The 10th anniversary staging of the New Jersey International Reggae Fest brings the best of the Caribbean to Jersey’s Brick City with a power-packed line-up that includes the biggest names of the past, present, and future of Jamaica’s signature drum and bass sound. Iconic Reggae singer Marcia Griffiths, Billboard Reggae artist Gyptian, soulful singer Gramps Morgan, Jamaica’s ‘Stevie Wonder’ Frankie Paul, lyrical master Assassin, and Reggae’s rising star Romain Virgo are among the latest round of exceptional talent that has just been added to the monumental celebration at the Edison Park Complex, located at the Prudential Arena in Newark, on Sunday, August 15th.
Along with Reggae legends Freddie McGregor and Cocoa Tea, international Dancehall star Cham, roots Reggae champion Tarrus Riley, prodigious producer/artist Stephen McGregor, and upcoming Dancehall stars Chino and Laden, these latest additions to the line-up represents the various stages of Reggae, from the early pioneers straight through to future musical masters.
Reggae matriarch Marcia Griffiths, whose extensive catalogue spans well over three decades, was part of the original trio the I-Threes that provided background vocals for Bob Marley and the Wailers. Griffiths has made an indelible mark on American music with her timeless single “Electric Boogie” sparking the electric slide dance craze. Crooner Gyptian’s radio zinger “Hold Yuh” is currently topping all mainstream radio Reggae charts in North America and bubbling on the Billboard Top 100 chart at #79. Frankie Paul is one of Jamaica’s beloved singers, whose decades long repertoire of hits include Reggae remakes of American standards and classic original material. Gramps Morgan, of the acclaimed group Morgan Heritage, Jamaica’s 2007 Digicel Rising Star talent search winner Romain Virgo, pioneering Dancehall deejay Lady G, Dancehall’s crafty lyricist Assassin, and upcoming roots Reggae chanter Duane Stephenson add to an already eclectic mix of world renowned and brand new talent from the Caribbean basin.
“For our 10th Anniversary, we want to show New Jersey all of the dynamic aspect of Reggae,” states NJIRF organizer Kacy “G City” Rankine, who along with RoadBlockRadio.com, and Jeawin Entertainment are producing the 10th Anniversary show. “From classic Reggae to Roots to Lover’s Rock to Dancehall to now ‘Pop Reggae’ and ‘Pop Dancehall’, I want our audience to understand and experience the entire evolution of Reggae over the past 30 or so years.”
The 10th Annual New Jersey International Reggae Fest will be held on Sunday, August 15th at the Edison Park Complex (located at the Prudential Arena) – 162 Mulberry Street in Newark, NJ. Featured Acts include Marcia Griffiths, Cocoa Tea, Freddie McGregor, Frankie Paul, Gyptian, Cham, Duane Stephenson, Gramps Morgan, Lady G, Stephen McGregor, Assassin, Chino, Laden, and Romain Virgo. Limited $39.99 early bird tickets are available until July 31st. General Admission is $54.99.
