分类： entertainment

Thousands of reggae fans packed New York’s UBS Arena for the highly anticipated “Mother’s Day Experience” concert, and the opening performer left an unforgettable mark long before the headlining reggae legends stepped into the spotlight. Emerging artist Lady Da Flame delivered a powerhouse opening set that transformed the building’s growing energy into an electric, communal celebration, setting the stage for a night of soulful rhythm and heartfelt music.

As concertgoers gradually filled the venue, Lady Da Flame immediately infused the space with warmth, contagious energy, and building anticipation for the evening ahead. During her moving performance of *Goodness of God*, her rich, clear voice echoed across every corner of the arena, drawing the crowd deeper into the experience and softening the mood for the star-studded performances still to come. Audience members swayed in unison to every beat, nodded along to the smooth melodies, and grew louder in their applause with each new track she performed.

Staying true to the Mother’s Day theme of the event, Lady Da Flame dedicated a moving number to mothers everywhere with *Mama Gave Us Life*. Her soulful delivery resonated with every person in the crowd, winning over dozens of new fans before she transitioned into a dynamic medley of classic and contemporary reggae tracks. The set included reimagined takes on Betty Wright’s *No Pain* and *Second Time* on the 2 Times Riddim, before she leaned into the lover’s rock tradition with hauntingly beautiful renditions of Phyllis Dillon, the Queen of Lover’s Rock’s iconic tracks *Perfidia* and *One Life to Live*. She closed out her opening set with an upbeat, passion-fueled version of Dillon’s *Don’t Stay Away*, pouring raw emotion into every note and cementing the unforgettable tone for the entire night.

Concert attendees left the set remarking that Lady Da Flame did far more than just open the show – she ignited the collective spirit of the night, perfectly preparing the audience for the headline sets from reggae and soul stars Beres Hammond, Stephanie Mills, and Romain Virgo.

Fresh off her standout performance in New York, Lady Da Flame is now back in her home country of Jamaica promoting her latest project, the *Journey* EP. According to the singer, the independent release has seen remarkable commercial success since its launch: streaming numbers are consistently high, and the record has charted multiple times across international markets, most notably in the United Kingdom.

Produced by Rawborn Productions, the EP is led by the standout single *No One Like You (Remake)*, a collaboration with legendary reggae singer Sanchez. The track has already broken into the top ethnic reggae charts in the United States and is earning regular airplay on radio stations across the globe. Lady Da Flame spoke enthusiastically about her experience working with the iconic artist, noting that Sanchez’s extreme talent and professional demeanor made the recording process smooth and natural. “The musical chemistry just cannot be explained,” she shared of the collaboration.

Additional tracks on the seven-track project include *All Praises To The Most High* and *More Dan Prayer*. More than just a collection of songs, the *Journey* EP reflects Lady Da Flame’s personal spiritual journey and artistic growth, crafted to uplift listeners, energize crowds, and renew spiritual connection for audiences everywhere.

Lady Da Flame first rose to prominence in global gospel circles for her breakout hit *God Answers Prayers*, which has earned more than 8.3 million views on YouTube alone. The track remains her most successful release to date, accumulating more than one billion total streams across digital platforms. The hit has solidified her standing in the ethnic gospel space, with multiple popular gospel releases earning a loyal fanbase across diaspora communities worldwide.

Against a backdrop of surging demand for soul and reggae-focused cultural experiences among the Caribbean diaspora spread across North America and Europe, Jamaican entertainment promoter Fabian Cole — widely known by his industry nickname “Boomas” — is taking his beloved Soul Food Caribbean Festival brand beyond Caribbean borders for the first time. What started as a small, beloved weekly gathering called Soul Food Tuesdays on the island of Jamaica has steadily grown into a full-scale international cultural festival, with already well-received sold-out editions successfully staged in both England and Canada.

Cole built the entire festival movement around three core pillars that set it apart from other mass entertainment events: timeless classic soul music, immersive authentic Caribbean culture, and one-of-a-kind local culinary experiences that give attendees a true taste of the region. In an interview, Cole highlighted a shifting cultural landscape in his home country that laid the groundwork for the festival’s growth. “Jamaica is globally known for dancehall, but there is a burgeoning soul movement taking root right here right now,” he said. “Audiences connect deeply with the warm vibe and the raw emotional resonance that soul music brings, something they can’t get from other genres.”

Up next on the festival’s global schedule is the 2026 Canadian edition, scheduled to take place on Canada Day, July 1, 2026, in Markham, Ontario. The upcoming show will headline a stacked lineup of iconic and emerging reggae talent, including legendary Jamaican performer Capleton, fan-favorite Gyptian, and fast-rising young artist D’Yani. Cole explained the choice of Markham’s Esna Park as the event venue, noting its strategic central location in the Greater Toronto Area, ample adjacent parking in the surrounding commercial district, and easy accessibility for attendees traveling from across the region. “It’s a very centralised location, and people can get around easily here,” Cole said.

Cole shared that early ticket sales for the 2026 Markham festival have already outperformed projections, a success he attributes to the long-standing, deep-rooted appreciation for reggae culture that exists across Canadian communities. Even as the brand expands outward, Cole emphasized that reggae and soul’s cross-cultural appeal remains the foundation of its international traction. “Canadians love reggae music,” he said. “We share that cultural connection, and Canadians have always had a solid grounding and love for reggae.”

Looking toward the future, Cole has ambitious expansion plans for the Soul Food Caribbean Festival brand, with target new North American markets including New York City and Los Angeles. Most importantly, the promoter says he is committed to bringing a large-scale flagship edition of the festival back to his home country. “We’re Jamaican and we built this brand from here, so we definitely have to put on a major staging of the festival in Jamaica,” he confirmed. Cole also dropped a hint about future headliners, revealing that he hopes to bring acclaimed American R&B songstress Keyshia Cole to the Jamaican festival edition in a future year.

For emerging creative Osunya Rose Minott, fashion styling is far more than curating attractive outfits—it is a powerful medium for cultural storytelling, rooted in personal memory and collective Jamaican identity. Her most recent work, crafting the visual aesthetic for dancehall artist Masicka’s chart-topping new single *Slip and Slide*, stands as a vivid example of this artistic philosophy, blending nostalgic cultural touchstones with fresh, contemporary energy for a global audience.

Teaming up with Shane Creative on the project, Minott built the entire creative direction around a instantly recognizable sample of the classic Jamaican folk track *Hill & Gully* that appears in Masicka’s single. From the first time she heard the sample, she knew the styling had to balance faithful celebration of Jamaican heritage with modern youthful appeal that would resonate with viewers worldwide.

Drawing deep inspiration from legendary Jamaican folklorist and cultural trailblazer Louise Bennett-Coverley—universally known as Miss Lou—Minott wove everyday, iconic Jamaican objects and textiles into the video’s wardrobe: traditional bath pans, head kerchiefs, clothespins, mesh merino garments, and classic native prints. Rather than simply replicating a bygone era, she reinterprets these familiar elements through the dynamic lens of modern dancehall culture. “We wanted the visuals to feel familiar, almost nostalgic, but still current and alive,” Minott explained. “Everyone in Jamaica has that memory of washing and drying clothes on the line, whether at home or at your grandma’s house, so we really wanted to tap into that shared nostalgic feeling.”

Every styling choice in the video is intentional, designed to amplify the song’s narrative and lyrics. One standout sequence features a model washing compact discs—a playful, clever nod to Masicka’s unbroken streak of hit releases. In another scene, dancer Ghaniah wears a handcrafted belt embellished with working watches, a visual interpretation of the track’s lyric “her waist just a tick like a timer.” For Minott, clothing should never be passive: “I don’t want the clothes to just sit on the body. I want them to respond to what’s being said and felt in the music,” she said. Embracing the joyful, rhythmic energy of *Slip and Slide*, she leaned into the effortless, sexy, contemporary spirit that defines modern dancehall, and leaned into bold, saturated color palettes that reflect the vibrant energy of Jamaica and its people.

Minott calls the opportunity to lead styling for a Masicka project a deeply meaningful milestone, crediting the collaborative team’s shared creative vision and mutual trust for giving her the space to fully lean into her artistic instincts. “There was a point where the dancers were in motion, the wardrobe was flowing, and you could feel the Hill & Gully influence without it being forced,” she recalled. “That’s when I knew we were creating something special.”

Since its release, the *Slip and Slide* video has garnered growing attention across Jamaica, striking a powerful chord with local viewers who see their own upbringings and cultural experiences reflected on screen. For Minott, this outpouring of connection is the project’s greatest reward. “I’ve been getting messages from people saying how much they love the styling and how Jamaican it feels,” she shared. “That means a lot because it shows people are connecting to the culture behind it.”

Raised between New York City and Jamaica, Minott draws creative influence from both worlds, but Jamaica remains the beating heart of her artistic identity and aesthetic approach. Born into Jamaican creative royalty—she is the daughter of legendary reggae artist Sugar Minott and cultural producer Maxine Stowe—she grew up immersed in music, fashion, and unapologetic creative individuality. “Jamaica heavily influenced my fashion sense and who I am as a person overall,” she said. “We’re naturally expressive, vibrant and bold, so even when I’m creating something elevated or global, that boldness is always underneath.”

Though Minott has only worked as a professional stylist for roughly three years, her portfolio already boasts an impressive roster of collaborations with A-list global and Caribbean artists, including Vybz Kartel, Shenseea, Wizkid, Rauw Alejandro, Tyga, and Moliy. As a new wave of Jamaican creatives pushes dancehall visual culture into more concept-driven, narrative-focused territory, Minott says her core goal is to build a legacy as a storyteller who centers authentic Jamaican identity in every project.

“At the end of the day, I want to be known for storytelling through styling, not just creating looks,” she said. Moving forward, she aims to continue developing culturally rooted projects that elevate Jamaican visual creativity on the global stage, naming iconic Jamaican artists like Chronixx, Sizzla, and Buju Banton as dream future collaborators. When it comes to long-term goals, she adds with characteristic openness: “And, of course, my dream collaboration would be Rihanna. That’s been on my vision board for a long time. So, yeah, I’m just staying open, grateful, and ready for what’s next.”

CANNES, France — The Croisette is getting a rare injection of Hollywood star power this week, as the core cast of *The Fast and the Furious* gather at the Cannes Film Festival to celebrate the iconic franchise’s silver anniversary. Lead actors Vin Diesel and Michelle Rodriguez are headlining the long-awaited cast reunion, set to precede a special midnight screening of the 2001 original street-racing thriller on Wednesday.

Joining the two leads at the festival were co-star Jordana Brewster and Meadow Walker, the daughter of the franchise’s late beloved actor Paul Walker, who tragically lost his life in a 2013 car accident. The group stepped out together for photos early Wednesday, drawing crowds of fans and press to the French Riviera venue that is traditionally known for art house and independent cinema.

This year’s Cannes iteration stands out for a striking absence: all of the major U.S. film studios and top global streaming platforms have opted not to premiere any new blockbusters at the event, a break from longstanding industry tradition. Industry giants including Universal Pictures (the current owner of the *Fast & Furious* franchise), The Walt Disney Company, and Sony Pictures, alongside streaming leaders Netflix and Amazon, all sat out this year’s festival lineup for major new releases.

Three core factors have driven the major players’ decision to skip Cannes this cycle. First, ongoing industry-wide cost-cutting initiatives across Hollywood have pushed studios to scale back on the extravagant, big-budget premieres that the festival demands. Second, studios have increasingly shifted their launch strategy toward controlled, social media-focused rollouts that give them more direct control over messaging, rather than the traditional festival publicity model. Finally, many studios remain wary of the risk that harsh critical reception from Cannes’ notoriously tough reviewers can tank a blockbuster’s box office performance before it even hits wide release.

What began as a small-scale action film about underground street racing 25 years ago has grown into one of the most successful media franchises in global cinema history. Industry data shows that the entire *Fast & Furious* film series has already grossed more than $7 billion worldwide across its 10 released installments, with an 11th theatrical entry currently in development. Just this week, Diesel made a major announcement about the franchise’s future: the property will soon expand beyond the big screen, with Universal developing a *Fast & Furious* television series to bring the franchise’s high-octane storytelling to the small screen.

On May 17, Kingston’s Pon Top Seafood Grill & Bar will play host to the second installment of *Lovers Rock: A Night of British Reggae*, a special event celebrating the enduring legacy of two iconic figures from the beloved lovers rock genre, each representing a distinct generation of the mellow reggae sound. The evening will shine a spotlight on the celebrated discographies of late trailblazer Vivian Jones and contemporary new wave leader Bitty McLean, drawing fans and industry insiders alike to honor their contributions to British reggae.

Born in Trelawny, Jamaica, Jones relocated to the United Kingdom in the late 1960s, where he would go on to carve out a transformative place in reggae history. Throughout the 1970s, his distinctive fusion of roots-reggae instrumentation and soulful balladry helped lay the foundational groundwork for the lovers rock movement, which would emerge as a defining subgenre of British reggae. Two of his most enduring hit singles, *Sugar Love* and *Strong Love*, topped regional charts and cemented his status as one of the genre’s earliest and most influential voices, earning him the enduring nickname “Vivian ‘Sugarlove’ Jones.”

McLean, by contrast, represents the modern evolution of lovers rock. Born and raised in the UK to Jamaican parents, he has emerged as a leading figure in the genre’s contemporary new wave, blending classic lovers rock sensibilities with modern production. His breakout tracks, including *Walk Away From Love* and *The Real Thing*, earned cross-market acclaim, becoming massive hits on both UK and Jamaican airwaves and introducing the distinct sound of British lovers rock to a new generation of listeners. Just recently, McLean made his first-ever live performance in Jamaica, a milestone that event organizers will highlight with a special mini-feature during the May tribute.

Steve James, the lead organizer of the event and a widely recognized authority on lovers rock history, shared details about the updated format for the second iteration of the night, which differs from the first sold-out show held at the same Kingston venue back in February. “We have extended the timeframe to give patrons more music to listen to. We will also be doing a mini feature on Bitty McLean who performed in Jamaica recently for the first time and a tribute to the late Vivian ‘Sugarlove’ Jones,” James explained in an interview with Observer Online.

For context, lovers rock emerged as a unique mellow reggae subgenre originating in UK underground music scenes during the late 1970s, born from the cultural fusion of Jamaican immigrant communities across the country. The movement launched the careers of a generation of British-Jamaican reggae stars including Janet Kay, Peter Hunnigale, Carroll Thompson, and Maxi Priest, all of whom carried the sound to global audiences.

The first *Lovers Rock: A Night of British Reggae* drew a particularly meaningful crowd, attracting dozens of Jamaican expats who had lived in the UK for decades, many of whom played key roles in building the British reggae scene. Attendees included iconic producers Bertie Grant and Blacka Dread, who helped shape the distinct sound of British lovers rock during its formative years. Organizers anticipate this second installment will draw an even broader audience of reggae fans, bringing together cross-generational lovers of the genre to honor its legacy and future.