Fresh off his stunning performance at Rebel Salute, the fireman Anthony B is now gearing up for a show at the popular Grog Shop (2785 Euclid Heights Blvd.) in Cleveland, Ohio on Saturday, February 8th. Anthony B will be supported by Ms. BBC and the Conscious Eye Reggae Band.
Tickets for this event, which will run from 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM, are available via Eventbrite.
UK based reggae artist, IfaTunde Orunmila, received a major endorsement to start the new year. The world immortal Stone Love Sound has thrown their full weight behind his album “Melanin,” showing support for it both privately and publicly. Stone Love rotated several songs from the project at one of their recent Weddy Weddy session and has since gone on to add specific tracks to their regular rotation.
A humbled but appreciative IfaTunde Orunmila says he is pleased with the support, and hopes that other popular selectors and Sound Systems will do the same.
IfaTunde is also getting ready to release a new single with popular musician / singer / producer, Skatta. For those not familiar with Skatta; his birth name is Trevor Bonnick and he is the lead singer for the Grammy nominated reggae group Inner Circle.
As a part of their Reggae Month celebration, the UC Theatre, located at 2036 University Avenue in Berkeley, California will be hosting several events geared at honoring the genre all month long. One such presentation will take place on Friday, February 7th from 8 PM until…
This is a live show that will feature Jamaican reggae artist and musician; Taurus Riley, Dean Fraser and the Blak Soil Band. The men will be supported by Long Beach Dub Allstars and Landon McNamara.
The 27th staging of Jamaica’s biggest culture festival, Rebel Salute, has come and gone, leaving lots of positive vibes still lingering in the air. Love him or hate him, Tony Rebel (along with his team) must be credited for building what has become one of the island’s most anticipated annual event.
Much like past stagings, this year was an undeniable success! We saw stellar performances by both established and emerging reggae and dancehall acts, and experienced an atmosphere of love and togetherness.
Some of the best performers this year were Chavaugn, who did a good early set on night one. Papa Michigan (from the duo Michigan and Smiley) came with an energy that completely lift the vibes and got everyone going. Flourgon, who just won millions of dollars in a settlement from American artist Miley Cyrus, was clearly in a good mood and it showed in his performance.
For the first time this year, the organizers included a comedy segment, and featured popular comedian Johnny (from Lime Tree Lane). He had the crowd in stitches! The man himself, Tony Rebel, did a good set and left the people dancing to “if Jah is by my side.” Leroy Sibbles was amazing. He didn’t talk much, he just delivered hits after hits and had the whole crowd dancing and singing along.
On night two, Jack Radics came out with a sweet energy and got the crowd going with his powerful voice. Rain started while Queen Ifrica was delivering what feels like one of her best performances at Rebel Salute ever. We are accustomed to her lecturing her audiences, but this year she did none of that. No, this year was all about the music.
Richie spice followed Ifrica and kept the same musical energy flowing. George Nooks did a solid set and even brought the people to church in the pouring rain. In my opinion, the man of the night was Louie Culture. He came on at approximately 4 AM, and although the rain was still falling it felt like he brought the sunshine in his all white outfit. Louie did what he’s known to do, he gave an excellent performance and got a much deserved encore! The people did not want him to leave the stage.
Mikey Spice, who clearly came out to sing for the ladies, gave out roses to a select few. Beenie Man showed us why he is still the king of the dancehall. He had the crowd in a frenzy. Anthony B, though his set was cut short due to time restrictions, gave a great performance. The people clearly wanted more but the event had to come to an end.
As mentioned before, Rebel Salute is now one of Jamaica’s treasures. We eagerly await the next staging.
2020 marks the 40th year since veteran recording artist Mikey General entered the music industry. Over the past 40 years he has consistently released new music, resulting in a catalog of approximately 800 songs.
This year he will be putting out a new album, which is not yet titled, on his own Qabalah First Music label. Later this month he will officially share the first single from that project; a powerful reggae track entitled “Pay the Man,” which is a message in support of the working class.
The rhythm for “Pay the Man” was created by: Miguel ‘Sizzla’ Collins (drum programming), Moziko (bass, keyboard and additional drums), Paul ‘Wrong Move’ Crossdale (guitar) and Alphanso Craig (percussion). The vocals were recorded at Killamanjaro Studio by engineer Andrun Haase and mixed by Marvin Williams and Prince Villa.
As usual Mikey General stays on point with conscious messages i.e. social commentaries, spirituality, justice and equal rights, as well as the need for morality. “Pay the Man” is about bringing attention to the issue of employees not being compensated by their employer.
When asked what inspired the new song, Mikey General simply said “As Eyesus Kristos tell us the workman is worthy of his hire.”
On Friday, February 7th, one of Jamaica’s baddest singers, Christopher Martin, will share the stage with one of the baddest deejays, Baby Cham, inside Rebel Night Club (11 Polson Street) in Toronto, Ontario.
The event, Redemption, is celebrating their 20th anniversary, and this year is a special Bob and Lover’s Rock Edition. Advance tickets, which are going for $30 CDN (general) and $45 CDN (VIP), are available HERE.
WorldBeat Productions presents the 39th Annual Tribute to the Reggae Legends on President’s Day Weekend; Saturday, February 15th and Sunday, February 16th, 2020 at the Worldbeat Center, 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego – Balboa Park. This is an all-ages event that will run from 4 to 11:30 PM each night.
Tribute to the Reggae Legends Festival also known as Bob Day was founded by WorldBeat Productions 39 years ago. Each year the festival pays respect to all the past and living legends of reggae music.
The 2020 line-up includes: Mykal Rose, King Yellowman, K’Reema and others on Saturday, and a tribute to Vaughan Benjamin with The Akae Beka Band, Army, Reemah, and Ninjah P Sound System on Sunday.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 