Freddie McGregor on Top for 2016 with New Single

00- Freddie McGregorThe Big Ship Captain Freddie McGregor entered 2016 at the top of the New York and South Florida Chart with his latest single “What You Gonna Do.” The track is on heavy rotation in the UK and is also featured on VP Records latest Strictly the Best Album. Produced by Freddie McGregor, Dalton Browne and Lloyd Campbell for Big Ship Music Inc., the album – “True To My Roots” will be released in Japan in May followed by official releases in Europe and North America.

McGregor shares that as a forerunner of the Jamaican music brand, he was inspired to show that good music is still being made in Jamaica and artists like him continue to engage with new and old audiences even in a far more competitive environment.

To support the album, Freddie will lead the Big Ship to Europe this summer at all the major festivals. Long time fans of Di Captain will not be disappointed and younger audiences will appreciate the authentic sweet rootsy sound from this class act.

Sean Paul Goes Outta Control for 2016 (@duttypaul)

00-Sean PaulGrammy award-winning Reggae superstar Sean Paul released another hot new track for 2016. On Friday, February 5, Sean Paul and British singer Jay Sean treated fans to the release of their “Make My Love Go” single. Featuring an upbeat house styled tune, the song is sure to be anyone’s party anthem.

Also just announced is another single “Outta Control” that features Yolanda Be Cool and Mayra Veronica and premieres in the Australian and New Zealand markets. Since the beginning of the year Sean Paul set the pace from early with single “Tornado” featuring Nicky B and SynthKartell, which was previously released on Friday, January 29. The artiste starts 2016 with an upbeat momentum, as his recent releases “Never Give Up” and “Give Thanks for Life” videos, have been gaining much popularity.

Europe, which is one Sean Paul’s strongest markets, has contributed greatly to the artist’s success. His 2014 collaboration with Latin music superstar, Enrique Iglesias, on the English version of the single “Bailando” achieved a number 12 spot on the Hot 100 charts in August. To add to the megastar’s catalogue in the European arena, he has in rotation the single “Ebony Eyes,” which features singer A-Klass and produced by popularly known European producer, Rico Bernasconi and Tuklan. The single rose in the top 10 in Italy, Sweden, Holland and Australia.

Sean’s 2015 success has earned him a nomination in the category of “Favourite Local International Artiste of the Year”, for the 2016 Youth View Awards.

The Temperature singer is due to headline the Sean Paul Canadian Full Speed Promo Tour scheduled for March 12-30 after his performance in Las Vegas on March 5. He also recently appeared in Dubai on February 4 after his sold out performance in Chile on January 30.

New Love Song From Chris Martin, In Time For Valentines Day (@kirkledove @Iamchrismartin)

00- Chris MartinSince his rise to fame after winning Digicel Rising Stars, reggae crooner Christopher Martin has accrued many accolades with his distinctive voice and memorable lyrics. His music has remained a constant presence on worldwide charts, and videos on rotation.

Just in time for the romance that February brings with Valentines Day,  KirkleDove Records is delivering “Beauty To My Life” performed by Christopher Martin. Single will be available on iTunes.

KirkleDove is a production company owned by Drummer, Songwriter, Producer, Lyricist, Artiste Kirk ‘Kirkledove’ Bennett. The production label has been delivering work on the Reggae /Dancehall scene since 2004 but got major exposure and notoriety with the ‘Dutch Pot’ Riddim with the mega hit ‘Tek weh yuhself’ by Mr. Vegas. Since then many other Riddims have made it to the worldwide market from Kirkledove Records. In 2015 the label released: ‘The Devil have a way’ – Lady Saw, ‘Healing of the Nation’ – Patexx, ‘Ruff Har Up – Koshens, ‘Bad Gyal Wine – QQ and ‘Style Dem Again’ – Busy Signal on the Street Corner Riddim. Kirkledove Records starts 2016 with the release of an up tempo, catchy crossover song performed by Christopher Martin called ‘Beauty in my life’ which makes the singer’s voice float on bold instrumental, that reminiscent of our Latin neighbours. Listen to the song here: https://soundcloud.com/kirkledove-records/01-beauty-to-my-life-by-christopher-martin-from-kirkledove-records

Exco Levi Nominated For Fifth JUNO Award (@Excolevi)

00- Exco LeviInternational recording artist Exco Levi has become synonymous with Reggae in Canada, and thus has enjoyed giving fans quality music that has been appreciated as much on the day of release as its’ appreciated years beyond. 2016 is no different as the artists’ song “Hello Mama” becomes his 5th song recognized by the JUNO’s with a Best Reggae Recording Nomination.

The announcement, made by the JUNO’s organizing body CARAS at a press conference at the Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto on Tuesday February 2nd, 2016 was a welcome honor to Exco who was in attendance as the nominees were being recognized.

2016 marks Exco’s drive for ‘5’ as he not only appreciates his nomination for Best Reggae Recording, but possible 5th consecutive win in this category. A win this year will maintain his status with singing legend Anne Murray as most winning artist in a single category. “Hello Mama” was produced by Silly Walks Discotheque, and featured on the Ram Jam riddim compilation.

Lady Saw To Perform At Three Consecutive Shows In The Tri-state Area In March (@ladysawofficial)

00-Lady-Saw-2Marion Hall, more popularly known as Lady Saw, will be doing back to back shows in America’s Tri-state area this March. Saw, who is still being referred to as the queen of dancehall, despite her public announcement that she will no longer be doing dancehall music, will be performing under her birth name, Marion Hall.

The first show will be held in Bronx, New York, at Evander Child High School on March 25th, the second in New Jersey on March 26th (exact location TBA) and the last in Hartford, Connecticut at the West Indian Social Club Ballroom on March 27th.

Sierra Nevada Festival Announces 2016 Lineup (@snwmf)

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No-Maddz

Mark your calendar for SNWMF 2016 at the beautiful Mendocino County Fairgrounds in Boonville, CA! Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Anderson Valley, The Mendocino County Fairgrounds is the perfect setting for our gathering that unites music and nature lovers from throughout the world.

SNWMF is an annual family reunion for many and is known as being one of the most positive festivals with an incredibly irie vibe. This year, Epiphany Artists presents another intriguing lineup of the best in roots reggae and world music on two stages and in our late night Dance Hall. Lineup includes: Alpha Blondy, Don Carlos, Israel Vibration, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Inner Circle, Etana, Pablo Moses, New Kingston, No-Maddz, Alaine, Mellow Mood, Jah Shaka and many more.

Come sing, dance! Welcome the summer sun and embrace the sweet sounds of reggae and world music!

Soak in the beautiful streaming colors and irresistible aromas of our festival village of global arts, crafts and food. Join in the festivities at both the Solstice Stage and the Kidz Zone which features a special lineup of performances and workshops for children of all ages!

SNWMF is dedicated to nurturing a world family peacefully united in celebration of the universal spirit of music. For more information visit: http://www.snwmf.com/

TORONTO AND OTTAWA WILL PAY TRIBUTE TO REGGAE LEGENDS ON FEB 6 AND 13, 2016

00-TRIBUTE TO LEGENDSTD presents Tribute to The LEGENDS – A JAMBANA™ Black History Month Reggae Jam at the Opera House (735 Queen St E, Toronto) on Saturday, February 6 and at Ritual Night Club, 137 Besserer Street, Ottawa, Saturday, February 13, 2016. Doors will open at 8PM and show time is 10PM. The show features live renditions of the legends’ catalogues performed by four time Juno Award winner Exco Levi, Chester Miller, Nana Maclean, Universal Music’s Lucas DiPasquale, Mr. Cooper and The Human Rights Band. DJ Joshua Lucas will keep the crowd rocking in between performances with legends’ selections. Tribute to The LEGENDS is produced by Jones & Jones and TEN81 Lifestyle.

An extension of the globally renowned JAMBANA™ One World Festival experience, Tribute to The LEGENDS is a musical ‘Rocumentary’ that pays tribute to the life and music of Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs and Joseph Hill. A dynamic presentation of music and digital projection celebrates Reggae’s best and gets you up close and personal to the catalogues of the icons themselves. This ‘Reggae Rocumentary’ unfolds with Canada’s finest reggae music acts each performing their rendition of the legends’ hits. 

Tickets for Toronto’s Tribute to The LEGENDS – A JAMBANA™ Black History Month Reggae Jam are $22.50 in advance on sale now at TICKETFLY.COM  and in various outlets.

Tickets for Ottawa Tribute to The LEGENDS – A JAMBANA™ Black History Month Reggae Jam are $20.00 in advance on sale now at TICKETFLY.COM  and in various outlets.