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

Jonathan McReynolds, Anthony Brown, and Melvin Crispell III Join 2026 Joint New Year’s Revival

Posted on January 2, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

First Baptist Church of Glenarden International and Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church will come together to host the 2026 Joint New Year’s Revival, a powerful four-day spiritual experience scheduled for January 7–10, 2026. The revival will take place at First Baptist Church of Glenarden International in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and is designed to usher attendees into the new year with renewed faith, leadership focus, and spiritual alignment.

The revival opens on Wednesday, January 7 at 7:00 p.m. EST with Dr. Marcus Cosby, accompanied by special musical ministry from Jonathan McReynolds. On Thursday, January 8 at 7:00 p.m. EST, Rev. Marissa Farrow will minister, with worship led by Anthony Brown and Group Therapy. Friday evening, January 9 at 7:00 p.m. EST, will feature Bishop T.D. Jakes, alongside musical guest Melvin Crispell III.

The revival concludes on Saturday, January 10 at 10:00 a.m. EST with a Leadership Training session led by Bishop T.D. Jakes, aimed at equipping leaders and believers for effective ministry and impact in the year ahead. The event is hosted under the leadership of Pastor John K. Jenkins Sr. of First Baptist Church of Glenarden International and Bishop Alfred A. Owens Jr. and First Lady Deborah Owens of Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church, with pastors Rodney Carter Jr. and Sheri Carter also represented in leadership.

Additional information is available at jointrevival.org.

Blessing Offor Announces “Heart So Real Tour” Dates

Posted on January 2, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Blessing Offor, the Nigerian-born American gospel and contemporary Christian music singer and songwriter, has announced his upcoming “Heart So Real Tour”. It is set to kick off in mid-February, making stops at venues across the East Coast and Midwest. See schedule below.

February 14: Raleigh, NC at The Pour House Music Hall

February 16: Vienna, VA at Jammin Java

February 17: Philadelphia, PA at The Foundry at The Fillmore

February 18: Cambridge, MA at Sonia

February 19: New York, NY at Mercury Lounge

February 22: Detroit, MI at El Club

February 24: Columbus, OH at A&R Music Bar

February 25: Indianapolis, IN at Turntable

Fans interested in attending these performances or seeking further information regarding ticket sales and updates are encouraged to visit the artist’s official website at blessingoffor.com.

Agent Sasco Talks Generational Wealth in New Single “Nothing to Something”

Posted on January 2, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Released on January 1, 2026 via Big Win Music, Nothing to Something is an aggressive yet uplifting dancehall single from Agent Sasco. The track blends sharp lyricism with a motivational message, reinforcing the artist’s reputation for substance-driven music that resonates beyond the dancefloor.

On the record, Agent Sasco—widely regarded as one of dancehall’s strongest lyricists—speaks candidly about discipline, hard work, and the pursuit of generational wealth. Drawing from his own family history, he references roots grounded in Coronation Market vending and plantation labor, while declaring his determination to create a future where his descendants walk a very different path defined by opportunity and legacy.

Nothing to Something was produced by Cordel “Skatta” Burrell, the acclaimed music producer, audio engineer, musician, songwriter, and marketing strategist. Together, Burrell and Agent Sasco deliver a powerful statement that aligns cultural awareness with forward-thinking ambition.

Click here or on the image above to download Nothing to Something from your preferred music platform.

Kabaka Pyramid Headlines Caribbean Carnival at Bonnet Springs Park on February 21

Posted on January 2, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Reggae sensation Kabaka Pyramid & The Bebble Rockers will headline the Caribbean Carnival at Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland, Florida, on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Taking place from 3 PM to 9 PM on the Allen & Company Family Lawn, Kabaka‘s appearance will bring authentic Jamaican reggae to one of the park’s signature cultural celebrations.

Caribbean Carnival is a free, family-friendly event that highlights Caribbean music, culture, food, and community. Attendees can explore a Black and Caribbean-owned pop-up market, enjoy an expanded selection of food vendors, and take part in a variety of family activities designed to entertain all ages.

Alongside Kabaka Pyramid, Caribbean Carnival will showcase DJ Lady Shay, the Melo Groove Steel Pan Orchestra, and a vibrant Junkanoo Parade. Click here for additional information.

A Soundtrack for Love: Valentine’s Mixtape Tour Returns in February 2026

Posted on January 2, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The Valentine’s Mixtape Tour will be bringing romance, nostalgia, and high-energy performances to select U.S. cities in February 2026. Timed around Valentine’s Day, the multi-artist tour celebrates classic R&B and Hip-Hop.

The Valentine’s Mixtape Tour will make three confirmed stops: February 13 at Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Missouri; February 14 at the Landers Center in Southaven, Mississippi; and February 15 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Showtimes are scheduled for 8:00 PM in St. Louis and Southaven, and 7:00 PM in Nashville. The lineup across various dates includes Trey Songz, Ashanti, K. Michelle, Lloyd, and Plies.

Tickets for the Valentine’s Mixtape Tour are available through major platforms including Ticketmaster and Live Nation. Fans are encouraged to check official ticketing sites for updates, additional dates, and participating artists as the tour approaches.

Luciano to Perform at Redemption: Bob & Lover’s Rock Edition in Toronto

Posted on December 31, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Redemption: Bob & Lover’s Rock Edition returns to Toronto on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Rebel Night Club, located at 11 Polson Street. Presented by D’Bandit, the long-running reggae series continues its legacy of celebrating reggae culture through live performance and sound system juggling.

The event will be headlined by legendary reggae artist Luciano, “The Messenger,” who is expected to deliver a live performance rooted in conscious lyrics and classic reggae energy. Known worldwide for his powerful voice and uplifting message, Luciano remains one of reggae’s most respected figures.

Redemption Bob & Lover’s Rock Edition will also feature selections from the Redemption Family DJs (D’Bandit, Lindo P, DOC, DJ Tyrone, Chris Dubbs, Black Reaction, DJ Shy, DJ Oshawn, and Mr Presto). Click here for tickets and additional information.

Gospel Music Icon Richard Smallwood Dies at 77

Posted on December 31, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Renowned gospel composer, singer, and pianist Richard Smallwood has died at the age of 77. His passing on December 30, 2025, marks the loss of one of the most influential figures in contemporary gospel music.

Over a career spanning more than five decades, Smallwood reshaped modern worship through his classical training and powerful choral compositions. He was best known for timeless works such as “Total Praise,” “Center of My Joy,” and “I Love the Lord,” songs that remain staples in churches around the world.

Smallwood received numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy nominations, Stellar and Dove Awards, and induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. His legacy endures through the generations of artists, choirs, and worshippers inspired by his music.