NICKI MINAJ

By True Daley & Geena Lee

On the final night of the week-long 19^th annual Reggae Sumfest, audiences were treated to a diverse lineup which included  long-standing artists such as Jah Cure, Wayne Wonder, Mya and Gyptian.  Also on the bill were Proteje, Chalice, Cherine Henderson, Hezron, Laza Morgan,  Ashley Martin and Trudy.

However, the main event for International Night 2 was none other than mega-star Nicki Minaj (mypinkfriday.com), whose performance marked her first visit to Jamaica. Audience members waited in anticipation throughout the night, with some of her biggest fans paying homage to the Black Barbie by donning pink wigs, corsets and tutus.

One would assume Minaj would close the show as the international headliner, however according to Sumfest protocol,  international acts never do.  In the wee hours of the morning, following a half-hour lull of silence, Minaj burst onto the stage to the thunderous cheers of exuberant fans. Her usual outlandish attire of brightly-coloured wig, multi-patterned tights, and neon bodysuit, was replaced by a more understated costume.  The rapper wore a black wig, with a leopard-printed corset and harem pants, much to the disappointment of fans hoping to get a closer look at her curvaceous figure.

Minaj’s high-powered performance was peppered with patois between songs and her dancers maintained the energy and sex appeal with dancehall choreography. The first lady of Young Money performed a mix of her biggest hits including “Monster”, “Your Love” and “Moment 4 Life”.  True to form, the rapper flirted with her fans, giving them a taste of her Trini roots with a slow sexy wine from time to time.

WAYNE WONDER

She got the audience hot, then left them cold, as she vanished into the darkness after delivering a tight 35-minute set without encore.  She also gave international media the cold shoulder, refusing any interviews despite being the only foreign headlining act.

Dancehall crooner Wayne Wonder (www.waynewonder.com) rounded out the night by delivering favourites like “Saddest Day”, “No Letting Go”, and “Bounce Along”.  Mya once again graced the stage as she joined Wonder in performing their new single “If I Ever”.  Fans were also brought back in time as Mya treated them to a performance of her 1998 hit “Ghetto Superstar”.

(photos by Adrian Creary courtesy of Summerfest Productions)

SINCE SUMFEST: Peformers make the headlines

While Reggae Sumfest went off without a hitch from July 17-23, some of the celebrities made headlines immediately following their performance.  Nicky Minaj, Mavado, and Clifton Brown have been getting a lot of buzz…

MINAJ’S POTTY MOUTH

Scandalous outfits, explicit lyrics, and gyrating hips are the norm for many artists gracing the Sumfest stage. Swearing, however, is strictly prohibited.  Although Minaj forewarned audiences she would do her best to keep her set clean, Black Barbie dropped a few ‘F-bombs’ during her concert.  According to Jamaica’s Daily Observer newspaper,  Jamaican police reportedly handed her the summons to appear in court, as she exited the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex .  Although she did not make a court appearance, attorney Hugh Thompson, entered an ex parte guilty plea and paid the J$1000 ($11CDN) fine on Minaj’s behalf. Some suspect Minaj planned the scenario in an attempt to gain more media attention.

MAVADO

MAVADO ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT

Soon after his Sumfest performance, Jamaican police named Mavado as a person of interest after receiving a report of a violent incident involving a 51-year old man and his 17-year old son. The father and son are charging Mavado and a member of his entourage with assault, after an altercation occurred while they were travelling along Belmont Road in Anchovy, St. James.

According to various Jamaican media reports, Mavado demanded that the man move his parked vehicle so that he and his procession of cars could pass. Some reports conflict saying the man complied with Mavado’s request, while other reports state the man refused to move his vehicle.  What is consistent, and the main reason for the charges, is that members of Mavado’s entourage allegedly left their vehicles and began viciously attacking the man, with one member slapping his son across the face with a machete. Mavado himself reportedly backed his vehicle into the man’s car, causing injury to the man and damaging his automobile.

As of press time, Mavado has been arrested and charged by police for assault occasioning bodily harm and malicious destruction of property; he is due to appear in court August 8^th.  Also charged is his promoter Gregory Lindo, who was caught trying to pay off the complainant in return for dropping the charges.  Lindo is accused of attempting to pervert the course of justice, and conspiracy.

This is not Mr. ‘Gangsta For Life’s first run-in with the law, as he’s also recently been charged with property damage and assault.

CLIFTON BROWN with Beenie Man

INTERNET SENSATION CLIFTON BROWN CROSSES OVER

The seriousness of heavy rains which swept away a bridge in rural St. Andrew, Jamaica, has been overshadowed by a viral video featuring local resident Clifton Brown.  His interview with TVJ  about his flooded community, has been remixed by DJ Powa, making Brown a Youtube sensation, with over a million hits to date. Brown has become an overnight star, due to his peculiar accent and the ‘Nobody Canna Cross It’ song which has been at the top of Caribbean music charts for weeks. Brown recently shared the Sumfest stage alongside the King of Dancehall, Beenie Man and has been making appearances all over the island.

According to the Jamaica Star, “Some persons do not find the remix video by DJ Powa  as hilarious as others. In fact, some individuals are strongly against the issue being transformed into a national, and international joke. However, there are those who argue that it is just one of many videos on YouTube that serves as a medium for social commentary or satire.

Furthermore, it is nothing new for Jamaicans to ‘tek bad tings mek laugh’. Several of our musicians, comedians and creative geniuses, like DJ Powa, have been doing so for decades .The popularity of the song  “Nobody Canna Cross” It is so huge that it has been made into a ringtone.

A Facebook page has been created to pledge support for Clifton’s bridge. In barely 24 hours, the page (www.facebook.com/wecancrossit) has garnered more than 1,500 supporters. They have dubbed themselves ‘The Bridge Builders’. The Canadian R.A. Murray programme has also pledged their support.

Video: Clifton ‘Cliff-Twang’ Brown – Nobody Canna Cross It

By Geena Lee

Always a crowd favourite, the Teddy Pendergrass of Jamaica was the star of the night, returning to the Sumfest stage after a three-year hiatus.  Hammond had the crowd in the palm of his hand as he treated fans to a full concert featuring a multitude of classic hits such as “Tempted To Touch”, “She Loves Me Now” and “Can’t Stop A Man From Trying”.

In honour of Hammond’s major influence on the Jamaican music industry and culture, Summerfest Productions bestowed him with a special Reggae Icon Award mid-concert.  Johnny Gourzone, Executive Direcor of Summerfest Productions, expressed his pleasure at presenting the award, “… he deserves to be recognized for his enormous contribution to the growth and development of our music.  A Reggae Sumfest without Beres never truly feels complete.”

Sway spoke with Hammond backstage to get his reaction on receiving the Reggae Icon award.

Q: Congratulations on your award, how do you mentally process the fact that you are considered such an icon?

A:  I think normal because it would be foolish for one to get out of their natural self.  When somebody gives something out of the ordinary to you, you shouldn’t behave differently.  So I think that I’m alright.  I do appreciate all of the efforts that they’ve put into this and I appreciate them for even thinking about me, but it doesn’t change Beres.  When I came into the business I wanted to sing, and I wanted to sing with passion, and so far whatever shows I’ve done, I think of it as my first and my last effort, so I give it all the love I have.

Q:  We’re based in Toronto, Canada, and we know you’re familiar with the city because you’ve been there quite a few times, what’s been your most memorable experience there?

A:  There are so many beautiful moments that I’ve shared with lots of folks in Canada, and it’s really hard for me to say…to point out which is a better experience than the other, because no two experiences are the same and they’re all beautiful.  When people talk to you and give you love, it’s good.

Q:  You and Buju Banton have done quite a few collaborations, often sharing the stage together.  What are your thoughts regarding the news of his imprisonment in Florida?

A:  I’m missing you son.

(www.myspace.com/bereshammond)

Look out for further updates as Geena and True continue their coverage of Reggae Sumfest 2011.

(Photos by Adrian Creary courtesy of Summerfest Productions)

Tanya Stephens

By True Daley

Her break-out hits “Yuh Nuh Ready Fi Dis” and “It’s a Pity” topped the reggae charts in the ‘90s, with the Washington Post naming her one of the top female artists in Jamaica. Earlier in her career, Stephens gained global respect for her witty, sexually-charged lyrics. However, she later changed her tune focusing heavily on social issues including adultery and racial injustice, as evidenced by the track “Rosa,” based on civil-rights activist Rosa Parks.  Although the themes have changed, Stephens’ strong song-writing talents are unparalleled, and her fan base continues to grow.

As one of the featured artists on International Night I, she surprisingly took audience members back in time with her former hits, encouraging patrons to join her on her trip down memory lane.  The dancehall diva performed her most popular songs from her explicit repertoire while prancing about in an all-black ensemble of leather jacket and boots, lace stockings and a skin-tight mini-dress.

Stephens spoke to Sway about the evolution of dancehall culture, discrimination in Jamaica, and her long-awaited upcoming album.

Q: Your personal and professional success has stood the test of time.  In your opinion, what has changed for women in dancehall since you started and what improvements still need to be made?

A:  I’ve heard a lot of cries for more females and more support for females, but at the moment, I think we have a lot of females, so I think it would be unfair to say that the females don’t get support and that there aren’t enough numbers of females.  So, I think what we need to do right now is stop focusing on gender and start focusing on the quality of production.

Q:  What social issues affecting Jamaicans are being ignored or underrepresented in the media?

A:  I think there’s an undercurrent of discrimination that we’re not addressing as much as we should.  Every social function that you can think of, there is discrimination in it.  My thing is that discrimination is one tree, so regardless of what branch or what stem or what leaf, you’re seeing it all comes from the one type of reasoning.  So it’s my dream that one day we get rid of discrimination, and we start that by discussion and so I try to play my part in sparking that discussion.

Q: Today you took us back in time, as opposed to the more conscious content of your recent work.

A: You know, I have to tailor every show to the place where I’m at, so even though I know that the show is diverse and that the audience is diverse, people come from all over to watch this show.  The fact is that I’m in Jamaica, and there’s no measure for me to determine what song each person wants to hear, so I have work with what is happening here.  Also, it was a very short set.  Typically, I’m on stage for like an hour and a half, two hours, and depending on where I am and how the atmosphere is, I might be on stage for two and a half, three hours.  So for me to sum that up in 35 minutes was almost impossible for us; we were surprised that we were off already ‘cause we felt like we were just warming up.

Q:  You said you have an album coming out, what’s the title?

A: I haven’t decided on a title yet, I don’t even have a working title, but it’s almost finished I just haven’t decided what to call it yet, but it’ll be out in time for the holidays at the end of the year.

(www.myspace.com/tanyastephensmusic)

Look out for further updates as Geena and True continue their coverage of Reggae Sumfest 2011.

(Photos by Adrian Creary courtesy of Summerfest Productions)

Belinda Brady

By Geena Lee

Representing for Canada was Juno-nominated singer/songwriter Belinda Brady.  Her set was an eclectic one; starting off with Dennis Brown’s “Should I”, into Whitney Houston’s “Your Love Is My Love”, followed by  a Bob Marley medley featuring “No Woman No Cry”.   Playing her acoustic guitar, Brady performed her own songs “Flexx” and the hit “Fall in Love”, which was produced by Sly & Robbie and received a Juno nomination.   Sway caught up with Belinda after her performance to discuss her experience in Jamaica and learn what’s ahead for the rising star.

Q:   Is this your first time performing at Reggae Sumfest?  What has the experience been like?

A:  Oh my god! It was so amazing!  It’s my first time as a solo artist.  I have performed with a few artists back in the day, backing up for various artists like Julian Marley.  I felt like ‘wow, I remember this’, because when I used to work with Shaggy and Julian, I walked on stage and got that feeling of the adrenaline rush, it’s like you’re on drugs.  It’s like wow! I remember this feeling!  And it was awesome, it was a blessing.  I was like, ‘thank you Father for granting me this experience again’, because you never know when it’s gonna end, or when it’s gonna start.

Q:  Throughout your career, you’ve expressed musical styles from folk and soul to rock and reggae.  Which one is your first love?

A:  I gotta say reggae, but I started playing the guitar as a folk artist.  I lived abroad for a while with my mom, and then when I came back down to Jamaica, I was really introduced to reggae, and that’s when it really began to get into my system.  Like Dennis Brown, Bob Marley, Marcia Griffiths, Freddie McGregor… and that’s when I started integrating the various types of rock, folk and R&B.  Like India Arie, Alicia Keys, Joni Mitchell, Sade.  But reggae is the foundation.

Q:  As a Jamaican who lives and also performs in Canada, what are the differences you’ve seen in the way audiences interact with you there compared to audiences in Jamaica?

A:  I was a little afraid of Jamaica still (laughs), because I heard all these rumours and I said to myself I may have to work out my ducking just in case I got a little bottle [thrown at me].  But honestly, I was well received; all I saw were hands in the air swaying from left to right.  I’m also well received in Canada as well, I must say.  Canada is also home, and I’m now based back here in Jamaica as well, so I’m developing a fan base here and it is growing and the media here is also receiving me well.  It’s all very positive.

Q: How did you first connect with Sly & Robbie, how did that relationship come about?

A:  I was introduced to Sly and Robbie through the Juno Award-winning artist Leroy Brown, they’re actually very, very good friends.  Leroy said ‘You girl, mi wan work wid you.’  So we did a song and Sly & Robbie did the music and it’s been over 10 years now that we’ve been working together.

Q:  What’s ahead for you in the musical arena?

A:   What’s exciting is that I’m recording my album right now; we’re finishing it up this fall.  I’m working with the legendary Sly & Robbie, and some other wicked producers like Paul Kastick, who’s worked with Kymani Marley and Tessanne Chin, and I knew him from back in the day when I used to tour with Shaggy.  He was always such an amazing producer, so we’re collaborating right now.  I’m also working with a few producers in Canada as well, so I’m really excited.  We’re also looking forward to doing shows all across the world.

(www.belindabrady.com)

Look out for further updates as Geena and True continue their coverage of Reggae Sumfest 2011.

(Photos by Adrian Creary courtesy of Summerfest Productions)

The second night of Reggae Sumfest’s concert series proved to be a celebration of icons. International Night 1 drew a mostly mature audience who grooved to the sounds of Lovers Rock and Roots music. International headliner R. Kelly cancelled his performance due to having an emergency throat surgery, however R&B sensation Christopher Martin served up enough hits to keep the crowd satisfied.  The legendary Beres Hammond and Bunny Wailer (Jah B) were also on the bill, with Hammond being honoured for his contribution to Reggae music and the Wailers marking their 50-year anniversary. Revered artists such as Tanya Stephens, Lady Saw, Half Pint, and Cocoa T were also part of the star-studded affair.  Toronto’s own Belinda Brady also graced the stage along with Iba Mahr, Paul Elliott, and Richie Loops.

HIGHLIGHTS

Chris Martin

Christopher Martin (http://www.reverbnation.com/christophermartin)

Born on Valentine’s Day, it’s no wonder Christopher Martin has been dubbed ‘Reggae’s Hearthrob’ by Jamaican media. This young star has taken the reggae scene by storm after winning the Digicel Rising Star talent competition in 2005.  Martin made history by being the first artist from the popular program to successfully launch a career with his chart-topping singles “Nah Go Change”, “Take My Wings”, “Tonight” and “Giving It”.  The multi-talented entertainer captivated Sumfest revellers with his sultry love songs, fun-loving antics, and sexy confidence .

Bunny Wailer

Bunny Wailer (Jah B) (www.myspace.com/bunnywailer1)

Rounding out the night with a classic performance was Bunny Wailer, original member and sole remaining lead voice from the Wailing Wailers, the Jamaican group which gave birth to the international stardom of Peter Tosh and Bob Marley.  Regaling the audience with his own hits such as “Roots Man Skanking” and “Cool Runnings”, Bunny also serenaded the crowd with well-loved songs from the Wailers like “Simma Down”, celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the iconic group.

Beres Hammond

Beres Hammond (www.myspace.com/bereshammond)

Always a crowd favourite, Beres Hammond was the star of the night, returning to the Sumfest stage after a three-year hiatus.  Hammond had the crowd in the palm of his hand as he treated fans to a full concert featuring a multitude of classic hits such as “Tempted To Touch”, “She Loves Me Now”, and “Can’t Stop A Man From Trying”.  Lady Saw also joined him on stage to perform the duet she wrote entitled “She Was Changed”, which spoke of a young girl who lost her innocence due to abuse and rape.

In honour of Hammond’s major influence on the Jamaican music industry and culture, Summerfest Productions bestowed him with a special Reggae Icon Award mid-concert, which Hammond received with great humility.

Look out for further updates as Geena and True continue their coverage of Reggae Sumfest 2011.

(Photos by Adrian Creary courtesy of Summerfest Productions)

KHAGO

Dancehall Night

I-OCTANE

Dancehall Night

Beenie Man

Dancehall Night

DJ SPICE

By True Daley & Geena Lee

While the city of Toronto prepares to host the largest Caribbean carnival in North America, another legendary music festival is taking place just south of the continent: Reggae Sumfest.  Held in the tourist haven of Montego Bay, Jamaica, this legendary annual event draws thousands of music lovers from around the world and island-wide who come to see their favourite artists perform in ‘the greatest reggae show on earth’.

Featuring  3 major concerts held over three nights (Dancehall Night, International Night 1 & 2), Reggae Sumfest boasts a line-up that has attendees rocking ‘till dawn.  This year, Dancehall Night featured veterans such as Elephant Man, Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, the notorious Mavado and Vybz Cartel as well as the conscious vibes of I-Octane and Khago; while the ladies of dancehall Cecile, Tifa and DJ Spice completed the star-studded showcase.

HIGHLIGHTS

DJ Spice (myspace.com/spicemadhouse)

Spice’s controversial hit “Ramping Shop” featuring Vybz Kartel ruled the airwaves in 2009,  debuting at #96 on Billboard’s R&B charts. That same year, she won Jamaica’s EME award for  ‘Female Deejay of the Year’, and ‘Best Female Performer’ . The song also became a youtube phenomenon with over 6 million hits to date.  In 2010, she walked away with EME’s ‘Female Dancehall Artist of the Year’ award, and her latest single “Fun” featuring Missy Elliott is currently one of the top 10 singles in Jamaica.

Spice took to the stage accompanied by five dancers who wore metallic pink bodysuits, slinking along to a reggae rendition of the Pink Panther theme.  Spice herself was in true dancehall regalia, clad in an outfit that would make even Nicki Minaj blush.  Her bodysuit was decaled in the glass fragments of a disco ball with platform boots to match, and a towering blue wig that rivalled Marge Simpson’s.   Aside from her main repertoire of sexually liberal songs, Spice brought a political message to her set when she performed a remix to Nicki Minaj’s “Moment 4 Life”.

MYA

Reacting to a rumour that Jamaica’s Prime Minister Golding would be flying in especially to see Minaj perform at Sumfest, Spice performed a rap that addressed poverty, poor road conditions, and the high cost of living in Jamaica.  Tongue firmly in cheek, Spice speculated that since she spoke on these issues using the hip hop style of Minaj, perhaps then, politicians would pay attention to the plight of Jamaica’s poor.

Mya  (myamya.com)

Grammy-Award winning Mya made a surprise guest appearance to the delight of concertgoers.  She first accompanied DJ Spice on an upcoming release by the duo, entitled “Take Him Back”, then joined Beenie Man for “Girls Dem Sugar”.

ELEPHANT MAN

Elephant Man (www.myspace.com/elephantmandj)

Living up to fans’ expectations, the ‘Energy God’ gave an electrifying performance.  Elephant Man strode on stage dressed as a superhero reminiscent of Captain America, then launched into a string of rapid-fire hits, including “Sweep” and “Nuh Linga”.  True to form, Elephant Man climbed the steel girders that framed the stage while DJ’ing to the crowd without missing a beat.

Look out for further updates as Geena and True continue their coverage of Reggae Sumfest 2011.

(Photos by Adrian Creary courtesy of Summerfest Productions)