Quickies

Second wind for 'Standing Soldier'

Demarco's 2009 release Standing Soldier has made a comeback in Europe, claiming the number-nine spot on the Austrian iTunes Reggae Chart for the month of March. In 2011, the song also topped the Reggae Chart in Norway and peaked at 29 in Canada.

"I am very happy, but not surprised. This is the result of outputting good music that can cross boundaries, coupled with solid promotion," Demarco said.

Back in Jamaica from last week's stint in Bahamas, the I Love My Life singer is now making final preparations for Toronto, Canada, as headliner for a concert in Victoria Park. The event unfolds on Saturday, May 18 at the Hickory House. Demarco will also perform in Dubai.

After partnering with energy drink company Liquid Herbal Nitro for the project, the dancehall star is expected to soon premiere the official video for the DJ Frass produced Continue Whine.

Natural Black not on Reggae Jam

Reggae artiste Natural Black has said in a press release that he will not be appearing as advertised on Reggae Jam 2013 in Germany. The artiste reportedly has no contractual agreement with the promoters of the event.

Natural Black recently released five new singles and just shot the music videos for two of them - Don't Play With My Heart and Party Truck - in New York City. Natural Black is booked for Reggae on the River on August 3 in California, USA.

Luciano, Lady Virtue make J'can-Bajan link

Barbadian reggae sensation Lady Virtue has teamed up with Jamaica's reggae stalwart Luciano, for her latest single, Tek Di Pressure Off. Tek Di Pressure Off looks at the relationship between politicians and the people. The track, produced by Rickman of Jamplified Records, is receiving growing interest and airplay and the video for the song has already been shot and released. The music video includes clips of people speaking about the pressures they are facing because of government actions.

"The idea for the song came about after I saw how people were living in my country and the struggles at hand not only in Barbados, but all over the Caribbean, and knowing that, at the end of the day, it's the politicians who can and should really take the pressure off," Lady Virtue explained; adding that she decided to work with Luciano because she sees him as the "poor-people defender".

"The song has received some excellent feedback so far and I know it will continue because of the type of song it is," she said.

I-Octane hits NY

I-Octane ignited the North America dancehall scene recently with an intense performance at Club Amazura in Queens, New York.

He performed alongside Spragga Benz, Macka Diamond and Konshens. Though his set was only 15 minutes long, that did not hinder the reggae star from delivering an electrifying performance.

He ended his set with an a cappella medley of Example for the Poor, Burn Dem Bridge, Study Yuh Friend and Bad Mind before introducing show closer Spragga Benz, who began his set by performing the Hurt Mi collaboration with I-Octane.

I-Octane returned to New York on April 24 to headline mainstream station Hot 97's 'Who's Next' concert at SOBs, performing along with Christopher Martin, Ding Dong and others.

I-Octane joins an elite group of artistes like Drake, ASAP Rocky, and Kendrick Lamar, who have all graced SOBs' stage for this event.

'Rhyme & Lyme' Monday

The Independent Actors Movement (I AM) debuts its new monthly acoustic jam session- 'Rhyme & Lyme', on Monday, April 29, 2013 at the Grog Shoppe Restaurant, Devon House, St Andrew.

Rhyme & Lyme will be staged every last Monday of each month and will offer patrons a creative way to unwind at the end of the month. Each month, live performances by guest acts (including celebrities) and members of I AM will be complemented by the naturally enchanting ambience and delectable menu of the Grog Shoppe Restaurant. I AM plans to feature various types of acoustic expressions each month as Rhyme & Lyme grows, allowing patrons to feast on creativity as they lyme.

The first staging will feature dancehall dynamo Darrio from SubKonshus Music, multitalented stepping razor Sabrena McDonald (actress, playwright and poet), and Mel Cooke (popular poet and journalist). Each will use their unique performance styles to take the audience through an evening of lyrical bliss. The evening will open with a performance from members of I AM and starts at 7 p.m.

The audience will also be given their chance to share their lyrical cuisine in the open-mic segment. Admission is $500.

Mental-health mix

The Jamaica Mental Health Advocacy Network (JAMHAN) presents its first signature fund-raising event, Concoctions, tonight. It will take place at Funky Munky Bistro and Bar, 17 Holborn Rd, New Kgn.

JAMHAN is a group of young professionals involved in the fields of mental health, social work, community development and advocacy. It is a nationally representative network that has a sustained and transformative impact on the provision of, access to, and awareness of, mental health services in Jamaica.

Skyy and Campari Concoction mixes, mojitos, cosmopolitans and daiquiris will be available as DJ Narity, Kingston All-stars, Liquidity Disco, DJ Brukbad and Levi Linksplay the tunes. Admission is $1000.