Vin Diesel, De Niro, Marlins, and TikTok Make This #ReggaeFriday

Volume 1, Issue 26 || Visit ReggaeFriday.Life || Curated playlist on YouTube Music || Also follow #ReggaeFriday on Instagram or Facebook.

Happy #ReggaeFriday. It's time to slip away and get those Caribbean vibes going on for the rest of the week. I know that it has been a couple of silent weeks, but summer is here and vibes are strong. Let's get started beginning with dancehall and reggae on TikTok.

Reggae And Dancehall Music Streaming Billions On TikTok

TikTok is the 7th most used social media network in the world and Reggae/Dancehall music is the 7th most used genre on the platform as revealed in a music report by TikTok recently. TikTok has over 689 million active users and in their 2020 music year-in-review report, they revealed that more than 176 different songs surpassed 1 billion streams including Shaggy and Conkorah’s remix of “Banana.” Click on the image below to watch "Banana":

TikTok is now indisputably a reliable predictor of hits in multiple genres of music. Five of the songs first discovered on there due to user-generated videos went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

What’s even more convincing is the speed at which songs are racking up views in the tens of millions.

The remix of Conkarah and Shaggy’s “Banana” jumped 250 thousand views within a day.

Presently, Laa Lee has a viral challenge with his song “Tip Innnah.” It streamed almost 13 million times with users making over 14 thousand videos doing the #tipinnahitchallnege at a rate of over 500 thousand streams per day. Compared to YouTube where the David Island and Everton Gentles music video for the same song only has three million views since December 2020. Click on the image below to watch "Tip Innnah":

Reggae-Dancehall music is not climbing as fast as Hip Hop which is the number one genre on TikTok. Last year Drake’s “Toosie Slide,” generated a billion views in just three days, and “WAP” by Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion did the same in just two weeks.

Although Hip Hop is the dominant genre with over 50 percent consumption, music editorial lead at TikTok William Groger told Variety Magazine that, “There is also a list of ‘Unexpected Hits and Niche Discoveries’, where by TikTok’s community helped shape internet and IRL culture with these unearthed gems.”

Vin Diesel Plotting His Own Music Career

Since becoming a producer of the film franchise in 2009, Diesel has personally handpicked major Latin music stars — including Don Omar, Tego Calderón, Romeo Santos and, for F9, Ozuna and Cardi B — and put them in the Fast & Furious films, in addition to actor-artist franchise regulars Ludacris and Tyrese. Meanwhile, the Fast & Furious soundtracks have been treasure troves of hip-hop and Latin urban music, with several songs commissioned for specific film moments. The soundtracks have produced multiple hits on the Billboard Hot 100 – including one year-defining No. 1 smash, “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth, that spent 12 weeks atop the Hot 100 chart in 2015 — and five of the first eight soundtracks have reached the top 10 of the Billboard 200. Click on the image below to watch "See You Again," again:

But the arrival of F9 also coincides with the beginnings of Diesel’s own venture into what he hopes will be a new brand of Latin music, as he collaborates with artist friends in different genres — from Lenier Mesa’s more traditional Cuban music to Nicky Jam’s melodic reggaetón. For a 53-year-old action star who had released zero songs prior to 2020, it may look like a lark. But over the past several years, Diesel has been steadily working in the background with a plethora of artists, slowly but surely building a bilingual catalog of songs that feature his own personal lyrics and reveal his vulnerable side.

Diesel is used to talking about his status as one of the most bankable film stars in Hollywood. But today, he’s more focused on the franchise’s unique position as a vehicle for multicultural representation in film, as a showcase for Latin and urban acts both onscreen and on the movie’s soundtracks over the past two decades. “You really can’t think about it in another film franchise … Fast is the only original franchise in Hollywood that has multiculturalism in its DNA,” says Fabian Castro, senior vp global marketing for Universal Pictures.

De Niro’s New Caribbean Restaurant

It’s only open by day. They come by boat or helicopter, or by short jaunt from the tents at the Barbuda Ocean Club. And the early returns are spectacular. 

This is the Caribbean’s hottest new restaurant, and it just so happens to be Robert De Niro’s new Nobu in Barbuda. It’s set on a stunning stretch of sand on the increasingly hip island of Barbuda, and it’s home to exquisitely good food — a full-fledged Nobu hidden away on a remote beach in the Eastern Caribbean. 

#ReggaeFriday Opens On Island Off Belize, Central America

In May 2021, we opened our first Caribbean property on the island of Ambergris Caye in Belize, Central America.

The gorgeous ground floor condo with pool view, full kitchen, living room with futon sofa that sleeps 1 more adult, and spacious porch area on a highly manicured resort property. You will be steps away from the tiki bar, restaurant, 3 pools, and about 50 steps away from a beautiful view of the Caribbean Ocean with 2nd largest barrier reef in the world within view. The resort is located on the exclusive-feeling, remote, low-key area of Northern Ambergris Caye (about 10 miles north of San Pedro). Click HERE or on image below to visit Airbnb listing.

What we love about this location is the beautiful surroundings and ocean front access that is off-the-grid, exclusive-feeling, and very low-key Caribbean island vibe. We are close to some other amazing resorts where you can enjoy many more fabulous meals, cocktails, and gorgeous views. You will be far enough away from the noise and bustle of San Pedro, but close enough to choose your own time to have fun at the busy local bars and restaurants. If you plan to cook in the condo, you’ll find the larger grocery stores/supermarkets in San Pedro. Click HERE or on image below to visit Airbnb listing.

Once you land at the Goldson international airport near Belize City, there are two main ways to get to Ambergris Caye—either a puddle jumper plane ride or water taxi. The puddle jumper plan ride is about 15-minutes long. You can easily connect to Tropic Air or Maya Air at Goldson international airport. Prices start at about $90/person one way. It’s a good idea to pre-book that puddle jumper plane ride. 

Ziggy Marley Awarded Honorary Doctorate From Medgar Evers College

Ziggy Marley, the son of the late reggae legend, Bob Marley has received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from the Medgar Evers College, located in Crown Heights, in Brooklyn, New York. The eight-time Grammy winner and humanitarian received the honor in recognition of his inspiring dedication and commitment to the service of human needs.

Ziggy Marley during the virtual joint commencement ceremony for the classes of 2020 and 2021, delivered a rendition of his father’s 1980 hit, ‘Redemption Song.’

Via Instagram, he revealed that the recognition has made his mother Rita Marley so joyful.

Medgar Evers was an African American civil rights activist who fought segregation in Mississippi and created opportunities for black communities around the country through the enforcement of voting rights.

Ziggy’s most recent record release is a 10-track LP titled More Family Time that was released in 2020. The spirited, playful reggae album is geared towards families with young children. The album features a number of guest appearances including Ben Harper, Sheryl Crow, Alanis Morrissette, Lisa Loeb, and Busta Rhymes as well as his own kids with wife Orly. 

ICYMI: Biden Proclaims June As National Caribbean-American Heritage Month

Stating that America’s diversity is and always has been the defining strength of the nation, United States President Joseph “Joe” Biden on May 31 proclaimed June National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. 

“In every generation, our society, spirit and shared ambitions have been refreshed by wave after wave of immigrants seeking out their American dream,” said Biden in a White House Proclamation. “Throughout our history, Caribbean Americans have brought vibrant cultures, languages, traditions and values that strengthen our country and add new chapters to our common story.

“They have enriched our nation’s arts and culture, our public institutions and our economy,” he said. “I am honored to celebrate this National Caribbean-American Heritage Month alongside Caribbean-American barrier-breaking public servants in my administration — including Vice President, Kamala Harris, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro, Mayorkas, Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, and Domestic Policy Advisor, Susan Rice — all of whom continue to be sources of pride and inspiration for Caribbean Americans across the country.”

Biden said Caribbean-American intellects and artists — such as James Weldon Johnson, the poet who gave America the anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing”; celebrated neo-expressionist painter Jean-Michel Basquiat; and John B. Russwurm, the first Caribbean-American editor of a US newspaper — “have left a lasting impact on our country.”

He also said Caribbean-American jurists like Constance Baker Motley, the first Black woman appointed to the Federal bench, and the nation’s first Latina Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor, “have made innumerable contributions to the American justice system.”

In my opinion, the list of contributions by people who originate from the Caribbean is endless. Biden falls short not to even mention them.

Biden Follows Trump on Puerto Rico Policy

President Joe Biden on June 7 said his administration will defend at the U.S. Supreme Court a law that excludes Puerto Rico from a federal program that provides benefits to low-income elderly, blind and disabled people, adhering to the same policy as his Republican predecessor Donald Trump.

Biden said in a statement that he opposes the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provision in question but that the Justice Department has a duty to defend it. The justices in March took up a U.S. government appeal originally filed by Trump’s administration of a lower court ruling that found the exclusion unlawful.

“This provision is inconsistent with my administration’s policies and values. However, the Department of Justice has a longstanding practice of defending the constitutionality of federal statutes, regardless of policy preferences,” Biden said.

Biden called on Congress to amend the law so Puerto Ricans would no longer be excluded. The SSI benefits are available to any U.S. citizen living in any of the 50 states, Washington, D.C., and the Northern Mariana Islands, but not the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam.

The decision not to include Puerto Rico was made by Congress when it enacted the program in 1972. Puerto Ricans are eligible for a different program, called Aid to the Aged, Blind and Disabled, that allows for more local control but not as much federal funding, the Justice Department said in court papers.

Many Puerto Ricans have complained that the Caribbean island’s residents are treated worse than other Americans despite being U.S. citizens. Puerto Rico, which is not a state, is the most-populous of the U.S. territories, with about 3 million people.

Marlins celebrate Bahamian culture for Caribbean-American Heritage Month

In case you missed it, on June 14 the Miami Marlins (MLB) joined the nation in celebrating Bahamian culture as part of Caribbean-American Heritage Month at the game.

Before the Marlins faced the Atlanta Braves at IoanDepot Park, the Bahamas Junkanoo Revue paraded through the stadium in festive clothing with a band in tow playing music using drums, cowbells, whistles and brass instruments. 

Bahamas Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Iram Lewis was also at the game and presented a caricature painting to shortstop Jasrado “Jazz” Prince Hermis Arrington Chisholm Jr., a star rookie for the Marlins.

Lewis and his fellow Bahamians are celebrating Chisholm, hoping that he, a Bahamian, serves as an inspiration for the country’s youth and shows “how you can make it in life if you’re disciplined.” “Jazz has shown that he works hard; he is very well mannered. He’s disciplined,” Lewis said. “As long as he stays healthy, he’s going to be a superstar.”

Beacon For Change and the Marlins partnered together to bring the culture experience to the stadium.

Ready To Set Sail? Royal Caribbean Announces Summer Cruises From Texas, Florida Ports

Royal Caribbean International is getting ready to sail from Texas and Florida once again this summer.

The cruise line plans to begin sailing six ships from ports in the southern states this July and August, starting with Freedom of the Seas in Miami on July 2. The company had already announced plans to sail from Seattle to Alaska on round-trip itineraries starting in July.

“This is it. Vacationers can finally plan to take their precious time off this summer and truly get away after what has been a challenging time for everyone,” Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley said in a June 4 news release. 

All crew members will be vaccinated against COVID-19, while passengers are “strongly recommended” to be fully vaccinated, according to the release. Those who are unvaccinated or unable to verify their vaccinations will need to undergo testing and follow other protocols, although Royal Caribbean has not laid out all of its policies yet.

Summer cruises are available to book, according to the release. The company plans to reintroduce its full global fleet by the end of the year and said more details will be made available in the coming weeks. 

Top Dutch Futbol Club, Ajax, Pays Tribute To Reggae Legend Bob Marley

Next season’s Ajax third kit for next season has been leaked, revealing it will pay tribute to reggae legend Bob Marley. The link between the Dutch team and the Jamaican musician comes through Ajax’s use of Marley’s song Three Little Birds as an unofficial club anthem.

It began in 2008 after a pre-season friendly against Cardiff City and is now regularly sang by supporters during matches. Ajax supporters’ use of the song was even heard about by Bob Marley’s son Ky-Mani Marley, who travelled to the Netherlands to sing it in front of the fans at half-time of a game in 2018.

Ajax has historically been one of the most successful clubs in the world. According to the IFFHS, Ajax were the seventh-most successful European club of the 20th century and The World's Club Team of the Year in 1992.

UB40 Launch Vegan and Organic ‘Red Red Wine’ to Celebrate 2021 Tour

Ali Campbell spent his adolescence harvesting grapes in Bordeaux and had always longed to launch a UB40 wine with fellow founding member and wine enthusiast, Astro.

Eminent Life – which celebrates excellence in music and the arts with bespoke, quality drinks – helped the chart-topping bandmates realize their lifelong dream by taking them back to a private chateau in Bordeaux, where Campbell’s wine journey first started, and researching, designing and crafting their own, limited edition wines – a Red, Red Wine Bordeaux Supérieur at $40 and the forthcoming, vegan and organic Red Red Wine at the more affordable $35 price point.

The Bordeaux Supérieur wine is produced from a subtle blend of classic Right Bank grapes, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, which are aged in small oak barrels for eight months. It is a deep, red colour with blackberry notes, enriched with ripe tannins, with a long and elegant finish and can be cellared for up to 15 years.

The wine has already won the approval of the world’s biggest wine periodical, Wine Enthusiast, which wrote: “Here’s a good blend: a rich wine with fine tannins and attractive fruits.“ The new, organic and vegan wine has already been awarded the Gold Medal at Concours Challenge Millesime Bio 2020. It is produced from Merlot and Petit Verdot grapes, matured over 12 months.

The band has sold more than 70 million records worldwide and is currently working on a new album, to be released early next year on Universal Music. 

Drake Suggests Listening To This Rare Reggae Album While Burning His Candles

Drake is establishing himself as an adequate businessman as he is an artist. Over the past year or so, he's expanded his portfolio as an investor, as well as with his own product launches. Word on road is that he teamed up with Canadian cannabis company Canopy Growth in 2019, though it's unclear when they will be launching products together. In the meantime, he's launched his own brand of candles that he had all of his celebrity friends to embrace on the 'Gram.

Better World Fragrance House debuted Mother's Day 2021 and ahead of its release Complex offered a quick breakdown of the product. “Sweeter Tings,” “Williamsburg Sleepover,” “Good Thoughts,” and “Muskoka" are available for $48 a piece. For $85, Better World Fragrance House is offering a candle that's meant to "actually smell like Drake," appropriately titled, "Carby Musk." 

Apparently, Drake's advanced products came with a note about how he hopes "better your mood and surroundings" with his new candle. To maximize the experience, Drake has a suggestion for what you should be listening to. "I suggest playing the album that inspired this whole project the first time you light one: Midnite – Live In Eugene," the note reportedly reads.

Midnite's Live In Eugene is, unfortunately, not available on streaming services but records from Live In Eugene are available on the Internet. Check out their song "Old Robe" below. 

“The Boy From Medellín” Reshapes The Image Of J Balvin

The documentary “The Boy from Medellín,” directed by Matthew Heineman and released on Prime Video last week, follows Colombian reggaeton singer J Balvin in the week leading up to his first solo stadium concert in Medellín, Colombia. The documentary discusses J Balvin’s mental health issues and the reality of being an influential figure during times of social and political unrest.

The film begins by covering some of Balvin’s largest successes. He has made history as the most nominated artist at the 2018 Latin Grammys as well as the first reggaeton artist to perform on Saturday Night Live. However, his artistic beginning was turbulent. When he was 17, he moved to Los Angeles in the hopes of kickstarting his career as a performer. Struggling with anxiety, depression and the realities of being an immigrant in the U.S., he returned to Colombia feeling defeated. Despite this, the artist continued performing regularly in his hometown, Medellín, gaining local popularity before sky-rocketing to international fame. 

In November of 2019, a few weeks before Balvin’s first solo stadium concert, protests began in Colombia over various human-rights issues and the government of President Iván Duque Márquez. The film includes clips from these protests and emphasizes their effect on the artist. Facing pressure from his fans to speak on the protests, he struggled with remaining true to his identity as an artist while fulfilling his duties as a public figure. He was heavily criticized for his silence regarding the protests, which caused his mental and physical health to suffer. During the film, he speaks with a psychiatrist about his anxiety toward performing in Medellín in the midst of social unrest. 

The documentary illustrates how Balvin’s love for his country outweighed his hesitancy to issue a statement about the protests. Taking to the internet, he posted his regrets about the death of a protester. Criticized for his late response, he continued to struggle with the best way to support the residents of Colombia.

The documentary ends with footage from Balvin’s first solo stadium show in his hometown, Medellín. During the performance, he spoke about the injustices committed by President Duque and asked the crowd for a minute of silence to honor the protesters. A passionate performer, he goes out of his way to connect with his audience and leaves them yearning for more.

“The Boy from Medellín” introduces fans to a different side of J Balvin. Close-up shots and one-on-one interviews foster an intimate feel, while the clips of his performances introduce a stark dichotomy between the famous J Balvin and unknown José Balvín. By discussing mental health and societal pressure, he is stripped of the cool attitude and flashy style he adopts as a reggaeton performer. 

No Virtual Reggae Sumfest; Bogdanovich Eyes October Date

There will be no virtual staging of Reggae Sumfest, Jamaica’s premier reggae and dancehall festival, this year. However, if the entertainment sector opens up “enthusiastically”, the organizers are ready to claim the Heroes Weekend in October as their own, rather than their annual summer date in July.

Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic forced DownSound Entertainment to stage a fully virtual edition of Reggae Sumfest, utilizing online platforms Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube simultaneously. 

Downsound said in a statement that the global response had exceeded all expectations.

With the success of that bold and expensive venture behind him, Sumfest executive producer, and chairman and CEO of Downsound Entertainment, Joe Bogdanovich, is now firmly focused on the 2021 concept of the annual reggae festival.

“The pandemic is still on, and we [Jamaica] still don’t have enough vaccines, so therein lies the issue. We are looking at October, Heroes Day weekend, to stage Reggae Sumfest and want to do it live, whether it’s 2,000 people or 20,000 per night. There is no money in the virtual, and people are not really liking it so much, especially with other countries opening up,” he said.

In addition to Bogdanovich not being interested in the world of virtual reality, there are no plans to ditch Jamaica and take the festival overseas.

He added, “People are calling from all over the world asking if we are keeping the festival in Jamaica. There is a lot of caution to open up entertainment enthusiastically, but America is open, lots of other countries are open. However, we are not running off to Florida like some people. It’s our music, our festival, our roots,” Bogdanovich said, throwing a bit of shade, with his voice beaming as he casually recited Reggae Sumfest’s patriotic tagline.

Bogdanovich told The Gleaner that he and his team have been ready since March to get into full production mode for the 2021 staging of Reggae Sumfest and that he has been patiently waiting for some positive word, even as the sector remains padlocked.

#ReggaeFriday Weekend Soundtrack

This week I cover only three album releases that includes Jo Mersa Marley, Jesse Royal, and UB40—yeah UB40 is back. Well, most of the band is. To summarize: I find that Jo Mersa has 4 in 7 tracks that captures my attention. The others are okay, but fall a little flat for an artist who has been raising the bar in the genre. Jesse Royal is worth an entire listen and gets better with each listen. UB40 feels off to me. It feels old and out of touch. Perhaps the absence of Ali Campbell and Astro are being felt. This album is best suited for easy listening radio music stations heard in doctor's offices-- not modern reggae playlists.

Jo Mersa Marley | Eternal

Eternal is not only the music of the great Bob Marley, but also the title of the sophomore EP of his grandson Jo Mersa Marley, who thus continues the legacy in the third generation. Surrounded by reggae music from birth, the eldest son of Stephen Marley had a thorough musical training both in studio and on stage. While evolving into the artist he is today, Jo Mersa was coached and advised not only by his father, who is a phenomenal singer and producer, but by the cumulated expertise of his uncles Damian, Julian, and Ziggy as well. 

It comes as no surprise that Jo Mersa's new EP is released on the family's Ghetto Youths International, a prestigious label founded by above-mentioned brothers which houses both the Marleys themselves and other reggae legends such as Third World. Eternal is a 7-track EP released on May 21 and features collaborations with modern reggae break-thru artists including Kabaka Pyramid(“Made It”), Busy Signal(“Yo Dawg”), Black-Am-I(“No Way Out”), and Melii (“Company”). Click on the image below to watch "No Way Out" featuring Black-I-Am:

The final track, “That Dream,” is awesome. I fell in love with that tune. It's perfection on so many levels, from the immaculate production by Cedella's son Soul Marley via the important message included to the grand vocal performance of Jo Mersa, who not only flows like a surfer on the waves so potently provided by his cousin, but also sings the melodic chorus smoothly and on point. Click on the image below to watch "Made It" featuring Kabaka Pyramid:

With Eternal, this young Marley has created a musical monument that establishes him as an independent, creative individual full of determination and talent - one to watch fi sure!  

Jesse Royal | Royal

With Royal, Jesse Royal releases a sophomore album that is incredibly versatile, multi-layered, rich in sound and message, and extremely personal. For example, the artist addresses very intimate subjects such as the distance-stricken relationship to his firstborn daughter in the fifth track “Home.” 

The 11-track LP that was released on June 11 features Protoje (“Lion Order”)—a track that was originally released in 2019, Ghanaian dancehall/reggae singer Stonebwoy (“Dirty Money”), incarcerated King of Dancehall Vybz Kartel (“Rich Forever”), and a couple of lesser-known artists. Click on the image below to watch "Rich Forever" featuring Vybz Kartel:

A native of Jamaica, Jesse Royal has toured extensively in Jamaica as well as Europe and the United States, before releasing his first major work produced by his friend Walshy Fire—of Major Lazer fame—in 2014. In 2015, Vogue Magazine listed Jesse Royal as part of a greater ongoing "Reggae Revival" movement (along with other such artists as Chronixx, Jah9 and Protoje) happening in Jamaica and the rest of the world, revitalizing the genre of roots reggae. Click on the image below to watch "Lion Order" featuring Protoje:

Royal is high-quality work from start to finish, an organic display of talent and collaboration that marks the preliminary climax of Jesse Royal's career. The singer, songwriter, businessman, lover, friend, father, and community activist let’s us in deeply on his life here, sharing his reality and vision with a world that's better ready to hear what he has to say. 

UB40 | Bigga Baggariddim

When a band gets to the level of entrenchment that England’s UB40 has achieved, it can make the album it wants. UB40 has now logged more than 40 years as a band. Helped along by big hits in the 1980s and ’90s, it keeps the reggae fires burnin’ with Bigga Baggariddim, its 21st album. 

The 15-track LP that is being released at midnight tonight (June 25) features a wide range of collaborations including House Of Shem (“Good Vibes Tonight” plus 2 others), Tippa Irie (“On The Road”), Blvk H3ro (“Gravy Train Is Coming” plus 2 others), Inner Circle (“Rebel Love”), Leno Banton (“Show And Prove”), Reggae Rajahs (“Roots Rock Reggae”) and others. Click on the image below to watch "You Don't Call Me Anymore" featuring KIOKO:

The album’s title references the band’s 1985 record on which it reworked its earlier songs with the aid of high-profile guest musicians. Bigga Baggariddim follows this format in that each song features rappers, MCs or full reggae bands in collaboration with UB40. Songs appear in multiple versions so that the 11 featured artists can provide their own spin. Click on the image below to watch "Message of Love" featuring House Of Shem:

Now, you may be asking: “Which version of UB40 are we talking about?” To clarify, this UB40 is the legally ordained entity that has retained the right to use the name. In 2008, long-time band members Ali Campbell and Micky Virtue left the band, followed by vocalist Astro in 2013. The three joined forces for their own UB40 act, soon changing their name to UB40 Reunited.

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Editor's Note: #ReggaeFriday, reggaefriday.life, and the curated #ReggaeFriday playlist is part of a self-created idea that started in early June 2020. This collective is intended to expose, elevate, educate, celebrate, and expand an appreciation of the people, culture, influences, and music of the Caribbean. Heavy doses of reggae and reggaeton music are merged here where in real life they are more often treated separate. Beneath this, I hope to help others learn to better appreciate how a tiny geographic area, in particular the people located on the islands of Puerto Rico and Jamaica, has an enduring and never-ending positive impact on people and culture around the world.