On Sunday, August 8th, veteran reggae singer Nadine Sutherland and gospel recording artist Junior Tucker will perform at a family fun day event in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The affair, which will be held at 1585 SW Cashmere Blvd., is a celebration of Jamaica’s 59th independence.
The live show that starts at 5:30PM will be preceded by a soccer tournament which kicks off in the morning at 9AM. Other family friendly activities are also on the schedule.
Controversial Jamaican radio broadcaster/entertainer Dr. Kingsley ‘Ragashanti’ Stewart is now an official member of the fast rising Bridge 99FM.
Ragga, who recently relocated from Florida to New York City will broadcast virtually from The Bridge’s New York studios. He will join Richie B, Nikki Z, Prof Donna Hope, comedian Oliver Samuels, Kurt ‘Party Animal’ Riley, selector/producer Rory Stone Love and Rev Jr Tucker who were previously announced as members of the Bridge, 99FM team. Stewart will host the program ‘Ragashanti Live’.
The Bridge will allow Ragashanti, a former lecturer at the University of the West Indies (UWI) the opportunity to reconnect with thousands of fans and supporters at home and in the Jamaican/Caribbean Diaspora. His unapologetically talk-show explores the Jamaican concept of mix up and blenda: the entertaining presentation of humorous events from the lives of people. His mix up and blenda style – along with his signature beating the tambourine – engages callers on a range of ‘outa road’ topics that amusingly reveal a great deal of insight about the thoughts and behavior of Jamaicans. The veteran radio broadcaster holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology and is a popular event MC.
Rastafarian reggae artist Rufftop Rock I, who hails from both the Roses Hill, St. Andrew and Allman Hill, St. Catherine communities in Jamaica, has just released his first EP. It’s a four-track extended play project titled The World Needs Love, and it comes to us courtesy of Reggae Vibes Music.
With the exception of Life Is What You Make It, track number three, all the other songs have been featured on previously released rhythm-driven projects. The World Needs Love (track #1) is on the Reggae Star Riddim, In These Times (track #2) is on the World Rebirth Riddim and Unity (track #4) is on the Reggae Love & Unity Riddim.
All the aforementioned compilations were released by Reggae Vibes Music, the imprint that is now representing Rufftop Rock I. The team initially wanted to put out a full album with approximately ten tracks, but they instead opted for an EP as they felt it was a better way to introduce Rufftop to the masses.
As for his part, Rufftop Rock I was the one who decided to call the EP The World Needs Love, because based on all that is happening right now he genuinely believes that to be the case. When asked what he would like people to take away from this project he said the following: “compete with no one but yourself, try to be a better version of yourself everyday, and know that everything you see around you is an idea that came from us so just be your best self everyday.”
Ghanaian rap artist Sarkodie is set to drop his sixth album, No Pressure, on July 30th via his own SarkCess Music label.
The 15-track project features appearances from an international cast including Vic Mensa (US), Giggs (UK), Wale (US/Nigeria), Cassper Nyovest (South Africa), Oxlade (Nigeria), Harmonize (Tanzania), Kwesi Arthur (Ghana) and Darko Vibes (Ghana).
Building anticipation for the project, Sarkodie has just dropped Vibrate featuring Vic Mensa, along with an official video shot during Mensa’s recent time in Ghana. The track joins Coachella (feat. Kwesi Arthur) and No Fugazy, as singles from the project. Production on the album comes from Ghana’s MOG, Altranova, KaySo and Kaywa, along with Nigerian beatmakers Rexxie and Coublon and UK-based Certified Bangerz.
On Sunday, August 8, Wade Ford will present an evening of soul at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre (5239 Floyd Rd SW) in Mableton, Georgia.
Patrons will be treated to performances from Musiq Soulchild, Avery Sunshine and Ken Ford. Tickets, which start at $45 USD, are available via Ticketmaster; and showtime is 7PM sharp.
On Friday, August 6th, the city of Miramar in Florida (U.S.A.) will join Jamaicans all over the world in celebrating the nation’s 59th Emancipation and Independence. They are doing so by hosting an event dubbed Jamaica Emancipendence Celebration at the Regional Park Amphitheater.
In addition to having a distinguished lineup of guest speakers, they will also feature some musical performances. International recording artist Etana is among those confirmed to perform.
On Saturday, July 24, Auto Wiz Crew will host an event called Reggae Allstar at 1458 Farmer Road in Conyers, Georgia.
The affair will feature live performances by both Brigadier Jerry and Sister Nancy, with support from several local artists. In addition to the live show, patrons will also be treated to music from Jack Ruby Sound, DJ Damage, Supreme Sound and others.
Early bird tickets, which are currently going for $30 USD, are available via eventbrite.
