Freddie McGregor & Friends Jamaica concert, originally scheduled to take place in Kingston in early 2026, has been officially postponed due to the impact of Hurricane Melissa on the island. The event was planned as a major homecoming celebration honoring reggae legend Freddie McGregor and his enduring contribution to Jamaican music.

In a statement shared on social media, the organizers expressed concern for communities affected by the storm and emphasized that the decision was made with public safety as the top priority. They noted that while the concert was eagerly awaited by fans, it was important to respect ongoing recovery efforts across Jamaica and ensure the wellbeing of patrons, performers, and event personnel.

Organizers also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Jamaica during the recovery period and shared their intention to move forward with the celebration once conditions allow. A new date has not yet been announced, but fans have been encouraged to stay tuned for updates as plans for the rescheduled event are finalized.

As part of the 2025–26 Crucian Christmas Festival, the globally recognized group Morgan Heritage will headline the St. Croix Village concert series on Friday, January 2. Their performance reinforces the festival’s reputation for hosting premier international talent.

Known for their conscious lyrics, tight harmonies, and roots-driven sound, Morgan Heritage brings decades of reggae excellence to the Crucian stage. The group will be joined by a strong lineup of performers including D’Yani, Mada Nile, Kenya Eugene, and Ras Batch.

The Crucian Christmas Festival stands as one of the U.S. Virgin Islands’ most cherished cultural celebrations, bringing together music, heritage, and community in a vibrant display of Crucian pride. Spanning several days, the festival showcases a dynamic mix of local and international performers, traditional masquerades, cultural exhibitions, and nightly Village concerts.

Bégué Events and Lamis Open will end the year in spectacular fashion with Lutan Fyah in Concert on December 31, 2025, at Monaco Plage in Dakar. The New Year’s Eve celebration will unfold from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., with a night of roots reggae and authentic Jamaican vibes, headlined by one of the genre’s most revered artists.

Lutan Fyah will be supported by a strong lineup of local and regional acts including Xuman, Dajla, Exodus Dakar, Daniel Bless, Jah Milk, and Peaceman, reflecting the depth and energy of the reggae movement in Senegal and beyond.

The celebration continues with a full Jamaican party experience powered by top selectors INS Rastafari Mixmaster, Dread Matt, Peace Maker, Jah Melody, and DJ Roger. Tickets are available in advance and at the gate, with varying prices throughout the night. Guests will also have access to on-site rooms, food, and beverages.

On Monday, December 22, 2025, the Hon. Olivia “Babsy” Grange, Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, officially presented reggae legend Leroy Sibbles with the framed Citation accompanying his Jamaica Music Icon Award, which he received at Grand Gala 2025.

Sharing the moment on her social media platforms, Minister Grange noted that the Citation honors Sibbles “in recognition of the work he did in promoting the growth and popularity of Jamaican music across the globe.” The document also celebrates his enduring musical legacy and global influence.

The Citation refers to Sibbles as “The King of the Bassline,” acknowledging his groundbreaking work that helped lay the foundation for modern reggae music. His distinctive bass lines were widely used by numerous artistes, contributing to recordings that launched major careers. Sibbles later became the regular bassist at the iconic Studio One recording studio, further cementing his place in reggae history. As the Citation states, “Leroy did not just play music, he crafted it, and his influence continues to resonate around the globe.”

Born and raised in Trench Town, Leroy Sibbles began his remarkable journey at just 16 years old as a founding member of the legendary group The Heptones. The group scored major hits with classics such as Fatty Fatty and Ting-a-Ling.

Jamaican dancehall star Cutty Ranks closes out the year with the release of a compelling new reggae single titled “Blood Red,” officially published on November 28, 2025.

Shared via Tropic House Music and distributed worldwide by Symphonic Distribution, “Blood Red” presents a more rooted and reflective side of the legendary artist. While Cutty Ranks is widely recognized for his hard-edged, militant, and uncompromising delivery, this latest release leans firmly into conscious reggae, offering a message of empowerment and accountability.

Produced by Michael Fairman and written by Philip ‘Cutty Ranks’ Thomas, the song directly addresses critical social and political issues affecting Africa and the Caribbean. In “Blood Red,” Ranks challenges African leaders to resist selling their nations’ natural resources to foreign interests, while also highlighting systemic inequality within the justice system—where the poor are consistently punished while the wealthy often evade consequences. The track further raises a pressing question shared by many Jamaicans: how illegal firearms continue to enter the island and find their way into the hands of the youth.

“Blood Red” is now available for download and streaming on all major digital music platforms.

Irie Pen Records has brought back a holiday favorite! Due to high demand, Feel It Christmas returned to all streaming platforms this November, just in time for the festive season. This project features a selection of seasonal favorites, reimagined with the warmth and spirit of reggae music, making it the perfect soundtrack for Christmas celebrations.

Produced by veteran singer and producer Hopeton Lindo for his own Irie Pen Records, Feel It Christmas features five well-curated tracks from a range of respected artists. The compilation includes “The Season” by Hopeton Lindo, “My Wish For Christmas” by Peter G, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” by Novel-T, “Some Day At Christmas” by Empress Uneek, and “A Different Christmas” by Hopeton Lindo and Anthony Redrose.

Adding to the project’s appeal are two accompanying music videos: “The Season” by Hopeton Lindo and “My Wish For Christmas” by Peter G. Both visuals are available on the Irie Pen YouTube Channel.

Beautifully delivered and rich in holiday sentiment, all five songs on Feel It Christmas capture the joy, reflection, and togetherness of the season. It’s a standout reggae Christmas release that deserves a place on everyone’s playlist this holiday season.