Steve Knight Nominated for Two 2025 Reggae North Music Awards

Posted on June 5, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Following the success of their inaugural launch last year, the Reggae North Music Awards—Canada’s award show that recognizes and honors the creators and performers of reggae music and its sub-genres, including ska, dancehall, and lovers rock—will return in 2025. The second edition will take place on Sunday, September 28th.

Established reggae recording artist Steve Knight, who made a triumphant return to the industry several months ago after experiencing multiple setbacks, has been nominated in two categories. He is a contender for both Top Male Vocalist of the Year and Top Reggae Single of the Year (Male).

The project responsible for Knight‘s re-emergence is his latest album, “Steve Knight Returns.” This marks Steve Knight‘s first full-length studio album in over twenty years. It was released on February 1, 2025, through his own Haul-N-Pull Up record label. Notably, the song nominated for Male Reggae Single of the Year is one of the standout tracks on the album, titled “Marry You.”

Many people may not be aware that, although he maintains a presence in Jamaica, Steve Knight now resides in Canada.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “STEVE KNIGHT RETURNS”

New Music From Etana “Kiss of Judas”

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

International recording artist Etana, in collaboration with producer Kemar McGregor, also known as the Billboard King, has just shared a new single called “Kiss of Judas.”

The conscious dancehall tune, along with its captivating official video, was released on all music platforms on June 3rd. If you have not yet seen the visual, click here or on the image above to check it out. Remember to like, comment, and share!

Juneteenth Musical Tribute to the Late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

Posted on June 2, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Many people may not know that the late, great Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee was among the lawmakers who fought long and hard for federal recognition of the now recognized Juneteenth holiday. That said, this year she will be honored on June 14 at Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas as a part of their 160th Juneteenth Celebration.

This is a musical tribute that will see gospel megastar Yolanda Adams, the local community choir, the legendary George Clinton, and accomplished singer-songwriter Mary Griffin all performing. The show will start at approximately 4pm local time, and it is free to the public. Get additional information here.

Experience Smif-N-Wessun’s “30 Year Anniversary of Dah Shinin” In Philly On July 11th

Posted on June 2, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Brooklyn MCs Smif-N-Wessun are celebrating the 30-year anniversary of their debut studio album, “Dah Shinin,” released in January 1995. To that end, they will be doing a live concert at Philadelphia’s City Winery on Friday, July 11th, at 7:30pm local time.

This is a live band show that will see the men performing songs like “Wontime,” “Bucktown,” “Sound Bwoy Bureill,” and “Let’s Get It On.” Tickets and additional information are available on the venue’s website.

Bugle & Duane Stephenson Will Be At This Year’s Black River Film Festival

Posted on June 2, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The second staging of the Black River Film Festival will take place on June 27th and 28th, 2025, at Cloggy’s On The Beach in Black River, St. Elizabeth. This festival was established with the vision of nurturing emerging filmmakers and sparking creativity in the heart of rural Jamaica. The 2025 lineup of speakers and panelists will feature producers from Netflix series, international co-producers, film distributors, and film attorneys.

Because everything is better with music, there will be a live band performance at the end of Day 1, and an after-party at 10 PM on Day 2. It is important to note that the organizers have announced that recording artists Bugle and Duane Stephenson will be at this year’s Black River Film Festival. Get additional information here.

Baby Cham & Barrington Levy For LA’s Jerk Food & Music Festival On June 29th

Posted on June 1, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

The upcoming Jerk Food & Music Festival happening on Sunday, June 29th, at The Beehive in Los Angeles, California, will be presented in two parts: lots of jerk food (12pm-4pm), followed by the best in live music (5pm-10pm).

The latter, the live show, will see performances by dancehall heavyweights Baby Cham and Barrington Levy, with support from the SGV Vibes Band as well as Firgo Digital. The concert will be preceded by four hours dedicated to family, food, and fun. There will be lots of games for the kids, including a playground powered by SCOOPS. Click here for tickets.

New Music From JC Lodge “Beautiful Life”

Posted on June 1, 2025 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

JC Lodge‘s latest contribution to the music industry is “Beautiful Life,” a slow, groovy reggae tune that was produced by the legendary dub mixer, sound system owner, and record producer King Jammy. “Beautiful Life” was officially released on the 30th of May, 2025.

Although this is a brand-new track, several selectors are already predicting that it will be in heavy rotation this summer. JC Lodge performed this tune beautifully—pun intended. “Beautiful Life” is melodic, soothing, and enchanting. Click here to download it from your preferred music platform.