The wait is almost over! At the end of March, Anthony Cruz – the man with the soulful voice – in association with Tad’s Record Inc., will release Under the Covers, his highly anticipated studio album. It will feature approximately twenty tracks, some of which are remakes of neo-soul and RnB classics.

If You Were Here Tonight, Cruz‘s current single being promoted by Tad’s Record, is among the songs that will be presented on the LP. It was released in mid August (2022), and the official video followed months later, on December 16.

In a recent interview with the Jamaica Observer Anthony Cruz explained why Under the Covers will highlight predominantly soulful reggae music: “Wi see where, especially in di dancehall, yuh used to have man an’ woman a dance but yuh don’t see dat anymore. Now is pare man yuh si a dance, an’ is like di younger people dem lose dat sensitivity. These songs can express certain affection between man an’ woman.”

Under the Covers is now available for pre-order on Apple Music, Spotify and Deezer.

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER “UNDER THE COVERS”

The 2nd annual California Vibrations Festival (Cali Vibes) will take place on Presidents’ Day weekend – Friday, February 17th, through Sunday, February 19th – at Marina Green Park in Long Beach, California. This is arguably one of the west coast’s biggest urban music festival.

Goldenvoice, the organizer of the event, has confirmed reggae legends Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley and Stephen Marley as headliners. Other reggae-dancehall acts on the lineup include: Steel Pulse, Kabaka Pyramid, Sister Nancy, Baby Cham, Demarco, Protoje, Collie Buddz etc.

Approximately two weeks ago the marketing team at Big Feet Records shared snippets of Bushman‘s latest single. Since then the positive reviews have been numerous and continuous. The consensus is that this new record will be just as big, or possibly bigger than some of his earlier hits: Call The Hearse, Fire Bun A Weak Heart, Nyah Man Chant, Worries and Problems etc.

The brand new track is a lovers-rock reggae song titled Love Ya So Bad. It was officially published on Friday, January 20th via Big Feet Records, and as such, is now available on all streaming platforms. 

Not only did Bushman sing the lead on Love Ya So Bad, he also joined Nikki Burt on the backing vocals, resulting in a rich harmonious sound that immediately grabs the attention of the listener. The executive producer is Josh Harris, who played both bass and keyboard, while Santa Davis did the drums. Love Ya SoBad was mixed by Tommi Tikkenen and mastered by Earle Holder. 

It is no coincidence that this tune was shared only a few weeks before valentine’s day. The decision was strategic, as the song is all about a man who is madly in love with his lady, and is not afraid to express it.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “LOVE YA SO BAD”

On Friday, February 10th, VP Music Group will release a tribute album to one of reggae’s most influential songwriters, Bob Andy. The two CD set compilation – fifteen tracks on CD1 and ten tracks on CD2 – which is titled We Remember Bob Andy, will also be available on vinyl.

It features various top-tier reggae artists and instrumentalists covering some of Bob Andy‘s work: Tarrus Riley “Desperate Lover,” Bitty McLean “Let Them Say,” Beres Hammond “I’ve Got To Go Back Home,” Olaf Blackwood “You Don’t Know” etc.

WAVZ One Love Jerk Festival will take place on Sunday, February 12th at WAVZ Beach Club in Negril, Jamaica. There will be a live performance by trending reggae artist Hezron, with additional music by Absolute, Big Red, Choice Movement, CK, and Platinum.

The event will run from 12 in the afternoon to 10pm. Entrance fee for adults is $2,000 JMD, while kids twelve and under is being asked to pay only $500.