10 Reasons to Keep Supporting Jamaican Music

Well, it's December 2019 and we remain excited about the music despite the challenges. At some point and even in this moment some are confused, some seem angry, some optimistic and others, just rolling with the punches. We are among the optimists, the music has evolved and regardless of the changes, Jamaican reggae and dancehall artists stand strong. 

1. Lightning by Mortimer

2. Lion Order by Jesse Royal ft. Protoje

3. Gunner by Koffee

4. Steppa by Buju Banton

5. Not Another Word by Protoje ft. Lila Ike and Agent Sasco aka Assassin

6. Scorched Earth by Vybz Kartel

7. Leader by Dexta Daps & Masika 

8. Living the Dream by Popcaan

9. Ma at (Each Man) by Jah 9

10. That's Not True by Skip Marley ft. Damian "Junior Gong" Marley

Suffice to say many of the artists who contributed to making reggae and dancehall what it is and to who have kept the culture afloat have not been listed here. 


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Written by Sophia McKay

Buju Banton's Album Certified Gold by the RIAA

24 years after its release, the Recording Industry Association of America, RIAA has certified Buju Banton's Til Shiloh album GOLD. Til Shiloh was released in 1995 on Loose Cannon Records, a short-lived subsidiary of Island Records.

While many of the songs from Til Shiloh album is said to "explore" Buju Banton's Rastafarian faith, 24 years later several tracks still make Banton's current performance lists and are as relevant as the first day of the albums' official release. 

Music pundits, according to news reports, speculate that the permanent expunging of the track "Boom Bye Bye" and Banton's release from prison was cited as factors that could have lead to the recent success, but whatever the case, congratulations are in order for Buju Banton. This major achievement is a stark reminder that good music is indeed timeless and marks another milestone reached in the music icon's career.

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Bramma Drops "Belly A The Beast" Single From Upcoming Album

Reggae/dancehall recording artist Bramma aka Brammaggod has finally released the first single, Belly A The Beast from his highly touted all reggae album produced by Riddim Force Records and distributed by VPAL. 

On this Belly A The Beast single, the deejay was able to distinctly bring across an insightful view on serious social issues into the stream of musical education and of considerable advantage for the presentation of an all reggae album. Reggae music in its authentic form eloquently foreshadows the concept of a just society and protests the absence. This trait was correctly demonstrated on the track. "Whey di option whey dem give di poor man.." Bramma asked in the introduction, to support his argument that the system has turned many into victims and, coupled with a hard-hitting beat he went on to describe some of the outcomes of a failed system, "now a youth educated with his bachelors' top ranks a pree fi go rob banks.." In a solemn voice, Bramma broke it down for the government, "talking to mama Portia, missa Holness who feels it a dem know best..."

Belly A The Beast is the first of three singles promised before the release of the Rugged and Deadly album by the GGOD Record label artist. Although Bramma is yet to announce an official album release date he promised another interesting feature/collaboration with long-time friend and Ace producer Steven McGregor. Thus far we know Bramma's Rugged and Deadly album will also feature Anthony B, Luciano, and Morgan Heritage.

Throughout the year Bramma aka BrammaGGOD has recorded and released a string of commercial tracks now being played on radio and includes songs such as Stevie Wonder produced by G3K Music, Stay To Myself on the Sweet Music Production label, Wul It Out produced by DJ Smurf Music, Talk To Mi produced by Riddim Force Records and, Wine and Show It produced by Tvchpoint Music and Producer Benford. 

Another recording by Brammaggod to mention is a collaboration with Ghanaian artist Ras Kuuku entitled, Guitar and featured on the Kuntunkununku (The Heaviest) album now available on all digital platforms. Follow Bramma on Instagram @brammaggod Twitter @bramma1 Facebook @brammaggod or other social media networks for regular updates such as Instagram @ggodrecordlabel @brammaggodofficialupdates Youtube Brammaggod or Bramma. Belly A The Beast the first official sing from the album Rugged and Deadly by Bramma aka BrammaGGOD is out now on all digital platforms.

Written by: Sophia McKay
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"You Got Me" This Is It Marvin Binns

Marvin Binns 2019

Jamaican singer/songwriter Marvin Binns seems to have found himself a hit with the release of his latest song entitled, "You Got Me" produced by Sunny Island Records.  The track, a fusion of RnB, Afro-beat and dancehall styles instantly became a hot topic on social media when the Ambition crooning singer dropped the preview. 

Over the past few months, Binns has been busy in the studio working on "Statement" EP to appease fans with free access to his music compilation. "Statement" EP was therefore released on SoundCloud featuring five (5) fun and exciting tracks every music fan would enjoy.

But as fans get into this EP that was gifted to them in an appreciation the Marvin Binns team prepared for the release of this smash single, "You Got Me" to intentionally raise the bar for their expectations of his music from here on. 

When NIPnews asked why this song is so special Marvin Binns said, "this song is honest in every way, it's on the next level. It is a true experience with me and a young lady that gave me the idea for the longest time but I just wanted to find a way to articulate it in the right manner. So I took my time to bring it across so that people could be receptive and have a better feel of it I kinda mix the different genres to appeal to a broad base and so far you know I mean, it's like everybody is loving it and I'm feeling proud of my work."

Sunny Island Record label is also basking in the positive reception the track is getting as it is the label's first official production with Marvin Binns. Label boss Brilliant said of the inspiration behind the riddim, "Candy Rush riddim was created to bring a mixed vibe to the dancehall audience specifically targeting women. I wanted something that will divert the attention of thug and war music to rekindling a vibe to make the ladies feel good about themselves." 

'You Got Me' by Marvin Binns is essentially different. It is soft, soulful and rugged at the same time. It is music that appeals to a broad audience and ignites a feeling of happiness when listening to it. Everybody loves to love and this is what 'You Got Me' is all about. 

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Written by Sophia McKay

Sativa D Black 1 Performance in Canada plus New Single ft. Iyara

Sativa accepting his award

For a second consecutive year Charmb Production roots reggae recording artist Sativa D Black 1 and Manager, Charmaine Bailey-Smith have been awarded at the Youth In Progress Awards show in Canada receiving, an International Awards of Merit and, Excellence In Music Award respectively.  

Sativa D Black 1 was invited to perform live ahead of receiving his award and did a good job at entertaining the Canadians. Sativa's grand entry on stage always set the tone for an interesting performance. Hopping across the stage, Sativa opened his set singing Boardhouse and Zinc Fence to the delight of the audience some of whom sang along with him word for word. In a quick pause between track Sativa told the audience, "anywhere mi guh, mi entertain, mi educate that's the way I live.." he said.

YIP 2019

The St. Catherine born Jamaican performer Sativa D Black 1 went on to sing his popular Petty Thief song which drew another hyped applause  and a few other tracks before exiting stage but not before explaining his short set to the audience,  "wul heap a other artists dey yah so mi nah stay long....caz mi waan go siddung and have mi drink and tek in di other artists dem."  A fan of his own fans Sativa D Black 1 shared his journey to Canada live on Facebook. He also met with Canadian Reggae artist Exco Levi for a chit-chat. 

Sativa D Black 1 recently released a single featuring Dancehall artist Iyara called "Hard Ears" on the Charmb Production label. Recently at the Marcus Garvey celebration in Ocho Rios hosted by reggae radio Irie FM, both Sativa D Black 1 and Iyara received huge encores when they performed the track from a crowd obviously excited to see Sativa perform. "Hard Ears" is a mind-blogging song that mimics the subconscious thoughts of an incarcerated person's message to his mother after committing a crime. 'Hard Ears' is out now on all digital platform.

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Written by Sophia McKay