Tony Rebel and Queen Ifrica team up with the legendary Sly and Robbie and The Taxi Gang and the ‘Princess of Dancehall Soul’, Cherine Anderson, for this conscious, roots-oriented class act package. Queen Ifrica, Cherine Anderson and The Taxi Gang are top billing on the Raggamuffin, Bob Marley Day Festival arena shows in Long Beach and San Diego CA. Last summer Sly and Robbie and the Taxi Gang and Cherine Anderson had a very successful western US and western and eastern Canada tour. August 5th they headlined the 2007 Reggae Rising (formerly Reggae on the River), and August 12th they played the Hollywood Bowl KCRW World Festival.

Sly and Robbie, affectionately known as the Riddim Twins, are perhaps the premiere architects of the modern sound of Jamaican music.  Building on the cornerstones of Studio 1 and other early pioneers of the Jamaican recording industry, Sly and Robbie became the driving force behind the fabled Channel 1 sound that dominated reggae throughout the late 70’s and early 80’s.  Subsequent work, most notably with Peter Tosh and Black Uhuru, set the pace for the changing sound of reggae in the post-Bob Marley era.  Their stellar playing and production work have also graced albums for a host of international artists including, among many, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones and No Doubt. For more information on Sly and Robbie, their website is www.officialslyandrobbie.com.

Tony Rebel, along with Half Pint, was a featured singer on the Sly and Robbie and The Taxi Gang North American tour in 2006. This tour did very well in most of the major cities across America. Tony Rebel was the progenitor of the sing jay style, a melodic mix of dancehall DJ toasting and singing. Tony sings a roots-oriented dancehall style. He and his brethren Garnet Silk initiated a spiritual renaissance within the youthful dancehall component of Jamaican reggae. Uplifting conscious oriented hits such as Fresh Vegetable, Sweet Jamaica and Jah By My Side spread Tony’s name and songs worldwide. Tony Rebel is considered a leader in Jamaica’s cultural revolution. He sings songs with themes of self-awareness, personal responsibility and determination. These values help strengthen the listener’s awareness of righteous concepts and positive ideals, encouraging people to take a more positive approach to life.  For his community, Tony does volunteer work giving speeches, charity performances and collaborating on social agenda committee’s. Tony’s Rebel Salute is now the largest festival of its kind in the Caribbean.

Queen Ifrica’s love light is ever shining. For years now, she has been touring the world as an opening act for Tony Rebel and his Flames crew. Now she is called on from all corners, to do shows on her own. She is the daughter of the great elder vocalist – Derrick Morgan. Queen Ifrica is effervescent, strong, and self- assured, and at the same time modest and humble. Her conscious charisma, melodious hooks and fluid delivery contribute to her currently being a serious musical force to be reckoned with. Her voice is now heard regularly on the radio worldwide with hits such as Randy, Jus My Brethren and Below The Waist. She has recently broken out internationally as a crowd favorite, and has now risen above the rest. She is currently in great demand worldwide. Her voice can be heard ringing out in the streets of Kingston, London, New York, Paris or San Francisco. Now is her time. Queen Ifrica is a hot reggae commodity worldwide, but as a strong virtuous role model – a conscious uplifting sistren.

Cherine Anderson was featured on last summer’s North America, Canada Sly and Robbie and The Taxi Gang tour. She is currently a fast rising singer, songwriter and actress, who starred in two of Jamaica’s most successful films – Dancehall Queen (1997) and One Love (2003). Lately she has been focusing on building her music catalogue and perfecting her sound, writing and collaborating with industry giants such as Sly and Robbie, David Norland (Madonna, Janet Jackson and Dallas Austin), Jeeky Man (Lil Kim), Lenky (Sean Paul), and Christopher Birch (Shaggy).  This new star has seen great fan and chart response to her first three singles – "Good Love", "Coming Over Tonight" and "Kingston State of Mind" – with "Coming Over Tonight" holding the number one spot on the Jamaican charts for several weeks. Cherine possesses talent, beauty and class. She too represents the conscious side of the music, expressing the female perspective in reggae and dancehall music. For more information, read her bio and check her my space at www.myspace.com/cherineanderson. She performed on Reggae on the River and Reggae Rising the last two years in a row and is currently in demand in Japan and worldwide.

BIOGRAPHY: SLY AND ROBBIE

Working first as part of the Aggrovators for Bunny Lee, this pair has become the backbone of reggae. Along with Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, they would be on the Mount Rushmore of reggae.  Sly & Robbie are Jamaica’s most prolific drum and bass duo.  Since they started working together in 1975, they have played on an estimated 50,000 tracks. They have backed and produced virtually everyone in Jamaican music, from Peter Tosh to Sean Paul.  They created their TAXI label in 1979 because they wanted more freedom to experiment to do their own thing.

Today, TAXI represents one of the biggest Reggae and Dancehall catalogs in Jamaica, featuring artists like Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Chaka Demus & Pliers… They have introduced so many changes in the Jamaican sound over the years that, under their influence, Jamaica’s current sounds have very little in common with those of a few years ago.  The Revolution never ends in Kingston, and Sly & Robbie are at its forefront!  Sly & Robbie have introduced the non-Reggae public to their heavy yet melodic sound by producing international artists like Bob Dylan, Grace Jones, Joe Cocker, No Doubt, the Fugees, Sinead O’Connor and countless others.  They just finished touring with Sinead O’Connor, are finishing the production of Horace Andy’s next album and are about to start the production of Bitty McLean’s highly anticipated next album.  Then more concerts with Sinead… No rest for the wicked…drum+bass extraordinaire!

BIOGRAPHY: TONY REBEL

Tony Rebel remains at the vanguard of a musical trend he inspired over 20 years ago- his conviction and ingenuity to depart from the conventional approach to Jamaican popular music, while promoting the idea of righteousness and a code of honor. This integrity within the music has set this rebel apart. Patrick Barrett aka Tony Rebel, born January 15, 1962, first caught public attention in 1984 and 1985 winning the premier DJ competition in Manchester by using a gritty, yet melodic style that bridged the gap between Reggae and Dancehall- a style that would eventually become known to the world as- Sing-Jaying.

However, his official sojourn into the music business didn’t come until 1991 and one smash hit later with- "Fresh Vegetable" on the Penthouse Label. Drawing on his formative experiences in the verdant hills of Manchester, Jamaica- where many of his age turned to the soil- a young Papa Tony, as he was then known; realized just how much time and attention it would take before his musical aspirations would bear fruit or in the Rebel’s case- vegetables.

In 1988, he and then fellow aspiring artiste; the late Garnet Silk, took a taxi to Kingston with the intention of reaping all of the hard work they intended to sow. After two years of emoting songs such as: "Sweet Jamaica", "Nazarite Vow" and "Armour", the rebel began his rise when Colombia Records came to harvest his talent.

Noting his enigmatic and creative writing and delivery, Tony was prolific during his years at Colombia: double featuring on the Grammy nominated "Stir-It-Up" compilation, achieving certified Gold Status with the "Cool Running’s" soundtrack. 1991 saw Tony team up with Motown artiste Queen Latifa on their billboard busting single "Weekend Love". His album "Vibes of the Times" shot straight to # 1 on the CMJ charts.

In a career that spans two decades, ten albums, several compilations and 14 years of promoting a spiritual renaissance within reggae, Tony Rebel is on his way to becoming a reggae mogul. Tony is not just a musician, but also a producer. His Flames Production studio is nearing the final stages of completion. Tony’s most tangible success to date has come as the promoter of Rebel Salute.

The embodiment of practice what you preach – Tony Rebel makes lifestyle music, and music that styles lives. His annual conscious music showcase Rebel Salute is the largest of its kind in the Caribbean. His festival still observes its founding principles of no meat and no alcohol. Fourteen years after its inception, the continued success of Rebel Salute is a signpost that the path Tony Rebel had chosen all those years ago was the right one.

Tony Rebel’ contributions within international and local music circles have not gone unnoticed. Lauded today as a leader in Jamaica’s "cultural revolution", Patrick Barrett was awarded the Order of Distinction from the Government of Jamaica in 2002. His social consciousness has led him to venture into areas of volunteerism honoring a complete schedule of motivational speaking, charity performances and work on various social agenda committee’s. His selection by UNICEF as chair for the ‘Artistes against AIDS’ campaign seemed a natural step in his humanitarian efforts. His prayer "Peace love and unity" was adopted as the theme music for Jamaican general elections in 1997, whilst his song"Jah By My Side" was a monster success. Re-recorded in French and Spanish, this song was the official theme music for the Reggae Boyz run to the world cup at France 98.

However it was the United Nations International search for a theme song that earned the Rebel the personal commendations of then general secretary Kofi Annan. The "Not all about the money" global song search, selected Tony Rebel’s music to launch the international year of the volunteer in 2001.

Tony rebel, the progenitor of the sing jay style, remains contemporary without sacrificing class. Today, the Rebel sings for the acceptance of personal responsibility, self-realization and determination. His themes, the pursuit of self-awareness, and the knowledge that the trials of life are there to be conquered, infuse his first album release in six years- I Rebel. This album possesses a musical maturity based on the sound work of Tony Rebel, now an elder in the movement.

The Rebel revels in his musical manifesto with his latest release I REBEL – an induction into the rebel lifestyle. He even shares a track entitled "Music" with action star turned musician Steven Segal. This is appropriate in that Tony Rebel brings music to action. Tony’s music is a map along the path less traveled, the path of the free thinker, the path of the Rebel.

Tony has performed on numerous festivals around the world and has toured Europe and North America consistently, keeping his name and music alive. The mission continues.

Discography

● 2007- I Rebel, Flames Production Inc. /Island Entertainment

● 2001- Realms of a Rebel, Ras

● 1997- Jah Is By My Side, VP

● 1997 – If Jah, VP

● 1993 – Vibes of the Time, Columbia

● 1992 – Rebellious, Ras

● 1992 – Rebel with a Cause, Penthouse

● 1992 – Connection, Next Music

● 1999- Collectors Series Vol. 2, Penthouse

● 1998- Collectors Series Vol. 1, Penthouse

Compilations

● 1991- Cool Running’s Soundtrack, Columbia

● 1996- Lalibela, Flames Productions

BIOGRAPHY: QUEEN IFRICA

Queen Ifrica, the royal empress who has been ubiquitously hailed as Fyah Muma has made a regal entrance into the musical world of Reggae and is poised to lead the next generation of Reggae’s finest. The talented musician began in 1995 when she turned on a scorcher of a performance in a talent contest at Club Inferno in Montego Bay and outshone all the other contestants. Her baptism in the business included a performance on Reggae Sumfest’s Singers’ Nite in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Gracing the stage after a blazing set by Buju Banton, the Queen was not overawed by the occasion but succeeded in commanding a good reception to her message.

Subsequent to a performance on a show in honour of the late Garnett silk, Queen Ifrica joined the flames Productions camp in 1998. Impressed by her musical virtuosity and quality of performance, Tony Rebel and his Flames crew could not resist embracing such talent. Since then, she has paved her way to becoming one of the premier female cultural artists in the sphere of Reggae music. Queen’s stage craft, her repertoire, her total artist development has bloomed over the years, ultimately making her into a staple on the cultural Reggae events around the world.

Her magical voice has been lacing the airwaves with hot singles such as Randy and Jus my Brethren. Her latest single and the most popular track, Below the Waist, which revolves around the difficulty in sustaining amorous heterosexual relationships has also created heat waves across the nation. She has worked on projects with some of Reggae’s finest producers and has done combinations with numerous artistes including Tarrus Riley – Stay With You (remix); Gentleman – Fire Red; Junior Kelly – Goodbye. More recently, she joined with several other Reggae artistes including Tony Rebel, Buju Banton, and Beres Hammond for the remake of Peter Tosh’s hit single, African.

The Queen’s dynamic personality and magnetic stage presence has not gone unnoticed on the international scene. She has toured extensively through the United States and Europe: performed on major festivals such as Summer Jam (Germany; 2005), Reggae on the River (California; 2006), One love Festival Tour (US; 2006), Sierra Nevada World Music Festival (California; 2007) and Reggae Sundance Festival (Holland; 2007). She has shared the stage with the legendary Abyssinians, Black Uhuru, Gregory Isaacs, Buju Banton, Culture, Burning Spear and host of others. Although not officially released, Queen’s debut album Fyah Muma is currently available and is guaranteed to motivate and elevate.

On the homefront, Queen Ifrica remains grounded in her way of life, her community and her children. She has a strong social consciousness, supporting her words with actions by being an active participant in several community outreach activities. Included in this is her work on the Committee for Community in the heart of Kingston’s inner city, particularly the S-Corner community in Kingston 13. Notably, she has performed on numerous free shows whose proceeds are in aid of community development. The United Nations celebration of the year of Volunteers in 2001 witnessed her teaming up with Tony Rebel and others to deliver a song labeled by the UN as a gem. Additionally, she has given numerous motivational speeches to all ages of Jamaicans across the island and even delivered an insightful presentation on the theme, Women In Reggae, at the University of the West Indies.

With roots firmly secured in the Rastafarian faith, Queen Ifrica says her duty is to be an example to women through entertainment. Her haunting melodies, clear sound and fluid delivery are portions of a force to be reckoned with; creating timeless rebel music in the ilk of her father Derrick Morgan, Garnett Silk, Nina Simone and Miriam Makeba. Simply put, her aspiration is to make music that lives on.

BIOGRAPHY: CHERINE ANDERSON

"Entertainment is my passion. I stay hungry for this, it is my life!"

She stands at five feet, three inches tall, soaking up the world with a voice reminiscent of pure and untainted soul.  What kind of soul?  According to songstress Cherine Anderson, this soul is unlike any other, for it is Dancehall Soul, "a mixture of reggae, dancehall, soul and R&B, truly incorporating the grittiness of her past with the sweetness of the things to which she has been exposed."  In this modern day parade of glamour, glitz, and unmerited superstardom, Cherine truly embodies star-like qualities. She is a triple threat: singer, songwriter and acclaimed Jamaican actress, having starred in two of Jamaica’s most successful films, Dancehall Queen (1997) and One Love (2003).  Lately, Cherine has been focusing her attention on writing music and collaborating with industry giants like Sly & Robbie, David Norland (Madonna, Janet Jackson, Dallas Austin), JeekyMan (Lil Kim), as well as prominent Jamaican producers such as Steven "Lenky" Marsden (Sean Paul) and Christopher Birch (Shaggy).  Reggae and urban radio stations in Jamaica, the US, Canada, several European countries, as well as internet radio have already fallen for the sweet voice spilling from their systems courtesy of her debut hit single "Good Love".  Cherine quickly followed "Good Love" with a lover’s rock duet with Chuck Fenda which quickly topped both the singles and the video charts in Jamaica.  Cherine’s latest release, "Kingston State of Mind", currently released to radio, provides Cherine’s perspective on the realities of the environment in Kingston.  This song’s content illustrates the songwriting depth that lies in this young artist.

It is important to note that this profound talent did not emerge overnight.  In fact, history was in the making at a very young age for Cherine.  Born in Rockfort in East Kingston, Jamaica, her parents Derryck & Barbara Anderson kept Cherine and her two older sisters in Sunday school and any other church activity that would keep them off the unstable streets.  It was in church that her musical talent was discovered.  Cherine explains, "It wasn’t so much the message in the church songs that appealed to me at first…it was the passion and strength of peoples’ voices."  At the age of 12, she became a touring member of Ashe Performing Arts Ensemble, one of the Caribbean’s most successful performance companies, and received professional training in dance, music and theatre. In 2003, Cherine combined her two loves, singing and acting, starring in the film One Love.  Her voice lent two heartfelt songs to the film’s soundtrack, and her acting talent earned her the MTV2/Urbanworld Film Festival Award for best actress in a feature film.

One would think that nothing else could possibly fit into this seemingly superstar equation, yet there is more.  Not only does this young woman possess talent, beauty and class, but Cherine is also a highly educated, intelligent young woman as well.  Having graduated with honors from the prestigious Middlebury College with a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Music and a minor in Japanese Language and Literature, Cherine continuously raises the bar for herself in every aspect of her life.  During her college career, her passion and dedication to her craft led her to acquire numerous internships at entertainment companies such as MTV Networks, Interscope Records and the Chris Blackwell owned Palm Pictures and Palm Records. 

"The world needs to hear more reggae and dancehall from a female’s perspective.

I feel blessed to have such great legacy set by Bob Marley, Shabba  etc…

But I want to be a part of the female movement out of Jamaica

That makes a similar or even greater impression on the world."

According to reggae legend Sly Dunbar, "Cherine is the real deal. A truly strong vocalist on hard core reggae riddims with the ability and potential to surpass Jamaican audiences to reach the masses."  With all the attention on reggae, reggaeton and dancehall on the international market, Cherine has all the right ingredients:  vocal and acting talent, beauty, intellect and a solid understanding of the entertainment industry, to be more than just a successful artist – but a Caribbean brand.

Some Cherine Facts

Cherine co-starred in the film Dancehall Queen playing the sexually molested teen daughter Tanya in 1997

Cherine has written for Bootsy Collins and appears with Fat Joe on the song entitled "Soul Sister" on Bootsy’s 2003 release Playing With Bootsy

Cherine’s first release was a cover of Gloria Estefan’s Party Time in 1998

Cherine studied Japanese Language and Literature at Keio University in Tokyo, Japan

Cherine has three songs, which appear in the film One Love

Cherine recorded with Wyclef Jean and Sting while she was still in high school

Cherine’s official debut single "Good Love" (produced by Sly & Robbie) peaked at #2 on the South Florida reggae charts

Cherine’s single and video for "Coming Over Tonight" peaked at #1 in Jamaica