Antigua & Barbuda’s reggae ambassador Causion has shared the second single from his just released EP, The Mission Is In Progress. Titled Back to my Roots, the tune speaks to him going back to basics, to his source, which means reconnecting with the Most High in a deeper, more meaningful way. 

Back to my Roots is a beautiful, rhythmic, one drop reggae record laced with both instrumental and vocal melodies. It joins six other equally strong songs on The Mission Is In Progress EP, which went live on all streaming platforms on June 24, 2023.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM/DOWNLOAD “THE MISSION IS IN PROGRESS”

Reggae lovers in the Tri-State area are in for a special treat with a trio of shows scheduled for Connecticut, New Jersey and Long Island on the weekend of Friday, August 11th to Sunday, August 13th.

The series, dubbed Jammins Reggae Fest, kicks off on Friday with a return to College Street Music Hall in New Haven, Connecticut. It will be headlined by Beres Hammond, Louie Culture and Romain Virgo. The men will also perform at NJPAC in Newark, New Jersey the following day- Saturday, August 12th.

And the final show, on Sunday, will be at The Catholic Health outdoor Amphitheater in Farmingville, Long Island, New York. All the preceding artists are also confirmed for this venue, with the addition of Christopher Martin.

Veteran reggae artist Hugh English is gearing up for the release of his new single, Where Do We Go From Here. Produced by Josh Harris and the team at Big Feet Records, the song will be available on streaming platforms on Friday, July 21, 2023.

Since entering the music industry many years ago, English has always delivered inspirational and uplifting tunes, while confronting social issues head on. He prides himself on giving his audiences hope as oppose to despair, admitting that this is sometimes difficult. The forthcoming track must have been a balancing act however, because on it Hugh draws our attention to the current state of society and all its flaws, and then follows up with the question: Where Do We Go From Here?

Executive producer and musician Josh Harris has developed a strong working relationship with Hugh English over the years. The two have collaborated on other projects and are both optimistic about this new record. 

Local musicians and performers in Seattle, Washington will get together at The Shop Club & Derby Restaurant on Saturday, August 5th, for the Seattle Revival Festival. This affair is all about celebrating the resurrection of the city’s live music culture. There will be two stages, approximately ten bands and a few selectors.

Among the wide variety of dedicated local artists and bands that have been confirmed is veteran reggae singer and musician Clinton Fearon, who will perform with his band, Boogie Brown.

The organizers have also partnered with SMASH to ensure that local musicians have access to free and low-cost healthcare. Click here for tickets.

Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith – the famed Jamaican guitarist who rose to prominence while working with the Soul Syndicate Band, Bob Marley & The Wailers, and others – has produced a Junior Byles tribute album. The eleven-track compilation, released on Friday, July 7th via Serious Reggae and DubShot Records, is an acoustic re-working of some of Byles biggest hits.

Titled, Still Beating Down Babylon, it features reggae giants Inner Circle, Freddie McGregor and Mykal Rose, as well as several emerging acts: Kai Wakeling, Matrujah, Delphine, Chiney KiKi, Marlon Brown, Color Red, Donovan Joseph, Likkle Nate and Itral Ites. Some of the songs presented on this LP are Curly Locks, A Place Called Africa, Fade Away, Beat Down Babylon etc., tracks that have made the name Junior Byles synonymous with 70s reggae music.

Smith explains his approach to the project in the following statement. “We didn’t do it like di originals, wi have some different arrangements. It’s jus’ like yuh writing with a guitar an’ bring in some instruments.” And as for what inspired the record, he said: “wi can do nuthin more than help dis artiste, because him a guh through him ting from di 70s. Wi jus’ happy wi get it done.”

In the late 70s Byles mental health had begun to decline, and he was subsequently admitted to Bellevue Hospital. Unfortunately his situation never improved and he was later diagnosed with prostate cancer. To that end, his long time friend and colleague, Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith, has taken this initiative to shine a light on Junior Byles and his plight.

Still Beating Down Babylon is available on Apple Music, Amazon, Spotify, iTunes, Deezer and all other streaming platforms. 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “STILL BEATING DOWN BABYLON”

Last Time I Checked is the latest single from Guyanese reggae-gospel artist Samuel Medas. Released independently at the end of June (on the 27th to be exact), the inspirational bouncy reggae song is absolutely beautiful. Aside from its powerful message – which of course is God centered – Samuel‘s performance is also masterful.

The captivating visuals for Last Time I Checked was appropriately shared on July 1st, International Reggae Day. If you have not yet seen it, click here or on the image above to check it out, and remember to like, comment and share.