When we think of reggae music and the creators who have contributed to it since its inception, as well as those who continue to do so now, the more renowned artists are usually top of mind. However, Jamaica’s reggae industry is filled with countless emerging talents who are very active on the local and, in some cases, international scenes.

Imar Shephard, a native of Saint Thomas, Jamaica, is definitely among the many up-and-coming singers who are successfully carving out their space in the music business. After relocating to Kingston many years ago and working ceaselessly on his craft, so much so that he now has an authentic following (fanbase), Shephard is gearing up to release his second studio album on May 31st.

The soulful reggae record, titled Morning Glory, has nine tracks and collaborations with Bushman, Empress Akua, Glen King, and Rachaad Amarjii. It will be launched on Wednesday, May 29th, at Pon Top (29 Westminister Road) in Kingston 20. Shephard will be joined by Bushman, Fred Locks, Miriam Simone, and others. He is making the event free to the public, asking only that attendees buy a drink or two.

CLICK HERE TO PRE-SAVE “MORNING GLORY”

International recording artist Romain Virgo has announced a handful of Northeast U.S. shows to support of his latest album, The Gentle Man. The first concert is slated for June 6th at Toad’s Place in New Haven, Connecticut, followed by back-to-back concerts at the Crown Hill Theater in Brooklyn on June 7th and 8th. He will end the run on June 9th at The Ave Live in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

His aforementioned LP was released on March 1st via VP Records. It features “Been There Before,” a collaboration done with Masicka, as well as “Good Woman,” “Driver,” and “Switch You On.”

Shortly after teasing out the lead single, Reggae Vibes Music – the Jamaican record label with offices in New York, Atlanta and Kingston – released the Natural Vibes Riddim. The project dropped in early February (2024), and almost immediately went viral within the global reggae community.

It first captured the attention of reggae lovers because of the artists featured on the project: Busy Signal, Jah Cure, Turbulence, Pressure Busspipe, Powerman, Lutan Fyah, Kurtiouss, Jay Shephard, Rufftop Rock I, and Ginjah. However, once they press play, listeners soon become enraptured by the pulsating reggae rhythm, the beautiful melodies, and the messages about love, race and spirituality. 

Using their tried and tested marketing methods, Reggae Vibes Music has secured high-level placements for the compilation on reggae platforms in various countries. Additionally, several songs from the rhythm have been added to top-tier reggae playlists, and can be heard on some of the biggest reggae radio shows all over the world. 

If you haven’t done so as yet, stream and/or download the Natural Vibes Riddim on iTunes, Deezer, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Boomplay, YouTube, Pandora, etc.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE “NATURAL VIBES RIDDIM”