The 2023 Truckee Reggae Fest is here! It’s this Saturday, June 24th, at the Truckee Regional Park Amphitheater, located at 10500 Brockway Road in Truckee, California. This is an all ages event that will run from 2 to 10pm.
Reggae lovers in and around the area are encouraged to attend to catch Julian Marley & The Uprising, Mighty Mystic, Lizano, El Dub, Dubfyah, DJ Treez, and others live. Patrons will also have access to vendors, food trucks, arts and craft etc. Click here for tickets.
Recording artist Rad Dixon is a busy man! He kicked off the year with his debut album – Hard Times – and has since followed up with the re-release of his now trending single, Missing You.
The America based singer and his management team – Tasjay Productions – have no intention of slowing down, as they are currently working on a new reggae EP called Madda Boom Riddim. Scheduled for release at the end of August, it will feature Anthony B, Luciano, Horace Martin and of course Rad Dixon, and will be published on the Tasjay Productions imprint.
Dixon‘s hours in the studio have to be balanced with time spent in rehearsal, as he is also gearing up for several shows. On August 26th, he will be in his home town of Hatfield, Manchester (Jamaica) for an event, and then the following month – on September 4th – he will be in Toronto for Manchester Linkup. He is also confirmed for Deco Rose Party on the 12th of November, which is also in Toronto.
Born in Jamaica and based in Las Vegas, Nevada, twenty-year reggae veteran Ras Kronik is gearing up to release his third studio album, called The Energy. The title track, which was published in mid May via Pandemic Records, is also featured on the Passion Fruit Riddim, the label’s latest compilation.
The Energy (single) gives a clear indication of what Ras Kronik‘s fans can expect from the upcoming LP: a collection of songs – both reggae and dancehall – that addresses social issues, while dabbling in spirituality. This tune, as well as the forthcoming album, is filled with depth and fire.
Although Ras Kronik and the team at Pandemic Records were hoping to have the project out before the end of June, they are now acknowledging that there is a possibility that it may be delayed; pushing it back to July, 2023. In addition to the aforementioned track, the album will also have other previously released songs: Jah Jah Light, from the Logic Riddim, and Rough Out A Street.
When asked what’s the inspiration behind The Energy, Ras Kronik said the following: “the inspiration behind the Energy is simply natural. As the rising of the Love and Light energy flows within and I consciousness that’s how the song was born.”
It’s that time of year again! The annual St. Thomas Jerk Festival is all set for Sunday, July 30th at Lyssons Pavilion, in the suburban parish situated at the south eastern end of Jamaica.
As they’ve always done, the event organizers offer patrons a mix of secular and gospel entertainment. This year’s reggae and dancehall performers are Jah Vinci and Duane Stephenson. Starting time is 12 noon and there is a $2,500 JMD entrance fee.
The annual Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival, which is all about spreading messages of love, hope, and equality, will be held at the Bayfront Festival Park – 5th Ave West and Railroad Street – in Duluth, Minnesota, on Saturday, July 15th.
As the name implies, the entertainment will be provided by artists and selectors proficient in reggae and world music, namely: Luciano, Alison Hinds, Konshens, Stonebwoy, Dred I Dread, Rootz Within and Sound of Fujun.
Despite the chatter about the decline in quality music – primarily dancehall – from Jamaica, it is clear that fans all over the world still look to the Rock for their musical entertainment. This is apparent on the upcoming St. Kitts Music Festival, where approximately nine Jamaican acts are among the confirmed headliners.
The event runs from Thursday, June 22nd to Saturday, the 24th at the Warner Park Cricket Stadium in Basseterre. The lineup includes Chronixx, Anthony B, Romain Virgo, Gramps Morgan, Dexta Daps, Koffee, Teejay, Valiant, Govana and Skillibeng.
Joseph Benaiah is a well-known reggae songwriter and vocalist who has established himself as one of the most celebrated artists of this generation. His latest album, Vision With Faith, which is his sixth solo release, is now available online, and is packed with 15 creative and seasoned tracks that showcase deeply rooted reggae vibes, culture and history. It features songs written by Hal Anthony Lewinson, Hopeton Lindo and Joseph Williamson, and is produced and distributed exclusively by Sphinx Records Inc.
The LP starts with Blessing and concludes with Sugar Plum, with some notable standout tracks in between: Travelling, We Nah Give Up, Children of Israel, Make Ends Meet, and Sweet Talking Lady. There are also collaborations with Dean Fraser, Nikki Burk and Luciano on How Can I Love Someone and Make Ends Meet, respectively. All in all, Vision With Faith carries a message of love and spirituality; and its gravitating formations are full of surprises.
Over his 40-year career Joseph Benaiah has stayed true to his musical core. His award-winning band, which was highly successful in the early 90s, was voted “Best Reggae Band in Miami” (1990) and also received “Best Live Band” recognition. He also became a member of the highly regarded reggae group, The Mighty Diamonds, in 2015. Joseph began his online musical journey in 2016 with his debut release Existence of Jah, which was written by Dennis Brown. He followed up with two impressive tracks, Love Up, Love Up and There’s A Love, in 2019.
Joseph Benaiah‘s music is available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Tidal, and Amazon.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 