分类： entertainment

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A year after its initial release, the track ‘This is How We Roll,’ a collaboration between US-based producer BL Tha Hook Slayer and Jamaican reggae icons Buju Banton and Capleton, has achieved remarkable success on streaming platforms. Now, BL Tha Hook Slayer and Honduran Latin artist Fresh Bodden are in Jamaica filming the music video for the Latin remix of the hit song, aiming to elevate its global appeal. The original version of the track was born from a creative session with Capleton, who suggested involving Buju Banton. The result was a powerful collaboration that resonated with audiences worldwide. BL Tha Hook Slayer described the experience of working with his musical idols as surreal, emphasizing the significance of the moment. The Latin remix was inspired by Fresh Bodden, whom BL Tha Hook Slayer met through his manager and a Colombian producer. Fresh Bodden, known for his organic growth of a substantial fanbase, brings a unique Latin flavor to the remix. The video is being shot in Kingston and Ocho Rios by RSK Fama Video Production from the Dominican Republic. Fresh Bodden, visiting Jamaica for the first time, expressed his admiration for the island’s vibrant culture and reggae heritage, which he was introduced to through his father’s collection of Jamaican music. This collaboration marks another milestone in his career, following his previous work with Mr Vegas.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—The collaborative track ‘It Depends,’ performed by American R&B/pop sensation Chris Brown and Bryson Tiller, has soared to the top of Billboard’s Rhythmic Airplay and Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay charts. The song also holds impressive positions at #4 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and #2 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. Adding to the excitement, a remix featuring Jamaican dancehall artist Valiant is set to debut this Friday. Valiant, currently on his Prove Them Wrong Tour across the United States and Europe, shared the remix artwork on his official Instagram page with the caption, ‘#brysontiller @chrisbrownofficia banger OTW.’ This marks a significant milestone for Valiant, as it represents his first major collaboration with high-profile international artists.

Renowned dancehall artist Mavado is set to make a triumphant return to Jamaica with his first major concert on home soil in nearly a decade. Titled ‘The Return of the Gully Gad,’ the highly anticipated event will take place at Plantation Cove in St Ann on December 27. The announcement was made by Reggae Fest organizers, who previously orchestrated Vybz Kartel’s sold-out shows at the Barclays Center in New York earlier this year. CJ Milan, a key figure in Kartel’s historic US comeback, is once again spearheading the event. Mavado, whose real name is David Brooks, recently returned to Jamaica after years in the United States. His return was facilitated by the lifting of a 2018 arrest warrant related to an assault case. The complaint, filed by Anthony Goulbourne, alleged that Goulbourne was shot at by the entertainer. The concert is expected to draw thousands of fans from both Jamaica and abroad, echoing the excitement surrounding Vybz Kartel’s return to the stage in December 2024. Tickets for Mavado’s concert will be available for purchase starting October 23 at 10:00 am on reggaefest.com.

Renowned reggae and dancehall artist Mr Vegas has expressed confidence that his latest album, *Ghetto Reggae*, deserves a nomination in the Best Reggae Album category at the upcoming Grammy Awards. Released on August 29, the 14-track project marks his first full-length album in seven years and features collaborations with artists like Demelo, Daddy U-Roy, and Greentone. Mr Vegas emphasized the album’s authenticity, high-quality production, and lyrical depth as key factors that make it Grammy-worthy. The album has already been shortlisted for consideration, with nominees set to be announced on November 7.

Produced by Mr Vegas himself, the album boasts contributions from notable musicians and producers, including Ed Robinson, Kirkledove, and Dean Fraser. The project also features songwriting from Khago and Yung Alphan, blending diverse influences into its tracks. Mr Vegas shared that the album’s title reflects his personal journey with reggae music, rooted in his experiences growing up in the ghettos of St. Andrew and Kingston. He recounted memories of performing on his cousin’s sound system and the communal spirit of his neighborhood, which inspired the album’s themes.

*Ghetto Reggae* took four years to complete, with work beginning during the pandemic. Tracks like *Parasites* were inspired by observations of nature thriving during human lockdowns, while others, such as *Call Tyrone* and *Fade Away*, pay homage to classic reggae sounds. Mr Vegas described the album as a return to the roots of reggae, aiming to reintroduce its authentic essence to the world. Released under MV Music, *Ghetto Reggae* is a testament to Mr Vegas’ dedication to his craft and his vision for the genre’s future.

In a significant move for the fashion industry, French luxury powerhouse Hermes has announced the appointment of British designer Grace Wales Bonner as the new creative director for its men’s pret-a-porter collection. This marks a pivotal transition for the brand, as Wales Bonner succeeds Veronique Nichanian, who has held the position for an impressive 37 years. Nichanian will present her final collection in January 2026, paving the way for Wales Bonner’s debut in January 2027.

Wales Bonner, a graduate of Central Saint Martins in London, expressed her excitement in a statement, describing Hermes as ‘a magical house’ and calling the opportunity ‘a dream.’ Known for her innovative approach to menswear, which blends European tailoring with African influences, Wales Bonner has earned numerous accolades for her work. Her designs often explore themes of identity and post-colonial heritage, reflecting her unique perspective as the daughter of an English mother and Jamaican father.

Hermes’s artistic director, Pierre-Alexis Dumas, praised Wales Bonner’s contemporary vision, stating that her understanding of culture and craftsmanship will continue to shape the brand’s men’s collections. This appointment comes at a time when the luxury sector faces global challenges, yet Hermes has remained resilient, with sales growing by over seven percent in the first half of this year, reaching eight billion euros ($9.3 billion).

The change at Hermes is part of a broader trend of artistic shifts within major fashion houses, including Chanel, Dior, Balenciaga, Loewe, and Jean Paul Gaultier. Wales Bonner’s appointment signals a fresh chapter for Hermes, blending tradition with modernity and diversity.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican reggae artist Chronixx has secured his third appearance on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart with his latest release, ‘Exile,’ which debuted at #5 on October 10. The album, released under the label Forever Living Originals, marks Chronixx’s first full-length project of new material in eight years. ‘Exile’ features a collection of tracks including ‘Survivor,’ ‘Family First,’ ‘Saviour,’ ‘Genesis,’ ‘Pain in Your Heart,’ and ‘Love is On the Mountain.’ The album’s production was helmed by British producer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter Dean Josiah Cover, known professionally as ‘Inflo,’ who is also the founder and director of Forever Living Originals. Chronixx previously dominated the Billboard Reggae Albums chart with his #1 debuts of the 2014 EP ‘Dread & Terrible’ and the 2017 Grammy-nominated album ‘Chronology.’ This latest achievement underscores Chronixx’s enduring influence in the reggae genre and his ability to consistently deliver impactful music.