Maidstone Community Council in collaboration with Member of Parliament for the Manchester North Western Constituency, Mikael Phillips, present Fus A August Emancipation Day Fest, on August 1, 2023, at Maidstone in North West Manchester.
There will be lots of family activities, food and live music by local and invited guest artists. Confirmed are Ernie Smith, Tony Rebel, Luciano, Jai Kingston and Tashara.
After a three-year hiatus, the anticipation for the upcoming Black Forest On Fire Festival is greater than ever. For three days (July 28th to 30th) patrons will be treated to music, food, fun, and overall good vibes at Pappelwaldsee in Berghaupten, Germany.
The biggest highlight of the weekend of course is the live show. There will be performances by Inner Circle, Fantan Mojah, Nattali Rize, Culture, Kenyatta Hill, and many more. Get additional info here.
Though we can all agree that the COVID-19 pandemic was a dark time, we should also acknowledge that it has given us with some great talents. One such gift is former medical practitioner turn singer, Auraiya. The Jamaica-based vocalist penned and published her first song, This Must Be Love, during the epidemic and hasn’t left the studio since.
One of her most recent records is Pendulum, a Caribbean-pop track – fused with dancehall – that will serve as the lead single for her forthcoming debut album. Pendulum, which literally means being swung between two extremes, was inspired by lessons learnt in life, love and relationships. It’s being described by some selectors as both different and refreshing.
When asked what she would like listeners to take away from the song Auraiya said the following: “I am not a feminist, however I wanted our women to feel empowered and to know their worth and to know when to walk away if they don’t feel valued. It also for real men out there, to know their value, and never be a ‘Pendulum’.”
Pendulum is available on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms, and it comes to us courtesy of Rocky Valley Records.
After capturing the attention of music lovers with the release of his debut album Reggae Man, recording artist Tradition Man Wolo has opted to increase his responsibilities by adding producer and CEO to his title. To that end, the Ghanaian singer has co-founded Wonder 4 Music and is busy producing the label’s first project, Come Home To Africa.
The compilation’s lead single is Sweet Africa and it’s performed by Wonder 4 Music‘s youngest signee Donskii. Although based in Ghana, the 18-year-old’s musical style is equally influenced by the sounds of GH and that of his father’s country, Jamaica. This is evident on the aforementioned track, which received the following feedback from popular American radio personality Tracy Moore: “this one is sweet indeed…i’d love to hear more from this artist..thanks so much.”
The official video for Sweet Africa is just as captivating as the song itself. Shot by Director Tee, it highlights the beauty of the continent while simultaneously promoting unity among its nations. Sweet Africa is available on iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal and all other streaming platforms.
Excitement is building in and around Long Beach, California as the 34th annual Long Beach Jazz Festival draws near. The three-day event will take place on August 11th, 12th and 13th, and will feature some of the best live performers in the business.
Confirmed are Maxi Priest, Erin Stevenson, Norman Brown, Kenny Lattimore, Mike Phillips, Kim Scott, Myron McKinley, Najee, Marcus Miller, Will Downing, and many more. It will be held at Rainbow Lagoon Park on East Shoreline Drive in Long Beach, California. Additional information is available on the event’s website.
Many years ago – on March 24, 2021 – the Canadian House of Commons voted unanimously to officially designate August 1st as the country’s Emancipation Day. It was on that day in 1834 that the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 went into effect across the British Empire.
Likewise, for Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora, August 1 represents the abolition of the dehumanising system which had enslaved people of African descent in the British colony for over 150 years.
As such, Jamaicans living in Canada have always had a huge Emancipation Day party, and 2023 will be no different. This year’s celebration is being incorporated into the Jambana One World Festival, happening at Gage Park in Brampton, Ontario on Monday, August 7th.
The organizers have tapped 60s reggae/soca band, Fabulous Five, to headline the event. The 45-year-old ensemble remains one of the best live show bands in Jamaica to this day. They will be joined by several top-tier Canadian artists.
The 2002 Jamaica Independence Talent Competition finalist, Yahdeen Essence, is back with a new record called Teach Me. The song is one of four featured on the Passion Fruit Riddim, which is produced and published by Pandemic Records & Entertainment LLC.
Having been active in the music industry since the tender age of 15, the St. Ann’s artist has committed to what is essentially the road less traveled. As opposed to doing the kind of songs that attracts a lot of attention in a short period of time, Yahdeen has instead chosen to create substantive music. Her songs are generally considered to be inspirational, motivational and/or spiritual.
Teach Me is penned and performed as an open prayer to God, and is sung effortlessly by the highly experienced vocalist. Not only does it add balance to the Passion Fruit compilation, but it also gives it a bit of diversity, as Capleton, Ras Kronik and Sizzla all took a more aggressive approach with their tracks.
And although Yahdeen Essence has recorded and released quite a few songs over the years, it is believed by everyone who’s heard it that Teach Me is one of her stronger tunes.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 