JO CAESAR AT THE RITZY

by Coral Consciouslee

8th May 2018

My first time seeing Jo Caesar and hearing her sing, was at the Reggae Star Factor Competition held at the Shaw Theatre.  I remember feeling goose-bumps when I heard her vocal range and thinking how privileged I was to hear such a voice.  The following week I met her before the show started and predicted that she would win the competition.

Jo Caesar in action

Jo Caesar did go on to win Reggae Star Factor 2015 and the reggae community was abuzz with the possibilities that could arise.  However, Jo’s path to success did not run as smoothly as planned and in 2016 she decided to take a hiatus away from music.

Reggae Star Factor Award 2015

Fast forward to 2018 and Jo has returned stronger and bolder than ever! There was a distinct polished appearance together with professionalism of a high standard to her social media presence.  With new management and exciting plans in the works, Jo’s first stop was to have her own show at the Ritzy in Brixton.  Every first Sunday of the month, promoter Geoff Parker runs an event called ‘Catch A Fire’ featuring various reggae artists and bands.  It is a small intimate place, very well placed in location and with an eclectic audience.  A perfect venue for an artist to feature their talent and works I thought.

The Powers Band

Jo opened the show with her now famous song “Coming On Strong”.  If she had any nerves she hid it well.  Her range was strong as she confidently belted out classic after classic of her favourite songs, putting her own style and a slight twist into some.  The Powers Band seemed well rehearsed and tight, complimenting Jo without being overpowering.  The balance was just right.   Jo had Temi Brown as her backing singer, a very strong vocalist whose style was pleasurable and attractive to the listener.

The audience engaged with Jo from the beginning; dancing, clapping, cheering and singing along.  We were treated to some reggae classics such as “How Could I Leave?” and “The First Cut Is The Deepest”.  There was also a moving rendition of “Natural High” in tribute to the late Claudia Fontaine.  The second half saw a switch to soul. Jo effortlessly thrilled us with Jill Scott’s “He Loves Me”and Erykah Badu’s “Tyrone”. It was an electrifying evening.

Jo Caesar is a multi-genre artist.  Instead of using the term “Rising Star” I would say Jo is already a star…she is just shining brighter.


Photos courtesy of Courtney Anglin


Watch out for the release of Jo Caesar's new single "Used To Be Your House" end of June 2018!!

Management: Jatmuzicuk@gmail.com
Facebook: @Jocaesarofficial
Instagram: @Jocaesarsings
Twitter: @Jocaesarsings
Youtube: @Jocaesarsings

RFUK Tribute to : Tony "Reggae Time" Williams

by Coral Consciouslee
2nd May 2018

I am a Johnny-come-lately, to the Reggae circuit. However even years ago, I knew of Tony Williams and his championing of reggae in the UK.

I did meet and greet him a few times; even though I didn't know him on a personal level, I can take comfort in knowing I was involved in honouring him and awarding him for his service to the music industry. How apt that this was done at the Reggae Fraternity Legacy Show. Indeed, what a Legacy this man has left behind:

The Award for Outstanding Contribution to Reggae Music

A disc jockey of distinction on BBC Radio London – playing music for the artist and listener, not for his own opinion.  Memories of his radio show which aired on a Sunday between 1 and 3pm have been regaled time and again, long before his passing.

DJ Pd Coolie presents the award...

Tony Williams giving his speech

Founder of the British Reggae Industry Awards in 1982, when it seemed like reggae artists in the UK did not receive their deserved recognition, Tony Williams ensured that they went home with an award to treasure.

An approachable and supportive individual who was a friend of the artist, he played a pivotal role in the establishment of Lover’s Rock in the UK.

Even as I type the tributes are pouring in.  It is the end of an era for sure, but isn’t it wonderful and comforting that Mr Williams has his place in reggae history? That his passion and effort bore fruit, that will last through time itself? He touched and changed lives.

As I reflect, a few facts are now very clear:

• Give people flowers, praise, accolades and acknowledgement while they are alive.
• Live your best life, try to have a clean heart and pure motives.
• Do NOT waste time on small petty matters. Time is the one thing you cannot get back.

Those in my age group know that WE are the big people now! Do what you are called to do and make your time on earth count!

A true Legend

Tony Williams' tribute to RFUK


R.I.P. Tony Williams

Photography by Courtney Anglin.

https://www.caribdirect.com/british-reggae-industry-awards-got-off-to-a-glowing-start/ 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55jRC3Th6fE

  

BRITAIN'S GOT REGGAE - 3RD EDITION

by Coral Consciouslee

28th March 2018

Britain's Got Reggae is in its third year!

March 29^th to 27^th July 2018 will see the heats for Britain’s Got Reggae – 3^rd Edition!

Spearheaded and organised by one of the hardest working individuals in the music business, Cyrlene Braithwaite, we have seen BGR grow phenomenally from its conception to present day.

Cyrlene Braithwaite

The winner will receive a magnificent prize indeed:

Performing at The One Love Festival!

Recording Project with Stingray Records!

Performing at Rototom Sunsplash Spain!

One year’s support in booking and promotions by the BGR team!

Heat 1 will begin at The Hootananny, Brixton tomorrow, 29^th March 2018 – the anticipation is building, come and support!!

#PromotingUKReggaeExcellence

LEGENDS OF LEGENDS 2018

By Coral Consciouslee

16th March 2018

Saturday 10^th March 2018, I was privileged to attend the 12^th year of the Annual UK Legends of Legends hosted my Gatecrash Promotions.

This was my third time, so I was familiar with what the evening would entail. Even though I attended this time as a representative of Reggae Fraternity UK, I asked myself the question: Why do the same people support and attend this event each year? Indeed, Dennis Bovell stated the next morning, that it doesn’t matter where he is in the world, he will make it his duty to be a participant in Legends of Legends.

12 Years and STILL going strong!

 I wondered what was the appeal? Having been unable to make it last year, I was curious to see how the event would be perceived at Parklands Banqueting Suite, instead of The Drum as in previous years.  As someone who has been involved in a lot of events over the years, I love when an event is organised and details attended to.  Therefore, it was a pleasure to see that the event started on time with a full house no less! Sharon “Shazzy” Bhola-Harris and Trevor “Rankin Gatecrash” McIntosh took their place as comperes on the stage and the show was underway.  Artist after artist came on and sang the familiar songs that we knew so well, but we danced and cheered as if hearing the song for the first time.

The dynamic duo 

Organised, attentive and smiling!

Where hospitality was concerned, nothing was omitted or overlooked.  I was allowed backstage and had the opportunity to mingle with the artists and catch up on musical news.  As per usual, refreshments were on hand for the artists who had their own special room. That’s when I finally realised what the appeal was.  This wasn’t just an event, this was a community, a family coming together in appreciation of the artists who performed and also showing their love and support for the hosts.  I use the word ‘family’ deliberately because families form a strong bond that is cultivated over years of interaction and love.  The crowd roared with laughter at Shazzy’s antics and became emotional when Gatecrash was surprised on stage by an appearance from his sister from Canada. Those who had recent birthdays were asked to come on stage and were given acknowledgement and a present.  Likewise mothers were highlighted and applauded, in recognition of Mother's Day.

It’s those little attentions to detail that I suspect is the key to the success of Legends of Legends.

Whistles blew and cheers went on for hours! Even backstage we danced and congratulated artists as they came off the stage.  In addition to London, people attended from all major cities in the UK.  I am not writing this in amazement, I am writing this because it is the norm. In the current economic climate Legends of Legends have managed to attract a full house every year, early-bird tickets being sold out almost as soon as they are issued.  Shazzy and Trevor have developed a tried and tested marketing technique that has stood the test of time like a well-oiled machine.  We applaud them and many would do well to follow their example of diligence, determination, consistency and organisation.

Another fantastic show!!

It is because of this dedication that UK Reggae will continue to be heard and treasured for years to come.  Roll on year 13!!

Pictures provided courtesy of Jackie Higgins - with thanks!