Three years ago, on January 26th, Rastafarian recording artist Jah Bouks opened Angola Restaurant at Old Pera Point in St. Thomas, Jamaica (next to the old sugar estate tower).

In a few weeks from now – on February 5, 2023 – Bouks will be joined by I-Wayne for the three-year anniversary celebration. There will be an open mic segment, lots of prizes and giveaways, as well as music by Nigerian-American selector DJ Demo and Shock Wave Sound.

Dwight Duncan, more popularly known as Bushman, is one of Jamaica’s distinct vocalists who has given us many hits over the years. Hailing from St. Thomas, he rose to prominence in the late 90s with his debut album, Nyah Man Chant (1997), which had several breakout singles.

Love him or hate him, no one can credibly say anything negative about the quality of Bushman‘s music. He is an amazing song writer, a great performer, and above all, he’s consistent. It is for these reasons that Josh Harris of Big Feet Records is always eager to work with him. The two have collaborated on songs in the past, and they’re gearing up to drop another one in a few days.

Having said that, on Friday, January 20th, Big Feet Records will release Love Ya So Bad, a catchy, fresh, groovy, emotional lovers-rock tune – performed by Bushman – that is sure to be a hit. Both camps – Big Feet Records and Bushman‘s team – are confident that this will be on heavy rotation once published; especially as we head into the season of love (Valentine’s Day). 

Roots reggae singer-songwriter Micah Shemaiah ended 2022 with the release of Run Things, a timely track with a powerful message about life and the way we live it. The song will be featured on his upcoming album, Jamaica Jamaica.

The official video for Run Things was also shared. If you have not yet seen it, click here or on the image above to check it out, and remember to like, comment and share.

Rad Dixon – formerly known as Rated R (aka Rated Righteous) – made a powerful entrance into 2023 with his brand new ten-track studio album, Hard Times. Powered by the Jamaican imprint Tasjay Productions, Hard Times is a flawless, solid, roots record, that touches on varying topics: social issues, relationships, spirituality and creativity.

The title track, which features reggae legend Luciano, has two mixes: a soul, and a reggae version. The reggae track was created by Osborne ‘Ifield’ Joseph of Rock Stone Records (Toronto, Ontario); and mixed and mastered by Clevie of the famed duo Steely & Clevie. As for the soul version, it was done by Delroy ‘Phatta’ Pottinger at Anchor Studio in Kingston, Jamaica. Both have been doing well in their respective fields, resulting in the release of an official video. 

The visuals were directed, shot and edited by Nordia Rose in Jamaica, and was shared on Tasjay Productions‘ YouTube channel a few days ago (January 6th). The only other collaboration on the LP is a beautiful lovers-rock tune called Right Portion, done with Portmore singer Talee. 

The preceding tracks aside, Dixon comfortably carried the rest of the tunes on his own (True Love, Mama’s Love, On and On, Reggae Vibes, Jah Never Sleep, Break My Heart and Tuff Life). Armed with the writing skills of James Smith, Fitz Livermore and Luciano, and supported by the talented musicians at Tasjay Productions, Rad Dixon delivered masterful performances on all the songs. 

Hard Times went live on all streaming platforms on New Year’s Day. 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “HARD TIMES”