The Jukebox Concert Series makes its debut on Sunday, August 21st with the 2022 JukeBox Fest, at the historical Queen Mary Park – also known as Harry Bridges Memorial Park – in Long Beach, California. This is a multi-genre festival which brings the nostalgia of yesteryears with a modern twist.
Performers include: Shabba Ranks, Tony! Toni! Toné!, Cutty Ranks, Machel Montano, Patrice Roberts, Ricardo Drue, Adina Howard, Shanice, Renee Neufville of Zhane, Snap!, Tanya Carter and Osocity. Get tickets and additional information here.
Richie Stephens is a true ambassador of Jamaican music, culture and lifestyle. He has represented the island admirably on the international stage, and he continues to enjoy ongoing adulation from his peers here at home. To that end, it should not come as a surprise to anyone to learn that he has written and produced a tune for this year’s Jamaica Festival Song Competition.
The track is titled Defend Jamaica, and it is performed by Nitty Kutchie: one of the strongest vocalist in the industry.
Defend Jamaica is an upbeat reggae song that’s fused with dancehall; and whilst the rhythm is irresistible, it’s Stephens‘ lyrics combined with Kutchie‘s delivery that makes it a real contender.
“I will forever defend Jamaica and it no matta anywhere I go,
the black green and gold deep inna my soul I love Jamaica more than you know.”
Both men have been friends for approximately thirty years, with Richie having penned lines for Nitty Kutchie in the past. When asked why he chose Nitty Kutchie, Stephens said the following:
“I choose Nitty Kutchie cause Nitty Kutchie is like a brother to me for many many years. I find him to be a good person and that is very important to me. Other than that, Nitty Kutchie has one a the best voices in reggae music and I’m not just saying that. His sound, his voice is something that connect with people everytime he sings, but I don’t think Nitty Kutchie get the kind a chance he deserves to deliver with the kind of voice that he has; so I always have that in mind. And this is not the 1st or the 2nd time I’ve been working with Nitty Kutchie; I’ve been writing and producing songs with Nitty Kutchie over the years. So I just feel like he would be the right person to deliver this song with that kind of hardcore Jamaican sounding voice.”
To ensure that the song had the perfect sound, Stephens was not only selective in choosing the ideal lead vocalist, he also brought in an all-star cast of musicians to create the beat. Othniel ‘Ottey’ Lewis played keys, Dave Green played drums, Robert Browne was on guitar, Courtney Panton did the bass, Richie Stephens also played keyboard and Dean Fraser and his group of brass players did the horn section. Defend Jamaica was recorded and mixed by Marvin ‘Wacko’ Jackson.
Klub Kingz is partnering with Live Carefree and A Little Booking Agency to present a R&B Brunch & Day Party on Sunday, July 31st at Coney Art Walls – 3050 Stillwell Avenue – in Brooklyn, New York.
The day time event, which will run from 3 to 10pm, will be hosted by the queen of hip-hop and R&B, Mary J. Blige. This is the ultimate R&B affair that will feature music from the 80s, 90s and early 2000s. Get tickets here.
The godmother of soul, Patti LaBelle, will be performing at Sound Board (Motor City Casino Hotel) in Detroit on Sunday, July 17th. Showtime is 7:30pm and admission cost vary depending on seating: $112, $92 and $87 USD.
All guests must be at least 21 years of age with a valid photo ID. Buy tickets here.
On July 30 and 31st, Cayenne, French Guiana will host the very first edition of the WYHCELLA Beach Music Festival. It will take place at the popular tourist destination, Pointe Buzaré, located at 1 Rue Schoelcher.
The event is being presented with the hopes of attracting visitors back to the region after two years of absence due to the health crisis. It will feature several artists from varying musical styles. Among them is Jamaica’s lava king I-Wayne.
All additional information can be obtained from the event’s official website: wyhcelladotcom.
Lalo Akau and Rootzology will be giving the people of Reno a treat this month. They are bringing reggae’s living legend JC Lodge to the city for a massive show on Sunday, July 24th. Venue is The Alpine, situated at 324 E. Fourth Street, and starting time is 9pm.
The twenty-one and older event will also have additional music by DJ Aline; who will be doubling as both the evening’s host and selector.
Junior Reid is one of the most distinctive vocalists coming out of Jamaica. His name and brand is known and celebrated beyond the shores of the small Caribbean island from which he hails.
With countless musical accomplishments to his name, the organizers of the 2022 SanAntonio Reggae Festival have seen it fit to make him this year’s headliner. That said, he will be supported by several established artists and musicians: Carlton Pride, Eyes On Zion, Queen Cenet, Soltribe, Alex Marley and One Destiny.
The festival is set for Saturday, July 30 at Rosedale Park – 303 Dartmouth – in San Antonio, Texas.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 