For all Ninja Man fans or new comers who need some Dancehall education; check out this extensive interview below. Even if you're not a Ninja Man fan, this interview will make you crossover.
I really like this conversation because it has depths. It digs deep to show Ninja Man's stance on various topics that affects Dancehall today. As one of the forefathers of Dancehall, its great to hear his point of view.
Ninja Man highlights EVERYTHING, from his life behind bars, his feelings towards the TOP 7 Dancehall Stars that are currently facing criminal charges and what projects he's currently working on now that he is a free man.
This was a very interesting interview so big up to Onstage for keeping us up to date.
Godfather of
Reggae Dancehall, King of Lovers Rock, Singer, Songwriter, Entertainer,
Producer, Music Pioneer, Sound System Operator, Studio Engineer, Stage Show
Promoter, Soccer Player, Father, Grandfather, Son, Lover, Brother, Uncle, and
Humanitarian. He held these titles and so much more...
How could
you ever be forgotten when you touched our hearts in so many ways? You've
made us so happy with your sweet, gut wrenching music, with your warm smile,
your genuine heart, which was always giving, helping people in your community
and worldwide. You never thought someone else's burden was too heavy for
you to share; you gave your whole self to someone else's problem. Not
seeking gratification but just being you.
Hence that
day in your youth when a man approached you without shoes, you took off your
own shoes and gave it to him and you trodded on barefooted. You believed that
it was not wise to put one’s trust in vanity, because it will let us down, and
you quoted Jesus’s word in your song, “It is easier for a camel to go through
the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of Zion.”
So we smiled
when you journeyed on and some said you died poor. But we ask, can a man who is rich in God’s
work, be poor? Can such a man be poor,
when his happiness stemmed from helping by sharing his material things with his
fellow man? One man after his passing,
wailed. “What we going to do now, how we going to eat? We father gone!!
So we will
never forget how you were always advocating for the poor, the downtrodden,
singing “We living a rough old life, a
rough old life, tribulation, starvation, trying to keep a good man down, and
when war and injustices seem to be the way, I just can’t stand all the pain.”
In one of
your next songs you said, “I had a vision, just the other day, I saw children
playing in the street, we are taking the ghetto uptown we are tired of being on
the ground.” We know you lived it, you
stayed in your community, never ran away from the ghetto, and as you depicted
in yet one more of your many songs “Ghettology, life in the ghetto, ghettology,
temptation, starvation, life’s brutality.”
How can we
forget how you were always forgiving, turning the other cheek, always the
peacemaker, always teaching us never to be vengeful. You preached unity, as your vision was for a
righteous kingdom.
How can we
forget how you thrilled women around the world when you sang songs such as “And
no matter how many girls shall break my heart, and no matter how many girls
shall tear it apart, I will keep on loving every day of my life, to you, to
you, to you I know my love is true, can you feel it in the morning, can you
feel it in the evening.”
You had
people sympathizing with you when you sang, “Come back baby, come on back baby,
you promised you would be my wife, and now you wanna walk out my life, I love
you, I need you, I love you, yes I really do.”We remember when you did the
cover version of “House is not a Home” you had people openly crying! And when
you sang “This is Lover’s Rock People” Fans went wild! No wonder in England you
were dubbed King of Lover’s Rock.
A few years
back, a fan wrote that they saw Prince
Charles dancing to your cover version of Michael Jackson’s, Good Thing Going, and when it was checked out,
we were told that your cover version was a favorite of Princess Diana and Prince Charles from back in the 1980’s when it
had hit the British Charts earning you
a Silver Disc.
How can we
forget? You started singing in your mother’s yard as a child standing on
a little box you made for a stage and with a tin pan as your mic, singing your
heart out, making up your own lyrics. Later when
you became a superstar it didn't matter if you had a few or thousands of people
as your audience, you always delivered a 100% performance, until your clothes
were dripping wet. As your song said, “Turn
me loose mek me nice up session!”
As a Music Pioneer, how can we forget your
phenomenal input into Reggae Dancehall
Music when you were the first person to lay rhythm track over rhythm track.
You were the first person to create Dubplates,
which rules the dancehalls and dancehall sound systems worldwide!! Your hit Herbman Hustling Song along with Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare was the first digital recording to come out of
Jamaica back in the 1980’s. You were the most instrumental person who took Reggae music to Japan thus contributing
to the tourism of the Japanese to Jamaica mainly at major music festivals such
as Reggae Sunsplash,Reggae Sumfest and,other events. Godfather of Reggae Dancehall’s title
was given to you for your major contribution and input into this genre of
music.
You took the
music to another level when you started the annual stage show Reggae in the Hills held annually on
December 25th, and even when funding was low, you kept saying the
show must go on. This showed your
tenacity even in the face of adversity.
How can we
forget all the great Singers and Rappers and Players of Instruments whose
career came through your Youthman Promotion
and Black Roots label, you always
believed that every Singer, Rapper, Musician should be given a chance. And how your Sound System the Mighty Youth Promotion, that brought home the
trophy as the number one Sound System in
Jamaica, ruled and was instrumental in letting so many new talents such as Tenor Saw, Garnett Silk, Tony Rebel, Nitty
Gritty, Junior Reid, Barry Brown, Yami
Bolo,Naki, Skinny Ranks, Daddy Shark, John Bego, Color Man, Sister Charmaine,
Lloyd Hemmings, Musical Youths, Mikey General, Jackie Knackshat, Pashon Minott
etc, (who many later became superstars) songs to be heard!
How can we
forget your pain when after 40 years of dedication and hard work in the music
industry and with one of the biggest
catalogues of all times your music was hardly being played because of the
corrupt system and you were burdened by it. Sometimes you felt that it was
better if you had stopped singing.
We are so
grateful that you kept on making your music, after all, your mission was not
over, and your work was not yet complete.
Lincoln,
Though we
mourn every single day for you, we know that you were a loan to us from God,
that angel from his choir. With that soulful voice that went straight to
the heart like a dagger. God wanted you back because you really belonged
in heaven.
We thank you
Lord for the rich legacy of his music, his gentle kind soul and though he was
such a humble man his brilliance left us in such awe. And Lincoln, just
before you left us you sang, "I am gone, gone, gone..." We now
realize that you were really telling us good bye.
But we know
that you are not truly gone because when we hear the birds singing, the
raindrops falling, your voice is right there and that in heaven’s choir, you
are clapping, dancing, and singing with that big beautiful smile on your face.
Jesse Royal entitled this mixtape "Misheni" which is a Swahili translation for "The Mission". It resonates with me because this is something that we all have in common. Each of us are on a grand voyage through life. Many obstacles, trials and tribulations we will face along the way but there is a spirit in each and every one of us that will light our path.
I became a fan of Jesse Royal from the moment I heard his single, "Bittersweet" then I was introduced to "One Eye Open" and "Hotter The Battle" ... ever since, I've been hooked! I like vibing to his music and I really like the snippets throughout the mixtape where you hear clips from a previous interview of Jesse Royal; it gives you a sneak peek of Royal as an individual.
Jesse Royal dubs "Misheni" as a token for those who are not afraid to stand up for equality and justice because we are warriors. Revolutionists.
Check out the video below for "One Eye Open" and download his mixtape to hear some REAL MUSIC, strong music, my type of music!
Adidjahiem Records would like to announce that the outfit known as the Portmore Empire is being disbanded, with the following statement from Adidja "Vybz Kartel" Palmer:
"Dancehall fans worldwide, it's with great regret that I, Adidja Palmer have decided to disband the Portmore Empire. These artistes have been under the Adidjahiem leadership for years, where they have honed their craft and made their mark, and as such, are well on their way to becoming major forces in Dancehall. They have reached a level where they are more capable to take on their careers by themselves, and it would be unfair to them, based on the limited resources of Adidjahiem Records, and current legal woes of the Adidjahiem C.E.O. and team members."
"I wish them the best and I am confident that they will live up to my expectations. In the future, Adidjahiem will continue to bring out new acts and groom them for stardom."
"Thank You."
Former Portmore Empire Members, Gaza Slim and Tommy Lee are moving on with a newly formed label named PG-13.
As soon as Busy Signal stepped off his long flight from the United Kingdom back to "home sweet home" Jamaica, law enforcement arrested Busy Signal at the Norman Manley International Airport on an extradition warrant.
Apparently, Busy Signal has been under radar of the United States since 2002 to be extradited. According to reports, Busy Signal may be linked to the operations of drug kingpin Christopher "Dudus" Coke.
Ooooooh the thoughts that roam through my mind when I hear Tanya Stephens new single, "Dirty Thoughts"!!
This is a nice song for all the ladies missing their men, whether they're locked away or if you find yourself in a long-distance situation; it all applies.
I love it when Tanya come out with new songs because regardless of what she's singing about, she always provide us with quality music, witty lyrics and real down to earth tunes. That's definitely why she has such a strong fan base. It's because we're a big fan of REAL MUSIC!
About a week ago, I was telling my aunt that Vybz Kartel's court case was postponed because his legal team failed to show up. The first thing she said to me was, "It must be a money ting, that's the only reason yuh lawyer won't show up."
Was she onto something?
Surprisingly, Corey Todd and Vybz Kartel has made amends and Todd is taking the lead by hosting a concert in honor of Vybz Kartel at Club Riddim this upcoming Tuesday. Some say the event is to gather donations to assist with Kartel's legal fees but his common-law wife Tanesha "Shorty" Johnson says otherwise, she insists that Kartel is not in need of charity, stating:
"Dem reporter deh bright. Dem fi lose dem work. Me babyfada get 4 lawyer fi himself, plus 1 for Shawn Storm, 1 for Kahira, 1 for Nigel, 1 for Leng, 1 for Gaza Slim, and 1 for Madasuss make 10. And any time dem get pay, a me go bank go draw money. Plus a me have him debit card. Me three youth dem school fee pay every term. Light and water pay and me house have food. So all who a talk can't stop him. A di benz truck him a go buy when him come, fi match di car."
Since his legal team did not show up to represent him earlier this month, the trial is once again on hold until August 29th.
You enter this intimate, vintage-like old record store feel room. You have studio one reggae playing in the background, and to your great surprise, behind the turntables stands the artist himself: Romain Virgo spinning his favorite tunes. You would think he is way too young to know about what he is playing... Anyway.
That sets the ambiance for the next couple of hours. Accessible. Humble. You can basically come up to him and ask him a few questions about himself, and how he got into music in the first place. He would answer that he grew up into music, his mother was a singer herself, and that he was encouraged to join the church choir after somebody overheard him sing Sanchez's "Amazing Grace" version. Christian background basically: "Mi cyan never write anything that would disappoint mi madda. Mi Christian background is definitely an influence on my music."
Selah!
Romain Virgo starts his performance by a brief speech about how he came about the first song on his album: The System, a song depicting the different hardships one can face in today's society. With this song - & album -, 22 year old singer/songwriter Virgo wants to leave his mark, something he could recollect 20-30 years from now as a contribution in Reggae Music Heritage.
He even goes as far as to ask the audience to sing the chorus along with him! No thank you! The acoustic guitar and his voice are doing the job more than fine! I shall pass on spoiling the performance.
He then performs Mama's Song, an inspiring ballad to chant his deep love and respect for his mother followed by Not Today that could easily remind us of a Gospel song, in which he defies death. The songwriter is named Kenya...
With the sound of acoustic guitars, he poured his soul on the mic
Closed eyes, he sang.
He then goes on & sings a couple of songs on tracks this time: Rich In Love from his sophmore album, Live My Life (Boops Riddim), Mi Cyaan Sleep (Feel Good Riddim) and goes back to an acapella of I Know Betta (The System) which he qualifies as an uplifting song for the youngsters that could inspire them to choose right from wrong.
Had I not done my homework and listened to the album before coming to Miss Lily's I would have probably converted on the spot hearing young - but yet so mature in his performance - Virgo. This release party was just a taste of what The System holds. You will probably listen through the whole record, without noticing that you didn't skip any track, especially when Virgo is smooth enough to sing 2 songs on the same riddim, without you realizing that you went from Food Fi Mi Plate to Dem A Coward without any transition.
A solid album, that only requires 1 featuring with his favorite artist: Busy Signal on Broken Heart.
The system proves once again that Romain Virgo is no "accident" in the Reggae music landscape. It's the type of album you wont only listen to as a background noise while you're working, cleaning, or attending to your everyday tasks. It's actually the type of album you will still gladly listen to a few years from now... There goes your dream Virgo.
BIG UP to DJ Tati for sending me a link to this mix, it's exactly what I'm in the mood for. It's a mix that I truly enjoy, I can play it with and for the family, during our little cookouts, while I'm cleaning, driving around. Whatever!
I love the oldies but I rarely hear "new age" selectors making mixes thats strictly "Oldies but Goodies" so this right here is a hot commodity. Especially with tunes from my darling Beres Hammond, not to mention Buju Banton.., Garnett Silk!! Ooooh, I'm in heaven!
Shango Trex, also known as Dennis Llewellyn is a name most popularly associated with versatility and proficiency. His music is an eclectic mix of roots, reggae, and lovers rock that just puts you in a mellow zone and keeps you rocking. Right now, he's invading the reggae music scene with a strong stage presence and is pushing past the glass ceiling; taking the music to a higher level.
Heavy hitters in the industry including Tom Orr from Jahworks proudly boasts, "Shango Trex can sing and sings about things that matter!"
Originally from Kingston Jamaica, Shango Trex was no stranger to the stage. Even in his early childhood days Shango played the horns for the National Cadet Orchestra then later introduced his vocals by singing in church. Moments like these have led him to stages all across the world to perform at shows like Reggae Sunsplash and gracing the stage with the likes of Dennis Brown, Beres Hammond, Gregory Isaacs, Professor Nuts, Luciano and Garnett Silk.
Shango Trex is one who lives his life with an understanding that, "No matter what obstacles we face in life we must stay strong, stay positive and strive for peace." Shango explains, "We're all in the belly of the beast. The only way for us to attain victory is through love."
For more updates on Shango Trex, check out his new music, videos, and more on https://www.facebook.com/ShangoTrexMusic.
His music is also available on various outlets including, CD Baby, iTunes, Ernie B Reggae and VP Records.
Love is in the air! Sean Paul is making the big leap with his love interest, Jodi Stewart later this month.
Not familiar with Jodi? Well, Jodi "Jinx" Stewart is most popularly known as the hostess from Reggae Entertainment Television (RE-TV), she's been featured on the cover of Appleton Magazine, has earned a spread in Maxim, and has made numerous appearances in international music videos.
To keep the big event out of media attention, not even the guests will know where the big event will be taking place. The soon-to-be newlyweds will have a chartered shuttle pick up their guests from one location and then transported to a secret spot where the "I DO's" will be heard.
It's wonderful to hear that Sean Paul is excited about transitioning into this new life with Jodi, according to the Gleaner, he stated, "I don't usually get personal in interviews... but I am happy! There are always things in life that are topsy-turvy, but when you have somebody by your side, it's a great thing!"
Congratulations Sean & Jodi, this is the beginning of a beautiful forever!!
There's something about the crackles that gives this song a rustic feel. I imagine the actual record being played. I know that we're in the modern days of mp3 and ipods but I appreciate the old school record players and turntables. This is authentic music! This 1969 classic from Nora Dean makes me wonder about the type of dance that was happening back in those days. The type of clothes they wore, their style and swagga!
"I wanted to say I am sorry for the loss of your son. I did not know how old he was, I thought he was a little bit younger than I am and I didn't know if he was armed or not." - George Zimmerman
I am not sure how a parent, sibling, or acquaintance of Trayvon Martin should take that apology. Not being any of the aforementioned, we may have a hard time even contemplating that an apology would cut it when I rethink the facts:
$150,000 bail and 11 days in detention
It took 46 days to arrest and charge Zimmerman of second degree murder
It seems that the media did a pretty good job covering the story so let's see the story from another angle:
From a mother's perspective, I can only imagine the pain endured by a parent who had planned for their son to graduate high school one day, maybe go to college, and witness him becoming a man.
From a sister's perspective, I can only imagine the voice you must feel not having your sibling to argue with on a daily basis... the everyday disagreements seem so petty all of a sudden, don't they?
From an aunt perspective, I can only imagine the despair of not being the person he confides in or seeks advice from.
From a daughter's perspective, I can only imagine...
How far imagination can take us in this case?
Now imagine being over the phone with your boyfriend just before the tragedy took place.
All we can do is imagine...
There are no words to describe how outrageous the whole story is. Basically, it's okay to shoot a 17 year old, provided he is colored - and probably scheming - and walk free for over 40 days, not being arrested or charged.
Self-defense would be the excuse in this case...
We could be related to any Trayvon in this world. We are not... yet. But this could happen to any of us or our relatives.
We have witnessed this so many times, how much longer shall we just stand there and not organize - not burn & loot - ORGANIZE so that we can prevent it from happening again. I am thinking, maybe we should allow the family mourn their son, brother, nephew.... and take the fight upon us, because fight there is!
"Until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all without regard to race" ... We've been warned, told and sung to.
I guess it might be the right time. Brainstorm. Organize. Anything. This. Just. Needs. To STOP!
I like this song, his voice and this melody makes me want to wine out of control!!!
I find it funny how somebody can have you WIDE OPEN from blackberry messages! You nuh hear him 'bout, "From a gyal me interested, first ting mi nuh want no number, mi want har BB pin because me going in, a bag a picture and a bag a voice-note sending... a whole heap ah secret talk.. she ah go show me things whe she got on, before me pop it off!"
People really need tone down with the "sexting" because that's how you hear about women ending up on sex sites and ting and ting. If you're going to send explicit pics, at least leave your face out cause some of these men are OUT OF ORDER!!
Just this morning, popular dancehall artist Mavado, also known as David Brooks was found guilty and subsequently fined for assault and malicious destruction of property. He was fined $80,000 JMD ($900 usd) or 6 months prison time for the assault charge and $20,000 JMD ($225 usd) or 6 months of prison time for the destruction charge.
It's been a little over a month since Desmond Ballentine aka Ninja Man was released from detainment. After being held in a jail cell for over three years I guess the Jamaican justice system decided it was time to free up some cell space.
How can you hold someone in a jail cell for over three years without even taking the matter to trial?? Is that how they're locking people away in Jamaica?! My gosh!
Now that he's back on the road hopefully he can manage to stay out of trouble and stay in the studios.
It is so relieving to see some positivity coming out of Jamaica. It is no surprise that Jamaica has a harsh reputation, we've heard about it time and time again. We see t-shirts that say, "Feeling Irie" and "Jamaica, No Problem" but in reality there is a problem. The type of topics that are swept under the rug and the skeletons that are kept in the closet is scary. I realize that we may be desensitized to extreme situations because they've become so common but everyone knows the difference between right and wrong. EVERYONE.
It's sad to talk to a Jamaican who says that they dislike the country and would never go back. Jamaicans who are ashamed to call themself a Jamaican because of the disgust they receive from outsiders. Jamaicans who regret their independence from the British because they believe that Jamaica would be better off if it was the other way around. It breaks my heart to hear it but these are real people voicing their real opinions.
So it's so relieving to see people who will stand up to the problem rather than abandon their homeland. Even though it seems to be a sinking ship, I love to see people who have faith that change can be made and instead of sitting around to watch it, they choose to stand up and make it happen.
Help Jamaica's Children conducted a march earlier today from Bustamante Hospital for Children to Emancipation Park to raise awareness of children who are abused and molested throughout the island. Not only do they want to raise awareness but they've also started a confidential hotline that people can call if they see or hear of an incident where a child is being sexually abused.
This is a real issue that is heard throughout Jamaica way too often but it's the same thing that's kept on the "hush hush" because the culture avidly reminds us to "leave people business alone".
No child should experience abuse or molestation in any way, shape or form and I can only hope that you agree. I am glad that Help Jamaica's Children is causing a stir because they're opening doors for a better tomorrow.
God bless everyone who made it out to the march today. I applaud you for stepping up to such a controversial issue. It's because of you. You are an inspiration to others who are still afraid to voice their thoughts on this issue as well as the many other issues that is currently preventing Jamaica's triumph so please keep up the wonderful work!
