Two of Nigeria’s biggest hip-hop-gospel artists, Gil Joe and Limoblaze, are confirmed for Afro Gospel Fest in Canada. The two day event will take place on Saturday, November 5th at the Light and Life Ministries Ministry (22 Elrose Avenue) in Toronto; and on the 6th at Complexe CEUM (8555 8e Avenue) in Montréal.
The men will be supported by several other gospel performers on both days. And additional information can be obtained from the event’s official website.
The cultural reggae and rum tasting event – Rum & Reggae Festival – is a family affair that not only highlights the sampling of alcoholic spirits; but also features Caribbean food, music, lifestyle and culture.
The festival will be held at the Apopka Amphitheater – 3710 Jason Dwelley Pkwy – in Apopka, Florida on Sunday, November 13. Confirmed performers include: Freddy McGregor, Chino, Ricky Stereo, Ras Shiloh, Tanto Metro, Devonte, Lt. Stitchie and Jah Tiff. Tickets can be purchased from eventbrite.
Real reggae music is alive and well in Canada! Anyone who questions that statement should get a copy of the brand new thirteen-track album, In Love With Livin, by Rastafarian reggae artist Mally Bless. It was released on September 29 via Starliners Entertainment: a Jamaican-Canadian music imprint operating out of Toronto, Canada.
In Love With Livin is a smooth, mellow, warm recording that is both enjoyable and relaxing. The three-year production process – which began in 2019 – was directed by the team at Starliners Entertainment, and managed executively by Marlon Lovemore (Mally Bless).
No expenses were spared in making this LP. Some of the best musicians were brought on board to ensure that we – the listeners – get the quality production we are now enjoying. Musicians that worked on In Love With Livin are: O’niel “Drummy” Fuller (drums/percussion), Orville “Wyz” Malcolm (keys), Evon “Laza” Lazarus (bass/guitar), Everett “Supa” Clarke (keys) and Mosaxx (saxophone). Harmonies were done by Empress Harmony, Shannon “Canon” Henry and Tonya P: a recording artist in her own right.
This being his first full length studio album, Mally took the opportunity to tackle some social issues on tracks 9 (New World Order) and 11 (Belly Of The Beast). He also gave us some nice love songs: Believe Me, Fallin and So Much Joy– a collaboration done with his business and personal partner Tonya P. A few inspirational songs: Lovemore, On My Way, Reggae Music and the title track In Love With Livin, offer a mental break from the heaviness of the societal tunes mentioned before. Mally did not shy away from showing his pain on track #7 (R.I.P.), a hip-hop fused song done with Gloomy Grade, in which he honors friends he has lost along the way. His commitment to Rasta is heard and felt on track 1 (Wanna Be), a collaboration with Tydal Kamau. And finally, two versions (original and dub) of a ganja tune called Smoke My Herbs, are featured.
The official video for the single In Love With Livin was also released. The four-minute clip, which was directed, shot and edited by Capital T Filmz, is a glimpse into the life of Mally Bless, a humble Rastafarian and talented vocalist who is truly “In Love With Livin.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “IN LOVE WITH LIVIN”
Jermaine Edwards will be doing three shows in the UK this month. He will perform in London at St. Anne’s Settlement Hall (1b Vauxhall Grove) on the 13th. The following day he will be at the Authentic City Church Assemblies of God – Crowcroft Road – in Manchester. And the final show will be in Birmingham at 19-20 Bissell Street on the 15th.
On each event Edwards will be joined by various local gospel singers. This mini tour is being presented by King Jesus Pentecostal Fellowship UK.
Jammins Events will host four performers who are at the very top of their field – Beres Hammond (vocalist), Monty Alexander (pianist), Dean Fraser (saxophonist) and Brooke Alford (violinist) – for an Evening of Elegance at the NYCB Theatre at Westbury, located at 960 Brush Hollow Road in Westbury, New York.
The up close and personal performances will take place on Saturday, October 29th, starting at 8pm. Tickets are available on livenation-dot-com; and proceeds from this event will be donated to the AFUWI Scholarship Fund.
I Know You Got Sole sneaker party, presented by James Evans and Just Brunch Breakfast Bar, goes down on October 16th from 4 to 10pm at Republic Lounge – 990 Brady Avenue – in Atlanta, Georgia.
Legendary MC Rakim will perform live, with support from DJ Flemingo and DJ Mars; while the one and only Ed Lover will hold down hosting duties. Get additional information here.
Reggae, a style of popular music that originated on the small Caribbean island of Jamaica, has become a global phenomenon. This unique sound, which was initially created to give voice to the voiceless, has, over the years, become very commercialized. Alas, the ‘business’ of reggae now trumps the messages being sent via this important medium. What this means is that we are now grappling with an industry filled with money hungry business men and women, disguised as professionals, filling the airwaves with whatever they think will generate the most income.
However, in spite of the preceding assertion, there are still a number of persons working in the field – artists, producers, promoters, agents etc. – who are holding the line. Meaning; they’re committed to creating and promoting only authentic reggae music. Kingston native Junior Kelly, the man who gave us the mega hit If Love So Nice, is among those not yielding to the pressures for money, power and fame.
Junior Kelly uses his musical abilities to praise the Most High, tackle social issues (in a responsible way), and advance love on earth; things one would expect to hear when listening to real reggae music. On his upcoming single for Big Feet Records – due out on Friday, October 14th – the Rastafarian reggae artist ask the Devine for Protection (which is the title of the track) from anyone and anything clothed in overt or covert negativity.
This is a big tune with the right message so be sure to check it out when it is released.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 