US-based reggae promoter Jermaine Green said his inaugural 420ish Unity Festival in Virginia was a phenomenal success. It was held at the Portsmouth Sportsplex on April 23 and 24, 2022.

The two-night hip hop and reggae festival featured Jamaican acts Spice, Shaggy, and Madd Lion, as well as American rapper Rick Ross with Gucci Mane and City Girls.

“I wanted to stage an event which people could enjoy, feel welcomed, and attract a lot of outsiders from US. This would help to unify people from all walks of life,” Green told the Jamaica Observer.

420ish Unity Festival was streamed live to a global audience.

“There were no technical difficulties as everything was planned meticulously. My co-organisers, Katrina Freedam and Lakeesha Atkinson, did a splendid job along with the expertise of Michael ‘Beatbopper’ Hudges, who was responsible for the streaming,” Green added.

Hudges is executive producer of album Miungu Ya Muzike. Released February 2021, it copped the Best International new release from Amazon.

“I also used the opportunity to spot talent for a number of my upcoming projects. I will definitely be producing an album with some 20 independent artistes later this year. As producers, we need to give young acts an opportunity to shine. And, based on my previous works, I know all this is possible,” said Hudges.

“Jamaica, for example, has a lot of positive artistes who are working very hard. They have great role models such as Sean Paul, Shaggy and the great Bob Marley to emulate,” he added.