Virginia Reggae

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  • Reggae and Dancehall music gets a B rating.

    Reggae and Dancehall music gets a B rating.

    We spent some time talking to people concerning Reggae and Dancehall music. It was during these talks, we concluded that Reggae and Dancehall music is stuck at level B and will never move to an A level until collectively, we are willing to adjust and accept certain things.

    B grade

    One day while we were talking to someone, we were told that their could never be anyone as good or better than Bob Marley. This idea got us thinking and so we spent some time talking to people concerning Reggae and Dancehall music. It was during these talks, we concluded that Reggae and Dancehall music is stuck at level B and will never move to an A level until collectively, we are willing to adjust and accept certain things.

    The B rating we are talking about is not a grade, but a list of names starting with the letter B. This list consist of great, great entertainers, but it is this same list of names which can somehow stagnate progress.

    Here is the list in no particular order. Beres Hammond, Buju Banton, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer and Bob Marley. One look at this list and without hesitation most would agree that this is the best of the best.

    Now how does this list slow reggae and dancehall’s progress?
    Can you name one artist alive or passed that a majority would agree is better than any of the names on the list? Who is better than Beres, Buju, Bounti, Beenie or Bob? Is there anyone around that can replace either of these artists?

    Each of these performers may have competition based on certain songs or sales or other personal reasons but most of us will always return to their names as the best at what they do. We do agree that each one has taken the art form to a certain level.

    Beres as the ultimate crooner.
    Beenie representing well for the ladies and those who just want to dance.
    Bounty as the war lord and five star General.
    Buju is the Banton of everything dancehall.
    Bob Marley is the King of roots Reggae, the greatest ever.

    If these guys are presumably the best in respect to what they do, and are the standards by which all others will be judged, one has to wonder if anyone will ever come along and do the job better than the B’s of Reggae and Dancehall music and elevate the music to Another level?

  • Inna Di Newz: Sleepy Wonder, Bukwi, Badjoe, Tuff Lion

    Inna Di Newz: Sleepy Wonder, Bukwi, Badjoe, Tuff Lion

    The last time we spoke with Sleepy Wonder we were presenting him with a Virginia Reggae award for favorite producer. Well, we have been told that Sleepy Wonder and his musicals partners (Thievery Corporation) created major hype and frenzy at a recent taping of an upcoming edition of Austin City Limits.

    sleepy

    The last time we spoke with Sleepy Wonder we were presenting him with a Virginia Reggae award for favorite producer. Well, we have been told that Sleepy Wonder and his musicals partners (Thievery Corporation) created major hype and frenzy at a recent taping of an upcoming edition of Austin City Limits.

    It wasn’t his production skills at work this time, it was his chanting skills. The airing date for the recording is unknown at this time but you can bet we will be looking forward to seeing this Virginia based reggae artist rock Austin City Limits. Sleepy continues to prove that he is a one of a kind reggae artist. It’s no accident that the latter part of his moniker is Wonder! Jr. Gong was the last Reggae artist we saw on Austin city limits. The show was magnificent. Here is the set list:

    • “Sound the Alarm”
    • “Facing East”
    • “OMID (Hope)” (featuring Loulou)
    • “Lebanese Blonde” (featuring Sista Pat)
    • “Shadows of Ourselves” (featuring Loulou)
    • “Sol Tapado Iowvoxbass” (featuring Karina)
    • “Guitar Liberation” (featuring Roots, Z, Sleepy Wonder)
    • “Orginalality (Tour Mix)” (featuring Sista Pat, Sleepy Wonder)
    • “New Seu Jorge song (Tour Mix)”
    • “38.45” (featuring Roots, Z)
    • “Illuminantion”
    • “Exillo (Exile)” (featuring Karina)
    • “The Heart’s a Lonely Hunter” (featuring Frank)
    • “Radio Retaliation” (featuring Sleepy Wonder, Sista Pat)
    • “Assault on Babylon” (featuring Roots, Z)
    • “Warning Shots” (featuring Roots, Z, Sleepy Wonder)
    • “Pontedalanca” (featuring Seu Jorge)
    • “Richest Man in Babylon” (featuring Roots, Z, Sleepy Wonder, Sista Pat)
    • “Coming from the Top” (featuring Roots, Z, Sleepy Wonder)
    • “Marching the Hate Machines (Into the Sun)” (featuring Frank)

    Big Ups:
    Check out the latest Video by Bukwi. The song is called “ Change di world”. Give it a listen/ view.

    Dj Bad Joe: The ace dj himself gave us a copy of the latest mix cd from V.P. Records. It’s a Summer sampler mix with some major Reggae, Dancehall and Soca artists. The big deal with this cd is, it was mixed by Va’s own Bad Joe.

    Tuff Lion:
    Ten Strings album by Tuff Lion has been released. It is a collection of Igrade music with Tuff Lion performing magic with his guitar.

  • It’s Caribfest 2008 in Virginia

    We want to take this time to invite you out to Caribfest. Events kick off today (18th July- 19th July) in Norfolk Va. The schedule of activities is listed at www.virginiacaribfest.com. Come out and enjoy this festive Caribbean event. Here is a soca mix for you to down load maybe it will help to get you into the Carnival mood. See you there and please be safe. Virginia Reggae will be volunteering again at Caribfest 2008.

    Note: Home Grown 2 will be help on 31st August 08. HG2: Medikation for you Meditation features Precepts sound, Fuller Roots, Cool Mo, JerseyGoodas and Virginia Reggae’s sound system, Black StarlineR. Mark this date on your Calender.

    Big Ups:
    Check out the latest Video by Bukwi. The song is called “ Change di world”. Give it a listen/ view.

    Events: There are lots of events coming to our area. Please support!

    Fya Media: This is the one stop you ought to be making if you are in need of a quality website or if you need one of a kind designing. Log on to cwiggan.com to see samples

  • In The Mix

    In The Mix

    People often ask us for copies of the mixes on the site. We have made some of the mixes available for download.

    ipod download

    People often ask us for copies of the mixes on the site. We have made some of the mixes available for download. We will add more eventually. We invite you to support the artist(s) featured on the mixes by attending their shows, and turning your friends on to their music. Thank you.

    We have added a weekly events section.

    Want to remind you that Carifest will be held on the 18 – 19th July 2008 at Harbour Park in Norfolk Va.

    Feel free to e-mail your events to us.
    http://www.virginiareggae.com/contact/

  • Girl Power in Virginia Reggae Clubs

    Girl Power in Virginia Reggae Clubs

    On Sunday the 15th (Father’s day) a unique flavor was in Virginia Beach! Once again it was the women who were doing their thing @ the turntables/cd players.

    jerseygoodas

    On Friday the 13th Jersey Goodas was having yet another initiation. In reality these initiations are really more of a celebration! This was her first night dj’ing at Caribbean nights at Club Acapulco’s. You can check out Jersey each Friday night.

    On Sunday the 15th (Father’s day) a unique flavor was in Virginia Beach! Once again it was the women who were doing their thing @ the turntables/cd players. Jersey Goodas along with Lady Cham and Ras Imeka were holding down the selections at Club Trisome.

    These two unprecedented events may only be the tip of the iceberg. Can you say Girl Power on the Virginia Reggae club scene?

     

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  • The Jewish Mother Transplant Benefit

    as some of you may know, the co-owner of The Jewish Mother and life long Virginia Beach resident Scotty Miller has recently had to put his life on hold due to kidney failure. Going to dialysis three days a week, constant trips to the emergency room and his deteriorating health was taking a heavy toll on his body and spirits. A kidney transplant would be his way out, however the waiting list was going to be no less than 5 years, and Scotty’s doctors only gave him 2 years to live. His future was looking grave. That is until his son Ricky, decided it was time to step up to the plate. After a few tests Ricky was cleared to be his father’s donor and to give the ultimate gift. On April 15th 2008 Ricky Miller saved his father’s life by donating his kidney.

    A kidney transplant procedure is not something that one recuperates from immediately. The doctors usually say the donor is the one who actually feels the most pain and has a longer recovery more so than the recipient. Because of this, Ricky has been having a tough time financially and getting back on his feet after having to take a few months off of work. A fundraiser is being held at The Jewish Mother to help Scotty’s son pay a portion of his bills along with donating a major portion to the National Kidney Foundation. I am writing to invite your business to donate an item or gift certificate for the charity auction. The benefit will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2008 from 4pm-12am. The event will feature live entertainment from many local artists who wish to donate their time to The Jewish Mother. The Jesse Chong Band will headline the event. Other artists include The Incognito Brothers, Doc Robin & Friends, Suzy Taylor, Snuff, The Blues Exchange, Robin Welch, & The Bobby Blackhat Band.

    This event is going to be covered by all local media including television, magazines, websites, radio, etc. both before and after the event. We will be designing promotional advertisement to where we can include you name as a sponsor of the event. Please submit your business name, donation type, and when it can be delivered to the Jewish Mother, to quivaproductions@cox.net if you wish to contribute anything to the cause.

    All contributions to Ricky Miller or The National Kidney Foundation are tax-deductible
    Please know that all contributions you make will positively impact The National Kidney Foundation. I will follow up with you within the next two weeks to discuss your possible donation. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of our request.

  • Caribbean NUTRITION TALK

    IN OUR quest for healthier eating choices, we are encouraged to eat foods
    with less fat and sodium, more fiber, more complex carbohydrates and lower
    in calories. The foods that are most promoted are usually the imported ones
    since more is known about them than about our local foods.

    IN OUR quest for healthier eating choices, we are encouraged to eat foods
    with less fat and sodium, more fiber, more complex carbohydrates and lower
    in calories. The foods that are most promoted are usually the imported ones
    since more is known about them than about our local foods. We may therefore
    seek out whole grain cereals and breads, fruits such as the American apple,
    plum and grapes and vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower. How do our
    local foods compare?

    Who has not heard the adage, ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’?
    This is probably because the American apple has fiber to facilitate gut
    health and rid the body of waste. But do you know that one guava fruit has
    four (4) times the amount of fiber, slightly more potassium and nineteen
    (19) times the amount of vitamin C as an American apple?
    In comparison to a whole bunch of grapes, one (1) guava has twenty five (25)
    times more vitamin C, four (4) times more fiber and about the same
    potassium.

    Likewise, it would take fifteen (15) American apples to supply the vitamin C
    content of only one (1) West Indian cherry.

    Cranberry juice has become very popular because of its benefits to bladder
    health. But have you thought that similar benefits could be had from coconut
    water at less than half the calories and with appreciably more potassium?

    A glass of cranberry juice will provide about 150 – 200 calories while the
    same glass of coconut water contains only 50 calories while giving 400mg
    potassium compared
    to the 60mg for cranberry juice.

    For those concerned about the sodium content of coconut water, be assured
    that a single glass will provide only 60mg sodium compared to the 700 mg in
    V8 canned vegetable juice. Also, be assured that the coconut water has no
    fat.

    The fat of the coconut resides in the jelly and will thus be found in
    coconut milk, but there is no cholesterol since the coconut is of plant
    origin and cholesterol is found only in foods of animal origin. This means
    that butter will have cholesterol but coconut milk, like the vegetable
    margarines is free of cholesterol. Moreover, the traditional
    way of cooking with coconut milk for flavor is better that using margarine
    which is often substituted in porridge, rice and peas and soups. A
    tablespoon of coconut milk has only 38 calories and 4g fat compared to 111
    calories in the same amount of margarine and 11.5 g fat.

    Also, the fat in coconut is healthier for the body than margarine fats. Two
    other sources of fat that are often mislabelled are the Jamaican ackee and
    the Avocado pear. Neither has any cholesterol and the fat is monounsaturated
    – the same type of fat that we pay so much for in the olive oil.

    Admittedly, broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts, like other vegetables
    will provide vitamin C, minerals, flavonoids and other phytochemical but
    they are no match for our local callaloo (amaranth) in terms of calcium,
    iron or vitamin A. Callaloo has more than four times the calcium, two or
    more times the iron with more than twice
    the vitamin A as the American vegetables. The whole grain cereals are indeed
    a good source of fiber but calorie for calorie our provisions are equally
    beneficial.

    The Irish potato, brown rice and whole kernel corn provide the least fiber
    per serving. Those of better value are whole wheat bread, green banana and
    sweet potato providing 1.5 g per serving of about 70 calories. Richer still
    is rolled oats at 1.96g but topping the list, you guessed it, our local
    breadfruit at 2.45 for a serving of two(2) slices.

    So next time you reach for the foreign goods on the shelf, don’t forget our
    local products are the best.

    Patricia Thompson M.Sc.
    Registered Nutritionist
    The Nutrition Centre, Eden Gardens

  • TNCC Student LeShania Blue Receives Car from Virginia Caribbean American Cultural Association

    TNCC Student LeShania Blue Receives Car from Virginia Caribbean American Cultural Association

    TNCC Student LeShania Blue Receives Car from Virginia Caribbean American Cultural Association The Virginia Caribbean American Cultural Association Inc. (VCACA) is a community based, traditional, performing cultural art, non-profit 501(c) 3 organization.

    vcaca

    TNCC Student LeShania Blue Receives Car from Virginia Caribbean
    American Cultural Association
    The Virginia Caribbean American Cultural Association Inc. (VCACA) is
    a community based, traditional, performing cultural art, non-profit
    501(c) 3 organization. Our organization is making a difference in the
    Greater Hampton Roads area by bringing world-class Caribbean artistry,
    building our neighborhoods’ appreciation for the arts and creating a
    legacy for our communities. Simply put, we are building a "bridge
    between cultures."

    VCACA believes that we have a responsibility to help those that are
    less fortunate and contribute to the common good in our communities.
    All too often we see others looking away and doing nothing has become
    all too easy in our society. We want to change the mindset and make it
    commonplace to reach out to others. We feel so strongly about this,
    that it’s been a continued practice since our inception to offer a
    variety of outreach programs that serve low-income community residents
    in the Hampton Roads area. Supporting our communities gives our
    members a pleasant feeling of connectedness and the satisfaction of at
    least trying to make the world a better place.

    Recently, a member of our organization brought to our attention an
    individual in our community who is experiencing some challenging times
    and is in dire need of reliable transportation. This individual is a
    single parent of three children, one of which has a disability. To
    make matters worse, she has difficulty getting to and from work, and
    school – where she is obtaining an undergraduate degree at Thomas
    Nelson Community College, getting her children to school and to the
    babysitter each day. As a result, our members decided that we should
    assist her in getting reliable vehicle.

    Le’Shania Blue started out as a work-study at the Peninsula
    Workforce Development Center in 2005 and in 2007, she gained
    employment (part-time, P-14) with the Career Services and Cooperative
    Education Department at TNCC as a e-Recruiting Specialist. Le’Shania
    will be receiving her Associate’s Degree in Political Science on May
    13, 2008.

    On 8 May 2008 at 5:00pm at the Peninsula Workforce Center on 600
    Butler Farm Rd, Hampton, VCACA will hand over keys of a Dodge Neon to
    Ms. Le’Shania Blue. We extend an invitation to her coworkers and
    others to witness the presentation of the keys and to capture the
    emotional moment. It is often during the holiday season, more than at
    any other time; our hearts go out to others. But there are always
    those who are less fortunate than we are and will appreciate our help
    all year round.

    VCACA challenges businesses and others in the community to
    frequently give whatever you can to charities in your local
    communities, so that they may continue to make a difference in the
    lives of those that are in less fortunate. You may be surprised at the
    benefits you reap!

  • We putting down De reggae music but only for one nite!

    We putting down De reggae music but only for one nite!

    This saturday (17th May 08) Black Starliner (Carlita & Seko, yep the same two from Virginiaeggae. com) will topple the top Soca DJ’s in Virginia.

    socalicious

    This saturday (17th May 08) Black Starliner (Carlita & Seko, yep the same two from Virginiaeggae. com) will topple the top Soca DJ’s in Virginia.

    We will be coming out to have major fun musically.

    We are coming ot to mingle with the soca loving people.

    We are coming out to support the Carnival and the people who do so much to make it work.

    We hope that you can come out and raise a flag fi we.

    Even if you have never been to a soca event i assure you after it’s over you will have a rare experience under ya belt.

    Give it a try!

    This is one for the Soca/ Calypso & reggae fans!

    This one is for you if you can find some way to make this night a nite of some real fun. The best dj’s will win but dem soca sound betta not mek di roots sound win….. hay heyyyyyyyy… lol lol lol lol.

    We love we people so we get involved!

     

  • Statement released by BUJU from his record label GARGAMEL MUSIC

    Statement released by BUJU from his record label GARGAMEL MUSIC

    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.

    buju banton

    May, 12, 2008

    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.

    There are so much things to discuss and share with you but where to begin? I am of the belief that there is a certain force at work in this, our beloved island of Jamaica: a force working to further undermine us as a people who should know by now where we are coming from, and where we are going. Where is unity? Where is trust? Where is loyalty? Where is conscience?

    How long will brothers be placed in the uncomfortable position of being the buffer between the rich and poor in this country, all in the name of security? The scale is not a balanced one when it comes to dealing with those they say have not, as opposed to those who have.

    In Jamaica today we have a terrible problem with the guns, the gunman, the politicans, the dons, the deejays, the lesbian and gays, you name it. We are suffering a social decay yet no one, not a single one of our entertainers, have seen the need for a change in the lyrical content they are selling.

    In times past, entertainers were such a vocal set that even church leaders would quote them during service. What happened? Have we all become followers now, instead of leaders for our people? No wonder these political snipers are getting away with blue murder. Everybody is afraid of what speaking out might bring.

    I have no friend in high society. My friends are those I can identify with, those who have a heart conscience, those who see our country — overrun by crooks and cut throats — and are calling deep inside for their champions to restore their pride and dignity so we Jamaicans can once more hold our heads high and serve this great nation with our all. We have a responsibility. Let’s pull together.