After surprising their followers with a funk track by Torch a few weeks ago, Big Feet Records is getting back to their roots with a new reggae tune.
Scheduled for release on Friday, July 22nd, Jah Loves Me More Everyday – performed by Grammy award-winning reggae singer Mykal Rose – is a laid back track that’s reminiscent of 80s reggae music. For approximately two minutes and forty-three seconds, Rose gratifies his listeners with a beautiful melody, and what can only be described as a honest and heartfelt message.
The song is being distributed by VPal Music, a subsidiary of VP Records – the independent Caribbean-owned record label based in Queens, New York (with offices in Miami, London, Kingston, Tokyo, Johannesburg and Rio de Janeiro). Josh Harris – Big Feet‘s CEO and owner – have forged a partnership with VPal and as such, they have been responsible for most, if not all of the imprint’s distribution.
The highly anticipated album from veteran reggae singer Little Hero is now available on all digital streaming platforms. The twelve-track masterpiece, titled The Journey Continue – which is being distributed by Tad’s Record – went live today: Friday, July 15th.
Hero – who has been actively releasing and promoting new music in recent months – appropriately started the project with an inspirational tune called Ready Again. On it he says he is going to rise again; and having already achieved major success on both the local and international scene, this message should be welcomed by all his supporters. His flexibility is on full display on this album as he comfortably tackles dancehall, reggae and even love songs, done specifically for the ladies.
The project 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. Additionally, tracks such as Heart Of Kingston, Straight From My Heart and Do The Right Thing, solidify the exceptionality of Little Hero’s artistry on this LP. He made it a family affair by including his sons: Jason ‘Don1’ Gayle and Jemar ‘Jay1’ Gayle, who both joined him on Do The Right Thing.
Producers credited on The Journey Continue include: (World Right Now) Sheldon and Leroy Edwards for Pandemic Records, (Always on My Mind) Conroy Smith and (Heart of Kingston) Donglez Records. All other tracks were written and produced by Little Hero and his brother Pzed of God Alone Studios.
Love & Reggae – the popular concert series that features the absolute best in Jamaican reggae music – is returning to Charlotte and Atlanta this summer.
Industry heavy weights Beres Hammond and Third World will be playing back to back shows on August 27th and 28th. On the 27th they will be at The Oasis Shriners Auditorium at 604 Doug Mayes Place in Charlotte; and on the following day – the 28th – the show will move to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Georgia.
For links to tickets and additional information, visit berescltdotcom.
The Jukebox Concert Series makes its debut on Sunday, August 21st with the 2022 JukeBox Fest, at the historical Queen Mary Park – also known as Harry Bridges Memorial Park – in Long Beach, California. This is a multi-genre festival which brings the nostalgia of yesteryears with a modern twist.
Performers include: Shabba Ranks, Tony! Toni! Toné!, Cutty Ranks, Machel Montano, Patrice Roberts, Ricardo Drue, Adina Howard, Shanice, Renee Neufville of Zhane, Snap!, Tanya Carter and Osocity. Get tickets and additional information here.
Richie Stephens is a true ambassador of Jamaican music, culture and lifestyle. He has represented the island admirably on the international stage, and he continues to enjoy ongoing adulation from his peers here at home. To that end, it should not come as a surprise to anyone to learn that he has written and produced a tune for this year’s Jamaica Festival Song Competition.
The track is titled Defend Jamaica, and it is performed by Nitty Kutchie: one of the strongest vocalist in the industry.
Defend Jamaica is an upbeat reggae song that’s fused with dancehall; and whilst the rhythm is irresistible, it’s Stephens‘ lyrics combined with Kutchie‘s delivery that makes it a real contender.
“I will forever defend Jamaica and it no matta anywhere I go,
the black green and gold deep inna my soul I love Jamaica more than you know.”
Both men have been friends for approximately thirty years, with Richie having penned lines for Nitty Kutchie in the past. When asked why he chose Nitty Kutchie, Stephens said the following:
“I choose Nitty Kutchie cause Nitty Kutchie is like a brother to me for many many years. I find him to be a good person and that is very important to me. Other than that, Nitty Kutchie has one a the best voices in reggae music and I’m not just saying that. His sound, his voice is something that connect with people everytime he sings, but I don’t think Nitty Kutchie get the kind a chance he deserves to deliver with the kind of voice that he has; so I always have that in mind. And this is not the 1st or the 2nd time I’ve been working with Nitty Kutchie; I’ve been writing and producing songs with Nitty Kutchie over the years. So I just feel like he would be the right person to deliver this song with that kind of hardcore Jamaican sounding voice.”
To ensure that the song had the perfect sound, Stephens was not only selective in choosing the ideal lead vocalist, he also brought in an all-star cast of musicians to create the beat. Othniel ‘Ottey’ Lewis played keys, Dave Green played drums, Robert Browne was on guitar, Courtney Panton did the bass, Richie Stephens also played keyboard and Dean Fraser and his group of brass players did the horn section. Defend Jamaica was recorded and mixed by Marvin ‘Wacko’ Jackson.
On July 30 and 31st, Cayenne, French Guiana will host the very first edition of the WYHCELLA Beach Music Festival. It will take place at the popular tourist destination, Pointe Buzaré, located at 1 Rue Schoelcher.
The event is being presented with the hopes of attracting visitors back to the region after two years of absence due to the health crisis. It will feature several artists from varying musical styles. Among them is Jamaica’s lava king I-Wayne.
All additional information can be obtained from the event’s official website: wyhcelladotcom.
Lalo Akau and Rootzology will be giving the people of Reno a treat this month. They are bringing reggae’s living legend JC Lodge to the city for a massive show on Sunday, July 24th. Venue is The Alpine, situated at 324 E. Fourth Street, and starting time is 9pm.
The twenty-one and older event will also have additional music by DJ Aline; who will be doubling as both the evening’s host and selector.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 