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The organizers of this years’ Miss Jamaica World Coronation Show have gone all out to provide patrons with a complete entertainment package… On August 22 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel there will be 18 beauties on stage vying for the prestigious crown of Miss Jamaica World 2009 coupled with high energy performing artists , all rearing to provide the audience with a performance fit for royalty.
D Angel a Queen in her own right gets ready to grace the MJW Coronation stage
 A hard-working and continue to be in demand Artist. Michelle Downer is known to the world as D’Angel. She maintains a constant presence on the dancehall scene both locally and internationally for the past few years now.
Those close to D’Angel from childhood knew that she was destined to be on stage because at an early age her friends and family would often served as her audience while she practiced her vocals while entertaining them. Eventually she was performing at school parties, concerts and even in class. However, like most life journeys there is sometimes a detour and this was the case for D’Angel’s musical journey. She drifted from her musical pursuits and entered the world of glitz, glamour and couture when she took on a modeling career in the early 90s. Strutting runways and landing alluring photo shoots for brands such as Rocawear this only prepared her for the bigger spotlight that she would later receive in the music fraternity.
The promising A-List lifestyle and popularity were not enough, to keep D’Angel away from Jamaica and in 2002 she returned home and immediately capitalized on her entrepreneurial skills by opening her unisex fashion boutique 'Angel’s'.
D’Angel felt like something vital was missing from her life despite her modeling career and a fashion boutique 'in the bag'; it was her ultimate love and dream for Music. She began to pursue her musical career by writing songs and doing studio sessions and her first solo effort was released in 2004, titled ’Hottie Girls’ which was produced by Kevin Blake. Subsequently followed by her break-out single ‘Downtown Girl…Livin Uptown’ in 2005, which danced its way to number one on several local charts under the banner of her label Champagne International Records.
In 2006, she released several singles including; Woman Power that petitioned the strength of a woman and implored society to give women the respect and opportunities that they deserve. D’Angel then teamed up with dancehall lyricist Vybz Kartel on Baby Father, another major hit which became a huge dancehall anthem for the women.
D'Angel took her vivacity and energy to various stage shows locally and internationally. Her spicy lyrics and charismatic stage performances landed her numerous nominations and awards from then until now. In 2006 and 2007 she was nominated as one of the Female DJ of the year and was awarded Best Dressed Female Artiste in those same years. Despite the media hyped personal problems in mid 2007, D'Angel was able to reaffirm her place as a dancehall diva after the release of her hit single Blaze.
In early 2008, with the propelling success from Blaze, D'Angel boosted her presence in the music fraternity locally and internationally as she was a performer at the 27th IRAWMA Awards in New York and a nominee for Best Female Deejay. In addition to a plethora of singles claiming heavy rotation on the local airwaves including the singles: Caan Stall featuring Vybz Kartel, Lucky Charm, Whisper, Good Day, High Intensity, Hustling Ladies, Real Gangsta, Talk is Cheap, Don’t Hate, Naw Go Nuh Weh and the mega hit single Stronger, which went Number One on all major charts in Jamaica and was steady as one of the Top Five songs on the New York and Florida Top 30 Singles Charts. The video for ‘Stronger’ stopped no short of Number One status on all the video charts as well and easily became a household song that appeals to the women who have been through relationship problems similar to hers.
I-Octane
 While going to school he was known for his spit-fire lyrics and cutting rhythms to fit any occasion and he was a regular feature at school concerts and barbecues at Knox. Bombarded with encouragement from friends to take his talent more seriously he did just that after a scorching performance when a producer approached him. The producer convinced him to use his raw natural ability and not to wait any longer before getting into the business. I-Octane began to give serious thought to getting deeper with music. He assessed his strengths, and summed up that he had above average talent. With that in mind, he made the decision.
He then chose a name that would represent the high energy and consistent work, which he put into his music. He then modified the “High Octane” gasoline concept to become I-Octane. In 2000, he recorded ‘Oh Jah’, ‘Stepp A Seed’ for Penthouse, plus ‘Love In The streets’ with Beres Hammond, Buju Banton and Assassin. Working with them turned out to be much more than a mere morale booster. A friend introduced I-Octane to Junior Arrows he jumped at the chance to have the record label managing his musical career. Under their management wing he has developed strong confidence under their guidance. At Arrows recording he developed stronger and better vocals, which led to his soaring confidence on the microphone and on the stage.
Since then he has recorded songs such as ‘What’s Going On’, ‘Gun Rise’ (with Teflon), ‘Stamp Class’ and ‘Stab Vampire’ which plummeted him into the spotlight becoming a hit single enjoying a good run on Jamaica Music Countdown charts and over seas charts. I-
Octane has recorded for other labels such as H20Records with ‘War No More’ and ‘Jeans’. He also recorded ‘’No Love’ for Purple Skunk Musik for which a music video medley featuring Stevie Face was shot.
I-Octane has performed to rave reviews on shows such as G.T Christmas Extravaganza ’06 & ’07, Sting ’06 & ’07, Sizzla’s Rise to the occasion ’07, All Spice 07, Fully loaded 07, Ocho Rios Seafood Festival 07, Port Maria Independence Gala 07, Red Bull Soap Box Show 07, Cure Fest ’07, East Fest 07, Reggae Fever 07 Tru Juice-Rebel Salute 08, and on the international scene he worked up a sweat last September in Canada showing them his capabilities. The cultural singer is reaping the fruits of his hard work as he has been nominated for Best New Artiste and Best Dancehall Collaboration in Richie B’s Excellence in Music and Entertainment Awards and is a front runner in Reggae Academy Music Awards in the category of Best Solo Male Reggae Vocal and Best Reggae Video for ‘Stab Vampire’.
Hezron
 Hezron’s vocal range, lyrical style, and unmistakable soulful sound distinguish him from other Neo Soul artists. His Jamaican roots power his creativeness as a poet, singer, and songwriter, and influence his musical delivery. Born 1978 in the Moy Hall District of St. James, Jamaica, Hezron discovered his talents in the local church choir. He nurtured this talent with the support of family and friends and has become a gifted artist. He has shared the stage with such legends as Frankie Beverly and Maze, and opened for Beenie Man, Sean Paul and a host of others. On his first release he collaborated in the studio with dancehall artist Merciless, to produce a suave and sexy dance track called “Luck Be A Lady”.
Wielding his guitar and a rare ability to capture raw vocal emotion, Hezron has returned to the Jamaican scene. While studying in the U.S., Hezron brought his “vibe” to the club scene in Atlanta, Georgia – wowing audiences with his unique fusion of Reggae and R&B. He’s melting hearts and souls with the release of his EP and sexy music video “Missin U”. As “Missin U” enjoys radio and television play, Hezron is delivering his poetic riffs from the stage.
Hezron’s homecoming to Jamaica is opening new doors to his success. He has worked with genius producer Bobby Digital, who's guidance help lay the foundation for Herzron successful single "So In Love". Music lovers has seen Hezron at Village Café, Christopher’s Quad, Redbones Café and he when he opened for Michael Bolton at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston,Jamaica. You can also hear the sexy,soulful voice of Herzon any given day on the major radio staion Irie FM. Herzon is sechulde to preform on Sumfest 2009, International Night along side Jasmine Sullvan, Ne-yo, and Queen Ifrica on Friday, July 24,2009.
Some of Hezron’s personal listening favorites are Teddy Pendergrass, Sting, Seal, India Arie, Bob Marley, Beres Hammond, Sam Cooke and Luther Vandross; all of which he credits with influencing his musical career.
Hezron wants listeners to feel they are living each song as their spirits are uplifted. Saying “good always outweighs the bad,” Hezron makes sure to share the good with the people of his native country Jamaica and around the world.
Denyqye Dontre
 Denyque Dontré who lives by the quote: “Quod Me Nutrit Me Destruit” ; firmly believes that whatever brings you happiness can also cause you pain. At 19 years old, this entertainer/singer/songwriter and entrepreneur has reached a level of maturity that is way beyond her years and is determined to make her place among the best of the best in the music industry. Being exposed to music at a very early age, Denyque grew into her talent and fell in love with the art; deciding that one day she would be ‘inside’ the TV and the radio.
In 2006, she teamed up with Brian McLaughlin & Rashard Marshall of Rockwildaz Entertainment. Rashard who has helped tremendously in making her name predominant in South Florida and to date is still working on getting Denyque the exposure he knows she deserves.
Recently Denyque has been in the studio daily working on her singles. She has matured so much vocally and in her song writing skills, with the help of her Manager, Phillip Linton and her Musical Director, Nigel Staff; who see how much natural talent she really has and does not hesitate to aid her in molding and controlling it. She is also making connections with other producers in the business; locally & internationally. Keep your ears open & your eyes peeled because Ms. Dontré has begun her musical journey. |
