分类： entertainment

Courtney Wilson, a foundational pillar of Jamaica’s theatrical scene, marks his triumphant return to the stage in Jambiz International’s newest comedic production, ‘Boopsie’s Homecoming’. Having originated his iconic Shaggy character in the company’s ‘Cinderellisha and the DJ Prince’ 24 years ago, Wilson now embodies Larry, the scheming accomplice to his sister Petal in this domestic drama unveiled on Boxing Day at Kingston’s Courtleigh Auditorium.

The narrative centers on Boopsie (portrayed by Glen Campbell), a Jamaican expatriate residing in the United States who has diligently financed the construction of his dream home through years of remittances to his wife. His anticipated homecoming transforms into profound disillusionment upon discovering the funds have mysteriously vanished with minimal construction progress to show.

Though Wilson confesses to never personally participating in such financial deception, he channels profound empathy for Boopsie’s betrayal, drawing upon analogous personal experiences of familial trust violation in business contexts, as revealed in his Jamaica Observer interview.

His extensive collaborative history with Campbell—Jambiz’s perennial lead—and playwright Patrick Brown (company co-founder and principal writer) creates exceptional synergistic dynamics. Wilson attributes their sustained success in productions like ‘Indecent Proposal’, ‘Room 513’, ‘Windscream Posse’, and ‘Lockdown’ to this deeply ingrained professional familiarity, noting their mutual awareness of each other’s artistic strengths and vulnerabilities both onstage and off.

Hailing from West Kingston and raised in the McIntyre Villa community (colloquially termed Dunkirk), Wilson’s artistic journey commenced at Excelsior High School through Jamaica Cultural Development Commission events before formalizing his craft with a performing arts degree from Excelsior Community College.

His uninterrupted tenure with Jambiz since 2002 has provided both artistic refinement and economic stability—a crucial combination for a family man within the acting profession. Wilson emphasizes his enthusiasm for challenging, diverse roles that maintain his creative engagement and financial security.

The production features Daindra Harrison and Renae Williams alternating as the duplicitous Petal, with David Crossgill completing the ensemble as Papa. Performance schedules maintain Wednesday-through-Friday evening showings at 8:00 PM, supplemented by dual Saturday and Sunday performances at 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM.

Four decades after its initial success, UB40’s iconic reggae album ‘Labour of Love’ demonstrates remarkable staying power on music charts worldwide. The British band’s fourth studio recording, originally released in 1983, has re-entered Billboard’s Reggae Albums chart at number nine this week, nearly 40 years after its debut. This chart reappearance follows the album’s peak performance in 2022 when it reached number six—its highest position to date on this particular chart.

The ten-track collection, consisting primarily of covers originally performed by Jamaican artists, includes celebrated renditions of ‘Sweet Sensation’ by The Melodians, Jimmy Cliff’s ‘Many Rivers to Cross,’ Eric Donaldson’s ‘Cherry Oh Baby,’ and Winston Tucker’s ‘Please Don’t Make Me Cry.’ The album’s enduring appeal is further evidenced by its platinum certification status across multiple nations including the United States, New Zealand, Canada, and the Netherlands.

Billboard’s current reggae chart landscape continues to be dominated by Bob Marley and the Wailers’ ‘Legend,’ which maintains its extraordinary reign at number one for an unprecedented 312 non-consecutive weeks. The chart’s upper ranks feature Shaggy’s ‘Best of Shaggy: The Boombastic Collection’ holding steady at number two, followed by Sean Paul’s ‘The Trinity’ and ‘Dutty Rock’ at three and four respectively. Stick Figure claims three consecutive positions with ‘World on Fire,’ ‘Wisdom,’ and ‘Set in Stone’ occupying spots five through seven.

Regional charts show significant activity with Neto Yuth and Anthony B’s ‘So Long’ continuing its leadership on the Rebel Vibez Top Ten Canadian Reggae chart. In New York, Sherell Rosegreen’s ‘Come Jesus Come’ retains the top position for a second week, while White Mice’s ‘One Blood’ and Busy Signal’s ‘Conscious Vibes’ show upward movement. South Florida’s reggae chart welcomes a new number one with the Mr Vegas-produced remix of ‘Pitta Patta’ by Ernie Smith and Ed Robinson.

Jamaica’s premier New Year’s Day celebration, Sunnation’s Sunrise breakfast party, successfully launched 2026 with an extraordinary fusion of luxury entertainment and authentic Caribbean atmosphere at its new Campion College venue. The exclusive all-inclusive event delivered premium experiences as revelers raised champagne glasses skyward in celebratory toasts to the promising year ahead.

New York transplant Ronique Goodhall revealed to media that the Sunrise event has become her essential annual tradition since 2019. ‘The plane ticket is always worth it because there’s no party like a party at home,’ Goodhall expressed, highlighting the event’s exceptional value through gourmet dining experiences and performances by A-list DJs. ‘Sunrise always provides the perfect backdrop for spectacular photos and a food village that satisfies every craving.’

Local attendee Antoine Livingston described the gathering as their designated annual reunion space, emphasizing how the January 1st timing creates ideal conditions for celebrating friendships, new beginnings, and previous accomplishments. ‘We consistently depart with the most incredible euphoria after sharing laughter, dance, and memory-making moments,’ Livingston noted.

The musical atmosphere reached peak intensity through masterful sets by renowned selectors including Bloodline Franco, DJ Tyler, DJ Mac, Ricky Platinum, and DJ Quan. Their curated playlists generated such energetic response that female attendees strategically exchanged heels for comfortable sandals, preparing for extended morning dancing sessions.

Dancehall anthems from icons Vybz Kartel, Lady Saw, and special guest Aidonia prompted spontaneous partner dancing throughout the venue. Particularly, Popcaan’s ‘Pretty Crew’ ignited enthusiastic reactions as women captured celebratory selfie videos celebrating friendship and beauty.

Between musical engagements, patrons explored the extensive food court featuring succulent ribs, creamy pasta selections, and signature desserts from Devon House Ice Cream. Service staff remained consistently engaged throughout the afternoon as attendees fully utilized the unlimited dining offerings.

The 2026 edition ultimately established Sunnation’s Sunrise Breakfast Party as Jamaica’s definitive New Year’s Day experience, combining gourmet catering, elite musical programming, and authentic cultural celebration in one prestigious package.