By NAN ET EDITOR | NewsAmericasNow.com

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. July 10, 2026: Jamaica’s premier reggae festival is coming back smaller – but with one of the biggest reunions dancehall has seen in years. Reggae Sumfest 2026 returns as a one-night event, branded “A Taste of Sumfest.”

It is scheduled for July 18 at Plantation Cove in St. Ann – a temporary move from its longtime home at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay, which was damaged by Hurricane Melissa last year. Organizers say the scaled-down format was necessary while rebuilding continues in western Jamaica, but the goal is to preserve the festival’s legacy while supporting the region’s recovery. The lineup headlining that comeback is what’s turning heads: Vybz Kartel, who returned to Sumfest last year, and Mavado, together on the same stage.

Gaza Meets Gully

For a generation of dancehall fans, few rivalries carry the weight of Vybz Kartel – the “World Boss” – and Mavado – the “Gully God.” Their feud defined one of dancehall’s most memorable eras in the late 2000s, culminating in the legendary Gaza versus Gully clash at Sting, a rivalry that split fan bases across Jamaica and the diaspora for years.

Mavado will perform on the same stage with Kartel at Reggae Sumfest 2026

Their joint appearance at Sumfest is expected to be one of the biggest attractions of the summer entertainment season – not just for the music, but for what it represents: two artists whose feud once felt permanent, sharing a stage at a festival built around Jamaican unity and resilience.

Rebuilding Through Culture

DownSound Entertainment CEO Josef Bogdanovich, whose company has managed Reggae Sumfest for the past decade, said the festival remains committed to showcasing Jamaica’s music and culture on the world stage. Since taking over the event in 2016, Bogdanovich said organizers have worked to transform Sumfest into a world-class entertainment brand while keeping its authentic Jamaican roots intact.

He also pointed to the festival’s economic weight beyond the music – noting it generates income for thousands of Jamaicans, including hotel workers, vendors, transportation providers, production crews, stylists, creatives, and small business owners. In a year when western Jamaica is still rebuilding infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Melissa, that economic footprint carries added significance: a scaled-down festival that still puts money directly into the hands of workers and small businesses across the island.

To help patrons travel safely to the relocated event, the Jamaica Urban Transit Company has partnered with organizers to provide round-trip transportation from key locations across the island. JUTC Marketing and Sales Manager Nathalia Palomino said the initiative is designed to make travel easier while reducing traffic congestion and parking challenges. “At JUTC, we are always seeking opportunities to connect Jamaicans with the experiences they love in a safe and convenient way,” Palomino said.

The Jamaica police have announced temporary traffic management measures for the 2026 staging, saying the measures are expected to accommodate the large number of patrons anticipated at the event while ensuring the safe and orderly movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic and minimizing congestion in and around the venue.

During the event, four traffic lanes will be in operation along the Priory main road in the vicinity of Plantation Cove at all three entrances. Motorists travelling westbound will use the left lane to continue towards Runaway Bay, while the middle westbound lane will be reserved for vehicles turning right into the venue. Drivers travelling eastbound towards Priory and Ocho Rios will use the middle eastbound lane. Parking will be available at Plantation Cove for VVIP, VIP and general admission patrons.

A park-and-shuttle service will also be provided from three locations.  Pearly Beach and Seville Great House will accommodate patrons travelling from the east and other areas of St Ann, while Discovery Bay will serve patrons travelling from the west.

The police said signs will be erected along the North Coast toll road, as well as the St Ann’s Bay, Discovery Bay and Ocho Rios main roads, to direct motorists to the designated parking areas. Traffic personnel will be deployed along the roadways, and members of the public are being urged to obey their instructions throughout the event.

One Night, Same Spirit

Despite the abbreviated format, organizers say “A Taste of Sumfest” will celebrate the resilience of Jamaica’s entertainment industry while keeping alive one of the Caribbean’s most iconic music festivals.

For the diaspora who travel home every summer for Sumfest, this year’s version will look different – one night instead of the usual multi-day run, a new venue instead of the familiar Catherine Hall grounds. But the headline act tells its own story: if Gaza and Gully can share a stage, a hurricane-damaged festival finding its way back onto one is very much in keeping with the spirit of the moment.

Tickets are available from USD60 by clicking HERE

RELATED: Shaggy Brings Caribbean Vibes To Central Park With Star-Studded “Shaggy’s Yaad”

By NAN ET EDITOR

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. July 3, 2026: Fresh off the release of his new album Lottery, Grammy Award-winning reggae superstar Shaggy is bringing the sounds of the Caribbean to the heart of New York City with “Shaggy’s Yaad,” a free outdoor concert celebrating Jamaican music, culture and community.

The event is set for July 9 at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park as part of the venue’s 40th anniversary season and will feature an all-star lineup of reggae, dancehall and R&B performers. Joining Shaggy on stage will be Robin Thicke, Tanto Metro & Devonte, Rayvon, Noah Powa, NESTA, Amber Lee, Matthew Malcolm, and Shuga, along with additional special guests.

Presented in association with VP Records and Shaggy’s Boombastic Radio on SiriusXM Channel 332, the concert promises an evening of classic hits, new music and Caribbean energy in one of New York City’s most iconic parks.

Inspired by the Jamaican concept of “yaad,” meaning home, the event is designed to bring together people of all backgrounds through music, food, culture and shared community spirit. The celebration will also feature music from DJs Tropical Blendz and Afrique, while DJ Norie, Roxy Romeo and Li’l Nat will serve as hosts throughout the evening.

The free, all-ages event comes as Shaggy continues to expand his influence beyond the recording studio. In addition to releasing new music, the Jamaican-born entertainer has remained a global ambassador for reggae while using his Boombastic Radio platform to spotlight Caribbean artists and culture.

With performances spanning reggae, dancehall and contemporary Caribbean sounds, Shaggy’s Yaad is expected to draw thousands of fans for what organizers describe as an unforgettable summer celebration of the islands in the middle of Manhattan.

Doors open at 6 p.m., with the concert beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis.

RELATED: New Caribbean Music – DJ GQ And Mr. Vegas Team Up, Plus New Heat From Sean Paul, Fay-Ann Lyons And More

By ET Editor | NewsAmericasNow.com

News Americas, MIAMI, Fl, Sat. June 20, 2026: It’s summer, and that new Caribbean music is especially in time for Toronto and NY carnivals and Barbados Crop Over.

South Florida king of radio and nightlife DJ GQ and legendary Jamaican dancehall singjay Mr. Vegas have connected on “If We Had More Time,” a smooth, modern reggae record that reveals a more melodic and emotionally driven side of the dancehall icon.

The single is out now on all digital platforms via DJ GQ’s own label, DJ GQ Worldwide, distributed by Tuff Gong International. Centered around nostalgia and love, the track blends a timeless lovers rock feel with polished, contemporary production. Vegas’s instantly memorable hook completes a bright, upbeat earworm built for any summer chill playlist – and one certain to resonate with both core Caribbean listeners and a broader global audience.

“If We Had More Time” serves as the first single off DJ GQ’s upcoming EP, Skank, Rock, Reggae.

“DJ GQ has been representing Caribbean music for years,” Mr. Vegas said. “He doesn’t just play it, he understands it, produces it, and truly feels the vibration. ‘If We Had More Time’ is one of those records with a real vibe.”

In addition to his hosting and mix duties on iHeartRadio’s Y100 in Miami and Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Radio on SiriusXM, DJ GQ has rocked stages across the globe alongside Akon, Skip Marley, and DMX – whose ferocious “GQ… let ’em know!” audio stamp can be heard growled across the DJ/producer’s releases.

“For years I’ve been helping tell other artists’ stories through radio and DJing,” DJ GQ said. “Skank Rock Reggae is my opportunity to tell my own.” The Miami-born music industry veteran, who was raised in Jamaica by his Cuban/Chinese and Jamaican parents, continued: “‘If We Had More Time’ with Mr. Vegas is a reminder that time is life’s most valuable currency, and reggae has always been one of the most powerful ways to deliver that message.”

A mainstay on the South Florida club and event scene, DJ GQ keeps a packed calendar – including Saturdays at Easton Rooftop in Fort Lauderdale, July 4th at the City of Coral Springs celebration, his birthday bash on August 15th, Tequila Fest at Mizner Amphitheater on November 7th, Give Miami Day on November 19th, Turkey Fest in Pembroke Pines on November 21st, and Terp Basel in Miami December 4th and 5th.

Listen to “If We Had More Time” here

Sean Paul & Brushy One String – “Burn Dem Down”

Dancehall superstar Sean Paul has linked with one-string guitar virtuoso Brushy One String for “Burn Dem Down,” a track pairing Sean Paul’s signature delivery with Brushy’s raw, stripped-down sound.

Watch the official live music video here

Nailah Blackman – “Bombshell” (WYFL Riddim)

Soca star Nailah Blackman has dropped “Bombshell,” riding the WYFL Riddim with production from DJ Mac, Crash Dummy, Crawba, Tribal Kush and Aicon. The track was pre-mixed by Anson Pro, with final mix and mastering handled by Madmen Productions.

Watch the official music video here

Fay-Ann Lyons – “Hot Gyal DNA”

Soca powerhouse Fay-Ann Lyons has released “Hot Gyal DNA,” produced, mixed and mastered by Yannick Plante of Minor Productionz. The single arrives via Bad Beagle under license to Diaspora Sound.

Stream “Hot Gyal DNA” here

Skinny Fabulous – “Nonsense”

Soca hitmaker Skinny Fabulous has dropped “Nonsense,” produced by Dada Lawrence and Chippy G and mixed and mastered by Parry Jack. The accompanying video was shot and directed by Junior Lee of Precise Lee Films, with distribution through DSM Music Group.

Watch the official music video here

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Caribbean Artists Are On 2026 FIFA World Cup Soccer’s Biggest Soundtrack

By ET EDITOR | NewsAmericasNow.com

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. June 4, 2026: Summer just got a new sound track. Grammy Award-winning reggae legend Buju Banton has announced his thirteenth studio album – ‘Too Too Bad’ – dropping July 17, 2026, alongside a 22-city US summer tour with fellow Grammy winner Stephen Marley.

The duo will take Caribbean music from Seattle to Atlanta in what promises to be the most significant Caribbean music moment on American soil this year and Banton is delivering exactly what the diaspora needs: a reminder that Caribbean culture does not require official recognition to command America’s biggest stages.

The Album: Too Too Bad

Too Too Bad marks Buju’s sixth album for VP Records – the legendary reggae and dancehall label – following a newly minted deal that brought him home to the label after 23 years away.

The album’s lead single “Butterflies” – produced by internationally acclaimed hitmaker Supa Dups, whose credits include Rihanna, Drake, and Bruno Mars – has already amassed over one million cumulative streams since its release. Billboard applauded it as “heart-eyed,” while The New York Carib News noted how Buju “channels the essence of his earlier hits, reminiscent of tracks like ‘Love Sponge,’ as he delivers playful, romantic lyrics.”

A music video for “Butterflies,” shot in Miami by director Justice Silvera, is now available. Buju has also delivered a stunning performance of the 2006 classic “Driver A” on COLORS – a rendition that affirmed, as if any reminder were needed, his status as one of reggae’s greatest showmen.

“A body of work I offer to my fans, friends, and well-wishers with only joy and music,” Buju said of Too Too Bad – a promise that feels especially resonant at a moment when Caribbean communities across the United States could use exactly that.

The Tour: Roots And Rhymes 2026

The album arrives in the middle of the Roots and Rhymes US Summer Tour 2026 – a historic co-headlining run with Stephen Marley that marks the first time the two Grammy-winning icons have embarked on a full-scale tour together. The tour kicks off June 17th at Marymoor Park in Redmond, Washington and winds through 22 cities over six weeks – hitting Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, Milwaukee Summerfest, UBS Arena in New York, and concluding July 25 at Lakewood Amphitheatre in Atlanta.

Select dates will feature special guest Gramps Morgan of Morgan Heritage, with DJ sets from Splackavelli. And in a gesture that reflects the values at the heart of Caribbean culture, one dollar from every ticket sold will benefit the Buju Banton Foundation – which provides skills training, talent development, and educational empowerment to at-risk boys aged 8 to 18 in Jamaica.

For the Caribbean diaspora spread across every city on this tour – from the Jamaican communities of New York and Boston to the Caribbean enclaves of Atlanta and Miami – Roots and Rhymes is not just a concert tour. It is a homecoming on wheels.

Why This Matters For Caribbean Heritage Month

Buju Banton’s return to the stage this month, Caribbean American Heritage Month, and the studio in 2026, carries weight that goes beyond music. His catalog – spanning ‘Mr. Mention,’ ‘Voice of Jamaica,’ the Gold-certified ‘Til Shiloh,’ and the Grammy-winning ‘Before The Dawn’ — represents some of the most important reggae songs the Caribbean has produced in the last three decades.

His comeback from a decade in federal prison, his continued commitment to Jamaican youth through his foundation, and his ability to fill amphitheatres across America in 2026 tell a story about Caribbean resilience, talent, and cultural influence that no official proclamation could capture more powerfully.

Caribbean Heritage Month has its anthem. And it sounds like Buju.

Too Too Bad is available for pre-order now. The Roots and Rhymes US Summer Tour begins June 17. Tickets and information available at bujubanton.com.

RELATED: From 35 Years To Grammy Nominations – Vybz Kartel New Album Is The Most Personal Of His Career

By ET News Reporter | NewsAmericasNow.com

News Americas, New York, NY, Fri. May 22, 2026: Caribbean music is having a serious moment this week, with new releases and major milestones from some of the genre’s biggest names arriving in rapid succession.

Shaggy Gets His Own Day In Brooklyn

BBrooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso declared May 19, 2026 as “Shaggy Day” in Brooklyn – honoring the reggae and dancehall legend on the occasion of his fifteenth studio album release.

The proclamation was handed over to Shaggy – born Orville Richard Burrell in Jamaica – at a public celebration held at I AM CARIBBEING HQ at 1399 Nostrand Avenue in Little Caribbean, with Deputy Borough President Rev. Kim Council representing the Borough President’s office.

The new album, titled “Lottery,” includes “BUN (She Loves Me),” “Dancehall Nice” featuring Beres Hammond and Dexta Daps, the title track “Lottery” featuring Jeremih, and “We Love Di Gal Dem” featuring 450.

Shaggy moved to Flatbush as a teenager from Jamaica and launched his music career in Brooklyn – building a four-decade run that has produced more than 40 million albums sold and eight Billboard Hot 100 singles. Beyond music, he established the Shaggy Make a Difference Foundation in 2009 and most recently led relief efforts following Hurricane Melissa, raising over $500,000 at a benefit concert at UBS Arena and delivering essential goods via private flights.

“Brooklyn is the borough that took a kid from Jamaica and gave him a stage, a sound, and a purpose,” Shaggy said at the celebration, as quoted in the release.

Borough President Reynoso added: “From his musical genius to his leadership in philanthropy, Shaggy embodies the very best of our borough.”

Chaka Demus & Pliers Unite With Tanto Metro & Devonte

In a rare and highly anticipated collaboration, two of dancehall’s most iconic duos have joined forces on a new single titled “Jealous.”

Chaka Demus & Pliers – whose 1992 hit “Murder She Wrote” remains one of the most recognizable songs in reggae and dancehall history – have teamed with Tanto Metro & Devonte, known for the club anthem “Everyone Falls in Love,” on what Chaka Demus describes as “four the wickedest way.”

The track is a playful, story-driven dancehall record exploring the drama of jealousy in relationships – produced and executive produced by Chaka Demus on his Bright Star Production label. Harmonies were contributed by Brian & Tony Gold over a rhythm crafted by Jazzwad, with mixing by Fatta Marshall. Writing credits are shared across the full collective.

“Jealous” serves as the first single from Chaka Demus’s upcoming album release – a project that brings together a seasoned team of music stalwarts with deep roots in Caribbean music culture.

Sean Paul’s Dutty Rock Productions Drops Brawlin Riddim

International superstar Sean Paul has released another riddim compilation through his Dutty Rock Productions imprint — this time delivering “Brawlin Riddim,” a hard-hitting dancehall project featuring an all-star lineup.

The compilation features Busy Signal, Sean Paul, Spragga Benz, Charly Black, Chi Ching Ching, Leftside, Future Fambo, Looga Man, Bush Wakka, and Ras Ajai — each bringing their own lyrical energy to a production anchored by pulsing bass, sharp synth leads, and siren sound effects that evoke the raw energy of a Kingston street dance.

The riddim was produced by Sean Paul and Dutty Rock Productions, mixed and mastered by Grammy-winning engineer Andre “Dre Day,” and recorded by dancehall heavyweight Andre “Suku Ward” Gray at Dutty Rock’s studios in Kingston, Jamaica.

“Brawlin Riddim” is now available on all major digital streaming platforms.

Stephen Marley Pays Tribute To Jamaica

Grammy Award-winning recording artist Stephen Marley has released “Hills of St. Ann,” the first single from an upcoming compilation project paying tribute to Brand Jamaica – celebrating the island’s culture, heritage, and natural beauty.

Released May 8, 2026 via Ghetto Youths International, the track is an inspiring guitar ballad underscored by powerful Nyahbinghi drum rhythms, transporting listeners to Nine Mile, St. Ann – the birthplace of reggae legend Bob Marley. Stephen Marley handled production, drums, bass, and Nyahbinghi drums on the track himself, with guitar by Ranoy Gordon and keyboards by Llamar Brown.

The single is available now on all streaming platforms.

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