分类： entertainment

Jamaica’s culinary scene has achieved a remarkable milestone as ‘Stush in the Bush,’ a unique farm-to-table restaurant located in St. Ann, has been recognized among North America’s 50 Best Restaurants. Owned by Lisa and Christopher Binns, the establishment secured the 49th spot on the prestigious list, which was unveiled during a glamorous awards ceremony in Las Vegas on Thursday night. The top honors went to New York’s Atomix, followed by Mon Lapin, Restaurant Pearl Morissette, Smyth, and Tanière 3, all of which are based in Canada. ‘Stush in the Bush’ has carved a niche for itself with its immersive dining experience, offering a tantalizing array of plant-based dishes. Signature items include crispy plantain and hot pink dasheen chips, zero-waste almond and pumpkin hummus, calulu dip, and accras with remoulade and cho cho ceviche. This recognition not only highlights the restaurant’s innovative approach to cuisine but also underscores Jamaica’s growing influence in the global culinary landscape.

The global music industry is grappling with the implications of a multimillion-dollar record deal awarded to Xania Monet, an AI-generated artist, sparking heated debates among musicians and industry professionals. Singer Denyque, known for her participation in the talent show Digicel Rising Stars, expressed frustration, stating that the deal undervalues human talent. ‘I’ve poured blood, sweat, and tears into my career, yet I’ve never been offered such a contract. It’s baffling,’ she remarked, emphasizing the irreplaceable authenticity of human artistry. Denyque remains confident that AI artists cannot truly compete with human performers, particularly in live settings. Meanwhile, Raymond ‘Shadow’ Small, director of communications at Prism Marketing Consultants, views the rise of AI artists as both groundbreaking and concerning. ‘It’s a testament to technology’s power but also a wake-up call for human artists to elevate their craft,’ he said. Small highlighted the limitations of AI, noting its inability to replicate the emotional depth and cultural nuances of human experience. He urged the industry to strike a balance, integrating AI as a tool rather than a replacement. Social media users have also weighed in, with some lamenting the focus on AI over human talent, while others praised the quality of Xania Monet’s music. According to Yahoo News, the bidding for Xania Monet exceeded $3 million, with the deal ultimately secured by Hallwood Media, led by former Interscope executive Neil Jacobson. The artist was created by Mississippi poet and designer Talisha Jones, who used the generative platform Suno to transform her poetry into songs and develop the artist’s image.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for the global music industry, and Jamaica-born, England-based artist Raas Kelly was no exception. Navigating through the uncertainties of the pandemic, Kelly channeled his experiences into his music, culminating in the release of his latest single, ‘Red Hot.’ The track, produced by US-based Barracks Productions, features a mid-tempo dancehall beat and delivers profound messages about contemporary global issues, resonating with listeners worldwide. In an interview with Observer Online, Kelly shared his reflections on the pandemic and its aftermath. ‘The pandemic made everyday activities like commuting and working incredibly difficult. We were all anxious about the eventual outcome of this crisis,’ he remarked. Kelly expressed his hope that the post-pandemic world would foster greater compassion and appreciation for human life and relationships. However, he noted that the return to ‘business as usual’ has seen persistent global conflicts and widespread crime and violence. ‘I recorded this song after observing the changes and continuities since 2020. The world has evolved in some ways, but many challenges remain,’ Kelly explained. Additionally, Kelly highlighted the struggles faced by UK-based dancehall artists in gaining recognition. ‘Opportunities are scarce, and DJs here are reluctant to support UK dancehall acts. It’s nearly impossible to get them to play our music,’ he lamented. With the assistance of his publicist, Ralston Barrett, Kelly has been promoting his music in Jamaica, achieving positive results. He advocates for greater support from DJs and event promoters to create more exposure avenues for UK dancehall artists. Kelly is also promoting a new single, ‘Kisko,’ under the Sweat Box Productions label. Born Ruben Ennis in Kingston, Kelly grew up in Carisbrook, St. Elizabeth, and began his professional music career in 2017 with the single ‘Body Haffi Clean’ on the So Sick label.

Fifteen years after the release of his chart-topping single ‘Hold Yuh,’ internationally acclaimed artist Gyptian is clarifying the narrative surrounding the song’s global success, particularly the role of the remix featuring Nicki Minaj. In a recent interview circulating on social media, Gyptian emphasized that while Minaj’s involvement introduced the track to a broader audience, the song was already a mainstream hit before her collaboration. He asserted that ‘Hold Yuh’ played a pivotal role in elevating Minaj’s career rather than the other way around. Gyptian stated, ‘The original track was the bigger one. She got bigger from the song. Don’t make the American dream sound like it’s more when it’s really not.’ He further explained that Minaj was an artist on a mixtape at the time, and the song’s success was driven by its inherent quality, not her contribution. Gyptian also highlighted that the revenue generated from the track was not due to Minaj’s part, as her remix was not officially released. The artist, who has largely avoided industry politics, felt it was time to set the record straight after more than a decade. ‘We’re big men now, so it’s time to set it straight,’ he said. ‘In reality, the song did it for her because nobody knew her outside of New York.’ Released in 2010 by VP Records, ‘Hold Yuh’ was a monumental success, peaking at number 77 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 16 on the UK Singles Chart, and number 69 on the Canadian Hot 100. It helped reintroduce Jamaican music to the global mainstream and earned Gyptian accolades, including a Soul Train Award and a MOBO Award. The track was certified gold in the US in 2013 and double platinum in the UK in 2024. Music experts and fans have defended Gyptian’s claims, noting that ‘Hold Yuh’ was a massive hit even before Minaj’s involvement. The song’s official music video has garnered over 181 million views on YouTube, while the track boasts over 280 million plays on Spotify.

Jamaican artiste Yaksta has unveiled his latest single, ‘Living It Up,’ a vibrant celebration of life, ambition, and positive energy. Released on September 5, 2025, the track is infused with Caribbean rhythms, uplifting lyrics, and Yaksta’s signature blend of wisdom and wit. Rooted in an authentic Jamaican sound, the song is crafted to resonate with a global audience. ‘Living It Up’ serves as the lead single from ‘Destiny Volume 3,’ the latest installment in the acclaimed reggae/dancehall EP series ‘Destiny.’ Scheduled for release on November 14, 2025, the EP features five original tracks produced by Jeremy Whittaker and Ryan Chin under the Grasshopper Music Entertainment label. Yaksta, born Kemaul Martin, is renowned for his genre-blending style, socially conscious themes, and motivational anthems. His breakout hit ‘Ambition’ solidified his status as a modern roots icon, and his ability to merge reggae, dancehall, and acoustic elements continues to captivate listeners worldwide, from Kingston to Lagos.

The 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) showcased South America’s vinicultural excellence, with 381 silver-medalled wines highlighting the continent’s diverse terroirs, innovative winemaking techniques, and indigenous varietals. These awards, far from being mere consolation, underscore the narrative, promise, and regional identity of these wines, guiding enthusiasts and travelers to new flavor frontiers. Argentina led the region with 192 silver medals, followed by Chile with 133, Brazil with 48, and Uruguay with eight. This distribution reflects the continent’s viticultural depth, extending beyond its gold and platinum accolades. In Argentina, Mendoza’s Uco Valley stood out with its Malbecs, Bonardas, and Torrontés, while Chile’s Maipó Valley and Atacama showcased Syrah, Chardonnay, and Carmenère. Brazil’s cooler southern zones, such as Planalto Catarinense, produced fresh reds and altitude-enhanced whites, while Uruguay’s coastal influence elevated its Tannat and white vintages. These awards signify South America’s evolution from occasional brilliance to consistent mid-to-upper-tier wine production, enhancing brand credibility and export potential. For wine travelers, the DWWA results offer a curated guide to South America’s finest, including Uruguay’s Cerro Negro Open Barrel, Chile’s Escudo Rojo Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, Brazil’s Salton Prosecco Glera, and Argentina’s The President’s Blend and El Interminable Blend Malbec. These wines, with their unique profiles and high scores, invite exploration of South America’s wine regions, blending value and place in every sip.

The Gap Café, a restored rustic boutique café perched at 4,200 feet above sea level near Hardwar Gap, served as the perfect venue for the Jamaican launch of the Marley Fragrance collection. On September 20, 2022, an exclusive luncheon was hosted by Rohan Marley, son of the legendary Bob Marley, and Novia McDonald-Whyte, Senior Associate Editor of the Jamaica Observer. The event was catered by renowned chef Alexa Von Strolley, who crafted a menu inspired by the fragrance notes of the Marley collection. Guests were treated to a sensory journey, starting with freshly brewed Marley Coffee and a series of meticulously designed dishes. The menu included Earl Grey Cured Salmon Roulade, Lemon-Sage Crab Tartlets, and a Mandarin & Grapefruit Salad, each dish echoing the aromatic elements of the fragrances. The main course featured Seared Snapper with Mango-Agave Glaze and a vegetarian Cauliflower Steak, both paired with saffron coconut rice. The meal concluded with a Lemon & Ambrette Pavlova, offering a delicate finish to the culinary experience. Chef Von Strolley’s innovative approach allowed guests to ‘taste’ the fragrances, creating a unique and memorable event. The intimate gathering was a celebration of Jamaican culture, gastronomy, and the legacy of Bob Marley.

The second edition of the Reggae North Music Awards (RNMA) is set to take place on September 28, 2024, at the Rose Theatre in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. This year’s event features 37 categories, including Top Vocalist (male and female), Top Album/EP of The Year, and Top Entertainer of The Year. The awards were initiated last year by veteran singer Tony Anthony, who recognized the need for a dedicated platform to honor Canadian reggae artists following a brief controversy when the Juno Awards considered eliminating their reggae category in 2025. The RNMA aims to fill a historical gap in recognition for reggae and dancehall music in Canada. Leading the nominations is Juno reggae winner Exco Levi, who has secured 10 nods across various categories. Ammoye follows closely with seven nominations. A new category, Top Club/Party Reggae Dancehall DJ, has been introduced this year, generating significant buzz. Additionally, the event will honor reggae stalwarts Nana McLean and Carl ‘Grandmaster Rosa’ Green with Living Legends Awards, celebrating their contributions to the genre. Tony Anthony emphasized the importance of these awards in preserving the legacy of reggae in Canada, acknowledging the pioneers who paved the way for today’s artists. The event also highlights the rich history of Jamaican musicians who thrived in Canada during the 1970s and 1980s, a story chronicled in the 2024 documentary *Sounds & Pressure: Reggae in A Foreign Land* by Chris Flanagan and Graeme Mathieson.