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55,000 Reggae Fans and Reggae Industry folks receive this publication each thursday!
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Volume 22/Issue 50
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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Austin Reggae Festival APRIL 17 - APRIL 19, 2026
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 Austin Reggae Festival
APRIL 17, 2026 - APRIL 19, 2026|12:00 PM-11:00 PM
The Austin reggae community converged for the first time on May 7th 1994, at Auditorium Shores in downtown Austin, Texas to pay tribute to the late great Bob Marley. In the spirit of Bob Marley the show was free but patrons were asked to bring two cans of non-perishable food to benefit the Central Texas Food Bank.
When the gates opened on that sunny Sunday morning, the organizers and food bank officials had set up a dozen barrels at the entrance for the donations. Within a couple of hours of opening, the barrels were overflowing and a Uhaul was brought to the front gate to help collect and store an overwhelming amount of donations. Austinites embraced this event from the beginning and it has only grown ever since then.
Fast forward to today and The Austin Reggae Festival is preparing for its 31st anniversary, this spring. It’s now a three day event held every April in the heart of downtown Austin at the legendary Auditorium Shores.
Austin Reggae Festival has become the longest running festival in Austin at Auditorium Shores and more importantly has donated more to the local Food Bank than any other event in the past 30+ years.
But the best part is… you! The weekend has always brought good vibes, good people, and real sense of community. We are honored that you join us every year to give back to the food bank, and we are committed to making sure you have the best possible weekend.
Website: https://reggaeriseup.com/texas/
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United for Relief: Reggae Benefit Concert December 13–14 at Sarasota Fairgrounds to Aid Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa
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 United for Relief: Two-Day Reggae Benefit Concert December 13–14 at Sarasota Fairgrounds to Aid Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa
On December 13 and 14, 2025, the United for Relief two-day reggae benefit concert will take over Sarasota Fairgrounds (3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota), bringing together a powerhouse lineup of reggae legends, rising stars, and local supporters — all united to raise funds for Jamaican communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The event, organized in partnership with Food For The Poor Jamaica, aims to channel proceeds toward emergency aid, shelter, and long-term recovery efforts for families still reeling from the storm’s catastrophic impact.
“We couldn’t stand by when we saw the destruction wrought by Hurricane Melissa,” reads the concert’s mission statement. “The storm’s silence, the community’s roar — it’s time to stand with Jamaica.”
Concert Lineup & Schedule
The concert features a stellar mix of iconic roots reggae voices and contemporary artists. Headliners include legendary acts such as Fortunate Youth, Burning Spear, Third World, Kabaka Pyramid, Luciano, and dancehall pioneer Yellowman. Also on the bill: up-and-coming talents and bands like Eric Swanson Band, Greg Roy & The Pressure Band, Soul Purpose, and others — creating a full weekend of music, soul, and solidarity.
The schedule kicks off both days at 11:30 a.m., with main-stage sets stretching into the evening on Saturday (ending around 10:00 p.m.) and wrapping up Sunday night at approximately 7:00 p.m.
More Than Music — A Movement
The festival offers more than just performances. On-site, guests will find a curated marketplace, food vendors featuring vegetarian and vegan options, and festival merch — with a portion of every sale going toward relief efforts. For adults 21 and over, there will also be bar service.
Order Tickets
Parking is free at the Sarasota Fairgrounds and restrooms, hand-washing stations, a medical tent, and security personnel will be on hand to ensure a safe, family-friendly atmosphere.
How to Help — Attend, Donate, or Volunteer
Tickets start at $30, with higher-tier options for supporters who want to give more. Every dollar raised — after event expenses — will go directly to Food For The Poor Jamaica to assist with emergency relief and community rebuilding efforts.
For those who can’t attend, there is also an option to donate directly through the event’s official website; event organizers are also seeking volunteers, sponsors, and vendor participants to help make the concert a big success.
About United for Relief
United for Relief was born when a small group of Sarasota business owners — moved by the destruction left in Jamaica — decided that watching from afar wasn’t enough. Their belief: music and community have the power to heal. This festival is their calling.
For tickets, vendor or sponsorship inquiries, volunteering, or additional information, visit www.unitedforrelief.com. All are invited to “come for the music, stay for the movement.”
United for Relief — Sarasota Concert Committee
Email: info@unitedforrelief.com
Visit the Website and Order Tickets
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Texas Rockers: A Day in the Life of a Texas Reggae Artist Premieres March 2026
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 Texas Rockers:A Day in the Life of a Texas Reggae Artist Premieres March 2026
SAN ANTONIO, TX — Reggae artist and emerging filmmaker Sgt. Remo announces the upcoming release of Texas Rockers (March, 2026), a new narrative short film offering an authentic, on-the-ground look at the everyday life of a Texas reggae artist. Written and produced by Sgt. Remo, the film marks his official debut as a filmmaker and continues his commitment to elevating the voices, culture, and history of the Texas reggae community.
Opportunities to Support the Film
The production is currently seeking Texas businesses and individuals interested in contributing financially to support post-production, marketing, and screenings.
Contributors will receive promotional mention in the film’s credits, providing long-term visibility as the film will remain available online indefinitely.
Direct contributions can be made at:
👉 https://sgtremo.com/texas-rockers
About the Film
Originally conceived as a small project to promote Sgt. Remo’s single and music video “Texas Kush,” the vision for Texas Rockers expanded quickly as production began. What started as a promotional concept transformed into a true community film when artists, musicians, DJs, venue owners, and other culture-bearers from across Texas volunteered to participate.
Despite working with a limited budget, the production brought together contributors from multiple regions and filmed key scenes in Austin and San Antonio—including a special scene at the historic Flamingo Cantina and footage captured at the 2025 Austin Reggae Festival.
The result is a grassroots, collaborative celebration of the people, places, and passion that fuel Texas reggae.
Sgt. Remo on Creating Texas Rockers
*“As I started organizing the shoots, I realized there was so much excitement and genuine love for this film. People from all corners of the Texas reggae scene stepped up to be part of it—artists, venues, radio personalities, everyone. This project became much bigger than promoting a single.
The story may be scripted, but the people, the culture, the dedication—that’s all real. This film is about community, music, and the everyday hustle of being a Texas reggae artist.”
Production & Release
Editing is currently underway, and Texas Rockers is scheduled for release in March 2026.
Plans are in progress to host screenings in all major Texas cities, with the goal of bringing together both the reggae and independent film communities to celebrate this project.
Sgt. Remo and the production team hope the Texas film community will support and champion the project as it moves toward its release, especially given the film’s grassroots, low-budget foundation.
Media Contact
Sergio Ortiz
📞 (904) 537-1121
📧 sgt.remo@gmail.com
🌐 sgtremo.com
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Jamaica - Jimmy Cliff official funeral December 17
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 The official funeral service for late reggae singer, Jimmy Cliff, will take place next week Wednesday, December 17, at the National Indoor Sports Centre beginning at 10 a.m.
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, made the announcement today.
Jimmy Cliff passed away on November 24, at the age of 81.
Grange said that Cliff is being accorded an official funeral by the Government “for his immense contribution to Jamaican Culture and Entertainment".
The arrangements are being finalised by the Office of the Prime Minister in consultation with the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport and the family of the acclaimed musician, singer and actor who was born James Chambers in 1944.
Minister Grange said the service at the National Indoor Centre would “provide an opportunity for the country to bid farewell to an outstanding son of Jamaica; an icon".
The minister said the service would feature only spoken word, dance and music in keeping with Jimmy Cliff’s wishes.
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April 18, 2026 - 15th Annual Spring Break Reggae Festival
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 BRIAN LION PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS A STACKED LINEUP
Saturday, April 18, 2026 15th Annual Spring Break Reggae Festival
Taking over the Daytona Complex with Jeep Beach
Legendary international reggae icons - THIRD WORLD; Also PASSAFIRE, THROUGH THE ROOTS, JOSH HEINRICHS, JUNIOR TOOTS (Tribute to Toots & The Maytals)…and many more to be announced
This year is shaping up to be one for the books —sunshine, live music, festival energy, and the Jeep Beach family
all together for an unforgettable celebration!
“The Spring Break Reggae Festival is an epic collaboration for Jeep Beach Inc and Brian Lion Productions. Jeep Beach is honored to be the beneficiary of the proceeds from this well-established and professional event that has called Volusia County home for 15 years! To be a part of the evolution of the festival is not only exciting, but also helps serve the Jeep Beach mission of serving community!”
Together, the two organizations bring culture, charity, and community spirit under one massive celebration of music and unity.
Food, Culture & Family Fun
Festival goers will be immersed in a full-day cultural experience featuring:
- Authentic Jamaican cuisine
- Mexican, Americana, and global flavors
- Desserts, frozen treats, snacks, popcorn & sweets
- Local artisans, festival clothing, jewelry, crafts, massage & more
- Kids’ activities: face painting, hair braiding, and family-friendly zones
- Local business vendors representing the community
This milestone year promises to be the most unforgettable yet, with organizers expecting 3,000–4,000 attendees ready for a full day of island rhythms, flavorful eats, artisan vendors, and family-friendly fun.
From the music to the marketplace, the Spring Break Reggae Festival offers music, food, and fun for the whole family—a true celebration of Caribbean culture with a Florida twist.
The Pavilion at Destination Daytona
1651 U.S. Route 1, Ormond Beach, FL 32174
All Ages - Doors at 2:00 PM
ON SALE NOW - Click Here for Tickets & VIP Packages
springbreakreggaefest@yahoo.com
Instagram
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A Message and Music from Dubmatix - Grab this 3GB loop pack while you can
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 From Jesse/Dubmatix:
A free dub & reggae loop pack I produce quarterly as a free download:
https://bassculture.substack.com/p/grab-this-3gb-loop-pack-while-you
"I put out a Summer and Fall Sampler this year and will be replacing it with a 2026 Winter Sampler soon, so if you’d like to get your hands on The Fall Sampler, now is a great time to do so.
The Fall Sampler brings together the rich diversity of the Reggae-Loops.com catalog — 19 full packs spanning roots to modern dub, cinematic textures to Afro-funk grooves.
Inside you’ll find everything needed to build full productions or spark inspiration: deep basslines, tight drums, lush horns, dubbed-out effects, live instrumentation, and genre-bending loops that cross from Kingston to London to Berlin."
I write, research, and create Bass Culture for the love of reggae and dub. If you enjoy it, your support as a paid subscriber would be genuinely appreciated.
Bass Culture: Music, Production & Stories – A deep dive into reggae and bass culture with radio show, production tips, mixing techniques, behind-the-scenes stories, curated reggae documentaries and book recommendations.
© 2025 Bass Culture548 Market Street PMB 72296, San Francisco, CA 94104 |
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New York - Shaggy, Sean Paul Lead Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert for Hurricane Relief
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 Shaggy, Sean Paul Lead Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert for Hurricane Relief
Inner Circle, Ky-Mani Marley, KES the Band, and more to take stage at New York's UBS Arena on Dec. 12
Shaggy and Sean Paul will headline the Jamaica Strong benefit concert next month to raise money for the hurricane-ravaged island nation.
Inner Circle, Ky-Mani Marley, KES the Band, and more Jamaican and Caribbean artists will take the stage at New York’s UBS Arena on Dec. 12 for the event, with all proceeds benefitting hurricane relief efforts.
The Jamaican government has teamed with local cultural organizations — Jammins Events, Irie Jam Radio, and Roadblock Radio — for Jamaica Strong, which will raise money for Shaggy’s Make A Difference Foundation, Sean Paul’s preferred charity Food for the Poor, the Irie Jam Radio Foundation, and the Jamaican consulate’s relief efforts.
“This is more than a concert — it’s a movement,” organizer George Crooks said in a statement. “Every ticket purchased directly supports rebuilding lives, homes, and hope in Jamaica.”
TICKETS
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Are you doing a Jamaican Fundraising event? Post it here for free on our event calendar on www.reggaefestivalguide.com
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Click here to post your FUNDRAISING EVENT on our top-ranking website:
Easy and free.
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Featured Video — Reggae Road Trip , Reggae Travel Experience of a Lifetime!
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Reggae Road Trip , Reggae Travel Experience of a Lifetime!
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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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In Jah´s Name We Pray - Heartfelt Message from the Editor of Reggae Festival Guide
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In Remembrance: Heather Penrod-Rudd
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 It is with deep sadness that we say goodbye to Heather Penrod-Rudd, an integral part of our team at RBA Publishing since 2013.
Heather passed away on December 2, 2025 after losing a battle with cancer. She helped me run my business for 13 years. She called herself "my assistant'; I called her "my boss".
With me in Northern California and Heather in Mexico, we would talk several times a day and solve all the problems of our weird little world: CRM software issues, billing glitches, SEO optimization, etc....all the nuts and bolts behind the Reggae Festival Guide and Blues Festival Guide marketing platforms.
We are heartbroken. So long dear Heather.
Fly away home to Zion.
Love you forever girl,
Kaati
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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 -
Dec 5 - 11, 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
Dec 5 - 11, 2025
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Ital Statistics This week in Reggae
and Nubian, Rasta, herb and related history
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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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