On January 1, 2023, two giants in Jamaica’s music industry – Buju Banton and Beres Hammond – will, for the very first time, hold a joint concert. Both men are confirmed headliners for the event dubbed Intimate at the Grizzly’s Plantation Cove in St Ann (Jamaica). When the show was first announced in early August, it was made clear that additional artists would be added; and at the end of November the complete lineup was published.

That said, Gargamel and Beres will be joined by the queen of reggae, Marcia Griffiths; singy singy Tarrus Riley, and one of Jamaica’s best male vocal groups: L.U.S.T.

(L.U.S.T.) Lukie D, Thriller U, Singing Melody and Tony Curtis‘ intention is to use this show as an opportunity to give their fans a taste of what they can expect on the ensemble’s upcoming Silver Anniversary Tour, scheduled for the summer of 2023. L.U.S.T. had their big break in 1997 with a standout performance at MIDEM in France, as well as the hit song Sweetness Of Your Love, which was #1 on the local charts that year. Twenty-five years later the men are still going strong! They continue to release music and perform together, while simultaneously managing their respective solo careers.

Promoters interested in booking the Silver Anniversary Tour should contact KEH Bookings in Canada: (403) 903-8755, Jamaica: (876) 298-7878, and the U.S.A: (215) 888-8432.

The king of lovers-rock reggae, Beres Hammond, has once again shared another beautiful ballad. His newest release is titled I Need Your Love, and it was published on November 25 by VP Music Group.

Like he has done so many times before, Hammond – in collaboration with his production team – successfully composed a melodious reggae record that tells the story of man who adores his woman, and is not shy about making it known. This is truly an addictive tune that rivals some of Beres‘ biggest hits.

If you have not done so as yet, stream and/or download I Need Your Love from your preferred music platform.

The Far From Reality singer, Natural Black, returns with a catchy new ska tune called Mission To Conquer. It was officially released earlier today – Friday, December 9th – via Big Feet Records.

Mission To Conquer has an interesting back-story. The song that is now available to the public is very different from the one penned and recorded by Natural Black in October. Significant changes were made by executive producer Josh Harris – who also played bass and keyboard on the track – and members of his production team: Santa Davis (drums), Jallanzo (lead guitar), Tommy Tikkanen (mixing engineer) and Earle Holder (mastering engineer). Sections were edited and some lines removed; not because there was an issue with what Natural wrote, but rather to make the overall song more euphonious.

Harris summed up his feelings about the final mix with six words: “I think it’s a hit song…!” While Natural Black, after hearing the changes, indicated his approval by uttering the Jamaican jargon commonly used for agreement: “respect.”

If you are into ska music you will love this tune, and if you’re not, this song will convert you. Stream and/or download it now from iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music and all other major music platforms.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “MISSION TO CONQUER”

Earlier in the year roots-reggae artist Tradition Man Wolo – who hails from the West African nation, Ghana – released his debut album, aptly titled Reggae Man. The record has a total of nine tracks, two of which are remakes of popular songs: Book Of Rules, sang by The Heptones in the 70s, and The Lady In Red, done by British-Irish singer-songwriter Chris de Burgh in 1986. It also has two remixes (of tracks one and two): Come Home and Back Again.

As the Kwanzaa season approaches Tradition Man Wolo and his team felt it prudent to create some visuals for the song Come Home. To that end, the official video – which was shot and edited in Ghana – was shared this past Monday (December 5th). 

Tradition Man explains the importance of publishing the clip now in the following statement: “This video is being released in December to coincide with the homecoming season in Ghana when many Africans in the diaspora visit Africa. The song “Come Home” from my album “Reggae Man” is a call from Africa to all Africans in the diaspora to come back home and help rebuild mother Africa. It also implores Africans on the continent to welcome their brothers and sisters back home when they arrive.”

Scenes for Come Home were captured in the Eastern, Greater Accra and Central Regions of Ghana, and they highlight the difficult history of Africans – at home and in the diaspora – while simultaneously telling their miraculous story of survival and hope.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO FOR “COME HOME”