Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has announced that a Celebration of Life in honour of the late reggae singer Ernie Smith will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026.

Described by Minister Grange as “an evening of music, memories and celebration,” the event will take place at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in Kingston, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Smith, widely regarded as one of Jamaica’s most influential musical talents, passed away last month in the United States after a period of illness. Throughout his distinguished career, he made a lasting impact on reggae and its subgenres with a catalog of timeless recordings. Among his best-known songs are Life Is Just For Living, Duppy Gunman, Pitta Patta, and I For Jesus.

The event is expected to bring together family, friends, fellow entertainers, and fans to honour the life and legacy of the iconic reggae singer.

Moe’s Alley in Santa Cruz, California, will host a special tribute honoring the late Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore on Thursday, June 4, 2026. The evening will feature Third World alongside Kumar Fyah, with additional performances from The Rudians.

Doors open at 7:00 p.m. with the show beginning at 8:00 p.m. Advance tickets are priced at $35, increasing to $40 on the day of the event. The show is strictly for patrons aged 21 and over, with valid identification required for entry.

This June, Reggae on the Mountain will transform Monte Scherbelino in Paderborn, Germany into a lively celebration of reggae and Afro-influenced sounds. Staged under the theme “Bridge of Cultures: Kingston meets Lagos,” the two-day festival is scheduled for June 5–6.

Festival gates will open at 4:00 p.m. on Friday and 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, offering attendees live performances, sound system culture, international cuisine and family-friendly activities. The lineup includes Jah Mason, IniMan Caveman Intl., King Kenny, Maga Gwatta 202, Fyah Prince, J. Bong and Dan Safari on Friday, while Saturday’s program features Admiral Tibet, Hector Morton & Friends, Fireblack, King Noah, Ras Donnavan, Commanda Messiah, Atum Shekhem & Friends and several additional acts.

Camping facilities will be available for patrons wishing to stay on-site. Two-day advance tickets are available for €50, while camping access is priced at €20. Tickets can be secured through Reggae Ticket.

On May 22, 2026, Christopher Martin and Agent Sasco joined forces for the release of “Easy,” an inspirational reggae single issued by Silly Walks Discotheque. The track delivers a positive and uplifting message, encouraging listeners to navigate life with a calm mindset and avoid allowing external pressures or negativity to become overwhelming.

Through their respective lyrical approaches, both artists emphasize the importance of maintaining perspective and embracing a more balanced outlook despite life’s challenges.

Ahead of the song’s release, the accompanying music video premiered on YouTube on May 21. The visual is available on the YouTube channels of Christopher Martin, Agent Sasco, and Silly Walks Discotheque.

Reggae in the Fields, Canada’s longest-running reggae radio program, is proud to announce its upcoming 50th Anniversary in June 2026. In preparation for this historic month-long broadcast on CKCU 93.1 FM, the program is issuing a global invitation to listeners, artists, and music industry professionals to contribute to a commemorative audio-visual archive.

Since its debut in 1976, hosted by Junior Smith, Reggae in the Fields has been a cornerstone of the Canadian music landscape, providing a vital platform for roots, lovers rock, dancehall, and dub. The 50-year milestone represents not only the show’s longevity but the enduring power of reggae culture in the National Capital Region and beyond.

“This celebration is for everyone who has tuned in over the last five decades,” says Junior Smith. “We want the voices of the community-the artists we’ve played and the listeners who have grown up with us to be the stars of this anniversary.”

Submission Categories
Artists: Special anniversary dub plates and station jingles.
Listeners: Recorded voice or video messages sharing personal memories or “Happy Anniversary” wishes.
Industry: Tributes and congratulatory messages from producers, promoters, and media colleagues.

The collected submissions will be featured during the special anniversary across the program’s digital platforms.

Submission Details
Deadline: June 6, 2026
Format: High-quality MP3, WAV, or MP4 files.
Email: reggaeinthefields@gmail.com

About Reggae in the Fields
Broadcasting every Saturday from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM EST on CKCU 93.1 FM, Reggae in the Fields is a premier destination for reggae music in Canada. For 50 years, the show has remained dedicated to educating, entertaining, and uplifting its audience through the message of “One Love.”