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About Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

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

Hezekiah Walker Choir Fest Celebrates 15 Years

Hezekiah Walker Choir Fest will celebrate its 15th anniversary on August 15 at 10 PM, hosted at The Park Church, located at 6029 Beatties Ford Road in Charlotte, North Carolina. The event is free to attend, with VIP seating also available for those interested in an elevated experience.

This milestone celebration will feature a robust lineup of gospel artists and choirs from across the region. Special guests include Bishop Brian Moore and The Life Center Choir, along with Patrick Reddick and Dvyne Worship, who will bring their unique ministries to the stage.

Additional performers rounding out the evening include JJ Hairston, Jovonta Patton, Nadja Scott and Divine Anointing, Sam Roberts and LA, and Erik Kirk and True Worship. The lineup continues with Royalty Priesthood and Voices of Life, Caleb Bey and HD Praise, Jamar Esaw and Triad 4Christ, Mitchell Johnson and Rehoboth, Aaron Fuller and New Movement, and Bryan Coleman and Zion.

Jamaica Gospel Star 2026 Grand Finale Set for August 2

After weeks of inspiring performances, heartfelt testimonies, and spirited competition, the 2026 Jamaica Gospel Star Competition will culminate with its highly anticipated Grand Finale on Sunday, August 2, at 8:00 p.m. The event forms part of Jamaica’s 64th Independence celebrations at Independence Village, National Stadium Complex, and will be broadcast live on Television Jamaica (TVJ) and the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica (PBCJ).

The season began with ten talented finalists representing parishes across the island: Serena Bolton (Kingston & St. Andrew), Chantal Smalling-Stephenson (Manchester), D’Andra Brown (Portland), Chevaughn Dawkins (St. Catherine), Chelule Miller (St. Catherine), Melouny “Minister Mel” Thomas (Clarendon), Daina Craig (St. Catherine), Moses Clarke (Kingston & St. Andrew), Kade Belnavis (St. Catherine), and Jason Grant (St. Catherine).

Throughout the competition, contestants have showcased their versatility through a variety of musical themes while sharing powerful stories of faith, perseverance, and ministry. By Sunday’s finale, the competition will have narrowed to the Top Four, who will compete for the coveted title of Jamaica Gospel Star 2026.

The Grand Finale will also feature the annual Gospel Praise Concert, with special guest performances by acclaimed gospel ministers Prodigal Son and Petra Kaye.

2026 Edmonton Love & Unity Reggae Festival

Reggae lovers in Alberta are invited to gather for the 2026 Edmonton Love & Unity Reggae Festival on Saturday, August 15, at the Heritage Amphitheatre in William Hawrelak Park. Presented by the Edmonton Reggae Festival Society in collaboration with Miss Diva Music, this is a family-friendly event.

Confirmed performers include Jamaican reggae star Turbulence, backed by the Powerhouze Band, along with Miss Diva, Donna Makeda, Empress Divine, Rammadon, and Saint & the Full 100 Band. The festival will also feature acclaimed Indigenous entertainer and hoop dancer Dallas Arcand, as well as cultural showcases and a special presentation recognizing recipients of the Reggae North Music Awards.

Organizers say the festival is designed to unite people of all backgrounds through the universal language of music while highlighting both Caribbean and Indigenous cultures in one of Edmonton’s premier outdoor venues. Tickets are on sale now through Eventbrite.

26th Annual Tri-State Family Fun Festival Set for August 9 at Heckscher State Park

Conroy Allison and Irie Jam Radio will present the 26th Annual Tri-State Family Fun Festival on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Heckscher State Park, Pavilion #2, in East Islip, Long Island. Now in its 26th year, the festival has become a staple of the Caribbean community’s summer calendar in the tri-state area.

Headlining the festival will be a live performance from reggae superstar Leroy Sibbles. The event will also honor legendary bass player and reggae band leader Derrick Barrnett with a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his lasting contributions to the genre.

The festival’s Family of the Year honors will go to Andrew Morris of Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace and Glamor Wayne, a legendary New York DJ, celebrating their impact on their communities. Additionally, a group of promoters and selectors will be recognized for their contributions to the local Caribbean music and nightlife scene, including Dale “Irie Dale” Stewart, Big Tony TC, Desmond “Desu” McKoy, Errol Brown of Mingles Cafe, Sherman Bell of Moments Cafe, and Junior Rocatune.

Beyond the awards and performances, the festival promises family-friendly activities suitable for attendees of all ages. Advance tickets are priced at $35, with children under 12 admitted free of charge. For more information, visit www.iriejamradio.com.

Hope for Harvest Brings Gospel Royalty to Charlotte for Night of Hope Brunch

Hope for Harvest will host its Night of Hope Charity Brunch on August 14, 2026, at 1800 Brewton Drive in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The evening will feature special appearances by some of gospel music’s most celebrated names, including Kirk Franklin, Keyla Richardson, Koryn Hawthorne, Darrel Walls, Kelontae Gavin, Zacardi Cortez, Jonathan McReynolds, VaShawn Mitchell, and many more artists yet to be announced.

Guests can choose between two ticket tiers: Early Bird admission at $25, or the VIP package at $150, which includes access to a post-event reception and meet-and-greet with the featured artists. The evening’s schedule is structured to give attendees a full experience. Doors open for food at 7:00 PM, with the main show beginning at 9:00 PM.

Beyond the music and fellowship, the brunch serves a deeper purpose: every ticket purchased helps fund Hope for Harvest’s ongoing work supporting youth engagement initiatives across the Carolinas. Get additional information here.

The-Dream Continues Love/Hate II Rollout with “24/7” Visual

Nearly two decades after redefining contemporary R&B with his landmark debut Love/Hate, Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and producer The-Dream returns with its highly anticipated sequel, Love/Hate II. Released on July 10 via Dreamboy Records/Republic Records, the 17-track project marks his first major-label studio album in more than a decade and reunites fans with the signature sound that helped shape a generation of R&B.

Love/Hate II features an impressive lineup of guest appearances, including Usher, T.I., Pusha T, Swizz Beatz, Kelly Rowland and Rick Ross. The album is led by standout tracks such as “Bring That Body,” “Tampa” featuring Usher, and “24/7,” while exploring themes of love, relationships and personal growth through a more mature perspective.

Keeping the momentum going, The-Dream released the official music video for “24/7” on July 28, giving fans a new visual companion to one of the album’s standout tracks and continuing the rollout for what has become one of 2026’s most talked-about R&B releases.

Iman Europe Delivers a Powerful Visual Statement with “Ego Death” Music Video

Independent singer, songwriter, and creative visionary Iman Europe continues to demonstrate why she is one of today’s most compelling artists with the release of the official music video for “Ego Death,” the fifth track from her 2025 album, Chrysalis.

The visually striking production has quickly captured viewers’ attention with its powerful storytelling and cinematic presentation. Centered around the idea of overcoming one’s ego before it destroys personal growth and opportunities, the song delivers an introspective message that resonates deeply. As Iman Europe expresses throughout the track, the ego can become one’s greatest obstacle if left unchecked.

The music video brilliantly brings this concept to life by portraying two versions of the artist on screen simultaneously. Dressed in white, Iman Europe represents her authentic self, while her ego appears in black, embodying a dark, imposing force that has prevented her from reaching her full potential. The two personas ultimately confront one another in a dramatic climax that symbolizes the death of the ego and the beginning of transformation.

Fans and newcomers alike are encouraged to watch the official Ego Death music video now on Iman Europe or producer Kaelin EllisYouTube channel. With her unique blend of creativity, authenticity, and fearless storytelling, Iman Europe continues to prove she is an artist to watch.