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About Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

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

Reggae Legends Sister Nancy and Marcia Griffiths to Headline Toronto Concert on Oct. 9th

Kings of Kings International will present “Reggae Ambassadors in Concert,” a marquee reggae showcase featuring dancehall pioneer Sister Nancy, known for her iconic hit “Bam Bam,” alongside reggae icon Marcia Griffiths, celebrated for “Electric Boogie.”

Billed as “Reggae Legends: One Stage, One Love,” the concert will also feature special guest performances from Iley Dread, performing “Nah Cheat a Virtuous Woman”; Jah Mason, known for “My Princess Gone”; and Angie Angel, whose set will include “Man a Nuh Man If a Nuh Rasta Man.”

The show takes place Friday, October 9, 2026, at the Phoenix Concert Theatre, 410 Sherbourne Street in Toronto. Tickets are available via ticketgateway.com.

Empress Minott Releases Official Music Video for “Love Me When It’s Hard”

Roots reggae singer and songwriter Empress Minott has released the official music video for her latest single, “Love Me When It’s Hard,” offering a compelling visual interpretation of a song that explores the true meaning of love, commitment and standing by someone when life becomes challenging.

The official video was uploaded to YouTube on August 28, 2026, and was co-directed by Empress Minott and Kevin “Supa Nova” Salmon of Dub School JAMinott also conceived the original concept for the video, helping to shape the storyline and its connection to the message of the song. Salmon directed, shot and edited the production, while also making his acting debut by portraying Minott’s partner in the video.

Shot at various locations throughout Portland, Jamaica, the video follows a relationship from its hopeful beginnings through one of its most difficult moments. The story begins with Minott’s character being approached by a man. After a brief conversation, he asks for her phone number, which she gives him. The story then moves forward, revealing that the two have developed a loving relationship and are enjoying life together.

The story progresses further, showing the couple expecting their first child. However, the relationship takes an unexpected turn when the man ultimately steps away following disagreements within the relationship, bringing an emotional dimension to the visual narrative.

The storyline closely complements the message of “Love Me When It’s Hard,” which challenges the idea that love should be measured only by the good times. The song emphasizes the importance of remaining present, supportive and committed when circumstances become difficult. Through both the lyrics and the videoMinott highlights the reality that genuine love requires patience, understanding and commitment beyond the joyful moments.

“Love Me When It’s Hard” is now available for streaming and download on major digital music platforms. The official music video is available now on YouTube.

“Glasses After Dark” Brings Love, Soul & Hip Hop to Detroit This Labor Day

C2 Productions presents “Glasses After Dark: Love, Soul & Hip Hop Festival,” billed as the biggest Labor Day concert in Detroit, set for Monday, September 7, 2026, at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, 2600 Atwater Street.

The lineup features a strong mix of R&B and hip-hop talent, including Blackstreet, The Lox, State Property (featuring Beanie Sigel, Freeway, and Peedi Crakk), Twista, Chrisette Michele, Tweet, Adina Howard, and FakeFree KP.

Doors open at 5 p.m., with the show beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or C2 Headquarters.

Beats, Vibes & Rosé Set to Bring Old-School Energy to New York’s Rooftop at Pier 17

ATC Presents Beats, Vibes & Rosé, billed as New York’s ultimate old-school rooftop day concert, on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York City.

The 21-and-over event will feature performances from hip-hop legends Rakim and Nice & Smooth, along with Latin freestyle favorite Judy Torres. The musical lineup will also include Hot 97 FM’s DJ Camilo, The Block 94.7 FM’s Ted Smooth, Bronx native DJ Lucho, Rob Lo, Mike Torres, and Ralphie Mercado. The event will be hosted by Nick Storm.

Doors open at 1:00 PM. Tickets are currently on sale through AXS.com and at the AXS Box Office, Monday through Saturday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Ark of Worship Gospel & Christian Music Festival Set for Houston

The Ark of Worship Gospel & Christian Music Festival is set to take place October 9–10, 2026, at the Southwest Trail Riders Association property (13711 Almeda School Rd) in Houston, Texas. The two-day celebration will bring together gospel, worship and Christian hip-hop artists for a weekend centered on faith, music and community.

The lineup includes Jekalyn Carr, Kierra Sheard, Travis Greene, Zauntee, Scootie Wop, Dante Pride, Anike, Charles Weems, Kijan Boone, Ahjah, Y Shadey and Kefia Rollerson, among others. Saturday will also feature the Run to Worship community event.

In addition to live performances, the festival will feature food trucks, faith-based vendors and family-friendly activities. Organizers are expecting thousands of attendees and are also welcoming media, vendors, sponsors and church partners. Get additional information here.

Legends of Gospel: Vegas Residency

Dr. Holly Carter and Ikon are teaming up to present Legends of Gospel: Vegas Residency, a new live music series bringing some of gospel music’s most celebrated names to Las Vegas this fall.

The residency kicks off October 8, with additional dates on October 9 and 11, at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. The lineup features gospel icons The Clark Sisters, Fred Hammond, and Deitrick Haddon.

Known for decades of chart-topping hits and Grammy-recognized artistry, The Clark Sisters and Fred Hammond helped shape modern gospel music, while Deitrick Haddon brings a fresh, dynamic energy that bridges gospel with today’s broader music scene.

Tickets and additional details are available at GospelVegas.com.

Maria Jackson 27 Magazine Nominated for Best Digital Magazine at 2026 ABGMA Awards

Maria Jackson 27 Magazine has been nominated for Best Digital Magazine at the 2026 Antigua & Barbuda Global Music & Media Awards (ABGMA), earning recognition for its continued contribution to music, media, and entertainment coverage.

The public voting period officially opened on September 5, 2026, giving supporters the opportunity to vote for their favourite nominees across the various ABGMA categories. Voting will remain open until September 25, 2026, at 11:59 PM AST/ET (10:59 PM CT).

Following the public voting period, the Top 4 nominees in each category will advance as finalists. The winners will be announced during the ABGMA Awards celebration.

The 2026 Antigua & Barbuda Global Music & Media Awards will take place November 5–8, 2026, in Antigua & Barbuda, with the venue to be announced. This year’s event carries the theme “FAVOURED.”

The nomination represents another milestone for Maria Jackson 27 Magazine and highlights the platform’s ongoing commitment to showcasing artists, music, media professionals, and industry developments from around the world.

Supporters are encouraged to participate in the public voting process and help Maria Jackson 27 Magazine advance to the finals in the Best Digital Magazine category.