By Kon-Vick
OutAroad.com Writer

Here at OutAroad.com we are trying to find out which dancehall artiste is going to ‘run’ the summer. We have decided that the best way to find out is to get you involved. Just leave a comment to let us know who you think will be ‘sizzling hot’ this summer. Below is a synopsis of some of the artistes on our list.

Last year almost everyone readily agreed that Munga Honourable was sizzling. The ‘Gangsta Ras’ had several smashing hits that cemented themselves onto the tongues of dancehall music lovers. However, Munga has lost that momentum and this year won’t be considered for the ‘pick of the summer list’.

On our list, we have the fiery Vybz Kartel, the intense Mavado, the blazing Beenie Man, the relentless Assassin, the energetic Elephant Man, and new comers Bugle and Serani (Daseca).

Vybz Kartel has been one of the most consistent dancehall acts in recent time and has a plethora of hardcore dancehall hits under his belt. For this summer, we can expect a lot from the former Alliance member as his palette just keeps growing with songs that appeal to his ever-growing fan base. Some of Kartel’s more vibrant songs going into the summer are: Fatta Than a Pound, My Scheme, Trailer Load of Money, Money Fi Spend, Tightest Punanny, and Broad Daylight.

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Reggae Sumfest organizers have added several new exciting artists to this year's festival, set for Montego Bay, Jamaica from July 13-19.

Rapper Lil Wayne has been added to the line-up along with reggae's D'Angel, Konshens, Terry Linen & Alley Cat, Lust & Lutan Fyah and Rootz Underground. D'Angel, the former wife of dancehall star Beenie Man, is also set to play dancehall night on July 17th.

She joins the line-up with Beenie as well as Konshens & Alley Cat, Elephant Man, Bounty Killer, Voice Mail, Macka Diamond, Vybz Kartel, Harry Toddler, Busy Signal, Munga Honourable, Ninja Man, Busy Signal, Wayne Marshall, Assassin and Mavado.

They will join R&B singer, Keyshia Cole, known for hits like 'Should A Let You Go,' 'Heaven Sent' and 'I Remember,' who will perform on the international night on July 18th, along with Lil Wayne, Lust & Lutan Fyah and Terry Linen who have been added to the line- up.

Sumfest wraps up on Saturday, July 19th with performances from reggae greats, including John Holt and Beres Hammond as well as Tarrus Riley, Rootz Underground and Etana.
Meanwhile, a scheduling conflict will prevent rapper Ne-Yo from participating in this year's event as was previously announced.

By Kon-Vick
OutAroad.com Writer

Last week we promised that we would be reviewing Terry Linen’s 'No Time to Linger', however because of an overwhelming demand for his single 'Mood for Love' that is now holding the #2 position on Richie B's Top 20 Reggae Chart we have decided to review that single instead. The song is on the OutAroad.com Media Player for your listening ears.

It is in no uncertain terms that Linen, a talented singer that has been compared to Reggae great Garnett Silk, has announced his presence back onto the music scene. Terry Linen’s soothing voice singing Mood for Love has the potential to do just that, put you in the mood. The soft sentimental manner in which Linen delivers has the potential to send chill down one’s spine.

From the outset, Linen’s expressive voice drives a deep, emotional feeling into one’s sub consciousness. As the song matures so does this feeling. Mood for Love will leave you in awe, when you start to think that a talent like this exist and has not highlighted.

The song is based on a familiar theme: A man feeling extremely lonely and missing his woman. This loneliness is magnified when he reflects on the good times they shared. This moment of reminiscing then puts him in the Mood for Love.

By Kon-Vick
OutAroad.com Writer

As promised, we will continue to give you, our readers, an insight into how Terry Linen started out his career and about his unique sound.

His peers in the cool setting of Red Bank, St. Elizabeth, deemed the OutAroad.com Break Out Artiste for the Month of June a calm character. An individual blessed with musical talent that only a few persons possesses naturally.

Linen’s silky voice has been compared to that of Reggae great, Garnett Silk. The pitch, which governs Linen’s melody and harmony while he delivers his soulful songs, is undoubtedly that of a good singer. And while the tag of a Garnett Silk sound alike lingers, Linen feels no way about it.

“Mi love Garnet Silk, and from the people say I sound like him I will not fight them down. I still believe I have a different tone and texture still, but I fell no way being compared to a Reggae great,” Terry Linen explained to OutAroad.com.

Terry Linen’s early days in the music were adventurous as the artiste was in constant demand for dub plates.

“From St. Elizabeth days I use to work with a man call Mr. Swaby, and then Black Kat came about and I began doing some dub plates first. Then Mr. Swaby carried me to Penthouse where we link up with Red Rose, and I did a song called Rainbow Never Touched the Ground”.

By Krazy Katty
OutAroad.com Writer

Veteran Reggae singer Barrington Levy, has signed a Management Deal with Daddy Bigg$/ Platinum Camp Production, one of New York’s top music production company.

The Reggae superstar has recently released a smashing hit single Time’s Hard, the lead joint from his up coming album It’s About Time! The album is being supervised by Daddy Bigg$/Platinum Camp Production in association with Lipspic Records.

Barrington Levy will be in good hands, as the New York/ Philadelphia based Platinum Camp Production is dedicated to producing groundbreaking Reggae-Dancehall cross over hits that reflects diversity and originality of the human spirit.

His love for music has propelled Daddy Bigg$ to always work for and with the best. Daddy Bigg$ has extensive experience in artiste management, production, promoting, and bookings.

Platinum Camp specializes in production, artist management, bookings and digital distribution. This will allow the diverse Levy the flexibility to distribute his breathtaking Reggae hits to a worldwide audience through Universal digital distributing.

“If a song is made for the streets leave it on the streets".

By Kon-Vick
OutAroad.com Writer

Since recently the attacks on dancehall music has skyrocketed as many persons begin to aggressively criticize the negative nature of the music. Fingers are being pointed in all directions as influential individuals in society and corporate entities try to find someone or a group of individuals guilty for the ‘decline’ of the dancehall genre.

Many criticize dancehall acts from yester year, and chastise the current crap. However, many of those pointing fingers forget to identify the persons that actually make the music reach the mass. Argument is now emerging that disc jocks are often overlooked, while they are indeed some of the biggest culprits.

When OutAroad.com contacted ZJ Liquid from Zip 103 FM, he agreed that radio disc jocks should shoulder some of the blame for spreading negative dancehall music.

“Radio disc jocks contribute a little to the negativity of course, a small percentage, but we cannot be solely blamed. Not everybody ago listen and duh what the song say.

Kurt ‘The Party Animal’ Riley’s stance on the issue disc jocks contributing to the negativity in dancehall by playing gangster tunes is somewhat defensive as he outlines that negativity springs from various sources.

Below are promotional photos of OutAroad.com - Break Out Artiste For The Month of June - Terry Linen.

These photos can be used by all media houses including online magazines and for any other form of promotional purposes.

For higher resolution contact OutAroad@gmail.com.

Check out Terry Linen myspace.com/terrylinenmusic
You Can also listen to his song on the music player

By Krazy Katty
OutAroad.com Writer

One of Jamaica’s hottest street dances, P*ssy Splash, is now back on track after receiving a two week suspension by law enforcement officers for breaking the Night Abatement Act.

According to an eyewitness who was at P*ssy Splash when the incident happened, The Doctor was onstage entertaining the patrons when the cops arrived and ended the event.

“Beenie Man came on the microphone and was advising the people dem fi stop drink Red Stripe and that other artistes need to do the same because Red Stripe is not doing anything for the music or communities. Right now a di music a help the communities because look how P*ssy Splash let the war stop inna Water House,” Beenie was quoted as saying.

However, before Beenie Man finish saying “thing like this (P*ssy Splash) unnu need fi support,” he was draped by the notorious Cow Boy (Police), who viciously pushed the artiste in the jeep. Upon driving away several patrons flung bottles at the cops damaging their vehicle.

By Kon-Vick
OutAroad.com Writer

Jamaica’s crime rate has been spiraling beyond control in recent times. There has been constant bombardment on our dancehall artistes to clean up their music as it is argued that the violent lyrical content contributes to the crime wave.

OutAroad.com caught up with ace deejay Busy Signal, known for hits such as Nah Guh a Jail Again, The Days and Badman Place featuring Mavado, who shared his views on the argument outlined above.

“Some people take the message of the music the wrong way, but yuh still can’t blame the music in Jamaica or the rest of the world (for the spiraling crime rate). Music cannot be solely blamed for crime, there is also poverty, lack of jobs and the fact that the highest set of crimes worldwide is caused by dirty politics,” Busy explained.

Busy has shown his versatility in the dancehall genre of music with songs like The Days, a single depicting the everyday hardship in Jamaica, and Nah Guh a Jail Again, which talks about the alleviation of criminal activities. However, one can argue that he also trespass onto the gangster role in Badman Place.

By Kon-Vick
OutAroad.com Writer

From cutting strictly dub plates in his early days to touring extensively outside of Jamaica, Terry Linen, OutAroad.com Break Out Artiste for the Month of June, is one of reggae music’s great waiting to explode on the international scene.

The St. Elizabeth resident have recorded songs that have stucked to the lips of many worldwide, including his biggest hit to date Couldn't Be the Girl for Me. He was also widely recognized for the reggae cover of Whitney Houston’s Your Love Is My Love, which ‘shot up’ reggae charts worldwide.

Terry Linen’s career started in the mid ‘90s, however it was in 1996 when he recorded Rainbow Never Touch the Ground on the Kutchie Rhythm for producer/songwriter Anthony Red Rose that people began to take notice of the young singer. His next single Jah Jah You Save Me also received raved reviews overseas.

You can also tune in to our media player at the top right to listen to his hit song Couldn't Be The Girl For Me.

By Kon-Vick
OutAroad.com Writer

The No Mannaz Dancers are arguably one of the best dance groups in Jamaica to have burst onto the scene in the last decade. Each girl from the four-member group is blessed with her own characteristic moves that personally define her, yet they still manage to fuse together as a team and entertain wherever they go.

The vivacious dancers have cemented a place in the hearts of dancehall fans worldwide with properly choreographed moves that sizzles their audience. The No Mannaz Dancers are no other than the bubbly Toya, the animated Taneisha, dynamic Fiona and sparkling Shanice - all from Flankers, Montego Bay, Jamaica.

To their credit, the girls have created the Hot Wuk dance move, which stimulated dancehall lovers and other audiences worldwide. Their palette also comprises other dance moves, such as Cool It Dung, Tip Toe, Goodas Drift, Yeye Lash and a new dance for dancehall artiste Mr. Vegas aptly titled Whine Up.

With so much talent flowing between them, it is no wonder dancehall acts continually endorse them in their songs and also invite them to make dance moves for same.

By Krazy Katty
OutAroad.com Writer

The beautiful Rebecca Silvera seems to have a lot going on for her these days after being awarded the second runner-up position in the prestigious Miss Jamaica Universe 2008 competition.

Rebecca recently strutted her stuff for the first time at the launch of this year’s Caribbean Fashion Week 2008, where she dazzled the crowd. However, most interestingly, she will be representing Jamaica in the Miss Jamaica U.S.A. Pageant, to be staged mid June in New York.

When the stunning beauty gets back from the pageant, one she is hoping to win, she will be directing all her energy and focus on her dream of creating her own clothing line.

“I am in talks with some people from Sao Paulo, Brazil and South Beach, Florida to launch a very sexy clothing line. The line will consist tops and a few Brazilian cut pants, but mostly very sexy dresses that hug every curve and even enhance what is not there (ladies you know what I mean). The style will be very seductive, sexy and definitely not for the shy or conservative,” she told OutAroad.com in an exclusive interview.

By Kon-Vick
OutAroad.com Writer

For female artistes in Jamaica’s hostile dancehall circles, getting ahead is a daunting task. There is usually the speculation of who is sleeping with whom, and who have to do some immoral things to get ahead. For OutAroad.com Break Out Artiste for this Month, Tifa, those challenges are non-existent.

For Tifa, christened Latifa Brown, the road to stardom has been somewhat easy thus far. Music has always been a part of the singer/deejay life. Her stepfather, Sampalue, the reggae producer who assisted in the building of several music careers inclusive of dancehall’s queen Lady Saw, gave her a deep-rooted love for dancehall music. Her active participation in various aspects of the music began from prep school days and has since rolled on like a train.

“I love music. I have been involved with music all my life. I was a member of the Ashe Caribbean Performing Arts Academy and Ensemble and toured extensively with the group throughout the Caribbean and North America from 1996 to 2000,” she explained.

By Kon-Vick
OutAroad.com Writer

“Dem a nuh Rasta - Dem a ‘Ras Hair,’
Talk this loud mi nuh fear”

Jamaica’s fast rising star, Konshens is in the spotlight again, and this time there is a bit of controversy surrounding same. The deejay who burst on the scene with the mega hit Winner (This Year Mi Affi Be Di Winna), has launched an assault on people who wrongfully associate themselves with Rastafarianism.

In some nail biting and rather witty lyrics Konshens chastises artistes that “natty up dem head”. Already there are words on the street that several Rastafarian individuals are pondering whether or not he (Konshens) is ‘throwing words’ at them.

Here are some of the lyrics that will have some artistes sweating:

“Mi si nuff a dem a natty up dem head fi get exposure,
But a real Rasta Man nuh run down riches like Dover,
Dem impersonating Rasta,
But mi Rasta friend dem seh bun up a Rasta imposter
Natty up dem head fi ketch a hype up,
Seh dem a rasta, but Rasta livity dem nah hoist up,
Wha’ kind a food that dem a bite up,
Dem seh dem a Ras, what kind of girl that dem a wife up”

By Kon-Vick
OutAroad.com Writer

The fusion of three beautiful, talented young ladies could only produce one thing - quality. MBC (Make Boyz Cry) is becoming a force to be reckoned with in the music arena. Working under the guidance of veteran producer and manager, Computer Paul, the trio has morphed into a musical force that moves beyond being simply ordinary.

MBC comprises Foxy, Diamond and Miss Chin. When they come together to sing one can expect to hear soothing rhythms, nicely blended harmony and melodies that run parallel with the beating of one’s heart. The quality of their work manifests itself in the type of material they produce.

Their latest single, Hustling Lives, is already creating a stir. The song not only possesses great lyrical content, but also some smooth melody and the delivery is priceless. “I hope that MBC will be the equivalent of a Destiny’s Child representative in Jamaica,” the girls outlined in our interview. However, from what we have heard from them thus far, their limit is boundless.

Below are promotional photos of OutAroad.com - Break Out Artiste For The Month of May - Tifa who’s apart of the Natural Bridge family is certainly Jamaica’s next female dancehall/singer superstar. Tifa is known for hits such as Crawny Gal, Bottom of Di Barrel, Tinky Winky and a slew of other songs that are doing well in Germany, France, Italy and Japan.

These photos can be used by all media houses including online magazines and for any other form of promotional purposes.

For higher resolution contact OutAroad@gmail.com.
Check out Tifa’s Myspace.com/tifamusiq1

Kingston, Jamaica:-- Saint International is proud to present the internationally recognized Style Week Jamaica (SWJ) 2008 to be held in Kingston, Jamaica, Friday, May 23 - Sunday May 25. This year¢s staging is creating global excitement as international brands, designers, models, celebrities and media are signing up to experience the inimitable affair.

SWJ 2k8 will create history by presenting for the first time on the Caribbean runway, the highest number of high profiled international designers from the major fashion capitals Paris, London, New York and Amsterdam. B. Michael, Bas Koster, Ed Hardy, Favvette and Julia Clancy are only a handful of the international designers who are ecstatic to be on board this year.

Saint International will be bringing home Jamaica's and the Caribbean's most successful supermodel ever as well as their own top models to grace the stage and be the easels for the display of the fashion glitz and glamour. Georgianna Robertson's homecoming will be an impressive one considering the phenomenal career she has had. Saint International superstars Sasha, Canise, Jotasha, Sosheba, Jermain, Sigail, Tafari, Kevin and Venecia are, indeed, honoured to share the same stage.

Greetings, good people of the earth! I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all the love and support over the years and for your continued support in the future.

By now most have already heard about the separation between myself and Penthouse Music Group. Let me assure you that it was one of mutual understanding, and that I sincerely wish Mr. Donovan Germain all the best. With much respect I say to Mr. Germain, thank you for the many years of service and for the eye-opening experience.

To the haters, hate on. To the well-wishers, we will be victorious because JAH LIVE. As for me personally, I am fine. Glad I now have the medium to communicate to my fans and friends all over the world.

Here at Gargamel we are cultivating a new awareness in the minds of music lovers everywhere. Over the past three years, I have been steadily building. The trials were many and the lessons arduous. However, it has made me much more informed and knowledgeable about this business of music. Learning how everything works behind the scenes is crucial in this age. I am proud to announce that the studio renovation is now complete, give God almighty the glory -- yet our works have just begun.

OutAroad.com - Break Out Artiste For The Month of May

By Kon-Vick
OutAroad.com Writer

OutAroad.com Break Out Artiste for May is no other than fast rising singing sensation Tifa. The Crawny Gal singer recently sat with OutAroad.com to give us, and her existing and potential fans a peek at what is happening with her career.

Born Latifa Brown, Tifa is a well-honed musical talent. Her active participation in various aspects of the music began from Prep School days and has since blossomed into what we know Tifa to be today. She has long graduated from singing backup to ruling the microphone with her unique ‘singjaying’ style. Under the guidance of the creative quad, Ward 21, along with Sampalue, Otis Davis, and Ai Irasawa, Tifa have been constantly putting out material that runs parallel with outstanding creativity.

Tifa’s love for what she does is evident from the moment our conversation began in an office at the Natural Bridge Studio.

“I love music. I have been involved in music all my life. I stopped doing music for a while and went to UWI (University of the West Indies), where I got my Bachelor Degree in Psychology and Human Resources Management. After school it was back to the music,” Tifa outlined.

There is no stopping Mavado. Despite controversial media attention, the dancehall luminary remains the topic of positive conversation whether it is his generous donations for battered women, a customized dub for Barack Obama, his score on latest Grand Theft Auto video game or critical praise from the world’s most esteemed publications.

The latest Rolling Stone Magazine rates Mavado as the “Best Reggae Artist” in their Best of Rock 2008 issue. Mavado ranks amid this year’s crop of hand-picked winners such as, Radiohead, Bruce Springsteen, Lil Wayne, Danger Mouse and Chris Brown. Rolling Stone journalist Evan Serpick raves, “If you think reggae died with Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, think again. Jamaica's latest star, Mavado, combines hip-hop-influenced beats with ominous minor-key vocals about street life and salvation.”

Also Billboard Magazine recently applauded Mavado for gaining the attention of hip hop mogul, Jay-Z for his “On The Rock” remix. "For most Jamaican dancehall artistes, securing a successful rapper on a song's remix is a hard-won seal of approval. So when Jay Z, who has never recorded on a reggae track, rhymed on a remix of singer Mavado's current hit, On The Rock, it became arguably the greatest endorsement ever given to any dancehall record," Pat Meschino stated in the Billboard article picked up Reuters, the world's largest international multimedia news agency.

Danger Zone's bad gyal, Ce'Cile has teamed up with renowned producer Scott Storch in collaboration with Beenie Man on the track titled So Fly. The track comes out of the continued relationship with Danger Zone and SoBe Entertainment. Storch, known for his wicked instrumentals and credited with hits such as Lean Back by Fat Joe, Candy Shop and Just a Lil' Bit by 50 Cent as well as Baby Boy by Beyonce and Sean Paul, has also produced for a variety of artists including Dr. Dre, Fat Joe, Nelly, Jadakiss, Christina Aguilera, Nas, Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, Beyoncé, Brooke Hogan, The Game, Chamillionaire, Chris Brown and many more.

"I have known Scott Storch for a while, he is really cool. I did the So Fly song to a hip hop beat at SoBe while he was producing Brook Hogan; Beenie heard the song and loved it and we decided to collaborate on it after which Scott decided it would be more authentic on a dancehall beat which made it even cooler. I think the song will be accepted by regular Ce'Cile fans and will help me to continue making an impact on the international market" - Danger Zone/SoBe Entertainment recording artiste Ce'Cile.

Source: www.urbanmusicawards.net

Caribbean Urban Music Awards launches to great success. After a brief change of venue from James Bond Beach, Ocho Rios to Sugarman Beach in Kingston, Jamaica due to flooding in Ocho Rios. The CUMA 2008 finally kicked off on the 26th of April 2008. Opening the show was the host with the most Spragga Benz who not only won Best Male Artist but also stole the show as regards the best host and performer of the night. Spragga Benz showed his versatility by hosting, dj-ing, collaborating, toasting, you guess it, and he did it!!!

The crowd was vibrant and the vibe was absolutely live and then it came to the award for Best Newcomer which went to Erupt. Erupt performed for 15 mins straight and when he ended his performance with ‘Click my Finger’, the audience was left screaming out for more. Then, came the award for Best Female artist handed to Cherine Anderson who has just recently collaborated with pop sensation Britney Spears. Cherine tore the stage as usual and linked up with CUMA host Spragga Benz for a collaborative performance which will go down in the UMA’s books as one of the best I have seen.

Next up, Spragga took the stage to announce the winner of the Outstanding Achievement Award for 2008 and Best International Artist with the award going to the Doctor, Beenie Man. Beenie Man got on stage and said “The UMA’s is a well respected awards ceremony in the US, UK and other countries worldwide and he feels proud to be honored and happy the UMA’s has decided to launch in Jamaica and in the Caribbean as a whole”.

Reggae label Greensleeves Records & Publishing announced that it just signed reggae-dancehall sensations Busy Signal and reggae singer Gyptian, and hit-makers Shane “Jukeboxx” Brown and Llamar “Riff Raff” Brown (no relation) who are currently dominating the reggae and dancehall charts worldwide.

Hot dancehall artist Busy Signal has signed off a multiple album and publishing deal t this week. The hype dancehall artist, enjoying huge chart success worldwide with his current hits “Jail” and “Wine Pon Di Edge” made his indelible mark in dancehall with his breakout single, the anthem Step Out in 2005. He subsequently released his debut album of the same title on Greensleeves Records in 2006. This latest deal was brokered by his manager and producer Shane C. Brown of Juke Boxx Productions who is currently working with him on his forthcoming album due for release in 2008 on Greensleeves Records. Busy Signal commented on the deal: “I am happy to put out my next album on Greensleeves and to know that a company is going to look after my publishing interests worldwide”.

Reggae singer Gyptian also signed a publishing agreement with Greensleeves Publishing’s American affiliate STB Music. Gyptian broke through with his debut album My Name Is Gyptian released by VP Records in 2006 and which contained the hit singles “Mama”, “Serious Times” and “Beautiful Lady”. Gyptian is slated to release his new album I Can Feel Your Pain on VP Records this summer.

It is evident that Jamaica's dancehall artiste Mavado's career has been facing a chain of mix-reactions ("good & bad"). But this time around it's 100% good news as the Gangsta was listed as "Best New Reggae Artiste" on Rolling Stone Magazine list of “The 125 Plus People, Places and Things Ruling The Rock and Roll Universe.”

According to EVAN SERPICK (Associate Editor), "If you think reggae died with Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, think again. Jamaica's latest star, Mavado, combines hip-hop-influenced beats with ominous minor-key vocals about street life and salvation. "I started singing when I was four or five years old, and people always wanted me to sing more," says Mavado, who grew up in Cassava Piece, a rough dirt-road section of Kingston.

By Kon-Vick
OutAroad.com Writer

It was obvious from the second I met April Jackson in the parking lot at Market Place, St. Andrew, why she won the coveted Ms. Jamaica Universe title two Saturdays ago at the National Indoor Sports Centre. She sported a warm smile and a jubilant vibe, and her eloquence speaks volume against persons who brand beauty pageant entrants as ‘pretty dunce.’

She arrived at the scheduled interview with members of her family, including her ever-supportive father who stormed the stage when she was announced the winner. In the judges mind April stood out most among the twenty-five (25) contestants. Her beauty is striking and her articulation flawless.

However, April is no stranger to the limelight as she was the winner of the Ms. Jamaica UK Pageant 2006. Nevertheless, as we sat to have a drink she was keen to point out that the two pageants are not the same. They both give her the opportunity to represent Jamaica, however, one more internationally than the other.

Like any living human, April was thrilled at winning the competition and even shared kind words with those who thought she was not the correct option.

“I totally appreciate that a lot of persons considered Doneika Plowright as their favourite. She is a nice person and I knew of this from the one month we spent together preparing for this competition. I am more than willing to gain the respect of those who did not consider me their winner.” She then went on to justify the judges’ decision: “The judges have seen us on a more intimate level than the audience therefore they are more equipped to make the final decision,” she told OutAroad.com.

By Crazy Katty
OutAroad.com Writer

Grammy award nominated R&B sensation Keyshia Cole gave a stunning performance at last weekend’s Miss Jamaica Universe 2008 pageant staged at the National Indoor Sports Centre, Kingston.

The moment the R&B beauty took to the stage those in the VIP area had their status taken over by other zealous fans who bombarded the same. Several of the patrons who held regular tickets flocked to the front of stage leaving those in VIP with the sole option of standing on their seats in order to see Keyshia Cole’s live performance.

Keyshia Cole performed with a live band, and her dancer added glitz to her wonderful performance. The harmony from her two back up singers was nothing short of breathtaking. She did all her hits that her fans came to hear such as, ‘I Changed My Mind’, ‘Just Like You’, ‘Shoulda Let You Go’, ‘I Remember’, ‘Give It Up’ and ‘Last Night’. But when Keyshia Cole sang the first few words to introduce the song ‘Love,’ the patrons went haywire. Their reaction was so loud that it drowned out Keyshia Cole’s vocals. The audience performed the song for her as she just sang along to keep them on track.

The beautiful 18-year-old April Jackson was crowned Miss Jamaica Universe 2008.

By Crazy Katty
OutAroad.com Writer

Mixed emotions ripped through the National Indoors Centre last Saturday night at the prestigious Miss Jamaica Universe 2008 when the judges announced Doneika Plowright as the first runner-up. When Ms. Plowright, who was the crowd’s favourite, was no longer in the position of going home with the crown tension brewed in the audience, especially after April Jackson was handed the crown by last years’ winner Zara Redwood.

The ever present Eurocentric and Afro-centric look again played on the emotions of the crowd, many of whom was biased towards the contestants they believed look more like a typical Jamaican woman.

With hostility lingering in the air, the OutAroad.com team decided to get the opinion of some of the patrons.

According to Yvette, an avid fan of the competition: “mi did want the girl with the afro (Doneika Plowright) to win because it would be fitting for Zara Redwood to hand over the crown to her because she looks more like a Jamaican.” The angry patron went on to say, “Everytime a some long hair girl them give the crown,” she told OutAroad.com.

Will Receive $10m in prizes - Brand New BMW, $1m in Cash

A new Miss Jamaica Universe will be crowned this Saturday, as Jamaica prepares to compete once again for the Miss Universe title. The new queen will receive unprecedented riches, worth over $10 million, including a brand new BMW 120i motorcar (valued at just under $6 million), $1,000,000.00 in cash, a one month trip to Vietnam for Miss Universe, the Miss Jamaica Universe wardrobe and several other gifts and prizes. Naturally, one of the 25 finalists, widely regarded as some of the most beautiful contestants in many years, will also win the priceless crown and title of Miss Jamaica Universe 2008. This is undoubtedly the best prize package in the history of local beauty pageants. Most importantly however, is the fact that the new Queen will have the honour of representing Jamaica at the Miss Universe pageant.

Jamaicans are in for a special treat at this weekend’s Grand Coronation show, as Keyshia Cole, the multi platinum, #1 hit making, hip hop / r&b crooner will perform several of her hits live at the event, backed by her band, complete with back-up singers, dancers and the works. The event takes place at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston and features spectacular costumes, gowns, choreography, dance and a 100 foot stage and set certain to please beauty pageant fans. Finalists have been in rehearsals for the past several weeks and are more than prepared for their big night, come Saturday.