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Jamaican Music Talent Invited to Enter 2026 Festival Song Competition

The Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, in collaboration with the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), has officially opened entries for the highly anticipated Jamaica Festival Song 2026 Competition. This event continues its long-standing tradition of identifying and celebrating musical excellence that captures the heart of the nation. Aspiring artists and seasoned performers alike are encouraged to submit their entries now for a chance to become the next big winner in this cultural showcase.

To be eligible, submissions must represent any genre of Jamaican music and are specifically required to promote patriotism while capturing the unique Jamaican spirit. The competition offers a significant incentive for participants, boasting over $3 million in total cash and prizes. Those interested in entering should note that there is a standard entry fee of $2,000 per submission, and the final deadline to submit work is March 31, 2026.

The JCDC has moved to an “Online Entries Only” format to streamline the application process. Prospective entrants can find full details and submit their songs via the official awards platform at http://www.jcdc.awardsplatform.com. For additional inquiries, the public may contact the Commission via email at info@jcdc.gov.jm, by telephone at (876)-926-5726-9, or by visiting any JCDC Parish Office islandwide.

The Lost In Time Festival 2026

The Lost In Time Festival returns to Hope Gardens in Kingston, Jamaica, for a vibrant two-day celebration of reggae music and original dancehall culture. Scheduled for February 28 and March 1, 2026, attendees can anticipate a curated live experience that showcases the depth of local talent against the scenic backdrop of the botanical gardens.

The first day of the festival, February 28, runs from 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM and is headlined by Protoje. The roster for the opening day includes notable performers such as Lila Iké, Tanya Stephens, Mortimer, Tessanne Chin, Yeza, Iotosh, and Joby Jay.

On March 1, the gates reopen from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with Chronixx taking the lead as the primary headliner. The second day features an equally impressive selection of artists, including Jesse Royal, Jah9, Naomi Cowan, D’Yani, Royal Blu, and Dahvid Slur.

Tickets for the full weekend experience are currently available through the official festival website.

National Tribute at Heroes Park to Honor the 69th Birthday of Dennis Brown

To commemorate the life and legacy of the late Crown Prince of Reggae, the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, in collaboration with the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, will host a special gathering at National Heroes Park.

This event marks the 69th anniversary of the birthday of the legendary Dennis E. Brown, CD. Members of the public are welcome to join the celebration as the nation honors one of its most influential musical icons in a dignified atmosphere of remembrance.

Scheduled for February 1, 2026, the tribute will begin at 3:00 p.m. and serves as a major highlight of the Reggae Month calendar. The ceremony will feature live performances from renowned artists who shared deep musical ties with the late singer. Attendees can expect soul-stirring contributions from the Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith, Binghistra Movement, and the acclaimed saxophonist Dean Fraser.

Hopeton Lindo and Fiona’s In The Mood EP Reissued by Irie Pen Records

In The Mood, the six-track collaborative EP by Hopeton Lindo and Fiona, has been officially reissued and distributed by Zojak Worldwide. Originally released to strong acclaim, the project returns due to continued popular demand.

The EP features the standout tracks “Guilty” and “In Your Eyes,” both of which topped charts in New York and South Florida, establishing the duo as a formidable musical pairing. Lindo produced four of the six tracks under his Irie Pen Records imprint, while “In Your Eyes” and the title track “In The Mood,” both written by Lindo, were produced by Taxi/One Pop Records.

In The Mood also includes carefully selected covers, among them a soulful interpretation of the Billy Davis and Marilyn McCoo classic “You Don’t Have to Be A Star,” and a smooth lovers rock rendition of “Yes I’m Ready,” originally recorded by Barbara Mason.

According to Lindo, the collaboration with Fiona was built on a strong musical connection that extended to the musicians involved in the project. The EP features contributions from legendary drum and bass duo Sly and Robbie, alongside respected guitarists Willie Lindo and Paul Gauntlett.

“The chemistry between Fiona and I comes naturally,” said Lindo“The vibes between the musicians and producers on this project are great. We’re all professionals and good friends who respect each other.”

That chemistry is evident from the opening track, “You Don’t Have to Be A Star.” Veteran sound system selector Andre ‘Waggy Tee’ Chue Sang suggested the duo add a Jamaican flavour to the Grammy Award-winning classic, a recommendation that resulted in a refreshing and well-received reinterpretation.

Fiona echoed Lindo’s sentiments, noting that their shared musical philosophy played a key role in the project’s success. “The chemistry is automatic because our love for music guides everything—from lyrics to content—especially when we’re thinking about our fans and what they want,” she said.

Lindo, who has written and co-written reggae and dancehall classics such as “Red Rose for Gregory,” “Champion Lover,” “Wanna Be Loved,” and “Telephone Love,” emphasized the importance of melody in any musical undertaking.

“Good melodies are very important,” he added. “That’s what catches the listener’s ear first and makes them want to sing along, and as one of my mentors and co-producer of this project the great Sly Dunbar would say, ‘the right groove in the production and final mix is extremely crucial for that hit factor’”

In The Mood is now available for streaming and download across all major digital platforms.

Xana Romeo Carries Forward a Reggae Legacy with The Divine Blueprint

Roots reggae artist Xana Romeo released her new album, The Divine Blueprint, on January 9, 2026, via Charmax Music, delivering a deeply personal and spiritually grounded body of work. The album stands as both a new chapter in her musical journey and a heartfelt tribute to her late father, legendary reggae icon Max Romeo, whose influence on roots reggae and conscious music remains globally revered.

Widely known for classics that helped define reggae’s political and cultural voice, Max Romeo’s legacy is honored throughout The Divine Blueprint, not only in spirit and message, but also through direct musical connection. His presence on the album underscores the project’s central themes of lineage, responsibility, and cultural continuity, while reinforcing Xana Romeo’s role as a torchbearer for roots reggae’s enduring message.

The Divine Blueprint features contributions from respected reggae artists and producers including Addis Pablo, Lutan Fyah, Micah Shemaiah, Jallanzo, and Azizzi Romeo. Together, they help create a work that is reflective, purposeful, and grounded in reggae tradition.

In addition to the main album, a companion dub project titled The Divine Dub was also released, presenting instrumental and dub-focused interpretations that highlight the album’s production depth and sonic craftsmanship.

The Divine Blueprint is available now on all major digital streaming platforms and in vinyl format.

Brent Jones Earns Fourth Consecutive Billboard #1

Award-winning gospel artist Brent Jones has reached #1 on Billboard once again with his choir anthem “Praise In The Choir Stand.” The single also tops Mediabase and four additional charts, marking Jones’ fourth consecutive Billboard #1.

Widely regarded as one of gospel music’s most active performers, Jones was also named to Billboard’s Year-End Top 10 Gospel Songwriters list, while his vinyl release ranked among the Top Selling Gospel Vinyl Albums of 2025. Reflecting on the song’s impact, Jones described it as a tribute to Black gospel choir music and its enduring role in church culture worldwide.

The milestone caps a strong year that included a Stellar Award win, a 100-plus-city tour, a third consecutive Dove Award nomination, and a surprise vinyl release.

About Brent Jones
A Grammy and Stellar Award-winning singer and songwriter, Brent Jones is a pioneer of urban contemporary gospel. He currently serves as Guest Choir Director at Triumph Church and is a Professor of Music at the College of Southern Nevada.

DJR Unleash Current Chart

#1.  Simple Pleasure – Junior X – Billy Joe Media 

#2.  Addiction – Kabaka Pyramid – Ghetto Youths International & Bebble Rock Music

#3.  African King – Macka Diamond –  Oddy Killa Music & Paypaz Chasaz Muzic

#4. Inside –Mr. Easy –  OnScope Records

#5.  Rebel Wise –  Anaicon  –  Osujah Records 

 The above chart airs on The Harmonious Combination with Disc Jock Redeem and Musical Genius on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. (EST) and 4:00 p.m. (BST) on 1 Harmony Radio in London, England. Also on Love Jock on the Block with Disc Jock Redeem live onTik Tok Fridayat 4:00 pm (EST)