Albuquerque is gearing up for a major free outdoor concert event this summer. The Freedom Celebration will take place at Balloon Fiesta Park on Friday, June 27, with doors opening at 4 PM.
Performing at the event is gospel artist Chandler Moore, known for his powerful worship sets and songwriting contributions with Maverick City Music. He will be joined by acclaimed rapper and business man Lecrae, country-gospel artist Ben Fuller, and Rave Jesus.
For more information, visit freedomabq.com.
The U Love RnB Food Truck Music Festival is set to bring a powerhouse celebrity lineup to Concord, North Carolina on Saturday, June 20th — Juneteenth Weekend.
Headlining the event are R&B icons Ashanti and Trey Songz, joined by fan favorites Lyfe Jennings, Bobby V, and Changing Faces. Additional acts are still to be announced.
The festival will be held at Route 29, located at 5450 Sandusky Blvd. Tickets are available at www.myfavefestival.com, and event information can be obtained by calling 704-277-0435, 704-953-1229, or 310-770-4427.
Tony, Emmy, and five-time Grammy Award-nominated singer, songwriter, and actor Josh Groban will be hitting the road with special guest Jennifer Hudson — a Grammy, Oscar, Tony, and Emmy winner — this summer
Produced by Live Nation and presented by Stifel, the tour kicks off June 2 at Place Bell in Montreal, QC, making stops at iconic venues including Boston’s TD Garden, New York City’s Madison Square Garden, and Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The run wraps up on July 3 in Salt Lake City, Utah, spanning nearly 20 dates across the U.S. and Canada.
The tour also carries a philanthropic dimension as one dollar from every ticket sold will benefit Groban‘s Find Your Light Foundation. For tickets and the full list of tour dates, visit joshgroban.com.
Minott Movements will honor the legacy of reggae icon Sugar Minott with a special tribute and 70th Birthday Celebration on Monday, May 25, 2026. The event, which also recognizes African Liberation Day, will take place at Youth Promotion HQ, located at 1 Robert Crescent in Kingston 5, beginning at 8:00 p.m. Admission is free.
The celebration brings together a wide lineup of reggae artists and entertainers paying tribute to Sugar Minott‘s enduring contribution to Jamaican music and culture. Featured performers include Sammy Dread, Junior Reid, Michael Palmer, Sister Carol, Tony Curtis, and several other artists representing multiple generations of reggae talent.
Music for the evening will be provided by Youthman Promotion and Sound Trooper, while hosting duties will be handled by Denise Isis Miller and Ron Muschette.
The McAnuff Family has joined forces with The Ligerians for the release of their collaborative album Africa My Destiny, which officially arrived on May 15, 2026. Produced by SoulNurse Records and McAnuff Family, the 10-track project brings together lead vocals from Winston McAnuff, Nadia McAnuff, and Kush McAnuff, blending family chemistry with live reggae musicianship.
The project grew from an organic meeting at SoulNurse Studio in 2024, where an impromptu recording session led to the creation of the song Colors. That creative spark evolved into a 2025 tour and eventually a full album recording, with Africa My Destiny taking shape during an intense three-day studio session with The Ligerians. The release captures not only a musical collaboration but also a deeper family and artistic connection.
The album is now available on all major streaming platforms.
Jamaican reggae artist Lymie Murray returns with his latest single, “Like We Use To,” produced by DJ String and released through the DJ String Promotion label. Published worldwide on April 24, the track delivers a smooth reggae sound infused with themes of nostalgia, reflection, and authentic roots energy.
The song captures a longing for meaningful love connections and the return of genuine unity. The single is currently available across all major digital streaming platforms.
Veteran dancehall and reggae artiste Courtney Melody is using music to spark social reflection with the release of his powerful single, “Don’t Call Me Nigga,” featured on the newly released Nah Struggle Riddim from Reggae Vibes Productions.
Published on May 8, 2026, the nine-track reggae compilation showcases several artists, but Courtney Melody’s contribution has already begun generating attention for its bold and timely message addressing racial identity, self-respect, and the language commonly used among today’s youth.
Best known for classic dancehall hits such as “Modern Girl,” “Ninja Mi Ninja,” and “Bad Boy,”Courtney Melody built his reputation as one of Jamaica’s most respected voices during the digital dancehall era of the 1980s. With “Don’t Call Me Nigga,” the veteran entertainer once again demonstrates his ability to use music as both entertainment and social commentary.
On the record, Melody speaks directly to the troubling trend of black youths referring to each other as “niggers” and “dogs,” terms he believes are degrading and damaging to the culture. Through carefully penned lyrics and conscious messaging, he reminds listeners that black people descended from royalty and divinity and should be treated with dignity and respect.
At a time when these expressions have become commonplace in everyday conversations and popular culture, “Don’t Call Me Nigga” arrives as a refreshing and courageous statement from a highly respected reggae performer unafraid to confront sensitive social issues publicly.
“Don’t Call Me Nigga” is now available as part of the Nah Struggle Riddim compilation on major digital music platforms.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 