Although it’s also featured on Tad’s Record Inc.‘s new album – Celebrating Jamaica 61 – Hezron and Big Youth‘s track, I Shall Be Released, as a single, is indeed well timed. 

I Shall Be Released is a very powerful song with a compelling history. It was first penned by Bob Dylan in 1967, but was not officially released until May 3rd, 1968, when it was recorded and shared by English musician Boz Burrell. However, it was not until singer, songwriter, pianist, and civil rights activist Nina Simone did her rendition that it became relevant to the international black community. 

Sadly, we are once again living in a time when such a song is needed, and that is why Hezron and Big Youth‘s interpretation is considered timely. With his deep, raspy, strong vocals, Hezron – who has always performed with profound passion – delivers the lyrics in a manner that reflects the emotional agony black people have faced for centuries. Not to be outdone, the legendary deejay Big Youth compliments Hezron‘s style with his own, while making important sensical contributions.

Hezron and Big Youth‘s I Shall Be Released is among twenty-one songs featured on the Celebrating Jamaica 61 album published by Tad’s Record Inc. Both the single and the LP are available on iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Deezer, and all other music platforms. 

CLICK HERE TO STREAM & DOWNLOAD “I SHALL BE RELEASED”

CLICK HERE TO STREAM & DOWNLOAD “CELEBRATING JAMAICA 61”

Jamaican reggae group Black Uhuru will be back at Moe’s Alley – 1535 Commercial Way – in Santa Cruz, California, on Wednesday, September 6th. They will be supported by popular selectors Boom Draw and DJ Spleece.

This is a twenty-one and older reggae show that’s scheduled to start at 8pm (local time). Advance tickets, which are available on Moe’s Alley’s ticketing website, are currently going for $40 USD.

The Original Dumpling Shop, located at 3435 Baychester Avenue in the Bronx, New York, would like parents with kids who will be going back to school this fall to come out on September 3rd as they will be having a family fun day, dubbed Vybing With The People. Over 100 school bags, free haircuts, food, and other items will be given away to attendees on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Additionally, international recording artist Richie Stephens, who recently released the now trending Street Gospel Riddim, will also be on hand to truly vibe with the people. There is no cost associated with this event.

Toronto Boyz Take Over – an entertainment company based in Toronto, Ontario – will be having their bi-weekly Afro party, dubbed Afro Vibes Tampa, this Friday, September 1st, at 8022 North 56th Street in Tampa, Florida (USA).

The event, which began in June of this year, initially featured only African music and themes, but at the requests of their patrons they have since incorporated Caribbean sounds, thus transforming the affair into more of an Afro-Caribbean gathering. 

To that end, they’ve invited Jamaican reggae lyricist Zally – who is currently promoting his recently released EP, Am Reggae – to perform at the forthcoming ‘All White’ staging. As the special guest artist, Zally will do a complete set, which will includes some of his newer songs, as well as some old fan favorites. 

Am Reggae can be streamed and/or downloaded from iTunes, Apple Music, Deezer, Spotify, Tidal, and all other music platforms. And the official video for the title track can be viewed on Zally‘s YouTube channel. 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “AM REGGAE”

After announcing their initial lineup, which includes Third World, Luciano, Derrick Barnett, and the Statement Band, the organizers of the 2023 Westchester Reggae Festival have now added Mikey Spice to the program.

Everything is now set for Saturday, September 2nd, at the Westchester County Center – 198 Central Avenue – in White Plains, New York. Showtime is 8pm. Click here for tickets.

Rastafarian reggae artist Ras Kronik continues to bless us with his dynamic sound. He is back with his third studio album – The Energy – released on August 18th via Pandemic Records & Entertainment LLC., the imprint co-owned and operated by him and his brother Sheldon Edwards. 

The Energy features a collection of reggae and dancehall songs, with one surprising soca/afrobeat tune (track #6, This Morning). It has a total of twelve tracks and only one collaboration, which is Fyah Burn, done with veteran reggae artist Turbulence.

The overarching theme of this record however, is clearly Ras Kronik‘s Rastafarian faith and lifestyle. Outside of a couple of love songs – that were undoubtedly done for his female fanbase – most of the tunes are centered around survival, peace, determination, unity, spirituality, etc.

Producers and beatmakers that contributed to this body of work are Mr. Mig, Ricky Dread, Trixx Anthony Tenyue, Sheldon and Everton Edwards. When asked what inspired the album, Ras Kronik simply said: “Love, love is the inspiration behind the Energy.”

CLICK HERE TO STREAM / DOWNLOAD “THE ENERGY”

The 2023 Philadelphia International Reggae Festival is set for Saturday, September 2nd at the Taj Mahal Philly Event Center, which is located at 2613 Hunting Park Avenue.

It’s scheduled to start at 9pm (local time), and will feature performances by Richie Spice, Junior Kelly, Queen Ifrica, Da Wolf, and several other reggae acts. Tickets can be purchased from eventbrite.