Tony Matterhorn Celebrates in New York

Not even the pending snow storm could stop the specially invited guests, media and well wishers from coming out in large numbers at Tony Matterhorn’s welcome back party and VIP press reception. The self-styled man from mars celebrated his return to New York after a three year absence, at the trendy Mars 2112 restaurant, nightclub and bar in Manhattan last Tuesday night.

The occasion was hosted by Matterhorn’s management company, VIP Connected. Scores of mainstream and urban media personnel from the US, England, Europe and even Jamaica, were on hand to mark the milestone.

Matterhorn’s US visa was revoked in 2003. His management company with assistance from various entities in the US petitioned for the visa to be reinstated. The loss of the visa had prevented Matterhorn from fulfilling numerous performance obligations in the USA, which resulted from the mainstream success of his muscular Dutty Wine and Goodas Fi Dem singles.

Dutty Wine was heralded by the prestigious urban publication Vibe Magazines as one of the 60 most influential records of 2006. The song enjoyed a runaway success in the US, Europe and in several Caribbean countries. Matterhorn performed in almost every country where the song took off, with the exception of going stateside.

In an earlier interview, Matterhorn had expressed his sentiments about being able to perform in the US again. "I can now reach out to my extended fans, the real Matterhorn fans. It feels good to be able to reunite with them, but in some ways I have been interacting with them on my space a lot," said Matterhorn.

His manager Julie ‘Lexy’ Brooks of VIP Connected said that since the announcement that Mattehorn can once again visit the US, several offers for performances have been popping up. ‘We have a lot of offers on the table right now. He might be traveling to the US almost every weekend just to perform’, said Ms Brooks.

At his welcome back party, Matterhorn greeted the media and spoke about plans for his career. He revealed that a collaboration with himself, Wyclef Jean and Elephant Man (featuring a new female Hispanic singer) is set to be a big hit this summer. He also hinted that he was in negotiations with at least three major US record companies for the release of his debut album.

Rob Kenner, Editor at Large at Vibe magazine told this writer that New Yorkers were familiar with Matterhorn from his days with the King Addies sound system and that his return could further help in capitalizing on opportunities that could come his way. ‘Dutty Wine did very well in the urban market and a lot of mainstream artistes would want to work with him. Now that he is back, many of these opportunities can now bear fruit’, said Kenner.

Singer Suzanne Couch, Linkup Media CEO David ‘Squeeze’ Annakie, Dave Rodney of Jamrock Magazine, Patricia Meschino of Billboard and Skywritings magazine, and Jabba from urban radio station Hot 97 FM and Tempo, were among those in attendance.

After the press reception, an after party took place at the T-NY Club in Manhattan. Matterhorn performed his hits as well as new material. He kept the crowd in stitches with his side splitting humor and anecdotes.