ARTISTS
Ava Leigh
Features on “Testify" courtesy of Virgin Records
Artist site: www.myspace.com/avaleigh
Ava Leigh
"The Ava Story, which is only just beginning, is already a triumph of an old Jamaican proverb – Who feels it, knows it. Though she’s a devotee of a music made before she was born and a world away, mid-1970s Golden Age reggae, Ava’s own breezy, sexy, sensitive spirit makes a much-loved sound fresh, and very much her own.
Helped by roots veterans like Sly and Robbie, and top UK sound men like Futurecut and Nick Manasseh, “Rollin’ and Burnin’” (Ava’s album set to be released later next year) was recorded between Harry J’s famous studio in Kingston, Jamaica, Nick’s garden shed right by Glastonbury and a basement studio in Brixton. Her vocal nuance and shimmering harmony show Ava appreciates all she’s learned from old school greats like Marcia Griffiths and Dennis Brown. One of their favourites when Ava used to sing along with her Mum, an avid Jamaican music fan, while they did the housework in Chester, was Matumbi’s lover’s rock classic, ‘After Tonight,’ sweetly re-invented here by Ava together with Finley Quaye. Ava experimented with all sorts of music, from rock to r’n’b. But reggae chose Ava, and vice versa. “You know when something feels right,” she laughs, “I was so happy when I finally found my music.”
Ava has been involved in the Don’t Trigger Campaign since 2005 (for more information please consult the 2005 section) and is keen to continue to support this worthy cause throughout her career.
Khy'rah Lee
Wrote and features on “Testify"
Khy’rah Lee first started singing at the tender age of 7 years old and has gone on to sing in African American Museum, this was featuring PJ Campbell from Peace By Piece in Detroit, becoming Champion of Jump Off Singing Competition and Foxy Brown’s singing battle. Khy’rah Lee has further featured on OBV campaign with Fundamental, Teish O’Day, among many others. This gifted young singer/ song writer has a blossoming future ahead as she has not only written a lead campaign song, but also has been writing for various artists on major record labels. She is also a singer who has recorded numerous tracks with established producers. The global appeal of this artist is immediately clear in her unique vocals and talent for writing.
Sista
Features on “Testify”
Artist site: www.sistaband.com
Band Members: Jena, Valerie Vybz, Caroline, Diane, Cozmic and Zion.
Sista was formed in 2000, a collaboration between Akabu and Abbakush. After each working for over 20 years in the reggae industry the two established female bands from West and South London respectively decided to join forces, creating a group featuring the UK’s most prominent female musicians.
Working with Nicky Ezer of Culture Promotions, they toured the UK, and played major international events including Summer Jam (Germany), Rototom Sunsplash (Italy), Exit Festival (Serbia), Soca Festival (Slovenia) and the Montreux Jazz Festival (Switzerland) at which their CD Live at Montreux Jazz Festival was recorded. On stage SISTA have worked with the likes of Queen Omega, Empress Aeyola, Sylvia Teller; not forgetting the brothers, Micheal Prophet, Benjamin Zephaniah, Don Ricardo and touring with Prince Allah. In 2002 after the sad passing of lead singer Vyris Edghill, SISTA released the single Blessings and completed an album of the same name. Guest artists include Peter Hunnigale, Vivan Jones, Prince Malachi, Colour Red, Brave Heart and Tony Roots.
In 2005 they received critical acclaim for their performance at Rebel Salute in Jamaica, and are featured on the Rebel Salute Roots DVD. Redefining and re-addressing their role, and bringing genuine innovation to the reggae arena, SISTA is an inspirational, empowering experience.
Jah Mirikle
Features on “Testify "
Artist site: www.myspace.com/miriklemusic
JAH MIRIKLE, reggae roots and dancehall artist, hails from the island of St. Lucia (West Indies), an island full of cultural and mystical vibes which are conveyed through this artist and his extraordinary talents. He has drawn inspiration from artists like Bob Marley, Sizzla, Capelton, Junior Reed, and many, many more established reggae singers, as well as some of St Lucias greatest musical expressionists including, Jazz Mistro Luther Francois, Roots Reggae band Wevolucion, ("but i gained most of my musical training from the church, as i found myself singing in the anglican church choir for three yrs or so") as stated by the artist. Since arriving in the UK, he has worked with reggae icons such as Mad Professor, Nerious Joseph-(Sirius Records), Blacka Dread, and most recently with Mr Wesley (2play) Johnson, MOBO Award Winner for the hit single Im So Confused by Rahgav. He has also appeared on numerous stage shows, culminating most recently with a scintillating opening performance on Beenie Mans last appearance in London.
There are great expectations for Jah Mirikle within the reggae industry, as this artist promises so much. He is young, vibrant and captivating in his performance and his delivery of uplifting and progressive lyrics, coupled with a straight forward no nonsense attitude, make JAH MIRAKLE a name to look out for in the near future.
Stamma Kid
Features on “Testify "
Artist site: www.myspace.com/stammakid
I was born in Jamaica in 1984 my real name is Steve Mitchell I am the eldest of fourteen brothers and sisters. I currently work as a sales assistant and hope that in the not too distant future I can concentrate full time on my music. I started writing music from the tender age of thirteen, whilst in school I then came to England when I was fifteen where I started to learn more about the music industry. I started to perform at talent shows in an around the London area. One of my main influences who introduced me to the music business is my uncle Rudie Classic.
He is all so an entertainer, he has released a few records which have done quite well in the reggae arena. At the age of 18 I started to develop my own style due to my natural Stamma hence my stage name (Stamma kid) which people immediately began to not only relate to but also notice me as an artist. I have performed with artists such as Vybez kartel and Babycham, this has enhanced my musical history. I am open to working with up and coming artists as my feet are planted firmly on the ground and appreciate what it is like to be fresh to the business. I am always listening out for new artists that appeal to me as long as they are serious about what they want to do and where they want to end up in the long term. I myself have a plan on what I need to be doing in order for me to reach my future goals. artists like Stylo G, Lyonart and I have formed a team where we come together and create ..club bangers.., this illusive, undeniable combination of artists are called ..true flex.. all I have to say from this is one word and two syllables ..WATCH OUT...