Jah Cure’s three-day CureFest has been successfully staged. At the main show, after a who’s-who of Jamaican talent performed, Cure finally took the stage at 7 a.m., releasing three white doves upon his entrance. “Dressed in all white, with the African map emblazoned on the front and back of the outfit, Cure launched into the single “Good Morning Jah Jah” as he welcomed the rising sun,” the Jamaica Observer reported.

Although Cure’s show was triumphantly completed, his struggles are not over. A planned UK tour has reached a snag, as his first work permit was denied. But promoter and producer Castro Brown, whose New Name Music company is booking the tour, said he is now in the process of seeking a waiver for the singer. “People saying that Jah Cure is banned from Britain, I want to make them know that Jah Cure is not banned. Jah Cure was refused entry, so there is a good chance that he may still get a waiver to enter the country.”

Jigsy King

Reggae deejay Jigsy King was arrested after CureFest. According to One876 news, “Errol ‘Jigsy’ King was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and using indecent language after his set yesterday morning at the CureFest stage show at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium. On stage, King verbally attacked the Queen of England and the local police force. His comments were wrapped in profanity as he spat expletives with almost every comment.”

Esco, formerly of production and recording duo Leftside and Esco, has new solo material circulating in Jamaica and has been busy recording the last several months. New songs include “God Is Love,” the single “She Want Me” (from Christopher Birch’s latest Madness riddim), and more from his own new I-I-I Productions. Esco’s radio campaign in Jamaica kicked off last week with HYPE TV’s “Up and Live,” hosted by Too Sweet. Look for Esco on tour in the US and Europe soon!

Bunny Wailer

Speaking of tours: Wailers legend Bunny Wailer will embark on a six-date tour through Brazil. He’ll be performing in reggae-samba hotbed Salvador, Bahia on November 11.

For news on another reggae legend, the father of many of today’s riddims, check Mama Asid’s latest podcast interview with Bob Andy. Learn more about the singer, who founded The Paragons, and was a central figure at Coxsone Dodd’s Studio One, as well as Head of A&R for Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong. Andy also touches on his classic film role in Children of Babylon.

Peep YardFlex.com’s moving tribute to Jamaican Heroes Day. Required reading for all reggae fans!

Bay Area-based Caribbean music promoters Angel Magik have founded their own record label. Their first single is an excellent roots one-drop track, “Real King,” by Trinidad’s Levi Myaz, and features Anthony B. The riddim was produced in Hawaii and recorded in the Bay Area.

Reggae Roots Sauce

Speaking of talented Levi’s, Jamaican-British singing entrepreneur Levi Roots “hot’s it up,” with his incredibly popular Reggae Reggae Sauce. Alongside cooking, Levi has recorded several reggae tracks and albums, in addition to being voted Best Reggae Singer at the 1998 MOBO Awards. At an early age he learned to make his grandmother’s jerk chicken sauce, perfecting and refining the secret recipe to create Reggae Reggae Sauce. Levi is now working on his new album with legendary producer The Mad Professor, and compiling The Best of Levi Roots with Jet Star Records.

Richie B’s HotMix Top Ten Reggae Singles
1. Jah Cure “Sticky” (Danger Zone)
2. Etana “Roots” (Freemind)
3. I-Maroon “Mi Salt” (Downsound)
4. Sizzla “Show More Love to the Youths” (Feed The Children)
5. Queen Ifrica “Below The Waist” (Penthouse)
6. Edee feat. Irie Love “Revolution “ (Unseen Lab)
7. Noddy Virtue “Sing To Me” (Reflection)
8. I-Octane “Stab Vampire” (Arrows)
9. Richie Spice “The World Is A Cycle” (Fresh Ear)
10. Lady Saw “Silly” (First Name)