分类： entertainment

KINGSTON, Jamaica—The University of the West Indies will host an exceptional educational opportunity for aspiring music professionals on Wednesday, March 12, featuring two-time Grammy-nominated reggae phenomenon Jesse Royal as keynote panelist. The complimentary seminar, titled Essential Notes–The Seminar, will convene at 6:00 pm in Lecture Theatre N1, offering unprecedented access to industry expertise.

Royal will be joined by an elite assembly of music industry pioneers including Gary Burke, prominent European music executive; Natalie Prosper, Grammy and Oscar Award-winning music executive; and A.S. Morris, professionally recognized as Notnice, a Grammy-winning producer. This distinguished panel represents decades of collective experience across international music markets.

The initiative is the brainchild of Demonie Wilson, known professionally as Squidell, an accomplished artist manager, A&R representative, and published author. Wilson has designed the program to bridge critical knowledge gaps within Jamaica’s vibrant creative ecosystem.

Essential Notes represents a strategic investment in cultural infrastructure, focusing on the intersection of artistic expression and commercial sustainability. The program aims to empower students and emerging creatives with practical frameworks for navigating the complex dynamics of the global music industry while preserving cultural authenticity.

Jesse Royal, celebrated for his socially conscious lyricism and philanthropic initiatives, emphasized the seminar’s vital role in nurturing Jamaica’s abundant talent pool. “Initiatives that actively stimulate the business dimension of our creative sector deserve wholehearted embrace,” Royal stated. “While Jamaica overflowswith raw talent, we must concurrently develop structures that cultivate emerging artists and generate new opportunities within this fertile creative landscape.”

Wilson highlighted the fundamental principle of accessibility governing the initiative: “At its core, Essential Notes is about democratizing access—access to expertise, lived experience, and transparent dialogue about industry realities. By maintaining free admission and featuring influential voices like Jesse Royal, we ensure that knowledge transfer occurs directly between established industry architects and the next generation of cultural innovators.”

The seminar will incorporate interactive discussions, reflective exercises, and actionable guidance for artists and music professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of both the artistic and commercial dimensions of the music industry.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—A groundbreaking national initiative is poised to transform Jamaica’s cultural landscape with the establishment of the Phoenix Awards. This first-of-its-kind ceremony, scheduled for March 30 at the Phillip Sherlock Creative Arts Centre, will honor professionals across the entire spectrum of creative industries through an unprecedented 48 award categories.

Conceived by playwright David Tulloch, the awards represent a comprehensive celebration of Jamaica’s artistic community, recognizing not only performers but the complete ecosystem behind cultural productions. The extensive categories span traditional disciplines like acting, poetry, dance, and music while also acknowledging often-overlooked contributors including writers, producers, production teams, and even concessionaires who enhance the audience experience.

Tulloch emphasized the organic evolution of what began as a local project into a national movement. ‘The transition to a national platform emerged through extensive dialogue with industry colleagues who expressed a powerful desire for unity within our cultural community,’ Tulloch explained. ‘I consistently heard professionals calling for an inclusive event that would properly recognize the full breadth and depth of our creative sector.’

The development process became a collaborative effort, with Tulloch bringing diverse stakeholders together to create a platform that balances comprehensive representation with public re-engagement in cultural activities. This community-driven approach distinguishes the Phoenix Awards from traditional recognition programs by breaking down silos between artistic disciplines and emphasizing their interconnected roles in storytelling and cultural preservation.

The addition of unconventional categories—such as best concessionaires—reflects the awards’ innovative philosophy that cultural experiences extend beyond the stage or screen to encompass all elements that contribute to audience enjoyment and participation.

The National Chorale of Jamaica (NCOJ) inaugurated its 2026 concert season before a capacity audience at the University of the West Indies Chapel on February 8th, delivering an evening of classical masterpieces and romantic favorites that showcased exceptional vocal artistry.

The performance reached an early crescendo with an excerpt from Mozart’s iconic opera Don Giovanni, featuring contralto Christine MacDonald and bass Michael Sutherland in the celebrated duet Là ci darem la mano. Their dramatic interpretation, characterized by playful interaction and profound vocal synergy, earned sustained applause from the captivated audience.

MacDonald further demonstrated her vocal prowess through solo performances including Benjamin Britten’s Festival Te Deum and Brahms’ profoundly moving Alto Rhapsody, based on text from Goethe’s Harzreise im Winter. The evening’s centerpiece emerged with Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s dramatic cantata Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast, adapted from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s epic poem.

Lyric tenor Brenton McLean delivered a particularly memorable interpretation of Chibiabos through the beloved aria Onaway! Awake, beloved!, expressing themes of love and longing with remarkable emotional depth. The full 30-member chorale provided powerful accompaniment alongside pianist Stephen Shaw-Naar, senior lecturer at Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, who later showcased his technical mastery through a dazzling solo performance of Chopin’s Étude in E major, Op. 10 No. 2.

The program additionally featured romantic classics including Twilight Time (popularized by The Platters), Tony De Vita’s Softly, and Leonard Bernstein’s timeless Somewhere from West Side Story. Bass Edmund Carter contributed a passionate rendition of Cuando Caliente el Sol, accompanied by choir member Racquel McLean.

The event, conducted jointly by Sutherland and Winston Ewart, was held under the patronage of former Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall and Lady Hall. Distinguished attendees included diplomatic corps representatives, corporate leaders, and students from selected educational institutions.

Jamaican artist Alfa Wraif is embarking on a mission to establish ‘Island Romance’ as a globally recognized musical genre, with plans to release a dedicated album in 2026. The Westmoreland-born musician conceptualized this new, sensuous sound in response to the declining prominence of dancehall music in key international markets.

The groundwork for this ambitious project has already been laid with the successful release of two seminal singles in 2025. ‘Twilight’ and the collaborative track ‘A Night in Paradise’, created with deejay Gaza Indu, have served as introductory pieces to the emerging genre. These releases have generated significant momentum on international digital platforms and curated playlists, creating a foundation of anticipation for the full album.

In an exclusive statement to Observer Online, Wraif revealed his strategic approach: “We’ve already released key singles that have set the tone for what’s to come. These tracks have gained momentum on international platforms and playlists, and we’re building that energy into the album release in the coming months.”

The artist’s confidence is bolstered by measurable success; ‘Twilight’ secured a position on the iTunes Reggae Daily Charts, while ‘A Night in Paradise’ has been trending on prominent platforms like Audiomack, sparking genuine discourse among music enthusiasts. This organic reception indicates a growing connection between global listeners and Wraif’s innovative sound.

Adding to the pre-album excitement, Wraif disclosed that another collaborative single with Gaza Indu is currently in production and expected to release within weeks, further expanding the Island Romance repertoire before the album’s full unveiling.

In a remarkable testament to enduring musical legacy, Bob Marley and the Wailers’ classic track ‘Stir It Up’ has received double platinum certification in New Zealand for surpassing 60,000 equivalent sales and streaming units. The Recording Industry Association of New Zealand formally granted this recognition on February 12th, highlighting the song’s lasting appeal despite its unconventional chart history in the country.

Surprisingly, while Bob Marley enjoyed significant popularity in New Zealand during his lifetime—including a memorable 1979 performance—the original ‘Stir It Up’ never appeared on the nation’s official music charts. Instead, the song found commercial success through cover versions by other artists. Australian band The Black Sorrows reached #20 with their interpretation in 1993, while Diana King’s rendition, featured on the ‘Cool Runnings’ soundtrack, climbed to #24 in 1994.

The song’s journey began when Marley first recorded ‘Stir It Up’ in 1967 under the Trojan label. American singer Johnny Nash later popularized the track with his 1972 cover, which achieved substantial international success, reaching #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and charting impressively in Canada (#7), Ireland (#13), and the UK (#13).

Marley and the Wailers re-recorded the song for their groundbreaking 1973 album ‘Catch a Fire,’ cementing its status as a reggae anthem. Additional notable covers include Trinidadian-German Eurodance artist Haddaway’s 1993 version, which reached #7 on Canada’s Urban Dance chart, and The Black Sorrows’ interpretation that also charted in Australia (#58), Germany (#53), and Iceland (#9).

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Fernando Edwards, the Jamaican-born creative force behind clothing label Jamroc Dept, has unveiled a culturally significant fashion collection titled “Roots. Rhythm. Legacy.” to coincide with Reggae Month celebrations. The launch strategically coincided with both the commencement of Reggae Month on February 1st and the global recognition of Jamaican culture during the Grammy Awards ceremony.

Edwards, who now operates from Los Angeles, revealed that the timing was deliberately chosen to capitalize on the international spotlight. “Witnessing Jamaican culture celebrated on such a prestigious platform as the Grammys created the perfect backdrop for launching a collection deeply rooted in heritage and purpose,” Edwards explained in an interview.

The collection represents a sophisticated fusion of cultural storytelling and contemporary streetwear. Available exclusively through Jamroc Dept’s digital storefront, the lineup features premium oversized t-shirts, bold graphic statement shirts, and a signature Reggae Month Legacy Urban Hoodie. Each garment is meticulously designed to bridge the gap between traditional Jamaican aesthetics and modern fashion sensibilities.

Early consumer response has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the collection’s authentic narrative elements. Edwards emphasized the intentionality behind each design: “This isn’t merely apparel; it’s wearable history. Every piece consciously communicates the rich essence and profound legacy of reggae music.”

The creative inspiration draws directly from reggae’s Jamaican origins and its subsequent global impact. “Reggae embodies universal values of unity, resilience, and truth-telling,” Edwards elaborated. “Our designs pay homage to this incredible legacy while remaining culturally relevant to contemporary audiences.”

Before establishing his fashion enterprise, Edwards cultivated a diverse career spanning culinary arts and filmmaking. The Clarendon native attended Edwin Allen High School before relocating to Portmore and eventually settling in Los Angeles. There, he operated a catering business before transitioning into film, with credits including the 2020 feature “She Ball” and the 2023 crime thriller “Rooted Betrayal.”

Edwards’ ultimate vision for Jamroc Dept transcends commercial success. “My objective is to foster global appreciation for Jamaican culture while empowering individuals to wear their heritage with pride. This collection represents legacy, not transient trends. I aspire for Jamroc Dept to symbolize unity, purpose, and cultural elevation through fashion,” he concluded.