Freddie McGregor Announces 1st Annual Big Ship Music Festival

freddy-chino-marcia

Big Ship Music Company Inc., which is headed by veteran reggae artist Freddie McGregor, will be hosting the first annual Big Ship Music Festival on Saturday, July 6th. The event will be held at the Port Charlotte County Fairgrounds (2333 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte) in Florida.

Confirmed artists fort his year are: Marcia Griffiths, Admiral Tibet, Everton Blender, Hopeton Lindo, Chino, Glen Washington, Perfect Giddimani and the man himself, Freddie McGregor. All artists will be backed by The Code Red Band.

Click here for tickets.

Duane Stephenson & Jah-Lil Will ‘Enter The Dancehall’ In Zürich On May 18th

Jah-lil & Duane Stephenson

On Saturday, May 18th, established reggae artist Duane Stephenson and emerging singer Jah-Lil will perform at the Rote Fabrik Musikbüro (Seestrasse 395, 8038) in Zürich, Switzerland.

The event, which is called Enter The Dancehall, will commence at 9 PM UTC. Click here for tickets.

Are Jamaican Artists Selling Out For Money & Fame?

rasta-lion-cannabis-cultureOver the last few years dancehall music has become a global phenomenon, though not as big as reggae, it is now seen as a popular artform (pop) capable of competing with rock, hip-hop and the likes. What this means is that another musical genre, born and raised on the island of Jamaica, is now highly sought after the world over.

Both genres have gotten so big that many countries are now honing their own set of reggae / dancehall stars for the world stage. However, the general consensus among musical insiders is that in order for any reggae or dancehall artist, from countries other than Jamaica, to be recognized as such, they need to collaborate with an established (known) Jamaican artist. It is believed that such a collaboration authenticates the non-Jamaican talent.

This is where the question of selling out comes in. More often than not, the non-Jamaican talents are artists with a lot of financial support who are eager for fame, fortune and all that comes with being a music star in the twenty-first century. However, and this is based entirely on observation, a lot of them don’t seem to have high moral standings. In other words, they seem to desire fame and fortune at any cost. Surprisingly, our own Jamaican artists, most of whom talk a lot about ‘God (Jah) over everything,’ have no problems collaborating with them, even if they appear to be entirely amoral. Please understand that I am not insinuating that our Jamaican artists are righteous leaders; but I am referring to the ones who give the impression that they are. Hence my title; are Jamaican artists selling out for money and fame?

An observation by Maria Jackson

San Diego Reggae Vegan Fest Announces Reggae Superstars Third World As Headlining Act (@ThirdWorldBand)

third-world-reggaeGo Vegan Radio (501(c)3) presents the 1st ever San Diego Reggae Vegan Fest on Sunday, July 21, 2019 at Liberty Station / NTC Park – Prebble Field from 12 noon to 9pm.

The headliner, Third World, celebrates 45 years as one of reggae’s most iconic legendary bands. Third World is one of Jamaica’s most consistently popular crossover acts among international audiences. Mixing in elements of R&B, funk, pop, and rock and, later on, dancehall and rap, Third World’s style has been described as “reggae-fusion.”

With 10 Grammy nominations and a catalogue of charted smash hits, including (“Now That We Found Love”, ”96 Degrees in the Shade” and “Try Jah Love”), spanning over four decades, sold-out tours, a vibrant and loyal fan base and inspirational messages make this band a festival favorite.

Tickets for the San Diego Reggae Vegan Fest are $25 in advance and $40 at the gate. Advance tickets are available at reggaeVeganFest.com and on the Eventbrite ticketing platform. Kids 12 & under are free.

Raging Fyah’s U.S. Summer Tour Dates & Locations (@RagingFyah)

53236239_2376340942385844_6674358592205750272_n

With their new lead singer wooing fans and dominating stages, Jamaica’s reggae ambassadors, Raging Fyah, are ready for the road! The band will be touring the United States of America this summer. See below the dates already confirmed and contact the group’s management team for additional information.

July 10th – Cincinnati, OH – Fountain Square Concert Series
July 11th – Carbondale, IL – Shyrock Auditorium Steps At SIUC
July 13th – Snowshoe, WV – 4848 Festival
July 14th – Richmond, VA – The Camel
July 16th – Virginia Beach, VA – The Bunker Brewhall
July 18th – S Kingstown, RI – Ocean Mist
July 19th – Washington, DC – Union Stage
July 20th – Asbury Park, NJ – Asbury Lanes
July 21st – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl
July 22nd – Ocean City, MD – Secrets

Buju Confirmed For Amsterdam On July 7th (@BujuOfficial)

IMG_0693

On Sunday July 7th, Buju Banton and a host of top-tier Jamaican entertainers will be performing at Afas Live (located at ArenA Boulevard 590) in Amsterdam. This is a part of the ‘Long Walk to Freedom Tour‘ that initially started in Jamaica in March. On this leg of the tour Buju will be supported by Protoje, Anthony B, Agent Saco and Richie Spice. The organizers are also promising a major surprise act.

Buju Banton has been a staple in reggae and dancehall music since the early 90s so this will be a treat for his fans in Europe. Click here for tickets.

Hempress Sativa Now Accepting Bookings For U.S. West Coast Summer Tour (@HempressSativa)

53653003_2096905043729805_1701848815008481280_o

This summer Hempress Sativa and her Unconquerebel Band will be touring America’s West Coast. The tour will commence on July 15th and will run through August 4th. As there are still available dates, the artist and her team are encouraging interested promoters to make the link ASAP.

All bookings for this tour are being done by Kings Music International. They can be reached via email at: reggaeangle@aol.com and phone: 1-510-653-4069.