Over the last few years dancehall music has become a global phenomenon, though not as big as reggae, it is now seen as a popular artform (pop) capable of competing with rock, hip-hop and the likes. What this means is that another musical genre, born and raised on the island of Jamaica, is now highly sought after the world over.

Both genres have gotten so big that many countries are now honing their own set of reggae / dancehall stars for the world stage. However, the general consensus among musical insiders is that in order for any reggae or dancehall artist, from countries other than Jamaica, to be recognized as such, they need to collaborate with an established (known) Jamaican artist. It is believed that such a collaboration authenticates the non-Jamaican talent.

This is where the question of selling out comes in. More often than not, the non-Jamaican talents are artists with a lot of financial support who are eager for fame, fortune and all that comes with being a music star in the twenty-first century. However, and this is based entirely on observation, a lot of them don’t seem to have high moral standings. In other words, they seem to desire fame and fortune at any cost. Surprisingly, our own Jamaican artists, most of whom talk a lot about ‘God (Jah) over everything,’ have no problems collaborating with them, even if they appear to be entirely amoral. Please understand that I am not insinuating that our Jamaican artists are righteous leaders; but I am referring to the ones who give the impression that they are. Hence my title; are Jamaican artists selling out for money and fame?

An observation by Maria Jackson

On Sunday July 7th, Buju Banton and a host of top-tier Jamaican entertainers will be performing at Afas Live (located at ArenA Boulevard 590) in Amsterdam. This is a part of the ‘Long Walk to Freedom Tour‘ that initially started in Jamaica in March. On this leg of the tour Buju will be supported by Protoje, Anthony B, Agent Saco and Richie Spice. The organizers are also promising a major surprise act.

Buju Banton has been a staple in reggae and dancehall music since the early 90s so this will be a treat for his fans in Europe. Click here for tickets.

With an already spicy menu of various Caribbean Jerk delicacies such as Jerk Lobster, Jerk Chicken, Jerk Shrimp, Jerk Pork and the popular Jerk Ice Cream, the 16th staging of the Palm Beach Jerk Festival in West Palm Beach, Florida, has announced their star studded lineup.

GRAMMY nominated international reggae-fusion artist Maxi Priest, billboard charting artist I-Octane and lover’s-rock, reggae crooner and fan favorite Romain Virgo will add flavor to the highly anticipated cultural experience by hitting the main stage.

Palm Beach Jerk Festival will take place at the South Florida Fair Grounds, 9067 Southern Blvd, West Palm Beach, Florida on May 27th. Click here for additional info.

The Grand Bahama Homecoming Committee will be having their 4th annual GB Homecoming Weekend celebration on Saturday, June 8th. It will be held at Goombay Park (Wild Goose Town) in Freeport, Bahamas.

This will be one of the biggest event happening in the region over the Labor Day weekend, as it will see both Munga Honorable and Sizzla Kalonji hitting the stage. Get more information here: www.grandbahamahomecoming.com.

Matthew Barton, more popularly known as Souljii, is a Jamaican recording artist specializing in the reggae and dancehall genres. As a past attendee at both Clan Carthy High School and B&B University College, Souljii‘s initial career interests were that of a lawyer (first) and politician (second). That being said, his passion for music has always been with him, as he was introduced to the art form by his father, Sunshine, a reggae artist in his own right.

Alas, due to financial challenges, Souljii had to abandon his desire to be a lawyer and have decided to focus on his political and musical ambitions instead. He is currently the president of the CYD, a youth arm of the NDM (Jamaica’s National and Democratic Political Movement). As it stands now, the party is inactive, so Souljii is giving all his time and attention to his career as a recording artist.

Having had consistent support from his family since he made his first song at age nine, Souljii is now signed with Sekimhaj Records, a label he connected with many years ago. He met Michael Reynolds, the CEO and owner of Sekimhaj Records, while he was at HEART TRUST NTA L.E.A.P doing a music program. Michael was the instructor of the program and Souljii was one of the vocalist in the band. After Souljii left HEART, he stayed in contact with Michael Reynolds and the two men continued to work together.

Today Souljii is officially signed to Sekimhaj Records label and has released several songs under that umbrella. He is now in the process of working on his first EP, which he hopes to have out soon. When Souljii is not in the studio working on music, he dedicates his time to a nonprofit organization where he is the Associate Director. He is also working on a new radio program called ‘Mekwichat,’ on which he will be a co-presenter.

SOULJII ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: www.instagram.com/souljiiwehttam
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SouljiiWehttam

The DMV Summer Fest is an outdoor event promoting all genres of music and cultures, with a strong emphasis on Caribbean songs, food and lifestyle. The festival is put together by a few of the top promoters from the DMV area.

For the 2019 staging, the promoters have confirmed that Jamaica’s fireman, Capleton, alongside the king of lover’s-rock, Beres Hammond, will be performing. The festival will be held on Sun, July 28th, at the Lake Clifton Park (2701 St. Lo Drive) in Baltimore, Maryland.

The DMV Summer Fest is a family fun day in which parents are encouraged to bring their entire families. Click here for tickets.