On Thursday, March 27th, the live music series, Live Wire, returns with an up-close performance by Jamaican sing-jay Bugle. He will be supported by the Ruff Kut Band, and emerging dancehall artist Jahshii will also be on the show.
This event will be presented at Usain Bolt‘s Tracks & Records, which is located at 67 Constant Spring Road in Kingston, Jamaica. Running time is 9pm to 3am the following day. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Fresh Start 3, the event that is all about music, worship, and prayer, will take place on Saturday, March 29, at the Vienna Christian Center (Sky Campus) in Austria. There is no entrance fee, but the organizers would like all attendees to register on Eventbrite.
This worship experience will feature Ev Geff Adjei Gyamfi, Grace Jocktane, Trevis Mokanda, Jeniffer Kenzo, Ev Noella Mapepe, Herithier Mayangala, Emmanuel Banson, and Yourek Batezila. The theme for the night is simply ‘Love God.’
In a brief interview with MJ27, veteran recording artist Hopeton Lindo reveals that his tune, “Mi Selecta,” which features Sly & Robbie, was done to show appreciation to reggae-dancehall selectors and sound-systems. See the full conversation below.
MJ27: You are considered to be one of the best songwriters in the industry. How do you approach songwriting?
Hopeton Lindo:For me, songwriting is a blessing from the Almighty. I write lyrics based on the vibes at the time. My lyrics comes naturally with melody so I’m able to guide the musicians, other times when I’m writing on a riddim I let the riddim speak to me. Sometimes I wake up very late at night with a song in my head and record the melody and idea urgently as a good melody can be easily forgotten.
MJ27:Why did you decide to go dubplate style on the Zoom Dancehall Riddim?
Hopeton Lindo: The great Sly Dunbar sent me the zoom dancehall riddim and I wrote and recorded Mi Selecta song same day. The riddim spoke to me and it had to be a tuff dancehall street vibes style. So I decided to pay tribute to all selectors by doing a dub clash tribute, I guess you can call it a free dub to show my appreciation for their support. Sly said the tune is a wicked hit and we both agree this is the follow up to my big hit Territory which dub have been winning sound clashes all over the world.
MJ27:What do you want listeners to take away from “Mi Selecta” once they’ve heard it?
Hopeton Lindo: The take away that I would like listeners to get is that it’s my tribute to the sound system fraternity who I don’t think is getting enough credit for their contribution to reggae music and the dance clash culture. In the video we featured the immortal Stone Love sound and crew with Fadda Pow and special guest selector the legendary Jack Scorpio as a special tribute and all this was intentional as respect is due.
MJ27:Can you speak briefly about the challenges and benefits of wearing so many hats in the business: producer, songwriter, artist?
Hopeton Lindo:Wearing many hats in music as singer, songwriter and producer can be challenging but I love what I do and embrace it as a blessings.
MJ27:Is there anything you would like to mention that I did not ask about?
Hopeton Lindo:Check out my recent album entitled Purpose, also I would like to encourage other artists to stay focused, keep putting in the work, learn the business part of the music, believe in yourself and trust God. Teamwork makes the dream work.
“Mi Selecta” is featured on the “Zoom Dancehall” compilation released late last year via Taxi Records and One Pop Music, and its official video premiered on YouTube months prior to the full project going live on streaming platforms.
You Lead Assistance Network and Future Leaders Outreach Network will present the Pursuing My Dreams Summit on Friday, April 4th, at Hyvee Arena (1800 Genessee Street) in Kansas City, Missouri. The event’s objective is to empower and uplift future leaders in the community, so everyone is invited.
Beginning at 5:30pm local time, it will feature PMJ, commonly known as Pastor Mike Jr. and Koryn Hawthorne, with special guests Camron Smith, The Cofields, Monica Portley & KC Worship Ensemble, Kansas City Boys and Girls Choir, and United to Praise Dancers. Click here for tickets.
Rock the Bells, the hip-hop platform that was conceptualized by LL Cool J, has announced that their 2025 cruise is officially sold out. It will set sail on October 27th from Miami and will head to Bimini, Bahamas, before returning to Miami on October 31st.
Some of the confirmed performers are The Lox, Lupe Fiasco, MC Lyte, Xzibit, Dead Prez, Nappy Roots, Smif-N-Wessun, Fabolous, Juvenile, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Mannie Fresh, DJ Kool, and that is just to name a few.
The organizers have set up a First Available Program and are encouraging potential attendees to sign up so that if anyone with tickets cancels, they will be able to get a cabin. Get additional information here: rockthebellscruise.com.
Recording artist Anthony B will be celebrating his birthday with a concert at Legendz Lounge (3 Market Street) in Frederiksted, St. Croix, USVI, on Saturday, March 22nd.
The event, dubbed Anthony B & Friends, will feature Pressure Busspipe, Lava, DJ Kimo, Fya Emblem, and DJ Calvin. It is being presented by Anthony B‘s Bornfire Music Label. Click here for tickets.
The 2025 Far East Reggae Cruise will set sail on Thursday, September 11th from Tokyo, Japan, and will run until Tuesday, September 16. The organizers (Mighty Crown) have announced that Morgan Heritage, Romain Virgo, and Ding Dong will all be on board, as well as selectors Rory Stone Love, Killamanjaro, and Bodyguard Sound System.
For additional information, such as the full lineup, stops, and links to tickets, visit fareastreggaecruise.com.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 