JAMAICA'S ENTERTAINMENT LANDSCAPE IN 2006
Jamaica’s entertainment landscape is as beautiful as the natural scenes of the island. And definitely, much more dynamic.
What a year it was. The year a woman proved herself as the best lyricist – male or female. And that is Tanya Stevens. There is none like her. But while Tanya’s lyrical skills are unmatched, she looks like a Bhutto. She hides behind a bad wig/weave, poor make-up job and large ‘Vybz-like’ dark glasses. This image defies her superior intellectual and writing skills. Tanya Stevens makes Macka Diamond and Lady Saw look like international models. Will someone please give the great Tanya a make-over and teach her how to maintain a look that complements her skills.
Kiprich … remember him? He disgraced himself some years ago when he ‘dissed’ then PM, PJ Patterson on a show and fell from the face of the earth, only to be seen occasionally in Elephant Man’s entourage. Well, move over Professor Nuts, for Kiprich is back and has proven himself as Jamaica’s best DJ-story teller. He has songs on the Confessions rhythm as well as others, but they are not crap, they are very funny stories, well told.
And 2006 saw the resurgence of Buju Banton – the Gargamel. The Too Bad album is just too good! Thanks for coming back, Buju, and don’t you EVER leave us again.
My song of the year is “Gash Them and Light Them” by Chuck Fendah. Best commentary, well delivered, enjoyable and to a great rhythm. Kudos to Mr. Fendah. Too bad Irie FM and its affiliates failed to recognize the message and banned the song. Wrong move. I no longer listen to Zip and Irie as a result.
Macka Diamond is a good stage performer. Unlike Lady Saw, she works to give of herself so that the audience can enjoy. Thanks, Macka.
Bounty Killa’s loss is Beenie Man’s gain. That, in the person of D’Angel. Bounty is hurt (that’s natural) and every time he opens his mouth it shows. Bounty, get ova yu’self; tekk whey yu’self and bring back yu’self for mi a lose offa yu! So busy is Bounty being hurt and angry, that he did not put out one single good tune this year.
Fame FM’s ‘Full House Friday’ is the best thing to have happened to radio since we stepped up from JBC and RJR as the only stations. Love that crazy Elva; the funny Chris Johnny, Jerry and the crew. And who would have known that Francois was that comical? Great concept.
The improvement in show productions was also evident. Even free shows had superior quality, the show in memory of Culture being a case in point. Excellent production, lighting, sound.
Now if only crime would cease so we can recognize and appreciate this paradise in which we live.
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