Amid Pandemic Misery, Reggae Sumfest 2020 Was a Much-Welcomed Respite ‘Inna Virtual Stylee’
For the first time in its storied 28-year history, this year’s staging of Reggae Sumfest was very different. Given the ubiquitous nature of the coronavirus pandemic—and the persistent health and economic devastation millions around the globe are experiencing in its wake—Reggae Sumfest 2020 was a fully virtual experience. In that spirit, the Caribbean’s marquis music […]
Koffee sets new Record for First Reggae Artist with Views on her Video “Lockdown”
Mikayla Simpson, better known to her legion of fans as Koffee, made history and set a new record with her “Lockdown” video. The Grammy-winning singer was the first reggae artist to receive over 1 million views on YouTube in 48 hours. Koffee’s “Lockdown” track is a feel-good love song produced by Dane Ray and directed […]
The 10 Best Jamaican Festival Songs Since 1966
Jamaican Festival Song Competition has taken place annually since 1966. This list of 10 best festival songs since 1966 is highly explosive. They are all the people’s favorite but mine too. The criteria used to decide on these songs are Impact on the nation’s children and adults during the year they each won The response […]
If Still Alive Today, Bob Marley Would Be Protesting Social Injustice, Says Daughter Cedella Marley
After the murder of George Floyd at the hands of police in the summer of 2020, many celebrities have used their influence and media reach to protest racial injustice. Cedella Marley, the daughter of Jamaican reggae icon and social activist Bob Marley, said that if he was alive, her father would certainly be among those […]
Shaggy and Conkarah Are First Jamaican Artists to Have No. 1 Hit on Billboard Mexico Airplay Chart
With their recording of “Banana,” Jamaican deejays Shaggy and Conkarah have become the first Jamaicans in history to achieve the Number 1 top ranking on Billboard’s Mexico Ingles Airplay chart. Originally released ten months ago, the track has garnered more than 10 million views on YouTube, and was played over 27 million original dance challenge […]
The 21 Best Reggae Songs of 2020 (So Far)
It’s the midway point of a year dominated by the global COVID-19 pandemic and the push to end systemic racism. The year 2020 has also produced some great reggae music from veteran artists like Buju Banton to newer artists like Lila Ike and this year’s Grammy winner Koffee. From Lover’s rock to dancehall to conscious […]
Jamaica’s “Ghetto Michael Jackson,” Debuts Dancehall Single
Akeem Walker, who is known as “Ghetto Michael Jackson” and who is emulating the late pop singer arguably considered the greatest entertainer of modern times, is working to become the epitome of wholesome entertainment in Jamaica by showcasing his talents in singing, dancing, and acting. He first came to public notice in May of 2020 when […]
Barbadian singer Krisirie Collaborating with Veteran Jamaican Musicians
As musicians, Willie Stewart and Handel Tucker have worked with some major acts including Stevie Wonder, Eddy Grant and Maxi Priest. They know a thing or two about spotting talent. Recently, the veteran Jamaicans collaborated with Barbadian singer/songwriter Krisirie on Return to Love, a powerful ballad calling for world peace. Stewart and Tucker co-produced the […]
To Mark 75th Anniversary, Reggae Legend Bob Marley Honored with Limited-Run SiriusXM Music Channel
As part of a year-long celebration to mark the 75th anniversary of the Jamaican reggae musician and social activist Bob Marley, SiriusXM is providing a limited-run channel devoted to Marley’s music from July 15 through August 13, 2020. Bob Marley‘s Tuff Gong Radio features the music of Marley and The Wailers band, including studio sessions […]
Beenie Man vs. Bounty Killer Verzuz Results in 216% Increase of their Music Catalog
In the music world, Verzuz battles are common between deejays. One of the most famous was between Beenie Man and Bounty Killer. It resulted in a 216 percent increase in their catalogs and streaming for participants. The event was covered by CNN and viewed by hundreds of celebrities, dignitaries, and personalities that included Rihanna, Idris […]