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Allison ” Lady Cham” Champagne was the host of the Caribbean Connection which aired on W.N.S.B @ Nofolk State (91.1FM) each Sunday afternoone. She was also Chief Editor of Westindian Times Magazine, a monthly publication.

Posted by Lady Cham on her Facebook page on August 30, 2013.
Thanking God for the many, many opportunities He gives me in this wonderful life I have lived in Leeds, England, Tallahassee, Florida, Queens, NY, Virginia Beach, VA and NOW I am moving to Atlanta, GA!!! To my friends who keep inviting me out and I cant come its cos I am moving my stuff down slowly and always on the road….. God has spared me and another chapter begins…..September 26th at Montego CaribbeanInc for my farewell Karaoke night!!! Hope to see u there my friends

Allison ” Lady Cham” Champagne was the host of the Caribbean Connection which aired on W.N.S.B @ Nofolk State (91.1FM) each Sunday afternoone. She was also Chief Editor of Westindian Times Magazine, a monthly publication. Lady Cham as she affectinately know kept us abreast of what was happening in the Caribbean and most importantly what was happening in our local community. Her efforts helped the Virginia Caribbean and Reggae Community to grow by leap and bounds. She was our media. While she is physically leaving Virginia her presence will always be with us. We wish her well in all her future endeavors and, if she decides to return to us, we will welcome her with open arms. Your work and time will never be forgotten.

On July 5th, 2013 an epic event took place at Montego’s Caribbean Restaurant on Newtown Road in Virginia Beach VA. A collective effort on behalf of Bigmill Productions and Virginia Reggae brought forth the hottest artists out of Portmore , Jamaica : I-Wayne.

On July 5th, 2013 an epic event took place at Montego’s Caribbean Restaurant on Newtown Road in Virginia Beach VA. A collective effort on behalf of Bigmill Productions and Virginia Reggae brought forth the hottest artists out of Portmore , Jamaica : I-Wayne.

The crowd began gathering at around 10PM. The air was filled with anticipation and joy, knowing that the stage would be graced by a Kingman who sings of positivity, peace, real life events, truth and rights and just overall goodness.

Tunes ah flow, thanks to Seko Blackstarliner and DJ Badjoe, who always know how to appeal to any crowd with roots reggae, dancehall, soca, calypso and overall culture vibes. Kings and Queens in attendance broke bread over great food and drinks and enjoyed the music from both inside Montego’s as well as outside on the patio. The breeze came through just like a blessing.

The announcement was made that I-Wayne had entered the building and less than ½ hour later he graced InI with his ilaful presence. Adorned in Ethiopian colors and a series of beautifully hand-crafted ANKH jewelry (he later told I that they were made from coconut shells), he began to entrance us with both new and old tunes such as Living In Love, Lava Ground, Book of Live, Life Seeds, & Free The People.

I-Wayne truly appealed to all the Queens and Empresses in attendance. He has a way of making ones feel good about being a wombman and encouraged us to be strong Mamas in order to raise a strong nation. He literally serenaded one of the Sistren there and her face told it all! Pure bliss. J

After a non-stop performance lasting over an hour, I-Wayne sealed the night up with Can’t Satisfy Her. This tune made the whole place go wild!!! One of my favorites as well, and he delivered it with passion and fiyah!

I-Wayne heartically accepted offers to take pictures with the ones who came forward to hail him up. He moved humbly through the crowd and displayed a most royal demeanor.

I reasoned with him briefly after the show and he told me that he hadn’t been to VA for about 4 years. I informed him that on behalf of all ones in the 757, he is ALWAYS welcomed to return. InI love his sound, his being and his works. HOTTA vibes a come to Montego’s!!! Lava!!!

Rastafari Love,

Sistah Kerri

Like the old saying goes, there is strength in numbers and clearly the turnout for the 3rd annual festival produced a record breaking number of Reggae Lovers and Peaceful Participants.

Buckroe Beach Fest

Like the old saying goes, there is strength in numbers and clearly the turnout for the 3rd annual festival produced a record breaking number of Reggae Lovers and Peaceful Participants. Organizers brought forward a wide array of artists to pleasure the crowd, activities for the whole family, an abundance of vendors and their efforts to make this one of the largest Festivals yet, did not go unnoticed.

Destined Nation, United Souls, Session Rockers, Machet, Antero, TonaHope , Jahworks, and Culture featuring Kenyatta Hill all blessed up the stage throughout the day long event that was hosted by DJ Quickdraw, who woo’d the crowd between sets, making for great audience participation and smooth transitions.

The bands all brought forth exciting energy, smiles and sweet, sweet music. So much could and should be said about the talent and excellence found within these bands. The love from the crowd was constant and the love for the crowd was emulated. The high energy led to the highly anticipated performance of Kenyatta Hill with Culture.

Though no stranger to VA, having performed in Norfolk and Richmond in the past few years; Kenyatta, the son of Joseph Hill of Culture is nothing short than celebrated by all ages.

The elder Hill had quite a following and his untimely passing left his son to pick up the crown and move forward in his own right. Sounding much like his fathers crooning voice, Kenyatta has brought tears to the eyes of many and delight to the heart of all. Hailing from Jamaica and touring the world, he brought an outstanding ending to a beautiful day.
The day was enjoyable, the vendors were plentiful, the wide variety of food was amazing, the crowd unified and the weather was SUNsational.

Though many are still on a high from this event, there is already a buzz for the 4th Annual and a question of what can top this one….? One thing is for sure; reggae transcends all music and brings together all people for a family vibe, for a peaceful time and for a lasting memory. For that we continue to give thanks!

“Birds sing not because they have answers but because they have songs.”

Blessed Love,
Cree~
 

The 6th annual VA Reggae Awards were held at Mill Point Park in Hampton, VA, on May 4, 2013. The all day event was a family friendly event that offered good vybez for all that attended. From the live reggae artists who performed on stage with a waterfront backdrop, to the vendors and Caribbean food, as well as the kid’s activities including finger-painting and a jump house, the free event offered opportunity for enjoyment for all ages.

The 6th annual VA Reggae Awards were held at Mill Point Park in Hampton, VA, on May 4, 2013. The all day event was a family friendly event that offered good vybez for all that attended. From the live reggae artists who performed on stage with a waterfront backdrop, to the vendors and Caribbean food, as well as the kid’s activities including finger-painting and a jump house, the free event offered opportunity for enjoyment for all ages.

Hosts (Kerri, Monique, Cree and George) and Deejays (Coolie G and Philosophe) prepared the crowd for the days many activities and kept the energy flowing as the awards were presented and bands and artists excited the crowd of more than 400.

This years event brought forward not only some of VA’s hottest seasoned bands and artists that have performed at the awards in previous years, like EVER-G, Ton A Hope and United Souls Band but to some newcomers to the event such as Machet from D.C, Emmanuel Wilson from Senegal,now residing in Richmond and Rasta Miles out of Suffolk. In total, 26 bands and artists were scheduled to entertain this year and though weather was seemingly conflictual with bright skies and brisk winds, the artists brought a sweet sound to the air that made unseasonable weather much more pleasant.

The 6th Annual Awards as expected, was a day of happiness for all, with family like reunions amongst the attendees and flawless performances from some of VA’s hottest talent.

The community has an opportunity to nominate and then vote for their favorites leading up to the day of the event. The event is an opportunity to recognize so many that work tirelessly on the Reggae Scene throughout Virginia.

And the winners are:

Promoters Award: Hype Zone Management
Producers Award: Stable Roots for Motherless Child
Sound System Award: DJ Sniper
Favorite Song Award: Meagan Simone for Fire
Favorite Album Award: Ton A Hope for Judge Not
Favorite Band Award: Dub City Renegades
Media Award: Kyle Bloom
New Artist Award: Saggi Earthtones
Favorite Artist Award: EVER-G
VA. Reggae Ambassador: Vincent “Biggs” James

** Your votes count

Virginia Reggae would like to thank the sponsors and all those that continuously support Virginia Reggae, the VA Reggae Awards and its relentless efforts to bring forward all the greatness that Virginia has to offer. Please continue to look out for calendar events, news and updates and please continue to support Virginia Reggae and all the good works!

“A single stick may smoke, but it will not burn.”
~ African proverb

Pure Love and Guidance,
Cree~

Mill Point Parks comes to life this Sat for the 6th Annual Virginia Reggae Awards. The awards are hosted by VirginiaReggae.com. This year’s lineup has many Veterans Entertainers along with some of the new comers who are steadily making names for themselves worldwide. Although the main focus of the event is the actual awards, there are FREE Kids activities such Bouncy house plus food and merchandising on sale. The schedule is listed below. Please note the awards presentation times. There is still time to vote. Voting ends 1 day before the awards.

Mill Point Parks comes to life this Sat for the 6th Annual Virginia Reggae Awards. The awards are hosted by VirginiaReggae.com. This year’s lineup has many Veterans Entertainers along with some of the new comers who are steadily making names for themselves worldwide. Although the main focus of the event is the actual awards, there are FREE Kids activities such Bouncy house plus food and merchandising on sale. The schedule is listed below. Please note the awards presentation times. There is still time to vote. Voting ends 1 day before the awards.

May 4 @Mill Point Park
100 Eaton St  Hampton, VA (12pm – 10pm)

Free For all Ages , Children Activities, Caribbean Food & Live Reggae Music

performances by No Dreads,King Ajamu w/ Kings In Transit , Ras Puma , Stuck On A Name, Machet Reggae Band, Meagan Simone,
United Souls Band, Will Bowditch, Dread Lock Robot, Mighty Joshua, RastaMiles, Eastman, EVER G, Iron Lion, The Tonahope Band, Scrue, The Beets Collective, Robert Davis ,Israel, Gong Royal, Saggi Earthtones, Matt Lockhart and Micha Fox, Queenahhartz, Emanuell Wildfire Wilson, DJ Cool Mo, ,Sean Petersen Exp  , Black Starliner Sound

Hosted by Sista Kerri, George Michailow, Ravenous Spirit & Cree Michelle

Awards Presentation times

1:25-1:40 Awards Presented: Awards given: Promoter/Producer/Sound System 
2:36-2:46 Awards Presented: Awards given: Ambassador/New Artist/Media) 
4:16-4:26 Awards Presented: Favorite New Artist/ Favorite song/ Favorite Album) 
5:35-5:40 Awards presented: Favorite Band (Last Award)

Scehdule

The Results From The 2012 Virginia Reggae Awards

Promoter’s Award
Lion Heart promotions | Votes: 125
Mega blast | Votes: 388
Quiva Productions | Votes: 458

Producer’s Award
Boogie – Baby Girl | Votes: 361
Chris Peanut Whitley- Mighty Jahshua | Votes: 374
S.G. Lewis – New Roots | Votes: 86

Sound System Award
DJ Bad Joe | Votes: 139
Love People | Votes: 190
Jr Mixx | Votes: 228

Va. Reggae Ambassador Award
Tuff Lion | Votes: 151
Ras Attitude | Votes: 263
Ever-G | Votes: 710

Favorite Song Award
Crucial Elements – Spark it up | Votes: 120
Dub City Renegades – Fyah | Votes: 203
Ras Puma – When the morning comes | Votes: 401

Favorite Album Award
The Ambassador – New Roots | Votes: 221
Dub City Renegades – Self-Titled | Votes: 300
Natures Child – The First Supper | Votes: 395

Favorite Band Award
Dub City Renegades | Votes: 348
United Souls | Votes: 403
Natures Child | Votes: 446

Media Award
TheDubSide.com | Votes: 197
Slam Video Magazine | Votes: 319
Sam McDonald (Daily Press) | Votes: 444

New Artist Award
WillPower | Votes: 149
Mighty Joshua | Votes: 442
Meagan Simone | Votes: 628

Favorite Artist Award
Akshan | Votes: 240
Ras Attitude | Votes: 298
Ever G | Votes: 751

In its second year, Buckroe Beach Reggae Fest’s music, Caribbean foods, and various crafts have become anticipated signs that summer and its festival season is about to spark.

In its second year, Buckroe Beach Reggae Fest’s music, Caribbean foods, and various crafts have become anticipated signs that summer and its festival season is about to spark. Flocking from the farthest stretches of the region, reggae lovers know that the BBRF will offer a break from months of indoors music events. There’s nothing wrong with indoors music, but there’s also nothing like stretching under the clouds as bass-heavy tunes intertwine with the air we breathe.

Royal Nyahbinghi Drummers and local favorites, Nature’s Child, set a firm foundation for a day of musical meditation. Although the day held a constant threat of wind and rain, the crowd held strong through most of the bands. Bimini Road’s funky reggae was a treat before switching to a more surf-minded vibration for “San Juan Bay,” and a final high-stepping “Gravity.” The day’s reggae styles were diverse, but equally amazing.

Antero took the stage and dropped into a roots-heavy gear with trumpet harmonies leading sappy dubs that are hard not to sway to. Iron Lion’s time on stage featured Session Rockers’ own Vincent James on the guitar, with Ever-G joining for a vocal session at the end of their set. Band after band, the crowd certainly had nothing but reason to celebrate.
As Destination Zion’s set approached, the sky finally decided to fall. Wet heads convinced much of the crowd to run home, but there were plenty of devoted fans who decided that wind and water was nothing to fear. Featuring more jam-oriented tunes, Destination Zion’s set was a change of pace that lead into another switch through the punk-tinged jams of No Dreads. The remaining audience crowded the stage for shelter from the storm, while the bands played on.

As the wind picked up, it was admittedly tough to stand in front of the stage, when the promise of a warm car was parked only steps away. That said, it would have been even tougher to walk away from the band I truly wanted to see on this particular day. Bambu Station was up next, and nothing was going to drive me away from that experience. Bambu Station, joined by Jah Trippa on guitar duties, was a blessing to behold. Solid professionals at their craft, their passion to create and spread a word of positivity is undeniable.
A select few hung around for a final nyahbinghi session, but Buckroe Beach Reggae Festival 2012, storm and all, was a day to remember for all of those who attended throughout the day. All one can do is wonder what 2013 might bring. One thing’s for sure – once summer is on its way, BBRF must be coming too, and such a spirit of unity and love is always a welcome season.

article written by Jeremy Sanchez

Performance By Natures Child, Bimini Roads, Session Rockers, Mighty Joshua, Manna of Zion featuring Ton A Hope and King Ajamu, Israel, No Dreads, Meagan Simone, Jersey Goodas, Willpower Bowditch, Queen Kitami, Gregory Hamilton.

Date:: May 12, 2012

Mill Point Park, Hampton VA: 100 Eaton Street Hampton, Virginia 23669, 2pm – 10:00pm

Performance By: Natures Child, Bimini Roads, Session Rockers, Mighty Joshua, Manna of Zion featuring Ton A Hope and King Ajamu, Israel, No Dreads, Meagan Simone, Jersey Goodas, Willpower Bowditch, Queen Kitami, Gregory Hamilton.

Hosted by EVER G, James Red Dread Jackson, and Tamika

The 5th Annual Virginia Reggae Awards will be held at Mill Point Park in Hampton Va. James ‘Red Dread’ Jackson, front man for United Souls Band will co host this one of a kind event. Please continue to vote for your favorites at www.virginiareggaeawards.com and stay tuned for the full line shortly.

We are also pleased to announce that, Fya Media, Buckroe Beach Reggae Fest Committe and Montego Caribbean Grocery are this years sponsors. If you wish to become a sponsor, please see our sponsorship page. The awards are scheduled for May 12, 2012.

The winners of the 2012 Virginia Reggae Award in the following categories will be automatically be added to the lineup for the next Hampton Reggae Festival.

The winners of the 2012 Virginia Reggae Award in the following categories will be automatically added to the lineup for the next Hampton Reggae Festival.

The categories are Favorite Band, Favorite Artist, Favorite New Artist and Favorite Sound System. Vote now at virginiareggaeawards.com