Block Aye’s Crimson Red returns this weekend, on Saturday, March 11th, starting at 8pm, on their lawn at the University of the West Indies (Kingston). They have tapped international recording artist I-Wayne to perform, and promises that it will be bigger and better than their other events.
Kadian Blair, more popularly known as Ikaya, has instigated a robust discussion about domestic abuse and what should be the appropriate response to an unfaithful partner. The talks began shortly after her new single – Self Defense – began making the rounds last month.
On the controversial track, Ikaya tells the tale of a woman who claimed Self Defense after killing her cheating companion, a man who – in addition to committing adultery – had abused her repeatedly throughout most of their relationship. Responses to the record – and its underlying message – have been mixed; with some people in support of Ikaya‘s position, and others opposing it.
In addition to being a very interesting and thought-provoking story, Self Defense is also a superb song. It was well written, and was performed immaculately by the Waterhouse native.
Featured on the Things & Time Riddim, which was produced by Pandemic Records, Self Defense was officially released in January, 2023. Other artists on the compilation are: Chronic Law, Takeova, Jah Lama, Little Hero, Frass Khalifa and Xip Boss.
All in One Promotions, in conjunction with the USVI Department of Tourism-Division of Festivals, is inviting all reggae lovers and partygoers to their world-class event dubbed Rocking Steady. It promises to be a night of incredible music performed by legendary artists: Tarrus Riley, Pressure Busspipe and Duane Stephenson.
Rocking Steady will be held at the Crown Bay Center in St. Thomas, USVI, on Saturday 25th March, from 8pm until 2am the following day. General admission on the day of the show is $75; however, advance tickets are still available for $60.
On Friday, April 7th, dancehall artist Bounty Killer will perform at Cubes Party JA. The event is to take place at the Versatile Complex in May Pen, Clarendon. Music will be provided by Stone Love Sound, DJ Cancer, No Limit International, and Niney Badness; with Wayne Spice confirmed as host. Click here for tickets.
Love Uprising by JC Lodge is currently #1, while Wayne Armond‘s New Babylon enters the top ten, on the South Florida Reggae Charts compiled by Clinton Lindsay. To boot, the Positive Transfusion EP, on which the aforementioned songs are featured, is #2 on the album charts!
JC Lodge‘s primary placement should not surprise anyone who has heard the song, and has been following its rapid advancement on reggae playlists all over the world. Lodge is a living legend with mega hits like Someone Loves You Honey, Telephone Love and other chart topping songs under her belt. And based on its trajectory, Love Uprising is on track to achieve a similar status.
Likewise, New Babylon, performed by Wayne Armond – the consummate songwriter and composer from the famed reggae band Chalice – is undoubtedly one of the most compelling reggae songs out right now. In a riveting manner it questions the current state of our youths, our music, and our overall way of life. According to Armond, this is the ‘New Babylon.’
The other songs on the Positive Transfusion EP are: War a Gwaan by Luciano, Mama You Worthy by Pinchers, Gonna Be Alright by Carlton Coffie and Don’t Trust Dem by Stevie Malekuu.
Last October, Phylani Music Entertainment – based in Ontario, Canada – and TasJay Productions – a Jamaican imprint – collaborated on a reggae compilation called My Turn Riddim. The eight-track album has music from several veteran artists, as well as a handful of emerging talents, namely: Rad Dixon, Luciano, Tony Anthony, Ed Robinson, Treson, Try Bronxz, Unique, and Fiona Chin.
Though shared in 2022, songs on the My Turn Riddim continue to get a lot of support today. Luciano‘s single, World Destruction, leads the way with ongoing radio rotation, which usually results in the entire project being featured. Notwithstanding the previous statement, each song is strong on its own, and is equally highlighted on reggae platforms worldwide.
The My Turn Riddim was produced by the musical teams at Phylani Music and TasJay Productions, with arrangement by Osborne ‘Ifield’ Joseph. All songs can be streamed and / or downloaded from iTunes, Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify and all other digital music stores.
The upcoming Reggae Rise Up Music Festival is set for March 16, 17, 18 and 19, at the Vinoy Park – 701 Bayshore Drive, North East – in St. Petersburg, Florida. Jamaica’s music – Reggae – will be both highlighted and celebrated throughout the event.
The extensive lineup includes Raging Fyah, Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley, Koffee, Alborosie, and that is just to name a few. The four-day event will not only feature live musical performances, but they will also have dedicated yoga sessions with various instructors.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 