In 2021, Tad’s Record blessed us with a phenomenal reggae compilation called Reggae Virus First Dose. It was strategically compiled to help with the anxiety caused by the pandemic, as well as all the restrictions that came along with it. Although the album was shared in the 4th quarter of 21, songs from Reggae Virus First Dose did very well in 2022, receiving both heavy rotation and chart placements. 

Based on its success, executive producers Tad A. Dawkins and Tad A. Dawkins Jnr., have sagely decided to share the second installment. It is aptly titled Reggae Virus: Booster. 

Released on February 10th, 2023 (via Tad’s Record Inc.), this booster shot features some of the most respected artists in the reggae industry: Marcia Griffiths, Dean Fraser, Glen Washington, Anthony B, Sanchez, George Nooks, Richie Spice, Etana, and that is just to name a few. The project has a total of twenty tracks; and based on early reviews, it has the potential to surpass the accomplishments of its predecessor.

This record should be on every reggae lover’s playlist! If you have not done so as yet, get your Reggae Virus: Booster now! It is available on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal and all other streaming platforms.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “REGGAE VIRUS: BOOSTER”

“Reggae Virus: Booster” Track List

1. Leave her Alone – George Nooks
2. Bald Head Jesus – Anthony B
3. Magical Love – Marcia Griffiths
4. Cool Jamaican Whiskey – Hezron
5. Nah Back Down – Sanchez
6. Dancehall Tun Up – Screw Driver
7. Don’t Let Me Go – Etana
8. Booster – Dean Fraser
9. Love Doesn’t Ask Why – Terry Linen
10. Can’t Fade Me Away – Glen Washington
11. Mi Want More – I-Octane
12. Baseball Girl – Richie Spice
13. Who Kill Mi Dollar – Perfect
14. You Are Beautiful – Singer J
15. Rasta Government – Anthony Cruz
16. That’s Alright – Freddie McGregor
17. Marijuana Prior – Chezidek
18. Roots Wine – Lutan Fyah
19. Spandex – Vahriie
20. Virus Dub – Dean Fraser

On Saturday, March 4th, reggae legend Clinton Fearon will reconnect with his Boogie Brown Band for their first live show in 2023. It will appropriately take place at the 22nd staging of the Seattle Reggae Nights concert series, which will be back at Nectar Lounge – 412 N 36th Street – in Seattle, Washington.

Fearon and his band will be joined by west coast reggae ensemble Coloso and the Collection of Lone Souljahs, as well as local selector DJ Afreesha. Early bird tickets are now available via tixr-dot-com, and they’re going for $15 USD for everyone except seniors (over 65), who will be asked to pay only $10 USD.

This past September, Chicago based producer Wadadah II released Real Afrikan, a reggae collaboration performed by Belizean reggae artist Nego Hights and Argentina’s leading reggae act, Fidel Nadal. Although the song was initially published a few months ago, all relevant parties felt it was important to reshare it during Black History Month, as its underlying message is about the importance of Black people – regardless of their location – acknowledging their ancestry.

Wadadah II encapsulates the song as follows: “Its about recognizing your real afrikan identity if you are melonated. Rastafari teach about repatriation to Africa our long lost home but this song also touches on the mental, cultural and spiritual repatriation and recognition of africa within.”Real Afrikan – sung in English and Spanish – is on the DOVE Muzik label, of which Wadadah II and Nego Hights are affiliated.

An official video was captured and released around the same time the song went live on streaming platforms. It shows snippets of various shades of Black folks singing the hook while going about their daily lives. Both Nego Hights and Fidel Nadal are also present delivering energetic performances.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “REAL AFRIKAN”

New York’s reggae community is buzzing in anticipation of the upcoming Black & Proud Concert, slated for Saturday, February 25th at Club Amazura – 91-12 144th Place – in Queens. Organizers, Reggae Vibes Music and Born Fire Promotions, have been working assiduously to ensure that the event will be a success. And based on local chatter and ticket sales, their efforts seem to be paying off (no pun intended).

The Black & Proud Concert will see some of reggae’s most dynamic entertainers: Anthony B, Kabaka Pyramid, Pressure Busspipe, Turbulence and Perfect Giddimani, performing live. They will be supported by emerging singers: Dreama, Rufftop Rock I and Kendallazz.

This is a live band show that’s scheduled to begin at 10pm sharp! Early bird tickets, which are available in both physical and digital form, can be purchased via eventbrite (online) and from various locations in New York (offline). Full details are on the event’s official website: www.blackandproudconcert.com.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE VIA EVENTBRITE