分类： entertainment

In 1994, Barry White’s sultry hit ‘Practice What You Preach’ dominated the U.S. pop charts, marking a significant comeback for the legendary artist. A year later, a reggae rendition of the song introduced Mikey Spice, then an unknown singer, to the dancehall scene. Now, three decades later, Spice credits the Barry O’Hare-produced track for sustaining his career and livelihood. In a recent interview with Observer Online, Spice humorously remarked, ‘It’s done a lot. I have frequent meals, I live somewhere, I have clothes on my back, my kids are fed.’ He added, ‘It was a good one, I didn’t expect it, as a matter of fact, but it came and we accepted it.’ Known for his distinctive baritone, Spice is set to perform on October 11 at the Crown Hill Theatre in Brooklyn, New York, followed by a gig at the Prestige Palace in Freeport, Long Island, the next day. Before ‘Practice What You Preach,’ Spice gained recognition as a singer and multi-instrumentalist on the North Coast hotel circuit, a hub for emerging talents like Benjy Myaz and Paul Kastick. His collaboration with O’Hare, a renowned studio engineer in Ocho Rios who worked with artists such as Burning Spear and Buju Banton, proved pivotal. The song marked O’Hare’s first major success as a producer before his passing in 2020. Spice continued his rise with the 1995 hit ‘Born Again,’ produced by Bobby Digital, and has since consistently charted with tracks like ‘Grab yu Lass’ and a cover of Neil Diamond’s ‘I Am I Said.’

Puerto Rican music sensation Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, delivered a bold response to right-wing critics of his upcoming Super Bowl halftime show during the season premiere of ‘Saturday Night Live.’ The artist, known for blending reggaeton, rap, Latin trap, and pop, recently concluded a highly successful residency in his homeland, Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory in the Caribbean. Earlier, Bad Bunny had expressed concerns about his fans facing immigration raids under former President Donald Trump’s policies, leading him to avoid mainland U.S. tour dates. His announcement as the Super Bowl headliner sparked backlash from conservative commentators, who questioned the NFL’s decision to feature a Spanish-speaking artist who previously avoided the continental U.S. During his ‘Saturday Night Live’ monologue, Bad Bunny humorously addressed the criticism, stating, ‘I’m very happy and I think everyone is happy about it, even Fox News.’ He emphasized the significance of his performance for Latinos in the U.S., declaring in Spanish, ‘Our footprints and our contribution in this country — no one will ever be able to take that away or erase it.’ Switching back to English, he quipped, ‘If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn.’ The Super Bowl is scheduled for February 8, 2026, in Santa Clara, California. The NFL’s partnership with Roc Nation, founded by Jay-Z, has influenced the selection of high-profile halftime performers, including Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, and Rihanna, in recent years.

Reggae artist Junior Kelly has attributed his career breakthrough to his timeless hit, ‘If Love So Nice,’ which continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. Originally recorded in 1998 and officially released in 2000, the song has become a cornerstone of his musical journey. In a recent interview with the Jamaica Observer, Kelly shared how the track significantly altered his life, bringing him global recognition, financial stability, and opportunities to collaborate with renowned producers and record labels such as Jet Star and VP Records.

On the picturesque shores of Montego Bay, Jamaica, a groundbreaking architectural marvel is taking shape. The Pinnacle, a visionary development comprising four crystalline towers and a collection of villas, is more than just a luxury enclave—it is a bold statement of Jamaican modernism. Designed by architect Isaia Madden, the project seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, blurring the lines between land, sea, and sky. The towers, named Swallowtail, Canary, Hummingbird, and Phoenix, rise like sculptural totems, their glass façades reflecting the Caribbean light and trade winds. The Pinnacle’s design philosophy emphasizes openness and porosity, with hurricane-resistant glass walls, generous balconies, and natural materials like porcelain tiles and woven fibers. In a historic first for Jamaica, Towers 2 and 3 will debut as branded residences, while Tower 4 will operate as a hotel under Accor Ennismore, a global leader in lifestyle hospitality. This partnership positions Jamaica within an elite network of design-led destinations. The Pinnacle redefines Caribbean luxury, focusing on clarity of form, space, and light rather than ornamentation. Residences range from compact apartments to sprawling penthouses, each designed to capture the energy of sunrise and the tranquility of sunset. Developer Yangsen Li of LCH Developers describes the project as transformative, driven by Madden’s visionary talent. The Pinnacle is not just a development; it is a celebration of beauty, culture, and the Caribbean spirit, offering residents a daily experience of architectural brilliance and natural harmony.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Renowned gospel artist Kevin Downswell has expressed his gratitude and joy after securing six nominations at the prestigious Sterling Gospel Awards. The event, set to take place this Saturday at the Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Portmore, St Catherine, honors excellence in Caribbean gospel music and ministry. Downswell’s nominations span multiple categories, including Male Artiste of the Year, Local Hit Producer of the Year, Local Hit of the Year, Collab of the Year, Most Rated Event of the Year, and Video of the Year.

Dancehall artist DiCelebrityy is riding a wave of success following a significant boost to his career, thanks to a shout-out during Kai Cenat’s ‘Mafiathon 3’ live stream. The shout-out, orchestrated by social media personality Mama Cenat, has catapulted DiCelebrityy’s single ‘Hydraulics’ into the spotlight, resulting in a surge of online searches, Spotify and Apple Music streams, and YouTube engagement. DiCelebrityy expressed his gratitude, stating, ‘I just want to say thank you to Mama Cenat and Kai Cenat for the shout-out because it gave my career and my song a major boost.’ Kai Cenat, the world’s most-subscribed Twitch streamer with 19 million followers, hosted the event, which attracted approximately one million viewers. The exposure has introduced DiCelebrityy to a broader audience, with his song now featured on global Spotify playlists and gaining traction on YouTube, where it has amassed over 57,000 views. DiCelebrityy, born Adrian Anthony Campbell in St Ann’s Bay, Jamaica, aspires to be a global ambassador for Jamaican culture, drawing inspiration from legends like Bob Marley. His recent tracks, including ‘Full Charge,’ ‘White Liver,’ and ‘New Landlord,’ have made waves at events like Reggae Sumfest. Over the past year, DiCelebrityy has collaborated with prominent artists such as Skillibeng, Spice, and Teejay, further solidifying his position in the dancehall scene. He credits Twitch as a powerful platform for music discovery, noting that the live stream helped 500,000 people discover his music. With his career on an upward trajectory, DiCelebrityy is poised to make a lasting impact on the global music stage.

Patrick Brown’s latest theatrical production, ‘Indecent Proposal,’ is currently captivating audiences at the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston. While the play is laced with moments of humor, it delves deeply into the trials faced by single mothers, offering a poignant exploration of their struggles. Sharee Elise, a seasoned actress in Brown’s productions, takes on the role of Sarah, a waitress and mother of two children, who is desperately seeking stability in her life. Her character’s journey is further complicated by the arrival of Lenny, portrayed by Glen Campbell, a suitor who promises her a better life but soon discovers that his honorable intentions are met with unforeseen challenges. For Elise, embodying Sarah has been an enlightening experience. ‘Sarah has given me a unique perspective on the challenges that women in certain situations face,’ she shared with the Jamaica Observer. ‘As a single mother struggling to make ends meet, Sarah’s experiences have shown me how a lack of resources can lead to difficult choices that might otherwise be deemed unacceptable. This role has helped me understand the complexities of decision-making in the face of limited options.’ The cast is rounded out by Courtney Wilson, another regular in Brown’s plays, who plays Rex, Sarah’s ex and one of her delinquent babyfathers. ‘Indecent Proposal’ also highlights the breakdown of the nuclear family in Jamaica, once a cornerstone of the country’s society. ‘Too many households have been left on the backs of women who have to play the role of mother and father,’ Elise remarked. ‘In light of that, something must give, and unfortunately what ‘gives’ is a firm foundation for kids to thrive and grow into well-rounded individuals. Instead, a lot of them become victims of the circumstances of their surroundings.’ Elise, who hails from Falmouth, Trelawny, honed her craft as a member of the Ashe performing arts ensemble for 16 years before transitioning into acting. She has appeared in several of Brown’s plays, including ‘Windscream Posse,’ ‘Right Girl, Wrong Address,’ ‘Matey Chronicles,’ and ‘Duppy Whisperer.’ ‘Indecent Proposal’ premiered in July and is set to conclude its run on October 20.

For nearly two decades, The Unity Singers have been a beacon of gospel music, spreading their message across Jamaica and beyond. This year, the group has earned its second nomination for Group of the Year at the prestigious Sterling Gospel Music Awards, a testament to their unwavering dedication to their ministry. Shane Haslam, CEO of Unity Singers Ministry, expressed profound gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing that the nomination reaffirms their commitment to their divine calling, regardless of the outcome. The group, comprising talented sopranos, altos, tenors, keyboardists, drummers, and bass players, has remained a non-denominational force, drawing members from diverse church backgrounds such as Apostolic, Pentecostal, Church of God, and Tabernacle ministries. Over the years, The Unity Singers have performed at major concerts, national events, and international tours, sharing stages with renowned gospel artists like Rhoda Isabella and Marion Hall. Their journey, marked by spiritual growth and musical excellence, has resulted in seven original songs, including recent hits like ‘Redeem Praise Medley.’ The group’s inception in 2005 was inspired by a vision of unity and divine purpose, and despite a brief hiatus, their ministry was revived in 2007, flourishing under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Unity Singers’ mission remains centered on transforming lives through the power of gospel music, fostering fellowship, and sharing testimonies. As they prepare for the Sterling Gospel Music Awards this Saturday, they stand alongside other nominees, including Levy’s Heritage and Genesis Praise Squad, in a celebration of gospel music’s impact and influence.