AFRAM at 50: Baltimore Celebrates Five Decades of the East Coast’s Largest Free African-American Festival

Baltimore’s iconic AFRAM Festival will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026 with a three-day event at Druid Hill Park. Presented by the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture & Entertainment in partnership with Baltimore City Recreation & Parks, the free festival returns over Juneteenth weekend and continues its longstanding tradition as the largest free African-American festival on the East Coast.

Headlining the anniversary edition is legendary soul singer Charlie Wilson, joined by R&B favorites Dru Hill, SWV and Mario, as well as acclaimed hip-hop group The Lox. AFRAM will also have additional performances from Tamia, PJ Morton, Normani, Chlöe Bailey, Lil Mo, Ultra Naté, Brandon Woody, J Brown, and Paula Campbell.

Bayfront Reggae and World Music Festival Returns for Its 20th Edition

Duluth, Minnesota will play host to one of its most beloved summer traditions as the Bayfront Reggae and World Music Festival marks its 20th anniversary on Saturday, July 18, 2026. This edition brings an impressive international lineup to Bayfront Festival Park, which is located at 5th Ave West Railroad Street.

Confirmed are reggae heavyweights Teejay, Protoje, and Jesse Royal. They will be joined by Libianca, Rik Jam, and IRAS, with DJ Sound of Fujun rounding out the bill. The festival grounds open at 2PM, rain or shine.

Tickets and additional information are available at bayfrontworldmusic.com.

Baby Cham to Perform at Joyride in Kingston on July 11

Kingston, Jamaica is gearing up for a major night of nostalgia as Joyride returns on Saturday, July 11, 2026. The event, sponsored by Wray & Nephew, will be held at Mas Camp with gates opening at 9PM.

Themed Vibes of the 90s to 2000s, Joyride will feature a live performance by dancehall star Baby Cham, making it a must-attend for fans of the era’s golden sounds.

Caribbean Culture Takes Over Washington D.C. at “Taste di Islands” Block Party

The nation’s capital is set to experience a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture as Taste di Islands — a Caribbean music and food block party — comes to Washington, D.C. on Sunday, June 28 at The Bullpen, located at 1201 Half Street SE.

Part of the Join the MVEMNT Fest Wknd, the event will be hosted by two prominent Caribbean artists, Lyrikal and Charly Black, and promises an authentic island experience through live music and traditional food. Music will be provided by Ricky Platinum, alongside DJs Geovoni and Precious Layne.

A J Brown Showcases His Lovers Rock Side with “Dancehall Ball”

Renowned Jamaican singer A J Brown explores a classic lovers rock sound on his single, Dancehall Ball, a collaboration with South Florida-based production company Upstairs Music.

Best known for his versatility across rhythm and blues, roots reggae, gospel, and contemporary reggae, Brown embraces a romantic theme on Dancehall Ball, which was written and produced by Danny Breakenridge.

According to Brown, the song made an immediate impression when he first heard it. “I listened to the track and lyrics. They felt balanced, like a complete narrative,” he said. To capture the song’s authentic feel, Brown drew inspiration from the lovers rock era of reggae and the vocal style of the late reggae icon Dennis Brown.

Dancehall Ball features a strong musical lineup, with Paul Gauntlet providing the rhythm track, Yishka on saxophone, Sons Of Mystro on violins, and Tafina Wilson delivering harmony vocals. The song was mixed and mastered by the Heavybeat Crew.

The release marks another collaboration between Brown and Breakenridge, who previously teamed up for a reggae interpretation of Louis Armstrong‘s classic What a Wonderful World.

Originally from Montego Bay, A J Brown developed his reputation as a dynamic live performer in Jamaica’s tourist hotel circuit before expanding his career internationally, including a residency at a Las Vegas hotel. Over the years, he has built an impressive catalogue that includes popular songs such as When You Love, Love People, and Father and Friend.

With Dancehall Ball, Brown once again demonstrates the vocal range and adaptability that have made him one of reggae’s most respected performers. 

Hopeton Lindo and Hawkeye’s “Favorite” Now Available on Streaming Platforms

Veteran reggae artists Hopeton Lindo and Hawkeye have joined forces for the release of their new collaborative single, “Favorite,” which became available on major streaming platforms on May 29 through Zojak Worldwide.

Produced by Lindo under his Irie Pen Records imprint, “Favorite” is a lovers-rock reggae track recorded on the Favorite Riddim. The song finds both artists expressing admiration and affection for their respective love interests, highlighting the qualities that make each woman their favorite.

As two performers who rose to prominence during the 1990s, Lindo and Hawkeye bring a classic reggae feel to the recording. Lindo‘s smooth vocals complement Hawkeye‘s distinctive deejay delivery, creating a seamless blend of styles that reflects the timeless appeal of vintage reggae music.

“Favorite” also serves as an extension of the broader Favorite Riddim compilation, which features contributions from Sanchez, Anthony Malvo, Peter G, Novel T, Inique, and Hopeton Lindo. The project additionally includes a juggling mix from King Waggy T, a pioneer of the South Florida sound system scene.

With its authentic reggae sound, masterfully crafted lyrics, and strong performances from two respected veterans, “Favorite” adds another memorable chapter to the ongoing Favorite Riddim project.

Dr. Jay Barnett and David Mann to Host “A Safe Space to Heal” in Dallas

The Just Heal Experience is coming to Dallas, Texas on June 20, 2026, bringing together two powerful voices for a day dedicated to wellness, vulnerability, and community.

The one-day men’s wellness event takes place from 10 AM to 2 PM at the AT&T Performing Arts Center’s Hamon Hall, with a companion women’s evening experience, Just Heal Sis, also scheduled later that day.

Headlining the event are Dr. Jay Barnett and actor and gospel artist David Mann, united around a single, resonant theme: A Safe Space to Heal. Dr. Barnett is a former professional football player turned licensed therapist, author, and public speaker who has built a movement around mental health advocacy, particularly within Black communities. His work centers on dismantling stigmas surrounding mental health among men and creating spaces where vulnerability is not just accepted, but celebrated as strength.

The event is presented in partnership with ProBlk Health Vitamins and is part of Dr. Barnett‘s broader Just Heal platform, which delivers unfiltered conversations on healing, growth, and transformation from the perspective of a Black male therapist.