分类: entertainment

  • Delroy Lindo to make feature directorial debut with Jamaica-set film — reports

    Delroy Lindo to make feature directorial debut with Jamaica-set film — reports

    Acclaimed actor Delroy Lindo, renowned for his powerful performances in films like ‘Sinners’ and ‘The Harder They Fall,’ is channeling his heritage into a new cinematic venture. Following his recent role in a vampire-themed horror movie, Lindo is now developing a profoundly personal film set within a Jamaican community.

    In an exclusive interview with Deadline, Lindo revealed the project’s core themes will explore power dynamics, spirituality, and the transformative, healing power of community bonds. The actor, who was born in the UK to Jamaican parents, expressed a deep, long-standing commitment to bringing this story to the screen, having first become aware of the material in 2015. He formally secured the rights to the project in 2021 and has since been dedicated to assembling the necessary funding.

    The narrative centers on a young man grappling with profound loss. As Lindo detailed, ‘The story is about a young man who has lost his mother. His parents are both doctors. We meet him on the day it is discovered that his mother has been tragically killed.’ The plot then advances six years, revealing that neither the young man nor his father have healthily processed their grief. In an attempt to find healing, the son is sent to his maternal homeland in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains.

    Lindo confirmed the film will incorporate an element of magical realism, promising a visually and emotionally rich tapestry that blends the real with the mystical. This passion project arrives nearly five decades into his distinguished acting career. Prior to its production, audiences will next see Lindo in the upcoming monster blockbuster ‘Godzilla vs Kong: Supernova,’ slated for a 2027 release.

  • Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore was ‘The Reggae Ambassador’ — Grange

    Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore was ‘The Reggae Ambassador’ — Grange

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican cultural landscape is in mourning following the passing of renowned musician Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore, celebrated by the nation’s Ministry of Culture as an irreplaceable talent and genuine ‘Reggae Ambassador.’ Minister Olivia Grange, overseeing Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, issued an official statement honoring Coore’s extraordinary contributions to music both locally and internationally.

    Coore, who co-founded the legendary Third World Band, was remembered as a pioneering force in reggae music whose influence transcended generations. Minister Grange emphasized the profound sense of loss felt across Jamaica, extending heartfelt condolences to his wife Lisa, children Shiah, Kanna, Stephen, and Ashley, along with his grandchildren and wide circle of friends and collaborators.

    The government officially acknowledged the Coore family’s generosity in sharing the musician’s exceptional talents with the world. Grange specifically highlighted Coore’s musical journey, noting his early involvement with the successful group Inner Circle before establishing Third World Band, which produced iconic hits including ‘Now That We Found Love,’ ’96 Degrees in the Shade,’ and the fitting anthem ‘Reggae Ambassador.’

    His artistic excellence earned him national recognition, including the prestigious Order of Distinction. While his physical presence will be deeply missed, Minister Grange affirmed that Coore’s enduring legacy would continue to inspire both contemporary and future musicians. The statement concluded with a poignant farewell: ‘Rest well, reggae ambassador.’

  • Holness says Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore was a cultural ambassador in truest sense

    Holness says Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore was a cultural ambassador in truest sense

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican music community is in mourning following the sudden passing of legendary musician Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore at age 69. The co-founder and musical director of iconic reggae band Third World died on Sunday, leaving behind an indelible legacy in the nation’s cultural landscape.

    Prime Minister Andrew Holness publicly honored Coore’s extraordinary contributions, characterizing him as a monumental figure in Jamaica’s cultural history and a fundamental architect of the country’s global musical identity. Through an official statement on social media platform X, Holness emphasized how Coore’s work with Third World created a distinctive sound that transported Jamaica’s rhythm, spirit, and message to international audiences worldwide.

    “His artistic approach combined technical mastery with profound cultural awareness,” Holness noted, “producing music that remains both eternally relevant and distinctly Jamaican in character.”

    The Prime Minister further highlighted Coore’s role as a genuine cultural ambassador who represented Jamaica with exceptional dignity, excellence, and national pride. His pioneering contributions to the creative arts, Holness stated, significantly enriched Jamaica’s national identity while inspiring multiple generations of musicians both within the country and across the global music scene.

    Recognizing Coore’s previous honor of receiving the Order of Distinction for his cultural contributions, Holness extended official condolences on behalf of the Jamaican government and its citizens. The Prime Minister specifically addressed sympathies to Coore’s wife Lisa, his children, grandchildren, family members, fellow bandmates, and the international community of admirers whose lives were profoundly impacted by his artistic work.

    “May his musical legacy endure as a perpetual reminder of our national identity,” Holness concluded, “and demonstrate the unique power of Jamaican creativity to foster global unity through artistic expression.”

  • Valentino, Italy’s fashion king, dies at 93

    Valentino, Italy’s fashion king, dies at 93

    ROME — The fashion world mourns the passing of Italian design maestro Valentino Garavani, who died Monday at 93 in his Roman residence surrounded by close companions. His foundation confirmed the news through social media channels, announcing funeral arrangements scheduled for Friday in the Italian capital with public viewings preceding the service.

    Known mononymously as Valentino, the visionary designer spent nearly five decades defining luxury aesthetics for generations of style icons. His signature ‘Valentino red’ creations became sartorial symbols for international aristocracy and Hollywood royalty alike—from Jacqueline Kennedy and Princess Diana to Elizabeth Taylor and contemporary stars like Julia Roberts.

    Born May 11, 1932, in Voghera, Lombardy, Valentino developed an early obsession with refined aesthetics. “I have had this illness since childhood,” he told Elle Italia in 2007. “I only like beautiful things.” His journey began at 17 when he departed for Paris to study fashion, immersing himself in the transformative post-war elegance of Christian Dior’s revolutionary designs.

    After apprenticeships with Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche, Valentino established his eponymous maison in 1960’s Rome—a city then thriving as ‘Hollywood on the Tiber.’ His 1962 Florence debut collection introduced the world to his now-iconic crimson hue, but his 1964 encounter with Jacqueline Kennedy proved transformative. The future First Lady’s choice of his ivory lace gown for her marriage to Aristotle Onassis catapulted Italian design onto the global stage.

    Business partner and former lover Giancarlo Giammetti played a pivotal role in scaling the brand internationally, recalling in the 2008 documentary ‘Valentino: The Last Emperor’ that managing the designer’s genius “required a lot of patience.” Their collaboration built a fashion empire spanning Roman palazzos, Swiss chalets, and a 50-meter yacht—all reflecting Valentino’s philosophy of uncompromising glamour.

    The designer’s retirement in January 2008 after his final Paris show marked the end of an era celebrated for sensual, figure-enhancing designs. “I love a woman who eats food, who has a body,” he told The New Yorker in 2005, rejecting extreme thinness in favor of voluptuous femininity. His legacy continues through the Valentino Garavani Virtual Museum—the fashion industry’s first digital museum launched in 2011—ensuring future generations can experience his pursuit of beauty through immersive technology.

  • Paraguay to host concert by Argentine singer Tini Stoessel

    Paraguay to host concert by Argentine singer Tini Stoessel

    Argentine singing sensation Tini Stoessel is poised to captivate Paraguayan audiences with a highly anticipated concert in Asunción, according to reports from the prominent Paraguayan daily Hoy. This performance represents a significant segment of her expansive international tour, which has already achieved remarkable success by attracting over 250,000 spectators during its Argentine leg.

    The event’s local production is being masterfully orchestrated by AM Producciones, which has pledged to deliver a spectacular large-scale production. The show is designed to highlight Tini’s exceptional artistic versatility, a quality honed through the release of multiple studio albums and high-profile collaborations with internationally acclaimed artists.

    Renowned for her dynamically evolving musical style, Tini expertly navigates a diverse soundscape that seamlessly blends contemporary urban beats with vibrant Latin rhythms. This fusion is consistently underpinned by her unique artistic signature, a key factor in her enduring presence on international music charts. Her prolific output continues to amass hundreds of millions of streams across major digital platforms, cementing her status as a dominant force in the global music industry.

  • WATCH: PM Says Gassy Dread Music Project Generated $70,000 in Royalties So Far

    WATCH: PM Says Gassy Dread Music Project Generated $70,000 in Royalties So Far

    A government-backed music project, colloquially known as the ‘Gassy Dread’ initiative, has yielded significant financial returns in its early stages, according to a recent announcement from the Prime Minister. In a public statement, the PM revealed that the venture has already generated approximately $70,000 in royalties, signaling a promising start for the cultural and economic endeavor.

    The project, which appears to fuse musical artistry with national cultural promotion, represents a strategic investment in the creative arts sector. While specific details on the musical style or the artists involved under the ‘Gassy Dread’ moniker were not fully elaborated, the announcement underscores a commitment to leveraging creative industries for economic gain. The generated royalties are anticipated to be reinvested to further support local artists and sustain the project’s momentum.

    This early financial success is being positioned by the administration as a validation of its policy to fund and promote homegrown talent and cultural exports. The PM’s commentary suggests that such initiatives are not merely cultural exercises but are viewed as viable economic projects capable of contributing to the nation’s revenue streams. The positive initial returns will likely be used to advocate for continued or expanded funding for similar programs in the future.

  • The Punta Cana Carnival returns with two days of celebration in its 17th edition

    The Punta Cana Carnival returns with two days of celebration in its 17th edition

    Grupo Puntacana has officially unveiled plans for the seventeenth iteration of the renowned Punta Cana Carnival, scheduled to take place on February 20-21, 2026. The vibrant festivities will transform Boulevard 1ro de Noviembre in The Village Puntacana into a massive celebration of Dominican cultural heritage.

    The carnival inauguration commences on Friday, February 20th with an exclusive Carnival Gala along the parade route. This preliminary event will offer the Punta Cana community their first opportunity to witness the spectacular flagship troupes – Las Musas de Punta Cana and Los Tres Caras – accompanied by dynamic live musical performances.

    Saturday, February 21st marks the main celebration with gates opening at 2:30 PM. The grand parade will commence at 4:00 PM, showcasing an impressive assembly of over 20 professionally choreographed dance troupes and more than 1,500 national and international performers. These participants will bring Dominican folklore and cultural traditions to life through dazzling displays of color, music, and dance. Event organizers anticipate welcoming exceeding 15,000 attendees to this cultural extravaganza.

    A highlight of the carnival will be the ceremonial coronation of King or Queen Momo, an honor bestowed upon nationally prominent figures whose exemplary work inspires Dominican society. The selection remains carefully guarded until the event, creating significant anticipation among participants. The 2025 edition saw two-time Olympic champion and world athletics champion Félix Sánchez receive this distinguished recognition.

    The carnival maintains its tradition of honoring Dominican excellence, with previous recipients including fashion icon Oscar de La Renta, merengue superstar Eddy Herrera, endurance swimmer Marcos Díaz, jazz virtuoso Michel Camilo, conductor José Antonio Molina, cultural advocate Freddy Ginebra, baseball legend George Bell, and the first Queen Momo, merengue royalty Milly Quezada.

    Admission to the Punta Cana Carnival remains free to the general public, with optional ticket purchases available through digital platforms for enhanced access. The 2026 event will feature diverse culinary offerings through food trucks, dedicated family-friendly entertainment zones, and specially designed children’s activities available near the Grupo Puntacana corporate building starting at 3:00 PM on Saturday.

    Demonstrating environmental leadership, the carnival continues its sustainability initiatives through comprehensive waste management systems featuring recycling stations, implementation of reusable servingware, and utilization of biodegradable materials throughout the event grounds.

  • Sone G tops Canada reggae chart with ‘Rescue Me’

    Sone G tops Canada reggae chart with ‘Rescue Me’

    In a landmark achievement for Canadian music, gospel artist Sone G has secured a historic debut by claiming the number one position on the newly established Reggae North Canadian Top 20 Chart. His single ‘Rescue Me,’ produced by Heavy Unit Productions and released in July, now leads the inaugural ranking.

    Born in Clarendon, Jamaica, and now based in Toronto, Sone G revealed the deeply personal inspiration behind the chart-topping track. He shared that the song was written just one day before facing significant challenges as a father, emphasizing its message about faith and a higher power guiding one’s path.

    The chart itself represents a major development for Canada’s reggae scene. Founded by Tony Anthony, who also established Reggae North Radio in 2023, the weekly chart emerged after extensive consideration and direct feedback from radio DJs across the country. These DJs consistently highlighted the difficulties in accessing reggae and dancehall music within Canada, prompting the creation of this dedicated chart system scheduled to begin official compilation in 2026.

    The current rankings showcase the strength of Canadian-based reggae artists. Following Sone G’s ‘Rescue Me’ at number one, Samora and Ammoye’s ‘More Reggae’ occupies the second position, while Jah Cutta’s ‘How Sweet It Is’ rounds out the top three.

    Addressing common skepticism surrounding music charts, Anthony detailed the rigorous methodology behind their rankings. Rather than relying solely on popularity metrics, the Reggae North Chart incorporates multiple qualitative measures including production quality, lyrical content, and overall musical excellence. Listener requests and feedback from DJs affiliated with the station further ensure the chart authentically reflects what genuinely resonates within Canada’s reggae and dancehall community.

  • Junior pannists shine in the Savannah

    Junior pannists shine in the Savannah

    PORT OF SPAIN – The vibrant sounds of steelpan music filled Queen’s Park Savannah on January 18 as Trinidad’s most talented young musicians competed in Pan Trinbago’s Junior Panorama finals. The prestigious under-19 competition showcased exceptional musical artistry from next-generation performers preserving the nation’s cultural heritage.

    East PoS Stars Steel Orchestra captivated audiences with their energetic performance of “Jamtown,” setting the stage for an evening of musical excellence. From Belmont, St Francois Valley Stars delivered a sophisticated interpretation of “Too Own Way,” a composition by Jason Shaft Bishop, Scott Galt, and Michael Hulsmeier, expertly arranged by McKeem Joseph and Nalo Elie.

    Legacy Steel Orchestra moved listeners with their spiritual rendition of “Blessing,” composed by Wrenroy “Blaka Dan” Ogiste and arranged by Daniob Phillip. Meanwhile, El Dorado’s Eldo East Blue Steel Orchestra brought shimmering artistry to their performance of “Gold,” demonstrating technical precision and emotional depth.

    The event transcended mere competition as family and friends packed the stands, creating an atmosphere of communal support and cultural celebration. The enthusiastic audience reflected the deep connection between Trinidad’s steelpan tradition and its community roots, with generations coming together to nurture emerging talent.

    This annual event represents a critical investment in the future of Trinidad’s national instrument, ensuring the continuity of steelpan artistry while fostering musical innovation among youth. The Junior Panorama serves as both training ground and showcase for musicians who may eventually grace the main Panorama stage as professional performers.

  • Trinidad-based promoter sues Vybz Kartel over performance cancellation – report

    Trinidad-based promoter sues Vybz Kartel over performance cancellation – report

    Jamaican dancehall icon Vybz Kartel (legal name Adidja Palmer) faces significant legal and financial repercussions as Trinidad and Tobago-based Jacho Entertainment Limited files a high-profile lawsuit against the artist. The civil action, lodged in the High Court of Justice, centers on Kartel’s abrupt cancellation of his scheduled headline performance at the One Caribbean Music Festival on May 31, 2025.

    The promotion company alleges multiple contractual violations including breach of agreement, unjust enrichment, and defamation. According to court documents, Jacho Entertainment secured Kartel’s performance through a written agreement dated November 22, 2024, which stipulated a performance fee of $1.35 million payable in four installments.

    Financial records indicate the company had disbursed approximately $1.1 million (81% of the total fee) by May 29, 2025, with the remaining $250,000 scheduled for payment upon Kartel’s arrival in Trinidad. The promoter attributes delayed final payment to temporary foreign exchange constraints but maintains sufficient funds were available on the event date.

    The dispute escalated when Kartel allegedly failed to board his scheduled flight to Trinidad while demanding full payment in advance—a requirement not stipulated in their contract. The artist subsequently announced his performance cancellation through social media channels without providing formal written notice as contractually required.

    Jacho Entertainment claims substantial financial losses exceeding TT$7.3 million (approximately $1.08 million USD) from ticket refunds, operational costs, and reputational damage. The company further alleges that Kartel’s public statements accusing them of mismanagement compounded their reputational harm.

    The legal action follows months of failed settlement negotiations between the parties. The promoter seeks recovery of all monies paid, special and general damages, an injunction against further defamatory statements, plus interest and legal costs.