About the artists:
Althea Hewitt - (www.myspace.com/altheahewitt)
Having signed a lucrative three album deal with one of the world’s largest distributors of Jamaican recorded products, VP’s Records International (New York), Althea Hewitt has completed her debut album.
Althea started performing in her father’s band (he plays the guitar) long before her teens. She grew up to represented her high school, Camperdown High in the Teen Star Search Competitions that took place during the 90’s. This was a talent competition that turned out many Jamaican recording artists.
For a number of years Althea also modeled the creations of many Jamaica’s fashion houses. Oh yes she can really sing, dance and perform. She sang backup harmony in the recording studio and on stage for a number of recording artists including Bere Hammond, Boris Gardiner, Dwight Pinkney, John Holt, Garnet Silk, Norris Man, Bush Man, Richie Spice, Colin Levy and Chrisinti. She also sang background harmonies for Chaka Demus and Pliers and worked with Sony Records recording artist, Jamaica’s Diana King. Althea and Diana King opened for American Rhythm and Blues Singer Jeffery Osborne when he performed in Jamaica.
Anguile & The High Steppers - (www.myspace.com/anguile)
Anguile, born Bruno Simonet, is a Gabonese-French reggae artist, founder of "The High Steppers" band, residing in up-state NY near Albany and Saratoga Springs. The band's name refers to the "High" Adirondack mountains and the traditional reggae/ska drum beat style, “steppers”. They specialize in roots reggae with an emphasis on dub along with Afro-fusion. Anguile has been performing and recording for the last two decades, although he just released his first CD, "Wisdom of the King" with Zamani Records
Jelani - (www.myspace.com/jelanikamau)
“Mighty warrior” is the image that the name Jelani Kamau would invoke in the minds of many Africans; in due time, the world of reggae will recognize the music of this upcoming artist in a similarly powerful light.
Born in Brooklyn, NY of Antiguan parentage, Jelani has always had music in his life, playing the saxophone from age 7 and singing in his church’s youth choir by the age of 9. Though he never envisioned a career as an artist, Jelani’s love for reggae music would not be denied. Over time his voice and his vision grew naturally and elementally, and what was thought to be a mere hobby grew into something much greater. Eventually, friends and family would hear his maturing songwriting and singing skills and urge the artist to take his gifts more seriously, to honour his Jah-provided talents.
With Black consciousness and social commentary at the forefront of his lyrics, Jelani sings and chants about the ills of society – from the increase in crimes and violence in “Wadadli Why” (‘what happened to the paradise we used to live?’), to the lack of good men available to women in “Heart Cry”. Both songs, which speak to the heart of Antiguans yet transcend gender and nationality, have garnered “quite a bit of airplay in Antigua” and beyond since their release (Caribarena – Antigua & Barbuda, 25 April 2009). Thru these songs, Jelani shows the versatility of his delivery, the rich quality of his vocal abilities and the depth of his convictions and songwriting.
Reggaelution - (www.myspace.com/reggaelutionband)
Reggaelution gurantee you and your guest that ’reggae on the beach in Jamaica flava’,with non-stop dancing to songs of Bob Marley, Burning Spear, UB40 Just to name a few. You will also experience a taste of Reggaelution’s original tracks as we always have a wonderful and exighting time with our audience. Reggaelution Band was featured in the hit off Broadway play ’Driving On The Left Side’ by Blackbird Production(6/05 through 7/31). This was the first reggae play ever to hit Broadway. Reggaelution Band take a firm stand with love for all without conditions. Reggaelution through its pulsting roots reggae beats and conscious messages, invites you to be a part of our team in encouraging and spreading the ’love Beat’ which we at times seem to loose. Without the love beat what is at stake is the one ’perfect love at it’s highest form for all of us. See you soon.
Yours in one love, ALJAM.
