After the successful staging of his Black & Proud Concert at Club Amazura in Queens, New York last month, a humbled Anthony B expressed gratitude by issuing the following statement: “Thanks to the fans for their amazing love and support. It’s good to take this journey together to strive for a better world that we can all be proud of and our children and their children can still sing the songs of roots and culture reggae music. Let’s say it loud we are black and proud and all we are saying is one love to all human race on planet earth.”

Anthony B‘s Born Fire Promotions, in association with formidable record label – Reggae Vibes Music – delivered a stellar reggae show to a packed venue. All confirmed artists showed up and gave flawless performances: Turbulence, Kabaka Pyramid, Perfect Giddimani, Pressure Busspipe, Dreama, Kendallaz, Rufftop Rock I, and of course Anthony B. Iba Mahr also made a guest appearance courtesy of Kabaka Pyramid who, in an impromptu moment, invited him on stage.

Every media house in attendance subsequently penned favorable reviews, which led the aforementioned organizers to immediately begin preparation for the 2024 Black & Proud Concert. That said, a limited amount of early bird tickets are now on sale for next year’s presentation, which is scheduled for Saturday, February 24, at a New York location to be determined.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR “BLACK & PROUD 2024”

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.

Explaining the significance of the song, Kelly Shane offered: “for one, I grew up with my grandmother, and as the owner of the radio and the house, her favorite music was mostly played. Alton Ellis and the entire British-Jamaican music movement was a big part of the soundtrack of my life. It became more personal for me when I recorded it though, as I (at the time) was seeing someone that was very hesitant to love again, so it felt like I was speaking my own words, trying to convince them to take a chance on me. Busy’s verse also summed up how they were feeling too so when I heard it I cried A LOT. Felt very real to me.”
 
As for collaborating with veteran dancehall artist Busy Signal, Kelly sums up the experience as follows: “to be very honest, I didn’t think he would do it. This is my first song and it felt like I was really asking him to take a chance on me. I loved him even more when we shot the video. In true first video fashion, we were all over the place and late and up and down but he was so patient and kind with me. He spent most of the time giving me encouraging words and it felt very warm and genuine. He’s such a genuine human being. I’m so grateful for him.”
 
Ain’t That Loving You (For More Reasons Than One) was originally released by soul singer Johnnie Taylor in 1967, but subsequent reggae versions by legendary Jamaican artists Alton Ellis, Dennis Brown and Beres Hammond – who Kelly Shane cites as a major influence – have since led the song to become a favorite among reggae lovers. 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “AIN’T THAT LOVING YOU”

On Sunday, March 26th, legends of roots reggae – Big Youth, The Abyssinians and Twinkle Bro – will perform live at Electric Brixton in London. This is the first time all three trailblazing performers, who were instrumental in the evolution of reggae music, will share the same stage in the UK.

Tickets for the 18 and older event, which is being presented by Irie Heights, start at £30, and can be purchased from the venue’s website.

Mi Gungu Walk is the latest single from veteran reggae singer-songwriter and producer, Annette Brissett. It’s a collaborative song done with her long time friend and colleague Marcia Griffiths. The bouncy reggae tune was released at the end of January (on the 27th), via Tad’s Record Inc.

Brissett‘s no-nonsense personality is on full display on the track as she lashes out at fake, deceptive people; especially those who exploit others for their own gain. Since it came out, the record has been getting consistent support on radio, and has even entered the South Florida Reggae Chart. This week it’s sitting at number sixteen.  

If you have not done so as yet, stream and/or download Mi Gungu Walk on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, or any other digital music store.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “MI GUNGU WALK”

Block Aye’s Crimson Red returns this weekend, on Saturday, March 11th, starting at 8pm, on their lawn at the University of the West Indies (Kingston). They have tapped international recording artist I-Wayne to perform, and promises that it will be bigger and better than their other events.

All in One Promotions, in conjunction with the USVI Department of Tourism-Division of Festivals, is inviting all reggae lovers and partygoers to their world-class event dubbed Rocking Steady. It promises to be a night of incredible music performed by legendary artists: Tarrus Riley, Pressure Busspipe and Duane Stephenson.

Rocking Steady will be held at the Crown Bay Center in St. Thomas, USVI, on Saturday 25th March, from 8pm until 2am the following day. General admission on the day of the show is $75; however, advance tickets are still available for $60.