With both the United States and Jamaica restricting incoming flights to their respective countries, it is only natural for event promoters with shows scheduled for March and April in these territories to postpone or cancel their events.

With that in mind, the organizers of Reggae Blaze, which was to take place on Saturday, April 11th, at Main Street Armory in Rochester, New York, has postponed the event to a later date. Capleton was the confirmed headliner for this show.

So far Jamaica has had only sixteen (16) cases of confirmed corona virus infections, with one death. Out of an abundance of caution, the government has been aggressively promoting and encouraging social distancing so as to prevent it from spreading nationwide.

As such, the Andrew Holness Administration has restricted public gatherings. This undoubtedly affects persons in the music industry, such as recording artists, night club owners, event promoters etc. With that in mind, several artists have been posting on their social media platforms, asking their supporters to stay home! Click here to listen to a message from Buju Banton.

See below an announcement from the organizers of the Reggae Rise Up Festival.

“It is with deep regret that we inform you that Reggae Rise Up will be postponing our 2020 Florida festival, scheduled for March 20th-22th at Vinoy Park, to October 2nd-4th. Our team has been in close communication with the City of St. Petersburg and local public health officials and we have collectively decided that this postponement is in the best interest of public health and safety.

Please know that our team shares your frustrations. We know just how special of an event Reggae Rise Up Florida is and hold so much gratitude for the community that has developed around it. From the fans to the artists to the event staff and everyone in the greater Tampa Bay area who will undoubtedly be affected by this, we feel you.

That said, these are unprecedented circumstances and we must prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of our community.

Reggae Rise Up Florida will be applying all ticket purchases to the corrollating day(s) of the new festival weekend. Again, while we understand how much of an inconvenience this may be for some there will be no refunds issued. We thank you for your continued support as we move forward in the face of these difficult times for the festival industry and look forward to seeing everyone in the fall!

-Your #RRUFam”

On Friday, March 13th, Soul Circle Music released “Dela Move,” a new Caribbean pop song performed by Jamaican reggae star Chronixx. The visuals, which tells a unique story, were shared on the same day.

Click here to download the song from your favorite music platform, and here to watch the official video.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced that there will be no permits issued for public gathering over the next fourteen (14) days. The Prime Minister stated that permits that have already been granted will be revoked in light of the second case of COVID-19 in Jamaica.

Speaking at a media conference following an emergency Cabinet meeting on March 11th, Prime Minister Holness reiterated there is no need to panic.

“Where the law requires the granting of a permit for any event or gathering, no permits will be issued within the next 14 days, so that means any event, any entertainment events, any gathering that requires the issuing of a permit, we will instruct the permitting authorities, police, and the municipal councils not to issue any permits. Permits that are already issued will be rescinded, revoked effectively. We are placing a ban on those forms of gatherings. However, there are still private companies, [and] business that are having meetings, weddings, funerals, and Sunday morning church service, we are asking the public [to exercise] responsibility,” said Prime Minister Holness.