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55,000 Reggae Fans and Reggae Industry folks receive this publication each thursday!
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Volume 23/Issue 37
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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Indestructible Beat: The Story of South African Mbaqanga
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 Indestructible Beat: The Story of South African MbaqangaThere is a music from the townships of South Africa that carries in every bar the full weight of what it meant to create joyful, communal, physically irresistible music under one of the most brutal systems of racial oppression the twentieth century produced. It is called mbaqanga, or township jive, and it was born in the recording studios and the streets of Johannesburg’s Soweto in the early 1960s, rooted in Zulu musical tradition, shaped by American jazz and the specific urban energy of communities who had been pushed to the margins of a city they had helped build. The music the apartheid state could not suppress. The beat that would not stop.
The Context: Apartheid and the Township
To understand mbaqanga, you have to understand what a South African township was and what it was for. The apartheid system, formalized in law following the National Party’s election victory in 1948, created a geography of racial segregation that confined Black South Africans to designated areas, denied them citizenship rights in the country of their birth, and used every instrument of the state to enforce that denial. The townships that surrounded South Africa’s major cities- Soweto outside Johannesburg, Alexandra to the north, Langa and Gugulethu outside Cape Town- were not communities that had grown organically but holding areas created by policy, their residents permitted in the cities only as labour for the white economy and expelled to the townships when that labour was not required.
The policy could not control what happened inside those townships after working hours. The music that developed in Soweto and Alexandra through the 1950s and into the 1960s, absorbing American big band jazz and rhythm and blues from radio broadcasts alongside the Zulu and Sotho traditional music that township residents had brought with them from the countryside, producing a hybrid of extraordinary energy and sophistication, was the most complete demonstration of what communities do when denied every other outlet for creativity and pride. They make music. And when the music is this good, it becomes something the state simply cannot reach.
The Roots: Kwela, Marabi and the Road to Mbaqanga
Mbaqanga did not appear without ancestors. The music that preceded it through the 1940s and 1950s, marabi, a piano-driven township dance music rooted in the shebeens, the illegal drinking establishments that were the primary social institutions of township life, and kwela, the pennywhistle-driven street music that children and young adults played on the corners of Soweto, provided the immediate foundations. Kwela in particular, its simple pennywhistle melody lines and its irresistible rhythmic bounce, fed directly into the mbaqanga sound when electric guitars replaced the pennywhistle and the full drum kit replaced the street percussion. The township, as always, converted what was available into what was needed.
CLICK HERE TO READ ENTIRE ARTICLE
more info:
Bass Culture Music Magazine
Bass Culture: Mix Shows bassculture+radio-show@substack.com
dubmatix@dubmatix.com
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THIS WEEKEND! Blanco, Texas - REMO FEST '26 - Saturday, September 19, 2026
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 REMO FEST '26 - Blanco, Texas - Camping • Reggae • Good Vibes - Saturday, September 19, 2026
Get ready for Texas' biggest grassroots reggae and soundsystem gathering!
Remo Fest '26 returns to the beautiful Hill Country Caribbean Vybez in Blanco, Texas
A full day of live reggae, dancehall, roots music, DJs, and sound system culture with artists from across Texas, Jamaica, Belize, and beyond!
SKILLINJAH, SGT. REMO, RAS INDIO, MICAH SHALOM, SOULFIYA, many more!
Camping
Make it a full weekend experience with on-site camping under the Texas Hill Country stars. Enjoy Caribbean food, cold drinks, local vendors, positive vibes, and a welcoming community of music lovers from Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and beyond.
Tickets
Tickets and campsites are limited. Secure yours early and be part of the movement as Texas reggae comes together for one unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and community.
Get Tickets HERE
About Remo Fest
Remo Fest is Texas' grassroots reggae and sound system festival, built by the community and for the community. Now entering its 5th year and its 3rd year.
Click here to read more
~Where Texas Reggae Connects~
Get tickets and reserve your campsite now at www.sgtremo.com
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This weekend! Trenton, NJ - Afro Reggae Fest at Mill Hill Park!!! - Sept 19
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 Make sure you come out this weekend for our Afro Reggae Fest at Mill Hill Park!!!
💃🏽Afro Reggae Fest - 📆Saturday, Sept 19 - 🕐4:00pm - 8:00pm- 📍Mill Hill Park
We’ll have food, music, entertainment, and more!! Come have fun with us this weekend! Tell a friend to tell a friend!!!
#FunTrenton
#AfroReggaeFest
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Clinton Fearon & Boogie Brown Band — Now Booking 2027
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 Clinton Fearon & Boogie Brown Band —California Tour 2026 Wraps w/ Strong Results — Now Booking 2027
Right Vibes Productions is pleased to announce the successful completion of Clinton Fearon & Boogie Brown Band’s four-city California tour, with three of the four performances selling out and the Los Angeles date drawing a packed house.
The highly anticipated California run brought one of reggae’s most respected voices and authentic roots reggae performers to stages in San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Cruz and Mill Valley, demonstrating the continued demand for Clinton Fearon and quality roots reggae music.
The tour opened with a SOLD-OUT performance in San Diego, followed by a packed house at the Dub Club Echoplex in Los Angeles. The tour continued with SOLD-OUT performances in Santa Cruz and Mill Valley, giving the California run an impressive three sold-out shows out of four. For promoters, festival organizers and talent buyers, the response is a strong indication that Clinton Fearon remains a powerful live attraction with an established audience and the ability to draw fans across multiple California markets.
CLINTON FEARON IS AVAILABLE FOR 2027 BOOKINGS
Following the success of the California tour, Clinton Fearon & Boogie Brown Band are now available for 2027 festival, concert and venue bookings through Right Vibes Productions. With a career spanning more than five decades, Clinton Fearon continues to bring the authentic roots reggae tradition to audiences around the world. Promoters looking to add a legendary reggae artist with a proven live following to their 2027 lineup are encouraged to inquire early. Clinton Fearon Live - "On The Other Side"
Festival Promoters • Talent Buyers • Venues • Concert Presenters For 2027 booking inquiries,
contact:Right Vibes Productions - Jeff Allgrove rightvibesproductions@gmail.com | www.rightvibesproductions.com
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BLVK H3RO | STRICTLY GOOD VIBES TOUR | NOW BOOKING
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 Grammy-nominated Jamaican artist Blvk H3ro is bringing his Strictly Good Vibes Tour to the West Coast this fall, following recent performances across Europe and the Americas, including France, Germany, Poland, Panama, Costa Rica and California’s Reggae on the River.
The tour coincides with the October 2 release of Strictly Good Vibes Vol. 1, alongside the new Strictly Good Vibes Remix 9/15 featuring The Movement & Perfect Giddimani.
The tour kicks off October 3 at Goldiggers in Los Angeles, with select dates throughout California and additional dates currently being routed.
NOW BOOKING: West Coast venue dates, concerts and select opening/support opportunities for 2026–2027.
UPCOMING TOUR DATES
GET TICKETS HERE
• 10/3 — Los Angeles, CA — Gold Diggers w/ Bambaata
• 10/17 — Ukiah, CA — Thirsty Axe
• 10/18 — Santa Cruz, CA — Woodhouse Brewing
• 10/22 — Reno, NV — Club Underground
• 10/23 — Pacifica, CA — Longboard Margarita
• 11/8 — TBA
MUSIC + LINKS for Strictly Good Vibes:
Spotify
YouTube
Instagram
Website
BOOKING: William Wright
/ Eastern Sun Talent
william@easternsuntalent.com
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Berkeley, CA - THE MEDITATIONS - September 22 at The Freight
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 The Freight Presents THE MEDITATIONS
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Three voices, one of the tightest harmonies reggae has ever produced. Ansel Cridland, Danny Clarke, and Winston Watson, also known as The Meditations, recorded their first hit single, "Woman Is Like a Shadow," in 1974 at Channel One Recording Studio. The group made their mark and cemented their status as reggae legends with the publication of their first two albums, Message From The Meditations and Wake Up.
GET TICKETS HERE
Their harmonies caught the ear of Lee "Scratch" Perry, who brought them in to sing behind Bob Marley on "Punky Reggae Party." Marley loved the sound so much he kept calling them back, for "Rastaman Live Up," "Blackman Redemption," and more. Many say The Meditations were his favorite group. You've heard them elsewhere too, behind Jimmy Cliff on "Bongo Man Youths Them A Cry" and Gregory Isaacs on "Mr. Cop."
Ansel has carried the sound forward ever since producing Guidance, singing every lead on 1983's No More Friends, reuniting the group for Return of the Meditations (1993), and releasing Ghetto Knowledge (1999), Stand In Love (2004), and Dangerous Society (2011) with the late Philip Smart.
Ansel is a committed musician who writes, produces, and releases albums while also traveling with DaddyLion Chandell and Toussaint Webb on harmony.
The album The Meditations & Friends—Smile Again was released in 2021. Their latest album,
Live It to Know It, was released in spring of 2025.
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Doors: 7:00 PM - Show: 8:00 PM
2020 Addison Street, Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 644-2020
info@thefreight.org
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Oakland, CA - September 26 - Reggae Town Music presents Reggae On Fire! Sisters of Reggae — a powerful night of live reggae music, culture, food, vendors, and community in Oakland.
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 Come experience an unforgettable evening of Bay Area reggae, roots reggae, dancehall energy, cultural music, and positive vibrations at ROOT’D in the 510, located at 4444 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, CA.
This special Sisters of Reggae edition of Reggae On Fire! features Sister I-Live, a Bay Area favorite known for her high-energy performances, uplifting roots reggae, cultural messages, original songs, and classic reggae covers. Also performing is Brady Shammar, a Kingston, Jamaica-born singer, songwriter, producer, and arranger whose powerful voice, bold stage presence, and reggae-fusion style have earned her performances at major reggae festivals and alongside respected international artists.
GET TICKETS HERE
If you are looking for reggae in Oakland, reggae concerts in Berkeley, live reggae near San Francisco, or a roots reggae event in the Bay Area, this is the night to be in the building.
Reggae On Fire! Sisters of Reggae - Saturday, September 26th
Doors Open: 7:00 PM - Show Starts: 8:00 PM
ROOT’D in the 510 - 4444 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, CA
Presented by: Reggae Town Music
Headlining Sisters of Reggae is Sister I-Live, a Bay Area favorite and powerful reggae performer with deep Jamaican roots. Born and raised in Westmoreland, Jamaica, Sister I-Live brings a spiritual and cultural foundation to her music, blending roots reggae, dancehall energy, original songwriting, and classic reggae covers.
Known as a lively performer whose dancing moves the crowd, Sister I-Live brings fire, healing messages, and authentic reggae energy to every stage.
Special Performance by Brady Shammar - an Afro-centric singer, songwriter, producer, and arranger from Kingston. Her music blends reggae with alt rock, conscious lyrics, strong melodies, and a bold live performance style.
Jamaican food vendor and reggae, cultural, arts, crafts, and community vendors.
Come early, enjoy the food, support local vendors, connect with the community/
ReggaeTownMusic.com
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Orlando, FL🔥🌴 REGGAE DAY IS COMING TO ORLANDO! 🌴🔥 October 3
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 🔥🌴 REGGAE DAY IS COMING TO ORLANDO! 🌴🔥
Get ready for a full day and night of positive vibrations, live reggae music, great food, cold drinks, and community as Reggae Day takes over Boxi Park in the heart of Lake Nona!
📅 Saturday, October 3rd ⏰ 12PM – 12AM
📍 Boxi Park 6877 Lake Nona Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827
🎤 Performing Live: 🎶 NostalJah - 🎶 Warrior Love - 🎶 Shamanic Rootz - 🎶 Army Gideon
🎧 Selections by: 🔊 DJ RED i 🔊 Gary Dread
Experience twelve hours of roots reggae, conscious vibes, dancehall energy, culture, food vendors, craft drinks, and family-friendly fun in one of Orlando's most unique outdoor venues.
Bring your flags, bring your friends, and come celebrate the music, culture, and spirit of reggae with us.
One Love • One People • One Vibration
#ReggaeDay #BoxiPark #LakeNona #OrlandoEvents #ReggaeMusic
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This September, The Highlife Band & Adrian Xavier are launching the "Love Is The Answer" Tour across Northern California
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 This September, The Highlife Band & Adrian Xavier are launching the Love Is The Answer Tour across Northern California in support of our new single, "Love Is The Answer."
The song is an uplifting blend of roots reggae, soul, and world music, centered around love, unity, hope, and bringing people together through music.
Seattle's acclaimed Adrian Xavier, is among the Pacific Northwest's leading independent reggae artists. He has been billed with artists including Burning Spear, Prezident Brown, Buffy Saint Marie, Ras Michael, Don Carlos, Nattali Rize, Michael Franti, Israel Vibrations, Sly & Robbie, Michael Rose, Sheryl Crow, Sister Carol, Macklemore, and many others.
His music has been featured in film, festivals, and radio while helping shape the modern West Coast reggae scene.
Attention Media: We'd love to make "Love Is The Answer" available for airplay and would be happy to schedule an interview, station ID, acoustic performance, or ticket giveaway to support your programming.
Listen HERE
Sep 16th Pacifica – Winters Tavern – 8pm Free
Sep 17th Chico – Mulberry Station – 7pm Opening for the Meditations
Sep 18th Sacramento – Torch Club – 9pm
Sep 19th Bolinas – Smileys Saloon - 8:30pm
Adrian Xavier & The Highlife Band
Booking & Media Relations
206-915-4456
creativebooking@gmail.com
AdrianXavier.com
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New AbaAriginal - Reggae & Dub
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 New AbaAriginal - Reggae & Dub
Patrick Anthony Tenyue, AKA Patrixx Matic, a long-time brass and keyboards musician, composer, arranger, and producer performing as ABA ARIGINAL, has signed a three album deal with USA-based company MEGAWAVE.
~ The new album (digital & CD) will be online
and at stores on September 4
~ A vinyl LP is expected this Fall 2026
~ Purchasers of the vinyl LP will also get
free digital downloads
This is the first full-length since 2017 from Aba Ariginal. This Reggae and Dub collection features his solo work, as well as collaborations and a remix with Lee “Scratch” Perry.
Patrixx is currently recording productions in Jamaica with Charlie Anderson of the Selectors and Congo Natty.
He is looking to be touring in Europe as Aba Ariginal in the summer of 2026.
PRE-SAVE HERE ON THE MUSIC PLATFORM OF YOUR CHOICE
From 1984 through 1994, he joined the band UB40 as the UB40 horn section both live and in the studio as horn arranger and through his time with the band playing keyboards and bass, receiving brass writer and arranger credit for a number of UB40 albums and singles, including the Promises and Lies album —their biggest ever with over 12 million copies sold 1994!
He continues to record with and for some of the greatest Reggae producers and recording artists both in Europe and in Jamaica. He has an armory of hits and ready available riddims and songs for musicians and artists, keeping his talent razor sharp as a fully qualified engineer and producer in the studio.
His passion for music has gotten his style of horn arrangements adopted into Reggae music worldwide, where he is known as Patrixx Matic di Aba Ariginal.
FOLLOW:
Facebook
Instagram
MORE INFO:
MEGAWAVE President, John Palmer, P.O. Box 15219 Lansing, Michigan 48901-5219 USA
info@megawavemusic.com
www.MEGAWAVEmusic.com
Music from MEGAWAVE artists ~
Images and music for the body, mind, and spirit
Audio, video, and film production services
- Music publishing - media distribution
Research and development services
CELEBRATING OVER 50 YEARS -
founded in 1972 in Ann Arbor, Michigan USA
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Berkeley, CA - THE GREEN also Johnny Suite UC Theatre - October 4, 2026
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 The Green also Johnny Suite - The UC Theatre - October 4, 2026
Doors: 7:00 pm - Start: 8:00 pm
All Ages
BUY TICKETS $32.50 + FEES HERE
For over 15 years, The Green has been a cornerstone of the reggae music scene, seamlessly blending island roots with global appeal. Based in Hawaii, the band has become one of the most beloved and influential acts to emerge from the islands, pioneering U.S. mainland tours and sharing stages with reggae legends like Rebelution, Iration, SOJA, and Jamaica’s own Damian Marley. Their widespread acclaim caught the attention of Grammy-winning superstar Bruno Mars, who invited them to open for his sold-out shows at Honolulu’s Blaisdell Arena in 2014 and Hawaii’s iconic Aloha Stadium in 2018.
With themes of family, resilience, and unity woven into their music, The Green has cultivated a devoted global fanbase. Classics like "All I Need," "Love I," and "Wake Up" continue to resonate with long-time listeners, while collaborations with artists such as J Boog on tracks like "Feelings," "Never Give Up," and "Fire up Di Roses" draw in new audiences. Their recent single,Day by Day, featuring fellow Hawaii artist Kolohe Kai, celebrates the Aloha spirit and furthers their mission of spreading positivity.
https://www.theuctheatre.org/shows/the-green-04-oct
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE: Berkeley, CA Steel Pulse - December 31, 2026 - The UC Theatre
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 Steel Pulse - Reggae Against Racism Tour
Bearing witness to the accelerating negativity of global affairs, Steel Pulse emerges with musical vengeance to halt the disarray of humanity. The band's twelfth studio production, titled Mass Manipulation, reflects four decades committed to bettering mankind through music.
Steel Pulse continues to be revolutionary in engaging controversial topics of racial injustice and human rights on a global scale. Their musical stance and conceptualizations are as potent and relevant today as they were at the beginning of their career. The album’s uniquely thematic approach provokes thought as it presses forward, toward humanities unification.
A manipulation of our minds has been influenced by a New World Order currently dominating humankind. Steel Pulse reappears at a fated moment, armed with compassion, encouraging all people to reject false ideals, set higher goals, and demand more from themselves to further this unification.
Doors: 8:00 pm Start: 9:00 pm - All Ages
New Year's Eve
Thursday, December 31, 2026
2036 University Avenue, Berkeley, CA
GET TICKETS HERE
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Featured Video — Sgt Remo -Fidel -
Reach the Top RMX (video oficial)
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CLICK IMAGE TO ENJOY VIDEO
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Fidel - Sgt Remo - Reach the Top RMX (video oficial)
SGT REMO WILL BE PERFORMING THIS SATURDAY AT REMO FEST IN TEXAS.
Remo Fest '26 – Where Texas Reggae Connects
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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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Our Email DataBase Reaches Thousands of Reggae Festival Promoters and Venues
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Call Kaati or Joana today: 775 846 8238
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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.
~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:
- 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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In Jah's Name We Pray - Sending Prayers
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Sending Prayers to all of our Sisters & Brothers
who are suffering from the extreme heat, fires, floods and tornadoes.
Please know you are in our hearts!
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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 -Sept 11 - 17, 2026
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TOP 25 Dancehall Singles,TOP 25 Reggae Singles, and TOP 10 Albums/CD Chart
JAMAICA MUSIC COUNTDOWN
Sept 11 - 17, 2026
By Richard ‘Richie B’ Burgess
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Ital Statistics This week in Reggae and Nubian, Rasta, herb and related history
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| September 17 |
| 1940: |
King Stitt is born Winston Sparkes in Kingston Jamaica |
| 1957: |
Leebert Lloyd Morrison aka Gibby [809; guitar] is born in 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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 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 (55,000 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.
e-mail
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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