A Love Story

Posted on February 9, 2024 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Alwayne Love is one of reggae music’s best-kept secrets. After having two breakout singles many years ago under the moniker J Love, and then subsequently taking a long hiatus from the industry, Alwayne is back!

Born Jermaine Alwayne Love in St. Mary, Jamaica, he – in consultation with his new management team – opted to change his artist name from the former J Love to now Alwayne Love. A native of Broadgate, a small district in the aforementioned parish, Alwayne had a difficult childhood, one that unfortunately involved deeply distressing experiences. As a result, he was raised by his biological mother and stepfather, as well as with foster parents. His academic achievements were attained at Broadgate Basic, Mahoe Hill Primary, and St. Mary High School. Sadly, he did not complete the latter.

With all that he had to deal with at home, young Alwayne spent a lot of time at the local church, which is where he first started singing. In fact, he credits the word of God coupled with his childhood trauma and rejection as his main sources of inspiration. And although he is most known for performing reggae and dancehall tunes, he has made it clear that he has, and will continue to include gospel and inspirational music in his catalogue.

As he steps back into the music industry, Alwayne Love is coming with the very thing that has allowed him to work with Gyptian, Box Lunch Production, Tad’s International, and other credible artists and labels; good music. His come back tune, which will be released shortly, is a nostalgic reggae song called Africa The Motherland.

Alwayne Love is now under the management of Mark Burke of T25 Records.

Miriam Simone’s Story

Posted on January 21, 2024 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Miriam Simone is a recording artist and producer who resides in The Netherlands despite her Surinamese roots.

Although it is known by everyone close to her that she enjoys various musical genres: hip-hop, R&B, kaseko, gospel, reggae, soul etc., and that her favorite artists list includes several performers of differing styles: Etana, Aretha Franklin, Dezarie, Mary J Blige, Israël Vibration, Whitney Houston, Bob Marley, and the I Threes, many years ago Miriam decidedly chose to embark on a career as a roots-reggae vocalist.

As such, in 2009 she co-founded Dredda Records. She has since released a number of singles, one of which is her Jah Decko produced hit song, Almighty, which eventually ended up on her 2012 EP Follow my Dreams. That project also features collaborations with Fyah King and Jah Melody, as well as two productions by accomplished Jamaican creator Bobby Digital.

She followed up with her first full-length studio album in 2015. Published via her own imprint, the LP, titled Mount Zion, includes her other hits: Mount Zion, Rivers, and the big combination done with Lutan Fyah, His Kingdom Arise.

After a successful album launch in Jamaica, and having conducted studio sessions with Bobby Digital for her second LP, Miriam Simone shared Ämsterdam Revival a few years later, in February, 2020. On Amsterdam Revival she also worked with producers Sheldon ‘Calibud’ Stewart, Everton ‘Caveman’ Moore, DJ KAT, Mr Patze, and DJ Jacko. She was also able to score additional collaborations with Queen Omega, Sizzla and Capleton.

In 2021 she shared two singles: Higher Heights and It is time; both are collaborative efforts done with Jah Works and Zen Social Production. The track Keep Hailing King Rastafari came after, with an official video which was shot in Jamaica. While on the island she connected with Earl Chinna Smith and the Binghystra. Miriam Simone’s latest single – Stop the Shooting – released on the Sound System Club label in November 2023, came from a number of recording sessions done with London-based producer Paul Scott, a protégé of dub legend Osbourne ‘King Tubby’ Ruddock.

Most of Miriam Simone’s songs touch on social issues, black empowerment, upliftment and unity. Things that are considered to be the cornerstones of authentic roots-reggae music.

When she is not singing in the studio or on stage, Miriam Simone is usually hard at work on the radio. Since 2018, she has hosted a popular reggae radio program in Amsterdam called Sweet Meditation on Radio RAZO. It addresses various issues such as spiritual enlightenment, mental freedom, and black history, while also playing a lot of conscious reggae music centered on spirituality, healing and love.

Kurtiouss’ Story

Posted on January 1, 2024 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Ricardo Wray, known publicly as Kurtiouss, is a singer, songwriter and lyrical deejay (sing-jay) who hails from a small district called Hesse Cassel in the parish of St. Ann (Jamaica).

Following in the footsteps of his father, and much like other members of his family, Kurtiouss fell in love with music at a very young age. His passion for beats, melodies, and organized words became evident when he relocated to Kingston to attend school. It is there that he became fascinated with the local sound systems, and really began toying with the idea of pursuing a career as a recording artist. His desires intensified when he started doing dubplates for sounds in and around his community.

He frequently visited and performed at RJR Radio Station, as well as at the Colgate Cavity Fighters Club, which was a popular program designed for youths at the time. However, as he grew, so did the stages he would perform on. That said, he has entertained crowds at Asylum, Cactus Night Club, and other established venues. He has also shared the stage with several top-tier artists, with one of his fondest memories being his performance at Delly Ranx‘s birthday party.

To date, Kurtiouss has released one full-length studio album – Calling in February, 2020 – and a number of singles. Inspired by veteran performers like Garnett Silk, Beres Hammond, Beenie Man, Buju Banton, and General Degree, Kurtiouss‘ music can be aptly described as refreshing, positive, inspirational, and authentic. Authentic because he is not trying to sound like, or be like anyone else.

Kurtiouss‘ goal is simply to use his music to spread love, inspire, and entertain people, globally.

Ariel Fitz-Patrick’s Story

Posted on December 23, 2023 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Ariel Fitz-Patrick, a talented singer, accomplished songwriter, and prolific digital content creator, hails from the vibrant city of Montreal, Canada. With an unwavering passion for music and social media, Ariel has carved out a unique niche in the digital landscape, captivating audiences worldwide with her charismatic online persona.

Born and raised in the culturally rich tapestry of Montreal where she graduated with honours from Vanier College with a diploma in Commerce, Ariel Fitz-Patrick’s creative journey has been deeply influenced by her eclectic surroundings. From a young age, she exhibited a natural flair for storytelling and expression, eventually leading her to explore the worlds of music and content creation.

Ariel’s online presence has blossomed on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook, where she has affectionately adopted the moniker “Ariel Fitz.” Her content showcases her remarkable ability to blend humour, creativity, and spirituality seamlessly. Through her engaging skits and videos, Ariel masterfully conveys the profound messages of the Bible in a relatable and entertaining manner, making age-old wisdom accessible to a diverse and modern audience.

In just over two years, Ariel Fitz’s digital footprint has grown exponentially, amassing a devoted following of over 4 million individuals across her social media channels. This meteoric rise is a testament to her unique talent for connecting with people, fostering a global community that eagerly anticipates her every upload.

Beyond her digital persona, Ariel Fitz-Patrick is a gifted singer-songwriter pouring her heart and soul into her music. In the summer of 2023, the singer was officially signed to the major U.S. recording label Captiol Christian Music Group in conjunction with Motown Gospel. Her melodic compositions and heartfelt lyrics resonate deeply with her fans, offering a musical experience that complements her dynamic online presence.

Ariel’s creative journey is a testament to the power of passion, authenticity, and a genuine desire to connect with others. Her work not only entertains but also inspires, reminding us that the age-old wisdom of the Bible can be made relevant and enjoyable for a new generation.

As Ariel Fitz-Patrick continues to make her mark in digital content creation and music, her journey promises to inspire aspiring creators and be a beacon of positivity and enlightenment for her ever-growing community of followers.

Victory Boyd’s Story

Posted on December 17, 2023 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Victory‘s eclectic singing and songwriting output draws on the soul, jazz, folk, and gospel music she learned growing up as a performer in family groups including Infinity Song. Possessing a distinctively rich, honeyed rasp, she made her solo recording debut on Jay-Z‘s Roc Nation label with the EP It’s a New Dawn in 2017. She followed it with the warm, soul-injected adult pop of her full-length debut, 2018’s The Broken Instrument. After working with Kanye West during sessions for his 2019 album, Jesus Is King, she returned with a more ambitious and spiritual solo album, Glory Hour (2023), which included spoken recitations, electronics, and a more devoted gospel bearing.

Victory Elyse Boyd is one of nine siblings who grew up singing in the Boys & Girls Choir of Detroit, a group founded by her father, John Boyd. Victory started performing with the choir at the age of four. She later studied jazz guitar. The family moved from Detroit to North Bergen, New Jersey when she was 12, and they started busking together under various monikers, including Peace Industry Music Group, at New York City tourist attractions and subway platforms. The family eventually became known for appearing regularly in the Minton Tile Arcade next to Bethesda Fountain, a spot favored for its acoustics.

An offshoot of the group, Infinity Song, was formed by Victory with her older brother Abraham and younger sister Angel. Sometimes adding other members of the family to the lineup, Infinity Song rose to national prominence in 2015 after pop singer Tori Kelly came across them one day in Central Park. Kelly joined in, an event captured on video by a fan, which led to an appearance by Kelly and Infinity Song on the ABC morning show The View. Also in 2015, Peace Industry Music Group released Infinity Song‘s eponymous debut LP. A year later, the family performed for Jay-Z, who quickly signed them to his Roc Nation label.

Drawing some comparisons to idol Nina Simone for both her unusual voice and jazzy proclivities, Victory made her solo debut in 2017 with the Roc Nation-issued EP It’s a New Dawn. The title was taken from her favorite line in Simone‘s song “Feeling Good,” which she covered on the release. With production by hip-hop artist 9th Wonder, Victory‘s warm full-length debut, The Broken Instrument, followed in 2018. While mostly self-produced, it involved an array of collaborators, among them her father, Jon Batiste, and horn and string sections.

Victory soon accepted an invitation to work with Kanye West on material for his 2019 album, Jesus Is King, ultimately earning a songwriting credit on “Closed for Sunday.” (The song “Glory” featuring Boyd was recorded but not included on the album.) Inspired by the experience to take more chances, her next album was a more artful one that included spoken word segments, atmospheric electronics, and more passionate, gospel-minded performances. Produced by Kaleb Moten, who also co-wrote some of the songs, Glory Hour arrived on Roc Nation in May 2023.

^{Written by Marcy Donelson}

TGM Revival’s Story

Posted on December 10, 2023 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The Garilus Family is a group of passionate individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving God and advancing His kingdom. Their journey began with a life-altering event—the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010. Despite surviving this tragedy, they saw it as a wake-up call, a divine intervention that set them on a new path.

Motivated by their faith and the desire to make a positive impact, the Garilus Family made the bold decision to move to the United States. In their new homeland, they continued to nurture and develop their gifts and talents, ultimately using them as powerful tools to lead others to God. Through their ministry, they found themselves ministering at different churches, spreading the love of Christ, and sharing their musical talents with congregations.

Over the years, the Garilus Family’s dedication and commitment to serving God became evident as they achieved remarkable milestones. They participated in and won numerous talent shows, captivating audiences with their God-given talents and inspiring performances. Their annual concerts became a highly anticipated event, serving as a platform for worship and celebration within their community.

However, in 2020, the world faced an unprecedented challenge—the COVID-19 pandemic. Undeterred by the limitations imposed by the global crisis, the Garilus Family turned adversity into an opportunity to help others in need. During this time, they launched the Revival Project, a heartfelt initiative aimed at assisting young people in reconnecting with their faith and finding their way back to God amidst the chaos and uncertainty of the pandemic. Their unwavering commitment, resilience, and passion for God continues to impact lives, inspiring people of all ages to draw closer to Him.

Join the Garilus Family on their journey of faith, as they strive to bring revival, restoration, and joy to the lives of individuals and communities through their ministry.

Andria Alston’s Story

Posted on December 3, 2023 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Born in Brooklyn, NY and influenced by her mother, Andria Smith-Alston began singing at age six. Her style encompasses different genres such as R & B, Reggae, Jazz, CCM, and Gospel music. Andria has been blessed with a voice that encaptivates an audience and provokes worship. The passion exhibited in her songs is fueled by her love for the Lord and her deep commitment to reach people from all walks of life.

Throughout her life Andria has been very active in the local church. Her roles included Praise and Worship Leader, Praise Dance Leader, Youth Choir Director, Drama Team Leader, Director and Coordinator of Black History Month Events and Programs, and Youth Leader. She played a lead role in the Gong Show Live Off Broadway, from 2016-2019, Ananiah Production’s Gospel Musical “Lord Just One More Chance” and also played key and supporting roles in KeKar Production’s “It’s My Divorce”; New York City High School Collaboration, “It’s Blooming”; and “Revelation” – Upper Room Christian World Center. Her journey has also led her to minister in bars across Long Island, NY where souls were led to Christ.

Andria has recorded with such artist as Grammy and GMA Dove Award winners, Elevation Worship & Maverick City, Elevation Rhythm, Christine D’Clario, Brian & Kate Torwalt, UVIP, (Five Time Mc Donald’s Gospel Fest Winners), Arise and The New York State Mass Choir, just to name a few. She has ministered throughout the United States and abroad.

Andria currently resides in Charlotte, NC with her Husband Steven Alston and her three lovely children D’Andre, Andrew & Kayla. Andria now serves on the worship team at Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC.