Rastafest 2025 marks its 32nd anniversary on August 16 and 17. It will be staged in the Little Jamaica community in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Stretching along the Eglinton West corridor from Marlee Avenue to Keele Street, the festival honors the neighborhood’s deep cultural roots, which have anchored Toronto’s Black and Caribbean communities since the 1970s.

On day 1 – Saturday, August 16 – the first night will showcase reggae legends and rising stars from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Audiences can look forward to electrifying performances by: Johnny Clarke, Empress Minott, King Ujah, Jakki James, and Barbara Dan.

On day 2 – Sunday, August 17 – the second day, running from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., will focus on celebrating the life and legacy of Marcus Garvey, the Jamaican political leader, activist, and cultural icon. The stage will feature powerful spoken word, roots reggae, and cultural performances from: Mutabaruka, Ras Takura, Ragga Jahmari, Mystic Warrior, and the Foundation Sunday Crew.

Rastafest remains committed to accessibility, with free admission for all attendees. The festival offers not only a weekend of world-class entertainment but also an opportunity to celebrate Caribbean heritage, promote unity, and support the cultural heartbeat of Little Jamaica.

Kansas City is set to groove once again as the Kansas City Reggae Music & Jerk Festival returns to Berkley Riverfront Park from September 5–7, 2025. Celebrating over 30 years of music, culture, and community, the festival promises an unforgettable weekend along the banks of the Missouri River.

This year’s event will feature performances by Luciano, Third World, Yasus Afari, Big Mountain, Kumar Fyah, Chyna Nicole, and Dub Vendors. Festival goers can also look forward to dynamic sets from Inity Riddim, Michael Long, Cozi & Maganda, Page 7, Deepa Reality, Jah Lion, New Common Ground, and many more.

The festival’s signature jerk cuisine will be available alongside other island favorites, with artisan vendors offering vibrant crafts, clothing, and cultural goods. Cannabis and wellness experiences will also be featured, reflecting the event’s commitment to holistic celebration and community connection.

Presented by Friends of Reggae International, a Missouri-based nonprofit founded by Jamaican musician Dave Clark, the festival has grown into one of the Midwest’s premier cultural gatherings. Click here for tickets.

Roots reggae artist Mr. Cool, a proud native of St. Elizabeth, is making his long-awaited return to the music scene with a brand-new single, “Come Know Your King,” set for release on August 21.

Known for his strong moral compass, Mr. Cool has built a career on creating music that uplifts rather than degrades. He avoids glorifying guns, drugs, or violence, and is careful never to be disrespectful to women — a stance that has earned him respect from fans and peers alike.

His latest release, “Come Know Your King,” is a heartfelt acknowledgment of Emperor Haile Selassie I as the King in the Rastafarian faith. Laid over a relaxed yet captivating reggae rhythm, the song blends spiritual depth with an infectious groove, promising to connect with both long-time reggae lovers and new listeners.

With “Come Know Your King,”Mr. Cool is once again channeling reggae’s roots: conscious, uplifting, and deeply connected to spiritual truth. Fans can look forward to a release that reaffirms his place as one of Jamaica’s authentic voices in music.

Reggae fans from across Texas will gather on September 20, 2025, for Remo Fest, a full-day celebration of roots, culture, and good vibes. Presented by King Remo Music and Hill Country Caribbean Vybez, the event will feature live performances, camping, and a true Caribbean festival atmosphere in the heart of the Texas Hill Country.

Headlining this year’s festival is reggae icon Ranking Joe, whose decades-long career has made him a cornerstone of the genre worldwide. Known for his pioneering toasting style and energetic stage presence, Ranking Joe promises to deliver a performance steeped in reggae tradition while connecting with new generations of fans.

The lineup also features Dre Z Melodi, Sgt. Remo, The Vibratones, McPullish, Micah Shalom, Stonetribe, Kaya Kotura, Jguam, and The San Antones. Together, they will bring a blend of roots reggae, ska, dub, and island-inspired grooves to the stage.

Remo Fest 2025 will take place at Hill Country Caribbean Vybez, located at 137 Peyton Colony in Blanco, Texas. The venue offers ample space for camping, making it a perfect spot for festivalgoers to immerse themselves in the music and community spirit from day to night.

Following the runaway success of last year’s event, the Sheffield Festival of Reggae is making a triumphant return in 2025 — bigger, louder, and more vibrant than ever. On Saturday 16 August, reggae lovers from across the UK will converge at Network Sheffield, 14–16 Matilda Street, for an 11-hour celebration of the best in reggae, dub, dancehall, and roots.

From 1 PM until midnight, the festival’s three outdoor courtyard stages will be alive with energy, featuring a carefully curated roster of legendary names and fresh talent. Headliners include reggae pioneer Big Youth, lovers rock icon Carroll Thompson, and internationally acclaimed hitmaker Maxi Priest. Fans can also look forward to heavyweight dub sounds from Iration Steppas and Mungo’s Hi Fi, as well as unforgettable sets from Musical Youth and soulful songstress Sylvia Tella.

Tickets are available now via Skiddle.com.

HeavyBeat Records is proud to announce the official release of a brand new single from reggae singer KashieF Lindo, titled “Where Do I Fit In (RMK).” The track dropped on Thursday, July 31st, 2025, and is now available across all major streaming platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, iTunes, Deezer, and Pandora.

This soulful lovers-rock reggae cut finds KashieF Lindo in a moment of reflection and emotional vulnerability. The song explores the quiet unraveling of a relationship, as the artist questions where he now stands in the life of someone he still loves. There’s a noticeable shift in the energy between them, and she seems too distracted—or too distant—to make things right. It’s an honest, heartfelt performance wrapped in smooth reggae grooves.

The song is produced by legendary musician and hitmaker Willie Lindo, and written by both Willie and Kashief Lindo. The publishing is handled by Hywill Music (ASCAP).

Musicians on the track include: Paul Douglas (drums), Robbie Shakespeare (bass), Willie Lindo (guitars), and KashieF Lindo (piano, organ, keyboards, background vocals). Recording and mixing were completed at HeavyBeat Recording Studio, with engineering handled by the in-house HeavyBeat Crew.

“Where Do I Fit In” was first introduced as part of the compilation “Songs Written by Willie Lindo Vol. 8”. The newly remade and remastered version brings fresh clarity and depth to the track while preserving its original emotional core. Stream “Where Do I Fit In (RMK)” now and experience the latest chapter in the musical legacy of the Lindo family.

DJs may contact Maria Jackson 27 for a promo copy of “Where Do I Fit In”.