Fiery dub poet Ras Mykkal has reappeared on the musical radar with the release of his international single Mi Ah Wonda.

Known as Bermuda's first 'Governor', the outspoken dub poet is all business when talking about social issues that plague both here and abroad.

Mykkal (pronounced 'Mick-Al') is a poet whose scathing lyrics belie the popular image of the island as a tropical paradise/rich man's playground with nary a problem.

Like any other country, Bermuda has its share of problems, and Mykkal addresses them directly on this CD. Reggae music for the most part is an historical/political genre, and dub poetry is probably the most political/radical form of reggae.

Mykkal is currently working on his third album at Tuff Gong Recording Studio in Kingston, Jamaica. The response to the new tracks within circles in the land of 'Wood and Water' has been positive, as this song is a general view of socio-political issues.

During the past 16 months Mykkal has been working with the Mandeville-based band and backing vocalists Step By Step and the S2B Trio in a bid to take his dub poetry to an international level.

The album, The Twelve Psalms Of Ras Mykkal, is unique with a broad compilation of topics from Hurricane Katrina, the Iraq conflict, breast cancer to social and political issues.

"The single, Mi Ah Wonda, is a taste of the creative musical direction, sweet backing harmonies and poetic growth that this, the third album from the 'Governor' will deliver," said public relations officer Nathelee Simons.

Noted as a multi-talented man, Mykkal is also a professional photographer and a self-taught graphic designer.

For more information on Mykkal, you can log on to his web site: www.rasmykkal.com

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1UNDREAD, the local musical duo of Brian and Nic Swan, have once again created a piece of electronic music wizardry with their album Triangular Tunes. The eight-song offering is full of smatterings of different musical genres and is not only danceable but covers a wide range of musical territory worthy of airplay.

In my estimation, this duo have revolutionised the local electronic music and during their performance at the BEST open-air concert they pulled out all the stops. Their opening tune, Get It Together, is also on their latest CD entitled Triangular Tunes That Let The Flavour Flow Thru. This walks the fine line between being danceable and just a laid-back, feel-good tune.

Lovers of drum 'n bass and hip hop would definitely enjoy this CD. The polyrhythmic tracks transcend the cookie cutter 'trance' beat and one can hear certain ethnic influences. Senorita Bonita is a well-crafted song with Nicola Swan lending her trademark vocals. Hubby and techno guru Brian fills in with the double bass melodies and gives the tune a warm analogue feel when compared to traditional electronic music that tends to be cold and sterile.

Soul Click is a decent offering and has a slow, jazzy feel and again Brian plays double bass while Nic's vast vocal range helps to push this genre to the next level.

Spacemonkey in a Jungle pt. 2 is an awesome, percussion-rich tune that once again can easily find its way into the dance hall or be remixed with a popular cover tune. The eight-song album leaves the listener humming many of the songs long after the headphones come off.

Brian shows his vocal prowess on Never Be Any Peace. One would be hard pressed to categorise this song. While it is definitely electronic music, it has inspirational overtones and smatterings of a protest song.

Go to www.myspace.com/oneundread or search for 1undread on itunes, rhapsody, or emusic.com. They can also be found on myspace.com (Myspace music) and listeners will hear other 1UNDREAD classics.

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Fans of the Ber-mazing Race will get a chance to see teams, including last year's winners, vying for the winners' spot and their share of the spoils. Formerly named the Amazing Race, this event made its local debut on April 22 and was based on the US reality show. Teams of two people will be competing in a challenging race across the island and will seek a series of clues and face several challenges en route in a bid to be the first across the finish line.

Last year 20 couples signed up in a bid to be the undisputed winner, with 13 of the teams actually completing the race. As a result of the event's success, there have been numerous requests for a repeat event.

'With the overwhelming requests to repeat the race, we are pleased to say that the race has been scheduled for September 3," chairperson Marilyn Parfitt explained.

l The event which takes place on Labour Day, will start at 12.30 and the venue and other details will be provided to the competitors upon registration.

l The event is being held strictly for fun and as a community event organised by a group of community-minded individuals interested in positive, family-oriented community interaction.

l Registration is $35 per person

l There are two people per team. As many teams as possible may enter.

l Part proceeds will go towards the winners' favourite charity.

Prizes include:

l PGA golf tickets

l A round of golf at Belmont Hills

l Travel vouchers

l Luggage . . . and more

The Ber-mazing Race is made responsible through the kind and generous support of sponsors and co-sponsors Locals/Pasta Basta, Digicel, ER Aubrey's & Fine hings, Belmont Hills Golf Club, Karl Parfitt Painting Contractors and others.

For more details, contact Marilyn Parfitt at 236-9249 or e-mail mparfittgov.bm or Jene Charles via e-mail at jcharlesgov.bm or Linda Salaam at SalaamL0state.gov