As Jamaicans all over the world celebrate their 59th year of independence on August 6th, the city of Miami, in collaboration with Shannan Ighodaro, will join the festivities by presenting an event dubbed Reggae Summer Splash.

It will be held on Saturday, August 7th at Bunche Park Pool (located at 15727 NW 22nd Avenue) in Miami Gardens, Florida.

As the name implies, the affair will feature live reggae music from top-tier Jamaican artists. The two main headliners are Grammy award-winning reggae singer Mykal Rose and dancehall recording artist Red Rat. This event is powered by Inner Circle.

After a year-long hiatus, Dub-Stuy heralds the return of good vibes with a new installment in their riddim series. This time, they take on one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable riddims in history with the Answer 2021 Riddim. The Brooklyn-based sound system collective and record label calls upon an international line-up of top features, led by legendary duo Luciano & Mikey General, Spain’s Sr Wilson and Brooklyn’s own Jonny GoFigure.

Leading the charge on the vocals, Luciano and Mikey General return to top form, bringing us back to the heyday of the 90’s roots revival. With their soaring harmonies and golden voices, “Redemption” calls for a return to conscious music while uplifting the listener with an infectious hook. Sr. Wilson comes next, with his ‘Foodie Session’, uniting the world over a shared love for street food cultures. Finally, hometown sensation Jonny GoFigure mashes up the dance lyrically on ‘A Different Answer’. 

As a lead up to the EP’s release, Dub-Stuy recently dropped the music video for the EP’s single “Redemption” with Luciano and Mikey General.

CLICK HERE OR ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

On Sunday, August 8th, veteran reggae singer Nadine Sutherland and gospel recording artist Junior Tucker will perform at a family fun day event in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The affair, which will be held at 1585 SW Cashmere Blvd., is a celebration of Jamaica’s 59th independence.

The live show that starts at 5:30PM will be preceded by a soccer tournament which kicks off in the morning at 9AM. Other family friendly activities are also on the schedule.

Rastafarian reggae artist Rufftop Rock I, who hails from both the Roses Hill, St. Andrew and Allman Hill, St. Catherine communities in Jamaica, has just released his first EP. It’s a four-track extended play project titled The World Needs Love, and it comes to us courtesy of Reggae Vibes Music.

With the exception of Life Is What You Make It, track number three, all the other songs have been featured on previously released rhythm-driven projects. The World Needs Love (track #1) is on the Reggae Star Riddim, In These Times (track #2) is on the World Rebirth Riddim and Unity (track #4) is on the Reggae Love & Unity Riddim. 

All the aforementioned compilations were released by Reggae Vibes Music, the imprint that is now representing Rufftop Rock I. The team initially wanted to put out a full album with approximately ten tracks, but they instead opted for an EP as they felt it was a better way to introduce Rufftop to the masses.

As for his part, Rufftop Rock I was the one who decided to call the EP The World Needs Love, because based on all that is happening right now he genuinely believes that to be the case. When asked what he would like people to take away from this project he said the following: “compete with no one but yourself, try to be a better version of yourself everyday, and know that everything you see around you is an idea that came from us so just be your best self everyday.”

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “THE WORLD NEEDS LOVE”

On Friday, August 6th, the city of Miramar in Florida (U.S.A.) will join Jamaicans all over the world in celebrating the nation’s 59th Emancipation and Independence. They are doing so by hosting an event dubbed Jamaica Emancipendence Celebration at the Regional Park Amphitheater.

In addition to having a distinguished lineup of guest speakers, they will also feature some musical performances. International recording artist Etana is among those confirmed to perform.

This year is the 20th anniversary of the annual Jerk Festival held in Toronto, Ontario (Canada). Regretfully, because of the pandemic the organizers have decided to go virtual as oppose to having an in-person event.

That being said, the festival will be held on August 6th, 7th and 8th and it will stream live on their website: jerkfestival dot ca. Artists that have been confirmed are Tarrus Riley, Marcia Griffiths, Lukie D and Dean Fraser.