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"STRAIGHT TALK STRAIGHT UP" |
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Chat 'bout with the Reggaescribe |
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"STRAIGHT TALK STRAIGHT UP" |
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Chat 'bout with the Reggaescribe |
Inside news, controversial views, big ups and lick outs .. chat 'bout who and what is happening and whats going down
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TURNTABLE NIGHT CLUB CLOSES ON A SOUR NOTE AFTER 30 GLORIOUS YEARS. |
FUN IN THE SON - A BIG SUCCESS |
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After 30 years, the world famous TURNTABLE NIGHTCLUB closed its doors on Red Hills Road due in main to the escalating violence in the area. Another reason seems to be an eviction notice which was served by the owners of the premises on the operators of the club which has been the home of the legendary MERRITONE SOUND SYSTEM since its inception. However in light of the role that Merritone has played over the years promoting reggae music and preserving the legacy of the ska and rock steady eras, the clubs demise is another sad chapter in the annals of the Jamaican music industry. Without Merritone there would be no Heinekin Star Time series and many of Jamaica’s elder musical statesmen would have been forgotten instead of still being at the forefront of the local musical revival which is now underway. If there were contractual or internal disputes between the operators of the club and the owners of the premises, these should have been settled privately instead of being hung out as dirty laundry which is exactly what is happening. I man lick out: Such actions seem out of order! Fact is that the commercial business community in the Red Hills Road area has suffered at the hands of gunmen, extortionists and citizens who have created an urban slum in the heart of what was a thriving upper middle class area 30 years ago when the club first opened its doors there. Music fans shouldn’t suffer for too long however, there is news that the Turntable will re-open its doors again soon at another location, possibly in New Kingston.
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Running for 3 weekends up until March 24, the Fun in the Son festival was a mix of street jams, beach parties, gospel concerts and conferences with reggae ministers like Papa San, Carlene Davis and Lieutenant Stitchie, along with international Gospel names like Hezekiah Walker. The idea of the Festival was to offer spiritual and uplifting entertainment for Spring Breakers enjoying the sun in Jamaica. At present, Gospel concerts rank close with Oldies and Vintage shows as the most popular events with local music fans in Jamaica. Brainchild behind the Fun in the Son Festival is noted producer Tommy Cowan who has spearheaded the ‘reggae gospel’ movement in Jamaica with his outstanding roster of acts which also include Judy Mowatt and Junior Tucker, all ordained ministers, spreading the word of God and bringing peace and love to their dedicated audiences. Positive stuff - Big up to all involved!
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ANOTHER BBC DOCUMENTARY ABOUT REGGAE
Another BBC documentary about Jamaica, this time by arts Director/producer Mike Connolly, and consisting of three one hour programmes and due to be aired on Independence Day, August 6, 2002.
A report in the Jamaica Observer newspaper quotes Connolly (whose wife is a Jamaican) as saying this was a dream project for him as he is a huge reggae fan. A ‘dream project’ indeed for any true reggae ‘fan’ .. or just another example of how our stories are always being told by outsiders .. dream project indeed.
We believe we should be telling our own tales, especially one as important as this.
The research is never accurate and the final message is always distorted .. the BBC’s track record when documenting any aspect of Jamaica is a poor one, and chances are that this project dill be no different. One of the positives of the project is the involvement of photographer Dennis Morris who for over 30 years has been capturing the images of reggae’s greatest stars.
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SEND US INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING IN YOUR AREA TELL US WHERE REGGAE MUSIC IS BEING PLAYED TELL US WHO IS PLAYING IT AND WHEN.
"MANY WILL NEVER BE TRULY REWARDED FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS AND SACRIFICES TO THE GRASS ROOTS PROMOTION OF REGGAE MUSIC OVER THE YEARS, BUT WE WILL TRY TO TELL THEIR STORIES HERE IN THE DIGITAL REGGAE DIGEST ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE". WE INTEND THAT THESE STORIES WILL BE TOLD BY THE PEOPLE THEMSELVES. e-mail us c/o [email protected] |
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