The high-energy concert and online streaming starts at 1:00pm Eastern time and will feature more than ten hours of live performances and interviews with all the the top acts slated to perform including Grammy winner Sean Paul, Mr. Vegas, TOK, Assassin, Spice, Chino, Barbee, Anthony Cruz, Laden, Pinchers, Daddy Lizard, Shinehead, Flourgon, Lady G, Tony Rebel, Queen Ifrica, Bushman, Ras Shiloh, Ras Penco, Natural Blacks, Gramps Morgan, Freddy McGregor, Ken Boothe, Sugar Minott, JUNO reggae winner Humble, Steele and Tasha T. A a pre-show warm-up will begin at noon.

Sponsors for Irie Jamboree 2009 are Heineken (title sponsor for the Heineken Irie Jamboree Club Tour), Digicel, Jamaica National International Money Transfer, WVIP 93.5FM, Western Union, Wrap Kings, Eye Collection and Nesta Brand clothing lines, TIA Graphics, and Irie Dale Inc. For more information about Irie Jamboree, log on to www.iriejamboree.com or call 1888-935-IRIE

With his cute baby face, captivating eyes, sexy physique, soulful voice, classy attire, shy-guy demeanour, fun-loving attitude and slick stage act, Anthony Cruz is regarded as one of the most charismatic entertainers around. And boy, does he have the ladies weak! There’s no mistaking the mesmerising effect he has on the ladies. After nine years of holding his own in the music business, this talented singer is cruising his way to becoming one of Jamaica’s greatest singers.

BORN ROWAN SMITH on December 17, 1974, Anthony Cruz grew up in Mandeville, Manchester. Hailing from a talented musical family – being the nephew of the celebrated singer Garnett Silk, as well as having a mother and father who were excellent singers – Cruz was convinced from a young age that he was destined to be a great singer. After graduating from Holmwood Technical High School, Cruz migrated to the United States, spending a few years in New York before moving to Miami. In 1993, while residing in Miami, fate would lead him to meet producer Willie Lindo who was impressed with a demo tape he heard of the artiste. Lindo decided to take him under his wings, working with the young singer to hone his rich vocals. Under his management, Cruz’s career blossomed and the singer learnt the ropes of the entertainment business.

Convinced the world was ready for him, Lindo released Cruz’s debut single, ‘Tell Me What’s Up’ (an original), with several others to follow. It wasn’t long before Cruz became a hit in Miami with the number one tune, ‘Just Call My Name’. The single made him a household name, and as it made its way to the airwaves and charts in New York, England and other places, Cruz’s popularity spread. The singer’s debut album followed. Produced by Willie Lindo and titled ‘Where There Is Love’, the album featured the title track as well as the big hits ‘When You Get Lonely’ and ‘Love Will Never Die’, among others. The quiet, soft-spoken singer continued recording several tracks for Lindo, as well as making his name as a smooth performer on stage shows and club events in Miami, New York, Bahamas, among other parts of the world, working with some of Jamaica’s top acts.

In 1999, Cruz decided to return to Jamaica to claim his piece of the pie in the land of his birth and the home of Reggae music. The first song he recorded back home became a hit. Recorded on the Chemist label, the song was titled ‘Maria Maria’ (a cover of the Santana/Product G&B big hit).
The lovers’ rock singer went on to record for other producers, releasing tunes like the popular ‘Them Boy Deh Nuh Really Know We’ for CJ Records, with an accompanying music video; and ‘You Remind Me’ for John John.

Always sticking to his themes of love, culture and reality lyrics, Cruz’s more recent releases include the popular, big hit ‘You Got It Bad’ for Mixing Finger, ‘Closer I Get To You’, ‘Single Once Again’, ‘In The Club’ (a combination with Louie Culture), ‘Crazy Over You’, ‘Love Has Taken Over Me’, ‘Turn It Up’, ‘I Pray’, ‘A Man’s Weakness’, among others. Cruz has also been working the stage show circuit, showcasing his unique style and soulful voice on several big gigs the likes of Sting, Rebel Salute, Stone Love’s annual anniversary dance, not to mention several school fetes where the girls swarm him like bees to honey as he charms his way into their hearts.

Continuing on the path to take his career to the ultimate level, Anthony Cruz signed a management, booking and recording contract with Fifth Element Records in the summer of 2000. After five successful years he departed in September 2005 and has now branched out on his own with the new recording label, Shanshan Music. His new album “Mama Blessing” is scheduled to be launched in December 2005 and given the popularity of some of the tracks, even though they have not been offically released, this is one of the most eargerly anticipated reggae albums in a long time.

Striving to be the most famous singer ever, Cruz is now focusing heavily on recording mainly original tracks of lyrics he has written. Considering that he is so engrossed in music that he sings morning, noon and night…even in his sleep…the world can expect great things from this talented singer and songwriter.

Spirited in her approach to communicate unfitting and inspirational messages to the youth she’s been described by critics as the truth, one who will bring about real change with her powerful and captivating voice that at times seem flawlessly pure. Rebellious in her approach to denote systematic oppression against all races Etana takes pride in being an artist, she feels strongly that her responsibility as a recording artist is to express positive vibrations in her music and from this she will graceful admit to staying the course. Born Shauna McKenzie Etana spent her youthful days playing in the hill side community of August Town situated in the South Eastern side of Jamaica. The only daughter of a fairly large family of boys she was as curious then as she is determined now doing the mischievous things most children tend to do at an early age. Attending school locally up until 1992 when she migrated to the U.S to start a new life in the sunshine state of Miami Florida Etana was a budding achiever; she finished grade school and eventually went off to college the year after with plans of becoming a Registered Nurse.

During her studies at Broward Community College Etana became extremely passionate about music, she was consumed with the joy of creating her own mix of the different genres she would attentively listen to in her earlier years. A hardened fan of Reggae, Pop, Hip Hop and Jazz Musicians she found inspiration in Whitney Houston, Lauren Hill, Jill Scott, Sizzla Kalongi, Marcia Griffiths and the legend Bob Marley all of who eventually gave the then academic the will to explore a new and potentially more suited career in Music. In 2000 after making a tuff decision to prematurely exit college Etana attempted a shot at stardom when she joined a girl group by the name “GIFT” which was being courted by Universal Records. Sexy, Reviling and conforming to the industry stereo type of how a woman should dress Etana fell victim to her dreams of becoming a mainstream star. It wasn’t her ideal fit but she conformed to the record labels requests and gave in to her groups glamorous appeal until one day while on a video shoot for their lead single she could bear it no more walking away from the spotlights and returning to her place of birth Kingston, Jamaica to start fresh as an entrepreneur looking to grab a piece of the Cyber Market with an Internet Cafe.

Down but not out Etana still wanted to do music but only in her own way, she wanted to send a different message and portray a more eloquent look and this opportunity came in 2005 when a friend brought her to Fifth Element who at the time was prospering from the strength of Richie Spice who was heavily booked for several American and European Tours. Auditioning for a shot at becoming the backup vocalist for Spice Etana vocally floored his management team and was handed a plane ticket to do a few shows in the U.S. The ensuing fifteen months followed with the now permanent songstress soaking up valued experience as a stage performer with performance credits in Europe and North America. Eager to make her own mark Etana boldly attempted a hit single one day while chilling with the guitar player and Percussionist from Richie Spice’s band. The idea had been floating in her thoughts for weeks and like magic the melody for her debut smash single “Wrong Address” was born. Simple yet effective the single was a fusion of Jazz and Reggae, it was the first of its kind and in 2006 the song was rewarded with heavy radio rotations plunging it in the number 1 position of several local charts.

Describing her style back then Etana was quoted as saying “I do music straight from the heart, straight from the soul, straight from the people i see in everyday life” and so came about her second major hit Roots which was an intriguing mix of African and reggae cultural sounds fused with Jamaican Creole. The song became an anthem because of the definitive statement “You can’t water down and dilute” featured in the chorus.

Video’s for both songs helped bring Etana to the forefront of Reggae and during the summer and winter of 2007 she made her mark as a solo artist performing on international events like Reggae Sumfest, Fully Loaded, ATI Live Concert, Irie Jamboree, Welcome to Jamrock and Guinness Sting. Picking up where she left off in 2007 Etana began 2008 with the same level of focus rocking the likes of an Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival in late January so much so that patrons lashed the promoters for putting her on too early. A few well deserved awards in the bag Etana took home Best Female Vocalist at both the Excellence in Music & Entertainment (EME) Awards and the IRIE FM Radio Awards not to mention an award for Best Solo Female Reggae Vocalist copped at the 1st annual Reggae Academy Awards for which she had nominations in 3 separate categories.

Currently promoting her new singles “Warrior Love” and “I Am Not Afraid” off her soon to be released debut album ETANA THE STRONG ONE on VP Records Etana is boldly taking on the world of music with the help of her new management team at Solid Agency. Owner of Free Mind Music / The Best Records Etana is poised to do Reggae proud.

McGregor was born in Clarendon, Jamaica on June 27, 1956. At age seven, he started singing backup for a local ska harmony duo called the Clarendonians (naturally, with the nickname of Little Freddie McGregor). The Clarendonians recorded for producer Clement “Coxsone” Dodd’s legendary Studio One label for a time, and when they split in the mid-’60s, McGregor teamed up with ex-member Ernest “Fitzroy” Wilson to form a new duo, Freddie and Fitzroy. They recorded several single sides, including “Why Did You Do It” and “Do Good and Good Will Follow You.” McGregor stayed at Studio One for much of the ’70s, working as a session drummer and backup singer while developing his own vocal style, which owed much to smooth, Philadelphia-style soul. He sang lead for groups like Generation Gap and Soul Syndicate, and also recorded off and on as a solo act during the ’70s, though always in the singles medium. During this period, he began writing some of his own material, including songs like “Go Away Pretty Woman,” “Tomorrow Is Like Today,” and “What Difference Does It Make.”}

In 1975, McGregor converted to Rastafarianism, which had a profound impact on his music. Still with Studio One and working with Earl “Chinna” Smith, he recorded the classics “Rastaman Camp” and “I Am a Rasta” right off the bat, and followed them with a string of singles that substantially raised his profile in Jamaica: “Mark of the Beast,” “Sergeant Brown,” “Jogging,” “Natural Collie,” “Zion Chant,” “Walls of Jericho,” “Africa Here I Come,” “Come Now Sister,” and “Bobby Bobylon” among them. He issued his first album, Mr. McGregor, in 1977, under the auspices of producer Niney the Observer. Returning to Studio One, he offered his first LP for the label in 1980 with the classic Bobby Bobylon, which featured a mixture of new material and reworkings of older singles. The album was a smash hit in Jamaica, establishing McGregor as a budding star, and revitalizing Coxsone Dodd’s production career. Around the same time, he started producing and arranging for other artists, most notably on Judy Mowatt’s solo debut, Black Woman; he also worked with Johnny Osbourne and Jennifer Lara.

In 1981, McGregor scored a huge hit single with “Big Ship,” which catapulted him to the front rank of reggae stars in the immediate post-Marley era, along with Dennis Brown and Gregory Isaacs. His next LP arrived in 1982, also titled Big Ship, and featured production by Linval Thompson and musical backing by the Roots Radics. It too was highly successful, both creatively and commercially. Signing with Ras for 1983’s Come On Over, McGregor extended his creative hot streak to an international audience, making a name for himself in the U.K. and U.S. His 1984 follow-up Across the Border was a slightly poppier effort that contained his hit reggae cover of “Guantanamera.” Continuing in this crossover vein, in hopes of surviving amid the dancehall revolution, McGregor released All in the Same Boat in 1986; it produced a major hit in “Push Come to Shove,” which became his first U.K. chart entry. He sparked the interest of Polydor Records, and found further U.K. success with “That Girl” and a cover of the Main Ingredient’s “Just Don’t Want to Be Lonely,” which made the U.K. Top Ten in 1987.

McGregor’s relationship with Polydor proved short-lived, however, and he formed his own label, Big Ship, in 1989. The first release was an all-covers LP called Jamaican Classics, which was so well-received that he quickly recorded a second volume (and, eventually, a third in 1996). 1991’s Now also featured several covers, and 1993’s Legit was an equal-time collaboration with Dennis Brown and Cocoa Tea. Also in 1993, he had a hit with his lovers rock cover of Justin Hinds‘ “Carry Go Bring Come.” 1994’s Push On provided much of the foundation for what many would call his finest outside production work, Luciano’s 1995 After All album (which featured the major hit “Shake It Up Tonight”). Also in 1995, McGregor issued his own Forever My Love, one of his more sentimental offerings.

After slowing his pace in the late ’90s, McGregor returned in 2000 with the acclaimed Signature, which restored his typical balance of roots reggae and lovers rock with touches of dancehall. He followed it two years later with a similarly well-received album, the Grammy-nominated Anything for You. Steve Huey, All Music Guide

Bushman (of his true name Dwight Duncan) is a Jamaican reggae singer born in 1973 in Spring Garden. He was raised in the Rastafari culture from a young age.

Born Dwight Duncan in the hilltop village of Spring Garden, St. Thomas, Jamaica. He was raised as a Rastafarian from the age of two. Dwight attended the Lysson All Age School, where his music teacher noticed his potential for music and nurtured him in his developing stages. Dwight then went on to Yallas High School where he continued to shine musically as a member of the school choir, a member of the Yallas drum core, playing the bass organ, also participating in numerous school concerts. He was also a member of the New Testament Church of God Choir, where he earned the name Ark Angel.

During his teenage years he became the selector for Black Star Line sound-system, then known as Junior Melody he took part in several singing competitions and talent searches in and around St. Thomas. Gaining a strong local fan base Junior Melody began to sing dub plates for local sound-systems such as Lees Unlimited, Mello Construction, King Majesty and others. The rave reviews from the sound selectors and the people of his community encouraged Junior Melody to take his talent to the next level, the studios of Kingston.

These were hard times for Junior Melody, as travelling to Kingston is a seventy mile return journey. Being poor he would have to hitch-hike most of the time, sharing one bulla and a bag juice with anyone of his friends that dared to make the journey with him. (Bushman later recorded a song relating to this period of his life, Titled ‘Life ain’t no bed of Rose). The hard times did not deter him from seeking his dream. After many months of travelling to Kingston and waiting around at the studios. It was during an impromptu game of football at Arrows Dub plate studio where Junior Melody met Steely and Clevie. Steely commented that Junior Melody was not too good at football, Junior Melody’s response was ‘I can sing though’. Steely prompted him to sing and after hearing him, immediately invited him to audition at Studio 2000.

Their first song together was “Grow Your Natty”, which was followed by the hit “Call The Hearse”. With talks of an album Steely wished to change the name Junior Melody to Bushman. Initially the singer/song writer was not happy with this name, he thought it some how derogatory to him coming from the country, until he researched the name only to discover that ‘Bushman’ was an African name for ‘Medicine Man’. Bushman became the musical ‘Medicine Man’. Bushman has been fulfilling the meaning of this name to date.

‘Call The Hearse’ became a big hit in Jamaica and England, after which followed some live dates. Bushman received a rapturous welcome on a short US tour followed by more live shows in Jamaica. Bushman was to see the release of his first album ‘Nyah Man Chant’ (Greensleeves) during the year 1997. ‘Nyah Man Chant’ earned a five star rating all over the world, with comments such as – “A set of tunes that are both inspired and inspiring.”…”I stopped listening to individual tracks about halfway through the CD as I realized that ‘Nayah Man Chant’ is good till the very last drop.” Burnin’Up; The Journal 5/7/97.adding five stars. ‘Nyah Man Chant as now earned its self-a place in the realms of Greensleeves Reggae Classics.

Bushman’s newly enriched creativity made him a much sought after artist both home and abroad. However it was the famous King Jammy (Lloyd James) who produced the next two albums following by Bushman. The first being ‘Total Commitment’ (Greensleeves) With a combination of Bushman’s year out, and the mutual respect between artist and producer the results brought forth a more mature and focused second album. ‘Total Commitment’ took the reggae music business like a stormy inferno. With tracks like ‘Fire Bun a Weak Heart’ a big hit! ‘Babylon Dead’, ‘Live Your Life Right’, and many others. Just seven weeks after its released ‘Total Commitment’ was #7 in the US album charts, also gaining #1 in Finland.

2001 saw the release of Bushman’s third album ‘Higher Ground’ (Greensleeves). A charming piece of work from Jamaica’s finest, producer, singer/songwriter and instrumentals. With tracks like ‘Yadd Away Home’, giving you Bushman in his finest smooth bar tone, alongside the well renowned saxophone player Dean Frazser. ‘Your Love’ a song inspired from his personal life and a big favorite with his fans across the globe. This album consists of hit after hit bringing you songs titled ‘Fire Pan A Deadas’, ‘Love of The Heart’ and ‘Make A Change’. Songs with lyrics to provoke critical thinking about politics, diet, life style and the current state of the world today. Bushman pleases his fans again.

‘A Better Place’, was the fourth contribution from Bushman. For this album Bushman teamed up with English based Stingray. It took Bushman 2 weeks to write every song on this 15 track album, which was released at SOB’s New York, in October 2001.

Aside from these four great albums Bushman has a selection of singles such as ‘ Life Ain’t No Bed of Rose’, ‘Jerusalem School Room’, ‘Extortion’s’, ‘Sunshine’, ‘Where are Your Clothes’, ‘Afrikan Women’, and many others including a combination medley with Morgan Heritage, ‘Truly Great’, another great hit around the world.

Bushman has recently enjoyed his first major tour of the US, with the Kings of Kings Family. Bushman was the headliner for the tour with the awesome job of closing every show. Bushman was delighted with the response he received in the U.S., hosting sellout shows in cities such as San Francisco, Durango, Seattle, New York and Canada. Every venue where Bushman performed promoters have renew their contracts for further shows.

This tour was followed with a dynamic sellout second tour of Europe. When Bushman performed for the first time in countries such as Germany and France, all shows were a total sellout, making Europe Bushman’s largest fan base to date. Bushman has also performed in most if not all the Caribbean Islands. He also gave an outstanding performance at the Nevada World Music Festival, June 2001, and he stormed the crowd for the first time at Bob Marley day 2002.

Despite the ever-increasing recognition of his talent Bushman remains a humble, down to earth figure, who still lives in St. Thomas with his wife and children. Joying in the frequent trips to the lush bath fountain where they bathe in the hot mineral water. Living a life style of strictly ital foods and juices. Yes Bushman leads a humble but enlightening life in his birthplace parish of St. Thomas.

Bushman with his natural talent for singing, is an outstanding artist carved from the same iritical musical tradition as Bob Marley, Dennis Brown and Luciano (with whom he has a very close relationship), who he quotes as being his most dominant influences.

With his dynamic lyrics, Superb showmanship and classic performances, the Rastafarian known as Bushman is an artist with which to hold a joy with, and a force to be reckoned with.

During the month of March Bushman filmed his first video for the single ‘Light House’ for the Hart to Hart production. The video was filmed in Bushman’s home parish St. Thomas; the location was the Landmark lighthouse, situated at Morant Point. At present Bushman is producing a live album, with the executive support of Kings of Kings Iley Dread AKA Collin Levy.

Queen Ifrica, born Ventrice Morgan hailed as Fyah Muma, has made a regal entrance into the musical world of reggae. She is poised to lead the next generation of reggae’s finest.

The talented musician’s career began in 1995 when she turned on a scorcher of a performance in a talent contest at Club Inferno in Montego Bay and outshone all the other contestants. Her baptism in the business included a performance on Reggae Sumfest’s Singers’ Nite in Montego Bay. Gracing the stage after a blazing set by Buju Banton, Queen Ifrica was not overawed by the occasion but succeeded in commanding a good reception to her message.

Subsequent to a performance on a show in honour of the late Garnett Silk, Queen Ifrica joined the Flames productions camp in 1998. Impressed by her musical virtuosity and quality of performance, Tony Rebel and his Flames crew could not resist embracing such talent. Since then, she has paved her way to becoming one of the premier female cultural artistes in the sphere of reggae music.

Magical voice

Queen Ifrica’s stagecraft, her repertoire, her total artistic style has bloomed over the years, ultimately making her a staple on the cultural reggae events around the world.

Her magical voice has been lacing the airwaves with hot singles such as Randy and Jus my Brethren. Her latest single and the most popular track, Below the Waist, which deals with the difficulty in sustaining amorous heterosexual relationships, has also created heatwaves across the nation.

She has worked on projects with some of reggae’s finest producers and has done combinations with numerous artistes including Tarrus Riley – Stay With You (remix); Gentleman – Fire Red; Junior Kelly – Goodbye. More recently, she joined with several other reggae artistes, including: Tony Rebel, Buju Banton, and Beres Hammond for the remake of Peter Tosh’s hit single, African.

The Queen’s dynamic personality and magnetic stage presence has not gone unnoticed on the international scene. She has toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe; performed on major festivals such as Summer Jam (Germany, 2005), Reggae on the River (California, 2006), One love Festival Tour (US, 2006), Sierra Nevada World Music Festival (California, 2007) and Reggae Sundance Festival (Holland, 2007).

Ifrika has shared the stage with the legendary Abyssinians, Black Uhuru, Gregory Isaacs, Buju Banton, Culture, Burning Spear and a host of others. Although not officially released, Queen’s debut album Fyah Muma, is currently available and is guaranteed to motivate and elevate.

More Than Just An Artist

Queen Ifrica remains grounded in her way of life, her community and her children. She has a strong social conscience, supporting her words with actions by being an active participant in several community outreach activities such as her work in the heart of Kingston’s inner-city, particularly the S-Corner community in Kingston 13. Notably, she has performed on numerous free shows whose proceeds are in aid of community development. The United Nations celebration of the year of Volunteers in 2001 witnessed her partnering with Tony Rebel and others to deliver a song labeled by the UN as a gem. Additionally, she has given numerous motivational speeches to Jamaicans of all ages islandwide, and even delivered an insightful presentation on the theme, Women In Reggae, at the University of the West Indies.

With roots firmly secured in the Rastafarian faith, Queen Ifrica says her duty is to be an example to women through entertainment. Her haunting melodies, clear sound and fluid delivery are elements of a force to be reckoned with; creating timeless rebel music in the ilk of her father Derrick Morgan, Garnett Silk, Nina Simone and Miriam Makeba. Simply put, her aspiration is to make music that lives on.