Black Immigrant Daily News

Shaggy and Friends charity concert might go extinct thanks to unfounded attacks on the dancehall legend.

Shaggy is responding to a newspaper report claiming that he has not turned over the JM$100 million raised from the last staging of his Shaggy and Friends benefit concert in 2018. This is not the first time that the Jamaican artist has been forced to clear the air. But a visibly annoyed Shaggy assured donors that the funds will be used for the intended purpose.

According to a local newspaper report on Monday, Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton shared his concerns that five years later, the funds have not flowed to the children of the Bustamante Children’s Hospital, the beneficiary of the funds raised by the Shaggy Make A Difference Foundation. In a new interview with the Observer, the “Angel” deejay says they are now in the planning phase to refurbish and expand portions of the hospital to accommodate more kids and give better care.

“We have to get a budget together, drawings done, contractors,” he said while noting that it takes time to get the best team in place for the job. “We have to get all of them in place first and get the best.”

Shaggy also noted that part of the delay was the global pandemic which lasted the better part of two years or more. Coupled that with other roadblocks in getting land space secured for the original plan to build a new facility. In responding to the recent newspaper headline, the artist makes it clear that he and his team have never operated under the intention that they would simply hand over funds they raised. He stated that funds have always been used to buy equipment and refurbish the hospital.

In addressing the burning question of whether or not he will host another staging of his benefit concert, Shaggy says it remains a matter to be discussed with his partners, who are disgusted by the attacks.

“In my heart of hearts I would love to because you have to put the children first and we saw the good that it did,” he said. “It is not a conversation for myself, it is a conversation that involves these people (partners of Shaggy and Friends). The preliminary conversation I have had with them, they are a little gutted and disgusted by the situation.”

Shaggy ended by saying that perhaps time will change things down the road, but when that time comes, he and his team will make the decision.

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Black Immigrant Daily News

Leba Hibbert has taken the reigns from her late father, Toots Hibbert, and has been named the new lead singer of the famous reggae band. Leba is a reggae artist who is closely associated with the band and who is said to have recorded duets with her father before his passing.

The late two-time Grammy Award winner, Toots Hibbert, passed away in September 2020 at the University of the West Indies, Mona, in Kingston. He was 80 years old at the time but had remained a singer and songwriter, and lead vocalist for the ska and reggae band for more than six decades.

Leba’s lead singer role was announced by D&F Production company which managed the late musician’s music ventures. In a statement, Leba spoke about the “Do the Reggay” artist’s life and work and carrying on the band’s name and influence as one of the few remaining ska bands in the world.

“My father is loved and respected all over the world as one of reggae’s greatest icons. Through hard work and dedication to his craft, he created one of the greatest legacies in reggae music and we are totally dedicated to keeping this legacy alive,” she said.

The revamped Toots and the Maytals will go on their first tour across the United States in February-April, 2023 before heading on a month-long United Kingdom tour.

“As you can imagine, all the band members are very excited about going on the road and performing for my father’s fans in the US and the UK,” Leba said before adding that the band’s sets will include music from her father, including an upcoming tribute album.

“It will feature new versions of some of my father’s greatest hits. The album will also feature a few duets that we recorded together. We haven’t chosen a title or a release date for the album yet, but as soon we do we’ll make an announcement,” she said.

Toots Hibbert is recognized as the founder for the name of the Reggae genre after his song “Do The Reggay” was released. The beloved band earned its first Grammy in 2005 for True Love.

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Black Immigrant Daily News

News Americas, TORONTO, Canada, Fri. Dec. 9, 2022: Canadian R&B/ Pop artist & song writer, Najjah Calibur, whose roots extend to the Caribbean island of Grenada, is a host at FIFA World Cup events in Qatar and has released a new single, “We Are The World” (Rep Your Country)”.  

The fan appreciation song can be heard throughout the World Cup stadiums and comes on the heels of his last hit single “Celebrate.”   Hearing, “We Are The World” (Rep Your Country) blasted through the stands as he hosts a staggering 80,000 fans has been an honor for Calibur.  The Canadian artist was able to host Canada’s games and be witness to the incredible and unwavering support of the fans; a proud moment. The Hip-hop artist from Toronto will be taking the stage as well as continue his hosting duties through to the finals.  

Najjah Calibur has been a part of the music lining of Toronto for a long time. The artist has been involved in many of the sounds that make up the music industry, from Hip-hop, house music, ambient sounds, sleek soul to funk.  Like most artists, Calibur takes his inspiration from personal experiences, the good and the bad.  The times he soared and the times he crashed head on into life. The always evolving artist has been a part of bands, Bluesunderdog and Najjah’s World, collaborated with Trinity Chris and Bush Life and had the privilege of touring Canada with the Black-Eyed Peas.   

Because of his positive energy and his ability to bring a crowd to their feet, Calibur has become a sought-after international host, but music remains his first love and balances his life.   “We Are The World” (Rep Your Country)” can be heard throughout FIFA World Cup games and can be found on all music platforms, available now.  

Listen to “We Are The World” (Rep Your Country)” now.

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Black Immigrant Daily News

Shaggy has issued an unreserved apology to disappointed Colombian fans after two of his shows in the country were canceled.

On Thursday, Shaggy issued an apology on Instagram, noting that he had a show earlier this year which failed to be executed, and the rescheduled show is also canceled. The artist did not outline a reason for the shows being canceled.

“This is the second time there has been a cancellation in Colombia, the 1st was in bogota on March 19 2022… and now in Medellin,” Shaggy wrote in Spanish and English on his IG account.

The artist made it known that the canceled show was not his fault.

“It breaks my heart that I’m not able to perform for my Columbian fans, I had my reservation about accepting this show, but because of my desire to perform in Columbia and the fact that there was already an earlier cancellation I proceeded in good faith. I love Medellin and the Colombian fans and Im deeply sorry for any inconvenience and hope to perform in Colombia in the near future,” the post read.

In the video, Shaggy said that he was scheduled to perform in Medellin on Thursday night (December 8) and that he had “reservations” about taking the gig. However, the artist said he still tried to honor the booking but couldn’t perform for fans.

“I’ve been doing this for 30 years, I’ve only cancelled five shows in my life, and two of them were in Colombia. I’m very very sorry…I hope we can get it together,” Shaggy said.

Fans from Colombia also shared their disappointment that Shaggy isn’t performing. “This is heartbreaking. we was waiting for you today, that’s not fair with your fans,” one person wrote on Instagram. “I want my money,” another wrote.

Shaggy was slated to perform in Colombia back in March at Jamming Festival in Ibague. It’s unclear if his December 8 gig is the rescheduled event.

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Black Immigrant Daily News

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Dec. 7, 2022: Beres Hammond, the Lover’s Rock icon with the quintessential voice that fans worldwide hold above all others in the genre, has delivered a new instant classic ballad for fans in time for the holidays.

“I Need Your Love,” conveys the sentiment of love from a man to his special lady, Beres’ flawless performance holds true to his signature vocals and poetic ability to tell beautiful stories of love.  The artist’s newest single holds him in lustre as one of Jamaica’s greatest practicing singer / songwriters.

Produced by Beres Hammond and Tony Phillips for Harmony House Records, the song was recorded in the UK at Stingray Studio) as well as in Jamaica at Harmony House Studio.

“I Need Your Love” was released on November 25th, 2022, on all streaming platforms.  In 2020, Beres released the poignant single “Call To Duty,” which calls for the protection of children, as well as “God is Love,” featuring Popcaan, (2021), and “Mih Deya Again,” featuring Wickerman, (2022).

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