On Saturday, February 3rd, famed producer Frankie Music will present the second installment of the Essence of Reggae Music Festival. It will be held at the Police Officers Club, which is located at 34 Hope Road in Kingston, Jamaica.
This year’s lineup includes Sizzla Kalonji, Richie Spice, Queen Ifrica, Bugle, I Octane, Jahshi, LaaLee, Mackeehan, Singer J, and Kuzikk, with additional music by selectors Ricky Troopa, JJ Wizzle and Kurt Riley.
The title of Bushman‘s newly released song Whyne Dung is misleading.
Owing to the fact that Whyne Dung is a commonly used Jamaican colloquialism which when interpreted means dancing sensually, upon hearing the name one might assume that the highly respected Rastafarian has disregarded his principles and is now making the kind of music that he has denounced throughout his career. Thankfully that is not the case.
As a matter of fact, the track’s lyrical content stands in stark contrast to the above statement, and is instead a record about not squandering opportunities when they come your way. Seeking further clarification, Bushman was asked what really inspired Whyne Dung, and he said the following: “whyne dung inspiration is just a typical day in my life yu know; just watching people and interacting with them and seeing how they living yu know. Just states a perfect picture, a perfect inspiration; whyne dung.”
He went on to say: “what I really want listeners to take from this is to know that opportunities, as we’ve learnt, knocks only once, if it knocks twice you are very lucky. So it’s all about making the most of opportunity when the chance comes around, yu know, never let it slide, make the most of it. Yes I. Give thanks.”
Whyne Dung is a flawless, well-rounded, cleverly written reggae tune that is – without a shadow of a doubt – one of the best reggae releases so far in 2024. It was published via Bushman‘s own label, Burning Bushes Music, on January 19, and as such can now be streamed and/or downloaded from all major music platforms.
Every once in a while an artist comes along that creates the kind of music that reminds us who we are at our core: loving and caring souls, all created in the image of God, regardless of our ethnicity, gender or any of our physical attributes. The artist of whom I speak is Bog Walk, St. Catherine native Wesrok, who although labeled Jamaica’s king of country-reggae music, has far surpassed that tag, and should now be referred to as one of the nation’s most inspirational songwriters.
His latest single, Don’t Get Me Wrong – which is done with dancehall giant Busy Signal, who by-the-way rose to the occasion by delivering an equally cogent verse – was released on January 19.
On the record, both men use approximately two minutes and fifty-five seconds to encourage the listener to be kind to their fellow man, notwithstanding their own status, financial or otherwise. Most striking is the following line sung by Wesrok, who was obviously thinking about Jamaicans in need.
“Heart goes out to all the poor
the more than sands upon the shore,
in their hand Africa,
what about Jamaica.”
Don’t Get Me Wrong is out now, and can be streamed and/or downloaded from iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, Tidal, and all other digital music platforms.
This Tuesday, January 23rd, Bushman, Super Black, Roland Burrell, and Junior Vibes will all gather at Bella Donna Restaurant & Bar on Summerset Road in West End Negril for a tribute to the late great Edi Fitzroy.
This is a live band show that will see the aforementioned acts backed by the Sunshine Band, with confirmed MC Allen Ranks. The event will start at 6:00 PM, and there is a $30 USD entrance fee.
Rough-voiced deejay Chaka Demus, and smooth-toned vocalist Pliers have come together to create one of the most successful duos in the history of Jamaican music. They are the first Jamaican act to place three consecutive singles in the top 5 British Music Charts.
On Thursday, February 15, they will be performing their numerous hits: Murder She Wrote, Tease Me, Bam, Bam, etc. at Sony Hall – 235 West 46th Street – in New York. Click here for tickets.
The 2024 Cali Vibes Festival is all set for February 16-18 at the Marina Green Park – 386 East Shoreline Drive – in Long Beach, California.
Starting at noon on all three days, it will feature performances by Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley, Inner Circle, Stephen Marley, Blvk H3ro, Sean Paul, Shaggy, Skip Marley, and many more artists from varying genres. Click here for tickets.
Luciano, one of the most soulful reggae artists of our time, will be taking his spiritual roots music to New York’s Sony Hall (235 West 46th Street, New York) on Tuesday, February 13, 2024.
Commencing at 7:00 PM local time, this concert will also feature a special Bob Marley birthday tribute, performed by Luciano himself. Click here for tickets and additional information.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 