分类： entertainment

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Professor Laxley W Stephenson, a Jamaican-born growth mindset strategist and humanitarian based in Atlanta, has made a significant intervention in global leadership discourse with his newly released work, ‘The Growth Mindset Blueprint Master Class’. This publication transcends conventional motivational literature by presenting a comprehensive leadership system that addresses the critical implications of stagnation in today’s complex global landscape.

The book’s foundational thesis presents a compelling paradigm: growth represents an essential responsibility rather than a mere option. Through insights derived from his A Collision With Purpose Movement, Stephenson reconceptualizes mindset as the fundamental architecture underlying organizational culture, performance metrics, adaptive capacity, and resilience mechanisms. The work contends that leadership effectiveness stems not merely from strategic planning but from the core belief systems that inform decision-making during challenging circumstances.

Distinguishing itself through practical application, the publication functions as an active operational tool rather than passive reading material. It systematically identifies constraining belief patterns, critically examines leadership behaviors, and establishes rigorous accountability frameworks. While Stephenson’s companion volume, ‘Living the Growth Mindset Blueprint’, extends these principles into daily practice, the foundational text establishes mindset as the decisive factor in institutional achievement or collapse.

The author’s expertise blends academic rigor with hands-on humanitarian leadership experience. As Founder and CEO of Global Humanity Network Inc., Stephenson’s perspectives are informed by extensive field engagement across Jamaica, the Caribbean region, African nations, and global diaspora communities. This empirical grounding provides the publication with exceptional credibility beyond theoretical constructs, connecting directly to contemporary leadership challenges.

Ultimately, the work serves as a confrontational instrument rather than an inspirational one, posing a fundamental question to leaders worldwide: What are the true consequences of resisting change? Stephenson provides Jamaican and international readers with a structured framework for deliberate development, emphasizing that transformation requires disciplined cognition, purposeful action, and sustained accountability rather than mere assumption.

Both ‘The Growth Mindset Blueprint’ and its companion volume are currently available for acquisition through ACollisionWithPurpose.com and Amazon distribution channels.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A wave of nostalgic excitement is sweeping through Jamaica’s reggae community with the February 6 release of the ‘Jam Again Riddim’ compilation album. This carefully crafted project serves as both a musical homecoming and cultural reset, delivering the authentic one-drop rhythms that defined reggae’s golden era while addressing contemporary societal challenges.

Produced through a collaboration between Esco Da Shocker/Tall King Productions, Lando Genius, and Delmar ‘Della Danger’ Drummond’s Danger Zone Music Group, the album reimagines the classic ‘JamDown rhythm’ that previously supported hits from Cecile and Jah Cure over a decade ago. The project strategically blends legendary performers with emerging voices, creating a generational bridge within Jamaica’s music landscape.

Drummond explained the compilation’s deeper purpose: ‘Following Hurricane Melissa’s devastation and the cancellation of major events, we envisioned ‘Jam Again’ as musical therapy—offering strength, comfort, and entertainment to help guide the nation toward conscious positivity.’

The album opens powerfully with Nadine Sutherland’s ‘Niceness,’ a philosophical anthem that celebrates human resilience against technological alienation and moral decay. Her declaration ‘this is no AI simulation/a real human vibration’ establishes the project’s authentic humanist ethos.

I Octane delivers a spiritual masterpiece with ‘Humble,’ channeling roots reggae traditions while addressing betrayal and seeking divine intervention through stripped-down vulnerability. Meanwhile, Esco Da Shocker demonstrates impressive vocal versatility on ‘Highly Favoured,’ blending spiritual invocation with practical wisdom about self-belief and positive energy.

The compilation showcases multiple dimensions of reggae artistry: Pamputtae and Tanya Stephens offer playful sensuality on ‘Love Me Good,’ while legendary Marcia Griffiths provides spiritual guidance through ‘Grateful,’ reminding listeners that manifestation begins with gratitude. Newer artists like Yaksta (‘Live Laugh and Love’), Cali P (‘Kindness for Weakness’), and V8Nam (‘Stay to Mi Self’) contribute fresh perspectives on contemporary struggles with witchcraft and negative energy.

With additional standout contributions from Bamarrah, LEGATOMusic, Badda General, Chekx, and CaNn CaNn, the project represents one of the most comprehensive and well-executed reggae compilations in recent years—a conscious return to musical fundamentals that simultaneously honors tradition and advances the genre.

Jamaican dancehall sensation Teejay (born Timoy Jones) has inaugurated the new year with the dynamic release of his latest single and music video, ‘JP Morgan.’ Produced by the burgeoning label House of Talent Records, the track is already generating significant industry buzz and is widely predicted to become a major commercial success.

Hailing from Montego Bay, Teejay first ascended to prominence in 2019 and has since solidified his reputation as a consistent hitmaker. His discography includes popular anthems such as ‘Drift,’ a global chart-topper considered one of the decade’s defining dancehall tracks, alongside ‘Up Top,’ ‘People,’ and ‘From Rags To Riches.’

Representatives from House of Talent Records expressed strong confidence in the new release. Rajee Marshall described the song as possessing an infectious, feel-good energy perfect for sustaining a vibrant atmosphere. ‘When you want to hold a vibe, just put this song on repeat… We feel very optimistic about its chances of becoming a mainstream hit,’ Marshall stated.

Echoing this sentiment, his twin brother and co-label head, Ramone Marshall, emphasized Teejay’s proven track record. ‘Teejay is a hit maker and this is another classic in the making. Our current focus is on the foundational work to ensure the song garners the widespread attention it merits,’ he explained.

Beyond this single, the Marshall brothers have ambitious plans for their enterprise. They articulated a vision of establishing House of Talent Records as a formidable global brand within the music industry. Ramone Marshall characterized ‘JP Morgan’ as merely the beginning, stating, ‘We are fully committed to creating a legacy of greatness. Music is our passion and we are here to make our contribution to the musical space.’

The Philip Sherlock Centre for the Performing Arts at The University of the West Indies became a vibrant hub of cultural expression on February 5th as the University Dramatic Arts Society (UDAS) presented ‘NNEKA,’ a special event honoring Black History Month. The evening featured approximately 15 student performers demonstrating exceptional talent across diverse artistic mediums including dub poetry, dramatic skits, spoken word, and musical performances.

Jayson Lawrence, UDAS President and a second-year banking and finance student, identified the event as one of the society’s flagship initiatives. “We designed NNEKA to honor black artistry and showcase a different dimension of campus culture beyond parties,” Lawrence explained to the Jamaica Observer, emphasizing the event’s core mission to celebrate cultural heritage.

The program featured emotionally resonant performances with significant personal meaning. First-year biology student Vanni delivered a powerful rendition of Bob Marley’s ‘Concrete Jungle,’ selecting it as a tribute to both Black History Month and reggae culture. Abigale Morris, another first-year finance student, presented an original dub poem titled ‘The Journey of a Thousand Miles,’ inspired by the real struggles of a motherless teenager facing familial challenges.

Notable performances included economics student Xaview Bryan’s well-received ‘Jamaica 61’ and a standout moment from Edna Manley College music education student Makalia Benjamin. Benjamin performed interpretations of Bob Marley and Lauryn Hill before captivating the audience with her original composition ‘Stand,’ written to encourage a friend battling lupus. “The song urges perseverance when strength falters,” Benjamin shared, noting her initial nervousness about the debut performance.

The event further showcased talents from multiple campus groups including the Rex Hall Drama Society, Rex Hall Choir, Chancellor Hall Performing Arts Society, Groovements, and the Panoridim Steel Orchestra, creating a comprehensive celebration of black artistic expression that deeply engaged the university audience.

In an extraordinary celebration of reggae’s foundational rhythms, six legendary bassists gathered at Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts on February 4 for ‘Back 2 Bass-es’ – a unique educational event that transformed into a historic musical pilgrimage. Organized by the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA), the event featured Errol ‘Flabba Holt’ Carter, Daniel ‘Axeman’ Thompson, Donald ‘Danny Bassie’ Dennis, Boris Gardiner, Jackie Jackson, and Lloyd Parks performing together for the first time.

The amphitheater buzzed with energy as students and seasoned reggae enthusiasts witnessed living legends recreate iconic bass lines that shaped Jamaican music. Between performances, the musicians shared personal anecdotes about working with producers Clement Dodd, Duke Reid, and Joe Gibbs, offering rare insights into reggae’s golden era.

The musical journey spanned decades, from rocksteady classics to contemporary roots reggae. Flabba Holt mesmerized with Gregory Isaacs’ ‘Night Nurse’ and Dennis Brown’s ‘Don’t Want To Be No General.’ Thompson ignited the crowd with Echo Minott’s ‘Lazy Body’ and Junior Reid’s ‘Original Foreign Mind.’ Dennis showcased his versatility on Luciano’s ‘It’s Me Again Jah’ and Capleton’s ‘Jah Jah City.’

Jackson delivered stunning performances on Alton Ellis’s ‘Girl I’ve Got A Date’ and Toots and The Maytals’ ’54-46,’ accompanied by his daughter Courtni Jackson on vocals. Gardiner excelled on Pat Kelly’s ‘You Don’t Care’ and Max Romeo’s ‘War Ina Babylon,’ while Parks had the audience moving to Ken Boothe’s ‘Everything I Own’ and Beres Hammond’s ‘Groovy Little Thing.’

The event included a poignant tribute to recently departed drum legend Sly Dunbar, with Parks honoring his contribution to Gregory Isaacs’ ‘Number One’ from 46 years ago. The Gen Z Band, led by saxophonist Dean Fraser, provided stellar accompaniment alongside vocalists Dehdeh Blacks, Janeel Mills, and Bijean Gayle.

Veteran musicians expressed overwhelming support for the initiative, with Flabba Holt declaring, ‘I love this! Something like this should have happened long time. I’d love to carry this to Europe.’ Dennis emphasized the importance of recognizing behind-the-scenes musicians: ‘People know the songs, but they don’t know the musicians. This helps put faces to the music.’