With roots firmly secured in the Rastafarian faith, Queen Ifrica, born Ventrice Morgan, blossomed as one of the top cultural artists in reggae, swarming the airwaves with hits like “Randy”, “Jus my Brethren”, “Below the Waist” and “Daddy”. Despite her hectic schedule, Ifrica is involved in several youth outreach programs in Jamaica’s inner-city counseling abuse victims and other disadvantaged individuals. She also performs at various charity event shows where proceeds are donated to the cause. Oonuculture caught up with the queen to talk about her latest album ‘Montego Bay‘, being a woman in a male dominated business, and the effects of daggering on Jamaica and its culture.

OC: How does it feel to be considered as one of the toughest artist in the business right now.

Ifrica: It is a very humbling thing. Over the years the industry has been  dominated by mostly the brothers, the women were there but there was not a lot of visibility especially since Marcia, Rita, and Judy, (the I-threes) this aspect of the music has not gotten a whole lot of support in terms of  standing behind a sister Carol or a sister Nancy, or lady G, these types of artist who were gravitating towards this kind of music. Even the other side too where dancehall artist like lady saw, spice and these sisters represent, it’s good to have that balance, because in every genre of music women are as popular as the men, it’s only in reggae music that you find a difference in which popularity is concerned. That was one of the reasons i have personally stayed dedicated to it. In case there were young women who wanted to come to this part of the music. They see someone there who is dedicated and who is willing to go all the way to  make it into a reality. So i am happy that i can be on my way, on the journey, and just getting the admiration that I’ve been getting. To see the young sister coming up and actually taking part in this and understanding that it is easy if you put your mind to it.

OC: Your song “Daddy” touches on a subject that most people wouldn’t even admit is happening. Why do you think it was banned from playing in Jamaica?

Ifrica:This is a thing that is known, and not to bash what the entire middle class represents but, incest  really does affect the middle class, especially in deeper Jamaica. Incest is not necessarily a poor people problem, it is a human being problem, so you find that people, namely the powers that be, gave the most fight. They were the ones that had the ability to have a song played or not and they chose not to have it played. By doing so it gave exposure to them also. People were asking why don’t you want to play a song that was touching directly at a problem. Some of the explanations we got was that it was to graphic, or it was not suitable for prime time radio. I was even invited to a fathers day show somewhere in new Kingston and i was told specifically not to sing that song because it might offend the dads that were attending. Being the kind of person i am i looked at my self to do the song even though they told me i should not, and i got the biggest applause for that the song that night. So it makes me feel good the the voice to represent the people because that’s my main focus.

OC: On that aspect, when writing your songs dealing with abuse and family issues, do you ever think maybe you should play it safe.

Ifrica:No, because I try to approach a song responsibly, as in the case of daddy. As opposed to saying kill all child molesters, i tried to speak to the victim and predator directly, so therefore it saves me from just putting together words because i might get a forward or an applaud from the fans. i want to spark a conversation, i want us to have dialogue on this thing, and the best place to have this is in the household. So I try to make my songs friendly for the home, where u can have fun and dance, but then when you hear what im saying it gives you an opportunity to have discussions and you’d be surprised how far these conversations can get.

OC: Ok, getting away from “Daddy”, “Far Away” is my favorite song on the album. What inspired you to write this song.

Ifrica: My inspiration actually came from the guitar that you hear playing at the beginning of the riddim. The first time i heard that guitar it just sang to me “i wanna take you far away / far away“, so i decided to write the song in that way, and so the story came easily. It was pretty easy to flow with that beat. With “In my dreams” it was different though. I love to sing love songs but i don’t like to sing baby I’ll die if you don’t come home tonight. I love to paint a picture. i want the person listening to my music to be taken away, become a part of the song.

OC: What do you think of daggering music and the effect it has on reggae and Jamaica on the whole.
Ifrica: I think that this new genre is taking so much away from what we can be doing with this beautiful product.  With reggae music it doesn’t matter what language  you speak or where you come from, as long as you have reggae music  it gives a feeling or a vibe of belonging and I think that’s why so many people around the world gravitate towards it. So to see these younger youths today who say they have freedom of speech or the freedom to be different, use this freedom to degrade women is unfair and irresponsible.  It is obvious that music at most times is reflective of society , but it doesn’t mean that you have to be supportive of that type of society. Think about it, the youths listen to and try to imitate what they hear, so why would you want to contribute to the decline of your own society because you think you have the freedom to.

OC: What do you think defines you as an artist?
Ifrica: I think my sincerity in what I do. I love what I do and do it from the heart. I want my songs to resonate with people in a positive way, so with me, what you see is what you get. I love to teach people of the importance of an education and try to uplift them. [laughing] A lot of people say culture music is boring so I try to keep it fun. Also, I think my respect for those who came before me.  Artist like my dad (Derrick Morgan), Burning Spear, Culture, Jimmy Cliff, Garnet Silk and Bob Marley just to name a few and I don’t just say it from cliche point of view. These are the things that sums up Queen Ifrica. My passion for life and uplifting people.

OC: To sum it up, what is the overall message you would like the fans or anyone listening to absorb from your album.

Ifrica:I just want people to listen to my music and understand where my passion comes from and hope that by the time they finish listening to my album, I become worthy of being in their collection as an artist that stands far from the pack.

Artist: Various
Label: VP Records
Released: June 30th

Good music doesn’t come with an expiration date and VP Records underscores this fact with its annual Reggae Gold series.Reggae Gold 2009 opens strong with the smash hits “Come Over” by Estelle ft Sean Paul which arguably is one of  the best reggae/r&b collabos to come around in a min. The duo pair off quite smoothly as you could almost feel the chemistry between them. Riding off a bass bumping almost king jammy’s like reggae vibe is “I Need U Bad” by Jasmine Sullivan, a steamy summer jam that she pours so much feeling into. How could you not like it?

Sadly though, this compilation falls flat (slightly) for the next four songs, namely, “Love is Wicked”, ‘No Games”  “So Special” and “Nuh Linga” by- Brick & Lace, Serani, Mavado and Elephant Man respectively, not due to lack of quality material but simply because these songs are so familiar that they are just flat out over-spun and annoying by this point.

No worries though, as the vibe picks up again with “Protected” perhaps the album’s best dancehall track by Chino ft Stephen McGregor and “Watch Yuh Friends” by Jah Vinci as they add a word of caution about bad-mind people and the friends you keep. Keeping in true lover’s rock fashion is Beres Hammond’s “See You Again” which has a crisp, classic feel to it and “Blessings” by Etana & Alborosie. Queen Ifrica departs from her tougher than them, no nonsense style and tips her hand with the excellent “Far Away” which rides an acoustic melody showing a softer side of the queen.

Busy Signal who’s been showing a level of consistency in his recent releases contributes “Praise and Worship”, a wicked refashioning of a few old gospel tunes. Other standouts include the pounding “Money Over War” from Laden and Tarrus Riley’s emotional, “Start  A New” which delivers a powerful message to the ladies.

Overall, while this compilation isn’t spectacular it is nonetheless enjoyable and entertaining, and if you’re a fan of the Reggae Gold series, then you will love this year’s entry.

The Uppsala Reggae Festival challenges reggae festivals and media of the world to accept the ‘Life is Great’ challenge, a positivity project geared towards making people express the greatness in life.

Yared Tekeste, founder of Uppsala Reggae Festival in Sweden, thinks this world needs more reggae spirit: “There are so many wonderful things in the world, but we need to help each other understand and appreciate them. Therefore Uppsala Reggae Festival encourages all reggae media and festivals to challenge their audience to share the joy and optimism in a creative and generous manner.”

As an example Yared mentions the positivity project, Life is Great. Through a blog people are contributing with art, photos, poetry, video, music and share their ideas on Life is Great (www.lifeisgreat09.blogspot.com). The best material will then be published in magazines and exposed at Uppsala Reggae Festival 2009, which has Life is Great as a festival theme this year.

“The Life is Great concept, including the logo, may be used by all reggae lovers who accept the challenge,” says Tekeste. Uppsala Reggae Festival is northern Europe’s biggest reggae festival. Each year the festival brings some of the biggest stars of reggae to Uppsala just north of Stockholm and attracts around 20,000 visitors during three days. The festival is one of the most popular summer festivals in the otherwise dark and cold Scandinavia, where the sun goes down at noon during the winter and the short summer is celebrated as the highlight of the year.

This year, a unique mix of legends and young rising stars are presented and in addition to the music, there will also be Reggae Soccer, Reggae Cinema and Life is Great art exhibitions.

“Reggae is advancing in Scandinavia and that is not all due to the music, but also because of the culture and lifestyle. People are looking for new ways to meet, and now more than ever the world needs us to spread the positivity,” says Yared.

International artistes down to perform at Uppsala this year include Alpha Blondy, Busy Signal, Third World, Ky-Mani Marley, Don Carlos, Etana, Junior Kelly, Lutan Fyah, The Heptones, Collie Buddz & The New Kingston Band, David Rodigan, King Jammy’s Super Power, TOK, Rootz Underground, Ziggi & The Renaissance Band, Komposti Sound, Inna Yard All Stars feat Cedric ‘Congo’ Myton, Linval Thompson, Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith, Kiddus I, The Viceroys, Deraja and Matthew McNuff.

Swedish artistes performing this year are Svenska Akademien, Jaqee, Kultiration, Syster Sol, Governor Andy, Hoffmaestro Chraa, Nazarenes, Meditative Sound, Safari Sound, Junior Natural, Roots Circus and Rootvä

There are songs and then there are songs for the time. And singer Bescenta’s recent single is one which can be categorised as a ‘song for the time’. Entitled Too Much Killing, it is not hard to understand why the artiste felt compelled to pen these lyrics calling for an end to all the killings that have been taking place.

“Yes, it is a no-brainer,” agrees the young Rastafarian, who joined the ranks of ‘jus’ bus’ artistes when his single Calm Dung You Nerves hit the right nerve and set him on a route the impending stardom.

Bescenta, which, incidentally is one of his middle names, seized the moment and his production team quickly equipped him with the follow-up single, Too Much Killing.

“When yuh hear the chorus it is straight to the point, stop the killing. Killing is on a high not just in Jamaica but worldwide. We know the problem is not limited to Jamaica. You have nuclear war threat, gun manufacturing and you know the whole thing start from gun manufacturing. Some can’t buy food and a buy gun. So the biggest solution really is to stay away from guns. Without people to use them, the mechanism gun has no use,” Bescenta reasoned.

This song is recorded on the Sons of Spoon label and rhythm, which also features I-Wayne, Nesbeth and George Nooks, among others. The video for the single is scheduled to be released by mid-summer and the video production label Thirteenth Tribe is said to be responsible for making it all happen.

Bescenta, who has been enjoying label tag and management from Uplifting Music International, which he signed to in 2008. The singer is anticipating a summer album release of his debut album, Calm Down Your Nerves, from the hit single of the same name.

Already he has released equally potent singles on various topics from the album. Some of the 15 tracks plus bonus expected are Too Much Killing, Calm Down Your Nerves, Fire In A Di Heavens, Genuine, For I Hold A Joy, Hungry Lane, Alright and Field of Dreams.

Regarding the album, Bescenta gives props to musicians Dean Fraser, Clive Hunt and Sly & Robbie and says that, “a little bit of everything, world issues” can be expected from the album.

Christened Bryden Bescenta Craig Williams, this artiste grew up in the Salisbury Plain area of St Andrew. A graduate of St Andrew Technical High School, Bescenta boasts that he’s a “pretty good electrician and can wire a house if it comes to the test”. It was in 2004 that Bescenta entered the JCDC Popular Song Competition – with the single World Is In Trouble – and placed second. The song and the competition opened many doors for the artiste and the song actually stayed atop the Roots FM Chart for a number of weeks and even won a free music video.

For Tren-setta Productions recording artiste, Spryng I, this year’s Reggae Sumfest will be a special occasion. It marks the first time the artiste will be performing on this international festival and, according to him, he is ensuring that his stint on the Sumfest stage will be unforgettable.

“It has always been my dream to perform on Sumfest and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this year’s Dancehall Night line-up,” the artiste said. “Reggae Sumfest, I am coming to make my mark. Fans can expect a great performance from me,” Spryng I added.

Spryng I came to prominence with the conscious single Pressuring Poor, which questions why Babylon (the system) always seems to put added pressure on the underprivileged. A combination with chanter, Ras Shiloh, the song, produced by Tren-setta Productions, found a responsive chord with listeners.

This was just the opening that Spryng I needed and since the endorsement from the public, the Rastafarian chanter has not looked back. The song is surging up the Richie B’s Jamaica Music Countdown Reggae chart, currently at number 14 and number 13 on the RE TV Reggae audio chart, the video is getting extensive rotation on all major television and cable stations.

His most recent release single titled Father – song about the lack respect shown to Fathers who have played a significant role in the development of their children – is a staple on FM radio.

“Right now mi haffi give thanks to mi management team, Tren-setta, a dem mek it possible, dem support mi one hundred per cent, mi caan complain a dem set it fi mek betta,” said Spryng I.

Born in Mason River District in the parish of Clarendon on the October 14, his given name is Gary Williams, His parents are avid lovers of reggae and other music forms and this had a lot of influence on him musically as he was exposed to many different genres of music from a child. A graduate of Kellits Secondary School, he first began performing at school concerts and community events.

A singer, who was once a deejay, Spryng I got his inspiration from Iyann Ilekk Family who endorsed his career and whom he admired as the ardent ones. Spryng I saw his dream turn to reality when Pancho gave him the Green Peas Rhythm to vibes and he found just the right song with the right melody to vibes on the rhythm.

The song he recorded, titled Heights Up was to be his first radio play song and the beginning of great things for him. Come Reggae Sumfest Dancehall Night, Spryng I, will be given the chance to shine

Awarded Best Male Vocalist and Best Song at the 2008 International Reggae and World Music Awards, Tarrus Riley is the most promising of the second generation of Jamaica roots reggae singers. With an August 4, 2009 release of his much-anticipated third set CONTAGIOUS on Cannon Productions, distributed by VP Records, Tarrus Riley reaffirms that he is one of finest singer/songwriters of his generation, irrespective of musical genre.

The son of Jimmy Riley – who has had a long career as a solo artist as well as being a former member of the Uniques and the Techniques. Riley’s songs retain ties to the Jamaican roots tradition while still managing to sound distinctly contemporary. In addition, his strong stage presence gives him crossover appeal and marks him as a coming force on the international reggae scene.

The album is grounded in a roots reggae tradition that is recast with a gleaming 21st century sheen courtesy of the album’s primary producer, venerable saxophonist Dean Fraser and created by Grafton and Tuff Gong studios sovereignty including Sly and Robbie on drum and bass, guitarists Mitchum “Khan” Chin and Cat Coore, keyboardist Robbie Lyn and Dean Fraser’s impassioned sax styling.

Contagious remarkably shifts between smoothly crooned lover’s rock and artful Rastafarian declarations, provocative commentaries and dancehall’s combustible edge, its cohesion provided by Tarrus’s spectacularly emotive vocals and reliably inspiring words. As its title indicates, this highly infectious collection of 19 songs is characterized by symptoms of melodiousness, rapturous roots rhythms and hard hitting lyrical realities that are transmitted through repeated spins, resulting in a high grade musical fever from which you will not want to recover. “The reason why I called it ‘Contagious’ is because I would love for everyone to catch it,” says Tarrus. “I don’t want my music to have boundaries of race, age, nationality or religion; I represent reggae, live music, and I want everyone to catch on to its positive, good vibes.”

Standout tracks are easily spread throughout Contagious. Tarrus returns to the rapid-fire deejaying of his Taurus days on “Good Girl Gone Bad” (featuring rising dancehall star Konshens) produced by Tarik “Russian” Johnston. On “Don’t Judge”, Tarrus cautions harsh judgments often times leads to reckless actions. Random brutality, war and an array of social injustices prompts the contemplative “Why So Much Wickedness?”.  A simple yet stirring invocation to His Majesty is expressed on “King Selassie” and the title track “Contagious” reworks the majestic one-drop rhythm from Bob Marley’s immortal “Coming in From the Cold” as it details that untreatable sweet sickness.

Tarrus forthrightly addresses the wicked act of violence against women in “Start A New” (produced by Shane Brown), urging the song’s female protagonist to leave her abusive man. As a means of calling greater attention to this malady, Tarrus has established a non-funded, anti domestic violence campaign, Start A New in which he, Blak Soil, Majah , the Area Yutes Foundation, Miss Jamaica 2007 Yendi Phillips and an assortment of artists regularly visit schools and speak to children from some of the island’s most troubled communities about the violence which many of them are exposed each day.

“We put on plays, perform and talk to the kids about things that touch their lives and violence is a part of that,” he explains, “and they really appreciate that we would take the time to do that.”

Like his father, Tarrus has a sweet, nuanced tenor vocal style, he taught himself to play keyboards and several percussion instruments and began writing his own songs, many of which had strong Rastafarian and consciousness-leaning themes. His 2004 debut album Challenges was an impressive introduction to the Jamaican market deserving of a much wider audience. His sophomore effort Parables featured the most popular reggae song of 2007 “She’s Royal”, won critical praise throughout the Caribbean Diaspora and almost single handedly heralded a roots reggae renaissance

Today is being celebrated as International Reggae Day, the day on which the world is invited to celebrate the best of Jamaica’s music and creativity. With the goal of uniting people through music, IRD integrates media and technology each year as it highlights the power and impact of Jamaican music and reggae culture globally and honours important contributors to the growth and development of Jamaica’s most invaluable export – its music.

“Disc jockeys, sound systems and reggae websites, it is your energy, creativity and passion for Jamaican music which will fuel the festival’s appeal and impact,” a release from festival conceptualiser Andrea Davis said.

IRD 2009 salutes Island Records as it celebrates its 50th anniversary and artiste/tour manager Copeland Forbes for their invaluable contribution to the internationalization of Jamaican music and culture.

The artistes in Island Records Reggae story and Copeland Forbes’ Reggae My Life Is story, represent a who’s who of Jamaican music including Bob Marley and the Wailers, Mighty Diamonds, Black Uhuru, Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff, Dennis Brown, Marcia Griffiths, Toots and the Maytals, Third World, Luciano, Gregory Issacs, Burning Spear, Aswad, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Max Romeo, Ernie Ranglin, Grace Jones, Sly and Robbie, Beres Hammond and many others.

July 1 also marks the 10th anniversary of the passing of the Crown Prince of Reggae Dennis Emmanuel Brown and disc jocks are being requested to include significant mention of this artiste during IRD celebrations.

International Reggae Day 2009 is a totally virtual celebration which comes to life at midnight on July 1 at http://ireggaeday.com and through all participating media. All are encouraged to wear their Reggae “colour”- red, green and gold – on July 1, show their love for Jamaican culture and register their participation to ensure their country is represented in this global media festival.

This 18-track album and DVD encapsulates her most brilliant work over her 13 year career with VP with crucial hits from her catalogue and a bonus DVD featuring uncut and an explicitly electrifying 1997 New York City stage performance as well as her biggest music videos. Extra Raw features production by Dave Kelly, Tony “CD” Kelly, Richie D and John John of the Jammy’s camp.

Lady Saw is a foundation artist for VP Records and dancehall reggae, with seven albums in her career, high profile collaborations with Missy Elliot and Pharell Williams, and headlining slots at several international music festivals. Dubbed The First Lady of Dancehall, she has convincingly juxtaposed memorable, sometimes shocking lyrics with her deep devotion to God and family and she dares you to think there’s a contradiction in that!

She has addressed controversial topics such as unfaithful lovers (“Give Me The Reason”), female degradation (“Sycamore Tree”), infertility (“No Less Than A Woman”) and safe sex in the wake of the emergence of AIDS. In 2003, Lady Saw won a Grammy award for “Best Performance by a Duo or Group with a Vocal” for her collaboration with No Doubt, “Underneath It All”.

Tracklisting for EXTRA RAW: the Best of Lady Saw:

“Find A Good Man”

“Hardcore (It’s Raining)”

“Good Wuk”

“Give Me The Reason”

“Want It Tonight” featuring Shabba Ranks

“Healing” featuring Beenie Man

“Sycamore Tree”

“Na Nurse”

“Hice It Up”

“No Matta Me”

“Don’t Even Stress Dat”

“I’ve Got Your Man”

“Man Is The Least”

“Loser” featuring Ce’cile

“Chat To Mi Back”

“Me and My Crew (The Rae)”

“Silly Dreams”

“No Less Than A Woman”

NEW YORK, USA – The Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) paid tribute to members of the US and Caribbean media communities during a special Caribbean Media Awards Luncheon recently at the New Yorker Hotel as part of Caribbean Week in New York. Anguilla was the featured destination for two of the six top awards, in addition to the afternoon’s grand prize of “Best in Show”. David Bear, former travel editor of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, took home the prize for “Best Feature Article in a Consumer Newspaper” for his story entitled “Casual Anguilla; Miles of Superb Beaches”.

The same article, which was nationally syndicated across the USA, was also honoured with the “Best in Show” grand prize. Anguilla also won in the category of “Best Broadcast Feature (US)” with Food Network’s Alton Brown’s “Feasting on Waves: Island Thyme”.
Producer Dana Popoff was on hand to receive the award on behalf of the show. Both features were initiated and facilitated by the Anguilla Tourist Board, North America.

On hand to receive the awards was the Anguilla delegation, led by the Hon Victor A Banks, Minister of Finance, Economic Development, Investment, Commerce and Tourism along with the Hon Donna Banks, Special Advisor, Tourism. Merlyn Rogers, Anguilla’s Acting Director of Tourism; Rose Hodge, Rainbow International Airline Anguilla, Air Express; Sherille Hughes of Paradise Cove; Alfred Thompson of Carimar were also in attendance.

“The CTO Media Awards are important because they recognise the very best in publicity for Caribbean destinations. We are particularly gratified that Anguilla performed so exceptionally and congratulate our representative Marie Walker and our PR Agency, the Portfolio Marketing Group, for their stellar performance” Minister Banks stated.

Hugh Riley, interim secretary general of the CTO, also added, “The CTO Media Awards are a vitally important part of Caribbean Week in New York, serving as our annual recognition for the national media in both the United States and the Caribbean who have been positively advocating tourism to the Caribbean. Each year, we receive hundreds of superior submissions in every media category and it’s always a difficult decision to choose just one winner from each. This year was no exception.”

Tourism officials, Caribbean tourism suppliers and the media attended the Caribbean Media Awards luncheon, where they recognised some of the leading journalists in the United States and the Caribbean. Winners included David Swanson, Our Top 25 All Stars in Caribbean Travel & Life, for Best Feature Article in a Consumer Magazine (US); Cheray O’Neal, Home Away from Home in Black Meetings & Tourism, for Best Feature Article in a Trade Magazine (US); James Schnepf, The Golden Age of Nevis in Caribbean Travel & Life, for Best Photography (US); and Michael Robinson, Cockpit Country in Sky Writings, for Best Feature Article (Caribbean).

More than 100 submissions were received across six categories in print and broadcast media; the “Best in Show” winner was chosen from the six finalists.

Organised by CTO, Caribbean Week in New York brings together the most influential policy makers, marketing professionals and tourism industry officials to interact and discuss both tourism and investment opportunities in the region. It also serves to provide a taste of the Caribbean, to present vacation special offers, inspire travel and showcase the region’s diversity to more than 10,000 attendees who participated in a number of targeted events hosted throughout the week including a Caribbean Travel & Cultural Fair, Media Marketplace, Caribbean Marketing Conference and Caribbean Treats.