分类： entertainment

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of the catastrophic Hurricane Melissa, Jamaican singer Aiesha channeled the collective pain and resilience of her nation into a powerful anthem titled ‘Jamaica Strong.’ Produced by Jjwizzle, the song has rapidly gained traction, amassing over one million combined views on Facebook and Instagram since its release.

Jamaica’s hopes in the 74th Miss Universe pageant faced uncertainty after its representative, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, suffered a fall during the evening gown preliminary competition in Thailand on Wednesday. The incident occurred just a day before the grand finale, scheduled for Thursday evening. Henry was promptly taken to Paolo Rangsit Hospital in Bangkok for treatment, though her exact condition remains undisclosed. Organizers confirmed her injuries were not life-threatening and urged supporters to keep her in their thoughts and prayers. Videos of the incident quickly circulated online, drawing global attention and sparking an outpouring of support from Jamaicans and international fans alike. This setback comes amid a challenging period for Jamaica, following the national football team’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa just three weeks prior. Despite the adversity, many social media users expressed optimism, rallying behind Henry and her resilience. Known for her dedication as a medical doctor, Henry has been actively involved in post-hurricane relief efforts, embodying the spirit of her nation. Her participation in the pageant, delayed due to the hurricane, was marked by her vow to represent Jamaica’s strength and unity on the global stage. As the competition progresses, supporters remain hopeful for her recovery and potential triumph in the finals.

The Armageddon Sound Clash, a premier international music competition, is set to return to Guyana on January 24, 2026, at the National Park Tarmac in Georgetown. This seventh edition of the event will feature six top-tier sound systems from Japan, Germany, Antigua, Guyana, and the United States, vying for the coveted title. The participating sound systems include Article Pride (Japan), Warrior Sound (Germany), Kanabis Sound (Antigua), FireFox Sound (Guyana/USA), Slingerz Family, and Rudeboy Sound (both from Guyana).

Since its inception in 2017, the Armageddon Sound Clash has evolved from a local Guyanese event to a globally recognized platform for sound clash and dancehall culture. Eusi Davis, CEO of Empire Media Inc., the event’s promoter, emphasized its mission to showcase top sound systems and DJs on an international stage. ‘The objective is to promote sound clash and dancehall culture globally while providing a launchpad for talented DJs,’ Davis stated. He highlighted the event’s growth, noting its ability to attract over 4,000 attendees and participants from diverse countries such as South Sudan, Jamaica, Japan, and Germany.

The competition has become a career-defining platform for many DJs and sound systems. Notable past winners include Notorious Sound, a Jamaican-Guyanese duo, and Japan’s Article Pride Sound, which claimed victory in the most recent edition. Davis underscored the event’s impact, stating, ‘Many participants have gained international visibility, expanded their fan bases, and secured additional bookings and endorsements after performing at Armageddon.’

Guyana Breweries, a major sponsor of the event, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local talent through its RockStone Tonic Wine brand. Seweon McGarrell, the company’s marketing manager, expressed enthusiasm for the event’s role in showcasing Guyanese talent and strengthening ties with the entertainment industry. ‘We are excited to continue our partnership with Empire Media Inc. and contribute to the growth of this globally recognized platform,’ McGarrell said.

As the countdown to the 2026 edition begins, the Armageddon Sound Clash continues to solidify its reputation as a must-attend event for music enthusiasts and a vital platform for emerging talent in the global sound clash and dancehall scene.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — As the festive season approaches, Jamaican artist Traz Di Jennik is setting the stage for holiday revelry with his latest track, ‘Party Hot Girlz.’ Released in early November, the song was co-produced by the singer alongside Trevor ‘Skatta Lopa’ Bonnick and Lydia Campbell. Despite its timing, the track was not crafted with Christmas in mind. Instead, Traz Di Jennik drew inspiration from the image of girls partying all night, which sparked the song’s intro and punchline. He shared this creative process in an interview with Observer Online.

In a heartfelt tribute to his enduring legacy, the late Chadwick Boseman, renowned for his iconic role as T’Challa in Marvel’s ‘Black Panther,’ was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The ceremony, held on Thursday in Los Angeles, was led by director Ryan Coogler, actress Viola Davis, and Boseman’s widow, Simone Ledward-Boseman, who described the event as a celebration of love and pride for the beloved actor. Boseman, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 43 after a private battle with colon cancer, was remembered for his unwavering dedication to his craft and his generosity, even during his most challenging times. Coogler, who directed Boseman in the groundbreaking 2018 film, praised the actor for his commitment to his roles, including performing his own stunts and engaging in off-camera readings despite his illness. Viola Davis, who co-starred with Boseman in his final film, ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,’ highlighted how his work transcended entertainment, offering a sense of connection and solidarity. The ceremony was also attended by Disney CEO Bob Iger, actor Michael B. Jordan, and Boseman’s brothers, Kevin and Derrick, who joined in honoring the actor’s remarkable contributions to cinema and culture.