分类： entertainment

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican gospel artist Jermaine Edwards has publicly refuted widespread social media claims that viral singing sensation Rushawn Ewears received a $1 million payment from American superstar Akon for his cover of Edwards’ composition “Beautiful Day.”

In a strongly-worded Instagram statement on Monday, Edwards revealed the dangerous consequences of this misinformation, explaining that false narratives about Ewears’ supposed wealth have placed the young artist’s safety at risk. “It’s actually putting my friend’s life in danger because the community are saying that he has a million US and he needs to help the community,” Edwards stated, expressing his frustration that the debunked claim continues to circulate a year after its initial emergence.

The gospel singer provided unequivocal clarification regarding the ownership and protection of his intellectual property. “I didn’t think I needed to defend my intellectual property when it was properly registered,” Edwards explained, emphasizing that all digital platforms properly credit and compensate him for “Beautiful Day” through established metadata systems. His statement aimed to definitively settle ownership questions surrounding the composition.

Ewears, who gained international attention through his soulful rendition of the gospel track, separately addressed the dangerous speculation on his own social media platforms. The emerging artist echoed Edwards’ concerns about his personal safety, directly appealing to the public: “False statements like these is putting my life in danger. Please stop making false information.”

The coordinated response from both artists highlights the potentially dangerous real-world consequences of viral misinformation in the digital age, particularly when false financial claims target individuals in vulnerable communities.

The boundaries of luxury culinary tourism were redefined as an exclusive cohort of Michelin-starred chefs, spirits connoisseurs, and global gastronomic influencers transcended the ordinary with an inter-island expedition. Departing from the Eric Ripert-hosted Ritz-Carlton Cayman Cookout, these arbiters of taste embarked on a private jet excursion to Jamaica’s legendary GoldenEye resort on January 15th for an extraordinary luncheon orchestrated by Chef Dominic Benson.

The afternoon unfolded as a symphony of cultural and culinary excellence, with GoldenEye CEO Marika Kessler presiding over the festivities. The event became a convergence of industry titans, featuring Michelin-starred virtuoso Eric Ripert engaging in candid exchanges with Kessler. The resort’s visionary founder, Chris Blackwell, alongside Moët Hennessy representative Louis-Philippe Lussier, participated in pre-dinner photography sessions that captured the event’s prestige.

Authentic Jamaican mento rhythms performed by the Uptempo Band provided the soundtrack to this gastronomic pilgrimage, immersing attendees in the island’s rich cultural heritage. Chef Benson’s meticulous culinary craftsmanship took center stage as he applied final enhancements to his epicurean creations, while Lussier’s expertise in premium spirits captivated the audience, particularly during his engrossing dialogue with CEO Kessler.

This trans-Caribbean culinary voyage epitomized the evolving landscape of luxury dining experiences, where geographical barriers dissolve in pursuit of exceptional gastronomy and cultural immersion.

The global music community is mourning the sudden passing of Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore, legendary guitarist and co-founder of pioneering reggae band Third World. The esteemed musician died unexpectedly on Sunday evening at age 69, according to an official statement released by his representative.

Coore’s musical journey began as an early member of Inner Circle before he embarked on his defining musical partnership with keyboardist Ibo Cooper to establish Third World in 1973. The band revolutionized contemporary music through their innovative fusion of traditional reggae with soul, funk, pop, and rock elements, creating what would become known as the reggae-fusion genre that catapulted Jamaican music to international prominence.

Under Coore’s creative leadership and exceptional musicianship, Third World produced an enduring catalog of hits that transcended generations and geographical boundaries. Their timeless classics including ‘Now That We’ve Found Love,’ ’96 Degrees in the Shade,’ and ‘Try Jah Love’ established them as one of Jamaica’s most commercially successful and longest-running musical acts.

Beyond his performance excellence, Coore was celebrated for his compositional brilliance and profound musical knowledge. His contributions to Jamaican culture and the creative arts earned him the nation’s prestigious Order of Distinction, awarded by the Government of Jamaica in recognition of his exceptional service to the country’s cultural landscape.

Coore’s legacy extends through his surviving family including his wife Lisa, children Shiah, Kanna, Stephen, and Ashley, his grandchildren, and countless extended family members, bandmates, colleagues, and devoted fans worldwide who continue to be inspired by his musical genius.

Emerging Jamaican vocalist MG Liz has officially launched her musical career with the release of her debut single ‘Love Up,’ marking a significant milestone shared by countless artists. The roots-reggae track, developed in collaboration with seasoned artist Derajah and Brazilian multi-instrumentalist Bruno Dupre, represents the culmination of a year’s creative effort.

In an exclusive interview with the Jamaica Observer, MG Liz described experiencing a whirlwind of emotions surrounding her official entry into the music industry. ‘It’s really something. I’m beyond excited, but I’m also nervous because this takes everything to another level. At the same time, I feel so grateful, there’s just so much happening all at once,’ the artist confessed.

The collaborative single emerged from Derajah’s extensive international connections, leveraging his performance experience throughout Europe and Brazil. This network facilitated the involvement of Dupre, who contributed guitar, bass, drums, and horns to the production, creating a rich musical backdrop for MG Liz’s vocal talents.

Hailing from Kingston and raised in Redwood, St. Catherine, the newcomer cites legendary influences including Marcia Griffiths, Gladys Knight, Celine Dion, and Mariah Carey. Her artistic journey accelerated in early 2025 when she began developing original material with recording aspirations.

MG Liz revealed that approximately 90 percent of her recently recorded work features Derajah as producer, with additional collaborations including a Swedish producer and another American producer. The initial industry response has been notably positive, with professionals showing genuine interest in her distinctive sound and artistic direction.

Jamaican entertainer Turbulence is channeling his energy from international stages into creative pursuits for 2026, following a year of extensive global touring throughout 2025. The artist, who describes his travels as a form of “musical ambassadorship,” visited multiple continents including Africa and the Caribbean, performing in locations from the Bahamas to Guadeloupe.

The upcoming year marks a strategic pivot toward studio production with several new singles already released and additional projects in development. His recent track “Fancy Suit” signals the beginning of what promises to be a prolific period of musical creativity. Fans can anticipate a series of visual accompaniments and a full-length album scheduled for release in the near future.

Turbulence emphasizes the critical balance between performance commitments and creative development, noting that artists must carefully manage both aspects to maintain career sustainability. While preparing for an upcoming European tour, he acknowledges that periods of reduced public visibility often indicate intensified behind-the-scenes creative work.

The artist articulates a philosophical approach to music creation that prioritizes meaningful messaging over commercial success. Drawing inspiration from reggae legends including Beres Hammond, Cocoa Tea, and Sizzla Kalonji, Turbulence emphasizes the importance of creating music with enduring social value. His artistic mission focuses on promoting themes of love, unity, and moral consciousness through lyrics that encourage self-awareness and positive action.

For emerging artists, Turbulence offers counsel rooted in artistic integrity: “Love your craft, respect your craft, and don’t just come hustle. Know that you’re not singing just for yourself, and know whatever you say or sing might haunt you 10 years from now.” This perspective informs his commitment to creating positive content that reflects his values and provides a meaningful legacy for future generations.

Acclaimed actor Delroy Lindo, renowned for his powerful performances in films like ‘Sinners’ and ‘The Harder They Fall,’ is channeling his heritage into a new cinematic venture. Following his recent role in a vampire-themed horror movie, Lindo is now developing a profoundly personal film set within a Jamaican community.

In an exclusive interview with Deadline, Lindo revealed the project’s core themes will explore power dynamics, spirituality, and the transformative, healing power of community bonds. The actor, who was born in the UK to Jamaican parents, expressed a deep, long-standing commitment to bringing this story to the screen, having first become aware of the material in 2015. He formally secured the rights to the project in 2021 and has since been dedicated to assembling the necessary funding.

The narrative centers on a young man grappling with profound loss. As Lindo detailed, ‘The story is about a young man who has lost his mother. His parents are both doctors. We meet him on the day it is discovered that his mother has been tragically killed.’ The plot then advances six years, revealing that neither the young man nor his father have healthily processed their grief. In an attempt to find healing, the son is sent to his maternal homeland in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains.

Lindo confirmed the film will incorporate an element of magical realism, promising a visually and emotionally rich tapestry that blends the real with the mystical. This passion project arrives nearly five decades into his distinguished acting career. Prior to its production, audiences will next see Lindo in the upcoming monster blockbuster ‘Godzilla vs Kong: Supernova,’ slated for a 2027 release.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican cultural landscape is in mourning following the passing of renowned musician Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore, celebrated by the nation’s Ministry of Culture as an irreplaceable talent and genuine ‘Reggae Ambassador.’ Minister Olivia Grange, overseeing Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, issued an official statement honoring Coore’s extraordinary contributions to music both locally and internationally.

Coore, who co-founded the legendary Third World Band, was remembered as a pioneering force in reggae music whose influence transcended generations. Minister Grange emphasized the profound sense of loss felt across Jamaica, extending heartfelt condolences to his wife Lisa, children Shiah, Kanna, Stephen, and Ashley, along with his grandchildren and wide circle of friends and collaborators.

The government officially acknowledged the Coore family’s generosity in sharing the musician’s exceptional talents with the world. Grange specifically highlighted Coore’s musical journey, noting his early involvement with the successful group Inner Circle before establishing Third World Band, which produced iconic hits including ‘Now That We Found Love,’ ’96 Degrees in the Shade,’ and the fitting anthem ‘Reggae Ambassador.’

His artistic excellence earned him national recognition, including the prestigious Order of Distinction. While his physical presence will be deeply missed, Minister Grange affirmed that Coore’s enduring legacy would continue to inspire both contemporary and future musicians. The statement concluded with a poignant farewell: ‘Rest well, reggae ambassador.’

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican music community is in mourning following the sudden passing of legendary musician Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore at age 69. The co-founder and musical director of iconic reggae band Third World died on Sunday, leaving behind an indelible legacy in the nation’s cultural landscape.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness publicly honored Coore’s extraordinary contributions, characterizing him as a monumental figure in Jamaica’s cultural history and a fundamental architect of the country’s global musical identity. Through an official statement on social media platform X, Holness emphasized how Coore’s work with Third World created a distinctive sound that transported Jamaica’s rhythm, spirit, and message to international audiences worldwide.

“His artistic approach combined technical mastery with profound cultural awareness,” Holness noted, “producing music that remains both eternally relevant and distinctly Jamaican in character.”

The Prime Minister further highlighted Coore’s role as a genuine cultural ambassador who represented Jamaica with exceptional dignity, excellence, and national pride. His pioneering contributions to the creative arts, Holness stated, significantly enriched Jamaica’s national identity while inspiring multiple generations of musicians both within the country and across the global music scene.

Recognizing Coore’s previous honor of receiving the Order of Distinction for his cultural contributions, Holness extended official condolences on behalf of the Jamaican government and its citizens. The Prime Minister specifically addressed sympathies to Coore’s wife Lisa, his children, grandchildren, family members, fellow bandmates, and the international community of admirers whose lives were profoundly impacted by his artistic work.

“May his musical legacy endure as a perpetual reminder of our national identity,” Holness concluded, “and demonstrate the unique power of Jamaican creativity to foster global unity through artistic expression.”

ROME — The fashion world mourns the passing of Italian design maestro Valentino Garavani, who died Monday at 93 in his Roman residence surrounded by close companions. His foundation confirmed the news through social media channels, announcing funeral arrangements scheduled for Friday in the Italian capital with public viewings preceding the service.

Known mononymously as Valentino, the visionary designer spent nearly five decades defining luxury aesthetics for generations of style icons. His signature ‘Valentino red’ creations became sartorial symbols for international aristocracy and Hollywood royalty alike—from Jacqueline Kennedy and Princess Diana to Elizabeth Taylor and contemporary stars like Julia Roberts.

Born May 11, 1932, in Voghera, Lombardy, Valentino developed an early obsession with refined aesthetics. “I have had this illness since childhood,” he told Elle Italia in 2007. “I only like beautiful things.” His journey began at 17 when he departed for Paris to study fashion, immersing himself in the transformative post-war elegance of Christian Dior’s revolutionary designs.

After apprenticeships with Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche, Valentino established his eponymous maison in 1960’s Rome—a city then thriving as ‘Hollywood on the Tiber.’ His 1962 Florence debut collection introduced the world to his now-iconic crimson hue, but his 1964 encounter with Jacqueline Kennedy proved transformative. The future First Lady’s choice of his ivory lace gown for her marriage to Aristotle Onassis catapulted Italian design onto the global stage.

Business partner and former lover Giancarlo Giammetti played a pivotal role in scaling the brand internationally, recalling in the 2008 documentary ‘Valentino: The Last Emperor’ that managing the designer’s genius “required a lot of patience.” Their collaboration built a fashion empire spanning Roman palazzos, Swiss chalets, and a 50-meter yacht—all reflecting Valentino’s philosophy of uncompromising glamour.

The designer’s retirement in January 2008 after his final Paris show marked the end of an era celebrated for sensual, figure-enhancing designs. “I love a woman who eats food, who has a body,” he told The New Yorker in 2005, rejecting extreme thinness in favor of voluptuous femininity. His legacy continues through the Valentino Garavani Virtual Museum—the fashion industry’s first digital museum launched in 2011—ensuring future generations can experience his pursuit of beauty through immersive technology.