World Sponsor Tour To Highlight Upcoming, New York Based Reggae Acts
On Friday December 2nd Eva Fresh Labels Inc. in association with Badamm Entertainment will present The World Sponsor Tour, a showcase of four of New York City’s most promising dancehall reggae acts, to be held at Crystal Blue at 74-02 101 Avenue, Ozone Park Queens. Representing the next generation of Jamaican-American superstars are Rally Bop, Mr. Maddadan, Phantom J and Lyngah.
The hard-hitting rap-reggae fusion delivered by Rally Bop, born Rohan Wilson, has earned him performance slots on several prominent stage shows in the New York area including The Westchester Reggae Festival, Irie Jamboree and Reggae Carifest and he has appeared alongside iconic reggae stars including Damian Marley, Elephant Man and Sizzla. Rally Bop can also claim several high profile collaborations including Capadona from Wu Tang Clan and Umar Bin Asin from The Last Poets. An unlikely pairing with bagpiper Brian McGuire created the major hit “Sounds of the Bagpipes”; the song’s video was shot in Ireland which brought international media attention to the Bronx, New York based artist and took dancehall reggae into previously unchartered territories. Rally Bop received widespread acclaim for his song “The Story” and its accompanying music video. An actor, a producer and the founder of Gwallas Nation Records, Rally Bop’s abundant creative talents are evidenced within The Story’s gangster saga as he adopts the voices of five different characters while the song’s captivating video is actually a short film shot in Kingston, Jamaica, directed by the renowned Jay Will.
Prior to hitting his stride as a reggae/dancehall artist, Mr. Maddadan, born Robert Alexander Wilson, had already triumphed as a guitarist in an alternative rock band. Possessing a dynamic vocal style that has earned him comparisons to a young Buju Banton, Mr. Maddadon again found success, this time as a sing-jay, through such popular tracks as “This Praya”, “My Momma” and Chill Tonight”. As the CEO Eva Fresh Labels Inc. Mr. Maddadan intends to groom younger artists and guide their paths to success as he steers his own career to higher heights. A very capable young artist working with Eva Fresh Labels Inc. is Travis Miller, aka Lyngah, whose skills shine brightest through lyrics that represent every day struggles. “I’m on a mission as an artist to be heard, just like every artist out there,” says Lyngah, “but I am not like every artist out there.”
In 2003 Phantom J, born Robert Allen, recorded his first single “Girls Plenty” featuring veteran deejay Major Mackerel. Since then he has developed a loyal following for his clever lyrics and unique vocals, an approach he describes as cultural dancehall. Phantom J is currently working on his much anticipated debut album “My Vibez”, to be released on his own label Wuh Word Records in 2012.
The World Sponsor Tour was conceived as a platform for ambitious, talented hopefuls to receive the exposure that they deserve. “I chose four artists that sound great, the sponsors were pleased with the choices and they support the concept of getting these young acts out there,” says Granville “100 Gran” Shields, one of the event’s promoters. Shields has previously worked with veteran reggae stars Beres Hammond, Sizzla, as well as Sean Kingston, and he believes that showcasing and developing upcoming artists is key to the survival of the reggae industry. “These are the acts that the industry neglects but these are the acts that the industry needs to take reggae and dancehall to a greater level of exposure,” notes Shields.
Additional artists passing through the World Sponsor Tour include Brooklyn based Ryon Ch-n Mullings. Music will be provided by Black Crane International, Ultra Star, DJ Crrooks The Maverick, DJ Ace from Massive Flo and Mr. Crump from Road International; featured dancers are S&J Movements with photography/videos by Silver Tears Productions.
For further information on the World Sponsor Tour, please contact 305 431-7599 or 718 749 3745.
