Hip-Hop Artist Obibini Grinds Hard On His Cover Of Desiigner’s Panda (@Obibiniboafo)

Posted on June 13, 2016 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

@Obibiniboafo Covers have often carried a negative connotation — they were once seen as a less talented or unsuccessful artiste act of “stealing” work from another composer, to make that quick buck. These days, music covers are recognized as one artiste paying homage to another in a show of love and admiration of the other’s music.

Released from toontoom studios, “Grind Time” is a cover of Desiigner’s billboard chart topper Panda. Written and performed by OBIBINI the song paints from an artiste’s perspective, a lyrical picture of a nation, intelligently describing the socio-economic landscape of the country. Obviously Black Infinitely Bold Intelligent & Naturally Inspiring, OBIBINI the lyricist from Africa Ghana, did not mix words, boldly pronouncing this song as the ‘illest of all covers’. Reality lyrics, no tricks or gimmicks; listen, it’s all about the money; “Grind Time”, a narrative of current happenings in Africa Ghana.

Story by: Adokwei Addo

Protoje Introduces “Royalty Free” Project (@Protoje)

Posted on June 12, 2016 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Protoje Introduces Royalty Free Project After the unexpected release of two new tracks “Can’t Feel No Way” and “Glad You’re Home” within the past week, reggae star Protoje reveals he is set to deliver a new project, Royalty Free on June 14th.

Protoje shares the cover art and track listing from the forthcoming project, designed by Jamaican visual artist Taj Francis.

The Just Believe Riddim will be available on iTunes on July 7th, 2016 (@Blakkwuman22)

Posted on June 12, 2016 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

JUST BELIEVE FINAL The Just Believe Riddim, released by Blakkwuman22 Music and ODB Records, will be available for global digital download as of July 7^th, 2016. The compilation is being distributed by the #1 dancehall distribution company, 21^st Hapilos.

Just Believe Riddim features new music from label owner, Karamanti, Kemikal, Millitant and Peppery, who is also a part of the Blakkwuman22 team. The project was shared publicly on May 3^rd and the reviews have all been overwhelmingly positive. Though it won’t be on iTunes and other digital platforms until July 7^th, persons interested in getting a copy of the album now, may do so via Blakkwuman22 Music store: http://karamanti.bandcamp.com/

Raging Fyah EVERLASTING Album Debuts #2 on Billboard (@Ragingfyah)

Posted on June 11, 2016 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

00-raging fyah Regarded as one of Jamaica’s most promising young acts, self contained band, Raging Fyah, has recently released their third studio album “Everlasting” to rave reviews from fans and music industry alike.

“Everlasting” made its debut last week at #2 on the billboard charts, and adding to this feat it is now #3 in Japan, while the single Live Your Life featuring J Boog and Busy single is #4.

Recorded live at Kingston’s legendary Tuff Gong Studio producer Llamar “Riff Raff” Brown (whose credits include Stephen and Damian Marley, Richie Spice, T.O.K and 2016 Grammy Award winners Morgan Heritage) incorporates broad based influences, various acoustic subtleties, and a few guest artists, all of which enhances as well as expands Raging Fyah’s established reggae identity.

MJE presents MUSIC TO THINK TO Reggae Mix – Vol. 1

Posted on June 10, 2016 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

music to think to artwork In an effort to promote consciousness, Maria Jackson, the CEO and owner of MJE has put together a reggae mix titled MUSIC TO THINK TO. It features 17 thought provoking, but conscious, reggae tracks performed by various artists. Featured on the mix is Mikey General, Luciano, Omar Perry, Karamanti, Humanuwah, Assassin aka Agent Sasco, Kappo, I-Wayne, Peppery and several others.

This mix is ideal for reggae lovers who are also seeking spiritual enlightenment, as it has snippets from one of Sadhguru’s (the Indian mystic) talks on spirituality. One song that must be highlighted is the very first record on the mix called “Greater” by Emmanuel I. This very powerful track is approximately eight minutes long and it is done in acoustic style. It sets the tone for what is to come on the rest of the mix.

Some recently released records that are currently getting good rotation worldwide have also been added. Songs like “natty nah grow” by Karamanti, “stronger” by Agent Sasco, “sipple out deh” by Peppery and ofcourse the big track from the veteran Mikey General, “humble calf.”

This powerful reggae mix is complimented by an amazing artwork which features on its cover Kappo, Omar Perry, Mikey General, Karamanti, Luciano, I-Wayne, Humanuwah and Peppery. Pictures of the artists are spread across a clean background with all the information written in white.

A lot of energy went into the making of this mix and the hope is that everyone who hears it feels that energy and grows spiritually as a result of having heard it. Listen on MJE YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEkbVPFQLfQ

UK SINGER RASHELLE BLUE EMPOWERS WOMEN WITH HER NEW SONG, “KWEEN” (@rashelleblue)

Posted on June 10, 2016 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

RASHELLE BLUE.jpg UK singer Rashelle Blue is all about women standing up for themselves, what they believe in, and in being able to achieve their goals no matter what.
Evidently, she reps it for ‘African Queens’ all around the world in her new single titled KWEENS. According to the London based singer, women are not celebrated enough especially in the Afrobeats Movement.

In a recent interview with Ludwig Junior on Ahomka Radio in London, she reiterated, “There aren’t a lot of females repping it for the girls in the afrobeats scene- especially in the diaspora. Often, we’re not given the platform to bring our contribution to the African Music Market but I believe that many of us have a lot to offer.”

This exciting new afro-pop song produced by renowned UK producer/songwriter Eaaron Quacoe, seeks to celebrate women in general, but specifically African women all around the world. It follows her single AMPA produced by West African highlife maestro Bisa Kdei. In the song she has some very uplifting words of advice for women.

KWEENS is free to listen, download and share at the link below:
https://soundcloud.com/rashelleblue/kweens

NESBETH, SPARROW & KEN BOOTHE GAVE EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCES AT THE 2016 ORACABESSA FESTIVAL (@NesbethReggae @KenBoothe1)

Posted on June 9, 2016 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Mighty Sparrow

Reggae’s newest music sensation Nesbeth, who was given the herculean task of bringing the curtain down on the third annual Oracabessa Festival on Memorial Monday at Roy Wilkins Park in New York, not only proved equal to the task but had patrons singing along to songs from his growing catalogue of hits.

Assuming command of the stage Nesbeth brought the house down in what was his first major performance in the tri-state area. Born Greg Nesbeth, the artisit had his biggest moment when he delivered “My Dream”, arguably one of the most globally recognized reggae songs for 2016. Released last October, ‘My Dream’ was an anthem during the 2016 political campaign in Jamaica and was enthusiastically received by patrons at the NY festival.

Soca king Mighty Sparrow displayed stunning vocal range while performing favorites Jean & Dinah, May May, Mister Walker, and Melda. Ken Boothe did not disappoint and demonstrated why he is still one of the best in the business, engaging fans with Artibella, When I Fall In Love, The Girl I Left Behind and The Train Is Coming.

Caribbean Heritage Awards were presented to Mighty Sparrow, radio host Gil Bailey and posthumously to Jimmy Riley who performed at last year’s Oracabessa Festival. Lavern Tatham, mother of singer Tarrus Riley accepted on behalf of Jimmy Riley.