República do Reggae (Reggae Republic), arguably the biggest reggae festival in Latin America, returns on November 19 in Salvador, Brazil. This event, which started in 2003, has consistently highlighted authentic roots-reggae music and artists regardless if they are emerging or established. This year will be no different!
The 2022 lineup includes: Israel Vibration, Duane Stephenson, The Itals, Dezarie, Edson Gomes, Ponto De Equilibrio, Nkulee Dube, Edy Vox and Nengo Vieira. Get tickets here.
Despite all the craziness going on in the world, this time of year – the period leading up to December 25th – usually conjures up feelings of warmth and a desire to be with loved ones. This is true regardless if you celebrate Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Christmas or National Pumpkin Pie Day (yes, such a day does exist).
That end of year, happy holiday vibe, can be heard and felt on Nyabinghi Christmas, a sixteen-track album produced by Dean Fraser and Tad A. Dawkins Jnr. The project was initially shared a couple years ago, but because of its theme, it is appropriately re-shared annually weeks before yuletide.
Nyabinghi is a subsect of the Rastafarian movement. That said, Nyabinghi Christmas is an instrumental album that features a collection of traditional Christmas carols, redone by saxophonist extraordinaire Dean Fraser, exclusively for Tad’s Record Inc.Fraser, who is a multi-award winning Jamaican music legend, offers his interpretation of songs like Felice Navidad, Deck The Halls, Long Time Ago, Do You Hear What I Hear, and many more noels that we’re all accustomed to.
Persons who have not yet heard the record may assume that because both Fraser and Dawkins are top-tier reggae creators, Nyabinghi Christmas is a reggae album; but that is not the case. Although some songs are obviously influenced by reggae, the more dominant sounds on the LP – apart from the obvious woodwind instruments – are the African drums (nyabinghi drums).
Nyabinghi Christmas is soothing, refreshing and enjoyable; it is the perfect gift for Christmas. Executive Producers are Tad A. Dawkins and Tad A. Dawkins Jnr.
In two weeks the 11th annual Reggae On The Mountain Festival will take place at Live Oak Camp in Santa Barbara, California. The exact dates are November 18, 19 and 20.
Confirmed performers are: Ziggy Marley, Steel Pulse, Ky-Mani Marley, Barrington Levy, Don Carlos, Yellowman, Hempress Sativa, Prezident Brown, Marlon Asher, Pato Banton and many more. Get additional information on the event’s official website: reggaeonthemountain-dot-com.
Next week; on Friday, November 11th, the latest single from the Big Feet Records camp will go live on all streaming platforms. The song is Nah Sleep, a radical reggae tune performed by Rastafarian roots artist Lutan Fyah. On this one Lutan writes and sings in parables as he issues a warning to listeners, reminding them that “Jah busy but him nah sleep.”
Producer and label owner Josh Harris, who was determined to collaborate with Lutan Fyah on the track, is very pleased with the outcome. Harris played both bass and keyboard, while Santa Davis played drums and Jallanzo added lead guitar. Veteran vocalist Nikki Burt harmonized the song before it was mixed and mastered by Tommi Tikkenen and Earle Holder, respectively.
Big Feet Records‘ most recent release – Protection by Junior Kelly – received well over 10,000 streams in its first week. Harris and his team are hoping that this new single by Lutan Fyah will surpass that. Save the date: Friday, November 11th!
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “PROTECTION” BY JUNIOR KELLY
Approximately two weeks ago Big Feet Records released “Protection,” a bouncy reggae tune performed by Junior Kelly. Immediately upon its release it began getting steady rotation from media houses in Jamaica and overseas. That support continues today.
The ongoing positive reviews have resulted in Protection getting well over 10,000 streams in its first week. As such, producer Josh Harris – who shared the news – is encouraging reggae lovers who have not done so as yet, to check out the tune. It’s available on all digital streaming platforms.
Reality Shock & Qabalah First Music presents Loyalty, the second single from Mikey General‘s new album Hold A Heights. The official video for Loyalty shot in Jamaica by Remii Studios is now live on YouTube.
The album Hold A Heights has been making waves across the globe since it came out in July (of this year), and Loyalty is favored by many – including veteran reggae broadcaster Clinton Lindsay – who has been championing the new single in the USA. Hold A Heights is currently #7 on the Foundation Radio Network Reggae Album Chart in New York.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “HOLD A HEIGHTS”
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On Thursday, November 10, British roots reggae band – Steel Pulse – will kick off their seven-day California tour at the Fremont Theater in San Luis Obispo. The remaining schedule is as follows:
November 11
The UC Theatre @ 7:30pm
Berkeley
November 12
Speakeasy Bar and Grill at 1933 Event Center @ 7:00pm
Bakersfield
November 13
JaM Cellars Ballroom @ 7:00pm
Napa
November 17
Belly Up @ 8:00pm
Solana Beach
November 18
Belly Up @ 9:00pm
Solana Beach
November 19
Reggae On The Mountain 2022 @ 7:00pm
Santa Barbara
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 