Skip to Main Content

Reggae In The Fields
Saturday July 4th, 2026 with Junior Smith
Reggae in the Fields 50th Anniversary Celebrations continues Report on the 11 Biannual Conference held in Jamaica June 14-18, Music from 1980-1983

Reggae in the Fields 50th Anniversary Celebrations continues.... Report on the 11 Biannual Conference held in Jamaica June 14-18, Music from 1980-1983 New website and internet radio, "Echoes from Yard." at REGGAEINTHEFIELDS.com Reggae in the Fields T-shirt Contest Guide (DETAILS at reggaeinthefields.com) Reggae in the Fields (www.ckcufm.com). Canada's longest running Reggae program on CKCU 93.1FM. 3:00-5:30 pm Eastern. Since 1976. Listen to the podcast by 6:00 pm. https://cod.ckcufm.com/programs/132/76163.html
Reggae in the Fields launches it new website and internet radio, "Echoes from Yard." at REGGAEINTHEFIELDS.com

"Echoes from Yard"
Echoes from Yard is a global sound experience rooted in Caribbean culture and carried across the diaspora. Blending foundation classics with contemporary sounds, the music moves effortlessly through roots, lovers rock, dancehall, and beyond—while making space for the stories behind the music. The music and spoken word feature curated selections, artist spotlights, and conversations that connect the past to the present. From Kingston to Toronto, London to New York, Echoes from Yard captures the pulse of a culture that continues to shape the world.

Thanks to:
Kevin MacMartin, Website and Content Design, Software Programming
Nicholas Smith Data retrieval
Reggae in the Fields T-shirt Contest Guide (DETAILS at reggaeinthefields.com)

Background & Context

Reggae in the Fields is a pioneering radio program broadcast on CKCU-FM and is Canada’s longest-running campus/community radio program based in Ottawa. For nearly five decades, the program has been a cornerstone of reggae music culture in Canada—showcasing roots, lovers rock, dub, dancehall, and conscious reggae while amplifying Caribbean voices, local artists, and global movements.

The Reggae in the Fields Jubilee (50th Anniversary Celebration) marks an extraordinary milestone—celebrating legacy, community, and the enduring power of reggae music to inspire unity, resistance, and joy.

As part of this historic celebration, we invite artists, designers, and creatives to submit original artwork for the official 50th anniversary T-shirt.

Design Objective

To create a bold, original, and meaningful T-shirt design that reflects:
• The spirit of reggae music and culture
• The legacy of Reggae in the Fields
• Themes of unity, resistance, celebration, and community
• The significance of a 50-year Jubilee milestone

Eligibility

• Open to all artists, designers, and creatives (individuals or teams)
• Participants must be 16 years of age or older
• Open internationally
• Employees or direct organizers of the Jubilee event will be excluded

Submission Deadline

• All entries must be received by: ***NEW***August 31, 2026
• Late submissions will not be accepted
• Multiple submissions are allowed (max: 2 per individual/team)
• Organizers reserve the right not to select a winner if standards are not met
• By submitting, participants agree to all contest rules

Submission Requirements

Submissions should incorporate at least one of the following concept:

• “CKCU 93.1FM” or logo (see logo to use)
• “Reggae in the Fields”
• “50 Years” / “1976–2026” / “Est. 1976
• Visual elements inspired by reggae culture

All designs must be 100% original. No copyrighted material, logos, or AI-generated content that cannot be legally reproduced

No offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate imagery

Technical Requirements

• Preferred: Vector formats (AI, EPS, SVG, PDF)
• Accepted raster formats: PNG or TIFF (high resolution only)
• Minimum 300 DPI
• Canvas size: Minimum 12” x 16”
• Maximum of 6 colors recommended
• Provide both:
o Full-color version
o Black & white / single-color version
• Clearly define Pantone (PMS) or CMYK values if possible
• Design must be fully scalable for:
o Small print (chest logo)
o Large print (full front/back)
o Digital use (social media, posters, merchandise)
• Submit designs with transparent background
• Avoid large solid blocks unless intentional
• Fonts must be:
o Converted to outlines (vector)
o Legally licensed or original
• Ensure text is readable at both small and large sizes
Designs should work for:
• Front chest placement
• Full front or full back
• Potential sleeve or secondary imprint

Judging Criteria

Entries will be evaluated based on:
• Creativity & Originality
• Relevance to Theme and 50th anniversary celebration
• Visual Impact & Aesthetic Appeal
• Technical Quality & Print Readiness
• Scalability & Versatility
Disqualification

Entries may be disqualified if they:
• Violate copyright or intellectual property laws
• Contain offensive or inappropriate content
• Do not meet technical specifications
• Are submitted after the deadline

Prizes

• The winning design will become the official Reggae in the Fields 50th Anniversary T-shirt
• Official selection and production of the design
• A featured guest appearance on Reggae in the Fields
• Recognition across all official platforms (radio, social media, press)
• Complimentary 50th Anniversary merchandise and/or event tickets (if applicable)

Rights and Usage

• The winning design becomes the property of the Reggae in the Fields Jubilee organizers
• The organizer retains the right to:
o Reproduce, modify, and distribute the design
o Use the design for promotional and commercial purposes
• The artist will be credited wherever possible

Submission Package

Each entry must include:
• Design File(s) (as per specifications above)
• Mock-up Preview (on a T-shirt, JPG or PNG)
• Artist Statement (150–300 words) explaining:
o Concept and inspiration
o Connection to reggae culture or the program
• Artist Information:
o Full name
o Email
o Phone number
o City/Country

How to Submit

Submit all materials via:
• Email: reggaeinthefields@gmail.com
• Subject line: T-Shirt Contest Submission – [Your Name]
OR
• Send an Upload link (Google Drive / Dropbox / WeTransfer)
• Email: reggaeinthefields@gmail.com
Contact Information

For inquiries, contact:
Junior Smith at
reggaeinthefields@gmail.com


Before you submit, make sure:

⬜ My design is original
⬜ It reflects reggae culture / Jubilee theme
⬜ It includes “Reggae in the Fields” or “50 Years”
⬜ I used AI, EPS, SVG (preferred) OR high-res PNG
⬜ My file is clear and not pixelated
⬜ Resolution is 300 DPI
⬜ Canvas is at least 12” x 16”
⬜ I used 6 or fewer colours
⬜ I included:
⬜ Full color version
⬜ Black & white version
⬜ Fonts are converted to outlines
⬜ Text is easy to read (not too small)
⬜ Background is transparent
⬜ Design is clean and not overcrowded
⬜ Design works large and small
⬜ It would look good on a real T-shirt
⬜ I included a T-shirt mock-up preview
⬜ I added my artist info + short description

Ready to Submit!

If you checked everything—you’re good to go
Reggae in the Fields continues to celebrat its 50th anniversary
1980-1983
Your love
Michael Prophet - single
Fire House Rock
Wailing Soul - single
I'm Sorry
Caroll Thompson - single
Sponji Reggeae
Black Uhuru - single
Talkabout love
Al Campbell - single
Wa-do-dem
Eek-a-Mouse - single
Prison Oval Rock
Barrington Levy - single
Sitting and Watching
Dennis Brown - single
Bam Bam
Sister Nancy - single
Love has found its way
Dennis Brown - single
Try Jah Love
Third World - single
Electric Avenue
Eddy Grant - single
Night Nurse
Gregory Isaacs - single
Big Ship
Freddie Mc Gregor - single
Far Over
Burning Spear - single
The most recent Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference was held June 14–18, 2026 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. It brought together members of the Jamaican diaspora, government officials, business leaders, academics, youth representatives, and civil society organizations. The conference was organized by Jamaica's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. The theme was: "Diaspora Partnerships: Rebuilding a More Resilient Jamaica."

In May 2026, Reggae in the Fields aired a simulcast from the Jamaican High Commission in Ottawa to promote tis conference.

Today, seven individuals reflect on the conference and their participation in it.

Yolaine Kirlew
Naomi Kirlew
Shawana Kristie
Karlene Morris
Richard Morris
Monica Reynolds
Renford Thomas
Jamaica Farewell
Harry Belafonte - single
Sweet Life
Cocoa Tea - single
The Voices of Sweet Jamaica
Mr Vegas - single
Country Road
Toots and the Maytals - single
No Place like Home
John Holt - single
Rivers of Babylon
The Melodians - single
Many Rivers to Cross
Jimmy Cliff - single
Reggae in the Fields continues to celebrat its 50th anniversary
1980-1983
I'm not Crazy
Don Carlos - single
Pass the Dutchie
Musical Youth - single
Police in Helecopter
John Holt - single
Johnny B Goode
Peter Tosh - single
Mama Arica
Peter Tosh - single
Buffalo Soldier
Bob Marley - single
Revolution
Dennis Brown - single
Water Pumping
Johnny Osbourne - single
Zungguzungguguzungguzeng
Yellowman - single

/ -
Interactive CKCU
Neil, Dancer and Drake The Dancing Labrador
One VERY heavy heavy and dance friendly playlist for the show today ! I LOVE THIS LINEUP OF ARTISTS and the era that this music sprung from !!

2:49 PM, July 4th, 2026
Christine G
Love the interaction of two greats at CKCU! In person and for real

3:04 PM, July 4th, 2026
N&D&DL
Black Uhuru absolutely brought the house down LIVE. So heavy, but made the feet sooooo light ! Dance On !!!!

3:14 PM, July 4th, 2026
Junior Smith (host)
Big up and welcome~~

3:16 PM, July 4th, 2026
Bobby Calzone
I & I on board!!!

3:22 PM, July 4th, 2026
Dagwood Bumstead
Hi Junior, So sorry and sad to hear your story of the border nightmare you had to go through. I stopped traveling to the US as it is too much stress and not worth it anymore. Keep your spirits and faith!

3:46 PM, July 4th, 2026
N&D&DL
Breaks my heart that I never had a chance to see Dennis Brown LIVE..............

3:54 PM, July 4th, 2026
N&D&DL
But so happy to hear you safely made it back from US oblivion. Welcome home, Junior !

3:55 PM, July 4th, 2026
NDDDL
Thank you so much for the Harry Belafonte., "Jamaica Farewell" Probably the very first music that drew me to the music of Jamaica when I was very young and I knew nothing of reggae music. But today, I enjoyed this song more than ever before. God bless, "Reggae In The Fields"

4:11 PM, July 4th, 2026
Neil & Dancer
Next to Joe Riley, you are the best interviewer I have listened to on CKCU, or anywhere else ! Always from the heart, and in depth; and continuously exploring the impact on the community. Bravo !

4:49 PM, July 4th, 2026
hb
You survived # 45-47's "Brown Shirts". ( CBC and ICE). Thank you Jah! Peace🙏

4:50 PM, July 4th, 2026
Selali
Great interviews and perspectives shared by the conference attendees. Thanks for 'closing the loop' and for the awesome tunes, as always. Glad you made it back to this side of the border in one piece. Who Jah bless...!

5:25 PM, July 4th, 2026
Jeremy
Hello 👋 everybody how is everyone doing today respect everybody in here and out there 🙏🏼💕🫶🏻

5:31 PM, July 4th, 2026