BOTTLES, BLOOD AND GUNSHOTS END FOLLOW DI ARROW

• Bounty Killer, Ragashanti run for cover

By SIMONE MORGAN

FOLLOW Di Arrow, which throughout its promotion encouraged everyone to 'keep the unity', had that sentiment shattered to pieces when during Bounty Killer's performance, bottles and stones started to rain on the stage.

The event, which was held at the James Bond Beach in St Mary, came to a grinding halt this morning when Killer took centre stage and started to make a comment on a story which was carried in a newspaper. He did not get to finish whatever he was about to say as at that point all hell broke loose.

Bottles and stones rained down and sounds of gunshots could be heard. Patrons scampered under the stage or just about any other place that seemed safe enough to offer protection from the violent and frightening attack. A cross and angry Killer, who had exited the stage just seconds before, made a sudden return shouting, “Mi nah run, after mi nah play dandy shandy”. The artiste did not live up to his words though, as just seconds later he was seen along with other members of his Alliance team running for cover from the angry crowd.

No one knows for sure if the gunshots were from policemen in the venue or from other sources. At the front of the stage, two men tried to carry a wounded pregnant woman to safety without much luck as dozens of bottles were flying. Dozens of other patrons were seen all bloody, some screaming in anguish while others just cowered, trembling in despair.

DJ Sunshine was seen cowering on the stage with someone kind enough to place a chair over her for protection.

And Ragashanti, who minutes before was urging the crowd to "stay calm", had to beat a hasty retreat as the bottles pelted the stage.

The Observer could not ascertain the status of those injured, as when this reporter made an exit, the attack was still in full force as members of the security forces tried feverishly to quell the violent uproar.

Source: jamaicaobserver

GOOD VIBES FOR MAGNUM FOLLOW DI ARROW

MAGNUM Follow Di Arrow, which is the first major dancehall stage show for the year, is expected to marshall good support from dancehall fans.

Despite promoting the Magnum Follow Di Arrow for 13 years, Dexton Ennis of Decky Promotions believes this Saturday's event, slated to be held at James Bond Beach in St Mary, may be its most important staging. Ennis said the show dubbed, Be Positive, is expected to live up to its billing and set the trend for local entertainment in 2011. "We would really like to see the artistes coming out and showing some positive vibes because we all know last year was not a good one," Ennis said.

Top-flight deejays I-Octane, Assassin, Bounty Killer, Sizzla, Mavado and Vybz Kartel are headliners for Follow The Arrow 2011, a deliberate move, Ennis pointed out. "It's going to be good for their fans to see their favorite artistes on the same stage," he said.

I-Octane, Assassin, Bounty Killer, Sizzla, Kartel and Mavado are joined by dancehall heavyweights Gyptian, Louie Culture, Fantan Mojah, and Macka D

iamond. Musical stalwarts Coco Tea, George Nooks and Captain Barkey and Wickerman will also showcase their talents. According to Ennis, "I think it's one of the best packages we have ever had."

Representing on Follow Di Arrow from new talents will be Master One recording artiste Denno and he can't wait for his chance to shine.

"I am always looking for a chance to prove myself and it makes me feel good to know that I will have to "come good" to hold my own among this impressive cast of performers.

Still, Denno is not fazed by this challenge as he says it's what gets him going.

This is not strange to the artiste as he faced the tough Sting crowd last year and managed to gain their approval -- so he expects Follow Di Arrow should be an easier task.

BUJU BANTON WAS FOUND GUILTY ON THREE CHARGES

BY PAUL HENRY

REGGAE star Buju Banton was found guilty on three charges by a 12-member panel of jurors a short while ago.

The artiste was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilogrammes of cocaine, attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, and using the wires to facilitate a drug-trafficking offence.

However he was found not guilty of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offence.

The artiste hugged his lawyer David Markus when the verdict was read.

Many of the artiste's supporters left the courtroom crying. He has been detained and has had his bail revoked..

Source: Jamaica Observer

FOXY BROWN KICKED OUT OF FASHION SHOW

Foxy Brown has gotten herself in trouble again. The Brooklyn rapper was kicked out of a fashion show last week after she allegedly showed up intoxicated for her performance.

The notorious femcee arrived at the Indashio show in New York City’s SoHo district at 1:20 a.m. on Thursday (Feb. 17), 10 minutes before the event was supposed to end. As patrons exited the spot, Fox Boogie locked herself in the bathroom and refused to leave, prompting security to physically remove her from the venue, reports TMZ.

The Don Diva has found herself in the legal crosshairs over the past few years. She was sentenced to a year in jail after violating probation in 2007 for assaulting two manicurists, and was released in April 2008. Last July, she was arrested yet again for breaking a protection order after her neighbor accused her of mooning her.

UPDATE: Foxy Brown has denied the reports. “The story is a complete fabrication,” she tells RadarOnline.com. “When I got to the club I was not intoxicated at all. That’s a lie. There was no intoxication, there was no drama, and I was never physically escorted out by security.”

Source: rap-up.com

DENNO TO SHOOT VIDEO FOR CAN'T STOP DAH YUTE YAH

Master One Production artiste Denno is getting ready to shoot the video for Caah Stop Dah Yute Yah this week.
The single is already receiving a lot of love from most of the reggae playing radio stations as well as picking up more than a few spins at some of the weekly sessions.
The upcoming artiste is pleased about the love he has been receiving in the music industry as well as the positive feedbacks he has been getting from those who have listened to his songs.
Tuesday, February 22 will see Denno making his appearance on RE TV school tour.
"I really am looking forward to the chance to reaching out to the schoolers. Education is very important and music is a great tool in getting that message across.
That's what my music is about positivity and entertainment," said the artiste who is determined to make his name in the competitive field.
Looking ahead Denno is also booked to appear on Follow Di Arrow a show he looking forward to with great anticipation. "I'm always excited whenever I go up against the best in the dancehall and know that I can hold my own," he said.

BUJU’S LAWYER BEGS JURORS FOR NOT GUILTY VERDICT

By PAUL HENRY

TAMPA, USA — Defence attorney David Markus in his closing argument this afternoon asked the 12-member jury to find his client Buju Banton not guilty on all four counts of drug related charges.

In a dramatic closing argument, Markus quoted from the book To Kill a Mockingbird, telling the jurors, “please ladies and gentlemen, please find Mark Myrie not guilty”.

Markus called the gun and wire charge against his client absurd, noting that it showed how desperate the prosecution was in wanting to convict the Grammy-winning artiste

An hour earlier, prosecutor James Preston told the jurors that Banton was guilty as charged and that they are to return a like verdict.

Banton is being tried for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine; attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offence; and using the wires to facilitate a drug trafficking offence.

If convicted, Banton faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment.

Banton had originally been tried on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and aiding and abetting the possession of a firearm during a drug-trafficking offence. His trial resulted in a hung jury last September.

A new indictment was secured last November by Preston in an effort to secure a conviction against the Jamaican artiste, whose legal team is claiming that he had been entrapped by the US Government.

The artiste was arrested in December 2009 as part of a sting operation.

Source - jamaicaobserver

I-OCTANE DELIVERED BLAZING PERFORMANCES IN TRI-STATE AREA

Reggae star I-Octane energised the hardcore grassroots dancehall audiences stateside with a trio of high energy performances in frigid, wintry conditions in the Tri-state area in early February.

After a whirlwind media tour at the end of January, I-Octane returned to New York for incendiary performances at SOBs in New York City, Temptations Night Club in Brooklyn and The Hut in New Jersey.

The singjay kicked off the week on Monday, February 7, 2011, as the headliner at the first installment of the popular 'Rock With Squeeze' shows this year. Hosted by David "Squeeze" Annakie, CEO of LinkUp Media and Publisher of JAMROCK Magazine, I Octane pulled out a huge
crowd for the 7 p.m. show as fans braved freezing temps and rain to see the singjay in action.

And he did not disappoint.

Kicking off his set with the number one single No Love Inna Dem, Octane had the audience dancing and singing along to other hits such as My Life, Lose A Friend, Puff It, and Mine Who Yuh A Dis. At the end of his set, Squeeze conducted an on-stage interview. At that time a
request from a fan to be serenaded by the singjay was granted and he crooned Every time You Touch Me, a favorite among his female fans who screamed in appreciation.

Two days later, Octane was in awesome form as he thrilled a packed Brooklyn’s Temptations Nightclub during the weekly Wah A Gwaan Wednesdays event. Industry insiders Jabba, and Mr. Cee of Hot 97 as well as broadcaster Nikki Z were among the fans on hand to witness the
singjay’s stellar performance.

“I-Octane's performance on February 9th at a jam - packed Temptations in Brooklyn was special. The fans and media were on hand to witness the I-Octane movement and they were in a frenzy. I've kept many shows in Brooklyn at Temptations and have never seen the hard core Brooklyn garrison audience accept and receive an artist like they did I-Octane. Hapilos, Steelie Bashment and I are proud of this very successful promotion. I-Octane has arrived and he isn’t going anywhere any time soon,” promoter Johnny Wonder said.

Mr. Cee, the host of Hot 97’s popular “Throwback at Noon” was so enthralled by the singjay’s performance, that he announced that he had decided to add a few of the singjay’s songs to his set.

“To hear I-Octane’s music is one thing but to see him perform live is a must. I-Octane is that next dude,” Mr. Cee remarked.

It is clear that I-Octane has not only tapped into a new fan base but most importantly he has earned the respect of those in the industry - "I-Octane is a shining example of what an artist should be. He does not have a song on major market radio nor does he have the hype behind him but he was still able to take on a mixed crowd and hold their attention. This is a perfect example of where reggae and dancehall should be. He makes me proud and he should make Jamaica proud." Diva Nikki Z

If the nightclub gig in Brooklyn was popping, then Newark, New Jersey was simply scintillating as I-Octane rounded out a memorable swing through the Tri-state area with a performance at The Hut on Thursday, February 10, 2011.

The anthem of the hardcore dancehall audience in Newark appears to be “Puff It” because that single earned the biggest forwards on a night where Octane could do no wrong. Huge cheers greeted each selection with each roar from the crowd eclipsing the excitement and force of
the previous forward. Octane brought the audience to a thrilling climax that is sure to have the hardcore fans buzzing for a long time.

It is clear that I-Octane has not only tapped into a new fan base but most importantly he has earned the respect of those die-hard fans who have been deprived of high quality reggae acts in recent months because of the visa problems currently being experienced by most of
the top reggae-dancehall acts.

The US tour continues with performances in Houston Texas, Arcata California, Oakland California, Fairfax California, Miami Florida, long beach California, Chicago, Minneapolis, Bridgeport Connecticut, Springfield Massachusetts and other dates in May

COURT HEARS BUJU DISCUSSING DRUG DEAL

By PAUL HENRY

TAMPA, USA — The court this morning started hearing recordings of the conversations between Buju Banton and confidential source Alexander Johnson.

During the recordings both men could be heard discussing a drug deal from Venezuela to Europe and discussing the cost of purchasing several kilos of cocaine.

In several exchanges Banton could be heard pressing Johnson about finding people from whom he could purchase cocaine.

Johnson, however, said he did not purchase but that he was a transporter.

At one point Banton could be heard complaining to Johnson that he found it hard to find people in the drug game to trust.

Earlier this morning before the trial resumed, family members and friends of Banton read Psalms and prayed. But some later seemed deflated at the playing of the recordings. Some sat with their heads bowed.

During the playing of the recordings, Banton sat staring at Johnson, while Johnson kept his eyes fixed on the computer before him.

Banton could also be heard on the recordings asking Johnson if he could help with the transportation of diamonds from Africa to Europe. He told Johnson that the smuggling of diamonds was much cleaner.

After a short break, more tapes were played and evidence was given by Johnson that he was introduced to Ian Thomas by Banton on December 8, 2009.

After the introduction Thomas told Johnson that he had people who wanted drugs to buy. During the conversation all three men were discussing the cost of drugs in the various states in America.

Johnson and Thomas then made arrangements for a deal to be done. At the end Banton could be heard saying “done deal” to Johnson.

In court Johnson said he interpreted that to mean that Banton had approved of the two doing the drug deal.

Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, is being tried for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine; attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offence; and using the wires to facilitate a drug trafficking offence.

If convicted, he faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment.

Banton had originally been tried on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and aiding and abetting the possession of a firearm during a drug-trafficking offence. His trial resulted in a hung jury last September.

A new indictment was secured last November by Preston in an effort to secure a conviction against the Jamaican artiste, whose legal team is claiming that he had been entrapped by the US Government.

The artiste was arrested in December 2009 as part of a sting operation.

The trial, which resumes at 1:15, is being held in the Sam M Gibbons Federal Court in Florida.

Source: Jamaica Observer

KARTEL, MAVADO LEAD EME AWARDS NOMINATIONS

Deejays Vybz Kartel and Mavado lead the list of nominees for this year's Excellence in Music and Entertainment (EME) Awards. Both artistes lead the pack with six nominations each.

The awards which will be handed out on the East Lawns of Devon House in Kingston on March 12, sees high-riding deejay, Vybz Kartel being nominated for trophies for Deejay of the Year, Song of the Year (dancehall) in which he has two nods for Clarks and Dumper Truck, Album of the Year for Pon di Gaza 2.0, Collaboration of the Year for Clarks which also features Popcaan and Gaza Slim, and International Artiste of the Year.

Mavado has two nominations for Song of the Year — Stulla and Mad Over, and has also been nominated for Singjay of the Year, Collaboration of the Year for Come into My Roon with Stacious and My Heart with Wayne Marshall and International Artiste of the Year.

Other artistes with multiple nominations include Jah Cure, Lady Saw, I-Octane, Tarrus Riley, Bounty Killer, Etana and Gyptian.

This year sees the introduction of a new category at the EMEs -- Artiste of the Decade (2001-2010). According to founder of the awards, broadcaster Richie B, the award will be given to the artiste who had the biggest impact as a hit maker, performer and touring act.

The public will be able to cast their vote for their favourite nominee at the awards' website www.emeawards.com. Already Richie B has announced that rappers Eve and Trina will be attending this year's show, which will be co-hoted by US-based comedian Raymond 'Rayzor' Davis.

THE FULL LIST OF NOMINEES:

DJ OF THE YEAR (MALE)

Beenie Man - Aidonia

Bounty Killer - Vybz Kartel

Busy Signal - Assassin

DJ OF THE YEAR (FEMALE)

Stacious - Lady Saw

Ce'Cile - D'Angel

Timberlee - Spice

VOCALIST OF THE YEAR (MALE)

Hezron - Stevie Face

Jah Cure - Christopher Martin

Romain Virgo - Tarrus Riley

Richie Stephens

VOCALIST OF THE YEAR (FEMALE)

Tami Chynn - Queen Ifrica

Etana - Alaine

Cherine Anderson - Phyllisia

PRODUCER/LABEL OF THE YEAR (DANCEHALL)

Sankofa Records — Sankofa Crew

Equinoxx Productions — Gavin Blair

Chimney Records — Jordan Mc Lure

Big Ship — Stephen Mcgregor

Seanizzle Records — Sean Reid

Notnice Productions — Ainsley Morris

Cash Flow Records — DJ Neil, DJ X & Fada P

CR203 Records — ZJ Chrome

Head Concussion Records — Tariq Johnson

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR (REGGAE)

Kemar 'DJ Flava' Mc Gregor — No Doubt Records

Donovan Bennett — Don Corleon Label

Sly & Robbie — Taxi Label

Donovan Germain — Penthouse Records

Jeremy Harding — 2hard Music

DJ Neil, DJ X & Fada P — Cash Flow

DJ Frass — Frass Productions

BEST NEW ARTISTE (MALE)

Vybrant - Richie Loop

Popcaan - Versatile

Protojé - DJ Liquid

T'nez

BEST NEW ARTISTE (FEMALE)

Toya - Gaza Slim

Misteree - Ikaya

Sheba - Denyque

DJ Sunshine - Keida

DUO/GROUP OF THE YEAR

RDX - Nomaddz

Andrew & Wada Blood

TOK - Voicemail

Roots Revealers - Twin of Twins

BIGGEST COMEBACK ARTISTE

Ras Charmer - Warrior King

Junior X - Mr G

Future Fambo - Andy Livingston

Mr Lexx

SONG OF THE YEAR (DANCEHALL)

Clarks — Vybz Kartel, Popcaan & Gaza Slim

Stulla — Mavado

Hold You — Gyptian

Rum & Red Bull — Beenie Man and Future Fambo

Mad Over — Mavado

Dumper Truck — Vybz Kartel

This is how we do it — Elephant Man and Bounty Killer

Nah sell out mi fren dem — Khago

My Cupp — Richie Loop

Jim Screechie — Spice

SONG OF THE YEAR (REGGAE)

We shall find a way — Hezron

Unconditional Love — Jah Cure/ Phyllisha

Wildfire — Tarrus Riley

Free — Etana

My Life — I-Octane

Life — Shawn Storm

Night Shift — Busy Signal

Lose a Friend — I-Octane

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Pon di Gaza 2.0 — Vybz Kartel

Romain Virgo — Romain Virgo

Distant Relatives — Junior Gong & Nas

Infallible — Tanya Stephens

Hold You — Gyptian

My Way — Lady Saw

Before the Dawn — Buju Banton

Black Gold — Duane Stephenson

CULTURAL ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

Tarrus Riley - Queen Ifrica

Richie Spice - Jah Cure

I-Octane - Etana

Chuck Fender

BREAKTHROUGH ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

Tony Anthony - D'Major

Khago - I-Octane

Tiana - The Jolly Boys

Shawn Storm - G Whizz

SINGJAY OF THE YEAR (MALE)

Mavado - Mr Vegas

I-Octane - Chino

Konshens - Gyptian

Wayne Marshall

COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR (LOCAL)

Clarks - Vybz Kartel, Popcaan & Gaza Slim

Come Into My Room -- mavado & stacious

How We Do It -- Elephant Man & Bounty Killer

Unconditional Love -- Jah Cure & Phyllisia

Drinking Rum & Red Bull -- Beenie Man & Fambo

For Ur Eyes Only -- Shaggy & Alaine

My Heart -- Wayne Marshall & Mavado

Stronger -- Cham, Mykal Rose & Bounty Killer

Certified Diva -- Tami & Tifa

RIDDIM OF THE YEAR (REGGAE)

Big Stage -- Penthouse

Classic -- No Doubt

Minor -- Don Corleon

City Life -- 2hard Music

Pleasure -- Cash Flow

Cardio Bass -- CR203

Feel So Good -- Romeich Records

RIDDIM OF THE YEAR (DANCEHALL)

Mad Collabo -- CR203

Bank Inna Mi Pocket -- Romeich

12 Furlong -- Ballaz/Sankofa

Cosa Nostra -- Ward 21

Bad People -- Stephen McGregor

One Day -- Seanizzle

Smokin -- CR203

MOST IMPROVED ARTISTE

Nicky B - Chi Ching Ching

David M - Delus

Danielle aka DI - Zamunda

G Warren

GOSPEL ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

Goddy Goddy - Jabez

Prodigal Son - DJ Nicholas

Jermaine Edwards - Omari Edwards

Junior Tucker - Judith Gayle

Carlene Davis Kevin Downswell

INTERNATIONAL ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

Gyptian - Laza Morgan

Damian 'Junior Gong' Marley

Shaggy - Mavado

Sean Paul - Vybz Kartel

Cherine Anderson

BEST THEATRICAL PRODUCTION

The Pummer - Puppy Love

Passa Passa Daily - House Arrest

Ghettout - What Is Fi Yuh

BEST INSTRUMENTAL GROUP WITH VOCALS (BAND)

Raging Fire - Dubtonic Kru

C-Sharp - Live Wyya

Rootz Underground - Public Secret

ARTISTE OF THE DECADE (2001-2010)

Capleton - Elephant Man

Sean Pau - Sizzla

Beenie Man - Shaggy

Bounty Killer - Luciano

Lady Saw - Buju Banton

Junior Gong - Beres Hammond

Marcia Griffiths - Wayne Wonder