On Wednesday, January 25^th, Karamanti and Mikey General got together in Seaview Gardens in Kingston, Jamaica, to shoot the official video for their single, “Back Against The Wall.” The song, which was released at the end of 2016, has been getting heavy rotation by countless reggae selectors (radio, club and street) from all over the world.

“Back Against The Wall” is the leading single from Karamanti’s EP, which will be released at the end of February. The song can be streamed and downloaded via: https://karamanti.bandcamp.com.

The video was directed by Karamanti and shot by Mackamilli from Musical Xtremist. It is now being edited and will be released in February ahead of Karamanti’s upcoming EP. Here is what Mikey General had to say about the video shoot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyIC4miFfeE

Reggae artist Protoje rallies for justice in his homeland (Jamaica) in “Blood Money.” In his new politically-charged single, he delivers an honest call to action while addressing some of the socio-economic inequalities that exist in the country. In this melodic flow, Protoje describes the systematic oppression and the ways in which many of his people struggle. “Blood money run the nation,” he repeats in a sobering chorus that nods to society’s corruption. Click here to listen.

Unlike the widespread propaganda on governmental warfare that’s usually reported in traditional media, news about Peppery’s Battlefield album have been circulating for months via the new age social media, whatsapp groups and emails. For those who were anticipating it, the wait is over. The album is now available to download on all major platforms, thanks to record label Ambiel Music.

The Title Track Battlefield has been receiving airplay on a number of radio stations worldwide since it was first emailed to various radio presenters and DJs in November of 2016. Naturally, a promo pack of the Album was also sent out before the official release date and a successful launch was held in Birmingham, UK where promotional CDs were given to some of the patrons attended.

Peppery is originally from Trelawny, Jamaica but has been living in Manchester, UK since the latter part of 2009. Although he is known for releasing a number of dancehall songs, this new album steers away from this sub-genre of reggae and instead pays homage to its roots. “It is a roots reggae based record but my involvement in various genres of music would not allow me at this time to do a complete reggae album,” explained Peppery.

This is an album that touches many aspects of love and life – the album that’s missing in your music collection, if it’s not already in there. Peppery is an artist who prides himself on not using profanity in his lyrics so needless to say, this album is free from such term.

Support Peppery by purchasing his music, also make sure that you take time to visit his brand new bandcamp page here: http://peppery.bandcamp.com/album/battlefield. Or alternatively you can support the works by downloading mp3’s of his new album via the following link: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/battlefield/id1181804159?ls=1&app=itunes

David Brown (left) and Herbie Miller

The Reggae Open University which was introduced in 2013 continues to be a highlight of Reggae Month. It features panel discussions that provide participants with a unique opportunity to explore topics related to Reggae culture and industry. The sessions are led by music educators, artists, music industry professionals including artists, producers, media, promoters and government officials.

Reggae Open University sessions will take place at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing every Thursday and Tuesday February 21st and 28th at UTECH. Reggae Open University opened on Thursday, Feb 2 with the topic “Preserving the Music.” Panelists included Herbie Miller – Curator of Jamaica Music Museum, Joan Webley – Attorney and Board Member of JaRIA, Jahyudah Barrett – Attorney at Law and Director at Flames Production, David Brown – African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica, lead coordinator of UNESCO Reggae designation application and Mr. Gussie Clarke – Publisher/ Managing Director of Anchor, Board Member of JACAP.

Reggae Month was officially declared on January 9th 2008 by the then Governor General of Jamaica. This was done to highlight and celebrate the impact of the musical genre on the country’s social, cultural and economic development.

Aarhus, which has been named the Culture City for Europe for 2017, is buzzing with excitement as Jam Link Intl. gets ready to host the 2017 Bob Marley Tribute Concert at Voxhall on February 4^th. After having a successful 2016, where most, if not all its events were considered the best of its kind, Jam Link Intl. is promising a Bob Marley Concert like no other.

The team has contracted Roots Riders, which is arguably the best Bob Marley cover band in Europe, to headline the show. They will be backing Mitchell Brunings, a well-known, loved and respected Bob Marley cover artist.

As they have always done, Jam Link Intl. will have a pre-show: featuring a performance by acoustic solo artist Katinka, an interactive Bob Marley / Reggae presentation, Marley coffee tasting, poetry reading and art an exhibition. Additionally, there will be an after party, which will be held at V58. Music at the after party will be provided by Riddim Fex and Ida I.

For additional information, such as ticket price, schedule etc. visit the official FB event page by clicking here.

Burundian gospel artist, now based in Sweden, JiJi Seven, has just released a single from his album, “He Knows Me.” Though the project was distributed last year, the artist has been taking his time sharing and promoting each track individually. “I want to please him” is the most recent song to be publicized off the record.

The reggae track, which was produced by JiJi Seven, is one of the more powerful numbers on the LP. The things that automatically stands out to listeners after hearing this tune are: his masterful vocal delivery, his overall performance on the roots reggae rhythm (which is quite impressive considering he is not Jamaican) and of course his firm commitment to his faith. Several secular DJs have added the song to their rotation despite it being in the gospel genre.

. “I want to please him” was just added to YouTube and the entire album, “He Knows Me” is available for download from all digital music store.