South Florida Welcomes Steelie

Posted 15 Apr 2007 — by MrDixon
Category Entertainment, Featured

With the release of ‘Do Bad By Myself’ on the Loving Pauper meets Hypocrite cd for producer Lloyd Campbell, and with a buzz already created in that area, it was only fitting that Steele visit South Florida to continue the intense promotion of his music. Steele arrived on Thursday afternoon and with little time to spare headed straight to VP’s retail outlet, for an impromptu meeting with ace producer Lloyd Campbell.

Florida, already considered to be a major USA market for reggae music, was vibrant as ever and on Thursday night, or Friday morning depending on who you ask, this became even more evident. Steele made his first visit to WLRN’s “Sounds of the Caribbean” Reggae Show, once the home of the man known as the Godfather Clint O’Neil, and now kept alive and kicking by the Reggae Godson Ital-K. The vibe was hype from the get go, as fans anticipated the visit from Steele, due mainly to the fact that several tracks from his ‘Uncorrupted’ cd had made Sound of the Caribbean’s Top Ten Charts on several occasions. With an interview that lasted over two hours, the phone lines kept blazing all night, as many wanted to personally show Steele love for his music. When it was all done the time was 5.00am Friday morning, and this was only the beginning.

Before long and with a quick bite to eat, Steele was off to another interview with the well respected and versatile radio personality Ron Burke on his “Burke at Work Morning Show” on Mystik 1400 AM Radio. Once again the reasoning was very fulfilling from start to end, as both Ron and Steele expressed their opinion about the music business today, and about the responsibilities from a media perspective and from an artist perspective. Both for sure were in agreement that positive images had to be displayed, especially for the youths to follow. Steele was also introduced to Lisa B, Mystik’s music director, and Princess K another one of Mystik’s vibrant radio personality.

Steele’s next stop was WAVS 1170 AM Radio where he visited John T, host of the popular “Morning Ride Show” and for the next 20 minutes tunes from Steele’s ‘Uncorrupted’ cd blazed across the airwaves while both reasoned at length about Steele’s developing career.

Not forgetting how important the record outlets are, Steele got a chance to visit two of the retail outlets that carry his music; again, the vibes was one of love and mutual respect. Big up to Juicy at Reggae Land Music and to Desmond at Rainbow Variety Store.

Steele got the surprise of his life when he visited one of South Florida’s most popular Chiropractic Centers, the doors opened to reveal Dr. Paul Hamilton, the once revered bass player of the Riddim King band, that spent many years backing all the major acts in Jamaica, and touring the world with the biggest names in reggae music. Dr. Paul is now a part of the versatile two member team at “Complete Chiropractic Center”. What a transition. While there, Steele was fortunate to have Dr. Paul work miracles on his back. Nuff Love Dr. Paul.

Steele finally found time to hang with his bredren from school days, the well respected guitar player Mikey Gits, who now resides in South Florida. Together they reminisced on old mischievous times and found some time to work on a few of Mikey’s new tracks. South Florida will definitely see more of Steele as his journey continues.

WHAT’S WRONG WID WI” STILL AT NUMBER ONE:
For the second month in a row, “What’s Wrong Wid Wi”, the duet from Steele and George Nooks remains at the number one position on the CBC’s Galaxie Reggae Charts in Canada. On the same charts, ‘Confession’, another from Steele, has climbed to the number 3 position.

Steele wishes to once again take the time to thank all his fans, and all forms of media that continually support his music, he knows for a fact that without you he is nothing. Steele is always grateful. Please make sure to visit Steele’s website @ www.steelemusic.net to see photos from his visit to South Florida.

The Big Link-Up Paying Dividend for Steele and Nook

Posted 15 Apr 2007 — by MrDixon
Category Entertainment

Anthony Cruz The anticipation grew for the release of the well publicized duet from reggae crooner George Nooks and Canadian reggae sensation Steele, and no one has been disappointed. Based on reports from Tuff Gong International, the company responsible for the distribution of this record in Jamaica, the first set of 7′vinyl was sold out in two days, and they are now in the re-manufacturing process of this product. “What’s Wrong Wid Wi”, the title of the song, was written by Steele, and addresses the problem of black on black violence that faces our community.

Steele, a constant promoter of love and unity hooked up with Nooks on his last visit to Toronto, and on hearing the song George who is himself an advocate of togetherness had no hesitation in being a part of this project. Steele flew to Jamaica, where both artists spent a tremendous amount of time promoting the song and eventually shooting the music video, which in itself has brought to life the message that the singers are putting forward. This video is now in heavy rotation on RETV one of Jamaica’s prime music stations.

Steele has been consistent when it comes to delivering solid music, and the preliminary report coming out of Jamaica is that he has been added to the list of “mus listen to artist”. He continues to inspire, and remain true to the fact that his music must be “Uncorrupted”, which oddly enough is the title of his debut CD, that has brought Steele many personal accolades such as, “Male Artist of the Year”, “Album of the Year”, and a Juno nomination for “Best Reggae Recording of the Year”. Still if you should ask Steele about his achievement, he’s always quick to tell you that it is nice to be recognized for the work you do, but to him it’s more important to inspire with your work. Some of Steele’s hits includes “Jah is my Strength”, “Silhouette”, “Greetings”, and “Love TKO”.

George Nooks himself has made an incredible mark on reggae music worldwide. From the days of Prince Mohammed to the current Nooks, hits such as “Stop Spread Propaganda” and more recently, “God is Standing By”, has allowed George to remain on top of his game, and for sure the future is bright for Nooks. George says “this collaboration with Steele was a very easy one, the song itself is very good, and it relates appropriately to the problems we face at this time”.

Radio in Jamaica has definitely gravitated to this song, and “What’s Wrong Wid Wi,” along with another of Steele’s recordings although just a promo ” If It Don’t Work Out” is already getting a fair amount of play, thanks to radio stations such as Hot 102FM, IrieFM, RootsFM, LinkzFM, and VybzFM, to name a few . Before long this song should be on the lips of every reggae lover worldwide, based on the determined effort being put forth by Steele’s Canadian based label MOBS Production, and just on the merit of the song itself. In one of many interviews Steele had in Jamaica, he was once again asked a frequently asked question, what was his opinion on an artist having to be in Jamaica to make it big time in reggae music. With no hesitation Steele was quick to respond,” It is a fact that Jamaica does play a vital role, being the root of reggae, but I believe once the music is being promoted properly and it’s a good song, no one really cares where the artist lives”. He made sure to point out that community radio stations in Canada and other radio stations in Canada and all over the world had been responsible for bringing his music to the forefront, now its time to focus on Jamaica and share with his other brothers and sisters what most of the world already knows, and that is, his determined effort to promote good music.

“What’s Wrong Wid Wi”, is now available on 7′vinyl, and features George Nooks and Steele, there is no version side to this record, as a bonus, side AA features Steele and Isus with a brilliant deliverance of Delroy Wilson’s “Betta Mus Come”.

Steele as always wishes to thank his fans, and all media personnel for their continued support. He acknowledges the fact that without them he’s nothing, therefore he’s always grateful.

Make sure to visit Steele’s website @ www.steelemusic.net in the coming week for updates and great looks from Jamaica.

Interview with Anthony Cruz

Posted 13 Apr 2007 — by MrDixon
Category Interviews

cruz1.jpgHis musical style is reminiscent of a dieing breed of vocalists: the ones whose voice pulsates in our souls, leaves memories on the heart that will last throughout the years, and will be recalled to the mind time and time again generations later. As he crones and serenades not for the love of money but for the love of his fans, Anthony Cruz remains at the forefront of this dieing breed.

I sat down with this humble vocalist who hails from this rare breed, and unearthed some of his unique visions… like his ever evolving creations, his latest business venture, and how he survives in the ever changing world of Reggae music.

Lia T: Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to do the interview. wejamaicans.com appreciates it a lot.
Anthony Cruz: no problem at all, glad to help out

Lia T: Well, for those of us who may not know…. where in Jamaica were you born?
Anthony Cruz: Born in Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica Read More

Interview with Akshan

Posted 13 Apr 2007 — by MrDixon
Category Best of Jamaica, Entertainment, Interviews

akshan2.jpgA fusion Of R&B And Reggae Influences that produce a “real, classic, eclectic” and unique style of music, is one way of describing this man’s musical sound. Who is this Sing Jay that crafts this musical synthesis? He is Akshan, and having entered the musical arena in 1996, he is now poised and ready for combat with his album “Time Fi Akshan”. Lia sat down for a one on one with this rising Sing-Jay and found out about the diverse musical platform, solid lyrical armor and resoundingly clear message that his soon to be released album will deliver to the music world.

Lia:Akshan, where were you born?
Akshan: Well I was born in St. Mary, Jamaica. I am from an area called Grants town.

Lia: What are some personal experiences that influenced your music?
Akshan: Going back to Jamaica and seeing my family is a motivator. It makes me strive to take things to another level just for the sake of helping on a broader scale. Also my father passing, I strive for success to fulfill his dreams of what he would want his son to be. My experiences with women is also a big influence. I have had many strong women in my life that influence the way I treat, act toward and react to women. I try to maintain a positive vibe at all times, yet stay real with it. Read More