分类: entertainment

  • Tatik taps Seanizzle for ‘Favorite Notification’

    Tatik taps Seanizzle for ‘Favorite Notification’

    Jamaican dancehall performer Tatik has unveiled his newest musical offering, “Favorite Notification,” a composition crafted under the production expertise of Seanizzle Production. Preliminary promotional materials have already begun cultivating significant audience anticipation for the official release.

    The single delves into a universally recognizable contemporary romantic scenario—the profound effect of receiving communication from a specific individual at a precisely opportune moment. Thematically, the song investigates concepts of emotional synchronicity and interpersonal bonds, articulating how a basic digital interaction—a call or message—can dramatically alter one’s emotional state following a taxing day.

    A-Town, Tatik’s managerial representative, provided insight into the track’s foundational concept, indicating it mirrors authentic relational dynamics. He elaborated that within modern partnerships, a single message from one individual to the other possesses the capacity to immediately transform the recipient’s “day, mood and temperature,” thereby emphasizing the theme of emotional comfort and security that underpins the song.

    Diverging from musical trends that prioritize extravagant production, “Favorite Notification” concentrates on the subtleties of daily closeness and the solace derived from significant digital dialogue. This artistic decision imbues the track with a highly relatable quality, positioning it to profoundly connect with audiences who prioritize genuine emotional availability over demonstrative romantic actions.

    Production for the song’s official visual accompaniment is presently underway. Concurrently, teaser clips distributed across various platforms persist in amplifying visibility and stimulating listener engagement ahead of the full release.

  • Jumpout Production releases Detrimental Cool & Deadly Riddim on Bob Marley’s birthday

    Jumpout Production releases Detrimental Cool & Deadly Riddim on Bob Marley’s birthday

    Seasoned music professional Gary Sutherland, whose multifaceted career spans engineering, production, and touring with legendary acts, is poised to release his latest musical project—the ‘Detrimental Cool & Deadly’ riddim—on February 6, coinciding with Bob Marley’s birthday. This strategic release date holds profound personal significance for Sutherland, who maintained deep connections with the Marley family through his decade-long tenure at Tuff Gong studios, including a formative period at their Ghana facility.

    The upcoming riddim represents Sutherland’s tenth production venture since his mid-2000s debut with the ‘Buss Weh’ riddim. The project features an eclectic mix of Jamaican and international artists, including Mikey Melody, David Luther King, Franko Brian, Chyna Nicole, Irish Spice, S.H.A.W., and Jehvauri. Venezuelan musician Frank Sanchez contributed to the production, enhancing its global appeal.

    Sutherland explained the riddim’s paradoxical title: “In Jamaican vernacular, terms like ‘wicked’ or ‘bad’ often signify excellence. I’ve subverted the literal meaning of ‘detrimental’ to convey greatness, complemented by the ‘cool and deadly’ dancing concept—it’s essentially hot and distinctive from my previous works.”

    The production process unfolded organically over six months, with artists demonstrating immediate enthusiasm upon receiving the instrumental track. Sutherland emphasized the thematic consistency across all tracks, which explore positive narratives about life, love, and spiritual guidance from Jah—elements he believes would resonate with Bob Marley’s enduring legacy.

    Reflecting on his artistic development, Sutherland credited his unparalleled training under audio engineering pioneer Errol Brown (Bob Marley’s primary engineer) at Tuff Gong, where he mastered analog recording techniques using two-inch tape. His professional journey includes collaborations with reggae icons like Burning Spear, Dennis Brown, Marcia Griffiths, Alpha Blondy, Freddie McGregor, and Buju Banton. These experiences, combined with extensive international touring, have cultivated Sutherland’s acute auditory perception and audience awareness, reinforcing his commitment to musical consistency and innovation.

  • Sean Paul and Keyshia Cole’s Give it Up to Me returns to the charts after 20 years

    Sean Paul and Keyshia Cole’s Give it Up to Me returns to the charts after 20 years

    Two decades following its initial release, Sean Paul and Keyshia Cole’s collaborative single ‘When You Gonna (Give it Up to Me)’ is experiencing an extraordinary chart renaissance across global music platforms. The 2006 hit, which originally peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, has found remarkable renewed popularity through contemporary digital engagement.

    The song’s dramatic resurgence is primarily fueled by its massive adoption on TikTok, where it has become the soundtrack for a widespread dance phenomenon. Since January 2026, the track has accumulated over 40 million new streams worldwide, demonstrating its cross-generational appeal that connects with both nostalgic original fans and a new cohort of digital-native listeners.

    TikTok has served as the primary catalyst for this revival, with the song featuring prominently in content related to ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ and various nostalgia-themed edits that incorporate early-2000s pop culture references, film clips, and period-specific visuals. The audio has been incorporated into more than 1.5 million user-generated videos, collectively amassing over 1.3 billion views on the platform.

    Current analytics indicate sustained engagement rather than a temporary viral spike, with recent peaks reaching 480,000 video creations and 548 million views within specific measurement periods. This consistent performance has directly translated to significant chart reappearances across multiple territories.

    As of February 4, the track holds position #114 on Spotify’s Global Top 200 Weekly chart, with particularly strong performances in Germany (#16), the United Kingdom (#66), and France (#131). The most active markets driving this resurgence include the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Russia, and France.

    Originally released through Atlantic Records and VP Records as part of the ‘Step-Up’ movie soundtrack and the fourth single from Sean Paul’s ‘The Trinity’ album, the song achieved substantial international success upon its original release. It previously reached #17 in Australia, #30 in Austria, #14 in Belgium, and achieved top-ten placements in Canada, Finland, Netherlands, Russia, Switzerland, and multiple Billboard genre charts.

    The current chart performance demonstrates even broader international reach than its original release, with new placements at #53 on the UK Singles chart (improving from its previous #31 peak), #26 in Austria, #12 in Greece, #130 on Billboard’s Global 200 chart, #71 in Ireland, #17 in Lithuania, #52 in Norway, #39 in Poland, #6 in Romania, and #46 in Sweden.

  • Just4Fun to mesmerise once again for Lucian Carnival 2026

    Just4Fun to mesmerise once again for Lucian Carnival 2026

    Saint Lucia’s premier carnival band, Just 4 Fun, has officially launched its highly anticipated theme for the 2026 Lucian Carnival celebrations. The award-winning ensemble, which captured last year’s Spirit of Carnival honor, revealed ‘Le Jaden: The Enchanted Garden’ during an exclusive invitation-only event at the Royalton Hotel on January 31.

    The unveiling ceremony attracted hundreds of carnival stakeholders and enthusiasts, with live streaming across social media platforms generating over one million collective views. Despite intermittent rainfall delaying the proceedings, the event transformed into a vibrant spectacle of cultural expression once underway.

    Artistic Director Veil Tobiere explained the conceptual foundation: ‘Le Jardin represents the distinctive beauty of Saint Lucia through an unconventional lens. We’ve drawn inspiration from our unique flora and fauna, including the illuminating firefly and indigenous iguana, creating an enchanted garden that celebrates our Creole heritage.’

    The presentation featured seven meticulously designed sections: Ionara Koraca, Papiyon, Siwo, Wild Flower, Paradisus, Dawn, and the premium Firefly VVIP experience. These artistic displays were complemented by performances from renowned soca artists including QPid, Imran Nerdy, Ricky T, and Ezra D FunMachine, alongside popular DJ sets.

    Band Director Rostan Taylor emphasized their audience-focused approach: ‘We meticulously analyze reveler feedback and recommendations each year, striving to deliver increasingly mesmerizing experiences that create that wow effect and unforgettable memories.’

    The group, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, has consistently demonstrated its market dominance by selling out completely weeks before carnival events. Beyond the main parade, Just 4 Fun has expanded its brand through collaborative events including the Indulgence Breakfast Fete, Escape, Remedy, and a dedicated J’ouvert band.

  • Welcome to Paradise a love letter

    Welcome to Paradise a love letter

    Jamaican recording artist Naomi Cowan has revealed the profound intentionality behind her JUNO Award-nominated debut album ‘Welcome to Paradise,’ describing it as both a musical homecoming and a deeply personal journal set to music. The album represents a significant evolution from her previous releases, including the 2021 ‘StarGirl’ mixtape and her 2018 debut ‘Paradise Plum.’

    Cowan characterizes ‘Welcome to Paradise’ as a sonic bridge connecting the classic reggae foundations of her upbringing with contemporary R&B and pop energies. Unlike the experimental nature of her previous work, this cohesive collection serves as what she describes as “a love letter from start to finish” inspired by the biblical concept that “the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). The album consciously challenges modern society’s productivity-based worth measurement by emphasizing intrinsic value and self-discovery.

    The artist received her first major nomination in the Reggae Recording of the Year category at Canada’s prestigious JUNO Awards, often considered the nation’s equivalent to the Grammys. She faces competition from notable acts including Jojo You Made That’s ‘Dagga Riddim Cypher,’ Samora and Ammoye’s ‘More Reggae/Funk it Up,’ Kirk Diamond’s ‘Deh Ya,’ and Exco Levi and Kheilstone’s ‘Ready For You.’

    Released independently on October 10, 2025, through Cowan’s own 7th C Records label, ‘Welcome to Paradise’ benefits from distribution partnerships with Easy Star Records and Dreamspace in Canada. The artist admitted to having forgotten the submission for consideration and is now embracing the honor of her first major nomination.

    Cowan’s upcoming performance schedule includes Protoje’s The Lost In Time Festival on March 1 at Hope Gardens in St. Andrew, where she will share the stage with Chronixx—notably significant as both artists released their albums on October 10. The festival’s first night (February 28) will feature Grammy-nominated acts Lila Iké and Mortimer alongside Tanya Stephens, Tessanne Chin, Yeza, Iotosh, and Joby Jay. Day two will additionally showcase Jesse Royal, D’Yani, Royal Blu, and David Slur.

    The artist expressed anticipation for multiple victories in the coming months, emphasizing her desire to celebrate these achievements with her entire creative team. Cowan views this period as an opportunity to fully appreciate the rewards of collective labor and artistic dedication.

  • Bunny Wailer’s daughter boosts Blackheart Man merchandising to mark ‘Wailers 50’ celebration

    Bunny Wailer’s daughter boosts Blackheart Man merchandising to mark ‘Wailers 50’ celebration

    The estate of legendary reggae pioneer Bunny Wailer is embarking on a significant commercial venture with the launch of exclusive Blackheart Man merchandise, marking a strategic expansion of its brand offerings. Under the direction of his daughter, Ngeri Livingston (also known as performer Cen C’Love), this limited edition collection represents a carefully curated effort to honor her father’s anti-imperialist principles while generating crucial revenue for the estate.

    The merchandise line, available through the official portal bunnywailerofficial.com, will feature premium items including thematic t-shirts, flags, key rings, and cups. Each product will be emblazoned with iconic slogans and references from Wailer’s seminal 1976 album, such as ‘Blackheart Man,’ ‘Dream Land,’ ‘Amagideon,’ and ‘Rastaman.’ This initiative is particularly noteworthy given Wailer’s documented resistance to corporate commercialization during his lifetime, making this posthumous project a delicate balance between preservation and practicality.

    The timing coincides with the broader ‘Wailers 50th’ celebrations, commemorating the revolutionary solo albums released by all three Wailers members in 1976—a landmark year that also saw the release of Peter Tosh’s ‘Legalize It’ and Bob Marley’s ‘Rastaman Vibration.’ Universally recognized as one of reggae’s essential recordings, ‘Blackheart Man’ showcased Wailer’s profound songwriting through tracks exploring repatriation themes (‘Dreamland’) and personal struggles (‘Fighting Against Conviction’).

    Livingston emphasized the collaborative spirit that defined the Wailers’ brotherhood, drawing parallels to modern musical collectives while highlighting the album’s exceptional craftsmanship featuring Jamaica’s finest musicians and contributions from Marley and Tosh. Beyond merchandise, Livingston is preparing her own musical comeback with a planned album release this year, representing both a personal artistic renaissance and a continuation of her father’s immense legacy.

  • Michelangelo foot sketch sells for record US$27.2 million at auction

    Michelangelo foot sketch sells for record US$27.2 million at auction

    NEW YORK — A remarkable rediscovery in the art world culminated in a historic auction event Thursday when a previously unknown Michelangelo drawing achieved a staggering $27.2 million sale at Christie’s New York. The extraordinary price establishes a new auction record for any work by the Renaissance master.

    The exquisite red-chalk sketch, measuring just several inches, represents one of approximately fifty preparatory studies Michelangelo created for his legendary Sistine Chapel frescoes. These works stand alongside his sculptural masterpieces David and Pieta as defining achievements of Western art.

    Christie’s reported an intense 45-minute bidding competition among multiple international collectors participating both in person and remotely. The final hammer price dramatically exceeded the lower pre-sale estimate by nearly twenty times. The auction house has maintained confidentiality regarding the purchaser’s identity.

    This acquisition represents an exceptionally rare opportunity, as fewer than ten Michelangelo drawings remain in private collections worldwide. The work’s authentication began when its previous owner submitted a photograph through Christie’s digital appraisal portal. Specialists from the auction house’s Old Masters department subsequently confirmed both the attribution and the drawing’s specific purpose—a study of the right foot belonging to the Libyan Sibyl figure positioned at the eastern extremity of the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling.

    Andrew Fletcher, Global Head of Old Masters at Christie’s, described the offering as “an exceptional piece with a wonderful story.” He emphasized the competitive bidding reflected the drawing’s unique significance, noting this likely represented “the only chance a collector might have to acquire a study for arguably the greatest work of art ever made.”

    The previous auction record for Michelangelo stood at $24.3 million, established in Paris for a figurative sketch containing a nude male study with secondary background figures.

  • Kingston Riddims set to wow music lovers with sound system extravaganza on Feb 22

    Kingston Riddims set to wow music lovers with sound system extravaganza on Feb 22

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican capital prepares for a spectacular two-part festival commemorating its tenth anniversary as a UNESCO Creative City of Music. The Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport has announced overlapping events scheduled for February 22, 2026, along the Kingston Waterfront, promising an immersive experience for genuine music enthusiasts under the unifying theme ‘Kingston Riddims.’

    The celebration will feature distinct daytime and nighttime programming across two primary venues. ‘Rae Town Vibe’ will activate the Kingston Craft Market (Festival Marketplace) with the legendary Merritone Sound System curating selections from ska and early reggae eras. Special guest artist Stranger Cole, a ska icon, will perform alongside hosting by renowned radio personality Burgerman.

    Simultaneously, the UDC car park will host a ‘Best of the 80s and 90s’ session from noon until midnight, featuring powerhouse sound systems Stone Love, Jamrock, and Travellers. Both events will highlight Jamaica’s revolutionary sound system culture, recognizing these audio setups as primary musical instruments that fundamentally shaped global music trends.

    Beyond musical performances, attendees will encounter rich cultural programming. Pop-up museums at the Craft Market will exhibit artifacts from pioneering producers including Striker Lee (credited with producing the first reggae song), King Tubby (inventor of Dub music), and King Jammys (who pioneered digital dancehall). The National Gallery will contribute additional displays, transforming the waterfront into a vibrant cultural village designed for family enjoyment.

    This milestone celebration reflects a decade of transformative growth and cultural investment since Kingston’s December 2015 designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Music. This prestigious recognition acknowledged Kingston’s unparalleled contribution as the birthplace of six distinct genres: mento, ska, rocksteady, reggae, dub, and dancehall. The city’s musical legacy includes global icons Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Dennis Brown.

    Over the past ten years, Kingston has strategically leveraged its musical heritage to drive economic development, empower youth initiatives, and strengthen community cohesion. The UNESCO designation positioned Jamaica’s capital not merely as a historical musical capital but as a living, evolving creative hub where music remains central to identity, innovation, and economic opportunity.

  • LIVE ON DNO Pay-per-view coverage of the Calypso Finals on February 14th 2026 (with our commentary team)

    LIVE ON DNO Pay-per-view coverage of the Calypso Finals on February 14th 2026 (with our commentary team)

    Dominica News Online (DNO) has announced comprehensive live pay-per-view coverage of the highly anticipated 2026 Calypso Finals, scheduled for February 14th, 2026. The broadcast will feature seasoned commentators Sherma John and Tim Durand, who will provide professional and engaging commentary throughout the event.

    The competition will showcase Dominica’s most talented calypsonians performing original compositions that address contemporary social and political issues through musical satire and lyrical storytelling. These artists will compete to win audience approval and outperform their competitors in this prestigious cultural event.

    For those unable to attend the live event in person, DNO’s high-quality streaming service offers an immersive viewing experience that replicates the excitement of being there. The platform promises crystal-clear audio and video quality, ensuring viewers don’t miss any of the musical performances or cultural presentations.

    The annual calypso competition represents a significant cultural tradition in Dominica, blending musical entertainment with social commentary. This event provides a platform for artists to express perspectives on current affairs through creative musical arrangements and thoughtful lyrics that reflect the nation’s evolving cultural landscape.

  • Sir ‘Oungku’ honoured with use of ‘Magician’ by Trinidad Steel Orchestra but calls for proper credit

    Sir ‘Oungku’ honoured with use of ‘Magician’ by Trinidad Steel Orchestra but calls for proper credit

    Sir Clarence Oungku Edwards, founding member of Antigua and Barbuda’s iconic soca ensemble Burning Flames, has formally asserted his authorship of the hit song “Magician (I Command You)” amid its current performance by the Pan Elders Steel Orchestra. The distinguished musician clarified that he alone composed, arranged, produced, and originally performed the track as part of his group’s celebrated catalog.

    In a public statement, Sir Clarence appealed to competition organizers and credit committees to properly acknowledge his creative ownership, emphasizing the need for accurate attribution in official documentation. This call for recognition highlights ongoing concerns about artistic rights within the Caribbean music scene.

    Despite the authorship dispute, Sir Clarence extended generous praise toward Pan Elders Steel Orchestra for their interpretive performance. He specifically commended the arranger’s musical approach and described the players’ execution as technically impressive, acknowledging the skill involved in adapting the soca classic for steelpan instrumentation.

    Expressing confidence in the ensemble’s competitive prospects, the veteran musician predicted a strong showing in upcoming finals based on the quality of both arrangement and performance. His supportive comments reflect a dual perspective—protecting intellectual property while appreciating artistic interpretation.

    “Magician” remains one of Burning Flames’ most enduring compositions, maintaining widespread recognition throughout the Eastern Caribbean decades after its release. The situation underscores how soca music continues to influence contemporary steel orchestra repertoires, demonstrating the genre’s lasting impact on Caribbean cultural expression.