Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Ziggy Marley has announced that he has entered into an agreement with Target, which will be the exclusive U.S. retailer of his second solo CD, “Love Is My Religion,” on Tuff Gong Worldwide Records, scheduled for release on Tuesday, July 4.  This deal is a first for both parties, marking the first time Ziggy has ever released an independent album without using the traditional major label infrastructure, and the first time that Target will act as the sole U.S. retailer for a major recording artist. This direct relationship between Marley and Target will allow the album to be offered at the low price of $9.99 to Target guests.  “This album and the way it is being sold are important to me in honoring my father’s spirit.  I am excited to be a part of this new relationship with Target.” Darrell Tucker, vice president, merchandising, Target shared, “We are excited to bring this powerful collection of music exclusively to Target guests.” Ziggy’s solo debut, “Dragonfly,” was released in 2003 and featured such artists as Flea and John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Mike Einziger and DJ Kilmore (Incubus).  For more information on Ziggy Marley, log on to www.ziggymarley.com.

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The Caribbean sometimes seems to have as many international jazz and music festivals as it has islands, in contrast, BET Networks says islanders have a sure slot on stage and on the BET and BET J channels when the network is involved. Speaking last week, Cybelle Brown, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for BET Digital Networks, addressed concerns that American artistes are an increasing majority at music festivals. She assured Caribbean music fans that BET makes a concerted effort to feature regional artistes, guaranteeing at least two acts for each day of performances. Performances are filmed and aired on BET, BET J and on MTV Digital Networks channels such as VH1 Soul and VH1 Classic, affording Caribbean artistes wide international exposure. Brown announced that the Turks and Caicos Music Festival will take place from Monday, July 31 to Monday, August 7 and to prove her point about tapping islands talent, the diverse line-up includes Jamaica’s Steel Pulse, and T.O.K. Local acts will be confirmed in the weeks ahead.

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From the rugged green mountains of Dominica a passionate manifestation of Rastafari comes forward, it is the future of reggae. His name is Nasio Fontaine and his music has the power to flow into your consciousness and lift your energy. His voice has an unmistakable resonance and his lyrics speak to all Jah children. Nasio was the youngest of seven children born to a Carib Indian mother and father of African descent, in the village of Carte-Bois. The family lived in a one-room wooden country house without running water or electricity. Before heading off to school, Nasio and his brothers and sisters walked miles to the Gwiyo River to fetch fresh water for the household. Nasio’s musical inspiration comes from Rastafari but on the earthly plane, reggae greats such as Culture’s Joseph Hill, Burning Spear, Jacob Miller and of course Bob Marley. He is also influenced by Marvin Gaye, the Beatles, Curtis Mayfield, and Dominican Cadence music, like Chubby and the Midnight Groovers. He is very focused on what his music is saying, the message he wants to portray. In his own words, “the music is important; I want my music to be my contribution to the people of the world.” Nasio’s forthcoming album, Universal Cry does just that, he speaks to the victims of oppression with clarity of vision seeking justice, freedom, and redemption. A voice with strength, calling from the wilderness, that is, Universal Cry by Nasio Fontaine.

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Local Happenings:

June 18 - Customer Appreciation Day, presented by: Jamaica National, "One Love, Jamaica National Style” at Lakeshore Park, 8501 Sherman Circlein Miramar, Starts at 11am. Enjoy, food, fun and entertainment.

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June 24 – The Jamaica Ex-Police Association of Florida presents their Annual Fundraising Gala at the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport Hotel, 1825 Griffin Road, in Dania. The gala starts at 9pm. Guest speaker will be Robert Parker, Director of Miami-Dade Police Department. Entertainment by: Winston "Merrytone" Blake, O.D. and Sky Force Disco.                                   

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That’s all for now, walk good til nex’ time