Toronto JerkFest 2026 Marks 25th Anniversary

Posted on July 16, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Toronto JerkFest will celebrate its 25th anniversary from August 7 to 9 at Centennial Park in Etobicoke, Ontario. The weekend will bring together Caribbean cuisine, live entertainment, cultural showcases, family-friendly activities and premium hospitality services as organizers mark a quarter-century of the festival.

This year’s music lineup includes Jamaican recording artists Lukie D, Mr. Lexx, Spice and 450, as well as Trinidadian soca artist Patrice Roberts. Presented by TD, it runs Friday through Sunday, with 450 performing on August 7 and the rest of the headliners taking the stage on August 8 and 9.

Catch Machel Montano at Central Park This August

Posted on July 16, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Soca superstar Machel Montano is set to light up Central Park in New York with two nights of live performances on August 8th and 9th, both kicking off at 6 PM, as part of his “This Is The Encore” tour. The two-day event promises an electric atmosphere, with opening night on August 8th featuring a live performance by Full Blown.

Organizers are reporting strong demand for tickets, with Saturday’s show (August 8th) nearly sold out and Sunday’s date (August 9th) now the primary focus for fans hoping to attend. A limited number of tickets remain available for both dates. Fans looking to secure their spot can purchase tickets through the following links:

Day 1 (August 8th): www.eventim.us/machelmontano
Day 2 (August 9th): www.eventim.us/machelmontanoencore

Gym Class Heroes, Lupe Fiasco Team Up for “Back to Basics” Tour

Posted on July 16, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Gym Class Heroes and Lupe Fiasco are joining forces this fall for the “Back to Basics Tour,” a 19-city co-headlining run that will take fans back to the blog era. B.o.B joins as special guest on most stops.

The trek begins Sept. 10 at Jacobs Pavilion in Cleveland and wraps up Oct. 25 in Pinellas Park, Florida, with stops including Pittsburgh, Denver, Phoenix, Minneapolis, Detroit, Boston, and Sugar Land, Texas along the way.

Presale tickets became available July 15, with general on-sale following July 17 at 10 a.m. local time in each market. Get full schedule and tickets here.

Reggae Singer Fantan Mojah Dies at 49

Posted on July 14, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The reggae fraternity is mourning the loss of acclaimed roots reggae singer Fantan Mojah, who passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at the age of 49.

Born Owen Moncrieffe in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, Fantan Mojah rose to prominence in the mid-2000s with conscious reggae anthems including “Hail the King,” “Hungry,” “Thanks & Praise,” and “Rasta Got Soul.” Renowned for his spiritually uplifting lyrics, he earned the respect of reggae fans around the world and established himself as one of the genre’s leading conscious voices.

According to reports, the singer died at the University Hospital of the West Indies following complications related to a heart condition.

Maria Jackson 27 extends sincere condolences to Fantan Mojah‘s family, friends, and supporters during this difficult time.

DJR Unleash Current Chart Results

Posted on July 13, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

#1. Unconditional – Kerry Lopez – Just Kool Records

#2. Holding On – Hezron Clarke – Tads Records

#3. Gift Is – StillVillN – Fizishan Music

#4. Irie Vibes – Latty J – MV Music

#5. True Intention – Roger Robin (feat. Hot. K) – Free World Music

The above chart airs on The Harmonious Combination with Disc Jock Redeem and Musical Genius on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. (EST) and 4:00 p.m. (BST) on 1 Harmony Radio in London, England. Also on Love Jock on the Block with Disc Jock Redeem live on Tik Tok Friday at 4:00 pm (EST)

Jamaica Day GTA Returns to Brampton This August

Posted on July 12, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Brampton will host the Jamaica Day GTA Family, Food & Music Festival on August 22 and 23 at Brampton Sports Park, located at 7575 Kennedy Road South. The two-day event, presented in partnership with Experience Brampton, the City of Brampton, and the Black Empowerment Unit (BEU), promises a celebration of Jamaican culture through music, food, and family-friendly entertainment.

The festival kicks off Friday, August 22, with performances from Klassik, Frescobar, Flourgan, and General B. It continues on Saturday, August 23, with reggae and dancehall veterans Richie Stephens, Louie Culture, and Anthony Cruz. As part of the weekend’s festivities, the event will also include Allure Carnival.

Early access tickets are on sale now through TicketGateway, with the early bird window closing on Saturday, July 18.

Everton Blender to Headline Reggae Show in Waukegan

Posted on July 11, 2026 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Mega Vybz Promotions will present Everton Blender live in Waukegan, Illinois on Saturday, July 25, 2026, with doors opening at 9 p.m. The event takes place at Mega Force Reggae Lounge, located at 3447 Sunset Ave, and will be hosted by Deangelo King.

Early performances will feature Nego Hights, Skinny Gilly, Kaos, and Stevey Fre$h, with music throughout the night provided by King Lion, DJ Hypnosis, DJ Fire Ball, and DJ Virus.

Food will be available for purchase, along with rum punch specials running all night. Tickets can be purchased now through Eventbrite.