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55,000 Reggae Fans and Reggae Industry folks receive this publication each thursday!
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Volume 22/Issue 19
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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30 Days Until Cali Vibes 2025 - June 7-8 in Long Beach ~ Tickets On Sale Now!
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 30 Days Until Cali Vibes 2025 -June 7-8 in Long Beach, CA
Tickets On Sale Now!
Buy Soon To Save!
Act Fast: 2-Day GA prices rise this Friday 5/9 at 11:59PM!! Lock in now to save on the best weekend of the summer.
SATURDAY-SUNDAY JUNE 7-8, 2025
FEATURING - STICK FIGURE - KID CUDI, SLIGHTLY STOOPID AND FRIENDS, REBELUTION, DIRTY HEADS, CYPRESS HILL (PERFORMING 'BLACK SUNDAY'), LUDACRIS, IRATION, SANTIGOLD, YG MARLEY, PEPPER, J BOOG, STEEL PULSE, ROME, THE ELOVATERS, FORTUNATE YOUTH, PROF, HIRIE, COLLIE BUDDZ, DENM, LITTLE STRANGER, LANDON MCNAMARA, ANUHEA, ARTIKAL SOUND SYSTEM, BLVK H3RO, EMILY BRIMLOW, TUNNEL VISION, BOOMYARD AND MORE !!
MARINA GREEN PARK
400 E. Shoreline Drive Long BeachHotel
Festival Passes Packages Available
Info / Tickets: CaliVibesFest.com
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Reggae Icon Buju Banton To Headline Opening Night Of BET Experience 2025
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 Grammy-nominated reggae legend Buju Banton is set to bring his iconic sound and powerful stage presence to Los Angeles this summer as the headlining act for the opening night of BET Experience 2025.
BET Media Group announced Banton as part of the first wave of performers for the annual BET Experience, which will take place from June 5 to 8, leading up to the BET Awards 2025 on June 9.
Tickets for Buju Banton’s June 5 concert are now available at BETExperience.com, where fans can also find access to other BETX events, including the legendary Roots Picnic Experience and BET R&B Night.
The full BET Experience 2025 weekend includes fan-favorite BETX FanFest at the Los Angeles Convention Center (June 7–8), and the WayMaker Men’s Summit (June 5–6), focusing on empowerment and leadership for men of color.
The Roots and Lil Kim are also expected to perform but Buju Banton’s presence is already generating buzz, reinforcing his legacy as one of reggae’s most influential voices.
SOURCE
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ROOTS & RIDDIMS: THE BUNNY "STRIKER" LEE STORY (THE EARLY YEARS)
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 The Hitmaker: Max Romeo, Cornell Campbell, Derrick Morgan, John Holt, Alton Ellis (One Hour Mix)
Kingston Town,
Johnny Too Bad,
None Shall Escape the
Judgment,
Sad Mood,
Satta Masagana
LISTEN / DOWNLOAD
Bunny Lee was a production powerhouse. He famously shouted “Another Striker Lee Production!” over his records—an early form of branding that became iconic. (Think DJ Khaled “Another One”)
Cheers!
Jesse Dubmatix
www.dubmatix.com
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Sgt. Remo and Junior Dread Deliver Empowering Single Nunca Pares
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 San Antonio, TX – Sgt. Remo collaborates with Brazilian reggae star Junior Dread on the empowering single Nunca Pares. The single premieres on Friday, April 25 on all platforms. The single was produced, mixed, and mastered by Kutral Dub (Chile).
Listen On Your Favorite Platform
Junior Dread is one of the main voices in Brazilian reggae. With over 15 years in reggae, Junior Dread has toured all over the globe performing in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, USA, Mexico, Japan, and other countries. Junior Dread has an extensive music catalog recording with iconic producers like Scientist, Irie ites, Little Lion Sound, among others.
The uplifting single is a combination of Spanish, English, and Portuguese. Sgt. Remo delivers the chorus in Spanish then drops a rare Spanish verse urging the listener to never stop (nunca pares) and just keep going no matter the obstacles. Junior Dread drops some heat on his verse reminding us “life wi a live, babylon can’t take.”
Mexican-born, San Antonio, Texas based Sgt. Remo entered the reggae scene in 2012 with his debut EP Life is for Living. Over a decade later, Remo has cemented his name in the global reggae landscape with a slew of notable singles including Reach the Top feat. Fidel Nadal, Dem No True, Delivery Service feat. Ranking Joe, Just Getting Started, Marie and others. The multi-talented artist is also the mastermind behind King Remo Sound System; San Antonio, TX's first custom sound system.
Remo also operates King Remo Music and Amaru Melchizedek Publishing which are responsible for the majority of Sgt. Remo's catalog, including the 5-album compilation series Reggae SoulJahs Worldwide (2011-2024).
For inquiries contact (904) 537-1121 or sgt.remo@gmail.com
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ISRAEL VIBRATION, DUANE STEPHENSON & ROOTS RADICS continue their Reggae Music "Never Dies World Tour " in the US in May, June 2025
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 ISRAEL VIBRATION, DUANE STEPHENSON & ROOTS RADICS continue their Reggae Music Never Dies World Tour in the US in May, June 2025. Don’t miss the original Soldiers of Jah Army on this legendary Roots & Culture tour!
The World Tour Continues celebrating the February 2025 release of ISRAEL VIBRATION's brand new album "Reggae Music Never Dies." This album is in the top 100 physical album sales in all genres.
ISRAEL VIBRATION, DUANE STEPHENSON & ROOTS RADICS Reggae Music Never Dies Tour is blessing the people of the world with their original roots and culture music. The next leg of the tour is the USA in May, June 2025 with special guest DUANE STEPHENSON. This tour features some of Jamaica's finest recording musicians who recorded all their hit songs from the beginning - ROOTS RADICS. They perform songs such as "Licks & Kicks," "The Same Song", "Universal Father", "Why You So Craven", "Cool & Calm", "Strength of My Life", "Greedy Dog", "Vultures", "Praises", "Jailhouse Rock", "Poor Man Cry", "Soldiers of Jah Army", "Get Up & Go", "Forever", "Naw Give Up The Fight", "Mr. Consular Man."
DUANE STEPHENSON is opening the show backed by ROOTS RADICS. Get ready for a night of message music with uplifting words, music and soulful energy.
ISRAEL VIBRATION & ROOTS RADICS recently completed 20 epic shows across South America and Europe. Now it's time to bring the vibes to a different region - the Western US and Hawaii. They are on the road again spreading their songs of love to the world. There is nothing like the real thing.
For Bookings:
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Introducing New Music from Soulshot
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 Soulshot recently celebrated 20 years as one of New England’s premier reggae bands. The band features Tom O'Brien, vocals/songwriter/guitar, vocalist Dion Knibb from Kingston, Jamaica; David "Daveydread" Turano on bass, renowned horn section: Mark Berney on trumpet and Rob Liguori on sax; Rider McCoy on keys; Krys Jackson on drums; Zeke Carlson on percussion; John Letourneau on guitar; and guest lead guitarist Andy Bassford.
Soulshot just completed a collaboration project with Blues guitar legend Duke Robillard and Reggae guitar sensation Andy Bassford. The album is called DUKE ROBILLARD MEETS SOULSHOT FEATURING ANDY BASSFORD AND MARK BERNEY, TWO GUITARS - ONE SOUND.
The album has 10 tracks with seven originals, six of which are composed by the band’s own Mark Berney. There is also an acoustic track featuring Jamaican legend Ernie Smith. This 2025 compilation project came about when two guitar masters, Duke Robillard and Andy Bassford, melded their distinct genres to produce some fantastic music. Both have very impressive histories. Duke has played with every great bluesman from BB, Muddy, T-Bone, Clapton, Tom Waits, and has also toured with Bob Dylan on two occasions. He's also a regular on the European Blues circuit.
Click here to listen to "IM IS IM" and "CORNBREAD"
Andy Bassford needs no introduction to the Reggae Ska community, having toured the world with ‘The Crown Prince of Reggae’ Dennis Brown. He also toured for 23 years with Toots and the Maytals and has recorded on thousands of tracks in both Jamaica and the US. Mark Berney joined the Soulshot Band in 2003 after leaving the Skatalites. Lloyd Knibb, renowned Ska drummer of the Skatalites, told me that he loved playing with Mark, and was reminded so much of Johnny "Dizzy" Moore, the founding member of the Skatalites. Since then, he's blown his horn all around the country with plenty of high-quality players such as Aretha Franklin.
The Soulshot band was formed in 2003, playing clubs and festivals around New England and the New York area. Daveydread recalls, “We recorded our first album, THE ECHOBASS SESSONS in 2005, recorded live to ¼ inch tape! In 2010 we released our second album, SHOT HEARD ROUND THE WORLD which consisted of nine originals (five were composed by Thom O’Brien and some cover tunes.
In 2008 Soulshot was invited to perform on the small stage at the Jazz and Blues Festival in Montego Bay, JA. and so impressed the management that they were called back in 2009 to perform on the main stage alongside Lionel Ritchie, The O’Jays, Chicago, Maxi Priest and many more. While in JA in 2008, Soulshot also
appeared at the Black Mystory Concert in Kingston and at several other venues about the country.
Soulshot has been the backing band for Jamaican legend Ernie Smith on many occasions and has also backed the legendary Alton Ellis at the Rhode Island Reggae Festival, Roger Robin from the UK, Doreen Shaffer, Queen of Ska, and touring vocalist with the Skatalites, and Dalton “Screwdriver” Lindo on several occasions.
soulshot.net
andybassford.com
dukerobillard.com
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Sanchez "Jamdown" - Stream NOW
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 This year marks 37 years since Sanchez first rode reggae charts with Loneliness, a cover of Jermaine Jackson’s "Lonely Won’t Leave Me Alone".
The singer is still recording songs. His latest effort is JAMDOWN, an album produced by Kenergi Music Entertainment.
That 10-song set was released in April 2025 by VPAL Music. It is Sanchez’s first album since 2011’s LOVE YOU MORE.
"Jamdown", the lead track, is co-written by Sanchez and Kenneth Thompson, principal of Kenergi Music Entertainment. It's message that although Jamaica faces many challenges, it remains a paradise, appealed to Sanchez.
“I relate to the lyrics of ‘Jamdown’ deeply just because I am a true product of the place,” he said.
For his part, Thompson enjoyed working on the project thoroughly.
“ Sanchez has been one of my longtime, favorite artists, l (always) admired his professionalism. I was considering other artists for the album project but Sanchez’s enthusiastic response convinced me he was the perfect fit,” he said.
The New York-based Thompson wrote or co-wrote the 10 songs on Jamdown which also contains "Disloyalty" and "Hot Girls".
Sanchez’ hit parade is one of the most impressive in Dancehall music. Since the Winston Riley-produced "Loneliness" topped charts in 1988, he has scored a flurry of songs including "End of The World", "Never dis di Man", "I Can’t Wait", "One In A Million", "Fall in Love" and "Old Friends".
In August, 2023, Sanchez and ska legend Derrick Morgan were recognized by Jamaica’s government with Music Icon awards for their contribution to the country’s music.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
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JOHNEROCKERS brings “homegrown” roots to the frontline
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 Release of his third single, Babylon Knocking Me Over, with its deep grass-roots musical vibrations, comes on strong!
Babylon Knocking Me Over, featuring BIG MOUNTAIN, was released through DistroKid on April 20, 2025 and can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, YouTube, Amazon, and many other platforms. This song focuses directly on the common experience of people struggling to endure the iniquities of living in a world where power is so often abused. Whether feeling knocked down by being left behind, pushed around, or worse, he honors the strength, integrity, and sheer courage that lifts us up everywhere.
Within his first two singles, Sweetness and Righteous Road, JohnERockers forwards the energy of the love connection between us all.
His lyrics reach into the hearts of his audience and his dynamic music, that keeps them dancing, come straight from his heart.
CLICK THIS LINKTREE FOR MUSIC PLATFORM OF YOUR CHOICE
"Reggae is a family business. I fell in love with it way back in the early 80's when I first discovered it with my cousin Joaquin, “Quino” McWhinney (of Big Mountain). We have been so blessed to have it in our lives for all of these years.
It has been an amazing spiritual journey, Vibing up with so many legends and great musicians who have lived and enriched this spiritual and musical journey. I love to perform songs, especially the songs that I have written, and,to have the honor of sharing positive messages of hope and love"
JOHNEROCKERS
John E. Stoll 760-855-6712
johnestoll@yahoo.com
Follow on IG
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Negril, JA ~ Dancehall Royalty Beenie Man to Headline Explosive CHAOS CRASH OUT BEACH PARTY in during Chaos Week!
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 Negril, Jamaica – The King of the Dancehall, Beenie Man, is set to ignite the stage at the highly anticipated Chaos Crash Out Beach Party on June 23, 2025, as part of Organized Chaos' (OC) fifth-anniversary celebration. This electrifying event will unfold at the renowned WAVZ Beach Club, located on Negril’s world-famous Seven Mile Beach, promising an unparalleled fusion of pulsating rhythms, breathtaking scenery, and luxurious island indulgence.
The Chaos Crash Out Beach Party marks the official debut of OC’s beach extravaganza, an inclusive experience tailored for elite travelers, music lovers, and partygoers alike. The event will showcase premium island-inspired cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and a star-studded entertainment lineup, headlined by none other than Beenie Man, the Grammy Award-winning icon who has reigned supreme in dancehall music for decades.
Joining Beenie Man on stage will be Global Reggae Artist Knatch Rychus, whose mesmerizing performance style will bring an electrifying Caribbean vibe to the night. Keeping the energy levels soaring throughout the event is renowned DJ Rayvon, known for setting dance floors ablaze with his seamless mixes of reggae, dancehall, and international beats.
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
“As the members of OC celebrates this five-year milestone, we wanted to create an experience that embodies the spirit of Organized Chaos—freedom, connection, and pure, unfiltered fun. We’re bringing an unparalleled level of energy and authenticity to Chaos Week. This is more than a party—it’s a movement.”
Founded on exclusivity and immersive experiences, Organized Chaos has cultivated a vibrant community of over 1,300 elite travelers spanning 32 U.S. states, Canada, Italy, and Nigeria. OC curates unforgettable escapes and networking opportunities for sophisticated singles and couples seeking adventure without judgment.
Beyond revelry, Chaos Cares, OC’s philanthropic initiative, will support St. Anthony’s Kitchen, a Negril-based nonprofit combating food insecurity. This vital organization feeds and educates underprivileged children, providing hot meals, school supplies, and transportation to those in need.
Event tickets and additional details are available for sale at Chaoscrashout.simpletix.com
Sponsorship and partnership opportunities are available. For inquiries, contact James Brashears III at jb3@semajco.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
James Brashears III P: 404-798-0429 E: jb3@semajco.com
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Truckee, CA ~ Truckee Reggae Fest 2025 - June 21~ Rootsy Lineup inc. BARRINGTON LEVY
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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!
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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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 - Barrington Levy - Murderer
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Featured Video - your video could be here, contact: info@reggaefestivalguide.com
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Barrington Levy - Murderer (Live at California Roots 2016)
Catch Barrington at the Truckee Reggae Festival in June!
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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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Finding Peace of Mind: 6 Steps Toward Lasting Serenity
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Accept what you can't change.
Forgive.
Stay present.
Focus on yourself.
Keep a journal.
Connect with nature.
Takeaway.
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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 -
May 9 - 15, 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
May 9 - 15, 2025
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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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| May 7 |
| ----: |
Frankie Wilmot is born. |
| 1942: |
Justin Hinds is born in Steertown, St. Ann, Jamaica. |
| 1961: |
Toru "Tellassit" Terashi [Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra; miscellaneous] is born. |
| 1968: |
Lady G (Janice Fyffe) is born in Spanish Town, Jamaica. |
| 1980: |
Linton Kwesi Johnson's "Bass Culture" released in England. |
| May 8 |
| ----: |
Drummer Nicky Cymbal is born. |
| 1933: |
Vocalist Johnny Doller (John Washington Dollar, Jr.) is born in Kilgore, Texas, USA. |
| May 9 |
| 1936: |
Ethiopia is formally annexed by Italy. |
| 1958: |
Singer Earl Sixteen is born Earl John Daley in Kingston, Jamaica. |
| 1968: |
Louie Culture (Lewin Brown) is born in Port Antonio, Portland, Jamaica. (some sources say May 5th) |
| 1974: |
DJ Don Yute is born in Kingston, Jamaica. |
| 1981: |
Bob Marley moves to Miami and goes into hospital.
Bob passed away 2 days after...
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| 1994: |
South Africa's newly elected parliament chose Nelson Mandela to be the country's first black president. Mandela promised a South Africa for "all its people, black and white." |
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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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Legal Disclaimer
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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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