分类： entertainment

The transformative impact of Allan ‘Skill’ Cole on Jamaica’s music landscape was celebrated during a heartfelt thanksgiving service at the National Arena on October 11. Kay Osbourne, a close friend of Cole for over six decades and former general manager at Television Jamaica, highlighted his pivotal role in breaking barriers for reggae and Rastafari music on Jamaican radio in the 1970s. At a time when such genres were shunned by mainstream media, Cole’s relentless efforts ensured that the music of The Wailers, including Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer, found its way onto airwaves, particularly through the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation. This marked a significant shift in the cultural and musical identity of Jamaica. Cole, a prodigy who represented Jamaica in football at just 15, was deeply intertwined with the music scene. His defiance of societal norms and his advocacy for Rastafari messages through music were instrumental in the roots-reggae explosion of the era. The service featured tributes from prominent artists such as Beenie Man, Junior Reid, and Stephen Marley, underscoring Cole’s enduring legacy. Cole, who managed Bob Marley during his final U.S. tour in 1980, epitomized the social awakening of Jamaica in the 1960s and 1970s. His contributions to music and culture were honored by industry figures, including Marcia Griffiths, Olivia Grange, and Mark Golding, who gathered to pay their respects.

In a dazzling display of grace and charisma, 19-year-old Nevaeh Allen, a business finance student at the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC), was crowned the 2025 Miss Jamaica World Beach Beauty on Sunday. The event, held at Fort Clarence Beach in Portmore, is a pivotal fast-track competition in the annual Miss Jamaica World pageant. Allen’s victory not only earned her the prestigious title but also guaranteed her a spot in the top ten of the grand finals, scheduled for November 2 at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium at Jamaica College.

Tad Dawkins Senior, the principal of Tad’s International Record, is placing high hopes on Glen Washington’s latest album, ‘Just Giving Thanks,’ to secure the label’s third Grammy nomination. The album is one of 73 contenders for the Best Reggae Album category at the 2026 Grammy Awards, as revealed in the provisional list released by the Recording Academy on October 3. Other notable albums in the running include Cham’s ‘Sherlock,’ Vybz Kartel’s ‘Heart & Soul,’ and Mr Vegas’ ‘Ghetto Reggae.’ The final nominees will be announced on November 7. Tad’s International Record has previously seen success with Gregory Isaacs’ ‘Brand New Me’ in 2010 and Etana’s ‘Reggae Forever’ in 2019, both of which were nominated for the same award. In an April interview with Observer Online, Dawkins expressed his confidence in ‘Just Giving Thanks,’ praising Washington as a ‘reggae gem’ with a dedicated fan base. The album, produced by Tad Dawkins Junior, features tracks like ‘Chant Them Down,’ ‘Oh, To Be Like Him,’ and ‘Loving You Forever.’ Washington, a Clarendon native, began his career in the 1970s as a drummer for bands like The Mighty Titans in Kingston before achieving his breakthrough as a singer with the 1996 album ‘Brother to Brother,’ produced by the legendary Clement Dodd. Dawkins also revealed that Washington’s second studio album is currently in production and is slated for release in the summer of 2027.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Celebrating a remarkable milestone, 100 Restaurant & Gaming Lounge is set to host its 10th anniversary extravaganza on Saturday, November 15, 2025. Dubbed the ’10×10 Anniversary Stage Show,’ the event will unfold at the venue’s iconic Hope Road location, in collaboration with Red Stripe. The evening promises to be a spectacular fusion of music, cuisine, and entertainment, featuring performances by Jamaican music luminaries such as Christopher Martin, Gyptian, and Agent Sasco. Beyond the live music, attendees will be treated to a culinary journey showcasing 100’s signature dishes, including jerk chicken kebabs, strawberry-glazed pork, curried goat, pastas, soups, and indulgent desserts, all crafted with the bold flavors that define the brand. The event offers two distinct experiences: VIP guests will enjoy front-stage seating, unlimited food and drinks, concierge service, premium gift bags, and dedicated parking with shuttle access, while general admission patrons will receive a complimentary welcome drink and access to food and beverage purchases throughout the night. Tassia Bernard, marketing manager at 100 Restaurant, emphasized that the celebration is a heartfelt tribute to the loyal patrons who have supported the establishment over the past decade. Since its inception in 2015, 100 Restaurant & Gaming Lounge has become a cornerstone of Kingston’s nightlife, blending food, culture, gaming, and community into a vibrant social hub.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Nugent Hewitt, a 72-year-old Manchester-born artist, has proven that age is no barrier to artistic excellence. Recognized as the Most Outstanding Overall Artist in the 2025 Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Visual Arts Competition, Hewitt secured six gold medals and one silver medal this year. His remarkable achievement underscores a lifelong dedication to his craft.