Reggae collective Easy Star All-Stars – which is made up of Michael Goldwasser, Eric Smith, Lem Oppenheimer and Remy Gerstein – will be having their (Ziggy Stardub) album launch at Sony Hall in New York, on Thursday, April 20.
The record, which is a modern reggae-fueled reworking of the David Bowie classic, will not be officially released until the following day, the 21st. As for the launch, Easy Star All-Stars have invited veteran Jamaican dancehall artist Sister Carol to perform with the Cannabis Cup Band. Click here for tickets.
Bushman‘s upcoming birthday celebration – set for Sunday, April 23rd at 8 Rivaz Ultra Lounge in Ocho Rios – will, in addition to Natural Black and Turbulence, also feature musical legends Fantan Mojah and Louie Culture. The inclusion of the Rasta Got Soul singer and the Gangalee will no doubt add another layer of interest and excitement for those already anticipating the affair.
Furthermore, being a strong proponent and supporter of independent, emerging talents – especially those who purposely choose to create conscious music – Bushman made it a point to add several up-and-coming artists to the show. That said, Ras Nickmuda, Ajani, CP Ink, Ras Beru and Briggs Serita, will warm up the crowd before the heavy hitters take the stage.
The live performances will be supported by selectors DJ Lolipop (from Irie FM), Richie Lees, Sound Trooper and Danger Lee. Tickets are available now via eventbrite.
Nevadans are getting ready for an unforgettable day of reggae music at the forthcoming Reggae In The Desert festival. On Saturday, May 6th, reggae lovers will converge at the Clark County Government Amphitheater in Las Vegas, to celebrate with bands from Europe, Jamaica and America.
There will be live performances by Romain Virgo, Hempress Sativa, Morgan Heritage, Eek-A-Mouse, The Wailers, and others. Patrons will also be treated to delicious Caribbean-style food, a variety of beverages, various exhibits, and Caribbean-inspired vendors. Click here to buy tickets.
Kelly Shane, daughter of acclaimed Jamaican singer-songwriter Tanya Stephens, steps out with her first single – an updated take on the soul classic Ain’t That Loving You – performed with dancehall giant Busy Signal. Kelly‘s silky sweet voice is offset by Busy‘s raspy vocals as they rock over a bouncing one drop riddim produced by Tad A. Dawkins Jnr.Ain’t That Loving You went live on all streaming platforms at the beginning of March (on the 3rd), courtesy of Tad’s Record Inc.
The audio release was accompanied by an official video, which was directed, shot and edited by Thaddeus Deluxe Studio. Filmed at various locations in Jamaica, the new visuals show Kelly Shane and Busy Signal prepping for their date-night at a lounge, where they eventually get cozy and intimate, bringing the song’s lyrics to life.
ABOUT KELLY SHANE The Jamaican music industry has birthed yet another unique talent. Hailing from the parish of St. Mary, which has consistently produced top-tier artists throughout Jamaica’s very musical history, newcomer Kelly Shane brings with her the eclectic mix of musical influences ranging from reggae, folk, and bossa nova, to hip-hop, R&B, rock and metal.
New artist but old musical soul, this singer/songwriter is no stranger to the industry. As a professionally trained beauty and special effects makeup artist, she has worked extensively on music videos, adverts, fashion shows and photo shoots. She first toured as a child with her mother (Tanya Stephens) during school vacations, and later worked as her personal assistant.
From the continent of Africa through the sounds of Fela Kuti and Steve Monite, to the Caribbean’s Beres Hammond and Bunji Garlin, and the USA’s Joni Mitchell –who Kelly hails as her biggest influence – this unassuming student of evocative expression is ready to share all she has learnt with lovers of good music across the globe.
ABOUT BUSY SIGNAL Jamaican dancehall singer Busy Signal arrived in 2005 with the hit Step Out, beginning his rise from underground artist to one of reggae’s bigger stars. Over the next decade and beyond, the singer scored hit after hit both as a guest artist (No Doubt, Major Lazer, Tiwa Savage) and with his own songs. In addition to singles and mix-tape projects, Busy Signal brought his tuneful songwriting to occasional album releases like 2012’s Reggae Music Again and 2019’s Parts of the Puzzle.
Veteran female dancehall deejay, Sister Nancy, will perform at the Superior Ingredients Lounge (Main Room) – 74 Wythe Avenue – in Brooklyn, New York on Thursday, April 20.
Presented by Mean Red Productions, in association with Largeup, the event will also feature DJ Gravy, Divine RBG, Statik Select and DJ Auntie Spice. Showtime is 10pm sharp!
Reggae-dancehall artist Sizzla Kalonji will be in Japan for his Everlasting Tour, which begins on Tuesday, April 25th and ends on Sunday, May 7th. In just under two weeks the sing-jay will do approximately thirteen shows as well as several studio sessions. See schedule below.
Apr. 25 – Ibaraki at Vibes Apr. 26 – Kagoshima at Duckbill Apr. 27 – Fukuoka at The VooDoo Lounge Apr. 28 – Yokohama at Bay Hall Apr. 29 – Sapporo at King XMHU Apr. 30 – Toyama at Mairo
May 1 – Osaka at Downtown May 2 – Kobe at Harbor Studio May 3 – Okinawa at MOD’s May 4 – Tobishima at Cross Road 7 May 5 – Kyoto at Octave May 6 – Shibuya at Clubasia May 7 – Hiroshima at Mugen5610
D&R Production will be celebrating African Unity at the Caribbean Breeze Banquet Hall – 276 Belmont Avenue – in Brooklyn, New York on Thursday, May 25th. There will be performances by Turbulence, I Ras, Bally, Congo I, Fyah Heart, Mikey Jarrett and others. Doors open at 8pm (local time) and admission is $40 USD.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 