In the height of his 'retirement' years from stand-up comedy, Owen 'Blakka' Ellis says he will put more effort into organising the Association of Comedic Entertainers (ACE) and facilitate workshops for upcoming comics.

Ellis indicated that he will also be working alongside Ity and Fancy Cat as a writer/ consultant and will be involved in producing comedy shows. Blakka will share the stage with the likes of Jamaican comedy duo Ity and Fancy Cat and Susan Kennedy from Trinidad & Tobago for the farewell comedy weekend. The New York tour kicks off on Friday, July 31, at 8:30 p.m. and runs through to Sunday, August 2, at 6 p.m.

VP partners with Reggae Sumfest

VP Records has once again added been to the impressive list of partners working with the powerhouses behind the planning of this year's Reggae Sumfest. This constitutes yet another in a series of links and alliances that will guarantee that the event lives up to its renowned reputation of delivering the most competent, charismatic, colourful and celebrated artistes.

The rapidly evolving record label is to stamp its name alongside the Sumfest brand next month for a breathtaking package that will drive fans wild with satisfaction. Some of the most talked-about, in-demand and chart-topping acts in the business are on the list, including Tarrus Riley, who launches his album that same week, Busy Signal, Queen Ifrica, Mavado, Lady Saw, Jah Cure, Etana, Coco Tea, Elephant Man, and others.

"As usual, we expect nothing but excellence from them," explains the marketing manager of Sumfest Marcia Mcdonnough. She noted that VP has been a steady partner over the years and this year's choice of artistes from the label, plus the Sumfest packaging, will ensure patrons get bang for their buck.

Andrew, Wadda Blood eye number-one spot

Andrew and Wadda Blood are on the verge of scoring their first major number one single with Hustler for Life, which is poised at the #2 spot on the Jamaica Music Countdown charts.

"Things are going great right now, the streets love the songs and the flavour of the songs, so it's all good. Over the last weekend, we shot the video for the Mr Rip Off single in Kingston. It's going to be off the chain when the video comes out, a real statement thing," Wadda said.

In recent months, the duo has begun to gain traction with their careers because of the international exposure they have received performing with their superstar dad and their well-produced 'hustler anthems'. Two weeks ago, they locked down a show in LA before jetting off to Las Vegas to perform on a show on Saturday. "The shows were sick. We performed alongside Reid and Bar-Bee and Jahmalo in LA and the club cork, good vibes and ting, then we and Reid lock down the club at Las Vegas the following day," Wadda said.

Life Nu Dun Yet

The Laugh Entertainment Production's - Life Nu Dun Yet was keenly well put together but started a few minutes after eight o'clock. There was some discrepancy with reference to the official start time but once the show got on the road the clock watching surely ceased.

The show featured two of the most highly regarded, experienced and entertaining Jamaican comedians namely: Johnny and Gunter. Up until showtime, the crowd and also the MC thought they were a combined performance but they were in actuality separate performances and they were welcomed to the stage. The show kicked off with local talent Loughlin Tatem performing a crowd stirring, humorous approach to serious issues through a poetic presentation. His performance was followed by brief remarks about the production by Positively Inclined president, Ervin Welsh.

The MC followed and introduced the night's first comedian, Gunter. He took to the stage with dancehall music in full swing, his performance was lively and the crowd's response only seemed to make his performance livelier and when he left the stage there was a brief intermission during which another local talent Keesha Isaac made her presentation in drama. When intermission was over, the crowd was ready for more. The entertaining Johnny surely did not disappoint. He delivered like a true veteran to the stage, performing a series of gut-busting jokes.

The crowd begged for an encore and what the fans wanted, the fans got. Johnny and Gunter took to the stage giving the audience a performance. Overall, they were able to use their life experiences to highlight some of the social ills that are taking place in our country. Their topics ranged from gang violence to Caribbean culture and even parenting. After the show, Johnny Daley, who is a proud father of two, spoke of the importance of fathers in the lives of their children.

The next Laugh Entertainment Production promises to be bigger and better. See you there.

Stacious happy with the 'Good Life'

Stacious is pleased with the response to her Good Life video which made its debut on the CVM Hitlist, RE TV and on HYPE TV last week.

The video has been enjoying excellent rotation and the video hit #9 on the RE TV MVP charts this week. In the meantime, the single, which appears on the Liv Up Records imprint, has been in steady rotation on local radio stations such as IRIE, HITZ, BESS FM, ZIP and RJR in the last few weeks.

"I've got some great feedback from the video so far. People love the true-to-life themes, especially the high-school scenes with me in my uniform. And the people of Tivoli Gardens love how the community got highlighted. Everybody say dem love it," she said.

Stacious recently performed in the countries of Belize and Antigua. She also has a new single called Nah Beg No Blie with DaVille, but it's a juicy new cut called It's Over which has been blowing up on prime-time radio. "The It's Over video is ready, it's going to become an anthem for the ladies and the stalker scenes are really funny," Stacious said.