分类： entertainment

Last Saturday, Jamaica’s iconic Negril 7-mile beach gained a new milestone in its ongoing entertainment resurgence, as the highly anticipated Bare Skinz event turned the sun-soaked shores of Wavz Beach into a vibrant, energy-charged celebration of Caribbean dancehall culture. Organized by Damage Musiq Group, the one-night showcase was designed not just to deliver world-class live entertainment to attendees, but to reinforce Negril’s long-held reputation as one of the Caribbean’s premier must-visit locations for large-scale music events.

Acclaimed Jamaican artist Craig Kirkland, better known by his stage name Amaziyah The Great, has expanded his creative discography with the launch of a brand-new single titled *Crime and Violence*, now available to stream across all major digital music platforms. A multi-talented creative force, Kirkland holds credits as an international recording artist, published poet, author, and award-winning filmmaker, and his latest work draws directly from the lived economic and social hardship he has witnessed among his loved ones and community.

In a statement discussing the inspiration behind the new track, Kirkland explained that the struggles of his parents, the uncertainty his children have faced, and the barriers encountered by his talented but underemployed friends and peers left him determined to push for meaningful change and a path to collective prosperity. This personal connection to community struggle has anchored much of his work throughout his decades-long career in entertainment.

Performance has long been second nature for Kirkland, who cut his teeth performing across his home country of Jamaica long before expanding his reach internationally. Early in his career, he was a regular act at community events in his hometown of Frazer’s Content, Spanish Town, St Catherine, and went on to grace the stage of major regional events including GT Taylor’s iconic Reggae Christmas Extravaganza and Yasus Afari’s Poetry Festival. His international touring journey has taken him across the United States, with memorable sets at Pawtucket Poetry in Rhode Island — where he first met his wife Lori — and the Boston Jerk Fest in Massachusetts, among other stops across the Northeast.

Years of consistent, grassroots work in the industry are now earning Kirkland growing mainstream acclaim. Most recently, he secured his third nomination to the prestigious International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), adding to a growing list of career honors. Up next, he is slated to compete for an award at the 2025 National Spoken Word Awards in Chicago, marking another milestone in his cross-genre creative journey.

Looking ahead, Kirkland says his current focus is on expanding his catalog of original music and poetry recordings to serve his growing global fanbase, with a special shoutout to the TikTok community that has become a major source of inspiration and support for his work. He also plans to return to his Jamaican roots to reconnect with local audiences, re-establish his presence in his home country, and update fans on his upcoming projects. All upcoming releases will drop under his own independent production banner, Great Amazement Multimedia Entertainment LLC, with distribution handled by Distrokid and publishing support from BMI, after Kirkland recently signed on with the performance rights organization.

In a closing appeal to the Jamaican diaspora, Kirkland urged widespread support for homegrown, authentic Jamaican creative talent, emphasizing that independent artists deserve more recognition for their work. Confident about what lies ahead, he noted, “More greatness is yet to come.”

Veteran Jamaican gospel reggae performer Carlene Davis has expressed profound humility and gratitude after securing a nomination in the Best Gospel Entertainer category for the 2026 International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA), one of the most prestigious global honors for reggae and world music creators. The 2026 IRAWMA ceremony is scheduled to take place on May 17 at the Lauderdale Performing Arts Center in South Florida, drawing hundreds of industry professionals, fans, and artists from across the globe.

In an exclusive reflection on her nomination, Davis shared that recognition from the IRAWMA holds special meaning, not just for her career but for the broader gospel music community. “Nominations are a part of life, something that happens based on how people see things and not necessarily what you expect,” she explained. “I do appreciate the nomination, especially from where the message of the gospel is recognised and is so necessary in our society. So much so that the organisers of IRAWMA would give the gospel of Jesus Christ a category.” Davis joins seven other talented nominees in the category, including DJ Nicholas, Kevin Downswell, Papa San, Judith Gayle, Prince Saj, and Jason Mighty.

For the veteran performer, this latest nomination carries far more symbolic weight than just a shot at another trophy. Davis framed the recognition as a quiet, powerful reminder of hope amid uncertain times. “It means, ‘As long as there is life there is hope,’ according to how the Holy Spirit guides us through all truth…” she said.

Davis’ history with the IRAWMA stretches back decades, long before the awards adopted their current name. Her first nominations and wins date back to the 1980s, when the ceremony was known as Martin’s International Reggae Music Awards. Over the years, she has taken home honors in categories ranging from Best Female Vocalist and Best Music Video to Best Gospel Oriented Entertainer, and claimed the 1992 award for Best Gospel Album. Most recently, she earned the IRAWMA Best Gospel Album award in 2015 for her critically acclaimed project *Dripping Blood*.

Despite her long track record of industry recognition, Davis says she enters this nomination cycle with a grounded perspective: she already considers herself a winner. A self-described non-competitive artist by nature, Davis pointed to her faith as the source of her contentment. “By being nominated in this international event that gives recognition to persons in the music industry on a global level, I am already a winner, being a part of the Kingdom of God,” she said. “And if Carlene Davis wins, it is a victory for the kingdom; and for that I say to God be the glory.”

The coming year has already been a busy one for Davis, who has been actively ministering across the globe in recent months. Her tour schedule has taken her across the Caribbean, with stops in Barbados, St Lucia, Dominica, and Guyana, as well as multiple performances across the United States and her home country of Jamaica. This year also saw her minister to audiences on the Love & Harmony Cruise on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026.

Davis has continued to release new work in recent years, most recently co-producing and releasing the full project *Songs of Zion* and the single *Holy Forever* under the Glory Music label, distributed through VPal Music. One of her recent singles, *No Regrets*, earned the honor of Outstanding Reggae Recording of 2025 at The Marlin’s Awards held in the Bahamas. In addition to her IRAWMA nomination, Davis added another major career honor in early 2026, when she received the Marcus Garvey Iconic Award from the Commission of the City of Miramar, Florida, back in February.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — The iconic Kensington Oval played host to a vibrant, cross-cultural gathering on the opening night of Barbados Reggae Weekend, drawing thousands of music enthusiasts from across the Caribbean and around the globe. All gathered to celebrate the enduring legacy of reggae music and watch performances from some of the genre’s most legendary and beloved artists.

Kicked off with the official title “Mount Gay Legends of Reggae Show and Dance”, the first night of the event was crafted as a tribute to the pioneering trailblazers who have shaped reggae over decades. The stacked lineup featured some of the biggest names in the business, including Jamaican dancehall trailblazer Sister Nancy, beloved soul-reggae vocalist JC Lodge, iconic deejay Super Cat, roots-reggae star Barrington Levy, celebrated roots artist Norris Man and popular Caribbean performer Biggie Irie.

Local media outlet Jamaica Observer caught up with attendees on the ground, where fans shared their excitement ahead of the performances. Some spoke specifically about the one artist they had been most eager to see take the stage, while others expressed that every performer on the lineup was a must-see, making it impossible to pick a favorite.

When asked what draws them back to the annual Barbados Reggae Festival year after year, attendees highlighted two standout factors that keep the event a staple on their cultural calendars. Many cited the infectious, laid-back yet energetic collective vibe of the festival as their top reason for returning, while others emphasized the consistent quality of the lineup of talent that organizers bring to Bridgetown each year. On-the-ground video footage of the event was captured by journalist Dana Malcolm.

Against the backdrop of post-hurricane recovery and an isolated violent incident, Jamaica’s 2026 Carnival has emerged as a defining demonstration of the nation’s resilience, cultural vitality, and economic determination, according to event organizers and government stakeholders who are pushing back against attempts to frame the entire season around a single negative event.

Kamal Bankay, chairman of Carnival in Jamaica, emphasized that the annual celebration is far more than a one-off seasonal gathering. It is a year-round enterprise that demands consistent strategic planning, global brand promotion, and sustained cross-border engagement to drive tourism and industry growth. “Right after we close out one Carnival season, our team immediately shifts focus to preparing for the next,” Bankay explained, noting that organizers actively market the Jamaica Carnival brand at major international Caribbean events, including Trinidad’s Carnival, London’s Notting Hill Carnival, and Miami Carnival, to expand its global reach.

Heading into 2026, the Carnival team had high hopes for the season’s growth — but those plans were upended when Hurricane Melissa tore through western Jamaica, causing widespread devastation and forcing the entire nation to prioritize emergency relief and long-term reconstruction over all other activities. “It was an incredibly painful period for our country, and recovery efforts had to come first before anything else,” Bankay said.

Rather than canceling the season, however, stakeholders made a deliberate choice to reboot Carnival planning as a core component of Jamaica’s broader national recovery strategy. In the months following the storm, organizers worked overtime to rearrange logistics, secure venues, and revamp programming, determined to deliver an unforgettable experience for festival-goers in April.

Their efforts paid off: the 2026 staging drew strong turnout that matched 2025 participation levels, generated high-energy celebrations, and even marked historic expansion, with new Carnival activities launched in Negril — a region still in the early stages of recovering from hurricane damage. Early projections indicate the 2026 event will match or exceed the economic impact of the 2025 season. “This year’s Carnival proved Jamaica can bounce back. Every element ran smoothly, it felt like one big, joyful national celebration, and that’s what the story should be,” Bankay noted.

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett echoed this assessment, hailing the 2026 road march as both a cultural and economic milestone. “After the massive hurricane and all the trauma it left behind, this was a perfect chance for people to let go of tension and breathe again. It was an outstanding showcase, and it sends a clear message: Jamaica is open for business, and we are back,” Bartlett said. He also praised the event’s seamless execution, framing it as proof of Jamaica’s ability to deliver complex, large-scale international events successfully.

The widespread celebratory atmosphere was briefly interrupted by a shooting at an after-party in Kingston, widely referred to as the Big Wall incident, which left three men injured. The case, which involves public entertainment figures Jaii Frais and Jahvy Ambassador, is now working through the legal system and has drawn sustained public attention.

Stakeholders across the board have strongly condemned the act of violence, but they are united in rejecting attempts to use the incident to define the entire 2026 Carnival season.

Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby labeled 2026 Carnival a “resounding success” that drove economic activity across multiple sectors from hospitality to transportation to retail, even as he reiterated condemnation of the shooting. Bankay similarly emphasized that the isolated incident does not reflect the broader Carnival experience.

“One violent incident at a single after-party is one too many, but we hosted more than 70 successful events across the season, plus a massive road parade that was executed flawlessly from start to finish,” Bankay said. “What happened does not represent Carnival as a whole. It was an extreme, isolated event, and once the attention fades, people will remember how extraordinary this season was.”

For organizers and national stakeholders, the lasting narrative they hope to leave is not one defined by a single moment of disruption. Instead, it is a story of a nation that rebuilt after crisis, and used its most vibrant cultural celebration to showcase its unbroken spirit, creative strength, and ability to come back stronger than ever.

Four years after stepping back from the public music scene left audiences waiting anxiously for her next creative chapter, versatile Jamaican recording artist Press Kay has reemerged with a reimagined sound that showcases significant artistic growth, intentional storytelling, and uncompromising creative vision.

Slated for global release this Friday, April 24, her new single *The Spot* is a silky, emotionally layered track crafted specifically for romantic partners, leaning into soft intimacy that sets it apart from much of her earlier discography. Throughout her career, Press Kay has built a reputation for rejecting creative boundaries, moving seamlessly between vastly different musical styles without ever sacrificing her distinctive voice.

Her catalog spans high-octane dancehall bops, including collaborations like *Come for the Knockas* with Charly Black, the solo cut *Good Gyal*, and *Title* alongside Chronic Law, alongside more reflective, introspective offerings such as *Destiny*, distributed by iconic label Ghetto Youths International. This range has long cemented her reputation as a dynamic creative unwilling to be boxed into a single genre.

With *The Spot*, however, Press Kay embraces a new side of her artistry: full unfiltered vulnerability, leaning into themes of closeness and human connection that feel deeply personal while remaining universally relatable to listeners across backgrounds. The track was produced by legendary platinum-selling hitmaker Robert Livingston, whose production work delivers a polished yet soulful foundation that complements Press Kay’s signature vocal delivery perfectly.

The creative chemistry between the artist and producer is palpable across every second of the track. Livingston’s rich, layered instrumentation creates a warm, immersive backdrop that elevates Press Kay’s melodic flow and heartfelt, conversational lyrics. Far from just a three-minute pop offering, *The Spot* is designed to be a full immersive listening experience centered on the core themes of love, presence, and genuine emotional connection.

In a reflection on the track’s origin, Press Kay shared that the creative process came together entirely spontaneously. She had arrived at the studio for a routine planning meeting when Livingston played the unfinished beat, and the hook immediately popped into her head. After she shared the rough idea with the producer, he loved it instantly and urged her to lay down the track that same day. Once the initial recording was complete and the pair played it back, Livingston couldn’t stop singing the infectious hook: “meet me by the spot, spot, spot,” telling Press Kay immediately that the line was irresistibly catchy and that audiences around the world would gravitate to it.

For Press Kay, the collaboration with Livingston marks a full-circle career moment. She shared that she feels deeply honored to finally work with the producer, who has guided the careers of reggae and dancehall legends including Super Cat and Shaggy, and whose relentless work ethic she says is unmatched. The pair had discussed the possibility of Livingston producing a track for her upcoming extended play (EP) for more than two years, with the project eventually coming together in the organic, unforced way that *The Spot* itself was created.

With *The Spot*, Press Kay pulls listeners into a creative space where passion and unfiltered authenticity meet, reminding long-time fans exactly why her voice has been missed during her multi-year break from releasing new music. The artist says she is thrilled to make her return to the public music space, having spent the past few years working behind the scenes on her forthcoming EP. She added that she has missed connecting with fans through new releases and seeing their raw reactions to her work, and is already preparing for a return to the stage, with plans to tour across Europe, Africa, the United States, and other global markets in the coming months.

Starting April 24, *The Spot* will be available for streaming and download on all major digital music platforms worldwide.

When Jamaican-born, New Jersey-based reggae artist Ras Emmanuel boarded a plane for the United Kingdom this past March, he set out with a clear goal: to share his purpose-driven latest release, *Drinky Drinky*, with new audiences across the Atlantic. What he got, however, was a far more memorable and eye-opening experience than he ever anticipated.

Teaming up with fellow performer MC Nuffy, Ras Emmanuel brought his distinct reggae sound to venues across the UK’s most reggae-loving hubs, including London, Birmingham, Luton, and their surrounding outskirts. All of these cities are home to large, well-established Jamaican and West Indian communities, whose ancestors first settled in the region between the 1950s and 1960s. Over decades, these communities built deeply rooted musical infrastructure through iconic sound systems and independent record shops, creating a lasting reggae culture that remains vibrant to this day.

Reflecting on the trip in an interview with *Observer Online*, Ras Emmanuel described the tour as equal parts humorous and adventurous. “It was humorous, adventurous. I get to explore things mi neva experience before,” he said.

Beyond live shows, the tour also opened new professional doors for the artist: he earned a guest spot on AG Live, the UK’s one of the most popular streaming music programs, hosted by British-Jamaican DJ Ashley “AG” Gordon.

Released at the start of 2024, *Drinky Drinky* marks a notable departure from Ras Emmanuel’s signature roots rock sound that defined earlier tracks like *Next Door to Good* and *Break up Your Back*. Laid over the trending WYFL riddim, the track carries a clear public health-focused message: it encourages listeners to cut back on dangerous heavy alcohol consumption. Ras Emmanuel broke down the track’s core message in plain terms, noting, “It telling di man dem sey fi tek time wid di liquor. Nuff a di man dem cyaan find dem car door (when they drink).”

Ras Emmanuel’s connection to reggae runs deep, rooted in his upbringing in Central Village, a working-class community on the outskirts of Spanish Town, Jamaica. He cut his teeth in the music industry as a young artist performing on local sound systems, drawing inspiration from iconic Spanish Town reggae staples Papa San and Lieutenant Stitchie, who shaped his early artistic style.

Kingston’s beloved nightlife hub RawBar, a standout venue in the city’s competitive hospitality landscape, is expanding its signature curated experience beyond after-dark hours with an exclusive new daytime offering. Scheduled for this Sunday, April 26, the pop-up event dubbed RawPar: The Brunch will break away from the venue’s iconic Barbican Road rooftop to take over the sprawling lawns of the UWI Visitors’ Lodge, running from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm. This one-day-only gathering is crafted to deliver the same electric, intentional atmosphere RawBar is known for, reimagined for a relaxed yet vibrant open-air setting.

Attendees can look forward to a premium champagne and cognac-inclusive brunch spread, with all food covered in the ticket price, designed to suit guests looking for a standout daytime social experience. The concept for RawPar: The Brunch grew directly from customer demand, according to Kenneisha Campbell, head of public relations and marketing for the popular lounge. “Even though every night at RawBar carries its own theme and experience, people have been asking for more; more moments, more opportunities to be part of what the RawBar team has created,” Campbell explained in a statement announcing the event. She added that the new brunch offering is the venue’s direct response to that public enthusiasm, extending the brand’s signature energy and high service standards into daylight hours for the first time.

Presold tickets for the exclusive event are priced at JMD $8,000, and can be purchased directly at RawBar’s physical location or through the TickGateway platform. Campbell noted that pre-sale interest has already outpaced early expectations, with tickets selling quickly as locals and regular patrons rush to secure their spot at the unique daytime gathering.

For context, RawBar has built its reputation as one of Kingston Corporate Area’s most sought-after rooftop nightlife destinations since its launch, based at 90A Barbican Road. The venue draws a consistent, diverse crowd of working professionals, creative industry leaders, social media influencers and cultural tastemakers, drawn to its refined elevated ambience, menu of fresh seafood, custom crafted signature cocktails, and distinct Miami-inspired vibrant energy. Unlike many casual nightlife spots, RawBar has positioned itself as a polished, thoughtfully curated venue that delivers intentional, memorable experiences for every guest. This reputation has earned the venue industry recognition: just this year, RawBar took home the award for Best Watering Hole (Kingston) at the 2024 Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards, a win that further solidifies its leading position in Jamaica’s competitive hospitality and entertainment space.