This year Arizona’s Afro Reggae Fest will be held at the Stratus Event Center – located at 4344 West Indian School Road – in Phoenix on Sunday, May 30th. This is a live in-person concert as Arizona is one of the States that is now fully open for business.
Some of the artists that have already been confirmed are: Anthony B and Serani from Jamaica, Shatta Wale from Ghana and Teni from Nigeria. The organizers have said that additional artists will be added to the lineup.
As she gets ready to share her new album, “Sunday Service,” Ghanaian-Swedish dancehall artist Aurelia Dey is very focused and driven. It is clear that this project is not just about creating music and getting all the credits and rewards that goes along with that. Aurelia is genuinely trying to convey a message to the masses and she is using as many channels and she can to do so.
Persons may be familiar with the three previously released songs that will be featured on the upcoming album: “Powerbank,” “Rising” and “All These Neighbours“; however, they may not know that Aurelia also has a web series dubbed “Sunday Service Talks.” She uses this platform to have heated in-depth conversations about topics such as: anti-racism, identity, heritage, feminism and mental health with persons from the African diaspora.
When asked what she would like viewers to take away from the talk show, Aurelia Dey said the following: “we are basically talking about our thoughts and opinions, based on our own experiences, without prestige. We’re creating a safe room that enables us to talk and think freely and discuss mental health.” The next episode of “Sunday Service Talks” will be aired on Sunday, May 2nd. It will be centered around what is happening in Africa, with guests Salem Yohannes, Segal Mohamed and Amanda Pombe.
As for the music, her fervent wish is that anyone who listens to the new album will get a deeper sense of self, which should also lead to more heartfelt relationships; as well as true inner peace. The official release date for “Sunday Service” has not yet been announced.
Emerging dancehall artist Shed Don has gotten a big boost from established lyricist Teflon. The two collaborated on a new single titled “Far Man Reach,” in which they both lament on how much they have been able to accomplish in spite of their humble beginnings.
The official video was released a couple days after the song was published. Click here or on the image above to check it out and remember to like, comment and share.
On Friday, April 23rd, the king of the dancehall, Beenie Man, will grace the Bold stage to perform all his hits. The performance will stream live via Berger Caribbean’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. Starting time is 7 PM (in Jamaica) and 8 PM (in Trinidad and Barbados).
Since last year, dancehall artist Jahmiel has been giving us songs loaded with inspirational messages as he tackles the crime and violence happening on the island. “Too Late,” his newest release, which is on the Tropical Depression Riddim by Damage Musiq, is another powerful record from the deejay.
Although it’s done in collaboration with Navino, it is Jahmiel‘s verse that really stands out. Click here or on the image above to check it out and remember to like, comment and share.
Legendary guitarist Roger Lewis, who is also one of the founding member of the reggae band Inner Circle, has joined forces with The Lickshots on a new EP titled “Big Man Sound.” The six-track project was executive produced by Lewis and DubShot Records’ Chris ‘Mannix’ Schlarb.
The idea behind “Big Man Sound” is to recreate and present classic reggae and dancehall rhythms in a retro-futuristic dub style. Click here to listen and download the entire project from your preferred music platform.
Blenz, the four-hour presentation by media personality Disc-Jock Redeem will broadcast on Maria Jackson Radio this Saturday and every Saturday thereafter. It will beginning airing at 12-noon EST.
The show includes musical selections, interactions and information pertaining to the hip-hop, reggae-dancehall, soul and R&B genres. Additionally, the DJR Unleash Global Chart, which gives independent and aspiring artists an added avenue by which they may obtain exposure, will be presented on the program. Blenz is not just entertaining, it is also informative and at times humorous. It’s a nice way to spend 4 hours.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 