On Monday, December 22, 2025, the Hon. Olivia “Babsy” Grange, Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, officially presented reggae legend Leroy Sibbles with the framed Citation accompanying his Jamaica Music Icon Award, which he received at Grand Gala 2025.

Sharing the moment on her social media platforms, Minister Grange noted that the Citation honors Sibbles “in recognition of the work he did in promoting the growth and popularity of Jamaican music across the globe.” The document also celebrates his enduring musical legacy and global influence.

The Citation refers to Sibbles as “The King of the Bassline,” acknowledging his groundbreaking work that helped lay the foundation for modern reggae music. His distinctive bass lines were widely used by numerous artistes, contributing to recordings that launched major careers. Sibbles later became the regular bassist at the iconic Studio One recording studio, further cementing his place in reggae history. As the Citation states, “Leroy did not just play music, he crafted it, and his influence continues to resonate around the globe.”

Born and raised in Trench Town, Leroy Sibbles began his remarkable journey at just 16 years old as a founding member of the legendary group The Heptones. The group scored major hits with classics such as Fatty Fatty and Ting-a-Ling.

Jamaican dancehall star Cutty Ranks closes out the year with the release of a compelling new reggae single titled “Blood Red,” officially published on November 28, 2025.

Shared via Tropic House Music and distributed worldwide by Symphonic Distribution, “Blood Red” presents a more rooted and reflective side of the legendary artist. While Cutty Ranks is widely recognized for his hard-edged, militant, and uncompromising delivery, this latest release leans firmly into conscious reggae, offering a message of empowerment and accountability.

Produced by Michael Fairman and written by Philip ‘Cutty Ranks’ Thomas, the song directly addresses critical social and political issues affecting Africa and the Caribbean. In “Blood Red,” Ranks challenges African leaders to resist selling their nations’ natural resources to foreign interests, while also highlighting systemic inequality within the justice system—where the poor are consistently punished while the wealthy often evade consequences. The track further raises a pressing question shared by many Jamaicans: how illegal firearms continue to enter the island and find their way into the hands of the youth.

“Blood Red” is now available for download and streaming on all major digital music platforms.

Irie Pen Records has brought back a holiday favorite! Due to high demand, Feel It Christmas returned to all streaming platforms this November, just in time for the festive season. This project features a selection of seasonal favorites, reimagined with the warmth and spirit of reggae music, making it the perfect soundtrack for Christmas celebrations.

Produced by veteran singer and producer Hopeton Lindo for his own Irie Pen Records, Feel It Christmas features five well-curated tracks from a range of respected artists. The compilation includes “The Season” by Hopeton Lindo, “My Wish For Christmas” by Peter G, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” by Novel-T, “Some Day At Christmas” by Empress Uneek, and “A Different Christmas” by Hopeton Lindo and Anthony Redrose.

Adding to the project’s appeal are two accompanying music videos: “The Season” by Hopeton Lindo and “My Wish For Christmas” by Peter G. Both visuals are available on the Irie Pen YouTube Channel.

Beautifully delivered and rich in holiday sentiment, all five songs on Feel It Christmas capture the joy, reflection, and togetherness of the season. It’s a standout reggae Christmas release that deserves a place on everyone’s playlist this holiday season. 

Veteran Jamaican reggae singer Terry Linen is set to return to Japan in spring 2026 for the first time in seven years. The nationwide tour will run from March 19 to April 5, 2026, featuring 10 performances across Japan, along with a special meet-and-greet event.

The tour opens on March 19 with the meet-and-greet, followed by live shows in Shizuoka, Kagoshima, Hiroshima, Okinawa, Nagoya, Yokohama, Tokyo, Okayama, Osaka, and Chiba. This long-awaited return promises to be a memorable experience for reggae fans across Japan, as Terry Linen brings his catalog of hits back to the Japanese stage.