Blog Posts - Jah-Africa

Malawian: Rapper Lady Pace

5/26/2015

Mwayi Mphande, better known by her stage name, Lady Pace, is a gifted Malawian hiphop artist. She one of the fastest rising female rappers in Malawi. Her fusion of hip-hop, R’n’B with afro-beat has made her a household name among young people and adults alike.

She has worked with the UNFPA on a Lets Condomise campaign, employing her music talent as a tool of sensitization and behavior change communication.

As to how challenging it is to be one of the very few ladies in the contemporary secular music industry in the country, Lady Pace says she has to deal with those stereotypes everyday but finds solace in the support she gets from her family and adorable fans to keep going.

"My family has been very supportive and my fans help me get through and stay focused in doing what I love -which is music. There are two things I take very seriously; my education and my music," she says.

She is also pursuing an Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management at Mzuzu University trashing the misconception that lady artists in the secular or contemporary music industry are loose and unfocused.

Lady Pace features highly on the BlackFace Family debut mixtape, the Benjamins, particularly on hit singles like Money Maker & Party Anthem (Mapwando).

The songstress aspires to break international boundaries within the next two years and determined to represent Malawi at MTV African Music awards with a unique style that has made her one of Malawi’s promising talents and stars.

Lady Pace, who lists Beyonce, Alicia Keys and Ashanti as her major influence, is currently working on her debut mixtape.

Her hit singles include: Weather and #One

JAMAICA :REGGAE SINGER Tosh Alexander

4/21/2015

Tosh, named after her mother's favorite singer Peter Tosh, is as unique as the name that she was given. True to her Jamaican heritage, this young lady honed in and combined the spirit of the Caribbean people and the soul of the American city effortlessly through her music. When she sings it’s not hard to get lost in every note that leaves her lips. Sometimes playful, sometimes soulful but always pitch perfect, without comparison Tosh is in a class all by herself, with a sound of her own. Now that Tosh has teamed up with the phenomenal production talents of Tony Kelly, Brian Stanley and Cool & Dre, she’s putting the finishing touches on her debut album. This singer songwriter is poised to change the game and bring true vocal ability back into the limelight. Tosh sums up her musical journey with: “I can’t remember a time when music was not a major part of my life. Soon enough, the world will be able to say that they can't remember a time when Tosh’s music wasn't a major part of their lives. Ladies and Gentlemen we present to you: Tosh Alexander.

Jamaican : Reggae Singer Bridgez

2/23/2015

Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica. The melodic singer/songwriter Bridgett “Bridgez” Roache has had a passion for music from a very tender age. She began writing and singing in a group at church at the age of 11. Unfortunately the group split but Bridgez continued to write music and record her songs on her computer. At the age of 16 “Bridgez” joined a group called “3 wishes” which was put together by Norman Chambers aka “Doom” son of Jimmy Cliff. The group lasted for a while but wasn’t going in the direction that “Bridgez” hoped for so eventually she left the group. After some time “Bridgez” decided it was time to go solo. She entered contests and auditions but none seemed to come through. She did her first professional recording with upcoming producers David “Hizzle” Hayle and Jordan McClure from Chimney Records. She recorded two songs under their label “Have Fun Tonight” And “Distracted”. Looking for variety of “riddims” Bridgez started working with other producers like The Legendary Producer “Jack Scorpio” who was impressed by Bridgez’ sound. He decided to work with the young artist; she recorded two songs under the Black Scorpio Label “If Love’s A Game” and “Shy” however the songs didn’t get much recognition.

This actually motivated the singer to work harder and write more songs. Around this time “Bridgez” was introduced to Chart Topping Billboard Producer “Jah Snowcone.” He was opened to listen to what the singer had to offer and was impressed and decided to work with her. She recorded quite a few songs under Jahsnowcone Entertaintment Inc. such as “Best Friend”, “Put It Pon Me”, “Tun It Up” and she even collaborated with the Producer on a track called “So Fine” which is on the “Reggae … more Dancehall Nature” Album and another collaboration with Tanto Metro and Devonte called “How You Like It”. She shot videos for “Best Friend” and Put It Pon Me” both got heavy rotation in the local and overseas network.

The songs started to give Bridgez recognition from people seeing her videos and performances, so she continued to work with Jahsnowcone and more producers such as Octavius “Vigor” Muir on a track called “Take My Breath Away” and Steven “Supa Hype” Davis on a track called “I Breathe You” and also Grammy Award Winning Producers “Sly and Robbie” with a song called “I’m In Like” which is in heavy rotation on numerous local and overseas stations such as MTV’s TEMPO where her medley video “Take My Breath Away/I’m In Like” spent 2 months on Tempo’s Countdown.

Her most recent song “Come On Home” featuring Lukie D from the group LUST is produced by one of the top producers in Jamaica, Kemar “Flava” Mcgregor under Nodoubt Records is already getting good reviews from her fans and radio waves, “I feel like I am growing as an artist from people looking at me and asking “Do I know you from somewhere?” to actually seeing me and calling me by my stage name and saying “I like your music, that alone is a big blessing for me”. Bridgez continues to write, record and perform her catchy and harmonious songs to win over the public’s hearts.

Trinidardian : Singer Ms Paige

2/1/2015

Ashley Johnson, born into a musical family as daughter of R&B recording artist & 6-time Juno nominee, Debbie Johnson, and grandchild of Trinidad’s singing sweethearts, Ed & Angie Johnson, Ms Paige’s musical destiny was embedded in her DNA from the start.

Ashley embarked on her musical career at an early age, beginning with piano lessons at age 5 and writing her very own songs by age 7. Since then, Ashley has added to her instrumental repertoire the violin, piccolo, flute, and saxophone. By the tender age of 10, she completed 3 studio recordings for The Canadian Sesame Street. Soon to follow, at age 11, Ashley was featured on 3 singles for Canadian environmentalist, David Suzuki’s, studio album, Amazing Journey.
Why Ms Paige, you ask?! In 2004, Ashley began fusing the soul of R&B with the passion of the music of her heritage, soca, from the sweet sister islands of oil and music, Trinidad & Tobago. Uniting with three other solo artists from the Toronto soca scene, FreakNasty, SugaKane and Diamond, the eclectic group, EleMental, was born, as was the name, Ms Paige. When forming EleMental, her band mates insisted that Paige, being one of her middle names, would be perfect. With Janet Jackson as one of her greatest influences, the following was inevitable…

“No my first name ain’t baby, it’s Ashley – Ms Paige if yuh nasty!”

Ms Paige truly began to make her mark in music in 2009, collaborating with producers Derek Brin & Gary Serrao on the Red Bonez Riddim with her single, Man Fi Borrow. The groovy soca single was on Toronto-Lime.com’s top 20 countdown for 15 weeks, peaking at #2 and reached #58 on the top 100 soca of 2009 on Toronto-Lime.com and KOSradio. Since then, Ms Paige has had the honour of performing at events in Toronto, Miami and Trinidad on the same stage as many well-respected entertainers, including the likes of Edwin Yearwood, Bunji Garlin, Fayann Lyons, Iwer George and Omarion to name a few. In 2011, Ms Paige experienced her first live performance in Trinidad at Woodford Cafe opening for Imij & Co. during Carnival 2011.

In January 2012, Ms Paige released her very first music video, a Soca Dread #OnDeScene production, for the track entitled Nice & Slow on the Aye Anthem Riddim produced by Slaughter Arts. In 2013, she began exploring the world of lover’s rock reggae, releasing 4 reggae songs and performing at Toronto’s first-ever 2-day Redemption Reggae Fest, featuring Beres Hammond, Tarrus Riley and Morgan Heritage.

In 2013, Ms Paige also garnered her first music award – the Top Soca Artist for 2013 presented by the Caribbean Music & Entertainment Awards. In 2014, she received the Young Fem Leader Award from Illuminessence, an Ontario-based eMagazine that celebrates young, professional women and their accomplishments. She is also nominated for the 2014 Black Canadian Award for Best Caribbean Style Artiste.

Ms Paige is ready to leave her musical footprint on the world.

UGANDA: SINGER "FYONNA NSUBUGA

11/9/2014

Fyonna Nsubuga who started her Ugandan Music career in 2012, grew up in North London. Fyonna is a versatile singer and a song writer. In 2013 she won Uganda Hipipo award as the best artist outside Uganda

NDIKULINDA ALBUM.

Following her arrival on the scene, She immediately embarked on creating a Ugandan tailored album consisting of different genres called Ndikulinda

CAREER.

Fyonna started music as a song writer while learning music instruments and later joined London based Tab Impala band as a backing vocalist. In 2010 she parted with Impala band to begin a solo singing career. She instantly became a household name in the London Ugandan community that led to her nomination in the UK EMNA awards in 2011 in two categories of female artist and video of the year. It was the same year that she was signed on a one year development music contract by UK Truimph Music group. During her time with the band she made various back ups to prominent Ugandan musicians on UK tours.

GENRES.

Fyonna who is a qualified composer does Soul, British and Afro pop, local R’nB and Gospel music. The former Tab Impala band vocalist was part of her College students’ band and was once chosen to represent her the College in the BBC Radio One music project in which she recorded her written song that reached number one under the unsigned cuts.

EDUCATION.

The talented singer who is famous for exciting stage performances and originality in her voice went to a girl’s catholic school OUR LADIES Convent and has a degree in Music Industry Management from Bucks University and a Diploma in popular music practice from City and Islington College. She also has a level 3 certificate in classical singing and voice techniques and lately a qualified nurse.

ACTING Fyonna is a voice actress as the mother of the main character in the first Uganda animation film being produced in USA called OBULAMU BWEKISODE “GALIWANGO.

The arrival of Fyonna on the scene will jinx up the female music competition and is bound to create change in the music industry.

CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS

She is mult- Talented, versatile and outstanding Performer, often called THE IRRESISTIBLE DYNAMITE

Award Winner Of Best Artist In Diaspora 2013

1st Artist To Release A Song At A Festival Performance

1st Young Ukug Female Artist To Impact UkUg Music Industry

1st Artist To Perform 2 National Anthems At Nambole Both In French And English

1st Uk Artist To Perform At Simba Kigunda

1st Ukug Artist To Have A Song At No.

1 On Bbc Radio One Extra Under Unsigned Cuts

Norminated At Uk Emna Wards And Runners Up 2011

1st Ukug Artist To Be Signed By A Major Publishing Label

1st Ukug Artist To Have 2 Songs In Mtn Yellow Moments

1st Youngest Artist To Win An Award For Contributing To Uguk Music Industry

JAMAICAN DANCEHALL STAR: DESTINY SPRATA

10/25/2014

Destiny aka Kimberly Cuvilie was born and raised in the city of Montego Bay St. James Jamaica. She is a graduate of the Montego Bay High School after which she went on to further her studies at the Montego Bay Community College where she did a pre-uinversity business course . Her passion for music and the creative process of composing , mixing & arranging songs led her to pursue a course in audio & studio engineering at the Music Business & Technology Institute in Kingston . Growing up she was always surrounded by music as her aunt Patricia Edwards was a memeber of the dynamic trio Ebony as she recalls at a tender age of six she would dress in her aunts costumes and do her rendition of Diana Ross's ''Stop in the name of love". Musician , singer and producer Ed Robinson was a friend of the family whenever she visited she would lurk around his studio & listen to the work he produced. It was destined for her to take on a career in music as it seem to be embedded in her genes. Her younger siblings Nickel , Nicolo and Chante Cuvile are also singers her brother Nicolo Cuvile is the lead singer for the group Khalil 2008 Digicel Rising stars 2nd place winners . Destiny entered the 2009 Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall competition and like her brother was placed second in the competition and will no doubt be remembered for her spectacular performances and lyrical prowess. She has been composing her own lyrics since the age of 12 . At age14 her cousin asked her for help to do a music class assignmet where she had to write a song & put melody to it Destiny gave her one of the songs she had previously written and the teacher was so impressed and asked if she was sure it was an original and not something that was on the main stream market. After hearing this Destiny's confidence in her writing ability grew and she started performing these songs for her friends and family who were surprised and in awe of how well she wrote and sang. She says the first album she owned was given to her by her mothers friend and it was Shabba Ranks and she would play this one song on the cassette continuously "Dem a talk bout mi slack and bout mi dirty and dem neva si mi star in anu blue movie." From then on she couldn't get enough of dancehall music . Lady Saw , Bounty Killer ,Sizzla and Buju Banton she says are her favorite dancehall artistes she also admires the lyrical wit of Vybez Kartel and the melodious sound of Mavado . Destiny is destined for success her single "Duppybat" scored major points with the females and earned her a spot on the hypte tv vtx charts for weeks. She landed a big youtube hit that wreaked havoc in the dancehall whe she counteracted Vybz Kartels ''benz'' single. "The Killtress " as Bounty Killer called her after defeating her opponent in several clash rounds on Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall. Both tracks are produced by her brother Nicolo Cuvilie aka Q da wizz she also has a track where she will be showcasing her vocal ability as a singer on the Sample Rage label. She says Jamaica is filled with so much talented individuals who sometimes do not get the break they deserve but says she will be relentless in her efforts as she will not stop until she accomplishes her goal which is to solidify herself in the industry as a singer /songwriter. " I am aiming for longevity in the business I know it takes a lot of hardwork it's not all glitz and glam but I am prepared , sleepless nights in the studio surrounded by creative and talented people working together to inspire and thrill others is whatArtist NameDestiny SpartaHome I live for" said the eloquent entertainer

Artist NameDestiny SpartaHome Pagehttp://www.reverbnation.com/destinysparta

Jamaican : Reggae Singer Nateesha Steam

10/25/2014

RASTAFARIAN reggae singer Nateesha Stream is currently in studio working on her seven-track Extended Play (EP) project which is expected to be released in December.

The yet-to-be titled set is a precursor for her album which has a 2015 deadline.
"I think EP will work for me now, while gearing up for my album," she told Splash.
The singer, whose given name is Nateesha Irving, said she recently recorded Miles Away, which will be included on the set.
"I think the crowd will love this one because it's based on personal experience and it talks about someone being in love," said the 33-year-old.
"Whatever I'm singing, I know the audience will feel it. I think when you can relate to the music, it will impact on you more," she continued.
Hailing from the Mona area of St Andrew, the former St Joseph High School student started out singing backing vocals. She has worked for artistes including Queen Ifrica, Gyptian, Lutan Fayah, Warrior King, and Coca Tea.
"It's always been my dream to do music and it is what I know how to do best, although I studied business management at school,"she explained.
Nateesha Stream's first single, Sisters, was released in 2008. Among her other releases are Come Away With Me, Tonight, No Place Like Home, Holiday featuring Gyptain, Children Cry, and Fall in Love.

JAMAICAN : REGGAE SINGER BERRI

10/14/2014

Allison V. Taylor (born March 11, Pisces) known musically as Berri, is an extraordinarily talented international (Jamaican-born) budding recording artist. Her rich, textured, soulful voice is reminiscent of the early greats such as Etta James or contemporary greats such as Whitney Houston.The fifth of six children, Berri knew from a young age she was “Gonna Fly”. At age 4 Berri’s vocal talent was discovered at church while singing hymns. However, it was at age 16 that Allison Taylor became Berri when the boys in her neighbour nicknamed her “Berri” because her short hairstyle made her look like the famous actress Halle Berry. Though she loved to sing, Berri had to put her passion on hold to help her family which led to an application to the Jamaica Defense Force and a course in culinary arts.
But it was difficult for Berri not to sing. Inspired by the great late Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin, Berri seek every opportunity to sing which saw her singing at church, store openings, weddings and wakes. It was at a wake that Berri was discovered by Derrol Frazer, CEO of ‘Out a Road Records’.
Under the guidance of Frazer, Berri attended classes at Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts.
Berri’ scored her first professional performance at the 2013 staging of Jamaica’s Fashion block during Style week. It was no slowing down for Berri, as she subsequently landed her first major stage show performance at Jamaica’s largest reggae festival, Reggae Sumfest where she performed on International Night 2 with the likes of R&B singer Miguel and reggae crooner Beres Hammond among others.
She was later flown to Canada to perfect her craft. There she attended vocal camp for several months with the legendary vocal coach Elaine Overholt of ‘Big Voice Studios’ who has worked with the titans of pop music; Ray Charles, Tina Turner, Dionne Warwick, as well as Hollywood celebrities like John Travolta, Richard Gere, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Queen Latifah.

This exposure, led Berri to work with top international music producers Gavin “Golden” Brown the multi-platinum, multi-Juno Award-winning Canadian record producer, and songwriter, and musician Adrian Gough of Dream Machine who have worked with the likes of Three Days Grace, Billy Talent, Metric, New Kids on The Block, and Lady Gaga.

A BERRI BRIGHT FUTURE>From all indications, the horizon is bright for Berri. She blazed into the consciousness of Jamaicans with I Can’t Let Go, Fly and her rendition of Tamia’s Give Me You.
Berri’s distinct musical sound is bound to standout in the adult contemporary, R&B, dance, gospel, pop genres and reggae.

The St. Catherine born songstress who anticipates a limitless future in music is currently taking piano lessons. Berri who recently performed at the St. Ann Kite Festival to rave reviews, is now prepared for a series of exclusive listening parties. These will involve intimate settings for her to meet her demographic of music lovers. She will also do a series of tours among various music loving sectors that will strategically build her a loyal and sustainable fan base over time.

“My ultimate dream is to walk the red carpet at the Grammys…
as a performer and a Grammy winner.” – Berri

OUT-A-ROAD RECORDS/MANAGEMENTShop 1c Baron’s Plaza, 59 1/4 Constant Spring Road, St. Andrew, Jamaica
Telephone: 1.876.631.8789/8792
info@outaroadrecords.com

My Personal Email
allison@berriberrimusic.com

JAMAICAN SINGER: KRIS KELLY

9/22/2014

As the newest artist on music industry veteran Russell “Block” Spencer’s Block Entertainment label, Kris Kelli is ready to share her musical blend of edgy, hip-hop, pop and Caribbean vibes with audiences in the U.S. and beyond.
A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Kris Kelli’s music career began at the age of 17 when she was discovered in a Kingston karaoke bar. After releasing a series of hit songs, including collaborations with reggae superstars Beenie Man and Vybz Kartel in her native Jamaica, Kris Kelli was ready for more. Block and his team answered the call and began the yearlong process of developing new music and a new sound that would match Kris Kelli’s incredible talent.
U.S. audiences were introduced to Kris Kelli earlier this year when she collaborated with fellow Block Entertainment label mate, Gorilla Zoe
for “Me & You.” The song, which quickly became one of the most requested songs on Atlanta’s V-103.3 FM, pays homage to Method Man and Mary J. Blige with a sample of the hip-hop classic “All I Need.” In October 2012, she released her first EP, Sell Off, which included the hit singles “HomeRun” and “Action.” If any of these efforts foreshadow Kris Kelli’s imminent success, then we can expect to see this Kingston songstress become an industry phenomenon in the
very near future.Websitehttp://www.iamKrisKelli.com Press Contactblock.assistant@gmail.com

Get To Know New Artist Chizz Chizem

9/8/2014

Driven by the will power to achieve; this determined & courageous lady "Shanet Chisholm aka Chizz Chizem", strives relentlessly to accomplish her objectives.

Since her awareness of being related to 2 musical pioneers in the reggae industry, Keith Francis, bass player for the reggae band "Chalice" and Cedric Myton of the roots reggae group "The Congos,". She has received an added drive to pursue her dreams of being a well known public figure.

Despite several challenges, this native warrior princess remains steadfast in attaining her goal of being in the league of the outstanding individuals in Jamaica’s music industry.

It was not all a life of flair for this former hotel manager, who was the victim of an undiagnosed ailment which had her hospitalized for an extended period as a teenager. Her recovery from this predicament was the inspiration for her first song “Everybody Got To Know” & not a remake of the popular church songJ.

In 2012 Chizem once again had a near death experience after being struck by lightning coming from a studio session in the rain. She recalls nothing for awhile, after being struck to the ground. The impact had her on her back with water pouring down on her, numb and unable to move until she felt herself being gently raised to her feet and carried by someone who appeared to know her. She was taken home by this good Samaritan whom no family member happen to had seen, when she made known of her ordeal to her family. She was quickly rushed to the hospital after this was brought to their attention.

Coming face to face with death on more than one occasion has not deterred this strong willed woman. Her determination has so far seen her doing several songs for known producer “Syl Gordon of Cell Block Records”, holding the #1 spot for 6 weeks on a conscious top 10 charts after being on the charts for 22 weeks and being privileged to receive personal advice from the queen of the dancehall “Lady Saw”. Chizz Chizem regards herself not as an artiste but an expressionist & intends on expressing herself in whatsoever way she is so moved.

https://www.facebook.com/chizzchizem https://twitter.com/chizem44