分类： entertainment

The music world mourns the passing of George ‘Phil Pratt’ Phillips, an influential reggae producer whose work defined an era of sound system culture. Pratt died in London on February 25 at age 82, as confirmed by his son Garfield ‘Sampalue’ Phillips.

Born in West Kingston, Jamaica, Pratt’s musical journey began under the mentorship of legendary producers Clement ‘Sir Coxsone’ Dodd and Ken Lack. Though his initial career as a singer in the mid-1960s proved brief, Pratt discovered his true calling in production. His breakthrough came with Pat Kelly’s emotive ‘How Long,’ establishing his reputation for crafting hits that resonated deeply with Jamaican audiences.

The 1970s marked Pratt’s most prolific period, producing a string of successful releases for the Sunshot label. His distinctive production style elevated tracks including Pat Kelly’s ‘Talk About Love,’ John Holt’s ‘Strange Things’ and ‘My Heart is Gone,’ and Ken Boothe’s enduring ‘Artibella’—later sampled by Snoop Dogg for his 2013 track ‘La La La.’

Operating from his Orange Street record shop in West Kingston’s musical epicenter, Pratt belonged to a pioneering generation of independent producers whose work achieved widespread popularity through sound system plays rather than mainstream radio. Contemporary deejay Dennis Alcapone, who recorded several tracks for Pratt including ‘This A Butter,’ remembered him as ‘a very quiet person’ who ‘when him hit, him hit big.’

After relocating to the United Kingdom over four decades ago, Pratt established a new life in northwest London’s Harlesden district, operating a restaurant within the area’s vibrant West Indian community. His musical legacy continues through his son Sampalue, who has produced works for reggae icons including Dennis Brown, Lady Saw, and Frankie Paul while maintaining his own singing career with two album releases.

Phil Pratt is survived by multiple children and grandchildren, leaving behind a catalog that continues to influence generations of musicians and producers.

The acclaimed Soul to Soul music event, celebrated as the premier soul music gathering, is set to make its triumphant return to Spanish Town on March 6th. This annual spectacle will transform Perry’s Club on Jobs Lane in St. Catherine into an epicenter of musical excellence and vibrant energy.

Originally conceived in 2007 as a personal birthday celebration by founder Kevin Cole, the event has evolved remarkably over seventeen years. From its humble beginnings, Soul to Soul has established itself as an indispensable fixture within Jamaica’s entertainment landscape, earning recognition for its exceptional curation of soul music experiences.

The event’s history reflects a journey of growth and adaptation. Following a temporary suspension, organizers successfully resurrected the gathering in 2015 within Spanish Town before expanding its reach to Kingston audiences in 2020. This strategic expansion demonstrated the event’s growing appeal and organizational capability.

Event promoter Basco expressed enthusiasm about the 2024 edition, stating: ‘Our decision to return to Spanish Town has yielded extraordinary results. The event continues to evolve positively, exceeding our expectations with each iteration.’

Attendees can anticipate an electrifying musical showcase featuring renowned performers including DJ Steelie Basement, Little Richie, Master Rodge, and the dynamic hosting talents of DJ Madness. The organizers promise an immersive audio experience that celebrates the rich heritage and contemporary expressions of soul music.

The event promises to deliver an unforgettable fusion of premium musical selections, high-energy atmosphere, and exceptional vibes, maintaining its reputation as Jamaica’s definitive soul music celebration.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Celebrated dub poet Malachi Smith has been selected as the 2026 honoree for the prestigious Jamaica Brew Literary and Film Festival. The artist accepted the distinction with characteristic humility, describing himself as merely “a messenger” in service of his craft and community.

“I approach my work with complete dedication, constantly striving for improvement,” Smith remarked. “When recognition or accolades come my way, I simply express gratitude for each occasion.”

The poet attributes his creative direction to his spiritual heritage, noting that his maternal grandmother, Mamma Lee, traveled across Jamaica as a “warner woman” advocating for transformation, while his father Hambert served as a steadfast preacher. This foundation informs Smith’s current artistic mission: “I pursue my ministry in real time to advocate unapologetically for the oppressed, dispossessed, and disadvantaged worldwide. The cruelty I witness disturbs me profoundly, and I remain committed to speaking truth to power.”

Dr. Aza Weir Soley, the festival’s 2025 honoree who attended this year’s events, enthusiastically endorsed the selection. “Malachi’s recognition brings me particular joy given his esteemed standing within both Jamaican and diaspora communities,” she noted. “His contributions extend beyond his exceptional poetry and performances to include significant work with civic and charitable organizations in Jamaica and South Florida.”

Weir Soley further emphasized the festival’s democratic impact on South Florida’s Jamaican diaspora: “It creates meaningful opportunities for Jamaicans across ethnic and class divisions to showcase their talents, amplify their voices, and claim cultural space.”

While acknowledging the festival’s value as a platform, Smith highlighted ongoing struggles with cultural representation: “My poem ‘My Jamaican Tongue’ addresses this exact issue. Our authentic voices still don’t receive the hearing or showcasing they deserve, forcing many Caribbean writers to abandon their linguistic heritage for international acceptance—a compromise I firmly reject.” He called for strengthened collaboration among Caribbean professionals and writers’ groups to nurture genuine diasporic voices.

The accomplished poet, whose works have been translated into Mandarin and published in Taiwan, found particular resonance in the festival’s BREW acronym—representing bravery, resilience, excellence, and will. He connected these qualities to Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa’s devastation.

Through his Jamaica Poets Nomadic College and School Tour initiative, Smith led rescheduled visits in December to parishes hardest hit by the hurricane, including St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland. Alongside team members Judith Falloon Reid and Professor Opal Palmer Adisa, he delivered books, supplies, and poetry sessions to affected schools, with Palmer Adisa and Falloon Reid adopting two basic schools.

“We witnessed confusion and sadness in community members’ eyes—from infants to high school students,” Smith recounted. “Beyond providing reading materials, coloring books, and groceries, we witnessed collective joy and resilience following our visits. At Mannings High, where buildings sustained severe damage, outdoor sessions captivated fully engaged students and teachers. Godfrey Stewart High generated a celebratory concert atmosphere. Bethlehem College’s principal Albert Corcho described our timing as perfect, thanking us for bringing hope and promising readiness for next year’s visit.”

Smith is scheduled to return to the Jamaica Brew Festival in 2027.