Just the other day I was writing a post entitled �Happy Birthday Michael Jackson� who would have thought �that a few short months later that I would be writing a post on his death.When I first heard a news flash come over on the radio saying Michael had been hospitalised I thought it was one of those publicity stunts to bring attention to MJ�s tour.

Next I heard it announced, Michael Jackson was dead, which I took in unbelievable stunned silence. Michael Jackson can�t die, I mean he is Michael Jackson; can the Smooth Criminal Thriller Billie Jean MJ really die?Then the tributes and music started confirming the saddening news.

He was the indisputable King of Pop and one the greatest entertainers in the world. He was a visionary who revolutionized the entertainment world with his videos and music. His immense popularity broke through demographic barriers of age class and colour. He was loved by all. Except those who hated him, and to hate him would mean you had to know of him, such was the extent of his fame.

I have been doing a comical vocal imitation of Michael on radio for the past 20 years. If I did an impression now of Mc Hammer who was big in the 80’s, people would be “Mc who??” But an impression of MJ never failed to entertain the masses because everyone knew who he was. Now on the eve of his comeback concert, he is gone, space walking to that musical studio in the sky, reflecting the words of one of his own songs, Michael Jackson is �Gone Too Soon.�

The Cottage Studios, a subsidiary of Good Vybz Inc launched the cd singles by the 2008 winners of the 6-12 Cherish Breedy and 13-20 Quinn Belgrave categories of the Richard Stoute Teen Talent at the Garrison Secondary School on Friday February 20, 2009 at a special extended assembly at 9:00 a.m., at the time of the launch at the school, all radio stations across Barbados were sent a copy of the songs to be played at 9:00 a.m.

During the 2008 RSTTC, Good Vybz Inc., provided material for give-a-ways, members of the management team attended all of the preliminaries, semis – the semi-finalists were showcased at the Ship Inn every Thursday night during the Strategy performances, leading up to their final performances to give the contestants exposure, in a quest to making them comfortable in preparation for their big night, as well as presenting Mr. Stoute at the finals with a cheque for the cost of the full package promised which served as their commitment to the sponsorship package offered. 

Quinn is a past student and Cherish is presently a student of that school.

The song “I’m The One“ which Cherish sings, was written by a Garrison Secondary School old scholar, Toni Norville and produced by Matthew “Fewwture’ Ashby, Shane Forrester and Lori Worrell at The Cottage Studios.

This was the first time such an event was held at the school and the Principal, Mr. Matthew Farley and Master of Ceremonies was extremely proud.

It must be noted that Malcolm X, Kareen Clarke, Daddy Mark, as well as writer of Cherish’s song Toni Norville were present at the launch which was a grand affair and very inspiring for the entire school students pas t and present and teachers alike, also present was the first principal Mr. Sealy and from the legal profession two of a long line of attorneys Junior – Allsopp and magistrates and Ian Weekes. Ministers Michael Lashley and Chris Sinckler also attended.

Quinn’s song  “ Wit’ Me “ was written and produced by the latest addition to the Good Vybz Inc, team Michael “B-Roca” Holder, and it also features Kirk Brown whose initiative, through his interest in culture generally, has been primarily responsible for this effort. 

Cherish Breedy also celebrated her 13th birthday on February 20th making her the youngest and first teen talent winner to be recorded at this age (12).

Merle Niles presented two photos of the performers. Cherish and Quinn to the school to launch the opening of a photo gallery and announced that these photos will are the first in a long line of photos to be given to the school of persons who excelled.

Check  out the Garrison School Old Scholars on Facebook.

If you desire to be a professional and “qualified” entertainer musician my buddy and associate Chris Harper has teamed up with the prestigious Berklee College of Music to offer barbadians an opportunity to be qualified.

Note use of the that word “qualified” that is something I find those of us in entertainment don’t pay enough attention to. Since no compulsory educational qualifications are needed to be an entertainer we can just say “I is an entertainer” and that’s it. Sometimes I read in the court pages an entertainer is charged for something and its someone that in all my 30 years in the business I have never seen them yet, but them pulling we down claiming to be part of our industry.

Thats why it would be good if it were mandatory that to be deemed an entertainer you needed some qualification, not only for that reason but because we have something to fall back on should times change.

That’s why its important to take advantage of this opportunity that Chris is offering us and I would like to publicly compliment Harper on his laudable efforts to uplift and educate the industry.

Over the past five years Berklee College of Music has partnered with Notes to Note Inc. to conduct the Barbados leg of their annual scholarship tour. This year the project has been strengthened and is an official project of the office of International Programs which will allow students to access more of the college’s resources through addition scholarships and financial aid.

 The scholarship office released the follow statement on the scholarship tour.

 ”Berklee travels the globe visiting over 40 cities annually seeking those talented musicians who we feel are an excellent match to the college.  By participating in a live audition and interview, applicants are considered for merit-based scholarships towards the full-time program or the Five Week Summer Performance Program.”

 The scholarships auditions will take place on Saturday 21^st February from 9:00am at the Barbados Community College.                 

Persons from Barbados and the region who wish to take part in the audition process need to complete the application for admission online at https://www.berklee.edu/apply/.

  On Thursday 19^th and Friday 20^{th of} February at the Barbados Community College at 5:00pm each day there will be a lecture on the admissions process and a pre-audition workshop respectively. These will be conducted by Vice-President of student affairs Steve Lipman and Professors John Pierce and John Marasco of the Berklee College of Music.

For further information on auditions please contact:

Chris Harper  

Managing Director

Notes to Note Inc.
phone (246)427-2555
email: notestonote@caribsurf.com 

Monday is the night I go to the movies, 8.30 pm the Globe Cinema is the choice of P Boyce.

My Face book friends often query this “strange” behavior “wha I see that movie weeks ago I coulda burn that for you” or  “you could have gone on www see movies free.com and watch that for free on your computer, why you wasting money?”

Well let me tell you why I leave home go to the movies, for the “entertainment experience”.

I enjoy the anticipation of simply “going to de theatre” looking forward to a night out.

I enjoy viewing the poster displayed outside the cinema promoting the movie which helps to heighten your anticipation of seeing the same film.

I look forward buying my theatre pop corn, hot dog and soda to snack on as I view the flick.

Then the cinema darkens and they pull the curtains the night’s entertainment begins with the “Coming Attractions” wetting your appetite for the flicks to come.

Sometimes the coming attractions are better than the movies them selves.

I love to sit back and view my movies on a big screen and I don’t tell me you got a 60 inch TV, I mean the massive cinema scope larger than life dimensions you get only in the theater.

I love my Dolby stereo and surround sound where the audio brings you into the movie.

It is a total escape, you don’t have your wife telling you the T.V to loud or your kids vex cause they want to use the computer.

You get away from your worries, bills and ringing phones, well if you turn your cell off.

It is the social interaction as you and the audience become as one, 

It is entertainment experience that I am after, stop home and view movie down loads on an 18 inch computer screen? I think not!

Jamal Woolard plays slain rapper Notorious B.I.G. in Notorious

I have not updated Boyce Voice for over two weeks and deserve licks….
I will make a pledge not to repeat such behavior again and apologise to Tracy Fyahkros, Asiba and all the readers.

Let me digress back (if there is such a term) to my topic “The Notorious Industry”.
I am referring to the Rap music Industry which has its roots in the United States of America.
Notorious would be an apt description because of the new movie release on rapper Biggy Small based entitled that, “Notorious”.
What caught my attention recently was an online news item where four men were stabbed at the after party for that same movie.

It reminded me of the asininely violent behavior which is a norm by practioners in the rap music industry.
Rappers usually “diss” one another in the lyrics of their songs, which is ok, but then they go a step further.
That rivalry continues off stage sometimes resulting in rappers shooting and killing one other.
It’s the equivalent of our calypsonians not only singing about one another but killing one another too, so Gabby might go looking for RPB to take him out if we followed the example of the rappers.
Rappers sing gangsta lyrics and then turn round and live gangsta lives for real.
Let’s look at a white parallel, Who appears in more violent mafia and gangster movies that Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, but when the movie is over the role is over and they become movie stars living a glamorous life of luxury.
You don’t see them going around town toting guns shooting at one another and the police.

It is unfortunate that the section of the entertainment industry that is so deviant happens to be black.
The Rap Industry is now responsible for misleading a generation of young black males into believing being a gangsta is the “life” and going to prison is a badge of honor.
The “Notorious” Industry is therefore an apt title.

By the way, in case you didn’t know “Notorious B.I.G was gunned down in Los Angeles in 1997 reputedly by a rival rap gang. Ok then…..

I saw this play when it came out last year and wrote about it on Boyce Voice, it was pretty damn entertaining!Bajans living in Canada should not miss out on this opportunity to experience our culture in fact everyone should see it regardless of where you are from..

It is very significant that Andy Armstrong and A and W Productions are exporting a Bajan entertainment product, usually when exports are spoken of it refers to Pepper Sauce and Sugar and tangible products, that now needs to be redefined. So when the Government is looking to put incentives in place to encourage exports, they must also remember the entertainment entrepreneurs who export the intangible cultural products.

By exporting to other territories also gives the play a longer revenue generation life, instead of depending on our small local theatre market “Going For Love” can now experience renewed financial vigor that an result in even more potential profits being recognised by the producers.

In Closing; If in Canada, Go and see “Going for Love” you will not regret it…..

one criticism I have of “Going for Love” the title should be more Bajan and it should be “Gine for Love”

Local politics just got more entertaining….

With the news that entertainment lawyer and artiste manager Santia Bradshaw is now taking entering the political arena. Santia will be running to represent the Barbados Labour Party in the St Michael South East constituency aka “The Pine”.
The same way you know about Obama and McCain you should know that Hamilton Lashley resigned from the BLP to become an independent and so Santia is looking to take over that position.
Ms Bradshaw aka Santia has been involved in entertainment for some years now, her company Pyramid Entertainment manages Peter Ram, Lil Rick, Mr Dale Philip 7 and numerous other artistes that if you are a regular reader to Boyce Voice you should know.
Santia is also well versed in copyright and intellectual property being a well studied British trained lawyer.
She has used her legal knowledge on behalf of the industry to help bridge the perennial gap which seems to exist between local artistes and the National Cultural Foundation.

Santia’s father Delisle Bradshaw was also in politics which according to political pundits gives her an advantage, it will be most interesting what Santia Bradshaw brings to the political table with her in-depth entertainment background and the perspective which will be presented as it relates to the industry.

This Morning Boyce Voice is educating your ass…

Here’s a free lecture thats on this morning that my friend and assoiciate Chris harper is staging….

It would be worth while attending from what I can see, if you are outside of Barbados its worth flying in for….read on

Notes to Notes Inc.

In collaboration with
The Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination

Present the

2009 Summer Scholarship Audition preparation workshop
Delivered by Berklee’s
 Associate Professor John Pierce
 
Time:   Saturday October 4th 2008 10:30am -12:30pm

Location:  EBCCI- UWI Cave Hill Campus, Barbados

Admission:  FREE

For details call Chris Harper @ 427-2555 or email notestonote@caribsurf.com

This initiative sponsored by
The Peter Boos Foundation

Berklee preparation workshop October 4th 2008 Press release
         This Saturday between 10:30am -12:30pm at the EBCCI, UWI, Cave Hill campus, Notes to Note in collaboration with the Errol Barrow Center for Creative Imagination will be hosting a free workshop conducted by Berklee College of Music, Associate Professor John Pierce.
      The workshop will be geared towards musicians interested in taking part in the annual  Berklee Summer Scholarship auditions which are held in Barbados at the end February. Therefore the material will be primarily focused on preparation for the audition process as well as general methods for practicing improvisation and overall musical growth.
       Notes to Note Inc. for the past five years have facilitated the Annual Berklee Scholarship Tour and Barbados in now the official audition location for the southern Caribbean. This strategic alliance has lead to sixteen summer scholarship being awarded, ten of which were won by Barbadians.
      Winners of the Berklee Summer Scholarship 2009 will have the opportunity to spend five weeks at the Prestigious College in an exciting accelerated program and have the opportunity to re-audition for the full time degree program. For additional information on the workshop please contact Chris Harper at 427-2555 or email notestonote@caribsurf.com .

Happy Birthday to Michael Jackson

Happy birthday Happy Birthday

happy Birthday to Michael Jackson

Believe it or not today 29th August is Michael Jackson’s Birthday!

What I find strange is there is no mention of it on the MSN home page, I discovered it reading an obscure article on BBC Mobile.
It does not seem as much attention is being paid to Jackson as say Maddona who celebrated her 50th last week and it was all over the media.
So while the main stream media seems to be ignoring MJ he still has a friend in Boyce Voice we as are heralding his half century birthday achievement.

Lets focus on the positive contributions he has made, his top selling album “Thriller” which sold over 65 million copies world wide according to the Guinness book or records

The 14 minute ground breaking cutting edge “Thriller” video which revolutionized the music video industry.

You know sometimes you meet some one you have not seen for a while and they’ve changed so dramatically you almost don’t recognize them, well Michael happen to change his nose, hair and skin colour as he aged, lets go to some pictures…

Here’s Michael in 1975 in the Jackson Five days, has a really cool afro and thing

Here’s Michael in 1978 releasing “Off the Wall” album

Michael in 1984 with his best Friend “Bubbles” the monkey (Thats where Bubbles from Hott 95.3 got his name from) Bubbles has a matching shirt thats so cute, and thats a big dog! his skin is glowing in a white kind of way

From the 1987 “Bad” tour his skin has changed and so has his nose, the pressures of entertainment do that too you

Michael looks pretty effiminate in this 1995 pic, its like he is going for a white black man woman look, thats what you call targeting all the marketing demographics

Here is Michael on the cover of his 2001 flop album “Invincible” it probably flopped cause people did not recognise him on the cover, its a sort of Peter Pan type bullerish picture

The only thing which has remained constant about MJ is his voice, even at 50 he still talks like a six year old girl…. Here’s the last picture Brace your self its pretty brutal

Ok, so what can you say about this picture aah, well it  definitely would make the girls scream I’ll tell you that, and probably some men as well, plus some little boys.

This was Jacko’s mug shot when he was arrested by the police in 1993, guess the law men didn’t let him put his make up on before they took him, the picture is not pretty and neither were the charges, he looks like he could play the Joker in the next Batman movie.

 About those child molestation accusations which have dogged MJ’s career, it was not helped by his statement “I don’t see any thing wrong with sharing my bed with children”
Normal people frown on that sort of thing Jacko, in fact you are usually put on a sex offenders monitoring list and scorned by the society.
 He is known as The Peter Pan of Pop, Wacko Jacko, The Gloved One. the unforgettable the Michael Jackson, still most known as “The King of Pop”! Happy Birthday to you

Ayana John Winner of $5000 Got Rhythm Competition 

The GotRhythm.com eSoca Competition 2008 came to an end at mid-night August 8th. Congratulations to Ayana John for winning the inaugural competition with Kimberley Inniss in 2nd place and newcomers Rhea & JayCee in third. The order is as follow:

             Song                                          Artist      Prize
1.          Just The Way                          Ayana John         $5000
2.          Merry Go Round feat. Alicia    Kimberley Inniss     $2500
3.          Handle It feat JayCee             Rhea          $1250
4.          Nah Missin Meh                       Edwin Yearwood       
5.          Wrong Gal                                RPB
6.          Show Me                                   Kirk Brown       
7.          Dat Is What I Talkin’ Bout       Andy Armstrong (Blood)       
8.          In a Party Mood                        Hypa Soundz       
9.          Big Girls                                   Biggie Irie       
10.        Baby Oh Baby                          Adrian Clarke       

The producer of the winning song is Darron Grant and he will receive $1000.The customer who purchased the most downloads is Jackie Clarke with 428 downloads and she will receive a Video Camcorder. This competition attracted customers from Trinidad & Tobago, United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Japan. Special mention must be made of Ikeda Kiyotaka (Kanagawa Japan) who purchased 80 downloads and was leading the customer download competition for over one month and was only passed during the last few days of competition.

The awards will be presented at The VIP Party, which will be held at Café Jungles in The Gap on August 30th. There will be performances by several Top 10 artists. Additionally all eSoca customers are eligible to enter the customer draw for a Blackberry Smartphone, Digital Camera and an MP3 player, which will be held at the VIP Party.

The eSoca competition ran from May 22nd – August 8th 2008, and a total of 189 songs from 126 artists were entered mostly from Barbados but there were entries from United Kingdom, Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica. The winners were determined based on the number of songs purchased from GotRhythm.com. This competition is the first of it’s kind and Got Rhythm Inc. will present similar online competitions in other regional territories. The next eSoca competition is scheduled to kickoff in November and will be centered around T&T Carnival 2009. GotRhythm Inc. intends to continue to use technology in innovative ways to promote the music and art of the region by making it easily accessible to local, regional and international customers, in a manner that provides tangible revenue streams to artists and music producers.

Boyce note;Congrats to all the winners of the Got Rhythm from Boyce Voice!

Ayana please remember I was always a fan of yours and Darron Grant as administrator of Boyce Voice we are partners in any money prizes u benefit from..

Congrats to Got Rhythm management in orgainising this innovative competition to spruce up interest in their site and encourage more download sales…