On Saturday, May 31, Grammy winner Mykal Rose, formerly of Black Uhuru, will perform at Colony, the restored 1929 theater located at 22 Rock City Road in Woodstock, New York.
Presented by Upstate Reggae, this event will also feature Manou Africa and Kalpana Devi, an international roots reggae and soul ensemble known collectively as ReBelle. Click here to purchase tickets.
The best in Caribbean food and music will be on display at the 2025 Havana Reggae Festival. It’s scheduled for Saturday, May 3rd, at the 5F Farm Event Center – 8583 Salem Road—in Quincy, Florida, from 2-8pm local time.
Inner Circle is confirmed as the main headliner, with supporting acts Rik Jam, Dal-Wayne, Imar Shephard, Ashley Irae, The Soul Collective Live, and Kat Hall. The entrance fee is USD$30. Tickets can be purchased on their website: havanareggaefest.com or at the gate.
Reggae / R&B artist Mye Laurell has made a significant return to the music scene after taking a hiatus to focus on promoting a major annual event. Her latest endeavor is a fresh rendition of Diana Ross‘ iconic 1979 hit “It’s My House,” which has been reimagined into a reggae format. The original track was crafted by the esteemed rhythm and blues songwriting duo Ashford and Simpson and featured on Ross‘ celebrated album “The Boss.”
In this contemporary interpretation, Mye Laurell collaborates with producer Richie Stephens, who recognized the parallels between her vocal style and that of the legendary Diana Ross. Encouraged by Stephens, Laurell embarked on this project, recording her version at Pot of Gold studio in Kingston, Jamaica earlier this year. The release date coincided with both the song’s launch and an official music video produced by Terminal 4 Media on April 25th.
When discussing her artistic vision for “It’s My House,” Mye Laurell expressed her desire for listeners to embrace the song’s core message: “We as women are built for love. Care for us and treat us well. A house is a treasure; it’s the most prized possession in life.” She emphasized that this rendition is intended for a mature audience that appreciates life’s values.
Since its release, Laurell has received overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding both her performance and the production quality of the track. She noted that many have remarked on its appeal and richness in musicality, reinforcing her belief that she successfully revitalized a classic tune. With numerous accolades coming in from listeners, Mye Laurell‘s approach to honoring Diana Ross while infusing it with her unique reggae flair showcases not only her talent but also her deep understanding of music’s enduring impact across generations.
Residents in and around Clermont, Florida, are being invited to the 2025 Clermont Reggae Festival on Saturday, May 24th. This is a celebration of reggae music and culture, and it will be presented at The RasState (9117 Jack Underwood Road).
Roots reggae singer Iba Mahr, known for his unique vibrato style and hit record “Diamond Sox,” is confirmed as this year’s headliner. He will be joined by the iHeritage Band as well as several other reggae acts. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
On Sunday, May 18th, Afrocentric political poet Ras Takura will present the 2025 staging of Dub Poems & Agro Festival. It will be held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Center in Kingston, Jamaica, from 10am to 8pm.
This year’s lineup includes Oku Onuora, DYCR, Blakk Rasta (from Ghana), Sizzla Kalonji, Rica G, and of course Ras Takura. In addition to the live show, there will be a natural non-GMO seed swap, which all attendees are encouraged to participate in.
Fans and supporters of international recording artist Dollarman will only have to wait a few more days for new music from the Grenadian born Brooklyn grown chanter, songwriter, and producer. He and his team have announced that on May 1st, he will release a new single titled “Where Did Time Go.”
As the title suggests, “Where Did Time Go” reflects on the swift passage of time, prompting listeners to contemplate its fleeting nature. Dollarman skillfully intertwines themes of time’s preciousness with insights drawn from his own personal experiences. This introspective approach is expected to resonate deeply with audiences.
Anticipation for this release is heightened by the success of Dollarman‘s previous singles, “We Belong” and “So Tired,” both of which were also co-produced by Bernard ‘IOBI’Joseph. Given IOBI‘s pivotal role in the production of these earlier tracks, there is considerable expectation that this new record will garner similar acclaim.
Dollarman has conveyed his enthusiasm for this upcoming release, inviting fans to mark their calendars for May 1st, 2025. The combination of poignant lyrics and engaging production promises to make “Where Did Time Go” a noteworthy addition to his discography.
Throughout Winston Irie‘s extensive and notable career, two key elements have remained constant: 1) the exceptional quality of his songs. Each track is excellently produced, with meticulous writing and flawless performance. 2) His music often reflects a spiritual nature, drawing from his beliefs as an Ethiopian Orthodox, which is evident in nearly all his recordings.
Winston‘s newest single, “Unto Thee O’Lord,” released at the end of January 2025 through Bernard ‘IOBI’ Joseph‘s 4/20 Records, exemplifies these qualities. This inspiring reggae tune seamlessly blends elements of ska and gospel, earning it recognition not only on reggae platforms but also on Christian broadcast channels.
“Unto Thee O’Lord” is essentially a hymn of praise and worship. It has achieved significant success in the Tri-state area, securing a spot on The Foundation Radio Network Chart. As of this writing (on April 27, 2025), it is sitting at number 9. Additionally, “Unto Thee O’Lord” is featured on several other music charts, spanning both reggae and gospel genres.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 