Kass Smith’s Story

Kass Smith is an electrifying bilingual sensation hailing from the sun-kissed shores of Jamaica and now a prominent figure in the Mexican music scene. With a multifaceted career spanning singing, songwriting, fine artistry, entrepreneurship, holistic teaching, and motivational coaching, Kass embodies the epitome of artistic versatility and cultural fusion.

From his roots in Hanover, Jamaica, where he began serenading audiences at the tender age of six, Kass‘ journey has been one of relentless determination and artistic excellence. Raised by parents who instilled in him the values of hard work and focus, Kass‘ early accolades included winning his first gold medal at the national performing arts festival at just nine years old.

Since then, Kass has become a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with his magnetic stage presence and soul-stirring performances. His remarkable talent has seen him share the stage with music icons such as Juan Gabriel, Los Pericos of Argentina, Beenie Man, Ky-Mani Marley, Rick Ross, Lee “Scratch” Perry, and Teacha Dee from Germany.

Kass produced his first album “Showtime” in 1989, and in 1992 he made the bold move to Mexico, where he immersed himself in the culture and language, paving the way for a groundbreaking four-year, three-album deal with EMI Music Records. His debut album, KuKaramakara, propelled him to stardom with the infectious hit single “Ay Cosita Linda,” showcasing his signature blend of Mexican melodies and Caribbean flavors.

Kass‘ musical journey reached new heights with the release of his album JOURNEYS, produced by the legendary Dean Frazer and acclaimed writer-producer Mikey Bennett. This 16-track masterpiece features captivating remakes and original compositions that speak to Kass‘ personal experiences and spiritual journey.

Never one to shy away from innovation, Kass has also teamed up with DJ Playero, the mastermind behind “Gasolina” by Daddy Yankee, to create the original reggaeton anthem “KUMINA,” continuing his mission to bring Caribbean and Latin sounds together in a powerful musical fusion.

Inner City Dub Chapter 31 to Honor Samora Machel

Kingston’s weekly roots and cultural gathering, Inner City Dub, returns for its 31st chapter on Monday, September 28, with an evening dedicated to the legacy and Pan-African impact of late Mozambican President Samora Machel.

Dubbed “Recalling Samora Machel,” the event takes place from 7:00 PM to midnight at Nation Lounge, 2A Milk Lane in West Kingston, near Queens Bridge and Spanish Town Road. The evening is themed around Machel’s words, “Imperialist exploitation and an unjust international economic order are a cause of war,” with the programme centered on conscious music and cultural reflection.

The night will feature live dub music, roots selector sessions and conscious lyricism, with special performances from legendary dancehall and roots reggae singer Triston Palma, veteran reggae artist Papa Michigan, of Michigan & Smiley fame, along with Harmonique and Shady Natural. Denise “Isis” Miller will guide the evening as the “Lioness of Ceremony.”

Admission is free, with the organizers stating that the official entry requirement is simply “Love & Light.”

Hopeton Lindo Gives Thanks on New Reggae Single “Praises”

Jamaican singer-songwriter Hopeton Lindo returns with “Praises,” a brand-new reggae single centered on faith, gratitude and giving thanks to God. Officially released on September 18, 2026, the uplifting track is now available across major digital streaming and download platforms.

Best known globally for creating the iconic Diwali Riddim, producer Steven “Lenky” Marsden provides the musical backdrop for Lindo’s message of perseverance and conviction. “Praises” is a bouncy reggae groove on which Lindo reflects on his journey through difficult periods while showing gratitude for the success he is now experiencing,

In the song, Lindo candidly reflects on the experience of feeling overlooked while shifting his focus toward the greatness of God and expressing gratitude for the progress he has made. The result is a spiritually uplifting and motivational recording centered on the importance of trusting God and maintaining faith through challenging seasons.

“Praises” arrives during a particularly active period for Lindo, who continues to maintain a strong presence with a series of recent releases, including “Stop Put Money Over Life” featuring Anthony Red Rose, “Favorite” with Hawkeye, and “Mental Health Awareness” with Anthony Malvo. The new single follows the August 21 release of Lindo’s six-track EP, “A Miracle.”

“Praises” was produced by Lenky Marsden for Diwali Records and distributed by VPAL Music, the independent distribution arm of VP Records.

Chezidek Set to Perform in Abidjan on October 23

Jamaican roots reggae singer Chezidek is set to return to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, for a live concert as part of his 2026 Africa Tour. The performance follows an earlier stop in Togo and marks Chezidek’s long-awaited return to the Ivorian capital, eight years after his last appearance there.

Chezidek will perform on Friday, October 23, beginning at 10:00 PM at AZK Live, formerly known as Champion Live. The open-air venue is located along the lagoon in Cocody Blockhauss, Abidjan.

Tickets are being released in three stages. The Flash Early Bird rate is 5,000 FCFA and will be available exclusively on September 28 from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM, with only 30 tickets available and a limit of four per person. Presale tickets will be offered at 10,000 FCFA from September 30 through October 15, with 100 promotional tickets available. The normal rate is 15,000 FCFA from October 16 through the night of the concert, subject to availability at the gate. Click here for tickets.

Gifted Hands Joins Dax’s The Anger Management Tour

Virginia Beach-based artist and songwriter Gifted Hands is set to join multi-genre artist Dax on select dates of his 2026 The Anger Management Tour.

Dax’s North American headline tour launched in September and is scheduled to continue through December 13, with stops in cities across the United States and Canada. Gifted Hands‘ participation comes as he continues to expand his reach. See below the confirmed dates when he will appear with Dax.

October 8 — Gainesville, GA
October 9 — Raleigh, NC
October 10 — Columbia, SC
October 11 — Knoxville, TN
October 13 — Huntsville, AL
October 20 — Birmingham, AL
October 21 — Baton Rouge, LA
October 23 — Dallas, TX
October 24 — Austin, TX
November 19 — Minneapolis, MN
November 20 — Milwaukee, WI
November 21 — Chicago, IL

Praise in the Park Returns to Atlanta This October

Praise 102.5 has announced the official lineup for “The Original Praise in the Park,” a gospel music festival set to take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Wolf Creek Amphitheater in Atlanta, Georgia.

The event brings together an extensive roster of gospel and inspirational artists, including Mary Mary, John P. Kee, and David & Tamela Mann. They will be joined by Anthony Brown and Group TherAPy, Lisa Knowles-Smith and The Brown Singers, Canton Jones, Adia, and Vashawn Mitchell & Friends.

Rounding out the bill are Dwight Stone and Friends, Joann Rosario, Jor’Dann Armstrong, Lee Vasi, Nia Allen, and Jai & Q. Parker.

The concert is presented by Praise 102.5 in partnership with Variety Entertainment and the City of South Fulton’s Wolf Creek Amphitheater.

Tickets are now available for purchase at MyPraiseATL.com.

Sizzla Kalonji Releases New Single “Creation Order [Bun Out]”

Jamaican reggae and dancehall veteran Sizzla Kalonji returns with his latest single, “Creation Order [Bun Out],” released September 4, 2026. Produced by Worl Cash, with the beat composed by StepToDem Musiq, the track finds the veteran artist once again using his music to address a controversial social issue.

On “Creation Order [Bun Out],”Sizzla, a committed Rastafarian, expresses his opposition to homosexuality and the homosexual lifestyle, while also celebrating his attraction to women. Throughout the song, he emphasizes his appreciation for women and his enjoyment of their company.

The release also recalls an era when reggae and dancehall music frequently served as a platform for artists to comment on social, cultural and political issues. While contemporary Jamaican music encompasses a wide range of subjects, including entertainment, fashion, wealth and lifestyle, Sizzla has remained one of the artists who continues to use his music to engage with subjects that can generate discussion and debate.

That willingness to address social issues has been an important part of Sizzla Kalonji’s longstanding presence in Jamaican music. Over the course of his career, the artist has consistently incorporated his spiritual beliefs, social observations and personal convictions into his recordings, contributing to the tradition of reggae as a vehicle for commentary beyond entertainment.

“Creation Order [Bun Out]” is available now on all major streaming platforms.