分类： entertainment

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Dancehall artist eNGee Dadon is making waves with his latest tracks, ‘Crocodile Masicka’ and ‘Is Masicka A Nanny?’, which blend social commentary with musical artistry. Formerly known as Pickney, the artist explained that these songs are inspired by observations within the dancehall industry. ‘Crocodile Masicka,’ released on August 9, critiques the current state of dancehall, using the metaphor of a crocodile to symbolize fear and pride concealed behind silence. The track has garnered thousands of streams and sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. The second release, debuting in early October, employs satire and wordplay to question the ego-driven titles prevalent in the genre. eNGee Dadon emphasized that there is no animosity between him and Masicka, hoping listeners will appreciate the artistry and cultural relevance of his music. He also celebrated his second-place ranking on the Brando Music Review Show’s weekly chart for ‘Dancehall Jealousy,’ viewing it as a testament to the potential of independent artists. Currently, eNGee Dadon is working on multiple projects under New Generation Music Entertainment, including ‘Venus Inna Vans,’ ‘Christian Girl Gone,’ and ‘Thanks You.’

LOS ANGELES, United States — Dolly Parton, the iconic American country music legend, has postponed several concerts due to undisclosed health concerns, prompting her sister, Freida Parton, to appeal to fans for prayers. The 79-year-old singer, known for timeless hits like “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You,” recently delayed her sold-out Las Vegas performances scheduled for December, citing the need to undergo multiple medical procedures. Freida took to Facebook to share her heartfelt plea, urging fans worldwide to join her in praying for Dolly’s recovery. “I truly believe in the power of prayer,” Freida wrote, emphasizing her faith in collective support. Dolly herself reassured her millions of followers that this is not the end of her illustrious career, announcing rescheduled shows for September 2024. Despite her health setbacks, the singer remains a beloved figure in the music industry, with a career spanning decades and iconic songs like “Coat of Many Colors” and “9 to 5.” Parton is also set to receive an honorary Oscar next month, though reports suggest she may not attend the ceremony in Los Angeles. Freida concluded her message on an optimistic note, expressing confidence in Dolly’s resilience and the power of prayer. “She’s strong, she’s loved, and with all the prayers being lifted for her, I know in my heart she’s going to be just fine,” she wrote, adding, “Godspeed, my sissy Dolly. We all love you!”

The Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival (TTFF) recently witnessed a momentous occasion with the screening of *Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story*, a documentary celebrating the life and groundbreaking contributions of dancehall pioneer Sister Nancy. The event, held at Woodbrook Place in Port of Spain, drew a packed audience, creating an electrifying atmosphere as attendees gathered to honor the iconic artist. The evening was elevated when Sister Nancy herself joined via phone call, expressing gratitude and love, which resonated deeply with the crowd. Jamaican filmmaker Saeed Thomas shared his pride in seeing Sister Nancy’s journey depicted on screen, emphasizing the importance of preserving Jamaica’s musical heritage. Trinidad and Tobago filmmaker Cathy-Mae Sitaram praised the documentary’s creative execution, highlighting the seamless integration of narratives, interviews, and editing. Haitian-Canadian filmmaker Henri Pardo was inspired by Sister Nancy’s enduring strength and independence, while director Alison Duke revealed her personal motivation for the project, citing Sister Nancy’s unapologetic authenticity as a source of inspiration. Mariel Brown, TTFF festival director, reflected on the festival’s triumphant return, noting the overwhelming support from filmmakers and volunteers alike, reaffirming its role in showcasing Caribbean stories.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s hospitality sector has achieved remarkable recognition in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, with three of its hotels securing top 10 positions in the Caribbean and Central America category. The Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios claimed the #4 spot, while the S Hotel Montego Bay and S Hotel Kingston ranked #5 and #7, respectively. This accolade underscores Jamaica’s growing reputation as a premier destination for luxury and cultural tourism. Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, hailed the achievement as a reflection of the island’s exceptional hospitality, service excellence, and diverse tourism offerings. He emphasized that these hotels represent the pinnacle of Jamaica’s tourism industry, from the timeless elegance of Ocho Rios to the vibrant boutique experience in Montego Bay and the sophisticated urban retreat in Kingston. Kyle Mais, General Manager of Jamaica Inn, expressed gratitude for the recognition, attributing it to the team’s dedication to preserving luxury and authentic Jamaican hospitality. Established in 1950, the Jamaica Inn has long been celebrated for its discreet service and understated charm, attracting iconic figures like Marilyn Monroe and Katharine Hepburn. Christopher Issa, CEO of S Hotels Jamaica, highlighted the significance of S Hotel Kingston’s inclusion, noting it as a testament to Kingston’s resurgence as a cultural and tourist hub. Meanwhile, S Hotel Montego Bay continues to build on its legacy of accolades from renowned platforms such as USA Today and TripAdvisor. This recognition not only celebrates Jamaica’s hospitality excellence but also reinforces its position as a leading destination in the Caribbean.

For 17 years, Marlon Wright has been a driving force in music production, focusing on artists often labeled as underground. This has never been a concern for him, as these artists align with his vision of creating meaningful music. Wright, an air traffic controller by profession, founded Cyber Leaf Entertainment in 2008. His current projects include collaborations with veteran poet Richie Innocent and emerging singer Jahdeed Rawbawn. Born in Kingston and raised in Westmoreland, Wright co-produced Richie Innocent’s latest track, *The Passover*, and is shaping Jahdeed Rawbawn’s debut EP, set for release in early 2026. Wright emphasizes, ‘We seek artists who bring not just talent but also messages that resonate and uplift communities. At Cyber Leaf, we prioritize substance over fame.’ Over the years, he has worked with roots artists like Iya Ingi and Derajah, and more recently, with Richie Innocent, a New York-based poet with three decades of experience. *The Passover*, released in August, marks their most ambitious collaboration yet. Wright’s mentorship of Jahdeed Rawbawn, a fellow St. Elizabeth native, further underscores his commitment to nurturing talent. Reflecting on his journey, Wright shared, ‘Working with Richie for over a decade and now mentoring Jahdeed reminds me that this work transcends individual success. The real reward lies in inspiring lives and creating legacies that endure.’

The highly anticipated Johnny Live Comedy Bar Special is making a triumphant comeback to the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium at Jamaica College on Sunday, October 19. This event, designed to deliver an evening of side-splitting humor, will showcase some of Jamaica’s most celebrated comedians, including Dahlia Harris, Leighton Smith, and Fancy Cat. Known for their sharp wit, insightful social commentary, and captivating storytelling, this dynamic trio is poised to leave the audience in stitches.