News round-up for SOS - March 2006

First up, our warmest congratulations go out to Damian 'Jr Gong' Marley for picking up two Grammy awards last month. The youngest son of Bob Marley won Best Reggae Album and Best Urban/Alternative Performance for his smash hit Welcome To Jamrock and the excellent album of the same name - all in the same week that celebrations were held around the world to commemorate the 61st anniversary of his illustrious father's birth.

Hip hop supergroup Wu Tang Clan are spreading their influence to the world of reggaeton with a new label, Wu Tang Latino. The first single of the project is Mamita Ven (Come Here Baby) featuring Shawn Black, NP Killa and Los Yo Yais, while an album (Quemando El Género) and two tours - Revolución and Cuervotón - are planned for later this year.

Jamaican singer Tami Chynn looks set to be the next big crossover act in dancehall - having signed to Universal Records last year, Tami's first single for the label was released last month. Hyperventilating is voiced on the Stepz ridddim produced by Renaissance Disco - the same riddim that Sean Paul rode for his 2005 hit We Be Burnin'. An album is due out later this year; Chynn's seductive, soulful singing style should see her do big things in 2006.

Finally, our condolences to the family and friends of veteran reggae singer Brent Dowe of The Melodians, who died of an apparent heart attack back in January. Apart from a number of rocksteady classics, Dowe was best known for his composition By The Rivers Of Babylon, which featured in the soundtrack of Jamaican film The Harder They Come. RIP.

Posted by Gabriel Heatwave | Monday 06 March 2006