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a Jamaica: There is A Room In Her Say's Minister Hall

11/3/2016

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SINCE HANGING up her dancehall shoes in December 2015, Marion Hall has been baptised and is now walking a Christian path.
Some of the best-known anthems from the Jamaican-born star, formerly known as ‘queen of dancehall’, Lady Saw, include Heels On, Man is the Least and Sycamore Tree.
Currently residing in Florida, Hall decided to remain in America’s sunshine state after performing at her first post-baptism concert at Lauderdale Lakes in February of this year.
“When I came here, I was on the run from my own people,” she admits. “After my baptism, I found that a lot of people in Jamaica were persecuting me, criticising me, condemning me for making my decision – talking a lot of mess.
“You’d think people would be praying me up when many were talking against me. I was so paranoid at the time.”
However, after this initial backlash, Hall began to take heart in a higher purpose.
“I realised I didn’t have to please mankind. It was about pleasing God. Mankind can’t blow breath in you. I used to run but now I care zero about what anyone thinks.”
Thankfully though, several of her former reggae peers, have been more supportive.
“Judy Mowatt brought me to her church long before I got saved. Lieutenant Stitchie has always been there. Junior Tucker, Papa San and Chevelle Franklyn have also shown a lot of love.”
Attending church regularly at The Faith Centre led by Bishop Henry Fernandez, Hall is currently spending a lot of time preparing for Bible School.
“I’ve just conquered long division. I didn’t get to finish school when I was younger because we couldn’t afford it. If someone told me that I would be learning these things in the future, then I would have said you are lying!”
Dancehall is, of course, a global commodity and Hall was once sitting at the top of the scene as the formidable, Lady Saw.
As the first female Jamaican deejay to perform as a headliner outside of Jamaica, she was also the first to be certified as a triple platinum artist and win a Grammy award.
While there is also a booming gospel music market, how does the money there compare to what she used to make in the world of dancehall?
“I’m not pulling in millions like I used to,” Hall admits. “But I’m not hungry and I’m so happy. Can I tell you about the peace I have felt since [getting baptised]? Such joy!”
Earlier this year, Hall’s debut gospel album landed, showcasing her spiritual sound. Aptly titled When God Speaks, the 14-track record was released on her Marion Hall Ministry imprint and features a number of respected producers, such as Colin Bulby and Bobby Digital.
The 44 year-old gushes: “It turned out so beautifully and was honestly the quickest album I’ve ever made. Four songs were recorded in the US and 10 in Jamaica. People are loving it but it’s dedicated to God because He gave it all to me.

“I always wanted to do a gospel album but knew I couldn’t do both [secular and gospel]. Once I started on the journey, I made a promise to God that one day, I would give my life to Him and serve Him, if He can just be patient with me and help me to make the living I need to help myself and my family. I’m so grateful to God for holding on to me and not letting go.”
According to the St. Mary native, her current spiritual journey has been a long time coming.
“I was going to walk away [from dancehall] but then went to clash another artist [Macka Diamond] at Sting 2013. When I was done, I felt like a speck of dirt – like I had let God down. After that, I didn’t feel His presence when I prayed…not until just before I got baptised after [dancehall singer J Capri’s funeral [in December 2015].”
Hall is no stranger to hardship and has been very transparent about her tribulations, both outside and inside the studio. Part of her ministry will include helping the hungry, homeless and abused young women.
“When I got my calling, the first thing He did was send me to a prostitute. I’ve been to women’s prisons to minister to them. I realise that I didn’t get saved to get saved, but to help others and win souls for Christ.
“Before I got saved, there were so many women approaching me about their own painful experiences and I’d open up about my own testimony. I want to use this to help others – both women and men.”
Reflecting on her own experiences, Hall says: “I’ve gone through so much. Living in the ghetto, abuse from my dad – brutal beatings, tying me with chains. There was a time in my teens when I took pills and asked the Lord to let me die. I ended up vomiting them up. I’ve been raped. But God never took his hand off of me. This is what my single, I Had Jesus is all about.”
As Lady Saw, Hall was famed for her X-rated music and performances. But the former dancehall queen says her sexually laced material was a reclamation of her past traumas, and also a tool of empowerment.
“I used the same sex that I could’ve hated men for and sold it to feed myself and my family,” she says. “But after each performance, I’d be praying for forgiveness.”
Forgiveness is a huge part of redemption and Hall says she chooses “not to dwell” on those who did her wrong in the past – particularly her father.
“He acts like he doesn’t remember the things he did,” she says. “But I forgave him a long time ago.
“He has some good ways too. He used to comb our hair, sew – do a lot of those things as my mum passed away when we were young. He now lives in Ocho Rios at my house.”
Optimistic about her future prospects as a Christian and her new lease of life, an effervescent Hall declares, “I am married to Jesus until he says otherwise!”
Marion Hall’s single Room In My House is out now, available via major digital retailers


Click To Buy Room In My House
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 Uinted Kingdom : New Stars Added To Mobo

11/3/2016

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CONTINUING THEIR tradition of shining a light on fresh urban music talent in the UK, the MOBO’s have announced new names set to perform at the awards show this Friday at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow.
Fekky, Section Boyz, Wstrn and Izzy Bizu have all had stellar years and in recognition of their efforts the MOBO’s have given the artists a platform to perform their classics anthems.
South London rapper Fekky’s meteoric rise has seen him turn buzz from YouTube videos into sold-out headlining shows, and collaborations with Mercury Prize winner Skepta, Dizzee Rascal, Giggs, J Hus, Solo 45 and Professor Green.
This will be Fekky’s second time performing at the MOBO Awards, following 2014’s joint-take over with Meridian Dan at London’s SSE Wembley Arena. He is nominated for Best Hip Hop Act alongside strong contenders like Giggs, Little Simz, Section Boyz and Wretch 32.
Fekky said: “it’s gonna be a mad ting! Make sure you lock in!”
Joining Fekky on stage will be the rap tour de force that is SECTION BOYZ, who recently teamed up with Skepta on their killer track ‘#Worst’.
The Croydon collective swept up the much-coveted Best Newcomer prize at last year’s MOBO Awards and since then, they’ve had global music superstar Drake and Skepta join them at their London gig. The six-piece group is back this year, stronger than ever, as strong contenders in the Best Hip Hop category.
Critically lauded soul pop gem Izzy Bizu makes her exciting MOBO Awards debut this year. Fresh from releasing her debut album A Moment of Madness to rave reviews and performing at Glastonbury, the singer-songwriter is set to take on the awards stage in Glasgow, where she is also nominated for Best Newcomer.
Also adding shine to the superstar line-up is R&B group Wstrn. The trio from West London are best known for their infectious UK #4 hit with ‘In2’, which spent 11 weeks in the UK Top 20 last winter and was, just as recently as last month, certified platinum sales.
They are up for two nominations: Best Video for ‘In2’ and Best Newcomer, alongside outstanding emerging talents like 67, AJ Tracey, Anne-Marie, Avelino, Izzy Bizu, Kojey Radical, Mostack, Nadia Rose and Ray BLK.


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Uganda: Eddy Kenzo Won Big In The USA

11/3/2016

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Ugandan BET Award winner, Edrisa Musuuza aka Eddy Kenzo has won another international gong at the African Entertainment Awards USA (AEAUSA) that were held at Liberty Theater in New Jersey, USA on Saturday evening.
Kenzo made Uganda proud last year by being the first East African artiste to win a BET award, and he has proved his consistence by winning another international award.
Kenzo beat off competition from the likes of Diamond Platnumz (Utanipenda), MC Galaxy (Hello), and Ommy Dimpoz (Achia Body) among others to walk away with the award for video of the year for his single “Viva Africa”
Now in their second edition, the African Entertainment Awards USA aim to support, celebrate, promote, and uplift the achievements of African musicians on the continent and in the diaspora.
Credits Red Pepper Uganda


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Jamaica:  Producer Troyton The Dancehall Bully 

11/3/2016

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MUSIC producer Troyton Hinds is quite optimistic that his latest project, Dancehall Bully, will reasonate with listeners.
“The rhythm already creating waves in dancehall space. It’s one of the most talked about rhythm right now, especially since Mavado recorded his track answering back to Popcaan,” said Hinds.
In addition to Popcaan, the rhythm boasts some of dancehall’s elite including Mavado, Demarco, Jahmiel, Busy Signal, Charly Black, and I-Octane.
Released in August, Dancehall Bully is on the Troyton Music label and distributed by 21st Hapilos. It is available on all digital platforms.
“I am targeting audience worldwide with my productions. I do good, quality music and different genres; we have been done some what of that but there is much more places to aim at,” said Hinds.
A former University of Technology engineering student, Hinds has been producing music for over 20 years. His credits include I Octane’s
I A Cry and Gal A Gimmi Bun, Tarrus Riley’s She Dangerous, and Take It by Mavado and singer Karian Sang.
He said he is currently in studio working on his rhythm called True Emotions set to be released in January of 2017.
Credit : Jamaica Observer

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