Nigerians Concerned Reggae, Dancehall Fading Away, As Artists Switch To Afrobeats

The content originally appeared on: Dance Hall Mag

While the BBC made much of what it described as Ghana’s “love affair with Reggae” earlier this year, there has seemingly been love lost in Nigeria, where other reports are that the West African country’s Dancehall and Reggae stars, among them Patoranking, have ditched the Jamaican genre, in favor of Afrobeats.

In an article published in February this year, the BBC noted that “Afrobeats may be the dominant sound right now in Ghana, as in many other African countries, but the sounds of Jamaica can still be heard blaring through the speakers of Ghana’s roadside and beach bars almost every day” and that “Thursdays are reggae night in two big clubs in the capital, Accra – turning up the heat in an already hot climate”.

Conversely, the Nigerian Daily Post noted a few days ago that “it remains to be seen whether the former popular genres of reggae and dancehall will regain their prominence or fade quietly into the past”, as Afrobeat continues to evolve and shape the Nigerian musical landscape.

The BBC had noted that “Jamaican musicians such as the late greats Bob Marley and Peter Tosh and the group Culture have long been credited with planting the seeds of reggae music on African soil 50 years ago – and Ghana shows the roots have grown deep, and gone on to produce homegrown talent”.

It also noted that Reggae has been instrumental in spreading the message of Rastafari and has been “a cheerleader for Africa – singing about the beauty of the continent, boasting of its natural resources while calling for people in the diaspora to return to the motherland, which has gone a long way to solidify the bond between Reggae and Africa, especially during and after colonial rule”.

The BBC added, “it makes sense that Ghana, among the first African countries to gain independence (from the UK in 1957), gravitates to the sounds of struggle and strife associated with reggae. It has had plenty of struggle and strife, having experienced six military coups between the 1960s and 1980s”.

It listed Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale, as two of the biggest Reggae/Dancehall stars as well as Kojo Antwi aka Mr Music Man, and Rocky Dawuni, who made “waves on the global reggae scene with the 1998 hit In Ghana” and whose “growing popularity saw some of his tracks featuring on various US TV dramas and three Grammy nominations to his name”.

Stonebwoy

But the Nigerian Daily Post noted, in an article titled “Reggae, dancehall, others face extinction as afrobeat dominates Nigerian music”, that while Reggae and Dancehall were among the dominant musical genres in Nigeria at the turn of the century, “right right now, Afrobeat has effectively taken over the music industry.”

According to the publication, some music fans worry that other subgenres may soon fade away due to how popular the African genre has become. 

“At its height, reggae was the mainstay of Nigerian music. Majek Fashek, Ras Kimono, Victor Essiet (from “The Mandators”), Evi Edna Ogoli, and Peterside Ottong, among others, captivated audiences both domestically and abroad. Dancehall, a subgenre of reggae, became popular between the end of the 1990s and the beginning of the 2000s,” the article noted.

It added that “Dancehall became a powerful voice that addressed societal ills and criticised the state of governance” and was particularly popular on the streets of Ajegunle, Lagos’ and that Ragga and galala, described as two additional reggae derivatives and subgenres, also experienced a boom thanks to artists like Daddy Showkey, Marvellous Benji, Raymond King, and Junglist.

Afrobeat, it noted, had early pioneers, artists such as  D’banj and P-Square, who marked a significant turning point in Nigerian music, and that “those who would carry out the transformation started to emerge within a decade”.

“What is amazing about Afrobeat is how strongly it appeals to supporters of other genres who have given up the music they are naturally drawn to in favour of trying the new fusion that has become the sound of Africa… Nonetheless, most music lovers are perplexed by how Afrobeat continues to grow while other genres are in decline.”

The article cited DJ Slixm, a well-known figure in the music business, as saying that Afrobeat’s popularity was due to its adaptability, while Dancehall’s “repetitive beats and patterns are a drawback that has aided in the genre’s dwindling appeal”.

“The genre’s lack of innovation and fresh sounds has caused listeners to seek new musical experiences, leading to the emergence of other genres such as afrobeat that offer a diverse range of sounds and styles,” he is quoted as saying.

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Kerry Washington, Derek Hough Tap Sean Paul, Ding Dong For New Nat Geo Series

The content originally appeared on: Dance Hall Mag

American actress Kerry Washington and Dancing with the Stars pro Derek Hough have been spotted around Kingston, Jamaica, and have so far linked up with Dancehall stars Sean Paul and Ding Dong for what’s expected to be an upcoming project for National Geographic (Nat Geo).

The new docu-series, titled “Dance the World with Derek Hough”, will see the professional dancer team up with celebrity guests to explore the cultural roots behind some of the world’s most famous dances, with each episode ending with a performance of that dance routine, according to The Wrap.

In an Instagram post on Tuesday (June 27), the Scandal actress, who is of Jamaican heritage, shared some beachside views on the island with Dutty Paul and thanked him for “bringing the heat on this new project.”

In the IG video clip, Washington was seen vibing to Paul’s hit song Temperature before turning the camera on the Jamaican star as he lip-synched the remaining verses. 

“ bringing the heat on this new project Thanks for coming through @duttypaul !” the actress wrote on the post.

Washington, 46, also shared photos posing at a local restaurant, ‘Hot & Tasty,’ revealing an artsy cultural look. While sporting long flowing twisted locks, she wore an African-inspired wrap top and ankle-length skirt from fashion brand, Altuzarra.

The outfit was styled by fashion stylist/costume designers, Rob Zangardi, and Mariel Haenn, who she credited along with her glam squad, hairstylist, Takisha Sturdivant-Drew (TakishaStudio), and makeup artist Carola Gonzalez (of CarolaG Makeup).

Derek Hough was also at the beach with Sean Paul, along with Kerry’s mother Valerie Washington.

The Dancing with the Stars six-time winner was also spotted with Washington, hanging out with Jamaican artist Ding Dong at the local street dance, ‘Uptown Mondays’ at Savannah Plaza in Half-Way Tree on Monday (June 26).

Hough and Washington were seen working up a sweat, dancing with the Raver Clavers crew and partygoers doing the ‘Bounce’ dance move. 

The celebrity dancer/actor’s presence didn’t go unnoticed by Jamaican fans online.

“A Weh Derek a do a jamaica ,” remarked one surprised IG user. Others commented, “Him a ketch likkle dance inspiration ,” and “Yes @derekhough! We know you’re a dancer but now you’re a dansah! .”

Some viewers weren’t too pleased to see the famed dancer pushed to the background, while others hogged the spotlight.

“I know they didn’t have Derek in the back like that,” said one person.

Another added, “Y’all not acknowledging Derek Hough.”

On her many stops so far, Washington visited downtown Kingston on Sunday (June 25) to take in the art and culture at the Kingston Creative Art Walk. Another intentional move, it appears, as she once again thanked her glam squad for putting together her fashionable look in photos shared on IG.

Washington was seen posing in front of some of the artwork lining the strip, while decked in a multi-colored tropical Johanna Ortiz dress, accessorized with jewelry by Misho, and chunky Larroudé sandals.

The Kingston Creative team even commented on her post, thanking the actress for participating in the festival. “Thank you so much for taking part in our ArtWalk Festival!” they wrote.

The Last King of Scotland actress also stopped by the Bob Marley Museum earlier this week and was sure to tell her 7.2 million followers to come and experience the late music icon’s home. “If you’re in Kingston, this museum is a must see. So special,” she wrote.

Though born in the Bronx, New York, Washington is no stranger to Jamaica. The award-winning actress has Jamaican heritage through her mother Valerie Washington. In 2019, she paid homage to her roots, indicating that she was incredibly proud to be Jamaican.

Washington and Hough are the latest celebrity faces seen visiting the island’s shores. Recently, American actress Angelina Jolie visited for the Calabash Literary Festival. Rappers Carib B and Offset landed for some birthday shenanigans in December, while Dua Lipa came for a stress-free vacay back in March.

Kerry Washington is best known for her roles as Olivia Pope in the American television series “Scandal,” Della Bee Robinson, the wife of Ray Charles in the film “Ray,” the wife of Idi Amin in “The Last King of Scotland,” and Alicia Masters in the live-action “Fantastic Four” films in 2005 and 2007. She has also been featured in independent films such as “Our Song” and “The Dead Girl”. Her role in the Shonda Rhimes’ – written and produced – series “Scandal” brought her wide recognition, and she was nominated twice for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for the role. The role also brought her a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series.

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Caribbean Travel News And Deals

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. June 30, 2023: Here are the top Caribbean travel news and deals this week in 60 seconds.

A British tourist to Jamaica died after trying to complete a challenge to drink all 21 cocktails on a bar menu, an inquest found. Timothy Alan Southern, a 53-year-old from Staffordshire, England, was on a family vacation when he undertook the challenge, ITV News reported. The coroner’s report said Southern died of “acute gastritis with associated alcohol intoxication,” the report said, adding that he had been “drinking heavily during the day.”

Canada is warning nationals to exercise a high degree of caution if travelling to Guyana due to high crime rates in the oil​rich CARICOM South american nation.

Police in Jamaica are investigating the death of a 24-year-old American woman who died while on vacation. Police found Quintairia Roker inside her hotel room in Montego Bay on June 21. A male friend found her unresponsive. She was rushed to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Condor Airlines is set to make a return to Barbados this winter season, offering a twice weekly direct service between Barbados and Germany.

And United Airlines will start a new service from Washington, D.C.’s Dulles International Airport (IAD) and New Jersey’s Newark Liberty Airport (EWR) to Barbados. The service from EWR begins on Sept. 30 and will operate on Saturdays.

Caribbean travel company Island Routes is launching a new travel style for clients looking to explore the islands privately or in a one-of-a-kind, customizable way. The all-new Private & Bespoke Collections offers experiences, many with the option to be fully customized to create a personalized itinerary.

Alaska Airlines will begin flying nonstop to Nassau, Bahamas this December from Las Vegas. For a limited time, introductory fares for flights between start at $169 one-way.

Travelers choosing The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort, St. Croix for a vacation, can now get a free night’s stay with every five-night stay for travel through September 30th. To take advantage of the deal, guests must secure their bookings directly with The Buccaneer via thebuccaneer.com – using the promotion code VIBE2023 before September 1st.

Minister Marion Hall “Never Going Back” To Lady Saw, But Says She’s Still Dancehall’s ‘Baddest’

The content originally appeared on: Dance Hall Mag

Minister Marion Hall says that while she’ll “never go back to being Lady Saw,” she still remains Dancehall’s “baddest” female artist.

“Nobaddy nuh bad like me inna Dancehall yah suh.  Mi jus nuh waan guh back deh!” Hall declared while performing her song Kiss Out Mi Bible at Groovin in the Park over the weekend.

“Dem nuh lyricist like mi.  Das why dem worry.  Suh, meck mi tell yuh suppm.  Yuh have a problem wid how God a use mi.  God sen mi yah suh.  Dress mi like all oonu wha day; God dress mi up inna belly skin suh Chris an Karen can hire mi, an den di devilcome wid dem plot.”

Marion Hall

During the event, which was held in Queens, New York, Hall made references to two of her raunchiest songs, Sycamore Tree and If Him Lef. “Mi used to do sittn bout tree an dem sittn deh and If di man lef.  Mi muh haffi worry bout if di man lef.  No man naw lef mi right now.  If anybaddy lef me, dem lef di holy ghost,” she said to the delight of some audience members.

She also reeled off a slew of new songs written for stage performance, with lyrics supposedly aimed at her detractors within and outside of the music industry. In one instance, Hall blasted her critics for what she considered their setting of double standards.

“Some people say because I am a Christian I should not deejay; I shouldn’t speak broken English; I shouldn’t talk Patois… Once mi deejay, dem seh mi tun back. Papa San deejay; Lieutenant Stitchie deejay.  Everybaddy.   and is not a problem.  Worried dem worried bout me,” she declared.

Prior to that, she seemingly took aim at one of her Dancehall compatriots with whom she has recently had an online tiff.  

She sang:

“Mi nuh come yah suh fi igleMi nuh come yah suh fo Dancegall titleMi come yah suh fi preach up di gospelSuh tell a bleach-out duppy mi nuh frighten”

She then added:

“Mi a one Cristian weh clap backAnwhen mi clap back head must crack”

In December 2021, Hall declared that “even now,” she could still rip errant deejays apart with” just gospel, godly songs,” as through her sheer talent, she could use the word of God in Dancehall style, to minister to and even clash and obliterate “‘in the name of the Lord,” any Dancehall rival who tried to test her on any stage, anytime, anywhere.

“I have this talent that is beyond me.  It’s like it just exceed my expectation and others.  Even now, I could step out and stand beside any one of those females and rip them apart with just gospel, godly songs,” Hall had told Tamara McKayle on The Trailblazers show.

The God Speaks artist had also shrugged off suppositions being made by some Dancehall fans that she might have thought she was fading away, thus her exit from secular Dancehall in 2015.  Instead, she pointed out that her departure was not of her own free will, but a command from God.

“I could go on to 100 year old and still be the best at what I do… A lot of people see me here and they believe that ‘she just parked up’.  No.  God told me it’s time to preach.   If I wanted to be out there, I would be out there. But God has a time when he lock us in,” she had stated.

A few weeks later, veteran music selector Foota Hype, and many other fans of Hall had batted hard for her to come back and dominate Dancehall.

Foota’s followers had urged her to return to the genre, even from a gospel perspective and take the path of Lieutenant Stitchie, who pioneered gospel Reggae/Dancehall, and who like her, is a Minister of Religion and still a dominant force in Dancehall music.

Some claimed her nemesis Spice, would be dethroned should Hall resume her once-prolific recording of Dancehall songs, even if only from the gospel realm like her male compatriots Lieutenant Stitchie and Papa San.

Others said nobody in Dancehall matched up to the 53-year-old, whether in aesthetics or talent.

In the meantime, Minister Marion Hall says she has a slew of new songs in her lyrical arsenal, which she has written for her upcoming performance at Reggae Sumfest’s concert night two in Montego Bay on Saturday, July 22.

“I’m writing for Sumfest too, and Sumfest is the place to be.  That’s the place to be.  That’s when you’re gonna hear the real…,” she told Onstage’s Winford Williams after he commended her on her performance at Groovin in the Park, and suggested that “Jamaicans now, after this, they can’t wait to see you at Reggae Sumfest.”

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Spragga Benz Cautions Youth Against Sex Addiction

The content originally appeared on: Dance Hall Mag

Dancehall artist Spragga Benz believes he came from a sex-crazed generation, and doesn’t want today’s youth to continue the cycle. 

In an Instagram post, the Things Ah Gwaan deejay echoed personal coach Zeus Wit’s stance that a man who controls his stomach, penis, and tongue, has solved 99 percent of his problems. He particularly zoomed in on the power and sanctity of sex.  

“I think reverse psychology has been used on us as gyalis, so, although it late for some still, mi a ask the youths dem to be wise and discipline yourself BEFORE you develop Sex Addiction like my generation,” he said. 

Spragga Benz hails from an era of dancehall that scorned upon the “one-burner” lifestyle, instead uplifting images of having “nuff gyal inna bungle”. The Casanova antics superseded lyrics as some of Spragga Benz’s contemporaries including Ninjaman, Elephant Man, Buju Banton and Beenie Man went on to father several children. It is something Culture Professor Donna Hope has often described as proof of the “punaany being conquered”.

Spragga Benz

The idea of settling down has become less bizarre in dancehall, with acts like Konshens, Ding Dong, Aidonia and Ninjaman tying the knot. 

“Don’t just have sex just for recreation, create a loving bond with your partners first,” Spragga Benz said. “Sex with someone you love is the purest release of cosmic life energy. Casual sex, it seems, is energy food for demons from different realms we are yet to fully understand. Just as our bodies get energy from sun rays that we can’t see ourselves, sex energy is so powerful; it creates LIFE.”

The entertainer had scores of users in agreement, with one person suggesting, “Please put some of this knowledge in your music my brother. Remember when they use to say the half that is never been told. Well there is plenty information out there for use.”

Spragga Benz told the fan that he has been injecting his music with these messages, using Tiny Tot as reference. Produced by Stephen ‘Di Genius’ McGregor, the 2009 song chronicles his sexual and personal maturity, having boned the hottest belles with women traversing his house daily. 

The lyrics say in part:

When mi start to get mi youth, dem time mi learn the truthAnd learn that sex is not only designed to buss a juiceIt’s like the planting of the sacred seed of life weh bring the fruit

Other users wrote:

“Teach them mi general. A lot don’t know how sacred & powerful sex really is.”

“Might be challenging but it is the absolute .”

“Finally I’m not the only one that sees this. Jah know. It’s not a popular subject but hopefully your platform can do sumn.”

Follow us for daily Dancehall news on Facebook, Twitter and Google News.

 

Shane O, Kash Promise Move Impress At Rum Bar Vibes Fest

The content originally appeared on: Dance Hall Mag

Dancehall artists Shane O and Kash Promise Move left an indelible mark on the residents of Portland at the recently held Rum Bar Vibes Fest on Friday, June 23 at the Port Antonio Town Centre.

The event peaked with Shane O’s acapella entrance onto the Rum Bar stage which was enough for patrons to pay keen attention while the Kingston native belted out his 2021 song, We Alright produced by 1st Class Musiq.

During this moment, everyone’s focus remained glued to the star’s deeply-felt interaction that lifted the masses, before segueing to his other hits Lightning Flash, Last Days, and 7 Jacket. However, it was his gloomy take on being lonely with Dark Room that stirred cheers from the crowd.

Before Shane O’s set, Kash Promise Move’s energetic delivery riled up the masses in preparation for what was to come.

Kash

In a big move curated specifically for the interests of Dancehall lovers in Portland, Rum Bar sought to entice partygoers with free entertainment and giveaways with its third staging of the concert series. Hosted by former dancer T.C., and musical entertainment by DJ Bigga 5, Port Anotonio’s Town Centre was brought to life with Rum Bar branded paraphernalia and staging for a perfectly fitting Friday night Dancehall stage show fiesta.

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St Kitts and Nevis announces extension to Citizenship by Investment Programme Sustainable Growth Fund Limited Time Offer due to unprecedented demand

News Americas, Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 29, 2023: International investors have been clamouring to take advantage of one of the best deals in the investment migration industry this year – St Kitts and Nevis’ Sustainable Growth Fund (SGF) Limited Time Offer (LTO) which allows investors to gain approval for alternative citizenship in the country in as little as 60 days for a reduced fee. 

In December 2022, the St Kitts and Nevis Head of the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), Michael Martin, announced the enactment of the updated St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Regulations 2023, which included the introduction of the LTO for the SGF investment option effective 1 January 2023 – 30 June 2023.  

On 29 June 2023, Michael Martin made the following comment regarding the LTO: 

“We have received an overwhelming response and demand for our Sustainable Growth Fund investment option through the Limited Time Offer and felt that we had to extend the offering for another seven months until 31 January 2024. International investors continue to see the value of the world’s first and finest Citizenship by Investment Programme and this proves it”.  

The SGF remains the quickest and easiest route to alternative citizenship in St Kitts and Nevis and now until 31 January 2024, a main applicant can acquire alternative citizenship by contributing only US$125,000 to the SGF and receiving approval in principle within 60 days of acknowledgement by the CIU of submission of their application. 

Under the LTO, the minimum SGF contributions are as follows: 

Single applicant – US$ 125,000 

Main applicant and a spouse – US$150,000 

Main applicant and up to three dependants – US$170,000 

Each additional dependant under 18 – US$10,000 

Each additional dependant over 18 – US$25,000 

Revenue from the SGF has facilitated economic development and social upliftment in the country. The SGF is used to provide financial support to educational institutions, and medical facilities, as well as support infrastructural development, increase tourism, preserve local culture and heritage and support sustainable growth initiatives in the twin-island nation. 

Discerning investors are seeing the benefits of being part of St Kitts and Nevis’ success story. Following upgrades to the CBI Regulations, the country now offers one of the most secure and best-regulated investment migration offerings in the world.  

This means that international investors looking to hedge their bets in a stable and growing economy should look no further than St Kitts and Nevis. 

This extension is a fantastic opportunity for investors to obtain citizenship through the LTO. This is a final extension and from 1 February 2024, the minimum SGF contribution will increase to the amounts prior to the LTO period. 

The country is making sure that it has only the best to offer international entrepreneurs and families who have realised that global powerhouses are no longer illustrious investment options due to security risks. Investors want to ensure that they can safeguard their families and wealth in a global economy that has been offering nothing but uncertainty since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. 

Smaller governments such as that of St Kitts and Nevis have found ways, through CBI, to protect themselves from global shocks, offer favourable business policies aimed at growing corporations in international markets and, by using international funds channelled to the SGF, can diversify and grow their economy to meet global needs. 

St Kitts and Nevis continues to create a name for itself as a financial nexus in the Caribbean with an attractive CBI programme underpinned by a sound legal framework and robust multi-layered due diligence.    

For nearly 40 years, St Kitts and Nevis has been the pioneer of the global investor immigration industry and those who recognise this are taking advantage of the LTO. 

St Kitts and Nevis continues to create a name for itself as a financial nexus in the Caribbean with an attractive CBI programme underpinned by a sound legal framework and robust multi-layered due diligence.    

For nearly 40 years, St Kitts and Nevis has been the pioneer of the global investor immigration industry and those who recognise this are taking advantage of the LTO. 

Sustainable Energy From Ideas To Projects-Part 2

By Dr. Lorraine Sobers

News Americas, PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, June 29, 2023: Guyana has launched into the energy sector at an historic time as the world begins the energy transition away from predominant fossil fuels to increasing renewable energy use. Starting in 2015, the country rapidly scored several large offshore oil discoveries and is now steadily increasing oil production to exceed 1 million barrels of oil per day by 2027. There is an underlying urgency to produce as much as possible before the demand and possibly price of oil declines. But it is not all about producing as much oil as quickly as possible. According to reputable technical reports from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the survival of the planet is at stake.

In the simplest terms “sustainable energy” refers to energy generation that does not compromise the survival of the environment.

The Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago recently hosted the Caribbean Sustainable Energy Conference, (CSEC), to discuss sustainable energy under the theme, “Ideas to Projects”. In continuing the discussion from last week, I will discuss the advancement of hydrogen as an alternative fuel and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) to reduce CO2 emissions.

Hydrogen is a clean fuel suitable for long distance transportation and heavy industries where wind and solar are insufficient. It can be stored in liquid form and is lighter than batteries or fossil fuels. Hydrogen is referred to by colors such as blue, green, grey or purple due to its origin and manufacturing process. Green hydrogen is produced by water electrolysis powered by renewable energy. This form of hydrogen was the basis of projects featured by several companies at CSEC. Recently Deloitte estimated that the green hydrogen market will be worth USD 1.4 trillion by 2050 with the demand for global hydrogen growing six-fold by 2050. Along with this expansion, 2 million jobs can be supported annually worldwide.

Picture of the Potaro River running across the Kaieteur National Park which sits in a section of the Amazon rainforest in the Potaro-Siparuni region of Guyana. (Photo by PATRICK FORT/AFP via Getty Images)

Natural gas can also be used to produce hydrogen by a process called steam reforming. However, this process emits CO2 which will have to be sequestered — stored in the subsurface or converted to useful products with carbon in permanent solid form — to be considered sustainable. With sequestering, the hydrogen produced is categorized as blue hydrogen, without it the hydrogen is labelled as grey hydrogen. Guyana has the potential to produce green, blue or grey hydrogen. Green hydrogen can be produced using hydropower or any other type of renewable energy. Either blue or grey hydrogen can be produced using excess natural gas brought to shore. As shipping vessels and possibly aircrafts begin to use hydrogen as fuel in the future, Guyana may be well positioned to supply green hydrogen for long distance transportation.

Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) is a large-scale solution for reducing CO2 emissions. Basically, CO2 is collected (captured) at the source of emissions. It can then be utilized in another process where the carbon atoms are integrated into a solid product such as concrete or plastic, permanently removing it from the atmosphere. Alternatively, it can be stored in the subsurface, deep underground by injecting it into saline (salt water) aquifers or depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs. This technology has been in use in the Sleipner Field, North Sea, offshore Norway for two decades. Continuous monitoring has shown that the injected CO2 is trapped within the rock pores. There is nothing new about CO2 being stored in the subsurface as this occurs naturally in Colorado and New Mexico, US for example. CO2 injection is not new to oil production operations; this process is used to enhance heavy oil recovery for over sixty years.

I was fortunate to be invited to speak on a panel at CSEC 2023. In my presentation I outlined three things Caribbean countries ought to consider before embarking on CCUS projects:

National Development Priorities

Developed countries, like Norway, which have energy, food and water security with adequate healthcare, education and infrastructure provided for citizens, are able to place CO2 emission reduction as a top priority. Typically, these countries also have decades of historically high emissions. It has been difficult for developing countries, with historically miniscule CO2 emissions, to fund climate adaptation projects and finance CO2 emission reduction projects. They are forced, however, to grapple with the effects of climate change as they face more extreme and frequent climatic events such as changing rainfall patterns, floods, drought and storms. Nevertheless, investing in CCUS technology and projects can increase revenue potential for offsetting carbon emissions or decarbonizing an activity or operation. In this way, CCUS can be viable and accepted in countries like Guyana.

 Public Awareness

Public awareness and acceptance are critical to the success of CCUS especially if pipeline transport on land is required. The general public and policy makers need to have a clear understanding of the science behind CCUS. They need to have confidence that CO2 can be safely captured, transported, injected and permanently stored. After conducting research on the engineering aspects of CCS, I spent almost 15 years writing and making presentations about CCUS to a wide audience that included economists, political scientists, investment bankers, social scientists, historians and project managers. I realized it was not enough to make technical presentations to engineers and geoscientists. I dedicated efforts to public awareness because I believe it is better to discuss the risks and rewards of CCUS before it becomes a contentious subject. In Guyana CCUS is not a front burner topic yet but it will come into focus as natural gas comes to shore.

Mission and Objectives for CCUS

A clear mission and objectives are needed for any project. It is important not to lose sight of the fundamental reasons for deploying CCUS in each particular national circumstance. CCUS can reduce CO2 emissions but in regions with a low carbon footprint, the emission reduction impact is negligible. Therefore, each project involving CCUS must be based on SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound) goals that tie into a broader vision and a clear mission that serves national interest. If this fundamental step is overlooked, and it can happen quite easily, projects may serve external demands with no real impact while jeopardizing urgent domestic needs.

Finally, in both developing and developed countries, hydrogen and CCUS projects are unique opportunities for the energy sector to establish new industries, create employment for environmentally conscious young professionals and provide impactful, innovative solutions for providing sustainable energy.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Lorraine Sobers is a Fulbright Scholar currently lecturing at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine in the Petroleum Studies Unit. Dr. Sobers has 20 years’ experience in the energy sector specializing in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR). She has a keen interest in using her technical expertise for the development of low carbon development policies. Dr. Sobers is a Fellow of the Caribbean Policy Consortium and a member of the Global Americans Global High-Level Working Group on Climate Change in the Caribbean.

Jo Mersa Marley’s Cause Of Death Is Revealed Months After Singer Was Found Dead

The content originally appeared on: Dance Hall Mag

Reggae singer Jo Mersa Marley died of an “acute asthma exacerbation” after being infected with rhinovirus or enterovirus, according to documents obtained by Rolling Stone on Tuesday (June 27).

The publication reported that Jo’s condition often presents as symptoms of the common cold, citing new details from the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office.

Jo Mersa, the son of Stephen Marley and grandson of Bob Marleydied on December 26 in Miami-Dade County at age 31.

According to Rolling Stone, a toxicology report detected the presence of THC, the chemical in marijuana, along with naloxone and 0.08% of ethanol in his body at the time of his death.

“Naloxone is commonly used to reverse an overdose by blocking the effects of opioids, but it is unclear at this time why the drug was found in Marley’s system,” they noted.

Jo Mersa had a history of asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia and had not been taking his medication for his asthma diagnosis at the time of his death, according to the Examiner’s Office.

Their report also indicated that Jo had spoken to his mother Kerry-Ann Smith on Christmas Day, the day before his death, and “informed her he was feeling ill, ostensibly due to his asthma.”

Jo Mersa Marley

His body had no evidence of injury, though his lung showed signs of congestion, hyperexpansion, and increased mucus in its airwaves, along with “enlarged glottic tonsils” and black discoloration in his lungs, resulting from smoking.

“An acute asthma exacerbation due to viral illness is a common occurrence and considered a non-allergic event,” the report said. “Additionally, chronic smoking of combustible products such as tobacco or marijuana is dangerous in a person with asthma.”

On December 27, police reported that at about 10 p.m. on Dec. 26, officers from the Pinecrest Police Department arrived at a shopping center’s parking lot located at 11825 South Dixie Highway, finding Jo Mersa unconscious inside his vehicle.

Paramedics at the scene later determined that he had passed away.

Jo was interred at Nine Miles, St Ann, like his legendary grandfather, Bob Marley in January 2023.

In March 2023, several members of the Marley family paid tribute to Jo Mersa as they commemorated what would have been his 32nd birthday. 

He is survived by his wife Qiara, six-year-old daughter Sunshine, and 12 siblings.

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Shaggy Shares How US Marine Corps Training Shaped His Distinctive Voice

The content originally appeared on: Dance Hall Mag

Dancehall megastar Shaggy has shed light on how his time in the United States Marine Corps played an instrumental role in shaping his distinctive baritone voice.

His path to stardom took an unlikely turn when he enlisted in the Marines as a means of finding stability and escaping the challenges of his Flatbush, New York neighborhood. The decision, Shaggy explained, proved to be a crucial stepping stone in preparing him for the hurdles that lay ahead.

“The Marines was a good set up for everything that I was about to encounter in life that I didn’t know,” the 54-year-old remarked during an interview with Billboard.

“Drill instructors—they used to put these voice off and say ‘hey, boy! Drop and give me 20 boy!’ And I just used to mimic them because they would call me out to sing cadences. Little did I know that that was actually vocal training because I was singing from my gut and running three miles.”

He reminisced, “And so I wrote ‘Boombastic’ and they debuted it number 1. The first Reggae or Dancehall artist to debut on the British charts…”

Shaggy, who enlisted at the age of 18 in 1988, found himself deployed to Kuwait two years later as part of the Field Artillery Battery in the 10th Marine Regiment during the Persian Gulf War, commonly known as Operation Desert Storm.

The genesis of Boombastic, according to Shaggy, was pretty casual.

“The track came on and all I started to do was moaning, and out of that came a song. I would say the first couple of albums I wrote by myself without writing them on paper,” he explained.

Boombastic spent 29 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 3, and 17 weeks on the UK Singles chart, where it peaked at No. 1.

The song formed part of the entertainer’s third studio album of the same name, which earned him his first Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album. 

Boombastic (the single) is certified Platinum in the UK, for sales exceeding 600,000 units, and Platinum in the US, for sales exceeding 1,000,000 units.  The Boombastic album is certified Silver in the UK, for sales exceeding 60,000 units, and Platinum in the US, for sales exceeding 1,000,000 units.

Shaggy later released Best of Shaggy: The Boombastic Collection, a greatest hits compilation in 2008, which was certified gold in the United Kingdom (UK) on Friday, October 14, 2022, after it sold over 100,000 units.

The collection featured 19 songs from eight of his previous studio albums, including Boombastic and In the Summertime with Rayvon from Boombastic (1995), Angel and It Wasn’t Me from the multi-platinum Hot Shot (2001), Hey Sexy Lady and Strength Of A Woman from Lucky Day (2002), and Oh Carolina from Pure Pleasure (1993).

Meanwhile, the Grammy Award-winning singer added that he had his eyes set on musical success from as early as his childhood days. In fact, he was inspired by Dancehall veteran Yellowman.

“I saw Yellowman live at Skateland when I was a kid. Yellowman walked in, he sang a couple songs and he walked out and everybody in the dance walked out with him… I said, ‘that’s what I want.’”

It is safe to say that King Yellowman is also fond of Shaggy.

In during a 2020 interview with the Jamaica Star, he expressed his displeasure at Beenie Man’s remake of his iconic song, Zungguzungguguzungguzeng, noting that he would have preferred Shaggy or Sean Paul.

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