分类： entertainment

In the highly anticipated action-adventure film ‘The Bluff,’ Jamaican-Canadian costume designer Antoinette Messam emerges as the creative force behind the production’s distinctive visual identity. Directed by Frank E Flowers and produced by AGBO’s Russo brothers, the Amazon MGM Studios feature stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Ercell ‘Bloody Mary’ Bodden—a former pirate forced to confront her violent past when her notorious captain (Karl Urban) threatens her newfound family life in the Cayman Islands.

Messam’s costume design philosophy centered on tactical functionality, blending period authenticity with practical movement requirements. Her creative collaboration with director Flowers began in June 2023, with both sharing Caribbean heritage—Flowers from the Cayman Islands and Messam from Jamaica—which informed their shared visual language. The design approach deliberately contrasted the organic textures and muted colors of the islanders’ homespun fabrics against the durable, globally-sourced materials of the pirates’ attire, featuring denim and leather to convey toughness.

The designer’s most celebrated creation—a custom cuirass (armor) worn by Chopra Jonas’s character—became such an artistic statement that the lead actress wore it to the film’s world premiere. Created by Australian artisans over three months, the piece exemplified Messam’s commitment to craftsmanship and narrative-driven design. Her team of approximately 40 skilled craftspeople executed her vision, with leather specialists Meg Ashforth and Lolly Ruby Redpath bringing the armor to life and art finishers adding weathered detailing.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Cayman Brac’s Skull Cave, ‘The Bluff’ represents a convergence of action cinema and high fashion, with Messam’s costumes receiving acclaim from cast, crew, and global audiences alike. The film premiered on Amazon Prime Video on February 25, 2026, marking another milestone in Messam’s ascending career following her previous work on ‘The Harder They Fall’ and ‘Lift.’

Music industry insiders are heralding the WYFL riddim, produced by DJ Mac, as the most anticipated dancehall rhythm for 2026. The multi-artist project has garnered significant attention for featuring a formidable lineup of dancehall’s elite, including Vybz Kartel, Mavado, Cham, Spice, and Kabaka Pyramid.

A defining track on the project is ‘Show Time’ by veteran bass guitarist Wormbass, born Delroy Niven. The St. Thomas-native musician, renowned as the energetic leader of Beenie Man’s official backing unit, the Blaze Band, in the 1990s, makes a powerful return to his hardcore dancehall roots with this release. His recent work, both as a solo artist and producer, had leaned more toward conventional reggae, making ‘Show Time’ a notable shift in direction.

The track distinguishes itself on the riddim through Wormbass’s signature bassline infusion. In a recent statement, the lanky musician clarified his creative intent, explaining, “The addition of the bass wasn’t about enhancement of the riddim, as I found that DJ Mac was already on the right path. This was more about me adding my own signature style as a bassist than anything else.”

Reflecting on his enduring connection to the genre, Wormbass emphasized that dancehall remains a core part of his musical foundation. “It will always be safe to say that Wormbass has never left dancehall. What the DJ Mac riddim has allowed me to do is bridge my experience in dancehall with the current dancehall generation,” he stated, highlighting the project’s role in connecting dancehall’s legacy with its contemporary evolution.

Beyond his dancehall credentials, Wormbass has maintained a diverse career. After branching out as a solo artist a decade ago, he has released numerous singles, an EP, and a full-length album. In recent years, he has extensively toured with roots reggae acts, including Winston McAnuff and the Inna De Yard collective, which features legends like Cedric Myton and Kiddus-I.

Jamaican dancehall sensation Hot Frass has made a powerful return to the music scene with his latest single “Bad Party,” currently dominating airwaves and generating substantial buzz in nightlife venues. The emerging artist, born Romaine Lindsay in St. Thomas, has seen the track rapidly gain momentum both domestically and internationally, positioning it as a potential crossover hit.

The artist, previously recognized for popular tracks including “Polo” and “Birthday Boy,” attributes his current success to strategic industry partnerships and dedicated fan support. “The response to ‘Bad Party’ has been phenomenal—it’s playing everywhere from clubs to street parties, and people are genuinely connecting with the energy,” Hot Frass commented regarding his latest musical offering.

A significant development in the artist’s career involves his recent management agreement with international label Raw Yard Records, which produced the single and is orchestrating his professional advancement. This collaboration provides the structural foundation necessary for sustainable career growth in the competitive music industry.

Hot Frass’s musical journey began in his formative years, immersed in a sound system culture operated by his father. This environment allowed him to hone his skills naturally before transitioning to live performances and eventually establishing his artistic identity. The artist emphasizes the importance of collaborative effort, noting: “Teamwork makes the dream work. Raw Yard Records has implemented the right strategies, placing my career on a structured trajectory for success.”

Currently, the artist is actively promoting both the single and its accompanying visual production, leveraging the institutional support from his label to expand his reach within the global music market.

North Miami’s NoMi Village recently served as the vibrant epicenter for Rastafari Day, a cornerstone event within South Florida’s annual Reggae Month festivities. This cultural gathering transcends mere musical performance, functioning as both a tribute to the profound influence of Rastafarianism on Jamaican identity and a premier platform for established and emerging artists.

The February 15th showcase featured a powerful lineup of reggae talent, including the legendary Inner Circle, the spiritually resonant Warrior King, the compelling Pressure Busspipe, and the dynamic Counteraction Band. For artist Binghi Blaze, who made his second appearance at the event, participation carries deep significance. “It was amazing. On Rastafari Day, we represent Rastafari so it’s always going to be a powerful event to be a part of. As a Rasta chanter, wi cyah say reggae without Rasta,” he expressed, highlighting the inseparable link between the music and its spiritual roots.

Blaze utilized his performance to promote two of his latest works: the reverent “Hail King Selassie,” a track paying homage to the Ethiopian Emperor revered as divine within the Rastafari faith, and “Africa Great Again.” He also extended praise to the iconic band Inner Circle for their enduring role in sustaining the reggae scene abroad. “We have to big up Inner Circle for keeping the reggae culture alive in another country,” Blaze stated, recounting a conversation with guitarist Roger Lewis who affirmed the band’s commitment to honoring both Rastafari and the genre itself.

South Florida’s Reggae Month is designed to encapsulate the full spectrum of the Jamaican music experience, featuring not only roots reggae but also gospel and dancehall events, alongside ceremonies that recognize the genre’s most dedicated stalwarts. Based in South Florida but originally from Manchester, Jamaica, Binghi Blaze has been a recording artist for over a decade, with his live performances primarily concentrated in Florida and New York.