On his fifty second earth-day, September 8th, 2023, reggae legend Richie Spice celebrated by releasing a brand new album called Black Man Time. The fourteen-track project features collaborations with Capleton (These Are the Days); Louie Culture (Young Juvenile); and Charly Black (Searching For).

Presented on his own independent imprint, Richie Spice Music, the LP is Spice‘s tenth studio album. As for the lyrical content, the record is filled with the kind of substantive messages we’ve come to expect from the Jamaican singer-songwriter.

Click here to stream and/or download Black Man Time from your preferred music platform.

Nigerian vocalist Hassanah, who is currently based in the United States, is back with a brand new twelve-track reggae album titled The Real Thing. Produced by veteran music executive Danny Breakenridge – owner of Upstairs Music – the record features remixes of some of the most captivating love songs from the past, as well as eight original tunes, one of which is the stunning title track, The Real Thing.

Hassanah delivered each song with ease, passion, and comfort, as if all twelve were penned by her, and inspired by her personal experiences. Also, although a singer-songwriter in her own right, having done both studio and live backing vocals for some of reggae’s biggest acts over the years, her vocal depth is especially pronounced throughout the LP.

With the production mastery of Danny Breakenridge, Hassanah convincingly pays tribute to Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight and The Pips (I Heard it Through The Grapevine); Gregory Isaacs (Front Door); Mariah Carey (We Belong Together); and Sade (By Your Side).

The album – The Real Thing – went live on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, and all other music platforms on August 11th, 2023 via Upstairs Music. 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “THE REAL THING”

Members of the public are invited to enjoy some of the world’s most renowned Caribbean rum, cocktails, and food at the annual Caribbean Rum & Food Festival being held in Boston, Massachusetts on September 16th, and Hartford, Connecticut on September 23rd.

​Patrons will be taken on a journey through the West Indies as they experience the culinary diversity, live entertainment, and spirits of each Caribbean country.

Both event will culminate with a live concert featuring some of the best artists from the Caribbean. On the 16th in Boston, Nadine Sutherland, Kashu and Sean Orlando will perform; while Richie Stephens, Anthony B, Nadine Sutherland, Mario Cheef and Elshaddi are confirmed for the 23rd in Hartford,

Jah Kings Reggae Jam Festival is recognized as one of the best roots-reggae concerts in Malawi. The 2023 staging is all set for Saturday, October 28th at Grand Business Park in Lilongwe.

Two living legends – Everton Blender and Luciano – are on the lineup. They will be joined by Qshan Deya, Iqulah Rastafari, Queen Fyah, Don Tarz, Chizmo and Blasto. Additional music will be provided by selectors Spyda, Jah Crucial Sound Master, Hannie G and Impress Nadifa.

Although it’s also featured on Tad’s Record Inc.‘s new album – Celebrating Jamaica 61 – Hezron and Big Youth‘s track, I Shall Be Released, as a single, is indeed well timed. 

I Shall Be Released is a very powerful song with a compelling history. It was first penned by Bob Dylan in 1967, but was not officially released until May 3rd, 1968, when it was recorded and shared by English musician Boz Burrell. However, it was not until singer, songwriter, pianist, and civil rights activist Nina Simone did her rendition that it became relevant to the international black community. 

Sadly, we are once again living in a time when such a song is needed, and that is why Hezron and Big Youth‘s interpretation is considered timely. With his deep, raspy, strong vocals, Hezron – who has always performed with profound passion – delivers the lyrics in a manner that reflects the emotional agony black people have faced for centuries. Not to be outdone, the legendary deejay Big Youth compliments Hezron‘s style with his own, while making important sensical contributions.

Hezron and Big Youth‘s I Shall Be Released is among twenty-one songs featured on the Celebrating Jamaica 61 album published by Tad’s Record Inc. Both the single and the LP are available on iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Deezer, and all other music platforms. 

CLICK HERE TO STREAM & DOWNLOAD “I SHALL BE RELEASED”

CLICK HERE TO STREAM & DOWNLOAD “CELEBRATING JAMAICA 61”