MIAMI MUSIK BUZZ FEATURED ARTIST - you can get a flavor of their vibe not only by visiting their profile but we have embedded a few pages with their sound as well check it out ! ... BIG UP >>> KEEP BUZZING!
Spanish Town's Leisa Angella Reid aka Empress Eko is a powerful entertainer and a talented song writer well known to be unique and versatile with her craft.
She displays effortless control over the range and tone of her voice and owns a very unique, down to earth and raw vibe that demands you to stop and take notice.
And that's exactly what US-based Jason 'Jahson' Mitchell from GFAMM Entertainment did. He was very impressed and is now very interested in signing her to his label.
It took sweat and tears and endless hours of hard work and dedication honing her talents over the past two decades though, to get to this point .
Although Empress Eko broke into the industry back in 2006 with her first single titled “SINGLE MOTHERS” , she had been writing since she was 12 years old. “SINGLE MOTHERS” was well received by listeners and heavily rotated on Irie FM which eventually lead to Empress Eko being featured in The Beat Magazine in 2007.
She has performed on a number of stage shows all over Jamaica, including Manchester Fiesta, Bash in the Valley, Fantan Mojah's Earth Strong, A St Mary Mi Come From, GT Taylor's Extravaganza and Tony Rebel's Rebel Salute, to name a few.
Dont let her tiny frame fool you, this lady comes packed with massive voice and heart as well as the desire to sing out her conscientious vibes for everyone to hear and enjoy. Or as in her words....
“...so that the kids can sing along and elders can always say yes to Empress Eko songs when they are played...”
Leisa ( Empress Eko) claims to draw her inspiration to write and perform from deep down inside her very soul... her very roots to draw up positivity and livity for those who enjoy her music. She admits that her own yard has had a heavy influence on both her writing and performance style. And that she grew up being inspired by Buju Banton and Shabba Ranks. As well as encouraged and supported by friendships with fellow artists like Izan'Jahdon.
In N0v 2014 another Empress Eko single flared up and got noticed when “ KNOW WEH YOU WANT ” found it's way onto Shyrick Dancehall Radio's top 10 charts and stuck there like glue landing in 5th spot and from there climbing to third rank.
Other Empress Eko singles to look out for are "Single Mothers" "Cut Above the Rest" "
How Me Fi Stop" "Success Get to Dem" and "Mek We a Pree Dem"
“...I'll sing out my heart just for my fans .. I love how I'm be motivated by them...”
Eko is now moving full force towards her goals in music and the sky is no limit for her, with help from GFAMM.
Stenneth
Waugh, a.k.a,Singa Vytal, was born on july 12 in Manchester Jamaica. He
first attend the Cumberland all age school in the parish, but later
move to live in Kingston after his grandmother with whom he was livingdied.
He started attending the Denham town secondary school in kingston at age 12.
He
made strides in his education endevors progressing at every stage at
Denham Town. In grade eleven he met Mark Myrie a.k.a Buju Banton his
class mate.
Upon graduating from Denham Town he moved to live in
Old Harbour St Catherine where he got his first opportunity to showcase
his talent, singing at a church concert in his community but was not
struck to become an artist.
He began to take music seriously when
he visit the Zion Yard studio in his community. He did his first song
“Sad Ending, in 2011 he entered the jcdc festival song competition and
again in 2012 to date he has done numerous songs too much to be named.
Vytal enjoys listening to Buju Banton, Dennis Brown, R. Kelly and other artistes.
Kevin
Walters
known to many as I-Purple
he was birth in Alexandria in the parish of St Ann, Jamaica the
garden parish of legendries’ Bob Marley, Burning Spear and Marcus
Garvey. Kevin and his parents then relocated to Kingston while he was
an infant some many years ago.
While
growing up as a child his father was a musician so he taught him how
to play a few instruments such as the guitar and the keyboard during
the attendance of church which gave him a high motivation to choose
music as a career.
With
the grown nature of I-Purple
and
his drive to become a professional musician he decided to get better
by mastering his talent at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and
Performing Arts.
Released
a Handful of Hit Singles including SUITCASE, STAY, NAH STOP TRY and
HURT AND BROKEN
Recorded
for numerous labels including Pushhitz Records in NYC, Move Up
Records and Mikey Sparkle Proudctions among many others
Selected
to represent Jamaica in 2015 World Championships In LA
Performed
live at Jazz and Blues Festival January 2013 (Main Stage) with AJ
Brown, Taddy P and the Blow Wow Band, Caribbean Shrimp Fest 2013 and
Mobay Jerk Fest 2013
Performed
internationally in Nashville, Orlando, Florida , Atlanta, Canada,
Mississippi, Antigua and Cayman Islands
Did
an Exclusive Collaboration with Reggae Music Legend Anthony Malvo
Musically
affiliated with Beenie Man, Nesbeth, Silver Cat, Mackie Conscious,
Peter Lloyd, Anthony Malvo, Rula Brown, Ian Sweetness, AJ Brown,
Taddy P among many others
Co-Host
Radio Shows on Daflava Radio in Atlanta
Featured
in local and International Newspapers and Articles/Columns
Award
winning Jamaican songstress, talented, beautiful and extremely
passionate about her music, petite and 5'3, thiswould
be the best way to describe Sophia Brown, known to all her friends as
THE SENSATIONAL “SB”!
Sophia
will be highlighting her year with a big date in the US on November
22, 2014, where the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Linkage Award winner
will join R&B/disco legend Melba Moore as a headlining performer
at the Lady Flava Radio Network Awards Show in Hartford, Connecticut.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to share stage with an R&B
legend like Melba Moore, who has not only given so much to the music
industry but is an acclaimed actress as well. I see this as a
tremendous opportunity for me to broaden my musical horizon and work
with a different kind of audience. I am ready to rock the house”
stated Sophia. Brown is not only performing that night, but has also
been nominated in the “Best Female Lovers Rock Vocalist” category
which also honors hip hop, R&B, gospel, disco and dance-hall
artists. “It's always nice to be recognized for your work but what
makes this award even more special to me is that is is not coming
from the Jamaican diaspora so to speak but from the wider music and
film industry in the USA.”
2014
started with Sophia back in the studio working on her latest single
“Touch Me,” produced by Denver D Music, for her label “Music
Mecka Records” the first single of her upcoming 3rd
album. This single is distributed internationally on iTunes by Zojack
Worldwide. Her first performances of the year were in Jamaica before
hitting the international scene. She has also recently recorded the
single “We're Lovers,” with Los Angeles based artist Black Ice
and has shot the music video for that single before embarking on a
month long “Catch Me If You Can” US tour. This summer she
released a lovers rock ballad single about falling in love “Wide
Awake,” produced by Christopher Tyrell and distributed by Zojack
Worldwide.
Sophia
has also recently finished recording a new single with the Chilean
Band Gondwana, which will be released on their upcoming album later
this year.
Sophia
Brown's first position as a dance choreographer in 1986 on the
Appleton Estate Tour for Dance-hall Pioneers, opened the door for her
to showcase her musical talents with the Jamaican Tourist Board. This
was the fortuity that gave life to Sophia's dream of becoming an
International & Inspirational acclaimed Reggae Artiste.
In
1988, with a network of support she left her home of Parish St.
Elizabeth to live closer to Kingston the music capitol of Jamaica in
St. Catherine. The beautiful and talented Sophia, standing at a
petite 5'3" was extremely passionate about her music. She
persevered and knew that "every journey begins with a first
step" and it took her 3 years, but she finally realized her
passion and released her 1st recording, a single entitled "Jig
Me" Produced by Outta National in 1992. This gave Sophia her
very 1st local radio listener-ship, resonating well with reggae music
fans! This created an opportunity for Sophia to perform alongside
popular International Reggae & Hip-hop Artists Shabba Ranks, Lady
Patra, Frankie Paul, Richie Stephens & Doug E. Fresh in Montego
Bay the same month.
Sophia
destined to make music her life, had to endure numerous setbacks in
her career, only to make her stronger. But, nothing has deterred her
from fulfilling herlife's
dream of becoming an internationally acclaimed recording Artist. In
1992, Sophia performed in the famous "Reggae Sun Splash" in
Montego Bay. This sensational performance was greatly received
escalating her career, with the collaboration of renowned UK producer
Mad Professor. This collaboration set in motion this "Lovers
Rock Artiste" putting her on a roll. Initially, she landed a
recording contract with the Cayman Island Co. Strawberry Records,
which was later sold to CMI in 1995, until CMI declared bankruptcy.
This didn't put the cabash on Sophia, she remained focusedforming
her own record company called "Music Mecka Records" with
colleague Dale Dunkley, together they released a host of singles
during that time, including "Baby Tonight" and "Give
it up" which received favorable airplay.
Later
on, Sophia took to the road doing several tours both locally and
abroad, including NY, Arizona and Virginia. In 2002, in Norfolk,
Virginia, She performed with such greats as Snoop Dogg, Lil Kim &
Ja Rule. In 2007, on her return to Jamaica, Sophia recorded a single
entitled "Love You Pure" a Reggae/R&B track, "I
was inspired to write that song after listening to a friend's own
personal experience. It was a beautiful song that could have easily
been a Valentine's Day classic." said a smiling Sophia Brown. A
video for this single followed eventually finding its way on the
local and E.Strip Video Charts peaking at #3.
Sophia
continued recording and releasing other hit singles under her "Music
Mecka" label without Dale Dunkley, before releasing her first
album "The Spotlight" April 15, 2009. The album had an
official press launch and success began to knock on Sophia's door.
2009 found her "Weak to You" single, soaring to the top of
the local charts! She attempted to attract a younger demographic by
the release of her new single "Gimme That Good Love" and
video. Sophia was also nominated for the local EME Awards (Excellence
in Music & Entertainment) Awards, as “New Female Artist of the
Year” and while "Gimme That Good Love," single found its
way to the top of the CVM hit list Video Charts.
In
January 2010, Brown also met with kids from the Alman Town Primary
School in Kingston where she was invited to give a motivational
speech. She spoke about the importance of self-esteem. "Their
self-esteem is a very big part of anything they do," she
remarked, “when they have that, they can accomplish anything."
2010
through 2011 saw a steady increase in both local and U.S. promotional
activities for Sophia, with the release of her new singles "Let
It Be Me" produced by Cash Flow Productions, "Gimme That
Good Love" distributed by Universal Records and "Lovers
Rock" produced by her label "Music Mecka." "Gimme
That Good Love" made it to #19 on the BBS World Chart, "Let
It Be Me" hit N.Y. and South FL. Top 30 Reggae Single Charts,
and in the 100 Most Popular Songs, debuting her entry to the U.S.
charts. She also made the Top 100 songs for 2010 in N.Y & South
Fl. coming in at #100. Sophia charted in the Top 10 Urban, Chris
Coxson Reggae Top 10 on NY Radio and Top 50 Pop for Satellite,
College & Internet radio, marking her cross-over from Reggae to
Reggae-Pop. "Let It Be Me" hit a UK base chart as well.
Additionally, she created a cover version of the American R&B
star Betty Wrights' song “Tonight is The Night.” “Tonight is
The Night” made it to number one on Jamaica' s music charts, as
well as number one in TEN other countries! In 2010, Sophia once again
garnered a nomination at the EME Awards this time for “Best Female
Vocalist of the Year.”
Sophia
continues to climb the international charts and released her newest,
most successful and acclaimed album “Catch Me If You Can” on
March 28, 2012, distributed by Zojack Worldwide, it's a masterful
blend of Hip-Pop, Neo-Soul, and Hip-Reggae. Sophia transcended beyond
the borders of Jamaica to the International scene, and crossed genres
with her beautiful ballads such as “Love You Pure,” ”Weak To
You” and “I’ am a Rose.” Sophia had numerous press launches
promoting “Catch Me if You Can” in NY, Jamaica, Barbados at the
Reggae Festival, Los Angeles and many other locales. Monumentally,
“Catch Me If You Can,” found itself in the top 25 preliminary
rounds to be nominated for the “Reggae Album of the Year” Grammy
Award in 2013. Additionally, finding its way to #55 on the top 100
Reggae Albums on the iTunes chart. Later that year, she was nominated
for the Irawma Awards in South Florida
.
In
2013, Sophia's travels have taken her across the globe, journeying to
places noted for their music and art including, European capitals in
France & Italy using these cities and her fellow artists as a
palate on which to create her vision, while performing mind blowing
performances to those in attendance at her shows. “Everybody has
their own pattern, their own way of presenting, so it is up to you to
observe them so that you can better develop as an artist.” said
Sophia.
JAMAICA
has been blessed with many talented musicians who have made their
contribution to the development of our music industry and to music
worldwide. Keyboardist Ansel
Collins
is one such individual who will be lauded for generation to come
though his work is usually overlooked.
Like many musicians,
Collins started out as a singer performing at the Vere Johns
Opportunity Hour in the early 1960's before moving on to playing
drums in the band, the Carib Beat. He eventually changed to keyboards
after being influenced by Conroy Cooper, brother of Grub, and one of
the original members of Fab Five. He eventually left the Carib Beat
and joined the Father Gooden outfit, the RTH Invincible Band where he
further honed his skills as a musician.
After his band
experience, he became one of the leading studio session men, playing
piano and keyboards for producers Bunny
Lee, Phil Pratt, Leslie Kong, Clement "Coxsone" Dodd and
Prince Buster.
During this period of the late 1960's he created some famous keyboard
phrases that are still being copied today.
The year was 1968
when Collins received some funds to record material for the British
market from an associate in England. Collins produced four songs, the
first, Night
Doctor,
was the first recording for a young drummer named Sly Dunbar. Another
of the four recordings was a track named Double Barrel which was an
instrumental. Collins gave the track to former Techniques member and
producer, Winston Riley who took it to England and added toasting
vocals by Dave Barker to it.
In
1971, Collins joined forces with Dave Barker for the reggae singles
Double
Barrel
and Monkey
Spanner.
Double Barrel was a big hit in Britain and would eventually sell over
one million copies. It even made the American pop chart. Although the
song was a big hit, Collins says he did not benefit from its success,
another case of copyright infringement which he says is finally being
settled. Monkey Spannerfeatured
bass player Lloyd Parks and guitarist Rad Bryan. Another smashing
hit was Stalag
17
featuring Tenor Saw, General Ecco and Sister Nancy. In the
1970's Collins went to the famous Channel One studio on Maxfield
Avenue. There he resumed his work as one of Jamaica's top keyboard
session men. As part of "The Revolutionaries" which
included Sly Dunbar, Herman Marquis, Robbie Shakespeare, Ranchie
McLean and Headley "Deadly” Bennett. He played on all the
major hits of Channel One for the label's emerging acts which
included The
Mighty Diamonds, Leroy Smart, Wailing Soul, Earth and Soul, The Jays
and Ranking Trevor. In
addition, Collins played for other artistes and studios including
Tubbys and Dynamics.
In the 1980's, he began touring with
Jimmy
Cliff
and co-produced some of Cliff's Columbia Records albums including the
gold-selling Special.
Collins also toured with many
other reggae greats, including Toots Hibbert. He also found time to
record two solo albums, So
Long
and Ansel
Collins
on which he sang and played keyboards.
Nowadays, Collins still
works out with Sly and Robbie and has contributed his talents to
several Taxi Gang projects, including Mambo Taxi and La Trenggae.
He is still making music and is currently working on a new vocal and
instrumental album.
Ansel Collins - one of the great piano and
keyboard players of popular music in the Caribbean.
MIKKI RAS Biography “Music is the art of the prophets and the gift of God.”
Mikki Ras born Taron Wilson in Clarendon, Jamaica, is a cultural reggae artist known for his melodic voice and the conscious lyrical content of his music. Mikki Ras attended the Marcus Garvey High School and then went on to Portmore Community College, Majoring in Accounting. While attending school he attracted attention to his vocal abilities by performing at numerous School Concerts, and Talent Competitions throughout the Island. Despite his strong academic record, Mikki Ras’s love for music proved to be irresistible and he chose to pursue a career in music. Mikki Ras recorded his first single titled “Chemist” featuring Mimmi Ranks, in 2002, the single was aired regularity on Radio Stations in Europe, United States, Canada and the Caribbean. Following the success of his new single Mikki Ras was booked to perform at some of Jamaica’s’ biggest concerts namely Reggae Sumfest, Rebel Salute, Island Explosion and was also booked to tour with Beres Hammond in the United States and Jamaica. Mikki Ras inspiration comes from artist such as Bob Marley, Beres Hammond, Sizzla and Luga and has performed with artist such as Freddie McGregor, Mavado, Cocoa Tea, Sizzla, I-Octane, Beres Hammond and Capleton to name a few. In 2012 Mikki Ras received a “Best New Artist” Award from the Clarendon Music Awards and his single “Crying to the System” peaked at number one on several radio stations in England and The United States of America. Mikki Ras first international solo tour in 2013 had him performing in California, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and London, he was well received and his fan base grew tremendously. Mikki Ras is now signed to Front Yaad Productions, based in the United States, and is now managed by the well renowned Gary “Biggz” Rankine. With his mind focused on musical greatness and spreading his conscious music throughout the world Mikki Ras is on his way to becoming one of Jamaica’s greatest reggae artist.
TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH MIKKI RAS AND HIS MUSIC YOU ARE INVITED HERE:
OMAR “IMAR” SHEPHARD Many artists struggle to establish their musical identity, laboriously trying on different musical styles like a piece of clothing, looking to find what fits. But there are others that emerge fully formed, in full command of their craft, their identity and their music. Omar ‘Imar’ Shepherd fits firmly in the latter category. His soothing music not only generates a calm and relaxing feeling but has had an inspirational and motivational effect on the youths. A young man who grew up in the parish of St. Thomas, Jamaica, Imar was drawn to music at an early age; singing at church and various community events, but didn’t take music seriously until he was in his early 20’s. He explains, “While working at Tastee, I was invited to perform at the annual Christmas party. Based on my performance, I received an automatic invitation to all company sponsored events, , Beach trips and company funerals. The coordinator told me I had what it takes to be a star, a diamond in the rough, and from then I began this musical journey.” His first big break came as lead singer for the touring band ‘Crucial’ that performed weekly at the Market Place on Red Hills Road in Kingston. Subsequently, he began working as a solo artiste during which he was a guest artiste on the popular Tastee Talent Search Concert for two (2) years. As he ventured deeper into the music industry in the birthplace of reggae music, Kingston, Jamaica, the pieces began to fall into place for Imar. In 2010, he hooked up with singer, songwriter and local producer, Demarco for Rebel Music. The two recorded and released the single “Woman I need You” in collaboration with House of Reggae in Canada. The single received heavy rotation both locally and internationally, and sparked major interest across the world from Europe, United States, Canada and the Caribbean. Riding the wave of his recent success, Imar has taken to the studio working with some of the most notable producers in the reggae music industry, Demarco-Rebel Music, Digital B, St Bess Records, Calibud Music and J Islands, just to name a few. Now recording in earnest, Imar has become an avid songwriter, taking his influences, like Dennis Brown, Bob Marley, Beres Hammond, and using them to shape his own style. “I love to see people happy,” Imar explains, “Music is a tool that brings happiness to many people.” When he is not recording in the studio, Imar is on the road honing his on-stage presence and sharing his love for the music in his own style. “Doing the shows gives me the opportunity to interact with people. It gives me joy and it’s an opportunity to put forth the brand. Many times you are able to refine your selections based on the fans reaction.” Imar is definitely on the rise. He is taking his share of the music industry with his soulful and humble personality. Many are saying this new reggae sensation has been given the reggae baton and is ready to take on the marathon reggae road routes.
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And that's exactly what US-based Jason 'Jahson' Mitchell from GFAMM Entertainment did. He was very impressed and is now very interested in signing her to his label.
She has performed on a number of stage shows all over Jamaica, including Manchester Fiesta, Bash in the Valley, Fantan Mojah's Earth Strong, A St Mary Mi Come From, GT Taylor's Extravaganza and Tony Rebel's Rebel Salute, to name a few.
Leisa ( Empress Eko) claims to draw her inspiration to write and perform from deep down inside her very soul... her very roots to draw up positivity and livity for those who enjoy her music. 
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