A report from Manhattan Venture Research values Spotify at $5.74 billion, finding potential in the company even though a profit isn’t predicted to arrive until 2019. Analysts at the merchant bank believe strong subscriber and revenue growth since the investment warrant the $1.7-billion premium over its $4-billion valuation around the time of its last fundraising, …
New data from Norway reveals that music piracy has completely collapsed in the country. The country has hit upon a way to rely on streaming to encourage residents to enjoy music legally. A new music industry survey asked people under 30 in Norway whether they illegally download music online. The study, carried out by…
Reggae elder statesman Jimmy Cliff kicks off the 2015 edition of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival presented by Shell on Friday, April 24. Also likely closing out stages that first day with Cliff are the enduring, eclectic Wilco; Irish singer-songwriter Hozier, whose “Take Me To Church” is up for Song of the Year at…
Reggae Valentine’s Showcase will be coming to New Bingley Hall on February 14. The event will be an alternative way to spend Valentine’s with some of the most soulful legends from the genre. Promoter Omar Harrison says: “My partners and I have put together the cream of reggae lovers rock to deliver a sophisticated evening…
RENOWN American gospel reggae group, Christafari, is coming to Kenya this January. With more than 18 albums under its name, the group will kick-start its series of concerts dubbed Kenya Missions Trip, in Nairobi on January 21-25 at the Nairobi’s Calvary Chapel. Then they will head to the International Christian Center, Kibera, Nairobi Chapel and…
This is Bob Marley’s 70th birthday year and, to celebrate, the Marley Family Vaults and Private Collection are planning a number of new archive releases. Up first is Easy Skanking Boston ’78, capturing Marley’s show at the city’s Music Hall from June 8, 1978. Available February 17, the album marks the first time that the…
Earlier this week John Varvatos revealed he was turning from rock-‘n’-roll inspiration to reggae for his Spring/Summer 2015 ad campaign. The latest campaign features Stephen and Ziggy Marley, who appear in black-and-white family portrait style images that were shot in Austin, Texas by Danny Clinch, and replace last year’s spotlight on Ringo Starr. We’ve decided…
Bam Bam, a three decade-old single from deejay Sister Nancy, is receiving a new lease on life. It currently holds the number one spot on the iTunes Reggae Top 100 Chart. Recorded in the mid-1980s for producer Winston Riley, the track is from the album One Two. Bam Bam is one of two Jamaican songs…
BY SIMONE MORGAN Observer reporter DANCEHALL artiste Mavado has responded to a recent petition to have him deported from the United States.In an exclusive with the Jamaica Observer, Mavado — whose given name is David Brooks — said a former business associate is behind the scheme. “Is somebody that used to work with me. Me…
By: Jamaica Observer DESPITE a shooting in a nightclub in which he was performing, controversial dancehall artiste Alkaline is giving his first North American gig thumbs up. According to the Hartford Courant, a man was placed in critical condition after a shooting inside the West Indian Social Club in Hartford, Connecticut, recently. “Alkaline had no…
By: Howard Campbell/Jamaica Observer This is the 10th in a series reflecting on the highlights of the entertainment scene in 2014. “AND the nominations for Best Reggae Album at the 57th Grammy Awards are…’The usual suspects”. Past winners Ziggy Marley (Fly Rasta), Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, (Back on The Controls), Sean Paul (Full Frequency), Sly and…
By: Jamaica Observer SUPREME Promotions, promoters of Sting, has launched a probe into the events which led to a premature end to the Boxing Day staging held at JamWorld Entertainment Complex in Portmore. Isaiah Laing, CEO of Supreme Promotions, expressed regret about the unforeseen violent incidents that occurred at the end of what he called…
Sep. 6-27 “Amid The Noise And Haste” SOJA (3 Weeks) May 3 -24 “Fly Rasta” Ziggy Marley (3 Weeks) Mar 22-April12 “Reincarnated” Snoop Lion (3 Weeks) *Jun 28-Aug 2 “Count Me In” Rebelution (8 Weeks) **Aug 30-Nov 8 “Amid The Noise” SOJA (7 Weeks)
