Luciano pulls from Africa show

File

Luciano

CURTIS CAMPBELL, STAR Writer

Iconic Reggae artiste Luciano has cancelled his performance in Africa, after receiving a strong backlash on social media from fans who expressed fear that the artiste would bring the Ebola virus to Jamaica.

Several websites had carried stories that the reggae artiste had already left the island for Africa; however, his booking agent Sonia Sterling told THE STAR that the singer was still in Jamaica.

Sterling also told a popular website that after doing further research on the Ebola virus the Lord Give Me Strength singer had a health scare and decided to pull the plug on his appearance.

The booking agent also said promoters will be losing money because of the artiste’s decision to pull out of his initial agreement, because his performance was already being advertised in various outlets.

Luciano was expected to perform in Malawi on October 19. However, a recent article published in the Malawi Nyasa Times newspaper stated that the country had suspected Ebola cases.

According to the publication, two refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo showed signs of the Ebola virus at Malawi’s Songwe border of Karonga district; however, the refugees ran off into the country after the health officials had isolated them to be scanned to confirm the disease they were suffering from at the time they entered. The article also alleged that Songwe border of Karonga district currently has two other Ebola suspects under quarantine. Those other suspects also arrived from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Jamaican Ministry of Health recently submitted a press release to the media advising the general public and artistes to avoid travelling to countries affected by the Ebola virus.

“Entertainers and others who plan to travel to the affected areas of West Africa should reconsider as they would potentially be putting themselves at risk of contracting the Ebola virus and spreading it to other persons on their return to Jamaica. The ministry continues to warn against non-essential travel to reduce the risk to their health and the health of their families,” Dr Ferguson said in the release.

A concerned Youth and Culture Minister Lisa Hanna also took to her Instagram to commend the artiste for his decision. ‘Respect Luciano #cancelledtriptoAfrica,’ she posted.

Several fans of the reggae artiste took to social media on Monday urging the artiste to reconsider travelling to the continent, many arguing that if he does decide to take the risk, he should not be allowed to return to the island.

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Luciano pulls from Africa show

QQ pulls out of Sumfest - Negotiations breaks down between artiste, promoters

Andr? Williams, STAR Writer

QQ

Citing miscommunication with members of his management team, dancehall artiste QQ will not be performing at this year’s staging of Reggae Sumfest.

QQ, whose real name is Kareem Dawkins, said in a media release that negotiations were not finalised and an overseas opportunity presented itself, hence the reason for his absence from the Sumfest line-up this year.

However, Summerfest Productions boss, Johnny Gourzong, while speaking to THE STAR yesterday, confirmed that the artiste was withdrawn from the line-up and sought to shed some light on the issue.

He said, “We would not go to his management team, we went to his booking agent and have in our possession a signed and duly executed contract with QQ. We were told recently that the fee was agreed and signed on. QQ was not pleased … we paid a deposit and our budget could not allow us to go anymore, and he said that he is not going to work for that amount, and we weren’t offering anymore than that so we had to take him off.”

When asked if his absence will affect the show, Gourzong said, “I think he is a good artiste, but I don’t think it’s gonna affect the show … We have gone and filled the gap.”

The deejay recently released the video for the increasingly popular track Tweety Bird (Turn Me On). The video was shot in Miami and directed by Strugu Films (which is based in Atlanta). The song was produced by Tarik ‘Rvssian’ Johnston for Head Concussion Records.

sexy video

“The video is quite sexy and it shows a more mature and adult side to me. Since it has been released, the feedback has been very good and I love the feedback. And the fans seem to be loving the more mature QQ,” the deejay noted.

QQ recently performed in Edmonton, Calgary and Belmont in Canada, where fans showed their appreciation for songs from his catalogue including One Drop, Stookie, Mosquito Net and Jack Hammer, which is featured on VP Records’ Reggae Gold 2014 series.

“The shows were amazing and we had a great turnout and the ladies were amazing. Mr Vegas was also on the shows and it was amazing working alongside an artiste of Mr Vegas’ calibre, one who has dominated the music scene over the years, and always had a good command with the industry,” said QQ.

Fans can follow QQ on social media on Instagram/twitter @qqworld and facebook.com/qquniverse.

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QQ pulls out of Sumfest - Negotiations breaks down between artiste, promoters

Craigy T"s schedule pulls him from Rising Stars

Craigy T (right), Alaine and Anthony Miller share lens space during a recent Digicel Rising Stars audition. – Contributed

Digicel Rising Stars has announced that Craigy T will no longer be able to fulfil his responsibilities as judge due to his hectic summer schedule with TOK.

Though he was able to start Season 11 with the five islandwide auditions through May-June, Craigy T’s summer obligations with his internationally acclaimed group now requires him to travel more than he originally expected.

“Yeah, I’m kinda bummed about not being able to finish the season, I love working with new talent. However, it just couldn’t be avoided. With my schedule, coupled with TOK’s calendar, I would miss about 10 of the 12 live performance shows. That wouldn’t make sense. So it go. All things considered, I’m looking forward to seeing you all again next year,” Craigy T said.

DRS producer Sharon Schroeter says the team is disappointed but understands: “We will definitely miss Craig this season, but we understand completely.”

The Digicel Rising Stars producers have decided to invite weekly guest judges to replace Craigy T for Season 11. Live shows for Season 11 began yesterday on TVJ with the first seven of the top 14 chosen from auditions.

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Craigy T"s schedule pulls him from Rising Stars

Dwight Thomas pulls out of World Champs

Sport

PAUL A REID Observer WriterSunday, August 11, 2013 | 1:54 AM

MOSCOW, Russia — A recurring knee issue has forced Jamaican sprint hurdler Dwight Thomas to withdraw from the IAAF World Championships in Moscow, Russia.Thomas made the announcement on his Face Book page early Sunday morning Moscow time, hours before the start of the first round of the 110m hurdles on the second day of the championships.He was to have run in the third heat after Hansle Parchment and ahead of national champion Andrew Riley.In his statement, Thomas said “Due to aggravating an old knee injury. I decided to withdraw from the World Champs on my Team Doctor an Russian Medical Staff advice. Thanks everyone for your support an Jamaica. I will support my teammates here in Russia an come back stronger. Thanks to our Team Doctor Dr McDowell for helping me through this whole process.”Meanwhile Parchment who injured his left ankle at the National Trials was also seen wearing a heavy bandage as he warmed up for the first heat.

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Dwight Thomas pulls out of World Champs

Blake pulls plug on track season

Sport

BY PAUL A REID Observer writer Friday, July 19, 2013

MONTEGO BAY, St James — There are indications that former IAAF World 100m champion Yohan Blake has called it a day on his injury ravaged season.Shortly after the announcement of his withdrawal from next month’s IAAF World Championships in Moscow, Russia, after failing to get over a hamstring injury he suffered in April this year, Blake released a statement that his season was over.“Unfortunately, I will be unable to defend my title this year at the World Championships in Moscow. I know this is very disappointing news for my fans and supporters, but please understand that pulling out was the best decision for me at this time,” the statement read.It continued: “I would like to thank you all for your love and support. I know that I have a long and bright future ahead of me, so I will see you guys next year on the track!”Blake, whose personal best 9.69 seconds set late last year makes him the joint second fastest man of all times with American Tyson Gay behind Usain Bolt, was injured while running a 100m race at the UTech Classic in mid-April and took an eight-week break before running a 200m just before the JAAA National Senior Trials. However, he later withdrew from the Trials as his management team said he was not fit enough to compete.As the winner of the men’s 100m gold medal at the most recent IAAF World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, in 2011, Blake had an automatic bye into the World Championships and was not obligated to compete at the National Trials.

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Blake pulls plug on track season