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Bloodfire Posse

The Bloodfire Posse which featured Paul Emerson Blake, Donovan "Benjie" Belnavis, Carl "Teddy P" Ayton (now deceased), Alden "Trapper John" Stewart (also deceased) and Danny Browne, was well-known for their hits "Rub A Dub Soldier", "Get Flat" and "Are You Ready” among others. Bloodfire Posse quickly gained international acclaim in 1985 after their UK debut at the second Reggae Sunsplash Festival held in Selhurst Park, which led to a tour of Europe. After which, they garnered a number of awards including the Rockers Award among others. The group's success generated interest from CBS Records and they secured a contract for the release of “Are You Ready”. By 1986 Trevor "Skatta" Bonnick replaced Blake as lead singer, initially voicing the hits "Do You Feel Like Dancing", "Can't Stop Rocking Tonight" and a version of the Four Tops' "Aint No Woman (Like The One I Got)". In June 1990, founding member, Alden Stewart, suddenly died, which had a severe impact on the group and their touring. By 1991 the group was back on the live circuit, and in the studio recording the hits "Dance All Night" and "Rude Boys". However, they disbanded shortly thereafter and Browne and Blake became Christians. For their one-night only performance, the band will feature: well-known producer, Stephen “Lenky” Marsden who will be replacing Alden Stewart; Cleveland “Clevie” Browne, who will be featured on the drums; Trevor "Skatta" Bonnick; Paul Blake; Donovan "Benjie" Belnavis and Danny Browne.

Shinehead

Shinehead

Most people wouldn’t recognize the name Edmund Carl Aiken, but upon hearing ‘Shinehead’, his identity becomes a no-brainer. Shinehead gained prominence in the dancehall circuit in the late ‘80s and the early ‘90s with his string of international hits. Though Shinehead was born in Kent, England, he constantly traveled between Jamaica and the United States. This only worked to his advantage: his excellent fusion of Jamaica’s dancehall and U.S. rap to portray social ills only earned him fame in the New York sound system circuit. Then in 1984, when he did a cover of Michael Jackson’s “Billy Jean”, Shinehead’s career took flight; further armed with tracks including, "Jamaican in New York", "Chain Gang – Rap”, and "More Than a Feeling", it seemed there was no stopping him.However as dancehall ushered in a new era, Shinehead’s recordings began to slow down until he returned in 1999 with “Praises”. Nonetheless, these days Shinehead can still be found with his lyrical arsenal on most international/European reggae shows. 

Ernie Smith

After 40 years, Ernie Smith remains one of Jamaica’s premier veteran artistes. Not bad for a man who was once exiled from his Jamaican homeland in 1976 because of his controversial hit, “The Power and the Glory”. Ironically, the once-banned song is still relevant and even more popular today. His professional music career began with his first recording (1967) of “I Can't Take It”, which was later recorded by Johnny Nash as “Tears on My Pillow”. Subsequent to this, hits including “Bend Down” and “Ride On Sammy”followed in quick succession. Though Ernie continued to live in Canada, he wrote over 200 songs, several of which were recorded by other artistes, including Johnny Nash, Rita Marley and Twiggy. In addition to this, Ernie has added numerous awards to his repertoire, including: an Award of Merit, Canadian Reggae Awards, (1993); Best Produced Album in Jamaica for 1997 – “After 30 Years Life Is Just For Living”, JAMI; Best produced song of the year “Didn't Know We Were Poor”; The Musgrave Bronze Medal, (2003).

Pluto Shervington

Over the years Leighton “Pluto” Shervington, has gained a reputation of being one of the most talented guitarists in the music business, yet he is also known for his vocal range and soca-styled form of reggae. However, prior to this, he started singing with ‘Tommorrow's Children’ at the end of the 60s and in 1976 he gained success with his international hit, “Dat”. Then, six years later, he made to the top of the UK charts with "Your Honour". In the 1980s, Pluto opted to migrate to Miami, Florida, where still writes, produces and records music.

Queen Ifrica

Queen Ifrica, also known as the ‘Fyah Muma’ of reggae music, took the music world by surprise, when in 1995 she entered a talent contest at the Club Inferno in Montego Bay and won. Then in 1998 her life took an unexpected but desirable turn when she got the opportunity to join the Flames Production camp. After Tony Rebel had witnessed her dynamic performance at a show in honour of the late Garnett Silk, he decided he couldn’t walk away from the dynamic songstress and performer. Since then, Ifrica has earned one of the top spots in reggae music with riveting songs such as “Randy”, “Below the Waist” and the controversial, “Daddy”. She has even shared the stage with the legendary Abyssinians, Black Uhuru, Gregory Isaacs, Buju Banton, among others. It came as no surprise that her aptly titled album, “Fyah Muma”, resonated with conscious energy, haunting melodies and clear delivery. Queen Ifrica, is undoubtedly the child of reggae legend, Derrick Morgan, but more so, a true daughter of reggae music.

Marvia Providence

Marvia Providence was only eight years old when she discovered how musically adept she was; but it was only in 1985 that she fully committed her life to Jesus and decided to devote her life to ministry through singing.

Still that wasn’t enough for her; in 2000 Marvia graduated from the Emmanuel Bible College in Kitchener, Ontario, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies. Since then, the Evangelist has ministered the gospel and shared the stage with other great ministers including Evangelist Paula White, Eddy Long and John Francis. After many years of hard work in the music, she did her first recording with The Toronto Mass Choir on their album, “Great is thy Glory” in 1992. But it was in 1994 that Providence received recognition and released her first album “Too Much to Gain to Lose” which further elevated her gospel music career. Among her list of accomplishments are: receiving the “Calypso-Soca Vocal Recording of the Year Award” at the 2004 Marlin Awards; in 2006 the Palm Rock Viewers Choice Awards for “Best Gospel Song of the Year”, among other awards.

Christopher Martin

Sexy, talented and charismatic: Christopher Martin was visibly poised for success after winning Digicel’s Rising Star competition in 2005. Since then Christopher, who hails from Back Pasture in St. Catherine, is fast becoming one of the most sought after performers in reggae/dancehall music. With a slate of hits including “Giving It”, “Take My Wings” and “Jamaican Girls”, Christopher has created history, becoming the first – and to date, the only – Digicel Rising Stars alumni to score a hit single on any Jamaican chart. Christopher, who is now managed by the Big Yard label, has worked with a number of top producers in the reggae/dancehall arena including Robert Livingston (Big Yard), Arif Cooper, Shane Brown and Christopher Birch. He has also showcased his talent on a number of local and international stage shows. Christopher is presently studying Business Management and Accounting at the University of Technology (UTECH) in Jamaica and his lifelong goal is to become an entrepreneur.

Ity and Fancy Cat

Ity and Fancy Cat are undoubtedly rated among the top stand up comedy acts in Jamaica. With a track record of originality, consistency and spontaneity, Ity and Fancy Cat, (Ian Ellis & Alton Hardware respectively), have managed to win hearts, command applause and create thunderous laughter throughout North America, the UK and the Caribbean. As such, for two consecutive years they were the Gleaner awardees for “Best Comic Duo” and they have established an enviable reputation with their versatility, exciting stage presence and impersonations to suit the sensibilities of a wide range of audiences.

Nadjé

The year 2006 was a big one for young Nadjé Leslie after winning the enviable title, “Junior Instrumental Grand Champion of the World” when her reggae violin piece mesmerized the judges at the 10th annual “Performing Arts Olympics” in California.

Also in 2006, Nadjé also entered and won the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, (JCDC), Festival Competition where she was crowned National Instrumental Champion. Last year, Nadjé performed at Culturama 2007 in Tampa and Coral Springs, Caribana in Hartford Connecticut, and at the Air Jamaica Jerk Festival in Fort Lauderdale. While in Connecticut she received a Civic Award from the Mayor of Hartford. And more recently, (in 2007), Nadjé launched her debut album, “Nadjé, Volume 1”.