About Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

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

Zacardi Cortez & Kelontae Gavin Confirmed For ‘Bless His Name’ Spring Concert

Posted on March 17, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

On Friday, April 11th, recording artists Zacardi Cortez and Kelontae Gavin will perform at Testimonial Cathedral Church (5701-21 South Western Avenue) in Los Angeles, California, for the ‘Bless His Name’ Spring Concert.

This event will be hosted by Pastor Dr. Angela Hackworth-Wilson, who is also a prolific playwright and one of the most dynamic speakers of our era. General admission and VIP tickets are now on sale for USD$30 and USD$50, respectively, and they can be purchased on testimonialcathedral.org.

Smif-N-Wessun’s New Album “Infinity” Getting Great Reviews

Posted on March 17, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

On February 21, 2025, Brooklyn’s hip-hop duo Smif-N-Wessun, aka Cocoa Brovaz, dropped a new 14-track LP called “Infinity.” Produced by 9th Wonder and The Soul Council, the album is being called refreshing by lovers of authentic hip-hop. It has collaborations with Sweata, Pharoahe Monche, Jalisa, Ralph Tresvant, Conway the Machine, Buckshot, Yountie Strickland, Sean Price, and Maverick Sabre.

So far, two official videos have been shared from the project: “Elephant In The Room” (track #13) was uploaded to Duck Down Music’s YouTube channel in early February, while “Medina,” which features Pharoahe Monch (track #4), just went live on Smif-N-Wessun‘s Vevo.

Click here or on the image above to stream/download “Infinity” from your preferred music platform.

Sugar Loaf Peak Nyahbinghi Centre Fundraiser

Posted on March 17, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Skillfully Family presents the Sugar Loaf Peak Nyahbinghi Centre Fundraiser at Bob Marley Beach in Bull Bay, St. Thomas, on Saturday, March 29. It will be hosted by recording artist Wyleman and radio personality Ron Muschette.

There will be performances by Bushman, Nature Ellis, Curtisay, Sativa Di Black1, Yung Mutta, Gras, Zack Jones, Black Am I, Lavender Fields, Kush McAnuff, Bamboo Kallum, Mckeda, and others. The live sets will be supported by selectors Kemetic Roots with DJ Fyah Locks, Nova Dub School, and DJ Steama. The entrance fee is J$2,000.

Seta Oasis’ Grand Opening

Posted on March 16, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

A new Caribbean eatery, bar, and grill called Seta Oasis Restaurant & Lounge is opening up in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, April 12, 2025. They are inviting everyone in the area to attend their Grand Opening at their location: 3813 Georgia Ave NW.

There will be live performances by reggae artists Luciano and Mikeylous. The celebration will commence at 3pm local time and will go on until 1am the following morning.

Another Collaboration Coming From Empress LehLeh, Planky Don & 7 Gate Record

Posted on March 16, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Based on the success of the single “This Time,” performed by Empress LehLeh and Planky Don and produced by 7 Gate Record, fans can anticipate a new song titled “Try My Love,” which is currently in development and expected to be ready by mid-April.

For those unfamiliar with the landscape of Ontario’s music scene, Empress LehLeh and Planky Don hold esteemed positions as dancehall royalty. This dynamic couple frequently collaborates while also pursuing their individual artistic careers. In addition to their musical endeavors, they are actively engaged in the business side of the industry; Empress LehLeh oversees Strike1 Production, a prominent music agency, while Planky Don operates his own imprint, Box Nation.

7 Gate Record has established itself as one of Canada’s leading dancehall music labels and is continuously seeking opportunities to collaborate with local talent. CEO George Welcome (G.W.), affectionately known as Wolf, emphasizes his appreciation for working with LehLeh and Planky Don due to their humility and strong work ethic. He notes that their promotional efforts significantly surpass those of many other Canadian acts.

While an exact release date for “Try My Love” has yet to be confirmed, it is slated for release in April. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for further announcements regarding this exciting collaboration.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT 7 GATE RECORD

The ‘Natural Vibes Riddim’ Medley Video Is Out Now!

Posted on March 16, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Reggae Vibes Music has triumphantly unveiled the official music video for the “Natural Vibes Riddim,” following a series of setbacks that have delayed its release. Premiered on Reggaeville’s YouTube channel on March 14, this medley video marks a significant milestone in the promotion of reggae music. The “Natural Vibes Riddim” was initially introduced to audiences on February 9, 2024, featuring an impressive lineup that includes top-tier artists such as Busy Signal, Jah Cure, Turbulence, Pressure Busspipe, Powerman, Lutan Fyah, Kurtiouss, Jay Shephard, Rufftop Rock I, and Ginjah.

In an exciting development post-release, the album was further enhanced with contributions from Kenyan singer Cathy Matete and Chilean reggae sing-jay Balaguero. Additionally, Jamaican recording artists Dreama and Menny More were included in this dynamic compilation.

The medley video is notable not only for its musical content but also for its visual storytelling. Shot across various locations—including Jamaica, America, The Bahamas, Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana—it showcases the rich cultural tapestry of reggae music. A collaborative effort by multiple videographers such as Phoenix Studioz Ja and Lone Wolf Filmz ensured a diverse visual experience. All scenes were expertly edited by the team at Reggae Vibes Media.

Music critics have lauded the “Natural Vibes Riddim” as one of the best reggae compilations released in 2024; thus, having a visual representation that encompasses all songs serves as a substantial gift to reggae aficionados worldwide.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE “NATURAL VIBES RIDDIM” MEDLEY VIDEO

Business Breakthrough Gospel Concert

Posted on March 16, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Career Haven, the collaborative community innovation development ecosystem that provides strategic tools, programs, trainings, and conferences that allow businesses, non-profits, universities, and agencies to maximize their influence, impact, and income, will be having their annual Contracts Collaboration Conference on April 3rd, 4th, and 5th.

One of the conference’s main features is the Business Breakthrough Gospel Concert that will take place on Friday, April 4th. There will be performances by Sarah Oduah, JJ Hairston, Mercy Chinwo, Kierra Sheard, Gabriel Eziashi, and IBQuake. It will be held at the Gaylord Resort National Harbor in Maryland. Click here for additional information and links to tickets.