For years there have been talks about making venues for fresh young talent to showcase their works in Jamaica. While some have popped up over time, one that is here to stay is held at the Stones Throw Bar every monday by the name of “New Wave”! Located at 1b Mannings Hill Rd. in Kingston, patrons witness displays of Art from some rising stars from 8PM to 12AM. Since its inception in late 2016, it has quickly become the talk of the town, or rather the Island. For those who don’t know, we recently interviewed a couple members behind the “New Wave” team, Lindsey Lodenquai (Head Coordinator), and Davida-Mae Chambers (Social Media Manager/Coordinator). Open your mind for a “New Wave”!
13thStreetPromo: For those who don’t know, what is the origin of New Wave? How did it come about from an idea to an event?
New Wave: New Wave began with Protoje and Jason Panton who envisioned a platform for emerging local talents- once the idea is there, there will always be a way for it to manifest to fruition.
13SP: Describe a standard night at a New Wave event.
NW: VIBESY! It’s always a great feeling being there with persons who are equally enthused about culture and creativity!
13SP: “Jamaica has so much to offer culturally and artistically from this generation”. What’s New Wave’s stance on this comment, and how important is it for events like this to push Jamaica’s talent?
NW: The comment is so true, the talent this generation has is through the roof! Once we have the resources, It is our responsibility to nurture this talent and allow it to flourish.
It’s another Summer, and it’s time for the Pool Parties, new fashion, new destinations, and for those in School, freedom from the books for a while. For others, it’s a time to discover new music, and we’ll gladly help you in discovering new Artists. We advise you to get proper headphones, great speakers, money for tickets and audio purchases, and the mindset to fully enjoy the music. Here are 15 Artists to watch out for this Summer!
With a few years in the game, Florida based Recording Artist Khxos (formerly Khaos) has been releasing Dancehall tunes and gaining attention thanks to Social Media. He received a buzz that started to bubble in Summer 2015 thanks to the release of “One Touch”. Summer 2016 kept the ball rolling with his debut EP “Deception”, but collaborations with Andrew Trabass, Chargii, and Lincoln 3Dot helped to keep it blazing for the rest of the year. Early 2017 however saw his name change, and the release of “So Loud” and “BOMM” propelled him as one to watch this Summer as he prepares to release his debut Album, “Dopamine”.
They don’t call him “El Fuego” for nothing, his music keeps you on your toes, and his lyrics hit like the hot oil from frying Plantains. This Artist has been quietly making his way onto the scene and has made appearances from “New Wave” to “Live From Kingston: Class 2016”, to “Imprint” to Protoje’s “For The Culture” event. His collaborations with the likes of Lila Ike, Runkus, and Leno Banton have received numerous hits on Soundcloud, and he hits the road (or Air) with Runkus as a part of the “Class Is In” European Tour and a stop at the German Summerjam this Summer!
This Songstress came as a surprise this year with the release of her debut single, “So Shy”. Known as “The First Lady Of REM”, she followed up with a freestyle (Believe In You), and a follow up single titled “The Cycle”. She has also made appearances on “Smile Jamaica”, “New Wave”, “Speak”, and “7 am In Kingston”. Yanah is currently working follow up singles, and makes an appearance near you this Summer!
The “REMperor” Leno Banton promised new music for 2017, and he has stuck to his word so far. Teaming up with Producer Wavy Jones, he fires off something for the Summer titled, “Gypsy“. Here he speaks on how a Black Queen has managed to mesmerize him with her magical moves. From wanting to give her a “Bxxxxxxxxt ring“, to creating life with her, it’s amazing how the right woman can captivate your mind, body and soul. Jones’ production on this can put you in a trance, stay woke! Artwork by the combo of Khari Kamau and Tiny Sunthing! Check out the track below.
StiddilyBongSkeng! Leno Banton continues his spiritual ascent as he unleashes the new tune named, “Mind, Heart, Soul (MHS)“. With RiddimBoss handling Production, the “Student of Love” encourages everyone to have a clean heart, be pure in thought and action, walk more with God, all while riding the Riddim like a Cyclist through heavy traffic. If you still aren’t familiar with the Young Banton, check out our Interview with him here. Even if your heart’s bitter, the Most High’s grace will wash it clean, so ring his bell today! Leno’s currently working on a follow up to his 2016 “REM SZN” project so stay tuned. Artwork by Khari Kamau, photo by Destinee Condison. Check out the track below!
The Hope Gardens Shell Bandstand served as the perfect backdrop to showcase some of Reggae’s young royals to an eager audience of Locals and Tourists all with one thing in common…a love for the Culture. I personally gave up on Music in Jamaica until I came across these new school of Reggae Royals who through their socially conscious offerings, give honour to the many men and women who preceded them in the genre…
The gates opened at 7:30 Pm and the DJ for the night Yaadcore kept the early patrons entertained on the turntables, and DJ Jimmy Q of NewsTalk 93 FM handled hosting duties. By 9 Pm, the venue was almost full and the show kicked off with the opening act Sevana. Featuring cuts off her Sevana EP and even debuting a new song and a remix to Protoje’s “Love Gone Cold” (she was featured on the original), she had the audience mesmerized as she belted out tune after tune. I still refused to believe she did all that on a sore throat (Editor’s Note: She’s my Hero!!). By the time ZJ Sparks gave Protoje & The Indiggnation the greatest introduction ever, the venue was packed with patrons who were eager to sing and dance along with them.
A new wave of Roots Reggae and Reggae Fusion Artists has been popping up in Jamaica in recent years, making a change in the playing field and pleasing listeners. With the Reggae Revival introducing us to Artists like Protoje, Jesse Royal and Jah9, not only are we listening to some great music, but we have new platforms to enjoy them. One member of the new wave, Leno Banton, has been leaving a mark at every point in his journey as an Artist. 13th Street Promotions recently reached out to Leno to know more about his musical journey, the REM Collective, meeting Protoje, and how his legendary Father influenced his sound.
13thStreetPromotions: We’ve finally met up and got an Interview! A 13th Street Promotions x Leno Banton link took too long to happen. Bless up! For those who are new here, who is the Artist known as Leno Banton?
13thSP: Even though you’re a newcomer, the journey to getting here must’ve been a long one. Tell us about how you got your start.
