Gregory is back! Gregory Isaacs has been on the road for the last couple of weeks, playing a number of gigs across the United States. This is Gregory Isaacs' first tour of the United States since 2001 and he is packing all venues that he plays as he's on a 4 week tour of the US and Hawaii . In Tijuana Mexico he drew over 4000 thousand people which were 98 percent Mexicans," Copeland Forbes reported. Gregory will tour into Japan where he'll be joined by Marcia Griffiths and Junior Kelly for the spring version of Reggae Splash which will be held between March 18 and 21. In the meantime, the Live Wyya Band who is on tour with Gregory Isaacs and has been making a name for themselves by performing a 30 minute set and then providing musical backing for Gregory Isaacs will do the same for Marcia Griffiths and Junior Kelly for Reggae Japan splash 2006.

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For the past 14 months comedian, Damon Wayans has been trying to trademark the term "Nigga" for a clothing line and retail store and so far his application is being denied, citing the word as being immoral, scandalous and disparaging. It is a sad day in America when the system has to save us from ourselves. Have we become our own worse enemy?  The N-word. Everyone knows it, but many will not use it. They seem to have no problem using this derogatory term within their communities and as part of their culture. Needless to say, that in light of the explosive use of the word on rapper CD's, the green light has officially been given to other races to freely use the word...and they do. "Bury That Sucka", a new novel, and non-fictional account of a scandalous, strange love affair that the black community has with the N-word, has just hit bookstores. Interesting!

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Hip-hop artiste Wyclef Jean and fellow Haitian, business entrepreneur Jimmy 'Henchmen' Rosemond who has been the force behind the sale of over 20 million records during the last decade, recently donated 200 pairs of sneakers and footballs to underprivileged youths in Haiti. The donation was made to the L'Athletique d'Haiti soccer programme in Haiti. Rosemond who is the manager of rap and R&B acts including the Game, Sharissa, Tank and Mario Winans, has been lending his support to Yele Haiti, an organization founded by Grammy Award-winning hip-hop musician and activist Wyclef Jean. The organization was established to make a difference through projects in education, health, environment and humanitarian assistance.

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Alton Ellis will be inducted into the International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA) Hall of Fame this year. He will be honored during ceremonies for the 25th annual staging of the event at the Apollo Theatre, Harlem, New York, on May 6. Ellis says the award is something he is happy to receive. Ellis is one of two Caribbean artistes being inducted. The other is Eddie Grant from Guyana, who is widely known for his song

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Local Happenings:

The 9th Annual Unite-A-Fest, "A Caribbean Celebration" will take place at the Lauderhill Mall, one block north of Sunrise Blvd. on State Road 7, on Friday, March 17th, Saturday, March 18th, and Sunday, March 19th. Admission is FREE and all are welcome!  At Unite-A-Fest you can taste the tropics with live music and dance, fresh Caribbean food, authentic West Indian Arts and Crafts, and amusement park rides for all ages.
Consuls General, local officials, will be in attendance and you can learn about the various countries and cultures in the Caribbean.

Walk good til nex time.

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