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55,000 Reggae Fans and Reggae Industry folks receive this publication each thursday!
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Volume 22/Issue 11
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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ICON PASSES Reggae legend Cocoa Tea best known for hit 90s song Riker’s Island dies aged 65
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 The music legend had originally been diagnosed with lymphoma in 2019 before struggling with pneumonia over the past six months.
Tea died on Tuesday, March 11 at 4:46AM.
His wife Scott revealed her husband died following a cardiac arrest at a hospital located in Broward, Ft Lauderdale, FL.
Cocoa Tea, whose real name is Colvin Scott, reportedly passed away on Tuesday morning in a Florida hospital. Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness shared his condolences and spoke about the artist’s influence across the world.
“I extend condolences to the family, friends, and supporters of Colvin George Scott, affectionately known as Cocoa Tea. His smooth vocals and compelling lyrics gave us timeless classics like ‘Rocking Dolly’ and ‘I Lost My Sonia,’ songs that have become anthems in our cultural landscape,” Holness wrote in a post on X.
He continued, “Beyond his musical genius, Cocoa Tea was a beacon of kindness and generosity, consistently uplifting the less fortunate and embodying the warmth of our nation… As we mourn his passing, let us celebrate the rich legacy he leaves behind, a legacy of melody, compassion, and cultural pride. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
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Reggae veteran Maxi Priest was filled with gratitude following his admittance into the Jamaica Music Museum Hall of Fame at the 2025 Reggae Gold Awards.
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 Reflecting on his profound connection to Jamaica and the significance of this moment in his remarkable career, the British-born reggae artiste was moved as he accepted the honour.
“To receive anything from Jamaica, any award at all, my parent ground, my home ground, it’s spiritual. It’s beyond words for me” SOURCE
“I grew up in England, one of nine siblings, but our home was always Jamaica. So, to get that connection and recognition from the Jamaican people means everything,” he said.
Priest’s contributions to reggae music, especially his innovative role in fusing the genre with R&B influences to produce the widely accepted reggae fusion sound, were recognised by the Reggae Gold Award.
Throughout his decades-long career, Priest has continuously produced timeless music that transcends cultural boundaries and introduces reggae to a global audience.
“I wish my parents were alive. I really wish they were,” he said. “This award is for my brothers, my sisters, my kids and my family. It’s beyond words. Respect and blessings to all the pioneers who paved the way and to the new artistes who will continue to fly the flag high,” he said.
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Southern Humboldt County, Northern California ~ REGGAE ON THE RIVER - August 1-3, 2025
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 Line Up so far... Representing Trinidad & Tobago, we have the matriarch of reggae music: Queen Omega;
From the Uk via the motherland of Africa, it's Afrobeats superstar: Afro B;
The esteemed and legendary:Third World;
Dancehall supergroup performing their absolute plethora of hits: T.O.K.;
Legendary roots artist: Luciano;
Fresh off his Grammy award-winning album that just dropped last year: Julian Marley;
The king of modern lovers rock, the romeo of reggae: Romain Virgo;
Jamaican, Singer, Songwriter, Musician, par excellence: Keznamdi;
One of the prominent voices in contemporary reggae music: Bugle; Jamaican reggae and dancehall singer, selector and singjay: Charly Black; from Germany, reggae x soul: Sara Lugo;
UK viral Dancehall sensation: MDOTR
and also...
Dancehall superstar: I-Octane;
Famed Rub-A-Dub specialist from the UK: Christopher Ellis;
Female Reggae Royalty, Ms. "Rock It Inna Dance": Hempress Sativa;
Dancehall Afrobeat genre-bending: Lahrel
MORE TO COME!
In 2024 Reggae on the River made its triumphant return to Humboldt County. We are very grateful our festival community has spoken and its message has been heard loud & clear by the Mateel Community Center and Hot Milk Entertainment. We cannot wait to see you all again in 2025!
Reggae on the River was established in 1984 as a fundraiser to rebuild the Mateel Community Center after their original location, the old fireman’s hall, was burnt down.
This event created a merger of Northern California cannabis culture with Jamaican reggae music. And since then, Reggae on the River has evolved into one of the most recognized and iconic reggae festivals in the world!
Over the course of the last 40 years, over half a million people have made the pilgrimage to this unique setting in Humboldt County on the the Eel River. They’ve come to enjoy the arts, the river, the redwoods, the excitement, the ganja, the people, the unity, and the world renowned artists that only Reggae on the River can offer!
The Mateel Community Center
Reggae on the River is a benefit fundraiser for the Mateel Community Center. The MCC has fostered the arts in rural Northern, CA for over 40 years, serving as the cultural hub of the southern Humboldt Community. Here, the community has access to arts, educational, and social service programs. Additionally, MCC gained non profit status and international recognition for its offerings in multicultural musical genres, theatre, dance, comedy, film, and crafts. The MCC has hosted a lifetime of world renowned artists and continues doing their part to spread music and joy to multiple generations.
Hot Milk Entertainment
Hot Milk Entertainment was founded in 2022 by a few lifelong Mendocino County locals and deeply rooted supporters of Northern California festivals. The company was originally created to assist the MCC in bringing back the most iconic reggae festival in the United States. Its head founder is a member of the reggae based SoundSystem, Guerrilla Takeover, which has been producing and DJing their own reggae events in Northern California for 2 decades. Hot Milk successfully helped the MCC bring back Reggae on the River in 2024 and continue doing their own events all across Northern California and beyond!
BUY TICKETS NOW
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Negril, Jamaica - One Love Festival to debut in Jamaica - March 15
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 Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlet says the island’s tourism industry is poised to benefit from the inaugural One Love Festival (OLF) 2025.
Saturday, March 15, 2025
at Woodstock, Negril, Jamaica.
Event conceptualizer and founder Yasus Afari told Caribbean Life on Tuesday: “We are looking to mobilize thousands of music lovers from the tri-state area and other parts of the USA for the OLF.
It will be an eclectic, one day and night music festival, offering a (w)holistic cultural experience into the inspiring life and soul of Jamaica.”
Afari said the event is being promoted by SenYAcum in association with Woodstock and IMAGES LLC in New York.
“One Love Festival is designed as a safe, inspirational space where lovers of Jamaican music, and culture in Jamaica and in the Diaspora can meet and greet and celebrate life in safety, one love and comfort,” he said.
MORE INFO CLICK HERE
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Vybz Kartel Set For Epic U.S. Comeback With First American Show in 20 Years
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 After getting his visa reinstated, Vybz Kartel announces his upcoming concert in Brooklyn.
There might not be another artist who has handled their comeback quite as gracefully as Vybz Kartel. The dancehall superstar emerged from prison after 13 years of incarceration following the overturning of his 2014 murder conviction due to juror misconduct. His renewed freedom has been met with global celebrations, from the entire island of Jamaica to the streets of London. This excitement was fully displayed when Kartel performed for at the Freedom Street Concert on NYE.
Since then, he’s taken his talents across the globe, including the U.S. after his visa was reinstated. His U.S. return culminated in his attendance at this year’s Grammys in L.A.. His album Party With Me earned a nomination for Best Reggae Album. While he didn't able to perform during his recent visit, his fans won’t have to wait much longer.
Kartel will make his grand return on April 11th for his first headlining show in America in over 20 years.
Presented by Reggae Fest, Vybz Kartel will perform at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on April 11th, 2025. Tickets go on sale Thursday, March 6th, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. ET. "This is a monumental moment for me and the culture," Kartel said in a statement. "To be back on U.S. soil performing for my fans is a blessing that I don’t take lightly. The wait is finally over. New York, get ready.”
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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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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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Nevada City, CA - 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
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 - Cocoa Tea - Rikers Island
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Featured Video - Click Image to Enjoy Cocoa Tea - Rikers Island
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-7cfiGes6Q
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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.)
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- 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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Prayers for peace, comfort, and healing ask for Jah's help to find peace and strength during difficult times.
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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 -
Mar 14 - 20, 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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| March 13 |
| 1979: |
Grenada revolution begins. (National Day) |
| 1998: |
British ska/reggae star Judge Dread (b. Alexander Minto Hughes), best known for his 70's hits "Big Six", "Big Seven" and "Je T'aime", dies after collapsing, apparently from a heart attack, during a performance on stage with his backing band, The Originals, at the Penny Theatre in Cantebury, England, at the age of 53.
The Times reports that his last words were "Let's hear it for the band!"
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| March 14 |
| 1968: |
DJ Sleepy Wonder (Selwyn Archer) is born in Slipe Road, Kingston, Jamaica. (some sources say March 15th) |
| 1996: |
Bob Marley & The Wailers' album "Live!", "Rastaman Vibration", "Exodus", "Kaya", "Uprising" and "Confrontation" [Island] are certified Gold, and video "The Bob Marley Story" [Island Video] is certified Platinum by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America). Also Inner Circle's album "Bad Boys" [Big Beat] is certified Platinum. |
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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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