分类： entertainment

The National Gallery of Jamaica (NGJ) launched its highly anticipated exhibition, ‘One Nation, New Symbols,’ on Sunday, September 28, 2025. The event, accompanied by live entertainment from Fatalic Sounds, marks a significant cultural milestone in the nation’s artistic landscape. Curated by Monique Barnett-Davidson, the exhibition aims to explore and reinterpret Jamaica’s rich history through a contemporary lens, fostering civic dialogue and national identity.

Barnett-Davidson emphasized the exhibition’s mission to showcase the work of 43 Jamaican visual artists who celebrate, challenge, and reimagine the symbols that define the nation. From national emblems to everyday icons, the artworks reflect the lived experiences of Jamaicans, offering a profound commentary on social, political, and cultural themes. The exhibition will remain open to the public until March 29, 2026.

The NGJ initiated a public call for submissions earlier this year, receiving 166 applications. A rigorous two-round judging process, overseen by a panel of stakeholders, culminated in the final selection of participating artists. Notable contributors include Justeen Bailey, Kimani Beckford, Stephanie Brown, and Dana-Marie Bullock, among others.

Barnett-Davidson highlighted the exhibition’s broader objectives: reimagining national symbolism through contemporary art, amplifying Jamaican artistic voices, and promoting civic engagement through accessible public exhibitions. ‘This platform allows artists to respond to current societal conditions using visual language, continuing the tradition of art as a powerful form of social commentary,’ she added.

The opening event also featured key figures from the NGJ, including Nadine Boothe-Gooden, acting senior director, and Shawna-Lee Tai, assistant curator, alongside representatives from sponsors like Häagen-Dazs.

On the evening of September 25, the concept store Locale, situated at 4 Holborn Road, transformed into a hub of gastronomic and sartorial excellence with the Maison De Vert event. The eight-course culinary journey was masterfully curated by Chef Jerron Green of Jeronimos Kitchen, offering guests a feast for the senses. The evening’s wine selections, presented by Caribbean Producers Jamaica, were introduced by Flavio Andreatta, the Caribbean area manager at Giowine, adding a refined touch to the proceedings. The event also showcased the exquisite interior design by Aiesha Panton, creating a visually stunning backdrop for the evening. Attendees included notable personalities such as Gina Forrest, Senior Brand Manager for Wines and Premium Waters at CPJ, Rojah Thomas, Director of Retail Sales, and Paula Bullings, Corporate Wine Specialist, who joined Andreatta in a celebratory toast. The fashion-forward crowd was equally impressive, with Shereika Myers, CPJ Category Manager for Wines & Water, turning heads in an ASTR The Label Avani Textured Midi Dress. The event was a perfect blend of culinary artistry, fine wines, and high fashion, making it a memorable night for all who attended.

Rohan Marley’s earliest olfactory memories are steeped in the scents of his childhood: the mint and sage his mother used in her cooking, the fresh sweetness of the outdoors, and the comforting aroma of laundry drying in the sun. These sensory experiences shaped his understanding of fragrances, a passion that has now culminated in the launch of Marley Fragrance, a collection inspired by his father, the legendary Bob Marley. The collection, divided into three distinct lines, embodies Bob Marley’s enduring messages of love, unity, and harmony. Developed in collaboration with IMH Fragrance, a luxury niche fragrance house, the scents were crafted by master perfumers Doug Falcone, Yann Vasnier, Kevin Scozzaro, and Clement Gavarry. The Marley Fragrance Private Sensory Launch, hosted at the scenic Gap Café in Jamaica, offered guests an immersive experience. Against the backdrop of the Blue Mountains, attendees explored the fragrances’ intricate notes, guided by experts like Gavarry and Rachael Larsen. The event featured a curated meal by Chef Alexa Von Strolley, blending culinary artistry with fragrance. Highlights included Place of Peace, a soothing scent with agave and Earl Grey tea notes, and Mellow Mood, Rohan’s personal favorite. The collection not only celebrates Bob Marley’s legacy but also invites a new generation to connect with his values through the art of scent.

In a digital landscape often criticized for its superficiality, Adonique “Mr Nose” Cole and Melanie “Ms Petal” Welsh have emerged as standout talents on TikTok. Known for their spontaneous and humorous skits, particularly their ‘nosey landlord versus problematic tenant’ series, the duo has captivated a growing audience and set their sights on long-term careers in the performing arts. Their journey, marked by resilience and creativity, serves as an inspiring narrative of turning rejection into opportunity.

The Jamaica Food and Drink Festival has emerged as a cornerstone event for celebrating the island’s rich culinary traditions, according to Culture and Entertainment Minister Olivia Grange. Speaking at the media launch for the 2025 edition at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, Grange emphasized the festival’s role in uniting Jamaicans through food and drink. ‘This festival has become a signature moment where we gather to celebrate our identity as Jamaicans,’ she remarked. ‘While we often focus on music, dance, and language, food is equally vital in preserving and expanding our heritage.’ The 2025 festival is scheduled for November 13–16, marking its 11th anniversary. The event showcases the nation’s finest food and drink offerings in a lively, community-driven setting. Grange also highlighted the government’s new Jamaica Entertainment and Creative Sector Insurance, urging attendees from the creative industry to enroll and benefit from the initiative. ‘This insurance plan, covering life, accident, and health, is designed for you,’ she said, addressing the creative community. ‘It’s an opportunity you shouldn’t overlook.’

LOS ANGELES, United States — Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest cinematic endeavor, ‘One Battle After Another,’ has made a resounding impact at the North American box office, securing the top spot during its debut weekend. Industry estimates released on Sunday revealed that the action thriller, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio as a retired radical fighter thrust back into action to aid his daughter, captivated audiences with its blend of absurdity and gravitas. Critics have lauded the film as a ‘carnivalesque epic’ exploring themes of good versus evil, violence, power, and the relentless fight against injustice. The film amassed an impressive $22.4 million in its opening weekend, according to Exhibitor Relations, sparking early Oscar speculation for both Anderson and DiCaprio. Analyst David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research praised the film’s performance, noting its alignment with the success of an action series launch and its exceptional critical and audience reception. Meanwhile, ‘Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie,’ a family-friendly live-action/animation hybrid, secured second place with $13.7 million, while the anime feature ‘Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle’ continued its strong run, adding $7.1 million to its North American total of $118.2 million. The horror franchise installment ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ also maintained momentum, earning $6.9 million to reach a cumulative $161.5 million. Other notable entries in the top 10 included ‘The Strangers: Chapter 2,’ ‘Him,’ ‘The Long Walk,’ ‘Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale,’ ‘Spider-man Trilogy,’ and ‘They call him OG.’

Big Beat, the renowned U.S. electronic and dance music record label established in 1986 by Craig Kallman, former president of Atlantic Records, has maintained a deep-rooted connection with reggae music over the decades. Initially distributed by Atlantic Records, Big Beat was integrated into the label in 1992 before being relaunched independently in 2010. Throughout its history, the label has been instrumental in promoting reggae artists such as Garnet Silk, Dawn Penn, and Inner Circle.