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  • Virginia Reggae Awards Performance Lineup

    Virginia Reggae Awards Performance Lineup

    We are excited to present the host’s and lineup and venue for the second annual Virginia Reggae awards. We know that you will be just as excited as we are.

    V.R.A’s performance lineup.

    We are excited to present the host’s and lineup and venue for the second annual Virginia Reggae awards. We know that you will be just as excited as we are.

    Hosts:

    Imeka

    Ras Imeka: Co-host of the Caribbean Connection on 91.1 fm, she can be heard each sunday, adding her experiences to the show.

    Katt

    Katt: Dancehall diva, promoter and dancer are a few titles used to describe this Co-host of the V.R.A’s.

    Performers:

    ras attitude

    Ras Attitude: Internationally known and locally grown Ras Attitudes performances are unforgettable. Five albums, numerous contributions to various albums and piles of singles laced with positive vibrations, is, (and should be) enough reason for you to witness his performance.

    united souls

    United Souls: United Souls announces that they want you to "Come and catch the movement" . A movement with over twenty years experience and dedication to playing good music.

    israel

    Israel: Introduced at Home Grown 2 in 2008, Israel’s music is real and gives reason to think that the future of reggae music coming from our area looks positive.

    steve

    Steve Martinez: A native of native of Hampton Roads and long time performer on the Virginia Reggae scene, Steve has fronted for other bands in the past and has certainly sharpened his skills.

    session rockers

    Session Rockers featuring King Cephas:  They totally rocked last year’s V.R.A’s and returns this time with a new front man; King Cephas. King Cephas’ latest album, return of the King is a candidate for it’s production works, done right here in Virginia.

    I-ancient

    I- Ancient: A modern roots man and refreshing touch. I-Ancient adds his signature style to reggae music.

    The Itations: While they are one of the new bands on the circuit, once you have witness them live you will notice that you are listening to seasoned and serious musicians.

    JahGgub: Drums represent the heart beat of our music and the V.R.A’s will open with a congo drumming session by JahGgub.

    Babylon Conqueror: No session is quite complete until the selecta or sound system spin some tunes.

    ***Award presentations: Last awards season (08) nominees were presented with their awards in private ceremonies. This year all nominees and the eventual winners will be presented their awards on 16th May 09.***

    Venue:

    The Virginia Reggae awards will be held at MP Island Cafe in Virginia Beach.

    Thank you:

    Thanks to each of you for your time and energy used to guarantee a successful event. Without you our hills would seem like mountains.

  • R.I.P Skele

    R.I.P Skele

    Our Condolences to your family and friends
    Help Skele’s Body get home please. Make your Donations

    Our Condolences to your family and friends

    Help Skele’s Body get home please. Make your Donations at any
    Wachovia Bank:
    Mp Island Cafe Inc
    Nicholas Hopewood
    Thank You

  • The 2009 Virginia Reggae Awards Nominees

    We must first thank you for participating in phase one of the V.R.A’s, but it’s not over as yet. Unlike part one (1) where you could vote as much as possible, this time around you will only be allowed to vote once per computer / per day. We hope that you continue to support your Virginia based talents. Now let us all congratulate the ones who have made it to round two.
    The Nominees are:

    Promoter’s Award

    Island Girl Mix (IGM), Lion Heart promotions, Humble Ark

    Producer’s Award

    Sleepy Wonder – Jah Will Be There, Fidelity Recording – Change the World, Tuff Lion – Coming of the King

    Sound System Award

    Elegance, Dj Cool Mo, Love People

    Va. Reggae Ambassador Award

    Lady Cham, Ed Dred, Bad Joe

    Favorite Song Award

    Futuristic – That One, Sleepy Wonder – Radio Retaliation, Nubian – Number One Girl

    Favorite Album Award

    SOJA – Stars and Stripes, Tuff Lion – Ten Strings, Abbey Kyat – ‘Bouk Time

    Favorite band Award

    United Souls, Session Rockers, The Prisoners

    Media award

    Caribbean Shake Down w/ Badjoe, Slam Video Magazine, The Movement w/ Jersey Goodas and Quick Draw

    New Artist Award

    Nubian, I Ancient, Emperor Soundz

    Favorite Artist Award

    Ras Attitude, Sleepy Wonder, Tuff Lion

    We want YOU to perform at the V.R.A’s!!!

    Performances at Virginia Reggae awards are voluntary an non paying, (the ceremony is free and open to all ages). We encourage you to volunteer as one of the following:

    Performer (band or individual).

    Award presenter.

    Host / co host.

    Note: The Virginia Reggae award is a family friendly event.
    We thank those persons who have already volunteered their services.

  • January Happenings

    We greet you with love and reggae music. A lot is happening and we are sure you are in the swing of things already for 2009.

    On 19th January, we will be remembering and celebrating the birthday and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. His actual birthday is 15th January.

    One day later on 20th January we will witness President Barack Hussein Obama being sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America. He is the first African American to hold the office of the presidency.

    Virginia Reggae artist ON DA MOVE and Doing TINGS

    Sleepy Wonder is set to release his new album called INJUSTICE. The album features acts such as BOBO GENERAL, BRANDI EDWARDS, P RUGER, JIGGY JEX and KAO

    You can check out Reggae blues artist, Corey Harris at the Attucks Theatre on 21st March 2009. Also look out for his soon to be released album produced by Stable Roots.

    Natures Child is nominated in the world music category of the Portfolio music awards.

    REMEMBER to vote, vote, vote for these Virginia Reggae acts and others in the Virginia Reggae Awards @ virginiareggaeawards.com

    In other News:

    WIU next monthly meeting is Saturday January 24th, 2009.  This is not a potluck meeting.  Everyone is asked to attend and to be on time.  Meeting starts 7:15 PM sharp.

    Big people Dance “Reggae Revival” Sponsored by Revival, Montego’s, Tee’s Auto and Jah is on, Sat 17th Jan. 09 @ Uptop Restaurant & Lounge 3112 High St Portsmouth Va.

    Fyamedia.com : For great designs at reasonable prices.

  • Happy Holidays

    Happy Holidays to all of you from us at VirginiaReggae.com. We trust that your expereinces in 2008 were rewarding! We wish you the best in 2009. A special thank you to all who took time to support our efforts. We truely appreciate you. Please continue to support those or events that elevates our communities and our personnal lives.

    Happy Holidays to all of you from us at VirginiaReggae.com. We trust that your expereinces in 2008 were rewarding! We wish you the best in 2009. A special thank you to all who took time to support our efforts. We truely appreciate you. Please continue to support those or events that elevates our communities and our personnal lives.

    At this very moment the Virginia Reggae awards are in progress and hope that each of you will take some time to participate in the only award show where Virginia Reggae acts are honored for their works.

    Once again we thank you for your time and energy.

    From the Staff of Virginia Reggae

    On a diffrent note: Homelessness!!!

    This holiday season, I would like you to remember those less fortunate than ourselves. At this very moment some members of our human family are without homes, food to eat or even clothes to wear.

    Starting 25th December 2008, I will attempt to bring a little more attention to the homeless situation all around us by running! I am not a professional runner but homelessness is one of those things that affect me deeply.

    My intent is run seven (7) marathons in seven (7) days, one in each of the seven (7) cities that make up Hampton Roads (My current home town). Some of you may have already seen me running with a sign on my clothing that says milesforthehomeless.com (see website and video). For those who may encounter me on the roads, please look out for my safety as I will be doing this alone. I am always open for a running partner to help me make it.

    Pray for my feet (ha, ha, ha) but most of all, please, please remember the HOMELESS!

    What do I need from you?
    Any contribution you make to one of the sites listed at www.milesforthehomeless.com would do plenty to assist the homeless. There are countless people helping the homeless that may not be listed on milesforthehomeless.com, please send us the link after you make a contribution to them!

     

    Thanks for helping the homeless!

    • Wed. 25th Dec. 08 – Newport News
    • Thu. 26th Dec. 08 – Hampton
    • Fri. 27th Dec. 08 – Suffolk
    • Sat. 28th Dec. 08 – Norfolk
    • Sun. 29th Dec. 08 – Portsmouth
    • Mon. 30th Dec. 08 – Chesapeake
    • Tue. 31st Dec. 08 – Virginia Beach

    I will try my best to start all runs at 6 am.

    Signed: Reggae Runner

  • 2nd Annual Virginia Reggae Awards

    It’s time for the 2nd annual Virginia Reggae Awards. We would like to thank everyone who participated last year and we hope you will also take part this year.

    It’s time for the 2nd annual Virginia Reggae Awards. We would like to thank everyone who participated last year and we hope you will also take part this year.

    Today, November 23, 2008, we official started the process, which is two parts. The Nomination process is on the way right now, so please visit virginiareggaeawards.com to submit names for each category. Remember only those who receive the most nomination will move on to part two.

    We received a lot of nominations last year, which helped us compile a list of individuals. So check the box of your choices or add their names if they are not on the list.

    We wish you the best

    For more info virginiareggaeawards.com

  • Betta than Newz

    Hail up Va. It is good to talk to you again. Here is what we have heard. I.G.M. will be hosting the premier of a movie called “What Goes Around” known on the streets as WGA.

    Hail up Va. It is good to talk to you again. Here is what we have heard. I.G.M. will be hosting the premier of a movie called "What Goes Around" known on the streets as WGA. The movie has appearances by well known dancehall artists an dancers! I.G.M. always daring to be unique! Here is the information you will need to check out what these sisters at I.G.M. are doing.
    Saturday December 13, 2008
    @  5:30PM 
Cinema Cafe
    758 Independence Blvd. 
Virginia Beach, Va. 23451
    FOR MORE INFO: IGM
 757-639-1214

    Here is the trailer for WGA

    Dancehall artist Futuristic has added another chapter to the book of songs about Barrack Obama. The song is called "That One". If you are up on what’s happening politically, then you already know what this song is about. What you have to do now is, see the video "That One". The song is humorous and yet quite serious on what’s happening in American politics.
    PS: Even a Va. Beach politician got a taste of Futuristic on this one.

    Be on the look out for albums from Session Rockers and Sons of Thunder.

    Just incase we forgot to mention it. There is a new Reggae band around town called "Itations". You should book them for your next event.

    N.A.T.T.Y. Garments is taking it to the club once again. Check out the gear on display and for sale at M.P. Island Cafe on Saturday nights.

    The Virginia Reggae Awards selection process kicks off on 16th November 2008 (Sunday)! Once again we will be asking for your assistance. There is a noticeable change in the this time around. Below is the 2nd Annual Virginia Reggae Awards process schedule.

    Submission of names start on 16th November 2008(Sunday) and ends on 31st January 2009 (Saturday).
    Nominees will be announced on 2nd February 2009 (Monday).
    Voting will begin on the same day the nominations are posted.
    Voting will end on 15th May 2009 (Friday).
    The 2nd Virginia Reggae Awards presentations will be held 16th May 2009 (Saturday).

    More detailed information will be posted at www.Virginiareggaeawards.com and myspace.com/virginiareggaeawards

    Well that’s what we heard while we were out and about. What did you hear?

    PS: Please remind your friends that we will be hosting our monthly fist sundays on the 2nd of November (Sunday). First sundays features top roots an culture sounds! Please check the calendar.

    !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Mek Sure You Vote!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Coronation Day/ Election day ilabration!

    Coronation Day/ Election day ilabration!

    2nd November 2008 (Sunday), we will be celebrating seventy eight years since H.I.M was crowned. That moment came at a time when we as a people were struggling with colonialism amongst other things. That was a spring board moment in our history

    corotation

    2nd November 2008 (Sunday), we will be celebrating seventy eight years since H.I.M was crowned. That moment came at a time when we as a people were struggling with colonialism amongst other things. That was a spring board moment in our history.

    The image of King and Queen, Rasta being crowned, has given many of us something to be proud of. While we did not witness it personally, the images of that day has served us well. We have to give thanks for the people who recorded that prestigious event. Today we are fortunate to live at a time when we can witness another event which can serve as another spring board.

    Two days after Coronation day, we get a chance to do something, that we and our future generations can use as another spring board.
    We will be celebrating both events with a Roots & Culture Reggae Session at Tonics in Va Beach. There will be a live performance by one of the areas hardest working new artist, Bukwi. Bukwi have a great song formated to celebrate what many hope will be the changes we need in these times.

    Music starts at 8 p.m sharp with Black StarlineR (R for Rasta) and friends (KP of Fulleroots and Culture Lion of Lion Tribe sounds). We would like to celebrate with you on sunday, 2nd Nov 08. Bring di image wid you, a flag, wear di t shirt or whateva. Bring di image iya!

  • Broken Community!  Come we fix it!

    Broken Community! Come we fix it!

    We have already taken the first step towards solving the issue. You may be wondering how we stomped this hurdle so fast, well this is what we have done. We have collectively acknowledged that their is a tear in the community.

    sewing

    We have already taken the first step towards solving the issue. You may be wondering how we stomped this hurdle so fast, well this is what we have done. We have collectively acknowledged that their is a tear in the community.

    Dat dun!

    The next step is the easiest hurdle to step over. We should at this very moment take individual responsibility for not fostering the environment that would have prevented the fracture.
    Each of us, at some time or another have inserted some of the venomous issues that keeps us torn.
    At the moment we inserted our brand of poison, it may have seemed like nothing (to us) at that moment or some how it was justified as the correct thing to do, but it was just enough to make the rip bigger.

    Dig this!

    Let us use one aspect of our music as an example.
    When we play music that encourages us to hate those that hate us, we are already planting seeds of ill towards each other. The ugly words embedded with lovely beat does not simply float into one ear and out the next. It connects on some level, no matter how miniscule may at some time make itself known.

    Our music should reflect the best of us, our achievements, our future goals, the beauty of our people, inside and out. It should offer us solutions to our daily struggles. It should not degrade or belittle any of us in anyway shape or form. Music is a common bond and can be used to unite us as one.
    If there was a change in the music we endorse, there would be a change in our attitudes toward each other.
    Ok, so we have offered one likkle solution or one stitch to help sew up the whole piece ah fabric. What other solution do you offer? Pick up di neegle and mek a stitch!

  • I Grade is di Highest Grade

    The summer Reggae tours are over, so now it is time for the fall shows! On Monday (29th Sept 08), we experienced the I Grade show case. What a treat! The mother of the tour: Mada Nile was enough to warrant us calling this show extremely exciting!

    The summer Reggae tours are over, so now it is time for the fall shows! On Monday (29th Sept 08), we experienced the I Grade show case. What a treat! The mother of the tour: Mada Nile was enough to warrant us calling this show extremely exciting! We feel comfortable saying, that anyone who missed it missed something special! We won’t rub it in but, this is one lioness you have to experience live!

    This is not to say that the other artist were not as great, because, if you were there, you would know that we would be doing an injustice to even imply such a thing. NiyoRah, Abja, Danny I and Virginia’s own Tuff Lion were simply magnificent. As Tuff stated during his set,” this may be a comedy club, but there is nothing funny here tonite”. Cozzys is a comedy club in Newport News (thanks for allowing this show to happen at such short notice, 4 days to be exact). Black Culture (another Virginia based artist) was invited to render a song. His performance was remarkable!

    Before these artists graced the stage, with their uplifting and powerful performances, the path was smoothed over by an opening band called the Prisoners. The Prisoners are a home grown reggae band, and we all know that Home Grown productions, be it food or music is of the highest quality! When the time permits, we invite you to go and check out the Prisoners! Look out for them in our next Home Grown mix on Virginia Reggae Radio.
    Resident sound system Black StarlineR (di R fi Rasta) provided the early and intermission music.

    PS: If you are a D.J, radio personality, selector or someone looking for something fresh and relevant to these times please go out and pick up one of these above artist albums. We assure you that you will not be disappointed, because I Grade is di Highest Grade, right ya now!

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