A few hours ago General Degree‘s new EP, “Body Work,” went live on all music platforms. The project is a set of six tracks that represents the embodiment of nineties dancehall.
“Body Work” is produced by popular musician and producer Lenky Marsden for the Diwali Records label. It is being distributed by VPal Music.
On Sunday, July 26h, dancehall artist Macka Diamond will be hosting an online charity concert for her ‘Pregnant Mothers In Need Foundation.’ She has invited several established and emerging artists to partake, namely: Warrior King, Alaine, I Octane, Simple Cool Voice and Don Bonez.
For additional information, such as start time and streaming platforms, follow Macka Diamond on her social media.
Trevor ‘Skatta’ Bonnick, one of the lead singer for the international reggae band Inner Circle, is the co-producer of “Time Is Getting Serious,” the new reggae record from Ifatunde Orunmila. Skatta played all of the instruments, did all of the harmony and mixed the song. It was mastered however, by Mario ‘Syantis’ Lawrence.
Recorded in Kingston, Jamaica at Cube Music Studio, “Time Is Getting Serious” was shared in June and was well received by reggae lovers and music critics alike. When asked what inspired the very strong opinionated lyrics, this is what Ifatunde Orunmila had to say: “I wrote the lyrics to this song inspired by the condition of the world and what is going on. We see biological war, chemical war, civil war, and political war. When one looks at “Tell lie vision” all one sees is serious times. This song is inspired by the times we are living in.”
Ifatunde Orunmila was initiated into the ways of the Orishas (Òrìṣà), which is a Yoruba tradition; as such, he tends to look at life through spiritual lens. That being said, for him “Time Is Getting Serious” also serves as a warning. “I would like listeners to continue to be aware, vigilant and delve into themselves and realise the way we live. I want to impact those that are blind to reality to be still and learn from the all and make a Change. I want to inspire people to see how serious things have become so that they may take a positive stand.” Orunmila said the aforementioned when asked what he would like people take away from the track.
Trevor and Ifatunde have been friends for approximately seventeen (17) years. with both men remaining active in their respective careers, it was inevitable that they would eventually collaborate on a project.
For the first time this year, both Jamaicans at home and abroad will be able to vote in the Jamaica Festival Song Competition!
The Festival Song competition started in 1966; the first winner was Toots and the Maytals. The winning song this year will be decided exclusively by voting. Voting will take place between the Presentation Show on Sunday, July 19, 2020, and the Results Show on Sunday, July 26, 2020. Both shows will be broadcast LIVE.
Additionally, for the first time this year, the Jamaica Festival songs are available for download on Spotify, Amazon, and Itunes. Click here to listen to all the top ten songs.
We’ve noticed that in recent weeks more and more secular artists are recording and releasing gospel songs. Because these tracks were shared in the middle of the corona virus pandemic our initial thought was that everyone was scared and felt it important to reconnect with God. However, on further examination we noticed that most of the artists behind these releases are secular, some even publicly committed Rastafarians.
At the beginning of June reggae singer Glen Washington surprised us all by releasing a new gospel single. The song is titled “How Great Is Our Father,” and though it sounds like a Rastafarian praise and worship song, it was Glen who publicly said that it’s gospel. Check it out for yourself! The record is available on iTunes and all other digital music platforms.
In April Freddie McGregor shared a new single titled “If God Is For Us.” On the bouncy reggae track the big ship captain is basically reminding listeners that evil cannot stand in the face of righteousness. “If God Is For Us” has an undeniable gospel vibe, as Freddie uses strong christian language while he laments on a conversation he had with an ‘Angel.’ Click here to listen.
Additionally, a few days ago hardcore dancehall artist Karamanti shared the official video for her single “Eyes Open Up.” Though she swears up and down that it is a secular record, music critics have labelled it as gospel. Click here to watch the video.
These are just a few examples of secular reggae and dancehall artists doing gospel music. Curious to hear what the gospel community thinks about this new emerging trend.
Beenie Man’s Life of a King live streaming concert, which is being presented by NeverLeveledTV, has been changed from July 3rd to August 14th. The change was made to show respect for those who continue to lose their lives due to police brutality.
For additional information such as streaming time, tickets etc. visit NeverLeveled dot tv.
Qadamaweh was created to implement the laws attached to the Solomonic Dynasty based on the teachings and ethics of the Ethiopian Empire, Haile Selassie I the first. The organization is headed by Miguel Orlando Collins, who is publicly known as Sizzla Kalonji – a reggae and dancehall artist based in Jamaica.
A few days ago Sizzla reached out to his fans on social media and encouraged them to become formal members of Qadamaweh. He promised that by joining they would have access to personal interactions and live sessions.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 