As he continues to recover from his recent leg amputation, veteran dancehall artist Major Mackerel has announced that he will host a virtual benefit concert (fundraiser) on December 12th.

The event will feature performances by Capleton, Agent Sasco, Fred Locks, Burru Banton, Peter Metro, Chaka Demus, Pliers and of course Major Mackerel. All artists will be supported by the Ruff Cut Band.

There is a common trend happening in the music business irrespective of genre; as parts of the industry are literally on lockdown, artists, producers and record labels are using this time to create, release and promote new material, with the hopes of heading out on the road next year. Jamaican dancehall artist Star Bingi is no different. 

The U.K. based sing-jay has just released his first ever EP titled “Optimum.” The seven-track project, shared on his own Optimum Productions label, is a mixture of dancehall and reggae, and it’s an insight into his ongoing struggles as well as his triumphs. Star Bingi describes the EP this way: “The EP, was really inspired by the actual title OPTIMUM. When I acknowledged the word a movement formulated in a time of bereavement, doubt, missed opportunities. This was a moment of challenges, betrayal, trust issues where I actually felt not to continue with the music and then the word came to me and I went and researched the meaning of Optimum and the result was none higher which indicated to me to press on don’t stop move and it resonated a sense of strong belief in one self.”

Some of the producers and musicians that have contributed their time and energy to this record includes: Mantra, LBBT, Randy Valentine, Hyaklass, Audio Trax, Kaptionz Music and BeatsBYHT

In addition to releasing the EP, Star Bingi has also uploaded the official video for “Shilling & Pence,” which is track number five (5) on the project. The artist and his team are working very hard to position themselves for the new year when venues reopen and they can once again head out on the road.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN & DOWNLOAD “OPTIMUM“

Please see below an official statement from Jamaica’s dancehall king, Beenie Man, regarding the rumors being circulated that he is in the hospital.

“With sincere gratitude, there are not enough words to fully express my heartfelt thanks for the sympathy, love and virtual support my fans, friends, coworkers, family and my well-wishers have extended to my family and I during this difficult time.

On Sunday, October 25th I laid my Mom to rest. It was by far and still is the most difficult thing I have ever had to do. Leading up to the day of the funeral I was physical involved in every aspect of the planning and execution.

I kept telling myself, maybe if I remained active I will be able to function. Unfortunately, when it came down to that very last moment, it hit me and hit very hard. This would be the last time I would see my mom. Despite the noise, the singing, the mourning, all I could hear was silence while watching my mom’s body being lowered into the tomb.

My heart broke and I blacked out for a few mintues. When I revived, I saw my closest friends and my family around me.

Unfortunately, that very intimate and sad moment was recorded and then circulated around the world with false statements. I was not hospitalized, I was comforted by my friends and family.

Please continueto pray for us as we heal and move forward.

Love, light and Respect

-Moses Davis”

On Friday, November 13th, fast rising Jamaican reggae artist Ras Xtr3me will join Mr. AMG and J Shadda on the remix of E.G.‘s powerful single, “Stand With The Protesters.” The original version of the song was released in July and received rave reviews for its strong lyrical content, which is centered around racial injustice in the United States.

The remix of “Stand With The Protesters” is four times as powerful and is expected to have an even bigger impact than the first release. Until the revised version is made public however, persons are encouraged to listen and download the original version from their preferred music platform.