分类： entertainment

The University Chapel on the Mona campus of The University of the West Indies became a sanctuary of gratitude and musical reverence on Thursday as Jamaica’s cultural community gathered to honor Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore. Rather than a somber farewell, the service transformed into a vibrant celebration of the legendary cellist and guitarist whose artistry propelled Jamaican music onto the global stage.

Government officials, music industry pioneers, and cultural custodians joined family members in painting a portrait of Coore as both a national treasure and a humble ambassador whose influence transcended generations. The atmosphere balanced poignant reflection with joyful remembrance, where tears were gracefully interwoven with laughter and stories of his enduring impact.

As a founding member and longtime musical director of the iconic band Third World, Coore’s genius lay in his ability to bridge musical genres, transforming reggae into a universal language that resonated across continents for over five decades. His legacy was celebrated not merely for technical mastery but for the profound substance and consciousness he embedded within every composition.

Personal tributes illuminated the man behind the music. Pianist Rita ‘Werki’ Widener delivered a powerful wordless homage, blending Third World’s ‘Try Jah Love’ with Jamaica’s national anthem—a fitting testament to Coore’s deep patriotism. His children—Shiah, Kanna, Stephen, and Ashley—shared intimate memories of a father who encouraged global curiosity, listened without judgment, and nurtured their love for music and travel.

Colin Leslie, a friend of sixty years, recalled Coore’s signature phrase—’You know I love you, right?’—as emblematic of his approach to life and relationships. The sentiment was echoed by music royalty in attendance, including Damian and Stephen Marley, Protoje, Sean Paul, and Maxi Priest, who described Coore as both mentor and ‘bona fide friend’ who guided countless careers.

Reverend Captain Astor Carlyle framed Coore’s journey as one of stewardship rather than stardom, introducing the concept of ‘Selah’ moments—musical pauses that invite deep reflection. He noted how Coore’s compositions consistently created space for consciousness elevation and behavioral transformation.

The service attracted cross-sector leadership including Opposition Leader Mark Golding, Finance Minister Fayval Williams, and Science Minister Daryl Vaz, demonstrating Coore’s significance beyond the cultural sphere. His passing on January 18 at age 69 leaves a profound void, but his legacy continues through his four children, grandchildren, and the timeless music that remains a source of unity, consciousness, and joy for generations to come.

NEW YORK — Jamaican modeling powerhouse SAINT International achieved remarkable prominence during New York Fashion Week’s Fall 2026 Ready-To-Wear collections, held from February 11-16. Under the leadership of CEO Deiwght Peters, the agency’s models delivered exceptional performances across numerous prestigious runway shows throughout the city.

Leading the contingent was Naki Depass, who secured an impressive nine runway appearances for top-tier designers including Thom Browne, Marc Jacobs, Laquan Smith, and Area. Her colleague Dru Campbell joined her at Michael Kors’ landmark 45th anniversary presentation at the Metropolitan Opera House. Campbell, returning for her second NYFW engagement after debuting in September, commenced her schedule with a appearance for Coach before walking for five additional luxury brands including Tory Burch and Calvin Klein.

Veteran model Tami Williams, who began her career at 15 with Alexander Wang, booked three significant shows: Sergio Hudson’s 10th anniversary celebration, Cucculelli Shaheen, and Jamaican designer Rachel Scotta’s Diotima presentation. For Scotta’s ‘Femme Cheval’ collection inspired by Cuban artist Wifredo Lam, Williams shared the runway with Depass as Looks 8 and 12.

Male model Romaine Dixon represented SAINT at Cult Gaia’s ‘Shirzan — The Gathering’ show under creative director Jasmine Larian Hekmat, appearing as Look 43 immediately preceding Depass’s Look 44 in the brand’s 55-look collection.

Peters described the achievement as ‘a banner season’ for what he termed ‘the SAINT model army,’ referencing over 60 runway events and presentations throughout the weeklong fashion extravaganza. He particularly highlighted Depass’s ‘spectacularly fantastic season’ and Campbell’s successful follow-up to her previous NYFW debut.

Internationally acclaimed dancehall artist Popcaan has been formally inducted into traditional Ghanaian leadership, receiving the prestigious title of “Nana Okofo Akro Kese” during a ceremonial event in the West African nation. The honor, which translates to “great/mighty warrior chief,” was bestowed upon the Jamaican performer during his recent visit to Ghana.

The musician documented the significant occasion through social media, sharing photographs and video footage from the installation ceremony with his global fanbase. His Instagram post carried the caption: “Nana is Grateful!!! Love and respect to my people. Together we push #KESE,” indicating his appreciation for the cultural recognition.

This visit represents the latest chapter in Popcaan’s ongoing engagement with Ghana, which began in earnest during the country’s 2019 “Year of the Return” initiative. That landmark program invited members of the African diaspora to reconnect with their ancestral heritage. During that emotionally charged 2019 journey, the artist paid solemn respects at Cape Coast Castle—a historic site intimately connected to the transatlantic slave trade—where he laid a commemorative wreath honoring enslaved ancestors transported to Jamaica and other destinations.

The chieftaincy title coincides with the artist’s recent musical developments, including the 2025 release of his fifth studio album Nothing Without God. This 14-track project explores themes of faith, perseverance, and spiritual development, completed shortly before Hurricane Melissa affected western Jamaica.

Jamaican music legend Johnny Clarke, whose dynamic uptempo style propelled him to reggae stardom in the 1970s, will be honored with the inaugural Bunny Lee Lifetime Achievement Award during Reggae Weekend festivities from February 20-22. The celebration, organized by the family of legendary producer Bunny Lee, recognizes Clarke’s monumental contributions to the genre during his prolific collaboration with Lee five decades ago.

The award ceremony will take place on February 20 at the Bunny Lee Museum in Duhaney Park, St. Andrew, marking a poignant tribute to the producer who passed away in October 2020 at age 79. Bunny Lee Jr. emphasized the significance of honoring Clarke as the first recipient, noting that the singer was instrumental in shaping the distinctive sound that made his father famous.

‘Johnny Clarke stood among the premier artists who collaborated with Bunny Lee to elevate reggae into a dominant global force,’ stated Lee Jr. ‘Their 1970s partnership yielded timeless Jamaican classics including None Shall Escape The Judgement and Rock With Me Baby, which garnered widespread acclaim both domestically and internationally.’

Clarke’s remarkable journey saw him transition from working at Grace, Kennedy Ltd. in 1974 to reggae superstardom following his breakthrough hit None Shall Escape The Judgement—a track originally performed by Earl Sixteen. The unassuming artist, who was also Lee’s brother-in-law, further solidified his legacy with influential tracks like Move Outa Babylon and African Roots under Lee’s Striker label.

The award presentation launches three days of musical celebrations across Kingston. The weekend includes Saturday’s relaunch of Augustus Pablo’s historic Rockers International record store on Orange Street, an event at Randy’s Museum in downtown Kingston, and Sunday’s Legacy Sunday featuring Kingston Rhythm at Waterfront, a dance event at Victoria Pier, and Closing Dub at the Dub Club.

The Bunny Lee Museum, which opened one year ago in the producer’s former recording studio, houses an extensive collection of memorabilia including Lee’s flamboyant stage outfits, murals of iconic producers Clement Dodd, Prince Buster and Duke Reid, and instruments used by the pioneering musicians who developed the distinctive Greenwich Farm sound.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s political leadership and music royalty gathered today to honor the life and legacy of Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore, the visionary co-founder of pioneering reggae band Third World, in a solemn state-attended funeral service. The ceremony, currently underway, brings together the nation’s most influential figures from both government and entertainment spheres in a powerful demonstration of cross-sector respect for the late musician.

Among the distinguished attendees are dancehall superstar Sean Paul, Culture Minister Olivia Grange, Finance Minister Fayval Williams, Opposition Leader Mark Golding, and Grammy-winning artists Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley and Maxi Priest. This convergence of political and cultural leadership underscores Coore’s monumental status as one of Jamaica’s most revered musical architects.

The music world was stunned on January 18 when news broke of the iconic guitarist’s sudden passing, triggering an outpouring of tributes from government officials and entertainment professionals alike. Coore’s musical journey began with Inner Circle before he embarked on his revolutionary path by establishing Third World with keyboardist Ibo Cooper.

Third World’s groundbreaking artistry transformed the global music landscape through their innovative fusion of reggae with soul, funk, pop, and rock elements. This distinctive sound catapulted Jamaican music to international prominence, with timeless hits including ‘Now That We’ve Found Love,’ ’96 Degrees in the Shade,’ and ‘Try Jah Love’ securing their position as one of Jamaica’s most enduring and successful musical exports.

Celebrated for his exceptional instrumental mastery, compositional genius, and profound musical intellect, Coore received Jamaica’s Order of Distinction in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the nation’s cultural and creative heritage. He is survived by his wife Lisa, children Shiah, Kanna, Stephen, and Ashley, grandchildren, extended family, bandmates, colleagues, and a global community of devoted admirers.