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Archived: Soca Music Makes It To The White House

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On Wednesday, June 22, Caribbean soca star, Machel Montano delivered Soca at the White House. His presence at the monumental US building came as officials celebrate the 8th anniversary of June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month.

Machel Montano

Trinidad and Tobago soca artiste, Machel Montano

While there was little to no buzz surrounding Montano’s impending appearance at the White House on Wednesday, prior to the occasion, the multiple time Soca Monarch King did in fact participate in a Social Innovation and Impact Investment forum held at the Inter American Development Bank. There was also a White House Community Briefing held at the Old Executive office Building in commemoration of the month long celebration.

In his proclamation this year, US President, Barack Obama stated:

“The dynamism and diversity of Caribbean Americans have contributed to our Nation’s story in extraordinary ways. Millions of people in the United States are connected to our Caribbean neighbors through ties of commerce and family — a relationship reinforced by the values and history we hold in common.  During National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we celebrate the contributions of our Caribbean-American brothers and sisters, and we reflect on how they have bolstered our country and enriched our traditions.” 

Machel Montano with former dancehall act, Jamaican gospel singer, Marion Hall.

Machel Montano with former dancehall act, Jamaican gospel singer, Marion Hall.

Former Jamaican dancehall artiste, Marion Hall, AKA Lady Saw also delivered an impromptu performance at the White House celebration as did, Trinidadian jazz musician, Etienne Charles. The event also saw Haiti represented by songstress Emeline Michel. On his Instagram page, Machel Montano said:

“Finally made it to the @whitehouse today to represent Soca music! The impact of Caribbean Culture on America.”

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Reggae

New ‘Jamrock’ Documentary Celebrates Unforgettable Moments. Cruise Returns to Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa, This Year.

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With over a decade’s worth of unforgettable moments pulled from the last 10 voyages, this 30+ minute documentary captures the spirit of a global reggae community built on shared identity, resilience, and reverence for Jamaican culture. It features iconic performances, real conversations with the artistes and DJs, and the heartbeat of it all: the “Jamrockers.”  These are die-hard reggae lovers from over 40 countries who pull up every year for one reason – to feel that irreplaceable connection to Jamaican culture and keep the Marley message of “One Love” alive. 

Having successfully navigated challenges including extreme weather and a global pandemic, the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise continues to thrive. Its 11th staging will return for its annual voyage from November 11th to the 16th, sailing from Miami aboard Norwegian Joy. 

Stacked from foundation to future, this year’s lineup brings together reggae and dancehall’s most influential voices: Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and Stephen Marley (Traffic Jam Set), Burning Spear, Sizzla, Capleton, Beenie Man, Protoje, Barrington Levy, Elephant Man, Junior Reid, Lila Iké, Ding Dong & the Ravers Clavers, Tony Matterhorn “Man on the Moon”, Gyptian, 450, Richie Spice, Ghost, Mr. Lexx, Professor Nuts, L.U.S.T., Sister Carol, Sevana, Flourgon, Johnny P, and Jemere Morgan are confirmed.

The cruise’s famed Sound Clash at Sea will return alongside powerhouse sound systems including Stone Love (Geefus), King Jammy, Silverhawk Sound, Rory Stone Love, Renaissance Sound, Federation Sound, Warrior Sound, Rampage Sound, Kingston12 HiFi and Souljah1 Muzik, preserving a cornerstone of Jamaican music culture in its most authentic form.

Jamrock is a Premiere Reggae Event

The Jamrock experience has evolved into the premier reggae event at sea—one that continues to redefine how the culture is celebrated on a global stage. The five-day experience continues to immerse guests in the full spectrum of Jamaican life—from Nyabinghi sunrise sessions and sound bath meditations to dancehall workshops, fitness programming, and curated culinary offerings led by acclaimed Chef Lumley. A new addition this year includes a live theatrical production by legendary playwright Oliver Samuels, adding yet another layer to the cruise’s ever-expanding cultural canvas.

Beenie Man will be on the cruise in November.

Following the impact of Hurricane Melissa in 2025, the cruise will return to Jamaica with renewed purpose, maintaining its distinction as the only chartered cruise with two Jamaican port stops. That commitment translates into tangible impact, generating millions annually for the island’s tourism and cultural economy while reinforcing a direct connection between the music, the people, and the place that birthed it.

As All in the Same Boat makes clear, Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise is a movement with its own rhythm, one that continues to bring the diaspora home, while inviting the world in. Since its inception in 2014, the mission remains the same: to create a space where reggae lives, breathes, and connects us all. 

The documentary made its debut during the 10th annual cruise and later screened at Art Basel in support of hurricane relief efforts led by the Marley family’s Ghetto Youths Foundation. Damian Marley and Dan Dalton were executive producers of the film.

https://youtu.be/ya_xhY3ID54?si=IWlDqVg_lH3boi0Z

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Music News

Popcaan Teams Up with the Legendary, Junior Reid on Brand New Single.

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Jamaican dancehall artiste, Popcaan continues to bridge generations in music with the release of his powerful new single, ‘Born Fi Conquer.’ The track features veteran reggae singer, Junior Reid and was produced by Popcaan’s nephew, rising talent, Joel Engineer.

The track is a bold and inspiring anthem rooted in purpose and resilience, says the entertainer’s team. “From its opening moments, Born Fi Conquer delivers a strong message of self-worth and perseverance, reminding listeners that no matter their occupation or circumstance, they are deserving of greatness,” a media statement issued, reassured.

Anchored by the affirming refrain, “Born fi win, born fi conquer,” the single encourages individuals to step fully into their potential and live out their purpose unapologetically.

Popcaan continues to show his ability to seamlessly blend contemporary dancehall with timeless influences and on this collaboration he once again demonstrates his deep respect for the foundation of Jamaican music. His collaboration with the ‘One Blood’ legend, Junior Reid highlights a consistent pattern in his career; intentionally creating alongside legendary voices who helped shape the sound and Jamaican culture and the dancehall genre.

Junior Reid’s verse which adds depth and authenticity to the record, pays tribute to the hardworking people of Jamaica while reinforcing a message of upward mobility and hope. With lines centered on perseverance and progress, he reminds listeners that “the only way is up,” echoing the song’s overarching theme of triumph.

“Working with Junior Reid is a great honour for me. I have deep respect for the elders who paved the way and built this industry. Being able to create great music with them is a full circle moment,” said Poppy. The new single was produced by Joel Engineer and signals the emergence of a new generation of producers, blending fresh sonic direction with culturally rich storytelling.

‘Born Fi Conquer’ is now available on all major streaming platforms.

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