By Vinette K. Pryce
Haitian Grammy winning producer, singer, arranger, musician Wyclef Jean will now carry privileged access when walking through airports. Recently presented a red, diplomatic passport, the founder of a musical trio he dubbed The Fugees will be able to traverse the world with the kind of ease afforded diplomats. The immigrant achiever who arrived in Brooklyn at age nine, studied jazz in high school and later formed a group called Tranzlator Crew with schoolmates Lauryn Hill and fellow Haitian Prakanzel (Pras) Michel evolved to record on Ruffhouse Records as The Fugees.
The trio’s debut “Blunted on Reality” failed to blast their career to a start they hoped, however their sophomore “Score” fulfilled every expectation selling 17 million copies. Since the group’s fragmentation, Jean has consistently advocated for his country and people. He celebrated the 200th anniversary of Haiti’s independence in 2004 by recording his fifth, solo, CD, an all-creole language collection entitled “Sak Passe…Welcome to Haiti, Creole 101.”
The day after his 35th birthday, Oct. 18, Jean accepted the passbook at SOB’s where he also launched his seventh CD, “Carnival II: Memoirs of an Immigrant.”
Along with the document, Haitian Ambassador Raymond Joseph named the accomplished Fugee, goodwill ambassador.
Catch You On The Inside!
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By Vinette K. Pryce
Reggae fans are still reeling over the news that on Oct. 18, South African singer Lucky Dube was gunned down in his homeland city of Johannesburg. Reflecting on his career-defining channeling of his idol and mentor Peter Tosh, they are wrestling with theories of conspiracies and inferences that suggest that the singer may have been targeted for murder.
“Everybody should know Lucky Dube,” the Honorebel Jah Paul said. “and why dem pick that time to do that?” he questioned with skepticism.
Lucky Dube was killed on the eve of the birthday anniversary of Peter Tosh, after leaving his son at a sub-urban residence in the South African city.
Kufunya Ife, an admirer and reggae activist sent the following acknowledgement of his passing: “I have been blessed to have promoted Lucky concerts on more then one occasion in NYC with Sounds Of Brazil- and his music with Shanachie Ent. But my biggest gift to Lucky is when the Most High Prompted me to present Lucky with a Humanitarian Award at the South African Consulate for his efforts in his Home Land for peace and justice no matter what race or creed -
When spirit made the call Larry Gold of SOBs, supported the Award with out any hesitation along with Sholeen P. Mooljee Vice- Consul South African Consulate who was my point person and got things in motion. Thani Ngwevela South African Consul General, Voza Rivers, and Ademola designer of Lucky's Award , Randall Grass and members of Shanachie Ent his staff ,Koch International, South African Dignitaries, David Jacobs, members of the international reggae Radio , TV community in the tri state, Vinette K Pryce who covered and documented the event for the Amsterdam News and invited guests all present..
I was so Nervous because this was the first time that I was presenting such a great award and I love and respected Lucky Dube to the fullness. Lucky just made me feel at ease- He was for real in his presentation to his supporters in concert world wide and he and his band gave 200% and you could feel it in your heart and soul when they hit the stage they were in one accord with pure positive energy and beyond-
Thank you Almighty Creator for allowing me to be in the midst and bear witness to your wonderful creation- I shall never forget the music that came from your heart and soul that plays on forever in this great Universe!
I Salute Your Mind , Soul and Spirit which can never cease!
From Chicago, CEO of the International Reggae & World Music Awards Ephraim Martin said: Since 1984, Lucky Dube had been nominated and won several awards. He said the singer “will be sadly missed by tens of thousands of fans worldwide!”
By Vinette K. Pryce |
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