分类： entertainment

Jamaican singer-songwriter Denyque is making a powerful comeback with her latest single, *Who Dem*, a deeply personal track that resonates with her journey of overcoming self-doubt and insecurity. Despite being out of the musical spotlight in recent years, Denyque has been tirelessly working behind the scenes, and her efforts are now paying off as her fan base grows exponentially.

The lobby of a hotel is often the first impression guests have of their stay, setting the stage for their entire experience. When interior designer Joelle Smith and her team at If Walls Could Talk were commissioned to renovate the lobby of one of Negril’s most iconic boutique hotels, they embraced the challenge to craft a space that embodies Jamaica’s essence—where craftsmanship, coastal living, and comfort converge. The result is a masterclass in sustainable design, cultural storytelling, and modern minimalism.

The iconic Halloween extravaganza, Mask, is set to make a grand return to the Sport of Kings venue at Gulfstream Racetrack in Hallandale, South Florida, on October 25. This year marks a significant milestone as the event celebrates its 25th anniversary, promising an unforgettable night filled with surprises and electrifying performances. Co-founded by Jamaican Jaime Young, Mask has become a staple in South Florida’s entertainment scene, blending Caribbean culture with Halloween festivities. Attendees are encouraged to unleash their creativity by donning extravagant costumes, embodying their alter egos for a night of freedom, fun, and flair. This year’s edition, aptly titled ‘The Masked Performer Edition,’ will feature a special birthday celebration for Gyptian, the renowned reggae artist who turns 42 on the same day. The event will be powered by a lineup of top-tier DJs, including Delano of Renaissance, Selecta Renegade, DJ Nicco 876, DJ LS One, and Nocturnal Sound, led by Papa Keith. These maestros will keep the crowd moving to the infectious rhythms of reggae, dancehall, and soca. Young, a veteran promoter with three decades of experience in South Florida, has curated high-profile events such as Stages Miami, Naked, French Reserve, Truckstop, and Foam Wet Fete. He proudly describes Mask as Miami’s premier annual themed costume event, a vibrant celebration of creativity, culture, and connection.

Dancehall-reggae artist Short Ghad, born Conrad Williams, has channeled a harrowing personal experience into his latest musical endeavor. While living in Sweden a few years ago, the artist faced a life-threatening betrayal from close friends, an incident that inspired his poignant track ‘Reason.’ The song, which has gained traction on mixtapes and FM radio, captures the raw emotions of that betrayal. ‘One of my so-called friends threatened my life. I was shocked and immediately wrote the song,’ Short Ghad recounted. The accompanying music video, which narrates the touching story, has amassed over 101,000 views since its release. ‘Reason’ serves as the title track for his upcoming EP, which also includes tracks like ‘Never Say Sorry’ and ‘Feel Like.’ The EP, according to the artist, embodies his artistic vision and has already garnered significant attention on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where fans worldwide are sharing and creating content around his music. Short Ghad, who hails from St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, initially gained recognition as a DJ before breaking into the music scene with his 2022 debut album ‘Feel Nice.’ The 19-track album, a tribute to love, blended dancehall, reggae, and Afrobeat, earning him a top spot on iTunes’ Reggae chart in Sweden and substantial streams on Spotify and Facebook. Recently, he has been promoting his music through live streams on TikTok and performances at local events like BoomBox Fridays and Weddy Weddy Wednesdays. ‘2025 has been a breakout year for me,’ he said, reflecting on his growing success in the industry.

The 2025 Miss Jamaica World beauty pageant has seen four young women secure automatic top 10 placements, with Halima Haughton emerging as the latest fast-track winner. On October 18, the University of Technology freshman clinched the prestigious Miss Jamaica World Top Model title in a fiercely contested competition held at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium. Haughton, who represents Birdshack Fried Chicken, triumphed over 18 other contestants, showcasing poise, confidence, and the elusive ‘x factor’ that impressed the judging panel. Her victory was announced alongside runners-up Kalea Roman, Miss Rituals Coffee House, and Nevaeh Allen, Miss Reggae Jamaica Village, who secured second and third places, respectively. This year’s fast-track competitions have already crowned other winners, including Asia Wright (Miss Jamaica World Fitness), Nevaeh Allen (Miss Jamaica World Beach Beauty), and Danece Jacas (Miss Jamaica World Talent). Fashion designer Bill Edwards, the chief judge, emphasized the difficulty in selecting a winner, noting that the criteria extended beyond mere beauty to include stage presence and charisma. Haughton, a regional winner from the Northeastern Region, shared her holistic approach to preparation, which included physical fitness, a balanced diet, and mental readiness. Her journey marks a remarkable turnaround from last year’s pageant, where she failed to secure any fast-track placements. Haughton, an environmental science student, expressed her joy and determination, stating that her participation was driven by a desire to inspire others and advocate for meaningful causes. The Miss Jamaica World pageant, sponsored by the Jamaica Observer, continues to provide a platform for personal growth and community engagement, offering more than just a crown to its participants.