Mykal Rose Goes Afrobeat!

Legendary Jamaican singer Mykal Rose, who is most widely known for a successful tenure as the lead singer for Black Uhuru (1977 to 1984), followed by a lengthy solo career doing roots reggae, is apparently now working on an Afro-beat album. 

The announcement was made by a representative of Kingmaker Music, a record label and music marketing company. The first single from Rose‘s upcoming Afrobeats project is “Diamond in the Ruff,” released in mid-November via the aforementioned imprint. Click here to stream/download it from your preferred music platform.

Season’s Greetings From Mesha Steele

In the wake of what can only be described as a successful 2024, recording artist Mesha Steele is gracefully concluding the year by sharing Christmas songs from her expanding catalogue. In November, she unveiled both an album and a single dedicated to the festive season, inviting music lovers to embrace her unique holiday spirit.

Two key projects that deserve special attention are her previously released album, “Christmas in Paradise,” and the single “Good Mawnin Miss Lady.” Originally published years ago under John Q Records, “Christmas in Paradise” has been meticulously remastered and re-released through Mesha‘s independent imprint, Riddim Allstars. This album showcases her artistic evolution while retaining the warmth and joy associated with traditional Christmas music.

Moreover, “Good Mawnin Miss Lady,” which was produced during the pandemic, represents Mesha Steele‘s innovative take on a beloved Belizean Christmas classic of the same name. This reinterpretation not only honors its roots but also infuses it with her distinct style.

Both projects are readily accessible to audiences across various platforms including iTunes, Amazon Music, Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, Apple Music, and all other major streaming services. As we approach this festive season, Mesha Steele‘s contributions provide a delightful soundtrack for all who celebrate this joyous time of year.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “GOOD MAWNIN MISS LADY”

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “CHRISTMAS IN PARADISE”

Jahman & Ras Batch Call On Their “African Ancestors” In New Single

Two of the U.S. Virgin Islands’ most prominent reggae voices, Jahman and Ras Batch, have joined forces on a new single called “African Ancestors.” Released on November 22nd, 2024, the delightful afro-beat record was created by Grammy Award-winning producer Masai Harris, who was given the prestigious prize for his work on Kabaka Pyramid‘s Reggae Album of the Year, “The Kalling.”

When asked what inspired “African Ancestors,”Jahman said the following: “I was actually in the studio listening to the melodies of the song. Ras Batch had just arrived to pick me up, and I invited him inside. As he heard the melody, he sang out “African Ancestors” in such a beautiful melody, and the rest of the song is history.”

Both men, Ras Batch and Jahman, have been friends since the late 1990s, so this collaboration should not come as a surprise to their attentive fans and supporters. That said, “African Ancestors,” which is published on the Splatter House Records label, is now available on all streaming platforms.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “AFRICAN ANCESTORS”

Clinton Fearon Is Doing An Acoustic Tour In France This Month

From Wednesday, October 2nd, through Saturday, October 12th, Jamaican singer, instrumentalist, and producer Clinton Fearon will do a short acoustic stint in France. He, alongside Grammy Award-winning guitarist Kubix, will do a total of seven intimate shows. Below are all the confirmed dates and locations (as of this writing).

Oct. 2 – ECFM, Canteleu (FR)
Oct. 3 – La Kab, La-Celle-Saint-Cloud (FR)
Oct. 4 – CCM, Limoges (FR)
Oct. 5 – 109, Montlucon (FR)
Oct. 10 – Le Kilowatt, Vitry-sur-Seine (FR)
Oct. 11 – Patronaat, Amsterdam (NL)
Oct. 12 – Le Pharos, Arras (FR)

Mr. Pike Drops New Single “This Ring”

The journey of Jamaican-born, America-based recording artist Mr. Pike has not been an easy one. The singer, songwriter, producer, and businessman sadly lost his first wife, Tasha Pike, in 2017. Her passing had a devastating impact on Mr. Pike, because in addition to being the love of his life, Tasha also played an instrumental role in the success of his business.

Not being one to stay down, and also for the sake of the kids, Mr. Pike has since picked himself up, pushed through the pain, and now considers himself a happy man, despite all that he has been through. A big part of that happiness is his new love interest, his current wife, Chavannie Pike, whom he wedded in 2023. Mr. Pike is so overjoyed that he has written a song about his life, with an emphasis on his present-day relationship.

The single, which went live on streaming platforms earlier today, August 30, 2024, is titled “This Ring.” Categorized as reggae, “This Ring” is fused with afrobeat and even has elements of amapiano. The lyrics sound more like vows used at his actual wedding as opposed to a song inspired by his marriage.  “This Ring” can be streamed and downloaded from iTunes, Tidal, Apple Music, Deezer, and all other digital music stores. 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “THIS RING”

André 3000 Announces North American Fall Tour

Hip-hop legend, singer-songwriter, musician, and actor André 3000 has announced that he will be performing across North America this fall. The tour is in support of his debut solo album, New Blue Sun, released by Epic Records on November 17, 2023. Below are all the confirmed dates and locations.

09-19 New Orleans, LA – Orpheum Theater
09-21 Dallas, TX – Winspear Opera House
09-22 Austin, TX – Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater
09-25 Houston, TX – The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
09-27 Albuquerque, NM – Kiva Auditorium
09-28 Mesa, AZ – Mesa Arts Center
10-01 San Diego, CA – Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay
10-02 Los Angeles, CA – The Greek Theatre
10-04 Santa Barbara, CA – Arlington Theatre
10-05 Oakland, CA – Fox Theater
10-09 Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre
10-11 Vancouver, British Columbia – Queen Elizabeth Theatre
10-14 Portland, OR – Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
10-16 Salt Lake City, UT – Eccles Theater
10-17 Denver, CO – Ellie Caulkins Opera House
10-19 Minneapolis, MN – Northrop at the University of Minnesota
10-21 Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed
10-22 Detroit, MI – Masonic Cathedral Theatre
10-25 Brooklyn, NY – BAM Howard Gilman Opera House
10-30 Boston, MA – Wang Theatre at Boch Center
11-01 Philadelphia, PA – The Met
11-02 Akron, OH – Akron Civic Theatre
11-08 Richmond, VA – Altria Theater
11-09 Washington, D.C. – The John F. Kennedy Center
11-12 Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center
11-14 Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre

Sunwave Music Festival

The forthcoming Sunwave Music Festival, scheduled for Saturday, July 27th at the historic Dell Music Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is all about bringing Caribbean vibes to the city of brotherly love.

This year’s lineup includes the man who rose to stardom with the global megahit Jerusalema, Master KG; the queen of the talking drum, ARA; Bob Marley‘s grandson and an accomplished artist in his own right, Skip Marley; and platinum recording artist Kranium. It will be hosted by Flippa Moggela. Click here for tickets.