Fans of dancehall artiste I Octane took to social media to voice their disgust with the revelation that Octane has not been booked to perform on this year's Reggae Sumfest concert in Montego Bay.

I Octane closed the international festival on two occasions to  rave reviews in the past, and he has been on a tear in recent weeks with incendiary performances at  live shows such as 'New Rules', 'Britjam' and 'Top of the Line' so his exclusion from the line-up has caused consternation among his legion of fans when the official lineup was posted online on Wednesday. 

"I know that Sumfest is under new management but why no Octane, fans in the west love Octane, he always gives a great performance every year, he is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser so why the change?"one fan posed on Facebook. 

The response on Twitter was just as incendiary. 

"How Sumfest so biased!? No Octane, no Sumfest!" @badgalrenee tweeted.  Another Twitter user, @monzashotta tweeted: 'wah Sumfest ah deal wid? How the Genna Octane no de pon the show this year after him bun it down 2016".

jhana_grant said: why haven't I seen IOctane listed in the lineup? I come every year from Atlanta and he is my favourite part of the show."

slim_shyv said: How @realioctane not on the flyer this year???? #pleaseexplain. 

I-Octane has come a long way since his debut at Reggae Sumfest several years agoas an opening act and through his fiery performances gradually worked his way up to appearing later on the festival to become a middle-order artiste in 2011, when he delivered a set that surpassed the expectations of the Reggae Sumfest crowd. Over the years, I-Octane has been consistent in his career and that has boosted him to become known as one of Jamaica's best artistes. He closed the festival two consecutive years, 2013  and 2014. 

He is known for massive hits such as Lose a Friend, L.O.V.E Y.O.U and Gyal A Gi Me Bun. 

Other artistes who have not been booked or announced for this year's edition of Reggae Sumfest include Popcaan, Assassin and Konshens.

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Platinum Kids Win America's National Sound Championship "US Rumble

One of the most exciting aspects of reggae culture took place inside Amazura nightclub in Queens, New York last Saturday. It was the second annual US Rumble nationals where seven sound systems entered a musical "war" for a spot in the international Irish and Chin World Clash competition. All seven sounds entered the Amazura stage hungry for the coveted title of America's National Champion Sound, "US Rumble Champion", yet only one sound could walk away with the title and that went to Bronx, NY Platinum Kids.

New York's Platinum Kids sound, featuring the dynamic duo, Paul and Marcus Gavin won the US Rumble championship and a slot in the highly acclaimed World Clash competition, to be held later this year. Platinum Kids, known as a juggling sound entered the US Rumble competition as the underdog. Being the only sound on the line up with the least clash experience many considered them less likely to win and an early exit during the competition. Yet, for Paul and Marcus the key element to any performance especially a competition judged by the crowd is to make sure they entertain the audience in front of them. "We may not have the deepest dub box or clash extensively, but over the years we have learned that its all about the crowd, mek sure you entertain them to the best of your ability and win them over" says Marcus the MC of Platinum Kids.

The competition was not an easy one as Platinum Kids competed against the defending US Rumble champion Innocent Sound (Florida) and the runner up of the inaugural US Rumble - King Shine (New Jersey). Both Innocent Sound and King Shine are winners of numerous sound competitions with several titles under their belt . Also in this years US Rumble competition were four other decorated sounds in the sound clash arena, One A Day (Philadelphia), Riddim Force (Florida), Kosmik (Brooklyn, NY) and Black Magic (Atlanta) who met with Platinum Kids in a nail biting "tune fi tune" face off.

During the final round, "tune fi tune", which would declare the winner after the best of 10 songs, Platinum Kids at 3:44 am held the lead with a score 4-0, but Black Magic quickly gained momentum. After playing a dubplate from the late Garnet Silk 'Evacuate', Black Magic immediately won the crowd and came back to even the score 4-4, but Platinum Kids was up for the fight. Platinum Kids went on to play Carl Dawkins 'Satisfaction' (dubplate) followed by a Mighty Diamond 'I Need A Roof' (dubplate) and sealed the championship, winning 6-4.

"First we want to say thanks for the opportunity given to us by Irish and Chin, music is not a hobby for us its a passion and something we take seriously. We've been playing music for over 17 years now so for us this is one a dem achievements we are humbled by and look forward to expanding the brand on an international level" says Paul the selector of Platinum Kids.

Enthusiastic over US Rumble and Platinum Kids win, promoter Garfield "Chin" Bourne says, "Platinum Kids displayed a combination of qualities that ultimately led them to the victory, including strong speech, entertainment and strong mixture of dubplates  mixed with a 'lethal' 45 selections."

After earning their spot in this years World Clash, Platinum Kids await the names of the other contenders who will represent UK and Europe.

PHOTO CREDIT: Ajamu Myrie

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NEW VIDEO ALERT: International Recording Artist Tarrus Riley Release Long Awaited Video

International recording artist Tarrus 'Singy Singy' Riley, release the video for his smashing single 'Just the Way You Are', produced by DJ Frass. The single 'Just the Way You Are' became an instant hit over night. Automatically fans all over the world began posting videos of themselves 'just the way they are'. All ages, race, gender gravitated to this single and the powerful message it entail.

For Tarrus Riley it was a no brainer that this song became "the people's song', therefore why not make the video 'the people's video'. Directed by Oliviere Lessard, the video features some of the numerous fans who posted their video celebrating themselves 'Just the Way they Are' on social media.

Take a look maybe you made a cameo in the video.

Click link below and watch.

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Beres Hammond, I-Octane Give Thrilling Performance ... During Former NoMadz Member's Wedding Reception

Vibes master Beres Hammond, dancehall artiste I-Octane and a rising star by the name of Daniel 'Brighter' Gordon created musical magic at Christopher and Maria Gordon's wedding reception at the Tryall Club in Hanover over the weekend.

Gordon, formerly of No-Maddz, also joined the amazingly awesome concert, performing for his new bride, in what could easily assume the position of being one of the most entertaining weddings this year.

Held at the stunning Stella by the Sea Villa, Beres Hammond entered the stage at just about 10 p.m., and his one-hour set totally mesmerised the intimate audience which waited anxiously for his arrival.

It was obvious that the party people who turned out for the wedding were willing to watch their idol, transfixed on stage, not saying a word, while his efficient backup singers, Deja and Dorette Wisdom, took charge. However, the veteran crooner, who is as good as every dollar he charges, serenaded the couple with one of his hit songs, She Loves Me Now.

When he pulled for popular personal anthems such as, Come Back Home and belted the words, "I wish you would stay longer," he never even needed to repeat the words, because it is an undisputable fact that Beres Hammond fans will stay with him all night.

The words from one of his songs, 'Thought I Could Live Without You', sounded almost like an inappropriate statement, as there was no one at this wedding party that would go home without Hammond, even if it was only the sound of his voice humming in their head.

A feel good jam session it was, to the extent that when the vibes master pulled for songs like Double Trouble, and Pull Up The Vibes, it was evident that he had only one care in the world, to satisfy the souls of his audience.

I-Octane

Living up to expectations of being one of dancehall's best, I-Octane brought a lot of energy and magnetism to the stage, choosing to have a performance built on conversing with the audience. Decked out in all-white, the artiste known for hits such as, Lose A Friend, Buss A Blank and Party Turn Up, performed for a solid 60 minutes, dedicating some of his time to mothers and women in the country.

Allowing young Daniel 'Brighter' Gordon, brother of the groom to have his five minutes of fame on stage, the youngster with a voice of gold, did not disappoint.

In fact, Brighter, brought immense excitement to the event. His presentation was followed by the unorthodox and extremely talented group that goes by the name NoMadz.

Christopher and Maria Gordon, tied the knot late last year and shared the moment officially with friends on Saturday.

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Season Change Rhythm Plans To Motivate & Uplift With Vibes

Berta Records presents the blazing reggae hit filled Season Change Rhythm. The profound rockers influenced rhythm features a star studded reggae line up. With artists such as Bugle "Rising For A Fall", Chino "I Nah Worry",  Kabaka Pyramid "Never Change" , Romain Virgo & Bugle "No Problem", Tarrus Riley "There is A Way" and upcoming artist Rockaz Element whose single "No Get Away" is an amazing track.

During the production process of the rhythm Berta Records set out to produce a project with a message, yet still maintaining an uplifting vibe for persons to move to. Each single stands out on their own, delivering a positive message about life, overcoming struggles and motivating persons to keep going despite the pitfalls they may experience. 

While pleased with the outcome of the rhythm, Berta Records is also humbled by the support he received from each of the artists on the project and there contribution. Most importantly he thanks Anointed Records who assisted in every step of the way.

Season Change Riddim is set to release on May 5th 2017, distributed by Zojak Records and will be available on iTunes and all major online digital stores.  

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