分类： entertainment

Jamaican-American reggae artist Prince Judah is embarking on a significant musical transformation with the forthcoming release of his dancehall-inspired album, ‘Inna Dancehall Style,’ scheduled before the conclusion of Reggae Month on February 28. The Kingston-born, Florida-based musician describes this project as a heartfelt tribute to his Jamaican heritage and the foundational pioneers of dancehall music.

Produced through collaboration with Wadadah II and Black Sabbath Sound System, the album represents a deliberate departure from Prince Judah’s characteristic stadium-ready anthems. He characterizes the sound as intentionally raw and authentic, crafted to emulate the gritty atmosphere of basement recordings played the same night they were created. The album will feature classic rhythms including ‘Joy Ride,’ ‘Zungu Zen,’ and the iconic ‘Sleng Teng,’ infused with subtle elements of his modern rock influences.

The creative impetus emerged during Prince Judah’s recent solo mini-tour across North America and the Caribbean, where he experimented with freestyle deejay flows in intimate club settings. His selector, Tzaddi Wadadah II, highlighted the enduring international demand for authentic dancehall, lovers rock, and ska music across European and Japanese markets, encouraging this artistic direction.

Concurrently, Prince Judah is expanding his creative expression into fashion through an unexpected collaboration with renowned Colombian-American designer Esteban Cortazar. Their partnership began serendipitously in Miami when Cortazar, who has dressed celebrities including Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Lenny Kravitz, approached the musician with styling opportunities. This evolved into a genuine creative partnership developing the ‘Donde Esteban and Prince Judah Experience’ collaboration line, merging the artist’s roots aesthetic with high fashion vision.

The artist emphasizes that both projects represent authentic cultural fusion rather than commercial endeavors, aiming to make meaningful impact through artistic expression that honors tradition while embracing contemporary creativity.

The University Chapel on the Mona campus of The University of the West Indies became a sanctuary of gratitude and musical reverence on Thursday as Jamaica’s cultural community gathered to honor Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore. Rather than a somber farewell, the service transformed into a vibrant celebration of the legendary cellist and guitarist whose artistry propelled Jamaican music onto the global stage.

Government officials, music industry pioneers, and cultural custodians joined family members in painting a portrait of Coore as both a national treasure and a humble ambassador whose influence transcended generations. The atmosphere balanced poignant reflection with joyful remembrance, where tears were gracefully interwoven with laughter and stories of his enduring impact.

As a founding member and longtime musical director of the iconic band Third World, Coore’s genius lay in his ability to bridge musical genres, transforming reggae into a universal language that resonated across continents for over five decades. His legacy was celebrated not merely for technical mastery but for the profound substance and consciousness he embedded within every composition.

Personal tributes illuminated the man behind the music. Pianist Rita ‘Werki’ Widener delivered a powerful wordless homage, blending Third World’s ‘Try Jah Love’ with Jamaica’s national anthem—a fitting testament to Coore’s deep patriotism. His children—Shiah, Kanna, Stephen, and Ashley—shared intimate memories of a father who encouraged global curiosity, listened without judgment, and nurtured their love for music and travel.

Colin Leslie, a friend of sixty years, recalled Coore’s signature phrase—’You know I love you, right?’—as emblematic of his approach to life and relationships. The sentiment was echoed by music royalty in attendance, including Damian and Stephen Marley, Protoje, Sean Paul, and Maxi Priest, who described Coore as both mentor and ‘bona fide friend’ who guided countless careers.

Reverend Captain Astor Carlyle framed Coore’s journey as one of stewardship rather than stardom, introducing the concept of ‘Selah’ moments—musical pauses that invite deep reflection. He noted how Coore’s compositions consistently created space for consciousness elevation and behavioral transformation.

The service attracted cross-sector leadership including Opposition Leader Mark Golding, Finance Minister Fayval Williams, and Science Minister Daryl Vaz, demonstrating Coore’s significance beyond the cultural sphere. His passing on January 18 at age 69 leaves a profound void, but his legacy continues through his four children, grandchildren, and the timeless music that remains a source of unity, consciousness, and joy for generations to come.

NEW YORK — Jamaican modeling powerhouse SAINT International achieved remarkable prominence during New York Fashion Week’s Fall 2026 Ready-To-Wear collections, held from February 11-16. Under the leadership of CEO Deiwght Peters, the agency’s models delivered exceptional performances across numerous prestigious runway shows throughout the city.

Leading the contingent was Naki Depass, who secured an impressive nine runway appearances for top-tier designers including Thom Browne, Marc Jacobs, Laquan Smith, and Area. Her colleague Dru Campbell joined her at Michael Kors’ landmark 45th anniversary presentation at the Metropolitan Opera House. Campbell, returning for her second NYFW engagement after debuting in September, commenced her schedule with a appearance for Coach before walking for five additional luxury brands including Tory Burch and Calvin Klein.

Veteran model Tami Williams, who began her career at 15 with Alexander Wang, booked three significant shows: Sergio Hudson’s 10th anniversary celebration, Cucculelli Shaheen, and Jamaican designer Rachel Scotta’s Diotima presentation. For Scotta’s ‘Femme Cheval’ collection inspired by Cuban artist Wifredo Lam, Williams shared the runway with Depass as Looks 8 and 12.

Male model Romaine Dixon represented SAINT at Cult Gaia’s ‘Shirzan — The Gathering’ show under creative director Jasmine Larian Hekmat, appearing as Look 43 immediately preceding Depass’s Look 44 in the brand’s 55-look collection.

Peters described the achievement as ‘a banner season’ for what he termed ‘the SAINT model army,’ referencing over 60 runway events and presentations throughout the weeklong fashion extravaganza. He particularly highlighted Depass’s ‘spectacularly fantastic season’ and Campbell’s successful follow-up to her previous NYFW debut.