分类： entertainment

For over 15 years, Jamaican reggae artist Major Brandish — born Gladstone Brown and raised in east Kingston’s Rockfort neighborhood — has built his career on authenticity, a commitment he brings to his vulnerable and message-driven new single *Love Again*, released last month via ShartyB Records. Drawing from the deep personal pain of a past romantic heartbreak, the singer crafted the track to turn his own struggle into a lesson that resonates with audiences navigating similar experiences.

In a candid conversation with the *Jamaica Observer*, Brandish explained the core philosophy driving the song: while romantic hurt can leave lasting scars, he argues that allowing that pain to curdle into hate only harms both oneself and the people around one. Growing up in Kingston’s inner city taught him critical lessons in self-discipline, emotional control, and most importantly, how to cultivate self-love in the aftermath of heartbreak. Rather than closing himself off from future connection, Brandish emphasizes that hurt is merely a common life obstacle, not a permanent barrier to opening one’s heart to new love. “Not everyone will have the opportunity to hurt you, some do come to love you and care for you, and you just do the same,” he noted.

What sets Brandish apart from many of his peers in the entertainment industry, he says, is his willingness to center raw, personal emotion and positive messaging in his work. Many artists shy away from sharing their private struggles with heartbreak, but for Brandish, this openness is not a matter of courage — it is a core part of staying true to himself. “Ninety per cent of them go through it because they are human; they go through heartbreak too, and expressing it is good for the soul, and it frees you up,” he explained. His artistic mission is simple: to preserve the authentic, joyful, reality-centered reggae that rooted his upbringing, with intentional positive messaging that uplifts listeners.

Looking ahead, one of Brandish’s biggest career highlights is coming this June: he is set to perform at *Legends of the Caribbean – A Tribute to Dennis Emmanuel Brown*, scheduled for June 26 at Ottawa’s Meridian Theatre in Canada. A lifelong fan of the late “Crown Prince of Reggae” Dennis Brown, Brandish called the opportunity to honor the icon a profound honor. Brown, who was named Bob Marley’s favorite singer, has been a household name for Brandish since early childhood, remembered for his enduring focus on love and celebration of Jamaican culture. When asked about his favorite Dennis Brown track, the singer says he cannot pick just one — he has too many beloved songs from the legendary artist that shaped his own musical journey.

Nestled on 2.8 acres of prime real estate at 67 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10, St Andrew, Jamaica’s Marketplace has reigned as the island’s most unrivaled culinary destination for two decades. Founded by the late business visionary Derrick Mahfood as Kingston’s first dedicated culinary cluster, this centrally located hub is easily accessible from two of the capital’s busiest corridors — Constant Spring Road and Red Hills Road — drawing both local diners and international travelers to its curated lineup of 11 independent restaurants, one small bar, two specialty retail stores, and a CB Foods-run fresh meat supermarket.

As part of the 2026 Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards, judge Kadean Vendryes has launched a review series exploring Marketplace’s standout establishments, kicking off the collection with one of the complex’s most famous tenants: Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records, which is marking its 15th year of operation in 2025.

The eatery’s origin story traces back 15 years, when Jamaican sprint legend Dr Usain Bolt, OJ, partnered with the KLE Group to bring their shared vision for a sports-focused Caribbean dining experience to life. In a recent celebratory Instagram post marking the milestone, KLE Group chairman David Shirley reflected on the brand’s decades-long journey, highlighting the resilience that carried the business through unprecedented challenges. “Fifteen years later we’re still standing here. It just shows you with vision, opportunity, and working together what you can create,” Shirley wrote. He went on to note the obstacles the team overcame, particularly the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many advised closing the location permanently. Echoing Bolt’s iconic competitive grit, Shirley recalled his response: “I said no, we have to fight, just like how Usain fight when people say give it up, yuh nah go be the greatest!” Closing out his post, he reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to its Jamaican roots: “So we think, we nah give up! So Jamaica first and we just gwaan build what we have to build right! Happy Anniversary, 15 years Tracks and Records! Jamaica to di world every time! Bless Up.”

Tracks & Records has earned its reputation as one of Kingston’s most in-demand dining spots for a wide range of diners, from sports fans to food lovers seeking authentic Caribbean flavor. The menu centers on bold, traditional dishes including jerk chicken and jerk pork, alongside signature creations like Bolt-inspired gourmet burgers. Beyond the menu, the space offers a dedicated sports bar celebrating the eight-time Olympic gold medalist’s unprecedented career, a comfortable lounge outfitted with high-definition screens for watching live events, an on-site gift shop carrying exclusive branded merchandise, and a birthday club that offers members special discounts. Diners can visit seven days a week, with hours extending from 11:30 a.m. to midnight to accommodate late-night meals and gatherings.

For her first on-site review, Vendryes dropped in for a late dessert around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, taking advantage of the eatery’s extended closing time. She was greeted immediately by a warm, friendly hostess who escorted her to an upper-level seat and notified server Shanika Williams of her arrival. Williams arrived promptly, delivered attentive, thoughtful service, and brought out Vendryes’ order: the eatery’s signature Heavenly Bread Pudding Surprise. The generous serving featured warm, spice-infused bread pudding paired with cool vanilla ice cream — a portion large enough to share between multiple diners. After savoring the rich, aromatic blend of mixed spices, Vendryes boxed the remaining portion to go, paying a total of $1,300 plus tax for the dish.

To mark its 15th anniversary, Tracks & Records is running special promotions for patrons, including a standout offer that gifts weekend diners complimentary bottles of rum punch at 9:58 p.m. — a nod to Bolt’s iconic 100-meter world record time. Vendryes plans to return in the near future to sample a full meal, including an appetizer and main course, and participate in the anniversary promotions, noting she hopes to take home one of the celebration’s giveaway prizes.

For those interested in visiting or ordering from Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records, more information is available via the brand’s website (www.tracksandrecords.com), Instagram (@ubtandr), and TikTok (@ubtandr). Online orders can be placed through https://webmenu.visueats.com/124, and reservations or inquiries can be made by phone at 876-906-3903 or 876-926-7875.

Raised in a Jamaican-American household in Brooklyn, New York, Kaedi Philo grew up immersed in the roots reggae sounds that her parents brought from their Caribbean homeland. Among the vast catalog of Jamaican music that shaped her childhood, one track in particular stuck with her: Judy Mowatt’s 1980 groundbreaking anthem *Black Woman*, a powerful tribute to women of color that has retained its cultural resonance for more than four decades.

Earlier this year, Philo fulfilled a long-held creative dream by releasing her own interpretation of the classic track, which dropped on digital streaming platforms in February. The new recording was co-produced by veteran Jamaican music producer Richard “Bello” Bell and acclaimed engineer Lynford “Fatta” Marshall under the banner of 29 West Productions. It was Bell, a decades-long fixture in the reggae industry, who first approached Philo with the idea to reimagine the iconic song for a new generation.

For Philo, who launched her professional recording career a decade ago, honoring the original version’s core message and legacy was the top priority, leading her to keep most of the track’s original structure intact. “Early on, we thought about adding an original verse to shine a light on contemporary struggles that women of color face today,” Philo explained. “But in the end, I knew the most important thing was to pay full respect to Judy Mowatt’s original work. The only changes I made were small tweaks to the solos to add my personal touch.”

To give the arrangement slightly more depth, Philo stacked layered background vocals alongside singer Sherida Sharpe, but the overall composition never strays far from Mowatt’s original vision. The few subtle updates to the track include blues-infused guitar riffs from seasoned instrumentalist Lamont “Monty” Savory, while legendary saxophonist Dean Fraser leads a horn section that stays faithful to the original track’s instantly recognizable opening.

To understand the weight of the track, it is necessary to revisit its origins. Mowatt wrote and recorded *Black Woman*, the title track of her 1980 studio album, at Kingston’s iconic Federal Records studio—now known as Tuff Gong International, the legendary reggae label founded by Bob Marley. Mowatt drew inspiration for the politically charged, emotional track after a moving visit to an exhibition exploring the history of chattel slavery in the American South, an experience that led her to pen the lyrics that have resonated with generations of listeners.

Philo’s own musical style is shaped by a diverse range of iconic artists, from reggae greats Bob Marley and Beres Hammond to American soul and folk icons Nina Simone, Anita Baker, and Tracy Chapman. This blend of influences ties back to her Jamaican roots and her upbringing in Brooklyn’s multicultural music scene.

The project also marks a key milestone for Bell, who helped revolutionize reggae music in the 1990s through his Startrail Records label. Bell rose to prominence producing hit tracks for some of reggae’s biggest names, including Beres Hammond’s *Come Back Home*, Everton Blender’s *Lift up Your Head*, and Anthony B’s iconic *Fire pon Rome*. After stepping back from full-time music production for several years, Bell has recently begun a gradual return to the industry, working alongside Marshall to rebuild the original *Black Woman* rhythm track. That same reworked rhythm has already been used for another recent release, Kumar Fyah’s *Behold I Come*.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Labour Day weekend approaches, fans of retro music across the island are getting ready for a one-of-a-kind throwback celebration: the oldies-themed party officially named Memories. Now entering its second year, the nostalgic gathering will take place at the iconic Reggae Jamaica Village on Church Road, located in Bog Walk, St Catherine — a longstanding hub that serves as the home of Reggae Fusion.

In a recent interview, event promoter Collisha Frame shared the creative vision behind the event’s lineup, explaining that every performer was carefully selected to bring the nostalgic concept to life. The roster includes seasoned selectors DJ Little Richie and DJ Al Pachino, alongside renowned Jamaican recording artiste Admiral Tibet. Frame emphasized that the curation process was tailored specifically to the event’s old-school identity, noting that the three acts are the perfect match to deliver an authentic retro experience.

What sets Memories apart from other local events, Frame says, is its unique positioning in the region. No other celebration in the area centers retro music in quite the same format, creating an atmosphere and collective energy that is unusually special. Attendees can expect a full lineup of chart-topping hits spanning three iconic decades: the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. To enhance the guest experience, the ticket price includes complimentary finger food for all attendees, letting visitors focus on enjoying the music rather than worrying about refreshments.

Frame and her organizing team have pulled out all the stops to ensure this year’s event runs smoothly, with preparation already well underway. The team has launched a multi-channel marketing campaign that spans both traditional advertising outlets and social media platforms to reach retro music fans across the country. Tickets are currently available for purchase online via xtickets.com, and Frame says attendees can expect full value for their money, with a chance to step back in time and relive some of their favorite musical moments.

Beyond the entertainment, Frame is calling on all community members and music fans to turn out for the event, which centers three core values that make it worth supporting. First, the gathering is fundamentally community-oriented, designed to bring local residents together around a shared love of classic music. Second, Frame points out that any celebration rooted in musical history is a treasure worth preserving, offering a welcome break from modern pop’s fast pace. Finally, attending and supporting the event helps contribute to the ongoing development of a welcoming, safe public space dedicated to local entertainment and leisure. For anyone looking to unwind and let loose over the holiday weekend, Frame says Memories is the ideal destination.

For emerging reggae and dancehall recording artist Queen Kamarla, every lyric and every public project is rooted in the raw, unfiltered challenges of her lived experience. A teen mother who never completed high school, Kamarla has turned a series of early life obstacles into fuel for a career defined by purpose and authenticity, and this month she opens up about her unorthodox journey in a new candid memoir, ahead of the launch of her highly anticipated first full-length album.

Titled *The Story of My Life Journey, Sharing a Powerful Story of Resilience*, Kamarla’s debut memoir pulls back the curtain on the struggles that fans rarely see behind her recorded music. The book offers an unvarnished account of how she balanced the demands of young parenthood, navigated lengthy, exhausting daily commutes to pursue studio time, and clung to her artistic craft through years of uncertainty and personal sacrifice. Throughout her narrative, Kamarla emphasizes a simple, profound core message: resilience is not an innate trait, but something that is built, one intentional choice at a time.

In a recent interview with Observer Online, Kamarla spoke to the motivation behind releasing the memoir, saying, “People see the music, but they don’t always see the struggle behind it. This book is my truth—my journey, my sacrifices and my growth.”

Already known within Jamaican music circles for her relentless work ethic and commitment to message-driven storytelling, Kamarla has steadily built a growing following in the reggae and dancehall spaces, drawing directly from her life experience to shape both her sound and her narrative. Beyond her creative work, she has a long track record of community engagement: a decade ago, she organized and led the Stop the Crime & Violence concert series, which brought together residents to advocate for peace and unity in some of Jamaica’s most volatile communities, including August Town, Olympic Gardens, Seaview Gardens, Rockfort and Tivoli Gardens.

Now, alongside the launch of her memoir, Kamarla is putting the final touches on her debut studio album *Respect Me*, scheduled for release later this month. Self-executive-produced, the 10-track project blends classic roots reggae foundations with modern dancehall stylings, and features high-profile collaborations with a slate of iconic Jamaican artists including I-Octane, Ginjah, Mikey General, Natty King, and Jigsy King. This is not Kamarla’s first turn releasing music: she has already dropped popular standalone tracks including *Hot Spot* and *Protected*, and her most recent collaborative single *New Beginnings* featuring Ginjah was released to positive reception last month.

*The Story of My Life Journey* is available for purchase globally right now through all major digital and retail book platforms, including Amazon, Apple Books and Barnes & Noble. For Kamarla, the memoir and upcoming album mark not a finish line, but another milestone in a lifelong journey of growth. “I’m not stopping. I know where I’m going, and I’m working every day to get there,” she shared. Today, she stands as one of the most compelling authentic voices in modern reggae and dancehall, deeply rooted in the values of perseverance, authenticity, and purpose that have defined her path from adversity to artistic recognition.