Three legendary Jamaican musicians from different eras have earned a prestigious spot in Rolling Stone’s list of the 250 greatest songs of the 21st century. Koffee, Gyptian, and Sean Paul were recognized for their iconic tracks, which the renowned music magazine hailed as timeless masterpieces. Koffee’s 2019 hit, *Toast*, secured the 203rd position, praised by Rolling Stone as an “invigorating banger” with an unforgettable hook. The song, produced by IzyBeats, became a global sensation and even made it onto former U.S. President Barack Obama’s 2019 summer playlist. Koffee also made history that year as the youngest solo reggae artist to receive a Grammy nomination, ultimately winning for her debut album *Rapture*. Gyptian’s 2010 smash *Hold Yuh* claimed the 125th spot, described as a “contemporary classic” that blends sweetness and sensuality. Despite debates over its global success, Rolling Stone credited Gyptian’s passionate delivery as the defining factor. Sean Paul’s 2003 chart-topper *Get Busy* ranked 92nd, the only Jamaican track to break the top 100. The song, part of Steven “Lenky” Marsden’s Diwali rhythm, was celebrated as a dance floor anthem. Rolling Stone emphasized that its selections were based on musical brilliance and originality, not just popularity.
分类: entertainment
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J’can Bakes Betty Crocker’s B’DAY Cake
Renowned Jamaican-born pastry chef Dr. Altreisha Foster-Bentho has once again showcased her extraordinary talent, this time with a breathtaking eight-tier cake to celebrate Betty Crocker’s 104th birthday. The masterpiece, unveiled at the Minnesota Cake Picnic, was commissioned by General Mills and designed by Foster-Bentho’s company, Sugarspoon Desserts. Described as a culinary art installation, the towering seven-foot cake featured intricate details, including archival photographs from Betty Crocker’s historical collection, which highlighted the brand’s evolution over the decades. Each tier of the cake boasted a unique flavor combination, ranging from pistachio and blueberry lemon to indulgent cherry chocolate, reflecting both tradition and innovation. Foster-Bentho, who proudly uses Betty Crocker mixes in her Cake Therapy Foundation programs, emphasized the cake’s deeper significance: a celebration of history, community, and the transformative power of baking. The event also featured prominent cake artists, including Theresa Johnson-Londot and Sewande Cadmus, who joined Foster-Bentho in honoring Betty Crocker’s enduring legacy.
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Showcasing the best of Ja’s south coast
A year after Hurricane Beryl devastated Jamaica’s south coast, the resilient parish of St Elizabeth is gearing up to host the second edition of the Treasure Beach Food, Rum, and Reggae Festival. Scheduled for November 7-9, the event promises three days of culinary delights, premium rum, and electrifying reggae performances, showcasing the indomitable spirit of the community. Festival Co-director Jason Henzell, speaking at the official media launch, highlighted the collective effort to rebuild and support local farmers and fisherfolk, emphasizing the festival’s role in community development. This year’s lineup includes performances by Chris Martin, Capleton, and Agent Sasco, alongside a vibrant farmer’s market and artisan village. Guided tours to iconic attractions like Lover’s Leap and Pelican Bar will further enrich the experience. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green praised the festival’s positive impact on local tourism and the economy, while Minister of Entertainment and Culture Olivia Grange lauded the event as a celebration of Jamaica’s cultural legacy. A new addition to this year’s festivities is a breakfast party blending reggae and EDM, set to energize attendees on November 8. The festival’s return symbolizes not only recovery but also the enduring vibrancy of Jamaican culture.
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Chronixx releases new album ‘Exile’
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Renowned reggae artist Chronixx has officially launched his eagerly awaited album, ‘Exile,’ marking a significant milestone in his musical journey. The ‘Smile Jamaica’ hitmaker took to Instagram on Thursday to announce the release, sharing two posts that captivated his fans. The first post featured a striking image of the artist seated in a chair, holding a guitar just out of frame. The caption revealed the album’s 17 tracks, including ‘Exile,’ ‘Market,’ ‘Sweet Argument,’ ‘Survivor,’ ‘Family First,’ ‘I Know What You Feeling,’ ‘Saviour,’ ‘Keep on Rising,’ ‘Hurricane,’ ‘Genesis,’ ‘Don’t Be Afraid,’ ‘I and I,’ ‘Never Give Up,’ ‘Pain in Your Heart,’ ‘Resilient,’ ‘Scheming,’ and ‘Love is on a Mountain.’ In a subsequent post, Chronixx emphasized the production of ‘Track 9,’ titled ‘Hurricane,’ crediting yardmanflo for its creation. The album, which has been highly anticipated by fans and critics alike, showcases Chronixx’s signature blend of reggae, soul, and conscious lyrics, solidifying his position as a leading voice in contemporary Jamaican music.
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Ricki Di Lova pushes new track
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the vibrant world of dancehall music, where the 1980s saw the rise of controversial figures like Shabba Ranks and Ninjaman, Ricki Di Lova found inspiration in the lighthearted artistry of Professor Nuts and Lieutenant Stitchie. The Florida-based toaster now channels this playful spirit into his latest single, ‘Stand Pipe,’ produced under his label, Turbulence Intl Productions. Embracing the tradition of double entendre, Ricki Di Lova crafts an uptempo track designed to bring joy and laughter to dancehall enthusiasts. ‘Too much dark songs inna di dancehall. We are already living in trying times. ‘Stand Pipe’ brings a buzz! When di people hear it, dem get lively. It makes people feel good an’ stand up an’ rock!’ he exclaimed. Growing up in Kingston during the 1970s, Ricki Di Lova was immersed in the sounds of roots-reggae and hardcore dancehall. However, it was the emergence of humorous tracks like Professor Nuts’ ‘Inna di Bus’ and Lieutenant Stitchie’s ‘Wear yuh Size’ in the 1980s that reshaped his musical perspective. These songs not only dominated dancehall scenes but also secured consistent radio play. Ricki Di Lova believes ‘Stand Pipe’ carries the same versatility and appeal. ‘This song is perfect for di summer and all-year long. Di riddim brings a get up an’ dance vibe an’ di lyrics are fun. I’m trying to bring some humour into dancehall so people can ‘fulljoy’ themselves,’ he said. Through ‘Stand Pipe,’ Ricki Di Lova aims to inject a dose of levity into a genre often overshadowed by darker themes, offering listeners a chance to revel in the lighter side of life.
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Belize Earns Top Spots in 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Awards
Belize’s tourism sector has once again proven its global appeal by securing multiple prestigious accolades in the Condé Nast Traveler 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, unveiled this Tuesday. The country clinched six notable positions across various regional categories, reinforcing its reputation as a premier travel destination in the Americas and surpassing its already impressive performance in 2024. These awards, determined by the votes of tens of thousands of travel enthusiasts worldwide, honor exceptional achievements in the travel industry. Among the highlights, Ambergris Caye earned the No. 4 spot in the Islands in Central and South America category, while Alaia Belize soared to No. 2 in the Top 20 Resorts in Central America. Additionally, other Belizean destinations were celebrated for their unique allure and dedication to sustainable tourism: Gaia Riverlodge (No. 11), Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort (No. 12), Manta Island Resort (No. 14), and Copal Tree Lodge (No. 16). The Belize Tourism Board commended the winners for their unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, authentic experiences. The full list of honorees will be featured in Condé Nast Traveler’s November 2025 print edition, further solidifying Belize’s position on the global tourism map.
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Spragga Benz disrespected Caribbean women at Cannabliss 2025
Cannabliss 2025, a prominent event in the medicinal cannabis and cultural calendar, faced significant criticism this year due to controversial lyrics and organizational delays. The festival, now in its second year, aimed to blend cannabis education, cultural events, and entertainment into a cohesive experience. However, the performance by Spragga Benz, featuring lyrics deemed offensive and disrespectful, overshadowed the event’s achievements. Attendees, including regional government officials and CEOs, expressed disappointment, particularly given the mature and professional audience. The Rastafarian community, present at the event, also voiced their displeasure, emphasizing the inappropriateness of the song in such a setting. Beyond the lyrical controversy, the festival struggled with punctuality, with key events starting over 30 minutes late, some delayed by up to an hour and a half. Despite these setbacks, many visitors appreciated the overall experience and expressed enthusiasm for future editions. Organizers have acknowledged the issues and are committed to refining the event for Cannabliss 2026, promising a more polished and respectful celebration.
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Eye Witness News
NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Bahamian astronaut Aisha Bowe takes center stage on the cover of the newly launched UP Magazine, the official inflight publication of Bahamasair. This marks the beginning of a reimagined travel experience for passengers, blending cultural authenticity with modern exploration. The inaugural issue, available on flights starting this week, features Bowe in her space suit, embodying Bahamian excellence and the spirit of global discovery. Produced by Beyond The Plan Publishing, the magazine invites travelers to explore The Bahamas beyond conventional tourist routes, offering stories that celebrate the nation’s rich culture, adventure, and innovation. Highlights include an immersive feature on Inagua’s flamingo safari, a spotlight on Eleuthera’s off-grid eco-resort, and insights into sustainable travel experiences across the islands. Bowe also shares her inspiring journey, reflecting on how her Bahamian heritage propelled her to become a Blue Origin astronaut. Striking visuals capture her cycling at Grand Isle Resort, sailing Exuma’s turquoise waters, and savoring conch salad at the iconic Chat N Chill Bar. For the first time, the magazine introduces a Business section, with REMAX Bahamas Realtor Matt Sweeting offering insights into lucrative real estate opportunities. UP Magazine is more than a travel guide—it’s a celebration of Bahamian life, featuring recurring sections like “Dine Around,” which highlights local culinary gems. Editor-in-Chief Inderia Saunders emphasized the magazine’s mission to craft an authentic Bahamian narrative, creating a keepsake that doubles as a comprehensive travel guide. Published quarterly and available across all 22 Bahamasair destinations, UP Magazine extends its reach through exclusive digital content, engaging passengers both in-flight and on the ground. With its debut, the magazine aspires to become the definitive voice of Bahamian travel, fostering deeper connections between visitors and the islands while promoting sustainable and culturally rich tourism.


