The first annual Oregon Reggae Fest is scheduled for Saturday, August 20th, at the Jackson Wellsprings – 2253 OR-99 N – in Ashland, Oregon. For their inaugural staging they have invited Turbulence, Sister Carol, Perfect Giddimani and several other reggae acts to perform.
The live entertainment will be complimented by the many food options that will be on site, a dedicated kids zone, camping grounds and workshops. It will commence at 12pm local time.
Grenadian artist Mr. Killa, who is known for the exceptional way in which he incorporates elements of EDM, dancehall and other genres in his soca music; and Jamaican sing-jay Bugle, a man that has set himself apart from all the noise coming out of Jamaica’s dancehall industry, will both be on Island Fest 2022.
The festival, which is centered around Caribbean music, culture and lifestyle, will take place on Sunday, July 17th at 1810 Rodgers Lake Road in Lithonia, Georgia. Additional performers include Vershon, Badda Genaral and Masicka. Tickets are available on eventbrite.
After years of ongoing health problems Ras Kidus somehow manages to start a clothing line and initiates the Bionic Roots platform: a website dedicated to his life’s work. The site has links to all his songs and music videos; details his vision and is the home of his latest venture: a Rasta clothing line inspired by his lyrics.
To really appreciate the previous paragraph, knowledge of Ras Kidus‘ health history is necessary.
In 2008 while his career was advancing, Ras Kidus – Jamaican roots-reggae artist, producer and actor – suffered a stroke and had to step away from everything. This was truly an inopportune time, because prior to the sudden disabling attack he had been on countless tours, done three movies, and was gearing up for more.
Being a fighter he refused to give up; so with the support of his loved ones he did rehabilitative therapy and went right back to work. However, in 2011 – shortly after the release of his fourth movie: A Cop and a Badman – he suffered another major blow: brain aneurysm. The serious nature of this illness meant that he had to do bypass surgery; an operation that could have resulted in fatal complications.
The Rastafarian survived the surgical procedure, did physiotherapy, and once again returned to work. This time around, not wanting to invite another setback, he made some changes. Instead of shooting movies and doing live shows – he begun to put things in place for the new website and fashion brand. Since the launch of both, he and his team have been getting a lot of love and support from his fans worldwide, especially those based in the Bay Area where Kidus currently resides.
Additionally, he continues to make music.
After a two year break – due to covid-19 – The Toronto Jerk Fest returns on August 5th, 6th and 7th at Centennial Park in Etobicoke, Ontario. The stellar lineup includes reggae star Maxi Priest, RnB legend Brian McKnight, soca giant Alison Hinds and dancehall artist Konshens.
Get additional information and links to tickets from the event’s official website.
Tickets are going fast for George Clinton & The Parliament Funkadelic‘s live show at Sound Board – 2901 Grand River Ave – in Detroit, Michigan on Friday, July 15. This concert was originally scheduled for 2020, but was postponed a couple of times due to the pandemic.
Anyone who had tickets for the previously announced shows in 2020, 2021 and earlier this year on Jan 23rd, should know that their passes will be valid for this new date. Show time is 8pm and all guests must be at least twenty-one years of age. Persons without tickets can purchase them from ticketmaster.
Mi No Nyam Pork, the latest single from recording artist Karamanti, was published a few days ago on the Natty Dreadlocks Survival Riddim, produced by Jungle Lava Productions. The record – which is approximately four-and-a-half minutes of her lamenting about various things she does not like, pork being one, while simultaneously expressing her delight in writing the song – has emerged as one of the standout tracks on the compilation.
Based on the overwhelming positive reviews it’s been receiving, Karamanti and her team decided to compile and share clips captured in and around Jungle Lava Studio of her performing the tune. The collated visuals, which were filmed by crazymedia.tv, is now being used as the song’s official video. Furthermore, the decision was made to post it on July 1st in honor of International Reggae Day.
Evangelist Kevin Downswell, who hails from the parish of Westmoreland, in Jamaica, will – for the first time – celebrate his birthday with a boat ride in Brooklyn, New York.
On Sunday, July 24, he will be joined by fellow gospel artists Judith Gayle and Prodigal Son, as well as popular radio personalities Bro Gary, DJ Glen and DJ Skirritt, on Liberty Belle at Brooklyn Army Terminal: 140 58th Street. They will set sail at 6pm.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 