Kevin Downswell, the man with many titles, with the most recognized being that of Believer, has just released the official video for his single My Year. The inspirational reggae song was first shared in April 2024 under his own Downswell Records.
If you have not yet seen the visuals, which were uploaded to his YouTube channel a few days ago (on July 24th), click here or on the image above to check it out, and remember to like, comment, and share.
The city of Miramar will present an Ole Time Fair on Saturday, August 3rd, in honor of Jamaica’s Emancipation and Independence. It’s a free event that will be at the Miramar Amphitheatre at Miramar Regional Park in Florida. It will start at 3:00 p.m. and end at 11:00 p.m.
As this is a live music, entertainment, and cultural showcase, it will feature performances by Ernie Smith, Ed Robinson, Richie Spice, Super Cat, and Gramps Morgan. They will also have a kids zone and a farmers market.
North Andros, one of the largest of the 31 districts of The Bahamas, is gearing up for a major event on Friday, August 2nd. The 1st Annual Big Yard Fest will be held at Off Da Road Bar and Grill (Queens Highway, North Andros), and it is expected to attract Bahamians from all islands and stimulate economic growth in North Andros.
The festival will be headlined by international reggae artist Richie Spice, who hails from Jamaica. Bahamian performers Jah Hem, Shine, and Bobo Tino are also on the lineup, as well as top DJs Unruly Ajay, Fresh International, DJ Kozmo, DJ Melody, and DJ Ting. Click here to buy tickets.
On Sunday, July 28th, the 14th edition of the Simmer Down Festival was staged at Handsworth Park in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Known as one of the UK’s largest music and arts festivals, the event is all about celebrating the rich cultural diversity of the city of Birmingham.
This year, Miss Beverley Kelso, the only surviving member of the original Wailers, was honored with a lifetime achievement award. She was a backing vocalist who sang on approximately 25 tracks with the group between 1963 and 1965. The deaths of Junior Braithwaite in 1999, Cherry Smith in 2008, and Bunny Wailer in 2021 have left Beverley Kelso as the only living person from that ensemble.
In addition to honoring Beverley Kelso, Simmer Down also featured Grammy artist Julian Marley, who performed with The Uprising Band, Queens of Lovers Rock, Janet Kay, and Carroll Thompson, as well as Peter Hunnigale, Peter Spence, Keisha White, Macka B, Mad Professor, and many more.
Unfortunately, as Beverley Kelso was unable to attend, Kelvin Grant, of the 70s British reggae band Musical Youth, received the award on her behalf. That said, click here to see her response to getting the Lifetime Achievement Award.
St. Catherine’s reggae/dancehall singer and songwriter, Christopher Martin, has been invited to perform live at the upcoming Jam Slam taking place on Saturday, August 31st, in Kingston, Jamaica.
The multipurpose Alfred Sangster Auditorium at the University of Technology, Jamaica (Utech) will become the center for an action-packed day of pro wrestling. It will be hosted by the “World’s Strongest Man” and WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Yes I Computers will be hosting Perfect Giddimani at an event dubbed Island Reggae Party, on Saturday, August 10th. This is an informal social gathering that will be held at 3668 McCasland Avenue in Cahokia Heights (East St. Louis), Illinois.
In addition to Giddimani, local artists Diallo St. Clair, Rikkathon Produkshuns, and Non-Stop Reggae will also do sets. Gates will open at 6:00 p.m., parking is free, and attendees are being encouraged to bring their lawn chairs. Entrance fee is US$25.00.
Marvelous Entertainment, Hits and Jams Ent., and GeeDee Promotions will bring one of Guyana’s most favorable events, the Big People Party, to New York City. They are assuring potential patrons that the NYC affair will have the same vibes that the Guyana event is known for.
It is scheduled for Labor Day weekend, Saturday, August 31st, at Industry City (220 36th Street) in Brooklyn. In addition to the musical jugglings of Big Papa, Rheney Spice, Bevon, and Ronnie, there will also be live performances by Glen Washington, Supa Ray, Super Terry, Murphy, and Busta. Click here to buy tickets.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 