Local organizations join forces to promote student awareness

Give Back Jamaica (GBJ) and Blakkwuman22 Music will collaborate at Whitfield Primary School on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, to inspire and uplift young students by facilitating interactions with reggae and dancehall artists who can impart their experiences, wisdom, and positive messages.

In 2025, the team will visit schools in Kingston, St. Catherine, Clarendon, and Manchester as part of the GBJ Artist Voice-Up Program. During their visits, they will read, recite, and encourage students to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of family values, diversity, and global community needs through the educational and entertaining aspects of reading.

Their first stop at Whitfield Primary School will honor the late principal Karen Powell who collapsed and died February 21, 2025. They will also collaborate with Winsome Wishes for KIDS (WWKIDS), an advocate of Graphogame and whose mission is to promote equity in classrooms for all children regardless of learning abilities.

The team will engage in constructive discussions with students, teachers, and local volunteers on topics including early childhood experiences and cultural differences and similarities that promote positive behaviors. The focus will be on addressing common misconceptions about reggae and dancehall artists, character development, leadership, community engagement, the importance of education, and expressing gratitude.

“This collaboration benefits all organizations involved,” stated Hopeton Brown, GBJ president. “Our efforts are crucial. We must prepare our children for the future. We will commit our time and effort to provide mentoring for our youth. It is important to guide them early to prevent future difficulties. Our goal is to ensure that no child is left behind, and that is why we are here.”

Blakkwuman22 Music will provide musicians who have a deep passion for Jamaica and a commitment to promoting peace and community building. WWKIDS will invite Jamaican authors to read to the children and engage them in interactive sessions aimed at encouraging self-expression, confidence, and memory retention. Additionally, GBJ, through its Kickers Club program, will donate up to 50 pairs of school shoes to students in need.

About Give Back Jamaica
Give Back Jamaica is a non-profit organization founded in 2013 that achieved 501(c)(3) status in 2021. Since its inception, the organization has collaborated with over 50 Jamaican primary schools and remains committed to enhancing the lives of school children. It promotes educational and community development through innovative programs and strategic partnerships. Our mission is to empower the youth of Jamaica by providing them with the necessary tools and support to build a brighter future.

About Blakkwuman22 Music
Blakkwuman22 Music is an independent Record Label, Publishing House and Music Distribution Company, owned and operated by recording artist Karamanti.

Jamaica Woodland Festival

Jamaica’s culture will be on full display at the upcoming Jamaica Woodland Festival. It will take place on Saturday, April 26th, at Pearly Beach in St. Ann, from 10am, and will run for a full 24 hours, ending at 10am the following morning.

This all-day family-friendly event will offer camping, food, and live music. Performing are Jah Bouks, Bushman, Turbulence, Warrior King, Bunny General, Dahvid Slur, Rising Suns, Empress Minott, Jahbar I, and others. Digital tickets can be purchased on caribtix.com.

Sizzla Will Be At Ras Campbell’s Earthstrong On March 29th

Emerging artist Ras Campbell will be celebrating his birthday with a stage show and dance on Saturday, March 29th. It will be at his place, Ras Campbell Lawn, in Breastwork, Portland.

Several artists and selectors will be in attendance to support the deejay. Confirmed are Sizzla Kalonji, Daddy Shark, Singer B, Night Hawk, Mr. Spinners, TeJean, Axxcess International Sound, Unruly Squad, and that is just to name a few.

Jamaica Festival Song Competition 2025

The deadline for this year’s Jamaica Festival Song Competition has been extended to March 31st. Entries should be Jamaican music of any genre, promote patriotism, and most importantly, capture the Jamaican spirit.

In order to enter, potential participants should visit jcdc.awardsplatform.com. There is a J$2,000 entry fee. Anyone wanting additional information should call 876.926.5726-9 or email info@jcdc.gov.jm.

Touch Of Soca

Daddy Grace, Jus Fishy, and Love Life Sounds present ‘Touch Of Soca,’ an immersive island-style party experience. It will be held at Atolye (Parkslope) in Brooklyn, New York, on Friday, March 28.

In addition to DJs spinning the hottest tunes, there will also be live performances by six Caribbean artists: Mr. Lee, Trinidad Killa, Nessa Preppy, ARP Live, N.T.P., and Hey Choppi. Click here for tickets.

A Candlelight Celebration of Life for Cocoa Tea

On Saturday, March 29th, several selectors will gather at the Okalee Village—2552 North State Road 7—in Hollywood, Florida, to celebrate the life and legacy of Cocoa Tea.

There will be musical selections by King Trendsetta, LP International, Bodyguard, Turbosonic from Jamaica, Innocent, Metrix Sound, Six Pac, Black Rhino International, and Braxton Movements.

This is a free event that’s open to the public. It will run from 6pm until midnight.

New York City Easter Experience

On Easter Sunday, April 20th, 2025, Bishop Hezekiah Walker will celebrate 31 years of church excellence at the New York City Easter Experience. As this is the Choir-Fest Edition, it will feature Donald Lawrence & company, Ricky Dillard & New G, JJ Hairston & YP, Vincent Bohanan & SOV, and James Hall Worship & Praise.

It will be held at the Pilgrim Renaissance Center, located at 1338 Broadway in Brooklyn, New York, and will start at 6pm local time. Click here for tickets.