Sheldon Gava Launches Campaign Against Guns With New Single 

Poet and recording artist Sheldon Gava has just released a new single titled “Guns Down.” This is not just another record shared to extend his music catalog; it’s the single behind a carefully crafted campaign designed to highlight the dangers of guns.

Sheldon Gava‘s message about the risk involved in having a gun, whether for protection or outright evil intent, can be seen and felt in the short film (music video) for “Guns Down.” The visual, which preceded the audio by one day, was uploaded to Gava‘s YouTube channel on March 20. Acted out by Jamaican students, it shows three teenagers arguing in the streets in Old Harbour, with one eventually attempting to resolve the conflict by shooting another. The story takes a twist when the gun accidentally goes off and shoots the mother of one of the teens instead.

On its own the clip is very powerful; however, it’s even more impactful because Sheldon Gava has chosen not to appear in it at all, allowing viewers to focus all their attention on the story being told.

“Guns Down” is available on all streaming platforms, and the short film can be viewed on YouTube.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO FOR “GUNS DOWN”

Lyricist Lounge Presents Ghostface Killah Live At The Apollo On April 26

On Saturday, April 26th, Lyricist Lounge will return to the legendary Apollo stage with authentic hip-hop. They will present none other than Ghostface Killah, Cappadonna, Inspectah Deck and others live in concert. The historic Apollo Theater is located at 253 West 125th Street in New York.

The staging of this event is a confirmation of Lyricist Lounge’s growth. Lyricist Lounge began as a regular gathering of some of New York’s best underground MCs at various locations in and around New York City, but it has now grown into one of the culture’s most recognized platforms, showcasing newcomers and veterans alike. Click here to buy tickets.

Dave Hollister Has Back-To-Back Shows In Atlanta On April 16 & 17

Atlanta’s #1 R&B station, KISS 104.1 FM, will host Dave Hollister at the City Winery on April 16 and 17. Hollister, who found fame during the 1990s as one quarter of the R&B group Blackstreet, before going on to have a solo career, will do a total of 4 shows: two on the 16th and two on the 17th.

On each night there will be an early (6:30pm) and late (9:30pm) set. Atlanta’s City Winery is located at 650 North Avenue NE. Links to tickets and additional information are available at citywinery.com/atlanta.

Bunji Garlin Will Be In Jamaica For RYTZ

I Love Soca Jamaica and Tipsy Music Festival present RYTZ, an all-inclusive shindig on Carnival Thursday, April 24, in Kingston, Jamaica. The exact location will be announced at a later date.

Trinidadian ragga soca artist Bunji Garlin is confirmed to perform. Some of his earlier hits include “Big Bad Soca,” “Differentology,” and “Famalay,” which was done with Skinny Fabulous and Machel Montano.

Digital tickets for RYTZ can be purchased on carib.com, while physical tickets are available at the following locations: Texaco (Liguanea), The Pub (Mayfair), The Lifestore (Supervalue Town Centre), Loud Fashion (Half Way Tree), Genus Pharmacy (Portmore), Jacana (Manor Park & New Kingston), and Healthline Pharmacy (Liguanea).

Kitson Town Gospel Concert & Food Festival

Member of Parliament for West Central St. Catherine Christopher Tufton, who is also Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness, will be hosting the annual Kitson Town Gospel Concert & Food Festival at Wynter’s Park & Farm (Old Road) in St. Catherine on Thursday, April 17.

This year’s performers include Ketano, Minister Howdy, Goddy Goddy, Empress Cidella, and Crystal Maye, with juggling by deejay Stick. Gates will open at 4pm, but the show will not commence until 6pm. Admission is free!

Chaka Khan’s Euro Tour Kicks Off On March 28th

The celebration of Chaka Khan‘s 50 years in music continues with a short stint in Europe this spring. She will close off the month of March at the Retro Festival in Switzerland before heading to New Zealand and then Australia. See all dates and locations below.

Mar. 28 – 29, 2025
Luzern, Switzerland
Retro Festival

Apr. 16, 2025
Auckland, New Zealand
The Civic

Apr. 18, 2025
St Kilda, Australia
Palais Theatre

Apr. 20, 2025
Tyagarah, Australia
Byron Bay Bluesfest 2025

Apr. 22, 2025
Sydney, Australia
Sydney Opera House Concert Hall

Apr. 22, 2025
Sydney, Australia
Sydney Opera House Concert Hall

Apr. 23, 2025
Sydney, Australia
Sydney Opera House

JIPO & JaRIA’s Original Song Competition

The Original Song Competition that is being presented by JIPO in partnership with JaRIA is still active. Anyone wanting to participate should send in their application by this Friday, March 28th.

Applicants should submit a video between 60-90 seconds long of them performing an original song that has not yet been commercially released. No profanity is allowed, and all submissions must be from someone 18 years or older.

Videos should be sent to marketing.jariaentertainment@gmail.com along with the applicant’s name and phone number.