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55,000 Reggae Fans and Reggae Industry folks receive this publication each thursday!
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Volume 23/Issue 1
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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Happy New Year from RBA Publishing/Reggae Festival Guide
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VP Music Group Partners With Food for the Poor to Support Jamaica's Rebuilding After Hurricane Melissa
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 VP Music Group Partners With Food for the Poor to Support Jamaica's Rebuilding After Hurricane Melissa
CLICK HERE TO DONATE
The partnership centers on delivering building materials and long-term support to communities most affected by the storm
VP Music Group has partnered with Food For The Poor to support ongoing recovery efforts in Jamaica following the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Melissa. The storm displaced thousands of families and left many communities facing long-term rebuilding needs.
As part of this initiative, VP Music Group has opened an official donation portal in collaboration with Food For The Poor, allowing individuals and organizations to contribute toward continued recovery efforts across the island. Funds raised through the portal will support the purchase of essential building materials, including lumber, roofing supplies, cement, hardware, and construction tools.
Food For The Poor will oversee the procurement and distribution of these resources to households and communities most severely affected by the hurricane, ensuring aid reaches areas with the greatest need as rebuilding continues.
“Our island home Jamaica is facing a very difficult moment, with families left without homes, resources, and in some cases, hope,” said Patricia “Miss Pat” Chin, co-founder of VP Records. “The need is real and urgent, and through our partnership with Food For The Poor, we are committed to helping families as they rebuild.”
This initiative builds on several Hurricane Melissa relief efforts supported by VP Music Group in recent months, including humanitarian flights to Jamaica led by Captain Barrington Irving and Experience Aviation through Mission of Hope, participation in the Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert at UBS Arena in New York, and support for the Stay Strong Jamaica benefit concert at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida. VP Music Group has also already made a financial contribution through Sean Paul’s existing partnership with Food For The Poor, helping to support early relief and recovery work.
Together, these efforts contribute to coordinated recovery initiatives focused on housing, infrastructure, and community rebuilding. Support through the donation portal helps provide families with the resources needed to restore stability and move forward as recovery continues across the island.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE
Label Contacts
Nicholas Nam, Label Publicist
North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia
nicholas.nam@vprecords.com
Michelle Williams, Director of Caribbean and Latin America
Caribbean, Latin America and ROW
michellew@vprecords.com
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New Song by Inner Circle "Stay Strong" Listen Here ~ Stay Strong Jamaica benefit concert January 2, Hollywood, FL. ~ Get Tix Here...
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 New Song by Inner Circle "Stay Strong" Listen Here
The STAY STRONG JAMAICA HURRICANE RELIEF CONCERT FRIDAY, JANUARY 2, 2025 - HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA
LINK TO PURCHASE TICKETS
Some of Jamaica’s most popular and influential artists will come together at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood in the new year to raise money for Hurricane Melissa disaster relief. Hard Rock Cafe, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, FL 33314, US
The Stay Strong Jamaica benefit concert on Jan. 2 will feature performances by Shaggy, Julian Marley, Marcia Griffiths, Inner Circle, Third World, the Wailers and Wayne Wonder, among others.
All net proceeds from the concert will go to the designated beneficiary from the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, Jamaica’s Promise, which is providing housing, infra-structure repair and humanitarian aid to those affected by the Category 5 hurricane that hit the island on Oct. 28, 2025.
"STAY STRONG" - The official theme song for the Stay Strong Jamaica Concert
by Bad Boys Of Reggae - INNER CIRCLE
BUY/STREAM LINK
Label: DubShot Records / Sound Bwoy Ent
Release Date: December 12th, 2025
“Stay Strong” is a soul-lifting anthem of resilience and faith, created in direct support of Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa. Blending heartfelt lyricism with cinematic, uplifting production, the song transforms pain into purpose and stands as a rallying cry for unity, hope, and rebuilding. Every stream and share fuels real relief efforts, helping restore communities and remind the world that Jamaica’s spirit can never be broken.
Follow INNER CIRCLE
Spotify
Instagram
Facebook
_______________
DubShot Records/DubShot Distribution
Mill Rock Music Publishing
Follow DUBSHOT RECORDS:
YouTube
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
Twitter
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Reggae Road Trip - A Reggae Travel Experience to Kingston, JA - April 2026 - An immersive experience for the Reggae connoisseur. Join us
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 Reggae Road Trip Productions Introduces REGGAE ROAD TRIP - A Reggae Travel Experience to Kingston, JA 2026
“Wah Gwan” Reggae Headz, You Ready to Reggae Trip with us??
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
Reggae Road Trip (RRT) is a unique five-day Reggae-based travel experience that will kick off its first year in Kingston, Jamaica on April 23rd to April 27th, 2026.
The event timing perfectly aligns with the anniversary of Emperor Haile Selassie I’s historic visit to Jamaica on April 21, 1966, making the Road Trip experience a meaningful nod to the connection of Rastafarian culture and Reggae music. Moreover, RRT is honored to host such an occasion that will produce revenue into the Jamaican economy considering the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.
RRT boasts immersive activities that honor Reggae trailblazers while preserving the rich history of Reggae music. The five-day adventure highlights an intimate occasion for international Reggae enthusiasts to engage with 20 Reggae icons: rubbing of shoulders, autograph signings, photo-ops plus more at this exclusive mixer.
The mixer will showcase a symposium-style panel composed of Reggae music greats in which they will share their stories of Reggae history and their personal journeys. In exchange, the enthusiast-filled audience will get to ask the pioneers questions to their hearts desire.
This event is expected to become an annual event in Jamaica and expand to yearly Road Trips taking place in New York, Canada and England.
In addition to participants reveling at the main event of connecting with Reggae mega-icons, they will also enjoy other music-related activities, such as: 🔥Guided Tours of Historic Reggae Museums and Sites 🔥Reggae celebrity Home Sightseeing Excursion 🔥Exclusive Vinyl Record Hunts 🔥VIP Access to Kingston’s Nightlife Scene that features classic Reggae 🔥Premium Experience Upgrades + more!
People crave experiences. The world of Reggae has offered typical experiences such as purchasing music, attending international Reggae festivals and cruises, then there are various experiences to be had in the area of Bob Marley. However, Reggae Road Trip is remarkable in the way that it has been curated for the likes of Reggae historians, vinyl collectors, globe trekking Reggae concertgoers, journalists, classical-Reggae enthusiasts and true-blue Reggae nerds just to name a few.
The Reggae music industry is notorious for its undocumented history thus, resulting in “Reggae Heads” —those who live, breathe, and eat everything Reggae, constantly craving to learn the history.
This demographic of Reggae consumers rarely gets the opportunity to personally rub shoulders with the multitude of Reggae legends who kickstarted the empire of what was pegged as “Reggae Music” in 1968 by Toots.
Reggae Road Trip is here to soothe the savage Reggae beast with access to information one simply will not find online.The meet-and-greet will feature legendary Reggae celebrities consisting of varied artists, musicians, sound system pioneers, producers, as well as descendants of late-great Reggae icons.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL LINE UP and more details!
For details on how to join the Reggae Road Trip movement and purchase tickets,
visit: www.reggaeroadtrip.com
Contact Us and Learn More:
🌐 www.reggaeroadtrip.com • 🌴 www.linktr.ee/reggaeroadtrip
Google number: +1 (929) 382 - 7320 • Whatsapp: +1 (646) 266-8703
instagram.com/reggaeroadtrip • tiktok.com/@reggaeroadtrip
twitter.com/Reggae_RoadTrip • facebook.com/ReggaeRoadTrip
Email: therealreggaeroadtrip@gmail.com
www.youtube.com/therealreggaeroadtrip
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Contact: info@reggaefestivalguide.com;
775-846-8238 (text or WhatsApp)
Ask about our January Special Pricing
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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 - Mykal Rose, Ranking Joe, Tenor Fly & more - FREE ALBUM
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 Today, I'm offering another album as a free download until January 2nd. All the best
Jesse
DOWNLOAD THE ALBUM - FREE
King Size Dub Special (20 tracks + bonus)
by Ranking Joe, Micah Shemaiah, Earl 16, Tenor Fly, Horace Andy, Mykal Rose
The release of King Size Dub – special - DUBMATIX - is another impressive display of how a musical style has progressed. Dub as a style with all its reference points between commerce and innovation.
I wanted to take a moment to say thank you for being part of my journey in music and for your support. You are the reason I've been in this for over 30 years now, and what gets me excited to this day: creating and sharing these releases with you.
I write, research, and create Bass Culture for the love of reggae and dub.
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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 - Remember That Thoughts and Intentions Count.
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All actions begin as energies in the mind, and all thoughts have consequences. Monitor your inner space this year to ensure your thoughts align with the goals of being kinder, more compassionate and more forgiving in thought, word and deed.
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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 -
Jan 2 - 8, 2026
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
Jan 2 - 8, 2026
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Ital Statistics This week in Reggae and Nubian, Rasta, herb and related history
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| January 1 |
| Kwanzaa, the seventh day: Imani (Faith) |
| New Year's Day |
| 1863: |
The 16th U.S. President Abraham Lincoln declares free all slaves residing in territory in rebellion against the federal government. (The Emancipation Proclamation) |
| ----: |
Scotty is born. |
| ----: |
Flexx (Xavier Davidson) [T.O.K.] is born. |
| 1946: |
Albert Griffiths [Gladiators] is born in the rural parish of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. |
| 1953: |
Alpha Blondy (Seydou Kone) is born at Dimbokro in Ivory Coast.
Seydou or Blondy was raised by his grandmother, Cherie Coco, who instilled in him the wisdom of the Koran and Dioula morality on tolerance and mixed marriages.
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| 1956: |
Sudan gains independence from Britain (National Day). |
| 1960: |
Cameroon gains independence from France. |
| 1990: |
A riot broke out at a stage show "Regal Rock" which was set for Addison Park, Brown's Town in St. Ann, Jamaica.
Patrons attending the show rained bottles and stones on the stage at 11:10 p.m. causing the police to fire shots in the air. At the end of it all, scores of people ware injured from bottles and stones, at least three ware shot and wounded. The selector for Marathon Disco, Thomas Brown had a bottle shattered in his face and was taken to the Spanish Town Hospital for treatment. DJ Sister Charmaine had a bottle which had crashed through the car window she tried leave in, smash into her forearm as she tried to protect her face. All this because the advertised backing band Sagittarius was late in getting to the venue from another gig in Kingston.
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| January 2 |
| 1962: |
DJ Sister Nancy is born. |
| 1965: |
Don Drummond kills his girlfriend (common-law wife), famed rumba dancer Anita "Marguerita" Mahfood, and is in custody. |
| 1974: |
Japanese DJ RYO the SKYWALKER is born. |
| 1991: |
Funeral for Donat Roy Mittoo aka Jackie Mittoo, passed away December 16th, is held at the National Arena in Kingston, Jamaica.
Hortense Ellis, Tinga Stewart, Desmond "Desi Roots" Young, Ruddy Thomas, Tommy Cowan, Clement "Coxsone" Dodd and others attend the funeral. A memorial concert was held in same time. Vin Gordon, Leroy 'Horsemouth' Wallace, Glen 'Bagga' Fagan, Pablo Black, Robert Lynn, Michael 'Ibo' Cooper, Ken Boothe, Delroy Wilson, Carlene Davis, Tinga Stewart and others gave memorial performance.
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| January 3 |
| 1957: |
Joseph Cotton (Silbert Walton) is born in Spanish Town. |
| 1958: |
Jamaica becomes a founding member of the West Indies Federation, a group of Caribbean islands that formed a unit within the Commonwealth of Nations. |
| 1991: |
Final service for Donat Roy Mittoo aka Jackie Mittoo (d. December 16) in Montego Bay, Jamaica. |
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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.
e-mail
Legal Disclaimer
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Distributed by RBA Publishing Inc.
If you wish (and we really wish you wouldn't) like to be removed from this list, please reply with REMOVE in subject line.
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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