Author Archives: Maria Jackson Magazine

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Promoting Positive Black Music & Telling The Stories Of The People Behind It!

Andrew Holness Tightens Restrictions Across Jamaica As Covid-19 Cases Increase

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In a media briefing held on the evening of Monday, July 26th, Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, announced that due to the rise in the number of covid-19 cases across the island the government will have to implement tighter restrictions.

That being said, effective Tuesday, July 27th, the new curfew hours are: Mondays to Saturdays 8PM to 5AM the following morning and on Sundays and public holidays it’s 3PM to 5AM the following morning.

For beaches and rivers the new curfew hours are as follows: from Mondays to Saturdays it’s 6AM to 4PM, while on Sundays it’s 6AM to 2PM. Capacity limits for churches, bars, small events etc. will be reduced to 50%. These new measures will be in effect for the next two weeks.

Have You Seen The Video For Luciano & Mikey General’s “Redemption”?

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After a year-long hiatus, Dub-Stuy heralds the return of good vibes with a new installment in their riddim series. This time, they take on one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable riddims in history with the Answer 2021 Riddim. The Brooklyn-based sound system collective and record label calls upon an international line-up of top features, led by legendary duo Luciano & Mikey General, Spain’s Sr Wilson and Brooklyn’s own Jonny GoFigure.

Leading the charge on the vocals, Luciano and Mikey General return to top form, bringing us back to the heyday of the 90’s roots revival. With their soaring harmonies and golden voices, “Redemption” calls for a return to conscious music while uplifting the listener with an infectious hook. Sr. Wilson comes next, with his ‘Foodie Session’, uniting the world over a shared love for street food cultures. Finally, hometown sensation Jonny GoFigure mashes up the dance lyrically on ‘A Different Answer’. 

As a lead up to the EP’s release, Dub-Stuy recently dropped the music video for the EP’s single “Redemption” with Luciano and Mikey General.

CLICK HERE OR ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

Kevin Downswell Announce Date & Lineup For The “658 Fest” (@kevinDownswell)

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International Christian artist Kevin Downswell will be hosting and performing at the first gospel festival for the 2021 Summer season. The event dubbed 658 Fest will be held on Saturday, August 7th, at the Police Officers Club, located at 34 Hope Road in Kingston. The announced time is 5PM to 9M; however, this may change as the Prime Minister just amended the curfew hours.

Artists that will be performing on the 658 Festival are: Rhoda Isabella, Rondell Positive, Chozenn, Petray Kay, Perpetual Sounds Of Praise and of course Kevin Downswell. Early bird tickets for general admission, which are now only $2,000 JMD, can be purchased HERE.

Dancehall Artist Mr. Peppa Delivers Another Captivating Single “Nah Worry” (@RealMrPeppa @nyahblessmusic)

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Inspired by his mother who has fallen gravely ill, Mr. Peppa known for his mega hits ‘Talk’ and ‘Gangsta Guerilla’ delivers another classic: “Nah Worry.” The single, released March 2021, is available on all major digital platforms and has begun to create waves within the industry.
 
It was only three years after his big international break that the recording artiste lost his brother Steely of the famed Jamaican dancehall reggae production duo Steely & Clevie and today, his ailing mother has evoked those same emotions. This proved to be the silver lining in a dark cloud. It became the motivational force that pushed the artiste to focus on his music throughout the pandemic. He is now seeing the fruits of his labor.
 
“The passing of my brother was a very traumatic experience. I was inspired by his works and continue to use it to guide my musical steps. I have never really gotten over his passing and today with my mother gravely ill, it has reignited those emotions. This situation took me back to a dark place and as such I had to use music to escape” said Mr. Peppa.
 
Born Arael Jahzeel Walters in Kingston, Jamaica, Mr. Peppa had a strong love and passion for music, particularly performing. Spurred on by his mother, a natural singer, and oldest brother Steely, he was further compelled to pursue a career as an entertainer; and from henceforth music became his only desire. Mr. Peppa has collaborated with some of the most talented artists within the industry to include, but not limited to, Bounty Killer, Mavado, and Wayne Marshall. His live tour record boasts of his exploits in the USA, England, Surinam, French Guyana, Bermuda, Grenada and many other countries.
 
In a recent interview Mr. Peppa recall getting the news of his mother health. “When I got the call that my mother was ill it immediately brought me back to the place I was when I heard of my brother’s passing. That’s when it dawned on me that worrying doesn’t help, instead I have to do my part. This inspired me to write the song “Nah Worry”.”
 
“Nah Worry,” produced by Wellowell Production and Nyah Bless Music, is an inspirational song that addresses the many challenges and setbacks we face throughout our lifetime. The song emphasize the need to stand firm, stay the course and continue to give thanks for our achievements. The official video was just released.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE OFFICIAL VIDEO

Nadine Sutherland To Headline Independence Day Show In Port St. Lucie (@Nadinesutherlan)

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On Sunday, August 8th, veteran reggae singer Nadine Sutherland and gospel recording artist Junior Tucker will perform at a family fun day event in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The affair, which will be held at 1585 SW Cashmere Blvd., is a celebration of Jamaica’s 59th independence.

The live show that starts at 5:30PM will be preceded by a soccer tournament which kicks off in the morning at 9AM. Other family friendly activities are also on the schedule.

Ragashanti Is The Latest Popular Radio Personality To Join The Bridge 99FM (@thebridge99fm)

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Controversial Jamaican radio broadcaster/entertainer Dr. Kingsley ‘Ragashanti’ Stewart is now an official member of the fast rising Bridge 99FM.

Ragga, who recently relocated from Florida to New York City will broadcast virtually from The Bridge’s New York studios. He will join Richie B, Nikki Z, Prof Donna Hope, comedian Oliver Samuels, Kurt ‘Party Animal’ Riley, selector/producer Rory Stone Love and Rev Jr Tucker who were previously announced as members of the Bridge, 99FM team. Stewart will host the program ‘Ragashanti Live’.

The Bridge will allow Ragashanti, a former lecturer at the University of the West Indies (UWI) the opportunity to reconnect with thousands of fans and supporters at home and in the Jamaican/Caribbean Diaspora. His unapologetically talk-show explores the Jamaican concept of mix up and blenda: the entertaining presentation of humorous events from the lives of people. His mix up and blenda style – along with his signature beating the tambourine – engages callers on a range of ‘outa road’ topics that amusingly reveal a great deal of insight about the thoughts and behavior of Jamaicans. The veteran radio broadcaster holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology and is a popular event MC.

Reggae Artist Rufftop Rock I Releases First EP “The World Needs Love” (@ReggaeVibesMus1)

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Rastafarian reggae artist Rufftop Rock I, who hails from both the Roses Hill, St. Andrew and Allman Hill, St. Catherine communities in Jamaica, has just released his first EP. It’s a four-track extended play project titled The World Needs Love, and it comes to us courtesy of Reggae Vibes Music.

With the exception of Life Is What You Make It, track number three, all the other songs have been featured on previously released rhythm-driven projects. The World Needs Love (track #1) is on the Reggae Star Riddim, In These Times (track #2) is on the World Rebirth Riddim and Unity (track #4) is on the Reggae Love & Unity Riddim. 

All the aforementioned compilations were released by Reggae Vibes Music, the imprint that is now representing Rufftop Rock I. The team initially wanted to put out a full album with approximately ten tracks, but they instead opted for an EP as they felt it was a better way to introduce Rufftop to the masses.

As for his part, Rufftop Rock I was the one who decided to call the EP The World Needs Love, because based on all that is happening right now he genuinely believes that to be the case. When asked what he would like people to take away from this project he said the following: “compete with no one but yourself, try to be a better version of yourself everyday, and know that everything you see around you is an idea that came from us so just be your best self everyday.”

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “WHEN THE WORLD NEEDS LOVE”