Ras Droppa

These musicians are putting down roots.
A group of Caribbean roots musicians will take the stage at Flatbush Junction this weekend for the second of two celebrations of local talent. “Roots at the Junction,” happening on Aug. 4, is a badly needed showcase for the many talented artists in the neighborhood, said one of the performers at its kick-off event on July 28.
“It was awesome, and whoever came up with this idea is great because there are so many artists in Flatbush,” said Flatbush dancehall singer Eddy Snypha. “There’s so much talent here and some of the artists are just looking for a breakthrough and someone to recognize that.”
The two-weekend, outdoor was created by the Flatbush Junction business improvement district to highlight local artists, and to bring attention to local businesses in the area known as Little Caribbean, said the group’s executive director.
“We are basically highlighting the Caribbean influence in the Flatbush Junction area because we have a strong list of businesses that are owned by people of Caribbean descent, and it is a corridor that is well-traveled and supported by Caribbean populations,” said Kenneth Mbonu. “It is a great event to come and listen to different genres of music and reggae, and where people can support restaurants that serve authentic Caribbean food, and a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.”
Crown Heights reggae musician Ras Droppa, who performed at the July 28 show and at a previous iteration of the festival in 2017, said that the event is a welcome addition to the community.
“The sound and music was good, and everybody was having a good time,” he said. “I think it’s a great thing for the community because it brings everyone together. This is a good opportunity for upcoming artists to showcase their talents, and roots reggae is very positive music.”
On Aug. 4, five more artists will take the Flatbush Junction stage, including City, Della$ie, Big Skipp, Siphus Steele, and Quindell Davis. - Brooklyn Paper

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Since starting Bullizi Marketing 16 years ago, Andrea Bullens has worked with some of the biggest West Indian companies in New York City.
Given the number of high-profile events which it promoted, she rates 2015 as her company's breakout year.
"It was a good year. We saw increased growth from years of continuous hard work and recognition. The recognition is humbling," Bullens told OBSERVER ONLINE.
Some of that recognition came from the Mustard Seed Foundation, Caribbean Life Newspaper, the state of New York and New York City.
The state and city cited her achievements as a minority woman with her own business.
To celebrate those achievements, the Bronx-based Bullzi is teaming with Groovin' Radio 93.5 FM host Ras Clem and Images Media, to host a Jamaican holiday party on December 19 at Club 661 in Mount Vernon.
That event will see performances from deejay RAS DROPPA and singer Elvis D, Jamaicans who live in New York.
Bullens, who was born in England to Jamaican parents, grew up in Kingston and attended Alpha Academy. She has lived in New York since 1984.
After years of representing West Indian companies such as Grace Foods, Caribbean Airlines, Wisynco and Linstead Market, Bullzi attracted major clients recently.
"We had a successful planning and execution of all our special projects to include the annual Grace Jerk Festival, Groovin' In the Park, representing not just Caribbean companies but US corporations such as Nestle and Metro PCS," said Bullens.
Bullens is a recipient of the 2015 Caribbean Impact Award from Caribbean Life Newspaper. She was among 32 New Yorkers of Caribbean heritage honoured in Brooklyn last month.
Others recognised were Dr Roy Hastick, founder of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Lowell Hawthorne, CEO of Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill, and Thomas Bailey, president of the West Indian American Day Carnival Association.
Howard Campbell - Jamaica Observer

Ras Droppa has also lent his talents in other areas by composing and performing tracks for the widely released motion picture “Lost Highway” and has contributed to the soundtrack for the Academy Award winning film “Good Will Hunting”. He is presently featured in the upcoming independent motion picture “The Knee Shack” in which he performs several numbers. He has appeared in a widely distributed commercial campaign for the NY Lottery, with spots airing in multiple languages across radio and television networks. Most recently, Ras Droppa was featured in an interview in HI Magazine discussing Bob Marley’s influence on reggae and the genre’s future.
After years of performing with the great and near great, and having appeared live in front of millions of people around the world from places as far reaching as Japan, Europe and Africa, Ras Droppa is currently working on his second album.
The first single from the album, "Just A Little Song" featuring Anthony B, was released in January of 2001 on the StarTrail label and was very well received in Jamaica, instantly making an appearance on the charts. His album "Just a Little Song" was released in 2006, featuring all original songs covering a wide range of reggae styles as well as hip-hop. A music video of the hip-hop version of “Got To Be Strong” has been produced and is already seen regularly on the CIN Network throughout the world. - People Pill