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About Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

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

Cultra P Earthstrong Celebration Returns to Ocho Rios

The Annual Cultra P Earthstrong Celebration will take place on Saturday, June 20, at Buckfield Playfield in Ocho Rios, St. Ann.

The celebration boasts an impressive lineup of performers, headlined by Sizzla and Cultra P themselves, alongside Admiral Tibet, Lutan Fyah, Jigsy King, Little John, Terry Ganzie, and Tony Curtis. Additional artistes scheduled to perform include Yahdeen Essence, Icious Ras, Polka Dat, Daddy Rich, T Butler, Cuzn Rhymes, Princess Rose, Ras Kool, Charatie, and Mama Son, with several other top local talents also expected to grace the stage.

Music for the event will be provided by King Tafari and Solid Rock, with hosting duties handled by Talia Powers, Marky Mark, and Gold Teeth.

Additionally, there will be family activities from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., including a 6-a-side football tournament, kickboxing matches, and a bounce-about area for children. The main show begins at 7:00 p.m.

Admission for the daytime activities is set at $300 for kids and $500 for adults, while nighttime entry costs $1,000 for kids, $2,000 for adults, and $5,000 for VIP access. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the event, and security will be in place both day and night.

Cultra P Earthstrong Celebration is proudly sponsored by IRIE FM, Sizzla’s Foundation, Cultra P Academy, and Get Wise International Production.

Stephen Talkhouse Hosts an Evening of Reggae with Black Uhuru and Winston Irie on June 21

Reggae fans in the Hamptons and surrounding areas will have the opportunity to enjoy an evening of roots music when legendary reggae group Black Uhuru and acclaimed reggae artist Winston Irie take the stage at Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett, New York.

Scheduled for Sunday, June 21, the event will begin with a performance by Grammy Award-winning ensemble Black Uhuru at 8:00 p.m. Following Black Uhuru‘s set, Winston Irie will keep the reggae vibes flowing during “Reggae Night with Winston Irie,” beginning at 10:00 p.m.

Stephen Talkhouse is located at 161 Main Street in Amagansett, New York. Click here for tickets.

Bling Dawg to Perform at Mello Vibes Summer Time on June 27

Guinness will host “Mello Vibes Summer Time,” a retro-themed party celebrating music from the 1980s through the 2000s, on Saturday, June 27th, 2026. Gates open at 9:00 PM, with the event taking place at Mas Camp in Kingston.

The lineup includes deejay sets from ZJ Liquid, Bad Gyal Marie, and DJ Narity, alongside featured artist Bling Dawg, who will deliver a live performance. The event is open to patrons aged 18 and older. Get tickets here.

Aaron Cole Brings ‘Two Up Two Down Fest’ to Richmond This Month

Christian hip-hop artist Aaron Cole is bringing together some of the biggest names in urban gospel music for the inaugural Two Up Two Down Fest, scheduled for June 26, 2026, at Hill City Church in Richmond, Virginia.

The festival’s lineup includes Aaron Cole, KB, Hulvey, Trip Lee, Mali Music, Joe L. Barnes, 1K Phew, Jon Keith, WHATUPRG, Alex Jean, Gio, Miles Minnick, Torey D’Shaun, Scootie Wop, and DJ Mykael V. Food vendors will also be on hand to serve attendees.

Two Up Two Down Fest highlights the continued growth and influence of Christian hip-hop while providing a platform for artists and fans to connect through lyrics and faith. Get tickets here.

Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame to Host 2026 Induction Ceremony

The Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame will hold its 2026 Induction Ceremony, billed as “The Homecoming Edition,” on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 12 p.m. The free indoor and outdoor event takes place at 190 W. Mehring Way in Cincinnati, with all-white attire requested for attendees.

This year’s inductees include the legendary funk and R&B group Heatwave, along with the former WCIN Radio. The ceremony will feature live performances from Regina Belle, who will receive the 2026 Legacy Award, and 2024 inductee Shirley Murdock. Midnight Star will also take the stage for a 50th anniversary performance.

The event is supported by a range of community partners, including Hamilton County, Metro, the Cincinnati Public Library, AARP, P&G, the Urban League, the Cincinnati Music Festival, Visit Cincy, the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Kroger, and Cincy Black Travel.

Rest In Peace Stranger Cole

The Jamaican music fraternity is mourning the loss of one of its true pioneers, Stranger Cole, whose contributions helped shape the foundation of ska, rocksteady, and reggae music. His passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Jamaica’s rich musical history.

Born Wilburn Theodore Cole, Stranger Cole emerged during the formative years of Jamaica’s recording industry and quickly established himself as a gifted singer and songwriter. Throughout a career spanning more than six decades, he delivered timeless recordings including “Rough and Tough,” “When You Call My Name,” and “Bangarang,” songs that remain cherished by music lovers around the world.

Beyond his musical achievements, Stranger Cole will be remembered as a cultural ambassador whose legacy extended far beyond Jamaica’s shores. His influence could be felt in the United Kingdom, Canada, and countless other territories where Jamaican music found a home.

Rest in peace, Stranger Cole. Thank you for the music, the memories, and the legacy.

Jonesboro to Host “Rhythm, Roots, & Resilience” Juneteenth Celebration**

The City of Jonesboro in Georgia will mark Juneteenth 2026 with a free community celebration themed “Rhythm, Roots, & Resilience,” set for Friday, June 19, from 5:00 to 9:30 p.m. at Lee Street Park Amphitheatre, 155 Lee Street.

The evening’s headlining performance features Goodie Mob, with members Khujo, T-Mo, and Big Gipp, alongside additional acts including Bishop William Murphy, Kasper & The 911 Band, and poet Hank Stewart. The program will be hosted by Casual Cal of UniverSoul Circus, with music provided by DJ Maurice.

Beyond live performances, attendees can expect a drone light show, fireworks display, food vendors, and other community entertainment throughout the night.

Admission to the event is free and open to the public. The celebration is supported by a number of local sponsors and organizations, including Truist, Clayton County, Orion Skys Drones, Injury2Wellness Centers, and The Murry Law Firm, among others.