分类： entertainment

The second edition of the Reggae North Music Awards (RNMA) is set to take place on September 28 at the Rose Theatre in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. This year’s event will feature 19 categories, including Top Male Vocalist, Top Album/EP of the Year, and Top Entertainer of the Year. The awards were established by veteran singer Tony Anthony in response to the temporary removal of the reggae category from the Juno Awards in 2025, highlighting the need for a dedicated platform to honor Canadian reggae artists. Anthony emphasized the historical lack of recognition for reggae and dancehall in Canada, stating that the RNMA fills this gap by celebrating the genre’s rich heritage and contemporary talent. Notably, multiple Juno reggae winner Exco Levi leads the nominations with five nods, while Ammoye has secured three nominations. A new category, Top Club/Party Reggae Dancehall DJ, has been introduced this year. Additionally, the event will honor Living Legends, including singer Nana McLean and sound system operator Carl ‘Grandmaster Rosa’ Green, recognizing their contributions to the Canadian reggae scene. The awards also aim to preserve the genre’s history, acknowledging the influence of pioneers who shaped the vibrant Toronto reggae scene during the 1970s and 1980s. This legacy is further explored in the 2024 documentary *Sounds & Pressure: Reggae in A Foreign Land* by Chris Flanagan and Graeme Mathieson.

Jamaica’s culinary scene has achieved a remarkable milestone as ‘Stush in the Bush,’ a unique farm-to-table restaurant located in St. Ann, has been recognized among North America’s 50 Best Restaurants. Owned by Lisa and Christopher Binns, the establishment secured the 49th spot on the prestigious list, which was unveiled during a glamorous awards ceremony in Las Vegas on Thursday night. The top honors went to New York’s Atomix, followed by Mon Lapin, Restaurant Pearl Morissette, Smyth, and Tanière 3, all of which are based in Canada. ‘Stush in the Bush’ has carved a niche for itself with its immersive dining experience, offering a tantalizing array of plant-based dishes. Signature items include crispy plantain and hot pink dasheen chips, zero-waste almond and pumpkin hummus, calulu dip, and accras with remoulade and cho cho ceviche. This recognition not only highlights the restaurant’s innovative approach to cuisine but also underscores Jamaica’s growing influence in the global culinary landscape.

The global music industry is grappling with the implications of a multimillion-dollar record deal awarded to Xania Monet, an AI-generated artist, sparking heated debates among musicians and industry professionals. Singer Denyque, known for her participation in the talent show Digicel Rising Stars, expressed frustration, stating that the deal undervalues human talent. ‘I’ve poured blood, sweat, and tears into my career, yet I’ve never been offered such a contract. It’s baffling,’ she remarked, emphasizing the irreplaceable authenticity of human artistry. Denyque remains confident that AI artists cannot truly compete with human performers, particularly in live settings. Meanwhile, Raymond ‘Shadow’ Small, director of communications at Prism Marketing Consultants, views the rise of AI artists as both groundbreaking and concerning. ‘It’s a testament to technology’s power but also a wake-up call for human artists to elevate their craft,’ he said. Small highlighted the limitations of AI, noting its inability to replicate the emotional depth and cultural nuances of human experience. He urged the industry to strike a balance, integrating AI as a tool rather than a replacement. Social media users have also weighed in, with some lamenting the focus on AI over human talent, while others praised the quality of Xania Monet’s music. According to Yahoo News, the bidding for Xania Monet exceeded $3 million, with the deal ultimately secured by Hallwood Media, led by former Interscope executive Neil Jacobson. The artist was created by Mississippi poet and designer Talisha Jones, who used the generative platform Suno to transform her poetry into songs and develop the artist’s image.

The second edition of the Reggae North Music Awards (RNMA) is set to take place on September 28, 2024, at the Rose Theatre in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. This year’s event features 37 categories, including Top Vocalist (male and female), Top Album/EP of The Year, and Top Entertainer of The Year. The awards were initiated last year by veteran singer Tony Anthony, who recognized the need for a dedicated platform to honor Canadian reggae artists following a brief controversy when the Juno Awards considered eliminating their reggae category in 2025. The RNMA aims to fill a historical gap in recognition for reggae and dancehall music in Canada. Leading the nominations is Juno reggae winner Exco Levi, who has secured 10 nods across various categories. Ammoye follows closely with seven nominations. A new category, Top Club/Party Reggae Dancehall DJ, has been introduced this year, generating significant buzz. Additionally, the event will honor reggae stalwarts Nana McLean and Carl ‘Grandmaster Rosa’ Green with Living Legends Awards, celebrating their contributions to the genre. Tony Anthony emphasized the importance of these awards in preserving the legacy of reggae in Canada, acknowledging the pioneers who paved the way for today’s artists. The event also highlights the rich history of Jamaican musicians who thrived in Canada during the 1970s and 1980s, a story chronicled in the 2024 documentary *Sounds & Pressure: Reggae in A Foreign Land* by Chris Flanagan and Graeme Mathieson.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—Renowned dancehall artist Konshens has opened up about the profound impact of his brother Delus’s tragic death in 2016, revealing that his life was effectively on pause for nearly a decade. During a heartfelt interview on Sims Soul Sessions, Konshens shared his journey of grief, self-reflection, and eventual acceptance. ‘You can’t spend the rest of your life wishing for what’s already gone. You have to move forward. You’ll never forget, but life must go on,’ he emphasized, urging others to cherish their loved ones and embrace the present.

Soul II Soul, the British musical collective that dominated the charts and dancefloors from the late 1980s to the early 1990s with hits like ‘Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)’, ‘Keep On Movin’’, and ‘Joy’, has welcomed a new voice to its ranks. Aya Bleu, a rising star with Jamaican heritage, has joined the group as a background vocalist, marking a fresh chapter for the multi-platinum-selling band. Born in Manchester, England, to a Jamaican father and a white British mother, Bleu brings a unique blend of cultural influences to the group. Her journey with Soul II Soul began in 2024 when she met the legendary Jazzie B at the MOBO Awards. After expressing her desire to join the band, she was introduced to Chris Brown, the group’s musical director, and quickly became part of the ensemble. Bleu’s addition to Soul II Soul comes at a time when the band is exploring new creative directions. Her solo work, including the single ‘Pressure’, has already garnered significant attention, with its official video surpassing one million views on YouTube. Inspired by a forbidden connection, ‘Pressure’ showcases Bleu’s ability to blend R&B, pop, and reggae influences, reflecting her deep connection to her Jamaican roots. Bleu’s father, who passed away in 2008, played a pivotal role in shaping her musical identity. Her first trip to Jamaica in 2024 was a transformative experience, reinforcing her commitment to incorporating her heritage into her music. As Soul II Soul continues to evolve, Bleu’s presence promises to infuse the group with fresh energy and a renewed sense of cultural diversity.

Over a quarter-century ago, George Wright experienced a profound spiritual transformation, dedicating his life to God and finding renewed focus. Now, the Connecticut-based gospel artist, known as Brotha George, expresses his gratitude through his latest single, ‘DNA,’ co-produced with New York-based producer Andre ‘Dretegs’ Hawthorne. Released on September 5, the upbeat track serves as a testament to his blessings and divine guidance during challenging times. ‘With God’s protection, I feel gracefully blessed,’ he shared with Observer Online. Dretegs, renowned for his work with artists like Sizzla and Jesse Royal, collaborated with veteran musician Sidney Mills on Brotha George’s upcoming album, ‘Secret Admirer,’ slated for release later this year. This marks Brotha George’s 12th album, following ‘Firm And Strong,’ which debuted in May 2023. ‘Secret Admirer’ features 10 tracks recorded over the years with Mills, a former keyboardist for the British band Steel Pulse. Though these songs were recorded years ago, Dretegs and Mills revitalized them to create a lovers rock collection. The album’s title track, ‘Secret Admirer,’ holds special significance as it was Brotha George’s first recording in 1978, produced by Ossie Hibbert at Kingston’s Channel One studio. The album promises to blend nostalgia with contemporary gospel and reggae influences, showcasing Brotha George’s enduring musical journey.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for the global music industry, and Jamaica-born, England-based artist Raas Kelly was no exception. Navigating through the uncertainties of the pandemic, Kelly channeled his experiences into his music, culminating in the release of his latest single, ‘Red Hot.’ The track, produced by US-based Barracks Productions, features a mid-tempo dancehall beat and delivers profound messages about contemporary global issues, resonating with listeners worldwide. In an interview with Observer Online, Kelly shared his reflections on the pandemic and its aftermath. ‘The pandemic made everyday activities like commuting and working incredibly difficult. We were all anxious about the eventual outcome of this crisis,’ he remarked. Kelly expressed his hope that the post-pandemic world would foster greater compassion and appreciation for human life and relationships. However, he noted that the return to ‘business as usual’ has seen persistent global conflicts and widespread crime and violence. ‘I recorded this song after observing the changes and continuities since 2020. The world has evolved in some ways, but many challenges remain,’ Kelly explained. Additionally, Kelly highlighted the struggles faced by UK-based dancehall artists in gaining recognition. ‘Opportunities are scarce, and DJs here are reluctant to support UK dancehall acts. It’s nearly impossible to get them to play our music,’ he lamented. With the assistance of his publicist, Ralston Barrett, Kelly has been promoting his music in Jamaica, achieving positive results. He advocates for greater support from DJs and event promoters to create more exposure avenues for UK dancehall artists. Kelly is also promoting a new single, ‘Kisko,’ under the Sweat Box Productions label. Born Ruben Ennis in Kingston, Kelly grew up in Carisbrook, St. Elizabeth, and began his professional music career in 2017 with the single ‘Body Haffi Clean’ on the So Sick label.