分类： entertainment

As dusk settled over Hope Gardens, the second annual Lost In Time Festival commenced its two-day musical journey, transforming the venue into a realm where temporal constraints yielded to reggae’s enchanting rhythms. The sold-out Saturday opening night witnessed an extraordinary convergence of musical excellence, where patrons immersed themselves in an experience that transcended conventional timekeeping.

The evening’s musical odyssey commenced with captivating performances by Joby Jay and Tessanne Chin, whose powerful vocals established an energetic foundation for the night. Their opening sets generated palpable excitement among attendees, creating a reciprocal energy exchange between artists and audience that would characterize the entire event.

Grammy-nominated artist Mortimer elevated the evening’s intensity with a commanding performance that showcased his artistic maturity. His seamless navigation through his greatest hits culminated in the explosive performance of ‘Lightning,’ which electrified the atmosphere with visceral intensity.

The festival’s curation brilliance manifested through the contrasting yet complementary sets of veteran lyricist Tanya Stephens and emerging powerhouse Lila Iké. Stephens demonstrated masterful catalog command, orchestrating massive singalongs with classics including ‘It’s A Pity,’ ‘Bum Wuk,’ and ‘These Streets,’ transporting attendees through reggae’s rich heritage.

Iké, fresh from her Grammy Awards appearance, confirmed her ascending status with a performance marked by exceptional vocal expressiveness and emotional depth. Her set spanned from ‘Scatter’ to ‘Thy Will,’ including a heartfelt tribute to reggae pioneers Cocoa Tea and Third World. Demonstrating remarkable versatility, she delivered an impressive guitar solo during ‘Wanted’ before transitioning to her romantic repertoire including ‘I Spy’ and ‘Fry Plantain.’ The artist concluded by acknowledging festival creator Protoje’s vision in creating authentic reggae experiences.

The night culminated in an unprecedented gathering of reggae royalty as Protoje transformed his closing set into a historic musical summit. Surprise appearances by Alaine, Romain Virgo, Koffee, and Marley brothers Damian and Stephen generated seismic audience reactions. The Marleys’ collaborative performance of ‘The Mission’ followed by Jr Gong’s renditions of ‘Blessed’ and the iconic ‘Welcome To Jamrock’ created an explosive finale that united generations of reggae enthusiasts.

Past midnight, the festival affirmed its reputation as a temporal transcendence where reggae’s unifying power dissolved boundaries between artists, eras, and audiences, creating an unforgettable celebration of musical legacy and innovation.

Barbadian beauty icon Rihanna has officially ended the global search for the perfect cool-toned brown lip with her latest Fenty Beauty release. The newly launched Rose Amber Collection features three coordinated products designed to recreate the viral lip combination that captivated fashion audiences during Paris Fashion Week.

The signature look originated when celebrity makeup artist Hector Espinal (@artbyhector) first unveiled the style on Rihanna for her appearance at the Dior Spring/Summer 2026 showcase in January. The sophisticated taupe lip combination immediately generated widespread social media buzz, with beauty enthusiasts worldwide eager to replicate the aesthetic.

Fenty Beauty’s solution arrives as a meticulously crafted trio: the Trace’d Out Lip Liner in Rose Amber for precise definition and subtle overlining, the creamy Gloss Bomb Stix in matching Rose Amber for dimensional color payoff, and the iconic Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer for added high-shine finish. Each product is formulated to blend seamlessly together, creating a long-wear, multi-dimensional lip effect that maintains the signature Fenty Beauty commitment to inclusive shade ranges.

The collection leverages Rihanna’s personal beauty preferences while demonstrating her brand’s innovative approach to product development. By releasing the exact products used to create the viral moment, Fenty Beauty capitalizes on organic market demand while providing consumers with professional-grade tools to achieve the coveted look.

The complete Rose Amber lip collection is now available for purchase exclusively through fentybeauty.com, marking another strategic launch from one of the beauty industry’s most influential figures.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Amid escalating global tensions, Jamaican reggae performer Ras Zukes has articulated a powerful conviction in music’s capacity to mediate international conflicts. In a recent exclusive dialogue with Observer Online, the artist elaborated on his perspective regarding artistic expression as an instrument for global harmony.

Drawing parallels with historical milestones, Ras Zukes referenced reggae’s influential role during South Africa’s Apartheid era and the dissolution of the Berlin Wall. He emphasized the timeless resonance of Bob Marley’s ‘One Love’ and other conscious compositions, noting that ‘music possesses the transcendent ability to heal the human spirit across all racial, cultural, and ideological divides.’

The musician cited the United Nations Charter—specifically Article 2(4), which prohibits acts of aggression against territorial sovereignty—to underscore the necessity of diplomatic engagement over military action. He expressed concern that armed conflicts not only jeopardize international stability but also represent breaches of established global legal frameworks.

When questioned about what message he would convey to world leaders presently engaged in warfare, Ras Zukes stated he would advocate for peaceful dialogue and mutual compromise. His recommended auditory prescription would be Bob Marley’s seminal track ‘War,’ a composition derived from a speech by Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie, which critiques systemic injustice and calls for universal equality.

Hailing originally from Duncans in Trelawny, Ras Zukes later resided in Papine, Kingston, and Barrett Town, St. James. His artistic journey began from modest origins, enriched by mentorship from iconic figures within Jamaica’s music industry. Early exposure to dancehall events in the Corporate Area revealed a preponderance of explicit lyrics, which steered him toward creating music with affirmative themes instead.

Inspired by pioneering dancehall and reggae artists like Major Mackerel, Tiger, Brigadier Jerry, Sister Nancy, and Capleton—who populated his Kingston community during his youth—Ras Zukes committed to producing uplifting music from a young age. His primary school years already showcased a propensity for writing inspirational songs, a practice he continues to uphold in his professional career.

His most recent musical offering, ‘Island Paradise,’ released under Trainline Records, extends his commitment to spreading positivity through artistic channels. Ras Zukes remains dedicated to leveraging his creative gifts for the collective elevation and moral enlightenment of society.

Jamaica’s tourism sector anticipates unprecedented global exposure as NBC’s flagship morning program “Today” prepares for its inaugural ‘Girls Trip’ broadcast from the luxurious Sandals Dunn’s River resort in Ocho Rios. The landmark broadcasts scheduled for March 26 and 27 will feature co-hosts Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones experiencing Jamaica’s premium hospitality offerings firsthand.

In a strategic collaboration with the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), the program will offer viewers an exclusive opportunity to win a comprehensive vacation package. The grand prize includes a five-day, four-night all-inclusive stay featuring unlimited gourmet dining, premium beverages, and diverse recreational activities ranging from PADI-certified scuba diving to the increasingly popular pickleball. Round-trip air transportation completes this luxury experience.

Prospective entrants must submit creative video submissions through jennaandsheinelle.com, articulating their compelling reasons for joining the Jamaican adventure. The selection process will culminate with winner announcements later in March.

The timing proves particularly strategic as recent Nielsen ratings for February 2026 confirm Today’s dominance in morning television, maintaining leadership with 3.289 million total viewers and 637,000 within the crucial 25-54 demographic.

Kevin Clarke, General Manager of Sandals Dunn’s River, expressed enthusiasm about showcasing authentic Jamaican hospitality: “We’re preparing to extend our signature island welcome to the Today show team and their viewers. Beyond our spectacular physical setting, we’re excited to share the cultural essence that makes Jamaica uniquely captivating for visitors worldwide.”

The broadcasts will utilize aerial perspectives to highlight the resort’s stunning coastal location, providing visual grandeur to complement the programming content.

The National Arena radiated with palpable excitement on Friday evening as the Reggae Gold Awards transformed into a profound celebration honoring the lifelong dedication of Jamaica’s musical pioneers. This prestigious event elevated beyond a conventional ceremony, serving as a vibrant tribute to the architects of the island’s most enduring cultural soundtrack.

Under a spectacular display of stage lighting, the nation’s most influential musical figures received long-overdue recognition for their extraordinary contributions. The evening’s pinnacle moment featured legendary vocalist Ken Boothe’s induction into the Jamaica Music Museum Hall of Fame. Culture and Entertainment Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange presented the official citation to Boothe, whose remarkable career spanning six decades continues to define the essence of reggae music.

The distinguished honorees roster included Elaine Wint, Winston Barnes, Desmond ‘Desi Roots’ Young, Hugh ‘Redman’ James, Mikie Bennett, Lone Ranger, Frankie Campbell, and Collin ‘Bulby’ York – each acknowledged for their indelible impact on the industry. The awards also celebrated both performance excellence and academic contribution through recognitions given to reggae stalwart Tony Rebel and noted scholar Herbie Miller.

In post-award conversations with the Jamaica Observer, Tony Rebel expressed overwhelming gratitude toward the ministry for acknowledging his decades of service to both industry and nation. Desmond ‘Desi Roots’ Young echoed these sentiments, appreciating the honor of receiving recognition during his lifetime.

The celebration extended beyond awards into an immersive auditory experience. Headliner Luciano delivered a powerful performance backed by the Reggae Symphony Orchestra and Megahband under Peter Ashbourne’s masterful direction. The setlist featured timeless classics including ‘Lord Give Me Strength,’ ‘It’s Me Again Jah,’ ‘Messenger,’ ‘Sweep Over My Soul,’ and the electrifying ‘Movement of Jah People.’

A particularly emotional collaboration unfolded when Garnet Silk Jr. joined Luciano on stage, paying homage to his father’s legacy through a soul-stirring duet performance of ‘Place in Your Heart.’ Additional musical tributes came from Etana, Richie Stephens, Romain Virgo, Marcia Griffiths, L.U.S.T, and Chris Malachi, each adding their unique interpretation to Jamaica’s celebrated musical heritage.

Adding international flavor to the evening, China’s KAWA Reggae Band delivered a performance that highlighted reggae’s global reach. The event culminated a month-long celebration of the genre that propelled Jamaican culture to worldwide prominence, finally honoring both the visible stars and behind-the-scenes architects who mined the very gold of reggae music.

Jamaican reggae performer Indie Allen has unveiled a profoundly intimate acoustic single titled ‘The Best You,’ conceptualized as an enduring paternal message to his young son. The independently produced track, launched on January 16th, represents Allen’s most personal artistic work to date—transcending musical trends to serve as a timeless moral compass for his child.

Engineered by Jemoi Monteith of Clearsonix Music with mixing and mastering by Travis Bailey, the song functions as an emotional safeguard against life’s uncertainties. Allen describes the composition as a vehicle for perpetual guidance, ensuring his voice remains present through all future stages of his son’s development regardless of physical presence.

In an exclusive statement to Observer Online, the St James-born artist revealed: ‘This creation connects to legacy rather than temporary moments. It encapsulates everything I wish to convey about integrity, self-worth and unconditional love—principles that will endure beyond my lifetime.’ While acknowledging potential public resonance, Allen emphasizes the work’s fundamental purpose remains personal rather than commercial.

An alumnus of Cornwall College and Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, where he earned a jazz and popular music degree with voice specialization, Allen now prioritizes artistic legacy through his production company. His forward-looking strategy involves building a meaningful catalog that withstands temporal constraints while honoring authentic storytelling traditions.

The musician’s creative pipeline includes anticipated collaborations with icons like Damian Marley and Ed Sheeran, building upon his recently released ‘Oasis EP’ from November 2024. Through all endeavors, Allen maintains focus on creating music that embodies purposeful depth rather than transient success metrics.