DYNAMIC & VERSATILE - SIZZLA!

Album cover from his 2K5 Release, one of so many releases.

I gotta tell ya, I was deliberating what picture to use for this story.  I choose the album cover Soul Deep because 1.  I can relate to that statement & 2.  That album was tuff!  I remember riding through Church Avenue in Brooklyn, making my rounds to various record stores, shops and studios in the neighborhood BLASTING Sizzla.  

Sizzla is another impeccable musician that embodies his craft and delivers outstanding pieces of work that can be considered collectable items if you are a lover of Reggae music and a lover of conscious lyrics.  His talent is unmatched and he is in a class by himself.

Being an advocate for Positive lyrics, images and music; Sizzla falls in with other Reggae Artists who understand the impression they leave on society as a result of their work.  The following are a few things that you may or may not know about Sizzla.

• Sizzla Kalonji was born on April 17, 1976 in Kingston, Jamaica to devout Rastafarian parents his birth name -  Miguel Orlando Collins.

• Sizzla has 21 albums that have made it onto Billboard's Top Reggae Albums music chart.  He has released over 45 solo albums and over 15 combination albums.  According to Wikipedia he has released over 70 solo albums as of 2011.

• The record lables that Sizzla have been affiliated with include Greensleeves, VP, Digital B, Xterminator Records, Damon Dash Music Group and of course his own Kalonji Records.

• Sizzla Kalonji established Judgement Yard, a community center in August Town which also houses his recording studio and record label.  Youth and Artists alike seeking guidance and help with their careers find that and more at Judgement Yard.

I could go on and on about Sizzla - he's just super talented and could flow to any rhythm or beat that you drop on him.  In recent years unfortunately, Sizzla has not been able to perform in the United States.  His last major public performance in the United States was in 2008 at Irie Jamboree at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens.  After that I haven't seen him since.  No more bumping into him in Brooklyn at Bruk Down Recording Studio which incidentally is no longer on Church Avenue either.  

From time to time I do speak with people from the Judgement Yard Camp and until the red tape is all cleared and his legal team continues to do their job with respects to coming back to the U.S. and working again - we just have to catch him outside of the U.S. - plan a trip to Jamaica! He just did Sting 30 :)

Thank goodness for the airwaves, internet and networks in keeping up with Sizzla Kalonji.   The last tune I got from his people was a tune called "Love Connection" that was a minute ago.  We all can't wait for the stamp approval back to the U.S. his return will be a win win.  His back account will increase with all the bookings & his fans get to experience him live & direct again. Not through a screen - the physical is SO MUCH BETTER than virtual.

Ok, you dragged it out of me - just to give you an example of how powerful, Word, Sound & Power is - several years back I had collapsed from a coughing spell that came over me.  I was in a coat room filled with about 5 nurses.  One of the nurses ran all the shots once they located where my asthma pump was they administered it.  They didn't want to give too much because that would have negative results.  While all my other senses were failing me, my hearing was just fine - what kept me going throughout this ordeal was lyrics to a song.  The song that I was singing in my head was "You can't keep a good man down."  you know "Cause I'm so solid as a rock you just can't get me down."  You know the rest, the bass line and those words held me until I came to.  I just shared with you my own personal Sizzla moment :)

To stay in the know with all things Sizzla - he's on all major social networks so search for him.   Judgement Yard Family, feel free to post all of Sizzla's latest bookings and his itinerary for 2K14 in the comments section below or just email me the info.

Till my next entry....

One of my all time favorite albums from Sizzla - a MUST HAVE for your collection!

 Last pic for this entry:

Sizzla Kalonji - don't sleep he's a 70's baby talent to di WORLD!!!! 

BLACK HISTORY SPOTLIGHT: MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE

"Our aim must be to create a world of fellowship and justice where no man's skin color is held against him."

 

As we enter into a new year, this weekend I am focusing on education.  Simply Said Media puts the spotlight on Educator and Civil Rights Activist, Mary McLeod Bethune.  

As I look back into her story of struggle, triumphs and outstanding achievements it reinforces the simplicity in taking hold and putting to action the words "determination."  Also when someone tells you that you "can't" and you prove to them and yourself that you can, will and go beyond anyone's expectations of you - that is sweet victory!

When Mary was seven, she picked up a book in the house where her mother worked.  The white owner's daughter snatched it from her and said "You don't need that, Negroes can't read."  From that moment on Mary was determined to learn to read.

I encourage you to google or do some research on our past great accomplished Black Pioneers.  Below details a few important moments in her life.

Born:  July 10, 1875, Mayesville, South Carolina to Samuel and Patsy McLeod.
Family:  Married Albertus Bethune, in 1897 they separated but did have one son, Albert.
Education:  Trinity Presbyterian Mission School, 1886; Scotia Seminary, 1894; Moody Bible Institute, 1895.
Awards:  Spingarn Medal, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), 1935; Frances Drexel Award for Distinguished Service, 1937; Thomas Jefferson Award, 1942; Medal of Honor and Merit (Haiti), 1949; Star of Africa (Liberia), 1952; honorary degrees from several universities.

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
1904:  Founded Daytona Normal and Industrial School.
1920:  Vice-president of the National Urban League.
1923:  Merged her school with a boy's school to form Bethune-Cookman College.
1924-28:  President of National Association of Colored Women.
1935:  Formed National Council of Negro Women and became its president.
1936-43:  Director of Division of Minority Affairs, National Youth Administration.
1945:  Special representative for U.S. State Department at the conference that formed the United Nations.
1952:  Traveled to Africa to represent the United States at the inauguration of William Tubman as president of Liberia.
1974:  A seventeen-foot statue was erected in Washington, D.c., in her memory and honor.


Mary McLeod Bethune past away on May 18, 1955, in Daytona Beach, Florida, she was 79.  She was buried on the campus grounds of the school she founded.  She believed that every child should have a good education.  This belief is something that should resonate in the minds of all parents continuously.  

When looking back at her story I find a strong black woman who made a way out of no way to accomplish the desired goal.  For example, when she opened up her school, there were no funds to run it.  She baked pies and sold them to railroad workers to cover the rental expenses of the building.  She made ink from wild berry juice.  She made pencils out of charred firewood. She even picked through the town's garbage dumps to help furnish the school.  She went door to door to get donations to help support the school.  As the school grew more buildings were needed to house the students.  Mary got support from two white millionaires with their help her school remained opened even through the Great Depression.

Her story is remarkable, her accomplishments amazing and inspiring to all.  No matter what color you are education is essential to the advancement of self.  Dare to explore and challenge your mind to learn new things.  Look at your obstacles as an opportunity to overcome, because in the end your determination, hard work and efforts will pay off in ways you've probably could never imagine.  Mary is still considered one of the most powerful black women in American history.

Simply Said Media Salutes Mary McLeod Bethune!

Till my next entry...

Statue honoring her memory in Washington, D.C.

 
 

IT'S ALL ABOUT INTERNATIONAL REGGAE SUPER STAR SHAGGY

Simply Said Media will have the pleasure of interviewing Shaggy tonight in Brooklyn

It's about to go down at the elegant Milk River Restaurant in Brooklyn as Ranch Entertainment, Bigga soft drinks, Destine Media and Sly and Robbie presents Shaggy's 12th Album Release Party "Out of many one Music."

Simply Said Media Staff will be there to catch all the action as we embark upon a Shaggy filled night.  I am looking forward to it.  The last time I bumped into Shaggy was at a GMAX Enterprise party some time ago last year.  It was good to catch up with him and talk for a few.

Do you have any specific questions you would like for me to ask him?  Here's your opportunity to leave a comment and let me know.  I will be sure to check a few minutes before my interview time.  Aside from that you will have to wait for my blog entry follow up and VIDEO :) that will be posted on my YouTube channel and other video apps available to you.

There's so much going on, not just in the Reggae Community but in the community I live in.  I pick and choose my stories BUT with good reason :)

Get with the program peoples!  TONIGHT IS A SHAGGY NIGHT!!!, I am feeling "Shaggalicious"  I am "Shaggwonderful"  I am totally "Shaggable" - I'm not from the UK so don't get it twisted.

Other entries to look out for is my story on Reggae Sensation Sizzla, and the interesting promoters that are saying that he will be doing a U.S. Tour hitting Connecticut first - it's so NOT true, more to follow.

Keep it locked - on this Blog!

Till my next entry...

DANCEHALL VETERAN RED FOX IS "HOT LIKE FIRE"

 

Red Fox profile shot. Photo Credit: Allyson Ione Photography

Hi everyone!!! Getting new music is like candy for me.  I get happy, I listen to it and enjoy it.  I have had the pleasure of receiving and listening to Red Fox's new single "Hot Like Fire."  On a scale of 1 to 10 this track is a 20.

His lyrics are catchy, the track is bananas and its Red Fox letting the Reggae Community as well as all music fans of all music genres know that he hasn't gone anywhere, but continues to deliver hot hits.

Red Fox will be going on tour in early December.  To find out all his tour stops, I would suggest you google the Dancehall Veteran to see if his Management Team has posted his tour dates and locations.  I do know that he will be out of the United States during the winter, so if you would like to catch him live up close and personal, make sure you get your tickets for the "Pose Off" Fashion Event taking place on Sunday, November 10, 2K13 at Liquid Bar and Lounge in Valley Stream, NY.

Red Fox will be a featured special guest for "Pose Off" and you will get to hear all his classic tunes including all the new ones such as "Hot Like Fire."

For a limited time Simply Said Media will inbox you the single "Hot Like Fire" for free.  To take advantage of this offer leave a comment with your information or email plaibhen@gmail.com or iriepeggy@gmail.com  

You can also leave me a tweet @SimplySaidMedia or friend request me on Facebook by searching Peggy Laibhen

NEW MUSIC - LIKE CANDY TO MY SOUL!!!  

RESPECT THE MUSIC - PLAY THE MUSIC!!!

Till my next entry...

Photo Credit:  Allyson Ione Photography

CARIBBEAN FEVER IRIE JAMBOREE 2K13 ALL ACCESS & BACKSTAGE WRAP UP

 

The Doctor, Beenie Man & Slim Perfection, Barclays Center 9/1/2013

Now just to let you know I wrote up my wrap then accidentally pressed the wrong button and lost it all.  So yeah, wasn't inspired to rewrite anything.  You really should have been at the Barclays Center for this 3 day Music Festival - History was made and its one of those "where were you" moments.

So as uninspired I maybe to give you my wrap up, at least I'll give you some pics of the celebrities that were present for such a special night in Reggae Music.  

For picture quality I will not post the shot of Busta Rhymes only because his security was really serious and its only of the back of his head anyway.  I do have a great shot of Malik Yoba and myself but I would just direct you to my facebook page to take a look at that one and others.  Brooklyn's finest from the Red Square camp - Spragga Benz (see fb page for pic)  Too many celebrities to name.  I will do a separate entry about Shabba Ranks - stay tuned for that.

Feel free to comment on how you spent your Labor Day Holiday weekend.  I'm sure you have great memories.

(all photos courtesy of Simply Said Media)

Radio personalities Dubbmaster Chris & Felisha Loud with the Queen of Dancehall Lady Saw (center)

 

 

My best friend, Dubbmaster Chris and I - Backstage @ Barclays History 9/1/2013

5 WAYS NOT TO BE A SOCIAL MEDIA SUCKER

You too can get suckered - try your best not to "Simply Said"

I know what you're thinking, but these 5 steps are simple to implement.  You probably already have at some point - and then at another point in time you GAVE IN...

The founder of Facebook and other social media forums ARE NOT YOUR THERAPIST, SO WHEN THEY ASK YOU "what's on your mind?" do you REALLY post your thoughts, grievances, arguments, boy or girl toys, woe of the day online for depending on your privacy settings your "friends" really want to know that you're cooking dumpling?  So you posted the pic so that they can eat it through their screens?

How clever for websites  to ask you a simple question and pay YOU some attention.  How much information do you put on your profile?  Here's a really good one for anyone that grew up with the understanding that the government might not always be as helpful as you thought they could be.

The law is the law, if you were to break a law and the authorities confiscated your lap top or computer for investigative purposes because of social media sites the powers that be have absolutely no problem finding your "friends" and knowing just what really was "on your mind" leading up to um I don't know that bank robbing.  

So you may say to yourself it's just for fun, I just use it for fun it's entertainment, I get to keep in touch with friends and family.  Okay I hear you loud and clear, but take heed to these tips:

1.  Besides a simple greeting like Good morning, afternoon etc. if you're boyfriend left your house that morning and yelled at you something serious so you took to the World Wide Web to bash him 
(sorry sweetie you got sucked in) 
SOLUTION: Don't take Social Media default questions so seriously and literally - Relax - you've heard of PDA well there is such a thing as VDA: Virtual Displays of Asinine behavior
If you can do #1, there is no need for me to give you 2-5

2.  Do you really need to do a "check in" all the time?  you know I'm laughing right now but I know of someone that did a check in miles away from their home, even posted their main course meal online for all to see and as that was happening he was unaware that his house was being robbed.
SOLUTION:  Perhaps you could limit yourself to telling the world or your world of peoples exactly where you are, not everyone is for you.  You might be a victim of a home invasion who wants that?

3. Who wants to read your long drawn out rant?  I know you got a lot "on your mind" but you're part of what makes news feeds so hard to go through.  You wouldn't normally tell 1400 people what's bothering you at that present time.  I'm sure you have a "friend" that you can confide in.  
SOLUTION:  Get off of your mobile device, lap top or computer and pick up a phone and actually have a conversation with a person you trust, better yet drop on your knees and give the Lord your woes.

4.  Everything in moderation - YES TOO MUCH OF ANYTHING IS NOT GOOD FOR YOU.  How many hours, or how much time do you spend in front of a screen that could be used doing something more productive?  There is now such a thing as being addictive to online programming.  Imagine that - pretty soon they will be support groups to help you cope. "Hi my name is Jack" Hi Jack! "Yeah well I'm Jack and I'm addicted to online social sites, I pulled a Wiener on my wife and as a result I'm heading for divorce, I lost my job from constantly playing games, apparently I asked to many of my "friends" to join me and help me build my farms and crush candy with me."
SOLUTION:  Balance it out 

5.   Love yourself, look at yourself in the mirror and daily affirm "I am somebody, I am special, I am important and my relationship status on line should have no bearing on how I conduct myself on or off line"  Sometimes you just have to hear it to believe it.
SOLUTION:  Don't get too carried away - especially with your relationship status it's complicated (who cares) last week it read "married".  Learn to love yourself PLEASE DO if you took the time out and spent it on you, doing things just for you, by you and to you.  Your attitude and perspective towards your "online life" would be a lot more care free.

Admit it, did you get sucked in? are you stuck trying to get out of the "web" of online non important virtual distractions.  Yeah take the good and the bad, there are pros and cons on this topic but whatever you do be easy!

Till my next entry...

MY LONG LOST BROTHER IS NOW FOUND & WELCOMED INTO THE DYNASTY - A SISTER'S LOVE :)

Kevin Hanna, Queens, NY - the Missing Link to the Love Chain formed of Brothers & Sisters

What could I possibly say, where do I begin - do you know what it is like to know that you have a brother that lives in the same state that you do but never met him?  Can you imagine the days of distress trying to figure out well why am I crying? Will I ever meet him?  How is he doing?  Does he have a family?  How is he surviving in this hard knock life?  Is he struggling like me?  What are his talents?  Pet peeves?  Is his sarcasm like mines?  What do we have in common?  Will I ever get to meet my brother?

All these questions from time to time again would plague me, well my prayers were answered around the time of the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.  So within a period of distress and turmoil we discovered & found my brother, Kevin Hanna.  What's so cool is that we live in the same borough and have lots of catching up to do.

It is overwhelming to comprehend that you who grew  up as an only child would discover in his late thirties that he is an Uncle to scores of nieces & nephews and a big brother to SO MANY siblings as well as a BABY / YOUNGER BROTHER to SO MANY siblings.

One of the best parts of learning and meeting of my brother is that when we do get together we learn something more about each other and that there is a common thread without even having to utter or interpret brotherly & sisterly love transcends all barriers.  A pact between both parties to protect and be there as a brother or sister would.

Finding my brother with the help of a nifty niece and my Dad trying to recollect old info from his noggin led us to the best gift I could have ever asked for.  An Answered Prayer - God told me Peggy no more tears you will meet him and be a whole & better person, never to have to feel empty without knowing who, what, where, when & why.  HOW great it is to say that KEVIN HANNA IS MY BABY BRO!!!!

That's as personal as I could bring it to you - so what is the lesson with this entry - well I guess it would be "Prayer changes things"  it changed our lives FOREVER!

Till my next entry....

CARIBBEAN FEVER IRIEJAMBOREE MUSIC FESTIVAL - SUNDAY, 9/1/2K13

 

***ANNOUNCED LIVE ON THE AIR OF WVIP 93.5FM JUST CONFIRMED, THE QUEEN OF DANCEHALL - LADY SAW!!!!

Hi everyone I know it's been a minute - but it's all about being in NYC for the Labor Day Holiday Weekend where all that is Caribbean Culminates at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn New York.  Save the date for Sunday, 9/1/2K13 for the Caribbean Fever Irie Jamboree Music Festival.  For more info log on to www.barclayscenter.com purchase tickets at www.ticketmaster.com or listen for your chance to win tickets on Irie Jam Radio WVIP 93.5FM  www.iriejamradio.com

We've prepared a weekend full of Caribbean music - Labor Day Weekend is CARNIVAL MANIA!!! Starting on Friday all Caribbean Massive will enjoy the likes of Wyclef Jean, Kassav, Tabou Combo & DJakout #1 - then on Saturday, August 31 look out for Bunji Garlin, Fay-Ann Lyons, Edwin Yearwood & Alison Hinds - just to name a few.  Sunday it's Irie Jamboree time with Jamaica in full representation - Jr. Gong Marley, Shabba Ranks, I-Octane, Capelton & Lady Saw - and more artists to be announced.

Make no doubt about it ALL ROADS LEAD TO THE BARCLAYS CENTER for Labor Day Weekend 2K13!

Tune into to Dahved Levy on WBLS 107.5FM & the Irie Generation on WVIP 93.5FM visit www.fevereyes.com and www.iriejamradio.com  for more details.

See you there!!!!!  

 Till my next entry...

IRIE FASHION RAVE & HAIR SHOW

Now you already know where to be on Sunday, April 28th I am so looking forward to hitting the runway, but most importantly being a part of such a fabulous production.

Advance tickets are just $25 get them at various outlets in Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Long Island & online at www.iriejamradio.com  

This years' honorees, celebrity guests & performances are guaranteed to be bigger and better than before - it's Irie Jam Radio's 20th Anniversary so every event will be an entertainment experience like no other.

Sponsors for the show include Liliana Footwear visit www.lilianashoes.com or the following retailers to get the brand Urban Original at www.urbanog.com Go Jane at www.gojane.com or Rainbow at www.rainbowshop.com and other sponsors like Lozos Virgin Hair, Bronx Diba Fashion Footwear, and Sashe Cosmetics.

You can also get the chance to purchase some of the fashions you see on the runway "The Shoppes at Rave" is a new element we've implemented this year. All designers and other fashion, beauty and cosmetic retailers will have a special area for you to browse and if you like what you see, buy it right on the spot.  So for the fashionistas and fashion forward gents you know exactly where you need to be, so mark your calendars.

It's that time of year again where Spring is in the air and I get to put my creativity, event & production skills to work.  Be a part of it!

I will see you at the Resort World Casino on Sunday, April 28th show time is at 7PM, for Irie Fashion Rave & Hair Show!

Till my next entry...

USHERING IN 2013

It's 2013 and I'm looking forward to each day that God grants me.  If 2012 taught me anything it was to cherish even more so my life, my son, family and dear friends.  On the first day of the new year I am already reinforcing what I implemented in 2012 in respects to not allowing any person, place or thing get underneath my skin.  2013 can only be a year of straight positivity, because my only intention is to create and exude just that.  

Well when the ball dropped I was home counting down and then shouts and claps & hugging my son real tight.  Afterwards, I got myself all cute to head over to my Radio Family's Event.

Swag VS Class gave you two rooms to ring in the new year.  One side at Mink, catered to a younger crowd in a smaller setting.  There are two levels at Mink with plenty of room for your dancing feet and mingling opportunities.  By the time my niece and I arrived we went first to the Ballroom side which is Mangoville.  It was standing room only packed with party patrons, squeezing my way through the sea of people to place my coat in a safe place.  Steelie Bashment had the masses moving.  While trying to go through people it was great to be able to give my brother a new year's hug & kiss wishing him all the best, that would be DJ Roy.  Who I might add was stunning in his white & black tux that had a silk/satin finish.  Sharp was an understatement.  Pictures soon to follow.

At Mink the younger generation of Road International was up and giving the party people what they wanted BIG TUNES!  So that's where I was getting warmed up to a great mix from soca to dancehall hits.  After Road International completed their set, Music Machine was up next, it was nearing close to 4AM and he started his set by slowing down the pace with R&B classics.

Equipped with my camera which I didn't use till I came home.  My New Year's Morning was great.  Now what I felt when the sunset on Dec. 31st was a sense of calm;  I felt peaceful and content.  Waking up on New Year's Day while trying so hard to ignore my phone, I couldn't the well wishes were pouring in from the wee hours of the morning, for all those who reached out to me, from the bottom of my heart thank you!  It is a good thing when people can wish each other well.  We are all spreading kindness to one another and that can only bring about more happiness for us all collectively and individually. I got calls from Jamaica, (the island not Queens) and all over the states and tri-state area.  

I challenge you, not just on days like this - try to reach out more to your fellow man.  Good can only come out from it, smiles can be made and joy is created.  Try actually dialing the number and talking as opposed to texting, for some it adds a more personal touch rather than the acronyms and language of the digital, HD, Internet information era we live in today.

If you made "resolutions" this year, I would like you to take a good look at the make up of the word.  There lies "solutions" are you "resolving" something in your life? and are you going to create a "solution" for it?

What ever you do - dare to be a better person than you were last year.  Seek a higher plane in life, look up & live!

Till my next entry...