分类： entertainment

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The international dancehall scene has been set ablaze with the Valentine’s Day release of “Sunday,” a sizzling new collaborative single from global superstar Popcaan and rising dancehall artist Moyann. Produced by Anju Blaxx, the track made its debut on Popcaan’s official Vevo channel, immediately capturing audience attention and climbing music charts.

The single achieved a significant milestone by securing the number one position on the iTunes Reggae Singles Chart, generating substantial buzz among music critics regarding its potential for mainstream crossover success. Both artists have embarked on an extensive promotional campaign for the track while maintaining their busy schedules of local and international performances.

Moyann, who operates from Montego Bay, has been strategically expanding her artistic brand through recent tours with prominent artists like Massicka. Her career momentum continues to build following the successful release of her recent EP, with reports indicating another new music project already in development. The artist has established an impressive collaborative history, having previously worked with dancehall heavyweights including Shenseea, Teejay, Tommylee Sparta, Malie Donn, and Chronic Law.

Beyond her collaborative work, Moyann has developed a distinctive solo catalog featuring notable tracks such as “A Nuh My Style,” “Net Flixxx N Chill,” “Meech Out,” and “Fren Dem Good.” The newly released “Sunday” is now available across all major digital music platforms, where it continues to dominate the reggae charts following its Valentine’s Day premiere.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Behind dancehall’s vibrant soundscape stands YowLevite, a producer whose modest personality contrasts sharply with his monumental contributions to the genre. The University of the West Indies graduate, born Keron Young, has quietly assembled an impressive portfolio featuring collaborations with both Jamaican icons and international superstars.

Despite having worked with legendary artists including Vybz Kartel, Spice, Popcaan, Dexta Daps, Beenie Man, and Busta Rhymes, along with emerging talents like Teejay, Chronic Law, Jada Kingdom, and American rapper Lola Brooke, YowLevite has maintained a characteristically low profile. Now, the accomplished music creator believes the time has come to step forward and receive recognition for his substantial body of work.

“I’ve always prioritized letting my work speak for itself because I’m focused on building a legacy that will endure beyond my lifetime,” YowLevite revealed. “When people discover the artists I’ve collaborated with, they’re often astonished. The respect that follows comes from genuine accomplishment rather than manufactured hype.”

The producer made a courageous leap from corporate executive stability to pursue his musical passion, a decision he considers undoubtedly worthwhile. “The journey has presented challenges but proved immensely rewarding,” YowLevite reflected. “Music has granted me opportunities to travel internationally, connect with diverse cultures, forge meaningful relationships, and experience tremendous personal and professional growth.”

YowLevite’s distinguished catalog places him among dancehall’s most accomplished producers, though he emphasizes that his focus remains on musical excellence rather than self-promotion. His journey exemplifies how artistic dedication and professional craftsmanship can build a lasting legacy in the competitive music industry.

As rocksteady music approaches its landmark 60th anniversary in 2026, the Jamaica Observer has embarked on an ambitious project to honor the genre’s most influential figures. While often overshadowed by ska and reggae in mainstream recognition, rocksteady remains arguably the most cherished Jamaican musical form among enthusiasts.

A special editorial team comprising contract writers Howard Campbell and Claude Mills, with expert consultation from renowned broadcaster and rocksteady authority Michael Barnett, has meticulously compiled a definitive ranking of the 60 Greatest Rocksteady Personalities. The selection criteria prioritized artistic impact and historical significance to the genre’s development.

The publication has begun revealing its curated list in segments, starting with positions 45 through 31 presented in non-sequential order. This unveiling will culminate with a separate Top 20 Most Influential People in Rocksteady compilation.

Among the initial honorees is Merritone (ranked 45), both a legendary sound system operated by the Blake brothers and a record label established by the Khouri family. Merritone produced Hopeton Lewis’s ‘Take It Easy,’ widely considered the inaugural rocksteady recording. The Jamaicans (44) earned recognition for their Festival Song Contest victory with ‘Ba Ba Boom’ in 1967, while session guitarist Eric Frater (43), known as ‘Rickenbacker,’ contributed his distinctive style to timeless tracks by The Heptones and The Abyssinians.

Vocalist Eric ‘Monty’ Morris (42), though primarily celebrated for ska achievements, successfully transitioned to rocksteady with hits like ‘Say What You’re Saying.’ The Ethiopians (41) gained prominence with their socially conscious 1968 anthem ‘Everything Crash,’ which captured Jamaica’s industrial unrest. Crooner Dobby Dobson (40) touched hearts with his signature ‘Loving Pauper,’ a poignant narrative of romantic perseverance despite poverty.

The list further acknowledges The Sensations (39), an underappreciated harmony collective that launched several solo careers, and Australian audio engineer Graeme Goodall (38), whose technical expertise shaped recordings for numerous producers before he established successful UK-based labels. Texas-born Johnny Nash (37) receives recognition for bridging international audiences with rocksteady-influenced pop through hits like ‘Hold Me Tight’ and his interpretations of Bob Marley compositions.

Trumpeter Bobby Ellis (36), an Alpha Boys School alumnus, is honored for his extensive session work and arrangements, particularly on Burning Spear’s seminal ‘Marcus Garvey’ album. The Tartans (35) are celebrated for their harmonious recordings including ‘Dance All Night,’ with member Cedric Myton later achieving legendary status with The Congos. Pianist Leslie Butler (34) is recognized for his ragtime-inflected contributions to Hopeton Lewis’s recordings, while vocalist Delano Stewart (33) is noted for his work both with The Gaylads and as a solo artist.

Keyboardist Gladstone Anderson (32), who played on the foundational ‘Take It Easy,’ receives acknowledgment for his extensive session work across numerous classics. The list concludes with The Uniques (31), the influential group fronted by the legendary Slim Smith, whose members collectively made significant contributions to Jamaican music as performers and producers.

The entertainment industry mourns the loss of acclaimed actor Eric Dane, who passed away at age 53 after a valiant struggle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The tragic news was confirmed through an official family statement obtained by People magazine, revealing his passing occurred Thursday afternoon.

Dane, celebrated for his compelling portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan in the long-running medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ demonstrated remarkable fortitude throughout his health challenges. His family emphasized that his final moments were spent enveloped by cherished companions, his steadfast wife Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia, whom they described as ‘the center of his world.’

The actor had publicly disclosed his ALS diagnosis the previous year, bringing awareness to this devastating neurodegenerative condition. ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, progressively destroys motor neurons, leading to severe muscle deterioration, paralysis, and ultimately proving fatal as it impedes basic physiological functions.

Beyond his iconic television role, Dane’s filmography showcased remarkable versatility across genres. His notable credits include the gritty HBO series ‘Euphoria,’ musical extravaganza ‘Burlesque,’ romantic ensemble ‘Valentine’s Day,’ family favorite ‘Marley & Me,’ and action drama ‘The Last Ship.’ Each performance contributed to his respected standing in Hollywood, demonstrating range from intense drama to lighthearted comedy.

Dane leaves behind an enduring legacy both on-screen and through his courageous health advocacy. His family’s statement highlighted the profound depth of his character beyond acting, noting his unwavering dedication to family and his graceful confrontation of adversity. The entertainment community remembers him as both a talented performer and an inspiration in facing life’s most difficult challenges with dignity and strength.

Internationally acclaimed dancehall artist Popcaan has been formally inducted into traditional Ghanaian leadership, receiving the prestigious title of “Nana Okofo Akro Kese” during a ceremonial event in the West African nation. The honor, which translates to “great/mighty warrior chief,” was bestowed upon the Jamaican performer during his recent visit to Ghana.

The musician documented the significant occasion through social media, sharing photographs and video footage from the installation ceremony with his global fanbase. His Instagram post carried the caption: “Nana is Grateful!!! Love and respect to my people. Together we push #KESE,” indicating his appreciation for the cultural recognition.

This visit represents the latest chapter in Popcaan’s ongoing engagement with Ghana, which began in earnest during the country’s 2019 “Year of the Return” initiative. That landmark program invited members of the African diaspora to reconnect with their ancestral heritage. During that emotionally charged 2019 journey, the artist paid solemn respects at Cape Coast Castle—a historic site intimately connected to the transatlantic slave trade—where he laid a commemorative wreath honoring enslaved ancestors transported to Jamaica and other destinations.

The chieftaincy title coincides with the artist’s recent musical developments, including the 2025 release of his fifth studio album Nothing Without God. This 14-track project explores themes of faith, perseverance, and spiritual development, completed shortly before Hurricane Melissa affected western Jamaica.

Jamaican music legend Johnny Clarke, whose dynamic uptempo style propelled him to reggae stardom in the 1970s, will be honored with the inaugural Bunny Lee Lifetime Achievement Award during Reggae Weekend festivities from February 20-22. The celebration, organized by the family of legendary producer Bunny Lee, recognizes Clarke’s monumental contributions to the genre during his prolific collaboration with Lee five decades ago.

The award ceremony will take place on February 20 at the Bunny Lee Museum in Duhaney Park, St. Andrew, marking a poignant tribute to the producer who passed away in October 2020 at age 79. Bunny Lee Jr. emphasized the significance of honoring Clarke as the first recipient, noting that the singer was instrumental in shaping the distinctive sound that made his father famous.

‘Johnny Clarke stood among the premier artists who collaborated with Bunny Lee to elevate reggae into a dominant global force,’ stated Lee Jr. ‘Their 1970s partnership yielded timeless Jamaican classics including None Shall Escape The Judgement and Rock With Me Baby, which garnered widespread acclaim both domestically and internationally.’

Clarke’s remarkable journey saw him transition from working at Grace, Kennedy Ltd. in 1974 to reggae superstardom following his breakthrough hit None Shall Escape The Judgement—a track originally performed by Earl Sixteen. The unassuming artist, who was also Lee’s brother-in-law, further solidified his legacy with influential tracks like Move Outa Babylon and African Roots under Lee’s Striker label.

The award presentation launches three days of musical celebrations across Kingston. The weekend includes Saturday’s relaunch of Augustus Pablo’s historic Rockers International record store on Orange Street, an event at Randy’s Museum in downtown Kingston, and Sunday’s Legacy Sunday featuring Kingston Rhythm at Waterfront, a dance event at Victoria Pier, and Closing Dub at the Dub Club.

The Bunny Lee Museum, which opened one year ago in the producer’s former recording studio, houses an extensive collection of memorabilia including Lee’s flamboyant stage outfits, murals of iconic producers Clement Dodd, Prince Buster and Duke Reid, and instruments used by the pioneering musicians who developed the distinctive Greenwich Farm sound.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s political leadership and music royalty gathered today to honor the life and legacy of Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore, the visionary co-founder of pioneering reggae band Third World, in a solemn state-attended funeral service. The ceremony, currently underway, brings together the nation’s most influential figures from both government and entertainment spheres in a powerful demonstration of cross-sector respect for the late musician.

Among the distinguished attendees are dancehall superstar Sean Paul, Culture Minister Olivia Grange, Finance Minister Fayval Williams, Opposition Leader Mark Golding, and Grammy-winning artists Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley and Maxi Priest. This convergence of political and cultural leadership underscores Coore’s monumental status as one of Jamaica’s most revered musical architects.

The music world was stunned on January 18 when news broke of the iconic guitarist’s sudden passing, triggering an outpouring of tributes from government officials and entertainment professionals alike. Coore’s musical journey began with Inner Circle before he embarked on his revolutionary path by establishing Third World with keyboardist Ibo Cooper.

Third World’s groundbreaking artistry transformed the global music landscape through their innovative fusion of reggae with soul, funk, pop, and rock elements. This distinctive sound catapulted Jamaican music to international prominence, with timeless hits including ‘Now That We’ve Found Love,’ ’96 Degrees in the Shade,’ and ‘Try Jah Love’ securing their position as one of Jamaica’s most enduring and successful musical exports.

Celebrated for his exceptional instrumental mastery, compositional genius, and profound musical intellect, Coore received Jamaica’s Order of Distinction in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the nation’s cultural and creative heritage. He is survived by his wife Lisa, children Shiah, Kanna, Stephen, and Ashley, grandchildren, extended family, bandmates, colleagues, and a global community of devoted admirers.

LONDON, United Kingdom – London Fashion Week commenced on Thursday under extraordinary circumstances as King Charles III made an unexpected appearance just hours following the dramatic arrest of his brother, Prince Andrew. The monarch’s surprise visit to British-Nigerian designer Tolu Coker’s showcase provided a striking counterpoint to the day’s sensational headlines regarding Andrew’s detainment on allegations of misconduct in public office related to his associations with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Despite a shouted question about his brother from the crowd, which the king appeared not to acknowledge, Charles maintained his composure while engaging with fashion industry leaders. Seated prominently in the front row between British Fashion Council CEO Laura Weir and renowned designer Stella McCartney, the monarch presented an image of normalcy amidst the unfolding royal scandal. Dressed impeccably in a tailored grey suit, Charles later presented McCartney with a ceremonial scarf after touring various designer exhibitions.

The event highlighted London’s enduring role as an incubator for emerging talent, exemplified by designers like 27-year-old Joshua Ewusie of the brand ‘E.W.Usie.’ The Ghanaian-British creator, who received support through the King’s Foundation after graduating from Central Saint Martins, represents the next generation of fashion innovators nurtured within London’s creative ecosystem.

Coker’s presentation featured sophisticated unisex designs inspired by diverse identities, emphasizing craftsmanship and sustainability—themes strongly supported by the royal visitor. Organizers noted the king’s presence significantly reinforced ‘British fashion’s place on the world stage.’

Concurrent with the royal visit, the fashion community paid tribute to Paul Costelloe, the Irish-American designer who had been a fixture at London Fashion Week since its 1984 inception before passing away in November at age 80. His legacy continues under the creative direction of his son William.

While London has ceded some ground to Paris and Milan in recent years, it maintains its distinctive position as a breeding ground for innovation through initiatives like the British Fashion Council’s NewGen program. This season’s schedule features returning established names including Harris Reed and Richard Quinn, with Burberry set to conclude the event on Monday evening. Several labels favored by Princess Catherine, including Emilia Wickstead, Edeline Lee and Erdem, will further contribute to the week’s royal connections.

Notably absent is Jonathan Anderson, the Northern Irish designer whose JW Anderson shows had become highlights of recent seasons, as he focuses on his responsibilities as creative director at Dior.

FLORIDA, United States — Emerging Jamaican artist Brownskin Rae is carving her distinctive niche in the music industry while honoring the profound artistic legacy left by her late father, Cornel Marshall—a pioneering drummer of the legendary reggae ensemble Third World. In recent exclusive revelations, the singer-songwriter detailed how her father’s mentorship continues to shape her artistic journey despite his passing.

Rachel Marshall, professionally known as Brownskin Rae, attributes her professional discipline and performance ethos to invaluable lessons imparted by her father. ‘His fundamental teachings emphasized the necessity of formalizing all agreements in writing and mastering rhythmic precision,’ she recalled. Marshall exposed her to diverse musical influences, from multi-instrumental versatility to crowd engagement techniques during live performances. Though not an instrumentalist herself, Brownskin Rae channels this inspiration into songwriting and dynamic stage presence.

Growing up within the music ecosystem provided unique professional advantages. ‘I gained firsthand exposure to various artists, instrumentalists, and vocalists,’ she explained. Observing her father’s band setups—from equipment configuration to the intangible camaraderie among musicians—offered an immersive education in music production dynamics.

Cornel Marshall’s illustrious career included tenures with seminal groups Tomorrow’s Children and Zap Pow, alongside his foundational role in Third World’s formation in 1973. His later involvement with the Twelve Tribes of Israel band further solidified his reggae legacy.

Now residing in Florida, Brownskin Rae balances multiple professions as a certified real estate broker and technical programs manager while advancing her music career. Her latest single ‘Take Over,’ released January 2nd, emerges from contextual creativity amid disaster. ‘After experiencing a devastating hurricane, I sought to counter collective depression through romantic storytelling—a musical distraction from surrounding madness,’ she revealed of the track’s inspiration.

The St. Andrew’s High School for Girls alumna emphasizes authenticity and lyrical craftsmanship as her primary artistic contributions. ‘My penmanship and genuine content define my musical identity,’ she asserted, signaling a conscious evolution beyond her inherited musical heritage while respecting its foundational influence.