分类： entertainment

The 2026 edition of the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) concluded on Sunday night at Florida’s Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, with iconic dancehall artist Vybz Kartel taking the spotlight as the event’s biggest winner.

Founded to celebrate exceptional creative talent across reggae, dancehall, Latin, Caribbean, and African entertainment spheres, the annual IRAWMA has long served as a key platform elevating global roots and Caribbean music to wider international audiences. This year’s ceremony delivered no shortage of standout moments, led by Kartel’s historic haul of nine awards, two of which were collaborative honors.

Among Kartel’s most high-profile wins are the coveted Entertainer of the Year, Recording Artiste of the Year, and Album of the Year for his Grammy-nominated project *Heart and Soul*. The album picked up a nomination for Best Reggae Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards this past November, marking another career high for the artist. Though Kartel was unable to attend the in-person ceremony in Florida, he shared a heartfelt message of gratitude with fans and peers via an Instagram post shortly after the results were announced.

In his social media statement, Kartel wrote: “Tonight I give thanks to the International Reggae and World Music Award for this incredible honour. Awards like these do more than celebrate individuals – they help preserve the heartbeat of our culture. They remind the world that reggae and dancehall are not just music…they are history, struggle, triumph, spirit and identity. To be recognised by your peers is one of the highest honours an artiste can receive because greatness means more when it is acknowledged by those who truly understand the journey.”

Beyond Kartel’s historic win, the 2026 ceremony recognized a wide slate of leading talent across multiple categories. Dancehall and pop crossover star Shenseea took home the award for Best Female DJ/Rapper, while Masicka won honors for his EP *Her Name is Love*. Other notable winners included Spice, Sean Paul, Popcaan, and DJ Mac, who claimed the Producer of the Year title.

Two legendary figures in the reggae space – veteran performer Burning Spear and acclaimed dancehall artist Mavado – were honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards in recognition of their decades-long contributions to shaping and popularizing Caribbean music globally.

Gramps Morgan, a core member of the award-winning family group Morgan Heritage and a successful solo artist in his own right, secured two wins on the night: Best Male Vocalist and Best Inspirational Song for his track *People Like You*. In an interview with *Observer Online* on Monday, Morgan shared his excitement about the dual honors, noting that the Best Male Vocalist win came as a surprise that left him feeling humbled.

Reflecting on his award-winning track, Morgan said: “Winning an award for the song People Like You, a song that has changed so many people’s lives, the song was meant to give people their flowers while they’re alive.”

The 2026 IRAWMA once again reinforced the enduring global appeal of reggae and Caribbean music, bringing together established icons and rising talent to celebrate the genre’s ongoing cultural impact.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Two of Jamaica’s most talked-about contemporary Dancehall and Reggae talents, Yaksta and Bellwetha, have dropped a hotly debated collaborative track titled *Farmer and Banger* that has sent shockwaves through Jamaica’s music community and sparked intense discussion among industry commentators.

The track’s conceptual framing positions Bellwetha in the role of the “banger” and Yaksta as the “farmer” — a deliberate contrasting pairing that creates a paradoxical dynamic, lending the track a playful yet provocative edge that has quickly caught hold in Jamaica’s underground Dancehall circuit.

In comments on the growing controversy surrounding the release, Bellwetha made clear that he has no concerns about the public pushback the track has generated. “Music is art, and art imitates life,” he explained. “Just like in real life, some things you do will win people over, and others will turn them off. That’s just how it goes — people are always going to talk, whether it’s good or bad about what this song is about. I’m still fine with it, because we’re talking about real life here. This track has all the makings of a major hit: it’s catchy, it’s unapologetic, and it’s raw and real.”

For Yaksta, this latest wave of controversy is far from out of character. The Reggae artist recently sent social media into an uproar with a string of fiery public rants targeting a range of contentious topics, and that history has only amplified the debate around *Farmer and Banger*. Some social media users have pushed back against specific lyrical content, claiming the Rastafarian performer is signaling support for actions widely labeled as socially deviant.

Produced by Bell Bell Entertainment in partnership with Cooper Records, the single is currently racking up impressive view and stream counts across all major digital music and streaming platforms, proving that the track’s controversial reputation has done little to slow its growing popularity with audiences.

As the founder of Jamaica’s independent JUNAVILL Records, veteran reggae producer Collin “JUNA-VILL” Clarke is poised to advance his decades-long mission of creating purpose-driven reggae with the worldwide launch of his latest project, *Di Regulator Rhythm*, scheduled for release on May 22.

Crafted around core themes of social order, community awareness, personal discipline, and cultural accountability, the compilation embodies Clarke’s longstanding dedication to preserving the foundational soul of roots reggae while pushing the genre to connect with new global audiences. In a statement outlining the project’s vision, Clarke explained that the title itself encapsulates the work’s core ethos: “The title represents order, awareness, discipline, and cultural responsibility. *Di Regulator rhythm* is centred around substance, consciousness, authenticity, and worldwide appeal — continuing the vision of reggae music built on both rhythm and meaning.”

The 15-track compilation brings together a hand-picked roster of celebrated and rising reggae voices, including Lutan Fyah, Turbulence, Ginjah, Utan Green, Ganggoolie, Sativa D Black 1, Emanuel Stain, Excel Black, Sequence Di Boss, Sprain Brain, INoah, Soul Rebel, Trish-Indi, and Little Hero. Clarke emphasized that every artist on the project was selected intentionally, based on their proven ability to confront tangible social realities and uplift listeners through music rooted in purpose.

“These artistes were selected because of their awareness of social issues, their willingness to challenge existing norms, and their ability to unite people through shared experiences and meaningful music. I align with voices that carry purpose, substance, and responsibility,” Clarke added.
Against a backdrop of rapid evolution in the global reggae landscape, Clarke aims for *Di Regulator Riddim* to resonate with listeners far beyond Jamaica’s borders, while never straying from the authentic cultural roots that define the genre. “My hope for *Di Regulator Riddim* is for the project to connect with people across worldwide audiences through both its rhythm and its message,” he shared. “I want the music to inspire thought, unity, resilience, and cultural upliftment while continuing to reinforce reggae music as a global force shaped by consciousness and authenticity.”

For JUNAVILL Records, this upcoming release marks another key milestone in the label’s steady growth. Over the years, the imprint has built a strong reputation for crafting roots-focused reggae defined by meaningful lyrics and deep cultural context. Looking ahead to the rest of 2026, Clarke says his primary focus is expanding JUNAVILL’s footprint as a globally recognized reggae brand.

“My focus for the remainder of 2026 is to continue strengthening JUNAVILL Records as a globally respected reggae brand while building a catalogue driven by rhythm, meaning, and cultural value,” Clarke explained. “With the music already reaching worldwide audiences through radio, television, streaming platforms, and international media coverage, the objective now is to deepen cultural influence, expand the catalogue strategically, and continue creating timeless reggae music that can stand the test of time.”

As an independent producer who has built his career navigating the constantly shifting landscape of the modern music industry, Clarke also shared thoughtful advice for emerging creators hoping to build sustainable, authentic careers in reggae. “Listen to your silent inner voice and create from a place of truth rather than imitation,” he advised. “Trends fade quickly, but timeless music guided by authenticity and purpose will always endure. It is equally important to understand the business behind the music, protect your ownership, and build with long-term vision rather than temporary attention.”

Closing out his remarks, Clarke extended a heartfelt note of gratitude to the global community of reggae fans who have continuously supported authentic, purpose-driven reggae from JUNAVILL Records. “To all supporters worldwide, I extend sincere gratitude for believing in authentic reggae music and supporting the vision of JUNAVILL Records,” he said. “Don’t support the phony: support the real. I remain committed to delivering music built on integrity, consciousness, and cultural substance.”

The Jamaican music community is mourning the loss of iconic reggae vocalist Roland Burrell, who passed away suddenly on May 14 in Montego Bay. The news of his death was first confirmed by his cousin, veteran music producer Earl Messam, who shared the details with local outlet the Jamaica Observer, though no official cause of death has been released to the public.

Born in the quiet Pennants district of Clarendon, Jamaica, Burrell spent much of his childhood and formative years growing up in Trench Town, the culturally rich Kingston neighborhood that spawned dozens of reggae’s most legendary names. He launched his professional recording career in the early 1970s, but waited more than a decade for his big breakthrough: in summer 1982, he cut the track Johnny Dollar at Kingston’s iconic Channel One studio for producer Alton “Tanka” Hill.

Backed by the genre-defining rhythm section Sly and Robbie — already the most in-demand and celebrated musicians in global reggae at the time — Johnny Dollar became a worldwide sensation. The track climbed to the number one position on reggae charts across Jamaica, the United States, and the United Kingdom, cementing Burrell’s place in reggae history. The 1982 release was paired with a cover of American soul singer Garnet Mimms’ 1964 hit A Quiet Place.

Following the runaway success of his debut hit, Burrell quickly followed up with Stormy Night, another production from Alton Hill. Originally recorded by the group Creation Steppers in 1975, Burrell’s version of the track also earned strong commercial traction in both Jamaica and the UK.

Burrell never stepped away from the industry he loved: two years before his passing, he recorded an updated reimagining of Johnny Dollar for Philadelphia-based label Wildfire Records, which is owned by his cousin Earl Messam. Messam also produced many of Burrell’s later original works, including fan-favorite tracks My Conversation, You Have Caught Me, and a reggae reworking of the Temptations classic Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.

Burrell is survived by four children and multiple grandchildren, leaving behind a decades-long legacy that shaped reggae music across the globe.

On Friday, May 15, global hip-hop superstar Drake sent shockwaves through the music industry when he unexpectedly dropped three full-length studio albums at once — *Iceman*, *Maid of Honour*, and *Habibti*. Among the long list of creative contributors tapped for the historic release was Montego Bay-based beatmaker, producer, and rapper Mvssivh, who earned production credits on not one, but two high-profile tracks across the collection.

Mvssivh’s first credit comes on the cut *New Bestie*, featured on the *Maid of Honour* project. The track makes a lyrical shoutout to iconic Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel, a nod that carries particular weight for the Jamaican creative. His second credit is for *Ran to Atlanta*, a cross-genre banger from *Iceman* that sees Drake joined by guest features from rap heavyweights Future and Molly Santana.

For the rising Jamaican talent, landing a spot on one of the biggest international rap releases of the year is far from his first brush with global success. Back in 2019, when he was just 18 years old, Mvssivh produced two tracks — *Cinderella* and *Waterfall* — that were included on Russian trap star Kizaru’s triple-platinum certified album *Karmageddon*. He also notched another credit on Kizaru’s *Carousel*, a track that appeared on the artist’s double-platinum selling extended play *Say No Mo*.

In an exclusive interview with *Jamaica Observer* on the day of Drake’s album release, Mvssivh — born Justin Junagadala — opened up about the winding path that led him to the OVO Sound camp. “I actually was working with people very close to him. I flew out to Canada for the Vybz Kartel show and I met with a couple people. I then went to Miami and worked with my other boys who work with the Drake’s OVO label very closely and we got to this point,” he explained.

Reflecting on the years-long process of seeing the collaboration come to fruition, Mvssivh expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “I feel blessed to be a part of this. I’ve been working on this project for the last few years, and I was shocked to see it turn into three albums,” he said.

When asked what the career milestone says about his range as a creative, Mvssivh highlighted that the credit proves he can excel beyond the dancehall space that many fans already associate him with. “It shows my versatility. The fact that I was able to show my talent in trap music and not solely dancehall in which people know me from,” he noted.

Mvssivh’s love for music began long before his first industry credit, starting in his early childhood growing up in the West Gate community of St James, Jamaica. He attended both Heinz Simonitch and Hillel Academy, and recalled that music was a constant companion from his youngest years. “I always had love for music from I was a kid. I couldn’t sleep without listening to music and I was playing piano as a little kid. I started listening to trap music and EDM (electronic dance music) and found a liking for the beats more, and the rest is history,” he shared.

A self-described introvert in his youth, Mvssivh said his quiet nature pushed him to lean into music creation as an outlet. “I was an antisocial kid, that’s why I ended up doing music. I didn’t have that many friends and I was always listening to music and making beats,” he explained. He credits his mother for nurturing his early connection to sound: his mother played drums in marching bands and encouraged him to start piano lessons when he was just six years old, laying the foundation for his future career.

Unlike many producers who rely on outside teams for post-production, Mvssivh handles all mixing and mastering for his own work, and he says a commitment to originality sets him apart from other creatives in the industry. “My sound is different from everybody else when it comes to the beats and the actual songs. I feel you have to be original and not follow anybody else. If you want to make it you have to be willing to try whatever. Zone out and go into a whole other world. Creativity is what matters now,” he said.

Prior to his Drake collab, Mvssivh had already built an impressive resume working with A-list talent across the global hip-hop and Jamaican music scenes. His list of international collaborators includes rap stars Chief Keef, Trippie Redd, Famous Dex, Smoke Purp, and Lil Poppa. Closer to home, he has partnered with the 6ix collective, Jamaican rappers Rude Jerms and Bakersteez, and top dancehall acts including I-Waata, Intence, Maestro Don, and Jada Kingdom.

The Drake credit has already unlocked new opportunities for his career, he confirmed. “A lot of doors have opened, and it has become easier for me to contact artistes. It makes it easier for them to take me serious about what I do,” he shared.

Beyond his work as an in-demand producer, Mvssivh also pursues a career as a solo rapper under the stage name Bvsed Justin. Looking ahead, he has a stacked slate of upcoming projects ready to roll out. “Man, I got my official producer album on the way with all the top artistes locally and a few internationally as well as my first official album as an artiste myself. Also got a few big projects I’m working on right now, stay tuned, the show isn’t over,” he teased.

Jamaican reggae musician Ginjah is celebrating a landmark international career win, with his soulful single *Lay On My Pillow* holding the number one position on West Palm Beach’s Island Gold Radio Top 10 Reggae Chart for six straight weeks – a first in his professional journey.

Born Valentine Fraser, the artist known by his stage name Ginjah traces his performing identity to reggae legend Beres Hammond, who bestowed the moniker that has become synonymous with his emotionally rooted sound. Raised in Central Village after growing up in St James, Jamaica, Ginjah says his formative life experiences are the backbone of the raw, heartfelt quality that defines his music.

“My upbringing gave me an early understanding of resilience, humility, and what real emotion feels like,” he shared in an interview. “That’s why every track I create carries so much weight – every note comes from a place of lived experience, not fabricated storytelling.”

Released March 13 via independent label Juna Vill Records, *Lay On My Pillow* draws its origins from an intimate, unscripted conversation with his partner. “The song came from a totally genuine moment,” Ginjah explained. “We were talking, and the line ‘Wouldn’t it be nice if you come lay on my pillow’ just came out. Most of my work pulls from real conversations I have, and this track is specifically for the women – I want them to walk away knowing someone sees them and cares.”

This extended run at the top of the US-based chart marks the first time Ginjah has held the number one position for such a long stretch, a milestone he calls deeply special. “When I got the news the track hit number one, I was over the moon,” he said. “As an artist, you always hope your music connects with people far from home, but this is something else. Six weeks at the top and it’s still holding strong? I’ve never had anything like this in my career.”

Ginjah was quick to share credit for the single’s cross-border success, thanking the team and community that helped lift the track to new heights. “This is not a solo win,” he emphasized. “I have to give a huge thank you to Island Gold Radio, every listener that’s been spinning the track, and the whole team at Juna Vill Records. This is the result of everyone coming together.”

For the reggae artist, the international recognition serves as both validation of his artistic path and proof that authentic Jamaican storytelling resonates beyond regional borders. “This kind of overseas acclaim tells me I’m growing, and that I’m on the right track,” he said. “It proves reggae music from Jamaica doesn’t just stay in Jamaica – it crosses borders and touches hearts all over the world. It pushes me to keep creating from my truth, and to represent our culture the way it deserves to be represented. And trust me, this is just the start.”

As his breakout single continues to gain traction among reggae fans in the United States and beyond, Ginjah is also turning his attention to lifting up the next wave of Jamaican creative talent, sharing advice for emerging artists navigating the industry. “For any up-and-coming artist just starting out, my advice is this: put your faith first, treat your craft like the gift it is, and put in the work to get better every day – at your writing, your performance, how you carry yourself,” he said. “No matter what obstacles come your way, never stop believing in yourself. Trust the process, put in the consistent work, and the success you’re chasing will find you.”

Kingston’s AC Hotel Kingston ballroom transformed into a celebration of motherhood and iconic Jamaican music this past Sunday, as the ‘To Mom With Love’ tribute event rolled out the red carpet for mothers across the region. Curated as a two-part Mother’s Day concert series, the event delivered an unforgettable evening of reggae and soul, headlined by legendary performers Third World and Marcia Griffiths, whose dynamic sets had the packed venue singing and dancing from start to finish.

While the afternoon opening show failed to draw the crowd organizers had projected, the evening performance turned out to be a sold-out success. The stacked lineup featured rising and established acts including Robert Minott, Nestor, Glenn Jones, Kumar Bent (who shared the stage with Third World), and The Super Band under the direction of Grub Cooper, each bringing their own unique energy to the tribute.

Marcia Griffiths, the undisputed queen of reggae, delivered a career-spanning set that left the audience cheering. Over 45 minutes, she ran through her decades of chart-topping hits, from early fan favorites like *Feel Like Jumping* to timeless originals including *Dreamland*, *I Shall Sing*, *Fire Burning*, and *Land of Love*. She also paid homage to other iconic artists with soulful covers of Cilla Black’s *Conversation*, Dionne Warwick’s *Don’t Make Me Over*, and Nina Simone’s *Young, Gifted And Black* — the 1970 classic she first recorded alongside Bob Andy. The performance built to a rousing climax with her signature hit *Electric Boogie*, which had the whole venue on their feet; multiple audience members were even invited on stage to join the iconic dance alongside Griffiths. At the conclusion of her set, event organizers presented Griffiths with a special lifetime achievement award, honoring her extraordinary 60-plus-year career that began in the early 1960s.

Following a solid, crowd-pleasing set from R&B singer Glenn Jones, who performed his best-known tracks including *We’ve Only Just Begun* and *Show Me*, reggae pioneers Third World took the stage to close out the night. Their hour-long set drew from the band’s extensive catalog of classic hits, including *Now That We Found Love*, *Reggae Ambassador*, *Sense of Purpose*, and *96 Degrees in The Shade*. For the track *Always Around*, lead singer AJ Brown welcomed his wife Tamara on stage for a heartfelt duet, before wowing the crowd with a solo rendition of the Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman opera standard *Time to Say Goodbye*. His powerful, soaring vocals earned a spontaneous standing ovation from the audience, and smoothly transitioned into the final numbers: *Try Jah Love* and a cover of Jimmy Cliff’s *We All Are One*, wrapping up a warm, joyful celebration of mothers and Jamaican music.

The Jamaican dancehall music scene is gearing up for a high-energy new release, as veteran industry insider turned hitmaker Ricco Diplomats, born Rick Foster, has joined forces with two rising independent production houses to drop an anticipated new banger titled *Redemption*. The track, fronted by fast-emerging dancehall talent Tielo Lanez, is a core offering from the collaborative Mercy Lap rhythm project, and is set to showcase the combined creative force of up-and-coming players in the Caribbean music space.

In a statement discussing the upcoming release, Diplomats expressed unwavering confidence in the track’s commercial and cultural potential, framing it as a potential career-defining breakthrough for the young collective of creators behind it. “This *Redemption* song has the potential to be a big hit. I believe this song will give us the big break as young producers. We all believe in Tielo Lanez so we’ve come together to bring different vibes and energy to make it happen,” he shared.

The new single will be released jointly under three independent imprints: Diplomats’ own Ricco Records, Moji Records, and Black Satin. For those unfamiliar with the collaborative context, Lanez is currently signed to prominent industry figure DJ Mac, who the production team has also partnered with on the project. Diplomats noted that the young dancehall star is widely tipped to become the next breakout face of the genre, a trajectory the team is fully backing.

The instrumental backbone of the entire Mercy Lap rhythm project was crafted by production collective Team Upgrade. *Redemption* is not the only track featured on the project, either: established fan-favorite dancehall stars Valiant and Skippa are also set to appear on the rhythm compilation, adding further star power to the collaborative release.

Diplomats, who currently serves as a core member of Valiant’s professional team, says this is far from the first time the collective has worked with Lanez. The artist has already cut multiple tracks for the team, including a song called *Fat Fat* featured on the Street Mongrel riddim, a reimagined version of the classic Throat riddim. *Redemption* marks the third full collaboration between Lanez and the Ricco Diplomats-led collective.

For Diplomats, the path to producing has been a gradual one built on years of experience in the music industry. Before stepping into production and artistry, he worked as a road manager and industry insider, cutting his teeth on the operational side of Caribbean music. He made his own debut as a dancehall recording artist in October 2021 with his first solo single, *Tek Go Off*. After cutting his teeth in promotions work, he made the shift to full-time recording and production, operating out of Core Upgrade studio located in Stony Hill, Jamaica.

A native of the Duppy Gully/Rocky Valley area of St. Andrew, Jamaica, Diplomats is an alumnus of St. Andrew Technical High School. His first formal industry partnership came back in 2017, when he joined forces with Ricardo ‘Shrimpy’ Meikle to launch Gold Plaque Entertainment, laying the groundwork for the independent production work he is leading today.