Vocalist Everton Hardweare, better known by his stage name Singing Melody, will join Nature Ellis, Whitter, Taedo and Tarique at the Summer Feelings Festival on Saturday, July 9th.
The announced venue is Sky Deck – formerly known as Sky Life – which is located at 4 James Avenue in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Admission is $1,500 JMD.
Being good, honorable and right has become increasingly difficult in today’s world. It doesn’t matter if you are in Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, South America or Antarctica, the fact is we have all lowered our moral values in some respect. Functioning with diminished ethical principles is as a result of many factors: being bombarded by sexual and violent images – resulting in the desensitization of the latter; the politicization of faith and religion; as well as the glorification of money, fame and wealth.
That said, it is not often that we find individuals – especially those working within the music industry – that have managed to maintain high standards of morality and respectability. Ras Kidus is one such person. The Jamaican Rastafarian sing-jay, who is now based in the San Francisco Bay Area, refuses to succumb to the substandard thoughts and actions that have become the norm in communities around the world. He said as much in his latest single, Strong Like A Lion From Zion.
Written and produced in 2018, Strong Like A Lion From Zion was not officially shared with the public until December, 2021. It was produced by sound engineer and bass player Toho Saunders at Vibe Arc Studios, with input from co-producer Stephanie Slade of Digital Slade Art. The song is a heart-felt modern take on ancient teachings and rhythms.
Bankaii Unleashed, an event that promises the ultimate Caribbean party experience, is set for Saturday, June 25th at Hope Garden (Chinese Garden) in Kingston, Jamaica.
The organizers have tapped selectors Code Red, X Factor, DJ Milton and DJ Shella to provide a musical mix of dancehall, soca and afro-beat. Additionally, recording artist Mr. Lexx – who is known for his hit songs Get Wid It, Yu Nah and Cook – have been added to the lineup.
With the Kingdom Tour, which officially commenced at the beginning of June, now underway and the brand new album – Kingdom Book One – now available on all streaming platforms, it is hard to know which was done to commemorate the other.
What is undeniable is that whether the songs are being performed live on stage or streamed from a digital store, God is indeed getting all the glory. Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin have approached both projects with humility and wisdom.
The LP – published by Maverick City Music, Fo Yo Soul and RCA Inspiration, has a total of eleven tracks. Vocalists featured on the record are Naomi Raine, Chandler Moore, Brandon Lake, Lizzie Morgan, Dante Bowe, Maryanne J. George, Kirk Franklin and Ryan Ofei. Voices of incarcerated men can also be heard throughout the project, as it was recorded at the Everglades Correctional Institution in Miami.
The late 90s early 2000s was a special time for authentic hip-hop. Back then, Black Star – the duo that’s made up of Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli – dominated the air waves with their debut album. Around the same time another rap duo – Dead Prez – dropped Let’s Get Free, a record that subsequently became a classic. And finally, Pharoahe Monch, arguably one of the toughest lyricist of that era, released his first solo album (Internal Affairs) in between the aforementioned records.
All three albums are now regarded as collectors’ items and the MCs are treated like hip-hop royalties. With that being said, an announcement that all three brands will be on the same stage, on the same date for a show is nothing short of ecstasy for lovers of the genre.
The date is July 28th, 2022 and the location is the Mission Ballroom in Denver, Colorado. This is a sixteen and older event that’s scheduled to begin at 8pm (local time). Potential patrons should know that Pharoahe Monch will be rolling with his new crew: th1rt3en. Click here for tickets.
Battle of the Judges is an inspirational entertainment program that features several contestants all vying for a chance to win over $200,000 JMD in cash and prizes. Now in season three, it is presented digitally (via social media) by Gospel Touch Down.
On the show this Sunday – June 19th at 8pm (JA time) – viewers will see who made it to the top-fifteen. The judges are: Judith Gayle, Jodian Pantry and Johnmark Wiggan. For links to watch and to learn more, click here.
As they have done in the past, the team at Reach Records continue to put their Faith and unworldly lifestyle on full display. To that end, they have announced part two of their We Are Unashamed Tour.
All the artists that are currently signed to the imprint will be on the lineup: Andy Mineo, Trip Lee, Tedashii, 1K Phew, WHATUPRG, Wande, Hulvey and Lecrae. Although the tour kicks off in early August and runs through mid September, tickets for all dates can be purchased now via the unashamed-tour website.
