Not much has been heard from double Grammy winner Shabba Ranks in recent times.

But Showtime has learnt that the DJ is presently in discussions with a record company in New York to get a revival of his career going.

Shabba is regarded as the most successful hardcore DJ Jamaica has produced. He has had a lull of activity in recent times, but is said to be in the United States sorting himself out to take the dancehall by storm once again.

Heather Marsha Cummings, former newscaster, is now blazing a trail on the recording circuit. The talented broadcaster and singer hopes to set the world on its ear with a string of new releases that includes Hanky Panky, I Got A Man and Come To Me Baby.

"I'm ready to do my thing," said the husky-voiced artiste.

The beautiful Sagittarian is now enjoying success as a disc jockey on IRIE FM, but has sung back-up for Black Uhuru, Maxi Priest, Luciano, Buju Banton, Lady Saw and currently, Diana King.

Marley

The most comprehensive and ambitious re-issue programme ever for the recordings of Bob Marley, spanning more than 18 albums, will kick off on Tuesday, March 27 with the release of a specially expanded 2-CD edition of his ground-breaking Catch A Fire.

One of the two CDs comprising the Catch A Fire: Deluxe Edition will be the original, previously unreleased version of the album recorded in Jamaica in September, 1972. It includes High Tide Or Low Tide and All Day, All Night not included on the other CD, a new digital remaster of the United Kingdom- remixed and overdubbed 1973 album, which became Marley's crossover breakthrough.

It's spring time and Jamaican artistes are hitting the road like crazy. Tours are being organised all around and it seems this year is starting out very well for reggae music.

VP Records is throwing its weight behind its products and artistes are going into various territories to promote their albums.

This week Morgan Heritage, LMS and their father Denroy Morgan are to hit the road for their 'More Teaching' European tour, named for Heritage's new offering. They will perform at 29 shows, ending on Saturday, April 7.

Promising star Junior Kelly is currently in the United States undertaking his first major tour. He is appearing as the opening act for Luciano, who is doing over 40 cities in the United States in support of his soon-to-be-released album for VP Records, A New Day.

Kelly told Showbiz he was excited he was able to get his music out to a wide audience. Of course, Luciano and Mikey General, along with the Firehouse band have endured the rigours of a long tour before, having done the Sweep Over My Soul series in 1999.