Veteran reggae-dancehall artist Sizzla Kalonji has announced that he will be officially launching his latest business venture – Kalonji Grill – on Friday, July 1st at a street festival on King Street in Branford, Ontario, Canada.
He and his business partners objective is to prepare traditional Jamaican cuisine on open fire with professional grilling and smoking techniques. They will also use their own unique jerk seasoning which is made from scratch and comes in three different flavors.
The street festival will commence at 12pm on the aforementioned date, and will go on until midnight. Attendees are advised to bring their lawn chairs and enjoy the festivities.
Jamaican model, singer and songwriter Samantha J, who rose to prominence in 2013 with the mega hit single Tight Skirt, has returned with a new song and video that’s meant to send a message to industry insiders: “I am back and I am not going anywhere. No one but God himself can change my destiny.”
The California based artist – who spent the last two years bonding with her son – admitted that the pandemic, although disruptive, gave her the time and space needed to reflect on her career and decide on the way forward. That period of contemplation resulted in the forceful dancehall-pop single Push Ya Luck, released on June 3rd, 2022 via Anka Music Group.
When asked what inspired the song, Samantha hinted at several things. One of which is being exploited by people both in her personal and professional life. She went on to say: “Push Ya Luck is really inspired by my determination and my love for music. I am the type of person that if you try to control me or say I can’t do something, it motivates me. That flips on a switch in my brain to prove you wrong and to do better in everything.”
The carefully coordinated official video, which was also shared on June 3rd, has already wracked up well over half-a-million views on her YouTube channel. It was directed by Damian Fyffe, with input from Samantha J and Derrick Morgan – Anka Music Group’s CEO.
“When you listen to Push Ya Luck my goal is to make sure you feel empowered in yourself to know that no one can walk all over you unless you allow it. Life is a journey where people don’t want to see you rise, but your passion, hardworking and determination will determine you destination.” The preceding is a statement from Samantha J.
Thursday Night Live – Acoustic In Di City, has announced that 70s toasting king Big Youth is booked and will be performing on this week’s staging.
This event happens every other Thursday at The Cove – 3 Winchester Road – in Kingston, Jamaica. It’s an acoustic show that features performances from various artists, emerging and acoustic.
Rastafarian artist Lutan Fyah – with support from the Fyah Squad – will be doing a three-day mini tour in California this month.
The stint will begin this Friday, June 24th at Moe’s Alley in Santa Cruz; after which he and his crew will play at the Truckee Reggae Festival the following day (on the 25th); and then they will wrap up with a performance at HopMonk Tavern in Sonoma on June 27th.
On Saturday, July 9th all roads will lead to Pier One in Montego Bay, Jamaica. There you will find an array of selectors playing the absolute best in 70s, 80s and 90s music. This retro dance – dubbed YesterYear – will feature a performance by the ‘big belly man’ himself, Admiral Bailey.
Entrance fee at the gate is $2,000 JMD; however, advance tickets which can be purchased at Pier One and Fontana Pharmacy in Montego Bay, are going for $1,500 JMD.
Bankaii Unleashed, an event that promises the ultimate Caribbean party experience, is set for Saturday, June 25th at Hope Garden (Chinese Garden) in Kingston, Jamaica.
The organizers have tapped selectors Code Red, X Factor, DJ Milton and DJ Shella to provide a musical mix of dancehall, soca and afro-beat. Additionally, recording artist Mr. Lexx – who is known for his hit songs Get Wid It, Yu Nah and Cook – have been added to the lineup.
Outspoken dancehall artist Tanya Stephens, who is actively promoting her recently released single – Diamonds In The Sun – will be performing at Exit 21 Lounge on Thursday, June 23rd.
The twenty-one and older event will also feature the equally esteemed lyricist Bugle, who has publicly stated that Stephens is one of his favorite female artist. As this is a live band show, both entertainers will be supported by the Tower Band.
Exit 21’s address is 10 Dominica Drive in New Kingston, Jamaica; a central location with enough parking for all its patrons. The cost to enter and experience a night of good music, food and fun is only $3,500 JMD.
The aforementioned new single, Diamonds In The Sun, was produced by Tad ‘Jr. Tads’ Dawkins and Tad’s Record. It’s a three-way collaboration done by Tanya Stephens, Cedella Marley and Diana King. Diamonds In The Sun is now available on all music platforms.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 