Next month, on November 4th and 19th, HC Entertainment will host the Reggae Party Tour in France. Both shows: on the 4th at Elispace (Avenue Paul Henri Spaak) in Beauvais and at Le Zénith Sud (2733 avenue Albert Einstein Domaine de Grammont) in Montpellier on the 19th, will feature live reggae sets by local and international acts.

Performers confirmed for the Reggae Party Tour are Anthony B with the House of Riddim Band, Jah Mason, Pierpoljak, Manu Digital, Sara Lugo, Broussai and Brahim. However, on the 19th they will be joined by Yaniss Odua and the Artikal Band.

The cultural reggae and rum tasting event – Rum & Reggae Festival – is a family affair that not only highlights the sampling of alcoholic spirits; but also features Caribbean food, music, lifestyle and culture.

The festival will be held at the Apopka Amphitheater – 3710 Jason Dwelley Pkwy – in Apopka, Florida on Sunday, November 13. Confirmed performers include: Freddy McGregor, Chino, Ricky Stereo, Ras Shiloh, Tanto Metro, Devonte, Lt. Stitchie and Jah Tiff. Tickets can be purchased from eventbrite.

Real reggae music is alive and well in Canada! Anyone who questions that statement should get a copy of the brand new thirteen-track album, In Love With Livin, by Rastafarian reggae artist Mally Bless. It was released on September 29 via Starliners Entertainment: a Jamaican-Canadian music imprint operating out of Toronto, Canada.

In Love With Livin is a smooth, mellow, warm recording that is both enjoyable and relaxing. The three-year production process – which began in 2019 – was directed by the team at Starliners Entertainment, and managed executively by Marlon Lovemore (Mally Bless). 

No expenses were spared in making this LP. Some of the best musicians were brought on board to ensure that we – the listeners – get the quality production we are now enjoying. Musicians that worked on In Love With Livin are: O’niel “Drummy” Fuller (drums/percussion), Orville “Wyz” Malcolm (keys), Evon “Laza” Lazarus (bass/guitar), Everett “Supa” Clarke (keys) and Mosaxx (saxophone). Harmonies were done by Empress Harmony, Shannon “Canon” Henry and Tonya P: a recording artist in her own right.

This being his first full length studio album, Mally took the opportunity to tackle some social issues on tracks 9 (New World Order) and 11 (Belly Of The Beast). He also gave us some nice love songs: Believe Me, Fallin and So Much Joy– a collaboration done with his business and personal partner Tonya P. A few inspirational songs: Lovemore, On My Way, Reggae Music and the title track In Love With Livin, offer a mental break from the heaviness of the societal tunes mentioned before. Mally did not shy away from showing his pain on track #7 (R.I.P.), a hip-hop fused song done with Gloomy Grade, in which he honors friends he has lost along the way. His commitment to Rasta is heard and felt on track 1 (Wanna Be), a collaboration with Tydal Kamau. And finally, two versions (original and dub) of a ganja tune called Smoke My Herbs, are featured.

The official video for the single In Love With Livin was also released. The four-minute clip, which was directed, shot and edited by Capital T Filmz, is a glimpse into the life of Mally Bless, a humble Rastafarian and talented vocalist who is truly “In Love With Livin.” 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “IN LOVE WITH LIVIN”

Reggae, a style of popular music that originated on the small Caribbean island of Jamaica, has become a global phenomenon. This unique sound, which was initially created to give voice to the voiceless, has, over the years, become very commercialized. Alas, the ‘business’ of reggae now trumps the messages being sent via this important medium. What this means is that we are now grappling with an industry filled with money hungry business men and women, disguised as professionals, filling the airwaves with whatever they think will generate the most income. 

However, in spite of the preceding assertion, there are still a number of persons working in the field – artists, producers, promoters, agents etc. – who are holding the line. Meaning; they’re committed to creating and promoting only authentic reggae music. Kingston native Junior Kelly, the man who gave us the mega hit If Love So Nice, is among those not yielding to the pressures for money, power and fame. 

Junior Kelly uses his musical abilities to praise the Most High, tackle social issues (in a responsible way), and advance love on earth; things one would expect to hear when listening to real reggae music. On his upcoming single for Big Feet Records – due out on Friday, October 14th – the Rastafarian reggae artist ask the Devine for Protection (which is the title of the track) from anyone and anything clothed in overt or covert negativity.

This is a big tune with the right message so be sure to check it out when it is released.

CHECK OUT THE PROMO VIDEO FOR “PROTECTION”

Orville Marshall and the team at My MM Productions have just released a powerful reggae EP titled Positive Transfusion. The songs are on the Transfusion Rhythm, a product of Wayne Armond and Orville Marshall and it features new music from some very notable reggae legends: Luciano, JC Lodge, Wayne Armond, Carlton Coffie and Pinchers; as well as emerging artist Stevie Malekuu.

Names aside, this project is getting a lot of attention because of its theme. Positive Transfusion is not just the moniker, it is the thread that runs through all the songs on this EP. Below is a synopsis of each.

On his tune War A Gwaan, Luciano addresses the global conflict that is negatively impacting billions of ordinary people all over the world. While JC Lodge – who is known for her megahit singles Someone Loves You Honey and Telephone Love – performs a timely song that is demanding a “Love Uprising” to change the crisis in the world today.

For his part, Wayne Armond appropriately questions the music that our youths are making and embracing, while reminding us of the foundation laid out by artists like Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff and Bob Marley. Another welcomed voice on the Positive Transfusion Riddim is that of Pinchers: the original bandelero. His tune – Mama You Worthy – is a truly beautiful melody that honors all mothers and reminds us of the important role mothers play in our lives.

Long time reggae artist Carlton Coffie – the Jamaican vocalist who worked with reggae ensemble Inner Circle from the mid 80s to the mid 90s – joins the lineup with Gonna Be Alright, a refreshing party song that assures us that we will get over our problems like many others have done. And the final track – Don’t Trust Dem – is from the newcomer Stevie Malekuu, who undoubtedly held his own among the veterans as he tells the youths to be skeptical about the intentions of some of the people around them.

Surprisingly, this masterfully produced compilation is the first rhythm driven project from My MM Production. Kudos to Orville Marshall and his team on a job well done. The Positive Transfusion EP is now available on all music platforms.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “POSITIVE TRANSFUSION”