by Mell P On June 5, the stage of The Town Hall became a sacred gathering place for the many voices, traditions, and histories that define Black music. With the live recording of Revelation & Jubilation: A Symphony of Spirit, composer, conductor, and pianist Damien Sneed delivered more than a concert, he presented a sweeping musical […]

History is officially being written, and the global entertainment landscape is about to shift. In an unprecedented arena event designed to push Caribbean music into its rightful place in the absolute commercial mainstream, Grammy Award-winning icon Beenie Man will headline a monumental cultural showcase at the Barclays Center on Sunday, June 28, 2026. In a historic milestone spanning […]

Grammy Award-winning dancehall star Sean Paul has teamed up with veteran entertainer Brushy One String for a new single, Burn Dem Down, released on June 17 through Dutty Rock Productions. The collaboration was born out of a chance encounter while Sean Paul was vacationing in Jamaica. “The Brushy One String song come about because I saw […]

Grammy-winning musician Wyclef Jean will bring the curtain down on the Chevrolet Music Series at the 2026 Great New York State Fair when he performs at Suburban Park on September 7. The Haitian-born singer, songwriter, and producer is scheduled to take the stage at 6 p.m., closing out a concert lineup that features more than […]

Dancehall star Masicka has been announced as the headline act for Reggae Fest 2026, set to take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on August 15. Organisers confirmed that the event, branded “Reggae Fest Presents Masicka,” will bring one of Jamaica’s most prominent contemporary dancehall performers to one of New York’s premier entertainment venues. […]

Jamaican-born pilot and filmmaker Beth Powell has received international acclaim after her documentary Discovering Bessie Coleman captured two major awards at the Cannes Diversity Awards, further elevating Jamaica’s presence in global filmmaking and storytelling. The documentary, which explores the life and legacy of aviation pioneer Bessie Coleman, was awarded Best Documentary and the Director’s…

A legal dispute involving one of the most recognizable brands in Black media and culture has emerged just weeks before the start of the 2026 Essence Festival of Culture, as former Essence Ventures Chief Executive Officer Caroline Wanga has filed a defamation lawsuit against the festival’s ownership group. The lawsuit, filed Thursday in New York […]

Legendary music executive Sylvia Rhone will be honored with the prestigious Ultimate Icon Award at the 2026 BET Awards, recognizing a groundbreaking career that has helped shape the modern music industry and inspire generations of leaders. The awards ceremony will air live on June 28 from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. According to BET, […]

Following the successful release of Jemere Morgan’s uplifting single “Know Better,” Ghetto Youths International is proud to announce the official rollout of the No Better Riddim, a dynamic reggae compilation and juggling package produced by Grammy Award-winning musician and producer Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley. Built around the same musical foundation as Jemere Morgan’s acclaimed single, […]

The Caribbean Music Awards has announced its 2026 nominees, with Trinidad and Tobago’s Lady Lava emerging as the most nominated artist with nine nods across multiple categories. The awards, now in their fourth year, feature more than 250 nominees spanning over 40 categories, reflecting the continued growth and global influence of Caribbean music. Public voting opened on […]

Country-reggae singer Wesrok is embracing a message of faith and purpose with his latest single, God Knows Me Better, a deeply personal release that is resonating with listeners both spiritually and commercially. The gospel-inspired ballad recently gained traction on the United States iTunes chart, appearing alongside established international artists and marking another milestone in the singer’s…

Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, rapper, and producer Lauryn Hill will be honored with the Living Legend Icon Award at the 2026 BET Awards, recognizing her groundbreaking contributions to music and culture over the past three decades. The awards ceremony will air live on June 28 from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with comedian and entertainer Druski serving as host. According to […]

The rolling premiere of “Blooming in Dry Season,” a new play by Eljon Wardally directed by Jackie Alexander featuring an original Calypso score by acclaimed Trinidadian musician Etienne Charles, will take stage for its NY premiere May 28-June 28, 2026 (opens May 30) at WP Theater, 2162 Broadway at 76th Street, having launched last year […]

Veteran dancehall star Spragga Benz marked his 57th birthday in grand style as fellow entertainers, family, and fans gathered for a sold-out tribute concert titled Step Into A Journey to Kingston at the Miramar Cultural Center on May 31. The event, organized as a celebration of the artist’s remarkable career and influence on Jamaican music, exceeded expectations, filling the 800-seat venue […]

The velvet voice behind some of the most beloved love songs and Disney classics of the past half-century has fallen silent. Legendary R&B singer and two-time Grammy Award winner Peabo Bryson, whose soaring vocals helped define generations of romance and cinematic magic, died peacefully on Tuesday at the age of 75. In a statement released […]

Jamaican actress and producer Sherando Ferril is gaining international recognition for her leading role in Chokehold, a powerful drama now streaming on Tubi that explores domestic abuse, trauma, and the resilience required to escape cycles of violence. The film, which features an international cast, arrives at a time when conversations surrounding gender-based violence continue to gain […]

The legendary singer-songwriter Valerie Simpson kicks off Black Music Month with a live recording of Revelation & Jubilation: A Symphony of Spirit, led by acclaimed conductor, composer, pianist and visionary artist Damien Sneed and the Orchestra of Tomorrow at the historic Town Hall (123 West 43rd Street, New York). Following the enthusiastic response to the work’s February world premiere at…

Jamaican reggae artist Kuanna has ignited widespread discussion about violence against women and children following the release of her emotionally charged freestyle, Woman Killer, which has rapidly gained traction across social media. Performed over the popular Hill and Gully Riddim, the song debuted on Facebook and quickly resonated with audiences both in Jamaica and overseas. Within days, it […]

Jamaican reggae and dancehall icon Buju Banton has announced the release of his highly anticipated new album, Too Too Bad, scheduled to arrive on July 17. The Grammy-winning artiste revealed the album title and release date in an Instagram post on Thursday, describing the project as a “Real Dancehall Ting,” signaling a return to the energetic […]

Jamaican model Romae Gordon continues to strengthen her return to the international fashion scene, landing a prominent feature in a new editorial for Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) spotlighting one of this summer’s defining eyewear trends. The editorial, titled “Heavy Metal Eyewear Trend: From 90s-Inspired Shields to Sharp Rectangular Frames,” showcases Gordon in a series of sleek, futuristic looks…

More than five decades after it was filmed, a long-lost documentary capturing the voices and memories of the Harlem Renaissance generation has finally made its world debut at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, bringing renewed attention to one of the most important cultural movements in Black history. The documentary, Once Upon a Time Harlem, was originally shot […]

Jamaican-born chef Darian Bryan emerged victorious on Thursday night, winning Season 5 of the hit American cooking competition Next Level Chef and earning top honours on one of television’s most competitive culinary stages. Bryan triumphed over fellow finalists Connor Caine and Nicole “Cole” Lawson after weeks of intense competition on the Fox series, which features aspiring chefs […]

Dancehall icon Vybz Kartel has shared an emotional milestone with fans after meeting his daughter, Amani, for the very first time nearly two years after his release from prison. The entertainer revealed the moment on Instagram Thursday, posting a photo of himself standing beside Amani outdoors near a pool surrounded by palm trees. Dressed in a pink […]

Black Public Media’s Peabody Award-winning series AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange returns for its 18th season on June 15 with Listen to Me, an intimate and urgent documentary following three Black women as they navigate the risks, realities and inequities of pregnancy, birth and care in America. The film, which brings striking racial disparities in maternal health into […]

NYAFF settles into Brooklyn’s BAM Rose Cinemas from May 22 to May 28 as FilmAfrica, part of DanceAfrica 2026, BAM’s longest running program and the nation’s largest celebration of African diasporic dance, music, and culture. Curated by the African Film Festival, this cinematic companion spotlights the culture and artistry of Uganda presenting a showcase of […]

Dancehall icon Vybz Kartel is set to usher in a major new chapter in his career with the release of his upcoming album God & Time, scheduled to drop on June 5, 2026. The project is now available for pre-order alongside the release of the album’s title track and accompanying music video. The album arrives following Kartel’s recent […]

Jamaican dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel dominated the 2026 staging of the International Reggae and World Music Awards, capturing nine awards, including two shared honors, during Sunday night’s ceremony at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center. The annual awards show celebrates excellence in reggae, dancehall, Latin, Caribbean, and African music, recognizing artists and industry professionals who…

For more than four decades, Machel Montano has been one of the most influential figures in Caribbean music. Since beginning his career at the age of nine, the Trinidad and Tobago-born entertainer has dedicated himself to transforming soca from a genre traditionally embraced by older audiences into a global sound that resonates with younger generations. In a […]

Jemere Morgan continues to establish himself as one of reggae music’s emerging contemporary voices with the release of his new single “Know Better,” a soulful reggae love ballad produced by multi-GRAMMY Award-winning artist and producer Damian Marley. Blending warm musicianship with emotionally honest songwriting, “Know Better” showcases Jemere Morgan’s evolving artistry as he leans into […]

Haitian-born rapper, producer, and Fugees co-founder Wyclef Jean says one of the most important lessons he learned from legendary producer Quincy Jones was to never allow himself to be confined to a single musical category. Jean, 56, shared that insight while attending the 2026 Music Will Benefit at the New York Marriott Marquis, where he served as an honorary benefit chair. “My mentor […]