About Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Promoting Positive Black Music & Telling The Stories Of The People Behind It!

The 11th Staging of Eastern Extravaganza

Posted on December 19, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Eastern Extravaganza returns for its 11th staging on Thursday, January 1, 2026. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Mountain View Oval, located conveniently across from Excelsior High School, this event is scheduled to begin promptly at 10:00 PM.

This year’s edition boasts an extraordinary lineup that bridges generations of talent. Attendees can expect performances from iconic artistes such as Beenie Man, Sizzla Kalonji, and Louie Culture, alongside modern chart-toppers like Skeng, Tommy Lee, and Jahshii. The roster is further bolstered by veteran voices including Horace Andy, Turbulence, Pamputae and others.

Accessibility remains a cornerstone of the Eastern Extravaganza, with general admission offered free of charge to the public. For those seeking an elevated experience, VIP access is available exclusively at the gate for $3,000.

Ring in 2026 with Genesis Praisefest’s Historic 40-Year Anniversary Concert

Posted on December 18, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

On Thursday, January 1, 2026, Jamaica Youth for Christ will present the 40th Genesis Praisefest, at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Center (36 Hope Road) in Kingston, Jamaica. The event is scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM.

The lineup includes Jermaine Edwards, Prodigal Son, Johnmark Wiggan, and Goddy Goddy. They will be joined by Prince Saj, Rian Davis, Audia Spencer-Brown, and the Genesis Praise Squad. The evening’s proceedings will be guided by MCs Nadine Blair, Dexter Johnson Jnr, and Ella, with musical accompaniment provided by DJ Noi.

Tickets for Genesis Praisefest are currently available for purchase. General admission is priced at $3,000 for presold tickets and $3,500 at the gate. For families attending with younger children, entry for those under 12 is available for $1,000 at the gate. Interested patrons can secure their tickets online through the official event portal at spurropen.com/genesis2026 or follow @genesis_praisefest on social media for further updates and announcements.

Zion Promotion Presents Busy Signal Live in The Gambia This January

Posted on December 18, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

International dancehall sensation Busy Signal is scheduled to perform live in The Gambia on January 3, 2026. Presented by Zion Promotion, and hosted by popular personality Fanta Ceesay, the performance will take place at the GCCI Trade Fair Ground.

Organizers have established a tiered pricing structure to accommodate various attendee preferences. General admission tickets are currently available for D900 in advance or D1200 at the gate. For those seeking a more premium experience, VIP advance tickets are priced at D2500, increasing to D3000 on the day of the event. Additionally, VVIP table packages are available for those interested in a more exclusive setting, with bookings managed through dedicated local contact lines.

Interested patrons can secure their tickets by visiting the promotion’s website, zionpromotion.com.

Willie Lindo Shares Previously Released Christmas Projects via HeavyBeat Records

Posted on December 18, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

HeavyBeat Records has announced the sharing of four previously released Christmas albums from its catalog, curated and produced by Willie Lindo, the highly respected Jamaican reggae guitarist, songwriter, arranger, and producer whose work has quietly influenced some of the most important reggae and dancehall recordings from the late 1970s through the 1990s and beyond.

Released via HeavyBeat Records, the four compilations are “Songs Written by Willie Lindo Christmas“, “When Christmas Come“, “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” by Nikesha, and “KashieF Lindo Sings Christmas“ by KashieF Lindo. “Songs Written by Willie Lindo Christmas” features performances by a range of artists including Barry Biggs, Ambelique, KashieF Lindo, Mica Rustle, Nikesha Lindo, Willie Lindo himself, and the HeavyBeat Crew.

The second compilation, “When Christmas Come”, brings together music from Antar, Mica Rustle, Ledean, the HeavyBeat Crew, as well as Nikesha and KashieF Lindo. As the titles suggest, the other two projects are solo albums by Willie Lindo’s now adult children, Nikesha and KashieF. Together, these projects comprise four collections rooted in classic reggae melodies and seasonal themes.

Listeners familiar with Willie Lindo’s musical style and reputation will recognize the albums as well-produced, carefully arranged reggae records that deliver messages aligned with the spirit of the Christmas season. The releases reflect Lindo’s commitment to musical quality and authenticity, hallmarks that have defined his career.

Having never been properly promoted at the time of their original release, Willie Lindo and his team are now making a concerted effort to share these and other holiday projects from the HeavyBeat Records catalog, giving audiences a renewed opportunity to experience this seasonal body of work.

A Night of Worship: Open Heavens 2025

Posted on December 17, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The House of Praise is set to host Open Heavens, a premier worship event scheduled for the evening of December 31, 2025. This gathering offers a unique opportunity for the community to transition into the New Year through a powerful experience of music and faith. It will take place at The International Centre, located at 6900 Airport Road in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

The program features a lineup of world-renowned worship leaders and artists. Attendees will have the privilege of hearing from Michael W. Smith and Don Moen, two of the most influential figures in contemporary Christian music. They will be joined by celebrated vocalists Chevelle Franklyn and Joe Mettle, as well as Pastor Tope Akinsiku (PTA) and Pastor Wale Akinsiku (PWA).

The event is open to the public with free admission. Doors are scheduled to open at 6:00 PM, with the main program commencing promptly at 7:00 PM. For those unable to attend in person, the House of Praise will be broadcasting content via their digital channels. Additional information and updates regarding the event can be found on their official website, openheavenstoronto.com.

A Holiday Edition of All Souled Out Featuring CL Smooth

Posted on December 17, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The Village Nightclub will host All Souled Out: Classic Hip-Hop and R&B Holiday Edition on Friday, December 26. This event will be dedicated to authentic hip-hop lyrics and beats, along with positive seasonal vibes.

Headlining the evening is legendary artist CL Smooth, performing live for fans in an intimate club atmosphere. Known for his influential contributions to hip-hop culture, CL Smooth’s appearance adds prestige and excitement to this holiday edition of All Souled Out.

Doors open at 10:00 PM, with advance tickets priced at $10 and $15 at the door. The night will also feature music from DJ Edge X and RalphReal & The Family Jam. The event takes place at The Village Nightclub, located at 205 N. Christian Street in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Clinton Fearon Celebrates 75 Years with Special Birthday Show at Nectar Lounge

Posted on December 17, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Continuing a tradition that began with his 70th birthday, reggae legend Clinton Fearon will celebrate his 75th birthday with a landmark party at Nectar Lounge next month. The celebration will feature a unique acoustic performance by Fearon, accompanied by some of his friends. DJ Kid Hops from KEXP-FM will enhance the evening’s atmosphere with a carefully curated selection of music.

The event will take place on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. at Nectar Lounge, located at 412 N. 36th Street. It is open to guests aged 21 and over. Tickets are available for purchase at tixr.com.