Battle of the Judges is an inspirational entertainment program that features several contestants all vying for a chance to win over $200,000 JMD in cash and prizes. Now in season three, it is presented digitally (via social media) by Gospel Touch Down.
On the show this Sunday – June 19th at 8pm (JA time) – viewers will see who made it to the top-fifteen. The judges are: Judith Gayle, Jodian Pantry and Johnmark Wiggan. For links to watch and to learn more, click here.
As they have done in the past, the team at Reach Records continue to put their Faith and unworldly lifestyle on full display. To that end, they have announced part two of their We Are Unashamed Tour.
All the artists that are currently signed to the imprint will be on the lineup: Andy Mineo, Trip Lee, Tedashii, 1K Phew, WHATUPRG, Wande, Hulvey and Lecrae. Although the tour kicks off in early August and runs through mid September, tickets for all dates can be purchased now via the unashamed-tour website.
When Jamaicans think or speak about songs that celebrate their small Caribbean island, they always – without failing – make reference to Eric Donaldson and his music. Donaldson is the Saint Catherine singer who has cemented his name in history books by winning the Jamaican Festival Song Competition six times: 1971, 1977, 1978, 1984, 1993 and 1997.
His first winning song, Cherry Oh Baby, subsequently became an international hit that was covered by both The Rolling Stones (on their 1976 album, Black and Blue) and UB40 (on their 1983 album, Labour of Love).
On International Reggae Day weekend – specifically, Saturday, July 2nd, 2022 – Donaldson will take his love for Jamaica to Kenya, where he will perform at the Carnivore Grounds in Nairobi. The event, which is being presented by Island Vibes Kenya and Artvantage, will also feature several local acts. Get tickets and additional information here.
Outspoken dancehall artist Tanya Stephens, who is actively promoting her recently released single – Diamonds In The Sun – will be performing at Exit 21 Lounge on Thursday, June 23rd.
The twenty-one and older event will also feature the equally esteemed lyricist Bugle, who has publicly stated that Stephens is one of his favorite female artist. As this is a live band show, both entertainers will be supported by the Tower Band.
Exit 21’s address is 10 Dominica Drive in New Kingston, Jamaica; a central location with enough parking for all its patrons. The cost to enter and experience a night of good music, food and fun is only $3,500 JMD.
The aforementioned new single, Diamonds In The Sun, was produced by Tad ‘Jr. Tads’ Dawkins and Tad’s Record. It’s a three-way collaboration done by Tanya Stephens, Cedella Marley and Diana King. Diamonds In The Sun is now available on all music platforms.
For the 49th time, Ingalls Development Foundation – a board that connects donors with philanthropic investment opportunities in order to transform community medicine – will host its annual benefit gala on Saturday, June 25th. The location is the Tinley Park Convention Center in Tinley Park, Illinois.
The legendary party, which is done with a purpose, will feature the illustrious singer and songwriter Chaka Khan, whose career exceeds five decades. Get tickets here.
Emerging music label, Paul Patmore Production – owned and operated by businessman and former politician Paul Patmore – is now expanding its services. Effective immediately, in addition to producing and promoting quality reggae and dancehall music, they will be operating as an independent booking agency.
One of the company’s first signees is Jamaican singing sensation Jodian Pantry, whose upcoming EP – which is due out in July of this year – is being produced by the imprint. PP Production is now her non-exclusive booking agent. They have also just added upcoming dancehall artist Fresh King to their roster.
The creation of a Bookings Department is just one of many changes at Paul Patmore Production. In an effort to further expand their reach, the label has joined bandcamp, the online audio distribution platform that allows fans to buy directly from producers and artists; effectively cutting out the middleman. They have also created a bandcamp account for their first lady, Jodian Pantry.
As Black Girls Rock Fest will be collaborating with the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) for the very first time, it made sense to invite soul singer and guitarist India.Arie to be this year’s headliner.
It’s slated for June 30th and July 1st, 2022, at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall (Washington, D.C.), with multi-award-winning conductor and arranger Dr. Henry Panion III at the helm. Tickets, which range from $49 to $139 USD are available at the Kennedy Center box office, on the Kennedy Center website, or by calling (202) 467-4600.
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 