Risto Benjie is searching for another chance at that elusive big "bust" he has promised, but never really delivered in nearly two decades in the business.
His response to Babycham's "Man and Man," reminds dancehall audiences of his latent talent. "Reaction," is one of a number of singles featured on Delon Reid's "Lava" rhythm on the Manatee Record label. Cham's song is on his new CD, "Wow...The Story" (Madhouse/Xtra Large), as well as CD single.
Aggression had been a part of Benjie's history and probably led to his split with Shabba Ranks and Beenie Man, two of his mentors who went on to international stardom. However, he says that despite these incidents he has no personal animosity towards his former mentors.
"Me no carry no personal feelings, people out there know what me capable of.
Hear wha gwane now, every man mek mistake," he said.
Black Rat - Bling, Bling, Bling
Black Rat is back in the studios recording, despite the absence of his partner, Max Wayne.
Among his most promising new single is one from Presidential Click titled "Bling, Bling, Bling."
Another side of Palais Royale
Palais Royale is a name associated in the Corporate Area with night club entertainment, but owner, Lester Rhooms, is about to expand into the music business.
Rhooms spoke to us recently about his two proteges, Richie Wonder (Patrick Grant) and Glamorous (Edward Higgins), both singers.
He is releasing three songs from the duo - a cover of "From This Moment On," which has been doing very well on radio; "It's The Same Song"; and "Signs Of The Times." He also plans to set up his distribution from his Palais Royale Club, Ripon Road.
"Well, I was in my office when they walked in and asked for my assistance with their career. They said they were singers and they did a Backstreet Boys' song for me and I decided there and then to do a single with them," Rhooms said. They have recorded an album for Palais Royale since, which he hopes to release by year-end. Richie and Glamorous hail from Arnett Gardens in Kingston.
Nuff respect to Hortense Ellis
Kingsley Goodison says he is happy he had the chance to pay tribute to Hortense Ellis before she died.Goodison's King Omar Promotions staged "Tribute to The Great Part 3" at Curphey Place on August 26, at which Ellis was given the "Pioneer Female Vocalist" award. She died on October 19 in the Kingston Public Hospital. It was one of the few awards she had received in her lifetime, despite her tremendous contribution to the music industry.
Incidentally, "Tribute To The Greats," also honoured Prince Buster (Lifetime Achievement), Uroy and Leroy "Cuttings' Cole were also honoured the same night.
