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By Maria Jackson Magazine on Sep 13, 2020 11:44 pm
Determined to carry on the legacy of arguably reggae’s greatest group, The New Melodians are gearing up to record new songs and perform on major shows. The New Melodians are Winston Dias, Taurus Alphonso and Lee Milo.
Milo officially joined the group last year, replacing founder Trevor McNaughton who died in 2018. A drummer/vocalist, he is a veteran of the South Florida reggae scene, having recorded and played with the Tishan band for many years.
Dias, Alphonso and Milo have done a handful of dates together, the most high-profile being the Red Rose For Gregory Valentine’s Day show in Kingston, Jamaica last February. According to Dias, who had a hit song as a teenager in 1964 with Cericy Tea, Red Rose For Gregory was a timely introduction to a Jamaican audience. “It exposed our talent, and we are happy and proud about the response. A lot of potential shows came from it,” he said.
Dias and Alphonso joined McNaughton in The Melodians after the deaths of original members Brent Dowe and Trevor Brevett in 2006 and 2013, respectively. That edition performed throughout South Florida, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Milo, whose real name is Lee Spence, is originally from Montego Bay. He learned drums as a boy with the Salvation Army. As a youth in Jamaica, he remembers listening to The Melodians. “Mi used to love songs like Everybody Bawling and Come on Little Girl. Those songs were ahead of them time,” he said.
Formed in Greenwich Farm, Kingston, The Melodians are one of reggae’s storied groups. McNaughton, Brevett and Dowe had a series of hits at producer Duke Reid’s Treasure Isle studio during the rocksteady craze of the 1960s, such as “Little Nut Tree,” “Swing And Dine” and “Sweet Sensation.” Their biggest hit was “By The Rivers of Babylon,” produced by Leslie Kong.
By Maria Jackson Magazine on Sep 13, 2020 10:38 pm
In early July, Reggae Vibes Music released what many industry insiders are calling one of the best reggae rhythm driven compilation for the Summer, the “World Rebirth Riddim.” The album features top-tier reggae artists such as: Anthony B, Jah Cure, Lutan Fyah, Turbulence, Yami Bolo, Rufftop Rock I, Tony Curtis, Powerman and Ginjah.
As the label continues to promote the project, they are now sharing the official video for “Twitter Friend,” which is Lutan Fyah‘s song on the riddim. In spite of the many restrictions placed us because of the covid-19 pandemic, the director – Demar Williams (Phoenix Studioz JA) – still managed to capture clips that accurately reflect the lyrics and coherently tells the story.
“Twitter Friend” is the tale of an obsessed female fan who consistently and aggressively pursue Lutan Fyah on his social media accounts.
When the song was first released in July, Lutan Fyah was asked to give a statement about it and he said the following: “Social media notifications stimulate a lot of women. The serotonin pops like bubbles in their heads. Instagram, Snapchat, Tumblr, Facebook.. They are in need of more happy chemicals to bring them higher than the follow count….. They can’t live happily with just one “Like.” In my experience I learn a lot about attention seekers on social media who always want to be seen. Incidentally that’s where a lot of men find their wives.“
By Maria Jackson Magazine on Sep 13, 2020 12:06 am
Many people may be familiar with Macka B from his numerous music videos about eating healthy. This time around the UK based reggae sing-jay is giving advise on relationships, specifically within the family unit.
The new single is titled “Stop It, Idiot Ting.” On the record Macka laments on how unnecessary alot of family feuds are, while encouraging listeners to stop arguing and fighting with their love ones.
By Maria Jackson Magazine on Sep 12, 2020 03:59 am
A few days ago we reported that reggae giant Toots Hibbert was hospitalized with respiratory problems. Today we are learning that he has succumb to those difficulties. See statement from his team below.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts to announce that Frederick Nathaniel ‘Toots’ Hibbert passed away peacefully tonight, surrounded by his family at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica.
The family and his management team would like to thank the medical teams and professionals for their care and diligence, and ask that you respect their privacy during their time of grief.
Mr. Hibbert is survived by his wife of 39 years, Miss D, and his seven of eight children.”
By Maria Jackson Magazine on Sep 11, 2020 01:57 pm
A few months ago two of reggae’s most underrated lyricists, Teflon and I Wayne, got together and released “Think Before You Talk.” The song is truly an inspirational track, especially for inner-city youths.
The official video was just uploaded to Teflon‘s Vevo channel and it shows both men in rare form. Click here or on the image above to watch and remember to like, comment and share.
By Maria Jackson Magazine on Sep 10, 2020 08:57 am
If there is an award for the hardest working reggae artist, Anthony B would be in the running! The Jamaican singer has been consistently toiling throughout the pandemic. He has dropped an album, released singles, done shows – both live on stage and virtual – and we are now learning of a new video.
By Maria Jackson Magazine on Sep 09, 2020 06:31 pm
Wayne Wonder, arguably one of the best songwriter in the reggae/dancehall industry, has released the video for his latest single, “My Love Is Real.” The song is featured on the Ari Riddim, which was released in mid August by Champion Squad Music.
By Maria Jackson Magazine on Sep 08, 2020 11:23 pm
The 2020 International Women Achievers Awards (IWAA) will be held on Saturday, September 26th at Margaritaville in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. In keeping with the current protocols in place because of covid-19, this year’s event will stream live online.
The organizers have confirmed that both Capleton and Ken Boothe will be performing and that they will be supported by the Prophecy Band. Visit iwaawards dot org for additional information.
By Maria Jackson Magazine on Sep 08, 2020 07:51 pm
JahSolidRock Music, one of the few record label that’s been consistent in giving us authentic roots reggae music that highlights the Rastafarian culture and lifestyle, has delivered again!
