Happy times are spilling over for Shinehead, who is celebrating both the 40th anniversary of his debut record “Billie Jean” and his birthday. “The classic recording on the African Love label signifies Shinehead’s unprecedented foray into the world of recorded music from sound systems,” Caribbean entertainment publicist Flair Lindsey, of Acclaim PR, told Caribbean Life on Monday. “Notably, the Michael Jackson cover, along with other vibrant songs from Shinehead on the classic riddim, helped catapult Shinehead to international stardom,” she added. “There’s a lot of rich history behind ‘Billie Je ..read more

Jamaican singer-songwriter Minna LaFortune, a rising star in the reggae world, has released a stirring new single, “The Black Star Liner.” LaFortune told Caribbean Life on Wednesday that the uplifting anthem pays homage to Jamaican national hero Marcus Garvey and his teachings of African liberation, self-reliance and PanAfricanism. “’The Black Star Liner’ is a reggae song with a driving rhythm that invites the listener to join the symbolic Black Star Liner, a shipping company founded by Garvey in 1919, and journey to Africa on a ‘mission of love and togetherness,’” she said. “The lyrics expres ..read more

Terry Gajraj, known to many as “Guyana Babu,” has not only made waves in the music industry but has also quietly been making a significant impact through his charitable work. In a recent interview with Caribbean Life, Gajraj shared insights into his decades-long commitment to community service and his connection to the Safe Abee Foundation for Children in Guyana. Since his move to New York in 1986, Gajraj’s life has been a testament to the power of philanthropy. Guided by the teachings of his grandparents and parents, he learned early on the importance of giving back. His journey began in his ..read more

Renowned reggae artist Kabaka Pyramid has joined forces with dancehall sensation Rygin King for a special remix of Kabaka Pyramid’s chart-topping single, “Believe.” This collaboration is featured on the deluxe version of Kabaka Pyramid’s GRAMMY-winning album “The Kalling,” scheduled for release this Friday, April 19, coinciding with Kabaka Pyramid’s birthday. The highly-anticipated “Believe” remix, featuring Rygin King, was released last Friday, April 12. “The song embraces a modern reggae sound that is sure to captivate audiences worldwide,” Ronnie Tomlinson, the Jamaican-born entertainment p ..read more

The Braata Singers mark their 15th Anniversary with “Still Standing,” a jubilant Off-Broadway celebration of Caribbean music and folklore. “This highly theatrical concert presentation promises to be a fusion of tradition and innovation, featuring a repertoire that showcases both the cherished favorites of The Braata Singers over the past decade and a half, as well as daring new arrangements that breathe fresh life into timeless songs,” Braata Productions said. “The Braata Singers: Still Standing” is presented by Braata Productions at 154 Christopher St. between Washington and Greenwich streets ..read more

Reggae music and culture ambassador Jahdon returns with the electrifying “Give,” which is out now on all digital and streaming platforms. “Marking a significant departure from his familiar Roots reggae, Jahdon ventures into the pulsating realms of Electronic Dance Music (EDM) with this track, marrying his poignant message with a vibrant riddim to achieve a sound that’s as authentic as it is electrifying,” entertainment publicist Flair Lindsey, of Acclaim PR, told Caribbean Life over the weekend, stating that “an equally compelling official music video for “Give,” edited by Cyberleaf Entertainm ..read more

Popular Award-winning Sesame Flyers Ensemble is expected to showcase its artistic musical flare during a live performance at the very first Public Arts Festival, at Floyd Bennett Field, 3159 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn from April 19-21. The International Sesame Flyers Inc. that recently unveil a billboard over its Youth and Cultural Center on Church Avenue, Brooklyn to commemorate its 39th years providing artistic, and educational programs, and who has won numerous awards for its participation in the Children’s Labor Day Carnival in Crown Heights, is expected provide stirring pan music at the fest ..read more

Just over a month after delivering a scintillating performance at Mashramani, Guyana’s annual festival that celebrates the country’s status as a republic, dancehall’s fast-rising, New York based, Jamaican singjay Nigy Boy has been summoned to the oil-rich country again. This time, to share stage with Afrobeat mega star Burna Boy on May 1, 2024. “Nigy Boy and Burna Boy on the same stage in Guyana is a big deal!” Nigy Boy told Caribbean Life on Tuesday. “It will be a historic moment. “Burna Boy is regarded as the African giant,” he added. “To get the opportunity to perform with this music legend ..read more

Two-time Grenadian GRAMMY award-winning jazz musician Casey Benjamin died on March 30 in Maryland, his father Gentle Benjamin said. Casey was 45. Grenadian-born Gentle Benjamin – the producer of the defunct, long-running, New York-based Caribbean TV cultural program, Culture Share – said Casey, also known as “Stutzmcgee,” was a first-generation New Yorker, whose mother was Panamanian-born Julieta Benjamin. Benjamiin told Caribbean Life on Tuesday that Casey died from pulmonary thromboembolism, and that he had received his GRAMMYs with the band Robert Glasper Experiment in 2013 and 2015. Benjam ..read more

Renowned reggae artist Kabaka Pyramid has teamed up with the legendary dancehall artist Sean Paul for an electrifying remix of his single “Energy,” featuring the talented Jemere Morgan of the esteemed Morgan Heritage lineage. “This invigorating track showcases the Jamaican artists’ jubilant spirits, as they bask in the joys of life and repel any negativity in their path,” Ronnie Tomlinson, the Jamaican-born chief executive officer of the New York-based Destine Media, told Caribbean Life on Monday. Produced by the acclaimed Damian “Jr Gong” Marley, Tomlinson, a Brooklyn resident, said the remix ..read more