Etana kicked off her “Forever Reggae Tour” on November 16th. She is joined by both Iba Mahr & Fyahkin. Below are all the remaining dates, cities and venues. Get a ticket, get out there and support Jamaica’s Reggae music.

Nov. 24 – Minneapolis – Wilebski’s Blues Saloon
Nov. 25 – Kansas City – KZ’s Night Club
Nov. 26 – St. Louis – Cherokee Performing Arts Center
Nov. 27 – Chicago – Wild Hare
Dec. 02 – Michigan – Kola Lounge
Dec. 03 – Pittsburgh – Club Taboo
Dec. 05 – Knoxville – Pour House
Dec. 07 – Rhode Island – The Parlor
Dec. 08 – Boston – Brighton Music Hall
Dec. 09 – Washington DC – Howard Theatre
Dec. 10 – Cincinnati – Elegant Event Center
Dec. 11 – New York – Milk River

Story by Sheron Pearson

Bushman, Queen Ifrica & Tony Rebel (Photo Credit: Vanessa Duncan)

Rebel Salute 2017 is the 23rd staging of the outdoor cultural extravaganza, the brainchild of international artist Patrick “Tony Rebel” Barrett. He revealed his vision for January 2017 at Milk River Bar & Lounge in Brooklyn and was more than ably assisted in delivering that message (in order of appearance) by the likes of Ras Shilo, Bushman, Ed Robinson, Gully Bop and Queen Ifrica who also aired tracks from her new album Climb in the form of a listening/album release/mini concert.

Media was invited to hear the plans for 2017 and you could tell by the numbers in attendance that they were already fired up. Jamaica’s new Consul General to New York, Ms. Trudy Deans gave her endorsement in her address to those present. Irie Jam Radio provided live streaming of the event with commentary from Irwine Clare and music from Chris the Dub Master who kept the non-stop party vibe going.

The atmosphere was upbeat as Tony Rebel and members of his team advised the media of what the public could expect for January 13-14 in Priory St. Ann. With a line-up that includes veterans Derek Morgan, Bernard Collins from the Abyssinians, Third World, Johnny Osborne, Anthony B, Ed Robinson Junior Kelly, Half Pint, Wayne Wonder, Bushman, and artists like Ras Shilo, Shevaun, Agent Sasco and Queen Ifrica, representing the younger artists blazing trails in their own right.

For the eco-friendly and adventurous, there’s a camp site where, for $40 per night, you can get back to nature; for those seeking a more luxurious experience; special deals can be had from hotel partners Cardiff Hall and The Hilton Montego Bay with the latter providing shuttle service to the site.

Patrons will certainly not be bored at the two day event, they can attend the Fashion Village with its emphasis on culture evident in the clothing, jewelry and shoes on sale and display, the abundance of food items to sample and many patrons will no doubt flock to the event to experience the so-called‘Herb Curb’ an area designated not just to promote the smoking of weed, but also to provide a showcase for its by-products and myriad uses. This is perhaps one of the few venues in Jamaica where ganja will be openly smoked without fear of reprisal – the organizers having been granted special license. While the ganja will be smoked freely, Rebel Salute is an otherwise drug free, alcohol free,violence free and meat free exposition celebrating quality cultural music, lifestyle and heritage.

GRAMMY TO RAAAStafari

With all due respect to the artists who performed snippets of what they would be delivering in January 2017, the focus for the night was definitely on Queen Ifrica, who delivered a jaw-dropping selection of songs from her new album Climb. Performing barefooted, as has become her custom, she teased her band members and joked with the back-up singers all while unveiling an electrifying introduction to her new project. From Lioness on the Rise that had all the patrons singing along to Love is not Blind,That’s How it is Sometimes, Ask Mi Granny, Good Man, Lie Dem ah Tell Seh Jamaica Mash up to her brilliant mash-up of Let’s Act Silly, which incorporated Ed Sheeran’s mega hit Thinking out Loud and Tarrus Riley’s Gimme Likkle One Drop. There was no stopping the aptly named fyah mumma who demonstrated her rapid fire spitting skills on Medical Marijuana. Definitely anthemic – the single Climb, named after the album was an inspired and inspiring piece of work. Watch out for Black Woman (scheduled for a January 2017 release) which had many thumping their approval on every available wooden surface. I hope the VP distributed album makes the Grammy nomination for 2017!

This writer is already planning for 2017 in Grizzly’s Plantation Cove, Priory, St. Ann. For more information check out http://www.rebelsalutejamaica.com

“Unforgettable” is the end of year concert of the Avant Academy of Music (located in Kingston, Jamaica). The event takes place on December 11th at the academy and this year’s special guest performer will be the legendary Ken Boothe.

The cost of the tickets are $2,500 pre sold and $3,000 at the gate. Avant Academy of Music clients pay $1,000 Pre Sold and $1,500 at the gate.

“Unforgettable” celebrates classic catalogues of music and this is the reason why Ken Boothe has been selected because of his vast repertoire of well written hit songs that have defined what is great about Jamaican music.

Also on the program will be performances from students and teachers, showcasing the work done at Avant Academy of Music in Music Education. For more information on this event, please click here to join their page on facebook.

Article by Nat Ladiva

MAMAKAFFE, une artiste née en Côte d’Ivoire, s’est installée en Jamaïque où elle a rejoint le mouvement nayabinghi rasta et a commencé à faire de la musique roots reggae. Après avoir terminé son premier EP, elle a lancé une tournée mondiale pour la promouvoir.

Elle prepare son nouvelle album avec ROGER GRANT son manager au USA et reviendra en europe pour des tournees en 2017 avec des artistes de renommees comme LES FRERES REID.

Elle était Élu BEST ARTIST et BEST VIDEO CLIP au AKADEMIA MUSIC AWARDS à LOS ANGELES en octobre 2016 avec le titre de “beauté de jah plan” qui est une reprise de RITA MARLEY.