Trench Town Culture Fest 2026

The Trench Town Culture Fest takes place on February 4th, 2026. Hosted by New Age Rockers and the Trench Town Culture Yard, it features live performers Earle “Chinna” Smith, Lutan Fiyah, Erup, Kahpun, Queen Iminah, Dahvid Slur, and Ras-I, alongside numerous others.

The event will be held at Vin Lawrence Park, located on 1st Street in Trench Town. Gates are scheduled to open at 3 PM, with the main show commencing at 6 PM. To ensure a seamless musical experience, the festival also feature a dedicated roster of selectors and disc jockeys, including Icebox, DJ Nattty of King Harar Sound, DJ Steamaz, DJ Brixx, and Satta Sound.

Admission for the festival is priced at $1000 for general entry at the gate, while a VIP experience is available for $3000. This gathering is supported by several partners, including Virgo Creatives and Dubwise Costa Rica.

Major Reggae, Dancehall & Gospel Acts Confirmed for the 2026 Love and Harmony Cruise

The 2026 Love and Harmony Cruise sails from Miami, Florida, aboard the Norwegian Jewel on April 1–6, 2026. The itinerary includes a stop in Freeport, Bahamas, on April 2, followed by a visit to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, on April 4, with additional days at sea dedicated to onboard festivities and musical entertainment. The cruise returns to Miami on April 6, with an early-morning disembarkation.

Headlining the cruise is reggae legend Beres Hammond, alongside powerhouse performers Busy Signal, Maxi Priest, Romain Virgo, Agent Sasco, Pinchers, and Tanya Stephens, each representing a distinct era and style of Jamaican music. The cruise will also feature a special gospel showcase with Carlene Davis and Minister Marion Hall (formerly Lady Saw).

In addition to the performances, guests will enjoy nonstop energy from a curated roster of top DJs hosting themed parties, deck sessions, and late-night events throughout the voyage. Click here to book your cabin.

Richie Stephens Honors Jimmy Cliff With New Studio Cover of “Trapped”

Following his powerful live performance at the Jamaican government’s official tribute event honoring the late Jimmy Cliff, reggae singer Richie Stephens has recorded a studio cover of Cliff’s classic song “Trapped.” The decision to revisit the track comes naturally for Stephens, for whom the song was a go-to selection during his early career and a deep source of artistic inspiration.
 
Officially released on January 9, 2026, the new rendition stands as an emotional and vocally compelling studio recording that pays tribute to Jimmy Cliff’s enduring legacy. Stephens delivers the song with passion, capturing its themes of struggle and toughness while honoring the spirit of the original work.
 
The cover has the same intensity and feeling that made Stephens’ live performance at the Jimmy Cliff tribute at the National Arena in Kingston a standout moment. It’s also a reminder of the song’s historical significance, originally written and recorded by Cliff and later popularized globally through a well-known rendition by American rock star Bruce Springsteen.
 
Richie Stephens’ version of “Trapped” is available now on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music, Tidal, and all major digital streaming platforms. The release comes courtesy of Stephens’ own Pot Of Gold Production label.

Junior Kelly Brings Live Reggae Energy to JunkYard in Dortmund

Internationally acclaimed reggae artist Junior Kelly will deliver a conscious reggae set at the popular live music venue, JunkYard, in Dortmund, Germany, on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Presented by Revelation Concerts, doors will open at 8:00 PM with the show starting promptly at 9:00 PM.

After years of honing his craft and performing at major festivals like Reggae Sunsplash, Junior Kelly achieved international stardom in 2000 with his massive hit “If Love So Nice,” which topped the Jamaican charts for a record-breaking 15 weeks. Known for his devout Rastafarian faith and distinctive “sing-jay” style, he has consistently used his platform to advocate for social justice, peace, and spiritual upliftment through acclaimed albums such as Love So Nice, Smile, and Urban Poet.

Steel Pulse Confirmed for Miramar’s Annual Black History & Reggae Month Celebration

The City of Miramar will host the 5th Annual Afro-Carib Festival on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Held at the Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater, this event serves as a dual celebration for Black History Month and Reggae Month. This year features a headline performance by the legendary reggae band Steel Pulse.

Hosted by Commissioner Carson “Eddy” Edwards, and presented by the City of Miramar leadership, the festival continues the city’s tradition of honoring cultural heritage through music and community engagement. For additional information and tickets, visit afrocaribfestmiramar.com.

Winston Flags Smith Inspires with New Reggae Single “Try Again”

Winston Flags Smith has returned with an inspiring new reggae single titled “Try Again,” released on December 12, 2025. The track emphasizes perseverance, delivering a message that aligns with the veteran singer’s roots-inspired style.

Produced by Patrick R. Quest, “Try Again” encourages listeners not to be discouraged by initial setbacks. Through sincere lyrics and a steady reggae groove, Flags reminds audiences that success does not always come on the first or second attempt, and that determination and faith are essential to achieving one’s goals. The song reflects both personal experience and universal truths.

Known for a career that began in Jamaica’s vibrant reggae scene before continuing in the United States, Winston Flags Smith has consistently infused his music with messages of resilience, reflection, and hope. “Try Again” continues this tradition, reinforcing his reputation as an artist who uses music as a source of strength and inspiration.

A few days after the single’s release, the official music video premiered. The video is available for viewing on Maria Jackson 27’s YouTube channel, and the song can be downloaded from all major streaming platforms.

Junior Scratch Carries the Black Ark Torch on Congo Shanty Riddim

Black Ark Records presents Congo Shanty Riddim, a new project that bridges reggae’s rich history with a contemporary sound. The release is significant  for Black Ark Records, the legendary label born from the iconic Black Ark studio built by Lee “Scratch” Perry in 1973 behind his family home, a space that helped shape the global sound of reggae and dub.

Produced by Omar Perry under the name Junior Scratch, the project reflects a deliberate creative distinction between his roles as artist and producer. By stepping into the producer’s chair under a separate identity, Junior Scratch allows his production work to stand on its own while honoring the legacy he inherits as the son of one of reggae’s most influential figures.

Released on December 19, 2025, Congo Shanty Riddim is a contemporary reggae riddim fused with African sounds. What truly sets this project apart is Junior Scratch’s ability to assemble a top-tier lineup of respected reggae artists. The riddim features Winston McAnuff, Turbulence, Chezidek, Teacha Dee, Mystical Fyah, Alex Perry, and of course Omar Perry

Congo Shanty Riddim stands as both a tribute to Lee “Scratch” Perry’s groundbreaking work and a statement of Omar Perry’s growing strength as a producer. It affirms that the Black Ark legacy is not only preserved but evolving, carrying its influence forward into a new era of reggae and dub. The project is now available on all major streaming platforms.