Toots Hibbert

Top acts for 'Icons of Reggae' concert

Lovers of reggae music will have a great opportunity to enjoy some of the Icons of this genre when Effective Music & Entertainment presents the 'Icons of Reggae in Concert' on Sunday, March 11, at Central Broward Regional Park, Lauderhill, Florida.

Headlining this bevy of superstars are legendary Toots & the Maytals (who, along with Jimmy Cliff and Bob Marley are regarded as the fathers of Reggae music), Ali Campbell's UB40, the former lead singer of UB40, who have sold over 75 million records worldwide.

Other icons include Mykal 'Grammy' Rose, former lead singer of Black Uhuru, winners of the first reggae Grammy.

Prolific Rocksteady/Reggae singer John Holt, his slow romantic style is recognised as the forerunner of the lover's rock sub-genre. Daddy U Roy, the 'Originator' whose style of `toasting' is one of the pioneers of the DJ/rap culture from the 60s. `The Queen of the Dancehall' Lady Saw, the first female DJ to win a dancehall Grammy. The harmonising protest singers, The Wailing Souls, nominated three times for the reggae Grammy. Talented songbird Etana plus local stars Ambelique, Mical Rustle and the Code Red Band. DJ music will be provided by Glamma Wayne of Gemini Disco fame.

Berris White, CEO of Effective Music & Entertainment, (Executive Producers of this event) said he grew up with this music and many of these stars, and saw the need to still recognise and showcase the stalwarts and originators of this genre and the high standards of the original style of reggae music.

He hopes 'Icons of Reggae in Concert' will be an annual event 'and what better time to start than on this year the celebration of Jamaica's 50th year of Independence".

Gates open at noon, and showtime is 2 p.m., sharp. In addition to the exciting music, there will also be great food from many of our local Caribbean chefs and restaurants, arts and craft vendors and displays showcasing Jamaica's 50th Independence, plus activities for children including Bounce House and face painting.

Tickets for this fun-filled day of festive music for the family are $32 (early bird up to January 31.) $42 after and $52 at the gate. Children under 12 free if accompanied by an adult. VIP tickets (inclusive of preferred parking, seating and refreshments) are $100. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets including participating Wal-Mart stores, local Caribbean ticket outlets or online at www.iconsofreggae.com.

Tony Anthony's 'Settle Down' climbing overseas charts

Tony Anthony

Singer Tony Anthony has hit paydirt again with his single, Settle Down. The track has not only begun making inroads on the Rebel Vibez top 10 reggae singles chart in Canada, but it is also making significant movements on reggae charts in the USA and Italy.

Settle Down produced by Kemar 'Flava' Mcgregor, on his 'Cool and Deadly' rhythm, is number five on the top-10 reggae singles chart in Canada, number eight on the New York top-30 singles chart and number three and the Dj Gusma T top-20 reggae-singles chart in Italy.

In the last two years, Tony Anthony's music has been a fixture on reggae charts and radio playlist worldwide. In 2011, he had two number one singles, Love You So Much and Living Up, on the DJ Gusma T chart in Italy. Living Up also went as far as number two on the New York reggae-singles chart and his debut album, Million Chance, which entered the Italian top-20 reggae album chart on February 15, is currently sitting at number 17, celebrating a year on the chart.

Tony Anthony's album and singles are available on iTunes and other leading online stores.

Stevie Face nominated for British Reggae Industry Award

Stevie Face - Contributed

Stevie Face has crept his way into the hearts of reggae-music lovers worldwide since the release of his smash hit, Tell It Like It Is, and the subsequent release of his critically acclaimed album of the same name.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the UK where Stevie has won loyal fans who have supported his brand of positive and conscious reggae. These are the fans who have also nominated for a BRIA 2012 award (British Reggae Industry Award) in the category of international male artist.

This prestigious event first established in 1981, has pioneered the highlighting of British reggae talents in a gala event never seen before for this genre in the UK.

Mr Tony Williams, a DJ for BBC Radio in London, was the visionary responsible for the conceptualizing, and staging of this monumental awards ceremony, which had its inaugural launch at the Café Royal, later moving to a much larger venue, the world-renowned Royal Albert Hall in London.

During its 16 year-run, the BRIA has become synonymous with British reggae music at its highest level, resulting in greater acceptance of the music and sold-out venues at each staging during its tenure.

In 2012, the BRIA is set to make a triumphant return to the UK for the first time since 1997, with this year promising to be bigger and better. The staging will be at London's Indig02 on Saturday, October 13, and promises to be a night like none other.

When interviewed, Stevie Face was elated about being nominated for such an outstanding and important award.

"I have so much love and respect for all my fans worldwide, and my UK fans have always shown me that special love like no other, they feel like family to me and I feel so honoured, always, to have their love and support".

When asked what was next for Stevie Face, he said:

"I am finishing up my next album which has been two years in the making and I promise my fans that it will not disappoint them. My producer, the hit-maker Paul 'Computer Paul' Henton has been diligently working with me to ensure that this new album will live up to or exceed all expectations. I am also asking all my fans and supporters to go online and vote for me in this upcoming BRIA awards. http://www.britreggae.com/vote.php. Category 'International Male Artist'.