分类： entertainment

For four decades, Ernie Smith was far more than a client or collaborator for Joanna Marie — he was a mentor, a friend, and a constant presence in both her personal life and her musical journey. When the legendary Jamaican singer-songwriter passed away at age 80 on April 16 at the University of Miami in Florida, Marie, who had served as his manager since 2022, knew she had to honor their bond in the only way that felt right: through music.

The result is *Walk Good, My Friend*, a raw, emotional tribute track produced by Marie’s husband, fellow music professional Ed Robinson. For Marie, the recording process was nothing like a typical studio session. Each line carried the weight of 40 years of shared memories, laughter, and guidance, and the emotion of the moment often became too much to bear mid-take. “It was deeply emotional for me. This was not just another recording — it was a moment of reflection, loss and love. There were times I had to pause because it all became so real,” Marie shared in an interview. “Every word came from a genuine place in my heart.”

A long-time resident of South Florida, Smith became a staple of the region’s vibrant live music circuit, which draws its energy from the area’s large, tight-knit Jamaican community. He performed regularly alongside his contemporary Pluto Shervington, another beloved reggae figure who passed away earlier this year. Smith’s connection to the region remained strong even in his final months: in late 2025, Smith and Robinson teamed up to cut a new recording of *Pitta Patta*, Smith’s iconic early 1970s hit. Produced by Robinson, the reimagined track climbed all the way to the top spot on the South Florida Reggae Chart, giving Smith one final chart-topping success before his passing.

For Marie, the tribute track was the natural next step after losing her friend and mentor. She first met Smith in 1985, and over the decades, their professional partnership grew into a deep, meaningful personal bond. Though the pair never recorded a duet together during his lifetime, they worked closely on new releases through their joint label: two singles have already dropped, and a full posthumous album of Smith’s work is set to launch in the near future — a project Marie calls a very special legacy to preserve.”I’ve known Ernie since 1985, and over the years we built a deep and meaningful relationship. We never recorded songs together personally, but through our label we released two songs with him, and we also have an album with him that will be released soon. That is something very special to me,” she said.

Smith rose to prominence as one of Jamaica’s leading artists during the politically turbulent 1970s, a period defined by fiery protest reggae from iconic Rastafarian acts including Bob Marley and Burning Spear. Carving out his own unique niche in the landscape, Smith became known for his laid-back, mellow sound, which offered a gentle counterpoint to the era’s activist music. His discography includes fan-favorite tracks beyond *Pitta Patta*, such as *Duppy Gunman* and *Life is Just For Living*, which remain beloved by reggae fans around the world decades after their release.

A public thanksgiving service to celebrate Smith’s life and legacy is scheduled for May 16 at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Davie, located in South Florida.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — What began as a spontaneous, warm-hearted exchange between a veteran downtown Kingston street vendor and globally popular American streamer IShowSpeed during the content creator’s recent Jamaican tour has turned into an outpouring of goodwill and recognition from one of the island’s most iconic beverage brands.

Twenty-year street vendor Tenneil Campbell catapulted to internet fame last week after he approached IShowSpeed during a public livestream through Downtown Kingston and handed the streamer a cold can of Supligen, a beloved local nutritional drink. The off-the-cuff interaction spread like wildfire across TikTok, Instagram, X and other major social platforms, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about moments from IShowSpeed’s island visit, with viewers around the world praising the exchange for its unscripted authenticity and lighthearted charm.

Campbell, who has operated a mobile refreshment stand out of a cooler for decades selling everything from fresh coconut water and bottled juice to Supligen, explained that his gesture came from a simple desire to help the high-energy content creator stay fueled during his busy cross-island tour. “I heard all the excitement around his visit, and I knew a can of Supligen would give him the energy boost he needed to keep going through the day,” Campbell said of the split-second decision that changed his recent weeks.

Within days of the clip going viral, Jamaican social media users rallied around Campbell, celebrating the interaction as a perfect, unfiltered example of the warm, open personality that defines Jamaican culture. That widespread public enthusiasm did not go unnoticed by Supligen’s parent company, the Seprod Group, which moved quickly to reward Campbell for the unexpected global spotlight he brought to the brand.

On Saturday, brand representatives surprised Campbell with a generous gift package that includes a full year of free Supligen, a brand-new cellphone, and a curated gift basket to thank him for the viral moment.

Speaking at the surprise presentation, Supligen Brand Manager Deidre Gray explained that the company could not pass up the chance to recognize Campbell’s role in creating a moment that resonated so deeply with audiences worldwide. “After we saw the viral moment created by Tenneil, we knew we had to pay him a visit and personally ‘big him up’ for creating such an authentic Jamaican experience,” Gray said.

“Everybody knows Supligen boosts you up, and that is exactly what Tenneil did in that moment. We are proud to celebrate him and show appreciation for the impact he created, not just for the brand, but for Jamaica as well,” she added. In a statement, the brand noted that the spontaneous exchange perfectly reflects the authentic energy, entrepreneurial grit and open hospitality that Jamaicans continue to share with the world through global digital platforms.

For emerging creative Osunya Rose Minott, fashion styling is far more than curating attractive outfits—it is a powerful medium for cultural storytelling, rooted in personal memory and collective Jamaican identity. Her most recent work, crafting the visual aesthetic for dancehall artist Masicka’s chart-topping new single *Slip and Slide*, stands as a vivid example of this artistic philosophy, blending nostalgic cultural touchstones with fresh, contemporary energy for a global audience.

Teaming up with Shane Creative on the project, Minott built the entire creative direction around a instantly recognizable sample of the classic Jamaican folk track *Hill & Gully* that appears in Masicka’s single. From the first time she heard the sample, she knew the styling had to balance faithful celebration of Jamaican heritage with modern youthful appeal that would resonate with viewers worldwide.

Drawing deep inspiration from legendary Jamaican folklorist and cultural trailblazer Louise Bennett-Coverley—universally known as Miss Lou—Minott wove everyday, iconic Jamaican objects and textiles into the video’s wardrobe: traditional bath pans, head kerchiefs, clothespins, mesh merino garments, and classic native prints. Rather than simply replicating a bygone era, she reinterprets these familiar elements through the dynamic lens of modern dancehall culture. “We wanted the visuals to feel familiar, almost nostalgic, but still current and alive,” Minott explained. “Everyone in Jamaica has that memory of washing and drying clothes on the line, whether at home or at your grandma’s house, so we really wanted to tap into that shared nostalgic feeling.”

Every styling choice in the video is intentional, designed to amplify the song’s narrative and lyrics. One standout sequence features a model washing compact discs—a playful, clever nod to Masicka’s unbroken streak of hit releases. In another scene, dancer Ghaniah wears a handcrafted belt embellished with working watches, a visual interpretation of the track’s lyric “her waist just a tick like a timer.” For Minott, clothing should never be passive: “I don’t want the clothes to just sit on the body. I want them to respond to what’s being said and felt in the music,” she said. Embracing the joyful, rhythmic energy of *Slip and Slide*, she leaned into the effortless, sexy, contemporary spirit that defines modern dancehall, and leaned into bold, saturated color palettes that reflect the vibrant energy of Jamaica and its people.

Minott calls the opportunity to lead styling for a Masicka project a deeply meaningful milestone, crediting the collaborative team’s shared creative vision and mutual trust for giving her the space to fully lean into her artistic instincts. “There was a point where the dancers were in motion, the wardrobe was flowing, and you could feel the Hill & Gully influence without it being forced,” she recalled. “That’s when I knew we were creating something special.”

Since its release, the *Slip and Slide* video has garnered growing attention across Jamaica, striking a powerful chord with local viewers who see their own upbringings and cultural experiences reflected on screen. For Minott, this outpouring of connection is the project’s greatest reward. “I’ve been getting messages from people saying how much they love the styling and how Jamaican it feels,” she shared. “That means a lot because it shows people are connecting to the culture behind it.”

Raised between New York City and Jamaica, Minott draws creative influence from both worlds, but Jamaica remains the beating heart of her artistic identity and aesthetic approach. Born into Jamaican creative royalty—she is the daughter of legendary reggae artist Sugar Minott and cultural producer Maxine Stowe—she grew up immersed in music, fashion, and unapologetic creative individuality. “Jamaica heavily influenced my fashion sense and who I am as a person overall,” she said. “We’re naturally expressive, vibrant and bold, so even when I’m creating something elevated or global, that boldness is always underneath.”

Though Minott has only worked as a professional stylist for roughly three years, her portfolio already boasts an impressive roster of collaborations with A-list global and Caribbean artists, including Vybz Kartel, Shenseea, Wizkid, Rauw Alejandro, Tyga, and Moliy. As a new wave of Jamaican creatives pushes dancehall visual culture into more concept-driven, narrative-focused territory, Minott says her core goal is to build a legacy as a storyteller who centers authentic Jamaican identity in every project.

“At the end of the day, I want to be known for storytelling through styling, not just creating looks,” she said. Moving forward, she aims to continue developing culturally rooted projects that elevate Jamaican visual creativity on the global stage, naming iconic Jamaican artists like Chronixx, Sizzla, and Buju Banton as dream future collaborators. When it comes to long-term goals, she adds with characteristic openness: “And, of course, my dream collaboration would be Rihanna. That’s been on my vision board for a long time. So, yeah, I’m just staying open, grateful, and ready for what’s next.”

CANNES, France — The Croisette is getting a rare injection of Hollywood star power this week, as the core cast of *The Fast and the Furious* gather at the Cannes Film Festival to celebrate the iconic franchise’s silver anniversary. Lead actors Vin Diesel and Michelle Rodriguez are headlining the long-awaited cast reunion, set to precede a special midnight screening of the 2001 original street-racing thriller on Wednesday.

Joining the two leads at the festival were co-star Jordana Brewster and Meadow Walker, the daughter of the franchise’s late beloved actor Paul Walker, who tragically lost his life in a 2013 car accident. The group stepped out together for photos early Wednesday, drawing crowds of fans and press to the French Riviera venue that is traditionally known for art house and independent cinema.

This year’s Cannes iteration stands out for a striking absence: all of the major U.S. film studios and top global streaming platforms have opted not to premiere any new blockbusters at the event, a break from longstanding industry tradition. Industry giants including Universal Pictures (the current owner of the *Fast & Furious* franchise), The Walt Disney Company, and Sony Pictures, alongside streaming leaders Netflix and Amazon, all sat out this year’s festival lineup for major new releases.

Three core factors have driven the major players’ decision to skip Cannes this cycle. First, ongoing industry-wide cost-cutting initiatives across Hollywood have pushed studios to scale back on the extravagant, big-budget premieres that the festival demands. Second, studios have increasingly shifted their launch strategy toward controlled, social media-focused rollouts that give them more direct control over messaging, rather than the traditional festival publicity model. Finally, many studios remain wary of the risk that harsh critical reception from Cannes’ notoriously tough reviewers can tank a blockbuster’s box office performance before it even hits wide release.

What began as a small-scale action film about underground street racing 25 years ago has grown into one of the most successful media franchises in global cinema history. Industry data shows that the entire *Fast & Furious* film series has already grossed more than $7 billion worldwide across its 10 released installments, with an 11th theatrical entry currently in development. Just this week, Diesel made a major announcement about the franchise’s future: the property will soon expand beyond the big screen, with Universal developing a *Fast & Furious* television series to bring the franchise’s high-octane storytelling to the small screen.

On May 17, Kingston’s Pon Top Seafood Grill & Bar will play host to the second installment of *Lovers Rock: A Night of British Reggae*, a special event celebrating the enduring legacy of two iconic figures from the beloved lovers rock genre, each representing a distinct generation of the mellow reggae sound. The evening will shine a spotlight on the celebrated discographies of late trailblazer Vivian Jones and contemporary new wave leader Bitty McLean, drawing fans and industry insiders alike to honor their contributions to British reggae.

Born in Trelawny, Jamaica, Jones relocated to the United Kingdom in the late 1960s, where he would go on to carve out a transformative place in reggae history. Throughout the 1970s, his distinctive fusion of roots-reggae instrumentation and soulful balladry helped lay the foundational groundwork for the lovers rock movement, which would emerge as a defining subgenre of British reggae. Two of his most enduring hit singles, *Sugar Love* and *Strong Love*, topped regional charts and cemented his status as one of the genre’s earliest and most influential voices, earning him the enduring nickname “Vivian ‘Sugarlove’ Jones.”

McLean, by contrast, represents the modern evolution of lovers rock. Born and raised in the UK to Jamaican parents, he has emerged as a leading figure in the genre’s contemporary new wave, blending classic lovers rock sensibilities with modern production. His breakout tracks, including *Walk Away From Love* and *The Real Thing*, earned cross-market acclaim, becoming massive hits on both UK and Jamaican airwaves and introducing the distinct sound of British lovers rock to a new generation of listeners. Just recently, McLean made his first-ever live performance in Jamaica, a milestone that event organizers will highlight with a special mini-feature during the May tribute.

Steve James, the lead organizer of the event and a widely recognized authority on lovers rock history, shared details about the updated format for the second iteration of the night, which differs from the first sold-out show held at the same Kingston venue back in February. “We have extended the timeframe to give patrons more music to listen to. We will also be doing a mini feature on Bitty McLean who performed in Jamaica recently for the first time and a tribute to the late Vivian ‘Sugarlove’ Jones,” James explained in an interview with Observer Online.

For context, lovers rock emerged as a unique mellow reggae subgenre originating in UK underground music scenes during the late 1970s, born from the cultural fusion of Jamaican immigrant communities across the country. The movement launched the careers of a generation of British-Jamaican reggae stars including Janet Kay, Peter Hunnigale, Carroll Thompson, and Maxi Priest, all of whom carried the sound to global audiences.

The first *Lovers Rock: A Night of British Reggae* drew a particularly meaningful crowd, attracting dozens of Jamaican expats who had lived in the UK for decades, many of whom played key roles in building the British reggae scene. Attendees included iconic producers Bertie Grant and Blacka Dread, who helped shape the distinct sound of British lovers rock during its formative years. Organizers anticipate this second installment will draw an even broader audience of reggae fans, bringing together cross-generational lovers of the genre to honor its legacy and future.

After a years-long pandemic pause, one of Jamaica’s most anticipated charity entertainment events is set to return to the stage on June 21, blending surprise performances from top public and private sector leaders with a mission to lift up vulnerable children across the island.

The Powerful Women and Men Perform for Charity show, which has raised more than JMD $80 million for local nonprofit Mustard Seed Communities (MSC) over its history, will welcome a mix of veteran performer-participants and exciting first-timers when it kicks off at 7:00 pm at the Jamaica College Auditorium.

Headlining the roster of debut performers are two of the country’s top political figures: Opposition Leader Mark Golding and Minister of Tourism Ed Bartlett, who will take the stage for the first time. They will be joined by another new talent, Dr. Maria Myers-Hamilton, Managing Director of Jamaica’s Spectrum Management Authority. Leading the returning cast is House Speaker Juliet Holness, who is making her triumphant comeback to the event’s stage after previous appearances. Other returning fan favorites include Cordel Green, Executive Director of the Broadcasting Commission, who will reprise his beloved comedic role as the outrageous “Bling Church pastor”, and Hugh Falconer, Commissioner of the Independent Commission of Investigations, who has built a loyal audience following for his vocal performances in past shows.

All told, dozens of high-profile leaders from across Jamaica’s public and private spheres have signed up to showcase their hidden entertainment skills for the night, all to generate critical funding for MSC. The organization currently provides full-time care and support to nearly 500 children across 12 residential facilities spread across the island.

Behind the scenes, the 2024 event draws on top local creative talent: award-winning designers Kevin Rettie and Delano McFarlane are handling the stage’s custom set design, while local production firms Viva Events and Kinematix/Bloozick will manage all audiovisual production. Ewan Simpson, Chairman of the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association, will serve as the show’s official Musical Director.

Founded by Thyra Heaven, a former MSC fundraising director, the charity gala has long occupied a special spot on Jamaica’s events calendar. For thousands of regular attendees, it has remained a must-attend engagement, drawing crowds eager to see the unexpected sides of the country’s most prominent business, political and civic leaders. After going on hiatus when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down large public gatherings, organizers have revamped the program and recruited a slate of fresh talent to deliver an even more engaging experience for this year’s comeback.

For Father Garvin Augustine, Executive Director of MSC International, the return of the event is a momentous occasion for the organization. Beyond the critical operating funds the show generates, Augustine noted that the event’s strong brand has played a key role in raising public awareness of MSC’s work, motivating individual donors from Jamaica and abroad, as well as major Jamaican corporate entities, to contribute to the nonprofit’s mission.

“We are excited and grateful for the return of the show, and we look forward with renewed interest to the support we will get to care for the nation’s vulnerable,” Augustine shared in the lead-up to the performance.