By Kon-Vick
OutAroad.com Writer

This is the second of a two-part interview with Ward 21

Dah one yah name bloodstain / p.syh..e diss mi copper fall like rain …” - taken from Ward 21’s Bloodstain on the Bellyas Rhythm.

As we continue our chat with Ward 21, we probe the issue of violence in the dancehall and try to get an idea of their stance on the issue. The crew members were undoubtedly keen to discuss the issue of violence in dancehall music. They made comparisons to other genres and also the movies, which they say contain graphic images that are played out in front of the viewer. Nevertheless, they had to acknowledge the power of the music.

Their stance on the issue is interesting as they noted that the sole perpetrators are not the artistes as other persons are also responsible for the ‘blood thirsty’ lyrics that now command our airwaves and the dancehall.

“Artistes do good positive songs that never see the light of day so we can argue that the media is also to be blamed. The media don’t get the blame though because it is easier to point fingers at the artistes,” reasoned the members.

By Kon-Vick
OutAroad.com Writer

This is the first of a two-part interview with Ward 21

Ward 21 is a rounded musical force to be reckoned with. The four talented young men, Mark ‘Mean Dog’ Henry, Andre ‘Suku’ Gray, Ranaldo ‘Rumblood’ Evans and Kunley McCarthy, are like a volcano waiting to erupt, and they have been brewing from 1998. All emerged from the inner city community of Waterhouse in Jamaica and took the musical scene with a slew of hits including Judgment Day, Melody of War, Haters, and Bloodstain.

The blend of talent within the group is usual, especially in the dancehall circle. Ward 21 consist four creative, lyrical and multi-talented individuals, who are versatile musicians, engineers, sound system operators and producers.

When one talk about Ward 21, the idea of creativity, originality and innovative comes to mind. The young men are able to fuse dancehall with the various genres without diluting the foundation of their product - dancehall. According to Suku, it is something that comes naturally.

“It happens naturally. We listen to all genres of music and tend not to stray from the root, which is dancehall. We might pinch ideas from different genres and beats, but we still keep the dancehall vibes,” he said as Mean Dog nodded in agreement.

Planet Reggae always finds room for a great roots vocalist, and BE PREPARED, JAMELODY’s 15 track VP Records debut CD, showcases a rare voice---soulful, gritty, with echoes of Dennis Brown and Garnet Silk, as well as Stevie Wonder. But JAMELODY is clearly his own man, and he sings not just for one audience, but for the whole world.

Whether working out over BE PREPARED’s first half - hardcore foundation-style reggae tracks, produced by legendary mixing board master Bobby “Digital” Dixon or the CD’s “New Roots” rock/pop/R&B hybrids, orchestrated by Carl James, this genre-busting talent is a sure shot for international stardom.

The beguiling Digital-B-produced tune “Give Thanks” along with BE PREPARED’s title track, a roots-rocking hit-in-the-making that vibrates with JAMELODY’s serpentine vocal, announces to listeners exactly what this breakout talent is all about a New Roots messenger blending classic reggae with contemporary R&B, rock, and pop in order to reinvigorate reggae’s vintage call for “truth, rights, justice, and One Love.

By Kon-Vick
OutAroad.com Writer

DJ Smurf has graduated from clashing with cassettes during his school days to becoming a household name. While many consider that a positive move, DJ Smurf is on the move again as he prepares himself for yet another challenge. The IRIE FM disc jock whose radio shows includes Mix to the Max (10am - 2pm on Saturdays) - Night Beat (11pm - 3am on Mondays). Smurf also occasionally fills in on prime time Saturday whenever he is requested to do so.

Smurf, whose real name is Errol Stewart, describes himself as a family man, who is married and labels himself a proud father.

While Smurf undoubtedly enjoys his stint on the radio, he was quick to point out that nothing makes him feel better than playing in front of a live audience. “When I am playing out to a live audience I can see how people react to the music. When I am in the studio I have to imagine that I am playing for a live audience,” DJ Smurf outlined in a recent interview with OutAroad.com

Born Delyno Brown in the US Virgin Islands, Pressure was exposed to music at a young age due to his father being a member of a popular local band. He started playing drums and trumpet at age 9, but it wasn't until age 12 that he developed a passion for singing. Pressure linked with the talented Dean Pond and Eno Stafford of Studio 340. Together they produced and released his debut album, The Pressure Is On, on the Tsuni Records label. With hit tunes on the album such as Zion Is Home, No Limitation and Light In You, it is no surprise that he garnered the attention of internationally renowned producer, Don Corleon. Corleon received his copy from Pond. Corleon admits wholeheartedly that he "kept listening to the CD" and he put his best foot forwards and got in contact with Pressure.

By: Kon-Vick
OutAroad.com Writer

Dayne Edwards is a fresh addition to the plethora of music producers popping up all over the globe. However, unlike many of them he is not just another producer but an extraordinarily gifted one.

Dayne began taking the whole producing game serious just three years ago and have since formed Dayne Music Group in January of this year. It was obvious that he was not just a wayward producer just from his choice of mentors, a palette that boasted the likes of Sly & Robbie, Timberland, and Daseca. This was further complimented by a selection of inspirational reggae artistes from which Dayne gets the same, the list includes Beres Hammond, Richie Spice, and Chuck Fendah.

During the telephone interview with OutARoad.com, one could sense passion over the airwaves. There was a sense of vibrancy in the voice of the developing producer who is based at Ed Robinson Studio in Brooklyn, New York.

“My work is geared towards roots reggae. It touches me more than anything. I don’t mind the dancehall thing, but I am not too much into the shoot them up thing. I do music people can enjoy and feel good about,” Dayne pointed out. He continued: “Dancehall is just about the youngsters, culture reggae is sitting there waiting for someone to take it beyond the level dancehall is right now.”

By: Kon-Vick
OutAroad.com Writer

Alisha Bramwell is not your typical upcoming artiste. Her stance in the music is not as a hype person, but one who possesses extraordinary vocal talent that can only be derived naturally.

Blessed with the support of her father who is also a singer, Alisha, who performs under the stage name Alibra, has been doing music professionally for the last five years. Like many world-renowned singers Alibra started out in the church. The Old Harbour High School graduate was quick to highlight that for her it was a natural transition in moving from choirgirl into an aspiring top class artiste.

In her five years as a professional Alibra has made some serious strides. She has several top class combinations including one with decorated dancehall artiste Beenie Man, and others with the likes of Chuck Fendah, Tanto Metro, and the legendary Pinchers.

Many Jamaicans may still remember not just her beautiful face but also her captivating vocals from the Tastee Talent Contest in 2000 when she won Best Dress and Star Search at Traxx where she not only won a segment but went on to gain invaluable experience and links. After her segment ended on Traxx, she was immediately waltzed away by producer Mikey Bennett who asked her to do a single.

In music allegiance is as important as a hit song and as far as Dancehall music is concerned The Alliance represents the best opportunity for a young upcoming artist like Morvin Pennant more popularly known as Badd Cash who is now set to step into the big leagues.

At 27 Cash who hails from the Old Harbour community of Water Lane has seen and can attest to the harsh natures of ghetto levity which is primarily fueled by poverty. As a youth he attended the Old Harbour High School this during the mid 1990's where he began creating lyrics and punch-lines before, during and after class. The son of a single mother Cash recalls seeing his father on a few occasions but the bulk on inspiration was always found in the music. "My uncle always use to ask me what tunes were running the dancehall and I could DJ everyone from start to finish for him, that’s were the real passion came from".

An avid fan of Dancehall culture he soon became well acquainted with one of his most inspiring idols yet the five star general Bounty Killer who after learning of his Baby Cash stage name realigned a few letters and came up with Dirty Money. Accepting the name at first the talented DJ later did his own adjustments and after much thought decided on Badd Cash as the two were basically the same.

New York, NY February 12, 2008--Morgan Heritage, one of the most influential reggae bands today, have announced that they are set to release their highly anticipated 10th album MISSION IN PROGRESS on April 15, 2008.

Renowned worldwide for their riveting live shows, Morgan's Heritage's new release captures the band bottling the power of its stage performance on disc and infusing its songs with a heavier dose of hip-hop. Produced by Morgan Heritage (with a few songs helmed by Shane Brown and Stephen McGregor son of reggae singer Freddy McGregor), MISSION IN PROGRESS lyrically finds the group continuing their quest to bolster their love for reggae music through romantic, street-wise and conscious songs built on slabs of spirituality. Musically however, MISSION IN PROGRESS is the realization of Morgan Heritage’s “ROCKAZ” concept: reggae music with an edge.

"I think this record is the most aggressive one that we've ever done both musically and personally," says vocalist/keyboardist Una Morgan. "A lot of our inner feelings from growing up in the industry and the experiences that we've had touring the world, specifically in Africa, are reflected here and served as the inspiration for this album.”

By: Icey Jace
OutAroad.com Writer

Known for his mainstream hit single "Kingston Town", Italian born Reggae Singer / Songwriter / Producer Alborosie is fast becoming the next big reggae superstar out of Jamaica.

Aside from reinventing the vintage rock steady sound as an artist Alborosie has been testing the mainstream market as a producer. He has worked with many successful international acts like Mario, Angie Stone, Les Nubians, Jimmy Cozier and Manu Chao while locally Sizzla, Wayne Marshall, Beenie Man and Voice Mail have all shared in his creative vision.

When Digicel announced their very first Rising Star back in 2004 and gave him a recording contract with Jon Baker of Geejam Records Alborosie was the assigned in house producer / engineer that had Jamaicans swaying to the sounds of Kavan on the single "You Don’t Feel My Pain". Speaking with OutAroad.com about his own career as an artist as well as his debut solo album "Soul Pirate" Alborosie is finally in town, Kingston Town to be specific.

OutAroad.com:
Your Single, Kingston Town was a huge hit, what influenced that single and who produced the track?

Alborosie:
"Well I produced the track, I'm a musician and an engineer - I wanted to actually describe Kingston from a different point of view, not the everyday killing and ting so I used a-long-time old school punch line and give it a nice vintage flow. It was simple but effective and Kingston Town ended up being the biggest tune in Europe for 2007".

DJ and songwriter, Patriot, was born Denver Williams on March 24, 1968, in Runaway Bay, St. Ann, Jamaica. He attended St. Anns Bay Primary School, where his love for songwriting and DJing began. When Patriot was 16, he migrated to the United States, where he and his family settled in Brooklyn, NY. While attending Brooklyn High School, he ran track and field. By age seventeen, Patriot was running the 100 meters in 10 seconds. Soon he was training for the Olympics, and showcasing his great athletic talent to the many college scouts and coaches who came to see him. Then, during what should have been a truly joyous and exciting time, the unthinkable happened: Patriot lost his sight.

Here he was a teenager dealing simultaneously with the permanent loss of his sight and new fatherhood, in a land that was not his native home. Drawing from the same spirit that made him an exceptional athlete, Patriot fought off self-pity and found strength and comfort in his Rastafarian faith. He also drew upon the courage and wisdom of Ethiopian Emperor, Haile Selassie I. Most importantly, the birth of his son Jahmal gave him a deep sense of purpose and many new challenges. From making Jahmals porridge, to building him snowmen in the park, to teaching him to ride his bicycle, Patriot found his greatest joy in caring for his son.

By: Ralston Barrett

International Reggae artist Imanuel Walsh has been making strides locally with the release of his current single "Revolution". The song which is from his latest album "Deep Within" also features rising Deejay UT Ras and has been receiving a lot of airplay both locally and abroad. The accompanying video for "Revolution" has also received much attention on local television stations and has climbed to the top of several local video charts. "Deep Within" is available in Jamaica through In Di Streets distribution and in America through Ernie B's Reggae. However "Deep Within" will be released in Japan on January 16, 2008 by Deaiki Sound Company, under a joint venture distribution agreement between Imanuel's Jah Seh So Imprint and Deaiki Sound Company. Following the release of the album Imanuel will embark on a tour of Japan starting on February 15th. A documentary about Imanuel's life and the making of "Deep Within" was released in Japan on the 19th of November, as a part of the promotion for "Deep Within".

A star has risen. Christopher Martin, the talented singer/performer from Back Pasture in St. Catherine who shot to instant fame and recognition shortly after winning the coveted Digicel Rising Stars title in 2005, is fast becoming one of the most sought after performers on the Jamaican music landscape.

With a slate of singles permeating radio and the Jamaican music charts including Giving It and Jamaican Girls, Christopher created history when he became the first Digicel Rising Stars alumni to score a hit single on any chart in Jamaica.

Tessanne is the fresh soulful voice of a new generation of Jamaican musical talent. Her sultry fusion of Dancehall and Reggae with a edgy rock riffs mixed with the honest, heart felt and conscious lyrics she pens herself create a musical style that is uniquely her own. Her exceptional vocal talent and her exotic looks - mix of Chinese, Caucasian, Cherokee Indian and African heritage give her unmistakable stage appeal.

At the age of 22, Tessanne has already opened on stage for such musical greats as Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight, Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack, Atlantic Star and Boys II Men. She also toured the world as a backup singer with the Reggae Legend Jimmy Cliff for three years. It was during that time that her love for the road, music and the stage was sealed. With blockbuster songs such as Hideaway, Tessanne is still giving us hit after hit. She recently finished shooting the video for her latest track Black Books.

"I always knew that I was gonna end up singing or have something to do with music, but touring gave me a chance to really test the waters, to know my limits…more than anything, it just fired me up even more to get out there and want to do my own tour" revealed Tessanne.

By the age of 15 Daddy Turbo was DJing at school dances and youth clubs. After leaving school he spent a year studying music. Despite pursuing a football career, becoming an apprentice for Colchester United, Daddy Turbo kept his passion for music alive by playing at underground Reggae party's and buying records in London.

In the 1990s he was offered a media course with CSV Media and was than given a slot at ICR FM presenting a Reggae & Dance hall show which ran for 3 years. A change in the management and music policy at the station lead to Daddy Turbo leaving and starting Ipswich's first 24 hour underground station called Vibes FM, re launching as Flex Fm. Daddy Turbo has been in the business for 25 years and has become well known within the reggae industry in both the UK and overseas, especially Jamaica which he visited for the second time in 2006 where he met with top artists and producers. When asked the question "what has been the highlight of your career so far?" he replied "playing in front of a Jamaican crowd in Montego Bay". He currently hosts the Thursday night Reggae & Dancehall Link up Show from 7pm till 9pm . Log on to www.icrfm.co.uk for more details and he also has a Sunday Radio show 4pm till 6pm UK time on BBC Radio Suffolk .

YES YES its Daddy Turbo blazin' a fire with the hottest Dancehall Reggae tunes! Every Thursday 7pm till 9pm on www.icrfm.co.uk

In music having a credible connect with a solid reputation in the industry can be the determining factor of who gets a shot at a successful career and who gets left behind, it’s that simple.

Music is highly competitive and raw talent alone won’t get you through many doors. So when an artist is cosigned (given stat quo) by a superstar producer or A&R the industry naturally reacts with their undivided attention. Recently internationally acclaimed dancehall producer Cordell “Scatta” Burrell the man responsible for Nina Sky’s break out hit single “Move Your Body”, as well as Aidonia and the successful Inevitable riddim. Will now help to guide the talented and positive singer Di-Shaw. Why? Simply because Mendanzo “Di-Shaw” McKoy can deliver, he’s that one artist that slipped under the radar but was never gone. Now back with a massive 150 song catalog Di-Shaw is gearing up to release a wave of music in Jamaica. Though seemingly unknown to most Di-Shaw has been doing his rounds for some years as a recording artist. He’s worked with the veteran Beenie Man, the melodic Luckie D, and the soulful Junior Kelly as well as R&B producers The Alarm Squad.

By: Icey Jace

Not many young recording artists nowadays have a heritage of music rooted in their youth. Many over time develop an understanding of the craft and set out to master the art form to the best of their ability, but in the minority is a chosen few who has been blessed with musical genes that allow them to effortlessly construct lyrics and commandingly deliver single after single. One such artist goes by the stage name Lando. Notably short in stature Lando is big in voice and is reminiscent of a General in Training, with his tactical and methodical approach to music.

Currently under the management of Solid Agency Lando is among the new brass of DJ’s pushing for 2007 credits. Already a feature on several FULLY LOADED stages Lando has been doing his rounds at major events like the recently staged ATI Appleton Live Concert @ waves Negril where he got great crowd response from the mostly tourist filled venue. Cognizant of what mainstream dancehall requires Lando has broken ground with a pulsating new single entitled Step Inna Di Club which is currently being distributed in the street of Kingston. While on assignment at Solid Agency OutAroad.com spoke with the budding STAR.

OutAroad.com
How did you become an artist of Solid Agency?

LANDO
“Well how I got started out with Solid Agency, I have a friend that me and him attended the same primary school and them call him Roach who is the PR in Solid Agency who book show for artists, so a really him mi link up with and from mi link up with Roach the whole thing just connect ”.

By: Christopher “Icey Jace” Campbell
OutARoad.com Writer

He’s back; the man with the most creative flow, most rugged lyrics, most sensational vocal sound effects, from a heavy Bukam shotgun to the hovering helicopter reenactment Aidonia: has it all pat. Though seemingly quiet for some months Mr. “No Nonsense, No Chat, No Pree, No Cree, No Violation, No Explanation, Non Stop Run Dat” is packing even heavier punches for 2007 with his new catalog of hit singles. After giving great performances at Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest & the ATI Appleton Live Concert Aidonia has his sights set on embracing the international market. He swears that his new image & swagger is a deliberate move to raise the level of his infinite lyrical potential. As leader of the J.O.P movement Aidonia is forging ahead with his eye on the bigger picture. OutARoad.com: got the details of what’s been up with the Solid Agency managed DJ and also find out a little about Sheldon Lawrence, the man before Aidonia. Check it out

OutARoad.com:
Aidonia how was the summer for you?

Aidonia:
“Well it was good, we spent it mostly traveling cause seeing that we got the break like few years now we got a lot of shows booked for the summer, so like most of the time we deh between the Caribbean & Europe so it was a very progressive summer, whole heap a work was done and then in Jamaica we had big shows like Sumfest, so the best of the summer was there”.

By Christopher “Icey Jace” Campbell

Being beautiful will no doubt garner a person some amount of attention, but when that beauty is complimented by intelligence, talent and humility sooner or later that person will become irresistible. So was the case when OutARoad.com went in search of a young dancehall singjay by the name TIFA.

Born Latifa Brown she is regarded by many industry professionals as a diamond waiting to be unearthed. Tifa is currently working with dancehall group Ward 21 and Natural Bridge Records - Tifa who is in her early 20’s is a graduate of the University of the West Indies (UWI) who laments that she has been doing music from a tender age. ”My mother and father were collectors of music; they had shelves and crates of music”.

“Assassin is the one to take dancehall music to an international level and step up on it like I have been doing it, Beenie Man, Shaggy… The girls dem like him, the lyrics he puts together are always top, he chooses good melodies, and he has an image.”

When Jeffrey Campbell first became involved with the music business at the age of 17, he adopted the moniker Assassin for a deliberate reason. Although he never claimed to be a killer per se, the DJ’s energetic, rough-edged vocal style and uncommonly well constructed lyrics allowed him to pick off all competitors with cold-blooded precision. Yet somehow they never see him coming.

Once upon a time, you could go back and forth with another artist lyrically and it would just be about music, and trying to establish dominance on a musical note. But when it starts to become about who is the bigger gangster, then it is not about music anymore. I am an artist. I am not proclaiming to be no bad man. I want to make music. I don’t want to be involved in a situation where me haffi start move like a outlaw, with a million man ’round you all the time. I never got involved in music for that purpose. I wanted to do what I love and contribute positively to the industry.

By: Christopher “Icey Jace” Campbell

Solid Agency, known for its outstanding work in booking, promotions and production has over the years guided the careers of some of dancehalls most prominent recording artists. Wayne Marshall, Movado, Busy Signal & the five star general himself Bounty Killa have all upheld the agencies reputation, but for 2007 and beyond the world can expect some new faces from the camp. One such face will be that of 26 year old MENTAL who has been quite visible performing at several major events like Fully Loaded & the Appleton Live Concert held at waves Negril. Known for his savvy punch lines and deep bassy voice Mental is one step away from seeping into the local mainstreams of dancehall. He is currently heavy in street credits for a slamming girl’s anthem entitled “DIFFERENT”. Having been with solid agency from 2002 Mental has toured the local circuit extensively and has voiced with several credible production companies. A recent visit by OutARoad.com to Solid Agency brought us face to face with the DJ who was in the company of Busy Signal and Payday Producer Kevin, though not planned we had a few Q&A’s for the Unusual.

OutARoad.com
How did you get the name Mental?

MeNTAL:
“Well the name Mental came about from as far as about 1996 when I first started out my musical career. Some of my friends use to see me and say Mental mi love how yuh style yuh flow, yuh different so the name Mental is really of the brain”.

Tessanne Chin1. Who produced your new single, Black Books?

Well Rudy Valentino produced the single along with Paul Kastick. I originally did the song when I was in Mile high and they are actually responsible for the music.

2. What was your inspiration for writing a song like Black Books?

It's a typical breakup song but it was written in stages (hahaha), over a period of time. The inspiration would be, I guess, walking away, with your head up, from a situation that just isn't worth yah crying over anymore and realising that you are "The Bomb", no matter what. hahaha

3. Is it dedicated to anyone in particular?

No.

4. What kind of feedback have you been getting?

Very very good feedback especially from my fans on Myspace, which is just awesome because it is always a little nerve wracking putting out something new.

5. Can we anticipate a music video for the single?

Most definitely, we working on that as we speak, I'm so excited!

From his first major stage appearance at the Nelson Mandela stage show in 1991, Beenie man’s career has been splintered with controversy. Unlike his immediate counterpart, Bounty Killa, The self proclaimed King of the Dancehall has kept his career buoyant during rough times by weaving a hypnotic web of hits and hearsay.

In early 1996, Beenie Man learned accidentally that no publicity was bad publicity when an appearance on the Rupaul Show sparked the biggest Dancehall Melee of the nineties, when he allegedly kissed the show’s host Rupaul, a noted American Transvestite.

This small “mistake” placed Beenie on the American Social radar. The following year in 1997, his album entitled “The Many Moods of Moses” sold gold worldwide.

Lauded by the critics as one of the dancehall genre’s best albums, it placed him on the international entertainment map and on the road to Grammy stardom. This he achieved in 2000 with the album Art&Life, copping the reggae award for that same year.

Stage Name: Latonya “Style”

D.O.B.: July 3, 1985 [Cancer]

Titles: Dancer / Choreographer / Dance Instructor

Characteristics: Creative, Meticulous, Versatile, Amiable

Dance Skills/Styles: Reggae/Dancehall, Hip Hop, African, Modern, Folk, Salsa & Soca

Experience: Over 16 years- dance and choreography (locally and internationally)

Countries Visited: Japan, China, U.S.A., Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico, St. Lucia, Barbados,
Grand Cayman

Goals: To promote dancehall/reggae dancing to the fullest
To travel the world and share cultural experiences
To be a successful entrepreneur in the entertainment industry

# Member of Ashe Academy Performing Arts Group (1994-1998)
# Member of Queens Dance Troupe (Gold medal winners at JCDC Dance Finals) (1992-1996)

Born Christopher Palmer and raised in the Mountain View area of Kingston, Mr. Lex has been performing, as he says "since the day I was born".

A former student at Kingston's (now defunct) Fox Drama School, Mr. Lexx is an accomplished actor who has appeared in several plays and earned a Best Actor award in 1992.

Mr. Lexx also distinguished himself as one of the finest dancers in Jamaica when he joined the popular dance troupe Squad One but for the past seven years he has pursued an extremely promising career as a deejay whose electrifying stage performances are enhanced by his vast experience in dance and theater.

Mr. Lexx has done video collaborations with artistes such as Vegas, Taxi-Fare and Wayne Wonder with CNN, Anything Goes. This VP Recording Artiste has done shows in the Caribbean, United States, Europe and Japan. entertained

There are a million stories in the ghetto. And yet there's only one "Ghetto Story." And like the song says, it's a survival story.

In Jamaica's ultra-competitive music scene, stars are born every day and fade away just as fast. But ever since the mid 1990s, Baby Cham has represented the best of cutting-edge dancehall reggae. His every release seems to bring forth new sounds, new slang, and up-to-the minute ghetto news reports guaranteed to "bust the dance." Spelled with a C (like champagne), Cham should not be confused with any Flipmode Squad affiliate, although he has been known to bust a rhyme from time to time. With his athletic good looks, his booming baritone voice, and a catalog of hits that won't quit, Cham has managed to stay ahead of the times for longer than any other DJ in the game. And with the release of his long-awaited album Ghetto Story, Cham's poised to take dancehall to another level all over again.

Part urban singers and part urbane songstresses, sibling duo Brick&Lace are genre-busters who staunchly defy the 30-second pitch. The amalgamated sound that makes up their Kon Live/180 Ent./Geffen debut, Love Is Wicked, is unique, though also at once very familiar. Born to a Jamaican father and an American mother and raised predominantly in Kingston, Jamaica --on an opulent musical diet of reggae, R&B, hip hop, pop and country -- Nyanda and Nailah Thorbourne couldn’t help but be trans-eclectic. “We are a hybrid,” affirms Nailah in her effortlessly sexy West-Indian lilt. “It’s not fabricated at all; it’s who we are.” Indeed, who they are is evident in their moniker:

By Shakira Fulwood

There are so many beautiful female artistes coming out of the island of Jamaica. Such as Tami Chynn and singing group Brick and Lace gracing pages in international magazines like Vibe and King. Then you have the sexy Kris Kelli gracing various videos throughout the dancehall reggae community, so there is no surprise when the world experiences Miss Tina Nunez, who is also a product of Jamaica's finest.

Tina was born in Kingston, Jamaica to legendary singing sensation Cornell Campbell. Miss T has been singing since the tender age of seven, and has been recording professionally for two years. Tina has been inspired by women in the music industry like Mariah Carey, Sade and dancehall female giant like Lady Saw who has been tearing through airwaves both local and international for many years. This twenty-one year old beauty describes her sound as a combination of pop, R&B, and dancehall.

Born in New Orleans, raised on the isle of Bermuda with intermittent stays in urban Toronto, Colin Harper is not an easy youth to pin down geographically. His musical alter ego Collie Buddz however, is one of the most firmly grounded voices you may ever encounter. Incorporating influences from hip-hop to soca, Collie’s music nevertheless has a rock-solid foundation in reggae - and its power to connect ghetto reality with the highest heights of human aspiration - that is a rarity even in Jamaica.

Born in 1981, at the dawn of the turbulent era signaled by the twin omens of Bob Marley’s passing and Ronald Reagan’s election, Collie was immersed in the sound system culture of Bermuda aka “The Rock” since the age of 6. “I used to come home from primary school and my brother would always be on the turntables, playin his new 45's an' I'd just be there vibesin'.” The evolution of dancehall and sound-clash culture into a movement of it’s own in the late 80s and early 90s set the backdrop for young Collie’s discovery of his own sonic identity, and the dancehall kings of that generation - Buju Banton, Bounty Killer and Beenie Man served as his primary influences. “Back when Beenie and Bounty used to war lyrically, seeing clashes wit’ Kilimanjaro an all the sound-man an’ everyt’ing…the whole music scene for me took on a new meaning. Clash thing an’ lyrical war became a part of my daily life from early out.”