Martin’s International founder and president, Dr. Ephraim Martin, who is the producer of the historic annual IRAWMA (International Reggae and World Music Awards); Chicago Music Awards, the African/Caribbean International Festival of Life (IFOL) and the JSVFest, on this Tuesday, January 2nd, will celebrate a Golden 50th Anniversary in the Media and Entertainment world.   THE EARLY YEARS The former roving international Photojournalist started his career on January 2nd, 1974 at the Jamaica Daily Gleaner and Star Newspapers.  In August 1980 while covering the Democratic National Co ..read more

 JAMAICAN SOUND SYSTEM LEGEND FAREWELL JAMES ‘JIMMY SOLO’ HOWARD PASSES AWAY. May 12, 1943 – December 28, 2023 JAMAICAN SOUND SYSTEM LEGEND FAREWELL JAMES ‘JIMMY SOLO’ HOWARD PASSES AWAY. The passing of a Jamaican Sound System Power House  ‘Jimmy Solo’ died at home on Thursday December 28, 2023, succumbing to illness. James “Jimmy Solo” Howard was more than just a dance promoter or sound system owner – he was a Jamaican cultural architect. From spinning vinyl in the pulsating heart of Kingston to shaping the nation’s musical landscape, Jimmy Solo’s name is synonymous ..read more

Yaad Vibez, Yard Experience: A Night of Caribbean Bliss with Masicka, Teejay, and Capleton. If you are in Miami or South Florida, get ready for an exhilarating night of pulsating rhythms, mouthwatering cuisine, and vibrant energy as dancehall sensations Masicka and Teejay join forces with reggae legend Capleton for the Yaad Vibez, Yard Experience on December 23rd. Vibez Inna Dis Presented by Vibez Inna Dis, this eagerly anticipated event promises a fusion of live music, delectable food, and a lively atmosphere at the Mana Wynwood Convention Center. Yaad Vibez brings together these top pla ..read more

DAMIAN AND STEPHEN MARLEY ANNOUNCE CO-HEADLINING TRAFFIC JAM TOUR 2024. TICKETS are AVAILABLE STARTING THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14 WITH LOCAL PRESALES. GENERAL ONSALE BEGINS ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15 AT 10AM LOCAL ON LIVENATION.COM TRAFFIC JAM TOUR In February and March 2024, the Grammy award-winning brothers Damian “Jr Gong” Marley and Stephen “Ragga” Marley will launch their exclusive Traffic Jam Tour across North America. This marks the inaugural occasion in history when the brothers have jointly presented a curated set. They are offering a unique showcase to their fans. The 18-date tour begins Feb ..read more

The UC Theatre, Taub Family Music Hall in Berkeley, CA presents three upcoming reggae and world music shows in 2023. On the bill are KES, YUSSEF DAYES, and SAMMY J. The venue is located in downtown Berkeley. They always have an eclectic line-up of the most amazing musicians. Upcoming on their calendar in the reggae and world music genres are 3 important shows. KES From Trinidad, KES is performing on Wednesday, November 29. Opening acts are Teddyson John from St. Lucia and Jimmy October from Trinidad. Trinidad & Tobago is one of the world’s true melting pots, an island nation whose cit ..read more

Rocky Dawuni’s Global Anthem “Shade Tree” is a Message for Our Time. WATCH “Shade Tree” HERE      LISTEN “Shade Tree” HERE International musician, songwriter, producer and activist, Rocky Dawuni has released a new single “Shade Tree”. Additionally, it has a stunning accompanying video! Filmed in Salvador, Bahia Brasil, “Shade Tree” is a picturesque feast of culture, lifestyle and the soulful diversity of its people. The single is the second from the 3x GRAMMY Nominated musician’s forthcoming album. The album will be released in 2 ..read more

From the Bahamas…AVARAN – NOW AVAILABLE FOR BOOKINGS for festivals and events. Born on a small island in the Bahamas, Avaran’s first known experience with reggae was at the age of six. This was at a time in which Bob Marley had recently visited the Bahamas on tour. We fast forward years later to 1996 where Avaran first emerges on the reggae scene cutting a few specials for a Bahamian sound system out of Miami. FIRST RELEASE This step would be instrumental in the early stages of Avaran’s career. His first release entitled “Only Jah” was well received locally but it was internationally where it ..read more

YUSSEF DAYES is live in concert on on Friday, December 2, 2023 in Berkeley, CA at the UC Theatre, Taub Family Music Hall. YUSSEF DAYES Yussef Dayes is live in concert. He is an English drummer and composer who is prominent in the South London contemporary jazz scene. Born in South East London, Dayes was given his first drum kit at age four by his bass-playing Jamaican father. While his mother played country music and ’60s pop around the house, his father listened to reggae and jazz vinyl. Though largely considered a “jazz” drummer, Dayes pushes beyond genre restrictions melding together everyt ..read more

Cali Vibes Music Festival 2024 Festival in February at Marina Green Park In Long Beach, CA announces stellar line-up. As is expected, the 3-day lineup features GWEN STEFANI, STICK FIGURE, ICE CUBE, SLIGHTLY STOOPID, REBELUTION, DAMIAN “JR. GONG” & STEPHEN MARLEY. Additional acts include The Roots, Sean Paul, Wiz Khalifa, Sublime with Rome performing 40 OZ to Freedom and many more. This events is FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16 – SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2024. The venue is at the Marina Green Park in Long Beach, CA. Goldenvoice has announced the lineup for Cali Vibes Music Festival 2024 Festival. It take ..read more

Stephen Marley’s Old Soul Out Now On All Streaming Platforms. The 8x GRAMMY® Award-winning singer/songwriter/producer Stephen Marley has released Old Soul. It is his first full-length project since 2016, available now on all digital platforms via Tuff Gong Collective/UMe/Ghetto Youths International.   The release features a stellar line-up of special guests, including Bob Weir, Eric Clapton, Jack Johnson, Ziggy Marley, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Buju Banton, and Slightly Stoopid. Old Soul will be available on CD, a 2LP standard black vinyl, and as a limi ..read more