Dancehall fever grips Brooklyn

A PACKED house saw outstanding performances on Sunday’s closing night of the Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree Music Festival.

The three-day event took place on Labour Day at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.A dancehall who’s who rocked the crowd — from Mr Easy who opened the show to Capleton who brought the curtains down.I-Octane followed Mr Easy, scoring well with his signature hit Say Boom, as well as My Life, No Love Inna Dem, and Gal A Gimmi Bun.Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley, joined by brothers Julian and Stephen, gave a rounded set which included Exodus, Set Up Shop, Road To Zion, It Was Written, Traffic Jam, and Shootout.Midway his set, he invited Irie Jamboree pitchman Bobby Clarke on stage. Clarke got down on his knees and proposed marriage to his lady Syn Dawkins who accepted.Appropriately, Gong segued into Affairs of The Heart as the couple sealed the moment with a kiss. For an encore, the Grammy winner performed the anthem Welcome to Jamrock.Making what was billed as her last performance as a dancehall artiste, Lady Saw was typically outrageous.She called on Beenie Man to do their hit song, Healing. Spragga Benz also joined her for an explicit stint that sent the crowd into a frenzy.The highlight of Saw’s performance was her delivery of the burlesque hit Heels On, which saw her bringing audience members on stage.Following her performance, DJ Chris Dubmaster presented Lady Saw with an Irie Jam Award for two decades of service to Jamaica’s music industry. Saw shared snippets of her soon-to-be-released gospel album before declaring, “God gave me a calling, but he didn’t give me a deadline.”Shabba Ranks delivered a workmanlike set that found favour with hardcore dancehall fans. He did favourites like Just Reality, Shine Eye Gal, Peanie Peanie, and Roots and Culture. He was also honoured by Irie Jam Radio.Appreciative fans held their cell phones and lighters aloft during Capleton’s 20-minute stay which saw him working an energetic medley with Shabba.Among the personalities in the ‘house’ were rapper Busta Rhymes, actor Malik Yoba and New York City mayoral candidate Bill Thompson.The preceding nights of Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree Music Festival were dedicated to performers from the French and Eastern Caribbean.

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Dancehall fever grips Brooklyn

Soca Queens Alison Hinds, Fay-Ann Lyons for "Carnival Mania" in Brooklyn Saturday

NEW YORK  — International Soca Queens, Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez and Alison Hinds, will dominate at the highly anticipated Soca concert ‘Carnival Mania’ to be held on the second night of the Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree Music Festival on Saturday August 31, at the Barclays Centre in downtown Brooklyn.

Known for her women’s anthems, her signature locks and enviable waistline and stage antics, Alison Hinds is one of the most iconic female faces and voices in the Soca music genre. Hinds will bring the heat to ‘Carnival Mania’ and has some hidden surprises for her fans.“My fans can expect a quality show from the Alison Hinds show. My team and I are more than ready to hit the Barclays Centre with everything we have — the classics, as well as, newer songs plus energy and connection with the crowd! As the fans say, De place tun up loud,” the Bajan Soca Queen said.The London-born former lead singer of Square One, will represent for Barbados for the second time at the Barclays Centre, when she delivers Soca favourites including ‘Raggamuffin,’ ‘Faluma,’ ‘Togetherness,’ ‘Thundah,’ ‘Brace And Wine,’ ‘Explode,’ ‘Baddy’; her 2013 Crop Over single ‘Born Wit It’; and the internationally chart-topping female empowerment anthem, ‘Roll It Gal.’As one of the most decorated female Soca singers and songwriters in the Caribbean, Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez is the epitome of a Soca Queen. In 2009, Fay-Ann created history when she won the International Soca Monarch’s Power and Groovy Monarch and the Carnival Road March, also becoming the first Soca artist to win all three titles in the same year. She did all the above while pregnant with her first child.With over a decade in the Soca arena, Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez is one of the most formidable female forces in the Caribbean. Fans can witness her deliver groovy hits ‘Heavy T Bumper,’ ‘Start Wining’ and ‘We Doin’ Dis Owah,’ in addition to high-energy performances of hits including ‘Get On,’ ‘Display’ and ‘Meet Super Blue.’When these two Soca divas are not travelling the world spreading the gospel of Soca, they’re busy maintaining their wife and mommy duties; while consistently making time for their philanthropic efforts and new music. These Soca female powerhouses will headline on August 31st for a night titled ‘Carnival Mania,’ the second consecutive night of the first ever three-night Caribbean Music Festival, and will join Soca Kings of the World, the legendary SuperBlue, along with Bunji Garlin, Iwer George (Trinidad), Edwin Yearwood (Barbados), Tallpree (Grenada) and Skinny Fabulous (St. Vincent).The Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree Music Festival commences on Friday August 30th on “International Night” featuring creole superstars Wyclef Jean, Tambou Combo, Kassav, DJakout#1; and ends with ‘Irie Jamboree’ on Sunday September 1st with dancehall and reggae greats, Shabba Ranks, Dancehall Queen Lady Saw, Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley, Fireman Capleton, I-Octane, Mr Easy and more.All festival shows start at 8:00 pm. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-300, visit them online at Ticketmaster.com.Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jamaicaobserverFollow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamaicaObserver

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Soca Queens Alison Hinds, Fay-Ann Lyons for "Carnival Mania" in Brooklyn Saturday

Soca Queens Alison Hinds, Fay-Ann Lyons for "Carnival Mania" in Brooklyn Saturday

NEW YORK  — International Soca Queens, Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez and Alison Hinds, will dominate at the highly anticipated Soca concert ‘Carnival Mania’ to be held on the second night of the Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree Music Festival on Saturday August 31, at the Barclays Centre in downtown Brooklyn.

Known for her women’s anthems, her signature locks and enviable waistline and stage antics, Alison Hinds is one of the most iconic female faces and voices in the Soca music genre. Hinds will bring the heat to ‘Carnival Mania’ and has some hidden surprises for her fans.“My fans can expect a quality show from the Alison Hinds show. My team and I are more than ready to hit the Barclays Centre with everything we have — the classics, as well as, newer songs plus energy and connection with the crowd! As the fans say, De place tun up loud,” the Bajan Soca Queen said.The London-born former lead singer of Square One, will represent for Barbados for the second time at the Barclays Centre, when she delivers Soca favourites including ‘Raggamuffin,’ ‘Faluma,’ ‘Togetherness,’ ‘Thundah,’ ‘Brace And Wine,’ ‘Explode,’ ‘Baddy’; her 2013 Crop Over single ‘Born Wit It’; and the internationally chart-topping female empowerment anthem, ‘Roll It Gal.’As one of the most decorated female Soca singers and songwriters in the Caribbean, Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez is the epitome of a Soca Queen. In 2009, Fay-Ann created history when she won the International Soca Monarch’s Power and Groovy Monarch and the Carnival Road March, also becoming the first Soca artist to win all three titles in the same year. She did all the above while pregnant with her first child.With over a decade in the Soca arena, Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez is one of the most formidable female forces in the Caribbean. Fans can witness her deliver groovy hits ‘Heavy T Bumper,’ ‘Start Wining’ and ‘We Doin’ Dis Owah,’ in addition to high-energy performances of hits including ‘Get On,’ ‘Display’ and ‘Meet Super Blue.’When these two Soca divas are not travelling the world spreading the gospel of Soca, they’re busy maintaining their wife and mommy duties; while consistently making time for their philanthropic efforts and new music. These Soca female powerhouses will headline on August 31st for a night titled ‘Carnival Mania,’ the second consecutive night of the first ever three-night Caribbean Music Festival, and will join Soca Kings of the World, the legendary SuperBlue, along with Bunji Garlin, Iwer George (Trinidad), Edwin Yearwood (Barbados), Tallpree (Grenada) and Skinny Fabulous (St. Vincent).The Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree Music Festival commences on Friday August 30th on “International Night” featuring creole superstars Wyclef Jean, Tambou Combo, Kassav, DJakout#1; and ends with ‘Irie Jamboree’ on Sunday September 1st with dancehall and reggae greats, Shabba Ranks, Dancehall Queen Lady Saw, Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley, Fireman Capleton, I-Octane, Mr Easy and more.All festival shows start at 8:00 pm. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-300, visit them online at Ticketmaster.com.

View the original article here

Soca Queens Alison Hinds, Fay-Ann Lyons for "Carnival Mania" in Brooklyn Saturday

Soca Queens Alison Hinds, Fay-Ann Lyons for "Carnival Mania" in Brooklyn Saturday

NEW YORK  — International Soca Queens, Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez and Alison Hinds, will dominate at the highly anticipated Soca concert ‘Carnival Mania’ to be held on the second night of the Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree Music Festival on Saturday August 31, at the Barclays Centre in downtown Brooklyn.

Known for her women’s anthems, her signature locks and enviable waistline and stage antics, Alison Hinds is one of the most iconic female faces and voices in the Soca music genre. Hinds will bring the heat to ‘Carnival Mania’ and has some hidden surprises for her fans.“My fans can expect a quality show from the Alison Hinds show. My team and I are more than ready to hit the Barclays Centre with everything we have — the classics, as well as, newer songs plus energy and connection with the crowd! As the fans say, De place tun up loud,” the Bajan Soca Queen said.The London-born former lead singer of Square One, will represent for Barbados for the second time at the Barclays Centre, when she delivers Soca favourites including ‘Raggamuffin,’ ‘Faluma,’ ‘Togetherness,’ ‘Thundah,’ ‘Brace And Wine,’ ‘Explode,’ ‘Baddy’; her 2013 Crop Over single ‘Born Wit It’; and the internationally chart-topping female empowerment anthem, ‘Roll It Gal.’As one of the most decorated female Soca singers and songwriters in the Caribbean, Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez is the epitome of a Soca Queen. In 2009, Fay-Ann created history when she won the International Soca Monarch’s Power and Groovy Monarch and the Carnival Road March, also becoming the first Soca artist to win all three titles in the same year. She did all the above while pregnant with her first child.With over a decade in the Soca arena, Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez is one of the most formidable female forces in the Caribbean. Fans can witness her deliver groovy hits ‘Heavy T Bumper,’ ‘Start Wining’ and ‘We Doin’ Dis Owah,’ in addition to high-energy performances of hits including ‘Get On,’ ‘Display’ and ‘Meet Super Blue.’When these two Soca divas are not travelling the world spreading the gospel of Soca, they’re busy maintaining their wife and mommy duties; while consistently making time for their philanthropic efforts and new music. These Soca female powerhouses will headline on August 31st for a night titled ‘Carnival Mania,’ the second consecutive night of the first ever three-night Caribbean Music Festival, and will join Soca Kings of the World, the legendary SuperBlue, along with Bunji Garlin, Iwer George (Trinidad), Edwin Yearwood (Barbados), Tallpree (Grenada) and Skinny Fabulous (St. Vincent).The Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree Music Festival commences on Friday August 30th on “International Night” featuring creole superstars Wyclef Jean, Tambou Combo, Kassav, DJakout#1; and ends with ‘Irie Jamboree’ on Sunday September 1st with dancehall and reggae greats, Shabba Ranks, Dancehall Queen Lady Saw, Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley, Fireman Capleton, I-Octane, Mr Easy and more.All festival shows start at 8:00 pm. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-300, visit them online at Ticketmaster.com.

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Soca Queens Alison Hinds, Fay-Ann Lyons for "Carnival Mania" in Brooklyn Saturday

Music"s hit-makers descend on Brooklyn for Video Music Awards

NEW YORK (AP) — Even if the hotly rumoured `N Sync reunion doesn’t happen, the MTV Video Music Awards are already shaping up as Justin Timberlake’s night.

The lead nominee — with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis — is up for six awards. Timberlake also will be honoured with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, and the anticipation over whether he and his old boy-band cronies will appear together will persist well after the show kicks off Sunday night from Brooklyn.MTV is officially mum, neither confirming nor denying the rumour, and Joey Fatone has even denied it officially. But `N Sync debuted a Twitter account Saturday, and the hubbub has overshadowed what will be an all-star line-up at the Barclays Center.Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Drake will perform hit singles for the first time, and Robin Thicke, Miley Cyrus and — if the spurned Stephen Colbert is to be believed — Daft Punk square off in a song-of-the-summer competition. But `N Sync has managed to steal the thunder.“We’re just hoping we’re not doing anything after them because anything after `N Sync this year is going to be irrelevant,” One Direction’s Harry Styles said.One Direction didn’t give any clues about its role, and MTV has kept many details about the two-hour show under wraps. Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, A$AP Rocky, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jared Leto and last year’s host Kevin Hart (MTV has chosen to go without a host this year) are scheduled to participate, and former NBA player Jason Collins, who recently acknowledged he is gay, will introduce Macklemore and Lewis’ marriage equality anthem ‘Same Love’.The Seattle duo is the surprise of the year and is up for six awards, as Timberlake is. The Seattle rap crew has the top song from the first half of 2013, ‘Thrift Shop’ featuring Wanz, one of five songs up for the top honour: video of the year.Timberlake — who’s won seven moonman trophies — has the year’s best-selling album, ‘The 20/20 Experience’, and his follow-up ‘The 20/20 Experience: 2 of 2’, is due out in September. His ‘Mirrors’ is up for video of the year. Thicke’s ‘Blurred Lines’ featuring T.I. and Pharrell, Bruno Mars’ ‘Locked Out of Heaven’ and Swift’s ‘I Knew You Were Trouble’ round out the category.Mars has the next-highest number of nominations, with four. Pink, Cyrus, Thicke and Thirty Seconds to Mars have three apiece.The show travels to Brooklyn and the brand new Barclays Center for the first time, which should change its vibe. It also will change the iconic moonman trophy. MTV commissioned Brooklyn artist KAWS to redesign the statuette for this year’s show.

View the original article here

Music"s hit-makers descend on Brooklyn for Video Music Awards

Music"s hit-makers descend on Brooklyn for Video Music Awards

NEW YORK (AP) — Even if the hotly rumoured `N Sync reunion doesn’t happen, the MTV Video Music Awards are already shaping up as Justin Timberlake’s night.

The lead nominee — with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis — is up for six awards. Timberlake also will be honoured with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, and the anticipation over whether he and his old boy-band cronies will appear together will persist well after the show kicks off Sunday night from Brooklyn.MTV is officially mum, neither confirming nor denying the rumour, and Joey Fatone has even denied it officially. But `N Sync debuted a Twitter account Saturday, and the hubbub has overshadowed what will be an all-star line-up at the Barclays Center.Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Drake will perform hit singles for the first time, and Robin Thicke, Miley Cyrus and — if the spurned Stephen Colbert is to be believed — Daft Punk square off in a song-of-the-summer competition. But `N Sync has managed to steal the thunder.“We’re just hoping we’re not doing anything after them because anything after `N Sync this year is going to be irrelevant,” One Direction’s Harry Styles said.One Direction didn’t give any clues about its role, and MTV has kept many details about the two-hour show under wraps. Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, A$AP Rocky, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jared Leto and last year’s host Kevin Hart (MTV has chosen to go without a host this year) are scheduled to participate, and former NBA player Jason Collins, who recently acknowledged he is gay, will introduce Macklemore and Lewis’ marriage equality anthem ‘Same Love’.The Seattle duo is the surprise of the year and is up for six awards, as Timberlake is. The Seattle rap crew has the top song from the first half of 2013, ‘Thrift Shop’ featuring Wanz, one of five songs up for the top honour: video of the year.Timberlake — who’s won seven moonman trophies — has the year’s best-selling album, ‘The 20/20 Experience’, and his follow-up ‘The 20/20 Experience: 2 of 2’, is due out in September. His ‘Mirrors’ is up for video of the year. Thicke’s ‘Blurred Lines’ featuring T.I. and Pharrell, Bruno Mars’ ‘Locked Out of Heaven’ and Swift’s ‘I Knew You Were Trouble’ round out the category.Mars has the next-highest number of nominations, with four. Pink, Cyrus, Thicke and Thirty Seconds to Mars have three apiece.The show travels to Brooklyn and the brand new Barclays Center for the first time, which should change its vibe. It also will change the iconic moonman trophy. MTV commissioned Brooklyn artist KAWS to redesign the statuette for this year’s show.Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/jamaicaobserverFollow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/JamaicaObserver

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Music"s hit-makers descend on Brooklyn for Video Music Awards