Good Vibes Online
Boomtown remains a proudly independent festival that has managed to keep a sense of community and unity despite being one of the fastest growing festivals on the the circuit. Citizens travel from across the globe to experience one of the most diverse line-ups and most groundbreaking theatrical concepts on offer, collectively celebrating underground music in a totally immersive world.
Jamaica’s reggae stars Chaka Demus and Pliers bring their first UK tour in 10 years to Hastings with a performance at the White Rock Theatre on Saturday May 25. Tickets are now on sale for the event from 01424 426688 or whiterocktheatre.org.uk.
Support for Chaka Demus & Pliers Hastings tour date will be Cardiff’s “clumsiest reggae artist and his hazardous sidekicks” Captain Accident and DJ set by One Love Festivals’ Dan Wiltshire.
The tour marks 25 years since Chaka Demus and Pliers exploded onto the UK chart scene and scored six UK top 40 hits in 14 months, including Tease Me, Murder She Wrote, She Don’t Let Nobody and their number one hit cover of The Top Notes’ Twist and Shout.
Emperor Haile Selassie, one of the founding fathers of the then Organization for African Unity (OAU), now African Union (AU) has got a commemorative statue in Addis Ababa in the compound of AU Headquarter.
Statue of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I was unveiled by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and other African leaders including African Union Commissioner, President of Egypt, Rwanda, and Ghana among others.
The statue is a significant recognition to the contribution of Emperor Haile Selassie I for the liberation and unity of Africa leading up to the founding of the Organization of African Unity in 1963, it was indicated.
A reggae show to be hosted by London’s most prolific reggae radio personality, David Rodigan, on March 12, completely sold out in three hours after it was announced.
The March event left a number of reggae fans in New York and Kingston disappointed. Some were planning to travel to the United Kingdom to witness the celebration of Jamaican music featuring the Outlook Orchestra – a 26-piece ensemble with conductor Tommy Evans – alongside a galaxy of performers.
They include Bitty McClean, Christopher Ellis, Winston Francis, Horseman, and General Levy. One of the explosive moments of the show will be a surprise artiste for the grand finale. Speculation is frenzied as to who it will be, but the mystery act only heightened the intrigue. By the time news drifted across the Atlantic about this much-anticipated show, it was already sold out.
Aswad, arguably Britain’s most successful reggae band, are the latest group announced to appear at this year’s Jack Up The Summer throwback festival.
After 2 decades on the music scene and with 15 albums under their belts, ‘The Lions of Ladbroke Grove’ remains one of the country’s best-loved reggae acts. Formed in the late 70s, Aswad, along with UB40, quickly became one of the most important reggae artists to ever emerge from the UK.
Formally Jack Up The 80s, this hugely popular event continues to deliver on its retro promise by celebrating the upbeat, hand-clapping music of yesteryear, centred around party hits and
feel-good music from both the 80s and 90s.
A strictly limited number of Early Bird Weekend and Day tickets are now available online at www.jackupthesummer.co.uk.
From the “Godfather of Rocksteady”.
Jamaican singer Alton Ellis’ 1974 LP Mr Soul Of Jamaica has been reissued for the first time, via Music on Vinyl.
Produced by Duke Reid and released on his Treasure Isle label, Mr Soul Of Jamaicawas Ellis’ third studio album (but his only release for TI) following Sings Rock and Soul in 1967 and Sunday Coming in 1971.
“Reggae is the heartbeat of Jamaica, a unique music that springs from the creative imagination of a diverse people.”
This quotation is taken from the official proclamation by the government of Jamaica in 2007 declaring February as “Reggae Month” to pay special tribute to the musical art form for which the country has become renowned the world over.
These words remain true today as Reggae continues to capture the world’s attention, especially among avid music lovers.
Wah Gwaan?! is a collection that embodies the musician’s Jamaican roots, global reach, contagious joy and introspective side and will be released on May 10, 2019.
The compelling 12 tracks on Wah Gwaan?! – a Jamaican patois greeting meaning ‘what’s goin’ on?’ – are a revelation of an accomplished and multi-talented musical star. “Use Me, the album’s first single, has all the hallmarks of a Shaggy smash: an island vibe, witty wordplay, and an irresistible pop melody with a new music video– directed by Jay Will & shot in Miami – to soon be released.
A rum and reggae festival is coming to Kettering this spring with organisers promising to take guests on a rum journey around the world. Featuring rums from across the globe, carnival dancers, cocktail demonstrations and Caribbean food, the Rum & Reggae Festival is being held at Wicksteed Park on March 30.
On entry, guests will be handed a Rum atlas – a pocket-sized guide detailing the selection of hand-picked rums available. A festival spokeswoman said: “Guests will be taken on a rum journey around the world, hosted by the Reggae Sound System, as they taste rare and special craft rums from the West Indies, South America, Australia, the Philippines, Mauritius and other surprise locations.
Infectious entertainment is the epicentre of every Rum & Reggae Festival and the new-look event has some huge talent lined up, as well as another headliner and tour DJ to be confirmed shortly. The seven-piece Global Reggae Band will provide the music.
The Rum & Reggae Festival also features a rum cocktail bar and there will be cocktail demonstrations as the experts share their secrets. For those who want to enjoy the reggae without the rum, a new bar offering Jamaica’s very own Red Stripe beer and a range of other spirits has been introduced for the 2019 tour. There will also be food on sale, namely jerk chicken, curried goat, and rice and pea fix from the traditional Caribbean food stalls, with tasty treats cooked up by the Pirates From The Caribbean Kitchen chefs. Tickets are now on sale from £14.50 plus booking are available from www.rumandreggaefestival.com
It’s been a testing time for the UK recently for one reason or another. If your name is Theresa May, you’ve definitely had it tougher than most. The entire Brexit debacle has moved us further and further away from our European neighbours, and some would say from each other as a nation here at home.
Well, fear not. The dominant force of love known as reggae is here and acting as a glue to heal the wounds that these mischievous politicians have opened with the words of attrition.
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The 'G' rating applies to content that has nothing in theme, language, reference to sexual activity, violence, etc. which would be offensive to parents whose younger children listen. Some snippets of language may go beyond polite conversation but they are common everyday expressions. No stronger words are uttered. The reference to violence is at a minimum. Explicit references to sexual activity are not present; nor are there any references in favour of hard drug use.
