Miss Kitty and Skatta Burrell, two of the judges in Magnum Kings and Queen of Dancehall.
The seventh Season of Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall is in full swing with the 5th and final auditions set to take place this Sunday (December 15) at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in Kingston.
With over 2000 talented Jamaicans Auditioned so far in Sav-La-Mar, Ocho Rios, May Pen and Portmore, Kingston is expected to carry the biggest crowd; attracting all those who have tried and failed to secure a place at the other four auditions as well as those who have waited until the last minute to show their talent.
Marketing Director, Wines & Spirits at J. Wray & Nephew Limited, Gary Dixon, says Kingston is the heartbeat of Dancehall so it is only natural for it to host the biggest and most exciting of the 5 auditions: “Every year Kingston continues to impress and this year we expect no different. Over the past 6 seasons some of the best talent to grace the Magnum stage were unearthed at the Kingston Auditions. Kingston will be the last chance to get Into the competition this year and based on history people from all over Jamaica will be there to show the best of their talent.”
Judges Miss Kitty, Skatta and Professor Nuts select the best from each auditions. These auditions’ finalists are placed in a pool for the Judges to then deliberate and select the Top 28 Live Show finalists (14 Princes and 14 Princesses) who will compete for the title of 2014 Magnum King and Queen of Dancehall.
The Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre will be buzzing with activity this Sunday December 15 between 9am and 3pm when talent from all corners of Jamaica will seek their final chance to Be the Boss by taking the first step towards Magnum stardom.
Gary Dixon, Wray & Nephews Marketing Director speaking at the Sting 30 launch
After 29 years, the greatest one night reggae and dancehall show on earth, Sting, has attracted hundreds of talented artistes to its stage along with millions of viewers and numerous corporate sponsors. Fast forward to the 30th staging of this, the most anticipated stage show on the reggae / dancehall calendar, and Sting is now boosted with the return of Magnum Tonic Wine, to fuel Sting 30.
Strategic Advisor to the Sting 30 Board, Howard McIntosh, says this partnership is vital for the survival of the show: “Corporate partnership is the life and blood of the event. It is what makes the engine roll. Required partnerships and support is necessary to making the event and industry survive. The show suffered over the past 2 years without strategic partners as a partnership allows us to leverage the possibilities that the brand brings.
“This year Magnum Tonic Wine have demonstrated their support for Jamaican culture by coming on board as the presenting sponsor for Sting 30. Magnum is a perfect partner, and we are happy to have them back. Magnum was on board for our 20th staging and we are all elated that they are back with us as we celebrate our 30th Anniversary and are looking forward to a continued partnership for many years to come.”
Sting 30 Strategic Partners Gary Dixon, Josef Bogdanovich, Isaiah Laing and Howard McIntosh
Over the last 11 years, Magnum Tonic Wine invested significantly in Jamaican culture with partnerships such as Magnum Kings & Queens of Dancehall, Magnum Containa Satdaz, The Star’s Magnum All Star Face Off and their regular Magnum Road shows which all promote the Dancehall art form.
Marketing Director, Wines & Spirits at J. Wray & Nephew Ltd, Gary Dixon, explains why Magnum Tonic Wine decided to partner with Sting 30: “Sting is a Boss show and Magnum is a Boss drink, so this partnership makes sense. Magnum is deeply associated with true and authentic Jamaican culture and Sting embodies that culture and gives it a stage for the world to see.
“We are working with Supreme Promotions and Downsound Records to ensure that Sting 30 is a responsible event and as such all patrons and artistes are expected to be on their best behaviour. The organizers will be implementing all the necessary plans and procedures so that all our patrons will enjoy Dancehall in a clean responsible and safe environment.”
For 2013, Magnum Tonic Wine will be presenting American rapper 2 Chainz, Gully Gad Movado and the much anticipated return of the Dan Dadda Super Cat.
Magnum will also be doing several Sting 30 ticket giveaways on radio and through social media. Magnum advises Twitter fans to follow the buzz with #MagnumStings for news, prizes and giveaways.
The 30th staging of the greatest one night reggae / dancehall show on earth has added immense value to its product by making this authentic cultural experience available to millions around the globe via pay-per-view. This revitalised venture has not only re-attracted corporate sponsors like Magnum Tonic Wine, but has also brought on board a most valuable asset in the Jamaica Tourist Board who feel that Sting is a critical event to Jamaica tourism.
The excitement builds around the December 26th event with a stellar line-up featuring 2 Chainz, Super Cat, Movado, Ninja Man, Beenie Man, Elephant Man, Lady Saw, Sizzla, Kiprich and many more of the hottest Reggae and Dancehall acts.
After weeks of bated breaths and pines for her return, the ‘Fluffy Diva’ Khadine ‘Ms. Kitty’ Hylton will be back on afternoon radio on July 1. The effervescent radio/TV personality will return to Nationwide 90FM weekdays from 2pm-5pm with her show ‘Ms. Kitty Live’.
CEO of Nationwide 90FM Cliff Hughes highlights that Ms. Kitty “is returning home to welcoming and open arms as she will be an asset to the broadcasting industry and specifically the afternoon time slot”. Mr. Hughes says Ms. Kitty’s return to Nationwide 90FM in the 2-5pm slot “virtually completes the revamping of the station from 6am-2am and signals a repositioning of Nationwide 90FM in response to the changes in the radio landscape and wider economy”.
Ms. Kitty’s return not only promises to
The fast rising contemporary reggae artiste Keznamdi has been blazing a trail across the musical landscape with thought provoking lyrics woven together to form infectious melodies and has now heralded his arrival to the reggae scene by releasing his first EP, appropriately dubbed, Bridging the Gap.
Keznamdi, who has been winning fans on both sides of the Atlantic, sees Bridging the Gap as a good chronicle of his musical and spiritually development through reggae: “Bridging the Gap means bridging all generations, all nations, and all cultures together through the music. Music is my life and the issues on the EP are topics that affect me to varying levels”.
Through Bridging the Gap , Keznamdi focuses on issues that appeal to all classes, races and age groups. The EP is sewn together with social commentary and thoughts on man’s interaction with each other with a fair amount of questions and answers on male and female relationships.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alumnus, singer and composer of “Stand By Me” Ben E. King is in Jamaica for a special Mother’s Day Concert dubbed ‘An Evening of Musical Memories and Excellence’.
The special Mother’s Day concert is being staged by the Lay Magistrates Association of Jamaica’s (LMAJ) Kingston Chapter, and will be held on Mother’s Day at the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston.
The former member of the Drifters known for hits like “There Goes My Baby,” and “Save The Last Dance For Me” will be in town”, will be joined by a mixture of local talents for a splendid evening including, Harold Davis, Maria Myrie, Boris Gardiner, Carole Reid, Jon Williams, Rory Baugh, Onaje Bell, Paulette Bellamy and Ouida Lewis.
The event will help raise money for the outreach projects catering to the elderly and shut-ins associated with the Lay Magistrate and Justices of the Peace and will be held under the distinguish patronage of Custos Rotolum for the parish of Kingston the Honorable Steadman Fuller, C.D., JP.
Season 6 of Magnum Kings & Queens of Dancehall came to an end moments ago when SASSY SILVA and JONNAH were announced as winners.
Each were awarded a million dollars, a single and a video.
The second place winners, CHARLENE SKYLAR and PAYNE, will not walk away empty handed as Downsound Records will award them $50,000 each, according to Skatta Burrell.
Following a week of high publicity, with Skatta being called out by dancehall artiste Khago for an apparent diss the previous week and claims by up-and-coming artiste Dazzla that I-Octane, last week’s guest judge on Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall (MKQ), stole the concept of his She Want it All Night/Move Up Yuh Body song, the contestants were all expected to deliver exceptionally.
However, the twelfth live show did not prove to be balanced, as the three remaining princesses (all deejays) did a better job than their male-counterparts (two sing-jays and a deejay) who were unwilling to “start the war” as is custom.
Even when contacted neither were willing to say that they wanted to clash the other. And hence begs the question, what will happen this Saturday?
DRAMA
Skatta continued another week of controversy, as he donned a copy of the Jamaica Star, with the front-page story calling for an apology by Khago following on the 11th show. As he walked on stage a dub undertone about the newspaper story could be heard. He opened the paper, shook his head and Nah Apologize by Sizzla started to play to rousing applause.
Resident Judge Skatta Burrell making his entrance.
SETTING THE TONE
The audience was again treated to another surprise the MKQ Top Ten Song “Can’t Stop We” was premiered for the first time. Produced by Chimney Records, the single featured impressive vocals from SASSY SILVA, CHARLENE SKYLAR, MAKARIE, MINORI and KONFYDENCE for the princesses. While, SHACK, JONNAH, JAH BOUKS, PAYNE and BUCK 1 represented for the princes. The song was well received and quite shrewd to say the least.
Take a listen
After the song premiere lyrical face-off princess MAKARIE and the crackerjack SHACK were both packed and sent out of the ‘Magnum Mansion’; their destination, home, after receiving the lowest votes based on their performance on the last show.
PRINCESSES PERFORMED
The show took a different format this week, with all the princesses performing first, followed by the princes; all doing two songs each: a popular one from this season and a new one.
'Ask and it shall be given', seem to have been CHARLENE SKYLAR thinking when she took resident judge Skatta Burrell on his challenge.
The self-proclaimed Commander-in-Chief, CHARLENE SKLYAR, was the first to bat as she did Step to me Lively. She surprised the audience, as she performed to the challenge Skatta gave her the week before, which left him saying, “yuh step lively tonight, a swear…yuh step up! Ratings”. Fellow contestants and rivals SASSY SILVA and KONFYDENCE earned her wrath and judge Professor Nuts liked it and encouraged it by adding, “this a wah mi want see long time”. The guest judge SPICE, despite loving the act, told her to improve her confidence.
Miss Independence was executed by KONFYDENCE. Professor Nuts told her he found her persistence to his liking, given that many persons would want to see her drop out; the audience shouted ‘yes’ and lamented that she should have been sent home long ago. She seemed touch and on her return to the stage was hurling her frustration at everyone. Starting with, “mi tired every week the judge dem deh pon mi like house”. For much of her performance she lacked impact, got some applause, earning the biggest when she threw words at Skatta.
SASSY SILVA had the crowd in her palms as they sang to her ‘Prayers Me a Use”, which once saved her from an elimination. “CHARLENE and KONFYDENCE a go have problem tonight, because a Sassy the crowd a say,” said Skatta.
Skatta told her, “mi respect your fighting spirit”. However, Miss Kitty was more blunt, “no judge is here to get you… We are here to help you, to build you. If we were not on you, like we were, we would not have gotten this. Congrats on a job well done”.
JONNAH in his thobe.
LUKE-WARM PRINCES
An easy going JAH BOUKS launched into ‘Curves’, as his popular song. Patrons were heard saying, “mi think him did a go do the one how him woman a give him bun”. Nevertheless, he was commended by Professor Nuts for remaining himself throughout the competition. The second time around, Miss Kitty was his target with a groovy lovers selection, which caused her to beam and say, “I felt that JAH BOUKS. It was almost effortlessly done and packed with emotions”.
PAYNE pulled off his set with his “lyrically show-off self”, as Professor Nuts would say, in between “him hard”, “lyrics a fire” from several audience members.
Mr. One-One, JONNAH, was the last exhibit for the night with melody, theatrics and creativity on overdrive. The lyrics of his first song was modified to big up his campaign team, while the second saw him wearing a white thobe (a long robe worn by Muslim men, which is usually tailored like a shirt, but it is ankle-length and loose), sandals and rod in hand like Moses to deliver the people— as the intro to his gospel-themed song suggested.
The females ended the night declaring war on each other. CHARLENE SKYLAR promised “anyone a dem step to me dead”. KONFYDENCE had this to say, “mi a show them the real KONFYDENCE”. “A mi seh me a di general so me just a come fi murder them and done, ” SASSY SILVA opined.
The curtains were drawn on the show with SPICE executing her new single “Twerk” and dance of the said name
The electrifying eight ‘charged up’ Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall last Saturday, leaving behind pleased and not so pleased patrons, as the survivors of the ‘Magnum Mansion’ battled it out at D’Entrance.
With only three weeks of voting left in the competition, the Contestants were naturally putting their best efforts forward. However, not before the previous week’s lowest was to be sent packing.
BUCK 1, who had more or less got an extension the previous week, had his rights revoked. But there was a slight tremor from fans when MINORI and KONFYDENCE were announced in the bottom two, because the former was way better. As fans bellowed MINORI’s name, host Yanique told KONFYDENCE that she was safe to a much disappointed audience.
TIME FOR ACTION
With that out of the way, SASSY SILVA started the night with a reinvented version of her with a very teenage-esque appearance. JONNAH, who followed, was lauded for his usual creativity, melody and stage craft. Guest Judge MAD COBRA said to him, “nuh whale can’t swallow you. You good…every four bar yuh have a farwud”.
MAKARIE showed a softer side by singing against pedophiles. The judges thought it was a risk, because she needed to tighten some of her keys, but said the lyrics resonated well. JAH BOUKS injected his usual smooth and confident “haile” self, picking up comments of “having traits for crossover potentials” for the international market.
KONFYDENCE, after surviving another week, failed to spark any electricity among the judges given her weak performance. Skatta had a problem with her lyrics, saying it wasn’t representative of the level the competition is at. Miss Kitty thought the lyrics were basic. Miss Kitty added, “your shorts and your whole outfit, a do better than your performance. And when that’s happening, its a problem.”
PAYNE, CHARLENE SKYLAR and SHACK pulled the curtain on the show ahead of Guest Judge MAD COBRA’s closing performance.
PAYNE was told his song had the appeal of a jam one could play in their car or groove to. He was commended for his interactivity that got D’Entrance shouting “Payne a di boss”. CHARLEND SKYLAR regressed to her old self (problems with breathe control) somewhat and got a challenge from Skatta to bring stage craft and a better performance if she survived another week. While SHACK was asked to add more punchlines and sharpen his exit.
CLASH ANTICIPATIONS
MAKARIE declared she hopes to take on SASSY SILVA for the crown. While declaring a position SASSY SILVA however said, “mi a de General fi di army and things a go get stormy.” CHARLENE SKYLAR also said she would tackle anyone.
Princes JONNAH and PAYNE spoke candidly on the topic, but stayed far away from declaring war against each other because they’re good friends outside of the competition. However, JONNAH insinuated that he would do what’s needed to cop the top spot.
JAH BOUKS spewed true rastafarian vibration, saying he wouldn’t be clashing with no man and that they would need to send Miss Kitty for him to clash. SHACK, the 18-year-old kid on the block, shot that being a singer will not hamper his quest for the crown; and only said “silent river run deep.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: ALL CONTESTANTS HAVE RETAINED THEIR VOTE NUMBERS SINCE MAKING THE TOP 10. VOTING HAS ALSO BEEN EXTENDED TO SATURDAYS AT 1PM.
Jonnah making his rounds on stage, including singing to Miss Kitty. (Photo Credit: Ishango Photo)
Last Saturday, Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall was mostly about strong performances, as the remaining 10 contestants showcased their talent in the second week of ‘the Magnum Mansion’.
The night had its surprises, including GLAMITY (Professor Nuts’ Wild Card) who was featured heavily in the contestants’ lyrics the previous week, was sent packing as she had the lowest votes. We all were in for another surprise as two of the better contestants, JAH BOUKS and TURBO J, agonizingly had to face-off for a single spot in the next room of ‘the Mansion’.
In the end JAH BOUKS was given a pass by Professor Nuts and Miss Kitty, for what they termed his “consistent performance”.
REAL DEAL
Fresh from his face-off, JAH BOUKS started ‘the Mansion’ show and earned top commendations from the judges. MINORI and PAYNE followed; earning a modest though notable response from the D’Entrance.
MAKARIE performed a song from her 2011 appearance in the competition with much more confidence and versatility, as she proclaimed herself to be a lyricist and the female version of Kartel.
BUCK 1, the contestant many believe should have been sent home, had to contend with an almost stiff audience. Skatta Burrell knocked him, “da performance nah buck a swear… It was almost annoying. You never settle pon di riddim.” The audience agreed, paving the way for a grieving KONFODENCE who took the stage. However, she fell short in connecting with the crowd and the judges.
SHACK creating a 'Shack-Attack' on stage and SASSY SILVA in shorts showing off legs.
It was star-boy SHACK who got the tempo going again with his “clean, ever fresh” chorus. Champion rider Charlene Skylar followed suit fully loaded with punchlines and better breath control than previous weeks.
JONNAH diverted from his usual theatrics to capture Miss Kitty’s heart with an Usher-like performance. In the midst, dancing, singing and popping a ring as he proposed to Miss Kitty on stage, which earned him several salutes, ‘farwuds’ and audience requests for more.
SASSY SILVA, whose relatively advanced age has been a mocking discussion by fellow contestants on stage, stepped out in a look we barely recognized backstage to show her 29 year-old age. She too received several salutes and found favour with the judges to cap a spot among the 10 contestants in ‘the Mansion’.
The show ended on a high, as guest judge for the night I-OCTANE took rounds as he performed several of his top singles, while TANYA CARTER, out of Belize, treated the audience at D’Entrance to her chart rising single “Ex-Boyfriend” produced by Christopher Birch.
I-Octane performing on the 10th Live at Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall on March 23, 2013. (Photo Credit: Ishango Photo)
The Simply Myrna revue has added two of Jamaica’s most loved local and international recording artistes- the inimitable John Holt and Ernie Smith – to turn up heat on the already sizzling tempo of the annual musical extravaganza. The show which has earned its place as a staple on Jamaica’s entertainment calendar is scheduled to return to the Courtleigh Auditorium venue in New Kingston on Saturday, March 9 where it has been staged for the last two years. For the first time, the event will spread its wings to the Parish of Manchester to allow the music fans to experience the revue at the Golf View Hotel on Saturday, March 16. Both shows will commence at 8:00 p.m., with pre-show cocktails at 7:00 p.m.
The show, which continues to enjoy rave media reviews as a high caliber event with world class entertainment, is being staged under the distinguished patronage of Professor Sir Kenneth Hall and Lady Hall.
![Myrna Hague, Jamaica First Lady of Jazz, is captured in this photo recently at RJR 94 FM studio, where she play guest on the Sunday afternoon show PALAV with Gerry McDaniel. [Photo Credit: Pete McDaniel]](https://dextercommunications.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/myrna-hague.jpg)
Myrna Hague, Jamaica First Lady of Jazz, is captured in this photo recently at RJR 94 FM studio, where she play guest on the Sunday afternoon show PALAV with Gerry McDaniel. [Photo Credit: Pete McDaniel]
Sponsors of the show are: The Gleaner Company Limited, Mega Mart in Kingston and Mandeville, Jamaica National, KLAS Sport Radio FM, Kool FM, CVM TV, the Spanish Court Hotel, Isle Chix, Golf View Hotel, Stage Records and The Piano House.
Tickets for the show are at a cost of $3,500 and are available at Music Mart on South Avenue and at the Golf View Hotel in Mandeville.
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