Marvin Sparks

So, Friday night was all about Protoje's first show in England. And where better for it to be held than Brixton? Nowhere! That's where. The night was hosted by Sir David "Ram Jam" Rodigan. Who better to give you the blessing for your first show in England, in Brixton? You guessed it, me! That's who. Nah, I'm joking. No one - duh.

So I went to the Reggae Valentine's show on Sunday night (15th February). First thing's first; big up the organisers - solid line up and nice change of venue. Too often these shows are just heritage acts at the Brixton Academy. The Academy is a big venue so it seems like promotors are limited with artists. Well, giving them benefit of the doubt. Show started promptly at 7:30. Anybody that's been to a reggae show in the past will know how much of a big deal this is. Too often, Sunday night shows don't really pay attention to the fact tube finishes early, meaning a long journey back for people, who in some cases either miss the last half hour of the show or go across London on a mission. Leave's a bad vibe and people will eventually say they aren't going to Sunday shows as a result. Thankfully, this ended at 11pm on the dot!

So, as you should know 6th February is the day both Bunny Rugs from Third World and Bob Marley were born. Neither are with us in physical, however they're both strong in the world of music. Bob Marley's birthday was celebrated with events across the island. I was fortunate to go to two. Maddest thing is I didn't even plan to be there for his 70th, I noticed the week before. Great coincidence. Must've been a blessing from the above. February is reggae month in Jamaica, it begins with Dennis Brown celebrations as its his birthday on the 1st (I went down to Dubwise Wednesday for a tribute session. Big up Yardcoore) and there's loads of other events (including wicked ones for free) going on. However, we're here to talk about Bob Marley's birthday celebrations. On the day itself, I went down to the Bob Marley museum at 56 Hope Road for the 'Legacy Continues' show. Very surreal experience. Like, I'm really at Bob Marley's house on what would...

So yeah, I said I'd give you second date review in the first night review post . I realised reaching so early the previous night was a mistake, so went at 1am, fully sleeped up after a long nap. Smartest move possible. I wanted to see Exco Levi and Cali P but so it go more time. If the first sight was about intriguing performances, second night was about the artists I'm a fan of but UK reggae promoters don't see fit to bring them over. It's better seeing them in their natural habitat anyway.

I've always wanted to go to Rebel Salute. For those who don't know, Rebel Salute is an event created by roots artist Tony Rebel. The now two-night (and morning) event is held in Ocho Rios since moving from St Elizabeth where it moved from about two years ago. This year was the 22nd staging of the event. [Photo credit: Rebel Salute website] Rebel Salute is a straight conscious music event. Even when they've booked Lady Saw, Bounty Killer and Mavado, all had to perform strictly clean and conscious material to fit the movement (yes, they do have enough suitable songs). No alcohol or meat is served - alcohol is confiscated at the gate. Drugs aren't allowed either. Herbs are cool though. Strangely enough, Red Bull are a big sponsor. Wouldn't have said they fit the ital description, but hey, so it go. Food stalls sell fresh fruit and pescetarian-friendly food.

There isn't even an ounce of hyperbole in the title. Not even a little bit. Sunday night will never happen again for two reasons: you can't have a first performance twice and the questions of how good or popular have been answered. Where to start. Putting it into perspective, London is one of the closest to being Jamaica outside of Jamaica. Our love and appreciation for reggae, historically, surpasses everywhere in the world possibly even Jamaica. Scala was full to the brim. According to Wiki, Scala's capacity is 1,145. I spent at least 10mins trying to find a space where I could see the stage. Meant I spent most of Christopher Ellis' performance searching for this elusive magical spot. Sounded lively though. Hold on, lemme try put into words how packed it was. Scala sold out three times (I'm guessing they gave access to different parts of the venue when they saw the demand) and tickets were still sold on the door. Each time we tried one of (about three/four) th...

MeView = Review So, last night Heatwave's bashment concert "Showtime". I anticipated this will be the greatest one night show I've been to in a long while. An incredible line-up. In fact, it's an inconceivable line-up mainly due to the sly headliner and inspiration for the event - Wiley. For those unfamiliar with him, you may know him as the Godfather of Grime, but he is also the self-proclaimed "The Elusive" for his consistency at performing no-shows. The guy doesn't turn up for his own or featured videos, promo or performances. To help avoid this, the DJs/Promoters kept in contact with him and he assured them every time he'll be there. Hope they don't mind me telling you, but Wiley was unreachable for days leading up to the event causing a bit of "Ahhh man, not again Wiley". [cue intentional cliffhanger music] Anyway, here's the flier/poster You see all those names, yeah? Legends in Jungle, grime, garage, UK dancehall next to ...

So yeah, wanted to do this yesterday. Didn't get the chance too. I wanted to let the blog breathe (kinda proud of my last post, still). Disclaimer: I did this in one take. Any grammatical errors are as a result of that. I wanted to bring it to you as soon as possible (hopefully that swings your emotion so you 'llow me). Over the weekend I was one of only a couple thousand people (if that) fortunate enough to see Drake at the Hammersmith Apollo then J Cole's sold out show at the intimate Koko in Camden. London obviously. Let me do this as I does it. Chapter and verse thing you see it #Poshment. I had my Drake tickets from last year April when the show was scheduled to be last year July. He canceled 'cos his mum had an operation or something. Think the album came out by that time but I had tix based on So Far Gone. So year goes by, his album has dropped, it's alright... Then J. Cole's named as support artist late last year. Me = overjoyed. Missed hi...

So basically I started writing notes for my MeView. If you haven't experienced a MeView (my view on a performance/concert) click here . It was going well until, well, Twitter became more interesting. I hardly watched the TV because I spent my time copy and pasting funny quotes from Twitter. I always tell people about the jokes I get from my timeline. Today I'm snitching on everyone I follow with a public account. (Disclaimer: YOU may have a private account but if it got RT'd by someone on my timeline with a funny tweet, then you are in here) Oh and one more (Disclaimer: I only realised the fact some may have private accounts long after. Apologies in advance. Holla at me and I'll remove your tweet). I'd like to thank all of you, my unaware Tweeting contributors. Here goes the MeView x TweetView (snitchin'). I DON'T NECESSARILY AGREE WITH EVERY TWEET/OPINION. IF I THOUGHT IT WAS FUNNY OR INTERESTING I'VE POSTED IT. SOME I AGREE WITH, SOME I DON'T, ALL ...

What's a MeView? Know sometimes you read vague reviews where you can't tell whether the person actually enjoyed the show? This isn't one of them. For previous editions check here First off, special thanks to mi dancehall sistrin Kazza/Kal. I can't remember which one of those she doesn't like. I'd like to call her that one more often. Just kidding. I don't think she likes either of them, so we'll keep it simple; Karen . Wembley Arena hosted one of the most important dates on the urban events calender, 1Xtra Live, put on by guess who? What? Nah g, the best major radio station in UK, BBC Radio 1Xtra. If you haven't heard of 1Xtra Live, last night was the third edition of the annual concert that grabs leading national and international stars from a range of urban genres on one stage. Tickets for the event are FREE! That's right Londoners, all you have to pay for is your oyster card (travel), unless you have zones 1-4 on your season pass. Cost ...

Disclaimer: I wrote this on my BlackBerry, whilst on holiday, so if there are any mistakes or bits that don't make sense, please forgive me. Catch the review of Distant Relatives here I've been told I go in on the reviews. I guess it's because I retell every nook and cranny. So I've decided to call it a MeView instead of review? Why? Because I'm weird like that :D So the day of the concert I predicted will be concert of the year was finally here; Damian 'Jr. Gong' Marley & Nas Distant Relatives concert lands in London, England - Hammersmith Apollo to be precise - after the cancelled date in May due to volcanic ash. Two legends, united to craft the best hip-hip (can I call this genre-colliding project hip-hop?) album I've heard in a few years. Armed with an innovative, inspirational, introspective, incredible, (and again what I class as, and you should to, to be honest) a classic album sure to stand the test of time, will the concert live up to my bi...

If you read this expecting a UK Funky Live review mach II, you'll be disappointed. Still good but erase that from your mind now, then proceed to read! MOBO's took place last night in Glasgow's SECC. Usually produces many talking points. We all cuss the awards but watch it every year. I compared the MOBO's to watching Mike Tyson hoping he'll be that ferocious fighter again. Then I realised it was more like Audley Harrison and hoping they just get their act together for once. We all saw it, so this is just my take on the event. Keri Hilson looked banging!!! Did she present well? Hardly remember her presenting. Didn't embarrass herself at all. Reggie Yates? Hmm... not sure I take him seriously. He's like the corny established guy at work who mainly goes around with the managers but thinks he cool 'cos he knows a couple slang terms (and 'cos he has melanin he can be around the urban crew). Sorry mate, I see your facade. Didn't do badly, just reminds...