On Easter Monday, April 10th, the St. Mary Branch of The Jamaica Agricultural Society will present the 35th staging of St. Mary’s Agri-Expo.
The all day family event is schedule to start at 8am, and will feature performances by dancehall artist Agent Sasco and reggae-gospel singer Petra Kaye.
It will be held at the JP Farms Sports Complex in Grays Inn, St. Mary. The entrance fee is $1,500 JMD for adults and $500 for children.
Trensettahs Sound in collaboration with Judgement Yard present Black Sounds of Freedom Album Listening Party, this Saturday, April 8th at Jr. Reid’s Rooftop Lounge – 39b Eastwood Park Road – in Kingston (JA). There will be performances by Luciano, Mykal Rose, Sizzla, Capleton, Lutan Fyah, Jr. Reid, Jah Thundah, Yatta Ken, Roots Underground and DJ Fyahman.
Trensettahs is a band of musicians, DJ’s, visual artists, thinkers, business people, and tech pioneers working to create and promote reggae music to reggae lovers all over the world.
Soca on the Beach is this Saturday, April 8th, at Bourbon Beach – on Norman Manley Blvd. – in Negril. This is a mature soca/calypso party that will feature Jamaican ska, calypso and soca band, The Dragonaires; Trisha Hamilton (from Trinidad), and legendary dancehall artist Admiral Bailey.
It will begin at 7pm with host Starboy Rodriquez; however the live show is not schedule to start until 9. General admission tickets are $6,000 JMD, while VIP is $10,000..
In recent years, Jamaica has seen a surge in new, independent reggae-dancehall artists not affiliated with any established camps. In an industry that is slow in welcoming emerging talents this news must be celebrated, as in the past these artists would have to rely on other already known singers and deejays to ‘give them a buss’. However – and this is unfortunate – quite a few of the new artists seem more intent on becoming famous as oppose to making good, quality music. And this is what sets Frass Khalifa a part!
Khalifa is a versatile dancehall artist and songwriter, who hails from Falmouth – Clark’s Town – in Trelawny, Jamaica. Although he has been making euphonious music for some time, it was approximately two years ago that his name really began to circulate in dancehall communities. Frass Khalifa now believes that 2023 will be his breakout year.
With that said, he kicked off this 12-month cycle by dropping a tuff dancehall track titled Rich Now. The song is on the trending Things & Time Riddim, which was produced by Pandemic Records. On the rhythm Frass Khalifa talks about the sense of urgency he has for achieving real success forthwith.
When asked what he would like listeners to take away from the song, he said: “Just want the listeners to understand that the time is now, no one knows what tomorrow brings so do it now. Don’t get discouraged by others, believe in yourself and get “Rich now mek Elon fret”.” He went on to say: “Well so far I’ve been getting a great feedback. They love the message and most of all a specific line… “Hafi rich now mek Elon fret”. They’re using that line very often. So now they’re waiting for the video.”
One of the biggest nightlife events in Kingston (Jamaica) is Wet Sundaze. It happens each and every Sunday at 8 Hillview Avenue, with various selectors on rotation. In a few days, on April 2nd, they will celebrate their 12th anniversary with DJ Kurt Riley, Colin Hines and guest artist General Degree. There is a $1,500 JMD entrance fee, and all are invited.
For six days and five nights the Love & Harmony Cruise will hit the high seas, making stops in Ft. Lauderdale (Florida), Nassau (Bahamas) and Ocho Rios (Jamaica).
There will be a range of entertainment such as music, sports, comedy etc. And confirmed musical performers include Beres Hammond, Popcaan, Sanchez, Third World, Rupee, Destra and others. Get additional information at loveandharmonycruise-dot-com.
On Friday, March 10th, recording artist Ikaya shared the official video for Self Defense, her single on the Things & Time Riddim produced by Pandemic Records. Prior to the visuals being released, Self Defense was tagged as controversial, primarily because it’s centered around domestic abuse and the manner in which it’s resolved. Below, Ikaya explains – in her own words – the inspiration for both song and video.
“In most cases, as the video depicts, we see the outcome of being in a violent relationship. Either someone ends up in the hospital, morgue or in jail. Self Defense brings the awareness that there are still victims out there who are suffering in silence and believe there is no way out.
The video was shot in Atlanta, Georgia by top videographers Deusbeni Production. It is the continuation of my other single, DissLoyalty, which tells the story of being betrayed by the person you trust. So basically my other half slept with my best friend and got her pregnant, and after being confronted he became defensive and abusive. And just like that promise of protection turns to lie and deception.”
Domestic violence I don’t tolerate. I lost a friend through domestic violence. Where her boyfriend shot her then shot himself. So I say to any female once a man lay his hand on you put a stop to it immediately. Take a stand. Self Love is the greatest love of all. RESPECT yourself enough to walk away from anything that doesn’t give you peace. Protect your safe space. Keeping your peace of mind is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves.
If something takes away your energy or drains you mentally or emotionally, makes you doubt yourself, or serves no real purpose in your life, it may not only be not serving you but also harming you. You have to honor self-love and self-respect above all. Loving yourself and putting your own happiness first is not selfish.”
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 