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Happenings Around The World
Since our founding in 2013, Australia Reggae Radio has quickly earned a reputation for being among the top stations of all times. In addition to our entertaining radio shows and broadcasting of popular hits, we work hard to keep our listeners informed about all the latest news and updates in entertainment as well as the world. Tuning into our station will help you stay informed.
Skillibeng hits Billboard
Protoje's New album
" In Search Of Last Time"
Protoje’s new ten-track album, titled In Search Of Lost Time, from all indications, appears poised to be a big reggae Grammy contender.
In Search of Lost Time was released globally last night via In.Digg.Nation Collective/Six Course/RCA Records and is the 39-year-old’s fifth studio album, following his A Matter of Time album, which copped a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album in 2019.
It is not surprising that in less than 24 hours after the project was released, it became the number one Reggae album on iTunes, much to the delight of the St. Elizabeth native.
With most of the tracks, co-produced by the Munroe College old boy, the album is a beautiful specimen of creative work. With strong opening lines in each song, which is typical of Protoje, concrete imagery, and singable profound lyrics, the overall message of each song, is developed and supported in every line.
Certainly, as expected from a Rastafarian, homage was paid to marijuana smoking via the ganja anthem Weed and Ting, which is the type of song reggae lovers might want to put on repeat while driving or doing any task which calls for solitude and peace. A Vibe, which features American rapper Wiz Khalifa, might cause non-smokers be inspired to muster up the courage to finally light up a ‘one spliff’.
With the bass line slapping into the melodies, most of the songs are creations that touch the soul, especially Lila’s sultry vocals, on top of the bass line on the track In Bloom, a romantic exchange between the two vocalists.
Protoje also draws upon the work of two of Dancehall’s generals. The adaptation of Papa Levi’s flow (rhyme schemes and rhythm) from his 1984 hit Mi God Mi King is evident in Switch It Up, which features Koffee.
Skillibeng's Crocodile Teeth (Remix) featuring rapper Nicki Minaj debuted at No. 100 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking his first appearance on the list. Skillibeng also charted at No. 35 on Billboard's Emerging Artists chart, and Alkaline at No. 37. Each week, this list aims to showcase the best-selling emerging performers in the United States. Minaj added a new verse to the revised Crocodile Teeth tune, which was one of three new tracks on her re-released Beam Me Up Scotty Mixtape.
Shenseea Debuts new single
Bobbi Wine risk it all
The first track from Shenseea's upcoming debut album, Run Run, has been published. Shenseea may be heard on the song, which was produced by Grammy winner Stephen 'Di Genius' McGregor and emulates Shabba Ranks' 90s Dancehall sound
Run Run was released with visuals directed by Christian Breslauer (Roddy Rich, Doja Cat, Lil Baby) and bears a striking resemblance to Steelie and Cleevie's digital innovative drum patterns, which served as the foundation for some of Jamaica's biggest hits, including Pirates Anthem (1989) by Cocoa Tea and Shabba Ranks on the Pirate Riddim and the Penthouse play over for Saddest Day (1989)..
They call him the “ghetto president”, and his ambition is to bring the dreams and the sounds of the streets to the corridors of power.
Bobi Wine, a popular reggae star and prominent opposition MP in Uganda, will release a new album next month that addresses what he calls “the real issues people are facing – the injustices, corruption, high taxation, misrule, abuse of human rights, dictatorship.”
“Rise up, African musicians, and we can accomplish the task,” Wine said in an interview. “We can’t be defeated. The more they oppress us, the stronger we become. No dictator in history has ever defeated the artists and no one will ever.”
The 38-year-old, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, hopes to end Yoweri Museveni’s 35-year rule in a presidential election scheduled for early next year. He is the most prominent but far from the only artist in Africa who aspires to swap the musical stage for a political one.
From Senegal to Kenya to Algeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a new generation of artists is giving voice to the grievances and aspirations of hundreds of millions of people.
“Artists and musicians have a genuine connection with the people and that is what scares the elites and the powerful,” said Fumba Chama, a Zambian activist and hip-hop star who performs as Pilato.
Crown Heights Band
Alborosie - Unprecedented Time
Crown Heights as an entity, are a seven piece Melbourne based reggae band.
Formulated in 2019 with what looks like the United Nations of reggae bands,
to bring a truly global vibe to the Melbourne reggae scene, the band members hailing from:
Jamaica/London, New Zealand, Mauritius, Brazil, Samoa and Sri Lanka.
All coming together in Melbourne, Australia to create a fascinating melting pot of reggae styles.
Fronted by three lead vocalist,
Marvin Priest, Independent artist of over 10 years and son of legendary reggae artist Maxi Priest and also co-founder of Crown Heights.
Rik E Ragga, Finalist on the channel 9 show The Voice and co-founder of Crown Heights.
Dufty Kare Martin, former T-rhythm vocalist
The experience is evident of this ensemble of Melbourne’s crème de la crème of musicians who are:
Brett Direx (drums) Jahwise (bass) Jason Davis (guitar) and Frankey D'Mayne Johnson (keyboards).
Alborosie - Performing Unprecedented Time Produced, Arranged, Recorded and Mixed By: Albroosie @ Shengen Studio Jamaica.
Drums by : Aston Barrett Jr, Alborosie
Bass by: Aston Barrett Jr.
Guitar by: Alborosie , Valter Vincenti
Percussion by: Alborosie Aston Barrett Jr.
Keys by: Tyrone Downey, Alborosie, Aston Barrett jr
Backing Vocals by: Sandy Smith
Drake Diss Movado
Popcaan Drops “FIXTAPE” Album
Drake takes a swipe at Mavado on Popcaan’s IG Live, while telling him to take a seat and drink some bag juice.
Popcaan released a new project last night titled FIXTAPE. The 32-track compilation features Quada, Masicka, Jada Kingdom, Bakersteez, French Montana, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Tommy Lee Sparta, Skillibeng, Stylo G, and most noteworthy Drake. The OVO boss collabs with Poppy on two tracks on the album, and fans are loving it. In celebration of the massive project, Popcaan held a little get-together with his crew and hopped onto Instagram Live to revel at the moment with his fans.
During the Live, rapper Drake joined in and was in a celebratory mood himself with a glass of wine in his hand. The rapper seemed excited about the Unruly Boss’s new drop and took part in the festivities, although he could not be there in person. Interestingly Drake also decided to use the moment to take a shot at dancehall deejay Mavado, who he has been beefing with for the last two weeks. This feud was birthed from Drake’s “Only You Freestyle,” during which he seemingly dissed Mavado announcing his allegiance to Gaza while speaking ill of Cassava Piece, which is Mavado’s hometown. Mavado later fired back with a vicious diss track aimed directly at Drake’s head. “Enemy Line” took Mavado to the forefront of the feud as he deejayed, “Tell soft and fake likkle sheep/likkle Mormon, die trying but you will never be a yard man.” Drake is frequently regarded as a culture vulture as he heavily reps Jamaican culture, and many of his songs are laced with Patois (Jamaican slang) so this was an almost obvious shot at him. Mavado’s diss track was released over a week ago and fans were concerned that Drake had not yet acknowledged the swipe at him, but it seems he did, in fact, listen to track.
Popcaan is No. 1 on the iTunes Top Reggae Albums chart for the first time.
Popcaan drops a new album called FIXTAPE with a star-studded guest list including collabs from Drake, French Montana, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and more.
The Unruly Boss, Popcaan, announced that fans should expect a brand new project to be dropped off on Friday. The deejay took to Instagram on Thursday (August 6) to share the album cover for the project titled “Yiy Change Fixtape” as well as the tracklist. The 32-track project will have almost a dozen features, including multiple tracks with Drake and Quada, as well as appearances from French Montana, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Bakersteez, Tommy Lee Sparta, Skillibeng, Jada Kingdom, Stylo G, and more.
FIXTAPE was produced by Creep Chromatic and Travis Chromatic, and executive produced by Creep and Unruly Entertainment. Earlier this week, the dancehall deejay alluded to the mixtape in a post on Instagram tagging the producer. While he didn’t disclose a release date for the project just yet, the full tracklist and features were enough to set fans alight with excitement.
Sevana release her EP "Be Someday"
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Tarrus Riley "The Fresh Prince of JA
Beenie Man Announces new Album
Jahmiel “Return” To The Streets
Dancehall legend Beenie Man is back with a brand new album, his first in 14 long years and also dropping a new video, “So Many Gal.”
“King Of The Dancehall” deejay Beenie Man has announced his nineteenth album release titled, “Simma.” The Grammy-winning artiste last released an album 14 years ago. Yes! “Undisputed” was dropped on August 29th, 2006. Now, in the midst of his popularity once again taking effect as a result of his incredible Verzuz clash with the warlord Bounty Killer, Beenie Man is back with a feature-laden new project. “Simma” will be released on August 22, 2020, which will also be Beenie’s 47th birthday.
Beenie’s new album “Simma” will feature a plethora of heavyweights such as Shaggy, Dexta Daps, Sean Paul, Major Lazer, and Fanatic. The deejay added that he does wish he was able to have a collaboration with the great Bounty Killer on the album. However, his desire did not come to fruition. Thankfully, fans still have a lot to look forward to. Be on the lookout for “Simma” on August 22.
Jahmiel “Return” to the street with his new single.
Dancehall singjay Jahmiel is triumphantly staking his claim with a boisterous new track titled, “Return.” The ‘Great Man’ goes hard for a cause as he slams backbiters naysayers and persons who plot against him. The deception, greed, and ‘badmind’ are all too real for the Patriotz leader. He has clearly formulated a plan of attack, why else would he be dressed in samurai type attire as he stands with his crew in the streets.
The roadway, buildings, and even fruit trees give the indication that Jahmiel is back on the island of Jamaica and no longer spending time in The United States, where the majority of the MVP camp members supposedly reside. This definitely unlocks another meaning to the title “Return,” which Jahmiel supposedly hints at it in one of his lines.
Video Alley
Crown Heights
Teejay
Chaka Demus
Tarrus Riley
Agent Sasco
Gyptian
Shenseea
Bounty Killer
Tonto Metro & Devonte
Freddy Mcgregor
Teejay
Konshens
Buju Banton’s ‘Til Shiloh Receives RIAA Gold Album Certification
The blessings keep flowing in for veteran dancehall artiste Buju Banton as following his 47th birthday, which he celebrated yesterday July 15, he will be receiving an RIAA certified Gold album for ‘Til Shiloh today, July 16.
‘Til Shiloh reached the RIAA Gold Status (500,000 units sold) on September 27, 2019.
On July 18, Gargamel will also celebrate the 25th anniversary of the album that helped pave the way for conscious dancehall in Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean. An album whose songs still play in clubs and on the airwaves throughout the region.
Some of the songs on the album are considered timeless by dancehall fans who still can sing word for word songs like Til I’m Laid to Rest, Not An Easy Road, Murderer, and Champion.
Buju’s fans from around the world, including Jamaica, will get an opportunity to watch the stalwart get his award via YouTube Live. Also in attendance will be some members of his label, including UMG executives Bruce Resnikoff, President & CEO, UMe, in Los Angeles, and Darcus Beese, President, Island Records in New York.
From the RIAA, Chairman, CEO Mitch Glazier and RIAA Chief Operating Officer Michele Ballantyne in Washington, D.C. will be in attendance as well. The ceremony will be broadcasted via Buju’s official YouTube channel
Koffee Brings Summer Vibes In New Video For ‘Lockdown
The Grammy Kid does it again; Koffee evokes some epic vibes in her latest single Lockdown that she debuted today. It’s summertime under corona lockdown but the Reggae singer has ‘got you,’ lacing the track in quarantine bells with the intrigue of a love situation while giving off sweet flows and nice island vibes.
With hip pulsating beats, Koffee is confident and bold as she seeks out her love. “A nuh false start mek you and di boss par. I know you’re feeling me, you know I’m feeling you,” she sings. Then in a stirring inquiry she asks, “Aye fancy, how yuh heart stay, it nah no vacancy?”
Turns out, it was just a rhetorical questions, “Last time see yuh pon FaceTime, chatting up di place bout you nuh want relationship. Me a go put you pon lock down, put yuh body pon lockdown … mmm,” she assertively sings. Koffee continues to tell her love that she’s already invested, so “nuh bodda deal wid di bagga long talking,” she just wants to plan a future filled with joy rides to anywhere her love wants to go … after quarantine that is.
Directed by Yannick Reid, Habibi and Koffee herself, the star-studded music video is sheer love and just loads of fun. Koffee starts the day in her chic oversized crib overlooking the city. She voices some music, cooks a pot of soup and heads out. But before she cruises off to the countryside; the miniature 5ft tall music icon pulls up in her ‘fast car’ to meet up with her parries, Popcaan, Skillibeng, Dre Island, Dane Ray and a few others.
True to form the Unruly Boss Poppy initiates the festivities, breaking-down some dance moves and getting everyone riled up for what turns out to be a mini street dance in the middle of the afternoon.
After, they’ve had enough laughs, Dane Ray drives shotgun while two girls huddle on the backseat of Koffee’s sleek convertible Range Rover Evogue to set out on a picturesque journey to Portland. At the parish notoriously known for its volcanic formed black sand beaches, the gang indulges in a picnic overflowing with drinks by the seaside to then chill out and lay wait sundown.
Toots and The Maytals
legendary Jamaican artist Frederick “Toots” Hibbert released the lead single Got To Be Tough off his upcoming album of the same title. The highly-anticipated 10-song collection will stand as Toots' first studio album of new material in more than a decade. Got To Be Tough is an energizing provocation that renews the near six-decade career of the man who launched a new sound and genre with his 1968 release, Do The Reggay. The single comes with the welcome announcement of a full-length Toots and The Maytals studio album, set for global release via Trojan Jamaica / BMG on August 28.
Got To Be Tough is a reminder that through Toots’ creative veins run all the roots and shoots of the Black Diaspora. Blues, soul, r’n’b, funk, jazz, reggae, African griots – Toots honors, embodies and owns them. Throwing down an authoritative guide: how to survive and thrive amongst our earthly challenges.
Vybz Kartel & Buju Banton Drops New Albums
ybz Kartel and Buju Banton albums will go head to head to a true clash of the titans.
Vybz Kartel and Buju Banton seem to have a lot in common these days. In addition to the fact that they are both prolific Jamaican artistes and songwriters with international acclaim who’ve coincidentally both done prison time, they are also legends in their own right who are each set to drop new albums this week. While Vybz Kartel is a dancehall mogul and Buju Banton is a reggae star, the genres often intertwine and compete closely, and it looks like that is bound to happen with their new albums.
Both Vybz Kartel and Buju Banton will be releasing their albums on Friday, June 26th. Many have wondered if it was a calculated move on either part, but the friendly competition has each artiste’s fanbase prepared to go all in to support. Whether you are more of a dancehall than a reggae fan or vice versa, chances are you just want to see these Jamaican artists win. However, only one will emerge on top. Listen to Buju's new album
or Kartels album
Aidonia Getting His Own Brand Of Weed
Aidonia is about to have his own brand of weed.
Dancehall artiste Aidonia has been championing the use of the super herb marijuana for years now, and it made complete sense when in 2019, he became a brand ambassador for Epican Medicinal Limited, Jamaica’s first cannabis dispensary. The entertainer has unlocked a new achievement in the world of hemp by securing his very own strain of marijuana to be produced by the team at Epican. The company broke the news to their followers nearly a week ago and even asked them to provide a name for the new strain.
“@aidonia4thgenna in the Epican Lab developing his NEW trademark strain with our Regional Retain Manager @kharmalove, Head of Marketing @jbibbons and President, D McK. What do you think he should name his strain? Best name wins!” they advised in the caption below the image of Donia and the company executive donning white lab coats.
4/20 enthusiasts and fans of Aidonia expressed their creativity and knack for thinking out of the box as they dropped their best suggestions in the comments. Here are a couple of the names they threw out, Nuh Boring Herb, aircraft, HighDonia OG, Macka jook, Head banga, Di Genna Maximus, Bruckweh, Hundred Stab, and Kalief Kush.
Skillibeng the New Star in Dancehall
Skillibeng is the young Jamaican artiste that has one of the biggest dancehall songs over the past year, “Brik pan Brik” is loved by young people who took it and ran with it after it was released late 2019.
The song ‘Brick Pan Brick’ is Skilli’s breakout song, his next top song is called “50 bag” , both songs have racked up over one million views on youtube.
The name, Skillibeng who is from St. Thomas Eastern Jamaica, explains that his name is just a word that artistes used in the dancehall in the early years.
In-School he was focused on the business subjects, as he was always into money.
Even though his fans seem to think his song is about scamming, he doesn’t see scamming as his thing, he prefers the music business and states that he is just being artistic when he talks about scamming.
Vybz Kartel Eyeing Grammy
Vybz Kartel is slated to unveil his new album Of Dons and Divas soon and the project, which will feature a myriad of dancehall artists from veterans to new artists. The 16-track studio album is already being called the “Grammy album” by the incarcerated deejay who is speaking it into being
BUJU BANTON'S ALBUM - UPSIDE DOWN 2020
Buju Banton announced the release date of Upside Down 2020: June 26th, 2020. The pre-order will start on Friday June 12, 2020!
The Upside Down 2020 album will include a total of 20 songs and features four guest artists: Stephen Marley (Yes Mi Friend), John Legend (Memories), Pharrell (Cherry Pie) and Stefflon Don (Call Me).
End of April our author Munchy had the chance to talk to Buju Banton in detail about the new album and Buju elaborated about the album features: "Me and John Legend did a song back in the years called Can’t Be My Lover. So, the act of reciprocity dictates that he is supposed to do a song for me. So that is how that one came into place, musically, you understand? Now what Pharrell Williams is concerned, he heard our works and had a desire to partner with us, so we said “Let’s go!”. Anything to spread the culture of Reggae music in a positive way, to shed light on it on a positive note. We are all for that. Likewise, Stefflon Don contributed to Reggae music from Britain. And it’s only good and righteous that we reach out and bring her in, musically. It’s all about music for me, nothing else. Let that be known!"
Lila Ike
The free-spirited versatile artist Lila Iké is quickly climbing the ranks fusing a genre-bending sound of reggae, hip hop and R&B. Today (May 15), the 26-year-old singer unleashes her debut EP The ExPerience via RCA Records in conjunction with Six Course Records and In.Digg.Nation Collective.
Lila Iké has become one of the most sought-after musicians to emerge from Jamaica right now. She can freestyle and sing in the same breath. Her lyrics are razor sharp. Her cadence is bold. Her vocals are angelic, forming a cosmic combination and force to be reckoned with.
Chronixx Drops New Song “Same Prayer” With Kabaka Pyramid
Chronixx links with Kabaka Pyramid on a new song “Same Prayer,” off his upcoming album.
Two of the world’s biggest reggae revivalists have joined forces to provide a guiding light during these wayward times. Chronixx has called on the lyrical messenger Kabaka Pyramid to deliver the golden words on his new track, “Same Prayer.”
As expressed by Chronixx in an Instagram post announcing the song, it is “A prayer for the younger generation to reflect on internally. It’s also a reminder that there is a greater power directing things in the physical space. Instead of looking for solutions in our material lives, we can both reach out to this higher power and also look deep within ourselves.”
Popcaan
Popcaan’s daughter is now a prep school graduate, and he couldn’t be prouder.
The “Nah Idle” deejay was all smiles in several photos posted yesterday on his Instagram page. Clad in a swank red blazer and sporting the new ‘buzz’ worthy hairdo, Popcaan posed for some sweet shots with his 11-year-old daughter Rihanna Sutherland. The youngster, who Popcaan affectionately refers to as his ‘Princess’, was seen hugging her dad wearing a huge grin herself and a blue graduation gown.
We’ve gotten used to seeing Popcaan in dad mode too, as Rihanna makes appearances on his pages during their father/ daughter outings and antics. He also frequently features his mom, Ms. Rhona, and the humorous exchanges of his provocation and her concerned scolding are some of our favorites.
Bounty Killer getting new traction
Bounty Killer says Verzuz has increased his popularity on social media and streaming services.
The dancehall “War Lord” made history when he appeared in a Verzuz Instagram Live battle with Beenie Man. The dancehall version of the increasingly popular hit for hit Live series is one of the most talked-about episodes yet. Many people underestimated the publicity that the Verzuz battle would have gained, but Bounty Killer and Beenie Man repped the culture well, and the rest happened organically.
In a new interview, Bounty is reflecting on what his next moves following the clout spike from his Verzuz appearance. The dancehall deejay said the battle was the “most important thing that happened for dancehall for 2020” because of the far-reaching audience that showed out in their numbers. “My followers went up from 500(K) to almost 700(K) in two and a half weeks so that can tell you the effect.
“And is not regular dancehall fans those. This is a total different audience tuning in over here, so it was something really impacting across the world for dancehall,” he added. Bounty revealed that a lot of good things are coming out of the iconic Verzuz battle. In addition to now getting a ton of calls from “some important people,” Bounty also said he has new endorsement deals on the table and his music streams have increased tremendously