2025 JRF LINEUP
Terrace Martin
GRAMMY-nominated producer, multi-instrumentalist, and visionary artist Terrace Martin brings an electrifying blend of jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and soul to the stage. Known for his genre-defying sound and dynamic collaborations with icons like Kendrick Lamar, Herbie Hancock, Snoop Dogg, and Robert Glasper, Terrace stands at the forefront of modern music innovation. A key architect behind To Pimp a Butterfly, Martin’s work bridges generations and genres, fusing raw emotion with masterful musicianship.
With roots in South Central Los Angeles and a deep reverence for both West Coast hip-hop and classic jazz, Terrace Martin’s live performances are immersive, spontaneous, and unforgettably soulful. Whether he's on saxophone, keys, or behind the boards, Martin creates a sonic journey that celebrates freedom, creativity, and community.
Sister Nancy
Sister Nancy (born Ophlin Russell in Kingston, Jamaica, 1962) is a pioneering Jamaican dancehall DJ and singer, best known for her iconic 1982 track "Bam Bam." Widely regarded as the first female dancehall DJ, she broke gender barriers in the male-dominated reggae and dancehall scene. Her debut album, One, Two, solidified her influence, with "Bam Bam" later becoming one of the most sampled tracks in reggae history. Sister Nancy’s fearless lyrics, commanding voice, and trailblazing spirit earned her lasting respect in global music culture. Today, she remains a symbol of empowerment and resilience in reggae and beyond.
Mereba
Mereba is a genre-defying singer, songwriter, and producer whose music blends soulful R&B with elements of hip-hop, folk, and spoken word. With Ethiopian roots and a Southern upbringing, her sound is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Known for her ethereal voice and poetic lyricism, Mereba gained widespread acclaim with her debut album The Jungle Is the Only Way Out and her standout role in the Spillage Village collective. Her music explores themes of love, resilience, and self-discovery, delivered with emotional depth and sonic elegance.
Whether performing solo or with collaborators, Mereba’s live shows offer an intimate and transformative experience that lingers long after the music ends.
Protoje
A pioneering force in the Reggae Revival movement, Protoje is a Grammy-nominated artist, songwriter, and visionary who has redefined contemporary reggae music. Blending roots reggae with elements of hip-hop, soul, and dub, Protoje’s music is both a nod to Jamaica’s musical legacy and a bold push into new sonic territories.
Born Oje Ken Ollivierre, Protoje emerged on the international scene with the breakout single "Who Knows" featuring Chronixx, followed by critically acclaimed albums such as Ancient Future, A Matter of Time, and Third Time’s the Charm. His lyrics are socially conscious, introspective, and deeply resonant—addressing themes of resistance, identity, and cultural pride.
As the founder of In.Digg.Nation Collective, Protoje has nurtured a new generation of Jamaican talent, including artists like Lila Iké and Sevana. With a dynamic stage presence and a deep catalog of hits, Protoje continues to captivate audiences worldwide, making each performance an unforgettable experience rooted in message and rhythm.
Gyptian
Get ready to feel the vibes with the one and only Gyptian – live and direct!Known for his international smash hit "Hold Yuh" and a voice that melts hearts, Gyptian brings his signature blend of reggae, dancehall, and lovers rock to the stage for a night of pure energy and sensual rhythms. From conscious anthems like "Serious Times" to romantic slow jams like "Wine Slow" and "Beautiful Lady," Gyptian’s performance is guaranteed to set the mood and move the crowd.Don’t miss your chance to see this Jamaican superstar light up the stage with his smooth vocals and magnetic presence.
Cocoa Sarai
Cocoa Sarai is a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and powerhouse performer whose music fuses soul, hip-hop, and R&B with unapologetic truth. Born and raised in Brooklyn with Jamaican roots, her sound is as bold as her storytelling—raw, emotional, and deeply human.
Cocoa has worked with industry heavyweights like Dr. Dre, Anderson .Paak, and Cordae, earning recognition for both her dynamic voice and lyrical finesse. Her acclaimed EP "Cyan" showcases her ability to move effortlessly between vulnerability and strength, creating music that resonates on a personal and cultural level.
On stage, Cocoa Sarai delivers passion and authenticity—each performance a celebration of identity, resilience, and the power of voice.
Q
With a powerful falsetto and a knack for tender, soulful storytelling, Q Marsden is well on his way to capturing the hearts and minds of a generation. Q was five years old when he started recording music. Raised by musician parents, the 25-year- old singer-songwriter from Pembroke Pines, Florida fondly remembers laying his first track down
in studios his father brought him to in Jamaica. Despite his early foundations in music, Q was never taught how to play the piano, guitar, and drums that grace his stirring, melodic songs. “Iwould listen to it and try to play it piece by piece,” Q explains about teaching himself to play the keys by ear and using classic Mozart as a guide. Soon enough he was programming beats intohis mother’s Triton keyboard. In 2013, Q was inspired to make production part of his focus, and
even sold a guitar he had bought in order to get the computer equipment he needed to strengthen his sound. His 2020 breakout song “Take Me Where Your Heart Is” which amassed
over 200 million streams, was synced on hit shows On My Block, Gossip Girl and more. As he gears up to release even more music, Q wants to focus on his message: “Evolve, change and give hope, nothing more and nothing less,” he says.
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