分类： entertainment

Miami-based singer-songwriter Kēvens has achieved a significant milestone in his musical career with his album, ‘Call To Balance,’ being considered for two prestigious Grammy Award categories: Album of the Year and Best Global Album. Initially submitted for Best Reggae Album, the album’s unique fusion of dub, reggae, and dancehall has captured the attention of the Grammy Awards committee. Kēvens, a pioneer in blending reggae with electronic dance music (EDM), traces his musical roots back to South Florida’s vibrant underground scene in the 1990s. His innovative sound, first introduced at the 1998 Florida Zenfest, has evolved into a global phenomenon. ‘Call To Balance’ features socially conscious tracks like ‘Save Me’ and ‘Sonadores Legales,’ the latter being a Spanish rendition of ‘Legal Dreamers,’ marking his return to the music scene after a two-year hiatus. Influenced by Jamaican legends such as Yellowman, Super Cat, and Tenor Saw, Kēvens also collaborated with renowned musicians like Randy Bernsen and Charles Norkus, who mentored him in his early career. The nominees for the 68th Grammy Awards will be unveiled on November 7, with the ceremony set to take place on February 1 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Samuel K Golden, a poet-turned-musician, is carving a unique niche in the world of art with his deeply personal and heartfelt creations. His latest release, ‘Countdown to Our Time,’ marks the beginning of his EP titled ‘Footsteps: Love and Sweetness.’ This project is a testament to his belief that art, when rooted in authenticity and delivered with an honest inner voice, can leave a lasting impact on audiences long after the artist is gone. Golden’s journey into music was inspired by his romantic poetry, which he has now transformed into melodic expressions of love. His work has garnered excitement from both fans and industry insiders, drawn to the soothing sound and tender messages of his compositions. In a world marred by conflict, division, and instability, Golden’s philosophy is simple yet profound: love conquers all. He describes his artistic vision as a ‘lake of love,’ where art is seen as a contribution to humanity rather than a commodity. ‘I believe there is still sweetness in the world. I would like to think my poetic music adds to the lake of love,’ he shared. Golden’s creative process involves turning written words into living, breathing songs, a transformation made possible with the help of his talented production team, including Michael Winters, Clifford Coats, and Roger Rodriguez. With years of experience writing love poems, Golden has published two poetry collections, and his debut album shares the name of his second book. Balancing his artistic pursuits with a full-time job, Golden has honed his craft through open mic nights at local venues in Washington, D.C. Now, he is poised to take the next step in promoting his introspective album, each track meticulously crafted with patience and precision. While he labels his sound as ‘alternative,’ it defies simple categorization, embodying a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences. For Golden, music is more than a passion—it’s a way to connect with others and spread joy. ‘Making music helps me feel whole. Bringing love to others and seeing their joy is next level for me,’ he said.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Dancehall artist eNGee Dadon is making waves with his latest tracks, ‘Crocodile Masicka’ and ‘Is Masicka A Nanny?’, which blend social commentary with musical artistry. Formerly known as Pickney, the artist explained that these songs are inspired by observations within the dancehall industry. ‘Crocodile Masicka,’ released on August 9, critiques the current state of dancehall, using the metaphor of a crocodile to symbolize fear and pride concealed behind silence. The track has garnered thousands of streams and sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. The second release, debuting in early October, employs satire and wordplay to question the ego-driven titles prevalent in the genre. eNGee Dadon emphasized that there is no animosity between him and Masicka, hoping listeners will appreciate the artistry and cultural relevance of his music. He also celebrated his second-place ranking on the Brando Music Review Show’s weekly chart for ‘Dancehall Jealousy,’ viewing it as a testament to the potential of independent artists. Currently, eNGee Dadon is working on multiple projects under New Generation Music Entertainment, including ‘Venus Inna Vans,’ ‘Christian Girl Gone,’ and ‘Thanks You.’

Reggae artist Ras-I is celebrating a landmark year in his musical career, marked by significant achievements and exciting new projects. His 2020 hit single, ‘Somewhere Wonderful,’ was chosen as the official soundtrack for the Jamaica Tourist Board’s 2025 Easter campaign, a milestone that underscores the song’s enduring appeal and cultural resonance. Now, Ras-I is gearing up for the release of a new single, ‘Rastafari in Charge,’ featuring Munga Honourable, and is also preparing an album set for 2026.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, Ras-I expressed his satisfaction with the trajectory of his career. ‘Everything has been happening in perfect timing,’ he said. ‘I am happy that my career is moving in the right direction so I can show the youths that hard work and consciousness really do pay off.’

Ras-I’s philosophy as an artist is deeply rooted in creating music that stands the test of time. Inspired by advice from legendary Jamaican singer Beres Hammond, he is committed to producing content that will remain relevant for decades. ‘As artistes, we’re not making music just for us. Once we press that button and release it, it’s no longer just for us; it’s for the people,’ Ras-I explained. ‘I decided not to follow trends but to sing what’s in my heart, and so everything you hear from me is made out of good vibes and good energy.’

This approach has clearly paid off, as ‘Somewhere Wonderful’ continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, even five years after its release. ‘To create something that was so culturally great that it got the support of corporate was everything to me,’ Ras-I said. ‘The track transcended all limits because it was so relatable. The common man loved it because we all wanna go wonderful places, and we’re equally tired of being misunderstood.’

Ras-I’s latest collaboration with Munga Honourable, ‘Rastafari in Charge,’ is a testament to the power of intergenerational partnerships in the music industry. The track, which blends the talents of a seasoned artist with a rising star, has been well-received, and its accompanying music video has further boosted its popularity. ‘This track shows a connection with one of the more established and legendary artistes and the new crop of reggae and dancehall artistes, and it’s a feel-good vibe,’ Ras-I noted. ‘The message is conscious as always with my songs, and it’s just all about positivity and upliftment.’

Reflecting on the collaboration, Ras-I praised Munga’s professionalism and dedication. ‘Munga came early, helped set up, and to me that was something special,’ he said. ‘I said to myself, this is how big artistes should work with younger artistes and help to filter in so we can help maintain the relevance.’

Ras-I also addressed the broader narrative around older artists working with younger ones, emphasizing the importance of maintaining standards while allowing for creative freedom. ‘Sometimes people say the standard drops, but that’s not it at all. The disconnect comes from ‘It’s not what you say but how you say it,’’ he explained. ‘We have to maintain standards, but we also have to allow the artistes to be the artistes.’

As ‘Rastafari in Charge’ continues to gain momentum, Ras-I is already looking ahead to his next big project: an album set for release in 2026. While he remains tight-lipped about the details, he assured fans that the creative process has been smooth. ‘We’re putting together the album, and that’s all I will say. It’s been five years,’ he shared. ‘It’s been so smooth because the hardest part of putting an album together is never the creative side, it’s the business side, the paperwork. But definitely, 2026 it’s coming.’

With his unwavering commitment to quality and his ability to bridge generational gaps, Ras-I is poised to leave an indelible mark on the reggae music scene.

Emerging dancehall sensation Craig “Craigy T” Thompson is basking in the spotlight as his debut EP, *Unload*, has been shortlisted for Grammy consideration in the Best Reggae Album category. Released on November 29, 2024, the EP soared to number three on the Reggae iTunes charts and significantly boosted his streaming numbers on Spotify and YouTube, tripling his subscriber count by early 2025.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s hospitality sector has achieved remarkable recognition in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, with three of its hotels securing top 10 positions in the Caribbean and Central America category. The Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios claimed the #4 spot, while the S Hotel Montego Bay and S Hotel Kingston ranked #5 and #7, respectively. This accolade underscores Jamaica’s growing reputation as a premier destination for luxury and cultural tourism. Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, hailed the achievement as a reflection of the island’s exceptional hospitality, service excellence, and diverse tourism offerings. He emphasized that these hotels represent the pinnacle of Jamaica’s tourism industry, from the timeless elegance of Ocho Rios to the vibrant boutique experience in Montego Bay and the sophisticated urban retreat in Kingston. Kyle Mais, General Manager of Jamaica Inn, expressed gratitude for the recognition, attributing it to the team’s dedication to preserving luxury and authentic Jamaican hospitality. Established in 1950, the Jamaica Inn has long been celebrated for its discreet service and understated charm, attracting iconic figures like Marilyn Monroe and Katharine Hepburn. Christopher Issa, CEO of S Hotels Jamaica, highlighted the significance of S Hotel Kingston’s inclusion, noting it as a testament to Kingston’s resurgence as a cultural and tourist hub. Meanwhile, S Hotel Montego Bay continues to build on its legacy of accolades from renowned platforms such as USA Today and TripAdvisor. This recognition not only celebrates Jamaica’s hospitality excellence but also reinforces its position as a leading destination in the Caribbean.

For 17 years, Marlon Wright has been a driving force in music production, focusing on artists often labeled as underground. This has never been a concern for him, as these artists align with his vision of creating meaningful music. Wright, an air traffic controller by profession, founded Cyber Leaf Entertainment in 2008. His current projects include collaborations with veteran poet Richie Innocent and emerging singer Jahdeed Rawbawn. Born in Kingston and raised in Westmoreland, Wright co-produced Richie Innocent’s latest track, *The Passover*, and is shaping Jahdeed Rawbawn’s debut EP, set for release in early 2026. Wright emphasizes, ‘We seek artists who bring not just talent but also messages that resonate and uplift communities. At Cyber Leaf, we prioritize substance over fame.’ Over the years, he has worked with roots artists like Iya Ingi and Derajah, and more recently, with Richie Innocent, a New York-based poet with three decades of experience. *The Passover*, released in August, marks their most ambitious collaboration yet. Wright’s mentorship of Jahdeed Rawbawn, a fellow St. Elizabeth native, further underscores his commitment to nurturing talent. Reflecting on his journey, Wright shared, ‘Working with Richie for over a decade and now mentoring Jahdeed reminds me that this work transcends individual success. The real reward lies in inspiring lives and creating legacies that endure.’