Vince Prevost
Vince Prevost is 18 years old and comes from the Laurentian in Quebec. Vince currently resides in St-Sauveur near his home mountain Mt-Avila. He began skiing at age 7, at Mt-Tremblant. Vincent tried freeskiing at 12 years old. His passion for freeskiing came from his older brother Felix that inspired him in this sport. Vince film with two productions (Brotherhood Films and NSF production) throughout the winter season, always going through the streets and squares to find the sickest urban spots to get some shots. He likes travelling, whether it’s to go to ski or to surf. Music is part of his life, it inspires him every day in skiing, and it allows him to be in a positive vibration while he runs down the slopes.
What’s your favorite Bob Marley song? “Natural Mystic”
What’s your favorite meal? "Sushi"
What’s your perfect day? "Big sunshine, chilling out with my friends, shredding the park and have fun!"
Lee Rumohr
Lee Rumohr was born in Toronto, Canada. He moved at an early age with his father and brother Shane to the Ontario town of Kingston. A natural jock, Lee was the quintessential "all-canadian boy" excelling in hockey, football and winning many sports trophies. Lee saw the musical production "Fire" in 1991 which inspired him toward the performing arts. Singing in the shower wasn't just a hobby. Having discovered his passion, he began training his acting and singing talents. Encouraged by his high school teacher and mentor, Phil Ridley, Lee enrolled in drama lessons and landed roles in several local musical theatre productions. He played the lead role, Danny Zuko in "Grease". He toured Europe in 1993 as part of the cast of "Questions", a musical which addressed the issue of teenage drug and alcohol abuse. In the summer of 2007 Lee was part of the cast of "Wedding Belles" in the Toronto Fringe Festival, written by the talented Davian Den Otter.
There was no connection to the arts within his family, turning it into a career seemed irrefutably wrong. So upon graduating high school Lee attended St. Lawrence College in the field of nursing. In his first year of the program Lee came to the understanding within himself that a medical career was not for him. Acting was his true love, at which point, with $35 in his pocket, he packed his bags for Toronto, Canada's eastern entertainment hub. Lee soon became immersed within the film and television industry and quickly appeared in commercials, as well as several recent television productions including Showcases "Lost Girl", CBC "Murdoch Mysteries", "Cra$h and Burn", CTV "The Listener" the CBS mini-series "The Hades Factor" with rising star Stephen Dorff, a guest star on WB'S Emmy award winning show "SmallVille".
Acted and performed stunt work on "1-800-Missing" with Vivica A. Fox, and a recurring role on ShowTime's "Queer As Folk" as Troy. Lee also made a guest star appearance on "Mutant X" as Lucian, directed by one his favorite directors, the award winner Stacey S. Curtis. Disney's show "The Famous Jett Jackson" was Lee's first guest star appearance on a television series. His film credits include the most recent 2011 TIFF release of "Breakaway" starring Rob Lowe, Russel Peters and Vinay Virmani, where he plays the captain to his hockey team The Hammerheads, the villain of the film. A starring role alongside the well admired and talented Canadian actor... Michael Eklund in "The Experiment", a psychological thriller. Also, "Denied", a worldwide dvd release which Lee played the lead character Troy, a sexually ambivalent searching for love. In Lee's first film he had the privilege of working with the award winning director Antoine Fuqua in "Bait" with oscar winner, Jamie Foxx.
Over the past five years Lee's trek of pursuing his acting career has been a feat. Like all Canadian actors Hollywood is the mecca dream. With much drive and determination Lee tested his talent by moving to Los Angeles for pilot season. That three months turned into two interesting years of auditioning, screen testing for "The O.C" and NBC's soap opera, "Passions". Lee learnt a lot from his trials and tribulations, but found LA to be too isolating, filled with tearful lonely nights. Eventually funds ran out.
Leaving him to feel that the Hollywood dream wasn't what he felt was right. Making the decision to pack his car and head back to his native land to be with family and continue making great projects in Canada, was the right choice. In the past two years Lee has extended his talent by branching out into the voiceover studios. His notable clients are, the ongoing run of "Pedigree", "Schick Quattro Razors", "McDonalds", "Hershey's Swoops" and his first voice over credit, the animated series, "Sailor Moon".To this day Lee continues to broaden his talent studying with acting coaches, taking singing lessons and lots of travelling, the best way to keep the acting muscle in a healthy natural state.
DJ Reddy Fox
Reddy Fox (nee Richard Martin) has been DJing for over fifteen years. A versatile DJ, Reddy plays many genres of music from Dance/House to Top 40 Hip Hop and R&B, Reggae, Soca and Old School.
In 2003, Reddy worked as Kardinal Offishall's official tour DJ for three years. While touring with Kardinal and the Black Jays, he hosted mid-days & weekends on Flow 93.5FM until 2008.
Currently, Reddy Fox is the official DJ for up & coming R&B Artist J Melody and is represented by Ree Ree Phillips of Ree Ree Productions and is a contributing blogger on www.FreemansMind.com.
DJ Scott Boogie
Hailing from the city of Scarborough, Ontario, and currently commuting between Toronto and Montreal. DJing in Canada for the past 15 years, Scott Boogie is a veteran in the music industry. Starting his career with a crew called VIP and gaining a national audience when a television special was shown across the country about them. Subsequent to that he joined a crew called the Dogg Squad, which included members Dr. Jay and Mikey Wizdom (whom are now both Soca DJ’s) and then proceeded to move to Ottawa where he starting a crew called the Groove Train in 1992.
Nominated 5 years straight as Soul Choice DJ record pools DJ of the year. Rated the number one Campus radio show in the country in 1998 till 2000, for the Comfort Zone program on CKCU. Coining the phase “Ain’t no party like a Groove Train party!!” Scott Boogie has also run the promotions for Ottawa’s #1 club called Cachet.
In 2003, Scott was asked to help launch a rhythmic CHR station in Ottawa where he was named the music director and night jock. Scoring a 24 share in the spring book and a 20 share in the Fall book in the night slot. Scott showed his radio skills were definitely something people wanted to hear. Moving to Toronto to finish school in 2004. The “Next Prime Minister” started working at Flow 93.5 where he won more awards as Rogers Stylus DJ Awards, Canada’s Party MC of the year in 2007. Scott’s show “The Weekend Live” is a weekend staple on the airwaves.
Scott Boogie has been dubbed as Canada’s #1 party MC as he has opened and hosted shows for KRS – ONE, Beatnuts, 50 Cent, Boot Camp Click, Redman, KC and Jojo, Brian McKnight, Mary J. Blige, TLC, Noreaga, Ludacris, Fabolous, Robin Thicke, Akon, Kardianal Offishall and many more.
When asked, “What are you on...that makes you so hype?” Scott answered, “... making the crowd go nuts, makes me hype. No drug or alcohol can replace that!!”, “So what’s next for Scott Boogie?” The answer according to Scott was simple, ”...that elusive next level...reaching it and taking everyone with me...”
Currently programming and mixing on a Galaxie satellite station for CBC, with over 38 million subscribers North American wide.Scott is also the Official DJ of the Oldest Professional Sports Franchise in North America, The Toronto Argonauts. Be sure and catch him game day rocking over 25,000 fans in the staduim and 500,000 television viewers on TSN.
THE NEXT PRIME MINISTER STORY People always ask the question. Why do you call yourself “the next prime minister”? The answer is very simple. Young people do not vote. So as a weekly segment during the elections. I called myself “the next prime minister” as a way to make younger voters 18 to 34 aware that if they all registered to vote and voted for me. I could be the next prime minister. I will continue my crusade to get the younger generation to vote and make their voices heard.
Career Highlights: • 24 Share 18 to 34 (Male and Female) • Starting CHR Station Hot 899 (Ottawa) • Soul Choice DJ of the Year • Soul Choice Out of Time DJ of the Year • Stylus DJ MC of the year • Tech.nition DJ (USA) • CORE DJ (Canadian President) • TSM DJ (Montreal) • 38 Million Subs on Galaxie • Worldwide tours • Sponsorship deals
Kevin Weekes
Eleven-year veteran NHL goaltender, Kevin Weekes, can also add the titles of broadcaster, philanthropist, and advocate to his already long list of accomplishments. In 1993, Weekes was drafted 41st overall by the Florida Panthers in the NHL entry draft. Weekes played parts of 12 NHL seasons with seven teams, including an appearance at the 2002 Stanley Cup Finals with the Carolina Hurricanes.
In September of 2009, Weekes made history when he became the television’s first black hockey analyst. Weekes joined CBC’s iconic program, Hockey Night in Canada as a colour commentator, as well as co-host of CBC’s After Hours. Weekes can also be seen on the NHL Network as an analyst on its nightly flagship program, NHL On The Fly, as well as on guest appearances on Versus and MSG Network’s Hockey Night Live!
Known as one of hockey’s most charitable citizens, he is dedicated to numerous causes and youth based initiatives throughout North America and Barbados. Weekes’ philanthropic efforts have been focused on youth education and sports based charities, empowering youth to fulfill their dreams.
DJ Spex
A dancehall connoisseur for over more than a decade, Spex’s love for spinning has ensured reggae is celebrated in the hearts of rhythm aficioados throughout the world. A DJ praised for his mastery of mixing island beats, Spex is deservingly known as The Riddim Track Master. Although born in Scarborough, ON, Spex bred his musical talents in the sounds of Jamaica, his family’s birthplace and land of reggae legends. Honing his DJ abilities from early on with King Turbo, Spex perfected his mixing and music selector skills playing with internationally known artisits, and by dominating the city’s airwaves since the beginning of the millenium.
Spex’s musical taste and personal style has secured his presence amongst industry heavy weights for almost two decades. Spex has played on international stages, opening for some of reggae’s most influential players and superstars including Sean Paul, Beenie Man, Beres Hammond and Movado.
Since 1995, Spex marked the urban radio scene with his dynamic mode. Staritng as one of the hosts of The Morning Ride Show (CIUT 89.5 FM), a radio reggae show that served as the catalyst for Riddim Track® - Spex’s signature style of showcasing the best of Rub-a-Dub, Lover’s Rock, Dancehall, as well as featuring artist and producers. Spex continued to own the city’s radio signals every Sunday, until early 2011, with the acclaimed Riddim Track World® show on Flow 93.5, coining the term HALLAMANASHUNDAE! It is without a doubt that Sunday’s airwaves has lost momentum since the show’s culmination, however Spex continues to share his mastery of track selection through www.riddimtrackworld.com. In Fall 2011, he will be heard again via G987 FM radio playing the sweet sounds of reggae once again via his Riddim Track World radio show.
Launched in 2008, The Riddim Track World is a digital hub for reggae fans and music lovers. Featuring the likes of the #1 Reggae DJ, music news, mix tapes, Spex-clusives, pictures and Spex-casts – Spex’s podcasts available through iTunes. The Riddim Track World is a source for smooth sailing music, as the Riddim Track Master’s selection never disappoints.
Spex has proven to be prolific at his craft. Winning the Best Reggae DJ award at the inaugural Stylus DJ Awards in 2006, for his contributions to the Canadian Reggae and Dancehall scenes. In 2007, Spex’s reach and impact was solidified by his ability to “out-clash” two of the world’s most infamous reggae clash teams, Mighty Crown and King Addies, in Tag Team Clash Part 2. Spex has been continuously garnished with accolades, nominated each subsequent year in the “Best Reggae DJ” category at the Stylus DJ Awards, acquiring a second win in 2009 and a third in 2011.
Spex has played at the NKPR Gifting lounge (during the Toronto International Film Festival) for The House of Marley brand, impressing all of those who attended with his musical taste. Spex’s unmatched skills has granted him the honor of playing for the Marley family and guests at the launch of the House of Marley in Canada. It takes a Riddim Track Master to ensure this special audience enjoys the best Canada has to offer.
Keele Wenger
Keele Wenger is 19 years young, and is originally from Barrie, now currently resides in Toronto, Keele skates, surfs when he is not on the slopes. His typical winter day consists of park laps tuned in, or a rail sesh with friends! Keele said "I want to be snowboarding till I can no longer walk, I might not go as hard later on but always on a board". I love the parks in ontario, rail jams and contests are always fun, but also a big fan of going out west.
David Golab
David Golab has been filming for over 6 years and has worked on snowboard films as: Vitamin and Minerals (2010), as well as Neck of the Woods (2011). David filmed Wakestock in 2010, for the company Sprite and he captured the Damn Am skate contest for push.ca. David have also recorded performances and interviews with Kari Hilson, Bow Wow, T-pain, Public Enemy, Ricky J, and more.
We asked David the Following questions:
What is your favorite pair of Marley Headphones? Redemption Song OE
What is your Favorite Bob Marley Track? My favorite Bob Marley track easily has to be Three Little Birds!
Check out YouTube.com/HouseofMarleyCA
Catriona Boyd
Name: Catriona Boyd
Hometown: London, ON
Age: 20 yrs
Sport: Snowboard. With some wake and skate.
So what do you like to do in your free time?
"snowboard anytime anywhere. mostly rails. home hill is good ol' Boler Mountain. Spend my summers up in Cognashene Lake wakeboarding, cliff jumping, enjoyin life"
Where do you want to be in 5 years?
"I'll be done school and outta my parents house and doing only what I love being snowboarding. Probably adventuring around in places other than Canada maybe like Australia or NZ, perhaps Chile"
Favorite food?
"that's a tough one.. I'm pretty picky and tend to stay away from vegetables. Grilled cheese maybe."
Favorite snowboard trick?
"let’s see.. to watch would be anything involving a kink. to do, I like back lipslides"
Favorite headphones?
"I'm currently rocking the positive vibration headphones and loving it "
Favorite Marley jam?
"Three Little Birds"
Stay tuned on Facebook and Twitter for updates on Catriona – competitions, good spots to jib, and more.
Aaron Davey
Aaron Davey is a professional Australian rules football player of Indigenous Australian heritage. He currently plays for the Melbourne Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).
Davey exploded onto the AFL scene, quickly establishing himself as one of the most exciting young players in the league, finishing runner-up to the AFL Rising Star in 2004. He is one of few successful top-level footballers to have been elevated from the rookie list. Davey's representative honours include twice playing for Australia against Ireland in 2005 and 2006.
Davey is a cult figure at the Melbourne Football Club and a highly popular player with young Demons fans. Davey's achievements at Melbourne include a Best and Fairest for an outstanding 2009 season. Davey is also a recognised leader of Melbourne's young indigenous group of players.
Blue King Brown – Natalie pa’apa’a
Blue King Brown are a Melbourne-based, roots band that are fast becoming one of Australia’s great musical exports. They have released a self-titled EP in 2005 and a full length album, Stand Up in 2006. They released their follow-up Worldwize Part 1 - North & South on 20 August 2010. They have opened for acts such as Carlos Santana, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Damian Marley, The John Butler Trio, The Cat Empire, Silverchair, Dispatch and Powderfinger.
The two founding and songwriting members of the band, Carlo Santone and Natalie Pa'apa'a, commenced playing and songwriting on guitar, jamming with residents and itinerants alike in their original base of Byron Bay. They originally performed as a percussion duo and also with a band called Skin, which became the beginnings of Blue King Brown.
They were invited to sit in as percussionists with The John Butler Trio at many of their shows, along with many other guest performances with a number of local and international touring artists over the years.
After moving to Melbourne in 2004 to concentrate on the new collective of Blue King Brown, they recruited Salvador Persico as the band's percussionist, adding a Latin influence to the Blue King Brown sound. Sam Cope is the bands keyboardist and Peter Wilkins plays the drum kit. Hailey Cramer, Ngaiire and Jess Harlen were added as the original backing vocalists.
Success came quickly for the newly formed Blue King Brown. Their debut single, "Water", released on their debut self-titled EP, was quickly added to high rotation on Triple J, as well as earning them an AIR Chart award in 2006.
Blue King Brown backed up their first EP release with a debut album entitled Stand Up, independently released in October 2006 through their own label, Roots Level Records and in Japan through Village Again/Sideout. Their song "Come and Check Your Head" was #100 on the Triple J Hottest 100, 2006. They have also spent time recording at “TUFF GONG” Bob Marley’s studio.
Brent Prismall
Brent "Prizza" Prismall is an Australian rules football player who is currently signed to the Essendon Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). He is an up-and-coming talent known for his calmness whilst under pressure and his smooth skills, particularly his kicking. He has endured two knee reconstructions over the last few years.
Cahill Bell-Warren
AKA:Bonner
Born:Melbourne, Australia
Resides:Bells Beach, Torquay
Age:02/02/1989
Hobbies:Training, Live Music, Big Waves
Sport:Surfing
Stance:Regular
Shaper:Cory Shapes
Magic Stick:5’10” X 18 1/2 X 2 1/4
Training Ground:Bells Beach, Torquay
Favorite Wave:Bells Beach, Torquay
Favorite Maneuver:Barrels & Airs
Inspirations:Adam Robertson, Zeb Walsh, Victorian Juniors
Cam Sinclair
Name:Cam Sinclair
Birthplace:Gold Coast, Australia
Resides:Melbourne, Australia
Birthday:12/04/1984
Sport:Australian freestyle motocross
Years riding FMX:5 years
What are your likes?
"Nothing more than riding and hanging out with my fiance Brooke and my Southside buddies."
What are your dislikes?
"Crashing and getting hurt"
If you weren't a pro rider, you'd be:
"Probably a concreter or a plumber."
Favorite riders?
"Bilko, Twitch, Josh Grant, Cheyne Boyd & my boy Kade Mosig."
Favorite place to ride?
"IBilko's place or Deegan's."
Dean Cox
Dean Michael Cox is an Australian rules footballer who currently plays for the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League. Cox is widely considered as the premier ruckman of the competition, as seen by his selection in the last four All-Australian teams.
Dean is very socially conscious and regularly involves himself with community fundraisers.
Frano Botica
Frano Michael Botica is a former rugby union and rugby league player who represented his country at both sports and also played for Croatia in a rugby union world cup qualifying match.
In a world of professional sport, few athletes stand out with the longevity and experience of Frano Botica.
Frano Botica has played top level rugby for over 18 years. He is one of the few athletes who has worn Triple Black Jerseys, having played for the New Zealand Sevens, All Blacks (both rugby union) and Kiwis (rugby league).
Frano has also played internationally and his profile includes two years in Italy, six years playing Rugby League for Wigan in the United Kingdom as wing and standoff, two years in Wales for Llanelli, three years in France for Biarritz and two years for Croatian International. He also had a career spanning 16 years for North Harbour.
Frano regularly speaks at fundraisers for numerous charities.
Harry O’Brien
Heritier "Harry" O'Brien is a professional Australian rules footballer in the Australian Football League.
He was born to a Brazilian mother and a Congolese father in Rio de Janeiro, and moved to Western Australia when he was 3 years old. However he was raised by his Australian stepfather and was 19 years old when he found out about his biological father.
The 187 cm O'Brien, who has played most of his football as a medium defender (in the style of James Clement), has the distinction of being the first Brazilian-born player in the Australian Football League.
A truly socially conscious person he is currently writing a book “ Cool to be conscious” with the forward written by the Delai Lama and the Reverend Desmond Tutu. He works tirelessly involving himself with charities all over the world.
Katchafire
Katchafire is a New Zealand roots reggae band from Hamilton, New Zealand.
Katchafire formed in 1997 as a Bob Marley tribute band and later began writing and performing their own songs. They have released three albums: Revival (2003) which featured the highest-selling NZ single of 2003, "Giddy Up"; Slow Burning (2005) and Say What You're Thinking (2007).
The band's original lineup consisted of Grenville Bell (guitar), Haani Totorewa (keyboards, vocals) Tere Ngarua (bass guitar), Thompson Hohepa (guitar, vocals) Logan Bell (guitar, lead vocals) and Jordan Bell (drums).
Katchafire has been through many changes over the years with Tere Ngarua replaced by Ara Adams-Tamatea on bass and the addition of Jamey Ferguson (keyboards, sax, lead vocals) and Leon Davey (vocals, percussion).
For the second album Slow Burning the band was augmented by horn section Le Sexion with Feal (saxophone), Mols (trumpet) and Thomas (trombone) from reggae band Mr Gang of France (See album cover inlay credits).
There were further lineup changes in 2006: Ara Adams-Tamatea left the band to become the group's booking agent and original bass player Tere Ngarua re-joined the group as bassist, Thompson Hohepa also left the band.
Katchafire began recording their third album, Say What You're Thinking, as a seven-piece at Auckland's York Studios toward the end of 2006.
The band has toured Australia, the UK, Europe, the USA and New Caledonia and has played at festivals with international reggae acts such as Mr Gang, Horace Andy, Moonraisers, Gentleman and was the only Pacific act to tour with artists Arrested Development, The Wailers, Maxi Priest and UB40 as part of the 2008 Raggamuffin.
Their name was inspired by the Bob Marley and The Wailers album Catch A Fire.
Keanu Asing
AKA:Nugget, Anu Boy
Born:Honolulu, Hawaii
Resides:Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Age:30/05/1993
Hobbies:Training, Golf, and Basketball
Sport:Surfing
Stance:Regular
Shaper:Wade Tokoro
Magic Stick:5’8 X 18 1/4 X 2 1/4 = KA Model
Training Ground:Evo Fit Hawaii (David Moore)
Favorite Wave:Haleiwa, Pipeline, Kewalo’s and Mexico
Favorite Maneuver:Big Barrels and Big Turns
Inspirations:Jordy Smith, Sunny Garcia and Rainos Hayes
2010 Rating:#1 ASP Pro Jr Hawaii, #3 ASP Pro Jr North America
KING KAPISI _ Bill Urale
Samoan artist King Kapisi aka Bill Urale was the first Polynesian hip-hop artist to receive the prestigious Australiasian Performing Rights Association (APRA) Silver Scroll Award for Songwriter of the Year for his single Reverse Resistance in 1999. King Kapisi has released three albums, Savage Thoughts (2000) and 2nd Round Testament (2003) and Dominant Species (2005) they were released in Australia with local sales hitting the gold status mark.The award-winning artist was nominated for 13 awards at the 2001 New Zealand B.Net Awards and took home seven of the prizes including Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Music Video. His visually striking music videos, some of which have been self-directed, have also won numerous awards including Flying Fish Music Video Awards, Mai Time TVNZ and Juice TV.
King Kapisi has performed alongside Janet Jackson, Moby, Black Eyed Peas, Beastie Boys, Michael Franti & Spearhead and Red Hot Chili-Peppers and many more.King Kapisi has performed and giggedat almost every major music festival and event in New Zealand as well as tours to Australia, Japan, Fiji, Hawai’i, Tonga, Samoa touring extensively in Canada, Germany, Ireland, England, Norway and the USA.
Liam Jurrah
Liam Jurrah (born 22 September 1988) is a professional Australian rules footballer currently playing with the Melbourne Football Club.
Jurrah is also known as Jungarrayi an initiated member of the Warlpiri people, who are based in Yuendumu, a small and remote Indigenous Australian community 300 km north-west of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory.
He is the first indigenous person from a remote community in Central Australia to play senior football in the Australian Football League AFL Rising Star nomination: Round 15, 2009 Harold Ball Memorial Trophy, Melbourne FC best first-year player, 2009. Mark of the Year winner, 2010. Melbourne FC leading goalkicker, 2011 (40)
Marcus Fari
Marcus Fari, is an Australian Reggae DJ and Radio presenter based in Cairns.
He was raised in Jamaica and still holds firm to those roots. He is regular at the world acclaimed Reggaetown roots music festival held in Cairns every September.
Nathan Thompson
Thompson was recruited from Kyneton and debuted for the Hawthorn Football Club in 1998. A tall marking forward, Thompson was an important young player for the club considering he was selected in the 1997 AFL Draft at pick 82.
A very socially conscious footballer he has been outspoken about his own battles with depression and works to create awareness of this condition.
Nic Natanui
Nicholas "Nic" Naitanui is an Australian rules footballer, currently playing with the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League (AFL). Naitanui and his twin brother Mark were born in Sydney to Fijian parents (his mother, Ateca and father Bola, are from Suvavou, a small village near Suva).
He is an amazingly talented footballer, with some freakish gifts that make most stare in awe. He is fast establishing himself as one of the league’s best big men.
Nic is also socially conscious and regularly involves himself in charity events.
Nicky Bomba
Nicholas Caruana aka Nicky Bomba is an Australian musician and singer. He is the frontman of his band Bomba as well as the drummer and percussionist of John Butler Trio and has also performed with several other artists. He is also a solo artist.
O-Shen
O-Shen was born and raised in Papua New Guinea, but now resides in Hawaii. He's ready to return to Cairns to appreciate the Reggaetown festivities. A hit sensation in both Hawaii and Papua New Guinea, it is time for Australia to appreciate these Pacific Reggae vibes.
The musical legacy of O-Shen started in the South Pacific Islands of Papua New Guinea. Like a fire, it spread rapidly to Hawaii and the rest of the Pacific, gaining huge popularity among local indigenous populations. His original sound pushed him to the forefront of the Pacific Island Roots music Scene. With a blend of reggae and hip-hop influenced by the culture of the Pacific, O-Shen’s music is purely international.
Tana Umaga
Jonathan Ionatana Falefasa "Tana" Umaga, is a New Zealand rugby union footballer and former captain of the national team, the All Blacks. He played for the Hurricanes starting with the Super 12's inception in 1996 and took over the captaincy in 2003. Graham Henry named him as All Blacks captain in 2004; under his leadership the All Blacks won 19 of their 21 games including the clean sweep of the British and Irish Lions and the Grand Slam in 2005. At the end of 2005, after 74 Test caps (where he scored 36 tries), Umaga retired from international rugby.
He is an amazingly talented footballer, with some freakish gifts that make most stare in awe. He is fast establishing himself as one of the league’s best big men.
A socially conscious person, The Tana Umaga Foundation (TUF) was launched at a star studded event in Wellington’s Westpac Stadium in 2008. TUF was established to support talent and reward hard work. The objectives of the Deed are:
- To encourage and assist promising New Zealanders, with a focus on young people who are hardworking and who might not otherwise have the opportunity, to achieve and excel in their education and achieve their potential.
- To establish a scholarship to be awarded to a student or students who have attended Wainuiomata High School.
- To undertake such other activities and provide such other assistance whether by way of financial assistance, scholarships or otherwise as the Trustees see fit of a charitable nature for the benefit of New Zealanders.
Tendai Mzungu
Tendai Mzungu is an Australian rules footballer for the Fremantle Football Club in the Australian Football League. Nicknamed Muz, his father is Zimbabwean but he was born in Melbourne and moved to Western Australia at the age of nine.
Tendai won the Perth Demons best and fairest in 2010 and was then drafted to the Fremantle Dockers Football club as a mature aged recruit and performed very well in his first year of AFL football.
Third World
THIRD WORLD is a Jamaican reggae band formed in 1973. Their sound is influenced by soul, funk and disco. The band started when keyboard player Michael "Ibo" Cooper and guitarist (and cellist) Stephen "Cat" Coore, who had originally played in The Alley Cats then Inner Circle, subsequently left to form their own band. The original drummer, Cornel Marshall, arrived via one of Jamaica's most renowned groups of the sixties, Tomorrow's Children. The lineup for their first album as Third World also included a singer named "Prilly" and percussionist Irving "Carrot" Jarrett. The album included a cover of Satta Massagana, originally performed by The Abyssinians, which became a local hit.
Their second album, 96 Degrees in the Shade (1977), had several local hits and featured the band's classic lineup. "Prilly" was replaced by the distinctive vocalist "Bunny Rugs" Clarke and an all-new rhythm section: Ritchie Daley on bass and former Inner Circle drummer Willie Stewart, who had defected to join the new band. Notable among its eight tracks were 1865 (96° in the Shade), Rhythm of Life and the album's only cover, Dreamland, as recorded by Bunny Wailer. (This song, however, was not written by Wailer, other than the slight lyric and name change. It was in fact written and originally recorded as My Dream Island, by the American R&B band, El Tempos in 1961.)
Third World's greatest success came in the late 1970s and early 1980s, peaking with their cover version of The O'Jays' Now That We Found Love, a hit single on both sides of the Atlantic in 1979. This song brought them to the attention of Stevie Wonder, who worked with them and wrote, along with Melody A McCully, their hit Try Jah Love. They were also guests during the third season of SCTV.
Amid claims of artistic differences "Carrot" split from the band in the mid-1980s. The resulting five-piece band then went on to record more commercial tunes like Sense Of Purpose, Reggae Ambassador, Forbidden Love, and Shine like a Blazing Fire. Despite several more lineup changes, including the departures of Cooper and Stewart, and a decline in mainstream success, the band are still recording and performing up to the present day, including in front of a television audience at the Cricket World Cup 2007 Opening Ceremony in Kingston.
Tiki Taane
Tiki Taane is a New Zealand musician and former member of leading New Zealand band Salmonella Dub. Taane left Salmonella Dub on 1 January 2007 to pursue a solo career. His debut album, "Past, Present, Future", was released on 22 October 2007 in New Zealand and has gone two times platinum, achieving a number one single, "Always On My Mind", which is the most successful single of all time in New Zealand. Taane is also the live sound engineer for New Zealand drum and bass act Shapeshifter.
Zennith
From the deep scrub of Bulwai Country in Kuranda, Far North Queensland, emerges the new future of Australian roots and Indigenous music – Zennith.
Zennith is a core group of six Kuranda musicians, Aden Brim (Songwriter/Lead Singer/Guitar), Astro Brim (Songwriter/Percussion/Vocals), Isaac Crowley (Bass), Lindsay Snider (Drums/Didgeridoo/ Vocals), Biri-Jah (lead guitar) and backing by Willie Brim (Songwriter/Keys/ Vocals/Guitar). What’s interesting about Zennith is the diverse range of ages in the band, and experience. Made up of the Brim family, dad Willie and sons Astro and Aden, it also features close friends of the band, Isaac and Lindsay resulting in a collaborative effort that not only has extreme musical chemistry, but also a cross-section of generations and a similar vision.
They set tongues wagging and wheels in motion for a huge 2009 following their acclaimed performance at the 2008 inaugural Australasian World Music Expo in Melbourne. The band has since been overwhelmed by invitations to perform around the world, from New Zealand to the USA and Europe.
Over the past year Zennith has built up hyped local, national and international support thanks to their high-energy rocking reggae rhythms and rhymes which fuse hip hop and traditional music.
Zennith are passionate about their cultural heritage, and sharing that heritage to the greater public. It is this passion that is aptly demonstrated in their music, lyrics and performances. They take great pride in performing music in culturally diverse locations. The way Zennith slot in to communities is icebreaking, and this ultimately opens doors for more indigenous bands to come on through.
If the bands live performance is anything to go by, 2010 is going to be their year. They already made a massive musical impact locally and overseas in 2009 with a tour to Vanuatu, an acclaimed performance at the QSong Awards, and two Deadly Award nominations.
2009 was jam packed full of festivals, shows and tours – Zennith have now entered international waters taking their music and messages to Fest ‘Napuan in Port Vila, Vanuatu. The Zennith boyz were well received and supported by The Australia High Commission, The Vanuatu Government and the people of Port Vila, creating an instant fan base and media hype. The band participated in cultural workshops at the Port Vila Central hospital and Won Smol Bag Youth Centre. They shared their Aboriginal culture by performing traditional song and dance. Zennith have carved their way back across the South Pacific with success.
They were on fire within the festival circuit performing at Woodford Folk Festival, Yabun, Winter Solstice, Reggaetown and West End Carnivale to name a few. They took part in a cultural exchange in The Northern Territory supporting Jessica Mauboy at Katherine’s Barunga Festival. They headlined for the very first time in their hometown at the Kuranda Amphitheatre for Kuranda Roots Festival, sharing the stage with Ash Grunwald and Kingtide, and they wowed audiences at the Cairns Indigenous Arts Fair.
Zennith performed outstandingly to open the Annual 2009 Qsong Awards held at one of Brisbane’s most spectacular venues The Tivoli. Aden Brim and Zennith were nominated in three categories ‘Best Regional’, ‘Blues & Roots’ and ‘Indigenous’; Aden accepted the award for Best Regional. They also received two Deadly Award nominations.
Zennith’s EP ‘I Like It’ is full of uplifting and positive messages. Celebrating the release of their debut single and film clip ‘Simplified’ the prelude off their debut album supported by Arts Qld set for release mid-year, Zennith will be taking their message of understanding, empathy, culture and reconciliation to the world.