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OLDIES SUNDAY: Singing Sandra – Die With My Dignity (1987)


Today’s Oldies Sunday selection comes from the late Sandra DesVignes-Millington a.k.a. Singing Sandra. Today we go back to the 1980s with her track, “Die With My Dignity” a.k.a. “Sexy Employees“.

Written by Ortniel Bacchus with production and distribution by M&M Records in 1987, the track finds Singing Sandra sharing the challenges women face on the Island when it comes to finding employment. She shares the episodes where Employers try to take advantage of women in the workplace by sexually harassing and exploiting them for monetary gains. Singing Sandra puts her foot down as she’s not welcoming their advances, and would rather go elsewhere than to discard her morals and values for gains of any kind. Sadly this is what’s going on in workplaces around the world where gender inequality is concerned, and with the #MeToo Movement on the rise in the past few years, many men are facing the other side of the Law for their crimes.

Singing Sandra’s “Die With My Dignity” became a part of history as it helped her to win the titles of “National Calypso Queen” in Trinidad, and the “St. Maarten Queen Of The World“. The song would be later featured on the “Rising Stars ’87” album, and became one of Singing Sandra’s signature tunes. Since “Die With My Dignity”, she went on to become the second woman to ever win the Calypso Monarch title in 1999 after Calypso Rose. With another title win in 2003, she became the first woman to do it twice. One of the pioneers in Calypso industry, she paved the way for more female voices to emerge in a predominantly male scene. She continued to make music and seal her place as a Caribbean Icon until her passing on January 28, 2021. We remember her with this Oldies Sunday selection.

THANK YOU SINGING SANDRA!

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OLDIES SUNDAY: Janet Kay – Silly Games (1977)


Today (January 17), we celebrate the birthday of UK Lover’s Rock legend, Janet Kay on Oldies Sunday! Today we look back at her hit single, “Silly Games“.

Produced by Dennis Bovell and released through Arawak Records in 1977, Janet Kay sings about a man she has a lot of interest in. While she believes he shares the same feelings for her, but they both fail to approach each other and make something happen. It’s a mix of infatuation, What Ifs, and frustration, and Janet doesn’t want to keep playing this game of hide and seek when they’re around each other. The single was released in Europe and peaked at #2 on the UK Singles Chart. It later became one of the tracks that became an anthem during the rise of the UK Lover’s Rock movement in the 1970s, put Janet in the Guinness Book Of World Records as the first British Black Female to score a UK Reggae hit, and the single was the first Lover’s Rock track to appear on the BBC flagship music series, “Top Of The Pops“. It’s forever a classic with Janet’s high notes displayed throughout, and was inspired by the Queen of Jazz Ella Fitzgerald’s Memorex Commercial. The single was featured in the Film, “Lovers Rock“, a part of the Steve McQueenSmall Axe” Film series.

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OLDIES SUNDAY: Sister Charmaine – No Disrespect (1990)


Today’s Oldies Sunday selection is dedicated to Dancehall Artist Sister Charmaine who passed away on January 5, 2021. Before the many prominent Queens of Dancehall, Sister Charmaine was one who held that title proudly. Today we go back in time to check out “No Disrespect“.

Released through Leggo Records in 1990, Sister Charmaine did plenty name dropping on this one as she shares the difficulty in catching a break in music. In a rather humorous way, she calls upon artists like Papa San, Admiral Bailey, General Trees, Little Lenny, Professor Nuts, Lt. Stitchie, Flourgon, Ninja Man, and many more for assistance in making her career as successful as theirs. From borrowing a Benz, to performing Obeah, to learning certain songs and moves, Sister Charmaine believes these were some of the methods her fellow artists used in getting a “buss“. The song was not made to disrespect the many artists mentioned, but to give her audience something to laugh about, and showcase her versatility. The song was featured on the “Live And Kickin’” compilation in 1990. A song we believed took a cue from “No Disrespect” was Ce’cile’s 2000 single, “Changez” where she called out male deejays, but for a rather different topic.

Walk Good Sister Charmaine!

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OLDIES SUNDAY: Dirtsman – Hot This Year (1991)


With 2020 coming to a close, we can truly say that this was a crazy year. While we don’t know what the future holds, we just have to move forward with a positive mindset. With that in mind, today’s final Oldies Sunday selection for 2020 comes from the late Deejay, Dirtsman with his 1991 hit, “Hot This Year“.

Produced by the late Bobby Digital for Digital B Records on the Drum Song/Hot This Year Riddim (there is another version that’s produced by Phillip Smart that shares similar production), Dirtsman exudes confidence on this one as he realizes his growing popularity, and his prowess as an artist. From annihilating his opponents in lyrical showdowns to being ready with the lyrics, Dirtsman was on the verge of being even greater. Sadly, he passed away on December 21, 1993 at the age of 27. “Hot This Year” was featured on the late Deejay’s album, “Acid“. While “Hot This Year” is one of his biggest songs, we dedicate it to those who see 2021 as year for growth, positive changes, building back broken bonds, and a lot more success. Keep your head up!

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OLDIES SUNDAY (Christmas): Uglyman – Christmas Boogie (1985)


For the Christmas holiday season, one thing that many look forward to other than the gifts and food, is the party. Jamaica hosts their share of street dances, office parties, and concerts every December, and they all turn out to be successful. Today, despite Covid 19 restrictions, we’d like to make you rock from wherever you are with the Oldies Sunday selection, Uglyman’sChristmas Boogie“!

Produced by Harry “Big J” Johnson in 1985 for the 10 Roosevelt Ave label on the “Three Blind Mice Riddim“, Uglyman comes through “fi nice up di session” with his commanding, and ability to effortlessly ride the Riddim. This one is for the lovers of 80s Dancehall, those who miss the grinding in the corner of the dance while sipping on a Guinness or Dragon Stout, and for those who looked forward to enjoying themselves to the fullest on Christmas Eve a.k.a. “Grand Market Night“. This song is for you and yours, enjoy it wherever you are safely. Covid is still present, please stay protected. This marks our last entry in Christmas songs for December. We wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and we’ll see you here soon for another Oldies Sunday selection.

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OLDIES SUNDAY (Christmas): Singing Francine – Hurray Hurrah (1979)


In recognition of the Christmas season, we’re highlighting a few Christmas songs for the month of December on Oldies Sunday! Last week we visited Haiti, this week we stopped by Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago to check out the legendary Singing Francine’sHurray Hurrah“!

Arranged by Pelham Goddard and released through M&H Productions in 1979, Singing Francine shares the story of the birth of Jesus Christ, and highlights his importance to all of us. Over beautiful production, Singing Francine gives us a lively song that will make everyone join in clapping and singing. The track was featured on her 1979 “From Christmas…To Carnival Vol. 1” album, and her 1981 “Christmas Is Love” album. One of the Queens of Calypso with the great Calypso Rose, Singing Francine has brought joy and a lot of entertainment to anyone within earshot of her voice for many decades. “Hurray Hurrah” is one of her many Christmas releases, and is still played in various parts of the Caribbean.

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