Best Of The Best returns to its traditional date of May 29 this year. The popular annual show will be held again at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami with Beres Hammond as headliner. 

The previous show was last held in October under strict Covid-19 guidelines. With uncertainty around the pandemic easing considerably, promoters are expecting a bumper crowd as the United States celebrates Memorial Day. 

 Steven “Jabba” Beckford, a member of the organizing team since Best Of The Best’s inception in 2007, is…

One of the hardcore deejays from the 1990s, Ricky General has still got game. He shows his timeless skills on “10 Million” and “Dolly Body”, his latest songs. 

The veteran artist produced “10 Million” for his Orange Diamond Records, while “Dolly Body” is done for Konsequence Muzik. 

“Is a good vibe for di youths an’ my longtime fans. Di key thing with dancehall is to stay fresh an’ dat’s what I always try an’ do,” said Ricky General. 

In the 1990s, he ruled the dancehall with anthems like “Informer” and…

“Koolaz to The World”, the debut album from singer Koolaz, is scheduled for release on June 12. The singer, who lives in New York, says the project contains nine songs. 

The album’s lead single, “Sugar in my Cup”, was recently released. 

Koolaz worked with several respected musicians on “Koolaz to The World” including bassist Chris Meridith, his longtime collaborator; guitarist Earl “Chinna” Smith, drummer Squiddly Cole and Paul “Wrong Move” Crosdale. 

He said the album’s sound is consistent with the music…

With a busy summer itinerary ahead, Etana warms up with Reggae Date Night, a show at The Garden in Fort Lauderdale on May 6. 

A co-production between Etana and Andre Morris, the event also features Daville. 

"I have not done much since the start of this year except Anguilla and one other private event. Reggae Date Night named by me and Andre Morris, marks the first  show out of 16 events throughout the US which includes Tico Times Festival in New Mexico. July/August there are a few festivals including…

It’s been one year since Yami Bolo released “Jah Love Will Rule The World”, a 10-song album on which he expresses hope for global peace. There’s a place where the singer wishes to see lasting harmony. 

“When I look at what’s happening in Jamaica, it’s terrible. I’m hoping di authorities put a lid on things soon,” he said. 

Crime has been a major problem for successive governments in Jamaica for 25 years, with over 1,000 homicides recorded annually. The New York-based Yami Bolo has not visited the country…

Three months after his death, Kapella Don re-emerges through a music video for “Times Like These”, his song which was released one year ago. It is a tribute to the artist who was murdered in Jamaica’s St. James parish. 

“Times Like These” is a co-production of Cocojamz Musik out of Austin, Texas and Cymbaliic Production. 

Nicole John, head of Cocojamz Musik, knew Kapella Don for just over one year. She described him as “a very jovial and kind, friendly person” who “always made those around him smile.” 

The…

One month before he celebrates his 90th birthday, guitar legend Ernie Ranglin and saxophonist Dean Fraser team on “Two Colors”, an album to be released by Tad’s International Record. 

The 12-song set contains mainly instrumentals, all produced by Fraser. Its lead single is “De Ranglin”, featuring veteran deejay Big Youth. 

Ranglin, who turns 90 on June 19, started his career with the Val Bennett and Eric Deans orchestras in Kingston, Jamaica during the late 1940s. He began recording in the 1950s and was…

The Fireball Crew, a trio of artists dedicated to keeping roots-reggae alive, stay true to their word with “Love my Foundation”, a 14-song album released in February. 

It is the second album for deejay Suga Roy and singers Conrad Crystal and Zareb. 

“Wi have a good vibes, yuh nuh, ‘cause wi share di same vision. If wi sey Conrad Crystal mus’ sing dis song, Zareb don’t have a problem; an’ if wi sey Zareb mus’ lead dis song,  Conrad Crystal don’t have a problem,” said Suga Roy. 

That chemistry has paid off so…

No stranger to cover songs, Busy Signal has now put his distinctive sound on Smokey Robinson’s “Cruisin’”. His version, produced by Nuh Rush Records, was released April 1. 

The singjay disclosed that he has been a fan of the Motown legend for many years, and wanted to do his 1979 slow jam justice. 

“I just tried to bring my style and culture to something that was already great. This was already a classic, so we had to make sure that we took the time in doing this one,” said Busy Signal. 

“Cruisin’” is one…

No stranger to cover songs, Busy Signal has now put his distinctive sound on Smokey Robinson’s “Cruisin’”. His version, produced by Nuh Rush Records, was released April 1. 

The singjay disclosed that he has been a fan of the Motown legend for many years, and wanted to do his 1979 slow jam justice. 

“I just tried to bring my style and culture to something that was already great. This was already a classic, so we had to make sure that we took the time in doing this one,” said Busy Signal. 

“Cruisin’” is one…

As a solo act and member of sibling group Brick & Lace, Nyanda tasted success with songs in Africa and Europe. At 43, she retains a fire in her gut to make the charts. 

The singer is looking to do just that with "All Fruits Ripe", a collaboration with Ghanaian Afropop/dancehall king Stonebwoy. 

Born and raised in Jamaica, Nyanda is a longtime South Florida resident. For her, hit singles are critical to an artist's existence. 

"Every artist, no matter what stage of their career, is looking for that hit…

It's been over 10 years since Anthony Malvo released an album. The singer breaks that drought on May 6 with "Matured". 

The 12-song project is co-produced by Malvo Entertainment and IzaYoungBoy Production. 

"Matured" contains songs such as "Hurry Home", "Who mi fi Trust" and a cover of "In Case You Didn't Know", originally done by country singer Brett Young. 

According to the Atlanta-based Malvo, "The album includes songs for everyone, such as culture, lovers rock and dancehall." 

His previous album was…

Rhythms Of Africa, the drumming panorama that has become a staple of South Florida entertainment, returns April 30 after a one-year break. 

Last year's event was cancelled due to COVID-19, but Willie Stewart, its founder and organizer, says the ninth staging at Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater will be extra special. 

"Our theme will be celebrating Jamaica’s 60th Independence Anniversary Diamond Jubilee. This Rhythms Of Africa will be under the distinguished patronage of the Consul General of Jamaica…

Jamaican artists must 

go back to basics 

Music insider Chris Schlarb believes Jamaican reggae artists should take the cue from their American counterparts, by returning to a method that put the music on the map internationally. 

He spoke 24 hours after SOJA became the first American act to win the Best Reggae Album category at the Grammy Awards, held in Las Vegas on April 3. Their album, "Beauty in The Silence" beat "Live N Livin by Sean Paul, "Positive Vibration" by Gramps Morgan, "10" by Spice, "Royal"…

Singjay Shabako is not satisfied being an average dancehall artist. In fact, with “Cold World”, his latest song, he is looking to take the genre to a higher level. 

Produced by DJ Treasure Music, the single has got the thumbs-up from dancehall kingpins Bounty Killer and Vybz Kartel. That’s good news for Shabako who has been recording music for the last eight years. 

“Jamaica and the world definitely needs more of the songs I’m doing. My motto is ‘aspire to inspire’ and I’m on that path to inspire the world…

A longtime fan of Dennis Brown, Dona-V was determined to do his hero justice when he covered “Make it Easy on Yourself” as “My Brethren”. His version of the 1972 Studio One original was recently released. 

It is from “Any Means Necessary”, Dona-V’s second album. He said the song’s timeless message makes it relevant for turbulent times. 

“The lyrics speak of then and now, especially now with all the madness going on. Plus, it’s Dennis Brown, my all-time idol. Singing this song is more like an honor, a…

An unapologetic lovers rock disciple, Mister D remembers listening to the genre's forefathers in his youth. The smooth tones of Alton Ellis and Delroy Wilson made an everlasting impression on him. 

He emulates the respect they showed for women on "Extra Classy Girl", a song he wrote and co-produced with Douglas McLeary. 

"Extra Classy Girl" was released in February. 

"Dem man dey never disrespect woman, no time. Dem keep di songs clean an' respectful. Extra Classy Girl is for all women in different style…

Jamaica and reggae have lost two rare Diamonds within three days. Donald "Tabby" Shaw and Fitzroy "Bunny" Simpson of The Mighty Diamonds died on March 29 and April 1, respectively. 

Both passed away in Kingston. Tabby, 66, was murdered by gunmen near his home in the rugged Olympic Gardens community while Simpson passed away in hospital at age 70 after a seven-year illness. 

Along with Lloyd "Judge" Ferguson, they formed The Mighty Diamonds in 1969 in Trench Town, a Kingston community that also produced…

Karen Mason, the respected Jamaican music executive, died March 22 in Atlanta, Georgia. Her daughter, Kenya James, confirmed she died after a long fight with breast cancer. 

Mason, who had stints with Columbia Records and Elektra Records, worked with a number of artists including Super Cat, Beres Hammond, Nadine Sutherland and Terror Fabulous. 

She was also responsible for helping break Canadian rapper/deejay Snow in the United States with the 1992 hit song, “Informer”. 

 “She is at PEACE! That body – the…

The project's release is timely as King X is expected to perform on Reggae Sumfest in July in Montego Bay. 

"Wonder" is the EP's lead single. 

According to King X, he shows his versatility on 'Ya Girl' which is his biggest assignment to date. 

"My sound is different, it’s evolving each and every day. Only thing that remains consistent is witty lyrics with creative melodies," he said. 

To achieve that consistency, King X worked with several producers including Dweetnow Entertainment, Zulu Production, Tek…

Roots group Link And Chain, fresh from celebrating their 35th anniversary in 2021, are back with a new song titled "Guide Me Jah", produced by Issachar Musik. 

Dwight Campbell, one of the quartet's three original members, says while the group stays true to their non-commercial policy, they would welcome some chart success. 

"A hit song for us would mean a lot to our career. It would change the whole dynamics of our operations....more work could be done in terms of writing, recording, tours. Plus it's what…

A longtime admirer of Rita Marley, singer EQ pays homage to the matriarch of reggae's first family by covering one of her biggest songs. 

Her version of "Who Colt The Game", produced by Linval Thompson, was released in February. 

"I'm always singing Rita's songs and people are always telling to sing her songs, so the time is right, I guess," said EQ. 

Three years ago, she recorded a cover of Rita's "Harambe" for famed session musician Earl "Chinna" Smith but it was never released. 

The original "Who Colt…

The Pluto & Friends show, postponed in February, will now take place May 28 at Sport of Kings Theater, Gulfstream Racetrack in Hallandale. 

Promoters went for a safety-first policy in January when they announced the cancellation. At the time, the Omicron Variant of Covid-19 showed signs of emerging in the United States including Florida. 

Marco Brown, who is co-promoter of the event with Tyrone Robertson Entertainment, said the Fab 5 band has replaced Third World from the initial lineup. 

Third World has…

Because of the disturbing crime wave in their country, many Jamaicans shy from watching or listening the news. They are also turned off by the flood of negative songs by dancehall artists. 

Singer TruVice strikes a positive note on “Ged Up”, his latest song, produced by Charlton Ferguson for Celebrity Entertainment. 

TruVice, who made his recording debut three years ago with the song “Soaring High”, believes the conscious artist sometimes suffer at the hands of media. 

“There's a lot of artists doing…