ARTIST BIOS
THIRD WORLD
Celebrating 47 years, ‘Reggae Ambassadors’, THIRD WORLD is one of the longest-lived Reggae bands of all time, and one of Jamaica's most consistently popular crossover acts among international audiences. Mixing in elements of R&B, funk, pop, and rock and, later on, dancehall and rap, Third World’s style has been described as "reggae-fusion".
With 9 Grammy nominations and catalogue of charted smash hits (including “Now That We Found Love”, ”96 Degrees in the Shade” and “Try Jah Love” ) spanning over four decades, sold-out tours, a vibrant and loyal fan base and inspirational messages, one may wonder, "Where did it all begin? What gives Third World the staying power so rare in the music industry?" Third World is more than just one of the top Reggae bands of all time, it is an institution that stands for producing and performing music that, while holding firm to the cultural and ancestral roots of its members, still pushes forward the cutting edge of music worldwide. It is an institution whose themes are positive, progressive and internationally relevant.
Third World has performed to thousands of music fans on 6 of the 7 continents: TW toured & recorded with late great Bob Marley, including opening for Marley’s first world tour in 1978, TW recorded and toured with master blaster Stevie Wonder, who produced 2 of their albums in the 80’s released with CBS, they toured America with legendary guitarist Santana, opened for the Jackson 5’s first concert in Jamaica, shared stages throughout the world with the U2, Sting, The Police, Whitney Houston, Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill, Jimmy Buffet, Eric Clapton, Marc Anthony, the Marley Brothers and more.
Third World’s hit songs have reached top 40 on the Billboard charts in the US, UK, Europe and Japan and received a platinum award in Japan. In 1986, Third World received the United Nations Peace Medal for their contribution of music and their lyrical prose. They performed on the MTV Amnesty International Concert at a sold out Giant Stadium in 1986 , performed at the Rose Bowl with Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder & Michael Jackson, Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, the Welcome Home Nelson Mandala concert in 1990, and have been featured at major sporting events including the Lord’s Cricket Grounds in the UK in 2000, and Opening Ceremony for Cricket World Cup in 2007, America’s Cup Bermuda 2017. TW has entertained millions over the television with performances on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with David Letterman, Arsenio Hall Show, Soul Train, Top of the Pops, Shirley Bassie show and more! Third World has received the keys to Atlanta, Brooklyn, Atlantic City and Key West.
Third World released a new studio LP, More Work To Be Done, August 2019, produced by Multi-Grammy winner, Damian “Jr Gong” Marley, the youngest son of the legendary Bob Marley, under the Ghetto Youth International imprint. The album was nominated by the Recording Academy / Grammys for Best Reggae Album 2020.
ANTHONY B
Anthony B has been one of reggae's most prominent solo artists for over a decade. He embodies all that it is spiritual and proactive about reggae music using sharp lyrics and insipirational performances to bring social issues to the forefront. His critically acclaimed albums feature high profile guests such as Akon, Snoop Dogg, R Kelly and Wyclef Jean.
Anthony B's prolific catalog and captivating performances keeps him in constant demand throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa and elsewhere. Highlights of his touring career include the Montreux Jazz Festival, Bonnaroo and a King's welcome in Senegal. He has also taken reggae to new regions such as India, Iceland, Argentina and Reunion Island.
KRANIUM
Kemar Donaldson, more commonly known as Kranium, is known for his melodic flow, clever wordplay, and ability to break all barriers when it comes to his music. Born in Montego Bay, Jamaica and raised in Jamaica, Queens, NY, Kranium offers the perfect blend of authentic Dancehall with a unique vibe of his own. Kranium’s distinct sound can be heard on major collaborations with artists such as Ty Dolla $ign, Wiz Kid, Major Lazer, Torey Lanez, Kojo Funds, Idris Elba, Rotimi, Bebe Rexha and Ed Sheeran.
Kranium has established himself as a global touring artist bringing Dancehall to stages worldwide including Dubai UAE, Albania, Sweden, Germany, Israel, various countries within Africa and the Caribbean, Australia, and more.
It’s his charm and unapologetically honest lyrics that pulls you in after just a first listen, but it’s his talent + consistency that makes him a real force to be reckoned with.
MR KILLA
Born Hollice Mapp in Gouyave, Grenada, Mr Killa is a versatile soca singer and an exceptional entertainer. His unique sound incorporates elements of EDM, dancehall and other genres while remaining authentic soca. His electrifying stage presence defies explanation; it must be experienced to be truly understood.
A favorite in his native Grenada for many years, Mr Killa won his country's first ever National Teen Talent Search Competition at the age of 15. He would go on to win his first National Soca Monarch title in 2004 with "Thunder Rags." This earned him a place in Trinidad and Tobago's International Soca Monarch competition in 2005 where he finished in the top 5.
In 2006 Killa won Grenada's Groovy and Soca Monarch titles. He pulled another double-win three years later by winning the Soca Monarch and Road March titles in 2009.
While other regional hits and titles followed "Rolly Polly," Mr Killa's tribute to plus-plus-sized women went viral in 2014 making him a household name throughout the Caribbean. The popularity of the song and it's accompanying music video led to performances throughout the diaspora and by the end of the 2014 season Mr Killa was widely considered the best stage-performer in the Caribbean. 2018's "Oil It" also became an internet sensation with dancers and dance crews from as far away as Korea, Russia, Chile and Norway posting choreographed videos to their social media.
In 2019 Killa went viral again with the undeniable hit "Run Wid It" and it's call to action which had listeners picking up anything they could get their hands on including other fans and running with it. The impact of the ubiquitous hit led to Mr Killa's 2019 International Soca Monarch victory making him the first Non-Trinidadian to win the highest competitive title in soca music.
In 2020 Mr Killa collaborated with the world renown EDM trio Major Lazer to release the "Soca Storm EP" which featured him on two songs including the title track "Soca Storm" and"King of the Party". The EP was not only Major Lazer’s first release of the year but their first exclusively soca EP or album. Major Lazer's Walshy Fire explained that "Mr Killa is just one of those incredible artists bringing new sounds and new energy to the forefront and he’s an important part of what we're doing".
Mr Killa's international appeal has led to performances in Asia, Europe, Latin America and beyond..
DYNAMQ
Dynamq was born in a family of seven children. He grew up in a refugee camp in Kenya, having had to flee the civil war in his native Sudan. His love for music came from attending Sunday school. He got himself involved with Jamaican music while at the camp. His affiliation with sound systems began with the Shashamame set. After relocating to Kansas City, Missouri he formed Dynamq 10 years ago and has competed in several sound clashes.
His first big stage show was at the 1996 King Lions Sounds 'Rasta Festival' held at the City Hall in Nairobi. He is the reigning Rumble champion and holds the Bermuda Triangle champion title. He has also made it to the semi-finals in the popular Boom Clash in Jamaica. He joined forces with Young Hawk sound and formed Team USA to compete in, and win, the famous War Ina East championship. He performed at Rebel Salute in 2020 where he was showcased with Black Scorpio, a legendary sound system.
In 2021 he won the IRAWMA (International Reggae & World Music Award) in Jamaica for Best Sound System. He has shared the stage with various artists such as Damian Marley, Benjy Myaz, Lady G, Richie Spice, Luie Culture, George Nooks, Jesse Royal, Queen Ifrica, Mikey Spice, I Wayne, I-Octane and Beenie Man.
INTERNATIONAL REGGAE ALL STARS
With band members hailing from Venezuela to Ghana to Kingston Jamaica, the International Reggae All-Stars are truly a global band. Featuring one of today’s hottest reggae vocalists, Kingston native Lynval “Golden Voice” Jackson, the International Reggae All-Stars play reggae, dancehall and all the Bob Marley classics, and bring peace, love and positive vibrations with them where ever they go.
