Exciting performances at Western Fest

By Ralston Barrett

The first staging of Western Fest (the Ice Breaker) turned out to be a huge success, as thousands of patrons converged on the lawns of the scenic Rhodes Hall Plantation Resort last Saturday night, to witness what turned out to be a very exciting event.
Although the event got off to a bit lat, patrons were not the least bit upset as they were kept entertained by the musical juggling of Hype Zone disco. Show time began in a rather unusual manner for a stage show, as Merrick the Magician who was not originally on the lineup, was invited on stage about 11:30 pm, by MC Dwight Findley for a brief but very entertaining performance.
The first segment of the show also featured several artistes from Hanover including Imani, Mr Groove and Lighta Secret who all did well. This segment also featured a very talented young US Rapper who goes by the name BJ American Idol; he connected well with the audience as he waxed some very catchy rhymes over heavy Hip Hop beats.
However Timmi Burrell was clearly the best act in this segment, the Negril based singer was smooth in his delivery as he closed off the first segment of the show, performing songs such as Friend In Need, Make Doh, Gi Mi A Ounce and Dark Shades White Tee. During his performance he was joined on stage by stable mate, Vengeance who made his presence felt with Pat It Dung and Weed Anthem.
After the second band change which came about 12:30 am, popular radio personality GT Taylor who took over the MC duties wasted no time and got the second segment of the show going with the introduction of dancehall duo Voice Mail. The group which was once a trio proved that despite the challenges that they recently faced, when they lost group member Oniel Ewards, they are still a force to be reckoned with. Performing songs such as Nuh Linga and Sweep, Dance The Night Way, Weddy Time, Do What You Feel Like and Get Crazy they got the crowd in a frenzy.
The next act on stage was the hard hitting deejay Aidonia, who did a scorching performance which was laced by with hardcore dancehall anthems such as Datz Up Whatz Up, Hundred Stab, Bush Kash and Empty. During his performance Aidonia also took time out to big up Bounty Killer, for his contribution to the development of many dancehall artistes including himself before launching into Bukam, to huge forwards.
He was followed by man of the moment I Octane, whose performance justified why he is being hailed as one of the hottest acts in Jamaica today. Unleashing a barrage of hits such as Loose A Friend, No More, Puff It, No Love Inna Dem, My Life, Missing You, Mama You Alone, and Think A Little Time, he earned some of the biggest forwards for the night.
The next segment of the show highlighted heavy weight cultural acts such as Etana who delivered a very lively performance which included hits such as Warrior Love, Free, Happy Hearts, August Town and I am Not Afraid.
The fiery Queen Ifrica who appeared on stage after Etana was her usual fiery self as she lashed out against the system. Her delivery of hits such as Mek Mi Grow, Below The Waist, Keep It To yourself, Daddy and Heroes was earned her huge forwards and the first encore of the night.
Richie Spice who followed next was equal to the task and lived up to his billing as a headline act on the show, as he delivered a scintillating set, which lasted over forty minutes. He took the patrons on a musical high with songs such as Marijuana Pon Di Corner, Brown Skin, Di Plane Land, Grooving My Girl, A Nuh Me Dat, Nuh Call Mi No Dawg, Mi Legal and Earth A Run Red.
Tarrus Riley was chosen to close the show and he did so in fine style. From the moment he touched the stage he kept the crowd entertained with hits such as Contagious, Super Man, Lion Paw, Far Away and Human Nature.
Western Fest lived up to expectations as it turned to be a well produced event, no doubt patrons will be more than happy to see it on the events calendar next year. Several lucky patrons walked away with brand new Black Berry phones as there was a raffle that took place in between the band changes.

A BUSY WEEKEND FOR I-OCTANE

I-octane is very busy this weekend, as he kicks the off Weekend this Friday November 26th with the Digicel Loaded Christmas Road Show in St. Mary and ends the night at Digicel’s YEA Gala and Banquet at the Wyndham Hotel in Kingston. And he doesn’t stop there, the Next day Saturday November 27th he will be back on the road starting off with Digicel Loaded Christmas Road show in St. Catherine, then later that night, Party Like It’s your Birthday in Jus Cheers St. Anns and Western Fest @ Rhodes Hall Estate Orange Bay, Hanover.
He’s closing off the weekend with The CB Pan Chicken Championship at Knutsford Blvd in Kingston, Sunday November 28th.

I Octane, Richie Spice, Tarrus Riley, Queen Ifrica and Etana headline western fest

The promoters of the upcoming Western Fest, which will take place at the Rhodes Hall Plantation in Orange Bay, Hanover, are assuring patrons that the event, slated for this Saturday November 27, will be an experience that they will never forget.
Co-organiser of Western Fest, Basil Bennett, of Hard Rock Promotions, has indicated that the day and night event will be a top quality production.
"The line-up that we have put together for Western Fest is very good and our production will be of the highest standards. We also have a very nice venue it's a great location for partying, patrons who come out for Western Fest are going to have a blast," he said.
Western Fest will feature several popular acts such as I Octane, Richie Spice, Tarrus Riley, Queen Ifrica, Etana, Aidonia and Voicemail along with several promising upcoming artistes including Timmi Burrell, BJ American Idol, Imani, Mr Groove and Lighta Secret.
Although this will be the first staging of the event Bennett believes that it will be a big success, especially because of the quality line-up of artistes that he and his team have chosen.
Western Fest will begin at ten in the morning and will feature a host of activities that will see patrons vying to win prizes such as Black Berry phones among other items. The musical juggling will be handled by the popular HYPE Zone sound-system. Backing bands for Western Fest are Black Soil, Gumption, Hype Zone and Ninja Force Band.
Bennett also stated that Hard Rock Promotions plans to stage this event on an annual basis therefore he and his team are doing all the necessary things to make it a success.
"Western Fest is going to be an annual show and we are doing everything to ensure that we start off with a bang. The plan is to make it bigger and better each time around said Bennett.

THE BIGGER, BETTER BAMBINO!

......HE HAS DONE IT AGAIN!

DJ Bambino is at it again, having added another significant milestone to a slew of winning combinations; the DJ landed one of the hottest titles around town this Christmas as Digicel Brand Ambassador and could be coming to a town near you.
Born Orett Hart Jr, Bambino plays the role as emcee, selector under the name DJ Bambino and deejay as Trever Off Key.
Bambino secured a major deal with telecommunications giant Digicel which undoubtedly is an amazing partnership. The alliance will see Bambino being actively involved in Digicel promotions to include, but not limited to, the Digicel Christmas Promotions which features the entertainer in television, radio and print advertisements.

“It really is a pleasure to have secured this contract with Digicel. Working and growing with this telecommunications giant can only spell a win-win situation for both brands. Brand Ambassador means a lot to me as any idea generated which can bolster the brand also puts Bambino at the forefront,” stated a very appreciative Bambino.

The first stop of the road show on Friday, November 12 at St. Williams Grant Park, Downtown Kingston saw the likes of I-Octane, Tifa, Ding Dong and Bambino treating those in attendance to sterling performances.

He added, “The concert was quite spectacular as some of Jamaica’s most talented young stars and fellow brand ambassadors took to the stage and delivered energetic sets. As a fellow artiste and radio disc jock it’s just a positive feeling to be associated with on this level with the bigger, better network.”

For the second road show DJ Bambino will be making his appearance as Emcee on Friday November 19, 2010 in the St. Andrew area with scheduled stops are Hope Road, Liganuea, Papine, Barbican, Mannings Hill, Havendale, Spanish Town Road, Six Miles, Maxfield Avenue and Half Way Tree. The final stop at Anbell is sure to be a truly memorable occasion in New Kingston.

The only out of town stop will see Bambino making an appearance on Monday, December 13, 2010 in Montego Bay with scheduled stops at Duncans, Bogue, Reading and Anchovy. Montego Bay KFC will be the final stop for the tree lighting ceremony.

The final leg of the road show will be at St. Williams Grant Park Downtown Kingston on Friday December 24, 2010 with Bambino making scheduled stops in the Cross Roads, Heroes Circle, Mountain View, Harbour View Shopping Areas, Windward Road, Port Royal Street, Spanish Town Road (Tivoli), Orange Street, Around Parade, Church Street, King Street and Ward Theatre.

BEYONCÉ CRAFTS ‘OWN GENRE’ ON NEW ALBUM

It’s no secret that Beyoncé is a work machine, but she isn’t resting on the accomplishments of 2008’s I Am… Sasha Fierce. While on set of a commercial for VIZIO, the pop diva gave an update on the follow-up to her smash release, sharing that she’s using live instruments to create a brand new genre.
“I’m actually in the studio now writing songs and producing,” she divulged between takes. “I have a lot of live instruments that I’m putting into the tracks to try to change the sound and make my own genre of music.”
Among her likely collaborators are Ne-Yo and Jim Jonsin, each of whom previously revealed that she was going out of the box on her fourth album. “It’s coming along nicely. I can’t speak too much on it, but it’s another direction for her, and she’s carving out her own niche,” said Ne-Yo. “In a minute nobody will be in Beyoncé’s lane. They really can’t get in her lane now, but they really can’t get in her lane after this album.”
Jonsin, who produced her hit “Sweet Dreams,” explained that he wanted to take B back to the ’80s with the addition of certain instruments. “I’d like to take it even more Depeche Mode-ish, like ’80s electro with just some hard drums. I’d love to go there,” he told Rap-Up TV.
Though you’ll have to wait until next year to get a new album from the singing sensation, Beyoncé is tiding fans over with the release of her full-length concert DVD/CD (Nov. 30), which is set to premiere with a 90-minute special on Thanksgiving night on ABC (Nov. 25, 9:30-11 p.m.).


Source: rap-up.com

Mission accomplished as Future Fambo delivers great performances in Canada

Definitely the ‘Comeback Kid for the year 2010’, deejay Future Fambo’s career is moving from strength to strength. With his fan base growing since the release earlier this year of his Seanizzle-produced hit Rum And Red Bull, (featuring Beenie Man), Fambo’s demand has spiked.

The deejay, known for his energetic on-stage presence, recently returned to Jamaica from a two-show trip to Canada, where he had fans in a frenzy as he worked the stage like a pro. Dubbed Reggaelution, the shows were staged by PFB Entertainment on October 29 inside the Government Entertainment Complex in Toronto and the following night in Montreal. Both shows were well supported and kudos to the promoters for proper stage management and good time control.
Of course, Fambo’s international hit Rum And Red Bull proved to be a favourite mix, despite the fact that the Doctor Beenie Man wasn’t there in person to sing the hook. However, Future Fambo’s delivery was on point and, as the self-proclaimed Drunken Master of the Dancehall, he delighted patrons with his infectious Swaggaholic style and song of the same name.

Also a hit with the Canadian massive was the single Pop Bottle and Fambo made sure to work it with the crowd. Before he exited centrestage, the deejay called on stage Supa Hype, much to the delight of patrons who enjoyed the extra treat.

Although Fambo didn’t get to perform This Life in Toronto, he gave it to the Montreal fans without holding back any emotion and this proved a sobering moment during the Drunken Master’s act.

It was obvious that the deejay himself was having fun on stage and he was able to convey that element to the patrons, many of whom danced and sang with hands in the air as Future Fambo took time to thank them for the opportunity to perform for them.
Future Fambo was one of six acts including Supa Hype and the Big Ship Crew of Laden, Chino, Stephen Di Genius and captain of the Big Ship, Freddie McGregor contracted to perform at both shows. Fambo opened for Freddie who was the headliner.
During an interview after his performance, an excited Fambo expressed his joy at being able to totally satisfy his Canadian fans and his pleasant surprise at the response to his singles.
“Right now, it’s Fambo’s Canada,” he said with a laugh. “My job was to get the crowd excited and give them their money’s worth and for me it was mission accomplished,” Fambo said, adding, “I am on a natural high. It is so overwhelming. About eight months ago Freddie (McGregor) said to me ‘Fambo, you going to be blessed this year’ and I am proving that now,” the deejay said soberly.

‘DUDUS’ YET TO GET NEW DATE FOR COURT APPEARANCE

By Harold Bailey

NEW YORK, USA — Former Tivoli Gardens strongman Christopher 'Dudus' Coke is yet to receive a new date to appear in court to answer to drug and gun charges.
Coke was scheduled to appear in court Tuesday but the court appearance was postponed at the last minute. However, officials at the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York did not provide a reason for the postponement.
Coke, who remains in solitary confinement in a jail here, is facing charges on allegations of illegal drug dealings and gun-running.
He was extradited here after waiving his extradition rights to an hearing in a Jamaican court.
Meanwhile, there are indications that the question as to whether or not Jamaica's
interception law is admissible in a US court is likely to play an important part of Coke's defense.
Steve Zissou, a member of Coke's defence team, confirmed that the matter could form part of motions to be filed by the defence.
United States authorities have maintained that the evidence against Coke were obtained in accordance with Jamaican laws.
Source: jamaicaobserver.com