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.

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

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

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Dancehall artiste Jordan Phillips, popularly known as JCapri, has been hospitalised following a motor vehicle crash early Monday.
Reports are that the 'Wine and Kotch' singer was travelling in the Barbican area of St Andrew about 3:00 am when she reportedly lost control of the car she was driving, which slammed into a wall. It is not known if she was alone in the motor vehicle.
She was rushed to the University Hospital of the West Indies where she reportedly underwent surgery after suffering what is said to be a fractured skull as well as brain damage.
It is also reported that she is badly in need of blood. Twitter users have been circulating the following photo on the social media platform:Meanwhile, several artistes and fans expressed shock and sadness as the news circulated via social media, with a number of them posting her photo accompanied with the hashtag #PrayforJCapri.

THE Jazz Divas Chapter 2 show at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston last Sunday more than lived up to expectations. The soothing sounds of an all-female cast backed by Obed Davis on drums, bassist Paul Madden, guitarist Brandon Benjamin and Ozoun'e on keyboards, engaged attendees with a satisfying fusion of jazz, Rhythm and Blues and reggae.Orisha Sound gave the penultimate staging of this year's bi-monthly series an international flavour. Born Orisha Pelzer in Oslo, Norway, the Los Angeles/Kingston-based singer charmed the audience with her energy and vivacity, performing songs from her latest album, One Reggae, such as Rewind, Love Rollercoaster, Riddim of Your Skin as well as Puzzle, from Cupid, her previous set.
Diamara Neil-Walker, winner of the 2015 Jamaica Cultural Development Commission Gospel Song Contest, is a shining star. She gave a brilliant performance, around Because of Him, I Want Jesus, Eyes On The Sparrow (in traditional gospel form) before showing off her versatility with a jazzy rendition of Sweet Chariot and That Name. She closed with her Gospel Song Contest winner, God Is.
There were other standouts, including Azuri who was well-received for her rendition of Moody's Mood For Love, Orange Coloured Sky and Through The Fire.
Judy Emanuel lived up to her billing with her comforting delivery of Somewhere, I Don't Know Why, I Hope You Don't Mind and Bridge Over Troubled Waters.
Fashionista of the evening, Althea Hewitt, did not disappoint. Sporting a fabulous outfit, she gave an equally impressive performance; Street Life, Autumn Leaves, Simply The Best, Next To Me and Stronger were some of the songs she did.
Dr Kathy Brown returned to her old stomping in style on keyboards and vocals. She also impressed with When I Fall In Love, By Sunday, Get Up Stand Up and Sly Mongoose.
The grand dame of Jamaican jazz, Dr Myrna Hague, closed the evening with a vintage set.

Jamaica — Despite the success of her latest album, Dripping Blood, gospel singer Carlene Davis said she is busy in the studio working on new material.
"We are putting together new material. We are not in a rush, as this album (Dripping Blood) has a long way to go," she told the Jamaica Observer.
Dripping Blood is currently number 8 on the American Billboard Reggae Charts. The 16-track set, produced by her husband Tommy Cowan, is spending its 12th week in the Top 10. During the week of August 1, the album peaked at number 2.
Dripping Blood recently won Best Gospel Album at the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Davis, a former secular artiste, attributes her career revival to divine intervention.
"It's the grace of God. Sometimes we make plans, but it's his plans that will prevail. When I look at how we would produce our music and songs, we have always done them with a sense of purpose and excellence and we have been blessed. God decided to do his thing, it was all in his hands and the people have responded," she said.
The singer is, however, desirous for local disc jocks to warm up to the set.
"We would love to see more of our local radio stations playing the songs and giving the Jamaican public a fair chance to hear the tracks," she said.
In the meantime, Davis is preparing for the third staging of Haiti Broilers Fun In The Son at Sun Auto, Tabarre, Port Au Prince, Haiti, next Saturday. Haitian gospel artistes Delly Benson, Yvan Yves and Consolation will join her on stage.

CREDITS: Jamaica Observer 

POPULAR female dancers Renae 6:30 and Sher Rumbar say they are urging the dancehall artistes to be more supportive of their careers.

In an interview with Jamaica Observer, the dancing divas said there skills complement the dancehall acts.

"Some of them are quick to link us whenever they want a dance move to be highlighted in a music video. But when they are going on tour they don't even look at us. They sometimes want to pay us a small fee but it shouldn't be like that. Us dancers add colour and value to music videos," said Renae 6:30.

The dancers can be seen showing off their moves in several music videos including Aidonia's Boring Gal, Kalado's Personally, Konshens' Walk and Wine and Jiggle.

According to Sher Rumbar, sometimes the hurdles are created by other female dancers due to jealousy. She, however, hopes they'll one day form an alliance.

"Then there are the critics who don't take us seriously as some believe that our type of dancing is not a career. But nonetheless, I refuse to stop trying, as I love what I do," she said.

According to the duo, although they have no formal training as dancers, they practice constantly.

"We are very disciplined. We work out at the gym and try to eat as healthy as possible. The front of our yard is where we practice. Nuff time we knee dem get chip up," Sher explained.

Sher Rumbar (given name Sherine Scarlett), 24, shot to prominence in 2012 when she won the Dancehall Queen competition.

"My life changed drastically after that. I got to performed in countries like England, Haiti, Panama, St Marteen and Antigua," she said.

Renae 6:30 (real name Renae McLean), 22, got her break on the dancehall circuit.

"I started going to a lot of parties. After which, I created the Puppy Tail dance and it became a hit. Demarco contacted me to be a part of his music video. It is at the parties that I met Sher and we start touch out together," she said. She hopes of owning a beauty salon one day.

In November, both girls will embark on a two-week tour of Canada. This will be followed by several local dates.
Credit: Jamaica Observer