分类： entertainment

Jamaican dancehall icon Vybz Kartel has achieved his fourth Billboard charting song with ‘PBT,’ a collaboration featuring American rapper Travis Scott and South African singer Tyla. The track climbed from #23 to #18 on this week’s Billboard Rhythmic Airplay chart, marking its steady rise since its debut at #38 on August 16, 2025. Kartel’s previous Billboard entries include ‘Pon De Floor’ with Major Lazer, ‘Ramping Shop’ with Spice, and the gold-certified hit ‘Fever.’ ‘PBT’ is part of the 17-track ‘Jackboys 2’ compilation album, released on July 13 by Cactus Jack Records and Epic Records. The album, featuring artists like Future, Playboi Carti, and 21 Savage, topped the Billboard 200 with 232,000 album-equivalent units in its first week. Meanwhile, Sean Paul’s ‘Ginger’ holds steady at #14 on the Rhythmic Airplay chart, while Mariah Carey’s ‘Sugar Sweet’ slips to #32. On the Billboard Reggae Albums chart, Bumpin Uglies debuted at #7 with ‘Crawling Up the Wall,’ their sixth entry since their 2018 chart-topper ‘Beast from the East.’ Legendary acts like Bob Marley and the Wailers continue to dominate, with ‘Legend’ logging 298 non-consecutive weeks at #1. Regional charts also saw movement, with Khago’s ‘2 Time’ maintaining its #1 spot for a third week.

Atlanta-based artist Kenne Blessin has transcended conventional music boundaries with his latest spiritual track, ‘God is My Strength,’ released on September 26 as part of the Blue Flame Riddim EP. The four-song project also features contributions from Anthony Malvo, Delly Ranx, and Fucha Kid, showcasing a unique blend of musical artistry. Kenne Blessin aimed to create a track that resonated deeply with listeners, emphasizing meaningful content over mere rhythmic appeal. ‘The piano and violin arrangement evokes profound emotions, delivering a message that holds significant value,’ he explained in an interview with Observer Online. Co-produced by Dacosta Music and Malvo Ent, the EP includes Malvo’s ‘Watch da Girl Deh,’ Delly Ranx’s ‘How I’m Living,’ and Fucha Kid’s ‘Big Man Cry.’ Unlike typical riddim projects that reflect the artist’s persona, Kenne Blessin focused on crafting a cohesive concept for Blue Flame. ‘I wasn’t chasing a specific sound; I wanted content that truly matters,’ he stated. Beyond this project, Kenne Blessin is also promoting his cover of Elton John’s ‘Nikita,’ inspired by Russia. Born in Kingston and raised in St. Thomas, he debuted with his first album, ‘Get Up & Go,’ in 2018, followed by his EP ‘Millions’ in 2020. Kenne Blessin continues to make waves in the music industry with his innovative and soulful creations.

At the prestigious 2025 Reggae North Music Awards in Canada, singer Blk Orchid clinched the award for Top Reggae Single of the Year with her powerful track ‘How Long.’ The song, penned in 2016, was deeply inspired by the tragic events surrounding the police killing of 18-year-old Mike Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. Blk Orchid described the track as an emotional outcry against systemic violence targeting Black communities, channeled through music. Despite its timely message, she hesitated to release it immediately due to its politically charged nature and her initial focus on producing rather than performing. The song was eventually brought to life by Cut and Clear Productions and Indie Rootz Records. Blk Orchid expressed her astonishment at the song’s success, admitting she never anticipated such a profound connection with listeners. ‘I was overwhelmed with gratitude when my name was announced,’ she shared, reflecting on the surreal moment of her victory. The category featured strong contenders, including Tonya P’s ‘Rise,’ Ammoye’s ‘Baby I Love You,’ and Paris Ivey’s ‘Mek it to Di Top.’ Blk Orchid was also nominated for Top Female Vocalist, further cementing her rising influence in the reggae scene. Beyond her recent win, Blk Orchid is actively working on new projects, including a collaboration with Empress Divine titled ‘No Longer Lonely’ and an innovative venture into AI-driven music production. Her multicultural heritage and collaborations with industry legends like Sly Dunbar have shaped her unique artistic journey, solidifying her place in the global music landscape.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The highly anticipated 30+ Fashion Show and Expo is gearing up for its third edition, set to take place on November 22 at the ALIV Night Club in Naggo Head, Portmore. The event will commence at 4:00 pm with a mini-expo showcasing a diverse array of exhibitors specializing in beauty, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, nails, and fashion.

In a surprising turn of events, Hollywood icon Nicole Kidman and country music sensation Keith Urban have reportedly ended their 19-year marriage, as per US media outlets. The couple, who exchanged vows in 2006 and share two teenage daughters, have been living separately since the onset of summer. Sources close to the situation reveal that Kidman, 58, was reluctant to part ways and made efforts to salvage the relationship. Meanwhile, Urban, 57, has relocated from their Nashville family home to a new residence within the city. The news was first reported by entertainment platform TMZ, though AFP has yet to independently verify the separation. Kidman, an Academy Award-winning actress, has been described as the pillar holding the family together during this challenging period. She also has two adopted children from her previous marriage to actor Tom Cruise, which concluded in 2001. Despite the reported split, the couple appeared united on social media earlier this year, with Kidman sharing a heartfelt anniversary post in June and Urban celebrating their bond after his Academy of Country Music Awards triumph in May. Kidman, renowned for her transformative role in ‘The Hours,’ remains one of Hollywood’s most celebrated figures.

Aaron Silk, the seasoned roots reggae artist, recently shared his profound emotional connection to the song ‘Painful Birth (A Mother’s Cry)’, penned and produced by Michael Orrett. Released on September 8, the song delves into the heart-wrenching experiences of mothers who have lost their children, often to senseless urban violence. Silk, who has personally witnessed such tragedies, expressed deep empathy for these women, many of whom grapple with grief and a crisis of faith in the aftermath of their loss. The song’s poignant message is further amplified by a compelling music video featuring actress Audrey Reid, directed by Fareye Productions and released on September 18, 2025. Orrett praised Silk’s heartfelt delivery, stating that the artist ‘owned’ the song, transforming it into a powerful anthem for the voiceless and a source of comfort for grieving hearts. Silk, whose own brother Garnet Silk tragically passed away in 1994, emphasized the song’s broader call to action, urging parents, communities, and leaders to unite in protecting children from violence. ‘Painful Birth (A Mother’s Cry)’ is now available on major streaming platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music, marking another milestone in Silk’s three-decade-long career, which includes the 1999 album ‘Bless I Oh Jah’.

Renowned Jamaican Executive Chef Brian Lumley, celebrated for his culinary expertise, recently garnered significant attention in Uganda’s Daily Monitor newspaper. Lumley’s exceptional skills were showcased at a fine dining event orchestrated by the Consulate of Jamaica in Kampala, Uganda’s capital. The event aimed to highlight the pinnacle of Jamaican gastronomy, a mission that Lumley executed flawlessly, according to attendees. Michael Idusso, Jamaica’s honorary consul to Uganda, emphasized that the event was designed to present the best of Jamaican cuisine to Ugandan food enthusiasts. Daily Monitor journalist Gloria Haguma described the evening as a luxurious culinary journey, where each course was a masterpiece worth the anticipation. Lumley, assisted by students from Culinary School Uganda, crafted a five-course meal that artfully blended Jamaican and Ugandan flavors. The evening commenced with pre-cocktails featuring crispy pork belly adorned with sorrel glaze and jam. The main course included a jerk chicken roulade with callaloo and cheese, accompanied by baked apple and garden vegetables, followed by pimento-smoked beef tenderloin with Appleton buerre blanc. Haguma particularly praised the duo of purple sweet potato and pumpkin soup, noting that the event transcended a mere meal, evolving into a cultural exchange. Lumley, in an interview, highlighted the untapped potential of Ugandan cuisine and noted the shared ingredients between the two nations, attributing this to similar climates. He pointed out subtle differences in spice usage, with Jamaican cuisine favoring bolder flavors compared to Uganda’s more restrained approach.