This week’s Pon Di Wire is “live”-icated to the great trumpeter, Johnny “Dizzy” Moore, who passed away Saturday, August 16 at age 70. In 1963, Moore joined Tommy McCook, Roland Alphonso, and Lloyd Knibb in The Skatalites, Jamaica’s most noted jazz orchestra. Moore’s solos were heard on Skatalites tune “Man In The Street,” as well as on The Wailers’ “Nice Time,” among hundreds of others. He was active touring with the band until being diagnosed with colon cancer. He is survived by his mother, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Although it’s the tall, lanky speedster, Usain Bolt, who’s been wowing Olympic crowds this past week, really the most impressive medal performance for the island’s runners came from its female squad’s sweep in the 100 meters. It ranks alongside the Ethiopian and Kenyan dominance in the distance events as one of the greatest accomplishments by one nation in a single event. Big up Shelly-Ann, Sherone, and Kerron!

DJ Ninja Man got in the Olympic spirit, freestyling some new lyrics to a Jamaica Star reporter. The Don Gorgon chatted: “Watch yuh slide, watch yuh slip/and go get ready now fi go Olympics/nuh badda get up everyday fi go knock fist/nuh come yah like yuh waan gun fi go clip/jus tek up yuh foot and run fast like bullet.” General B and Queen Paula also gave the reporter their toasting takes on Jamaica’s Olympic successes.

Assault and indecent language charges against David Brooks (a.k.a. Mavado) were recently dropped at the Savannah-la-Mar court last week. Brooks said he’ll now concentrate on releasing a slew of new hit singles aimed at the important Christmas holiday season in Jamaica.

Riding high on the charts with the single “Nah Go Nowhere,” Vybz Kartel will further enhance his career and fanbase by releasing two new albums this fall. Plans are set to issue Trailer Load a Money on his own Adidjaheim Records, while he’s completed a second release for Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor’s Big Ship Records.

Junior Reid, Sizzla, and Mr. Vegas thrilled the crowds in Humboldt County, California at the recent Reggae Rising concert. The Reggae Report website has a great rundown of the top performances, along with some exclusive photos.

Check out a thorough article in United Reggae about the changing image of women in reggae. Via the success of Etana, Queen Ifrica, Macka Diamond, and Tami Chynn, female artists are breaking free from stereotypical sexist roles and expressing a range of styles and identities.

17 North Parade’s next brilliant four-CD Selector’s Choice set is out October 7. George Phang: Powerhouse Productions Volumes 1-4 is a vintage dancehall tour de force featuring Phang’s distinctive updates of classic riddims, such as Bobby Babylon, African Beat, and Answer, including key singles by Sugar Minott, Half Pint, Peter Metro, Josey Wales, and Frankie Paul.

Phiily Summer Fest hits the City of Brotherly Love on Monday, September 1. The show features Beenie Man, Daseca artists Bugle and Serani, Assassin, Mr. Easy, and Flippa Mafia. Later in the month, on Saturday, September 13, Tarrus Riley, Duane Stephenson, and Dean Fraser will play at Philly’s Trocadero.

Hype TV Ten Reggae Singles
1. Mavado “Money Changer” (Juke Boxx)
2. Mr. Vegas “Daggering” (KirkleDove/Irish & Chin)
3. Elephant Man “Nuh Linga” (Board House)
4. Elephant Man “Gully Creeper” (Seanizzle)
5. Lady Saw “Sunday to Sunday” (Big Ship)
6. Beenie Man “Gimme Likkle” (Born So)
7. Ce’Cile “Ride Or Die” (DangerZone/SoBe)
8. Richie Spice “The Plane Land” )No Doubt)
9. L.U.S.T “Just As I Am” (Borne Music)
10. Vegas “Nuh Fight Over Man” (Legend)

Photo of Queen Ifrica by Marco DiFlorio.