EVENT COVERAGE: I OCTANE + MUNGA + KONSHENS AND FRIENDS AT AMAZURA [FRIDAY, JULY 15TH, 2011]

By: Miss Mona

DIVA NIKKI Z

As a journalist, I see it as my duty to give the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help me Jesus, Jah, Jehovah, Mary and Joseph or any other deity that you may want to call out.  The show at Amazura on Friday, July 15th was somewhat of a wonderful disappointment.  Confused?  Keep reading and I'll explain it for you.

The line up consisted of SPRAGGA BENZ, I Octane, Jadakiss, Konshens, Munga, Frisco Kid, Chi Ching Ching, Bascom X, and D' Angel, plus many more backed by the Ruff Kut Band.

So, it's Friday and I am so excited to see everyone perform live at Amazura.  My ladies and I go through EXTREME measures to get everything just right for the show.  Hair, nails, clothes, shoes, wristbands, all checked, then rechecked, then TRIPLE checked.  We are ready to work hard, play harder and just feel the vibe.

MONA & YE'YE

We get to the venue around 2am and Amazura is not full at all.  I personally don't worry about it because it's no secret that at these Caribbean events, the crowd doesn't begin to trickle into the club until around that time.  Once we get backstage, there is only a handful of people back there.

NEW KINGSTON

As the night progressed we spotted out artists like New Kingston, Bad Gal Bambi of Red Square, Stein from Alliance, and Kranium who were all pretty pleasant and happy to speak with The Wickedest Time.

BAD GAL BAMBI & KONSHENS

Hosted by the one and only, Diva Nikki Z, the show begins around 2:30am starting off with Kranium, Stein and Mr. "What's in my cup stays in my cup...", Richie Loops and they all did great.  I definitely saw the audience enjoying their individual performances.  I enjoyed Frisco Kid perform songs that I have not heard in a long while.  After that was all said and done, I was ready for my KONSHENS and MUNGA!!

STEIN & MONA

KONSHENS

Konshens came first and the moment I heard his voice I bolted from the backstage to the front.  I wanted to see him in all of his glory.  He sang crowd favorites like, "Talk 'Bout Me" and "Pretty Devil".  What I really liked about Konshens was that after his performance, his camp handed our promotional CD's and photos.  I even spotted him on the dancefloor taking pictures with his adoring fans.  Thumbs up to Konshens!!

MONA & MUNGA

MUNGA HONOURABLE

Munga, what can I say about Munga Honourable.  I love him!!  The man just exudes personality and character.  From his performances to taking pictures to interviews, the man got what it takes!  And ladies... he smells AMAZING! So great that I even had to comment about it.  I know it was a bit unconventional, but so what?  Sue me!!

I Octane KILLED the show and laid it to REST!!

He gave everything that he had to make sure he delivered a proper performance.  So much that he did an encore.

After word got around that neither SPRAGGA BENZ nor Jadakiss would be performing on the show I knew that I Octane would have to pick up the slack.  Being ever the professional, not only did I OCTANE "WOW" his fans during his performance, but as soon as he got off stage he proceeded to do interviews and sing some more for the cameras backstage.

I OCTANE & MONA

I OCTANE & MONA

I have heard several different reasons why Spragga Benz and Jadakiss did not perform.  Beginning with Jadakiss, I heard that the promoters of the event were not paying him his desired wage so he did not perform.  So far, I cannot confirm this.  However, it does make sense because the turnout of the show was not what was expected.

MONA & BAD GAL BAMBI

In the case of Spragga Benz, a very reliable source said that Spragga Benz arrived to the venue in time to perform but was faced with hostility and disrespect by the club's security so he left the venue and returned to his hotel.

Being that neither Spragga Benz nor Jadakiss performed it was a HUGE disappointment to myself and the fans.  Especially to those who paid these promoters their hard earned funds to see the phenomenal show that was promised.  Spragga Benz is a wonderful performer, I've seen him before and I was looking forward to seeing "Wayne" from the movie 'SHOTTAS' turn up the heat in AMAZURA but I'll just have to save that energy for next time...

As for Bascom X, D'Angel, and Chi Ching Ching...... only the promoters know what happened to them!!

MISS MONA

To view the ENTIRE PHOTO ALBUM... click here!!

PLAYLIST: MATRIMONEY MEDLEY - LADY SAW | WAYNE MARSHALL | TIFA | LIQUID | SEAN PAUL | FAMBO | MR G [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Hands DOWN!!

This is the best dancehall video I've seen since the year started.  I loved every minute of it, I love the creativity behind it, I love the songs that come along with it and I loooooooooooove Fambo and Sean Paul playing the wedding crashers!!

This was fun to watch... I can just imagine how hype it was at the video shoot!

Bwoy.... mi people talented, eeeeehhh?! 

PLAYLIST: SPICE + MISSY ELLIOTT - FUN (WASH BELLY RIDDIM) [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

By: Miss Mona

Yeeeeaaaaahhhh!!!! We ready fi have FUN!!

In this dynamic duet by dancehall diva SPICE and hip hop rapper and producer extraordinaire MISSY ELLIOT, the two bring "IT", beat "IT" and return "IT" to the sender in their new summer anthem, "FUN!"

FUN is a song that just makes you want to go get fly, hit the beach, club, BBQ, or wherever else just so you can get your full share of fun in the sun for SUMMER 2011.

On the Wash Belly Riddim, the two bring their expertise to deliver a hot song that will surely be in heavy rotation!

Unno ready??!

UPCOMING EVENT: GAL OVAH GUN POOL PARTY W/ SKERRIT BWOY - [MARYLAND - JULY 23RD]

This is the event that lock down the SUMMER each and every year!!

MATRIX MEDIA is hosting the BIGGEST pool party the DMV has ever seen for the 7th YEAR IN A ROW!!

And they're giving it to you right featuring SKERRIT BWOY from Major Lazer and an exclusive fashion show with the sexiest models the DMV has to offer!!  Join us by the poolside as the models compete to be the INTERNATIONAL MODEL OF THE YEAR!

It all goes down this Saturday, JULY 23rd!  So get your tickets EARRRLY!!  Click THIS link to buy your advanced tickets! 

Music By MATRIX MEDIA, Ricky Platinum, Fyah Oats, Emperor, Blakestarr and Reuben Vibes so yuh know seh it nahhhhhh go normal!!

Yo!!  Mi happy like pickney pon WEEKEND!!

Call the Matrix Media family for info, details, and secret location - 301.277.9400 and don't forget to ask about table service!  Cause we work TOO HARD to ball on a budget!! #ImJustSayin' 

PLAYLIST: SIZZLA - LOVE JAH AND LIVE [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Check out this new video from the one and only SIZZLA KALONJI!! Music with a message is what he promotes and the message that this story tells is one of virtue.  Pay attention to the video, it tells an interesting story, and I just loves how it all plays out.

Love Jah and Live my dear friends... :)

PLAYLIST: G WHIZZ - BARTENDER [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

I thought I saw it all... until I went to Jamaica and saw that a bottle RUM cost less than a bag of apples.  Sounds a bit backwards but I can't complain.  It's not like I went to Jamaica to buy apples anyway!! LOL

More RUM mi seh!! :)

ENTER TO WIN THE "LADY OF GRACE" COMPETITION FOR AN ALL INCLUSIVE TRIP TO JAMAICA FOR YOU + 3 COMPANIONS

As part of a new program called "Healthy Up," which focuses on the healthier line of products in their beverage portfolio, Grace Foods announces its "Lady of Grace" competition.  The web contest is seeking the ultimate "Woman on the Go," someone who personifies the perfect balance of mind, body and soul.

Consumers are invited to submit entries for themselves or women they know at www.LadyofGraceContest.com, where they will be asked to upload photos and a short summary of how they embody  these "ultimate" qualities.  One entrant will win a four day/three night trip for FOUR to Jamaica, courtesy of the Jamaica Tourist Board, Breezes Resort & Spa - Trelawny and Air Jamaica.

The search for this ULTIMATE person started on July 1st and carries on until August 31st and will focus on two of Grace's primary locations, New York Tri State Area and Greater Miami.

According to Grace Foods Marketing Manager Andrew Collins, "As a food company, we are acutely aware that it is critically important for us to encourage healthy living and nutrition.  We are hopeful that this program will position Grace Foods as not just a company known for great tasting products but also one that offers consumers healthy options as well."

So check out the website and enter the competition!  I would love to see one of our readers show off their intellect, power, class and beauty.  What do you have to lose?? If you're the lucky winner, you'll get to enjoy an all expense paid trip to Jamaica for you PLUS three!! Bring your family!  Bring your friends! But you gotta play to win! :)

Good luck!!

PLAYLIST: THE MEDITATIONS - WOMAN IS LIKE A SHADOW

"A woman is like a shadow... and a man is like an arrow!"

Even from back in the days, reggae harmony groups were singing that a man should never let a woman know how much he care.  And its true!!

For some random reason.. even though most women talk about how they want a man that's loving and shows affection.. yadda yadda yadda.. there is some sort of magnetic force that draws a woman closer to the man that pulls away.

KONSHENS IS HOPING FOR A CHANGE IN THE JAMAICAN MUSIC INDUSTRY

Just like Michael Jackson said, "I'm starting with the man in the mirror..."  Dancehall reggae sensation, Konshens, is taking the same stance.

Everybody in the Reggae music industry wants to see a change, whether a little tweak here and there to a full blown makeover.  But many prefer to nag and complain rather than take ACTION!

Konshens is one of the few who decided to carry the torch with hopes to start a chain reaction.

During his performance at the launch of Reggae Sumfest 2011 last week, he stressed, "We need some more one drop songs, artistes need to start recording some more one drop and hold back a vibes .... mi ah start wid miself!"

During an interview with Jamaica Observer he continued on to say, "The one drop is the signature of Jamaican music culture worldwide... besides the fact that I'm naturally a patriot, I love the soothing groove that a one drop riddim has, it's second to none.  If you waaa hold ah medz, it should be your first option musically."

"Jamaica has outgrown one drop, which I think personally we cannot afford to."

Konshens also pointed out that other countries are producing their own forms of reggae music to a point where Jamaica is slowly losing its strong hold on the worldwide scene.

I recently checked the Reggae Albums on the Billboards and I saw some names I've never even heard of holding down strong positions on the top ten list.  Konshens may be on to something...

He stated, "These countries are beginning to produce their own reggae and are becoming independent of Jamaican reggae... this is dangerous to our industry.  I think a balanced diet of one drop, dancehall, R&B and any of the other genres can only build and diversify our level of creativity in music."






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PLAYLIST: STEIN - PRAY MAN A PRAY [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

The two hardest things to handle in life are failure and success so I use prayer to guide me through it all and the same goes for Stein.

Stein is a budding artist coming out of the Alliance family and is living up to the high standards that come with the title! Alliance is the home of some of the greats in the dancehall industry like Bounty Killer, Mavado, Busy Signal, Serani and Bugle... just to name a few.

It's surprising because the summer just started and I've seen him in three brand new video's.  On top of that, he just released a new mixtape which is circulating the streets as we speak!

You can tell the man is on a MISSION!!  Check out one of his latest videos below so you can see for yourself..

ENOUGH DANCE CREW PRESENTS "HELLO BADMIND" LIVE AND IN LIVING COLOR

I doesn't matter how much or how hard people, organizations, or the "system" fight against dancehall music, it's a fight that they'll never win.

Reggae music as a whole, and when I say WHOLE I'm including styles like dub, lovers rock, culture, ska and dancehall, has crossed so many barriers and is embraced by so many different cultures that there's simply no turning back.

That little dot on the map has affected the WORLD and once you take a look at this clip, you'll see exactly what I'm talking about.

Please note, these talented dancers are from SWEDEN! :)

PLAYLIST: T.O.K + MS. KITTY - GOD PICKNEY [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

"We ah GOD PICKNEY, yeah we ah GOD PICKNEY nuh matta how dem try dem cyaaaa stop WE!!!"

Do you remember back in the day when this song was HOT!?! It was a fun song back then and even more hype now!  TOK knew what they were doing when they decided to remake this old school classic.  This time with the ever hype Ms. Kitty in the background.

Sing along!!  Di song maaaad!! 

PLAYLIST: CAPLETON + FANTON MOJAH + LUCIANO - RISING MEDLEY [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Roots and culture is the REAL healing behind our little island under the sun.  It amazes me how many talented people reside in Jamaica and simply need an outlet so that the world can see them shine.

Whether it's music, arts, dance, culinary skills, or craftsmanship, just remember that the half of the story has never been told.  There's so much more where that came from, and you've only been exposed to a sample of the full package.

Check out this video, play it on repeat and just feel yourself RISE...

It's more than just chasing the hype and running towards every shiny thing.  Take a moment to enjoy quality and substance.  Sometimes we get so caught up in trends that we don't remember what quality look , feel, or sound like.

AFTER A 15 MONTH WAIT, MAVADO FINALLY GETS BACK HIS US VISA

It's official!  The announcement was made that David "Mavado" Brooks is once again allowed to touch US (foreign) soil.  It's been over a year since Mavado and fellow artistes like Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Aidonia, and Ricky Trooper were denied entry into the United States.

Some blamed it on the extradition request of Christopher "Dudus" Coke, while others blamed it on the Ricky Trooper for waving a gun during a  drunken stupor and posting footage of it on youtube.

Whatever the reason, it was a sudden shock to EVERYONE. Some even thought that it was an April fools joke since it coincidentally happened on April 1st, 2010.

It looks like Mavado and his team spent this year working hard to get it back, and so said so done!  Mavado's camp stated that he takes this opportunity very seriously and will spend his time sealing some major business deals.

Hopefully we can see some more of our favorite artistes back on US territory!





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PLAYLIST: BOB MARLEY - FOREVER LOVING JAH [LIVE RECORDING]

I love this song so much!! It never gets old, never gets stale, nothing! I can just get into my meditation mode, burn a spliff and FOREVER LOVE JAH.. be thankful for what he gives me, be thankful for what he DOESN'T give me and get a sense of understanding that everything in life has it's purpose. It's just for me to find it's reason.

Bless.

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