分类： entertainment

Jamaican dancehall sensation Masicka has described his nomination for Best Caribbean Music Act at the prestigious Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards as a powerful motivator to continue his authentic musical journey. In an exclusive Friday interview with the Jamaica Observer, the artist emphasized that this recognition transcends personal achievement, representing validation for the entire culture that shaped him.

“This MOBO nomination symbolizes affirmation of the journey—not just mine, but the culture that raised me,” Masicka reflected. “Growing up in Jamaica, you understand music’s power long before global recognition arrives. Being acknowledged on an international platform like MOBO confirms that remaining true to my sound, narrative, and heritage can achieve far-reaching impact.”

The ‘They Don’t Know’ performer elaborated that his creative endeavors have consistently anchored him within cultural traditions. “At this career stage, this nomination reinforces that artistic evolution doesn’t necessitate compromise. While I’ve expanded into new creative territories, my foundation remains unchanged. As Caribbean artists navigate global landscapes, such moments demonstrate our music requires no translation—it carries inherent truth.”

Masicka faces formidable competition from fellow nominees Lila Ike, Ayetian, Shenseea, Vybz Kartel, and Trinidad’s Yung Bredda for the coveted British award, which celebrates black musical excellence across diverse genres. The 30th anniversary MOBO Awards ceremony will occur on March 26 at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena.

The artist’s recent seven-track EP ‘Her Name Is Love’ (released December 2023) represents a deliberate exploration of emotional depth compared to his previous full-length album ‘Generation of Kings’. Masicka clarified this isn’t about audience expansion or identity alteration, but rather presenting a complete artistic portrait.

“‘Generation of Kings’ embodied strength, survival, and dominance, but love has perpetually existed within my music—even during hardest moments,” he explained. “This project intentionally emphasizes that dimension. This isn’t a new direction but an existing pathway I’m now fully exploring. Authentic growth means expanding your core rather than abandoning it.”

Masicka credited Def Jam Records for respecting his artistic vision, granting complete creative freedom to develop the EP’s emotional narratives without commercial pressures. “The label recognized authenticity drives musical connection, trusting me to deliver genuine artistry,” he noted.

The artist particularly valued the project’s rule-free creative environment, describing the process as “refreshingly guided by organic musical development.” He emphasized integrating Afro and R&B elements to enhance emotional storytelling while maintaining his foundational sound, characterizing this approach as “evolution rather than replacement.”

LOS ANGELES — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled its nominations for the 98th Oscars on Thursday, with Ryan Coogler’s vampire period horror “Sinners” achieving unprecedented recognition by securing 16 nominations—breaking the longstanding record of 14 jointly held by “All About Eve,” “Titanic,” and “La La Land.”

Set in the segregated US South of the 1930s, the blues-infused supernatural drama earned nominations across nearly every eligible category, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan—who portrays twins combating both supernatural forces and racism—and recognition for its screenplay, original score, and production design. Notably, “Sinners” also received a nomination in the newly introduced Best Casting category, the first addition to the Oscars in over two decades.

In second place was Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another,” which garnered 13 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Leonardo DiCaprio. However, the film’s female lead, 25-year-old newcomer Chase Infiniti, was unexpectedly overlooked by voters.

Both top-contending films are Warner Bros. productions, the studio currently embroiled in a bidding war between Netflix and Paramount.

Other notable contenders include Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” and Timothée Chalamet’s ping-pong drama “Marty Supreme,” along with the Norwegian arthouse favorite “Sentimental Value,” each receiving nine nominations. “Hamnet,” a period drama depicting William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes coping with the loss of their son in plague-stricken England, earned eight nominations, including a Best Actress nod for Jessie Buckley, though co-star Paul Mescal was omitted.

The expanded international voting body of the Academy influenced this year’s selections, with both “Sentimental Value” and the Brazilian political thriller “The Secret Agent” earning Best Picture nominations. However, the Persian-language Palme d’Or winner “It Was Just An Accident” did not make the cut for the top category and will compete in Best International Feature instead.

During the nomination announcement, Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor addressed the growing influence of artificial intelligence, emphasizing that “the heartbeat of film is and will always remain unmistakably human.”

The 98th Oscars ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 15.

Kingston’s music scene has enthusiastically embraced ‘I Love Hip Hop,’ a groundbreaking weekly celebration that honors the rich tapestry and enduring legacy of hip hop culture. Every Thursday evening, Jangas Soundbar in New Kingston transforms into a vibrant hub where enthusiasts gather to immerse themselves in the genre’s evolutionary journey.

The event showcases an eclectic mix of musical eras, from the golden age of 1990s emcees to contemporary rap innovations. Attendees enthusiastically recreate iconic dance moves including ‘Crank That (Soulja Boy),’ ‘Walk It Out,’ and ‘The Wobble’ from the 2000s alongside synchronized line dances like the ‘Cha Cha Slide.’ The atmosphere buzzes with energy as participants demonstrate classic techniques such as the ‘Stanky Legg’ and ‘Lean Back.’

Founded on December 4, 2025, by visionary organizer Tricia Stone in partnership with Starcore Productions, the series has rapidly evolved into a cultural institution. Stone describes the initiative as emerging from ‘a deep-rooted passion for hip-hop and its lasting cultural impact.’ She emphasizes, ‘My love for hip-hop runs deep, and it felt only fitting to create a space where that passion could be shared. I Love Hip Hop is more than an event—it’s a movement rooted in culture, connection, and evolution.’

The carefully curated experience merges classic hip-hop sounds with contemporary nightlife aesthetics, attracting a diverse and dedicated audience. The event features an impressive rotation of talented DJs including Marc Chin of CopperShot, DJ Narity, and DJ Delano, each contributing their distinctive auditory signature. January’s lineup has particularly impressed attendees with standout performances from Sanjay and Delano, who made a memorable return alongside his son, DJ 3D. The month concludes with emerging talent Kevi Kinetic and resident DJ Bishop from Starcore Productions.

Audience response has been overwhelmingly positive, with patrons consistently praising the event’s energetic atmosphere, musical selection, and communal vibe. The series has developed a loyal following, with many attendees incorporating it into their weekly routines. Stone notes the encouraging mix of regular enthusiasts and new participants each week, indicating the event’s growing appeal within Kingston’s nightlife landscape. While currently hosted at Jangas Soundbar, organizers envision expanding the movement to reflect hip-hop’s continuously evolving nature.

Jamaican dancehall sensation Nigy Boy is strategically positioning himself for international breakthrough following his explosive 2024 breakthrough year. With two recently released singles already generating significant buzz, the artist is demonstrating his evolution from emerging talent to visionary musical force.

The entertainer, who gained prominence with 2024 hits including ‘Continent’ and ‘Judgement,’ has maintained deliberate silence since last summer’s ‘Options’ release. This calculated pause preceded his January comeback with tracks ‘Hush’ and ‘Risk It All’ – both already achieving remarkable digital traction within their first two weeks of release.

‘Risk It All’ has garnered nearly 900,000 YouTube views since its debut, while ‘Hush’ has accumulated 386,000 views since its release just one week ago. This immediate audience response signals strong potential for his 2026 campaign.

In an exclusive statement to the Jamaica Observer, Nigy Boy revealed his strategic approach: ‘My plan centers on consistently delivering quality music that meets fan expectations. Since the audience ultimately determines what becomes successful, I’m committed to providing music that maintains momentum without disappointment.’

The artist distinguishes between his objectives for 2024 versus 2026: where previous efforts focused on establishing visibility and proving his artistic legitimacy, the current year will emphasize international expansion and musical diversification. This includes an extensive touring schedule across North America and Bermuda, with confirmed performances in Atlanta, North Carolina, Connecticut, and Edmonton, Canada.

While remaining deliberately vague about specific upcoming projects, Nigy Boy teased additional surprises in development, stating: ‘I prefer not to reveal too much prematurely. listeners should keep their ears open and eyes peeled for what’s coming next.’ His confident demeanor suggests the forthcoming releases will equal the impact of his debut material.

Industry response to his new material has been overwhelmingly positive, with early feedback indicating potential hit status for both recent releases. This reception reinforces Nigy Boy’s confidence in his artistic direction and commercial prospects for the year ahead.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Emerging dancehall performer Libra-Don, currently based in the United States, is poised to launch his inaugural musical project following a successful promotional tour across Jamaica. The artist’s debut extended play recording, branded ‘Unstoppable,’ represents a strategic expansion from his recently popularized inspirational singles that have garnered substantial radio airplay.

The Jamaican-native musician has developed this seven-track compilation capitalizing on the burgeoning success of his motivational anthems ‘Don’t Lose Faith’ and ‘Reach Yuh,’ both of which have achieved significant traction within domestic and international dancehall circuits. Produced entirely by MaddMoni Empire, the EP incorporates additional compositions including ‘Victory,’ ‘Juicy,’ ‘Fighter,’ and the titular title track.

Libra-Don characterizes his current creative trajectory as progressively gaining momentum within global dancehall communities. ‘Our persistent efforts are finally yielding measurable outcomes,’ the artist commented regarding his team’s promotional activities. ‘The recent Jamaican media tour demonstrated exceptionally warm receptiveness from broadcast platforms and listeners alike. While building recognition requires sustained dedication, we’re confident our foundational work will culminate in long-term achievement.’

The artist further elaborated on the philosophical underpinnings of his project, noting that the ‘Unstoppable’ designation embodies his professional mentality amid industry challenges. ‘This title mirrors my perseverance through creative resistance and professional uncertainties without compromising artistic direction. Every composition possesses hit potential—I maintain zero tolerance for filler content that lacks substantive public impact.’

Post-release strategies include targeted visual content production, selective live performances, and continuous music recording sessions. Libra-Don emphasized his commitment to developing a timeless artistic portfolio while methodically constructing his brand identity within the competitive music landscape.

Veteran reggae artist Fyah George has captivated audiences with his latest single ‘Mother Moon,’ a soulful exploration of long-distance love through celestial metaphor. Released on January 1, 2026, through the newly launched Trowers Zamar Records, the track has quickly gained momentum across Jamaican radio stations and international streaming platforms.

The song’s poetic lyrics were crafted by Paulette Trowers, founder of Trowers Zamar Records and noted literacy advocate through her CHEETAH Toys initiative. Trowers revealed the dual inspiration behind the composition: ‘First, it addresses the emotional landscape of separated lovers, where physical connection is replaced by spiritual belief—not just in divine power, but in the moon’s tangible influence on human affairs. If it can move oceans, why not carry messages between hearts?’

She further elaborated that the symbolism extends beyond romantic relationships to encompass familial bonds and any connection strained by distance. The ‘mother’ archetype represents protection and constancy, a concept born from Trowers’ personal fascination with astronomy and her nightly observations from her New Kingston residence.

Fyah George, renowned for his conscious reggae anthems like ‘Kingston, Kingston’ and ‘No More War,’ delivers a vocal performance that balances restraint with emotional depth. The artist expressed immediate connection to the material, stating, ‘The song resonated with me profoundly, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to give it voice.’

Technically, the production boasts exceptional pedigree. Two-time Grammy-winning engineer Nigel Burrell handled composition and mixing, while mastering was overseen by Chris Dailey, currently regarded among Jamaica’s premier audio engineers. Recording sessions took place at Kingston’s historic Mixing Lab Recording Studio, adding to the track’s authentic Jamaican soundscape.

Early indicators suggest strong audience reception, with frequent airplay on Irie FM and designation as January’s ‘Song of the Month’ on GT Reggae Radio, which broadcasts to over 120 countries worldwide. The song’s success marks a significant debut for Trowers Zamar Records while demonstrating the enduring appeal of spiritually conscious reggae music.