Brian Jackson & Yasiin Bey Honor Gil Scott-Heron in Tokyo Tribute

Posted on April 20, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

A special tribute to the legacy of Gil Scott-Heron is set to take center stage in Japan, as Brian Jackson and Yasiin Bey join forces for a one-night-only live performance on Friday, May 22, 2026. The event will be held at the iconic Blue Note Tokyo, a venue renowned for hosting world-class jazz and soul performances.

The show pays homage to Scott-Heron’s influence on music, poetry, and social commentary. As a pioneering voice whose work bridged jazz, soul, and early hip-hop sensibilities, his catalog remains deeply relevant, and this tribute seeks to reintroduce that message to contemporary audiences through a live experience.

Leading the performance, Yasiin Bey will handle vocals, while Brian Jackson—Scott-Heron’s longtime collaborator—anchors the musical direction on vocals, Fender Rhodes, and flute. They will be supported by a carefully assembled ensemble: Lex Cameron (keyboards, flute, vocals, musical director), Sara Madaluni (keyboards, flute, vocals), Dean Mark (bass), and Chris Morris (drums).

Click here for tickets.

Ky-Mani Marley Joins Jamaica Hi5 5K as Race Ambassador for 2026

Posted on April 19, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The Jamaica Hi5 Foundation, in association with the Consulate General of Jamaica in Miami, is set to host the Jamaica Hi5 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Scheduled to begin at 7:00 a.m., it will take place at Miramar Regional Park.

This year’s staging will feature reggae artist Ky-Mani Marley as Race Ambassador, adding a strong cultural presence to the initiative. Participants can expect more than just a race, with reggae music along the route, a post-race celebration, finisher medals, and complimentary refreshments.

The event also carries a meaningful charitable component, benefiting the Adopt-A-Clinic initiative, reinforcing its commitment to healthcare support. Registration is currently open at jamaicahi5krun.com.

The LOX and State Property Join Method Man & Redman for Philly Show on May 16

Posted on April 19, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Hip-hop heavyweights Method Man and Redman are set to perform live at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The concert, scheduled for an 8:00 PM start, brings together some of East Coast rap’s most influential names.

Joining them on the lineup is legendary trio The Lox—comprised of Jadakiss, Styles P, and Sheek Louch—alongside the “homecoming” of State Property, featuring Beanie Sigel, Freeway, Young Gunz, and Peedi Crakk.

The event blends multiple eras of East Coast hip-hop, uniting artists whose careers helped define the genre from the 1990s through the 2000s. Click here to buy tickets.

Alwayne Love Set to Release Self-Titled Debut Album on April 22, 2026

Posted on April 19, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Emerging recording artist Alwayne Love is set to officially introduce himself to the global music scene with the release of his self-titled debut album, Alwayne Love, arriving on all major digital platforms on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

Presented by T25 Records, a United States-based label, the project reflects years of growth, experience, and artistic evolution. The album blends reggae with a range of complementary genres, creating a dynamic and genre-fluid sound designed to resonate with a wide and diverse audience.

The project was produced by Mark Burke alongside co-producer Steven Ventura. Ventura and Burke also handled the mixing on all tracks with the exception of “Drop It Supreme,” which was mixed by Shannti Cosmo. Cosmo additionally mastered the entire album.

Alwayne Love, who penned all the songs on the album, describes the creative process as deeply personal, drawing inspiration from both hope and hardship. His songwriting reflects a balance between spiritual awareness and real-world experiences. “I should be seen as an artist that is growing while observing and overcoming challenges that keep me grounded spiritually and physically,” says Alwayne Love. “The idea is to maintain a balance between the two.”

While firmly rooted in reggae, Alwayne Love ventures beyond traditional boundaries. The album has been described as a fusion of reggae and other musical styles, creating a sound that crosses genres without losing its core identity. The diversity in sound was led primarily by T25 Records, along with producers Mark Burke and Steven Ventura, with Alwayne Love actively contributing to the creative direction.

Digital distribution for the album will be handled by Amuse.

With this debut, Alwayne Love invites listeners to connect with the music in their own way. “Take what’s yours and leave the rest,” he shares. “Everyone will relate differently, and that’s what life is about. Share this journey with me, and let’s give thanks for reaching this stage.”

Haile Selassie High Invites Public to Groundation Day Celebration on April 21

Posted on April 19, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Haile Selassie High School in Kingston will hosts Groundation Day Celebration under the theme “A Living Legacy: Sixty Years of Imperial Impact.” This is one of the events commemorating the 60th anniversary of Emperor Haile Selassie I‘s historic visit to Jamaica.

Activities begin at 8:00 a.m. on the school grounds located at 16–24 Payne Avenue, featuring a range of engagements including flag raising ceremonies, heritage and cultural presentations, student exhibitions, and guest addresses.

The celebration culminates at 1:00 p.m. with a major Groundation Day Concert headlined by reggae icon Sizzla Kalonji. The concert will also feature live performances from Karbon and Isha Bel, alongside other acts.

With free admission and an open invitation to the public, the organizers are encouraging everyone to attend.

Ghost Headlines Mother’s Day Weekend Celebration in Laurel, Maryland

Posted on April 18, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Traveling directly from Jamaica, Ghost is slated to perform at Catherine’s Caribbean- Italian Restaurant and Lounge in Laurel, Maryland on Saturday, May 9th, 2026, beginning promptly at 11:00 PM.

Hosted by DJ Prince Royal, with additional musical support by DJ Willy Marks and Rennastone, organizers have implemented a dress-to-impress policy, strictly prohibiting athletic wear. This is a 21 and older event tailored for a mature audience.

For those planning to attend, it is important to note that tickets and seating sections are available exclusively through online purchase. Interested patrons are encouraged to visit catherines-restaurant.com to secure their spots.

Duane Stephenson Releases Inspiring New Single “Soldier” Featuring Gassy Dread

Posted on April 18, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Reggae singer Duane Stephenson returns with a powerful new single titled “Soldier,” featuring Gassy Dread, delivering a timely and uplifting message centered on perseverance and inner strength. The song, which emphasizes the importance of never giving up regardless of life’s challenges, is already resonating with listeners seeking motivation and hope.

Released on April 3, 2026 via Digital 1 and Jussbuss Music, “Soldier” stands firmly in the tradition of conscious reggae, pairing meaningful lyricism with a compelling musical backdrop. Written by Gaston Browne, the track was produced by Justin Nation and co-produced by Richard Roache of Digital 1.

The message of resilience is reinforced at the very start of the official music video by Gassy Dread, who delivers a brief but poignant statement encouraging the Jamaican people to “soldier on.” His words carry added weight in light of recent events affecting the island, and may be interpreted as a message of encouragement for those directly impacted by hurricane Melissa.

The official music video, released on April 10, visually brings the song’s theme to life. It features Duane Stephenson delivering a passionate performance, interwoven with scenes of individuals facing various adversities while remaining determined to push forward.

“Soldier” is now available on all major streaming platforms, and the official video can be viewed on Duane Stephenson’s YouTube channel.