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55,000 Reggae Fans and Reggae Industry folks receive this publication each thursday!
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Volume 22/Issue 9
Media Coverage of Reggae Since 1995
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TABLE OF CONTENTS - Click on it to jump to that section
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Sgt. Remo - Reach the Top - Full-length Album
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Ithaca Reggae Fest 2025 Returns For 7th Annual Celebration with Legendary Lineup
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 The lineup for the 7th Annual Ithaca Reggae Fest taking place in picturesque Stewart Park June 20-22, 2025, in the heart of the Finger Lakes of Ithaca, New York.
The annual celebration will kick off on Friday, June 20, 2025, with a FREE Friday Night Block Party featuring a stacked DJ lineup to be announced alongside performances by Ononkwa Medicine and the GIAC Jumpers, with food trucks and beverages available for purchase right on the shores of Cayuga Lake at the Large Pavilion in Stewart Park.
Saturday, June 21, begins with free yoga programming led by our partners at Yoga Farm Ithaca before the music kicks off with performances by Cha Cha (of Mosaic Foundation) performing new music backed by the Analogue Sons.
A longtime friend of the festival and key staple of Ithaca’s legendary reggae history, Double Tiger then returns before Ithaca’s own SingTrece makes her IRF debut with her soulful, powerful voice, followed by the debut of Vermont’s own Mihali brings his positive, conscious message laid over the top of catchy, melodic grooves.
The night then comes to a close as Black Lion + Heat bring their deep African reggae grooves straight from the country of Malawi before our dear friend and festival favorite, Kabaka Pyramid, makes his return with the Bebble Rockers to close out Saturday night!
Sunday, June 22 brings our first-ever Sunday of Ithaca Reggae Fest packed with a powerful lineup! After beginning with a yoga component led by our partners at Yoga Farm Ithaca, we are excited to welcome the debut of Ithaca’s own reggae rockers, Metasequoia, before longtime Ithaca-based conscious hip-hoppers, the Gunpoets, make their highly anticipated Ithaca Reggae Fest debut!
Warming up through the afternoon we are excited to welcome the return of afro-funk groovers, New Planets, followed by the return of Rochester’s own, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, which brings some of their good, good love vibes back to IRF. Closing out this last night, the return of Ithaca’s own positive groove-based, Thousands of One, will keep things moving before we welcome the debut of Grammy Award-winning reggae legends, Steel Pulse, who make their IRF debut straight from the United Kingdom celebrating their 50th Anniversary with their powerful and iconic live performance!For more information, click here
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CHUCK FOSTER releases THE TRUTH on CATCH ME TIME RECORDS
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 Chuck Foster released his first solo album, Perseverance, in 2014 and followed it in the ensuing decade with Make It Right, Easy Street, Looks Like Trouble, It's Time, Last Call, Love Foundation and Long Journey as well as seven dub releases, two various artist sets and an instrumental album on the Catch Me Time label. Author of three books--Roots Rock Reggae published by Billboard Books in 1999, The Small Axe Guide To Rock Steady and Reggae Talks (both published in England by Small Axe/Muzik Tree), he wrote the Reggae Update column for Beat Magazine for two decades, a book review column for Reggae Festival Guide for another ten years, co-hosted The Reggae Beat on KCRW for many years and hosts the long-running show Reggae Central on KPFK in LA. The Truth gathers a tightly-knit set of players including Rough Sounds' Mike Irwin on bass, Soul Syndicate's Tony Chin on guitar, featured leads from Rex "Mystery Man" Bailey and drum tracks from UK's Horseman on 15 original songs that blend the irie vibe of seventies reggae with contemporary concerns. Like the other musical forms that emerged from Kingston, Jamaica--ska, rock steady, dub and dancehall--roots reggae took on a life of it's own internationally and has long served as a potent musical force around the world. Chuck's music has achieved significant airplay on college and public radio stations across the country and we at Catch Me Time Records give thanks for the dj's, program directors and music lovers who continue to support independent music!
Track list:
01 False Witness,
02 The Truth,
03 Some Come Running,
04 Into the Light,
05 Lost In the Woods,
06 Better Days Are Here, 07 Let it Rain,
08 You Can't Fool the Night,
09 Right Now,
10 Night On the Town,
11 Miss Calculation
12 Set Yourself Free,
13 The Prophet Cries,
14 We Will Cross the River There,
15 Rastafari
All releases can be accessed on all major digital platforms.
More Info at www.CATCHMETIME.com SPOTIFY
AMAZON MUSIC
ITUNES
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Oakland, CA - March 2nd - Roots & Culture Artist DEZARIE
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 March 2025 is a time of celebration, honoring the incredible contributions of women worldwide. It also marks the birthday of Empress Menen, wife of Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, whose legacy continues to inspire many. As we usher in Women’s History Month—or Our Story Month—we invite you to a truly special event that embodies empowerment, love, and musical elevation!
Roots & Culture is What We Want
Internationally renowned recording artist Dezarie is coming live & direct from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, delivering an electrifying performance alongside a live band. Her hypnotic sound, infused with deep-rooted consciousness and positive vibrations, is music for the soul—uplifting, healing, and transformative. A powerhouse in reggae music, Dezarie’s lyrics and pulsating rhythms have captivated fans across the globe.
This is one of only two performances in California and the Bay Area—an event you don’t want to miss!
Presented & Hosted by Zen Way & Higher Bound Productions
March 2, 2205
📍 Location: The New Parish – 1743 San Pablo Ave, Oakland, CA
🕖 Doors Open: 7:30 PM
Tickets Advance Tickets $35.00/Day Of $40
For Tickets click HERE
Further information
📧 higherboundprod@gmail.com | zenwayllc@gmail.com
📞 323-893-2495
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Vancouver Island, Canada ~ Big names on tap for Victoria Ska and Reggae Fest - June 18-22
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 The Victoria Ska and Reggae Festival released its 2025 line-up on Friday, and some big names are signed on to play the June 18-22 event.
Hip-hop icons The Pharcyde, punk legends Propagandhi, and beach-rockers Jakobs Castle, featuring Jakob Nowell, son of late Sublime frontman Bradley Nowell, are the top draws for the 26th edition of the popular mixed-genre event, which had its most successful year to date in 2024.
Save Ferris, Dub FX, Mad Professor, Sister Nancy, Long Beach Dub All Stars, iLLScarlett and Grimskunk are also among the more than two dozen performers scheduled to perform this year.
Several bands appearing at the Victoria Ska and Reggae Festival have not performed locally in several years, which adds to the appeal.
Propagandhi has only played Victoria twice since 1993, with its most recent appearance coming in 2016, while it has been more than 20 years since The Pharcyde, now with three of its four founding members, has played a meaningful show here. Ska-pop favourites Save Ferris and Jakobs Castle — which will also perform a set of Sublime songs, with backing from Long Beach Dub All Stars — have never appeared on Vancouver Island.
The longest-running festival of its kind North America is expected to draw thousands to flagship venues the Victoria Curling Club and Ship Point for both free and paid performances. Tickets go on sale on Feb. 28 at 10 a.m. through ticketweb.ca
For more information, visit victoriaskafest.ca
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Experience the Reggae Magic...Jerry Harris' New Album COMMITMENT
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 Get ready for a reggae journey like no other withJERRY HARRIS' latest album, COMMITMENT
Hailing from Jamaica and thriving in New York since 1975,Jerry is a reggae legend known for his captivating music. A Reggae Icon's New Groove - With a career that spans decades and collaborations with legendary producer Lloyd 'BullWackies' Barnes, Jerry Harris brings fresh vibes to reggae. COMMITMENT is an exciting follow-up to his acclaimed The Right Treatment album, which dropped in March 2024. Rediscover Reggae's SoulWith Jerry's unique blend of Roots Reggae and Lovers Rock, his signature style shines through in this album. Each track resonates with the heart and soul of reggae, offering an experience that's both timeless and contemporary.
COMMITMENT is more than an album;it's a reggae celebration! Let Jerry Harris' passion for the genre sweep you off your feet and immerse yourself in the magic of reggae.
Jerry Harris performed in Hawaii and London, UK in 2024 and made a big impact. He is making plans for a Japanese tour and to be booked at European reggae festivals.
Don't Miss Out!COMMITMENT is more than an album; it's a reggae experience! Get ready to feel the love and groove to the reggae beat.Embrace COMMITMENT and let the reggae magic take over.
CLICK HERE FOR MUSIC PLATFORM OF YOUR CHOICE
BANDCAMP
NOW AVAILABLE FOR BOOKING
Vinyl Link
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Phone: 551-206-9582
jerryharrismusic@gmail.com
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Chaka Demus - Drops Bold New Release - “Mouth Too Big”
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 Kingston, Jamaica — Reggae icon Chaka Demus is back with a powerful start to the new year, announcing the release of his highly anticipated single, “Mouth Too Big”.
“Mouth Too Big” takes a bold stance against gossip, rumor-spreading, and unnecessary chatter, reminding listeners that “silence is golden.” Chaka Demus delivers this message with his signature style, blending insightful lyrics with captivating rhythms to create a track that resonates with audiences everywhere.
Credits for the Music Producer/Executive Producer: John “Chaka Demus” Taylor Label: Bright Star Production • Drums: George Miller Bass & Guitar: Danny “Axeman” Thompson Keyboards: Bowie Horns: Andre Palmer Harmonies: Natalie IshA Bel Walsh • Mixed by: Sheldon Shepherd aka Calibud Mastered by: Art of Sounds Artwork: Natalie IshA Bel Walsh Writers: Marvin Taylor & John Taylor
Produced by Bright Star Productions, the track has already gained attention, with early airplay and growing endorsements setting the stage for a dynamic launch.
“Mouth Too Big” is poised to be another timeless addition to Chaka Demus’ extensive catalog of reggae classics.
Distributed by Horus Music (UK)
www.chakademusmusic.com
"MOUTH TOO BIG" Streaming Links
Fans can Follow Chaka Demus on social media at @ChakaDemusMusic
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Threads
X
TikTok
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REGGAE IN THE DESERT - Saturday, April 19, 2025 - Las Vegas, NV
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 April 19, 2025 - REGGAE IN THE DESERT - Las Vegas, NV - Legendary reggae artists Third World, Luciano, Skip Marley, Kabaka Pyramid, Aurorawave, Eli-Mac, Kyle Smith and more to bring their roots rhythm to the 22nd Annual Reggae in the Desert Downtown Las Vegas transforms into a Roots Reggae paradise with authentic fare, vendors & live performances.
For one day, Downtown Las Vegas embraces the Caribbean culture with island-inspired food and craft vendors as well as live performances from top reggae artists.
Third World is one of the longest-lived reggae bands of all time, and one of Jamaica's most consistently popular crossover acts among international audiences.
Luciano was heavily influenced and drawn to Bob Marley’s positive “One Love Movement”.
Skip Marley, the grandson of Bob Marley, is part of the legendary reggae family that also includes his mother, Cedella, and uncles Ziggy, Stephen, and Damian Marley, yet his own sound adds touches of contemporary pop, rap, and rock forms.
Kabaka Pyramid is a Grammy Award-Winning conscious revolutionary lyricist with a signature musical style, blending the power, energy and melody of Reggae with the lyricism of Hip hop. The name "Kabaka" is Ugandan for "King" and the long-lasting survival of the Pyramids of ancient Africa represent his desire for longevity in the music and deep connection to Kinetic roots, leaving messages for generations to come.
Exploding onto the music scene in 2024 with their self-titled debut album, Aurorawave has quickly become a rising force in the rock, alternative, and reggae genres. Fronted by the charismatic Nathan Aurora on vocals and guitar, Aurorawave blends the raw power of heavy rock with the rhythmic allure of reggae, creating a sound that is both innovative and captivating.
Eli-Mac’s story reads like a fairytale– it’s a musical journey which has turned into an impressive career that took flight with her debut release of her hit five-song EP, entitled Dubstop EP. A proud Filipino growing up in Hawaii, Ciara-Camile (Eli-Mac spelled backwards) Roque Velasco was a rebel early on, combining her island music roots with her love of R&B and hip-hop.
Reggae rock singer-songwriter Kyle Smith, from Ventura, CA, offers his blend of Southern California style reggae with Ska, Punk Rock, & Hip Hop that is catchy, truthful, and humorous.
Clark County Government Center Amphitheater - 500 S. Grand Central Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89155
11am - 11pm - All ages
GET TICKETS HERE
GA Early-bird (til Feb 19): $59.99 (plus fees) '
VIP & Merch Packages available
(Kids eight years of age and under free)
For more info please visit reggaeinthedesert.com
Frederic Apcar Productions
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Truckee, CA ~ Truckee Reggae Fest 2025 scheduled for June 21 with Rootsy Lineup
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 June 21 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW – CLICK HERE
Truckee Reggae Fest 2025 is going down on Saturday June 21, 2015 and the lineup features Barrington Levy, Pato Banton, Mystic Roots Band, Triple Tree, Dubfyah, MC Cootdog and a special live performance by 7-year old Lake Anthony!!
Arts and Crafts Vending, Live Painters, DJ’s, World Class Artists, Local Talent, a Beer Garden (21+) and Food Trucks for the whole Family to enjoy!
Past performers include Julian & Ky-mani Marley, Don Carlos, Marlon Asher, Black Uhuru, Sister Carol, Third World, Wailing Souls, Lutan Fyah, Big Mountain, Yaadcore, Prezident Brown, Arise Roots, Mighty Mystic, Soul Medic, and more!
This years lineup will continue to “Stay True to the Roots” of Legendary Reggae Music and tickets are on sale now!
FOR MORE INFO CLICK HERE
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TWO SHOWS IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA - THE AMBASSADORS OF REGGAE - THIRD WORLD
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 Thursday, April 10, 2025 - Nevada Cityw/ KUMAR FYAH, KURRENCY KING, and JAH MIKEY ONE Miners Foundry, 325 Spring St
Doors 6:00 PM - All Ages Welcome
Friday, April 11, 2025 - Sacramento
w/ KUMAR FYAH, KURRENCY KING,
and SQUAREFIELD MASSIVE
Rink Studios, 1031 Del Paso Blvd
Doors 7:00 PM - All Ages Welcome
The Ambassadors of Reggae THIRD WORLD live and direct from Jamaica for two big shows.
Celebrating 40 years, ‘Reggae Ambassadors’, THIRD WORLD is one of the longest-lived Reggae bands of all time, and one of Jamaica’s most consistently popular crossover acts among international audiences. Mixing in elements of R&B, funk, pop, and rock and, later on, dancehall and rap, Third World’s style has been described as “reggae-fusion.”
More info:
Billy Drewitz / LATE-NITE PRODUCTIONS
Owner / Talent Buyer / Concert & Event Producer
408.667.0992 (cell / text)
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Berkeley, CA - Steel Pulse at the UC Theatre on May 22
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Berkeley, CA ~ The UC Theatre Presents...
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Steel Pulse
50th Anniversary Tour
Bearing witness to the accelerating negativity of global affairs, British reggae powerhouse SteelPulse exemplify musical vengeance to halt the disarray of humanity. The band's twelfth studio production, titledMass Manipulation, reflects four decades committed to bettering mankind through music. Steel Pulse songs and lyrics continue to engage controversial topics of racial injustice and human rights on a global scale.
General Admission Standing Room with Limited Seating
Doors: 7:00pm • Show: 8:00pm All Ages FacebookInstagram
The UC Theatre - 2036 University Avenue downtown Berkeley, CA
is easily accessible by all modes of transportation including BART, bus, bikes, and car.
Parking is available at the Center Street Garage - Golden Bear Parking Lot
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Featured Video - Catch Dezarie in Oakland , CA on March 2
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DEZARIE - LOVE IN YOUR MEDITATION - FULL ALBUM
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Attention Reggae Artists — Free listing opportunity
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Greetings Reggae Artists,
Please give yourself a FREE link on our top-ranking website: www.ReggaeFestivalGuide.com
Here is the direct link to post your info: (easy and free – takes 2 minutes)
https://reggaefestivalguide.com/orders/link.php
Your info will appear in our LINK DIRECTORY — another way for fans and industry folks to find you!
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Hey Reggae Fans ~ Follow Us On Socials>>>>>
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Attention Artists and Festival Promoters...Use Our Services To Build Your Platforms And Your Following...
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DON'T REINVENT THE WHEEL — WE ALREADY HAVE THE DATABASES AND SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS OF THE FANS AND INDUSTRY THAT YOU WANT TO REACH.
~Also, is your website outdated or not mobile friendly? ~Are your social media platforms non-existent or under-utilized?
~Would you like your name and music to get out there to new reggae fans?
If so, we can help! We have over 31 years of experience in marketing reggae bands and reggae festivals and offer these services and more:
- Website consulting, design and maintenance
- Social media development (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
- Create descriptive written content (press releases, band bios, sponsor packages, etc.)
- Develop digital marketing strategies to increase your customer base
- Custom Global PR services
- We can build your Electronic Press Kit for you (EPK)
If you have questions about what online marketing techniques would work best for you, Give Us a call today for a free consultation ~ 775-846-8238 or Email
Kaati, Joana, Heather, and Goran - RBA PUBLISHING & PUBLICITY
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Prayer for Mother Earth
by Maitreya Dadashreeji (Universal Consciousness)
Today and now, I express my love and care for You.
Forgive me for causing pain to You.
Let me protect and nurture you once again.
Let me heal Your wounds with my love.
Love, love, and only love for You.
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Richie B's Jamaican Reggae Airplay Charts
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Jamaica Music Countdown — By Richard ‘Richie B’ Burgess
JMC Charts -
Feb 21 - 27, 2025
By Richard ‘Richie B’ Burgess
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TOP 25 Dancehall Singles ,TOP 25 Reggae Singles and TOP 10 Albums/CD Chart
JAMAICA MUSIC COUNTDOWN
By Richard ‘Richie B’ Burgess
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Ital Statistics This WEEK in Reggae
and Nubian, Rasta, herb and related history
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This Week in Reggae — and Nubian, Rasta, herb and related history
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| February 27 |
| 1455: |
Gutenberg Bible printed on paper made from hemp. |
| ----: |
Nakasu Akihito [Ska Flames; Percussions] is born. |
| 2003: |
Deejay Scotty (Derrick Scott) dies from prostate cancer at the Lord's Place nursing home in Kingston. He was 52 years-old. |
| February 28 |
| 1968: |
H.I.M. Haile Selassie I makes a speech in California.
It is quoted into "War" by Bob Marley.
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| March 1 |
| 1739: |
Britain is forced to sign a peace treaty with Maroons in Jamaica. |
| 1927: |
Harry Belafonte (Harold George Belafonte, Jr.), American singer ("Banana Boat Song", "Jamaica Farewell"), is born in Harlem, New York City, USA. DAAAAY-O! |
| 1945: |
Burning Spear is born in St. Ann's Bay, Jamaica. |
| 1958: |
Ethiopia Africa Black International Congress Church Of Salvation established by the Rt. Hon. King Emmanuel Charles Edwards, as the embassy to land all ROYAL ETHIOPIAN SUBJECTS in Jamaica and the diaspora, under their own vine and fig tree Ethiopia / Africa. |
| 1996: |
March on Kingston for legalize ganja
Rastafarians from all over the island concentrated in Kingston and joined in the demonstration march for the sole object of legalize ganja for use right purpose. The chant with congo drums and niyabinghi harmonized with smoke of herb, the event finished peacefully amid the watching of the police.
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| 2001: |
Shaggy's album "Hot Shot" [MCA] is certified Multi (5.0) Platinum by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America). |
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If You Missed Your Latest (Or Any) Copy of The Weekly Reggae Festival Guide,
You Can Find Back Issues In The Archives
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Reggae Marketing Specialists since 1993 - Trusted, Reliable ~ Creative
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 2025 marks the 31st year that Reggae Festival Guide has been the leading media company in the reggae industry!
Our parent company, RBA Publishing & Publicity, is based out of Humboldt County, CA (formerly Reno, NV). For 25 years, we produced the annual Reggae Festival Guide print magazine. Although we don't publish the annual magazine anymore, we have our top-ranking website: www.ReggaeFestivalGuide (41,000 unique monthly visitors), and this weekly reggae e-publication Reggae Festival Guide (52,000 weekly subscribers). Please follow us on Socials for up-to-the-minute reggae news and music: We have 450,000 fans that follow us on Facebook (please join us there), 40K that follow us on Instagram, and another 9,000 that follow us on Twitter.
We offer you many ways to help you get your fix of reggae music, history, lifestyle, current news, and of course, festivals, all year round.
Our publicity & marketing company keeps growing and adding elements to bring you trusted coverage of reggae happenings from around the world.
We love what we do and look forward to input from you with your suggestions, critiques, questions, etc.
Also contact us to find out how you can promote your band/business/festival in this e-newsletter or on our website.
Kaati Gaffney, Publisher
We also offer Publicity & Graphic Services for bands and festivals:
band bios and interview written, social media management, website consulting design and maintenance, EPKs created, graphics for advertising and social media branded videos, and more. Please contact us to find out how we can help you with your exciting projects.
One Love from our reggae-loving family to you,
Kaati, Joana, Goran, Irene, and Heather
Information - both editorial and advertising - in the Reggae Festival Guide - is believed to be correct but not guaranteed - so check it carefully before you attend any event or send money for anything. We do not write the news, just report it.
Text or Whats App: 775-846-8238; or e-mail
RBA Publishing, Inc. in business since 1995, is a boutique reggae-specific PR and marketing firm based in Northern California. We help musicians, festivals, labels and music-related brands. Our digital campaigns target fans, industry and influencers. We are masterful at email marketing, social media, fan acquisition and long-term marketing plans. Our media services are supported by people who understand and love the reggae genre. Publishers of Reggae Festival Guide magazine and e-newsletter. Reggae industry leaders for over 30 years.
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It will make us very sad if you do, and perhaps your removal will be the one the makes us decide this no longer worth doing at all, and all the information we provide will go away forever and musicians will sit home alone at night and cry because they have no one to play for because no one knows about their shows or music.
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Sgt. Remo - Reach the Top - Full-length Album - 
