分类： entertainment

The internationally celebrated Company Dance Theatre (CDT) of Jamaica has announced its highly anticipated return to the stage with the 2026 performance season, themed ‘Streams,’ following an extended hiatus dedicated to hurricane relief efforts and artistic rejuvenation.

The season commences with premiere performances at Kingston’s Little Theatre on March 7-8, followed by an international showcase at Miramar Cultural Center in South Florida on March 14 under the distinguished patronage of Jamaica’s Consul General to the Southeastern United States, Oliver Mair.

Artistic Director Dr. Sade Bully Bell describes this season as embodying the fluid continuity of dance and the resilient spirit of Caribbean people. The return holds particular significance as it marks the company’s first major production since suspending operations to assist communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa.

‘Our dancers utilized the performance pause to support devastated communities,’ stated Dr. Bully Bell. ‘That pause has now concluded, and I am immensely proud to witness our dancers returning to their natural habitat—the stage. They have diligently prepared for this moment and are ready to reclaim their space with unprecedented brilliance.’

This season serves as a profound tribute to the late Tony Wilson, founder of The Company Dance Theatre in 1988, whose legacy CDT continues to honor. The program features two of Wilson’s seminal works: ‘Sparrow’ (1999) and excerpts from ‘Rooted in the Spirit’ (2010), the latter paying homage to Professor Rex Nettleford, founder of the National Dance Theatre Company.

Consul General Oliver Mair, serving as patron for the Florida performance, expressed: ‘I am honored to patronize CDT’s upcoming production. Without question, they rank among the finest dance troupes in the region. We will also honor the late Tony Wilson, one of Jamaica’s most exceptional choreographers. This is an unmissable event.’

Dr. Bully Bell and Associate Artistic Director Renée I McDonald have curated a repertoire blending technical excellence with innovative modern dance. Highlights include the titular ‘Streams’ (2025) by Tony Wilson; ‘Baby Mama’ (2026) choreographed by Dr. Bully Bell to Big 6 Brass Band’s music; ‘The Return’ (2025) by guest choreographer Khalia Campbell; ‘Baddie Language’ (2023) by Steven Cornwall featuring Vybz Kartel and Buju Banton; and ‘Mapping’ (2025) by Shavaughn Byndloss celebrating self-actualization.

Established as a legacy company honoring Tony Wilson’s pioneering work, CDT represents Jamaica’s premier contemporary dance ensemble, renowned for its technical rigor and emotionally powerful performances that showcase Caribbean culture globally while maintaining strong community outreach commitments.

PARIS – The global fashion spotlight has intensified on Jamaican modeling talent as SAINT International’s elite representatives make an indelible mark at the ongoing Paris Fashion Week. The four-model collective, comprising Dru Campbell, Jessie Craig, Sanique Dill, and Naki Depass, has been commanding attention across the most prestigious runways in the French capital.

This formidable Jamaican contingent is currently showcasing the Fall 2026 Ready-To-Wear collections for an impressive roster of luxury design houses. Their runway appearances span the avant-garde aesthetics of Anrealage, the architectural designs of Acne Studios, and the timeless elegance of Dior. Additionally, they are featuring prominently in presentations for Off-White, the conceptual creations of Julie Kegels, and the futuristic designs of Rabanne.

The presence of these Caribbean models at fashion’s most prestigious event signals a significant shift in the industry’s diversity standards and global representation. Their successful casting across multiple major brands demonstrates both their individual versatility and the growing international recognition of Jamaican modeling talent.

Fashion critics and industry insiders have noted the powerful presence these models bring to the runway, combining distinctive Caribbean beauty with professional precision that meets the exacting standards of European haute couture. Their participation in Paris Fashion Week represents not just personal career milestones but a breakthrough moment for Caribbean representation in high fashion.

The continued success of SAINT International’s models at such a competitive international event highlights the agency’s effective development of world-class modeling talent from Jamaica and the broader Caribbean region.

The Lost In Time festival in St Andrew’s Hope Gardens witnessed an emotional homecoming on Sunday as international reggae superstar Chronixx returned to a Jamaican stage after a six-year absence. The highly anticipated performance transformed into a celebratory spectacle with thousands of fans capturing every moment on their phones.

Festival organizer and fellow artist Protoje introduced the performer using his given name, Jamar, to an eager audience. The stage featured an enormous Rastafarian flag backdrop, symbolizing Chronixx’s deep spiritual convictions that have consistently informed his music.

Beginning at approximately 8:30 PM, the performance became an immersive musical journey through the artist’s acclaimed catalog. Chronixx delivered powerful renditions of fan favorites including ‘Family First’ and ‘Spanish Town Rockin,’ while paying special tribute to late Jamaican music legends Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare for their monumental contributions to the island’s sound.

The evening encountered a brief technical interruption around 9:15 PM when the stage went dark for approximately fifteen minutes. Demonstrating remarkable patience and devotion, the audience spontaneously created a cappella versions of ‘Skankin’ Sweet’ and ‘Majesty,’ moving the visibly emotional artist who jokingly remarked he owed his impromptu ‘choir’ payment.

Following the technical resolution, Chronixx and Protoje burst back onto the stage with energetic collaboration ‘Who Knows.’ The performance continued with soulful selections from Chronixx’s latest album ‘Exile,’ including a heartfelt acoustic rendition of ‘Hurricane’ featuring the artist on guitar.

Beyond musical performance, Chronixx used the platform to advocate for sustainable living practices, encouraging plant-based nutrition and agricultural self-sufficiency. He explained to attendees: ‘We promote real living because within our culture, many things we glorify aren’t truly beneficial. We must celebrate what genuinely serves our wellbeing.’

Though unable to perform all requested songs due to his extensive discography, Chronixx concluded with the patriotic anthem ‘Smile Jamaica’ after offering three heartfelt ‘thank yous’ to his homeland. Protoje returned to express gratitude for the overwhelming support, acknowledging his sister’s role in organizing the successful event.

The festival’s second day featured notable performances from Grammy-nominated Jesse Royal, who shared the stage with his daughter Korus and her friend Nyah in a charming cameo, along with Jah9, Naomi Cowan, Royal Blu, and Dahvid Slur. Earlier performer D’Yani engaged the audience with romantic serenades, distributing roses to delighted female attendees.

The two-day Lost In Time festival successfully delivered diverse musical experiences across multiple stages, reaffirming Jamaica’s enduring position as reggae’s spiritual home.

In a landmark strategic shift aimed at bolstering Jamaica’s competitive prowess on the international beauty stage, the organizers of Miss Universe Jamaica have announced a complete structural overhaul of their national selection process. Atelier Dermoth Williams Limited, the official franchise holder, has eliminated the regional preliminary system that has characterized previous competitions, replacing it with an innovative parish-based recruitment framework.

This transformative approach represents the initial phase of a comprehensive reimagining of Jamaica’s premier beauty pageant franchise. The new parish-level model is designed to foster more inclusive national representation and implement a more sophisticated talent identification mechanism. By activating all fourteen parishes across the island, the organization intends to systematically discover, nurture, and prepare exceptional delegates capable of bringing the Miss Universe crown to Jamaica.

Mark McDermoth, President of Atelier Dermoth Williams Limited, explained the strategic rationale behind this structural transformation in an exclusive interview. ‘Our decision to implement parish competitions stems from our commitment to strengthening and deepening the recruitment program. We are leaving no stone unturned in our search to identify that special delegate with the potential to claim the Miss Universe crown,’ McDermoth emphasized.

The organization has appointed parish directors who will oversee local pageants based on their demonstrated affiliation with the Miss Universe brand, comprehensive understanding of pageant systems, and unique awareness of their respective parish markets. The appointed directors include Shane Alric Morgan (Kingston & St Andrew), Janique McKenzie (St Catherine), Trilissa Walker (Clarendon, Manchester and St Elizabeth), Hannah Sheree Morris (Westmoreland and Hanover), Delrose Behadure, Francois Medley and Kyle Nunes (St James and Trelawny), Sara Jade Kow (St Ann and St Mary), Shanique Rogers (Portland), and Erica Beckford (St Thomas).

Regarding the current titleholder, McDermoth provided an update on Miss Universe Jamaica 2025 Gabrielle Henry’s recovery following her fall during preliminary events at Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand. ‘Gabrielle is recuperating with her medical team and family, though she is not yet ready for active duties. In the interim, first runner-up Troy Ann Anderson has been executing responsibilities,’ McDermoth confirmed, adding that the organization continues to wish Henry a speedy recovery.

Under the revamped structure, thirteen parish titleholders will automatically advance to the national finals scheduled for August 23 at the AC Hotel Kingston. Additional candidates will have a final opportunity to secure placement through the official Miss Universe Jamaica 2026 eliminations on July 5, where a limited number of ‘golden tickets’ will be awarded. The organization plans to maintain approximately 30 contestants for this year’s competition, a number specifically tailored to accommodate new beauty, fashion, and wellness challenges integrated into this year’s program.

McDermoth hinted at further innovations, noting, ‘We have additional initiatives slated for the Miss Universe Jamaica brand, which we will unveil through a phased program.’ This structural transformation represents the most significant change to Jamaica’s pageantry landscape in recent years, potentially setting a new standard for national beauty competitions worldwide.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A sensational new collaboration between acclaimed dancehall producer Week.day and rising vocal talent Imotionz is rapidly capturing international attention. Their latest single, ‘Pretty,’ has ignited a viral firestorm across digital platforms just four days after its debut.

Hailing from the shared community of Linstead in St. Catherine, the creative partnership has yielded yet another hit. The track is built upon Week.day’s infectious ‘Moonlight’ rhythm, with its official visual component expertly crafted by Timevisualz.

In an exclusive discussion, Week.day expressed profound satisfaction witnessing the audience’s enthusiastic reception. ‘Observing the fans’ diverse reactions and their inventive content creations is incredibly rewarding. It reaffirms the connection our music establishes,’ the producer revealed.

This release continues a proven collaborative history between the two artists. Their previous joint effort, ‘Regrets,’ has already surpassed 300,000 streams, demonstrating their consistent ability to resonate with listeners. Week.day specifically highlighted Imotionz’s artistic dedication and natural ability, noting their sessions are marked by exceptional professionalism and creative synergy.

Beyond this breakthrough single, Week.day is developing an ambitious new juggling project featuring several industry-leading performers. When questioned about his sustained success, the producer attributed his achievements to an unwavering devotion to his craft. ‘My driving force is the profound affection I hold for music itself. I maintain relentless effort, focused on building a legacy that will endure through my body of work,’ he concluded.