The Gap Café, a restored rustic boutique café perched at 4,200 feet above sea level near Hardwar Gap, served as the perfect venue for the Jamaican launch of the Marley Fragrance collection. On September 20, 2022, an exclusive luncheon was hosted by Rohan Marley, son of the legendary Bob Marley, and Novia McDonald-Whyte, Senior Associate Editor of the Jamaica Observer. The event was catered by renowned chef Alexa Von Strolley, who crafted a menu inspired by the fragrance notes of the Marley collection. Guests were treated to a sensory journey, starting with freshly brewed Marley Coffee and a series of meticulously designed dishes. The menu included Earl Grey Cured Salmon Roulade, Lemon-Sage Crab Tartlets, and a Mandarin & Grapefruit Salad, each dish echoing the aromatic elements of the fragrances. The main course featured Seared Snapper with Mango-Agave Glaze and a vegetarian Cauliflower Steak, both paired with saffron coconut rice. The meal concluded with a Lemon & Ambrette Pavlova, offering a delicate finish to the culinary experience. Chef Von Strolley’s innovative approach allowed guests to ‘taste’ the fragrances, creating a unique and memorable event. The intimate gathering was a celebration of Jamaican culture, gastronomy, and the legacy of Bob Marley.
分类: entertainment
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Reggae North Music Awards set for this weekend
The second edition of the Reggae North Music Awards (RNMA) is set to take place on September 28, 2024, at the Rose Theatre in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. This year’s event features 37 categories, including Top Vocalist (male and female), Top Album/EP of The Year, and Top Entertainer of The Year. The awards were initiated last year by veteran singer Tony Anthony, who recognized the need for a dedicated platform to honor Canadian reggae artists following a brief controversy when the Juno Awards considered eliminating their reggae category in 2025. The RNMA aims to fill a historical gap in recognition for reggae and dancehall music in Canada. Leading the nominations is Juno reggae winner Exco Levi, who has secured 10 nods across various categories. Ammoye follows closely with seven nominations. A new category, Top Club/Party Reggae Dancehall DJ, has been introduced this year, generating significant buzz. Additionally, the event will honor reggae stalwarts Nana McLean and Carl ‘Grandmaster Rosa’ Green with Living Legends Awards, celebrating their contributions to the genre. Tony Anthony emphasized the importance of these awards in preserving the legacy of reggae in Canada, acknowledging the pioneers who paved the way for today’s artists. The event also highlights the rich history of Jamaican musicians who thrived in Canada during the 1970s and 1980s, a story chronicled in the 2024 documentary *Sounds & Pressure: Reggae in A Foreign Land* by Chris Flanagan and Graeme Mathieson.
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Rihanna welcomes baby girl
Global music icon and entrepreneur Rihanna has announced the birth of her third child, a baby girl named Rocki Irish Mayers. The Barbadian superstar shared the joyous news with her millions of followers via an Instagram post on Wednesday afternoon, revealing that her daughter was born on Saturday, September 13. This marks the first daughter for Rihanna and her partner, rapper A$AP Rocky, adding to their growing family. The couple previously welcomed their first son, RZA Athelston Mayers, in May 2022, followed by their second son, Riot Rose, in August 2023. The arrival of Rocki Irish Mayers completes their family of five, sparking widespread celebration among fans and well-wishers worldwide.
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Kimmel scores decade-high ratings amid Trump fight—Disney
HOLLYWOOD, United States (AFP)—Jimmy Kimmel, the renowned late-night host, made a dramatic comeback to U.S. television screens this week, drawing his largest audience in a decade. This resurgence followed a brief suspension triggered by pressure from Donald Trump’s administration, according to Disney, the parent company of ABC, which airs Kimmel’s show. The suspension was reportedly a response to Kimmel’s comments following the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, with government officials threatening to revoke broadcast licenses. However, widespread public backlash and criticism from even some Trump allies, who viewed the move as an attack on free speech, led to the swift reversal of the decision. Kimmel returned to the airwaves on Tuesday with a scathing monologue condemning censorship. “A government threat to silence a comedian the president doesn’t like is anti-American,” Kimmel declared. He also criticized Trump for celebrating the potential loss of jobs for him and his team, stating, “Our leader celebrates Americans losing their livelihoods because he can’t take a joke.” Early ratings revealed that over six million viewers tuned in to the broadcast, despite the show being unavailable to nearly a quarter of American households due to a boycott by local TV station owners. This marked a significant increase from the show’s average viewership of 1.42 million during the 2024/2025 season. Additionally, 26 million people watched Kimmel’s monologue on social media, making it the show’s most successful night in a decade. Trump, who has frequently targeted Kimmel and other late-night hosts with criticism, had previously celebrated the suspension, calling it “Great news for America.” However, Kimmel quipped during his return, “He tried his best to cancel me. Instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly,” to thunderous applause from the studio audience.
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Massive crowd fills Warner Park to patriotically celebrate Saint Kitts and Nevis’ 42nd Independence
Warner Park Cricket Stadium in Basseterre, Saint Kitts, was a sea of national pride on Friday evening, September 19, 2025, as hundreds gathered to celebrate the 42nd Anniversary of Independence for the twin-island Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Attendees, adorned in patriotic attire and branded gear, witnessed a spectacular showcase of military precision and historical reenactments. The event was graced by the presence of Her Excellency Dame Marcella Liburd, Governor-General, and Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, who joined in the festivities. The ceremony featured a march-past by various armed and unarmed units, including the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, and the Cadets Corps. A highlight of the evening was the performance by reenactors from the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force, who portrayed the historic 4th West India Regiment. Dressed in period uniforms and armed with British Land Pattern Flintlock Rifles, they demonstrated precision drills and historical firing techniques, captivating the audience. Dennis Richards, a celebrated visual artist, praised the event, noting its evolution over the years. Keisha Farrell, another attendee, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the excellent turnout and the parade’s improvements. Diplomats from around the globe, including representatives from Cuba, Taiwan, Venezuela, and the United States, were also in attendance, underscoring the international significance of the celebration.
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Write-Tukubuli showcase: J.R.R Casimir’s kin reads from penned biography of Dominican luminary
The inaugural Write-Tukubuli Virtual Literary Festival, held from September 15 to September 20, featured a compelling Authors Showcase spotlighting Kathy Casimir MacLean, a Dominican-born writer based in the UK. During the event, MacLean shared a poignant excerpt from her memoir, “Black Man Listen,” which delves into the life and legacy of her grandfather, J.R. Ralph Casimir. The memoir serves as a tribute to a man whose contributions to Dominica’s cultural and literary history had been largely overlooked.
In a November 2022 interview with Dominica News Online, MacLean revealed her inspiration for the book, stating, “I wanted to write ‘Black Man Listen’ to honor my grandfather and to tell his story, as it has been absent from our island’s historical narrative.” J.R. Ralph Casimir, a native of St. Joseph village, was a multifaceted figure—poet, editor, journalist, and bookseller. He is celebrated for publishing Dominica’s earliest poetry anthologies and for his pioneering Pan-Africanist ideals. Casimir was also a founding member of Marcus Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement Association, further cementing his influence on global Black empowerment movements.
Beyond her grandfather’s biography, MacLean has contributed to the anthology “Montage Dominik,” showcasing her versatility as a writer. Her participation in the Write-Tukubuli Festival not only highlights her literary talent but also underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating Caribbean heritage through storytelling.
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Discover Dominica CEO projects nine-fold return on World Creole Music Fest 2025
The 25th edition of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF), set to take place from October 24 to 26 at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium in Dominica, represents a substantial financial commitment of over $13 million. Marva Williams, CEO of the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), emphasized the festival’s economic significance during an interview on the Crele HeartBeat Program with Ambassador Leroy ‘Wadix’ Charles. Williams highlighted that the investment is not only substantial but also highly rewarding, with each dollar spent expected to generate a ninefold return.
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A beast of a car show
On Sunday, August 31, Hope Botanical Gardens in Jamaica became the epicenter of automotive enthusiasm as Velocity Jamaica hosted its much-anticipated event, Beasts & BBQ. This free car show brought together car enthusiasts, families, and food lovers for an afternoon of high-octane entertainment and community bonding. The event featured an impressive array of vehicles, ranging from modified classics to high-performance machines, all showcased against the lush backdrop of the gardens. Attendees were treated to a dynamic display of automotive artistry, with cars constantly rotating in and out of the venue, creating a visual spectacle that kept the crowd engaged throughout the day. The event’s unique setting, combined with its creative execution, set it apart from traditional car meets, earning widespread acclaim from participants and spectators alike. Raheem Hall, director of Velocity Jamaica, expressed his pride in the team’s efforts, emphasizing their dedication to delivering unparalleled entertainment. Co-directors Daniel Fraser and Justin Campbell highlighted the event’s success in fostering a sense of community among car enthusiasts while offering a platform for creativity and shared passion. The overwhelming positive feedback has already sparked anticipation for future events, solidifying Velocity Jamaica’s reputation as a leader in the automotive entertainment scene. Sponsors such as VM, Porsche, Red Bull, and All Power played a crucial role in bringing the vision to life, earning gratitude from the organizers and attendees. Beasts & BBQ not only celebrated Jamaica’s vibrant car culture but also demonstrated the power of community-driven events to inspire and unite.


