Quickies: 'Reggae Band' series continues

KQC Enterprises is about to release its second CD Storybook in 'The Reggae Band' series.

The Reggae Band Rescues Mama Edda Leatherback is endorsed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and WIDECAST - the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Network, the sea turtle authorities for this hemisphere. The book is the follow-up to Shaggy Parrot and the Reggae Band, featuring the voice of deejay Shaggy.

The series was created as a joint project between The Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ) and The Dudley Grant Memorial Trust, developers of Jamaica's Early Childhood Curriculum. Tested in schools, the reggae and narration CD with storybook for children ages 0-eight years old creates awareness of the problem of water pollution, its effects on marine wildlife and promotes the importance of recycling.

Ryno 'Sick' after summer

Garrison recording artiste Ryno, after releasing several songs for the summer, is now heating up the airwaves with his latest single, Sick. Produced by Notnice Records on the Take Over riddim, it is one of several songs garnering attention for the 'Seet Deh' singjay. His single Money Me A Pree on the Red N Black riddim, produced by Notice Productions, is also doing very well across the Caribbean diaspora, especially in Antigua, Belize, Dominica and Montserrat, where Ryno has a strong following.

Other upcoming releases for Ryno include songs on the Steppa Life riddim (Blackspyda Records) and Menke riddim, produced by Darkcide International.

Preparations have commenced for an upcoming tour of Europe, which was planned for last year, but postponed because of conflicts with other professional engagements.

Free 'Reggae Aroma' wafts through streets

With the summer season over, BESS 100 FM's Yaadcore (formerly Rory Yaadcore) is continuing his momentum with yet another musical mix. The new scent in the streets is called Reggae Aroma, a compilation of culture hits that features Sizzla, Protoje, Damian Marley and Pressure, plus other big names and younger talents such as Jesse Royal and Kabaka Pyramid.

The first in an intended series of releases, Reggae Aroma comes hot on the heels of Yaadcore's This is Protoje mixtape, which has been available for free download since July. Reggae Aroma is also free via the Internet and CDs.

Munga helps in Jackson Town

Dancehall star Munga Honourable is giving back to a community he holds dear to his heart. Jackson Town, Trelawny benefitted from a fun day put on by the 'Gangsta Ras' on Wednesday with live entertainment, a talent competition and tons of rides and attractions for children.

Munga also used the opportunity to hand out back-to-school supplies at the Queensborough football field, where the treat was held.

"The community of Jackson Town is near and dear to the heart of Munga, as it was the place he called home during his early years in the music industry. It has also been the inspiration for many of the great tracks that he has become known for," said Munga's manager, Ayesha Dawes. The deejay said that giving back has been always something important to him, but this year decided to make his efforts a little bigger. "We really reached out to some corporate partners and said let's make my small effort something bigger and better," Munga said.

The corporate partners are Digicel, Jamaica Beverages and Crazy Jim. Munga also said that he would be providing an internship at his own Hilltop Records for the winner of the talent contest.

Downey, Levin expecting first child together

Robert Downey Jr's wife Susan Levin is pregnant. The couple, married for six years, are set to welcome the new addition to their family in February, 37-year-old Susan's aunt has revealed.

Nancy Miller said: "I think it's wonderful that she's pregnant. The baby is due in February. Susan's father, my brother, called me about three weeks ago with the good news. Her parents are over the moon about it. It (doesn't) really matter if it's a boy or a girl. What really matters is that the baby is healthy."

While the baby will be film producer Susan's first, Robert, 46, already has an 18-year-old son, Indio, from his first marriage to actress-and-singer Deborah Falconer. Robert - who has battled drug addiction in the past - has previously credited Susan with providing him with a more stable relationship than he had with his first wife, although he admitted he is constantly surprised by how much work it takes to make a marriage successful.