Women's History Month with a Reggae Twist!

March 1^st to 31^st, 2020 is designated on the calendar as Women’s History Month.  At this time, we celebrate the accomplishments and aspirations of women worldwide.  Putting a musical twist to this month sees VP Records recognize the catalog of several notable women in Reggae and Dancehall.

The VP Records 10-song playlist includes music from Queen Ifrica (“To See”), Ikaya (“Fly Away”), Naomi Cowan (“Paradise Plum”), Marion Hall (“I Won’t Worry”), Jah9 (“Highly”), Aza Lineage (“In the Ghetto”), Etana (“Weakness in Me”), Marcia Griffiths (“Survival”), Tanya Stephens (“These Streets”), and Spice (“Like a Man).  This range of Reggae and Dancehall tracks are appropriate and timely and reflect the moods and strengths of women worldwide.

https://www.vprecords.com/release/marcia-griffiths-reggae-anthology-melody-life-2cds/

https://www.vprecords.com/release/marcia-griffiths-reggae-anthology-melody-life-2cds/

Taking a step back and looking at this playlist, it’s easy to see how women such as Marcia Griffiths paved the way for younger artists such as Ikaya to come through as easily as it is to see how Marion Hall aka Lady Saw paved the way for an artist like Spice to come through and now claim the crown as being Dancehall Queen.

If you’re looking for just ‘one’ place to start, begin with Marcia Griffiths ‘Reggae Anthology – Melody of Life’ double disc set!

Explore the songs and add to them to your playlists and make sure you hashtag #WomensHistoryMonth in your posts!

I'm Going to Party with Sean Paul!

Following the announcement of its first wave of programming unveiled last month, conforming the participation of Marcia Griffiths, Maxi Priest, Sanchez, and Percy Sledge, the Montreal International Reggae Festival is proud to confirm the participation of three other major stars of Jamaican music:  Sean Paul, I-Octane and Demarco!

Collin Demarco Edwards embodies a new era of avant-garde artists combining songwriting, music production, recording and live performance.  Over the past five years, Demarco has delivered a solid string of memorable hits, such as “Duppy Know Who Fih Frighten,” “Fallen Soldiers,” “True Friends” and “Show It.”

For the past 2 years in Jamaica, you can see and hear I-Octane everywhere!  The handsome young singer with the sweet warm voice has been recruited as a spokesperson for Digicel, Busta beverages and Guinness beer.  Discovered by brilliant producer Donovan Germaine (Penthouse Records), I-Octane has been touring constantly on the international circuit since the release of his debut album Crying to the Nation (Tads Records) which fuses Roots Reggae and Dancehall.  Fans look forward to the artist performing hit singles “L.O.V.E. Y.O.U,” “Jah, Jah Warrior,” and “Mama!”  This will be the artists’ first appearance at the Montreal International Reggae Festival and it is one not to be missed!

Headlining the festival this year is none other than Sean Paul!  Saturday evening will experience Full Frequency along the lines of the energy experienced in the artists 6^th syudio album of the same name!  Blending Jamaican and Caribbean culture with a splash of pop, cross over hits such as “Other Side of Love,” “Entertainment” and “Want Dem All” will have fans rocking in unison!  Montreal is about to get LOUD!

In addition to live entertainment, Montreal International Reggae Festival hosts an innovative series of workshops and conferences at O Patro Vys on August 12, 13 and 14.  The programming, complete schedule of events, as well as confirmations of additional performers and headliners will be announced at a press conference on July 14^th, 2014.

For more information about the festival visit www.montrealreggaefest.com, and to order tickets $80 CA for the weekend, advanced via www.ticketpro.ca!