分类： entertainment

Riki Bleau, the visionary founder and co-president of Since ’93, the UK’s premier black-owned record label, has described his collaboration with Jamaican dancehall sensation Shenseea as a “full circle moment.” This partnership marks a significant milestone in both their careers, as Shenseea’s debut single, *Boss Up*, was released under Since ’93 and Columbia Records on October 24. This release follows her departure from Interscope Records last year, signaling a new chapter in her musical journey.

Bleau, a seasoned music executive with deep Caribbean roots, first connected with Shenseea in 2017. Although initial plans to collaborate didn’t materialize, their paths crossed again this summer, leading to a long-term deal. Bleau emphasized the strategic importance of the UK and Europe as pivotal markets for Caribbean and African artists, citing the success of icons like Bob Marley and Shabba Ranks, as well as contemporary stars such as Wizkid and Burna Boy. He expressed confidence in Shenseea’s potential to achieve international acclaim, leveraging the combined expertise of Since ’93 and Columbia Records.

*Boss Up*, produced by Kristopher Riddick-Tynes and Alex Goldblatt, samples Blu Cantrell’s 2001 hit *Hit Em Up Style (Oops!)*. The track is the first step in a broader strategy to elevate Shenseea’s career, building on her established foundation in the US market. Bleau highlighted the collaborative efforts of his team, including Columbia’s marketing experts and Since ’93’s A&R division, to ensure Shenseea’s global success.

Since ’93, founded in 2016, has a proven track record of nurturing talent, having worked with chart-topping artists like Labrinth, Sam Smith, and Tems. Bleau’s Caribbean heritage and personal connections to Jamaican culture have also shaped his career. He has previously managed Popcaan and collaborated with Vybz Kartel, further cementing his reputation as a champion of Caribbean music.

Bleau’s journey in the music industry began at Channel U, a groundbreaking UK youth culture TV platform, where he honed his skills in talent discovery and promotion. His partnership with Shenseea represents not only a professional milestone but also a personal triumph, bridging his Caribbean heritage with his global ambitions.

In 1984, Original Thriller, then a rising star in the dancehall music scene, first set foot in Canada. Now, 41 years later, he has become a Canadian citizen and remains a steadfast ambassador for the genre as both an artist and a show promoter. This weekend (November 7, 8, and 9), his Thriller Music, in collaboration with Kings of Kings Productions, is set to host three major shows in Toronto and Montreal. The events will feature a lineup of dancehall legends, including Icho Candy, Errol Dunkley, Professor Nuts, Shalom, Iley Dread, and Thriller U. In an interview with Observer Online, Original Thriller emphasized the importance of showcasing early dancehall acts like Icho Candy, whose 1982 anthem ‘Captain Selassie-I’ remains iconic. ‘People still love these artists and their songs. These shows bring out the older crowd—it’s like doing them a favor,’ he remarked. Born Devon Chambers in Trench Town, Original Thriller’s musical journey began under the influence of roots reggae legends like Dennis Brown and Horace Andy. His debut track, ‘Mountain Top,’ was recorded for producer Joe Gibbs in the late 1970s. Throughout the 1980s, he released several hits, including ‘Over Me,’ ‘Love Line,’ ‘Can’t Cross The Border,’ and ‘Tickle Me,’ produced by industry giants like George Phang, Joseph Hoo Kim, and Sly and Robbie. Original Thriller’s foray into show promotion began in 2005 with a Toronto event featuring General Trees and Peter Metro. Since then, he has brought numerous Jamaican artists to Toronto, home to Canada’s largest Jamaican community. Sunday’s show in Montreal marks his first production venture in the city, further cementing his legacy in the dancehall scene.

The 23rd annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival, set to take place on November 9 at Miramar Regional Park in Miramar, has announced exciting additions to its main stage lineup. Reggae sensation Romain Virgo and soca star Destra will now headline the event, replacing Christopher Martin, who faced delays in renewing his US visa. Virgo, celebrated for hits like ‘Mi Caan Sleep,’ ‘Good Woman,’ and ‘Taking You Home,’ brings his global acclaim to the festival, while Destra’s infectious soca rhythms promise to energize the crowd.

Eddy Edwards, managing partner and CEO of the festival, expressed enthusiasm about the lineup changes. ‘We’re thrilled to welcome Romain Virgo, who has been delivering exceptional performances worldwide. Destra’s vibrant energy will further elevate the experience,’ he said. This year’s festival holds special significance as it aims to support Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items, which will be sent to those in need through partnerships with SSMC Xpress International and Connex Air Cargo.

The event will also feature performances by dancehall artist Mr Vegas, The Original Wailers, and Code Red Band, among others. Running from 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm, the festival will showcase a diverse array of Caribbean cuisine, including jerk dishes, and host the popular Grace Patty Eating Contest. The cultural stage, themed ‘Poco Revival and Reggae,’ will feature performances by Carimer Theatre Company, Queen Maxine, and comedian Ricky Rowe, while the Publix Culinary Pavilion will host cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs like Kofi and Alden.

Edwards emphasized the festival’s commitment to creating a memorable experience for attendees, sponsors, and performers alike. ‘Food is the heart of the festival, and we’re proud to offer a variety of dishes to satisfy every palate,’ he added. With its blend of music, food, and culture, the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival continues to be a highlight of the Caribbean cultural calendar.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a bid to bolster national recovery efforts following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, Olivia Grange, has unveiled the ‘I Love Jamaica’ fundraising concert series. The initiative, targeting an initial $1 million, will feature a star-studded lineup including renowned Jamaican artists Christopher Martin, Masicka, and Nigy Boy. These performers are among the first confirmed acts for the event, which aims to rally both local and international support for relief efforts.

Everton ‘Rado’ Minott, the influential founder of Armz House Records, is poised to regain his freedom on Tuesday after spending over a decade in a US correctional facility. Minott, renowned for producing chart-topping rhythms like the ‘Forever’ rhythm, which featured prominent artists such as Alkaline and Mavado, was sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2016. His arrest stemmed from a joint operation between Jamaica’s Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime Branch (C-TOC) and US law enforcement agencies, linked to his alleged ties with the One Order gang in Spanish Town. Having served 10 years and six months at the Federal Correctional Institution in Atlanta, Georgia, Minott’s release marks a significant moment in his tumultuous journey, blending his musical legacy with a controversial past.