Kingdom Empowered, a Canada-based organization that’s committed to strengthening local churches and advancing the Kingdom of God, will be having their first annual Kingdom Empowered Events Gala this year.
It will be presented on Sunday, May 18, at Soiree Banquet Hall and event space—6485 Mississauga Road, unit #4—in Mississauga, Ontario. Confirmed are Ezra Mitchell, Abrafi Akrofi, Roxanne Robinson, Dobson Music, DJ Pullup, and Minister Jessie. Click here to buy tickets.
On April 18, veteran singer, songwriter, and producer Hopeton Lindo introduced one of his most profound tracks to date. The compelling roots reggae song, “Times That We’re Living In,” dives into the numerous global issues we face, all while seeking divine intervention.
Creating this song was a spontaneous process for Lindo. He describes how, during a studio session with co-producer Syl Gordon of Cell Block Records, the riddim inspired him to approach the microphone and perform straight from his heart, without pre-written lyrics.
“Times That We’re Living In” features contributions from drummer George Miller, bassist Donald Dennis, and keyboardist Paul Crossdale, all key members of The Firehouse Crew. Shauna “ShaunaDazzle” Dixon lends her talent to the background vocals, while Gordon mixed the track, which was then mastered by the Heavybeat Crew.
This impactful single is accessible for download on major streaming services, including Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, Amazon, and Pandora. It comes to us courtesy of Hopeton Lindo‘s own Irie Pen Records.
Starting on May 8th, 2025, BET (Black Entertainment Television) will begin airing Usher: Rendez-Vous in Paris, a concert film. This was shot during Usher’s eight-concert mini stint in Paris, where he performed hits like “Yeah!,” “My Boo,” “U Got It Bad,” and more. The live performances will be complemented by glimpses inside life beyond the stage.
Usher: Rendez-Vous in Paris is a film by and directed by Anthony Mandler. It is a production of Arcovision, Kingdom Films, and Laffitte Group Productions in association with HarbourView Media Group. The film is produced by Anthony Mandler, Usher Raymond, and Ron Laffitte. Executive Producers for Kingdom Films are Aakomon Jones and Angelo Gopee. The executive producer for Arcovision is Kwesi Collisson. Executive producers for Sony Music are Tom Mackay, Richard Story, and Krista Wegener. The project was co-financed by LMG Management LLC, Brand Usher LLC, and Harbour View Equity Partners. Sony Music Vision is the distributor.
source: BET
Daphne Richardson is a Canadian gospel artist, singer, worship leader, vocal coach and pastor.
Daphne was born and raised in Ottawa, Canada. The oldest of three children, Daphne comes from a family of musicians and began piano lessons at the age of 8. She committed her life to Jesus Christ at the age of 16 years-old which led to her joining her church’s praise team and developing her vocal ability.
Daphne released her debut single “You Found Me” in February 2020, marking the beginning of her music career. She signed with UK based music label HFP Music in 2021. In 2022 she released her debut EP “Authentic” which includes notable singles like “Heavy” and “Eternal Eyes” done with label mate Calledout Music. Her contagious passion, heartfelt lyrics and mezzo-soprano voice create a unique sound. She has been influenced by the musical styling of Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary and Kierra Sheard.
Daphne has had the honor of sharing the same stage with notable Christian artists such as Calledout Music, Travis Greene, Joe Mettle, Londa Larmond, Daniel Ojo, Javis Mays, and The Walls Group. Furthermore, she toured with Calledout Music in the U.S., Canada and Europe in 2021-2023.
Daphne has a B.A. in Psychology, and a post-graduate degree in Human Relations & Spirituality. She also has a passion for mental health advocacy and works in health care management. Daphne resides in Ottawa, Canada with her husband Chris Richardson who pastors at Deeper Fellowship Church Canada.
As their Heavier Yet U.S. Tour continues to make its way across America, Seun Kuti—Nigerian musician and activist and son of the legendary Fela Kuti—will, along with backing band Egypt 80, perform at Atlanta’s City Winery on Friday, April 25th.
The twenty-five-show tour began on April 3rd in New York and will go until May 17th. For additional information, visit seunkutimusic.com.
Inspired by his 2023 album Colors of Royal, Julian Marley has announced that he will be going on tour with his band, The Uprising, this summer. The crew will be doing several dates across the U.S., starting on June 22nd at The Webster in Connecticut. Below are all the confirmed shows as of this writing.
22 Jun – The Webster – Hartford, CT
23 Jun – Sunset Jazz Concert Series – Camden, NJ
18 Jul – Colorado Riverfront Concert Series – Fruita, CO
19 Jul – 845 Howelsen Pkwy, Steamboat Springs, CO
20 Jul – Fox Theatre Boulder – Boulder, CO
22 Jul – Summer Scene Concert Series – Santa Fe, NM
23 Jul – 191 Toole – Tucson, AZ
24 Jul – Stage Red – Fontana, CA
25 Jul – House of Blues – San Diego, CA
26 Jul – Reggae On The Mountain 2025 – Los Angeles County, CA
27 Jul – Barrelhouse Amp – Paso Robles, CA
29 Jul – Silver Moon Brewing – Bend, OR
30 Jul – Nectar – Seattle, WA
31 Jul – Armory – Ashland, OR
01 Aug – Alpine – Reno, NV
02 Aug – Reggae on the River 2025 – Garberville, CA
Sint Maarten’s most eagerly awaited reggae event, Headliners Roots & Riddims, is scheduled for Sunday, April 27th, at the Carnival Village on Soualiga Road in Philipsburg. This celebration honors the vibrant energy, power, and influence of reggae music.
Featuring on the lineup are internationally acclaimed reggae artists Christopher Martin, Tanya Stephens, Richie Spice, and Tanto Metro & Devonte. These renowned performers will electrify the stage with their unique sounds and unforgettable hits. Click here to purchase tickets.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 