Month: October 2018

  • “Miss Pat” To Be Honored at Hummingbird Gala 2018

    “Miss Pat” To Be Honored at Hummingbird Gala 2018

    Tarrus Riley, Estelle, and Johnny Osbourne Star At American Friends of Jamaica Benefit

    Patricia Chin, the co-founder of V.P. Records, will be honored for achievements on behalf of Jamaican music and culture at this year’s Hummingbird Gala. Along with her late husband Vincent, Miss Pat established the music industry powerhouse that remains Miles Ahead in Reggae Music. The annual AFOJ event, held this year at NYC’s prestigious Plaza Hotel on October 26, raises funds for progressive social causes in Jamaica. Last year’s fundraiser featuring Busy Signal raised US$350,000. In addition to honoring Miss Pat, this year’s event will celebrate the evolution of Jamaica music, kicking off with Studio One legend Johnny Osbourne, continuing with Tarrus Riley, fresh off a triumphant trip to Kenya, and Grammy-nominated R&B star Estelle, whose latest album Lovers Rock explores her UK reggae roots. Ticket and Bidding Link After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Wayne Marshall ft. Tessane Chin & Ryan Mark “Glory To God” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    WATCH THIS: Wayne Marshall ft. Tessane Chin & Ryan Mark “Glory To God” Official Music Video PREMIERE

    Marsheezy and Jay Will Tap Into A Higher Power

    After months of having the biggest song  out of Jamaica, Wayne Marshall has released the long-awaited music video for his smash hit “Glory To God.” Marshall’s gospel-infused song which includes vocals from a choir, his sister-in-law Tessanne Chin, and gospel artist Ryan Mark is a departure from his badmon dancehall chunes, and has proved to be his biggest song ever. “We were under pressure to get the visuals ready,” the artist told Boomshots. “My father passed and I had to make the funeral arrangements, so we had to reshuffle our the plans. I knew we needed to have some great visuals to accompany the song which was doing so well in Jamaica and all over.” The song can be heard in churches, from passing cars, and even at dances—which is a rarity for a gospel song. Marshall and director Jay Will collaborated on the concept, which finds Wayne Marshall singing in a full suit of white, with a gritty story that intertwines several different people going through the struggles of life. “The video is basically showcasing the fact that we all have stories deeper than what people perceive on the surface,” says the artist, who says the main theme of the video is forgiveness. “We can’t really judge people,” Marshall adds. “We have to leave all judgment to the creator of all things.” Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • Beres Hammond’s Mission: “To Shed Some Happiness In Some Dark Corners Of Your Mind”

    Beres Hammond’s Mission: “To Shed Some Happiness In Some Dark Corners Of Your Mind”

    Jamaica’s Number One Soul Man Speaks On His New Album Never Ending

    There’s an old saying that “Music alone shall live.” With that in mind, the title of Beres Hammond’s latest album rings true, even if the man who makes these amazing songs—as he has done for decades on top of decades—is in fact a mere mortal. The release of a new Beres Hammond album is always cause for celebration, which explains our joyous mood today. One of the greatest singers and songwriters ever to emerge from Jamaica, Mr. Hammond has kept us waiting for six years since his last studio album, One Life, One Love, The wait will be over at midnight tonight with the release of Never Ending, a remarkable 14-track set that ranks with the finest work, from sweet lovers’ rock (“Hold You Till It Hurts”) to truths and rights (“Cry Freedom”) to the delightful jazz-tinged vibes of the title track. The musicianship is first-rate as usual—the finest players of instruments always come together when a true legend is in session—and with Bulby York on the mix how can you lose? During an exclusive interview with the Reggae Girl About Town, Beres spoke about all the singles released so far, including the rousing “Land of Sunshine” and “My Kinda Girl.” For anyone who’s ever wondered exactly what Beres’ type of girl is, Reshma B got the answer in this wide-ranging heart-to-heart conversation. Beres and RGAT also spoke about the song “I’m Alive,” which prompted some interested reflections on the artist’s legacy. “That’s what I think I’m sent here for,” Beres revealed. “To shed some happiness in some dark corners of your mind.” And then, as he often does, Beres shifted from reflective to jovial. “One time somebody asked me, what you want to be remembered as Beres?” He recounted his reply with perfect comic timing. “Mi say, ‘Remembered as? I want you remember me now!’” After a big laugh, Beres added. “If you should ever think of Beres, let’s say Beres not around. Just remember one ball of happiness and joy. A bundle of joy, of course through the music.” Never Ending drops tomorrow. While you wait, check this very special reasoning. “We nah talk no foolishness!” Video After The Jump… (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley “Autumn Leaves” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley “Autumn Leaves” Official Music Video

    Gongzilla In Sinatra Mode

    As the days get shorter, the weather becomes cooler, the leaves on trees begin to turn orange and red, it is clear that fall is announcing it’s imminent arrival. Coinciding with the changing season Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley dropped an appropriately titled video for the Stony Hill cut “Autumn Leaves.” Directed by Mark Pellington, the video is full of powerful images of people young and old, interpretive dancers, a string orchestra, and Marley dressed in all white that work together to convey a feeling of both melancholy and hopefulness that fits well with the songs message of navigating the ups and down of love with Zilla singing “don’t give up on me.” With its prominent string arrangement, no bass and no one drop, the song is an example of a growing trend of music that challenges the very definition of what a reggae tune sounds like. Video After The Jump…
    (more…)

  • Hold Tight Party Rocks NYC

    Hold Tight Party Rocks NYC

    “Alpha Lion” Jason Panton Hosts a new Reggae, Dancehall, R&B Event

    Co-Founder of Dubwise Jamaica (along w/ International selector Yaadcore and Reggae/Hip Hop Artist, Protoje) and innovator in music, fashion and art, Jason Panton held a toe-to-toe, bursting-at-the-seams, “Hold Tight New York City” event at Lover’s Rock this past Saturday, September 29. The Nova Southeastern University alumnus has mastered the skill of showcasing talent and hosting cultural events. With Dubwise sessions in California, Miami, Trinidad and Tobago and New York,  Panton is also a selector himself with an ear for emerging talent. Panton held an event in New York for his birthday, with a mix of musical genres including reggae, dancehall and rhythm and blues. We caught up with him to not only to congratulate him but also to find out more about the cultivation of this successful event. Interview After The Jump

    (more…)

  • WATCH THIS: Addis Pablo ft. Shanique Marie “From Morning” Official Music Video

    WATCH THIS: Addis Pablo ft. Shanique Marie “From Morning” Official Music Video

    Boomshots Premieres A Hot Dub Collaboration

    We last met up with Addis Pablo in 2017, at the Greensleeves Records 40th Anniversary on his dad, Augustus Pablo’s birthday, June 21.  He spoke of how his dad taught him all the basic chords and melodies and how he was working very hard to become his “own creative force.” Since then Addis Pablo paid tribute to his father in 2018, alongside his sister, Isis Swaby at the Apple Store New York in Williamsburg, drawing a diverse crowd of VP Records executives and “The Nomads.” Now he releases the visual for “From Morning,” a collaboration with Shanique Marie, and a single off his Majestic Melodies EP.   Interview and Video After The Jump

    (more…)