Valene Nedd aka Naughty Girl and Dwayne Edwards aka MANIAC have truly arrived with their forthcoming album Debut soon to be released early 2009. This duo of Grenadian born singer-songwriters, currently based in London and signed with Mix & Blend Records are working with three top notch producers Louie Beckett, Nordley Fredricks and Michael Weekes aka Remi as well as Mix & Blend's Director & Executive Producer Crispin Calliste.

Meanwhile, their brand new EP 'Hit Factory' Vol 1 is out now on digital download and in all good record stores. Featuring four hot and diverse tracks: 'You Drive Me Wild', 'See Them Come', 'Above the Rest' and 'Care for the Children', this mix and blend of rhythms has something for all music lovers, from roots reggae to dancehall with lyrical vocals from MANIAC that conjure up Beanie man in his early days.

In fact, MANIAC got his breakthrough when he performed in 'We Jamming' featuring Kymani Marley, Ryhdum Mix Cartel and the likes of Lloyd Brown. He has also performed in the Caricom Festival 2006, Miss Afro Caribbean Queen Show, Soca Train Jouvert Jam with big acts Luciano, Natty King, Mikey General, Dean Fraser and other mellow mix artists.

Valene's professional singing career started in 2005 and like MANIAC has developed substantially by performing alongside artists The Messenger, Luciano, Mikey General, Dean Fraser, Natty King, Sylvia Teller, Denise Belfon, Terri Walker. Valene has also done advertisements for Digicel, a cell phone company in Grenada.

Together Valene and MANIAC have soulfully merged their musical influences - reggae, lovers' rock, dancehall, effortlessly to raise their standards and judging by their cool and sophisticated performances, I feel that this is just the beginning of a musical journey that I will be keeping my eye on.

Review by: Nicole Moore, Writer/Editor & Arts Commentator