Zion Train Entertainment: Beenie Man

In every generation there comes an undeniable talent that changes the face of entertainment. In the Bronx, Skerrit Bwoy along with his Ghetto Life Entertainment are ushering in a dancehall renaissance. Dedicated, talented, original & unpredictable are just a few words that come to mind after spending five minutes at one of his shows.

If you have yet to visit the Bronx, dont worry because the voice of the Bronx is well on it's way to you. "Short, Black and Ugly" is how he introduces himself. Skerrit Bwoy, a.k.a Mr. Domestic Violence, exploded on the international scene in 2005 with his sound system Ghetto Life.

Celebrated for his maniacal competitive style, and super-charged comical juggling, this likkle bwoy is one of the most loved and feared in the business. "Ooooh Wooooh" can be heard spewed throughout rammed dancehalls , accompanied by custom dub plates, 45 LPs, & side-splitting chatter. Many dread their initial meeting of Skerrit Bwoy, while others look forward to his vibrant spirit.

"Skerrit Bwoy' is history in the making. Recently the Bronx based selector has spear-headed his "Ghetto Life Sound into being awarded the Star Crew Entertainment "Bronx Sound Of The Year". 2005-2008 also fpound Skerrit Bwoy entertaining venues in Antigua, Barbuda, St. Kitts, Jamaica, Anguilla, Montserrat, Germany, Canada, and a whole host of other countries, Islands, and Cities.

His vibrant spirit, animation, and interaction are all components of what draws everyone's attention to this deejay.So much attention that he has been featured in a wide array of multimedia outlets. Among some of these are: Fader Magazine issue #54 with a full page spread. The Japanese video game "Swagger", where he plays the main character. As a model in the Jamaican street magazine - Back a Yard - (Issue #6). Also featured in DVDs such as: Who is the Baddest on the Dance floor: Vol. #1 (Japan), I.R.T. Riddimz (New York)& Lyric DVD Magazine (Canada). Not to mention his personal documentary, "Temporary Sanity" a Dann Brunn film, released on Friday, June 29th 2007, at the 10th annual RAI FILM Festival in England.

Skerrit Bwoy is truly Raw & Uncut Talent.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Dance hall Reggae music is under attack by Gay and Lesbian organizations.

Freedom of speech has its limitations. Freedom of speech limits your self expression of thought, when that thought is construed as an attack on a person`s character or calling for violence against another person. Dance hall Reggae is currently under attack by 100s of Gay and Lesbian organizations that have united to call an end to what they perceive as a threat to their sexual lifestyle.

Dance hall heavy weights such as: Buju Banton, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Sizzla Kalonji, and Vybez Cartel, have all been at the center of a musical censorship which Gay and Lesbian organizations have partially succeding in placing upon them. These organizations have created an international league, and have created what is known as - Rca - The Reggae Compassionate Act, which has successfully placed an international ban on Dance hall Reggae artsists whose music is viewed as being anti-Gay and advocating violence against Gays and Lesbians, from performing at hundreds of Stage shows and a whole host of venues.

This attack has led to Vp records, Greensleeve records, and Jet Star, to all agree to release in the future, music which is more sensitive to the diverse gender relations of the Gay and lesbian community. But this agreement was reached by the record labels, Not the artists. But this attack is viewed by the Dance hall community as a violation of their Human right to express their love or hate of whatever they should so desire to vent. There have been some European and American "Rock and Roll"that have used language that has called for the death of Non-whites, have also used language which advocated acts of violence against many different cultural institutions, but yet they are not under such persecution, or allied censorships.

The Island of Jamaica is among many multi-ethnic nations which prohibit and have placed a legal ban against homosexual activity and behavior. But the focus of musical sensorship has been solely focused on the music coming from the Island of Jamaica. The artists who sing and perform these lyrics do so under the beliefs that they share. Rastafarianism prohibits homosexual activity and behavior, and they do this based on the Biblical teaching of the Old Testament which states, " a Man shall not lie (engage in Sexual activity or behavior) with another Man, as one lies (engages Sexually) with a Woman" Leviticus: 18:22. Non Rastafarian artists argue that how can a ban be placed on an artists music, who hails from Jamaica, when the Government of Jamaica has also placed a legally binding ban on all homosexual activity and behavior. This ban is termed by and known in Jamaican law as, "The Buggering Laws", punishable if convicted, by up to but not exceeding 10 years hard labor....!!! Shouldn't one be allowed to voice is agreement as well as his "disagreement" of a given thing or action......???

We at Zion Train Entertainment want to hear what are your thoughts, opinions and comments on this subject matter. Below is an actual banner that various Gay and Lesbian organizations created to discredit various Dance hall artists.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Gary Sherlock - The Paparazzi Moment.

Gary Sherlock is an extensive traveller. No one person I know has travelled as much as this individual. Appearing in dances across the "Globe", Gary Sherlock`s travel is reminiscent of Beenie Man`s lyrics, "Mi fly out regular, I wonder if mi have wings".

Gary Sherlock represents the "Sherlock Family", which includes: Nage the Diva, and Shizzle the Fashion Icon. Together they form a close family network of Paparazzi attracting, Fashion Icons.

There isn't a city or state in the known world which has not welcomed or entertained the company of Gary Sherlock. From Japan to Miami, Germany, Italy, Trinidad, Antigua, Boston, London (Uk), New York, Atlanta, Conneticut, to Texas, Gary has become an international Icon of Fashion and Style in the Dance hall community Globally. This latest footage is from a dance he threw properly entitled, "The Paparazzi Moment". Check it out and send on your comments about this travelling Icon.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Rep Ja, Jamaica`s Newest Fashion Icons.

Rep Ja is one of Jamaica`s fastest growing clothing lines. Their exclusive line of T-shirts have taken the Caribbean community by storm. The trend that they have set has earned them an immediate place among the top designers of the Caribbean.

The fashion and style of Rep Ja is quite impressive. They have found a way to weave everyday "Lingo" (Slang) into their very designs. They have also meticulously integrated the various "New" styles of dance, straight from the Island of Jamaica, into their very designs as well. This unique and cutting edge style of Fashion has gripped the attention of the Fashion community who are now trying to follow suite. For instance, soon after Rep Ja put out their first clothing line, the world famed designer "Christian Dior" put out a special line of clothing which he is quoted as saying, "these newest additions to the Christian Dior brand represent the world`s new found awareness of the fashion and trends stemming from the Island of Jamaica.

The T-shirts designed by Rep Ja have catchy phrases like, "Nuh Linga", "We run tingz, Tingz nuh run we", "Chat to mi back", "Real badman live ah Brooklyn", "Raging Bull", "90s Rock", "Girls love mi accent", and "Tek way yuhself". Most of these phrases either represent the name of a dance popular in the Reggae dancehall community, or the name of a song from said community. This idea of taking and drawing the creativity which goes into the designs of their shirts, from the passion and culture of Dance hall Reggae, seems to have been a brilliant idea. The power and message of Reggae music has gone Global, as a result people of all ages, and ethnicities can be seen wearing these labels.

We salute Rep Ja for representing an Island which has impacted the Globe through their culture, music, and philosophy. The biggest names in Reggae entertainment have also given their support to Rep Ja. Elephant Man, Lady Saw, Gyptian, Bounty Killer, Ding Dong, Ravers Clavers, Latonya Styles, Voice Mail, T.o.k, Mr. Vegas, Beenie Man, Over Mars, Black Bling, can all be seen on their website and myspace page wearing this very trendy clothing line.

For more info on Rep ja visit, www.repja.com or go to myspace.com/reppinja.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Beenie Man - Live Interview

Live Broadcast by Ustream.TV

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Lady Saw - Dance Hall Reggae's image of Sex appeal...!!!

Lady Saw is the very image of Sex in Dance Hall Reggae. Her career spans over a decade of Sexually consuming thought. But don't make the mistake of taking her Sex appeal for weakness. Lady Saw is one of the "Toughest" female artists within Dance Hall Reggae. She speaks her mind at all times and is unafraid to be herself, regardless of anyone's opinion of her.

Lady Saw has influenced almost every female Reggae artists who came into the business after her. From Macka Diamond to Cecile to Lady G, to Spice, to Beenie Man's wife Angel, Lady Saw has released some lyrical "Sex Scenes", which has inspired many females after her to follow suit. Lady Saw is considered by many as the Queen of Dance Hall Reggae, a title which Miss Saw does not deny or disagree with.

Lady Saw's lyrics and performances has shaped and molded females of the Dance Hall Reggae genres, in a way that No other female artist "Present or Past" could. If you have ever been to a Lady Saw stage show, then you are well aware of the level of entertainment that your in for. But, if you have never been to a Lady Saw stage show, then be on the look for her up - coming tour dates, as you will be treating yourself to the world's greatest and most impressive "Sexibition"....!!!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Tami Chynn

Tami Chynn was born in Kingston, Jamaica. She is mixed with Chinese, White, Black, and American Indian. Ever since she was a kid she loved to listen to the rhythm and sound of Reggae music. Inspired by her environment of Kingston, Jamaica, Tami wanted to and yearned to become a singer and dancer.

When Tami was 14, she packed up and left Jamaica, and headed to london. In London Tami attended the School of Performing Arts and spent 3 years educating herself on all forms of worldly music. It was her experience here that defined hin her mine the definitive choice to become a singer and dancer.

After Tami left London, she returned to Jamaica, with a multidimensional view of rhythm and sound. She learned from some of the best of the best, which includes: Sean Paul, Beenie Man, and Lady Saw, all of whom she later worked with in the Studio. She finally met up with Akon, who decided to give her her big break. She went into the studio with Akon and came out with a smash hit. Since then she has worked with Sean Paul, while producing her own work as well. Tami Chynn represents a breath of fresh air, to an industry which is dominated by male stars who smoke weed and carry guns, according to the haters.....!!!

Tami Chynn's diverse back groung gives her creative expression in her music. She is proud to be a Jamaican, but she is even prouder to be a Jamaican who defies all the expectations that the "Nay Sayers" have about Jamaicans. Tami is currently working on an album entitled "Primadonna", which will be released soon. Listen closely for her release, as she promises to be Jamaica's version of Babadoe's Rhianna....!!!

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Bounty Killer - The 5 Star Diamond General.

Bounty Killer has a career which spands nearly 2 decades of successful and highly entertaining continuous hits. Known by many different titles and names, but some that stand out the most are: The poor people`s governor, The War Lord, Miss Ivy`s Last Son, Rodney Price, Ground-god, and The 5 Star General. Hailing from Seaview Gardens, Bounty Killer knows and understands very well, the plight of poor people and the struggles of ghetto youth. With lyrics like: "Down inna de ghetto weh da poor nah have ah ting" and "Me see it fe me self, water full up me eye"........Bounty was truly translating his past experiences in the ghetto through the microphone that he spoke through.

Bounty entered Dance hall reggae as a "War Dee Jay". He declared War first on corrupt politicians and on corrupt religious institutions (Pope Paul). Bounty`s lyrics have covered some very controversial topics like: Speaking out on corrupt government officials, Un-fair statutes and laws that seem to target inner-city ghetto youth, Man to man is un-just, he spoke out against homosexual activity and behavior, but what set him aside from previous dee jays was his ability to speak openly on or off record about any artist currently in the industry. Bounty Killer is a War Lord, he says whatever he wants to say and he vexes whomever he wants to fret. Fear is not a viable option in an industry which pays respect to the most fearless and sometimes ruthless dee jay. To survive as a "War dee jay", you must be who or what you sing about or else not only your career will be done, but your street credibility will leave you as an open target with a red bullseye on your back. Bounty Killer has enjoyed much success from his many hits, but because true Stardom is almost always born out of rivalry, it was gonna take more than record sales to prove the strength of the "Killa".

Beenie Man and Bounty Killer`s rivalry is a rare but perfect opportunity in which Bounty, as well as Beenie, both seized in order to ascend a higher level. These two artists have had some tough "tuggy-tuggy" showdowns. There are several mixtapes, cd`s, and youtube footage which documents the nearly 2 decade span of the feuding between these 2 Reggae Super-Stars. Most would agree that Beenie Man is a bit more versatile, because he touches every aspect of daily life in his music. But Bounty`s music is quite different. From his inception into the business, Bounty spoke of war, made war, and studied war. War is a huge part of his musical personality. So it is also a known fact that Bounty Killer has an edge on Beenie when it comes to war lyrics, as his most recent hit, aimed directly at Beenie proves (Bullet Proof Skin). But there is so much more to Bounty Killer than you may or may not know.

The success that Bounty Killer was blessed with, opened many doors for other artists in the industry today. Scare dem Crew (Elephant Man, Harry Toddler, Boom Dondemite, Nitty Cutchie), Mavado, Busy Signal, Vybez Kartel, Foota Hype, Baby Cham, and a whole host of new artists, all came in through the medium of Bounty Killer. When asked about his reasons for bussing so much youth, and giving so many the opportunity to be successful, Bounty Killer humbly responds, we all ah ghetto youth, and our collective success is like unto the food chain, if one of us can't eat, then slowly we will all cease to eat.....!!!

It is this philosophy which truly sets Bounty aside from most dee jays in the business today. He is un-willing to see and Not help.....!!! Poor people`s governor was truly a prophetic title that he was labled as since his inception. This type of thinking has led the War General to create and form, "The Alliance", a group of Reggae Super-Stars, who are all equally marketable but yet collectively believe in the vision of the "Killa". Bounty has so many sides to him that it will be quite hard to accurately describe or rationalize him, but one thing you have to acknowledge is that he is, "The 5 Star General", a natural born leader, who leads and governs through intellect and spirit, who has a courageous persona, that says No to government corruption, religious persecution of faith, and defilement of God`s Law.
These attributes truly attest to the leadership qualities of a General. For a true leader knows and understands that he is just a prince carrying out the will of the King.....Jah, Most High, and Bounty acknowledges this, as he says he just a "Ground god".....!!!

Monday, November 24, 2008

The Un-Crowned King of Dance hall, the Legendary Mr. Bogle.

Gerald "Bogle" Levy was born on Aug.22nd 1964. Gerald was a hit at every dance he attended, he quickly earned recognition as a talented dancer. He was one of the founding members of Black Roses Crew, named after the street he lived on, headed by himself and The Legendary Willie Haggard.

Gerald Levy attended a dance thrown by One of Jamaica`s biggest sound systems, Stone Love. It was at this dance that Gerald`s name became a thing of the past. Rory, who is considered to be the best selector on the Stone Love sound system, looked into the crowd and saw a young man dancing and asked "who is dat yout", to which the response was Gerald Levy. Rory moved by the style and fashion of this energetic yout, shouted in reply, " Nah dat yout deh name is Bogle". This name coined by Rory of Stone Love, later went on to become a legend in the dance hall.

By the early 90s Bogle became so greatly recognized as a dancer that his style influenced the music of Jamaica`s very best artists. With the creation of his newest dance which he named after himself in 1990, "The Bogle", he soon took Jamaica`s dances by storm. A year after naming his dance, Jamaica`s rising star Buju Banton recorded a song which brought called attention to Jamaica`s newest dancing sensation and the style and pattern of his dance. The song entitled "Bogle" topped the charts in Jamaica, the Uk, and the States (U.S.A.).

Bogle was so unique that everything he exemplified soon became the trend which the Island of Jamaica expressed through song and dance. Bogle was known to produce catchy phrases which entered the mouths and conversations of dance hall lovers globally. Bogle is credited with inventing the phrase, "Dat ah Toy friend, Not ah Boy friend", a phrase which later found it`s way into the chorus of a song by another rising star in Jamaica, who went by the name Beenie Man. As the years passed Bogle`s style and dances became authority of expression in the dances thrown across the world.

Bogle invented dances such as The bogle, Tatty, Loy, Zip it up, Pelpa, Pepper Seed, Urkle, Sesame Street, Weddy weddy, Wacky Dip, Willie Bounce (Named after his late friend and Black Roses leader Willie Haggart). Bogle`s phrases also were legendary, he would say things such as: Dem seh Wow but ah wee, Ah lie, Anybody can dance but anna anybody ah dancer, Dem seh fashion but we seh style-we seh fashion ova style, all dem deh all dem de de deh, See da key deh lock dem up now, common fowl, coup dem up....etc.

Bogle`s popularity landed him in a role in Hype William`s "Belly", where he played pelpa. By 2003 Father bogle had almost every big name artist or d.j calling his name in their song or in a dance. Beenie Man, Elephant Man, and Sean Paul to name a few, were among Jamaica`s biggest stars to call his name and create songs in honor of his dances. It was also at this time that a young man named John, who later became known as "John Hype", who used to play football (soccer) with Bogle, was soon making his way as a dancer. Bogle in an interview is quoted as saying that he taught John how to dance.

John Hype soon became a hit in Jamaica as a reputable dancer, and he joined league with Beenie Man, who created a song entitled King Of the Dance hall, referring to John Hype, which was taken as a huge insult and diss by Father Bogle. Soon there after the frienship which Bogle had with Beenie and John Hype soon deteriated.

The bright success of Bogle soon threatened to become eclipsed by Bogle`s fading relationship with Beenie Man and his rivalry with John Hype. John addding insult to injury dubbed himself King of the Dance hall and dissed Bogle openly. This led Bogle to hit the studio for the first time as an artist an record his first and last, but deadly war tune entitled, " All dem deh". This record sparked a feud between the rival camps of Bogle and John Hype, and influenced John to later record his counter-action. Beenie Man was now caught in the middle of a war between two people he was very close with. Bogle was vex with Beenie`s promotion of John Hype called Beenie Man "Common Foul" in his song entitled "All dem deh".

This musical war transformed into a violent trade of words which later claimed the life of the legendary Gerald "Bogle" Levy. The last straw was drawn one night at a dance in Jamaica where both Beenie and Bogle were present. The dee-jay played the baddest song of the night which was a personal insult to Beenie as the song was a diss record made especially for him and John. As the song played someone from Bogle`s entourage pulled out a suitcase which contained two foul (birds). Beenie`s entourage outraged at this soon left the dance. Hours later as Bogle exited the dance and stopped at a gas station, his truck was riddled with bullets from two armed assailants on a motorcycle. Bogle was taken to Kingston public hospital where he was later pronounced dead....!!

Beenie Man immediately offered a $1 million dollar bounty for the assailants, but they were later found shot dead in the streets. Bogle`s funeral became the biggest event in Jamaica since Bob Marley`s One Love peace concert. He was paid fairwell by the likes of Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, Jagga-B, and a slew of dancers and fans filled the streets. He was laid to rest in a beautifully designed glass casket, a fitting casket for a person who`s dancing mirrored his spirit.