Conroy Allison and Irie Jam Radio will present the 26th Annual Tri-State Family Fun Festival on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Heckscher State Park, Pavilion #2, in East Islip, Long Island. Now in its 26th year, the festival has become a staple of the Caribbean community’s summer calendar in the tri-state area.

Headlining the festival will be a live performance from reggae superstar Leroy Sibbles. The event will also honor legendary bass player and reggae band leader Derrick Barrnett with a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his lasting contributions to the genre.

The festival’s Family of the Year honors will go to Andrew Morris of Sam’s Caribbean Marketplace and Glamor Wayne, a legendary New York DJ, celebrating their impact on their communities. Additionally, a group of promoters and selectors will be recognized for their contributions to the local Caribbean music and nightlife scene, including Dale “Irie Dale” Stewart, Big Tony TC, Desmond “Desu” McKoy, Errol Brown of Mingles Cafe, Sherman Bell of Moments Cafe, and Junior Rocatune.

Beyond the awards and performances, the festival promises family-friendly activities suitable for attendees of all ages. Advance tickets are priced at $35, with children under 12 admitted free of charge. For more information, visit www.iriejamradio.com.

UK-based reggae veteran Macka B takes listeners on a journey back to the roots of Jamaican music with the release of his new single, “Memories.” This track became available on July 23, 2026, via Chinelo Records.

Recorded over the powerful Diverse Doctrine Riddim, “Memories” is a tribute to the golden era of reggae, celebrating a time when Roots Reggae dominated the dance halls and the term “dancehall” referred to the sound system sessions rather than the genre it would later become.

With enthralling lyrics and authentic reggae instrumentation, Macka B reflects on the lively dancehall culture of the 1970s—a period when conscious roots music, militant messages, heavyweight sound systems, and spirited community gatherings defined Jamaica’s musical landscape.  

Known for his commitment to positive reggae music and socially conscious storytelling, Macka B once again delivers a recording that honors the genre’s legacy while resonating with longtime reggae enthusiasts and new listeners alike.

Released by Chinelo Records, “Memories” is available on 7-inch vinyl for collectors and reggae purists, as well as on all major digital streaming platforms. 

Reggae artist Sativa D Black 1 has released the official music video for his socially conscious single, “Same Song.” The video premiered on July 17, 2026, and is now available on the artist’s official YouTube channel.

Featured on the Di Regulator Riddim, produced by Juna-Vill Records and released on May 29, 2026, “Same Song” confronts the growing influence of negative messages in today’s music. Through compelling lyrics, Sativa D Black 1 challenges DJs and selectors to take greater responsibility for the music they promote, criticizing the widespread circulation of songs that degrade women, glorify violence, and negatively influence young listeners.

International reggae artist and Antigua’s Reggae Ambassador, Causion, revisits one of the most meaningful songs of his career with the re-release of “One Life to Live,” available on July 23, accompanied by a compelling new music video filmed in his homeland of Antigua.

Originally released in 2005, One Life to Live was inspired by a tragic incident Causion witnessed more than three decades ago while on tour. After seeing first responders desperately fight to save the life of a man involved in a devastating road accident, he turned to his longtime friend and collaborator, Maurice Gregory, and reflected, “We get up every day and never know what is in store for us. We only have one life to live.”

The profound impact of that moment inspired Causion and Maurice Gregory to write the song, creating a reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of living each day with purpose. More than two decades after its original release, the pair reunited to produce a fresh new version, believing its message is as relevant today as ever.

The song’s meaning has grown even more personal for Causion. Seven years ago, he was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer, a battle he has faced with remarkable courage and determination. His journey of resilience and gratitude has given One Life to Live renewed emotional depth, making the song both a personal testimony and a universal message of hope.

The accompanying music video, directed by Causion‘s son, Jeron Bailey, beautifully complements the song’s message by capturing the spirit and everyday life of working-class Antigua. Through Bailey‘s direction and the cinematography of Larry Basham, viewers are given an authentic glimpse into the community that helped shape the artist.

“That’s where I spent so much of my time growing up as a child in the village of English Harbour,” Causion explains.

Recognized as Antigua’s official Reggae Ambassador, Causion has spent decades using his music to inspire audiences around the world. His contributions to music and culture were formally recognized in November 2024, when he was awarded the Commander of The Most Precious Order of Princely Heritage, Antigua and Barbuda’s fourth-highest national honour.

Paterson’s Eastside Park will host the 10th annual Jamaica Day on Saturday, August 1, 2026, marking a decade of the community celebration alongside Jamaica’s 64th year of independence. The free event, organized in partnership with the Bill McKoy Foundation, runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and brings together generations of Jamaican music and culture under the theme “One Love – One Culture – One Legacy.”

This year’s lineup features dancehall legend Sister Nancy, whose decades-spanning career has made her one of the genre’s most influential female voices, alongside fellow dancehall veteran Lady G. Representing the next wave of Jamaican artistry is reggae singer Lila Iké.

Beyond the music, the event is designed as a family-friendly celebration of Jamaican heritage, with carnival rides, food vendors, and a cultural marketplace.