The Montreal International Reggae Festival is sorry to announce that artists Percy Sledge and Frankie Paul had to cancel their participation at this year’s 11th edition, which will be held at the Old-Port of Montreal from August 15- 17. Both cancellations are due to health issues.

Legendary R&B singer Percy Sledge, now 74 years old, was hospitalized last month for serious health problems that eventually forced him to cancel all the dates of his summer tour. “I am deeply saddened that I won’t be able to meet and please my Montreal fans. I sincerely hope that there will be another time,” stated the American star.

Unfortunately, Frankie Paul also has medical problems that has forced him to cancel a few performances, including Montreal’s Reggae Fest 2014.

On the weekend of August 15 – 17, the 11th edition of the Montreal International Reggae Festival offers an exciting line-up of top international reggae stars: on Friday, a Lover’s Rock extravaganza starring Etana and Maxi Priest. On Saturday, it’s Dancehall and Soca galore with Kiprich, QQ, Demarco, Alison Hinds and Sean Paul. On Sunday, the up-and-coming Zamunda will warm up the stellar line-up of Sanchez, Luciano, I-Octane and Reggae’s First lady, Marcia Griffiths, who is celebrating 50th anniversary in the business. This very special evening shall one of be the most prestigious in the festival’s history!

As has become a yearly tradition, MIRF also features the best local and Canadian acts, as well as the best reggae and dancehall DJs throughout the weekend, to make it a truly memorable experience!

Visit http://www.montrealreggaefest.com for more information.

With the outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus in some West African countries, well over 600 people have died in that region from the deadly disease and the number continues to climb. The Ebola is said to be the most deadly virus in history and it is transmitted through bodily fluids with the most troubling argument being that there is no cure for it.

That being said, recently two American missionaries working in West Africa also contracted the disease and all of a sudden a test drug was presented to them which they took and by all accounts seems to be curing them.

The question we here at MJMagazine and I’m sure many others want to ask is; why wasn’t this test drug given to the Africans who died from Ebola to see if it could have save their lives?

After working as Beenie Man’s music director for many years and doing countless other projects with and for all the top artists within the Reggae Dancehall industry, WormBass (formerly known as Worm) is now working on his first solo project. Having earned his place in Jamaica’s music history, WormBass feels that at this point in his career, it’s time to change the plan. “I have things I want to say, things I want people to know that the bass just couldn’t say, so singing is a must. I’m not new in this; I’m just continuing the journey and expanding my horizons,” he said.

In order to ensure that his first project is a success, WormBass called on long time friend and colleague, Beenie Man and requested a collaboration which was honored by the dancehall king. The two recorded and released the cross over single called “bring back the paradise”. Persons may list to the track here:

After releasing his single “Rise Again“, back in May, the official music video is now out! With a brand new sound for this long time reggae artist, C-Koo Slimoffers a new and fresh vibe on a acoustic backdrop, all while keeping an inspiring lyrical message.

“Rise Again” was written for the people of his homeland, St-Vincent and the Grenadines, after the devastating hurricane in December 2013. C-Koo Slim first performed the single at the fundraising event, which he organized alongside the Rise Again team, Montreal St-Vincent & Grenadine Association and Montreal Caribbean Showcase, to help raise funds for the survivors of the hurricane.

Whether in remembrance of this tragic event or as a means to “Rise Again” from any obstacle faced, fans will definitely be moved by this soulful melody that is sure to sooth their soul!

To purchase RISE AGAIN, please visit ITunes:https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/rise-again-single/id868295925

With Rising Crime and Murder rates in black communities not only in Trinidad &Tobago but across the whole western hemisphere, Trinidadian bred Rap Group Elite Neguz breaks down some of the factors contributing to these negative statistics in their song “Baby G”. Elite Neguz (Neguz which stands for Negus which means King or Ruler in the African Language of Amharic) is a Island based Rap group which consist of ill Payne (Rapper), Dan Duke (lead Vocalist), Top Dog Strakes (Rapper) and Jaydot beatz (Producer). The group was founded by ill Payne in 2014 after he decided to make a way for his friends to leave the street life by using their talents

Watch Video: