分类： entertainment

Jamaican recording artist Jimbolee has launched the new year with significant momentum following the January 23rd release of his latest single “It’s Gonna Be Me” through his independent label Jlee Records. The reggae performer, born Philip Wilmot, has received overwhelming public endorsement for the track, with fans consistently praising its distinctive qualities and chart-topping potential during his public appearances.

The artist’s musical journey began at just eight years old, developing his vocal talents through regular participation in church services—a common foundation for many Jamaican musicians. Demonstrating remarkable versatility, Jimbolee has expanded his artistic repertoire to include Spanish-language performances alongside his native reggae compositions.

The official music video for “It’s Gonna Be Me” has already achieved substantial traction, surpassing 112,000 views across digital platforms. This visual component complements the track’s thematic focus on positivity, which Jimbolee identifies as the central philosophy governing his creative output.

Reflecting on his artistic influences, the musician expressed particular admiration for late reggae icons Garnett Silk and Dennis Brown, noting that he would have welcomed collaboration opportunities with these positive-message advocates. Jimbolee characterizes music as a form of ministry, emphasizing his selective approach to partnerships based on an artist’s commitment to uplifting content and constructive influence on contemporary youth culture. While maintaining these standards, he remains open to working with emerging talents who share his positive artistic vision.

This latest release follows previous projects including the single “I Wish” and the full-length album “Spanish Love,” further establishing Jimbolee’s growing discography within the international reggae landscape.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The iconic reggae anthem ’54-46 (That’s My Number)’ by Toots and the Maytals has achieved a significant commercial milestone, securing gold certification in New Zealand. This recognition arrives three years after the track received an equivalent honor in the United Kingdom.

The New Zealand Music Industry official certification was awarded after the song amassed over 15,000 units in combined sales and streaming equivalents within the country. Originally pressed on a Beverly’s label vinyl 45 rpm single in 1968 under the production of legendary producer Leslie Kong, the track saw a digital re-release in 2004, greatly expanding its accessibility to a new generation of listeners.

A definitive hit for the group, ’54-46′ dominated local charts upon its initial release, securing the #1 position and solidifying its status as a signature track in their extensive catalog. The song’s enduring cultural relevance is further evidenced by its prominent placements in major film and television productions. It featured in the sci-fi thriller ‘Repo Men,’ the critically acclaimed series ‘Narcos: Mexico,’ and provided the powerful soundtrack for the opening titles of Shane Meadows’ 2006 British drama ‘This is England.’

The award comes as a posthumous tribute to the band’s frontman, the revered Frederick ‘Toots’ Hibbert, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 77. A foundational figure in popularizing reggae music globally, Hibbert’s legacy includes two Grammy Awards for Best Reggae Album: one in 2005 for ‘True Love’ and another, awarded posthumously, in 2021 for ‘Got to Be Tough.’

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica immersed itself in musical tributes and cultural ceremonies on Thursday as the nation commemorated what would have been Bob Marley’s 81st birthday. The iconic Bob Marley Museum at 56 Hope Road served as the epicenter for festivities, drawing family members, devoted fans, students, and performers for the annual Bob Marley Day, officially recognized by the Jamaican Government since 1991.

The day’s events commenced with a morning ceremony rich in tradition, featuring the ceremonial blowing of the Abeng, rhythmic traditional drumming, and a solemn blessing delivered by representatives of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Reigning Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Brithney Clarke co-hosted the proceedings alongside Sister Mitzie. Educational institutions from across the island actively participated, with students from Alpha School of Music, Saint Andrew Preparatory School, Haile Selassie High School, and Voicebox delivering captivating musical and spoken-word performances.

The afternoon segment, branded ‘Live at Bob’s,’ transitioned into a dynamic musical showcase hosted by Emprezz Golding. The stage came alive with performances by prominent artists including Ras-I, Samory I, Jemere Morgan, Naomi Cowan, Haile Celestial, Jaz Elize, Jah Lil, Karbon, Complex Ricki, Madeline, and legendary percussionist Bongo Herman. Beyond performing reggae classics, several artists shared personal anecdotes and reflections on Marley’s enduring influence.

The Marley family presence was significant, with Stephen Marley, Juju Marley, and Stephanie Marley in attendance, alongside numerous grandchildren of the music icon. Yohan Marley notably headlined the ‘Live at Bob’s’ performances.

The celebrations also served as a moment to honor the memories of recently departed Jamaican music giants, including Jimmy Cliff, Cat Coore, and the profoundly influential drummer Sly Dunbar.

Following the museum events, attendees were conveyed to Emancipation Park for the official Bob Marley Tribute concert. This grand finale was produced by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport in collaboration with the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission. Stephen Marley headlined this concert, delivering a powerful performance dedicated to his father’s legendary legacy and immortal music.

Andrew Athias embarked on an eight-hour journey across the United States with a singular dream: to participate as an anonymous background performer in Bad Bunny’s historic Super Bowl halftime spectacle. The 31-year-old Philadelphia content creator never anticipated that his role as one of the dancing grasses would catapult him into viral fame following the event, which attracted an estimated 128 million viewers nationwide.

In an exclusive interview with Observer Online, Athias reflected on his unexpected rise to prominence. “We weren’t supposed to be famous,” he marveled. “It was supposed to be not about us. Now ironically we are the famous people.” His detailed accounts of the experience have since captivated social media audiences, generating widespread media coverage that has seen him featured across numerous news platforms since Sunday night’s performance.

The selection process proved remarkably unconventional. From a staggering pool of 40,000 applicants, Athias was among 400 chosen based primarily on physical measurements rather than performance credentials. “There was no video submission or proof of being a Bad Bunny fan,” he revealed. “It literally was just we’re looking for bodies to fit in these costumes.” Applicants provided unusual measurements including belly-button-to-floor distances and left-elbow-to-right-chest dimensions.

Selected participants faced rigorous confidentiality requirements, signing Non-Disclosure Agreements that prohibited any disclosure about their involvement. Athias recounted how phones were confiscated during rehearsals, forcing participants to maintain complete secrecy. Some applicants were reportedly dismissed for violating these terms or failing to comply with costume requirements.

The commitment involved significant preparation, with Athias traveling to Santa Clara, California two weeks early for intensive rehearsals. Participants received compensation at California minimum wage—a detail Athias discovered only during the third rehearsal. “I didn’t know we were getting paid until about the third rehearsal,” he admitted with amusement.

On game day, performers underwent a meticulously coordinated operation. They assembled at a secret location 30 minutes from the stadium, avoiding inevitable traffic congestion. The costuming process required approximately two hours to transform all 400 participants into synchronized dancing grasses. Athias described the palpable excitement as performers awaited their moment during the second quarter, culminating in a performance that would become part of Super Bowl history.

Now navigating his unexpected fifteen minutes of fame, Athias contemplates how to surpass this extraordinary experience. “I guess I now have to be in the Olympics and win a gold medal,” he quipped, reflecting on a journey that transformed an anonymous performer into an accidental celebrity.

The Rex Nettleford Foundation has announced its selection of Kerry-Ann Henry, principal dancer of Jamaica’s National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC), as the distinguished honoree for the 2026 Remembering Rex tribute performance. This significant cultural event, scheduled for Tuesday, February 10 at Kingston’s Little Theatre, will feature collaborative performances by the NDTC and University Singers celebrating the monumental legacy of the late Professor Rex Nettleford.

Professor Nettleford, renowned as a visionary scholar, pioneering choreographer, and cultural activist, co-founded the NDTC and left an indelible mark on Jamaica’s artistic landscape. The annual celebration serves as a vibrant testament to his profound impact on Jamaican cultural identity and nation-building through artistic expression.

Elizabeth Buchanan-Hind, executive director of the Foundation, emphasized the dual significance of the event: “Through an evocative fusion of dance and song, the evening will honor Professor Nettleford’s enduring contributions while recognizing Ms. Henry’s extraordinary artistry and her substantial impact on Jamaica’s cultural development.”

Henry’s remarkable journey began 31 years ago at Rose Gordon Preparatory School in St. Andrew, where her innate talent captured the attention of dance educator Joyce Campbell. Under Professor Nettleford’s expert mentorship, she evolved into an internationally acclaimed performer. Today, as the NDTC’s principal dancer, Henry continues to captivate global audiences with her technically superb and emotionally compelling performances.

The Rex Nettleford Foundation, established on May 28, 2010, perpetuates the professor’s multifaceted legacy through several initiatives: identifying and nurturing students demonstrating exceptional promise in Nettleford’s fields of interest, supporting academic programs aligned with his life’s work, and ensuring the continued relevance of his cultural vision for future generations.