分类： entertainment

Renowned DJ and producer Walsh Fire, a key member of the multi-platinum EDM group Major Lazer, has been confirmed as part of the star-studded lineup for the upcoming Xodus Wet Music Festival. Scheduled for this Saturday, the event will take place at the Kingston Waterfront from 4:00 am to 11:00 am, marking the grand opening of Jamaica’s 2026 carnival season.

Pierre Goubault, CEO of Xodus Carnival, expressed his excitement about Walsh Fire’s participation, highlighting his global influence in blending soca, dancehall, reggae, and house music. Goubault promised an unforgettable experience, featuring special remixes, dub plates, and new releases. The festival will also include paint, powder, water, foam, and an electrifying mix of soca music, making it a multi-sensory extravaganza.

Carlos Phillpotts, the festival director, emphasized that Xodus Wet is more than just a music festival—it’s a full-blown sensory escape. This year’s event aims to push boundaries with immersive experiences, top-tier performances, and water-infused vibes. Headliners include Trinidadian soca stars Bunji Garlin and GBM Nutron, alongside a stellar lineup of international and local DJs such as Jus Jay, Major Penny, Nocturnal Sound, Tony X, Zess, Rico the DJ, Franco, and Brush 1.

Phillpotts described the festival as a fusion of music, culture, and freedom, urging attendees to bring their coolers, crew, and enthusiasm for an unforgettable experience. Sponsors like Wata, KFC, and Chas E Ramson will enhance the event with their offerings. With fog cannons, drones, and new activations from title sponsor Campari, Goubault confidently declared this festival as the most epic event of the decade.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Odiyo, the Caribbean’s trailblazing digital audiobook platform, has struck a landmark deal to acquire audio rights to five distinguished titles from the renowned independent publisher Akashic Books. This collaboration will breathe new life into works by some of the most influential voices in Caribbean and diaspora literature, including two novels by the late Jamaican literary icon Anthony Winkler. The selected titles are: *The Tower of the Antilles* by Achy Obejas, *My Own Dear People* by Dwight Thompson, *God Carlos* by Anthony Winkler, *The Family Mansion* by Anthony Winkler, and *Watch Out for Falling Iguanas* by Edwidge Danticat. Johnny Temple, CEO of Akashic Books, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, ‘We are thrilled to see these extraordinary works find new life in audio through Odiyo. The Caribbean’s literary tradition is rich, diverse, and deserving of wider access. Odiyo’s commitment to amplifying regional voices makes them the perfect partner for these titles.’ Anthony Winkler, celebrated for his globally acclaimed novel *The Lunatic*, remains a cherished figure in Jamaican literature. This agreement ensures that *God Carlos* and *The Family Mansion* will be available in audio for the first time, preserving Winkler’s signature wit, historical depth, and uniquely Jamaican narrative style for future generations. Lesley-Ann Wanliss, Odiyo’s head of acquisitions, emphasized the cultural significance of the deal, noting, ‘These are important works, not just for their literary merit, but for the way they capture and preserve the Caribbean’s voice and history. This partnership began through our shared mission with Akashic Books to make underrepresented stories accessible to more listeners. For Odiyo users, it means the ability to experience these narratives in an intimate and dynamic way, whether they’re discovering them for the first time or revisiting them in a new format.’ This acquisition underscores Odiyo’s ongoing efforts to expand its curated collection of Caribbean literature in audio form, solidifying its position as a global advocate for regional storytelling.

On September 28, VP Records in Queens, New York, a hub for dancehall music, hosted the second edition of ‘Poetry: Echoes of Expression,’ an event curated by Richie Innocent. The gathering served as a platform to showcase the works of poets and authors, drawing a larger audience than its debut. Richie Innocent, in an interview with Observer Online, highlighted the event’s success, emphasizing its familial and communal atmosphere at the VP Records Cultural Centre. He described the evening as both historical and revelatory. Performers included Richie Innocent, Ras Igus, Marj Da Poet, Marcia Jackson, Amaziyah The Great, and American Blaq Ice, representing various regions of the Jamaican diaspora. Author Sharon Gordon also participated, reading excerpts from her acclaimed debut book, ‘Sheribaby,’ released in May. Pat Chin, the matriarch of VP Records, who recently celebrated her 88th birthday, attended the event and spoke about the cultural significance of poetry in Jamaica. Richie Innocent closed the show with performances of his songs, including ‘Babylon Slaves’ and ‘The Passover.’ Despite minor technical issues, he expressed optimism for the event’s future, envisioning its growth and longevity, with hopes of celebrating its 10th anniversary.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Celebrated Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell and his wife, Ghanaian model Alyshia Powell, have joyfully announced the birth of their third child. The couple shared the exciting news on their YouTube channel, The Powells, through a heartfelt video titled ‘The Day We Have Been Waiting For, Baby Number Three.’ While the gender of the newborn remains undisclosed, the child joins their two older brothers, Azhaf Powell and Amieke Powell. The Powells, known for their vibrant social media presence, have garnered widespread attention and warm congratulations from fans and followers worldwide. This new addition marks another milestone in their journey as a family, further solidifying their bond and shared happiness.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Tommy Cowan, a celebrated singer, songwriter, and producer, was bestowed with the Mountain Masters Award at the Kingdom Keepers Association’s Pinnacle Conference & Awards Ceremony. The accolade recognized his enduring contributions to the arts and entertainment industry over six decades. The event, held on September 20 at the Shortwood Teachers’ College Auditorium, featured notable speakers such as Pastor Christopher Morgan and Dr. Lance Wallnau.

Maison de Vert, an exquisite culinary event hosted at the concept store Locale in Kingston, Jamaica, transformed into an olive-themed oasis curated by Aiesha Panton for Pussbackfoot. The evening commenced with a prosecco reception, setting the stage for an eight-course, wine-paired meal meticulously crafted by Chef Jerron Green. The menu was designed to highlight the exceptional wines from Fantinel, one of Italy’s most renowned wineries, featuring their One & Only Prosecco, Rosé Brut, Sant’Helena Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Venko Collio Rosso, and the exquisite La Roncaia Refosco, a Friulian wine made from the finest Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso grapes. Flavio Andreatta, Giowine’s brand manager and Fantinel’s representative in the Caribbean, hosted the event, sharing his two-decade-long passion for Italian wines and Caribbean culture. The evening was a symphony of flavors, with each course thoughtfully paired with Fantinel’s wines. Highlights included the Scotch Bonnet Watermelon Gazpacho paired with One & Only Rosé Brut, the Green Pea Soup with Butter Poached Shrimp complemented by Sauvignon Blanc, and the Pan-Seared Duck Breast accompanied by La Roncaia Friulano. The grand finale featured Jamaican Rum Cake & Poached Pear, perfectly paired with Fantinel Prosecco. The event, attended by nearly 40 patrons, was a testament to the artistry of Chef Green and the legacy of Fantinel wines. Guests eagerly anticipate the next culinary journey with this dynamic duo.

The Jamaica Food and Drink Festival (JFDF) is set to return for its 11th edition, promising four days of unparalleled culinary experiences, vibrant entertainment, and a celebration of Jamaican culture. Scheduled for November 13-16, 2025, the festival will once again transform the gardens of the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel into a hub of gastronomic delight and cultural immersion. The official launch event, held on Friday night, offered a tantalizing preview of what attendees can expect, featuring music by DJ Franco and an array of delectable treats. Visa, the festival’s platinum partner, continues to support this iconic event, which has grown exponentially over the past decade. Co-Festival Director Nicole Pandohie expressed immense pride in the festival’s evolution, noting its transformation from a local experiment to an internationally recognized culinary showcase. ‘When we started 11 years ago, we wanted to test the waters with food and drink in Jamaica. The response was overwhelming, and now we have international chefs and media eager to participate,’ Pandohie shared. The launch event, despite being interrupted by rain, was a testament to the festival’s enduring appeal. Guests mingled in the gardens, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and indulging in the culinary offerings. Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Floyd Green praised the JFDF for bridging the gap between local farmers and the culinary industry, highlighting the festival’s role in spotlighting the backbone of Jamaica’s food sector. ‘This festival connects people to the hardworking farmers and fishers who make it all possible,’ Green remarked. The 2025 edition will feature a diverse lineup of events, including Kuyah, a celebration of reimagined Jamaican cuisine; Decade 2.0, featuring the popular Pork Palooza; Meet Street and the Market, showcasing fresh produce and local vendors; and the Boozy Brunch, a fitting conclusion to the festivities. With its unique blend of food, culture, and entertainment, the JFDF continues to solidify its place as a must-attend event on the global culinary calendar.

The 2025 Reggae North Music Awards, held on September 28 at the Rose Theatre in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, witnessed a stellar performance by Ammoye, who clinched two of the most prestigious awards: Entertainer of The Year and Female Vocalist of The Year. Originating from Halse Hall in Clarendon, Jamaica, Ammoye moved to Toronto as a teenager and has since been a multiple nominee for the Juno Award in the Reggae Recording of The Year category. The event also celebrated other luminaries of Canadian reggae, including Manchester-born Exco Levi, who won Album of The Year for his work ‘Born to Be Free,’ and Steele, who was honored as Male Vocalist of The Year. Inoah’s ‘Chosen’ and Blk Orchid’s ‘How Long’ were recognized as Reggae Single of The Year for male and female artists, respectively. This year marked the second edition of the Reggae North Music Awards, founded by Jamaican singer and music producer Tony Anthony in response to the Juno Awards’ initial decision to eliminate the reggae category, which was later reversed. The awards ceremony aims to bolster Canada’s reggae community by acknowledging its own talents. Additional accolades were bestowed upon Eyesus and Phenique as Male and Female DJ of The Year, Trueace and Tiffanie Malvo for their dancehall singles, and Skystar and Kae Music for their contributions to the trap/fusion genre. Neto Youth and Tim Dubb were celebrated as Songwriter and Producer of The Year, respectively, while Inoah took home the Video of The Year award. The event also honored Carl ‘Grandmaster Rosa’ Green and Nana McLean with the Living Legend Award, presented by the Consul General of Jamaica, Kurt Davis. The evening concluded with a performance by Kairo Mclean and a special citation from Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown to Reggae North President Mark ‘Tony Anthony’ Bennett.