At the end of October – specifically on the 28th – EU based production team Irie Ites, in collaboration with Evidence Music, released the Watch Dem Riddim.
This is a one drop reggae rhythm that features two of Jamaica’s legendary roots artists: Sugar Minott (with Watch Dem) and Tristan Palmer (with Never Get Weary).
Click here to stream / download the Watch Dem Riddim from your preferred music platform.
The 1st annual Caribbean Winter Festival is set for Saturday, December 10th at T.H.A.P Courtyard – 5508 N 50th Street – in Tampa, Florida. This island music event is being presented by DND Entertainment and Bassline Muzik Ent.
The lineup includes Denise Belfon, Demarco, Yaksta, Kinsy and Jah Tiff; with additional music by DJ Kirky-C, DJ Klive and Lips International. Tickets and additional information are available on eventbrite.
Reggae singer Ernie Smith, who rose to prominence in the 1970s, will be having a Crismus Cantata at the University of the West Indies – Mona Campus on Sunday, December 4th. The concert will be held in the university’s chapel.
Smith will perform live, and will be joined by two other accomplished artists: Gem Myers and Boris Gardiner. Starting time is 5pm, and there is a $6,000 JMD entrance fee.
Ernie Smith‘s first chart success came in the late 1960s with Bend Down, which was followed by several hits in Jamaica: Ride on Sammy, One Dream, and Pitta Patta. In 1973, he was honored by the Jamaican government with The Badge of Honor For Meritorious Service in the Field of Music.
Bajans all over the world will celebrate their independence at the end of November. That said, there are countless festivities happening throughout the month, as everyone gets ready for the big day. One such event is Imagine Weekend.
Imagine Weekend is arguably one of the most anticipated events in Barbados right now. This is three parties, starring four major acts, taking place on one weekend.
On Friday, November 25th, Bounty Killer and Beenie Man will headline the Iconic Concert at Kensington Oval. This will be followed by Twisted in Paradise, a cruise on board the Harbour Master. And on the final day, the 27th, Machel Montano and Popcaan will perform at an unannounced location. Get additional information at imagineweekend-dot–com.
On Sunday, December 11th, Rasta Lion Wear will host the Jamhuri Day Celebration – an East-African festival – at Heko Farm (55 Canterbury Road West) in Lara, Victoria, Australia.
The lineup includes multi-award winning Kenyan band Sauti Sol; one of Kenya’s most popular Kikuyu secular musician, Musaimo; and Jamaican roots-reggae singer Turbulence. DJ Double Trouble and DJ Kalonje are also on the program. Get tickets here.
On the Jamaica Music Countdown Charts – published on November 4th, by Richard ‘Richie B’ Burgess – the God man Little Hero is sitting in the #1 spot in a couple of categories. Hero‘s song, World Right Now, which has been on the chart for nineteen weeks, is now number one on the Top 25 Reggae Singles Chart; And his LP – The Journey Continue – is the number one album in the country.
The World Right Now is an inspirational dancehall track produced by brothers Sheldon and Leroy Edwards for their imprint Pandemic Records. It was first shared in the last quarter of 2021, and was also on Pandemic Records‘ Logic Riddim; a dancehall compilation that also has songs by Munga Honorable, Sizzla Kalonji, Fantan Mojah, Chillum and others.
As for the album, The Journey Continue came out on July 15, 2022. It features his current trending single, World Right Now, as well as renditions of faith-based tunes: Don’t Ever Give Up, God Is Amazing and Thank God For Another Day. There are also several songs that solidify the exceptionality of Little Hero’s artistry: Heart Of Kingston, Straight From My Heart and Do TheRight Thing. Hero and his team made The Journey Continue a family affair by including his sons Jason ‘Don1’ Gayle and Jemar ‘Jay1’ Gayle, who both joined him on the track Do The Right Thing.
In a recent interview with The Jamaica Star, Sheldon Edwards, one of the co-founders of Pandemic Records, said that World Right Now is their first number one single. He went on to say “it’s a major milestone for both Little Hero and Pandemic Records.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “WORLD RIGHT NOW”
The Legends Only – Art Basel Weekend is a four day art and music celebration aimed at bringing together diverse urban artists from various creative genres: music, visual arts etc. It will run from December 1st to the 5th at Skatebird Miami – 533 NE 83rd Street – in Miami, Florida.
Reggae Night – which is on the 4th – will feature live performances by some true reggae legends: the bad boys of reggae, Inner Circle, and the adventurous traveler Ky-Mani Marley. Both brands will be supported by several emerging acts. Get additional at legendsonly-dot-live.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 