Fitzroy Francis with Zanadu, Andrew Bees & Chrisinti
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Having worked with a number of artistes as manager since the 1980s, Fitzroy Francis knows how critical it is to secure proper distribution.
Four years ago, he launched Mightyful13 Records in New York City. Immediately, he established a distribution deal with VPAL, an affiliate of VP Records.
Francis said the bond has worked wonders for his fledgling company. It allows his artistes to tap into the parent company's extensive network.
"The deal with VPAL is very beneficial to the label in many ways because it enhance the building of the brand Mightyful13 Records worldwide. With VP as a renowned label for reggae, it surely boosts the artiste's profile by placing their name on the digital network and also makes the products available in places it would never be," Francis told the OBSERVER ONLINE.
Mightyful13 Records debuted in 2012 with singer Zanadu's Trade Winds. It has since released a number of well-received songs including 36 Bullets and Heart of a Champion by Chrisinti, Essence of Life by Michelle Gordon, Better Must Come and Cool Operator by Andrew Bees, current lead singer of Black Uhuru.
Francis is from the Waterhouse area of Kingston. He was once road manager for Black Uhuru and manager for Junior Reid, both of whom came out of the same community.
Black Uhuru and Reid benefited from solid distribution from companies such as Island Records and RAS Records, respectively. Francis was looking for something similar when he launched Mightyful13 Records.
"It's always been tough for small, independent labels and artistes to get exposure. That's why it incumbent to have a distribution entity like VP to take your music in various places," he said.
One of the music business' top 'indie' labels, VP Records launched VPAL in 2009. The latter partners with artistes and producers to distribute their product through VP's extensive network of 600 online and mobile destinations in 100 territories.In turn, VPAL earns a percentage of sales.
Mightyful13 has a diverse roster of artistes. They include Tabeta Cshae, Teri and Ryo Vibes from Japan; King Mee, Dan Fyah Beat, Tabeta Cshae, and Tete Man Levi from Spain.
The Earth's Motion 'riddim', the label's first project for 2016, will be released soon.
Written by Howard Campbell
Tabeta Cshae, Dan Fyah Beats and King Mee & Ryo Vibes
Hatta Clapz combine jamaican vocals with electronic beats and like this they are deep in the
tradition of UK club culture. But they are stylistic very versatile and don‘t fit into a standard
genre category.
After »Music School« that came on a trap beat and »When we were down« which was some
kind of urban pop song, the new single by Hatta Clapz »Watchin U« is for all lovers of drum &
bass and liquid funk. Again Hatta Clapz proof, that they produce on an extremely high level for
the clubs and the radios at the same time, while Singin Gold is thinking about how he can get to
the girl he adore.
Two styles, one energy! is the slogan of Hatta Clapz. The duo consist of Singin Gold and
Raphael, who are two completely different characters.
Singin Gold grew up in the rich musical tradition of jamaican popular culture and so he released
several reggae and dancehall tunes over the years. Some years ago he collaborated with
Symbiz Sound for some tracks, where he started to perform to electronic club beats that are
way beyond classic dancehall style. This was where he found his own style and a new home.
Raphael on the other hand has a long time experience with trip-hop, dubstep, and drum&bass
as part of the production duo FedUpFaction. Additionally his style is strongly influenced by the
Trust in Bass club nights, where he is resident DJ and promoter at the same time. Of cause
these experiences have influence on Hatta Clapz as well, where he is responsible for the beats
and productions.
Bass music and jamaican vocals! With this formula you can despcribe Hatta Clapz. But expect
them to change variables all the time, so that every song comes in a very unique style.
It was the wide-brimmed hat, his lanky stature and lyrical dexterity that caught our
attention in 2014. His performances at Reggae Sumfest, Live From Kingston and as
Ky-Mani Marley’s guest on a recent tour of the US, have fixed Runkus on the radar of
early adopters as one to watch. The December 4 release of “Move Yuh Feet” – the first
single from his “Move In” EP – signals a brilliant 2016 for Romario “Runkus” Bennett.
He grew up in Portmore, and was educated at Campion College in Kingston. Runkus
credits his high school years for his diverse experiences of the “real world,” which he
says are evident in the multi-dimensional quality of his music. His verses are packed
with puns & punch lines that keep you listening until the very last note.
“
I want to move people; physically, spiritually, socially and emotionally. A lot of people
are just existing and not feeling.
I want to inspire people to regain their consciousness
and vibrancy,” says Bennett. “Move Yuh Feet” is a dynamic dance anthem with a contemporary, yet classic
composition and arrangements. Notes of jazz, rhythm and blues, reminiscent of Ska’s
heyday, amplify its appeal.
Runkus’ previously released singles, “Run” and “Kindness”, have received a warm
welcome to the radio airwaves. Queen of Reggae Radio, Elise Kelly, has commended
his “lyrical and musical brilliance,” and affirms that “Runkus is revolutionary,
mesmerizing and is going to be a force to reckon with.”
The “Move In” EP, produced by Oneness Records, is slated for release in January
2016.
Runkus "Move In" - New EP 2016 Tracklist:
01) Move Yuh Feet
02) Run
03) Kindness (Acoustic)
04) Skin Tone
05) Move Yuh Self
06) Ride feat. Treesha & Royal Blu
07) Energy
08) Dub Yuh Feet
09) Run Dub
10) Energy Dub (Umberto Echo Dubmix) Label: Oneness Records (EP Digital: 2016)
When Fitzroy Francis started his record label just over four years ago, he wanted to revisit the songs he heard artistes like Black Uhuru and Junior Reid make in their native Waterhouse.
Francis is the man behind Mightyful13 Records, which works with mainly roots acts such as Andrew Bees and Hugh English.
The latter’s cover of The Beatles’ Hey Jude is the fledgling company’s latest release. According to Francis, though he was weaned on roots-reggae, he embraces all facets of the music.
“I was there when the music change in the mid-’80s during the computerise age so I am very much aware of diversity. The concept behind Mightyful13 Records is to reconfigure the missing link of our ancestors’ original musical form,” he told the
Jamaica Observer.
Francis, who was once Reid’s manager, launched the label in November 2011 in Queens, New York. He counts theMighty In Battle ‘riddim’ and Andrew Bees’ cover of Delroy Wilson’s Better Must Come, as its most successful projects to date.
Hey Jude has also done well, making reggae charts in New York and South Florida.
From the ‘Wailaz Corners’ area of Waterhouse, Francis came of age when that community was a musical hotbed. Black Uhuru, which had its genesis there, was arguably the biggest reggae group in the early 1980s.
A number of homegrown artistes were also emerging, including Hugh Mundell, Reid and Wayne Smith, who gained international fame through the game-changing hit, Unda Mi Sleng Teng.
“Growing up there was bittersweet because of the political divide. Its great musical heritage or legacy and the spiritual Ras Tafari influence and good parental upbringing was the essence of the community,” Francis recalled.
Singers Zanadu, Chrisinti and Michelle Gordon and deejay Fragga Ranks are some of the artistes who have recorded for Mightyful13 Records.
The Earth’s Motion, a beat by Sly Dunbar and keyboardist Franklyn ‘Bubbler’ Waul, will be the company’s first release for 2016.
Written by Howard Campbell of the Jamaica Observer
This is the new single "The Right Way" by Sherii Ven Dyer, who is
currently under the same management team as the very talented Randy Valentine. This multi
talented versatile singer-songwriter is of an Indian, Cuban and Jamaican heritage, and blessed
with a voice that cuts sharp and deep, straight to the chambers of the heart.
Sherii's career has been diverse and challenging. Having spent a number of her childhood
years living in Jamaica, Sherii moved to London in the mid 90s and by the late 90s her
determination to make things happen for herself paid off when she signed a major recording
deal with BMG entertainment as the lead singer-songwriter of the group »Made in London«.
The group’s first single »Muddy Waters« was released in May 2000 and featured on the
national charts at No 15. The group disbanded shortly after and Sherii took this anti-climax of a
short-lived career as a blessing in disguise as it gave her the ability to become a solo artist and
pursue her own goals.
Nicknamed „The vocal fire cracker“ by many of her counterparts Sherii has said that her main
influencers within music are Aretha Franklin, Minnie Ripperton, The Jones Girls, Prince, Mariah
Carey, Whitney Houston, Lauryn Hill and many Others. Sherii is still an artist on the rise, but
with this release we will bring her one step forward and its only a matter of time before this seed
blossoms in to a musical Rose.
"Rock" is the newest release from Gonzo and his second single since his album 'Red' was released in 2014. The new single lets the listener hear the maturity and growth of where Gonzo is going musically and stays true to Gonzo's unique style with soulful and easy listening vibes. "Rock" is just a hint of what's to come for the rising star.
Ryan Gonzales aka Gonzo was born and raised in South Bay, Los Angeles, California. He first began singing when he was a child and at age fifteen, he started playing the guitar. Listening to motown, classic rock, oldies, salsa, r&b, and soul growing up, Gonzo’s music base was introduced by his father.
“My father gave me a good music foundation as well as inspiration to become a music artist,” says Gonzo. As well as his father’s interest in the music scene, watching his friend’s band in high school perform is what inspired his to pursue a music career. The type of music Gonzo creates, he describes as “roots reggae trance.”
Gonzo has once again teamed up will fellow Tribal Seeds band mate E.N Young to produce the new track at E.N's studio, Imperial Sound.
The song "Rock" is available on all digital outlets TODAY through Roots Musician Records.
Here is the long awaited debut album by Spruddy. Produced by Jo Hirt and hit producer Jr. Blender
(Major Lazer). The album contains eight tracks about love, life, doubt and believe. You can hear eight
tracks that come from the heart and from the experiences of a humble soul.
Spruddy gives you a
glimpse into his life with stories, that are not always easy but told by a true heart. Stories about the
daily struggle between work and music, love and hate, man and woman. Listening to this album you
can escape your daily routine for a while and follow Spruddy on a journey to Jamaica, meet his friends
and family or just listen to his sweet voice and catchy melodies.
Spruddy was the singer of the legendary rock steady and ska band »Court Jester‘s Crew« and played
more than 350 shows all over Europe. Today - more than ten years later - we are looking on a big step
for his solo career. Within the past ten years he released a bunch of great singles together with Silly
Walks, Supersonic, Blenders Finest, House of Riddim and African Beat - now we are finally looking on
his debut album.
Spruddy convinces with his lovely voice, catchy melodies, and honest lyrics. He is very versatile and
manages all styles of jamaican music. But when you listen carefully, there is no doubt about the fact
that rock steady and lovers rock are the biggest influences on his unique singing style.
Beyond these jamaican influences you can find connections to other great singers as well. Spruddy
released some great cover versions from artists like Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and Seal. Also he is part of
the great » A Tribute to Johnny Cash« show since 2003.
Spruddy "One" - New Album 2016 Tracklist:
1) Who Can Stop
2) Another Night
3) Thunderstorm (feat. Saralène)
4) So Sorry
5) Never Regret
6) Forward Ever
7) Give Thanks (feat. Ras Seven)
8) Family Affair Label: Ockolicious Records (Digital Release: 2016)
French artist Charly B releases new song "Prophecies Untold"
»Prophecies Untold« is the latest single release by French artist Charly B. He is expected to be
one of the next big european reggae artists after the success of artists like Gentleman, Million
Stylez and Alborosie. »Prophecies Untold« is the first single release from the upcoming album,
which will be released by VP records in may 2016.
Charly B has studied and embraced reggae, dancehall and Jamaican culture since he was a
teenager. Over the years, he has won several important reggae competitions, but it is only after
settling in Jamaica last year that his talent started to explode. After performing alongside reggae
and dancehall artists such as Capleton, Kiprich, De Marco, Anthony B and many others, Charly B
is now the new face of international reggae music.
Charly B has recently joined forces with TMMG (Tower Music Media Group), a Jamaican
production power house of talent and skills, who are visionaries and a hard working team
specializing in Artist Management, PR, Marketing, Music Production, Visual, Audiovisual media
and artist development. The merging of Charly B and TMMG has since yielded the outdoing single
“Prophecies Untold” which is a testament of how unbelievably spectacular Charly B is with the
grooming and management of TMMG at his advantage.
Prophecies Untold is being distributed by VPAL and is available on iTunes and Spotify, as well as
other digital medias. Following the release of the single in October, the video was shot at several
locations in Jamaica, and released by VP records.
Charly B has since then moved on to play at the biggest new years celebration show in Jamaica
»UDC Fire Works« at the Water Front and at one of the most important reggae festivals in the
world »Rebel Salute 2016« where he delivered a smashing performance.
Stay tuned and be a part of Charly B’s journey while you experience the making of a new musical
reggae legend.
Singer: PeppaHot Job: Singer & Songwriter Location: Birmingham, ABE, UK Genre: Reggae - Dancehall Influences: Tanya Stephens, J. C. Lodge, Lady G
Biography:
I was born in the West Indies on the Island of Jamaica in the parish of ST Thomas where since I was a very young age I have been singing, I started to sing in the Church choir where I was noticed by someone called worm base who motivated me to join a band called The Pace Band whose members names were worm base, Nigel, Plucko, Jaffo, Carl Baliston, Simple Simon, Ritchie Redhot, Gary, Winston Slickers, and Bushman.peppa recently singe with ang uk entertainments ltd
I have performed at many events over the Island of Jamaica which are as follows
Border Clash (Kingston & St catherine) where I performed for Kingston
I have also performed at the Roots Bamboo Hotel and at the Paradise Hotel In Negril
The Bus in Negril
I have also performed at the Ghetto Splash in St Thomas in every district
I have performed at Several School Concerts and Graduations weddings & Funerals and many Church Concerts in the Parish
Over the years I have ben involved in singing with different recording studios for example
G G's Recording Studio
Jack Scorpion Studio
Jammy's Studio
Arrow's Studio
I also had a 5 Year Recording Contract with Jungle lion recording Studios
I have also performed in antiqua in 2001 before leaving to come to the UK in 2002
Ever Since I have been residing in the UK I have become a self made buisness woman and have a well known Carribean Franchise in the West Midland Called the DUTCHPOT and through my drive to be succesful in buisness I gave up my aspirations of becoming a recording artist as my family and the business was my main focus.
This year I am taking steps to get back into the recording studio and back onto stage and am releasing my New Song entitled "WHAT IT FEELS LIKE" Which is currently top ten in Jamaica right now on the irie fm charts and has been available on I tunes since the 2/4/2012
I am currently working on an my new album which will be full of cultural issues the key themes being peace love and harmony the album will be released on my own production house called HOT PEPPA MUSIC In conjunction with elusiv Records & Licensing
To date in the UK I have been doing the rounds on the circuit which are listed below being a suppporting act for UK and Jamaican most influential and current artists
Twins Of Twins Club Indulgence
I Octane Club Indulgence
Tony Matterhorne Ruskin Hall
Giggs , Shola Amma Club Indulgence
My Life Elbow Room
Wet Wet Club Indulgence
Tony Matterhorne Club Indulgence
Reggae Showcase OBE TV
Reggae Showcase
Artists that I have performed with in Jamaica
Tony Rebel
General Trees
General Degree
Snagga Puss
Queen Paula
Lady Mackerel
AngieAangel
Tony curtis
Jigsy King
Sugar Minott
Ken Boothe
Pinchers
Juniour
Juniour Holt
Sanchez
And there are many more that I have performed with on the same stage with I was also encouraged by Garnet Silk to keep singing
All this was done right up to 2001 when i performed in antigua and migrated to england in 2002 took a ten years break and decided to take it back up cos its my life
PEPPAHOT - OFFICIAL DISCOGRAPHY:
1) Albums:
.2015 - Peppahot Music
.2016 - Peppahot Music 002
2) EPs:
.2016 - Peppahot Music 001 - [PeppaHot Music]
2) Singles:
.2012 - What It Feels Like - [Gem Gem Entertainment]
.2013 - Juss A Knock - [Ditto Music]
.2013 - My Forever Babe - [Gem Gem Entertainment]
.2013 - Cum Wid It (Ft. Nymron) - [Ditto Music]
.2013 - True Love - (Ft. Patexx) - [Ditto Music]
.2013 - Bring In The Summer (Ft. Scartah & Twisted Rev) - [Ditto Music]
.2013 - Aww Bwoy - [Gem Gem Entertainment]
.2013 - Block Off Di Road (Ft.Scartah) - [Gem Gem Entertainment/Ditto Music]
.2013 - Big Up My Man (Gem Gem Riddim) - [Gem Gem Entertainment]
.2016 - Good Man (Lova Lova Riddim) - [Rebel Sound Records]
"Peppahot Music" 2015
Tracks:
1) HeadAche. 2) Brace Pon It. 3) Block of Di Road. 4) Keep Your Head Up. 5) Nothing To Something. 6) Nu Gaal To Mi Man. 7) Peppa Cheater Anthony Records. 8) Love Was So Blind. 9) Tek It Off. 10) Spend Some Time. 11) Swear Down. 12) Climb Pon Pole. 13) Jo Grine. 14) Peppahot Lap Up Naturally Hot Mixtape Raw 18.
[Label :PeppaHot Music (Digital Release: 2015)]
Buy Album oniTunes - GooglePlay - Amazon
_________________________________________________________
.2016 - Peppahot Music 002
(Original Press):
"Peppahot Music 002" 2016
Tracks:
1) Baby Mother Drama. 2) Love Was so Blind. 3) True Love [feat. Pattexx]. 4) Victory Is Minep [feat. Scartah Dem DJ]. 5) Call Mi Boo [feat. Gaddis Di Maddis]. 6) God Vex. 7) Shake Up. 8) I Wanna Rocke Paul [feat. Frankie Paul]. 9) Wine with It [feat. Nymron]. 10) Tribute. 11) Eyes On You. 12) Caribbean Girl. 13) How She Duh It [feat. Jakhal]. 14) Cheater. 15) Wine up Mi Body.
[Label :PeppaHot Music (Digital Release: 2016)]
Singer: Ancient Warrior Job: Singer & Songwriter Location: Jamaica Genre: Reggae Influences: Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, Garnet Silk and Sizzla
Biography:
Casando Whyte aka Ancient Warrior (The Black Wadada) was born on July 13 1981 in a little village named Linstead in the parish of St Catherine Jamaica.
A lover of music from a tender age, Ancient Warrior attended Ewarton High School where he studied Food and Nutrition but during his lunch break and spare time he always find time to write songs and sing his songs to his friends.
In an interview he once noted that making music puts him in a higher meditation. Ancient Warrior is inspired by artists such as Peter Tosh,Bob Marley, Garnet Silk and Sizzla.
After many years of working countless amount of stage shows across the Island in 2013 New York based recording company OneTreeRecords signed Ancient Warrior as one of their major acts.Presently Ancient Warrior is preparing for his first Caribbean Tour in 2016.
Ancient Warrior's music is available on CD Baby, I tunes and everywhere digitally
Singles:
.2013 - Crazy (Hustle Riddim) - [Rebel Soulz]
.2014 - Love You Like Music (Tony Curtis feat. Ancient Warrior) -
[Tony Curtis]
.2015 - When It Gonna Stop (Train Line Riddim) - [OneTreeRecords]
Upcoming:
.2016 - Enemies (Easy Skanking Riddim) - [OneTreeRecords]
The new song will be released on Feb 13, 2016
Ancient Warrior's Discography:
____________________________
New Singles:
.2014 - Love You Like Music (Tony Curtis feat. Ancient Warrior)
(Original Press):
Singer: Tony Curtis feat. Ancient Warrior
Song: Love You Like Music
Format: Digital Release
Label: Tony Curtis
______________________________________________________________
.2015 - When It Gonna Stop (Train Line Riddim)
(Original Press):
Singer: Ancient Warrior
Song: When It Gonna Stop
Format: Digital Release
Label: OneTreeRecords
