分类： entertainment

In 1994, Barry White’s sultry hit ‘Practice What You Preach’ dominated the U.S. pop charts, marking a significant comeback for the legendary artist. A year later, a reggae rendition of the song introduced Mikey Spice, then an unknown singer, to the dancehall scene. Now, three decades later, Spice credits the Barry O’Hare-produced track for sustaining his career and livelihood. In a recent interview with Observer Online, Spice humorously remarked, ‘It’s done a lot. I have frequent meals, I live somewhere, I have clothes on my back, my kids are fed.’ He added, ‘It was a good one, I didn’t expect it, as a matter of fact, but it came and we accepted it.’ Known for his distinctive baritone, Spice is set to perform on October 11 at the Crown Hill Theatre in Brooklyn, New York, followed by a gig at the Prestige Palace in Freeport, Long Island, the next day. Before ‘Practice What You Preach,’ Spice gained recognition as a singer and multi-instrumentalist on the North Coast hotel circuit, a hub for emerging talents like Benjy Myaz and Paul Kastick. His collaboration with O’Hare, a renowned studio engineer in Ocho Rios who worked with artists such as Burning Spear and Buju Banton, proved pivotal. The song marked O’Hare’s first major success as a producer before his passing in 2020. Spice continued his rise with the 1995 hit ‘Born Again,’ produced by Bobby Digital, and has since consistently charted with tracks like ‘Grab yu Lass’ and a cover of Neil Diamond’s ‘I Am I Said.’

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Renowned gospel artist Kevin Downswell has expressed his gratitude and joy after securing six nominations at the prestigious Sterling Gospel Awards. The event, set to take place this Saturday at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Portmore, St Catherine, honors excellence in Caribbean gospel music and ministry. Downswell’s nominations span multiple categories, including Male Artiste of the Year, Local Hit Producer of the Year, Local Hit of the Year, Collab of the Year, Most Rated Event of the Year, and Video of the Year.

Dancehall artist DiCelebrityy is riding a wave of success following a significant boost to his career, thanks to a shout-out during Kai Cenat’s ‘Mafiathon 3’ live stream. The shout-out, orchestrated by social media personality Mama Cenat, has catapulted DiCelebrityy’s single ‘Hydraulics’ into the spotlight, resulting in a surge of online searches, Spotify and Apple Music streams, and YouTube engagement. DiCelebrityy expressed his gratitude, stating, ‘I just want to say thank you to Mama Cenat and Kai Cenat for the shout-out because it gave my career and my song a major boost.’ Kai Cenat, the world’s most-subscribed Twitch streamer with 19 million followers, hosted the event, which attracted approximately one million viewers. The exposure has introduced DiCelebrityy to a broader audience, with his song now featured on global Spotify playlists and gaining traction on YouTube, where it has amassed over 57,000 views. DiCelebrityy, born Adrian Anthony Campbell in St Ann’s Bay, Jamaica, aspires to be a global ambassador for Jamaican culture, drawing inspiration from legends like Bob Marley. His recent tracks, including ‘Full Charge,’ ‘White Liver,’ and ‘New Landlord,’ have made waves at events like Reggae Sumfest. Over the past year, DiCelebrityy has collaborated with prominent artists such as Skillibeng, Spice, and Teejay, further solidifying his position in the dancehall scene. He credits Twitch as a powerful platform for music discovery, noting that the live stream helped 500,000 people discover his music. With his career on an upward trajectory, DiCelebrityy is poised to make a lasting impact on the global music stage.

Patrick Brown’s latest theatrical production, ‘Indecent Proposal,’ is currently captivating audiences at the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston. While the play is laced with moments of humor, it delves deeply into the trials faced by single mothers, offering a poignant exploration of their struggles. Sharee Elise, a seasoned actress in Brown’s productions, takes on the role of Sarah, a waitress and mother of two children, who is desperately seeking stability in her life. Her character’s journey is further complicated by the arrival of Lenny, portrayed by Glen Campbell, a suitor who promises her a better life but soon discovers that his honorable intentions are met with unforeseen challenges. For Elise, embodying Sarah has been an enlightening experience. ‘Sarah has given me a unique perspective on the challenges that women in certain situations face,’ she shared with the Jamaica Observer. ‘As a single mother struggling to make ends meet, Sarah’s experiences have shown me how a lack of resources can lead to difficult choices that might otherwise be deemed unacceptable. This role has helped me understand the complexities of decision-making in the face of limited options.’ The cast is rounded out by Courtney Wilson, another regular in Brown’s plays, who plays Rex, Sarah’s ex and one of her delinquent babyfathers. ‘Indecent Proposal’ also highlights the breakdown of the nuclear family in Jamaica, once a cornerstone of the country’s society. ‘Too many households have been left on the backs of women who have to play the role of mother and father,’ Elise remarked. ‘In light of that, something must give, and unfortunately what ‘gives’ is a firm foundation for kids to thrive and grow into well-rounded individuals. Instead, a lot of them become victims of the circumstances of their surroundings.’ Elise, who hails from Falmouth, Trelawny, honed her craft as a member of the Ashe performing arts ensemble for 16 years before transitioning into acting. She has appeared in several of Brown’s plays, including ‘Windscream Posse,’ ‘Right Girl, Wrong Address,’ ‘Matey Chronicles,’ and ‘Duppy Whisperer.’ ‘Indecent Proposal’ premiered in July and is set to conclude its run on October 20.

Adrian Hanson, widely recognized in the reggae-dancehall scene as ‘Donsome’ for his ‘riddim’ compilation albums featuring artists like Mykal Rose, Bugle, and Kiprich, has embarked on a transformative musical journey. In 2023, Hanson unveiled ‘Hz Vibrations of Light And Healing,’ a wellness album released under the alias Nestful Nights Sounds. This 20-track project, which blends New Age, Ambient, and Chant genres, has earned a spot in the preliminary nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards, specifically in the Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album category. Additionally, one of its tracks, ‘528 Hz The Love And Miracle Frequency,’ is being considered for Best Alternative Music Performance.

Hanson’s shift towards wellness music stems from his personal use of Hz frequency music for healing and relaxation. Inspired by this passion, he purchased a cabin in 2023 with the vision of creating a sanctuary for wellness retreats. ‘I wanted to take it to a professional level and design soundscapes that could help people feel better—emotionally, mentally, and physically,’ Hanson explained in an interview with Observer Online.

The global sound therapy market, valued at $2.48 billion in 2025, is projected to grow to $4.20 billion by 2032, driven by increasing awareness of its therapeutic benefits, such as stress reduction and improved mental well-being. Hanson’s venture into this space aligns with this growing trend.

Despite his foray into wellness music, Hanson remains active in the reggae-dancehall scene. His work on the ‘Gruesome Act Riddim’ has earned him a nomination for Best Reggae Album, while his collaboration with Kiprich on ‘No More Crime’ is in contention for Best Global Music Performance.

Since launching Donsome Records nearly two decades ago, Hanson has built an impressive portfolio, including Mykal Rose’s 2023 album ‘I Give You Love’ and contributions to Marcia Griffiths’ album ‘Golden.’ With ‘Hz Vibrations of Light And Healing,’ Hanson has redefined his artistic identity, proving that music can transcend entertainment to become a tool for healing and transformation. ‘Unconventional music allows me to challenge norms and inspire people to rethink the power of sound,’ he said.

The 2026 Grammy nominations will be announced on November 7, with the awards ceremony scheduled for February 1 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

For nearly two decades, The Unity Singers have been a beacon of gospel music, spreading their message across Jamaica and beyond. This year, the group has earned its second nomination for Group of the Year at the prestigious Sterling Gospel Music Awards, a testament to their unwavering dedication to their ministry. Shane Haslam, CEO of Unity Singers Ministry, expressed profound gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing that the nomination reaffirms their commitment to their divine calling, regardless of the outcome. The group, comprising talented sopranos, altos, tenors, keyboardists, drummers, and bass players, has remained a non-denominational force, drawing members from diverse church backgrounds such as Apostolic, Pentecostal, Church of God, and Tabernacle ministries. Over the years, The Unity Singers have performed at major concerts, national events, and international tours, sharing stages with renowned gospel artists like Rhoda Isabella and Marion Hall. Their journey, marked by spiritual growth and musical excellence, has resulted in seven original songs, including recent hits like ‘Redeem Praise Medley.’ The group’s inception in 2005 was inspired by a vision of unity and divine purpose, and despite a brief hiatus, their ministry was revived in 2007, flourishing under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Unity Singers’ mission remains centered on transforming lives through the power of gospel music, fostering fellowship, and sharing testimonies. As they prepare for the Sterling Gospel Music Awards this Saturday, they stand alongside other nominees, including Levy’s Heritage and Genesis Praise Squad, in a celebration of gospel music’s impact and influence.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, the renowned music mogul, appeared in a New York federal court on Friday, confronting the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence following his conviction on two prostitution-related charges. The charges, each carrying a maximum penalty of ten years, stem from a high-profile trial that captivated public attention. Prosecutors are advocating for a sentence of at least 11 years, labeling Combs as ‘unrepentant’ and a danger to society. Conversely, Combs’ legal team has requested a 14-month sentence, which would equate to time already served. The sentencing hearing saw emotional appeals from Combs, his family, and his accusers. Combs, in a heartfelt letter to the judge, expressed remorse, stating he had ‘lost his way’ and vowed never to commit a crime again. His mother and six children also submitted letters in his support, pleading for leniency. The trial, which lasted two months, concluded in July with the jury acquitting Combs of the more severe charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, which could have resulted in a life sentence. However, the conviction on the prostitution-related counts has left Combs facing significant jail time. The case has been marked by harrowing testimonies, including that of Combs’ former girlfriend, Casandra Ventura, known as Cassie, who detailed years of alleged abuse and coercion. Ventura’s testimony, along with that of another woman, painted a grim picture of Combs’ behavior, including claims of forced participation in sexual activities. Despite the defense’s argument that the activities were consensual, the jury found Combs guilty under the federal Mann Act, which prohibits the transportation of individuals across state lines for prostitution. Combs, who has been incarcerated in Brooklyn for over a year, described his time in prison as transformative, claiming to have been ‘humbled and broken to his core.’ As the judge deliberates on the appropriate sentence, the case continues to draw widespread attention, highlighting the complexities of justice in high-profile legal battles.

LONDON, United Kingdom — Dame Patricia Routledge, the celebrated British actress renowned for her iconic role as Hyacinth Bucket in the beloved comedy sitcom ‘Keeping Up Appearances,’ has passed away at the age of 96. According to UK media reports, Routledge died peacefully in her sleep on Friday morning, as confirmed by her agent to the PA News Agency. Roy Clarke, the creator of ‘Keeping Up Appearances,’ expressed his sorrow in a statement to the BBC, saying, ‘I’m sorry, as I’m sure so many people will be, to hear of the death of Patricia Routledge.’ Clarke praised Routledge as an accomplished actor who elevated his scripts to new heights, using her body and voice to bring characters to life. Throughout her illustrious career, Routledge earned multiple BAFTA nominations for her roles, including her performances in ‘Talking Head Monologues’ and her portrayal of Kitty in ‘As Seen on TV.’ She also won a Tony Award in the United States for her role in ‘Darling of the Day.’ Her character Hyacinth Bucket resonated with audiences worldwide, including in Jamaica, where ‘Keeping Up Appearances’ aired on local television. In recognition of her contributions to the arts and charity, Routledge was made a Dame in the United Kingdom in 2017, adding to her numerous national honors.