Chilando causing a stir in the UK

Montego Bay, JAMAICA:- The year 2015 is looking quite promising for emerging dancehall act, Chilando (Chy-lando), who is keen to prove himself on the global stage this year. Busy on the promotional trail with a set of songs which seem to have found quite a bit of favour within the dancehall, the singjay is confident that the big break is just a hair breath away.

“The songs have taken wings,” an enthusiastic Chilando reported in reference to the singles Life Too Short (Chimney Records) Stay Inna Yuh Lane and Wah Run Road Now on the Ghetto Bible riddim, which are enjoying good rotation on radio in the UK. According to the singjay’s management team, several disc jocks in the UK have been “risnsing the songs” and have been reaching out to them for interviews with the artiste and also for drops and specials. “The songs already have their visa, so it’s just a matter of time before Chilando secures his work permit for the UK,” the management stated.

In fact, so solid is this breakthrough that a mixtape done by DJ Lady K of Flames FM featuring the three songs – among others – was given a spotlight by DJ MissaJam who spins on the highly respected BBC1Extra. For Chilando and his team, this kind of exposure is better than anything they could have paid for. And, not surprisingly, it is already paying off, because as a result of this wave of popularity within the UK, Chilando was recently added to the line-up of the annual, star-studded, celebratory event, Brit Jam, which has been voted the number one party holiday from the UK. It is set for March 11 – 17 and Chilando will be performing on March 12 at the event entitled ‘I Will Be There’ at Aquasol Theme Park.

Bubbling with energy, the singjay whose hometown is Montego Bay, said that he was truly grateful to the disc jocks in the UK who have recognized his talent and are playing a crucial role  in helping him, as a young artiste, to secure his space in the dancehall. Chilando also disclosed that top British reggae/dancehall act, Gappy Ranks, has reached out to him and strengthened him with lots of positive vibes.

“Big respect to disc jocks such as Biggaau on Whoa FM; DJ Brit Jam Face on Flames FM; DJ Lady K on Inspiration FM; Sir DJ Corey on Flames (and who also fills in sometimes on BBC 1 Extra) and  MistaJam on BBC 1 Extra. Of course, as usual, I have to give a special shout out to the disc jocks and the producers here in Jamaica. They are the ones who have taken me from nowhere to somewhere and I am forever indebted to them. The wheels are turning in the right direction and it will be more hard work and some chart-topping songs from Chilando,” said the artiste who is signed to Show Di Vybz/DJ Frass.

Morgan Heritage Reveals "Strictly Roots" Album Cover, Announces U.S Tour Dates

APRIL US TOUR DATES

April 8th - Howard Theatre Washington D.C www.TicketMaster.com
April 9th - Highline Ballroom NY, New York www.TicketMaster.com
April - 15th Cervantes Otherside Denver, Colorado www.Ticketfly.com
April 17th - Cactus Jacks Phoenix, Arizona
April 18th - Los Globos Los Angeles, California www.TicketMaster.com
April 19th - Belly Up Tarven Solana Beach, California www.bellyupsolanabeach.frontgatetickets.com
April 22nd - MOE'S Santa Cruz, California www.MoesAlley.com/ticket
April 23rd - Mystic Theatre Petaluma, California www.TicketMaster.com
April 24th - B.L Casino & Hotel Blue Lake, California www.BlueLakeCasino.ticketleap.com
April 25th - EL REY, Chico, California www.TicketWeb.com
April 26th - The New Parish, Oakland, California www.TheNewParish.com
April 27th - Brooklyn Bowl, Las Vegas, Arizona www.TicketFly.com

Reggae brings back warmth to cold Toronto as Morgan Heritage heats up Redemption XV

Over three thousand loyal reggae fans braved -15 degrees F conditions in Toronto, Canada, last Friday to experience firsthand the Royal Family of Reggae, Morgan Heritage, live in performance at the upscale Sound Academy.  Amid the frigid temperature, music lovers found a warm oasis as the multi-talented group heated up the city in front of a capacity audience assembled for Redemption XV.

It is befitting that on a most significant day of Reggae Month – the birthday of legendary icon Bob Marley – Morgan Heritage exemplified the resilience and timeless quality of reggae music as they opened up their set with the classic hit single "Tell Me How Come". The jubilant crowd sang along as the siblings belted tune after tune effortlessly, while incorporating soul and reggae grooves into their flexuous rhythmic patterns and melodic arrangements.

The capacity audience felt the power of reggae to bring back love, the title of one of the group's hit songs -  and also quite a bit of warmth -  as they witnessed yet another memorable performance from Morgan Heritage who upheld their formidable reggae legacy.

"As always, Morgan Heritage came out strong! The smooth sexy voices rocked the crowd. They threw it back to the days of Toots and Maytals and educated the crowd with reggae history, remembering more than just Bob and Dennis, but the other greats that have left us too soon, like the legendary Bunny Ruggs of Third World. They even included those outside the reggae genre like Michael Jackson. Time after time, Morgan Heritage consistently brings it to the stage and it was awesome seeing Jemere for the first time as he touched the stage, guaranteeing the legacy will continue!!" stated concert goer and reggae enthusiast Suzanne Karam

Morgan Heritage kept the crowd mesmerized with renditions of new and classic hits, and even teased the crowd with "Put It On Me", a single from their upcoming "Strictly Roots" album slated for release this Spring.  Adding fuel to the musical fire, Morgan Heritage next generation, teen idol Jemere Morgan, made a special appearance to the delight of ladies of all ages. 

Comprising people all from different backgrounds, thoughts, beliefs, upbringing and social status, Redemption XV will be remembered as the night when Morgan Heritage proved the perfect remedy for the winter blues and the music connected every one as one.

"Toronto was electrifying! Romain Virgo and Uncle Freddie (McGregor) really set the pace and we enjoyed bringing such a multi-cultured crowd out in such freezing temperatures. You couldn't tell it was -15F with the energy that was circulating in Sound Academy. Much love to Toronto, Canada and the promoters for bringing us back. Can't wait for next time," an appreciative Mojo Morgan stated.  

Great prime time performance from I-Octane at Bob Marley tribute concert

Kingston, JAMAICA:- He’s officially been dubbed, ‘The Closer’ owing to his ability to

recharge and hype a weary crowd into a musical frenzy and bring the curtains down on a concert in spectacular style.

On Saturday night, however, at the Digicel Redemption Live concert on the Waterfront, I-Octane exchanged his usual closing presentation in favour of a prime time performance and what a performance it was! The King of Reggae, in whose honour the show was held, must surely have looked down and given a smile of approval.

Dressed in full red, with his usual flowing locks constrained under a red, green and gold Rasta tam, the reggae/dancehall superstar paid tribute to Bob Marley with the song Who The Cap Fit, an offering which went down very well with a crowd who was only too willing to receive. I-Octane then delved into his own catalogue and unleashed goodies which sent the crowd at the Waterfront into a musical frenzy. This was I-Octane at his prime time best and they had no choice but to Buss A Blank, as his popular song says.

Performing right after veteran Freddie McGregor, who gave a memorable performance, I-Octane, who took charge of the stage for twenty minutes, made a wise selection from his extensive catalogue of hit tunes. His set, which included a mix of the old and the new, saw him doing songs such asGal Ting, Cyaa Do It, What a way we shattin/We Run di Flippin Place, My Story, the ever popular Lose A friend, Mama Jah Jah and L.O.V.E From the reception given by the crowd, it seemed that every song was a crowd favourite and the more he gave, the more they wanted.

He was later joined by Vanessa Bling, formerly Gaza Slim, as they both performed their popular collaboration Cya Do It, which was chockfull of chemistry and the crowd just loved it.

In an interview backstage after the show, I-Octane was all smiles as he heaped praise on the organisers of the event and stated that he was honoured to perform on a concert in Jamaica paying tribute reggae icon, Bob Marley

Toronto’s Sound Academy gets ready to host the Royal Family of Reggae

Preparations are in high gear as the organisers of Redemption XV prepare to host the Royal Family of Reggae, Morgan Heritage at Toronto’s upscale Sound Academy on Friday night February 6, 2015.

It will be an extravaganza of immense proportions at the event dubbed “the ultimate reggae experience representing the past, present and the future,” and which will also double as a celebration of the lives of reggae greats.  Redemption XV actually takes place on a significant day in reggae music history, the birthday of reggae icon, the legendary Robert Nesta ‘Bob’Marley, OM. Additionally, February is also the twin celebration of Reggae Month and Black History Month.

Now being staged for a decade and a half, Redemption XV, quite appropriately, has chosen Morgan Heritage, an uber talented group who is as charismatic as Bob himself, to lead the line-up for their significant 15^th anniversary celebrations. Coming from their recent Jamaica Jazz and Blues experience, in which they had the honour of closing the stage on the night that multiple Grammy award winning songstress, Mariah Carey performed, the roots reggae emissaries are fully charged.

Notwithstanding the rain which prompted the jazz festival organisers to lamentably cut their performance short, Morgan Heritage threw down 18 minutes of solid, soul stirring music that had fans standing on their feet, huddled under umbrellas, soaking up their music rather than fleeing for shelter. Songs such as Man Is Still A Man, Don’t Haffi Dread, Jah Works, What We Need Is Love and selections from their latest album, Here Come The Kings – all performed live – showed exactly why the  conscious sibling group is hailed as premiere live group on the reggae circuit.

 

Morgan Heritage promises Canadian fans a full-length performance which they will not forget anytime soon. “There is just something about Canada that appeals to us in a special kind of way. And we are really anticipating this performance on the birthday of Reggae King, Bob Marley. As musicians and reggae ambassadors, we must always remember and honour those on whose shoulders we stand,” declared the group’s percussionist Mr Mojo, himself the son of a reggae pioneer, the legendary Denroy Morgan.

Also on the show is a young man who has been wooing fans with superb performances, reggae singer, Romaine Virgo
. 

Morgan Heritage performing at the Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival 2015

Chilando preaches on the Ghetto Bible riddim; heads to Out Rage

Montego Bay, JAMAICA: - Up-and-coming dancehall artiste Chilando (Chy-lando), who is determined to make 2015 his breakout year, preaches quite a spirited, message-filled  sermon on ZJ Dymond’s blazing Ghetto Bible riddim, even as he gets ready this weekend to do his first show of the year, Out Rage 3.0.

On this single, which is entitled Wah Run Road Now,  Chilando sticks to one of his favourite themes – taking charge and stamping his impeccable class  on the dancehall. Declaring that his “style get hotter than a bread inna the bakery”, Chilando makes no apologies as he signals his intent to “run road”.  The message is clear and what is also evident is that Chilando knows the road code and there is no stopping him as he is takes his fans with him on this exciting journey.

“The name of this riddim is inspiring, it makes you ponder, so it’s only natural to do a song that represents what the riddim is all about.  In writing this song, we deliberately used similes and lots of imagery because the Bible is a classic book which has endured for generations and the Ghetto Bible also has to stand the test of time,” Chilando declared.

On the Ghetto Bible riddim, Chilando rubs shoulders with dancehall’s current stars as he joins the likes of  I-Octane, Kalado, DeMarco, Mavado, Kartel and Alkaline in ensuring that the riddim is indeed memorable.

Meanwhile, the Show Di Vybz/DJ FRass recording recording artiste, who hails from the second city, Montego Bay, is enthusiastically anticipating performing on Out Rage 3.0, the ultimate paint and ‘wata’ party to be held at the famous Aquasol Theme Park in Montego Bay on Sunday, February 8.

“This event kick starts my year in terms of live performances and I am R-E-A-D-Y. I can’t wait to interact with my fans and make new ones. It is always a pleasure to perform in Mo Bay because the world comes to Montego Bay,” a confident Chilando said.

Also featured on the Road Team Entertainment event along with Chilando are Kalado, Gage, Blade Skeemaz, Glorious and others.

New Gyal Ting video and more for I-Octane

Kingston, JAMAICA:- Quite honoured to receive four nominations in this year’s Youth View Awards (YVAs) – Cultural Artiste of the Year; Young Hot and Hype; Favourite Musical Collaboration (w) Vanessa Bling for Cya Do It and Fashion Icon – Digicel and Busta ambassador, I-Octane, says he is committed to staying true to himself and his fans by continuing to provide musical diversity.

“I-Octane manages to skillfully balance on that edge between culture and dancehall, therefore it comes as no surprise that he is nominated for Cultural Artiste of the Year, while also getting a nod for his dancehall tunes with female deejay, Vanessa Bling. It’s all about staying current and responding to the demand that is out there,” manager Ray Alexander explained.

And, while the fans are busy voting to ensure their artiste’s success in the YVAs, I-Octane is equally occupied with providing new songs and well-produced music videos to keep his ever growing fan base fully focused and entertained. Whether he is wearing his heart on his sleeve by declaring to his girl that I L.O.V.E. Y.O.U. or lamenting that his Gal A Gimme Bun, I-Octane’s songs and videos are chockful of emotion and command attention. The singjay’s latest venture, the video shoot for the single, Gyal Ting, is no different.

A song which is already showing its dominance on the dancehall and has demonstrated its potential to top the charts,Gyal Ting is produced by Chimney Records on the hugely popular Happy Hour Riddim. It is a straight up tune which every man can identify with and which every woman can relate to and the music video totally reflects this. Teeming with vibe and lots of positive energy, the video, which was shot last week at Famous night club in Portmore, was directed by in-demand video director, Bling Blang.

I-Octane, who is very happy with the outcome, describes the occasion as “one of the best video shoots I have ever experienced”.

Meanwhile, the artiste is looking forward to performing alongside many top Jamaican artistes on the Digicel Bob Marley 70th Concert on February 7 at the Waterfront, Downtown Kingston.  The concert also features Capleton, Freddy McGregor, Judy Mowatt, Cocoa Tea, Richie Spice, Bob Marley’s sons  Ky-mani  and Damion, along with other acts.