Little John to perform at the 15th Annual Y.I.P. Talent Awards

Reggae legend Little John will be at the 15th Annual Y.I.P. Talent Awards & Reggae Showcase, happening on Friday, September 5th, 2025, at the Jamaican Canadian Centre at 995 Arrow Road in North York, Ontario.

Hosted by Elaine Robinson and Sir B from R.R. Radio, this event will also feature performances by Incline, Kandice Kash, Sativa Di Black 1, Gem Shadou, Kairo McLean, Dianne James, Supa Dave, Legato, Neto Yute, Richie Flo, and Fada Price.

Presented by Uprising Music & Ent Production, the Y.I.P. Talent Awards is a celebration of music, culture, and Caribbean excellence. Click here to buy tickets.

Exco Levi, Charly Black & others confirmed for Level Up Cookout Day Rave in Stoney Creek, Ont.

On Sunday, August 31, 2025, the Armenian Community Centre of Hamilton, located at 191 Barton Street, in Stoney Creek, Ontario, will welcome fans for a vibrant day-to-night experience hosted by Clean Boss and Ziddy Boo. This year’s staging comes with a unique twist, as the event is branded the “Sports Wear Edition,” encouraging patrons to show off their style in athletic-inspired attire.

Headlining the event is Exco Levi, one of Canada’s most respected reggae artists. Joining him is Eyesus, another talented Canadian act who continues to make waves in the dancehall scene. Adding international star power to the bill is award-winning Jamaican deejay Charly Black, whose global hits have earned him a loyal following worldwide. Rounding out the live acts is Twanna, the lone female artist on the lineup.

Music will flow throughout the event with top-tier sound systems keeping the vibes alive before, between, and after performances. Ova Rave Sound, Over Proof Movements, DJ Kenneil, and Heavy Metal Sound are all confirmed to provide their signature mixes.

Tickets for Level Up Cookout Day Rave are already on sale, with advance tickets available for $40 on ticketgateway.com.

Sizzla Live in Toronto!

Sizzla Kalonji is set to light up Toronto with an unforgettable performance this fall. The internationally acclaimed reggae and dancehall icon will take the stage at Rebel Nightclub on Friday, September 5, 2025, bringing his signature energy, powerful lyrics, and unmatched presence to fans in the city.

For decades, Sizzla has been a commanding force in music, shaping the sound of reggae and dancehall with a catalog that resonates far beyond the stage. His live shows are celebrated for their intensity, passion, and connection with audiences.

Presented by BMW Promo, the Toronto performance promises to be a highlight of the city’s music calendar. Doors open at 10:30 PM at Rebel Nightclub, one of Toronto’s premier venues located at 11 Polson Street. Fans eager to experience the legend in person can secure their tickets now through Ticketgateway.com.

CJ Milan presents Reggae Fest Massive

Reggae fans in New York are gearing up for one of the biggest events of the summer as CJ Milan presents Reggae Fest Massive on Saturday, August 30, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Located at 620 Atlantic Avenue, the iconic arena will open its doors at 7 p.m., with the show starting promptly at 8 p.m.

The festival boasts an impressive lineup featuring some of dancehall and reggae’s most electrifying performers. Capleton, Shenseea, Alkaline, Elephant Man, Mr. Vegas, T.O.K, Tony Matterhorn, and Tanto Metro & Devonte are all scheduled to bring their energy and hits to the stage. With such a dynamic roster, fans can expect a night of non-stop music, culture, and entertainment.

As with all large-scale productions, the lineup is subject to change without notice. Patrons should also be aware that professional cameras will not be permitted inside the venue.

Tickets for Reggae Fest Massive are currently available for purchase online through reggaefest.com, barclayscenter.com, and ticketmaster.com. Given the high demand for reggae and dancehall events in New York, early purchase is strongly recommended to secure entry.

Grace Food Festival

The Grace Food Festival is set to bring together families, friends, and food lovers on August 23, 2025, at Palm Drive, Hope Gardens in Kingston, Jamaica. Designed as a full-day experience, the event promises a mix of entertainment, great food, and activities that appeal to all ages.

On the stage, some of Jamaica’s best-loved performers will take the spotlight, including Prince Saj, Ding Dong, Chris Martin, Rondell Positive, and Joby Jay. Music fans can also look forward to high-energy sets from DJs Liquid, Narity, and Collin Hines, ensuring the vibes stay strong throughout the day. Hosting duties will be shared by the dynamic duo Jenny Jenny and Ron Muschette.

Beyond the stage, the festival will feature a kiddies’ village with free rides, giving younger attendees their own space to enjoy the day. Families can also benefit from back-to-school giveaways, making the event both entertaining and practical. And, of course, no Grace event would be complete without food—the festival promises an array of delicious options showcasing the brand’s culinary staples alongside other local favorites.

Tickets are priced at JMD $1,000 presold and JMD $1,500 at the gate, with children under 12 admitted free of charge. Outlets for presold tickets include Grace Kennedy Head Office and Sangster’s Book Stores at Spring Plaza and Sovereign Center in Kingston, as well as Sangster’s Book Stores in Spanish Town and Portmore Pines, St. Catherine.

Jahman & Busy Signal Unite for Explosive New Dancehall Single “Madd Smaddy”

Jabari Carrington, professionally known as Jahman, has long been recognized as one of the most compelling voices in reggae coming out of the Virgin Islands. But with his latest release, he’s proving that his talent doesn’t stop at roots reggae.

Jahman has teamed up with none other than Busy Signal—one of Jamaica’s most respected and consistent voices in dancehall—for a high-energy new single titled Madd Smaddy.” The track, produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Masai Harris, dropped on August 6 via Splatter House Records, and it’s already turning heads across the Caribbean and beyond.

Built on a pulsating rhythm and packed with infectious energy, “Madd Smaddy” is designed for the dancefloor. Both Jahman and Busy Signal deliver powerhouse performances, riding the beat with precision and charisma. The chemistry is undeniable—even though the two recorded their parts separately, with Jahman and Busy Signal each laying down their verses in their own studios.

The collaboration came about through Kirk BennettBusy Signal’s drummer and a close friend of JahmanBennett helped bridge the connection, and once the idea was in motion, the track came together naturally.

While fans may know Jahman primarily for his reggae catalog, this dive into the hardcore dancehall scene isn’t out of character. Reflecting on the direction of the song, Jahman explained: “Well I was actually a Dancehall Artist before becoming a Reggae Artist & I know the world never had a chance to hear this side of me… So when this opportunity arrived I jumped all over it.” He added: “Love Conquer All.”

“Madd Smaddy” is more than just a banger—it’s a reintroduction to Jahman’s roots in dancehall, paired with Busy Signal’s trademark lyrical fire. It’s a bold statement, backed by world-class production, and positioned to dominate playlists, sound systems, and street corners alike. Stream it now on all major platforms.

Guyana Day Caribbean Cultural Festival in Brooklyn

Caribbean culture will take center stage on Sunday, August 31st as the Guyana Day Caribbean Cultural Festival lands at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, located at 141 Flushing Avenue, Suite 801. This celebration, presented by Caribbean Power Jam Radio and Hits & Jam Boom FM (Guyana), promises a powerful lineup of Caribbean music from 2 PM to 10 PM.

With a mix of reggae, soca, gospel, and dancehall, the event features a stacked bill of international performers. Sizzla Kalonji, one of reggae’s most dynamic voices, will bring his fiery energy to the stage alongside Samuel Medas, Guyana’s gospel phenom. Also performing are Natural Black, the smooth-toned reggae artist; Motto, known for soca anthems; and rising stars Stitchie, Gucci Boss, and Kady Kish. Hosting duties will be handled by Diamond Natural.

General admission is $60, while VIP tickets are $150, offering elevated access and amenities. Tickets are available now on Eventbrite.