分类： entertainment

Thirty-three years ago, a young Jamaican girl growing up between extended family in St James’ rural communities could scarcely have imagined that one day her work would grace the pages of *Vogue* and *The New York Times*, and that she would bring elite global brands’ boldest creative visions to life. Today, that girl — Traci Rhynie, a New York-based executive producer — has built a career shaping events and immersive experiences for household names spanning Netflix, Nike, Spotify, Estée Lauder, Tom Ford, and Victoria Beckham. But even as she climbs the ranks of the global creative industry, she has never strayed from the core values instilled in her during her island childhood.

Rhynie’s childhood unfolded against the quiet rhythm of rural Jamaica, while her parents worked overseas. Raised by a sprawling network of aunts, cousins, and extended family, she built deep, lasting bonds that anchored her early years. Looking back, she laughs that as a child, she bristled at the simple, farm-centered lifestyle that felt alien to what she had known. But as she grew, she came to recognize those years as the foundation of the resilience and gratitude that would carry her through every challenge ahead.

When Rhynie finally joined her parents in the United States, she stepped into a bittersweet new chapter. Like countless first-generation immigrant youth, she navigated the delicate balancing act of adapting to a new culture while holding fast to her Jamaican identity. That awkward, often challenging transition would ultimately forge the quiet confidence and unshakable determination that later propelled her career forward.

Ironically, event production — the field that would earn Rhynie international acclaim — was never part of her original plan. Enrolled at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology to study fashion merchandising, she stumbled unexpectedly on a deep passion for event production and experiential marketing. What began as a passing interest in fashion bloomed into a career centered on turning abstract creative concepts into unforgettable, immersive experiences for audiences around the world.

Over the last decade, Rhynie has led high-stakes projects for leading brands across fashion, beauty, and entertainment, with her work featured in top-tier publications from *Harper’s Bazaar* and *Essence* to *People Magazine* and *The New York Times*. Even now, she admits that her success feels surreal. “For a girl coming from Jamaica, this is absolutely insane,” she says.

Just as her career began to gain momentum, Rhynie faced the hardest fight of her life. At 25, a lump on her neck led to months of testing and biopsies, and ultimately a diagnosis of stage 2B Hodgkin’s lymphoma. “I remember when they told me I was like, ‘No way God is going to put me through this thing,’” she recalled, the memory still sharp.

What followed was a grueling gauntlet of surgery, chemotherapy, and endless uncertainty that forced the 25-year-old to confront questions no young person expects to face. But even in her darkest moments, her faith became an unbreakable anchor. “God had me, man. That’s all faith,” she said of the harrowing experience.

That battle rewrote Rhynie’s perspective on life and purpose. During treatment, she watched other patients — including young children — fight their own brutal battles with cancer, and realized her struggle was not hers alone. Instead of letting her diagnosis define her, she chose to find purpose in her pain, shifting her mindset from asking “why me” to wondering how her journey could lift up others facing similar hardship.

Years later, Rhynie is cancer-free, a victory she counts as one of the greatest blessings of her life. That blessing was soon followed by one of the proudest professional milestones of her career: not long after her recovery, she was tapped to executive produce Rodarte’s iconic New York Fashion Week show, an ambitious production that staged a runway presentation in a cemetery with backstage operations hosted at a historic church across the street.

The unconventional concept demanded months of meticulous coordination and problem-solving, and Rhynie embraced every challenge. On the day of the show, light rain began to fall mid-presentation. What could have derailed the entire production instead amplified its haunting, dramatic tone, creating an unforgettable moment of unexpected beauty that still resonates with attendees and the creative team today.

For Rhynie, the successful show was far more than a professional win — it was a deeply personal triumph. “I didn’t think I was going to be able to even come out of cancer, but to be able to do that after cancer…that meant the most to me,” she explained. The experience cemented a lesson she still carries with her: every obstacle can become a stepping stone to greater purpose.

Today, as an accomplished executive producer, director, and business development leader, Rhynie continues to craft immersive experiences for global audiences while advocating for better representation and more opportunities for immigrants and people of color in industries where they have long faced systemic barriers. Through every project and every achievement, she remains rooted in the lessons she learned growing up in Jamaica: treat everyone with respect, and cherish every opportunity that comes your way.

For Rhynie, success has never been just about climbing the career ladder. It is about lifting as you climb, opening doors for others who come after you, and staying true to the roots that made her. To young Jamaicans with big dreams of their own, her message is uncomplicated: “Go for your dreams, no matter what age you are. Don’t let anyone stop you from accomplishing those dreams.”

From a small girl with big dreams in rural Jamaica to a leader shaping global creative experiences, Rhynie’s story is a powerful testament to what talent, resilience, faith, and determination can make possible. When asked how she hopes to be remembered, her answer has nothing to do with awards or career milestones. “As someone that is very kind, very strong, and thankful, by the grace of God,” she says. It is a legacy she builds one day, one project, one act of faith at a time.

From the gritty inner-city streets of Waterhouse, Jamaica, a rising dancehall talent is poised to share Jamaica’s iconic cultural movement with the world. Known professionally by his stage name Lookalike, the artist born Dexroy Sheldon Myrie has built a formidable reputation on local stages over the past decade, and is now stepping onto the international circuit with clear goals and a contagious passion for his craft.

Lookalike’s journey to dance stardom was not a linear one. In his youth, he was a dedicated football player who went by the nickname “Skillachi”, never imagining that movement and rhythm would become his life’s work. It was only after a chance introduction to the Jamaican dance scene that he fell head over heels for dancehall, abandoning the football pitch to pursue his newfound calling. His talent was spotted early by popular local dancer Colo Colo, who took Lookalike under his wing. The pair spent countless afternoons at Half-Way-Tree Skateland before Lookalike began performing at weekly showcases for local patrons, honing his signature style one set at a time.

Over the years, Lookalike has worked his way up to the biggest stages in Jamaican entertainment, turning in electrifying performances at iconic events including Montego Bay’s Reggae Sumfest and Negril’s Dream Weekend. He has also entertained audiences at school fetes, private parties and local competitions, where his slick, dynamic moves helped him claim victory in most of the contests he entered—solidifying his decision to turn dancing into a full-time career.

Like generations of Jamaican dancehall innovators before him, Lookalike cites the late legendary dancer Bogle (also known as Mr Wacky) as his core influence, inspired by Bogle’s one-of-a-kind, boundary-pushing approach to movement. Today, he holds a spot as a member of the renowned local collective GetThereSquad, and has already collaborated with a who’s who of the dancehall industry: from stars Beenie Man, Popcaan, Elephant Man and Sean Paul hopeful Skeng, to established artist-dancers Chi Ching Ching and Harry Toddler. Beyond performing the work of other choreographers, he has also created his own original dance move, dubbed “Look Out”, which is growing in popularity among local dance fans.

Now, Lookalike is setting his sights far beyond Jamaica’s borders. His first ever international performance is already locked in: he will take the stage at Starlife Evening Brunch in Canada on July 5, 2026, kicking off what he hopes will be a years-long global tour. His core mission extends far beyond performing: he aims to travel the world teaching dancehall culture and its signature moves to new audiences, spreading the positive energy that defines the art form to communities across the globe.

For the rising star, dancing is also a platform to mentor the next generation of creative talent. He encourages young people to pour their full effort into the passions they hold dear, to trust in both their own abilities and their faith, and to never let outside obstacles or criticism derail their pursuit of their dreams.

For decades, games of chance have woven themselves into the cultural fabric of Jamaican daily life, and few have captured the public imagination quite like Cash Pot. Loved by working-class communities across the island, the wildly popular lottery now serves as the creative centerpiece for a new single from veteran Portmore-based dancehall artist Vibes Matrixxx.

Released in March 2024 under the production of Jamaica’s Signature Records, the track leans into the deep cultural role Cash Pot plays in grassroots Jamaican society, honoring the game’s enduring popularity among everyday people. In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, Vibes Matrixxx opened up about what inspired the project, explaining that the song grew from his observations of street communities that rely on regular Cash Pot purchases as a core part of their daily hustling.

“I did the song about Cash Pot because I was inspired by the people in the streets that buy it for a living. For most of them, it’s a hustle that they live off, so I thought of a song because of them,” the artist explained. Though not a consistent player himself, Vibes Matrixxx acknowledged he still takes an occasional punt on the game, sticking to the popular player mantra: “When you buy big, you win big.”

To understand the context for the track’s focus, it is important to look back at Cash Pot’s 23-year history in Jamaica. Launched in 2001 by gaming operator Supreme Ventures Limited, the lottery quickly grew to become one of the company’s most profitable core ventures, alongside the iconic Caymanas Park horse racing operation. The game’s accessible structure has been key to its mass appeal: players pick one number from a pool of 36, with a minimum entry wager of just 10 Jamaican dollars, and six draws held every single day to keep players engaged.

Vibes Matrixxx is no newcomer to Jamaica’s dancehall scene, bringing more than 15 years of performance and recording experience to his latest project. The artist built his local following over the years with earlier well-released tracks including *Rude Bwoy Keith* and *Hype Phone*, and his new single marks another entry in his discography centered on the lived experiences of Jamaican working-class communities.

As the Jamaican music industry continues to nurture fresh voices, emerging dancehall talent Don Kuttz, born Christopher Mendez, is positioning his latest motivational release “Tru Blva” as the breakthrough track that will push his artistic journey to uncharted heights.

Already picking up steady rotation across Jamaican radio lineups and underground mixtapes, “Tru Blva” stands out from many contemporary dancehall tracks by centering a message of self-belief, relentless perseverance, and unwavering determination. The track arrives at a moment when countless young people navigating widespread personal and economic uncertainty are craving genuine inspiration to overcome life’s hurdles.

Sharing the story behind the self-written track, Don Kuttz explained that the project grew from a personal mission to uplift his peers. “The “Tru Blva” song was inspired by the desire to encourage young people to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams,” he said. “The song reminds listeners that while there will always be obstacles along the journey, perseverance and faith can help them overcome any challenge.”

This focus on uplifting, substantive themes offers a refreshing alternative to controversy-driven dancehall content, and early audience and industry feedback has already validated the artist’s creative choice. Don Kuttz has been closely aligned with independent Jamaican label 1X Music Group, currently working under the direct guidance of the label’s CEO Striva 1X, who oversees his career development and strategic planning, though a formal signing has not yet been finalized.

Don Kuttz’s path to this point has been defined by the same resilience his latest track promotes. Raised with a humble, driven mindset, he describes his early adulthood as a period of deliberate self-discovery, marked by setbacks that only strengthened his commitment to his craft. “It wasn’t always easy, and I faced many challenges while trying to find my path,” he recalled. “However, I never gave up, and once I found music, I knew it was my calling.”

That commitment to growth also shapes his creative approach. Rejecting pressure to box himself into a single commercial dancehall subgenre, Don Kuttz actively experiments with diverse sonic influences, crafting a signature sound that authentically reflects his unique personality and lived experiences. “I am a constantly evolving individual,” he said. “I’m always striving to improve myself and reach new heights.”

For the rising artist, success extends far beyond streaming numbers or chart positions. His core motivation is rooted in building a lasting legacy that makes his family proud and leaves a meaningful, positive mark on Jamaican cultural heritage. “I want to make them proud through my achievements,” he said. “Music is such a big part of who I am that I would still find a way to keep singing and expressing myself creatively” even without commercial acclaim.

This consistent creative output is already laying the groundwork for larger projects: Don Kuttz confirmed he is currently in active production on his debut extended play (EP), with several tracks already completed for the upcoming release. “Fans can definitely look forward to an EP in the near future,” he teased.

Before “Tru Blva”, Don Kuttz built a loyal grassroots fanbase with earlier well-received tracks including “Drive In” and “Pain”. He notes that “Drive In” remains his most commercially recognizable release to date, while “Pain” holds personal significance for its raw, relatable exploration of shared real-life struggles that connects deeply with listeners.

As “Tru Blva” continues to gain traction across Jamaican music platforms, Don Kuttz holds two key goals for the track: that its message of resilience resonates deeply with audiences facing hardship, and that it cements his place among the most promising rising talents in the next generation of dancehall stars.

For decades, reggae vocalist Joseph Velvet has embodied the principle of persistence that gives his debut album its name – it is not just a theme for his music, but the backbone of a decades-long career marked by triumph, hardship, and unshakable dedication to his craft. Now, the seasoned artist is breathing new life into *Evermore*, a fan-favorite track from the *Perseverance* LP, with a fresh reimagining that aims to introduce his timeless sound to younger audiences while reigniting the admiration of long-time followers who fell in love with his work decades ago.

Originally crafted with heavy R&B influences, the new iteration of *Evermore* has been fully reworked into a classic reggae production, set for global release via Jones Production with worldwide distribution handled by CD Baby. Surprisingly, the idea for the remake did not come from industry executives or long-time collaborators – it originated from Joseph Velvet’s own son, JoJo Singa.

“The push to redo this track as a full reggae version came from my son Joseph,” explains the singer, born Joseph Jordan Jones. “He believed that pairing the meaningful lyrics with the work of talented, well-known musicians would help the song get the attention it deserves, and grow streams, views, and downloads for the track.”

The new recording benefits from the contributions of some of Jamaica’s most legendary and respected reggae musicians, a lineup that reads like a hall of fame of Jamaican talent. Iconic saxophonist Dean Fraser, keyboardists Boris France and Paul “Wrong Move” Crosdale, bassist Danny Basie, and a host of other seasoned players joined the project, adding layers of emotional depth and rhythmic complexity that elevate the reworked track.

But for Joseph Velvet, the release of the new *Evermore* is far more than just another single drop. It marks the next chapter of a career defined by resilience, unforeseen setbacks, and an unwavering commitment to the power of reggae music.

Even after more than three decades in the industry, the artist acknowledges that he has never quite received the mainstream recognition he believes his work has earned. Rather than lingering on past disappointments or missed opportunities, he has stayed focused on refining his craft and sharing the heartfelt message that runs through all of his music: “Go for what you want and believe in yourself. Just believe and persevere.”

That life philosophy was forged through years of personal hardship. Born and raised in Kingston’s Cockburn Pen neighborhood, Joseph Velvet broke onto the Jamaican music scene in the late 1980s with *Wildflower*, a silky, soulful cover that became his breakout hit and earned international distribution via VP Records. The track catapulted his career, opening doors for him to share stages with some of reggae’s biggest icons, including Dennis Brown, Freddie McGregor, Gregory Isaacs, Beres Hammond, and Shaggy.

Like many Jamaican artists of his era, he later relocated to the United States chasing broader performance and recording opportunities, touring consistently across club circuits and releasing new material steadily. While follow-up singles earned critical notice, none matched the commercial success of his breakout hit *Wildflower*.

The biggest test of his resilience came in 2003. Just as Joseph Velvet was regaining industry momentum with tracks like *Arms Around Me* and *Love Face*, a series of traffic accidents left him with catastrophic spinal injuries. What followed were years of grueling rehabilitation, paired with crippling depression and agonizing uncertainty over whether he would ever step onto a stage or hold a microphone again. The tracks he had recorded ahead of the accident never saw a formal release.

“There were times when I didn’t know if I would ever sing again,” he reflected.

The turning point came once again through the encouragement of his son, JoJo Singa, whom Joseph Velvet calls his number one biggest fan. Spurred on by that support, he found the courage to return to the recording studio, eventually releasing his debut full-length album *Perseverance* – a title that perfectly encapsulates the struggles and small victories that shaped his journey. The project reaffirmed his lifelong commitment to music and proved that his determination could not be broken by circumstance.

In recent years, his previous single *Do What I Got to Do* has generated promising early buzz among reggae fans, and *Evermore* offers another chance to reconnect with global audiences, carrying a message of love, endurance, and quiet hope.

Beyond his own work, Joseph Velvet remains deeply passionate about the future of reggae as a genre, though he argues that modern reggae has strayed from the core values that once defined the sound. “The current state of reggae music, the standard has fallen and the music differs from the original form in terms of structure and content,” he notes. “The lyrical content in dancehall is toxic and poisonous, and when it comes to reggae, they are not addressing conscious topics like police brutality and poverty and educating the masses.”

No matter where listeners stand on that assessment, Joseph Velvet’s own discography has always reflected the principles he has lived by throughout his career: positivity, persistence, and purpose. As *Evermore* launches on global streaming platforms, the veteran artist hopes its message resonates as deeply as the story behind it – a lifelong story of talent, hardship, and an enduring refusal to give up on the music he loves.

Acclaimed Jamaican spoken word artist Richie Innocent is gearing up to launch the third installment of his beloved Poetry Echoes of Expression event, set to take place September 26 at VP Records’ New York headquarters in Queens. Building on the momentum of two prior successful gatherings, the event centers on a core mission that has guided the series from its start: elevating underrepresented spoken word creators and giving them a vital platform to share their work with new audiences.

In an interview with Observer Online, Innocent emphasized the transformative power of poetic and narrative art to lift up communities. “Recognizing that people need to be lifted up through poetry, stories, songs, books and plays is absolutely essential,” he explained. The iconic space hosted by VP Records, he noted, provides the ideal foundation to build that impact, creating a ripple effect that supports personal growth and development for every attendee who engages with the work.

Innocent will headline the upcoming show, and he will be joined by a curated lineup of fellow artists that includes Marcia Jackson, a returning performer who appeared in the first two iterations of the series, alongside emerging and established voices Blaq Ice, Yabez, Ras Igus, Killa Boo and Burnett Coburn. Attendees can expect a dynamic, accessible program that blends playful comedic bits with family-friendly musical selections, designed to deliver wholesome entertainment, foster connection, and bring community members together around a shared love of the spoken word.

The Poetry Echoes of Expression series holds personal milestone meaning for Innocent: it was at the very first event, held earlier this year in 2024, that he launched *Perseverance*, his debut collection of poetry. For the artist, the event is an extension of the creative journey that began decades ago, shaped by his Jamaican roots. Though born in Kingston and raised partially in the Kingston neighborhood of Jones Town, Innocent spent most of his childhood in St. Elizabeth, the rural Jamaican parish he credits with nurturing his lifelong passion for conscious, message-driven music. His professional career as a performer spans an impressive 30 years, during which he has built a reputation for thoughtful, impactful work.

That work earned major industry recognition just months ago: on May 21, Innocent took home the Mutabaruka Award for Best Poet/Spoken Word Entertainer at the 2024 International Reggae And World Music Awards (IRAWMA), held in Lauderhill, South Florida. The accolade comes on the heels of another upcoming release for the artist: the official music video for his single *The Passover* is set to premiere this Sunday. Innocent co-produced the track with director Marlon Wright, who also helmed the new video.

On a sun-dappled Sunday, June 14, the 27th iteration of the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards kicked off with a celebratory brunch at The Wharf Estate, Clarendon’s fastest rising undiscovered coastal destination. Tucked along 18 sprawling acres of waterfront land on Longs Wharf Salt River Road, this tranquil riverside retreat brought together event judges, sponsoring partners, food industry leaders and media stakeholders for an afternoon that blended warm Jamaican hospitality, immersive natural beauty, and world-class culinary craft.

From the moment guests arrived, the event curated a full sensory experience that highlighted the one-year-old property’s unique charm. Attendees kicked off the day with gentle, scenic boat cruises through the property’s peaceful estuary, where mangrove forests and calm waters framed postcard-perfect views of the Jamaican countryside. Later, guests sampled handcrafted signature cocktails at the custom Wray & Nephew pop-up bar, with mixologists presenting three original creations: Rare Honey Soother, Signature X-ale, and Stormy Valley. Between sips and conversations, many attendees wandered the property’s deck spaces, pausing to take in the sweeping unobstructed views of the Caribbean coastline.

The undisputed centerpiece of the afternoon was the whimsically styled brunch curated by event planner Shikima Hinds, which paid loving tribute to Jamaica’s deep cultural roots and beloved Sunday brunch traditions. Vibrant Jamaican Madras plaid tablecloves anchored each setting, accented by lush tropical floral arrangements of red ginger lilies, dramatic bird-of-paradise blooms, and broad monstera leaves that brought the island’s natural beauty directly to the table. Natural woven chargers, rich jewel-toned glassware, and classic cane-back dining chairs completed the warm, welcoming aesthetic, all set on an open deck overlooking the glassy estuary waters.

The extensive brunch spread, crafted by award-winning Jamaican chef Jacqui Tyson, wowed attendees with its flavorful offerings and beautiful presentation, cementing The Wharf Estate’s reputation as a must-visit destination for special events and luxury getaways in central Jamaica.

Among the impressed guests was Dalton Fowles, Country Manager for Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean at Mastercard, a long-standing supporting partner of the Food Awards. In a playful remark on the property, Fowles shared, “You guys surprised us. When I heard we were driving down to Clarendon, I thought we were going to a farm. It’s a really beautiful property and, you know, job well done.”

Speaking on Mastercard’s continued partnership with the awards program, Fowles highlighted the natural alignment between the brand’s iconic “Priceless” marketing platform and the shared, meaningful connections that food creates. “We believe that a meal with friends and loved ones is, in fact, a priceless experience,” he said. “Behind every meal, there’s a lot that goes on — from the farmer to the restaurant owner to the chef pursuing their dream. The Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards celebrates that entire ecosystem, and that’s why we’re proud to be associated with it.”

For Stephen Dunkley, principal and owner of The Wharf Estate, hosting the 2026 awards launch marked a major milestone for the young property, which has seen rapid growth and rising popularity since it opened just one year ago. “It means a lot to me because The Wharf Estate is a year old, and we realise that it has been growing rapidly. It’s expanding and a lot more people have become aware of its existence… When the Jamaica Observer approached us about partnering to host the launch, it was a pleasure for me,” he explained.

Dunkley framed the launch event as the perfect opportunity to introduce the hidden waterfront destination to Jamaica’s food and hospitality industry, noting that the property’s unique blend of refined luxury and unspoiled natural scenery sets it apart from other event venues across the island. “I think many here would agree with me that it’s a hidden gem. The uniqueness about it is that you have the sophistication, you have the nature — everything just comes together here at The Wharf,” he said.

The launch event brought together dozens of key stakeholders, including members of the Jamaica Observer leadership team, the full panel of Food Awards judges, representatives from sponsoring brands including J Wray & Nephew, The Best Dressed Chicken, and ATL Automotive Group, and leaders from Jamaica’s tourism and hospitality sector. With the launch complete, the 27th Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards will move forward with judging and nominations, culminating in the main awards event that celebrates the best of Jamaican culinary talent.