Mi No Nyam Pork, the latest single from recording artist Karamanti, was published a few days ago on the Natty Dreadlocks Survival Riddim, produced by Jungle Lava Productions. The record – which is approximately four-and-a-half minutes of her lamenting about various things she does not like, pork being one, while simultaneously expressing her delight in writing the song – has emerged as one of the standout tracks on the compilation.
Based on the overwhelming positive reviews it’s been receiving, Karamanti and her team decided to compile and share clips captured in and around Jungle Lava Studio of her performing the tune. The collated visuals, which were filmed by crazymedia.tv, is now being used as the song’s official video. Furthermore, the decision was made to post it on July 1st in honor of International Reggae Day.
Jamaica’s reggae-dancehall industry, although strong and influential, is filled with persons with questionable character. This includes those in the background, as well as performers and players of instruments standing on center stage. The sad reality is that a lot of our artists have been involved in some form of scandal at some point in their career.
One artist that’s managed to keep hands and heart clean to date is Little Hero. The St. Ann singer, who emerged on the scene in the early 90s, has been able to avoid a lot of the pitfalls in the entertainment industry. He’s had several number-one songs over the years and yet he remains humble and continues to give us ‘big tunes’.
His latest ‘big tune’ is World Right Now: an inspirational dancehall track produced by Sheldon and Leroy Edwards for Pandemic Records. In it, Hero laments on the current state of mankind, highlighting the fact that many have chosen to take the road frequently travelled. One filled with crime, violence, envy and outright wickedness.
The strength of World Right Now was confirmed by Jamaica’s award-winning film writer, director and producer, Dr. Empress Rose Green, who used the song in a short film centered around Africa Day 2022. She chose it because, according to her: “it summarizes the Africa Day film and message in its entirety.”
The organizers of the 9th Annual Boston Jerk Fest would like you to join them on July 1st and 2nd at their new location: the Harvard Athletic Complex at 145 North Harvard Street in Boston, Massachusetts.
They are promising an irie vibe filled with good music and food as they kick off the Boston leg of Jamaica’s 60th Anniversary of Independence celebration. Entertainment will be provided by Freddie and Chino McGregor backed by Code Red Band, as well as The Soul Rebel Project.
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.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 