|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Press Release: Rita Marley
Releases New Single
-The Strength Of Adamís Rib-
Reggae Queen Rita Marley has just released her newest single
"The Strength Of Adamís Rib". The song is
ëlivicatedí to the memory of her father, Leroy
ëPapa Royí Anderson, and has been lovingly
rendered as a Fatherís Day gift.
Written by internationally acclaimed blues singer Betty
Wright, the lyrics reflect Sis. ritaís strong message
of love. On the "Strength Of Adamís Rib" you will
also recognize the sultry voice of Betty Wright singing
harmony with Mrs. Marley. The two met years ago
when Betty shared the stage with Bob Marley and were
delighted to have the opportunity to work
together.
"The Strength Of Adamís Rib" is from Rita
Marleyís long awaited album slated for release early
1998. Both the single and the album will be released
on Rita Marley Music Label along with the new single "God
Bless The Children" by the Natty Queen Divas, who are a
selection of popular Jamaican female artists.
back to top
|
|
PRESS
RELEASE:"Girls Night" Out For The Marley Girls
The Marley Girls, formerly known as 2+1, has just released
their new single "Girls Night Out". This song is
showcased on the soon to be released all Jamaican female
album Natty Queen Divas on Rita Marley Music Label.
"Girls Night Out" also boasts a wicked re-mix featuring
famous Jamaica DJ from the Monster Shack Crew, General
B. Nyah, nyah, nyah, nyah, nyah, nyaaah!
Anyone who has seen Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers in
performance knows the energy and hair-raising harmony of the
three ësistasí at stage left. They take
the show to whole new level and always leave the audience
wondering "how do they do it? Where do they get the energy?"
Well, thatís The Marley Girls!
The Marley Girls, comprising of Sharon and Cedella Marley
along with Erica Stewart, teamed up with top producer Mikey
Bennett for this tantalizing new number. "Girls Night
Out" showcases the strengths and versatility of these
songbirds as individuals and as a melodious unit. The
bouncy rhythm as well as the quick changes from singing to
deejaying is guaranteed to keep feet tapping along to his
new single.
They recently filled the airwaves with the song
"Unbelievable", which will be included on the soundtrack for
new island film Dancehall Queen. The Marley Girls
marked theme debut album as a trio with the racy dance
track. Fans in the know may be saying "but
didnít they sing "today"? Well, you are right,
but "Unbelievable" as well as the recent "Girls Night Out"
does not feature Ziggy and Stephen.
back to top
|
|
PRESS RELEASE: The Melody Makers
Releases New Single
Featuring Wyclef Of The Fugees
Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers has just released
"Everyone Wants To Be", the first single from their eagerly
awaited new album, Fallen is Babylon. The single and
the album is on the Ghetto Youths United Label in the
Caribbean and the Elektra label for the rest of the
world.
Written by Ziggy and produced by The Melody Makers,
"Everyone Wants To Be" is a seamless fusion of reggae and
hip hop with a western flava. The new single addresses
the ëgangstaí attitude being glorified and
adopted by a large percentage of todayís youth
. "Everyone Wants To Be" showcases Ziggyís
resonant new guttural vocal style along with the rap segment
from the renowned Wyclef of The Fugees. The Melody
Makers and The Fugees toured the U.S. together last
year and united in harmony to record a re-mix of "No Woman
No Cry", performing it live on this yearís Grammy
Award Ceremony.
"Everyone Wants To Be" is the first single from the album
released in Europe and the Caribbean while "People Get
Ready" is the first in the U.S. The Melody Makers are
currently on tour promoting their new album, Fallen Is
Babylon. Check the tour listing to find out when
theyíll be in your area.
back to top
|
|
PRESS RELEASE: Queen Of
Reggae Blazes At Sumfest ë97
Rita Marley , The Queen Of Reggae, along with those
harmonious sisters Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt, set
Montego Bay on fire at their Sumfest ë97
Performance. The I-three backed by the all
female Girlz Town Band took the stage on Friday, August 8,
for the Roots Rock Jam.
Rita has just returned from the Midwestern U.S. Segment Of
Marley Magic which featured The Rita Marley Music Review
(Dhaima, Richie Spice, The Tamlins and Maccabee).
Marcia is fresh from Japansplash where she delivered a
stellar performance with Girlz Town Band
backing. Judy, Head of the Non-Profit Organization
ëWoman To Womaní, has just made a considerable
donation to Jamaicaís Correctional Facilities For
Women.
The I-Three last performed in Jamaica early this summer at
Firefly for the wedding of prominent American entrepreneur
Richard Scrushy. The recently released recording "God
Bless The Children" features the melodious vocals of
these three songbirds along with other leading
Jamaican Female Singers and Deejays. "God Bless The
Children" is on the Natty Queen Divas album from Rita Marley
Music Label.
The I-Three, accompanied by Girlz Town Band, head out on
tour in September when they will be performing in many major
European Cities.
back to top
|
|
PRESS
RELEASE: H.I.M. Haile Selassieís Heir
Visits
Bob Marleyís Birthplace
On Friday, August 22, the birthplace and final resting place
of Reggae King Bob Marley in Nine Miles, St. Ann, was
buzzing with excitement for the anticipated visit of His
Majestyís Heir. The prince was first received
upon his arrival in Kingston at the Bob Marley Museum for
the opening of the Spike Leeís Film "Get On The
Bus".
 H.I.M.
Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie Haile Selassie arrived in the
mid afternoon accompanied by his cousin Prince Bekere Fikre
Selassie of Ethiopia and the Ethiopian Orthodox Archbishop
Of The Western Hemisphere His Eminence Abuna
Yeshaq. Prince Ermias, Grandson and Heir of H.I.M.
Haile Selassie, is The Chairman Of The Crown Council Of
Ethiopia and is based in Washington D.C. He is an
International Consultant versed in developing strategies for
identifying, recruiting and managing the accounts of
African, Caribbean and Middle Eastern Government and private
clients. H.I.M. Prince ermias helps to carry the work
of his Grandfather and it concerns the development and
welfare of Ethiopia.
The Party was greeted on arrival by Queen Of Reggae Rita
Marley O.D. and escorted to the Bob Marley Mausoleum where
they were joined by Bobís Mother Cedella
Booker. Set in a colorfully lush garden, all shoes
were removed and the Princes entered the mausoleum walking
on a red carpet scattered with rose petals. Amid
prayers and blessings by the Archbishop, H.I.M. paid tribute
to the freedom fighter by the laying of cut
flowers.
The Party then proceeded outside where they were seated in
royal elegance and  greeted
with many cheers from the crowds. With great ceremony
prince bekere presented our very own Rita Marley O.D. with a
Commemorative Medal Of The 100th Anniversary Of The Battle
Of Adwa. In her humbleness, Sis. Rita asked the
Archbishop as Bob Marleyís Godfather and her
spiritual guide to say thank you on her behalf.
The Sovereigns then retired to the private apartments of
Cedella Booker for refreshments. It was then that Mrs.
Marley made a gift of A Commemorative Plaque Of Bob
Marleyís Music. The pitter-patter of raindrops
could be heard as multiple blessings were bestowed upon all
present for this momentous visit.
back to top
|
|
Tuff
Gong Happenings
September
1997
The Subjects:-
Bob Marley Week with Reggae
Sunsplash
The Bob Marley
Museum
The Bob Marley
Theatre
Bob Marley Experience
Stephen Marley's Album for
Island
Tuff Gong
Pictures
Ghetto Youths New
Artistes
The Melody Makers New
Album
Natty Queen
divas
BOB
MARLEY WEEK WITH REGGAE SUNSPLASH (click
here)
The Bob Marley foundation has planned
a week of islandwide activities surrounding Bob Marley's
Birthday for 1998. This will include the Reggae Sunsplash
Concerts in Ocho Rios. Check out the Bob
Marley Week with Reggae Sunsplash
Site for more information
on concerts, tours, and other packages.
THE MUSEUM
The Bob Marley Museum has just been
refurbished to truly represent Bob's home as it was when he
was living there. In addition, exhibits have been added and
the library has been computerized. The library is currently
linked to the national library and will soon be a completely
integrated information centre via books, sounds, pictures,
computers.
THE THEATRE
Bob Marley Theatre has just re-opened
and is available for private screenings. A series of film
festivals have been planned for the rest of the year to
include:- an African Film Festival in December and a
Caribbean Film Festival in mid
October.
BOB MARLEY
EXPERIENCE
The Bob Marley Foundation has given
permission to local entrepreneur Jaime Delgado to open the
Bob Marley Experience. The Bob Marley Experience is now open
at the Half Moon Shopping Centre, Montego Bay and stocks a
large collection of Bob Marley
Memorabilia.
STEPHEN MARLEY'S ALBUM FOR
ISLAND
Stephen Marley is currently producing an album for island
records which will feature a host of international artistes
doing combination etc. with Bob Marley
TUFF GONG
PICTURES
Tuff Gong Pictures has recently
completed a shoot in Jamaica for the 29th season of Sesame
Street which begins in October. The Sesame Street segment
will feature Joseph Marley, age 6. Tuff Gong pictures has
also just completed the music video "Tune In" by Sugar
Minott and Bounty Killer from the soon to be released
"Dancehall Queen" soundtrack and movie from Island
Jamaica.
GHETTO YOUTHS NEW
ARTISTES
Ghetto Youths International , the
Melody makers Record Label, has signed three new artistes:-
a Jamaican singer called Chewstick, and two young DJs,
Thundercat and Matlock.
THE MELODY MAKERS NEW
ALBUM
Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers has
just released their new album for Electra, "Fallen is
Baylon". The album is boasts a slammin' rendition of Curtis
Mayfield's "People Get Ready" and the hip hop / reggae smash
"Everyone Wants To Be" featuring Wycleff Jean of the
Fugees.
NATTY QUEEN
DIVAS
Rita Marley Music Inc. has just
released a various artistes album called "Natty Queen
Divas". The album is a collection of songs by some of
Jamaica's most respected female singers and DJs. The latest
single from the album is "God Bless the
Children".
back to top
|
|
Ghetto Youths International
Appoints Elaine Valentine Vice President.
Steve Marley, one of the founders Of Ghetto Youths
International, has announced the appointment of Elaine
Valentine, formerly of Elektra Entertainment, as Vice
President of Ghetto Youths International.
In Valentine's position she will act as the liason for the
Founders, re-enforce Tuff Gong International's initiatives,
and oversee Ghetto Youth's daily operations in
America.
Ghetto Youths International is the offspring of Tuff Gong
International, the record company founded by Bob Marley
twenty-five years ago and currently spearheaded by CEO
Cedella Marley. Ghetto Youths will operate jointly with Tuff
Gong International.
Ghetto Youths International is the leaf of Tuff Gong and
with Valentine's experience, her knowledge will help nurture
that leaf so that it will blossom with great artist
marketing and development. Valentine will also work closely
with Sharon Marley who manages to keep the energy flowing
around the business of Ghetto Youths International in
Jamaica.
With Valentine's track record and the level of artistes she
has worked with (Sade, The Jacksons, Luther Vandross, Patti
Labelle, Culture Club, Cyndi Lauper, Simply Red, Keith
Sweat, Leaders Of The New School, Silk, Anita Baker, and
Natalie Cole), who would be more knowledgable about steering
ghetto youths international in the right direction. She will
be a great asset to ghetto youths international.
Angella Tomlinson (ghetto youths label
manager)
Angella Tomlinson is well known in the Jamaican
entertainment fraternity for her resourcefulness and her
remarkable understanding of the idiosyncrasies of various
local artistes. As artiste liaison, she has enjoyed
providing her services to top level productions such as
Reggae Sumfest (1996), Reggae Sunsplash (1994-1995), The
Caribbean Music Awards (1993) and the Reggaesoca Music
Awards (1994-1997). For the years 1994 and 1995 Angella
coordinated advertising sales for the Reggae Sunsplash
Magazine, an activity to which she had become acquainted
during her sojourn at NCM Advertising as Ronnie Nasralla's
personal assistant when she focussed on the advertising
sales for the Jamaica carnival magazine for two consecutive
years.
Angella joined Solid Agency as office manager in 1993 but
shortly afterwards decided that she had too much of the
'behind the desk' experience. The additional
responsibilities of road manager were placed in her
direction and soon she became one of the most respected road
managers among the artistes with whom she worked including
Coco Tea, Papa San, Admiral Bailey, Professor Nuts, Lady
Saw, Fab Five, Grace Thrillers, Marcia Griffiths, Buju
Banton, Spragga Benz and Beres Hammond. In her endeavours,
Angella has travelled the Caribbean extensively and has
ventured into parts of Europe and North America.
While at Solid Agency, Angella also worked as one of the
show coordinators on the company's productions featuring
international acts such as Roberta Flack, Cece Penniston and
Robin S. On the regular dancehall night which solid Agency
Produces every Tuesday night at the Mirage Night Club,
Angella provided instrumental production services in a
number of areas.
Among her career highlights she includes occasions when she
worked alongside production personnel charged with the
production of Papa San's "Programme" music video and Nadine
Sutherland's "Action" video which featured Terror Fabulous.
In addition, Angella includes the four year period when she
specifically served as Coco Tea's business
manager.
After being involved in the reggae music business for five
consecutive years, Angella is upbeat about taking on new
challenges and more so about the prospects for the industry
at large. With the high level of professionalism for which
she is now known, Angella expects to be an outstanding
contributor to the great revolution which is set to sweep
the international arena.
back to top
|
|
PRESS RELEASE: Marleys For New
York Undercover!
The Marley clan headed off to New York this week to shoot
footage for a segment of 'New York Undercover', the Fox
Network tv show which stars Malik Yoba. All fans be on the
lookout for two of your favourite Melody Makers making a
cameo appearance on this popular series. Ziggy and Stephen
will be appearing in one of the 'New York Undercover'
episodes coming up this month, so keep yours eyes glued to
the screen.
back to top
|
|
PRESS RELEASE: Rita Marley Woos
Spain:
The bright miracle tour '97' commenced in Malaga, Spain
recently featuring Rita Marley and Sister Carol along with
Spanish and African performers. The crowd was treated to a
mixture of soulful reggae, traditional African music, as
well as Makosa.
In an interview with 'La Verdad' (The Truth) newspaper, Rita
Marley explained that "music is a universal language, a
therapy that can heal, a cure for the soul and the heart."
The influential 'El Pais' publication acknowledged that "the
hour of the female power has come".
The performance in Merida on March 8th was called 'the
festival of the women of the world' to coincide with
International Women's Day. Performing to a full capacity,
which included government dignitaries and representatives
from various women's groups, the show saw each artiste
calling for worldwide unity and solidarity. The Pais gave
credit to Rita Marley's costumes commenting that "the stage
changed to an explosion of colours when she
entered".
The bright miracle tour is sponsored by Nacho Scolo of
Tabata Musica to promote the new album "Natty Queen Divas"
which features Rita Marley, Judy Mowatt, Marcia Griffiths,
Pam Hall, Sister Carol, I-Three, Cherry Natural, Marley
Girls, and Dhaima. Other cities on the itinerary include
Malaga, Murcia, Valencia, Barcelona, and Madrid. Reggae
queen Rita Marley returns to Jamaica for her show on March
31, at Samsara Hotel, West End, Negril.
back to top
|
|
Press Release: Marley Magic On
Billboard Charts!
The live two cd box set 'Marley Magic' debuts this week at
position #14 on Billboard's reggae album charts. The album
was recently released to rave reviews along with the Marley
Magic video and double cassette box set.
Marley Magic was recorded live in Central Park, New York at
last year's record breaking summer stage concert. The album
features live tracks from Ziggy Marley & the Melody
Makers, Rita Marley, Julian Marley, Damian 'Jr. Gong'
Marley, and Yvad.
back to top
|
|
PRESS RELEASE: Tuff Gong and Light Year Sign Distribution
Agreement.
Cassandra Goins, President of Tuff Gong International U.S.,
and Arnold Holland, President of Lightyear Entertainment, a
New York-based label distributed in the US by WEA, jointly
announced a distribution agreement for Lightyear to
distribute new releases from Tuff Gong in North America
starting in September 1996. In turn, Tuff Gong is proud to
distribute Lightyear product in the Caribbean.
Lightyear's audio label started in children's music and
recently launched a jazz division, and the Tuff Gong deal
will add a third specialty. Commenting on the deal, Holland
said: "Everybody at Lightyear is thrilled to enter the world
of reggae music, especially with the most important source
of reggae on the planet!" Holland added: "I watched
Cassandra in action at MIDEM from across the hall, and was
amazed by her energy and commitment".
The first releases from Tuff Gong will include albums by
Julian Marley and Damian Marley (a.k.a. Jr. Gong) from
Ghetto Youth United, Ziggy and Steve Marley's production
company. Jr. Gong, 18, is the youngest son of the reggae
king, Bob "Tuff Gong" Marley. The name "Jr. Gong" is a
symbol of Damian's deep understanding of his musical
inheritance and indicates his commitment to the standards of
excellence that were the hallmarks of his father's career.
His album, a fusion of dancehall and roots reggae, will be
released in September 1996.
back to top
|
|
From the Orange
County Newspaper, by Jim Otto
  "Now
come brothers Julian and Damian, with a pair of new albums
and a tour featuring Bob's wife Rita and members of the
Wailers band.
On Mr. Marley, Jr. showcases his considerable talents in
both dancehall and roots styles of reggae music.
Julian's music sticks to the classic "roots" style while
blending in elements of R&B ,jazz, rock and hip-hop. No
mean feat. His first album, Lion in the Morning, roared into
stores earlier this month.
His lyrics are spiritually and politically aware and his
multifaceted musical background is reflected in a sound that
is both straightforward and complex. This album, Lion in the
Morning, is possibly one of the most outstanding debut
albums I've heard in a long time. The reaction to it from my
listeners on the Reggae Showcase (KSBR/88.5 FM, Thurs., 9 pm
-1 am) has been overwhelming positive."
back to top
|
|
From The Weekend Star, by Balford
Henry
"Obviously,
the name Marley will open a lot of doors for Damian and this
CD, but the fact is that he doesn't really need the name to
make it complete. It is as good a debut as one could
reasonably expect from a promising young deejay.
The 18-year old youngster delivers a unique style of
dancehall and roots rhythms which sort of bridges the gap
between his father's time and now and he sounds a lot like
him, too.
Damian, unlike his father, is a deejay, but he puts across
some solid conscious lyrics which expose his strong
Marley-influence.
For example on "A Me Name Jr. Gong", he toasts:
"I man say excuse me
For a moment for a introduction
first one fi me muma
But me pupa last son
Like some fruits in due season
A so Junior Gong come
And me deh roun' dis yah music
From me small and me young"
Really, if you can think of the last Bob toasting over some
heavy contemporary rhythm racks, then you understand what I
am talking about.
Watch out for Damian, because after his album, it is obvious
that he will be one of the next Marleys to reckon with.
"
back to top
|
|
From The New York Times, by Elena
Oumano
"Jamaica may be a prime destination for sun-worshipping
vacationers, but to millions of reggae music lovers, the
Caribbean island is the birthplace of the sultry yet
rebellious sound ruled by drum and bass. When the reggae
legend Bob Marley was singing in the 70's, the music's
lyrics conjured up visions of equality, unity and love, all
with a threat of underlying revolutionary violence. In the
80's the reggae world shrank to dancehall-size, transforming
itself into a showcase for the sexual boasts and aggresive
posturing of oversize egos. In the last two years, reggae
has returned to its earlier themes.
Two concerts in New York today illustrate how the music is
rediscovering its oral message. "Marley Magic," at Summer
stage in Central Park, features members of the singer's
family (Rita, Julian, Damian and Ziggy Marley and the Melody
Makers) who began carrying on his legacy even before his
death in 1981. "Reggae Culturama '96", at Downing Stadium on
Randalls Island, presents a lineup that includes Dennis
Brown, Judy Mowatt and Capleton, all of whom focus on the
struggles of Black people for equality. Increasingly, reggae
is establishing its ties to Rastafarian beliefs. Rastafari,
a socio-religious movement, looks back at Old Testament
prophecy and the writings of the black nationalist Marcus
Garvey as proof that the Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie
(who at birth was named as Tafari and who died in 1975) was
God in human form. Rastafarians espouse a return to Africa
and the redemption of its culture, and Bob Marley remains
the movement's greatest musical diplomat. He vividly
articulated the asphyxia of poverty and the desire of the
poor to escape it, translating the tenets of Rastafarian
culture into universal truths.
"Who feels it knows it", Bob Marley sang. Whether reggae's
latest generation of artists will be as commercially
successful as Marley is uncertain. What does seem certain is
that in a world divided by class and race, there will
continue to be an audience for reggae's dream of
democracy."
back to top
|
|
Tuff
Gong Happenings
June
1997
The
Subjects:-
- The Museum
- The Theatre
- Bob Marley Experience
- Bob Marley Week with Reggae Sunsplash
- Disney - ëHerculesí
- Island Jamaica
- Stephen Marleyís Album for Island
- Tuff Gong Pictures
- Ghetto Youths New Artistes
- The Melody Makers New Album
- Natty Queen divas
- Julian and Damian
- THE MUSEUM
The Bob Marley Museum has just been refurbished to truly
represent Bobís home as it was when he was living
there. In addition, exhibits have been added and the library
has been computerized. The library is currently linked to
the national library and will soon be a completely
integrated information centre via books, sounds, pictures,
videos, computers.
Bob Marley Theatre has just re-opened and is available
for private screenings. A series of film festivals have been
planned for the rest of the year to include:- an African
Film Festival and a Caribbean Film Festival.
The Bob Marley Foundation has given permission to local
entrepreneur Jaime Delgado to open the Bob Marley
Experience. The Bob Marley Experience is now open at the
Half Moon Shopping Centre, Montego Bay and stocks a large
collection of Bob Marley Memorabilia.
- BOB MARLEY WEEK WITH REGGAE
SUNSPLASH
The Bob Marley foundation has planned a week of
islandwide activities surrounding Bob Marleyís
Birthday for 1998. This will include the Reggae Sunsplash
Concerts in Ocho Rios.
Tuff Gong International is the licensed Caribbean
Distributor for the Disney and will have available all the
Read Alongs, Sing Alongs, And Play Alongs available for
their summer movie release, Hercules. A representative from
Disney will be visiting Tuff Gong some time next
week.
Tuff gong International is now handling all the
manufacturing, distribution, promotion and marketing for
Island Jamaica Products in the Caribbean. Island Jamaica
will be releasing The Dancehall Queen soundtrack and movie
this summer.
- STEPHEN MARLEYíS
ALBUM FOR ISLAND
Stephen Marley is currently producing an album for
island records which will feature a host of international
artistes doing combination etc. with Bob Marley
Tuff Gong Pictures has recently completed a shoot
in Jamaica for the 29th season of Sesame Street which begins
in October. The Sesame Street segment will feature Joseph
Marley, age 6. Tuff Gong pictures has also just completed
the music video "Tune In" by Sugar Minott and Bounty Killer
from the soon to be released "Dancehall Queen" soundtrack
and movie from Island Jamaica.
- GHETTO YOUTHS NEW
ARTISTES
Ghetto Youths International , the Melody makers Record
Label, has signed three new artistes:- a Jamaican singer
called Chewstick, and two young DJs, Thundercat and
Matlock.
- THE MELODY MAKERS NEW
ALBUM
Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers have completed their
new album for Electra, "Fallen is Baylon". The album is
slated for release in July.
Rita Marley Music Inc. has just released a various
artistes album called "Natty Queen Divas". The album is a
collection of songs by some of Jamaicaís most
respected female singers and DJs. The latest single from the
album is "God Bless the Children".
Julian Marley and Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley are currently
on a European Tour. They will also be touring North America
as one of the headliners on Lollapalooza. They currently
have 3 singles in the top 10 on the Hawaiian Charts and Jr.
Gongís album is now #2 on the Billboard Reggae Albums
Chart.
back to top
|
