ABOUT

“Look how far we’ve come. Look how far we haffi go.”

New Kingston, a band rooted in tradition yet pushing boundaries in the contemporary reggae scene, comprises brothers Tahir, Courtney Jr., and Stephen alongside their father, Courtney Panton Sr. 

Their musical journey began with basement jam sessions and neighborhood gigs covering Bob Marley and Earth, Wind & Fire classics. Drawing from their Jamaican heritage and Brooklyn upbringing, they developed a sound uniquely their own—a fusion of reggae, R&B, hip-hop, and dancehall. They then continued on the scene, as the backing band for Shaggy, Gyptian, Shabba Ranks, Alton Ellis, Mr. Vegas, and Richie Spice. Their breakthrough came when they hit the road with then up-and-comer, Collie Buddz, captivating audiences across Europe with their energetic performances.

In 2010, they made the leap to original compositions, crafting songs that reflected their diverse influences. Their self-released debut album, In the Streets, gained traction, setting the stage for bigger things to come. Collaborations with notable artists in the scene and appearances at major festivals solidified their reputation as rising stars in the reggae world.

Signing with Easy Star Records marked a turning point for New Kingston, leading to the release of successful albums like Kingston University (2013) and Kingston City (2015), which topped the Billboard Reggae chart. With the eventual releases Kingston Fyah (2016), Come From Far: A Kingston Story (2019) and Madd Chunes Vol. 1 (2022), New Kingston continues to evolve their sound while staying true to their roots.

But New Kingston is more than just a band—they're a bridge between two worlds. Their music connects the traditions of Jamaican reggae with the American reggae scene, earning them a dedicated following.

New Kingston delivers an authentic reggae experience that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide. Their distinct blend of rhythms and conscious lyrics has established them as a force to be reckoned with. Fans eagerly await their next move, anticipating what new sounds and stories they’ll bring to the stage.

 

NOTABLES

FESTIVALS

California Roots Music & Arts Festival (“Cali Roots”)
Rototom Sunsplash 
Ostroda Reggae Festival
Hangout Festival 
Reggae Rise Up
Reggae On The River

COLLABS

The Wailing Souls
Sister Carol
Sugar Minott
Tribal Seeds
J. Boog