JANUARY
Charles Hyatt takes final bow
As Jamaica rang in the New Year, the theatre lost one of its most cherished members as educator, guide and actor, Charles Hyatt, died on January 1, 2007, at the age of 75. Hyatt died of lung cancer, which had spread to his kidneys and liver, a mere three weeks after he was diagnosed with the disease. Throughout the month, Hyatt was fondly remembered by his fellow performers and fans, who wrote The Gleaner about how Hyatt had touched their lives. Hyatt was hailed as a symbol of excellence for his contribution to theatre, radio, television broadcasting and popular entertainment as a beloved comedian, and also as a committed member of the performing arts community.
FEBRUARY
Grammy for Ziggy - Reggae star wins fourth award
Ziggy Marley came out on top at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards, beating out veterans UB40, Sly and Robbie, Buju Banton and newcomer Matisyahu Miller to take the Best Reggae Album Award. Marley won for his second solo album, Love Is My Religion, which he independently distributed through Target stores and Tuff Gong International. The album is viewed as an expansion of the personal, social and political themes explored in the 38-year old's debut CD, Dragonfly. On Love is My Religion Marley is songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. This was his fourth Grammy win.
MARCH
Straight six for cricket
ICC Cricket World Cup fever took over Jamaica in March. With numerous cricket songs recorded and entertainment events planned, Jamaica was on fire during the cricket season. It was the opening ceremony that stole the show as the full house at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium and over 2.5 billion viewers across the world were treated to a mind-blowing extravaganza, rich in music, colour and movement. The best in entertainment came from Jimmy Cliff, Sean Paul, Shaggy and Lucky Dube, among others.
APRIL
'No-show' rumours upset Peabo Bryson
Two-time Grammy winner Peabo Bryson was furious that patrons at the Foundation Music Showcase, held at the Constant Spring Golf Club in January, were led to believe he was a 'no-show'. After months of innuendoes Peabo, in a Gleaner interview, said "I have never missed a date in my career". Concerned that the promoter may have damaged his reputation on the island, the artiste said of the wrong done to him "somebody's ass should be in my briefcase". On January 6, outraged patrons captured chairs rented from Kingston Hireage, many cursing profusely after being told that Bryson had not turned up to perform.
Strachan sisters hit right note
Ana, 22, and Samantha, 17, Strachan, who were crowned Grand Champion Performers of the World at the World Championships of the Performing Arts in 2003, moved to Hollywood to pursue their talents full-time and have since been making movie and television appearances as well as maintaining blossoming musical careers.
MAY
Eddie Griffin pleased with '360 Degrees'
American actor/comedian Eddie Griffin said he was pleased with the success of the inaugural Jamaica 360 Degrees Sun Festival, held at the Grand Lido Braco in Trelawny, earlier, and according to him, it was only the beginning. The festival celebrated the achievements of 100 graduates of historically black colleges in the United States, who were acknowledged for their dedication to school, community service and academic excellence. It was made possible by a US$150,000 donation from Griffin.
Dreadlocked Miss Ja puts Rastas in new light
With dreadlocks below her buttocks, the first Rastafarian to compete for the Miss Universe title was out to smash the stereotype that Rastas are only interested in reggae and marijuana. Zahra Redwood, 25, the first Miss Jamaica to be crowned from the country's minority Rastafarian faith, also shook up traditional views among many Rastas that beauty pageants should be shunned as degrading to women. "Not all Rastafarians smoke marijuana," Redwood, a classically-beautiful Jamaican with a degree in biotechnology and zoology, told Reuters. "People criticise what they don't know or understand and develop preconceptions, and so given that, I have gone against what they've developed as a stereotype," said Redwood, who was in Mexico City for the Miss Universe final on May 28.
JUNE
Heron takes on National Black Theatre Festival
Jamaica's flag flew high at the world's largest black theatre festival when the 2006 Off Broadway production of David Heron's romantic comedy-drama Love and Marriage and New York City took to the main stage at the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston Salem, North Carolina, from July 30-August 4. The biennial event saw some 60,000 actors, actresses, directors, producers, playwrights, critics and theatre lovers from across the world converging on the tiny southern town for six days of readings, main stage performances, panel discussions and various outdoor activities.
JULY
Jah Cure released
Siccature Alcock, more popularly known as Jah Cure, made his first public appearance since being released from prison on July 28 at a press conference held at the Hilton Kingston hotel. Many had been waiting for Cure to be released from the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre, where he was sentenced to 15 years on rape and gun charges. Cure was released after serving eight years.
Shows
Honour the Dragon, a tribute concert to hail soca legend Byron Lee, was held at the Constant Spring Golf Club. Among the strong turnout of patrons who came to show their support were former Prime Minister Edward Seaga and his wife. Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest kicked off in mid-July at its regular venue, Catherine Hall in MoBay. This year's show included performances by international artistes LL Cool J and the reigning R&B queen, Mary J. Blige.
Pulse male model Oraine Barrett made his first appearance in Vogue magazine.
AUGUST
Half Pint honoured in Hartford
Singer Lindon 'Half Pint' Roberts officially had a day all of his own in Hartford, Connecticut. He was honoured in the United States city at the climax of the annual West Indian Day celebrations.
Parties
Beverage giants Red Stripe and Smirnoff teamed up for the largest party for the Independence weekend, Red Stripe Temptation Island, held in Negril, Westmoreland. On August 4 the event kicked off with four parties - Daydreams, Stages, Colours and Red Stripe Temptation Live - the last being at The Jungle. This featured Munga Honourable, Leftside and Elephant Man, among others. August 5 saw Wildsides, Pretty in Pink and Temptation Live II, which featured Mavado, Busy Signal and other artistes. The Rototom Sunsplash, held at Osoppo in the province of Udine, Italy, featured a number of Jamaicans. Among the performers were Shaggy, Warrior King and Perfect.
It's Yendi
Twenty-one-year-old Yendi Phillipps was declared Miss Jamaica World 2007 at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel. Phillipps also won the public vote, Most Aware contestant, the Supreme Ventures MJW Sport Title, the talent competition for her feverish dance routine, the Ting MJW Beach Beauty title and three of the four mini-competitions which fast-tracked the winner to the top 10.
SEPTEMBER
Miss Ja World tours Old Harbour
Miss Jamaica World 2007 Yendi Phillipps assisted victims of Hurricane Dean by putting on a Celebrity Charity Fashion Show at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel. Yendi toured Old Harbour Bay, one of the areas worst affected by the hurricane.
New UWI degree, Musgrave medals
The University of the West Indies (UWI) introduced a Bachelor of Arts degree to train persons in entertainment and cultural enterprise management. At the Musgrave Awards 2007, which this year commemorated the bicentenary of the abolition of the transatlantic trade in Africans, a special Gold Musgrave Medal was presented to the Mystic Revelation of Rastafari for their role in the development of indigenous Jamaican music. Other awardees included distinguished scientific researcher and Nobel prize-nominated Jamaican scientist Professor Bertram Fraser-Reid, aviator Captain Barrington Irving Jr., Michael Anthony Lord, Kingsley 'Ibo' Cooper, O.D., Phillip Supersad, Donna Scott-Mottley, Winston 'Sparrow' Martin and George Huggins.
OCTOBER
Romain Virgo is 'Rising Star'
The Digicel Rising Stars Competition wrapped up at the end of September, but was highlighted in The Gleaner in October. The final show, held at Mas Camp on September 28, featured 2007 winner Romain Virgo who also performed with last year's second-place winner Nickeisha Barnes. The audience was also treated to performances from Jodiann Pantry, Noddy Virtue, One Third, Inga Stewart and Lenya Wilks.
Musicians honoured, Stella Maris 14th season
Twelve Jamaican entertainers and musicians, including Shaggy and Seymour 'Sir Coxsone' Dodd, were honoured at the Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards, held on Heroes Day. The Reggae Academy reported strong support from local industry players. The Stella Maris Dance Ensemble celebrated their 14th season and Movements Dance Theatre Company their 26th.
Concubine, Miss Lou concert, Lucky Dube murdered
Aston Cooke's Concubine received great reviews. The soundtrack for The Harder They Come was voted the third best soundtrack in Vanity Fair magazine. A concert was held in Gordon Town Square to celebrate the life of Louise Bennett Coverly, Miss Lou. South African reggae singer, Lucky Dube, was murdered in South Africa, Yendi Phillipps showed off her outfits for the Miss World Pageant and also launched her charity fashion show Fashion Xplosion.
NOVEMBER
A 'Moment' with Beres
Veteran singer Beres Hammond launched his 'A Moment In Time' concert. The Gleaner traced Hammond's early beginnings from singing in church and school, scoring popular hits, the establishment of his record company to his ascension to the status of world-class performer of critical acclaim.
Dancehall at the AMAs, stage shows, Ziggy's new album
Alicia Keys performed alongside Beenie Man, Junior Reid and Chaka Demus and Pliers at the American Music Awards to a standing ovation. 'Welcome To Jamrock' took place at the Constant Spring Football Field and Ziggy Marley re-released his album Love is My Religion. High Society decided to call it quits after 10 years of putting on parties.
Plays, Miss World, fashion, KRW
Buss Big was on for one night only and Through The Fire, which featured Dervan Malcolm, was staged. 'Mek Wi Laugh', which featured Oliver Samuels, was held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in aid of the Musgrave Home for Girls. It was also the month of Kingston Restaurant Week. In fashion, Rochelle Notice was the winner of Pulse's Caribbean Model Search Reality Series and Yendi Phillipps was listed as one of the favourites to win the Miss World Competition. After many years in music Cecil Cooper launched his first album, Journey.
DECEMBER
Stone Love's 35th
Stone Love celebrated its 35th anniversary at Mas Camp in mid-December and readers were treated to its history with some details of its glory days at House of Leo. On Thursday nights House of Leo was transformed from the ordinary looking place it was to a place where dancehall devotees could dance to the music being played by the many Stone Love selectors and they would definitely have to hear Rory's signature 'riiiight' coming from the speaker boxes. The two-way dancehall on Cargill Avenue was also the place where uptown met downtown as the Thursday night dances usually had a mix of people from all parts of Kingston. Patrons included university students.
Cops 'lock down' stage shows
The police were out in their numbers as they locked off stage shows like 'Riding West' and 'Island Xplosion', at which a Gleaner photographer was assaulted and his camera smashed. Cops in music were also featured and this year's Tastee Talent show winner was Inspector Paul Reynolds, who uses the stage name 'Mr. Elegance'. There were big events like I-Scream, which suffered from no-shows K-CI and JoJo as well as Carl Thomas.
Miss World finals, National Pantomime
Yendi Phillipps was among the top 15 in the Miss World 2007 Finals, despite being lauded as one of the favourites to win the competition. Pulse was not to be left out as they held the last face-off Caribbean Model Search Reality Show. The National Pantomime Nuff and Plenty began and Amba Chevannes was delving into the theatre. The nominees for the 2007 Best Reggae Album at the Grammys included Lee 'Scratch' Perry, Burning Spear, Sly and Robbie, Toots and the Maytals and Stephen Marley.
