分类： entertainment

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant cultural decision, CJ Milan, Founder and CEO of Reggae Fest & Epic League Entertainment, has officially postponed the highly anticipated “Reggae Fest: The Return of Mavado” concert originally scheduled for December 27, 2025. The decision comes as a direct response to the catastrophic damage inflicted by Hurricane Melissa across the island nation.

Milan documented her rationale through a series of Instagram story updates, revealing that her choice followed an emotional visit to affected Jamaican communities. During her humanitarian trip, she distributed essential supplies and engaged directly with families grappling with the storm’s aftermath. These personal interactions with survivors, who shared harrowing accounts of their experiences, solidified her conviction that proceeding with a large-scale entertainment spectacle would be profoundly insensitive during this period of national crisis.

“This represents anything but an easy decision,” Milan expressed in her social media communiqué. “The profound strength, palpable pain, and incredible resilience I witnessed communicated an unequivocal message: our present priority must be collective unity and rehabilitation rather than celebration.”

Highlighting her deep personal and professional connections to Jamaica—the birthplace of her father and the cultural cradle that shaped her career—Milan stressed that moving forward with the event would contradict her sense of ethical responsibility toward the nation. She confirmed that dancehall icon Mavado stands in complete agreement with this postponement, with both choosing to prioritize national recovery efforts above commercial entertainment interests.

“Every performance platform I’ve ever accessed throughout the United States owes its existence to Jamaica’s cultural legacy, its artistic community, and the vibrant people who form the very heartbeat of reggae and dancehall music,” Milan affirmed.

The promoter confirmed that all purchased tickets have been fully refunded as of Thursday, December 4, 2025. While no alternative date has been established for the rescheduled event, Milan assured supporters that current energies remain focused on supporting Jamaican recovery and reconstruction initiatives in the hurricane’s devastating wake.

As December unfolds, Jamaica’s entertainment landscape transforms into a vibrant tapestry of festive celebrations, offering diverse experiences for every taste. The 2025 holiday season presents an exceptional lineup of events ranging from family-oriented activities to exclusive luxury parties and high-energy musical performances.

Hope Zoo inaugurates the festivities with its annual Zoo Lights exhibition from December 20-21, featuring spectacular Christmas illuminations alongside festive games, amusement rides, and culinary delights. This family-friendly event merges natural beauty with seasonal magic, with tickets available at multiple retail outlets including Tac Bar and Eleni’s Bakery.

The retro party scene revives on December 20th with Footloose at Mas Camp, Kingston. This premier event delivers nostalgic hits curated by Jamaica’s most iconic veteran DJs, creating an electric atmosphere of musical nostalgia. Ticket purchasing options include online platform www.xticketz.com and physical outlets across Kingston and Portmore.

Christmas Eve celebrations culminate at the National Stadium with YUSH, featuring performances by dancehall stars Ding Dong and Elephant Man. The event promises an unmatched energetic environment with musical direction by Ricky Platinum and JR Chromatic, available through yushparty.com and designated physical outlets.

Boxing Day offers multiple entertainment options: Yesterday “Best of the 90s” celebrates its 24th anniversary at Mas Camp with classic 90s music; Christmas Comedy Cook-Up at Jamaica Pegasus hotel presents top stand-up comedians with proceeds supporting hurricane relief efforts; and Zimi Seh Riva at Tru Juice Riva in St. Catherine combines river scenery with vibrant social atmosphere.

December 27th features Strictly 2K: 2000s vs 2010s at Mas Camp, offering a musical showdown between two decades with costume encouragement for attendees. New Year’s Eve culminates with UDC’s free Fireworks Festival along Kingston Waterfront, featuring spectacular pyrotechnics, live entertainment, and family activities.

New Year’s Day presents three exclusive events: Frenchmen Climax at Caymanas Golf Club offers ultra all-inclusive luxury with partial proceeds supporting hurricane restoration; SANDZ All-White edition at Stadium East delivers an ultimate cooler event with premier DJ performances; and Sunrise Day Soiree provides an exclusive breakfast party experience at US$135 per ticket.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaican government will hold an official state funeral for the late reggae pioneer Jimmy Cliff on Wednesday, December 17, a ceremony befitting his monumental status in the nation’s cultural history. The service is scheduled to commence at 10:00 a.m. at the National Indoor Sports Centre.

The formal announcement was made by Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, who emphasized the government’s decision to honor Cliff was a direct recognition of his “immense contribution to Jamaican Culture and Entertainment.” The arrangements are being meticulously coordinated by a collaborative effort involving the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Culture, and the family of the late icon.

Born James Chambers in 1944, Jimmy Cliff achieved global acclaim as a foundational figure in popularizing reggae music. His passing on November 24, 2025, at the age of 81, prompted an outpouring of grief from fans and dignitaries worldwide.

Minister Grange stated that the memorial service will serve as a national platform for the country to collectively “bid farewell to an outstanding son of Jamaica; an icon.” In a poignant adherence to the artist’s own desires, the ceremony will forego traditional eulogies in favor of a celebration through the art forms he championed: exclusively featuring spoken word tributes, dance performances, and musical renditions.

Jabari Brown, a 20-year-old Jamaican-born pilot, has become an aviation millionaire after prevailing in an extreme physical and mental competition orchestrated by YouTube megastar MrBeast. The challenge, filmed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia last October, pitted 100 pilots against each other in a series of aerial-themed trials culminating in a 19-hour endurance test where the last person touching a private jet would claim it as their prize.

Brown emerged victorious from the grueling competition that involved hauling aircraft, withstanding jet blasts, and even skydiving. The final challenge required participants to maintain physical contact with a jet positioned on a trailer along a Saudi freeway. After more than 19 hours of continuous effort that included running alongside the moving trailer, only three competitors remained.

In a dramatic twist, the final trio was instructed to devise their own elimination game within one hour. Brown advocated for a skills-based challenge, arguing that the valuable prize should be earned through merit, while his two older competitors preferred a game of chance involving suitcases with hidden golden tickets. Despite heated exchanges and doubts about whether participants would honor the agreement, the suitcase game proceeded, and Brown revealed the winning ticket.

The young pilot described the moment as surreal, admitting he had expected all contestants to lose the jet due to potential rule violations. ‘I just genuinely thought we were all gonna lose the jet and just go home with 10 grand,’ Brown confessed from Saudi Arabia, where he was still processing his life-changing win.

Brown’s aviation journey began after immigrating to the United States with his family in elementary school. Growing up with what he describes as a ‘normal Jamaican childhood,’ he discovered his passion for flying in Florida, where he received a scholarship from the Experimental Aircraft Association. He completed flight training in under six months, becoming both a registered pilot and instructor.

Currently operating under the social media handle ‘Capt Treezy,’ Brown creates aviation content but cannot yet fly commercially due to age restrictions despite having all necessary qualifications. He plans to use his prize to support his business, Integrity Aviation Online Groundschool, and create financial security for his parents.

The newly minted millionaire also addressed concerns about the timing of his victory, which coincided with Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in Jamaica. He expressed relief that his win could provide positive inspiration during difficult times and offered encouragement to young Jamaicans pursuing aviation dreams: ‘Find your gift and be the best at your gift because you never know where it will take you.’

The Summit in New Kingston transformed into an epicenter of sophisticated musical artistry last Thursday evening as vocalist Apryl Jaye headlined the second annual ‘Jazz Must Be: A Night of Jazz Fusion, Tribute and Community Giving’. The culturally significant event, operating under the official patronage of Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange and presented by Island Car Rentals, delivered an immersive auditory experience that masterfully intertwined jazz, reggae, and R&B influences.

Attendees, elegantly adorned in all-white or predominantly white attire in accordance with the dress code, were treated to a dynamically curated two-hour performance. The setlist featured profound musical homages to legendary reggae icons including Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Delroy Wilson, and John Holt, alongside soulful nods to R&B powerhouses Angie Stone and D’Angelo.

Jaye’s artistic vision was brought to life by an ensemble of exceptionally talented musicians: percussionist Keniel Delisser, bassist Dale Brown, trumpeter Okiel McIntyre, guitarist Lamont Savory, and keyboardist Gregory Palmer. The evening was further elevated by a special guest appearance from acclaimed reggae artist Duane Stephenson, adding another layer of musical depth to the proceedings.

In a heartfelt post-performance reflection, Jaye expressed profound appreciation for the overwhelming public support and the full venue. ‘Witnessing a completely packed house left me absolutely awestruck. I’m immensely grateful that annually, I continue to find an audience that genuinely values my artistic contributions—it means everything,’ the vocalist shared.

The event transcended mere musical performance, serving as a gathering point for Kingston’s diverse professional and social circles. Notable attendees included Red Stripe Brand Manager Amoye Phillpotts-Brown, financial advisor Theodore Williams with technology consultant Olivia Leslie, and fashion standout Joamie Tweed of Tweed Business Solutions, who showcased a sophisticated short suit ensemble from Zara.

Adding to the evening’s significance, firefighter Joseph Thomas and his wife Kaydian, a payroll officer, selected the jazz concert as the perfect backdrop to commemorate their 20th wedding anniversary. Meanwhile, Administrative Assistant Marlene Thorpe attended with her daughter Abigail, sisters Almarie Fuller and Annette Harris, alongside Councillor Andrew Harris of the Jamaica Labour Party, representing the Hughenden Division, demonstrating the event’s broad community appeal.

Jamaican recording artist Alaine has officially confirmed the development of her first full-length studio album in ten years, marking a significant return to the music scene after a prolonged creative hiatus. The ‘No Ordinary Love’ vocalist revealed in an exclusive Jamaica Observer interview that she is actively crafting new material with renewed artistic vision.

“The album is finally coming. I’m dedicating myself to creating meaningful music that truly represents my artistic evolution,” Alaine stated. “This project reflects my authentic self and showcases my musical capabilities in ways fans haven’t experienced before.”

The artist’s discography includes 2015’s ‘Ten of Hearts,’ preceded by the Japan-exclusive release ‘Luv A Dub’ (2009) and her debut album ‘Sacrifice’ (2008). While fans await the new album, Alaine has released the summer-inspired single ‘Summertime,’ a collaborative effort with Protoje released through Indigg.Nation.Collective in September.

In a noteworthy patriotic gesture, Alaine disclosed her ongoing recording sessions with production team Daseca to create an anthem for Jamaica’s bobsled team. “Their remarkable ascent couldn’t have come at a better time,” she commented, drawing parallels to Jamaica’s growing presence in international basketball.

The accomplished singer has maintained an active international performance schedule throughout the year, with recent appearances in Florida and The Bahamas, and upcoming shows scheduled in Antigua and Kenya. “Music transcends borders—songs I recorded two decades ago continue to fuel my international touring career,” Alaine reflected on her enduring global appeal.

Beyond her performing career, Alaine has transitioned from her role as a judge on Digicel Rising Stars to mentoring emerging artists. “I’m committed to supporting talented young performers by providing them with platforms to showcase their abilities during my performances,” she emphasized regarding her dedication to nurturing new generations of Jamaican musical talent.

As the holiday season approaches, music becomes an essential ingredient for creating the perfect festive atmosphere. Edge 105 FM’s renowned Burgerman has curated an exclusive selection of Christmas tracks designed to evoke nostalgia, spread joy, and amplify Christmas spirit across households.

The playlist opens with Chronixx’s poignant ‘Santa Claus (Do You Ever Come to the Ghetto?)’, a modern reinterpretation of Carlene Davis and Trinity’s cultural classic that delivers soulful reflection during the holidays. Chris Brown’s smooth R&B rendition of ‘This Christmas’ provides instant ambiance enhancement for tree decorating ceremonies or Christmas morning activities.

Stevie Wonder’s timeless ‘Christmas Time’ radiates pure joy with its uplifting melodies, while Jackson 5’s ‘Give Love On Christmas Day’ features young Michael Jackson’s vocals reminding listeners of the season’s core message about love and generosity. No contemporary Christmas compilation would be complete without Mariah Carey’s iconic anthem ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’, which has become synonymous with holiday season commencement.

The selection also includes socially conscious contributions from the 2016 Crime Free Christmas Project. Tarrus Riley’s ‘Crime Free Christmas’ promotes peace and unity through smooth vocal delivery, while Busy Signal injects dancehall energy into the traditional ’12 Days of Christmas’ with distinctive Jamaican flair.

Rounding out the playlist are Carla Thomas’s soulful throwback ‘Gee Whiz, It’s Christmas’ for cozy evenings and Boney M’s ‘When A Child Is Born’, a Caribbean household staple that signals the true beginning of seasonal celebrations.