Jafrass has ‘Faith’ in new EP
By Nelson A. King
Certified Billboard producer, dancehall
and reggae Notnice has announced recording
artist Jafrass’s debut EP “Faith”, set for
release Aug. 20 on Notnice Records.
Influenced by the legendary Jimmy Cliff
and iconic Vybz Kartel, emerging artist
Jafrass found kinship in both these artists’
respective creativity and delivery, according
to Brooklyn-based entertainment publicist
Ronnie Tomlinson.
But Tomlinson, the Jamaican-born
chief executive officer of Destine Media,
said it was an unlikely ally who encouraged
Jafrass’s artistry.
“My grandmother would drink rum on
occasions and, when she was feeling it, she
would always call me to deejay for her,”
Jafrass said. “She was my first fan.”
Although music has always played a role
in his life, Tomlinson said Jafrass’s professional
career started when he “serendipitously
was introduced to coveted producer
Notnice.
“The latter lead to signing to the imprint
label Notnice Records,” Tomlinson said.
“From them time until now a just history,”
Jafrass said.
Since recording his debut single, “Floss
Boss” on Notnice’s Detox Riddim, Tomlinson
said Jafrass has honed his craft
by delivering a modest discography, and
toured both locally and internationally.
“Armed with these experiences, the
recording artist has delivered his musical
‘Mother & Son’ WIADCA welcomes back patrons
Caribbean L 42 ife, AUGUST 20-26, 2021
entrée by way of an eight-track
journey into his mental and
emotional landscape,” Tomlinson
said. “’Faith’ EP is the
perfect soundtrack to a stillunfolding
talent ready to be
heard in his fullness.”
Jafrass said each song has “a
different message.”
“The EP doesn’t really have
one feel; it’s more like different
sides of me,” he said. “There are
girls’ songs, conscious songs
and street songs.
“The title of the EP is self-explanatory,”
he added. “It came
from the fact that so many
times I felt like giving up, but
faith brought me this far, and
me firm. That is also why it is
the lead single.”
The EP also features collaborations
with Nordia Mothersille,
Jah Vinci and Squash.
“A showcase of both Jafass’s
vocal stylings, as well as his
pen, ‘Faith’ EP is perfectly suited
for this moment in culture
forever, marked by a global
pandemic, ongoing hardships
and realities, with an added
dose of fun,” Tomlinson said.
“The eight-track, full-length
proves to be another welcomed
triumph for dancehall and regplishment.
“I’ve always had this idea of
doing an album with myself and
my mother, and now that we’ve
done the album, I would say it
is one of my greatest musical
achievements so far,” Stephens
said. “This is historic. It has
never been done in the reggae
genre before.
“This is an album with my
mother that (who) carried me
for nine months and who nurtured
me as I never grew up with
a father,” he added. “That should
explain even more how excited I
am about this project. I feel very,
very excited that we have accomplished
this dream together.
“My mother has always wanted
to be involved in music,”
Stephens continued. “This is
the ultimate satisfaction for her.
Every time I see her, she is happy.
Every time we get a compliment
from someone, it means so much
to her and to me, as well.”
Stephens said he was “so excited”
that the album is completed
and was getting ready to release
it on Aug. 20.
“I’m just so happy; I’m so
excited,” he said. “What I especially
love is that my mother was
able to deliver at such a higher
level vocally.
“People like for Freddie
McGregor, Reggae Queen Marcia
Griffiths, Sanchez and my
other peers have congratulated
Mama on her performance,” he
added. “They have called me up
to really, really salute her and to
congratulate her on a great vocal
performance. This is just so special
to me.”
Stephens said his mother is
one of the original singers in the
family.
“My grandmother also used
to be a top singer, as well,” he
added. “My mother inspired and
supported my decision to pursue
music professionally.”
Stephens said he started
recording Mama Carmen about
25 years ago, with “Mama’s
Blessings.”
“Then, several years after
that, we recorded a song called
‘Shine,’” he said. “And then, we
recorded a couple of other songs
that I included on a gospel album
that I did.
“Recently, she recorded her
first solo song called ‘They call
her Moses,’” he added.
Continued from Page 41
Monk Music, the 2021
installment of Soca Universe
features 30 of the
best songs of the year.
“Soca royalty and rising
stars have delivered
a must-have listing of
tracks that display the
vocal range, witty lyrics,
unparalleled energy and
frenzied grooves characteristic
of the genre,”
Tomlinson said. “Machel
Montano, Kes, Bunji Garlin,
Destra, Voice, and DJ
Private Ryan, alongside up
and comers Hey Choppi,
Nessa Preppy, Sekon Sta,
and many more, round-up
the hit-filled compilation.
“Carnival isn’t just
about dancing in the
streets; it’s in your heart
and soul,” Tomlinson
added. “So, keep the fete
going by streaming and
downloading Soca Universe
2021, out Aug. 13,
2021, https://onerpm.link/
SocaUniverse2021.”
Continued from Page 41
provide much-needed resources
to the underserved, and we
could not have done it without
you,” it continued.
In presenting “Rebirth” for
its 54th year, WIADCA said it is
“planning for our future now by
leading with our youth as our
focal point, and our community
members and partners as our
foundation.
“As North America’s oldest
Caribbean cultural institution
(contributor to the city’s economic
stability and growth), we
produced several year-round
community programs for youth,
adults and seniors,” it said.
WIADCA’s annual signature
events, featuring several cultural
and musical ambassadors
are set to take place during New
York Carnival Week — Friday,
Sept. 3 to Monday, Sept. 6 at the
Brooklyn Museum.
Cultural partners include
Pride of the Caribbean, Sesame
Flyers International, Antoine
International, B Paradise Mas’,
Poshy Productions/Kaisokah
Mas and Kaisokah Moko Jumbies,
among others, WIADCA
said.
New York Carnival 2021
Schedule of Events comprises:
Friday, Sept. 3 — Welcome
Back, 7:00 pm - 2:00 am —
a cultural experience featuring
music and artists from the
entire diaspora like Iwer George,
Blaxx and more.
“During this event, we will
pay tribute to the contributions
of Jacob Desvarieux (guitarist
and lead singer Kassav)
and Herman Nau (co-founder
and drummer Tabou Combo),”
WIADCA said.
Music will be by DJ Pink
Assassin, Stakz, Int’l DJ Spice,
DJ Norie (Hot 97.1) and One
Gyal Army. Admission: Eventbrite
https://bit.ly/3yHopzp
Saturday, Sept. 4: Virtual
International Youth Fest 2021 |
11:00 am – 8:00 pm — a virtual
end of summer Caribbean Talent
showcase promoting performing
arts and cultural diversity,
where all performances are
welcome, WIADCA said.
Special performances will
be by Trinidad All Stars, Kezia
Sealy, Kiana Marcellin, KiMarli
Jeffrey, Kamarly Simpson Da
Big Show, Jr. Steelpan, Emancipation,
Calypso winners
and more. Guest Judges to be
announced. Virtual admission
via www.wiadcacarnival.org.
Donations are appreciated.
Pan Jamboree | 7:00 pm -
12:00 am: “This culturally
enriching showcase is complete
with live performances
from steel bands, pan soloists,
doubles, quartets and more,”
WIADCA said.
“The audience will witness
an immersive 360-degree viewing
experience at the Brooklyn
Museum,” it added. “Don’t miss
your chance to select a winner
with a people’s choice award!”
Admission: Eventbrite https://
bit.ly/3yHUIya
Monday, Sept. 6: “The Ultimate
New York Carnival Day
Experience
Jus’ Like Mas’ | 11:00 am -
6:00 pm.
WIADCA said it will be partnership
with Scorch Mag X,
THC X Sunny Side Up, X Care
Free Nation and X Black Star
Denzil.
“Get your costumes or Monday
wear ready and join us at
Brooklyn Museum in ‘Di Big
Yard’” WIADCA urged.
It said package includes:
drinks, music trucks and live
performances.
Continued from Page 41
SOCA
UNIVERSE
Jafrass. Jamar Morris
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/www.wiadcacarnival.org
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