Rupee to Headline Pompano Beach’s 2025 Caribbean Fest

Posted on September 17, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Rupee has been announced as the headliner for the 2025 Caribbean Fest in Pompano Beach. Best known for his international hit single “Tempted to Touch”, the soca star will take the stage to deliver his signature high-energy performance.

This year’s free community event will also feature Haitian compas band T-Vice as the opening act. Based in Miami, T-Vice is celebrated for their infectious rhythms and vibrant stage presence. Adding to the festive atmosphere, DJ Mike Cooley will keep the energy flowing with live DJ sets throughout the night. Hosting duties will be carried by media personality Jody Ann Gray.

Caribbean Fest 2025 takes place on Saturday, October 18, from 5 to 10 p.m. at Pompano Community Park, located at 1801 NE 6th Street in Pompano Beach, Florida. Guests can look forward to an evening filled with live performances, dancing, and the spirit of Caribbean culture. The festival is free and open to the public.

New Song & Video from Mr. Vegas “Marching on to Progress”

Posted on September 14, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Reggae-dancehall artist Mr. Vegas has released a timely new single and video titled “Marching on to Progress”. The track arrives in the wake of a divisive general election and carries a message aimed at healing and uniting the nation.

The song is a remake of the People’s National Party’s campaign anthem “Blood and Fire Comrades”, but with a distinctly different focus. While the original celebrated the party’s drive to regain power, Mr. Vegas’s version broadens the perspective to highlight national progress beyond political lines.

The music video reinforces this vision of unity. It features dancers clad in both parties’ colors, joyfully moving and singing side by side. The visuals echo the song’s call for solidarity, demonstrating that despite political differences, the nation’s strength lies in togetherness.

With “Marching on to Progress”, Mr. Vegas blends music and message, offering not only a catchy remake but also a unifying anthem for Jamaicans navigating a period of political division.

Brooklyn’s Soca Fest 2025: A High-Energy Caribbean Celebration Hits the Stage August 29

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Brooklyn is turning up the heat this Labor Day weekend as Soca Fest makes its much-anticipated return on Friday, August 29, 2025. This electrifying celebration of Caribbean music and culture will take over the Brooklyn Museum at 200 Eastern Parkway from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m., delivering a night of nonstop rhythm, dancing, and island vibes.

The 2025 lineup promises an unforgettable live experience, featuring KES the Band, Bunji Garlin, Fay-Ann Lyons & The Vikings Band, Mical Teja, Raymond & Dil E Nadan, and a slate of surprise guest performers. From high-energy soca anthems to smooth island grooves, this year’s festival is set to be one of the biggest yet.

Early Bird tickets are available now for $60, with VIP access at $125, which includes premium drinks all night. Prices will increase at the door, so securing tickets in advance is highly recommended. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

Guyana Day Caribbean Cultural Festival in Brooklyn

Posted on August 6, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Caribbean culture will take center stage on Sunday, August 31st as the Guyana Day Caribbean Cultural Festival lands at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, located at 141 Flushing Avenue, Suite 801. This celebration, presented by Caribbean Power Jam Radio and Hits & Jam Boom FM (Guyana), promises a powerful lineup of Caribbean music from 2 PM to 10 PM.

With a mix of reggae, soca, gospel, and dancehall, the event features a stacked bill of international performers. Sizzla Kalonji, one of reggae’s most dynamic voices, will bring his fiery energy to the stage alongside Samuel Medas, Guyana’s gospel phenom. Also performing are Natural Black, the smooth-toned reggae artist; Motto, known for soca anthems; and rising stars Stitchie, Gucci Boss, and Kady Kish. Hosting duties will be handled by Diamond Natural.

General admission is $60, while VIP tickets are $150, offering elevated access and amenities. Tickets are available now on Eventbrite.

Wayne Wonder, Luciano, Rupee & Nailah Blackman to Headline Rise Up NYC on August 16

Posted on August 3, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Rise Up NYC returns to Roy Wilkins Park in Queens on Saturday, August 16, delivering a powerful lineup of Reggae and Soca talent for an unforgettable night of music and culture.

Headliners include Reggae icon Luciano, Dancehall hitmaker Wayne Wonder, and Soca stars Rupee and Nailah Blackman. The event will also feature juggling by New York City’s legendary DJ duo, Bobby Konders and Jabba.

This free, all-ages concert promises high-energy entertainment and Caribbean vibes from start to finish. Don’t miss the chance to experience world-class artists in the heart of Queens.

Mr Easy, Honorebel & Ackah Dan Join Grub Cooper on Vibrant “Soca Jam” EP

Posted on August 2, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Veteran producer Dennis Johnson has brought together an eclectic mix of talent for his latest project, “Soca Jam” EP, a carnival-inspired collection released via Finatic Records on July 11th. Known for his historic work with reggae legends like Bob Andy, Freddy McGregor, Capleton and Dennis Brown, Johnson shifts gears with this colorful soca compilation. The EP includes four tracks: “Soca Jam” by Grub Cooper of Fab5, “Caribbean Ting” by Mr Easy, “Roll Your Waist” by Honorebel, and a remix of that same track featuring Ackah Dan.

While Grub Cooper’s inclusion feels like a natural fit—given his role in Fab5’s classic soca anthems like “All Night Party” and “Feeling Horny”—the arrival of Mr Easy and Honorebel, both more familiar to dancehall audiences, brings a surprising but refreshing twist. Their tracks showcase a smooth blend of Caribbean genres, signaling a new direction while staying rooted in festive, high-energy vibes.

So far, the response has been upbeat. All four songs are picking up steam on streaming platforms, with no clear frontrunner—each track holds breakout potential. With this release, “Soca Jam” proves that genre-crossing experiments, when done right, can feel both bold and seamless. Click here to download “Soca Jam” EP from your preferred music platform.

Newark Caribbean Festival 2025

Posted on July 30, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The Newark Caribbean Festival returns for its second year on Saturday, August 16, 2025, promising a vibrant celebration of island culture in the heart of the city. Hosted by the Newark City Parks Foundation in partnership with TEMPO Networks, the festival will take place from 2 PM to 9 PM at Harriet Tubman Square and is free and open to all.

It’s a day built for families, music lovers, and anyone ready to soak in the energy of Caribbean rhythms, cuisine, and community. Headliners include soca legend Denise “Saucy Wow” Belfon, Rupee—best known for his global hit “Tempted to Touch”—and Capella Grey, whose West Indian roots fuel the chart-topping sound behind “Gyalis.”