分类： entertainment

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.

What began as a passionate endeavor in 2006 has evolved into an iconic Jamaican cultural institution. Tyrone Dixon’s brainchild, Stone’s Ginger Wine Footloose, marks its twentieth anniversary this weekend at Mas Camp, Stadium North, featuring a special performance by dancehall legend Elephant Man.

Dixon recounted the humble origins of the event in an interview with the Jamaica Observer, revealing that the inaugural gathering at the Chinese Benevolent Association attracted merely 300 attendees—a far cry from the thousands who now regularly participate. Through strategic evolution and patron-focused programming, Footloose has cemented its status as Jamaica’s most anticipated retro music celebration.

The event’s longevity stems from Dixon’s commitment to innovation within the retro format. Introducing contemporary artistes to the lineup emerged as a particularly successful strategy, creating bridges between musical generations while maintaining the event’s nostalgic core.

Kedish Suckram, category manager for title sponsor Stone’s Ginger Wine, emphasized the symbiotic relationship between brand and event. This partnership transcends conventional sponsorship, with the beverage becoming intrinsically linked to the Footloose experience. The brand’s tradition-oriented identity aligns perfectly with the event’s nostalgic atmosphere, creating what Suckram describes as ‘a shared legacy’ within Jamaica’s entertainment landscape.

The anniversary celebration promises an immersive journey through two decades of musical excellence. Patrons can anticipate Elephant Man—the acclaimed Energy God—delivering a high-energy performance of his classic hits, ensuring dance floors remain active throughout the night. Exclusive Stone’s Ginger Wine offerings will further enhance the experience, solidifying the brand’s role as the literal ‘spirit’ of the celebration.

Jamaican modeling sensation Sanique Dill has emerged as the prominent face of British designer Margaret Howell’s newly released Spring 2026 collection for her MHL co-ed line. The campaign, recently photographed in London by Jody Rogac, showcases the Waltham Park Road native sporting sophisticated European seasonal ensembles that define Howell’s distinctive aesthetic.

In an exclusive interview with Observer Online from Milan, Dill expressed her enthusiasm about collaborating with the iconic British fashion house. “Working with an established name in British fashion like Ms. Howell has been an extraordinary privilege,” Dill revealed. “Being selected to embody a designer’s creative vision always feels remarkable, particularly when considering the countless talented models available for such opportunities.”

The Spring 2026 collection features utilitarian-inspired pieces including zip-up bomber jackets, scout shorts, striped v-neck slipovers, textured cardigans, and innovative patch pocket skirts. Dill, a 2024 graduate of St Andrew Technical High, particularly appreciated the collection’s design philosophy: “I admire the clean, modern aesthetic that still retains quintessential British character – several pieces are absolutely something I would wear personally.”

Margaret Howell, the 79-year-old design visionary, shared her creative approach with Vogue magazine, describing the collection as “fundamentally about ease and balance.” She elaborated: “I aimed to create relaxed garments with soft tailoring and generous silhouettes. The focus remains on proportion, always maintaining a sense of wearability where pieces harmonize quietly and comfortably.”

Howell’s fashion journey began modestly in 1972 when she started designing and selling shirts from her Blackheath flat in southeast London. Encouraged by orders from retailers in London and the United States, she established her independent boutique with then-husband Paul Renshaw in 1980. The brand has since expanded significantly, with current operations including over 500 employees across 80 international locations including Japan, France, and Italy. The flagship Wigmore Street store opened in 2002, followed by the launch of the MHL diffusion line in 2004.

Dill’s appearance in the Howell campaign continues her remarkable trajectory in high fashion, following recent campaigns for prestigious houses including Valentino, Miu Miu, Fendi, and Anna Sui throughout the past year.

In an industry often dominated by high-energy tracks and urgent beats, Jamaican producers Slyda di Wizard and Romeich Major have taken a deliberate step back to craft something rooted in warmth and connection. Their latest collaborative project, the Love Echoes rhythm, marks their second joint venture in two years and represents a conscious effort to reintroduce balance and positivity into the music scene.

Speaking with the Jamaica Observer, Slyda di Wizard revealed that the rhythm was conceived as an emotional antidote to contemporary musical trends. Rather than pursuing commercial urgency or excess, the duo focused on creating a work that evokes genuine feeling and upliftment. The project stems from their shared conviction that music retains the power to establish mood—specifically one grounded in connection, optimism, and timeless resonance.

“Reggae music plays a very integral role in who we are as a people, yet it is produced less each year,” Slyda noted. “Romeich and I felt it would be great to bring back that feel-good vibe and hear some of those melodies from artistes we’ve come to love based on their vocal abilities.”

The rhythm features an impressive lineup of artists including Dexta Daps, Ce’Cile, Chris Martin, Richie Spice, Jah Elise, Rally Banks, Lavisch, Denyque, Blakkman, Tanzie, and Konshens. Early reception has been highly encouraging, with fans actively reposting content, tagging their favorite artists, and sharing videos of their preferred tracks.

Romeich Major emphasized reggae’s unique capacity to transcend generations and outlast other regional genres. “Reggae promotes good vibes, love, awareness, positivity, and engagement with current affairs,” he stated. “Nothing beats a solid reggae beat that brings all of that together.” He expressed hope that the project would inspire more producers to invest intentionally in reggae-centered productions this year.

Looking forward, both producers are optimistic about the international potential of Love Echoes. Slyda di Wizard aspires for the rhythm to achieve global reach, securing placements on reggae charts worldwide. Such recognition would not only validate their artistic intent but also reaffirm reggae’s enduring relevance on the international stage.

Kingston prepares to transform into a dynamic culinary epicenter as the Jamaica Food & Drink Festival (JFDF) returns from March 5-8, 2026. This year’s edition moves beyond mere celebration to present a sophisticated dialogue on Caribbean cuisine’s evolution, featuring internationally acclaimed chefs who are redefining traditional flavors through technical precision and global influences.

The festival’s dual culinary showcases—KUYAH and DECADE 2.0—offer distinct approaches to culinary innovation. KUYAH, hosted at the waterfront Festival Marketplace, challenges chefs to reinterpret familiar Jamaican ingredients with heightened technical execution and deliberate presentation. Joining this year’s lineup is Chef Scotley Innis, the Jamaican-born culinary master behind Continent Atlanta and Continent Brooklyn, known for his appearances on Hell’s Kitchen and Food Network. Sponsored by Scotnabank, Innis brings his signature approach of refining Caribbean flavors through restraint and precision—techniques evident in his meticulously balanced jerk preparations and thoughtfully composed oxtail dishes.

DECADE 2.0 takes a more expansive approach on Friday night at Sabina Park, creating an all-inclusive culinary showcase that traces Caribbean cuisine’s evolution over the past decade. Sponsored by Visa, this event features Trinbagonian Chef Brigette Joseph, whose background in diplomatic dining and large-scale culinary productions informs her sophisticated layering of Caribbean ingredients with global techniques. Also returning is Patrick Simpson of The Simpson Brooklyn, continuing his collaboration with Walkerswood to demonstrate how local flavors travel, absorb international influences, and return home transformed yet recognizable.

Festival Director Alicia Bogues emphasizes the intentional inclusion of international talent: ‘We invite global chefs not due to any shortage of local expertise—Jamaica possesses exceptional culinary artistry—but to foster meaningful exchange. This creates dialogue that allows Jamaicans to experience diverse techniques while visiting chefs engage with the depth of our food culture.’

The festival continues to feature Jamaica’s most respected culinary voices, including Michelle and Suzanne Rousseau, Alexa Von Strolley, Oji Jaja, and Brian Lumley, whose pioneering work has shaped modern Jamaican cuisine and created space for experimental new talent.

For four days in March, Kingston becomes a destination where Jamaican food simultaneously comforts and surprises—a tension that maintains culinary relevance and excitement in the ever-evolving global food landscape.

The city of Miramar is set to host a vibrant celebration of faith and music with the third annual Praise On The Green Gospel Extravaganza on February 27th. The event, a highlight of South Florida’s Reggae Month, will transform the Miramar Town Center into a dynamic worship experience.

This year’s lineup promises a powerful fusion of traditional gospel with contemporary urban rhythms. Headlining artists include the renowned Minister Marion Hall (formerly known as dancehall superstar Lady Saw), Otis Kemp, and Reverend Mark Brown. A significant addition to this year’s program is the debut of a full choir, enhancing the musical spectacle.

Organizer Delroy Escoffrey, a foundational figure since the event’s inception, describes the Extravaganza as a ‘big gospel party.’ He emphasizes the growing popularity of the event, attributing its success to artists who expertly blend dancehall and hip-hop influences with their gospel message, creating a unique and engaging worship atmosphere.

The choice of Miramar as the host city is strategic, reflecting its substantial Jamaican community and deep-rooted connection to Caribbean culture. The event is primarily promoted by the legendary Inner Circle band, further cementing its credibility within the regional music scene.

Minister Hall brings a compelling narrative of transformation, having dominated the dancehall genre for decades before her public conversion to Christianity ten years ago. Otis Kemp, a Florida native with Bahamian heritage, draws inspiration from both his gospel roots and hip-hop icons like Flo Rida and Rick Ross, resulting in a sound that resonates with a younger, diverse audience.