| December 15 , 2007 |
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Vol 4, Issue 30
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
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THE REGGAE FESTIVAL GUIDE STAFF WISHES YOU A JOYOUS SEASON!
ONE LOVE AND WARM REGARDS FROM:
JUSTINE, KAATI, AMY, ANTHONY, ROBBIN, DORIE, DORIS, KRISTINE C, KRISTINE S, LEANN & ARIANNE
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REGGAE MUSIC ICON RECIEVES GRAMMY NOD
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Burning Music Productions is proud to announce that Reggae music icon and Grammy-winning recording artist Winston ‘Burning Spear’ Rodney (O.D.) has been nominated for a Best Reggae Album Grammy for his 2007 double CD release, Burning Spear Experience. Spear is a previous Grammy winner for his 1999 Calling Rastafari CD and has received 10 nominations for his releases over his career to date. The 50th Annual Grammy Awards presentation will be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on Sunday, February 10, 2008 to be broadcast on CBS Television nationwide.
Burning Spear Experience is a two disc, 25 track compilation from Rodney’s own Burning Music Productions featuring rare unreleased tracks, alternative versions and live concert recordings spanning Spear’s career. All tracks on the compilation were chosen by Burning Spear himself. Included is a limited edition bonus DVD and is available exclusively at the Burning Spear Store on his official website, Borders Stores, and all leading music outlets. Burning Spear’s catalog of releases are available on is own Burning Music Productions and Think Indie distribution company.
Burning Spear is scheduled to release his all-new studio album Jah Is Real in early 2008 through his Burning Music Productions.
Keep The Spear Burning!
For more information on the latest Burning Spear news, Burning Sound radio (on Live365.com), joining the Burning Spear Street Team and more -
Visit www.BurningSpear.net
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Africa Unite and Smile Jamaica Join Together During Month-Long Celebration of Bob's Birthday
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The Bob Marley/Rita Marley Foundation's global initiative, Africa Unite Concert, will be held in Jamaica for the first time on February 23, 2008 at James Bond Beach, St Mary.
It will be a combination of two events with a host of national and international artists at which the feature documentary, Africa Unite, will make its Caribbean debut as part of the celebrations marking the anniversary of the birth of late Reggae superstar Robert Nesta Marley.
The film, starring Rita Marley, Danny Glover, Angelique Kidjo, Lauryn Hill and the Marley children, is produced and directed by Stephanie Black of Life and Debt, H-2 Worker's fame. It will be launched in February 2008 at the Hilton Kingston Hotel.
People's Telecom will host the launch of the documentary that highlights the vision for African unity to which Bob Marley was devoted throughout his musical career.
"This is a perfect synergy between the Marley Foundation and People's Telecom, as the company, from the outset, was founded on the principles of stalwarts like Marcus Garvey and His Imperial Majesty (Haile Selassie I), and influenced by the words of Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer," Dawson added in a press release.
The month of February will be bursting with activities celebrating what would have been Bob Marley's 63rd birthday had he lived. In addition to the documentary launch, youth symposiums, lectures, and a Bob Marley football competition are planned.
On February 6, 2005, over 350,000 people gathered in the historic Meskel Square of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to celebrate what would have been Marley's 60th birthday. That 12-hour concert featuring a host of internationally acclaimed artistes is interwoven throughout the documentary, highlighting the reggae icon's global influence.
According to reports of the event, American singer Lauryn Hill passionately debuted new material; Benin-born Angelique Kidjo jumped into the audience during her performance; and Jamaica's Bob Andy serenaded the Ethiopian crowd with his timeless classics.
The concert culminated with a spectacular performance by Rita Marley along with the I-Threes and all Marley's sons singing their father's songs.
Last year, Stephen Marley put together the Smile Jamaica concert and then Mrs Marley, who has been doing Africa Unite for three years before that in Ethiopia, Ghana and in South Africa, decided to combine both.
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Joseph Israel and Matisyahu link up for FESTIVAL OF LIGHT
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On December 8 at Warsaw in Brooklyn, New York, Universal/New Door recording artist Joseph Israel appeared during the Festival of Light - a series of concerts in celebration of Hanukah staged by Chasidic Reggae artist Matisyahu in New York. Joseph peformed acoustic tracks from his release Gone Are The Days as well as songs from his new digital release Teach The Children Restore Humanity that was released this week.
Joseph joined Matisyahu and his band during their set to perform the song Away With This which they have shared on stages in the recent past.
At the engineer controls was none other than The Scientist (pictured) who has been touring with Matisyahu for the past three months.
Other shows during the Festival of Light featured The Wailers, Trevor Hall and Blues Traveler.
Joseph Israel recorded a live acoustic set and gave an interview with Pat McKay (pictured above) of Sirius Satellite Radio while he was in the Big Apple. This interview broadcast on Thursday, December 13th and is being rebroadcast on Channel 97 Reggae Rhythms on Sunday, December 16th at 11pm Eastern time.
For more information visit www.josephisrael.com or myspace.com/josephisrael
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REGGAE FESTIVAL GUIDE ON MY SPACE!
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Link us on My Space! We are excited about this great marketing network. After just one year, WE NOW HAVE OVER 2,700 FRIENDS! This is indeed a wonderful resource that can link so many great artists, record companies, DJ's and reggae lovers worldwide. Watch for concert footage postings, festival ticket giveaways, contests and more!
Go to www.myspace.com/reggaefestivalguide to become our FRIEND!
Peace & Blessings
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Grammy Winning Star Up for Record Sixth Grammy for Acclaimed Album: Mind Control
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Multiple-Grammy winning artist/producer, Stephen Marley (he holds the Reggae record with five Grammy wins) was nominated, for Best Reggae Album for his 2007 masterpiece Mind Control. The much anticipated 50th Annual Grammy Awards will be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, on February 10, 2008.
Stephen is the third consecutive Marley (hailing from the great Marley musical dynasty) to be nominated in the Best Reggae Album category, with Ziggy Marley taking home the award at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards for Love Is My Religion, and brother Damian "Jr. Gong"
Marley winning at the 48th Grammys for Welcome To Jamrock.
Mind Control (Tuff Gong/ Ghetto Youths/ Universal-Republic) landed at #1 of the coveted Billboard Reggae Chart, and in the upper tier of the Billboard Top 40 Album Chart, as well.
Critics raved about the groundbreaking album, with People Magazine calling it a "masterful fusion of reggae and hip hop." Entertainment Weekly seconded that notion, calling Mind Control the best Marley album in a generation.
Stephen snagged his fifth Grammy award for his triumphant co-production work on brother Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley's acclaimed RIAA certified Gold disc Welcome To Jamrock, making him the most honored Grammy winner of the Marley family, as well as netting him the
most Grammy wins of any other Reggae artist in history.
The 50th Annual Grammy Awards will be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, on February 10, 2008. The telecast will be broadcast on the CBS Television Network at 8:00 PM/EST/PT.
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JAMAICA’S MINISTER OF CULTURE ANNOUNCES REGGAE FILM FESTIVAL
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A REGGAE FILM FESTIVAL featuring films that have reggae music as the subject, story line or content will be held in Kingston on February 15,16,17, 2008 to focus on film as an aspect of Jamaican music culture.
This was announced today by Minister of Information, Culture, Youth & Sports with responsibility for Entertainment, Hon. Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, who said that her Ministry will be assisting the Reggae Film Festival to showcase some of the many documentaries, feature films and music videos being made that incorporate or highlight Jamaica's unique reggae music.
The Film Festival will be a prelude to the Reggae Academy Awards being presented at that time by Recording Industry Association of Jamaica (RIAJam) as well as a sidebar of the Global Reggae 2008 conference hosted by the UWI Institute of Caribbean Studies.
The REGGAE FILM FESTIVAL is organized by film maker and film festival organizer Barbara Blake Hannah in collaboration with ReggaeFilms.co, a UK-based online community and marketplace for films, books and music highlighting Jamaica's reggae culture. Minister Grange says the REGGAE FILM FESTIVAL will give Jamaicans the opportunity to view some of the best of the hundreds of films made about and because of the world famous music of Jamaica, that not only reflect the wide interest in Jamaican music, but also bring tourists on vacation and income to members of the entertainment fraternity, as well as the nation.
"Most of the films about Jamaica are made by reggae lovers in countries outside Jamaica and we here at home have never seen them. There are also some Jamaican films that equally have never had local TV or cinema exposure. The REGGAE FILM FESTIVAL will showcase the best of these. There is certainly enough material of interest continually being produced to make this an annual event," said Minister Grange.
Co-ordinators Barbara Blake Hannah and Peter Gittins of Reggae Films UK, say the Reggae Film Festival will be a Red Carpet event of films in the categories of Reggae Rock-umentary, Roots – Rock - Reggae, and Give Thanks & Praise. Films include "ROOTS TIME" an amusing feature film by Peruvian film maker Silvestre Jacobi that follows two Rastas who travel around Jamaica selling records.
A special Charity Premiere of the feature documentary "THE AFRICAN SAFARI" with Dub poet Benjamin Zephiniah that examines the social, economic and political progress of the African people, will be hosted by Mrs. Lorna Golding, wife of the Prime Minister, and her son Stephen to raise funds for the UK-African charity S.E.E.D. On the final night Awards will be presented to the Best Feature, Best Documentary and Best Music Video.
Among the screenings will be a film archive segment featuring the documentary "Red X: Stepping Razor" by Wayne Jobson and the feature film "Countryman" by Dickie Jobson, both of whom will be special guests of the Reggae Film Festival. An announcement will be made nearer the event date of a major star guest from the US film industry.
The music video entries include the sensational claymation videos by"Duppy Arts'' featuring animated figures of stars such as Yellow Man, Twins of Twins, Ninja Man, Bounti Killa and Capelton performing their greatest hits.
The Reggae Film Festival is intended to be the foundation of a Jamaica Film Academy that will archive films for research, screening and education. Entries are invited of films of any length by professionals as well as amateurs. All submissions must be on DVD and there is no entry fee.
Application forms for Entries in the REGGAE FILM FESTIVAL can be requested from Jamaica Media Productions Ltd., P.O. Box 727, Kingston 6 or downloaded from myspace.com/jamaicamediaproductions.
Further Info:
Barbara Blake Hannah
http://www.myspace.com/barbaramakeda
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Reggae Star Fakoly Returns To Ivory Coast After War
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African reggae star Tiken Jah Fakoly on Saturday played his first concert in his native Ivory Coast since the start of a civil war five years ago, when his biting political lyrics drove him into exile.
Fakoly, one of Africa's best-loved reggae voices, went into self-imposed exile in Mali in September 2002 when dissident soldiers in Ivory Coast tried to overthrow President Laurent Gbagbo before seizing the country's northern half.
The former French colony is still split in two but after a string of failed deals, Gbagbo and rebel leader Guillaume Soro -- now the country's prime minister -- signed a peace agreement in March and both sides are due to start disarming this month.
"I'm very happy to be back in my country at a time when it's engaged in the search for peace," the dreadlocked star, famed for songs denouncing corrupt politicians and abusive regimes said.
Fakoly's 2004 album "Coup de Gueule" (loosely translated as Sounding Off) -- which includes his most popular song "Quitte Le Pouvoir" ("Get Out of Power"), in which he rails against African leaders who stay in office after their elected terms -- was banned in southern Ivory Coast for its perceived criticism of Gbagbo.
By contrast, his latest album, "L'Africain", is being promoted on Ivorian television and radio, unthinkable five years ago.
Reconciliation may be in the air, and Fakoly may be publicly supporting Ivory Coast's latest peace moves, but he insists his trademark criticism of corrupt leaders will continue.
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REGGAE ALBUM PRESERVED AT U.S. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
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The 1973 Island Records album, Burnin’, which was the last recorded by core Wailers Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, and Peter Tosh, has been selected for “perpetual preservation” at the Library of Congress in the United States. The Library chooses a few audio recordings every year for preservation in the National Recording Registry. The choices are based on the historical, artistic, or cultural importance of a recording.
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REGGAE FESTIVAL GUIDE 2008
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As the end of 2007 approaches, it is now time to consider budgets for next year.
Be sure to include the 2008 printed magazine in your plans!
If require something more immediate in the form of on-line advertising, we offer prime real estate on the home page (and repeated every page) of our popular website: www.reggaefestivalguide.com.
You can also advertise here on the e-guide newsletter and reach over 12,000 weekly subscribers!
For more information please write to: advertising@reggaefestivalguide.com to be set up with an advertising representative or call 775-337-8344.
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Irie TV Network Launches In N.Y.
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Over three hundred and fifty people turned out at the Spotlight Live, in Times Square, NY to celebrate the launch of Irie TV Network on Tuesday December 4.
"Using internet protocol television (IPTV) service, Irie TV Network plans to deliver high quality Caribbean programs to millions of households in the Diaspora" Bobby Clarke, CEO of Irie TV network told the gathering.
"Fourteen years ago, Irie Jam Radio was born out of the need for delivering quality radio to millions of listeners in the Caribbean community in the tri-state area. It is out of this same need that Irie TV Network is born" Clarke said.
The service was demonstrated on 42'' LCD TV monitors, strategically placed inside the venue, Louie Grant, VP of Irie Jam Media explained that the Irie TV Network has the potential to air up to 100 channels and as such this will created tremendous opportunities for Caribbean folks in the Diaspora.
"The launch of this revolutionary concept has created many opportunities for established and aspiring independent content providers; particularly those throughout the USA, Canada and Europe; to be picked-up and aired on the network" he said.
Once the formalities were done, Alaine had the large gathering singing along as she performed "Sacrifice," while Pressure made an impression with "Love & Affection" from his new album of the same name. Cultural singer Luciano and Mr. Vegas also performed.
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UPCOMING RENEGADE PRODUCTIONS CONCERTS
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www.renegadeshows.com
530-583-2801
80s U.K. Ska Sensation -
THE ENGLISH BEAT featuring Dave Wakeling performing:
Fri, January 25
MontBleu Resort, Stateline, NV
All Ages
Sat, February 2
Ashland Armory, Ashland, OR
All Ages
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Vintage Reggaefest 2007 - December 15th, 2007 - New York at The Hammerstein
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Featuring Toots & The Maytals, John Holt, Marcia Griffiths, Ken Booth, Jimmy Riley, Pat Kelly and Lloyd Parks & We The People Band.
Tickets Are on Sale Now! Call LinkUp Media at 718-325-5267 or visit reggaefest.com
Part proceeds of this event will benefit children living with HIV/AIDS at the Bustamante Children's Hospital, Jamaica W.I .
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ROCKERS INNA DE YARD
January 21 San Diego TBA
January 23 Los Angeles, Dub Club inside the Echoplex
January 24 Ventura, California, Nicholby's
January 26 Caspar, Caspar Inn
January 27 Santa Cruz, Moe's Alley
Chinna is the quintessential guitarist and musical director. His contributions to reggae are unmatched. He helped to create the sound that is known as "reggae" starting as a teenager in the 1960's. Since that time he has recorded on thousands of songs and is known as Jamaica's "best guitarist." He has appeared on the stage with the likes of reggae's great Kings - Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Jimmy Cliff and has toured and recorded extensively with Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, Damian Marley with Sizzla, and with his seminal '70's group The Soul Syndicate.
Playing professionally since he was fourteen years old, those whose music his influence can be found on include: Dennis Brown, Augustus Pablo, Alpha Blondy, Gilberto Gil, Inner Circle, Mutabaruka, Freddie McGregor, Sly and Robbie, Gyptian, the Xterminator label-where he performs as a constant musical director, the hip-hop artists Eve,Trina, and Wyclef, and the list goes on.
He has appeared in several iconic films including Rockers, Heartland Reggae and the feature film Club Paradise. He appears as one of the central figures in Natural Mystic Reggae - A Jamaican Walk a recent documentary about reggae’s history in Jamaica and the documentary film about his band The Soul Syndicate called Word, Sound and Power both of which are widely available at record stores and online at the present time.
Kiddus I
Kiddus I is a historic figure in reggae. His music and likeness are a central part of the reggae cult classic soundtrack album and film Rockers. His song "Graduation In Zion" is part of the film’s footage as Kiddus I is shown recording in the studio. He appears on this classic soundtrack and film that includes songs and appearances from the likes of Burning Spear, Gregory Isaacs, Third World and Bunny Wailer (who performs the film's title track.) He is also a part of the cast in the documentary film: Natural Mystic Reggae- A Jamaican Walk. Kiddus I and Chinna have recorded their solo material in a natural, “unplugged," rootsy setting, "inna de yard" in Chinna Smith's home studio, in the Half-Way Tree area of Kingston. These recordings, released on the Makasound label are CHINNA SMITH AND IDRENS: INNA DE YARD and KIDDUS I: INNA DE YARD.
The tour is in support of these two releases as well as the release of Graduation to Zion, 1978-1980 a recent release that features previously unreleased tracks and is made available through Japan’s Dub Store record label. These releases are also widely available at online and brick and mortar retail outlets.
Other Inna De Yard releases include those with: Junior Murvin, Ras Michael Jr., The Viceroys, Cedric “Congo” Myton, Linval Thompson, Prince Allah and a forthcoming release with The Mighty Diamonds.
The Rockers Inna De Yard Tour concept is based on the two artists performing songs from their own repertoire, trading songs on the vocal microphone. The material also includes classic songs from Curtis Mayfield, Bob Marley and The Wailers and others that can involve audience participation. At times additional players in the form of horn, sax or flute, or other guitarists will sit in with the performance. Chinna's musicianship and charismatic demeanor have attracted world class musicians to him to collaborate and some of these individuals are invited to sit in during his performances as he travels the earth as a rasta representative for reggae. In recent months musicians have included Ras Michael, Al Anderson, Santa Davis, Tony Chin and Lee Jaffe. This lends an element of spontaneity and a collective spirit on the stage.
For more information visit www.chinnasmithmusic.com or myspace.com/chinnasmith music & myspace.com/kiddusi
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Happy Solstice, the Root of Christmas 12/22
Carlton Barrett, drummer, The Wailers born December 17, 1950
Robin Campbell, vocalist, UB40 born December 25, 1954
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Reggae Festival Calendar!
CLICK ON FESTIVAL NAME TO GO TO THEIR WEBSITE
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Tribal Fusion Faire IV
Saturday, December 15, 2007
San Luis Obispo, California, U.S.
Hotline: 805-544-7662
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Vintage Reggaefest 2007
Saturday, December 15, 2007
New York, New York, U.S.
Hotline: 718-325-5267
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Magnum GT Taylor Christmas Reggae Extravaganza
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica
Hotline: 876-381-1640
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2nd Annual Reggae Jam Concert
Monday, January 1, 2008
San Francisco, California, U.S.
Hotline: 415-286-4190
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$1000 Slanggmedia All Star Dance Competition
Saturday-Saturday, January 12-19, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Hotline: 416-333-1342
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2008 African Music Festival
Friday-Sunday, January 18-20, 2008
Miami, Florida, U.S.
Hotline: 305-416-5977
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Reggae Legend Birthday Bash
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Kalamazoo, Michigan, U.S.
Hotline: 269-271-5219
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27th Chicago Music Awards
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Park West Theater, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Hotline: 312-427-0266
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Bob Marley Soul Rebel Celebration
Saturday-Saturday, February 2-9, 2008
Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Hotline: 404-250-4703
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8th Annual Chinese New Year
Saturday-Sunday, February 2-10, 2008
Negril, Westmoreland, Jamaica
Hotline: 919-618-2985
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Bob Marley 63rd Birthday Celebration in Zion
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Tel Aviv, Israel
Hotline: +97295557772
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Raggamuffins Festival
Saturday-Sunday, February 16-17, 2008
Long Beach, California, U.S.
Hotline: 310-515-3322
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The weekly E-Guide is a wonderful resource for those who live, love and enjoy reggae and its vibrant culture. It encompasses the music, energy and spirituality that define this unique and diverse community worldwide. You can expect CD releases and industry news, band tours, inspirational pieces, reggae trivia and of course, upcoming reggae festivals.
The Reggae Festival Guide Magazine is an annual publication which comes out in May. RBA Publishing (also home of sister publication Blues Festival Guide) prints 100,000 copies of the magazine which spotlights festivals throughout the year, feature stories on festivals around the world, radio DJ listings and stories with messages of upliftment.
For years, the Reggae Festival Guide Magazine received numerous requests for updates on festivals via email, and on May 2, 2004, the webmaster of ReggaeFestivalGuide.com, Kristine Cummins partnered with the magazine (RBA Publishing), and published the first emailed issue of the E-Guide E-Newsletter.
The readership is now over 10,000 reggae fans and counting. Each week, The Reggae Festival E-Guide reaches members of the Reggae community around the world.
The E-Guide is currently edited by Reggae Festival Guide's Marketing Director, Justine Ketola. Click here to email Justine.
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