The OVO Wembley arena in London will host one of Reggae and Dancehall’s biggest and most prominent concerts on Sunday 17th November 2024 as three of Jamaica’s most iconic artists take the stage for the ‘Legends of Legends’ show.
Reaching remarkable heights of success individually as solo artists, the trio have teamed up this time for an unforgettable night of musical electricity, accompanied by a full live band onstage.
It is expected that the legends will be performing some of their most iconic and culturally relevant songs, which are regarded as part of the fabric of the evolving sounds of Jamaican music.
Kingston’s Grammy award winning Reggae/ Dancehall songwriter and musician ‘Beenie Man’ the self- proclaimed ‘King of Dancehall’ and known for popular songs such as ‘Girls Dem Sugar’ and ‘Who Am I’ rose to fame in the early 1990s following his pivotal performance at Sunsplash, despite an earlier musical pursuit, recording his first ever single ‘Too Fancy’ as an eight year old DJ. Beenie Man’s consistency and commercial success has seen him collaborate with artists such as Janet Jackson and Mya, allowing his rooted Jamaican sound to cross over internationally.
The ‘War Lord’, better known as Mr Bounty Killer has cultivated a sound and a style that has commanded respect and dominated the dances and airwaves for decades. His powerful and energetic stage presence and classic anthems ‘Benz and Bimma’ and ‘Anytime’ are cemented as reputable songs of the culture and Killer continues to acquire the recognition from many as a pioneer of Jamaican music.
Celebrated for his internationally revered 2006 single ‘Ghetto Story’ Cham, formerly known as Baby Cham has had a long-standing career in music and watched it catapult following the release. His clever lyrical ability and melodic flow can be heard on many songs following his long list of collaborations with the likes of Alicia Keys, Foxy Brown, Damien Marley, and Akon, to name a few. Cham’s distinctive tone and charismatic persona are why he has maintained a long-standing career and level of prominence amongst his peers.
The ‘Legends of Legends’ concert is bound to be an extraordinary night of nostalgia, adrenaline, musical excellence, and pure enjoyment. Fans and lovers of Reggae/ Dancehall will not want to miss this one.
St Thomas Natives secure top 10 slots in iTunes album charts
Epik Jones – first UK producer to top iTunes Charts
By Lesley Hayles | October 15, 2024
UK-based St Thomas native Epik Jones has exceeded expectations by being the first Jamaican producer to hit both the US and UK iTunes Charts last Friday, October 11. Coincidentally, the day was recently coronated as Paul Bogle Day, a freedom fighter and national hero of Jamaica who is also from the parish of St Thomas.
Another St Thomas native had also taken a top 10 spot on the US charts. Dancehall superstar Popcaan’s last album ‘Great Is He’ still holds relevance on the iTunes chart after its release almost 2 years ago, moving up to number 7 on the same day. It is newcomer Epik Jones, however, who is making headlines with his achievement.
Originally from Albion, St Thomas & a former KC old boy, Epik debuted at number 1 on US iTunes Charts and number 2 on the UK iTunes Chart early Friday morning with his latest project ‘Now That’s Epik’. A DJ and producer who is now based in London, Epik’s album placed number 72 overall on the UK music charts. It features 16 dancehall tracks from various artists including Xyclone, Bay-C from TOK, Konshens, Spice, Tony Matterhorn, Smoodface, afrobeat superstar Shatta Wale and many more.
‘Now That’s Epik’ starts off with an Epik poem he wrote titled “Cry of a Black Boy”, then goes on to include Xyclone’s “Meck It Clap (Remix)” featuring Konshens and “Drip” featuring Bay-C, Shatta Wale’s “Dancehall Girl (Global Remix)” featuring Ishawna and Lisa Mercedes and “Cash Life (The Baddest) [Remix]” featuring Trillary Banks, and 2 versions of Spice’s hit song “Cool It”. All tracks topped the singles chart as well and the album itself has amassed almost 3 million streams on Spotify already.
Kabaka Pyramid’s show at the O2 Academy Islington on Sunday, October 6, 2024, was a night filled with vibes and intimate energy, capturing the essence of reggae with a modern twist. Before Kabaka took the stage, the crowd was already buzzing thanks to Seanie B, the Remix Kid, and BBC 1Xtra’s DJ. He set the tone by spinning classic reggae tracks from legends like Gregory Isaacs, Bob Marley, Garnet Silk, and others, not leaving out the current crop of reggae stars like Lila Ike, Protoje, and more. This warm-up was a nostalgic tribute, taking the audience on a journey through reggae’s golden years and creating an atmosphere of unity and excitement.
When Kabaka Pyramid finally hit the stage, the energy in the room skyrocketed. Backed by his band, The Bebble Rockers, he delivered a tight set that combined his conscious lyrics with infectious reggae beats. Songs from his Grammy-winning album The Kalling and other hits like “Well Done” and “Red, Gold, and Green” had the crowd swaying and singing along.
A standout moment came when the music unexpectedly cut out mid-performance. Instead of missing a beat, Kabaka freestyled effortlessly, using the technical glitch as an opportunity to showcase his lyrical skills and keep the crowd hyped. His quick improvisation drew cheers and solidified his status as a true performer who knows how to handle any situation.
Kabaka Pyramid O2 Academy Islington 2024
The night ended on a high note, with Kabaka taking the time to connect with fans, posing for pictures and making sure everyone left with a memorable experience. This personal touch, combined with the intimate venue, made the concert feel like a special gathering rather than just another show. Kabaka Pyramid’s ability to merge old-school reggae vibes with a modern, socially conscious message left the audience inspired and full of positive energy.
Feathers float to the riddims blazing from the trucks. Gemstones and jewels adorn the handcrafted costumes of masqueraders from all walks of life. For onlookers, the parade is simply a mesmerising sight to behold. It’s always tough to get over the fact that Notting Hill Carnival is over. We will have to wait until next year to jump in the road again.
Reign Mas Band 2024
In this article, we reflect on the events of Notting Hill Carnival 2024 and share the experiences of three masqueraders.
Alison Hinds summarised what it’s all about in her 2007 song “Togetherness”. In the UK, Carnival began as a way to bring people together and now we fete to maintain tradition. These celebrations of Caribbean culture with a parade surrounded by static sound systems first took place in 1973. Notting Hill Carnival has since become the second biggest carnival in the world (after Rio de Janeiro).
“I go to Carnival every year,” says Shynell. I’ve been going since I was about 10 years old with my family, so it’s just carried on like a family tradition and part of my culture,” she added. The anthem from the Vincentian, Tobagonian, and Trinidadian trio (Skinny Fabulous, Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin) rings true for many of those singing “We feting with we “famalay” at the top of their lungs.
Carnival goers take to the streets as a yearly rite of passage. “I go to Carnival to remember the significance of my grandparents who used to go — they went as a family unit. I always meet my cousins there and it’s just a joyous time,” says Gemiah. Notting Hill Carnival beautifully creates spaces for the different islands, especially for people wanting to introduce Caribbean culture to their little ones who might be hearing live steel pans for the first time.
At WorlMag, we revel in soca, dancehall, and the rich tapestry of Caribbean life. We have interviewed the likes of Nailah Blackman, Sabrina Francis and Tosh Alexander. There’s no doubt that music is a huge part of Caribbean culture. Music is what drives the movement of the one million-strong crowd at Notting Hill Carnival.
An array of new songs hit the road this year, including TK International’s hit “Whistle While You Work.” “That song got me dancing the most,” Shynell told WorlMag, raising her hand into a chef’s kiss. That [genre] song got waistlines flinging left to right nonstop.
Jenni at Notting Hill Carnival 2024
The DJs hanging out of the trucks are conductors of the streets. They can slow a crowd down tocalypso or speed it right up with bouyon. We entrust them with the power to move us physically and emotionally. Like Jenni, you might suddenly get the desire to fill your cup when you hear King Bubba’s song “Who Drinking Rum”.
Liberation is at the heart of Notting Hill Carnival. One masquerader, Jenni, celebrates with a mas band every year. “It’s the two days that set me up for the rest of the year. It’s a reset and an electrifying beginning all in one. It makes me feel free and alive,” she told WorlMag. “Pure joy and good energy in the air charges you up,” she added.
Gemiah at Notting Hill Carnival 2024
That’s why “Holiday” by Vincentian, and Brooklyn-raised artist Problem Child quickly became a household favourite since its debut last year. There’s something about taking time for yourself—“not doing no work today”—and just getting swept up in the moment. During these bank holiday celebrations, Gemiah says that her anxiety fades away: “On a normal day, large crowds would be really overwhelming, but when it comes to carnival once you have the music, the food, the drinks, the friends and the joyous people around you, you really forget about that,” says Gemiah.
It’s a welcome distraction from bills that need to be paid and anything else that’s bothering you. More than that, the feeling of liberation comes with masquerading and dressing to turn heads. “Carnival is a time where I feel like there’s no expectation of me or what I should look like, what I should be wearing,” says Gemiah. “I feel truly beautiful every year, especially when I do costume,” she added.
Raheen Reign Mas Band
Freeing up yourself in this way is a political act. As the late political activist Darcus Howe tells us, “If there weren’t race riots in Notting Hill I don’t believe that we would have had the Notting Hill Carnival. If it wasn’t for the murder of Kelso Cochrane, Carnival wouldn’t have happened.”
In the face of the recent racist riots and scaremongering that Black and South Asian people experienced, we jump up and down at Carnival, holding our heads high. When we dance we unapologetically say that we are here. We are still here and we’re not going anywhere; either follow the float or—to use the words of Fimba—mind your funky business.
People pour in from all over the world to soak up the festivities. Residents often get involved from their balconies. Shynell and Gemiah recalled the moment when the MC from the Island Mas truck interacted with an elderly lady watching the celebrations from her window.
The Island Mas band waved at the resident, blowing whistles, cheering and bouncing as a collective. “The joy and smile on her face. It just spread happiness across everyone’s faces,” said Gemiah. “It reminded me of how significant carnival is, and the positive impact it can make on people around us, especially those who aren’t typically a part of Caribbean culture,” she added.
Shynell noticed a lot of visitors from abroad. “Many people stopped to ask for pictures in our costumes, you could tell they had an accent. That’s the power of learning a second or even third language, you’ll be able to experience other cultures across the world as these people do,” she said.
Of course, everything wasn’t perfect this year. The bands set off later on Sunday and a number of bands finished earlier on both days. “I’m used to through the years doing at least two laps and finishing at 7/8 pm,” said Jenni. One thing’s for sure, Caribbean people don’t like feeling rushed.
There was noticeably more staff and an increased police presence. “I noticed that the staffing/stewards were quite young, so I felt for them. Carnival is not an easy place to work,” said Shynell. Changes in the route also seemed to create bottlenecks and overcrowding that some masqueraders deemed dangerous.
As organisers prepare for next year, we hope that some of these issues will be addressed so everyone can enjoy the Notting Hill Carnival experience. In the meantime, Hackney Carnival 2024 is just around the corner. It takes place on Sunday 22 September 2024 from 12pm to 7pm and includes a family-focused parade throughout the borough.
If you’re looking for places to hear more soca, dancehall and other genres from the islands, here’s a list of events where you can either whine your waist among friends or indulge in good food.
Kingston’s Grammy award winning Reggae/ Dancehall songwriter and musician ‘Beenie Man’ the self- proclaimed ‘King of Dancehall’ and known for popular songs such as ‘Girls Dem Sugar’ and ‘Who Am I’ rose to fame in the early 1990s following his pivotal performance at Sunsplash, despite an earlier musical pursuit, recording his first ever single ‘Too Fancy’ as an eight year old DJ. Beenie Man’s consistency and commercial success has seen him collaborate with artists such as Janet Jackson and Mya, allowing his rooted Jamaican sound to cross over internationally. 
The ‘War Lord’, better known as Mr Bounty Killer has cultivated a sound and a style that has commanded respect and dominated the dances and airwaves for decades. His powerful and energetic stage presence and classic anthems ‘Benz and Bimma’ and ‘Anytime’ are cemented as reputable songs of the culture and Killer continues to acquire the recognition from many as a pioneer of Jamaican music.
Celebrated for his internationally revered 2006 single ‘Ghetto Story’ Cham, formerly known as Baby Cham has had a long-standing career in music and watched it catapult following the release. His clever lyrical ability and melodic flow can be heard on many songs following his long list of collaborations with the likes of Alicia Keys, Foxy Brown, Damien Marley, and Akon, to name a few. Cham’s distinctive tone and charismatic persona are why he has maintained a long-standing career and level of prominence amongst his peers. 
