分类： entertainment

Three decades after his groundbreaking Grammy victory, reggae icon Shaggy revisits the creative journey behind his seminal album ‘Boombastic’ in a candid retrospective. The artist secured the Best Reggae Album honor at the 1996 Grammy Awards, cementing a career-defining year that saw him dominate international charts with multiple cross-Atlantic hits.

The album’s revolutionary sound—featuring chart-toppers like the title track ‘Boombastic,’ ‘In the Summertime’ featuring Rayvon, and ‘Why You Treat Me So Bad’—defied contemporary dancehall conventions. In an exclusive interview with the Jamaica Observer, Shaggy revealed the creative fearlessness that propelled the project: “This was risky because the wave at that time in dancehall sounded nothing like what I was making. I liked the sound and knew the song was special.”

Despite facing formidable competition from reggae legends including Burning Spear’s ‘Rasta Business’ and Ziggy Marley’s ‘Free Like We Want 2 B,’ Shaggy’s commercial momentum proved undeniable. The album achieved remarkable global penetration, peaking at #34 on Billboard 200, #37 in the UK, and attaining platinum certification in the US with gold status in four additional countries.

The artist offered surprising perspective on the award’s practical impact: “It was just another accolade added to the brand. I didn’t think it really moved the needle financially nor opened any particular doors.” Rather than career transformation, Shaggy cherishes the creative spirit that defined that era: “Everything about creating music in those times was inspired by fun; it didn’t feel like work.”

As the music industry prepares for the 2026 Grammy ceremonies, the legacy of ‘Boombastic’ continues to resonate. This year’s Best Reggae Album nominees include Lila Ike, Vybz Kartel, and Jesse Royal, representing the latest generation of artists building upon the foundations Shaggy helped solidify.

Kirk Pickersgill, co-founder of Canadian fashion label Greta Constantine, recently returned from Milan where he supported longtime friends Dean and Dan Caten of luxury brand Dsquared2. This reunion highlighted a remarkable 43-year friendship that began during Pickersgill’s 15-year residency in Milan, where he initially worked in the PR and styling department of the renowned fashion house.

Despite current excitement surrounding his label’s 20th anniversary, Pickersgill revealed to Style Observer that fashion wasn’t his original ambition. “My dream was initially to become a cobbler!” he confessed. “I’ve always been fascinated by structure—the composition of heels, soles, and handmade craftsmanship. High school offered little creative outlet, though I wasn’t academically struggling.”

His career trajectory changed dramatically during his final year at North Albion Collegiate Institute when he discovered home economics and sewing classes. This led to a cooperative learning program at fashion house Comrags, where he secured full-time employment after his internship and spent five years refining his design skills.

In 2006, Pickersgill and business partner Stephen Wong launched Greta Constantine, returning to Canada the following year. The timing proved perfect, as Holt Renfrew—Canada’s premier luxury retailer—purchased their entire collection. The brand’s breakthrough came when Harrods’ iconic UK department store also picked up the line, thanks to the support of Camilla al-Fayed (daughter of Harrods owner Mohammed al-Fayed) and personal shopper Raymond Ponce.

The designers found their winning formula combining confidence-boosting bright colors with sculptural ruffles. As documented in The Kit’s 2023 feature, they quickly dressed gala attendees, actors, and wedding parties while staging runway shows in Toronto and New York. Their collections gained international traction across North America and the Middle East, achieving the rare distinction of building a Canadian fashion brand with enduring appeal.

Greta Constantine’s celebrity clientele includes remarkable achievements: Amanda Gorman wore the Keele dress for TIME’s Black Renaissance cover (February 2021); EGOT winner Viola Davis appeared in the Yvresse dress for Ebony’s May 2022 cover; Emmy Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph selected Resort 2022 for the HCA TV Awards red carpet; Angela Bassett chose the label for the 2021 Emmys; Julia Roberts wore the brand to the Ticket To Paradise premiere (2022); and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, sported the ‘Kace’ midi skirt during her 2018 Belfast visit.

Jamaica inaugurates its annual Reggae Month celebrations on February 1st, coinciding with the birthday of the legendary Dennis Brown, born in 1957. Revered as the ‘Crown Prince of Reggae,’ Brown’s extraordinary musical legacy continues to influence generations despite his untimely passing at age 42 in July 1999.

Throughout his prolific 31-year career, Brown collaborated with Jamaica’s most iconic producers, creating an extensive catalog of hits that defined the evolution of reggae music. His journey began with Derrick Harriott in 1968, who recorded Brown’s first major hit ‘Lips of Wine’ and later the critically acclaimed album ‘Super Reggae & Soul Hits’ featuring innovative covers and original compositions.

Brown’s artistic development continued at Clement ‘Coxson’ Dodd’s famed Studio One, where he produced two landmark albums: ‘No Man is An Island’ and ‘If I Follow My Heart,’ both generating multiple hit singles. His work with Lloyd ‘Matador’ Daley yielded roots-reggae anthems like ‘Baby Don’t Do It’ and ‘Repatriation,’ while his partnership with Winston ‘Niney’ Holness—whom Brown considered his finest collaborator—produced powerful tracks including ‘Westbound Train’ and ‘So Long Rastafari.’

The most commercially successful chapter of Brown’s career emerged through his collaboration with Joe Gibbs, resulting in UK chart success with ‘Money in My Pocket’ (peaking at #14 in 1979) and classic albums like ‘Visions of Dennis Brown’ and ‘Words of Wisdom.’ Later partnerships with innovative duos Sly and Robbie produced dancehall-friendly hits such as ‘Have You Ever,’ while work with Willie Lindo yielded the critically acclaimed album ‘Inseparable.’

Brown’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish DEB Records in the late 1970s, producing both his own material and works by emerging artists like Junior Delgado and Dillinger. His enduring collaborations with producers Gussie Clarke further expanded his musical repertoire with tracks like ‘To The Foundation’ and crossover hits with Freddie McGregor and Gregory Isaacs.

The Portmore Town Centre witnessed a spectacular display of talent and charisma on Saturday evening as the Mr Manhunt Jamaica International competition crowned two distinct champions from a competitive field of six finalists. In a remarkable dual-title outcome, Omario Wright emerged victorious as the new Mr Manhunt Jamaica International titleholder, while Dario Lopez secured Jamaica’s representation at the prestigious 2026 Mr Friendship competition despite not placing in the top three.

Omario Wright, a multifaceted professional who has transitioned from track athletics to modeling, culinary arts, and personal training, claimed the evening’s top honor following months of intensive preparation. The newly crowned champion described his victory as “a very surreal experience” in post-event interviews, emphasizing how his dedicated efforts had ultimately yielded this extraordinary achievement.

Simultaneously, the selection committee identified Dario Lopez, a university-educated digital data and brand strategist, as Jamaica’s ideal ambassador for the 2026 Mr Friendship international platform. Lopez additionally received recognition as the Most Popular contestant on social media channels, demonstrating his significant digital influence and public appeal.

The competition’s hierarchy was completed by Daekwon Burnett as first runner-up and recipient of the Best Commercial Model award, with Kenroy Reid securing second runner-up position. The judging panel faced considerable challenges in evaluating the exceptional candidates, according to Wayne Bailey, national director for Mr Friendship Jamaica.

Bailey explained the selection criteria: “This competition demands a charismatic individual capable of cultural exchange and modeling proficiency. The exceptional caliber of contestants facilitated our decision to extend this international opportunity.”

Notably, Anthony Arroyo Rivera, Jamaica’s designated representative for the 2025 Mr Friendship International competition, achieved second runner-up status while also capturing the Voice of Friendship Award. The event further highlighted Jamaica’s growing influence in international modeling circuits, with last year’s titleholder Rhyeme Wright recently placing third in the Manhunt International Supermodel competition.

LOS ANGELES – Music’s elite converges on Los Angeles this Sunday for the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, where multiple artists stand poised to make recording history. Leading the nominations is Pulitzer-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar with nine nods for his critically acclaimed album “GNX,” positioning him as the night’s most recognized artist following his five-Grammy sweep last year.

The Album of the Year category features an exceptionally diverse lineup, with Latin megastar Bad Bunny challenging for the top honor with his introspective “Debi Tirar Mas Fotos” (I Should Have Taken More Photos). The Puerto Rican sensation, currently on a massively successful world tour, could become the first artist to win the category with a Spanish-language album after his previous nomination for “Un verano sin ti” in 2022.

Pop icon Lady Gaga makes a formidable return with seven nominations for her dark-edged album “Mayhem,” marking her dramatic comeback to the music scene. A victory would complete her trifecta of Grammy’s most prestigious awards after previously winning Record and Song of the Year for “Shallow” from “A Star Is Born.”

The competition extends beyond the three frontrunners, with pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter, R&B artist Leon Thomas, hip-hop duo Clipse (Pusha T and Malice), and Justin Bieber – making his first studio album appearance in four years – all contending for the evening’s top prize.

Performance highlights will include sets from Gaga, Bieber, Carpenter, and Bruno Mars, alongside legendary singer Lauryn Hill and a special tribute to rock icon Ozzy Osbourne featuring Post Malone.

The Best New Artist category showcases TikTok phenomenon Addison Rae’s transition from dancer to singer, competing against British soul singer Olivia Dean, girl group Katseye, and several other emerging talents.

Musicologists note the Grammys’ evolving landscape, with the Recording Academy’s voting body expanding significantly to include over 3,800 new members – half under age 39 and 58% representing people of color. This demographic shift explains the increased recognition of rap, reggaeton, and K-pop in major categories, reflecting current musical trends rather than attempting to shape them, according to music expert Lauron Kehrer.

The ceremony, hosted for the fourth consecutive year by comedian Trevor Noah, begins with a pre-gala awarding most of the 95 categories, followed by the main broadcast at 5:00 PM PST (0100 GMT Monday).

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The University of Technology (UTech) has bestowed gospel music luminary Dr. Carlene Davis-Cowan with an Honorary Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) degree during its rescheduled graduation ceremony for the Class of 2025 this Sunday. The event, originally planned for November, was deferred due to Hurricane Melissa’s impact on the region.

UTech’s highest honor recognizes Davis-Cowan’s extraordinary legacy across multiple domains: her transformative musical career, dedicated ministerial service, and profound humanitarian contributions. The award adds another doctoral distinction to her credentials, as she already holds a PhD in pastoral counseling.

With a career spanning decades, Davis-Cowan has crafted an extensive discography that has fundamentally shaped Jamaica’s gospel music landscape. Her seminal works include the critically acclaimed albums ‘Paradise’ (produced by Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange), ‘Yesterday Today Forever,’ ‘Taking Control,’ the self-titled ‘Carlene Davis (Dial My Number),’ ‘No Bias,’ ‘Songs of Freedom,’ and ‘Echoes of Love.’

Her musical repertoire features numerous chart-dominating singles that have become cultural touchstones, including the anthemic ‘Going Down to Paradise,’ the heartfelt ‘It Must Be Love,’ the nostalgic ‘Like Old Friends Do,’ and her tribute works ‘Winnie Mandela’ and ‘Welcome Home Mr Mandela’ that captured significant historical moments.

The conferral ceremony was presided over by UTech Chancellor Ambassador Lloyd Carney and University President Dr. Kevin Brown, who jointly celebrated Davis-Cowan as both an artistic pioneer and a national treasure whose work transcends musical boundaries to inspire social change and spiritual reflection.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican dancehall community is mourning with artists Kiprich and Kizzy Don following the tragic loss of their newborn daughter, Miracle, who passed away last week after being born prematurely during the couple’s work engagement in Colombia.

The grieving parents shared an emotional video tribute on their YouTube channel during Miracle’s funeral services, offering a raw glimpse into their profound sorrow and unwavering faith. Kiprich delivered a heartfelt eulogy that resonated with both pain and spiritual resilience, stating: “You will forever be in our hearts. The Lord knows best…and him don’t give man more than him can bear. We tried everything in our power, reaching the lowest points imaginable. We set aside status and everything else, doing our utmost, but the Lord always has a superior plan.”

The infant remained hospitalized in intensive care at a Colombian medical facility as her parents urgently worked to secure funding for emergency medical airlift services to transfer her to the United States for specialized treatment. Despite their efforts, Miracle succumbed to her health challenges.

Kizzy Don contributed her own moving tribute, reflecting on the profound impact of her brief time with her daughter and how those precious moments created an everlasting imprint on her life. The couple’s public sharing of their grief has sparked an outpouring of support from fans and fellow artists across the music industry, highlighting the often unspoken pain of infant loss and the strength found in community support during unimaginable tragedy.

Jamaican social media personality Kerry Ann “Chiney K” Collins captivated her devoted followers during an exclusive trailer screening event at Tracks and Records this Sunday. The eagerly anticipated preview offered the first public glimpse of ‘Stew Peas,’ a psychological thriller featuring Collins in the lead role of Detective Tessa.

The nearly two-minute trailer unveiled a narrative rich with dramatic tension and suspenseful sequences, showcasing production values that attendees compared to Hollywood standards. Following an enthusiastic reception from the audience, Collins expressed profound gratitude to her supporters and production team.

“This project represents months of dedicated effort and collaboration,” Collins announced to the gathered crowd. “Our incredible cast, including my co-star who portrays my closest confidante, has made this journey exceptionally rewarding. The commitment from every individual involved in this production is evident in every frame you witnessed today.”

Collins confidently predicted strong audience turnout when the film releases commercially in late June, acknowledging the unwavering support from her fanbase. Attendees echoed her enthusiasm, particularly praising the film’s visual quality and cinematic professionalism.

Insurance professional Chantal Pinnock-Crawford remarked: “The production exhibits a polished, blockbuster aesthetic that generates genuine anticipation. While I have theories about the plot direction, I’m eagerly awaiting the complete cinematic experience.”

Businessman James Nation emphasized the project’s national significance: “This high-caliber production reflects positively on both the creative team and Jamaica’s growing film industry. We’re witnessing excellence born from local talent.”

Fans expressed particular excitement about seeing their favorite influencer transition to the big screen. Kimone Buckeridge noted: “Witnessing Chiney K’s performance evoked continuous smiles—she serves as an inspiration, and her on-screen presence amplifies that admiration.”

Another supporter highlighted the importance of supporting local productions: “As a dedicated Chiney K follower, seeing her excel in a quality Jamaican film represents a special moment for our creative community that deserves more recognition.”

Produced through a collaboration between iKon Media & Films and Fareye Films, ‘Stew Peas’ is scheduled for theatrical release in June 2026, marking a significant milestone in Jamaica’s evolving entertainment landscape.

In a stunning triumph at the 2024 Grammy Awards, emerging recording artist Keznamdi captured the prestigious Best Reggae Album award for his profoundly impactful work “Blxxd and Fyah.” The victory marked a significant milestone in the artist’s career, representing both his first nomination and first Grammy win.

The thirteen-track album, independently released through Keznamdi Music Group in August 2023, prevailed against formidable competition from established reggae talents. The distinguished nominees included Lila Ike’s “Treasure Self Love,” Vybz Kartel’s “Heart and Soul,” Mortimer’s “From Within,” and Jesse Royal’s “No Place Like Home.” This year’s nomination round notably featured two previous contenders – Vybz Kartel and Jesse Royal, both receiving their second nominations – alongside first-time nominees Lila Ike and Mortimer.

“Blxxd and Fyah” distinguishes itself through its powerful thematic foundation, exploring concepts of struggle, resilience, and personal transformation. The album masterfully merges traditional roots reggae elements with contemporary musical influences, creating a sound that resonates with both classic reggae enthusiasts and modern listeners. Keznamdi’s artistic vision presents a cohesive narrative journey that addresses societal challenges while offering messages of hope and empowerment.

The Grammy recognition represents a significant breakthrough for independent artists within the reggae genre, demonstrating how artist-owned productions can compete with major label releases. Keznamdi’s victory continues the tradition of celebrating reggae music that maintains cultural authenticity while pushing creative boundaries, ensuring the genre’s continued evolution and global relevance.