Quickies

SumeRR sets 2012 release schedule

Eighteen-year-old St Bess Records artiste Tressan 'SumeRR' Michelle Barnetta is set to release a series of songs for 2012. SumeRR describes herself as a compelling songwriter and outstanding recording artiste, and intends to claim her place in the competitive music industry.

The former Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) gold and silver medallist in music at the high-school level was also crowned Mini Miss Central Jamaica in 2011, where she thrilled the audience with her mature vocals.

SumeRR is currently working with her cousin Andy 'A.S.H' Holness, who is the founder, CEO and executive producer of St Bess Records. SumeRR has recorded the singles Country Bus, Jessie James and Young Gal, along with Don't Need Another, featuring international reggae artiste Warrior King.

SumeRR is now executing a rigorous street-promotion campaign to make her material available to the public.

Prablem builds local following

Up-and-coming reggae/dancehall artiste Ras Prablem aims to establish his own local fan base and says positive music is a must for him. Born Reinard Bryan, Prablem has been doing music for over five years and says that his name reflects his lyrical prowess.

"The name 'Prablem' was really given to me by some of my musical peers beause of my lyrical prowess and the things I choose to put in musical form," he said.

The inspiration behind the majority of Prablem's music is drawn from personal experiences, and because of this element, he sees himself as being a realist and a storyteller. "My music is real and people can relate to much of my content. The death of my mother, the aim to make her proud, my daughter, and my struggles, are some of the main reasons for the content of my music," he said.

Prablem is currently promoting his singles Mi Love Yuh Baby Girl, I'm Still Here and My Little Baby Girl, dedicated to his daughter. These songs can be found on his Facebook page.

Bridgez nominated for awards

Reggae/dancehall artiste Bridgez, has received a nomination for Best Female International Artiste, along with Tanya Stephens, Alaine, Tessane Chin and Etana, in the British Reggae Industry Awards.

Bridgez said that she is happy for the nomination and it pushes her to do better.

"I feel very grateful and humbled by the nomination for this award. It is definitely a motivation to see my music recognised outside of Jamaica. It definitely helps me push myself more as an artiste to become a household name worldwide. It is a stepping stone in my career and I hope my fans will take the time to vote," Bridgez said.

Her singles Cry and Good Good Good are getting airplay on both international and local radio stations. Bridgez will also be featured in an upcoming issue of Canada's Reggae Xclusive publication.

Starliner Entertainment on positive path

United States-based reggae record label Starliner Entertainment Production is ready to add a positive aspect to the entertainment industry. The record label is named after the Universal Negro Improvement Association's (UNIA) Black Star Line and, according to member of the Starliner Entertainment production team Mikey Red, the label is intended to shine like Marcus Garvey would have wanted it.

"Marcus Garvey was a man trying to emphasise black economic self-reliance, black people's rights to political self-determination and for us basically to get ourselves together as black people to build, not destroy. Well, with that being said, you can understand the need for us to shine some positive light in the music industry," he said.

Starliner Entertainment Production is also gearing up to host its first stage show, Burn Them Bridge, which will feature I-Octane and Chan Dizzy, among others. It is slated to take place in New York, USA, on March 23.