分类： entertainment

COLOGNE, Germany—An evening of powerful musical solidarity culminated in a significant humanitarian achievement as the Rise Up Jamaica benefit concert generated €45,000 (approximately J$8.5 million) for hurricane recovery efforts. The event, held at the Live Music Hall in Cologne, demonstrated the profound capacity of music to mobilize support for global causes.

Organized by the Summerjam Festival, the concert assembled an impressive roster of internationally acclaimed artists with strong musical and cultural ties to Jamaica. The initiative was conceived as a direct response to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa, with a designated focus on supporting the hardest-hit community of St Elizabeth.

In a remarkable display of commitment, the Summerjam Festival implemented a dollar-for-dollar matching strategy, effectively doubling every contribution made throughout the evening. Marius Brozi, representing the festival, emphasized that this matching initiative symbolized their organization’s deep-rooted connection to Jamaica. He elaborated that Jamaica represents more than just musical inspiration for Summerjam—it is intrinsically woven into the festival’s cultural identity and core values, making the support effort both an obligation and an honor.

The generated funds will be administered through Help Jamaica e.V., with primary allocation directed toward the comprehensive reconstruction of Black River High School in St Elizabeth. The educational facility suffered extensive structural damage during the hurricane, compromising safe learning environments. The infusion of capital will accelerate restoration efforts, prioritizing the prompt return to normal academic operations.

Beyond the flagship high school project, a substantial portion of the raised proceeds will address needs at smaller educational institutions throughout affected districts, ensuring a coordinated recovery of the region’s entire educational infrastructure.

The benefit concert featured electrifying performances by renowned artists including Gentleman, Bonez MC, Trettmann, Patrice, Kumar Fyah, Treesha, Inti, and Milaa. The event received additional support from key partners such as Live Music Hall, AVL, RAD, Ivan Backstage Catering, Gizeh, and numerous participating DJs and artists who contributed their talents pro bono.

This holiday season, One Park Restaurant and Lounge invites patrons to indulge in an exquisite culinary celebration with the launch of its specially curated Christmas menu. Under the creative direction of Head Chef Judah Ellis, the establishment presents three distinct gourmet offerings designed to deliver both festive joy and robust flavors for discerning meat enthusiasts.

The gastronomic experience commences with the King’s Christmas Roast, a majestic dish centered around premium Wagyu striploin. This centerpiece is accompanied by an innovative truffle brioche pudding and elevated with a distinctive guava red wine jus, served alongside tender broccolini.

Following this royal offering is the Jerk Duck A L’Orange Royal, which reimagines a classic dish through a Caribbean lens. The crispy jerk duck receives a sophisticated tamarind orange glaze enhancement, complemented by sweet potato fondant and finished with artisanal cacao nibs for textural contrast.

Completing the triumvirate of holiday specialties is the Crown Jewel Lamb Rack. This creation features herb-crusted lamb elevated by a sorrel mint demi-glaze, accompanied by breadfruit gratin and aromatic rosemary accents.

Beyond the culinary offerings, the beverage program presents two signature cocktails crafted for the season. The Hibiscus Spritz offers floral notes while the Very Merry Fizz provides effervescent celebration in a glass. These carefully conceived libations provide perfect complements to Chef Ellis’s holiday creations, ensuring a comprehensive festive dining experience at One Park Restaurant and Lounge.

Jamaica’s National Indoor Sports Centre in St Andrew transformed into a vibrant celebration of life on Wednesday, honoring reggae luminary Jimmy Cliff in a memorial service radiating the same optimism that defined his legendary career. The three-hour tribute united politicians, musicians, and fans worldwide in a profound farewell to the singer-songwriter who passed away on November 24 at age 81.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness and Opposition Leader Mark Golding delivered heartfelt eulogies, emphasizing Cliff’s enduring humility despite global fame. Holness reflected on the artist’s birth name James Chambers and his unwavering connection to rural Jamaican roots, noting how anthems like ‘Many Rivers To Cross’ and ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want’ transcended entertainment to become “affirmations of dignity, resilience, and belief in possibility.”

Golding highlighted Cliff’s groundbreaking role in the seminal film ‘The Harder They Come,’ recognizing how his “natural, authentic, and convincing” performance as Ivan introduced Jamaican culture to international audiences and ensured the film’s timeless legacy.

The emotional core emerged through family tributes, with widow Latifa Chambers and children Aken and Lilty expressing the artist’s profound love for humanity and homeland. Lilty joined musicians Chris McDonald and Dwight Richards in a moving performance of ‘Moving On,’ showcasing the musical dynasty Cliff nurtured.

Musical tributes spanned Cliff’s extensive catalog, from Tony Rebel’s powerful rendition of ‘Vietnam’ to Tessanne Chin’s soaring interpretation of ‘I Can See Clearly Now’ from the Cool Runnings soundtrack. The National Dance Theatre Company and Tivoli Dance Troupe transformed classics into choreographic art, while Richie Spice, Beenie Man, and Nadine Sutherland contributed celebratory performances.

The service concluded with Prime Minister Holness presenting the Chambers family with an official Jamaican flag, symbolizing the nation’s gratitude for the Somerton-born boy who became a global ambassador of reggae music and Jamaican culture.

Jamaica convened a national celebration of life on Wednesday for reggae pioneer Jimmy Cliff, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness leading tributes to the late musician hailed as one of the nation’s most significant cultural ambassadors. The ceremony at Kingston’s National Indoor Centre honored Cliff—born James Chambers—who passed away on November 24, 2025, at age 81, leaving a legacy that transcended musical genres and national boundaries.

Prime Minister Holness eulogized Cliff as more than an entertainer, characterizing him as a transformative messenger who projected Jamaica’s narrative of struggle, resilience, and beauty to global audiences. ‘Jimmy Cliff did not merely entertain the world; he uplifted the world,’ Holness stated, emphasizing how the artist’s authentic representation instilled pride in his compatriots and inspired generations.

The service notably proceeded without traditional mortuary elements—no coffin or urn was present—symbolizing the enduring nature of Cliff’s influence. Opposition Leader Mark Golding joined in homage, recalling Cliff’s iconic performance during Jamaica’s 1988 World Cup qualifying campaign that electrified the National Stadium and became part of the nation’s collective memory.

Cliff’s career trajectory saw early fame in 1960s Jamaican music before his starring role in the 1972 film ‘The Harder They Come’ catapulted him to international recognition. His accolades included Jamaica’s Order of Merit (2003), Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction (2010), and a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album (2012). The state-sanctioned funeral featured musical tributes from artists including Tessanne Chin, while photographic displays and national symbols underscored Cliff’s monumental cultural impact.