Bankaii Unleashed, an event that promises the ultimate Caribbean party experience, is set for Saturday, June 25th at Hope Garden (Chinese Garden) in Kingston, Jamaica.
The organizers have tapped selectors Code Red, X Factor, DJ Milton and DJ Shella to provide a musical mix of dancehall, soca and afro-beat. Additionally, recording artist Mr. Lexx – who is known for his hit songs Get Wid It, Yu Nah and Cook – have been added to the lineup.
With the Kingdom Tour, which officially commenced at the beginning of June, now underway and the brand new album – Kingdom Book One – now available on all streaming platforms, it is hard to know which was done to commemorate the other.
What is undeniable is that whether the songs are being performed live on stage or streamed from a digital store, God is indeed getting all the glory. Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin have approached both projects with humility and wisdom.
The LP – published by Maverick City Music, Fo Yo Soul and RCA Inspiration, has a total of eleven tracks. Vocalists featured on the record are Naomi Raine, Chandler Moore, Brandon Lake, Lizzie Morgan, Dante Bowe, Maryanne J. George, Kirk Franklin and Ryan Ofei. Voices of incarcerated men can also be heard throughout the project, as it was recorded at the Everglades Correctional Institution in Miami.
The late 90s early 2000s was a special time for authentic hip-hop. Back then, Black Star – the duo that’s made up of Yasiin Bey and Talib Kweli – dominated the air waves with their debut album. Around the same time another rap duo – Dead Prez – dropped Let’s Get Free, a record that subsequently became a classic. And finally, Pharoahe Monch, arguably one of the toughest lyricist of that era, released his first solo album (Internal Affairs) in between the aforementioned records.
All three albums are now regarded as collectors’ items and the MCs are treated like hip-hop royalties. With that being said, an announcement that all three brands will be on the same stage, on the same date for a show is nothing short of ecstasy for lovers of the genre.
The date is July 28th, 2022 and the location is the Mission Ballroom in Denver, Colorado. This is a sixteen and older event that’s scheduled to begin at 8pm (local time). Potential patrons should know that Pharoahe Monch will be rolling with his new crew: th1rt3en. Click here for tickets.
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.
