REFLECTION & REASON

For the second time in the past 6 years, we've witnessed the historic release and return to the stage of a dancehall legend at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica. Like the countdown to Buju Banton's "The Long Walk to Freedom" concert in 2019, the New Year's Eve "Freedom Street" show celebrating Vybz Kartel on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 was a must-see production for reggae and dancehall enthusiasts. After serving 13 years, Kartel (Adidja Palmer) was released from incarceration on July 31, 2024. From that moment, this "first" performance has been anticipated. The excitement. The chatter. The suspense. The extreme FOMO for those not able to make it to Jamaica for the show (present company included). The focus on the island of Jamaica, attracting the who's-who of dancehall, music lovers, cultural supporters, music media, and patrons and supporters of reggae and dancehall who were eager to ring in their 2025 as one of the fortunate thousa...

The beautiful thing about information is that it's readily available and exists in abundance. Whether through formal education, the historical transfer of cultures, or through curated events like this week's Island Music Conference  (IMC) that are specifically catered towards a particular demographic. Founded by  co-CEO's Sharon Burke and Judith Ann Bodley, and event Chairman Dr. Orville Burrell (Shaggy), the Conference is, "an Island meeting place where music professionals share experiences, forge alliances, expand knowledge base, expose new music and talent, and connect with the heartbeat of the global industry," as stated on the event website, with the intention of helping participants navigate challenges, network, and gain education on the business of the island music industry. The event takes place from February 8 through 12, 2023 in Kingston, Jamaica. Keynote speakers over the next few days will include Shaggy (reggae musician, singer, DJ, and actor), Kyle B...

Live from the ROK Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica on the evening of December 21, 2022, legendary Jamaican artist Tony Rebel and his team launched the 29th staging of the Rebel Salute festival, taking place on Friday, January 20 and Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Grizzly's Plantation Cove . Moderating the evening's launch and connecting with special guests were livestream host Iesha Prendy , and on-stage host Neisha-Yen Jones  from TVJ's Daytime Live. Joined by media personnel and music industry supporters, attendees and online viewers were presented with the weekend's features, performers, and related insight. As expected, the 2023 music festival promises to be yet another impactful "experience of reggae and consciousness and soul," according to media specialist and consultant Carole Beckford . Along with food and love, music is one of the top 3 reasons why individuals around the globe travel to Jamaica. Rain or shine, Rebel Salute will continue to welcome local an...

Very seldom can we witness a moment in history and know that, without a doubt, it is going to be a memory that remains a significant part of our lives forever. There are incidents that we'll always recall for personal reasons, or times we hold dear as a part of our family legacy, but the cultural moments that simultaneously resonate with us all are rare to come by. But when they do hit...we feel no pain. It wasn't my intention to watch the inaugural performance of the Buju Banton " Long Walk to Freedom Tour " from the cold familiarity of Toronto, Canada. Since Buju was released from incarceration, in December of last year, I knew that every moment up until this particular performance was going to be one of great musical anticipation...and I wanted to be there for the climax. "Due to circumstances beyond my control..." I was unable to fly to Kingston to see Mark Myrie touch the stage after nine long years. Instead, I made sure to lock in every device and ...