Vegas launches 'Sweet Jamaica'

Mr Vegas - File photos

On Tuesday night, Vegas launched his double album entitled Sweet Jamaica in a short but spicy event at Mango Ranch, West Kings House Road, St Andrew.

Several friends and fellow musicians came out to show their support.

A performance from Natel came first before Vegas made his way to the stage performing his rendition of songs such as You Make Me Happy and Sweet and Dandy. He was later joined onstage by Nadine Sutherland and Barrington Levy, the latter performing songs such as Living Dangerously, My Woman and Broader Than Broadway to the delight of those in attendance.

The night's MC Claudette Powell kept questions about the album and his career flowing and Vegas attempted to answer as best as possible.

Guest speakers Mickey Bennett and Charles Campbell of Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) gave kudos to Vegas on a well put together album and spoke of the advancement of his career throughout the years.

Although a double album, only reggae songs were featured on the night. However, Vegas spoke of the influences behind him doing songs such as Bruck It Dung, I'm Blessed and other dancehall songs featured on the album.

The album's lead single, Sweet Jamaica, went to number one on reggae charts in the United States and Europe last year, with the video peaking on the MTV BASE Dancehall Video chart at number one.

Lenya Wilks is number one

Lenya Wilks - File photos

Since entering the Digicel Rising Stars contest in 2007, Lenya Wilks has come a long way. The talented songstress, who hails from Ewarton in St Catherine, recently scored her first number one hit with the single titled Baby Come To Me.

The song which was written and produced by her manager Sam Berley on the ZX5 imprint is currently sitting in the number one position on the Jamaica Music Countdown Top 25 reggae Singles Charts after 18 weeks on the chart.

"This is my first number one song and I feel elated, this is what every young artiste dreams of, it really means a lot to me. I finally have a number one song after four years of hard work. I am looking forward to even greater success as time goes by."

Looking to build on this success, Lenya and her management have already began to promote a brand new single titled Yeah Man Jamaica produced by Dean Fraser. This single was done in celebration of Jamaica's 50th year of Independence. Since its release it has been receiving strong rotation both locally and abroad. A YouTube video that features Lenya doing a live version of the song has also caught the attention of music lovers on the internet.

"I did this track to contribute to the celebration of Jamaica's 50thanniversary of Independence, my manager wrote it and Dean Fraser produced it. It's a song that highlights the diversity of this great nation and our achievements. I hope it will help to inspire our people to continue to build on those achievements," said the artiste.

Lenya Wilks is currently working on the completion of her debut album. The album will feature production work from Dean Fraser, Handel Tucker and Sam Berley.

Right now, I am working on my album it's just a few songs away from being finished. The album is going to showcase a variety of musical genres including reggae, pop, R&B. It's going to be a very good album, and I really hope that people will love it."

Shocking Murray heads to Ireland

Shocking Murray - File photos

Looking to push his music beyond the borders of Europe and Jamaica, Swiss-based Jamaican reggae artiste Shocking Murray will head to Ireland later this month for a series of shows. He is slated to perform on two shows in Ireland so far, on March 16 he will perform at a venue called Fullhams in the town of Navan and on March 18 he will perform in Kells at a venue called Chaseers.

"I am getting ready to take the reggae vibes to Ireland, I have two shows booked over there so far and it's possible I might be doing more than just the two. Also on the line-up for these shows is Antonio, he is a really talented singer."

Naturally, Shocking Murray is feeling very happy about performing in Ireland as he knows that not many reggae artistes get a chance to perform in that country. Therefore, he plans to represent well for the genre and his country.

"We are very excited as we prepare for these shows, Antonio and I plan to go over there and deliver our best and we are going to deliver the positive reggae vibes to the people of Ireland, we really want them to have a good time," said the artiste, who originally hails from the parish of Portland.

Shocking Murray said that once he completes his assignments in Ireland, his next overseas jaunt should take him to Africa, as his booking agent is currently in negotiation with promoters on the continent for a series of shows.

"After Ireland, I should be going to Africa, I am not sure exactly when but my booking agent is currently having talks with a number of promoters over there. I really hope everything goes through because I really want to perform for my people in Mama Africa."

Shocking Murray is currently promoting two brand new singles Justice which is produced by Ralston Barrett for his R. A. B. imprint and I'm So Happy, that track was released on the popular Swiss Reggae label Weedy G, a few weeks ago.