This year’s Reggae Month celebrations will start with a bang! The Essence of Reggae Music Festival is the first major event on the calendar. It will take place on Saturday, February 1, at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Center (36 Hope Road) in Kingston.

There will be a music business workshop from 12 pm to 6 pm, which will be followed by a live show. I-Wayne, Tanya Stephens, Yaksta, Munga Honorable, Singer J, DJ Kurt Riley, and JJ Wizzle are all on the lineup, with hosts Bishop Escobar and Badda Bling.

Admission is J$5,000 pre-sold and J$8,000 at the gate. Click here to buy tickets.

Cannabiziac, a global member-based company helping new and existing businesses and professionals tap into the growing cannabis industry, recently concluded their international ‘Get in the Biz’ Roadshow in Kingston, Jamaica. Held at The University of the West Indies on October 24, 2024, the event attracted entrepreneurs and individuals eager to explore opportunities in the cannabis industry.

One of the event’s highlights was the Cannabiz Builder Incubator Program preview, offering attendees a chance to pitch their cannabis business ideas to a panel of judges. Reggae artist Dwight ‘Bushman’ Duncan, who is a long-time cannabis user, was one of the winners, and as a result, he was awarded a 16-week Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship Course, which begins on February 17, 2025.

Bushman‘s schedule has been adjusted to ensure that he will be able to attend the course while still honoring his commitments as a public figure and performer. As a matter of fact, he is currently engaged in a digital media tour to promote his single “Whyne Dung.” The tour will conclude in February.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “WHYNE DUNG”

One of the first major events for Reggae Month 2025 is a George Nooks concert at the Bourbon Beach Hotel on Norman Manley Blvd. in Negril, Jamaica. Nooks will be joined by the Hiyah Grade and Roots Outlaw Bands as well as Prince J.

The event, which is being presented by Reggae Energy, will be held on Saturday, February 1st. It will start at 8 pm, and tickets on the day of the show will be US$30 or J$4,500.

Ambelique, a distinguished artist from Jamaica, has collaborated with renowned reggae producer Willie Lindo to create a captivating album, “Blind Spot.” This 14-track collection, free of collaborative features, was released on streaming platforms on Friday, November 15, 2024.

Several reggae selectors, all subscribers to the Maria Jackson 27 Record Pool, have shared their reactions to the LP. Below is just a handful of some of the many reviews that were received. 

DJ Lady Loy remarked, “I have listened to the album, and it depicts Ambelique at his best.  A nice cross section of topics and range of dialect.”

DJ Smally The Golden Touch commented, “Yes!
True Ambeilique style. A bit of everything I love the versatility, from Gospel to Conscious to Lovers Rock and more. This album is loaded with hits. I’m a fan of his style for a long time, so I give it a 2 thumbs up!”

Gen’ral Irie observed, “Ambelique’s Blind Spot features a good mix of songs with different beats and themes, all punctuated by Ambelique’s clear vocals. Fan’s of Dennis Brown, Beres Hammond, Glen Washington and Ken Boothe will certainly find tracks to please them, as the album delivers in a similar style to what we have to come to expect from those afore mentioned legends.

There is the country & western influenced lovers rock of I Knew I Wouldn’t Find and the uptempo He Said, She Said, Some tracks invoke memories of tracks from the 70’s – I’m on the Outside, 80’s – the atmospheric Why Baby Why and the bubbler’s track for those in the 9-5 struggle Wash Over Gold Watch, and 90’s – the life reflecting I Wouldn’t Change A Thing.

There is a welcome place for the big hit Ooh Baby from the Paparazzi riddim, this track is a crowd favourite for sure. Thankful is an upbeat reggae gospel song, and Ambelique brings us a modern sounding cover of the classic Sitting in the Park. Ain’t No Love In This World is a rocky reggae commentary on the lack of love we see in the world today.

In conclusion, Blind Spot is proof of Ambelique’s versatility across different styles and topics, so for those that only think of lovers rock when thinking about Ambelique, think again, and enjoy the varied listening experience of the album.”

David “Sir Reggae” Freestone stated, “One of the best albums I have listened to in a long time. Ambelique’s smooth vocals embrace the vibes created by the ensemble of musicians at the top of their game ….. a pure delight.”

Stinger Blinger added, “From what I have heard quite good still.”

For a more comprehensive review by Lance-O, please visit his website.

“Blind Spot” is available for streaming and download on Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, Tidal, iTunes, and all other major music platforms. It is released under Willie Lindo‘s HeavyBeat Records label.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “BLIND SPOT”