, which includes the Juno Award for Best Reggae Recording, notable releases for that year include “Storms of Life” produced by Silly Walks Discothèque, “This is Life” produced by Donovan Germain, “Wicked Evil Man” produced by Larger Than Life Records (featuring Busy Signal) as well as “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” produced by Bost and Bim (featuring Gappy Ranks). 

These releases, combined with music videos and touring with label mate Busy Signal have allowed Exco to impact fans. Founded by Tony Rebel and now in its 20th year, Rebel Salute hosts thousands of fans at the Richmond Estate in St. Ann’s, Jamaica who receive music and performances that they may not hear elsewhere. 

Featured performances include Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley, Bunny Wailer, Tony Rebel, Jesse Royal, Queen IFrica, Horace Andy and several more. In addition to performances, patrons will experience Rastafarian livity including a strict vegetarian menu, and exposure to Rastafarian crafts and culture. Exco Levi will perform a 25 minute set on night 2 of Rebel Salute. The festival runs 2 days (January 17th and 18th).