About Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

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

Ken Boothe Confirmed For Rhythms of Africa 2025

Posted on April 14, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The Embrace Music Foundation, in collaboration with the City of Miramar, presents “Rhythms of Africa—Music to My Ears.” Hosted by Mayor Wayne Messam, there will be performances by the legendary Ken Boothe, mesmerizing violinist Demola, and dynamic duo Jiggy Jack & Jacky Ambroise (formerly Strings).

Furthermore, the incredible talents of Somerset Academy High School under the direction of Reggae Ambassador Willie Stewart will be on display, as well as the vibrant sounds of the Rhythms of Africa Band.

It will take place on Saturday, April 26th, and Sunday, April 27th, at the Miramar Cultural Center in Miramar, Florida. Get additional information at www.miramarculturalcenter.org.

Spragga Benz Birthday Bash

Posted on April 13, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Veteran recording artist Spragga Benz will be having a 90s dancehall-style birthday celebration on Saturday, May 31st, at Legendz Lounge—3 Market Street—in Frederiksted, St. Croix.

Benz, whose actual born day is May 30th, will be joined by Supa Twitch, Star General Y2K, Fyah Emblem, and DJ Calvin. Doors will open at 10pm local time, and tickets are going for $30.

Skoolaz Praise – The Reunion

Posted on April 13, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Oneness Apostolic Assembly of Jesus Christ will be hosting the return of Skoolaz Praise on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 18 Federal Road in Spanish Town, St. Catherine. This event is all about providing financial assistance for back-to-school and nurturing the spiritual growth of the community’s youth.

The following ministers are on the program: Johnmark Wiggan, Anointed Ones, Ruth-Ann Palmer, Gospel Kyd, Gavin McDonald, and others, with MC Darrion Kelly at the helm. Presold tickets are available for JMD$2,000; at the gate it will be JMD$2,500. For additional information, contact (876) 329-9601.

Canadian R&B Artist JRDN Enters The Dancehall Space with “Hold Tight”

Posted on April 13, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

JRDN, the award-winning R&B artist hailing from Nova Scotia, Canada, has recently ventured into the dancehall genre with his single, “Hold Tight.” This marks a notable departure for the singer, known for his Gold-certified hits “U Can Have It All” and “Like Magic” from his 2010 debut album, IAMJRDN. “Like Magic” earned JRDN the 2012 SOCAN Urban Music Award and reached the top spot on both Much and MuchMore Music video charts. In the same year, he received nominations for New Artist of the Year and R&B/Soul Recording of the Year at the JUNO Awards.

Following a short break, JRDN collaborated with various producers on diverse projects. One such collaboration led to “Hold Tight,” produced by Canadian dancehall label 7 Gate Record on their Paradise Riddim. Despite his established R&B background, JRDN‘s performance on “Hold Tight” is a standout, demonstrating his versatility as an artist.

“Hold Tight” infuses dancehall with elements of Caribbean pop. Lyrically, the song explores JRDN‘s infatuation with a woman he meets in a nightclub. The lyrics tell a story of immediate connection and a desire for a deeper relationship.

“Hold Tight,” along with the other tracks on the Paradise Riddim, is available for download on major platforms including iTunes, Amazon Music, and Spotify.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “HOLD TIGHT”

The King Will Come Debut Album Release Experience

Posted on April 12, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Gospel music ensemble The King Will Come is inviting all believers to join them for the release of their debut album “Conversations with God Vol. 1.”

The event will be held at The Compass Gallery, 250 W Center St #101, in Provo, Utah, on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM MDT. Attendees will experience live performances, group listening, behind-the-scenes stories, live question-and-answer sessions, and more. Click here for tickets.

Another King Has Died! Max Romeo

Posted on April 12, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Jamaican roots reggae recording artist Max Romeo has passed away. It is being reported that he died at a private medical facility in St. Andrew (Jamaica) on Friday, April 11th, 2025.

Although he has an impressive body of work spanning several decades, Max is most known for his 70s megahits “War Ina Babylon,” “Chase the Devil,” “Let The Power Fall,” etc. He started his career in the mid-1960s and was actively involved in the industry right up until his death.

How Sweet The Sound 2025

Posted on April 11, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

America’s #1 gospel competition, How Sweet The Sound, returns on Saturday, May 24th at the DAR Constitutional Hall—1776 D Street, NW—in Washington, DC. It will feature some of the nation’s best choirs (including HBCUs), spoken word artists, soloists, and dance ensembles.

Donald Lawrence, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Jonathan McReynolds, Jekalyn Carr, J.J. Hairston, and Ricky Dillard will all be doing double duty; they’ll perform live as well as act as guest judges. The organizers are promising an unforgettable night of worship and inspiration. Buy tickets here.