The month’s goings-on in Dancehall and Reggae…
NEWS
Jamaican film maker STORM SAULTER bagged the award for ‘Best Director, First Feature’ last month at the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles for ‘Better Mus Come.’ The movie—a dramatic love story set against the backdrop of Jamaican political violence—also screened at the Toronto film festival and NYC’s Lincoln Center last month. ‘Better Mus Come’ has already been a smash hit in theatres across Jamaica, playing to sold-out crowds. As for screening on this side of the Atlantic, Storm himself told me ”it’s definitely coming to the UK in 2012 no doubt no question…I cannot wait to get this to the UK cause I know its gonna be madd…. They probably gonna make as much noise as the Jamaicans—or maybe a bit more!” (interview to follow shortly)
Congratulations to David ‘Ram-Jam’ Rodigan for receiving the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), which was bestowed by Queen Elizabeth on Feb. 14th. Who ever thought reggae music could bring you to Buckingham Palace? Maybe that explains why Prince Harry will be traveling to Jamaica later this month as part of his Caribbean tour—he’s looking for some tunes, innit?
The long-awaited documentary “Marley”— from Academy Award-winning director Kevin Macdonald —will have its world premiere this month, and should hit theatres in April. If you just can’t wait, then check out the trailer right here:
RIDDIMS
Has anybody else noticed a transition from romance to let-your-hair-down and party like crazy? Guess it’s only right with Trinidad carnival going down everybody seems to be getting on bad. In keeping with the vibe check out the ‘Over Proof Riddim with lime (soca mixes).’ My personal fave is MAVADO’s ‘Settle Down’. Other riddims in good rotation this month include the ‘Hot Water Riddim’ and the ‘Aurora Skies Riddim’ including big names like KHAGO, MR VEGAS, AGENT SASCO & D’ANGEL.
TRACKS
With KARTEL still off the scene the pathway has been clear for POPCAAN to storm the place. The Portmore singjay even paired up with YMCMB’s own BUSTA RHYMES for the remix of ‘Only Man She Want.’ I think its gonna be the year of the Popcaan.
LAZA MORGAN links up with the princess of dancehall TIFA on ‘Love Me 2’ and on the same vibe BUSY SIGNAL’s ‘Come Over’ is done nicely for the ladies (of course). ”Come warm me up under the cover mek we rack till the lampshade turn ova”. What girl could resist an offer like that?
ALBUMS
In the meanwhile KONSHENS drops his new album this month ‘Mental Maintanence’ with first single ‘Do Sumn’ already making big noise. I have a feeling I’m not the only girl who’s feeling this dapper artist, from his lyrics to his look Konshens has definitely got it going on.
UPCOMING GIGS / FESTIVALS
JAH SHAKA has been playing dub music since the early 1970s, but the mighty Zulu warrior never gets old. Check out Jah Shaka Sound System in session at The Dome in Tufnell Park, UK, March 9th and remember what it feels like to get some bass in your face.
As one of the biggest festivals draws near, we can’t wait for South By Southwest! SXSW will kick off this month in Austin, Texas, with music week taking place March 13th – 18th. This year SXSW’s Bass Culture showcase explores the resurgence of reggae in the British music scene—acts on the bill include GAPPY RANKS, LITTLE ROY, RASTIES and more.
AND TO WRAP UP…
New York City’s legendary jazz venue The Blue Note has seen the great Jamaican pianist MONTY ALEXANDER take the reins for a fortnight. Now celebrating his 50th year in the music business, Monty opened in style as his first guests for the series were guitar master ERNEST RANGLIN and his good friend KEVIN SPACEY —yep, Kevin and Monty wowed the crowd with their duet of Sinatra’s ‘Come Fly With Me.’ it was magic—but of course Monty was just at the Grammys a few days before (for his nominated album ‘Harlem-Kingston Express.’) In case you were wondering his wife Katrina wore Cavalli on the red carpet. Whether we’re talking reggae, jazz, or something in between—one thing’s for sure, it’s all about the ladies.
See ya next month!
Words by Reshma B
http://www.reggaegirlabouttown.com
