Russell Gordon, widely recognized in the entertainment industry as DJ Russ Buss and formerly associated with the Coppershot Sound, has recently embraced born-again Christianity. The 27-year-old artist announced this significant personal milestone in a heartfelt Instagram post on Monday. In his message, Russ Buss reflected on his spiritual journey, acknowledging the struggles he faced with his faith. He emphasized that perfection is not a prerequisite for embracing God’s call, stating, ‘God doesn’t call us to be perfect…he says come as we are.’ The post concluded with gratitude to God and Jesus for their guidance, quoting a biblical verse that encourages seeking the Kingdom of God above all else. The announcement garnered an outpouring of support from prominent figures in the entertainment world, including Silent Addy, Fyahman, ZJ Ice, and Miss Universe Jamaica 2023 Jordanne Lauren Levy, who all expressed their congratulations and well-wishes. Russ Buss, who finished as the runner-up in the 2017 SunCity High School competition, has a diverse background in music and education. He is currently pursuing a degree in Integrated Marketing Communications with a minor in Entertainment and Cultural Enterprise Management at CARIMAC, showcasing his multifaceted talents and ambitions.
分类： entertainment
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Gold in Canada for Bruno Mars and Damian Marley’s ‘Liquor Store Blues’
Fifteen years after its initial release, Bruno Mars’ reggae-infused track ‘Liquor Store Blues,’ featuring Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley, has been awarded a gold certification in Canada. This prestigious recognition, issued by Music Canada on November 12, celebrates the song’s achievement of 40,000 units in combined streaming and sales. Produced by Jamaican music maestro Dwayne ‘Supa Dups’ Chin-Quee, the track is part of Mars’ acclaimed 2010 album ‘Doo Wops & Hooligans,’ which soared to #3 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. The album also includes chart-topping hits like ‘Marry You,’ ‘Grenade,’ and ‘Just the Way You Are,’ with ‘Our First Time’ also benefiting from Supa Dups’ production expertise. ‘Liquor Store Blues’ has enjoyed international success, peaking at #97 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100, #74 in Romania, #68 on the US Digital Song Sales chart, and #20 on Latin Pop Airplay. The song previously earned gold certification in New Zealand and recently achieved platinum status in the United States last month.
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Lovers’ Leap concert series repurposed for aid
The much-anticipated Lovers’ Leap Lighthouse Series show, initially set for October 25, has been postponed and transformed into a charity event aimed at supporting the reconstruction of the iconic attraction and assisting communities in need. The rescheduled benefit concert will still showcase performances by renowned artists Marcia Griffiths and Tanya Stephens. Jason Ricketts, the marketing and communications director of Lovers’ Leap, shared with the Jamaica Observer that the venue for the event remains undecided, though the attraction’s own property is under consideration as cleanup efforts are underway. Ricketts expressed confidence in the overwhelming support from the Jamaican community, emphasizing the event’s purpose of giving back to the people. St Elizabeth, one of the parishes most severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa on October 28, saw Lovers’ Leap suffer significant infrastructural damage, compounding the destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl earlier in 2024. Despite these challenges, Ricketts highlighted the resilience of the St Elizabeth community and the ongoing efforts by entertainment stakeholders to provide aid, including distributing care packages and hot meals to affected areas. The event’s organizers are conducting thorough assessments to ensure a well-planned execution, with proceeds from the concert dedicated to rebuilding Lovers’ Leap and supporting local communities. Tickets purchased for the original date remain valid, and promoters have offered refund options for patrons who prefer to redirect their contributions to charity. Ricketts extended gratitude to the Sandz team and Romeich Entertainment for their assistance in these relief efforts.
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Jackie Hinkson launches Sketchpad Collection at Nalis on November 12
The National Library and Information System Authority (Nalis) has partnered with renowned artist Jackie Hinkson to present an interactive exhibition featuring The Jackie Hinkson Sketchpad Collection. The event, scheduled to commence on November 12, will be held at the Rotunda, National Library of Trinidad and Tobago, located at 23 Abercromby Street, Port of Spain, starting at 5:30 pm. This exhibition will display over 210 sketchpads, offering a glimpse into Hinkson’s creative process and preliminary artistic perspectives. Among these, 60 items were generously donated by Hinkson and are now part of The University of the West Indies’ collection. For more than six decades, Hinkson has significantly enriched Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural landscape through his street art, large murals, and wood sculptures. His contributions were internationally recognized in 2010 when over 100 of his sketchpads were inscribed by UNESCO into the Local Memory of the World Register. Additionally, he was awarded the Chaconia Medal (Gold) for his outstanding contributions to the nation’s cultural heritage. Hinkson believes that drawing is the most direct and intimate way to respond to the physical and social environment, and he aims to inspire future generations of artists through his work. The exhibition will remain open to the public until November 22, during regular library hours at the Rotunda, Nalis.
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Final chance to see Yuh Doh Leave Fowl To Watch Corn!
After months of captivating audiences with its uproarious humor and sold-out shows, RS/RR Productions’ acclaimed play, ‘Yuh Doh Leave Fowl to Watch Corn!’, is set to conclude its run with two final performances on November 15 and 16 at Cipriani College. The play, a riotous comedy, takes viewers through a day of escalating chaos, featuring women waking up in the wrong beds, men vehemently denying their involvement, and a maid who struggles to keep secrets. As the Trinidadian proverb suggests, leaving a fowl to watch corn is a recipe for disaster, and this production delivers an evening of unbridled mischief and laughter. The stellar cast includes Richard Ragoobarsingh, Leslie Ann Lavine, Zo Mari Tanker, Kala Neehall, Benita Wilson, and Andrew Friday, under the co-direction of Debra Boucaud Mason and Ragoobarsingh. The box office opens on November 12 from 12 pm to 6 pm, with showtimes scheduled for November 15 at 8:30 pm and November 16 at 6:30 pm. For ticket inquiries, contact 481-2185, 338-6024, or 744-7581.
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Antigua and Barbuda Musicians Rock Independence Celebrations in Toronto, Canada
The vibrant sounds of Antigua and Barbuda echoed through Toronto as local musicians took center stage during the nation’s Independence Day celebrations. Held in the heart of Canada’s largest city, the event showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean nation, drawing a diverse audience of expatriates and music enthusiasts alike. Performers delivered electrifying renditions of traditional calypso, soca, and reggae tunes, creating an atmosphere of unity and festivity. The celebration not only honored Antigua and Barbuda’s journey to independence but also highlighted the enduring connection between the diaspora and their homeland. Organizers emphasized the importance of cultural preservation and the role of music in fostering community ties across borders. The event concluded with a grand finale, leaving attendees inspired and eager for future cultural exchanges.
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Food and Rum Festival ends with golden celebration
The 2025 Barbados Food and Rum Festival culminated in a dazzling extravaganza known as the Liquid Gold Feast, a night that seamlessly blended gourmet cuisine, mesmerizing music, and exquisite décor. Held at a venue recently transformed after hosting CARIFESTA, the event was a sensory delight that left attendees in awe. From the moment guests arrived, they were greeted with meticulous attention to detail, including a make-up touch-up station to combat the tropical heat. The evening’s ambiance was set by the smooth harmonies of G-Syndicate, who reimagined soca classics like Gorg’s ‘I Got My Rum’ into soulful ballads. Inside, the venue was a visual masterpiece, adorned with décor that reflected the island’s vibrant culture. Barbados’ top chefs and mixologists showcased their craft, offering dishes and cocktails that celebrated local flavors. The Darrien Bailey Band electrified the crowd with renditions of Michael Jackson’s ‘Rock with You’ and Whitney Houston’s ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody,’ while Brian Carter’s dual-recorder performance of Teddy Swims’ ‘Lose Control’ left the audience spellbound. Kweku Jelani added a reggae flair with Bob Marley’s ‘Lively Up Yourself,’ and Shadia Marshall delivered powerhouse performances of Tina Turner’s ‘Simply the Best’ and Cher’s ‘Believe.’ The night peaked with DJ Puffy’s high-energy set, ensuring the crowd remained in a festive frenzy. Attendees, dressed in shimmering metallics and dapper suits, matched the event’s bold style. Despite minor hiccups like limited signage and the early depletion of curry oxtail, the Liquid Gold Feast was a resounding success, leaving patrons like Sonia from Tobago eager to return. The event not only lived up to its name but also set a high bar for future festivals.
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Rum tour offers revelry, rhythms, cultural flair
Despite the gloomy weather, the Rum Route North bus tour brought a burst of color, music, and celebration to Barbados last Saturday, turning the day into a vibrant festival of flavors, heritage, and joy. Part of the Barbados Food & Rum Festival, the event kicked off at the Speightstown Esplanade, where participants, clad in bright T-shirts and armed with umbrellas, eagerly gathered to defy the rain.
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Where Is Nawat? MU Executive Dismissed After Viral Heated Confrontation
The 2025 Miss Universe pageant has been rocked by controversy following the dismissal of Nawat Itsaragrisil, a key executive, after a heated confrontation with Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, during the sashing ceremony. The incident, which was broadcast live, has sparked widespread criticism and raised questions about Itsaragrisil’s leadership. During the ceremony, Itsaragrisil accused Bosch of failing to promote Thailand, called her a ‘dumbhead,’ and ordered security to remove her. This led to several contestants walking out in solidarity with Bosch. Miss Universe president Raúl Rocha announced the decision to restrict Itsaragrisil’s involvement in the competition, stating, ‘We had, unfortunately, trusted MGI, and that trust has failed under the unfortunate leadership of Nawat.’ Itsaragrisil later issued a tearful public apology during the opening ceremony, acknowledging the pressure he was under but insisting he did not intend to harm anyone. However, his comment, ‘Are you happy?’ directed at the candidates, particularly Miss Mexico, who did not applaud, was seen as dismissive by body language experts. The pageant is still set to proceed on November 21 in Thailand, but the fallout from this incident continues to dominate discussions.
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Artists Bring Out Positive Vibes at Yamaha Sunfest
Jamaican dancehall sensation Skeng delivered a high-energy performance at the second edition of Yamaha Sunfest in Saint Lucia on Saturday, marking his first appearance on the island. Despite his history of controversy, Skeng headlined the boat and beach event, which drew thousands of visitors from neighboring Martinique and Guadeloupe. Dressed in a green sweat suit, Skeng burst onto the Pigeon Island stage with an electrifying presence, gradually shedding layers of clothing during his 45-minute set. His performance featured hit tracks such as ‘Protocol,’ ‘Life Changes,’ and ‘Likkle Miss,’ captivating the enthusiastic crowd. The event also showcased performances by Jamaican artist Armanii, who charmed the audience, and Saint Lucian Dennery segment acts Cooyah, Subance, and Mighty. French artists Danthology, N’ken, and Yozo & Chati, along with DJs from Martinique and Guadeloupe, added to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere. The two-day event concluded on Sunday with watersports and beach activities at Pigeon Island, leaving attendees with unforgettable memories.