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.
GYPTIAN
Gyptian is a versatile reggae artist equally known for thoughtful conscious lyrics of hits like his 2005 breakthrough "Serious Times" as he is for urban-influenced swagger on hits such as "Hold Yuh," the pop hit that topped charts globally. The song even caught the attention of Nicki Minaj, who jumped on the remix.
Among Gyptian's many accolades and awards are 'Best Reggae Act' at the MOBO (Music Of Black Origin) Awards, a Soul Train Music Award for 'Best Reggae Artist' and a Gold certification for "Hold Yuh". Gyptian has dominated the charts since 2005 with hits such as the reflective "Serious Times", flirtatious "Beautiful Lady", and the chart-topping ballad, "Mama".
CECILE
Arguably the most stylish, creative and talented female in Jamaican music Ce'Cile is dancehall's diva. Add substance to her cutting edge style, and you have the witty, sometimes controversial and always entertaining lyrics in her many hits including "Changes", "Can You Do The Work? (featuring Sean Paul)", "Ride or Die" and "Im Waiting".
Ce'Cile has toured as far away as Australia (twice) and has also graced the stages of many of America, Europe and the Caribbean's top festivals including Germany's Summerjam and California's Reggae on the River. Her latest single "Wanna Ride ft. Kalado" is creating quite a buzz on pop radio.
CAROLYNE NAOMI
Carolyne Naomi’s music is a tapestry of culture and music, which encompasses love and light through guitar, voice and soul.
The Nigerian-born guitarist realized her love for music at an early age. At 9 years old, she penned her first original composition. As a teenager, the guitar became her instrument of choice. With her new instrument, she wrote more songs, performed on different stages, becoming a contestant on the premier edition of MTN Project Fame West Africa, a music competition/reality TV show that aired in various parts of the African continent. Her nickname during the show was “the Guitar Girl”.
She fine-tuned her writing skills by writing jingles for Beat 99.9 FM, and other urban radio stations in Lagos. She also wrote one for renowned on-air personality, IK Osakioduwa, host of Big Brother Nigeria and The Voice Nigeria.
Over the years, she has cultivated her own sound, which embraces many genres. Naomi describes her style as a “culmination of different music I grew up listening to over the years: R&B and soul from the ’80s era to present, pop, jazz, gospel, and Afro-beats.” Naomi currently calls Minneapolis home.
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.
