Courtney Melody Promotes Black Pride and Self-Respect on New Single “Don’t Call Me Nigga”

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.

Winston Irie Gears Up for Memorial Day Weekend Performances

Veteran reggae artist Winston Irie will make two live appearances in the lead-up to and during Memorial Day Weekend 2026. On both occasions, he will be joined by his backing group, the Selective Security Band.

The first performance takes place on Friday, May 22, at Claudio’s, located at 111 Main Street in Greenport, New York. The show runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with free admission for patrons looking to enjoy an evening of live reggae music in a waterfront atmosphere.

Winston Irie and the Selective Security Band will then continue the Memorial Day Weekend activities on Sunday, May 24, at SiSi, located at 295 Three Mile Harbor Hog Creek in East Hampton, New York. The performance begins at 6:00 p.m. and continues through 9:00 p.m., offering another opportunity for audiences to enjoy live reggae entertainment during the holiday weekend.

American Friends of Jamaica Announces Annual Charity Gala After Party Featuring Busy Signal

The American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) has announced its upcoming Jamaica Charity Gala After Party, a high-profile staging dedicated to supporting charitable initiatives across the island. Scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, the gathering will commence at 9:00 PM at the luxurious Loews Coral Gables in Miami, Florida.

This exclusive evening features a headline performance by internationally acclaimed Dancehall artist Busy Signal. Musical support for the night will be provided by the renowned Richie D. Admission is priced at $150 per person, which includes access to an open bar.

Because the event is organized under the auspices of the American Friends of Jamaica, all ticket donations are fully tax-deductible under Tax ID #13-3115102. Additional information regarding the organization’s ongoing charitable missions and event updates remains available on the official website at http://www.theafj.org.

Duane Stephenson Heads to Brooklyn for a Concert on May 30

Reggae icon Duane Stephenson is set to headline a live concert at St. Lucia House, located at 438 E 49th Street—between Church and Snyder in Brooklyn, New York—on May 30th at 7 p.m. The show is presented by Dr. Ghost D Empire Don.

Known for his soulful voice and deeply rooted reggae sound, Stephenson will be joined by Tilly Berg and Shorm B. The event will also feature sets from Selector Akel Earthquake Sound, DJ Syfy, DJ Bashi, and DJ GQ.

Tickets are available at a limited pre-sale price of $70, with door admission set at $100. For ticket information, please call 347-701-6046.

Kravis Center Announces BeBe Winans Gospel Gala for June 13

Six-time Grammy Award-winning gospel singer BeBe Winans is scheduled to headline a Gospel Gala on June 13, 2026 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach, Florida. The event will take place inside the Alexander W. Dreyfoos Concert Hall as part of the Kravis Center’s Community Outreach series.

The concert is sponsored by Mr. Ronnie A. and Dr. Sandra B. Nichols, with showtime scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Organizers describe the evening as a powerful celebration of inspirational gospel music and community fellowship. Click here to buy tickets.

iD Conference Presents “Level Up”: A Weekend of Worship, Leadership, and Growth

iD Conference is set to host “Level Up” from Friday, May 29 through Sunday, May 31 at the FCC Worship Center, located at 900 Watkins Park Drive in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Centered on the theme “Lead Yourself. Lead Others. Let Christ Lead You,” the weekend promises to be a transformative experience for young adults and leaders looking to deepen their faith and sharpen their character.

The weekend kicks off on Friday, May 29 with “Release,” an evening worship experience beginning at 6:30 PM. GRAMMY-nominated recording artist Todd Galberth will serve as special guest, setting a powerful and dynamic tone for the days ahead.

Saturday, May 30 is dedicated entirely to leadership development, with the full-day Leadership Conference running from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Through general sessions, relationship-centered breakout discussions for singles and couples, and guided networking opportunities, attendees will engage with leadership principles directly applicable to everyday life.

The conference concludes on Sunday, May 31 with the Young Adult 5th Sunday worship services at 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and Noon. The closing services are designed to send attendees forward with encouragement to apply what they have learned and continue growing beyond the conference weekend.

Featured speakers across the event include Javail and Natasha Miller, Jackie Hill Perry, Brian Bullock, and Whitney Moss. For more information or to register, click here.

Jamaica Festival Song Competition 2026 Semi Finals

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), an agency of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, invites the public to the Semi Finals of the Jamaica Festival Song Competition, taking place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, 36 Hope Road, Kingston 10. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. and admission is FREE.

The road to the Top Ten continues as gifted artists from across the island take the stage, each vying for the coveted opportunity to advance to the Grand Finals. The Semi Finals represent one of the most electrifying stages of the competition, as performers bring their original compositions to life before a live audience and a panel of distinguished judges.

The Jamaica Festival Song Competition is one of the nation’s most celebrated cultural traditions, serving as a cornerstone of Jamaica’s Independence Festival celebrations. Now in its 2026 edition, the competition continues to champion original Jamaican music, spotlighting the creativity, talent, and patriotic spirit that define the island’s rich cultural heritage.

Members of the public are encouraged to come out, support Jamaica’s emerging and established artists, and experience the music carrying the Festival Song tradition proudly forward. Again, entrance to the event is completely free of charge.