Digicel Rising Stars- Top 8 Review.

Photo credit: Twitter: @televisionjam

Terri Karrelle stepped out in a gorgeous pink skater or what I call doll dress to announce the voters who won prizes and also to bring the news of the two contestants from the prior weeks top ten who had been eliminated. Chosen and the duo Universe and Almando were sent home. I can't say that I'm surprised even though I thought Chosen had their school votes. Oh well doubt any of them will be brought back as wild cards.

The wild card battle was brought back this year I was one of the majority who believed that was an excellent addition to the competition last year.  Abigail and Marsha-Kay were set to battle it out to be Conroy's Wild card. Hands down from the first note I gave the win to Marsha Kay who was the better singer and held her composure through out the song and Conroy thought so too and named her the winner of the face off and thus his wild card.

The top eight were now ready to take the stage and Samantha Bogle was the opener. First let me say I hated I her outfit the shoes especially. She sang Jasmin Sullivan's "I Bust The Windows Out Your Car". If you know that song any at all then you'd know she needed to sing with passion and be able to do the runs as well. She also needed to bring a lot of  dynamics. Though Samantha has strong voice she didn't manage to bring a lot to the song. I didn't get why she needed that piece of steal as prop either. The judges all agreed this week wasn't her best performance. I still believe though she is one of the top contenders. Jay Keda was the second performer. Her song choice was "Wide Awake" by Katy Perry. I thought it was an ok performance nothing really to rave about with her performance. Ashanie Reid was next and she chose "Only Girl In The World" by Rihanna. Now I remember when Tash did that song she gave pure energy and performed throughout the song. Ashanie needed to bring a similar energy she is a good singer but like #AnthonyMiller I think she lacked personality and I also agree with Alaine that her outfit (that  dress with those sneakers) was not cute at all. She didn't impress me with her laid back rendition of the song.

The fourth contestant was the rockitive duo Vanity Club and they  performed "Shut Up and Dance With Me" by Walk The Moon. I secretly want this group to come out on top, simply because Jamaicans need to be more open to listening their own entertainers who want to do more than just dancehall and reggae. Vanity Club singing was way ahead of the track in some parts but their harmonies made the song sound great. I enjoyed their song choice and their rendition of it. Marsha K, Conroys Wild Card, took on Miss Tessane Chin's song  "Tumbling Down" and she was fabulous. She had a Great tone and she neva go Karaoke with the song she actually brought her own sound to it. I absolutely appreciated that. Marsha maybe a wild card but with her vocals and composure on stage she could be in the running for the first palce.  The Biology teacher Jody Kay James was the sixth contestant to take stage and she decided to take on Queen Beys "Best Thing I Never Had". Let's me keep it real she sang well from the first note to the last. But hers wasn't the stand out performance for the night even though I have her as a favorite.

Roshelle Harris the seventh contestant to perform  sang Arianna Grande's chart topping hit "Break Free" I liked the beginning maybe because I like that song but then she messed and I started listening out for more mistakes. I appreciated how she caught herself like a professional would. She has great vocals though but like the judges seh she needed more energy for that song and her look for the night made her seem way older than seventeen. Roxy J took the stage next and like Conroy I don't know what to say about her performance. Roxy J I understand that you a Christian and you want to stick to only Gospel songs but you could have selected a better song. I don't even know where she found that Destiny's Child gospel song. There are numerous songs that I would called "Pop Gospel" for this challenge she could have done #MaryMary "God In Me" or do a Kirk Franklin, Israel Haughton or even a Tye Tribbet song. Maybe the Christians will vote her back or her church will pick up an offering for her but after this week's song choice I think Roxy will be going home.

Dare I say the best was left for last. Anna Mariah stepped out like cat woman in a black jump suit and performed the hell outa Sia's "Chandelier" before she started I tweeted a small prayer- "Please let Anna Mariah hit the high notes." because not every singer can hit the high notes in the chorus of that song. Anna did not only hit the notes on point she also brought her own vocal styling and ad lips to the song. Conroy and Alaine found Anna's performance near perfect commenting only on her not reaching out more to the audience. Anthony on the other hand thought the performance placed her in third. Honestly don't know what Anthony talking about Anna Mariah sang well and looked good doing it she was the best performer for the night.

The night had some hits and just three misses in my opinion. But overall I enjoyed the show. Next week is all about Alaine's wild card face off. Can't wait.

#DRS12 Top 10.

           

Photo credit: Twitter @televisionjam

Let me be honest I missed the elimination round and the first contestant performance because I tuned in late. However, from the recap and based on the social media commentary I have read I feel I can safely say Rochelle can sing and seemed to have done the song that she selected justice. (I will watch the repeat on Tuesday evening and edit this post accordingly.)  Love Cherine Anderson will miss her but still great having Alaine back she is just always upbeat when she speaks you can't help but laugh.

 Anna-Mariah was the second performer for the night but was the first contestant I got to see. She gave with a rendition of  Chaka Khan's "Through The Fire." I loved her red jump suit so bravo to the stylist she looked good and bravo to her because she sang really well. "I Want You to Need Me" by Celine Dion was the song selected by the next contestant Ashanie Reid. I thought that was an excellent song choice for her and all the judges agreed that she did well. Universe and Almando presented us with the first Reggae song of the night performing "Love and Affection" by Pressure. Anthony thought they weren't in the girls league and that it wasn't too late for the singer to drop the guitar player. The singing was average but this week I could actually hear the chords Almando was playing different from the track. I still feel that everyone is waiting to see the guitarist do more than just play. Hopefully if they stay in the competition he'll show that he can actually sing by either harmonizing with Universe or taking on a verse.

The fifth contestant was the duo Vanity Club who gave us a very confusing Marroon Five mash up. Alaine felt that it was because they couldn't hear the track. Again there is something about these two that I like and maybe it is because I love rockitive music so much. However I feel that a better song choice would have probably worked out better for them. The rock or alternative rock collection of music is so wide and amazing.  Jay Keda was up next and she is a  beautiful girl with a great voice. I agree with Conroy though that it wasn't a great vocal performance but she still did well. I hoped that Chosen were going to be better this week they were not. Performed Air Supply's "All Out of Love" with harmonies that were not tight they really need to get it together. If they come next Sunday then I'm gonna call it that they will finish in the top three because their Meadow Brook High family are definitely voting.

Samantha Bogle was the only other contestant to sing a reggae song she performed Tarrus Riley Back Bitter she did an excellent job, showed that she is a versatile artiste hers was my favorite performance for the night.  Rocsi J tried to give it her all with a rendition of "Believe" by Fantasia. I'm going to say again- yes she can sing but because her voice is so big she needs to learn how to soften up a little bit in parts. The final contestant for the night was Jody Kay James who sang Pink's "Try"  she did do the Tessanne Chin version of the song though. The performance aspect of it was too much like Tessane's Voice audition but I still enjoyed it. I didn't agree with the judges that hers was the stand out performance of the night.

So as usual I'm going to call it like I see it. Chosen,
Universe and Almando may be heading home. As
much as I love Vanity Club's musical style I also feel that based on their performance tonight they may get low votes and end up going home. Hope not though.
The show tonight was great the talent this year.

*Side bar* Terri- Karrelle looked absolutely gorgeous from head to toe. Loved her dress.

#DRS12- Live Show Two Review.

     

Photo credit: @televisionjam (Twitter) 

 
Digicel Rising Stars second live studio show started off with the judges giving their take on the first live show. Cherine kept it real saying she only felt there were three strong contenders from the previous week, Anthony said he liked Jody Kay and Conroy felt like they were all were good. Kadisha Christie and Rebecca Bissoon. If you read my review last week I called it that Kadisha would be eliminated honestly thought Rebecca had a shot at staying but Jamaica voted and she was given the boot.

Jay Q was first up with the Taurus Riley version of Michael Jackson's "Human Nature" he has a good voice but his performance was border line boring not sure what more he could have done with that song though. All the judges agreed that his performance was too laid back. Following Jay Q was Negril girl Abigail Arthurs with her rendition of Adele's "Set Fire To The Rain". That song is one of my favorites. I know every word, every run and every riff in that song so I know Miss Abigail messed up some of the words but I'll give her a pass and boil it down to nerves and  she does have good voice. The third contestant for the night was entertainment coordinator at Royaltan Jay Keda with Tina Turner's "What's Love Got To Do With It". She has a nice voice and great look. The song choice was ok, the performance though good still lacked something.

Seventeen year old St Ann girl Roshelle Harris took the stage next and tried to wow us with Jennifer Hudson's song from the Dream Girls Movie "You're Gonna Love Me". Roshelle can sing and she emoted well. All the judges even Anthony thought her performance was good. Cherine gave the young singer some extra great advice telling her it was ok to look and act seventeen and I agree completely she definitely didn't look seventeen. The fifth contender was Roxy J she sang Ce Ce Winans "Mercy Said No". She had a big voice with great vocal control. With time she will learn how to give softer variations through out her performances and better mic control. The song was perfect for her and not just because she's a Christian. Anthony Miller (no surprise) wasn't feeling the Gospel and felt like Roxy J's big voice drowned him in the blood of Jesus and he didn't mean that in a good way. Side note Roxy was the best dressed for the night from her hair to her shoes.

The 6th contestant was a duo from Browns Town St. Ann Vanity Club (not sure they are sure how they came up with the group name) they gave us a rockitive performance with a rendition of Pink's "Please Don't Leave Me". Conroy and Cherine loved their harmonies and I loved that they came with some alternative rock music. There was some parts of the performance that was off to me but for the most part they were ok.  The final contestant for the night was Anna-Mariah from Retirement in St James. She sang Whitney Houston's "All The Man I Need" and the producer really saved the best for last this time. Not every one can take on a Whitney song be she did very well with the high notes and introduced Jamaica to her beautiful tone and technique. She is my pick for best vocals and best performer for the night I know she will be apart of next week's top ten.

Apart from Anna-Mariah I think Roshelle, Vanity Club and Roxy J will make it into the top ten Jay Keda may be voted back but let's see. It was a good show and the talent this week was just a little bit better than the previous week.

YaRone Artiste Spotlight- Khalilah Rose

                   
Photo Credit: Khalilah Rose Facebook.

Jamaican roots Reggae artiste Khalilah Rose is embarking on a musical journey and blazing a path to success with songs like "Weep Not" and many more powerful songs that touch on love, politics and other social issues. We had a few questions for this regal and beautiful singer songwriter and we are excited to share her answers with you in her own words in her own voice.

1.When were you introduced to music and who do you give credit for the introduction? 
Answer: I am not sure who introduced me to music. I am a part of a family that loves music. I am certain I was introduced in the womb. My father was instrumental as he was the first to put me in front of an audience to sing, when I was 3 or 4 years old. Singing "I'm going to sing for my lord" is one of my first childhood memories. I can also recall daddy selecting music.

2. How would you describe your self and your music style?  
Answer: I love to stand out in a crowd. I don’t appreciate being like anyone else. I embrace being unique, being that black sheep. I would describe myself as a very expressive and opinionated human being. I believe in fighting for equality, justice, truths and rights. I am an advocate for those of us who are constantly trampled on by the terrible powers that be. Presently, music is my weapon and the means to fight iniquity. The music I make is a reflection of this spirit within me. My musical style is empowerment. I am not afraid to take risks expressively.

3. When did you begin your journey into the music industry? OR When did you realize you wanted to have a career in music? 
Answer: I realized I wanted to have a career in music when I was about 6 or 7. I just loved to sing. I began my real journey into the music industry about 9 years ago and that's when I really decided to record and market the music on a next level.

4. Who are your biggest music influences? 
Answer: My greatest music influences are my team and my daughter. They all push me. They believe in the music. Anytime I tell my daughter that I want to leave the music industry she is at the verge of tears. As for my team, just seeing all the work they do and considering they are not getting an income for their effort, I am humbled.

5. What are your views in regards to the current state of the music industry in which you are apart?
Answer:  I personally believe that American and European capitalists have an agenda to cease roots reggae.  I believe they are intimidated by the power of roots reggae. It is a very militant and expressive body of work. There is so much power in roots reggae music, especially considering its global appeal.  They have refused entrance of many roots artistes to America and many European countries attempting to kill the market.  But roots reggae is music funded by Jah and dem no hav di powers fi eradicate roots reggae.

6. What artiste would you most love to work with and why?  
Answer: I would love to work with Burning Spear. Please tell him! I would love to work with him because his music is militant and his voice is one in a million. I would be honored to have the opportunity.

7. Where do you hope to see your music career in near and distant future? 
Answer: I would love for the music to continue to spread to the four corners of the Earth. I see us visiting more countries and touching more souls. I would like to make two more albums before I move to the next stage in my life.

8. Please tell us about your body of work? Have you collaborated with any note worthy artiste or have any performance experience on a large or small scale. 
Answer: I’ve collaborated with Turbulence and Lutan Fyah for my debut album Zion’s Lullaby. I’ve shared stages with Marcia Griffiths,Freddie Mcgregor, Etana, Kymani Marley, Turbulence, John Holt, Queen Ifrica, Josey Wales, Admiral Tibet, Anthony B, Everton Blender, Capelton, Frankie Paul, General Trees, Cutty Ranks, Lady Saw, Sanchez, Luciano, Gyptian, Sister Carol, and others... I’ve done solo shows in Jamaica, Aruba, New York and Amsterdam and I give Jah thanks for the success.

9. What projects can readers and your fans look out for?
Answer: I am currently working on a project with producer Calibud. He is a heartical individual with a great repertoire. Our first single to be released is called, “Journey.”  We are looking to release our first single, July 2015. I still can’t believe that we have known each other for so long and are just really producing work together. This has been in the making. I appreci- luv working with Calibud. He understands me and never tries to stifle my creativity.

10. How can interested event promoters book you for their next event?
Answer: Contact management at Khalilahscope@gmail.com or Jayloaknauth@gmail.com or
Call 876-405-2949 Trevieno Cole

For more information on Khalilah Rose and her music you may follow the links provided below.

https://m.facebook.com/khalilahrose?_rdr

https://m.soundcloud.com/khalilahroseja

New Music Review: Keznamdi- "Virtuous Woman".

                         
                   

Photo credit: (Twitter)  @keznamdi 

Normally when artistes record on a dancehall rhythm it's a bag of talk about the same old thing: sex, bad mind, violence, partying or money. So, when you hear a dancehall track from one you wouldn't consider a "dancehall" artiste it's interesting to hear what he/she comes up with. I'm on twitter and come across a song by Keznamdi titled "Virtuous Woman". First thought was that it was going to be a reggae track but was surprised that it was a dancehall rhythm (Life Support Rhythm) produced by Justus Arison or JA Productions who gave us the Overproof
Riddim.

Back to the Virtuous Woman track.....
Keznamdi has an amazing voice and is a very good writer with a refreshing take on how he approaches his musical journey. He has done Reggae, EDM and Pop so no surprise that he has now recorded on a dancehall beat. If you are an artiste why place your self in the "one genre" box?  That's a question I've always asked.

I'm loving "Virtuous Woman" because I feel the song expresses what every strong man should want, that is a good and strong woman by his side. A woman who can give as much she recieves and is able to reason conciously. I'm so tired of hearing artistes talk about sexy girls who are good in bed and tying a woman's worth to the tightness of her "sex". I'm also tired of hearing men sing about pretty much wanting to have sex with every good looking woman they come across. It's great hearing on a Dancehall rhythm a man saying that as much as the physical is important the character and strength of a woman is of more value to him and that he isn't interested in being intimate with just any woman.

The song is a well produced track that is easy to listen to, with great vocals, a catchy chorus and a powerful message. If you are a strong woman you will love it and if you are a strong man "Virtuous Woman" is a track that will resonate well. YaRone Entertainment as certified it a hit song so add it to your playlist.  Follow the link below to sound cloud to hear the track.

https://m.soundcloud.com/keznamdi/virtuous-woman

Digicel Rising Stars Season 12- Live Show One Review.

                 

Photo credit: @televisionjam

Rising Stars is back for season twelve and let's just say the first live show started off on an ok note which means it can only get better.

Ashanie Reid was the nights opening act and she sang Kelly Clarkson's 2011 hit song "Mr Know It All". She showed she had a good voice but for that song she needed more power behind her vocals. The song needed to sound less like light pop and more rockitive. Never the less it was an ok rendition.

Rebecca Bissoon took on Rihanna's "What Now". She has a great tone, and the judges all agreed that her voice was interesting but the song not so much. Anthony commented that she wasted great vocals on the song choice. Though I'd like to agree with "Killer Miller" like Conroy I didn't mind the song and thought she did well.

The third contestants were a duo. Universe and Almando. Universe auditioned  8 times and he finally got through to the live show and proved he deserved this chance with his rendition of Sam Smith's "Not The Only One" accompanied by Almando playing his acoustic guitar. Universe has a good voice and great vocal controland range but like the judges I'm wondering how the guitar player is going to work out going forward in the competition. Maybe he will give us  a few Carlos Santana like solo. Let's see.

Kadisha Christie was the fourth contestant for the night. She was boring to the point that I don't even remember the song she did. I remember there was dancing and a lot of hair touching which does not make a performance good. She needed better choreography and song choice.

Samantha Bogle was next and I remember her from TVJ choir competition All Together Sing. She was one of the lead singers from Vauxhall High School. She was a great singer then and an all grown up good singer still. She selected Meagan Trainor's "Dear Future Husband" and gave a great performance that was good enough to make her the second favorite of the night.

Jody-Kay James went old school singing a Etta James classic.  "All I Could Do Was Cry" and from her outfit choice to stage presence and vocal ability everything was on point. She was definitely the nights best performer and based on the twitter comments I
saw, she may be the favorite thus far.

Chosen the only group in the competition was the final act for the night and they tried to take on the American acapella group Pentatonix arrangement of Swedish House Mafia's "Don't you worry child and Save The World". Let's just say the best wasn't saved for last as their harmonies were off and the lead vocalist at the start had some problems hitting high notes, they have potential though so let's see their
progress if they stay in the competition.

My favorites so far are Jody-Kay, Samantha Bogle they will be getting votes all week. I also feel Universe and Almando and Rebecca Bissoon will get some votes too. Chosen are High School students and I'm sure the power of Meadow Brooke High School support will push them forward in the competition. It was a good start to season twelve and I'm sure next Sunday's seven will bring their A game.