After years of touring and recording with A-list artists like Julian Marley, Roodby “Speedyking” Ligonde decided it was time to work on his own project. A series of recording sessions with Danny Breakenridge of Upstairs Music resulted in ‘Upstairs Percussions,’ his first album.

Released by the South Florida-based label in November 2024, the album showcases the veteran musician’s percussive expertise across 10 tracks.

‘Upstairs Percussions’, Speedyking explained, whetted his appetite for even more solo work. “By having to record and to have the privilege to work with some amazing people and produce Jah Jah music, it makes me wanna do more productions and all. I don’t only express myself but release some of the frequency in me. Like I said, there is more to come, that’s just the beginning and we are not ready to stop making Rastafari music,” he said.

For the past 10 years, Speedyking has recorded and toured with the Grammy-winning Marley. Referring to Julian as “a cool artist”, he played on the singer-songwriter’s 2019 Grammy-nominated album, ‘As I Am’. Speedyking can also be heard on ‘Colors of Royal’, Julian’s album with Antaeus, which won the 2024 Grammy for Best Reggae Album.

In mid-2023, the Haiti-born musician began working on his solo album which he describes as “pure roots-reggae, traditional reggae.” ‘Upstairs Percussions’ was released after years of Speedyking playing for high-profile acts such as Stephen Marley, Louie Culture and Betty Wright. The sessions with Breakenridge were fruitful.

International recording artist Mr. Vegas has dropped his latest studio project, ‘Ghetto Reggae’, available now on all major streaming platforms. Released August 29 under his own MV Music imprint, the 14-track album showcases both his versatility and vision.

While largely a solo effort, the record features Daddy U-Roy on “Call Tyrone,”Demelo on “My Enemies,” and Greentone on “One Praise.” True to its title, ‘Ghetto Reggae’ blends roots reggae with a wide range of sounds—dancehall, afrobeat, rhythm and blues, and even soca influences—reflecting the broad scope of Mr. Vegas’s artistry.

Themes stretch across the spectrum: lovers’ rock ballads, a ganja anthem, environmental awareness, spiritual inspiration, and pointed “bad mind” tracks. A standout moment comes with “Land of My Birth,”Mr. Vegas’s take on Eric Donaldson’s classic, which adds fresh depth to the album.

Thoughtful and well-produced, ‘Ghetto Reggae’ reaffirms Mr. Vegas’s place as one of Jamaica’s most dynamic artists. The album is available now on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Deezer, iTunes, and more. 

The Peter Tosh Foundation has announced the return of Tosh Fest 2025, a vibrant celebration of the reggae legend’s life and work. The festival will be held on Sunday, October 19, at the Peter Tosh Memorial Garden in Bluefields, Westmoreland—the site of Tosh’s final resting place and a sacred space dedicated to preserving his legacy.

Marking what would have been Peter Tosh’s 81st birthday, this year’s festival is free and open to all ages. Attendees can look forward to a full day of live performances, local food and craft vendors, family-friendly activities, and a special tribute ceremony honoring the groundbreaking musician, activist, and cultural icon.

Tosh Fest is more than an entertainment event—it is a community gathering that reflects the values Peter Tosh championed throughout his life: unity, justice, and the power of music to inspire change.

For more details and to sign up, visit toshfestja.com.

After a period of reflection and creative renewal, Dominican artist and cannabis advocate AbiYah Yisrael has released her latest single, “Chanting.” The track marks her return from a personal sabbatical and follows the momentum of a recent Cannabis Symposium held in her home country, where discussions centered on reshaping public perceptions of cannabis.

Speaking on her new release, AbiYah explained:
“I have been going through a time of deep reflection and reconnection with my inner self, and this is just one of the many songs from my new catalogue that I plan to share with the people—not just for entertainment, but for enlightenment and edutainment.”

“Chanting” delves into both the spiritual and practical dimensions of cannabis use. AbiYah highlights its sacramental role, citing references in Hebrew Scriptures, such as the use of kaneh bosom (aromatic hemp) in the incense prepared by Moses. She emphasizes its enduring significance within Rastafarian traditions as a means of deepening connection with the Creator.

The song also touches on cannabis’ medicinal value, pointing to its therapeutic potential in managing conditions such as epilepsy, migraines, and diabetes. In its chorus—“This ganja I’m steaming this morning”—AbiYah underscores responsible and health-conscious consumption, promoting steaming as an alternative to smoking.

Through her music and advocacy, AbiYah urges Dominicans and global listeners alike to move beyond outdated stigmas:
“I encourage everyone to continue re-educating themselves and to purge their minds of the propaganda surrounding cannabis, allowing for unbiased perspectives as legislation evolves worldwide.”

Produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by ObadYah under the ChaYah Studios label, “Chanting” is now available on all major streaming platforms.

Reggae-dancehall artist Teflon Young King is set to host the official release party for his latest project, “Life Scriptures,” at Bellyful Restaurant & Bar in Brooklyn, New York. The event takes place on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 6 p.m. to midnight, with a live performance scheduled for 10 p.m.

Guests can expect an energetic evening of music and celebration, with sounds provided by DJ Easy, DJ Wave, and DJ Lucadaze. Throughout the night, attendees will also have the chance to win exclusive giveaways, including music merchandise, apparel, and copies of the album.

Released on August 22, 2025, “Life Scriptures” is a ten-track reggae collection that highlights Teflon’s versatility and artistry, weaving together new material with fan favorites. The release party promises to be a night of great vibes, and live reggae entertainment as Teflon Young King brings “Life Scriptures” to the stage.

Kanamacina Records will launch the first-ever Nimba Reggae Festival in Conakry, Guinea, on September 5th and 6th, 2025. The two-day celebration will open at the Radisson Blu Hotel on September 5th and continue on September 6th at the Esplanade Du Palais, with performances beginning at 2 p.m. each day.

The inaugural staging will bring together a powerful lineup of reggae and African music stars. Confirmed acts include Takana Zion, Ky-Mani Marley, Richie Spice, Jah Mason, Jah Thunder, Jaz Elise, Warrior King, Little Robert, Didier Awadi, Naftaly, Tiwony, and Fish Killa.

With its diverse roster and blend of local and international talent, the Nimba Reggae Festival is set to become a landmark event for music lovers in West Africa.