Kinghopeton

"I started playing music at the age of four. Sitting, and watching an old lady play Come Back Charlie, a popular classical piece - The moment she got up from around the piano, I started playing the same piece as if I had learned it before ... She started teaching me from that point .... I did my first classical piano recital at age seven. I got my first standing ovation, and from that love I felt I said 'It's only music for me'," declared King Hopeton, a Jamaican-born musician, based in California, United States.

And this love affair with music has grown into one eternal 'wedding' for this father of two beautiful daughters, aged nine and four. "I would more say I am married to my music because all relationships I have been through say that I am married to my music," he asserted.

Different type of marriage

It's a different type of marriage, naturally, than that to a woman, so he doesn't compare his tie to music with marriage to a woman as they conflict, he said. They are two different concepts. "Music is beyond comparison to anyone in my life, as it has been that centre point, that healing and that comfort that no one, except for God Almighty, could possibly give to me.

And in return for the comfort he gets from God, he said, "[I am] doing what God wants me to do, going out there in the world preaching and teaching, through music. That's why I play all instruments, which would make me a 'maestro' ... My greatest achievement comes from God, knowing that He has created me as a god in the music."

Born Horace Campbell, in Alexandria, St Ann, in 1972, this talented 'King', who lived in St Thomas as a youngster, is also a singer, studio-recording engineer, producer, who is starting a revolution. He's producing his first reggae festival to promote world peace.

"Yes, I do believe in world peace, and yes, it is humanly possible. We create world war, which is humanly possible, so why not world peace. It's possible, once you believe," King Hopeton said.

As a very young drummer, pianist, bass and rhythm guitarist he played wit6h a band, rapture, which record its first album in 1988. "I then had to leave from Morant Bay back to St Ann, to get a job as my grandmother was getting really sick, and life was getting harder by the seconds," he recalled.

United Force

In Ocho Rios, King Hopeton got the job the first time he auditioned (on keyboards), and subsequently joined a band called United Force, with Hart Richards as his manager. Being on the hotel circuit gave him the opportunity to work with Ernie Ranglin, Mandella (jazz bass), Nicky OJ, Karen Smith, Sabrina Williams and Ebony.

After years of being on the road, things changed for King Hopeton somewhat in 1999. "I got a proposal from Sony Records (Germany) to do an album, I accepted and started working on my first project for Sony. I went and build a recording studio, I started out with my label - DoubleLion Records in Ocho Rios, producing and developing, artistes like Teflon, Zamunda, Little Hero, etc," he said.

From the little boy who watched an "old lady" playing the piano, Horace Campbell is now chief executive officer of his own music business, DoubleLion Records and Ent USA Inc, managing himself and his band, and other artistes and musicians.

He has a 2008 album, King of Kings, on the market, as well as some singles - King of King, Hard Times, My Destiny and Can You See the Light.

"It's hard work building your own company, especially in a market where hip hop and rock music are dominant. So, what I do is to ride the bandwagon. I found a rock band and few other hip-hop artistes, and started producing and developing their talents. So, basically I will be using those musicians and artistes to crossover. These artistes I know will get big," the world peace advocate said.

paul.williams@gleanerjm.com
- Paul H. Williams, Gleaner Writer

It would probably be hard to think of a less likely reggae star than Yellowman (born Winston Foster, aka King Yellowman). He grew up an orphan in Jamaica, and was shunned throughout his life for being an albino. He developed skin cancer, and in 1983, doctors told him he had only three years to live.

He has since gone on to release literally dozens of albums, and tonight will perform at Harlow's (2708 J St.) with locals DJ ESEF, Selektah KDK and King Hopeton.


Sacramento's DJ ESEF said he's honored to open for Yellowman.

"He is an inspiration for a lot of reggae fans," he wrote in an e-mail. "He always surprises me with his endless positive energy."

ESEF and KDK will open the show with a DJ set, then King Hopeton will perform a live-band set. ESEF and KDK will return for turntable sets before and after Yelloman's performance.

Doors open at 9 p.m., and admission is $20.

ESEF and KDK perform every Friday at the Capitol Garage for "Get Down to the Champion Sound," a reggae dancehall event.

- Sacinstereo

Best Male Vocals in Reggae, week of 7May2007
Best Guitars in Reggae, week of 7May2007
Best Keyboards in Reggae, week of 7May2007
Best Programming in Reggae, week of 7May2007
Best Production in Reggae, week of 7May2007
Best Lyrics in Reggae, week of 7May2007
Best Melody in Reggae, week of 7May2007
Best Beat in Reggae, week of 7May2007
Best Mood in Reggae, week of 7May2007 - Garage Band

see www.acomosa.com Reggae Artist link - Dafina Acomosa.com

Creamy rock-steady riddims serve as a fitting backdrop for the prophetic words of Jesus Christ. Kinghopeton sings the scripture wholeheartedly while backing band United Force keeps a tight pocket of bubbling Jamaican soul. The Rastafarian’s version of the most famous prayer on Earth spiritualizes an already divine musical piece. - http://music.download.com

Sacramento's culture might be difficult to define, but thanks to the Unity and Diversity Music Festival, we at least know that it's multicultural.

"Having multiple ethnicities is a big part of Sacramento's culture," says Denise Carter, the festival's assistant organizer. "It's one of the most diverse cities in the state of California."

All in one place, local reggae, soca, and R&B bands will share the same stage. The festival will also feature Ethiopian, Indian and Mexican food vendors, handmade soaps and jewelry, and kids booths.

"We're trying to create togetherness," added Carter. "We want to bring everybody together as one."

Sacramento lacks events that promote its culture, says Akita Nichols, the event's head organizer. "With the musicians we selected, we wanted to bring awareness that Sacramento is an area with a lot of culture."

Though originally scheduled for May 2, it had to be rescheduled due to rain. The festival is a go for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Southside Park.

"Festivities were ready to get started, bands were lined up, vendors and food booths were ready to go," Carter wrote in a Sacramento Press article. "People started lining up at the gate and down it (the rain) came."

Reggae band Mystic Roots had to be replaced with reggae singer Messenjeh Selah as the headliner. Fortunately, artists such as America's Got Talent finalist Butterscotch, Double Lion reggae band, and others, were able to reschedule.

Double Lion consists of reggae duo XSample and King Hopeton, who both grew up in Jamaica. The childhood friends moved to Sacramento to promote Jamaican culture and play music.

"People are warm, and there's something to learn all the time," said XSample of Sacramento. "People really love live music."

"Sacramento has a great welcome vibe," added King Hopeton. "What we're doing [as a band], is not only playing music, [but] having a message of unity and peace, which the world needs today."

Tickets cost $13 online and at The Beat, $20 at the door. Tickets for kids ages 11 to 13 cost $6, and children under 11 are free.

Photographs courtesy Double Lion, and Sacramento Unity and Diversity Festival

- Jonathan

Sacramento's culture might be difficult to define, but thanks to the Unity and Diversity Music Festival, we at least know that it's multicultural.

"Having multiple ethnicities is a big part of Sacramento's culture," says Denise Carter, the festival's assistant organizer. "It's one of the most diverse cities in the state of California."

All in one place, local reggae, soca, and R&B bands will share the same stage. The festival will also feature Ethiopian, Indian and Mexican food vendors, handmade soaps and jewelry, and kids booths.

"We're trying to create togetherness," added Carter. "We want to bring everybody together as one."

Sacramento lacks events that promote its culture, says Akita Nichols, the event's head organizer. "With the musicians we selected, we wanted to bring awareness that Sacramento is an area with a lot of culture."

Though originally scheduled for May 2, it had to be rescheduled due to rain. The festival is a go for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Southside Park.

"Festivities were ready to get started, bands were lined up, vendors and food booths were ready to go," Carter wrote in a Sacramento Press article. "People started lining up at the gate and down it (the rain) came."

Reggae band Mystic Roots had to be replaced with reggae singer Messenjeh Selah as the headliner. Fortunately, artists such as America's Got Talent finalist Butterscotch, Double Lion reggae band, and others, were able to reschedule.

Double Lion consists of reggae duo XSample and King Hopeton, who both grew up in Jamaica. The childhood friends moved to Sacramento to promote Jamaican culture and play music.

"People are warm, and there's something to learn all the time," said XSample of Sacramento. "People really love live music."

"Sacramento has a great welcome vibe," added King Hopeton. "What we're doing [as a band], is not only playing music, [but] having a message of unity and peace, which the world needs today."

Tickets cost $13 online and at The Beat, $20 at the door. Tickets for kids ages 11 to 13 cost $6, and children under 11 are free.

Photographs courtesy Double Lion, and Sacramento Unity and Diversity Festival

- Jonathan

After over 25 years as a music producer, King Hopeton continues the quest to establish himself as an artiste with the song, Gal Next Door. He produced the single which was released in December.

“Gal Next Door is a song I believe can do well. So far I have been getting a lot of positive responses from around the world,” said the California-based artiste, who toured the United States last year with Half Pint and Black Uhuru.

Originally from Brown’s Town in St Ann, he has resided in the United States for 19 years.

During his teens, King Hopeton learnt to play the drums and piano. He later joined the United Force Band and after four years with them, went into music production.

He established Doubleion Records in the late 1990s, and produced 12 of the 15 rhythm tracks on Revelation, Little Hero’s 2009 Billboard chart-topping album. King Hopeton also produced As the World Turns, the 2018 Grammy-nominated album by Black Uhuru.

That Grammy nod is a feather in the cap of King Hopeton, who has also produced songs by Justin Hinds, Mr Perfect, and Teflon.

“It taught me never to give up on your passion. You just never know when your blessings will come, but it surely will. I also got the chance to experience the Grammy Awards and it was inspirational,” he said.

To date, he has released two albums — King of Kings and Beautiful Morning. - Jamaica Daily Observer

LOS ANGELES, CA, September 14, 2022 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Kim Kreiss and Patrycja Siewert-Towns, founders of Project Green 501(c)3 are pleased to announce that the return of their popular annual charity benefit was a huge success. This was the first event since 2020. They are already planning their 2023 annual "The Retreat to Benefit Project Green" during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, UT.

During this Emmy Awards weekend, Hollywood celebrities attended the Renova Worldwide & SilverCeuticals "The Retreat, benefiting Project Green'', a private Emmy-time awards lounge. If you love classic cars you could have seen some with an EV twist by Analog Motor Co., at the Petersen Automotive Museum. It was a sensational place to have Kim Kreiss and Patrycja Towns host their event benefiting Project Green with an array of all that's good and green from fashion, beauty and health. Celebrities, media and Hollywood elite enjoyed music, custom cocktails, gourmet light bites and spa experiences. Couture Goldsmith Katherine LeGrand offered "Browse & Borrow Jewelry For The Red Carpet". Some of the celebrities spotted at the event included: Victor Ortiz (WBC Welterweight Title, actor, entertainer), King Hopeton (Grammy nominated, singer, producer, Top 5 Reggae Album), Arthif Daniel (pro Welterweight boxer), Sean Kanan (Cobra Kai, The Bold & The Beautiful, The Young & The Restless) and his wife Michelle Kanan (Emmy nominated producer), Kate Linder (The Young & The Restless), Lynne Curtin (Real Housewives Of Orange County, Jewelry designer), Ben Shimmel ( WME Agent), Chef Abe Sanchez (Hell's Kitchen - Season 21), Mason Coutino (musician,band), Julez (artist,rapper), Donny Most (Happy Days), Cody Parker (musician), Tesa Harster (celebrity medium), Allyson Wade (Sony music executive), Collin Riley (actor), Tom and Lisa Schanley (actor/producer Hawaii 5-0), Tim Truman (Producer The World Music Group), Zavi (artist), Kristopher Maz (Rock, Paper, Scissors), Leilani Turner (producer), Sasha Anne (actress), Yvonne Orji (comedian), Jimmy Akingbola (Bel Air), Gabriel Jarrett (Frost/Nixon), among others… - AP News