Jamaica’s leading newspaper votes Peter Lloyd among sexy entertainers

Anthea McGibbon, Content Editor

WHILE THE world waits in anticipation for Barack Obama to fill their political appetite, Jamaica’s Peter Lloyd once again caught the attention of those feasting their eyes on the musical stars. The Caribbean’s leading mediahouse has listed him among the top ten sexiest male entertainers. Evidently, according to the experts who conducted the recent survey, Lloyd is shining in body, soul and appeals with his voice.
Lloyd, who is most times reserved when on social scene, is renowned for his many talents as an actor, writer and singer. In fact, he’s just about one of the best kept reasons Jamaicans are looking forward to the new season of the local TV series Royal Palm Estate. In the series, he plays Matthew Robinson — a suave deportee from the US (where he was arrested for money laundering and gun crime), who is now striving to make it successfully as a reggae artiste.
In reality, however, he is a convincing reggae singer, whose soon-to-be released single Perfect Body, is dedicated to Jamaica’s women.
He is the third pick as the sexiest entertainer, according to The Jamaica Gleaner’s Entertainment Department survey. In first place is Jeffrey ‘Assassin’ Campbell who made Girls Gone Wild. In second place is Kymani Marley who literally is living Like Father, Like Son. In fourth place, after Lloyd, is the platinum selling Mr Boombastic, Orville “Shaggy” Burrell, the multiskilled Pure Pleasure. The remaining five are Dancin’ Dynamites judge, Orville Hall (# 5), Jamaican gospel reggae’s Prodigy “Ryan Mark” Reynolds (#6), Grammy winner “Sean Paul” Ryan Francis Henriques Infiltrate-ING at #7, Rising star Christopher Martin (#8), The comical Craig ‘Leftside’ Parkes (#9) and Orville ‘DaVille’ Thomas in the #10 position.
The subtlety of Peter Lloyd’s character moves women to whisper his Oh Ma Darling tune, which copped 1st place on Bess FM charts during December 2008.
For Perfect Body, the track is produced by Lloyd with mixing and other creative credits going to ‘Collin ‘Bulby York’, rhythm twins ‘Sly & Robbie’ and Gitsie. Lloyd is currently negotiating projects with Jamaica’s leading saxophonist, Dean Fraser.
READ MORE AT: Sexiest men in Entertainment

Shaggy and friends raises $27m

for Jamaica’s Children

Anthea McGibbon, Content Editor

AT THE CLOSING of a week well spent with Shaggy and Friends, the artiste announced at a press conference earlier today, January 7, that the profit approximated to 27 million Jamaican dollars. The week included the concert  “Shaggy and Friends: One Ticket=One Life: I Dare You”, at Jamaica House, and  the launch of the book Shaggy Parrot and the Reggae band (spearheaded by Jana Bent) aimed at raising funds for the Bustamante Children’s Hospital. The book’s launch was held at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish library, Tom Redcam Avenue.
The press conference was held in the old Operating Theatre, beside the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), of the Bustamante Children’s Hospital.
According to Orville “Shaggy” Burrell expenses totalled 8 million, aside from sponsorship which included volunteers from Scotiabank, advertising from the press, water from Wysinco air travel from Air Jamaica. The estimated profit, the artiste explained was accumulated from ticket sales, donations and the auction which was held in the Platinum section before the start of the show.

1.5 million was raised at the auction alone. He explained that the sum of $J23 million garnered from ticket sales resulted from 201 platinum tickets sold at $20,000 each, 961 gold tickets at $10,000 each, 2090 silver tickets at $5,000 each and 22 children’s tickets each at $2,500. The artiste who himself paid for 12 silver tickets for his family to attend applauded sponsors who additionally bought tickets outside of their contributions. He further explained that 287 complimentary tickets amounting to $1,435,000 was awarded.

He also specially applauded companies such as Cocoa Cola who contributed $J1 million to offset expenses, in addition to a pledge of $J2 million directly to the hospital. Squeeze has also pledged US$6,000 to the Shaggy foundation.
According to Robert, one of the organisers expenses are still being calculated which may result in a slightly reduced figure to be handed over to the Hospital.
The $J27 million is no where nearing the target of US $ 2 million, but is just sufficient to create a dent, reducing the needs list he had been presented, the artiste explained further. Far more rewarding is the “awareness raised”, and the evidence that “despite our faults, we can rise to the occasion”, he said. So far, there have been interests and committments to do it all again next year by just about all the participants.
Dr Lambert Ennis, Consultant Anaesthetic, in representing the hospital is nonetheless elated, and applauded Shaggy and girlfriend Rebecca for the first time concert effort, after their seven year involvement with the hospital. According to him, it has not yet been decided just how the funds will be allocated, as senior managers including from the Hospital and  South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) will have to meet to decide.
As priority, The Hospital’s CEO, Hugh Porter, lists the need for equipment. From an equipment needs list totalling $US7,000, he identifies for example a ventilator as being needed. On the other hand, Mr Ennis hinted that priority could also be placed on intensive care units, operating theatre, accidental emergency department.
Founder of Reggae Sunsplash, Mr Ronnie Burke who was the first guest speaker commented that the event and process, from the press announcement on September 3 to the execution of the show on January 6 as the highlight of his 30-year experience.
The hospital currently caters to an average of 253 patients daily. 283 in residence including 30 visting.

According to Porter, so far another entertainer “Toots” has independently donated $US5,000.
Major sponsors included Wisynco, Digicel, Scotiabank, The Gleaner Company, The Jamaica Observer, Stewart’s Audio, Sagicor, CVM TV, TVJ, RJR Communications Group, Jacqui Tyson (Thought to Finish), and Turn Key Productions. Other sponsors included Chocolate Dreams, Hilton, Solid Agency, Air Jamaica, Phoenix Printery and  Get Caught Media.

Shaggy leads artists in daring to care

 

 Anthea McGibbon, Content Editor

INTELLECTUALS SUCH as Rex Nettleford have said that members of Jamaica’s creative sector of society should be among those who lead the country.

Inspired by Orville “Shaggy Burrell, a select number of business persons, entertainers and Jamaicans answered this dare when they took up the mantle to earn funds for the Bustamante Children’s Hospital.

On the lawns of Jamaica House, the concert  “Shaggy and Friends, One Ticket-One Life: I dare you.” was held last Saturday, January 3. Entertainers dared to give of their time at no charge, while businesspersons gave more than funds to ensure that the thousands of supporting patrons felt at home. Scotiabank for example had over 100 volunteers busying themselves to welcome patrons.

Through rummaged pockets of entertainment, a new culture was explored. Aside from the culture of love, an appreciation of the richness of Jamaican talent and skills visually and performing was demonstrated all week long starting with the concert.

On stage, an animated Shaggy often held unto one spot while nailing his points into the deepest recesses of listeners. As unassuming as he appeared at times, he was comically dressed up as the big child that he claims he is at other times, especially when decked in his fashionable tie. He was not the only one who clearly understood the roll of visual presentation.

Other performers such as Etana and Marcia Griffiths made outstanding visual connections through their dress code which whetted the palettes for their verbal offering. In all white, with angel like extensions to her dress flowing from her limbs, Etana radiated as a Jamaican princess. On the other hand, Marcia Griffiths in a fiery red dress from her crown was a symbol of Jamaican energy and made one muse on Jamaican roots. For the men, Allison Hinds strategically dressed to tease in black completing her  quickening and creative choreographed steps which illustrated her lyrics.

Jacqui Tyson was responsible for the overall layout of the grounds. Enhancing the delights of the caterers, the décor made each passing moment elegant regardless of the ticket you had.

In the Platinum tent, the visual art was more fitted among pieces in the auction which netted a $J1.5 million contribution to the $J27 million profit margin. Among them was the “Scotch Bonnet painting of Graham Davis with an opening bid of $300,000, and a necklace by Bijoux, modelled by Nadine Willis. A vine sculpture titled “Growth-From Creation and Beyond” fetched a price of $80,000.

Evidently not many visual artists were aware of the opportunity to contribute pieces for the cause, as much as the obvious lack of disconnect between Jamaican fashion designers and Jewelers with the performing artists. Maybe next year more of them will be adorned by the work of local visual artists.

 

 

In the closing press conference CVM’s CEO, Dr. David McBean, reiterated that “a society is judged based on how it treats the weak, the elderly and those who cannot help themselves”. Evidently after this week’s rich cultural package delivered by a strong creative force there is a great future for Jamaica, as the myth of “the selfish artiste” is fast being dispelled.

Dr Lambert Ennis speaking for both the hospital and happy parents is beyond elated by the efforts of those who dare to care.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘I Dare You concert’: Supremely Assembled!

P. Gavin James, Arts and Culture writer

WITH THE CLEAR goal to raise well-needed funds for the Bustamante Children’s Hospital, the Shaggy Foundation hosted the I Dare You: 1 ticket = 1 life concert on January 3 2009, on the lawns of Jamaica House. Although the organisers might be reluctant to call the event a success in the early stages, the support in terms of turnout was overwhelming.

The pre-show dinner, which was attended by prominent personalities and Jamaican dignities featured an auction, with all funds going to the Bustamante Hospital for Children. On auction was a pair of track shoes owned by triple Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt. In addition to this, the lucky winner would receive the chance to race the track “wunderkind”. The starting bid for this item was a robust J$ 80,000. The auction also feature art pieces, but the two most notable pieces on display were Graham Davis’ Scotchbonnet, with a solid starting bid of J$300,000 as well as  vine construct Growth- From Creation and Beyond, which the starting bid being presented at $40,000. Needless to say the auction was well supported.

Artistically speaking, there was a good array on offer in  terms of performances and content. While the times that each act took on stage were short, all acts received enthused responses from a captive audience.
The performance segment, which saw main act Shaggy appearing no less than three different intervals, also featured Rik Rok, Tony Rebel, Tessanne Chin, Christopher Martin, Tarrus Riley , Freddy McGregor, Luciano, Daville, Marcia Griffiths, soca sensation Allison Hinds and overseas act Macy Gray.
There were numerous highlights for the night, but when Shaggy made his way on stage at 9:15 p.m., decked out in a black suit and wearing a grey blazer, black vest, and checkered tie, he was the very picture of a master at work, still at the top of his game. There was a frenzied reaction in the audience as he delivered Mr. Boombastic. It was smooth sailing from then on as he delivered Bonafide and the most positive result for the first segment was received when Rik Rok joined him onstage to belt out the worldwide hit from the Hotshots album, It Wasn’t Me. It was clear from this that Shaggy was intent on taking the audience through his entire catalogue.
Tony Rebel did not drop the ball in terms of performance as he promptly followed with Fresh Vegetable and Just Friends. In a spirited performance, Rebel paid tribute to reggae with the number Trying To Get to You on the Feeling Soul rhythm. Rebel didn’t say a lot during his performance, but acknowledged the crowd by explaining his performance was his way of support to the cause of the Shaggy Foundation.
Rebel was followed by Tessanne Chin, who had an electrifying set, which some patrons argued was too short. She opened with the punk rock number Messenger, which had younger patrons rocking, but it was her hit single, Hideaway, that had seemed to have the audience entranced. Tessanne  showed mastery of her strengths and her range and stuck to both.
Immediately following Tessanne Chin was Big Yard recording artiste Christopher Martin. With a slick demeanour, he delivered Jamaican Girl and Take My Love to favourable response. He also took time outside of his performance to underscore the importance of the causes of the Shaggy Make-A -Difference Foundation. Memorable performances came from  Tarrus Riley, who delivered singles such as Can’t Sleep and Stay with You from his Parables album. The best reaction for his set came when he delivered She’s Royal , which saw patrons singing along word for word. The crowd was treated to a sing-off/play off  of sorts between Tarrus Riley and saxophonist Dean Fraser, which was quite entertaining.
Sean Paul delivered in his set with  Give It Up To Me, We Be Burnin’ and the sombre Never Gonna Be The Same with audience approval.  Before moving on, Paul said “I wanna see you jumping higher and singing louder,” before delving into Temperature and his single with British singer Estelle Come Over.
On Allison Hind’s arrival, the audience buzzed with excitement and greeted her with the loud cheers. Hinds injected a soca atmosphere into the second set of the night as she yelled “Jamiacaaa,” before launching into her first song, Roll It Gal and Love and Unity, which surprisingly saw some patrons in the platinum section waving their rags in a celebratory fashion. She closed, but not before reminding patrons that she promised something special for Jamaica  Carnival 2009.
Receiving commendable reviews also is Daville, who asked the crowd before reeling of his tunes entered saying “Are you enjoying yourselves? ” before  singing Always on my Mind . He took tim out to share the stage with Marcia Griffiths, singing her hit All My Life, leaving patrons with a warm feeling.

Reggae crooner Freddy McGregor was next in coming. He delivered reggae hits When Push Come to Shove, Wait for You and Big Ship Sailing On The Ocean to much acclaim in his effective set. Luciano set a spiritual note to the proceedings with Sweep Over My Soul and Its Me Again Jah. He ended his set in a solemn prayer. Burgeoning roots reggae artiste Etana looked regal as she stepped out, performing songs like Warrior Love, I Am Not Afraid and Roots, all receiving good responses. Just the sight of her walking on stage was enough to make you smile before she even played a note.
Roots reggae outfit Morgan Heritage followed Etana , opening with Down by the River , One and Only, and the socially introspective number  How Come?, but their greatest crowd reaction would come when they were joined onstage by Buju Banton to perform The 23rd Psalm. The ‘Gargamel’ carried the baton in his solo segment with the singles All by Myself and Hills and Valleys in a lively but brief set.
In her short stint, American R&B and soul singer Macy Gray followed, delivering  and So Glad Your’e Here, I Love You Now and Forever,  her 1999 hit I Try, which was familiar with the audience.
In  his third appearance on stage for the night, Shaggy was joined surprise guest artiste Lady Saw, amid spotlights and screams,who had earlier delivered her heartfelt number No Less Than A Woman, and while sharing the stage with Shaggy, they performed a rendition to Shaggy’s recently released single Badman Don’t Cry to the delight of the audience.
Not to be be outdone was 2009 Reggae Grammy nominee Elephant Man, (who seemed to be wearing Gucci right down to the socks) who by all reactions had the most explosive performance. In his signature inimitable fashion, he marched on stage with Badman Forward, Badman Pull Up to a frenzied response. After asking the crowd ‘Do you want to go home?’ to a resounding ‘No’ , he quickly segued into his 2003 hit Signal Di Plane which had practically everyone dancing. He could not close his set without delivering crowd pleasers Gully Creeper and Sweep, while inviting a young crowd member to participate in the dancing display. This brought about an equally vociferous response. He closed his monster set in a reflective mood, taking the energy  down many notches singing the 1985 single We Are the World, much to the surprise of the audience. Often raising his hands in the air for emphasis on specific lyrics, or to acknowledge the audience. The homestretch was completed  by closing surprise act Barrington Levy closed proceedings in the same sombre mood with Vice Versa Love, but not before performing Living Dangerously and Too Experienced before the Grand gala at 1:10 a.m. . All things considered it was a good production , and more than worth all the effort put in by organizers. Patrons left the show satisfied, obviously unaffected by the non appearance of J Holiday , Sean Kingston and Tyson Beckford who were billed to appear, but were unavailable.

SEE MORE IN THE GLEANER:
Shaggy and friends rock Jamaica House for charity
Shaggy and friends
Platinum plated
Shaggy makes the difference
Shaggy, the singing Obama
Shaggy: Making a difference
Toots music donation to Bustamante Children ears

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