Encore Live Returns with Reggae Soul Featuring Duane Stephenson

Ocho Rios is set to host another unforgettable night of live music as Midas Entertainment and Srivaz Entertainment present “Encore Live,” a follow-up to their previous successful event. Billed as “Reggae Soul,” this show will feature reggae artist Duane Stephenson, backed by the Kurfew Band.

It will take place on Sunday, July 26, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at 8 Rivaz Ultra Lounge on Main Street in Ocho Rios.

Known for his soulful voice and roots-reggae sound, Duane Stephenson has built a reputation as one of Jamaica’s standout contemporary reggae performers. Paired with the Kurfew Band‘s live instrumentation, the evening promises an authentic reggae soul experience for fans in and around Ocho Rios.

Victor Thompson Brings “Rooted World Tour” to London This August

Gospel artist Victor Thompson will headline a London stop on his “Rooted World Tour” on August 1, 2026, at Hackney Church, Lower Clapton Road, in London.

The event will feature guest performers Emmanuel Smith, Folabi Nuel, and Neon Adejo, promising an evening of worship and live music for attendees. Tickets and additional details are accessible via victorthompsonmusic.com.

Totally Delicious to Host “Under the Stars: Jokes N Jammins” for Jamaica’s Independence Celebration

Totally Delicious Ice Cream Park in Old Harbour, St. Catherine, will host “Under the Stars: Jokes N Jammins,” a comedy and entertainment event celebrating Jamaica’s Independence, on Friday, August 7th.

Gates open at 7:00 p.m., with the show starting at 8:00 p.m. and running until midnight. The lineup features comedian Majah Hype, billed as the “King of Caribbean Comedy,” alongside Fancy Cat (Old Harbour’s Own), Kathy Grant, Lenn Hammond, Eric Donaldson, and Christopher Martin and his band.

Tickets are available in two tiers. General admission is priced at $4,000 JMD for early bird purchases through July 17th, rising to $5,000 JMD afterward. VIP admission is $7,000 JMD early bird through July 17th, increasing to $9,000 JMD after that date.

Tickets can be purchased at totallydeliciousjamaica.com. The event is presented by Totally Delicious and sponsored in part by Fesco.

Gospel Industry Coalition to Host “Next Up Right Now” Showcase in Charlotte

The Gospel Industry Coalition (GIC) will present “Next Up Right Now: Stone’s Throw Collective,” a Stellar Awards-sanctioned event, on Thursday, August 13, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, 7272 W. Trade Street in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The session will feature a panel of respected gospel artists and industry figures, including Jonathan McReynolds, MAJOR., Enrique Holmes, Deon Kipping, Jabari Johnson, Jermaine Dolly, Emile G. Washington, David “DLO” Outing, and Dee Wilson.

The showcase gives a select group of up-and-coming artists the opportunity to share their music and receive direct feedback from established creatives in the industry. Participants are encouraged to bring their tracks, their team, and their best presentation, as the event is designed to help artists strengthen their craft and elevate their careers.

Registration is required, and space is limited. The session is free to attend. For more information or to register, visit www.gospelindustrycoalition.org.

Nomade Reggae Festival Returns to France for Its 11th Edition in 2026

The Nomade Reggae Festival is set to return for its 11th edition from July 30 to August 2, 2026, in Anglefort, France. Nestled between the lake and the mountains at the foot of the majestic Grand Colombier, the four-day event will once again celebrate reggae music while promoting the festival’s core values of solidarity, peace, and unity.

Recognized for its commitment to international solidarity, the Nomade Reggae Festival brings together internationally acclaimed performers alongside emerging local talent. This year’s edition will place a special spotlight on the vibrant reggae, dub, and sound system scene from the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sharing the stage with some of reggae’s biggest international names.

The first wave of artists includes Alpha Blondy, Admiral T, Groundation, Anthony B, Skarra Mucci x Manudigital, Jah9, Big Red, Jah Mason, Zentone, Lyricson, Sinaï Sound System, I Woks, Dub Silence, Ensemble National Reggae, The Tighters, Meeting Sound System: Soul Stereo, The Archivists, and D47 Sound System, with additional acts expected to be announced.

Beyond the live performances, festivalgoers can enjoy four dedicated sound system stages, food vendors, cultural activities, market stalls, and complimentary camping, creating an immersive reggae experience in one of France’s most picturesque outdoor settings.

Hempress Sativa Kicks Off Extensive European Summer Tour

Reggae powerhouse Hempress Sativa is back on the road this summer with a packed run of European tour dates, offered in two formats: full band show or track show.

The tour follows the release of her lates album WOMAN on March 20, 2026, produced entirely by Paolo Baldini DubFiles. The record delivers a message of power, gender awareness, and resistance, weaving together spirituality, identity, and determination into a single narrative. Since its release, Hempress Sativa has taken the album on a club tour that reached audiences as far afield as India and Colombia, before now bringing the show back to European festival stages.

The summer run kicked off at the Hampafestivalen in Svedala on June 26, and was followed by Couleur Café in Bruxelles on the 27th. Fans across Europe can catch Hempress Sativa at the following confirmed dates and locations:

16 July – Summer Nite Festival, Mogliano, IT (Band Show)
24 July – Ostroda Festival, Ostroda, PL (Band Show)
25 July – Bababoom Festival, Marina di Fermo, IT (Band Show)
26 July – WOMAD Festival, Wiltshire, UK (Band Show)
31 July – Sunfest, Bergamo, IT (Track Show)
1 August – Era Ora Festival, Torbole, IT (Track Show)
4 August – Jamit Fest, Melpignano, IT (Track Show)
15 August – Afro C, Bruxelles, BE (Band Show)
29 August – Uprising Festival, Bratislava, SK (Band Show)
11 September – Sun Donato, Bologna, IT (Band Show)
18 September – Festival Boreal, Los Silos Tenerife, ES (Track Show)
19 September – Sonraiz, Carcabuey, ES (Track Show)

Jah Izrehl Releases Official Video for “Babylon a Wicked”

Reggae recording artist Jah Izrehl has unveiled the official music video for his single, “Babylon a Wicked,” delivering a visual that complements the song’s message of social and political awareness.

Directed by Quan Nelson, the video features Jah Izrehl performing the track while dressed in army shorts, sneakers, and a Third World toque. Throughout the visual, the conscious reggae artiste is also seen smoking a spliff, reinforcing the roots reggae aesthetic that accompanies the song’s uncompromising message.

In “Babylon a Wicked,” Jah Izrehl uses the term “Babylon” to symbolize oppressive world leaders and systems of power. The lyrics address ongoing conflicts across the globe, expressing the view that many wars are driven by the desire to seize land rather than achieve peace.

The official video is now available on YouTube and other digital platforms.