2026 Soar Awards

The 2026 edition of the Soar Awards will take place on Monday, March 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM, with a 5:00 PM pre-show at the Greenwood Oasis in Chicago. This year’s honorees include gospel greats Donnie McClurkin, Bishop Leonard Scott, Fred Hammond, Erica Campbell, and Pastor Chris Harris, recognizing their outstanding contributions to gospel music and ministry.

The evening will feature performances from an impressive lineup including John P. Kee, Le’Andria Johnson, Anthony Brown, Jason Nelson, Christina Bell, Dante Bowe, Lisa Page Brooks, Lisa Knowles and The Brown Singers, along with Sensere and more. Hosted by Jamal Roberts and Kierra Sheard-Kelly, the event will also spotlight Bobbi Lane as the 2026 Emerging Artist.

Tickets are available online, with support from Taylor Media, Nelms Music Planet LLC, and Country Financial.

The Altar School of Worship

On March 7th at 4:00 PM, Bates Memorial Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, will serve as the venue for “The Altar School of Worship.” Located at 620 Lampton Street, the event will be hosted by Neicy Robertson. The lineup of primary contributors include VaShawn Mitchell, Valencia Lacy, and Jovonta Patton, as well as the collective Nate Bean & 4GIVEN.

Further enriching the program is a diverse group of additional contributors, including Demond Johnson, Kevin Stewart, Isaiah Grider, Stewart Stiles, and D’Marcus Howard. Those interested in attending can look forward to a well-structured afternoon dedicated to the art and heart of worship.

2Cuz Production presents “Diff-Er-Ent Riddim”

2Cuz Production is proud to announce the official release of “Diff-Er-Ent Riddim,” a soul-stirring seven-track reggae compilation that showcases the versatility of some of the genre’s most respected voices. Now available on all major streaming platforms as of January 30, 2026, the compilation features an elite lineup including Busy Signal, Capleton, Mia Taylor, Darrio, Qraig Voicemail, and Jah Thunder.

A standout moment on the project comes from dancehall veteran BusySignal, who reveals a more melodic, roots side of his artistry on the track “Horizon.” The song serves as a powerful tribute of love and appreciation for the Most High, marking a distinct departure from his typical high-energy style. Complementing this spiritual energy is the legendary Capleton, who delivers the defiant and uplifting “My Shine,” a track centered on his unstoppable spirit and resilience.

The compilation also delves deeply into the theme of love through various lenses. Qraig Voicemail offers the romantic “Love of a Lifetime,” a dedicated serenade to his partner, while Mia Taylor captures the ache of longing in her soulful contribution, “Missing You.”Darrio adds to the melodic charm of the album with “Take It Slow,” a smooth love song that perfectly matches the rhythm’s steady pace. Expanding on the concept of affection, Jah Thunder’s “Found Love” explores the multifaceted nature of devotion, addressing both romantic partners and spiritual faith.

In addition to the vocal performances, 2Cuz Production has included the “Diff-Er-Ent Riddim” instrumental as a standalone track, allowing listeners to fully appreciate the craftsmanship behind the production. The full compilation is currently available for streaming and download worldwide.

Winston “Flags” Smith Secures Distribution Deal and Announces February Releases

Beloved roots Rastafarian reggae singer Winston “Flags” Smith has, through his management team, finalized a new distribution partnership with VPal Music. The agreement will see the established music distributor exclusively releasing a series of recordings by Flags.

Following detailed discussions with producer Patrick Quest, who now oversees the production of Smith’s recordings, both VPal Music and the artist’s team have confirmed a slate of four releases for this month. On February 20, “Independent Woman” and “Kiss You Once” will arrive, followed by “Rolling Down The Highway” and “You Turn Me On” on February 27.

The selected titles reflect themes well suited to both Reggae Month and the romantic atmosphere surrounding Valentine’s Day.

International and Local Ministers Gather in Belize City for a Powerful Gospel Celebration

The Belize Civic Center, located on Central American Boulevard in Belize City, will host this year’s Jesus Festival on Saturday, March 7th, starting at 6:00 PM local time.

International artists scheduled to appear include Sherwin Gardner, Positive, and Jordan Dollar. They will be joined by local and ministering acts Heavenlies Gospel Band, 501 Genesis, Garing Carballo, Blind Sight, Pastor Herman & Kings Park Praise Team, Pastor Frederick Gordon, Genesis Gospel Band, and Reality Youth.

Jill Scott, Common and More Lead HBCU Aware Fest Lineup

The HBCU Aware Fest is being billed as the biggest HBCU fundraiser ever and will take place on March 26, 2026, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Hosted by Nick Cannon, the event brings together an extraordinary lineup of music, culture, and community in support of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Performers include celebrated acts such as Jill Scott, Earth, Wind & Fire, Metro Boomin, Tems, Kirk Franklin, and Common, along with many others. The evening will also feature a special performance inspired by Alicia Keys’ Broadway production, plus appearances from influential figures across business, sports, and entertainment.

The initiative is supported by Live Nation Urban and Student Freedom Initiative, with tickets available at awarefest.org.

Pon Di River Presents Tanya Stephens Live in French Guiana

Pon Di River will host a special evening of reggae and dancehall as Jamaican recording artist Tanya Stephens takes the stage at Salle Le Diamant in French Guiana. The event takes place on Sunday, March 8, from 5:00 PM to midnight, in recognition of International Women’s Rights Day.

Tanya Stephens is known for her socially conscious, fearless, unapologetic musical expression within the global reggae and dancehall arena. Opening the show will be Guyanese vocalist Dah Yana, a respected female voice on the local music scene.

The atmosphere will be energized by musical selections from DJs Warren, Original Lo, Wyh, and Pyroman C.A, creating a festive and vibrant experience in keeping with the Pon Di River spirit. Click here for tickets and additional information.