‘Little Miss Arima’: A Tribute to Her Roots and Heritage

Caribbean music star Vanessa “Nessa Preppy” John has released her sophomore album, ‘Little Miss Arima’, an evocative tribute to her hometown and heritage. The album, named after Arima, the town where she was raised in Trinidad and Tobago, takes listeners through her roots, cultural heritage, and personal evolution.

This project further solidifies her presence as a powerful voice in Caribbean music. ‘Little Miss Arima’ isn’t just a sonic journey — it’s also a visual homage. The album’s artwork beautifully reflects Nessa Preppy’s cultural heritage as a direct descendant of the First People of Trinidad and Tobago. The artwork celebrates and honours her ancestral lineage and is a tribute to her ancestors and identity. It is a reflection of the strength and beauty of our First People.

The 13-track album showcases a unique blend of genres, blending soca, dancehall, and island-infused rhythms. Collaborations with local and regional artistes M1, Lady Lava, Jahllano, Freetown Collective, Vghn, and Yung Bredda bring an authentic Caribbean flavour, each artist lending their distinct voice to the vibrant storytelling. Each track captures the heartbeat of Arima, weaving together stories of unity, resilience, and celebration that are intrinsic to Caribbean culture and Nessa’s identity.

Now, Nessa invites listeners to delve deeper into her roots with this new collection, a personal homage to her Arima upbringing, lifestyle, and the energy that drives her artistry.

“With Little Miss Arima, I wanted to create a love letter to my hometown — to my roots and the community that raised me,” Nessa Preppy shares.

“These songs reflect who I am and the journey I’ve taken to be here, and I’m thrilled to share that journey with my fans.”

The album is being distributed by Trinidad and Tobago based record label Monk Music, and is part of their Soundbridge project, which is specifically designed to foster innovation and inclusivity in the local music industry. Soundbridge is being implemented as part of the Shaping The Future of Innovation project. Shaping the Future of Innovation (STFOI) is a project of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the European Union (EU) and IDB LAB in collaboration with the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) as the executing agency. STFOI is funded by the European Union and the IDB LAB.

Available now on all major digital platforms, Little Miss Arima invites fans to experience the energy and the pulse of the Caribbean like never before. Nessa’s distinctive sound and cultural pride position her as a transformative artist, redefining Caribbean music with her authenticity and passion. Nessa continues to experiment with her music while adding global appeal to Caribbean culture.

Stream/ download the album anywhere music is available

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Vanessa “Nessa Preppy” John Unveils Sophomore Album‘Little Miss Arima’ was originally published in Artist Reviews & Caribbean Lifestyle on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Press release by Destine Media

New York, New York — November 1st, 2024 Two of dancehall dynamic artists Moyann and Nigy Boy have joined forces to release their latest single, “Unfair,” a soulful anthem that delves into the complexities of relationships and infidelity.

The track showcases the unique vocal styles and lyrical prowess of both artists, creating a captivating blend of melodies and rhythms that is bound to resonate with listeners. With Moyann’s distinctive sound and Nigy Boy’s powerful delivery, “Unfair” promises to be a chart-topping hit.

➡️ Listen Here

Moyann, known for her previous hits such as “Backseat” and “Big Tingz,” has quickly become a rising star in the Jamaican music scene. Her melodic voice and thought-provoking lyrics have earned her a dedicated following, and “Unfair” is sure to solidify her reputation as a talented artist on the rise.

Nigy Boy, a visually impaired Jamaican dancehall singer and songwriter, brings a unique perspective and raw energy to the collaboration. Drawing inspiration from his Jamaican roots and personal experiences, Nigy Boy’s music is both authentic and compelling, and “Unfair” is no exception.

Listeners can expect a fresh take on love and heartbreak with “Unfair,” as Moyann and Nigy Boy share their emotional journey through music. The catchy hooks and infectious beats are sure to get fans singing along and hitting the replay button.

“Unfair” released by ONErpm, is a must-listen track that will leave you wanting more. The video has garnered over 300K views in under 5 days and is receiving major attention island wide.

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Moyann and Nigy Boy Collaborate on New Hit Single “Unfair” was originally published in Artist Reviews & Caribbean Lifestyle on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

WORLD CLASH

Press release by Irish and Chin

New York, New York — May 2022 (Irish and Chin) — Like a storybook ending, the World Clash trophy returned to Jamaica 🇯🇲, the birth place of sound clash, upon Code Red’s recent victory.

Moreover, the sold-out O2 Academy in Birmingham 🇬🇧, England served as the ultimate finale to World Clash, a premier sound system competition produced by New York based promoters Irish and Chin since 1998 (and the final in association with UK’s Reggae Girls Promotions).

The UK was picked for the last staging of the Irish and Chin event because of its rich connection to Jamaican’s sound system culture. The UK is one of the first places throughout the Jamaican diaspora to embrace sound system culture! And based on the electrifying production, the choice was not made in vain.

Heralded as the industry’s longest running clash, World Clash thrusted the art of sound clash to another stratosphere during it’s exciting and vibrant 24-year run. Through World Clash, sound clash erupted into a spectacular competition with lights, camera and action, reminiscent of a blockbuster stage show! 🔥🔥🔥

Add professional production (backdrops, one sound systems), the positioning of selectors and sounds as super stars (vs standing around a sound), formatting, effective marketing and high caliber entertainment to the mix and you’ve got the winning World Clash formula, which catapulted sound clash culture to wider audiences.

In fact, the World Clash formula was so successful that it became the blueprint for sound clash as we know it. Much to its credit, the World Clash Series revolutionized the way sound clash competitions were produced and presented.

World Clash started in New York in 1998 in an effort to revitalize the city’s fading sound clash scene. But the World Clash fever spread, spawning stagings in Canada, Antigua, Jamaica and the final one in the UK. Thousands of patrons from around the globe attended World Clash to witness more than 50 sounds in action and 13 champions!

While World Clash winners gained a coveted World Clash trophy, notoriety, bragging rights, expanded branding and increased bookings and business, participating sounds most often benefited tremendously from just being in the clash.

With a huge buzz centered on World Clash: The End since it was held in early May, promoter Garfield “Chin” Bourne says :

“In many ways, I believe that World Clash has resparked convos in the entertainment space on sound clash. Because of the entertaining, adrenaline rushing experience offered at the event — I believe younger sounds and clash fans feel they have something to look forward to.”

As the lights dimmed on the greatest sound clash on earth, Chin adds :

“The final staging was necessary, as we have reached a crossroads in the culture, requiring a refresh and rebrand of sound clash to bring in new talent, attract younger fans and appeal to more women. The World Clash effect has lasted for over two decades. Naturally, ending World Clash allows the industry to focus on what’s next.”

“I thank those who have supported us through thick and thin. I’m eager to see what tomorrow has in store” — Garfield “Chin” Bourne

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The End of An Era in Sound Clash was originally published in Artist Reviews & Caribbean Lifestyle on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Press Release by Destine Media

Stephen Marley Releases New EP Celebrating Nina

The biggest Reggae Blues collaboration of 2022

“The seven track EP features as many female artists revisiting songs written or previously covered by Simone, with exquisitely crafted one-drop reggae rhythms further embellishing Simone’s category-defying sonics” _BILLBOARD MAGAZINE

New York, New York) March 18, 2022 — Multi-GRAMMY Award-winner Stephen Marley today released his new EP Celebrating Nina: Reggae Tribute To Nina Simone via Ghetto Youths Intl, available now everywhere.

Listen Here

 

 

Co-produced by Paul Fakhourie, mix and mastered by legendary Errol Brown, who was also Bob Marley’s engineer, this EP the biggest Reggae Blues collaboration of 2022 has arrived, as Stephen Marley celebrates Nina Simone, in a Reggae style. This new EP has seven tracks as an ode to some of Nina’s greatest hits. Stephen has been building anticipation for this release for some time.

Riding on the high of single releases like Queen Ifrica’s Four Women in April of 2021, and Etana’s Young Gifted And Black in February of this year.

 

Stephen himself has described the EP as a “tribute to the legendary American jazz singer, composer, pianist and arranger Nina Simone.” These tracks have given the audience a mere taste of what the EP has to offer but now it’s finally here.

Nina Simone, legally known as Eunice Kathleen Waymon is one of America’s most legendary singer, songwriter, and musical arranger. Outside of her music, she is most known for her role as a civil rights activist during the separatist and racist 60 & 70s.

 

Stephen Marley has never shied away from his musical appreciation for Nina. Producing songs for himself such as Father of The Man featuring Wyclef Jean and a classic Nina sample from her iconic Keeper Of The Flame hit. “I’m such a huge fan of her work” Mentions Stephen Marley during a Musicme interview in 2017.

Now, many years later, this appreciation has blossomed into an entire EP, paying tribute to Nina’s musical genius.

“This project is about preserving Nina Simone’s legacy, passing it on to younger generations, including my children, because you don’t often find music this substantial. When we started this project, we reached out to Nina’s daughter (Lisa Simone Kelly) and to the Nina Simone Foundation to establish a connection; we want to donate a portion of proceeds to the things that she was all about.” _Stephen Marley

As we celebrate International Women’s month, Celebrating Nina: Reggae Tribute to Nina Simone highlights the strength, power, and resilience of women. With tracks from artists like Terri Walker who does a beautiful rendition of Nina’s 1961s No Good Man. Maya Azucena makes an appearance with her take on 1971s Mr. Bojangles. Joss Stone chimes in with Here Comes The Sun, Melanie Fiona inspires with her version of Don’t Explain and Cedella Marley honors the well-known 1964 hit Misunderstood. Speaking to Billboard Magazine, Patricia Meschino, Marley shared that he chose to work exclusively with female artists on this project because “our queens deserve recognition as the mothers of creation. These are beautiful, strong women and their voices do Nina’s work and reggae solid.”

On this release day Ghetto Youth International is proud to release the official video for Etana’s Young, Gifted, and Black.

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Track Listing

1. Etana — Young Gifted and Black

2. Terri Walker — No Good Man

3. Maya Azucena — Mr. Bojangles

4. Joss Stone — Here Comes The Sun

5. Queen Ifrica — Four Women

6. Melanie Fiona — Don’t Explain

7. Cedella Marley — Misunderstood

 

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Press Release by Destine Media

Afro Beats Artist Kidi Teams Up With Rapper Tyga

New York, New York February 16, 2022. KiDi’s remix of his smash hit Touch It is featuring Tyga and is set to become the global party hit of the spring season.

KIDI X TYGA — Touch It 🔥

Stream Here

If the success of the original hit is anything to go by, we can predict a massive wave in the music world. Touch It, racked up a stunning 33 million streams on its release as a part of the Golden Boy album, not to mention a whopping 382 million views on TikTok through the #TouchItChallenge. The easy going afrobeat hit became a party anthem in 2021, and this remix has twice the vibe. This new hit single is available on streaming platforms globally since Wednesday, February 16th.

KiDi is one of Ghana’s top artists, who made a prolific entrance onto the music scene in 2015 via winning the MTN Hitmaker in Ghana. Through the release of banging singles such as Adiepena, Odo, Say You Love Me and more.

By 2020 KiDi ended the year as the artist with the top two selling records, “Say Cheese” and “Enjoyment”. Now, the Ghanain superstar, who many are calling the African Sisqo links with one of rap’s biggest stars for the remix. KiDi’s influence is palpable, and we can see it in his style, the confidence in his music and even his 1.9 million followers on Instagram.

His 64 million streams on Spotify and million monthly listeners are a display of his phenomenal growth over the short period of his stay in the music scene. After premiering on the billboard, the young crooner is hungry for more success and his latest single is proof.

“Touch It” remix features the same smooth rhythm and layout of the original but is amplified greatly by the inventive lyricism and melodies Tyga’s verse supplied. The soulful sounds of KiDi, meshes well with Tyga’s creative rapping, to bring an all-new energy to an already powerful song. This song is a perfect musical top up for the new season, and will no doubt make a great addition to the springtime cleaning and partying playlists worldwide. The rhythm is infectious, and the story weaved into the music is entertaining and relatable especially as the Valentine love season comes to a climax. But to top it off, KiDi released the official video for this remix immediately following the single release.

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TOUCH IT REMIX was originally published in Artist Reviews & Caribbean Lifestyle on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Press Release by Stride Management

 

American — Nigerian actor and singer Darone Okolie has released on 26th November a new track named “I Got You”. An addictive and very catchy track produced by Nigerian beatmaker Jostopac. In the single Darone showcases his Pop vocals while embodying a unique R&B sound with Afrobeats. The inspiration behind the record was to bring Diversity to the African and Latin community.

 

The Caribbean up-tempo “I Got You” also features a guest appearance from South Central Latin artist Feefa — who lends his Spanish vocals. It was also mixed and mastered by Feefa.

As a lover of Afrobeats superstars such as Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy, Darone decided to channel in what he knew would make a beautiful Afrobeats dancehall jam.

The New Single comes alongside the news that Darone Okolie is Recurring in HBO’s new Untitled Lakers Series directed by Adam McKay. Darone has been a highly buzzing name in Hollywood with his last few guest appearances on NCIS: Los Angeles, Black Lightning, Queen Sugar and now HBO.

Darone Okolie also wrote the single “I Got You”. As he continues to strive in the entertainment industry on screen, he is elevating hi(story) through his musical abilities as well. Stay tuned for more from Darone in the near future both on screen and musically.

Stream the single AVAILABLE NOW on all digital platforms. APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY

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Darone Okolie drops New Single “I GOT YOU” was originally published in Artist Reviews & Caribbean Lifestyle on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

TIFFANY LEVY

Press Release by Empire

Tiffany Levy, born October 29, 1993 in Kingston, Jamaica is an only child to both parents. The gospel songstress attended The Queen’s School in Kingston.

I’M READY

Her June 2019 ‘I’m Ready’ EP was Tiffany’s true introduction to the local gospel music space.

Tiffany has since copped several awards. The song Give A Little won the Best Song Writer award in Antigua and Barbuda Gospel Awards 2020 and an award in 2020 for breakout sensation at the Sterling Gospel Awards in Jamaica. In 2021, in the midst of the global pandemic, she also won the award for Video of the Year for the song Love Me Anyway and the Best Female Reggae Artist of the year at the Atlanta Hip Hop awards 2021.

THE LAST SONG

Following the successful release of Tiffany’s 2019 debut EP ‘I’m Ready’, she is set to release the first single titled The Last Song from her sophomore EP.

“The video seeks to give a voice to the voiceless and hope to the hopeless” — Tiffany.

The Last Song, which is a touching ballad, and which happens to be the last song on the album, speaks about struggles, redemption, and overcoming challenges, to which most if not all persons can relate.

Distributed by Empire, the lyric video for the track features three members of the deaf community interpreting the song in Jamaica Sign Language form, which will premiere on the singer’s official YouTube channel.

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‘The Last Song’ Signifies A New Beginning for Tiffany was originally published in Artist Reviews & Caribbean Lifestyle on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Buju Banton Creates His First NFT Artwork on The First and Largest NFT Platform

Press Release by Destine Media

Buju Banton teams up with CrimsonTide Ltd. to continue his legendary work by entering the NFT space with an Artwork titled “Indigenous” listed at 7 ETH.

New York, NY (November 24, 2021). With this pioneering move Grammy winner, multiple Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping artist, and international reggae icon Buju Banton continues to make history by becoming the first Grammy Award-winning reggae artist from Jamaica to mint an NFT on the OpenSea Marketplace — https://opensea.io/bujubanton.

Buju Banton has created a collection of rare NFT Art pieces that will come in both digital and autographed canvas print.

“The intention is to provide fans with a rare 1 of 1 digital Buju Banton asset/collectible, which can grow in value, creating an economical opportunity for NFT holders.” says Buju Banton.

“We have to keep up with the technological advancements of our times or get left behind…embrace the space, pure love” — Buju Banton

A Non-fungible token (NFT) is a digital asset that represents real-world objects like art, music, in-game items, and videos. These digital assets are bought and sold online, frequently with cryptocurrency, and they are generally encoded with the same underlying software as many cryptos.

Artists and musicians have been making their musical offers available worldwide through an alternative space that is quickly becoming the trend of the future.

Fans will be able to purchase a digital copy of the installation as an NFT, which includes digital artwork designs of famous Buju Banton portraits, programable features and unlock-able content for the NFT owners to enjoy. (The digital works sold as NFTs can still be copied and shared themselves, but ownership of a token is unique. Think of it as something like a copy of a popular book autographed by the author; there are lots of copies of the book and more can easily be made, but the NFT version is one of kind.)

 

Anu El the C.E.O. of CrimsonTide (www.crimsontide.co) has been working to help others build their own projects on blockchain. “CrimsonTide wants to be ‘the concierge’ to the web 3.0 experience for Jamaican artist and musicians. Our company and team have the time, skill set and knowledge to engage the NFT community and develop product-to market strategies consistent with the values of the community” says Anu El.

OpenSea is the first and largest NFT marketplace which has a physical place where fans could go see the digital assets, leading up to the final countdown of the launch. OpenSea is a peer-to-peer marketplace for NFTs, rare digital items and crypto collectibles. Anyone can Buy, sell, auction, and discover new NFTs. Anu says his company educates artists on how they can navigate this new digital space of cryptocurrency, NFTs and blockchain technology.

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Buju Goes to NFT was originally published in Artist Reviews & Caribbean Lifestyle on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Press Release by Destine Media

New York, NY (November 17, 2021) Earlier this year dancehall star Masicka announced the name of his album ‘438’ and last night shared with a few industry insiders the 16 track album.

Now to the immense joy of fans across the globe, the artist has shared the release date of Friday, Dec. 3rd, via ONERpm. The listening session hosted by ONERpm was held in the heart of Times Square, NYC, and attended by various media outlets, fellow artists, and actors including actor Michael Rainey Jr., of ‘Power’.

Giving those in attendance an insight into the inspiration of a few of the tracks, Masicka shared the meaning behind the title of the album.

“While on tour a few years ago the number 438 was always surrounding me whether hotel room, time, something about the number was always appearing. One day I decided to look it up and learned 438 is an angelic number. A number full of positive meaning, prosperity and optimism. It was just life changing experience so I just decided to name the album like that ” said Masicka.

“We are excited to be apart of the release of Masicka’s debut album ‘438’. The album is a great body of work and we know fans and dancehall enthusiasts will enjoy” says Martin Price, Director of A & R (North America & Africa) at ONErpm.

The 16-track album features collaborations with international star Sean Paul, Popcaan, Stefflon Don, and Dexta Daps.

Masicka debut album ‘438’ is currently available for pre-order here.

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ONErpm Host Dancehall Star Masicka & ‘438’ Album Listening Session In NYC was originally published in Artist Reviews & Caribbean Lifestyle on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

On February 28th 2021, Nailah Blackman will stream her first virtual full-length concert to the world.

This concert will begin at 8pm and will be aired on Nailah’s Official Youtube page, Digicel’s Facebook page and D’Music App.

The ambitious project brings together an amazing team of artists, designers, producers and technicians to distil, reimagine and represent some of the most memorable hits from Nailah’s discography as well as new singles.

Sokah the Band will accompany Nailah as well as many amazing and talented artists!

Trinidad & Tobago’s Carnival Season 2021 may have simmered down, but a new world of entertainment has been ignited and the FIAH will always remain.

This event is being powered by Digicel, Republic Bank, White Oak, Advance Dynamics Limited, SoundForge and Travee.

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“FIAH”NAILAH BLACKMAN FIRST VIRTUAL CONCERT was originally published in Artist Reviews & Caribbean Lifestyle on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.