Females Unite to #BringBackOurGirls...

13 of Afrobeats most prominent artists have come together to tell the Boko Haram in song that it is time to bring our girls back with the release of “Sisters Unite.”

Produced by May7ven and Mictizzlebeats, and recorded and mixed by Osiki (Triple O Produxtions) at Misco Studios, the song represents a unified front and makes clear that every profession in Africa and around the world, including recording artists, are going to keep applying pressure until the missing girls are returned.

With over 1500 people including children slaughtered by the terrorist group Boko Haram, the campaign to bring back the 250 missing children that we know about has extended beyond Africa to the rest of the world.  The unfortunate situation has touched millions around the world and highlighted a number of other issues affecting children and women in Africa and now 14 female African-America, Nigerian, Southern African and Sieraleonian artists are lending their voices to #BringBackOurGirls and female empowerment global campaign by releasing the track "Sisters Unite."

Singer May7ven called on Vicky Sola, Ezi Emela, Honey B, Ada Snoop, Amal Fashanu, Shiikane, Wayliah, Zafi B, Honey B, Mrs. Melody, SaFfi and Faye Roux and they answered.  "Very rare do women collaborate or come together in music and other industries" said May7ven "so I wanted to unite us and break boundaries with an all African female line up for a cause greater than ourselves."

The song represents female empowerment, hope and awareness; all of these women and more lobbyed the Nigerian Embassy at 10 Downing Street in London.

You can download your free copy of the song here:  https://app.box.com/s/ll4id969etdns4tjg3ap

Montreal International Reggae Festival - 2014

The Montreal International Reggae Festival (MIRF) has released a partial look at their 2014 line up which combines classic Lover’s Rock with Soul, and is forecasted to make Montreal the most popular Canadian city for August, 2014!

Taking place at the scenic Montreal Old Port, organizers from Canada’s most acclaimed Reggae festival have shared with media and fans 4 of the 12 headlining artists who will be performing at the 11^th annual festivities, offering patrons the right musical mix and value for their dollar.

On the heels of the release of his new album, Maxi Priest will take center stage to rock classics as well as some of his new singles “Easy to Love” (lead single from his new album of the same name), and “Every Little Thing.”  The Grammy Award winning, and Billboard chart topping artist is excited to be performing in the city.

The Queen of Reggae, Marcia Griffiths will endear fans with her sweet voice that has created so many memories.  Getting her start with the I-Threes who famously backed Bob Marley & The Wailers, Ms. Griffith now celebrates 50 years in the music industry and Montreal can’t wait to do the “Electric Slide” in her honor and classics such as “I Shall Sing” and “Dreamland!”

After an outstanding performance in 2009, Sanchez will return to the MIRF stage giving the city his unique mix of Gospel, Lover’s Rock and some Pop Reggae such as his new song “Him Buy You a Drink” which has been gaining traction on the Canadian Reggae landscape.

Soul has always been embraced by Reggae fans, so to sweeten the mix, MIRF brings legend Percy Sledge!  One of the most beloved American artists, Percy’s single “When a Man Loves a Woman” became an international top 40 hit and certified gold record.  Additional hits include “Warm and Tender Love,” and “Take Time to Know Her.”

Early bird tickets are available via www.ticketpro.ca with prices ranging from $80 CA for a weekend pass (if purchased between May 8^th and June 2^nd, 2014).

The complete 2014 lineup will be announced at a press conference to be held on June 14^th at O Patro Vys – 356 Mont Royal St. East at 11am.  In addition to performances, MIRF will offer workshops at O Patro Vys on August 12^th, 13^th and 14^th. 

For more information about this years festival visit the official website www.montrealreggaefest.com or @MTLReggaeFest

Busy Signal Delivers Wappings!

I love watching older couples when they’re out at social events.  As they interact with friends and colleagues, there always comes a point in the evening when the man gives his Lady a look as if to say “you … yuh see you when we get home … ah wrappings!”  Speaking for the younger generation young man, Busy Signal’s newest release “Wap Wap” is as smooth and suave as the look of the older gentleman to his Lady!

Ladies, when you're out in the club, be prepared to rush the dance floor, and also be prepared to display acrobatics as Busy gives you the ‘Wap, Wap!’   

Setting the girls nice, Busy says:  “my girl when yuh bounce it / when yuh jiggle it / when yuh … squeeze it two time and balance and bounce it / when yuh jiggle it / when yuh kotch it up to the left to the right / gyal bounce it / and jiggle it / then yuh / balance pon yuh head / mek me miggle it / hey balance gyal / hey balance gyal / Gyal ah get wap…!  Musical Murdah!

This chune is track 7 from the Weedy G produced album called Rise (distributed by VP records).  What makes this chune brilliant is the effect Weedy G uses with the synthesizer that encourages Busy’s lyrics – almost as if the synth is egging Busy on to reveal more. 

The summer just got extra HOTTT with this chune!  Jamaica Avenue in New York, Garance Festival in France, Nottinghill Carnival in London, you name it, the world is going to beat this banger hard!

P.S.  Tweet Busy when you play the chune so he can Retweet >>> @busysignal_turf

Salt-n-Peppa "Pushing It" On Tour!

One of the most successful female Pop-Rap groups of all time, Salt-n-Peppa, have reunited for over 20 international dates including the Wireless Festival (London, UK). The Hip Hop legends from Queens and Brooklyn, New York have been making music and entertaining audiences since 1985 and are one of the first all female Rap groups.

Speaking to Spinderella, the acclaimed DJ said “I am excited to be with my sisters; it’s been a long time coming.”  

Over two decades after their groundbreaking entrance into Hip Hop, the trio have won several awards, sold millions of albums and have disbanded the myth that only men can perform Hip Hop.  Spinderella, still sets the standard for “turntablisit” all over the world and is still a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.  The group collectively feels blessed to be in the industry after so many years and still have staying power although many other groups have come and gone.

Salt-n-Peppa will perform several dates as a part of their upcoming tour beginning Memorial Day weekend!

May 24^th – Riverfest Festival – Arkansas

June 6^th – New York

June 14^th – Thunder Valley Casino

June 20^th – Boston City Hall Plaza

July 4 to 6 – London – Wireless Festival

Kranium for the 1st Time in Canada!

Artist and Entertainer Kranium will take the stage in Toronto, Canada on May 24th, 2014 at the Sapphire Grand Banquet Hall which marks the first time he has ever performed in Canada.

The singer of the hit single "Nobody Has to Know," as well as "Lifestyle" is excited to take the stage and perform for his fans north of the border who have shown him strong support via iTunes sales, and radio requests.  As one of the most talked about 'new' artists, Toronto has prepared the red carpet!

As a special treat to Canadian fans, Kranium will perform his brand new hit single "Them Broke" for the first time live.  The song is already receiving strong support from the King Turbo family, as well as several selectors and radio presenters.

For more information about Kramium's performance, including where to buy tickets, visit www.reggaecaption.com

Tickets On Sale Now for the 11th Annual Montreal International Reggae Festival!

The Montreal International Reggae Festival announced today that tickets for its 11^th annual staging is officially on sale and available exclusively through the online portal www.ticketpro.ca!

With fans actively reliving their experiences from last year, and pressuring organizers to give them updates as early as possible, the MIRF team announced today that early bird weekend passes are available online until June 2^nd, 2014 for $80 (Canadian currency).

The 11^th annual celebration takes place August 15, 16 and 17 at the Old-Port in the heart of Montreal, and brings together the best and brightest names in Reggae and Dancehall.  Last years’ festival was just shy of capacity, and this year is expected to sell out.  If fans buy tickets after June 2^nd, the pricing options are:  weekend pass $100 in advance, $140 at the gate.  Friday single day tickets are $21, and $1 from each ticket will be donated to a charity.  Saturday and Sunday individual single day tickets are $55 in advance and $70 at the gate.  VIP Weekend passes are $275 and include some of the privileges received last year.

A partial artistic line up will be announced on Monday May 26^th, 2014, and will include information about interactive workshops held at O Patro Vys (356 Mont-Royal Ave East), and related to the industry and business of Reggae and Dancehall. 

For more information about tickets, patrons can call 514-790-1111 or 1-866-908-9090 and by visiting www.montrealreggaefest.com