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Barbados Grand Kadooment 2023 – In Photos

News Americas, BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Tues. Aug. 8, 2023: The curtains came down on Crop Over season 2023 Monday as Bajans and fans from across the world celebrated Grand Kadooment from Warrens to the Mighty Grynner Highway in St. Michael, Barbados. Some 24 bands completed the Grand Kadooment jump up this year, with a total of about 12, 000 revelers. Quan De Artist was the winner of this year’s Tune of the Crop. His song Waistline was the most popular on the road Monday. See some of the photos from Monday’s Kadooment celebration HERE

Costumed revelers following the Blue Box Cart Kadooment Band and dancing in the streets during the Caribbean Crop Over Grand Kadooment Carnival in Bridgetown, Barbados on August 7, 2023. (Thomas/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

A group of American visitors waiting to join the Caribbean Crop Over Grand Kadooment Carnival in Bridgetown, Barbados, 7th August 2023. (Photo by Bob Thomas/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

Revelers during the Caribbean Crop Over Grand Kadooment Carnival in Bridgetown, Barbados, 7th August 2023. (Photo by Bob Thomas/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

Revelers during the Caribbean Crop Over Grand Kadooment Carnival in Bridgetown, Barbados, 7th August 2023. (Photo by Bob Thomas/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

A woman in costume poses for a photograph during the Caribbean Crop Over Grand Kadooment Carnival in Bridgetown, Barbados, 7th August 2023. (Photo by Bob Thomas/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

An umbrella was useful accessory this year for people following the Blue Box Cart Kadooment Band during the Caribbean Crop Over Grand Kadooment Carnival in Bridgetown, Barbados, 7th August 2023. (Photo by Bob Thomas/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

A man and woman following the Blue Box Cart Kadooment Band and dancing in the streets during the Caribbean Crop Over Grand Kadooment Carnival in Bridgetown, Barbados, 7th August 2023. (Photo by Bob Thomas/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

Toronto Caribbean Carnival – In Photos

News Americas, TORONTO, Canada, Sun. Aug. 6, 2023: The spirit of the Caribbean permeated the Toronto’s lakefront this past Saturday as Toronto proudly hosted its 56th Caribbean Carnival. Thousands from around the globe converged upon Lake Shore Boulevard, drawn by the infectious rhythms, dance, and the spectacle of over 10,000 masqueraders.

The Grand Parade was a feast for the eyes with participants donning elaborate costumes centered around this year’s theme, “Diversity and Culture Live Here.”

The event, marking its place as one of the most significant Carnival celebrations in North America, drew notable figures, including Premier Doug Ford, Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh.

See some of the photos from the event here.

The Toronto Revellers start the Grand Parade with their theme “Show Time” A tribute to the movies during the Toronto Caribbean Carnival on the Canadian National Exhibition Grounds in Toronto. August 5, 2023. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

The Toronto Revellers start the Grand Parade with their theme “Show Time” A tribute to the movies during the Toronto Caribbean Carnival on the Canadian National Exhibition Grounds in Toronto. August 5, 2023. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

A Mas Band perform on the stage for the Grand Parade at the Toronto Caribbean Carnival on the Canadian National Exhibition Grounds in Toronto. August 5, 2023. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

A Mas Band perform on the stage for the Grand Parade at the Toronto Caribbean Carnival on the Canadian National Exhibition Grounds in Toronto. August 5, 2023. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

Mas Bands perform on the stage for the Grand Parade at the Toronto Caribbean Carnival on the Canadian National Exhibition Grounds in Toronto. August 5, 2023. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

Participants wearing costumes perform on the stage for the Grand Parade during the Toronto Caribbean Carnival on August 5, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mert Alper Dervis/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Reggae Returns To NY SummerStage

News Americas, New York, NY, Fri. Aug. 4, 2023: SummerStage in Central Park, NY, is set to reverberate with the captivating rhythms and uplifting messages of reggae music once again as VP Records brings back the highly anticipated “Dub Rockers Roots Reggae Review” to the iconic outdoor venue.

Reggae enthusiasts can mark their calendars for August 12, when the free concert will light up Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield from 6 to 10 p.m. VP Records, a prominent reggae music label known for its commitment to the genre, has partnered with New York City’s City Parks Foundation to present this musical extravaganza.

Reggae Singer Anthony B is set to perform. (Photo by C Flanigan/FilmMagic)

The SummerStage series, known for showcasing music that represents the cultural diversity of New York City, has been a beloved tradition for almost four decades. And this year, reggae fans are in for a treat as the Dub Rockers Roots Reggae Review promises to bring an unforgettable experience. The star-studded line-up features reggae legends Anthony B and Chuck Fender, who will share the stage with rising stars F.Y.A.H., Blvk H3ro, Soul Rebel Project, Jamrock Starz, and DJ Empress Breeze. The combination of classic reggae icons and contemporary talents is sure to create an electrifying atmosphere that celebrates the essence of reggae music.

But there’s more to this event than just fantastic performances. The concert also marks the official revival of VP Records’ Dub Rockers imprint. Launched in 2011 with the aim of bridging the gap between Jamaican and international reggae artists and audiences, Dub Rockers is committed to nurturing talent and promoting the richness of reggae and dub music.

Leading the way with the Dub Rockers vision is F.Y.A.H., the latest project of Delroy “Pele” Hamilton, known for his role as co-founder, leader, and bassist of the esteemed Jamaican band, Raging Fyah. Collaborating with bandmates guitarist Nicolas Groskopf and vocalist Elton Earlington, F.Y.A.H. is gearing up to release their debut album, “Free Your Authentic Heart,” later this year.

SummerStage’s Central Park concert will become a mesmerizing celebration of reggae’s cultural significance, uniting music lovers from various backgrounds to revel in the infectious beats and positive vibes of the genre. Join VP Records and the City Parks Foundation for an enchanting evening under the stars, as reggae returns to SummerStage, spreading the spirit of love, unity, and soulful rhythms throughout New York City.

For more information and updates on the concert, visit https://cityparksfoundation.org/events/vp-records-roots-reggae-review/

Shaggy, Sheryl Lee Ralph To Be Honored At NY Jamaica Independence Gala

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. July 25, 2023: Jamaican-born Grammy-winning singer, Shaggy and Jamaican American Emmy-Award winning actress, Jamaican Sheryl Lee Ralph, are among the top honorees for the 2023 New York Jamaica Independence Gala this August.

Shaggy, seen here performing on stage at PNE Amphitheatre in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, will be honored at the NY Jamaica Gala on August 19th. (Photo by Andrew Chin/Getty Images)

Orville “Shaggy” Burrell will receive the Jamaica Independence Award for being an International Cultural Icon in Reggae Music and Philanthropy while Lee Ralph, OJ, will be presented with the Jamaica Independence Award for her outstanding contribution to Film and Television.

Jamaica’s Consul General to NY, Alsion Wilson, announced the stellar lineup of 2023 honorees and said “have displayed unwavering commitment, remarkable talent, and unparalleled contributions in their respective fields.”

The other honorees are:

Assistant Chief of the NYPD Police Ruel Stephenson, who will be presented with the Jamaica Independence Award for Leadership in Law and Enforcement and Community Development;

Stephen Facey, Chairman of the Pan Jamaica Group, who will be presented with the Jamaica Independence Award for Business Leadership and the Development of Jamaica;

Dr. Rosemarie Ingleton, a highly respected dermatologist and successful entrepreneur, who will be honored with the Jamaica Independence Award for Woman of Excellence in Medicine and Business;

Marc Jerome, the president of Monroe College, who will be recognized for Education Excellence and the Development of Jamaica and,

Marlon Lindsay, the dynamic CEO of 21 Cent Ed, who will be receiving the Jamaica Independence Award for Leadership in STEM Education and Entrepreneurship.

Set to take place at the prestigious New York Hilton Midtown on Saturday, August 19th, starting at 6:30 pm, the gala promises an evening of excellence.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, ON, will deliver the 61 Independence Message, spotlighting on the theme “Proud and Strong.”

Tickets for the Jamaica Independence Gala can be purchased through Eventbrite or the event’s official website at jamaicaindependencegalany.com.

The Jamaica Independence Gala is an annual event held in New York, celebrating Jamaica’s rich culture and heritage. Hosted by the Consulate General of Jamaica, New York in partnership with the Jamaica’s Promise Foundation, the gala aims to bring together Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica to recognize the nation’s independence while supporting various charitable causes in Jamaica. The 2023 gala will serve as a platform to support these charitable causes, focusing on uplifting the nation and its people.

Youth In Toronto Embrace Caribbean Culture At Spectacular Junior Carnival Parade

News Americas, TORONTO, Canada, Mon. July 24, 2023: The spirit of Caribbean pride and heritage came alive for another year in Toronto as youth with heritage in the region took part in the much-anticipated Junior Carnival Parade on Saturday.

Dressed in vibrant costumes, young parade revelers graced the streets of Neilson Road, transforming the city into a colorful celebration of culture. The festivities kicked off at 11 a.m. from the Malvern Community Recreation Centre, with the parade making its way along Neilson Road and concluding at Neilson Park at 8 p.m.

Aiden Philip (10) centre throws down the dance moves during the parade with friends. Saturday-photo-Junior Carnival Parade.The parade is an opportunity for young revellers to showcase their pride in their Caribbean heritage. (Photo by R.J. Johnston/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

Among the young revelers was 10-year-old Aiden Philip who threw down the dance moves during the parade with friends and Rayne Johnson, 14. Also participating was Marquee St. Louis, 11, who was costumed as Namor from Black Panther. He won first in the Male individual competition.

Marquee St. Louis ( 11) in Namor, from Black Panther. He wins first in Male individual. The parade is an opportunity for young revelers to showcase their pride in their Caribbean heritage. (Photo by R.J. Johnston/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

Festival Management Committee CEO, Mischka Crichton, expressed her excitement about the event, stating, “The Junior Carnival parade is truly a sight to behold. We’ve worked tirelessly to create a family-friendly environment where young carnival goers can immerse themselves in the festivities.”

Rayne Johnson (14) during the parade with friends. Saturday-photo-Junior Carnival Parade. (Photo by R.J. Johnston/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

As part of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, the Junior Carnival Parade holds significant importance, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean community in Toronto. It provides a platform for young individuals to celebrate their roots and express their creativity, confidence, and cultural appreciation.

Last week, the city witnessed the crowning of Junior King Amari Bowen-Otchere, representing Tribal Carnival, and Junior Queen Myauna King-Thomas, from the Toronto Revellers, during the Junior Carnival Showcase. Their titles mark them as youthful ambassadors of Caribbean culture and bring immense pride to their communities.

Jennifer Hirlehey, Festival Management Committee Chair, emphasized the significance of young people experiencing Carnival, saying, “Children are the future, and it is imperative that they have the opportunity to learn, experience, and participate in this staple of their cultural heritage. They are the future of Toronto Caribbean Carnival.”

Organizers of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival are eagerly anticipating the energetic and captivating performances that will grace the parade. Spectators can expect to see a dazzling display of colorful costumes, youthful enthusiasm, and a profound celebration of Caribbean traditions.

In addition to the Junior Carnival Parade, Spotify released ‘Carnival Sounds’ playlists in honor of Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival, adding to the excitement and festive atmosphere surrounding the event.

The Junior Carnival Parade serves as a testament to the vibrant and diverse culture that thrives within Toronto’s Caribbean community. It not only preserves tradition but also nurtures the spirit of unity and pride among the younger generation.

Gigi Hadid Arrested And Fined For Weed In The Cayman Islands

News Americas, GEORGETOWN, Cayman, Tues. July 18, 2023: Model Gigi Hadid reportedly found herself in a legal situation during her recent vacation in the Cayman Islands. Upon her arrival, on July 10th, Customs & Border Control agents discovered a small quantity of marijuana and drug paraphernalia in her luggage Cayman Marl Road reports.

Model Gigi Hadid shared this shot from the Cayman Islands. (Instagram screengrab)

As a result, she was arrested and fined $1,000. However, the supermodel has since been released and no conviction was recorded.

Reports indicate that the quantities found were seemingly for personal consumption. Another member of Hadid’s group, Leah Nicole McCarthy, also faced similar charges. Both women appeared in court, pleaded guilty, and were fined.

Hadid’s representative clarified to People that she was in possession of marijuana legally purchased in New York City with a valid medical license. Furthermore, medical use of marijuana has been legal in Grand Cayman since 2017. Despite the incident, Hadid and her friends have continued to enjoy their vacation, sharing pictures and videos of their relaxing time in the sun.

In an Instagram post, Hadid showcased a unique dragon tattoo on her leg, adding a touch of humor to the situation. She also shared a carousel of photos from her trip, expressing that all is well that ends well.

The Countdown Is On To Carnival In Toronto

News Americas, TORONTO, Canada, Fri. July 14, 2023: The countdown is on to next month’s annual Toronto Caribbean carnival, previously known as Caribana.

The city of Toronto launched the month-long lead up to 56th edition of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival this week at Nathan Phillips Square. Mischka Crichton, CEO of the Festival Management Committee, expressed her enthusiasm for this year’s Carnival. “We are thrilled to be launching the 56th edition of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, where everyone can feel accepted and included,” said Crichton, highlighting the festival’s theme of “Diversity and Culture Live Here!”

A dressed-up reveler performs during the official launch ceremony of the 2023 Toronto Caribbean Carnival in Toronto, Canada, on July 11, 2023. The annual event kicked off here on Tuesday to showcase Caribbean music, costumes and culture through plenty of events until Aug. 7. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua via Getty Images)

The month-long celebration is packed with a series of vibrant events, culminating in the highly anticipated grand parade on August 5 along Lake Shore Boulevard. Spectators can expect a mesmerizing display of colorful costumes, energetic performances, and infectious Caribbean rhythms that will sweep the city.

Dressed-up revelers perform during the official launch ceremony of the 2023 Toronto Caribbean Carnival in Toronto, Canada, on July 11, 2023. The annual event kicked off here on Tuesday to showcase Caribbean music, costumes and culture through plenty of events until Aug. 7. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua via Getty Images)

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. The festival calendar includes a range of captivating events designed to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean. From the Junior King and Queen Showcase at Scarborough Town Centre to the Junior Carnival Parade at Malvern Community Centre, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Other highlights include the OCPA Calypso Showcase at the Latvian Culture Centre, the King and Queen Showcase at Lamport Stadium, the Pan Alive Panorama at Lamport Stadium, and the Pan in de Park event at Malvern Recreation Centre/Malvern Park. As part of the festivities, visitors can also indulge in the TCC International Food Festival at Malvern Park.

A dressed-up reveler poses for photos during the official launch ceremony of the 2023 Toronto Caribbean Carnival in Toronto, Canada, on July 11, 2023. The annual event kicked off here on Tuesday to showcase Caribbean music, costumes and culture through plenty of events until Aug. 7. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua via Getty Images)

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival has become an integral part of the city’s identity, drawing attention not only for its cultural significance but also for its economic impact. While rising costs present challenges for the organizers, the City of Toronto has demonstrated its commitment to cultural festivals by providing significant funding. Additionally, the federal government has invested $1 million in support of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival. With this assistance, the festival will continue to dazzle audiences and maintain its high standards.

As one the largest street festival in North America, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival has become a renowned symbol of unity and celebration. Its inclusive nature invites individuals from all walks of life to participate, watch the events, and support the rich Caribbean culture on display.

Adding another dimension of excitement, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival will collaborate with the Toronto Blue Jays for pregame activities and interactive experiences during the game, blending sports and cultural celebrations in a unique fusion.

Metrolinx, the official transportation partner, will also be part of the festivities by unveiling a Toronto Caribbean Carnival-themed double-decker GO bus, adding a touch of carnival magic to the city’s public transportation.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant colors, infectious music, captivating dance, and rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean at the Toronto Caribbean Carnival. This month-long extravaganza promises to create unforgettable memories while honoring diversity and fostering cultural pride. Stay tuned for updates and surprises as the city counts down to the grand parade!

The month-long festival features a packed schedule of events is as follows:

July 16: Junior King and Queen Showcase at Scarborough Town Centre.
July 22: Junior Carnival Parade at Malvern Community Centre.
July 30: OCPA Calypso Showcase at Latvian Culture Centre.
Aug. 3: King and Queen Showcase at Lamport Stadium.
Aug. 4: Pan Alive Panorama at Lamport Stadium.
Aug. 6: Pan in de Park at Malvern Recreation Centre/Malvern Park.
Aug. 6: TCC International Food Festival at Malvern Park.

Anthony B Says Jamaica’s Leaders Have Failed To Leverage Reggae For Tourism, Unlike St. Kitts

The content originally appeared on: Dance Hall Mag

Fire Pon Rome singer Anthony B has lamented what he says is the failure of the leaders of Jamaica to utilize Reggae music as a catalyst for tourism growth.

According to the Trelawny native, this is in stark contrast to its Caribbean neighbor St. Kitts & Nevis, whose Tourism Ministry co-pioneered and finances the St. Kitts Music Festival, which uses Reggae and Dancehall music and artists as major pull factors.   

“Reggae music is the biggest vehicle to push Jamaica’s tourism, but the authorities refuse to acknowledge that,” Anthony B pointed out in a recent Gleaner interview, as he began comparing and contrasting the two Caribbean countries.

“I went to St. Kitts for their music festival … remember yuh nuh that St Kitts don’t even have music for themselves, but they use our music and create one of the biggest and most recognised music festival in the world,” the artist added in expressing disappointment.

This year’s lineup on the penultimate and the ultimate nights of the recently-held St. Kitts Music Festival, was dominated by Jamaican artists, which included Anthony B himself on Friday night (June 23), alongside Govana, Skillibeng, Chronixx, Koffee, and St. Kitts own Jamaican-born artist Byron Messia, followed by Romain Virgo, Valiant, Teejay and Gramps Morgan on the third and final night (June 24).

According to the St Kitts Music Festival organizers, the first staging of the event back in 1996 was funded by a government overdraft facility of EC$ 450,000 (US$166,500).   It was conceptualised due mainly to economic factors, including very low occupancy levels in local hotels and a reduction in overall business activity on the island.  

Even though that year, the festival suffered a loss of approximately EC$ 35,000 (US$12,950), the Government of St. Kitts, across administrations, continued to give its unwavering support, according to the event organisers.

The country’s Ministers of Tourism over the decades have also been praised by Faron Lawrence, who served as festival chairman for more than ten years. 

Lawrence is quoted as saying that “one essential ingredient that has kept the festival alive for the past two decades, is the commitment provided by all serving ministers with responsibility for the festival: Dwyer Astaphan, Jacinth Henry-Martin as well as Richard Skerritt and now Lindsay Grant”, both of whom served as volunteers in the early years of the event.  

In detail, the festival was “designed to increase visitor arrivals; improve hotel occupancies; stimulate greater economic activity across all commercial sectors; create greater international awareness for the destination as a viable option for visitors; while also producing a world class entertainment event attractive and appealing to Kittitians/Nevisians and tourists”.

During a press conference held prior to this year’s staging of the event, St Kitts & Nevis’ Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson had described the music festival as far more than a stage show.

“I like to say to our stakeholders, we would have it being run by the Ministry of Entertainment, but it’s under the Ministry of Tourism for a reason. And that is because the product is supposed to bring visitors to our destination. And that is happening because the flights are filled,” she said.

“So this is doing what it is supposed to do and hopefully, it generates economic activity for our people. So it’s not just a music festival, but it’s with our ministry for that reason…,” she added.

Reports from St Kitts & Nevis are that the results of several Economic Impact Assessment Surveys carried out for the St Kitts Music Festival, “supports the already established view that the festival provides tremendous returns to the economy in the month of June, which traditionally was known as the difficult period for the hospitality sector”.

Back in Jamaica in February, Executive Director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) Carey Wallace, while speaking at the Negril Entertainment Conference, said he believes Jamaican music and culture has the wherewithal to join and even surpass tourism as the island’s biggest income earner.

“As you know – and not one person is going to second-guess me, our culture is our strongest brand.  There is something about us as a brand, a people, a culture.   Yet, from an economic standpoint, culture is not our number one income generator.  Tourism is the number one industry ,” Dr. Wallace had said.

“Yes, there are synergies with our culture and tourism, but think about it, our entertainment industry, being such a huge brand globally, there is a gap.  It should be Jamaica’s number one industry,” he added.

In June 2018, Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, had said his Ministry was “placing a special focus on developing entertainment tourism as part of our growth strategy” and was positioning, the tourism sector to work strategically with the music industry to create valuable products and experiences for visitors.

“Our music continues to set Jamaica apart from rival destinations.   Each year more and more reggae music fans converge on the island to enjoy great music and the offerings of a remarkable destination. The resounding success of music festivals like Reggae Sumfest and Sting have helped to enhance our international profile significantly,” Bartlett had said.

Bartlett had also said that while his Ministry was committed to fostering the continued development of the entertainment industry and its full integration into the tourism product, he was fully cognizant that there is still more to be done to maximize the potential of what he described as “this important” sub-sector.

“We have to give visitors more things to do when they come to our island. We have to tap into their passion points, and music is a great way to start. Simply put, we are,” he noted.

“It goes without saying that entertainment is an area in which we are world beaters.   Therefore we are taking the necessary steps to capitalize on the tremendous potential Jamaica has in this area to significantly boost our arrivals and tourism earnings,” he had added.

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“We Play More Drake Songs In Jamaica Than We Play Our Own Music,” Says Anthony B

The content originally appeared on: Dance Hall Mag

World A Reggae Music singer Anthony B has cautioned that Jamaica’s seeming penchant for elevating foreign music over that of its own Reggae artists can ultimately result in the decimation of the culture.

“There is a lot of goodwill out there for the music, but if we are not careful we will be faced with a dying culture,” Anthony B said in a Gleaner interview, in response to a question as to whether Reggae music gets the respect that it deserves.

“We play more Drake songs in Jamaica than we play our own music. Just ask JACAP (Jamaica Association of Composers Authors and Publishers) how much royalty money they have to send overseas annually,” the Trelawny native added.

According to Spotify Wrapped, Drake was the most-streamed artist in Jamaica for the years 2021 and 2022.

Drake

Data provided to DancehallMag from the Jamaica Association of Composers, Authors and Publishers Limited (JACAP) confirms the statements made by Anthony B.  In March last year, JACAP reported that overseas copyright holders were still collecting the majority of royalties paid over by Jamaican radio stations for playing music.

Their data also showed that as recent as 2020, of the $106,602,998 in royalties collected by JACAP, only 35 percent—a total of $37,385,556—was paid to local interests while $69,217,442 was paid to foreigners, while in 2013, as much as 85 percent of royalties collected by JACAP was paid over to overseas copyright holders.

Ethnomusicologist Dr. Dennis Howard had described the state of affairs as “absolutely a problem” as Jamaica, a country with eight music genres, was not playing enough Jamaican music, and happens to be “the net importers of copyrighted material”.

“There is a trade imbalance in other areas, and it is a similar situation which exists in music but we never look at music as a viable trade commodities, we don’t encourage it,” he had told DancehallMag in an interview last year.

In February this year, Minister of Entertainment Olivia “Babsy” Grange, in her address at the Negril Entertainment Association’s inaugural conference, had said the Government might have to consider the establishment of minimum quotas to get Jamaica’s radio stations to play majority local music, similar to its Canadian counterparts.

“We pay out more to foreigners than we pay to our local creatives.  And we really need to do something about it,” the Minister had said.

“I know the radio stations love to play foreign music, and I also know that we have to work on improving our productions and our output in order to balance.  And, of course, Government has a role to play.  In Canada, there is a minimum quota for playing local content.  And this is something that we also need to look at,” she added.

In December 2020, Dancehall megastar Shaggy had called for the Jamaican government to establish a quota system to ensure that at least 60 percent of the music played on Jamaican radio stations is from the island, as opposed to overseas.

The Oh Carolina singer had pointed out that in other jurisdictions, such as Canada and France, only a small amount of foreign music can be played on their local radio, as opposed to Jamaica, where there is a free-for-all.

He had also posited that having local music being played on the radio at least 60 percent of the time would help the island’s streaming numbers.

Grammy-nominated deejay Devin Di Dakta had also decried the fact that there was still too much foreign music being played on Jamaican radio stations, to the detriment of the island’s artists.

The St Mary native had also argued that young entertainers who are focusing on using Trap and Hip Hop beats, ought not to be blamed or condemned, as many of the island’s radio stations, over the years, had bombarded the airwaves with foreign music.

This, he said, has resulted in many being under the impression that genres like Hip Hop and Trap are superior to Dancehall, Reggae and Jamaica’s other music genres.

During the International Reggae Day conference in 2015, Veteran music producer Danny Browne who serves as chairman of the Jamaica Music Society (JAMMS), had lobbied the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica (BCJ) for the introduction of a content quota system, arguing that limiting the amount of foreign music being aired on local media was the key to strengthening the country’s creative industry.

The Filthy riddim producer had argued that in addition to boosting the local recording industry, the quota system would support the development of local culture and national identity. 

Browne had also contended that whilst he was not against foreign content, he did not believe it should be at the peril of the local music industry. 

Browne had also pointed out that Canada, Australia, France, and Nigeria as countries that had imposed local content quotas, even though none of them had given the world even at least three distinct genres of music, unlike Jamaica, with eight.

BCJ Executive Director Cordell Green however, had rejected the music stakeholders’ proposal, claiming that it was payola that was the root cause of the problems facing the music fraternity and was also the reason why there is very little variety in the music being played on radio.

Green had said he was unconvinced that by setting a local content quota Jamaica would be protecting its music, claiming that Jamaica’s music ought not to be mandated but instead played out of respect and love and “not because there are laws forcing us to.”

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No Doubt, Lady Saw’s ‘Underneath It All’ Certified Platinum In The US

The content originally appeared on: Dance Hall Mag

No Doubt, Lady Saw, and Sly & Robbie‘s 2001 collab, Underneath It All, is now certified Platinum in the United States.

According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the song has reached the sales and streaming equivalent of 1,000,000 units sold in the US.

The Platinum milestone follows a Gold certification earned in March 2021, marking 500,000 units shifted in the US at the time.

Underneath It All is the highest charting US single for No Doubt, Lady Saw, and Sly & Robbie. It peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 but was less successful elsewhere—reaching No. 18 on the UK Singles chart and top 40 standings in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Sweden.

The song’s music video has over 53 million views on YouTube.

It appeared on the rock band’s Rock Steady album in December 2001. 

The album, which reached No. 8 on the Billboard 200 and is currently certified 2X Platinum in the US, had also featured Hey Baby with Bounty Killer, produced by Sly & Robbie, and the song Start A Fire, produced by Steely & Clevie.  Jamaican brothers Wayne ‘Native Wayne’ Jobson and Brian Jobson also have production credits on these three songs.

Hey Baby and Underneath It All won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 2003 and 2004, respectively.

Initially written by the band’s lead singer Gwen Stefani and David Stewart, Underneath It All was inspired by Stefani’s relationship with her then-boyfriend, Gavin Rossdale.  Lady Saw’s toast was added when the band was working on the album in Jamaica.

In a 2007 interview with WhereItzAt Magazine, Lady Saw, now known as Minister Marion Hall, recalled the recording process.

“[Sly & Robbie] called me up and told me that No Doubt was in Jamaica and that they would love to do something with me. I went to the studio and that’s where it all happened. Gwen Stefani’s part was already done. I just went in, listened to the track and put my vocals on it,” she said.

“Man, it was wonderful. Not for me alone, but for Sly and Robbie because they had never won a Grammy before, yunno? For No Doubt to come to Jamaica and for me Sly, Robbie, and Bounty Killer to be a part of them winning a Grammy—that was wonderful.”

Sly Dubar (right) with Robbie

More recently, Hall listed Underneath It All as her greatest accomplishment during her secular days as the Queen of Dancehall. However, she also pointed out that her prized Grammy was lost to a dishonest acquaintance.

“My greatest accomplishment was getting a Grammy with No Doubt and selling platinum,” she recounted to Tamara McKayle during a 2021 interview on The Trailblazers Show. “That Grammy. I left it somewhere. Remember when I went to the Grammy awards…remember we had an issue in getting an actual Grammy in hand?”

“But I left it somewhere. I had it at someone’s house and left and didn’t remember it.  When I called and told them that I have something there can I come pick it up?  Where it is, it nobody would know cause nobody go up there – and the person tell a friend to tell me it’s not there,” she explained.

She continued: “I said ‘OK. Keep it’.  If I was Lady Saw I would be at war with them. But I’m like OKok, keep it. Cause one day I know it’s gonna turn up, maybe when I pass but, I left it where I left it and no devil in hell can tell me it’s not where it was. Nobody knew where it was until I said it’s there.”

Underneath It All was featured on the soundtrack for the 2004 movie 50 First Dates, which starred Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.

Lady Saw’s second most successful single in the US is the 1999 hit Smile, a collaboration with United States artist Vitamin C. It peaked at No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is currently certified gold by the RIAA for selling more than 500,000 copies.

On the UK Singles chart, she also reached No. 40 with UB40 on Since I Met You Lady, and No. 78 with Beenie Man and Sean Paul on Bossman

In Jamaica, Saw was also known for her hits Hice It Up, If Him LefWoman Wi Name, Good ManI’ve Got Your Man, Man Is The Least, Sycamore Tree, Backshot with Spragga Benz, Heels On, Give Me the Reason, Hardcore Lover with T.O.K., and Healing with Beenie Man.

She released her first album in 1994, titled Lover Girl, followed by Walk Out, Strip Tease, 99 Ways, Passion, Alter Ego, and Give Me A Reason.

Since 2015, when she gave up being Lady Saw, Hall has released two Reggae gospel albums, namely When God Speaks (2016) and His Grace (2018) which included the fan-favorite track, Tun Back Christians.

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