分类： entertainment

Soul II Soul, the British musical collective that dominated the charts and dancefloors from the late 1980s to the early 1990s with hits like ‘Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)’, ‘Keep On Movin’’, and ‘Joy’, has welcomed a new voice to its ranks. Aya Bleu, a rising star with Jamaican heritage, has joined the group as a background vocalist, marking a fresh chapter for the multi-platinum-selling band. Born in Manchester, England, to a Jamaican father and a white British mother, Bleu brings a unique blend of cultural influences to the group. Her journey with Soul II Soul began in 2024 when she met the legendary Jazzie B at the MOBO Awards. After expressing her desire to join the band, she was introduced to Chris Brown, the group’s musical director, and quickly became part of the ensemble. Bleu’s addition to Soul II Soul comes at a time when the band is exploring new creative directions. Her solo work, including the single ‘Pressure’, has already garnered significant attention, with its official video surpassing one million views on YouTube. Inspired by a forbidden connection, ‘Pressure’ showcases Bleu’s ability to blend R&B, pop, and reggae influences, reflecting her deep connection to her Jamaican roots. Bleu’s father, who passed away in 2008, played a pivotal role in shaping her musical identity. Her first trip to Jamaica in 2024 was a transformative experience, reinforcing her commitment to incorporating her heritage into her music. As Soul II Soul continues to evolve, Bleu’s presence promises to infuse the group with fresh energy and a renewed sense of cultural diversity.

Over a quarter-century ago, George Wright experienced a profound spiritual transformation, dedicating his life to God and finding renewed focus. Now, the Connecticut-based gospel artist, known as Brotha George, expresses his gratitude through his latest single, ‘DNA,’ co-produced with New York-based producer Andre ‘Dretegs’ Hawthorne. Released on September 5, the upbeat track serves as a testament to his blessings and divine guidance during challenging times. ‘With God’s protection, I feel gracefully blessed,’ he shared with Observer Online. Dretegs, renowned for his work with artists like Sizzla and Jesse Royal, collaborated with veteran musician Sidney Mills on Brotha George’s upcoming album, ‘Secret Admirer,’ slated for release later this year. This marks Brotha George’s 12th album, following ‘Firm And Strong,’ which debuted in May 2023. ‘Secret Admirer’ features 10 tracks recorded over the years with Mills, a former keyboardist for the British band Steel Pulse. Though these songs were recorded years ago, Dretegs and Mills revitalized them to create a lovers rock collection. The album’s title track, ‘Secret Admirer,’ holds special significance as it was Brotha George’s first recording in 1978, produced by Ossie Hibbert at Kingston’s Channel One studio. The album promises to blend nostalgia with contemporary gospel and reggae influences, showcasing Brotha George’s enduring musical journey.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for the global music industry, and Jamaica-born, England-based artist Raas Kelly was no exception. Navigating through the uncertainties of the pandemic, Kelly channeled his experiences into his music, culminating in the release of his latest single, ‘Red Hot.’ The track, produced by US-based Barracks Productions, features a mid-tempo dancehall beat and delivers profound messages about contemporary global issues, resonating with listeners worldwide. In an interview with Observer Online, Kelly shared his reflections on the pandemic and its aftermath. ‘The pandemic made everyday activities like commuting and working incredibly difficult. We were all anxious about the eventual outcome of this crisis,’ he remarked. Kelly expressed his hope that the post-pandemic world would foster greater compassion and appreciation for human life and relationships. However, he noted that the return to ‘business as usual’ has seen persistent global conflicts and widespread crime and violence. ‘I recorded this song after observing the changes and continuities since 2020. The world has evolved in some ways, but many challenges remain,’ Kelly explained. Additionally, Kelly highlighted the struggles faced by UK-based dancehall artists in gaining recognition. ‘Opportunities are scarce, and DJs here are reluctant to support UK dancehall acts. It’s nearly impossible to get them to play our music,’ he lamented. With the assistance of his publicist, Ralston Barrett, Kelly has been promoting his music in Jamaica, achieving positive results. He advocates for greater support from DJs and event promoters to create more exposure avenues for UK dancehall artists. Kelly is also promoting a new single, ‘Kisko,’ under the Sweat Box Productions label. Born Ruben Ennis in Kingston, Kelly grew up in Carisbrook, St. Elizabeth, and began his professional music career in 2017 with the single ‘Body Haffi Clean’ on the So Sick label.

Fifteen years after the release of his chart-topping single ‘Hold Yuh,’ internationally acclaimed artist Gyptian is clarifying the narrative surrounding the song’s global success, particularly the role of the remix featuring Nicki Minaj. In a recent interview circulating on social media, Gyptian emphasized that while Minaj’s involvement introduced the track to a broader audience, the song was already a mainstream hit before her collaboration. He asserted that ‘Hold Yuh’ played a pivotal role in elevating Minaj’s career rather than the other way around. Gyptian stated, ‘The original track was the bigger one. She got bigger from the song. Don’t make the American dream sound like it’s more when it’s really not.’ He further explained that Minaj was an artist on a mixtape at the time, and the song’s success was driven by its inherent quality, not her contribution. Gyptian also highlighted that the revenue generated from the track was not due to Minaj’s part, as her remix was not officially released. The artist, who has largely avoided industry politics, felt it was time to set the record straight after more than a decade. ‘We’re big men now, so it’s time to set it straight,’ he said. ‘In reality, the song did it for her because nobody knew her outside of New York.’ Released in 2010 by VP Records, ‘Hold Yuh’ was a monumental success, peaking at number 77 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 16 on the UK Singles Chart, and number 69 on the Canadian Hot 100. It helped reintroduce Jamaican music to the global mainstream and earned Gyptian accolades, including a Soul Train Award and a MOBO Award. The track was certified gold in the US in 2013 and double platinum in the UK in 2024. Music experts and fans have defended Gyptian’s claims, noting that ‘Hold Yuh’ was a massive hit even before Minaj’s involvement. The song’s official music video has garnered over 181 million views on YouTube, while the track boasts over 280 million plays on Spotify.

Jamaican artiste Yaksta has unveiled his latest single, ‘Living It Up,’ a vibrant celebration of life, ambition, and positive energy. Released on September 5, 2025, the track is infused with Caribbean rhythms, uplifting lyrics, and Yaksta’s signature blend of wisdom and wit. Rooted in an authentic Jamaican sound, the song is crafted to resonate with a global audience. ‘Living It Up’ serves as the lead single from ‘Destiny Volume 3,’ the latest installment in the acclaimed reggae/dancehall EP series ‘Destiny.’ Scheduled for release on November 14, 2025, the EP features five original tracks produced by Jeremy Whittaker and Ryan Chin under the Grasshopper Music Entertainment label. Yaksta, born Kemaul Martin, is renowned for his genre-blending style, socially conscious themes, and motivational anthems. His breakout hit ‘Ambition’ solidified his status as a modern roots icon, and his ability to merge reggae, dancehall, and acoustic elements continues to captivate listeners worldwide, from Kingston to Lagos.

The 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) showcased South America’s vinicultural excellence, with 381 silver-medalled wines highlighting the continent’s diverse terroirs, innovative winemaking techniques, and indigenous varietals. These awards, far from being mere consolation, underscore the narrative, promise, and regional identity of these wines, guiding enthusiasts and travelers to new flavor frontiers. Argentina led the region with 192 silver medals, followed by Chile with 133, Brazil with 48, and Uruguay with eight. This distribution reflects the continent’s viticultural depth, extending beyond its gold and platinum accolades. In Argentina, Mendoza’s Uco Valley stood out with its Malbecs, Bonardas, and Torrontés, while Chile’s Maipó Valley and Atacama showcased Syrah, Chardonnay, and Carmenère. Brazil’s cooler southern zones, such as Planalto Catarinense, produced fresh reds and altitude-enhanced whites, while Uruguay’s coastal influence elevated its Tannat and white vintages. These awards signify South America’s evolution from occasional brilliance to consistent mid-to-upper-tier wine production, enhancing brand credibility and export potential. For wine travelers, the DWWA results offer a curated guide to South America’s finest, including Uruguay’s Cerro Negro Open Barrel, Chile’s Escudo Rojo Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, Brazil’s Salton Prosecco Glera, and Argentina’s The President’s Blend and El Interminable Blend Malbec. These wines, with their unique profiles and high scores, invite exploration of South America’s wine regions, blending value and place in every sip.

Global music icon and entrepreneur Rihanna has announced the birth of her third child, a baby girl named Rocki Irish Mayers. The Barbadian superstar shared the joyous news with her millions of followers via an Instagram post on Wednesday afternoon, revealing that her daughter was born on Saturday, September 13. This marks the first daughter for Rihanna and her partner, rapper A$AP Rocky, adding to their growing family. The couple previously welcomed their first son, RZA Athelston Mayers, in May 2022, followed by their second son, Riot Rose, in August 2023. The arrival of Rocki Irish Mayers completes their family of five, sparking widespread celebration among fans and well-wishers worldwide.

HOLLYWOOD, United States (AFP)—Jimmy Kimmel, the renowned late-night host, made a dramatic comeback to U.S. television screens this week, drawing his largest audience in a decade. This resurgence followed a brief suspension triggered by pressure from Donald Trump’s administration, according to Disney, the parent company of ABC, which airs Kimmel’s show. The suspension was reportedly a response to Kimmel’s comments following the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, with government officials threatening to revoke broadcast licenses. However, widespread public backlash and criticism from even some Trump allies, who viewed the move as an attack on free speech, led to the swift reversal of the decision. Kimmel returned to the airwaves on Tuesday with a scathing monologue condemning censorship. “A government threat to silence a comedian the president doesn’t like is anti-American,” Kimmel declared. He also criticized Trump for celebrating the potential loss of jobs for him and his team, stating, “Our leader celebrates Americans losing their livelihoods because he can’t take a joke.” Early ratings revealed that over six million viewers tuned in to the broadcast, despite the show being unavailable to nearly a quarter of American households due to a boycott by local TV station owners. This marked a significant increase from the show’s average viewership of 1.42 million during the 2024/2025 season. Additionally, 26 million people watched Kimmel’s monologue on social media, making it the show’s most successful night in a decade. Trump, who has frequently targeted Kimmel and other late-night hosts with criticism, had previously celebrated the suspension, calling it “Great news for America.” However, Kimmel quipped during his return, “He tried his best to cancel me. Instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly,” to thunderous applause from the studio audience.