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Tag: Buju Banton

Spice, Shenseea & Sean Paul Amongst Jamaicans Nominated For 2022 Grammy Awards

Posted on by Nekisha Cyrus

Spice, Shenseea, and Sean Paul are amongst the list of Jamaicans nominated at the 2022 Grammy Awards.

Yes, with the recent announcement of the official 64th Annual Grammy Awards nominees, Jamaicans and by extension the Caribbean, have been celebrating as some of Reggae’s and Dancehall’s music top stars have been nominated. And just in case you missed it, Caribbean Entertainment Hub is here to give you the full breakdown of our Jamaican nominees along with their respective categories.

Kicking it off in the ‘Best Reggae Album’ category, this year’s list included the Queen of Dancehall, Spice with her debut album titled ‘TEN’ which was released in August 2021. This is also a history-making moment because it is the first time that a hardcore Female Dancehall artist has been nominated for the Grammy awards.

Spice

Spice

Also nominated in this category is Reggae artiste Etana with her second Grammy nomination for her album ‘Pamoja’. This is, however, not Etana’s first time being nominated for a Grammy, as she also created some history in 2018 being the first woman to get a nomination in the ‘Best Reggae Album’ category in more than two decades. At that time she was also the fourth woman to ever get nominated for this Grammy award.

Also, landing his first-ever Grammy nomination is Jesse Royal for his album ‘Royal’, which was released in June 2021. And Sean Paul received his sixth Grammy nomination for his album ‘Live N Livin’. Sean Paul is also a previous Grammy Award winner for his album ‘Dutty Rock’ in 2004. And lastly, Gramps Morgan was nominated for his album ‘Positive Vibration’ which was released in July 2021. Gramps, a previous nominee and winner with his group Morgan Heritage who previously won the award in 2015 for their album ‘Strictly Roots’.

Fun Fact: The winner in this category for 2020 was Reggae’s music newcomer and star, Koffee who made history as the first female and youngest artist to win the award for her album ‘Rapture’.

Moving onto the Jamaican artists and producers who have been nominated for the ‘Album of the Year’ category which includes Shenseea, Beam, Masego, Damian Marley, Buju Banton, and more making them the first Jamaican artiste to be nominated in this category.

Shenseea

Shenseea

These nominations have been made possible after the Recording Academy stated clearly that if an album is up for ‘Album Of The Year’, then all credited featured artists, songwriters of new material, producers, recording engineers, mixers, and mastering engineers who worked on that album are automatically nominated. Previously, the Grammy rule stated that all of these music professionals had to be credited with 33 percent or more of playing time (on the album), in order to be nominated.

Edited: By virtue of the new rules, Shenseea is only nominated for ‘Album Of The Year’ for ‘Donda’.  Her (3) other contributions to Grammy-nominated albums in the genre categories would render her a participant, according to the Grammy guidelines (see below).

  1. Kanye West’s- ‘Donda’ for Album Of The Year
  2. She is also credited for her songwriting and vocals on ‘OK OK Pt 2′ and ‘Pure Souls’
  3. Her collaboration alongside with Jamaican-American singer Masego in the Best Progressive R&B Album with his EP titled Studying Abroad: Extended Stay.
  4. And she is also a participant in the Best Dance/Electronic Album category, for Major Lazer Music Is The Weapon (Reloaded) which features her track on ‘Tiny’ alongside Beam.

Other Jamaican artistes and producers making the cut this year include:

  1. Busy Signal on the single ‘Sun Comes Up’ alongside JoeBoy, and two-time Grammy nominee Skip Marley on ‘Can’t Take It From Me’.
  2.  Beam was also featured on two more tracks, namely ‘Bam Bam’ with French Montana, and ‘Rave de Favela’ with MC Lan and Anitta. Beam also contributed to Justin Bieber’s album ‘Justice’, which received nods for Album Of The Year and Best Pop Vocal Album.
  3. Buju Banton is also credited on Kanye West’s 27-track set on the love song ‘Believe What I Say’. 
  4. Jamaican producer IzyBeats-the beatmaker on Koffee’s international breakout hit song ‘Toast’ and co-produced ‘Silver Tongue Devil’ alongside Corbett and Chris Madine, He also contributed to a second song on the EP titled ‘Yebo/Sema’.
  5.  Masego and Jamaican producer J.L.L., whose 2014 beat was sampled on Drake’s ‘Certified Lover Boy’ (CLB) album, will both share a part of the victory if the Canadian rapper wins in the Best Rap Album category.
  6. In the Best Global Music Album category, Nigerian star WizKid is among five nominees for his album ‘Made In Lagos: Deluxe Edition’.  The project features contributions from Jamaican artists Damian Jr. Gong’ Marley on the song ‘Blessed’, and rising artist Projexx, on the song ‘True Love’ with Tay Iwa.

A celebratory congratulations goes out to all the Jamaican artistes who were nominated at the 64th Annual Grammy awards. The final round of voting for the 64th Annual Grammy awards will begin on December 6th, 2021, and end on January 5th, 2022.

The award ceremony is carded to take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on January 31, 2022, so stay tuned.

Sources include https://www.jamaicaobserver.com, https://www.dancehallmag.com,

Hashtags: #Shenseea #Spice #SeanPaul #BujuBanton #Beam #BusySignal #JuniorGong #GrammyAward #Grammy2022 #Reggaemusic #Dancehallmusic #Jamaicanartiste #JamaicaEntertainmentNews

Dancehall Bonanza In May

Posted on by Nekisha Cyrus

Two of Dancehall & Reggae’s music biggest collaborations for 2021 were recently released on the same day; making May a bonanza for dancehall music.

First up, we have DJ Khaled bringing some of Jamaica’s legends Buju Banton, Bounty Killer, Capleton, and Barrington Levy together on a track for the first time ever, with his brand new release ‘Where You Come From’. Back in April 2021, the Grammy Award-Winning American Record producer and DJ sent fans into a frenzy after he touched down in Jamaica to complete his latest project and 12th studio album ‘Khaled Khaled’. As fans anxiously guessed who the artistes featured on the track would be, let’s just say that fast forward to now, it was well worth the wait.

In less than five days since its official release, the history-making collaboration has already racked up over 3.8 million views on YouTube and counting. ‘Where You Come From’ is an aggressive, in-your-face, and dominating track that commands your attention from beginning to end. And with the calibre of talent compiled on this track, it is more than safe to say that each artiste delivered and did their thang from beginning to end. And if a cast of Jamaica’s top talent wasn’t enough for the audio, yes the visuals were also shot in Jamaica as well. See full video below!

DJ Khaled, Buju Banton, Bounty Killer, Capleton, and Barrington Levy ‘Where You Are From’ Music Video

The We The Best CEO is definitely having the time of his life since the official release of the album which features (14) singles with collabs and features from some of music top stars like Jay Z, Nas, Lil Wayne, Drake, Diddy, Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Cardi B, Migos, Megan Thee Stallion, H.E.R, Da Baby and so much more, as well as some of Jamaica’s Finest. We’re just extremely happy to see some of our own getting the recognition that they rightfully deserve.

And the May Music Madness didn’t quite end there, as Jamaican Dancehall Queen Spice, dropped her highly anticipated new release ‘Go Down Deh’ which also features some of Jamaica’s Dancehall music royalty, Shaggy and Sean Paul.

Spice, Sean Paul & Shaggy ‘Go Down Deh’, Official Music Video

With over 2.5 million views and counting since its release a few days ago, the saucy dancehall single has already begun to dominate global reggae charts debuting at #1 on US and Israeli iTunes Reggae, #2 in the UK, Italy and Canada, and Top 10 on Apple Music, iTunes and Deezer in multiple countries including Japan, Jamaica (#1 on Apple Music), Germany and the Netherlands.

Sharing during an interview recently, Spice shared that she decided to collaborate with these two legends because she knew that it would be impactful and she believes that they are a representation of the Dancehall genre and they need to show that unity, strength and that together they are a force to be reckoned with. But can we all admit that we’re not even one bit surprised? We knew this collaboration was going to be nothing short of pure fire when Spice revealed that this collaboration was on its way a few months ago after announcing her highly anticipated debut album, ‘TEN’, which is carded to be released on July 30, 2021.

So between DJ Khaled mega collaboration ‘Where You Are From’  and Spice’s saucy dancehall collaboration ‘Go Down Deh’, we believe that the May month just got a whole lot better. With that said be sure to stay tuned as we continue to bring you all your top trending and favorite new Caribbean music releases.

Up next, our CEH May New Dancehall releases playlist. Can you guess who will be this month’s spotlight artiste?

Sources include: https://www.caribbeannationalweekly.com, https://www.revolt.tv, https://www.vulture.com

Hashtags: #DJKhaled #BujuBanton #Capelton #BountyKiller #BarringtonLevy #Newmusic #Newalbum #KhaledKhaled #Spice #Shaggy #SeanPaul #GoDownDeh  #NewDancehall #Jamaica

DJ Khaled In Jamaica To Record New Album With Buju Banton & Capelton

Posted on by Nekisha Cyrus

Khaled Mohamed Khaled, popularly known by his stage name ‘DJ Khaled’ recently touched down in Jamaica to put the final touches on his soon-to-be-released 12th studio album ‘Khaled Khaled’.

The latest project from the Grammy Award-Winning American Record producer and DJ has been met with high anticipation and it seems like it is about to get even higher; as he just revealed that Jamaica’s very own Dancehall and Reggae icon Buju Banton is amongst the list of artistes that will be featured on the album.

In a series of posts via social media, DJ Khaled alongside his wife Nicole Tuck and sons shared his reunion ‘with his brother’ Buju Banton in Jamaica. Fans even got a front-row seat to a few heartwarming moments between the Gargamel and Khaled’s sons at a resort in Ocho Rios. In one of the videos (seen here) you can see Buju singing to Khaled’s toddler, Aalam:

“Aalam is a lamb of God, how are you, my son?  Welcome to Jamrock, I just ah see yu inna the flesh. May God bless you, may God guide you, may God protect you, may God keep you holy, may your life be prosperous and whatever you do may prosper…you’re a good man.”

In another post, you can see Buju hugging and embracing Khaled’s older son, Asahd.

And it seems like Buju Banton isn’t the only Jamaican artiste that Khale may be recruiting for his upcoming album as he also shared a short video with the Fire Man himself Capelton in the studio recording. Yes, things are definitely heating up! (See video here)

This is also not the first time that Khaled has collaborated with Jamaican artistes. In 2019, Buju and Khaled released ‘Holy Mountain’ which also featured Jamaica’s Reggae and Dancehall heavy-hitters Sizzla and Movado.

The We The Best CEO’s also announced that the highly anticipated ‘Khaled Khaled’ album is 97.8% complete and will feature a slew of A-listers. So far the cast revealed will include The Migos, Lil Baby, Meek Mill, Nas, Roddy Ricch, Post Malone, H.E.R, and more.

So are you ready for DJ Khaled’s new album?

Sources include: https://www.dancehallmag.com, https://urbanislandz.com, https://hiphopdx.com

Hashtags: #DJKhaled #BujuBanton #Capelton #Jamaica #Newmusic #Newalbum #KhaledKhaled

Sean Paul Releases 7th Studio Album ‘LIVE N LIVIN’

Posted on by Nekisha Cyrus

Jamaican Grammy Award-winner and International Dancehall Artiste, Sean Paul returns to his Dancehall roots with his 7th official studio album, ‘Live N Livin’.

In what some are labeling a solid dancehall body of work, the ‘Get Busy’ superstar’s latest album features some of Jamaica’s Top Dancehall and Reggae stars such as Damien Marley, Buju Banton, Busy Signal, Mavado, and more. In addition to featuring some of Jamaica’s Dancehall heavy hitters, also making the cut is Ghanaian Dancehall and Afropop artiste, Stonebwoy.

Since returning to Jamaica and being unable to travel and perform like many due to the pandemic, Sean Paul during the past year used this time to record two albums. ‘Live N Livin’, which is officially out now and available on all streaming platforms, and ‘Scorcha’, which is still yet to be announced.

‘Live N Livin’ features a total of 16-tracks, 15 collaborations, and 1 solo track. The album is produced by Sean Paul’s Dutty Rock Productions team and is distributed by the digital distribution platform, ONErpm.

Sean Paul's 'Live N Livin' playlist

Sean Paul’s ‘Live N Livin’ official playlist

The official 16 track playlist includes:

  1. Buss A Bubble Remix – Sean Paul ft. Sotto Bless, Looga Man, Ras Ajai, Chi Ching Ching
  2. Boom – Sean Paul Ft. Busy Signal
  3. Space Ship – Sean Paul ft Suku Ward
  4. Real Steel – Sean Paul ft. Intence
  5. The Plug – Sean Paul feat Chi Ching Ching
  6. Dem Nuh Ready Yet – Sean Paul feat Left Side
  7. Crazy – Sean Paul Ft Buju Banton
  8. Schedule – Sean Paul ft Jr. Gong, Chi Ching Ching
  9. Money Bags  Sean Paul ft. Govana
  10. Protect Me – Sean Paul ft. Serani
  11. Lion Heart – Sean Paul
  12. Guns of Navarone – Sean Paul ft. Jesse Royal, Mutabaruka & Stonebwoy (Remix)
  13. Danger Zone – Sean Paul ft. Bugle, Scotto Bless
  14. Life We Livin – Sean Paul feat Squash
  15. I’m Sanctify – Sean Paul feat. Mavado & Agent Sasco (Remix)
  16. Everest – Sean Paul ft. Masicka and Skillibeng

Since its release, fans are already anticipating when next they will witness the ‘Temperature’ singer perform. But it seems like they won’t have to wait that long as Sean Paul has already announced that he will be performing live from Jamaica on Saturday 10th April, at 4 pm EST.

According to dreamstage.live, fans will get to teleport to the Caribbean for feel-good music through their superior hi-def visual virtual concert stage that brings dancehall ambassador Sean Paul and surprise musical guests into homes where fans can dance like no one’s watching in unison with others. Against the backdrop of turquoise waters, expect music by his live band and DJ as he jams to a mix of his classics as well as singles off his new album out now.

So be sure to mark your calendars and save the date!

Sources include: https://www.revolt.tv, https://sflcn.com, https://www.looptt.com

Hashtags: #SeanPaul #Jamaica #Newalbum #LiveNLivin #Dancehall #Dancehallmusic #BujuBanton #DamienMarley

Buju Banton & Koffee Domination Of Awards Nominations

Posted on by Lesandra Scott

Buju Banton and Koffee domination of Awards nominations continue for their 2020 contributions in reggae. The two artistes each received two nods for the NAACP Image Awards. Buju Banton for ‘Blessed’ and ‘Pressure remix’ done with Koffee. Koffee’s other nomination was for her single ‘Lockdown’; these are in the Best International Song Category.  It is worth mentioning that they will be competing against famed Nigerian singers Davido and Tiwa Savage.

Fellow Jamaican, Skip Marley, was also nominated in the category of Outstanding New Artist for his single, ‘Higher Place’.

Buju who recently won Best Reggae Act at the 2020 MOBO Awards over Koffee, is also nominated (together with Skip Marley) for the 2021 Grammy Award category of  Best Reggae Album.

The NAACP is the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, currently in its 52nd year and will host its annual award show on March 27th. The show for over fifty years has put into focus recognition of African-Americans in the fields of art, entertainment, and literature. It will be simulcast on March 27 at 8 pm. ET across Viacom CBS Networks, which includes BET, CBS, MTV, VH1, MTV2, BET HER, and LOGO.

Impressive 2020 Reggae Performances

Posted on by Lesandra Scott

It’s no secret that the year 2020, has been the definition of “trying”. Let’s be honest, with the fireworks on January 1st to herald in the New Year, we were not expecting the year that 2020 has turned out to be. However, despite the uncertainty this pandemic casts upon us, the artistes that have won our love chose not to leave us empty handed.

As with everything in life, you learn to adapt to the way that life flows, and let me tell you, adapting these artistes did! Swiftly accepting that virtual performances are the new normal due to the heavy implementation of social distancing, organizers immediately harnessed their skills in producing virtual concerts. Concerts such as Reggae Sumfest which ran the risk of being cancelled in the middle of the pandemic was converted into two nights of virtual performances This received rave reviews and was widely appreciated by many; making it a shinning example of how Caribbean artistes can still effectively entertain during the global shutdown.

Caribbean Entertainment Hub stoplights some of the most impressive Live Reggae performances of 2020.  From Tiny Desk concerts, Reggae Sumfest and performances organized by BBC Radio 1Xtra; this selection of performances have an organic feel and show just how serious these artistes take their craft and the emotional health of their audience.  For even though we are in a pandemic, they still showed up and sang their hearts out for the fans.

Catch the Covid motivated virtual performances below!

 

Buju Banton Wins 2020 MOBO Awards

Posted on by David Lawrence

Caribbean Entertainment Hub congratulates Buju Banton on winning Best Reggae Act at the 2020 MOBO Awards for his long-awaited album, “Upside Down 2020”; his first full-length studio album in a decade. Buju, who is also nominated for a Grammy award, won over Koffee, Popcaan, Protoje, and Lila Ike.

On his win, Buju Banton said “I thank the MOBO Awards committee, but most of all I thank everyone who has supported me and continues to support me. Let’s continue to allow music to do its job as the great healer, teacher, comforter, and, above all, the restorative force that propels human beings to higher heights.”

The MOBO Awards, UK’s biggest celebration of Black music and culture, returned after a 3-year hiatus. The show, held on Wednesday December 9th, was live-streamed for the very first time on YouTube because of Covid-19 restrictions.

 

Winning the MOBO Awards signifies Buju’s triumphant return to the music scene after serving some nine plus years in an American prison. It all goes to show that you just can’t keep a good man down.

Fellow Jamaicans Koffee, Popcaan, and Shenseea were also nominated for ‘Best International Act’ but this category was won by the Nigerian singer Burna Boy.

 

Related Articles:

Koffee & PopcaanKoffee & Popcaan Lead With Jamaican Nominations In MOBO Awards 2020

Jamaica’s Koffee & Popcaan, both previous two-times winners of the MOBO Awards, have each received two nominations in this year’s awards. The pair have been nominated in the categories of ‘Best Reggae Act’ (where Popcaan won in 2015 & 2016) and ‘Best International Act’

The Countdown For Buju Banton’s New Album Is On

The countdown for  Buju Banton’s brand new album ‘Upside Down’ is officially on. The album due for release on Friday 26th June 2020, will mark the Jamaican Reggae Dancehall superstar’s first album in 10 years since his last album ‘Before the Dawn’ in 2010.

Koffee & Popcaan Lead With Jamaican Nominations In MOBO Awards 2020

Posted on by Nekisha Cyrus

Jamaica’s Koffee & Popcaan, both previous two-times winners of the MOBO Awards, have each received two nominations in this year’s Awards. The pair have been nominated in the categories of ‘Best Reggae Act’ (where Popcaan won in 2015 & 2016) and ‘Best International Act’ where they will be competing with the likes of Drake, Megan Thee Stallion, Burna Boy, Shenseea and more.

Other Jamaican artistes such as Buju Banton, Protoje and Lila Iké have also been nominated in the Best Reggae category.

The ‘Music of Black Origins’ (MOBO) Awards, has been in existence for over 20 years and has been labelled as one of the biggest annual music awards in the UK. However, after a two year hiatus with the last awards being held in 2017, this year’s awards is back and carded to take place on Wednesday 9th December, 2020 at 7:00 pm live on YouTube and will later be aired on BBC One.

So will you be tuning in to this year’s MOBO Awards? For the full list of this year’s nominees click here.

 

Hashtags: #MOBOawards #MOBOawards2020 #Jamaica #Koffee #Popcaan #BujuBanton #Protoje #LilaIke #Shenseea

2021 Grammy Nominations For ‘Best Reggae Album’

Posted on by Taneika Thomas

With the 63rd Grammy awards fast approaching, the greatly anticipated list of grammy nominees has been released and so is the line up for Best Reggae Album. This year, five albums were nominated with Buju Banton and Skip Marley heading the list. The nominees are as follows:

UPSIDE DOWN 2020 — Buju Banton

Buju Banton’s nomination is no surprise as this marks his fourth career nomination in the grammy fields. Upside Down 2020 was released in July with a Number 2 debut on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart. The albums feature collaborations with Stephen Marley, John Legend, Pharrell and Stefflon Don.

HIGHER PLACE — Skip Marley

Skip Marley who is the grandson of the late Reggae icon Bob Marley has been booming on the scene making several Billboard Magazine charts. The album was released in August featuring well-known guest stars such as Bob Marley. There were also collaborations with Damian Marley, Rick Ross, Ari Lennox and  R&B sensations H.E.R. (which is also nominated for Best R&B Song).

IT ALL COMES BACK TO LOVE — Maxi Priest

This is Maxi Priest’s first Grammy nomination in two decades. The album was released on October 9 and features a collaboration with Robin Trower and Livingstone Brown.

 

Maxi Priest, Toots, and The Wailers

 

GOT TO BE TOUGH — Toots & the Maytals

Toots and the Maytals earned a nomination for their final album which was released in August, and sad to say, Toots (a member of the band) passed away the month after the album was released due to complications with the coronavirus. Toots won the Best Reggae Album category in 2005 for ‘True Love’. The band has been around since the 1960s.

 

ONE WORLD — The Wailers

One world by the Wailers is the final nominee in the category of Reggae album. One World was recorded in Miami and produced by Emilio Estefan of Miami Sound Machine fame.

 

The 63rd staging of the Grammy Awards ceremony will take place virtually on January 31, 2021, because of COVID-19 restrictions. Talk show host and comedian Trevor Noah will be the emcee.

 

Hashtags

#Grammy #Grammy Awards #Grammy Awards 2021 #Grammy Nomination #Best Reggae Album #BujuBanton #MaxiePriest #TheWailers #Toots # Skip Marley

 

Links and references

https://bashymagazine.com/article/2020/11/24/here-are-the-2021-grammy-nominations-for-best-reggae-album

https://urbanislandz.com/2020/11/24/buju-banton-skip-marley-gets-grammy-nods-for-best-reggae-album-2021/

 

Buju Banton Wins 2020 Jamaica Festival Song Competition

Posted on by Taneika Thomas

The 2020 leg of the Jamaica Festival Song Competition ended on a high note with Grammy Award winner Buju Banton walking away as the winner with his entry ‘I am a Jamaican’. The Gargamel who coveted the prize award of $3 million suggested that the Sunbeam Boys’ Home will be the beneficiary. “The true winner tonight is the Sunbeam Boys’ Home,” he said, upon receiving the symbolic cheque.

The winning song will be used as the musical backdrop for the annual celebration of Jamaica’s Emancipation and Independence (Aug 1 and 6 respectively).

The Competition which is usually a showground for aspiring artistes, songwriters and producers to showcase their talents while invoking the spirit of the Jamaican people. This year saw more than 250 entrants and surprisingly featured popular names in the final 10 list such as Buju Banton, Freddie McGregor, Actress and Talk show host Sakina Deer, and Digicel Rising Star 2009 Winner Brown Suga.  This year’s winners were decided by public vote and due to COVID-19, the competition was staged as a virtual event. While Buju Banton, Nazzleman and Freddie McGregor were the social media favourites only Buju Banton made it to the top three.

The Jamaica Festival Song Competition is the longest-running original song contest in Jamaica since 1966 and this year’s cultural showcase was one for the books. Entertainment and Culture Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’  Grange who said that the event was being rebranded to make it more attractive and to return it to its former glory expressed her satisfaction at the “renewed interest, enthusiasm and display of patriotism”.

Past winners who have gone on to make a splash internationally are Toots and the Maytals, Eric Donaldson, Hopeton Lewis, Roy Rayon, Tinga Stewart and Nazzleman.

 

Here’s the ‘2020 Jamaica Festival Song’ 9 runner-ups:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Links to Similar Stories

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/entertainment/20200727/buju-banton-wins-2020-jamaica-festival-song-competition