分类： entertainment

KINGSTON, Jamaica—Mark Steele, the Jamaican-born reggae artist known professionally as Steele, has been crowned Male Vocalist of the Year at the 2nd annual Reggae North Music Awards. The prestigious event, held at the Rose Theatre in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, was founded by fellow Jamaican artist and producer Tony Anthony. Steele, who hails from Lucea in Hanover, migrated to Canada over two decades ago and has since carved out a significant presence in the reggae music industry. His hit single, ‘Pick Up the Pieces,’ which addresses relationship challenges, made waves on the Rebel Vibez Top Ten Canadian Reggae chart last year. In an exclusive interview with Observer Online, Steele expressed his elation over the accolade, emphasizing the importance of consistency in maintaining relevance. ‘This achievement is a testament to the love and respect I’ve garnered from my fans and peers in the Canadian reggae scene and beyond,’ he remarked. Steele, who was also nominated for Reggae Single of the Year for ‘Pick Up the Pieces,’ has an impressive discography that includes six studio albums: ‘Uncorrupted,’ ‘The Love of Jah,’ ‘The Man,’ ‘The Music,’ ‘Reality,’ ‘Your Attention Please,’ and ‘Just Breathe,’ released four years ago. Additionally, he has been nominated three times for a JUNO Award in the Reggae Recording of the Year category.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—DF Entertainment Ltd is set to host a groundbreaking live music event titled ‘Jam Works’ on Monday night, marking its most ambitious production since its establishment in January. The event, scheduled for 7:00 pm at Lot 41 Mineral Heights, May Pen, Clarendon, is free to the public and promises to showcase the diverse services offered by the company.

ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica—The parish of St Elizabeth is rapidly becoming a focal point for entertainment and cultural events, showcasing its vibrant local culture and boosting the regional economy. Beyond the annual Calabash literary festival, the parish recently hosted the inaugural BLK Festival, headlined by dancehall artist Masicka. The upcoming Heroes holiday weekend will see the popular soca series, I Love Soca, make its debut in the area, alongside the renowned Sandz party series. Floyd Green, Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth South Western and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining, emphasized the parish’s rich entertainment culture and its potential to drive economic growth. In an interview with Observer Online during the launch of the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival, Green highlighted the historical and tourism assets of Black River, the parish capital, and their proximity to each other. He noted the ‘snowball effect’ of recent events, which are gaining momentum and attracting widespread attention. Green also pointed out the economic benefits of these events, which provide opportunities for various stakeholders, from event staff to local vendors. He expressed his vision for more family-oriented events, such as a Funfest, to further enhance the parish’s appeal. Venues like Independence Park and the beaches along Black River are being utilized to host these growing festivities, solidifying St Elizabeth’s reputation as a cultural and entertainment hub.

Johnoy ‘TV Boss’ Williams is basking in the spotlight for his standout performance in the official music video for Valiant and Shaneil Muir’s ‘Paradox Pt. 2.’ Released on September 12, the video has already amassed over 1.2 million streams on YouTube, showcasing its widespread appeal. In the narrative, TV Boss portrays Muir’s brother, who advises her to leave her partner (Valiant) after repeated letdowns. Reflecting on his role, TV Boss confidently stated, ‘My performance was 10 out of 10. I always give my best, which is why I keep getting opportunities.’ Born in Portland, Jamaica, and now based in the United States, TV Boss discovered his passion for acting during his time at Buff Bay High School. He honed his craft at the School of Drama at Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, setting the stage for a flourishing career. His portfolio includes notable projects like Sting and Shaggy’s ‘Til A Mawnin,’ Stephen Marley’s ‘Rock Stone,’ Busy Signal’s ‘Stay Suh,’ and Alkaline’s ‘Juggernaught.’ Additionally, he became a familiar face on Television Jamaica’s ‘The Ity and Fancy Cat Show’ and appeared in Nick Cannon’s ‘King of Dancehall.’ TV Boss attributes his success to his natural ability to embody characters, blending humor and wit to resonate with audiences. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, ‘I’ve grown a lot, transitioning from Jamaica to the US. My work in Jamaica laid the foundation for my career, and America offers vast opportunities.’ Looking ahead, TV Boss is exploring avenues in film production and business to expand his influence in the industry.

Dream Entertainment has officially announced that dancehall sensation Alkaline will headline Dream Weekend 2026, marking a significant shift for the iconic summer festival. After 16 years in Negril, the event will relocate to Montego Bay on Jamaica’s north coast in 2026, promising a fresh chapter for the beloved celebration. Known as the ‘Vendetta Boss,’ Alkaline is celebrated for his chart-topping hits and ability to draw massive crowds both locally and internationally. His inclusion in the lineup signifies a bold new direction for the Dream brand. Scott Dunn, Group Managing Director of Dream Entertainment Limited, emphasized Alkaline’s cultural significance, stating, ‘Alkaline represents the voice of a generation and the pinnacle of modern dancehall. His exclusive performance at Dream Weekend 2026 is not just a show but a cultural milestone, reflecting our commitment to innovation and boundary-pushing.’ Scheduled for July 30 to August 3, 2026, the festival will coincide with Emancipendence week, offering signature themed parties, premium entertainment, and an immersive cultural experience. The picturesque waterfront venues of Montego Bay will provide a stunning backdrop, ensuring a unique and unforgettable experience for loyal attendees.

The National Gallery of Jamaica (NGJ) launched its highly anticipated exhibition, ‘One Nation, New Symbols,’ on Sunday, September 28, 2025. The event, accompanied by live entertainment from Fatalic Sounds, marks a significant cultural milestone in the nation’s artistic landscape. Curated by Monique Barnett-Davidson, the exhibition aims to explore and reinterpret Jamaica’s rich history through a contemporary lens, fostering civic dialogue and national identity.

Barnett-Davidson emphasized the exhibition’s mission to showcase the work of 43 Jamaican visual artists who celebrate, challenge, and reimagine the symbols that define the nation. From national emblems to everyday icons, the artworks reflect the lived experiences of Jamaicans, offering a profound commentary on social, political, and cultural themes. The exhibition will remain open to the public until March 29, 2026.

The NGJ initiated a public call for submissions earlier this year, receiving 166 applications. A rigorous two-round judging process, overseen by a panel of stakeholders, culminated in the final selection of participating artists. Notable contributors include Justeen Bailey, Kimani Beckford, Stephanie Brown, and Dana-Marie Bullock, among others.

Barnett-Davidson highlighted the exhibition’s broader objectives: reimagining national symbolism through contemporary art, amplifying Jamaican artistic voices, and promoting civic engagement through accessible public exhibitions. ‘This platform allows artists to respond to current societal conditions using visual language, continuing the tradition of art as a powerful form of social commentary,’ she added.

The opening event also featured key figures from the NGJ, including Nadine Boothe-Gooden, acting senior director, and Shawna-Lee Tai, assistant curator, alongside representatives from sponsors like Häagen-Dazs.