Wayne Wonder, Luciano, Rupee & Nailah Blackman to Headline Rise Up NYC on August 16

Rise Up NYC returns to Roy Wilkins Park in Queens on Saturday, August 16, delivering a powerful lineup of Reggae and Soca talent for an unforgettable night of music and culture.

Headliners include Reggae icon Luciano, Dancehall hitmaker Wayne Wonder, and Soca stars Rupee and Nailah Blackman. The event will also feature juggling by New York City’s legendary DJ duo, Bobby Konders and Jabba.

This free, all-ages concert promises high-energy entertainment and Caribbean vibes from start to finish. Don’t miss the chance to experience world-class artists in the heart of Queens.

Barrington Levy to Perform at The Webster on August 16

The Webster, one of Connecticut’s leading live music venues, will welcome reggae icon Barrington Levy on August 16, 2025, as part of his ‘Here I Come’ Tour. The show begins at 8:00 PM.

Presented by Concert Crave, the evening will showcase Levy’s signature blend of reggae and dancehall. Fans can expect live performances of his most celebrated tracks, including “Here I Come,” “Murderer,” “Too Experienced,” and “Under Mi Sensi.”

Tickets are available now at etix.com.

Mr Easy, Honorebel & Ackah Dan Join Grub Cooper on Vibrant “Soca Jam” EP

Veteran producer Dennis Johnson has brought together an eclectic mix of talent for his latest project, “Soca Jam” EP, a carnival-inspired collection released via Finatic Records on July 11th. Known for his historic work with reggae legends like Bob Andy, Freddy McGregor, Capleton and Dennis Brown, Johnson shifts gears with this colorful soca compilation. The EP includes four tracks: “Soca Jam” by Grub Cooper of Fab5, “Caribbean Ting” by Mr Easy, “Roll Your Waist” by Honorebel, and a remix of that same track featuring Ackah Dan.

While Grub Cooper’s inclusion feels like a natural fit—given his role in Fab5’s classic soca anthems like “All Night Party” and “Feeling Horny”—the arrival of Mr Easy and Honorebel, both more familiar to dancehall audiences, brings a surprising but refreshing twist. Their tracks showcase a smooth blend of Caribbean genres, signaling a new direction while staying rooted in festive, high-energy vibes.

So far, the response has been upbeat. All four songs are picking up steam on streaming platforms, with no clear frontrunner—each track holds breakout potential. With this release, “Soca Jam” proves that genre-crossing experiments, when done right, can feel both bold and seamless. Click here to download “Soca Jam” EP from your preferred music platform.

T25 Records shares the official video for Alwayne Love’s powerful new single, “Nobody But Love”

T25 Records has officially released the music video for Alwayne Love’s latest single, “Nobody But Love,” a deeply moving track that debuted in early July. The video, now available on the label’s YouTube channel, reinforces the song’s emotional core and serves as a visual extension of its message. With “Nobody But Love,”Alwayne Love continues to carve out his place as a voice of sincerity and heart in contemporary reggae.

Directed, shot, and edited by Portmore-based creative Shawn Barnes, the video showcases a refined visual approach that highlights emotion over spectacle. Known for his evocative use of natural light and storytelling instincts, Barnes created the video entirely on a Portmore sound stage, allowing for a focused and clean aesthetic. This controlled environment gave the production the space to center on intimacy and meaning without distraction.

The result is a minimalist yet impactful visual that complements the song’s themes of love, gratitude, and human connection. Every scene is constructed to reflect the raw honesty in Alwayne Love’s lyrics, reminding viewers that even life’s quietest moments carry significance. “Nobody But Love” is not just a song — it’s a reminder to recognize and cherish what truly matters. The video is streaming now on YouTube, and the track is available on all major digital platforms.

Beres Hammond & Friends

On Sunday, August 24th, the king of lovers rock, Beres Hammond, will perform at the Gas South Arena—6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy—in Duluth, Georgia. The “Rock Away” singer is expected to deliver a stellar set along with a handful of his colleagues: Kes The Band, Tarrus Riley, Dean Fraser and the Blak Soil Band.

Mix Master David, DJ Jaspa, and DJ Bread have all been assigned the task of keeping attendees entertained in between sets, before and after the concert. The show is scheduled to start at 6pm and tickets can be purchased on Ticketmaster.

Introducing Singer-Songwriter Aaron Splendid

Singer-songwriter Aaron Splendid is stepping into the spotlight with a bold voice and a heartfelt message. A longtime member of the roots-reggae scene and associated with renowned artists like Mikey General and Luciano, Aaron has been quietly honing his craft. Now, with renewed focus and determination, he’s launched his own label, So Splendid Records, and released his debut single, marking a new chapter in his musical journey.

His first official release, Action Satisfaction, dropped in mid-June and showcases his distinctive blend of R&B and reggae influences. Despite having recorded nearly 14 other tracks, Aaron chose this love song as his introduction to the wider public. Drawing inspiration from musical greats such as Kenny Rogers, Stevie Wonder, Gerald Alston, and The Manhattans, Aaron delivers a deeply personal and emotive performance that reflects a real experience from his youth—a formative relationship that left a lasting impression.

Produced by respected artist and producer Star Social, Action Satisfaction offers a raw and honest plea for intimacy and connection. The track is now available on all major streaming platforms, including iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, and Tidal. With this debut, Aaron Splendid makes a confident entrance, offering a fresh yet nostalgic sound that’s both personal and universally relatable.

CJ Records Unveils “Slow Down Riddim” Featuring Reggae Heavyweights

CJ Records has released “Slow Down Riddim”, a compelling six-track reggae compilation featuring new music from some of the genre’s most respected voices. The project brings together Mikey General, Sizzla Kalonji, Lutan Fyah, Luciano, Norris Man, and Turbulence—each delivering original tracks that showcase their lyrical power and individual artistry.

Every artist on the compilation brings a distinct message. Sizzla seeks spiritual direction on “Guide & Protect Me,” while Lutan Fyah asserts his roots and authority on “King’s Son.”Mikey General uplifts with “Never Let Them Let You Down,” echoing a similar spirit of resilience heard in Luciano’s “Jah Will See You Through.” Turbulence shifts gears with a heartfelt love song, “Always on My Mind,” and Norris Man turns his focus to the youth with “Big Bad Chucky”, calling attention to the violence affecting their communities.

“Slow Down Riddim” officially dropped on July 25, 2025, and is now available across all major digital platforms including Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, iTunes, Amazon Music, and Boomplay. With a lineup of conscious voices and a rich, roots-driven sound, the project stands as a timely and meaningful addition to the reggae landscape.