New Kingston

New Kingston is a progressive reggae group that blends their Jamaican heritage with the urban sounds of their New York home. The band is a family affair, consisting of brothers Tahir, Courtney Jr., and Stephen, along with their father, Courtney Panton Sr., a first-generation Jamaican-American who was active in New York’s reggae scene and introduced his sons to the music of their island roots. The brothers began playing together in their Brooklyn basement, performing covers of Bob Marley and Earth, Wind & Fire at local parties and gatherings. By 2010, New Kingston shifted focus to original material, fusing R&B, hip-hop, dancehall, and traditional reggae. Each brother contributes to songwriting and vocals, with their father on bass. Following their self-released debut In the Streets, they toured Europe with reggae artist Collie Buddz, performing at prominent festivals and gaining early international recognition. Their second album, Kingston University (2013), led to a deal with New York label Easy Star Records, which released their third LP, Kingston City, in 2015. Featuring guest appearances from Tribal Seeds, The Wailing Souls, Sister Carol, and Sugar Minott, the album topped Billboard’s reggae chart and significantly raised the band’s profile. They continued their momentum with the EP Kingston Fyah in 2016, cementing their reputation as innovators in the contemporary reggae scene.