Chino Hits Belize With Shyne and Barrington Levy

Big Ship's musical lieutenant, Chino, has left the island for another champion performance, this time in the Central American country, Belize.

The show which is scheduled to take place tomorrow night will also feature rapper, Shyne and reggae singer, Barrington Levy who are known for their international combination hits, Bonnie and Shyne and Bad Boyz. Chino, whose correct name is Daniel McGregor has been steadily paving the way for his upcoming debut US album, which will be released on May 24 and distributed by VP Records. In reference to this weekend's performance, he says, "I'm looking forward to giving the fans in Belize a great show and sharing our music and culture with them. Plus Barrington and Shyne are known as great performers, so we are definitely expecting to have a great show tomorrow night."

After returning to the island, Chino who is known for Ruff It Up, From Mawnin, Before Dem Gone, Protected and other singles, will again leave for a performance in St. Vincent next week. He says, "It's hectic trying to balance everything, but I manage to do it because I have a great team, plus I'm a very self-motivated person. Music is what I love, so I always put 200 percent into it. Right now, apart from performances, my main focus is on the upcoming album and ensuring that the process goes according to plan. Fans can also look out for the first single off the album to be out pretty soon."

Following the May 24 release of the album, Chino will release a short documentary called, The Autobiography of Chino McGregor, showing behind the scenes footage of shows, studio recordings and more.

Rave Reviews For Fourth Season Of Magnum Kings & Queens

With critically acclaimed status, Magnum Kings & Queens of Dancehall is off to a “over dweet” start according to fans of the show’s social networks. The contestants who this year brought more mallet lyrics and rode ‘riddims’ as they showed they were indeed ready for the first LIVE Show last Saturday as the show broadcasted LIVE from its new home at KIA Motor Cars on Chelsea Avenue.

From the reactions of fans on both social network sites, Facebook and Twitter, many seemed satisfied with both the production and first set of 14 contestants in this year’s increased 28 finalist. One fan on the Facebook site by the name Layla So Sweet noted: “Really good start this year! Contestants really bringing it this year!”

Others who commented expressed similar sentiments were also quick to use the opportunity to shout across the pages who they thought were better contestants and solicit votes. Obviously excited Tavar HottSkull Davis exclaimed: “YOOOW, di ting shatt 2night, can’t wait 4 next week... HAMMA HAMMA HAMMA, SHELL SHELL SHELL!!! TRIPLE R & JEMINEYE MI SEH!!

Other persons used the opportunity to comment on the Judges, also sending birthday wishes to resident judge Ms Kitty who shared her birthday along with the first Live Show.

In the meantime, another fan of the show gave the producers of the show commendation. Ann-Marie Bernard held: “Di show start gud mi naah lie, di whole a dem cum n duh dem part it was nicely put 2gthr di judge dem duh dem work luv Miss Kitty vibes, ah it build di show, always talk di truth, plain and straight wi seh who nuh like it duh dem next best. Can’t wait 4 next week...”

Sanjay Ramanand, one of the producers for Magnum Kings & Queens of Dancehall, shared similar sentiments noting that the show was off to a good start: “The energy that the contestants brought was good and likewise was the oomph from the host. The contestants really delivered… it’s a good start for our first show and it will only get better during the season. The delivery and quality of lyrics heard last Saturday were very commendable. We have a great set of contestants this year.”

Agreeing with fans of the show the producer also noted that the new host did a good job. “It’s Yanique’s first time doing the show and she did a good job, from here it can only get better,” expressed Sanjay confidently.

The micro blogging site Twitter was also in frenzy, with persons declaring their winners even though 14 more contestants are expected this Saturday night. Responding to a question about their favourite contestant @tanyah78 told the show's Twitter account, @MagnumDancehall: “That cute guy with the dimples for King and the young lady who say she nah fall in love!!” @MagnumDancehall engaged @tanyah78 in conversation asking her if she was judging based on looks and was told, “Definitely not he has talent too.”

Some fans couldn’t resist commenting on new host Yanique’s outfit done by Dexter “3D” Pottinger. “Love the show and Yanique girl u sexy as hell…,” commented Cyrstal Diamond. Other comments left by fans were mostly in favour of the outfit described by fans as showing up Yanique's physique. Designer Dexter Pottinger explained in an interview that the outfit was a creative one, which was expected to give that “Nicki Minaj effect” along with the back-length hair.

The judges also gave good reviews of the show noting that good talent, lyrics and delivery were evident. Professor Nuts who owns the Twitter account @ProfessorNutss took to the site saying: “This was a good show I surely enjoyed myself....now its time for y’all to vote for who u think should be here again.”

Viewers of Magnum Kings & Queens of Dancehall can follow and interact with the show on Twitter @MagnumDancehall or ‘Like’ the Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/MagnumKingsandQueens

Morgan Heritage Performs at the United Nations (UN)

(VP Records, New York, NY) - Reggae super-group Morgan Heritage will perform at the United Nations (UN) as part of the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, on Friday, March 25. The group is participating in the Living Legacy Concert, which takes place from 7pm to 9pm at the General Assembly Hall of the UN in New York City.

Featuring five offspring of reggae veteran Denroy Morgan, Morgan Heritage comprises of vocalist/keyboardist Una, vocalist Peter ("Jahpetes"), keyboardist/vocalist Roy ("Gramps"), rhythm guarist Nakhamyah ("Lukes"), and vocalist/MC/percussionist Memmalatel ("Mr. Mojo"). With this concert, the band continues their mission of spreading roots reggae music to all ends of the globe and uniting people through music.

"The story of the end of the slave trade deserves to be told here in the United Nations," states UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. "Indeed, the defense of human rights is at the heart of this Organization's global mission." In commemoration of the memory of the victims, the General Assembly declared March 25 the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, to be observed annually. This year's commemoration is being observed under the theme "The Transatlantic slave trade: The living legacy of 30 million untold stories."

In addition to Morgan Heritage, the concert features other prominent artists from Africa, the Caribbean and North and South America, including Melba Moore and Randy Weston of the U.S., Khaira Arby of Mali, and Garifuna artist Aurelio Martinez of Honduras. The multi-media program includes slave narratives and a reading by Dr. Julius Garvey from the publications of his father, Marcus Garvey. For more information, log on to http://www.un.org/en/events/slaveryremembranceday/events.shtml.