The annual Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival, which is all about spreading messages of love, hope, and equality, will be held at the Bayfront Festival Park – 5th Ave West and Railroad Street – in Duluth, Minnesota, on Saturday, July 15th.
As the name implies, the entertainment will be provided by artists and selectors proficient in reggae and world music, namely: Luciano, Alison Hinds, Konshens, Stonebwoy, Dred I Dread, Rootz Within and Sound of Fujun.
Mega gospel recording artist and producer, Kirk Franklin, announced on Friday that he’s bringing The Reunion Tour to cities and towns across America this fall, with one date in Canada. So far he has confirmed a total of 30 shows, starting in Boston on October 1st.
The Reunion Tour will feature Israel Houghton, David & Tamela Mann, Tye Tribbett, The Clark Sisters, and of course Kirk Franklin; with special guests New Breed, The Family and God’s Property.
It’s that time of year again! The annual St. Thomas Jerk Festival is all set for Sunday, July 30th at Lyssons Pavilion, in the suburban parish situated at the south eastern end of Jamaica.
As they’ve always done, the event organizers offer patrons a mix of secular and gospel entertainment. This year the gospel will be presented by Petra Kaye, Kukudoo and Kevin Downswell. Starting time is 12 noon and there is a $2,500 JMD entrance fee.
Despite the chatter about the decline in quality music – primarily dancehall – from Jamaica, it is clear that fans all over the world still look to the Rock for their musical entertainment. This is apparent on the upcoming St. Kitts Music Festival, where approximately nine Jamaican acts are among the confirmed headliners.
The event runs from Thursday, June 22nd to Saturday, the 24th at the Warner Park Cricket Stadium in Basseterre. The lineup includes Chronixx, Anthony B, Romain Virgo, Gramps Morgan, Dexta Daps, Koffee, Teejay, Valiant, Govana and Skillibeng.
Over the past year or so I have noticed that the line between gospel and secular music has gotten paper-thin. Tried as I have to avoid saying anything about this now controversial topic, I am afraid I can no longer ignore it.
You see, every Sunday we send out a Gosel Newsletter, which means that during the week numerous artists, producers, record labels and event promoters send us their songs, news, flyers, etc. with the hopes that they will be featured. Alas, the content that we’ve been getting of late – especially the music videos – have become increasingly worldly, so much so that it’s difficult to say whether or not it’s actually gospel. This is why I am asking; shouldn’t God be in the gospel? Shouldn’t we feel the presence of God in every gospel video, song, concert etc.?
Don’t get me wrong, I understand and even agree with (to a certain extent) the notion that says the gospel should be presented in a way that makes it palatable for non-believers. But if the song/video/event is about you, the artist/producer/promoter and not about Christ, how is that the gospel? For those not in the know, the word gospel literally means ‘the teaching or revelation of Christ.’ That said, if your content is not Christ centered it’s not gospel, so please don’t send it in to be featured in a Gospel Newsletter. Just saying.
By Maria Jackson CEO/Owner of Maria Jackson 27
Charleston gospel recording artist Kelontae Gavin will headline the R3 Revival Worship Experience in Ontario next month! Known for his breakout singles: No Ordinary Worship and Higher, it is anticipated that Gavin‘s music will create an atmosphere of worship, surrender and power, ideal for a deeper connection with God.
Kelontae will have the full support of Matthew McIntosh, Kiara Stewart, Christopher Samuels, Mary Bailey, and host Pastor Bobby Track Jr. The R3 Revival Worship Experience happens on Sunday, July 16th at Impact Lives Church (1274 Martin Grove Road in Toronto).
Joseph Benaiah is a well-known reggae songwriter and vocalist who has established himself as one of the most celebrated artists of this generation. His latest album, Vision With Faith, which is his sixth solo release, is now available online, and is packed with 15 creative and seasoned tracks that showcase deeply rooted reggae vibes, culture and history. It features songs written by Hal Anthony Lewinson, Hopeton Lindo and Joseph Williamson, and is produced and distributed exclusively by Sphinx Records Inc.
The LP starts with Blessing and concludes with Sugar Plum, with some notable standout tracks in between: Travelling, We Nah Give Up, Children of Israel, Make Ends Meet, and Sweet Talking Lady. There are also collaborations with Dean Fraser, Nikki Burk and Luciano on How Can I Love Someone and Make Ends Meet, respectively. All in all, Vision With Faith carries a message of love and spirituality; and its gravitating formations are full of surprises.
Over his 40-year career Joseph Benaiah has stayed true to his musical core. His award-winning band, which was highly successful in the early 90s, was voted “Best Reggae Band in Miami” (1990) and also received “Best Live Band” recognition. He also became a member of the highly regarded reggae group, The Mighty Diamonds, in 2015. Joseph began his online musical journey in 2016 with his debut release Existence of Jah, which was written by Dennis Brown. He followed up with two impressive tracks, Love Up, Love Up and There’s A Love, in 2019.
Joseph Benaiah‘s music is available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Tidal, and Amazon.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 