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55,000 Reggae Fans and Reggae Industry folks receive this publication each thursday!
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Volume 23/Issue 7
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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(BULL BAY, JAMAICA) THIS WEEKEND - Wickie Wackie Music Music and Camping Festival
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 Wickie Wackie Music Festival stands as one of the island’s most authentic cultural celebrations. This year, your participation carries special meaning as Jamaica rebuilds after Hurricane Melissa.
By attending Wickie Wackie Music Festival, you’re doing more than experiencing world-class reggae on Bull Bay’s iconic black sand beaches—you’re directly supporting meaningful tourism that empowers local communities, musicians, and the cultural heartbeat of the island that gave the world reggae music.
Join us February 12-14, 2026, and be part of Jamaica’s vibrant recovery. Your presence helps preserve the festivals, artists, and traditions that make this island extraordinary. Experience authentic Reggae Month. Support Jamaican culture. Dance where reggae lives.
KUMAR FYAY, THIRD WORLD, ETANA, THE ABYSINNIANS, JC LODGE, BILLY MYSTIC..AND many many more.
Wickie Wackie Beach Bar
Lot 14 Wickie Wackie Drive, Bull Bay,
GET TICKETS HERE
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(SACRAMENTO, CA) April 17, 2026 ANTHONY B + IRIE ROCKERZ & SQUAREFIELD at Harlows
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 Anthony B, The Original Fireman, is one of the most popular Jamaican artists, and the most prolific of his generation, the hits of this athlete are countless! With his 30-year career, he is one of those who constantly renew himself to produce reggae that is always effective and sought after around the world. His words are conscious, advocate freedom, equality and the need to fight for these values. With his Band "Bornfire", Anthony B delivers supercharged shows, with a communicative cheerfulness that makes the planet dance, an artist who cannot be ignored!
GET TICKETS HERE
ANTHONY B, born Keith ANTHONY Blair in 1976, Clarks Towns, Jamaica, began singing in church, like many other reggae legends. After having cut his teeth with Shaggy Hi-Power local sound system, and met other artists such as Determine, Mega Banton, Ricky General, Terror Fabulous or even Little Devon in Portmore, he left for Kingston in 1992. Arrived in the capital, he was quickly spotted by famed producer Richard 'Bell' Bello of Star Trail Records.
He released his first single in 1993 "The Living Is Hard", but it was in 1996 with the success of "Repentance Time" that his career really began. Then follow the hits "Rumor", "Raid di barn" and "Fire pon Rome" on his first album "Real Revolutionary" with these explosive lyrics which will make his notoriety, and which will remain engraved in the history of Jamaican music.
Since his beginnings marked by Otis Redding and Peter Tosh, who will become his claimed models, and his studies on the teaching of Marcus Garvey, ANTHONY B has been the messenger of political and social demands. The themes he discusses in his songs are rooted in the rasta culture, with a revolutionary touch in addition. Over time, sharpening his pen and injecting strong messages into each of his tracks, the artist has established himself as the voice of the poor, of oppressed peoples across the world.
Today, ANTHONY B has to his credit numerous albums that have become classics such as "Universal Struggle", "Street Knowledge" or "Freedom Fighter", hundreds of hits, covered and remixed by top-names production, and a countless sold-out concerts across the world. Proof that ANTHONY B has never left center stage, asserting himself today as a leading artist of dancehall and reggae.
HARLOWS - 2708 J St, Sacramento, CA 95816 = (916) 441-4693 - harlows.com
7pm Doors/ 8pm Show / All ages / Tickets: $33.00 (plus fees)
FOR MORE INFO:
Billy Drewitz / LATE-NITE PRODUCTIONS - Owner / Talent Buyer / Concert & Event Producer
latenitebilly@hotmail.com
LateNiteProductions.com
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(BERKELEY, CA) May 10, 2026 - Protoje at The UC Theatre
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 Berkeley, CA ~ The UC Theatre Presents on SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2026 PROTOJE
Protoje is the name that reverberates at the core of Jamaica’s musical renaissance. A visionary and an architect of sound, Protoje has redefined what it means to be a modern artist, blending the rich heritage of reggae with the fresh influence of hip-hop, soul, and jazz.
From his roots in Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica, Protoje’s journey is one marked by passion, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to his craft.
GET TICKETS HERE
VIP Tables Also Available
Click HERE and enjoy VIDEO - Protoje - BIG 45 (Official Video)
Venue: 2036 University Ave. Berkeley, CA, 510-356-4000
General Admission Standing Room with Limited Seating
Doors: 7:00pm • Show: 8:00pm - All Ages
The UC Theatre is located at 2036 University Avenue downtown Berkeley, CA and is easily accessible by all modes of transportation including BART, bus, bikes, and car.
Parking is available at the Center Street Garage at the Golden Bear Parking Lot.
For more info visit www.theuctheatre.org/
Facebook
Instagram
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San Diego, CA - 45th Tribute to the Reggae Legends/ Bob Day - February 20 & 21, 2026
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 Join us for the 45th Annual Tribute to the Reggae Legends in San Diego, CA. The 2026 event will span two days.
Tribute to the Reggae Legends, also known as Bob Marley Day honors the rich legacy of reggae music.
Founded by Prophet World Beat Productions in honor of Bob Marley’s legacy.
Reggae music carries a powerful message of unity, peace, and awareness of social inequities.
The WorldBeat Center remains dedicated to preserving the legacy and message of reggae legends like Bob Marley and Peter Tosh.
2026 LINEUP
*
Friday, February 20th
Julian Marley and the Uprising
Johnny Osborne and Fully Fullwood Band
Mara Sulu
Pinnacle Roots
DJ Mykol Orthodox
7:00 pm - Midnite
Saturday, February 21st
King Yellowman
Johnny Clarke
Ranking Joe
The Cables
Chezidek
Marlon Asher
Fully Fullwood Band
Quinto Sol
Fre3sty13
Good Over Evil Sound System
MC Junior Francis
3:00 pm - Midnite
*Line-up subject to change
ALL AGES
GET TICKETS HERE
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South Florida ~ Sunday, May 17 - 43rd IRAWMA Awards ceremony - Voting happening now
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 Nomination to select reggae and world music’s best of 2025 in the 43rd Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) is now officially in progress and is open to entertainment media and the entertainment industry experts (i.e., artists, producers, promoters, songwriters, record labels, media, bloggers, managers, agents, and engineers, etc.).
The nomination period runs January 1st, 2026, through February 15, 2026, for those in the music industry and subscribers at Youtube.com/IRAWMA to submit their choices. Experts can submit two choices in the categories that they are up to date with and skip the categories with which they are not familiar.
The revealing of nominees will be at a press conference in Kingston, Jamaica during Reggae Month Thursday, February 19th, 2026, and a donation to assist Hurricane Melissa Healthcare and Maternity Department will be presented to the CEO of the St. Elizabeth Hospital.
After the official list of nominees are revealed, the subscribers at www.YouTube.com/irawma and the general music fans can then visit www.irawma.com to cost their votes, keeping in mind the categories for selecting the winners. Only one vote per person is allowed, and any attempt to vote more than once will automatically discard the vote.
Voting will run through midnight, May 5th, 2026. The winners will be announced and presented on Sunday, May 17th at the 43rd IRAWMA Awards ceremony, at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC), Lauderhill, South Florida.
A limited number of 50% general, and VIP promo tickets are on sale at www.irawma.com and www.LPACFLcom, to walk the Red Carpet, participate in the VIP Reception and showcase.
Dr Ephraim Martin, President of IRAWMA, who recently lost his wife, partner and co-executive producer, Justice Shelvin Hall, said, the 43rd Annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) is dedicated to “Hon. Justice ShelvIn L.M. Hall with the theme “JAMAICA RISE” saluting the music industry and others who in unity, made and are still making outstanding contributions to Jamaica Hurricane Melissa Destruction and rebuilding.
A pre-Health Care Seminar is in the works for Saturday, May 16th at the same Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, the day before the IRAWMA ceremony, May 17th, 2026.
Thanks to our partnership support over the years, especially Broward County Florida Cultural Division, VP records, Downsound Entertainment (DSE), Reggae Festival Guide, JAMUSA, 25th Century Radio, and Masterpiece Events, among others. To become a sponsor, make a tax-deductible donation, secure tickets, or advertise in the IRAWMA magazine, email irawmasponsor@gmail.com, visit www.irawma.com or call 877/9-REGGAE (9734423) for complete information.
MEDIA/SPONSOR CONTACTS: Terrel Blackett @ terrel.martinsinternational@gmail.com or 718/427-1079, and in Jamaica Daina.touchstone@gmail.com
ABOUT IRAWMA
IRAWMA is the longest-running award event of its kind, honoring all the top entertainers of reggae and world music. The event was launched with the objective to acknowledge and honor the accomplishments and contributions of entertainers in various categories of reggae and world music and to promote greater participation and acceptance of Reggae, Caribbean, African and other World Music internationally.
Click here https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1H5Hkgv6nP/
Ephraim M. Martin, BH{M}, D.B.A.
President/Chairman
IRAWMA, CMA, IFOL, JSVFEST, and Black Heroes Matter (BHM) Coalition
Powered by Martin's International
1325 South Wabash #307, Chicago, Il 60605
www.martinsinternational.com, www.LinkedIn.com/martinsintermational
www.YouTube.com/irawma, www.facebook.com/martinsinternatonal and @irawma.
General email: martinsinternational1982@gmail.com
Instagram/Twitter @irawmaawards, @festoflife, @martinsinternational, @chicagomusicawards, and @DuSableChicago,
Phone 312/427-0266
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Our Email Data Base Reaches Thousands of Reggae Festival Promoters and Venues
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Call Kaati or Joana today: 775 846 8238
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Featured Weekly Reggae Radio & PODCAST Release Radar - Week of February 1 - 6, 2026
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 Weekly Reggae Radio & Podcast Release RadarPresented By: Hippie-Fari Reggae Radio & Podcast www.hippiefari.com
Week of: Week of February , 2026
Curated by: Scotty (The High Strung Hippie) Fraser – Host Of Hippie Fari Reggae Radio & Podcast
Check back next week!
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San Francisco, CA - February 21 - Red, Gold & Green: Reggae Legends Live - Get Tix here
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 Red, Gold & Green: Reggae Legends Live - Ruth Williams Opera House in San Francisco - Saturday, February 21 at 8pm PST
GET TICKETS HERE
Join us at the Ruth Williams Opera House for a powerful night of reggae, roots, and conscious sound as ReggaeTownMusic.com brings together an extraordinary lineup of artists rooted in culture, community, and creative expression. This event celebrates the global legacy of Black and Brown music while reaffirming The Ruth’s mission to create platforms where community-centered art can thrive.
The stage will feature dynamic performances by:• Prezident Brown — veteran roots reggae voice with a message of uplift and empowerment
• Anthony Garvey — soulful singer and cultural storyteller
• I - Taweh — dynamic artist blending rhythms and roots energy
• Brady Shemar — rising voice in reggae and conscious music
• Donny Rasta — commanding presence on the mic with soulful vibes
• Sir Lion & DJ Hyphee — selectors and spinners embedding culture and community in every beat.
At a time when community connection and cultural expression matter more than ever, this night marks a celebration of music that unites, heals, and uplifts. The Ruth Williams Opera House has long served as a cultural anchor for Black and Brown artists and families in Bayview and across the Bay Area—providing space for artistic growth, cultural dialogue, and shared experiences.
Come experience roots music in a space built for community, creativity, and legacy. Your presence supports our ongoing efforts to sustain programs that empower artists of color, elevate local talent, and strengthen cultural heritage through performance and storytelling.
Ruth Williams Opera House — 4705 3rd St, San Francisco, CA
All ages/Doors at 8pm
By Ruth Williams Opera House & La Fauna Music
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Reggae Month 2026 — “Rhythms of Resilience” - 17 Years of Cultural Leadership
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 JaRIA Announces Reggae Month 2026 — “Rhythms of Resilience” Marks 17 Years of Cultural Leadership
Kingston, Jamaica — The Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) will publish its official calendar for Reggae Month 2026 this week, as the organisation celebrates 17 years of advocacy and service to Jamaica’s creative community under the theme “Rhythms of Resilience.”
The theme reflects the determination of Jamaica’s cultural practitioners to continue creating, uplifting communities, and driving national inspiration — even amid financial challenges and recovery efforts. “Reggae Month has always been about more than concerts,” said JaRIA Chairman, Ewan D.A. Simpson. “It is a declaration that our music, our creativity, and our cultural ecosystem are essential to nation building. Even where sponsorship support has been slow, we remain committed to producing meaningful, world-class programming that honours our icons and inspires the next generation.”
KEY EVENTS & TRIBUTES
Tribute to Dennis Brown – Hard Rock Guitar Hotel, Florida — January 31 - Presented in collaboration with Vision Band.
Remembering the Crown Prince – EMCVPA — February 1
Staged in collaboration with the Dennis Brown Trust.
Back to Bass-es – EMCVPA — February 4
Rocking the Cliff: Tribute to Jimmy Cliff – Coral Cliff, Montego Bay — February 11
Resilient Praise – EMCVPA — February 18
Bands Rewind – EMCVPA — February 25
JaRIA will again partner with the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts to
stage Reggae Wednesdays, while also expanding the Reggae Open University (ROU) series
to tertiary institutions in Kingston, Montego Bay, and Mandeville with a possibility for Port
Antonio to be added.
PARTNERSHIPS AND ENDORSEMENTS
In keeping with its mission of collaboration, JaRIA will continue to support and endorse
events across Jamaica and the diaspora, including: • Dennis Brown Celebration (Florida) — Vision Band • Reggae Month Miami activities — Inner Circle • Toronto celebration honouring Leroy Sibbles — Kreative Movement Inc. • Wickie Wackie Music Festival — Jamaica • I-Frequency series — first and third Thursdays in February -“These partnerships show the reach and strength of reggae,” added Chairman Simpson.
“From Kingston to Florida, Toronto, and beyond, Reggae Month is a living movement connecting our culture with communities across the world.”
ABOUT JaRIA
The Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) promotes advocacy, professional development, education, research, and celebration of Jamaica’s music ecosystem — ensuring reggae remains a dynamic cultural, social, and economic force for Jamaica and the world.
For interviews, sponsorship inquiries, or event details, visit www.jariaentertainment.com or follow JaRIA on social media.
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Dumatix Shares - Junior Murvin - Classics from the Falsetto Rebel (Mix)
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 Junior Murvin was born Murvin Smith on July 22, 1946, in Port Antonio, Jamaica, and raised in Kingston, where he began singing in the 1960s as part of local harmony groups. His early recordings leaned toward rocksteady and soul-influenced reggae, but it wasn’t until the mid-1970s that his voice, a high, falsetto style sometimes compared to Curtis Mayfield, became fully recognized. Murvin’s sound stood out in an era dominated by heavy roots vocals, giving his music an emotional, haunting quality that would later define his most important work.
Breakthrough with Lee “Scratch” Perry and Black Ark
Murvin’s career changed in 1976 when he began working with Lee “Scratch” Perry at the legendary Black Ark Studio in Kingston. Their collaboration produced “Police and Thieves,” a stark, politically charged song that captured the tension of Jamaica’s violent election period. The track became a major hit in Jamaica and gained international recognition when The Clash covered it on their debut album in 1977, bringing Murvin’s voice to a global punk and reggae audience. His 1977 album Police and Thieves, produced by Perry, is now considered a roots reggae classic, blending militant lyrics, deep bass, dub effects, and Murvin’s unmistakable falsetto.
Later Career and Lasting Influence
After leaving Perry’s camp in the late 1970s, Murvin recorded for several producers and labels, including Joe Gibbs and Greensleeves, releasing albums such as Bad Man Posse and Muggers in the Street. Although he never matched the commercial impact of his Perry years, his voice remained a cult favorite among DJs, producers, and sound system selectors. Junior Murvin passed away on December 2, 2013, at the age of 67, but his influence continues to echo through roots reggae, dub, and punk-reggae crossover culture. “Police and Thieves” remains a defining anthem of resistance, and Murvin is remembered as one of reggae’s most distinctive and emotionally powerful voices.
PLAYLIST 1 Junior Murvin - Childhood Sweetheart 2 The Upsetter Revue; Junior Murvin - Closer Together 3 Junior Murvin - Roots Train 4 Junior Murvin - Cool Out Son 5 Junior Murvin - False Teachin' 6 Junior Murvin - Give Me Your Love 7 Junior Murvin - Muggers In The Street 8 Junior Murvin - Tedious 9 Junior Murvin - Police & Thieves 10 Junior Murvin - Memories - 12" Version 11 Junior Murvin - Judas And Jesus 12 Junior Murvin - Rebellion 13 Junior Murvin; Jango - Bam Bam Bam 14 Junior Murvin - Bad Man Possee 15 Junior Murvin - World Inflation
A Message and Music from Dubmatix 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.
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Are you doing a Jamaican Fundraising event for Hurricane Relief?
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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Promo Video — Your Video could be here: Contact 775 -846-8238
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The best reggae music videos of all time, including Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Alpha Blondy, Tarrus Riley, Israel Vibration, Tarrus Riley, Jah Cure and many many more of the best reggae music videos ever made. https://www.youtube.com/@rastavibration
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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 also 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 and Joana - RBA PUBLISHING & PUBLICITY
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Iam loved with no conditions attached.
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My worth doesn’t depend on my success or mistakes.
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I was created on purpose and for a purpose.
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Richie B's Jamaican Reggae Airplay Charts
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Jamaica Music Countdown
By Richard ‘Richie B’ Burgess
JMC Charts -
Feb 6 - 12, 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
Feb 6 - 12, 2026
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Ital Statistics This week in Reggae and Nubian, Rasta, herb and related history
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| February 12 |
| 1965: |
Cutty Ranks (Philip Thomas) is born in Kingston, Jamaica. |
| 1972: |
Frisco Kid (Steve Wray) is born in Western Kingston, Jamaica. |
| 1975: |
Stevie Face (Anwar Hanchard) is born at Princess Margaret Hospital, St. Thomas, Jamaica. |
| 1989: |
Funeral for the great dub master Osbourne Ruddock aka King Tubby, passed away February 6th, is held.
His family, many engineers and producers who have learned from King Tubby and 3,500 people attend the funeral in the rain.
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| February 13 |
| 2002: |
Stephen Marley and Julian Marley were arrested for possession of marijuana in Florida. (FULL STORY) |
| 2025: |
Determine (Rohan Bennett) passes away after a battle with stomach cancer at the age of 52. |
| February 14 |
| Saint Valentine's Day |
| ----: |
DJ Jesse Jendau is born. |
| ----: |
Ralston Grant [Twinkle Brothers; vocals/rhythm guitar] is born. |
| 19--: |
Tatsuyuki Hiyamuta [Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra; alto sax] is born in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. |
| 1977: |
Junior Marvin joins the Wailers. |
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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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 2026 marks the 32nd 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, Irene, Michele, and Melisa
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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