The 2020 Welcome To Jamrock Reggae Cruise will set sail at the end of November (through December) with two cruise and one huge lineup! The organizers have already confirmed that both hip-hop legend Nas and iconic dancehall artist Shabba Ranks will be on board.
To secure your cabin, and for additional information visit the official website: www.welcometojamrockreggaecruise.com
Michael Taylor, more popularly known as Mikey General, is a forty-year veteran in the reggae music industry. Over the past four decades he has released approximately 800 songs, 15 albums and has countless hit singles both at home (Jamaica) and abroad.
Being a very spiritual person, Mikey General‘s music carries a message of faith and optimism. His unyielding devotion and genuine sincerity set this singer apart from the rest. As one of the original members of the Exterminator Crew (Phillip “Fattis” Burrell, Luciano, Mikey General, Shadowman, Jesse Jenda, Ragnum Poyser and Sizzla), Mikey General has spent decades honing his talent. His hard work has taken him to stages in Germany, France, Italy, America, Canada, Gambia, England, Jamaica, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries around the world.
Though he was born in the UK, Mikey grew up in Jamaica in the middleclass community of Valentine Gardens (Kingston). He attended Saint Georges College and actually recorded and released his first song, “Roots Mi Roots,” while in school.
There are only a few artists that’s able to say they’ve worked with some of the biggest producers and record labels in the reggae and dancehall industry, and Mikey General is one such artist. He has created music with Viking, Saxon and Coxsone; Levi Roots, Blacka Dread and Sugar Minott’s Black Roots label, Dub Vendor, Exterminator, Black Scorpio, Conqueror Record label, Dean Fraser’s Cannon Music, and that is just to name a few. At the end of the 1990’s Mikey General established his own label, called Qabalah First Music. He has since released at least six albums via his label and is now gearing up to release the seventh.
As 2020 marks the 40th year since veteran recording artist Mikey General entered the music industry, he will be putting out a new album, which is not yet titled, on his own Qabalah First Music label. The first single from that project is a powerful reggae track entitled “Pay the Man,” which is a message in support of the working class.
The rhythm for “Pay the Man” was created by: Miguel ‘Sizzla’ Collins (drum programming), Moziko (bass, keyboard and additional drums), Paul ‘Wrong Move’ Crossdale (guitar) and Alphanso Craig (percussion). The vocals were recorded at Killamanjaro Studio by engineer Andrun Haase and mixed by Marvin Williams and Prince Villa.
As usual Mikey General stays on point with conscious messages i.e. social commentaries, spirituality, justice and equal rights, as well as the need for morality. “Pay the Man” is about bringing attention to the issue of employees not being compensated by their employer.
The artist is now busy promoting the project, while simultaneously working on new music.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Mikey-General-381392715282570
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mikeygeneral7
Twitter: www.twitter.com/MikeyGeneral7
On Saturday, February 15th Kabaka Pyramid, Iba Mahr, Jemere Morgan, The No-Maddz and others will perform at the Jamnesia Showcase at Skyline Levels (6B Skyline Drive) in Jack’s Hill, Kingston, JA.
The event is scheduled to begin at 9:00 PM local time and there is a $3,500 JMD entrance fee.
On Friday, February 14th, established reggae artist Glen Washington will perform at the annual Reggae Night – Conscious Party at Palm Valley, Grande Riviere in Dennery, St. Lucia.
Presented by Valley Rock Promotions, this year’s event is dubbed the Red & White Edition; with host Marlon Clovis. It’s scheduled to start at 7 PM local time.
On Monday, February 10th, iconic pop artist Janet Jackson took to her social media platforms to announce that she will be releasing a new album, as well as embarking on a new world tour this summer.
The title of both the album and the tour is “Black Diamond.” For additional information such as tickets and exact release date, visit www.janetjackson.com
Jamaal Marc Anthony Saunders (born 3 June), known professionally as Jay Shephard, is world renowned for his distinct and original sound. This genre-blending singer is a dynamic reggae fusion artist and vocalist who was born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas. Early influences by artists such as Bob Marley, Bone Thugs N Harmony, Michael Jackson and Gentleman all form the dynamic vibes released by this eclectic artist. The name “Jay Shephard” resulted from a traumatic near death experience that shifted the entire course of his life and steered young Jamaal onto a spiritual journey where he was gifted with the ability to sing.
Jay Shephard molds his music to be medicine for the soul and therefore seeks to release strictly relatable sounds. From the deep roots of reggae, to the high tempo beats of dancehall combined with the modern sounds of pop, he appeals to an extensive audience. In 2013 Jay Shephard landed a distribution deal with SONY “RED” Distribution, which generated songs like “Sunshine” and “So High”. His current work with top Jamaican producers Troyton Rami (Black Shadow Records) and Omar Miller (Miller9 Records), produced hits like “No Surrender” and “One Time”. Jay continues to make an impact on both the local and international music community with his innovative style of music through his very own label, Good Vybez Nation LLC.
On Friday, February 14th, the big ship captain Freddie McGregor will perform at the grand opening for Plantation Smokehouse in Richmond, St. Ann, Jamaica. He will be backed by his very own Big Ship Band.
Starting time is 9:00 PM, and there is a $1,000 JMD entrance fee.
