Wesrok’s Story

Country-reggae music has become increasingly popular, and has sparked the interest of music moguls and mainstream medias all over the world. Percival Buddan – more popularly known as Wesrok – is Jamaica’s king of country-reggae music!

Wesrok had a humble beginning; he grew up in the small district of Bog Walk, located in St. Catherine, Jamaica. As a young man he was passionate about education, and found pleasure in music. When he was of age, he enlisted in the Jamaica Constabulary Force, where he became a police officer so that he could escape poverty.

He completed his Master’s in National Security and Strategic Studies in 2010, and earned a Master’s in Business Administration at Northern Caribbean University in 2008. In 2013, he was awarded the Prime Minister’s Award in Jamaica for Community Development. A year later, in 2014, he voluntarily left the police service, having attained the rank of Superintendent of Police.

His passion for music, coupled with the inspiration he receives when listening to the sound, style, and lyrical aptitude of Kenny Rogers and Marty Robbins, led him to pursue a career as a recording artist. This was done while he simultaneously embraced entrepreneurship.

In August 2020, Wesrok released his debut song Looking Back. The single received a warm welcome from mainstream and underground media houses in Jamaica, and he was lauded for what many described as a budding career. He followed up with yet another record, Poor Country Boy, which was accompanied by some stunning visuals. It received more than 150,000 streams on Spotify, resulting in an exponential growth in his fanbase, and was also instrumental in solidifying him as a strong country-reggae act. He says that both tracks are a “clear representation of his childhood struggles, and his successes overcoming those struggles.” As for his musical style, he describes it as conscious, and relatable, with a mellow vibe for everyone to enjoy.

Wesrok released his first EP – Look At Me Now – in 2020. It has a total of seven tracks: Born As A Winner, Cover Me Jah, Jamaica Land, Left Out In The Dark, Looking Back, Poor Country Boy, and You’re My Love. The following year, in 2021, he landed a collaboration with trending dancehall artist Masicka, called Try To Hold Me. It was released on the Troyton Music and 360 Global Entertainment imprints.

In addition to being a recording artist, Wesrok is also the executive producer of all the projects he’s on. That said, he would like to collaborate with other producers, as he looks towards international success. Wesrok brings serenity and joy to the listeners of his music, and wants to be acknowledged for his unique sound and style.

Rise Reggae (Barbados)

Bajans are waiting with anticipation for Rise Reggae, a massive reggae concert featuring Gramps Morgan, Barrington Levy, Tarrus Riley, Dean Fraser and Biggie Irie, with the Blak Soil Band.

The aforementioned live performers will be supported by selectors: Fullklipp, Danejah Dane, Jerry Dan, Indian, Chris Gayle, and others. It will take place at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, on Saturday, November 11th, starting at 8pm (local time). Click here for tickets.

Macka B Performs At Get Up! Bydgoszcz Festival In Poland This Friday

The annual Get Up! Bydgoszcz Festival will take place this Friday and Saturday – October 27th and October 28th – at Miejskie Centrum Kultury w Bydgoszczy in Poland.

The two-day event is all about celebrating Jamaica’s music, culture and lifestyle. Their extensive program includes: concerts, sound systems, film screenings, lectures, discussions, and live performances. Among the performers is British-born Jamaican reggae artist Macka B, who will be supported by The Roots Ragga Band.

Jemere Morgan, Inner Circle & Others For ‘Smoke Shop Festival 2023’

In addition to non stop live music, the 2023 Smoke Shop Festival – which will take place on November 4th and 5th at Water Works Park in Tampa, Florida – will also have body painting, some of the best food trucks in the Bay Area, lots of games, vendors, interactive amusements, and other interesting activities.

The live show will feature several performers from various musical genres: Jemere Morgan, Inner Circle, Lil Scrappy, Dem Franchize Boyz, Bobby Hustle, Yaadcore, Khaotic, Swizzy B, and many more. Tickets and additional information can be obtained from the event’s official website.

Celebrating The Life Of Michael “Ibo” Cooper

The Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) will be hosting a special ‘Reggae Wednesdays’ on October 25th, 2023. They, along with several members of the island’s reggae fraternity, will get together to celebrate Michael “Ibo” Cooper and his countless contributions to the reggae genre.

Everyone will gather at The Karl Hendrickson Auditorium at Jamaica College – 189 Old Hope Road – in Kingston; starting at 6:00PM. There will be tribute performances by Third World, Inner Circle, Big Youth, Warrior King, Tony Rebel, Nadine Sutherland, Kumar Fyah, Ras-I, Levy’s Heritage, Edna Manley College Band, and many more. 

The staging will be coordinated by Debbie Bissoon, Isis, Coleen Douglas, and Chuk Chukwurah. All attendees should be dressed in red, green and gold. 

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

Romain Virgo’s Upcoming UK Tour

Romain Virgo, the Jamaican singer specializing in lovers-rock reggae, and arguably one of the most accomplished past competitors of the Rising Stars music competition, will be heading to the UK for a short Stint. He, along with guest artists Tori Lattore and Janeel Mills, will do five shows. See below all confirmed dates and locations.

October 23
Band on the Wall in Manchester

October 24
The Jam House in Birmingham

October 25
Lost Horizon in Bristol

October 26
Islington Assembly Hall in London

October 27
2Funky Music Cafe in Leicester

Luciano Will Perform At The 10th Annual Florida Jerk & Music Festival In Orlando

Orlando reggae lovers should get ready to indulge in the delicious flavors of Caribbean jerk cuisine, while enjoying a day filled with live music, dancing, and entertainment.

On Sunday, November 19, 2023, starting at 2:00 PM, the 10th annual Florida Jerk & Music Festival will take place at 2911 East Robinson Street, in Orlando, Florida. Among the performances will be a set by Luciano, the man affectionately referred to as Jah Messenjah.