JALIFA: Born at the Port Of Spain General Hospital on December 26th, 1990 with the given name Kalifa Nataki Alexis to Mr Roy Theobalds and Claire Alexis, known to many as Priest Ekechi and Empress Adama. Jalifa along with her 8 siblings was brought up under the Rastafarian livity that is portrayed by Jalifa outward and inwardly. Jalifa being the 7th child out of 9 siblings took to the interest in doing music at the tender age of seven. Growing up Jalifa's first musical influences came by seeing her father and two elder brothers singing, their father would DJ on the mic and mix down on the set whilst they chant and sing. All together Jalifa and her sisters would get involve by dancing and singing along to whatever music was being played at the moment.
"For fun, I and my sisters would put on pretend concerts, fashion shows, or we would create our plays from cartoons we've watched. We would gather our family members along with their friends and have them watch us perform".
Despite growing up within the Rastafarian lifestyle and strong beliefs within the faith, Jalifa and her siblings would listen to all styles of music, genres ranging from Reggae, Dancehall, Hip-hop, R&B from the old school to new school was the kind of music you would here be blasting out in the Gonzales area.
Jalifa's other influences came from artists like 'Sister Nancy. One of Jalifa's favourite songs was "Bam Bam" by Sister Nancy, she would always choose to sing that particular song whenever she had the mic. Other musical influence also came from artists like Lauryn Hill, Eminem and a whole lot of other music that influence her to be the versatile artist she expresses herself to be through her artistry. As Jalifa got older she began to take to music on a serious level, she started out freestyling hip hop, her elder brother "Adiel Alexis" also has a major part to play in Jalifa becoming the artist we know today. He thought her the musical fundamentals she needed to know in becoming the best she could be and that's a better recording and performing artist. Jalifa's brother has written songs for her like When I Chant, "Unite" by Jalifa featuring Reddy, along with a couple of other songs he has co-written with her.
Jalifa started as a performing artist before she started recording music officially, she has performed alongside most of the reggae artistes like Mr Royal, Buzz Rock, Prophet Benjamin, Isasha, Queen Omega, Ziggy Ranking and much more. Jalifa also shared the stage with some of Jamaica's biggest international reggae stars, icons, and veteran and legends of reggae at various reggae. Artistes like Culture Brown, Chezidek, Jah Bouks, Terry Ganzie, Junior Kelly, Fanton Mojah.
She performed at the One Voice Concert that was headlined by Sizzla Kalonji alongside her brother Abba Shanty on May 1st, 2010 which marks the date of Jalifa's first stage appearance alongside an iconic artiste like Sizzla Kalonji, and Black Starlin one of Trinidad's leading legends in calypso music. Jalifa also left her performing at the 12th Annual Stepping High Ganja Festival in Negril Jamaica on March 8th, 2015. The festival featured No Maddz, Kiddus I, Lee 'Scratch' Perry, Bush Man, I Wayne, Andrew Tosh, Daddy Sizzla, MamaKaffe and a whole lot more. Performing alongside her brother Abba Shanty at the festival the response from the Jamaicans and festival-goers was very welcoming. Reviews from the Stepping High Fest organizer were... "Jalifa & Abba Shanty's performance was very energetic and that they were thankful for them coming to Jamaica to participate and share in the love of music, herbs, and oneness". On April 27th, 2016 Jalifa performed at the Hennessy's 1st Annual San Fernando Reggae Festival which was headlined by Grammy Award Winning artiste Jah Cure, and the legendary Reggae Band Steel Pulse, followed by a performance at the SandBox great fete Weekend "Reggae Thursday" at the Shade Night Club. The five days festival features artists of different genres. The festivals Headliners were Wayne Wonder, Elephant Man, Popcaan and Desiigner.
Jalifa's first recorded single she did was "Summer Getaway", she got featured on a track alongside reggae/dancehall artiste from Italy, High Degree. The recording was done at D-LINC production studio back in Trinidad, he was done at First Class Muzik Studio in the U.S. The whole production was done by Marco Spatula of Pedeweede productions from Italy. Jalifa second recording opportunity came when Bobby Digital of (Digital-B Records) saw her performed at an event he attended in Trinidad. Intrigued by the artiste performance, the next day he asked to get her vocals on a riddim he had built for an upcoming EP he was in the middle of producing featuring Tarrus Rily, Collis Duranty from Trinidad and Assassin aka Agent Sasco. But unfortunately, the track was canned and never made it on the EP. To Jalifa as an upcoming artiste, she took the situation as a learning experience, and to this day she still appreciates the opportunity of being able to sit in the studio with one of Jamaica's greatest producers. Jalifa landed another recording opportunity by Trinidadian producer Richard "Charlice' Marine of House Of Music Enterprize Recording label, and that's when the Single "When I Chant" was created. When I Chant is one of the most requested and frequently played reggae songs by Jalifa on international radios. When I Chant is one o the many singles on the Blessings flow vol.1 Album alongside other singles from artists like Queen Omega, Mr Royal, Black Voice, and Jamaica's legendary artiste Terry Ganzie. The lyrics to When I Chant was written by Jalifa's brother Abba Shanty and was also co-written by Jalifa. The Blessings Flow Album Vol.1 was released on August 17/2014, followed by an official music video. Jalifa's fourth release "UNITE" featuring Reddy another uprising reggae artist from Trinidad and Tobago. "Unite" is one of the singles featured on "The Peoples Struggle Album" that also features songs like Melanated People by: Chaddy Royal, Never Again by: King Mas, Tune In by: Tuff Like Iron, You Can Do It by Princess Kazayah, One Love One Blood by Ras Arcane, and Fighting For Liberty by Iyatah Safari on the Chimurenga Riddim. The riddim is produced by RiddimYut and presented by D.O.V.E Muzik Record label. The album was released on Feb 12th, 2016 followed by an official music video that was released on ReggaeVille Aug 25th, 2017. Jalifa's new releases Born Ready, and Why Worry was released in November 2017. Why Worry is a single featured on the Enchanted Riddim album produced by Blue Lava Entertainment Back in Trinidad. The album was an all-female album featuring Yoncia, Empress Goodness, Gail SoGorgeous and Jalifa. The album was released on November 24th, 2017, followed by an official music video that was released on March 22nd, 2018 on the Popular Reggae site ReggaeVille. Born Ready is another single released by the Untouchable Fire Princess on the Dread Riddim Album produced by Lion Twins Studio back in Trinidad. The album also features the voices of Trinidad's reggae artistes like Sista Efa, Kushite, Prince Of Judah, Jah Mender, JahLlano, and King Mas from Boston, U.S. The album was released on November 3rd, 2017. Apart from those previous releases, INI DREAD was pre-released months before the others were pre or officially released. Aside from the other singles that are also featured on the ManKind Riddim Album INI Dread was taken and released as a single on December 3rd, 2017. But can still be found on the album. The instrumentals for the ManKind Riddim EP was originally produced by Augustus Pablo (Rockers All-Stars, 1979 Delroy Wilson's Think Twice). The riddim was adapted by Gianluigi Miraflower Deiana for Suns Of Dub Record Label. The album features the voices of A Threes, Galas Dan, Roots By Nature, Saah Karim, and the fire princess herself. Jalifa has a whole lot more in store for her anticipated fans that's yet to be released with various labels like Rebellion City record label in NYC, Akkanii crew records in Brazil, Blue Lava, D-Rebel, DOVE Muzik, Bantu Nation Movements and a lot more with other productions. Jalifa has released her very first mixtape Born Ready on September 28th, 2018. The mixtape was curated by Ras Jammy and presented by Suns Of Dub Record Label, and distributed by Boomshack Publishing. The mixtape features some of Jalifas' passed and previous releases like INI Dread, Unite, Why Worry, and Born Ready the single that inspired the theme and title of the mixtape, followed by her newly released singles No Derail, prod by Nekusa, followed by a lyric video and her second newly unreleased single Ganja Banquet featuring Jamaica's' Lutan Fyah was also featured on the mixtape as a teaser. The single Ganja Banquet is set to release some time in April 2019.
Jalifa is also featured on various productions alongside her team members of D-L.I.N.C Music Group Of Individual Artistes. D-LINC which is a musical workshop founded by her brother Adiel Alexis and is designed to help shape up and coming artiste in getting themselves prepared fundamentally in becoming the best artiste that that individual can be to the best of his/her ability, D-Linc is also a musical group of individual. On July 6th, 2016 Jalifa along with D-LINC Music members Dropped an album titled DGI Tape (D-LINC Global Invasion Album). A hip hop album produced by Yosoy Armada an affiliated hip hop producer of the legendary hip hop group the (WU-TANG CLAN). The album was hosted by one of the Wu-Tang Members (Solomon Childs "aka" WuKillerBees) followed by a couple of collabs alongside her youngest brother Emmanuel Alexis aka HD57 also known as the Ninjah Rapper followed by another collab she did with HD57 and Jah Nahge hip hop artists from Trinidad. Jalifa's most recent performance was once more at the SandBox Great Fete "Reggae Thursday" on July 26th, 2018. Headlining the event was Jamaica's I-Wayne, and Jae Prynse one of Jamaica's newest singing sensation, alongside Trinidad's reggae stars Isasha, and the Fire princess herself. The festival Headlining artistes were T.I, Aidonia, "Red Bull World Dj Champion Dj Puffy" And many more!!!
Jalifa's musical mission is to spread the words of righteousness and unite the people true music from all walks of life "Because music unites the people together no matter colour or race, I see my music as inspiration to many, my music is a message carrying music to uplift the minds of the people, no matter the genre I'm doing. I do Hip-hop, Dancehall and quite a couple of others. and although we use the music for recreating we should also take it as spiritual healing there should always be something to learn from within its contents"
Jalifa is effortlessly focusing on building her name as a brand, she's worked hard towards building her musical catalogue, working alongside various labels. Jalifa's previously NEW! released singles for 2019 are "Big One" produced by Yard127 Records that was released on September 8th 2019, and What Ah War (Eye Fi An Eye) produced by Blue Lava Entertainment that was also released September 24th 2019. Jalifa is currently working on a lot of new musical content, collabs alongside many labels, and is very anticipated to share her musical journey through music to her faithful supporting fans worldwide to enjoy.
Trinidad and Tobago Newsday NewsPapers. Article Published by Debra Greaves Monday, 15th July 2019.
SANDBOX HD, organiser of Great Fete Weekend (GFW), has decided to go green for its 20th anniversary. Since inception, the five-day event has been one of the most sought out events for partygoers in TT. Birthed in Tobago, the event dubbed as “the longest weekend in the world” has continuously focused on positively impacting the island, patrons and others.
Throughout the years, GFW has evolved tremendously. In 2019, the evolution will continue with GFW promising to be 80 per cent green, said a media release. Sandbox HD said its team is aware of the negative effects of plastics on the environment and marine life said it is their objective to begin a trend in Tobago that promotes environmental consciousness.
Event liaison and PRO Adanna Asson said, “The goal is to reduce the carbon footprint, decrease the use of harmful plastics and encourage recycling which all contribute to healthier lives and we are starting where we have fun.”
A change in the event’s ownership and management in 2012 led to a change in both the organisers' mindset and approach. To date, the event’s impact has been undeniably positive, the release said. Through continuous assessment, Great Fete Weekend has begun making conscientious efforts to contribute to a more eco-friendly Tobago. The goal is to be 100 per cent green by 2021. Ultimately, Great Fete Weekend will be changing the face of events in Tobago. From July 24-28 food and drinks will be served in products such as utensils, plates, boxes, garbage bags and cups which are made from either recyclable or biodegradable materials. All contracted vendors are required to comply with GFW’s green initiative.
Additionally, 20 coconut trees will be planted in designated areas on Pigeon Point Beach as an anniversary commemoration and a form of gratitude to the venue that has facilitated Great Fete Weekend for all of its existence. This will then become a yearly initiative of Sandbox HD.
Great Fete Weekend:
July 24 - Welcome Wednesday Free Drinks
July 25 - Reggae Thursday total local reggae cast; Isasha, Jamelody, Prophet Benjamin and other artistes
July 26 - Soca Glow Over 20 soca stars backed by live bands
July 27 - We Fete Features international hip hop sensation Fabolous and other acts
July 28 - Sunday Callaloo Jouvert-like procession into Pigeon Point followed by partying
Visit the trinidadandtobagonewsday website for more https://newsday.co.tt/2019/08/02/great-fete-2019/
Trinidad&Tobago Express NewsPaper. Article Pub: Mar 12, 2016, 10:48 pm AST.
Easter Sunday, March 27 will see the inaugural run of the San Fernando Reggae Festival with headliners Steel Pulse and Jah Cure each delivering full-length concert performances.Led by founding member and lead singer David Hinds, living legends Steel Pulse was formed in Birmingham, England in the mid 1970s. The iconic reggae band has remained together since then and is one of the most toured bands of all time. Held at Skinner Park, San Fernando, the Festival’s event management team has focused this concept event on showcasing the homegrown talent of Trinidad and Tobago.
The likes of seasoned veterans Prophet Benjamin and Jamelody as well as up and coming artistes like Ras Lett, Jah Defender and Jalifa are some of the of cast members featured. Organiser Ray Nathaniel promises a night of reggae royalty as the event opens its doors promptly at 10 p.m. with the first artistes hitting the stage at 11 p.m. The concert will be hosted by Ivan “Judah International” Marley and a roster of sound systems such as Black Chariot and the Lion Twins are scheduled to perform as well.
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20160312/features/steel-pulse-at-skinner-park
NEWSDAY ARTICLE. PUBLISHED: Friday, Mar 1st 2013.
Trini-jam foundation presents Peace, Love, and Music a reggae revolution scheduled to take place March 30th at Club Prosperity Upper Bournes Road. St James Trinidad and Tobago.
The themed was A Caribbean Reggae Revolution with artists like Culture Brown, performing his militancy, "Poor" and St Maarten's Ku-J performing his hit singles like "Mr Customs Officer" Perfection, and many more.
Not forgetting our very own reggae Trinidad reggae singers like Jamelody, Queen Omega, Isasha, Kidane Mariam, and (House Of Judah) members Abba Shanty and Jalifa.
With Reggaematical Dj's includes Nyahbinghi, Black Chariot, Lion Paw, Solid Rock, New Chapter and RDC first son.
Promoters: Trini Jam Foundation is a locally founded organization who's main objectives is helping and promoting artists and musicians to gain proper recognition by acquiring and providing exposure for local talent in Trinidad and Tobago and the region. Trinity Jam foundation was founded in April 2012. Part proceedings from The Trinity -Jam's Love, Peace, and Music event went towards charity for purchasing music instruments for a much-needed music school.
Paradise Bar #191 Western Main Rd. Caranage