Spragga Benz to Headline Rise and Toast Independence Day Fete

Posted on July 23, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Jamaica’s Independence Day celebrations kick off in style this August with Rise and Toast: Old Skool New Skool, a daytime fete taking place at Plantation Cove in Ocho Rios, St. Ann. The event, part of the Best Weekend Ever series, runs on Thursday, August 6th from 12 PM to 6 PM.

Dancehall veteran Spragga Benz headlines the afternoon with a live performance. The event promises an all-inclusive experience with premium cuisine, backed by major sponsors including Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker, Don Julio, and Casamigos Tequila, along with local partners Milk & Honey, The Network, Soca Cruises, Zimi, and Ram Stripe.

Attendees must be 18 years or older to attend. Tickets and additional details are available at yourbestweekendever.com.

Oasis Music Festival

Posted on July 23, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The Oasis Music Festival arrives on Saturday, August 29, 2026, with a full day of live entertainment. Presented by Chystar Promotions and Gombey Production, the outdoor event will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Burl’s Creek Event Grounds in Oro-Medonte, Ontario, Canada.

The festival lineup includes some of the biggest names in reggae, dancehall and soca, including Masicka, Jahshii, Sizzla, Wayne Wonder, Gentleman, and Mr. Killa.

For additional event information and to register for ticket availability, visit the official TicketGateway event page at ticketgateway.com.

T.O.K. to Perform Live at Crown Hill Theatre in Brooklyn

Posted on July 22, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Reggae/dancehall group T.O.K. will bring their high-energy live band performance to Crown Hill Theatre, located at 750 Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn, New York, on August 7, 2026. Doors open at 8 PM, with showtime set for 11 PM. Music will be provided by Dubmaster Chris and DJ Spin Citi.

General admission tickets are priced at $50 (pre-sold), while VIP access for two is available for $215, which includes a bottle of wine. For tickets and more information, attendees can visit crownhilltheatre.com.

This event is being presented by Jamrock Starz.

Councilman Andre Wallace to Host Jamaica Independence Celebration in Mount Vernon

Posted on July 21, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Councilman Andre Wallace, in association with Future FM Radio (98.9), will host the Jamaica Independence Celebration on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 16 E Prospect Avenue in Mount Vernon, New York.

The free community event will run from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and will feature honorary guest Mr. Lexx, along with special guest artist Milton Simms and a set by the Rhythm Master Band. Music will be provided by DJ African and Nite Life Sound, with hosting duties shared by Barham and DJ Linkage. Attendees can also expect a family-friendly surprise with an appearance by a “Dancing Robot.”

The celebration is supported by local sponsors including Floor & Decor, Fleetwood Specialty Pharmacy, Yost & Campbell, Mike Tire Shop and Auto Repair, Meadowrest Memorial Funeral Services, and IrieDale.com.

Lady G Joins Susana Baca, Luedji Luna and Others for Free Afro-Latinas Concert in Central Park

Posted on July 19, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

New York’s SummerStage will host the Afro-Latinas Concert on July 26 in Central Park, bringing together a powerhouse lineup of Afro-Latina artists for a free show. Doors open at 5 PM.

The concert is presented as part of Festival Latinidades and the Afro-Latino Festival NYC 2026, in partnership with SummerStage’s 40th anniversary season and Capital One’s CityParks Foundation.

The lineup features Susana Baca, the celebrated Peruvian singer and former Minister of Culture who remains a leading voice in Afro-Peruvian music, alongside Luedji Luna featuring Liniker, bringing contemporary Afro-Brazilian sound and soul to the stage. Also performing are Mai-Elka Prado Gil featuring Lush Song Collective, and Lady G, a pioneering dancehall and reggae deejay from Jamaica, with DJ Agent DMZ closing out the night to keep the celebration going.

British Virgin Islands Gears Up for the 72nd Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival

Posted on July 16, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The British Virgin Islands is preparing to host the 72nd Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival from July 25 through August 11, 2026. Commemorating the emancipation of enslaved Africans in the British Virgin Islands, the annual event brings together residents and visitors for more than two weeks of music, heritage, pageantry, food, and community festivities.

This year’s festival boasts a strong lineup of Caribbean talent, with confirmed performances from reggae, dancehall, and soca stars Beres Hammond, Popcaan, Sizzla, 450, Rock City (R. City), Problem Child, Patrice Roberts and Nadia Batson, in addition to numerous local and regional artists who will appear throughout the celebration.

Beyond the nightly concerts at Festival Village, attendees can look forward to a full slate of signature events, including the Miss BVI Pageant, Gospel Fest, Calypso Monarch, Soca Monarch, Fungi Fest, the Rise and Shine Tramp, cultural showcases, food fairs, and the colorful parades.

Emancifest 19 Returns to Sligoville Stadium with Free Two-Day Celebration

Posted on July 16, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

St. Catherine will play host to Emancifest 19, a two-day celebration of culture, gospel, reggae, rides, games, and family entertainment, set for July 31 and August 1, 2026, at Sligoville Stadium.

The event will be presented under the patronage of Member of Parliament Natalie Neita Garvey, continuing a tradition of community-centered Emancipation celebrations in the parish.

This year’s lineup features a strong roster of gospel and reggae talent, including Marcia Griffiths, Capleton, Tanya Stephens, Warrior King, Yaksta, Prodigal Son, Kevin Downswell, Sister Pat, Jodian Pantry, Perry In Christ, Jabez, Sativa D Black 1, and the Grace Thrillers.

Beyond the music, patrons can look forward to over 30 rides and games, making the festival a family-friendly destination for all ages. Admission is free.