作者： admin

Jamaica inaugurates its annual Reggae Month celebrations on February 1st, coinciding with the birthday of the legendary Dennis Brown, born in 1957. Revered as the ‘Crown Prince of Reggae,’ Brown’s extraordinary musical legacy continues to influence generations despite his untimely passing at age 42 in July 1999.

Throughout his prolific 31-year career, Brown collaborated with Jamaica’s most iconic producers, creating an extensive catalog of hits that defined the evolution of reggae music. His journey began with Derrick Harriott in 1968, who recorded Brown’s first major hit ‘Lips of Wine’ and later the critically acclaimed album ‘Super Reggae & Soul Hits’ featuring innovative covers and original compositions.

Brown’s artistic development continued at Clement ‘Coxson’ Dodd’s famed Studio One, where he produced two landmark albums: ‘No Man is An Island’ and ‘If I Follow My Heart,’ both generating multiple hit singles. His work with Lloyd ‘Matador’ Daley yielded roots-reggae anthems like ‘Baby Don’t Do It’ and ‘Repatriation,’ while his partnership with Winston ‘Niney’ Holness—whom Brown considered his finest collaborator—produced powerful tracks including ‘Westbound Train’ and ‘So Long Rastafari.’

The most commercially successful chapter of Brown’s career emerged through his collaboration with Joe Gibbs, resulting in UK chart success with ‘Money in My Pocket’ (peaking at #14 in 1979) and classic albums like ‘Visions of Dennis Brown’ and ‘Words of Wisdom.’ Later partnerships with innovative duos Sly and Robbie produced dancehall-friendly hits such as ‘Have You Ever,’ while work with Willie Lindo yielded the critically acclaimed album ‘Inseparable.’

Brown’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish DEB Records in the late 1970s, producing both his own material and works by emerging artists like Junior Delgado and Dillinger. His enduring collaborations with producers Gussie Clarke further expanded his musical repertoire with tracks like ‘To The Foundation’ and crossover hits with Freddie McGregor and Gregory Isaacs.

Kirk Pickersgill, co-founder of Canadian fashion label Greta Constantine, recently returned from Milan where he supported longtime friends Dean and Dan Caten of luxury brand Dsquared2. This reunion highlighted a remarkable 43-year friendship that began during Pickersgill’s 15-year residency in Milan, where he initially worked in the PR and styling department of the renowned fashion house.

Despite current excitement surrounding his label’s 20th anniversary, Pickersgill revealed to Style Observer that fashion wasn’t his original ambition. “My dream was initially to become a cobbler!” he confessed. “I’ve always been fascinated by structure—the composition of heels, soles, and handmade craftsmanship. High school offered little creative outlet, though I wasn’t academically struggling.”

His career trajectory changed dramatically during his final year at North Albion Collegiate Institute when he discovered home economics and sewing classes. This led to a cooperative learning program at fashion house Comrags, where he secured full-time employment after his internship and spent five years refining his design skills.

In 2006, Pickersgill and business partner Stephen Wong launched Greta Constantine, returning to Canada the following year. The timing proved perfect, as Holt Renfrew—Canada’s premier luxury retailer—purchased their entire collection. The brand’s breakthrough came when Harrods’ iconic UK department store also picked up the line, thanks to the support of Camilla al-Fayed (daughter of Harrods owner Mohammed al-Fayed) and personal shopper Raymond Ponce.

The designers found their winning formula combining confidence-boosting bright colors with sculptural ruffles. As documented in The Kit’s 2023 feature, they quickly dressed gala attendees, actors, and wedding parties while staging runway shows in Toronto and New York. Their collections gained international traction across North America and the Middle East, achieving the rare distinction of building a Canadian fashion brand with enduring appeal.

Greta Constantine’s celebrity clientele includes remarkable achievements: Amanda Gorman wore the Keele dress for TIME’s Black Renaissance cover (February 2021); EGOT winner Viola Davis appeared in the Yvresse dress for Ebony’s May 2022 cover; Emmy Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph selected Resort 2022 for the HCA TV Awards red carpet; Angela Bassett chose the label for the 2021 Emmys; Julia Roberts wore the brand to the Ticket To Paradise premiere (2022); and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, sported the ‘Kace’ midi skirt during her 2018 Belfast visit.

Three decades after his groundbreaking Grammy victory, reggae icon Shaggy revisits the creative journey behind his seminal album ‘Boombastic’ in a candid retrospective. The artist secured the Best Reggae Album honor at the 1996 Grammy Awards, cementing a career-defining year that saw him dominate international charts with multiple cross-Atlantic hits.

The album’s revolutionary sound—featuring chart-toppers like the title track ‘Boombastic,’ ‘In the Summertime’ featuring Rayvon, and ‘Why You Treat Me So Bad’—defied contemporary dancehall conventions. In an exclusive interview with the Jamaica Observer, Shaggy revealed the creative fearlessness that propelled the project: “This was risky because the wave at that time in dancehall sounded nothing like what I was making. I liked the sound and knew the song was special.”

Despite facing formidable competition from reggae legends including Burning Spear’s ‘Rasta Business’ and Ziggy Marley’s ‘Free Like We Want 2 B,’ Shaggy’s commercial momentum proved undeniable. The album achieved remarkable global penetration, peaking at #34 on Billboard 200, #37 in the UK, and attaining platinum certification in the US with gold status in four additional countries.

The artist offered surprising perspective on the award’s practical impact: “It was just another accolade added to the brand. I didn’t think it really moved the needle financially nor opened any particular doors.” Rather than career transformation, Shaggy cherishes the creative spirit that defined that era: “Everything about creating music in those times was inspired by fun; it didn’t feel like work.”

As the music industry prepares for the 2026 Grammy ceremonies, the legacy of ‘Boombastic’ continues to resonate. This year’s Best Reggae Album nominees include Lila Ike, Vybz Kartel, and Jesse Royal, representing the latest generation of artists building upon the foundations Shaggy helped solidify.