Multi-GRAMMY Award-winner Stephen Marley today released his new EP Celebrating Nina: Reggae Tribute To Nina Simone via Ghetto Youths Intl, available now everywhere. Co-produced by Paul Fakhourie, mix and mastered by legendary Errol Brown, who was also Bob Marley’s engineer, this EP the biggest Reggae Blues collaboration of 2022 has arrived, as Stephen Marley celebrates Nina Simone, in a Reggae style. This new EP has seven tracks as an ode to some of Nina’s greatest hits. Stephen has been building anticipation for this release for some time. Riding on the high of single releases like Queen Ifrica’s Four Women in April of 2021, and Etana’s Young Gifted And Black in February of this year. Stephen himself has described the EP as a “tribute to the legendary American jazz singer, composer, pianist and arranger Nina Simone.” These tracks have given the audience a mere taste of what the EP has to offer but now it’s finally here.
 
Nina Simone, legally known as Eunice Kathleen Waymon is one of America’s most legendary singer, songwriter, and musical arranger. Outside of her music, she is most known for her role as a civil rights activist during the separatist and racist 60 & 70s. Stephen Marley has never shied away from his musical appreciation for Nina. Producing songs for himself such as Father of The Man featuring Wyclef Jean and a classic Nina sample from her iconic Keeper Of The Flame hit. “I’m such a huge fan of her work” Mentions Stephen Marley during a Musicme interview in 2017.
 
Now, many years later, this appreciation has blossomed into an entire EP, paying tribute to Nina’s musical genius. “This project is about preserving Nina Simone’s legacy, passing it on to younger generations, including my children, because you don’t often find music this substantial. When we started this project, we reached out to Nina’s daughter (Lisa Simone Kelly) and to the Nina Simone Foundation to establish a connection; we want to donate a portion of proceeds to the things that she was all about.”
 
As we celebrate International Women’s month, Celebrating Nina: Reggae Tribute to Nina Simone highlights the strength, power, and resilience of women. With tracks from artists like Terri Walker who does a beautiful rendition of Nina’s 1961s No Good Man. Maya Azucena makes an appearance with her take on 1971s Mr. Bojangles. Joss Stone chimes in with Here Comes The Sun, Melanie Fiona inspires with her version of Don’t Explain and Cedella Marley honors the well-known 1964 hit Misunderstood. Speaking to Billboard Magazine, Patricia Meschino, Marley shared that he chose to work exclusively with female artists on this project because “our queens deserve recognition as the mothers of creation. These are beautiful, strong women and their voices do Nina’s work and reggae solid.”
 
On this release day Ghetto Youth International is proud to release the official video for Etana’s Young, Gifted, and Black https://youtu.be/s-62BjNzSXk.

Stream
https://onerpm.link/celebratingnina

Track Listing
1. Etana - Young Gifted and Black
2. Terri Walker - No Good Man
3. Maya Azucena - Mr. Bojangles
4. Joss Stone - Here Comes The Sun
5. Queen Ifrica - Four Women
6. Melanie Fiona - Don’t Explain
7. Cedella Marley - Misunderstood

As a lover of the dancehall himself, this new riddim compilation titled Still Go A Dance, produced by Damian 'Jr Gong' Marley comes as no surprise. Singles like the title track Still Go A Dance by Christopher Ellis, or Capleton and Yami Bolo’s Chosen people stole audiences when they were released. Now, the entire compilation is available for purchase and streaming. In addition to the singles, A powerful new track by the legendary Beres Hammond titled Hold Yuh Corner, is among the compilation. This new riddim is not the first and certainly not the last from Ghetto Youths international who has championed preserving the culture of the music through its productions.  

Still Go A Dance is a celebration of a culture that still heavily pervades the Jamaican landscape; dances/parties. As the ban on gatherings and covid precautions are being lifted in places like Jamaica, people are slowly getting back to the vibrant and productive nightlife Jamaica is known for, which is what makes this riddim timely. Christopher Ellis’ lead single and title track on the compilation is an ode to what the dancehall once was in Jamaica, while still embracing what it is now. Backed by the soulful, rootsy production that is the riddim, these sentiments of cherishing what we once had and choosing to preserve it by still participating is something many reggae dancehall fans will relate to. 

Sizzla’s Hail Jah is a beaming example of the positive, peaceful messages we have come to know him for, and Ghetto Youth International does what they do best; create platforms of authentic reggae dancehall to grow and thrive regardless of the music industry’s ebb and flow. Still Go A Dance the riddim compilation has captured the ears and hearts of many through just singles so you won’t want to miss out on. All four tracks on the compilation reflect a shared message of nostalgia and the resilience of culture not just through tone but also lyrics in one form or another. Still Go A Dance riddim compilation available now everywhere music is sold and streamed.

On Sunday February 5th the Recording academy hosted the 65th annual GRAMMY Awards in Los Angeles, California. Defying expectations and sparking a level of national pride by his fellow Jamaicans, Kabaka Pyramid won Best Reggae Album for ‘The Kalling’.

Still soaking in the win, 48 hours later, Kabaka Pyramid continues to process this major achievement.  “What it means to me, my career, my family, my team? You know; what it means for Reggae Music, positive music, coming out of Jamaica right now is just a joy. It’s a feeling of greatness, as I always say I would never be defined by things like these but, the recognition of the work on such a scale, in such a key market for us as the U.S. means a lot for us” says Kabaka Pyramid

Understandably thrilled when announced the winner of the academy, Kabaka Pyramid accepted the honor with his mother by his side and his friends from high school, now managers Abishai Hoilett and Duane McDonald. Thanking his parents, team, fellow artists Kabaka Pyramid highlighted that they are “just some kids from Kingston, Jamaica”. Living their dream through hard work and staying true to who they are, achieving this great recognition by their musical peers on the world stage is a major accomplishment.

“This GRAMMY win is monumental for my son! Its well-deserved after years of hard work, my heart us grateful to God for sustaining him and his team and giving them success. I look forward to seeing the way forward unto even greater achievements and blessings” says Marcia Salmon, Kabaka’s mom.

Produced by Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley, the fifteen-track masterpiece released on Ghetto Youth International & Bebble Rock Music, features some of the reggae icons most frequent collaborators like Damian Marley, Protoje, Black Am I, Jesse Royal. In addition, “The Kalling” also featured some new collaborators for Kabaka Pyramid like Buju Banton, Stephen Marley, Tifa, Answele and Jemere Morgan. With productions from Kabaka Pyramid, Stephen Marley, and Young Pow, “The Kalling” was a family effort putting together a symphony of excellent songs.

Kabaka is set to go on his UK/European tour starting March 2nd – April 10th www.kabakapmusic.com/tour.

Stream The Kalling https://gyi.lnk.to/TheKallingAlbum

Youthful, yet mature in thoughts and sound, daughter of Grammy award winning songwriter, singer and producer Stephen Marley and granddaughter of the late king of Reggae, Bob Marley, Mystic Marley is set to release her single titled "Energy".

Her sultry, distinctive tone in "Energy” is a signature sound, which allows Mystic Marley to connect with listeners on a soulful level. Known for her sense of curious maturity on themes of love, loss & personal victory Mystic’s sound may seem a little different from the expected lineage and distinctive roots chants we expect.

"Energy" is a melodic and innovative track that showcases Mystic's ability to blend different musical genres to create something truly unique. The song explores the aftermath of a breakup and the way that energy can linger between two people long after the relationship has ended.

Through her lyrics, Mystic encourages listeners to let go of any negative energy and move on from past relationships.

“Energetic exchange is almost a form of currency. How we connect or disconnect is through our energy. It’s sacred in that sense. This song is talking about the energy between a man and a woman, and she’s reminding him like yo, I dig you, but don’t mess around because me a watch and me a see wahgwaan” Mystic expresses.

Mystic is quickly becoming one of the most exciting and innovative artists of her generation, and "Energy" is sure to cement her status as a rising star. With her talent, dedication, and passion, Mystic is poised for great success, and fans can't wait to see what she has in store for the future.

Mystic Marley’s new single "Energy," is available for download and streaming as of Friday, March 31st.

Listen here:

https://unitedmasters.com/m/642445c6dd60f36aeea133b9

GRAMMY® winner, multiple Billboard chart-topping artist, and international reggae icon Buju Bantonlights up a new single entitled “High Life” featuring Snoop Dogg—out now via Roc Nation Records/Gargamel Music/Def Jam Recordings. With its message of being above the clouds yet firmly grounded, “High Life” notably marks the first official collaboration between these two legendary trailblazers, tracing a direct line between Jamaica and the LBC for the first time.

Listen HERE (Post & Share).

The track peppers a hypnotic and head-nodding dancehall beat with horns and hazy synths. From the jump, Buju gleefully carries an intoxicating and irresistible refrain only for Snoop to counter with reggae-inflected bars as he urges, “Oh Mary Jane, will you please take me home?” Fittingly, this smoker’s anthem arrives just in time for 4/20.

“High Life” sets the stage for Buju’s anxiously awaited fourteenth full-length offering later this year, his first album since 2020’s universally acclaimed Upside Down 2020, which garnered a GRAMMY® Award nomination in the category of “Best Reggae Album” and earned rave “4-out-of-5 star” reviews on both sides of the pond from The Guardian and Rolling Stone, respectively.

Buju capped off a busy 2022 with his most recent fan favorite single “Si Mi Clean” featuring Busy Signal. It tallied over half-a-million streams and picked up plugs from the likes of BET and more.

Buju is set to perform his new hits “High Life” and “Si Mi Clean,” along with favorites from his legendary catalog, at his upcoming shows in Trinidad on May 6, St. Lucia on May 12, and the Bahamas on May 19.

Igniting 2023 with a bang, he joined Beres Hammond in concert on New Year’s Day at Grizzly’s Plantation Cove in Priory, St. Ann, Jamaica. It stood as the first time these two reggae stars headlined a concert together on the island. Plus, it followed his return to the worldwide stage with a much-lauded performance at Kingston’s Famed National Stadium. The Long Walk to Freedom Concert was one of the biggest music events in Jamaica's history and was the launching pad for the tour of the same name. Relive the monumental moment from the history-making Long Walk to Freedom Concert here: https://bujubanton.me/lwtf

In 2020, he signed to Roc Nation and dropped “Steppa” and “Trust,” paving the way for Upside Down 2020. The latter featured collaborations with Stephen Marley, John Legend, Pharrell, and Stefflon Don. Making waves worldwide, he notably notched his fourth career GRAMMY® nomination for the album.

Buju's GRAMMY® winning album Before the Dawn was released in 2010. Prior, he unveiled records at a prolific pace, beginning with his debut in 1992. Among many highlights, 1995’s Til Shiloh was certified Gold by the RIAA. He has been described by the Associated Press as “one of the most respected acts in reggae.” Moreover, The FADER hailed him as “a national hero,” going on to elaborate, “Buju Banton, born Mark Myrie, is more Jamaican than jerk chicken, Red Stripe beer, and a croaking lizard combined. He’s as much a singer as he is a hallmark of Jamaican culture.”

Now, there’s no better soundtrack to the “High Life” in 2023 than Buju Banton and Snoop Dogg...

4x GRAMMY AWARD® - winning reggae artist Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley is back with a new single, highlighting his interpretation of a timeless classic of George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord”. Marley's rendition of "My Sweet Lord" is said to capture the essence of the original while blending it with his own reggae-infused style, creating a fresh and captivating musical experience.

Click HERE to listen

The song, "My Sweet Lord," is a cover of Harrison's classic hit from his 1970 album All Things Must Pass. Marley puts his own spin on the spiritual anthem, giving the track a fresh sound with his signature reggae style and soulful vocals. The single marks Marley's first solo release since 2019's "Reach Home Safe," and his first release under his own label, Ghetto Youths International, which he runs with his brothers Stephen and Julian Marley.

Marley chose to cover "My Sweet Lord" because of its timeless message and its relevance to the current state of the world. Showcasing his distinctive sound and artistry, Marley adds to his repertoire of collaborating with music legends such as Mick Jagger and forming the group 'Super Heavy.' The single will be available on all digital platforms on July 28th, coinciding with the 52nd anniversary of Harrison's Concert for Bangladesh, the first major benefit concert in history, which raised funds and awareness for the humanitarian crisis in Bangladesh. Marley hopes that his single will also inspire people to support causes that are close to their hearts and make a positive difference in the world.

Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley

The youngest son of Reggae legend Bob Marley, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley garnered his own place in music history when he became the first ever Reggae artist to win a GRAMMY AWARD® outside of the Reggae category, taking home an award for Best Urban/Alternative performance for his title single, “Welcome To Jamrock.” The acclaimed 2005 breakthrough disc Welcome To Jamrock, also won a GRAMMY AWARD® for Best Reggae Album, whilst the New York Times named it “the best reggae song of the decade.” Marley has been shaking up stages all over the world for the past few years, first in conjunction with his Distant Relativesproject where he teams up with Nas and brother Stephen Marley, and then when he went on to partner with Skrillex for their groundbreaking track “Make It Bun Dem”, which Rolling Stone called “a monster mash up of dubstep and dancehall.” Which went on to sell over 500,000 copies in the United States alone. Following the track’s success, the reggae superstar released his fourth studio album, Stony Hill, resulting in his third GRAMMY AWARD® for Best Reggae Album. Marley is also working with his brothers Stephen and Julian under their Ghetto Youths International Label, to discover, develop and sign gifted artists – applying their musical talent and vast experience to create new and different styles of music. Recently, Marley collaborated on and produced The Kalling by Kabaka Pyramid in September of 2022. The 15-track project went on to win Best Reggae Album at the 65th Annual GRAMMY AWARDS®.