分类： entertainment

MIAMI, FL — In a powerful fusion of music and philanthropy, Grammy-winning reggae band Inner Circle officially premiered their new charitable single ‘Stay Strong Jamaica’ at Circle House Studios on Thursday. The event transcended a typical music launch, transforming into a strategic gathering for hurricane recovery initiatives.

The evening attracted notable figures including Jamaica’s Consul General Oliver Mair, Miramar Commissioners Maxwell Chambers and Carson ‘Eddie’ Edwards, alongside reggae royalty Rohan and Julian Marley. The prestigious attendance underscored the collective commitment to supporting Jamaica’s hurricane recovery, serving as the official precursor to the major ‘Stay Strong Jamaica Hurricane Relief Concert’ scheduled for January 2, 2025, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

Ian Lewis, co-founder of Inner Circle, articulated the dual mission behind both the song and the concert. He emphasized their purpose to amplify relief efforts and accelerate the restoration of normalcy in severely affected Jamaican parishes. ‘Stay Strong Jamaica is fundamentally a call to action—an appeal for global unity and assistance, whether from the Diaspora or international supporters. Rebuilding our nation is an imperative we all share,’ Lewis stated.

The musical composition itself incorporates melodic elements from Lionel Richie’s classic ‘All Night Long,’ creating a familiar yet inspirational anthem. All proceeds generated from the single are directly earmarked for charitable organizations supporting the reconstruction efforts.

This initiative forms part of the Jamaican Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sports’ broader ‘I Love Jamaica’ series. Reflecting on the successful New York leg of the concert series at the UBS Arena on December 12, Lewis expressed optimism for an even greater impact in Florida. He enthusiastically encouraged public participation, noting, ‘Purchasing a ticket tonight means contributing to a profoundly worthy cause. Attendees will experience incredible music and phenomenal acts—it promises to be pure magic.’

The January 2nd concert boasts an impressive lineup of iconic artists, including Shaggy, Julian Marley, Marcia Griffiths, Wayne Wonder, Ernie Smith, the Wailers, Ky-Mani Marley, I-Octane, Etana, Tee Jay, Shuga, Inner Circle, Mykal Rose, Chalice, Brick and Lace, and Ed Robinson, ensuring a memorable night of entertainment for a critical humanitarian mission.

Jamaican-born recording artist and producer Chabano Nkani is experiencing an extraordinary career resurgence as his previously overlooked single ‘Close To You’ achieves viral fame through TikTok, eight years after his debut album ‘Phases’ dedicated to his late mother. The reggae performer, currently residing in the United States, has witnessed his composition gain unprecedented international traction after strategic re-release efforts. Initially failing to capture significant attention despite its artistic merit, the track has now exploded across social media platforms, particularly TikTok where the official video has surpassed one million views. This digital renaissance has generated substantial airplay across Jamaica, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, France, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States and Caribbean nations. The renewed success has prompted Nkani to accelerate production on his first EP, which will feature the revitalized hit alongside six new compositions. The artist, who began his career at Byron Murray’s In the Streetz Records managing road operations for acts like Hawkeye and Alozade before transitioning to production work with artists including Half Pint, Luciano and Warrior King, has postponed a planned October trip to Jamaica due to hurricane conditions but intends to complete the project early next year through the Isle of Springs imprint.

Jamaica’s National Indoor Sports Centre in St Andrew transformed into a vibrant celebration of life on Wednesday, honoring reggae luminary Jimmy Cliff in a memorial service radiating the same optimism that defined his legendary career. The three-hour tribute united politicians, musicians, and fans worldwide in a profound farewell to the singer-songwriter who passed away on November 24 at age 81.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness and Opposition Leader Mark Golding delivered heartfelt eulogies, emphasizing Cliff’s enduring humility despite global fame. Holness reflected on the artist’s birth name James Chambers and his unwavering connection to rural Jamaican roots, noting how anthems like ‘Many Rivers To Cross’ and ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want’ transcended entertainment to become “affirmations of dignity, resilience, and belief in possibility.”

Golding highlighted Cliff’s groundbreaking role in the seminal film ‘The Harder They Come,’ recognizing how his “natural, authentic, and convincing” performance as Ivan introduced Jamaican culture to international audiences and ensured the film’s timeless legacy.

The emotional core emerged through family tributes, with widow Latifa Chambers and children Aken and Lilty expressing the artist’s profound love for humanity and homeland. Lilty joined musicians Chris McDonald and Dwight Richards in a moving performance of ‘Moving On,’ showcasing the musical dynasty Cliff nurtured.

Musical tributes spanned Cliff’s extensive catalog, from Tony Rebel’s powerful rendition of ‘Vietnam’ to Tessanne Chin’s soaring interpretation of ‘I Can See Clearly Now’ from the Cool Runnings soundtrack. The National Dance Theatre Company and Tivoli Dance Troupe transformed classics into choreographic art, while Richie Spice, Beenie Man, and Nadine Sutherland contributed celebratory performances.

The service concluded with Prime Minister Holness presenting the Chambers family with an official Jamaican flag, symbolizing the nation’s gratitude for the Somerton-born boy who became a global ambassador of reggae music and Jamaican culture.

Jamaica convened a national celebration of life on Wednesday for reggae pioneer Jimmy Cliff, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness leading tributes to the late musician hailed as one of the nation’s most significant cultural ambassadors. The ceremony at Kingston’s National Indoor Centre honored Cliff—born James Chambers—who passed away on November 24, 2025, at age 81, leaving a legacy that transcended musical genres and national boundaries.

Prime Minister Holness eulogized Cliff as more than an entertainer, characterizing him as a transformative messenger who projected Jamaica’s narrative of struggle, resilience, and beauty to global audiences. ‘Jimmy Cliff did not merely entertain the world; he uplifted the world,’ Holness stated, emphasizing how the artist’s authentic representation instilled pride in his compatriots and inspired generations.

The service notably proceeded without traditional mortuary elements—no coffin or urn was present—symbolizing the enduring nature of Cliff’s influence. Opposition Leader Mark Golding joined in homage, recalling Cliff’s iconic performance during Jamaica’s 1988 World Cup qualifying campaign that electrified the National Stadium and became part of the nation’s collective memory.

Cliff’s career trajectory saw early fame in 1960s Jamaican music before his starring role in the 1972 film ‘The Harder They Come’ catapulted him to international recognition. His accolades included Jamaica’s Order of Merit (2003), Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction (2010), and a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album (2012). The state-sanctioned funeral featured musical tributes from artists including Tessanne Chin, while photographic displays and national symbols underscored Cliff’s monumental cultural impact.