Bunji Garlin Will Be In Jamaica For RYTZ

I Love Soca Jamaica and Tipsy Music Festival present RYTZ, an all-inclusive shindig on Carnival Thursday, April 24, in Kingston, Jamaica. The exact location will be announced at a later date.

Trinidadian ragga soca artist Bunji Garlin is confirmed to perform. Some of his earlier hits include “Big Bad Soca,” “Differentology,” and “Famalay,” which was done with Skinny Fabulous and Machel Montano.

Digital tickets for RYTZ can be purchased on carib.com, while physical tickets are available at the following locations: Texaco (Liguanea), The Pub (Mayfair), The Lifestore (Supervalue Town Centre), Loud Fashion (Half Way Tree), Genus Pharmacy (Portmore), Jacana (Manor Park & New Kingston), and Healthline Pharmacy (Liguanea).

Kitson Town Gospel Concert & Food Festival

Member of Parliament for West Central St. Catherine Christopher Tufton, who is also Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness, will be hosting the annual Kitson Town Gospel Concert & Food Festival at Wynter’s Park & Farm (Old Road) in St. Catherine on Thursday, April 17.

This year’s performers include Ketano, Minister Howdy, Goddy Goddy, Empress Cidella, and Crystal Maye, with juggling by deejay Stick. Gates will open at 4pm, but the show will not commence until 6pm. Admission is free!

Chaka Khan’s Euro Tour Kicks Off On March 28th

The celebration of Chaka Khan‘s 50 years in music continues with a short stint in Europe this spring. She will close off the month of March at the Retro Festival in Switzerland before heading to New Zealand and then Australia. See all dates and locations below.

Mar. 28 – 29, 2025
Luzern, Switzerland
Retro Festival

Apr. 16, 2025
Auckland, New Zealand
The Civic

Apr. 18, 2025
St Kilda, Australia
Palais Theatre

Apr. 20, 2025
Tyagarah, Australia
Byron Bay Bluesfest 2025

Apr. 22, 2025
Sydney, Australia
Sydney Opera House Concert Hall

Apr. 22, 2025
Sydney, Australia
Sydney Opera House Concert Hall

Apr. 23, 2025
Sydney, Australia
Sydney Opera House

JIPO & JaRIA’s Original Song Competition

The Original Song Competition that is being presented by JIPO in partnership with JaRIA is still active. Anyone wanting to participate should send in their application by this Friday, March 28th.

Applicants should submit a video between 60-90 seconds long of them performing an original song that has not yet been commercially released. No profanity is allowed, and all submissions must be from someone 18 years or older.

Videos should be sent to marketing.jariaentertainment@gmail.com along with the applicant’s name and phone number.

Local organizations join forces to promote student awareness

Give Back Jamaica (GBJ) and Blakkwuman22 Music will collaborate at Whitfield Primary School on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, to inspire and uplift young students by facilitating interactions with reggae and dancehall artists who can impart their experiences, wisdom, and positive messages.

In 2025, the team will visit schools in Kingston, St. Catherine, Clarendon, and Manchester as part of the GBJ Artist Voice-Up Program. During their visits, they will read, recite, and encourage students to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of family values, diversity, and global community needs through the educational and entertaining aspects of reading.

Their first stop at Whitfield Primary School will honor the late principal Karen Powell who collapsed and died February 21, 2025. They will also collaborate with Winsome Wishes for KIDS (WWKIDS), an advocate of Graphogame and whose mission is to promote equity in classrooms for all children regardless of learning abilities.

The team will engage in constructive discussions with students, teachers, and local volunteers on topics including early childhood experiences and cultural differences and similarities that promote positive behaviors. The focus will be on addressing common misconceptions about reggae and dancehall artists, character development, leadership, community engagement, the importance of education, and expressing gratitude.

“This collaboration benefits all organizations involved,” stated Hopeton Brown, GBJ president. “Our efforts are crucial. We must prepare our children for the future. We will commit our time and effort to provide mentoring for our youth. It is important to guide them early to prevent future difficulties. Our goal is to ensure that no child is left behind, and that is why we are here.”

Blakkwuman22 Music will provide musicians who have a deep passion for Jamaica and a commitment to promoting peace and community building. WWKIDS will invite Jamaican authors to read to the children and engage them in interactive sessions aimed at encouraging self-expression, confidence, and memory retention. Additionally, GBJ, through its Kickers Club program, will donate up to 50 pairs of school shoes to students in need.

About Give Back Jamaica
Give Back Jamaica is a non-profit organization founded in 2013 that achieved 501(c)(3) status in 2021. Since its inception, the organization has collaborated with over 50 Jamaican primary schools and remains committed to enhancing the lives of school children. It promotes educational and community development through innovative programs and strategic partnerships. Our mission is to empower the youth of Jamaica by providing them with the necessary tools and support to build a brighter future.

About Blakkwuman22 Music
Blakkwuman22 Music is an independent Record Label, Publishing House and Music Distribution Company, owned and operated by recording artist Karamanti.

Jamaica Woodland Festival

Jamaica’s culture will be on full display at the upcoming Jamaica Woodland Festival. It will take place on Saturday, April 26th, at Pearly Beach in St. Ann, from 10am, and will run for a full 24 hours, ending at 10am the following morning.

This all-day family-friendly event will offer camping, food, and live music. Performing are Jah Bouks, Bushman, Turbulence, Warrior King, Bunny General, Dahvid Slur, Rising Suns, Empress Minott, Jahbar I, and others. Digital tickets can be purchased on caribtix.com.

Sizzla Will Be At Ras Campbell’s Earthstrong On March 29th

Emerging artist Ras Campbell will be celebrating his birthday with a stage show and dance on Saturday, March 29th. It will be at his place, Ras Campbell Lawn, in Breastwork, Portland.

Several artists and selectors will be in attendance to support the deejay. Confirmed are Sizzla Kalonji, Daddy Shark, Singer B, Night Hawk, Mr. Spinners, TeJean, Axxcess International Sound, Unruly Squad, and that is just to name a few.