Quickies

Jimmy Reid celebrates 10th award

Canada-based lovers' rock artiste Jimmy Reid has attained another milestone in his music career, after a 10th Canadian Reggae Music Award. Reid said he is the most consistently booked reggae artiste for the annual Jamaica Day celebration in Toronto.

"I am like Beres Hammond in Canada. I really respect Beres and his contribution to lovers' rock music and, based on my respect for him and my goals, I have put in a lot of work to be the best artiste I can be. As it relates to my awards, it's all based on voting, so I guess I am doing something good, so that is why I won all these awards," Reid said.

Reid's new single, Nah Give Up Now, was recently on the reggae charts in Toronto for eight weeks and holds the number-two spot on Richie B's reggae chart. Reid is eyeing the bigger picture and aims to become a global lovers' rock artiste.

"I received all the awards in Toronto, but Toronto is a small community for reggae, so I want to broaden that scope. I want to take my music all over the world and win Grammys, and so forth. I was nominated for a Juno Award in Canada, which is like Canada's Grammys, but I was beaten by Lenn Hammond who is Beres Hammond's nephew," Reid said.

"Reggae music is progressing. I like people like Romain Virgo and Tarrus Riley. They are young singers who are putting in good material," he continued.

Reid is booked as one of the headliners for his 10th stint at the upcoming Jamaica Day celebration in Canada, where he will share the stage with Luciano, Leroy Sibbles, L.U.S.T and Professor Nuts, among others. Reid is also promoting singles, Memories, and African Beauty, for his new album, Naah Give Up.

'Happy Daze' drops for summer

Released over the past two weeks, the 'Happy Daze' rhythm has a fresh, happy sound, accompanied by a decent compilation of songs from some of dancehall's noted acts such as Konshens and Munga, and newcomers Bastic and Melloquence.

'Happy Daze' is executively produced by young producers Terefe and Teckle Mason of Fras TwinzMusic. However, it was composed by Adde, a Swede responsible for a number of dancehall productions including the 'Summer Time' rhythm that hosted Vybz Kartel's hit, Summer Time, and Popcaan's breakout single, Raving.

'Happy Daze' was premiered by ZJ Liquid on Zip 103 FM in early June. Its popularity keeps growing, leading to the rhythm being rotated on major radio stations locally and some of the biggest radio stations abroad, such as BBC 1 Xtra and 99 Jamz.

Artistes featured on Volume 1 are Beenie Man, Munga, Melloquence, Laza Morgan, Fambo, Bastic, Konshens, Gyptian, Blak Diamond, Mr Lexx and Chi Ching Ching. Volume 2 is being prepared for release this month and features Khago, T'Nez, Baby Tash and Tiana, among others.

It is being distributed by 21st Hapilos and can be purchased digitally on iTunes and other digital outlets.

Juggla for US mini tour

Former Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall runner-up, Juggla, is excited about his upcoming performances in the United States this month and plans to capitalise on the opportunity.

"I am really happy for the opportunity and definitely planning to stamp my class, since it's my first time performing on American soil," Juggla explained. He has a number of performances lined up so far, including Dance Sundays to be held on July 8 in the Bronx.

Juggla is also expected to appear at the release party for the 'Happy Time' rhythm, promoted by Heads High Promotions, and will feature Taz from Timeless Dancers and Notnice (formerly of Portmore Empire).

In addition, Juggla has a number of club shows and barbecues in New York, Connecticut and Florida, where he is slated to deliver performances. Juggla will be in the US until early September.

Beenie Man collaborates with David M

BGM Entertainment Recording artiste David M is preparing to embark on an extensive promotional campaign for his collaboration with Beenie Man, Here Comes Your Life.

The track was written by David M and produced by himself and Steve 'Lenky' Marsden. The concept of the production includes a mixture of dance music with dancehall music. The rhythm features the work of Lenky, David M, Kirk Bennett and Sly Dunbar, with background vocals by Diana King.

Here Comes Your Life is already being played on the Internet and is attracting interest in US and Europe.

A new video for the song is expected to be released this month, and David M anticipates generating far more YouTube views than the original video which, to date, has attracted more than 80,000 views.

Sizzle promises authentic J'can cuisine

1Nation Promotion is gearing up to host Sizzle, presented as an Authentic Jamaican Cookout & Lyme. It will be hosted tomorrow at 7 Merrick Avenue, Angela's Boutique (off South Avenue, Half-Way Tree).

Sizzle is an event where young professionals, family and friends will enjoy delicious and scrumptious Jamaican dishes not found at the traditional cookout or restaurant in Kingston. These include mackerel rundown, fried saltfish, roast breadfruit and roast yam.

Patrons will also enjoy sizzling jerk pork, jerk chicken, escoveitch and steam fish and shrimp, served with bammy, festival, rice and peas, potato wedges, pasta and fruit kebabs.

The promoters are also ensuring each patron receives something special, from discounts to gift certificates. The presold Sizzle ticket outlets are Zela Pang Open Kloset in Central Plaza, Extensions Ja, upstairs Central Plaza, and Almond Tree Sports Bar, 28 Red Hills Road (next to Trade Centre).

A special attraction of the event is a complimentary dessert bar for presold ticket holders to enjoy delectable brownies and sweet treats done by DAM Good Brownies.

The venue will be set up to cater to dining, lyming and dancing, with DJ Flabba Dabba & DJ Zagga from Infuzion providing music. Flasks and bottles will be on sale all day.

Cruising on top

Tom Cruise is the world's highest earning actor. The Rock of Ages star, whose third wife Katie Holmes filed for divorce from him last week after five years of marriage - topped the annual list by Forbes magazine after earning US$75 million between May 2011 and May 2012.

Cruise enjoyed a successful year after Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol earned more than US$700 million at global box offices.

Leonardo DiCaprio - who was last year's top earner - came joint second with comedian Adam Sandler, who both earned US$37 million. Former professional wrestler Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson was in fourth, earning US$36 million after one of his films, Fast Five, took in an impressive US$626 million at the box office.

Comedian Ben Stiller was at number five with US$33 million, while Sacha Baron Cohen was just behind him, taking US$30 million. Others in the top 10 included Johnny Depp and Will Smith, while Taylor Lautner beat his Twilight Saga co-star Robert Pattinson into 11th place.

In compiling the list, Forbes considers a number of factors including upfront pay, profit participation, residuals, endorsements and advertising work.