About Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

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

New Music From Duane Stephenson “Make You My Queen” (@bigfeetrecords)

Posted on May 29, 2023 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

On new music Friday – May 26th – Big Feet Records released Make You My Queen, a bright, upbeat, ska song, performed by veteran reggae artist Duane Stephenson. On the record, the August Town singer is heard pining after his love interest, making clear his intentions to literally make her his queen.

Stephenson‘s silky vocals are perfectly centered on an elaborate instrumental, carefully arranged and orchestrated by composer and executive producer Josh Harris, and members of his musical team. Santa Davis played the drums, Jallanzo is on guitar, Josh did both bass and keyboard, and Sharita Lewis added the supporting harmony. Make You My Queen was mixed by Tommi Tikkenen and mastered by Earle Holder.

This is truly an amazing love song that should be added to the catalogue of every reggae/ska lover. It is now available on iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music and all other streaming platforms, courtesy of Big Feet Records.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “MAKE YOU MY QUEEN”

Super Cat Will Be In Toronto For “SOS Fest”

Posted on May 28, 2023 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Summer of Soca Festival, one of the biggest Caribbean events in Ontario, is all set for August 4th through 6th, at Markham Fairgrounds (10801 Mccowan Road in Markham). It will be massive, with a lineup that includes several trending reggae-dancehall and soca artists; plus one very elusive act.

Super Cat, the Cockburn Pen deejay who achieved widespread popularity in the late 80s and early 90s, is confirmed for SOS. This is a big deal because Cat seldom performs live. The show will also feature Bunji Garlin, Nailah Blackman, Alison Hinds, Wayne Wonder, Olatunji, and many more top-tier performers. Get additional info on their website.

Jekalyn Carr Performs Live In Tampa Next Month

Posted on May 28, 2023 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Speaker, entrepreneur, actress, and recording artist Jekalyn Carr will perform live at Embassy Suites Tampa USF – 3705 Spectrum Boulevard – in Tampa, Florida, on Tuesday, June 27th. The event, dubbed 81st Holy Convocation Gospel Concert, will run from 7pm to 11:30 pm EDT.

Tickets are currently available via eventbrite, and they range from $40 to $60 USD, depending on time purchased and seating placement in the venue.

The Williams Singers’ Story

Posted on May 27, 2023 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Indianapolis-based family gospel group, The Williams Singers, were first organized by Rev. Charles D. Williams as a musical outlet for him and his young family. Originally called the Christian Cavaliers and later changed to The Williams Family Singers, the early version of the group performed frequently in the Indianapolis area but never made any recordings.

In 2002, as a tribute to their father, the three Williams brothers, Darnell, Dezmien, and Dezrale, recorded a live album showcasing the songs Charles had written for them. Under the name The Williams Singers, the three brothers began recording for their own label, Deznell Music Group. Mixing traditional quartet-style singing with uplifting, contemporary gospel and R&B, they soon found success outside their home state of Indiana and began touring the country, supporting acts like Lee Williams & the Spiritual QCs, the Canton Spirituals, Vickie Winans, and Deitrick Hadden, to name a few.

Between 2004 and 2011, they released four albums including a Christmas project. In 2014, they collaborated with a number of gospel artists like Zacardi Cortez, Lisa Knowles, and Virgil Reliford on their ambitious Destined album, which spawned the hit song Been Good. The trio followed it with an audio and video disc package called In Real Time. They eventually landed at number 25 on the Top Gospel Albums chart.

The Williams Singers were just nominated for Quartet Of The Year by the 2023 Stellar Gospel Music Awards.

Kardinal Offishall To Receive The Social Justice Award At Canadian Music Week On June 10 (@KardinalO)

Posted on May 27, 2023 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Canadian Music Week has announced that Kardinal Offishall will receive the Social Justice Award at the CMW Music Summit on June 10, 2023 at the Westin Harbour Castle. Iconic Canadian media personality Master T will host a keynote interview with Kardinal Offishall, followed by the presentation of this second annual award. The CMW Conference, Canada’s largest and longest-running industry conference, will take place June 8-10, 2023.

After years of earning global respect as one of Canada’s most energetic and innovative emcees, Kardinal Offishall has been a staple in the global music scene. He has collaborated on hit records with Lady Gaga and Rihanna, and made history with his monster classic “Dangerous” which scorched to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 charts, making him the first rapper from Canada to do so in history.

Kardinal has added TV star to his repertoire, serving as a judge on Canada’s Got Talent alongside Howie Mandel, Lilly Singh and Trish Stratus. He has also continued to be a cultural and musical ambassador for a new wave of Canadian superstars and has had the pleasure of working with everyone from the likes of Drake, K’naan, Daniel Caesar, Boi 1da, and Glenn Lewis.

Mikey General Releases New Video “Up & At Them” (@Blakkwuman22)

Posted on May 27, 2023 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Mikey General, a 42-year reggae veteran, has just released the official video for his latest single, Up & At Them. The song is featured on the Survive Riddim, published in March via Blakkwuman22 Music. The visual attempts to give a brief summary of Mikey‘s distinguished career, from his early days in Ackee Walk – which is one of the locations highlighted in the clip – to being recognized and respected all over the world.

According to Mikey, the inspiration for the song comes from his determination to pursue his path, regardless what others may think or say about him. He is intent on remaining resolute and unswerving, and as such, he is always Up & At Them.

In addition to Mikey General, the Survive Riddim also features songs by veteran bass player and singer Wormbass, vocalist Earl Smith Jr. – who is the son of famed guitarist Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith – and lyricist, songwriter and producer Karamanti (the CEO and owner of Blakkwuman22 Music).

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “SURVIVE RIDDIM”

Sister Carol Confirmed For Junior Reid’s One Blood Family Fest! (@Tadsrecord)

Posted on May 27, 2023 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Veteran reggae artist Junior Reid is gearing up for the One Blood Family Festival on Saturday, June 3rd, at Plantation Cove in Priory, St. Ann, Jamaica. He has invited some of the biggest names in reggae and dancehall to join him, as the event is also his 60th birthday celebration.

Among the confirmed acts is legendary roots singer Sister Carol, who is currently promoting her latest single – Nubian Wombman – released in March via Tad’s Record. She will share the stage with other reggae legends: Sizzla Kalonji, Stephen Marley, Julian Marley, Louie Culture, I Wayne, Big Youth, Bushman, Turbulence, Warrior King, Chuck Fenda, Leroy Sibbles, and that is just to name a few.

In a recent interview with The Gleaner, Junior Reid had this to say regarding the show: “This is a day-and-night affair, and it’s going to be a great event. I am trying to bring back the family in music, we need those bonds, that’s not how we used to live, and I love the youths, we have to show them the right way, the live band is the thing, family is the thing. All the people on the show are like my family, they are my blood, my One Blood family, and this event is showing that we stand for the same thing, and that love is still there in the business.”

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “NUBIAN WOMBMAN”