Celebrity Gossip,Hollywood News,celebrity pics,fashion trends,events and movies. http://www.mediagalaxyzone.com/index.php Sun, 22 Aug 2010 20:43:35 +0000 30 http://www.mediagalaxyzone.com/topic/2768-new-jamaican-movie-to-be-released/ Local video director Storm Saulter is getting ready to release the much-anticipated movie, Better Mus Come. The movie is the first for Saulter, who has done other projects of less magnitude, including music videos and small unreleased films in the past.

Better Mus Come, set in the suburbs of Jamaica, dabbles in the politics of the island and the harsh realities of the 1970s. The lead actor in the movie is Sheldon Shepherd, of popular dub poetry group No-maddz. With a cast of stars, Shepherd acts out a tale of love, violence, hope and optimism and takes us 30 years back in time, unveiling aspects of Jamaican history that rarely make it into household education.

The movie also features internationally acclaimed actor Guenveur Smith, who played roles in American Gangster and Malcom X, among other Spike Lee films.

Smith takes on the role of the Jamaican prime minister in the 1970s, while Karl Williams plays the leader of Opposition.

According to Saulter, who spoke of his fascination with historic events, the movie came at the right time. The 'right time' being while an incursion into Tivoli Gardens by security forces is still fresh in the minds of Jamaicans.

"I did not have any idea things would turn out this way, because the script was started three years ago. Now it ties in perfectly with the current situation the country is experiencing," Saulter told The Sunday Gleaner.

According to Saulter, the film is the perfect example of life imitating art, and art imitating life.

Break down barriers

Saulter says that he hopes that his film will break down barriers for the Jamaican film industry, which he described as unproductive.

Having written, directed and edited the script himself, Saulter believes that local film directors should be more proactive: "They need to stop complain about money and get some work done, there are avenues to get good information online, on ways to make an effective film at affordable costs," he said.

"And productivity needs to go up; other poor countries are doing it, so we can do it, too," said Saulter.

The film-maker also expressed an interest in putting the movie into the international market after covering ground in Jamaica.

Saulter said that the film was shot in high definition and will be projected digitally.

"We want Jamaicans to appreciate watching the film in the cinema same as how we watch international films," said Saulter.

Shepherd, who plays the protagonist in the movie, has played roles in many Jamaican films. According to the young actor, Better Mus Come was the best production he had seen.

Source:Jamaica Gleaner]]> Sun, 22 Aug 2010 20:43:35 +0000 http://www.mediagalaxyzone.com/topic/2768-new-jamaican-movie-to-be-released/ http://www.mediagalaxyzone.com/topic/2727-ikaya-set-to-perform-as-part-of-jamaica-day-festivities-in-canada/ Outtaroad artiste Ikaya, who is steadily making her presence felt on the music scene, makes her fourth visit to Canada this weekend, where she will be part of the celebratory Jamaica Day activities and then perform in the night at a tribute to slain Voicemail member, O’Neil Edwards.

The Jamaica Day celebrations should have taken place over the Independence weekend but had to be rescheduled owing to inclement weather, thus giving Ikaya a chance to participate on Saturday. The young artiste sees this as a perfect opportunity to multiply her fan base while waving the Jamaica flag high.

“Foreigners have a different kind of appreciation for artistes and Jamaica in general. And with the negative publicity that the island received recently, it is our duty as ambassadors to go out there and do whatever we can to show the positive things about Jamaica. And what is more powerful than music to accomplish this?” Ikaya asked.

She is also eagerly anticipating her performance later in the evening at Sleeveless and Jeans, a tribute dance to the late O’Neil Edwards, whose shooting death earlier this year sent shock waves throughout the music industry. The promoters feel that O’Neil’s contribution to the music should not ever be forgotten, hence this tribute months after his death.

Meanwhile, Ikaya had the premier of her video for the single “Hard Way” two weeks ago. Done under the direction of Scorpio 21, which is quickly developing a reputation for clean, high quality videos, Hard Way is simple and effective while evoking the necessary emotions.
Ikaya declared that she was extremely pleased at the way how the storyboard played out as the message in the song --- there are always dire consequences for wrong choices made -- is one that she feels passionately about, especially as it relates to teenage pregnancy. The storyline surrounds a young boy and girl who refuse to listen, resulting in the girl becoming a teenage mother.

The artiste recently turned in commendable performances at a A St Mary Mi Come From, the cultural show staged by Capleton; Guinness Summer Eclipse at The Jungle night club in Negril, Westmoreland and Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay.]]> Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:55:43 +0000 http://www.mediagalaxyzone.com/topic/2727-ikaya-set-to-perform-as-part-of-jamaica-day-festivities-in-canada/ http://www.mediagalaxyzone.com/topic/2725-blak-ryno-to-headline-concert-in-french-guiana/ This weekend, the north Atlantic coast of South America will experience the invasion of Jamaican culture, when dancehall recording artiste Blak Ryno invades French Guiana with his brand of music.

The event billed 'Blak Ryno in Concert' will feature the artiste whose real name is Romain Anderson as the headliner. The concert is slated to take place today in Cayenne, the capital.

Though seldomly seen in the streets, Ryno has been busy recording and entertaining fans across the North American and Caribbean Diaspora, making stops in California, Atlanta, Connecticut, Florida, St. Vincent, Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago.

Blak Ryno, one of the biggest stars of 2009, known for hits such as Can I, The Paper, Real Stinger and Wish I Could See You Again is now on a positive path to reclaim his spot in the dancehall arena and has since released a number of singles including the infectious number Wine and Dip, on the Sex Appeal rhythm produced by Jordan McClure and David 'Hizzle' Hayle of Chimney Records.

Ryno says "Right now I am just focused on building my career and putting out good music for the people. Look out for the new singles from Seanizzle name Sting Dem and Done and Shades on the Split Personality rhythm."

Meanwhile, plans are in high gear for the release of two new videos for the singles Wine and Dip and Come A Mi Yard, later this month.

Source:THE STAR]]> Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:43:52 +0000 http://www.mediagalaxyzone.com/topic/2725-blak-ryno-to-headline-concert-in-french-guiana/ http://www.mediagalaxyzone.com/topic/2703-gramps-peetah-morgan-complete-european-tour/ REGGAE singer, Gramps and his brother Peetah Morgan are reportedly still on a musical high after completing solo tours of Europe that saw them delivering performances in Zurich, Switzerland; Poland; Bersenbruck, Germany; Oslo, Norway; Uppsala, Sweden; Schlossplatz, Germany; Amsterdam, Holland; Cantazaro and Lecce, Italy.

“The shows were all well attended and everyone was very satisfied with our solo performances. A few fans even commented that they were shocked, as they did not know I could sing so good. To be honest, to hear fans sing along to songs from my debut album was refreshing and is an endorsement of the hard work that I have put in over the last 12 months,” Gramps said in an interview.

The start of the European tour came on the heels of a very successful performance at Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay that saw Gramps enthralling fans for well over 30 minutes with tracks Come Back To Bed, Time and Wash the Tears. So well received was his performance, that fans in the second city have since dubbed him “the Beres of this era.”

“Beres is a very special artiste who brings his A game whenever he performs. To be compared with an artiste of his calibre means a lot to me. We all know Beres is not just a gifted singer but he is a talented songwriter who brings love and healing to many relationships and that is just what I’m trying to do with my music,” he said.

Now that the European tour is completed, the next project on the horizon for Gramps is his new charity Music Orchestrating Music (MOM).
“We are very excited about our new charity. We did our first live concert in Kenya earlier this year and partnered with Hands Across Kenya to help supply medicine and other medical equipment to children in the Motherland,” he said.

Not one to rest on his laurels, he is scheduled to go back on the road for an upcoming tour of the USA later this month and will head to St Thomas, Virgin Islands for a one-off performance this month with reggae icon Jimmy Cliff. In between touring, he will work on his new R&B and Country album titled 2 Sides Of My Heart Vol 2 that will feature an all-star cast including collaborations with R&B singer Musiq Soulchild and reggae superstar Ziggy Marley. The disc hit stores in 2011.


“2 Sides of My Heart Vol 1 is doing extremely well so far, so the plan is to continue to work that album and possibly release a single for the holiday season,” he disclosed.
When asked what has been the most memorable accomplishment this year, the former football star, turned reggae singer said, “performing at the IRAWMA, Rebel Salute and Reggae Sumfest were highlights of 2010, while winning the Album of the Year Award at the EME was an important accomplishment that validated the decision to become a solo artiste. I was shocked to see all who voted for my album. It gave me a lot of courage to keep on keeping on and made me realise that reggae music is still alive and well,” he disclosed.

Source:Jamaica Observer]]> Tue, 17 Aug 2010 22:15:41 +0000 http://www.mediagalaxyzone.com/topic/2703-gramps-peetah-morgan-complete-european-tour/ http://www.mediagalaxyzone.com/topic/2653-artistes-shine-at-caribana/ During the Caribana season, Toronto is known for the sounds of soca music from Trinidad and Tobago , and other Caribbean islands; however Caribanaª 2010 saw a record turnout by fans to hear a number of Reggae acts Queen Ifrica, reportedly packed centre stage at Harbourfront with 3,000 fans crammed to take in the performance and essence Queen Ifrica delivers.

"I drove all the way from Barrie, Ontario to see her perform", said Kathleen. "There is something about her that all people can relate to, and I just love her!" Confirming this, Kathleen held up a copy of the Queen's latest album she hoped to get autographed.


On the other side of the city, Busy Signal, whose album D.O.B. was released three weeks ago, was scheduled to perform at Lamport Stadium, the same venue which sees the Caribana King and Queen of the bands competition judged. This marks Busy's second appearance in as many months, as the star was in the city in April for an event called Redemption.

Rounding out the top Reggae acts at Caribana was Gyptian who performed at the 9th annual Irie Music Festival sponsored by TD Canada Trust. The three-day festival featured performances by several notable Caribbean artists such as Fab 5, and Shurwayne Winchester as well as local artists Friendlyness and the Human Rights, Blessed and Melodic.
Gyptian, who attracted a record 4,000

"I brought my three-year old grand-daughter to see Gyptian perform," said Margaret, a grandmother of four. "She's a huge fan of Gyptian and so am I!"
Additional VP Records artistes in the city to perform included Anthony Cruz, Tinga Stewart and Byron Lee's Dragonaire's who all performed at Jambana.


Source:Jamaica Observer]]> Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:33:42 +0000 http://www.mediagalaxyzone.com/topic/2653-artistes-shine-at-caribana/ http://www.mediagalaxyzone.com/topic/2651-concert-with-a-conscience/ It has become a staple on the entertainment calendar. Each year, come August, The Fire Man, King Shango, Capleton, The Prophet — all the same artiste — gives back to the parish of his birth with the staging of A St Mary mi come from.

Last Thursday night the Gray's Inn Sport Complex in Annotto Bay was abuzz with activity as a slew of Reggae/Dancehall acts were slated to take to the stage. This years beneficiaries were the Annotto Bay Hospital, Port Maria Primary school, the St Mary Infirmary, Beecham Hill Infant and Primary Schools, Islington High School and the St Mary Police Youth Club.

One of the features of this show is the long roster of acts who all jostle for time and space on stage, having shown up to 'pay respects' to Capleton and his efforts. This year was no different, and that was clear from the moment the Observer team arrived just after midnight, and the lesser-known acts were still on stage. But with all the artistes, and the limited time on stage, there were still standouts in the form of Sizzla, Beenie Man, the host Capleton (of course) and veterans Coco Tea and Josey Wales.

Having not appeared on a local stage in a few months, Sizzla Kalonji was ready for the St Mary audience when he took to the stage at just after 5:00 am. He was able to ignite a tired audience and had everyone on their feet as he dropped hit after hit in a short but energetic set. Beenie Man, who also performed during this segment, was also a dose of energy in the early crisp St Mary morning air. Despite the sameness to his set over the years, he has that knack of getting his audience to respond time and time again. Add to that Beenie's new hit tracks, I'm Okay and Rum and Red Bull. These were just what Gray's Inn needed in the early hours of Independence Day.
Capleton, interspersed with a number of other acts, was also able to breathe life into the long night of performances. Known for his tremendous on stage energy, he was able to transmit that vibe to his audience.

However, earlier in the night it was the veterans Coco Tea and Josey Wales who were able to bring about some spark. After being called on by crooner Richie Stephens, Coco Tea tried to encourage a 'tune fi tune' clash with Stephens who graciously declined, but not before attempting to throw a few lyrical punches. These were quickly evaded by Coco Tea who was both witty and smooth with his responses. It was the other veteran, Josey Wales who was called in as a referee but did not miss the opportunity to drop a few tunes of his own, much to the delight of those gathered at Gray's Inn.

Note must also be made of the performance by Rising Stars winner Romain Virgo, who is becoming quite the showman and a hit with his female fans. The Big Ship aggregation was well represented by Laden and Chino. While other acts such as I-Wayne, Khago, Harry Toddler, Munga and Lady G all represented themselves well.

Source:Jamaica Observer]]> Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:22:35 +0000 http://www.mediagalaxyzone.com/topic/2651-concert-with-a-conscience/ http://www.mediagalaxyzone.com/topic/2640-ky-mani-marley-book-signing-for-ottawa-reggae-festival/ Jamaica Observer - Ottawa Reggae Festival organisers have added a book signing to the list of activities offered to patrons at this years' festival. Dancehall and Reggae artiste, as well as philanthropist and author, Ky-Mani Marley, will autograph his novel, Dear Dad for fans.
Since the announcement of Ky-Mani's performance, fans have been asking for a one on one session with the multi-faceted Marley in addition to his performance on Saturday August 21.

"We immediately got a lot of feedback to Ky-Mani being on the festival this year" said festival President Benjamin Williams. "We decided to offer a book signing to go with his performance which generates excitement!"

Dear Dad is a narrative which chronicles the young Ky-Mani's gritty ascent out of the bullet-riddled life of street conflict and crack selling. Sharing his own story of personal redemption through music, Ky-Mani writes about his experiences, struggles and what he's survived to make it to world stages he now commands.]]> Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:51:03 +0000 http://www.mediagalaxyzone.com/topic/2640-ky-mani-marley-book-signing-for-ottawa-reggae-festival/ http://www.mediagalaxyzone.com/topic/2638-tami-chynn-to-host-heineken-green-synergy-2010/ Jamaica Observer - The 'Certified Diva' Tami Chynn is the new host of Heineken Green Synergy 2010. Tami Chynn apart, Heineken have added a lot of spice to the show including changing the format into a reality TV show which will be aired on TVJ starting August 20, 2010.


The singer was upbeat about hosting the show. "I am very excited, I have never done anything like this before, I am happy for the opportunity to do it" she said.

Tami disclosed that she was a fan of Green Synergy, "I used to watch it when I had the chance. This one is different though and people are going to just love it."


Talking about her experience while the show was being taped she said, "It was very intense because we had to do the shoots in a specific time. I had fun doing it though, it was a nice experience. I got to know all the DJs and everyone on the set was just like family.
If I got the chance to do it again I would in a heart beat. I am glad Heineken took a chance with me."


From the DJs who auditioned, 11 made the final cut for the show. Commenting on the quality of the DJs she said, "I think the DJs who got picked are good. The structure of the show is geared on making them into better DJs. They have the opportunity here to go on to being great and make a name for themselves locally and also on the international scene."


On the show the DJs get to live and experience the life of a professional DJ. It will also highlight the journey that the DJs go through while being tested on the different DJ skills.
Tami Chin is one of Jamaica's most talented young female artistes who has climbed to great heights in the music industry. She has the experience of being signed to 'big' record companies such as Universal Motown Records and later Konvict Muzik.


At Konvict Muzik she recorded her big hit single Frozen which featured Akon. She also starred in a very popular Pepsi commercial along with Shaggy, Verne Troyer and T Pain. With a host of hit songs under her belt, she is presently creating a stir on the music scene with her song Certified Diva, a collaboration with Tifa.


The DJs are vying for over 1 million in cash and prizes courtesy of Heineken as well as an internship on FAME FM.
Heineken Green Synergy 2010 is co sponsored by Claro, The Jamaica Observer, Doritos, FAME FM and TVJ.]]> Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:40:46 +0000 http://www.mediagalaxyzone.com/topic/2638-tami-chynn-to-host-heineken-green-synergy-2010/