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Last e-Roar of the Year!!

Dera Baskin (roar@roarentertainment.com)

ALL LYONZ ROAR!!...LOUDER!!

We give thanks we have made it to the end of this year. Stronger, network longer, and with no fears! More positive things aguan chale! T.V. & Radio show appearances, magazine interviews, competitions won, international collaborations, and so much more!

WUT’Z BEEN GOOD

Sydney’s own D.J. Nsroma (a.k.a Rita Connel) of the "African Hour" on S.B.S Radio arrived in the states from Australia and linked up with Seven and Wanlov of Roar Entertainment. She’s going back with brand new tracks by Roar Entertainment’s artists as well as other artists affiliated with Roar to keep blasting the airwaves with fresh conscious tunes.

Wanlov was invited to perform @ Fela Kuti Day in Los Angeles by D.J. Nnamdi Moweta of Radio Afrodicia. It was held at Kaos Network in Leimert Park. He got the opportunity to link up with the activist and film director, Ben Caldwell. Caldwell runs Kaos Network, home of Project Blowed, where positive talks took place concerning video shoots and extending the Kaos Network to Accra, Ghana and other parts of Africa. Wanlov also linked up with the members of the famous Afrobeatdown Band so look out for future show collaborations.

The following weekend, Wanlov was invited alongside Gyedu-Blay Ambolley to KPFK’s Afrodicia Radio (90.7FM Los Angeles, 98.7FM Santa Barbara, & worldwide on the web @ http://www.kpfk.org/), to perform live on air. It was a great honor for Wanlov to perform for the first time alongside a living legend. Blay Ambolley and Wanlov did some live accapellas then “Ambolley in Da House” by Gyedu Blay featuring Boya Dunn & Wanlov was played for the first time on air. The session ended with Wanlov and Gyedu Blay tag-teaming two instrumentals; live on air spreading solid vibrations to the listeners. We will put up the re-broadcast on Roar Entertainment’s website in the near future. Gyedu Blay’s album will be out early next year so start your susu now!

Wanlov performed at the annual T.W.E.S.E African Royal Banquet held at Rutger’s University in New Brunswick, NJ. Alhaji, a Spoken Word poet, from Sierra Leone, opened the stage right after dinner with some powerful words for the attendees. Right after that Terry Lion of Pureafricanz blessed the stage with conscious Reggae vibes followed by a positive speech by one of the organizers. Finally Wanlov was called to the stage to rouse things up with tunes like "Kokonsa", "Dey Came", "Please Mummy", and "In Ghana". Click here to see the video. The T.W.E.S.E. Dance Troupe closed the show with some excellent dancing and their performance merged right into the party deejayed by D.J. K.9. It was a very lovely evening. There was a lot of West African cuisine, and people whom enjoyed it! There were student and delegate speeches/presentations, as well as a music band. In addition, there was a documentary highlighting the investment opportunities in Africa, presented to open the eyes of many and break their inhibitions about Africa. The United States is about a third the size of Africa yet the media makes us think every part of Africa is in constant crisis. For more information about African nations click here.

Boya Dunn made a guest artist appearance two times this past month on Caribbean Vibes Radio & T.V Show hosted by D.J. Solo and T-Mann , both based in Houston. It is a lovely show structured kind of like 106th and Park where mostly Caribean artists come to get interviewed. Boya Dunn was asked about his hometown in the Bahamas, performances to date, and future moves are for Bahamas Most Wanted. Video clips are played and news is disseminated. We should have the video episodes with Boya Dunn on Roar in no time. Boya Dunn also linked up strong with artists like Guage from London and Brown Pilot from Houston so some future collaboration should be in order.

Seven Xavier won the “Industry Standard Producer Showcase” held at The Remote Lounge in Manhattan, NY on 14th November, 05. Rockwilder (Produces for Redman, Christina Aguilera, Game and many more), and other top industry producers and A&Rs where present to judge the producers. Seven's victory was announced as a landslide over producers who have worked for numerous artists, old and new, that are already in the majors. Seven was the only producer who wasn’t criticized, but rather seemed to have inspired Rocwilder, who has asked Seven to come by Sony Studios and drop off a beat for Redman’s new album. He won over $1,500 in studio software, an interview by Beat Talk, a 1-yr producer membership to Dynamic Producer, and much more. Wanlov and all Seven's supporters picked Seven up and paraded him around the club shouting for joy.

Seven & Wanlov recently linked up with Kalab Berhane of VP Records and Riddim Driven Apparel. They were introduced to Joel Chin, a really humble and blessed idren who produces for numerous VP artists like Sean Paul, Elephant Man, I-Wayne, Wayne Wonder, Junior Kelly,...believe us this list could go on with as many names as there are known Reggae artists. The wheel was set in motion for collaborations to take place. A few days later Seven and Wanlov went back to VP Records to pick up a consignment of unreleased VP Records Riddim Driven Apparel and Accessories which they will be wearing from now on. VP's gear is solid and more representative of our culture than what is found in most stores now. Pat Chin who runs VP Records, Kalab Berhane, the lions of VP Apparel, as well as the hardworking and gifted staff of VP Records showed Roar Entertainment nuff nuff love and we are really excited about this venture which might include Wanlov's upcoming album "Odo Baako" being distributed by VP Records. This should open the door to all the artists of Roar Entertainment and its affiliates as the genres offered by VP Records will be branching into other cultural music from mama Africa and beyond. Seven picked out his share of the Riddim Driven gear as we drove him from VP Records in Queens to JFK where he jumped on his flight headed for Ghana. Bless!

WUT AGUAN

Before we talk more about Roar Entertainment let’s address a major issue brought to light by Empress Shilo, CEO of Celebrity Plus & Publicist for Solar Entertainment, who represent Bascom X, Gyptian, Nye, Frisco Kid, Mad Cobra, Lynx, and other solid artists.

The Empress Shilo has come up with a petition for the Grammy's, requesting to broadcast the segments when the Reggae, Dancehall, and other genres of Caribbean/West Indian music artists are awarded.

This is a very significant petition because Reggae & Dancehall is more worldwide than Rock Music, which gets nuff airtime. If you claim to be a true fan of Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and all the greats then now is the time to reciprocate the love they gave you! Empress Shilo is already making great strides towards achieving this goal that has been set. Click here to read one of the numerous articles that has been written about what her efforts has helped start.

Ghanaians and other Africans from the continent and abroad reading this should bear in mind that soon we will be petitioning for Highlife, Soukous, Afrobeat, Hip-life, and more to be on the Grammy's so scratch a back now and you know the rest. Do we even need to say all this? We are one people, as such we must act as one! What other kind of music spreads more love than Reggae?

The petition is at www.celebrityplus.net. Click on the Grammy icon and sign. The direct link is http://www.petitiononline.com/reggae1/petition.html

Everyone who listens to Reggae music or is an artist, deejay, songwriter, promoter, send this link around. There are some out there who believe we should stop petitioning to be a part of an event that is Euro-centered and start our own kind of award show and in our eyes that just keeps stalling I-nity. We should be working towards making these events inclusive to represent all cultures. For now Reggae is what has just called for its respect due. So people let's make the Grammy's pay up!

Boya Dunn is in Houston, Texas. Boya is being featured alongside Anthony B, Turbulence, Marci Ball, Journalis, Lutan Fire, Binghi Ghost, Teacha Dee, Terri Lion, & more…on the Gloria Riddim, Unification Riddim, Strange Things Riddim, and more riddims being pumped out by Genius & Ganja Fyah Dub of One Harmony Music. These albums will be distributed in the Caribbeans and some parts of Europe. All companies interested in distributing these compilations worldwide should link up. Deon the Butcher of 100 Jamz FM in the Bahamas has offered to re-mix a riddim for Boya Dunn's "See Di Gials" track which will be re-released on a major level.

Boya Dunn has also been selected by Jamaican Songstress Lorna Bennett to feature on a riddim compilation she's putting together and this is a great honor for Boya Dunn to be working with a Lovers Rock living legend alongside great artists like Spragga Benz and General Degree. Last, but not least, and most likely greatest, the Alpyne Empress and Boya Dunn are expecting a child anywhere in the next week or two. A new member of the Roar family soon commming! Olatunji Marion Campbell the 2nd. ROAR!

Seven is in Germany on his way to Ghana to promote the works of Roar Entertainment and its artists. He will be in Ghana for over a month doing radio promotions, meeting with potential investors, and working with artists like Batman, Tuface, Blackmonks, and V.I.P.

Wanlov has been invited to Solar Entertainment’s 10th Anniversary Party. So many top artists will be performing. Artists such as I-Wayne, Gyptian (who will be performing for the first time in the U.S.), Fantam Mojah, Bascom X, Turbulence, Shasha, Frisco Kid, Apache Chief, The New Kingston Band, and much more…view event flyer here for more details.

On the 7th of December Wanlov will be linking up wit Sol of Direct Current Media & 4REAL to see K’naan perform at the Mercury Lounge 217 E.Houston St NY, NY. 7:30 pm sharp. RSVP. Those who haven’t heard about K’naan need to sell their ears to people who need them. Even M1 of Dead Prez was blown away by the Dusty Foot Philosopher’s talent and fire. K'naan is touring on the Breedlove Odyssey Tour with Jean Grae, Talib Kweli, Little Brother, Pharaoh Monch, Mos Def, and more. Chale the show is going to be massive! Wanlov will definitely be in the house.

Wanlov will also be attending a few open mics in and around the East Coast before he returns to California to continue building with Ben Caldwell of Kaos Network, D.J Nnamdi of Radio Afrodicia, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, Shadow Zu and the whole UnitedNationsofHiphop family, Pharouk & 2 Dread of Proverb Records, among other Roar networks.

Nigerian Entertainment is featuring Wanlov in their end of year edition 2005. Music In Ghana, and Ghana Music Online also interviewed with Wanlov.

Last but definitely not least Wanlov will be opening for Daddy Lumba on the 24th of December in Los Angeles. Details at www.afrodicia.com.

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WHAT THEN - DO WE SAY? PART TWO [From Main Page]

I’ll never forget the conversation I had with a woman who had two kids out of wedlock--a boy and a girl--both of them in their later teens. The mother seemed unrepentant while we talked. Her girl was about to have her own OOW child--making her a grandmother and her son was out running the streets. “I can’t find a ‘good’ man,” the woman said in the familiar, condescending tone meant to ‘tar and feather’ all Black men for her situation. I suppose, in the back of her mind that she hoped that I would feel sorry for her and let her sin off the hook--like so many other folk had over the years. “Sister,” I noted, “seems to me you found a ‘good’ man TWICE to come up with those two kids of yours.”

The sister got real quiet after that rebuke.

STRAIGHT UP BIBLE--BASTARDS DO EXIST

Let’s be for real; bastards DO exist in our various villages. No matter what some preacher might preach, or what some ‘loose headed’ church member or deacon might say. No matter what some other columnists may write. Bastard IS the correct term for OOW children. No matter how defiant single mothers want to be, from a biblical perspective, God does NOT appreciate children born outside of the bonds of marriage.

An illegitimate child carries a TEN generation biblical curse on their heads--one of the strongest and longest curses found in the whole of scripture. Until the child sets things right with God, he/she will be trapped in a vicious circle of defeat and destruction--including the duplication of the SAME sin that brought the child into the present world in the first place. Seems to be pretty plain language to me, Amen?

But there is still good news! In the Book of Judges, God did use a man by the name of Jephthah to destroy the enemies of ancient Israel AFTER his hometown kicked him out. You see, Jephthah was a bastard. When he was young, his countrymen kicked him out of town because of his OOW origin.

Years later, these same men had to go beg this brother to come back to rescue them from certain destruction. Of course, Jephthah had to get right with God in order to be used to help his people. Nevertheless, he was made a Judge in Israel after he and his crew destroyed the enemy God’s way.

CONTINUING DOWN THE LIST

I must make it plain at this point. The brotherhood CAN NOT take the law into their own hands regarding the treatment of OOW kids. In short, we are not allowed to disrespect them or their parent. We are to help them onto the right road of maturity. Let me continue, as some of you defiant sisters and weak brothers need to read on. At the same time, we of the brotherhood are NOT to candy coat or ‘PC’ the family situation, just to make the mother and/or child ‘feel good about themselves’.

How are we truly supposed to act towards those young men in our communities who are the result of illegitimate origin? The natural follow up to that question: How then do men make a positive impact on such boys? Another thorny issue is how to address the brother who has grown up in a toxic environment where his single mother has ‘come out’ or ‘has been on the down low’ (a la Sheryl Swoopes) or worse?

Simple. These young men MUST be BUILT into upright men.

As I mentioned in my last column, there are four principles that are recommended in the building process. FIRST, the mother MUST be honest enough to have told their child how they got to where they are. IF the mother does not want to be honest with her own child about her life, leave her and her family alone--as you are heading into a no-win situation. SECOND, mother and child must be ushered back to the Bible, the church, and Jesus Christ--as He alone is the one who can break all of the curses associated with illegitimate children. Again, if mother nixes this, move on to a family who will accept your help on these terms--not on the terms of the present world system.

These first two points are non-negotiable!

Here are the other two principles: THIRD, WE need to BUILD the young men up in the skills of manhood, work, and becoming providers. Not through marches and rallies, but day-to-day contact.

Brother, YOU must be AVAILABLE. A few young men around you will be making their way to your office, your beat, or your home to talk with you. They know who you are; you don’t need an award for doing something God has created you to do--being an encourager! Don’t push them away!

YOU have the power to do more to encourage these young men to stay drug free, crime free, and IN school. The common, upright, Christian man is the most effective tool in this fight, provided he come out of the tool box and hit’s the road of life running.

LASTLY: WE need to BUILD young men in terms of modeling UPRIGHT behavior. WE need to put away the tobacco, profanity, drugs, liquor, and back door relationships. WE need to grow up, straighten up, and operate on the up-and-up in all of our dealings. If our OWN house is not in order, we are in the wrong. WE can not teach what we are not willing to do in disciplining ourselves.

As I bring this commentary to a close, let me address the brothers who were OOWs, and are now men in many of our communities. Brothers, YOU need to deal with some hurts that were done to you in the past, as you are hurting others in the present. Otherwise, you will continue to be uncomfortable around the genuine, upright men in your community. Upright men who have been trying work with you…but have been pushed away, year after year. My advice for you is simple as well: Stop counting yourself as a ‘single mother’s child’. Get the woman out of you and recognize yourself as a M-A-N. It will make a big difference in dealing with the rest of the brotherhood and other young men who may be in your current shoes.

MIKE RAMEY is the author of THE MANHOOD LINE. A monthly column aimed at men, from a biblical, business, and common sense perspective. This column runs on the finest websites around the world. To send Email, Bmail, Pmail, or just to chit chat, drop a line to manhoodline@yahoo.com. ©2005 Mike Ramey/Barnstorm Communications International.

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