August 14 Is Now Freddie McGregor Day In Hartford, Connecticut

“Mr McGregor has made significant contributions to the art form of reggae music. He created many hits and worked with talented artistes and musicians whose music has inspired many current artistes and continues to inspire future musical talents… We pay tribute to one of reggae’s most prolific musicians whose musical genius, passion, talent, unstoppable work ethic, and cultural contribution has served as an inspiration to us all.”

The above is an official statement signed by councilwoman Shirley Surgeon on behalf of the city of Hartford (Connecticut), while announcing that August 14, 2021 was being recognized as Freddie McGregor Day. This was done during the city’s annual West Indian Independence Celebration.

Dancehall Artist Mr. Peppa Is Grieving His Mother’s Death (@RealMrPeppa @nyahblessmusic)

Earlier this year dancehall artist Mr. Peppa released a captivating song titled Nah Worry. The track was inspired by his mother, who at the time was gravely ill. She became sick in March and after numerous tests was diagnosed with renal failure and cervical cancer. Following her diagnosis she was then placed on dialysis twice a week. Regretfully, she passed away on Wednesday, August 11th.

Mr. Peppa is now grieving her death, and though he is trying to cling on to the words in his song, Nah Worry, he is indeed broken. In a recent interview with the Jamaica Star he said: “Yeah, man, me and my mom did close. We grow up with mom and dad together. I remember as kids as soon as my dad left to work, we would run into their room and jump up in the bed beside her. I would take one cheek and my brother would take the other, because my mom’s skin always felt good. We have this thing we called ‘love’ and whenever she was leaving, we would ask for some ‘love’.”

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO FOR “NAH WORRY”

Mr. D Releases New Reggae Single “My Reward”

In Mister D‘s new single, My Reward, he sings about the harsh realities of life. His position is that if you work hard you’ll benefit accordingly. The song, which is said to be very serious and encouraging, is a deviation from his previous release which was more light-hearted. 

Pum Pum Yam is the title of his first song. Co-produced by Rohan Carr and Douglas McLeary, it was released in January. The title is a Jamaican slang for female genitalia, but Mister D says he was just having fun.

Based in Atlanta, Mister D has been writing songs for other artists, including The Silvertones and Keith Coley, for years. However, he decided to finally start recording last year as he felt his time had come.

Click here to stream and download My Reward from your preferred music platform.

Karamanti Releases First Single From Her Upcoming Album

Earlier this year dancehall artist Karamanti announced that she would be releasing a new studio album. The initial plan was to have the project out at the end of May, but unfortunately that date was not met. The album’s release date has been changed on a couple of occasions; this is due in part to amendments being made to songs already recorded, as well as the addition of new music.

That being said, on Tuesday, August 17th, Karamanti shared the LP’s first single, Start With A Prayer. The hardcore dancehall track is presented as a form of devotion; and as the album is titled Spiritual Warfare, the lead single gives a clear indication of the lyrical content that is to be feature throughout the full project.

The rhythm for Start With A Prayer was created by Old Harbour (Jamaica) based producer AudioTraxx Productions, which is headed up by Lamar Thompson.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “START WITH A PRAYER”

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Announces Seven No Movement Days To Curb COVID-19 Surge

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has announced seven no movement days in a bid to curb the latest surge in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Jamaica.

Those days are Sunday, August 22; Monday, August 23; Tuesday, August 24; Sunday, August 29; Monday, August 30; Tuesday, August 31; and Sunday, September 5.

Tightening of the curfews, which form part of the Government’s infection prevention and control measures, are also aimed at reducing hospitalisations and deaths.

The new measures come as the virus’ more transmissible Delta variant was confirmed to be present in Jamaica.

Source: Jamaican Information Service

Bugle Shares Visuals For His Song On The “Just A One Call Riddim” (@BugleAn9ted)

At the end of April Yard A Love Records, the label owned and operated by dancehall artist Teflon, released the Just a One Call Riddim. The project features new music from several artists, including Bugle, Lutan Fyah and of course Teflon.

Earlier this week the official video for Bugle‘s track, Truth, was uploaded to his YouTube channel. Click here or on the image above to check it out and remember to like, comment and share.

John Forté Unveils New Single From Upcoming Studio Album (@john_forte)

Grammy-nominated recording artist, activist, filmmaker, and writer, John Forté has announced his new full-length album due out on October 22 via Ram Dass’ Soul Land Records. It will feature guest appearances by Rising Appalachia, Ben Taylor, Billy Woods, Fielded, Everlast, Ram Dass and more.

On August 17th John Forté unveiled the lead single “Ready on the One” alongside a video created by Brandshop. Produced by Preservation and featuring contributions from Spills, Five and Miss Brittany Reese, the track presents Forté’s impassioned delivery over a low-slung beat dotted with hand bells and sly guitar licks. “It sets us up for the narrative that takes place throughout the album,” Forté explains; and the accompanying ”Ready on the One” video gives the viewer a window into Forté’s life – from his cannabis garden in Martha’s Vineyard to his hometown of Brooklyn.