Two of the more crucial hardcore roots reggae artists coming up in the international reggae arena are Chuck Fenda and I-Wayne. Both of these young Jamaican talents are currently in great demand worldwide. Chuck Fenda has been on tour in Europe this October / November 2011 where he is well loved and appreciated. I-Wayne's new album Life Teachings, released October 11, 2011 on VP records, debuted at #5 on the Billboard Reggae Chart. He has been promoting his new CD on the east coast.
Opening for them and backing them is the heavyweight Jamaican band iKronik, with Junior Jazz on guitar and lead vocals, Phanso on drums, Duke on keys and Isaiah on bass. iKronik represents the future of the "classic" reggae band. With years of experience under the name Gumption playing on the largest stages worldwide; having racked up millions of frequent flier miles a nd travelled many a highway and byway, the members of iKronik present that well deserved breath of fresh air to the reggae music industry. iKronik has emerged from the lineage of the Gumption Band, one of reggae's most consistent and talented backing bands. Gumption has been touring since 1994 and has backed the best of the best in the reggae genre. They worked six years touring and recording exclusively with the legendary Beres Hammond and they have also backed Dennis Brown, Freddie McGregor, Barrington Levy, Ken Boothe, John Holt, Luciano, Coco T, Barrington Levy, Marcia Griffiths, Judy Mowatt, Chakademus & Pliers, Richie Spice, Tony Rebel, Queen Ifrica, Diana King, Lady Saw, Maxi Priest, Wailing Souls, Romain Virgo, Horace Andy, I-Octane, Gyptian and The Abyssinians, among others.
There is immediately great interest and excitement about this massive January / February North American tour package.
In 2004 I-Wayne got his first number one hit song with his single "Can't Satisfy Her", which was also the first reggae track by a cultural reggae artist to be added to the Hot 97 play-list. This song spent over 22 weeks on the Billboard Hip Hop/R&B Hot 100 Chart. Shortly thereafter came another big hit song from I-Wayne – "Living in Love". These songs propelled this young artist to the front of the reggae pack performing on many major festivals all over the world.
I-Wayne's debut album, Lava Ground that featured these two hit songs was praised for returning to reggae's "essential roots". In 2007 his second album Book of Life was released and this release again propelled him to the top of the Billboard Charts. I-Wayne is a favorite artist for many of the more roots conscious oriented reggae listeners. His is very smooth listening music with uplifting messages.
Chuck Fenda carries the title of "the Poor People Defenda" with songs like "Life Ruff Out Deh", "I Swear", "Haffi Win", "Respect Mama", "Gash Dem and Light Dem" and "Are You Coming Over Tonight" with Cherine Anderson. Chuck Fenda is currently blazing the airwaves with his hit "Real Man" and his hot new singles "Treat Her Right," "Didn't I tell you", "Call On Me" with Cherine Anderson and "Warning" with Notice Production.
All together this January / February tour package carries a long lasting high quality show that American reggae enthusiasts will not want to miss.
BIOGRAPHY — CHUCK FENDA
Chuck Fenda (Leshorn Whitehead) is blazing the airwaves with his current hit "Real Man" and his hot new singles "Treat Her Right," "Didn't I tell you", "Call On Me" with Cherine Anderson and "Warning" with Notice Production. However success is not new to this talented and experience entertainer.
With a career that spans over a decade, Chuck Fenda has earned the recognition of being a world renowned artiste, having delivered several hits to his local and international fans.
The 38 year old Chuck Fenda has indeed matured, balancing his family duties and his career quiet well. He has delivered outstanding performances at recent stage events such as Sting, GT Taylor Christmas Extravaganza, as well as a devastating performance for the closing of Rebel Salute 2011. Chuck is known for his energetic performances at countless major events in the United States, Europe and across the Caribbean. He is gearing up for his new European tour that will take place between October and November 2011.
Chuck Fenda has proven to the fans that he carries the title of "the Poor People Defenda" with songs like "Life Ruff Out Deh", "I Swear", "Haffi Win", "Respect Mama", "Gash Dem and Light Dem", "Are You Coming Over Tonight" with Cherine Anderson.
Working with Desire's Production management, Chuck Fenda, d' livin fire has shown his versatility with several current singles that will keep the fire blazing even more with the ladies and his younger fans. Singles such as "Treat Her Right," Didn't I tell You," "Got To Love You", "Real Man," and his reunion with Cherine Anderson to bring forward "Call On Me" has been doing great since the start of 2011. Nonetheless Chuck has maintained his cultural roots with new songs like "Slipping Away", "Seize Fire", "Cry-Cry Baby", "Hell Brock Loose" and "Warning with Notice Production".
Chuck Fenda continues to make a powerful impact on the world stage through his creative music and captivating performances. He is devoted to raise the bar for his music and career and to showcase his talent through his new album to be released in January 2012, so expect the unexpected from Chuck Fenda.
BIOGRAPHY — I-WAYNE
I-Wayne (Cliffroy Taylor) was born August 1980 in Portmore, Jamaica. As a roots reggae singer, I-Wayne is well known for his hit singles"Living In Love" and "Can't Satisfy Her" from his debut album, Lava Ground.
I-Wayne was raised by his aunt and her husband Ansell Collins, a renowned keyboard player. This young artist has been refining his craft since the tender age of seven. Coming from a musical family, I-Wayne made his first venture into musical performing as a student at Greater Portmore High School, where he joined a local group called Vibes Machine. Vibes Machine, consisting of singers and DJs, used to perform at popular clubs such as Cactus and Asylum. One night, I-Wayne was forced to perform alone due to the fact that his band mates were running late. The response to this solo performance was tremendous, so after that I Wayne was motivated to perfect his solo act and work on his solo career.
In 2004, I Wayne hit number one with his single "Can't satisfy her", which was also the first reggae track by a cultural reggae artist to be added to the Hot 97 play-list. The song spent over 22 weeks on the Billboard Hip Hop/R&B Hot 100 Chart.
In November 2004, I Wayne signed a recording contract with VP Records to release his debut album, Lava Ground.Lava Ground was praised for returning to reggae's "essential roots" in contrast to popular reggae artists who induce listeners to "dance and groove to their carefree music". This album featured two hit singles – "Can't Satisfy Her" and "Living in Love".
In November 6, 2007, the release of his second album Book of Life pushed him again to the top of the Billboard Charts in the reggae category, to the number 4 spot.
I-Wayne's new album called Life Teaching is scheduled for release October 11, 2011 on VP records.
This roots and culture artist is lyrically and vocally gifted. He has had the big hit songs and now he continues to record, tour and build his career. I-Wayne is well loved and embraced by the reggae listeners of the world.
BIOGRAPHY: iKronik
iKronik represents the future of the "classic" reggae band. With years of experience playing on the largest stages worldwide; having racked up millions of frequent flier miles and travelled many a highwayand byway…the members of iKronik present that well deserved breath of fresh air to the reggae music industry.
iKronik has emerged from the lineage of the Gumption Band, one of reggae's most consistent and talented backing bands. Gumption has been touring since 1994 and has backed the best of the best in the reggae genre. Six years touring and recording exclusively with the legendary Beres Hammond and all those other years sharing stage with the likes of Dennis Brown, Freddie McGregor, Barrington Levy, Ken Boothe, John Holt, Luciano, CoCo T, Barrington Levy, Marcia Griffiths, Judy Mowat, Chakademus & Pliers, Richie Spice, Tony Rebel, Queen Ifrica, Diana King, Lady Saw, Maxi Priest, Wailing Souls and The Abasynians, among others. Jamaican international jazz musician Monte Alexander w as so moved by the quality of the band that he toured with them and produced two live albums, Yard Movement and Stir it Up…a must listen. Nelly Furtado's team was blown away by the reggae re-mix of 'Turn off the Lights' done by the crew.
Mixing three distinctly different vocal styles with crafty lyrical compositions and an energetic onstage presentation, iKronik easily redefines the roots reggae genre. This is not a new outfit, these are seasoned musicians who realize that the deliverables from any band taking a stage today has to be stepped up a notch…the fans demand it, the industry needs it and iKronik has it. They understand that it takes a high quality comprehensive production to put the right image forward, to satisfy the fans of the music and make them want to come back for more.
iKronik retains founding Gumption members Rolando "Phanso" Wilson (drums) and Dwight "Duke" Dawes (keyboards) and completes the aggregation with long time Gumption bassist and vocalist Isaiah "Onie" Palmer who brings the classic roots reggae element, Wendel "Junior Jazz" Ferrero, noted guitarist and vocalist who has that soulful, smooth delivery that takes you into the zone and Junior "KavaJah" Johnson, keyboards/guitar and vocals who adds that "new roots"/dancehall energy to the group completing what promises to be a new sound, a new energy, a new reggae vibe. The chemistry is unmistakable, the new sound is refreshing and the discipline of the group is a booking agent's dream.
The band is currently in studio completing their debut album which is still untitled but showcases the variety that iKronik embodies, the smooth uncomplicated vocal delivery and the high quality of musicianship. Their style will easily attract a wide cross-section of fans since it doesn't pigeonhole itself in any one aspect of the genre, but is serious enough, intelligent enough and fun enough to satisfy hardcore fans and make believers out of those new to their rhythm.
Songs like 'Journey' a pulsating crossover track explaining the struggles of life ' Lets Be One' sure to be a new world anthem and 'Right On Time' a sweet lovers rock for the ladies showcases this first effort and provides iKronik with a legitimate platform from which to build. This band will redefine the genre and make many people take notice. The reality is this….iKronik… a badass reggae band. The only way you can validate this…book the band, listen to the music…enjoy the show!
Contact: Peter Wardle
King's Music International
Phone: (510) 326-8445 or email: reggaeangl@aol.com
Leave a comment