Winter Reggae In Paradise
Date: |
January 8, 2006 |
Time: |
4:00 p.m. until |
Location: |
Cramer’s Park - St. Croix, USVI |
Artists: |
Midnite, Dezarie, Ikahba, Ronnie Benjamin, Sr., Army, Abja, NiyoRah, Ancient
King, NiyoRah, Asher, Massiah, Volcano, Daddy Locks & More artists TBA |
Tickets: |
$20.00 – Children Under 5 - Free |
Come celebrate life to the fullest at the first
annual Winter Reggae In Paradise Festival. This musical communion
will showcase some of St. Croix’s finest roots reggae artists including
Midnite, Dezarie, Ikahba, Ronnie Benjamin, Sr., Army,
Abja, Ancient King, NiyoRah, Massiah, Volcano, Asher, Daddy Locks and
more artists TBA.
January 8, 2006, is the date for this one day
musical extravaganza that will be held on the beach in paradise. Tickets
will be available at the gate, or may be purchased in advance from Natural
Mystic located in Sunny Isle (across from Western Auto). (340) 772-1848.
This event will feature no less than five (5) hours
of music from Midnite and the Afrikan Roots Lab crew. Below
is some information on getting to and staying in paradise. For additional
information, please contact Natural Mystic (340) 772-1848. Blessed love,
and I look forward to meeting all of you in paradise next month.
TRANSPORTATION:
Getting to paradise is easy with the assistance of Global Tours. Ms.
Daniel is just a phone call or email away and is ready to assist you with
all your needs regarding travel and accommodations:
Global Tours- Travel
Agent
Contact: Celia Daniel or Sonia Martinez
Telephone: (340) 778-6600
E-Mail:
globaltoursstx@yahoo.com
Hours: 8:30- 5:00 (M-F)
9:00-1:00 (Sat.)
CAR RENTAL:
If you’ve already secured your ticket to paradise, you may want a means
to get around the island once you arrive. Mrs. Shillingford works at Budget
Rent A Car, and has a car waiting for you (but you better grab it soon).
Make sure to mention that you are coming to paradise for some winter reggae:
Budget Rent A Car- St.
Croix
Telephone: (340) 778-9636
(888) 264-8894
E-Mail:
budgetstx@hotmail.com
FERRYS:
Ferry transportation to this event will be available from neighboring
islands. Stay tuned for more information on getting to paradise from St.
Thomas, St. John and Tortola.
BIOS: (Courtesy
of Ireggae.com, Vireggae.com & Viroots.com)
MIDNITE
Hailing from the Island of St Croix, Midnite is one of the most
promising roots reggae bands of the millennium. They are vanguards of
conscious reggae who represent the King's and Queen's music to the fullness
of Jah. Midnite's profound and innovative lyrics are sincere and
deeply rooted to present the other half of the story. Their CD recordings
and live performances will have reggae and non reggae listeners open to the
messages they bring.
Lead singer Vaughn
Benjamin's electrifying voice seems an amalgamation of many great voices
in reggae--soulful, chanting, edgy. Vaughn's potent lyrical style and his
brother Ron's exquisite keyboards, background vocals and musical
directorship form the nucleus of this musical quintet which includes
Ryan Wilson on bass, Jerry Simon on guitar and
Puerto Rico’s Christian 'Sly' Molinna-Curet
on drums. Midnite weaves the cultural lyrics of "old
school" roots music with modern day experiences to create a unique listening
encounter. Reggae - naked and raw is an apt description for Midnite's
musical style, in which they forgo the frills of extensive remixes,
overdubbing and other musical refinements. Formed in the late 80's,
Midnite returned to STX in 2000, after having spent some years in
Washington D.C. Since then, roots music has not been the same.
DEZARIE
There is refreshingly clean and pure new sound sweeping across the
Caribbean. Emerging from the Virgin Island of St. Croix comes Dezarie,
the roots artist whose hypnotic and tantalizing voice are featured on her
critically acclaimed 2001 debut album FYA. This collaboration
between I Grade Records and the Midnite band features 15
killer tracks that resonate with pure consciousness. Dezarie has a
mesmerizing voice that is more reminiscent of music originating from Africa
than reggae.
After receiving Atlanta's "Best New Female Reggae
Artist" award in 2001, Dezarie returned to her native island of
St. Croix. Since that time, she has been working closely with Midnite,
the fruits of which can be heard on "Gracious Mama Africa". Released
on the Afrikan Roots Lab label in 2003, this album further germinates
the lyrical seeds planted on FYA.
Gracious Mama Africa transports the incredible
voice of Dezarie to a whole new level - the highest heights. Midnite's
trademark sound is fully displayed on this album, which was given Ireggae’s
award for “Best Album of 2003”. Momentous bass lines, classic
one-drop drumming and the bubbling of Ron Benjamin on keyboards
prevail throughout, accentuated by charismatic guitar playing. This will be
the first time Dezarie sings for the people of St. Croix in over two
years.
IKAHBA
Ikahba is the latest artist to emanate from the roots caldron currently
bubbling on the island of St. Croix. His debut album ‘Troddin To Zion'
was released in January of 2004 on the Afrikan Roots Lab label. Like
all ARL releases, "Troddin" features the preeminent roots band
Midnite laying down some wicked bass lines and rhythms. Add a heavy dose
of conscious lyrics along with Ron Benjamin’s unique engineering
skills and you’ve got the recipe for a real cruzial album.
What distinguishes Ikahba is his ability to
intersperse his cool soothing vocals (that many people find similar to
Tenor Saw) with some chanting in which Ikahba throws down lyrics fierce
and hard. Fellow Afrikan Roots Lab recording artist Mash joins Ikahba
on the selection "Dem Skylarkin", with Dezarie sharing vocals
on the title track. The outstanding harmonies and subtle background vocals
give the entire album an ‘easy-listening’ roots feel to it, yet the lyrics
are piercing and spellbinding.
RONNIE BENJAMIN
Ronnie Benjamin, Sr. is a well rounded craftsman that
is skilled in song writing, musical arrangements and all production aspects
of music. He is President of Sunburst Productions Ltd.,
based in Antigua, and has been playing music for over 35 year. This will be
his first performance in St. Croix in 16 years.
Ronnie Benjamin
has released numerous albums on vinyl, including 'Celebration Time'
in 1983 and 'Changes' in 1985. His first CD 'Reggae
Fever' was put out by Nesak International in
1991. Several hurricanes later, Ronnie Benjamin released
Life Is Like A Maze. Some of Ronnie Benjamin's
older materials are gathered together on The Early Sounds.
In 2000, he journeyed to St. Croix to record Second Chance
with his sons: Midnite's Vaughn and
Ron Benjamin at Afrikan Roots Lab.
ARMY
Army (Fritzmaurice
Williams) was born and raised on St. Croix, Virgin Islands. He began his
musical journey at the age of five as a member of the youth choir at the
church his family attended. Little did he know that he was laying the
foundation for what would become a very promising musical career. Determined
to explore a variety of styles, he learned to play the saxophone, became a
member of a jazz band and sang in various local bands. After relocating to
the New York City, completing his education, and serving in the US Army
(which is how he got his name), Army returned home and became deeply
involved in the local reggae scene.
In the early 70's,
Jamaica was bubbling with an incredible amount of untapped musical and vocal
talents. That same level of energy, enthusiasm and potential is present
today in the Virgin Island of St. Croix. Army is to be counted among the
many conscious singers and players of instruments from St. Croix who are
worthy of international recognition. The voice of Army first surfaced
several years ago on the famously vital (though obscure) compilation
“Eastbound”. Soon after, Army contributed several selections to the
“Homegrown” compilation album. In 2000, Army's first album -”Yesterday's
News” - was released on Glamorous Records, with production provided by Dean
Pond. In 2002, Army linked up with Dub Rise Records who released his second
album, “Struggler”, along with a re-release of “Yesterday's News.” 2003 saw
Army releasing the single “Calling Jah Army”, a powerful duet with Luciano.
This year, Army's song, “I Don't Know” is included on Bambu Station's
acclaimed compilation, “Talkin' Roots II.”
With this solid
foundation of tunes under his belt, Army embarked on the recording of his
highly anticipated third album, “Rasta Awake.” Largely produced by legendary
guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Tuff Lion (of Bambu Station), ”Rasta
Awake” is a masterpiece of all-live instrumentation roots reggae. The 13
tracks on the album capture Army at previously unseen creative heights. His
poetic songwriting touch and challenge the listener in a way that few other
songwriters are able. Army's voice - while influenced by such artists as Nat
King Cole, Dennis Brown and Freddie McGregor - is unique in all of
contemporary reggae with its amazing ability to be both deeply soothing and
intensely energizing.
With a voice as
invigorating and free as the wind, and with word sound utterances that
penetrate hearts and minds, Army's mission is clear. He is firmly committed
to using his music as a weapon in the war for spiritual renewal and justice
for all peoples. As Army describes: “I want to send positive universal
messages to people through my music, without the commercialism we see so
much today… For me the music is a healing. I feel that the music healed me,
took me to places where I could have not necessarily have been without it. I
also feel that if someone could walk away with some type of healing, (that)
they could be touched in some kind of way, they could associate themselves
with some aspect of the music and then say 'wow,' maybe I'll make it after
all. If I could shine some light some how, I would know that I have done
something.” Army continues to do something special for all those with ears
to hear this unique and much-needed voice.
ABJA
Abja is a multi-talented singer,
singjay, songwriter, and producer hailing from St. Croix in the Virgin
Islands. While Inna Red I Hour is Abja's first full-length release, he has
been polishing his studio skills and sharing his gifts with audiences in NYC
for several years, as a former vocalist and producer with the Survival
Soundz crew out of Brooklyn. Abja also appeared on I Grade Records' first
compilation album, Weep Not, released in November, 2002. His tune - “Crucial
Confessions” - received widespread acclaim and radio play throughout the US,
Caribbean and Europe.
Abja continues to
redefine the meaning of Rebel Music and erase the boundaries placed on true
reggae. Abja creates music that lifts the spirit and the mind. His voice
possesses the qualities necessary to convey emotions ranging from love to
revolution. Rebel Music is the focus, and freedom and upliftment of African
people is the mission
Abja is a powerful
performer whose spirit and energy transmits to everyone around him. He sings
with a strength of purpose, with a dynamic and confident, yet humble, stage
presence. Performing with his backing band, Blackfoot, Abja has graced the
stage at numerous venues around NYC, including the world famous SOB's in
Manhattan. Upcoming tours are in the works to bring Abja's messages to
audiences across the country and around the world.
ANCIENT KING
Ancient King, born Wendell Francois, hails from St. Croix in the Virgin
Islands. In 2002, he was featured on I Grade Records' acclaimed compilation,
Weep Not (recording under the name, Willow). Tunes like “Manage” and
“Ancient of Days” were well-received by listeners, DJ's and reviewers around
the world. Since that time, Ancient King has sharpened his craft through
recording and stage show work in the Newport News, VA area with the King
Lion Crew. He is known for his high energy stage performances and has shared
the stage with many different artists including Yellowman and Capleton.
Ancient King also released two songs on Indigo International's compilation
album, The B Sides.
On Ancient's first
full-length release, Conquering Sound, he again teams up with I Grade
Records to create one of the most innovative albums by a conscious chanter
in this current time. Like most of the messages in the VI's roots reggae
movement, Ancient King's songs are firmly rooted in the tradition of
Rastafari rebel music. The musical soundscapes provided by the I Grade
production team consist of the thunderous bass lines, rock solid drums and
rootsy guitars and keys for which I Grade is well known. Conquering Sound
features guest appearances by Prince Pankhi, Empress Michel and Vaughn
Benjamin of Midnite. Conquering Sound was released in April 2005.
Bringing forth words
of truth with a tongue of fyah, Ancient King blazes his own trail unlike any
other chanter in modern reggae music. His powerful and unique delivery
combines with intensely relevant lyrics that stand firm on principles of
truth and right. One listens to Ancient King's songs and it is clear that he
takes very seriously and honorably the opportunity to share his word sound
with the nations.
NIYORAH
Nigel "NiyoRah" Olivacce was born on
October 9, 1980 in the coastline village of Pointe Michel, Dominica. At age
4, he moved to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, with his family, and
cultivated an interest in music through listening to artists in his father's
and uncle's roots reggae collections, including Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer,
Burning Spear and Lucky Dube. By age 16, NiyoRah began chanting on the
streets about the life experiences of the Savan ghetto in downtown Charlotte
Amalie.
At age 18, NiyoRah
decided to pursue a career in reggae music. "Reggae had one of the greatest
influences on my life. It's the type of music I cling to for some mystical
reason," he says. "The most high guided me more than me myself." He took on
the name NiyoRah - a combination of his nickname growing up and out of
respect for the omnipotent power of the sun. Music was a natural career
choice because of his musically gifted family. His grandfather is an
award-winning vocalist who sings Negro spirituals and gospel, while his
aunt, Ophelia Olivacce Marie, is an international French-speaking artist
heralded as "Dominica's Songbird" for her style of cadence and calypso. In
1998, he was introduced by local reggae radio personality Ras Manny to Black
Juice Records, a Virgin Islands-based recording company. He joined with six
other reggae artists under the company to co-found Star Lion Family. His
voice can be heard on Star Lion Family's EP Brighter Days released in
November 2003.
NiyoRah's songs delve
into a wide range of issues, including cultural living, love for nature,
strengthening of all peoples, especially Africans, and spiritual growth. In
concert, NiyoRah has performed in front of thousands, sharing the same stage
with artists such as Sizzla, Capleton, Junior Reid, Buju Banton, Bunny
Wailer, Glen Washington, Eve of Rough Riders, Midnite Band, Dezarie and
Junior Kelly. NiyoRah's debut solo album - A Different Age - was released in
May of 2005 on I Grade Records.
Visit the Web Site for
Winter Reggae In Paradise
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