分类： entertainment

Grammy-nominated reggae artist Etana has culminated Jamaica’s Reggae Month with a powerful reinterpretation of Bob Marley’s iconic anthem ‘I Shot The Sheriff.’ Her rendition serves as both a tribute to the genre’s most influential figure and a demonstration of reggae’s continuing global resonance.

As the inaugural Reggae Month Ambassador, Etana dedicated February to promoting Jamaica’s musical heritage through various performances and cultural engagements. Her newly released single emerges as a profound musical homage to Marley’s enduring legacy, whose revolutionary compositions continue to inspire artists and audiences across generations.

Originally composed and recorded by Marley in 1973, ‘I Shot The Sheriff’ gained international recognition through Eric Clapton’s 1974 cover version. Etana’s interpretation revisits the classic with emotional depth, blending her distinctive vocal warmth with contemporary production elements while maintaining reverence for the song’s roots.

Produced through her independent label Freemind Music Records in partnership with Eclectic Productions, the track masterfully balances authentic reggae essence with modern refinement, creating appeal for both traditional reggae enthusiasts and new audiences exploring the genre.

Etana recently performed alongside prominent artists at the One Love Bob Marley Concert on February 6 in Kingston, part of Jamaica’s annual Reggae Month celebrations honoring Marley’s cultural impact.

Regarding the song’s significance, Etana explained: ‘I consistently honor legends like Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, and Dennis Brown in my live performances. This particular song resonates deeply with me—Marley intended it as a metaphor for justice, self-defense, and resisting oppression rather than literal violence. Its message remains profoundly relevant given ongoing global injustices.’

Her interpretation maintains the original narrative intensity while emphasizing themes of justice, survival, and moral conviction that retain contemporary relevance. Etana’s vocal performance seamlessly transitions between vulnerability and strength, reinforcing her status as one of reggae’s most compelling contemporary voices.

As Reggae Month concludes, this release symbolizes both celebration and generational transition—honoring the pioneers who established the genre while showcasing its ongoing evolution through artists like Etana.

The iconic 1990s dance track ‘I Like To Move It’ by Reel 2 Reel featuring The Mad Stuntman has achieved platinum certification in the United Kingdom. The British Phonographic Industry awarded this prestigious recognition on Friday after the song surpassed 600,000 units in combined sales and streaming equivalents.

Originally released during the golden era of house and techno music, the track became a defining anthem of the decade. It achieved remarkable international success, topping music charts in multiple European nations including Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, while also reaching number one in Zimbabwe. The song secured top-10 placements across numerous countries including Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Spain, and Switzerland.

In the United States, the track reached #89 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved an impressive #8 position on Billboard’s Dance Music Club Play chart. In its home market, the song peaked at #5 on the UK Singles chart.

The vocalist behind the hit, The Mad Stuntman (born Mark Quashie), contributed to subsequent Reel 2 Reel chart successes including ‘Can You Feel It?’ and ‘Conway,’ both of which entered both the UK Singles chart and Billboard Dance chart. Now 60 years old, Quashie resides in New York.

This UK platinum award adds to the song’s existing international certifications, having previously earned gold status in Australia, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, while achieving platinum recognition in New Zealand.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Book Festival is poised to make literary history this Saturday, February 28, with the grand finale of its inaugural Africa Caribbean Literary Exchange. The event will transform the Confucius Institute at the University of the West Indies, Mona, into a vibrant cultural hub from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, marking a significant milestone in transatlantic literary dialogue.

This groundbreaking gathering features an extraordinary delegation of internationally acclaimed authors and cultural visionaries from both Africa and the Caribbean. The distinguished roster includes Namina Forna, the Sierra Leonean-American New York Times bestselling author renowned for her Gilded Ones series that challenges patriarchal structures through feminist fantasy narratives.

The African literary representation is further strengthened by Troy Onyango, the award-winning Kenyan writer and founding editor of the influential Lolwe literary magazine, alongside Ghanaian-born moderator and cultural analyst Alexandra Antwi-Boasiako. Together, they bring decades of combined experience in shaping contemporary African literary landscapes.

Festival director Latoya West-Blackwood emphasized the historical significance of this exchange, stating: “This initiative transcends conventional literary gatherings. It represents a profound reconnection of shared histories, the establishment of new creative partnerships, and the creation of intentional spaces for direct engagement between African and Caribbean voices. The festival invites public participation in these transformative dialogues.”

The day’s extensive programming includes keynote addresses, stimulating panel discussions, hands-on workshops, author reading sessions, and specialized children’s storytelling activities. The event will also feature a bustling vendor marketplace celebrating literary entrepreneurship and creative commerce.

Caribbean literary excellence is prominently showcased through contributions from Paulette A Ramsay, Research Fellow and Chief Operating Officer at the PJ Patterson Institute for Africa Caribbean Advocacy; Trinidad and Tobago multidisciplinary creative Jeunanne Alkins; and Jamaican award-winning novelist Nicole Dennis-Benn, author of the critically acclaimed works ‘Patsy’ and ‘Here Comes the Sun’.

Programming themes will address crucial topics including publishing pathways across Africa and the Caribbean, developing sustainable Black arts ecosystems, linguistic diversity within diaspora communities, and the growing global impact of contemporary African and Caribbean narratives. The morning sessions will commence with Odiyo’s “Books for Breakfast” audio lounge experience.

Designed as an intergenerational gathering, the exchange incorporates dedicated children’s programming and a curated vendor village featuring literary works, artisan merchandise, and creative products from local entrepreneurs, ensuring comprehensive community engagement.

In a powerful address that moved attendees to tears, acclaimed actress Phylicia Rashad delivered an inspirational message to Jamaican women at the ‘Women of Vision: A Visionary Salon’ event hosted by Plie for the Arts. The February 27, 2026 gathering at Jamaica Pegasus hotel formed part of the organization’s decade-long celebration of artistic excellence.

The cultural icon, renowned for her groundbreaking role as Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show, braved severe winter conditions in New York to reach Jamaica, demonstrating her commitment to the cause. During her emotional speech, Rashad emphasized spiritual connectivity and life purpose, stating: ‘I’m so privileged to be with you all today. I love seeing the sunshine in every face I see.’

When young women expressed their anxieties about future aspirations, Rashad offered transformative advice: ‘There’s no challenge that’s greater than you. You are equal to it.’ She urged the audience to cultivate internal courage, practice patience, and persist without surrender. To one student grappling with self-doubt about her ambitions, the actress counseled simply: ‘Doubt the doubt.’

The event showcased Jamaica’s most accomplished women across diverse sectors, with twelve exceptional leaders receiving 2026 Women of Vision honors. Among them were Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Scotia Group CEO Audrey Tugwell Henry, master blender Joy Spence, and Supreme Court Justice Simone Wolfe-Reece.

A distinguished panel featuring Tugwell Henry, architect Isiaa Madden, shipping executive Corah Ann Robertson-Sylvester, and business leader Lisa Lake Epstein shared insights on achieving professional excellence. They identified focus, curiosity, integrity, and discipline as crucial attributes for success.

School groups from across Jamaica attended, including students from hurricane-affected Westmoreland. Educators highlighted the rare opportunity for youth to engage with role models of this caliber. Manning School teacher Audrey Williams Woolery noted her students’ enthusiasm about hearing Rashad speak, while Ardenne High’s Gracia Thompson emphasized the importance of exposing students to successful women.

The celebration continues throughout the Caribbean, culminating in Kingston with an appearance by pioneering ballerina Misty Copeland.

A Jamaican music event, Soul Sundays, has dramatically exceeded its creators’ expectations, evolving from a local liquor store promotion into a nationally celebrated phenomenon with international aspirations. Conceived by promoter Shane Buchanan and his brother as part of a weekend trilogy—alongside 90s Dancehall Fridays and a Saturday night experience—the Sunday concept was intentionally designed to be a soulful affair.

The event’s trajectory has been described as ‘mind-blowing’ by its founders, with its growth accelerating significantly towards a pivotal 2026 expansion. A major turning point arrived with the acquisition of premium sponsorships from Appleton Estate, as title sponsor, and Campari. Buchanan emphasizes that such high-profile partnerships serve as powerful endorsements, attracting discerning patrons who associate quality brands with exceptional experiences.

These strategic alliances provide substantial financial backing, enabling the organizers to enhance production value and craft increasingly memorable experiences. Buchanan confidently asserts that Soul Sundays now stands as Jamaica’s premier soul music event, crediting the sponsors for significantly elevating its prestige.

Soul Sundays has carved a unique niche by attracting mature audiences and couples seeking authentic soul music that once dominated Jamaica’s nightlife. The event serves as a sanctuary for those who appreciate classic sounds, effectively reviving a nostalgic vibe that has become scarce in contemporary nightlife.

The recent Valentine’s edition exemplified this atmosphere, featuring fireworks, rose distributions to female attendees, and an emphasis on celebrating love. Mark Telfer of J Wray & Nephew Limited explained that Appleton Estate’s title sponsorship and Campari’s involvement perfectly aligned with enhancing the event’s passion element, coinciding with Campari’s ‘Win Your Passion Moment’ campaign.

The experience seamlessly blends generations through its musical programming, with two DJs strategically catering to both seasoned enthusiasts and younger patrons discovering classics for the first time. This creates an energetic yet soulful environment characterized by passion and nostalgia.

With growth surpassing all expectations, the brand is now preparing for both local venue changes and international expansion. Buchanan proudly announced plans for Soul Sundays to launch in the United States by 2026, accompanied by bookings of both local and international entertainers to further elevate the entertainment package. From its Portmore origins to the global stage, 2026 is poised to become the event’s most transformative year yet, fundamentally reshaping Jamaica’s Sunday night culture.

The season finale of the Jamaica Observer’s popular series ‘Market Bag’ is set to deliver thrilling entertainment as Burgerman, a prominent radio personality from The Edge 105 FM, steps into the vibrant atmosphere of Coronation Market. Hosted by Carlysia Ramdeen, the episode will feature an intense shop-off challenge where both competitors must strategically stretch their budgets to demonstrate who can achieve optimal value for money.

Burgerman has entered the competition with bold confidence, promising an explosive performance, while Ramdeen remains equally determined not to yield in this high-energy face-off. The episode promises a dynamic blend of strategy, humor, and local market culture.

Viewers can catch the action live this Friday at 6:30 PM on the Jamaica Observer’s YouTube channel and all its social media platforms.

In related news, shoppers at Coronation Market—affectionately known as ‘Curry’—are currently enjoying a continued decline in produce prices. This week, tomatoes have dropped to as low as $30 per pound, with cabbage and pumpkin selling for just $100 each.

Corey Bailey, a data collection officer from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, confirmed the favorable market conditions. ‘Overall, prices are very encouraging,’ Bailey noted. ‘While items like sweet potato and dasheen have remained steady at around $300 to $350, many other products have seen significant price reductions. Now is an excellent time for shopping at the market.’