Vocalist Everton Hardweare, better known by his stage name Singing Melody, will join Nature Ellis, Whitter, Taedo and Tarique at the Summer Feelings Festival on Saturday, July 9th.
The announced venue is Sky Deck – formerly known as Sky Life – which is located at 4 James Avenue in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Admission is $1,500 JMD.
Being good, honorable and right has become increasingly difficult in today’s world. It doesn’t matter if you are in Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, South America or Antarctica, the fact is we have all lowered our moral values in some respect. Functioning with diminished ethical principles is as a result of many factors: being bombarded by sexual and violent images – resulting in the desensitization of the latter; the politicization of faith and religion; as well as the glorification of money, fame and wealth.
That said, it is not often that we find individuals – especially those working within the music industry – that have managed to maintain high standards of morality and respectability. Ras Kidus is one such person. The Jamaican Rastafarian sing-jay, who is now based in the San Francisco Bay Area, refuses to succumb to the substandard thoughts and actions that have become the norm in communities around the world. He said as much in his latest single, Strong Like A Lion From Zion.
Written and produced in 2018, Strong Like A Lion From Zion was not officially shared with the public until December, 2021. It was produced by sound engineer and bass player Toho Saunders at Vibe Arc Studios, with input from co-producer Stephanie Slade of Digital Slade Art. The song is a heart-felt modern take on ancient teachings and rhythms.
Bankaii Unleashed, an event that promises the ultimate Caribbean party experience, is set for Saturday, June 25th at Hope Garden (Chinese Garden) in Kingston, Jamaica.
The organizers have tapped selectors Code Red, X Factor, DJ Milton and DJ Shella to provide a musical mix of dancehall, soca and afro-beat. Additionally, recording artist Mr. Lexx – who is known for his hit songs Get Wid It, Yu Nah and Cook – have been added to the lineup.
When Jamaicans think or speak about songs that celebrate their small Caribbean island, they always – without failing – make reference to Eric Donaldson and his music. Donaldson is the Saint Catherine singer who has cemented his name in history books by winning the Jamaican Festival Song Competition six times: 1971, 1977, 1978, 1984, 1993 and 1997.
His first winning song, Cherry Oh Baby, subsequently became an international hit that was covered by both The Rolling Stones (on their 1976 album, Black and Blue) and UB40 (on their 1983 album, Labour of Love).
On International Reggae Day weekend – specifically, Saturday, July 2nd, 2022 – Donaldson will take his love for Jamaica to Kenya, where he will perform at the Carnivore Grounds in Nairobi. The event, which is being presented by Island Vibes Kenya and Artvantage, will also feature several local acts. Get tickets and additional information here.
Outspoken dancehall artist Tanya Stephens, who is actively promoting her recently released single – Diamonds In The Sun – will be performing at Exit 21 Lounge on Thursday, June 23rd.
The twenty-one and older event will also feature the equally esteemed lyricist Bugle, who has publicly stated that Stephens is one of his favorite female artist. As this is a live band show, both entertainers will be supported by the Tower Band.
Exit 21’s address is 10 Dominica Drive in New Kingston, Jamaica; a central location with enough parking for all its patrons. The cost to enter and experience a night of good music, food and fun is only $3,500 JMD.
The aforementioned new single, Diamonds In The Sun, was produced by Tad ‘Jr. Tads’ Dawkins and Tad’s Record. It’s a three-way collaboration done by Tanya Stephens, Cedella Marley and Diana King. Diamonds In The Sun is now available on all music platforms.
Emerging music label, Paul Patmore Production – owned and operated by businessman and former politician Paul Patmore – is now expanding its services. Effective immediately, in addition to producing and promoting quality reggae and dancehall music, they will be operating as an independent booking agency.
One of the company’s first signees is Jamaican singing sensation Jodian Pantry, whose upcoming EP – which is due out in July of this year – is being produced by the imprint. PP Production is now her non-exclusive booking agent. They have also just added upcoming dancehall artist Fresh King to their roster.
The creation of a Bookings Department is just one of many changes at Paul Patmore Production. In an effort to further expand their reach, the label has joined bandcamp, the online audio distribution platform that allows fans to buy directly from producers and artists; effectively cutting out the middleman. They have also created a bandcamp account for their first lady, Jodian Pantry.
This year is the 20th edition of the Seasplash Festival, one of the longest-running independent festivals in Croatia. To mark the occasion, they have booked Macka B – Jamaican reggae artist, performer and activist with a career spanning thirty years – as one of the main headliners.
Although Macka B is regarded as one of Britain’s most influential dancehall DJs, patrons will be treated to various musical styles: reggae, dub, drum & bass, dancehall, jungle, ska and electronic music.
The three-day Seasplash Festival kicks off on July 14th and runs until the 17th in the beautiful city of Martinska near Šibenik (Croatia). Get tickets and additional information here.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 