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Jamaican Actor Christopher ‘Johnny’ Daley Gears Up for Global Performances and HBO Role

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 16, 2024: “I believe that one of Jamaica’s greatest untapped creative resources is the incredible acting talent that resides in our beautiful little island. I think the time has come to unleash that resource. And I’m ready for the moment—and ready for the world.”

Jamaican born actor Christopher ‘Johnny’ Daley. (Photo courtesy of Travis Muschett)

These are the words of award-winning, Jamaican born actor, comedian, and former child star, Christopher ‘Johnny’ Daley, as he embarks on a new chapter in his illustrious career. Daley, known for his iconic role as ‘Johnny,’ on the beloved Jamaican television series Lime Tree Lane, is gearing up for several international performances and a featured role in a highly anticipated television series co-produced by HBO and the UK’s Channel 4.

Daley will headline The Kings of Jamaican Comedy event in Dorchester, Massachusetts, on Sunday, August 25th, as part of Boston’s Carnival Weekend celebrations at Kay’s Oasis is located at 1125 Blue Hill Avenue, Boston Massachusetts, 02124.

Daley with fellow actors Oliver Samuels, Hugh Smith and comedian Drew Thomas. (Photo courtesy of Johnny Live Productions.)

Reflecting on Jamaica’s global influence in areas like music, athletics, fashion, and beauty, Daley emphasized that the country’s actors are yet to receive their full recognition on the world stage. “We’ve given the world the Marleys, Shaggys, and Sean Pauls, as well as Usain Bolts, Asafa Powells, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryces. We’ve had four Miss Worlds. But in the realm of film, theater, and television performance, we have yet to fully set the world ablaze,” Daley explained. “Icons such as Sheryl Lee Ralph and the late Madge Sinclair have left an indelible mark on the industry. Now, with the increasing interest in Jamaican stories told by Jamaican actors, I’m excited to be part of that renaissance and see what the future holds.”

Daley’s excitement extends to his upcoming role in Get Millie Black, a crime drama surrounding Jamaican-born detective Millie Black, who returns to Kingston after working for Scotland Yard. Daley plays Detective Lance Stennet, whose tense relationship with Millie Black intensifies the drama. Daley described the character as “ambitious, tenacious, and serious about policing,” adding that the role allows him to explore the complex dynamics between the two detectives.

In addition to his work on Get Millie Black, Daley has a busy schedule of live performances. After his appearance in Boston, he will perform at the Premier Restaurant and Lounge in Lithonia, Georgia, on October 13 for the Laugh A Ton event. He will also take the stage at the annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival in South Florida on November 10. Back home in Jamaica, he will appear at the Grace Food Festival in Hope Gardens on August 24 and continues to host the popular Johnny Live Comedy Bar at his venue, Johnny’s Place, every Tuesday night.

Reflecting on his journey, Daley shared how his early mischief as a primary school student led him to join the school’s drama club, eventually landing him the lead role in his first play and a summer scholarship to The Jamaica School of Drama. It was there that he met television writer Melita Samuels, who cast him in Lime Tree Lane. The show’s popularity made Daley a household name across Jamaica, and he embraced the nickname ‘Johnny’ from his character on the show.

Decades later, Daley has successfully transitioned from child star to acclaimed actor, with nearly forty major stage productions under his belt and screen appearances in films like One Love and Kingston Paradise. He has worked alongside some of Jamaica and the Caribbean’s most celebrated icons, earning accolades such as the International Theatre Institute (Jamaica) Actor Boy Award for Best Actor.

Though he juggles a demanding career, Daley remains committed to carving out time for his family, including his three children. Looking ahead, he is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, particularly with the growing interest in Jamaican-themed projects in Jamaica and abroad.

“There is a movement happening right now, and you can feel it,” Daley said. “At long last, Jamaican actors are going to start getting our due. And for me, while Jamaica will always be home, I’m willing to go wherever the work is. We’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time. I’m going to make the most of it.”

For more information on The Kings of Jamaican Comedy event, call 508-882-2566.

Famous Guyanese Singer – Dave Martins – Is Dead

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News Americas, GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Mon. Aug. 19, 2024: Guyanese-born singer, Dave Martins, band leader of the Tradewinds and the patriotic ode, ‘Not A Blade of Grass,’ passed away in Guyana on Sunday, August 18th, reports from Guyana indicate. He was 90.

Guyanese musician, Dave Martins, of Dave Martin and the Tradewinds fame, is dead at 90. (Facebook image/Dave Martins)

Martins wife, Annette Arjoon-Martins, wrote on Facebook: “Eternally grateful to have shared fifteen years of unconditional love, support and especially shared passions for everything Guyanese with my soulmate.” The cause of death was not immediately known.

President Irfaan Ali and Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton both paid tribute to Dave, a former resident of Canada and the Cayman Islands.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a true Caribbean icon, Dave Martins, whose music was the heartbeat of our region. As the leader of the Tradewinds band, Dave captured the essence of the Caribbean spirit and its identity, blending upbeat rhythms with biting satire that spoke to our hearts and minds. His music not only invited us to laugh at ourselves but also encouraged us to stand tall and be proud of our Guyanese and Caribbean heritage,” said Ali, “‘Not a Blade of Grass,’ his timeless anthem, stands as a powerful statement to our nation’s collective resistance against threats to our sovereignty and territorial integrity. In our moments of challenges, it was Dave’s music that lifted our spirits, reminding us of the strength and resilience we hold as a people and our duty never to surrender an inch of our territory. Dave Martins was more than just a musician; he was a true Caribbean person whose influence extended beyond borders, touching the lives of countless individuals across the region. His loss is deeply felt, not only in Guyana but throughout the entire Caribbean and in our diaspora. Whenever his music plays, no matter where you are, it stirs a deep sense of pride in being a Caribbean person. The rhythms and melodies carry the essence of our shared heritage, reminding us of who we are and where we come from. Dave Martins’ music connects us to our roots and fills us with a profound love for our Caribbean identity. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, Annette and to his family, friends and massive following of fans.”

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton told Demerara Waves Online News: “It’s a great loss to Guyana. He is one of our cultural icons and one of the men who took a lot of Guyanese culture and put it into music and wherever you went in the world, you could have related to it and be proud of it. It is my only hope that we can have more of him. The death of Dave Martins is a great loss to Guyana.”

Martins was born and raised in the village of Hague in Region 3 (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) to Joseph and Zepherina Martins. However, at the tender age of 10, his parents relocated to Vreed-en-Hoop where he completed his primary education and went on to attend St. Stanislaus College in Georgetown. And this is where the young Martins developed an interest in literature, music, and a love for different languages.

He fondly recalled in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle last year, that his mother was the one who enjoyed playing and singing songs while his father farmed extensively in the Pomeroon River in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Dave enjoyed travelling back and forth with his dad from Pomeroon to Vreed-en-Hoop, which allowed him to interact with a number of people he encountered along the way. The conversations would entail their “real life” stories, which he found fascinating, and because of those conversations, Dave believes the composer/musical side of him was triggered.

Dave also credited the Trinidadian Calypso, which in those days had “drama, suspense, comedy, bravery, and power in the music. I became familiar with the old Trinidad Calypso music from recordings, and I knew I wanted to do that type of music but with my twist.”

He and his family moved to Toronto, Canada, and, there, he was exposed to the “business side” of his musical life. According to him, one day he came across an advertisement in the newspaper for a new Caribbean band. He applied, got through, and played with four other musicians. The band (the Debonairs) was hired to play for six evenings a week, and they performed exceptionally well.

The band moved away from the traditional Latin music to playing a calypso-heavy blend. For several years, the band performed in this style, but Martins’ life was adversely affected by the demanding schedule, and in 1963, he quit his weekly job and only performed at the weekends, but the music kept calling him, and in 1966, he founded an entirely new Caribbean band and named it “The Trade Winds.”

“We were a natural group who loved the music, the stories, and the people, and we just grew,” he told The Chronicle. “When we started to record, Canada didn’t have any radio stations that played Caribbean music as they do now, and so we were the pioneers at that time. The market was there at the time, and if you had started a band with good music, you would have gotten work, which we did. I don’t know why I felt like I needed to write the type of music that I did, but I knew I must be true to myself and my roots, which are in Guyana.”

The band’s other songs include “Honeymooning Couple,” “Cricket in the Jungle,” “Civilisation,” “It’s Traditional,” “Copycats,” “Sweet Talk,” “Wong Ping,” “I Want to Be A Puppy,’ “You Can’t Get,” “Boyhood Day,” “Where Are Your Heroes,” “Play De Ting,” “Mr. Rooster,” and “West Indian Alphabet.”

“The song about the honeymooning couple, I wrote that from a joke that I heard, and it blew up, and of course the famous ‘Not a blade of grass’ came from the controversy between Guyana and Venezuela. I also wanted people to relate to what I was singing and get a message from the songs, so I wrote and sang about what was happening at the moment.”

Martins turned 90 in April this year. In 2022, the University of Guyana conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters.

Madonna And 28-Year-Old Jamaican Spotted in Italy

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 14, 2024: Jamaican-born soccer player Akeem Morris is making headlines globally due to his relationship with music icon Madonna, who is 37 years his senior.

Madonna is seen out and about on August 13, 2024 in Portofino, Italy with her Jamaican beau. (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)

The couple was recently seen enjoying the scenic streets of Portofino, Italy, just ahead of Madonna’s 65th birthday on August 16th. The pop legend appeared relaxed and content, holding onto Morris’s arm as they explored the charming locale. Their romantic getaway included a leisurely al fresco lunch with friends, enhancing the laid-back atmosphere of their Italian retreat. As always, Madonna turned heads with her bold fashion choices, wearing a stunning black gown paired with a dramatic lace overlay that flowed down to her ankles, complete with a cape.

Madonna is seen out and about on August 13, 2024 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)

Morris reportedly met the “Like a Prayer” singer during her August 2022 cover shoot for Paper magazine, and their relationship has blossomed quickly since. Morris has been featured in several of Madonna’s Instagram posts, often in intimate and playful settings. In a recent post, Madonna surprised her fans by going topless in a series of sultry photos, including one where she was seated on Morris’s lap, exuding a steamy chemistry. The caption, “Hot Fun in The Summer Time……… [fire emoji],” perfectly encapsulated their sizzling connection.

Madonna is seen out and about on August 13, 2024 in Portofino, Italy. (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)

The couple is currently enjoying their stay at the exclusive Dolce & Gabbana estate in Portofino, having made a stylish arrival by boat, with Madonna dressed, fittingly, in Dolce & Gabbana.

Morris, originally from Spanish Town, Jamaica, moved to New York to attend Stony Brook University from 2014 to 2018, where he balanced his studies with playing soccer. Post-graduation, he had a brief stint with Oyster Bay United FC, a premier league team in New York, although his official stats show he played just one match with the team.

Toronto Caribbean Carnival Celebrates Another Spectacular Year

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 5, 2024: Revellers transformed Lake Shore Boulevard into a dazzling spectacle of feathers, embellished costumes, and dancing on Saturday, August 3rd, as the city celebrated the Toronto Caribbean Carnival’s Grand Parade. The parade capped off a month of festivities celebrating Caribbean culture.

North America’s second Largest Caribbean Carnival takes over the exhibition grounds. (Nick Lachance/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

Mayor Olivia Chow helped kick off the parade, dancing with revellers Saturday morning in a vibrant purple and pink feathered costume. “Every part of my body is moving,” said Chow from the parade sidelines.

Toronto Caribbean Carnival took over the exhibition grounds. (Nick Lachance/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

Toronto’s 57th annual Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade drew crowds to Lake Shore Boulevard, including Mayor Olivia Chow. The parade marks the climax of a month-long celebration of Caribbean culture and emancipation, the end of slavery.

A fan celebrates at the 57th Toronto Caribbean Carnival on august 3, 2024. (Nick Lachance/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

Toronto boasts the largest carnival in North America, with organizers expecting nearly a million attendees this year. Carnival is a significant cultural event celebrated across several countries in the Americas and the Caribbean.

Amber Wilson, a seasoned participant, described playing mas in the parade as “pure happiness.” She explained that participants choose a musical band to join, which then designs their elaborate costumes. “Putting them on is a very skilled and time-consuming process,” Wilson told the Toronto Star. This year, she paraded with Saldenah Carnival, one of Toronto’s longest-standing and most successful bands.

Faith Roberson (left) and Imani divinity (right) show off their regalia. North America’s Largest Caribbean Carnival takes over the exhibition grounds. (Nick Lachance/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

Karissa Singh, another Saldenah participant, told the Toronto Star she started getting ready at 5:30 a.m. “But it feels like it’s all worth it to come here on the stage and party with everybody we love,” she said.

A reveller at North America’s second largest Caribbean Carnival takes over the exhibition grounds. (Nick Lachance/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

Faith Hilliman-Foster emphasized the cultural significance of playing mas. “It’s a chance to take part in my culture and express it through my city,” she told the Toronto Star. Kadiaja McCalla, parading alongside Hilliman-Foster, highlighted the inclusive nature of the carnival. “Regardless of body type, everyone is encouraged to participate,” she said. “In our culture, we celebrate you anywhere.”

Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh also attended the Grand Parade. Though not in costume, Singh, who has been attending the festival since he was 19, praised the event. “This is one of the premier events for the City of Toronto,” he told the Toronto Star. “The vibes, the energy, the people.”

The carnival’s history dates back to 1967, when founding member Maurice Bygrave and his group organized what they thought would be a one-off event. Its success led then-Mayor William Dennison to request it become an annual festival.

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival continues to be a vibrant celebration of culture, unity, and community spirit, bringing the Caribbean experience to the heart of Toronto.

Caribbean Roots Rapper Cardi B Files For Divorce

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News Americas, New York, NY, August 1, 2024: Just hours after filing for divorce from husband Offset, Grammy-winning rapper, Caribbean roots Cardi B, announced she’s pregnant with her third child. The artist, known for her Caribbean roots, took to Instagram on August 1st to share her news, writing: “With every ending comes a new beginning! I am so grateful to have shared this season with you, you have brought me more love, more life and most of all renewed my power! Reminded me that I can have it all!”

Cardi B is seen leaving Cesar restaurant on July 9, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)

The singer, born Belcalis Marlenis Cephus (nee Almánzar, added: “You’ve reminded me that I never have to choose between life, love, and my passion! I love you so much and cannot wait for you to witness what you helped me accomplish, what you pushed me to do! It’s so much easier taking life’s twists, turns and test laying down, but you, your brother and your sister have shown me why it’s worth it to push through!”

Cardi B and Offset’s relationship began in 2017, starting with a memorable first date at the 2018 Super Bowl in Houston. They secretly tied the knot in a spontaneous ceremony at home in September of that year, though Cardi didn’t reveal her married status until eight months later.

“There are so many moments that I share with the world and there are moments that I want to keep for myself! Getting married was one of those moments,” the Bronx native shared on X (formerly Twitter) in June 2018, while expecting her daughter, Kulture. “Our relationship was so new, breaking up and making up, and we had a lot of growing to do, but we were so in love we didn’t want to lose each other.”

A month after their private ceremony, Offset proposed publicly, ensuring Cardi got the full engagement experience with an 8-carat sparkler. “I appreciate and love my husband so much for still wanting for me to have that special moment that every girl dreams of when he got down on his knee and put a ring on my finger,” Cardi wrote on Twitter. “Well now since you lil nosey f–ks know at least ya can stop saying I had a baby out of wedlock.”

Cardi’s pregnancy announcements were nothing short of grand. She revealed her first pregnancy during a performance on Saturday Night Live in April 2018, and announced her second at the 2021 BET Awards, debuting her baby bump in a custom Dolce & Gabbana bodysuit.

Despite their growing family, Cardi and Offset’s relationship faced many challenges, with multiple breakups and reconciliations. Cardi confirmed she was single in December 2023, only to reunite with Offset on New Year’s Eve.

In a May 2024 interview with Rolling Stone, Cardi expressed the deep connection she felt with Offset, calling him her “cheerleader” and best friend. “It’s not even about love,” she said. “We’re best friends. And it’s like, ‘OK. Well, there was a time that I didn’t have a best friend, or I didn’t have a support system.’ It’s not even about ‘How do you leave a partner?’ How do you stop talking to your best friend?”

However, by August, Cardi had again filed for divorce, ending their nearly seven-year marriage.

Their journey together, marked by private moments and public displays of affection, included the birth of their daughter Kulture in July 2018 and their son Wave in 2022. The couple celebrated Kulture’s impending arrival with a fairytale baby shower, filled with love and excitement.

Cardi’s announcement of her third pregnancy underscores her resilience and commitment to her family, despite the personal challenges she faces. The world now waits to see the next chapter in the life of this vibrant, talented artist. Cardi’s father Carlos is Dominican and her mother Clara is a Trinidadian of African and Spanish descent. She identifies as an Afro-Latina.

Vybz Kartel Freed By Jamaica Court of Appeal

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News Americas, New York, NY, Weds. July 31, 2024: The Jamaica Court of Appeal this afternoon, July 31, 2024, freed Jamaican dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel, whose given name is Adidja Palmer, after unanimously deciding against ordering a retrial for the 2011 murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams.

FLASHBACK – Vybz Kartel in New York City, New York, United States in a past photo. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

The court also freed Kartel’s co-accused, Shawn Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St. John. The three-judge panel, consisting of Justices Marva McDonald-Bishop, Paulette Williams, and David Fraser, made the decision.

Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop, President of the Court of Appeal, stated that despite the facts showing “barefaced defiance of law and order,” the court considered the lengthy time the men have been in custody and the psychological and health impact on the appellants if a new trial were ordered. Defense lawyers, particularly for Vybz Kartel, cited the artiste’s declining mental and physical health, including his diagnosis of Grave’s Disease.

In 2020, lawyers representing the quartet appealed to the local Court of Appeal, but their convictions were upheld. The appeal was then taken to the United Kingdom-based Privy Council, which overturned their murder convictions on March 14 due to juror misconduct. The Privy Council remitted the case back to the Jamaica Court of Appeal to decide on a retrial, which has now been denied.

Christopher Martin To Release New Self-Confident Anthem “Boasy”

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News Americas, New York, NY, July 23, 2024: Jamaican Dancehall star Christopher Martin has announced the release of his new, self-assured single, “Boasy.” The track from his upcoming album is set to drop on July 25 via VP Records.

Christopher Martin to drop ‘Boasy’ on July 25th.

Produced by Ce’Cile and Dale “Dizzle” Virgo, “Boasy” radiates the confidence that Christopher Martin is renowned for. Similar to his hit song, “I’m a Big Deal,” Martin encourages listeners to be self-assured and resistant to doubt. “From you good at anything at all, you fi boasy!” he declares midway through the smooth track.

“‘Boasy’ is about self-confidence. It’s knowing that you are that person – and you need no one’s validation to solidify that. When you do things that are worthy of showing off, don’t be afraid to show it. Always put your best foot forward. Never shy away from being great,” said Christopher Martin.

Ce’Cile, speaking on the song’s creation, shared: “For this beat, my team and I aimed for something slow, sexy, and smooth – a vibe that’s been missing for a while. We had to get Chris on it because he’s Mr. Smooth, the King of Smoothness. ‘Boasy’ turned out to be quintessential Chris Martin: letting everyone feel good about themselves and be comfortable with who they are – being ‘boasy’ but not hype.”

2024 has been a remarkable year for Christopher Martin. In March, the St. Catherine, Jamaica native won the Jacob Miller Award for Best Male Vocalist at the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMAs). In April, he made history with a 20-minute set at the Penn Relays, the oldest and largest track and field competition in the U.S., becoming the first reggae artist to headline the annual athletic event at Franklin Field. Additionally, he has been nominated for the Male Reggae Artist of the Year award at the upcoming Caribbean Music Awards.

“Boasy” follows last year’s “It’s Guaranteed,” featuring Bounty Killer and Busy Signal, as a lead-up to Martin’s next studio album. This will be his third full-length project, following 2017’s Big Deal and 2019’s And Then, the latter of which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.

Christopher Martin will debut “Boasy” live during his headlining performance at the Westchester Reggae Festival at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY, on August 18.

“Boasy” will be available on all digital platforms on July 25. Pre save HERE

Tanya Stephens Celebrates 20th Anniversary Of “Gangsta Blues” With Live Album Release

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News Americas, New York, NY, July 23, 2024: Acclaimed Jamaican singer-songwriter Tanya Stephens has released “Gangsta Blues Live: 20th Anniversary” on all digital platforms, through a joint venture between Tuff Gong International and Tad’s Record Inc.

Tanya Stephens performs live at the Tuff Gong studios. (PHOTO CREDIT: IAN WITLEN/SiriusXM)

This release commemorates the 20th anniversary of her landmark album “Gangsta Blues” with a live performance of the full tracklist, recorded in front of a studio audience at SiriusXM in Miami Beach, FL. Initially broadcast on SiriusXM Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio, the historic concert has now been mixed and mastered into an album featuring some of Stephens’ biggest international hits like “It’s A Pity (Live),” “Boom Wuk (Live),” and “Little White Lie (Live).” The album also includes cameos from premier Jamaican talents like Spragga Benz and Kumar Fyah on “Gangsta Gal (Live)” and “This Is Love (Live),” respectively. The 18-track set also features a studio recording of Tanya’s previously released single “Heart Of Stone” with Taddy P.

Listen to ‘Gangsta Blues’ here

Always dedicated to her loyal fans, the beloved reggae songstress has also shared a “Behind The Scenes” video on the Tuff Gong TV YouTube channel. The clip offers an insider’s glimpse into the event, including exclusive footage of soundcheck, the green room, and culminating in Stephens’ powerful performance of the fan favorite, “It’s A Pity (Live).”

“It has been so emotional because this was like therapy for me,” Stephens revealed in a personal message to her fans. Speaking about the album, she added, “It’s my philosophy. It’s my everything. It was my coming of age. I grew up in front of you guys. Thank you very much for being such good parents. Look how I turned out. You should be very proud! You should either be very proud or very ashamed,” she joked. “But either way, we made it this far and I really am so grateful. Thank you guys, I love you so much.”

The intimate gathering of 50 fans at the live recording session was a testament to the enduring love for Stephens. The veteran artist performed live renditions of the songs that elevated her status from a dancehall ingénue to one of Jamaica’s greatest storytellers. “So we’re here to celebrate, and I just want to say my heartfelt thanks to Tuff Gong Radio and SiriusXM for celebrating with me,” Stephens addressed the crowd. “Words can’t express what this means, so I’m not gonna talk too long. I’m just gonna get into it.”

The exclusive performance was also attended by Cedella Marley, CEO of the Bob Marley Group of Companies, and hosted by DJ GQ, the host of SiriusXM Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio show “Dancehall Cyaan Done.” The latest episode of the show features a career-spanning conversation with Tanya Stephens and is available to stream on the SiriusXM app.

Born Vivienne Tanya Stephenson but known by her stage name Tanya Stephens, the Jamaican reggae singer and deejay emerged in the late 1990s. She is most known for her hits “Yuh Nuh Ready Fi Dis Yet” and “It’s a Pity,” for which Stephens achieved international recognition. Stephens has released 10 studio albums to date, including the critically-acclaimed Gangsta Blues and Rebelution, as well as her most recent full length project, Some Kinda Madness.

GANGSTA BLUES LIVE: 20th ANNIVERSARY TRACKLIST:

INTRO (LIVE)

WAY BACK (LIVE)

BOOM WUK (LIVE)

DAMN (LIVE)

GOOD RIDE (LIVE)

LITTLE WHITE LIE (LIVE)

IT’S A PITY (LIVE)

TEK HIM BACK (LIVE)

I AM WOMAN (LIVE)

THIS IS LOVE (LIVE) [FEAT. KUMAR FYAH]

GANGSTA GAL (LIVE) [FEAT. SPRAGGA BENZ]

WHAT’S YOUR STORY (LIVE)

CAN’T BREATHE (LIVE)

SOUND OF MY TEARS (LIVE)

THE OTHER CHEEK (LIVE)

WHAT A DAY (LIVE)

WE A LEAD (LIVE)

HEART OF STONE

Buju Banton Celebrates 51st Birthday with US Tour Announcement

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. July 15, 2024: Grammy-winning Jamaican reggae singer Buju Banton is celebrating his 51st Earth Day today, fresh off an incredible weekend of back-to-back concert performances in New York.

Buju Banton performs onstage during Buju Banton’s Long Walk To Freedom New York on July 14, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Fat Joe, Buju Banton and Remy Ma perform onstage during Buju Banton Long Walk To Freedom New York on July 14, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Buju Banton performs onstage during Buju Banton’s Long Walk To Freedom New York on July 14, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Buju Banton performing at the UBS arena on July 13, 2024. (Youtube screen grab)

Banton thrilled fans with stellar performances on July 13th and 14th with his “Long Walk To Freedom” show in NYC – his first performances in the city in 15 years.

Buju Banton handed out roses to the audience on July 14th at the UBS arena. (Instagram image)

The first show, on Saturday, July 13, at the UBS Arena in Nassau, saw Banton open with the iconic song “Buried Alive” as he rose up onto the stage from below. Dressed in a bright orange outfit, he struck a Black Power pose with his left hand holding the microphone aloft as some 19,000 fans, who began entering the venue early in the afternoon, screamed in approval.

He then segued into “Over Hills and Valley” and continued with more hits like “Untold Stories,” “Wanna Be Loved,” “Love Sponge,” and “Destiny.”

Banton then declared: “They said to me, you will never come back to the United States of America,” referencing his deportation following jail time in the US. “And I said to them, let’s see what God will do,” he added.

He moved into dancehall favorites like “Waistline,” “Bongo Cart,” “Champion,” and “Over Mi.”

Singer Nadine Sutherland then joined the stage to perform “What Am I Gonna Do,” her duet with Banton, followed by their duet on “Wicked Dickie.”

Banton was also joined by singer Gramps Morgan, who paid tribute to his deceased brother Peetah Morgan before they performed a duet of “Psalm 23.”

On his birthday today, Banton announced “THE OVERCOMER TOUR 2024,” with special guest Fridayy. Tickets go on sale this Friday, July 19, 2024, at BUJUBANTON.com.

TOUR DATES:

AUGUST 23, 2024: Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Amerant Bank Arena

AUGUST 25, 2024: Tampa, FL @ Amalie Arena

AUGUST 27, 2024: Washington, DC @ Capital One Arena

AUGUST 30, 2024: Boston, MA @ TD Garden

SEPTEMBER 1, 2024: Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center

SEPTEMBER 6, 2024: Hartford, CT @ XL Center

SEPTEMBER 8, 2024: Atlanta, GA @ State Farm Arena

SEPTEMBER 12, 2024: Houston, TX @ Toyota Center

SEPTEMBER 13, 2024: Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center

SEPTEMBER 15, 2024: Phoenix, AZ @ Footprint Center

SEPTEMBER 18, 2024: Inglewood, CA @ Intuit Dome

SEPTEMBER 23, 2024: San Jose, CA @ SAP Center

SEPTEMBER 29, 2024: Chicago, IL @ Allstate Arena

NOVEMBER 17, 2024: Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center

See some of Banton’s NYC performance HERE

Countdown On To Buju Banton’s First US Performance

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. July 11th, 2024: The excitement is palpable as the countdown begins to the first US performance of Grammy winning Jamaican-born, reggae singer Buju Banton in the USA this weekend.

‘The Gargamel’ Buju Banton is set to perform in the U.S. for the first time in over a decade this July 13th and 14th at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. (X/Gargamel Music image)

The last time Banton performed in the US was January 2011 in Miami. The singer, who was released from a US prison in 2018, will thrill fans with his first “Long Walk To Freedom” US concert on Saturday, July 13th and 14th at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.

‘The Gargamel’ is set to take the stage with his Shiloh Band, just two days before his 51st birthday on July 15th.

“I give thanks for life each day, but on this weekend, there is a special thanksgiving and I look forward to celebrating with all of my family, friends, and everyone who has prayed and supported me over the years,” said the Grammy Award winner in a statement.

Due to “popular demand,” a second date was added to the “Long Walk To Freedom New York” concert at the UBS Arena in Queens, New York.

“With the first show selling out in record time, the addition of the second show ensures that more fans and music lovers will have the opportunity to witness the legendary artist’s comeback,” a release to DancehallMag stated. “Long Walk To Freedom – N.Y. exemplifies Banton’s resilience and serves as a beacon of hope for fans around the world.”

Joseph Budafuco, Buju Banton’s manager, reflected on the journey since his last U.S. show in Miami in January 2011. “It’s a true honour to witness the return of a legend, as history unfolds before our eyes once again,” Budafuco expressed.

He added, “We look forward to presenting an exceptional concert in partnership with AG Consulting and Dahved Levy, whose experience in the market is profound.”